I just had to brag about the two hand twist out I did on my hair over the weekend. I've had my oils for some time now and I've been watching YouTube, of course, trying to figure out how I am going to use them. I know I need a regime especially when transitioning because the hair is more susceptible to breakage and excessive shedding. I have actually been experiencing excessive shedding and breakage lately so I wanted to do a protective style to help me care for my hair. Well I love two strand twist because it an easy style and fairly quick to do --its sort of a 2-for-1 style. I can wear it as two strand twist for up to a week and the wear the twist out for about a week. I can even get more creative if I want to but time does not allow that very often. So anyway, in addition to the oils I decided to use try out the flaxseed gel especially bc I knew I was gonna need something to hold my twists taut. When I decided to transition I vowed to use all natural homemade products on my hair. I really like the idea of having complete control of what I am putting into my hair. I want not only length but also a healthy head of curls. I know to help achieve this I need to put in nourishing products.
In trying to figure out what can I do to stop the shedding and breakage I again looked to YouTube and google searches. In all my searches the common solution was asking the same question "How much are you oiling your hair?" Well for me it was not hardly. I mean I religiously wash once a week Oil when I do my initial style but that's it. See when I was relaxed my hair would hold oil so I had gotten used to holding off on the oil so much. I mean my definition of oil was oil moistures such as PINK oil or Pantene moisturizing creme. So oiling on a regular is somewhat forgein to me. I really am going to have to get use to the thought of feeding my hair oil more that once a week or so. Some ladies suggested oiling as much as twice a day (I imagine that is for extremely dry hair). The trick for me is figuring out how much oil my unrelaxed hair need to thrive and how much my relaxed hair need to maintain.
So what's my reaction to flaxseed gel, oils, and butter twist? GREAT!!!!! I absolutely love it. The gel provided enough hold to keep the braids from unraveling as well as providing the nourishment of the seeds. The oils gave my hair the much needed conditioning as well as the antioxidants, vitamins, and protection that it needed to start the process of stopping the breakage and promote growth while maintain the length and over health of my hair. I received numerous compliments while out and about as to how shiny my braids looked how bouncy they were (which mean no weighting down from too much oils and gels). My hair felt good, airy and breezy! I am definitely using this as my go to winter protective style!
Regime:
Cowashed, hot oil treatment which included jojoba, coconut, almond, castor, olive, and grapeseed oils. Covered with plastic cap for 30 mins with a towel wrapped around my head. Shampoo washed, conditioned. Parted in four sections detangled applied leave in conditioner and then saturated each section with olive and coconut oil, sealed with shea butter twisted with flaxseed gel that I added vitamin E to, and let dry over night. Note: Hair did become dry during the process so I sprayed the dried areas with water as I braid.
If you used the gel let me know how your continued results have been. If you can testify that oils is the answer to ending breakage please also let me know as i am really trying to remedy this issue. Thanks for reading!!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ethnic Skin Care
The biggest issue for African Americans, Asians and Hispanics as related to skin care is hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. This is a highly underserved market that requires attention.
Maybe its been ignored because of the varied overtones and undertones of ethic skin or maybe its because of the so-called problem skin that we have whether its darker in some spots and lighter in others. Or maybe still its due to the lack of education per the consumer of the products that are currently on the market for ethnic skin. Whatever the case the fact remains that skin care target market strategy is not highly geared toward the people with ethnic skin.
Hyperpigmentation, according to webmb.com, is the increase of melanin in the skin. Common causes are acne scarring, over exposure to sun, pregnancy, and drugs Rx or otherwise. To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place I can offer some tips. Although I am not a dermatologist I have been interested in skin care and the prevention of preventable flare ups of our skin for years. So here goes.........
1. allow acne to heal normally. I know its ugly, unattractive, and even gross at times but the long term results of not messing with the pimple are a lot better than dealing with the dark mark that picking with it leaves behind.
2. SPF people. Find a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher especially in the summer months. For those that are fortunate enough to have hot weather year round you need SPF year round. The sun is baking your skin. Look, when you put a piece of meat in the oven and turn the temperature up and leave it in there for awhile the end result will be a dried piece of meat that has some kind of blackened texture. But when you put some kind of protectant over the meat whether its water or foil or what have you it take longer for the meat to gain the darken dried texture. The same can be said about our skin. If we overexpose ourselves to the sun over time hyperpigmentation will occur. Now I've heard some people feel if their skin has an increased melanin sunscreen is not necessary. I can't tell you how much that have been proven to be so untrue. While yes its true that the visible effects can be seen more quickly on a person with fairer skin the damage that it can do on a darker skin tone is still prevalent. Sunscreens can be found in many cosmetics nowadays so if you don't want to put something extra on your face then make sure you read the labels on your cosmetics and pick ones that contains an SPF. Apply it frequently and generously!!!!
3. During pregnancy some women experience what is referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This type of hyperpigmentation typically goes away once the hormones have regulated. Usually nothing has to be done to treat this. Keep with regular routine of washing, exfoliation and toning. This is the time to adjust skin care to match the hormonal changes that is occurring in your body. Some become sensitive to products that have been used prior to pregnancy. So just reevaluate what you have been doing and make adjustments when and if necessary. Pregnancy is a time when that natural glow is showcased. So enhance it, show it, and flaunt it.
