Fitting In To Fitness Wear

White Bread…the Devil’s Own Food!

2011-11-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

Refined wheat based products such as white bread and pasta contribute to excess fat. But why eating large quantities of these products so bad for those who are hoping to lose or maintain their weight? It's because your body breaks down highly refined carbohydrates like white bread flour into sugars and then stores the sugars as fat, generally on your belly.

White bread and pasta also lack the nutrients that whole wheat does. Whole wheat has 4 times the fibre with more protein and less carbohydrates.

Research has shown that people who consume more refined products such as white bread and white pasta are much more likely to have excess belly fat.

There is very little goodness in white bread, just empty calories and starches that help towards clogging up your arteries with cholesterol and piling on the pounds around your belly. Try swapping your usual white bread for wholegrain, or wholemeal bread made from wholemeal flour. Wholemeal flour contains the whole wheat grain including all the nutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals as well as lots of good, natural fibre from the bran.

www.wefitin.co.uk The home of stylish plus size fitness wear and women’s larger sportswear in sizes 12 to 26.

Thumbs Down To Fad Diets

2011-05-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

For years we’ve known that the simple way of keeping trim is to eat less and exercise more. Although this is a relatively simple formula, if it’s too late and the damage has already been done, millions of women (and men) turn to fad diets. Unfortunately, new research now shows that following these diets can significantly increase the odds of Osteoporosis in later life.
At present, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will fracture a bone, mainly as a result of osteoporosis. The cause of the disease is still not fully understood, but research continues to build up a picture of the factors that influence our bone health. And by cutting out entire food groups such as dairy (including milk, cheese, butter etc) individuals are leaving themselves open to osteoporosis due to denying themselves of essential calcium which is vital.

A poll carried out recently found that out of 4,500 British women, 30 per cent admitted to cutting out essential food groups in an effort to shed the pounds. And dairy is not the only food group to be given the elbow, bread (which is fortified with calcium) has also been shown the door.
Calcium and fat play an essential role in building bone and cutting out these essential building blocks can be extremely damaging. Indeed, with only 21% of individuals being aware that being underweight increases the risk of osteoporosis in later life, raises the question of how do we educate the fad dieters of this world.
One way of preventing osteoporosis is to lead an active lifestyle. Weight baring exercises such as jogging, dancing and brisk walking will all help to strengthen bones. We can also eat our way to health, with calcium rich foods such as pilchards, broccoli, sesame seeds and Tofu to name but a few.

www.wefitin.co.uk
Quality women’s sportswear and fitness accessories.

We like….Motivation, Nutrition and Coaching in Swindon

2011-05-26T15:31:00.001-07:00

Last week I visited the Absolutely Fit Studio in Swindon.
On the outside, Absolutely Fit is a unit on an industrial estate in the centre of Swindon. On the inside, it’s a fabulous non-intimidating fitness environment with the aim of motivation, nutrition and coaching.
What’s striking about this studio is the intimacy of the environment. On two floors, with the ground floor housing specialist “high end”equipment designed for ultimate results, and the 1st floor being a separate core, stretching and cardio area, the Absolutely Fit studio is ideal for anyone who lacks confidence or feels slightly intimidated by a regular gym environment.

Manjit Dol is the man behind this unique fitness environment. He is absolutely passionate about all aspects of fitness and guarantees a unique fitness and wellbeing experience.
To accompany this unique gym experience, Manjit also gives real nutritional advice based on individual needs. This concept allows individuals the ‘pleasure’ of being able to concentrate on weight management, fat loss, muscle building or body toning and therefore achieve and maintain their weight loss and fitness goals. And so confident that his clients will be happy with the results, he is offering a money back guarantee.
So, if you’re put off by the thought of entering a crowded gym and queuing to use equipment, then Absolutely Fit is the place for you!

To book a free consultation and discuss your goals contact Manjit on 07950967443 or info@absolutelyfit.co.uk

www.wefitin.co.uk
Stylish fitness wear and accessories for women in sizes 12 to 26

Another Healthy Little Number from BBC Good Food

2011-03-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

Spring Vegetable Soup with Basil Pesto

1 tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, washed and chopped
100g green beans, cut into lengths
1 large courgette, diced
1.2l hot vegetable stock
3 vine-ripe tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
400g can cannellini beans
1 nest vermicelli (about 35g)

25g pack basil
1 garlic clove , crushed
25g pistachios nuts
25g vegetarian Parmesan -style cheese,
2 tbsp olive oil

Easy to make, serves 2 although is easily doubled. Can be frozen.
10 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to cook. Vegetarian……WE LIKE!

Heat the oil, then fry the leek until softened. Add the green beans and courgette, then pour in the stock and season to taste. Cover and simmer for 5 mins.
Meanwhile, make the pesto: put the basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, oil and ½ tsp salt in a food processor, then blitz until smooth.
Stir the tomatoes, cannellini beans and vermicelli into the soup pan, then simmer for 5 mins more until the veg are just tender. The soup and pesto can now be chilled for up to a day.
Reheat the soup, if necessary, then stir in half the pesto. Ladle into bowls and serve with the rest of the pesto spooned on top. Eat with chunks of crusty bread.

Per serving

594 kcalories, protein 27g, carbohydrate 56g, fat 31 g, saturated fat 6g, fibre 16g, sugar 19g, salt 2.35 g

With me being the only non-meat eater in the family, I’m always looking for different veggie recipes that we can all enjoy. I love the BBC Good Food website and this one certainly ticked all the boxes of a tasty, quick and easy recipe.
The recipe took less time to make than it would to heat an ‘off the shelf’ lasagne. Not only is it quick, it’s delicious, and if you love pesto, it’s sure to be a hit.

I had a slight problem at the beginning after forgetting about the leeks and they began to burn, but after removing the brown hard bits, all was well and good. Digressing slightly, when you burn leeks, why do the burnt bits float to the surface?

Anyhow, the preparation was simple and the home made pesto, glorious. Thankfully, there was no hint of the cremation which happened earlier, and even my youngest emptied his bowl. Hopefully it wasn’t into the bin once my back was turned. Enjoy!
Paula
www.wefitin.co.uk
The leading on-line store dedicated to stylish women’s sportswear and fitness related accessories in sizes 12 to 24.

Fitness For The Rest Of Us

2011-03-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm Lindsey from Fitness For the Rest of Us. Paula has been kind enough to allow me to guest post on her fabulous blog today and I'm super excited to be here. Fitness For the Rest of Us is a healthy living blog that offers health fitness pointers, fitness dvd reviews, healthy giveaways and hopefully motivation to my readers! I also co-write a healthy weight loss competition blog: Win, Lose, or Blog- last season our contestants lost OVER 100 POUNDS!!!! We are currently accepting applications for season 4.

Ok onto my post:

Have you ever noticed that fine print on weight loss commercials, magazine ads, and infomercials that says *Results Not Typical ??? Have you ever sat down and thought about that (or better yet, ran on your treadmill and thought about it LOL)?

I have thought about it (after all that's me they're saying is not typical). So this statement says that using (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, The Firm, Beach Body, etc.) will typically NOT get you the results of the person that's hawking the system to you? Why is that? Does the product NOT work, Is it a gimmick?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that results ARE typical IF you put in the time and follow the rules. I'm saying that for most exercise/healthy eating systems-you can and will lose weight using them (using is the key word here) you can lose 10 lbs, you can lose 100 lbs. Will simply purchasing the system make you lose weight-NO. Will looking at it, researching it online, reading all the pamphlets that come in the box shed those pounds-NO!

WHAT WILL help you lose weight--using the system consistently and in conjunction with healthy eating habits/ consistent exercise. Wow-that seems so simple? No magic pills, no expensive surgeries, no hormone shots (YES they are really doing that now), no cabbage soup diets. Just plain and simple hard work!

I have maintained a 90 lb weight loss for about six years now by simply living healthy. No fad diets or crazy exercise programs. I eat healthy real foods in moderation and exercise 6 days a week. If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO! Here is a link to my about me page for a bit more info.

