The Journey to a new self part #2

In the last post we were able to meet an amazing woman named Vonda. I would like to continue the online interview that I had with this wonderful woman. Her story will truly inspire you.




Why did you choose to participate half marathons?

Running had always been something that I had always wanted to do. As a kid, I would envy the kids that could run those laps in physical education with ease. It was always a struggle for me because of my weight, and inactivity. In the spring of 2012, I started participating in GirlTrek. GirlTrek is a national non-profit organization that encourages African American women and girls to be more active, and to live healthier lifestyles. I started with Girltrek as a trek team leader for the Coast to Coast Walkers, but later was chosen as a 2012 GirlTrek Trailblazer. As a Trailblazer, I had to choose a dream health adventure, train for it and complete it within a year. I didn’t have to take time to think of what my dream health adventure would be, I knew I wanted to train to run a half marathon! So, after 9 months of training (thank you Jessica Rice…best trainer ever), I finally achieved my dream of becoming a runner, and completed my dream health adventure by crossing that finish line at the North Myrtle Beach Diva Half Marathon. Many people thought I was crazy because one..I had never ran a day in my life, and two…I had osteoarthritis. But I did it!!!

The lesson that we can all learn from Vonda is simple, NEVER QUIT AND DON'T GIVE UP!!! Let us all live this way everyday.

The journey to a new self

I was able to meet a wonderful woman via Twitter of all places. Her name is Vonda Vass Summers and her story has really inspired me. She is not only a naturalista, but has decided to make major changes within her life. When I noticed her on Twitter, I decided to start a correspondence and the more that I have learned the rest of her story, the more inspiration that I have found in it. Here's a snapshot or my interview with her.

What got you into health and fitness?
After being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, hypothyroidism and depression in the early part of 2000, and was prescribed quite a few medications, I put on quite a few pounds, more like close to 100 pounds. I became interested in health and fitness when I received a wakeup call from my primary care physician during an appointment. I went to the [doctor] because of some symptoms I was having. My [doctor] had spoken to me on a number of occasions about the importance of me eating a healthy diet, and losing weight. Yes, I would try to follow his instructions, but I never really was truly serious about it, so I would lose some weight, but would always gain it all back again…with a few more added. But this appointment changed my life forever, it was the day that I was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and the possibility of having sleep apnea also, with was later diagnosed. My Dr. [doctor] gave me this information and told me if I wanted to live, and be here for my husband and family, I had to make some changes, and left the room. After throwing myself a big pity party, and shedding lots of tears, later that evening, I decided that Dr. Kenney was right; it was time for me to make a change! Before I went to bed that night I had signed up for Weight Watchers Online, and that’s where my healthy lifestyle journey began. On August 6, 2012, exactly 2 years from the day that I started, I achieved my goal of losing 100 pounds, became a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member and also became a brand new Weight Watchers employee, all in the same day!

How long have your had arthritis?

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the spring of 2010. After hearing my knees and ankles pop and click since my college marching band days (Go NCCU Sound Machine), a few years of discomfort during moderate physical activity, and having a really hard time when trying to sit and stand, I knew it was time to get things checked out. It was really hard for me to hear the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis. I was thinking that some of the things that I had been dreaming to do would never come true…because people with arthritis can kiss any dream of truly being physically active good-bye. Boy was I wrong!

How have you overcome your health challenges?
I overcame my health challenges through lots of prayer, determination and commitment. I was determined not to let arthritis, trigeminal neuralgia or any of my other health issues get in my way of reaching my goals. I had been overweight for most of my life, and on Aug 6, 2010, I had had enough of being sick and tired of being sick and tired….it was time for a change. I knew that Weight Watchers worked…it had worked for me in the past, but I had to change my mindset, and to look at this as a lifestyle change, and not just a diet. I knew that losing the weight would help me to become a healthier, happier me. So, I sat down and set some goals and mapped out my plan of action. I set short term goals of losing at least 5 lbs. a month and a long term goal of losing over 100 lbs. I also set weekly goals of eating a healthy diet, and staying within my points plus allowance, drinking at least 64 ozs. of water, being sure to get in my WW’s (Weight Watcher's) GHG’s (good health guidelines) and to get in at least 60 minutes of activity, 5 or 6 days a week. Being consistent, and sticking to my goals helped me achieve my weight loss goal, overcome my health challenges, and to go from taking over 30 pills a day to taking ZERO pills a day! Now, I won’t say the journey was easy, but it was so very worth it!

