My Weight Lost Journey: Day 638- 1 Year and 306 Days

I know that you all have been waiting for my update on my how my first Hip Hop Class went, and I am soooooooo happy to say that it went good. Of course you all know that I was sooooooooo excited and nervous all at the same time, because it was something new and different. Not knowing what to expect makes you think of the worst that could happen.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 632-1 Year and 299 Days

OKAY guys, I did it-well, I did part of it. I decided on what new workout activity I will be doing for the rest of this month, and the winning activity is-a Hip Hop Fitness class. So, the class is a break down of the newest hip hop dance moves that are choreographed to the latest music. It sounds fun and scary. But I am sooooooo excited to try something new and out of my comfort zone. The other thing that I have been trying to do consistently is do more cardio in my regular workouts. So, now I am walking/running on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes (40 minutes on a good day, and if my favorite treadmill is not available I will use the elliptical for at least 30 minutes) and I do each activity on level 16 (increase by 1 level each month). After I have completed my cardio workout I will then figure out which body part I want to weight train (chest, back, legs, shoulders, and arms). Once I decide which body part I am going to focus on, I then decide on what cardio workout I will do in between the weight training sets. And I have to say that I have been making progress with my weight lost; I now weigh 224lbs and I am so happy about that. This year I have decided to embrace and love my body now (at my current weight). And the reason that I have chosen to do this is because the more and more I focused on what I want the more frustrated I became when I would fall down. This year I want peace and positivity, so I (me) have to bring them into my life. Please don't misunderstand me, I am still focused on where I want to be, but faith is now and God can't get me to the places I want to go if I don't appreciate where I am now and praise Him now.

Even though I am working out consistently and adding more cardio into my activity, the other part of the weight lost journey (for anyone and everyone) is the nutrition piece. I still believe that I should be able to eat things that I like to eat, but I have to remember to be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth and not go overboard with the foods I know cause me trouble. Because it's the going overboard that gets me in trouble. I have also started to add more veggies and fruits into my diet. I switch out my ice cream with fruit, so my fruit has become my dessert. But that does not mean that I don't eat ice cream (I make better decisions concerning the ice cream).  So, if you don't take anything away from this post take this-NUTRITION is KEY in Losing WEIGHT...... The reason that I say that is because I can run and do all of the activity that I am able to do, but if I don't monitor what I am putting in my mouth the activity will not do to much. I know this to be true because at the end of 2015 that is what I was doing and I was gaining weight not losing. Again-NUTRITION is KEY.

Well guys, my first hip hop class is this Thursday, so wish me luck. And I can't wait to hear about you guys stepping out of your comfort zones to get to the places you want to be in your life. Until next time.......

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 626-1 Year and 293 Days

Well, first let me wish you all a happy new year. I really hope that it has gotten off to a great start. 2014 was the year that I admitted that I need help with losing weight. 2015 was the year I realized that the mind is truly where weight loss takes place. 2016 is the year that I must step out of my comfort zone, get outside of my little box, stretch myself so I can reach the purpose that God has for me. So, this year I will try 12 different types of activities/workouts. And I actually got this idea from a close friend, she will be eating 12 different types of veggies (veggies that she would never pick) and blog about it. And I said to myself that is a good idea, so decided to do 12 different activities/workouts ( I will also be doing my regular workouts) 1 different workout/activity each month.

Now I know some of you may be saying, why don't you just continue to do what you are doing because you are losing weight in spite of the small set backs. And my answer to that is that God wants me to be a blessing to this world and that will require me to do things that will feel uncomfortable to my flesh, and I might not do it. I think that by doing this (stepping out of my workout comfort zone) it will help me to train my flesh and grow my faith. I have a purpose that I was born to complete, and only I can complete it. But if my soul is not prospering it will be very difficult for my body to prosper. Stepping out on faith requires us to step out of our comfort zone (step outside of the box) but the end result of it is you being blessed to be a blessing. Don't you want to be BLESSED!!!!!!! I know that I do. I am tried of being in the same spot while other people are taking chances and the risk they are taking pays off big. Just think about all of those people that went on the Biggest Loser or Extreme Weight Lost;they stepped out of the box and look at how they were blessed and now they can do more for this world because they stepped out of the box. I know that I watched both show and I would always say to myself if they can do it so can I, but I did not want to be uncomfortable. Until one day I just took one step, and that step has lead me here weighting 226 lbs. I have lost 30 lbs because of that 1 step. But I have more weight to lose and I feel like I have to shake it up do something different so I can get a better result. And trust me I am soooooooo nervous about it. I like doing things by myself, but that is a comfort zone for me.





So, I have decided that I am going to do a cardio class by myself. And what I mean about that is that I am not going to ask a friend to go with me so I can have support, I am going to let God be my support. So, guys make a decision to step outside of your comfort zone so you can get your blessing and be a blessing because you can't afford to remain in that comfortable place. At least I know I can't afford to stay in this comfortable place because I have a purpose to complete because millions are waiting. My weight loss is not just about me- it's about my family, you guys, it's about being a blessing to this world. I can't wait to share this journey with you all and please, please, please share your journey's with me also. We can motivate and inspire each other. Until next time....#OutofYourComfortZone

**Please stop by my booster page to help me bring more awareness to Obesity. Obesity is a growing heath condition and the only way to stop it is if we all understand it because it is not just the reallllyyyyyy fat person that is at the buffet, it could also be the 180lbs person that you work with (because they have a BMI of 38%).. God says that His people perish because of a lack of knowledge, let's not perish, let's get the knowledge.... Visit me health awareness page to get more facts, and visit my booster page to buy a shirt to help raise funds for Obesity Awareness.......

https://www.booster.com/life-is-but-a-jounery-obesity-awareness

My Weight Lost Journey: Reflection on 2015

Hey guys- I know, long time no hear from.... I have been really busy trying to revamp my blog site for you all. If you haven't noticed I have added some pages to the site which include: about the author, shop JAccessories, my product order form, health awareness, and my disclosure and privacy statement. So, I have been a little busy trying to make me page a little more inviting. Please visit each page because you may learn something interesting or see something that may be worth purchasing. Okay-enough marketing my page, let's get down to the topic at hand-my weight lost journey.....

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 587 - 1 Year 224 Days

In the Weight Watcher's Meetings the participates are always asked what are the small steps that we can take everyday that will help us reach our goal? This is a very good question, and my answer is self control.

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 568-1 Year and 204 Days

I know that it has been awhile since my last post, but when I say that I have been busy-I have been busy. What have I been so busy with you may ask; and my answer would be life-every day life. Do you know how easy it can be to get off or track? Well it is very easy, and I have found that once you fall off track a almost 2 weeks the chances of you getting back on track decreases (unless you are sick and tried of being sick and tried). So, I have been way pass the point of being sick and tried, so getting back on track in spite of being so busy felt really good. I had missed 2 of my Weight Watchers Meeting and I went to this past weeks meeting and the main topic of the meetings discussion was "Me Time". 

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 512-1 Year and 148 Days

 A couple of days ago I expressed how my journey has began to feel like a chore, and I also said that even though I felt that way that I was going to continue to go to my Weight Watchers meetings. And that is exactly what I did.

My Weight Loss Journey: 504 Days-1 Year and 140 Days

       

I know that you all want to know how I have been doing since I ran my first 5k, and I have to say that I have not been doing so good with my journey.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 464-1 Year and 99 Days

It has been a while since my last posting and I have a lot to share with you all. First let me share with you guys that I currently weigh 217.8 lbs, and I have lost a total of 36.6 lbs. For a while I was gaining weight and it was so frustrating. However, I figured out that I just needed to have some self control during the late nights and once I cut out the late night snacks (that costed points) the pounds started to come off again. I am so excited to see the numbers go down and to have figured out what I was doing wrong. But I also have another exciting update for you all; I just completed my first 5k run/walk race.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 422-1 year and 57 days

I have been on my weight lost journey for little over 1 year now, and I must say there have been a lot of ups and downs, and some eye opening moments. And all of the ups and downs and eye opening moments have helped me to begin to understand and love my body. So, of course I have to share some of the frustrations that I have encountered while on this journey, because I don't want people to believe that it is an easy journey I want to be real with everyone that reads my blog.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 322 (New Year Reflection)

Well I am  a month into the New Year and I have had some time to reflect on 2014, and what I learned about myself and my weight loss journey. So, here are the 5 things that I learned about weight lost while on my weight lost journey, and I can tell you that I was a little surprise.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 285

What is the secret to losing weight? This is a question that everyone is asking and everyone is trying to answer/or claiming to have the answer too. Well, I believe that I have the best answer to this very common question, and it is you.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 260

Well, I made it through Thanksgiving and I did not gain any weight. I lost 0.8lbs and I was soooooooo happy to see a decrease in my weight that it did not matter that it was only 0.8lbs. I bet you are wondering what I did this Thanksgiving that was different from the last thanksgiving, and I would have to say a little more control of myself is what I did different.

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 252

During the holiday season we are suppose to be happy and joyous. This is the time of the year when families come together to eat, give present to each other, be thankful for each other, and just plain old love on each other. Well, at least that is what the media tells us that we should be doing. But my question is, how do you do all of this and still stay on track with your weight lost plans? Great question, and I have been asking myself that question every day of this month thus far.

