Progress Day 60

Here's a look at my progress from Day 1 til now (Day 60).  For my Day 30 progress please refer to blog post "Weightloss Month 1"... #FIT

Before- Jan 29

240 lbs

Size 16

42” waist (around belly button) 

45” hips

27” thighs

15” upper arms

40” under bust                     

Day 60- March 29

220 lbs

36” waist

43.5” hips

26” thighs

14.5” upper arms

35.5” under bust

Didn't make my Day 60 goal (shouldn't have eaten that Chipotle yesterday lol) but all is well let's see if I can be down that -25lbs by hmmm.... Day 70.

Breakfast of Champions

On the days I don't have to be to work til late, I treat my self by taking time to make a wonderful breakfast.  On early days I usually eat cream of wheat and some type of protein, either my veggie bacon strips or veggie sausage patties.  Today I decided to make an omelet (2 eggs, almond milk, spring onions, mushrooms, green bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese.. only because I still had some left from that frittata and it must be eaten hehehe) Served with a side of fresh avocado and strawberries. #FOODIE              

  

Yes my omelet's a little brown... it's cajun lol

Molto bene

pssst.. it means very good in Italian

No my friend that's not pasta under a mushroom marinara sauce, it's zucchini!!  In the mood for pasta, but watching the carbs?  Use vegetables instead.  With my handy dandy spiral cutter recently gifted to me by the grocery store, Safeway (yes I said gifted, they were giving away kitchen tools a couple weeks ago... all about being in the right place at the right time), I was able to give a "noodle" affect to the zucchini.  I cut four zucchini an sauteed in a skillet with various spices to include garlic powder, Mrs Dash, parsley, pepper, and a little salt.  Simmer pasta sauce in a separate pot until heated.  I used a mushroom based marinara sauce and added in extra garlic powder and oregano. #FOODIE

See process here...

Outcome here...

Somehow the zucchini actually tasted like pasta

Goal Digger

Everybody has to have goals right?  Well today I wrote down some concerning this weight loss journey.  When I first started out, my goal was to lose 70lbs bringing me down to 170lbs.  Why that number?... It sounded nice? lol.  Well actually according to BMI (body mass index) measurements that weight would bring me right at the top of the "normal weight" range for someone of my height.  Although, the more I learn and see more inspirational people of this fitness life (on Instagram, p.s. if you have an IG and want weightloss transformation inspiration follow @weightlossbeforeafterpictures, @a_naked_person_just <<< this lil 16 y/o girl is a beast!)  I learn there is no such thing as "normal".  Plus in just a little under 2 months I've almost worked my way out of the obese range... just plain overweight here I come! lol. There are many people that weigh more than they appear, because of their muscle mass.  These people are not thin or skinny, they're lean and toned... that's what I want to be!!  Below you'll find some goals I jotted down earlier today. 

I decided that instead of 70 lbs, I would like to lose 50lbs.  Then if I want to lose more, I will! Otherwise I'll be chillin in the cut... maintaining of course!  My timeframe for my 50lbs? I'm pushing for 120 days (4 months) from my starting point (01.29.14).  That being said, I've given myself a midway goal of 25lbs loss in 60 Days.  Day 60 is quickly approaching (this Saturday 03.29.14), but I'm already down 22lbs, so I figure I've got 5 days I can do it!!!!  My in between (90 Day) goal is to be under the 200lb mark, no specific weight just under 200lbs... so yes 199.9 counts lol.  My last goal (for now) is for clothing size, right now I'll say hmmmm.... a 9/10... "she had 9/10 pants and a very big bra" (remember those lyrics from Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" HA!).  A little over a week ago I was window shopping, once again.  While trying on clothes at JCPenney I did fit these size 12 shorts, although I do think they were probably cut big, because I tried on some 12s at H&M and them pants was like nah bruh, but I did fit in the size 13/14 pants at Penney's and Old Navy (FYI: I was a 16 before).  So I figured 9/10 is an attainable goal for two months from now.  We shall see...

