RSS

Tag Archives: New York City

Health & Weight Update

Happy Friday my friends!

Today we will be talking about my health while showing you a few beautiful pictures from my walk with a good friend of mine yesterday in Fort Tryon Park. Now as you know between my food allergies, anemia, bile reflux and hiatal hernia, things haven’t always been good for me in terms of my health. But then as you know, I decided to gain weight. I’ll recap that in case your are new. My lowest weight was 138lbs, but I wasn’t healthy at all.

Sure I was skinny and got to my overall weight goal, but what happened? I was sick, sluggish and ever part of my body was fragile. At that time, my anemia was getting worse. When I worked out too hard, it would affect my body a lot. I simply had no energy what so ever. It took some time to decide, but I decided I wanted to gain and go to 155lbs maximum. I did just that, but then I got into a little depression in February. I was just not in the mood and most of the time I at ice cream for dinner. It was not a good point in my life and then my weight went up to 164lbs. Almost 10lbs more then what I originally wanted.

Where is my weight at now? I fluxuiate between 159-162lbs. At first it was annoying and I wanted to get back to the 155lbs, primarily because that’s the highest I could get without starting to need new clothes. Most of my clothes still fit now and in some I actually look better; more curves.   It was hard to deal with this new bigger, yet stronger and healthier body. It feels much better then striving to feel happy just to fit into a size 4 pair of jeans. I went to the doctor’s and they said nothing was wrong. I am perfectly healthy.

It amazing how food can cause sicknesses like in the case with my food allergies. But I never thought losing weight would make me sick too. I should have known, I mean… being 240lbs was not healthy for me at all. Literally everything is about balance; whether it’s eating of your weight.I’m am writing this for you now because it took me almost two months to accept this new body I am in. But honestly, I have never felt healthier, stronger and even sexier. At the end of the day, you have to do what you feel is right. I am happy that at one point in my life I could say I lost 100lbs, but now I am content knowing that my weight loss/ maintain/ weight gain journey has created a much healthier me.

I hope everyone is well and has a happy weekend. And tomorrow I will be announcing the winner of the giveaway and let you know the extras I added to it.

Question: How do you maintain a healthy balance; whether it’s food, weight or life realted?

About these ads
 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

L’Ecole Restaurant (Review)

Another Non-WIAW, I do apologize, but you can forgive me right? I’m on vacation people and oh, I totally forgot about this awesome post, so here it is!

Ya’ll know Bobby Flay? Well he graduated from the French Culinary Institute. It is now called the International Culinary Center. And I so happened to go there to the restaurant under the school called L’Ecole or “The School” in French. I got a chance to dine here for free.IMG_20130301_121757 I actually went to visit the school just to check it out and what not. Any who, the atmosphere was very relaxing. The first bring you the menu and it changes every week. I got a chance to go by myself and then I took my mother so she could enjoy it as well.IMG_20130304_180707The “fixed price” comes with an appetizer, main course and dessert. Everything is included expect for wine, which they sell by the bottle. They then bring you a bread basket. Okay, I did try the bread and it also comes with grass-fed butter. So delicious.IMG_20130301_121947When I went with my mom, she ordered a red wine that had chocolate and vanilla notes. I honestly didn’t get that from the red wine, but it was not bad. I am more of a white wine kind of girl, but my mom is not. Hence the red wine choice.IMG_20130304_182436For the main course (I opted for no appetizer and had the same entree both times), I ordered a grilled skirt steak that came with roasted root vegetables in a red wine mustard sauce. The steak was so tender, juicy and really yummy. I didn’t want it to end.IMG_20130301_123430The first time I went my dessert was a chocolate pear cake cake (not gluten-free) with bourbon ice cream and chocolate meringue cookies. Oh my, seriously… best dessert ever!IMG_20130301_125618The second time I had a cappuccino semifreddo with a dark chocolate sauce, vanilla meringue cookies and foam. It was basically tasted like gelato, but a really darn delicious gelato.IMG_20130304_192330My mom ended up ordering a creme brulee, which she was in love with.IMG_20130304_192337 We then ordered some coffee after, which was divine and I was very impressed that they had Stevia. I know, I am such a food nerd. Overall this place was amazing and I would totally go again.IMG_20130304_192140Question: Are you a Food Network kind of person? My mom loves Food Network. Me? Sometimes it sparks my interest and sometimes I’m just like what the hell?

 
 

Tags: ,

Happy Christmas Eve <3

Before going to the Emergency Room with my mom, I had a delicious waffle made from a buckwheat flour mix, which you will see this flour for this fun finds Friday, so stay tuned.IMG_20121223_095922I had a lot of pain on the left side of my body under my ribs, It was not fun and it’s been going on for a couple of weeks. Hopefully I can figure out what’s wrong soon; I had numerous tests done.15673_10101456943675060_386716433_nMy family. They are a little crazy, a little corky. But they are my family. I had a lot of fun with them. We went to see the tree down at Rockefeller Center in the city. Elmo and cookie monster?IMG_20121223_182029My parents are just too cute.IMG_20121223_181547Aww, look at me and my little brother. It’s crazy to think he’s going to be 19 next year. Almost 20! Gee, it just makes me feel old sometimes.IMG_20121223_181736They always have this display that lights up, I honestly don’t remember where or what it is. It’s near the tree. A few years ago, they had a snowflake display which was cute. This year it was computer graphics with a cute yeti and ice skaters.IMG_20121223_183521Question: How are you spending your Christmas Eve, if you celebrate it? I hope everyone enjoys the holidays and enjoys time with their loved ones!

 

Tags: , , ,

Fair[way] Fun

I had an amazing time in New York. I spent time with family, got to catch up with friends and tried to relax. It was a well needed break. I never got to update you all on my mini supermarket shopping spree and a trip to the fair with my family on Tuesday. So, uh yeah... here is it!

I wanted to go the Orchard Beach for a jog in the morning but they started the “you must pay for parking at 7:00am” business. Naturally I would have went home but I remembered a FREE random parking lot and just jogged along the parkway trail. I even spotted this lovely view on my jog.Oh man did I have a blast having a mini shopping spree. My little brother took me to Fairway Market, which to me is like a Whole Foods and regular supermarket combined in one. I bought the usual culprits, but I also got a new few new fun things to try. Will save them for FFF’s!My most exciting find was these veggies burgers by Sunshine Burgers. I totally miss eating Morning Star veggies burgers and haven’t found a gluten and corn free replacement yet. Hopefully these taste good.  I got two flavors to try; garden herb and BBQ. I’ve also been dying for lasagna and hopefully this brand tastes good, although I noticed there was corn starch. I’m still horrible at reading labels but what I am going to do is eat half of it along with a big spinach salad.

I also got some yummy maple syrup, So Delicious Coconut Milk, Nature’s Path Flax Plus oats (I need me some Omega-3′s) and this new angel hair pasta by De Boles. Angel hair is my FAVORITE and I nearly screamed when I saw this. Again, hopefully it tastes good and isn’t too soggy. I love that is has flax included as well. Yay for more Omega-3′s!My brother also took me and my other little brother out for lunch. We went to Ihop and I got a yummy omelette off their Simple & Fit menu. I got a turkey, swiss and spinach omelette with fruit. It’s perfect because it comes with no bread or pancakes – both which I CANNOT have.

Later that evening, my family and I (minus my little brother) went to this fair that they had at Palisades Mall. It was really cute and I had a total blast. I don’t remember the last time I was at a “real” fair.You know some food was involved. Don’t let the picture deceive you. I had chocolate covered strawberries, which were delicious!But my tummy wasn’t too happy when I got on this ride.They even had some fun shows going on throughout the fair like wolves…And a mini circus!Ahh, it really was a fun-filled day. I love my family more than anything in the world. It’s nice to just hang out with them even if its just for a day. We are all living busy lives and sometimes it’s nice to just have a break to just spend quality time with each other.

Question: What types of things do you do with your family?

My mom and I are always going shopping. With my dad, it’s casino time. My brothers? What ever happens, happens (lol).

 
 

Tags: , , , , ,

Dahn Yoga Review

Dahn Yoga = Amazing. I went to the yoga studio on Williamsbridge Road here in the Bronx. If you remember, my mom won an unlimited week of classes from Dahn Yoga at a raffle. It was worth $50.00 and each class is $20.00. I figured I should go to at least four classes to get my mom’s money’s worth (she spent $50.00 at the raffle party).

Any requirements? At Dahn Yoga you had to wear a white tee-shirt. I came in on the first day with a blue tank top. It was mighty awkward at first, but I got over it rather quickly. I felt more “free” in a flowy white tee-shirt anyway. You also could bring your own mat, but they did have free ones to borrow.How did I feel? I have never felt so relaxed in my life. I felt less stressed (only after going for 2 days), less tensed, more alert and more energized. I hadn’t done a single workout except for the one hour and ten minutes of a Dahn Yoga class for four days last week (plus one of my own yoga workouts for 45 minutes).