What Works For Me:

Find healthy foods you love and work with those
Find an exercise you enjoy-if you don't like it-you wont do it
Exercise for 45-60 minutes 5-6 days a week and make sure your working hard! A leisurely stroll around the block for 20 minutes 3 times a week isn't going to get you results. And DON'T ignore strength training-we need it!
Cut out "white" foods (mayo, full fat dairy, white pasta, white rice, white bread) most white foods are refined - the nutrients have been removed.
Aim for your body weight X 10 for your caloric needs (ie 150 lb person should consume 1,500 calories a day). BUT do not exceed 2,000 calories a day and do not go under 1,200
Read food labels!
Cut out fast food. Prepare your meals based around fresh fruits and vegis and lean proteins.
Eat enough food. Don't use this as an excuse to overeat but know that undereating will come back and bite you. Your body will store more fat and not function properly without proper nutrition. You will end up binging when you deny yourself too much.

~LindseyLu

Wearing Back Your Slim Dress

2011-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

By Alex Chris

Do you miss wearing the dresses when you were a bit slimmer? Have you experienced unlocked zippers due to widened hips? Well all of these issues are really depressing at times. Everyone would love to fit in their slim dresses once again. Is there a way to do so? Definitely, the method does not only involve losing weight but switching to a healthier lifestyle. So if you are interested then please read on.

Weight loss may be a laborious process for anyone. But there are actually ways to lose weight without going through such a process. It’s losing weight naturally and healthy. Let’s not focus on diets that may affect your well-being and all those diets that give you false promises. Instead let’s start hitting on the plans that really gets result.

Water is Important

Drinking plenty of water helps you naturally rinse your body from toxins. Water is said to help maintain decreased appetite and increase metabolism as well. If you are working out or doing your regular cardio exercise, drinking water is a must. Water should always stand out from the rest of the beverages, so try to decrease your high calorie beverages (especially soft drinks and alcohol) and opt-in for water.

Eat More Fibre

Fibre diet is one thing you should consider. Any food item that contains high fibre can help you maintain a good appetite and lose weight at the same time. Fibre diet is a negative calorie diet which means that you need more calories for consuming and digesting the food than the calories they contain. On top of that fibre makes you feel fuller for a longer time, thus decreasing your appetite.

Make Weight Loss Fun

Do you know how much to workout? Well one technique actually states that it is best to focus on the activity rather than focusing on the calories you have to lose. Focusing only on the calories to lose would mean that you are worrying too much. Go for activities that you love. It can be bicycling, or hiking, it can be even be basketball or any ball games. Have fun and lose weight in the process. Cardio exercise is the best way to lose weight and it can be performed through a variety of ways. Focus on the game or focus on the fun and you will definitely see results without noticing it. Weight lifts may not be directly necessary at this point since you are focusing on losing weight, but if you intend to go the distance you can do as well. Just don’t overdo it.

Positive Thinking

A positive outlook may change your perspective as well. Thinking negatively about how you look and feel may worsen the situation. It is best to keep thinking positive and visualize that you have met your goals. You may not have the best outfit just yet but thinking that you will reach it will help you get there sooner.

First Bike Ride Without The Kids and a Review of the Nirve Beach Cruiser

2011-03-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, whilst browsing the internet, and I don't know how it happened, but a Nirve Beach Cruiser (3 speed, Lahaina Coral Teal) ended up in my shopping basket. Before I knew it, someone had entered my credit card details! Well the bike was delivered and it would be rude to send it back..... so I kept it.

So today, we went for our first bike ride without the kids. We were well wrapped up and headed out of Cricklade towards Ashton Keynes and on to the Cotswold Water Park. It was freezing.

After eight miles I think it's fairly safe to say that the Nirve Cruiser is definitely a comfortable ride. The seat is amazing and the 'sit up and beg' riding style is fabulous. It looks great, is such a fun bike to ride and the word Cruiser speaks volumes. On the downside, (and this is only a tiny downside) it's rather heavy and even with the three gears, the hills are challenging. It definitely prefers smooth roads and pavements, and pot holes should be avoided. It's also equipped with front and 'pedal back' brakes although the front brake isn't great, but hey, I can cope with it because it looks so good; as long as you remember to pedal backwards if you're heading off into a hedge, you'll be fine.

After leaving Ashton Keynes, we headed along the Spine Road, and then onto The Old Boat House, a Gastro Pub which is attached to the Four Pillars Hotel. We couldn't find a bike stand to lock them to, so we made good use of a nearby sign. After partaking in a red wine (and a pint of beer for the better half), we choked when the bill came to £8. Perhaps we won't be making this a regular haunt. As the bikes were parked in full view of where we were sat, I was rather chuffed to see a chap taking photos of my handsome steed. I'm hoping it was because he recognised a fabulous looking bike when he saw one, and not because of the sign we chose to attach them to.

After our very expensive wine and beer, we left the Old Boat House, headed through Cerney Wick and back home to Cricklade.

13 miles later and it has to be said, that bike is fabulous. I'll never ever go back to a mountain bike, the seat is wonderful (no more tender lady parts for me), and when I win the lottery, I'm going to buy seven different cruisers, one for everyday of the week. Firstly, I have to find a basket complete with a coordinating Tote liner, a ding dong bell and a light. Not that I'm ever going to use them, but who cares, it's all about the look.

www.wefitin.co.uk

Dedicated to stylish women's sportswear and fitness wear in sizes 12 to 24.

I thought this was quite funny!

2011-03-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Try Trail Running

2011-02-25T06:16:00.000-08:00

By Jess Spate

If the idea of jogging through city streets fills you with boredom, why not try something different and take your running off the road? Trail running (also known as fell running or hill running) is the perfect way to burn calories and do something fun at the same time. Pick your route well and anyone can do it, even if you’re not a regular runner.

I started trail running because I was tired of running the same old route and seeing the same old buildings, dodging cars at intersections and gulping lung-fulls of exhaust fumes. I’m not the fittest person in the world and it’s rare that I run anything more than 6 miles, but getting away from the city and up into the fresh air really did inspire me to run further and find out what the view from the next hill is like. Even just getting away from the traffic noise seems like a reward in itself. You never notice it til it’s gone.

The first thing you need is a good pair of trail running shoes. I know that spending £50 or more on a pair of trainers for something you might not do all that much seems crazy but believe me, it’s worth it. Road running shoes and everyday trainers don’t have the grip you need to go off road and proper footwear will reduce the chance of turning an ankle or slipping over. Think of it this way- you’re not buying a pair of shoes, you’re buying access to hills and trails for a year or more.

Next, you need to find a route. Remember that off-road running is tougher than flat road running. The difficulty of a fell running route takes into account distance, gradient (how steep it is, both going up and going down) and path quality. A good, well-laid path is much easier to run on than an uneven, rocky or muddy one.

Pick up an OS map from your local outdoor retailer or bookshop (the orange series at a scale of 1:25000 are best) and look for trails marked in green. These are paths and rights of way for walkers but there is absolutely no reason you can’t use them for running. It’s often surprising just how many of these trails there are, even close to major cities. For your first time out find a route that’s relatively flat or at least has a long flat section. There is no shame in walking the steep parts!

Safety should always be in the back of your mind. If I’m going to be out on the hills I usually carry a little water and a mobile phone, just in case. Some fell runners take small ultra-light to hold water, a couple of energy bars, wallet, keys, and phone.

You don’t have to run the same trail more than once. Part of the appeal in trail running is going somewhere you’ve never been before and seeing sights you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. Take a day and visit your nearest National Park for a run. You won’t regret it!

Jess Spate lives and runs in South Wales, where the low hills are just perfect for gentle running. She edits Outdoor Equipment Online and also works for Appalachian Outdoors in the USA.

Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries

2011-02-24T00:01:00.001-08:00

I found this fabulous recipe and instructions on the GI Diet Guide and just had to share it with you. Not only is it lovely to look at, it’s delicious and low in calories too.

