Friday Focus: Art as Expression: On the Outside Looking In

Last night I watched an amazing documentary about little known street photographer, Vivian Maier. The intriguing thread which ran through this remarkable woman's story was that someone else had created the dialogue after piecing together the mystery of who Vivian Maier actually was. During her lifetime, keen street photographer, Vivian created an immense catalogue of work during her life which lay undiscovered in a storage locker until 2007 after being auctioned off for non payment of rent on a small studio apartment. 

She had decided that even though she had been capable of producing some of the most astonishing images of urban America, that she did not wish to share these with the world. After her death in 2009, her work was brought to light by the buyer who was amazed by what he saw...

Vivian's Story

Born in New York City in 1926; Vivian's family were of french heritage and it was in France that she would return to at a young age and spend most of her youth. She returned back to the US in 1951 and would spend the rest of her professional life as a live-in nanny, and her personal life indulging in her passion of street photography. Nobody ever saw her work while she was alive; many of the families who she lived with over the course of her stay with them, say that they never saw her without her Rolleiflex camera hanging around her neck.

Vivian lived in New York until 1956 and then moved to the suburbs of Chicago where she continued with her employment with various families; all of the time recording anything and everything that she thought was of interest - she had a fascination with people, places and newspaper stories; some of which she reenacted by visiting the places which she had read about and taking photos - as if reliving the event in someway; regardless of how macarbe.

As the years passed, as she continued to move on, her rolls of undeveloped printed work began to collect. It was around this time that Vivian switched to colour photography; her colour photos being more abstract than her previous work; replacing people and places with found objects, newspapers and graffiti. In the 1980s due to financial stress, lack of stability and by not having the means to process any of the photographs that she was taking; she began to stockpile her rolls of film.

Eventually during the 1990s, dealing with homelessness and then being helped to rent a small studio apartment she had no option than to place her belongings and work into storage. Without any means, one of the storage lockers containing a immense hoard of negatives which she had stashed throughout her lifetime, was sold off in 2007 due to non payment of rent to various buyers including local realtor, John Maloof.

Vivian Maier sadly died in 2009 and it wasn't until this time that John Maloof actually began to sift through the nondescript boxes that he had purchased from a downtown Chicago auction house. The amazing, captivating images of urban America during the second half of the 20th Century that he discovered astonished him - and so her story began...

For a more in depth look at Vivian's life and work visit www.vivianmaier.com

What's the deal with Organic?

Organic. Organic farming and locally grown produce. Instead of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, organic farmers rely on biological diversity in the field to naturally reduce habitat for pest organisms. Organic farmers also purposefully maintain and replenish the fertility of the soil. 

Now going organic isn't new. Whether it relates to food or skincare it seems that whichever we apply this to; organic is seen by many as the most relevant choice that we can make to support and promote ecological balance and sustainability . But how much do you know about the organic industry? And does it really matter?

There is no doubt that organic agriculture and principles make the world a better place. Agriculture is one of the most basic practices of humankind - no matter what walk of life we tread, which path we choose to take; we all need to nourish ourselves - and these principles are the roots from which organic agriculture can grow and develop. Alongside the principles of history, culture and community values, these principles apply to the basic building blocks of how people tend the soil (healthy soils produce healthy crops), the water, the plants and the animals in order to produce, prepare and distribute food and other goods. They place emphasis on the way that people interact with living landscapes, how they relate to one another and how they will ultimately shape the legacy of future generations. It is undoubtedly a wonderful outlook - a positive, sustainable way forward but what makes a food 'organic'?

Organic food is food which has been produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods on organic farms. When it comes to food, to be labelled as organic, at least 95% of the ingredients must derive from organically produced plants or animals. Some ingredients however, are not available organically so therefore up to 5% of ingredients from a list of approved non-organic ingredients are allowed.  Non-foodstuffs such as salt, water and a restricted number of additives and processing aids are allowed. 

But organic food is so expensive! It all boils down to the old adage 'time is money'. Organic farms are typically smaller than conventional farms and due to their production methods of refraining from using chemicals and growth hormones, crops take longer to produce. Even so, for many people, realistically, it isn't always possible to buy everything organic unless the prices were considerably lower. A great way to introduce organic into your diet without feeling the pinch is to choose a variety of products which are easy to access and relatively cheap to buy. Organic dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, butter and cheese (full fat without the guilt!!) are produced by cows who are free to roam organic pastures; choose organic beef (cows which are not pumped full of hormones and antibiotics); choose organic eggs and chicken over products which are produced by GM fed chickens, and choose organic fruits and vegetables which would otherwise have the highest pesticide residue such as pears, apples, grapes, carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce and cucumber. See the full pesticide report here. Local farmers markets are a good source of organic fruit and vegetables and also home delivered veg boxes from suppliers such as Abel & Cole are a great option.

All in all organic is the way forward. It may be expensive but it is a healthier and morally a better path to introduce and implement into our lives and diets. No matter how little we get involved, every organic purchase will help and support the organic industry and in a world where sustainable and ecological changes need to be addressed that can only be a good thing.

Wisdom Wednesday

The Importance of Taking Time OUT!!

'Trying times are not the times to stop trying' Harvey Mackay

Life has a nasty habit of presenting us with trying situations when we least expect them. That is what life is all about - these dilemmas are thrown into the mix to test us and to make us stronger. We can hopefully learn from them and move forward in a more positive light than we thought was ever possible. 

It is amazing how strong and resilient we can be when we are faced with times of upset and difficulty but, on the flipside, we need to realise that no matter how much positivity we have in our life it is important to take time out for US - this allows us to focus on our relationship with ourselves and to realign a healthy and grounded attitude.

It is essential that this 'time-out' is taken guilt-free - we are entitled to it no matter what our responsibilities may be - it is normal to get stressed! Stress is a biological reaction to what is going on around us and it is part of how we function. We all need stress in order to work to peak performance - in small doses, it can be beneficial to many of us but chronic stress can lead to us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and miserable.

When you take time out for yourself you are giving your body a break and your mind time to re-energise. Choose to fill your time with things that you enjoy and which make you happy! Go to the gym, go for a walk, bake a cake, take a bath, read a book... whatever it is which helps you to unwind, indulge yourself!

