I've become a bit of an exercise fanatic since joining the gym, a bona fide gym bunny let's say!

At first I was forcing myself to go so I could get fit, tone up, and shed some pounds, and so I wasn't wasting the (rather extortionate) money I was paying for membership. But now I absolutely love going. I can feel the difference in myself, my fitness, my body - my legs are toning up very nicely and I don't get out of breath as easily now.

I also love going to the gym as an escape from my normal life. When I'm there I don't have to think about boring things like work or be dragged into comparing car insurance quotes and debating if we need car breakdown cover with my other half - I love him dearly, but that's his domain, I wish he'd leave me out of it!

When I'm working out I put on whatever music I like, I focus on the positive things in my life, and build up an image in my head of the 'me' that I'm working towards - fit, toned, slim and healthy. I'd recommend it to everyone!

Photo: Edson Hong (Flickr)

To get into shape for this summer I have joined my gyms spinning class and oh my god is it painful! I went to my first one last Thursday and Friday I couldn’t walk! I spent most of the day limping around – but at least I know it is doing something! At the weekend I went and bought some tracksuit bottoms and a tank top from Huntington Clothes so I now look the part in the class! Before I felt like the odd one in the room with some old skanky gym clothes on! Now the clothes I bought were a size 14 so I hope by July they will no longer fit as I will be a size 10! Picture: crossroadsmag.eu

I just finished my Misfits Season 1 and 2 box sets - I forgot how much I loved that program, and it was great to see it all unfold in order rather than snippets bit by bit as I usually end up catching programs on TV! Most of my favourite episodes are in season one, but I love when Alisha (Antonia Thomas) finds out that Super Hoody is actually future Simon (Iwan Rheon) in Season Two, Episode Three, and then falls in love with him through the rest of the series! Season Three is out this November and I can't wait to see what they get up to next - they need their powers back! To be honest, I can't wait to see what Nathan (Robert Sheehan) gets up to this season! He's so funny, I want to see if he gets killed again, stays with that pregnant girl or ends up getting up to mischief like his stairlift action like in Season 2! Photo: r9M (Flickr)

With the increasingly high obesity rate among teenage kids, snacking has become quite an issue. Often mistakenly associated with junk food, snacks can be good for your children, as long as you follow some basic guidelines. * Have your kids eat a snack only when they are hungry, not just bored and in the mood for a quick bite. * After a snack, thirst should be quenched with plain water or home made juices rather than soft drinks. No, diet coke won’t help. * Keep your kids away from snacks with high sugar levels. Also, low calorie sweets should be kept to a bare minimum. A candy every once in a while is alright, just don’t let them overdo it. * Keep the snacks small and don’t let their kids spoil their appetite. Don’t let them have snacks before a regular meal. * When preparing cheeseburgers and home, always use low-fat cheese. It is tasty, costs just about the same as the regular one, but comes with its share of health benefits.