Chocolate is usually not considered a diet food but cocoa itself has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. It is usually the other ingredients added to chocolate that make it a dieter's foe. This chocolate mousse uses 70% cocoa chocolate this contains much less fat and sugar then a conventional chocolate bar.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories: 145
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
- Saturated: 5g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Carbohydrate: 13g
- Sugars: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 52mg

Ingredients

(Serves 4)
80g 70% cocoa chocolate
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons sugar
4 tablespoons/70g plain yogurt
30 raspberries (appox 95g)

Technique

Break chocolate into a pirex jug and gently heat the jug in saucepan of water. When the chocolate is fully melted take the jug out of the saucepan and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Separate the egg yokes from the white. Add the sugar to the whites and whisk them until they become firm and form soft peaks as the whisk is removed.

Add the chocolate to the yogurt and mix them together well.

Fold the egg white into the chocolate yogurt and then spoon the mixture into ramekins or what ever bowls or glasses you have to hand. Refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours to allow it to set.

Just before serving arrange the raspberries on top and use a potato peeler to create chocolate shavings for decoration.

We Fit In - the leading on-line store for plus size fitness wear and activewear in sizes 12 to 24.
www.wefitin.co.uk

The Dark Side of Smoothies

2011-02-16T00:29:00.001-08:00

Smoothies! The very word smacks of healthy goodness, vitamins, nutrition, and for some, the answer to their weight loss prayers. However, if you’ve just opted for a healthy and wholesome banana smoothie, would you be surprised to know that you’ve just consumed a whopping 400 to 750 calories?

Although their healthy reputation goes before them, the evil part of a smoothie is its sugar. And where fruit sugar is classed as ‘good’ sugar, unfortunately smoothies which have been produced commercially are packed with refined sugar. Additionally, syrups which are used to add that little bit of extra flavour and are made from highly refined sugar, make matters much worse!

Smoothies which advertise health boosting properties such as energy boosting, essential vitamins and even weightloss often contain chemical fillers made of synthetic compounds. These compounds are absorbed into the body slowly and provide minimal nutrition. The only way to ensure that a booster is indeed a booster, is to check that the smoothie contains highly raw and organic whole foods in powder form, minus any chemicals, and therefore absorbed more naturally.

Opting for the sugar free or ‘skinny’ smoothie isn’t such a good option either. Artificial sweeteners have no food value and do a very good job of tricking the body into thinking it is eating something sweet. It is also reported that conventional sweeteners such as sucrose can elevate cholesterol, bring on mood swings, mineral depletion and even tooth decay.

Making the right choice of smoothie can provide you with a fabulous and not to mention tasty ‘meal in a glass’ and therefore shouldn’t be excluded from your diet. However, try to ensure you opt for the healthy option and if possible, make your smoothie at home and you’ll then know exactly what’s gone in to it. One word of warning, if you’re going to include fruit juice, use freshly squeezed rather than shop bought.

You can even add your own healthy boosters such as hemp and flax. These are now readily available in supermarkets and health food shops. Hemp contains the ideal ratio of the essential fatty aids Omega 3, 6 and 9 which help to maintain a healthy heart and immune system. Flax seeds contain a healthy dose of Omega-3 which is an essential fatty acid which our bodies cannot make and must be obtained from our food. The major benefit associated with Omega-3 is its contribution to helping maintain a healthy heart and supporting mental health. Holland and Barrett carry a wide range of these healthy little devils including Linwoods (my favourite) and are very reasonably priced.

Have a go at this smoothie which contains three of your five a day, has only five ingredients including water, is quick to make and completely natural.

1 Orange
2 Kiwi fruit
1 Banana
10 leaves of baby spinach
1 cup of water

Peel the orange and the kiwi fruits and place them all in your blender. Blend and then add the banana, the baby spinach leaves and 1 cup of water. Blend again until smooth.
Enjoy!

http://www.wefitin.co.uk/
The leading on-line store for stylish women's sportswear and fitness wear in sizes 12 to 24.

My lovely boy Dillon had never seen snow before.

2011-02-11T23:38:00.000-08:00

Ok Go Here It Goes Again Treadmill Video

2011-02-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

2011-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Our Spring Sale Spectacular.....call in to see us at Basepoint Business Centre on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April, 9.30 to 5.30 pm.

302 Calories and Delicious!

2011-02-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

I haven’t submitted a blog for a while and now things are starting to settle down, i.e I finally have time to breath, I’m back on the blogging bike.

To kick off my blogs, I thought I’d start with a tasty little recipe taken from the BBC Good Food website, a Mushroom and Thyme Risotto. I've tried this recipe and it's delicious, even though I'm not a huge fan of risotto. I did have a problem finding Quinoa but after a bit of research, I opted for brown rice which is as equally nutritious.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
350g chestnut mushrooms , sliced
100g quinoa**
1l hot vegetable stock
175g risotto rice
handful thyme leaves
handful grated Parmesan or vegetarian alternative
50g bag rocket, to serve

**Quinoa (pronounced keh-NO-ah or, sometimes, KEEN-wah) is a tiny, ancient Peruvian seed, which has a mild, nutty flavour, is related to leafy green vegetables and is often used like a grain. Quinoa is as versatile as rice but it has a protein content that is superior to that of most grains, because it contains all the essential amino acids.

5 mins to prepare, 25 minutes to cook, Vegetarian, Super healthy

Heat the oil in a medium pan, sauté the mushrooms for 2-3 mins, then stir in the quinoa. Keeping the vegetable stock warm in a separate pan on a low heat, add a ladle of the stock and stir until absorbed. Stir in the rice and repeat again with the stock, until all the stock has been used up and the rice and quinoa are tender and cooked.
Stir in the thyme leaves, then divide between 4 plates or bowls. Serve topped with grated Parmesan and rocket leaves.

Per serving

302 kcalories, protein 11g, carbohydrate 51g, fat 7 g, saturated fat 2g, fibre 3g, sugar 4g, salt 0.74 g

www.wefitin.co.uk

The home of stylish plus size sportswear, fitnesswear and accessories for ladies in sizes 12 through to 24.

Shoulders Back, Chest Out…..

2010-10-31T12:59:00.001-07:00

There are dozens of contraptions on the market today which claim to improve posture and ease back pain. With straps, vests, bands, braces and supports widely available, the reviews are somewhat mixed. So is there anything you can do for yourself to improve your stance and to save yourself some cash?

Slouching puts pressure on your spine and eventually causes your discs to become compressed resulting in pain. Not only does slouching effect your back, it also results in your pelvic muscles becoming slack making it even harder to maintain good posture.

So now you’ve picked up this dreadful habit, how do you break it? Here’s how! Imagine a piece of string coming out of the top of your head. Now imagine the string being pulled upwards and now feel your spine stretch. Now drop your shoulders and push your shoulder blades back towards each other. How does that make you feel? Can you feel your chest open up? Now take a good deep breath and fill up your chest with oxygen.

Many of us spend hours and hours behind a desk slouching over our computers. Assuming you have a decent office chair, put your hands under your bottom, palms up, until the two nobbly bones in your bottom are in the palms of your hands. Now overarch your back and feel the bones lift off your hands and move backwards. Lean back and the bones will slide forward. If you’re sitting central, the bones will rest in the middle; this is exactly where they should be.

Now you’ve got to grips with stretching your spine, try to become aware of your posture during the day, and remember the string coming out of the top or your head. Slowly but surely your posture will improve, you’ll remain flexible, will maintain your balance and best of all, you’ll appear self assured and confident. Good luck!

www.wefitin.co.uk

The home of stylish women's sportswear and gym clothes in sizes 12 to 24. We stock items which are not currently available on the 'High Street' including fitness wear, running clothes and yoga clothes. From capri pants, long and short sleeved running tops, jackets and yoga pants, to sports bras, socks, hats, gloves and reflective items.

Looking Good and Plus Size

2010-10-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Plus size women can look absolutely fabulous by wearing clothes that not only suit their body shape, but fit well too. It’s not at all attractive to see a muffin top bursting over the top of a waistband, or the appearance of a couple of poor puppies, trapped down the front of a tight fitting tee, fighting to escape their torment. So why do lots of larger ladies make such poor wardrobe choices?

Read on to avoid a fashion faux pas, and get to grips with some very simple rules in order for you to look good and feel great.

Firstly, you should aim to feel comfortable in your clothes. Be realistic about your size and if you’re a size 16, buy a 16. Don’t opt for the smaller size because you can’t come to terms with moving up. If you feel uncomfortable and are constantly adjusting and pulling at your clothing, you’ll not only look uncomfortable, you’ll feel awkward and your confidence will be dented.

Secondly, it’s a fallacy to say that black is flattering. Black may give the illusion of slimming but it can also bring out dark circles under the eyes as well as lines. You’ll be feeling drained, self-conscious and introverted in no time at all. The solution - wear bold colours and combine with dark separates. If you’re wearing a dark or black top, use brightly coloured neck scarves or accessories to give yourself a splash of colour.

If you’ve read my previous blog, ‘Affairs of the Breast’, you’ll understand the importance of wearing a well fitted bra. A decent bra is not only good for your health, it’s also good for your appearance. Stand up tall, back straight and feel good about your ta ta’s. You can create an extremely flattering appearance, especially if you’re curvy, by choosing wrap dresses which are ideal for enhancing your cleavage and flattering your body shape. As for the arms, three quarter length sleeves are extremely flattering and deflect attention away from the breasts. Run screaming from high nick sweaters!

The belly can be the hardest area of a woman’s body to maintain as fat is generally stored around this area. You can still look fabulous by wearing loose, flowing tops such empire waist blouses which nip just under the bust and flow down. This creates a wonderful optical illusion of elongating the body. Banded tops define waistlines and can be very flattering for those with a few extra curves. Stay away from short tops, or, wear longer tops underneath them. Baring your belly is an absolute no no.

If you want to feel comfortable around the house, go for athletic wear. Casall have created a fabulous range of essential and stylish fitness and leisure clothes which look good in any situation. Their drawstring capri pants are particularly stylish and are available in the UK from We Fit In, a specialist plus size fitness retailer; also available are wonderfully comfortable Plus Size Yoga pants up to a size 24.

If you hate your thighs, start to love them by opting for longer tops, dresses and knitwear which fall just above the thigh. Pair them up with skinny jeans or black leggings with boots or ballet shoes and you'll look spectacular.

Lastly, opt for clothes which make you look streamlined. Those which flow over your curves are a must. Avoid tight fitting clothes and likewise, clothes which are too big. You’re a fabulously curvy woman, go out there and show everybody how beautiful you truly are.

http://www.wefitin.co.uk/

Part 2 - Making Time for Exercise

2010-10-05T15:27:00.001-07:00

Part 1 Contd…..

# 6 Become a Want Exercise

Studies have shown that those who ‘want’ exercise and personalise and tailor their exercise routine to meet their own needs stay motivated for longer. This type of person exercises because it makes them feel good and they see exercise as a treat. Try to choose fitness routines that you enjoy and don’t forget, they don’t have to be stereotypical exercises - think of dancing, Zumba, yoga, biking. Those who feel they ‘should’ exercise consider the whole process as a chore. They tend to follow fads but this approach is not sustainable and won’t be maintained.

# 7 Find a Fitness Partner

By finding a fitness partner you’ll stay motivated for longer. A buddy can be a great motivator and offer the support you won’t have if working out alone…. it’s also much harder to cancel on a friend.

If you don’t have a buddy, brave a group exercise. Just being around others who are completing the same class can provide positive feedback as well as giving you the chance to take part in a structured and fun activity.

# 8 Anything is Better than Nothing

If you think it’s a waste of your time and energy if you can’t get out and exercise for at least 30 minutes, you’d be wrong. Exercise, no matter how long you do it for, burns calories. Research indicates that small amounts of exercise, even if you can only manage 15 minutes a day, burns calories, helps ease depression, enhances self-image, relieves stress, and much more.

# 9 Spread the Word

Let the world know you’re taking part in exercise. Talk to your friends, work colleagues, or even set up a blog to record your progress. Talking to others will help to keep you motivated and will hold you accountable to your exercise routine. Others will be interested in what you’re doing, providing of course you don’t bore them with the details, and you never know, you may be a source of inspiration for others.

# 10 Do It

It’s as simple as that. Those guilty feelings aren’t going to go away, even if you’ve vowed that you’ll never touch a Jaffa Cake again. You know yourself that you could be doing something, you just have to get your gear on and do it!

So, with all the good advice above, I now need to practice what I preach. Tomorrow I’m going out for a run, only a small run, but will be doing enough to get me back into the swing of an exercise routine. I’m really looking forward to making a start and have promised myself a new pair of running bottoms. I may even push the boat out and treat myself to a Jaffa Cake or two. Living the dream, living the dream!!!!

Part 1 – Making Time for Exercise

2010-09-26T15:29:00.001-07:00

My life is so hectic at the moment, I haven’t been able to make it past my front door for a run. I have massive ‘stress throat’, I feel like a lump and I’m sure I’ve put on a pound or two. So, considering how wretched I feel, how can I get some ‘me’ time and build up the momentum to haul my now wobbly backside out of the door?

Here’s how!

# 1 – Get Your Routine Back

Getting back into the swing of a fitness routine is as much a battle of the mind, as the body! Tell yourself that you’re going to make some time for yourself, get your fitness clothes on and just do it.

Once you’re out there, bare in mind that cardiovascular fitness is lost faster than muscular strength. It does come back relatively quickly but don’t expect a minor miracle, not at first anyway.

To save sore muscles, during your session try alternating periods at your old pace with periods at a slower pace. You’ll soon be back to your old self and back in to the swing of your routine too!

# 2 – There’s no such thing as ‘I haven’t got time!’

When the kids, work, the house work, cooking and cleaning are getting in the way of any spare time, it’s often difficult, if not impossible to think of fitting in a five mile run or an hour at the gym. So, if time is really tight, try to adapt what you’re doing. If you’re at work, take the stairs, and instead of sitting at your desk at lunch time, take a turn once round the block, obviously avoiding axe murderers if you can. If you live relatively close to work, walk or cycle home. For those at home all day with the little darlings, walk to the park, shops or take a trip around the block. All these relatively small adjustments can count towards a whole bunch of calories being burnt away.

# 3 – Stress Busting

If you’ve ever had a bad day and things feel like they’re getting just a little out of hand, don’t resort to punching the nearest solid object, go for a brisk walk, run or jog. In fact anything that gets your heart pumping will serve to relieve your stress, will allow you some ‘me’ time and will generally make you feel just that little bit better. What’s good to know is that to make the most of stress busting by exercise, you only need to exercise moderately for 30 minutes.

# 4 Big Fat Brain

Did you know that walking is especially good for your brain? This is because it increases blood circulation taking the oxygen and glucose to your brain. Walking isn’t strenuous, and apart investing in some sturdy walking shoes, it’s an extremely cheap form of exercise. And as you walk, you can clear your head helping you to think better too. Bonus!

And, did you also know that research has shown that running may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and may increase the number of brain cells. In my case I’m obviously not running fast enough!

#5 - Set Yourself Achievable and Fun Challenges

Try to set yourself some short term goals – this will keep you positive and moving towards your long term goal, be it improved fitness or weight loss. You could try to fit in an extra fitness class, or choose a walk with a prize at the end such as a rather nice coffee shop complete with a Cream Tea.

If you’re trying to challenge yourself and you can’t quite manage that extra press up, try to visualise your wobbling cake shelf, or picture your bingo wings flapping around in the wind. Whether it’s extra reps or tougher cardio intervals, working harder each time is what causes your body to respond and to change.

