Cleo December 2013: Cover + Sarah Ranawake Dating Story

The latest issue of Cleo magazine is out, and as usual, the magazine's approach to stories takes on a more investigative bent. Here is the December edition cover, showing Mila Kunis… no, wait! That's Sarah Hyland from TV's 'Modern Family':

This story, below, by the fab features director Sarah Ranawake on what dating is really like is an excellent read (her last day at the mag happens to be today, after several years there. She's an excellent writer and my old work buddy).

Here's the opening photo for the piece, in which she asks: do men really ever make the first move when they see you solo at various hotspots around town? Get the edition - out now - to find out what Sarah discovers about dating and men… (looking HOT Sarah):

What are your dating experiences around town? Tell...

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Project 90: My Fit n Fast Journey - Report Six - Final Results

And so, the end (but no.. the beginning!) of my journey with Fit n Fast has come and it has been beyond rewarding.

The obvious measurements of success are the stats: the weight lost, the centimetres shifted, the waist whittled, my flat(ter) stomach back. Here's me:

It has been a triumph for me in so many ways, and not just the shrinking numbers.

And so, here are the essential numbers:

Start weight: 71.5kg
Finish weight: 64.5kg

(Current weight since the Fit n Fast 'Project 90' challenge finished: 64kg... and counting). Total weight loss: 7.5kg so far.

The body measurements:

Hips:
Start: 112cm
One month in: 107.5cm
Finish: 101.5cm

Waist:
Start: 89cm
One month in: 81cm
Finish: 79cm

Chest:

Start: 118cm
One month in: 97cm
Finish: 93cm

Shoulders:

Start: 107cm
One month in: 105cm
Finish: 92cm

If you have followed all five of my reports (here is report one, report two, report three, report four, report five), the whole thing has been no piece of cake (and there were no pieces of cake consumed... well, perhaps a bite or two, but that's what kept me going, and not spiralling back into entirely crazy eating habits). There were bi-weekly sessions with my personal trainer Hayley, topped up by three sessions solo at my local Fit n Fast gym. Sticking to a sensible, logical eating plan (high in protein, but not eliminating carbs entirely). Lots of sweat, change of lifestyle (sleeping more, no mindless snacking, that kind of thing).

That said, this whole 'Project 90' experience gave me far, far more than the perhaps-sometimes-scoffed-at-for-being-superficial ability to wear my jeans and tight fitting pants with more pride and ease. Although yeah, this was a fabulous bonus. That, and feeling more at home in my body at the size it should be, for the height I am - 155cm.

How has 'Project 90' changed my life?

It came at a time of great emotional turmoil and personal catastrophe, which could have had me throw in the gym towel before I even truly got warmed up. But I knew this time HAD to be different. It would require all the mental - as well as the obvious, physical - strength. I had a team of truly dedicated experts behind me, genuinely and whole-heartedly cheering me on in: my personal trainer Hayley from Fit n Fast, my nutrition guru Matt O'Neill from Metabolic Jumpstart, and the entire Fit n Fast crew behind me. I did not want to let them down.

But most of all, I could not let me down.

In my daily role as carer to my kids and mum - while juggling freelance projects and writing for one of the biggest projects of my life - I will often put myself last. No, really I do (well, I did. Past tense). The new version of me has now carved out pockets of time to go to the gym and not feel guilt (why? The family is fed and sorted and happy). This is time I thought I did not have. The trick for me was to now realise my health and fitness was important, an integral part of my mental wellbeing.

Shopping for the right foods is also a priority. We eat well, and plentiful... always have. But being well and truly prepared - especially with healthy snacks like fruit and nuts - was now a priority. A well-stocked fridge and pantry. The mind shift took some time, but soon become habit. It's not unusual for me to tuck into a can of tuna because it's what I now crave.

The post-Project 90 shoot was a wonderful way to celebrate. The day I went to Sydney PR agency Sweaty Betty (in the photo above) to choose some clothes for the shoot was a true revelation: I coulda sworn they had a magic mirror in their office... I looked loads slimmer in their mirror and was kinda blown away. I am pretty much convinced there was a possible case of body dysmorphia happening - where my mind and eyes were still thinking I am larger than I was, still the body I have had before all the hard work.

