Mangos, Their Peels, and Allergic Reactions!

I had no idea what I was about the do the other day. I bought some mangos, one of ripe so I was all in for it. I dove right in and ate it all up through out the day. I ate it right off the peel. I even ate off the pit! I had no idea that the "Chapped" feeling on my lips would get worse through out the next two days. I thought it was the weather changing and it wasn't. I woke up today with swollen, red, itchy, lips with little bumps on it. Knowing this isn't the herpes complex, I knew exactly what it was: Allergic reaction. I did some research and eventually discovered that Mango's peeling, leaves, and tree itself has the same type of oil (urushiol) as poison ivy and poison oak. This being the chemical that causes an allergic reaction!

Usually the hands are not bothered because you wash them, rub off the oil, and its tougher skin. But, with people who are extra sensitive to poison ivy and poison oak (like myself, my mom and I are HORRIBLY allergic) it can cause irritation on the neck, face, arms, etc anywhere you touch and even worse reactions to more sensitive skin (like my lips, which are in a lot of pain right now...)

The good news: If you have this issue, most likely you can still eat the mango fruit itself! Just have someone peel the fruit for you or where gloves while handling the fruit and wash your hands after.

I also learned that some people who have issues with latex (I don't but thought maybe some of you might need to know) may also react to mangos, kiwis, bananas and avocados.

Simple and fair warning: Be careful what you are eating. I had NO clue about this.

Let's Make a Change, Shall We?

Challenges Part 1

Challenges. It's a fierce word. Even fiercer when you use it towards yourself. The number one thing I have learned through out all of this (life, losing weight, relationships, etc.) is that it is all a challenge. We describe a challenge as two things: A disagreement or an invitation. For instance, disagreement wise you question something or don't agree with how something is done or what is said. Per-say, someone tells you "You can't" do something. You disagree with them, "Yes, I can!". You then would challenge them on that, "Yes! I can!". Now, when you invite someone to a duel (who can run to the finish line first?) you are engaging them in a challenge.

Now what challenge do you reckon we are talking about here? I challenge myself to lose 20lbs. I disagree with my own thoughts of "I can't do this." and then I invite myself to engage in running, jogging, and eating healthier to lose that weight.

You might be asking "Why in the heck are you explaining this to me!?". Because I, myself, had to really understand the word "Challenge". You can't partake in something you don't fully understand, right?

Now, that this has been cleared up, let's talk about what your challenges are. First off, disagreement. You tell yourself you want to lose weight. How do you lose weight? Workout, eat right, and get more sleep at night. "But, that is too hard." You say to yourself. Hmmm. There is a challenge. You disagreed with yourself. When you hear that voice saying that, slap it in the face and say "Bull, I CAN lose weight." Now, you say "I WILL lose weight." You just invited yourself into this challenge. You challenge yourself not only to lose weight, but to eat healthier, workout more, and get more sleep at night. Three basic things that are not at all difficult once you get used to it.

Basically, you CAN do this. You can lose weight. You can workout more. You can eat healthier. You can sleep better at night. There will be obstacles in your way. You might have a physical disability where it makes it hard to lose weight. Your family might not like to eat healthier (or perhaps you think your budget isn't in it!). You might live on a busy highway or have insomnia to cause your lack of sleep. But, all an obstacle is, is what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Don't make excuses.

Personal Body Image.

It's weird how 2 1/2 years ago I looked in the mirror ashamed of what I looked like because I weighed in at 186lbs. Now, weighing in at 135lbs, I still have the same shame. My BMI (Body Mass Index) is 23.9. (Calculated with this website). I am in a healthy range. But, I find that I compare myself to others too much. I see other women who are the same height and weight as me, but I am left wondering why I don't look like them. Why can't my body look the same? I focus too much on where the fat is, where it hangs, rather than where its going (going, going, GONE!). I struggle with my depression and anxiety. Naturally, working out and eating healthier is the first thing that comes to mind to help with these issues. Unfortunately, it only helps so much.

I need to stop wishing and wanting to have bodies like other women. I need to focus on challenging myself and pushing as far as I can go. I should push myself farther than I ever have before. My body is unuiqe. Men and women alike, we are all different. We don't have the same shapes. STOP COMPARING. Your body, my body, we are all different and it takes different lengths in time, different workouts, different challenges to see a physical improvment in ourselves.

