Eat What You Like....Hanging with Friends

I am still feeling good and on the workout wagon.  I had a great friend come into town and we had a wonderful weekend. We ain't and drank and lived it up all night.
I ate so much I normally wouldn't but its OK.

I don't feel guilty

I don't regret it

I do plan to do it again


Nkenge

Back In the Swing of Thing...

Ive took about 5weeks off from my daily gym routine.  It started out as laziness and ended up being mandatory. I had an operation that prevented me from going to the gym for 4weeks.  My rest period is over and its time to get back into my routine.

I have for the last 3 days been back to my normal two a day workout. I'm so happy to report.  I have dearly missed going to the gym.  I missed the feeling of accomplishment, seeing the regular instructors, and even the sweat.  It felt so good to let the toxins out my body through good old fashion sweat. 

I also weighted in on Sunday and my CURRENT WEIGHT IS: 250.1lbs...
I'm pretty happy that I didn't gain and I continued my slow but steady decline in my weight! Like the tortoise I guess slow and stead will win the weight loss race in the end.

Have a good Week and Enjoy your workout!

Nkenge

Hi Ho Hi Ho...It's off to work I go...

Well me and the 2700 other dwarfs that teach in the state of Texas are headed back to work for our 1st days of school. I have been busy this summer preparing. A lot of the time neglecting my workouts and diet due to late night prep work.

I won't say I am the perky super teacher but this year I plan to try to be.  I will be back on my routine and I am going to challenge my students to work for their best also.

Materials Used: Sheet protectors,fabric tape, cardboard, white paper

My husband has always supported my career and this year is no different. Since I had surgery he will be at the school helping me set up my room and decorate.  He also made my student white boards. He finished them in about an hour. THE MAN IS TALENTED!

Finished Product Student Whiteboards!



Thanks for Reading,

Nkenge

Shades of Blue

I'm not depressed but I have been hit by a case of the blues. I don't know what to do to bring it around.

What to do when you're feeling blue?

Work starts Monday and in my head its going to be great, I'm a little afraid in my heart I won't be able to make that greatness happen. :(

Might explain the blues

Nkenge

PS....
Still no workouts went to the store with my daughter my body is mad it me. Still on the mend

On the Mend

I had surgery this week so no working out. I did receive my Conscious Box and made a video before going into hospital. View Above.

Nkenge

July Nature Box .........post is picture heavy

YES, ITS TRUE I'M AN ADDICT.  No, I'm not addicted to anything bad just subscription boxes. I absolutely love getting packages in the mail. The latest is from NatureBox.

The cost is $19.95 Its really not that much trust me.  I got my 1st box on discount and you can get 25% off your 1st box with the code REFER25. The discount is worth trying it out for one month. 

Each month, your box will include 15 to 20 servings across 4 to 6 different NatureBox snacks. We take pride in picking the healthiest and most delicious snacks for you to enjoy.  You can trust that our products will be made from the most wholesome ingredients and will be minimally processed, if at all. Everything you eat from us will abide by our strict quality standards. ( taken from naturebox.com)

Here is what I got this (July) month which suggested you to Snack Freely!:

 inside the box

Zesta Fiesta Mix (Party Mix): My personal favorite so far

Sunny Trails: Fruit Trail Mix

Lemon Pucker Pistachios: My husbands favorite

Garden Tomato Crunchies: Almonds with a tomato flavor

Southern BBQ Sunflower Kernels: Just a hint of the BBQ Flavor but tasty

We have tasted most of the Box and I am already looking forward to next months selection. There will be  4-6 different items in each box and the will all have multiple servings to give you and your family ample chances to taste the product.   

Check out the website here www.naturebox.com and if you are interested use the code REFER25 

or if you get the box let me know what you think below.  

Nkenge

video from my YouTube Channel 

Tired or What else is new in your world?

I have been working non-stop since June. This doesn't seem unusual except for the fact I:m a school teacher who would generally have a few months to relax and detox from the school year.  This summer I've spent the last few weeks preparing for the upcoming year. So in total I've had just about 2weeks off.  I'm not complaining. I'm thankful for my job in a time when so many are unemployed.

I haven't been working out much but I have been trying to eat healthy so stay tuned. I have a few new recipes coming up and new workout I plan to try this week.

Nkenge

Klutch Club (Health and Wellness Box)

I join ANOTHER subscription box.  I know, I know, but I love getting stuff in the mail.  Anyway, its a way to try new health and wellness products coming out.  So its about $18 per month and they say you get about $50 worth of product.
Here's what I got (lots of pictures):

the box. its about shoe box size. 

this is all the product.


