Showing posts with label Mrs. B.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mrs. B.. Show all posts

Friday, February 27, 2009

Mrs. B's 2009 New Year Thoughts - HONORING YOURSELF

Welcome Back to the NBCD website and thanks to our readers for your feedback. It is our purpose to educate, inspire and motivate you to seek an improved quality of life. Although our focus addresses African American health which is unfortunately still an issue of disparity in the United States and across the world, we invite all to participate. We are also culturally apart of a colorful Diaspora that spans the Globe.

It is important to honor your own unique path. It is mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy for your overall health. Our family has always been proud of who we are and where we are going even in tough times. We honor ourselves and others even in midst of folks hurling insults, accusations and lack of understanding of various views and cultural identities. You are who you are. Your life inspires others.

You have a right to exist and within that existence yu have toiled the soil to always start anew. I honor the families who find strength and joy in each other while battling negative forces that are not family friendly and dare I say that it is a problem within parts of the Black community where we choose not to uplift each other as we should.

Family and relationships are important to our health and we should choose to nurture those ties. We should choose to honor each other. I always teach my children that if someone is having a negative conversation about you and making inaccurate assumptions about you without your input then the outcome is not in your interest nor are they operating in good faith. In our everyday lives, we all have human errors and frailties but at the end of the day take the time to honor your loved ones and you don't need anyone's permission to honor yourself. It is healing to your health.

Stay tune as I compile all my journals and check out my blog: http://innervoice-rise.blogspot.com/

Stay Mentally, Physically and Spiritually Healthy. Keep the Faith!

Mrs. B.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Losing Weight and Being Real With Myself


Greetings Again Everyone,


Before we move on to 2009 and our Weight Loss Challenge, the NBCD team would like to remind everyone that we were very committed in losing weight and changing our lifestyle during 2008. With all the changes that occurred in 2008, we were able to stay focus on our objectives regarding weight loss and health lifestyle.


This weight loss entry features Mrs. B's straight forward talk and insight! Check it out because it's all about:

After reading Mrs. B's NBCD journal entry, please share your 2008 Weight loss tips and advice. Send it to: administrator@newblackculturaldiet.com or feedback@newblackculturaldiet.com


We will feature your 2008 Weight Loss tips and suggestions for all of 2009!!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

NBCD Weight Loss Journal Update - June 19th - 26th

Welcome Back Everyone!

Summer is officially here! I am in full swing with my exercise routine. Lately, I have been focusing on leg toning and it is starting to pay off a little at a time, but I am being patient because it is a long term approach to muscle retention and strength. I have included in my routine more leg work. Slowly, I am noticing the benefits of toning because I have more stamina.

Family Fitness: The other day our kids played racquet ball and basketball with Dad and Mom. What that meant is twice the workout for the adults. Therefore, it was twice the benefit to our health. Our kids began to explore and develop their own exercise regimen. We were very competitive on the basketball court but the importance of good sportsmanship and not getting upset over who won or lost is a challenge for our boys. My daughter attended a college sports athletic integrity camp for high school students, so her advice to her younger brother about team building and good sportsmanship came in handy as she counseled him on how to work together in team sports and yet have healthy competition. As parents, we teach our kids to compete as best as they can and leave the trash talking and attitude at the door but this time it was better coming from a sibling his own age.

I am shopping more cautiously and wisely. For instance with the high price of food and gas, I am making my food selections with healthy choices that are affordable. I interchange weekly between a high end food market and affordable food markets. This way, I can still eat healthy at a lower cost. Finally, grocery stores are making more affordable store brand foods that can match some of the brand name foods in nutrition value.

Black Pearl Reward of the Week:

Closing one door always open another. Never feel that you have lost or the door of opportunity has been closed on you. It is just another opportunity to be creative enough to dream and do something better.

See you next week! Stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy.

Mrs. B.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

NBCD Weight Loss Journal Update - June 11th - June 18th

Welcome Back Everyone!

Last week was an active week and it looks like it will turn out to be an active summer. I could whine and pout about how I would like to rest because the kids are out of school and Dr. B and I do not have to rise and shine so early in the morning, but once again that dog gone positive attitude streak must prevail and take the view that the children's summer activities contributes to our active and healthy lifestyle. I have been swimming the past couple of Sundays with my family and it is an extra workout. I complete my regular workout early Sunday morning and we all got out of the house for an early swim and water fun at the campus recreation center. Later that week, I played a game of racket ball with Dr. B -- and folks I am getting better at the game and stretching a few muscles at the same time. I played it safe and was cautious about injuring myself by not being so overly competitive by not doing some kind of amazing dive or triple jump to get that blue bouncy ball. I decided my knees and ankles were more important than bragging rights. I always hydrate more often now with water or sports drinks such as G2 Gatorade or of course the Gatorade Tiger Thirst Quencher.

I have been consistent with the light continental breakfast and since the weather has been pretty warm, I have grilled on the George Foreman electric grill a lot more. I am not a sales pitch person for Tiger Woods or George Foreman, but I use their products regularly along with many others. So far, I have continued to grill yellow squash, zucchini and onions with Mrs. Dash Grill Mate Blends and a brush of olive oil.

