My Quest to Lose Weight Without Surgery

Hello again everyone. Tonight was a painful experience. I went out for my run, and did what so many people do - I started out way too quickly. One thing that all runners should do is pick, and stick to, a good pace. If you start out going too quickly you will burn out very fast. By the end of lap two, I was spent. I ended up having to walk 1/4 lap on the 3rd and 4th laps.

I will remember tomorrow night to start out with my regular pace and quit trying to super-man my way through my runs. Whoever said 'slow and steady wins the race' was right.

I started adding free weights to my workout today. I have a 5lb, 10 lb and 25 lb hand weights. I saw an Oprah show years ago where this mother of eight still had a stellar figure due to her weight regiment. They say that you should lift a light weight many times. The secret is doing a lot of reps with the light weight. I do three sets of ten lifts (per arm) with the 5lb weight. I follow that up with 2 sets of ten with the 10lb weight, and crush out 2 sets of 5 reps with the 25 lb weight.

Doing it this way, I know I will see definition with a week. I have also experienced definite results within two weeks when I do several different abdominal exercises daily. (I have yet to add those but I think I might start tomorrow.)

I am still monitoring what I am eating. This morning it was scrambled eggs for breakfast, grilled chicken & avocado for lunch, 2 strips of bacon and several cups of coffee for dinner, and loads of water. I had a snack of 2tbsp of peanut butter today and will most-likely have some sugar free jello before I go to bed.

I also took my daughter out for a twenty minute walk after my run. She has been saying she never gets to spend alone time with me, so I took her for a late night walk. She thought it was pretty cool! Don't be afraid to incorporate your children into your workouts, children love hanging out with their parents and the extra exercise is SO good for them. Luckily, my daughter is not overweight, but the cardio is great for her circulatory system. We 'race' sometimes and she absolutely LOVES to jog with me. She obviously can't jog very far, as she is only seven years old, but we lightly jog to the end of the street together. It makes her feel so strong and important to be able to 'keep up' with her mom.

I did some lunges tonight too, after my run, so I have a feeling I will be moaning and groaning about being sore tomorrow! I have read for years that lunges are the most important and effective exercise for women, as it tones the legs, hips and buttocks more effectively than any other exercise. I believe it. It has produced excellent results for me in the past. Just be sure to look up the PROPER form for doing a CORRECT lung. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time and could be injuring your muscles. Only an exercise done correctly will produce results!

Wicked Autumn Apple Sangria

Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe

 

2015 Weight Loss New Years Resolutions - What Worked and Did Not Work

With only a month left in 2015, let`s look at my New Years resolutions I made back in January. Guess what? Unlike most people, I lost weight. I will show you what techniques worked and did not work to get me fit. Including some helpful tips if you expect on adding weight loss to this year resolution list. But my goal of loosing weight was just a petty dream that would never come true, or at least I believed.

Today most people will ask me "Did you have a specific routine?" No, because keeping the same routine becomes boring and annoying. So what I did was workout for exactly one hour and a half every day to limit myself and still enjoy life. The things I did though changed daily so I could be surprised to know what I am randomly going to do next. Some activities would include walking, running, climbing, swimming, playing the extravagant Wii Fit, etc. For example, one day I would walk 1 mile on a trail, the next I would swim 50 laps at my local pool or the beach. Other days I would go rock climbing or a 1/2 mile walk up a mountain path. I always managed to track my calories with a calorie counting watch that can be found in the exercise section at your local department store. I would burn any where from 300 to 800 calories a day. It is said that there is 3500 calories in every pound, so every couple of days I managed to loose a pound. After gaining momentum from running I decided to join a running club which led me to successfully completing a 5K one month later. One thing that didn`t work for me was over doing it or in other words working out to much. It did not work because it left me super tired and out of energy to go on throughout my day. My new saying is that if you exercise daily you can live a healthy happy life. This rained true because it Lead me to my grand total of loosing 53 lbs.

Now with every great weight loss, comes a special and nutritious diet. For me I had to first cut out all sweet snacks because of the processed ingredients that lead to fat build up from excess sugar. I consumed Quaker bars, fruit pops, Jello, and fruit for snacks that would quickly digest instead of turning into pure fat. Also, I had to make sure I was restoring my nutrients after workouts so I made little ham sandwiches with whole wheat bread or have a lite snack never more than 200 calories. For primary meals, I retreated from fried or greasy foods that cause harm like clogged arteries. Instead, I would enjoy turkey burgers, grilled chicken, eggs, and other healthy substances. (Mainly Jenny O products). Another key for me was to eat slowly so my own body would tell me when I was full. This can keep yourself from feeling over indulged and over eating. As your day goes on make sure to keep a log that has the daily percentages of what you have consumed. This is important to do so you know you had you recommended daily amount of vitamins and other nutrients. Also remember your daily value of calories should not be over 2000. Starvation is one thing that really did not work overall because it might have made me loose the pounds but it sucked up all my energy making me malnourished which resulted in illness. (NOTE: This can cause death!)

Now has come the time to tell you about the top 3 worst "bumps in the road" I encountered since starting my weight loss journey.

1) The Sweets
These little treats may be tasty but don`t be fooled they are calorie packed sugar bombs adding fat to you in every bite. It is very hard to avoid these for instance while I was still on my diet and weight loss training I went to the beach one day not knowing that a brand new ice cream bar opened. So I checked it out and it ended with me buying a 900 calorie ice cream cone. This is an example of giving in. But what I did to over come this was buying healthy Weight Watchers ice cream bars. What I am trying to say is that there is always a healthy version of every bad food item.

2) Vacation
Fast food is an almost irresistible because it is cheap and everywhere but just because your hungry does not mean you have to eat a million calories. So what I did to over come this was pre-packing before going on a trip with foods such as healthy sandwiches and granola bars.

3) Work Without The Workout
Working is the number one cause why most people can`t loose any weight because it takes time away from you to get in your routine. Which can automatically result in you actually gaining weight. The way I avoided this was waking up early in the morning before work and taking a short walk or vise versa if you get off from work late.

So ultimately if you work out every day you can get in shape just with in a year of your resolutions. So if you have not started your mission to be fit add weight loss to your 2011 list. As for me I am doing amazing with the weight I lost.

A Weight Loss Journey

March 1, 2014, I remember the day very clearly. This is the day I had a change in the way I thought about losing weight, and from there my journey on losing 100 lbs. began.

I'm not sure what was different about that day, only that I had a "shift" in my mindset, a new way of thinking. I guess I really believed in myself and that I could really lose the weight once and for all. Making life style changes and losing weight not only changes you on the outside, but it changes you most on the inside. You become a new person, almost like a butterfly freeing itself from a cocoon. The cocoon I had allowed to engulf my life, to keep me enclosed from all that life had to offer, and all I had to offer life.

The weight loss, well that is the easy part, the hard part is making up your mind that you can do it, that you have what it takes, that you won't give up on yourself, that you mean enough to yourself to get healthy first for yourself and second for those who love you. I started exercising every morning, a little at first and then progressed from there. I learned about healthy foods and I learned to eat in moderation. I incorporated more fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods and foods high in fiber into my diet. One day built on another and soon it started to feel right. It became a habit, a good habit. I have more energy throughout my day. I feel great on the inside and out.

I never drempt when I started on my weight loss journey the responses I would get from others. It is sad to say, but people really respond to you differently when you lose weight. You get noticed more, people tend to look at you in a different way. I feel the reason is not with the other people but within yourself. You carry yourself with more confidence, you have more pep in your step, you look people in the eye more. It's almost like your confidence demands other's attention.

Most people who are overweight use food as a means of pushing down feelings, numbing yourself. Im not saying all people do, but this has been my experience. We used food almost like an alcoholic uses alcohol to numb feelings. But now I have learned to look at food as a means of nourishing my body. Of course I still enjoy food, I just make healthier food choices, and eating foods in moderation.

It seems from my experience that people around you get "used" to the old you and change is hard, not only for the person losing weight but for those around you. Don't get me wrong, some people are very supportive, but not everyone will be happy for you, not everyone will rejoice in your accomplishment, and may even try to sabbotage your weight loss. I just had to realize that is their issue, not mine and keep on with my journey. Let's face it, cahnge is hard for people. It's easier to focus on other's people's problems then to be accountable for your own areas you need to clean up.

All in all, this weight loss journey has been all worth it. I would never go back to the old person I was. Life is so much more enjoyable. It's easier to move throughout life when you're healthy. It's not about fitting into a certain size, it weighing a certain number on the scale, for me it's about doing each day what it takes to make my body strong, healthy, moving my body everyday and continue on this journey.

Losing Weight Isn't a Mystery

We live in a society where weight loss has become such a huge industry because of poor diet and inactivity. There are popular television shows like the Biggest Loser and entire networks dedicated to fitness. Late night television infomercials try to provide a quick fix for the overweight. All of this is unnecessary because fitness is extremely easy to learn. I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year because I realized that I had to learn how to exercise and eat to improve my health and overall lifestyle.

The first thing I did was start exercising. This is the most vital step toward weight loss. It is natural for the body to crave food in times of plenty, but it is also natural for the body to be in a statement of movement to burn calories. Sedentary lifestyles do not fit in with our evolutionarily designed bodies. Our ancestors were busy chasing their dinner, not sitting at a desk.

Any kind of exercise is beneficial. Ideally a work-out regimen should consist of weight lifting, cardio, and an overall active lifestyle. Weight lifting actually tears muscles slightly. And while it sounds bad, the body is in a constant state of repair and growth, so weightlifting fits into that natural process. Muscle uses more calories than fat, and weight lifting will increase metabolic rate in the 24-hour recovery period after exercise. Cardio is also essential for a strong heart and to burn calories quickly. And simply moving around in day to day life can burn 700 calories more for a 180 pound male and 500 calories more for a 140 pound female.

Diet is also essential to losing weight. Fast food chains and packaged meals are terrible for health and not conducive to weight loss. An ideal natural weight loss diet will not look much different than the food pyramid that you learned in high school. Lean meats are essential for protein that will fill you up and help you repair your muscles and cells from working out. Whole grains and rices will provide energy from natural carbohydrates. Finally fruits and vegetables are great ways to get vitamins and minerals for an extra burst of energy. Don't be afraid to have an occasional cheeseburger or candy bar as long as you're working out hard and it's eaten in moderation.

Weight loss isn't that different from what you learned from your high school health and physical education teachers. It isn't a complicated thing; in fact it's natural to our bodies. Using gimmicks, weight-loss shakes, fancy workout machines, and diet pills won't make you thin, but they will leave your wallet thin and they can affect your health. So just follow some easy steps. Be active, find some motivation to get healthy, and eat natural, unprocessed food. The weight will start coming off and you'll be happier and healthier.

Acne Causes, Types and Treatments

Testosterone often induces acne to come out in athletes who use performance enhancing drugs. Acne fulminansis is caused by testosterone and can have diverse affects on the body that wouldn't ordinarily be imparted to acne. Symptoms may include:

Severe pocking

Sore joints

Rising and falling fever

Diminished appetite

Weight loss

Speedy attack of acne

Pocking is often found with people who have suffered from acne fulminansis. This comes from collagen that's formed to cure the cells that have been injured by acne. This oftentimes leads to excessive scarring.

Testosterone comes from cholesterol and is developed in the testicles of the man. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in ovaries. Testosterone courses through the body and then bonds to the androgen receptors. Both men and women have androgen receptors but the two sexes react to them otherwise. Testosterone isn't only the cause of acne in athletes and it doesn't have to be performance-enhancing. Testosterone is often the cause of formation of acne at pubescence. It can also affect women later in life too. At pubescence, the testosterone levels increase and drives the body to increase its sebum output and increases the oiliness of skin and hair, inducing eruptions.

Body acne is another condition that is endured by many people and it just goes to show that acne is not confined to the face. Body acne impacts both teenagers and adults. It may come out on their back, neck and shoulders. It can also come out on the chest and buttocks. There are various factors that can cause this acne to happen including:

Tight fitting clothing

Perspiration

Clothing that can't "breathe"

People who are physically active are often prone to body acne. This is particularly true if they wear clothing such as spandex. Spandex traps fluids against the skin and induces it to block the hair follicles and pores.

Body acne can be like facial acne, but it can surface in some awkward places. Skin that is situated on the body is often denser and more susceptible to friction that is caused by clothing that fits tightly and rubs on the skin.

There are various classes of acne that can range from modest to dangerous. It can be found on several parts of the body. Mild acne can be self-treated, but severe cases are best cared for by a dermatologist or health care provider. The most common type of acne includes your typical blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. 

Blackheads, or comedones, occur in pores that are partly blocked off. Sebum, dead cells and bacteria will slowly drain to the sking surface and then the black color is caused by the skin pigment being open to air. These often takes a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads are comedones also, but they are slightly different than blackheads. These are caused by pores that are entirely blocked off and deposited under the surface of the skin.

Papules are small reddened bumps on your skin. These incline to be very tender and induce discomfort. These may cause pocking, so try not to touch or squeeze these.

Pustules are red bumps are what we know as pimples or zits. These pustules appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center.

Nodules are much bigger than other kinds of acne. These are severe lumps that come out below the surface of the skin, which can be really irritating and endure for a great deal of time. This kind of acne is very vulnerable to pocking and it is advisable to have them cared for by a skin doctor.

Cysts are very similar to nodules, except that they are satiated with pus. These are often irritating and may pock if left untreated. These should also be treated by a skin doctor.

Acne Conglobata is a relatively uncommon class of acne vulgaris. It can be defacing and cause serious distress both psychologically and physically. These are often very large lesions that form on your face, chest, buttocks, back, upper arms and thighs. It is also followed by blackheads. This often causes damage and lasting pocking. This is often a condition that comes out more in men than in women. This condition is known to endure for several years.

Acne Fulminans is frequently the sudden appearance of Acne Conglobata and is followed by a fever and aching joints. This is commonly cared for with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis condition can be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotic drug* and is a bacterial infection, which causes cysts and pustules.

Pyoderma Facia is a kind of acne that impacts females between the ages of 20 and 40. This can induce very irritating pustules, nodules and cysts. They come out on the face and leave a permanent pocking. This often occurs in women who have never had acne before and often clears up in about a year.

Baby acne often evidences itself as white bumps that come out on the baby's torso. This is really nothing to worry about and it is very natural. Baby acne is traced back to the hormones that infiltrate the placenta to the baby. The condition may also develop several days or weeks after birth. When the baby experiences the surge of hormones right before birth, they often acquire baby acne. This condition can be soothed with a mild soap and lukewarm water once per day. Do not use lotions or oils as it may exacerbate the skin. You also want to avoid excessive cleansing and scrubbing. Baby acne is not caused by dirt or debris so scouring doesn't help.

Acne Dysmorphiais not technically a physical condition induced by acne, but it is a mental condition. This can be a very draining illness that may come out with someone who has a preoccupation with deformity. In this case the person is totally obsessed with acne. They believe that their acne is horrible, when in actuality it may not be all that bad. They are often obsessed by checking themselves in a mirror and obsessively checking on their skin flaws.

Billions of people have acne eruptions, but these people are unable to get rid of acne. In fact, this disorder has nothing to do with acne. This disorder is related to anorexia nervosa. In acne dysmorphia, acne is a trigger; in anorexia, weight is a trigger; These people are obsessed with their skin and it is not unusual for this type of person to incessantly look in the mirror and obsess about their skin.

Acne dysmorphia has been successfully treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as hypnosis. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological treatment for depression related disorders. Group therapy sessions with people who suffer from similar troubles have allowed people to relieve themselves from the obsession that they suffer from. People with this condition have also been treated with antidepressants and other medications.

Scalp folliculitis is when the pores on your scalp become clogged. This condition has a diversity of names, but it is simply scalp acne. Scalp acne can impact anyone of any age. This type of acne is not restricted to just the scalp.

In fact, it can show up anywhere hair follicles are located including:
Armpits
Arms
Leg
Face

These are small pustules that are of a whitish-yellow color. Hair will often rise directly through these pustules. When you pluck at them, they may ooze with sebum and bloodstained pus. The hair may also grow right next to the area, but the pustule is still in the hair follicle. This condition tends to be fairly itchy and people find it difficult not to touch them. The pustules can be situated anywhere on the scalp, but often only impacts a small area. This problem is formed the same way that acne is formed. This acne involves a bacterium that becomes ensnared in the hair follicle. P. acnes is often the perpetrator in this problem. Staphylococcus bacterium is also known to cause this condition. Staphylococcus bacterium is known to induce additional problems such as eye and nose infections.

Some people may acquire scalp folliculitis when they sit in hot baths or other warm and moist locations that are not chlorinated. The temperature softens the scalp and lets the hair follicles be more susceptible to bacteria and infection. Ingrown hairs also cause it, as they are the perfect breeding ground for this bacterium.

Other causes include:
Diabetes
Excessive perspiration
Tight clothing
Unhealthful conditions
Exposure to both heat and humidity
Dermatitis
Eczema
Influenza and common cold*

Scalp folliculitis is contagious and can be passed from one individual to another. People need to be sure to use clean towels. Don't share items such as:
Towels
Brushes
Combs
Hair Accessories
Pillow cases

If scalp folliculitis is a persistent problem, be sure to visit a doctor. They will help you to determine if the infection is caused by a bacteria or fungus, which is another factor that can cause this condition. They will help you find an suitable treatment plan as well. Many doctors will prescribe an nonprescription cream that is applied to the area daily. These treatments may be Bacitracin, Neomycin and Mycitracin. These are applied three to four times per day.

Treat Baby Acne with Basic Baby Care

When Dealing with baby acne, there really isn't a whole lot a parent can do outside of the basic baby caring duties. Studies show that approximately 20% of newborn babies suffer from acne starting when they're around three or four weeks old and generally shows up more in male babies. Baby acne usually shows up as red, pimple like bumps along with whiteheads on the cheeks, forehead and chin. Although this condition can be very worrisome for parents, there is nothing serious to worry about since baby acne typically goes away around the 4 month old mark. Here is how your can treat baby acne with basic baby care.

Make Sure It's Acne
Identify that your are dealing with baby acne and not some other skin condition before you start treatment. The skin of newborn babies is extremely sensitive and can be irritated from a number of things. Acne in babies usually consist of red bumps in the chin cheek and forehead area along with whiteheads.

Get Rid of Excess Oil
Throughout the day, gently dab excess oil from your baby's skin. This can be done with a clean cloth by gently dabbing the areas that are oily. While doing this, make sure you don't rub the skin otherwise you may cause more skin irritation.

Wash With A Gently Baby Wash
This is something you should already be doing since babies skin is so sensitive. Use a gentle baby wash to cleanse your babies face once a day. Washing more than once a day can dry out the skin and may cause baby acne to get worse.

Keep Bedding Clean
Everything that touches your babies skin should be clean. This includes pillows, blankets, sheets, etc. Doing this will reduce the chance of causing more skin irritation to your baby's skin and help baby acne go away sooner. You should also make sure you and anyone else who holds your baby keep their clothing away from your baby's skin by using a clean blanket as an underlay.

As a parent you need to remember that baby acne is a temporary condition. It's important for you not to get frustrated while dealing with it. It's okay to do all the things that you would normally do with your newborn baby such as going shopping, taking pictures, etc. Before you know it, your babies skin condition will be gone and you'll forget they even had it.