Fitness Transformation Tuesday how to lose weight and maintain it!

Dani Stevens - Body transformation after baby number 2

Here is a very old post I found for this weeks Transformation Tuesday. Yes. It's me. I have 4 kids and this picture was taken 6 years ago after having our second son, Oscar. 

I believe we are all different and need to be exposed to various exercise program's to try until we find the right ones. I followed the Fit Yummy Mummy program for 5 years and it truly works! Now I'm taking it to the next level with the high intense interval training with Freeletics. You can check that out under my FITNESS tab.

I'm here to share with you what has worked for me so please feel free to check them out.

I hope you enjoy going back down memory lane. Oh how time flies when we are having fun xD

* * * 

Yes, I know, I know..... too much eye make up but hey! How often do you get a chance to get all glam'd up and pose for your hubby and be like one of those girls in a magazine??! Now my hubby has his own cover girl :-)

How did I get my body back? 5 years ago I stumbled on this 15 minute workout program. I only workout 90 minutes per week (along with my fun fitness challenges I run with you). This fitness regime suits me perfectly as I am not in a position to pay a baby sitter nor could I be bothered working out for an hour in my day. With 4 kids under 8 years of age my time is pretty jam packed with other important life experiences and things to do, so here are my success stories after ALL of my 4 pregnancies here.

Are YOU getting the results you are after? If you are great! If not and you are seeking an exercise regime that will target and burn your baby body fat, I highly recommend this program. In fact if you click on my link you will receive a 50% discount off the ebook and 30 days free trial at Clubfym. Seriously, you have nothing to lose, except that stubborn fat that is just hanging around.



*TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY features*


I would love to share your fitness transformation on Tuesdays, so please click this link which will take you to our interview questions. I can't wait to feature you!

#PushupsGreen Challenge 

How are you enjoying this months challenge? Thank you for tagging #pushupsgreen as there have been some awesome pics of your cannons and various push up techniques. Keep up the fab work!

Push ups and greens challenge Fitness Food And Style

Here is a super simple green juice;

• 1 apple
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cucumber
• handful of spinach
• 1/2 lemon

Mind you it always changes depends on what I have in the fridge, some days there's ginger and berries, others mint etc....just mix it up as you please. The aim of this month is simply to incorporate more greens in your day or at least have one serve!


This challenge has been super sensational and so many ideas on greens recipes. So many inspirational people out there with so many refreshing and creative ideas, I love it!!! I too, surprise myself as well :-)

Once again though Kristina has caught my eye with her fullyraw recipe. Check out her latest recipe on her Youtube channel. I asked her to be creative and boy! she never ceases to amaze me!

Kristina with her amazing fully raw Cinnamon Beetroot Basil Marinara 

I am really happy that my male friends have also embraced this challenge and are doing their push ups. Take a look at @d_stinto and his superman push up!!! Ama-ZING!!!

Superman push ups @D_Stinto

My friends over at 180 Nutrition are also running an IG competition this month in conjunction with our #pushupsgreens. Simply tag your food recipes to #realfoodrevolution for your chance to win a months supply of 180 Nutrition products. How unreal is that?

180 Nutrition IG competition

You know how much I love these guys and stand by there products, so much so that ALL my readers have an exclusive 10% discount promo code which you can use at check out. If you haven't tried 180 Nutrition, they also have a 4 starter pack bundled in chocolate and coconut flavours, so give it a go. There is also a vegan range. Only $14.99 Free delivery (anywhere in Australia) shipping will become available to our friends overseas very soon.

I hope you all had a great day! I spent majority of my day beside the pool as we have had a ripper Summer of a week. Here are the girls today enjoying their time in the pool.

Leave me your comments and let me know how you are going with this months challenge and what else you would like to see in the over the next several months as I bring more challenges to make health and fitness fun for all of us!!!

♥ Dani 

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Pre and post body after baby no. 3 PLUS my Blue Steel pose ;-)

Baby number 3. WOWZA!!! You would think I learnt from my previous 2 pregnancies that eating all that bad junky stuff wasn't going to be a good idea. But no I was listening to that voice saying "you're eating for two".

Boy! Did I suffer the consequences. Yup! 20kgs+ later…..

This was me at 38 weeks with Mietta back in October 2009....