A note on the healthier cake versions: I did make a strawberry Bundt cake. It was not from scratch just yet but instead of traditional vanilla icing. I used the reduced sugar vanilla icing and added orange food coloring to give the cake a festive look and added red and orange sprinkles for the kids. The cake was pretty decent. I will have to experiment next time from scratch with ingredients that include lactose free milk, my healthier eggs and other substitute replacements to lower the calorie count and increase the health value. I had only one slice while the kids ate the rest. I will keep you posted on the cake revisions.

Black Pearl Reward of the Week: If you can't beat them -- join them.

My kids are starting athletic activities earlier this summer than last year and normally I complain aobut the less turnaround time I have to rejuvenate so I decided to view it positively and become more active and become their exercise partner. Why not? What do I have to lose? Answer: I have everything to gain!

See you next week! Stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy.

Mrs. B.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

NBCD Weight Loss Journal Update - May 27th - June 2nd

Welcome Back Everyone,

Last week, I talked about getting a fresh start to my diet with a continential breakfast. So what does that mean? Basically, I choose a cup of fresh fruits, tea, decaf coffee and one low calorie pastry, bagel or biscuit. Of course, customize it to what geographical area you might find yourself in when you travel since you will find most continential breakfast served in hotels or on airplanes. I have just adapted a portion of this breakfast to home because you quickly put it together in the morning and get your metabolism going for the day. In the past week, I have added more green tea and grapes and my regular potassium filled banana for fiber. I usually have to break up my fiber intake throughout the day in order to meet the daily nutritional and health value that fiber adds to the body. Although I was not a fan of breakfast in my younger days, I now realize it is an important part of my food intake. The traditional breakfast is fine as long as I go easy on heavy foods. On the weekends, I like the turkey sausage links and turkey bacon and a bowl of cream of wheat or grits. Some folks like the original sausage and bacon but I think having a smaller portion of these food choices is best. So no matter what you try for breakfast and your taste will change along with new trends, one thing is for sure: A well proportioned healthy breakfast is good for the body.

On the exercise tip: I am working hard on gradually increasing and varying my workouts. Now that the weather is warmer, I am going to get back to playing tennis. Next week, I am going to get a good work out by playing racquet ball with Dr. B. I have not played racquet ball in a while so it will be interesting but fun moving muscles that I have not used in a while but I will take it a day at a time and use wise judgement by listening to my body and slow down when I over exert myself. The preservation of my health and quality of life is a very personal and unique journey, so I need only to please and compete with myself.

Black Pearl Reward of the Week: I mostly choose to stretch my sore muscles and use body soaks instead of taking a medicated pain reliever for those small aches. It was a natural way of paying attention to my body and I slowed down to listen to what it was telling me.

See you next week! Stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy.

Mrs. B.

Monday, May 26, 2008

NBCD Weight Loss Journal Update - May 11 - May 18th

Welcome Back Everyone!

As the summer draws near, every activity imagined to man and woman gets packed in within the month of May and June. It is especially true when you have children. Not only do you have to take care of your own schedule but also everyone else. So things can get a little stressful. What that also means is paying careful attention to your food intake. It is pretty easy to grab fast food on the go and not all choices on the menue are bad but it is the extra items you add that will take youover your calorie budget. So last week, I decided to combat any weaknesses with more exercise whether it was my own customized home workout, the gym or a workplace fitness day. The point is to stay active no matter what the activity. When my time is compressed, I try to look at how my behavior is playing to my food desires. I am loosing an inch and dropped a couple more pounds.

For instance, I was having a conversation with my husband about a topic that was stressful to me and I grabbed some pretzels and lightly salted cashews from the cabinet and without thinking, I took a handful from the bag while talking. Well, that can get me into trouble because you continue to grab another handful of snacks during the duration that you are talking and folks when I am on a role, I can talk. Eric put on his Dr. B hat and pointed out that I am eating while talking and in mid-stream I acknowledged the behavior and set the snack down and got an appropriate size small bowl that was in proportion which is about a palm size full. Thanks Dr. B!

Memorial Day weekend will soon be here and at times we buy various meats to grill and store for a couple of days. Although we eat pretty healthy, this time we decided to grill only skinless chicken, lower fat hotdogs and lean hamburgers and only grill what we can eat for that day. Grilling only what we need would eliminate the temptation to go for seconds. Grilling vegetables and making fresh salads is a good way to get all our nutrients. One of our children is celebrating his birthday so instead of large amounts of candy stuffed in a pinata and a large sheet cake, we opted for smaller amounts of candy with less sugar and a smaller round cake which we know our kids will eat first and burn off calories by playing volleyball, golf, soccer or crocket.

Black Pearl Reward of the Week: Acknowledging unhealthy habits won over my desire to take part in unhealthy behavior.

See you next week! Stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy!
Mrs. B.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

NBCD Weight Loss Journal Update - May 4th - 10th

Welcome Back Everyone!