Part 2 Coming soon……

www.wefitin.co.uk

Ronhill Autumn/Winter - Nice!

2010-09-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Ronhill have done it again.

With fabulous colours and great styling, they've produced some fantastic running and fitness wear to see us through the winter.

My favourite is the Vizion Windlite Jacket. It comes in sizes 12 to 18, is fluorescent pink and a welcome change from the usual yellow. It's extremely light weight and can even fend off a shower or two. Love it!

The Vizion Windlite and more stylish items from Ronhill are available at www.wefitin.co.uk. Take a look at the video below to find out more.

The Day I Tried Pole Fitness

2010-09-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

Pole Fitness allows women of all ages, shapes, sizes and social classes to burn calories, build muscle and tone up. Participants also discover an increase in flexibility, an improved posture and greater confidence and self-esteem.

One bright sunny day in the height of a not so balmy British summer, I made my way over to a ‘Gentleman's’ Club (I use the term loosely), to try a spot of Pole Fitness.

I don’t really know what I was expecting having never frequented such a club, and possibly pre-conceived ideas resulted in me feeling afterwards, that I needed a bleach bath combined with a good stiff wire brush. But nonetheless, I was there to have a go, and have a go is what I did.

I was filled with trepidation as I arrived at the club. There was limited natural light and in the entrance stood a motorbike. A dance floor with a pole reaching up to the ceiling was to the left, the bar to the right. The walls were decked out in a retro red velvet flock wallpaper and each wall was adorned with a gold effect Cherub. Nice!

My host and trainer for the day, Diane, came to meet me. She was petite with a fantastic figure and a welcoming smile. She explained what the session consisted of and I was then directed to the girls changing room to prepare. To get the most out of Pole Fitness, short shorts are recommended; this allows you to grip the pole with the legs.

The changing room was actually what can only be described as a cupboard. There was a tiny shower cubicle in the corner, a chair and a sink. A collection of various shoes with 8” inch heels were strewn around the floor, a mass of hair products and make-up were cluttering up the shelf above the sink.

Whilst I was wearing a particular un-sexy pair of navy blue gym shorts and a gym t-shirt, Diane was donning the smallest pair of black hot pants combined with a rather lovely pair of high heeled sandals; she would have looked sexy in a supermarket carrier bag!

She began to demonstrate the basic moves followed by a display proving just how fantastic she actually was. It was jaw dropping, awe inspiring, breath taking. No wonder she had a pair of thighs that could crack walnuts. I was not at all jealous!

It was explained that the ultimate aim was to hold your own weight on the pole. To get to that point we began with how to hold the pole correctly. Although it was made to look easy, it was in fact most definitely not. Left over right, right over left; by the time I finished the left hand didn’t have a clue what the right hand was doing. As Diane demonstrated more advanced moves, it was apparent how strong and flexible she actually was. They have my respect!

Towards the end of the session I hoisted myself into position. At this point I would love to say that I gracefully (and with minimum effort) swung around the pole, before spiralling down and sexily landing lightly on the floor, but I can’t. Hoisted is a much better word to describe the move I was carrying out. I flipped over and gripping the pole with both legs, held myself in place! To be honest, the whole carry on resembled the scene from Bridget Jones Diary - the part where Bridget is on assignment at the fire station and makes her rather notorious slide down the fireman's pole. Well I also made a particularly fetching slide back down to earth. My performance certainly wouldn’t cut the mustard should I decide to become a professional.

I managed 45 minutes of uninterrupted pole tricks. I’d managed to spin, climb and the piece de resistance, went upside down and held my own weight. It was challenging, great fun and oh so tiring; I don’t think I’ve ever laughed my way through an entire exercises class before.

As I left the club and made my way back to the car, I was conscious that I couldn’t actually feel my arms. I knew they were there because I could see them, they just didn’t seem to belong to me anymore.

The next day I found driving difficult, although it was OK if I stayed in one gear. Going to the loo was problematic, not because I have any sort of bladder or bowel related issue, but because my arms and legs just didn’t work; I was in agony. I’ve tried a whole host of exercise and fitness programmes but I have never experienced the pain that I experienced after Pole Fitness. I certainly discovered muscles that I never knew I had and I’d very much like to have another go. Here’s hoping that if Pole Fitness is just another fad, it continues long into the future.

http://www.wefitin.co.uk

Body What?

2010-09-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

Body Pump! For readers who have never heard of it, Body Pump is a mixture of aerobic exercise and weights. It is extremely popular all over the world with classes in over 40 countries.

It generally consists of a 60 minute workout and if done correctly, claims to give you a better posture, reduce body fat and tones muscles …..but this will depend on your commitment and the amount of chocolate, wine, crisps, wine and chocolate you’re consuming in between sessions.

Included in the Step based workout are challenging exercises such as squats, presses, lifts and curls as well as the use of weights from 1 to 5 kg’s; these are incorporated into the routine. For those with particularly poor upper body strength (c’est moi) you can complete the session using little or no resistance.

From the start of the warm up, all the major muscle groups are worked including the legs, back, chest, triceps, shoulders and abdominals before finally finishing off with the stretch and cool down.

In my quest to find the perfect class, I took myself down to the gym. This particular gym is doing exceptionally well because of me. I pay my monthly subscription but never actually attend. I am, however, hopeful that one day, I may return and make full use of their not quite luxurious facilities.

So in I walked. It was the usual scenario when you enter a new class for the first time. You stand there feeling like a spare part, toying with the idea of making small talk with the person next door. The instructor was chatting to who I’m assuming were regulars. I might add that he didn’t look like a fitness instructor but more like a Door Supervisor (or Bouncer in old money). He appeared to have had one too many kebabs after working the doors and I particularly liked the bandana; it was a nice touch and conveniently matched the tattoos. He obviously had some form of animal magnetism as the women (and possibly some of the men) seemed to think he was quite hot. Had I missed something?

It was as if a secret command had been given. Everyone in the class disappeared to the furthest echelons of the gym and began collecting various pieces of equipment, Steps, weights, a mat and dumbbells. I followed the crowd, had no idea what I was doing and felt like a bit of a plonker!

The warm up was quite civilised and the music was good too. We started off slowly with small weights on a bar (is that the technical term?); for this I was relieved. The warm up included a little of bit of everything and was obviously tricking us into thinking the rest of the class would be a piece of cake.

After the warm up we moved on to squats using the heavier weights which were rested across the shoulders at the top of the back. I found this exercise hard going and was grateful for my running which definitely helped as far as the leg muscles were concerned.

Next came the chance to lie down to work the chest. It wasn’t the restful experience I was hoping for; it took place on the Step and the weights were removed from the bar thing (technical term again) and held in the hands. I hated this exercise and had to tell myself that if I carried on to the end without giving up, my boobs would be fabulous. Of course if you’ve read my previous blog ‘Affairs of the Breast’, you’ll know that once you’ve breast fed a couple of children and if you’re blessed with more than a handful, you’ll never return to what you looked like when you were 18. Me imagining a lovely pair of knockers was all I had to go on to get me through this vile experience.

The class moved on quite nicely finally getting to the shoulders, triceps and biceps. I detest this type of exercise. I have no, and I mean NO upper body strength. You could put money on an average sized seven year old beating me at an arm wrestle. However, when it came to the bicep curls, it was amusing to watch the instructor. Rather than correcting the dodgy techniques being displayed in the class, he was admiring himself through the mirror. Each time he performed a bicep curl, I swear as he breathed out, he puckered up in a ‘which way to the beach?’ kind of way. At that point I didn’t know whether to laugh or regurgitate my dinner. Perhaps this is what enticed his admirers?

The last exercise concentrated on the stomach muscles. This was my favourite part of the class and although tough, I coped quite well. Credit for this must be given to the 90’s phenomenon, Callanetics. I was addicted! Even now I often do a couple of hundred Bent Knee Reaches with a Pelvic Wave thrown in for good measure. Although I can’t admit to wearing a leotard, I followed Callan Pinckney for years, bought two videos and a book which I still have to this day. The results were fantastic. After all this reminiscing, prepare yourselves for a Callanetics blog!