4. Rx and other drugs tend to change everything about how our body operates. So naturally if after taking a drug you notice changes in your skin you may want to stop taking the drug. But that's not always feasible especially if its a Rx that helps alleviate another aliment so you may have to either live with the discoloration, hide it with makeup, or treat with with more Rx or skincare regimens. Never stop a Rx because its not agreeing with your skin. Instead bring it to your doctors attention. There maybe an allergic reaction that you or the doctor was not aware of or the Rx may be able to be adjusted. Whatever the case take this time to also reevaluate your current skin regime and adjust as necessary.
Maybe its been ignored because of the varied overtones and undertones of ethic skin or maybe its because of the so-called problem skin that we have whether its darker in some spots and lighter in others. Or maybe still its due to the lack of education per the consumer of the products that are currently on the market for ethnic skin. Whatever the case the fact remains that skin care target market strategy is not highly geared toward the people with ethnic skin.
Hyperpigmentation, according to webmb.com, is the increase of melanin in the skin. Common causes are acne scarring, over exposure to sun, pregnancy, and drugs Rx or otherwise. To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place I can offer some tips. Although I am not a dermatologist I have been interested in skin care and the prevention of preventable flare ups of our skin for years. So here goes.........
1. allow acne to heal normally. I know its ugly, unattractive, and even gross at times but the long term results of not messing with the pimple are a lot better than dealing with the dark mark that picking with it leaves behind.
2. SPF people. Find a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher especially in the summer months. For those that are fortunate enough to have hot weather year round you need SPF year round. The sun is baking your skin. Look, when you put a piece of meat in the oven and turn the temperature up and leave it in there for awhile the end result will be a dried piece of meat that has some kind of blackened texture. But when you put some kind of protectant over the meat whether its water or foil or what have you it take longer for the meat to gain the darken dried texture. The same can be said about our skin. If we overexpose ourselves to the sun over time hyperpigmentation will occur. Now I've heard some people feel if their skin has an increased melanin sunscreen is not necessary. I can't tell you how much that have been proven to be so untrue. While yes its true that the visible effects can be seen more quickly on a person with fairer skin the damage that it can do on a darker skin tone is still prevalent. Sunscreens can be found in many cosmetics nowadays so if you don't want to put something extra on your face then make sure you read the labels on your cosmetics and pick ones that contains an SPF. Apply it frequently and generously!!!!
3. During pregnancy some women experience what is referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This type of hyperpigmentation typically goes away once the hormones have regulated. Usually nothing has to be done to treat this. Keep with regular routine of washing, exfoliation and toning. This is the time to adjust skin care to match the hormonal changes that is occurring in your body. Some become sensitive to products that have been used prior to pregnancy. So just reevaluate what you have been doing and make adjustments when and if necessary. Pregnancy is a time when that natural glow is showcased. So enhance it, show it, and flaunt it.
4. Rx and other drugs tend to change everything about how our body operates. So naturally if after taking a drug you notice changes in your skin you may want to stop taking the drug. But that's not always feasible especially if its a Rx that helps alleviate another aliment so you may have to either live with the discoloration, hide it with makeup, or treat with with more Rx or skincare regimens. Never stop a Rx because its not agreeing with your skin. Instead bring it to your doctors attention. There maybe an allergic reaction that you or the doctor was not aware of or the Rx may be able to be adjusted. Whatever the case take this time to also reevaluate your current skin regime and adjust as necessary.
manage my transitioning hair
What am I using to manage my transitioning hair?
Like many of you all I am hooked on youtube. I like seeing what is working for some and not so much for others. I am very intrigued with the many different regimes that each natural has come up with to deal with their texture of hair. I also love that it has brought so many people in the kitchen to mix up shea butter mixes, deep conditioners, no-poos, shampoos, oil mixes, growth serums, remedies for dry hair, fizzy hair, kinky hair etc. Its very interesting that our hair has so many dimensions and require so many strategies. I am so anxious to discover how my hair looks with no relaxers, flat irons, curling irons or any heat what so ever applied to it. I have already been experimenting with coconut oils, shea butters, almond oils, castor oil, natural shampoos, conditioners, and of course water.
From my relaxed days I know my hair responds well to weekly washings and conditionings, I used to deep condition once a month and moisturize every other day. I plan to still follow this plan because my hair has always been healthy. I used to get trims every 6 weeks or so. Now I plan on moving it to every 8 weeks. I also plan on maintaining lots of protective styles to keep my health especially while transitioning. I know that line of demarcation needs to be treated with intense care and I want to minimize the breakage as much as possible.
The good thing about transitioning is that I can play with hair styles now. My favorite style is twist outs. I love the waviness of the braided hair. I also love rocking the braids in a bob style. While my hair is twisted up (in tiny tiny twist) I can style it as if it was a wrap, I can pull it back in a bun, pin it up, push it all to the side. Whatever I wanna to do with it. I can keep that up for up to a week (longer but I be needing a change). After the week is over I unbraid it and switch up the style and wear it in a variety of ways until it becomes too unmanageable.
This is just the beginning of my journey........
Like many of you all I am hooked on youtube. I like seeing what is working for some and not so much for others. I am very intrigued with the many different regimes that each natural has come up with to deal with their texture of hair. I also love that it has brought so many people in the kitchen to mix up shea butter mixes, deep conditioners, no-poos, shampoos, oil mixes, growth serums, remedies for dry hair, fizzy hair, kinky hair etc. Its very interesting that our hair has so many dimensions and require so many strategies. I am so anxious to discover how my hair looks with no relaxers, flat irons, curling irons or any heat what so ever applied to it. I have already been experimenting with coconut oils, shea butters, almond oils, castor oil, natural shampoos, conditioners, and of course water.
