BLOG | healthynotskinny

October 10, 2014

Friday

HOW MY JOURNEY BEGAN

Fitness blogger Tracy Hafen was really on to something when she wrote:

“People exercising in reaction to a breakup usually have two main motivators: 1) to please or impress others and 2) to respect and please themselves.”

I am living proof, but let us start from the beginning.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on my boyfriend of three years; the image that is more vivid in my head is the one of him with his new girlfriend.

She was a sight to see. Her hair, her body, simply…her.

The very next day I signed up for a gym membership. I started dieting and developed a “oh yeah? watch me” attitude. I wanted to get back at him and make him see that I could be what I thought he wanted.

I can go into detail about the crazy mental and physical journey I endured for months while trying to impress someone who I thought I loved but a saga of books would need to be written.

What I can put in a nutshell is that I woke up one day and said “Screw him.” And my happiness started.

I realized that I was working on myself physically and mentally for all the wrong reasons. But I became thankful for those reasons, my journey, and the breakup. Without all of those experiences I would have never developed a love for health, fitness, and most importantly: myself.

I fell in love with eating clean, feeling sore, sweating, feeling physically great, and pushing myself mentally. Along with all these gains, no pun intended, I realized that being skinny doesn’t mean that you’re healthy.

There’s a great difference between skinny and healthy. Healthy is what I strive to be, and I’d like this blog to reflect the importance of health. I’d love to share the knowledge I’ve learned during my on-going journey.

I’m not a health expert or fitness trainer, just someone who fell in love with fitness and health. No matter what your motivation is, please join me on this journey because everyone is invited and welcome to feel great and live better.

Quote of the week:

"We are born weak, and we die weak, how we live in between is a reflection of character."

-unknown

October 18, 2014

Saturday

Skinny VS. Healthy

Three hour naps, frequent fast food visits, and no exercise whatsoever used to be my routine. It is what I did so therefore who I was: unhealthy.

I was not overweight but that does not mean I was healthy. One of the main things I’d like to express in this blog is that being skinny does not mean you are healthy.

Once I started eating healthy and exercising I felt like a completely different person. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true! Being healthy is challenging, both mentally and physically. You have to be determined and disciplined. You have to pick the greens over the french fries and go for a run instead of sitting on the couch. But trust me, it’s well worth it.

My close friends always question about my healthy lifestyle. "But Jazmin, you are already skinny." And as mentioned earlier I reply "That does not mean I am healthy."

A person who eats once a day, eats unhealthy foods, and doesn't excercise can be skinny. Will they have energy to burn? Will they feel nurished and well? Probably not, they are SKINNY BUT NOT FIT.

To lead a healthy lifestyle a person must drink plenty of water, exercise, and not deprive themselves of healthy foods!

Another comments people make is: "How much weight have you lost?" or "How much weight do you want to lose?" I always explain to them that it's not about weight, it's about body fat. My goal is to lose unhealthy body fat which will ultimately lead to good health. I ,honestly, weigh about the same I did when I started my journey but that's because I've lost body fat and gained muscle mass. And I am happy with that, I wouldn't have it any other way because although I weight the same, I look fit and feel great.

I think I am happy with my progess and decision to focus on body fat and good health because I realized that my body is my temple. I realized that every time I eat I am either nurturing or damaging my body. Most importantly I realized that I only get one body a lifetime. Along with all these realizations I have decided that one body is ENOUGH. I will make it enough.

I have a lot of energy and I just feel GOOD. The way I feel now compared to the way I used to feel is indescribable. The best way to put it is to say that I feel rejuvenated everyday.

I don’t see myself ever going back to my unhealthy lifestyle because I do not ever want to lose what I have gained. I’ve gained the mental power to make healthy choices and not to mention my physical gains.

Long runs, fruits and veggies, weights and protein shakes sounds like my daily routine now. It is what I do now and therefore who I am now: healthy.

latest post

Leave me comments, i'd love to hear from you!

October 25, 2014

Saturday

You have to find what makes you happy.

It's as easy and as difficult as that, even when it comes to your health.

I have tried hot yoga, spin classes, hiking, along with an endless list of classes my gyms offer. I did not fall in love with every class or fitness activity that I participated in. I did, however, manage to evaluate and decide what kind of health related activities I like to partake in, and that did lead me to happiness.

Reading fitness and health articles I once found something similar to this:

"Not everyone is a runner.

Not everyone can do hours of yoga.

Not everyone wants to lift weights.

Not everyone wants abs.

not everyone aspires to be shredded.

Not everyone wants to count calories.

Not everyone wants to be vegan.

Not everyone likes the gym.

We are all different.

