25-pounds lost with HCG!

Hello everyone!  As you can see I have not posted in a bit; I've been pretty busy the last month.  First I've been working more on my other blog, catered more for entrepreneurs.  And second (and most importantly) I lost 25 pounds!  Yes, you read right, 25 pounds in 30 days!  Well, 33 days to be exact ;)

How did I do it?  Well it all started when my friend told me about her success with a very strict, doctor supervised diet she was doing, which involved taking medication.  She had mentioned a few aspects I found curious, such as avoiding oils, lotions, and most make-up.  She did not know it was called the "hcg diet", but upon research I found that's what it was.  I went down a rabbit hole of information.  I won't bombard you with too much info in this post, but I will be sharing in upcoming posts some tips and tricks I learned along the way for anyone interested in the HCG diet.  The most important things to keep in mind for the HCG diet are 1) it can be done with the HCG drops, or via injections (both are taken daily; I did it through injections), and 2) the hormone is paired with a very low calorie diet (VLCD).  If you are taking the right dosage, you will notice your appetite will be suppressed, allowing you to follow the caloric restrictions with ease.

Significant loss of inches, especially around my back and stomach

Anyway, I was having a very hard time losing weight prior to HCG, even while eating healthy.  I also found that I was essentially caught in a catch-22. I wanted to lose weight; I had been feeling so "heavy", and with such low energy, I even had a hard time breathing. I mentioned to you before the state of my energy and how I felt there was something up with my hormones/thyroid, but my blood work came back normal. I still felt there was something wrong. I had no energy to work out, to lose weight. Instead I opted to get back to eating healthy again. My energy level did increase, but not enough to exercise like I wanted to. I started doing yoga to get in some physical activity. I was maintaining my weight; not gaining or losing. I needed to find a happy medium between food and exercise, but without the energy to do it, I could only focus on eating healthy and therefore weight loss would be that much harder. I felt so discouraged.  I got to the end of my rope in late August. I never, ever wanted to undergo weight loss surgery; I just feel it's not for me, but I had to find an effective solution, otherwise I would have to force myself to go under the knife. I just felt I need a substantial amount of help.

I could no longer fight this battle on my own.  

I found an affordable doctor in San Diego who offered HCG injections.  I decided to try it, all or nothing.  Thankfully the doctor made the process seem more manageable.  He provided me with information, tips, and of course taught me how to inject myself with the HCG.  By the way I am not squeamish with needles, and the injection is a tiny, insulin needle, which I would quickly prick into my stomach.  The whole process takes about 15 seconds.  It didn't hurt at all, sometimes I would feel a little pinch, but it would be so quick that it didn't even matter.

My injections; I would prepare the shots a week at a time

If you're considering the HCG diet, definitely consider following the protocol with a doctor.  I would not recommend doing it alone your first time.  Also, there is a debate on HCG injections vs. HCG drops.  I am going to share my friend's story (in a later post), since she followed the diet with drops, while I did with injections.  I've read many articles about injections being more concentrated than drops, which is why I did not mind injections at all.  I really wanted to make sure I had something potent to work with, for maximum success.

Another thing I want to point out is that results vary for everyone!  On average, you lose about 1 pound per day, however sometimes when you're changing foods, or if you come in contact with some fats (like oils in lotions), or if you cheat, then your weight loss will vary greatly.  I also experienced stalls during ovulation and then pre-menstruation, so it's important to share those things with your doctor.

In later posts I am going to share what I ate and tips, but for now just wanted to give you some basic info on what I did, and why I did it.  Again, do your research; if you've been having a really hard time to lose weight and are at the end of your rope, this may be a solution for you.  I don't have the patience to lose weight slowly, at least not before because I had so much to lose it would've taken me forever!  Now I feel like I have a great head start, especially since my energy is so high, that I can lose weight in a "normal" way through diet and exercise.

P.S: I actually just finished what's called "phase 2" of the diet, which is the very low-calorie portion. Now I finished the injections and am moving on to a low-carb, high protein diet; kind of a mix between Paleo and Atkins.  Do what works for you!  After the weight loss from that phase, you have to keep the weight off, and of course keep losing until you meet your goal.

Thanks for stopping by, and be on the lookout for future HCG posts! =)

Learn how to manifest your desires with ease

Hello everyone! Another week is upon us, and a new year is right around the corner. This year has been what I like the call "the year of revelations". A lot of things have come to light, and lessons have been learned. This has been the most fruitful year of my life so far.

My life took a more positive route in 2012 when I made the decision to change my life. Back then I found myself in a dark place, with no hope. I felt stuck and it depressed me to think that there was no way out of my situation. The things I wanted seemed so unattainable. I remember scrolling through my social media accounts thinking that everyone on my timeline was living a happy life while I was observing; filled with envy and anger at not having the things they had. I used to think I was cursed, or being punished somehow. Thankfully I've always been surrounded by Earth Angels; people who have shown up in my life when I've needed them the most. One of my good friends introduced me to an online course called "Magical Manifesters", and it helped transform my situation.

I had an idea of what I wanted and how I wanted my life to change, but had no idea where to start. I remember not even having enough money to ride the train sometimes, but somehow once I set the intention to change my life doors started opening for me. I made the decision then and there to invest on the course, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Magical Manifesters is the push you need to get your life back on track. Magical Manifesters, or "MM" for short, is the light you've been looking for. Whatever your desires are, if you feel like you don't know how to even begin working on making them reality, this is a great starting point. I previously shared with you how I took my leap of faith to move from New York to San Diego, all on my own. I took this online course back in September 2012 and I 100% credit it with providing me with the tools and confidence I needed to plan my life transformation.

The creator of this course, Erin Stutland, gives the participants unique and creative ways to hone in on what their true desires are, and how to manifest them. This isn't about making a simple "to-do" list. She really helps you think outside the box on what your desires are, why you want the things you do, and what's been blocking you from taking action. She also provides some fun activities to help us really internalize the information, and the best part is we get to interact with the other participants of the course. Because it's an online course, you can do the lessons at your own pace. As a participant you also get lifetime access to the course and materials. I took it back in 2012 and am still able to take the course as many times as I want. I've already taken it three times, to help me work on new desires that have come up since the first time I've taken the course. Aside from the info you also get to network with some truly inspirational individuals. This course is truly more valuable than the price; you get more out of it than what you put in.

