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Could this be the most Irish cleanse ever? We think so.

One woman has embarked on a 30-day potato diet, after reaping the benefits of a high-carb lifestyle to help with weight loss.

Hannah Howlett, 29, dropped around 60lbs over just one year by changing her lifestyle and switching to a carb-heavy menu. Now she's taking things one step further and vowing to only eat potato-based meals for an entire month.

The Minnesota woman's high-carb eating plan is based around Dr. John McDougall's diet, The Starch Solution, which involves eating rice, potatoes and porridge in their "least processed state."

Speaking in July 2014, before her massive weight loss, Hannah explained how alien her body felt to her.

"It is just so uncomfortable to even be at this point, like even be alive. I have gained so much weight in such a short period of time that I don't even recognise myself," she said.

Now Hannah is more in tune with her body and her eating habits, and only eats "intuitively," meaning she starts when hungry and stops when full.

"I actually think that it is so funny how people make loss into such a big industry because it is so easy if you just eat a whole foods plant based diet like you don't need to do anything ridiculous," she says.

As part of her new potato cleanse, Hannah can eat spuds cooked various ways – from baked chips to grilled hash browns. She can also use sugar and spices, oil-free condiments like ketchup, and non-starching vegetables like courgette and broccoli.

 

A photo posted by Hannah Howlett (@highcarbhannah) on

Eight days in, she says she's lost 3lbs, plus eight inches from around her hips and thighs.

Follow her adventures over on her Instagram page, High Carb Hannah.

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January's nearly over, so if you've managed to stay on track with even one of your many New Year's fitness resolutions, we give you full permission to start feeling smug about it.

But motivating yourself to get out and exercise in the lashing rain is no mean feat, which is why we're loving the premise behind Dublin's newest running club.

Dublin Kickers RC is the brainchild of Oran Bambrick, a keen runner who saw a niche for a "non-intimidating, welcoming and fun" way to train with other people in the city centre.

"When I was living in New York I joined a club called North Brooklyn Runners which was a really similar idea," he explains to SHEmazing.

"It was free and totally volunteer led, and there were runs for people of all abilities."

Oran's starting Dublin Kickers off with four weekly runs, including a Saturday Morning Coffee Run in the Phoenix Park, a handy option for both new and experienced runners.

"You can head along and do a 3k, 5k or 7k run with the group and we'll all meet up for a coffee afterwards.

"If you're a total beginner I'd definitely suggest coming along for a few sessions over a couple of weeks and trying it all out."

There will also be themed runs throughout the year including a Lonely Hearts Run closer to Valentine's Day "where we're just gonna run in a heart shape through Dublin city," says Oran "…and, eh, chat about shifting and stuff."

Getting fit while hearing other people's relationship horror stories? We're in.

More details on runs and races can be found on the Dublin Kickers website and on Facebook, or you can head along to the first run this Saturday Jan 30 at 9am.

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It's a new year and that apparently means it's also a new you. 

But if you, like us, find it just as hard to drag yourself out to the gym as it did in 2015, then maybe it is time to give your workouts a serious shakeup. 

Any PT will tell you that the key to maintaining effective fitness is to vary your workouts and find a class or exercise that works for you. 

So if you feel like you will cry at the sight of another treadmill or if you feel physcially ill at the sound of the word 'burpee', then you are definitely in need of a change. 

1) Brooklyn Fitboxing 

Unleash your inner warrior with an intense fitboxing class designed to help you lose weight and tone up with fun and varied fitness classes. 

This brand new class to Ireland will teach you all the basics of boxing in a fast and action packed class designed to most definitely keep you on your toes.

This workout is perfect for beginners and involves fun boxing routines interspersed with toning and cardio exercises to make sure you are working every inch of your body. 

And as soon as you don those boxing gloves, you will be feeling like a fierce fitboxer in no time. 

Book your Brooklyn Fitboxing class at 1Escape Health Club, Smithfield, 01 4850700

2) Barre Classes 

Ever wished you could be a ballet dancer? Well now you can learn the basics of barre training while getting that covetable dancers physique in the process.

Perfect if you are getting a bit tired of plain yoga, as this low-intensity class combines yoga and pilates with strength training that focuses on toning your muscles. 