You don't have to wait until you are stressed to take a break. Here are three quick guilt-free ideas which you can build into your daily routine:

Start the day with yoga. Yoga is a one of the best stress-busting activities that you can do to benefit body and mind. By setting your alarm a few minutes earlier and practicing some key asanas; you will bring a calmness and positive energy to the start of your day.

Eat to relax. We may be on the run-up to Christmas and those family sized tins of chocolates are now in prime view when you walk into the supermarket - but stay strong! Look to nature for your treats - for example; honey and mango both offer depression-fighting compounds and green tea is an ideal source of L-Theanine which is purported to relieve anxiety, stress and anger. Remember a little of what we like is OK in moderation but 'we are what we eat!'

Take a walk. Exercise and fresh air works wonders to clear the mind. It encourages relaxation whilst getting your body moving and your heart pumping! Plus anyone can do it - no excuses now!

The Beauty Deli Big Question

'The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions' John Simone

Reflection: Look at your life. Are you living the life of your dreams?

Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!

Lunch on the GO... to keep you on the GO!

Now the school holidays are over - it is time to focus! Many of us use the holiday period to have a little time to ourselves, to spend time with our children or to jet off abroad for a sunny break. So what happens now that we are back in work? Meal times can no longer be tackled in the leisurely 'lets see what's in the fridge' or by choosing a convenient take-away or a long afternoon in a 'nice country pub' kind of way. We need to plan healthy, cost effective, nutritious meals which keep us going all afternoon and get us back on the right track! So ditch the instant soup and the overpriced disappointing sandwiches, here are some fresh ideas to keep you going all afternoon...


Salad in a Jar: One of my favourite ways to put a quick take-out salad together is to layer lettuce or spinach, seeds, legume, fruits and vegetables with beans or chickpeas and dressing in either a screw top or clip top jar. You can put pretty much anything that you want together - just remember to layer your salad leaves on the top to stop them going soggy and shake together when you are ready to eat to make sure that your dressing covers all of your layers.

Low-Carb: If you are trying to cut back on the carbs a great idea is to make a lettuce wrap. You can fill the lettuce leaves with leftover chicken or fish plus any veggies. Add guacamole or houmous for extra flavour and wrap and eat!

Speedy Eggs: Scrambled eggs are super quick and so easy to make. Rather than topping toast, top your eggs with chorizo, feta and paprika for a spicy kick. If you prefer the classic; choose wholemeal or rye bread and add rocket or spinach leaves and couple of cherry tomatoes. I really like poached egg with avocado on seeded bread with a mixed topping of seeds (pumpkin or sunflower work well).

Keeping it Balanced: For an equal mix of protein, wholegrains and veg, make a mezze-style meal and dip sticks of carrot, pepper, cucumber, cheese and seeded pitta into houmous and guacamole. The variation of tastes and textures keeps you interested and full enough to keep the hunger at bay for the rest of the afternoon!

Super-Quick: This version may sound more like breakfast than lunch but you will find that this will fill you up far better than a shop bought sandwich! Buy a small pot of greek yoghurt and add a handful of nuts, seeds, blueberries or raspberries - seconds to put together, minutes to eat and the combination of fat and protein will keep you full for hours.

Healthy Pitta: A simple sandwich - stuff a pitta bread with chicken, lettuce, tomato and salsa - this final spicy touch delivers flavour as well as giving a great balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Fast Lunch Rules:

• A Protein Fix: It must contain a good mix of protein and fat to keep you full well into the evening.
• Fruit and Veg: Lunch must contribute to your 5 a day!
• The Right Carbs: Pick good quality wholgrain carbs to keep blood sugar levels even and prevent mid-afternoon sugar cravings!

Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Being Happy with YOU!

How many of us can look in the mirror and honestly say that we are happy with what we see? I don't think I've ever met anyone who can say 'I look perfect' or 'I'm so happy with me!' So why can't we ever be content with the way that we look? Low self-esteem? Being too bothered about other people's perceptions of us? Setting unrealistic goals? Or the old adage; we all simply want what we can't have?! 

We all have days when we don't feel 100% about ourselves and the way that we look; I am sure many of us have experienced 'fat days', 'thin days', 'good days' and 'bad days'. I truly believe that we know deep-down when these perceptions stem from being valid (feeling and looking overweight and being proactive in tackling it) to just completely unrealistic (picking fault with everything about how we look). So why do we feel like this?

Let's look to the media and the fashion industry - I know that there are so many strong minded individuals out there, who know what they want and don't care what other people say or write about; but for every one of these fabulous people; there are plenty more who consciously/subconsciously filter through and  focus on the unrealistic body shapes and lack of diversity which is in the media.

Rather than putting women under pressure to achieve the 'perfect' body - which for the record, doesn't exist! - there should be a fairer representation of 'real' women in the media. I'm not championing being overweight and being happy about it, but we are all different - we are not identikit robots - we should be supportive to each other to be fit, healthy and embrace the way that we look. We need to be happy in our skin - I don't think that if you are unhappy, accept the way you are - as we all have the power to change things for ourselves - but don't try to set unachieveable goals.

For today's exercise we will focus on creating a self portrait. It doesn't matter if you are not great at art; the whole point is to have a different experience in front of the mirror to create a new perspective. This exercise helps you to get comfortable with looking at your reflection and practicing the art of not judging but playing with materials to help to alleviate some of the critical thoughts that you may have about yourself when we look at our reflection. This can be a difficult experience for people who spend time only to critique themselves in the mirror and attaching emotion to those critiques. This exercise is more about looking at the face as a set of shapes, lines and colours which builds the appreciation of the beauty of it rather than finding the flaws within it. With more practice this exercise can gradually decrease the initial instinct to judge. 

Where do I start?
You will need a canvas (you can pick these up really cheaply), paintbrushes, paint, a palette (or paper plates will do), water, paper towels, a pencil and a mirror. Find somewhere comfortable to sit and make sure that you have a mirror in front of you so that you can see your face. Outline your face shape on the canvas with a pencil - this doesn't need to be exact! This is about spending time with yourself, learning the curves of your face, the colour of your eyes and the experience of playing with art materials. Spend some time painting your portrait. Once you have finished, try not to judge; remember fighting your inner critic is what you are trying to overcome!

Friday Focus: Complete this exercise during the weekend. Pick some quiet time for inner reflection!

Wisdom Wednesday

 Overcome those mishaps!!!..

