I am pretty sure no one noticed, but I purposely skipped last week's blog because I felt like such a failure. For two weeks I was stuck at the same darn weight! And I didn't know why. I felt completely uninspired, so I had to allow myself a little pity party...but only for moment. After I dusted myself off, I combed through my diet and workout routine with a fine tooth comb. Had I taken in a few of those "bad" carbs? Yes, I did! I have determined that my body just can't handle certain enriched pastas. Had I started my free weight program? No, I didn't because I was too much of a coward to get out there on the mat in the gym. Sure, I know nobody is concerned about what I am doing, but I can't help but feel a little self conscience. Thankfully, a good friend of mine gave me a couple of her free weights so now I can do my own program in the comfort of my home.
I am looking at myself in a new light, well at least this week. Trying not to body bash, because God thinks I am beautiful (after all he did make me in his image), my husband thinks I am sexy (well I think that is one of the reasons he married me, I hope not the only reason), so why wasn't I giving my self any credit? Although I was stuck at the same weight, I did notice my body changing in areas that have not changed in years.A few of my pants are a little looser. So something was happening. What did that stupid scale know anyway?
I think I did become a little obsessed with the scale. Instead of just weighing myself once a day, I would do it throughout the day.This has not been such a good idea because our weights vary throughout the day. But, because I am a creature of habit, I need to weigh myself on a daily basis to keep myself in check. It is so easy for me to get off track. Now I am rejoicing, I reached my 1st short term goal weight. I have not seen that number in about 2 yrs, and now I am so ready to get past that number. I am excited because I am learning to do something that I have had difficulty doing for long time: Celebrate me and not sweat the small stuff!
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 27 lbs. I reached my 1st goal!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Milk:It Does A Body Good
I have never been a big milk drinker. Even as a child, I would only put just enough milk over my cereal to cover it, would only drink it if it was mixed with something (i.e icecream, chocolate syrup), or if I needed it for cooking purposes. I remember as a grad student at the University of Central Florida, I had this crazy roommate, who I would call obsessed with milk (T, if by chance you are reading this, you know I love you girl!). Most of us in the apartment could use a half gallon of milk in 1 week, maybe a week in a half. I swear T would drink like a gallon a day. She even had these pajamas with cows on it and the little footies. Can you imagine a grown female with a one piece red pajama suit covered with cows and footies? It was hilarious, but she was unashamed about her milk obsession.
Recently, I have been drinking these carnation instant breakfast powders in the mornings, which you have to mix with a glass of milk. Ideally for the extremely health conscience person, fat free skim milk is the milk of choice. But, I have not reached that point yet, and I have settled for 2% lactose free milk to prevent stomach upset. However, this last week, I was unable to get to the store after I ran out of my milk. So for breakfast I would eat some fruit and nutella and a bottle of water. But this week, I noticed that I gained weight. Well, you can imagine my frustration. Not only did I gain weight, but I was further away from my goal. I hadn't changed my workout routine, and I pretty much ate the same type of meals with the same frequency. But I put on 3 pounds!
Looking back over the week, I realized that I had not had my daily glass of milk. I have read various articles that suggest one glass of milk daily, regardless of the fat content, can aid in weight loss. Now even though I have heard of this before, I never considered it because at that point in my life I was not actively trying to lose weight. After an intense workout at the gym on Friday, I went to the store and got my milk. Now, I don't know if it was the workout, or the fact that I was able to drink my milk the next morning before work, but I am back on the losing side. So, maybe my dear friend T was onto something. Though you may not see me leaping for joy in a cow jumpsuit, I think I may be a new fan of milk. There are so many healthy ways to make it enjoyable for me, that I am able to make it a regular part of my diet, and hopefully lose some weight!
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: Well, tune in next week. I think I may reach my goal!
Recently, I have been drinking these carnation instant breakfast powders in the mornings, which you have to mix with a glass of milk. Ideally for the extremely health conscience person, fat free skim milk is the milk of choice. But, I have not reached that point yet, and I have settled for 2% lactose free milk to prevent stomach upset. However, this last week, I was unable to get to the store after I ran out of my milk. So for breakfast I would eat some fruit and nutella and a bottle of water. But this week, I noticed that I gained weight. Well, you can imagine my frustration. Not only did I gain weight, but I was further away from my goal. I hadn't changed my workout routine, and I pretty much ate the same type of meals with the same frequency. But I put on 3 pounds!
