Friday, July 31, 2009

Toxic People

Yesterday, I realized that I may have to cut a toxic person from my life. I try not to walk away from friends because I am the loyal type. But there comes a time when you realize that a friendship can be toxic and unhealthy even if the person hasn't had the chance to spill over their toxic behavior onto your life. I just cant sit and watch them do things to people that they do not have the place to do. I know some people say why walk away? A friend helps and show that what their friends are doing is toxic. But what happens when they cant see what you are trying to do. I have talked to them about this behavior but falls on death ears. Sometimes your words/actions are just as toxic as drugs or anything else. All I can do is pray for them and be a friend from a distance because I can't not let their behavior intrude in my life.

Monday, July 27, 2009

A new week!

I have kinda slacked last week. I had so much going on and I didn't budget my time for working out. I also realized that when I don't workout, my eating is off the dang hook. No need to give up, right? Naw, lets just keep this party going. Funny thing is when I am slacking I don't even blog. Whats up with THAT!! Subconsciously, I know that I should know better!

My thoughts of the day:

I'm am a beautiful diva! I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. I am not perfect. I have my flaws. I don't expect perfection. I will try as hard as I can to accomplish this goal. This is a battle that isn't conquered overnight. But remember I am a beautiful diva that wants only the best for myself and my divalious friends. So, my hard work isn't in vain.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Friday Night Update

Ughhhh, I have a migraine but can't sleep. I took my medicine for it but honestly I have to sleep this off.

But anyway.....

I have slacked off this week with my eating habits and going to the gym. I am a little upset with myself. I really don't have a reason for it. I just slacked. I'm not going to give up but I can't make a habit out of it. I really need to sit down and figure out why I wasn't motivated.

I'm am so boring on Friday nights. Its pitiful. Since its the busiest day of the week for my school work, I don't make plans to do a thing. That is usually my day to look at youtube, do homework and pre-poo my hair. I usually sleep in my pre-poo mixture and let Saturday mornings be my wash day. See boring. I did decide to start wearing half wigs to give my hair a rest. I been cornrowing my hair with my bangs out. This is my first time wearing any sort of wig. Can I tell you a secret? I LOVE them. I love the maintenance free lifestyle. All I do is oil my hair and pin it up at night. I think I might have found a addiction. LOL, I even bought a gym wig.

Well, I better go lay down and rest my head. I hope you have a great weekend.

God Bless!!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Weight Stats

I lost 2 lbs for the week and five for the month! I am very proud of myself!!

Need more protein: New challenge

After analyzing my diet, I realize that I am not getting enough protein. I am not a fan of Milk products. I LOVE cheese, yogurt,and fish. I will be trying to incorporating that in my diet. So now I am off to hunt for some good protein rich foods. I have a child that is allergy to nuts so its a no no for my house.


Common protein rich foods can include:

* Milk
* Soy Milk
* Eggs
* Cheese
* Yogurt
* Peanut Butter: I have a daughter who is allergy so I try not to bring nut products in the house
* Lean Meats, Fish, and Poultry
* Beans, Tofu, Lentils, and other Legumes
* Grains, including bread and pasta

Protein Fortified Foods:
Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials, Chocolate, No Sugar Added. Though after reading the label, Its not enough protein for me to substitute for a meal.

Yesterday was a test.

Usually when I decide to go on a diet, I avoid some foods and restaurants all together. Well, Since I decided to do a lifestyle change that's one thing that I didnt want to do. I want to live my life without avoiding foods. I want to have fun with my foods just like everyone else.

I didn't go to the gym yesterday. My husband is leaving soon and I want to spend as much time with him as I can before he leaves. My son suggested Pizza Hut. In my head, I am nervous and about to have a breakdown. I didn't want to mess up. I had the feeling that this was going to be bad. Though, I didn't do bad at all. I had one slice of veggie pizza and a salad. I did sneak two wings but I don't think that's too bad. When I could eat about 4 or 5 slices, I think I did excellent. I dont know where this motivation is coming from but I am running with it.



YAY!!! Me!!! But I am back at the gym today.


Tip of the day: Say it loud....I didn’t want to admit that I had screwed up, but admitting that I was plain ole fat in public but it was thefirst step on the path to eventual success.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Healthy Hair

I wouldn't say that I have damaged hair. That part is good but I do have dry hair. Since I moved to an area where I am not happy with salons, I am forced to do my own hair. SCARY! I have never been one to do my own hair. I have a special talent of breaking it off. Well I cut it all off when I first moved here thinking that caring for short hair would be easier. For me that is a task. So I am growing it back out. I decided that I will hold out on the heat and relaxers. I am going to move from relaxing every 8 weeks to every 12. I have been looking at a few styles, even half wigs. I have never worn one before so I am really curious how this is going to turn out. I have been regular with my vitamins. I started to pre-poo. Which makes my hair gorgeous!!!! I haven't tried the co-washing yet. I am still trying to understand this technique. If heat needs to be avoided. When I wash my hair mid-week, I will HAVE to put some sort of heat in it. I mean I don't have to but I refer not letting my hair air dry. I'm not not letting go of my grease neither. I don't understand that concept. If we lotion our skin to prevent dry ashy looking skin, why not do the same for our scalps. Their are oils out there that are not heavy. Though, I love my shea butter. I use shea butter at least once a week. I use scalp conditioner as needed. I am blessed to have hair that grows fairly easy but I want to know how will my hair react to my new regiment. Living healthy is also having healthy hair.

