What Did You Do On Your Birthday?

Insanity: The Asylum's "Gameday Overtime"!

Yes, that's exactly what I did on my birthday. I'm on Day 25 of the 30 day program, I didn't want to break my consistent streak just because it was my birthday!

Just in case I haven't mentioned it here (I have on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), I started Insanity: The Asylum while I was on holiday for 3 weeks. I initially intended to do it for 21 days, instead of the recommended 30 days. But thanks to a group I'm a member of, I was motivated to complete the program.

I'll do a complete review when I'm done. As for Insanity, the original 60 day program, maybe if Beachbody need someone (me!) to review it... because I don't see myself doing that anytime soon. You never know, I could get a fantastic opportunity to work on an Island for a few months ;) That'd be the perfect time to do a 60 day program.

So here's a collage of a few things Insanity: The Asylum had to offer today:

I'm almost back to regular posting, I arrived in London on Monday and I'm still getting used to the timezone. Have a great weekend!

If you're interested in seeing all the pictures from my time on/in(??) 'The Asylum', they're all here --> http://pinterest.com/adura/get-ripped/

Yummy Post Workout Meal: Plantain & Eggs

Hello,

Anybody out there?!?!

I'm so sorry for the silence on my blog but I was on holiday. I just got back yesterday and I have a LOT of blog posts coming... so stay around!

I had some drama at the airport on my way back, my flight to my connecting airport was delayed by almost an hour. I had 30 minutes to make my next flight, I was so sure I'd missed it that I strolled to the gate. Only to find out that the staff were JUST about to send someone else in my place.

So - I made my flight but my luggage didn't! Lucky for me, there was a flight an hour after mine, I got my bags after an hour's wait at the airport. I wasn't too stressed out because it gave me time to finally update Week 2 of The Get Trimmer Challenge.

Anyway enough about me, I seem to talk about myself a lot, right? :p

Today was my first day back at work, I was at this morning's Fitter London class - only to help out! I couldn't have done a heavy strength session, I was exhausted. At lunchtime, I taught my first spin class in 4 weeks and I was really expecting it to be too hard for me, I loved every minute of it - it's good to be back teaching :)

After the class, I made some pan fried 'dodo' (Nigerian name for fried plantains) and scrambled eggs (seasoned with parsley, chives and a pinch of salt), which is a great combination of good carbohydrates and protein. It hit the spot and I was able to get some more work done before my evening class.

Why is plantain a good carb? It's a 'slow-release' carb, which means it releases sugar (energy) slowly into the system. I pan fried it in a tablespoon of coconut oil, which has many health benefits and my favourite thing to eat with plantain = eggs. They're a great source of protein and just work perfectly with plantain. 

I posted a video on how I pan fry plantains some time last year, check it out:

See ya!

It's That Time Again - THE GET TRIMMER CHALLENGE 5 (GT5)

What Is It All About?
The aim of this challenge is to help and support you to reach your healthy goals through forming lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits. To help you get on and STAY right on track!

This on-line program will take place over six weeks and there is an opportunity to make this a more regular occurrence.

*Available worldwide, as it's an on-line program*

For those who have difficulty paying via PayPal, send me an email and I'll give you alternative details. Usually applies to those in Nigeria.

The next round of The Get Trimmer Challenge starts on Monday June 17th.

Event registration for GT5 powered by Eventbrite

Some Fast Food Chains Offer Healthy (Enough) Options

I've been on holiday in the USA for a week and I'm enjoying the sunshine and time off work :)

Last week, I had the craziest idea - I asked my sister to drop me off at Target (I love to shop there for stationery, toiletries and the most random things). The distance from Target back home was 7 miles, and I told my sister I was going to walk back. How hard could it be? I'm a healthy and fitness professional, etc etc. Haha!

2 hours later, I was done at Target, and started my walk - the first road I crossed had malfunctioning lights, I felt like I was back in Lagos - I ran across when there were no cars. About 5 minutes in, I spoke to a friend who told me I was mad to be crossing American sized roads, and I should go back to Target and call a cab. Was I glad to hear that?!?! I sprinted across that road and headed back.

It was 12.30pm and I hadn't had a real breakfast or lunch! I don't do well on an empty stomach, seriously! My choices were limited but I made my way to Chick-Fil-A and expected to have chicken nuggets as the "healthiest" option. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find a small selection of summer salads (3 to be exact, Cobb, Asian and Grilled Market Salads). I had the 'Grilled Market Salad' with the dressing on the side (I didn't use it). Why? Because it was the only salad that had chicken which wasn't 'breaded'.

I had to pick out the blue cheese because I'm not a fan of cheese. It was really good, and kept me going - I went back to Target and found some more bargains. Then I finally called a cab and went home.

The point of this is: Although it can be hard sometimes, you can find healthy (but sometimes limited) options in unexpected places. If I hadn't found anything at Chick-Fil-A, I'd have looked for some fruit in Starbucks or a healthy bar or a pack of nuts from Target.

--

I really have to do a post on my experience on my last flight. I still CANNOT believe breakfast was pizza, or something like that, and ice cream. No fruit! I didn't have anything, and I had run out of my packed-at-home plane snacks. By the time I got home, I was ravenous!

As One Challenge Ends, Another One Is Set To Begin.

If you follow me on Instagram (@adura_o), your timeline should have been bombarded with daily posts from me in plank position.

The reason is explained in "I'm Challenging Myself..." but if you can't be bothered to click on the link, here's a summary of what I did for 28 days:

1. 2 minutes of plank, daily.
2. 2 strength sessions, weekly.
3. Yoga 1-2 times, weekly.
4. Eating clean - Processed sugar free and low sugar.
- Completely treat free.
5. Cutting down carbs, except on workout days. Examples of carbs allowed: plantain, sweet potatoes and quinoa.
6. I teach 3 spin classes a week, that covered my cardio and HIIT.

I LOVED IT! Cutting out treats was a challenge for the first week, but after that - it was just fine. When I had cravings (e.g. time of the month), I just had bigger portions of carbs and that always helped. One day, I had roasted sweet potatoes and plantains!

RESULTS: Although, the change isn't drastic, I see I've definitely lost some fat and even better, I feel GREAT!

The moral of the story is: Nothing Is Impossible. Stop making excuses, "Ahhh, I can't NOT eat bread or biscuits, etc". You can if you put your mind to it. I always tell people - If I can do it, anybody can.

It's good to challenge yourself often, to keep you motivated and always on your toes. I've found myself relaxing back into bad habits, and this challenge has helped me get back on track.

My treats will be 0-1 weekly now. And I will continue with the daily planks :)

I have another personal challenge, which will start in a couple of days but enough about me!!

Speaking of challenges ending and beginning, Get Trimmer 4 JUST ended on Sunday 2nd June. The next one, GT5,  starts on Monday 17th June and a few spots are already gone! Sign up now to get the early bird offer.

I've had a few questions about alternative payment methods, send me an email and I'll send you details ---> email @ GetTrimmerChallenge.com.

I have a few weeks off work so I will be recording videos and blogging more often :)