Im finally getting around to writing this last post. I just didnt want to write it at all. I dont feel like I have anything I need to say to Barry...I think Ive said it all a million times over over these last two years. The time has come to say goodbye to this blog, and continue with my new one. Thank you to everyone for being such wonderful readers, and supporting me even if you didnt comment. This blog has been such a big part of my life for over 3 years, and even more so now because it has become my outlet for my grieving. I am ready to move on, so please come with me as I continue this journey. If you email me then I will reply to you and give you my new blog address. I post on there much more regularly than this one. I have to say, I am a little sad to close this chapter in my life, but I am ready, and it is time.
When was the last time you took a few moments to do some a self-inventory. Not like a counting freckles, or hairs, but a nitty gritty introspection sesh? When was the last time you examined your habits and your moods and really thought about how youre doing. If its been a while, you may be missing the blatant evidence that its time for a fresh start. Sometimes when we are stuck in a bit of a rut, it can be pretty easy to miss the 10 signs that you need a fresh start. Let me break them down for you:
1. You would categorize or mood as kind of, "eh." You dont really find yourself passionate about anything. 2. You dont feel like your normal self. Youre not sure whats up, but you know that a couple weeks ago, we were not feeling like this.
You feel indifferent about most of the decisions you make. 3. You would rather sleep than spend time with loved ones. You and your bed are pals. When you get home you just want to lay in your bed and tell it about all of your problems. 4. Nothing makes you feel motivated anymore. You know you should workout, but you dont wanna. You know you should probably shower, but you dont wanna do that either. And laundry? Yeah... probably should... but no. All motivation = GONE. 5. The ones closest to you keep asking what is wrong. Your family thinks youre a little depressed. They keep asking you how you are and if everything is OK. Your response is usually, "Im fine. Just been tired." 6. Your confidence is in the toilet. You look in the mirror and you just arent feeling in. So, theres no point in getting ready, because that too is something youre just not feeling. 7. You feel insecure about your decisions. You put a lot of thought into choosing simple things like what to have for dinner and what to watch on Netflix, and then when you do make a choice you still arent sure if it was the right one. 8. You feel like running away from all of your problems. Your ideal situation would be a vacation for you and your friend Bed far, far away where no one can reach you. Preferably somewhere that doesnt require money, or bills, or other general life activities. 9. You realize youre not on track with your 5 year plan. This is not where you wanted to be with your life. You were supposed to have your dream job by now. Whats wrong with you? Your plan is totally ruined. 10. You feel like youve maxed out your potential. You cannot see yourself getting passed this. Youll be stuck here forever. All of your potential is maxed out and this is where you level off.
Even if only two of these apply to you... Its time for a fresh start. You need to re-vamp your life.
So how does one just start fresh? You cant just run away and sleep forever, and as good as that sounds it wont make any of your problems go away. Here are some suggestions to help you feel excited about life again and slowly start climbing out of the slump youve been camping in:
1. Start with gratitude.If you really stop and think about it you have a lot of amazing things around you. Set an alarm on your phone that will go over every day at the same time. Open up a memo app on your phone and write down 13 things you are grateful for and do this every single day. Seeing how awesome your life really is can be just the right push to get you living it to the fullest extent.
2. Watch this pep talk from Kid President. He is a pretty cool kid with some big ideas on getting out of a slump.
3. Make a list & reward yourself when everything on that list is done. Write down everything you need to do that day, and then write down what you get when its all done. So maybe when you shower, do laundry, and finish that report for work you get to take a break and watch a couple episodes of your favorite show. This will help you start getting things done so you dont get overwhelmed by tasks.
4. Do something for your body. Dropping a few pounds or even just doing a detox can help you regain some of the confidence youve been lacking for awhile. Try doing the Lemonade Detox. No need to change your diet, all you do is just drink the drink and reap the benefits.
5. Get outside. The weather is warming up and its time to spend less time inside and more time soaking up the sun. Go for a jog, go play a round of golf, or even go lay outside and read a book. You need some fresh air and some Vitamin D. You will feel better physically and mentally when you step away from the couch and when you step outside.
6. Reconnect with some friends. If youve been putting off hanging out with your friends, its time to reconnect with them and start surrounding yourself with people who make you laugh.
7. Cut down on naps, but still get your 8 hours. If you sleep too much, you actually feel more tired. If youre getting more than eight hours of sleep per day, its time to cut down on the naps. You are training your body to want sleep that it doesnt really need and in return it is making you more tired. Before you know it, your over-sleeping has got you caught in a cycle that makes it hard for you to get anything done.
8. Start dreaming & planning. If you arent where you want to be, change it. Simple as that. No one is going to change it for you, its up to you. Start dreaming again. Then start planning out way you can make that dream a reality. Sign up for a class at the local college, Read a book on investing. Whatever your dream is, start working toward it.
9. Surround yourself with motivating things. Find a happy post, rummage through old pictures and find your favorites, or turn on some happy music. Surround yourself with things that remind you to be better and things that inspire you to stay positive.
10. Lighten up. Dont take everything so seriously. Life is good and its worth living. All you need to do is decide that as of this moment, this moment right now, you are going to start fresh.
Got a fitness junkie in your life, whom you love and want to spoil this Valentines Day, or are you the beloved fitness junkie (if so, pass this along to your lover for a subtle hint)?
Chocolates arent the best idea for the runner, the lifter, and the lover of clean eating... Here are some gift ideas that are so awesome they are better than chocolates, and dare I say roses?
The Aqua Zinger Flavored Water Maker
Aqua Zinger
Water is the center of a fitness junkies world. Adding mint, lemons, and raspberries adds a myriad of health benefits, but choking on seeds is never fun. This bottle mixes the juices in to the water but holds the pulp in a separate little grinder. They go for around $20 and you can find them at Brookstone.
Salad Dressing Portion Control Lids
As someone who is watching my weight, I am constantly counting calories. One of my biggest pet peeves is measuring out every little thing. Im all for gadgets that make measuring easier, and this is one of them. This Portion Control Lid fits different bottle sizes and when you squeeze the bottle, the chamber fills with 2 Tbsps of the dressing, one serving size, and its ready to pour. This handy gadget is about $20 at Brookstone.
Gnarly Workout Tank
Gnarly Workout Tanks
Every Fit Female needs an awesome workout Tank. Gnarly Nutrition has a great line of neon acid worn tank tops. They have multiple colors and sizes range from small to large. You can find them at GoGnarly.com for only $19.