So here are some pictures of my hair relaxed and not....

Ignore the goofy look please. This is me no relaxer. I needed my bangs cut. This was the beginning stage of going natural. My ends are relaxed still. I didn't do the big chop


My lastest hair cut growing out:

When I first got cut it all off:

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Did I say I love this site???

http://www.fitday.com/

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this site. I am always telling folks that making food and activity journals are very helpful. Well this site not only logs your meals but your activities. One thing I dont like is that at first I had to add a few of my meals because it wasnt listed on the site but other than that it is a GREAT free site. Oh I forgot to mention, you can also journal your feelings and mood. Heck just check the site out. Its. Great!!!

10 Tips for weight loss

1. Exercise is essential for weight loss

It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old "no time for exercise" excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend, joining an intramural sports league, participating in outings with a group like The Sierra Club, or trying some classes at your local gym. Once you give exercise a chance, you will begin to enjoy its positive benefits on your psyche as well; you will literally become "hooked."


3. Keep a diary for triggers that hinder weight loss

Keeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. A food diary can provide a large amount of self-awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes, and help you discover your personal food triggers. Study any patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthful changes. A food diary provides an added benefit of keeping you focused on and committed to your goals. Start keeping a food diary today by printing our food diary.

4. Stay focused on being healthy, not on becoming thin

Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.

5. Find out why you overeat


All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control. The Solution, a book and national program developed by Laurel Mellin, RD, helps participants to identify their eating triggers and respond to them without food. A research study showed that the participants in this program demonstrated a better rate of long term weight loss maintenance than those who simply diet and/or exercise and don't address behavioral and emotional issues. Chronic over-eaters and "emotional eaters" can be significantly helped by learning new behavioral skills such as those Mellin presents. You can also seek help with behavioral and emotional eating issues from a licensed counselor or psychologist in your area.

6. Weight loss support: join a weight management group For me its bloggers and youtube that motivates me

A big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others. You can check to see if groups such as Jenny Craig offer programs and resources in your areas. You may also wish to check with your local hospital to see if their registered dietitian conducts group weight loss programs.

7. Weight loss and portion control

With the advent of "super-size" meals and increasingly huge portions at restaurants, our concept of normal serving sizes is a distant memory. Be mindful of the amounts of food you consume at a sitting. When necessary, divide your food in half and ask for a take home bag. It is all too easy to be a "plate cleaner" even when served enormous portions. Learn to pay attention to your hunger level and stop eating when you feel comfortably full, not stuffed.

8: Lose weight slowly with small changes

Try to remember that "losing 15 pounds in two weeks" is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can each day without gaining weight. Fat loss is best achieved when weight is lost slowly. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories. By making small changes like eliminating 250 calories a day from food and expending 250 calories a day from exercise, you can lose one pound (of mostly fat) per week. You can calculate how much time you need to exercise to burn 250 calories by clicking here. You can calculate your caloric needs by clicking here, and then subtract 250 from that number.

9. Eating slowly can lead to weight loss

Did you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in. The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites and enjoy and savor every tasty morsel.

10. Weight loss through eating less fat - but do it wisely

We've known for some time that limiting high fat foods in the diet can be helpful with weight loss. That's because fats pack in 9 calories per gram compared to only 4 calories per gram from proteins or carbohydrates. To many, the message to limit fats implied an endorsement to eat unlimited amounts of fat-free products. Just to clarify, fat-free foods have calories too. In some cases fat-free foods have as many calories as their fat laden counterparts. If you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. Eating less fat will help you to lose weight. Eating less fat and replacing it with excessive amounts of fat-free products will not.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

I am happy!


I have to be honest with myself. I feel great now that I decided to dedicate some of my time to my health. I am not as tired anymore. Getting on that scale is breathe taking. Whether it's a pound or 4, It's a good feeling. I don't look at losing weight right now as a burden. It's actually being fun. Its a challenge to see if I can push myself just a little more every day. If I get bored, I will explore different things. It's not that complicated and I shouldn't make it that way. I am so proud of myself. I think that I may be maturing because lately I set a goal and I work hard to achieve it. I realize there will be road blocks but they will not stop my drive. I love myself and that is enough to do anything.

