Yesterday, I had headache since 5pm. I thought that after dinner it would go away, but it didn't :( As we walked to our hotel my head was stil aching, but I dind't complaint to Bret, I was just quiet. We took a shower and then we went to bed. I went to bed with my headache. He offered a Tylenol and although I wanted to take it, I didn't want to trick my body by masking the symptoms. I wanted my body to heal itself so I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up (7:06am) and guess--what? I still have a small headache. I dranl about 1/2 a L of water. I am not going to worry about it because this is my honeymoon and I am enjoyin it! Yeah, my poor little body is telling me something, but I'm goin to continue to eat as right as possible, and of course--eat pasta, pizza, gelator and canole! :-D
Today we check out at 9:00am from our cheap little hotel in Rome and hope that the city tax (2 Euro's per person per night) gets charged to Bret's father's credit card because we have NO cash right now! We'll walk about 20 minutes or so to the Termini station to catch our train that leaves at 9:45am to Venice!
We get breakfast in just a few minutes! I'm love my orange juice, apple mash (sauce) and tea, and coffee! Today will be a nother great day! Hey! Breakfast is now here, yay!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Another weight-loss Article: "5 Secrets of Naturally Thin People"
I just came across this article that caught my attention: "5 Secrets of Naturally Thin People" so I checked it out of curiosity (not because I needed to know so that I could apply to myself)...http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1769. I didn't read the intro and went straight to the bullet points.
The first habit was # 1 of Shape's diet tips: Weigh in regularly -- and that is when the article lost credibility (if it ever had ANY at all). This is when I knew this was ANOTHER weight loss article. I didn't really read what it said after that, and I focused on the other habit headings. The bottom line is that I don't agree 100% with those so-called "habits".
I guess, through out my journey I've realized that there are other ways around getting to a healthy weight. Let me just say that I don't believe in "losing" weight; but in getting to a healthy weight. Weight is just a number on the scale so focus on making healthy habits, take it slow, be persistent and patient, you WILL get there. Weighing yourself does nothing for you, it only makes you feel "fat" because you will never be happy with the numbers.
# 2 of Shape's diet tips: Pump up the protein
I say: Personally, I don't eat as much protein as I used to. I stopped measuring the number of grams I eat a day. I am sure I eat more than enough, more than I need. In realty we only need 10% of protein of our daily caloric intake. For instance, someone eating 2,000 calories would have to eat only 200 calories (50g) of protein. Consuming too much protein can actually be harmful to health (http://www.pcrm.org/search/?cid=132) and when people say you "need protein" it is actually a myth.
# 3 of Shape's diet tips: Strive for five...
I say: Yes, aim for 5 fruits and vegetables if you're just starting out...But eating more than 5 is ideal! 1/2 of your plate should be fruits and veggies. Eating lost of fruits and veggies is positively associated with better health, disease prevention, a healthy weight and so much more! There is NO SUCH thing as eating "too much" fruits or vegetables, so when in doubt about what to eat -- eat a fruit!
# 4 of Shape's diet tips: Learn to love exercise
I say: Yeah, learn to love exercise, but the only way to love it it's to live it. Exercise is a way of life, it's not a chore or a means to finally drop a dress size (a.k.a "losing weight" which I am not for). Exercise really is a way of living. When it becomes part of you , you love it and it helps you keep and maintain balanced in different area of life, I promise!
# 5 of Shape's diet tips: Eat out less often
I say: Eat out less often, sure, but I would re-phrase this as "Cook your own food, pack a lunch and eat it." Don't focus on not doing something, but also focus on actually "doing" things that will get you reach your goal. Eating out less will definitely help, so do your best to cook and eat your own food. Take a cooking class, make time to shop for food and preparing it - then eat it :) This way you control how much fat, sodium and sugar you're eating, in addition to controlling the portion sizes. Be in control of what you eat, and don't really on eating out, much less eating fast food.
So in my opinion, I would re-write this article by first of all, taking off "....Naturally Thin People" in the title because people can be naturally thin, but be unhealthy. It's not about being thin (or "skinny") but about being healthy and having a healthy weight. I'd add "The 5 Habits of Healthy, Conscious People" and I'd probably add more habits, like:
I wanna add that being healthy or getting healthy it is not about weighing oneself, or depriving oneself from life's good food, or exercising just to "lose weight" for an event. To get healthy, one needs to become conscious - and make intelligent chances and choices that shape a different way of living. Being healthy is not a fad, or something to do at the beginning of the year (New Year Resolution), but a way to live and being your best self.
Good luck!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
I guess, through out my journey I've realized that there are other ways around getting to a healthy weight. Let me just say that I don't believe in "losing" weight; but in getting to a healthy weight. Weight is just a number on the scale so focus on making healthy habits, take it slow, be persistent and patient, you WILL get there. Weighing yourself does nothing for you, it only makes you feel "fat" because you will never be happy with the numbers.
# 2 of Shape's diet tips: Pump up the protein
# 3 of Shape's diet tips: Strive for five...
I say: Yes, aim for 5 fruits and vegetables if you're just starting out...But eating more than 5 is ideal! 1/2 of your plate should be fruits and veggies. Eating lost of fruits and veggies is positively associated with better health, disease prevention, a healthy weight and so much more! There is NO SUCH thing as eating "too much" fruits or vegetables, so when in doubt about what to eat -- eat a fruit!
# 4 of Shape's diet tips: Learn to love exercise
I say: Yeah, learn to love exercise, but the only way to love it it's to live it. Exercise is a way of life, it's not a chore or a means to finally drop a dress size (a.k.a "losing weight" which I am not for). Exercise really is a way of living. When it becomes part of you , you love it and it helps you keep and maintain balanced in different area of life, I promise!
# 5 of Shape's diet tips: Eat out less often
I say: Eat out less often, sure, but I would re-phrase this as "Cook your own food, pack a lunch and eat it." Don't focus on not doing something, but also focus on actually "doing" things that will get you reach your goal. Eating out less will definitely help, so do your best to cook and eat your own food. Take a cooking class, make time to shop for food and preparing it - then eat it :) This way you control how much fat, sodium and sugar you're eating, in addition to controlling the portion sizes. Be in control of what you eat, and don't really on eating out, much less eating fast food. So in my opinion, I would re-write this article by first of all, taking off "....Naturally Thin People" in the title because people can be naturally thin, but be unhealthy. It's not about being thin (or "skinny") but about being healthy and having a healthy weight. I'd add "The 5 Habits of Healthy, Conscious People" and I'd probably add more habits, like:
- Drink 64 oz. of water
- Get sufficient Sleep
- Eat Breakfast Every Morning
- Avoid Processed, Sugary and Salty Food
- Avoid all Animal Products (reason why I chose to go vegan: for health).
I wanna add that being healthy or getting healthy it is not about weighing oneself, or depriving oneself from life's good food, or exercising just to "lose weight" for an event. To get healthy, one needs to become conscious - and make intelligent chances and choices that shape a different way of living. Being healthy is not a fad, or something to do at the beginning of the year (New Year Resolution), but a way to live and being your best self.
Good luck!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
My First Low-fat Raw Vegan Breakfast!
On a typical morning I'll have my oatmeal berries and a banana with some protein powder and flax seeds, sweetened with stevia and cinnamon.
I want to start eating more raw fruits and veggies, especially fruit and starting to eat this way requires me to- just start!
Today I decided to have a raw breakfast...One cup of strawberries (about 8 medium), 1 small orange, I kiwi, 5 cherries, 1 small banana = ALL ORGANIC! It was very yummy! So we will see how this week goes, either fruit or a green smoothie for breakfast this week. Now I have to get ready for our /pre-wedding photos this morning!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
Thursday, July 12, 2012
We just want to be heard and have our feelings validated
At work tonight...
After measuring for her height, weight and waist, I told the lady from the community her numbers....I was careful not to deliver the information in a judgmental way. The numbers were pretty high, but I told them as they were because my community needs to know the truth of their health status. Knowing this truth left her very disappointed....I told her that because of the lifestyle we live, it can affect or promote our health. What the numbers show are not her life experiences, but are a result of them.
She was very disappointed to realize about her health status and then she started talking to us about those life experiences......She shared with her sad story about her family and even shed tears. I tried to empathize with her and appreciate her time with us. I just listened and I told myself, "Wow, I have NO idea of what is happening out there, no idea."
She finished telling me a good news: In spite all of her suffering she filled for Naturalization and in April 2012 she became as U.S. Citizen!!! I jumped for joy and I hugged her! It means so much for her to be a U.S. Citizen, It means SO MUCH for the Latino community! What a strong and resilient woman! I looked her in the eye and I told her that she is a fighter!
When people talk to me, whether it's friends, family or strangers I do my best to listen...To be attentive looking into their eyes and just listen. I've realized that people love to talk and share their pain or happiness. We all love to talk! But when people are going through hard times we just want to be heard and have someone to hear then out and validate our feelings.
I feel so priviledge to hear thir stories and share their happiness! I love my job!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
After measuring for her height, weight and waist, I told the lady from the community her numbers....I was careful not to deliver the information in a judgmental way. The numbers were pretty high, but I told them as they were because my community needs to know the truth of their health status. Knowing this truth left her very disappointed....I told her that because of the lifestyle we live, it can affect or promote our health. What the numbers show are not her life experiences, but are a result of them.
She was very disappointed to realize about her health status and then she started talking to us about those life experiences......She shared with her sad story about her family and even shed tears. I tried to empathize with her and appreciate her time with us. I just listened and I told myself, "Wow, I have NO idea of what is happening out there, no idea."
When people talk to me, whether it's friends, family or strangers I do my best to listen...To be attentive looking into their eyes and just listen. I've realized that people love to talk and share their pain or happiness. We all love to talk! But when people are going through hard times we just want to be heard and have someone to hear then out and validate our feelings.
I feel so priviledge to hear thir stories and share their happiness! I love my job!
Health, Joy, Peace and Love,
Bea
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Today: Short Workout, but Intense!
I only had a few minutes to get my workout in this morning, so I did the best I could. I went heavy, included plyos in between sets and short rest periods for a blasting workout! I think it was almost as intense/ calorie burning as a regulaar 1 hour session!
During this workout I was drenched after 15 minutes! I was sweating so much, I kep wiping sweat off my face. My heart was beating so fast that I felt like I had ran sprints! It was so awesome! Here is my 36 minute workout session:
Health, Joy, Peace & Love , (<------ new signature ;-)
Bea
During this workout I was drenched after 15 minutes! I was sweating so much, I kep wiping sweat off my face. My heart was beating so fast that I felt like I had ran sprints! It was so awesome! Here is my 36 minute workout session:
- Warm-up: 6 minutes (running in place, jump rope, plyos)
- Waking Lunges (rested 30-40 seconds in between sets)
- 50 lbs. barbell - 3x12 steps (each leg)
- One-legged Squats on Smith Machine (rested 30-40 seconds in between sets)
- 50 lbs. 3X12 (each leg)
- Squat position jumps, legs in and out for - 20
- Squat position for 10 seconds
- One-legged Lunges on Smith Machine(rested 30-40 seconds in between sets)
- 70 lbs. 3X12 (each leg)
- Alternating box jumps - 20 jumps per leg
- Squat position for 10 seconds
- Deadlifts (rested 30-40 seconds in between sets)
- 70 lbs. barbell - 3x10
- Side to side box jumps - 20 jumps per leg
- Squat position for 10 seconds
Health, Joy, Peace & Love , (<------ new signature ;-)
Bea
So instead of talking about it, I'm doing something about it!
The Countdown to my wedding continues...12 days to go!
It feels like I've been waiting for this day my whole life....It feels like it will never get here, but I know it will and I'm being patient. I find it hard to describe how I feel, but I am loving it :D
I always told myself that working out and eating right was key and by the time I got married (on my wedding day) I would look so good and be in the best shape of my life!
I believe that nutrition/diet is the most important thing for health, but it has to be coupled with fitness. I have to admit, though, that I have not been diligent with my workouts...
By my last competition (May 26, 2012) I was in the best shape of my life...Afterwards, I went easy on myself. Preparing for a show is a difficult thing to do and so taking a break off the rigorous routine is healthy on the body so it can recuperate form all the stress. I had been training hard since January 2012!
Being consistent in nutrition and training has given me the body I now have. But since my last show, I have not been diligent as before. I've been enjoying food (more calories) and taking an extra day off from the gym every week or 2 weeks (working out 5 days a week, as opposed to 6 days a week). As a result, I've regained some body fat. I had lower body fat on competition day (check out the 6/10 blog http://skinnybea.blogspot.com/2012/06/body-composition-results.html), and now but I am sure that number has increased. I probably have lost some muscle mass too :(
Well, my Big Day is almost here, 12 days away, and I don't feel at my best :( That's sad to say...Although I am content with my body, I am not staying true to my philosophy of "being at my best shape" on my wedding day. So instead of talking about it, I'm doing something about it!
