Welcome to the "Ao Dai Project." Unconventionally to the blog post title, it is about a venture that I have been thinking about for a while that had not yet developed. I've had a tough 2013 dominated by stress, surgery, illness, and recovery hence want to dedicate 2014 and the years that lay ahead into my health, happiness and well being.
Personally, I have a great love of food. I won't deny it. I am a sugar fiend, hence my goal is to try and reduce my consumption of refined sugar life and eat more natural wholesome foods. It won't be easy especially as I love to bake, but in determination and moderation, I will try. I have promised myself even though I'm not one to make promises.
So the idea of this blog is to share my life's passions of food, food photography, and to now integrate my goals to healthy living. I'll admit, I've never been into exercise, and sometimes see it as a chore. But over the years, I've come to realise, that it isn't the enemy. I suffered from adolescent asthma, loathed running as I would always end up breathless and almost asphyxiated.
I had life saving surgery in 2013, and am still recovering. The physical scars tell me where I've been, yet the psychological and emotional healing is an ongoing process. It still feels very raw. I've always been grateful for everything in my life, but I have learned that disease knows no discrimination. No matter one's status, socioeconomic, or ethnic background, disease happens. My perspective of life completely changed. I learnt how to be brave. Not because I wanted to, because I had to survive.
My family back in Melbourne were distraught realising I was in hospital in London. But here, I had a London family, whom I cannot thank enough for being there for me when I needed it most. Amidst the pain and tears, I fought hard to recover. I have been given the all clear, and hence need to be the best person I can be for myself and my loved ones. I love my family, and miss them dearly.
My "Ao Dai Project" is motivation to get me into a happier and healthier skin. My weight has fluctuated over the last year or so with 20kg losses (incl. muscle) to rapid gains. This is a slow life changing process, so I'm determined to do it the right way.
To source, cook and eat wholesome foods to nourish my body and to become stronger and more physically active. I've always wanted to be healthier and hence look great in an ao dai so here is my chance. My sister, BJ, is getting married this year, so I've got nothing to lose (fat) and everything (muscle) to gain. She is one of the most determined people I know, and an inspiration of mine. She CrossFits, ToughMudders, runs marathons and follows the Paleo mentality (adapted to her lifestyle), yet is sensible about it all.
Another inspiration in my life is Oscar. He motivates me to be a better person, guides me to become more food savvy, make less calorific choices when needed (yet indulges occasionally), but all in all is, and has been a huge support through my most testing moments. I wouldn't have been able to get through it all without you.
My morning started of deliciously with raspberry soy yoghurt, banana, blueberries, cinnamon, chia/flax seeds, goji berries and matcha antioxidant mix. I had this with a side of organic green chai tea. This will give me the energy to pack up my things, as I am in the midst of moving houses.
Sadly, I've had to cancel my gym membership, meaning I'll no longer see Tasha, my support since I arrived in London and my gym buddy. We used gym time to workout and catch up. I miss those days.
Hopefully, I'll be able to update the blog with my progress along the way and share my food/exercise/life/heart moments.
Love,
Alice xox
.JPG)
