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Ajima Jackson

Why Should You Choose Seasonal Produce?

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choose seasonal produceIt’s Day 21 of our June Clean Eating Challenge!  Today I want to give you 5 reasons why you should consider buying more in-season produce vs. out of season.

Not only do fresh fruits and vegetables contain more nutrition than their canned or frozen counterparts, they taste better, you can cook a larger variety of meals with them, and they are often cheaper than processed fruits and veggies. However, you have to be savvy when you shop for produce. You can’t just go in and grab whatever catches your eye. It’s always a good idea to buy produce that’s in season – currently being grown and harvested outdoors – than buying greenhouse produce or items that are shipped in from other parts of the world. Why? They are more readily available, and they are generally less expensive.

 5 Reasons to Buy In-Season Produce

In addition to saving almost half on your produce bill, buying in-season will help you get more out of your produce. Seasonal produce is healthier, tastier and cheaper – how can you go wrong?

  1. Better Flavor and Nutrition – Greenhouse produce just doesn’t taste the same, does it? Produce grown and ripened in the sun always have the best flavor. Not only that, it is crispier, juicy and colorful. The sun does more than make fruits and vegetables taste better too; it infuses them with antioxidants. Fresh-grown produce always contains more nutrients and antioxidants than their greenhouse counterparts.
  2. Organic (No Pesticides) – Produce grown off season in an unnatural environment requires more human intervention. Often it’s sprayed with pesticides, waxes, chemicals and preservatives in order to look like in-season produce.
  3. Meet Seasonal Nutrition Requirements – You may not know it, but different types of produce grow at exactly the time your body needs them. For example, watermelon, cucumber, fruits and berries – summer favorites – contain a lot of water, which helps you remain cool and hydrated as the temp soars. Leafy greens, available in the spring, help detoxify the body and prepare it for shedding winter weight gain.
  4. Adds Variety to Diet – Sure, you might have your favorites, but life would be boring if you ate the same fruits and veggies all the time. By purchasing produce when it’s in season, you have to add variety to your diet. Who knows? Maybe you will try something new, something that will become your new favorite food. Seasonal shopping also gives you a chance to look forward to eating all the fresh produce you love as it comes into season.
  5. Allows You to Buy Locally – Farmer’s markets are a great place to pick up locally grown, organic, inexpensive produce. Since produce loses nutritional content daily after being harvested, buying locally also ensures that the produce you choose will have the highest nutrition content possible.

You see, buying fruits and vegetables while they’re in season makes sense for a whole host of reasons. If lowering your grocery bill isn’t enough to sway you, improving the quality of your life through the consumption of healthier and tastier foods should.

Ashley lost 50 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before & after: Ashley lost 50 pounds by eating clean, working out 5 to 6 times per week.  She now encourages others on facebook and instagram.  Here is what she shared with us:

Ashley weight loss storyI have been following this page all year and the before and after pics have helped me to stay on my path to better health. Thank you soooo much for your posts!! I wanted to share my before and after pics. The left pic is from 2011 & the right is now. I’ve been battling with my weight loss ever since I was 10 years old.  Finally, I’m putting an end to my obesity roller coaster. I started off doing at home videos because I couldn’t make it to the gym with my kids, nor could I afford a trainer. I lost weight by eating clean, (no processed foods & occasionally I would have cheat meals or cocktails), working out 5-6x a week and praying to God for continued strength. I do various challenges with myself every 6-8 weeks to shock my body and today I just finished the Insanity DVDs.  YAAAAY! Im so happy because insanity is literally INSANE!

For motivation, I joined My fitness pal last year to keep track of the quanity and types of food I eat. What motivated me the most was starting a instagram page. I started posting pictures of myself and it helped me to stay accountable and on track. I still have a good 30-35 lbs to lose & Ive learned that patience and consistency are key ! My goal is a size 6 jeans.

If others are interested in seeing my progress or more pics they can go to facebook.com/watchmemelt2.  I also run a contest on Instagram every 8 weeks to help motivate women & reach their overall goals.

