Trying to get bootylicious for ya'll ( well for me)

I’m back!!!!!! Sorry I was gone for so long- I’ve been doing Lupus walks, hosting lupus awareness events, and I was promoted and relocated to Atlanta, Ga.  A lot of you have kept up with me via social networks, and I promise to blog and not abandon you guys.

Overall I’m doing great-I’m not in a flare up, I’m controlling my stress ( sometimes), my skin is clearing ( I had a few stress induced breakouts a few months ago) and my hair is back thriving, growing, and healthy.  Now my weight on the other hand… errrr…. ummm yeah…

The time had come for me to do something about all this jelly I’m walking around with.  I’ve been really uncomfortable in my skin since packing on 26 pounds (thanks to predisone). My clothing are  too tight, my breast got larger, feet got bigger/wider, and I got a booty ( I’ll keep the booty for $300 Alex) after I eat, I look 5 months pregnant and my tummy leaves an imprint in my maxi dresses ( not cute). I have been in denial for months- telling myself- I’m thick, I look ok- I can wear this weight- UMMMMMNNN .. STOP PLAYING AND FOOLING YOURSELF DIVA… its unhealthy and it DO NOT LOOK GOOD.

I think my son tried to drop a hint on me a few weeks ago, when I asked him to grab me a soda ( while in Wal-Mart) he said “ which one? “, I replied “ the Pepsi” he said “ you know they have diet right?” ummmm BOY HAND ME THE DAMN SODA! ** THAT’S WHAT I WAS YELLING IN MY INSIDE VOICE TO MYSELF** I looked at him and said “you got jokes”, he said “I was just showing you”. No baby boy was telling me I was fat and I need to be on a diet!

Over the last few weeks I’ve been preparing myself and getting my mental in order. I’ve stop purchasing soda ( I don’t bring it in the house), cut WAAAAAAAYYYYY down on my cupcake consumption ( I haven’t had one in 3 weeks), down to 1 cup of coffee a day, have increased my veggie intake, and making healthy choices with my desserts (frozen Yo plait whips are the best!!!). I’ve explained to my husband and kids- this is a lifestyle change FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! I will not cook multiple meals or buy grocery for me and a separate set for them- NO SIR- GOING BACK OLD SCHOOL- EAT WHAT I COOK OR STARVE (that’s what my mamma use to say).  I will not “diet” or do anything unhealthy- we all know they don’t work and I need to make lifestyle changes that I can live with forever.  I’m a work in progress but I have my eye on the prize.

I know I need to incorporate an exercise routine- BUT THE LORD KNOWS I HATE THE GYM!!!! **yikes**.  I’m not in a financial position to join a gym right now-so I will use my FREE resources ( NO EXCUSES). There is a park not too far from my house with a walking trail, there is a walking path in my neighborhood, and during inclement weather I will use my WII fit ( that i have YET to use). I will purchase a jump rope, hula hoop,hand weights, and resistance bands. ** I already have sneakers, and workout gear-just haven't used them**

Mister (my lupus) has been playing tricks on me! EVERY TIME I say I’m going to work out- he wanna show off, aches and pains in my legs, knees, and feet. I gave into his foolishness for a while- BUT BABY (in my Chrisette Michelle voice) it’s OVER NOW!!!!!! NO MORE EXCUSES!!! I’M NOT HAVING IT.

In order to track my progress, I needed to take my measurements and face the ugly truth.  $hit got real when I took my body measurements-BABBBYYYYYY- I was so embarrassed and angry.

My stats as of July 31^st

Weight-217.50-DO NOBODY SAY I DON’T LOOK LIKE I WEIGH THAT MUCH- THE TRUTH OF MATTER IS- I DO!!!!!!! Trust me – I weighed myself 3 times to be sure

Stomach -41 inches

Breast -36 inches

Left thigh-24 inches

Right thigh-25 inches

Waist 41.5 inches

Health & Fitness CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!

Rules:

NO COOKIES/CAKE| CHIPS| COLA (including diet)| caffeine for 30 DAYS

NO FRIED FOODS FOR 30 DAYS

Drink 1 green smoothie (minimum) 3 days a week 30 days

Minimum of (1) meatless meal per week (for 30 days)

30-60 minutes of moderate exercise 3 days a week for 30 days

·         Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching. Then speed up to a pace you can continue for five to 10 minutes without getting overly tired. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. Work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

·         Break things up if you have to. You don't have to do all your exercise at one time. Shorter but more-frequent sessions have aerobic benefits, too. Fifteen minutes of exercise a couple of times a day may fit into your schedule better than a single 30-minute session.

·         Be creative. Maybe your workout routine includes various activities, such as walking, bicycling or (line) dancing ** try doing to cupid shuffle, wobble, and booty call, back to back, and see if you don’t break a sweat! #trust you will**

·         Listen to your body. If you feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, take a break. You may be pushing yourself too hard.

·         Be flexible. If you're not feeling good, give yourself permission to take a day or two off.

My goal is to lose 10 pounds in 30 days and loose a few inches around my waist and stomach- I think that is attainable and realistic. My goal weight is 185 pounds, I would like to fit into my size 12’s comfortably, and overall get HEALTHY!!!!!!! Once I reach my goal weight and flatten the tummy-I will do something I’ve always wanted to do- a boudoir photo shot!!!!!!! Who’s with me??????

**waves** I know you want too- #LetsGo!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I decided NOT to post my "before"pictures ( I will post them on Sept 1st) and I will NOT step on the scale again until Sept 1st. Make sure you take pictures of your body during the 30 days and we will post at a later time.

Be sure to follow the hastag #DivaGettingFit on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before starting any eating or exercise program

Recipe: Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

INGREDIENTS
1 loaf Panera Bread Cinnamon Raisin Bread
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese spread, at room temperature
4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, Maple Syrup, or Orange Syrup ( see recipe at bottom)

DIRECTIONS
1. Cut bread into 1 1/4-inch-thick slices (you should have about 8 slices). Cut a slit through the top crust of each slice to form a deep pocket.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and orange zest. Stir in blueberries and spoon filling equally into bread pockets. Lay stuffed slices of bread in a shallow 4-quart baking dish, such as a 15-inch-by-10-inch dish.

3. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and remaining the 1 tablespoon of sugar. Pour mixture evenly over bread, tilting the dish to completely coat the bread. Let sit until the liquid is absorbed, at least 30 minutes at room temperature or covered in the refrigerator overnight.

4. Coat a large skillet or griddle with cooking spray, oil, or butter, and heat over medium-high heat. Add the Panera Bread Cinnamon Raisin Bread and cook until nicely browned and crisp outside, about 5 minutes per side.

Makes 6 servings.
Prep: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes or overnight soaking)
Cook: 10 minutes

Optional: Orange Syrup
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon orange zest
1 Tablespoon honey

In a small saucepan combine orange juice, orange zest, honey and cornstarch. Cook over medium-high heat - stirring often until syrup thickens. If it begins to boil, reduce heat slightly. This usually takes about 3 minutes to make.

Whether you're planning a simple brunch for a small group, or a meal to dazzle your family, the blueberry stuffed french toast is sure to be a hit

Day 9: Younger Looking Skin plan

Reflect and Relax
By Amy Wechsler, MD

Reflect on Your Journey This is the final day of the Younger Looking Skin plan! Think about how the last 9 days have been for you. What's gone well? Do you feel physically and emotionally different than you did last weekend? What helped you most? Was it getting more sleep, connecting with friends, having more sex, or learning to meditate?

Take Two Just for You Pick the stress buster that you've liked doing best -- meditating, breathing, making love, having a worry session, whatever -- and do it twice today.
And don't forget to get your beauty sleep, be positive, foster friendships, move your body, eat clean, go green, relax, and simplify.

You've completed the 9-Day Mind-Beauty Makeover and tapped the power of The Mind-Beauty Connection to start reversing the effects of tension and time. You should be looking and feeling not only younger but also happier, healthier, and more whole; less stressed, more you.

By continuing even some of the new habits you've picked up in the last 9 days, you'll keep looking and feeling terrific, not just for now, but for life. Use these tips to nurture the beauty in you:
Stick to your newly formed habits as best you can over the next several weeks as your body continues to adjust and respond.

Feel free to add and subtract things that worked especially well for you, or didn't. The point is to discover what helps you, and that's going to be as individual as you and your life are. Use Dr. Amy's 7 Habits for Healthy Skin to stay on track.

