Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Hey you! Back Away From The Table And Put The Fork Down!






    Hey guys long time no blog right? I sincerely apologize but my life and the events of 2013 have been unreal. Still overcoming obstacles but I couldn’t leave you all hanging. So here’s the tee, lately I’ve been getting inquiries and questions regarding how I stay on the “weight loss kick” more specifically what I eat. It’s no secret if you are my Facebook or Instagram that I LOVE food and when it comes to what I eat I don’t like bland, boring, or dry. Despite going through the surgery I’m also not a real fan of drinking my meal (except for breakfast and on those rare days where I don’t feel like chewing) because most times it’s quite simply not as fulfilling. 
    With that being said I thought I’d share a few foodie tips and tricks that I find help me keep my 100lbs off. Keep in mind some of the things I say you already know, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded. To start  let’s just be honest, most “healthy” eating is no fun and if God truly intended for us to only eat fruits , veggies, roots, and berries then we’d all be sporting a pair of bunny ears. In addition eating healthy can be costly.  That however doesn’t mean that everything we consume should be deep fried, covered in sugar and topped with ice cream yumm – Sorry I had a fair funnel cake flashback…. But you all get the point. First and foremost portion control portion control portion control is the real key to changing how you eat. We all know we live in a SUPERSIZED society where portions are extra-large and full of extra calories. It is important for you to know what appropriate portions sizes are, and begin to practice eating that way for longevity.
  Secondly reading is fundamental! It may seem crazy or unreasonable but counting calories, fat and carbs does work in your favor. I read just about everything I purchase and sometimes the information on the package is my motivation to put the product back on the shelf. Remember it only takes 3500 calories to gain one pound and a helluva lot more work to lose that suckka.
      Another way I stay on track is COOKING, what a nutty concept right? In this day in age it’s a microwave semi homemade world with lots of short cuts that hinder the quality of the meal. I myself am not IN LOVE with cooking, but I do however LOVE to eat (did I say that already?) and I like good, fresh food. The best way to accomplish that is cooking right in your own kitchen.  The up side to home cooking is that you can pretty much create the very thing you crave right in your own home. Whether it be pizza, Chinese, Mexican, or burgers you can have an awesome more health conscious version by cooking things yourself. In addition you can make so many substitutions in order to make your meal into a healthier version of what you crave. Tricks like using reduced fat chesses, sour creams, leaner meats, and more veggies can all improve a dish and its health quotient.
    Snacking is a huge obstacle for many. The meals maybe easy but when it comes to snacking you do it ALL the time right? Listen snacking is absolutely okay, but choosing the right types of snacks is the key to helping or hurting your weight loss. I don’t have to preach to you that chips, cookies and candy probably don’t make the cut but there are a plethora of healthy alternatives that can be found in crackers, nuts, veggies and fruits.  My advice don’t get caught up in the 100 calorie traps (yes yes I know, don’t make faces) they are designed to deliver just enough of something to calm your craving, but are not filling and more often than not you end up eating more than one right? 100 calories can add up pretty quickly so aim for snacks that have staying power. The ones that calm cravings and get you to your next full meal are best.
Shopping can be a major hindrance to progress especially if you are on a budget. Have no fear most stores are now offering healthier options at lower prices. Utilize coupons and if you can and check out budget stores in your area that now have started carrying fresh produce and healthy options.  Out here in California one of my favorite places to stock up is the 99 cents only store. Occasionally I’ll catch an item I’ve never seen in my local grocery (like brown tomatoes yummers!) and I keep my cost down.  Check sale papers make a list and keep fresh and healthy food stocked. That is of utmost importance simply because when we don’t we tend to look elsewhere for our food options and often times end up choosing something quick and loaded with things that are of no benefit to us.
    Ultimately it takes discipline to stick to ANYTHING you plan to accomplish, especially with staying on track. Trust and believe I fall off all the time, but I make sure I regroup and get it back together. I do not I repeat DO NOT believe in deprivation. When we deprive ourselves we end up over indulging to make up for what we feel we’ve missed (sick isn’t it). I eat what I want in moderation and I try to resist temptations. Sometimes that involves putting a candy bar in the freezer for a later date, throwing tempting items in the trash or giving them away, respectfully declining coworker induced donut breakfasts, and knowing your temptation triggers.  It is HARD as hell but it’s possible.  I myself am currently off sugary sweets (candy, baked goods, ice cream etc.) for the next few weeks in an attempt to divorce sugar and all his punk ass buddies. If I get an intense craving I’ll attempt to pacify it with other options (cereal, yogurt, fruit, and smoothies) but I won’t be derivative. I’ll utilize moderation and hit the gym hard to rectify any moments of weakness LOL.  I’ve also committed to increasing my water intake and decreasing my liquor consumption.  Be dedicated to whatever choice you make to be healthy, I still get frustrated with my progress, but I’m aware that it’s totally up to me how far I go with this journey.  How about you? How do you stay on track? Fight Temptation? Feel free to share! Next week I will be sharing a couple of recipes for my favorite fast food substitutes. 
 Until next time my loves …Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist.
~B~
Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:
Sistersinsurgery00@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/shehotta