God Bless!

Ashley weight loss before and after

Kebra lost 145 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Kebra.  She lost 145 pounds with gastric bypass weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us:

Got a ways to go!!! However, I’m determined and getting there after almost 9 months and a 145 pounds of weight loss!! Gastric sleeve surgery help saved my life. I am changing my lifestyle regarding how I eat and exercise.  I think I can meet my goal!!!

I elected to have gastric sleeve surgery 9/25/12.  It can be a challenge at times, but I remain focused.  I have struggled with my weight all my life!!!! Some say they wouldn’t take a chance and have surgery to lose weight. Well, I say I was taking the chance of not waking up each day with all that weight on me.  I feel that since Sept 25th, 2012, I hit the reset button on life. Blessed and grateful.

I changed the way I eat. I mainly eat foods higher in protein and cut my carbs down to hardly any only in tiny portions in moderations. I try to drink primarily water in my diet and I cut out sweets all together!!! As far as exercise I workout with my Kinect due to the crazy work schedule I had!!!  Since I have a more logical work schedule now, I’m about to go back hitting the gym to get a real workout!!! My motivation was my daughter being around for her and a better healthier living for myself.  Didn’t want to die young!!

Kebra weight loss surgery

Crysta lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Crysta lost 80 pounds by focusing on losing weight for herself and not for others.  Insanity, lots of cardio and changing her eating habits have been key to her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

My motivation was to be healthy and be happy inside and out.  For too many years, I did not think about losing weight for myself but for others. I had to stop crying about my weight and change it. I cut out sweets and white bread. I eat a lot of protein and veggies. I only drink water tea and coffee, but on the weekends I may have a cheat day. Cardio, cardio, cardio is your friend. In the last two months I have been doing Insanity. It is hard work but you have to really want it and work hard; it really helps to have motivators and workout partners too.

Crysta weight loss before and after

 

Anisah lost 51 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Anisah who has lost 51 pounds.  This proud mom’s weight loss allowed her to get off of her blood pressure medication.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hey, my name is Anisah and I’m 35 years old.  I struggled with weight my whole life. At one point I reached 217 pounds.  I’m only 5’1″ so that is not a good look. My motivation to lose weight is to get off my high blood pressure medication that I was put on because of my weight gain. I started losing weight back in of January 2012.  Back then I was 217 pounds.   I started by cutting out fast food completely and cutting out snacks like cookies and cake that I love the most.  I also added more fruit, veggies, plenty of water, and baked food (never fried) to my diet. I stared going to the gym 4 days out of the week for an hour each time. I ran on the treadmill a lot, sometimes using the bike and ab machine. I also did other machines that work my arms, legs and other parts of my body. If I didn’t feel like to going to the gym than I would take an hour walk on a trail, which I loved doing because the outside is beautiful.  As of today I’m 51 pounds lighter weighing 166 pounds. Losing this weight not only lowered my high blood pressure to a point where I do have to take the medication anymore but it also made me feel great about myself and gave me tons of energy to use with my 10 year old son. This weight change was exactly what I need.  I’m going to continue to incorporate this healthy life change into my everyday lifestyle.

Anisah weight loss

5 Tips for Dealing with Cravings While on Your Period

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As if it isn’t hard enough to combat cravings, eat healthy and find time to exercise regularly, once a month women face the seemingly insurmountable challenge of getting through their period without giving into temptation. Along with the irritability, cramps, bloating and fatigue that come hand-in-hand with Mother Nature’s visit, cravings for sugar, simple carbohydrates, and other oh-so-good, but not-so-healthy treats hit full force.

cravings on your periodIf you have intense cravings during your period, you’re not just giving yourself an excuse to nibble on forbidden foods. There are scientific reasons that explain why your body craves certain foods during your menstrual cycle. During this time, your brain experiences a decrease in serotonin, a brain chemical that’s responsible for a whole host of things including your mood. Your brain, unable to operate as efficiently with a smaller amount of serotonin, sends signals – cravings – for foods that boost serotonin levels. Such foods include sweets, chips, muffins and other comfort foods.

How to Curb Cravings during Your Menstrual Cycle

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce cravings during this time and stay on track. These tips also work when you’re not on your period. So, next time you get a craving, combat it with one or more of the following:

  1. Consume more complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates and foods rich in fiber – whole grains, legumes, fruits and some starchy vegetables – take longer for your body to break down and use. This means that you stay full longer and experience fewer cravings. While you’re satisfied and full, your stomach sends messages to your brain that no more food is needed.
  2. Eat foods rich in protein. Foods that contain a great deal of protein also work as an appetite suppressant for the same reason as complex carbohydrates. In fact, it takes your body even longer to break down proteins. Protein also helps regulate your sugar levels, which stops cravings. To add protein to your diet, choose from healthy options such as chicken, turkey, fish and peanut butter.
  3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Bottom line, do not allow yourself to become hungry while you’re on your period. Satisfy cravings by eating six small meals instead of three large ones. Be sure to choose healthy options though.
  4. Spend some time exercising or doing another physical activity that you enjoy. Physical activity boosts levels of dopamine in the brain, a feel-good chemical that works alongside serotonin to regulate your mood. So, whenever you start feeling down, don’t reach for a snack, get physical instead. Exercise also reduces cramps.
  5. Think about something else. Sounds pretty simple, huh? Well, it is. When you have a craving, your brain automatically pictures the item you’re craving. You start to remember the taste, the feel, the texture of the food you want. If you allow yourself to keep thinking about it, you will likely give in to temptation. Instead, think about something else that you love, like the beach. Picture it – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the way the sand feels between your toes – and your brain will no longer be able to concentrate on the craving.

Combating cravings during that time of the month is a constant struggle. However, the more successful you are at fighting off cravings, the easier it will become for you to turn down unhealthy foods. If you slip up now and then, don’t beat yourself up. Simply put the experience behind you and look ahead. More cravings will come, and when they do, you will be ready for them.

What Are Negative Calorie Foods?

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One topic that you will find all over the net when you look at weight loss topics is the concept of negative calorie foods. In essence, a negative calorie food is presumed to be one that requires more energy to digest than calories it provides to the body for fuel. Thus, the body uses more energy to break down the food than the food contains. This concept is intriguing because it basically means that eating a negative calorie food can contribute to weight loss. You can see how this would be attractive, but is this concept too good to be true.  Could negative calorie foods really exist?

In general, the foods that are believed to have negative calories are low-calorie vegetables and fruits. Here’s a list of examples…
  • Celery
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Tangerines
  • Grapefruit
  • Carrots
  • Apricots
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Watermelon
  • Cauliflower
  • Apples
  • Hot Chili Peppers
  • Zucchini
While these foods are healthy and should be a part of our overall diet, if you only ate them alone you would have some nutritional deficiencies.  However, they make for excellent snacks and replacements for high calorie foods that you need to phase out of your diet.
According to individuals such as Dr. Nancy Snyderman, these foods have no negative calorific impact. In explaining her view, Dr. Snyderman maintains that the calories burned during the digestive cycle are minor compared with the calories the food itself contained. It has also been stated that the thermic effect of celery is about 8%, which is less than the 100% or more it would take for a food to have the negative calorie effect. Specifically, a celery stalk provides the body with 6 calories. However, the body uses only half a calorie to digest the stalk. Moreover, proteins-which necessitate the most energy for digestive purposes-have thermic energy levels of just 20%-30%.
People who support the negative calorie concept may state that the weight loss experienced by individuals on diets rife with negative calorie foods proves that the idea is valid. Those who argue against this proof state that the weight loss transpires for other reasons, such as the fact that many of the foods contain significant amounts of fiber and water. These two components contribute to the sense of fullness and thus encourage weight loss because dieters are less likely to consume food in excess.   Also, opponents note that the only true negative calorie drink would be ice water. Ice water would count as a negative calorie drink because it contains no calories, but necessitates that the body use energy to make the liquid’s temperature conform to body temperature.As the negative calorie debate rages on, individuals who want to optimize their health may find it advantageous to try a negative calorie foods. In so doing, people can personally determine whether the dietary shift is advantageous.  We aren’t talking junk food or toxic foods here.  The benefit of fresh fruits and veggies is something we can all agree too.

Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months

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Update Jan 2014: Michele sent in an updated photo.  She is now down at total of 82 pounds. Check out her video about her struggles with excess skin.

Michele weight loss before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after:  Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months with a great personal trainer.  She has shared an interview with us that she did about her weight loss and her trainer.

“WHEN I FOUND MYSELF LITERALLY ROLLING TO THE FLOOR ON MY KNEES IN THE MORNINGS JUST TO GET OUT OF THE BED I KNEW IT WAS TIME” – Michele’s “OMG” moment was when she was made aware that she was pre-diabetic. Prior to that, she says “My doctor has been telling me for years that I needed to lose weight. I had been having all sorts of health issues (acid reflux, hiatal hernia, obstructed bowels, swollen feet, ankles) you name it, I had it. But, when I found myself literally rolling to the floor on my knees in the mornings just to get out of bed I knew it was time.”

Michele weight loss interview

MICHELE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THUS FAR….

– Reduced her Weight by 70lbs!
– A Total of 60” Gone from various parts of her body!
– Lowered her Body Fat percentage by 20.1%
– Nearly 13pt reduction in her BMI
– Dropped her dress size from a 14/16 to 4/6

THE INTERVIEW…..

Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?

“No. I have been overweight for about 13 years. I knew I was FAT but I just never used the term overweight or obese.”

Does overweight or obesity run in the family… meaning immediate members or grandparents?

“Knowing what I know now, yes my family is overweight.”
How do you feel now versus how you felt when you were overweight?

“While being overweight I was tired, sore and insecure about myself. I was embarrassed not just for myself but also my kids. I didn’t want to be around people and would tend to avoid going to certain functions. NOW, I feel more energetic and a lot younger. I feel like my old teenage self. I’m not tired and I like to walk. I am a lot more confident especially since I can fit into my children’s clothes.”

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

“I have a lot of support from my daughters, sister and my mom. Tomi Nelson who is like a mom to me has been rooting me on every step of the way. I have many friends who have supported my journey by telling me to keep it up or just by staying silent and letting me do my thing. Some family and friends were a little concerned about me losing too much weight but I realize they don’t understand the body and what we are supposed to look like. (Watch old episodes of Soul Train) We have been conditioned to think that plump, thick, chunky is ok BUT it’s not. (Check Monique out now!)”

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs. other plans or programs you tried to follow?

“I have tried to lose weight several times on my own. I had DVD’s, I tried walking, I even had one of those silver space looking suits (the ones that make you sweat. lol) If you noticed everything I tried was related to the physical part of losing weight. Body Refined Inc. taught me that exercise is only 20% of the process; the other 80% is nutrition. This time around, I got the right HELP! Kurt guided me with nutrition tips and how to do the exercises properly.”

Was it a difficult journey? Are you satisfied with where you are now?

“Some aspects of the journey were challenging but not difficult, like disciplining myself to eat right when those around me aren’t but with Kurt’s help, I learned what to do when those around me aren’t eating healthy. My exercise was at a slow pace and gradually became more intense when my body became stronger.”

“Yes and No, I am satisfied with the progress thus far but I want more than just the weight loss. After realizing what I could look like plays a key factor in why I want more. I want my body to look a lot more toned and defined, you know like in the magazines. “

What have you learned about being healthy?

“I learned that my body functions so much better by eating the right foods and at the right times. I understand my body is not a dumping ground for all these foods that are so easily accessible. Just because it’s there and may seem convenient doesn’t mean I have to eat it. I now understand what my body needs to fuel itself. If I may say so myself, I feel and look younger, and I feel more confident about the way I look. “

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined Inc? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined Inc?

