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I Been Eating...Watermelon
I remember Mom telling me the story about how right before she went into labor with me, she’d just finished eating a whole watermelon. You would think that this coupled with the fact that I am Black AND from the South, would mean that I am a huuuuuge fan of watermelon...but I am not.
Now don’t get me wrong, I LIKE it! I think it’s sweet and refreshing and there is nothing like it on a hot Summer day. However, I am not a fiend for it like my mother is...she keeps chunks cut up in her refrigerator year round it seems!
Fourth of July weekend is OVER and considering how much of a little piggy I’ve been for the past two weeks, I have ONCE AGAIN jump-started my fitness routine. I didn’t exercise one time last week and aside from the barbecue I ate this weekend, the week leading up included a diet of chicken wings, pizza and Krispy Kreme donuts. Can you say DETOX??
I have just finished a good home workout session which I will be editing and loading on to YouTube later this afternoon but because my mother sent me home with a tray of goodies, including a WHOLE watermelon, I thought I’d look into this healthy fruit, not only to read up on its nutrients but to find some yummy recipes to try out...as I am not sure I can eat a whole one...in one sitting...like my mother! :p
One of the first things I discovered in my research is that July is National Watermelon Month! Heeeeeey! Let’s celebrate!
Another thing I just read, which prompted me to go and cut a big healthy chunk, is that the juice in watermelon is great for muscle soreness, making it a perfect after workout snack!
Like a lot of fruits and vegetables (of which watermelon is BOTH) there are tons of antioxidants present which I need with the detox I am undertaking right now. And while there is nothing better than a nice cold watermelon slice, it is best to store it at room temperature before slicing if you want to retain most of the antioxidant properties.
Now, this next tidbit had me all like:
Because of the presence of citrulline in the rind of the watermelon, a natural substance that relaxes blood vessels (lowering blood pressure), watermelon has been said to have “Viagra-like effects.” Ahem. Let me see what I can whip up with these leftover rinds. Pickles anyone? (No pun intended!)
Next watermelon fact is kind of a given: it’s full of...
WATER! Another reason it’s so great for the summer, what with the heat making us all dehydrated and thangs! Plus, the more hydrated you are, the more energy you have, the better your concentration and mood, and well...the better you feel!
Aside from it’s water content, one of the most important nutrients in watermelon is lycopene, a cartenoid phytonutrient most popularly known to be found in tomatoes. Now, I know I am sounding real educated right now regurgitating these terms but let me be real: I had no idea what a cartenoid phytonutrient was prior to writing this post...not even sure I’d even heard of it. But let’s learn together shall we!
First of all, lycopene is what lends the watermelon it’s red color so obviously the more red it is, the more present the nutrient, which is a beast when it comes to promoting cardiovascular health. It’s been said to protect against many cancers and heart diseases, AND it helps us to maintain our youthful appearance by slowing down the aging process! That fact alone is reason enough to:
Now, if you are like me and pick (or spit) out the seeds, you are missing out on some healthy protein and fiber. And other than helping our men out with possible erectile dysfunction, the citrulline in the rind also promotes kidney health, boosting our immune system.
A wee bit vision impaired? The beta-carotene present it watermelon improves eye health, and once that beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body, you are well on your way to healthy skin and teeth!
It seems like there is an entire host of benefits to this refreshing “fruitetable” and as I sit here and chomp on chunks as I write this post, I am learning that I may enjoy it more than I’d given myself credit for. Stay tuned for different recipes I am going to try over the next couple of day...including a jar of rind pickles for my boo! :p
Until next time, stay healthy friends!
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The following is a reblog from onlinecounsellingcollege:
1. It enables you to block out the voices of others - who tell you who you are, and how to live your life.
2. It helps you to hear and to listen to your heart, and to get back in touch with your authentic self.
3. It acts as a tonic when you’re feeling tired and stressed, or worn out, and worn down by life’s demands.
4. It allows you to sort through, and to regulate, emotions – so you’re able to feel calm and more grounded again.
5. It enables you to rest; it renews your energy; and it revives your creativity and curiosity.
6. It helps you to enjoy your relationships and friends - as you’re able to establish proper boundaries again.
I am learning that a part of building our temple is to be able to enjoy moments of peace and solitude. Take advantage of your quiet time. Don’t waste it on idle nonsense. God has brought you to that place of stillness for a reason. Bask in it! <3
Some Benefits of Solitude
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That looks delicious!!
