Starting Over

Last September, I wrote this post proclaiming my desire to transform my lifestyle into a more healthy and active one. The first semester as a full-time graduate student had a few ups and downs, and so did my lifestyle change. There were a few successes and a few more days of poor eating choices, followed by lack of activity. As the new year approached and I returned home to Michigan, I once again attempted to get a heads up in my lifestyle transformation. Instead of waiting to January 1st to resolve to exercise, eat healthy, and eventually lose weight, I did it when I returned to Michigan. Yes, right around the holidays.

Momentum was going strong! Once my internship began, I had my gym bag packed and made it to the gym every evening for one and a half weeks. It was awesome! But then, the unpredicted happened. My work-gym routine strayed away from me as my social and family life collided. New pleasures were explored, while new demands came my way. One and a half weeks later, pent up energy needs to be released (productively) and an abandoned iPod with new earbuds is calling my name.

In my mind, there's no need to wait until January 1st to resolve to become a better you! Strive for it everyday :-)

*Jas*

Boobs!

This professor will say anything to get a feel.

But that's okay because if they don't sag, they may get breast cancer down the line anyway...

U.S. Study Links Breast Cancer to Drinking

Soo...

If I get all the smoking and drinking out of the way now, will my chances of breast cancer be lower than if I do it when I'm older?!?

Do you smoke?

Watch this short video of an experiment that shows what you are doing to your lungs when you smoke. I must admit, I've dabbled in social smoking since the high school years. The only "fact" that deterred me from smoking was one found at the BODIES exhibit in NYC.

Every cigarette you smoke takes 8-12 minutes off of your life.


Smokers die ten years earlier than the rest of the population.

Healthy for the New Year

Happy New Year!

Many people make New Year's resolutions to better their health. This year, I began my improved health journey long before the holiday. This allowed me to work toward my goals in increments, relapse, and try it again. By the time 2007 arrived, my goals became a lifestyle change.

1. Get Active! Some people call is working out and exercising. Whatever you call it, get active! Every one's body reacts differently to different levels of activity, but mine reacts wonderfully. It helps me de-stress, sleep well, and sweat out toxins. I do two group fitness classes (hip hop aerobics, water aerobics, Pilate's, or step) two times a week, and cardio with weights another two times a week. In addition to walking more, my body feels and looks better!

2. Restful Sleep: My students know that I need my (beauty) rest! In addition to looking well rested, getting a good night's sleep is important for your mind and body to renew its self. Muscles need time to recover from exercise and the mind needs to relax to stay sharp the next day.

3. Food & Liquor: Eating and drinking healthy is definitely a lifestyle change for me. As a recent college graduate, I find myself shifting from "get drunk" drinking and late night snacking to social sipping and eating meals for nutrition eating. I only eat fish and chicken, two servings of vegetables with lunch and dinner, grains every morning, coffee every morning (helps with migraines), no pop/soda just juice and water, and no liquor. At first I tried no beer or liquor, but I decided to be reasonable with my goal. People that know me know I love to drink! However, I've decided to be more sophisticated with my drinking: great beers and wines.

4. Get some help! Talking to someone can be good for the soul! In the Black community, no one wants to seem like they have an issue. We're strong! However, therapy can be simply talking with a good friend, confidant, family member, or even a licensed therapist. I made it a goal to reach out to family and friends more often, and also be there to simply listen and be there for them. I am also looking for a life coach/therapist that can help me through my current life transition.

5. Take your vitamins! When I was younger, my parents made sure I took my Flinstone Vitamins everyday. As an young woman, it is still important for me to take a multivitamin to ensure I am providing my body with all the nutrients it needs to perform at its optimum level. Additionally, there are other dietary supplements that can benefit a healthy life style:

-Melatonin: This natural supplement supports restful sleep. (Recommended by a friend)
-Black Cohosh in Solaray Female Blen Sp-7c Black Chohosh: This Native American herb is used for premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularities, and symptoms that can occur during menopause. (Recommended by a friend)

To help you get started on your New Year's goals, try using this tool that a good friend of mine recommended.

Best of luck!