From my relaxed days I know my hair responds well to weekly washings and conditionings, I used to deep condition once a month and moisturize every other day. I plan to still follow this plan because my hair has always been healthy. I used to get trims every 6 weeks or so. Now I plan on moving it to every 8 weeks. I also plan on maintaining lots of protective styles to keep my health especially while transitioning. I know that line of demarcation needs to be treated with intense care and I want to minimize the breakage as much as possible.
The good thing about transitioning is that I can play with hair styles now. My favorite style is twist outs. I love the waviness of the braided hair. I also love rocking the braids in a bob style. While my hair is twisted up (in tiny tiny twist) I can style it as if it was a wrap, I can pull it back in a bun, pin it up, push it all to the side. Whatever I wanna to do with it. I can keep that up for up to a week (longer but I be needing a change). After the week is over I unbraid it and switch up the style and wear it in a variety of ways until it becomes too unmanageable.
This is just the beginning of my journey........
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Transitioning to Natural (Hair that is): Its a family affair
This is a hair blog!!!!
So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer. For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go. I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months. Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too. Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural. I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey. But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me. So this will truly be a family affair. As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.
Ultimately we have the same end goal but are going to achieve it a little differently. I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already. So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles. She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures. My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year.
During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type. I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair. I am eager to see my curls. For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.
So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer. For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go. I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months. Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too. Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural. I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey. But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me. So this will truly be a family affair. As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.
Ultimately we have the same end goal but are going to achieve it a little differently. I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already. So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles. She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures. My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year.
During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type. I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair. I am eager to see my curls. For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Renewing my mind for P90X!!!
So I am going to restart P90X this Monday, Halloween!!! Now if that ain't a challenge I don't know what is! I have so much confidence in myself that I am up for it. Usually I would agree that its a set up for failure, but I know how I work and to think of it as a challenge would help get me through it. Anyway so restarting....I don't feel the same way I felt the 1st time trying. I guess the 1st time I was excited, not knowing what the 1st workout was gonna be like. Actually experiencing this challenge that I watched so many times before on infomerical got me so anticipated for it. I don't know but this time was more like I need this workout. I enjoy doing it, so I need to use this tool to guide me back to health. Focusing on the health aspect of it gets my attention a little better than working out to get my body back. {SN: I'm listening to I heart radio Wgci Chicago, and every song for the last 5 songs has been young money, Drake, Lil Wayne or some combo...crazy. I love it though but crazy} So this month has been Breast Cancer awareness month and my mother has been diagnosed 3x's. So my health has to be important to me.
With that said and my trip to FL next summer on my mind, I am back recommitted. Ready to Keep pushing play and to Bring it!
I am following the food guide which is something that I didn't do before. I went grocery shopping already to pick up all the food. I only was able to go to 2 stores (Aldi and Walmart) to pick up the things that I needed. And I sub where I either didn't like something or it wasn't available at the stores I was at. (Read ______ for the grocery blog). I plan on following the meal approach bc for how busy my life is continually becoming. I am also taking a cue from P90X and planning my kids meals a week ahead as well for the days they don't prefer the taste of a particular food that the guide suggests. I am also making a food diary so as to hold myself accountable. As well as blog about my experience. I hope this time I succeed. 5:00 am is the wake up call. I seem to do better when I go ahead and get the workout out of the way. Tentatively I plan on working out , shower, get the kids up for school, and then eat so hopefully I prove to myself i can! Just do my best and forget the rest right?!
With that said and my trip to FL next summer on my mind, I am back recommitted. Ready to Keep pushing play and to Bring it!
I am following the food guide which is something that I didn't do before. I went grocery shopping already to pick up all the food. I only was able to go to 2 stores (Aldi and Walmart) to pick up the things that I needed. And I sub where I either didn't like something or it wasn't available at the stores I was at. (Read ______ for the grocery blog). I plan on following the meal approach bc for how busy my life is continually becoming. I am also taking a cue from P90X and planning my kids meals a week ahead as well for the days they don't prefer the taste of a particular food that the guide suggests. I am also making a food diary so as to hold myself accountable. As well as blog about my experience. I hope this time I succeed. 5:00 am is the wake up call. I seem to do better when I go ahead and get the workout out of the way. Tentatively I plan on working out , shower, get the kids up for school, and then eat so hopefully I prove to myself i can! Just do my best and forget the rest right?!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sick of working out
So I'm in Phase 3 of P90X and I am doing doubles instead of doing Cardio X I sub it for Insanity. I have to admit I am so sick of working out. I may be over my head by doing two workouts per day along with my everyday life. My thought process is I want results and I want it fast. I will admit I've only been doing Insanity for 3 days but I already see results. Yayy!!! That alone keeps me Digging deeper, but seriously I am sick of working out. I hate it big time. I want to quit so bad. This hybrid is a bittersweet journey I am sore all the time, I am tired all the time, it takes alot of my free time and Its hard!!!!! It's hard, its hard, its hard. I can't wait until it is all over. I have these last 30 days of P90X and 60 days of Insanity to get through. I would like to do a second round but I am not sure if I will do so immediately or wait awhile or at all. Please send me your positive vibes as I need the energy. I just wanted to write a quick post regarding a real moment. I am not giving up but I am at a point where I am frustrated with working out. I am trying to change my attitude but don't know quite how!!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
P90X---ending the 2nd Phase
So, I'm in my recovery week of Phase 2 and thinking of what I have endured these last 2 months. P90X was something that my fiancee wanted to try since our vacation last summer. While in Orlando he was up one night and caught the infomercial and was convinced that this was the workout for him. I was soooooooooooooooooooo skeptical. It looked hard and the infomercial didn't ease my worries. I kept hearing Tony Horton saying its not easy.... So naturally being as overweight was I was I became afraid. After I took a look at the results I was curious to try it out but still a little afraid that I wouldn't be able to stick with it.
