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 

Fitness Food And Style turns ONE

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday dear Fitness Food And Style. Happy birthday to me!

Fitness Food And Style turns 1

I can't believe it's been an entire year since I googled Blogger and created my blog. I had several girlfriends tell me I had to share my new healthy and fit lifestyle with the rest of the world. I told them who would want to follow me? Low and behold over 100,000 followers later!! THERE YOU ARE! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support. 

Here's a quick snapshot of the last 12 months.

June 2012

I created my blog and Facebook page. This face now goes out there in the world wide web as Daniela Stevens Creative Director of Fitness Food And Style

Dani Stevens Fitness Food And Style

I share all my post baby transformations and hope to motivate others that you can get your body back after having babies. I have, after 4!!!

Post baby number 2

Post baby number 3

Post baby number 4

I started getting better with my food choices and no longer gained over 30kgs over my pregnancies. Hence wanting to share the 15 minute workout program I have been following for the past 6 years and healthy eating. No more yo yo dieting. 

July 2012 
I start my own 6 week Transformation Challenge and document what I eat and the 15 minute workout program I follow.

Fit Yummy Mummy Transformation Challenge

August 2012 
We celebrate two birthdays. Our first born Noah turned 7

Skylanders birthday party

and baby Zali had her 1st birthday.

1st birthday party baby pink

To ramp up my 6 week transformation challenge I pick up the pace and do a mini ab challenge to see if I can motivate myself and YOU to eat healthy and eliminate sugar within 12 days.

I also start to train for my first ever Ballarat fun run. I am no runner, so this was a huge challenge for me.

Run Ballarat

September 2012 
I get really excited about blogging and can't believe there are 60,000 page views in 3 months and my readers/followers on Facebook start growing from 20 people to 1,100. I am truly grateful that you are all enjoying my blog and my fitness, food and style journey xx

Fitness Food And Style reaches 60,000 page views

October 2012
Busy birthday month again with 2 parties and I officially complete my first ever Ballarat fun run and take a picture with Olympic champion Steve Moneghetti.

Steve Moneghetti and Dani Stevens

I even appear on the front cover of The Ballarat Courier which totally blew me away!!!!

Our sweet darling Mietta turns 3 and has a star party!!!

3 little tin cakes 

and we finally get to celebrate my darling husbands birthday

November 2012 
Our pool project is slowly coming to an end, I participate in a yoga challenge for the month and realise how much love and passion I have for this particular movement and we celebrate Oscar's 5th birthday and have a pirate party!!!

Pirate party

December Finally we wrap up the year with no more birthdays (except for JC's on Xmas Day). I kick off my first official challenge and run a #xmas25squats challenge on my blog, Instagram and Facebook which took off!!!!!

I also clock over 100,000 pages views on my blog and have 2,000 plus followers on Facebook and over 5,000 followers on Instagram. Really enjoying what I am doing.

Squats challenge #xmas25squats

We took some fun squat pictures and Christmas is always a great time of the year with our kids, friends and family.

January 2013
I now get hooked and start challenging you all to join me in my monthly fitness challenges, on top of our normal workouts we do. This month it was all about planking and we had some amazing pictures under the #planksjan2013 hashtag. My results weren't too bad either.

Planks challenge 2013

I also gain a lot of Instagram followers with 15,000 from people tagging my challenges and sharing with their friends.

February 2013
This month was HUGE!!! I had so many of you participate in my No Added Sugar 14 days challenge and even got a mention in the Lorna Jane Move Nourish Believe blog.
The I Quit Sugar by Sarah Wilson ebook was a fabulous recipe book, with so many options to assist to curb my sugar cravings.

No added sugar challenge

I also get an exclusive 10% discount for all my readers for the awesome 180 Nutrition protein powder I use. I love it!!! Don't forget to use the promo code 264464 at checkout any time. 

