Cleansing the Soul - Conclusion

Another quick post on my cleansing for 2010. I am finally back on regualr diet and I must say I feel great! I am not feeling so heavy and my energy is up. Due to these obvious changes, I can now stick to an AM workout schedule (which I have been).

After getting over day 3 of the lemonade, it was all down hill from there. I only did the lemonade part for 5 days as a first round of cleansing my body...but in the future I will go for the recommended minimum of 10 days. Eating just fruits and veggies is SOOO easy to me now...but my body definitely wants some tuna...and eggs...lol.

I plan to post on my overall results. Are my clothes fitting looser, how much weight AFTER the initial four lbs did I loose, how is my skin and hair looking and/or is my endurance higher....I guess we will see.

Thanks for your support and staying tuned in...until next time. Be blessed

CTS 5-7 - Lemonade Day #3-5

A quick note family, for I know I am behind. I was with family this past weekend and could not get one via my Blackberry to update my entries.

I am still going strong. Day 3 and 4 of the lemonade was very difficult. So much distraction and temptation around me, but I stuck to my guns. While my family is very supportive, some of our views on eating clash...but I still love them. How did I combat this temptation....I went shopping....lol....seriously don't suggest you do this but it worked.

Today was the usual. Back at work and drinking loads of water. By the way, I use water to break up the juice and its so relieving. Its even helping to keep the coating of the tongue down, which always a good thing.

As for my workout today, I did great. Jogged 2.65 miles on the treadmill, along with doing 1.35 miles on the elliptical. In total, I burned over 400 calories! So proud of myself.

I'm almost to the end family...wish me luck and keep me lifted! Be blessed....

CTS 5 - Lemonade Day #2

Good evening family,

Man....I can't believe it...its actually day 5 on the overall diet plan and day 2 on the lemonade....wow....to think that I have been cleansing my body, mind and soul for a week...very motivating right now.

I have to say implementing the ACV over the cayenne pepper was a great decision. I owe that edition to a great distant friend and adopted big sister, who has been coaching me threwout this entire process. Not only do I feel confident that I will stay consistent on the rest of the diet, but I am so motivated to see this threw to the end.

Today I drove in to see family and just hung out...you know...to get a break AND to attempt to celebrate before I have to go to work....begin to travel again...events/programs, etc and I just wanted to relax. Well, little did I know that I would be surroundede with smells of my fav foods and be tempted to quit and eat them...but I remembered WHY I am doing this diet and the results I will see in the end. That is what kept me focused...that and my handy bottles of water. Lol.

In the end, day 2 on the lemonade was not that bad. I still have 4 more days of the juice to go.... While the substitution of ingriedients helped, the coating of the tongue (from the lemons and maple syrup) is becoming harder and harder to bare. Again, I am dedicated to finish this "mini cleansing" so I can be confident that I can do longer ones in the future.

Until tomorrow family....be blessed!

CTS4 - Lemonade Day #1

Family I am not going to even front....today was uber hard! While I knew that it would be, I guess I didn't REALLY prepare myself for what was to come. I'm not talking about wanting to eat foods, but overall how I feel. Let me explain....

I got up this morning LATE and went to the gym. Did good...ran 2 miles on the treadmill and did 1.37 miles on the elliptical...overall much more than what I've been doing. Today let me know that I can do more than just walking/jogging. Came home afterward and realized that it was almost 11am, and I had not had anything to eat (drink) for breakfast. Due to this, I quickly made my Lemonade Diet.

For my first batch, I have to say that I am proud of myself. It really didn't taste that bad...until i added to much cayenne pepper. Lol. The drink (and my mouth/chest) was literally on fire! But I dranked it....like the G that I am. Again today, I didn't even realize that I had not eaten any solid foods. This makes it so much easier to stay focused and to not cheat (even though there was visions of Twizzlers all around me. lol).

I only started to feel a little nauseated around 2 pm after chugging a gang of the lemonade (I started late so I wanted to catch up....so not a good idea). The light headedness and nausea comes from the toxins moving out of my body. The body starts to feel as something is "wrong" when in actuality its feeling the "norm" (i.e. wanted to eat what you usually eat). Since I already eat decently healthy anyways (push the fruits and veggies), I really didn't experience to much of this. Honestly, I think the majority of it came from the huge amount of pepper I used.