The Beauty Deli Big Question

Business/Entrepreneurship: What's your WHY? 
If you have a big enough WHY, you will always figure out the What and the How. If you don't have a big WHY you will always use the What and the How as an excuse for the things that you said that you were going to do. 

Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!

Monday Management - Time Management - Where do I start?

Starting out in business
Time Management - Where do I start?

This is a subject quite close to my heart - primarily because it is something that in some way or another, I have had to work on over the years! Many of my friends will tell you I am the last one to arrive for any party or get-together; not because I am trying to be fashionably late but because I am have always had a real issue with getting anywhere on time! I make sure that I allocate my time properly, leaving plenty of time to get ready and choose an outfit but there always seems to be a last minute hitch - an unplanned fashion emergency - the shoes don't match the outfit as well as I thought for example - or my hair or makeup isn't quite right - but we've always been there haven't we?!

Personal dilemmas are a lot different to a professional ones - I suppose subconsciously I am more relaxed about the fact that a few minutes here and there won't make a massive difference, but I believe in business we should take a completely different approach and when I need to manage my time effectively I am always - surprisingly - on point. You have to tackle your professional life in a completely different way - you are not just representing yourself and your capabilities but also your business and any brands which you may be associated with.

I'm not just talking about the importance of arriving on time to meetings, but also the need to manage your time when planning your day, week or month. Effective time management is about finding ways to complete the tasks that will ultimately help you to reach your goals - this is what the foundation of your business is built on - the building blocks that you need, stem from planning your time efficiently.

Really effective long-term time management, however is about self knowledge and involves spending time reflecting on your own preferences and priorities. A common assumption when starting a business is that you will be able to do everything differently and change all of your habits - a good exercise is to think about the things that you manage/juggle in your life at the moment, think about how much you fit into your average day and identify the times in a week when you can viably fit in times to complete business tasks.

Early morning may work well for you or if you work full-time you can plan your time during the evening - maybe when your children are in bed. We all have extra time at the weekend - Sunday is a great day to allocate to planning the forthcoming week. Taking this time to reflect on your life and commitments is important as it means that you can make realistic changes based on self-knowledge about what works best for you.

Planning your week - Quick Tips:
Building on your self-knowledge you can plan a week ahead as you go...

• Use a week planner or a diary
• Make a list about what you want to accomplish in the week
• Break tasks down into manageable chunks

Next week: Basic Tools and Materials, Planning and Lists!

Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Get Creative and Colour!

Using art as self expression is an effective way to boost self esteem by expressing our feelings and inner confidence as connecting inward is an essential way to work on our self worth, happiness and confidence. This weeks exercise focuses on relaxation and is especially cathartic for me since I have survived the seven and a half weeks school summer holidays (the Autumn school term is on the horizon!) - if not with slightly less energy (and less money!) than when I started! 

The purpose of 'Friday Focus' for the next few weeks is to demonstrate ways of how we can boost our self-esteem, build our inner confidence and learn to set aside time to relax by using art as a way of self expression.

It is hugely important to allocate time for ourselves and to take time out from the distractions of everyday life and of all the challenges that it can throw in your direction. We need time to re-balance, breathe and relax with an occasional few hours of quiet time put aside just for us - whether you are an early bird - taking time to practice some yoga and prepare breakfast before everyone wakes up; or a night owl - making the most of your quiet evening time to have a relaxing bath and read a few chapters of a good book - we all have different ways in which we like to relax. 

But how about practising an exercise which uses colour? 'Colouring in' is a well documented relaxation technique (chromatherapy) advocated by Carl Jung in the early 20th century, as it activates different areas of the brain's cerebral hemispheres - which combine logic and creativity - and uses the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills. In simple terms, it lowers the activity of the emotional part of the brain, so is great for stress relief. 

You may have already seen some of the new 'grown-up' colouring books  in your local book shop or supermarket - I have seen at least 10 different examples in a local high street store today. These books are aimed at adults (not children!) and are full of gorgeous  fine-art ink illustrations featuring everything from elaborate enchanted gardens to abstract patterns and ornate Art Deco designs. If you worry that this may not be for you because you may not be great at art; someone else has drawn all of the outlines so that you can concentrate on releasing your creativity and imagination! Enjoy!

Friday Focus: If you don't want to invest your cash into a colouring book because you are worried that you won't get your use out of it, print off a sheet on the internet to get you started; there are loads to choose from! 

Product Round-Up: Aloe Gel Drink

Honest, truthful reviews of tried and tested products...

How many of us have those days when we just don't feel like our normal selves? When we wake up feeling run-down, tired, with absolutely no energy despite having a full nights sleep? How many days do you hit a mid-afternoon slump feeling sluggish and bloated and craving sugary snacks and drinks? I don't think I have met a single person who hasn't experienced at least one of these symptoms. It is normal - it is part of what life throws at you BUT it is changeable!

Reassessing the way that we treat ourselves and our health by looking at our diets and what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on the way that we feel. Fitness and well-being is a massive market nowadays and is becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of which foods, supplements and products we can use to make us look and feel better about ourselves.

It is only fitting that I dedicate this health post to the number 1 top selling product - Aloe Vera Gel. This pure stabilised gel is as close to the natural plant juice as possible and contains over 200 compounds, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals and 12 vitamins! Don't know much about Aloe? To see how amazing this wonder-botanical is, click HERE for more information.

Many customers were initially introduced to this product through purchasing the Clean 9 detox package and have continued to use it by integrating it into their everyday lifestyle after experiencing fantastic results which, from customer to customer have varied from - considerable sustainable weight loss, noticeably clearer skin, a rise in energy and vitality and an overall improved sense of well being.

Aloe Vera Gel addresses all of the issues which we need to make ourselves feel great. It cleanses and detoxifies, re-balances the immune system, aids healthy digestion and supplies the body with all of the important ingredients which it needs to allow complex enzyme systems to work efficiently.

My view?
Aloe Vera Gel is one of the best nutritional supplements available. I have seen and read amazing results and testimonials from hundreds of devotees. If this product wasn't great, then it wouldn't sell and it certainly wouldn't be the number 1 best seller for Forever. Most importantly it is sustainable. It is a product which can be easily integrated into an everyday healthy balanced diet. It is not a short-term fix, it is a long-term solution to help to maintain good health and an improved sense of general well-being by meeting our bodies nutritional needs by aiding efficient function.