Quiet, relaxing but far from easy, this is a fitness class to keep you trim, slim and stress-free.

Try a Balletes Barre class at Aorta Fitness, Ballsbridge, 01 6688008

3) Aerial Skills

Instead of giving up on your fitness dreams and running away to join the circus, why not test your limits with an aerial skills class. 

These classes will build on conditioning and strength to help you to be able to maximise your skills on the silk. You will then be taught how to climb and develop foot locks with the silks before learning fun and challenging sequences. 

An exciting way to develop your strength with two feet fully off the ground! 

Give an Aerials Skills class a try at Aerial Cirque, Exchequer Street, 0894303062

4) Interval Training 

High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT is not as scary as it sounds but is the perfect type of class to get you moving and whip your booty into shape. 

HIIT classes involve doing short bursts of intensive exercises designed to keep the heart rate up and keep the body guessing. 

Your instructor will develop exercises that target specific areas of your body so you will be sure to feel the burn. 

Try a HIIT class at Body Byrne, Clarendon Street, 01 6779182

5) Reformer Pilates 

Spruce up your pilates regime by doing all your favourite moves on a reformer machine. 

This device adds resistance and aids in strengthening and flexibility, pushing your pilates poses to the absolute max. 

For a low impact class that adds a whole other dimension to your workout, this is one for the ladies who want to become their strongest self. 

Book a Reformer Pilates class at the Form School, Gratten Street, 01 2543466 

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Fitness brands might have us believe that the only acceptable workout attire is a crop top, banging neon leggings and spotlessly new runners, but one look around your local gym or running route should confirm that's not really the case.

Most of us Irish ladies fall more into the 'random t-shirt, college hoody, thermal vest and bright red face' category, but that doesn't mean we work any less hard.

Fact is, you can deadlift 40kg or kill it at a 10k run just as well in basic, comfy workout gear, as a group of Irish women are proving on social media this week.

Journalist Sinéad O'Carroll took to Twitter to share her #GettingFitNotLookingFit selfie in response to a post shared by an Irish fitness brand.

"[T]his is what training in January actually looks like," she wrote, posting a picture of herself wrapped up and ready to work out.

Sinéad's post has since sparked other women to share their own no-filter workout selfies:

Sinéad's original tweet even led to a pretty sound response from the brand in question:

We're loving this trend – here's to us red-faced, fake tan-free fitness fanatics.

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Like all of us, Adele is feeling the guilt after some extreme over-indulgence at Christmas. And rather than post a serene and smug #cleaneats #blessed gym selfie, the singer told it exactly like it is. 

The gym is hard work, people. Like, sweating and grunting and red in the face hard work. Especially if you have a trainer dictating your every move like Adele no doubt does.

That's why we're loving this snap of the Hello hitmaker feeling the burn with those godawful resistance bands as she prepped for her upcoming tour.

"Getting ready…" Adele captioned the brilliant black-and-white snap.

Given that the star's previous tweet, posted on December 21, mentioned that she was " in a dressing gown eating a Chinese watching Eastenders," we're guessing the first week back at the gym was fairly tough.

It's no doubt been all go for the mum of one since she confirmed back in November that she would be doing a European and US tour, starting with two gigs in Belfast at the end of February, before moving to Dublin and beyond.

We can't wait!

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Well the rest of us will be content to stuff our faces with our very own personalised jars of Nutella, we know there is going to be some individuals who would rather just eat the whole Turkey (minus the stuffing). 

When it comes to Christmas, we think of food, food, The Late Late Toy Show, and then more food. 

For those among us who enjoy a slightly more balanced approach, the endless festive parties and chocolate decorations can become a bit tedious. 

If you were struggling to find the perfect gift for that fit freak in your life (that does not include a trip to a sports shop). then we found it!

Bodyfirst Nutrition are selling a protein bar Christmas selection box:

For anyone who wants to ensure they don't fall off the clean eating wagon completely this Christmas, this is the perfect stocking filler. Ditch the sugar-heavy Christmas selection boxes and get yourself one of these bad boys ASAP.

You can choose five of your favourite protein bars from Nutramino, Quest Nutrition, Muscle Pharm Combat Crunch or Oh Yeah Low Carb and add them to your box. 

The website also suggests using the hashtag #HappyFitmas to show off your healthy goodies.