“I was referred to Body Refined by Nova Payton. Working with Body Refined has made my journey so much easier and stress free. I trust what Kurt has told, taught and showed me. Everything we do I understand is to teach me to be able to live a healthier life on my own. “

What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight?

“My advice to someone who wants to lose weight the right way is to seek help. Many times we try on our own and we MAY succeed but only for a short time. Getting the proper help to ensure you don’t do further damage to your body is key. “

Final words….

“Working with Kurt, I gained a wealth of information which included research and statistics about obesity in women, ailments associated with poor health/nutrition and lack of physical activity. Kurt has been patient, understanding and stern during this journey. His approach is more teaching rather than just telling. I have watched other “trainers” in the gym and I never hear them tell their clients why they are doing a particular exercise. Kurt explains each exercise and what it will do to my body. He has provided me with one-on-one nutrition and fitness training with an emphasis on NUTRITION. I eat better therefore I feel better.

Each individual must find their inner motivation for weight loss. With the help of Body Refined Inc., I am achieving goals that I never thought I could or would do on my own. I now have the DISCIPLINE and EDUCATION to maintain and continue a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.”

Joyce lost 52 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Joyce.  This proud mom lost 52 pounds by eating right and working out regularly.  Currently, she is prepping to run a 5k obstacle course.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’ve lost 52 lbs by changing my eating habits and working out 3-4 times a week; 5 if I have a chance. I started out concentrating on tackling my eating because I knew that would be the hardest for me. I’m a true GRITS (Girl raised in the south)!  I lost 15 pounds alone just doing that. I moved on to Zumba for a few months which really built up my endurance.  Then I moved on to boot camp, which I now do now at least twice a week.

I was motivated by my toddler to change my life. He has WAY too much energy. I had him later in life (at 33) and wanted to be able to make the most of it.  That meant being able to run and play with him without gasping for every breath.  In May 2012, I was at my highest weight, 302 pounds. My doctor told my I was “toxic”. Today, I am at 250 pounds. I would like to get to under 200 pounds. It’s definitely been a battle. I have my good days and my bad days, but so does everyone and it’s okay!! I just remember tomorrow is a new day! I am currently now trying to get prepared for the Rugged Maniac 5k obstacle course; something I NEVER thought I could or would ever do. GOD is good!

Joyce weight loss

Updated: Sharresa lost 71.3 pounds

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Updated: Sherresa wrote in on Nov, 24 2013 to let us know that she is now down 71 pounds: “Today is the 2nd year of my Lifestyle Change Accomplishment.  I’m down 71.3 pounds and I’ve lost over 20 inches all around. The great news is I haven’t gained a pound back.  It is not always easy; but in the end, the results are sure worth it!!!! I celebrate me on this day.”

Sharresa weight loss story

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Sharresa lost 65 pounds with calorie counting, exercise DVDs and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Well, I started my change of lifestyle on November 29, 2011. I’m screaming to the top of my LUNGS, “I did it!”.  It took 1 year for my lifestyle change!!! I went from 196.5 lbs pounds to my current weight of 131.5 pounds (just got on the scale). I lost over 65lbs!! Yes, truly happy & will enjoy this day to the fullest!! I’m currently signed up with MFP (myfitnesspal.com) and my calorie intake per day is 1200. I started off doing basic cardio.  Then I did Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shed DVD, walked 2-3 miles per day and drank between 8-10 8oz of water per day.  No fast food, no junk food, everything is either baked, broiled, or grilled. I then started on Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD, did more cardio, Zumba class, Wii Fit, bike riding and jogging. Now that I have exceeded my goal weight, I have started with doing some Insanity and a lot of strength training to tone up my body. To date, I’m able to do 3.5 miles (run/jog). My goal is to get up to 5 miles and continue to increase my strength training. Now, my water intake is anywhere between 12-13 8 oz. of water.

Sharresa weight loss loss