**DISCLAIMER: don't get caught up too much in numbers, this is just a way of motivating/challenging myself and making it fun.  Don't ever get discouraged or down about not meeting certain goals.  Remember? marathon, not sprint.**

After all, look at my girl Anowa Adjah.  She's 213 lbs, wears a size 10/12 and looks like this....

Let's take a long walk

... around the park, after dark.  Find a spot for us to spark conversation, verbal elation, stimulation.  Share our situation, temptation, education, relaxation, elevation or maybe baby, maybe we could save the nation... C'mon.  -Lyric's from the lovely Jill Scott's- "A Long Walk"

So since it's spring *crosses fingers, while on knees praying against anymore snow* I am going to start incorporating more walking into my workout regimen.  Today was a perfect spring day so when I got off work this evening I decided to take a stroll around the good ol neighborhood.  Below is a short doc of my adventure. #FIT

.... yes I'm special.... I know

Frittata for ya mama

You know those recipes they put on the back of food products, yea those are actually useful and quite tasty.  If you couldn't tell by now I like Morning Star brand products, my favorite being the "bacon strips", they're so good!  I found this recipe for Veggie Medley Frittata on the back of the bacon box.  Now I have no idea what a frittata is or does, but the outcome reminded me of a quiche without the crust.  Recipe below.  #FOODIE

The process and outcome with a side of collard greens.

Recipe

Messy Johanna

Messy Johanna is my random alter ego name for Sloppy Joe.  Yaaas I said sloppy joe.  Morning Star brand crumbles are a perfect substitute for all recipes requiring ground beef/turkey.  Brown crumbles in skillet until heated thoroughly (I added in garlic and pepper).  Stir in Manwich sauce (even though it's vegan, we still want it to be the real deal!)  I put my messy johanna on top of a multi-grain sandwich thin, opting out of the usual enriched floury hamburger bun, (had to keep it somewhat healthy lol). #FOODIE

My Messy Johanna with a side of spinach.

Heart of a Finisher

As I heard the message in church yesterday, "If you can believe, all things are possible".

What does it take to be a finisher?
-Decision
-Vision
-Working plan to fulfill the vision
-Keep moving toward the GOAL

This thing we call life is not a sprint, it's a marathon.  Run your own race, we may all be on the same track, but we're in different lanes.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Mark 9:23

James 1:6-8

Always look forward.
To-date thinking vs. to-go thinking

As it applies to our spirits so does it in our natural life goals.  I've lost 20 lbs and nearing 2 sizes in the last 45 days, but my goal is greater.  So I cannot settle and be content with what I've done "to date".  Yes I'm happy, thankful, and proud, but I must keep looking "to go" forward even pass what I may see for my own self. #FREE

This video was shown along with yesterday's lesson, may it encourage you to stay in your race:

Don't look at what you have done, but what you have left to do.

Cali Cakes

Veggie patties, fritters, what have you.  They remind me of salmon cakes so I'm going with that.  Inside the cakes you ask? A California medley blend (also known as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots). Take steamed California medley mix (tip: use microwave steamable bags).  Now blend in blender/food processor with milk (I used almond milk).  Put in bowl and mix with seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, parsley), two eggs, and bread crumbs.  I actually had no bread crumbs, I was doing this on a whim and wound up using two packs of cream of wheat instead (for sticking power).  Form with hands into little patties and fry in skillet in about a half inch of oil (I used canola).  Allow to brown on each side, it's that easy.  I then baked mine in oven on 375 for about 10/15 mins to "dry out" or make even more crispier.  Douse with sauce of your choice or eat plain, but I think I'm gonna go with my good ol trusty hot sauce.  I also topped mine with paprika... it makes every food look better lol #FOODIE

Eating good in the neighborhood

*****UPDATE*****

I went to Chevy's Fresh Mex restaurant for the first time today and had the most BOMB meal:

Farmers’ Market Enchiladas

Artichoke hearts and mushrooms sautéed with sun‑dried tomatoes, roasted poblano peppers, melted jack cheese and smothered in our habanero‑pesto cream sauce. Served with Mexican rice and veggies. (This is not my photo and I had mine with rice and black beans.  Although, If I was offered the veggies I surely would have gotten them)