Friday, July 19, 2013

Hey guys.....so I submitted this as a writing sample for a job that I applied for. I had to answer an essay question and I had 60 minutes to complete it. I chose the topic because it happened to fit the question....would love to hear what you think! As always ..Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist.

   There are a multitude of things that one goes through in life that shapes the person they are, guides them into the person they are becoming and changes their view of the world. For me that  day was when I decided that I was tired of living my life in a body that was literally killing me with every breath. At three hundred and three pounds I was confident but uncomfortable in my own skin. The morning of February 27, 2011 would prove to be a day that would be etched into my world for the rest of my life. 
It was five o’clock in the morning and I was on the verge of what would prove to be the most influential experience of my existence. The hospital was empty, cold, and lonely and I was more than nervous, I was petrified. I kept going over all the negative possibilities in my head but decided it would be best to think positive which was easier said than done. I held my mother's hand as a overly cheerful nurse guided me to the preparation room. There I was met by several other nurses, my anesthesiologist, and my surgeon. I took deep breaths as they one by one assured me that everything would be fine. I was informed of  the procedures over and over again so that I was clear on what the next steps would be. My palms were sweaty, my breath labored as I told my mother goodbye with an uneasy smile. I was helped onto a surgery table, strapped down, and told to relax. The anesthesiologist gave me instructions to count backwards from 100. I felt my eyes become heavy and decided to stop fighting that sleepy feeling. This was it, I was doing it. Twenty nine years in the making I was making a change for the better. I was choosing to live.
     At this time Gastric Bypass was being done at a rapid pace. I had seen countless celebrities, family and friends embark on the journey, but I had no clue exactly how much my experience would affect my life in so many ways. From the moment I left the hospital I had decided that my goal was to take advantage of this formidable second chance. I was committed to eating right, making better choices and staying on track. The changes in my body were not immediately apparent to me. The scale would say I was down twenty pounds but I didn't feel the changes that others could clearly see. I kept copious notes on my progress and took tons of pictures to document my journey.
 Fear ruled my life for a brief moment during my transition. I questioned my decision and my reasons for going through with the procedure but ultimately I was pleased with my choice. I began to become an activist for fighting obesity. I started participating in 5k runs, walks and seminars targeting getting healthy and making better choices. It was at that moment I realized I could be a catalyst for change. I despised the stigma attached to the surgery procedure and was well aware that for many it was easier to deny having surgery than to be honest due to society’s views on the matter. The misconception seemed to be that those who chose weight loss surgery as a viable option were cheating their way thin. I was adamant about changing that stigma especially among minorities. I talked to anyone who would listen, and shared my story, struggles and experiences in order to help others. Like a flood I began to receive countless questions from friends and relatives on social networking sites who were interested in learning about the process. I was giving advice and suggestions on losing weight, surgery as an option, and coping with life after surgery. 
It was shocking to me that people were reaching out by the dozens. So I started a blog, and by simple word of mouth me sharing my little experiences was helping people all over the country feel more comfortable sharing their own. I received emails and inquiries about giving tips and pointers. I received a multitude of support and thanks from people who were just like me. I was being called an inspiration and that inspired me to do more. I was more than touched, I was elated. Overnight I had learned that my experience albeit tiny in the grand scheme of things was a big deal. I was helping people help themselves and I was growing in the process. 
The road was long, and tumultuous, but after losing 106 pounds, a few friends and a lot of negativity, it taught me so many lessons over the course of these two years. First and foremost it taught me the value of support. Without it there is no way I would have been as successful as I have been. Family, friends and even strangers continued to encourage my progress on a daily basis. I learned the value of patience, even though the weight comes off rapidly none of it is immediate and rushing things isn't healthy or wise when it comes to your body. I learned that helping others was way more fulfilling and enjoyable then only accomplishing my goals. Hearing other people’s stories and goals assisted me spiritually. It brought me joy to know that people were making changes for the better, and were now more comfortable being honest about their decisions. I believe the most important thing I experienced was the value of hard work. Surgery was just a tool in my weight loss arsenal. I still had to work out, eat right, and take care of myself mentally. 

