Please Pass the Pop

I've never been a habitual soda popper, but I won't lie, sometimes you need something stronger than water or juice. I personally don't drink diet sodas because they contain Aspartame, so if I decide to pop a top please give me the real deal. :-) If you drink soda/pop/fizz (whatever you call it) enjoy it occasionally or in moderation. I use to work with this lady who drank cokes all day (no joke). When she walked in the door she had a 32oz cup of coke, when she went to lunch she refilled her cup, by the afternoon that cup was refilled again. Trust and believe, when she retired home in the evening that badboy was refilled a couple more times. One day I had to ask, "Do you drink anything other than Coke?! Do you EVER drink water?!" Her response, "Yes, I drink water when I brush my teeth." I was too thru! I know her urine had to be the same color of those cokes. SMH. Got to be more careful. Having said all that, I wanted to share this with you: (click photo to enlarge)
Via: Term Life Insurance

I Hate Beans

Growing up there was 1 food I hated, BEANS. It didn't matter if they were lima beans, kidney beans, navy beans, or black eyed peas, I didn't like them. I spent hours (seemed like) at the dinner table hoping my parents would have pity on me and allow me to discard them...They didn't! So I tried to hide them. I would put the beans in my napkin and throw it behind the heater (thinking they would magically disappear) or I would stuff the beans in my mouth (like a hamster), present my parents a clean plate and then run to the trash to spit them out. My parents apparently got hip to my game and made me stand in front of them to chew and swallow.  My solution? I drowned them in ketchup. LOL. Yes, I was a hot mess.

Over the years I've grown to APPRECIATE (not like) beans. Check out some of their benefits here.

How could I creatively add beans & avocado (not a fan) into my diet?  I could make a bean salad. Guess what? I LOVED IT!

Ingredients I used: Avocado, Cilantro, Fresh Garlic, Lime, Honey, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Mrs. Dash, Red Onions, Tomato, Fresh Corn and Black Beans. 

I put the black bean salad over ground turkey, added a few sun chips and a dollop of sour cream. It was the truth! Hmmm, I may even be able to come up with a creative way to add cottage cheese to my diet.  Nah, I'll pass :)

Smooches...

You Don't Need to Lose Weight

"You're fine just the way you are."  Aww, Thank You.
"You're not FAT, you have a shape." Haha. Really?! Pow, Pow, Pow

There are many reasons why people lose weight or want to lose weight.
I'm healthy, curvy, sexy and confident. So why did I decide to embark on this journey?

On Monday I'll post My Top 5 Reasons For Losing Weight.

Smooches...

Stylish Plus Size Swimwear

Why didn't anyone inform me it would be a part-time job finding stylish, trendy, sexy, plus size swimwear?! Yes, we carry extra cushion, but that doesn't mean we're uncomfortable in the skin we're in. GET IT TOGETHER SWIMWEAR DESIGNERS!  Thinking...What if I designed a swimwear line for plus size, curvy, bootylicious women? Hmmm....

After weeks of searching, I finally found something to fit my taste. :) Pictured below are some of my faves. Without hesitation I would definitely rock at least 5 of these. I've already started my Wish List. Whoot Whoot!

Monif C
http://www.monifc.com/plus-size-swimwear.html

ModCloth
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/swimwear#?price=54,234&sort=newest&page=1

Simply Be
http://www.simplybe.com/sport-+amp-swim/swimwear/icat/swimwear/

Smooches...

Food Journal

Last week my focus wasn't on making plates, but I was still able to capture a few photos for my food journal. 

Breakfast: Breakfast Tacos (2 eggs, scallions, asparagus, cheese and 1 slice of bacon), Strawberries & 1/2 Banana

Lunch: Lettuce Wraps (romaine lettuce w/ tuna), Mangos & Blueberries

Dinner: Turkey Meatloaf with a Cucumber, Green Apple and Tomato salad

Smooches...

Day 16

I started this journey 16 days ago and sadly I've already slipped off the healthy eating wagon (not totally though). The first 9 days were fantastic, but the last 6 have been difficult. My dad was rushed to the emergency room 8 days ago and has been in the hospital since.  He is my superman, so seeing him weak, in pain and suffering took its toll on me mentally and emotionally. Not being able to physically (exercise) release my anxiety I turned to food (sugar). At the moment my schedule is totally out of whack, but as of today, I'm back on track. EXHALE...

I love you daddy!

Smooches...

First Weigh-In 273lbs

Displayed below are my "BEFORE" photos taken yesterday. Is this really how I look (looking over my shoulder, looking down, looking to the side)? Slapped in the face by reality. So you're saying my mirror has been lying to me all these years?! SMH

It's truly an eye-opening and humbling experience to see myself as others do (physically that is). How am I perceived? How has carrying this added weight affected my health? Besides stretching my skin, what permanent damage have I already caused? Ughhh

Don't get it twisted, I love me some me, but I'll love the healthier sculpted me even more. 

Smooches...

Day 1

Of course, as expected, Day 1 of my journey was a success! 

Early Morning workout: 30 minutes of Slim in 6 with Debbie Siebers

Breakfast: Granny Apple, Mango and Tuna

Lunch: Garden Salad w/ tomato, red onion, broccoli, spinach, 

boiled egg, mango and grilled chicken

Homemade Vinaigrette

Dinner: Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon

Sauteed Spinach w/fresh garlic, onion, and bacon.

 

 

Smooches...