And no I'm not talking about Applebees, although Applebees could be included in this conversation.  I'm talking about being a veggie while dining out, after all it is the weekend.  "It's Friday night and the weekend's here, I need to unwind where's the partaaayy?"... y'all remember Zhane (pronounced Jah-Nay)?  No? okaay moving on.  Sometimes it can be hard to find good, effort put into (i know it has to be a better way to say that) food.  A lot of areas don't have vegan/vegetarian restaurants... wouldn't that be great thoooo? and a lot of times you get stuck settling for salad.  Don't get me wrong I love salad, but I eat it on the regular.  Sometimes you just want something different.  Tips for veggies when eating out:  If you know where you are going, research the menu before hand, see if special requests can be made.  Certain types of restaurants are just bound to have more veggie options, ie Chinese, Japanese (hence my love for Asian food), Indian as well.  And when all else fails... GOOGLE.  Go to google and search for veg restaurants in your area.  Yelp is also a good source plus you'll get to read reviews and a lot of times see photos of what the food REALLY looks like (not those fake/jujed up photos they use for ads and menus). #FOODIE

Meal from my faaaaavorite Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge.  A vegan restaurant, which I found out about on Yelp.com, located in Capitol Heights, MD.  I wish they were closer, but every once in a while I make the 30 min commute.

Soy orange "chicken" and rice, mac'n "cheese", and collard greens.
They also have bomb fried "fish", fried "chicken", macaroni salad,
curried vegetable salad, and so much more.  Oh and bomb smoothies too!!
www.everlastinglife.net

I know it's blurry, but this was a BOMB flatbread from The Cheesecake Factory... pear, pecan, blue cheese, and arugula!

Cosby taught me

Donning my Cosby sweater today.  KISS (keep it simple stupid... Errr I mean sweetie). #FRESH

First pic I look like I'm saying "pudding pops" lol.  Cosby/Grandpa sweater- thrifted, navy
pants- Gallo,  wine combat boots- Shoe Show, denim jacket- Old Navy 

Suited and booted

Nothing fancy today, sometimes I dress semi-professionally for work... sometimes.  All neutral colors; who needs bright clothes when you've got bright hair ;).

grey blazer with black piping: K&G Fashion, white blouse: Old Navy, collar necklace:
Ashley Stewart, navy skinny pants (I know they look black in photo): South Pole brand
from Gallo (yall remember South Pole from middle/high school days? who knew they were still
producing clothes lol), motorcycle boots: gifted

Because I'm happyyyyy

It just seems like Sunday is always the most beautiful day of the week, whether rain or shine.  Today was no exception.  We may have loss an hour, but God woke me up this morning so I have no choice but to make it a great day!  I got up, worked out, then made my way to church.  This is what I wore, Pharrell's "Happy" was playing in the background hence the dancing poses. #FRESH

Black blazer: Ross, leopard print infinity scarf: Ross, white v-neck shirt: The Limited, jeans: American Eagle, leopard print smoking slippers: Shoe Show

Spring... Is that you?

Today was simply beautiful, could spring actually be sliding through to knock winter off her hefty throne?  I hope so!  I was inside all day, because I had to work.  Although I took every excuse to go outside, "ooh I need soy sauce for my lunch, I'll go run to the car" (I know I'm not the only one who keeps condiment packets stashed in the glove box), "oh you didn't check the mailbox yet, I'll go!".  I'm not one of those people who breaks out the shorts and tshirt at a glimpse of warm weather so this is what I wore. #FRESH

black v-neck: H&M, teal cardigan: Rainbow, knot chain: Torrid, turquoise
cocktail ring: Charming Charlie, tribal print joggers: Rainbow,
black combat boots: Shoe Show

Keep In

Who needs take out when you can keep in?  I looooove all food Asian.  From fried rice to sushi, spring rolls to egg drop soup.  I like going to the local carry out, but sometimes I prefer to make my own "carry out", let's rename it "keep in".  When you make your own carry out you can control what goes in it (i.e. grease, sodium) and you can make more of it off of less money.  You can really make a meal for 6+ off of what you would pay for 1, maybe 2 orders.  DISCLAIMER: this particular meal is in no way, shape, or form low carb. #FOODIE