This interview was so wonderful that I decided to continue it on my next blog post. Check back for more information on Vonda Vass Summers and her healthy lifestyle.

Hairstyles for your little naturalista....

I've had lots of fun styling my daughter's hair over the past 9, nearly 10 years so I decided to post different styles for girls. Hope that these styles help to give you different ideas on styling your little one. Remember that it's important to make styling natural hair fun for your little girl. I talk about natural hair and my love for it with my little one as often as I can. I want her to grow up and embrace her curls. Let me know what you think about these styles. Some of the styles I have tried and others, I would like to try. Enjoy!

 This is a simple pig tail style with the headband as a stylish accessory.

The cute hair beads are a must always.

 

These are a sister and brother who are letting their curls go free.

 

The twists are a very cute hairstyle staple.

I hope that these different hairstyles give you some wonderful ideas. I  didn't include any of the various styles that use extensions. I wanted to show that styling your naturalista can be style, easy, fast and affordable. Try the styles and let me know how it goes.

Homemade Hair Dye Disaster!!!!!

I have been trying to find ways to use all natural ingredients on my hair so I hopped on Pinterest to find ideas for natural hair dye. I'd already tried a synthetic type of henna, and a name brand oil based dye to no avail. I found a recipe for hair dye that used simple ingredients that I had around the house. I figured that if it worked then it would be great, but if not it wouldn't hurt me any. The ingredients were a mixture of honey, cinnamon, distilled vinegar, and my favorite conditioner. I took a before picture to see what my hair looked like when I started.

Then I started mixing all the ingredients together. I found that all of the items didn't mix well so I used an electric mixer to mix everything together. It was a brownish liquid. I started using my hands to spread it through my hair.

 This was a goop that was dripping all over my clothes and making a mess in my kitchen. I attempted to find a way to contain the drip but I forgot to buy the plastic hair caps. I improvised by using a Target shopping bag.

To make matters even worse, the goop kept dripping all over my oversized t-shirt so I decided to use my stretched out shower cap.

By this time I was getting very annoyed with the whole process, but I kept it on my head overnight with the hopes of the beautiful look I would have in the morning.

 

 

I woke up to a pillow that reeked of vinegar. I took my hair down and rinsed it out. I looked at my hair and it looked exactly the same. I went outside and looked at my hair in the sun and it looked exactly the same. I ended the day by laughing at myself for my silly attempt at dying my hair with these ingredients. I'll save these items for cooking next time.

A complilation of lovely divas

I have enjoyed my natural hair journey over the last 4 years and the best part of it has been meeting some many interesting woman. I love to sit and talk to woman and find out what got them on the natural hair journey. I went to church one day and ran into a trio of naturalistas that I just had to talk to. This woman peaked my interest and their style was just so lovely.

 


The woman with the green and white ensemble was my first feature. She has such a cool style that I decided to feature her once again.

In the middle is their lovely friend with the black and white mod style dress. She has a very cool style and sweet personality. She decided to go to school back East. We'll miss her, but she's taking her natural style with her.

Then Kristina rounds out the group with her lovely flower and cute dress. I love scarves so I can appreciate a scarf to dress up an outfit.

Naturalista on the spot...

It's been a very long time since I have updated my page. I am back and ready to feature some lovely naturalistas. Today I'm featuring a naturalista named Cheri who not only rocks her natural style but has overcome some health challenges as she's come to embrace her natural hair style. I noticed her at school many different times and kept missing her. I saw her on Thursday and told her that I had to snap a photo and feature her. So here's the info on her style today.

Cheri is not only a rocks her natural style but also knows how to save money. She snagged her floral print dress from a thrift store in the Sacramento area called, Eco Thrift. The cream pumps that she has on were on sale for a mere $17.

Her hair style is quick, easy and on the go. She keeps it simple by using leave-in conditioner and water.

Thanks to another wonderful and beautiful natural woman on the spot. Be sure to look for this feature next Tuesday, April 8!!

Natural Style

  I am really enjoying the search for natural beauties. I am beginning to see the diversity of the styles in each of these lovely women. I was strolling my college campus and found this natural queen.
              She is a lovely woman in the early phases of her natural journey.                                        
                       Freedom




 She styles her hair with a natural hot oil treatment.

She is rocking her natural little afro. The thing that really makes her stand out is her lovely hair color. It's a bright color, a blend of blonde and red. The color is beautiful against her skin tone.

 She loves bright colors and she snagged her top at Macy's. She was wearing a cute pair of skinny jeans with ballet flats.

 Here is a close up of her shirt. I just loved the design.

Natural is beautiful and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate it. 

 

How to do a braid out....

My go to hairstyle is the braid out. I wear my hair in a braid out style most days. Here is a step by step guide to how I rock my braid out.

Step #1: Get all of your supplies together. I like to use hair cream (I make my own), Ecostyler Gel, a pick, a brush and a comb. I like to get out all of my supplies so that I know if I am able and ready to style my hair.

 

                  

 

Step#2: Comb your hair out. I personally like to style my hair when its mostly dry. I also like to comb my hair out. I have found that this method allows for my hair to straighten it out a little. This is kind of like my version of blow-dried hair without the damaging that comes from using excessive heat on your hair. I did not include a picture of a pick, but you can get a wide-toothed comb or pick depending on your preference. Be sure to comb your hair from bottom to top to keep from ripping out your hair. The comb out, should almost look like a deflated afro.       

 

Step #3: Section out your hair prior to braiding it. I like to section out my hair in a super simple fashion. There are some people that part it into four different sections, but I am not really into doing it that way. I actually put my hair into a loose bun on the top of my head and have a little hair in the back of my head almost like a fuzzy tail.

Step#4: Comb a small strand of hair with a parting comb. Put cream and gel onto the strand that you planning on braiding and then braid your hair.

Continue this process until you have braided all of your hair.

Step #5: (not pictured) Wrap your hair in a stocking cap, wave cap or silk scarf.

 

Step #6: Now you can unbraid your hair and rock your stylish braid out look.

 

 

          

 

I find this style simple and easy because I love to exercise and  I am still in my marathon training. I can braid it at night and leave it braided when I go to the gym and let it air dry. It's a fun and easy look. I think that it gives me a kind of wavy hair, beachy look. Since I love going to the beach, it's right up my alley. Plus this is a perfect style for when your afro is growing out and your not sure how to style your hair.

Natural Style...

Joy

The newest feature is Natural style and I am going anywhere and everywhere to find naturalistas looking cute. My first natural woman is Joy. She is in her 20's, family is from Ghana and loves to rock her curly afro.

 

 She rocked a side braid and allowed the back of her hair to flow free. The top was purchased at a store called, "Freestyle", it's a local consignment shop. This naturalista is not only concerned about wearing her hair naturally, but is also concerned about the earth as well. If we all were to buy clothes at consignment shops or thrift stores, then we could help the environment.

The flower earrings were actually made by Joy. She is full of creativity and I hope that she puts the earrings on sale. I would love to thank her for allowing me to snap some photos of her.
The next Natural Style will appear on September 17.

Managing your little naturalista...

As a mother of a little curly girl and a curly girl myself, I have decided to drop some of my personal tips to my fellow natural divas. One of the main problems that many mothers of natural girls face is, "how do I tame the mane?" You can tame the main in five simple steps. This is not some guaranteed, fool proof system but it has worked for me over the past 9 years so try it and I think it can work for you.

1. Moisture!!! If the girl has curls and you try to comb her overly dry hair, then you will have lots of tears and a huge headache (the headache comes from trying to deafen the cries of pain and agony). You have first style it with damp hair following washing it. I comb her hair after I wash it and once it's braided, it's going to be a lot easier to comb.

2. Braid it at night (or twist it). If you have a little active curly girl (as most little girls are) then her hair can get frizzy and tangled overnight. When she wakes up in the morning, her unbraided hair will turn into a bird's nest. You have to make sure that you section off the hair at night and braid it, especially if she has rocked the afro during the day. If she had her hair braided during the day, then just leave it overnight.

3. Comb it. It's so quick and easy to want to comb the little one's hair once a week and I do it too, but if the hair goes too long without being comb it can develop knots and make combing it more difficult. Be sure to keep up with the maintenance of your child's hair. It may seem like it takes more time, but in the long run you will actually be saving time.

4. Have fun with it. I have never had my daughter's hair professionally braided, but I have personally put her hair in beads, braided it, put it in pig tails and many more. Watch youtube and check out new styles.

5. Teach her to love and embrace her curls. The television and media had bombarded our girls with images that tell them that they are not enough. The images they see, tell them that they need to look a certain way to be accepted. We need to teach our daughters to love themselves for who God created them to be.

Natural Hair: How to tips and tricks...

I have given some of my own personal tips and tricks, but I decided to go to my own personal hair stylist for more info. She is a wonderful resource for hair tips and helped me transition from my relaxed hair to my natural hair. Here's what she said:

1. How long have you been a beautician?
 I have been a hairstylist all of my life! I use to comb my little sisters hair when we were younger. I became a professional hairstylist nine years ago.

2. What got you into the hair business? My aunt and her husband were hairstylists, and I always admired their talent. I practiced on my sister all the time, but I didn't decide to do hair professionally until my grandmother gave me a gentle push. I was a very young mother and I was attending CSUS. It was hard for me to have a work schedule that would allow me to freely attend my college classes. My grandmother suggested that I go to Cosmetology school so that once I graduated I could make my own schedule. It turned out to be the best advice I ever received. Once I graduated from Cosmetology school, I was an assistant at a really nice salon in East Sacramento for a year. Once I finished my assisting program I was able to set my own schedule and return to CSUS to finish my Bachelor's Degree.

3. I have talked to many women and when the decide to go natural, some African American beauticians are not supportive. I talked to one women who threated to go to a barber, since her stylist wouldn't do a big chop. Why do you think some can be so resistant? Many stylists are resistant because of one thing....MONEY! African American hair is big money. Relaxers, every two week styles, colors, and weaves are big money. When a client decides to go natural they opt to do a lot of their own maintenance at home. At home maintenance means a loss of income for the stylist.
4. Since I have known you for a few years, you have talked about the importance of natural hair. Why do you think this is so important? I think that people become so addicted to fake hair that they forget how beautiful their natural hair is. By fake, I mean relaxing it to make it straight or being so addicted to weaves that no one sees your hair without one. If we take the time to nurture our own hair we can achieve any style we desire with a little assistance. Weaves and relaxers are not always the end all beat all. 


5. Can you give some tips for women who are going to get the big chop? JUST DO IT!!!! The chop is so liberating. I chopped mine twice. You find out a lot about your own version of beauty when you are brave enough to take the plunge. You learn that you are truly NOT YOUR HAIR, and you start to define your own standard of beauty. My best advice is to only do it if you are truly ready to reflect on yourself and your life. People will make comments, some positive and some ready, so you have to be mentally ready for the non solicited feedback. My second best piece of advice is products are your friend! Don't be afraid to experiment with products to help enhance your natural curl.
6. Any tips for those who want to transition?
For those who want to transition, find a stylist who can help you through the process. It is imperative to get the right assessment of your hair and your hair care needs. And you must get your hair trimmed and deep conditioned. Transitioning hair is very very delicate and needs special care. Protective styles are usually best if you are trying to transition.
7. For those who wear their hair in braids, what should they be aware of?

• Do not get braids on freshly relaxed or freshly colored hair.
• Do not leave your braids in for longer than a month or so. It all depends on your rate of growth.
• Moisturize, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE. Your hair is still exposed and must be cared for.
• Do not allow anyone to braid or pull your hair too tight. If you get hair bumps, it's too tight!

8. What is your personal hair care regimen?
I am all over the place with my hair. One month it's curly, the next month it's braids, and then the next it's straight! I love Shea Moisture Products, Miss Jessie's, Bumble and Bumble, Kera Care, and anything with Coconut Oil. My regimen depends on my style. When my hair is curl, I use Shea Moisture Products. I usually co-wash with their conditioner or Coconut Oil Conditioner, and I apply Knot Today, or Curling Custard by Kinky Curly. Their products keep my hair moisturized and shiny without leaving my curls crunchy. I love Miss Jessies' products but don't use them too often because their products are costly. When my hair is straight, I shampoo with Bumble and Bumble Quenching Shampoo and Conditioner. I also use their Quenching Complex as a leave in conditioner. I blow dry with Bumble and Bumble's Straight Blow Dry styling balm because it protects my hair.

I would like to say a special thanks to Nicole Dansby for her wonderful tips and tricks. If you would like to make an appointment, contact her at Byuti Salon in Sacramento.

On the run again...

My journey within the training world has begun. I will be eating, sleeping and dreaming about running. My goal is to not only beat my marathon time of 6 hours...yes...I said it, 6 hours of running. I want to run the marathon in 5:30 or less...preferably 5 hours. I will be posting throughout my running journey all about my progress. Each day and week and month, I will be working on improving upon myself, becoming leaner and healthier. My healthy lifestyle is not something I sell, it's something I live. Since I've often heard this question, "Why?" when I talk about running a marathon, I decided to list 3 simple reasons why I run marathons:

1. It's a challenge. When I decided to live a healthy lifestyle back at age 18, I found that I enjoy anything that challenges me. When I am challenged, it peaks my interest, it drives and motivates me. A huge part of running a marathon is all mental. You have to decide to run, you have to commit to run and you have to challenge yourself to do and be better than the day before.

 This was after my first marathon

2. Not everyone does it. One of my posts last month talked about my creativity and a desire to be different. I love to learn in a way so that I am original and unique. When it comes to marathons, it's not like driving a car. If I were to walk about to 100 adults who live in my city, I would find about 90 of them who own and drive a car. If I were to walk about to 100 adults and ask them if they have run a marathon, I would most likely find 10 or 20 at the most and the number could even be less than that.

 Early morning before the marathon

3. It keeps me healthy. When I am training for a race, I am motivated to eat healthy and exercise. It's a past time that causes me to take care of my body. It keeps me on the straight and narrow with my eating and exercise habits. It causes me to make sure that the gym membership is something that I actively use. I am dedicated to keeping my body in tip top shape.



You may not want to go out and run a marathon, but hopefully I can inspire you to go out and do something. You may not be able to run, but you can walk. You may not be able to walk but you can do chair exercises. There is always something that you can do, just focus on that and you can live a healthier lifestyle.

The Peanut Butter adventure....

Peanut butter has played an important role in many of our lives. As children we can all remember having that sandwich in our lunches. Well, that is if you were born prior to 1990, before all the food allergies to be specific. Anyway back to the beloved peanut butter, we have even given the lunch staple a nickname. The nickname is one that we all know and love, PB&J. I was not a fan of it growing up, my little one loves the stuff. As a mother, I strive to give my child food she enjoys. In the past I always bought the "good" stuff, reduced fat peanut butter.

After reading the book, Eat This, Not that, I realized the famous name brand peanut butter's all contain a ton of preservatives. The book talked about the importance of finding foods with ingredients that you can pronounce. It also spoke of the need to find foods without tons of ingredients. My daughter and I went up and down the aisle of a local grocery store and struggled to find one jar of peanut butter with less than 10 ingredients and less than $5. After searching for about 10-15 minutes in the same aisle, I decided to give up without buying any peanut butter, understanding the many people who said that health food is too expensive.

 I  looked one more time and found one brand called, Open Nature. The brand has two ingredients peanuts and salt. I was dumbfounded. I had no idea that peanut butter could actually be created with only two ingredients. I had never even thought of looking at the number of ingredients in a food that is in my daughter's lunch.

The main moral to this story is: "Be aware." There is no perfection in all of this, unless you make your own food. If you don't have the time or skill to do this, then just, "be aware". Think about the kinds of foods that you are putting inside of your body and the kinds of food that you are allowing your loved ones to consume. A healthy lifestyle starts with you and me.

You have to love yourself....