Dinner {purple rice, chickpea curry, baked veggies, baked tofu, salad, unpictured wilted spinach}
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Oh, and about that 30-Day Cleanse...
As I mentioned in my previous article, more pressing issues in my personal life put taking photos of my meals on the back burner. Have I remained totally faithful to my cleanse...no I have not. Just a few days ago, I tried Wendy’s new Jalapeno Fresco Spicy Chicken Sandwich AND the Ghost Pepper Fries:
My body was not happy. (The sandwich is pretty good, though!)
I’d also been out to eat a few times with friends and family. While out with a co-worker, I had jambalaya over grits (that’s not bad is it?) and while at a Mexican restaurant with my mother and brother, I had two mango margaritas and the infamous Mexican delicacy: chicken wings! (I wasn’t in the mood for nachos.)
I HAVE made some healthy eating choices in my dining out experiences: for example while at Ihop with a friend, I had an egg white spinach omelet with a side of fresh fruit, and the night before for dinner at Cheddar’s, I ordered grilled fish for my fish tacos instead of fried!
Since then, however, I have been striving to make better choices in my meals. For about a week I wasn’t enjoying my morning smoothies but I am bringing them back as I noticed that my body was boasting a bit of healthy weight gain. While at my mother’s on Friday, I stepped on the scale: I am currently 130 lbs. My ideal weight 140 but if I can stabilize 135-140, I’ll be happ(ier.)
Which brings me to a realization that i had yesterday...while observing a slight drop in my weight. Alot of people, when you tell them that you want to gain weight, they give you the ignorant advice of eating cupcakes and hamburgers.
Stupid.
That is not how you gain weight. That is how you become unhealthy and out of shape. And what I have noticed with me is that, I actually LOSE weight when I do not eat properly.
Now I am not dietician and science was my least favorite subject in high school...however, I can only assume that it is when my body is soaking up healthy nutrients that I develop to my healthy body weight...which is between 135-140 lbs. The heaviest I have been is 145 and it was all youth and muscle.
My calculations on my body weight are solely based on my experience: how much I weighed when I was at my happiest and healthiest. However, I JUST did one of those ideal weight calculations and the range is the same. I am 130 lbs. I am underweight. No more hot wings and chicken fresco sammiches for a while.
Also, I am done with trying to commit to 30 day challenges. The way my attention span is set up...
I just want to wake up each morning as I have been these past few days...and that is with the objective to live my very best. If I have a bad day, I have a bad day...but the blessing in today is the hope for tomorrow...and it’s never too late to start fresh!
So anywho, let me logg off...my body is requesting a shower after the killer Barre class I took this morning and I need to head over to Yummly to find a new way to hook up today’s lunch: baked salmon...and to think, I was considering driving across town for a bbq rib plate.
See that? Growth! :)
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The Best Workout in the Game Right Now, Barre None!
Hello fellow fitness fanatics! I know I haven’t written on here in ages but there has been so much going on in my life, I truly haven’t had the time. Unemployment, looking for work, considering a move, selling items, giving away items, massive Spring cleaning! All of these things have totally consumed my time and as you know...blogging takes time!
I have a bit of free time today, however, and it is so beautiful outside, I am taking advantage of this gorgeous weather and writing this from my patio! I still have on my gym clothes from this morning and have just finished a homemade protein shake to fuel up these wore out muscles...which brings me to today’s topic.
Have you all ever taken a Barre class? Now, I don’t know if the classes are taught the same all across the board but the young lady who teaches the class that I attend is a beast!
Today was my fourth or fifth time going and I swear, it doesn’t get easier! When I first started going, I was under the impression that it was going to be similar to when I was the only adult in the pre-teen Ballet classes I took for a few months a few years ago. Some stretches for flexibility, a few plies here and there. Ha! Boy was I mistaken!