In the end, it all comes down to being proud of ourselves and happy with what we have achieved. My issue is, what if I don't see these achievements? I've lost so much weight. Why am I still complaining about the way I look? Will I ever feel comfortable with myself? Will I ever be happy with who I am? I just have to keep trying. I've gotten to my first goal weight. My next blog will be about that and my newest challenge.

Healthy Bites: Want to Know What 200 Calories Looks Like? ‹ Hello Healthy

Healthy Bites: Want to Know What 200 Calories Looks Like? ‹ Hello Healthy



Check out this article. I was going through my e-mail and stumbled upon Myfitnesspal.com's news letter. I figured I'd look at it, after about 5 times trying to ignore it. It honestly really did help me!

What are your stats? (current weight, goal weight, height, age) & Challenge Week 1, Day 1

Stats:
Current Weight: 140lbs
Goal Weight: 125lbs
Height: 5'3"
Age: 20

Challenge: Mind - read an article about something you’re normally not interested about.

My choice of article was "How Arizona, Ohio, Oklahoma, executions went awry"
It was kind of interesting and disturbing to say the least. Though, I feel like it wasn't really an article, persay, I felt like I was reading a book.

Let's talk about goals!

Some of you may be familiar with this:

HW: 186lbs       (Highest Weight)
LW: 126lbs        (Lowest Weight)
CW: 140lbs        (Current Weight)
GW1: 135lbs      (Goal Weight 1)
GW2: 130lns      (Goal Weight 2)
GW3: 125lbs      (Goal Weight 3)
UGW: 120lbs     (Ultimate Goal Weight)

I have separated my goal weights into 5 pounds each. It's a smaller, reachable goal to go with! I feel that this is more attainable. Now, to those of you who read this, think to yourself...What is your goal weight? How are you going to get there? Put them in small reachable segments and reward yourself for each goal reached!

REWARD, sounds like such a naughty thing doesn't it? Now, when I talk about reward I don't mean go on a binge or eat that piece of chocolate that you've been eyeing for the past week, NO. I mean take yourself to the beach, buy a new pair of earrings, or a new outfit.

For my first goal weight of 135lbs, when I reach that I am going to buy myself a new sports bra!  It's something I need, want, and will motivate me to keep losing weight. Then, once I get to GW1 and start thinking about GW2 I will eventually realize there is something else I have in mind. Maybe a new pair of running shoes or workout gear. When you get closer to that UGW, keep it up! I might go get a manicure or something not related to working out, for the sake of being a good girl.

I will be posting this link into Committed 2 Fit facebook group I am apart of. Ladies, if you read this tell us what your UGW is and what are your GW segments to getting there. Does this system I am using help you? If not what does? We all have our own ways of doing it! Comment below!

Depression.

Can we talk about something that no one really wants to talk about? Perhaps because it may too too awkward, too hard to understand, or for whatever other reasons...The number one reason for my slacking off with my workouts, diet, and lifestyle could be passed off for lazy. Perhaps, it is. But, the root cause behind my inattentiveness, avoidance, and completely disinterest is because of my depression. I've been struggling with it all my life and recently, I've had a relapse (since about November). I was working out on a daily basis, then I started to push myself too hard. I would work out until I'd pass out or hurt myself simply because my depression was so bad the only thing that would allow me to sleep was this (insomnia!) and my stress and darkness that over took me talks back to me in the mirror telling me I am fat, ugly, and all those negative things. I am still battling it today, right now, at this moment. Trying to get the motivation to get out of bed, get off the computer, work out, or even eat. I have to motivate myself to EAT. My depression manifests itself into anger, irritability, and the only way I found I can get rid of it was to work out non stop. But, then I started to lose weight and more weight. The more I lost the better I'd feel...So when I gained a healthy portion of weight back I got even more depressed. So upset because I have a distorted view that I look ugly and fat. I cannot shake it no matter how many time anyone can tell me other wise.

7 day challenge! Starting tomorrow (today is shopping day)

Tomorrow I plan on starting my 7 day challenge.  Today is shopping day (and cleaning day, booo) tomorrow I start! I will be drinking lots of water and green tea (no sugar, maybe some honey) during this diet as well. Unfortunately, my last few days will be while I am away from home so I will have to prepare my soup before I leave so I can eat it later.

1.5lb of my 3 lb goal!

My goal was 3 lbs in the span of 2 weeks. With working out (and eating right) and starting back on my routine again I'm day 4 into this weightloss goal! I've lost 1.5lbs of my 3 lb goal! I think I will have my goal met! Then I'll try to challenge myself and maybe go up another lb or two.

I'm also going to invest in getting Wii Fit PLUS (already have wii fit thats my secret lol) it has so much more into it since I've basically done everything I can do on wii fit :)

UPDATE: 134lbs and POSITIVE VIBES!

Took this picture today right after my hour long work out. I worked out for an hour yesterday and 30 mins the day prior to that. I've noticed that my working out helps me with my anger, depression, and anxiety. I focus on putting all that negative energy into my workouts rather than other people or myself now! It's still a long road to escaping from my dark cloud of sadness but I'm taking things day by day!

Mysterious bumps

It's hard to see in the picture so maybe if I explain it, you'll see it (you can see them perfectly in real life).
One larger bump on top, then a little triangle trio of three bumps under. Two smaller, two larger. About two weeks ago I was waiting in the car for my Pops to come back from his VA visit and I was messing around with my earring backs (habit) and I noticed the three on the bottom. It freaked me out. I'd never see them before. So a week passed and I noticed the top larger bump got larger. Then about another week later (we are now at two weeks) I noticed the forth up at the top. I put my pinky in to compare. They are hard, they do not move, do not hurt, are UNDER the skin not on top, no acne issues around this area, no irritation or the skin and from what I can tell I haven't had an infection. I guess I will keep you updated.

Change The Way You Look At Pregnancy

Thin

What happens when your mind goes blank,
Or when you don't know what to say?
How do you control those thoughts,
Of missing out just to emotionally please yourself?
When physically it's killing you.
And who are you to judge us on our actions?
When you did it too, at some point...
And what if in the end we all end up skeletons in our beds?
Starving, drooling for the food our bodies need to function.
When in our heads we are fighting a war just to stay thin.
Or how about the scars we carry in our minds, on our skin,
Not to prove you wrong about how sad we are,
But to prove to ourselves we are alive.
We are beautiful.
We are alive.
And beautiful.
Why can't we just be beautiful?

Mysterious Bumps & Slacking Off

So, yea, I admit it...I have been slacking off with working out and eating healthier. It doesn't help I have had my great deal of stress (it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, can I get a little help here?). Lately things have just not been going right around here, bad luck everywhere I turn. I can't see to shake the blues off.

So, I had been planning on going to a "clean" diet next month. A whole month of no fast food, fried, or processed foods. (Sounds easy enough huh?). But, today, while waiting in the car, I noticed three bumps behind my ear on  my neck. Now, I have always had this small lump there before for my entire life but this time there were two larger ones. They don't hurt, they are solid, and they scare me. Now, I can't just run to the doctor and say "Hey, Doc, whats up!?" I'm broke and have no insurance. I read some where that eating too much sugar (which I might be guilty of in this past week, it was my birthday after all...) can cause your lymph nodes to swell, and that MIGHT be it. Anyways, I have decided to eat into my "clean" eating this last week of May to start for June. I hope cutting out sugar will help me out. If not, I will go ask a nurse for some help on whether or not I should see a doctor.

As for working out I really do need to get into the routine again and I do plan on working out daily along with this new diet plan I am starting. For now, this isn't to lose weight. It's to maintain and to keep myself healthy. I really cannot afford another hospital bill.

Poem 1

Seconds wash away my tears
And I just want to face my fears

When the night sky shows the sun
I see my life as a shows rerun

When all I see is a cloudy day
What is there for me to say?

When life throws you a different card
We whine and say life's too hard

And when the words unsaid tear my world apart
At least I still have a beating heart

When seconds turn to hours and more
I just see myself on the oceans shore

When all I want to do is sleep
The lust is gone counting sheep

Another day is long and over
A day as lucky as a four leaf clover

And hide in that tiny corner there
Because you will always find someone to care

The nights are not as dark as they seem
So maybe things will start to look keen

Because in the end we all must die
There really is not reason to cry

- Rebecca Lynn Turner
The first poem I've written in years, well over 5-6 years. It feels nice to vent again.