Because of the work done through MM I've been able to manifest by move to San Diego, and my writing business (publishing and blogging). It has taken me to a whole other level. Just for full disclosure, I am also an affiliate of MM because I love to share this resource with all creative and entrepreneurial individuals. You don't even have to take my word for it, just visit the page and look at all of the people this course has helped. If you have any questions about my experience with it, feel free to contact me. The next round starts Monday September 29th; if you are truly committed to making a positive shift in your life, and are ready to do the work, reserve your spot asap!

Happy 1 year blogversary + GIVEAWAY!

Hi all!  So I totally dropped the ball on my blog's birthday.  FatFabFit turned 1 year old on 7/26/14. I thought I started this blog in August of 2013, but nope it was in July 2013.  My first post was dedicated to discussing my food cravings and emotional eating, which pretty summed up my relationship with food.

I first started this blog with the purpose of promoting my business when I was a Beachbody coach, but then I kept at it because I noticed how healing it was to share my experience and journey with weight loss.  I am no longer a BB coach but I still love to share what I've learned because I hope it'll be of some use to you!  I don't know what the future holds with this blog, but I am still looking to lose weight and drastically improve my health, so there is still plenty for me to share.

I am so thankful for you and all of my readers; without you I would not have been as invested to keep writing and sharing.  In honor of my first year with this blog I am hosting a giveaway!

I am giving away a "Shaun T weight loss" set.  These are some items I've purchased and used myself, or have been given within the last year. I have no more use for them but am sure if you're interested in any or all of these items, you will find them useful.  My favorite item is the Focus T25 set; the workouts are quick and definitely get you sweating.  Please note these items are all used and in great condition.  You'll get all of the "Hip-Hop Abs" DVD's, as well as the "Focus T25" DVD's.  I am also including a book and the recipe/starter guides included with the Focus T25 set. This giveaway is worth over (approx.) $180.  This giveaway is only open within the United States and ends Monday September 15th at midnight Pacific time.  If you're interested in entering the giveaway follow the instructions below.  Please make sure to use a valid email address; I will be contacting you within 48 hours of closing the giveaway for shipping information.  Good luck!

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out =)

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Instagram Yoga Challenges - all levels!

Hey all!  I just wanted to share with you two yoga challenges I will be participating in soon.  I've been wanting to try yoga for a while now, for more flexibility and for weight loss.  I think if you're looking to challenge your body in a more gentle way than traditional exercising, this could work for you.  Both of these challenges are for September.

The first one is the #BalanceBasics challenge hosted by @laurasykora @beachyogagirl and @kinoyoga. These ladies will be providing poses and modifications, for all levels.  They'll be posting pictures daily and there will be prizes for participating!  The challenge is sponsored by +Athleta (@athleta) who you will have to follow, as well as the hosts, to participate.  Just make sure to use the hashtag #balancebasics when you post pictures and/or videos of your poses.  You can find the poses here: http://instagram.com/p/sCmoQTlj8P/

The next challenge is for everyone, but is especially targeted for us curvy girls.  It's the #sizedoesntmatter challenge hosted by @mynameisjessamyn and @yoga_davina. This challenge is sponsored by @yogablissbox, @buddha_pants, and @invertyoselfclothing (you have to follow the hosts and sponsors to participate).  This challenge also has great prizes for participating!  You can find the poses here: http://instagram.com/p/sLgGQOkO_2/. There will be poses and modifications, and I believe this one will be more beginner-friendly.  Just make sure to use the hashtag #sizedoesntmatter  when you post pictures and/or videos of your poses.

I started trying some of the poses, and yes some are harder than others.  These are challenges, so CHALLENGE YOURSELF!  Even if you spend the next month focusing on perfecting one pose, just go for it.  I am working every day on my balance and flexibility.  I am a beginner with yoga, but every journey begins with a single step.  Think of how much I will have accomplished 3 months from now.  Everyone's gotta start somewhere.

Check these fierce ladies out and let me know if you'll be participating in the comments below.  Also, if you recommend following anyone else for newbie yogis?  And by the way, you can find me on Instagram @k_hiraldo. 

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out =) 

Overcoming Road Blocks

How do you overcome a road block? You don't!

Picture it: you're energized, motivated, and ready to conquer the world. Ideas are flowing and opportunities are abundant; you are the queen of the world. All of a sudden something happens to bring everything to a screeching halt. Do you fight or retreat?

A few weeks ago I was flying high. I knew exactly what I was supposed to do, and was working on accomplishing some short term goals. I could picture the next three months clearly in my mind, and my plan was all set. Then two weeks ago I received some bad news. A relative of mine was very sick, and in the hospital. The news was such a shock that it completely threw me off balance. I didn't know how to proceed. I literally would just stare at a point in the wall for minutes at a time just trying to process the information. A part of me didn't want to deal with what was happening. I wanted to stay in the comfort of my home and just pretend everything was fine. Another part of me wanted to push through it all. That person wanted to just focus on the tasks at hand and push everything else aside, to accomplish the goals. Both options were completely draining to me. Retreating to a state of denial would just have prolonged the inevitable; that I had to eventually face what was happening. Pushing and forcing myself to work through it all was not happening with me because there was a complete disagreement between my mind and my heart. My mind wanted to just focus on my checklist while my heart knew I had to be there with my family. This was a wrench in my plans, the obstacle in my way, and I chose to take it for what it was. I chose not to retreat and not push through it, instead I chose to go with the flow.

Freedom Friday! - Style from Coast to Coast

Happy Friday all! My good friend Ellese Launer just celebrated her first anniversary with her blog Rock.Paper.Glam, where she shares her point of view on the latest fashion and lifestyle trends.  I've known her for a few years now; we met in NYC and both moved out west to pursue our dreams.  I'm so happy and honored that she has shared her experience with us!  I think those of you with an entrepreneurial spirit can appreciate reading up on her journey and how she overcame the obstacles she faced.  Hope you enjoy, and follow your dreams!

Who the F*%K am I?!

It's interesting how uncomfortable I am with success.  "Success" is this golden ticket I've been yearning for my whole life.  I don't have a clear vision of what success is for me other than I know I will feel damn good when I am successful!  Success to me is feeling like I have "it"; like I'm "there", and am just patiently waiting to be pleasantly surprised by the other "its" of life.  That may not make sense to you; maybe success to you is a certain figure in your bank account, or a certain lifestyle; it's OK that we have different meanings for success.  I think the deeper question is, do we really want to succeed?

The past few weeks has opened me up to a whole other level.  I feel like I am at the cusp of that allusive success I've been dreaming about.  Problem is, I'm terrified.  Instead of feeling like YES, IT'S ALMOST HERE, I'm like...OH SHIT!  UMMM, I DON'T THINK I CAN DO THIS.  I am so not ready for success.  Are we ever truly ready for it?  I see people I love quit on their dreams all of the time because they are afraid.  A lot of fears are rising to the surface for me.  I've actually turned down opportunities recently because of these fears.  I recently hired a Virtual Assistant to help me promote myself, among other things, and one of the first things he told me was that I need to put myself on Youtube.  WHAT?!  NO WAY!!!  Youtube is for people with actual talent (or lack thereof but have a gimmick), and I have neither.  I mean, do I?  Could I? Should I? What if I actually do have something of worth and value to share with the world?  What if opening myself up to the possibility of not hiding behind my laptop is the tipping point I need to take me to that level of success I've been wanting?

I think my biggest concern is that I don't feel like I'm "qualified" to give any advice. Just like the title of this post I think, "who the fuck am I" to be giving advice?  Who am I, really?  I don't have any fancy certifications or degrees to go next to my name, so what do I have to show you, to prove to you that I am worthy of your time.  I guess the answer is, I don't have anything to show you.  I don't really have to prove myself and my worth to you.  I'm a person that loves to share what I know, and loves to connect people to resources.  I love to show you what I did to break free from a destructive cycle; I love to share what resources I used to get my hustle on when I was broke; I love to discuss how changing my thoughts helped me connect more with my body and environment.  I guess all I can do is just share what I've learned and hope that it can help you somehow on your journey.  I hope and dream that I can be successful by sharing with you what's in my heart and helping you find your way.

You're going alone?!

Yes please, table for one!  

What would you do if you really wanted to do something and none of your friends or family wanted to do it with you? It used to be really hard for me to step outside of my comfort zone and do things on my own, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.  I remember the first time I did something on my own; something that I would never, ever have thought to do alone - go to the movies by myself! 

One of the summers of my teen years (1998; I was 15), ALL of my friends were either working or away on summer vacation.  I was all alone (the horror!). Actually, I wasn't really "alone", but I couldn't help feeling overly dramatic (and alone in the world) as a hormonal teenager.  In any case, I felt alone for the first time in my life.  The people who I had built my whole social life around were not there for me.  I remember the movie "Ever After" had come out and I really, really wanted to see it, but I had no one to go with me (at least not the people I wanted to see it with). That was the moment that started me on the path that I am on now.  I swallowed my pride and went to an afternoon showing of the movie.  I was terrified; I felt like people were criticizing me and judging me for going to the movies alone.  I felt like people would think I was pathetic.  But once the movie started I was swept up in the story, and you know what?  I loved the movie and was so proud of myself for doing something I wanted to do despite my fear of doing it alone.

Little by little I would test the limits of what I could do alone, and found that it's really not that serious.  It has gotten much easier over the years to do things on my own, but don't be fooled, the "fear" and self-criticism still pop up.  This is how it works for me: first if there's something I want to do I ask around to see who would want to do it with me.  If I don't find someone, or if someone bails on me at the last minute, I have to make a choice of whether to quit or continue.  I then find myself weighing the pros and cons of going it alone, and go over the outcomes over and over in my head.  But you know what?  At the end of the thought process I figure that I would be doing myself a great disservice by not doing what I want to do just because no one else wants to do it with me (hence the caption in the image).  Think of all the things I would have lost out on, all of the blessings and opportunities, if I would've chosen to give up because I had to do it alone.  I would have never moved out here all by myself if I were to live my life that way; living your life through others is not living at all- Tweet this!

I don't have a lot of friends out here in San Diego so I end up doing a lot of things on my own. When I first moved out here I was alone - A LOT!  But don't feel bad for me because being alone has been the greatest blessing.  When you're alone you get to really understand yourself.  You have a better chance of hearing/seeing/feeling the blessings in your life.  When you're alone, you are free from the energy and distractions of others around you.  Don't get me wrong, I don't think we should be alone all of the time; I think it's in our nature to crave companionship, but think of how much stronger the relationship with yourself becomes when it's just you, your mind, your heart, and your soul.  You learn to listen more; you become more aware of your physical self (how your body feels) and your spiritual self (your emotions, fears, and desires), free from the influence of others.

The image I used in this post was of me at the beach (I went this past weekend).  It was the first time I had ever gone to the beach alone. I was scared to be honest.  The old fears and criticisms popped up in my head, and I made up a ton of excuses as to why I shouldn't go.  Then (thank God) I decided, the hell with it!  I decided to just show up; no obligations to do anything. All I had to do was just show up at the bus stop, once there the next step was getting on the bus, so on and so forth.  It was all about baby steps and not setting any expectations.  I've taken these steps before, with other opportunities, and every time I've just showed up I've been met with great blessings.  This day at the beach was the best date with myself, ever.  It was so extremely beautiful and calming.  I filled my lungs with the salty breeze and opened all of my pores to the light of the sun.  I was totally relaxed and when I got home I felt super proud of myself and accomplished.  I think the hardest part is showing up, but once you do, you won't regret it.

Money Monday! - The Money Council

Hello all! Another (hopefully) productive week is upon us, and I wanted to share an amazing resource I've been using.  My good friend, Laura Yamin of Joyful Shimmy, has started a "Money Council", and I've been a member for over a year.  What is the Money Council?  Isn't the title attention-grabbing?  Well the MC is comprised of individuals who want to live in abundance, who want money to work for them, who want to understand money.  These are everyday people who just overall want to improve their relationship with money.

I'll give you a little personal background.  I've lived through what I like to call "bad karma" with money.  For a long time I felt like I was cursed when it came to my finances.  I made some really bad decisions when I was younger, with credit cards, and am still dealing with the consequences.  I still have debt, and my credit is less than ideal, but I am happy to say that after much work and patience, the "curse" has been lifted!  I learned that one of the best ways to overcome your bad relationship with money is by talking about it with other people.  When you share what you're going through you find people who are going through similar situations and suddenly the problem doesn't seem so bad; now you have a tribe of people with the same struggles and wanting to do something about it.  Well the Money Council is such a tribe.