But almost 60 days later all I can say is wow!!!!! My results although not as dramatic as some are still definitely visible. Its been a though 60 days but well worth it. I wanted to quit, I got discouraged, I've been disappointed, I've been elated, energized, happy, renewed all in 60 days. I have to admit working out everyday is not ideal for me. Its definitely been a bittersweet process. I can't wait to reveal my results. This last phase of round one we are attempting to do doubles. Doubles is a Cardio workout in the am and a weightlifting (some cardio) in the pm.
The key word here is attempt. I am not really excited about going to doubles but I want more dramatic results. Also thinking in round 2 to do a hybrid of P90X and Insanity. I am not fully committed to that one yet but we'll see how this last phase goes. I have knee issues and Insanity may not be ideal for me just yet. But I'm hoping doing doubles will prepare me. Well P90X-er's I've been still bringing it, and will continue to do so at least through these next 30 days. Will check back in to let you know my success at a later date and to also let you know my decision as to weather or not I will do the hybrid. O I'm also thinking of becoming a coach. I talked to my fiancee about possibly doing a couples type of workout coaching. So let me know what you think? Have any questions? I'm not an expert but I can give you the perspective of a busy mom that's been trying to lose weight for yrs. Need encouragement? I can help you out with that as well. Send anything comments, questions, or if you just need to vent I'm here for you. So talk to you soon. As always Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!!!!
But almost 60 days later all I can say is wow!!!!! My results although not as dramatic as some are still definitely visible. Its been a though 60 days but well worth it. I wanted to quit, I got discouraged, I've been disappointed, I've been elated, energized, happy, renewed all in 60 days. I have to admit working out everyday is not ideal for me. Its definitely been a bittersweet process. I can't wait to reveal my results. This last phase of round one we are attempting to do doubles. Doubles is a Cardio workout in the am and a weightlifting (some cardio) in the pm.
The key word here is attempt. I am not really excited about going to doubles but I want more dramatic results. Also thinking in round 2 to do a hybrid of P90X and Insanity. I am not fully committed to that one yet but we'll see how this last phase goes. I have knee issues and Insanity may not be ideal for me just yet. But I'm hoping doing doubles will prepare me. Well P90X-er's I've been still bringing it, and will continue to do so at least through these next 30 days. Will check back in to let you know my success at a later date and to also let you know my decision as to weather or not I will do the hybrid. O I'm also thinking of becoming a coach. I talked to my fiancee about possibly doing a couples type of workout coaching. So let me know what you think? Have any questions? I'm not an expert but I can give you the perspective of a busy mom that's been trying to lose weight for yrs. Need encouragement? I can help you out with that as well. Send anything comments, questions, or if you just need to vent I'm here for you. So talk to you soon. As always Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Grab your partner man!!!!!
Working out with a partner is so much better than going at it alone. So I suggest that you ask around to family and friends and get moving. In my small town we started a 90 day challenge. Ppl in the neighborhood along with family and friends have all joined in to get healthier in 90 days. Everyone has picked their own method but the goal for all is the same.
At home my whole family is involved in this new lifestyle change. I workout with my fiancee and my children workout together. It helps so much having a partner. When I don't want to workout he pushes me and vice versa. I see the same with my children. When one don't feel up to it the others will give them that needed push. Working out with a partner also makes the time fly by. We talk and laugh during the workout, it helps take your mind of the exercise even if its for a few seconds. Sometimes its those last seconds that you need distracting from to get to through the burn. Also I enjoy watching his transformation and I hope he enjoys watching mine. The other day I commented on how he looks as if a sculptor is molding and reshaping his body. I see him gaining muscle in so many areas and loosing fat in others.
After P90X my fiancee grabs a few of his friends and they go for an hr long walk, then hit the weight room (mainly bc his friends aren't doing the p90X and he just wants to be their encourager) to get a little extra weightlifting in with the guys, then he's off to work (he's a barber) After my workout I go to work. Lol I have been thinking of incorporating walking hopefully next week to help prepare me for my summer goal of running. I have dreams of running along side Lake Michigan.
Go out and grab someone and ask them if they are interested in some support. It will be good for both of you!!! There's no better gift to share than the gift of health. You never know you may inspire someone to get up and make a life changing decision to get fit for life. Know that healthier eating habits and exercise should be a lifestyle change....after all its good for you right? So until next time:
REMEMBER TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE SHOWER!!!!
At home my whole family is involved in this new lifestyle change. I workout with my fiancee and my children workout together. It helps so much having a partner. When I don't want to workout he pushes me and vice versa. I see the same with my children. When one don't feel up to it the others will give them that needed push. Working out with a partner also makes the time fly by. We talk and laugh during the workout, it helps take your mind of the exercise even if its for a few seconds. Sometimes its those last seconds that you need distracting from to get to through the burn. Also I enjoy watching his transformation and I hope he enjoys watching mine. The other day I commented on how he looks as if a sculptor is molding and reshaping his body. I see him gaining muscle in so many areas and loosing fat in others.