"HOMOPHOBIC" Mother Speaks Out | FIRST GAY HUG

Struggles: Weightloss, Weight Gain, & How to avoid.

Ok, so I've really slacked off my work outs but I've gotten back into a routine (NEW routine!) I've learned the hard way you can't lose weight nor can you keep your current weight steady if you don't eat healthy! Got that? Now, that doesn't mean you have to eat salads every day and skip the chocolate. It just means be more watchful of what you put into your body (annnnd what comes out...but we won't talk about that today lol).  Now, seeing as I have no gallbladder & I suffer from IBS, digesting fatty foods are difficult for me. Well, fats tend to flare up my IBS symptoms so we avoid those. Just remember, it's not all in the calories. I'm still learning about protiens, fats, and carbs and I will post about what I know and hopefully be able to make it easier for others to understand.
ANYWAYS, basically I don't eat anything that soaks in grease or has anymore than 5 -7 g of fat. I don't boil or fry my veggies either. (it was explained to me that if you boil your veggies all the good stuff is in the water and unless you intend to drink that water..try to avoid boiling them. STEAM them!) and we all know why we don't fry them! I've found some good recipes for baked veggies online! Also, I don't digest red meats well so I don't eat red meat...but I do LOVE turkey & chicken! Yummy! Grilled or baked is best! And if I do ever make something like bacon, ground beef, etc...I drain it, pat it down with paper towels to get that extra yuck off. Also, try to cut down on your sugar intake...don't throw it out just cut down. Replace soda with water whenever you can. Though, I still try to limit my soda intake to only one a day (usually have about 3 sodas a week now). And this is a toughie for me: eating out. My grandfather likes to eat out and I usually don't object seeing as I am the one who cooks...but there are usually good alternatives to eating out rather than the McD's 1/4lb Hamburger! I opt for a Grilled Chicken Salad with a cup of water or tea ( I am a southerner, so shoot me! Gotta have my tea!). You get the gist!

I haven't been eating well enough lately. I've found myself binging a lot. Eating out too much. Buffets, Sugar, Soda...it's all too much. I've gained a few pounds, about...8 actually. BUT, I've learned my lesson (I never paid attention in physical ed.) if you don't eat right you won't maintain your weight nor will you lose weight. Just remember this guys.

Eat right, take care of your bodies. Work out, have fun with it. Always stay hydrated. And remember that it isn't a over night change...you may not notice much at first but within the first month you will notice your transformation and you will be motivated to do more!

Treadmill time!

I was fortunate enough to become the owner of a simple treadmill (my friend who doesn't use hers let me borrow it!) It's been sitting in my closet for god knows how long and I finally dragged it out and got about 40 mins in! I did 20 mins around noon, then 20 more minds after supper (i wanted 20 after i ate). It really helps too, i'm drenched in sweat (like you need to know!!!) but my passed two works outs left me so sore in my thighs and sides that I just couldnt think of another workout I could do without over doing those muscles. So, some cardio it was! Pop in your head phones and listen to some tunes while you are working out, it seriously helps. :)

Here is the link to a similar treadmill: Link
The only draw back is that it doesn't have the ability to change slope. But, I think I can come up with a system to work that out. Maybe some old text books (come on, those college books are good for something!) or some 2X4s will help. Don't take my word for it, I'll post another post once I figure out what works and is safe. Happy working out! ;)

End of the month update

It's the end of the month and my update is....
I was slacking for about two weeks. no work outs. I didn't gain any weight, thankfully, but I didn't progress much either. I'm day two into my routine again and I'm feeling the burn, the soreness, and better! :)

As of next month, I might be knocked off my routine for about week because I'm going to NY to visit the family. Super excited! I'm sure we will have so much fun, it'll be a work out! haha. No pic this month but I'll try to get up one next month :)

Feburary Update 1

I've been working out for a full month now. I was motivated by my good friend Robo at the beginning to start working out and I've come a long way in a months time! I noticed now instead of getting weak on lunge # 10 I can get up to lunge # 40 and feel the burn. My calves are less flabby and more toned now. I've been starting to feel the ache in my butt too, noticing a bit of toning there ;) My arms are something I've been neglecting so instead of doing a "push up" which is really hard on my arms I'm doing "push ups" with my dresser by leaning against it at a 45 degree angle and pushing up and down. It is helping out and soon I will be able to do a push up with out straining myself. I've been trying a few new work outs to do tone up my abs more, I had them going good then got lazy. I'll post the below. My motivation is my facebook group Our Guide To Getting Healthier and my friends other two groups about eating healthier! We all work together on getting healthier. I also listening to music when I work out, I LOVE listening to rock it gets me going I feel like the angrier I am the better it is (get your mind out of the gutter!!) it is a real stress relief. I have really put myself into this and although my eating habits could be better I am slowly starting to change my life style.

