Lorna Jane and MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE BLOG interview ME :-)

How thrilled was I to feature on "A Day In The Life Of Dani Stevens" on the Move Nourish Believe blog last week.

Really excited.

Here's just a snap shot!

6-7am: Typically I will either do my workouts before my husband leaves for work or while one of our daughters is asleep.

8-9am: Breakfast and the kids morning routine + my green raspberry smoothie on the go!

Raspberry Smoothie Recipe:

• 1 cup of spinach 
• 1 scoop of 180 Nutrition coconut protein powder
• 1 cup frozen berries 
• Handful of walnuts
• Drizzle of honey
• Yogurt or splash milk until you get your preferred consistency
• Blend away this amaze-ness on-the-go smoothie!

12-1pm: It’s lunch time… for me it is toast, poached eggs & asparagus – YUM!

Strawberry & Orange Muffin Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups wholemeal flour
• 1/4 cup honey or your choice of natural sweetener 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup macadamia (or your preference) oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

Method:

• Preheat oven 180C degrees
• Coat strawberries in flour.
• Whisk wet ingredients together with baking powder & soda.
• Add wet mixture with dry & mix to blend.
• Pour in muffin tray liners
• Bake until cooked. Approx. 20mins.   

2-3pm: Fun times with Mietta and Zali as we play princesses.

3-4pm: School pick up, snack time & bike ride with the kids.

5-6pm: Prep and cook dinner, tonight is turkey balls with herbs.

6-7pm: Adrian helps out with bed time routine as I train for my bike ride and stretch afterwards.

Super thrilled to be chosen to share my mnb lifestyle with like minded women. For more info you can read all about here.

Lorna Jane is one inspirational woman and we both share the same philosophy. Through her 3 pillars of Move, Nourish and Believe this is fundamentally what my journey is all about. It is why I blog my story to share with people across the world. Lorna's book (same title as the blog) is an amazing read, which a dear friend of mine Meg sent me recently. Thank you Meg x

I hope one day, I can meet both these beautiful woman who inspire me daily.

How do you Move, Nourish and Believe on a daily basis and do you think dreams come true?

Happy Thursday everyone!

XxDani

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Weight loss story - Transformation Tuesday with Eli Sapharti

You know how much you all inspire me, some of you send me daily messages that I inspire you. It's all a circle of love and for that I am truly humbled and I absolutely love what I do.

This next story will blow your mind. A dear new friend of mine, who I only just recently met, has ONE inspiring and amazing journey. He has recently launched his first book "One Step At A Time" and has been kind enough to offer one as a giveaway to one of my lucky readers.

Let me introduce you to this gorgeous man Eli.......

Fat Boy Fit Man BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

1. How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

In August I will be 44 yr old. 

My name is Eli Sapharti, aka FAT Boy FIT Man. Five years ago I weighed in at almost 140kg (300 pounds) and suffered with many ailments associated with obesity including high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, severe anxiety and depression. I suffered with obesity much of my life and as many of us that have battled with being overweight, tried almost every diet in existence and even "joined" the gym quite a few times, which is not the same as GOING

to the gym and actually exercising.

After many failed attempts at these, in 2008 I had an epiphany while traveling on business. I was at the airport in Miami and before boarding my flight, I went to buy a bottle of water. The clerk at the kiosk, a cute girl, said to me "You're really good looking for a BIG guy." Most obese guys would have taken that as a compliment. All I heard was "You're FAT!".
The entire trip I kept hearing her voice saying "You're FAT! You're FAT!" I was disgusted with myself. It's not like I didn't know I was fat before, but at that moment it just HIT me!

As I thought about all my previous failed attempts is when I got my epiphany and realized that "dieting" and impulsive joining of a gym didn't work and was not going to work....EVER! That is when I decided to make 2 small changes to start to improve my life. First thing I committed to was walking for 15 minutes EVERYDAY. And I also committed to stop drinking the 2 litres of regular soda I was accustomed to drinking everyday for at least 1 week. At the end of that week, with just those 2 changes, I lost 2 pounds. I was ecstatic! 2 pounds lost with just these "small" changes? WOW! This is how I came up with my "One Step at a Time" approach to weight loss success.

I am now a FIT 81kg (180 pounds). My walking 15 minutes has turned to running half marathons at a respectable 1:44 finish time, I have transformed my body from obese and sick to fit and healthy. But the most important change for me has been that I have found my passion in helping to inspire, motivate and help others achieve their own weight loss success. 