My Weight Lost Journey: Day 233

The weight loss process is said to be an up and down process, and I am here to tell you that the statement is soooooo very true. Since I have been doing Weight Watchers my weight has gone up and down, but mostly down (which is what I want), but when it goes up I question myself, I question what am I doing wrong and what should I change. Of course when I lose weight I am motivated to keep up the hard work, to keep pressing forward and remain focus on my weight lost goals. The up and down process of losing weight brings about different emotions and thoughts that I really did not pay attention until I started Weight Watchers, which I think is a good thing because I am more aware of my thoughts now. But when you hit a plateau what do you do?

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 191

I am happy to announce to you all that as of yesterday I lost 25lbs (lost 10% of my body fat);  which means that I achieved my 4th personal weight lost goal. I am currently in a size 16, so I am down 2 pants sizes and I am so happy about my accomplishments thus far. I have a birthday coming up and I am so happy that I am the size I use to be, but I don't want to stay this size for the rest of my life and with Weight Watchers I actually believe that I can reach my weight lost goal. I my previous posting I stated that this month I would be answering questions that were given to me by Weight Watchers in an attempt to go deeper, and I have been doing just that. So far, I have realized that I am causing my weight gain because I don't believe that I should be smaller, and that is probably because I have always been a big girl. Me being overweight is a mind thing (I see myself as being over weight). What's funny is that every person that is over weight always say the same thing-I have always been a big girl/boy so this is just who I am. They come to accept their unhealthy self as how it is suppose to be. And this is so far from the truth. The reality is I am overweight (225lbs at a height of 5'7"), but the truth is I am born to prosper even as my soul prospers-meaning my soul has to know the truth in order for the truth to become reality. 

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 177

I want to begin this entry off by saying that all it takes is one step in the right direction to get the momentum needed to continue to move forward, but taking the first step is the hardest part of the journey. One hundred and seventy-seven days ago I took my first step on my weight lost journey and I must say that I was a little skeptical about Weight Watchers because I consider myself a serial dieter (I have always been on a diet), and I thought that this was just another diet plan. But I can honestly say that I was wrong about Weight Watchers. It's not just another diet plan, it's a plan for transforming your life one day at a time. I currently weigh 226.8lb and I met my third personal weight lost goal back in July. I am now working on meeting my fourth personal weight lost goal which is to loose 10% of body fat ( down 25 lbs).

So, some may ask me how do you stay motivated to state on the plan, and I would have to say that my family and my God given purpose are the two major motivating factors for me. When I start feeling down I think about my family and God's purpose and how both need me, and in order for me to be around for a long time I have to be in the best possible health; and this will keep me focus on what I need to do. But those motivating factors are a part of my long term plans. When I need an immediate motivating factor I look to a personal goal that I set for myself, and that will push me to get up at that moment and go work out. That is why I set small personal weight lost goals for myself, because it helps me state focus and once met it allows me to reward myself and gain some gratification for the hard work that I am doing.

In this past Weight Watchers meeting we were given calendars for the month and on the calender there are questions and suggestions  that they want the participants to ask themselves or do. This month I think I will actually post the calendar and answer the questions and try some of the suggestions. I think that by me doing this it will help me go deeper into the way I gained weight. Please share your own personal journeys or give advise. Until next time.....

Reward for meeting my 3rd personal weight lost goal...




My Weight Loss Journey: Day 150

Hey all, I am back and I have good news that I would like to share with you all-I did it. I accomplished my 3rd personal goal and I am working on my 4th personal weight loss goal. I currently weigh 227lbs, which means that I have lost a total of 24lbs in 17 weeks of attending Weight Watchers. I am also very close to being back at my pre-baby weight, and I am so excited because I did not think that I would get back to my pre-baby weight before I started on this journey. My 4th weight loss is to lose 10% of my body weight (25lbs), so I have really been working hard this week to make sure I meet my 4th goal. So many people at my job have been telling me that my hard work is paying off and that I look good; but all I see when I look in the mirror is a body that can look better, a body that can be better, a body that needs more work. 

When I decided to join Weight Watchers and start my own personal journey (instead of watching others go on extraordinary journeys), I really did not believe that it would work because I had done every fad diet that came out. And I know what you guys are thinking, you are a doctor and you should know that there is no quick fix to anything, and I do. But I am still human and I wanted the easy way out, the quick way out; when in reality it took years for me to put the weight on so it is going to take time and hard work to get it off. What society does not realize or understand about gaining weight is that it is so not about the food, well not all about the food. The foods that I chose to eat in the past (sometimes in the present too) was comfort for me; when things got too hard, when I was not accepted by someone, or when I was not viewed as the best I would turn to food. And the reason that I did that was because food never let me down, so to speak. The food will fill you up and it taste sooooooo good (well the kind of food that I would eat). But after I ate the food I would feel bad because I knew that I should not be eating it and the cycle would start all over again. So, gaining weight is mostly mental and if you are not mentally tough life will take you down. I can honestly say that in some areas of my life I am not mentally tough, and for me to acknowledge that is an accomplishment all in it's self. I fall short in so many areas of my life but I put this wall up to the world and I act like I am so tough and together, when in reality I feel like a fake. But what I am learning from this process is that you don't give up, no matter how many times to fall short, you get up and continue to take 1 step at a time. The key to it is not to beat your self up for falling down, but just acknowledge that you have fallen, get back up and continue to move forward on the right path (the right path is the path that you will succeed on-you not the Joneses).

