Zest Challenge 2013 with Alpro

Yes it’s that moment again that I’ve been roped into entering yet another competition. The pursuit of optimum health is never ending clearly. But that is the beauty of it – keeping fit should never turn stale. Always put yourself out there for new challenges so that you never get bored.

So I’m now training for the Zest Challenge 2013 with Alpro following their success from last year’s event. And because it was so successful they’ve decided to supersize the challenge by adding a 5k run to the usual 10k distance and having two locations instead of one so more people can join. The first is at the Hambledon Estate near Henley-on-Thames in Berkshire on June 15^th and the second a week later on the 22^nd at Catton Hall, Derbyshire.

But unlike my normal straightforward runs, this women-only event has a twist. Rather than just running your way around a course, we’ll be scrambling over hay bales, under nets and through tyres, negotiating balance beams and flying down a giant water slide. Who says fitness is boring eh?

So I’m a little late starting my training (I’ve been so absorbed in lifting heavy weight and body building!) but it’s never late to start. It’s all about making a plan and focusing on the goal and sticking to it. The human body never ceases to amaze me and I know you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Well the weather is not bad right now in Reading, Berkshire so now is a good a time as any to go and get started. But I expect it to get windy, wet, muddy at some point over the next few weeks and burn some serious energy all in the name of fun!

Fitlass Is Getting Bigger!

First of all I would like to apologise in the long delay between this post and my last post.

And contrary to what the title suggests, I have also not put on weight and neglected this blog

The real reason for my absence is that I have been developing my new website http://www.fitlass.co.uk thanks to the success I have had on here.

The new website is now fully launched and has lots more advice, tips, news, articles, travel and reviews on it.

I am pleased to say that this blog post will continue with general views and comments from myself as well as from you readers.

So thank-you for all your continued support and I look forward to seeing you both over here and my new website in the future.

And here’s to Feel Good Friday!

 

 

Deskfest Challenge Day 5

So it’s day 5 of the Deskfest challenge and it’s Friday! It wouldn’t feel right not to whip out the almighty wine glass
But before we get on to the hard stuff, I decided it would be appropriate to use the glass for a healthy breakfast.
Yoghurt is an excellent source of protein, vitamin D and calcium.
In the spirit of Friday, dig into this scrumptious Alpro Vanilla Knickerbocker Breakfast!

Ingredients
Frozen raspberries (defrosted)
2 tablespoons of granola
Alpro Vanilla pouring yoghurt
1/2 a chopped apple
Crushed almonds

Directions
In a large wine glass, layer one tablespoon each of the raspberries, granola, and then pouring yoghurt and repeat the layering process.
Finish with. Good dollop of the raspberries and sprinkle on the chopped almonds.

Happy Healthy Friday!

Deskfest Challenge Day 4

This morning I really didn’t have time to faff around my kitchen but that never has to mean compromising breakfast.
So I made my breakfast nice and easy to take with me on the go.
It’s very healthy (clearly, I am Fitlass after all ), filling, and won’t have you reaching for the biscuit tin mid morning.
So here is my quick and easy Cold Almond Nutty Supreme Yoghurt.

Ingredients
1/2 cup Alpro pouring yoghurt
2 tbsp Almond Milk
1 tsp Almond extract
1 tbsp chopped almonds
Maple syrup or honey to taste

Directions
Combine together the milk, yoghurt and almond extract until blended.
Add the chopped almonds and drizzle with the maple/honey syrup.

And as you can see, I just put it in my Tupperware box to take with me on the go. Don’t forget a spoon!

Deskfest Challenge Day 3

There are days when you just want to eat stodgy food especially when the weather is so cold and miserable.
But stodgy does not have to mean unhealthy.
Here’s my great winter warmer breakfast which will keep you nice and toasty both inside and out!

Easy Cook Oat Cookie With Almond Milk

Ingredients

1/3 cup porridge oats
1/3 cup unsweetened Alpro almond milk
1 tsp dark cocoa
1 tsp vanilla essence
Dash of salt
1 tsp natural peanut butter

Stir together the porridge, milk, and cocoa powder until the mixture is all blended well.
Add the vanilla essence and salt
Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly before stirring in the peanut butter.

I would love to write more but I need to tuck into this. Go on, have a go, it takes minutes to make!

Day 2 Deskfest Challenge

So it’s day two of my Deskfest challenge and I just can’t believe how many amazing possibilities there are to make breakfast really scrumptious and delicious within minutes.
Today I have opted to make a Hazlenut Creme Latte because it’s so cold outside and I need warming up with something other than a builders tea. And voila, here’s the lovely concoction I’ve just made and I can’t wait to drink it to warm me through to the core.

So here’s how to make it.

1/2 cup of strong fresh coffee
1 cup steamed Hazlenut Apro soya milk
Sugar or sweetener to taste (optional)
100% dark cocoa powder

Combine all the ingredients in a large mug and sprinkle the dark cocoa powder on top.
Wrap your hands around the mug and ease it into the mouth and enjoy:-)

Honestly so much better than rocking up to your nearest coffee house and paying an arm and a leg for it!

Are You Up For The Deskfest Breakfast Challenge?

We all know that breakfast is the most important part of the day yet most of us skip it.
We tell ourselves that we ‘don’t have the time’ or ‘I can’t face food in the morning’.
But if we are to be healthy, then we mustn’t neglect it because not only will you be able to function better but it can also help you lose weight in the long run
You see, when we wake up, our body has been in starvation mode and it needs refuelling to help us function throughout the day.
In effect we are ‘breaking the fast’.
And with the growing trend of people eating breakfast ‘on the go’ or at their desks at work, it makes sense to make this very important meal as healthy and creative as possible with minimal effort.
So this week I have decided to take the Alpro deskfest challenge to create five healthy inspirational breakfasts that can be enjoyed at your desk or on the go to show you just how easy it is to kick start your day with a great meal to see you throughout the day.
Today I made a Kiwi and Spinach Rich Chocolate Almond Smoothie.

I used 300ml Alpro Almond Milk
1 kiwi
Handful of spinach
1 tablespoon of dark chocolate powder

I just threw everything into the blender with a couple of ice cubes .
Honestly, try it. You won’t even notice the spinach, yet you’ll get all the goodness from it. Watch out Popeye! Enjoy!