Weight Gain...Really?

I wasn't able to get on the scale until late yesterday, but I already knew. I gained weight. 4.4 pounds in a week...it be like that sometimes! *shrugs shoulders*

But seriously, I can’t imagine going through life without knowing my Lord and Savior. The process of losing weight can have its spirit breaking moments and if it wasn’t for Him and the power that He gives me, I know that I would have given up a long time ago.

 

Proverbs 24:16  says: For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…

Despite my efforts, I’ve gained weight this week. I feel like I have been knocked down…again. But what’s important is that I will get back up..again!

Sometimes we need to rely on something greater than ourselves. Sometimes we must ask our Higher Power, whoever and whatever that may be to you, for strength and understanding. As with any process, there are mistakes to be made and lessons to be learned. Along the way, we may feel like giving up. But we have to keep our eyes on the finish line and know that with effort, faith, and patience we will reach our goal!

 

I know that I will reach my goal. I'm not stressed. I'm not worried. I'm just ready to start today anew and do the things I need to do to get me to where I want to be. 135 pounds...I won't settle for anything other than that number. 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
 ~ 3 John 1:2 ~ 

No More Obsessing!

Happy Light of Day Everyone!

 

I woke up this morning wanting to do a weight check. I knew I had slipped a little this weekend but yesterday I worked out hard and ate right. So I wanted a little head’s up before my official Wednesday weigh-in…big mistake. I’ve gained…a lot!

 

Immediately I felt defeated. I started thinking that I would NEVER reach my goal weight. And really, it’s not like I chowed down on chips or soda or ice cream or chocolate this past weekend. I had a veggie burger on a wheat bun. I had Ritz crackers with chunky peanut butter. And I probably had too many protein bars. But I also had a salad, and fruit, and green veggies, and lots of water. I didn’t work out Sunday, but I worked out Saturday and Monday. Once I saw the number on the scale, I changed the battery thinking something had to have been wrong…but the cold, hard fact is that I have gained weight since last week.

 

But then, something interesting happened. When it was time to take my son to the bus stop I was rushing and forgot my jacket. The bus driver looked at me and said “Your waist is so thin!”. Man, did I need that!

 

I realized that I am going to have fluctuations. And even though I am not eating traditional “junk food” I still need to clean up my diet if I want to get rid of these last 5 to 10 pounds. I keep telling myself that I need to count my calories. 1200 calories sounds like a lot but I’m well aware that those little suckers add up fast. I also need to drink more water. I don’t drink anything else, no soda or juice, but I don’t drink nearly enough water and I know that will help.

 

One thing that I decided however, is that I am not going to obsess over this. People continue to notice my weight loss so obviously I am doing something right. I am going to focus on working out, toning, eating as clean as possible, and only weighing myself once a week. If I do the right things, the weight will come off.  But I can’t allow the process to consume me. I’m going to fight for it, but I won’t fight with it.  I’ve found that the more you struggle with something, the tighter the grip it has on you. I need to be at peace with this process and let my weight loss take care of itself.

 

Whether it’s weight loss, or your relationships, or your job…may you be at peace today!

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
 ~ 3 John 1:2 ~

Excuses Are Like Belly Buttons...

 

 

 

Excuses are like belly buttons, everyone has one and they serve no real purpose. Today, I find myself with 10 excuses as to why I took a swan dive into the cesspool known as junk food this weekend. All real excuses, none of them good ones however. Well, #1 is pretty good. Today IS a new day and I WILL get back on track. For breakfast I had a banana and a protein shake. I have fruit and pre-made Vanilla Crème Pure Protein drinks at my desk. I’ve already walked for a half an hour before work and I have my gym clothes ready for after work.

 

This past weekend is behind me. I can’t change what I ate but I also won’t let it shake me or cause me to stay off track. I am oh so close to my goal of 135 pounds. I just have to keep pushing. Onward and upward!

 

So Happy Monday to everyone who may be reading. Embrace the new week and all of its purpose, potential and possibilities! Start today doing at least one thing that will help you become the person you were meant to be.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
 ~ 3 John 1:2 ~

 

Black History Month Monday: Florence Griffith Joyner

This was a woman after my own heart. She was the epitome of beauty, athleticism, and style. Florence Griffith Joyner was a track and field super star. She is still considered the "fastest woman of all time" because the world records she set in 1988 for both the 100 meters and 200 meters still stand and have yet to be seriously challenged. Sadly, Flo Jo died in her sleep as the result of an epileptic seizure in 1998 at the age of 38.

 

 Flo Jo on physical fitness

"Health and fitness should be a part of everyone's life. When we take good care of our bodies, our bodies take good care of us in return."

Flo Jo on her style
"I like designing clothes, and I wanted to bring something of myself into what I do. The one-legger? That was an accident. I was actually creating an even more radical style by cutting several holes in the stocking, and I happened to cut off the leg. I tried it on and though, 'Hmmm, this looks cute.'"

Flo Jo on the day she became the fastest woman in history
 “I had a good start, a relaxed middle, and kept my knees up at the end. It was more or less a perfect race. When I saw that time, I couldn't believe it, but after the first race time I knew I could get into the 10.50's. It just made me realize that if I kept concentrating, I could go faster.”

 

Happy Black History Month.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
 ~ 3 John 1:2 ~

Note To Self 020914

It's The Weekend, Baby!

I'm so glad the weekend is finally here. It's been a VERY long week.

Yesterday I had lunch with an old friend at Moe's. I had a Tofu Burrito Bowl...687 calories. Yikes! But it was the first time I've had anything fattening in quite some time. And man, oh man, did it taste good! Besides, it's not about deprivation. It's about moderation. Right?

I went to the gym last night and did a little over 4 miles on the treadmill. It probably made a small dent into the 687 calories I had for lunch. I need to get more consistent with counting my calories. I'm going to try and make that my goal for next week. Wish me luck.

On to my weekend workout:

It took me about 40 minutes to complete this workout. The hardest parts for me are the planks. But I've found that it helps if I recite bible verses or the Apostle's Creed instead of watching the timer. Watching the timer is torcher and I keep telling myself that I'm not going to make it. Bringing God into it...into everything actually, gives me strength. Why wouldn't it?

I feel like someone reading this feels emotionally tired and frustrated with their weight loss or lack thereof. God knows, he's already worked it out. All you have to do is get out of bed and do ONE thing that will help Him help you become the person you were meant to be. Trust Him and believe in yourself!

All the best to everyone. Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading.

Always,

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

~ 3 John 1:2 ~

Fat Shaming

It’s probably a safe bet that I will be in the minority on this topic, but I am so tired of the phrase “fat-shaming”. It’s over and unnecessarily used in my opinion. Anytime anyone has a point of view regarding someone in the public eye who may (or may not) be overweight, they are accused of “fat-shaming”. Today, I read an article about Gwen Stefani. She posted a Twitter picture of HERSELF from 1983 and referred to her younger self as “chunky”. People went nuts! She was accused of fat-shaming herself. Well, take a look at the photo…she was a little chunky. Shouldn’t she be allowed to acknowledge that?

 

 

A few weeks ago, I was parking my vehicle at the bank. When I got out, the car next to mine had a bumper sticker on the window that read: NO FAT CHICKS!  I admit, at first, I was a little offended. The truth is no matter how much weight I lose, I’m always going to be a “fat chick” in my head. But after I stood in line and thought about it for a  few minutes I realized that the person who owns that car has an absolute right to his (or her) opinion and preferences.  If that person works out religiously and takes pride in their body, maybe they do want someone with the same focus on fitness. What’s wrong with that?

We have become so sensitive in this society. Anytime a statement is made publically or on social media that is less than politically correct, the rest of the world pounces like a pack of cheetahs on a baby gazelle.

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever happened to freedom of speech? We can’t make observations or have an opinion about someone else’s appearance? I am not suggesting that it’s OK to mock anyone or call a person hurtful, ugly names. There is a difference between being rude and simply stating what you believe. This whole “fat-shaming” phenomenon is going a bit overboard and has become more of a shield for people to hide behind.

 

More than one-third of U.S. adults are considered obese and obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, are some of the leading causes of preventable death. I for one think that we should talk about weight and continue to talk about it until that number declines dramatically.

We all can’t be a size 0/2 like the current winner of The Biggest Loser, nor should we. But we have to stop being hyper-sensitive and start getting real about health and fitness. Especially in the African American community where “a few extra pounds” and being considered “thick” is widely accepted.

Look, I have been over-weight for more of my adult life than not. I’ve had a few men in my life suggest to me that I needed to lose weight, and no, that never feels good. But now that I am thinner and healthier, I can understand where they were coming from.  In my unprofessional opinion, we all need to look in the mirror and take an honest assessment of our bodies and the food that we are putting into them.  That’s not always easy, I realize. Losing weight and making time for exercise is not easy. Breaking bad habits is not easy. But man, is it worth it!

So please, do ONE thing today that will start you on the road to a healthier you. Pray against anything that could possibly hold you back. Make yourself and your health a priority in your life. Don’t hide behind the word “fat” and bury your head in the sand.

 

 

 

Be encouraged and fight for a better you. You are worth it!

 

 



 

 

Thanks for reading.