After P90X my fiancee grabs a few of his friends and they go for an hr long walk, then hit the weight room (mainly bc his friends aren't doing the p90X and he just wants to be their encourager) to get a little extra weightlifting in with the guys, then he's off to work (he's a barber) After my workout I go to work. Lol I have been thinking of incorporating walking hopefully next week to help prepare me for my summer goal of running. I have dreams of running along side Lake Michigan.
Go out and grab someone and ask them if they are interested in some support. It will be good for both of you!!! There's no better gift to share than the gift of health. You never know you may inspire someone to get up and make a life changing decision to get fit for life. Know that healthier eating habits and exercise should be a lifestyle change....after all its good for you right? So until next time:
REMEMBER TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE SHOWER!!!!
First clasps hook on my bra!!!!
So, now that I have your attention........ I know the title is funny sounding. But that is exactly what happened this morning. I was able to clasp my bra on the first row of hooks. Some of you may not share my excitement but some of you do understand what that feeling is like!!!! So, when I got dressed this morning, I was thinking I should try a bra that was at the bottom of my under clothes container, (they were now my too little bras) not really believing it was going to fit. But wait......not only did it fit it was too loose when I attached the latch to the last row of hooks. That made me so excited that I skipped the 3 row, 2nd row and went straight for the 1st row of clasps and I still had room after I clasped....sweet victory!!!!! Maybe I can get these DD's down to a nice D or a full C (fingers crossed). Ok I just wanted to share my P90X accomplishment today. Still Bringing it on day 32. Small victories help you stay on track. Until next time remember:
Brush your teeth in the shower!!!!
Brush your teeth in the shower!!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Starting Phase 2: Keep pushing play
Quick Blog:
I am watching the 1st wrkout in Phase 2 and I am a lil scared lol. I know I haven't blogged in a while but I have been busy wrking overtime and keeping up with the kids and doing p90x (still going strong). Tired is not the word I would use to describe what I have been feeling. But my motivation out weighted the tiredness. I see my body changing. Yes!!!! OK diet still not what the nutritional guide suggests but for the most part I am eating more leaner, more veggies, and fresh fruits. At this point I am very very very pleased with my results. I am stronger, more focused, more energetic (but tired weird huh?), happier. Wow happier did I just type that.
I did the lean program for the 1st Phase. 2nd Phase I'm goin to classic. I am ready to Bring it! I have decided to post my pics bc I am truly sticking with it. This is the longest I have stuck with anything that has to do with my health. P90x is Fun yet challenging. I look forward to learning new routines, and to see my improvements week after week. Anyone that has a competitive edge in them will enjoy the challenge that is p90x.
But back to my scariness, Chest, shoulders, and triceps is scary. But as my baby just reminded me we was afraid day 1. It really helps having him wrkout with me we encourage each other b4, during, and after. Well I figured I blog since I had some free time. I'll be back to talk about week 4 recovery week. And me having a breakdown and almost quitting o and how I felt when I pulled clothes outta my "box" and they actually fit some things were too big in some cases. So until next time:
Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!
I am watching the 1st wrkout in Phase 2 and I am a lil scared lol. I know I haven't blogged in a while but I have been busy wrking overtime and keeping up with the kids and doing p90x (still going strong). Tired is not the word I would use to describe what I have been feeling. But my motivation out weighted the tiredness. I see my body changing. Yes!!!! OK diet still not what the nutritional guide suggests but for the most part I am eating more leaner, more veggies, and fresh fruits. At this point I am very very very pleased with my results. I am stronger, more focused, more energetic (but tired weird huh?), happier. Wow happier did I just type that.
I did the lean program for the 1st Phase. 2nd Phase I'm goin to classic. I am ready to Bring it! I have decided to post my pics bc I am truly sticking with it. This is the longest I have stuck with anything that has to do with my health. P90x is Fun yet challenging. I look forward to learning new routines, and to see my improvements week after week. Anyone that has a competitive edge in them will enjoy the challenge that is p90x.
But back to my scariness, Chest, shoulders, and triceps is scary. But as my baby just reminded me we was afraid day 1. It really helps having him wrkout with me we encourage each other b4, during, and after. Well I figured I blog since I had some free time. I'll be back to talk about week 4 recovery week. And me having a breakdown and almost quitting o and how I felt when I pulled clothes outta my "box" and they actually fit some things were too big in some cases. So until next time:
Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
day 6- 11 n still goin strong
Monday was day 9, back to coresynergestics, today day 11 was biceps and shoulders . It was easier today, it could be bc I didn't actually complete the 1st week successfully. I skipped Kempo on day 6 :-( I felt guilty for it though. BUT I do have a confession I OVER indulged this weekend. So, my kids were away bc they had a 3 day weekend, u don't even understand I haven't have all my kids gone at the same time in almost 1yr!!! So, needless to say, me and my fiancee' needed some QT. But he had to work a weekend day --Saturday, so I spent it with my 2 BFF's. Early afternoon, we ate IHop, shopped (for makeup and other beauty items of course), for lunch I ate chipotle, and for dinner papa johns. I had a cinnastack (3 pancakes with cinnabonn cinnamon and icing) I also had scrambled eggs and cheese, hash brown with onions and 2 strips of bacon....yummy yum yum!!!! How much did I actually eat? HALF!!! I was so mad, I wanted to finish all of it. But as of late my stomach won't allow me to eat alot. I guess its good though, bc I didn't really plan on eating out allday that day but bc Ididn't have the kids to cook for and I was out the house ALL day, so I did. At chipotle I had a grilled chicken bowl with everything and once again I ate a little under half this time. I wasted so much food that day makes me upset thinking about it. So now we're at dinner and I ordered a chicken spinach alfredo pizza and boneless buffalo wings. They sent spinach alfredo and bone-in buffalo wings. I was a little pissed that they didn't put the chix on the pizza but it was cool bc of all the other stuff I ate that day. Of that meal I ate 2 slices of pizza and 2 buffalo wings. Now comes to Sunday's meal. LOL. I offered to take my man out since we both been working so hard (he's doing P90x also). We went to Applebees. We ordered an appetizer which consisted of: spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chix (again), potato twist with Queso dip, woton (sp) chicken tacos as a main dish I ordered a fajita chicken wrap and fries he had a hand battered fish sandwich and fries. We each took a half of the others main dish and split the appetizers. What I ate? Well we both ate just the appetizers had to take the main dish hm for dinner. Which was cool bc again that meant I didn't have to cook.
