Official Weekly Weigh In - Day 7!

It's hard to explain how I felt when I saw the numbers appear on my scales this morning 78kg

I had lost  0.8kg! I was so pleased with myself and grateful to God. Do you know why? Because not only had I lost weight but it was reasonable weight for a week. I honestly did not want to lose some huge amount in the first week only to gain it back times 2 later. Call me funny, but as this is a lifestyle change and not a diet, I am happy with slow and steady loss that will be permanent in Jesus name! Amen! So here are my stats as at today.

Weight: 78kg (down by 0.8kg)

Arms: 13" (same)

Chest: 41" (down by 1")

Waist: 40" (down by 1")

Belly:  43" (up by 2")???

Hips round bottom: 45" ( up by 1")???

Hips below bottom: 40" (down by 3")???

Thighs: 25" (up by 1")

My MGM realized as we took these that it's important to measure the same exact spots because not doing so is what we believe has led to the confused readings! Lol! That's our story and we are sticking to it. He has now taken note and we will do it right from now on. But If pants I could not fit into weeks earlier now fit me my tummy could not have expanded, abi?  See  these two 'then and now' photos of me in the same pair of trousers.

    Then........about two weeks ago...to get the zip past there would have meant no more oxygen! Lol!

          

   And Now............Today. I wore them to work without Spanx! This is all the proof I need that Vi works!

Yes, my double belly sans Spanx is very much a work in progress but the point is I could zip my trousers up and get the clasp into its hook! That is progress and I know that soon I shall be talking about loose fitting trouser tinz. Lol! Did I mention I have resumed duty at the gym for the first time since I started the challenge? Yep! 40 minutes on the treadmill at 5.5 speed on Sunday and yesterday too. 197 calories went up in flames the first day. Yesterday, my treadmill had a fault. It didn't give me a reading at the end. I also Did some tummy crunches on the killer 'Abdominals' machine and worked on my arms using 5kg weights! As I type my tummy, arm and back muscles are speaking Chinese but I love the feeling of getting fit! Lol!

So folks, that's where I stand today on my journey towards becoming Sea Salt. So far, it's been fun and I am so happy to see some of my friends sign up too! 

Ok then! See you next week for another update! 

Swiveling Rings: Day, 3, 4 and 5. Yah Me!

My Vi Strawberry Shake.
So Yummy!

I will not be stepping on the scales till Tuesday because I'm committed to not 'worshipping' the numbers. Lol! But I can tell you that my wedding and engagement rings are swiveling around on my finger easier now. That, for me, is a sign of progress. They had gotten so tight! So, what are the highlights of the past three days? 

1. Energy! I have attempted to do some 'plans' before and dumped them because I always felt 'punished' and headachy most of the time! Not with this one! I have more energy and getting up in the mornings is less tortuous! Lol! So whatever they have in the Shakes and Cookies? They work energy-wise.

2. Hunger? What hunger? The only times I have felt anything remotely close to hunger is on my way home and that's when I have my cookie. By the time I get home, I am  satisfied enough to just need my shake. Imagine that? Shake, Lunch, Snack, Shake for 5 days and I'm full of energy and not hungry. Today, I was out with my MGM and didn't realize time had gone. It was about 2.30...I wasn't hungry but I headed back home for my lunch of Jollof rice, an omelette and Ofada stew. It's 8pm now and I'm not hungry even a little but  I shall have my shake and my Omega vitamin in a bit. 

3. Bloating. Yes, this was a Day 4 issue. I looked and felt like I was 5 months preggers.  I was so busy at work so I just draped my pashmina around me to hide my belly. Lol! My Coach said it was to be expected and a sign my system was working and told me to find a quiet place to gently expel the gas. Too funny! So far, my only low-ish point.

4. Battle gear? Hunh? Yes, I wore my Unstoppable Salt polos every day apart from yesterday(maybe that's why I got gas sef. Lol!). These polos boost me somehow. They are part of my artillery! Life is a series of mini battles for - health, finances, marriages, children, careers, sanity, peace- but it doesn't matter how many we have to fight. What matters is that we always win. 

Yes, fears and doubts won't stop me. 

I'm Salt, Christ lives in me and I'm Unstoppable.

My Victory over The Blub is sure!

Sea Salt I shall be. See you on Tuesday for my next update and Day 7 Weight reveal! Oooooooh! Lol!

And The Challenge Began: Day 1 & 2 Updates.

I tried to load a vlog last night but JJC that I am, it did not work out. I managed to record it but could not seem to find it on Youtube so back to the old school way of sharing. Lol!  So here goes.

I love the chocolate and strawberry ones

The Shakes

They are yummy and I love mine with ice. I have not even started concocting any of the recipes some of the others have been sharing yet and I am happy. I need Daba of Zesty Juices to sort me out with the juices to be honest. I need to keep this as uncomplicated as possible! And I tell you the truth, I have one for breakfast and one for dinner and I have not felt hungry once!