Any results? Just after four classes my legs became seriously toned. I just noticed it a few days ago. Most of the workout focused on lower body, which I am not complaining because that was my key area for this summer to work on.

I wish I had taken a picture of the studio. I was planning on it for my fifth class, but I never made it. I just had way too much packing to do for my trip. These classes are not your typrical yoga class. It combines yoga, Tai-Chi and meditation. I loved that after class there was “tea time.” They would make tea for you at Dahn Yoga and if you wanted to, you could talk about your feelings, ask questions and so on. The whole workout (plus tea time) was really nice and relaxing and great to be open for all levels.

Question: Do you belong to a workout studio?

I found a yoga place near my apartment in Gloucester called Tree Top Yoga Studio. I can’t wait to check it out!

 

Tags: , , , ,

Pardon Me, Please?

Gee, I must admit. Like I do every post. I’ve been everywhere! From going to yoga class, to packing, to visiting friends to hanging out at a bar. Yes, a bar. Sabrina at a bar? I sipped on a St. Louis Framboise from Yard House on Ridge Hill here in Yonkers, New York. It really just tasted like raspberry juice. Don’t worry I only had one!The strawberry cream oat cake I mentioned late last week? I didn’t forget about it completely. I lost the ingredients list and nutrition information. My mind has not been in a “I want to cook” mode. I’m in the “zen” state of just relaxing and trying to not think about all the crazy packing and moving that has to be done between now and Saturday. Yuck!I also wanted to show you that my mom so graciously got me the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian cookbook as a reward for finishing my exams. There are many recipes that I cannot wait to try. I am saving that adventure for when I go to Gloucester. I have a month before I start class so on my days off from work I can create rather than study. Bring on the pans!I can’t wait to tell you about my experience at Dahn Yoga. This week I have done nothing but yoga, Tai-Chi and meditation. I can honestly say I don’t miss weight training but I did miss the running. This yoga thing came at the right time because it has been pouring all week. I refuse to run in the rain or on a muddy trail. My nice shoes might get dirty, you know?My friends from work wanted to go out with me before I headed to Gloucester. We haven’t really hung out much, we are all always busy. We initially were going to go out, but the weather was yucky. Look how awesome they are!Kim (remember the guest dessert recipe?) offered to cook and host dinner at her house in the attic. Everything was absolutely delicious. I helped make the chicken and I brought the Alexia’s roasted potatoes as an additional side.Healthy meals are the best! Basil chicken, red roasted potatoes, spinach and broccoli. Dessert? Some chocolate covered strawberries by Kim! Oh my gosh, they were to die for. As you can tell from the lack of stability, hence blurry picture.I hope this feeling of happiness last. I know that sounds so pessimistic but sometimes you just really don’t want it to end. I just need to put my mindset better and wake up everything saying I will be happy today. I deserve to be.

 

Tags: , , , ,

Honesty Is The Best Policy

This past week have been a-mazing! From awesome food finds to hiking with my mom at Orchard Beach. I know I have used that word too many times, but it really has been. It’s a good thing too because remember, I was having some issues in the trust department. I am glad that is all over. Now onto some things I need to be honest with.

I’m still eating the meat here and there, but I really don’t want to get back into that habit. I loved how my digestive system was treating me on an all vegetarian diet. I just felt better. Lately, I have been feeling more sluggish and heavy. I absolutely hate the feeling.Now for about 3 days, I have been getting back to my [lacto-ovo]vegetarian diet and I must say, I am feel much, much better. Things are right in the digestive department. I am regaining my energy back as well. As for the running? I haven’t ran since May 14th. That’s pretty much a whole week and I was suppose to be monitoring my progress to see if any changes would occur.

I will say that I did manage to run on May 12th four and a half minutes straight! So close to my five minute straight goal. Perhaps I will try to get in a run before I head out to Gloucester.What has replaced running? Lots of yoga, biking and workout classes. I’ve done yoga classes, meditation, Tai-Chi and boot camp. For some reason, I enjoy nothing having to worry about working out. I just go to a class and feel like it’s being done for me.

Why do I feel that way? I guess because it motivates me to push through it since everyone is around me and I don’t want no one to think I’m a whimp!I just wanted to come forward about the meat and running. I don’t want to deceive anyone and I just want to be honest with myself as well. I really feel much better now that my body is back to normal and that I shared my feelings with ya’ll. Sometimes, that can’t be challenge, you know?

