Fig and Pear walnut salad

Over the weekend while the boys were at the footy, us girls were cooking in the kitchen. We had bought some beautiful fresh figs and pears at the supermarket which inspired me to make this attractive salad which has a wonderful mix of flavours. Served along side some quinoa encrusted chicken schnitzels, we were in heaven. However I love this salad on it's own and I can't get enough!

It also brings back a lot of childhood memories of me eating figs from my Mothers garden.

Fig and pear salad

Ingredients
3-4 figs
1 pear
500gms rocket salad
handful of toasted walnuts
1 large cube of Persian feta

1tbs honey
2tbs olive oil

Squeeze of a lime

Fresh figs and pear

Method
Whisk olive oil, lime juice and honey and put aside. Wash fruit and slice figs in quarters and pears finely. Add them into the dressing to absorb all that gorgeousness. Wash salad throughly and place in a bowl or platter, preheat a frypan and gently toast walnuts. Allow to cool. Gently remove figs and pears and arrange on the rocket salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing, crumble the feta and sprinkle walnuts ontop.

This is pure heaven, right here.

xxDani

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Weight loss story on Transformation Tuesday with Alexander Villena

I would have a smerk on my face as well if I had results like Alexander, how sensational does he look? As you all know I too have jumped on board with the Freeletics team and can't wait to share with you my 15 week transformation. That's all it took Alexander and how amazing does he look?

Read his new healthy journey and please leave your comments below.

Alexander Villena Freeletics 15 week transformation

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 
I am 25 years old. I started doing Freeletics in December 2012

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 
I ate a lot of bad food. For example burgers and all kind of fried stuff. Another one of my addictons was sugar. I sweetened everything yoghurt, my cornflakes etc. Since i started my health journey last december I changed that completely. I stopped eating sugar, reduced my carb intake and started to eat low carb.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 
I play some soccer and from time to time some volleyball. But my favorite sport is Freeletics. It does not take that much time and the results are incredible.

I like to watch soccer some American football and Basketball.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 
There are several: Obviously sports. Since i started doing it on a regular basis its hard to rest for one day :) Another passion are watching series like Breaking Bad or the Walking Dead. I smile when I go out with friends and whenever I see myself in the mirror because in order to get respect and love from others you gotta respect and love yourself.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 
It was a video I saw on YouTube. Levents video. Saw it felt the same way and I wanted the same change he had !!

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
Get even fitter and stronger and finishing my bachelors degree in English and Spanish.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 
Its not about the times when you feel good during a workout. Of course those times are great and you should enjoy them. But what really matters is to stand up and go workout when you don´t feel like it. Those are the decisive moments during a transformation ;) And of course Eat Clean !

* * * 

You can follow Alexander on his Instagram page @alexandervillena and Youtube channel Alexander Villena.

This YouTube video is totally inspiring and I hope you too can come join our Freeletics team, no gym equipment required just you and your body! Workout ANYWHERE at home, the office, in the park! Come register now!!! 

JOIN FREELETICS NOW!!! Your new body is waiting for you.

Thank you so much Alexander for sharing your amazing transformation with us.

Much love and friendship from Australia,

XxDani 

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Food Challenge - Healthy Spin

This week we are going to have some food fun. I would like us to share our most favourite meals and how we can convert our traditional dinners into more healthier ones. Heather from Big City Dreamer and I have been doing some of our own healthier versions.

Here are some examples;

Food Challenge - healthy spin

So from white pasta we have now replaced them with zucchini pasta, deep fried battered fish to grilled fish, greasy beef hamburgers to grilled veggie burgers, nacho's to lettuce cups and noodles converted to vegetable noodles.

Please tag your healthy meals to #ffs_septemberchallenge and be as creative as you want. There will be a random winner selected this week, so please ensure you have subscribed to my blog as I will be contacting you via email. We will also be on the look out and select a dish you wish us to convert to a more healthier alternative.

Challenge starts today and finished Sunday 15th. Joining me on this challenge is Heather and I am super excited to be collaborating with her. So please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. I will also be posting my favourite dishes throughout the week on my blog. 

What traditional meal would you like to see converted into a healthy one?

Much love & friendship,

XxDani 

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Weight loss story on Transformation Tuesday with Krysta McLean

I am so excited every week when I write up these posts. I absolutely love reading and receiving various transformations from all over the world. This one is no exception.

May I introduce you to this amazing Kiwi girl Krysta!!!! You look phenomenal! Krysta has lost an entire person with her weight loss journey. It is like I am seeing two different people in front of me. Here is her story.

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

I am 22 years old. I have lost 53 kgs since the beginning of my weight loss journey. I've now reached my goal weight and have maintained it for the last two years.

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

As a child I was a huge fan of sugary and fatty processed food. Although my Mum tried hard to cook me healthy well balanced meals I would snack a lot on junk food in large quantities. Since changing my lifestyle I no longer eat these foods. I love eating fresh clean foods. My diet contains a lot of fresh fruit and veges, whole grains and lean protein. Clean eating has become a huge passion to me and I love creating healthy clean versions of my favourite treats.