Contents:

Mighty Leaf

Three packs of Mighty Leaf, delicious handcrafted tea blends from around the world.

Molecule R

A natural emulsifier that allows liquids to transform into foam, making your sauces light, voluminous, and incredibly flavorful.

1st Step Pro-Wellness/ High Performance Fitness

A natural liquid Vitamin B-12 supplement helping to combat chronic fatigue, regulate metabolic pathways, and maintain the central nervous system.

Truvia® Natural Sweetener

Truvia® natural sweetener is the first natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant. Try it in coffee and tea, sprinkle it on fruit, yogurt and cereal and add it to anything that needs a little sweetness.

Nia

A movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. Nia has created a customized class for KLUTCHclub members and their guests this month, worth over $50!

Zoye

A healthy vegetable oil low in saturated fat, and rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3 and 6.

Mineral Hygenics

This makeup contains four ingredients and is 100% all natural, allowing your skin breathe in hot summer months. Included is a $15 gift certificate with no purchase restrictions!

Goulibeur

Gourmet shortbread cookies made with just four natural ingredients. This 100-year old recipe comes from France and can be the perfect, delicious finish to a summer party.

Cascal

At 60-80 calories per can, Cascal is a great substitute for sugary soda. This natural soft drink is crafted with natural juices and fermented for fuller flavor.

I'm pretty happy at this point with the box if you would like to check it out for yourself visit:

www.klutchclub.com

Pushing Back from the Table

Ive had a rough week.  Ive exercised most of the week but didn't eat as good as I should.  I'm literally jumped off the wagon.  Sunday is the start of a new week. Hopefully no stress will come to disrupt my plan.
Have a good week.

How do you deal with stress?

Nkenge

Little Black Bag..Small Rewards

I think that I have been making great progress with my works and decided to reward myself with a little treat.  No, don't worry it wasn't a sweet treat in the traditional sense.  I treated myself to a new bag and some accessories.
I joined the sight called Little Black Bag.

Basically its a subscription service were you pick 1 bag from a list of designer goodies. Then they give you two more items for your bag.  After you accept and open the bag all the fun happens. Other people with open bags will begin to trade with you or offer trades for the things you have. It happens immediately. So, don't worry if you don't like the other two items in your bag(I often get earrings but don't wear them) you can offer trades or accept trades with the other girls.  You get roughly a week to swap until your hearts content. Then the bag is shipped in a BIG black box.

So I have gotten 2bags and loved them. Right now I have an open bag containing 3items worth an estimated $133 but I'm paying the regular service fee of $55.  It includes

what i actually selected  1st

Traded for this. BEST TRADE EVER.
I also have a long picture frame that people are clamoring for but not offering anything trade worthy.

If you want to check it out here is my personal referal link:  http://lbb.ag/1bg0
or go to LittleBlackBag.Com <--------Click Here..




So how do you reward yourself for sticking to the plan?




Nkenge

Missed Workouts

I think Ive hit a wall. I didn't want to go to the gym today. I took a long nap after class today work up and went back to sleep. I'm not sure if I was a little sleep deprived or what.  I am rested and so glad my class is done tomorrow. I will get back in the gym next week.  I did buy Jackie Warner's book "This is Why You're Fat(and how to get thin)"  Will start reading it this weekend.

weight gain...

This week I checked my weight for a weight loss challenge I am in. I gained 3lbs. 3LBS..... I was pretty upset and took it hard. I worked out daily and ate on my program.
I am not upset anymore since leaving the gym.  It happens. I could try to explain it away but I'm not I will embrace the lbs and move on.

Next week, I plan to continue on my 2 a day workouts and continue eating right.

Monthly Weight In

So I'm a little off due to joining a weight loss challenge on YouTube.  I missed my June 10th weight in post.
As of Monday my current weight is 257lbs.  I was disappointed and excited about that number at the same time.  Its only 3lbs difference from last monthly weight in so I was disappointed.  Admittedly, I had slacked the last week of school and then while on vacation.  I was excited that I still managed to show some weight loss still. Even if I didn't I still had a great time at home and getting a break from my day to day isn't that what really matters in the end.

Nkenge

Classes, Classes, and More Classes!

This week I managed to make it to the gym so far 2x a day. I'm trying my best to keep up that pace for the next two weeks.  I have learned that I get better calorie burn from group classes. This is fine with me. You work those forgotten muscles and get pain(in a good way) in news spots.
I tried a new class tonight. Body Pump.  I have passed this class a few times on my way to kickboxing.


They always seem so serious. The class requires you to pull out lots of equipment see:

LOTS OF STUFF. 

 I was slightly overwhelmed when I came in. Luckily, folks at the Y are friendly and helped me get it straight. I will say I liked the class. Its a good strength workout.  Also, it got my heart pumping.  Its good for all fitness levels like it says.   I recommend switching up your routine every now and again. Had it not rained I would have been in my usual water exercise class. The rained forced me to try something new. I liked it and will be back again.  It felt good to hang in with people who have been doing the class. Slowly, very slowly I'm getting into better shape.

Nkenge

Summer Sizzling Weight Loss Challenge

I joined a 8week workout challenge on YouTube.  Hosted by DivaSlimsDown.  It is promising to be a great way to keep me motivated. I love competition.   The stories from the other ladies are get motivation. Its really therapeutic to be in a group where you can see that people really do understand you and are in the same place or were in the place as you.  (READ THESE ARE MY PEOPLE)

I will be uploaded a new video tonight and I checked my weight since I was traveling last week I didn't make it to the gym until this morning.

Nkenge

The link to DivaSlimsSown page

http://www.youtube.com/user/DivaSlimsDown?feature=g-all-c

The link to my entry video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep9ezTEra9A&feature=plcp

I hope you follow my progress and the progress of all the ladies.   

The RULES:

You MUST like these facebook pages:
1. http://www.facebook.com/CollageVideo
2. http://www.facebook.com/HolabirdSports

-You MUST be a subscriber
-You MUST be 18 or older to enter. Or have your parent or guardian consent
-You MUST be in the USA or Canada for video response entries. 
-To win the prizes you Must create a video response by June 10th.
-Create weekly video updates of how your weight loss journey is going. Updates are due on Mondays: June 11th, June 18th, June 25th, July 2nd, July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd and July 30th is your final update. It should include pounds and inches lost plus your final body shot. 
-Participate in the facebook weight loss challenge group

Traveling on Healthy

I am on the last day of a family trip. My niece graduated from High School and is heading to nursing school.  I knew traveling with my family would be hard on a diet but I didn't know it was be so difficult.  I didn't exercise. But I did dance like nobody was watching.  I didn't eat on program but I did feed my soul.  I didn't get much rest but my spirit was refreshed by my family and friends. I had a few good healthy cries at seeing my baby walk across the stage and metaphorically become and adult.  In short I had a great time.  I will be back to my routine on Tuesday. Oh, and all my family noticed my lifestyle changes and commented on me losing weight. It felt GREAT!
I learned this weekend to not be so rigid with my plan. To relax and be flexible with myself and my goals.
Congrats to All the 2012Grads I proud of you and those who supported you where ever you are.

Me the Hubby and Kids with  The Grad!!!

Nkenge

Love and Support

I am a big believer in pushing myself to be the best when I start something.  I giver 100% in every endeavor but  getting my body 5lbs healthier this last week has been a real challenge. I feel like I'm not even giving 10% let alone 100.  So after losing my mind over Memorial Weekend and eating totally for target. I came home to watch some of my favorite You Tubers and found an AWESOME sister who motivated me back into the exercise loop.  Her channel is called Concede Nothing. She was talking about getting back to the gym after missing a few days. (LIKE ME).  She led me to another channel and blog by http://divaslimsdown.blogspot.com  (same name on YouTuber). She went down from 341lbs a little at a time and lost approx. 160+lbs. Amazing!  

These two ladies really inspired me.  I was feeling like the giant pink elephant in the room for awhile. Going to classes where I'm the odd man out I really was letting negative thoughts creep in:  that nobody understood and I'm the ONLY one my size and everyone is zipping by  me. 

See this two ladies helped snap me back to reality. I'm not the 1st person to try and lose weight. I wont be the last. I just have to remain focused on my goals. 

One very silly goal I would love to share is that I want to wear knee boots next winter.  

I know silly right. I've never worn proper all leather zip up knee boots because my calf us so large and I want a pair this winter.  When I make it will be sure to take some pictures. 

Nkenge

Holiday Curse

I do know what you do for the holidays but the holidays for me and my family is generally about two things:
1-Being with my family and friends
2-EATING


After catching up with my family and friends we tuck into some of the best food you have ever seen or eaten.  Since I'm so far from my parents and siblings I spend most quick holidays (a day off work or two) with my 
in-laws.  I love my in-laws they are the best and they BOTH can cook.  My father in law makes these cheese biscuits that I can literally eat an entire pan of.  My mother in law can cook anything. They lady could turn leather into some crave worthy.  So its Memorial Weekend and I've already haven't step foot into the gym since Thursday.  I had fried chicken and fries on Friday after work, followed by salad on Saturday( a decent day), followed by meat lovers pizza on Sunday, God only knows what my mother in law has cooking up for Monday!!!!  


So here's the dilemma:

1. Do I get up Monday and make my swim class (YES, Okay, maybe).
2. Avoid everything with gravy, grease, and fatty meat on Monday (Not going to happen)
3. Make it to the gym for at least 1hr. to make it up for the totally AWESOME meal I plan to consume on Monday.(YES, Totally doable

How do you manage the holidays?

Ribs or Manna from Heaven?

Cheese Biscuits fit for Queens

End of the Year...Sort Of

I'm a teacher. I teach World Geography to 125 hyper active 14yr old high school students who's year is quickly coming to a close.
They are losing their minds and I am quickly losing mine.  Which has led to me wanting to eat, and eat, and eat.
I am in prime craving mode.
What do you do to fight the cravings?

There is No Crying in Aerobics

Tom Hanks said "There is not crying in baseball" in one of my favorite movies. A League of Their Own" I'm sure if my morning aerobics instructor had seen me shed tears after a class she would have said the same thing. "Nkenge, There is not crying in aerobics"

I take a aqua aerobics class 3 times a week. My instructor is a 5ft tall, 40-50ish, Asian lady named Mona.

I knees are going south due to my weight and I was told that this class would be a good workout without all the impact to my knees. My 1st thought was my hair. Girls of African decent and our hair do not mix well with water.  I wanted to go ahead and give it shot so I went to my 1st class. 

Mona, scanned me up and down with narrow eyes and said "what is your name" Worse mistake ever. For the next 50mins I heard my name repeatedly. Straighten your leg, more power, faster, more, less this way that way...

Needless to say I hung in there for that class and a month more.
One class at the end o the month really broke me down and hurt my spirit.
Moaning Mona made me feel like I was the most uncoordinated person in the world. I was so frustrated and couldn't do anything right.

That day I took my shower after class and let a few tears fall for the last time. I told myself I would never let anyone make me eel bad about myself again. I was doing what I thought was correct and pushing to my personal limit. There's really nothing else any of us can do. I've keep up my classes and have found some really fun ones to replace that morning class. I will go back eventually. But when I do I will be quicker to speak my peace and get the little lady off my back.

Nkenge

The Clock is my Enemy

I think it is a C.O.N. spiracy.  My husband,the kids, even my clock is against me.
I set my clock for 430 so I could make my 530 water exercise class. For some odd reason my trusty clock that rings daily didn't go off. So I slept until 7 which in a way I really needed.

Oh well, I will be back at it on after work. KICKBOXING CLASS. At least Charles never made me cry and I'm up to one 8 pretty solid push ups.

Set Back is a Set Up for ......Better Days

This weekend I went slightly left on my meal plan. It wasn't a complete failure. I managed to avoid a simply divine smelling cake. I'm pretty sure the sweet baby Jesus kissed the sugar in that cake. I didn't even have to fight myself over the cake I just passed.
But I did eat Chick fil A. I know its not HORRIBLE it was just not on program.  I also had pizza on Saturday night, mostly due to the fact I couldn't access my kitchen.
I still managed to get up and work out so I guess it will balance out. Nothing lost nothing GAINED.

Oh I'm going back to swim class. I have to tell you the story of the little Asian lady that made me cry and quit my morning aerobic class for 2weeks.

Nkenge

Up and At 'Em

I really don't like this phrase. Up and at who? Who are a hoping out of bed to attack. This morning "them" could have stormed my house and it wouldn't have been able to get me out of bed. I still in the midst of a spring/summer head cold and simply wasn't feeling it today.  I did manage to drag in to work but forgot my carefully calorie counted lunch! So I opted to run to Chipotle to get a salad with grilled chicken. It was surprisingly light and fresh. No pictures since I gobbled it up almost immediately.

The lesson Ive learned is that I save so much time and energy pack everything the night before. I have to stick to that and keep control over what I pop in my mouth.

Spin Class

I'm still not feeling 100% but I plan to go to spin class today (beginners class). I will update this late...

Pray for Me!