Food Huggers
Fitness addicts need fuel. Fresh fruits and veggies are usually a major part of a healthy, balanced, diet but a lot of times they go to waste because the left overs dont keep well. The frugal fitness geek will LOVE this Food Huggers. Cut a tomato, use whats need, then put a Food Hugger around the rest. It stays fresher than using a Ziplock bag! A set of four multi-sized Food Huggers is only $19!
Zip Tunes Earphones
Food Huggers
Tangled earphones can mess up momentum on runs, bike rides, kickboxing and more. Zip Tunes Earphones get rid of the hastle with a tangle free design, plus they have a built in handsfree microphone component. Find these on Boxwave.com for under $30.00.
Isobag Lunch Cooler
If your fitty is constantly packing lunches and planning ahead for meals on the go, this Isobag is a perfect way to help them stay organized. This lunch cooler can hold multiple meals (containers included) and has compartments for protein shaker bottles and utensils. No more packing multiple bags for multiple meals, this cooler lets you easily do it all in one. The three meal bag is only $54.99 on IsolatorFitness.com.
FT4 Cross Training Heart Rate Monitor
FT4 Heart Rate Monitor
The price tag on this item is a little steeper than the others, but it is definitely worth it. The FT4 tracks heart rate, calories burned and shows when youre improving your fitness based on heart rate zones. It has button free operation to keep the focus on working out, and is made with comfortable, water resistant material. There are four different colors available. You can find this nifty gadget for $99 on Polar.com.
Bodum Tea For One Tea Strainer
Sometimes your valentine doesnt have time to make tea for two, and if thats the case, this Bodum Tea Strainer is perfect. Its strains a single serving of tea in a very portable container. It comes in multiple colors and is available for $18 at Bodum.com.
I am 22 years old and if I had to guess, Id say that Ive spent about 18 years of my 22 years trying to be
beautiful.
When we are young we start out putting on our mothers lip gloss. Then we start picking out our own clothes. We keenly listen to the way our mother talks about how she looks. We start making friends and comparing things like hair, skin color, clothes, and shoes. All before the age of 5, weve constructed in our minds our very first impression of beauty. Its still very fragile and impressionable. As we get older it is influenced by friends, family, and the media. THE MEDIA (here goes another woman talking about how the media is ruining the confidence of women, right? Yeah roll your eyes if you want, but you bet your sweet, probably not so perfectly shaped butt, thats what this is).
Im on a quest to define beauty. My definition doesnt follow the standards set by television, music or the fashion industry because if thats all there is to beauty...I am not beautiful. And seriously, if thats what beauty is, then I would venture to guess that there are very few in this world who are considered beautiful.
Readers who read this also read: A Note About Health From One Curvy Girl to Another
And sure, the few women who do meet those standards are beautiful in their own respects, but being beautiful is more than an image. Its more than looks and size and color. I think that there are many aspects of a person that make them beautiful. I think looks are a small portion of that, but I also think that beauty takes into account how you talk about yourself, how you treat yourself, how you treat others, your talents, your ability to believe in yourself when no one else does, and your ability to be confident even if one of those other aspects falls a bit short according to societys standards.
Lets take a minute to reflect on you. Yes, YOU! If youre struggling to find beauty within yourself I want you to ask yourself a few things, but first, put your physical appearance out of your mind and if at any point you start to compare yourself to another person, start your thought over and ignore the temptation to compare. Seriously, we are doing this RIGHT NOW. What are you good at? Was there ever a time where you did better at something than you thought you could? Those small victories are actually big reasons to feel confident. You accomplished those things because you are a mighty person, and you can do hard things. Now think about your personality. What are some things about your personality that you feel confident about? Are you a good friend? Are you loyal? Are you caring? Are you hard working? Are you driven? Are you smart? Are you independent? Are you positive? Are you kind? In this moment you are an amazing individual.You are beautiful. You have talents, you have strengths, and you have experiences that you should feel proud of. You are more than what is in the mirror, you are an individual with a soul. Your thoughts and actions can literally change the world so dont get hung up on a gray hair, or a zit, or a fat roll.
Now that you know what you are good at, how can you channel those strengths to get better at some of the weaknesses that are making you feel insecure? This is a tough question I realize. However, I have learned that while its important to feel confident where you are, its also important to feel confident that you can be what you want to be as well. Think of it this way, "I love who I am, and because I love who I am I deserve to be my best. Sometimes I think things or feel things that prevent me from being my best. So I am dedicating myself to changing those thoughts and feelings. I am becoming better to one day be my best." So, what can you work on to be a little bit better and little closer to your best?
Readers who read this also read: Im Thankful Im Not a Quitter
By regularly asking myself the kinds of questions listed above, I have improved my confidence. Instead of depending on other people to make me feel worthy and valuable, I know that I am worthy and valuable because I can literally name a handful of things that I rock at.
Its taken me a long time to find beauty in my qualities and strengths. I am still working on changing some of my negative thoughts and feelings into positive, motivating self encouragement. Each day I have to rededicate myself to ignoring societies definition of beautiful and keep working on my own. My definition of beauty is confidence, and confidence is a feeling, not a look. By acknowledging all the things I am good at in my moments of insecurity, I move past self-pity, I move past self-loathing, and I feel beautiful.
I probably wont ever be a size two with awesomely tan skin and a super nice butt, and thats OK. At the end of the day I realize that I have so much more to offer myself and the world than just looking hot.
I cant do it, and I am sorry. I know I promised you all that I would write the story of how Barry passed, but I cant. I started to write it October 4th, and managed to get up to the point where it started to go downhill, but I cant write the rest.
I am scared, and the mere thought of writing it makes my heart race. I am just not ready. I can recall everything in my head down to the last minute detail, but the actual task of really making myself recall everything wont be happening. I know its partly because I dont want to break down, I dont want to cry right now, I just dont want to. I will do it eventually for the kids. I also got to thinking that maybe I shouldnt spill Barrys secrets on the internet. He was a very private person, and I just think maybe I should keep this for the family. Im not trying to use that as a cop out, I promise. I just really dont want to portray him in any other light than what he deserves...
An amazing husband and father, and not the sickest patient at our hospital.
I will write my final "Dear Barry" letter tomorrow night. I wanted to do it at 11:11AM, but Im going to be out all day. Im getting a pedicure with my girlfriend, going out for tea after lunch with another girlfriend, and then taking the kids out to Barrys favorite restaurant for dinner. Trying to keep as busy as possible.
Ill be simple with this one. If you dont drink water, start! Its the only thing that passes through your mouth that doesnt contain a calorie and has multiple benefits. It also helps you feel full when fasting.
