Hola Chicas,
Just wanted to say… I’m GOOOOD… ‘on one’ if you will. Finger tips orange… no seeds no stems… relaxed… inspired even! And although I’ve developed a minor dependency, this particular vice shouldn’t land me in jail or rehab.
I’m coming to you couch-side with a head full of the green stuff. I’m back on the wagon… for reals this time, and I’m EXCITED!
Look, somebody even told Chris and Bieber about my henna! Now here dey go–
Although I had plans to henna once a month since January, the Gia factor intervened and this is only my second or third treatment this year. The shame!
I’ve definitely noticed the changes, but really hadn’t had a chance to think about it until discussions with a few LA curlies last weekend. My hair is so 2007– it’s more vulnerable to tangling, splits, fairy knots and breakage, it’s light weight and flyaway, refuses to hold a set for more than a day or so (gotta love fine hair), shrinks at any hint of humidity, and is generally unruly. Oh, and the worse part… I doubt I could block views at the movie theater anymore.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling lately, and that, plus Gia’s shenanigans doesn’t leave much time for hair care. I’ll be staying put for the next month (then heading to NYC… hey NYC!) or so, and I WILL get in 4 henna treatments. It will happen. I’m going to transform my hair before your eyes… stay tuned 🙂 Thinking I’ll resume a bi-weekly hair routine for the time being, using CurlFormers to stretch my hair for chunky twists in between henna/conditioning treatments. I’m so sincere this time… re-upping my henna stock STAT!
While I’m here…
I should tell you that now that I’m in PA and settled (ugh), I’m back on my healthy diet and fitness regimen… well, kinda. I’m eating better but still haven’t figured out my exercise routine just yet. Here’s an idea of what I eat on a good day (when I’m on the wagon)-
Breakfast- Oatmeal (with a little maple syrup) with blueberries and Fage Yogurt OR Ham (or bacon, lol), Egg and Cheese on a Whole Wheat muffin and fruit
Snack- hummus and toasted pita
Lunch– turkey sandwich on wheat with avocado, tomato and lettuce with baked chips OR something of the frozen variety
Snack– fruit, more yogurt w/granola OR pretzels… whatever is on hand
Dinner– A salad (with spinach, arugula, feta, dried cranberries, and balsamic vinegarette), a baked potato (with all the fixings, lol), and a lean meat (baked salmon, tilapia, or boneless/skinless chicken thigh… I hate white meat!)
OR
a homemade fajita with either lean beef, chicken or shrimp. Love these! I buy a frozen pepper, onion mix or buy fresh… either way, that, plus avocado and fresh salsa… YUM!
So that’s a good day, and though some would argue that not even that is ‘on the wagon’, it is for me! It’s the lesser of two evils, given my craving for fried stuff with cheese and cakes, cookies and pies.
I’ve also re-incorporated a daily dose of Green Vibrance, every morning, in about 4 ounces of cranberry juice. Look it up… this stuff is AHHHMAZING and is the only supplement I’m taking. It has everything in it and gives me energy. No placebo, I swear! I’m also doing my best to get in 50oz water (which is just about half my body weight in ounces).
Finally, I’ve resumed my 3 mile walks but know that I need something more. Any suggestions?!
Operation GET BIG (HAIR), STAY SMALL is in full effect.
Later Gators,
Nik
You could try yoga or zumba. even better download the nike training club app, its free and really really good. I have it, its easy to use and I'm a person who has no time, 2 kids and I work from home! Another option for mixing it up is www.bodyrock.tv, like the Nike app it has even shorter workouts and is also free. Zuzana has different workouts each day and the site is very positive and encouraging. Hope that helps and thankyou for this website, my hair gets bigger and healthier each day 😉
good luck x
www.drawnimagination.com
FYI: Saw this on naturalchica and thought some of you ladies might be interested.
Zumba in Atlanta with Jazzy Fit!!!!!
Natural health, fitness and beauty blogger, Jazzy Fit, is starting Zumba classes in the Atlanta area! Ever since I was introduced to Zumba at the World Natural Hair show a few years back, I’ve been seriously wanting to try it out!
The classes begin on September 8th and your FIRST CLASS is free! Additional classes will only be $5 per lesson. You really can’t beat that. I can’t wait to get started and hope you’ll join me!
Berean Outreach Ministry Center
312 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr
Atlanta,GA 30318
Sunday 5-6pm
Mon & Fri 7-8a.m
Thursday 7-8pm
thank you gals so much for your advice and tips! I'll be back soon to share my updates and revisions!!!
Nikki, for me it's all about variety because I get SOO BORRRRED! Here's my routine:
Monday – Gym (either arms and abs or legs and abs)
Tuesday – ZUMBAA!!!!! There is a girl in my class who is 7.5mos preggers but she be movin' (yes I know that wasn't grammatically correct but whateva!)
Wednesday – Spin Class
Thursday – Yoga
then I'm pretty much on chill mode until Monday rolls back around.
I eat pretty much what I want just keep it in moderation. But the majority of my food is not fried, comes from the ground and not processed. I also try to drink a couple glasses of green tea daily and eat a bowl of oatmeal at least 5 days a week. However, if you're trying to build muscle, I wouldn't recommend removing too much protein from your diet.
-It'sJustGia
@Anonymous August 23, 2011 9:36 PM – I'm lactose intolerant too. I also cant eat unfermented soy. I do intense cardio and weight training.
Hey Nikki! I love Green Vibrance. I drink it first thing in the morning mixed with water and v8 Fusion…the light version (be careful w/ juice as it can be high in sugar). As for carb substitutions, you can try sweet potatoes (my fav), mashed cauliflower (simply boil cauliflower until tender, then mash it, add a little butter or greek yogurt…TJ's offers a tasty cilantro & chive yogurt, and seasonings to taste). Also, I like using veggies as an alternative to pasta (think of it as a blank canvas to your favorite pasta sauce). I also just started being creative with beans (black beans in particular). Anyway, as far as exercise; I would definitely encourage you to incorporate some weight training (cardio is good, but there's something magical about weights… Google Francisca Dennis and Ernestine Shepherd and you'll find out exactly what I mean). My last recommendation is to simply make it fun. A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be boring. With some good planning, creativity, & support; you'll be well on your way. Good luck!
Nikki, you should make this into a contest. "
"Get Big, Get Small get your hair and your body in shape contest" <—huh? <—huh? Think about it. Women can show off and talk about hair tips and then show off and talk about health and fitness tips. Some before and pics and the regimens and Bam! (and maybe a contest winner giveaway :o}
~Angela
Pleasse consider yoga. It has really jazzed up my workout routine which cnsisted of cardio and weight training. Also, I hadn't been running for a while and because I was doing yoga I did my best mile per minute on a 5K. I look toned but not masculine.
Also, turkey bacon could be a happy compromise.
@ Carla, I eat the same things as you. I don't eat bread either. It is too filling and I just don't like it. A lot of foods make me sick, plus I am lactose intolerant. That cuts out a lot of things. I eat the same things everyday. People make fun of it, but it works for me, my stomach isn't hurting, and I'm not looking all swole and turrible like other people I see around. Lol! I work out 6 days a week-an hour of cardio and I use a resistance band for my arms. It works!!!~N66
Love that picture of you and your hair still looks very voluminous to me.
lol @chris brown and justin beiber
@CURLYNIKKI – In the mornings I start with protein, usually eggs, leftovers from the night before (chicken, fish, etc). I need it for the gym as well. I'll eat a huge salad for lunch with tons of veggies and a little protein (animal or nuts, seeds, etc) and dinners are typically a protein, with a huge salad and steamed or saute veggies to replace the typical starch. I also do smoothies: either plant based protein (no soy) or green smoothies at times. No sugars.
Its all good. I'm much healthier and slimmer this way.
that sucks Carla 🙁 sorry to hear that, so what does a typical day look like for you?
@CURLYNIKKI – I have insulin resistance and have to avoid most forms of sugars (bread included), so you may not have that issue. My eyes was watering when I saw that you eat so much of it (I probably don't eat that much in a year!). LOL Low carbing was the only way I was able to lose weight. Low fat, etc made me weak.
and for the record, I don't think I could EVER give up bacon! Ever. 'it's good for me!'
OMG… giving up bread… for me, would be like giving up bacon! At least it's whole wheat… right?! Low carb eating (which I tried in the past) made me feel weak and tired. Enlighten me y'all… give me some options and I'll explore!
I love your posts Nikki! Thanks for the updates and good luck with your health endeavors. I hope you and Boogy are okay after the earthquake.
Wow, your "on the wagon" is my "falling down a cliff"! You eat a LOT of bread. If I ever at that much bread/carbs my waist line would be several sizes larger (been there, done that). It seems like you're doing what's right for you right now. I agree with doing anything home bound is a great idea. I go to a gym, but I don't have little ones at home though I did work out at home for years before finally joining.
I cosign with the wii or xbox kinect! It'll be a great addition to what you're doing now. Proud of you girl!
Nikki – you said you were going to restock your henna and I'm curious as to whether you have been able to find the Jamila (recent batches) on Mehandi. They have Jamila being sold in bulk and its a 2009 batch with something like 1.7% lawsome. I don't think I've ever heard you discuss lawsome, but I am assuming the more the better since that is what conditions and colors your hair. I just started henna'ing like a month ago and have been doing it pretty frequently (like 3 times a week). This week is the last week for this and then I will go to once a week for a few months.
Anyway, I ended up purchasing the Ancient Sunrise Purity Henna, which has 2.3% lawsome. Have you ever used this product? What will you buy to restock if the Jamila that you want is not available?
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Love Justin and Chris gifs. Thanks for sharing your eating plan, I just started doing better myself.
You should try the Xbox 360 Kinect…holy smokes. Dance Central is a serious workout, and super fun, Baby G can get in on it too. First time I tried it out in Target, I was sweating in easy mode. Once you start working your way up to hard, you get an awesome workout, and Lord knows I couldn't dance if you paid me before I got the game. LOL The Zumba on XBox is tough too…they offer it where I'm at, but compared to the video game, it's not worth paying for that class.
I'm co-signing with "ZUMBA".
It's the best workout mixed with the fun that keeps me going back for more.
And BTW, you're a woman of colour, you have more rhythm than you realise. It's in the DNA. LOL
You can also make kale chips. You can cut kale into small pieces separate and place on baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook at about 400-425 for about 15 minutes(watch like a hawk to avoid burning). A mix of cashews, nutritional yeast (nooch), lemon, sesame oil, and red pepper, salt and pepper in a food processor will have these dang things tasting like cheesy doritos!
Ladies, could you all help me out? I have a problem. I'd love to have slimmer thighs but whenever I diet my arms get superskinny but my thighs remain the same size. What type of exercises do you guys recommend?
Van's frozen whole grain waffles, PB& J sandwiches on whole grain bread, hard boiled eggs, greek yogurt, tomato salad (sliced tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper), sipping (unsweetened) tea all day.
Zumba is so much fun!!!!! As mentioned above, you don't have to have rhythm to have fun in the class…However, you do have to have a good Zumba instructor to get all of those calories burned. My instructor is AMAZING, and I am dripping sweat by the time I get out of his class. I've taken other classes, though, and they are not nearly as much of a workout as his are. I've done the DVDs, too. They're okay for starting out, but they are not as much fun or as much of a workout as a class with a good instructor can be.
Girl, I had to say little man…You know that's what you think of when you see petite body builders….My hubbie don't play that. I want to feel safe when he puts his arms around me not the other way around!!! Me no likey wearing the pants in the relationship! LOL!!!! No, I don't want to look like Wanda on in living color either…Okay on a serious note…You want to make sure you don't put anything on that bake potato if you are going to eat it. I prefer sweet potatoes because they have unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene and they have the ability to increase our blood levels of vitamin A…Oh yeah, I forgot about breakfast. You can try egg white's with vegetables and all natural turkey bacon. Oatmeal is okay. But, it tends to keep us bloated and is not that great when it comes to digestion(in my humble opinion). I try to get out of a breakfast, lunch, dinner mindset when I approach eating. I think more about what good fuel I need for my body to optimize my energy throughout the day.
there's something about a sweet potato… I can do it, but… I don't know. Even sweet potato fries… I'm not sold on them. It has a weird after taste or something.
I eat brown rice (although white or fried are favorites, lol) and enjoy it, but usually with butter and sugar! ha! I know…
you can still go for the beloved baked potato but an option that I like is using sweet potato. I poke holes in the sweet potato, coat lightly in olive oil, wrap in foil and bake at 425 in the oven until it is soft. Eat a lot of whole wheats. I am partial to the sandwich thins… less bread. Not sure if you are a rice eater but brown rice is good as well, just sprinkle olive oil and garlic powder to spice it up a bit and of course salt and pepper to taste.
^^^^^ I just… I can't…^^^^
y'all are too much for me today, lol
Sucks in gut, while slowly taking my also orange fingertips from my cheetos bag.. Way to make me feel lazy and humongous ladies. 😛
@anon 2:56, are you referring to my beloved baked potatoes and breads? Give me some substitutions! I'm open to suggestions!!
still laughing… when I think of 'little man', all i can see is tommy davidson in them little draws on In Living Color.
I am somone that is totally on the fitness bandwagon. I workout 6 days a week with a combination of weight training and cardio. If you decide to employ some level of weight training, I would recommend you doing that before you cardio b/c you are bound to burn more fat. The logic is the weight training will burn the food that you have digested through the day while doing cardio second attacks the stored fat on your body. If you are unable to weight train then I would recommend doing plyometric excercises that are a combo of resistance and cardio.
Your diet looks ok but you might want to taber back your carbs as the days goes on
LOL @ little man! hahaha! Thanks for the details chica! I'll definitely check this out!
Keep the suggestions coming ladies!!! I'd love to tone up these chicken legs… bulk 'em up a bit.
Hey lady,
I am tickled you responded. I don't like to use the word diet per se. But, paleo is a hunter gatherer approach to eating. You want all lean meats, eggs, nuts, fresh vegetables, and fruits. These things are easy for our bodies to digest and they keep us lean and mean. For instance, you might try sweet potato homemade chips instead of a regular potato chip. You can cut up sweet potatoes into thin slices use spices and throw them into the oven or a food dehydrator. You control the amount of spices, and salt when you make it yourself. Also, the lunch meat you have on your sandwich is probably processed. I am just guessing it is because most lunch meat with the exception of what you purchase at a health food store is processed. If so, it is filled with sodium nitrates (a preservative) which can increase the risk of certian cancers, increase the risk of diabetes, and cause other serious illnesses. I know scary right??? Instead you might slice organic chicken or turkey breast and bake in foil at 425 for about 18 minutes. This will give you a moist thin piece of meat for your sandwich. You can keep the whole wheat bread on your sandwich. But, I prefer an open face sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and any other fresh veggies you crave. Finally, if you are craving a dessert you can try avocado chocolate pudding. It is yummy and is a favorite among people that eat paleo meals. Just dump avocados, banana, agave nectar, coconut milk and hershey's cocoa into a food processer mix and you have a yummy chocolatey peace of heaven that is ohhhhh so good for you! You might also check out crossfit at http://www.crossfitsmyrna.com/ I live in atlanta, georgia so I am a part of this particular crossfit. I am sure you have a crossfit in your city. I am a petite, but crossfit has made me as strong as an ox. No, I don't look like a little man….LOL…But, I have some serious guns and toned legs by doing a weight/cardio combo. I sure hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
I tried the Billy Blanks Cardio Sculpt DVD last night. It was a beast! And I used the 5 lb weights…but I'll probably downgrade to 3 lb weights just because there are so many reps…after an hour I could barley lift my water bottle to my mouth but in a few weeks I should have no flab on my arms! It's a good scupting + cardio workout! I got the DVD at Walmart. Another snack is apple slices & peanut butter. Great source of protein. And I do a fruit smoothie in the mornings with mixed frozen fruit, yogurt, Quaker Oats, a splash of OJ, a banana, YUM! And you could always replace that baked potato with a baked sweet potato. An egg white omelette with spinach, mushrooms, & tomato & swiss cheese is really good for breakfast….Good luck with your personal hair challenge & fitness challenge!
www.naturallynita.blogspot.com
Nikki,
Yes, Zumba is something that can be done at home but it's so much fun doing it with the class. My daughter is almost 1 and when she was 5 months old I started to take Zumba at my local Yoga Studio. After a while I thought I'd buy the DVDs because I thought I was away from home a little too much but it just wasn't the same and I gave up. Currently I'm doing TurboFire at home and I love it! Good luck!
"Looks like it'd be too much fun for it to actually work". I assure you it works! It may look like fun…but those moves are more strenous than you may think.
There are times when I have to stop, breath, take a few gulps of water, then rejoin the group.lol That goes for other in the group as well. It's not like those comercials in Real Life! The class is an hour long.
I understand you may not be able to get to a gym so the dvd is probably your best bet! I think they make it look fun so that it attracts more people. That is all that is trust me!
Curly 1
OMG! 600 calories! The people on the infomercial were jamming on the one, lol. It looks like it'd be too much fun for it to actually work. I may check it out. Do you think it's something I could do at home (get a dvd) as opposed to heading to a class? I know with pilates it was better, at least at first, for me to get the movements right.
Nikki Zumba is great! I'm telling you! don't worry about having rhythm because you would laugh your but off if you seen some of the people in the classes.Lol I stopped for a while…but it's back on! I'm trying to do it at least 2xs a week. You can burn up to 600 calories a class! Good stuff!!!
Curly 1
@ anon 2:07 tell me more! Better yet, tell me what I can incorporate (eating wise) given my current sample eating regimen above…
Hey, if you are looking to shake up your fitness routine you might be interested in joining a crossfit gym in your area. I am a fitness enthusiast and have been doing crossfit for almost six months. It is a mix of cardio and serious weight training. I am pretty petite and I was in shape before, but crossfit has gotten me in the best shape of my life. There are crossfit affiliates all over the world. So, I am sure you have one in your city. I also try to stick with paleo type meals. It is more of a hunter gatherer approach to eating. All processed foods are completely eliminated from your diet. I am so excited you posted. I love talking about exercise and healthy eating!
Nikki you are a mess! Good luck on your mission.
Zumba looks amazing… saw an infomercial yesterday at like 5am but it looks like I'd need a bit more rhythm than what I currently possess.
And, yes, my normal henna recipe, not the gloss. FULL treatment with 200g of henna + green tea + honey. Hoping to do one a week or one every two weeks for the next month or so
are you doing your regular henna recipe, or are you doing a henna gloss or adding additional moisturizing ingredients?
I wanna henna every couple of weeks, but am a little scared of drying out my hair ( I currently do it once a month w/ a deep conditioning from the shea moisture line)
I second Zumba. It's fun and doesn't "feel" like a typical workout. You could also use resistant bands. I have a friend who swears by them for toning without bulking up. I'm interested in Green Vibrance for energy. How's the taste? ~KF519
Get your henna on! Try yoga! You're off to a really good start! Back to walking… you're doing good!
Sounds great Nikki! Keep it up…but maybe you could try Zumba and spinning(stationary bike riding) classes as well! The classes really get your heart rate Pumping! lol Love Yoga as well…and have plans to get more walking in as well!
I have 5 pounds weights here at the house. Do you think those are heavy enough for toning?
Thanks ladies! I actually did ballet for like 6 years when I was younger! took it instead of gym and loved it. Hubby keeps saying I should get back into it…
Sounds like a great regimen, for hair, food and exercise. I just started ballet classes again. Even if you've never taken ballet before, most cities offer beginning adult ballet classes. Ballet, much like Pilates, builds long, lean muscle mass and sends your metabolism through the roof. Plus, its super relaxing and elegant. I feel like a strong, long, princess when I'm done with a workout. For anyone who can't find classes, the NYC Ballet Workout DVD is phenomenal. 🙂
I think weight training! why? well you can do it at home! just invest in a set, there are tons and tons of videos ect. you will add definition and strength… its awesome!
You are too funny for those gifs.
Good luck with Operation Get Big (hair), Stay Small!
Hi Nikki!
Have you tried the Wii fit? I do the biggest loser game with it and OMG so "easy" but the next day my body was feeling the ish. Also "Insanity" is a GREAT workout DVD. It’s just what the title leads you to believe. IT’S INSANE. I had to get back in regs for the Navy after having my son (they only give you 6 months) and these things are REALLY helping and kicking my butt. Hope this helps 🙂 Also I understand how hard it is too henna your hair with a young one. Between work and my son I apply when he’s sleeping (Friday or Saturday night) then wake up early to wash, dc etc etc. By the time I’m done its his breakfast time 🙂 Hey I gotta stay fly by any means, even if my hair will be covered up by my uniform camouflage cover, lol.
YOGA!!!
you could try yoga as well.