March 2013
This month it was all about push ups and eat more greens. I collaborated with @tonedtannedandfitness from Instagram  #pushupsgreens, celebrated my 39th birthday and clock 39,000 Instagram followers. I also go to my first ever blogger event Digital Parents and meet Klaus Bartosch who invites me to be part of the Vision Crusaders team.

Push ups challenge

So many cool pics with people doing their push ups all over the world.

Push ups challenge

April 2013
With all the greens we pushed up in March what better way to continue this by eating fully raw!!!  Stand up and be RAWESOME was a very challenging month for me to say the least. I really had to increase my calories & fruits a lot more but didn't manage to eat enough, so I ate a 80/20 fully raw diet as my beautiful Kristina at Fully Raw coached us along the way.

Fully Raw and Fitness Food And Style

Our kids loved this challenge and their Incredible Hulk AKA Shrek smoothie.

May 2013
We take a little bit of detour from fitness challenges and we focus on every day things and a little on style with my #photoadaychallenge.

Photo a day challenge - Fitness Food And Style

I also feature in the Lorna Jane move, nourish believe blog and meet Lorna Jane herself.

Lorna Jane and Fitness Food And Style

I have a busy month campaigning for my Vision Crusaders Ride To Conquer Cancer and I meet so many amazing people online that are helping me achieve my goals. Special thanks to Andrea for making this clip for me by Biz Promo Video.

June 2013
This is wind down month where we focus on our spirituality and connecting our mind body and soul. I have collaborated with Grow Soul Beautiful with this months yoga a day challenge. Facebook fans nearly clocks at 10,000 followers and Instagram hits 83,000 followers. I am blown away!

I also started my #richardbransonproject and appeared on Win 9 News and our local newspaper The Courier with our kids primary school holding up the sign.

Source: The Ballarat Courier

So many signs across the world holding up this sign asking Richard to come ride with me. I am blown away and can't wait to receive his reply.

Richard Branson Project

This has been the best 12 months EVER! I thank every person that has contributed to making this such an awesome year! Even if you are not listed by name here, you are never forgotten as you are the reason why I am here. You mean so much to me and I look forward to more adventures in 2013 and beyond!

Which reminds me, have you a spare $5 you can dontate to my Ride To Conquer Cancer please? You will be making such a difference by contributing to this amazing cancer research benefiting the Rio Tinto Queensland Institute of Medical Research. 


===> DONATE HERE

Much love and friendship,
Dani xx 

2XU giveaway and the #richardbransonproject

Here's a little thank you to all my readers, followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

2XU giveaway

My great friends at 2XU have been extremely generous by offering one of my FFS friends to win a $200 x-card. They want to show their support with my Ride To Conquer Cancer and my recent #richardbransonproject. The winner be based on creativity. Enter as many times as you like. Simply take a picture holding up a sign "Please Richard come ride with Dani and the VisionCrusaders.com" and post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and if you don't have any of those social media's, email me dani@fitnessfoodandstyle.com.au with the subject line #richardbransonproject.

Please ensure you use the hashtag #richardbransonproject

Here are some ideas;

OPSM #RichardBransonProject

Polly Shoes #RichardBransonProject

Mannequins #RichardBransonProject

Workers #RichardBransonProject

Skin Ski Surf #RichardBransonProject

Sovereign Hill policeman #askRichard #RichardBransonProject

So use your imagination. I will announce the winner first week of July. Have fun and thank you ALL for your love and support with this amazing cause.

XxDani

Weekend Recap and Weekly Health Plan (3)

Getting back on the bandwagon of the whole work and gym routine after being a beach bum and eating/drinking whatever I want is so freaking hard. I did not even realize how tried I have been. Last Monday I got back from the beach. The rest of the week was a struggle. I just felt tired. Completely fatigued. Out of it. No motivation for life. Then Thursday night I started running a fever and getting a sore throat. Friday I went to the doctor, diagnosed with strep, and was prescribed a strong antibiotic. Saturday, I was weak, but felt back to normal. Hit legs at the gym, ran errands, and felt more like Liz. Sunday I was back to normal. 

