Hair talk: Back to Basics

Joining the world of natural hair has been one of my best decisions of late. I mean, I make great decisions all the time but this one has been especially interesting and endearing. Interesting because as a team, my hair and I have been through a few things; specifically, we've been through a few products and product lines. I thought I wanted to grow up to be a product tester but now that I've arrived (quotation mark fingers), I realize that I'd prefer to just have a good regimen. I'd prefer to have a good regimen that isn't based on which company is making the hottest products right now. I desire a regime that is not moved no matter my jealousy over the astoundingly, blingy results some other hair blogger has experienced; a blogger who more than likely doesn't even have hair like me. Speaking of hair like me, I still haven't figured out in which category my hair exists. But I'm thinking my hair is in the 4s and even with that bit of knowledge I have gained nothing new. So, I've tossed the hair-typing theory into the garbage and the associated products in a bin under my bed where it's dark and far from my turncoat, shiny-ball syndrome eyes. I have to maintain my resolve somehow. Don't judge me.

While I've tried many products, there are some that I have enjoyed thoroughly but none so special that I added them to my list of Holy Grail (HG) products. I can't even commit to an HG list. But I feel compelled to have this discussion because many of my local natural hair peers are interested in the products I use and my hair growth. We trade product ideas on a regular basis and I am hesitant to be an enabler. We have lots of other, far more important things to do with our money. So when asked about products, I always begin by saying the following:

1. You have to find what is best for you. I hope they listen.
2. Read labels- try to determine what your hair likes/hates
3. Learn about porosity - my hair is low porosity and that lone fact has helped me choose products
4. I will share some of my products (although I will have to avoid looking into the light should I go into the bin under my bed).
5. My hair grows best with low manipulation/heat

Finding what's best for YOUR hair is kind of a big deal and where I will dwell for this post. Some naturals suggest that you find a "hair twin and find out what they are using. But even that didn't always work for me since you're getting back into typing. My strands are all different. Some strands are medium, the back is pretty fine, curly while the middle is pretty coarse. Based on that alone, I would be using about 3-4 different products to accommodate them all.

When deciding on a product I look for ingredients. As I primarily eat healthy foods, I definitely try to be mindful of the products I use on my hair and skin. I didn't do this when I was relaxed but I wish I had. There are definitely ingredients that my hair hates altogether and some my hair can only appreciate in small doses (aloe vera juice/gel). There was a reason my hair rejected ingredients such as grease/mineral oil-based products and yet I kept trying them. Somehow, I determined that the more money I invested in a product, the better chances that it would work for my hair. FALSE! There is nothing worse than wasting money on a $20 jar of grease that you can't return to your stylist or store! These things really matter and I regret never thinking to do this in my total hair past. Today, I abscribe to the concept of avoiding silicones, sulfates and especially alcohol in products as they are really drying. This works for me. There are 4-5 types of product I use on my hair. I use a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, oils and a styler. My next post will discuss some of the products I use and what I've learned about porosity but until then, here's a peek at a couple of my favorites:

On the 10th day of DETOX, my body gave to me...

Fi-ive pounds off me!
After a tough ten days of detoxing, (with a few minor cheats) I managed to lose 5lbs. I extended the detox by one day because of the cheating. I also worked out a bit more than I had previously, varying my exercise routines along the way. I taught Zumba 5 times, participated in Zumba as a student, lifted weights, ran and used the elliptical. I've learned that I need to keep my body guessing to get the desired results. I also maintained my water intake, drinking 75 ounces nearly every day. Water matters. If you are not already doing this, I suggest you get on it. Beyond that, I worked to stop eating by a certain time at night and did my best to control cravings. I was quite pleased to see that I was down 5 pounds at the end of the cycle. But wondered about the results if I hadn't indulged in the couple of chocolates I snuck in. Hence, the extra day.

So, what's next? Well... I decided to continue the meat elimination for an additional day. However I'm considering having meat every other day until I reach my initial loss goal of 15 pounds. I will begin eating fish tomorrow but I've been craving a steak so that is on the horizon. In any case, I'm moving into the next phase of FatSmash which lasts 3 weeks and includes the addition of lean meats, sugar free cereal and COFFEE!! Boy those first few days without even one cup of coffee were tough. I only drink coffee 1-2 times a week to perk me up in the mornings or before a Zumba class. However, because I knew I couldn't have it, I had to talk myself out of the Starbucks drive-thru several times! It feels like an accomplishment to say I can let caffeine go whenever I decide. I want to feel that way about all foods and any other vices I may have. Well, except music- it is the one vice that can potentially decrease body mass if used properly. As I sit here banishing the thought of a glass of calorie-laden moscato, I am finally getting it into my head that every decision is just that a decision. And I have decided that I will instead drink this very healthy, fruit smoothie in a celebratory glass and commence to dancing. Cheers to that!