As you can see I am learning alot on this journey; what is even more important is that I am realizing that I must accept my faults (all of them) and continue to move forward no matter what. The bible tells me that I can do all things through God that strengthen me; it tells me that God will give me the strength to do all things. What it doesn't say is that I have to use my own strength, and that is what I have been trying to do for my entire life (but I call myself a Christian). See, falling short; but I do believe God's word but I must believe it with everything because that is what God means when he says to transform your mind. God has been here with me every step and in every situation, and I know that He will continue to be here, but He still wants me to be apart because He wants to use me to do amazing things in this world. God wants me to be a doer of His word and while on this journey I can truly say that I am learning how to be a doer of God's word one step, one situation, and one pray at a time.

Well, I just shared another personal part of my journey and I still have so many more layers to shed. Please share your journey or encouragement, because you never know who you will inspire to do and be great. Until next time........   

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 114

I did not reach my third personal weight loss goal as I hoped I would, I missed it by 1 lb. So, as you can imagine I was disappointed with myself because I felt that I worked really hard last week. Yesterday's Weight Watchers Meeting was all about encountering set backs on your weight loss journey and what you should do when it happens (because it will happen). Well, last week I encountered a set back which was caused by mother nature-my cycle.  The question that you may ask is how could you overcome mother nature, even if it was a set back? And I would say that is a very good question, and the answer would be you don't. You don't try to overcome mother nature you embrace it. Because when you try to cut something out of your diet that will make you want it more, and the minute you get it you will over indulge and then the weight will come back. The advise that was given to us in the meeting was to make sure that you have healthy treats on hand, drink plenty of water, and if you want to indulge in some not so healthy treats just make sure that you account for it, but don't feel bad about eating not so healthy treats just keep moving forward.

We were also asked to write down a motivational saying that will keep us on track when we fall down, and I chose winners never quit and quitters never win, so if I want to win I can't quit even if I fall down. This week I plan to workout on my workout days, count my points, and stick to the plan. I can't get discourage or dwell on what I did or did not do. I must continue to take 1 step and that step will turn into my weight loss goals met. So, I encourage you all to find some words of encouragement that will keep you encouraged when you fall. We all have to learn how to encourage ourselves when we go through hard times. I have lost a total of 19 lbs, and by this Saturday I will met my 3rd personal weight loss goal and I will be able to get my leather purse. Please share your story or share words of encouragement, until next time....

My Weight Loss Journey: Day 107

I have passed the 100 day mark on my weight loss journey, and I must say that the small changes that I have made in order to loose weight have now become a habit, and they are good habits. Since I have been on Weight Watchers I have become a little more aware of what I put in my mouth on an every day basis; which is really what I needed. I am so happy that I made the decision to join Weight Watchers, because I have learned, as well as seen, that I can enjoy all the foods I like to eat and still be at a healthy weight. I have also learned losing weight, or shall  say, working toward becoming healthy is really a mind set. And the reason that I say that is because there have been many days that I just did not want to workout or watch what I eat, but I can now hear the positive voice telling me do the work out you will feel better, or don't eat that piece of cake chose the fruit instead because you will feel better, and I always feel better. I also have learned that when you try to deprive yourself of something that makes you want it more, which would cause you to over indulge. The one thing that Weight Watchers tells you is to eat things that you like and don't feel bad if you eat something that is not on your plan (just pick your self up and move forward). And there have been many days that I have over indulged on a certain food (sweets), I felt bad for a minute but I got over it and continued to move forward. In the past I would have dwell on the fact that I over indulged and I would not have gotten back up from the mistake. But now I realized that it's okay to make a mistake, because making a mistake does not mean that I am a bad person it just means that I am still a work in progress.

So far I have lost 18 lbs, and I am 2 lbs away from my 3rd personal goal (20 lbs). I don't really see the weight loss but other people do, and I must say that I really like the positive attention. But that is not what keeps me motivated to continue because that type of attention comes and goes; what keeps me motivated to continue to move forward is my family-my husband and son. I know that they need me so it is up to me to make sure that I am around for a long time.   

If you are thinking about losing weight but you don't now how, my suggestion to you is to just do it; just get up and start moving and everything else will fall in place. Please share your own story. Until next time......