This was far from easy; it was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced in life. I can truly say that I was blessed not to have any complication during this process, and I was graced with nothing but love and support throughout its duration. Longevity would be the final lesson that I took away from this experience. Learning the value of sustainability of mind and body for the rest of my life and teaching others how to achieve the same. I wouldn't change anything that has happened in the past few years. Collectively the good and the bad produced stellar results, and lifelong lessons that won’t soon be forgotten.

~B~

Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:

 

Sistersinsurgery00@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/shehotta

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Keeping your Sanity....Musically .....



Hey guys,

So with all the things going on in my own life I decided to focus this month’s topic on mental wellness and stress relief. In working on ourselves it’s of the utmost importance that we keep our physical form in the best shape possible.  I myself however am truly guilty of neglecting other parts of my being that are instrumental to my sanctity. When life hands you lemons it’s easy to say make lemonade, but how often are we inclined to actually make good out of the bad we experience. Often times it’s easier to manifest those feelings into something negative like drinking too much, self-medicating, over eating, and neglecting ourselves.

     This week going through my own tumultuous endeavors I was given the opportunity to listen to an unreleased album entitled T.W.O (This Woman’s Opposition) by a phenomenal Grammy award winning singer /songwriter and all around artist who calls himself EVRYWHR.  At first I was a bit reluctant to review the album especially since this is far from my forte’. I was moved however by the clear and eloquent use of life’s everyday struggles reflected solely through song. As an artist you are supposed to provide the public with an image (literal of figurative) that speaks to the world in a multitude ways.

This dude right here definitely surpasses that expectation.  He is the perfect mix of soul, spoken word and r & b but provides an edge with those thought provoking lyrics that we have come to love and respect  from the likes of Mr. Ocean and the Weeknd.  Knowing how much I value those men as artist I can say whole heartedly that this young man is well on his way to join them in paving the way for this spirit revival movement that these artist are regulating. He definitely can’t be grouped in any particular genre, and his lyrics speak to the trite irreverent relationship nuances that we all experience on a daily basis.

From finding love or like, to great sex, to actual relationships and the journey through all the expectations, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and disagreements that come about as two people are thrown together to co-exist, EVRYWHR intellectually catapults you into his own life story.  If you can’t already tell I’m in LOVE with the album and I can’t wait to purchase his debut as soon as it drops on ITunes (July 2nd). I thought it was lyrical perfection and it helped me relax and take my mind off my own trials and tribulations.  There is no doubt in my mind EVRYWHR will be the name on EVERYONE’S lips after the album’s official release

Personally music (along with writing) is how I tend to escape from the daily hustle and bustle that we all fall victim to. It allows me some individual time to think, meditate and reflect.  That mental escape can often times, be equally as important as our daily run or trips to the gym. So while all of you are dedicated to building a better you, please ensure that you are doing so physically, mentally and spiritually. Your body may be a temple but your heart and soul are vital components to the stability of that temple, they are in essence the foundation.  So tune into to something fly like EVRYWHR’S album T.W.O (available officially July 2nd on ITunes) or whatever moves your spirit, and tune up your mental and physical selves to be the BEST you ever! Until next time my loves …Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist.

Once again here’s the link to the T.W.O. album, please support our up and coming:
 

Album on iTunes
 

And here is the link for the music video for the lead single off the album called “Fatal Attraction”:


 

~B~

Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:

 

Sistersinsurgery00@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/shehotta

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Inner Struggles......


 
 
So as I start the first blog of this month (sorry yawl been a bit tumultuous lately) I think back to an episode of Wendy Williams that I saw some months ago (How YOU doin’ Wendy!) where she was talking to journalist and host Al Roker. Al was discussing his habits and quirks since having weight loss surgery and he talked about something that put my crazy meter on pause. He discussed carrying a scale EVERYWHERE he goes because of his constant fear of regaining the weight he’s worked so hard to lose. He talked about weighing himself multiple times a day and night and about how nutty it is to be so concerned with progress or lack thereof.  I immediately started crying because I knew about that feeling all too well.