We reckon you're going to get some serious eye rolls from fellow social media users, but we all know that they'll probably just be jealous they hadn't though of the idea first.

You have to admit, it is kind of the perfect gift for anyone in your life who just cannot stop talking about the temptations surrounding them during the Christmas period. Stick one of those in the office kitchen and problem solved. 

You can find the selection boxes online here for €14.95. 

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Lily Aldridge has a killer body, but it's certainly not just the genetic lottery that's working in her favour – she admits she has a gruelling workout regime.

The 29-year-old model has extra pressure mounting ahead of this year's Victoria's Secret show, as she is 2015's chosen Fantasy Bra model. 

Valued at a whopping €1.8m, the bra is encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and other jewels, and took designers 685 hours to put together.

Just one model is picked to wear the sparkling ensemble each year – and this year it's Lily's turn.

So how has she been prepping her body ahead of December's show? As well as eating clean, Lily says she's been fitting in at least two workouts every day.

Yup, that's a minimum of 14 workouts a week, but the model says she's happy to do it.

"I love working out, and I love when I have the time and I can really focus on it. It feels good. You have a goal and you accomplish it," she tells Cosmopolitan.

"I do a lot of Ballet Beautiful… I'll switch it around. I'll do 30 minutes of cardio, and then do [Ballet Beautiful] for an hour."

 

Monday Workout ✔

A photo posted by Lily Aldridge (@lilyaldridge) on

As for eating, the mum-of-one has been avoiding hidden calories by preparing all food herself – mainly lean protein and veg.

"Lots of roast chicken and vegetables, eating clean. I mostly cook my own food so I know everything that's going into it."

The stunning brunette also starts her mornings with a cup of herbal tea- even when on holidays.

 

Good Morning Barcelona

A photo posted by Lily Aldridge (@lilyaldridge) on

While we might not have time to fit in two workouts daily, it's refreshing that Lily's routine isn't totally unachievable.

Somehow though we doubt we'd look half as good in that bra, even with all the Ballet Beautiful in the world…

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Work, college, nights out, even TV… there are a million and one things that we end up prioritising over exercise.

But working out on a regular basis is so beneficial, not only to our physical health but to our mental health too – even a small amount of physical exercise each day can help with focus, concentration and general wellbeing.

If you find you're simply too busy to make it to the gym or head out for a run, that doesn't mean you have to skip out on exercise completely.

Here are four 15-minute exercise videos to try out next time you're having a busy day.

Have time to boil the kettle and drink a cup of tea? Then you definitely have time for one of these kick-ass routines.

The Total Body Burn
This high-intensity routine from GymRa uses a mix of squats, mountain climbers, ab exercises and more to get your heart rate up and work a range of muscles.

 

The Booty-Toning Pilates Workout
Work your legs, glutes and bum with this Pilates-inspired workout from Fitness Blender. Lean legs and a toned bum? Don't mind if we do…

 

The Victoria's Secret Abs Workout
Want abs like Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr? This abs circuit is a great place to start – it's a mix of planks, crunches, sit-ups and leg drops.

 

The High-Intensity Fat Burner
Have a towel and water at the ready for this Melissa Bender workout as you can expect to break a serious sweat. Each exercise lasts 50 seconds, with 10 seconds of rest in between. 

 

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At this point everyone has heard that introducing some cardio exercises to your fitness routine has plenty of benefits.

However, we have also heard that it is not the only way to kick start a weight-loss programme. In fact, many in the fitness industry are encouraging us to step away from the treadmill. 

Including cardio in your routine increases heart health and helps to burn fat, but it might not be setting our metabolisms alight as we had hoped.

Too much cardio can raise your stress levels, and when your cortisol hormone levels are high, you won’t be able to lose the weight you want to. 

Cadence Dubus, a NYC based personal trainer to celebs like the cast Girls explains:

"If you look at the New York Marathon, the majority of the people jogging by are chubby, and most of them have probably been logging 12, 15, or 20 miles a week."

This can be attribute to how the calories you burn increase as you move from a resting level of metabolism to an exercising rate of metabolism. So, going from a steady walk to a run for example.  

Brooklyn Strength

This type of exercise can boost your metabolism for hours even after you have stopped exercising.

