Official Weigh In - Day 28/90 - 75kg At Last

Incredible but true, I have been on this journey for 4 weeks! Wow! I have to say I'm super impressed with myself for sticking with it. I truly thank God because it's making a real difference. The style of my life is changing for good. I can tell that my body will not take kindly to eating heavy dinners after this. Just the thought makes me shudder now. Lol! Who knew?

So, here we are on Day 28. What do I weigh? 75.9 kg! Whoop! Whoop! True, that's just down by .3kg from my last week weight of 76.2 but I shall celebrate the big and small losses plus do you know when last I saw the number 75 on the scales? E don tay well, well! Lol! Moreover, Every step I take towards my target of 68kg is worth a whoop! Abi? Plus, I believe I have lost some more inches too but have decided to update those stats every two weeks now so we won't know till next Tuesday. 

Permit me to share an open secret with you. Losing weight is no mystery. It's simply about what and how much you eat and how much energy you burn up. In short, food  and exercise. Simple. Upper week I lost more because I ate healthily AND exercised regularly. Last week I still ate healthily, same  number of calories BUT I did not exercise as much. See? So, I'm going to make up for that in the coming days by Gods grace.

In the meantime, here I am raising my glass to my dear Coach Oluwaseun Olotu-Oke who just celebrated her birthday yesterday! Do send up a prayer for her. I am also toasting Daba Ibiama,CEO of Zesty Juices for being a very exciting part of my story thus far. To my Home Coaches aka my MGM and LBS and to my ever cheering Team Salt, here's to you all! Thank you! With you on my side, I know I can do this!

Can you see the shadow behind me? That's my former 79 kg self. And it's behind me for good! Lol!

I shall end this update on a 'green note' as in look at my dinner! It's the 'Green Machine! Lol! I know, it does look daunting but I promise it does not taste bad at all. It's a blend of Spinach, Carrot, Orange, Basil and Lemon. Lol! Ok, maybe that doesn't help matters too much but it works. 

And to throw in some more good stuff to my weekly updates, my 'Shake photos' will be sharing the spotlight with some of my favourite Naija books written by Naija women. Yes, I shall be carrying some of My NaijaSistas along for the ride! Today, kicking it off is Unoma Nwankor's 'An Unexpected Blessing'. So apt. This 'Becoming Sea  Salt' journey of mine is turning out to be more of a blessing than I expected. Love it! 

To God be the glory! See you next week by His Grace! 

Official Weekly Weigh In ~ Day 21, It's A Photo-Story!

For this update, I am just really going to let pictures do most of the talking. Yes, because photos don't lie, right? So, without further ado, behold the 'Becoming Sea Salt" 21 Day Photo-story! 

Day 7

Day 14

Day 21

Can you believe it? I'm down from 77.4 to 76.2 kg!  I lost 1.2 kg, double what I lost last week! I just love my Vi journey and I'm bragging on God because I know He is truly helping me! I honestly feel good! Don't I look it? Lol! By the way, that's another one of Pam's Prints. She sells the loveliest fabrics. I just love  maxis in case you have not noticed *smiling*

       Salt in Maxi Feelin' Lighter and Mighty Blessed.

So this morning, My MGM pretended to be quite upset as he took my stats. He was 'mourning' the shrinking of his assets! Hilarious! Anyway, here is where I am today:

Weight: 76.2 ( down by 1.2kg)

Chest: 41.5 (up by 1.5")

Waist: 36.5" (down by 1.5")

Tummy: 40" (down by 1")

Hips (below the bum): 41" (down by 0.5")

Hips (on the bum): 43.5" (down by 1.0")

Thigh: 25.5" ( up by 0.5")

You know what I love? My two trouble spots, tummy and waist, are feeling the burn? I honestly believe my Home Coach aka MGM is to thank for this. The kind of belly crunches and strength exercises he put me through this past week were deadly! Soon, my Mother in Israel arms will follow! 

Exercise: I managed to do the gym at least thrice this week and I 'brisk walked' with my  Junior Coach aka Last Born Son. I also did my 'planksgiving' and can now hold the Plank for 35 seconds. My aim is to maintain this regime or improve on it. It helps! 

Food: I'm amazed at how disciplined I am about this. I think...no, I know it's because my reasons for doing this are 'bigger than me'. So, it's Shake - Lunch - Shake+ One Snack. But do you know the highlight of my days? My Fruity Shakes a la Zesty Juices! Love! Love! Love them! Who knew the day would come when I would look forward to 'drinking my dinner'! Lol! Here are a couple of the ones I had this past week. 

All you need is a bottle of Zesty Juice and Two scoops of the Vi

nutritional shake and breakfast or dinner is served! 

For the breakfast ones, I also add a scoop or two of skimmed milk.

So that's where it's at as of today. I'm quite pleased with my progress and am even more committed to my cause than ever. My name is Salt. I accepted the challenge to lose 10kg in 90 days! Now, I challenge you! Till next time, remember God is especially fond of you! 

Here are the links to some of my 'partners':

http://www.myfitnesspal.com 

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/pamela.ibuaka

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! 

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.