I have often found that I did not fit in. I was the funny, silly, creative child growing up. I was more interested in being different, than I was in fitting in. My mom has told me that when I was born and growing up, my grandma once said, "She is your different child." The natural hair journey is all a part of being different. I still have family members and friends who see me and wonder what I'm thinking by wearing my hair natural.

The fact is that all of us need to love who God has created us to be. We may not fit into some cookie cutter box, but we are each very special. I have talked to so many women and they do not value themselves because they are so afraid of what other people say or think. If you love yourself, then you will treat yourself better. If you love yourself, then you will respect your body. If you love yourself, then you will be mindful of who you allow into your life.

If I am to be natural, then it goes beyond hair, it's a inward thing. I may have straight hair or curly and that shouldn't matter. It's about embracing myself. I realize that I need to embrace my curves and bootyliciousness (my made up word). I am beautiful, I am strong, and I was perfectly created by God. The fact is, you were created perfectly too.

        

Forgiveness is freeing....

I went through a very painful marriage and relationship. I was left a single mom, broke and living with my parents. When my daughter was very young, I also went through a difficult custody case in court. The idea of forgiving a person like this was mind boggling. I felt that if I was to forgive him then, I was allowing him to be free from punishment. I wanted him to pay for what they did to me. Over the years, as I have continued to choose to forgive him, I feel the freedom in it. I feel a release of a burden. This principle is one that dates back to biblical days.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. " Colossians 3:13

Dr. Phil has even addressed the issue:
"Don't give your power away. The pain of what happened is inevitable, but continuing to suffer is optional. The only person you can control is you. By constantly reliving the pain of what happened, you are giving your power away to the person who wronged you."

Tyler Perry also spoke on forgiveness on the Oprah Winfrey show,

"The same strength that it took to take it, is the same strength it takes to let it go and sometimes you spent all of it and you have nothing else to give, but forgiving..."


This is a lesson that each of us must continue to learn day by day. It is a choice. This choice can be made in the little things, like forgiving someone cutting you off on the freeway. It may be made in the bigger things, like forgiving someone leaving you destitute. The ultimate lesson that we all must learn is that forgiveness is freedom. The freedom from the pain, anger, and resentment. Walk in that freedom and if there is someone that you must forgive, do it today, please don't wait.

Fit Mama is Here!!!

There are many different ways to attain a healthy lifestyle. I would like to feature women who are living a healthy life. Jocelyn is a women who has started on a wonderful journey of health, so I decided to interview her. I hope that her story can inspire you. She is also available for health coaching as well. Here is our interview:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

I am have been married for almost 12 years and we have 5 children! Yes, 5! Ages; 15, 10, 8, 7 and 5. I am privilege to be a stay at home mom, which I Love! 

2. What started you on your health journey?

 

After so many babies, I have gone up and down in my weight with each pregnancy, each time being harder to loose weight than the last time. My last baby was born in 2008 and I just never lost all my baby weight. 

Back in 2010 I went to the gym with my husband to help "support" him wanting to join the gym. Only a few weeks in, I ended up with a personal trainer, working out 3 days a week! It took me awhile but I loved it and lost 20lbs. I started to feel great but soon my training ended and slowly over 2 years I had gained all my weight back. My key reason was that I never actually changed my eating habits.

I came to a point where I decide that unless I was going to sweat it out at the gym I would never be able to loose the weight again. I kept going to the gym but my one day work out was undone in one day of eating from frustration of seeing no results. It was a vicious cycle. 

I would try to go on "diets" but wasn't eating healthy enough to make a difference. I finally started to give away most of my clothes believing I would just never be able to fit any. I only saved one box called my "Wish box". Those clothes I hoped one day I could fit but never believed I would! 

3. How did you lose weight and get healthy?

I found a program called Take Shape for Life. Many of my friends from 13 year ago had found the program before me and I was watching their results. They had all gained weight over the years, just like me and were now loosing that weight! They all started to look like we all did before kids and marriage! I was hooked, the moment that I could I start on program, I did. I had no doubt that if it worked for them, it could work for me!

I started this new health journey in January of 2013 and I lost 33lbs in 7 weeks! (Results vary) I am now back to my pre-baby weight before babies and marriage and I feel amazing! I even pulled out my "Wish box" and was not able to wear any of the clothes because they were not too small! Such a great feeling!

 

The great thing about this program was that I was not only able to loose the weight but I gained knowledge on how to eat right! I always knew I needed to eat healthy, eating the right foods, right amounts, all your food groups but I had no idea where to start or how to do that. Now I do!

4. What keeps you on track?

While on program, I had a coach who walked beside me to help me stay on track. She also had gone through the program to lose weight and had been a friend from years before as well. It was great to have someone to talk to and celebrate with me as each of my goals were reached for weight loss.

Now with the habits of health that I learned on program I have been able to maintain my weight using those habits daily in my life. You have all the tools you need to maintain your weight for life! It's not a diet but a life change!

The greatest part is that I am now paying it forward. I am now a health coach helping others to walk through their health journey. It's amazing to see others reach their health goals and it also helps me to stay on purpose for my health journey as well!

 

 

5. How does a busy mother of five, find time to exercise?

I now have to find creative ways to work out or exercise. I did not work out while on program and now find it hard to work this into my life. Not because I have no time but because, lets be honest, I don't make time! I no longer have a gym so I challenge myself to work out at home, go for a run (with my oldest daughter sometimes), or even running while my kids ride their bikes to the park. I have found challenges and would love to do a 5k one day!

Exercise is a great habit of health. Especially as you loose weight you start to feel good and want to get up and moving. A run feels good, working out feels good. It might sound crazy now but believe me, it's true! You too can love to exercise! 

It's great if you can find other friends that are like minded as well. Join health groups to encourage you or someone to work out with you. The greatest success is when you have support! So grab your water and get moving!

I would love to be your support and if your interested in more information feel free to e-mail me at jocelyngunter@yahoo.com. You can start your health journey today!

Next month, we will talk more about some fitness tips for busy women on the go.

Natural hair how-to interview....

After receiving several questions as to how  to start on the natural hair journey, I decided to post interviews from women who are already on this journey. Today I will be featuring Candi Scott. She has been wearing her hair natural for several years and she has lots of awesome tips for women.

1. Why did you decide to become natural?

I was natural for most of my life [and] always had a head full of curls. My mom permed my hair once as a little girl and my hair broke off tremendously. I was rocking a teeny weeny fro at the age of 4.

The second time I can remember was age 11, and then I chose to do it again at 15 after relocating to a new city. I always loved my hair, but didn't appreciate it when I moved to the Midwest. I wore braids for most of my HS and college career; it was just easier that way. One day while taking my braids out, it's like I noticed the waves from my new growth for the first time. My mom was against me cutting my hair and refused to do it for me. So, I went to the bathroom and went for it! I've been natural ever since. 

 

2. How long have you been wearing your hair natural?

Since 2004

 

3. What are some tips that you can give to other naturals?

-Be you! Wear your hair however you want and don't be afraid to experiment with new styles.

-Detangle with your fingers first and your favorite oil. It cuts down on breakage and you can easily handle any knots.

-Trim your ends. If you don't want to do them yourself, go to a salon for a free consult with a skilled natural hair stylist.

-Experiment with new products. 

-Deep condition monthly. 

-Accessorize 

4. What hair products do you use?  Why?

My favorite is coconut oil! It's great for detangling in preparation for washing. I also use it for styling and include it in a mixture for deep conditioning. 

I also use Eco style gel to define my curls. Garnier Fructis was a great winter leave in moisturizer. It's a light product and inexpensive about $2.50 a bottle. The product that I'm using right now is . It's great for my chunky twist outs, defining curls, and moisturizing. 

Roots of nature remedies: Butter Whip Coil Cream-perfect moisturizer and curl definer. 

Conditioners: Aussie Moist. It provides great slip and leaves my hair moisturized. 

5. How do you like to style your hair? i.e. twists, bantu knots, kinky, etc.  Why did you choose this style?

 

 I love to twist, braid, and rock updos and buns! BUT, my absolute  favorite way to rock my hair is simply my fro! I love to see the definition of my curls and I especially love when it's fluffy due to the humidity. For me, the bigger the better!