We have a Facebook group, which is an optional opt-in, but if you have FB it's a great way to connect with the other members of the council.  Laura, as our fearless leader, provides us with wonderful articles, websites, and resources throughout the week.  We then have bi-weekly teleconferences, one of which includes the presence of a "money guru" who shares his or her expertise on the subject of personal finances.  We also have a book club, where we read and share our thoughts on books related to thriving financially.  Laura has introduced me to some life changing reads, such as E Squared and Happy Money.

Does this sound interesting to you?  If so, it's very easy to join.  Each of us only invests $10 per month; that's like paying for a Netflix subscription except that this will actually help you reach your financial goals.  As a group we donate 20% of the monthly fee to Kiva lending, which supports women entrepreneurs in third-world countries.  Not only are we focused on improving our finances but we also do our part to help others who wish to do the same. Check out the website for more information.  Hope to see you at our next council meeting!

Here are the books mentioned in this post:

Plus Size Thrift Shopping in San Diego

Gone are the days of shopping the men's department of Old Navy for jeans (speaking of Old Navy, all of their flip-flops are on sale for only $1 a pair on 6/28/14...score!). As a teen I had extremely limited plus size options as well as extremely limited funds, so I had to make due any way I could. Over time more budget friendly and fashionable options have become available for those of us curvy ladies.

I started thrift shopping, or "thrifting" back in NYC. I was totally amazed at being able to find
quirky and fun threads for super cheap, especially in such an expensive city. But I became a hardcore thrift shopper here in San Diego, where thrift shops are plentiful. Thrifting is a great way to save money for other, more important things (like paying bills, OR having a social life). You can find all kinds of things, from clothes to furniture, dvd's and books, you name it!

That's me on the right! Photography by ThriftingDiva.com

I recently went on a San Diego thrift shopping bus tour hosted by Thrifting Diva. It was perfect! We were driven around to some popular thrifting spots, which offered all of us deep discounts and some goodies. Oh and the hostess with the mostess (Ayana Pitterson) provided us with snacks (and moscato); it was such a fun time!  We went to Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill (on 16th and Broadway), UCP, Thrift Trader (on Iowa street), and Frock You.

There were very limited plus-size options at each of the stores.  By the way, for your reference, the fashion world considers a "plus size" starting at a size 12 (some at a size 10).  Most of the stores did have options for the plus 12-14, but very little 16+.  The Goodwill on 16th and Broadway had the most size variety, and the prices were great (I will share pictures in a later post); I bought 2 tops.  Thrift Trader (on Iowa street) had the most options.  There was a rack (towards the back of the store) dedicated to just plus size, and they also have a room on the 2nd floor for just plus size clothes.

We didn't shop this store on the tour, but the best place for plus size thrifting in San Diego (that I've found so far) is at Great Curves in Point Loma.  That is my main go-to store when I need new threads.  The price is right and so is the variety!  I scored a size 20, Calvin Klein LBD, brand new with tags for only $25!  The owner only accepts the best donations for the store, and she will make a deal with you if you find any imperfections in the clothes.  The place is huge and also offers shoes, accessories, and clothes for children.  They offer clothes in all sizes, but they specialize in plus size.

So the moral of the story is, when you are done with your clothes, donate to a thrift shop so we can have more options at these places!  Also, when you are thrift shopping for plus size, go with a lot of patience.  Many stores do not have rooms or racks dedicated to just plus size, so you may have to go through all of the racks, but trust me sometimes you will find a great score.

What are your favorite thrift spots in San Diego?

Thyroid Health - update and possible solutions

Status update! So back in April I mentioned I was feeling a little down and wondering why I have not been losing weight, and discovered I potentially have a thyroid/hormonal imbalance. Since then I've been playing "Inspector Gadget", and along with the information I gathered from the Thyroid Sessions I decided to do a few experiments on myself.

One of the take-aways from the free thyroid sessions was the importance of incorporating iodine in your diet, especially if you feel you have an under-active thyroid. There was something about that information that clicked with me, so I went with my gut and looked into different iodine supplements.  Since the beginning of May I've been taking a daily dose of Atomidine which I purchased via Vitacost.  It's very easy to consume and it's almost tasteless; it's like licking a teardrop or tasting a little bit of salty water. I take a bit every morning.  All you need is one drop a day in a little water, so easy to do.  I started noticing the effects about 2 weeks in, along with continuing to incorporate more live foods (fruits, salads, vegetables) in my diet.  I felt more energized and overall more motivated.  I don't know how to explain how bad I was feeling back in March/April.  My energy levels were virtually depleted and with that so was my motivation to do anything. Now I find myself kind of like how I felt last summer; full of energy and ideas, and hopeful of the opportunities to come.  I don't fully credit the Atomidine with completely transforming my energy/motivation levels, but I do give it some credit because I think it helped to possibly restart or replenish something inside which was preventing me from being at the level I needed to be at.  I think of this product as a part of the gas my "car" needed to run.

Another piece of useful information I got from the thyroid sessions was the importance of good gut health. Basically making sure you have enough good bacteria in your stomach to help you properly digest and break down the nutrients in food.  I was previously taking a daily spoonful of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, which I got in liquid form from Vitacost (yes I love shopping on there).  Let me just say, it tastes great (the black cherry flavor)!  If you want to incorporate more good bacteria in your diet, this is a great (and easy) way to start.  I upgraded to a probiotic, and so I currently take 2 pills a day of Vitacost AdvanC® 1000 mg with Probiotics. This is another great way to get vitamin C and some good bacteria.  Over the last 30 days I've become this supplement machine; I just want to make sure my body is getting everything it needs to run properly.  

I think the combination of supplements mentioned has greatly improved my health overall because I am feeling much better.  Because my energy is higher now, I've been able to start exercising again.  I do some light exercises in the evening, at home, including some Shrink Session by Erin Stutland.  I really feel I am on the right track.  The best piece of advice I can give you, when it comes to improving your health, is listen to your body.  If you feel something is off, even when the doctors are telling you everything is fine, take that extra step to do your own research and find what works for you.

If you're interested in purchasing any of the Vitacost products I mentioned in this post please consider using my referral link =)

I am not a Vitacost affiliate but I do get reward points for every person who I refer to their site, which you can do the same once you sign up (free).