Finally, the last track was dedicated to stretching the muscles. It was a welcome end to a tough session and I definitely felt better for it. I’d worked up a sweat and my muscles were sore. I was pleased to be able to put the godforsaken equipment back in it’s place and leave.

In conclusion, Body Pump was good but with the right instructor it would be fantastic. It was a workout for the whole body and you knew about it. I very much doubt that I’ll return to the bouncers class, but I would definitely consider going elsewhere.

UPDATE: I’ve now emailed the gym to enquire about how I can cancel my memberships. One week later and I’m still waiting for a reply.

http://www.wefitin.co.uk/

Eating for Sport and Exercise

2010-09-02T10:21:00.001-07:00

Providing Energy for Activity

The British Nutrition Foundation has put together some useful information regarding what you should eat if you take part in lots of physical activity, or regularly enjoy sports and exercise.

Basically, you will need to eat enough food to match your activity level. Carbohydrate is the most important form of fuel for exercise and sports activities. Quite simply, the more active you are - the more carbohydrates your body needs. The body can store carbohydrate in the muscles and liver, but these stores are small so it is important to keep them topped up. If you get tired during physical activity this might be because your carbohydrate stores are low.

Sources of carbohydrate are starchy foods such as breads, pasta, potatoes, pulses, rice and breakfast cereals. Fruit, juices and milk also provide energy in the form of sugars. Both starches and sugars are broken down in the body to provide readily available energy.

Foods for Fuel

Try to include some of the following carbohydrate-rich foods into your meals before and after exercise, or as snacks:

               Bread & bagels
               Pasta, rice & noodles
               Jacket potatoes
               Baked beans
               Breakfast cereals
               Bananas
               Malt loaf
               Fruit juices
               Dried fruits
               Cereal bars

It is best to wait an hour after a snack or light meal before taking part in vigorous sports or exercise. If you have eaten a large meal, it is best to wait longer. This gives the body time to digest the food and to avoid feeling full or uncomfortable when taking part in the activity.

If you are preparing for some intense exercise, such as a competition, you may need to eat a small snack 30-60 minutes beforehand. Snacks and drinks that contain sugar can be useful, because they are less bulky and provide a quick convenient way of taking in energy before exercise.

Food is also important for recovery from exercise and sports. After exercise or a class it’s a good idea to top up your carbohydrate levels straight away with a snack or drink. Ideally this should be within the two hours after exercise. Your next meal should also include a good portion of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice or potatoes.

Fluids

It is always important to be well-hydrated before you start a physical activity session, so you should be drinking regularly throughout the day.

Also try to drink plenty of fluids whilst you are taking part in exercise – even more important if the environmental temperature is high.
Exercise makes the body get warmer so the body tries to cool down by sweating; this causes the loss of fluids through the skin. The amount a person sweats varies from person to person and depends on:
- the intensity of the exercise
- how long the exercise takes
- the temperature
- how much clothing is worn.
The more a person sweats, the more they will need to drink.
And remember to continue to drink plenty of fluids as you recover from the exercise.

For more information, please see http://www.nutrition.org.uk

Affairs of the Breast

2010-08-30T09:30:00.001-07:00

Did you know that breasts bounce 9 cm’s when unsupported during any form of physical exercise? And did you know that the vast majority of women who exercise do not wear a sports bra, obviously preferring the ‘Spaniels Ears’ effect. Indeed, they may have the latest high performance trainers, or even the latest performance fabric in the latest shade of Magenta, but without the support of a decent sports bra, they are very sadly lacking. A good sports bra is an essential piece of kit and is as important as a good pair of trainers.

Cooper’s Suspensory Ligaments are ligaments which are vital in creating the shape and tone of the breast. They hold up and support the breast tissue on the chest wall and maintain the natural lift. If the muscles are tighter and shorter, the higher and firmer the breasts will be. If the ligaments are stretched and longer, the breast will droop and elongate. Although specific exercises can help, once you have the dreaded Coopers Droop, unless you’re willing to go under the knife, there’s no going back.

Unfortunately these ligaments lose strength throughout the course of your life due to ageing, breastfeeding, losing or gaining weight as well as physical exercise. It therefore becomes a necessity to preserve what you have, when you have it, and wearing a well fitted and supportive sports bra is a must…..no matter what your size!

So what things are worth considering when looking for a bra?

If you’re an A or B cup, the ‘pullover’ compression style bra will offer adequate support. The bra should be tight enough to hold you in place, but not too tight that your circulation is cut off.

If you're a C cup or larger, an encapsulation style sports bra is recommended. This bra sports two separate cups with specific weaving to ensure the twins don't go bouncing out of control.

Sore ta ta’s? This often happens due to chafing caused by a build up of perspiration in the fabric. Try to wear bras made made from ‘wicking’ material such as Coolmax or Supplex. Wicking fabrics draw moisture away from your skin where it evaporates.

Many women continue to wear the same size bra year in and year out, but the chances are, their size will have actually changed. With this in mind, try to measure yourself regularly, or ask a professional; wearing the wrong bra can be both painful and embarrassing. A bad bra can also lead to tension and strain in the upper back and neck, which may lead to subsequent weakening of the muscles in these areas.

Getting the correct size shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee of a good fit, but it will give you an idea of where to start. It’s rather like finding a pair of shoes – you may have to try on several varieties from several different brands before you find the one that fits correctly.

We Fit In’s range of Sportjock and Thusane bras are all made from wicking fabrics, come in a variety of sizes and styles and are ideal for the larger breast. So come on girls, no excuses, don’t let your assets stop you from getting out there and exercising, there’s a bra out there for everyone!

www.wefitin.co.uk

Caught Short!

2010-08-23T06:44:00.001-07:00

For those of you who run, or in fact enjoy any outdoor sport or exercise, chances are you’ll recognise the feeling of needing the loo. You may also recognise the fear when you realise that there are only two options available to you:

1. Use what nature has provided and find a discrete location,

2. Pee and/or poop your pants.

The latter is obviously not the best or the recommended option.

Apparently this is a common problem faced by many and unfortunately happens more to women than to men. There are lots of reasons behind this with some believing it’s the bounce and the up and down motion, others thinking that the metabolism speeds everything up. Either way, ’Runners Trots’ happens.

When I was new to running I made the mistake of deciding that I’d head out nice and early. I laid out my running clothes the night before, organised my phone, Garmin, trainers and drink bottle and was ready for the off. I was proud, yes PROUD of my meticulous planning. The next morning, I bounded out of bed and pulled on my clothes. Before leaving I made sure my better half knew where I was going for fear of falling down a man hole, meeting an axe murderer or being run over by a tractor.

Half an hour into my run and disaster strikes - I needed the loo. It was the middle of January, there was little or no foliage to hide behind and I had a fluorescent running top on. What to do? It was quicker for me turn around than to continue with my route so off I trot (get it?). I scoured every inch of the return journey and sucking my cheeks in as hard as I possibly could, made it to the outskirts of the town. At this point I knew there was a public loo within spitting distance and my house was less than half a mile away. I also knew that there was absolutely no way on this earth that I was going to make it; the hot and cold sweats had started. I found a stile and traced my way around the edge of a field. I do hope that nobody saw me but if they did, they wouldn’t have recognised me. They would have seen a figure not dissimilar to Quasimodo running from the bells and holding his bottom. Feeling smug I found a gateway and to be fair, the whole unfortunate and embarrassing incident was over in a shot. I felt liberated about what I had achieved….until I looked up and realised that I was making use of a very nice drive way. I’m presuming that I managed to escape without being seen as I haven’t found myself on YouTube and haven’t been pointed at in the local pub. I’m also still desperately hoping that whilst I was saving myself from a fate worse than death, the householders were tucking into their eggs and bacon oblivious to what has happening at the end of their drive. So, with this in mind, I’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts, just in case you’re ever unlucky enough to be caught short miles from anywhere! Enjoy!

