Starting back at 1

Funny how time flies. I haven't posted anything since January. To be honest, I didn't even remember that I had mustered up enough motivation to post back in January. So delinquent. *tsk, tsk*

So, quick recap of Jan. - May: Exercised fairly regularly through March, because I was going to Cancun. Then vacation indulgence set in. Then post-vacation laziness. In my defense, I exercised in April and May - just not regularly. Between work hours, and frequently getting sick, I wasn't keeping a regular routine.

But during that time, I did manage to join my office gym. I gave up my NYSC membership because it was kind of expensive and I just wasn't using it. My work gym offers great rates and the equipment is like the equipment you'll find in any other gym. They even offer classes. So I figured, why not? It's very convenient. I usually get to work early anyway, so there's no longer an excuse for not being able to make it there.

Fast-forward to this week. I've made it a point to bring in healthy lunches and have been increasing my water intake. Yesterday morning I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred again. It's a good workout and, since it's been so long since the last time I used it, there's not really any muscle memory to water it down. I woke up early (4:30 am, to be exact) again today and did it again. When I got in to work, I went to the gym and outdid myself on the elliptical. I ran 4 miles! It's amazing how much of a boost dancehall music gives me. Thank you, Pandora, for the free tunes! :)

And now, I'm drinking a fruit smoothie that I made before I left the house (8oz. coconut water, 1 banana, 4 strawberries, 5 pineapple chunks, and a handful of blueberries). I really feel like I could keep running. But, I have to refocus and shift my attention to work.

Until next time!

xo

Happy new year!

Hope you all thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season. Mine was quite busy. A little hectic, really. But I enjoyed spending time with my fam.

And now, I'm back on my grind...

I've been exercising here and there, but haven't held a consistent routine since June (yikes!). So my bro and I have made a health pact to eat better and become more active. He signed up for boxing lessons, and I plan to take a samba class once a week (in addition to my morning workout).

This morning I got up and popped in Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. The dvd worked for me last time, so I figured I'd try it again. There are 3 levels, each only 20 minutes so I can ease my way back into the routine; but it's a great workout so I'll see results. There was a time when I thought I needed more aerobics, but it is actually a nice mix of strength, cardio, and abs. Perfect for getting me started.

The tricky part will be Level 3. It's really intense, and I never made it through the full 10 days last time. But I'm gonna do my best this time around. I'll definitely keep you all posted. :)

All the best for 2013! I hope you all find the determination and resources to make your dreams and goals reality.

XO

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Long time no hear!

Goodness! It's been a year plus since my last post, and boy do I have a lot to fill you in on.

Like everyone else, I've been busy, busy, busy. This also means I've been (quite obviously) delinquent with my posts and updates. But I have lots of stories about my ups and downs, and persistent determination.

I have some vacation time coming up soon so I promise to take some time and fill you in on all the details. In the meantime, why not refresh your memory, starting from Day 100?

a pic from earlier this summer

Silliness

Haha! Just this morning I was thinking to myself that I need to cut back on cheese again. And ice cream. Not that I've been having that much, but enough for me to notice the effects on my sinuses and skin (battling hives and sinus infection as I type). Then I see this in my horoscope:

Aug 9, 2011

Today's Wellness Horoscope for Taurus

Presented by Horoscope.com

When you have found something in your diet you'd like to improve on, give yourself adequate time to adjust mentally as well as physically. For instance, if dairy is very prevalent in your diet, don't eliminate it all together! This kind of enthusiasm is counter-productive. Try backing off of ice cream and cheese, while still relishing your morning latte. The whole self needs to be able to distinguish what is going on. Instead, gradually convince yourself of why and how you will reduce dairy in your diet.

It amused me and I thought I would share. :)

Aside from the occasional cheese (and ice cream), I've been doing pretty well with my eating habits. I've worked fruits back into my diet and have been drinking loads of water (too hot not to). Still could do better with the veggies though. I'm gonna try one of Wendy & Jess's recipes this weekend to make my veggies more appealing.

Still maintaining my 16lb loss. :)

Healthy Summertime Dips & Side Dishes

A couple weeks ago a friend posted a link on fb to the blog, Food Heaven Made Easy with Wendy & Jess, and I decided to check it out. Loved!

Wendy and Jess are two young ladies, both nutritionists, who are on a mission to show brown communities that we can prepare and eat tasty, healthy food on a budget. Their first video, "$10 Meal Time," drew me in, so I was very excited to see that they've posted a new video, "Herbal Healing." Check the link, or watch it below.

I really admire what they're doing - especially their purpose behind it. Can't wait for more from these ladies!

Episode 2: Herbal Healing from Food Heaven Made Easy on Vimeo.

Quick Bikini Body Exercises

Came across this article from "The Hollywood Trainer," Jeanette Jenkins. In it, she shares 5 Moves for a Bikini Body, complete with videos and explanation. These moves are simple to do at home, will get your heart pumping, and won't require a lot of time.

I meant to report back on the M100's - the 3 minute workout I posted about last time. Yes, it was as intense as it looked! I only did it on two occasions, and it took me longer than 3mins to get through it each time. That's because I went at a more moderate pace than the guys in the video. Exercises that require a lot of jumping make me really dizzy, really quickly so I was trying to avoid passing out by taking my time with it. I still got my heart rate up, but I paused between each circuit to recover. Def a great quick cardio.

Talk about a quick workout!

I came across this 3 minute workout on YouTube this morning (while searching for "abcentric exercises"). This routine was put together by a black belt Jiu-Jitsu coach from Boston. The guys in the video say it's perfect for burning fat. It looks INTENSE!

I wanna try it!! I know nothing beats a decent workout; but, for those days when I can't even spare 20mins, it would be great to fit in a 3min workout and still see/feel results.

I'm gonna do it this evening and report back.