This was my 3rd pregnancy with Mietta (Oct 2009) weighing 85kgs AKA 187lb

My fitness regime back then was based on Fit Yummy Mummy so click to read all the great success stories "of real women" that this program has changed lives across the globe. Without this fitness regime kick starting my new healthy lifestyle, I wouldn't have been able to achieve such amazing results with just exercising 15 minutes per day! I am not a gym person, don't particularly want to work out for an hour as time is too precious to me at the moment as every minute is spent with our young family.

The big turning point for me was the food. I thought I was able to get away with those weekly take away meals, a muffin or a chocolate per day, chips and nibbles here and there. Naha. It was going straight to my you know where. Just fat depositing itself nicely and getting real cosy! So I am so glad my life has turned around and I no longer eat the way I used to. Sure, I treat myself 1-2 per week but not everyday!

Otherwise I would still look like this…..

Here's a chunky version of me post baby no.3 Jan 2010 weighing over 85kgs AKA 187lb

I participated in a few Fit Yummy Mummy challenges throughout 2009-12 and achieved some awesome results. So what better way to celebrate my post baby number 3 transformation than with my very own blue steel pose :-) Thank you to the wonderful photographer Phil Darley at Darley Management who managed to make me look like like super model for a day (yeah right!) ha ha

Dec 2010

So in a nutshell I was able to achieve my body back with some simple tools which I will continue to share on my blog and hope that you too join this journey of feeling and looking great! However the best thing about all this "clean eating" and exercising is how healthy and fit I feel especially the "extra" energy I have to enjoy my very fast paced life!!!! I need all the energy I can get managing a household of 6 people.

Tell me one of your blue steel moments and whether you have achieved something that you never thought was possible?

Enjoy your week!

Much love & friendship,
XxDani

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Weight loss story on Transformation Tuesday with Dani Stevens

Yes you heard right! It's me. My turn to submit my transformation to come!!! Ha! This is me currently on the left hand and side and I will then post the outcome of my Freeletics training program. I am supposed to be on Week 3 so I need to get back into it this week. I feel a little fatigued from my Sydney Ride To Conquer Cancer, so I will start my workout tomorrow.

I am currently wanting to take my body to the next level. Those that have been following me know that winter has put on a few kilo's and I am feeling fluffy and out of shape. No tone or muscle definition. So I want to see that change over the next 3 months.

For those that still haven't registered, please join me CLICK HERE.

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

I am 39 years old with 4 children under the ages of 8. I started my fitness journey after baby number 2 early 2008 and discovered the Fit Yummy Mummy program (click here for my all transformations) and now I am wanting to take it to the next level with Freeletics. 

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

Even though Mum made home cooked meals, Dad was the primary shopaholic so we had a variety of pantry and snack foods in our cupboards from cheezels to Milo. I really cannot remember drinking water as a child. It was either fruit juice or fizzy drinks. I also remember heaps of lunch orders at school with those fatty donuts, pies, sausage rolls and hot dogs.

Things have changed dramatically in our snacks department. I avoid all those types I foods I just mentioned and especially having kids of our own now, we try and encourage water and fresh vegetables and fruits 80-90% of the time.

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

No. I am not a sports person. Never played with a team. Well actually did one year when I was in year 7 but that was it. People are surprised when I tell them I don't play an actual sport, as I am so tall and they always assume I am either a basketball or netball player. 

However I have recently joined a team, the Vision Crusaders so now I am a cyclist or am I a bike rider? I have no idea....

I love watching tennis, soccer and occasionally AFL footy.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 
WOW I love so many things from movies and plays, healthy living and fitness, making a difference in the world and ultimately my beautiful family make me smile on a daily basis. 

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 

When I knew I couldn't just eat and still appear thin looking. After giving birth to Oscar, the layers started to appear and clothes no longer could hide them. I didn't feel like me, so I knew I had to make a change. 

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
Finish my last Ride To Conquer Cancer in Adelaide with my amazing team mates. Continue my fitness and healthy journey and share that with the world. Build Fitness Food And Style to become a place where people come to for health and wellness resources. Also a place to grab super deals I get access to.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 
Well to all my beautiful readers, you know the drill. We are the ones that can make the change. Exercise at least 3-4 times per week, eat healthy 80-90% and keep it real. If you eat a bad meal, don't beat yourself up. Just make it a right healthy meal next time. We are all human. One step at a time. 
Always remember, I am here if ever you need me.