I would aim at drinking at least 1.5 litres per day with the intention of increasing over 2 litres.
Read the below article on the benefits of drinking water and start to change your lifestyle from today!
Ive been seeing a lot of people on Facebook talking about oil pulling. I am a little late to the oil pulling party,
but when I saw that it could help whiten teeth and prevent bad breath, I decided I should probably look into it.
When I first started researching, I had no idea what oil pulling was and I had no idea how to do it. So thats where I started.
How to Oil Pull:
Oil pulling is done to promote oral healthy & detox the body. It is done by swishing organic oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil or another vegetable based oil in your mouth for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes is up, you spit the oil in the trash and rinse your mouth out with warm water.
So what exactly does this swishing do exactly? Well, the lipids in the oil are said to pull bacteria out of your mouth and saliva. It also prevents bacteria from attaching to your teeth. This means that there is less bad breath and yellowing causing gunk in your mouth and more vitamin E. Say hello to stronger, whiter teeth.
Not only does it make teeth stronger and whiter, but a lot of the blogs I read from veteran oil pullers report that it helps headaches go away, it helps improve skin, and it helps people with insomnia and TMJ.
My Experience Oil Pulling:
Ive tried some pretty odd things for the sake of trying them. Ive done the super glue black head removing mask (terrible freaking idea), Ive done It Works! Wraps, Ive tried dozens of creams, oils and balms, and Ive tried Cali Kickers, but trust me when I say that this is the weirdest thing I have ever done.
I picked up some Organic Coconut Oil (Im not fancy, I just got it from Wal-Mart for like seven bucks). I ran the bottle under hot water for a few minutes to soften the oil, then I scooped about tablespoon out. It was still pretty solid, but easy enough to scoop out with a measuring spoon.
I was super nervous. I held it in my hand for a second and and just kinda stared at it. Then I woman-ed up and went ahead got started. Since mine was kind of solid, it took a couple minutes before it melted completely in my mouth. Having some clumps in there made for a really weird experience texture wise. Then once everything was melted it took me a good 7 minutes before I was used to how t he oil felt and tasted.
Swishing something for 20 minutes is a REALLY long time. One tablespoon isnt a lot, but as the 20 minutes
goes on the oil soaks up saliva and bacteria and before you know it your mouth is VERY full. I tried staying busy to keep my mind off of the fact that I was basically tasting all the germs in my mouth all at once but those 20 minutes went buy so slowly.
Finally it was time to spit it out. The articles I have read say to spit it in the trash because the oil can cause problems in your sink. Then I rinsed with the warm water as instructed. I brushed and used mouth wash. My teeth instantly felt awesome. They felt smooth and looked wonderful. I cant really say if they were instantly white, but I know that my mouth felt great. I also didnt feel like I needed gum 10 minutes after brushing.
Despite how weird it was to try, I would definitely do oil pulling again. The benefits are there and I think the texture is something that you can get used to.
What crazy things have you done to whiten your teeth?
Earlier this week I talked about my roommate joining me on HCG. While I love all the support I receive from her, I realize that not everyone has this same advantage. In fact, Im guessing many of you are the only ones in your households following protocol. Maybe you dont have anyone in your area to turn to about HCG questions. Feeling alone on your journey can be incredibly discouraging.
Well, Im here to tell you, as hokey as it sounds, were all in this together. Just because you dont have a live-in diet buddy, doesnt mean you cant get the support you need.
Today I wanted to introduce you to some blogs I enjoy reading when Im feeling alone in my diet endeavor.
The first blog is a current HCG dieter named Heather. I love how up front Heather is about whats going on in her diet world. Shes a strong lady with a very supportive husband. Shes working her way towards some inspiring accomplishments. If you have any frustrations or questions, Heather is a great woman to connect with. You can check out her blog here.
This second blog is from a former HCG dieter named Kristy. She writes about a variety of topics. I love hearing about her healthy goals as well as the fun adventures shes up to. There have been many days where I visit her site hoping to get diet advice, but instead she posts something wonderfully unrelated that brightens my mood and somehow inspires me to continue through my diet frustrations. You can check out her blog here.
As always, Im more than happy to answer your questions that you post in the comments section below or send to my email: lowery@hcgdiet.com
Do you follow any HCG Diet blogs? If so, which ones?
If youre at the end of your rope with trying diets and eating programs that arent working, it might be time to face the music. You might be falling into diet sabotage without even realizing it. Diet sabotage can happen to anyone, and usually we dont realize how harmful simple ideas or words can be to our day to day actions until its too late. Here are 6 reasons why your last diet didnt work, and of course, some tips to help avoid these in the future.
You Went In Expecting to Fail
If you go into a diet program feeling skeptical of it, or feeling insecure in your ability to do it, youre setting yourself up to fail. With each new opportunity you approach, you need to feel 100% confident in the process and in your ability to stick to it.
The wrong mindset: "Ive failed at everything else Ive tried, Im sure this will be no different. But Ill give it a try."
The right mindset: "This time its going to work because Im going to make it work."
Your Goal Wasnt Realistic
While confidence is crucial to success, over-confidence is not. Going into a diet with the idea that its going to fix all your problems and help you lose half your body weight with a few weeks of better eating is just plain unrealistic. Its also worth mentioning that if your goal involves dropping below a healthy weight, its not realistic. Be sure to check out your BMI while you set your goal, then create a realistic timeline to help you reach your healthy weight. There will be good days and bad days, its all a process and its important to acknowledge the process when defining your goals.
The wrong mindset: "Im going to lose 30 pounds this month and finally get down to 110."
The right mindset: "My goal is to lose 2 pounds per week and get out of the overweight category on the BMI chart by end of the year."
You Didnt Ask For Help
At times you might feel like youre all alone in your weight loss battle, and when youre struggling, that can be hard to deal with. The truth is, youre not alone. Even if none of your friends and your family support you, there are forums and Facebook Groups out there dedicated to supporting people who are trying to lose weight. You can always find encouragement and get answers to your questions when youre struggling. All you have to do is reach out and ask for help.
The wrong mindset: "No one understands what Im going through."
The right mindset: "I am going to look for people who can help support me."
You Failed to Plan
If you know you have a huge party coming up or if youre planning around a vacation, you might not want to start a diet until those events are completed. Starting a diet and having to take a break mid-way through and start up again can be really difficult. Its not impossible to navigate events, but it does require planning, including taking lunches or setting a timeline for getting back on track after the event is over.
