FAITH- Get in the Word & Meditate  

Anytime I start anything, God must be a part of it, and getting healthy is no exception. To keep away from bread, gummi bears and begin living the #JLO best life, I will be mediating not just in the morning, but every time I feel tempted to eat something that is unhealthy or overeat! According to scientist the influences on appetite are called "Hunger hormones" that is in our blood and an empty stomach signal the brain "hey boo feed me", then the nerves in the stomach tells the brain "hey boo you are full", but this can take up to 20 minutes to communicate -- and by that time, I could be on my 2nd back door donut. So I have started to pray before and after each meal, to give me time to know if I am hungry or my stomach has not called my brain. Try it, I am only on day two, but so far it prevented me from eating an entire bag of pistachios. 

FOOD- The 5-Day Cleanse

No Carbs, No Sugar for the next 5-days! God help my husband! I am not going to pretend that this is going to be easy for any of us. If you are anything like me, and addicted to sugar, you will go through severe withdrawals! So the best way to stick to any eating plan is to get organized, plan and cook a few meals. I find that healthy eating must start with "good food" that you love, so there is no temptation to eat incorrectly. A few of my favorites are salmon, sardines, spinach, avocados, and green kale smoothies. Here are a few other recommendations to keep you on the plan:

• Step one: Avoid refined grains and starchy, processed foods. Instead, build meals around lean protein and fresh, raw or steamed veggies.
• Step two: Put away the salt shaker and avoid adding sauces or condiments to your food. Many condiments, like barbecue sauce, salad dressing, and tomato sauce, provide added sugars and sodium. Sprinkle fresh herbs on food if you need extra flavor and coconut oil for cooking and salad dressing. 
• Step three: Avoid All Fruit and any vegetables, like zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and pickles, they are all fruits. According to Dr. Gundry Author of the Plant Paradox fruit can be a sugar bomb, and they can store fat for the winter; plus, the glucose found in fruit causes injury to our kidneys over time. The only Gundry-approved fruits after finishing the cleanse include unripened, tropical ones like green bananas, green papaya, and mango. The only ripened fruit he recommends is avocado — yes, avocados are fruits, too! 
• Step four: Drink water, lots of it, and avoid high-calorie coffee drinks, alcohol, and soda.

FITNESS- Back on The Grind

To get that booty tight, working out is a must. I have always loved running, but recently, I have experienced back pain, and I am unable to run. I am feeling like an AA "Aging Athlete"; now, I need to find other ways to sweat, tone, and improve my heart health. So if you are looking for a new plan, start with a 30-day BUNS, GUNS & AB challenge build-up plan.

 Here are a few more get-moving strategies

• Step one: Set Specific, Realistic Goals. If you are not a runner, do not go out and run a marathon in your first week. Start slow and track your progress.
• Step two:  Set Daily Reminders. Schedule your exercise sessions on your calendar like any other appointment. Also, make sure you have your gym bag in the car, or leave your walking shoes by the door to remind you to get moving.
• Step three: Reward Your Efforts. When you accomplish one of your fitness goals - such as staying on track with your exercise for a full week or month -- treat yourself to a facial, manicure and pedicure. After my 5-day cleanse, I am going to purchase some sexy loungewear.
• Step four: Invest in a Good Pair of Workout Shoes & Sports Bra. Make sure the sneakers have the right cushion and arch support and sports bra that supports your breast. Look for a sports bra that can provide comfort during your workout, help ease your breathing, aid in sweat absorption, and even prevent rashes by allowing air to breathe through.

Living healthy is a journey that encompasses more than a diet; it is about having a healthy spirit, mind, and the body will follow! So don't be hard yourself, listen to your body, and don't give up!

 Here are a few resources that can help motivate you through your journey!

@blackgirlgoneketo 

https://blackgirlgoneketo.com

@BrittneBabe 

@blackwomendoworkout