Much love and friendship,
XxDani 

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September challenge - super sets

Thank you all for your input in our challenge this month. I decided to tailor the below exercises which will target ALL your areas identified. To make it even more fun, I've mixed things up a bit and used one of my favourite exercise methods, SUPER SETS.

Fitness Food And Style September "super sets" challenge

I love super sets. It's the greatest workout to lose fat and gain muscles while adding intensity to your workouts. Supersetting is an excellent way to keep your gym visits or in my case workouts at home short and sweet. It will bump up the intensity of your workout and build muscle.

What is a superset? A superset is performed when two exercises are performed in a row without stopping. However a rest period is required after each super set. Eg: after the A1, A2 exercises, rest for 60 seconds and then commence B1, B2, rest for 60 seconds and then complete C1 and C2.

I will be posting videos for these super sets which we will do on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.


Warm up and cool down.

Always start with a light stretch or warm up routine which will prepare your body and prevent injury to the muscles, especially when your muscles are cold. The cool down will help you body clear lactic acid which builds up during any activity. Less lactic acid = less soreness and stiffness the next day!


Super sets

Arms, shoulders and back

A1 Plank with alternating leg lift

Start this exercise in the push up position. Arms should be out in front with shoulders directly over hands, legs straight out behind and resting on tip toes. Keep abs engaged throughout the exercise. Lift one leg up about 15cm (5 inches) from the mat, and push heel straight back about a foot. Bring foot back and return to the mat. Repeat same motion with other foot.

A2 Spiderman crawl to push up

From a push-up position on the mat, walk forward with your right arm as you lift your left leg and step forward.  Now repeat with your left arm and right leg.  With each step, stay low to the mat.  Continue alternating, for about 20 yards while keeping your back straight throughout movement.

*REST 60 seconds

Legs and butt

B1 Bulgarian split squat

Grab a pair of dumbbells and hold them at arm's length next to your sides, your palms facing each other. Stand in a staggered stance, your left foot in front of your right, Set your feet 2 to 3 feet apart. Place just the instep of you back foot on a bench. When you're doing split squats, the higher your foot is elevated, the harder the exercise. Your front knee should be slight bent. Brace your core.

B2 Squat with weights (kettle bell, plate or dumb bells)

Choose a pair of dumbbells and hold them down by your sides. Stand with a slight bend in your knees and your feet around shoulder width apart. Keep your head up and your back straight. This is the starting position. Keeping your eyes facing forward slowly lower your body down. Don't lean forward as you come down. Your buttocks should come out and drop straight down. Squat down as far as possible or at least until your thighs are parallel with the floor, and then slowly raise your body back up by pushing through your heels. Do not lock the knees out when you stand up, and then repeat the movement.

*REST 60 seconds

Flat & firmer belly

C1 Swan dive

Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms overhead, point your toes and lift your arms and legs about 15cms (6 inches) off the ground. Hold for 1 count, imagining your legs being pulled out and back, away from your hips. Next circle your arms out to the sides and behind you. Exhale and reach your arms toward your toes, palms facing in. Hold for 1 count, then bring arms back to starting position and relax entire body to ground. Repeat.

C2 Tone it V hold

Sit with knees bent and feet on the floor. Clasp underside of thighs with both hands, hinge back and lift feet until lower legs are parallel to floor. Release hands. Straighten legs and reach for your toes, hold for up to 10 breaths.

Nutrition

Please ensure you are eating healthy and adequate protein is obtained. Popular sources typically say 1.4g to 1.8g (0.6 to 0.8 g per pound) of protein per kg of body weight per day is required for the cell growth and muscle repair. That's why I opt for my 180 Nutrition protein powder as that contains 22g of protein in just one serve and with my daily scoops x2 that's 44g. Leaving me another 49.8g with my standard healthy eating throughout the day. If you would like to know how much protein you are eating throughout the day, I highly recommend the app Fitness Pal.

Here's an example of my protein intake per day;

1.4g x 67kgs = 93.8g protein

It is super important for us to hydrate so if you didn't download last months water challenge pdf, I highly recommend you keep track of your water intake.