This class is a WORK...OUT!! Again, I have only taken the class with Amy but she works everything from my head to my toes!! There is a little bit of Pilates in there, a lot of core work, isometric movements both at the barre and with the light hand weights we use...I mean, I am literally almost in tears by the time the class is over...and I love it!
You know my blog is more about my personal journey and less about facts and stats so I will link a few articles that talk about the fundamentals of Barre in more detail. For example, one article I came across asked:
WTF ARE BARRE WORKOUTS AND ARE THEY ACTUALLY WORTH DOING?
Before I even opened the article, I answered the second part of that question: yes, they are totally worth it! Although I am happy that I have finally gotten a new job (yaaaaaaaaay), I am sad that I will not be able to attend any more of Amy’s classes! Ladies, and gents if you’re reading, Barre is a FULL BODY WORKOUT and if you haven’t tried it yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!
One point mentioned in the article linked above is that you can often go straight to dinner without the need for a shower after this class. If that’s the case at your Barre class, then your instructor sucks! I am soaked by the time I come out of that class. The author argues that you aren’t challenging your heart enough...she clearly hasn’t taken Barre with Amy.
Here are a few more articles on Barre:
THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BARRE: very basic, unbiased description of barre.
ARE BARRE CLASSES WORTH THE BUZZ? This article taught me a thing or two as it lists the different types of Barre classes.
10 BENEFITS OF BARRE: lists, you guessed it, ten benefits of barre!
One thing that I’d like to add is if you have never tried it, do not be intimidated by it! It is perfect for all body types so do not let the barre’s association with ballet fool you into thinking you have to have a ballerina’s body to do this! I read on one of the articles above that it is even safe for pregnant women!
Soon after I finish writing this piece, I am going to see where I potentially purchase a barre for my home practice! I have fallen in love with the class...search it out in your city, try it out, and tell me what you think! :)
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30-Day Cleanse: Days 3-5
Happy Saturday, friends! Well, at least I hope yours has been happier than mine! I woke up with cramps from hell and this UTI I have been suffering with all month hit me with a vengeance. Went back to the doctor for the SECOND time and was prescribed another antibiotic...I sure hope this one works this time! UTIs are not fun at all!!
But enough about my misadventures in peeing. I am here to update you on my diet over the past couple of days! I think the last time we chatted, I was finishing off my lemon pepper rotisserie chicken and garden vegetable quinoa. On Wednesday, I switched it up to ground turkey.
My boyfriend is also on a health and fitness kick and is currently undergoing training for a bodybuilding competition. Normally when he stops by, he brings with him pre-packed meals which often includes ground turkey with onions and garlic. I have to have my incense ready because he has my whole apartment lit up!
I have noticed a lot of fitness trainers and enthusiasts alike incorporate ground turkey into their meals so I wanted to join in on the craze.
For lunch I cooked the turkey with sauteed onions and seasoned it with cumin and red curry pepper. I served it on a bed of spinach with a side of steamed brussel sprouts (leftover from yesterday) and sliced tomatoes. It was delicious!
For dinner, I used the same ground turkey and onion mixture (mixed first with sauteed garlic and jalapenos) and added in a can of diced tomatoes and a can of pinto beans (rinsed).
This was served a scoop of brown rice, with a side of cucumbers and tomatoes. Another filling and satisfying meal.
Now, as I mentioned in my last post, I want to make these entries a bit more informational and not just an excuse to show off my cutely edited photos! Before I move on, I want to speak briefly about one of the new additions to the meal: the pinto beans.
As you know, I am all for a protein rich diet as I am trying to gain weight the healthy way! Pinto beans are a great source of protein, and they are also both fat-free and sodium free.
They are also rich in fiber, an essential nutrient for us girls, and naturally, in relation to my cleanse, I certainly want to incorporate foods that promote healthy digestion!
Now before I go on to day 4, let me backtrack to day 3′s breakfast. I had what I called a “Green Goodness” smoothie, featuring the ingredients shown below!