Use the loo before you head out of the door,
take tissue paper,
drink fluids consistently - dehydration can lead to diarrhoea,
take a break from drinks high in sugar or containing sugar substitutes, like juice drinks and those made with artificial sweeteners,
try to avoid tight fitting clothes, especially around your waist,
choose foods that are naturally constipating, such as bananas, plain bagels, rice and pasta.

Don’t

Drink too much caffeine which can be a performance enhancer….. will speed things up and along,
take care not to eat too much fibre and fat in the hours before you run,
use the entrance to a house,
use a home made children’s den no matter how isolated it is!
use nettles!

www.wefitin.co.uk

We Fit In Teams Up with ‘A Big Attitude’

2010-08-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

There’s no excuse for not getting out there and exercising, but it really does help if you feel good about how you look. And if you feel good in your fitness clothes, you'll probably want to show them off.

When We Fit In came to life, our aim was to provide fabulous looking clothes and performance fabrics across the sizes. Performance fabrics? We’re talking about those made from various combinations of polyester, Lycra, nylon and cotton. They breathe and allow you to stay cool and dry and are sometimes referred to as wicking. Fabrics which wick move sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric where it evaporates. Thank goodness, there’s nothing worse than exercising when your clothes are cold, wet and sweaty…… apart from of course being desperate for the loo in a traffic jam, only to find the nearest services are ten miles away.

Along the way, one of our challenges was to source stylish performance fitness wear for the larger lady. After scouring the internet and weeks of research later, we finally discovered a brand that we can be proud of. We’ve teamed up with A Big Attitude from the US who provide exclusive plus sized fitness wear for women who want to feel and look their best.

Tee in Black and Aqua

Yoga Pants

Their fabric is just wonderful and with tees available in black/aqua, black/apple green and black/red, not forgetting the 3/4 Capri bottoms and Yoga Pants, you simply can’t go wrong.

ABA also provide the clothes for contestants on NBC’s The Biggest Loser as well as featuring in CBS’s The Doctors. Want to see ABA in action? Take a look at The Biggest Loser video below.

See ABA clothes in action!

Go Veggie Go

2010-08-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

Did you know that adopting a vegetarian diet means you’re less likely to develop heart disease and cancer than our meat eating brothers and sisters. Throw in some exercise and hey presto, your health and well being improves. Vegetarianism isn’t for everyone, especially those who would rather eat their own kidney than give up meat, but the benefits of living a vegetarian lifestyle are immense.

I stopped eating meat in 2001 with the outbreak of Foot and Mouth. Approximately 10 million sheep and cattle were killed in an attempt to halt the disease. Our screens were full of animals being shot and their carcasses burnt on mass pyres. Mix in my research into intensive farming techniques, and my meat and Haribo eating days were over. I think deep down I should have given up the devil's own food years before I did. When cutting up a piece of steak, I could quite clearly see a cow mooing at me, and no, I'm not unhinged, despite what others may say. So, my family continue to eat meat, and I prepare meals which contain meat, I just choose not to eat it myself. The meat and eggs we buy are free range, organic and where possible, sourced locally.

So what are the benefits? There’s no doubt that meat provides a lot of protein, but it also has lots of fat which includes saturated fat. This is bad fat more commonly found in red meat; it creates cholesterol which in turn can block up the arteries to the heart. Too much harmful cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease - the biggest killer in the UK. By cutting out meat, you’ll be cutting out the fat too. Numerous studies have shown that vegetarians tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, as well as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

Another benefit is weight loss. I’m not saying that all vegetarians resemble stick people because they don’t. It’s possible to be vegetarian and eat very unhealthy foods including the likes of chips, chocolate, fried food, pizza etc. However, studies repeatedly show that vegetarians are slimmer and are less likely to be obese than meat eaters.

Veggies also tend to have a more nutritional diet due to increasing the amount of other nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. This ensures the body gets the nutrients needed for better health, less illness and more energy.

To become a vegetarian you'll need to decide how strict of a vegetarian you wish to be. Myself, I'm a pescetarian (or hypocrite some may say) who is happy to eat the little fishies but not our furry and feathered friends. Evo-lacto vegetarians are veggies who eat eggs and drink milk but no meat. Vegans (are legends in my eyes) consume no animal products.

If you’re toying with the idea of giving up meat, and you’re serious about changing your lifestyle, you’re half way there already. To help you along the way there are plenty of healthy and enjoyable meat alternatives which are available in supermarkets up and down the country. Products such as Quorn and Tofu are increasing in popularity. Many fast-food chains and restaurants also offer a vegetarian section on their menus. Tip of the week - if you’re using vegetarian mince as part of a Bolognese or chilli sauce, try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder. There are also wonderful vegetarian recipe books available and many regular recipe books contain a good variety of meat free dishes. Have a go at trying something new each week and try incorporating items such as beans and wholegrains.

If you can’t cope with the thought of cutting out all meat, try stopping your red meat first. Once you’re into the swing of it, gradually reduce the amount of chicken and other meats followed by seafood. This gradual transition is often the key to successfully moving to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Finally, don’t forget to tell you your friends and family. You don’t have to force your new lifestyle on to them but regular gentle reminders can prevent a possibly embarrassing situation. There’s nothing worse than turning up at a friends for dinner, only to be met with a piece of meat that’s so rare, it could walk off the plate and make it’s own way home.

As with any dietary change, there is no rule as to how quickly it takes to become a vegetarian. Some people choose to change their diet immediately, while others gradually modify their current diet to vegetarian standards. Whether you choose to change to vegetarianism overnight or gradually, it is important to understand the nutritional benefits and requirements of all food types before making any changes. To find out more, why not visit the Vegetarian Society website. They offer information, advice and even recipes so go ahead and take a look.

www.wefitin.co.uk

Can’t Run, Won’t Run

2010-07-25T05:31:00.001-07:00

There’s no doubt that running is good for you. The benefits attached to this wonderful form of exercise include weight loss, greater heart and lung capacity, delaying or avoiding osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s also a great stress buster …. the list goes on.

Those who are looking to lose a few pounds, find running is the best form of exercise to reach their ideal weight quickly. This is because it requires a large amount of energy; the body also burns a larger number of calories over a relatively short period compared to the likes of walking, cycling or yoga.

The Runners World website contains several training plans designed specifically for beginners; I’ve included one of their schedules below.

A few things to bear in mind:

Allow at least a day between runs when you begin.
If in doubt, slow down. You should be able to hold a conversation while you run. Respecting your body is the best route to progression.
Walk purposefully, and be strict with your run/walk timings.
Don’t be afraid to repeat a week, or drop back a week. Everyone’s different.
It may look laborious but persevere, you’ll get there!

Week 1 Run one min, walk 90 seconds. Repeat eight times. Do three times a week.

Week 2 Run two mins, walk one min. Repeat seven times. Do three times a week.

Week 3 Run three mins walk one mins. Repeat six times. Do three times a week.

Week 4 Run five mins, walk two mins. Repeat four times. Do three times a week.

Week 5 Run eight mins, walk two mins. Repeat three times. Do three times a week.

Week 6 Run 12 mins, walk one min. Repeat three times. Do three times a week.

Week 7 Run 15 mins, walk one min, Run fifteen mins. Do three times a week.

Week 8 Run 30 mins continuously.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a good supportive bra, an outfit, a decent pair of running shoes and hit the streets.

Enjoy!

Eat More, Lose Weight

2010-07-25T03:53:00.001-07:00

When trying to lose weight, many of us fail because we’re hungry. Food becomes the one thing that dominates our every waking hour. The constant clock watching hoping that lunch comes along that little bit sooner, the cravings, the hunger, chocolate, the hunger, chocolate, more cravings. All of these thoughts move to the the forefront of our minds. So how would you like to eat more food and feel fuller but drastically reduce the amount of calories? It's easy! Choose foods that are low in energy density.

