vegetarian curry

Recipe: Winter warming Veggie Curry with Spice Kitchen UK

by Lisa-Jane Holmes

I don’t know about you guys, but Lockdown for me has meant a lot more time in the kitchen, and therefore a lot more chances to experiment with recipes – something I hadn’t been able to do for a long time! Of course I miss… Read More »Recipe: Winter warming Veggie Curry with Spice Kitchen UK

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It’s #eatingdisorderawarenessweek and I want to ...

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Mar 4

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It’s #eatingdisorderawarenessweek and I want to remind anyone feeling confused, sad, lonely, or scared - that you are not alone.

Whilst more resources and support are now available, eating disorders are still misunderstood and it is important to realise that they are illnesses, not lifestyle choices. That they can affect anyone - gender, age or body type. They are not about being vain or looking a certain way - in actual fact many people suffering with an ED will be extremely secretive and may go to great lengths to hide it. If you suspect someone may be struggling - please let them know you are there for them. Knowing that someone cares, and supports you can mean a huge amount - as can supporting them to get help. The resources at @beatedsupport are wonderful.

I started struggling with my eating disorders as a teenager, and back in the 90s the level of understanding was nowhere near where it is now, and both family members and doctors struggled to understand why I couldn’t just “eat normally”. So I would avoid meals, hide food, refuse to socialise incase it involved eating. It was so lonely. Having the support of someone at that time would have meant a lot - I’m not sure I could even have articulated my own thoughts back then (again something that can be hard for others to understand, you don’t just choose to restrict your food, or binge eat, the illness very much has control of you) - but if someone had at least tried it would have been appreciated.

If you’re worried about someone, please reach out to them. Try not to back them into a corner - or force the issue if they don’t want to talk - but say you’ve noticed they don’t seem themselves, and you’d love to be there for them, no judgement. It might make the biggest difference - and the sooner they can start to think about getting help the better.

Recovery is not straightforward, but it is possible. I will always be open and share my story, because if talking openly about anorexia, and bulimia can help even one person know that they are not alone then it is worth it. My DMs are always open for anyone who would like to talk. Don’t ever feel alone ❤️

Just a little Friday mantra for you.... and a ...

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Feb 26

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Just a little Friday mantra for you.... and a reminder to have another cup 😉 Have a wonderful sunny Friday!

#thewildcatway #over40blogger #styleover40 #onlinepersonaltrainer #virtualpersonaltraining #homeworkoutideas #coffeevibes

For the first time in ages, I was scared to post ...

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Feb 25

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For the first time in ages, I was scared to post this.

But what I wanted to say I’ve been holding onto for so long, and I know it’s something that hurts and saddens other fitness professionals too, and with online negativity, hate and trolling going through the roof in Lockdown, I felt like it was time to say something.

If, as an instructor, trainer or coach you’ve ever had to deal with overly negative reviews (you know the site I’m mostly referring to here), rude and hurtful comments or even online trolling, then this post is for you. Peoples’ words online have upset me and caused no end of anxiety, and I’ve spoken to many colleagues and peers in the industry who feel the same way - and personally I think being unfairly criticised by anonymous sources is something that needs to stop - both out of professional respect for fitness instructors, but also out of personal respect for their mental health.

The most open and heartfelt Blog post I’ve written in a while is now live - and I would love it if you would give it a read. Link in my Bio and my Story, or just head to thewildcatway.co.uk.

If you know any instructors who’ve ever felt sad or discouraged thanks to anonymous online reviews - please share this post with them so they know they’re not alone. But more importantly if you’ve ever attended a class at a boutique studio maybe have a read yourself - because you might be surprised at some of the things the instructors have to deal with. And personally I think it’s time not only people were aware, but aware of their actions.

If you give it a read, would love to know your thoughts....

But for now, thanks for coming to my group fitness TED talk 🙃

#thewildcatway #londonfitness #boutiquestudio #spinclass #spinclasslife #spininstructor #classpass #over40blogger #londonbloggers #fitnessbloggers

A different kind of Transformation for a ...

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Feb 23

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A different kind of Transformation for a Tuesday.... into a badass futuristic model for @charlicohen ‘s first London Fashion Week catwalk show, several years ago today.

I’ll never forget this experience, the opportunity the amazing @charlicohen gave me, this slick and sexy outfit I got to wear, or the fact I finally made it into Vogue (thanks @itschrisyates 🙌🏼)
I also remembered this morning what my Mum said to me after the show.... “yes it was great but bit of a shame half your face was covered”.... aaah Mum if only you knew that a few years later we’d all spend most of the year with half our face covered 🙊

#thewildcatway #charlicohen #londonfashionweek #londonfashiondesigner #styleover40 #over40andfabulous

Monday morning reminder to fix your hair, be a ...

