200 Pounds is Just a Number

I just want to put it out there that 200 pounds is just a number. It's my marker for what is unacceptable for my body type and height (5'4"). I know some women that would love to be 200 lbs. based on their current weight. We all have different numbers in our head when it comes to weight loss, but the ultimate goal should be to be HEALTHY!

Slate Swipe: Should You Get Paid to Workout?

Raise your hand if you want to know where he works?

Aside from that, what is your opinion? This issue reminds me of how a certain local school district decided to pay students for good grades and attendance. I guess the real issue is: Should someone be rewarded for an action s/he should be doing anyways? OR is it more important to get that person to perform the action despite the motive? What's more important? The source of motivation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) or the result?

Spreading Love: My Favorite Fitness Blogs & Resources

I started this blog as a tool to aid in my weight loss. It was meant to be a personal place where I could record my frustrations and successes of my journey. It also turned into a place where I recorded useful strategies and information that helped me along the way. While at times I try to be informative, my blog is at its essence very personal , and I hope that people can identify with the struggles that I’ve recorded here as well as be inspired by my resiliency. My ultimate goal is to be able to come on here (May 2011) and show a significant before and after picture of when I finally reach my goal weight.

This entry is dedicated to the blogs that I read online to help me stay inspired. Be sure to check them out!

By the Way: PROGRESS UPDATE : Lost 1 ¾ inch off of my waist, ¾ inch off of my hips, 8 pounds total

A Black Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss

This is my new favorite blog. The writing is precise, the angles are fresh, the information is detailed and well researched, and the layout is enticing and easy to navigate. Perhaps this is why she was nominated for the 2010 Black Weblog Awards. Check her out for information and strategies (including a shopping list!) on eating clean, articles on self-esteem and weight, and exercise regimes.

Black Fitness Blog

This blog is written from a male perspective, but is no less informative. This blog has recurring features such as "Snack of the Week" and reviews of healthy food products (Did you know that V8 Splash has High Fructose Corn Syrup as it’s second ingredient?!) The articles are short and informative, similar to a fitness magazine, with titles such as “”Six Thoughts that Will Keep You From Getting Thin.”

Beautifyl Brwn Baby Dol YouTube Channel

This channel has provided me with so much inspiration. Her passion for living healthy and changing your life is infectious. Whenever I need a pick me up, I just chose a video and watch. However, my favorite is the cornerstone video (A Black Woman’s Weight Loss) in which she shows how she lost 80 lbs. (the RIGHT way) and MAINTAINED the weight loss for several years. BeautifulBrwnBabyDol does not keep any information to yourself; she has videos that help you on the emotional journey of weight loss (“Keeping the Confidence” ) to videos in which she shows you her actual work out videos and the food she eats every day.

Nubian Fitness Goddess

Recently I dispensed fitness advice via an online message board in which I stated that your inner physical health is just as important as your outward appearance. Many people, including myself, find it important to attain a certain physique. However, you can be “skinny” with a bad heart, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Fitness Goddess keeps this philosophy in the forefront of her blog, and with her partnership with American Heart Association, she reminds us to strive toward holistic health.