Need a boost? Trial this product!
Aloe Vera Gel - £21.26 for 1 Litre

BUY from my online store HERE

Product Round-Up: Whitening Tooth Gel

Honest, truthful reviews of tried and tested products...

I've spoken to a number of ladies about their cosmetic wish list (and we all have one!) and their top three recurring choices tend to be .. whiter teeth, longer lashes and clearer, smoother skin. A year round non- harmful tan and killer abs would be nice too but we know that some things may be easier (or more realistic) to achieve in the short-term than others!

Cosmetic perfection can take time, effort, perseverance (and in some cases, money!) but I have a found an amazing natural product which can tick off the first of the 'must-haves' on this list and doesn't cost a fortune like some teeth whitening treatments!

This fluoride free product contains only the highest quality natural ingredients, including patented aloe vera and bee propolis which helps to protect teeth and gums whilst fighting plaque and natural peppermint and spearmint flavourings to freshen breath. As this product is a gel rather than a paste it is non-abrasive which protects tooth enamel and gums.

I have spoken to ladies who tell me that they use nothing other than this product when brushing their teeth and others who say that they have incorporated it into their dental care routine while intermittently still using their usual recommended fluoride toothpastes.

You only have to look at the results posted online by happy customers to see the amazing results that they have achieved by using this product!

My view?
For the cost of this product in comparison to other brands out there which claim to whiten teeth fast (by using chemicals and bleaching agents no less) this really is a great buy. Anything which contains natural ingredients is a win-win for me anyway, but I have found in the past that all-natural cosmetics and skincare sometimes do have to compromise on things such as fragrance and effectiveness (you have to use twice as much etc) but this product ticks every box - it fights plaque, is kind to teeth and gums, is gentle enough for the whole family, freshens breath and effectively whitens teeth with regular use. This is definately a bathroom cupboard staple that everyone should try.

Forever Bright Toothgel - £5.98 for 130g 

BUY from my online store HERE

Wisdom Wednesday

The Beauty Deli Big Question

'We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers' Carl Sagan

Perspective: 'If you weren't scared what would you do?' 
Use the 'rocking chair' test - what would your 90 year old self, looking back on your own life, advise you to do in the moment?

Monday muse... take a moment to answer today's question. Pass it on... Find out more about the people you know. Even the small things provide BIG revelations! Engage in conversation. Build relationships. Speak to someone new!

CocoNUTS about Coconuts!

I am nuts for coconut products; either beauty, food or beverages; they all work for me! I first made the switch from fruit juice in the morning (high in sugar) to coconut water and from organic semi skimmed milk to coconut milk and I can honestly say I love the taste, flavour and health benefits that these products add to my diet. 

My favourite all-round coconut product by far has to be coconut oil; I use this to add extra taste to stir-fries, Thai dishes and curries. It adds a real depth of flavour to creamy dishes such as risotto too and is super healthy compared to mechanically pressed oils such as vegetable and sunflower oils (try to steer clear from these at all costs!) As it has a higher smoking temperature than most oils it is great for wok-style cooking. Olive oil is great too to use for drizzling and frying (at lower temperatures) - remember there is such as thing as 'good' fats - see my previous post 'will eating fat make me fat?! 

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which is a healthy form of saturated fat compared to trans fats. Our body metabolises MCFA fats in the liver which converts these into energy rather than being stored as fat. It has helped massively with my digestion as the fatty acids in coconut oil contains anti microbial properties which sooth bacteria, candida or parasites that can cause poor disgestion; I now suffer less from heartburn and hardly any tummy bloating after eating a meal - there is nothing worse than feeling 'over-full'!

Incorporating coconut oil into your diet is ideal if you are embarking on a healthy eating plan, mini-detox or just want to lose a few pounds. Alongside reducing abdominal obesity when used as part of a healthy eating plan, it boosts metabolism - studies have shown that people who consume coconut oil burn more kilojoules than those who don't - a good benchmark is about 2tbsp per day - plus eating it pure helps to control those sugar cravings!

One of the real reasons that I love this product - apart from the fact that it is healthy and tastes gorgeous - is that it smells divine - how many other kitchen products can you think of which can be used in your beauty regime? It works really well on nails and cuticles - it is an essential part of my mani-pedi routine now. I also smooth it onto areas which prone to drying out such as knees, elbows and heels and use it on my face if my skin needs a pick-me-up - it is amazing in winter when the cold weather dries skin out. You can use it as a hair mask but my hair is too fine for that - try though if you have thicker hair which needs a moisture boost!

Last tip? A huge amount of body scrubs on the market are full of plastic micro-beads which really aren't great for the environment - a really simple way to make a fuss-free homemade scrub with coconut oil is to melt a a few tablespoons of oil and when cooled mix with brown sugar or sea salt. Really easy and super effective!

Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Vision Boards

Using art as self expression is an effective way to boost self esteem by expressing our feelings and inner confidence as connecting inward is an essential way to work on our self worth, happiness and confidence. This weeks exercise is to show you how to create a vision or dream board. A vision board helps you to focus and create a positive outlook to your future.

Just taking some time out to focus on what you want out of life can relieve some stress and allows you to see how you can reach those goals. This exercise is based on the law of attraction which states that we bring into our lives what we think about the most - a vision board being a daily reminder of the things that we want for ourselves. By seeing these things, we think about them and if you believe in the law of attraction, we are more likely to obtain them.

Take a look at where you are now and determine what you want from the future and where you want to be - your goals and aspirations. Also identify what you want to change and how you can effectively make those changes. Once you are in the mindset of identifying these future goals, an easy way to start is to take a stack of magazines and newspapers and select words and images that represent these goals.

If you are not sure as to what you want your future goals to be, you can still do this exercise and get a lot out of it. Select words and images that stand out to you; there may not be a specific reason why but by setting out these cuttings can create a clearer picture as to what path you may wish to follow.

It is a really great way to gauge your progress by realising where you want to be, what you are doing right now to achieve your desired future and what factors present in your life may be holding you back.

Friday Focus - Create a vision or dream board this weekend to see what positive steps you can take to keep your future in perspective. 

Friday Focus: Building Self Esteem

'To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are' Anonymous

Following on from last weeks post about positive thinking, looking at how we perceive ourselves seems like an apt progression. Self-esteem and self-confidence are the building blocks of attracting positive thoughts. So how do we feel about ourselves as people and what do we base our perceptions on?

