Slow and steady wins the race! So they say

Hey Hey Phat bodies,

Feeewwww Chile, let me tell you, have I been having some trials and tribulations trying to get this fat off me. I mean I doing a great job at maintaining but it gets super hard sometimes. It’s been a long while hard road but the journey is a learning experience. I learn from reading, observations, as well as trial and error. I mean, believe you me thee is a lot of trial and error but that’s all apart of the process. I’m learning to fail and fail again to win in the end and sometimes that is a difficult pill to swallow. However, I am staying the course and making myself accountable with my micro blogging on instagram and my videos on YouTube. 

Other than the struggles, I been noticing that my mental health has been strained a bit from current events, the quarantine issue and common stressors.

Covid-19 and Fitness (Home-Based) Pt. 3

What up my pretty bodies,

 I hope you all are doing well and feeling great even in these trying times.
So to continue and finish out this elaboration of ideas one could engage in during this CRAZY COVID-19 quarantine, let's get straight to it.

In addition to part 1 and part 2 quarantine activities I've listed before, here are a few more.

We touch on the body, the mind, now let's talk about self-care. Yeah, you now the caring of oneself. Yes, it's a REAL thing and it is very necessary for your sanity and general wellbeing. Self-care may be a gimmicky term, but it is also the difference between thriving and collapse.

Of course, when most people (mostly females) think of self-care they think of face masks and massages or maybe a bubble bath. I mean, those are all good and dandy but there is more to self-care than just those things.  For example, meditation could be a big one that many of us forget about. 

Mediate

I know the kids may be home for a while since the COVID-19 fiasco, however, if you have a spouse maybe you two can take turns occupying the kiddos so the other can catch some "ME" time. If you are single and do not have an "other", you can show the kiddos how to meditate with you. The key is for you to find a little piece of quiet to breathe, relax, unwind and release some stress or anxiety.

If your children are too young to understand meditation. You can utilize the iPad and set them down to a good kid-friendly show in their room, while you monitor with a baby cam in the other room.

Now Sit, breathe, and relax. Maybe have a cup of calming tea. Read your favorite magazine, blog, or book. Do some journaling. Maybe open the window and let the breeze take you. Give yourself a pedicure or a manicure. Do something crafty: coloring, knitting, sewing. Do some yoga stretches, listen to some calming rhythmic music or put on some of your favorite jam and dance your heart out. Maybe grab a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage and simply just call a friend.

Just because we are physically apart from friends or family right now, does not mean we can't call them or text them and check-in. Maybe they need to chat or you might want to just catch up. It's your time, you figure out what relaxes you.

You can also do all this with your face masks on or in a warm bubble bath because you deserve it. Just take some time for you!

If all else fails heres some apps that you can use to help you wind down.

1. Stop, Breathe & Think
2. Headspace
3. Calm
4. Colorfy

Just to name a few. These apps can be found on your Google Play or Apple Store.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

Yes, I know we are stuck indoors for just a bit but take this time to focus on yourself and what you NEED.

Well, I hope you enjoyed these ideas I curated for you all. I'm about to engage in at least 4 of these ideas from pt.1 to pt. 3. Simply because I like to practice what I preach.

Enjoy your day and remember to take some time for yourself as often as needed!

I'll catch you pretty bodies in the next post.

xoxo

AngelS😇

Covid-19 and Fitness (Home-Based) Pt. 2

Hey there sexy bodies,

So I want to continue the list I have compiled for those of us who are quarantined during this COVID-19 pandemic.
So lets me continue on some idea you can get into and no worries this part not about the fitness of the body but the wellness of the mind.

Learn a Languge

Many of you out there have dreamt of traveling and possibly learning another language but once again... "You just can not find the time or money". Well, guess what? I have compiled a list of apps that I use to help me learn a different language. I was using these apps and methods before the COVID-19 pandemic was a thing.

Apps:

1. Duolingo
2. Mango (Military Only)
3. RosetteStone
4. Babble

All of these apps have helped me in any way when it comes to learning another language. I mean you can also pick up books to learn but I feel that the apps are a little more effective in their approach.