The wrong mindset: "Oh, I forgot I have a wedding coming up. I guess Ill just quit my diet now since Ill be eating cake."
The right mindset: "I know I have a wedding coming up, I need to make sure I eat before I go and avoid the cake table so I can stick to my diet."
You Werent Committed
Commitment issues arent just for relationships. Committing to a diet can be just as tough as finding a lover you can settle down with. Commitment means staying focused on what you want long-term and giving up what you want in the moment. Being committed to your diet means avoiding the doughnut shop on Friday mornings and hitting the gym instead. Just like you wouldnt cheat on your partner, you shouldnt cheat on your diet. If you cant commit to that idea, then you shouldnt start a diet until you can.
The wrong mindset: "One little cheat wont hurt."
The right mindset: "I know I want this treat now, but I want to fit into my size 7 jeans even more."
You Werent in it for the Long Game
Its so important to remember that dieting is not a permanent fix. If you go back to how you were eating before you started the diet, youll most likely gain the weight back. Remember that once you finish your diet program, youll still need to make healthy, balanced choices. While it may only take a month or two to reach your goal weight, its going to a much longer commitment to smart choices in order to maintain your weight loss.
The wrong mindset: "Once I finish this diet, Im going to eat a large pizza all by myself."
The right mindset: "Once I finish this diet, Im going to make sure I plan healthy meals so I dont go back to eating fast food every night."
Have you done any of these? Remember that you can lose weight. Dont sabotage your own success and always make sure youre mentally prepared before you start. Being involved 100% in your desire to get healthy is critical for success. When you prepare mentally, youll see success physically!
What I have really been pondering since Barry died is WHY and HOW.
I look at his pictures, and I cant fathom why and how. Why did he die? How did one person that loved life so much just die that quickly?
How does that happen? I just cant believe that he is gone. I know he is, but I cant believe it. Even looking at his pictures, he just has such a strong force about him that it doesnt make sense. One minute he was here and looking into my eyes, and then he was gone. His life extinguished like a flame just went out. Poof, hes gone.
I dont know that I will ever understand the how and why. I dont think it is even possible for me to really verbalize how I just dont get it. I dont understand!
He was such a wonderful man. He sacrificed everything for us. He loved us, provided for us, he was my life! So why did he get taken away when he was loved so much? I cant help but feel the tears roll down my cheeks as I write this. It figures, the ONE day I dont wear waterproof mascara, and I cry.
Is it ever going to be possible to know why and how? You never think something so tragic can happen to your family, but then it does and youre left dumbfounded. I wouldnt say I am in shock anymore, I know he isnt here anymore.
This morning my cell phone rang at 7:30 AM. I seriously ran to the phone, due to my typical response when he would call. But it was his ER doctor. Not Barry. At least I dont jump for text messages anymore in the morning. I havent really felt his presence lately, not for quite awhile. But I know hes still here because I now have interference on my phone that I never had before he died. Yeah, I know youre all laughing at me. Go ahead, laugh. I know what I know. The funny thing is, I was talking to someone last week on my old cordless, and it was really really fuzzy, and I could barely hear her. When she came over, she brought me a brand new cordless from Office Depot, as a gift. Well, guess what? There is fuzziness, really bad interference, on this phone too.
I talk to him often. I say I love him mostly, but I still talk. It helps sometimes just to say it.
On that note, Im off for now. Today I get to go to the hospital and drop off paperwork and pick up paperwork. I get to fax copies of the death certificate to 3 different places. And I was on the phone all morning again. I must have gotten like 5 phone calls and made the same myself.
Do you have a hard time being consistent? Have you ever wanted to try something completely new? Youre so pumped to do it, and you start off strong... and then...it never really takes off? Story of my life. Heres how these things usually happen: "Hey self?" "Yeah self?" "You would be an awesome painter." "Pffft. Yeah I would. I have the artistic vision of picaso." "And the social anxiety." "...and that. Lets try it!" "In order to do that we need to buy $100 worth of stuff!" "This is an investment in your creativity. You will use this stuff everyday." -One Month Later- "Hey look, remember that time I wanted to be a painter? Heres all that stuff I bought for it and never opened. I should use it someday." *proceeds to stuff painting supplies back under my bed*
Yeah, you know youve done it. And its not that you dont want to be a painter, its just that you arent really consistent with what it takes to do it.
That changes today! Say goodbye to fleeting hobbies and hello to consistency!
How To Stay Consistent
If theres something that you really want to try, but you dont want it to end up like one of your typical abandoned projects, then its time to learn how to be more consistent. Heres the facts: whatever youre trying to accomplish, whether its losing weight, learning a new hobby, or becoming a better person, its going to take work. So be sure that youre serious about whatever youre doing.
The first step to staying consistent with your goal, is knowing what youre in for. Do research to be sure you understand exactly what its going to take to see the process through start to finish. Next, create a plan. Pull out a calendar write down when you are going to start, and write down when you are going to finish. Then take note of any days that might interrupt what you are trying to do. Come up with a detailed plan and schedule to keep you on track and consistent with your goal.
Next, create a list that outlines every step of the process. Make this list something that you can cross items off of. It is a lot easier to be consistent when you know exactly what is supposed to come next in your process.
As you create your list of steps, incorporate incentives into your steps so once you hit a land mark (maybe you lost 20 pounds or played your first recital) you are rewarded with something that is completely awesome that you would normally have a hard time justifying.
Once youre ready to start, set reminders on your phone to help you stick to the schedule youve developed. If youre practicing an instrument, or trying to set time aside to work on your book, have a reminder go off when its time to get to work!
Finally, track your progress. Its so important to be able to see the progress youve made.
Its amazing what a little consistency can help you accomplish. So now that you now how to be more consistent, the real question is what are you going to do?
Spring is slowly but surely approaching, and as you make plans for spring cleaning you house, you might also want to consider spring cleaning your body. OK, that sounds weird... let me clarify: Ladies, its time for a detox! Dont believe me? Here are 5 signs that you need a detox.
1. Sleeping beauty has an easier time getting out of bed than you.
If you press the snooze button more than 3 times each morning, youre obviously more tired than you should be. Doing a detox can help you have more energy to get up and greet the day with enthusiasm. Since detoxing helps flush out harmful toxins and chemicals that make you feel tired & groggy, getting up in the morning will feel less like waking the dead, and more like a fresh start.