Self-esteem can vary from person to person dependent on external factors such as if they have a successful career, to how they look to whether people like them or appreciate them. If any of these external factors shift then a persons self-esteem can be hugely affected.

To build self-confidence you need to create a positive self-awareness. In last weeks Friday Focus I asked you to list 10 things that you like about yourself and concentrate on them. Beginning this inner dialogue about who you are and what you have to offer the world is not an easy task but it is essential to define your own empowerment and strength. By taking an inventory of your strengths and abilities you can see what you have to offer as a person and you become at peace with who you are - but this does not mean that you are unable to see your weaknesses - it simply means that you can accept who you are and that you like the person that you have become. You are unique, special and valuable and you deserve to feel good about yourself.

If there are issues that you don't like about yourself, tackle these problems head-on - but be realistic. If you want to lose weight for example, set goals and challenges, plan in advance and record your achievements. Celebrate each target that you hit and write down how you feel - this really helps. See the Clean 9 detox for a fantastic solution to help you move forward. 

Overall, we all have our 'down-days' and our self-confidence may not be sky-high from one day to the next. If you can feel your emotions becoming out of control; one way to rebuild your self-esteem is to regain control by learning how to manage your mood effectively. See my 5 simple tips for lifting your mood!

Friday Focus - Allow some time for yourself this weekend. Treat yourself to whatever you choose. It could be a few minutes of relaxation time, reading a chapter of a book or even having a cup of coffee in a pleasant place - take some time out!

Wisdom Wednesday

Being Happy and Staying Happy

We all need a kick-start at times. Life isn't always easy and everyday isn't a breeze and sometimes we need a helping hand to pull ourselves out of a mood dip and to get ourselves back on the right track.

For the last two weeks I've been ill, run-down, working practically everyday, looking after my son on the days I'm not working, putting a huge amount of pressure on myself for not having the time to complete jobs that I should in normal circumstances have time to do - domestic and professional - and to be honest; I have felt as though I couldn't see a way forward.

There was so much that I wanted to do and so much that I couldn't; but I realise now that I had been extraordinarily hard on myself at being unable to complete these tasks.

I am in general, a pretty positive person. I see 'can-do' solutions to solve difficult problems, put a light-hearted spin on heavy situations and try to see the good in people even if others can't - I write about positivity and about inviting positive choices into our lives through implementing healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. So you would think that I would be able to find it easy to put my own guidance into practice and live my life by these rules?

With hindsight; this week was cathartic. I had, let's call it an 'epiphany' - and decided that I needed to break the self destructive cycle which was taking over my thoughts and actions. By inviting a positive and rational process into my thoughts and by eradicating all of the negative 'can't do' 'can't cope' attitudes and obstacles that seemed to pile up in front of me I began to move forward. The clouds began to lift as did the huge weight resting on my shoulders and the week which stretched ahead didn't seem too bad - or daunting - after all.

5 Simple Tips for Lifting Your Mood - 'Let's reach those goals!'

1. Go easy on yourself. Be realistic and take the pressure off. Lengthen a deadline and make things easier!
2. Create a diversion and help someone else. I have never walked away from a charitable act feeling worse. If we can provide assistance to others we are capable of helping ourselves. 
3. Take small steps. Things take time. Break down a task by completing parts of it in bite size pieces. Write down your goals with 'mini' goals in between. As you work your way through the list and tick off each completed task; things will become more manageable. 
4. Repeat your mantras. Seems ridiculous; but by creating positive thoughts you will spur on positive actions; self-belief is essential to get to where you want to be - create a mantra to keep you going. It be anything from 'I can do this' to 'today will be a good day'. It really works to pick-you-up when feeling low!
5. Celebrate your achievements. We have all achieved things in our lives which we are proud of no matter how small. Write them down to remind yourself that you have made yourself and others proud. Focus on the good things, people and experiences of your life and build a 'can-do' mindset to reach your goals and overcome those mood dips!

Wisdom Wednesday

Friday Focus: Positive Thinking

'A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty' Winston Churchill 

I am going to use that 'Friday feeling' to bring a positive outlook to my blog and to use that as a feature every Friday. Today is seen as a good day for many - the end of a working week, the start of a free weekend to spend with friends and family or just two empty days to fill with as much (or as little) as you like!

We all face challenges in our lives that make it very difficult to remain positive sometimes - but if we look at these challenges as obstacles that we can overcome - it can make even the hardest times a little bit easier to work through. Positivity doesn't come naturally, it is something that we choose to be. If you look at situations in a negative way, this encourages a train of connected negative thoughts, excuses and reasons why we can't move forward and places blame on why a certain situation has happened.

It is simple; everything happens - not ominously, for a reason - but because it just happens - and it is up to you to choose how you feel about it. 

If you're tired of feeling worn out, miserable, angry and upset with people or things that have happened - let's try to stop that cycle and change the way that you feel. You need to look forward and rid your life of the negativity that surrounds you. Negative thoughts don't just attract negative situations but they also attract negative people. No one is perfect, and that isn't what we are striving to achieve, but you need to begin to rid your life of the negativity that surrounds it.

Negative thoughts trigger negative behaviours - your triggers could be alcohol, food, shopping - all of these behaviours mask things that we may not want to face in life. They 'gloss over' a situation by making us feel better. But for how long does that 'good feeling' last? Take a step back and examine which behaviours in our lives are good for us and which are not. Think about how you feel when the euphoria of experiencing your trigger wears off. Guilty? Angry? Resentful? Upset? You can learn from these negative experiences and turn them into positive experiences by replacing them with things that make you feel good.

Be kind to yourself; boost your self-esteem by learning to accept the person that you are inside and out. If you can identify things that need to change - you can change them but be positive about how you look and how you feel and try not to be overly critical. Be honest with yourself and steer clear of the negativity. Remember a positive outlook is a choice that we can make.

- Friday Focus - List 10 things that you like about yourself and concentrate on them. Define what integrity means for you and begin to reclaim it - Start the weekend on a positive note!

Why Drink More Water?

Water may not be the most exciting drink... sometimes I prefer a gin and tonic! To be honest many of us drink it out of necessity rather than because we enjoy it. But as roughly 60 percent of our bodies are made of water should we be more mindful as to how much (or little) we are drinking? And does it really matter - and can it make a difference?

HEALTHY BODY: Keep Things Running Smoothly: Drinking enough water helps to maintain the body's fluid balance which helps to transport nutrients in the body; it is also essential to regulate body temperature by keeping us hydrated and aids the digestion of our food. Get Rid of Toxins: Our kidneys rely on fluids to flush away what we don't need - their job is to rid our bodies of any toxins and water helps them to do their job efficiently and effectively. Drink Yourself Skinny: Water helps you to feel full and aids weight loss - it is essential to 'up' your water intake when embarking on a weight loss or detox programme to keep you on the right track. Water also helps to burn fat by promoting the breakdown and elimination of fat cells at an increased rate. Drink a glass of water at least 30 minutes before a meal to suppress any cravings and control meal portions.

HEALTHY MIND: Focus: Water keeps you refreshed and alert; boosting your brain function - if you feel tired there is a good chance that you could be dehydrated. Because I'm Happy!: Research indicates that even mild hydration can impact on your mood cognitive function; keep hydrated, keep smiling! Simple!

LOOKING GOOD: Love the Skin You're In: Water improves capillary blood flow which promotes healthier and younger-looking skin. It also replenishes skin tissues, moisturises skin and increases elasticity. A dull, lacklustre skin tone can show that you are not drinking enough of the good stuff!  Keep it Fresh: Bad breath can be an indication that you may not be drinking enough water. Wash away food particles and bacteria with water to dilute the promotion of oral bacteria. Try to drink a glass of water before and after meals and snacks.

So how much should you drink? Experts recommend drinking between 8 and 10 glasses of water a day to maintain good health. As an added plus - it contains no calories, fat, carbohydrates, sugar and is FREE!

Don't like plain water or want to make it interesting?
Check out the fabulous website www.infusedwaters.com for some amazing ideas. This website ran by water enthusiast Amy Pogue; who is on a mission to give plain water a tasty spin using fresh, natural ingredients is full of refreshing inspiration!

Wisdom Wednesday

It's been a planning kind of day... and I suspect it will be a planning kind of evening...

The Benefits of Lemon Water - Does it Really Help?

Drinking hot water and lemon is hardly a revelation. We seem to be told on a regular basis in magazines, the internet and social networking sites about the next 'in' thing, the next 'super food' to try and what we should and shouldn't eat. I tend to think that a 'try before you buy' approach is the best way to eliminate what works for you and what doesn't. Plus let's face it, some things are nothing more than faddy write-ups which realistically don't have any life-changing effect on your health or your body. 

Do I buy into the hype?

I drink lemon water in the morning as it seems to wake me up more than coffee and is a lot more refreshing but what are the benefits and does it really make any difference? 

Firstly, lemon water does not aid weight loss - this is a HUGE myth - unless you are substituting a sugary or higher calorie drink for this low kcal version (a standard glass contains only 25 calories) then you won't lose weight by adding this into your diet. 

Although lemons are acidic, they are a good source of alkaline food to help to balance the body's PH levels - a fab antedote for curing an upset tummy. This wonder-combination kick-starts the digestive system by flushing out toxins from the liver - so it serves as the perfect 'good morning' drink. Great if you have 'over-indulged' the night before!

Lemons, popular for their therapeutic properties help to maintain your immune system (that's why a cup of honey and lemon for colds works wonders) and are an effective antiseptic. If you suffer from heart problems substitute fresh lemon for fresh lime due to its high potassium content. 

BUT as much as they are good for you, lemons, limes and citrus fruits in general are acidic and they can weaken the enamel on teeth, if consumed frequently over a long period of time - always drink lemon and lime juice which has been well diluted and rinse well after consuming - usually follow up with a glass of plain water. 

Overall, start the day in a fresh way... what you choose to consume for breakfast usually paves the way for your meal choices for the day ahead. Be positive and most importantly healthy!

Wisdom Wednesday

If you work hard you can achieve your goals!

Wisdom Wednesday

Grab future opportunities with both hands! Be positive!

Sugar - The Healthy Girl's Nemesis!

We all know by now that sugar is the real villain of our diets - you only have to look at the increasing rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease prevalent in today's society. We, as a nation, are fatter and sicker than ever and it is our responsibility to tackle our addiction to the sweet stuff head-on. 

This isn't about the obvious sugars which we sample on a daily basis; we need to be able to identify sugar in all its forms. All carbohydrates for example, are converted to sugar once you have eaten them so even the 'healthy' forms such as honey, fruit and whole grains are registered as 'sugar' by our bodies. The body doesn't know the difference between a piece of toast or a pack of sweets! If you are active then you can utilise these 'sugars' and convert them into much needed energy - but if you aren't and spend most of your time at a desk then these will be converted into fat and stored around your organs and your waistline. It may sound dramatic, but this is a fact and it could be serious. 

But I love pasta! So how are these 'sugars' affecting me?
Many people who have a sugar-based diet in the form of carbohydrates have too much visceral fat which is the fat which gets stored around our organs. Fat is stored first in the liver, then in the muscles, then around our internal organs. Visceral fat is close to the portal vein which carries blood from the stomach area to the liver; fatty acids and cytokines from visceral fat can enter the portal vein and go straight to the liver which can lead to a fatty liver, hepatic insulin resistance and elevated triglycerides. This is one of the most dangerous types of fat that you can have - it is linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalance and dementia. 

The most common form of fat is subcutaneous fat. This is the soft fat that you can see under the skin - subcutaneous fat on the stomach area can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes just like visceral fat. Unlike visceral fat which can be hard to lose, visible body fat can be tackled head-on with a healthy clean diet and exercise. A detox is always a good way to kick start any kind of healthy eating initiative. See the Clean 9 plan for great results in 9 days.

I'm addicted to the sweet stuff! 
We have a deep rooted resistance to quitting sugar, it is a highly addictive substance but it's not always down to lack of willpower. Our bodies are hard-wired to to select the fastest releasing carbohydrate within sight to stabilise our blood sugar levels - how many of us have turned to a chocolate bar or piece of cake when we feel that we are flagging mid-morning or afternoon? Sugar contains endorphins which have a feel-good effect on the brain; which, when wears off makes us moody, irritable and craving more!

Let's look at sugar in a different way...
Our bodies are finely tuned machines which are only designed to consume natural sugars from fruits and vegetables. Try to be more aware of what you are eating at mealtimes; keep a food diary if that helps and check the ingredients in the food you are eating. Cereals, spreads and fruit juices are all packed with sugar at breakfast time; sandwiches, crisps, cereal bars, cakes and soft drinks are filled with sugar at lunchtime and that jar of ready made sauce that you are going to add to your pasta? Full of sugar! Check the packaging - don't choose low-fat options; take a look at the sugar content in these misleadingly labelled goods next time you take a trip to the supermarket. 