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out =)

Hate Exercise? Try this CHALLENGE instead

I hate to exercise. Exercising is like a chore and a bore. However I love to move my body. What's the difference? Well, exercising to me means being trapped in a gym forced to sweat on an elliptical for an hour. Moving my body means having fun. You can burn calories in so many fun ways by doing things you love, like dancing. I'll share with you in a later post other fun ways to get your body moving.

In this post I want to focus on Erin Stutland's "Say it, Sweat it" challenge. I took the challenge when she first had it, last year, and loved it. It's completely free and once you register she sends daily emails with inspirational words and a video to get your body moving. Unlike typical workouts, Erin incorporates movements with affirmations, similar to her "Shrink Sessions". Each movement corresponds to a key phrase/affirmation to create more positive shifts. She also teaches you ways to incorporate a more positive attitude overall and how you can use these affirmations to work on other areas of your life.

I love this challenge because aside from being free and available for you to do at your convenience, you can also opt in to join our community on Facebook. In our FB group we share our progress in the challenge and anything else we want to discuss that's relevant to our health. Erin also posts giveaways for the participants via FB and Instagram.

If you're like me and it takes you a while to get motivated, at least view the first video and see how you feel about participating. There is movement involved but it's a gentle and positive process which you can do at your own pace. Looking to rev up your weight loss goal and improve your health? Pair this free challenge with my free ebook: learn 5 simple and easy steps to help you get started with your weight loss goals.

Have you done the Say it Sweat it challenge before? If so, how did you like it? What other challenges have you done that worked for you? Comment below and feel free to share!

Over Oatmeal? Try Chia Pudding!

I am SO OVER oatmeal!  DONE!  I've been eating oatmeal (more specifically, "overnight oats") for about 6 months; Monday through Friday.  Oatmeal is healthy and budget friendly, but I can't stomach another bit of it.  So I've been looking at some easy and budget friendly alternatives to replace oatmeal.  In case you haven't read the previous posts on my eating habits, I do not like a lot of fuss when it comes to food.  I am not a fan of cooking or foods which involve too much preparation.  I like to have my breakfast ready and accessible so I can take it to work, no problem, that's why overnight oats were so convenient because you just basically "set it and forget it".

I heard of "chia pudding" before but never really gave it much thought.  I've had chia seeds in my oatmeal and in shakes, but never considered the pudding.  Chia pudding is so easy to make.  Chia seeds are much more expensive than oatmeal but are so worth it!  They are so nutritious.  If you haven't heard of chia seeds before, you need to get on it!  Ask the wise Google about them.

I basically prepare them just like I would overnight oats.  It takes me about two minutes to prepare. All you need is:

• Chia seeds (you can find them at any health food store; Wholefoods, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, etc...)
• A liquid of choice (milk, for example)
• A sweetener of choice
• Any other flavors you'd like to add
• And any toppings you'd like

You can pretty much prepare and eat the pudding however you want!

I like mine with unsweetened, vanilla coconut milk, agave nectar (or honey), and cinnamon. I make a big batch to last me about 3 days (I put it in one medium-sized Mason jar), and scoop a bit out every morning for breakfast.  To prepare it, I fill my mason jar with one quarter of Chia seeds and 3 quarters of liquid (in my case, coconut milk); so the ratio I use is 1 part chia to 3 parts liquid.  Less liquid will make it much thicker, so it's up to you how you like it.  When you're preparing it, add the ingredients you need to make it taste the way you want it to.  Chia pudding is very similar to oatmeal in that it'll take the taste of whatever you put in it.  I'll add agave or honey to sweeten, as well as cinnamon.  I then mix it all together and taste a bit to see how it'll come out. Once I'm satisfied, I'll cover my jar and place it in the fridge.

The next morning...

When I'm ready to eat it I'll add something crunchy, like granola, almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit.  Sometimes I'll even add Greek yogurt.  Chia pudding on its own has the consistency of tapioca or rice pudding; it's very mushy.  I like a little crunch to go with it.

Voila!

Like oatmeal, chia pudding is very versatile.  I also like how it looks; I imagine myself eating caviar when I'm eating it.  Have fun with your food!  I am gonna stick with this for a while and try to switch up the toppings.  Since the summer is coming up, maybe I'll try adding some frozen mango chunks (YUM!).

Have you tried chia pudding before?  If so how do you eat it?

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out =)

FREE Thyroid Sessions - issues with weight loss, autoimmunity, fertility and more!

Hello people, happy Wednesday! I am so happy today because I am, once again, being pushed in the right direction. I mentioned to you before that I have been feeling lost trying to figure out why I've been struggling to lose weight, among other things. I made many lifestyle changes, primarily with how and what I eat, and still have not witnessed the results I was expecting.

In previous posts I shared with you how I've been feeling and the results of my blood tests. Nothing was abnormal but I still feel something is off. I surrendered my plight to the universe and then BAM! I received this email from Sean Croxton of Underground Wellness with information on an upcoming Thyroid Sessions event.  He's provided FREE access to clips and information, if you don't want to invest in the full event. You'll have access to a plethora of valuable information related to thyroid imbalances which can cause so many issues in the body. He's interviewed many experts in the field who provide information on what to look out for, what can trigger imbalances and much more. I know I discuss a lot about weight loss and overall health but even if you're not focused on losing weight, do yourself a favor and listen in. They discuss the many ways hormonal imbalances can negatively impact your body; autoimmunity, cancer, issues with fertility, etc...

Honestly this has been the best free resource I've found thus far to help me feel like I'm not alone in this battle. I feel there's a lot more going on than my doctor has lead me to believe and so now I have to play doctor with my own body. At the end of the day you have to take care of yourself and do what's best for you. Do one great thing for yourself everyday; listen to the powerful messages and I hope they help you find what you need.

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out =)

Fearless Friday! From the BX to France - Leap of Faith story

Happy Friday world!  A while back I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my sorority sisters, Keenya Hofmaier, about her move to France.  I had been following her move ever since she announced it, and have been curious about her story.  She's been in France for over a year now and here I share her story with you all.  Enjoy!

_________________

What was your life like before moving to France? What were you up to? What motivated you to move?
Honestly, I was physically and mentally OVER my job. I worked as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education in one of the poorest congressional districts in the United States (Hunts Point, Bronx). The only thing that gave me joy was my students.  Everything else was just so taxing; testing, budget constraints, bureaucracy, and unprofessionalism. As a single woman I made good money but even that wasn't motivation enough. I saw how staying in the education system made other co-workers burnt out and depressed, and I wasn't going to let that happen to me.

