Everyone knows losing weight boils down to a very simple formula, which is this: Burn more calories than you consume + time = weight loss. Right? Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It turns out there is no scientific formula for weight loss. It's actually an entirely random process operated by a receptionist called Linda, who lives…
Concerned about time moving too quickly in these strange, repetitive Covid times? Try not eating for 5 days. Without the usual anchor points of breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with a tummy constantly whining for food that never comes, seconds ooze out of the day in super slow motion. This morning, on the final day…
Continue reading ➞ It’s over! Day 5 of my juice fast – thoughts and feelings
I was in two minds over whether to blog about my Fuel Station 5-day juice fast because, when I rebranded as Whalebeings at the beginning of 2021, I resolved not to perpetuate unhealthy ideas about body image - for my own sanity as much as for my readers'. Juice cleanses, or fasts, or detoxes, can…
Continue reading ➞ I’m kickstarting spring with a Fuel Station 5-day juice fast
Spoiler alert: I can't answer this question. Emotional healing is a personal, complex, all-consuming and highly uncomfortable experience that's unique to everyone. Healing sounds like it should be pleasant and soothing because it means getting better. It makes me think of soft pink lighting, panpipe music and someone in an apron dabbing me gently with…
Continue reading ➞ How to heal a lifetime of self-image issues
According to Christian tradition, Lent should be a time of quiet self-reflection and prayer. With this in mind, I decided to turn my metaphorical gaze inwards - and in doing so, I found a dark, empty space. A dark, empty space about the size and shape of a 500g bar of Galaxy chocolate. All the blogs said giving…
I'm taking a quick break from novel writing (it's going terribly, by the way) to update you on this year's sugar-free Lent challenge. I'm 1.5 weeks in and I've hit a plateau. This week was my 'time of month' (I don't know why we call it this. It sounds like it should be the highlight of the…
Apparently Alicia Keys doesn't wear make-up to fancy awards ceremonies any more and it's made headlines. It's made headlines because a few people on Twitter have been mean about it, saying slightly condescending things like 'just put a bit of mascara on love', raising the hackles of other people who feel baffled by the apparent fact that wearing…
Continue reading ➞ Women’s faces and Alicia Keys not wearing any make-up
Sorry. I know it's a trite title. Or tritle, if you will. It's just that existential crises are all the rage this AW16 season, like bomber jackets and off-the-shoulder dresses and feminism, and I don't want to miss out. We all love a bit of soul-searching. It's why we read books and go travelling and watch…
I just thought I'd squeeze a really quick post into my lunch-break as, what with all the food prep I'm having to do on the 90 day 'shift, shape and sustain' plan by Joe Wicks (AKA The Bodycoach), I haven't had any time to blog about it yet. The idea of the plan The idea…
Continue reading ➞ 90 day SSS cycle 1, day 2 – thoughts so far
It's pretty controversial, giving up food for 21 days. While the below post documents my experience with the 21 Day Herbalife Challenge, and shows you how to do it, I'll start off by urging you to rethink this idea. What is much healthier, more sustainable and more tolerable, is a short juice cleanse like the…