So, if you’re spending hours and hours a week on the treadmill sweating it out at a steady jog, then your metabolism will also stay at a steady rate.

Incorporating sprint intervals into your cardio routine can help avoid this. 

Strength training is also recommended. Cadence adds that if you are exercising with body fat in mind, to remember that "building muscle is where you burn calories," says Dubus.

So if you’re looking for a more ‘toned’ physique, your treadmill addiction is probably not helping. 

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There are those of us who can think if nothing better to do than don a tiny pair of running shorts and hit the spinning class the second their work day ends. Then there are also those of us who see the shorter evenings as an excuse to catch up on our TV shows and enjoy warm snacks.

If you are one of those people who doesn’t particularly love the thought of the gym after a long day (or before one, early morning gym people can be the worst), then we have good news.

You can still get fit and healthy, and you don’t need a gym membership.

Go for a bike ride:

It doesn’t have to be incredibly strenuous, Also, you’re probably less inclined to notice you’re doing so much physical activity when if you pick a scenic route.

Take the stairs:

If you’re at work or just out and about, make the effort to take the stairs and not an elevator. You’ll burn more calories, and possibly save some time if you work in a busy office building.

Park further away:

It seem like a nuisance, but if you’re going to be desk-bound all day there’s no harm in spending an extra minute or two walking from the car park.

Laugh more:

This is probably our favourite study that we’ve come across yet. While research maintains that you can’t eat fast-food every day and expect to have rock hard abs after a few giggles, they do say "every calorie counts". Laughing raises your energy expenditure and increases your heart rate from 10 to 20 per cent.

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A couple of years back, various reports suggested that sitting for eight hours a day was the WORST thing any of us could do to our bodies.

Eight hours at your desk, plus extra time sitting in the bus/car and in front of the TV at night… basically we were all said to be sitting ourselves into an early grave.

The solution? Get a standing desk – something which thankfully hasn't caught on much in Ireland but it definitely a regular sighting in offices across the US.

Now though, new research says sitting might not be as bad as we had all though, or at least it's no better or worse for us than standing.

Rather than trying to work more standing time into your day, scientists in the UK say we should simply aim to get moving whenever we can.

So break up your work day with a stroll at lunch, walk home instead of catching the bus, and keep up regular work-out sessions. 

The Institute of Epidemiology in London collected data from 5,100 government workers over a period of 16 years to research their sitting habits.

Each participant charted how much time they spent sitting at work and in their free time, as well as how often they walked or had an exercise session.

Sitting was not linked to mortality in any of the participants, though the research does note that many of the people studied exercised more than the average British person would.

It's thought previous reports about sitting having a high mortality risk might have been linked to the fact that participants led an extremely sedentary lifestyle.

The moral of the story? Don't freak out about having to sit at a desk all day long, but get moving during your out-of-office hours.

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Any time we hear the words ‘lose weight’ we generally start to think of sweaty gym sessions, early morning cardio in the frigid morning air and lots of green veggies.

A lot of veggies.

Making sure you get enough sleep is also important when it comes to weight loss, as your body needs to time to rest and recover. Which is great because we are all about the naps.

So, discovering that sleep can actually help you to lose weight was something we were very excited about.

Have a nightcap:

Ok, so not exactly the conventional nightcap one would immediately consider. Previously we’ve been told that snacking before bed is bad news for your waistline, a new study found that a small snack could actually aid weight loss. 

Florida State University researchers found that people who drank a 150-calorie protein shake 30 to 60 minutes before bed experienced a faster metabolism and lower blood pressure.

Netflix and chill:

In a study in the journal Diabetes, young male participants who slept in rooms cooled to 66°F doubled their volumes of the body fat which actually helps to burn calories.

This was compared to when they slept in 75° rooms. One thing to consider: If you plan on living up the ‘netflix and chill’ code, you may want to keep warm socks nearby. Research from the Netherlands found that women have an easier time orgasming when they aren't distracted by cold feet.

Set your alarm:

According to a study from Brigham Young University. Women who woke up within roughly the same hour-long window every day weighed less than women who woke at different times.

Since losing just an hour of sleep can make you hungrier and more likely to reach for unhealthy foods, Shape magazine are recommending that you make sure you're heading to bed early enough each night to getat least seven hours before that alarm interrupts your snooze.

 

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