2. Things have been rumbling and tumbling down under. Theres is a reason this one is number two... ladies were going to talk for a second about number two. Bare with me. Youre not sure whats happening in your stomach, but everything is broken when it comes to bathroom time. Even when you feel like you need to, you just cant go. Once per day is the ideal frequency for number two, but if youre going a day or so with no movement, you need to detox. Sometimes when we arent getting enough fiber, our digestive system has a hard time moving things through. This happens when we eat too much junk foods that dont have much nutritional value. The great thing about detoxing is that you can get rid of some of the waste that is building up in your body. Getting rid of this waste will help ease a lot of the cramping that often accompanies constipation.
3. As bad as youve been breaking out, youd think that youve been washing your face in pizza grease.
When you eat junk, it affects your skin. It messes with your body chemistry and this can manifest in the form of breakouts. Me personally, I break out if I drink soda. My body doesnt react well with artificial sweeteners. Detoxing is great for your skin, a good detox will take your skin from dull and blemished to radiant and clear.
4. The button on your skinny jeans has more stress on it than an valedictorian during finals. Bloating is bad news. Water retention happens to everyone at some point or another. It can be caused by workout out and getting sore the next day, eating too much salt, and Aunt Flos monthly visit. Typically water retention sticks around for 3-4 days, but what most people dont know is that it doesnt need to be suffered through for so long. You can minimize water retention by regularly doing a detox. Most detoxes contain ingredients that help your body release excess water, such as lemon juice.
5. Youre thinking about checking yourself into rehab, because seriously.... Your eating habits lately, are an issue.
If you need to break an eating habit like snacking before bed, bored eating, or eating too much in single sitting, detoxing is one of the best ways to do it. It helps get rid of the chemicals in your body that are keeping you addicted to food. There are several detoxes out there that help curb your appetite, too.
Have you ever gone on Facebook and cleared off all the embarrassing pictures of you from your college days, then afterward felt like a new person? Doing a detox is kind of like that. Its like a total body reset. After you get rid of all of the toxins in your body, its easier to start fresh with healthier habits!
So what are your detox options?
Master Cleanse The Master Cleanse has been around since the 1940s. It gives your body enough nutrients to function, and you basically just drink the drink and eat nothing else. The drink combines organic lemons, organic Grade A maple syrup, organic cayenne and filtered water. These ingredients help flush your system out. It is typically a seven day cleanse. While I personally havent tried it, I know that Beyonce used it to slim down for Dream Girls. For me, the reason I didnt choose Master Cleanse for a detox is because I dont have time to mix up the stuff through out the day. Its not very convenient for me, but like I said, thats just my take.
Dr. Oz Detox Diet A couple weeks ago, my mom was looking in to doing the Dr. Oz Detox Diet. Its only a few days long which is a major plus. The program includes all of the recipes, and the smoothies look delicious. One draw back to this program is the cost. Because the ingredients on the Dr. Oz Detox Diet all have to be fresh and organic, its slightly pricey. Also you have to have access to a blender throughout the day or you have to prep all of your smoothies before hand and pack them with you throughout the day. If you have prep time, a blender, and a budget for organic fruits and veggies, it would be a great detox to try.
Lemonade Diet
Learn More About Lemonade Diet By Clicking on the Image!
The Lemonade diet is actually a supplement and not so much a diet, but aside from the name, this has been Lemonade Diet is more convenient than most other detoxes Ive researched, which is a huge plus because Im always running errands or rushing out the door. It contains the stuff that is in the Master Cleanse, but in powder form. The Lemonade is delicious and so I never feel like Im torturing or punishing myself by drinking a couple bottles of it each day. When I use Lemonade Diet, I notice that I dont feel hungry, I dont feel bloated after eating, and I have so much more energy than the days when I dont drink it. Out of the three, I would say that the Lemonade Diet is the most convenient and most cost effective. In fact, its less than a dollar per day to do it for a month! my detox of choice. It comes in a capsule or powder form. The powder mixes with water. You just add it to your daily regimen, you dont need to totally stop eating food, and you can actually use it daily, its not just a two day thing.
Which detoxes have you tried? Are you planning on doing one again?
I love chocolate. Its something I constantly crave! If I was granted one wish by the imaginary diet genie that lives in my head, it would be to take all the carbs and calories out of chocolate but leave the taste. And then all the women in the world would love me. :)
Too bad theres no real diet genie. And too bad chocolate still has calories and carbs.
We all know what too much chocolate does. For some women it goes to their hips, some to their butt, for me it goes straight to my belly. After losing 100 pounds, putting weight back on is the last thing I want to do. In order to maintain my weight loss I try to stick to a low-sugar diet.... that means my chocolate craving usually goes unfed.
And let me tell you, thats rough. When I started Phase 3 of the HCG Diet, I was almost immediately overcome by chocolate cravings. With all the freedom of more healthy food choices in Phase 3 came all the temptations of unhealthy choices. But instead of giving into my craving for an entire bag of Dove dark chocolate, I did a bit of research and found Lilys Dark Chocolate, a sugar-free chocolate bar.
The Healthier Chocolate Solution
Lilys Dark Chocolate is all-natural. There are no genetically modified ingredients and its sweetened with stevia. Thats right... chocolate sweetened with STEVIA! As if that wasnt awesome enough, they have 25% fewer calories than a regular chocolate bar.
Lilys Dark Chocolate comes in 4 flavors: Original, Coconut, Crispy Rice, and Almond.
I ordered one of each flavor and anxiously awaited their arrival. Each bar is about $4.50. I know this price seems steep, but its worth it because these are non-GMO, sweetened with stevia, and part of the proceeds go to charity. Lilys Sweets is dedicated to creating products that are good for your body and the earth!
These chocolate bars are only available in stores at select locations, but they are available online. I ordered mine online and as soon as the bars arrived, you better believe I didnt waste anytime trying them out.
Are They Good?
The bars are quite big and they were SO GOOD. All of the varieties had a rich flavor and tasted great. My favorite was the coconut bar! It has a softer texture in comparison to the other bars and its better than a Mounds bar!
I also really like that Lilys bars were easy on my stomach. A lot of sugar free chocolates contain malitol. Malitol is a sugar alcohol that cant be digested by the body and as a result it acts as a laxative Lilys bars dont contain any malitol and they had no negative effect on my digestive system.
One bar goes a long way, too! I would only eat a few squares at a time so they lasted me about 3 weeks. The chocolate is so rich that it satisfied my craving, and 6 little squares was under 100 calories
I had a couple of my office buddies who arent dieting try these and they even loved them. It definitely does not taste like diet chocolate. I highly recommend trying these out. Even if you arent on a diet. Overall, Lilys is a healthier choice. It tastes good and the company is one thats worth supporting.
Things Worth Noting
When I ate 6 pieces per day, I did not see any gains the next day while using these on Phase 3 of the HCG Diet.
These are not recommended for Phase 2.
Just like regular chocolate, you should still eat Lilys chocolate in moderation.
Get Your Chocolate Today You can order Lilys Dark Chocolate online if you click here:
You can also find where Lilys Chocolate is sold by using the location finder on Lilys website by clicking here: http://www.lilyssweets.com/store-locator/west
Have you tried Lilys chocolate? What did you think?
When I feel confident, theres nothing in the world that can stop me. Blind date? No problem. Presentation?
Done. Heres the thing though, I struggle with feeling confident. Ive tried a lot of different things to feel confident and if theres one thing Ive learned its that feeling confident is completely withing your control.
While a lot of the times we associate feeling confident with looking a certain way, confidence is a way of thinking. Confidence is believing in yourself, and when you believe in yourself (corny as it may sound) you are unstoppable.
So... how do you just start feeling confident? Well, the first step is to stop doing things that are killing your confidence, the next step is to bit by bit work your way up to doing things that will help you to start believing in yourself.
Here, let me walk you through it.
Counter Your Confidence Killers
Negative Self Talk - Positive Affirmations The biggest confidence killer, is negative self talk. Negative self talk is basically the act of putting yourself down. Negative self talk is a hard habit to break. Some people dont even realize they are doing it. For example saying things like, "My thighs are way too big for these shorts," or "Im so dumb sometimes." A lot of the times these things are said sarcastically, or in passing. However, even those sarcastic, little comments like that can do real damage to your confidence. When youre thinking or feeling something negative about yourself, save it. Instead of saying something negative. Think something positive. "Im going to rock my skinny jeans today," or "Im going to do so much better next time!" Start trying to think encouraging thoughts when you encounter situations that are less than ideal. Start rooting for yourself. Have an interview? "I have all the skills this position requires an if I do my best, things will be OK." Dont dwell on your insecurities, focus on your capabilities. Even if they are small. And start recognizing yourself for those things.
Readers who read this also read: A Note About Health From One Curvy Girl to Another
Negative Friends - Happy People Dont waste your time with people who dont help build you up. If you have a bitchy friend who is constantly making snide remarks regarding your clothes or your hair, its time to drop her and stick to the people who love you for you.
Tabloids & Ads - Body Positive Media If youre consumed by tabloids, looking for the latest trends to try and boost your confidence, you might be doing more harm than good. Constantly looking to the media to tell you whats popular, whos hot and what to buy arent going to help you love yourself more. Dont feel your mind with airbrushed photos and unrealistic body ideals. Stick to body positive media like this campaign from Panteine Pro V that tells women its OK to be strong and dominant.
Mirrors - Skip the Mirror Every day, I used to spend 20-30 minutes in the mirror trying on outfit after outfit. I didnt like the way one dress hugged this roll too tightly, or the way certain pants were too loose in the butt. It was a constant battle between me and my reflection. Then I moved. And when I moved, my full length mirror broke...And I didnt bother replacing it. I cant even begin to describe how free its been to know that I can put something on because Ive been wanting to wear it, and leave the house without reconsidering a million times. You can feel just as confident wearing something because you like the color and you want to wear it, as when you like the way something looks on you. :) Ditch the mirror for a day and pick out an outfit that makes you feel beautiful.
Comparisons - Self Reflection Comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare ourselves to others, we overlook our own unique talents, quirks, and blessings to lust after the life of another. What a waste. Youre an individual, so act like it. Stop comparing yourself to others in an effort to be something youre not. Instead, try reflecting who you are and who you want to be. Instead of losing weight to look like someone else, try starting a healthy habit thats important to you because you.
Unrealistic Expectations of Yourself - Positive Goals At the end of the day, you are human. You make mistakes. You cant expect yourself to be perfect. You can however, set realistic goals that are positive. How do you know if your goal is positive? If the thought of it makes you smile and gives you butterflies, thats a good start. If you propels you to be a nicer, happier person, thats also a good start. When you stumble, when you fail, recognize that its all part of the journey. Each day wake up and set a goal that you can accomplish that day. Maybe its exercising. Maybe its smiling at 10 strangers. Set positive goals for yourself. Even if they are small, achieving a goal you set is incredibly gratifying and its great boost for your confidence.
What are some things that make you feel confident?
The recent passing of Peaches Geldof has stirred up a lot of controversy about her diet and diet history. While her autopsy was inconclusive and the tox screen is being processed, many wonder if her eating habits played a role in her sudden death.
It saddens me to see a young mother die so soon. It saddens me even more to think that it may have been because of her desire to lose weight.
This thought has urged me to examine my current diet as well as offer some advice on what it looks like to over-diet.
Like many girls and women I know what it feels like to NEED to lose weight. I know how it feels to be desperately unhappy with your body. I also know what it feels like to lose weight, and I know how easily a healthy adjustment can turn into an unhealthy obsession.
So that raises the question, are your goals unrealistic? Are you going overboard with your diet?
Here are 6 signs that you are over-dieting and losing weight in an unhealthy way: 1. You arent eating any unprocessed solid foods for long periods of time. If you daily menu is made up of weight loss shakes and pills and not much else, you need to make some adjustments. But what about juicing? If you are going to do a juicing diet, make sure that you do your research and consult a physician before you start.
2. You get really light headed and sometimes even pass out. This is most likely do to not eating enough or not eating the right kinds of foods. If you are on a diet that doesnt allow you to eat protein then its time to check out another option.
3. You are overwhelmingly tired. This is also another sign that your body isnt getting the nutrients it needs. Your diet needs to include fruits, vegetables and proteins. The plain and simple fact is this: your body needs a certain amount of fuel to function. If you dont get that fuel, you might lose weight but your body will start shutting down.
4. You feel guilty when you eat healthy foods. You shouldnt feel guilty for eating more celery than what your diet plan allows. You shouldnt feel guilty when you eat a nice well rounded meal. If you notice this happening, it might be a sign that you are becoming obsessed with losing weight. Take a step back an re-examine your priorities.
5. You are going long periods of time on a restricted calorie diet without seeing any weight loss. Your body is most likely in starvation mode. It isnt getting enough calories and so it is storing what you eat to save for later because it doesnt know if youll be feeding it again.
6. You are skipping meals or throwing up to make up for things you dont think you should have eaten.
None of these things are healthy. In fact, if you feel or do any of these things long term, it can have serious effects on your body.
