Becoming Sea Salt Photo Story Episode 63/90

Why the sad look? Well, *sniffing* I am sad because the numbers on the scales refuse to move past 74.4kg! Ah-ahn! Just not fair! Since the last time I shared with you I have just been moving from 74.3 to 75.5 to 75.2 and today back to 74.4.  I repeat! No fair! Lol!

But wait! No! No need for despair for as the above 'Before and After' photos show, whatever I am not losing in kilograms, I am surely losing in inches! Yay! I just took the 'After' photo this morning and clearly fat is still being killed! I could even tuck in my shirt! Where art thou, o double rolls in the middle? Gone! Killed! And no Spanx sef!  So, no! Why shall I be sad? I shall'nt! I have reason to smile! And smile I shall! Lol!  

So what is my message to you? Don't worship the number on the scales. As long as you continue to eat right (Two shakes, Two snacks and a main, healthy meal) you will see results. And if you are better than me at the exercise thing, you will even see  greater results than I am seeing. I just cannot seem to get in as much exercise as I really want. I know Daba said to try to get it done in the mornings but I cannot lie, that is a serious high jump for me! Anyway, no moaning today! I am so grateful to God for my journey thus far and guess what? For the first time in a long, long, long time, I can tuck in if I want to! Lol! Diaris God o!

So today, day 63/90 of the challenge, I give God all the glory. I thank him not just for myself but for all my others sistas that have started off their own Body by Vi journeys too. I shall not name names because not everyone is doing it publicly like yours truly but they know themselves and I deh hail una all o! I wait with bated breathe for your transformations. I know they shall be spectacular!

Err...Yes, I do sort of remember that I said I would share statistics this update around, right? Haba? with all the photo evidence above are you in doubt? Lol! Salt is surely, inch by inch, Kg by kg becoming Sea Salt.  Maybe next time. And you know what? the most important thing about all of this is that I feel great inside and out. Physically and Spiritually. Yes, I do have some aches here and there and yes, I still have some stuff I am trusting God for but I remain steadfast in my faith! With God nothing shall be impossible and.....

Life is Beautiful! Regardless.

Becoming Sea Salt TGIF Health Tip (+ Bonus Photo Update!)

Water! Water!! Water!!!

Drink loads of it and here is one way to do it.

Keep a bottle/container of water close by and set a 30 minute timer/reminder on your phone/laptop/Ipad/laptop reminder to 'Drink Water and Praise God'  See? This way, you

nourish both your body and your spirit at the same time!

This container you see there is 1.2 litres. I keep it on my desk and before I shut down for the day I have had two not counting my teas (right now I am drinking moringa and aloe blossom tea herbal teas. Usually it's just green tea). That way I know that any additional water I drink is just 'jara'!

I promise your body, your skin and your colon will love you!!!! Lol! Oh and sometimes, like this time, when water gets boring, I add some lemon slices/quarters.

And yes, bonus tip for those of us who still work : Keep photos of your loved ones close by at work. During those tense moments when you want to 'stick a pencil in someone's ear' (only my Sistainlove, Audrey will get this), you look at your photos take a deep breathe,  exhale, smile and remember that there are more important things in life than a 9 to 5......Like my LBS and Mini-Coach!

And to close this blog, in place of a photo of my scales and statistics, kindly find a photo I took this morning on my way out to work. I was so upset with the lady that made this jacket the first day I got

it. I mean, did she not measure me? How come it was so tight I could not even button it! Did she ask

me to gain weight in the time it took her to make it. Lol! Today, thanks to God via the Body by Vi Challenge 90 Day Challenge, it now fits!

So, do you really need numbers in kg and inches when a picture speaks louder than words any day? *smiling*

Bon Weekend People!

Day 42/90, Before and After Photo-Story!

Come on! Do you believe my 'Before' photo (see below)? Kai! I was a veritable Miss Piggy lookalike! Albeit a cute one. Lol! Honestly, you really don't understand the transformational journey you are on till you put the photos together like this. I could not stop laughing! I totally brag on God for the day I connected with Seun and began this Body by Vi lifestyle change. 

I truly wonder what I would look like had I been 'gyming' like I wanted to. So over the past 42 days, I have lost 4.4kg in all going from 79.3 to 74.9kg today. Plus inches and inches off my waist, tummy, hips and thighs! I know this because these black trousers I am wearing here could not zip up 42 days ago! Can you believe that I already fit into my 'Christmas Challenge dress'? Yes! The one I was hoping to fit into by December! It fits already! A-m-a-zing!  

Best Parts of my Challenge thus far? Never feeling deprived. Enjoying the journey with no pressure. The Shakes! I love them especially because I love my Zesty Juices. Knowing that I am getting healthier each day.  The satisfaction of sticking to something.

Worst Parts? Not being sure how many calories I was eating! Most calorie counters don't understand 'Ekpankukwo' or 'Sweet Potato Pottage' so always had to guesstimate. Getting tired of my lunches. Lagos traffic hindering my good intentions to go to the gym.

Anyway, I have strong faith that I shall lose another 4kg over the next 40 days by which time my MGM would be weeping profusely! Lol! Actually, he's been such a huge support but methinks he's somewhat conflicted now. He's want to eat the cake and still have it. Ce n'est pas possible o! Healthy, fit wife is equals to wife with less 'volupte' bits as he would say. Lol!  

You know, there is nothing like Sista on Sista support. I cannot thank my Team Salt Sistas enough for not allowing me quit. There is so much power in women coming together to accomplish shared goals and visions and the book I have brought on my journey today is all about helping you understand this power better - Sista Power by my 'behind the scenes encourager'. A phone call here and text message there, in her own quiet way cheering me on! Thank you Bidemi Mark-Mordi.