Focus on making your daily activity something you look forward to. Get inspired with these videos.

Keep a handle on stress, don't skimp on sleep or healthy eats, and don't get lured in by the latest beauty products.

Tell someone else how the mind-beauty connection can reverse stress aging and bring out the best in her looks.

The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

The Lupus Diet

While surfing the web yesterday for my post Eat this... Dont eat that! I came across a site titled
"Can Lupus, and Lupus Hair Loss be Tamed with a Lupus Diet?". I found this to be very interesting (1.) I have Lupus and have never heard of a Lupus diet, and (2.) My hair is falling out :(

As I began to read the article, I was happy to see that a specific listing of foods was provided to help boost the immune system. I was never one to count calories nor could I rattle off the top of my head what food are enriched in specific vitamins (outside of the obvious- vitamin C- oranges, etc). So the list with specific foods, I found to be very helpful. After yesterdays posting, I was feeling like there werent anything I could eat- and I was hungry. With the list below I now feel like I have options!

Top 10 immune system boosters include, which supply the highest levels of these nutrients, are beets, shiitake mushrooms, avocado, curly kale, grapefruit, blueberry, brazil nuts, soy beans, green tea and garlic.

Other top immune boosters include sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, yams, red bell peppers, tomatoes, rhubarb, pumpkin, chili peppers, avocados.

Cruciferous vegetables, watercress, nettle, spinach, Belgian endive, globe artichokes, arugula, kiwi, pineapple, papayas, mangoes, guava, cantaloupe, passion fruits, citrus fruits, bananas, grapes, berries, rosehips, hazelnuts, apples.

Endive, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachio nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, sesame seed and oil, aduki beans, oats, wheat germ, quinona, bulgur, rice, corn, kidney beans, lima beans, green beans, lentils, snow peas, turkey, pheasant, duck, chicken, fresh tuna, salmon, anchovy, mackerel.

Shrimp, yogurt, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, ginger and turmeric. These foods all contain an abundance of nutrients with antioxidant, immune restoring or anti-inflammatory properties.

I realize I have to get serious about what I put in my body. What amounts are safe and just because I like it, dont mean it ok to eat it. I know all things in moderation is best- but my eating habits are CRAPPY- some things I have and will let go COLD TURKEY!

3 Objectives of The Lupus Diet

Proper diet is required not only for people with Lupus but there are some special considerations when it comes to Lupus dieting. There are three objectives of the diet and these are to counteract steroid therapy, to stock up on your potassium, and to replace the nutrients that you have lost. for you to be able to reach these objectives here are some information that you will have to keep in mind.

Control your fat Intake
For the Lupus diet, you have to control your fat intake. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oils are also proven to lessen your risk of encountering coronary artery diseases. this Lupus diet is very important to those who are high risk for these certain conditions such as women with Lupus, or those who have hereditary tendencies.

Recommended Vitamins And which to Avoid
Taking in supplements when you are in a Lupus diet should not be done without consulting with your physician. There are certain vitamins that are not recommended for you since these will worsen your condition such as Vitamin a which can exacerbate autoimmunity and Vitamin E which will induce the remission of Lupus. on the other hand, there are helpful vitamins too such as Vitamin D which helps in managing osteoporosis, Vitamin B12 and folic acid that treat some forms of anemia. Herbal supplements too should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription, since there are some that are totally restricted for you.

The food Avoid
Alfalfa is one of the foods that should be totally avoided in a Lupus diet since this one can trigger symptoms that are Lupus-like or more commonly referred to as Lupus flares. these Lupus flares induced by alfalfa can be fatigue and muscle pain, blood test result abnormalities, nephritic problems and changes with how the immune system functions. Researches have found out that L-canavanine, an amino acid that is found in alfalfa activates the immune system, and can aggravate inflammation. Not all Lupus symptoms can be eliminated but many symptoms can be controlled to at least have a normal live.

If you have tried the Lupus Diet- comment and let me know how it worked-or didnt work or you.

Related Articles:

Can Lupus, and Lupus Hair Loss be Tamed with a Lupus Diet?