Looking back over the week, I realized that I had not had my daily glass of milk. I have read various articles that suggest one glass of milk daily, regardless of the fat content, can aid in weight loss. Now even though I have heard of this before, I never considered it because at that point in my life I was not actively trying to lose weight. After an intense workout at the gym on Friday, I went to the store and got my milk. Now, I don't know if it was the workout, or the fact that I was able to drink my milk the next morning before work, but I am back on the losing side. So, maybe my dear friend T was onto something. Though you may not see me leaping for joy in a cow jumpsuit, I think I may be a new fan of milk. There are so many healthy ways to make it enjoyable for me, that I am able to make it a regular part of my diet, and hopefully lose some weight!
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: Well, tune in next week. I think I may reach my goal!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Mixing It Up
Although I did lose a few pounds this week, it was tough. I worked out hard as usual, ate as well as I have been eating, but would step on the scale and did not get the results I felt I should get. I am still one pound short of my first short term goal, which I should have met this week. One pertinent element of my fitness routine that I did notice was that I am not doing a variety of activities to keep my interest in exercise. This is my typical routine at the gym: I get on the stair climber, then alternate running and walking on the treadmill, the elliptical, and then the weight machines. I try to time each workout so that it is a little over an hour, because I don't think I could stand much more than that.
Looking back, I remember being in grad school in Orlando and I would frequent a local park to try to teach myself how to rollerblade. Now, I could hardly skate on 4 wheels, and I was trying to skate on 3. It was quite hilarious! I would only skate during the non-populated hours and warn the people who were experts at rollerblading to quickly skate around me because I didn't know how to stop without veering into the grass. I even fell into the mud one time. As terrible as I was at rollerblading, I really enjoyed it. Now, I feel the need to be a bit more responsible because I have a family. I can't risk breaking a leg trying to be adventurous.
However, I do feel the need to be a little more open to other methods of exercise. I really have not indulged in any exercise DVDs, I hear that P90X is great! Heck, I even thought about pole dancing (don't judge me! :P). I am open to Zumba and ballroom dancing, and it is a goal of mine to take swimming lessons. You see, I am in this thing for the long haul. I don't want to be bored trying to stay healthy. I would venture to say that monotony is one of the primary reasons people fall off the healthy train. My first step to changing up my routine is to buy some free weights. Yes, they have them at the gym, but I am a little too shy to sit in the middle of the gym doing odd exercises in front of everybody(it took me months to build up the courage to work out on the weight machines because I was so self-conscience).
I plan on adding something new to my regimen at least once a month. I welcome any other safe suggestions to modifying my daily workout routine. And please, continue to pray for me while I am on my journey.
WEIGHT LOSS AFTER 9 WEEKS: 25 pounds! 1 pound away from my first short term goal!
Looking back, I remember being in grad school in Orlando and I would frequent a local park to try to teach myself how to rollerblade. Now, I could hardly skate on 4 wheels, and I was trying to skate on 3. It was quite hilarious! I would only skate during the non-populated hours and warn the people who were experts at rollerblading to quickly skate around me because I didn't know how to stop without veering into the grass. I even fell into the mud one time. As terrible as I was at rollerblading, I really enjoyed it. Now, I feel the need to be a bit more responsible because I have a family. I can't risk breaking a leg trying to be adventurous.
However, I do feel the need to be a little more open to other methods of exercise. I really have not indulged in any exercise DVDs, I hear that P90X is great! Heck, I even thought about pole dancing (don't judge me! :P). I am open to Zumba and ballroom dancing, and it is a goal of mine to take swimming lessons. You see, I am in this thing for the long haul. I don't want to be bored trying to stay healthy. I would venture to say that monotony is one of the primary reasons people fall off the healthy train. My first step to changing up my routine is to buy some free weights. Yes, they have them at the gym, but I am a little too shy to sit in the middle of the gym doing odd exercises in front of everybody(it took me months to build up the courage to work out on the weight machines because I was so self-conscience).
I plan on adding something new to my regimen at least once a month. I welcome any other safe suggestions to modifying my daily workout routine. And please, continue to pray for me while I am on my journey.