Thing is, I have been writing this post for several weeks now, as I wanted to make sure I included every single element of my transformation, and fully explain just how this whole process has had long term impact on my life. Turns out, there are no words to quantify just how this has changed how I view myself now, and the importance I place on my wellbeing - especially my mental health.

All I can say is this: investing in yourself is never selfish or self-absorbed. Now I truly understand the whole concept of looking after yourself and you will be a betterm happier carer and person in general.

DO IT!

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Project 90: My Fit n Fast Journey - Report Five - Virtual Cardio Pilates

If you have followed my Fit n Fast journey for the past few months, you'd know I am on the tail end of my three month journey. But, it's also only just the beginning for me.

Eating right has of course been an integral part of my weight loss, as has keeping up my gym work. There is no boredom factor when it comes to the gym for me.

Two days a week I train my Hayley, my wonderful trainer (who truly kicks my butt... but, you know, in a nice way). The other three days I train alone. I mix it up with treadmilll, stairmaster (killer!), bike, rowing machine - I love it all. I'll even add this at the tail end of my sessions with Hayley - that's how much I enjoy it.

It was suggested I try a virtual class at Fit n Fast and I had been curious since day one, when I got a tour of the entire gym. There's a spin bike virtual class (I had not tried a spin bike until last week during a circuit session with Hayley), and then there is that huge darkened room in the gym I'd never ventured into since my tour.

It's essentially a massive room with the lights always off, and a class always ready and playing. There's a big screen at the front of the room, and gym mats hung up on the wall... all you need to do is enter. And yesterday, keen to do a virtual class, I did!

I am hooked!

There was a class about to start in two minutes. I decided then and there to drop my bag, take my layers off, grab a mat, and go for it. Here's the screen that awaited me... innocent, unassuming... you know, just a screen.

NO! Mari Winsor kicked my arse!

I have never tried Pilates.

Yes, let me say that again.

I have never tried Pilates.

How hard can it be, right? A more flex-y version of yoga, yeah?

Noooo!

It was tough and challenging... and utterly awesome. And I can't wait to do it again.

Cardio Pilates was excellent - it's a pretty high powered, full body workout, which combines Pilates with cardio. It elevates the heart rate and burns calories - and gosh, can you feel it immediately. 

The basis of Pilates is body conditioning, which helps build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abdominals (Mari keeps emphasising that part!), arms, hips, even back.

Much emphasis is placed on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, improving coordination and balance.

In fact, I was grateful during the session that I was in that room solo... I am un-co at the best of times. But amazingly, I got better as I went during that first session.

Indeed, the basis of Pilates allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty - from beginners to advanced. The level of intensity can be increased over time, as the body adapts to the exercises.

I can't say enough good things about a Fit n Fast virtual class. It's drop and go, you feel strangely connected to the instructor on screen, and even though she or he can't check on you during the class, you give it a red hot go and want to do well.

After all, even in a darkened room (or any virtual class), if you're cheating, you're only cheating yourself.

Give it a go!

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Project 90: My Fit n Fast Journey - Report Four

Report four of my Fit n Fast 'Project 90' program is here, and while the three month journey is almost over, the big life shift is just beginning. Five kilograms lost so far, and now just over three weeks to go!

(Here is part one and part two and part three which gives an intro and updates on my journey).

The biggest change for me has been the way I have embraced this as a complete lifestyle change - what I do and eat is now part of who I am. Eating unhealthily is now not something I want to do - and my body is not happy about it if I do sneak a little something.

And that's the whole point - the concept of 'sneaking' in anything is detrimental to my ongoing success; it's the kind of self-sabotage that has had me fail in the past. Instead, allowing myself the occasional treat is far better for me from a psychological point of view, than depriving myself altogether.

In the words of Matt O'Neill from Metabolic Jumpstart, if you crave something which is not part of the healthy food choices you know are good for you, simply "get your fix, not your fill."

So, have a square of that dark chocolate... don't gorge on it.

My catch up coaching calls with Matt are a constant source of inspiration - he is interested in where I have failed as much as what has succeeded for me. From this, we dissect and discuss and Matt offers up viable, and easy to follow suggestions.

For example, with only weeks to go, Matt has sent me a calendar for the month of September so I can properly chart what's coming up (weddings, parties, anything) so it doesn't threaten to put me off course. It has worked well - if I know an event is happening and there might be cake, I can factor that in, and allow myself that treat, knowing I won't pay attention to my sweet tooth at other times during the week.

Matt has sent me some handy PDFs on why weight loss plateaus happen (reduced metabolic rate, undereating, overeating...) and seven ways to plateau (reassess your energy intake, write it all down), so I can understand them better and not feel deflated by them.

At the gym, my personal trainer Hayley contiues to, well, whip my butt into shape.

We are talking high impact circut training, more boxing, an introduction to the Stairmaster bike (yikes, it's hard work but strangely addictive), and lots of short bursts of high intensity exercise. After each bi-weekly session with Hayley (I go to the gym the other three weekdays and work out by myself) I feel happy to add some extra time on the bike or the treadmill.

I notice a definite increase in people at the gym of late, too. With the season of spring imminent, more body-consious folk are now out getting fit, and that means more sessions at the gym. It's encouraging to see.

Appearance-wise, my clothes are looser, jeans fit better, and it's fun getting dressed up again. I know I still have a substantial way to go on the weight/cm loss front, but the begininngs are positive and visible, and my confidence is climbing, and that's what's important.

How are you going on your weight loss journey? Feel free to commnent below!

Oh, and my fab 'after' shots are imminent... I won't lie, it's kinda my motivator to keep striving to looking amazing.

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Kirsty Spraggon: 'The Next Oprah'

Kirsty Spraggon is a name to remember. She's an Australian woman making huge inroads in the US. Here's Kirsty:

I saw this clip on the weekend 'Today' show in Australia recently, and was very keen to know more about her:



So... I popped her a line. And I was introduced to the warm, engaging, friendly and super-inspiring world of Kirsty Spraggon.

I mean, anyone dubed "The Next Oprah" - who happens to be an Aussie - is important on my radar.

I interviewed Kirsty just for Josie's Juice on her journey so far. Here's what she said:

Josie's Juice: Tell me about the journey that led you from Perth to Sydney?

Kirsty Spraggon: October 3rd, 2007, and it’s a glorious sunny day in Perth. I am out by the lake running and “destination unknown” is playing on my ipod. I am singing while I run with my hands in the air. I feel so free and I don’t have a care in the world.

A week before my life had changed and change can happen in seconds, moments, days or years but for me it happened in seconds. There I was at the height of my career in real estate at the top of my field, ranked in the top 1 percent globally and I was living the dream. I had a successful career. I had invested we’ll from a young age. I had a gorgeous convertible, so hot! I was traveling the world while having three months off a year and most importantly I was able to contribute back through charity work. Yet I wasn’t completely happy I had this niggling feeling that something was missing. I felt I wasn’t living my purpose.

As I was sitting in a hotel room in Melbourne, I asked myself the question: "What could you change in your life?".  So I started writing on the hotel pad. What if I decided to follow my dream. What would need to change. It may sound strange but I had never thought about other options. I think sometimes we can get stuck in a box. A role in life or a certain identity and thats how we see ourselves or how other people see us. I was Kirsty the successful real estate agent. When I started to think about it what I realised was I had other options, other choices. Within seconds my life changed as I realised the possibilities and the opportunities I had available to me.

I made the decision to take a risk, a leap of faith and believe in me. To go and live my purpose I felt so strongly drawn to. To become a speaker, author and TV host. I returned home two days later and resigned before I could change my mind. It has been the most extraordinary journey. Not a day goes by when I dont feel exhilarated and challenged. I have no regrets and am so glad I took that leap of faith. It was life changing.

And the journey from Sydney to the US?

Once I got to Sydney I started to feel like I was supposed to go to America but I didn’t feel emotionally ready. As much as  I had no regrets. Dont get me wrong it hadn’t been easy. There had been plenty of tears. Leaving everything I knew, my family, friends, home and going from the pinnacle of my success back to the bottom of the food chain. Starting all over again. It was the most challenging difficult time for me but out of that comes strength, resilience, learning and growth. I learned what I am capable of.

So once I felt strong enough to make the next jump. I did.