Weight, for many of us whom have had a lifelong “friendship” with it, is something we always think about. We all go through bouts of trying to lose it, hating it, crying about it, and then making peace with it (i.e.  If god wanted me skinny he would have made me that way). On the contrary when you embark on a weight loss journey (whether it be au natural or through other mean like surgery) weight essentially becomes your life. You work at losing, change your diet, exercise, and life style and once results are seen you are either motivated to continue or u get comfortable and complacent and halt your progress.  In some respects you figure (well most figure) that after surgery your work is over. Those of us living the experience are well aware however that after the knife is where the work begins.

I believe the episode of Wendy Williams struck a chord with me because I too utilize the scale on a consistent basis. Especially now that my weight loss progress has slowed, and my body and metabolism have caught up to one another. I find that if the scale says I’m up a pound or two I tend to feel a bit discouraged, depressed, and defeated. I start thinking the worst things like: Did I stretch my pouch? Have I reversed all the hard work I’ve done by eating that pickle? And other nonsensical things that stem from my constant insecurity about weight. It’s at those times that I remember only PART of this process is physical the rest of it (I’ll say a good 60 percent) is mental.

 We all have heard stories about people who have had the surgery that have (over time) regained the weight. Many of us think to ourselves “how could someone go through this and gain it all back?”  The answer is not simple, but it does have a lot to do with the unhealthy relationship many of us had with food prior to having surgery. I, just like many of you, have times where I want to eat certain non-healthy items.  I try not to deprive myself, but rather make healthier choices for long term success. I work out quite a bit (which is harder now since I have a back injury) in order to continue to mold my body into what I would like it to be. My goal is NOT to be skinny, but healthy and comfortable in my own skin.

Like Al Roker I am guilty of weighing myself constantly (about twice a week mornings and nights). There is a huge part of me that feels like at any moment I could screw all this up and balloon back up to 300 plus pounds.  That feeling is sometimes hard to cope with. That fear of going backwards after making so much progress is utterly debilitating.  Despite this I forge ahead with a bigger picture in mind. I owe it to myself to live the best life I can and be the best me I can be. In that respect I know that I must continue to put real effort into maintaining my progress, even when it gets hard. I refuse to go backwards simply because it hinders me from going forward.  I share this with you guys because I’m certain others feel this way. Sometimes no one understands but those of us whom have gone through it. If you feel this way at times I encourage you to share it …with your friends, family, heck even me if you feel they can’t or won’t understand.  This process is hard enough by itself, but it makes it easier to feel like someone, somewhere understands just what you’re going through. Trust me, I do! Until next time my loves …Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist.

~B~

Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:

 

Sistersinsurgery00@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/shehotta

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Here today ...Well...you know the rest....

 
Hey guys, so a friend asked me to tackle a subject that maybe close to a lot of your hearts. It’s happened to me in some way, shape or form and I’m sure I’m not alone in this experience. In going along on this weight loss journey many of you understand the joy and jubilation of dropping substantial amounts of weight. You get a new sense of purpose, a sense of freedom and ultimately a new beginning. For many of us this experience usually runs in tandem to with another type of loss that isn’t quite as enjoyable.

 When you change (physically, emotionally or spiritually) you tend to see things differently in your everyday life. You are inclined to see people differently as well. All of a sudden friends, love ones, significant others, spouses, life partners and even family look, act, sound, and appear different. Sometimes we can chalk this up to outgrowing one another, or even being in different places in our lives. However in many cases the reasons for these changes are simple and devastating. I’ve had several people express to me that since their journey began (whether through weight loss surgery or the good old fashioned way) they’ve lost friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, and family members and most times it’s through no fault of their own. Sure it does a body (and mind) good to drop 15, 20 even 30 pounds to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle. On the contrary when the weight loss is a staggering 50 plus pounds and you transform into a whole new person people’s true feelings tend to creep to the surface. As your waistline shrinks undoubtedly so does your inner circle, and for some of us the realization that these people NEVER really had our best interest at heart is demoralizing.


 
You want nothing more than to celebrate your accomplishments and triumphs with those you love, but what happens when those who are supposed to be in your corner leaving you standing alone? Speaking bluntly, tell them to KICK ROCKS! Period! I made the best decision ever before I embarked on my journey. I prayed to GOD that he remove ALL those who were not conducive to my progress, sanity, positivity or lifestyle. I asked him to limit my circle to those who truly cared about me and my well-being. It hurt to lose friends, loved ones, and a significant other but I gained so much more in return. I gained a true since of support and love and a whole heap of it came from people I LEAST expected. I was blessed to have true friends and loved ones in my corner, but I’m aware that this is not the case for others in my position. Let’s keep it real…jealousy is a cruel beast. Not everyone is good or good for you and sometimes those you live and lay with can hurt you the most! Examples of some situations you should RUN from:
·         As a couple you embark on a weight loss journey together, he/she loses a lot but you don’t and then you start looking into surgery options and he/she is against it?
·         They are supportive of your initial decision, but once they see your results they change for the worse (emotionally, mentally, physically abusive or unsupportive)?
·         You were the life of the party as the funny FAT one and now the invitations have subsided?
·         You are totally into the lifestyle change but they do things to deter or alter your course (i.e. food choices, workouts)?
·         They were NOT there when you were larger and now that you are smaller they have a whole lot they want to say, do and prove (don’t believe the hype)?

 I despise the superficial and artificial but often we don't see these things and people for who and what they are. At the end of the day the decision for change should be solely fueled by a WANT or even a NEED to change, because this is really a life or death decision. The real work begins after the cuts and incisions are made. If you were pushed to embark on this journey for other reasons (vanity, popularity, insanity) I question the effectiveness of your results and I strongly urge you to look to yourself for the real reasons for your decision. True enough support from my TEAM (God, friends, family, the bariatric center, doctors, staff, and loved ones) was KEY IN MY SUCCESS.  I truly understand that I could not have made it this far without them. Although I have been met with disappointment and loss due to my decision I take solace in the fact that those people were simply not meant to be a part of my journey. I’m on a mission for me myself and I.  I spent 28 years in the wrong damn body, and I refuse to be trapped for the rest of my life. I implore you to make whatever you feel is the right decision for you. You have to live with the results, regrets, or consequences. Until next time my loves …Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist.
~B~
Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:
 
Sistersinsurgery00@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/shehotta

Sunday, April 7, 2013

It's the LITTLE things!!


Happy April Everyone! 
So I was inspired to write today’s blog by a trip I took a few weeks ago. As I mulled through the airport terminal and had the (always lovely) virtual strip search by security I began to get nostalgic. In my “fat girl” past airports were something to fear, especially if I was embarking on a trip by myself.  My level of anxiety would always peak with the initial boarding call, and would continue until I had safely reached my destination.  Those experiences played through my head as I boarded my flight and took my seat next to the window. The emotion of this particular day was not the same as those of yesteryear but for some passengers I could see similar turmoil and anxiety creep upon their faces. I studied them while they slowly secured their items in overhead bins and quietly whispered into the ears of the nearest flight attendant. I knew that feeling, lived that experience, and wore that worry on many occasions.  It was what I like to refer to as being obese (by society’s standards) on a plane otherwise known as B.O.O.P (forgive me for not providing a more descriptive title but I feel that one will suffice).  
B.O.O.P had been a part of my life for many years. I was well traveled as a kid and teenager, which is essentially where B.O.O.P developed and began to take its toll on me.  The process was the same; it started with the agonizing journey to my seat, especially if the option to select a seat wasn’t available.  I can remember hoping that I was sitting next to someone who was really little so that I wouldn’t make them uncomfortable.  The worst part was always the seat belt fiasco. Trying to maneuver and reposition my girth in order to officially secure myself into the seat. The strain of pulling and tugging on the seat belt in hopes that by some magical miracle it would fit without further hassle.  Finally the embarrassing tasks of calling the flight attendant to humbly and quietly request a seat belt extension only to have them shout out my request for all around me to clearly overhear. I can recall the ubiquitous stares, whispers and judgments of the other passengers who wore their thoughts squarely on their faces.  “I hope she’s not sitting next to me”, “Back away from the table fatty”, “Go on a diet” were all the thoughts that I was positive coursed through their brains.  
 Needless to say I grew to loathe flying.  In addition to flying several other activities began to highlight the fact that, as I was getting bigger, my options and surroundings were getting smaller. Amusement parks roller coasters which were once my favorite pass time were now a no go. It only took one embarrassing mishap where the lap bar was unable to securely close for me to give up going to them completely for the next 15 years.  Movie theaters, concerts, sporting events, you name it, I was too big to actively and comfortably enjoy it. All these things raced through my head as I sat in my window seat on the plane, clicked and tightened my seat belt, and watched a woman come take the aisle seat next to me without incident.  
 
