As I try to find balance in life and make the most of the 12wbt, here are some tips/suggestions I've picked up along the way.
Preparing leek
- Cut the leek just before it turns from bright green to dark green
- Discard the dark green section (you can use this section to make stock though)
- Cut off the bottom tips with the roots too
- Next you need to get the dirt out of the leek. People use different methods for this but it is easiest to halve or quarter the leeks lengthwise, put them in a container of cold water (being cold is important) and agitate the leek to loosen up the dirt.
- Rinse the leek strips to ensure all the dirt is removed
- Dry on paper towel and then prepare as desired
Meal planning
As someone with lactose intolerance I find the standard nutrition plans don't suit me, and of course we all have different tastes.
So I have found it really helpful to create a meal planner through Word and add hyperlinks to the recipes, including the substitution recipes. It has become a really useful tool. I've even added a shopping list page so I can check the details on my phone while I'm at the market/supermarket.
How to row
For years I have wondered why people can't use rowing ergometers properly. Then one day I saw a trainer at my gym using it incorrectly and I realised that it's a piece of equipment that few people know how to use properly. Anyone who has done rowing (as in rowing in a boat) will probably know how to use an ergo. I happen to be one of those people. But rather than explain the correct technique or demonstrate it myself (not a pretty site) I recommend looking up the Concept2 website - they know what they're talking about.
If you don't have time to check out the video, my main suggestion is to use the muscles in your legs rather than just pulling with your arms. You will get a lot further with every stroke and it'll workout more muscles in your body too. Rushing up and down the slide as fast as possible isn't doing as much work as you might think. Also, when returning to the catch position (i.e.,when you are crouched forward) try to move your arms forward, out in front of you, before you raise your knees - this will make the entire motion more fluid. If this doesn't make much sense I promise the video is clearer.
Setting goals/planning
I take no credit for this whatsoever. The fantastic Vikki (blogger behind She Has Cute Shoes and She Has Cute Runners, among many other things) devised I'M SMARTER. It's a bit of a guide to help people really nut out their goals and think about how they're going to achieve them. I encourage everyone and anyone with a goal in mind to have a look at the flow chart below and really think about each question.
These questions could help anyone set, plan and achieve any realistic goals (not just related to weight loss).
For years I have wondered why people can't use rowing ergometers properly. Then one day I saw a trainer at my gym using it incorrectly and I realised that it's a piece of equipment that few people know how to use properly. Anyone who has done rowing (as in rowing in a boat) will probably know how to use an ergo. I happen to be one of those people. But rather than explain the correct technique or demonstrate it myself (not a pretty site) I recommend looking up the Concept2 website - they know what they're talking about.
If you don't have time to check out the video, my main suggestion is to use the muscles in your legs rather than just pulling with your arms. You will get a lot further with every stroke and it'll workout more muscles in your body too. Rushing up and down the slide as fast as possible isn't doing as much work as you might think. Also, when returning to the catch position (i.e.,when you are crouched forward) try to move your arms forward, out in front of you, before you raise your knees - this will make the entire motion more fluid. If this doesn't make much sense I promise the video is clearer.
Setting goals/planning
I take no credit for this whatsoever. The fantastic Vikki (blogger behind She Has Cute Shoes and She Has Cute Runners, among many other things) devised I'M SMARTER. It's a bit of a guide to help people really nut out their goals and think about how they're going to achieve them. I encourage everyone and anyone with a goal in mind to have a look at the flow chart below and really think about each question.
These questions could help anyone set, plan and achieve any realistic goals (not just related to weight loss).
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