Egg roll, fried rice, and teriyaki broccoli 

You'll need a bag of rice, 2 bags of frozen broccoli, 1 bag of frozen peas and carrots, a package of egg roll wrappers, about 10 spring onions stalks, a head of cabbage, 5 eggs, teriyaki sauce, and soy sauce.  Prepare rice as usual by boiling water, stirring in rice and allowing to simmer down until rice is tender. (Add butter and salt to water if desired). Finely slice down cabbage, 5 spring onions, and mix in half of the cooked peas and carrots (I buy the microwaveable steamable bags, shortcut!), sautée these vegetables in skillet with garlic, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.  Once tender remove from heat and stir in one raw egg (helps cabbage mixture stick together).  Start heating up a LOT of vegetable oil in a pot (enough to deep fry those egg rolls).  Start preparing egg rolls by spooning out cabbage mixture onto wrapper fold left and right sides end as to "close" wrapper then roll up.  Use a finger's splash of water to seal tight.  Once oil is hot (tip: you can always test if your oil is hot enough by flicking a SMALL amount of water in it, if it sizzles or does a little pop then the oil is ready) dunk egg rolls in.  Allow a couple minutes  and remove once golden brown.  Now back to the rice, heat a few tablespoons of oil in skillet, then scramble your other 4 eggs, other 5 spring onions, and other half of your peas and carrots.  Add in rice and proceed to fry down all ingredients, adding in garlic, little salt, pepper, and soy sauce.  Fry time depends if you like your rice soft or a little on the crunchy side.  Now here's the easiest part, the teriyaki broccoli.  If you buy the microwaveable bag broccoli like me, pop them in the microwave according to instructed time.  Once cooked dump in bowl with butter, little salt, pepper, garlic and teriyaki sauce.  Mix well and take through microwave for another minute or so.  Voila! You're done.

Chillin out maxin, relaxin all cool

I am a 90's baby to the death.  I love all things 90s from the music to the pop culture, fashion and tv.  Today's OOTD is inspired from one of my favorite 90's sitcoms, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Throwing it back with the neon, wild print snapback, Nike windbreaker with neon accents, faded black jeans, and Nike high tops. #FRESH

Hat: Forever 21, Nike windbreaker: Ross, jeans: American Eagle, army green Nike high tops: Ross

Pinterest please

I love Pinterest!  It's a hub of all things cool and interesting (hence the name P-interest).  The P part comes from "pin", a user can "pin" all these cool and interesting things to "boards"; "pin" + "interest"= Pinterest, get it?  I personally use Pinterest to get ideas in fashion, design, art, hair and food!  It's a great place for recipe ideas, especially vegetarian inspiration.  Here's a recipe I pulled from Pinterest, adding in my own little twist. #FOODIE

The original recipe for Hummus Melts, found here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/563935184561095513/, calls for whole wheat English muffins topped with hummus, sauteed spinach and mozzarella cheese.

Here's my low-carb remixed version.  I switched out the English muffins for Portabello mushroom caps and also included tomatoes for some extra flavor.

Lunch Bunch

Why would you continue to spend your hard earned money buying lunch everyday when you could save money and still eat good.  Not only does packing your own lunch save money, but it also discourages you from consuming unhealthy fast food.  Of course there are some fast food/take out spots where you can get a healthy meal i.e. Subway, Panera Bread, but you can create that same healthy meal at home! #FOODIE

One of my go to lunches: Curry Lentil soup (simply simmer Progresso's
Vegetable Lentil soup with your own curry seasoning), spinach salad
with fresh mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and red onions; and my
favorite snack of all time, a Granny Smith apple with peanut butter.

My crown too heavy like the Queen Nefertiti

*lyrics from Janelle Monae's single, "Q.U.E.E.N." featuring Erykah Badu*

Often as women we have to be everything, mother, lover, employee, friend, daughter, sister... father.  However never be too busy being so many different things to so many different people that you lose sight of yourself, who you are, and the gifts and goals that God stirred up in you. #FREE

Ladies out of all the different hats you may wear, don't forget your queen's crown.

