Woah, where did April go?

I know I’m a little late in wrapping up the #obw10lbchallenge, but we took the bank holiday weekend off to go camping with the kids and ugh, it’s taken me a few days to get back on track. Not to mention how tired I have been. Seriously, how can fresh air leave you SO tired. I’m yawning here right now just thinking about it.

This 10 lb challenge has been a blast! Did you join in?

I’ve been posting regular(ish) status updates on Instagram, and it’s been so fun seeing you following along too! (Whaaaat! You’re not following? Oh you should… we have so much fun over there!)

This month, I made a real conscious effort to move more.

Walking the dog, weekend family walks, going swimming, camping… I even purchased new trainers and gym gear, although, they didn’t have everything in my size so a few items were on order. But woah, exercise + fresh air makes you so hungry! I need to plan for that and make sure I don’t come straight home and hit the cookie jar!

I have remained good at food and meal planning. It makes so much difference when I take the time to get organised, and simple things like overcooking in the evening, to ensure I have a quick and easy healthy lunch the next day. It really is the little things that make all the difference.

#obw10lbchallenge results

Overall, in the 10 lb challenge I lost 6 lbs.

Am I disappointed? Heck, no, I’m thrilled!

I lost the 6 lbs that had crept back on over the past couple of months and I am now happily back at my target weight. I aimed for 10 and got 6. If I’d muddled along with no focus or goal, I’d probably be the same – or even gained.

How have YOU been doing? How was your month? Leave a comment and share your #obw10lbchallenge results!  

The post The 10 lb Weight Loss Challenge Is Over! How Did You Do? appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

If I am entirely honest, I was kinda dreading the #obw10lbchallenge.

Starting just a few days before Easter and with the kids on a two-week break from school, it probably wasn’t the smartest of timings. Or was it? After year-upon-year of “the diet will start Monday” I realised that there is never a good time to start. There will always be something in the schedule and life will always throw curve balls. Every year there will be Easter, every other month there will be a school holiday. Life happens. You’ve just got to pick a day and start. And these few lbs that have snuck up on me are not going to disappear by themselves.

Week 1 Review

Starting weight: 10 stone (140 lbs) yep. I gained 6 lbs since hitting my Target Weight
Weight loss goal: 10 lbs
Weight loss on challenge so far: 2 lbs
Exercise: 1 swim (40 lengths), 1 swim (54 lengths), 1.5 hour walk with family

Since taking out gym membership one month ago (my Mother’s Day gift to myself!) I’m actually enjoying the exercise. Something I thought I would never, ever say. I actually find myself wanting to go back and do more. What has happened to me?!

Food-wise, ugh, it’s been Easter!

Whilst I didn’t personally have any Easter Eggs, that’s not to say chocolate didn’t pass these lips. It sure did. But what I’ve learned is that sneaking chocolate from a child so that they don’t notice a missing piece of the egg is a real art. An art that leaves you with only minuscule pieces at a time. Also, Kinnerton chocolate (aka Doc McStuffins eggs) is gross and seriously not worth the reprimand of a 5 year old.

One thing I learned in my weight loss journey, is that Success Is In The Support. Surrounding yourself with people all working towards the same goal, whether it be at home, a slimming class, or via social media – makes a real difference.

Of course, YOU have still got to do the work, but knowing you are not alone in your daily challenges and struggles (damn you, Easter bunny!) is reassuring.

I chose to make my journey public. I know that doesn’t work for everyone, but it helps me stay accountable. Seeing all your #OBW10lbChallenge updates on Instagram has been a real motivator too!

How was your first week? Leave a comment below and share! 

Be sure to use join in or follow along using #OBW10lbChallenge on Instagram and Twitter!

The post 10lb Challenge: Week 1 appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

Just as I’ve become a master at sneaking extra veggies into my children’s meal times, I’ve also learned to sneak extra exercise into all of our daily routines.

After school race to the car, anyone?

You see, I believe that leading a healthy lifestyle needn’t be a bore or a chore and when something tastes good or is full of fun – you enjoy it and stick with it.

My 7 year old has recently discovered Minecraft on the iPad. Somedays it’s all I can do to peel his fingers off the device. (I *may* also have unplugged the WiFi  on more than one occasion…) So, it’s time to get a little creative if I want to get him up ‘n’ moving AND hold his interest in something that doesn’t require a screen.

The Monster Burp! skateboard from The Skate Hut was just the trick. Oh and that name? He totally found that funny. Cue lots boy-burps in the process!

And skateboarding… that’s what all the cool, older boys do, right?

Lemme tell you, skateboarding is NOT as easy as it appears.

Ha, yes, I did have a try!

Even with one foot on and the board and the other skooshing along the ground, it takes balance and co-ordination. A skill, I *thought* I had. It’s tricky, I tell you!

And Thomas found it tricky too. After a few cries of, “I can’t do it!” – followed by my “You can do this!” Thomas began to pick it up. Really well. Too well. He put this mamma to shame!

And if you’ve ever taught a child to ride a bike without stabilisers, you will remember that smile on their face as they realise they are doing it all by themselves without you holding on.

We got that, too

Oh and skateboards! So much easier to chuck in the boot of the car – unlike the two scooters (with handlebars) that I wrestle with and carry haphazardly back from the school gates each morning.

Yep, sneaking in some more exercise there, too.

The Monster Burp! skateboard from The Skate Hut, £19.95

At just £19.95 this would be an awesome Christmas gift.

Can you imagine a child finding this poking out of their stocking this Christmas. So much FUN!

Visit The Skate Hut and check out the Burp! skateboard and other exciting gift ideas, too.

xoxo Natalie

PS. Oh my goodness, I just discovered they sell pogo sticks as well.

PPS. And powerisers!

For the children, Natalie. For the children

The post Getting Our Skate On: The Skate Hut ‘Burp!’ Skateboard appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

Way back last year, a friend gave me Jillian Michaels ’30 Day Shred’ DVD. And I confess, after an enthusiastic start, it ended up in the cupboard.

Well, I re-discovered it today whilst tidying up and I’ve decided to give it another go. (What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?). And since there’s no time like the present, I’m starting today. Tonight. I’m going to make Hubby work out with me, too

I find it kinda funny how she’s smiling (or is that smirking?) on the cover. It’s like she just knows it’s gonna hurt real bad. But, if I can get some ab definition remotely close to what she has, it’s got to be worth it.

Got any other good DVD workout recommendations to share? But no soap-star celebrities… they all seem to get out-of-shape again once the pay cheques have rolled in.

Somebody put A&E on standby.

~ Natalie

PS. If you’ve got a copy of the 30 Day Shred sitting at home.. join in!

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