My friend Robo showed us this video which is a bit difficult to do if you don't have upper body strength but it is worth a try: Stomach Fat Destroyer Workout

I am also doing the 30 Day Wall Sit Challenge! It is really toning my thighs and if you hold your abs too (dont forget to breathe while working out guys, it raises your blood pressure if you hold it!) it does twice as good. I've gotten up to 100 seconds! I'm 4 days ahead!!

PROUD

Super proud of myself! I went from a size 17 (may 2012) to a size 8/9 (present)! my surgery was in november and I was finally healed completely and started working out at the beginning of the year so a months work out and my belly is getting more toned :)

130lbs, toning

I've been working out almost everyday (having some rest days) and I've toned my stomach up nicely!

The best I've felt in a long time.

No picture to post today, but I have noticed I am starting to form abs now! I've been working on upper body strength and with the help of Wii Fitness Balance Board I have been learning yoga too. Now, this is very new to me. But, I am proud of myself. :) I cannot wait to post February pictures!

Toning

                                      Same weight 130lbs, toning stomach muscles

Gallstones & Gallbladder

About 10 percent of the population have gallstones in their gallbladder, however, only 1 - 2% ever have a problem with their gallstones. I was one of those who suffered and I suffered for about 5 long painful years until I even knew what it was.

Now, if you do not know what a gallbladder is, in short: Your gallbladder is a small sack attached to the underside of your liver. Your liver produces bile (which helps digest fat) and that bile is stored in your gallbladder. Some people develop gallstones. When these gallstones get stuck in the bile duct that empties the bile into the intestines it causes horrible pain. In general, the pain is a horrible burning sensation in the chest. It can be described as having a heart attack, in some people. Your chest, stomach, and back hurt horrible. These attacks can last anywhere from 15 mins to (in  my case) hours and HOURS. Usually, you wake up in the middle of the night with the attacks. But, they can come on at anytime after eating something greasy and fatty (because bile digests fat, your gallbladder contracts to empty bile into your intestines and then the attack happens.) My story ended with me getting my gallbladder removed with a simple and easy laparoscopic surgery.

When I had my first attack, I thought I was dying then. It only happened MAYBE once a month here and there. So, when I did go to the doctor they gave me an Upper GI series which they put off the pain to be Acid Reflux or GERD. So, I thought all was well. With an adjustment to my diet and some medications I went on with life only to be plagued with the pain more, this time more often. I went back to the doctor and they put it off to having a stomach ulcer. So, more diet adjustment and medications after I was STILL having the pain my gastroenterologist set me up for an Endoscopy. They found nothing, no sign of acid reflux nor an ulcer. But, she did mention my stomach was holding bile. (which has caused me to feel sick all the time). So, after some more visits with my Gastro Doctor she tried me on some medications for IBS thinking that would help. But it didn't. This was May of 2013. I turned 19 years old and was kicked off my health insurance. So, I never went back to the doctor, I quit my medications because they didn't help and I was constantly having pain.

One day, I got really sick. I had really bad symptoms that went away within 2 or 3 days. After some research with my new symptoms I just KNEW that I had gallstones. I read others stories online and I cried with joy knowing this was it. But, what do I do now? This was about July of 2013. But, by August I was sent to the ER with the WORSE pain in my life. I told the doctor my assumption and they gave me an ultrasound which turned out to be positive for multiple gallstones. I set my surgery up for November of 2013 and got my gallbladder removed. With no health insurance both the ER visit and surgery set me back about $30,000. With help of Financial Aid and discounts etc, that number has been cut down tremendously. I am happier, healthier, and feel great now that I no longer have my surgery. Now, that is it January I am officially healed and am ready to work my butt off to tone my muscles back up. :)

Pictures: January 2014 128lbs