Let the juices flow

So yesterday while in the midst of yet another snow day, I decided to let my creative juices flow (it had been a while since I poured).  And this is what came out. #FRESH

All white flats remixed by yours truly.  Splatters, swirls, and
peacock feathers done with acrylic paint.  Allowing to dry
then a transparent waterproof finish will be applied.

Winter Blues

This has got to be THEE cruelest winter I've ever experienced.  These freezing temps and polar vortex storms (SN: I swear I've never even heard of this term "polar vortex" until this year, much less know what it means other than a fancy way for meteorologists to say, "it's gonna be cold yall"... I digress) have got my heart aching for the warm sunny days of summer, riding with the windows down, blasting some throwback jam through the radio, and of course it can't be summer without those summer cookouts (or BBQs, picnics... what have you).  The veg life doesn't mean you have to pass by the grill (see photo below). #FOODIE

None of the above food was prepared by me, but instead
by mi lovely madre.

Nope your eyes do not deceive you.  That is a burger on my plate, but not what you may think.  Not beef, turkey, or even a veggie burger, but a mushroom burger.  Under that sesame seed bun is a portobello mushroom cap.  The great thing about portobello mushrooms is that they are huge (perfect patty size), they're sturdy (perfect for grilling), and juicy just like a real meat burger!  Of course next to the "burger" you've got your usual cookout staples: baked beans, potato salad, and devil eggs (anyone know why they're called devil eggs?)  Now back to the grill.  Try these kabobs, which include more mushrooms (my fav), zucchini, onion, bell pepper, and pineapples.  Asparagus is also a great grilling vegetable, that's the best way to prepare it in my opinion.  And of course, last but not least, you can never go wrong with a simple garden salad.  Enjoy and let's pray these winter days are finally over.

Rasp... beeeeerryyyy.... Rasp... berry

So some of you all might have heard or Raspberry Ketone, for those who haven't, raspberry ketone is a chemical from red raspberries (Rubus idaeus).  It is most commonly used for weight loss and obesity.  It is also used to increase lean body mass.*  Now I'm no doctor and I cannot prove that this supplement causes weight loss.  I basically started taking it around the same time I began working out.  However I do believe that these supplements can aid in appetite suppression, I've been eating smaller portions and it takes less food for me to get full.  Yes, this could all be in my head, but hey I'll rock with it!!  Weight loss ultimately comes from diet and exercise, but check out these folks on Doctor OZ who like me believe that these raspberry ketone supplements did at least AID in their weight loss. #FIT

*Disclaimer: Raspberry ketone is a chemical from red raspberries that is thought to help for weight loss. Some research in animals or in test tubes shows that it might increase some measures of metabolism. It might also affect a hormone in the body called adiponectin. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is no reliable scientific evidence that it improves weight loss when taken by people.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1262-RASPBERRY%20KETONE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1262&activeIngredientName=RASPBERRY%20KETONE

I buy the Pure Health brand of Raspberry Ketone.
800 mg per serving and can be found at your
local Walmart for about $10.

I get it from my mama

Becoming a vegetarian shouldn't mean you have to miss out on all those dishes you used to love before.  The other day I decided to take a meal my mom used to make a lot when I was coming up and put the veg life twist on it.  I still have no idea if there's a name for the dish or if anyone else makes it other than my mom.  I'm not even sure what type of food (i.e. chinese, mexican, soul food) it would be considered.  For now we'll call it Hawaiian seeing as the original recipe includes sausage, pineapples, and barbecue sauce.  Here's a pic of my version. #FOODIE

Hawaiian Goolash

This recipe is SUPER easy to remix.  The original calls for onions, bell peppers, pineapples, barbecue sauce, and kilbosa sausage.. that's it!!.  So instead of the kilbosa I used Morning Star brand veggie dogs.  Slice about 3 or 4 dogs into 1/2 inch chunks, fry in a skillet with olive oil.  Sautee julienne bell peppers and onions in OO as well and season to taste (garlic, salt, pepper, Ms Dash, parsley).  Combine dogs, onions, bell peppers, and DRAINED canned pineapple chunks (fresh pineapple would be even better) together in skillet, then drizzle with barbecue sauce (I recommend Sweet Baby Ray's).  Simmer for about 10-15 mins to marinate and allow for blendation of ingredients... yes blendation. ENJOY!