The Chocolate Chip Cookie

So far, I have had one as a snack on the way home. Just one per day. I promise and I say this shows that I have self control. Lol! Cos they are just so decadent tasting. I struggle to believe they are good for me but Body by VI says so! They are dense and yummy and just 150 calories.

My Lunch

I tell you when you know this is your only 'real' meal for the day, you savour it in a whole new way. Lol! Yesterday, I had Jollof Rice and Ofada stew. It was heaven on a plate. Today, I had Sweet Potato Pottage with bits of chicken in it and Ofada Stew. Yes, I am on Ofada stew junkie. This is the thing I love about this journey. You have to have a well balanced lunch. Carbs, Proteins and Vegetables. I intend on changing out my white rice for brown rice and stick to wheat pastas as I go on. Shout out to my dear Funmi Elesha who was worried for me because she thought that this was one of those diets where you eat nothing, lose a ton of weight only to gain it all back times 2 later!  Been there, done that, not gonna happen again.  And now, I don't eat at my desk. I go somewhere quiet where I can be 'still', eat in peace and enjoy every bite. Lol!

Exercise

This is where I am not happy and I blame Lagos traffic. Yesterday I could only get in about 3440 steps and today, 3880. Not good enough. I need to get moving more.  I hope to make up for it all over the weekend.  Because I get home so late, I cannot go to the Gym plus I am so knackered after sitting in traffic that I cannot even attempt to dance my old school music. Anyway, I will get better. I am very aware that apart from reducing the calories I consume, I must burn some more via exercise too. Abi Coach Seun?

How do I feel?

Yesterday was a breeze but I must say that today I did feel the 'bite' of it  because I was so busy at work and felt a little stressed. But still no headaches which tends to happen with the other plans I have done in the past. I am excited and even though I know it is not possible, I do feel lighter-ish (plus my Mgm did say I looked slimmer this morning. I gave him a loving 'side-eye smile'. How far? when it is not magic! ) Plus because I am combining this with a spiritual re-ignition of sorts - trying to spend more time simply reading my Bible - I also feel my spirit quickening along with my body. Yes, a new fire has been ignited in my belly to not just get fit and healthy physically and mentally but equally if not more important to go deeper into my PapaGod. 

So there you have it for Day 1 and 2! Thank you to all those rooting for me especially Team Salt. And to all the other 'Unstoppables' doing this challenge with me, I say 'We can do this!'.

Let's keep going!

BoomI Let The Games Begin!

My   90 Day Body by Vi Transformation Kit arrived today  and I am super excited!

I shall get a healthier body by Vi
or Lose Weight trying! Lol!

One part of me thinks I must be mad to have gone so public about this but the other side knows this is the only way. I have no intention of coming back here in 90 days, shamefaced, with no visible changes to show you. Plus, This afternoon, I struggled to find trousers that would fit me. I knew I was doing the right thing. And funny enough every where I go I seem to read something that encourages this 'Change' Journey I am about to embark on tomorrow, the 16th of September 2014.  It's like the Universe is with me, you know? Lol! 

And the Universe has the help of Team Salt, people who will be supporting me through this. In advance, I thank them. Oluwaseun, my Away Coach; my MGM, my Home Coach; Irene Olumese and Tomilola Akibo, my super Cheerleaders and my Ohunene Scot-Ananaba, The Commander-in-Chief in charge of praying against any hindrances. Yes o! We are not unmindful of the wiles of the enemy. I know that with a team like this and God on my side, victory over the Blub is mine! My LBS is already paying his last sad respects to my Michelin belly! Lol! I have told him he cannot have his cake and eat it. Me looking like JLo and still having his 'chubby blubby' belly are mutually exclusive! 

So down to brass tacks. My statistics as of today as taken by my MGM are (did this before but doing it again so there will be no controversy):

Tummy: 42 "    Hips (around the derrière): 44"

Waist:    41"     Hips ( under the derrière) : 43"

Chest:   42".     Thighs: 24"

Arms:    13"

Weight:  78.8kg. Target: 68kg

BMI:       25.5     Target: 23

So there you have it! My name is Salt and I have accepted Seun's challenge to become Sea (Healthier) Salt in 90 days and I challenge you to do the same! And remember,the more weight we lose,the more kids we are feeding! 

*singing* I am losing weight unto The Lord and singing Hallelujah! I am getting healthy unto The Lord o and singing Hallelujah!*

Lol! 

See you tomorrow when I shall share briefly how Day 1 went.

Becoming Sea Salt : The Challenge Acceptance Video

Recall I said my next post would be published when my kit arrived? As it is scheduled to get to me next week Friday, I thought to fill the space by sharing the pre-Challenge steps I have been taking to prepare my body and mind for my journey. One was 'shooting' the Acceptance Challenge video you are about to watch on the instructions of My Coach, Oluwaseun Olotu-Oke. It is just one more way of ensuring accountability. I mean surely after all this, I cannot, must not fail! And I know I shall not. I am in it to lose it! 

OK, so you can watch the 'home video' now. Err...once again, fair warning. It is very amateur but Rome was not built in a day. Eh-hen! Anyway, I do sort of like the way it 'fades' out to the 'Unstoppable Salt' on my tee-shirt. Let me know if it played as one never knows......and yes, I weighed in at 79.3 in the video but not sure I should have been wearing my walking shoes......but no matter, 76 or 79 in 90 days, I shall be 66 or 69kg by the grace of God! Dass all!

Movie: The 'Becoming'

Director: Last Born Son aka LBS

Producer: Salt & Oluwaseun Olotu-Oke

Sound Director:  LBS

Editor: LBS
Executive Producer: JayCee aka  The Enabler

Two, I have begun to eat healthier again. Drinking loads of water and juices (Daba, I will need to order soon) and generally trying not to consume too many carbs (Although I must confess I had fries this afternoon! Lol! Plus I know I am going to need to work on my timing as I had dinner at about 9pm which is too late. But look at what I had! 

Do forgive the shadow over the plate. Probably my Ipad. *smiling*

I mean you cannot get much more healthier than steamed chicken breast & vegetables! Not a drop of oil in sight. I don't have a steamer so just put my 'brined** and then marinated***  chicken and vegetables in a stainless steel colander over a pot of water and sealed the top with foil paper to keep in the steam. And voila! It was mucho delicioso if I may say so myself.

To cap it all up, I also walked today and I am sure I got in about 6000 steps today. My target is 10,000 a day. The best bit is that my LBS went with me and we had the best time ever chatting all the way to and fro.  So, you could say that I am setting a good foundation to build on when my kit arrives, abi? Yes, the woman is trying. Lol! So there you go folks, that is for now. See you when my kit arrives. I cannot wait. And once again, I do encourage you to join me on this Quest for Health.

I believe it is our reasonable service to God, Family and 'Self-kind'.





**Brining is when you let your chicken breasts rest in a solution of salt and sugar for some hours before cooking. I did overnight. It gives the juiciest chicken ever. Dry chicken begone!

***My marinade was quite simple: Salt, Black Pepper, chopped yellow pepper because I like my food spicy and some lashing of soy sauce. Finish! 

The 'How' of My Becoming Sea (Healthier) Salt

I have decided to put more emphasis on the 'getting healthier' slant to this my journey. Because that is what I am really all about now. Being my healthiest self now. I know I will lose weight and I am praying most of it comes off my belly but for me to remain committed to my journey I have to look at it as part of my 'presenting myself as a 'living sacrifice' to my Maker.  Yes, this thought will keep me focused! I am getting healthy 'unto the Lord' *smiling*. 

So HOW do I aim to do it? What's my plan? Simple.  I am going to do the Body by Vi 90 day Challenge! I found out about this challenge thanks to some amazing true life testimonies posted by Oluwaseun Olotu-Oke on Facebook. For months I stared at the many photos but I think the one photo that really got me motivated was of this little boy who had been transformed from an obese child to a seriously healthy looking fit and slim little boy! I was so happy for him and his parents. That was when I thought, ' I should really do this'.  So here I am today getting set to transform my own body and life too. So excited! 

There are different routes to take and I have chosen to follow Seun's advice by going with the Shake + Snack + Lunch + Snack + Shake combination so a typical entry in my Food Diary will look something like this: 

Morning: Vi Shake

Mid Morning: Snack

Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast (skinless of course), Steamed Broccoli or Carrots and a side salad

Snack

Dinner: Vi Shake

My dear Coach, Seun has sent me a lovely list of 'Oyinbo oyinbo' meal options and I love them but still I will be 'Africanising' my days with options like moin-moin, Plantain & Efo-Riro and Sweet potato and shredded chicken pottage once in a while. I think the hardest bit for me will be not eating dinner. I love my dinner! Lol! 

How bout Exercise? Yes, there's that too! You know the day I posted my first blog here out of no where 'something' in my knee just snapped! I kid you not. I was not running or anything. I was asleep! I just heard a snapping sound and but for the pain, I would have thought I was dreaming. Call me 'over spiri' but I saw this as a clear attempt by the devil to derail me. I just laughed. I will do this challenge and I will find a way to do at least 30 minutes of walking at least 3 times a week .

So there you have it! My Road Map to Becoming Sea  Salt. Do pray along with me please and  do consider doing the challenge too.  Depending on the kit you choose you will be spending between N39,000 to N80,000. Yes, it's not cheap BUT I can tell you for free that it's not as expensive as 'ill health'. Sickness, Hospital bills, medication costs? Way more expensive! Financially and emotionally. Believe me, I know.

My next post will be on D-Day, the day my kit arrives! See you then! 

Here I am looking at the 'new' me 90 days from  Day 1 and  Glory to God, I like what  I see! Lol!