For those wondering what recipes are coming up, some of these include a workout pizza and easy enchiladas.  I’ve definitely not stopped cooking in the kitchen, and will post a new recipe later this week.

As for your favourite celebrity Chef, Jamie was your clear winner, with the foul-mouthed Gordon Ramsay second choice.  It’s funny, because I really don’t think I have a favourite myself.

There were a lot who chose “other” so I’d be interested hearing from you about who is your favourite?

• Jamie Oliver (25%, 13 Votes)
• Gordon Ramsay (21%, 11 Votes)
• Nigella Lawson (17%, 9 Votes)
• Other (15%, 8 Votes)
• Anthony Bourdain (12%, 6 Votes)
• Rachael Ray (6%, 3 Votes)
• Martha Stewart (4%, 2 Votes)
• Ainsley Harriot (0%, 0 Votes)

Current poll:

How many cookbooks do you own?

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonder New Year. I hope it’s a great one.

Remember everyone, drive safely, there’s always too many casualties on the roads at this time!

It’s been a pretty eventful week and I’m glad my diet wasn’t affected by this!

I will be planning on making some sweet potato gnocchi tonight and will have recipe and photos up shortly afterwards…cannot wait to try it!

My legs were frozen by the time I got home and maybe that has something to do with the fact it’s only 7 degrees celsius here at the moment. After heading home, I stretched and went in for a shower to warm myself up….

Here’s the run on mapmyrun.com if you’re interested:

I’m not sure why I stopped being so serious with my weight loss and getting fit? What made me stop? Why do I not have the same motivation as before?

I’m sicking of trying to find the answers and blame it on something! Rather than trying to find the answers, I’m going to do something about it and start back on track with the new me.

I don’t want to feel sorry for myself, neither do I want to feel guilty or feel bad…so a new positive outlook is now on the agenda with a new look Mel coming soon.

Until then, my exercise and dieting is back on with today’s weights already been completed this morning with another exercise session this afternoon. Calories are being counted – 1200 limit for me again.

Recipes here now will be very strictly calorie counted and most will be low in fat and calories…be prepared!

I’m still a little tired however, as I had to catch a bus at 5:20 in the morning yesterday to guarantee I’d get my flight. I still haven’t recovered totally.

I did however do a fair bit up there such as Movieworld, Seaworld, Australian Outback Spectacular, Whale watching and some shopping. The Outback Spectacular and the whale watching were the favourites.

I also was able to try out a vegetarian restaurant called Govindas. Nice, large curries – I couldn’t eat it all.

Anyway, back to it…more later!

Just an update:

Went to one of my regular blog checkouts and noticed they had a link to the Time Magazine’s “What the World Eats” gallery.  This is amazing, going to countries of third world and seeing the small offerings, compared to the likes of Europe, Asia and America.  It certainly makes you appreciate life…

check it out here.

Can’t say I’m very happy, as I’m heading to the Gold Coast this weekend to go on rides, which I probably won’t be able to go on!

Least I can cook! I think tonight I will be making a Lentil and Mushroom Gratin. Recipe and photos will follow.

Basically, that’s what I did and struggled to get back to the office on time. The run is below and took me 50 minutes to do around 8km. This was with stops for traffic lights and also trying to find a street to get me back to the office:




Tonight I’m heading to hockey for weights work on my shoulders and chest then specialised training. Tomorrow is only spinning before Saturday for abs work!

Last night, whilst doing the leg routine, I also did some boxing then some intense goalie training. This involved sprinting in the gear, repetitive slide and dive tackles and a few hitting drills. The sweat sure piled up!

This morning, I did my backs and abs workout, which is below:

• one arm dumbbell row 15 reps
• 2 arm dumbbell row 15 reps
• seated rows 15 reps – RESISTANCE BAND
• bend over raisers 15 reps
• good mornings
• back extension – STABILITY BALL
• side bend with weights
• crunches
• leg raises
• v-ups
• side reaches
• superman
• hip twist
• plank
• side raises

Tonight I’ll be doing some cardio work, which I haven’t decided everything I’ll be doing.

Eating has been great now that I’ve been having my protein powder again. It really does curb the hunger and helps me lose the weight.

Today’s bento consists of:

• Vegan Chestnut soup
• Fuji Apple
• Sultanas fresh from Mildura
• 1 piece of dark rye bread from South Melbourne market with nuttlex plant sterol margarine
• Weight watchers cocoa with cayenne pepper and cinnamon. I’ve brought the milk mixed in and will add hot water later on.