I don't have time!
I know that we all lead busy lives and we don't always want to cook from scratch but a bit of pre-planning and by keeping our meals simple is so easy! Tonight for example, I chose a simple dinner - a tasty salad, some goats cheese and left over sweet potato dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Choose seasonal fruit and vegetables and work with what you have. Nigel Slater is fab for giving seasonal inspiration for meal ideas with fresh flavours - just try to limit meals which are too carb-heavy! 

The best tip is to keep your food as simple and pure as possible; if it's packaged leave it on the shelf! Flavour your meals with herbs and spices and steer clear of jar sauces and packet seasoning. For pudding, choose low fructose fruit and coconut yoghurts over low-fat yoghurts and mousses. Dark chocolate (over 70% solids) is ok in moderation; and enjoy the odd glass of wine - which should feel like a treat rather than a necessity! 

Don't beat yourself up if you fancy the odd piece of cake or a biscuit; changing your eating habits should be a way of life not a miserable quick-fix. It takes time to introduce new habits and it can be fun trying new foods and flavour combinations. Take it in stages. Eliminate one item then take it from there; try to find alternatives or even have a go at making your own dressing and sauces. Your low-sugar journey starts here!

Wisdom Wednesday

Detox Diary: Days 6+

So after a week combined with feeling amazing after my 'detox' to feeling very ill (thanks to my son bringing home the dreaded lurgy from school!)... here's a brief round up of days 6,7,8 and 9 meal ideas...

Breakfast Ideas: Smoked Salmon with Rice-Cakes, Avocado on Gluten-Free Seeded Toast, Coconut Yoghurt with Blueberries and Chai Seeds and Poached Eggs with Asparagus.
Lunch Ideas: Bean Salad, Mackerel with Salad and Sprouted Legume, Chilli Calamari with Quinoa and Goats Cheese with Rice Cakes.
Dinner Ideas: Prawn Stirfry with Chilli, Wholegrain Basmati and Cabbage, Chicken and Mango Salad, Spicy 'Indian' Smoked Salmon Stirfry with Quinoa and Baked Seabass with Sweet Potato and Green Vegetables. 

I eat lots of stir fry options for evening meals as they are quick and easy. You can add anything that you may have in your fridge and add spices and herbs to give them flavour. A wok gets to a high temperature really quickly so you don't need to add much oil - use olive oil or coconut oil as both have a high resistance to heat - leave processed oils such as vegetable, sunflower and rapeseed oils on the shelf! I love walnut and avocado oils as well but these are best served cold drizzled over finished dishes. Invest in the fantastic book by Ching-He Huang 'Eat Clean: Wok Yourself to Health' if you love Asian cuisine but want to sample healthier but just as tasty alternatives rather than choosing the takeaway option or a shop bought sauce (loaded with sugar!).

Rice cakes are my savour - I love them! You can add sweet or savoury toppings - peanut butter is my cheat topping! Whole Earth Organic Peanut Butter with Sunflower Seeds is a personal fave! Try almond butter too - it is gorgeous... but if you prefer plain butter (organic preferably) a little of the 'good fats' are healthy! 

On the whole, healthy eating is a way of life and not a short-term fix to feeling better. This experiment shows how easy eating clean really is especially after all of the hard work you may have put into achieving your goal during your Clean 9! Healthy food shouldn't mean boring food and the simplest tip I can give to keep you on track is to choose foods which are as pure as possible; as close to nature as they can be. Nothing packaged or processed! And allow yourself the odd treat; if you want a slice of cake; have one but keep it moderate! Enjoy! Any tips you may have would be most appreciated!

Will eating fat make me fat?

Let's dispel the myth - eating fat does not make you fat. This statement is almost as ridiculous as saying; eating vegetables will turn you green! I think that all of us have been told by someone - (in newspapers, magazines or by friends and family) that fat is BAD. It's not true! Many fats are vital - we need fats for our immune health, digestion and metabolism. They act as antioxidants and get rid of toxins in our systems and are essential for overall good health. 

Fats, proteins and carbs all have corresponding appetite hormones which act as messengers to our brains to control our hunger. So instead of getting fat; we get FULL - fat activates our metabolisms by processing several important vitamins such as vitamin D. Eating good fats can actually help you to lose weight!

What are 'good' fats?

Natural fats such as eggs, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, nuts, seeds, oils (olive, coconut) and avocados all contain fatty acids which are essential for good health. Every cell in the body has an outer layer that is made up of fat, so we need to consume good fats to keep these cells strong and healthy. Some saturated fats found in red meat and butter are not as bad as previously thought and there really isn't any evidence to support the theory that these increase heart disease. Butter should be used over any mechanically produced 'spreads' and 'margarines' but in moderation. Don't buy processed red meats such as ham, salami, sausages and mince and eat organic red meat occasionally. 

Why are we so scared of eating fat?

Look back 50 years ago when people didn't know about the level of fat in their food. During the post-war era, home-cooked food which was bought from the local butcher, baker or greengrocer was the staple of many homes and the amount of fat or calories which may have been in it wasn't even thought about. 

In the 1950s, the Government encouraged us to consume vegetable oils which were added to packaged food such as margarine and mayonnaise. In the 1960s, we were told that consuming fat increased our risk of heart disease and made us fat, so we began to fear natural foods such as butter, red meat and eggs. And so it began...

Fast-forward to the 80's - the decade when new attitudes to food changed dramatically - full-fat foods were replaced with 'fat-free', 'low-fat' and 'lite' processed alternatives. This was the period where the obsession of calorie counting and weight-watching was 'in' and the food industry were there ready and willing to meet this demand. They seized this profit-making opportunity and produced low-fat versions of everything-  yogurts, sauces, microwavable meals and fruit juices. These made their way into households all over the country - foods laden with chemicals, hydrogenated fats and sugar. 

The message that fat was bad was misleading to say the least. We began to eat less fat than ever before yet we were getting fatter which impacted on our health. I'm not saying "eat lots of fat!" - there is nothing wrong with naturally low-fat food such as chicken, fish and vegetables - but there is a huge amount wrong with processed low-fat foods such as yogurts, margarines, spreads, cereals, juices and ready-meals. These foods have had the fat taken out but replaced with sugar, sweeteners and additives. Excess sugar gets converted into fat. Fact! 

