I Get It From My Mama (2nd Anniversary & Mother’s Day Edition)

On May 8, 2011, I ventured into the blogging atmosphere to debut my blog about my journey to pursue and maintain a healthier lifestyle.  In addition, I made a tribute to my mother because she was the inspiration for me to begin this blog.  The day was also Mother’s Day, so it’s fitting that I have a Mother’s Day edition after my official 2nd Anniversary date!

 

On my first blog post, I mentioned that my mother’s passing was a ‘wake-up call’ for me.  I had to improve my health because I didn’t want to become the next family statistic. For the past couple of months, I’ve been making green smoothies as part of my health routine and due to my car being down, I’ve taken public transit which incorporates cardio.  I would like to be more consistent in a workout routine.  I know that I need to schedule some health appointments as well. The goal is to lose some more weight for the summer.  I may decide to way myself at the end of this month.  I’m looking forward to the summer.  God willing, I’ll celebrate my 44th birthday and I plan to make it a special occasion.  Now God allows me to reach my 45th next year, it’s ON!!

I don’t have much to say, but I’m grateful that I was able to celebrate Mother’s Day in my own way. It was a beautiful day and I made my phone calls to family members who are mothers; saw ‘Mother’s Day’ greetings in social media; planned my meals and snacks accordingly.  I’m still using the ‘myfitnesspal’ app and I need to get back on Sparkpeople.com.  I did manage to enjoy a concert in the area with several local artists that performed with well-known artists Raheem DeVaughn, Marsha Ambrosius, and a band called Black Alley (I love this band)!

Please stay in touch with my blog for the next post.  In honor of my mother, I will share a couple of songs related to the day and ones I listened to at the 2013 DC Lovefest.  Careful with a couple of them though (Disclaimer). Enjoy!

Making Changes (Another Catch-Up & Anniversary Edition)

Well, it’s starting to look and FEEL like Spring because it seemed as if Fall and Winter tried to stay in this region of the United States longer than expected LOL!!

I keep reminding myself of a phrase I would sometimes hear: “When you do your best, God handles the rest.”  I kept falling on/off track with my pursuit of a healthier lifestyle,  but I think I got a groove. Some of my social media buddies have invested in juicers and are combining different fruits and vegetables for healthier alternatives, in addition to a workout routine. I’ve also met more people via myfitnesspal and through my blog. It’s truly been an interesting journey; meeting people who have similar goals for fitness and share their experiences in social media!

Sometimes,  you never know what you’re capable of doing until the situation presents itself.  I did so much walking and using public transit due to my car needing service (and the annual vehicle safety inspection *sigh*). I haven’t walked that much in a long time, so I think I should lose at least five pounds within a week LOL!!

My body is changing as I get older, so I have to adapt and make changes for the better in order to stay healthy. Right now, I know that I’ll be walking a little later. The grocery store is only a mile away..why not?

This week’s blog post falls on the Second Anniversary of my blog debut (May 8, 2011). Ironically,  that day was Mother’s Day, and I dedicate this one to my mother in her memory.

Making It Day By Day

Would you believe that I was able to get some cardio in? Amazing! Lol

This weekend was really interesting weather-wise. We went from a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch one day, to a beautifully nippy one the next. What a complete 360¤ turn! I went to attended an event about human trafficking, so I took the advantage of the day and used public transit to get around.  I appreciate the fact that sunshine was back again!

I burned over 200 calories total when I used the Metro and I walked from home to get a meal. No sense in using gas when the destination is less than a mile away!  My choices in food items are taken seriously, but I know I’ve slipped the last few weeks. I do manage to have a smoothie, whether it’s homemade or bought from the cafeteria.  I try to get my daily intake of fruits and vegetables.  I have a new buddy on myfitnesspal who’s on my case, and with good reason. She even prayed over my addiction to chips and fast food and shared a healthy grocery shopping list. Looking forward to going shopping!

I know we can’t expect changes overnight with our health, but the journey to a healthier lifestyle is a rewarding experience!  As I tell people, “I’m making it day by day!

I’m Not Done..God’s Not Through With Me Yet (Serious Catch-Up Edition)

To my fellow bloggers and those who read my blog posts: No, I haven’t fallen off the turnip truck. Things have been challenging and interesting at the same time! I started a 30-day Smoothie Challenge at the beginning of April. I’ve enjoyed the recipes that Simple Green Smoothies sends me via email and on their website. Don’t let the appearance of the green fool you. They taste good! I need to get rid of the fast food fascination though. Having healthy smoothies in my diet helps to increase energy. I FINALLY got a chance to go outside and walk. Now I have to force myself to TRULY work out since the community fitness center is closed for renovations. And the workouts MUST be consistent! While out of town, I did go to the grocery store and pick up some fruit, water, and potato chips (my weakness, I know). You have to plan when there’s no easy access to healthy food. You know hotel food is expensive! So many changes going on in my profession & personal life. I REFUSE to cave into the oh woe is me mentality! I keep moving in faith & know that God’s not through with me yet! That’s why I thank him everyday for another day of life; keep him close to me during the day and mention him before I go to bed. One day, I know I’ll reach my fitness goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I haven’t given up!

Bringing The Pain….Literally!

I believe that my body gave its own wake-up call to me this past weekend:

1. You’re no longer in your 20s or 30s
2. A consistent workout routine is definitely need.
3. Make sure you locate the correct location of a workout class BEFORE you drive!

I signed up less than a month ago for two free trial classes (who says you can’t get free? Lol). I worked out with the TRX equipment. From what I’ve been told, a TRX workout is no joke! I got my time’s worth, that’s for sure. Once the instructor showed us the correct way of doing the exercises, we could feel the burn and the sweat! Today is Tuesday; the class was Saturday and my triceps are STILL on fire (LOL!)

I thought the location was on Elm Street but it was on St. Elmo Avenue instead. I parked in the wrong parking deck so I ended up walking 1 mile to the studio. Of course, walking to and from the studio made my legs burn too!

I have to force myself to work out or go for a walk outside (weather permitting). I promised myself to get back to the community fitness center and participate in the 30-day Green Smoothie Challenge (of course, the one you see isn’t green LOL)

Overall, I enjoyed the class and would try again. I had one for tonight but had to cancel due to music ministry rehearsal. That’s another factor: getting proper rest. I’ve been to another city for a concert; drove back home to serve at church and perform at a concert—with no sleep. Once I got home, I FINALLY crashed out at 730pm! That’s the longest I’ve slept in a while!

Let’s see what happens with me between now and the month of April. Still on the journey to pursuing a healthier lifestyle, no matter how many times I fall!

If They Can Do It, So Can I

I know it’s been a moment since my last blog post. I’ll take this time to bring you up to speed.

On the first Sunday of March (March 3, 2013 to be exact), I participated in a re-enactment of the Women’s Suffrage March that occurred 100 years ago to the day. The 22 Founders of my Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, was just established as a public service organization on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University; it was only two months old! The Founders wanted to be more involved in the community and not just be another social group. In those times, a student couldn’t leave the campus without an adult chaperone. They were able to have Mary Church Terrell serve as a chaperone, and she was also a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). There were some challenges in the first act of social action: The 22 were college-educated BLACK women! Marching for the right to vote among a mob that threw insults and jibes at the suffragettes, the “Illustrious 22″ wouldn’t be stopped! Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was the ONLY Black organization that is documented of participating and leading efforts in the Women’s Suffrage March.

Fast forward 100 years later, several thousand people from different organizations joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the Women’s Suffrage March Re-Enactment. Our delegation–like the Founders-marched toward the end of the procession (you’ll see a picture soon). Our Sorority had its annual legislative conference in Washington, DC. We marched the exact parade route. It was cold, but we managed to march 3.1 miles from Capitol Hill to National Mall.

Having shared this story, if the 22 Founders of my Sorority were able to withstand people who didn’t want them to march for the right to vote, then surely I could walk the same route for justice, in addition for a cardio workout in cold temperatures!

If they could do it, I can do it! No turning back on the healthy lifestyle pursuit!

Stomp Out Cancer Recurrence with Fitness [Special Guest Blogger Edition]

It’s a blessing when you meet another individual in social media who has an interest in pursuing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.  It’s REALLY cool that he or she shares their story to help others!

This week’s blog post comes from Ms. Melanie Bowen who is an advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives.  Please read, comment, and share her article; you can follow her blog here: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/  I thank Melanie for taking the time to share information and I hope it’s helpful to others who read this blog!

 

Stomp Out Cancer Recurrence with Fitness

While it may seem farfetched to some, research indicates that it may indeed be possible to stomp out or at least minimize cancer recurrence with regular exercise routines. Different research results have been found for different forms of cancer, but generally, the impact of exercise on both quality and length of life for cancer patients is overwhelmingly positive. If you are a breast cancer survivor, have been treated for mesothelioma, recently received a diagnosis of lymphoma or have been personally touched by cancer in any manner, physical fitness needs to be a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle.

Everyone who exercises enjoys certain benefits such as elevated mood from endorphin release, reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, lower cholesterol and higher energy levels. For cancer patients, the elevated mood alone can provide much-needed boosts of hope during discouraging times. Research indicates that the increase in physical energy from regular exercise benefits those undergoing cancer treatments by significantly reducing symptoms of fatigue.

Those who participated in regular physical exercise prior to a cancer diagnosis may find it easier to remain active during and after treatment. While days of intense treatment may require you to reduce your level of physical activity, remaining active is essential. If prior to diagnosis you lived a sedentary lifestyle, now is the time for change. Experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of continuous physical activity every day. If illness or aggressive treatments cause physical limitations, be flexible. Find ways to keep moving. If you can only walk or ride a stationary bike for 10 minutes at a time, go ahead and break up your physical activity into three 10-minute segments each day. If you tire easily but enjoy spending time outdoors, take walks in a park where benches or other resting places are readily available. Exercise as much as possible, but avoid becoming overtired and stop if you feel discomfort.

If you have questions concerning how much exercise you need and how to get it, consult with your doctor or oncology staff. These professionals will be able to give you tips for developing and incorporating a physical fitness routine into your daily life.