So stop worrying about what others will think.

And just find what works for you.

Not anyone else.

YOU."

I could not have said it better myself.

For example: I tried being a vegetarian. I tried and failed, miserably. I wanted to become one because I thought it would help me become "skinny" quickly. It was not something that I truly had my heart set on. This is were my mistake took place, I was doing it for the wrong reason. It simply wasn't me.

I have found that I like to pick up heavy objects and set them back down over and over in other words: I like to lift weights. I look forward to lifting and the benefits are endless. livestong.com published an article written by Jamie Logan about these benefits, some of those included:

Fat burning
Reduces depression symptoms
Fights osteoporosis
Prevents back pain
Better blood sugar control

The full article with details and more benefits can be found here:

http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1008208-13-benefits-weightlifting-one-tells/#slide=9

I also discovered that I love eating healthy food. I like to eat, cook, and shop for healthy items therefore I continue to do it. Not only that, but, IT'S GOOD FOR MY HEALTH. It is something that I fell in love with that brings me joy.

Cynthia Sass recently wrote an article about eating clean. (As eating healthy is often referred as) This article was published on News & Views. Some of the things Sass listed included:

Better mode
Sounder sleep
Better workouts
Glowing skin

The full article with details and more can be found here:

http://news.health.com/2014/09/02/5-reasons-to-eat-healthier-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-your-weight/

Those are some of the activities I enjoy. I still continue to fall in and out of love with different classes and workouts but that is all part of the journey. No one should force themselves to do something they dread. Being healthy and fit shouldn't be torture, it should be enjoyable and fun!

Think about it: people who force themselves to partake in a fitness activity usually find it easy to avoid it, make up an excuse not to do it, and give up. But, if you really love what you do then you’ll make time, not excuses. This will ultimately end with good results. You’ll be happier and you will see results physically.

Every activity has different benefits, and reasons why people like to do them so share with me and readers any other fitness activities or classes that you’ve tried and your experiences!

November 1, 2014

Saturday

It been a rough week.

I have not been to the gym, the track, grocery shopping, or have done anything even slightly related to fitness. I’ll be honest and tell you that I have been to the bar, the ice cream shop, and some not-so-healthy restaurants a couple of times this week. Oh, and my bed. I’ve seen my bed more than needed this week, you would think I get paid to sleep.

At this point my body and mind feel the difference. I now feel sluggish and unhealthy, and I dont like it! But you know what? It is okay, I am going through a lazy, unproductive, unhealthy period, but, I will get past this.

We are human and we can go through trails that will bring out our true passion.

I have realized what I am doing, or ,better yet, what I have not been doing; and that is following my goals and keeping focus on my journey. That being said and acknoledged, it’s time to refocus.

Like T.D. Jakes once said: “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” and it is time for my grand comeback.

By experiencing this time of downright laziness and weakness I am more sure than ever that leading a healthy lifestyle is what I truly want. It has reinstalled my appreciation in the difference my body feels while on the right track towards being fit. If there was any doubt in my mind about the way my journey is headed it has all gone away.

I won’t sugar coat it (see what I did there?) and say that my banana split, bread sticks, pasta, and brew were not tasty! But nothing tastes as good to me as healthy feels. “I should just eat what I want and just be unhealthy and happy.” I say to myself in moments of weakness. But am I happy when I don’t have energy? When I want to take three hour naps? And when I’m damaging my temple? The answer is "No." and it’s these facts about myself that give me strength and keep me going.

Now it is time for my comeback. I’m going to continue on my fitness journey even though I had a slight detour because my destination is worth it.

What this post all comes down to is 1) understanding that setbacks can happen but we can refocus and comeback even harder and 2) It is up to US to refocus and make good and healthy DECISIONS.

Almonds or an almond joy?

Morning jog or sleep in?

Orange juice or soda?

Skip the gym or kill your work out?

Every person has the power to decide which route to take and that is why decisions are so important. Ultimately, our bodies and mind will reflect our choices.

Here are a couple healthy and helpful tips I strive to follow to keep me focused and some might help you:

-Stay away from soda

-Stay away from elevators, take the stairs

-Drink plenty of water

-Avoid eating out

-Do not skip meals

-Try to follow a work out schedule

-Surround yourself with people who push you

These simple choices could make a big difference.

What are some of the healthy choices you make daily? I am sure that the answer to that question reflects how badly you would like a fit body and sound mind.

Valley of Fire was an amazing place to visit for my first comeback hike!

November 8, 2014

Saturday

“I just won’t eat.” I used to tell myself when I first started my journey.

I did not realize that not eating isn’t a diet, it’s a punishment. I love food more than I love a lot of things, and I still do. I don't starve myself, I do not count calories, and I don't consider myself on a diet. I eat healthy.

A picture of lettuce and water must come to mind when I say “eat healthy” but eating healthy is not what it’s made out to be. Healthy food can be delicious and nutritious!

Check these out!

cauliflower crust pizza!

recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cauliflower-pizza-crust/

Pasta, not really, they are actually zucchinni noodles!

recipe:

http://nomnompaleo.com/post/5695132949/zucchini-spaghetti-zoodles-meatballs

Greek yogurt parfait

recipe:

http://nomnompaleo.com/post/5695132949/zucchini-spaghetti-zoodles-meatballs

I cannot say that I eat healthy 100% of the time because I would only be kidding myself. I love to indulge sometimes and that’s the key word: sometimes. Everything in moderation is okay, if I deprived myself of ALL of the food I love I wouldn’t be doing the right thing. So yes! It’s okay to order a slice of pizza sometimes just remember: don’t make it a daily habit and more importantly: don’t order and devour a whole pizza, just a slice.

I started eating healthy in steps. I changed a couple of the things I did and worked into eating healthy all together.

For example:

-I limited my soda intake to four cans a week, then two, then altogether

-I started drinking two water bottles a day, then three, now four

-I started ordering light dressing, light cheese, and half sizes when I ate out

-I switched from potato chips to kale chip (they’re actually more flavorful!)

One of the most important things I did was give up dairy. I decided to switch from whole milk to coconut milk because of the nutrients and I discovered that I'm lactose intolerant! Once I switched I realized the difference in my body. I was able to break down the coconut milk better than the whole milk and that lead me to a non-sluggish, more active body. My healthy choices lead me to a healthier me!

Yes, I get it. I love cheese and chocolate more than anyone but there are different versions and choices of healthy foods that I love even more.

There are various healthy cooking websites and pages, check them out you won’t regret it:

(These are some of my favorite sites)

- http://www.eatingwell.com

- http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes

- http://www.everydayhealth.com/lifestyle/healthy-recipes/

Comment and share with me some of your favorite healthy meals!

November 15, 2014

Saturday

"Every time you eat you are either fighting a disease or feeding it." I've mentioned that belief in an earlier post and it's worth mentioning again. Each food is loaded with nutrients, or lack of. Nutrients and benefits go hand in hand, that is why doctors and nutritionists may advise their patients to eat a specific food more often to help with illnesses and prevention of diseases. Why wait and get sick and then start eating more nutritious foods? We should be proactive and inform ourselves of the benefits fruits and vegetables contain and eat healthy by providing our bodies with the nutrients they seek.

Here are some great examples of foods and the nutrients they contain:

WATERMELON

-Reduces high blood pressure

-Reduces blood sugar level

-Cleans kidneys

-Produces energy

-Strengthens bones

ORANGES

-Regulate blood pressure

-Full of fiber

-Lowers Cholesterol

GREEN TEA

-Full of antioxidants

-Promotes healthy skin

-Lowers cholesterol

-Reduces bacteria in mouth

-Prevents food poisoning

ALMONDS

-Increase energy

-Protects artery walls

-Nourishes nervous system

-Improve brain function

If you are like me then you don't like taking medicine either, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that I HATE being

sick! That being said, this is probably one of my favorite parts about my journey and healthy lifestyle. I take joy in knowing that

exercising and eating healthy helps me not only to look good but, more importantly, assures that my insides are strong and well.

I consider foods like the ones above my "medicine" and "multivitiamins" although they are not in pill form I know that they are

full of stuff that is good for me! (and they taste better, too)

I used to lack energy and have bad facial acne so I decided to research healthy foods that would help me

battle that. I came across green tea! I discovered that it promotes both good skin and energy. I decided to

give it a go and the results are pretty impressive. Not only am I in love with the taste of green tea (I hadn't tried it before) but I see

that I have energy to burn and my skin feels and looks clear and healthy. Best part is: I didn't have to

make an appointment with a dermotologist.

I understand that we sometimes cannot void a trip to the doctor's office because you may be suffering from

something that good ol' healthy food and exercise can't fix, but, I also understand that I can prevent certain illnesses and

bad health by simply being knowledgable about the foods I eat and the benefits they provide.

I'd love to hear about a healthy food you enjoy and the benefits you feel!

I never stopped to think that I have not posted before and during pictures and unfortunetly I lost my phone

with all my old pictures :( BUT I am proud to post this one. This was a couple days ago. Pretty proud. Abs are peaking and NO

I don't know how much weight I've lost but I do know I am healthier than before :D (if I come across an old picture I'll post it)