These next 12 days, I am bumping it up -- hard core! Back to competition training! :D I miss training hard and I decided to work my butt off. I KNOW that sounds bad. I am not trying to kill myself, I just love training hard and saying "working my butt off" is just a figure of speech. I love my body and that is why I want to work it out.Not only do I get excellent results, I feel so good doing it!It's the endorphins! Training hard also allows me to be and stay focused, being in the present and feeling in touch with my body. It's good for my muscles, heart, bones, brain and everything -- it's amazing!
So this morning I'm working legs and doing HIIT cardio for fat burn! I'll let you knwo how it goes!
Love,
Bea
It feels like I've been waiting for this day my whole life....It feels like it will never get here, but I know it will and I'm being patient. I find it hard to describe how I feel, but I am loving it :D
I always told myself that working out and eating right was key and by the time I got married (on my wedding day) I would look so good and be in the best shape of my life!
I believe that nutrition/diet is the most important thing for health, but it has to be coupled with fitness. I have to admit, though, that I have not been diligent with my workouts...
By my last competition (May 26, 2012) I was in the best shape of my life...Afterwards, I went easy on myself. Preparing for a show is a difficult thing to do and so taking a break off the rigorous routine is healthy on the body so it can recuperate form all the stress. I had been training hard since January 2012!
Being consistent in nutrition and training has given me the body I now have. But since my last show, I have not been diligent as before. I've been enjoying food (more calories) and taking an extra day off from the gym every week or 2 weeks (working out 5 days a week, as opposed to 6 days a week). As a result, I've regained some body fat. I had lower body fat on competition day (check out the 6/10 blog http://skinnybea.blogspot.com/2012/06/body-composition-results.html), and now but I am sure that number has increased. I probably have lost some muscle mass too :(
Well, my Big Day is almost here, 12 days away, and I don't feel at my best :( That's sad to say...Although I am content with my body, I am not staying true to my philosophy of "being at my best shape" on my wedding day. So instead of talking about it, I'm doing something about it!
So this morning I'm working legs and doing HIIT cardio for fat burn! I'll let you knwo how it goes!
Love,
Bea
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
"Are you excited for your wedding?"
"Are you excited for your wedding?" is a constant question I get asked these days. The answer of course is, "Yes!" with a big smile on my face.
I have noticed, however, that I am not all jumpy about it. I am not like "OMG, I'm so nervous..." or "I'm going crazy", or "things are not ready!" I calmly say, "I think everything is pretty much taken care of." Though in reality, I still have a few things to knock down, like the wedding favors, name and table cards for the most part everything good. Sure, I don't know how I'll do my own hair and make-up, but that's okay, I am not worried about it. I know I will still look great, especially because I think happiness, confidence and love radiate from within. Planning a wedding should be stress free. Having a small wedding was great decision Bret and I made.
I tell people I am very excited, but I do so in a calm way. In a way that got kind of got me thinking, Do I not look as excited? Do people think I am not exited? But I am, I am just calm about it, I am loving each and every day until my wedding day.
Today at work, some colleagues were asking me questions about my wedding and yeah, I shared, but not as much (I don't think). Sometimes I don't like sharing too much about myself, I try not to. Not because I am trying to hide or pretend I 'm someone I'm not (I believe in being transparent with the world) but because I've been practicing being an active listener as opposed to a talker. I realize I don't like talking about myself too much. I'm trying not to be as self-centered and take the conversation, attention away from me.
Anyway, I don't know if in today's conversation I did not seem as excited...But as I was driving home, I realized that the way I react to the wedding is not about the wedding itself. It is not about the actual event. I know my wedding will be beautiful, the ceremony will be memorable in such a beautiful place and I will be surrounded by the people I love the most...But it is still NOT about the wedding. It is about my marriage to my best friend. It is about us sharing our lives together full of unconditional love, friendship, honesty, loyaly, and support.
I think I've done at great job in not getting lost in the wedding planning. Since the day Bret proposed to me (February 18th, 2012) our relationship has improved dramatically. There is something about "knowing" all the time that I am marrying him, that in spite it all he loves me and wants to be with me the rest of his life. And just knowing that we are a family each time we are together has made me a more loving partner.Of course, "knowing" actually translates into being self-aware of my emotions and feelings and being in control of the situation.
