Team Lean Suite!!!

Team Lean Suite is the forum I've created in conjunction with my blog for ladies to communicate and motivate each other with healthy living and weight loss. The forum as of right now is "invite only" so if you're interested in becoming a member...let me know and I'll tell you how!

This group came about from the countless questions and comments I've received from my friends about my weight loss. It's easier for me to answer questions and initiate challenges in one place where members feel comfortable sharing. I planned to start the forum in January 2011 but figured there's no better time than now to help others get healthy! I'm all in!

99.....!!!!!

Stepped on the scale this morning and the number read…176.6…post workout 175.4! I always average these two numbers so I posted my weight this morning at 176!! This makes me 99 pounds lighter than I was 14 months ago! SOOOOOOOO close to hitting my 100 pounds down mark!!! It could be tomorrow, it could be Sunday but I can guarantee it’ll happen by Monday!

Indoor Rock Climbing...November!!

In my quest to try a new physical activity each month (that I haven’t already tried), October was Spinning…November will be….indoor rock climbing!!! I’m excited to try it out! For one, I am afraid of heights, so maybe just maybe this will alleviate some of that fear?? This falls right in line with “things I thought I’d never do!” I’m happily stepping outside of my comfort zone!

 

One of the greatest things about shedding the weight is losing my inhibitions as it pertains to exercise. I don’t care what I look like while working out, nor do I care what other people think I look like while I’m working out. My only concern is making sure I am putting forth my best effort. At the end of the day this is the only body I have and while I have the ability I will continue to challenge it!    

 

 

Holiday's Challenge!

Next Monday will kick of the challenges we will complete throughout the holiday’s, carrying us into the New Year!! Each week, the challenges will get progressively more difficult. The point is to break unhealthy habits. I will post a “how did you do?” message on Monday’s. Be sure to leave a comment under that post.

Challenge week #1 (11/1 – 11/7):

1. Weigh yourself (email me the # and I’ll keep track) you don’t have to share unless you want to.
2. NO fast food permitted…except Subway!
3. 64 oz water per day (minimum)
4. 30 min of exercise 3 days per week (minimum)

The weekly check in 10/25/10

I weighed in this morning and I am down 0.6 from 177.6 last week, putting me at 177 even! Yay me!! I am now down 98 pounds overall since starting my journey! I am SO looking forward to hitting the 100 pounds down mark…I’ll have to work HARD this week! Last week was another great week as well, I completed all of my workouts and made it to spinning on Thursday night. I’m totally falling in love with spinning! It’s giving me that extra jolt I need.

 

As far as food is concerned, I did well but I could have done better. I am still working on kicking my Twix a day habit LOL! I am a constant work in progress…don’t judge me! I must get back to planning my menus! I’ve been such a slough bucket when it comes to this. I know what I can and can’t do to keep the scale from going up and I’ve got a pretty good handle on portion control, I just need to preplan. I still write down everything that I eat and drink. I’m looking forward to this week and hopefully knocking down that 100 pounds lost mark…let’s get it!   

 

The honey weighs in!

My honey told me today that he doesn't want me to lose all of my curves. I sent him this picture today and that was his response...he thinks I'm getting too small!! Now mind you, I send him pictures of me all of the time as we are weathering a long distance relationship. I live in Seattle and he lives in New Orleans. We haven't seen one another since late April. I've lost approximately 33 pounds since then.

He's watched me transform myself and this entire time he's just rolled with it. He's respected my choices as far as what I choose for my body. This is the first time since we've been together that he's given me his opinion without me asking.

So I have new things to consider. I want to lose more belly so that means more fat loss. I'm loving the muscle forming in my arms and legs. I'd never had large boobs before weight gain so losing those hasn't been an issue for me. I've always had ass and my honey is an ass man so I feel where he's coming from. He said, "I don't want to be with a narrow ass woman so please don't lose all your curves." I respect his opinion and I don't plan on turning my ass into muscle BUT I want to reach my goal!