When I posted this photo on my Instagram page, I typed this super long description listing a key benefit of each of the 9 ingredients. However, when I posted the photo, the description disappeared. Can you say disheartened? I may come back one day and add those benefits to this post again...I’ve become upset about it all over again. (Damn hormones.)
Moving on to Thursday, it was the same ole. I went to Body Pump in the morning and had a power smoothie soon after for breakfast: frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, juice, a lil’ ginger, a lil’ kale...same ole same ole.
For lunch I had some more of my ground turkey and rice topped with avocado slices.
Soon after, I faced my first temptation: pizza! A co-worker order a box for the staff and boy did it feel good. Now I don’t know if it was the fact that I wasn’t hungry, or just not in a good mood that made resisting easier for me...but I just said no!
Later on for dinner, I found a new way to enjoy my ground turkey mix: on top of a sweet potato! I swear you can stuff a sweet potato with just about anything and it will taste great!
Plus, I am sure you know that sweet potatoes are listed among the superfoods! It’s high in Vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system and my stress levels these past few days certainly appreciated the levels of magnesium, the “relaxation mineral” in Thursday night’s veggie.
Sweet potatoes are also good sources of potassium, iron and Vitamin C. I’m not sure why I don’t eat it with every meal!
I also became obsessed with a new favorite beverage: lemon mint and cucumber infused water. I have been drinking it for the past three days. An incredible water for detoxing, what with the cleansing properties of the lemon and all!
Plus with the hydrating effects of the cucumbers and the refreshing taste of the mint, this is about to be my summer day drink for sure! It’s so good!!
Now Friday was pretty uneventful. I had peanut butter on cinnamon raisin bagels with cantalouple and kiwi chunks for breakfast, leftover ground turkey and rice for dinner, LMC water all day. Although the cleanse requires a step away from bread (meaning no bagels) the real shame came from lunch: another co-worker ordered pizza: AGAIN!
This time it wasn’t so easy to resist because I was starving and couldn’t leave for lunch as my teammate hadn’t made it back yet.
So I caved. I ate not one, not two...but four (small) slices of pizza. Only thing I didn’t do that I normally do with pizza is eat the crust. Still. I made sure to drink triple portions of detox water AND I had a good sweat when I got home from work!
A video posted by K (@hekalulamungu) on May 1, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT
Not only did I power walk, but I did sets of moving squats, kickback lunges, and some killer floor work...had to burn off those toxins!
So here it is Saturday, and I am typing this post from home as Aunt Flo and her cousin Uti I. had me curled up in the fetal position all day. I am currently sipping on chamomile tea while my salmon bakes in the oven but I am not going to tell ya’ll that I ate three oatmeal raisin cookies earlier AND bought a pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Here’s why:
A video posted by K (@hekalulamungu) on May 2, 2015 at 11:01am PDT
Don’t I look purrrrrrrrty! :p
Anywho, my late lunch/dinner is ready so let me get it plated. Photos coming tomorrow...and don’t forget to add me on Instagram!
Peace out, homies!
#30 day cleanse#30 day clean eating challenge#healthy eating#healthy body#healthy spirit#healthy mind
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30-Day Cleanse: Day 2
I am actually on day 3 of my cleanse but I am here to write briefly about yesterday!
I did really well! I started the day with a yummy smoothie made of frozen strawberries and bananas, avocado chunks, ginger, mint, Greek yogurt and acai berry juice. The cleanse I am adopting requests the elimination of dairy but as I mentioned in my previous post, I cannot let good groceries go to waste.
For lunch, I had leftovers from the day prior. Lemon-pepper rotisserie chicken with a side of quinoa but I switched it up with my greens and enjoyed some steamed brussel sprouts instead.
I want to try to add in a few tidbits on each post regarding the health benefits of the foods I eat.
Take brussel sprouts for example. This is a great food to eat while detoxing your body because the sulfur-containing compounds that lend brussel sprouts their often unpleasant smell are actually the very thing that aids in breaking down toxins. I was reading up on the vegetable and there was a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo about Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification and I am not going to copy and paste things here to give off the impression that I actually know what I am talking about. Just click here for more information...educate yourself!