Sooooooo I believe this is month 2 on my commitment and it feels good. =)

How's that for motivation.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Im'ma Diva

The diva strides and flexes lightly yet her footsteps resonate and all who sense the ripples stop and turn around. Her power is her freedom, her freedom is her joy. Her joy is boundless like the wind unstoppable sometimes soft and gentle, sometimes like a hurricane she takes you, and she sweeps you up and far away ... Her laughter owns the sky and all is at her mercy, at her touch of wilderness enchantment, vibrant lightning bringing rush of life, wherever it may strike. Bow your head in reverence and pray! Her smile as you emerge the chosen one will raise you, a breathless moment - Step beyond, become immortal in the mirror of her gaze.

.... Silvia Hartmann

A personal 5 day challenge---Women stuff

Well, I just realized that its that time of the month. Usually I fall short during this freaking time of the month. Its like my body starts having withdrawals for sugar. It takes every ounce of my willpower to get through this. Don't get me wrong I don't starve myself during this week. I feed my hunger, just not like my brain wants. In the past I could sit and eat a box of cookies. I may have 2 cookies now(just depending on the calories). So see, I am still giving my body what it wants but not giving in to temptation. Wish me luck!!!

I'm not going to weigh myself this weekend since I am going to be bloated but I will Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Remember is not a diet, It's being healthy and loving your body!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Its been a while but ...shit I have no real reason I been gone so long

All my life I start and stop diets. I havent been fat all my life but I have always been on the thicker side. I guess that's what you can say. Well, I realized a few things and I want to share;

I am not writing this for anyone but myself. Its something that I can read every now and then when I feel that I want to give up.

1. Dieting don't work. Point blank. When you take food away, one day you are going to want that food and you are going to eat that food. Then you may just eat TOO much of that food.

2. Eat what you want. If you want a piece of cake. Get that piece of cake. I didn't say a hunk or chunk of cake but a piece....reasonable piece!

3. Drink 8 oz of water before every meal. Its a lil secret that helps you eat less. Not only that just drink your water, all day! When you have that urge to snack on that candy bar, go sip on water and get you a piece of gum. Get them toxins out your body....The more you drink the more you are visiting the bathroom. That goes for your fiber, too. Lets be real here. We all go poop. You need to be pooping. Get that fiber in too. I take a fiber supplements. I actually take a multi-vitamin as well. Before you go taking all this herbal stuff, Take to your doctor. They will help you. That's what you are paying your insurance for remember?!?!

4. Damn, slow the hell down. Give your brain a chance to realize you are eating and to time react. Enjoy your food!!!

5. Exercise. Another one you shouldn't avoid. You NEED at least 30 minutes. Dont be lazy just get up and do it. You need to raise that heart rate and bust a sweat. Its as easy as walking in the evenings. Its too hot you say, well go to the mall and walk it a few times. Walk around it about 2 times, window shop. When you finish then you know where all the sales are and THEN you can go shopping.

6. Pray about it. Ask the Lord to help ya out a lil. Some may be like...pllllease! But really, you pray about everything else. Ask the Lord for strength to get through this.

7. Leave your excuses at the back door. I have 3 year old twins, a first grader, I'm in school full time and a Army husband that is never home. I make time for 30 minutes. Remember if you don't love yourself first, how can you love the people around you the way you think they desire. I'm just saying.... man, its time to see the beauty in yourself and take care of YOU.

8. Write down what you eat. I think most of my weight is coming off because I am being accountable for what I eat. I actually have an account on www.fitday.com. It's wonderful. I log my food, activity, and weight. Seeing that my efforts are working. That feels good. You can even pull it up on your phone.

9. This one is my biggest problem. You didn't get fat with a food buddy. You don't NEED a workout buddy. I have been going to the gym daily. Doesn't mean that I LOVE going. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy going with a friend. But you cant depend on a friend to get that weight off. Get you a walkman, Ipod, or even a magazine or book. Change up your workout. Don't get bored with your routine. Do searches online on the different things you can do at the gym or home.

10. Please Please Please, Dont give up. You desire to make yourself healthier. If you have a break in your plans and miss going to the gym one day. Go the next day or even get on youtube, turn on the radio, or CD and dance. If you over eat one day. Its ok. The best of us have bad days. Just eat the damn thing and move on. Dont sit and be gloomy about it. You made a mistake and now its time to move on.

11. Dont get on that damn scale everyday. That scale can be the enemy. When you are weighting yourself everyday, you begin to expect certain things. Pick a day and weight in. Write it down. It you lose weight, thats great. If you didn't, dont get discourage. See what you are doing and how you can improve on it.

12. Dont believe the hype. Being healthy is not expensive. For the most part, Water is free. Though, I dont care for tap water but I will drink it if I dont have my favorite brand. I just put some in the freezer get it real cold and DRINK. Portion control, that's free. Actually that might even save you some money. Read labels. See how much you are supposed to be eating. Bargain shop, clip coupons, catch the sales, you can do it. Remember you dont need diet food in order to lose weight. You need self-control. It can be HARD. Yes, HARD. But remember stay focused and you can do it. Dont expect perfection. Expect reality and gain knowledge on all that you do.

13.I am not saying be skinny. BE HEALTHY! What ever that size may be to you, just keep your heart and body healthy!