Small steps, big results and husband approved green smoothie recipe.
When I was asked by the lovely owners of this fabulous blog, if I’d like to do a guest post, I quite literally squealed with delight. My husband on the other hand, didn’t really see what I was so excited about but I’ve been a fan of these girls from (almost) the very beginning. I’ve learnt SO much from them, been inspired, made some epic recipes, convinced my brother-in-law that a cake he was eating was raw, vegan and refined sugar free (he didn’t believe me) and even got my Mum quoting, “Well according to the Merrymaker Sisters…”
Needless to say I’ve been inspired. My journey, however, is a little different. I’m not strictly paleo (until they invent paleo beer, wine and cheese, I’m sorry, I just can’t). I dabble in a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I’m not an extreme exerciser (6.23am is early enough for me, thank you very much. And yes, my alarm is that specific. Those extra two minutes are the difference between me getting my train and my morning being ruined). But let me start from the very beginning. Like who I am might be a good start!
I’m Danni, or in the blogging/social media world, lifelovetravelfood. I’m a proud Aussie living in London. I’ve been here for four years and have had an incredible time travelling the world with my husband, Ben. I’ve never been overweight, unhappy, had any food allergies or anything like that. To be honest, after a trip back home last year with the sun, beach, sand and family, I was just SO happy and I wanted to keep that sunshiney feeling when I got back to gloomy London (yes, it’s grey. All. The. Time.) I started by reading a book here and there, following a few new people on instagram and soon I became addicted. Addicted to healthy living. Addicted to the feeling I get after exercise. Addicted to the rush I get from knowing, at the end of the day, I’ve eaten whole fresh, natural foods and moved my body to keep an active lifestyle. Very, very simple steps.
I’ve been eating clean (on most occasions, I’m no angel!) and exercising regularly for six months now and for me, that’s HUGE. I make the same New Years resolution every year. Eat healthy and exercise more. I’ve never managed to stick to it until this year. People have noticed a difference in me. I’m more positive, bright and vibrant in my mood and attitude. I feel SO much better physically and mentally and I’m enjoying life more than ever before.
What I love the most is when people say to me I’ve had a postive impact on their life. A friend told me she feels her mood lifts because my attitude rubs off on her. Another friend told me he eats better and is more conscious about what he eats because I’ve had a positive impact on his life. A stranger on instagram told me she loved my posts because I was realistic in my approach to food and exercise. You have no idea how much these little things mean to me. They brighten my day, make me want to strive to be better and keep my healthy, happy journey going.
So what’s my advice to leading a happier, healthier life?
- Make small changes – you don’t have to be perfect all the time, no one is!
- You want that chocolate treat… have it, and don’t feel guilty about it. Although you should definitely try a Merrymaker recipe first, they’re as good as the real thing! My freezer should be nicknamed Merrymaker-freezer, it’s stacked full of amazing, clean treats. We even have some biscuits and chocolates in what I call the ‘boy cupboard’ and I’m not tempted by any of the overly processed nasty stuff in there. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend keeping temptation out of the way for a while, until you get into your routine.
- Cut yourself some slack! My weekends are never perfect. When I travel, I don’t worry about what I eat (although funnily enough, I do find myself leaning towards the healthier things on the menu and craving natural foods).
- Eat well when you can and if you can’t, don’t beat yourself up about it. It get easier, your body will adapt and WANT clean, healthy foods. Listen to your body, only you know how foods make you feel. Mine doesn’t like wheat – it’s not an allergy, it’s what my body reacts to.
So I guess what I’m here to say is live the life you want. Those steps that look small to some may mean big results to you. And YOU are the most important person in all of this!
And now that you’re (hopefully) feeling all positive, happy and ready to tackle anything, here’s one of my favourite breakfast’s to kick start my day: Mango and Cashew Green Smoothie. Honestly, this smoothie puts me in the best mood and I go to bed happy knowing I’m having it for breakfast the next day! Don’t get put off by nuts and spinach being in a smoothie, trust me on this one. I know we’ve just met but I wouldn’t steer you wrong! My at times fussy husband really likes it too and for him to enjoy a smoothie with spinach and nuts in it… is HUGE!
Find it here!
We want to send a HUGE thank you to Danni for sharing her tips, tricks and inspiration. We’re so grateful to have met lovely people like Danni on our journey to health and happiness!
Always merrymaking,
e + c
p.s how cute is she!