Bret is just so amazing. I am in love with him. I don't think I share this enough with people. When people ask about the wedding, I give them answers, but the reality is that I am much more excited to spend the rest of my life with Bret. I am marrying him for an infinite number of reasons - but I don't think people know that because I don't talk about it. And maybe, for the most part, people put more focus on the wedding, the event - not on the fact that two people are in love.
Bret is unique, one of a kind. He has a heart of gold and a spirit thatis so wise and loving. I feel so fortunate to have him in my life, just how a woman should feel when she knows "he is the one." I am sure that our relationship will continue to grow-- it grows every day because we both put in the work. It's about being self-aware and showing love every day in every way. I am ready, I am ready to do this: enter the next stage in my life with him. Bret and I are becoming one.
Love,
Bea
I have noticed, however, that I am not all jumpy about it. I am not like "OMG, I'm so nervous..." or "I'm going crazy", or "things are not ready!" I calmly say, "I think everything is pretty much taken care of." Though in reality, I still have a few things to knock down, like the wedding favors, name and table cards for the most part everything good. Sure, I don't know how I'll do my own hair and make-up, but that's okay, I am not worried about it. I know I will still look great, especially because I think happiness, confidence and love radiate from within. Planning a wedding should be stress free. Having a small wedding was great decision Bret and I made.I tell people I am very excited, but I do so in a calm way. In a way that got kind of got me thinking, Do I not look as excited? Do people think I am not exited? But I am, I am just calm about it, I am loving each and every day until my wedding day.
Today at work, some colleagues were asking me questions about my wedding and yeah, I shared, but not as much (I don't think). Sometimes I don't like sharing too much about myself, I try not to. Not because I am trying to hide or pretend I 'm someone I'm not (I believe in being transparent with the world) but because I've been practicing being an active listener as opposed to a talker. I realize I don't like talking about myself too much. I'm trying not to be as self-centered and take the conversation, attention away from me.
I think I've done at great job in not getting lost in the wedding planning. Since the day Bret proposed to me (February 18th, 2012) our relationship has improved dramatically. There is something about "knowing" all the time that I am marrying him, that in spite it all he loves me and wants to be with me the rest of his life. And just knowing that we are a family each time we are together has made me a more loving partner.Of course, "knowing" actually translates into being self-aware of my emotions and feelings and being in control of the situation.Bret is just so amazing. I am in love with him. I don't think I share this enough with people. When people ask about the wedding, I give them answers, but the reality is that I am much more excited to spend the rest of my life with Bret. I am marrying him for an infinite number of reasons - but I don't think people know that because I don't talk about it. And maybe, for the most part, people put more focus on the wedding, the event - not on the fact that two people are in love.
Bret is unique, one of a kind. He has a heart of gold and a spirit thatis so wise and loving. I feel so fortunate to have him in my life, just how a woman should feel when she knows "he is the one." I am sure that our relationship will continue to grow-- it grows every day because we both put in the work. It's about being self-aware and showing love every day in every way. I am ready, I am ready to do this: enter the next stage in my life with him. Bret and I are becoming one.
Love,
Bea
Monday, July 2, 2012
My wedding day is 19 days away!
As CRAZY as this may sound, I feel I need to get on a diet! But it is better said: a careful eating and training plan so I can look my best on my Big Day!
I'm trying to tweaking my diet these next few days, similar to contest prep. So my intake of greens will go up, but I will continue eating broccoli. Since I won't be showing my tummy (my dress is tight enough) I don't need to worry about bloat or water retention on my lower body.
 |
| This is my sister Laura and Greg on their wedding day. I'll be reusing this beautiful gown! |
The good thing is that my upper body is the fittest, tone-est, tightest part of me! Yay!!! I wanna make sure it satay that way, so I must be careful on what I eat. My arms EASILY gain fat and flab! Similarly, though, they can tone up pretty quickly -- an consistency is the key!
Today, Bret and I walked to the and from the gym and I worked on shoulders in the morning . In in the late afternoon I jogged to the and from the gym to do high intensity interval training (HIIT) at 30 seconds 9.5 mph on a 3.0 incline, then I jumped off the machine and rested for about 30 seconds. I did that for 20 minutes.
Love,
Bea
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