These apps help with tone, pronunciation, and general conversation. You may pay for extra features but for the most part the beginner section is vast and free. You can also set you, kids, down and learn together as a family. This will keep you all learning. While you can still dream and plan for your next trip after the pandemic. You can learn the language of the land you plan to visit someday.

Read

Learning does not have to just be in school for you or your kids. Many of us have books at home we have not gotten around to reading. Maybe work and your kids have you too tied up! You are just spread thin these days. Well, during this quarantine you can pick up that book or order that self-help book or thriller off of Amazon and settle in. 

Make sure you have the children sat down with an educational video whilst you take to a quiet place in your home and read that book you haven't had the chance to read. You can also read to your children as the narrator as long as you feel the tone is child-appropriate. Why not get everyone involved in a book. Reading also helps teach self-disciple. So why not... NO MORE EXCUSES

Here are some books I've been into

1. Born a Crime
2. Becoming (Michelle Obama)
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
4. The 4-Hour Workweek

All of these books are good reads but if they are not your pot of tea... Check out what you have at home or search eBay or Amazon. I try to stick to cheap or used books. I mean just because you are stuck at home does not mean you have to break the bank.

Pets

I know many of us have fur babies. I am talking about pets. Yes, some states have a curfew or are on lockdown. But you can go on a short walk close to home just to get out a bit. If not only to get out of the house for a bit but also to let your pet get some exercise and relieve themselves. If you happen to come upon another person doing the same while you are out and about...KEEP YOUR DISTANCE... about 6 feet away distance. Do not worry about feeling like you are being rude, because chances are they are not living under a rock and they know what going on and will do the same. We all understand.

Then promptly get home and have a staycation at home and play with those pets. Cuddle them and feed them treats. Maybe try to teach your hound a new trick or do whatever cats like to do!! LOL IDK I'm not a cat person.

That's it for this segment. I will continue with part 3 on the next one on activities that I feel are quarantine approved. 

 Until then check out my youtube channel, my Instagram and check in here again for your fitness and wellness inspiration.

So stay safe, be smart, and stay home my body posse!

xxxAngelS😇

Covid-19 and Fitness (Home-Based) Pt. 1

Hey there bodies,

So we all know about this new disease called the CORONA VIRUS or COVID- 19 for short. We have been told it is a life-threatening disease that works to kill fast. Most people either went stark crazy when the news about COVID -19 came to America. Those same people went and depleted stores of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and medical supplies. Smh Some people did not and still do not take this illness seriously and refuse to stay in and there are those of us who have taken full advantage not working and staying at home to protect ourselves and others. With all this commotion going down. One must wonder “What is the right solution” and “What can I do while stuck indoors”. 

Well, my platform has always been about home-based fitness with gym incorporated if possible. But to go beyond the NOW home fitness craze, I compiled a list of activities that are sure to keep you active as well as sane (if you are stuck in the house. The list will be broken down into parts for a more in-depth explanation.

Some of them are pretty obvious and some may be something you had not thought about but may enjoy. 

So let’s get to it!

Fitness/Home workouts

You this one is pretty obvious right? Well for those who use the excuse “I just do not have the time”, or “I just can not get to the gym” or “I do not have childcare” and a bundle of other excuses. Well, fret no more because you can now get that much-needed workout at home. So the coronavirus got you inside and off of work... Here's your chance! 

Just a 10 to 20-minute workout is all you need and if you are not sure what to do, there are free apps, YouTube and Instagram personalities that can help you get started. Since the virus hit, many large and well now fitness advocates, personal trainers and celebrity personalities have been cashing in on the home fitness craze so there is no shortage of free and available workout and fitness routines that you do not have to leave home to do.

APPs

Apps like FITON have a large selection of workouts you can do at home and it is for free. There is a option to pay for more features but it is not at all needed. You can invite your friends socially and/r include your kids and spouse if you like. There is something for everyone here. FITON app can be found in your Google play store or Apple store on any of your social electronics. I use my FITON app daily and I post my accomplishments on my Instagram (bodybyangels86). 

Other apps that can be used are:

Achievement app- which is an app to gauge and track your steps.

My Fitness pal- which used to track your overall fitness progress, food, and water intake as well as log home workouts. Samsung health and Apple fit lets you do the same. 

You can find just about any app just by searching in your Google Play or Apple store, just make sure they are free. My favs are FITON, SAMSUNG Health, and ACHIEVEMENT.

Social media sites and personalities channels that you can follow that I like on Instagram are:

Instagram:

Bodybyangels86- I mean of course I would add my channel first (shameless plug). My Instagram is chalked full of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas for the average person on a budget. The meals are balanced, healthy and cost-effective. I also post workout videos and motivational fitness videos. My hope is to take people on my fitness, weight loss and fat loss journey with me. Hopefully through seeing me going through this process will inspire others to join in.

Women's Best- Is a premium sports nutrition & sportswear company for women. There are other companies centered on men but this one is female gender specified. I used to just use this company to purchase my vegan/plant-based nutrition like pre-workout and protein powder and multivitamins. Women's Best also sells fitness clothing for active women. ALL-INCLUSIVE.
Currently, because of the COVID-19 virus going around Women's Best now offers home workouts as well as previously offered gym workout as well.

MrandMrsMuscle- Is one of the first home-based workout video creators that I have ever seen on Instagram. It is a fitness husband and wife who create videos that focus on different areas of the body. They mostly use bodyweight but they do sometimes incorporate free weights.
I love watching this couple and I highly recommend adding their channel if you have an Instagram page.

t1dhusky_fit- Is a young fellow that I found on Instagram as I was starting on my own

fitness journey. I believed he liked one of my workout videos so I checked his page out and got inspired. 

t1dhusky_fit is definitely a motivator with all of his daily workout videos as well as a fantastic inspiration. I recommend following this young man on his fitness journey.

Gymalarm- Is another fitness page that features home workout. Low to medium impact but maximum effect. I love watching Gymalarm home workout videos because they are so innovative on how they choose to work every muscle of the body. Mainly only using body weight. Their video mainly features females but I am sure males can utilize these workouts for themselves.

Bootyking- This page focuses specifically on the derrière region. Many ladies on social media promote and display big juicy booties and other ladies want the same thing. From celebrities to the average lady, booty king seems to know how to help ladies achieve their big butt goals. Some of Bootyking’s videos are done at the gym, however, currently, they have been doing more at home booty fitness videos.

 And finally…

Alittletaeste- This girl is All of that and a bag of chips…plantain chips that is. 

alittletaeste is a fitness and lifestyle blogger and fitness trainer. I love her side by side home and gym workout videos. She basically shows what home workout mimics gym workout if you are unable to get to the gym. She works on every area of the body and she looks great doing it. It is a marvel to watch her videos and she is sure to inspire anyone.

Those were just a few of my Insta favs lets finish up with a few YouTube channels. Let’s keep this short and sweet with a list format.

YOUTUBE

1.     FitnessBlender

2.     Blogilates

3.     Madfit

4.     Popsugar fitness

All of these channels are YouTube channels I use for home fitness. Just simply go to YouTube and search these channels for your at-home fitness needs.

 Since there are so many activities that I can list for you to try or consider, I have decided to break them up in parts. This will be part 1. 

I am all about fitness so that was the first thing I wanted to get to. But there are other activities that you can engage in during this quarantine due to the navel CORONAVIRUS aka COVID-19. 

You do not have to stay home and be bored. You can do thing that you thought you never had time to do before. Check-in for my other parts coming up.

Until then...

Happy QUARANTINE and STAY SAFE

xxxAngels😇

New Year New apps and new products

Hello gorgeous bodies, 

Yes I know it been a while since I posted. I have to get used to this multitasking social media idea. Honestly, Idk how some people do it. I work part time, constantly upload onto my Instagram, try yo work hard at learning how to edit for my YouTube channel all while trying to keep up on my fatloss journey. 

Boy! It can be overwhelming and a bit exhausting. But, either way I wanted to say Happy New year and with this NEW year I have finally purchased some items that I have been procrastinating to get. I've also downloaded some very useful apps to assist me on my journey! 

LET'S GET INTO IT shall we! 😊

One of the items that I recently purchased from Amazon is a multi-purpose Fitness scale that I seen ads for on my Instagram. This scale is called FitTrack. I'm not sure if any of you guys have heard of it, but it is a scale that measures every health component of your body. I mean like your BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass, hydration level, bone mass, BMR, visceral fat, protein percentage, body age, weight control, standard weight, body fat, weight without fat, muscle weight, protein amount, and obesity degree.

You must download the app in conjunction to set up in order to see all of these components. Of course the app can be found on your Google Play or Apple Store. It helps you to monitor your full and complete health, which I really love and is the reason why I got it. The scale is very lightweight takes for AAA batteries not included and should be placed on a level surface of course the app can be found on your Google Play or Apple Store. This FitTrack scale helps you to monitor your full and complete health, which I really love and is the reason why I got it. 

So far I am loving it. However, to avoid too much or excessive focus on weight I only weight myself every other week. To check progress. 

I am weighing myself to track my progress and so far I am liking the knowledge of self this FitTrack Dara scale. A pricey buy to some but definitely worth the purchase. 

Next up: The Ayyie personal cordless blender. This little blender is a powerhouse. I purchased this blender for making small portion size smoothies and shakes on the go. 

I can take this baby to the gym, beach, work, just about anywhere and the sound admitted from it is very modest. Equipped with a tiny ice tray. Capacity 4000 and 20000 rpm's. This personal blender stays fully charged for up to a week. Any usb cord can be used. 

I use with my protein powder and tiny diced fruit and vegetables. The lanyard strap makes it easy to tote around when not in my gym bag. Double press to start with a pop lid. 

Next up: The 32oz Zounich water bottle. This bottle helps me to keep traxknof my water consumption for maximum hydration. I carry this bottle just about everywhere. Gym, car trips, office... The list goes on. 

The times are listed on the side of the Zounich bottle. The bottle has a frosted non slip surface to makes handling a breeze. This bottle comes with a filter for fruit and/or tea. So I can infuse water if needed. This filter also helps keep melting ice from slipping through. The carry strap is very convenient on a swivel ring. 

The Zounich bottle comes in various sizes and colors. I chose pink per my favorite color. 

next up: I have been having some knee joint issues. So on some advice from a coworker I searched for these pills called Tart cherry pills. Full of antioxidants and minerals to help lubricate my joints. They are tasteless and do not leave a sore burp like some other vitamins. 

With 10x potency they give me that extra pep for my daily cardio. I take 2 pills with my daily multivitamins. I feel great! It does take about a week or 2 to feel the effects. But when I feel it... Boy do I feel it! 

Next up: sometimes the snacking craving hits and we need to snack... Right ladies?!  So I grabbed a yumbox bento box. 

The yumbox bento may look like a product for a child. But this box is also made for adult snacking. I put all my favorite treats in this baby and I can store them in my pantry or take them to go. 

Of course the color I picked is pink. This box is a must have for those small craving bit make sure you only put in healthy snacks. 

All of these items were purchased from Amazon and are cost effective. I am big into deals so I strive to only bring you the most cost effective yet durable. Links will be included below. 

Until next time hot bodies! 

 Angels

Plateau! How to fix this issue

Hey Beautiful bodies,
I got behind again, but no worries I'm right back still on my journey as well. As a matter of fact, I got so into a healthy lifestyle that I skipped blogging about it. I know, I know this helps me to document my process and reach out to others that are also on this "struggle journey" of being coming a better, fitter self.

Anyhow, I came to talk to you all about Plateaus... Like LITERALLY a fitness PLATEAU! I mean like you workout hard and constantly but can not seem to move the scale or can not understand why you are not in a smaller size. Well, you wouldn't be the first girl or person that has experience this problem.

I have always found that I fit fitness plateaus more than I care to. For whatever reason, it's mostly misconceptions or lack of something. Like the misconception that if you left heavy you will become too bulky or "jacked" aka muscular. That is not the case and my BFF had to remind me of that again on the phone yesterday. It happens lol!!

Other misconceptions and myths in the fitness world are:

1. If you're a woman, lifting weights will make you bulky like a man. 
2. If you isolate a specific muscle, you will reduce fat in that specific area.
3. A 2-3 hour workout will burn more fat than shorter workouts. 
4. No pain, no gain. 
5. Eating carbohydrates will make you fat. 
6. Sweating will help you lose weight. 
7. Aerobic training is more important than strength training

It's pretty easy to think these things are all real and true ways to lose weight or become fit. But many of these will lead you straight to a fitness plateau. I did my research and so should you. Abs are made in the kitchen but strength and endurance are made through constant physical activity. So I am making sure I eat better every day, fewer "cheat days", more physical activities and heavier weights. I can do this and so can YOU!

Fitness and weightloss plateaus can happen to anyone at any fitness level. It just can happen. 

Other fitness plateaus that I mentioned is lack of...

What I mean is a lack of proper knowledge, lack of management, lack of heavier weights, lack of proper nutrition as so on.

I can not believe that some people especially females still believe that eats salads and drinking diet soda will make you magically skinny! Like what?

Um, NO hunty! lol

You are depriving yourself of other vital nutrients and vitamins not to mention sabotaging yourself for later by overeating or worse. Do not deprive your body of the nutrients that it needs. These nutrients are turned into fuel for energy. Why deprive oneself of the energy you need? 

Portion control of coasre, but do not cut out too much of what you like or what you need. Trust me it leads back to just gaining all that weight back because you are sure to fall off the wagon on a "diet like that. 

So eat what you like (in moderation), it's ok to count calories at least in the portion sense, do not deprive yourself of healthy nutrients but eating a bogus diet, and plateaus can happen to anyone but can be fixed with proper weightlifting and cardiovascular routines.

 See how I beat the dreaded fitness plateau with my weekly Youtube videos. Leave me a comment if you have any questions or concerns or are just needing some motivation. Fatloss is hard sometimes for many people, but we can make small changes that help us to avoid those fitness pitfalls and avoid falling into a weight loss /fitness plateau.

Keep up the good work and do not let a number on the scale be your goal, make fitness and being healthy a LIFESTYLE.

xoxoxo,
Angels😇

  

Delicious Dinner

Hey Sexy Bodies,

How has your day been so far? I woke up late because of the dredged cramps and endometriosis pain I suffer from as well as some regular sleeplessness.
Anyways,  I'm finishing up some editing on my video to get it up asap while I'm blogging and cooking dinner.

Yeah, it's about 6:28pm here in Washington State, so that's about dinner time. I found this recipe from a magazine I cut out some time back in Hawaii when I first got on my healthy lifestyle kick. I found it stuffed in my BIGGEST LOWER Quick and Fast cookbook. I have used this book before for some fun, healthy, unique recipes but this recipe was not from this book; it was from another magazine and girl, I'm glad I found it!

The recipe called Curried Shrimp and potato Kebabs. I will place the recipe within. But OMG, I would've never thought to curry my shrimp as I have never done this on my own. I've had curry beef, shrimp and chicken before when I live in Hawaii. But never made it myself, to be honest, I wasn't very fond of the curry flavor. Mainly because it seemed that every time I had a curry dish it was like overpoweringly CURRIED!

The spice was way too much for me to enjoy the dish as much as I would like. But I followed the instructions to this recipe with only one detour (I added a bit of Cheyenne pepper), and it turned out AWESOME and filling. I mean who doesn't like anything kebabbed. The shrimp was juicy, the potatoes were soft, the sauce was heavenly and the seasoning was just to DIE for. I mean so flavorful.

I mean LAWD have MERCY! LOL

Just check out these pictures. The recipe and my creation. I loved it and I think I will add this recipe in my own book of "GREATS"!

I added the edamame because I wanted a green vegetable with all my meals. It just makes me feel better. Idk why exactly, but I'm used to meals in this manner... when in doubt ALWAYS add a vegetable.

Anyways, it was just the best. In the morning I also filmed a live video on my Instagram showing me making my breakfast and my lunch smoothie. So check that out if you like too.

Did some light cardio to prepare for my 1 mile run tomorrow. Ugh, this is gonna be tough. I do not have a weight update right now because I've been trying to just focus on the fitness and healthy lifestyle as well as the journey.

Try this dish out and let me know what you think and comment and let me know if I did it justice in my pictures.
and with that being said...
I better hit the hay. Got a busy day tomorrow.

Stay beautiful... Bodies
xoxoxo Angels😇

Cardio and Core and MORE

Hey Hot Bodies,
How has your day been? Well, it is late into the evening here and I successfully complete to fantastic work out routines. I feel great! 

Why two work out you ask? 
Hmmm... Simply because I like to work out a bit after I have my dinner. This is usually the time when I slow down and feel sluggish. That was when I used to eat pretty much like my "teen years". However, now I am more mindful of what I cook and what I eat. 

Small portions, fewer salt intake, a balanced plate are ways that I have been using to avoid the dreaded "after dinner sluggishness".  I do have a habit of calorie counting here and there but I try not to make that my main dietary focus. Moderation, timing, and balance are what has been working for me so far.

Anyhow for my earlier workout, I did some cardio at the gym on a treadmill. About time straight and rigorous minutes. It was crazy but I only got winded a bit at about the 6 minute something marker. Which for me is a WIN because usually after the 2-3 minute marker I am already winded and tired. 

I may have to contribute some of my progress to my new pair of running shoes that I purchased last week on eBay. A fresh pair of Underarmour grey running shoes. They were so comfortable and allowed my foot to breathe and move. I have low arches and the insoles that came in them seemed to give just enough support. Of course, that is my opinion from the treadmill perspective. I will have an update when I do my 1-mile run this Wednesday on the outdoor track. 

I would be lying if I said I wasn't dreading this track run but there is "NOTHING TO IT, BUT TO DO IT"! 

So the new kicks helped as well as my supplements... Women's Best Pre-workout Booster. Let me tell you gals after I first took this rather tasty pre-workout; I did not wait the directed allotted minutes before my workout and I ended catching a wicked caffeine headache. I forgot that pre-workouts formulas are mostly made up of CAFFEINE. Duh! LOL 

Which kinda is crazy because I am caffeine sensitive. I know a few other girls friends that are the same as I on this one. So to remedy this issue, when I took the Women's Best Pre-workout Booster this time, I used the recommended one scoop amount, instead of 8 oz of water used about 10 oz, shake then drank it down. I waited for the recommended allotted time of 15 to 30 minutes before my workout. 

And what do ya know, I felt great during and after my workout. No headache from the caffeine boost and I powered through the cardio portion of my workout like a champ. It was awesome!

After the treadmill cardio, I worked on some abs and arms. I love/hate working my abs/core for obvious reasons... the brutal burn and my arms are a constant project for me as I need to gain more upper body strength.
As I powered through those workouts I feel the sweet burn and I know later after when I get home, I get to drink some of my Women's Best BCAA amino supplement. The BCAA amino drink is to nurture my sore muscle by aiding in muscle recovery.

 When I get home I enjoy a steamy, sweet Epson salt bath. 

Girl, let me tell you I really needed that. Idk about you all but I sweat hard at the gym. Plus, I needed to nurse some previously archy muscules. Plus, it's "THAT" time of the month so I am majorly bloated. However, that bath was just what I needed. 

I then prepared my dinner of chicken thigh, white cheddar broccoli rice, and light buttered/peppered Brussel sprouts. It was amazing!

After that, it was time for me to pick out of my homemade weekly workout bag to see what workout routine I would be doing for my weekly youtube channel. Be kind when you comment on the video. Like I mentioned before it is my "TIME" of the month and I am extremely bloated plus I just ate dinner. Either way, this one is a follow-me type of video. So feel free to follow along.

Funny thing is I ended up blindly picking a CORE workout which was great for me. I filmed the workout and am working on the editing now to have it up this Tuesday, which is probably now today! LOL

So make sure you ladies check it out.

All in all, today was a pretty AWESOME day.
Stay Motivated
 xoxoxox 
~Angels😇

Running Shoes:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-Armour-3021972-Womens-Training-UA-Charged-Assert-8-Running-Athletic-Shoes/372732534454?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=641546221073&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Supplements Pre-workout & Recovery: https://us.womensbest.com/products/pre-workout-booster?tpos=5
https://us.womensbest.com/products/bcaa?tpos=1