TV reporter/anchors Shon Gables and Tonya Mosley are chronicling their weight journey for NewNaturalista. Check out last week’s results here

Okay – I gave up fried chicken and practically everything cooked to a crisp in oil…

But I have a confession…nixing vegetable tempura AIN’T that easy!!

After all a woman’s gotta find happiness somewhere!

And my joyride slid me straight into a Thai restaurant that makes veggies taste like steak.

It was a great idea until I got on the scale.

I lost only 1 pound this week.

#REALITYCHECK

Even veggies dumped in a bucket of grease – will bloat you up!!

Note to self… tempura twice a week only.

I’m increasing water consumption…

I’m training for a half marathon starting next week (yes, running a race with my colleagues in March) and throwing caution to the wind

Life is short and I am going to enjoy the benefits of a life fearlessly lived thru faith and discipline - AT LAST!!!

Television Anchor/Reporter Shon Gables and Tonya Mosley are chronicling their weight loss journey for NewNaturalista – click here for last week’s results.

Shon Week 3

I lost 12 pounds!

Losing it is hard, and the 30 I still have to shed, is clinging like a bad habit. (Yes, I’ve upped the amount I want to lose.)

It takes discipline to get it off,
It takes discipline to keep it off,
And it will require discipline to maintain the goal.

CHANGE MY FRIENDS WILL COST YOU…

All I can ask is “How bad do you want it”?

When you want something lbad enough you will shed ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that impedes your success.

I am shedding fried food, empty calories, outrageous portions and stupid thinking.

It has cost me too much… and I will no longer pay for it.

Tonya Week 3:

More Than A Pretty Face

Shon’s goals make me think hard about my own success. I have a secret. I’ve never REALLY worked hard at losing weight. I’ve always maintained the idea that moderation and balance will lead to balance in my weight. And yes, I’ve balanced my weight – BUT I haven’t lost significant amounts of weight with this philosophy.

Shon is right – if I want to be the best me I can be I’ve got to up the ante.

My “clicking” moment came last week when someone said to me, “You have such a pretty face.” I mean seriously? Yes it’s a compliment – I hear it all the time – but it’s not lost on me that it’s a compliment you give to FAT girls.

That comment got me into gear – and so far this week I lost 5 pounds. Yay!

Let’s get it!

Check back next week for an update on Shon and Tonya’s journey!

Shon

No, I'M NOT PREGNANT

I am not going to fool myself, the 4 days I took off for New Year’s Eve and my hubby’s birthday celebration has me feeling bloated.

I didn’t stop working out and neither did my mouth!

I had German chocolate cupcakes, a Brazilian red meat fest, a good 10 pieces of French toast and countless baked chocolate chip cookies and garlic bread. Somebody just slap me.

I was bad…real bad. And now I am forgiving myself by adding a new element to my journey.

Seeking deliverance from gluttony.

I eat in excess.

I eat to pass time.

I eat to celebrate.

I eat to mourn.

I eat to pacify stress.

Food is fuel for your body… Not a freaking counselor.

And in my life-faith journey… I am a witness that some things come only through fasting and prayer.

I want God to be my source when I am unsure, anxious, curious and impatient… And trust me, no matter your gender, your race or your socio-economic status… You are coping somehow… But is it productive?

I have not been!

And now I am challenging all, to join me, and consider a short season of fasting and prayer. I need some divine help! I’m ready to destroy one of my many stumbling blocks that has manifested itself in food… But quite frankly could be impacting other areas of my life… I just can’t see it YET!!

#IT’SONANDPOPPIN!!

Be strong!

Weigh in next week!

Tonya

Go Shon!

For me, I chose this week to focus on balance. I’ve learned over the years that extreme diets, workout sessions etc. don’t work for me in the long run. So this week I focused on eating based on the new food pyramid guidelines.

The balance paid off – I shed 2 pounds!

Lately I’ve also been focusing on how foods make me feel. Dairy does a real number on me. White breads and sugar literally put me in a food coma. I can feel it coming on after the first bite. It’s not normal to feel like you need to take a nap after a meal – I hate that feeling!

My goals for Week 3:

1. I’m going to go to bed earlier and wake up an hour earlier to run/workout. Working out in the morning has always worked out better for me.

2. Finish up my hot yoga pass. With my natural hair I have no excuse!

What are your goals this week?

Originally from thekitchn.com:

This is the time of year when strawberries, blueberries and other spring/summer fruits can get expensive. Here are some ways to make fresh, creamy smoothies in the bleak months ahead. NewNaturalista especially likes the idea of adding peanut butter  - just keep in mind the caloric content!

• Bananas, bananas, bananas. They’re good (and cheap) any time of year, but in winter, they’re essential. Here’s the thing: FREEZE THEM. We think this is the key to making thick, creamy smoothies without having to add ice. Do you have a blender that won’t chop ice very well? Frozen bananas are your friend. Peel them before you freeze them.

• Use all frozen fruit—not just berries. The frozen rule goes for all of your fruit. If you aren’t using a banana, frozen mixed berries will also add thickness (we just really hate blending ice). If your blender has a hard time with big, chunky, frozen strawberries, let them thaw for a couple of minutes and chop them into smaller pieces. And use other fruits; frozen peaches are great, as are frozen tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.

• Add peanut butter or nuts. We like the idea of something heartier and less summer-in-a-glass when it’s frigid outside. This Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Milkshake is more of a dessert, but you could omit the chocolate chips and call it breakfast. Or add some chopped almonds or walnuts.

• Use tofu. This is another good year-round tip, but in the winter, it’s nice to have alternative ingredients when fruit runs low. Tofu adds a good protein and texture. Try thisLow-Sugar, High-Protein, Dairy-Free Smoothie.

• Add ground-up oatmeal. Just another way to give a smoothie some heft and warmth (can we call it warmth?), especially if you’re limited on fresh ingredients. Here’s a post all about it. We’re imagining a banana, oatmeal, yogurt smoothie with some honey or maybe flax seeds.

• Freeze some yogurt and add oranges. Citrus is plentiful right now, but it doesn’t exactly give you a soft, creamy texture. Try freezing some vanilla yogurt (almost like adding ice cream!) and making a creamsicle-ish smoothie.

What are some of your favorite smoothie ingredients? Share them with us!

Originally from the Daily Beast

Courtesy: The Daily Beast

Few in black Hollywood would have suggested or predicted Jennifer Hudson’s 2010 decision to use her full-figured frame, powerful voice, and sweet-faced charm to pitch the not-so-novel idea of weight loss. But Hudson had her own thoughts on how to pave and maintain a path to fame and fortune.

Although Hudson isn’t the first woman of color to star in weight-loss ads—Queen Latifah kicked off the trend on Weight Watchers several years ago—Hudson has perfected the art. And she may have singlehandedly provided a new and highly lucrative blueprint for others yearning to earn top dollar and gain maximum exposure while reigniting a waning fan base. Weight-loss companies often pay seven figures to have major names promote their products.

Now Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson have joined the bunch. Read the rest of this article here

Are these ads inspiring to you?

Shon Gables

I’ve lost 7 pounds! (See original story here)

Shon Gables

I consider this a major feat, considering I wanted to eat everything in sight Christmas Day.  I did not workout because of toe surgery, but skipped all desserts.  I had 3 chocolate chip cookies, because my (ever-so-supportive-hubby) shoved them in my face… and at that point I could not say NO!

I wanted to kickbox today, but reason PREVAILED OVER desperation.  I am going to jog 3 miles and see how my toe does.  The swelling has gone down, but I don’t need to re-injure… and to be honest, I don’t feel like 2 hours of straight hard core cardio after 2 days of mac-n-cheese, yams, collard greens, corn muffins and yes, I had a bowl of frosted flakes.  I even drank soda… good grief, no wonder I blew up.

Back to the grind… get these 3 miles over, P90X sit-up session and Nutrisystem.

Tonya Mosley

I did NOT lose 7 pounds.

Tonya Mosley

I reported on the odds of keeping New Year resolutions a few years ago for KING 5:

The most popular ones? Eating better, quitting smoking and exercising – but researchers found by January 7th most people have already given up!

Do you want to make 2012 different? Here are some simple ways to make your odds a little better:

1. Make Realistic Resolutions

Losing 30 pounds in 3 months, or quitting smoking cold turkey can be challenging – and unrealistic. Take baby steps, realistic steps, and you’ll have better success.

2. Start Earlier

Want to work out more in the New Year? Add a day or two to your workout routine now – and by the new year you’ll have no problem adding more days.

3. Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself

Ok so you vowed to cut out sugar in the New Year but by January 2nd you’ve slipped up and had a sweet treat with your coffee. Don’t throw in the towel, pick yourself up and try again. Most smokers can’t quit cold turkey, on average it takes 7 tries to finally kick the habit. You’re only human after all!

How successful are you in keeping New Year resolutions? What are some ways you keep yourself on track?

NewNaturalista Rewind

One of my favorite childhood memories is enjoying a warm bowl of my grandma’s greens. I’d tediously help her clean each leaf before stirring them in that bottomless pot we’d let simmer for hours.

Today I keep up the tradition, adding a few other “green” favorites to the list. You’ll be happy to know that (sans the neckbones or pork) – greens are one of healthiest foods out there. Chock-full of folate, vitamin K (which helps prevent blood clotting) and a host of other vitamins and minerals – you’d do your body good to incorporate them in your diet! (I typically simmer in a pot with a tiny bit of salt, water and olive oil.)

Note: Avoid cooking greens at high heat – you want to preserve all the good stuff!

Mild Greens

Beet Greens: Mild flavor, very similar to spinach. Generates a pink liquid

Chard: The sweetest of greens, it can be used like spinach. Stem requires a little more cooking time than other greens

Spinach: Great raw or gently steamed

Bitter greens

Kale: I love lacinata kale the best, but green (above) and red bore kale are also yummy

Collard: Chop and simmer in water until leaves turn bright green or braise. Yum!

Mustard: Peppery, very assertive flavor. Strip leaves from stem and braise.

Other greats:

Rapini (also called broccoli rabe): One of the milder bitter greens, with tiny broccoli-like flowerettes amidst delicate leaves. If you use just the leaves, stripped from the stems, they’re hardly bitter at all. Braise quickly.

Watercress: Tear from stems and use leaves whole on salads for a powerhouse of nutrients and spunky flavor.

Partial Source: PCC Natural Market

What are your favorites?

Lamik Beauty founder Kim Roxie had this amazing ability of knowing just what I needed. She and I met a few weeks ago at The Night of Eco-Glamour, and within a minute or two of chatting she asked, “Do you mind if I do your face while we’re talking?”

I sat in her chair and she went to work – transforming my eyebrows and applying a quick dusting of powder, blush and lipgloss. I’d arrived with a full face of makeup on, but somehow she took my look to 100!

I’m always eager to try eco-friendly products and Kim’s line fits the bill. Lamik is made up of all natural ingredients and no fragrances. The packaging is also recyclable. I walked away that night with everything she put on my face. The real test came later – when I had the task of recreating her magic!

Here’s a look at my results from home. I’ll start with a clean face:

Yep, I'm just that confident! (Or crazy) Here's my no makeup face.

Kim suggested I beef up my under eye concealer. Pictured above: Lamik Beauty Brightening Cream #K-33 $16

I've been using powder foundation for years, but Kim thought I should pump up my coverage for my day job as a television reporter. Not a fan of the twist off top - more on that later. Pictured above: Lamik Full Coverage Foundation Oil & Paraben Free M25 $24.50

Lamik Mineral Powder Rich Vanilla $26

Lamik Healthy Lipgloss $13.50

The results:

The final result! A light coverage look

A full coverage look for TV

VERDICT:

Lamik Brightening Cream: This concealer glides on smooth and works well under my eyes. A little goes a long way.  I really like the container, as I said above all of the packaging is recyclable. $16

Full Coverage Foundation: I was initially skeptical of this. Cream foundation usually glides ON and OFF my oily skin. My best friend in high school used to joke that she knew where I’d been by the makeup stains left behind.

PROS – Surprisingly this foundation stays put! A little goes a long way – which works well for when I’m on TV. CONS – I love that this packaging is recyclable, but I do not care for the twist open container. After a while the lid gets that “gook” around the edges. I’m also not sure if this color is perfect skin match. The neck never lies!

Mineral Powder: I am in LOVE with this stuff. The mineral powder adds the perfect finish. It glides on well and I think it matches my skin perfectly. The mineral powder is also infused with green tea.

Lamik Healthy Lipgloss: When I first looked at the tube I thought, “No way is this going to work on me.” I was wrong! The color “Sweetie” gives me that perfect hint of color. It glides on smooth, lasts a long time and adds the just the right amount of moisture to my lips. The description says it’s “Infused with antioxidants, which stops the free radicals that cause cancer, long lasting color and avocado oil for moisture makes for a lipgloss with your health in mind.” Score!

Overall I’d give Lamik Beauty an A! I wear a lot of makeup in my line of work and this by far is one of the best lines I’ve ever tried. Not to mention founder Kim Roxie is such an authentic, passionate person. Her line will be carried in Macy’s starting next spring. Check out Lamik for yourself here!

NewNaturalista Rewind

The ritual, the smell, the taste – I am completely and absolutely addicted to coffee. The moment my feet hit the floor, I’m off to the coffee machine grinding up those beans, the aroma waking up my senses…preparing me for the day.

The problem is I’m not only addicted to coffee, I’m addicted to the comforting feelings I experience when holding a cup of joe. It’s like zen in a cup. Seattle aids effortlessly in this addiction, providing a place to get my fix at every corner!

I find myself trying to recreate those warm feelings of the morning – so by 6 o’clock I’ve downed my morning cup plus two triple tall Americano’s – the equivalent of 6-8 cups of coffee!

Holding my bag o' crack...2010

My friend Tierney Salter, the owner of The Herbalist here in Seattle says it’s ok to have that morning cup, but throughout the day I should find a replacement. “It can leach calcium and other vitamins from your bones,” says Tierney. She suggested I indulge in the morning, finding a quality organic brew – so during my recent trip to Toronto, I purchased some organic french roast beans from The House of Spice. Good stuff!

Tierney also suggests throughout the day I replace coffee with tea – specifically quality green tea.  Surprisingly it’s been an effortless transition, I can still visit my favorite coffee shops I just order up tea. This shift fulfills my need to hold something warm and soothing in my hands – it also feels “clean” – refreshing even.

The verdict? Coffee is not bad, but just like everything – it’s great in moderation.

Coffee Benefits

• Drinking coffee may lower the risk of stroke by 19 percent among women. That’s according to a 2009 Harvard Medical School study that tracked the coffee habits.
• Neuroscientists at the University of Lisbon found that drinking coffee can help to prevent the neural degeneration associated with brain disorders and aging.
• According to the Iowa Women’s Health Study, coffee is good for the cardiovascular system, those who drink it on a regular basis reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by 24 percent.

Coffee Concerns

• A typical cup of coffee contains about 10 milligrams carcinogens, such as benzene and formaldehyde, according Joe Schwarcz, author of “The Fly in the Ointment: 70 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life.” Other experts argue that the amounts are too small to pose a serious cancer ris.
• Coffee contains caffeine (a big lure for most) and drinking too much of it can cause headaches and jitters.
• The safe daily dosage of caffeine is 300 milligrams for adults and 35 to 40 milligrams a day for children, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

Benefits of Green Tea

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz:

• Green tea provides a gentle energy boost while supporting focus and concentration. Though it only has one-third the caffeine of coffee, green tea has other natural chemicals that provide a more even energy boost, without the more dramatic ups and downs often associated with caffeine.
• White tea is from the same plant as green tea, but it’s produced in a different way. While green tea is made of leaves dried to the point where the tea will be dark in color, white tea is made from an immature plant bud that isn’t dried at all. Instead of steeping the leaves, white tea is steamed. Dr. Oz says the potential for medicinal benefits of white tea—beyond a very small amount of caffeine as compared with other kinds of tea and coffee—comes from this lack of drying.
• Because of this minimal processing, green tea has some of the highest content of polyphenols,which are beneficial chemicals with extremely potent antioxident properties.
• Dr. Oz says that in order to get the many benefits of green tea, you should drink about four cups a day.  But don’t drink it with milk, the casein in milk has been shown to inhibit the beneficial effects of tea.

Sources: U.S Department of Health & Human Services, University of Lisbon, “The Fly in The Ointment:70 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life”, Iowa Women’s Health Study