For tomorrow, I plan to replace the cayenne pepper with apple cider vineger (ACV). For those of you who follow my blog, know that I implented this into my diet a few months ago, thanks to Coach Johnson of MVP Fitness. I spoke to "my big sister" (lol) who is well versed on doing the Lemonade Diet, hipped me to this substitution in the juice, who said that it does just as well if not better. PLUS my body is already use to this stuff AND it definitely helps with releasing the toxins daily from the body (movement).

So far so good family! I look forward to progressing threw. OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ALL....I also weighed myself today and I've already lost 4lbs! Keep in mind, that I am not even in the middle part of the lemonade phase yet. This is uber excited all....really.

As always, I wil keep you all posted of my experience and findings.....be blessed all and Happy New Year!!!!

CTS Day #3 (100% orange juice, maple syrup, water)

Today was a little tough....well at least in the morning. While I slept GREAT last night and awoken enerigized and ready to conquer the world, I did have a slight headache around 9am. They say that when you have the "hunger pains" (which in my case is the headache), you are to "take a shot" of your juice. So that is what I did....SHOTS FOR EVERYONE!!!! Lol. To also help "fill me up", I chased the orange juice (remixed) with purified water. This not only helped to take the headache away, but I am also staying hydrated as well.

For those who may not know, when I consume to much citrus (especially oranges) my face starts to break out. Some of you may experience the same, but many I know are not effected at all my to much citrus in there system. Me don't likey that...lol...but I feel the water as a chaser will help to keep me silky smooth...lol

I was a little confused on actually how much of the juice I was suppose to consume for today. If you look back at the link I provided for the information on the diet (click here), it doesn't really say how much on day 3 of the "ease in" phase you are suppose to consume...but 2 liters has been a consistent measurement throughout this entire process, so that is what I am trying to stick with. To be honest with you all, by the time I got to 9:30 am this morning, I only had 12ounzes of my first liter to finish....so I took a break and started on the water..that helped me a lot.

To switch things up a little (for my metabolism was on fire last night), I decided to go do my work out during my lunch time versus after work. This way, when I returned to work, I'm keeping myself busy as my body begs to be fed. I actually did 2.71 miles of JOGGING on the treadmill! Yaaay me!!!!! I have to definitely keep this progress up.

At around 4:30 pm today, I experience my "downer" moment. This is when my body started to get tired and wanted to sleep ASAP. To combat this (and a slight case of tongue coating from the juice...yuk!), I started drinking some purified water to fill me up and wake me up. That seem to get me back on track to finish strong at work and then to be productive for the evening.

Right now, I feel ok. I am tired, not weak, and just want to go to sleep. I definitely got my 2 liters of juice in....even though I am craving one of my homemade juiced fruit...but I will get threw it. Tomorrow starts the actually lemonade diet...and on NYE at that...lol. But I am sure I will be ok. Up until now, my body is use to not eating all my fav foods (like twizzlers, chips and salsa or pretzels and cheese.....I mean I can go on and on family...lol).

Day 3...out of the way...BRING ON THE LEMONADE. Lol. Be blessed family!

Cleansing the Soul (CTS) Day 1

A very quick check in from me tonight family. So far, day went great! No cheating and I stucked to my eating plan (click back to previous post). I will say that I did start to get headaches around 3:45 ish tonight, but I decided that maybe it was time for me to eat (lol), and I had dinner, water and some sugar free gum. In order to help conquer this (mind over matter), I actually stopped and said a small prayer to refocus me on what I was doing (folding clothes..BTW) and soon the headache was gone.

I wanted to share with you a neat thing I did with my veggies today. I steamed some corn and green peas. Threw both in a mixing bowl and added some chopped tomatoes...and discovered a delicious healthy dish. I only used pepper (black) and a hint of Mrs. Dash (no salt, butter, etc were used). The tomatoes gave the veggies some kick and added sweetner to help coat them to taste. After this is all over, I must try this again. I ate on this for lunch and dinner. I also warmed up some vegetarian broth and had as a snack..the morning was a little difficult so I had this in my stash.