Would any of this be possible had my Mgm not decided to be there for me? Nope. Would I have been so diligent without the eagle eye of my Junior Coach? Nope. So, these two, I thank again also. Yes, I know that I still have 48 days to go but can you ever thank people or appreciate people enough? Nope. No one knows tomorrow so I do today all that I can by God's grace. 

Yes, my name is Salt and the photos you see below prove that with God in me, I am indeed Unstoppable! And you know what? So are you!

Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!

Day 35/90 Body By Vi Challenge Update - A Blah-ish Week.

I cannot put my finger on it but I'm not too fond of this past week. Something was ‘off’ internally but still I thank God because I know I'm still on track healthy lifestyle- wise. Plus there was the ‘Woman Cry Out PrayerConference’ that I attended on the 18^th and THAT was just pure bliss and helped shake the feeling! There is always release in the presence of God and I promise you, God came down to meet with His women that day. Please don’t miss the next one coming up in March 2015. Fear not, I shall share the date when it is announced.

Anyway, I’m still enjoying my shakes thanks to my Zesty Juices but getting bored with my lunches. I am still trying to figure out how to pep my meals up. I couldn't post this yesterday as usual because the bathroom scales were not where they should have been plus Almighty NEPA had struck and I was getting ready for work in the semi dark! Lol! Yep! That's Naija life for you.

So that's why this post is a day late but better late than never, abi?

Caution!
Fat Crushing In Process

Chest: 41" (down by 0.5")

Waist: 35" (down by 1.5")

Tummy: 39" (down by 1.0")

Hips: 44" (up by 0.5")

Thighs: 23" (down by 2.5")

Arms: 13" (same)

Weight: 75.3Kg (down by 0.6Kg)

No doubt, my body is changing. I can feel it. Yesterday, I wore jeans I could not fit into a month ago. Today, I can see the indents to my waist without having to hold in my tummy. Today, my MGM told me I'm disappearing! Gross exaggeration, mind you but it was music to my ears even though I still gave him my side corner eye! Lol! So even if the number on the scales is not moving towards 74kg as fast as I would like, I'm good and grateful for my journey and transformation thus far. That I have stuck to this for a whole month is just something else *patting myself on the back*. Lol!

And this update, the NaijaSista and Author I am carrying along is my dear Audrey Joe-Ezigbo. Her book, Double Impact is a must read for any couple doing business together. But like I always say, even if you are not in business with your spouse you should still read this book because the principles she shares apply to marriage too. And anyway, what other business is more critical that the one of staying married?

As you can see, not a peep about exercise because the honest truth is that I barely got any in this past week. Shameful, right? I know but na so life be o jare. Now that I think about it, maybe that's why my mood dipped? Hmmmm.......

See you next update around! 

Official Weekly Weigh In - Day 14/90

I am in a state of total bliss right now. Not just because the kilos are melting away slowly but surely but also because I just feel good. As in, the way God must have felt each time He finished one more phase of creation and said it was 'Good'. My Universe is alright. No, I don't have all I need or want but feeling and knowing God is all over my business is always Enough. Just thought to share because this  my journey is a physical and spiritual one.  Now, down to brass tacks! What are my numbers saying?  Lol! *drum roll*

People, Your Salt is becoming Sea Salt o! See for yourself:

Weight.    77.4 kg ( down by .6kg or 1.2 pounds)

Chest.     40.5" (down by 0.5")

Tummy.    41" (down by 2"). Even my MGM was shocked here and had to measure it again. Lol!

Waist.       38" (down by 2"). How about that? Fantastic! 

Hips around bum.   44.5" (down by 0.5")

Hips under bum.      41.5" ( up by 1.5"). How come? Who knows? Lol! We keep watching.

Thighs.        25" (same)

Arms.          13" (same)

See? It's working. Do I hear you cheering? Lol! Thank you. The key to this challenge is consistency and patience. Do you see those two pictures down there? It took me 9/10 years to go from the 'Then' to the 'Now' so I am am not expecting to reverse that process in a magical abracadabra moment! 90 days is reasonable though and I'm going  for it! Because I am an Unstoppable Conqueror of the evil Flab! Yes I am! 

    2003.  Then (wow! I was skinny! And I just had a baby more or less! I really don't want to be THAT  skinny though. No, not a good look on me......lol!

    2014. Now. A blessed Mama. 1 kg down. A few kilos more to go and I'll be A'ight!  Glory to God!

Also, This past week I moved to a whole new level with my shakes thanks to Daba Ibiama's Zesty Juices!

Doesn't it look delicious? This is the Beet, Apple and Orange ViNutritional  Shake! Refreshing and totally satisfying. I also decided to make sure I had my two snacks a day in a bid to move closer to my daily calorie intake of 2000 calories a day. Who knew it would be hard to eat enough? Lol! Anyway Coach Seun assures me that where I don't the body will burn more fat to make up. Music to my ears. My fear was that if I didn't consume enough calories my body would store fat! That, I no wan hia! 

I still need to step up my exercise but I did go to the gym twice with my MGM and walked with my LBS and  if I add in the  crunches and arm reps my MGM made me do and Coach Seun's Planksgiving challenge, it's not too woeful. I can hold the Plank for 30 seconds now and my body is speaking Chinese but I like it! Lol!

So, there you have it people. My weekly update! Oh and did I mention I joined MyFitnessPal online? Very useful site and that's how I track my calories and water consumption. You might want to check it out.  Ok, Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians out there, more Peace from God to you and see you all next week!

Useful links:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com

https://www.facebook.com/zestyjuice/posts/462182940486780

https://www.facebook.com/oluwaseun.olotuoke

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! 

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!

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!