It is so easy to go from being healthy and losing weight to obsessing and causing more harm than good. So when it comes to the HCG Diet, there are certain measures you need to take to make sure youre going about things the healthy way. Here are some tips for making sure you stay healthy while on the HCG Diet:
1. Eat all of your servings of food, even if you arent hungry. Because of the appetite suppressants in the HCG Triumph formula, toward the end of your round on HCG you may not feel very hungry but it is essential to eat all of your food. Each serving is planned specifically to give your body nutrients that it needs.
2. If you feel light headed, eat an extra serving of protein. You body may need some additional protein temporarily, especially around your period.
3. If you start to feel sleepy on the HCG Diet, make sure you are taking your Vitamin B12 supplement as well as your multivitamin. Both are meant to give you energy and keep you feeling great while you lose weight.
4. If you feel hungry and need to eat some extra celery, that is OK. Really it is. While the HCG protocol is strict when it comes to servings of food, you know your body best. You never need to feel guilty about eating additional vegetables.
5. The HCG Diet is done is cycles. Your first round on the 500 calorie diet lasts between 10-40 days. Then you cycle off the 500 calories and in to maintenance. Maintenance should be 4-6 weeks long and ideally it is done for as many days as you were on the low calorie portion. The Maintenance Phase is critical to your overall health and it needs to be done EVERY TIME you do the HCG Diet. Dont skip it because you are 5 pounds away from your goal and just a few more days will get you there. Maintenance allows you body and your metabolism to adjust to your new weight and more calories.
6. If you have a cheat day, dont try to correct it by throwing up or skipping meals. Just move one. The next day will start fresh and you can do better. Throwing up and skipping meals is never a healthy option and there are always alternative ways to get back on track. Always strive to do better the next day, dont let the mistakes from today push you to do things that will harm your body.
When done the right way, the HCG Diet isnt over-dieting. It can be a great jump-start to help you lose weight. Just make sure that when you do it, you follow the protocol that was built for your body to stay healthy.
Ive always hated eating breakfast. This is mostly due to my distaste for nearly every breakfast food. I dont like bacon, sausage, french toast, crepes, and for the majority of my life I didnt like eggs or oatmeal either. Talk about picky, right?
As Ive been losing weight and trying to be healthier, I learned how critical it is to eat breakfast to get my metabolism going each morning. Being so prejudice against breakfast food makes this task kind of hard... So I decided to suck it up and try to eat oatmeal.
Oatmeal is low in calories, and high in fiber which means it keeps you full! What more could I want in a breakfast food? Oh yeah... for it to taste good. I set out on a quest to find some tasty oatmeal. Quaker makes the flavored oatmeal packs, but when I looked at the nutritional facts I realized that all of that flavoring makes the oatmeal much higher in carbs than it needs to be.
Using original oatmeal as a base, then dressing it up yourself using natural ingredients and sweeteners puts you in control of how many carbohydrates youre getting. It also opens up a world of options when it comes to adding in some protein to make it an even heartier meal!
I started experimenting... and out of that experimenting came this mock Reeses Cup Oatmeal. Oh. My. Gosh. Its freaking tasty, and it only takes about 5 minutes to make.
Prepare oatmeal as the package instructs. Add in protein powder, Trulicious Stevia, and peanut butter. Mix well and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes before eating to give the peanut butter a chance to melt. This recipe has 168 calories, 23 g carbs (thats nearly 10 g less than Quakers flavored instant oatmeal), and 8 g protein!
Life has this way of pulling you into chaos. When this happens, you hang on for dear life and pray you make it through.
Ive realized lately that I havent been very personal on here lately, mostly because Ive had some big things to handle recently and I tend to withdraw from friends, family, and readers when that happens.
Whenever I feel stressed, its usually because there is an imbalance in my life. My physical, mental, and emotional health are all very important to me. Usually when something goes amiss in one of those aspects, the other ones fall apart too. You cannot be healthy if any of those things are lacking. Its no surprise that as I started to get overwhelmed, I started to put on a few pounds here and there. Im not yet where I want to be because Ive been neglecting myself, and so I have made it a goal to refocus myself in every aspect of my life. So, just to catch everyone up... Heres what Im working on:
Physical
FitBit Fun! I got a fit bit a few weeks ago and its been so fun competing with my friends to get all my 10,000 steps in. :) I got the FitBit Zip on sale at Best Buy and its been an interesting challenge trying to move more on days when Im not scheduled to run! Each day I have the goal to hit 10,000 steps.
Speaking of Running... Last month I did phenomenal with my running. Each week I set up a schedule on Mondays and would make sure I stuck to that schedule. Three weeks ago, I finished a run and was having a really hard time breathing. A day later it was much worse and I went into see a doctor after having a really bad panic attack that led to a fit of coughing that I was not able to catch my breath from. I was having chest pain and felt terrible. Turned out I had a breathing virus causing inflammation in my lungs, and a fever of 103! I did a breathing treatment, was put on steroids and an inhaler, and told I needed to take a little break from running. That little break turned into about two weeks. The first week doctors orders, the second week being terrified that I wouldnt be able to finish a run without having an asthma attack. This week I am putting that fear aside and going for a good run tonight! :) My goal is to get my mileage up to 15 miles per week with my average mile time being 10:30. Im not a very fast runner, but I am enjoying celebrating the little victories of getting my mileage up and my pace down! Im also working toward increasing my long runs to 6.2 miles. Once I have my mileage up, Im going to work on my speed. Id like to be able to run a mile and a half in 11:56.
As far as my diet goes, I am trying to cut out all candy this week. I am also trying to stick to 1300 calories M-F, 1500 calories Sat & Sun.. My focus is on eating balanced meals. Low carb during the week, and still being mindful during the weekends, trying to only eat whole grains. Woohoo. Ive been trying to take my focus off the number on the scale and instead focus on how well Im sticking to the goals above. If I do all these things above, I know my weight will be fine.
Mental
I am trying to take control of my life by taking control of my thoughts. I realized that Ive lost sight of some of the things I really enjoy just because Ive been too unmotivated to put the effort into keeping up with them. One of my goals to improve my mental healthy is to things that I dont want to do if I know they will improve or contribute to my life. So that pile of laundry that is sitting in my room, Im going to fold it. And that blog Ive been wanting to start, Im going to start it. That phone call Ive been needing to make, Im going to make it. Those articles and documentaries Ive been meaning to read, Im going to read them. One of my greatest fears in life is becoming stagnant. I dont want to settle. I want to progress. Progressing means overcoming yourself mentally and learning to push through the lazy thoughts that are holding you back. And thats exactly what I plan to do.