WEIGHT LOSS AFTER 9 WEEKS: 25 pounds! 1 pound away from my first short term goal!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Discovering My Inner Chef
Growing up, I didn't really have a desire to learn how to cook as a child. It could have been because I was raised by my single mom for the most part, and she really did not have the time to teach me how to cook while she was trying to be the best mom she could be, work full time and go to school part time. I only got to see my dad(who is a pretty good cook), on weekends. While the food he cooked was great, half the time, I didn't know what it was(he tends to get pretty creative). There was always some kind of variation to traditional spaghetti or pot roast, so it got kinda hard to follow.
Becoming more nutritionally aware has allowed me to discover that while I don't always have the time to cook, I actually like to cook. There are foods out there that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, which are healthy and delicious. I was never a really a big meat eater, because I didn't know how many ways you could creatively prepare meat. I began to research different recipes and discover ways I could spice up my bland meat life. One food that has always been consistent in my life was fish, so I have even discovered ways to make fish even more enjoyable. Even veggies can be made differently than what I only knew. I discovered that the key to enjoying healthier meals is seasoning (my favorite poultry seasoning is Bet's Seasoning located at Harris Teeter, in case you wanted to know :))
So, on this journey, I have been cooking at least 3 times a week. I usually try to prepare the meal the night before. I look forward to eating that meal all day, and when I get home all I have to do is nuke it the microwave. I am actually saving money too, go figure! I am cooking right now as I am typing this blog, got my ribs in the crock pot getting all good and tender for me!lol
Please, feel free to share any quick, healthy recipes that will help me and others along this journey to a healthier lifestyle.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE AFTER 8 WEEKS: 23 lbs...I am 3 lbs away from my first short term goal!
Becoming more nutritionally aware has allowed me to discover that while I don't always have the time to cook, I actually like to cook. There are foods out there that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, which are healthy and delicious. I was never a really a big meat eater, because I didn't know how many ways you could creatively prepare meat. I began to research different recipes and discover ways I could spice up my bland meat life. One food that has always been consistent in my life was fish, so I have even discovered ways to make fish even more enjoyable. Even veggies can be made differently than what I only knew. I discovered that the key to enjoying healthier meals is seasoning (my favorite poultry seasoning is Bet's Seasoning located at Harris Teeter, in case you wanted to know :))
So, on this journey, I have been cooking at least 3 times a week. I usually try to prepare the meal the night before. I look forward to eating that meal all day, and when I get home all I have to do is nuke it the microwave. I am actually saving money too, go figure! I am cooking right now as I am typing this blog, got my ribs in the crock pot getting all good and tender for me!lol
Please, feel free to share any quick, healthy recipes that will help me and others along this journey to a healthier lifestyle.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE AFTER 8 WEEKS: 23 lbs...I am 3 lbs away from my first short term goal!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
JENNIFER HUDSON: MY SHERO
Jennifer Hudson: a girl who didn't win American Idol, but is probably the most noteworthy contestant in the history of the show---grammy, Oscar, numerous other awards and accolades. I was reviewing her life through some interviews she has had, and I realized how similar we were. Besides being Black, and female, we both love to sing (though she is like 10 times more amazing!), we both continue to overcome family tragedy (nearly her entire immediate family murdered, my sister commited suicide), we both have son's named David (what a wonderful name of character!). We also have another significant similarity between us: we are both overcoming our struggles with weight.
Now, perhaps she is a bit farther along in her journey than I am, but I am amazed at how far she has come. For her, it wasn't just about being constantly scrutinized by the unforgiving media about her weight, but it was about being a role model for the people in her family, most importantly her son. She was recently on an episode of Oprah, with some members of her family, who have also joined the Weight Loss Challenge with her. Not only is her triumph a testimony to her family, but to the African American community as a whole. We have to take charge of our health...forget the hair, the clothes, the nails. Sure, we will look pretty. But is it worth dying a premature death just to look pretty in a coffin?
As morbid as that sounds, it is the truth. It is a truth that I see every day in the hospital I work at. Young, obese Black males and females, with kidney failure, diabetes, amputations, and strokes in their 40s! I see wives who should be enjoying an early retirement with their husbands, sitting vigilantly for hours at the beside of their mate. I see children trying to figure out how they are going to take care of mama or daddy, who needs 24 hr care at home, and they have to work full time. These truths I try to reveal regularly to my husband, who never really takes into account the importance of healthy eating and quality of life. To be honest, the reality of me being that wife at the bedside of my husband, scares me.