Monday was back to normal I had to cook and all whomp whomp. O we did incorporate a pre workout supplement into our diet this week called superpump 250. I will do a post on that after I have taken it for a week or so just so I can honestly tell u my experience with it. Monday's are typically hard for me just bc its a new work week and u know me not being a morning person and all.
The start of week 2 has been ok so far. I am very tired this week. But it may be bc of that superpump. Some ppl on youtube says that since it gives u more energy during workouts u tend to push urself harder resulting in more tightness post workout I'm not sure but I do know I am tired. Day 9 was hard, day 10 was even harder and like I said today seems to be easier. I had to push through days 9 and 10, bc it was really hard to motivate myself!!!!.
All n all I'm still happy I am trying this program my body feels amazing. O Wow, how can I forget the most exciting part. Saturday while shopping I picked up a Medium shirt for kicks to try it on and guess what it actually fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SWEET VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Before p90x I was in a XL shirt (the largest shirt size I have ever worn ever) Goal a loose fitting sized medium shirt tight fitting small sized shirt (ladies u know what I'm talking about). Still trying not to weigh in until day 30. But I see the difference already.
So far I am doin more of the dvd, for example, where I wasn't able to do 1 push up I can now do 3-4 without breaking. Chair dips I started out doing 20 with my legs bent week 2 I can do 25 straight legged. I graduated from 5lb weights to 10lb weights. So yea by day 30 I'll be nice and prepared for the 2nd round (which introduces plyometrics so excited yayy). So for those of u who are also trying P90X keep up the good work feel free to comment and share some of ur experiences with me I would love to hear about it!!!! Until next Post keep pushing play and bring it!!!!!!!!!!
Remember: Brush your teeth in the shower
Monday was back to normal I had to cook and all whomp whomp. O we did incorporate a pre workout supplement into our diet this week called superpump 250. I will do a post on that after I have taken it for a week or so just so I can honestly tell u my experience with it. Monday's are typically hard for me just bc its a new work week and u know me not being a morning person and all.
The start of week 2 has been ok so far. I am very tired this week. But it may be bc of that superpump. Some ppl on youtube says that since it gives u more energy during workouts u tend to push urself harder resulting in more tightness post workout I'm not sure but I do know I am tired. Day 9 was hard, day 10 was even harder and like I said today seems to be easier. I had to push through days 9 and 10, bc it was really hard to motivate myself!!!!.
All n all I'm still happy I am trying this program my body feels amazing. O Wow, how can I forget the most exciting part. Saturday while shopping I picked up a Medium shirt for kicks to try it on and guess what it actually fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SWEET VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Before p90x I was in a XL shirt (the largest shirt size I have ever worn ever) Goal a loose fitting sized medium shirt tight fitting small sized shirt (ladies u know what I'm talking about). Still trying not to weigh in until day 30. But I see the difference already.
So far I am doin more of the dvd, for example, where I wasn't able to do 1 push up I can now do 3-4 without breaking. Chair dips I started out doing 20 with my legs bent week 2 I can do 25 straight legged. I graduated from 5lb weights to 10lb weights. So yea by day 30 I'll be nice and prepared for the 2nd round (which introduces plyometrics so excited yayy). So for those of u who are also trying P90X keep up the good work feel free to comment and share some of ur experiences with me I would love to hear about it!!!! Until next Post keep pushing play and bring it!!!!!!!!!!
Remember: Brush your teeth in the shower
Thursday, March 3, 2011
still at it p90x day 4
Today is day 4 Yoga X day!!!!! It was much needed as I was sore allllllll ova. LOL! Well so far so good. I was tempted to weight myself today bc I feel so amazing. I had to have lost something. I've notice my breathing is better (I have asthma) and I have energy (YES). Since this is my first phase I am following the Lean program and since I had gone shopping b4 I read the nutrition guide I am not following the recommended nutrition until my next shopping trip. Great news.....I have even more motivation. We r starting a 90 day biggest loser type challenge in my neighborhood, so this should be fun. I can't wait so far $100.00 is on the line, although we don't start until March 15th. So, until then I will be "Bringing it" on my own.
The 1st 4 days was cool. Since I already eat kinda healthy no major alterations to my diet had to b made. I have noticed an increase in my appetite. Before p90x I would eat one square meal and snack all day long. I have switched to 5 smaller meals, bc I am so hungry I guess I need to gas the engine so it can run. U kno the hardest thing for me, so far, as I predicted has been waking up so early in the am. I am not a morning person nor a night person, I love my sleep!!!!! So 4:30 wake up calls are a struggle. Its getting easier though.
Workouts:
So day one was Coresynergentics basically he started off strengthening our core to help support all the other workouts that we would have to endure. The second day was Cardio X, wow what a great workout. This is really when I cld say that my breathing got better. More core strengthening with this one as well. Day 3 shoulders, arms, abs: Lots of weight lifting and floor exercises (core, core, core). Tony definitely knows how to drive the fact that its basically our core that we need to strengthen b4 we can expect to be strong else where. Then like I said Yoga today. An 1 and 30 min total body workout/stretch. My body LOVED!!! this workout. I had to run errands yesterday and I so felt stiff and sore all over after this am's workout I am loose as a goose heehee.
I can't wait to weigh in to see my process although its tempting I am going to hold off until next week. I will post any weight or inches lost and fill u n on anything else. I may also post my meals a little later in case you are interested in what I've been eating these past few days. Also I am not taking any of the supplements that is suggested, I've been thinking about it but if I do I'll let u know which ones and what i think of them. And I am not doing any other programs (hybrids) I am going to stick with p90x and then once this round is over I will reevaluate and see whats next. Well wish we luck on the rest of my journey. Seems like I'm sticking to it so far. The longest I have been successful at anything like this has been 1 month so I will be celebrate every week. I hope you check back for an update soon. Thanks for reading and remember to brush ur teeth in the shower!!!!
The 1st 4 days was cool. Since I already eat kinda healthy no major alterations to my diet had to b made. I have noticed an increase in my appetite. Before p90x I would eat one square meal and snack all day long. I have switched to 5 smaller meals, bc I am so hungry I guess I need to gas the engine so it can run. U kno the hardest thing for me, so far, as I predicted has been waking up so early in the am. I am not a morning person nor a night person, I love my sleep!!!!! So 4:30 wake up calls are a struggle. Its getting easier though.
Workouts:
So day one was Coresynergentics basically he started off strengthening our core to help support all the other workouts that we would have to endure. The second day was Cardio X, wow what a great workout. This is really when I cld say that my breathing got better. More core strengthening with this one as well. Day 3 shoulders, arms, abs: Lots of weight lifting and floor exercises (core, core, core). Tony definitely knows how to drive the fact that its basically our core that we need to strengthen b4 we can expect to be strong else where. Then like I said Yoga today. An 1 and 30 min total body workout/stretch. My body LOVED!!! this workout. I had to run errands yesterday and I so felt stiff and sore all over after this am's workout I am loose as a goose heehee.
I can't wait to weigh in to see my process although its tempting I am going to hold off until next week. I will post any weight or inches lost and fill u n on anything else. I may also post my meals a little later in case you are interested in what I've been eating these past few days. Also I am not taking any of the supplements that is suggested, I've been thinking about it but if I do I'll let u know which ones and what i think of them. And I am not doing any other programs (hybrids) I am going to stick with p90x and then once this round is over I will reevaluate and see whats next. Well wish we luck on the rest of my journey. Seems like I'm sticking to it so far. The longest I have been successful at anything like this has been 1 month so I will be celebrate every week. I hope you check back for an update soon. Thanks for reading and remember to brush ur teeth in the shower!!!!
Well since I am starting this new lifestyle I needed to be prepared. So I went shopping for some fresh fruits and veggies. I'm not picky I actually really love fruits and vegetables but I only brought what was in season because of the price.
Here's what I brought:
Grapes, bananas, orange juice
strawberries, plums, kiwi
asparagus, cantaloupe
cucumbers, whole pineapple
tomatoes, ready made salads
oranges, blueberries, apples, grapefruit
I figure with these many selections I'd have plenty of picks to make a variety of dishes.
From trying so many diets I have learned that I get bored if I am told to eat the same foods. So, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meats I can make a very delicious meal that's healthy (I love to cook).
OK I just wanted to share my shopping as a result of me adding P90x to my life. I hope you join me next time. Stay tuned for the next update!!!!
Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!!
Here's what I brought:
Grapes, bananas, orange juice
strawberries, plums, kiwi
asparagus, cantaloupe
cucumbers, whole pineapple
tomatoes, ready made salads
oranges, blueberries, apples, grapefruit
I figure with these many selections I'd have plenty of picks to make a variety of dishes.
From trying so many diets I have learned that I get bored if I am told to eat the same foods. So, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meats I can make a very delicious meal that's healthy (I love to cook).
OK I just wanted to share my shopping as a result of me adding P90x to my life. I hope you join me next time. Stay tuned for the next update!!!!
Remember to brush your teeth in the shower!!!
Day 1 P90X
Ok well today is going to be a totally different post but its still in line with my overall theme. I am transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. I aspire to be green, eat healthier, exercise regularly and live out some of my dreams. So keeping in mind my greener lifestyle I have decided to take the P90X challange.
Today is day 1!!!! so excited.
5 am---wake up
5:15 am--measurements, weight, before pictures
5:30 am -6:40am-- worked (out first dvd was coresynergentics)
showered got ready for the day
Went to work keeping in mind to eat every 2-3hrs.
Ok sample menu:
I ate nice breakfast (thanx baby...he made me breakfast): eggs w/cheese, potatoes, 3 strips of bacon.