Detox Diary: Days 4 and 5

Phew! What a crazy couple of days! Here's an update of my 'detox' diary for days 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday)... better late than never!!!

Detox Diary: Day 4 

Hot Water and Lemon (my cleansing morning staple!)

Breakfast: Gluten Free Porridge made with Coconut Milk with Chai Seeds
Lunch: Lettuce 'Wraps' filled with Kale, Peanut and Quinoa Salad with Coconut Water
Snacks: 4 (small) Slices of Watermelon
Dinner: BBQ Baked Salmon with Salad
Cheats?! As it was Friday, I had one glass of gluten-free wine!

Detox Diary: Day 5

Hot Water and Lemon

Breakfast: Gluten Free Muesli with Coconut Milk
Lunch: Three Bean Salad with a Mint Dressing with Coconut Water
Dinner: Chicken and Mango Salad with Pine-nuts 

By making a conscious decision to drink lots more water, I can see a huge difference in my skin; it really is the key to keeping healthy and hydrated and it's free! When drinking tap water try to use a filter to sieve out the nasties!

Detox Diary: Day 3

I'm finding keeping a food diary quite cathartic. It's a really good way of charting the ups (and downs!) of your daily diet; it's also helpful to pinpoint the foods which work for us and the ones that don't. Ever felt bloated after a meal? Or do you hit a sugar-slump mid-afternoon and crave sweet-treats?

In later blogs I'll be exploring the nutritional value of certain foods in our diets and the types of food that we may need to avoid to encourage a healthier lifestyle; I'll also be dispelling urban diet myths - do fats make us fat for example?!

Anyway here's todays clean eating plan:

Detox Diary: Day 3

Hot Water and Lemon
Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs with Spinach
Lunch: Fish Sushi Rolls with Coconut Water
Snack: Wholegrain Nut Salad
Dinner: Duck Stir-fry (Peppers, Cabbage, Carrots, Spring Onion) with Wholegrain Noodles

Remember: Keep hydrated!!! 

I'll be posting a few pics of my meals on Instagram feed. Why not check it out for 'clean' inspiration?

Tmw: Detox Diary: Day 4... What will the weekend bring?!

Detox Diary: Day 2

Hello! Today is a quick one as I don't usually post on a Wednesday - except for the all-inspiring 'Wisdom Wednesdays' of course! 

Yesterday was a breeze but today I'm craving something sweet - maybe it's to do with the 'honey' popcorn I ate last night (and yes I did only have less than a third of bag (115 cals) - and it was delicious!) I know it's hardly 'clean' eating but I went to the cinema and it couldn't be helped!

Food plan back on track now...!

Hot Water and Lemon - 
Breakfast: Oven Baked Salmon Fillet with Avocado and Coconut Water
Peach, Chamomile and Green Tea Drink
Lunch: Mackerel Fillet with Quinoa, Kale and Peanut Salad 
Snack: Rice Cake and Peanut Butter and Sunflower Seeds
Dinner: 'Skinny' Beef Stroganoff made with Low-Fat Natural Yoghurt and Wild Rice

Tmw: Detox Diary: Day 3

Wisdom Wednesday

Detox Diary - Meal Hints and Tips

Detox Diary - Day 1

It may be a Tuesday - not all detox programmes and healthy eating initiatives have to start on a Monday! - but I'm conducting a little experiment to show you how following a clean nutritional food plan for a 9 day period (in homage to the Clean 9 super-detox!) can be easy and fun! 

After your Forever Living Clean 9 detox you will feel amazing; light and full of energy, improved skin condition; have a clearer and more positive way of thinking AND you will have dropped a few pounds to boot! But as I explained; this programme is not to be confused with a diet - it should be seen as a starting block to a new way of life; and should change your attitude towards your diet and ultimately towards yourself! 

A real bugbear of mine is that healthy eating means a boring diet. Not true! Over the next 9 days I want to share a few of my favourite foods and meals with you and hopefully provide a little inspiration for your recipes at home. Simple to prepare, easy ingredients to source and really tasty!

If you are embarking on a clean-eating programme; for the first couple of weeks at least, you will find it helpful to start keeping a food diary. This gives you some idea of what foods you enjoy; the meals that you keep going back to and the foods that you love to eat (I mean sneaky snacks! - maybe we could find a healthier alternative?!). The key is to be honest. Details matter - don't miss out the little 'extras' while you are starting this journey - as with most Mummy's, I used to be terrible for picking at the left over food on the plate of my son's dinner! I used to squeeze washing up liquid over it as soon as he finished his meal - this stops the temptation as it's completely inedible and also stops me from consuming the unwanted calories - do I really need it?!

I usually introduce a session of clean-eating into my diet every so often to re-encourage good habits and to dispel the bad ones - especially if I feel that I have been 'burning-the-candle-at-both-ends' as I have of late! (Sunny evenings with gin and tonics and glasses of wine in the garden!)

Detox Diet: Day 1:

I started my day at 6.00 - the lighter mornings make it easier to start your day on a good note! - half an hour of yoga and 15 minutes of running... simple light exercise! Remember, exercise is more than just keeping fit - it gives you time to yourself and time to think. 

Morning Wake-Up: Hot Water and Lemon
(A great digestion cleanser - I really enjoy drinking this in the morning over tea and coffee - try with freshly grated ginger too if you want more of a boost!) Throughout the day keep hydrated with lots of water; it is what your body needs most!

Breakfast: Boiled Egg and Asparagus with Green Tea and Lemon
Lunch: Prawn and Sashimi Salad with Coconut Water
Snack: 1 Rice Cake with Peanut Butter with Sunflower Seeds 
Dinner: Salmon Fillet (cooked in walnut oil) with Brown Basmati, Quinoa and Salad

Cheats?!: Planning a detox on the day I organise a trip to the cinema is not the best idea BUT I've found a guilt-free (kind of!) alternative to popcorn - Metcalfe's skinny popcorn is delicious and with only 115 calories per 25g serving (a large bag is 75g) it is a go-to option if you feel you must snack! I've chosen 'honey on toast' flavour and with three of us sharing it I probably won't even get my 25g serving! 

Tmw: Detox Diet: Day 2