Tomorrow is all juice. Fruit and veggies have to be in liquid form. Since I do not have a juicer, I have taken out ALL my frozen fruit and plan to blend it with some water to "juicify" (yes I just made up a word) it. Instead of the herbal laxative tea, I actually continued on with my ACV to help with daily toxin release until I start fully on liquids...then the tea will come into play.

Originally, I had planned to work out, but since I was up uber early for work, I decided to pass. Tomorrow, however, I plan to do 2-4 miles on the treadmill (walking...no runnin). I decided to take my work out down a bit for I know how my adrenaline gets pumping, and heavily desires food afterwards...but I will be on total liquids and water so that is a no go. Lol. I guess we will see.

As for vitamins, I was suggested to not take any, but I did take my allergy meds and some of my all natural supplements (joints, etc). This will all cease by Wednesday of this week.

Until tomorrow family...the orAKAle has spoken......

Be The Best You Can Be

Family I received this Daily Word on my usual spiritual email listing. This is an original posting by Mr. Don Rice, a very anointed brother.

It really hit home for me, especially as I continue with my weight loss goals. Hope this blessed you as it did me....be encouraged all!


BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE

By: Don Rice


God has created you to live a full and healthy life. Within this full and healthy life are opportunities that will propel and promote you to new and exciting places. Each opportunity causes you to grow and expand as a person. God who has a plan for us then desires one thing from that and us is to be the best we can be.

Being the best we can be means that with consistency we give God our absolute all. We strive each day to live above the negative and the nasty by focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ. We yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ to obey his word and follow his teachings. Being our best is about living a life that pleases God. Be your best then. Work at life and work at satisfying God’s heart. Give your all and watch God through your life do the most amazing things. Today be the best you can be!

Read Colossians 3:17

What's On Your Playlists.....

So I've been speaking with a few followers, and chatting with others about what music to listen to while working out. As you all are aware, I have a regimen that I try to stick with and the majority of the time I am using my Ipod to get threw my workouts (especially when I am forcing myself to stay on schedule:)

First, big shouts out to my girl TraBoogie (on twitter) for putting the question out to the masses, to gather ideas for her play work out list. Below are the top 20 songs (in no order) that always make the cute on one of my many list I've created to be productive while working out:


~ "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "Imma Be" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "I Got A Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas

(can you tell I really like them...lol)

~ Technologic (radio edit) - Draft Punk
~ Working Day and Night - Micheal Jackson
~ Forever - Chris Brown
~ Universal Mind Control - Common
~ Pocketbook - Jennifer Hudson
~ Super Friend - Mary Mary
~ Get Up - Mary Mary
~ God in Me - Mary Mary

(great motivators and good steady beat for running)

~ Poker Face - Lady Ga Ga
~ Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus (don't judge me....lol)
~ Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
~ Thats Not My Name - The Ting Tings
~ Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
~ I Still Love You - 702
~ I'm Goood - Clispe (a recent addition)
~ Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
~ I Know You Want Me - Pitbull

I also listen to a variety of spiritual podcasts and gospel music. Some of my favs that I am cureently subscribed to:

~ ABP King James Version - One Hour a Day
~ Joyce Meyer
~ Joel Olsteen
~ Bill Winston Ministries


Honestly, planning out my work out play lists is a serious matter. I'm a firm believer that what I plug into my ears sets the tone for the attitude throughout my time at the gym, or outside on the pavement (running/jogging/walking). At times when I am feeling low or conscious (due to a set back or a bad day), my playlists, podcast and other music cheers me up to GET UP and GET MOVING.

What songs are on your playlists for exercising family........?

November Activity Plan

And I'm back family......

For those who know me or follow me on Twitter @efficient1, I like to switch up my workout regimen. I totally believe in tricking the body so it doesn't get complacent and stop burning fat (dropping unwanted pounds). Most health professionals will agree that switching up your routine every 4-6 weeks helps to restart the body so it will continue to burn fat and develop muscle. Also, it helps with keep your blood pressure regular and reduces your risk of heart attacks/strokes.

As I continue with my healthy living goals (and as I prepare for my international trip), I decided to implement a special exercise regimen for the month of November. Since this is the first month since August that I am not traveling all over the country(lol), I figure I could make some headway on my weight loss and body toning initiatives.

A few weeks ago I posted my current healthy living regimen (click here) that was inclusive of eating, spiritualitg and exercising (and a few other things). I'm still following those tips, but I wanted to be more detailed in the actual activities to get my heart pumping on a weekly basis. See below for this month's plan:


Workouts
Julian Micheals "30 Day Shred"
Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Hip Hop Abs"
Gym regimen - 3m run on treadmill, row machine & stair climber/bike

Frequency
4-6x's a week ( a minimum of 4 is a must)

So what is your regimen this month family? Do you actually sit and plan out how you will get up and moving daily? Have you been wanting to try something different to spice up your workout life? WELL TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I challenge all of you all to post your regimens this month on either your blogs, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. Feel free to put them in the comment section below as well. We are all in this together. Be blessed....

Recap of GF4C program and current regimen

TGIF Family!

How have you all been? I know I"ve been MIA, but I hope that you all have been continuing your wellness regimens and seeing positive results. Remember we have to stay motivated daily and inspire not only ourselves but also those around us. Have you done that today?

As for me, I completed the Get Fit 4 Christ plan, but was a little disappointed. I'm not sure if the plan is conducive (and this is just my opinion Coach Johnson) to a distant or online person (if not located in the area with the MVP Fitness studio). I found it very difficult to stick to the plan as someone who travels heavily in my life. Fresh fruit, green veggies, grilling and baking are not as feasible (sometimes) when your in and out of airports and hotels. While it was easier to get apples, oranges and bananas at times, fish and or tuna (since I don't eat the other meats) was very difficult. I found myself trying so hard to get all my protein in to stay on track. I did however loose about 8 lbs, which is not bad for someone who was not at home for the month of October. Lol. For those in the STL area, I highly suggest you look at Coach Johnson's website for his boot camps and weight management programs. I believe they do work if you have access to him and his fitness studio. Find out more information by clicking here.


My Current Regimen:
As of right now, I have implemented my own wellness "rules" and a heavy work out regimen to keep up my good works. Below is a list of things I have implemented DAILY into my wellness regimen:

- 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Multivitamin, Biotin, B12, Iron, Glucosamine (for bone strengthening since I have a severe arthritis)
- 80+ ounces of water
- Herbal tea or DECAF coffee (I tried Stevia as my sweetener, but we didn't get along...so I use pure raw sugar)
- Fruits (fresh) and Veggies (green), at least 2-3 servings
- Carbohydrate intake is between 20-30 grams (trying my best to keep it under 30)
- No meat EXCEPT for fish, tofu and tuna
- Minimum of 4 workouts (2 being strength training sessions)
- Alcohol = limited to white wine only (2x/month maximum). No more than 2/sitting If I absolutely have to have a martini, one a month.
- Between 6.5-7.5 hours a sleep a night


Well I hope this information is useful for you and thanks to all who showed love and support while on my program. Be blessed family!

Scared of the Scale

Hey Family,

I attended the MVP Fitness boot camp for the first time yesterday in awhile and I did pretty well. I thought I would fall out or loose my stamina but I actually kept up and feel great after wards. Going again tomorrow for the second time this week and I predict that I will succeed even more. Shout out to Coach Johnson for allowing me to come.

So i was asked by a certain person (who shall rename nameless) about if I had completed my ending weigh in (from the Get Fit 4 Christ Plan)...which I have not. See all, I have a small apprehension of the scale. YES THE SCALE YOU USE TO DETERMINE WEIGHT!!! It's not because I think I've gained...but more so of the unknown that concerns me.

Since I was asked twice before I left if I had weighed in, I decided that maybe I will go ahead and do it this weekend. I plan to let you all know what it says....major anxiety right now with that statement, but I at least owe it to those who are truly following my health journey on the results.

This week's devotional dealt with speaking positive words over your life. The brain is very powerful and sometimes we can think ourselves out of due blessings. I can not think negatively with weighing myself for I already know that the Lord has brought me threw to conquer this monster. How? Cause he said it in his word. "No weapon (food, over eating, weight, etc) shall form against me". Get my drift family...

Keep me lifted family......be blessed!!!!

I'm Still Here

HEY ALL,

I'm still here. I know I've been absent, but my travel and work schedule is out of control this month (remember I warned you...). Anywho, I wanted to at least give you an update on my weight loss journey and the GF4C plan...