 It’s been 18 months since I sold everything I owned, at the height of my career in Australia and moved across the planet with 2 suitcases to Los Angeles, or “Lala Land” as some like to call it to build a talkshow.

What was the catalyst for you to head into the journey you are on now?

I can’t really explain it in any way other than to say I felt divinely guided. Where other career moves have really been jobs & work in some way or another the inner drive around this felt more like a calling, an inner knowing that this was what I was supposed to be doing. That sense was what gave me the initial momentum to just do it.

I wish that sentence was longer, more profound and not as easy for people to throw away because that cliche is gold! Keep in mind that I am not super human and building a show without any experience as a host, or interviewer and no camera training whatsoever, has left me paralysed with fear at times.

If I were to sum up my toughest times, I would say that Sir Edmund Hillary said it best, “It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.”  It really has been about conquering myself emotionally and mentally.  

What keeps me going at even the most challenging of times is that ‘inner knowing’ that this is what I am supposed to do, an inner guidance that keeps pushing me forwards.

I saw you on Today show in Australia dubbed as 'The Next Oprah'. What does this tag mean to you?

I think it is a huge compliment  that Oprah has left such a mark on the talk show space that anyone entering in, is always compared.

However there is only one ‘O’ and I plan to be the "Next Kirsty". I am a huge Oprah fan and can only hope to have half the career she has had. Oprah has conducted over 30,000 interviews over a 25 year career. I on the other hand, am just at the beginning of my journey. I certainly hope to follow in her footsteps in terms of sharing meaningful stories that are important to tell and help people heal.

I hope to look back one day & to have left a legacy such as Oprah's and to have made such a difference in the world is something I certainly aspire to.

What’s happening with you right now – explain to those who are unfamiliar with you.

We’ll we launched 10 weeks ago now. We are on our 10th interview up and we share 1 story a

week an interview with a guest, a couch group discussion on the topic and an expert

conversation. Every week our number of viewers grows at warp speed, it has been such an

exciting time.

We have been filming in my apartment I started with 2 camera guys and now have a small crew of 7.

There are over 80 interviews available online. I have chatted with everyone from celebrities to experts, speakers, authors and every day people whom all share thier personal stories.

New videos go up every Tuesday and Thursday (Los Angeles time) at 3pm. Our channel is at http://www.youtube.com/KirstySpraggonTV

What’s your plan for the next 12 months?

The show is constantly evolving as I learn and grow. I would love to go live on air with a 1 hour

format. One of the biggest plans is to partner with a corporate sponsor so that we can start

filming in a studio and have live audiences to the show, where guests can interact with the

audience.

What do you ultimately hope to achieve? 

We are all about the power of sharing stories. I believe when people share their stories they

heal themselves and they heal others. So I want to help people heal.

My hope is that people will feel less alone, and see themselves in someone elses story. I want

for everyone to be at peace with who they are warts and all and to learn, grow and heal.

You can connect on several platforms with Kirsty:

Sign up to her website: http://www.kirstytv.com/

Subscribe to her YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/KirstySpraggonTV

Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirstyTV

Tweet her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirstyTV

Follow her on Google + here: gplus.to/KirstyTV

Here are some pics of Kirsty red carpets, on the interview couch, and on our TVs:

Kirsty with Oprah's partner Stedman Graham 

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CLEO August 2013: Amanda Seyfried

The August 2013 edition of CLEO is out and it's as jam-packed as ever.

Here's the beautiful cover with the stunning Amanda Seyfried:

The edition continues along the magazine's new investigative story line, with several meaty stories.

In an exclusive interview with CLEO, model Nikki Phillips shares her painful battle with cervical cancer – something she has kept secret until now.

“At the gynecologist’s office, I sat down and she introduced herself. Then she simply said, “You know, I am just going to get straight to the point. You’ve got cervical cancer.” I was on my own and everything just froze around me. I couldn’t tell you what she said next.” said Nikki Phillips. The story is as emotional as it is inspiring.

In an altogether different piece, scientists have discovered genes linked to romance and fidelity – and can now do a DNA test to determine whether someone is likely to cheat, or whether a couple is compatible.

Macquarie University biologist Professor Michael Gillings says the $900 test will be available later this year or early next year. Would you be keen on it?

