For my sisters -- MY EATING/WORKOUT TIPS

K - those of you following my blog are probably sick of me posting about what I eat (or do) and my workout, so if you are - don't continue reading. This blog is for my sisters -- here's the deal: the day I went shoe shopping (last Friday) I was taking pics of the shoes I liked and sending them to my two sisters (Kalo & Silia). Kalo texted back and said, "sis while your at it, buy me some shoes". Knowing that she's been off and on with workouts, I said, "how about we make a deal, you work out consistently for one month, at least 4 times a week and I'll buy you any pair you want". She said it was a deal. To be honest, I didn't think she would keep her word, but sure enough come Monday morning I get a wake up call from her saying she was hitting the gym! Good job sis - keep it up. Like I said, IT'S ALL IN THE MIND! If you want something so bad, you can get it if you set your mind to it. So along with that, a few of my other sisters (first cousins) are doing it. Trying to help them, I am re-posting a few of the things that I do that seem to work for me.

*If you want to lose weight -- first thing is to look at what you are eating. For me, I lost about 30 lbs just by cutting back and really watching what I eat. Whether your a breakfast person or not, make sure you eat something in the morning. By doing that, you are kick starting your metabolism. As much as I try and "be good" by eating some nutritious like oatmeal, fruits or something like that, that's not always the case. Some morning I have pizza or leftovers from the night before. But depending on the size of meal I eat will determine the size my lunch will be. If I have a big breakfast, then I'll eat a lighter lunch or vice versa. In between meals, I'll snack on fruits. I have definitely increased my fruit and vegetable intake -- for one it helps regulate your system and it fills you up. Occassionally I have cravings for chocolate -- what works for me? The fun size candy bars. If I need a chocolate fix, I'll have one, maybe two. The main thing is self control. Don't deprive yourself from the things you like - even if it's not healthy. Like I said, it's about self control -- if you are craving chocolate cake, have some. But limit yourself. I am pretty disciplined Monday through Friday. On the weekends, I pretty much just enjoy myself. Being a polynesian, there is always some kind of event or gathering on the weekend. I still keep my portions limited, but still eat whatever. I've completely cut soda from my diet. It was hard at first, but I don't miss it one bit. I normally work out in the evenings, so I tend to eat a big breakfast or lunch. I usually do not eat dinner in the evenings because my workouts are usually around 6 pm. Eating before working out doesn't work for me. After workouts I feel bad - so I try not to eat a big meal after working out. Instead I'll eat fruits or something like that. But if I am hungry, I try and make sure I eat at least two hours before going to bed. Another tip -- if you think you are hungry, get a drink of water. Sometimes people mistaken thirst for hunger. Try that next time.

*When you are ready to workout -- try different workouts. Find something you enjoy and stick with it. It's about consistency! I usually do a cardio workout daily -- anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. My Zumba class counts as my cardio. Here's what my workout normally (not right now 'cause I've been so busy with work) looks like:

Sunday - No workout
Monday - Kickboxing / Weights - abs, arms
Tuesday - Zumba / Weights - abs, legs
Wednesday - No workout
Thursday - Zumba / Weights - abs, arms
Friday - Machines / Weights - abs, legs
Saturday - Zumba

Like in an earlier post, I definitely recommend weight training. If you have a lot of weight to lose, I recommend not waiting 'til you lose to start weight training. There are lots of benefits of weight training.

I forgot to mention above, I try and stay away from processed foods. If I cook something, I try and cook everything from scratch -- sticking to natural ingredients. Like I said, I TRY -- but occassionally when I don't have time to do so, I am using those pre-packaged dinners. With processed foods, I think your body has a harder time breaking it down. Along with that, lots of preservatives and sodium in those products which is not good.

I am no health expert -- but I love to read about healthy living. This is what has worked for me and on another note, whatever you do -- make it a lifetime change. That's what helps me. I am at the point where if I lose weight, that's great, but if not, I'm okay with where I'm at. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication -- but it's now become a part of my every day life! Good luck to all those who are wanting to change and live a healthier lifestyle! LOOKIN' FINE IN '09!