The basic gist, however, is that brussel sprouts are one of the vegetables that aids in both detoxification phases as opposed to others that may support one and not the other, leading to an accumulation of unhealthy toxins in your body. No bueno.
Additionally brussel sprouts are a great source of both fiber and vitamin C, two nutrients that contribute to a healthy immune system and a healthy heart! I’d say I made a darn good choice, wouldn’t you?
Moving on...I was in a bit of a rush heading back to work so I didn’t pack a snack so when I got hungry again, I made myself a cup of green tea. It was so soothing. I think I am going to make a cup after this post.
Green tea is AWESOME. I wasn’t always a big fan of it but now I am starting to love it. Now before I go on listing the benefits, I want to note that those are mention are the benefits related to my cleanse. There are numerous health benefits of the food I eat but I will not discuss them all unless I have an entire post dedicated to it, such as the Superfood Friday posts I intend to bring back!
One of my favorite perks of green tea, other than it being rich in antioxidants, is that fact that it is known to have relaxing properties. This is key for me as I am going through quite a stressful time at the moment and anything that can calm my nerves is a great thing!
Another great mental benefit is how green tea improves brain performance, helping you to be more alert. Interestingly enough I drank it at work where with all of the idle time, I often struggle to stay awake!
The final benefit I want to touch on is related to one of the reasons I started this cleanse in the first place. I have been suffering from a recurring UTI for the past month that antibiotics didn’t seem to clear. I know...TMI. But still, I am convinced that an improvement in diet will improve my immune system, increasing my body’s ability to fight off infections.
One interesting thing I learned about green tea is that drinking two to three cups a day can actually clear up a urinary tract infection. Hell, let me go and make a cup right now!
No, I’m kidding...let me finish the post first. Let’s move on to dinner.
For dinner, I made myself a salad, finishing off the remainder of the rotisserie chicken. Eggs are also a no-no in this cleanse but I still have 6 more to go. I boiled two for the salad made with spinach greens and also added tomatoes and avocados.
I’m not really sure why eggs are prohibited in the cleanse; I’ll have to do some additional research and get back to you! I just hope that I can stick with it. I have never followed through with anything in my damn life, it seems. Will be nice to see the blessings that come about in the one time that I do!
Day 3 post coming soon so stay tuned! And by the way, if you are on Instagram, follow me @hekalulamungu!! Stay healthy!
#30 day cleanse#30 day clean eating challenge#healthy eating#healthy living#healthy body#healthy spirit#healthy mind
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This is about how long I can hold my crow for...for now...can’t wait until I am able to get back into yoga again!
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30 Day Cleanse: Preparation Phase
So, on Sunday I made a true pig of myself. I called Buffalo Wild Wings and ordered a wings and tenders combo that made me feel like pure shit afterwards. Excuse the language but there is really no other word to describe how I felt...I felt like shit.
I was so bloated and icky. I went and looked at myself in the mirror and realized that I LOOKED like shit as well. My skin looks really dull and blotchy. My eyes are all puffy. My hair, unlustrous. (Yes, I made that word up...it means not lustrous, of course.)
Additionally, I have been really fatigued and moody. I know that a lot of it is a result of being premenstrual at the moment but I have been feeling this way for a while now. I am convinced that my diet has a lot to do with it.
The last time I wrote on here, I was complaining about my cellulite thighs and initiated, supposedly, this junk food fast. Sigh. Why don’t those ever work? Last week, I ate donuts and cookies three days in a row. Great way to become bikini ready, Kristen!
Now, I normally don’t feel ready to take on the world after eating 1/2 a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts but I don’t want to shoot myself either. After eating those wings and potato wedges Sunday night, I was overtaken with this extreme feeling of sadness. I even took a photo of the fright...brace yourselves:
Ladies and gentlemen, this is what 5 Thai curry wings, 2 mango habanero tenders (they were too spicy to eat all six...what I waste), and a chock full of potato wedges does to you. I look like death and felt like hell. If that wasn’t a wake up call for me, I don’t know what was.