Lupus Diet – How to Make Your Lupus Symptoms Better

Disclaimer: The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Am I Being a Baby or a B*tch

I’m going to preface this by saying- I’m NOT in a good space right now. I’m agitated, and annoyed. I force a smile upon my face daily to provide my children the comfort of knowing that mommy is going to be ok. Outside of wearing makeup to cover the skin rash, I also wear makeup to make my face look brighter and “awake”.

I'm realizing that some people have diarrhea of the mouth and don't know when to SHUT UP! I understand that people sometime want to say something, but don’t know what to say. What I don’t need is for you to tell me about your family member(s) or neighbor(s) that died from Lupus. I’m NOT bringing the thought of death into my mind space. Dont't tell me its reality- maybe YOUR REALITY- BUT NOT MINE! A typical convo go like this:


You: I’m so sorry to hear you have Lupus
Me: Thank you, I appreciate the concern
You: I had a cousin that had Lupus- the medications are deadly, it killed her
Me: -_- (no response)
You: tomorrow, I will bring you my cousin doctor’s info. We’ll talk about it later... I gotta go


WHAT!!! Do people not understand boundaries?? I find those types of conversations completely out of line- especially coming from people that I’ve only had 10-15 mins worth of conversation with in the past year. The first few time it happened I bitched about it internally and shrugged it off. The occurrences are too frequent. The last time, I told the person (while gritting my teeth) that the conversation was inappropriate and although I appreciate the concern, I would rather not discuss myself or Lupus any further- Good right? No... I find out later she went and told someone else that she was only trying to provide comforting words to me and I was being a bitch- how comforting is it telling me that the lupus meds killed your cousin?


In addition to people telling me death stories, I’m constantly being hit with “You don’t look sick!”Let’s address that- WHAT EXACTLY DOES SICK LOOK LIKE? Do I need to look like I’m on my death bed to appease you? you’re curiosity? What is your definition of a sick chick? Tell me?


I put in a lot of effort not to look the way I feel. Most times I feel like I’ve been ran over by a truck then shoved into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson {and he wins!). I still have to work, I still have to be available and mobile to my children and I don’t want to give into “being SICK”. I’m NOT going to do it!


I’ve never felt the type of fatigue that I experience at least 6 days out of 7. The smallest task (cooking for example) will take me to a place of exhaustion. I’m now listening to my body- when it says sit down, I sit... When it say lay down- I lay, when it say- YOU'RE NOT GOING- I DON’T GO... Point...Blank...Period.com


As, I’ve previously advised, I will not push my body beyond limits- won’t and cant! I will not allow any negative energy into my mental space- You’ve been EVICTED- so when I just turn and walk away from the negativity- take that as notice! You’ve been served!

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Coping with Lupus Headaches

I have begun to suffer from Lupus headaches. These are not like the average headache, pop a Tylenol and it go away. These are more on the end of migraines. My head feel like its splitting, pounding, piercing, throbbing and aching all at the same time. Followed by a spinning sensation like a tornado and a feeling of nauseous and sometimes vomiting. Typically these headaches start mid day and lasting hours into the evening. Thus far, I’ve been taking Ibuprofen to treat these headaches, but most of the time the only relief I get is from rest. I turn off the lights (make the room as dark as possible), turn off the TV, and go to sleep.

I've been told that one of the ways to help prevent headaches or migraines is to understand your possible triggers. In order to do this, health care providers often recommend using a migraine diary (also known as a headache diary). This is a tool that allows you to clearly capture, in a standardized way, how often you get migraines, how severe they are, and the possible relationship to physical, emotional, or environmental factors. There are several down able diaries, electronic diaries, and headache diary apps(s) for (Iphone, Ipad, and Droid Mobile cell phones). * They make apps for everything* lol...lol

I'm trying to avoid harsher treatments and drugs such as Plaquenil and prednisone to treat these headache episodes. This seems to be the first drug of choice upon complaint of the headaches. I prefer natural alternatives therapies such as exercise, diet supplements, meditation, special diets and maintaining a strong support system. I’ve also been told that conserving energy by setting limits on how I spend my time is helpful. Fatigue is a common complaint for lupies. Listening to your body's signals by resting or taking short naps during the day can help reduce the occurrence of lupus headaches.

I’m starting my headache diary today, a gluten free diet, and hopefully I can figure out what or who (lol..lol..)are my triggers . If you have any advice- please share ….