Mexican Anyone?

As you all know I love food, and when you love food you best know your way around the kitchen!  Here are a couple of vegetarian recipes I've created, feel free to introduce these into your meal planning to spice things up a little bit. #FOODIE

top left: mild corn salsa, top right: cilantro rice,
bottom left: fajita veggies (onions & peppers)
bottom right: the finished product

If your taste buds are anything like mine then you love... Chipotle!  This is my homemade version of the Mexican takeout fav.  To create the corn salsa, mix fresh green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, corns and black beans.  For the rice it's just plain white rice.... *sings plaaaaaain white riiiice* (Jamie Foxx Show reference... get it? no? okay moving on).  The secret to getting this rice to taste like that of Chipotle's is you MUST add in the fresh cilantro, it sets it off.  Now that I'm about that low carb life though, I would probably substitute the rice for lettuce; turning it from a burrito bowl to a burrito salad. You can try quinoa for a substitute as well if you're feeling fancy... I've personally never cooked with quinoa.  Next up is the fajita veggies, this is simple just julienne some onions and peppers and sautee them in a skillet with some olive oil and taco seasoning.  Now just top the masterpiece with whatever you'd like i.e. guac, sour cream, cheese (now once again if you're about that low carb life, then you'll probably want to nix those last few toppings).  And voila! it's complete... oh and don't forget my two salad dressings!!! (in my best sh*t DC girls say voice).

Shelless Taco and Fried Yuca

Now if you have some leftover corn salsa, please try this next meal.  You'll need "ground beef"- vegan crumbles out by the Morning Star brand work great.  You're going to brown the "beef" in a skillet with some olive oil and taco seasoning.  Instead of a taco shell, you're going to use a Romaine lettuce leaf as your holder.  Top the leaf with crumbles then your corn salsa, and then as a substitute for guacamole use only the avocado.  Next up is the yuca, never heard of it?  Neither had I until my Puerto Rican coworker kept talking about it and actually brought in the canned version for me to make sure that I tried it.  Yuca is a South American root much like a potato.  I cooked it, to the advise of my coworker, with salt, pepper, vinegar, and onions.  Yuca is not one of my new favorite foods and doesn't do it for me quite like a potato, but it was cool to try something new out.  To avoid too many carbs I would suggest replacing the yuca with the fajita veggies featured in the above meal if you feel like a side item is needed.

Style?

On a journey to a better me (and sometimes a journey to find my style).  I get a lot of compliments on my style, but I don't even know if I have a style.  It's more like a weird mash-up of chill, tomboy, earthy, afrocentric, retro, street madness.  And it changes as often as my hair lol #FRESH

Me in my pigeon toed stance, isn't that how the
young girls calling themselves models pose?

Work (If you want to call it professional) style

denim jacket- Old Navy

coral blouse- Old Navy

bib necklace (which you probably can't see)- Ashley Stewart

paisley print pants- Walmart (I'm a simple girl)

wine colored combat boots- Shoe Show

wine colored wig- your local Korean beauty supply

Sourpuss

Like I said I'm mostly drinking lemon water right now.  I sip on it alll day long at work.  I'm constantly using the bathroom.. TMI? lol Well it's a good thing though, I am cleansing and purifying my system, and it don't taste half bad either. #FIT

For more info on the benefits of lemons, click here:
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/02/22-health-benefits-of-lemons.html

Weight Loss Month 1

It's been a month since I began low carb eating and working out regularly.  I started out at 240 lbs, size 16 pants, and a 42" waistline (circumference around belly button).  I'm currently at 225 lbs, a 39" waist, and about a week ago while out window shopping I was able to fit a size 14 pant.  Keep on moving don't stop nooooooo #FIT