In her CLEO magazine column, Jessica Rudd (daughter of the PM, Kevin Rudd) tells politicians to stop the “point-scoring” and “squabbling” this election.

“We’re about to be inundated. Ads with booming voiceovers. Debates. Billboards. Breaking news. Polls. Poll analysis…. I wouldn’t mind all of that if it wasn’t so negative and adversarial. It’s a turn-off. A criticism constantly leveled at our generations is that we’re off in our own world doing our own thing. They say we don’t engage, that we float around with our legs in skinny jeans and our heads in the interwebs. Well, I’m sick of it. They’re letting us down. They’re the ones in their own world. Is it any wonder we tune out?

“On behalf of young people everywhere, I make this plea to all our representatives, their staff and the press gallery: stop squabbling and grow up.”

Rudd says Parliament is like the Lindsay Lohan film 'Mean Girls'. Ouch.

Now that the election has been announced for Saturday September 7 2013, it will be interesting to see where all the squabbling ends and the real stuff begins. The 'Australia Votes: Leadership Debate' will screen tonight from the National Press Club in Canberra on ABC1 from 6.30pm.

And in exclusive research from the government initiative 'The Line', revealing (and extremely worrying) info on young women who are choosing to be in violent relationships rather than be single.

The research showed any relationship – even a bad one – is considered better than not experiencing a relationship at all.

“The research identifies that young women’s’ perceptions of relationships are from peers and pop culture,’’ CLEO editor Sharri Markson said.

“It’s extremely worrying that pop culture, from music lyrics to celebrity influences, are making girls feel like it’s normal to put up with violence.”

What to say about this last story except this is essential, eye-opening reading, and something young women must read and share and talk about.

August CLEO magazine is out now.

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Project 90: My Fit n Fast Journey - Report Three

So, here we are... report three of my Fit n Fast 'Project 90' program. (Here is part one and part two which gives an intro and updates on my journey).

I am six weeks in and happy to report I am down to 4kg of actual weight loss.

While it's only another 400g of weight loss since my last report (the weight loss plateau is common, my nutritionist Matt O'Neill tells me, and can happen at any time during the weight loss journey), I KNOW I have lost some serious centremetres off every area of my body (sadly, also... my fabulous boobs. But that's okay! I can safely assume some of that was because I was not my goal weight. Plus, all women know it's the FIRST place you lose it).

I will give you a centremetre-whittling report in the next instalment: my trainer Hayley is due to assess me at the gym next week.

And so, what's been happening so far?

Well, the emotional toll of life events threaten to derail again, but I continue to firmly recognise that my daily Fit n Fast visits are a consistent respite for me. No matter that I spend half an hour (or more) sweating and huffing and puffing: it's my time to feel like I have acheived something for me, taken time out to work on my body shape, my health, and my mental stability. It is utterly 'selfish' in mummy-world, but seasoned, balanced mums know this kind of respite is essential. I am not kidding. I will continue this long after my official reporting is over, as the benefits are so huge, in every way.

Anyone I speak to - especially mums, and close friends who know how much I have on my plate - agrees that making that short trek to the gym is my little godsend right now. It's their's too.

My weekly nutritional catch up phone calls with Matt O'Neill from Metabolic Jumpstart continue to be inspirational and laden with 'fat-free' tips!

One of the cornerstones of Matt's program is the concept of 'exchanges'.

I thought it best that he explain exactly what that means:

On a Metabolic Jumpstart diet plan, the amounts of essential foods (vegetables, fruit, dairy, protein, healthy oils and starches) are matched for the metabolic profile and desired results of each individual. To ensure both the best match and flexibility, specific amounts called 'Exchanges' are used. For example, 1 Fruit Exchange equals 300kJ, which equates to 1 medium banana, 1.5 tablspoons sultanas or 22 grapes. As long as you eat the target number of 'Exchanges' prescribed for each food group, your diet plan is on target and you don’t have to work out any kilojoules," says Matt O'Neill.

It really is that easy, folks. I have a chart on my fridge and I follow it. I really like that I am guided by something specific. It cuts out the confusion.

With one week sans my trainer Hayley, I pushed myself super hard: she set some goals and challenges for me and I smashed them each time: beating my 'personal best' on the rowing machine every time, for example.