But I digress, back to Jennifer. She is definitely on the right path. In a recent interview published in April's Essence magazine, the author took note on how "Jennifer's weight loss is having a powerful effect on other people". "Now people come up to me saying 'You've inspired me'," she says in response to that. What a great feeling to have, to know that you have inspired someone to want to live a healthier lifestyle. I want that feeling. I hope that I can give birth to that feeling by inspiring my family and others in my community as well.
My new favorite quote for living an empowered life: "If you don't like something, change it, fix it, and celebrate"---Jennifer Hudson. And that is exactly what I intend to do.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 18 lbs! Go me! Go me!
Now, perhaps she is a bit farther along in her journey than I am, but I am amazed at how far she has come. For her, it wasn't just about being constantly scrutinized by the unforgiving media about her weight, but it was about being a role model for the people in her family, most importantly her son. She was recently on an episode of Oprah, with some members of her family, who have also joined the Weight Loss Challenge with her. Not only is her triumph a testimony to her family, but to the African American community as a whole. We have to take charge of our health...forget the hair, the clothes, the nails. Sure, we will look pretty. But is it worth dying a premature death just to look pretty in a coffin?
As morbid as that sounds, it is the truth. It is a truth that I see every day in the hospital I work at. Young, obese Black males and females, with kidney failure, diabetes, amputations, and strokes in their 40s! I see wives who should be enjoying an early retirement with their husbands, sitting vigilantly for hours at the beside of their mate. I see children trying to figure out how they are going to take care of mama or daddy, who needs 24 hr care at home, and they have to work full time. These truths I try to reveal regularly to my husband, who never really takes into account the importance of healthy eating and quality of life. To be honest, the reality of me being that wife at the bedside of my husband, scares me.
But I digress, back to Jennifer. She is definitely on the right path. In a recent interview published in April's Essence magazine, the author took note on how "Jennifer's weight loss is having a powerful effect on other people". "Now people come up to me saying 'You've inspired me'," she says in response to that. What a great feeling to have, to know that you have inspired someone to want to live a healthier lifestyle. I want that feeling. I hope that I can give birth to that feeling by inspiring my family and others in my community as well.
My new favorite quote for living an empowered life: "If you don't like something, change it, fix it, and celebrate"---Jennifer Hudson. And that is exactly what I intend to do.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 18 lbs! Go me! Go me!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
No Gain, No Loss, just Resistance
Well, this week, I did not reach my mini goal, but thankfully I did not gain any weight. I did miss a couple of workouts this week, but I tried to make up for that with time on my treadmill. I guess it just wasn't intense enough to warrant a loss in pounds. Nonetheless, I feel a bit lighter, especially after the message at church today.
We started a new series called "The Resistance", and our pastor Steven Furtick initiated a co-pastoring session between 3 of our campus pastors on three different ways that we face resistance in our lives, that resistance being something that keeps us from being all that God has called us to be. We face resistance from 1. the world 2. the flesh 3. the Devil. Obviously, my struggle with weight is a struggle with the flesh. Pastor Bishop made this statement "Don't let your desires derail your destiny. Instead subject your flesh to the Spirit".
So 2 questions popped in my head, as I was crying my eyes out during the sermons. 1. What is my destiny? and 2. How do I subject myself to the spirit? I really don't think I can know what my destiny is until I arrive at it. I have dreams, I have goals, but ultimately God's plan for me will prevail. Whatever his plan is, it is only for my good. I venture to say that I hope that I have some kind of epiphany once I've arrived to the place God wants me to be. However, I do know that there is a path that I must take to reach that place. I do feel that losing and keeping the weight off is a small stepping stone along the path to my destiny. I have attained the knowledge that being disciplined and prayeful at times when I feel like my flesh is weak are ways to subject my flesh to the Spirit. The Spirit keeps us in line with God's will.
I desire to eat whatever I want and not suffer the consequences. I desire to not have to exercise just about everyday to keep my weight down. I desire to be able to go to a restaurant and not have to be conscience of my food choices. But these desires have the potential of keeping me from my destiny. I am not willing to keep taking that risk.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: Still just 16 lbs...
We started a new series called "The Resistance", and our pastor Steven Furtick initiated a co-pastoring session between 3 of our campus pastors on three different ways that we face resistance in our lives, that resistance being something that keeps us from being all that God has called us to be. We face resistance from 1. the world 2. the flesh 3. the Devil. Obviously, my struggle with weight is a struggle with the flesh. Pastor Bishop made this statement "Don't let your desires derail your destiny. Instead subject your flesh to the Spirit".
