The So Shape Challenge - An Introduction*

I've got something a little different for you guys today - and different for me. I don't normally blog about fitness, or weight, or health rly ... because I am anything but fit. My leg was hanging off for the majority of 2017, I haven't been able to walk [let alone work out] since then, I've been eating my feelings like there's no tomorrow [hello new fat status] and healthy lol... I've had like four operations and a potentially life threatening bone infection in the past 12 months. Soooo those three things have been anything but my forté. 

I'm still not okay... I still can't walk properly & I still remain in daily pain after my surgery in December. But enough is enough. I can't just fester in my duvet forever. I'm doing physio at the hospital and trying to do more [despite the limitations & exhaustion] - plus I've been given the okay to do a few things at the gym [and I'm even starting hydrotherapy in the pool soon.. hahahaa me in a swimming costume PLS] - so it's time to start making my fitness, my weight and how I feel about my appearance a priority again. I've called in a little help to help me achieve my fitness goals, at least for just the first month or so anyway, in the form of So Shape*. And this post is a lil introduction to the shakes themselves, why I'm taking part in this 28 day challenge and what they actually do.

There's nothing wrong with gaining weight, having a larger frame or enjoying your curves. Some of the gals I admire the most rock the plus size life. However, for me, the weight I've gained and the strength & muscle tone I've lost are detrimental to my health, mobility and self esteem. Your muscles start to degenerate after 24 hours if you don't use them...  and for my left leg it's been like, 12 months. So this is bad times.

Because I've been living my life on standby, just waiting for the next operation; I'll admit I've let myself go. Big time hahaha. I've not cared about my weight, appearance or meal decisions; because I've not been able to walk, go out anywhere, see people or even wear normal clothes... the swelling, soreness and scarring from all these major ops has meant I've been living in men's baggy trousers [hahaha are you singing Madness too now, cos I am?!] The only good things I've had access to have been chocolate and junk food. Wrapped up in my duvet. So you can see where I'm going with this. I've eaten my feelings and been in bed pretty much constantly. I'm surprised I'm not having to be winched out of my pit by a crane.

I need to get toned, work my muscles & start some form of exercise regime to get my strength up - and to then recover, banish the pain and get my life back. I need nutrients, motivation, exercise and a new mindset to shift this weight, feel better about myself and physically get better. Which is where So Shape will come into things. Unlike those bollocks 'detox teas' that make you sh*t ya pants, So Shape Smart Meals contain all the nutrients you need to easily drop excess pounds without deficiencies. And that's important to me. 

So Shape Smart Meals are acclaimed to fill your body with all it needs; such as protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals... just without the extra calories. Their range comes in 22 flavours [including lots of sweet and savoury options; to keep cravings at bay] which are all high in protein, low in sugar, vegetarian friendly and GMO free. And you can still have one, rule-free meal a day. Their tagline is 'to lose weight the healthy way' - and I am all about that. Fad diets, laxatives etc are all potentially very dangerous, and I do not agree with them one little bit. But after doing my research, I feel So Shape will be a good catalyst in getting my fitness journey kick-started.

The simplicity, affordability & responsible ethos maintained by SS have been the main reasons why I've decided to take up this 28 day Challange. I know my hot friends Katie and G Bear have had great results with these shakes [which don't give you raging diarrhoea or replace ya meals altogether] and now I've finally been given the go ahead to go the gym [and hydrotherapy] I figured that now would be a good time to get started on my own journey. I've had these shakes sat in the cupboard for a while, but as I've not been able to exercise; I didn't think it was really worth me starting them. Now is da time.

I don't actually own any scales; as I don't think how much you weigh is necessarily reflective of your health or appearance. So to track my progress, I'm going to be taking measurements and lots of before & after pics. Which I might share with you; we will see. I'm extremely conscious of my apple shaped body at the moment [I have slim arms and legs... but yet my hips and belly DO NOT LIE and gain all da weight] but I guess that just gives me further incentive to get off me arse & get my life back!

Now I've blogged about it, I actually have to do it - so here's to hoping these shakes help motivate me - and that I can lose the weight I'm conscious of off my belly, tone up, get stronger and complete the final steps of my post-hip replacement recovery! I've been depressed and lack lustre for long enough. It's time to get ma sass back!

*Gifted - but all opinions and tragic stories of broken bone woe are very much my own.