I'm Challenging Myself...

...and you, maybe?

I'm very proud of myself - after months of feeling stuck in a rut, I did my #CleanNineteen challenge in March. At the end of the 19 days, I felt more like myself than I had in ages, it almost felt like I had reset my attitude to my diet - I needed it!

So, to continue to motivate myself, and others I hope, I set myself another challenge for the month of May. It doesn't matter what your starting point is, it's the progress and results you get at the end that matter.

I've used the #GetRippedWithAdura on Instagram hashtag because the other one I wanted to use had already been used for something else.

My starting picture is here: http://instagram.com/p/Y5dQl0ADW-/

Goal: More definition in my abs - to see a significant change in my abs/mid-section

How?
1. Doing 2 minutes of plank daily.
2. Doing 2 strength sessions a week
3. Doing Yoga 1-2 times a week.
4. Eating clean
- Processed sugar free and low sugar.
- Completely treat free, especially during the 1st two weeks. And the option to have one treat per week during weeks 3 and 4 (but I plan not to).  By treats, I mean foods with processed sugar (cakes, ice-cream, etc)
- Cutting down carbs, except on workout days. Examples of carbs allowed are: plantain, sweet potatoes, brown beans and quinoa.

If you're interested in following my progress or you want to join me on this challenge, follow me on Instagram: @Adura_O, where I'll be posting daily updates on anything from my planks to the meals I eat. If you're on Pinterest, I'm also posting daily updates ---> http://pinterest.com/adura/get-ripped-with-me/

I started yesterday:

Please be aware this will not have the same structured approach and direction as the Get Trimmer Challenge. If you want weekly plans, tips, a forum and regular support, sign up for the next Get Trimmer Challenge HERE (starts on the 17th of June).

Quick Catchup: Clean Weekend and a New Video

Hope you had a good weekend. I had another sugar free weekend and feel good for it today. I went to help my friend at her Ermioni's Bake Shop stall in Archway Market and didn't have anything! Not even  a tiny sample of her scrumptious baking. Funny thing was - it wasn't difficult, not one bit!

It helped that there was a hog roast stall in that market so I bought a portion of it (on its own) and my friend bought me more later :) The worst thing to do when you're avoiding sugar is to be hungry around sugar!

On Sunday, I made some plantain chips and had them with an omelette and a banana shake (1 cup of organic farm fresh yogurt and 1 banana). A couple of sunny-side-up eggs with runny yolks would have been perfect to dip the chips into... yummm! Next time ;) I absolutely LOVE plantains, can you tell?

I'm on Day 15 of my personal #CleanNineteen challenge and, honestly, I don't feel deprived because I've been making extra yummy meals and green smoothies <-- all homemade and natural :) Looks like I might just continue past the nineteen days, I'm enjoying it :)

I started this week as I plan to continue and finish it - cleansed and refreshed, let's see how long that lasts!!
Palm Oil Face Mask before my shower and a big glass of leftover homemade green smoothie (from the weekend).

Finally, here's a video I uploaded on Friday on treating yourself with unhealthy food. I do that a lot and it's a habit I'm trying to curb. I've been doing well these past few weeks by making berry or banana smoothies over the weekend (I have some pictures on my Instagram). And also making extra scrumptious meals, which makes a huge difference.

Watch the video here:

Have a productive week!

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