Detox -Day 4

Wow. It's hard to believe I've been on this detox journey for 4 days. As I prep tonights dinner (baked sweet potato and 1 veggie burger) I'm grateful that I've only had one slip up. But oh how I wanted to slip more. I wanted to slip into some coffee, a chai latte, some chocolate, candy, krispy kremes and Tim Hortons. Why? Because they were all placed in my line of sight over the last 4 days. It's no wonder we struggle with weight. There are far too many people who reward with food that the temptation is great and mighty!!

I stepped on the scale this morning and I had dropped 3 pounds. Yes- 3! Now, I've done this detox before. The first time I did it, I lost 8lbs in 9 days- and that was eating pizza and a couple of other non-choices during the course of the week. Today I went to an organic restaurant and ordered a super healthy lunch of tofu, brown rice and veggies. But then, the organic peanut butter cookies came out the oven and I just couldn't resist. I didn't resist. And I won't beat myself up for it. I'm just grateful for all the other options I bypassed. It's easy to beat ourselves up, get frustrated and quit. The challenge is forgiving ourselves and moving forward. That's what I'm doing tonight. Bon apetite!

DETOX



Todays breakfast smoothie of spinach and berries



Oh detox, detox. How I loathe thee.

And yet, you seem to set me straight and so I must figure out how to live with and not fight you...

The story of my life folks; over the last 9 years, weight has been a problem. I had a surgery that forever changed my life and the way my body reacts to food. Mostly it caused my body to welcome every visiting food in to our humble abode and convince them to stay awhile. A long while.

Back in December I started trying to reign things in a bit. I'd lost 13lbs over the last year via clean eating but the holidays included lots of comforting foods and leftovers. Additionally, the holidays included things I'd banished to one day a week- mainly carbs and sweets. Sweets and carbs. If I have either one- it invites back the other creating a vicious cycle that has become a motha. -__- 

I decided this weekend after having my second order of fries in 2 days that I MUST do something. You see, I've been eating well. I've been exercising. I TEACH Zumba. But one false move could defeat every effort and derail my entire fitness program. As I induged, I had the wherewithall to realize that some action is required. So, detox it is. I am making a return to Dr. Ian's original fatsmash diet. It worked for me- well. It helped me to kick out the bad, and to reinstroduce the other stuff in moderation. I need that sort of plan in my life STAT. I need to regroup. After all, how can I be the motivator I desire to be in the fitness realm if I can't recognize my weaknesses AND take action? I can't. Besides that endeavor- I am taking a trip to Montego Bay in July and my body must be in order. I have friends that will be wearing 2 pieces, and I want to show off more than a 3-piece with a biscuit. At the least, I need to be in a tankini.

I also want to feel good. Once you begin eating clean, you notice a significant increase in your energy levels. I need to feel that boost 100% of the time. My journey began this morning with a fruit and veggie smoothie. I have a very short "yes" list and a very long "no list". No list be damned! I am working on creative, weekly food plans and starting to journal my meals, water intake and exerise. In the meantime- I'm leading myself in a daily pep talk- I can do this. I need this. My health matters and inspires. My plan is to be a motivator and it cannot begin until I begin to motivate myself again. So, if you see me, in person, fb or twitter- encourage me. I can use a little every now and then. Detox is 9 days and today is the first. Here goes...

Catching Up - A Mixed Bag :D

Well... long time no hear-->from ME!
Life has been a bit crazy for the last few months. We had the holidays, my 10-year wedding anniversary, college preparations for the kids and well... LIFE!

Mixed Berry Salad with goat cheese

But I'm back. I'm working out hard and drinking lots of water. I've only managed to lose about 2-3 lbs but have gained some stamina with my running which I plan to increase and continue. I'm beginning to teach 4 Zumba classes a week. 3 nights at my church and one at a local gym. Pretty fantastic eh? This is helping me with my fitness journey. I'm also reigning in my eating. The holidays got me off a bit but I'm finding my way back to clean eating- veggies, fruits, water. Hence the mixed berry salad in the pic! ------------------------------------>>

How many of you are still on the wagon? It's easy to fall off but we need each other to stay in the race. At the very least- I need YOU! Stay tuned for more posts in this area.