Always,

 

 

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

~ 3 John 1:2 ~

Throwback Thursday

 

 

This photo was taken in 2010. I've said it before on this blog, and sadly it's true: I much prefer my fuller face. I'm also shedding a few tears this morning because I'd forgotten how much I miss the twins...BIGH SIGH

 



But instead of dwelling on what I miss today, I am going to be POSITIVE and thankful for a slimmer, healthier body.

Lately, I've been on a roll. I've been getting in my exercise consistently. I've decided that I am never leaving home without my walking shoes because I just never know when an opportunity to walk will present itself.

If I get a chance to walk, even for 15 minutes, I take it. All this week before I've gone to work, I've stopped at the local mall and walked for about 30 minutes. Before the mall actually opens, there are quite a few people, mostly seniors, who come in the morning to get their exercise in. It's safe, convenient, and I'm able to take weather out of the equation.

 

Another way I burn a few calories is by climbing the stairs at work. Luckily for me, I work in a five story building. Once about every hour I get up from my desk and walk from the first to the fifth floor, then back down again. 

When I do the stairs consistently, I see a big difference in my legs. Talk about toning!

My goal is to keep moving throughout the day. Then, if I'm able to hit the gym or pop in a workout DVD at home, all the other calories I've burned during the day are a bonus!

So when I look at my throwback picture, I may miss the way I look, but I don't miss the way I felt back then. I could have never made it up five flights of stairs multiple times during the day. And I certainly wasn't running on treadmills.

So here's to Throwback Thursday and to the fact that I'm never going back!

Thanks for reading.

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

~ 3 John 1:2 ~

The Biggest Loser Season 15 Finale

I love watching The Biggest Loser.  Watching every day people like myself leave the ranch transformed from the inside out is so inspiring. Last night was the season finale and once again, I was amazed at a lot of the transformations. But I’m sorry, the young lady who ultimately won the grand prize, Rachel Frederickson, looks emaciated and unhealthy.

 

This young woman is only 24 years old and she looks every bit of 40 something. She lost 155 in approximately 4 months. Most of the other competitors who lost a significant amount of weight had a glow about them. They looked vibrant and fit. Rachel quite frankly looks like she starved  herself.

 

Hey, I could use $225,000 as much as the next person, but I’m not going to go on the “All-Air, No-Nutrition” diet. Losing that much weight in that short amount of time is sending the wrong message to a society that’s already weight-obsessed. Hey Rachel: Young girls are watching!!!!

 

It goes without saying that she worked her but off while she was on the ranch. But no one is going to convince me that she didn’t starve those last 20 or so pounds off…I’m just not buying it.

 

However, I do wish her the best and I hope she keeps the weight off…but somehow I doubt she will.  At the very least, I hope she uses some of that $225,000 and go get herself a cheeseburger.

 

Thanks for allowing me to vent!

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

~ 3 John 1:2 ~

Weigh In Wednesday 020514

Yes! The scale is finally moving back in the right direction. I've lost 1.4 pounds since last week. I've been going to the gym and I've also re-started Ripped In 30. So my hard work is paying off and for that I'm so thankful.

There is a saying that goes: “If you want to know what a woman will look like in 20 years, take a look at her mother.”

As much as I love and respect my mother, I rebuke that theory. Yesterday I took my mom to the doctor for a pain in her hip. At 78 years old she weighs 253 pounds and can barely get around. After the appointment, I had to take her for an X-ray and it took me and two of the technicians to help her off of the table. Some of that was due to the pain that she’s having, but a lot of it was due to her weight and how much she’s let herself go. I mean, she was a school bus driver, not very active, and was raising 3 kids by herself. And back then, there wasn't access to as much information about fitness so I understand why she didn't make exercise and health priorities.

 

I don’t expect her to look like she did when she was 30 or even 40 years old. But being that I am the one who has to look after her I realize that if God decides that I will reach the age of 78, I won’t have anyone to help me get around. My only child has profound physical and mental disabilities. And marriage is a pipe dream I gave up on years ago. So I have to take care of myself now so that when the time comes, I will be able to be as independent as possible. Not working out and not eating right are just not options for me. Unless I want to end up strapped to a gurney eating pea soup at some place called Shady Pines, I have to be as healthy as I possibly can. I’ll be 43 in 12 days, I don’t have forever to get this right.

 

 

This is my new motto. It’s what I have to live by and so should you!

If are reading this and you could stand to lose a few pounds or eat just a little bit healthier, know that it’s never too late. You are not too lost or too far gone. At any moment you can do one thing to help you become the person you want to be. No matter how much weight you have to lose, it all starts with small daily actions.

All the best to everyone who may be reading this today!

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Always,

 

Blaque

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
 ~ 3 John 1:2 ~