As we began to depart I felt the sting of tears roll down my face. I was crying partially out of joy and partially out of unbelievable pain. I began to think about my little triumphs and accomplishments on this journey that meant so much to me, but in the grand scheme of things were minuscule to others.  Clicking the seat belt on the plane without the need for an extension was a BIG deal. Crossing my legs comfortably for the first time was a BIG deal. Riding every roller coaster at Magic Mountain for the first time since I was 15 years of age was a BIG deal. Clicking the seat belt in the car without searching under my rolls for the connection, walking without getting winded, dropping it like it’s hot, tying my shoes without suffocating  and trying on clothes and having to go back to search for a smaller size were all HUGE accomplishments for me. They were things that people who were not overweight tended to take for granted. The small things, that brought tears to my eyes and made me respect and cherish the opportunity to live my life anew. I was taken aback by these feelings as the airplane I was in reached its cruising altitude. Looking out my window I realized that I was seeing the world with brand new eyes. Truly living without limits, taking care of myself and my temple, and helping others believe in their ability to do the same. I stared out the window content with the little things, and excited about the possibilities. Beauty, Lace and a Slimmer Waist! J
~B~ 
Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up:  

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The “Mental” Weight Loss Debacle


Hey guys! So this week’s topic came from conversations with friends and family regarding the actual process of weight loss and how society tends to play “mind games” geared towards convincing us that losing weight and sustaining it is easy. Case in point the recent “Biggest Loser” winners.  Or the extreme weight loss makeover edition candidates, or how about your favorite actress, actor or performer? They make this shit look easy don’t they?   The selling point is that at the end of their runs their bodies look so freaking incredible that they inspire the laziest of us to rise to the occasion, hop on the nearest treadmill, sweat, pant and starve until our bodies are too sore to actively participate. Is it healthy? Probably not, but it is done every day without hesitation on the quest to become healthy or to simply drop a few unwanted pounds.  

Let’s break down these scenarios and get to the root of why all the above stated “players” succeed at this weight loss game and make you look like the couch potato that you aren’t. First and foremost the routines that are given to the people on these “amazing” weight loss shows are UNREALISTIC. They work out between 8 and 10 hours a day to drop those 100’s of pounds, and, they are in a place where temptation is NOT a part of daily life.

 They don't have friends or family around to tempt them or to cook for. Fast food joints and quick fixes are not at their disposal and they are around others like themselves for months at a time in order to accomplish the same goal. In addition they have personal trainers at their beck and call all day every day.  They also learn how to prepare meals that are healthier options then they’ve previously experienced. Finally (the part that most may not realize) before partaking in their big reveals they have plastic surgery to tighten the loose skin that hangs from their arms, legs and stomachs so that we (the general public) are convinced that “normal” diet and exercise can warrant that kind of perfection after losing 100 plus pounds.  Nothing about what happens on our television screens is normal. Thus the game begins.

With our superstars it’s slightly different. Depending on the kind of star we’re discussing their schedule can allow them ample time to work out on a daily basis. Again we’re talking anywhere between 2 and 6 hours here people. In addition if they dance or use choreography they may spend an additional 3 to 4 hours working those sweet spots.  They also have lots of tools you DON’T have to get them through everyday life: black cards, chefs, trainers, nannies, maids, stylist, and make-up artist that assist them in getting into tip top shape for roles and or performances.

These things definitely contribute to the weight loss mind game that many of us play with ourselves on a daily basis. We figure “if they can do it, why can’t I?” The answer is simple you CAN, however your journey might be a tad bit different. Without the luxuries of a maid and a chef real life sometimes has a way of kicking your ass. For some of us between working, cooking, cleaning, being parents, wives, husbands, and friends it becomes hard to make time for oneself.  My advice, do what you love, whether it be an hour on a treadmill or my personal favorite dancing.  Just do it! Get up get out and get to it. Trust and believe just because I’ve had surgery doesn’t mean my journey stops,  in fact it means that I have to work even harder to ensure that my fat evil twin NEVER resurfaces. Bring a friend, bring your boo or the whole family! Take a class, learn a sport just get your big butts up and get to it. Stop playing that weight loss mind game and create your own victory. I believe in you….. Beauty, lace and a slimmer waist J

~B~
Got a comment or a question?  Leave it here or hit me up: 

https://www.facebook.com/shehotta