Energy density may sound like the latest exercise fad, but in fact it’s simply the number of calories in a portion of food. Examples of low density foods are vegetables, beans and peas, fruit and wholegrains; they all contain plenty of water and fibre. Wholegrains are fabulous as part of this diet; they’re highly nutritious and contain more fibre than refined grains but have a lower energy density. Examples Of wholegrains are bulgur wheat, couscous, brown rice, wholegrain pasta, popcorn and rolled oats.

High density foods are high in calories and contain less water such as chocolate and cheese cake.

So the secret to losing weight is to choose food which is higher in water and fibre. For those of us who are groaning at the thought of taking on a rabbit like diet, fear not. There’s a simple strategy which allows you to continue to eat your favourite foods AND reduce your calorie intake. How? Simply eat a large portion of low density food such as a salad or soup as a first course; you’ll feel fuller sooner and this should then reduce the amount you eat as part of your main meal.

So, the more whole grains, fruit and vegetables that you can incorporate into your diet the better, not forgetting protein, healthy fats and dairy products, you’ll be eating yourself thinner in no time at all.

If you’d like to find out more, the British Nutrition Foundation have put together a leaflet explaining what low and high density food actually is. They provide a more detailed list of the types of food you can use to fill up on, and those to avoid. It’s definitely worth a read so click here to find out more!

Raw Food Diet

2010-07-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Raw Food Diet is continuing to sweep the nation. Consisting of fresh fruit and veg, nuts and seeds, sun dried fruit, fruit or vegetable juices, the list goes on. This diet insists that 90 to 95% of food is raw and is mainly unprocessed; you can however include dried fruits and nuts, vinegars or those cured in vinegar. Although the diet is classed as raw food, food may be cooked providing the temperature does not rise above 115 F.

Essential equipment for any raw foody..... a food processor, a juicer, a large glass container to store or soak food in and ........ a dehydrator. Until I began to research the RFD, a dehydrator as far as I was concerned consisted of three glasses of wine and a vodka and orange. Untrue! A dehydrator is a machine which provides temperature controlled drying, available from Amazon (other retailers are available) for approximately £100.

Personally, eating fresh fruit and veg is a very attractive idea, especially as I can't think of anything worse than eating our feathered and furry friends, but, the thought of Vegetarian Watermelon Gazpacho ...... it just doesn't float my boat. So, will the world continue to follow the celebs who have taken on this diet as another one of their fads? To help you decide, here's a list summarising the main advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

Raw food is easy to to digest, provides the maximum amount of energy but with minimal effort getting it,
the digestive system has to work harder and longer to digest processed and cooked food,
the RFD does not have to be expensive - pop into your local supermarket and you can pick up seasonal fresh fruit and veg at a relatively low cost,
weight loss is guaranteed,
salads and smoothies are quick to prepare with many raw food recipes taking little or no preparation,
enhances mental acuity and cleanses the body of toxins,
contains next to no chemicals or preservatives,
improves skin appearance,
reduces the risk of heart disease due to lack of trans fats in the diet.

Disadvantages:

Children, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with anemia or those at risk from osteoporosis should take care,
winter months can present problems with the variety of fruit and veg available,
you may need to take supplements in order to replace deficiencies in calcium, iron, Vitamin B12 and protein,
cooking can prevent lethal or harmful bacterial such as salmonella and listeria.

I must admit, on researching this diet my mind was full of romantic images of me switching to RFD, losing all excess weight and obtaining the most fabulous glowing complexion. In reality, it's never going to happen. I love my Chilli Chocolate, I quite like the odd bag of crisps and I couldn't find any reference to wine in any of the 'allowed' lists. I'm sure it's great, and looking at the list above the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages....but it's not for me.

So what do you think? Is it necessary to cut out cooked food in order to have a healthy diet? Or can increasing the amount of fruit and veg in your diet provide you with the best of both worlds? Answers on a postcard please.

Have you tried.....Zumba?

2010-07-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

Zumba is one of the fastest growing exercise classes in the world today, cropping up in village and town halls, health clubs, in leisure centres and even colleges across the UK. Originating from South America, Zumba is a cardio based dance work out designed to tone and sculpt the body. Containing a huge serving of Latin flavour and includes moves from Salsa, Merengue and Samba, there are over 7.5 million people across the world jumping on the Zumba bandwagon. It looks set to be the next great fitness trend.

To find out what all the fuss was about, I decided to take myself down to a Leisure Centre nearby where a new class was starting. Although my first love is running I've been through most of the exercise classes available. I've tried my hand at Step'n'Pump, have been bored in Bodypump, yawned my way through Yoga but absolutely loved Circuits. Analysing this I now believe that anything slow or with any form of a routine doesn't really float my boat, but this could be down to me not being issued with my full quota of coordination at the time of conception. With this in mind I entered the class with nervous in trepidation.

Obviously word had got around and it wasn't the poorly attended session I'd had in mind. There must have been 16 to 20 ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes. The instructor was really lovely and was obviously lulling me into a false sense of security. I had a chat with her beforehand and made my way to the back of the room to hide. In hindsight, I really should have been at the front but never mind, at least if I were to vomit, nobody would see me.

The class started relatively slowly with basic steps being introduced. There wasn't an awful lot of verbal instruction but to be honest, it wasn't needed as we all eagerly copied the instructors every move.

The slow moves at the start gradually increased and before I knew it, was partying away the pounds to awe inspiring Latin vibes and rhythms. Now I consider myself to be fairly fit, and at the start was sure that the 65 year old lady to my left would do nothing but make me feel even better about myself. Unfortunately, I now believe that she was in disguise and was actually an ex-professional athlete, possibly mid 30's and obviously on something. She was amazing.

The class was absolutely exhilarating, the vivacious moves, the mix of fast, slow and resistance left you dripping in sweat and feeling like you've had the best workout in years; you could feel the calories being burnt away. It was fun, energising and captivating. The instructor wasn't lulling me in to a false sense of security, she was genuinely nice and her enthusiasm was infectious.

In conclusion, anybody can join a Zumba class and enjoy it. The 65 year old lady in disguise was inspirational and who needs coordination to enjoy yourself. I didn't vomit. I left and wanted more. I was completely knackered.

Hello from We Fit In

2010-07-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Months ago I had a bright idea of starting my own on-line business. Born out of not being able to find long running tights to fit, I figured that others must be in the same position as me. We Fit In sprung to life. I must admit, I was naive to say the least, and if I were to do it again (and I probably would), I'd do it differently. It was a huge, no, massive learning curve.

Anyway, here are a few highlights of We Fit In's journey:-

The euphoria of my bank thinking I had a cracking good idea, "the woman from Barclays, she say YES",

the first sight of my beautiful new website,

the excitement of my favourite brands agreeing to supply me,

the open mouthed moment when I discovered my accountant (who had been recommended I might add), was actually a crim and was well into a four year stretch by the time I chased my tax return,

realising that I should have sorted my payment gateway and VAT number months before I actually did,

the excitment of going live.

As part of my bright idea, I decided that providing the best looking fitness wear wasn't enough; I also wanted to include interesting information about exercise, nutrition and weight loss. I decided that blogs were the way to go. So, this is my first blog to introduce 'We Fit In', and here's a little bit of information about me.

My name is Paula and I live in a little town in Wiltshire, although I'm actually from Durham. I run and I love it. Last year we (me, hubby and our two children) eloped to Northern Cyprus. I'm reaching a mile stone birthday this year and I'm not exactly thrilled about it - I may even adopt the foetal position and with hands clasped around my head, chant "no, no, no".

So, some of my blogs will be taken from the latest news, research and possibly even gossip, the others will be from me having a go myself. However, I will not, I repeat WILL NOT be trying colonic irrigation or anything else to do with bottoms.

Enjoy!

Paula
http://www.wefitin.co.uk/