Push it to the limit

This journey thing, physical or other wise, aint easy.  Sometimes you'll feel like giving up, but don't let the enemy defeat you.  Right now at church my pastors are teaching on the "Seasons of Life".  You've got your Plowing season, your Planting season, the Cultivating season, and then everyone's favorite... the season of the Harvest.  During the plowing, you're preparing your ground, loosening it (in the spiritual sense- loosening your heart to God's word).  The ground will be dry, hard, and fruitless so you've got to dig in! and push forth! (in the spiritual sense- push through with thanksgiving, praise, prayer, and forgiveness).  Same thing physically as it is spiritually, you've got to push it to the limit.  Keep your hand on the plough, keep moving forward.  Don't look back, if you look back you are not fit for the harvest.  The plowing season determines the harvest!!! #FREE

Hope this word blesses you as it did me.

Now here's some music to keep you moving.

Do how many now??

Healthy eating... check, now the hard part (at least for me) the exercise!  Now being a recent college student, with a pretty decent paying job, but not enough of a surplus to pay a gym membership every month, how shall I do it?  Well you work with what you got!  There are plenty of rec centers in my area that offer an array of fitness classes... so I started there.  My friend led me to a boot camp class that I do now once a week, but what about the other days of the week?  

One day while perusing Facebook as we do, I got a sign from God yall!  Well maybe not quite that miraculous.  I stumbled upon a link of a woman named, Anowa Adjah.  Anowa is a 5'10, 200+ lb fitness powerhouse!  From her photo alone, I knew I had to know more about this woman!  She had the body of a fitness goddess, but somehow was still relatable.  This chocolate complexion sis... like me, was 5'10.... like me, 200+ lbs... like me and was kiiiiiiiling it.  I figured if she could look like that, then I could at least try; so I took the plunge and ordered one of her two workout DVDs out on the market, "Full Body Curve Down", and I haven't looked back since.  #FIT

For more info on this queen, visit www.anowaadjah.com

Fat Vegan... errr Vegetarian

Fat Vegan **phrase courtesy of the lovely, talented, and self-proclaimed vegan, Chrisette Michele***

One of my go to meals: Stir Fry (broccoli, carrots,
red onions, mushrooms, and scrambled eggs
in a garlic teriyaki sauce)

I've been a vegetarian since January 2013.  While going through a time of fasting and prayer with my church, I felt in my spirit that it was the right time for me to transition into this change.  (Look at your neighbor and say just because you're vegetarian doesn't mean you're eating right.)  *Raises witness hand*  To compensate for the loss of meat out of my diet I started craving more sweets and began eating more rice, bread, pasta, and OMG way more cheese than needed by the average human.  I knew all these carbs and saturated fats couldn't be good for me (plus my gut was getting out of control, it was on 10 I needed it to come down to about a 3 or 4), so at the top of 2014 I decided to cut these foods out of my diet.  Not completely, because come on that would be super tough!!!, but I have narrowed down to only indulging in these types of foods on the weekend.  I have also cut out all sugary drinks from my diet, almost completely.  This task was much easier for me, because I've never been one to drink soda, cocktails (or any type of alcohol for that matter), coffee, etc, but I AM a sucker for fruit juice and a good lemonade.  Now, I only drink water, most of the time with added lemon juice (from real lemons).  I've replaced drinking fruit juices with eating the actual fruit itself i.e. oranges, berries, apples, etc.  I enjoy cooking and getting creative in the kitchen so be on the look out for meal posts, after all I may be vegetarian, but I'm still a ride or die foodie!! #FOODIE
 

Welcome

Hi there!!! *waves hand ecstatically* Welcome to my new blog Fit.Fresh.Free.Foodie.  Join me as I continue on the journey to a better me; spiritually, physically, mentally... mind, body, and soul.

I've decided to get right in 2014 (I know cliche right) but I am truly giving it 110%, no backsies this time!  

This blog is meant for me to share my journey with others, but also as a way for me to hold myself accountable when I start slacking... yall keep me right!