Carbohydrates are also important (5-7g per kg) as they are our source of energy and for the body to restore glycogen levels in our muscles. Avoid those white foods eg: rice, flour and high processed foods, biscuits and sweets and go for all kinds of vegetables, fruit, oatmeal, lentils, brown rice etc...

As most of you know, I have a pre (typically 1-2 hours beforehand) and post (protein shake normally) workout meal and this ensures adequate energy and amnio acids are available for the intense workouts I do. I love the fact that I only need to train 15 minutes per day with the Fit Yummy Mummy workouts which you can read more about under my FITNESS tab.

So without further adieu, lets get this September challenge started and make sure you;

1). Tag your photos using our #ffs_septemberchallenge
2). Like my Facebook page and
3). Subscribe to my blog so you can be in the draw to win some amazing giveaways at the end of every week, this month.

Help me celebrate reaching 100,000 Instagram followers, with me giving back to you a little something nice. Here are some of the sponsors donating prizes this month Stylerunner, 180 Nutrition, The Onzie, iTunes and much much MORE, so make sure your email is registered.

You in?

Much love & friendship,
xxDani

1. 
   

   DISCLAIMER
   
   

   NB: Before starting any new diet and exercise program please check with your doctor and clear any/or diet changes with them before beginning. I am not a registered fitness instructor or registered dietician. I do not provide medical aid or nutrition for the purpose of health or disease and claim to be a fitness instructor or dietician. 
   
   This is merely my blog, my new healthy and fit lifestyle journey that I wish to share with you all. I am not liable, either expressly or in an implied manner, nor claim any responsibility for any emotional or physical problems that may occur directly or indirectly from this reading this blog. 

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Workout central

Can I just tell you how jelly my legs are feeling right about now. Not only with our 50 squats every second day but my intense cycle training has been going off! I have 3 more weeks until my first Ride To Conquer Cancer with my VisionCrusaders.com team and I am just about to hit my $2500 target for Brisbane. I can't wait!!!!

