Fast Food is the Devil

There are several reasons I don't eat fast food, but there's one that takes the cake (pun intended). Aside from the fact that is has no nutritional value, makes me feel crappy, and causes gas and bloating, there's this:

     The video was part of research that really shed light on something. Just from the still shot you can see a difference. But wait, before I go further, let's just agree on a few things. The digestive system's function is to break down food into a form which can be used for energy. That's a fact. So when foods can't be broken down in the body, they simply pass along the digestive tract. Why does that matter? Well considering the fact that the purpose of eating is nutrition (energy, minerals, vitamins, etc.) there's nothing beneficial to eating something that's not going to be broken down an won't provide any.
    So yeah, I don't eat McDonald's, Wendy's, or Burger King and haven't for about two years now. But is this just a phase? I mean, we constantly hear that something is good for us, then we hear that it's not. Well let me assure you, there is NOTHING good about the processed crap that gets handed to us out of windows. Consider a piece of paper. You leave some paper in a container and a few years later, there's no difference. Okay, great for the paper. But would you eat that same piece of paper? Well of course not because who eats paper? I mean other than someone on TLC's My Strange Addiction..... Yet fast food eaters eat things that are not breaking down. They're not actually food. I mean, anything bugs won't eat, ain't for me.

Burgers & Fries....2 Years Later 

Photo: Blisstree




What about you? Do you love fast food? Leave a comment below. 

At Home Workouts...Pequot Warrior Edition

These workout moves can be done at home and they're great for beginners. Let me know how they worked for you.....once you stop laughing. 

Just Pics...

While on vacation I spotted this in a restaurant....

In the Bedroom

I saw this on Ah...Me So Hongry! and decided to answer the questions too. Once you read the post you'll see it's probably not what you had in mind.

1. Do you set an alarm clock? If so, for what time? 
Yes, although I usually get up a few minutes before it goes off. I set it for 5:30. 

2. How many hours of sleep do you get on average a night? 
Only 5 or 6.....I'm working on improving that. I function more normally on 8. By the middle of the week I'm struggling.  

3. Do you bring your laptop to bed? 
Sometimes but usually no.  

4. How many pillows do you require to sleep? 
One 

5. Do you sleep with socks on?
No. It actually drives me nuts. 

6.  How often do you change the sheets?
Once a week.  


7. Do you remember your dreams?
Yes! I usually do. And they're always SO realistic. 

8. What side of the bed do you sleep on? 
On the right...although I don't stay there. 

9. How often do you take naps? 
Maybe once or twice a month before I have to go out in the evening. I always get ridiculously tired around my "lady time". 
10. Do you sleep soundly? 
Yes...maybe. My family talking wakes me up but they're pretty loud and right by my room. 

A Link to Make You Think

This post was just sooo true! I love this blogger for keeping it so real. Click the link to read: ...sAvE yOuRsELf...: 

Chicness: ladies night out

Ladies night was amazzziing! We laughed, we cried and we laughed again. There's nothing like the interchange of encouragement from sisters.

This is what I wore:
Dress: boutique
Shoes: Target
Earrings: old

I made sure to wear my fanx (fake spanx) to suck in the love handles. Operation Get Yo Mind Right resumes in July...stay tuned.

The Will Power Myth

I watched an episode of Dr. Phil today and he said something that really resonated with me.  He said that will power is when you're trying to squeeze into a dress for your sister's wedding. Will power is when you're taking diuretics and starving yourself for the short term goal. Losing weight is and keeping it off is about making a lifestyle change. Well Phil, I couldn't agree with you more.
    The notion that all it takes is will power irritates me. In fact, it's insulting. It's like saying all you need to do this is exactly what you lack. Where is this will power supposed to come from? If one doesn't have it to begin with then how can we assume they're just not exercising it. No, the real issue is that they're not exercising. Life is about choices. Weight loss is no different.
   Phil (yes, I can drop the Dr. cause I knows him like that) also discussed the four stages of motivation, which he calls:

                                    "4 Stages of Readiness"

Stage 1: Compelled by Authority
Stage 2: Comply to Escape Criticism
Stage 3: intellectually Aware of Need to Change
Stage 4: Mentally & Emotionally Self-Motivated for Change

    Its funny because for months a friend and I have been saying we're "in transition" although we don't always define what that means or applies to. Hearing that there really are stages of motivation was such validation. So it's not only acceptable to conclude that fitness/weight loss is a journey, it's actually factual. Knowing there are stages means it's easier to understand the good, bad and ugly that come with the territory. There are ups and downs to living your best life. The question is, are you ready for the ride?

What about you? Which stage are you in? Do you believe will power is a myth?

Why I Run

I run because...

I had a friend in college who was born without legs.

I want to wear a bikini next summer.

I want to be an athlete

I want to become a personal trainer and help others overcome hurdles that I'm currently fighting to defeat.

I run because.....

I enjoy eating carbs.

I enjoy looking good in my clothes.

I want to look GREAT in my clothes.

I run because...

Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol all run in my family...and I don't want to be next.

I run because I realize I have some control over my health.

I run because there are people who doubt that I can.

I run because we need more black women encouraging each other to exercise

I run because I never thought I could.

I run because....

I have asthma-and it's dramatically improved since I began running.

I want to look as good as I feel.

I want to have lots of energy for as long as I can.

I run because....

I refuse to be an older woman who feels like weight gain is simply part of aging-and does nothing to stop it.

Its easier to change a lifestyle in my 20s than it will be in my 60s

I run for all those times people made me feel less than because I was overweight.

I run because...

I'm no longer afraid of how others will view/treat me when I'm at my goal size....Not. My. Problem.

I enjoy the blessing of endorphins. A natural high? Yes please, and thank you.

I run because....

Excuses are inexcusable.

I enjoy being outside.

I'm worthy enough to take care of myself.

I run because....

I can.

Need food with flavor? Add some variety.

   They say variety is the spice of life (and don't ask me who "they" is) and its true. When it comes to healthy eating, I'm basically a snack attacker. I don't really prepare "normal" meals like say, eggs, toast and a piece of fruit. Since I'm often rushing out of the house I keep some breakfast at work or grab something from home as I leave. This week I've been having yogurt and a Naked Smoothie an hour or two later. Before my...."lady time" I tend to get pretty ravenous so i ve been eating yogurt, fruit and hummus. Oh how I love hummus. I eat it daily. Its low in calories if you watch your servings. I've also traded out my Ritz crackers for salt free rice cakes which taste just dandy (yes, I just said dandy) with the hummus. So I'm able to have multiple flavors and textures, be full, and eat only 300 calories! Its a total win!
    Often people think that eating healthy means you can't eat what you love. I believe eating healthy simple means eating what loves you back. Those things that are satisfying yet not artery clogging. We're blessed with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and there's lots of "less processed" food (like hummus and yogurt) to substitute your steak,egg, and cheese sandwhich.
   That's why its good to have a variety of healthy foods around. That way you have choices and it feels good knowing they're all good for you! So right now in my work fridge I've got a Naked smoothie (I may be addicted), flavored seltzer (I'm definitely addicted), romaine lettuce, two types of salad dressing, chicken, feta cheese, hummus, and my refillable water bottle. This gives me lunch options. So I can have hot chicken and Greek salad or add the chicken to my salad. I'm picking up an onion,pine nuts and black olives today. Salad only gets boring if you actually believe you can eat the same thing every single day.  I tried. I failed. I realized the importance of variety and now healthy eating is MUCH easier than before.

What are you doing to spice up your healthy eating?

A view from a workout

This morning despite my tiredness I ran/walked (mostly walked) over the George Washington Bridge. The view made it even better. Health is about sacrifice. Often we think we must sacrifice flavor or variety but we don't. We do have to sacrifice time and comfort to reach our fitness goals-and really, any goal in life. Life is about the journey, not the destination, so why not enjoy the view?!