I had a full spinach salad with tuna, for snack
leftover meatloaf with mixed veggies for lunch
small piece of baked chicken, rice, broccoli w/cheese for dinner
special k ceral bar (love these, the right amount of sweet yummy) for my last snack
So now for the workout:
Ok well as usual it starts off with stretching. Which felt so good because I am not a morning person and not to mention the fact that I dove right into it cold turkey (yesterday cake and ice cream today hardcore workout). Next some push ups in many different forms (ie planks, prison-style, side lifts), then we also had some cardio, a few yoga moves sprinkled in there, weights and other resistance training type exercises. The best thing about the workouts, to me, is Tony! He reassures you that it takes time to do what the demonstrators are doing and that we should only do whats in our limits. But to still push yourself. I've tried other workout dvds in the past and I have never seen one that encourages you so much to take it at YOUR pace. Thanks Tony!!!!!! Overall it was not very intensive in a fast pace sort of way but it was very effective slower more concentrated type movements . Throughout the day I felt different muscles contract at different times, (letting me know that I worked it in a way I hadn't done in a while) I would have a burst of energy one minute and then feel like I had just gotten done with a workout the next. (That was probably due more to me not being a morning person and having to get up 2 hrs before normal).
How I felt:
Well my background. I am over weight, I have a sit down job, requiring me to sit for over 10 hrs at times, 3 children but they are very independent, I'm in a relationship. So I have the basic duties of every mother/girlfriend such as cooking, cleaning, shopping etc. I'm not a very active person other than daily duties. I love to cook so i usually cook pretty semi-healthy. Although I am not a big eater I do tend to eat the wrong foods and I skip a lot of meals. I have a dangerous sweet tooth. Sometimes its outta control at other times I can control it much better. I hated water until recently. I decided I needed to drink more to be a good example for my children so I drunk nothing but water for 3 weeks and it worked!!!! I now crave water. That is a miracle if you knew me you would think so lol. I have tried various other workout video's and diets/lifestyle changes and some worked some didn't. Anyhow over the last 7 yrs I have been consistently gaining weight and this year finally decided to take control. Anyway back to how I felt, most of the day I was tense, not so sore that I was scarred to move but enough to remember that I had indeed took the p90x challenge. I needed a nap, had I had time I would have taken 1. A hot bath was definitely in order and my hunger was through the roof.
So like I said this is day 1 so we'll see how it goes. I am hoping to incorporate this in my lifestyle forever. It seems easy enough and very effective. If I see a change I would post before and after pictures and whatever dramatic change that I feel would help someone. So for now thanks for reading about my journey wish me luck. I hope this helps someone stay encouraged for whatever path of greatness their journey takes them.
Brush your teeth in the shower!!!!!
Today is day 1!!!! so excited.
5 am---wake up
5:15 am--measurements, weight, before pictures
5:30 am -6:40am-- worked (out first dvd was coresynergentics)
showered got ready for the day
Went to work keeping in mind to eat every 2-3hrs.
Ok sample menu:
I ate nice breakfast (thanx baby...he made me breakfast): eggs w/cheese, potatoes, 3 strips of bacon.
I had a full spinach salad with tuna, for snack
leftover meatloaf with mixed veggies for lunch
small piece of baked chicken, rice, broccoli w/cheese for dinner
special k ceral bar (love these, the right amount of sweet yummy) for my last snack
So now for the workout:
Ok well as usual it starts off with stretching. Which felt so good because I am not a morning person and not to mention the fact that I dove right into it cold turkey (yesterday cake and ice cream today hardcore workout). Next some push ups in many different forms (ie planks, prison-style, side lifts), then we also had some cardio, a few yoga moves sprinkled in there, weights and other resistance training type exercises. The best thing about the workouts, to me, is Tony! He reassures you that it takes time to do what the demonstrators are doing and that we should only do whats in our limits. But to still push yourself. I've tried other workout dvds in the past and I have never seen one that encourages you so much to take it at YOUR pace. Thanks Tony!!!!!! Overall it was not very intensive in a fast pace sort of way but it was very effective slower more concentrated type movements . Throughout the day I felt different muscles contract at different times, (letting me know that I worked it in a way I hadn't done in a while) I would have a burst of energy one minute and then feel like I had just gotten done with a workout the next. (That was probably due more to me not being a morning person and having to get up 2 hrs before normal).
How I felt:
Well my background. I am over weight, I have a sit down job, requiring me to sit for over 10 hrs at times, 3 children but they are very independent, I'm in a relationship. So I have the basic duties of every mother/girlfriend such as cooking, cleaning, shopping etc. I'm not a very active person other than daily duties. I love to cook so i usually cook pretty semi-healthy. Although I am not a big eater I do tend to eat the wrong foods and I skip a lot of meals. I have a dangerous sweet tooth. Sometimes its outta control at other times I can control it much better. I hated water until recently. I decided I needed to drink more to be a good example for my children so I drunk nothing but water for 3 weeks and it worked!!!! I now crave water. That is a miracle if you knew me you would think so lol. I have tried various other workout video's and diets/lifestyle changes and some worked some didn't. Anyhow over the last 7 yrs I have been consistently gaining weight and this year finally decided to take control. Anyway back to how I felt, most of the day I was tense, not so sore that I was scarred to move but enough to remember that I had indeed took the p90x challenge. I needed a nap, had I had time I would have taken 1. A hot bath was definitely in order and my hunger was through the roof.
So like I said this is day 1 so we'll see how it goes. I am hoping to incorporate this in my lifestyle forever. It seems easy enough and very effective. If I see a change I would post before and after pictures and whatever dramatic change that I feel would help someone. So for now thanks for reading about my journey wish me luck. I hope this helps someone stay encouraged for whatever path of greatness their journey takes them.
Brush your teeth in the shower!!!!!
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