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

I don't play in any team sports but I keep myself active by running and lifting weights and really enjoy swimming in summer. 

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

Fitness is my new found passion it's what really makes me happy. Everyday I am striving to better myself and reach new goals. I love waking up each morning with determination and going to bed each night with satisfaction.

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

I am asked this question a lot and I struggle to answer it. I had been obese from the age of 8. A lot of people tried to help me lose weight, my Mum paid for me to have regular appointments with a dietician and personal trainer but I was not mentally ready for this change and could not give up the sweet foods for gym sessions. After several failed attempts at losing weight it's like something switched in my head and one day I thought I am sick of looking and feeling this way and I'm going to change it and from that day on I haven't looked back.

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

- I would love to study in nutrition and dietetics and help others fight obesity.

- Lower body fat percentage/increase muscle mass.

- Train for half marathon.

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

It is hard work, but nothing worth having comes easy and it will be worth it! Stick at it you can do it, don't let anyone tell you you can't! Surround yourself with positive supportive people. Anything is possible if you really want it!

* * * 

For those that wish to follow this amazing girl Krysta, you can on Instagram @krystamclean. If you would like to submit your transformation pictures, please CLICK HERE. I can't wait to hear from you.

Much love & friendship,
XxDani

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Weight loss story with Jessica Florie on Transformation Tuesday

How good is this. I love photos, they tell a thousand words and without further adieu here is amazing Jessica.

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

I’m 26 years old. I hated how used to I look and feel. I decided to commit myself to working hard, no matter what it took, to love the person I saw in the mirror.

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

When I was a child I ate lots of junk food and lots of processed foods. My family didn’t have a lot of money, and as a result we had to buy cheap food. We were rarely able to purchase nutrient rich, fresh foods. Today I have made a better life for myself. I eat clean, wholesome, nutritious, fresh foods every day.

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

I like to play volley ball and tennis in my free time at my university’s recreational facility. I like to watch football, basketball and soccer; both college and professional teams.

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

My current interests are anything that has to do with completing my MBA degree. I’m ready to start making a much more interesting career for myself. Other than school, I like to spend time with my family and my fiancé. Anything we can all do together always makes me happy.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

An annual doctor visit opened my eyes to how I was leading my life. I stepped on the scale and was completely baffled and seriously hurt by the number it read. I could not believe I had let myself get to that point. I took a few days to comprehend my current state, then something clicked and I realized I had to change. By the next week my pantry had been cleaned out and I made a commitment to working out five days a week.

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

I hope to help as many people as I can realize that they can also change their lives and reach their fitness goals. I would like to finally reach my goal size and starting training to compete in figure competitions.

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

No matter what anyone tells you, no matter what size you are, you are valuable. You are worth every effort it takes to make yourself realize your value. During weight loss there will always be days when you want to give up; there will be days when you fall down. The trick is to pick yourself back up off the floor and keep going. Every goal takes time to achieve. Remember no matter how long it takes it can be done. You can’t give up on yourself.

Please follow Jessica's amazing journey @jess_lynn4287 I have been a huge fan of hers these last few months and am truly grateful she agreed to be featured on my blog. Thank you Jessica.

Much love and friendship

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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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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Mini leg workout challenge this week USE THE STAIRS

With a lot of people requesting another mini challenge, I thought I would come to the party as everyone did extremely well with our 1000 squats in 5 days last week!!! Jeepers were my legs sore! Yours??? Yes, I know. 

Step it up. Take the stairs challenge

Fitness


This one is pretty easy. I didn't want to stretch our friendship so instead of 200 reps per day, I have dropped it down to 100 step ups per day over the next 5 days = 500! Which simply means, go hard for 60 seconds and slow for 30 seconds. 

Example 20 step up x 5 sets

The aim of this challenge is to get your heart rate up and I will be doing mine as part of my interval training which gets my heart pumping and body sweating. So just because you go up a flight of stairs everyday at your apartment block, at work etc... you're not really working up a sweat are you?

For those unable to do this type of interval work, simply take the stairs and avoid any escalators and lifts. This also applies to parking. Park as far away from wherever you are going so it forces you to make more steps in your day!

Food

Our Stand Up And Be Rawesome challenge AKA #standfullyraw is going great guns and people on Instagram have been tagging some amazing meal ideas. Here are just a few AMAZING people that I truly adore and they inspire me daily!!!! YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM if you are on Instagram.

justglowingwithhealth
purtyvicky
realfood4thought
rawnaeima

Fully raw meal ideas 

We have been enjoying our juices and smoothies this week, here's just a few of our favourite ones.

Banana chocolate smoothie

2 bananas

1tsp vanilla essence

1tsp chia and sesame seeds

1 scoop of 180 Nutrition chocolate protein powder

handful of walnuts

almond milk

Chocolate smoothie

Strawberry banana and coconut smoothie

2 bananas
1 punnet of strawberries
1 scoop of 180 Nutrition coconut powder
almond milk

Strawberry banana smoothie

Here was our lunch today, my Dad loves french toast. I made it with a twist.