I went a harder on the treadmill, too... the incline function is now my new best friend. I find that popping in the headphones is a brill distraction. Hayley gave me a sneaky tip to try next week: cover the monitor with your hand towel so you don't see the calories burned, or time left, until the very end. I will try this on the ol' Stairmaster next week.

Now that Hayley is back she has trained me hard this week. I was introduced to boxing and have taken to it immediately. Hayley is pleased with how I can execute a mean upper cut and jab, and shows me the best way to have this kinda exercise work for me, to give a surprisingly good cardio workout. It's all about the core, people! (This is why I am loving having Hayley by my side... It would not be possible to maximise my workout time without her).

So, I'll see you back here in two weeks! Tell me about your journey so far... I am noticing more people at my Fit n Fast gym (it's never too crowded, though... have you seen how much equipment these guys have!), as they come to the realisation summer is around the corner.

As I said to Hayley this week... "Hayley, my 'after' photos need to look a-mazing! I want to work super hard. Boy, did she respond. Butt. Kicked. Again.

Let's do this!

And here I am working out with Hayley... gosh, I can see the changes from these shots - taken in my first week - already!

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'Unite Against Violence': Doujon Zammit's Legacy

This story is as utterly heartbreaking as it is absolutely inspiring.

Doujon Zammit was a young man, aged 20, and on his first trip overseas with his cousin.

Doujon Zammit, photo used with kind permission from Rosemary Zammit

Then the unthinkable happened: the two young men were going back to their accomodation from a nightclub in Mykonos when four security guards impersonating police ambushed them, using metal batons to beat Doujon. Sadly, Doujon lost consciousness on the way to hospital and he died on August 2, 2008.

The story broke the hearts of family, friends, and complete strangers the world over. (I know the beautiful Zammit family, and my last memory of Doujon was at my wedding).

It was the worst nightmare of every parent, and Doujon's parents Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, and his two younger brothers, lived it and still live it.

Five years to the day have passed, and the grief felt by Doujon's family is as palpable as ever.

At the time of his death, Oliver flew from Australia to Greece to be by Doujon's bedside, and after Doujon died, Oliver and his family decided to assign his son's heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys for life-saving surgery to those who so desperately needed it.

One such person was Kosta Gribilas. Doujon's heart was given to Sydney-born Kosta, whose partner Poppy is also from Sydney. Before the transplant, the couple were preparing for a wedding in Athens when Kosta became gravely ill. With his health rapidly deteriorating they had a rushed marriage at a registry. Years later, they married in Sydney with Oliver as best man.

The 'Doujon Effect' - placing the spotlight firmly on organ donation - has been felt in the past half decade, and this is thanks to Doujon's incredibly brave and committed parents to continue the plight.

The outcome of the court case was never going to be enough for this horrendous crime, and now, the hope to create something extraordinary out of heartbreak continues, with Doujon's mother Rosemarie instrumental in creating the 'Unite Against Violence' walk.

An anti-violence walk across the Harbour Bridge this Sunday, Rosemary told the Fairfield Advance and Liverpool Leader local newspapers that she would "watch the news and hear about all the ­violence and people being ­attacked for no reason and I knew I needed to do something."

She continued: "There needs to be an awareness and education that any form of violence can lead to death. And this walk is the first of many steps towards less violence and more kindness."

Rosemary has organised the walk with the help of the Homicide Victims' Support Group, who gave her family hope in the wake of Doujon's death.

She told the newspaper: "The realisation of the fact that I can survive and seeing other people share their ­stories in the group gave me hope for the future," she said.

"I've had this vision for a few years to do a walk and now it's becoming a reality, but I couldn't have done it on my own."

"What I really want is for this to go global."

And this is why I am so happy to write this post: to contribute to this awareness. I ask you to share this blog post with everyone you know.

Here are the details for the Homicide Victims' Support Group's Unite Against Violence walk:

WHY: To create an awareness of the reality that any type of violence can lead to death

WHEN: Sunday August 4, at 9.30am

WHERE: Meet at Observatory Park in The Rocks and then walk across the pedestrian footpath of the Harbour Bridge. The 2.5km walk will finish at Bradfield Park in Milsons Point for a barbecue

DETAILS: 8833 8400

Here is the flyer:

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