Emotional
Emotionally, Ive been having a difficult time. Going through a breakup basically destroys your confidence, then add all the other pressures of life onto that, and it becomes really easy to feel negative. Emotionally, Im trying to come to terms with the fact that being alone doesnt mean you have to feel lonely. My happiness is not dependent upon another person. Ive made a goal to be productive with my alone time instead of trying to escape it by making plans, spending all night on social media. Im also working on serving others to feel more confident about myself. I know that I have a lot to offer this world, and that thought is empowering, but if I never take opportunities to help others, I dont feel like Im living up to my full potential.
Remember that no matter how hectic your life gets, you still are capable of rising above all of the things that try to hold you down. Your life is in your hands. Your happiness is solely dependent upon how you react to situations. Are you going to be a victim in the your own story? Or are you going to be a hero? Its your choice. Ive made mine.
Today is my third day of Phase 3 of the HCG Diet and everything is going well. Even though this is my fourth round and Ive managed to maintain my ending weight through all of the rounds, I still get really nervous for this phase. It can be scary going from 500 calories to 1000 overnight. Of course I hope that I dont gain weight, but part of me always finds it hard to believe that I wont. My biggest piece of advice for Phase 3 is this: you prepare as much as possible, then jump in.
Speaking of preparations....
Ive found some fun items Im using to help me stay focused on long term healthy habits. Other than the Phase 3 Menu I wrote last week, I have rounded up some things that are an essential part of my plan. These are 5 things I recommend you also look into purchasing before you start Phase 3.
Appetite Control Youve heard me talk about appetite control in this video. I used it on Phase 2 of the HCG Diet and saw come great results. Because it contains an appetite suppressant, its a great tool for Phase 3 of the diet as well. Some times transitioning to more food choices can be overwhelming. In order to keep your appetite in check and avoid eating too much to fast, I use Appetite Control caps. I take 2 per day, usually 2 in the morning, and they make a world of difference, especially the first week!
You can purchase appetite control here: http://www.hcgdiet.com/hcg-triumph-raspberry-ketones-appetite-control.html
Blender Bottle I am still using Triumph Slim as a meal replacement shake even though Im no longer in Phase 2. It is the most convenient, not to mention the tastiest, way for me to get dinner in on the nights that I have class. Blender bottles have a unique wire ball in them to ensure that your powder mixes into the water well. I am also excited to use this for other protein drinks Im looking into for when I start Crossfit this summer!
You can purchase blender bottles here: http://www.blenderbottle.com/category
Gym Membership Now, Im not saying you NEED a gym membership, but I am saying you NEED to exercise. For me, the gym environment is very motivating. I like the variety of machines, I like being able to go with friends, and I love being able to escape from the world for an hour and a half, five times a week. I am now a member of a gym for the first time in my life and Im loving it. I go to Planet Fitness and I get unlimited workouts, access to free personal trainers, unlimited tanning, unlimited red light therapy, and I can bring a guest... for only $20 a month. :) Each day in the gym is a unique challenge. Maybe the gym environment isnt for you, and thats OK. You will need to find another way to get up and get moving. Exercise will play a key role in maintaining your weight loss!
Find a Planet Fitness near you here: http://www.planetfitness.com/PlanetFitnessMap.aspx
Food Diary I cant stress the importance of keeping a food journal. In Phase 3 of the HCG Diet, there are some weird things that will trigger weight gain, and these things vary person to person. Keeping a food journal will give you insight into what those things are. Youll be able to track trends in habits, and see whether or not youre hitting your calorie goals for the day. I use My Fitness Pal to add up my calories, but ultimately I have found writing everything by hand works a lot better for me, especially if Im writing in a cute notebook.
When it comes to the notebook Im using, a woman I go to school with, named Emily, gave me a fantastic little notebook for me to food journal in. The best part, its adorable and she made it herself! Its is small enough to fit in my purse but big enough to write all my food down on one page. Having a cute notebook gives me something to look forward to writing in, and the bold design helps me remember to take it with me wherever I go.
Emily is just getting ready to launch her business and I appreciate her gift. Shes looking for support for her amazing products. You can learn more about Emilys business and notebooks here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emilydesigns/your-love-will-get-the-owl-collection-to-surtex-in
Personal Journal I mentioned last week that part of my weight loss journey includes an emotional aspect. Through out Phase 3, I will be documenting areas of my life that usually lead me to emotional eating. By writing these situations down, Im hoping to gain more control over some of my eating triggers. I found this big notebook that matches my room and it sits there waiting for me to jot down any thoughts. Writing has always been an amazing release for me. Notebooks are great secret keepers, they dont judge and they dont mock, and they are always there when I need them. If you currently arent keeping a personal journal, I highly recommend it. The one I purchased cost about $5 at Wal-Mart! The first night of Phase 3 I sat down and wrote a few pages. Instantly I felt more relaxed and in control of my life. I can already tell that keeping a personal journal will be a big part of my Phase 3 success.
What are some of the tools you use on Phase 3 to help you succeed?
8. Start dreaming & planning. If you arent where you want to be, change it. Simple as that. No one is going to change it for you, its up to you. Start dreaming again. Then start planning out way you can make that dream a reality. Sign up for a class at the local college, Read a book on investing. Whatever your dream is, start working toward it.
Ive tried some pretty odd things for the sake of trying them. Ive done the super glue black head removing mask (terrible freaking idea), Ive done It Works! Wraps, Ive tried dozens of creams, oils and balms, and Ive tried Cali Kickers, but trust me when I say that this is the weirdest thing I have ever done.
Earlier this week I talked about my roommate joining me on HCG. While I love all the support I receive from her, I realize that not everyone has this same advantage. In fact, Im guessing many of you are the only ones in your households following protocol. Maybe you dont have anyone in your area to turn to about HCG questions. Feeling alone on your journey can be incredibly discouraging.
"Hey self?"
The recent passing of Peaches Geldof has stirred up a lot of controversy about her diet and diet history. While her autopsy was inconclusive and the tox screen is being processed, many wonder if her eating habits played a role in her sudden death.
FitBit Fun! I got a fit bit a few weeks ago and its been so fun competing with my friends to get all my 10,000 steps in. :) I got the FitBit Zip on sale at Best Buy and its been an interesting challenge trying to move more on days when Im not scheduled to run! Each day I have the goal to hit 10,000 steps.
.jpg)
.jpg)