As I lose weight I'm noticing that my body is more athletic than stripperesque! My honey being born and raised in the south gives him an appreciation for meat on the bones lol! I'm thinking this is why my weight when we met was never an issue for him. I love that about him. No matter what I know he'll support and love whatever size I end up at. That's what loving someone unconditionally is all about...I'm blessed to know love like this.

First blog awards!

Thank you Shannie- http://flabtofab2010.blogspot.com for these awards!! For the first award, I must tell you ten things I love...they are as follows:

1. God

2. Julianni & Yasmine...this goes without saying, my daughter's are my life!

3. My body..the more I lose, the more I LOVE it!

4. My BFF Tyrone. My honey has become my best friend since we've been together and I can't say enough how blessed I am to have him in my life.

5. Fitness

6. Traveling

7. Spending time with my family.

8. Reading

9. Arts & Crafts

10. Sleeping...LOL!!

For the second award, I must tell you seven things you don't know about me...they are as follows:

1. I am a magazine addict!

2. I normally chew a pack of gum per day...I hate when it gets stale!

3. I was a 4.0 student in middle school.

4. Pearl Cleage is my favorite author.

5. I prefer veggies over meat.

6. My favorite body part (on a man) is his back...nothing sexier to me than a well built back!

7. I have a laundry list of foods I don't like including; bananas, raisins, jelly, oatmeal...just to name a few!

I am honored to pass along these awards to the following blogs:

http://curvynaturalandfit.blogspot.com

http://www.eftwonline.com/

http://scrapnfit.blogspot.com

Veggie Frittata by Miesha Roshawn

Veggie Frittata
Ingredients:
4 – large egg whites
¼ cu – part skim mozzarella
½ cu – spinach (fresh or frozen)
¼ cu – tomatoes chopped
¼ cu – mushrooms chopped
¼ cu – onion chopped
¼ cu – green bell pepper chopped
3 – garlic cloves minced
1 tsp – garlic powder
Cooking spray
½ tsp - yellow curry powder (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions: Pre heat oven to 375 degrees. Separate egg whites in a bowl and whip, set aside. Spray a coat of cooking spray in a medium non stick skillet (with an oven safe handle) over medium low to medium heat. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, spinach, garlic powder and garlic to skillet. Sauté veggies until onion are translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add desired salt and pepper at this time. Set temperature to medium low and add egg whites. Be sure to even out the egg and the veggies in the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. If desired sprinkle yellow curry powder on top at this time. Put entire skillet in the oven on second to lowest rack uncovered for ten minutes. Egg should be set, if not give it a couple more minutes. Remove from oven. Let stand for 3-5 minutes. Gently lift and remove frittata from skillet onto plate…enjoy!

****This is a favorite breakfast meal of mine but it's also great at lunch and dinner****

Recipe by Miesha Roshawn

Compliments keep me going!

This afternoon on my way to the break room for lunch, one of the OB/GYN physicians I work for (Emily Norland) stops me in my tracks with a compliment. She asks me "exactly where are you planning to take this last 15 pounds from?" I reply "actually now it's 13..but it's still there!" She says, "seriously I am so proud of you and you've done an amazing job!" I won't bore you with the rest of my compliments from Dr. Norland but my coworkers have been instrumental in my success. Dr. Norland is super fit and a compliment coming from her is an honor! It's important to let those around you know what you are working towards. I shared my goals and I wasn't shy about my mission. My mission is to continue on my journey to goal, adapt to the changes in my new body and lifestyle! My mission is to help others along the way as well!

Today's workout 10/21/10

I woke up this morning at 4 am to get the first part of my workout completed. I do not drink coffee, nor do I really need an alarm to wake me up! My body has become accustomed to this routine and even on the weekends there is no such thing as sleeping in for me! If I’m in the bed at 7 am on Saturday or Sunday that’s what I call sleeping in…SMDH! Today’s workout looks something like this….

 

Turbo Fire – HIIT 15

30 Day Shred – Level #1

Spinning – 60 minute class

Zumba Abs

 

Yes..this is a crazy schedule and no..I don’t do this everyday! Wednesday’s are typically the one day a week that I take off so Tuesday and Thursday I go HARD! My methods work for ME so I will not be changing how I roll…holla!     