So I went online and Googled information on detox cleanses. I came across a variety of sites but the one that stood out the most was a 30 day clean eating program by Dr. Oz in collaboration with the Dr. Junger’s Clean Program. The thing I found most frightening about some of the detox cleanses I came across was the promise to drop pounds...I have zero interest in dropping pounds...dropping toxins and cellulite, yes, but I am currently trying to gain about 5-10 lbs of healthy weight. If I fall anywhere below 130 lbs. I am going to be pissed.
One thing I like about the Clean Program detox is that you aren’t just drinking toxins away. It is really about the incorporation of healthy eating habits. It basically has you on a diet that is broken down as such: a nutrient rich cleansing power shake for breakfast, a solid lunch of protein, dark greens and a light vegetable focused dinner. In between meals, instead of my normal snacks of chips and cookies, it requests healthier alternatives such as fruit slices and peanut butter, or veggies with hummus or guacamole.
It’s basically a healthy eating diet, but there are a few key things to eliminate:
dairy and eggs • gluten, wheat • processed sugar • soy • coffee, soda, alcohol • beef, pork • creamed vegetables, peanuts • corn oil • whey protein
This will present a bit of a challenge for me at the start as I just bought a tub of Greek yogurt, a carton of eggs, a loaf of wheat break and a pack of bagels...and I have no intention of allowing these good groceries to go to waste. I suppose I can put the bread in the freezer until the month is over but how long do eggs typically remain fresh in the refrigerator? Hmmmm...I may continue to boil them for my salads over the next few days and then not purchase anymore until the cleanse is over. Yes. I can do this.
I wanted to wait until May 1st to start but I am sick of putting things off so I started yesterday. I was quite proud of myself. I started the day with a glass of lemon water before going to the gym where I did a killer two hour workout. Now, I know that you are thinking that it was a bit unnecessary...and perhaps it was. I went to Body Attack but afterwards there was a Barre class that I always wanted to try but never had a chance to because of my work schedule. So I took advantage of an opportunity to try it out...and MAN...it was a BEAST! I felt great...exhausted, but great!
I then went and bought my groceries for my cleanse: kiwi, cucumbers, lemon, mango, kale, pears, green apples, mint leaves, carrots, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe slices,avocado,sweet potatoes,limes, ground turkey, chicken breast, kimchee and the only thing I am allowed for dessert: dark chocolate covered almonds. I was going to buy almond milk and coconut water for my smoothies as well but will wait until I am out of my acai berry juice and yogurt...as I said...no wasting groceries.
I had my first smoothie of the week: frozen berries, carrots, ginger, mint, kale, Greek yogurt and acai berry juice! It was yummy but not particularly filling at all.
So about an hour later I had lunch which consisted of lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, a salad of spinach and cocktail tomatoes, avocado slices topped with lemon juice and olive oil, and garden vegetable quinoa. De-li-cious!
A while later, I got hungry again but didn’t want to stuff myself with a full meal. My first instinct was to attack the dark chocolate covered almonds (of which I did grab about 4 or 5) but I settled on some Gala apple slices with peanut butter. Look at your girl, growing up!
For dinner, I had a repeat of lunch but soon realized why a light meal is recommended. My body naturally wanted a lighter version. I ate more of the tomato and cucumber slices than the chicken and quinoa. It just seemed to be more settling on my stomach. I am learning more and more the importance of listening to your body...it won’t steer you wrong!
So here I am on day two and at press time, I have only had breakfast, which consisted of a smoothie made of frozen strawberries and bananas, avocado chunks, mint, ginger, kale, yogurt and juice, and a bagel with blueberry cream cheese.
I know, I know...bread and dairy aren’t allowed but this is why I am considering these next three days the preparation phase. I am going to finish off a few of the excluded foods and on the 1st of May go full out, eliminating all excluded foods completely.
I am excited about it and even if it’s just a photo here and there, I will post my progress here for accountability. Lord, PLEASE HELP ME STICK THROUGH THIS! I am in this constant battle within myself to remain consistent persevere through the challenges I set myself up for. I am so tired of it and I don’t know what else to do besides continue to try and hope for the best this go ‘round.
So I am not going to make any promises...I will just say: we’ll see.
Lunch time is nearing!
#30 day cleanse#30 day clean eating challenge#healthy eating#healthy body#healthy spirit#May flowers
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Motivational Monday: March Madness
Good Monday Morning, Friends!
Long time no write! I have been really busy with work and I even went on a little mini-vacation to my hometown of Mobile, Alabama about a week or so ago so please forgive my absence!
I'm here today, however, and would like to personally welcome you to an incredible month! I have such a huge expectancy from Christ this month as I have been revealed a lot of things about myself that I have nailed to the cross and I am ready to MARCH on to victory.
I just want to know one thing: Who's coming with me?
How have you all been doing in your fitness journeys? I am proud to announce that although I have fallen a few times, overall, I am doing much better! I have started cooking at home a lot more and my body has gotten to the point where it simply rejects certain types of foods. Like chips for example...my body doesn't like chips.
I have also made it my business to get up earlier in the morning...or should I say, get up when my alarm clock goes off instead of snoozing for two hours. There is such a blessing in easing into your day! You are able to handle stress and negative energy with much more grace when you have spent your first two hours in prayer, meditation, praise and worship and taking your time with early morning tasks. I am only a few days into this new approach...but they say it takes what, 21 days to form a habit? It's time to form the habit. My body is going to thank me for it!
But enough with my going-tos...I am here to motivate you today! Here we are in the second day of March...and as I mentioned above, this month is going to be a phenomenal one: I am claiming it right now in the name of my Saviour!
But let's just look at the significance of this month. For starters, the name: MARCH! What are you marching towards this month? One thing I love about each new day is that it presents us with new opportunities to do things the right way! I had quite a month last month but guess what: it was LAST MONTH! I am not looking back at all..it's all about pressing towards the mark for the prize!
Better health, better fitness, better mindset, better spirituality, better relationships...that's what I am marching towards! And I am going to achieve it...no doubt about it!
Another thing I love about March is that it is the month that welcomes in my favorite season: SPRING! I love the Spring. Spring signifies new beginnings, growth, blossoming, blooming. I have been planting a lot of seeds over the past couple of months and I am anticipating the fruit that will be manifest.
What about you? What have you been planting? Have you been dedicated to your fitness and healthy eating? If you haven't seen the results yet, they are coming...when you least expect it! You are just going to look in the mirror one day and see a completely rejuvenated person...and she is going to be even more awesome than she already is!
So let's get encouraged together this month to open our heart and minds to receive the blessings God wants to sprout up in our lives! March on, with your bad selves!
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In Fitness and In Health: A Body Built for Prayer
I had to share this video with you all and I pray that it blesses you as it blessed me.
As I move forward in my journey towards both spiritual and physical health and wellness, this was just another reminder for me of the deep significance of this journey!
God not only wants us to be healthy, He NEEDS for us to be healthy! We speak often about how we so desperately need God but He just as desperately needs us.
In Genesis, at the start of Creation, God granted US, the HUMAN body, MANKIND, to have dominion over the earth! I don't want to give any spoilers on the great word that the late Pastor Myles Munroe is going to lay out in this video; however, I will say that because of our dominion, we have a responsibility to God to keep ourselves holy, pure, and blameless before Him, offering our bodies as a living sacrifice before Him, desiring ALWAYS to be used by Him to bring blessings and peace to both the people and circumstances around us, and those far beyond our reach!
Be blessed, friends...and until next time...stay healthy!
Click here to watch the video...I was unable to embed it here unfortunately.
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ONE BUTTERNUT SQUASH, TWO YUMMY MEALS!
Click here for recipe for butternut squash chili, courtesy of Food Network.
Click here for recipe for butternut squash and leek latkes, courtesy of Yummly.
