Rachel Fredericksons dramatic weight loss and wins the biggest loser title !

I have to say the Biggest loser is one of my all time favourite shows, whether its the american version or the Australian. Nothing gets me more excited about getting healthy, than inspirational shows of this nature, you don't need to be a size 22 or over to relate to the Biggest loser. The reason i love these shows is because they are all about self improvement, motivation, battling your flaws and achieving greatness. I think everyone can relate or admire all of those things, hence me being a big fan of the show. The current season of The biggest loser US has just ended with a huge bang and with a lot of controversy. It is causing quite a stir in the states and not surprisingly on social media. Winner of this season, Rachel Frederickson pulled out all the stops to get her hands on the title, as well as the huge cash prize. Speculation has mounted that Rachel is now suffering with an eating disorder and has gone to far. Rachel started her biggest looser journey at 260 pounds/19 stone and ended her journey at 105 pounds/7.5 stone. 

                                

The entire biggest loser team were shocked, including head trainer bob barker 'The Biggest Loser" since 2004, said the weight-loss competition has never had a winner who weighed so little. "I was stunned," he said. "We've never had a contestant at 105 pounds.
The 5'4 winner admits to pushing herself harder than she has ever pushed, just to be in with a chance of winning. She also goes on to say her regime wont be as strict now that that the competition is over. Ahead of the final she trained from 10am until 2am everyday and ate a strict diet of 1600 calories, just to be in with a chance of getting the gold. 

"I was very enthusiastic about the finale and I'm really excited about my life here going into maintenance mode," she reiterated. "I'm going to try new exercises and continue on this path and see where it takes me—finding that balance!"

What is your verdict on Rachel's transformation ? Do you think she pulled out all the stops to win or has she gone to far. We would also love to hear what your favourite fitness shows are, all you have to do is leave a comment below 

Kelly D xx 

Protein Pancakes

This is a delicious way to start your morning.

Tasty, Nutritious and will keep you lean !

Protein pancakes ( Serves 2 )

1 Cup   Oats (or other grain)

2  Whole Eggs

5  Egg Whites

2 Scoops  Protein Powder

1  Banana (sliced)

2 tbsp  Peanut Butter

Dash  Cinnamon (to taste)

2 tbsp  Coconut Oil 

- Cook the oats as directed on the package, using water or almond milk !

- Add the wet ingredients including eggs, egg whites,crushed banana and the peanut butter

- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients including the Protein powder and cinnamon 

- Preheat your pan for three or four minutes on a medium heat

- Add the coconut oil 

- Add a small dollop of the mixture and cook until bubbles appear in surface then flip.

- The mixture should make enough for two people

Cals for total : 590 

Carbs : 37g

Protein : 48g

Fat : 29g

Enjoy xx

Wake up call with the Rock

Dwayne Johnson has become one of the biggest fitness inspirations of our century, a modern day Arnold Schwarzenegger some would say. The rock has transcended from sports, to a professional wrestler, to actor and now TV host. The star has been very busy filming his new reality Tv show 'Wake up call' with network TNT, where he is set to motivate and inspire a handful of people. This show is not necessarily based on

fitness or transformation, but on Motivation and Aspiration. Two factors which are crucial in bettering ourselves. We see the Rock time after time, featuring on motivational meme photos, on twitter Facebook and Instagram. Sometimes making us laugh and other times getting us pumped for the gym or an upcoming challenge. Wake up call with Dwayne is no doubt going to carry both themes through and will be one to watch. The show will meet a group of people with enormous life challenges including a sports team in need, a dead beat dad, a desperate business owner and many more , the rock is set to step in and take things to new levels. The show is set to be an emotional roller coaster , setting goals and battling through hardships. The show is set to air this year and is also set to have a number of celeb guests, one including celebrity Trainer Jillian Michaels. 

We are very excited about 'Wake up call' here at Bikinibrawn, are you ??

Kelly D 

Gym Hairstyles

Just because your going to do a workout doesn't mean yo have to sacrifice style. It is still possible to carry your stylish ways through to your sporting, fitness lifestyle. Incorporating a stylish hairstyle into your look can really add an edge to your image, whether its out running, in the gym or just rocking a sporty casual look. There are so many options from Messy style, to sleek and up styles. You can even add in cool accessorize that add extra convenience, meaning hair is kept back but also adding a touch of va va voom. Some of you may be blessed with naturally thick and ling hair, for those of you who are not i highly recommend Great Lengths Hair extensions. I have been an ambassador for the brand for over one year now, and that is not the reason i am mentioning them in this article. The most important factor when trying to achieve a cool sportswear hairstyle is that you have volume to work with . Great lengths are the only brand of hair extensions that give you luxurious, high quality, long lasting hair that you can tie up without the worry of bonds showing. All the images i have shown below can be easily created using Great lengths or for those who have natural hair.  

Check out my 30 gym hair inspiration photos that will hopefully give you some ideas. There really are so many options from adventurous to more conservative. Messy to formal and everything in between. be brave with your Fitness hair and make a statement. 

Why not check out Greatlengths hair extensions by Ceira Lambert ?  A personal recommendation 

Great Lengths: http://www.greatlengthsireland.com/

Greatlengths Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatLengthsHairExtensionsIreland?fref=ts

Greatlengths Twitter : https://twitter.com/GreatLengthsIRE

Ceira Lambert (Greatlengths applicator and stylist to the stars) Facebook: //www.facebook.com/CeiraLambert?fref=ts

Ceira Lambert : Twitter : https://twitter.com/CeiraLambert

Rockpit Fitness Belfast

I was lucky to get the opportunity to train in one of Northern Ireland's leading strength and conditioning gyms this weekend ' Rockpit Fitness'. 
It was very refreshing to get out of the typical commercial, corporate style gym and step into an environment with like minded fitness people. From the moment you walked in the door you felt totally welcome and electrified with the atmosphere. If you have ever heard of the saying quality over quantity, well that saying applys to Rockpit. It may not be a huge facility but every inch of the place is built for gym heads, who want to be the best they can be. Speaking to the owner his passion for people and his members is second to none, and tells me how he is always reinvesting in new equipment, to keep his members motivated and excited. Rockpit not only looks the part with a coordinated black and orange colour scheme, walls and equipment but even their Rockpit team look the part , and would motivate you to get fit. Rockpit fitness also have a nice chillout area the Rock Cafe, where you can grab a coffee, protein shake and relax after a workout. So whether you are based in Northern Ireland or maybe just on a trip, i highly recommend stopping into Rockpit. They also offer a free ten day trial, just to suck you in 

 Some snaps i took below on my phone during my session !

Me below having fun at Rockpit fitness heehee

Check out Rockpit Fitness online : http://www.rockpitfitness.com/about.php

Lidl Sportswear with Crivet launching Thursday the 20th February

Lidl may not be a brand you would automatically think of for sportswear or fitness products, but a brand you associate with affordable products. The reality is these days we all have to be responsible with our finances and company's like Lidl help you do that. They have also caught onto the current fitness craze and want to help you with your venture. It is a true testimony to the growing interest in health and the fitness industry, That Lidl are launching the second of their fitness collections this year. They wont only be offering stylish and affordable sportswear by Civet but will also have other products that will help you get fit, toned and healthier this 2014. You can expect items like Kettlebells, Resistance bands, toning belts and even headphones and sports watches. Of course you know you can also expect great prices that wont hurt your pockets.

Resistance bands : 4.99 euro
Sports watches : 7.99 euro in six different styles
Headphones with non slip headband : only 2.99 euro
Toning Belt : 19.99 euro 


The clothing range !

Ladies performance Tshirts in Neon Pink and Lilac, Fitness leggings and trousers in Grey and Black and trainers in Pink and Black. 
Also available is a comfy fitness jacket. 

Cost 5.99 euro - 14.99 euro, so i think you can agree great prices.

Two kettlebells will be available to buy
2.5 kg - 5.99 euro
5kg - 7.99 euro 

 Two protein powders will also be available to buy from the 17th of February in a range of flavours. Including Met Rx Supreme protein powder 
( 19.99 euro) and Vyomax protein powder (29.99 euro)



Have you ever purchased sports wear or fitness equipment from Lidl, Whats your verdict and will you be running out to buy the range ? 

Kelly D 

Why it is important to eat regular meals

The majority of us find it hard to make eating a priority in life, whether its down to a busy schedule, travelling or possibly kids. Others tend to eat just three square meals a day and feel this is sufficient. In reality eating three meals is plenty but for those who want to function at a high level, burn fat and increase energy well then three just wont cut it. It has been proven that eating every 2.5 - 3 hours will not only speed up your metabolism, decrease appetite, Increase energy levels but also help you burn fat. Eating a well balanced meal every 2.5 - 3 hours has been proven to benefit the body in all of those ways, it also has been proven to lower cholesterol, balance insulin levels which prevents heart disease and balance sugar levels, which stops you from snacking on unhealthy foods. By eating regularly your are continually sending signals to the brain to not store fat, in some ways tricking the body. To follow through on this idea, a person needs to be prepared. The idea of eating so often does not need to be scary, each meal does not need to be a home cooked hot meal. The key to this idea is to prepare, Cook the night before and plan ahead also try cooking in bulk and freezing. 

- Have a plan based around your schedule
- Make a chart 
- Eat within the first thirty minutes of rising 
- Bring healthy snacks and lunchboxes 
- Don't get lazy
- Control portion size 
- Eating after six is a myth, you should continue to include 
healthy meals up until two or three hours before bed time.
- ( May not be suitable for people who have issues with overeating ) 
- Reap the benefits  


Kelly D xx