I'm also writing poetry, working on my book and singing background for a friend of mine. I'd been trying to decide if I wanted to post my poetry here or on my former blog. I think I'll reintroduce my old blog dedicated to poetry and poetry videos but will post them here from time to time.

My girlfriend sings inspirational and gospel music and in an effort to get back to using my voice, I have joined her where my schedule permits. It's actually been a great joy and outlet for me.

In the world of natural hair- I'm still keeping up. I've been in a protective style challenge for the last few months. I've mostly worn my hair tucked away since October or November. It's hard to believe that we are nearing the home stretch for that little project. Seems like we just started. Later, I'll do a post telling you more about the challenge and sharing what I've learned about my hair, products I'm using and myself on this journey!

Getting Fit NOW!

Alright folks. So, just wanted to post an update. While I started my new fitness mission well before Thanksgiving, I fell off in the midst of the holiday. You see, I made the mistake of cooking LOTS of food and allowing the leftovers to remain accessible. In one week, I picked up nearly 3lbs. I've since lost 3 of them. I will be weighing myself in the am and am hoping I'm back to where I was before the holiday arrived and stole my mission... pulled the rug from under me. I felt hoodwinked and bamboozled. Boy was I mad at Thanksgiving!! However, about 1 week later I realized that the only person who tricked me was myself. In fact, I reneged on a promise I made to myself and I was blaming others and everything else for my slip-up. How many times have I done this? Likely- too many to count. So, I'm giving myself a do-over. I'm still struggling, but I'm coming to some realizations about myself. The most important realization is knowing that I can do it and understanding that I can flex my "NO MUSCLE" whenever I remember my commitment to ME. That's step #1. This weekend, my Zumba team and I discussed giving up one thing for a whole week. I decided to give up meat and white flour carbs for the week. Today I flexed my "NO MUSCLE" by sticking to all veggies and meatless protein all day. In fact, I made egg whites and mixed veggies for dinner while the family had manwich. That's progress.

So- how you doin?

Getting Fit NOW

So, I thought I'd do a post today discussing my weight loss journey. For the last 8 years I have been trying to manage weight issues. I've gained about 50 pounds over the last 8 years and much of it is due to hormonal changes after a surgery I had in 2003. I've had moments of clarity on the issue and moments of denial. The two don't go well together! Over the last 1.5 years I've taken my weight a bit more serious. After finding my biological mother, I learned that the women in my family start heading for Obesity Road after age 35. Those same women have battled diabetes in their later lives and to be honest, I want no part of that disease. So, I workout a great deal- off and on. These days I'm trying to be more on than off. I have begun running and teaching Zumba. Me and my crew are working to lose weight TOGETHER! Working out is important for so many reasons. I work out for weight loss, toning AND because it is a GREAT stress reliever. Besides, I just feel good after. It's one accomplishment in an increasingly busy schedule of activity.

After participating in a boot camp early this year I realized that I lost weight when my diet was high in protein and decidedly low in carbs and sugar. So, after raging against the reality of that concept, I'm back on board. I can't keep starting over. I want to start and finish this particular race- so I'm running. Aligning my diet with my fitness activity is a huge part of this quest. Starting this week, I've made some lifestyle changes beginning with a fast from sugar, white carbs and meat. The fast is for 5 days initially (due to a trip out of town this weekend), but I plan to pick it up again next Monday. In the meantime, I'm taking charge. I will begin reporting my efforts here. I won't share my weight but I'll let you know how many pounds I have lost. I will even share pictures and perhaps post a video or two along the journey. The rest of my plan includes avoiding lose weight fast gimmicks. I have shiny ball syndrome… You know the one where you’re on a path, then you see/hear about something else that’s just a little more sparkly-- so you drop what you’re doing and run in that direction? Oh? That’s just me? LOL!

Finally, it's that time of year when everyone is pushing some sort of product, supplement, etc to help you lose and meet your upcoming resolutions. I don't want to go there. I've read reviews on many such products and there is one common denominator which is always- the things they don't tell you. They don’t tell you what happens AFTER you stop taking it (whatever IT is). Personally, I am not the sort to become reliant on something I have to take every day beyond vitamins and if I can make it happen with regular food and exercise- so shall it be. So, that said- it's just me and food. Healthy food. We... I can do this.

If you're thinking about the journey, why wait. Get fit NOW. With me.

~Peace