The marathon is this weekend and due to work commitments, I was not able to participate...but I will be there in spirit. If its any constillation, I am up to running 3 miles and over, so I definitely accomplished that goal.

While I've tried my best to eat on the eating plan, its been very difficult due to me not being at home and living in and out of hotels (which are always fun right.....:(). I've been pushing the water excessively and focusing on fruits and veggies (fresh as much as possible). I've limited or eliminated carbs in my daily meals (to have some self control) and I exercise as much as I can.

Recently, my knee has been very achy and sor so I've been taking it easy. This week thus far I've only worked out two days. When I'me exhausted, I take it easy so I don't get burned out. I originally planed to work out today, but I literally just got into my area of work and want to sleep. The goal is to work out at least Saturday and possible tomorrow so I can have 3-4 days work out this week.

When I weighed myself with Coach Johnson half way threw the program, I lost 5 lbs. While I felt like I was heavier, I was actually lighter (technically). Now, I feel as though my mid section is out of control but everything else is getting smaller. I can definitely see a little of the toning definition in my body and my clothes still fit loose, but that tummy.....I guess we will see huh...

Life happens you know...this is my current employment and October is crazy for me. But I am staying prayed up and positive even if the outcome is not what I want it to be. I ask that you all keep me lifted as I continue on my journey towards getting fitter for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Exercise Log #33

As you may remember, I mentioned that I will be in and out of my home over the next month. Its starts today. So to start my month off right, I decided to get up early today and work out. I plan to take the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD with me to do in my hotel room before I start my day. At least this way, I am still on the program's activity schedule, as I battle finding good food essentials to continue to drop the weight. Below is today's regimen:



+ MVP "Get Fit 4 Christ" DVD = about 37 minutes total

+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" warm up, level 2 cardio and cool down = about 15 minutes total

+ Knee drop exercises (specifically given to me by my physical therapist for my "special knee" = 3 minutes total



I usually like to pair my work out DVD's together to get between a 45-60 minute work out. Another thing I like to do right afterward is ice my knee and to do my daily bible study. This way I am keeping God all up in my daily regimen (lol) and also can give thanks and praise for the work out I just completed.

I give God thanks for waking me up every morning and reminding me WHY I am getting fit for him. I also give glory for allowing me the opportunity to read and study his word on a daily basis. Praying is becoming easier (and more comfortable) and I am noticing that I am starting to learn the order of the chapters faster as well...another goal I had. Once you start, it becomes habit.

I want to encourage all that are following my journey to try to do the same. Start off small and then build your way up. It will become easier and don't worry, God knows you are trying, but you are to meet him at least half way and you will be surprised at the wonders he will do. Be blessed family!

Exercise Log #32

I'm very excited about my day today. I actually had to work for 3 hours today, but got a great work out in...and I went to the gym. HA...haven't been there in awhile. Below is today's work out:


+ Stationary bike = 12 minutes (100 calories)

+ Ab work/knee strength training (bad knee) = 10 minutes

+ Elliptical machine = 20 minutes (300 calories...and yes I did that many calories in such a short time)

+ Treadmill (jog/run) = 15 minutes (200 calories)


My goal today was to do a work out under 60 minutes (kinda went over), and to hit a 600+ calorie burn...and I did. See what happens when your motivated and determined to hit a short term goal?

I'm a firm believer in setting short term goals to achieve your long term goals. Simple daily exercise goals in your healthy regimen can work wonders. So proud of myself today.....now I'm off to ice my knee AND use icy hot for my "special knee" is fatigue and I'm in pain. Lol

Until later family....

Exercise Log 23

I'm really getting into this whole getting up at 5:30 am to work out family! Lol. For those who follow me on twitter, you know that I use to do this daily and would post what I did after wards....even had a few followers "joining me" in the mornings to work out.

The first day I felt like I felt like I was dragging my butt out of bed, but today it was by habit. That is one thing I've always said, once you start you can't stop. While I had I couldn't run yesterday due to time constraints, doing these morning work out guarantee that a 50 minute work out gets in daily.

