Bits and bobs about me...

Who IS she?
Well my name is Charlotte (or Lotty) and I am 26 years old. I am a primary school teacher and although it can be tough and full of pressures I love it. I love being in the classroom, teaching, the holidays, making children smile, being made to smile by children and watching them grow and progress. In my spare time I love making cards, painting, watching cheesy TV like America's Next Top Model. I also love normal things like going out with my friends and although I hardly ever drink I love getting dressed up for a good night out dancing away! I love running, swimming and fitness DVDs (30 Day Shred - AMAZING). I am getting married next year to my hero, the man of my dreams!

Why do I blog?

I was first made aware of the art of blogging when I started readig JAG's fitness blog. I started reading more and more and I really liked the healthy blogging community, as well as the ideas and tips that everyone shares. I thought... why don't I start one, I might even enjoy it! So I did. So far I like it a lot. I track my food and exercise and I have found it strangely theraputic.

Fabulous Food
I love food. I love cooking. I love recipe books. I love cooking shows (Nigella and Barefoot Contessa - I love you). However, everyone knows that there's a fine line between love and hate. I used food as my weapon of choice for a long time and I have see-sawed between being a very low weight and being far too restrictive and eating a lot of junk. I am working towards the famous 'balance' (that word that everyone talks about). I used to think that being healthy was eating low fat this, reduced fat that and skipping meals. I have now come to my own personal conclusion that being healthy is being happy, body confident (which comes from being well and strong, although I would NEVER claim to be body confident all of the time) and aware of what I put into my body and where that food and drink has come from. I am not happy and body confident every day but it is a goal and I am working on it - this blog helps! I am still dictated by that little blasted number on the scales - it can make or break my day. But nobody's perfect and I am somewhat of a control freak! I do NOT count calories anymore, I used to and it drove me potty. As I said I like to know where my food has come from and I like to recognise all of the ingredients on a label (some food lables look the same as shampoo bottle labels!). I am really into peanut butter (organic, no added crap of course), seeds and homemade meusli at the moment and  in a bid to consume more protein I have just started eating beef again after 4 years of staying away  I have just embarked a meat-free, dairy-free diet, so I will be getting my protein from foods such as nuts and beans. I do get into food ruts so I aim to mix it up, break the cycle and include lots of variety in my diet. 

Pump it up!
I really like exercise, it lifts my mood and I get agitated and stressy if i can't exercise. I love going for jogs, swimming and I love my exercise DVDs. They are great for when I am back at school because I can just pop one on and sweat it out in my own home!