Question: Do you ever have to be honest with yourself?

Back in the day when I was calorie counting, I always had to be honest with myself if I had an off day. If not, it would lead to an off week or month!

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Yoga And A Dash Of Boot Camp

Today was an a-mazing day (with a huge road bump, but I rather not get into it)! I finally got to sleep in today after not sleeping well and waking up to early. I woke up before 8:00am nice and refreshed. Yes, that is sleeping in for me. Normally I like to wake up before 7:30am.

Any-who, for breakfast I had a coconut-cashew pancake with toasted coconut and cashews instead. This thing is seriously delicious! The secret? Artisana coconut butter, which I will provide a mini review for you tomorrow.After breakfast, I finally went to Dahn Yoga. It was really interesting since it was a mix of yoga, Tai-chi and meditation. I’m going to be going more times this week, so stayed tuned for a review on that one as well.

When I got home from yoga, I munched on some raw cashews while I made my mom a light lunch before our workout. I made chicken burgers (topped with Parmesan cheese) with a side salad, kettle cooked chips and fruit.I spent the rest of the day with my mom. We first went to a tag sale at a church. Since we arrived almost before closing, they had “buy a bag for $2.00 and fill it with whatever you can.” Don’t have to tell me twice!My mom definitely stuffed her bags and she even got a mail box. Just was a total blast.I ended up getting four awesome sweaters (I heart sweaters) and a ton of Food Everyday magazines.Though, my two favorites were the mini wine glasses and a bowl for my fruit.After we went to Aldi’s supermarket to grab a few things. I got some yummy goodies like strawberries, sliced almonds and pure maple syrup.Then it was time for Excel Yoga to do kickboxing. Yet again (I think I’m a bad luck charm for everyone), it was boot camp, but not outside this time. It was intense and the focus was on lower body and abs. I know my thighs and abs are going to hate me tomorrow.

Yesterday at the supermarket, I got this Green Giant healthy weight veggie blend of carrots, string beans, edamame and black beans in a butter sauce. I’ve been wanting to change things up with my veggies and meals. I had this with brown rice couscous, more black beans and tostones.The results? Delicious! High in fiber and protein and my dish (minus the tostones) was only 190 calories. Not too shabby!I know have been all over the place these past couple of weeks. I can’t say things will not be sporadic but I think by the beginning of next month, things will start to be more consistent.

I already have the Monday Meal Planning and What I Ate Wednesday. I want to have more days of that. I am thinking of doing a Fun Finds Friday where I recap my find(s) for the week. Let me know what you think!

 

Tags: , , , ,

Cardio Bootcamp at Excel Yoga [Review]

My mom has been begging me to go with her to a class at her exercise studio called Excel Yoga. I really wanted too go to a yoga class, but I have class and work on those days. My second choice was to go to kickboxing, which is two hours after my Saturday anatomy class is over. I had pink gloves and Jessica Smith’s 10 Minute Solution Kickboxing DVD in my mind. I was really excited because I had never gone to a group workout class. Ever!

When we arrived at the studio, the lady at the front desk was very friendly and welcoming. I had a free class pass (since my mom received a couple of passes to bring a friend or family member because she joined) and all I had to do was fill out a small questionnaire and I was good to go. If you want to take a class, it’s only $15.00, which isn’t too bad at all!Now bring on the kickboxing! However when we got there, the lady at the front desk said that because they were having a workshop in the studio, we had to workout outside. Okay, kickboxing outside, why not? Boy was I wrong.

Our instructor Leon is not only a kickboxing instructor, but also a cardio bootcamp instructor. You know what that means? Bootcamp time! He first had us run two laps, which was about three-five minutes depending on your pace. While we were jogging, he set up stations that we were going to do for the workout. Here is what the bootcamp session looked like:Station # (Repeated Twice):

  1. Squat and row with resistance bands
  2. Squat to bicep curl with resistance bands
  3. Squat and row with resistance bands
  4. Medicine ball slam (pull overhead and slam down; repeat)
  5. Oblique twist with resistance bands
  6. Side shuffle (cone to cone)
  7. Leg lifts
  8. Agility Ladder (in, in, out, out)
  9. Work with trainer
  10. Jog one lap

Did I mention that our timer was station #10? You had to wait for the person who jogged to come back! If they jogged fast that meant less reps. If not, you were pretty screwed. Now what about station #9? The first trainer workout was a towel pull.