 

 

 

P90X Challenge ***UPDATE***

With much thought and deliberation I have decided to hold off on the P90X challenge. I’d like to fully commit to it and during the 90 days I planned on completing it, I will have too many things on my plate. Outside of the holiday’s, I will be moving in with my sister in preparation for my relocation to Houston. My target relocation date is March 5, 2011. This is 134 days away but hey…who’s counting lol?! Instead of P90X I’m going to continue with my 2^nd round of Turbo Fire which I’ve already started. I’m also working more classes into my schedule at the Y. Strength training will remain at 3-4 days per week.

 

I am thinking of weekly challenges to keep everyone motivated and working hard throughout the holidays. I see no point in waiting for the New Year to start living a healthier lifestyle. Everyone always has plans of grandeur for the New Year (resolutions) to lose weight and get healthy yet fall flat after two weeks or so! Look at this as a head start to your health! The challenges will be fairly simple at first and then over the weeks become more of a “challenge” LOL!

 

I’m with you all of the way and hopefully you’ll start to feel better about yourself both inside and out!       

 

 

I need YOUR help :-)

I’ve been throwing around several ideas of what I’d like to create as a visual reminder to represent the number of pounds I’ve lost. One thing that continues to stay at the top of my list is ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards). Each ATC would represent a single pound lost. At this point I’m going to need 97! Once I reach my goal I will need 110! This idea came from a fellow weight loss success diva, (Tiare Smith- www.scrapnfit.com). Unfortunately, I do not have the time to create all of these cards and I’d like them all to be unique…that’s where you all come in! I can use all of the help I can get and I’d appreciate it if you made an ATC for me! Google Artist Trading Cards and you’ll find a lot of sites that have information and ideas.

The basic rule is that they are to be uniform in size (2 ½ x 3 ½) and you must write your name and date on the back. Here’s a link to get you started. http://www.altered-art.net/make-artist-trading-cards-2.html. You do not have to be “an artist” to create an ATC! They key to making one is not to over think your design. It’s small so you don’t have to cover a lot of area. Leave me a message if you’d like to make and send me a card and I’ll let you know how to get it to me!

Monday's menu & exercise (10/18/10)

Today I’m eating…

Breakfast- Protein shake (8 oz)

Snack- Rice cakes (2) with peanut butter )1 Tbsp)

Lunch- Salsa chicken & veggies (1 cu) with whole wheat spaghetti (1/2 cu)

Baby carrots (15) & cucumber (1/2) with rice vinegar (1 Tbsp)

Snack- Apple (1) & string cheese (1)

Dinner- Stuffed bell peppers (1)

Snack- Popcorn (lg bag)

H20- 92 oz

Today my exercise will be…

Turbo Fire- Fire 45 (AM), 30 Day Shred level #1 & Zumba Abs (PM)

This is a fairly accurate sample of what my daily menu and exercise looks like. I will post my exercise and menu every Monday!

Week #50 in review!!!

My weeks start over on Monday, as this is the day that I weigh in. This past week was great! I lost 1.6 pounds, bringing my weight to 177.6. I'm on my second round of Turbo Fire. I thought I might give it a break but I love it too much to give it up! I am adding more strength training this time around. As far as food goes I stayed on track for the most part. I have to be honest when I say I have this serious love affair going on with peanut butter Twix! I've had a Twix every single day this last week! I know so very shameful but I'm owning it along with my LOSS!

I'm working hard to end my affair, only visiting my lover a couple times a week until I can wean myself! I for damn sure don't need or want those fat grams resting on my thighs!

On an even better note, this is my 50th week of consistent diet and exercise!! Woot woot!!! This is my lifestyle now, I am a believer!

Spinning!!

I stepped outside of my comfort zone this morning (workout DVDs) and braved my first spinning class. Arriving at the YMCA at 8 am, I wasn't quite sure what to expect? What I got was a heart pumping, fast paced, ass kicking bike ride! Now mind you I had already completed level one of the 30 day shred before I left the house! My legs felt like jello when all was done but I think I did a pretty darn good job of keeping up...even the instructor said so :-)!

I felt amazing once the 60 minutes was up, we actually rode for 50 minutes with a 10 minute cool down. I walked out of there with another "FAV" workout to add to my list! The instructor warned me that I'd probably feel a bit sore tomorrow and I brushed it off, I workout 6 days a week...how much soreness would I actually feel? Well as I'm typing this (not even 24 hours later) my ass is ridiculously sore and I can barely sit down but I'm still trying to figure out where I can squeeze in another spinning class before next Saturday! That's what love and dedication is all about!

For me a lot of my journey is about finding new ways to physically challenge my body. I want to do things that I never thought I'd be able to or want to do. Spinning WAS one of those things. My mission continues!

Summer in Seattle 2010

It's been four long years since the girls and I have taken professional photographs together. In August I enlisted the help of my friend Wayne Jung (Nappsack photography) to capture summer in Seattle! Here are a few of the shots from the shoot. He did an excellent job of capturing all of our personalities. My girls LOVE the camera...can you tell??? LOL! My heart is so full right now, I'm blessed!

Photos before weight loss

I decided to go through my files to see if I could find more photos of myself from the last few years. I don't have many because I stayed away from the camera! I've changed SO much!!! Maybe one day I'll scan photos of myself before I gained 110 pounds. These photos keep me working towards my goals!

The lights of my life!

Yasmine (Mimi) and Julianni (Nani) are the lights of my life. Without them, there is no me and I am proud to have been chosen to be their mommy! On the days that I really don't feel like working out, they tell me how great I'm doing and it gives me my boost! My girls are the best!

What's my motivation?

It warms my heart when someone tells me that I have inspired them to make changes and get healthy. People often ask me “where does my motivation come from?” When I look at myself in the mirror, I finally recognize the woman staring back at me. 90+ pounds ago I did not recognize myself. I had completely let myself go both mentally and physically. I went through a period of depression. I had so many things going on and I wasn’t happy with myself. I had to work on myself emotionally before I could begin a physical transformation. My motivation comes from self love above all other things. I know who I am, I know what I am capable of doing. My motivation comes from my girls, my motivation comes from my honey and from my family. They are proud of me and in turn I want to keep showing them what I am made of.

You might have several failed attempts at weight loss or you might be lucky and have one successful try. Either way, you’ll have to dig deep to find the motivation to continue and to keep going once you meet your goal. The scale often goes back up or doesn’t budge at all but that should not be a reason to give up on your goals. Anything in life worth having is worth fighting for! Fight for your health and your overall well being!

The 180's are a part of my past!

I’m officially waiving goodbye to the 180’s! It took me 1 ½ months but I made it! I’m not losing nearly as fast as when I started (because I’m not as heavy) but I’m having a consistent, steady decline in my weight which is wonderful! My countdown will begin when I am 10 pounds away from goal…that’s another 3.8 pounds! Whew…I’m tired but I feel SO damn good!

Turbo Fire 12 week results!

I did it! I completed my first round of Turbo Fire! The program is 12 weeks long. I should have finished two weeks ago but had to redo weeks 7 & 8 due to illness and injury respectively. I loved every single second of it! Hands down this is my absolute favorite workout! I can't get enough of the fast up and down pace! Once I learned all of the choreography the workouts got better and better for me.

I created a photo collage of my progress. Row one is day 1, row 2 is day 60 and row 3 is day 90.

Stats:

Weight- 197.0 to 179.8 = 17.2 (loss)

Bust- 38" t0 36" = -2"

Chest- 34" to 32.5" = -1.5"

Waist- 32" to 30.5" = -1.5"

Arms- (R) 13.25" to 12.5" = -0.75" (L) 13.25" to 12" = -1.25"

Hips- 45" to 41.5" = -3.5"

Thighs- (R) 25.5" to 23.75" = -1.75" (L) 26" to 23.75" = -2.25"

Calves- (R) 16" to 15" = -1" (L) 16.5" to 15" = -1.5"

Total overall inches lost = 17!!!

Ironically my total inches and weight lost is almost exactly the same! I had a goal when I started the program to lose 25 pounds, I missed my target by 7.8 pounds which isn't too bad. I will definitely complete another round as a hybrid with P90X. I like the strength training in P90X and the cardio in Turbo Fire. As a combined routine, this should give me the results that I am looking for.

I am recommending Turbo Fire to anyone that is looking to take their workouts to the next level at home! You WILL NOT be disappointed!

P90X challenge rules!

On Monday November 1^st I’ll be starting the P90X workout! I have done the first Power 90 (had great results but didn’t stick with it the entire time) and I have heard nothing but good things about P90X from those that have done it or are currently doing it. I figured why do it alone when I can have friends & family sweat it out with me? I’m in my last week of my first round of Turbo Fire’s 12 week program. Turbo Fire is great and I LOVE the workouts but I’m looking for more definition with strength training to get rid of these last few pounds I want to drop.

Here are the rules for the challenge:

1. Record your weight and measurements (very important) on days 1, 30, 60 and 90. I weigh myself every Monday and you can weigh in once a week as well. Just be sure to record your weight on your milestone days to track progress.
2. Take full body pictures of yourself (or have someone take them for you) front, back, left & right side shots on days 1, 30, 60 and 90. Preferably wear something form fitting/belly bearing so that you can actually SEE your progress.
3. Check in on Monday’s to let everyone know how you’re doing.
4. Keep a food journal daily. This can be hard for most if you’ve never done it but it is the key to success. I personally carry a medium size spiral bound notebook everywhere I go and write down my food and beverages. I also log my workouts in the same place.
5. Get your workouts in 5-6 days a week. It doesn’t matter what time of the day you do it, just get it done! The program suggests 6 days a week with one rest day but if you haven’t been on a consistent workout schedule going 6 days initially can be tough! Try not to schedule your rest day back-to back if you are working out 5 days a week. You have to be super dedicated to jump right back in after taking off a couple of days in a row. As you get stronger, work your way up to 6 days a week.
6. The weekends and holiday’s are not an excuse to slack on your workouts! If you’re supposed to get a workout in on a holiday, make sure you get it in early!
7. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day.
8. Soreness IS NOT a reason to quit lol! You will be sore but you’re supposed to be sore for change to happen. If you are in PAIN go see your doctor J!
9. Set a realistic, attainable goal for yourself. Where would you like to be in 30 days…90 days etc.??
10. Be honest with yourself about your commitment. Only you will know for sure if you are giving it your all, don’t cheat yourself!

I am currently in the process of setting up a forum for everyone to join to talk about our progress, pitfalls (there will be some) and successes! Remember we are all in this together, there is strength in numbers! Good luck! - Miesha

My feelings on 12-6-09

I took an “L”!!!

Posted December 6, 2009

I was really tripping about gaining weight for my Friday weigh in and as many of you had said when I weighed in this morning I was five pounds less than on Friday. I have almost broken the 250 mark (heading into the 240’s) and I have been in the 240’s since I can remember? When I started putting on weight a lot of it came after my split from my girls’ father.

Although I was happy to be free from that relationship my life was all over the place. I had so many things going on and let myself lose sight of what truly makes me happy. I had neglected my favorite things and neglected my body. I have never been a fast food junkie but I fell into a terrible pattern. Initially I know I was depressed and moving away from an abusive relationship took a toll on me mentally and physically. I now understand the healing had to come from the inside out and it took three long years to heal. I am proud of me and how far I’ve come thus far.

My body

My body is getting stronger, slimmer, sexier and healthier everyday!

Break!!

I decided to take a break from my workouts this past weekend and pampered myself with much needed, desired and deserved REST! I beat myself up a little bit because of it but now I listen to my body when it’s time to take a breather. Today when I got out of bed I felt refreshed…mission accomplished! There are so many ups and downs when it comes to weight loss. Each and every week is different for me. It took months to learn my body queues. I felt myself mentally starting to shut down so I recognized that as “take a break!” The key for me is jumping right back on top of things once I feel better. It is hard for me to sit still for long amounts for time anyway! Taking breaks are very necessary but quitting is not an option!