#butternut squash#recipes#chili#latke#kale#sauteed#pan fried#good eating#healthy eating#deliciousness
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You guys, I made this for dinner last night with a side of sauteed kale. Talk about delicious! I also had some leftover mixture and made some more for breakfast this morning! Definitely will be making this again as it was a great way to use the remaining butternut squash I had after making the most delicious butternut squash chili EVER last week! I am really considering trying out this whole vegan thing...if only for a while to see if I notice any changes in my physical being. I'll keep you posted...in the meantime...try this recipe!
Oh, and FYI, I didn't have cumin seeds so I just used the same measurement of ground cumin, and as I didn't have UNbleached all-purpose flour, I used bleached...not sure what difference it made but it was delicious nonetheless!
Thank you, Yummly! Photo coming soon!!
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A Health Confessional #4: Time for a Change!
Hey there friends! I know, it's been ages since I have written on here! As you may or may not work, I am a Sales Consultant for Cadillac here in Fayetteville, and I had quite a month last month! Literally burning the midnight oil to get these cars sold and I finished only a 1/2 a deal away from achieving the highest commission percentage! Oh well, I'll get it this month!
But speaking of getting it...I really need to step my workout game up! I have been following a pretty consistent 2x a week routine; however, I am finding that it isn't enough!
When I first started out, I would be feeling the burn all week long. Now I don't really feel it at all. I know that it means that I need to work harder as I have become stronger so I really need to commit to making more time for my home workouts. I love the burn, I do...and when I don't feel it, I miss it...I don't feel as strong...and I want to feel STRONG!
Also, I have not been loyal to my desires to cut out unhealthy food from my diet. Ya'll, I ate a pack of Girl Scout cookies yesterday: a pack. I also had a KFC $5 fill-up box for lunch...I asked for grilled...they gave me fried...I ate it.
I have four months to get my 35th birthday body together...I will not take cellulite to the beach! This addiction to cookies is really getting out of hand and I need to nip it in the bud: TODAY!
Other than my unbearable sweet tooth, a lot of my problem comes from an unwillingness to pull myself from my ridiculously comfortable bed in the mornings. The Lord opened my eyes at 5:16 this morning; I didn't have to be to work until 9:00. Do you know how much I could have gotten accomplished in 3 1/2 hours? Instead, I snoozed until 8:00 a.m. and had to rush to get ready for work.
This is NOT healthy living, friends. And as someone with an objective to lead others to healthier lifestyles, I am not off to a good start.
It's still early, though...it's still early.
I am going home to Mobile, Alabama next Friday and I will be there for a week! I am soooooooooo excited! I was hoping to be at a certain level of fitness before getting there but a lot of chicken wings, cookies and ice cream have prevented me.
I really need to get it together. And the best thing is to use each day as a new opportunity to improve.
This morning for breakfast, I had butternut squash and leek latkes, with a side of strawberries and Greek yogurt with granola. My co-worker asked if I would like to go to buy some Krispy Kreme donuts. I wasn't only like no, but also he!! no!
I also plan to do an extreme "Squats No Shots" circuit when I get home this evening! I need to get it together!! I miss those days of having to sit down extra slow when going to the restroom!
Yes, I have been busy with work. Yes, my work schedule makes eating fast food more convenient, and working out less convenient...or so my excuses say.
I am not making any more excuses. I need strength from our Almighty God...yet I acknowledge that He is certainly doing His part. I just need to start being obedient and GETTING UP when He opens my eyes in the morning! Taking control of my mornings...seizing my days!
I'm going to get it together, friends...thank you for coming along on my journey with me!
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Here is a little encouragement for you today! You have to forgive my voice; I was a bit out of breath from doing my tricep push-ups but I love this song as it reminds us of who we are in Christ. He IS our Champion and He remains undefeated, every battle He succeeded!
And because of who we are in Him, we too are undefeated and any battle we face, we will have the victory through Him!
So as you are out there building up your temple, being coming stronger both physically AND spiritually, don't forget to remind yourself: YOU ARE A CHAMPION!!!
#champion#shekinah glory ministry#kristen sings#kristen encourages#we can do all things through Christ#He is our strength#undefeated#victory in every battle#be blessed
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