My joints are a little sore and again I am trying to determine if they are just fatiqued or that is actual PAIN. I may not run until next week to give my knees time to seriously heal (and to check to make sure I haven't injured it). Below is the workouts I did today:



Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Turbo Jam "20 Minute Blast" workout DVD
(total time about 50 minutes)

Exercise Log 22

Yeah, I'm still here family. Work has been crazy and I barely have been finding time to sleep. I've gotten a little off course, but I jumped back on the road of success and getthing fit for the Lord. While I am slightly disappointed in myself, I had to sit and think about how far I've come thus far.

The "Get Fit 4 Christ" plan is suppose to help you shed 10 lbs in 40 days. To date, I have melted away 5 lbs, but I have to stay focused in order to shed 5 more (and hopefully more). I've been working out and attempting to eat on the plan, but it is a days journey family. I too have set backs and indulge, but with God as my strength, I can sit here and type this now and start again on m quest.

You know its hard to keep this blog and put myself out here to you family. Having another person(s) see you fail and succeed all at the same time is a very hunbling experience. While I don't mind sharing my journey with you all, sometimes (or at least I do) its embarrassing to log to the masses what you ate OR to admit you havent worked out in three days. Lol. Below is today's workout:


Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" DVD (level 2 &3 workouts)
(total time about 50 minutes)

Exercise Log 18

Aaaaaaw shoot....I'm switched up the font AND color on your family...must be a good sign for today's workout. LOL. You would be right.

My body has recouperated all. My knee is not hurting as much AND my muscles are not super sore. Because of this, I took full advantage of today and working out. Below is a description of today's workout:

MVP Fitness - "Get Fit 4 Christ" Workout DVD
+ 5 four minute circuits in total
+ strength, abs, cardio and full body workouts rolled ALL INTO ONE
+ 3 spiritual messages (breaks in workouts) by Pastor Winan
+ 30-40 minute total time

While it may not seem like much, it was kicking my butt. I was soaking wet as if I just came back from running. Coach Johnson's method works family. If my body is perspiring in such a short amount of time (and I'm fatigued and muscles are burning), that means I am pushing my body in a short amount of time....and I love.

I don't know you about you family, but I have a busy life. Getting a quick 30-60 workout into my schedule is a challenge..but feasible. Thanks to Coach Johnson, the strength from God and MY OWN SELF DETERMINATION TO GET INTO SHAPE I'm making the time and making it work.

Today is a new day family! Be persistent, positive and proactive!!! Do not sit and make excuses for yourself. Whether you need to loose 100 lbs or 10 lbs you too can get fit for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Daily Food Journal #17

I honestly planned to work out today, but due to my schedule, the fact I didn't take a vitamin AND I'm just plain exhausted from all the travel this week, I did not. That puts me at ONLY 3 days of working out. Tomorrow I have already mentally prepared for the my AM cycling class, along with running for 25 minutes. I do have a meeting to be at (that is an hour away may I add) so I will be pushing it, but I will make it work.

In my post yesterday, I mention the frustration and difficulty in sticking to an eating plan and traveling....I will continue to pump that message today in this post, for I still have not found a solution that works for me...BUT at least I am not eating fast food :)

Since I failed so horribly yesterday, I wanted to try day 3 of the eating plan again...I think I did pretty good. See the details below:

Breakfast
+ 3 scrambled egg whites
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat (honey flavor)
+ 6 oz soy milk

Morning Snack
+ 1 small apple
+ twizzlers (my vice is coming back)

Lunch
(I'm a workaholic. I didn't plan to go into today, but worked for 3 hours on my off day......don't judge me...lol.)
+ 4 oz of tofu
+ 1 cup vegetarian baked beans

Afternoon Snack
+ NONE

Evening
+ 1 sweet tomato (with sour cream and raw sugar)
+ 3/4 cup steamed green beans
+ 1 talapia fillet (seasoned with black pepper, ms dash and red pepper)


Water Consumption = 64 oz
Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12,Iron and Biotin
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

It seems that when I work unexpectedly or when I travel, I skip meals or eat horribly. I need to get that together.

I disappointed in the choices I made today. While I can't beat myself up, it still is frustrating. Tomorrow is a new day and I will do better. I refuse to regain back the 5 pounds I lost. I can not let myself, Coach Johnson and God down....I won't do it.....

