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?!

Backslidin....

      I cut out bread, white rice, and milk.  Well tonight after a LONG hospital visit with a family member I came home a little hungry. While waiting I went out for spinach and chicken salad which was delicious. I had a yogurt when I got home because I was a little hungry. Rather than down some water I had a saucer of my old fave from Maggianos....riggatoni D......... Well the D stands for DUMB tonight. My stomach is not happy. I'm lactose intolerant but I've had this dish many time without such stomach issues. The fact is, I can't eat whatever I want. At least not without paying the price. 

This may sound like what I posted here.   

    Its so important to remember that our choices have consequences. Sitting in that hospital I kept thinking about how vital it is to take charge of my health now rather than end up a patient. The truth is, it takes patience (no pun intended) to change and sustain change. One thing that can help you in making life long changes is thinking about your actions. Also, keeping yourself focused with what you read and watch is beneficial. So while I may have taken two steps back tonight, I'm determined to take many more forward. After this prescription run (I'm fine, someone else was the patient) I'm popping in Insanity.

 

    I no longer have the mentality that one mistake means all hope is lost. One mistake means an opportunity for growth. And that's what I'm gonna focus on while I sweat it out...oh and I already planned on doing Insanity before the pasta faux pass. I'm serious about this but not obsessive.

What about you? Do you backslide?

chic hurr

I went to a natural hair fashion show hosted by Naturally Curly dot com  a few months ago and never posted anything about it.

The good: The gift bag for press people was amazing. Full size bottles of Matrix products. I met some bloggers I follow. And they were all cool.

The bad: I hadn't really gone hard on blogging yet and so didn't really do any networking.

The ugly: The models and stylists were 95 percent white...the audience was 99 percent black......and did I mention this was a natural hair fashion show? Wish there was more natural hair.

Bonus:
But hey, I did meet Kim Coles aka Sinclaire from Living Single. I watch that show almost every day and its one of my favorites of all time so that was the highlight of my night. Pardon my crazo look in the photo. I was excited. But I didn't go stalker I just said sorry to bother u can I have a pic? She was super chill and even asked if it came out ok. I was so happy I was like its fine....oops lol.

My First Weight Loss Vlog!

Chicness

This blog is about being both fit and chic and so.....I bring you a shoe post. I picked up these bad boys at Topshop last yr and I plan on wearing them forever. They're actually more comfortable than before now that I broke them in. The arch support and antislip pads help too. I hope to wear these at my open mic this weekend. More pics coming soon!

Oh and while we're speaking chic, check out my cousin color blocking it up in Central Park! She is serving it honey!

Fitspiration

Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson

it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson