Search Results for: weight loss

Vote for me :-)

September 25, 2012 |

Your’s truly, Moi, has been nominated for a Black Weblog award. Ok, I nominated myself but hey if you wouldn’t vote for yourself they why would anybody else. So I voted for myself and now it is your turn to vote for me for best personal blog. I hope you are all ready to click on my name but in case you are thinking “Why should I vote for her” here are 12 reasons why I deserve your vote 🙂

I keep it real. I try to be very genuine and honest on the blog. In my hypnosis for weight loss series I talk all about my struggles with my weight and the mental road blocks in the way of my healthy lifestyle. I’ve also been open about how I sometimes feel lonely and my desires to meet Mr. Joy Chaser.
I show up. When Joy Chasers invite me to their events I try to be there. That’s how I got to go to the kick off for Philly’s 17 days of fashion and to meet the documentary film maker who’s been traveling the country living off of American Made products
I am a connector. I connect bloggers with each other and new readers with the weekly #FlashbackFriday Linky.
I give you stuff. While this blog is not the go to spot for product reviews and giveaways every now and then a lucky Joy Chaser will get some goodies. Sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes with lots of notice like the Free Candle Giveaway that’s going on now.
I believe in giving back. Last year I encouraged readers to collectively commit 100 Acts of Joy by giving of time or money during the Holiday season. Right now I am preparing the 1st Chasing Joy Charity Event supporting women transitioning from welfare to work.
I give you your props. Every Wednesday on the Chasing Joy Facebook and Twitter pages you will find us Joy Chasers shouting out each other for our accomplishments for #WaytogoWednesday!
I try new things. I am learning to embrace new experience to find the Joy in them. Sometimes it is a good experience like when I became a ballerina. Sometimes it’s not so good of an experience like when I failed to find my peace in Meditation.
I share the knowledge. Almost everything I have learned about blogging can be found on this blog. I take a many notes as possible at conferences and blogger meet up so that I can share with any readers who wanted to be their but couldn’t. My Blogalicious, Blogging While Brown, and Bloggy Boot Camp recaps offer so many resources.
I value friendships. I am a Girlfriend Guru for Girlfriendology where I offer my take on how to be a good girlfriend when helping your friends celebrate their important moments or helping them set important goals.
I keep it positive. While I certainly feel there is a time and place for venting feelings of frustration, I do keep the overall vibe of Chasing Joy positive by focusing on accomplishing goals with #MakeitHappenMonday and encouraging gratitude with #ThankfulThursday.
I make you smile. I know you can’t help but to smile when I post pictures of my furry friends.
Last but not least Vote for me for best personal blog because you can relate to my quest for Joy and enjoy reading my post.

Now After you vote for me feel free to vote for my bloggy friend Your Chic is Showing who has also been nominated for a Black Weblog Award.

VOTE NOW because the 1st rounds of voting ends on October 1st.

So why did you Vote for Chasing Joy? What draws you to Chase Joy with me?

20 Dont’s for a Joyful Life

August 7, 2012 |

A couple weeks ago I was reading the fitness and weight loss blog posts of Phit-N-Phat. One of the posts was talking about how when you are watching what you eat and say “I can’t have” something it almost automatically makes people what you to have it. They are not intending to be food pushers and are often not aware that they may be pressuring you to go off your plan. The word can’t implies you are being deprived and we don’t want our friends to be deprived, right? So as soon as you say “I cant have dessert” people immediately say things like can’t you have a little piece, you can have some if you work it off, etc… Your friends don’t want you to be left out or miss out on what they are experiencing. Conversely the post said if you say “I don’t eat sugar”, “I don’t eat fried foods”, etc… people usually say OK and all those helpful suggestions on how you could still indulge stop.

Funny how powerful words are. The simple switch from “can’t” to “don’t” also brings about a completely different emotion. Often the don’t has a negative connotation. But it does not have to. Sometimes the word don’t can be strong and purposeful. For example when I say I can’t go over my budget I automatically think of all of the things I want but cannot buy. However when I say I don’t go over my budget I feel strong, in control, and determined.

I think it is time I embrace the word don’t.

I don’t have to please everyone!
I don’t need to make other people’s happiness a higher priority than my own!
I don’t take advantage of other peoples insecurities or weaknesses!
I don’t go a single day without praying!
I don’t doubt my own intelligence!
I don’t do things that will hurt me!
I don’t expect to be perfect!
I don’t hate anyone!
I don’t delight in the misfortune of others!
I don’t accept a life without Joy!
I don’t need everyone to like me!
I don’t give up on myself or my dreams!

I have those dont’s down. Here are a few dont’s that I need to adopt:

I don’t overeat!
I don’t eat to mask my emotions!
I don’t let other people’s decisions stress me!
I don’t worry about things I can’t control!
I don’t engage in negative self-talk!
I don’t doubt myself!
I don’t over analyze the past!
I don’t do things just because it is expected!

What are some of you dont’s? What dont’s do you need to adopt?

Putting Me Under, The Joy of Being Hypnotized

July 3, 2012 |

I have lost about 4lbs since meeting with the hypnotist. I cannot give the credit to hypnosis but it is a factor in this small success. During my first meeting with the hypnotist she explained that hypnosis is not a magic weight loss pill. It is a technique I can use as an assist to my practical efforts of eating less calories and burning more calories. You can see how I felt after that first meeting in my post My Morbidly Obese Temple [I apologize for the video losing audio half way through 🙁 ]

I meet with her again a week later. In our second meeting she “put me under” (cue scary music lol) Well I am happy to report that I have not been barking like a dog, making chicken noises when my phone rings or any other such non-sense that we’ve all seen on TV. The session was nothing like TV at all. Basically it was like…we’ll just check out the videos I did before and after my sessions. I promise the audio and video are good throughout.

Now that it has been a couple of weeks since I was hypnotized I feel comfortable saying it has been a positive experience. I struggle much more with diet than exercise. Since the hypnosis session I have been much more conscious of what I am eating and giving thought to “what is good for me” to eat. I have been able to have several self-declared junk food free days because I know it is not good for me to eat junk food every single day. The days have not even been that hard as I know I can still have theses treat foods but deciding for myself that they are not good for me to have each day.

This consciousness regarding my diet is not second nature though and is very much a conscious effort. I still have times when I know E, Y, and Z would be good for me yet I go for A, B, and C anyway. Change does not happen overnight and apparently neither does hypnotic success. I do see another session in my future.

Have you ever been hypnotized? Was your experience like mine? After watching my videos would you be more inclined to give hypnosis a try to help you with a personal challenge?

My Morbidly Obese Temple

June 18, 2012 |

My body is my temple. My morbidly obese temple that is 🙁 At least that’s what my doctor’s file says. I recently went to get a check up to make sure that I did not have cancer. Now, I knew most likely I did not have cancer and that what I was experiencing was just heart burn. However never having had heart burn and having had my dad pass away from complications to treatment of esophagile cancer, my hypocondriatic inner voice had me a little, ok a lot, nervous.

The doctor confirmed that I was just having heart burn, which was good. But then proceeded to lecture me for the remainder of the visit on how I needed to lose weight. He blessed me with the oh so wonderful label of morbidly obese (do you hear my sarcasim?) and even threw out the possiblities of my needing to have weightloss surgery in the future if I cannot lose the weight. So that check up did leave me rather bummed.

The good thing is I already knew I needed to lose some weight and have already taken some steps to start treating my body like the temple that it really is. As a matter of fact only 3 days before my check up I had met with a hypnotist to find out if hypnosis could be a technique to help with my weight loss efforts. Here is the video I made after my meeting with her.

Now, as I mentioned in the video the hypnosis won’t work by it self and behavior modification is necessary. So I will be referring to my list of steps to Rennovate my Temple along with getting more exercise in the form of taking short walks during work and walking my dog more often.

Have you or would you ever try hypnosis for weigtloss, to stop smoking, or for help with some other issue? If you have what was your experience like?

Chasing Joy’s Tips From Fashionista Class (part 1)

May 10, 2012 |

Now that we have all decided to be our own Biggest Fan we need to look the part. While what on the inside matters way more than what’s on the outside, the outside is important too. I know I feel better when I look better and feel great when I think I look great. Notice I said I. I’m not talking about pleasing others or following trends or trying to measure up to some sort of ideal. I’m talking about deciding that I am my own biggest fan and I want to feel great and look my best. So how do we do that?

That was the point of the Full Figured Fashionista Class held at BellaNor Boutique. If you read my post from earlier this week, Are You Your Own Biggest Fan, I know you are anxiously awaiting the tips and pointers I picked up at BellaNor’s. So here goes:

Shape wear!!!!
Go get some! Shape wear is for all sizes and comes in all sizes. It is not just for fuller figures. Most of us could benefit from a tighter look. Now I’m not talking about hard core girdles or corsets or things that are uncomfortable. I’m talking about the kinds you can get a most department stores and even target that are designed to smooth you out and hide the lumps and bumps you don’t want to show while lifting the ones that you do want to show. I personally have used Spanx and the Assets brands. Make sure you buy it in your actual size. Buying it in a smaller size will be counterproductive as the shape wear will give you bulges instead of smoothing things out. To maintain your shape wear do not fully dry your shape wear in the dryer after washing it. Treat it as you would bras and hosiery to get longer life. Don’t be afraid to wear it every day. Buy the correct size and the brand that you find most comfortable so that you can wear it daily. I always considered shape ware something to put on under that special dress. It never occurred to me to wear it on a regular. Now I’m thinking why wouldn’t I want a smooth silhouette all the time???

Get Fitted!!!
Go and get a proper bra fitting. Clothes often will not look right if you have on the wrong bra because they are cut with the expectation that your boobs will be in line with the middle of your arm. Most women are wearing the wrong size. Here are a few ways to tell if you wearing the wrong size. When you look in the mirror standing sideways does your bra have a see saw effect? Meaning is the back of the bra higher than the front. Your bra should be even in the front and back. When you take your straps down your boobs should not fall down with it. The shoulder straps should not be the main support of the bra. Lastly you should not have a uni-boob. Each breast should be fully in the cup and the middle of the bra should be flush against your skin, giving you two separate boobs and not one uni-boob. Two is better than one 🙂

Don’t Postpone The Pretty!!!
Chanea (the lovely owner of BellaNor) says she gets many women coming into the shop saying “oh I’m not buying any clothes because I’m losing weight”. If you are in the process of losing weight or getting in shape or experiencing any other type of transition phase don’t deprive yourself of nice fitting garments. Looking and feeling your best should not have a size prerequisite to it. Also, looking in the mirror and liking what you see during the weight loss process can be a huge motivator to keep up the good work. I’m not saying break the bank. Get just a few pieces in your current smaller size that will help you look your best even if you are not at your goal.

Wow! I really got a lot out of this class. So much so that I’m going to break now and pick this up a little later with more tips. I don’t want you to get bored before I get to the good stuff 🙂

So for now, mention your unmentionables. Do you wear shape wear? Do you wear it every day or just on special days? And when was your last Bra Fitting? And for any fellas reading, I heard there are shape wear tee shirts for men. Would you or have you worn one?

I Got Stabbed… While Chasing Joy!

October 12, 2011 |

pic from google images

But it didn’t hurt, and I paid for it, and there weren’t any actual knives involved. Ok so I didn’t really get stabbed but I did have about 9 really sharp needles inserted into my body. This past Saturday I had my first experience with acupuncture. My cousin had been before me and assured me that the needles did not hurt. I had heard good things about acupuncture and its benefits in controlling pain and anxiety. I had also heard it could be beneficial for weight loss. So of course I was intrigued.

I had to fill out some forms including what I hoped to treat with acupuncture. I listed Weight loss Anxiety/Stress, and my right ankle in that order. Before the stabbing, I mean treatment, began the acupuncturist went over my forms. We talked mostly about my diet and how acupuncture could assist me with losing weight if I had a healthy diet and exercised but could not make me lose weight by itself, duh… The acupuncturist drew a diagram of a plate with the biggest section made up of veggies, the smallest section being made of meat and fats and the middle sized portion representing whole grains. The lesson: everyone, holistic and western medicine, is on the same page when it comes to eating right.

After going over the forms and talking more about my diet, stress and how I hurt my ankle I was lead to the room where I’d be repeatedly stabbed with little tiny knives, I mean receive acupuncture therapy. It was very serene and spa like with cool green hues and the beds with the pillows placed just where you need them, under your knees and neck.

I laid on the bed, shoes and socks off, pants’ legs rolled up and arms exposed in my tank top for easy access to all of my pin cushiony parts. I tried to relax and deep breath but my palms keep sweating in preparation of the first needle.

Right smack in my forehead it went. No pain at all. I could only feel it when he moved it. It kind of felt like a hair being moved on my forehead, until he pushed it in a little more until I could feel pressure. About two minutes later I was a human pincushion with one needle in my forehead, one in each forearm, and three in each of my lower legs. Then I rested.

I laid with the needles in me for 20 minutes or so. I tried to relax but my mind wandered quite a bit. Then I started to really feel my body. I mean I could feel the actual weight of my bra on my chest. I have never noticed that before. It was quite heavy. I started to freak out and then realized sticking a bunch of needles in your skin could make you a little more self aware.

Before I knew it time was up. The needles were removed and it was time to pay. Afterward I did feel kind of sleepy. The therapist said he’d given me a treatment that would make me a little “loopy”. He also said he chose spots for the needles that would help me relax, boost my metabolism, and decrease my sugar cravings. Later that day, I forgot I was supposed to have less sugar cravings as I bought some candy. I guess I need a few more treatments. Lol

Over all I had a great experience with the acupuncture. I know that any result from the treatment happens over several treatments. I will be going back a few times to see how it works for me so stay tuned.

Have you ever done anything out of the norm, controversial, or even painful in an effort to have a more Joyful life in the long run? Or, am I the only one who is willing to get stabbed while Chasing Joy.

Pain In The Butt… I Mean The Ankle

September 6, 2011 |

Last week I noticed my ankle did not feel quite right. I tried doing some stretches but that did not seem to work. However, since there was no actual pain I continued with the exercises I have been doing before work the last few weeks. These workouts consist of jogging on the treadmill, or walking and jogging intervals on the treadmill, as well as some resistance training like squats, burpees and pop squats. Well Thursday night I noticed some swelling and the not quite right feeling has evolved into discomfort. I have been trying to stay off it, keep it elevated, and iced.

It is no secret that I need to lose some weight. I also want to lose weight and achieve that Devil’s Workshop Goal of fitting into a single digit dress size. While I don’t necessarily talk or write a lot about losing weight it is always on my mind. It has been on my mind more so lately because of a question someone asked me. I am trying to date more often and meet more men and have been using some online dating sites. I have used these sites or similar ones in the past with pretty good responses. However, this time around I have not received a lot of hits or responses when I have reached out. The question I was asked is, “Do you think your weight has anything to do with why you’re not getting many responses this time???”

I know the person who asked the question is coming from a good, genuine, my best interest in mind in place. So I know no hate or negativity is intended. Therefore, I have to really consider the question that is being asked. I believe the there is a strong possibility that the 25 + lbs that I’ve gained since I did online dating 6 years ago could have something to do with the lack of response. Now I know some guys like bigger girls but not all. To be fair I do not prefer a really big guy.

So, since I do want to date more I am accepting that losing weight could help me with that goal. Also If I lose weight I know I can buy a wider variety of clothes that make me feel sexy, I will like what I see in the mirror a bit more and all of that will translate to a sexier, happier me. And what guy could turn that down???

With all that being said this bum ankle is really getting in the way. Since, I am focusing more seriously on losing weight, now is not the time to stop or decrease the intensity of my workouts!!! But since this ankle is going to be a pain in the butt, that is what I am going to have to do; take some time off the treadmill and off of the high intensity burpees and pop squats.

I believe everything happens for a reason so I do not think it is a coincidence that I was presented with this tough question about my weight just days before I realize I have an injury. I think that was God’s way of lighting a fire under my ankle (ha ha I know what you thought I was going to say) in terms of me getting my eating habits under control. I have relied too heavily on my workouts for weight lost and now is my opportunity to focus on eating how I know I should.

So I am reminding myself that weight loss is about 80% diet and 20% exercise. I will keep moving as much as I can with non weight bearing exercise but now is the time for me to get my diet the way I want it to be.

How is your diet? Do you workout? Which one do you rely on more to get in or stay in shape? Have you lost weight with a pain in the butt ankle or other injury???

Less fat = Better Health = Sexier Clothes =More Confidence = More Boys = More Joy

No Rapture!? Guess I’ll Keep Chasing Joy

May 24, 2011 |

Since we were not all taken to Heaven as part of the Rapture or left behind in turmoil and despair it’s best I not lose focus and continue Chasing Joy 🙂

In the 15 months since I raced out of the starting blocks Chasing Joy I have been anything but bored. I have been a joyful ballerina, had a not so Joyous volunteer experience, Chased Joy to Bermuda, experienced the Joy of being a Red Head, Set a goal and reached it… can you say 5k!!!, danced in the mirror naked, and realized I am worth the Cheese Dip.

So What’s next??? While I have completed a 5k I was not able to run the entire thing. Should I focus on running for Joy? Continuing to work towards running 3 miles non-stop would be a good idea. Keeping up with the running will help towards my goal of getting down to a single digit dress size. Should I turn my focus to weight loss? I’ve lost a little already and am feeling pretty happy with what I see in the mirror. Am I confident enough for that Boudoir picture. Or maybe Joy is around some corner that I did not see before. Perhaps a partner could help me Chase Joy even faster. Should I focus on dating? Or maybe doing better at work would give me a little bit of Joy. Should I focus on my career.

Choices, Choices, Choices…. The good thing about the rapture not having taken place is I have still have time to Chase Joy in whatever way I choose.

What do you think I should focus on next? What are you focusing on as you Chase Joy???

Chasing Joy or Running from Fat!!!

May 2, 2011 |

As I am Chasing Joy I am not only running from boredom, I am also running from fat. I have told you of my desire to Treat My Body as My Temple and of my complicated relationship with my Joyful Food Friend. Things are going well so I am posting a few of the tips that I am constantly reminding myself.

Don’t do a diet. Try to find a program that will help you develop new healthier eating habits for long term. I am currently doing nutrisystem. I don’t intend to have my meals sent to me forever I am using the program to learn portion control.

Don’t be afraid to try different plans. You may not find a healthy eating plan that works for your personality and dietary needs right away. Keep trying different things. Don’t give up on yourself or allow yourself to feel hopeless. Just try something different. I think in the long run people who are successful learn from every weight loss attempt and end up with a personal plan that pulls from all those experiences.

Find a support system in real life and/or online. I have been much more open lately with friends/ family/ co-workers about my desire to make healthy changes and lose weight. Everyone has been supportive. Some people have even opened up about having similar goals, and frustration. I also have a great support system online at Phit-n-Phat. These are awesome women of different ages, lifestyle, and fitness level, that all share the same goal of good health, looking, and feeling good.

Exercise is a must. You don’t want to be skinny fat. This is where you lose wight but don’t develop any muscle tone. You’ll have sagging skin and more visible cellulite. If you don’t exercise you’ll also miss out on the benefits of feeling stronger and more powerful and tracking progress in ways not related to the scale. (how much weight you can lift, how long or fast you can run)

Increase your fruit and veggies. The most important thing I’ve learned so far from nutrisystem is that instead of having a small side of veggies with my meat and potatoes I should be having a small side of meat and potatoes with my veggies. Half of every meal should be veggies.

With these tips I am down almost 30lbs from my highest weight. I am feeling lighter, looking better, fitting into my more stylish clothes and am in much better shape for Chasing Joy.

Are you Chasing Joy by running from Fat? If so what are your tips for weight loss???

picture credit

Thirty Plus One

March 17, 2011 |

Today was my last day as a 30 year old. I am now officially in my 30’s (cue scary music). I do admit that turning 30 was much more exciting and produced less anxiety than turning 31. Not that I’m freaking out over it. Turning 30 felt like a new beginning, real adult hood. Now here I am a year later turning 31 and feeling like now what???

I am not one of those people who fears getting older. I don’t look 30 most of the time so I doubt I’ll wake up tomorrow looking old and decrepit. I think for me the anxiety comes from feeling like I am getting older and not accomplishing anything. Feeling like here I am a year later and nothing is really different. Same job, same house, and same relationship status.

But then I remember a feeling is just that a feeling and not necessarily a true representation of reality. So let’s take a moment to see all that is different since I turned 30:

At least 3 new friends
New hair color
New furniture
Weight loss
New (increasing) responsibilities at work

In addition to giving you a reason to party, have people do what you want, and be self indulgent Birthdays give you a reason to be reflective. When I reflect on these last 30 years I see that I have accomplished a lot. Here are some of my most proud of accomplishments:

I am a home owner
I own my own car that I paid of a year early
I have lost 19lbs
I have a stable job
I am financially independent and capable of providing for myself
I have several friendships that have lasted over a decade (some 2
decades)
I have maintained my faith and spirituality although I have a hard
time with church
I have found a healthy outlet for my anxiety, anger, and fears
I am honest
I am pushing myself to try new things and gain new experiences
I am a woman of my word
I am a college graduate
I have made some new friends
I have advanced in my career
I am a great Pet Parent
I have gone on several vacations
And of course I am Chasing Joy

So what will 31 have in store for me? What will be new this time next year? What accomplishments will I add to the list next year? Suddenly 31 is looking very exciting.

How has your life changed in the last year? What have you accomplished that you are most proud of?

Search Results for: weight loss

Most Popular Posts