Run The World!!!

Beyonce's new hit single "Run the world" is a nice little anthem, however, it is also a great song to listen to while i'm working out. It gives me that extra umph i need to keep going. Maybe its just the beat, some of the lyrics or the fast tempo, whatever it is, it works! Not to mention, watching the video clearly shows that homegirl is working out and running to get those fabulous legs!!

So no, this blog is not necessarily about her song, but moreso about the word "Run". Back in my younger years, i used to run my butt off. Jogging, especially outdoors, was my thing. But over time, my knees decided they didnt want be nice to me anymore. Technically, i was mean to them first by running on asphalt vs. rubber or sand. Yup, cement is bad for the knees. it has something to do with how hard the joints bang together when you step down with force on the hard pavement over and over again.

Since i've been trying to make the gym a regular thing for pumping weight and getting my cardio on, i noticed that i'm only doing 15 minutes of cardio and the other 45 minutes are geared towards weight training to enduce muscle mass. However, when doing my few minutes of cardio to get my heart pumping and my body warm before my workout, i'm literally out of breath within the first 5 minutes. WTH?!?! I figured something has to give. I need to build up more stamina. And especially since i'm trying to lose a little bit of weight (fat) and gain muscle mass.

After much research, i found out that jump roping is THE BEST way to lose weight. It's even more intense than running. You can burn double the calories jumping rope than jogging and in less time. Little did i realize when i purchased the jump rope was that it wasnt going to be as much fun as it was when i was a kid.

Remember way back when, when you could do like 100 jumps when jumping rope or double dutching before getting winded?!? yeah, well, not anymore. I did 15 and damn near past out! Lol!

So for now, i will stick to running until i build up enough stamina to jump rope again. And to reduce the chances of injuring my knees, i will be running on the grass vs. the sidewalk. The spring from the dirt is way better than the cement. Running in the gym just doesnt do it for me. I'm too focused on the time displayed on the machine and how many calories i'm burning or how far i've run. All i need is nature, my running shoes and my ipod. Time to update my music! Maybe some more up beat Beyonce' joints! :-)

SincerelyNiah

The Cleaner cleaned and I am Free!!!! :-)

As you all know, i started a Detox a couple of weeks ago, and i want to go on record to say that i am free and cleansed from toxins AND parasites!!! I mean, literally. I was very satisfied with my detox system and it has caused me to gain a great habit of eating better, excersizing and drinking more water. During the detox, i was scared to eat anything heavy or pretty much bad because no sooner than i consumed it, it was coming right back out. It was like, my body was rejecting every and anything that was horrible.

Another benefit to my detox is that i actually saw a change in my mid section area. Nothing major, but enough to see that my soon to come muffin top has now subsided.

If i had to do the detox all over again, i would do it in a heart beat. Yes, it was uncomfortable during the times i wasnt near a restroom but i listened to my body and stayed away from foods that i knew would make my body react.

I dont know if this has anything to do with my detox, but my skin did start to break out a little. I'm not one to get pimples, but they surfaced left and right. It would make sense, however if it had anything to do with the detox because it was literally pushing out the bad in every aspect. I remember my dermatologist told me that when you begin to drink a lot of water, your skin will show the affects of trying to remove the impurities from your body and cause you to get pimples but it will sooon subside. So if it wasnt from the actual detox vitamins i was taking, it was definitely from the amount of water i have been consuming.

All in all, i feel better, lighter and i'm definitely more cautious about what i eat and drink. Since then, 90% of the time, i am only drinking water. I craved apple juice recently but i mostly used it for making dairy free smoothies. The rest i drank but not without cutting it with water first. :-)

Yay me!!!

Whats your Type?!?!

So, did you know that there is a diet for your particular blood type?! Per Dr. Peter D'Adamo, there is. There is a whole history related to your blood type, the diet that works better to keep you full of energy and at a sustainable weight, as well as what stress relievers work best for you.

It's said that many neurochemical factors in Type A genetic disposition favor a structured, rhythmic, harmonious life, surrounded by a positive, supportive community. It makes sense considering i don't do well around negative energy and i like things to be peaceful.

I mean the article goes on and on. It really made sense when it said that we should stay clear of meat and that we are more of a vegetarian eater. I always feel super heavy when i eat meat and it takes forever to digest. I literally cant eat meat before bed because i feel so uncomfortable and cant sleep. Since i was a kid, i could remember loving vegetables and especially fruits. My daughter is the same exact way and she is also Type A.

He also points out that the following factors are known to increase cortisol levels and increase mental exhaustion for Type As - be aware and limit your exposure when possible:

* Crowds of people
* Loud noise
* Negative emotions
* Smoking
* Strong smells or perfumes
* Too much sugar and starch
* Overwork
* Violent TV and movies
* Lack of sleep
* Extreme weather conditions (hot or cold)

All of the things mentioned above, i self-consciously stay away from, so to me, this is definitely the real deal and not just a Fad.

Lastly, he mentioned great calming work outs that i should consider; Yoga, Tai Chi [i've always wanted to try] and Meditation. I can definitely get with this.

Check this link out and see what's said about your blood type. http://www.dadamo.com/program.htm

7 Day Detox...Day 1

So, today i begin my detox. I'm super excited to get off this unwanted weight caused by toxins and a whole lot of other things that i wont go into detail about. At the same time, i'm super nervous. My body is very sensitive to just about anything and reacts very fast. Literally!! If i take an antibiotic, it works almost instantly. i even have hyperpigmentation, because my body works fast at healing itself. Its all a good thing because it tells me my immune system is at top notch, however, doing a detox is a big deal. The product i chose to take with the appropriate name "The Cleaner" [pun intended i'm sure] is said to work and work very rapidly, like within the first couple of days.

With The Cleaner, you take 4 vegetarian pills on the evening of the first day and 8 pills a day [4 in the morning and 4 in the evening] for the remaining 6 days. I just knew that i would be sitting on the throne first thing this morning after taking the first 4 last night. So far, i'm good, however, i'm at work now and the thought of having to handle my business here makes me so uncomfortable. Thank God its Friday! I'm praying that nothing starts until i get home.

During this detox, it doesnt specify food to stay away from. Because the pills are all natural, made up of vegetables and fruits, it provides all the vitamins and minerals needed to not only flush your system of toxins and parasites but also replenish the things your body requires. However, during this time, i have to stay totally hydrated. 8-10 glasses of water a day and thats a struggle for me, but i have no choice or i will be out of commission for the next week.

Anyway, to help my detox along, i've decided to stay clear of all meats....yeah, i said it...ALL MEATS, dairy products, salt, wheat, fast food and anything with the ingredient "High Fructose". I will be a bonafide vegan for the next week. To substitute, i will eat lots of beans, fruits, veggies and maybe even try tofu. I'm not going to stay clear of carbs, but i will minimize my intake especially white products like white bread, white rice and so on.

So why did i decide to do a detox? Toxins and poisons can build up and accumulate in the body leading to poor nutrient absorption, feeling tired and weight gain. By clearing out these toxins you allow the body to recover and ‘reset’ itself back to normal levels.

Many other benefits of detoxing that others have experienced are increased energy levels, clear skin, better water retention and reduced tendencies for food addiction. And truth be told, i am addicted to food. I really believe that eating is one of my most favorite hobbies! :-)

So stay tuned for my daily detox as i will keep you all posted on my journey.

SincerelyNiah

Disclaimer: I'm not a physician and cannot give medical advise. I am only trying what i think works for me. Please consult your physician before making a decision to detox.