Blogdangit

Weigh-In Party

It's been almost a year that I've dedicated myself to exercising on a regular basis. I've not weighed in, although I think I know about what I've lost? I've visited several gyms and spent lots of time in hotels doing my thing. I've walked blocks in many cities. I've remained focused and kept my eating habits in line. I've bought exercise balls and mini-weights. My iPod has fulfilled its share of the duties by wearing out three sets of earplugs. I've read and bought several books which gave me knowledge and willpower.

My eating has drastically reduced and my energy level and adrenaline is high. I look forward to exercising in spite of the knee condition. These days I can eat a small portion and be completely satisfied. Months ago, I had to learn to just walk away from it when I became full. I drink water like it's the law! A sistah puts the H2o down baby! Honestly, I've always drunk lots of water. Sodas have been out of my life for over a decade.

I'm very proud of myself and may write a book on it one day. I didn't set out to lose weight drastically. I set out to start an exercise regimen to increase and promote better health and stamina. Being a former athlete, I knew my body could handle the load, but with taking my time and still eating what I craved at times was more of a satisfactory approach for me.

It's been a fun slow-paced life changing experience. I think I like that!

When I started, I promised I would weigh in one year later. Well the time is fast approaching. I've even thought about a weigh-in party. BYOB! Y'all! My friends and family are excited for me. When your bigger clothes fit much loose or too loose on you and when you're able to comfortably wear smaller sizes, and when you're getting even more attention than before and when you feel better during and after a workout, and when your body is more toned and stronger than before and more importantly when people are complimenting you – especially those who haven't seen you in a while -- you know you've endured a great accomplishment.

After the weigh-in, I won't stop what I've been doing. This thing is on for good. (as long as the knees hold up!)

Countdown continues…

Christmas on the Beach

Last weekend, a co-worker and I drove out to the beach in Virginia Beach. It was cold, but it was nice. I love the water. I've been to the Atlantic Ocean a few times in other states. I've been to the Pacific Ocean only once. I've also enjoyed the white sand beaches in the Florida Gulf Coast area.

We were seeking hotels with a nice beach front view. (Actually we were browsing the town) Of course there were several hotels that fit just what we were looking for and we were able to negotiate some good prices, even for when we return after the holidays. I wasn't surprised at the rates, obviously because of the season. We didn't move, but are seriously thinking about it when we return. (For me, the only deterrence would be the COLD weather!) I aint ready y'all. If I moved, my room would have to be near the top floor of a high rise. With his room, he's wanting to stay low, so he can hear the water.

During the day, there's basically nothing going on in the beach area -- but the nightlife is in full swing when the lights go out. Christmas is also in effect with lighting attraction and decor along the boardwalk. I love Christmas time! I remember last year when I was in Lansing Michigan -- it was snowing and I was out shopping in the hustle and bustle of the sweet sounds and smell of Christmas. It was some kind of special feeling, especially being so far away from home. Christmas on the Beach! Such beauty!  Hmmm, this traveling thing keeps my mind full of great moments.

Other news: I'm still exercising as the weight is slowly coming off and now noticeable to most. The knees are still doing what they do, but that's how it is until I do what I need to do. (Those who've followed my story know what I'm talking about!:))

Until next time my good folks. Happy Holidays.

No Pain No Gain

This Sunday morning, I woke around 9am. (Had the weirdest dream about witnessing a robbery - sorta like being at the wrong place at the wrong time) Anyway, since I don't analyze dreams, I'll have to assume it means something, but nothing to me. Any takers on figuring that out?

Anyway, I quick showered and dressed in knee-length jogging shorts and a red tee. I grabbed a 20 dollar bill, my iPod, cell phone and headed out of the door. I arrived at the gym some minutes later, craving to do my usual treadmill and cycling.

I paid my 5 bucks at the front desk and proceeded up the aaarrrghhh...stairs to the equipment room. I got on my favorite bike (It was human-less, yeah!). That particular bike has always got somebody on it. I like this bike for several reasons. 1. It's easy on the knees. It doesn't force me to bend or extend too much either way. It's like it was made for people with knee issues. 2. The seat is NOT EVEN CLOSE to a bicycle seat. It sits more like a motorcycle with a high back which seats you in an upright position. I love that part. 3. It has several slots and holders to put your stuff in.

Anyway, I knew I was going to do 30 minutes at least on it. I sat down, cranked up the iPod and started my thing. When I finally looked up at the gauges, I'd been pedaling for 45 minutes. I lost all time in this routine. I was text messaging a couple of friends, while listening to a variety of joints in one of my iTunes Playlist titled, Head Bangin Shit. I swear when the track Theme from Shaft came over my ear plugs -- my feet, body, knees and head took it to another level. That song is definitely a head banger. It's energizing, uplifting, and PERFECT for working out. Plus it's rhythmically TIGHT! I played it several times. ^5 to Isaac!

After the 45, I got off the bike slowly (cause the knee pain was intense and staggering as usual) while sweating profusely as usual from the head and back, and walked over to the treadmill. I stared at it, and it I, as if what the heck are you waiting for -- get on. I walked away especially since I'd accomplished my 30 and then some -- totaling almost 10 miles. Forget the fork, I'd already determined I was done!

I headed toward the stairs to go back down -- taking one step at a time while both feet always ended up together. I felt handicapped, but I felt good too. My peoples...the weight is slowly but surely falling off and I'm toning up which is more important.

When I got downstairs, I stopped at a bulletin/information board and read an article about whey and how it helps to prevent cancer and its other significant uses. I read how it is recommended in the form of a protein shake just after a workout. I also found out that the gym sells it. How cool!

I've never tried any protein shakes and never ever thought about it. And from my visits, I see men and women order them all the time. There at the front desk, I ordered a whey strawberry shake. The gentleman asked whether I wanted 1 scoop or 2. I said 2, knowing I had no clue of what I was doing.

A lady sitting at the front desk walked to the back to make the shake. While waiting, I browsed about, while reading other material when I looked directly behind me and NOTICED for the first time of my many MANY workout sessions -- there was an elevator! AN ELEVATOR y'all. Just for me! How could I have missed that?

I got my shake, and was really nervous about trying it. I did, and I slurped again, and I liked it. It was sugar free, made with skim milk and whey. I'd do it again. I walked a few more steps into a Subway (yep, there's a Subway in the fitness center) and ordered a 6" BMT on honey oat. As I was slurping the shake, my hunger was curbed a bit, actually a lot.

I finished the shake while driving back to my hotel. I ate only half of the 6" and put the other in the fridge and drank a full 1L bottle of Evian water. (Hooked on that stuff) I took a long shower, washed my hair, wrapped it, threw on the Sunday-don't-mess-with-me-today-'cause-I'm-chillin'-clothes and popped in a new DVD I bought yesterday, Waist Deep. GOOD MOVIE! I luvs Tyrese!

As I laid across the bed watching the movie, I realized I wasn't hurting. My knees had given me a break for a minute and I accepted that. :) As I look back on this workout thing from whence I started, I've become addicted to the exercises -- although it hurts most times. I don't think I'm damaging myself any further, but feel it's a possibility. The biggest thing is, I know I've dropped almost two pant sizes. I also know that my body won't allow certain foods anymore. Some foods which I used to crave, I don't anymore. I'm better toned and overall physically fit. Inspite of the knees on some occasions, I feel good. I'm determined to keep this thing up. I'm focused and my body won't let me miss a workout. (Nope I still haven't got on a scale)

So as a friend told me in an email some days ago. No Pain, No Gain! Perhaps she's right.

Luvz to each of u...

The Gumbo Gurl is Losing It

My aunt came by the other day and I had not seen her in at least 6 or more weeks. She looked fabulous. Not that she doesn’t look good all the time anyway, but I noticed that she had lost some weight. I was impressed, and am very proud of her. Because I had already decided to buckle-down to lose a few, I had to know what she was doing.

She told me she had been drinking (2)  8-10 ounces of lemon water daily -- first thing in the morning, 30-minutes apart. She also exercises and watches what she eats. She says that if she has any cravings for anything in particular, she doesn’t deprive herself of that food -- she eats it. The lemon water should be room temperature with only one regular size lemon squeezed per glass of water. If the lemons are extra large, use only half of a lemon per glass of water. She’s says her appetite has curbed since she started the lemon water regimen.

Being more inquisitive about this, I researched for more info online.  The lemon water cleanses your system of impurities. Actually I’d heard something similar sometime ago when a friend gave me a recipe of lemon juice, flaxseed and cranberry juice, but I’d never tried it. Her mother lost weight from this recipe.

I’ve always been food-health conscious, just not strict with it. I’ve started an exercise program, bought an Ab Lounge XL and now taking things slowly. I’ve been doing this for the past three days. Although the treadmill is not a best friend to my knees right now, it’s a perfect buddy for the rest of me. I’ve been doing 30-45 minutes daily at 3+ speed. I’m suffering with bad knees and since that's the way it's going to be, I figure, why not try to do other things to my body to enhance a healthy lifestyle.

A friend and I decided to lose weight together. Although I travel a lot, we plan to stick with it until we’ve reached our respective goals. She’s a busy body with a full-time job and three kids. So ummm…she gets all the praise when she pulls this off, ‘cause it will definitely take a lot of discipline. I’m confident she will do fine.

I have a co-worker and good friend, who is also doing this with me. He’s going to do low-carb. While on the road, living in and out of hotels and working, we will keep each other motivated. He lost a TREMENDOUS amount of weight before I met him and he’s not a big guy now; he just wants to lose a few pounds and tone up.

So I guess this is the beginning of my journey with this thing and I’m proud to share this with you. I could always use another coach or cheerleader on the side line. I will be talking about my goals, set-backs, goodies, baddies, and ugly stuff while I take the ride. We’ll call it my DEWL Journal. Hey I like that! Diet, Exercise & Weight-Loss Journal. A duel between my world and my mind.

Alright! That's it! See ya next post!
Big phat sloppy kisses to each of you! ;)