HIIT kettle bell workout from Lorna Jane Move Nourish Believe MORE campaign

Having said that I am missing my kettle bell interval training.  Due to my cycling I don't want to be over working my body, so I have dropped my 15 minutes interval training every second day but maintaining my 15 minutes resistance training. For those that want to follow the fitness program I follow, you can check it out

~~~~>>  HERE

So why is too much exercise bad for you? The guys at The Institute Of Natural Healing nail it. Too much of something is never a good thing, we all know that. This article goes into why we shouldn't work out too much and thank goodness I have given up on running long distances. That in itself harms your body, so I am a true believer and so happy to have found a 15 minute program that simply works. 

Combine this type of movement with well balanced meals throughout your day and you too will work out your best healthy lifestyle.

This was my day.

Breakfast

Fruit salad porridge

Fruit salad porridge

Post workout smoothie

180 Nutrition* coconut and banana smoothie 

*receive your exclusive 10% by using promo code 264464 at check out

Lunch
Egg pizza

Snack
Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Agua Fresco

Ingredients

8 cups watermelon (cubes)
drizzle of honey* (or agave)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
3 sprigs of mint (or rosemary)

Method
Juice your watermelon, stir in honey* (optional) and lime juice. When serving garnish with lime slices and mint.

Dinner
Fruit salad

We have decided to eat lighter meals wherever possible before we go to bed. Besides washing and cutting fruit is a lot quicker than prepping our typical cooked dinners. It is a little tricky being 80/20 fully raw over winter but we try our best.

What do you find is difficult over the winter months when it comes to eating and exercise?

XxDani

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July is a month of no sugar and squats!

Here we go again!!! 6 months already gone and it's time to get refocused and re-write our goals. I know my irregular exercising and eating an entire block of cadbury marvellous creations chocolate hasn't been my goal this year. So I need to get back to exercising regularly and eliminate those sugars, so what better way than to kick off July as our NO SUGAR challenge. To top it off, we are going to get our butts into shape at the same time. So lets add some squats to the mix!!!!

Make sure to grab your copy of I QUIT SUGAR for amazing recipes. 

K.I.S.S (keep it simple sweetie) 50 squats every second day

Squat challenge 50 every second day for 31 days

Let's not over complicate things and not over work our butts too much as I want you to continue your own exercise regime. So 50 squats today, rest tomorrow, 50 squats the following day and rest etc...

Many of you have seen my transformations and the one after I did after our 14 days with No Added Sugar challenge in February.

Let's just say that's not how my body is looking right now. Winter has got me in a rut real bad and I haven't been watching what I have been eating. I haven't been doing my Fit Yummy Mummy workouts regularly and it's showing, super soft, no more definition and don't get me started on this chocolate habit. 

Here is also my results from my Christmas squats, 25 squats every day from the 1st to the 25th December. It's not a huge difference but it's all about consistency and that's what I need right about now.

I asked many of you about what you would like to see this month and I got so many butt and tummy, no sugar, arms workout and just general ways to eat healthy and to be sugar free. So this month will capture all that. You firstly need to be following your own fitness regime whatever that may be. Moving 3-4 times per week for at least 15 minutes should be your goal. 

I know some of you follow the same Fit Yummy Mummy workout I do, so for those that wish to do the same I would encourage you to spend the $19 on the ebook (if it's affordable at this time) which is jam packed with the 12 week fitness program, meal planners, nutritional info and much much more! It even gives you 30 days free at Clubfym through my blog link.

Otherwise simply follow the guidelines from our NO ADDED SUGAR challenge in February and most importantly get a partner and help one another along the way. I will be here posting my day and if you wish for my support, please leave your daily comments here or my Facebook FF&S challenges group.

Are you ready???

XxDani 

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I love yoga

***UPDATE***

Check the video below
but before you do that you need to

LIKE THIS PICTURE ON FACEBOOK TO HELP ME REACH 1M LIKES

Enjoy this and thank you Andrea. I think I love you xx

WATCH THIS VIDEO

I am so in love with yoga. I am not good at it but jeepers, I love it. They say yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory, that's why I love it so much. ha. ha.

My days are pretty jam packed with so many kids activities, work commitments and general house management for us 6 peeps. Well this weekend I officially MADE TIME for me and went to my very first hot yoga session. My first instructed yoga session at the wonderful Absolute Yoga in my home town Ballarat.

JUNE OFFER

For my local readers, please take up their sensational $39 hot yoga classes for the month of June, one per customer but come as many times as you want throughout that month.

Yesterday was a little over whelming and I felt a little dizzy, today I was a lot better. Heaps of muscle awareness for sure.

Seriously, I need to learn to put my phone away......

Hot Yoga Studio - Absolute Yoga Ballarat

But then how am I going to show you what's happening and what I am wearing to yoga :-)

Can I just say, this peace and quiet for an entire hour is priceless. I typically don't get this type of deep relaxation when I am racing to the shops or taking the kids to school, kids activities etc...or when I am at the hairdressers. Well I guess this is my time but we all know this maintenance experience isn't one of solitude.

We all need to fuel our body and hydrate when we exercise, so I always make sure I have plenty of water throughout my day especially after my workouts.

Food is so important to fuel ourselves prior to any type of exercise, so I make sure I have these amazing snacks before I go.

Rainbow fruit salad

Yes, it was ALL mine. I know you may think this is a lot of fruit.

Rainbow fruit salad

1 punnet of blueberries
1/4 watermelon
2 mandarines
1 kiwi fruit and
1 passionfruit

In order to reach my calories, I need to eat more fruit. This is approximately 350 calories. I am trying to continue my stand up and be rawesome 80/20 lifestyle which means I aim to eat 80% raw produce and 20% animal. Some days I go over and cook the vegetables but I do what works best for me and our family.

Besides fruit is such a great take away food alternative.

Fruit on the go

Yoga A Day Challenge

Day 16. Bakasana aka Crane Pose

Grow Soul Beautiful Day 16. Crane Pose

This is such a tricky pose for a new yogini like myself. I couldn't hold it for more than 10 seconds but I look forward to gaining more upper body strength to keep this pose and breath at least 3 long breaths.


What do you do to relax? Seriously relax? Unwind and not let any thoughts run through your mind? I can honestly say, these 1hr hot yoga sessions these past 2 days have really been a zone out time for me. I really hope I can make this a regular occurrence in my life.

Yoga + me = love relaxation

Happy Sunday 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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Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge Day 7. Salad

Hello my beautiful people. Today I thought it was Wednesday. I have been so ahead of myself for some reason, so much going on.

I need to write them all down. However I turn to you here. How are you?

I have been really slack, I need to lift my game. I have been eating chocolate nearly EVERY DAY!!! Waaaaa? I hear you say. Yes. Cho-ko-lade (pronounced shhhh-oko-lard). Did I mention ice cream as well. Yes. Ice-cream as well. BAD. Very bad, in fact I am so addicted I wanted some tonight but it's all gone. PHEW!!! Otherwise I'd be smashing another block of cadbury creations. Here's the deal, you buy it and have it in your pantry, you will eat it. Don't buy it and you won't. That's how I roll anyway. So I have to stop. Tonight. NOW!


Day 7. Salad

I am loving our #ffsphotoaday challenge and all the pictures in the gallery. I updated yesterdays Day 6. back so you can check them out here.

Quinoa vegetable salad with salmon

I experimented tonight as I typically make a big batch of quinoa so we have it for our breakfast and savoury meals. So once we grilled the salmon, I simply cooked the quinoa in chicken stock and with all the pan juices from the salmon, I mixed that with the quinoa. Added some lemon juice and then added the garlic sautéed broccoli and carrots in the mix and Mmmmmm.....tasty!!!!

Super quick meal, as the quinoa takes 15 minutes to cook and that's how long the vegetables were sautéing and fish was done on the barby.


Fitness

Healthy Living with Fitness Food And Style 

Even though I run around like a headless chook with my little peeps, I feel like I am working out constantly. This isn't a workout. I really have dropped the ball these last few days and haven't really done a proper workout, nor have I been eating properly (mainly over indulging in chocolate and ice creams). Seriously, it doesn't take much time. I only workout 15 minutes per day but my days are just flying. I need to start allocating "me" time again.

It's funny. I think it's harder to maintain your body when you have reached your goal. In fact you start seeing those flaws appear or rather the cadbury chocolate layer. I can't stress how important consistency is. It's the key of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Okay.

A new mini challenge has to begin. That's what I am all about right? Challenges. So from this day I QUIT SUGAR!!! Well added sugar. Like our challenge a couple of months ago. Check it out here.

Who's with me, lets do it for 5 days.

XxDani

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Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge - Day 6. back

I'm bring sexy back! 


I hope you know that song as I am quietly chuckling as I type this :-) if not click the hyperlink above.

Back and shoulder pose 

Photo A Day Challenge word prompts are found here if you are visiting here for the first time. I would love for you to join us.

Speaking of backs, I have been having a little bit of difficulties with my back lately. Taking things easy with my workouts.  Also trying to use my legs and do more squat like poses when I am bending down. Life can get busy when you don't have enough sleep, looking after sick babies and running a household of 6 people. However you just push on. Listen to your body and rest when you can.


Here's my fantastic four faves;

#ffsphotoaday Fitness Food And Style

I need your help !!

For my Australian readers, have you had a chance to register and enter the 1stAvailable.com.au competition? More info can be found by clicking here.

This competition is not trying to sell you something but rather give you the chance to get 12 months free private health insurance for some genuine feedback.

1stAvailable.com.au is an online booking system that enables you to access health specialists via the web or a smartphone application when it suits you. Simply go online and select the type of physician you require and choose the 1stAvailable.com.au (or desired), appointment time. The registration is aimed at growing awareness and more importantly support to encourage healthcare professionals in your area to get onboard for this revolutionary service.