So 2 questions popped in my head, as I was crying my eyes out during the sermons. 1. What is my destiny? and 2. How do I subject myself to the spirit? I really don't think I can know what my destiny is until I arrive at it. I have dreams, I have goals, but ultimately God's plan for me will prevail. Whatever his plan is, it is only for my good. I venture to say that I hope that I have some kind of epiphany once I've arrived to the place God wants me to be. However, I do know that there is a path that I must take to reach that place. I do feel that losing and keeping the weight off is a small stepping stone along the path to my destiny. I have attained the knowledge that being disciplined and prayeful at times when I feel like my flesh is weak are ways to subject my flesh to the Spirit. The Spirit keeps us in line with God's will.
I desire to eat whatever I want and not suffer the consequences. I desire to not have to exercise just about everyday to keep my weight down. I desire to be able to go to a restaurant and not have to be conscience of my food choices. But these desires have the potential of keeping me from my destiny. I am not willing to keep taking that risk.
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: Still just 16 lbs...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
When Stress Tries to Get In the Way of Your Progress
This week, I did not think I was going to make it to my short term goal. This week, or more like the last 2 weeks have involved stressful situations regarding my loved ones. This week, I wanted a double cheeseburger from Wendy's!
While my typical reaction to stress is to turn to food, I had to really find it in me to push myself more at the gym to release some endorphins. I was at a breaking point, on the brink of feeling sorry for myself and the circumstances that almost literally drove me to Wendy's. Well, I did drive to Wendy's. But I got a salad! Yay for me! I also took some time in the mornings to wake up about ten minutes early, which was pushing it because I already get up at 5:45. I just started praying random prayers. Sometimes I think my prayer life is so erratic, and I have trouble keeping my thoughts organized. But I know God knows my heart, as cliche' as that sounds, so sometimes I would just lie in bed and just cry for a moment, just hoping he would hear what I was trying to say through the tears.
Before,you start to feel sorry for me, this process was actual therapeutic. Though I was a wee bit cranky because of the lack of sleep, I did feel better. I was ready to push through and stay on track with my healthier way of living. I didn't have to search very far to find the fortunes that I have been given in life. That even though I struggle with certain things, I am very blessed. I have four men in my life who love me very much (my father, step father, husband, son). I have a wonderful and supportive mother. My friends are few, but the ones I have are lifetime friends. I have a a good career that pays well (though you wouldn't know it when I pay the bills at the end of the month, but hey they get paid). I have a God who loves me---who hears my cries and knows my struggles.
So, at the end of this past week, I was able to reach my goal, clearly by the grace of God, because I did not feel like I put in as much effort as I should have. However, I have resolved to keep going forward and give my stresses to Him.
WEIGHT LOSS AFTER 6 WEEKS: 16 lbs!
While my typical reaction to stress is to turn to food, I had to really find it in me to push myself more at the gym to release some endorphins. I was at a breaking point, on the brink of feeling sorry for myself and the circumstances that almost literally drove me to Wendy's. Well, I did drive to Wendy's. But I got a salad! Yay for me! I also took some time in the mornings to wake up about ten minutes early, which was pushing it because I already get up at 5:45. I just started praying random prayers. Sometimes I think my prayer life is so erratic, and I have trouble keeping my thoughts organized. But I know God knows my heart, as cliche' as that sounds, so sometimes I would just lie in bed and just cry for a moment, just hoping he would hear what I was trying to say through the tears.
Before,you start to feel sorry for me, this process was actual therapeutic. Though I was a wee bit cranky because of the lack of sleep, I did feel better. I was ready to push through and stay on track with my healthier way of living. I didn't have to search very far to find the fortunes that I have been given in life. That even though I struggle with certain things, I am very blessed. I have four men in my life who love me very much (my father, step father, husband, son). I have a wonderful and supportive mother. My friends are few, but the ones I have are lifetime friends. I have a a good career that pays well (though you wouldn't know it when I pay the bills at the end of the month, but hey they get paid). I have a God who loves me---who hears my cries and knows my struggles.
So, at the end of this past week, I was able to reach my goal, clearly by the grace of God, because I did not feel like I put in as much effort as I should have. However, I have resolved to keep going forward and give my stresses to Him.
WEIGHT LOSS AFTER 6 WEEKS: 16 lbs!
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