"One Step at a Time" through my weight loss coaching and my motivational speaking. I have recently published a book that will be officially released on June 2, 2013, but it is already available on Amazon.com and Amazon.uk  "From Fat Boy to Fit Man-A One Step at a Time- Story of Success"  It is my wish that those who read the book will find inspiration, motivation, hope and most of all they should know that they are not alone in their journey to a healthier life.

2. What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult?

I didn't reach a body weight of almost 300 lbs from eating vegetables and fruits.  As a child AND as an adult I ate everything from sugary cereals, potato chips, LOTS of pasta with LOTS of cheese, french fries, fast foods, A LOT of bread, ICE CREAM (My kryptonite even until today) and the worst thing in my old way of eating has to be the 2 liters of regular SUGARY soda (soft drinks) that I would have DAILY!  YUCK!

-What has changed since then?

SO much has changed from 5 years ago!  I slowly started making changes "One Step at a Time" in 2008 that has lead me to a much more conscious way of eating.  I most definitely do NOT drink any soda anymore, I do NOT eat fast foods and I am careful about my sugar intake.  Everything else, I enjoy in moderation and only OCCASIONALLY.   

3. Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I love watching NBA basketball.  GO MIAMI HEAT!  As far as practicing a sport, I am an avid runner with MANY 5K, 10K and Half Marathons under my belt.  I am currently training to run my first FULL Marathon!

- favourite workout?

Besides running, I also weight train at the gym.  I am a firm believer that weight/resistance training is VERY important in order to burn fat and build muscle tone.  Many folks make the mistake of doing ONLY cardio and although they lose weight, they do not necessarily lose fat.  My favorite body parts to work out are my chest, biceps and shoulders.  

4. What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

I have varied interests, ranging from outdoor activities to wine tastings, but my passion lies in being able to help others realize their potential to succeed through my coaching and public speaking.  It makes me smile BIG when I receive a message, a call or an email from someone telling me how I have helped to guide them towards a new healthier life.

But the thing that makes me smile the BIGGEST are my 3 amazing children!  They bring so much pride and joy to my life!

5. What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

In 2008, I had what many people call an epiphany of sorts.  I relate the entire story in detail in my book.  (I'd hate to ruin it for those who haven't read it yet)  :-)

6. What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

My dream is to see people changing their lives and getting healthier and happier with themselves.  I dream to help end  the obesity epidemic worldwide.  

In the nest 12 months I look forward to traveling to promote my book and spread my message of hope and inspiration through my speaking and teaching of the "One Step at a Time" approach to weight loss and fitness.

7. What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

There are MANY tips I could share, but I would have to say that the most important thing in order to succeed at weight loss and fitness is to break down the seemingly impossible into possibilities.  Do not take an ALL or NOTHING approach, instead take things "One Step at a Time".  The famous Buddhist philosopher Lao Tzu said it best with this quote: "The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step." 

Eli is one man that I have connected with on a fitfam level and I look forward to getting to know him even better. If you wish to connect with Eli, buy his book and continue to follow his journey, click below;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatBoyFitMan

Twitter: FatBoyFitMan

Instagram: elisapharti

Website: www.fatboyfitman.com
Amazon UK One Step At A Time
Amazon US One Step At A TIme

Here's a link to a short 4 minute video that YOU WILL find totally inspiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmxfTsrrd8I

Thank you once again Eli for sharing your story with us and I can't wait to read your book! For your chance to win Eli's book, simply leave a comment below based on what changes you made or are making to improve your lifestyle?


XxDani

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Richard Branson will you ride with us to conquer cancer?

I need everyone's support.
Please LIKE this Facebook picture. 

Please like this picture HERE

Hello everyone, you may remember my post HERE about my surprise photo shoot? My lovely friends at Lorna Jane were super kind to let me wear their active gear for a photo shoot I was doing for Richard Branson.

I have signed up for something very amazing. Yes. It's truly amazing. I am riding with thousands of cyclists to conquer cancer once and for all.

Our sensational captain Klaus Bartosch along with other phenomenal cyclists are called THE VISION CRUSADERS. We are attempting something that has never been done before. We are all dreamers and I have been told I can't do this but you know what? I WILL DO THIS!!!! 200kms, 6 races nationwide (and New Zealand) and per person we need $2,500 per ride to enter the fundraiser. I will do Every. Single. Ride. The Grand Slam and need your support as I start my campaign.


Here they all are!!!!

Rides to be Completed and seeking sponsorship:

(click on links for details or to donate)

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Brisbane) August 17-18*

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Sydney) October 12-13

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Perth) October 19-20

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Melbourne) October 26-27

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Auckland) November 17-18

Ride to Conquer Cancer (Adelaide) November 30-Dec 1

*$2,500 raised and qualified ride

To sponsor my final ride in Adelaide November 30th & December 1 CLICK HERE

So what's this cycling stuff really all about? Well here is a letter to the amazing man himself who inspired me as a young adult "Whatever business you are in, every company can shoot for the stars in their own way".

Sir Richard Branson will you come ride with us?

So here's me shooting for the highest star out there.....

Dear Sir Richard

My name is Daniela and I'm a fitness blogger based in Australia. My blog www.fitnessfoodandstyle.blogspot.com.au is only young and I've 80,000 people following me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. I love that my food and fitness challenges are inspiring others worldwide to make great changes in their lives, much like reading your Screw it, Let's Do it did for me 7 years ago. Thank you!

Currently I'm involved in a massively exciting campaign to fight cancer, a cause I have great passion for. I've joined with an amazing team of cyclists - all ordinary people, some cancer survivors - and we are riding to rid the world of Cancer. It's a big and bold goal but our team is determined to make a difference through completing all 6 of the Ride to Conquer Cancer events being held across Australia and in New Zealand this year.

Our team -  Vision Crusaders Grand Slam - will ride in all 6 of the RTCC events this year which will mean more than 1200km,  pedaling over 12 days through August to November. Each rider has to raise at least $15,000 plus cover their travel costs, and to date there are 27 riders wanting to ride in the Grand Slam team. There's expected to be total of around 12,000 cyclists participate across the 6 rides. Awesome, don't you think?

During your visit here in Australia, I'm hoping that you might help us do what could become your biggest achievement yet, helping to rid the world of cancer! Can you imagine how wonderful a world with out cancer would be!

Completing the RTCC Grand Slam is a massive challenge and we already have some Virgin brands supporting us, but knowing that you are personally contributing your interest would ensure that we actually pull it off. Primarily what I am asking is to have your encouragement but cheekily this is an invitation to have you join us for one or all of these rides as a member of our Vision Crusaders Grand Slam team. Are you keen?

I do hope that this is something you might consider and I look forward to hearing from you.

Much love and friendship from Australia,
Daniela Stevens 


Thank you for your time my beautiful friends. Please LIKE this page and picture. I want to reach 1 million likes and make a YouTube video to follow up with this picture to Sir Richard Branson.

Please like our Facebook Book page Vision Crusaders Grand Slam

SHARE AND LIKE THIS PICTURE TO HELP ME CONQUER CANCER

XxDani

PS: for those wondering why I am doing this? I don't want to be a statistic. I have had family members die and thankfully others survived. I need you to help me so we can raise as much ridiculous funds to conquer cancer once and for all. For those reading this and know of any sponsors that would love to personally sponsor me, please email me with the subject title: CHARITY SPONSORSHIP. I will love you FOREVER!!!!  dani@fitnessfoodandstyle.com.au

Proudly sponsored by 1stAvailable.com.au

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Our Wedding Anniversary

We just celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary the other day and spent the weekend in Melbourne.

Mr and Mrs Stevens

Here are a few more pics from our wedding in Hawaii from a really early post I did when I just started blogging

It was amazing. We have the best sister/brother in laws EVER, as they took care of our 2+2 kids. It was so nice to have one on one time.

Peace. Laughter. Togetherness. Shopping. Eating. Dancing. All the cool stuff.



I love entering the hotel lobby, the smell, checking out their funky foyer design and just seeing various people checking in. I love to travel and experience new places.

Crown Metropol

It was a super relaxing weekend and the only thing I had to worry about, was which outfit to wear?

Weekend attire

The best part?

Sleeping in.....

Adrian asking me "Can you hear that?"

I said "What?"

He replied "Exactly!"

We were "kids free" for 24x7 and boy! it was so cool to hang out with each another.

And of course the soft, thick and luxurious hotel robes. I LOVE THEM! I have been renowned for "accidentally" packing them in my suitcase :-) however this time it couldn't fit!

What's your most favourite thing to do when you get away?

XxDani

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Weight loss Transformation Tuesday Nicole Tafokitao

Have I told you HOW MUCH I love all my friends that read and follow me? I am truly grateful, humbled and so blessed to have you all in my life.

Nicole and  is no exception. I received her Facebook message and instantly started prepping for her transformation post and our interview. 

Read below.......

Fitness Food And Style interviews Nicole Tafokitao

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I am 26 years old and I have lost over 40 kilos since October 2012. I am still losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. My goal weight is 60kgs.

  

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

I've always eaten healthy but at my biggest time of my life I used to eat rubbish. Now I am trying to eat healthy so I can achieve my weight loss goals.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 

I love watching footy. No I don’t play sport.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 

I love hanging with my family, they are everything to me.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 

My weight. I wasn’t happy with myself I needed to be healthier for my kids so I can be around with them longer in life.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 

Get to 60kgs, tone up and just be happy within myself.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 

Anyone can do it. Mind over matter and will power. It can be done! I was 125kgs and felt horrible, now I weigh 85kgs. If you really want it bad enough you will make it happen!

Thanks again for sharing your story with us Nicole and I look forward to featuring you again in the near future. Anyone that wants to follow Nicole you can do so on her Facebook page and Instagram. 

For those wanting a feature on my blog and other social media's, please send your emails to transformationtuesday@gmail.com and follow the steps under the TRANSFORMATION tab. 

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Much love and friendship,

XxDani

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Angelina Jolie's mastectomy and my ride to conquer cancer. Will you help me?

So you all heard about the news throughout the week? One word. COURAGE.

Dani Stevens from Fitness Food And Style to ride for RTCC

Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Angelina had an 87% risk of getting breast cancer so she opted to get a mastectomy. You can read all about it HERE. What got me is was what she wrote;

"I can tell my children they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer".

Which made me think, I don't want to be that statistic and certainly don't want to be doing something when it's too late.

That is why I am doing this and challenging Richard to come join me. Will you please share the love and like this picture with all your family and friends, so I can reach my 1 million likes?

Richard Branson will you ride with us in Australia if I get 1 million likes to end cancer?

I know there are so many challenges going on out there.  The month of May is jam packed including our #ffsphotoaday challenge and the new fab ab core toner.

Dani Stevens ab workout

I have seriously dropped the ball with my no added sugar and I reckon I've smashed 2 blocks of marvellous cadbury chocolate since my last post. Seriously. I am not joking. I will be taking a before picture so I can be living proof that trying to maintain your fit lifestyle is as hard as trying to lose weight. 

Even though the fitness program I follow simply works, as soon as you drop the ball and get into your bad habits, your body changes. It's time to do the amazing transformation challenge workout, come and join me. It's the best 12 weeks of your life.

We are away this weekend in Melbourne for our 7 year wedding anniversary so I look forward to touching base with you all next week.

If you were told you have an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer, what would you do?

Much love and friendship xxDani

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Win a delicious set of Lip Nourish by LUK Beautifood's

Our Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge #ffsphotoaday has been super cool. The gallery has been amazing and I have been having so much fun collaging my fantastic four! Keep tagging your pictures. Yesterdays word was LIPS and my gorgeous friend Cindy has been kind enough to offer my Fitness Food And Style readers the below lip offer.

It's to help me celebrate my 70k Instagram, 15k Twitter and 7k Facebook fans, followers AKA friends!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT x x x

Win a delicious set of LUK beautifood's complete menu of 7 Lip Nourish with this stunning yellow leather satchel nicknamed "K.I.S.S." (Keep It Simple Sweetie) because you just need the essentials. Valued at $260. Lip Nourish by Sydney mum Cindy Luken is a 100% natural edible demi lip colour made from the healthy foods your lips love. Rich in antioxidants and omega 3+6 to keep lips soft, smooth & illuminated. It goes on with an incredibly crème-soft soothing texture as it nourishes, hydrates and protect lips. The super sheer shades and gentle lustre create an effortless, chic healthy look.  The bag is by Rare Rabbit an Australian family run company that produces eco-friendly and sustainable jewellery and wares. It is big enough to carry your Lip Nourish, smart phone & wallet but small enough to be slung over your body. Comes in this seasons see-everywhere yellow and has detachable hooks at the side so the bag can be converted into a clutch purse or simply unhook and place in a bigger handbag when you are time-poor and can't convert your bag over! For more information on this amazing product, simply head to their website LUK Beautifood. Also head over to their Facebook win page and make sure you also leave a wall comment #ffsphotoaday LIPS. That's it. Then Cindy will choose a random winner and this amazing gift is all yours!!!!!

I'm all about natural products and the fact that you can eat these, makes it even more appealing to know you are not applying any chemicals or nasties on your lips. Pssssst please don't tell Mietta or baby Zali as they will completely eat these, they smell and feel amazing!!! Vanilla and cinnamon tasting lips are my fave!!

Thank you Cindy for this amazing offer to my readers. I love my friends so  much! I hope you do too. Much love and friendship, Dani xx

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