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Feb 22

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Monday morning reminder to fix your hair, be a badass, and know that you got this (regardless of whatever Bozza wants to hit us with later today 😜)

Here’s to a fabulous, fierce week 💁🏼‍♀️

Taken behind the scenes last week filming for @apexrides - wearing @wearetala 💚

#thewildcatway #yougotthisgirl #fixyourcrown #apexrides #myapex #wearetala #onlinefitness #spinclass #spinclasslife

Stay at home, make some gains?

I shared ...

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Feb 18

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Stay at home, make some gains?

I shared an IG Story yesterday about the progress I personally have seen from my home workouts over the past few months, and it got some really interesting responses. People who agreed with me and have loved training at home, people who also agreed discipline to exercise at home was tough, those who couldn’t believe I had the motivation to even bother, and those who agreed that keeping moving at home was great mentally but they didn’t think any kind of physical progress was possible.

So I’m intrigued - what are your thoughts on home workouts? Are you doing them? Do you love or hate them? Do you feel fitter or stronger, or feel your fitness decreasing?

Training at home is most definitely not without its challenges. And for the results I’ve seen I have had to invest in some equipment - but not loads, nothing that takes up a lot of space or cost a fortune. I have a bar and plates, medium and heavy dumbbells, a pull up bar and a heavy kettlebell. It means I have to get a little creative at times, but thankfully I have almost 10 years experience and knowledge as a Personal Trainer to help me there 🤣

What it does also mean is that I can be consistent with basic strength exercises like squats, lunges, curls, presses etc, and this consistency has paid off in terms of progress in my strength.

I know living, working and training in the same space day in, day out can be mentally fatiguing, and that when you can actually see your own bed or sofa that can often seem a lot more appealing than a third set of deadlifts 🙊 But if you’re not training at home because you think it won’t be as intense, beneficial or effective as the classes or gym sessions you were doing before then please think again. You absolutely can get fitter and stronger at home. And if you’re not sure how or need a little support along the way, drop me a message.

This time last year I didn’t think I’d be doing single arm rows on my bedroom floor with one hand on a chest of drawers either, but here we are 🤣

#thewildcatway #onlinepersonaltraining #londonpersonaltrainer #virtualpersonaltrainer #onlinefitnesscoach

❤️ Where Love Begins ❤️

You may ...

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Feb 14

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❤️ Where Love Begins ❤️

You may think it’s rich for me to post about having a Happy Valentines Day, at home with my husband, happy and secure in our relationship. You might think “oh sure it’s fine for you to celebrate Valentines, you’re lucky to have someone to be with” - well yes and no.

I AM fortunate (I don’t think luck comes into relationships), but I’ve spent Valentines Days alone, on terrible dates, in emotionally abusive relationships and in an unhappy marriage. I understand why for many this isn’t a day to celebrate.

But having been through messy break ups, regaining my own self confidence (after being told repeatedly I was useless and unattractive) and divorcing someone who wasn’t right for me, please let me tell you this - true love starts with you.

It sounds cliched I know but it’s true. All those years when my relationships were failing there was one thing at the core - I didn’t love or respect myself. It really is hard for anyone else to do the same when you tell yourself you don’t deserve happiness. You do. Please start believing it. And please stop apologising for who you are. I spent way too long doing that, but as soon as I started living the life I had always wanted, not trying to be someone else, and most importantly believing I deserved love - I also saw very clearly what I wasn’t willing to compromise on.

My husband and I of course don’t have a perfect relationship (anyone who says they do is lying!) but we love and respect each other fully. And I accept his love because I know I truly deserve it.

So that’s why I share these heart shaped photos with you this Valentines Day - it’s all very well being all smiles on the outside on the heart shaped swing, but you have to be rock solid and unshakeable in your own heart about what you deserve. True love starts with you (and planking on a swing, obvs ❤️🤣)

Love to you all - today and always 💘

Photo 1 by @stevecurriephotography ❤️📸

#thewildcatway #happyvalentines #loveyourself💕#betruetoyourself #over40andfabulous

Lockdown Recipe Rut?

Cooking more, and ...

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Feb 11

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Lockdown Recipe Rut?

Cooking more, and planning and making dinner from scratch every night has definitely been a huge positive of the past year for me. I’m a passionate cook, but I’d really let it fall by the wayside when I became so busy with work in 2019, so having the time to spend in the kitchen again has been amazing.

However, finding inspiration week after week for different dishes definitely becomes a challenge after a while, so I absolutely love mixing things up with a @mindfulchefuk delivery box for some fantastic new dinner dishes. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve cooked Lentil Dhal with Turmeric Cauliflower, Goan-Style Spicy Chickpea and Coconut Curry, Tofu Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Black Rice and Thai Style Beetroot and Butterbean Curry. All fantastic, healthy dishes packed with flavour and super straightforward to make.

I also love that @mindfulchefuk boxes mean no food waste - you get the exact portions of everything - protein, veg, grains, sauce, spices - so when the dish is cooked nothing is left but the recyclable packaging. And there’s definitely no leftovers on the plate either - Chris and I always devour the lot 🙊

So if you need a bit of mealtime inspo, or something to help get you out of a culinary rut, or even just the convenience of ingredients and recipes delivered straight to your door - then @mindfulchefuk is for you!

My recipe boxes were #gifted and were vegan recipes, but vegetarian, fish and meat recipes are also available 🍽

#thewildcatway #mindfulchef #whatveganscook #veganrecipeshare #recipeideas #over40blogger #eatwellathome #lockdowncooking #onlinefitnesstrainer #fitnessbloggeruk

It’s your Story ❤️

In these times ...

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Feb 9

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It’s your Story ❤️

In these times when I can’t physically be with people to teach or train them, it’s always lovely to get messages from people who have done my home workouts and still feel somehow connected. A couple of weeks ago I got a message from someone who had done one of my @apexrides classes, saying they “one day hoped to be able to ride as fast as you” - which I was so touched by, but it also made me a little sad. When it comes to fitness I think it’s often easy to forget that we’re all at totally different stages of a very personal journey, and that my Chapter 20 shouldn’t be compared with your Chapter 1.

I can say this confidently as I remember quite how awful starting my own fitness journey felt. I share these photos of my own transformation to show that I genuinely know what starting from the very beginning feels like. Yes I like to think of myself as fit now, but it has taken me years and honestly a rollercoaster of a journey to get to this point. Ten years ago I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to finish a 15 minute Apex Ride, and that’s the truth. I would walk out of spin classes if there were no bikes in the back row left. I had no confidence in myself, my body or my ability. But I didn’t want to keep feeling that way, so I just kept trying to make a little progress every time. If I’d have compared myself back then to the people on the front row, or the instructor, I’d probably have talked myself out of ever going back for fear of never being as good as them.

My journey with fitness has taken years, with plenty of times along the way where I just didn’t feel good enough. But focussing on me, my progress, and where I’d come from completely helped me stay positive, and motivated to keep going and make changes for me, not to be like anyone else.

I’d be lying if I said us PTs and Instructors don’t love receiving complimentary messages about our online sessions (we’re only human 💁🏼‍♀️😹) - but - please don’t compare yourself. Working on you, for you, and feeling more confident day by day is one of the most amazing things. Be proud of that. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at - we’re all in this together ❤️

#thewildcatway

❤️ Puppy Love ❤️

Don’t know ...

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Feb 7

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❤️ Puppy Love ❤️

Don’t know about you guys but increasingly I find myself using the phrase “when this is all over...” and then dreaming of the things we’ll be able to do again.

So grateful that last Summer @rahnaaron and I were able to take an amazing Puppy Yoga class with @pawsforthought_uk with these gorgeous, gorgeous little pugs who no doubt have been bringing their new owners endless joy during Lockdown. We couldn’t wait to come back and do more yoga and meet more puppies... but because of Tiers and then Lockdown 2 and 3 we haven’t had chance to go again.... yet.

So - when this is all over (!!) I am DEF booking back into some Puppy Yoga classes for cuddles like this - yes I’ve missed hugs - but pug hugs? The best! What are the first things you’re going to be doing again when you can?

#thewildcatway #puppyyoga #pugpuppies #pugpuppiesofinstagram #over40andfabulous #londonfitness

Happy Friday! 🤣

Cause life is too ...

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Feb 5

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Happy Friday! 🤣

Cause life is too short to argue with strangers on the internet.... am I right?! Share if you agree - and have a wonderful weekend! 💖

#thewildcatway #fridaymemes #onlinepersonaltrainer #justbekind #londonpersonaltrainer

❤️🐾 Happy Birthday Simba and Rafiki! ...

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Feb 3

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❤️🐾 Happy Birthday Simba and Rafiki! 🐾❤️

Hard to believe it has been 3 years since @wearesimbaandrafiki entered the world with their brother Finn, and at 14 weeks old came to join us in their furrever home. These two boys are part of the family, and absolutely no doubt have grown even closer to us this past year - Lockdown has been the dream for pets everywhere seeing so much more of their owners!

I can fully understand why so many people have added lockdown puppies or kittens to their homes this past year, they truly have been the most wonderful company, never fail to cheer me up, and reminded me on down days that being at home so much more can be seen as a positive - to them anyway!