Sunday, I was a mad woman. Literally, I think I pulled a muscle in my chest from being the energizer bunny. I woke up around 10, made breakfast, and started doing things around the house, then went to the gym at noon for spin class. I kicked ass there then did a full upper body weight circuit. Once the gym was over I ran a couple of errands then came back home and cleaned for 3 hours then prepped all of my food for the week.  When I talk about cleaning, I mean C L E A N I N G. Washed sheets, scrubbed bathroom, Cloroxed counter tops, dusted, 2 additional loads of laundry, dishes, swept, mopped, and vacuumed. I am getting exhausted just by listing everything. It was worth it because I wore myself out (I am so naturally high strung that I get on my own nerves sometimes) and I took a bubble bath and vegged out by the TV for my Sunday night shows. True Blood - Long Island Medium - Kardashian's - Snapped: love my shows.

So much food prep. But it is SO worth it. You save so much time and most importantly; MONEY. I can't live without it. Designate an hour or two once a week and get it over with!

These pictures really have no meaning, but I cerish when my place is nice and clean!!!

Saturday Selfie: feeling like me again!

Yesterday I had an interview for a Human Resources Management position at a food group company. They own a lot of restaurants here in Charlotte. I met with three different people after having a phone interview last week. I am really praying hard to get this position. It would be the most wonderful opportunity to get my foot in the door with a  HR role. I just had the best vibe and connection with everyone. I met with the owner and he flat out told me, "You're a great interview, and it's apples to apples with you and the other candidates, but you're a smaller apple with your experience. You are still going to be considered, but I just wanted to let you know. That's my only issue with you". I appreciated him saying that, but it kind of broke my heart. I loved everyone I met with. And I completely felt like I would fit in and belong there. So I don't know what is going to happen. It sucks being young and looking for jobs sometimes. It works for you in some situations, but against you in a lot of them as well. We all need that one person who sees something great in us and is willing to take a chance. I hope they see that in me. There is nothing I can do now but pray. I sent a follow-up email this morning thanking them for their time yesterday, so that is all I can do.

I'm pretty excited about my dinner's this week that I have prepped. I tried a new concoction and it is delicious. I am trying to eat as many veggies as possible.

Dinner: Fresh kale and mushrooms with diced grilled chicken and veggie noodles, sauteed in low sodium teriyaki sauce and topped with a few unsalted peanuts.

Nutrition:

• Meal 1: 3 egg whites with spinach and 2 slices of double fiber wheat toast 
• Meal 2: Protein/Veggie Smoothie
• Meal 3: Skinny Veggie Stir Fry (fresh vegetables, chicken, tiny bit of whole wheat noodles and unsalted peanuts)
• Meal 4: Oatmeal
• Meal: 5 Chicken stir fry (pictured above)
• Meal 6 (optional): Special K bar

Training:

• Sunday: 45 minute spin class and full upper body weight circuit (done)
• Monday: 20 minutes lateral cardio and 45 minute spin class (done)
• Tuesday: 10 minutes cardio on Stairmill, full upper body weight circuit, 10 minutes cardio on lateral machine
• Wednesday: 20 minutes lateral cardio and 45 minute spin class
• Thursday: 10 minutes cardio on Stairmill, full upper body weight circuit, and 10 minutes cardio on lateral machine
• Friday: 15 minutes on lateral machine, leg work out, and 10 minutes cardio on Ellptical
• Saturday: OFF

Banana pancakes

Life should always be this easy. Got some bananas? Got some eggs? Check this out...............

Banana passiona (pash-i-ona) pancakes

Banana pancakes with passionfruit yogurt 

All you need is 1 banana and 2 eggs. Of course there is 6 of us so I tripled the ingredients and here is baby Zali showing you how simple and easy this recipe truly is.

I use a hand blender to ensure the mixture is blended perfectly hence the little bubbles appearing when I pour the mixture in the fry pan (which has been lightly oiled with olive oil).

Be very careful when turning them over as they are pretty delicate but once you get the hang of it, you will be a pro. Unfortunately you can't flip these pancakes like I do in this picture but you will enjoy eating them.

Here's a birds eye view of these little beauties.

Banana and passionfruit pancakes

There you have it! Experiment with different toppings (of course with no added sugar) we mixed passionfruit with some natural yogurt and the kids had some maple syrup. We have done them with blueberries, check them out here.

What is your quickest and easiest recipe?

Xx Dani

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 

Exercise For Cancer Recovery

What a buzz these last few days have been. From a tv feature on Win News Channel 9 to our local The Courier newspaper turning up at our kids school assembly this morning to take a picture of my #richardbransonproject. So much to fill you in with. More on all that as soon as I get links and images. 

In the meantime if you would like to donate to my Brisbane Ride to Conquer Cancer CLICK HERE.

Fitness Food And Style - Dani stretching after exercising

In the meantime I would love to share an article a friend sent me throughout the week. I am so passionate about sharing everything that I know and what I discover along the way, so this exercise and cancer article is simply perfect!

Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness.  To read more from Melanie, visit her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.

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Exercise For Cancer Recovery

Exercise is an important part of recovery when you have a cancer diagnosis. Regardless of the level of activity, regular exercise offers many benefits that promote an overall improved quality of life for cancer patients. Exercise also helps you feel stronger the more often you engage in it. It's not always easy to exercise while being treated for cancer, but here are 3 recommendations will help you find a starting point that is best for you.

Easy Stretching Techniques For Light Exercise

Stretching is important no matter what stage of cancer treatment you are going through. However, this level of activity is especially beneficial for those battling a prognosis of mesothelioma or any other cancers that may impair breathing. Light exercise will not increase your heart rate significantly, and you will feel like you are able to carry on an entire conversation without difficulty. Stretching will improve your flexibility,

Simple stretches are responsible for allowing the body to stay mobile. Hamstring stretches are especially important. These stretches will help you walk easier and relieve lower back pain. The hamstrings are responsible for a lot of the mobility in your body. Stretching is one of the best things you can do. Even if you are bed ridden, stretches can be performed without leaving your bed at all. Remember that if you are unable to take on higher levels of activity, it is important to try and remain as flexible as possible.

Moderate Yoga Exercise

When you are ready to advance to moderate exercises, yoga is the perfect choice. It centers your body, mind and spirit to create a positive feeling. Performing yoga is enough to create a light sweat and increased heart rate. It will allow you to carry on a conversation with some ease.

Yoga is beneficial because it reduces fatigue, increases strength and gives your body time to adjust to an intense routine. Yoga is able to help reduce pain and discomfort when it is practiced over the course of several weeks. Being consistent with yoga is the most important thing.

There are some cancer treatment centers now offer yoga classes to their patients as another form of therapy. Yoga classes may be more beneficial because an instructor can teach you how to hold each pose properly. There is also the support of other class members to help you through the workout routine.

Weight Training For Intense Exercise

Weight training is something you should do when you are fully prepared for the intensity. Patients who take on intense exercises are typically in the final stages of recovery. Strength is the most important part of an exercise routine, but you need to be able to handle the intensity. Proper form is important so that you can avoid injury.

Strength building will increase muscle tissues. It will also increase bone density that may have been lost during cancer treatment. Strength training improves cardiovascular health, energy levels and full-body strength. It will empower you to feel like a warrior after fighting the cancer. It's truly a worthwhile activity to participate in after your doctor has cleared you.

Lifting weights may not give you the same heart-pumping benefits as aerobics do, but you will notice faster improvements in your body. You will look leaner, healthier and stronger overall.

It's important to take it slowly when you are exercising while going through cancer treatment. Exercise can help you feel better, but you must follow your doctor's instructions. You want to start off at the bottom even if you were an elite athlete prior to your cancer diagnosis.

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Thank you so much Melanie for your time and sending me this. I am a firm believer that fitness plays a big role and if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease.

XxDani