French Toast club sandwiches

Simply mix eggs, a splash of water with salt and pepper, dip in wholemeal bread and cook in olive oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towel and start building your club sandwiches. 

We had smoked ham, parmesan cheese with spinach. Amazing!

French toast club sandwiches

BTW here's a picture of Zali and I with our final squat last week. She's a trooper. Monkey see, monkey do. Or is it like Mother like Daughter?

Drop it like a squat

Please note, I was heading out that evening so all I had to do was put on my stiletto's and a leather jacket and my rockstar outfit was complete. I am loving Lorna Jane's active gear and loved Lorna's twitter back to me when she saw this pic: 

"Your Active Life extends beyond the walls of the gym. It's for the girl on the go - glad you love it. Lx" 

Love it I do, Lorna. Thanks for being such a great designer. 

Goodnight from me. Until we meet again xx Dani

This post is proudly sponsored by 1st Available. Click now to register for free.

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Weight loss story Transformation Tuesday - Helené

This transformation will blow your mind!!! Seriously! 

For those that are finding it difficult out there or feeling like they have plataued, this interview will make you realise ANYTHING is possible!!!!

Let me introduce the beautiful and wonderful Helené Mikanovic from the most romantic countries in the world, France. I have been following her on Instagram since early this year and all I can say is WOW! Truly one amazing girl and she has such a wonderful story to share!

Weight loss story 51kgs AKA 112lbs already LOST!!!! 

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

I'm 25years old, I'm not really in a particular diet, the "basics" were given to me by a doctor in February 2012, and since. I eat healthy, I workout every day, trying to listen to my body and it works very well :)

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

When I was a kid, I was like all the other children. I like to eat sweets, chocolate, chips, ice cream, cakes, Mcdonalds etc... all these things that are not healthy. Quick things to eat. I don't take the time to discover the flavors, my mother had some vegetables I immediately said "no, I don't like it!" while I had ever tasted.
I learned to eat things I never eat before, some vegetables, for example, I learned to appreciate the real flavor and not things filled with chemical things.Take the time to discover, take the time to try several times. It changed my way of eating, my way of life.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?When I was young my weight was “normal”, I praticed sport (fencing), high level sport, I did sport for most of 12 years. I was departemental champion (I have pics if you are interested!) I was a sportswoman, I did bike and swimming. I was a young active child. Then one day I had a fight with my teacher. I think it was at this time (15yo) that I start gain weight.
Now I begin to love the sport again. I don't do sports at a high level because my highest weight was 396lbs (180kgs) and at this weight, you can imagine the difficulty playing sports!
Now, I do stepper, walking, squats, cycling and swimming. Gradually!
But on TV :) I love watching tennis

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?I'm passionate about many things. I love the simple things in life. I like to walk in the forest, in the countryside. I love beautiful scenery, watching the sea, I love taking pictures. I like to capture every moment of my life.before my weight loss and even now.
I'm a very simple girl, a hello, a smile, a little attention makes me smile :) I'm not complicated, I love people, I love life, I love the simplicity.
I like to share my experience on instagram. I smile when I get nice comments, I smile when I get advice, I smile when I see the progress of my friends on instagram, I love people who are fighting for their lives. I smile when I see people post nasty comments because I think they make me move forward in life.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?When I was young, my parents took me see some doctors for my weight, I also went into center for obese children. 3 times for long months… I lose weight but after, I always became more fat. I know all methods “balanced” diet, as I was eating everything but in small quantities by removing cakes etc. I lost 2,2lbs (1kg) per month. I’m not saying it is not good but when weighed 319lbs (145kgs) at 24 yo height 1.69cm, it is urgent to lose weight for health reasons.
So I decided to make an appointment with a nutritionist (january2012). I was happy to go to my appointment … and then..........I went, I came out crying.
Why? Because I was unmotivated, saying that it was difficult to lose weight and in my case surgery would be best (sleeve, bypass etc …). For me it was out of the question that I do make. I was motivated and I was losing weight so why have surgery???
I’ve never been to see her again.
One word in my head: SUCCESSFUL, to become what I am!
NO! I can do it, I want to get there, this doctor was so mean to me, I was just looking for help!
It was THE thing.

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

I don't have a goal for the next 12 months. My real goal is to have a healthy life. forever.

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

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional. I just want to say that everything is possible, you should never give up. Don't let anyone discourage you, surround yourself with good people. Let anyone try to take the wrong wayeven once. Bad habits are so easy to pick up! I just want to tell you, no matter where you start, nothing is impossible. yes it takes time, but believe me it is the best gift that you can do in life.
My journey is not over, I continue every day to share with you, I know how hard it is, there is no miracle but the miracle is really changing. become what you are.

NB: Helené has replied back to these questions via email and apologised for her English but I think she did an amazing job and I did not edit one word. I would be terrible at French! 

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with us all Helené. I look forward to catching up with you later on in the year to see your progress. For those that wish to follow Helené, please do so on her Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Tell me what are some things that stop your healthy lifestyle?

♥ Dani 

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