They may be extremely naughty sometimes, but it’s all part of their charm - they were the Peaky Blinders litter after all!

So Happy Birthday to our boys - we love you (even if we don’t show it during the 4am purr alarm calls 😹)❤️🐾

#thewildcatway #abyssiniancat #catsoﬁnstagram #wearesimbaandrafiki #abyssiniansofinstagram #abyssiniancats #catfluencer #catladylife #cataccount #cutecatphotos

✨ Magic is everywhere ✨

Right now, ...

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Jan 31

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✨ Magic is everywhere ✨

Right now, knowing we have another few weeks of Lockdown ahead, I know things can seem overwhelming and difficult. Please don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to feel a certain way - take things day by day - and try to see the good in as much as possible.

Whether it’s waking up to a blue sky, a really good cup of coffee first thing, a funny meme from your bestie, seeing a cute puppy on your daily walk, getting really into a new series on Netflix, feeling great after doing a home workout.... whatever it is - there IS magic in so many moments. We may have to look a little harder for it right now, but the magic is there, helping all of us to get through to brighter days.

Why not tag a friend below and let them know you think THEY’RE magic and be the reason someone finds their own magic moment today ✨

#thewildcatway #magicineveryday #lockdownliving #lockdownlifestyle #londonbloggers #styleover40 #over40andfabulous

Wanna whip that hurr like you just don’t ...

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Jan 28

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Wanna whip that hurr like you just don’t curr?!

Then I have a perfect playlist for you - another Lockdown Vibes banger (if I say so myself 💁🏼‍♀️) on my Spotify. Link in my IG Story - or if you miss it DM me and I’ll send it to you!

I miss this bike, this podium, this dark room, sharing my music, but most of all riding with the @boomcycle family. We’ll be reunited soon I hope, but in the meantime, hope you enjoy the playlist of some of my current faves to ride, run, kitchen disco or walk to! 💃

#thewildcatway #boomcycle #spininstructor #spinclass #spinclasslife #londonfitness #over40andfabulous

👁 Lashify Update! 👁

It has been ...

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Jan 26

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Always Winter, but never Christmas.... ...

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Jan 24

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Always Winter, but never Christmas.... 🦁🧙🏼‍♀️🚪

#thewildcatway #londonsnow #snowinlondon #londonblogger #styleover40 #over40andfabulous #onlinepersonaltraining #walkinginawinterwonderland #thelionthewitchandthewardrobe #narnia

Pure and Simple?

Let’s get one thing ...

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Jan 21

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Pure and Simple?

Let’s get one thing clear - yes I am basic, and I fully accept that 🙃- but stripping my training back to basics in Lockdown is one of the best things I’ve done over the past few months.

I know training at home is hard, isn’t the same, and is the furthest thing from some peoples’ minds right now. But - for those of you still looking to keep active at home, I want to say that progress, growth and gains are entirely possible with both limited space and equipment. It really can be as simple as pulling it all back to basics, and then after that staying consistent. I know every day can seem the same over and over again right now, but actually when it comes to your training that can be a good thing.

I fully appreciate that we’re in a global pandemic, staying at home to save lives, so quite frankly even maintaining fitness is a hugely positive thing. But for me personally, I really enjoy seeing progress and feeling challenged when it comes to my fitness, and after a few months I have managed to find my groove with this and am now starting to see and feel the results. And the reason why? I’ve stopped all the flitting between a dozen different workouts and stripped things right back to a pure and simple schedule - consistent weight training x3 per week, and riding my Apex bike. I ride my bike because I adore it and can’t imagine not being in the saddle whilst I have the wonderful opportunity to be able to at home, but I lift weights because I also adore feeling strong, and also feeling the progress in my strength over time. I actually do very simple weighted workouts - moves like chest press, bicep curls, lunges, deadlifts, bent over rows etc (with bodyweight things like pull ups and press ups), but make sure I stay consistent, and up either the amount of weight, or intensity of the movement when things no longer feel challenging. Nothing fancy, but it works.

It took a while, but I wanted to say that it may feel very different, but that training at home can definitely get you results. And if you’re interested in training with me to get them, drop me a DM. Cause just like Hear’Say said - pure and simple gonna be there for you 😉

#thewildcatway

Lockdown walks, but make it fash-hun ...

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Jan 17

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Lockdown walks, but make it fash-hun 💁🏼‍♀️

Anyone else using their daily trip outdoors as an excuse to dress up?! Turning my hours’ walk into a catwalk since March 2020 🙋🏼‍♀️🤣

Jacket and jeans: @pullandbear 💙

#thewildcatway #lockdown2021 #onlinepersonaltrainer #butmakeitfashion #over40style #over40andfabulous #styleover40 #pullandbearcommunity

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