********UPDATE*******

I made it through my 1st 30min. spin class. It wasn't that bad BUTT. The Butt is still in pain 3hrs later. Those seats are criminal. I would have don't much better with out the seats and the literal pain in my behind. 

I plan to take the class again this week. 

Adventures in Exercisng 1.0

Last night I went to my gym to take a cardio class. Nothing big or so I thought.  The class was called Night Club Cardio. Its described as a fun class using current music and dance moves to burn the calories.

The class was full, the music was good, the only problem I discovered is that I CANNOT DANCE.
I had no idea who bad I was until confronted with a wall to wall mirror that didn't try to spare my feelings.  I should be put in jail for murder on the dance floor. I was killing those moves(not in a good way).
The worse part of the whole thing was that my calorie counter had the nerve to say I only burned 300 calories in a 45min class from hell.

I wanted to leave after the 2nd song but waited until the cool down to bolt out the door embarrassed, dazed and confused.

Needless to say I wont be back anytime soon, if ever.

Nkenge

Weigh In

I finally am back to 90% and decided to go to kickboxing. I struggled after only a week out sick.
I survived out o breath but I survived. I was delirious by the end but it felt good to be back at it.

I has been a month and before stumbling out of the gym I hopped on the scale to see my 1month progress.

DRUM ROLL  PLEASE>>>>>>>>>>>>>

261.6 .....Two Sixty FREAKING One....


Me and the sweet baby Jesus did the happy dance. Right in the middle of the locker room.

It feels like a major milestone in my head. I'm down 10 lbs

Feels so good to say I lost 10 pounds and I never want to find them jokers again.

Nkenge

CREAM OF RICE

Ive adopted a nutritionist advised meal plan.  Its a shock to the system to put it mildly.

I planned to start the meal plan today which gave me a pass to eat what I pleased for Mother's Day. I still ate pretty healthy although I wanted the killer buffet at Pappadeaux's the line was way to long so I had a reasonable meal that consisted of a turkey sandwich and baked chips (DON'T ASK).

The only part of the meal plan I was not so happy about was the CREAM OF RICE! No, I didn't mean Cream of Wheat. I meant CREAM OF RICE! Who has ever heard of that? I thought I was reading the paper wrong. I was told it wad easy to find. but its not. So with visions of 2nd grade rice pudding in my head we went shopping. 2hours into the shopping experience and 2melt downs later( 1-mine  and 1-from the kids) Still no Cream of Rice.  I settled on the other breakfast option of good old Bran Flakes.

The one think I could not find after extensive Google searches and checking with four stores  I gave up.

(i know it exist)

Needless to say its mid-morning and I am still alive. I stomach hasn't eaten a whole in my back hunting for food. We will see how I feel after Kickboxing tonight...

Sick in Bed

With Mother's Day fast approaching I was hoping to have a peaceful well deserved break. Too bad I'm on Mom duty overtime. My entire house has a stomach virus and we are all down and out. Hopefully, I will feel better at some point this weekend s I can weigh in .

The Journey Begins...

         Growing up I was an active kid. I didn't start out chunky,plumb,thick,etc. I play sports, played outside, and wasn't allowed to consume heaping portions of junk! Somewhere along the way I left home moved to Houston and gains ANOTHER PERSON ON MY BACKSIDE.
         

         Now, I'm in for a fight to get my life and health back. 

On my oldest daughters 4th Birthday I weighted 271 lbs. I know right, I almost passed out when I saw that myself.  That number coupled what was becoming chronic pain in my knee, back, and feet prompted me to reevaluate some things like:


1. I am not thick,plumb,chunky. I'm obese and it is not OK.


2. I can conquer it(my weight)


3. My eating habits aren't the best (NOT THE WORST BUT NOT THE BEST)


4. My inactivity is going to kill me.

After the party for my daughter I we and enrolled in a gym to check #4 off that list. Since that day (April10,2012) I've been in the gym at least 5x's a week.

I started tracking every bite I consume and am actually reading all my food labels. Once check for #3. Its still on the list I've got a lot more work to do yet. I use http://www.everydayhealth.com/  and the phone app to keep track but there are plenty of other online food tracker type programs that are FREE!!

I plan to check my weight on the 10th of each month and get down at least 3dress sizes before my daughter turns 5 next April 10th.

This 1st month has been tough but I've learned a lot in such a short time and have already met some great people. I plan to share most if not all of my journey here in my online thoughts journal. Please stop by and read often.

This is the 1st steps to getting Healthy Back...


Nkenge