At the start of this year I had decided enough was enough, I needed to change my lifestyle. I had got myself into a rut where I was eating utter rubbish and I was inactive – I did no form of exercise at all. I knew I had to throw myself into the new lifestyle and I’m so glad I did! I changed my routine, started going to the gym five days a week and started eating little to no processed foods…and I feel great for it! Eight months on I am so happy with how I look and feel and never want to go back.

However, recently I’ve found it hard trying to create a healthy balance between being fit and clean and wanting to drink and eat indulgent meals with friends. I think when you are at a very important stage of your health regime and you are seeing results it’s easy to become almost obsessive about not wanting to deviate from that specific path. I found myself shying away from certain social situations just because I didn’t want anything to have a negative impact on my own progression. It takes time to start understanding that going out once a week will not ruin all of your hard work!

I have had to keep reminding myself that it is ok to go out and have a few drinks, it’s about incorporating those types of things that are enjoyable but not making that your new routine, it’s a great addition to my lifestyle instead. If I’m going to eat out, I’ll choose the sweet potato fries instead of regular fries. If I have a few glasses of wine, I’m going to get up the next day and make sure I go to the gym. If I have a bar of chocolate, I’m going to enjoy it because why not?

I will make sure I have my two cups of green tea every day too – I know it’s good for me, helps me unwind and really makes me feel like I’m treating my body. The way I see it is the gym and “clean eating” is good for your body and overall health but those social connections you have with people are good for your soul and wellbeing, so every time you do something that feeds your soul, don’t leave your body behind.