Eric and I worked out together as members of the recreational facility we joined recently and we had a good time re-acquainting ourselves with the most up to date exercise machines. When I worked out at Bally's in California, my favorite choice was the climber machines with attached arm swings. It works my upper and lower body at the same time and I think it uses my time wisely. I also focused on toning with the weight lifting machines, especially the legs while targeting my knees and thighs. Let me tell you, after healing from foot surgery a little while back, you take for granted the purpose of why we need strong, stable and toned legs. It is not just for looks but the basic mechanics of walking, bending and general mobility to function. We also conentrated on the upper arms and chest lifts to build overall strength. We also continue to do our customized workouts at home such as Taebo, balance ball, dance and for me the belly dancing class. Always remember when using machines, please follow the directions on the visual picture and ask a trainer or gym representative to show you how the equipment works. I do not want anyone to injure themselves. Oh, for those brothers and sisters who think you can work a late 30's to 60's year old body like you're 18 years old again to prove you still got it, please do not get carried away with your ego and work your way up gradually in exercising and toning. What is the hurry? Take your time. Yes, you are all that --- but be all that in a smart way.

I am becoming more selective of the meals I choose. Since the weather is getting warmer, I am adding low fat strawberry, peaches and bananas fruit smoothies to my diet. I am starting to finally curb the extra snacking by eating low salt pretzel sticks and sometimes when the mood hits me, a bowl of oatmeal which is a good source of fiber.

Black Pearl Reward of the week:

A teacher at one of my childern's award ceremony shared a story about his Native American heritage. He recited a tribal phrase in the language of his grandfather. When he translated the words to the crowd in English, he said, "Stand Tall, Sing and Dance." I like that and it is also what I wish for you.

"STAND TALL - SING - DANCE"

Monday, April 14, 2008

Week 2: April 6 - 12th

Welcome Back Everyone!

I have been feeling pretty well and exercising more. I had been using 5 pound and 8 pound weights particularly on my upper body. I complete about 3 repititions 12 times each for bicep curls, over head lifting and reps for the back of my upper arms.

When you are 45 years old like I am, gravity can take its toll so the toning of the upper arms is important. As I discussed in my beginning week, I am still doing 30 minutes of treadmill 3 times a week. My relaxing fun pick as I call it is my flavor up exercise. Last week, it was the bounce ball workout with the ball stretch and stress relief portion. I will admit that I needed the 8 minutes stres relief portion twice last week!

I ate pretty healthy while watching my portion suze on my plate. Making sure the portions were about the size of the palm of my hand. Now some of you are wondering why I have not given out specific numbers on my weight.

That is on purpose. I want to concentrate on my HABITS first and my EXERCISE heart healthy and low sodium individual plan. No need to add distractions and obstacles at the beginning stages of my positive steps forward. I set a goal to reveal that once I get through the psychological changes and self examination of the first 6 weeks.

I am here to uplift myself, but at the same time give myself a REALITY check. Besides, I have my yearly physical coming up in a few weeks and I will get officially weighed in by the nurse.

By the way maintain your yearly physical exams and don't forget the pap smear and monthyly breast exams.

A note about food: I pre-cooked more this past week. I made cold low carb pasta salads with lots of fresh vegetables. I had my sons mix up several pitchers of Crystal Light and my daughter is always happy to prepare fruit salad. They all are active athletically so they need nutrients of healthy food as well. It is a process, but I take it one day at a time.

Black Pearl Reward of the Week:

My kids are encouraging me to stay away from fast foods even if I pick some of the healthier menu choices. The reward is that I feel better about myself and did not get defensive about taking positive suggestions from my children. You're never too old to learn something. That was a pause moment.

See you next week and stay mentally, physically and spiritually HEALTHY!
Mrs. B.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Mrs. B's Motivational Journey!




Welcome Everyone,
I am glad you are joining the NBCD crew on this 3 month journey! I have been reflecting about what I want to get out of this Weight Loss Challenge. Of course, it is about reducing my pounds but also about find out a little more about myself. How I eat, when I eat, why I eat. Most of the time it can be contributed to the environment or the stressors in my life.
As I get a year older natural changes reshape my body and I cannot always be happy with the changes, but I am very satisfied overall all with who I am because I always believed that when God makes you -- you're alright from day one. Over the past 5 years, I have slowly stabilized my weight but most recently due to a number of busy changes in my life and three active children, I have gained a few more pounds.


So my challenge is two fold. I am setting my goal of losing 20 pounds and further analyzing my eating habits more closely. Not because of what I eat. I eat prettry healthy most of the time but what's happening around me during the time I desire to eat. Just the pause will make a difference. I have noticed my regular exercise routine is not working so I am flavoring it up to keep and adding on extra workout.

So here is my jump start goal:
  1. Loose 20 pounds.

  2. Flavor up my exercise by adding 2 extra workouts that include a variety such as pilates, belly dancing, African Dance, bounce ball and yoga. My regular routine is the treadmille and aerobic workouts.

  3. Modify my food behavior and maintain healthy eating along with vitamin supplements.
Oh yeah, I want to provide my special Black Pearl Reward of the Week:

"I am proud of myself for eating healthy through the first week and when I was tempted, I made better food choices."

See you next week and Stay Mentally, Physically and Spiritually Healthy!