Staying Upbeat with my healthy lifestyle

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Even when life gets beyond the point of just feeling busy I insist on keeping up with my exercise regime as best I can. There is something wonderfully comforting about knowing that after work there is an opportunity to thrash out all the pent up energy, even if I'm not in the mood. By dragging my backside out for a boot camp workout twice a week I am rewarded with an hour of stress-busting, a great feeling afterwards from the endorphins, with (hopefully) an ache the next day or so as my body recovers and grows stronger.

Ideally I'd like to run at least two other days during the week but I've had to make some compromises lately which I don't mind particularly as I'd prefer to keep running as something I love and enjoy as opposed to forcing myself to go out in a rigorous and unforgiving schedule. I don't think I've done a 10k run since May come to think of it, because they do take so long and it's much quicker and convenient to nip off for a 5k. The 'no pressure' approach to my running goals is paying off; it's been fun and has kept me entertained. I'm so lucky that Chris is thoughtful enough to run with me (for at least the first 3.5k anyway) as it's that little bit nicer even if we don't say a word except CAR!

5k pb

In a fit of determination and enthusiasm for making a solid run last week I somehow managed to knock out a personal best time which I can't quite believe, ten seconds faster than my previous best around a month ago (which was slightly overshadowed a couple of days later when Chris announced he'd run a sub 20 minute 5k, what a git).

Getting the balance of exercise and nutrition is an on-going trial and error experiment but what's new. The last few weeks I've been stricter with myself about the unnecessary snacks that had started creeping back in to each day; seriously, biscuits are a no-no and just three can cancel out a workout which is not worth it to me at all. Making better choices is my on-going aim; fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, fish and whole grains are the name of the game. With a few treats kept as treats.

Upbeat protein drink review

I'm pretty sure I'm now getting more protein into my diet than I used to which is really important for recovery, don't underestimate how much your body needs this. For lunches I ensure I get a good bit of protein in with my salad; either mackerel, chicken breast, bacon, corned beef or cheddar cheese. For our dinner there is always a good element of protein too. Personally, I'm partial to the odd protein bar, shake or extra portion a couple of times a week too. I tried a new protein drink called Upbeat this week which is a high protein fresh dairy drink, a great way to up your protein intake without chomping through some meat. The strawberry one was scrummy and I'd happily drink one of these a day if someone bought them for me; they are cute little bottles with a really straightforward message; whey protein and real fruit for a healthy, low fat drink. They are found in the chiller cabinet with the ever expanding collection of health beverages and the only negative is the price: £1.75 for 250ml, but it compares ok to similar products.

Do you make the effort to get enough protein in to your diet?
Do you keep up your exercise regime when life gets busy?

Sophie

I was sent Upbeat for the purposes of an impartial review, all opinions my own as always








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Sometimes I am sent items to feature as part of a post and these will be clearly mentioned as part of each post.Everything else is bought by myself. Any sponsored or collaboration posts will be clearly marked. Each post is my own content and all opinions are honest.