Daily Food Journal #16

Below is today's food journal entry:

Breakfast
+ 2 hard boiled eggs
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat
+ 4 oz of soy milk

Morning snack
+ 1 small (home grown) apple

Lunch = Subway
+ 1 foot long whole grain bread
+ turkey breast
+ Veggies (spinach, green peppers, cucumbers, onions)
+ Bananna peppers
+ american cheese (i think I tasted that)
+ light mayo
+ chocolate cookie

Afternoon Snack (was eating 4 hours after lunch)
+ Protein Drink
+ 14 almonds

Dinner
+ 2 cups spinach
+ 4 oz of tuna (in water)
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1/4 mozerella cheese
+ brown rice (3/4 cup)

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV = 1 tablespooon
Supplements and Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How Am I Feeling:
Family this week was crazy and ended in me being sooo exhausted today. There is no exercise log for today, for I literally had to motivate myself to leave my office to drive home...sad I know....lesson learned, don't ever let antyhing get more important than myself! In order for God to use me to do his work, I have to have ENERGY to fulfill his will.

Lunch was a semi flop...due to back to back meetings, I could not go home AND if my student worker didn't go to get me Subway..I've wouldn't ate. While I didn't realize that there was turkey on my sanwhich..until after the fact (because I was scarfing it down...bad I know.....need to take my time), it was still filling. I had to scarf down my lunch in literally 10 minutes for I had yet another meeting in the afternoon to attend.

Make sure you are putting yourself first family...no one (but the Lord himself) is more important than YOU.

Be blessed

Daily Food Journal #14 - VERY LATE POST

Below is my food journal from two days ago (i'm going to get it together promise)

Oh family...I am empowered and motivated today....why you may ask...because I weighed in for the first time while on the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program! I am officially 5 lbs down in less than 3 weeks! That is so awesome and I thank God again for this opportunity and leading Coach Johnson to selecting me for this journey.

While it is a struggle to eat on the plan (and well at that) while on the road working, I'm making it work. Coach Johnson has given me some tips to stay on track when I can't cook and/or have to work threw a meal (like today). Its all about learning, restructuring and implementing in my mind. No...I am not perfect and can't stick to the plan like th others to the T...but I can give it my all, ask God for guidance and continued strength and STOP MAKING EXCUSES! If I do all the above, I will be fine....and that is how I dropped that amount of pounds in a short amount of time.

Below is an account of what I ate today:

Breakfast

+ 1 1/2 cup of honey nut cheerios

+ 1 bananna

+ 1 ginger snap cookie (don't ask...had a weak moment...and it was delish!)

Morning Snack

+ 1 box of raisins

+ trail mix (peanuts, cashews, alomonds, raisins and chocolat pieces)

Lunch

+ the rest of the trail mix I could eat

Evening Snack

+ 16 red grapes

+ yogurt parfait (found this in my lodging fridge...its was good)

Dinner (went out to celebrate my sis getting a promotion)

+ 2 slices of cheese pizza

+ 1 soft pretzel w/cheese


Water Consuption: 56 ounzes
ACV: NONE
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 lemon drop martini, 1 long ice land ice tea

How I feel:

Recently, Coach Johnson called me to check in to see how I was doing. While we played phone tage, he didn't have to take the time to see how I was doing, but he did. His kind words was to keep up the good work and congratulations on what I have accomplished thus far. It felt good to know that I had at least one person on my side.

I want to pay it forward the kindness he showed me. I'm hear to encourage all participants and those who follow me to keep up the good work and don't give in. Pray over EVERTHING and that includes your weight loss goals. God is the answer to everything and when you think your alone, you have him AND me :). Stay encouraged, read your bible daily, surround yourself with like minded individuals, take can't, won't and NO out of your vocabulary and replace them with CAN, WILL, SUCCESS and YES to reach your goals. I believe in you and can attest that it takes time and effort on this journey.

I want to leave you all with this scripture - "the race is not given to the swift, but those who endureth to the end". Remember that you don't have to rush to get to the finish line..its about what you've learned during the race that will assist in your completion. For so long I wanted my last 20 lbs off....and I wanted it done like in 2 months...lol...and while some have done it, my race is different. Its me and the Lord and I am competing against no one but myself (in a positive way). My outlook on life while on this journey has changed significantly and because of it, I will come out stronger. Take a few minutes to read, reflect and get moving family. Be blessed!