Why France?
Why not France? I think Paris is the top place Americans idolize and I did the same. The summer before I resigned I remember reading expat blogs from all over the world. One woman's blog from France really inspired me. And I think subconsciously it stuck with me as I made the decision to move there. I mean, I only visited Paris once before but I've visited many other beautiful cities as well.

So I guess that was it - France just spoke to me.

What steps did you take in order to accomplish your goal?
I probably didn't give myself as much time as you should if you are planning an international move! I started by researching visa requirements. I realized getting a student visa would be the easiest route because it would allow me to work. Plus I wanted to learn French! Then I researched housing which was a nightmare, and it always will be for someone searching from abroad. Then I made sure to visit every type of doctor and use all my insurance benefits: dental work, new eyeglasses, medication etc. I didn't know how difficult the system would be here so I wanted to be prepared. Once I had my visa secured I put in my official resignation, bought a one-way ticket and watched the day's roll by!

How long did it take for you to go from decision to actual move?
I initially started thinking about it in September 2012. Then I officially decided to move the next month in October 2012. That is when I started requesting visas, etc. and I arrived in Paris on Jamuary 31, 2013.

What were some obstacles (if any) you faced when working towards your goal of moving? 

The main obstacle was financial. Luckily I had a lot of money saved up, but I still had to plan how I would budget out my first months and start the job hunt in Paris. The entire visa process (though a lot of paperwork) was surprisingly quick and easy.

How did your friends and family react when you announced your decision to move?
My parents were really supportive. I actually called them on 3-way to officially announce it (and ask who could keep my dog while I got settled!).  They told me they wish they could have had the opportunity to do the same thing (at my age my mom already had a 3 year old - me!).  They said I should take the opportunity while my life still allows it. 

How were things when you first moved abroad?
I wouldn't say "culture shock" - I still had Starbucks! But it was definitely an adventure navigating a new country in a new language. Even though there were ups and downs, the downs never felt so bad because I was enjoying my life so much! For the first time in 3 years!

How has your life changed since moving?
My life has changed so much in a year - proficiency in another language, pursuing a different career and finding my French "Prince Charming". This summer we will actually be getting "PACsed" which is something like a "civil union" back in the US. So I've gone from a complete American tourist to what's looking like a very long-term resident!

First picture in Paris!

What are you up to now?
Now I'm getting my Masters in International Administration here in Paris., after comparing prices to similar programs back home ($50,000 per year compared to 300 euros per year!). I also teach English part time with a really great company. And when I have the time off, you'll usually find me exploring different parts of France or Europe.

What advice can you give to those thinking about taking their own leap of faith?
If you are physically, financially and spiritually able - do it! You probably will never have another chance. You must be ready however as its not always easy. But as I've learned this past year, you really can't put a price on happiness.

Learn more about Keenya and follow her fabulous life in France via her blog: www.treschicmixedchic.blogspot.com

And you can find her on Instagram posting her adventures abroad @ameriparis 

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Why am I not losing weight?

If you've been following my posts you've noticed a pattern of experimentation with different tactics to help me lose weight.  Some have helped me more than others but I am still finding it super hard to lose weight.  I mentioned that I went to the doctor and have mild anemia which explains why my energy level has been so low.  I also noticed an increase in appetite which can be a few things; I think mainly because I'm not getting enough of the nutrients my body needs (which at this point could be more fiber and iron).

I've been doing some research on anemia and also hormonal imbalances.  An important piece of information I stumbled upon was something called "Leptin Resistance".  From my research I understood Leptin to be a hormone which lets the brain know if the body has enough fat to survive.  Our bodies don't want us to starve so it stores fat for when it needs it most.  However, with "Leptin Resistance" the brain is unable to receive the message from the Leptin, letting it know the body has enough fat stored for later use.  Since the brain doesn't get the message it thinks the body needs more fat, therefore increasing appetite.  I'm not a medical expert but I think that's the most basic explanation of LR I understood.

I also learned there's no quick fix to removing the LR.  I am going to do more research on ways to get balanced and finally lose this weight once and for all.  It's almost sad that I have to do this on my own, having a doctor and all.  From my experience, traditional medicine is all about a quick fix and easy answer.  My doctor saw me and immediately labeled me "obese", as well as wrote down a list of potential problems I might have, including hypothyroidism.  Not once did he mention anything about my hormones, even after I mentioned having low energy and increase in appetite.  He just assumed I'm fat so I overeat naturally. Don't get me wrong, he's a nicer doctor than I've had in the past, but still has that same quick solution mentality. Anemia wasn't even one of his original reasons why I might be having low energy, that is until my blood tests came back.  Thankfully nothing else was abnormal; no high cholesterol or anything like that.  He wanted to suggest I speak to a nutritionist but I told him I wrote off traditional nutritionists a long time ago.  All they know how to do is go by a food pyramid which is a "this works for everyone" solution, and it really isn't. Every body is different and every body needs it's own, individual food guideline.  A traditional nutritionist will suggest you "eat this" and "stop eating that", oh and don't forget to count your calories!  But what I need is someone to say, hey have you looked into this as a reason for why you're not losing weight?  Someone to suggest something other than "diet and exercise" or "willpower" as the solution.

This is why I've adopted a holistic approach to weight loss.  I want to look at the big picture rather than just a small piece of the puzzle.  I've been struggling with my weight and body since I was about 10 years old. Prior to my 30's weight loss was about my self-esteem and body image; it was about how I was perceived in the world.  Now I want to understand my body for myself; I'm taking a more introspective approach. Because I've become more in tune with my body and have learned to listen, I can now understand more of what's going on and why I'm not seeing the results I am working towards.  I actually wrote a quick e-book called "Greens on the Side" which is available when you subscribe to my mailing list.  I share how I got started by just taking simple steps to lead a healthier lifestyle.  You don't have to make a drastic change, you can just change step-by-step.  Check it out!

P.S: I'll keep you posted on what I discover about LR!

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Struggling with Weight Loss

In my previous post I mentioned how I was doing on the Virgin Diet.  I went away to NYC last weekend and just received my blood test results.  So thankfully I do not have hypothyroidism but I have anemia.  This explains why my energy has been so low.  I also have a gut feeling that there's something else going on.  Everything else came back normal thank goodness, but I just know there has to be more to this story.  I haven't lost weight and have been gaining weight.  This plus my low energy is causing me problems.  I really don't know what to do.  I feel totally lost.  I don't have great medical coverage so I'm gonna have to figure something out on my own.

I am going to continue with eliminating allergens from my diet but now I have to add extra things and I don't know what those could be.  My next step is going to be doing some research on anemia and possibly on some functional medicine doctors here in San Diego.  Maybe merging traditional medicine with functional/holistic medicine can help me find a solution to my struggle with losing weight.

I know this was a super short post but I just wanted to update you all on my situation.  I've been stressed about my weight gain despite my attempts at changing my eating habits. Right now I am focusing on getting as much information as possible to help me.

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

My semi-Virgin Diet

So I started the semi-Virgin Diet on 4/1/14. I call it semi-Virgin because I did my own twist of JJ Virgin's "The Virgin Diet". First a little background...

I can't pinpoint exactly when I started feeling "weird" but it was sometime between December '13 and January of this year. I stopped losing weight (even gained a little), had a big dip in energy and stamina, noticed an increase in appetite, my sleep cycle was off, and my acne was flaring up. I've had issues with acne for over 10 years but it had gotten a lot better since I started eating healthier. However I was confused because I was eating pretty healthy and still wasn't feeling better. Plus the fact that my acne issues were back and I was beginning to notice red bumps popping up around my chest; it was starting to worry me. My other issues included feeling bloated, dry mouth and itchy skin.

So around mid-March I happened to catch the podcast of the Underground Wellness interview with JJ Virgin.  The timing couldn't be more perfect. I listened to JJ discuss food allergies and intolerance. I knew about food intolerance but didn't consider that as reason for the way I was feeling. I immediately checked out the book from my local library and discovered the most common food allergens. The book also opened my eyes to sneaky ways these allergens (especially corn and soy) are put in foods. Now every time I go food shopping I spend a ton of time looking at the ingredients with a fine toothed comb.

In the book she discusses what foods you should eat and what to avoid within the 3 cycles. The first cycle (21 days) is removing the allergens. The next cycle is a week by week experimentation process where each week you introduce a different allergen to see how your body responds. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Because I've been learning about what works/doesn't work for me I've been able to tweak her recommendations to fit my needs but if you're just starting out l suggest really learning for yourself about her recommendations. Most things I agree with her on, some things I just don't. For example, she's not a big fan of agave or honey (she does recommend raw honey in small doses), but instead recommends pure leaf Stevia. I cannot stand the taste of Stevia. I've tried many different brands and it tastes worse than artificial sweeteners to me. It leaves a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. I prefer honey (especially raw) over anything. But that's just me. You do what works best for you. There is no "one size fits all" way of eating.  I can say that an allergy-free diet is A LOT of work.  You have to really analyze every single thing you eat.  It takes a lot of patience and preparation to be successful with this.

My pantry

I decided to try an allergen-free diet for 21 days. JJ lists 7 food types to remove but I also removed shellfish so I have been eating foods which do not contain: gluten, soy, corn, artificial sweeteners and added sugar, peanuts, eggs, dairy, and shellfish. I'll share my actual meal plan in a later post. The first 6 days were surprisingly easy.  I was amazed at how I felt.  I really thought I would be hungry and cranky but I wasn't at all.  It was the complete opposite.  I ate and felt satisfied, and I also didn't have hard cravings for things.  My skin got noticeably clearer and I was feeling a lot more energized and motivated.

By day 7 of the diet (4/7/14), I don't know what happened.  I had a stressful week and my energy level took a huge dip. I found myself so tired at work and craving sugar.  I notice that between 1-3pm my energy and motivation are at 0.  Someone was passing out candy at work on Monday and I had 3 laffy taffys and a jolly rancher.  It helped me a little. I also added a little creamer to my coffee.  That week my emotions were all over the place.  I got restless, anxious, bored; thankfully I started reading a new book which helped me de-stress a bit.  I then gave in on Wednesday and had a croissant with butter in the morning with my coffee.  I needed something warm and comforting. I noticed I felt gassy and sleepy.

Oh no!  Gluten!

Last week was a very low-energy week for me.  I went to the doctor on 4/10/14 and he told me he suspects I might have hypothyroidism; I am getting tested this week.  When in doubt, seek medical advice and attention.  I am hoping that's what it is because I really need to learn how to tackle this problem. It really makes no sense to feel this weak when I eat well.  I am going to continue with this diet and I'll count today (4/13/14) as my day 7.  I've already prepped for the week; I'm also traveling this week and am going to make a conscious effort to remain allergy-free while I'm away. I will keep you posted!

P.S: I am going to read The Hormone Cure which I also heard the podcast for on Underground Wellness.  I would love to learn more about hormonal imbalances and their effects.


By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

My first blogger conference!

So this past weekend (March 28-30) was the 4th annual Lifestyle Blogger conference in Los Angeles. I won a scholarship to attend free of charge so of course I had to go :)

This was my first blogger conference; I had been to many other types of conferences before but I had no idea what to expect for this one.

First off I do not have a car or drive. Having lived in NYC my entire life I had no need to learn how to drive. I took a bus from downtown San Diego to downtown LA with gotobus.com. The roundtrip ticket was only $45. Unfortunately I could not find a friend to crash with, and the hotels were really expensive. Airbnb had some decent options but I found a great deal with Stay on Main. It's a hostel which has different rooming options. I chose a private bedroom with bath. The total for my stay including all taxes was $141. It is located right in downtown by trains and bus stops, and tons of restaurants and shops. I stayed on the 10th floor (room 1009) which was quiet. The room was small, comfortable for 1 person, and clean. I was a little worried based on some of the reviews I read, that it would be a horrible experience but a) it's an economical option and b) I could see how things could get weird if you share a room or bathroom, which is why I chose not to deal with that. If you can afford it, get a private room and bath; I think it'll save you a headache. They include towels and toiletries, as well as daily cleaning (if you'd like). They also have cable TV, free wifi (do not depend on the wifi though, it's very unreliable), computer stations, movies, games, and free breakfast every morning. I really feel I got a great deal, especially for the area. I took the metro blue line (which was about a 10 minute walk from the hostel) and took it to LA mart where the conference was to be held.

I was only able to attend the conference on Saturday.  They had a kickoff party on Thursday in Burbank, then the conference started on Friday the 28th until Saturday. I got to meet a lot of established bloggers and network with them. I even met one of my blogger heroes, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, who was on one of the panels. It was so interesting to see the business side of blogging. I'm still not really blogging for business; I'm a writer and just love to share my experiences and knowledge. I'm not sure yet in what direction I'll go with this blog, but it was informative to learn what others have done with theirs. I actually had a chance meeting with a friend of a friend, who also happened to be attending the conference. We had an instant connection and I can totally see us working together in the future.

I will say this about the conference - I don't plan on paying if I decide to go in the future.  Had I paid for this one, I would have been very disappointed.  I won't get into too many specifics but I thought the organizers could have been much more organized as far as informing the attendees of the programming and expectations.  There was really no "introduction" for first time attendees.  I felt like it was geared more for established bloggers and also bloggers who have attended their conferences in the past.  

As far as programming, while all of the workshops and panels had value in some ways, I think they were a little all over the place. I only attended on Saturday; the keynote was given by someone who is not a blogger. She had great advice for life in general but the conference is for bloggers. Same thing with the closing; the speaker is a great person but not a blogger. I think for the most part, bloggers aspire to have successful blogs. We want to hear and learn from the experts who will get us to that level, and also hear from the people who are at that level. If I wanted life advice, I could have read a self-help book.  I'm on the fence about attending future LALLBLOG conferences.  I am glad I had that experience though.

I want to mention that before I even headed out to LA I was presented with some self-created obstacles, the main one being not seeing myself as an "established" blogger. I felt like, "what am I gonna be there for?", as if to say I'm not good enough to be a part of the conference. I had a mini freak out moment the night before I left thinking about whether or not I would benefit from going. I went over the pros and cons, as if this wasn't a great opportunity. Thankfully I decided to just show up, free of expectations. I was also a little hesitant about going by myself, but in the end I refuse to miss out something because I don't have a companion to feel "comfortable" with. I learned a long time ago from Laura Yamin to just show up. All I have to do is show up, and that's it, nothing else. I remembered many moments when I felt like quitting before even trying and how just showing up made a world of difference. Every time I've showed up, I've never regretted it. This time I made an amazing connection, and learned more about myself as a blogger and writer. I also made myself proud by pushing myself to do something that felt initially uncomfortable; I think that's one of the secrets to success.

By the way, there were 2 earthquakes while I was in LA!!  Thankfully they weren't bad by where I was.  They were "rolling earthquakes", so it felt like I was on a boat.  It was BANANAS!  The first one I felt was Friday night, and then the second one was during the conference on Saturday.  It was a little scary.  I guess I was definitely shaking things up this weekend ;)


By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Sometimes you just can't do it alone

If you're anything like me, you hate asking for help.  You ask for help once in a while, but you wait until you have no other options, or you wait until the very last second before giving in.  I learned the hard way, sometimes you just need to swallow your pride and ask for help.

It's easy for me to ask for small favors, but it's so hard for me to ask for help in the ways I need the most support.  Let's take writing for example.  Writing on this blog comes easily to me, but writing fiction is a B.I.T.C.H.  I have so many story ideas but I get stuck.  I've tried so hard to get myself unstuck, to unblock my inner Stephen King (or J.K. Rowling), but I can't.  And since I can't do it myself I give up.

But I never really give up.  Things that are meant to be don't just disappear because you are having a hard time with them.  My stories bug me.  They nag me to be written and I can't get rid of them. So I joined a couple of writing groups but didn't feel comfortable, yada, yada...bottom line is I set up obstacles to make the task harder than it needed to be.  Finally I decided to send out a few emails asking for a writing partner.  I was divinely inspired one day to do so (listen to your inner guides folks!). I sent one on Craigslist, a few messages on some Facebook groups, and one through my sorority's email list.  After a few responses I felt really good about working with one of my sorority sisters.  The best part is she pushes me to write more.  The challenge keeps me motivated, and you know what?  I've been writing more now than ever.  We're even working on a few stories together (coming soon!).

So what's my point?  My point is if there's something that's been nagging at you, something you can't get rid of; something begging you to be done, to be created--do it!  The best way to get started is by just starting.  I shared the secret to success in a previous post, and I've been incorporating the very easy and basic principles every day.  The hardest part is taking the first step, trust me I know. But if taking the first step is the hardest part, then in essence, the rest is easy breezy, right?  If you're not sure where to start, seek the guidance you need.  Follow the people who inspire you and learn from them; who did they learn from?  What resources did they use?  Your first step can be working towards asking for the help you need.

ANNND if you'd like to start by creating more positive shifts in your life, check this out.


By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

12-Week Body Transformation + Lifestyle Blogger Conference

I previously entered a contest for a chance to win a scholarship to attend the upcoming Lifestyle Blogger Conference.  Latina Lifestyle Bloggers is also hosting another opportunity to not only attend #LALLBLOG14, but also serve as a Brand Ambassador for one of the conference sponsors, 12-Week Body Transformation.

Imagine what your life will be like in 12 weeks.  12 weeks from now it'll be either on the same trajectory it's in or be on track towards fulfilling your goals. If one of your goals is to transform your health, 12WBT can be a great option.  They offer meal plans, fitness plans, and tons of support.  12WBT is more than just giving you options to lose weight, it is truly about a lifestyle change.  I underwent (and am still going through) a major lifestyle change which began December 1, 2012.  I committed to changing my eating and fitness habits to lead a more fit and fabulous life. I am still working on my fitness goals and am taking it day-by-day.  I think working with 12WBT can help to give me a clearer focus on what my ultimate health and fitness goals are.  As Deepak Chopra affirmed in one of his heart meditations, "the body is the garden of my soul".  I am taking out the weeds in my garden and making room for roses, so to speak.

Being given the opportunity to attend this conference will also greatly help me with my blog.  I am truly passionate about writing and sharing my story.  I know that I am vital to this world and my voice is a vital force for the Universe.  I want to take my words and wisdom to new heights, and my blog is a vehicle to get the messages out there.  I know attending this conference will allow me to learn more about sharing my story effectively, and will also help me network with other like-minded individuals.

The Lifestyle Blogger Conference will be held on March 27-29 in Los Angeles.  Feel free to check out the event page for more information.

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!