Help me and 1stAvailable.com.au to get this great cause off the ground by simply registering and who knows, you may be the lucky winner for your effort.


Thanks everyone for all your love and support, I look forward to reading your comments below XxDani

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Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge - Day 5. Smoothie

Today I posted my tummy shot on my social media pages. This was my tummy "before and after" baby number 2. I was 30kgs over weight, depressed and uncomfortable that I couldn't fit into my skinny jeans and always asking Adrian if my bum looked big. So I stumbled upon Fit Yummy Mummy and 6 years later, it's been the 15 minute workout per day that keeps me fit and healthy.

Fit Yummy Mummy transformation 

So if you have that over hang or stubborn weight loss that you just can't seem to get rid of, click here for your exclusive 50% discount for the best fat loss ebook. It will be the best $19.95 you'll ever spend. Or find out more info under my FITNESS tab. 


A relatively cruisey day today. We have so many house reno's started but none are completed. From the kids play room, to the outside skate park and the list goes on. We are working through them slowly every weekend. I look forward to the day when we can style our home and actually place pictures up on our wall. We haven't even painted yet and it's nearly our 4th year in this home, how time flies. Too busy looking after 4 kids will do this to you :-)

Food

We had a beautiful waffle smell roam the house for breakfast this morning. It smelt amazing and it's a quicker breakfast when I am short for time as my crepes take that little bit longer. For my crepe recipe go here.


Breakfast - Blueberry waffles

Blueberry waffles 

I was so happy to see my fave yogurt CHOBANI post our recent pic on their Facebook page today. You can check that out here. What's your favourite yogurt brand?


We managed to squeeze in our Day 5. smoothie pic. Have you done yours??

Raspberry coconut delight

Ingredients:

Frozen raspberries

Cooked oats

Milk of your choice

Drizzle of honey

180 Nutrition coconut protein powder

NB: please ensure you take up my exclusive 10% discount and use PROMO CODE 264464 at check out for any 180 Nutrition products.

To check out what other May words are coming up this month, click here. I would love for you to join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. 

Hope you had a beautiful weekend. XxDani

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Mini squats challenge - 1000 squats in 5 days

How are you going?

Just a quick post to let you know my legs feel like jelly and sore?!!! Doesn't even come close. Day 4 today so I have 200 scheduled today.

It's great leg awareness. I have been a little slack with my exercise regime, nevertheless I am still breaking up my squats throughout the day 25 reps whilst brushing my teeth, 25 reps while I am folding our washing etc... You can fit in fitness wherever as long as you make the time.

Dani Stevens drop it like a squat

Instructions for "good-form" squats

1. Stand up straight with your feet firmly planted on the ground approximately shoulder width apart. To help maintain a straight back as you perform the exercise, it's a good idea to focus on an object directly ahead of you at eye level.

2. Contract your abdominal muscles as you bend your legs at the knees. Either stretch your arms out ahead of you, lightly position your hands behind your ears or hold your arms at your side as you slowly lower yourself into a squatting position. Lower your body to a position where your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Important: Proper technique is critical, otherwise serious injuries or gradual injury over a period of time can occur. The back must maintain its natural curvature and not "round out" otherwise excess strain can be placed on the spine and cause serious injury.

Also, to avoid undue stress on the knee joint, do not allow your buttocks to drop lower than your knees as you lower your body towards the ground.

SOURCE: http://www.twohundredsquats.com/what.html

Remember, the main aim of the two hundred squats per day program is to get you motivated and moving. Also to improve your leg strength, fitness and general health. The program is all about making progress and constantly challenging yourself. Give the 5-day program a chance and you'll be amazed at your new found strength. Please do not attempt these as a regular exercise regime as you need your body to repair and have rest days. So I simply recommend incorporating them in your normal fitness regime x3 per week.

Dani Stevens no more excuses

Last night on Instagram I posted the above quote. I always find some excuse not to do something. I mentioned I was going to pull the pin with the 200 squats but with everyone cheering me along, I couldn't let you down. You ALL inspire me so much!! Thank you.

Who inspires you?

FOOD

Our #standfullyraw 80/20 challenge is going great guns! Kids are enjoying their jam packed fruit lunch boxes. For my local readers please head over to Peachs on Eastwood St in Ballarat for your exclusive 10% discount when you mention my blog. I really would love to encourage more fruit and vegetables in your day so please feel free to share with your friends and family.

There is also a 180 Nutrition giveaway on Facebook and Instagram. Please head over if you haven't already liked my page and share the post with your friends for your chance to win a 1.5kg bag of either chocolate or coconut protein powder. Leave your fave smoothie recipe on my wall post and I'll announce a random winner at the end of the month.

For those that can't wait, you can simply order directly at www.180Nutrition.com.au and please use the promo code 264464 at check out for your exclusive 10% discount.

I'm all about sharing the love! Happy Thursday everyone.

XxDani

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