The trainer held a towel while you grabbed the ends and had to pull him. He was not kidding when he said you had to pull him (about 50 feet). The second one was harder as we had to wrap a resistance band around our waist and run while he pulled us. This was a killer workout but good.I’m glad I’ve been getting into jogging because there was no way I would have been able to do that for long. It also helps that I’ve done a lot of DAMY Health weight training interval workouts. Everyone was really nice and it was a fun time. We were having fun complaining about how we were super miserable during the workout. Good times.

Toughest station for me? Medicine ball slam. I just realized I have very little strength in my shoulders (might explain my bad posture). It was a breeze for my mom because she does a similar exercise in physical therapy for her rotator cuff. Go mom!Leon was tough and I mean tough. But the workout was awesome. For my first bootcamp and group class, I definitely enjoyed the burn. I know that my thighs and shoulders will be in massive pain tomorrow. No pain, no game right? Thanks Leon for an awesome bootcamp session!Excel yoga was great and I would definitely go back. Hopefully kickboxing will be on the menu for real next time. If you live in the Bronx (near Co-op City, Pelham Bay area) check it out!

Question: Have you ever tried a group exercise class?

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Changing Things Up: May Workout Plan

This week I wanted to shake things up and plan out workouts for the month of May. I know, it isn’t May, I realize that! Work with me here, I am trying to plan ahead. I was more in a jogging mood these past few days, which isn’t a bad thing! I opted for the week one of the Couch to 5K program.

What I did a bit different was do 30 minutes total instead of 20 minutes. If I also was able to jog past a minute, I allowed myself to do so. Believe or not, the most I can jog (even lightly) is only two minutes straight! I want to at least get up to five minutes by the end of May (specifically May 25th, since that is when I am heading back to M.A)My Tuesday jog was a cold one. It was about 45 degrees, the coldest I have ever jogged outside (I’m sure there are braver souls out there). I bundled up complete with my super pink bottle.I jogged in a few new spots also this week. This area was super uneven, which was great because it felt like a “faux” step climber machine. Working out those buns and thighs!I ended up changing the incline for parts of my jog (not on purpose, just more hilly areas) and scenery was not to shabby either. Check out the marsh!I’ve never been to the right side of the beach. Ever. My family always hung around the left side. I decided to head on over there and it was cool to see a mini playground in the sand. Isn’t this such a stunning view?As usual the same post jog/ sprint snack (which will change, I ran out of Clif bars) which consists of 1/2 a Clif white chocolate macadamia bar and a few cashews. Of course, lots of water too.I also wanted to update a few things of mine now that I am getting more into running/ sprinting and moving back to Massachusetts. I feel like I am reinventing myself; new town, new lifestyle, you get the idea. I bought two new sports bras and running socks!  Even before I read numerous articles about running/ sprinting for beginners, I knew cotton socks were horrible. I remember when I first did Couch to 5k, I use cotton socks and got horrible blisters that lasted for days. Not. Fun.

The DAMY Health workouts below come from the members only section on their website. Since I am on maintainance, they have a workouts that you can do. Each month there is a new workout to choose from. You can check out my April workout routine here.

I have found that warming up and doing my weight training before cardio, has been more effective for me. I will be experimenting with that further this month and see how it goes. The yoga workouts come from either Yoga Today or the 15 Minute Results Yoga DVD. Yoga helps me to stretch out from the workouts but also helps for de-stressing, which I seriously need!

If you are on a specific DAMY Health workout plan, you must stick to it! If you have an questions or need modifications, you can always email Amy. Here is my improved workout schedule for May:

  • Monday: DAMY Chest & Abs Workout + Sprint or Jog (30 minutes)
  • Tuesday: Sprint or Jog (30 minutes) or Yoga Today Workout (30 Minutes)
  • Wednesday: DAMY Lower Body & Back Workout + Sprint or Jog (30 minutes)
  • Thursday: DAMY Shoulder Workout + Upper Body Yoga
  • Friday: Active Rest Day
  • Saturday: Sprint or Jog (30 minutes) or Yoga Today Workout (30 Minutes)
  • Sunday: Total Body Yoga (Abs, Upper & Lower Body)

Question: How do you like to change things up?

I like to either change up my workouts, take a new route, by a new lotion or body spray, new granola bar, so many things!

 

Tags: , , , , ,

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 71 other followers

%d bloggers like this: