Weight loss after a Hysterectomy

Losing weight can be a daunting  task but trying to lose wight after a Hysterectomy  can seem impossible. I got a hysterectomy  at the ripe age of 32, after having 5 fibroid while pregnant  with my beautiful  son.  One   fibroid was blocking the birth canal and the others started to squeeze  my baby   resulting  in me receiving  a emergency  C-section and Hysterectomy.

So I woke up from surgery to a beautiful bundle of joy and a new body that I wasn't prepared for. The baby I was well prepared for the hormonal imbalance is a different story! 

But to go into that story just check out my previous post of my weight loss journey.

After many years of trail and error, talking to health care professionals, and researching on my own I finally found something that worked!!! Yeahhhhh!!!!

Here are just 4 tips that helped me get started.

1. Ditch the Process foods!!:

    Eat REAL Food!!!! Consume foods with high quality proteins, beneficial fats and complex carbohydrates. Carbs are not the devil!!!!

These should become staples in your daily diet.

2. WATER!!!!:

     Water is vital to the body! The human body is 75% water.  Drinking water flushes toxins out the body, gives energy, boosts metabolism and increases the production of new blood cells.

3. Sleep!!: Sleep is always overlooked. This is the time the body is recovering from all the stress you     put on it during the day. The body is using this time to balance our imbalanced hormones.

4. GET MOVING!!: Don't just stand there our bodies were designed to move! 

    Start with just light activities like walking, bike riding or swimming. 

Check out my previous post " Find your Own Fit" to get  an idea of how your workout can come in many shapes and forms.

Just starting on these few but important tips you will see and feel a change!

 

Find your Own FIT ! !

With social media  you see so many "Fitness Gurus" doing some crazy and amazing workouts and you may say I want to be
"FIT " like her or him.
I know everyone  is always saying you got to exercise, you need to "workout","  live a fit life ." And usually the first thing that pops into someone mind is to go get a gym membership which some may go consistently  for about 2 months and then it just becomes an extra monthly  bill (that you did not need😕). 
That's  when it's time to FIND YOUR OWN FIT!!!
Do what makes you excited  it could be taking a brisk walk in your neighborhood , jogging , dancing around the house. Exercise  can be so many things. You can buy a $2.00 jump rope and jump outside, take a ride on your bike. Your "workout" don't have to be the same everyday or every week. For example  I love  lifting weights and doing  calenstics  like sit ups, jumping jacks, push ups  etc. ,but I also have a very active  9 year old who loves to rollerskate and go on bike rides. So one day I may do a hiit (High Intensity  Interval  Training)  type of training  but the next day I'm jumping on the trampoline with my son then going for a swim later in the evening.
If you love to dance then BUST A MOVE!! Or sign up for a dance class, or try a zumba class. The only way you are going to stay  motivated is by doing something you enjoy.
You are probably  saying ,"Vanessa how do I find my Fit?" Try different  things it can be as simple as going to the park and playing basketball , no one said you had to be NBA ready to get on the court and practice  your jumpshot but believe me your body will be moving and you will become  closer to finding your FIT !!
Do let anyone  put you in a box , think outside the box!! Your body will thank you  for it ! !
So go out there and discover  your FIT!!

I found the World's Best Diet Pill !!

I found the World's  Best  Diet  Pill  it's called "Proper  Nutrition" Lol !
There is NO  Diet Pill   that will replace a  Proper  Nutritional  diet and Exercise!! I know as much as we wish we can swallow a pill while downing 3 slices of pizza with a side of fries and wash it down with a ice cold soda and still look amazing  in a bikini ,  it's not going to happen. Sorry 😢😢
But what can start you on your journey to that amazing  bikini is good nutrition. I'm not saying I'm against  supplements but I know (because I was once a habitual  user) diet pills don't work if your diet and training  are not on point! You first must build a healthy  relationship  with  food. Find out what your body needs before buying supplements. My  advice  is before you buy any supplement  ask your self these questions :
WHAT IS IN THIS?
WHAT  IS THIS FOR?
DO I NEED THAT?
DO I WANT TO TAKE THIS?

DO YOUR RESEARCH  PLEASE !!!

Supplements are just that "Supplement"  it is meant to be an addition to your healthy diet not a REPLACEMENT!

Moisturizing and Sealing Oils, Are they the same?

If you are on a healthy hair journey then I know you have either practiced moisturizing  or was told to "Seal in the moisture to your hair!" , OR "Moisturize your hair!"  Usually the first thing someone does is grab the first oil they see and apply it to the hair, that can be the your first and biggest mistake. All oils are not created equal. There are some oils that will not seal in any moisture and some oils that should not be used to moisturize the hair.
 Below I will describe what is the difference between a Moisturizing Oil  vs  Sealing Oil .

Moisturizing Oil:
Penetrates the Hair Shaft
Nourishes the Scalp
Best when used with Water or Water based products
**Water is the Best moisturizer Ever!!!**

Examples:
Coconut Oil   decreases protein loss resulting in prevention of breakage and damage
Olive Oil   nourishes the scalp,reaches the cortex of the hair improving strength & elasticity
Avocado Oil  restores scalp health and closely resemble our nature sebum
Jojoba Oil helps hair cells reproduce faster
Sunflower Oil  high amounts of Vitamin E & Omega 9 that helps stop breakage and stimulate growth
**Sunflower oil can also be used to  seal as well because it is a non-polar solvent meaning that it prevents water loss**

Sealing Oil:
Do Not penetrate the Hair Shaft
Adds Shine to hair
Seals in Moisture
Sits on top of hair shaft

Examples:
Shea Oil liquid form of shea butter traps in moisture due to allantoin.
Grapeseed Oil smoothes cuticles and prevents frizz
Castor Oil contains Omega 6 producing shine and reducing split ends
Almond Oil contains Vitamins A,B,E and Omega 9,6,3 promotes strong hair and seals in                                    moisture longer.

Allantoin- helps keratin cells hold on to water molecules.

So as you can see Moisturizing Oils and Sealing Oils are very important and all present different benefits. So the next time you need to moisturize or seal your hair grab the oil that best suits your needs.
Have a blessed day!

My On-Going Weight Loss Journey

Weight loss journey...... yeah yeah yeah I know you heard it before but when you are 5'0 and you stand on the scale and it reads 237 lbs.   YESSSSS......... TWO-HUNDRED-THIRTY-SEVEN !!!!!!

You either start to cry or just get angry, well I did a little bit of both. I cried because I was like" I'm officially MORBID OBESE"(bmi was 46.3 which yes puts me at morbid obese) and then I became angry because I was like Vanessa how did you let this happen!!!!!  At the end of 2015 like everyone else I made a new years resolution(something I never used to do) and one of them ,yes I had a long list of resolutions was to Lose Weight . Like so many millions of people I was going to conqueror the battle of the bulge So I at the beginning of 2016 I made a promise to myself to start living my life and find what makes me happy. I told myself " Vanessa, if there is something you don't like about yourself Change It! If there is something you are wondering about Research it! Just Find what makes you YOU!" So  the first thing I wanted to tackle was my weight. I was always saying I need to lose weight now its not that I wasn't trying it just wasn't working out. I wanted to learn how does the body lose fat.  So I began to research how does the body works, what do the body need. I also had to   come to the realization that my body is not like the average 42 year old woman. I had a hysterectomy  9 1/2 years ago which  changed my body forever. When I was pregant with my son  I had a c-section and had to have  emergency hysterectomy done at the same time. I did not know how this  NEW body was going to work. The things I used to do pre- hysterectomy to lose weight or to keep my weight under control was not working. I felt like I had no one to go to or talk to about it. Doctors were really no help they really just was a little shocked at how young I was to have had a  hysterectomy and not to have been given any hormone medication, they wanted me to take pills. And for anyone who knows me knows I do not swallow pills whole and hate taking medication! So I went from being in my early thirties straight into MENOPAUSE  in a blink of an eye! WOW!!!  I know just to say it is mind-blowing, LOL!! So I knew that the hysterectomy had to have a lot to do with my weight gain but what am I to do? And yes I have lost a couple of pounds with different weight loss programs but they where not substainable and really didn't teach me on how to become healthy. Because with some of the weight loss programs you can eat junk and lose weight when all your doing is counting points or eliminating a whole particular food group. Anyway I digress/LOL! So I was looking for something that I was going to be able to maintain, something that will be like second nature to me. I know it  will be hard but there has to be something to this.

Lose Weight and Grow your Hair!!

Having a healthy diet  and  exercising can do wonders for your body. Not only will it get rid of a few pounds but did you know it can also grow your hair longer and faster?!!

Here are 3 food that will promote healthy long hair:

Salmon

Salmon:

Salmon is a nutrient-dense food packed with protein. Protein can help you lose weight by making you feel full longer. The fish oil you receive from Salmon along with a little exercise can reduce body fat. But I guess you're saying now well how will that make my hair grow Vanessa? Well let me tell you  the Vitamin D and Protein that is in this wonderful fish will help you to have a healthy scalp so your beautiful hair can start growing. You need a healthy scalp to produce healthy hair!

Egg Yolk

Eggs:

Eggs contain essential amino acids and are loaded with protein that has been know to boost your metabolism through a process called "Thermic Effect of Food". Thermic Effect of Food is the energy the body uses just to metabolize your food. Eggs are a great source of Omega 3 vitamins. Now this leads me to explain how egg yolks will assist in your  healthy long hair journey. Some of us have been know to do a protein treatment on our hair using raw eggs. Yes this is effective but if you just cook and eat  the eggs the results are far more beneficial.  Egg yolk contains Vitamin B7, and Biotin. Yes Biotin everyone wants to take a Biotin supplement when all you have to do is just eat the correct foods.Notice I say Egg Yolk be careful to much egg whites can actually block the absorption of the much needed Biotin. So eating a fried or poached egg can give you 25 micrograms of  Biotin when only 30 micrograms of Biotin is needed.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato:

Sweet Potato is loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber absorb water making you feel full.  It also regulates your blood sugar. Regulated blood sugar reduces sugary cravings which in turn helps you control your appetite. Sweet Potato are full of beta carotene which gives it that orange color. When it is digested it is converted into Vitamin A or Retinol. Vitamin A promotes hair growth, prevents lifeless dull hair and dry scalp. So just pop a Sweet Potato in the oven and let it bake then add a little cinnamon to it and enjoy.

Sometimes we look for that golden hair product that is going to give us long luxurious hair when a lot of times  that golden product is food that is at our super market, farmers market or in our refrigerator. Having a healthy diet will not only help you to drop a couple of pounds but help you on your journey to healthy hair and Ultimately a Healthy Life.

Have a blessed day!

Can you Eat your way to Healthy Hair??

The saying" You are what you eat!" I am finding to be so true. As I'm on this journey to living a

healthy lifestyle I have noticed many changes. These changes are not only in the composition of my

body but my nails, skin and hair.

Eating a healthy well balanced diet has done things for my hair that no hair product could've ever

done. Product build up has become a thing of the past because  I find my self using less product

simply because my hair does not require it.  The more colorful my plate became the better my hair

looked and felt.  My hair appeared thicker and felt stronger.

Detangling time was reduced tremendously. My hair retained moisture and my scalp has become less

itchy.

Below is a just a few examples of the different vitamins and nutrients that  promotes healthy hair.

Eating healthier has simply changed my life inside and out.
So DIG IN !!!!!
Have a blessed day!

Hair Care after Workouts

Do your hair care regimen stand between you and your workouts? Is it true you would workout if it wasn't a hassle to take care of your hair after sweating it out in the gym. Well I have a few tips that will help ease your frustration and pain.

If you are part of Team Natural then there are so many beautiful styles that can be worn before,during and after you slay your workout. Bantu Knots and Pin Twist are absolutely beautiful to rock. I know some will say but I don't like the sweat on my scalp, well here is a scalp refresher I learned from GG Natural of YouTube.

Natural Scalp Refresher
2 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
4 drops  Tea Tree Oil
2-3 drops Peppermint Oil
Mix into a  bottle and apply to your scalp this will leave your scalp feeling fresh and smelling refreshed.
Also you can use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove any buildup product and cleanse the scalp.

If you are Team Relaxed and you are using a headband or sweatband like I mentioned in the previous post wait until your edges are fully dry before your remove the headband.
Here is a little refresher for you also. Spray Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Hold Shine Moisture Mist to moisturize and your hair then Seal with your favorite oil.

Team Weave I have not forgotten about you!!! You can use the Natural  Scalp Refresher treatment to freshen up your beautiful hair as well. Also you can use Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner. This will refresh your hair leaving a pleasant vanilla scent.

So now there is no excuse to not work on your body while on your healthy hair journey. Let's get healthy from the inside out.

Have a blessed day!

Haircare vs Exercise

Do you sacrifice your Health for your HAIR??!!!

As much as I care about my hair I do not let it be a reason for me not to care more for my body!
 I workout 5 days a week and the last thing that is on my mind when I am busting out my last rep is my hair.   As a African American woman I notice that sometimes I am the only or one of the very few black females getting it in.  I tend to do majority of my workouts outdoors just because I love the view. I see all other races and ethnicity out there" working on their fitness" except us!!!! I know its not because we can't do it, or that we don't have the time, I know for many of us its the hang up over our hair!!!
Before you jump down my throat I have asked many black women why don't you exercise, and one of the reasons I kept getting was " Girl I don't want to sweat out  my hair!" And the response in my head was if you don't have a healthy body your hair (which grows from the inside out) can't be but so healthy!!!
As a community we are plagued  with so many diseases and health issues that eating a healthier diet and exercise will lower our chances on contracting those issues.
So if your hair is what's standing between You and Healthier life than I believe it's a conversation worth having!
There are so many ways you can still strive for a better healthier you and keep your hair popping!!!
Whether you are on Team Natural or Team Relaxed or Team Weave you can have beautiful hair and a healthier body!!!
There are sweat head bands such as the Gym Wrap  created  by the lovely Nicole Ari Parker at .
 http://store.saveyourdo.com/ that will help keep our beautiful styles popping and fabulous.

Here are some Tips to care for your hair Pre & During Workout:

Team Natural : Beautiful Bantu Knots can be done before workout and after workouts. After workouts remove Bantu Knots for a beautiful wavy style. Pin Twist are another protective style that looks absolutely fabulous during and after workouts.

Team Relaxed: If you have long hair you can put it in a top ponytail with a bun and apply a silk scarf or a Gym wrap or Dri sweat head band to soak up the sweat. But if your hair is short and not long enough for a ponytail then Dri Sweat headband can still be worn to keep that style in check!
http://www.sallybeauty.com/headband/SBS-543779,default,pd.html

Team Weave: A Satin Lined Cap can be worn. Do not use a cotton bandana because the friction of the material will lead to breakage  so use satin or silk to preserve those edges.
http://www.satinlinedcaps.com/

Don't let your HAIR determine how you LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!
A HEALTHIER YOU WILL PRODUCE  HEALTHIER HAIR!!!!!

Stay tuned for Post Workout Tips.....

Have blessed day!

Cocoa Butter for your hair??!!!!!

I know we all know about cocoa butter for your stretch marks,chapped lips and for aging skin, but have you ever tried cocoa butter for your hair?!!! Well if you haven't then you must try it.
But before you began lets talk about where did cocoa butter come from.  Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans which  are a native to the parts of South and Central America.  Cocoa beans are a high antioxidant containing a significant amount of polyphenol and flavanoid antioxidants.  Some of the antioxidants remain in the cocoa butter after it has been separated from the beans solid.  Cocoa butter is a healthy fat mostly saturated fat just like its counter partner coconut oil. It is very moisturizing and has been linked to a decrease in dandruff and healthier hair follicles.  Cocoa butter also has been known to prevent the onset of male pattern baldness.

So your still not sure what to do with it??? Well here are several ways to use cocoa butter for your hair; just by melting a little in the microwave and applying it to your hair prior to shampooing for about 20 minutes BAMB!!!! you just got yourself a Pre-Poo!!
Next if you are trying to combat frizz, apply a little to the palms of your hands and smooth onto your hair.  And just like that FRIZZ BE GONE!!!!
Cocoa butter can also be rubbed onto the scalp.  This will make your scalp have a healthy oil production that will leave your hair stronger, beautiful sheen and thicker.  It can also reduce dead and split ends.
But my absolute favorite way to use Cocoa Butter on my hair is as a Leave-In Conditioner. That's right a Leave-In Conditioner.

Here is all you need:
                                       Cocoa Butter Leave-In Conditioner
  **depending on the length of hair you may need to double ingredients, I'm still rocking my TWA **
1/2 cup  of Cocoa Butter
2 tbsp of Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tsp  of Vitamin E Oil
A couple of drops of Vanilla essential oil

• Combine all ingredients except Vanilla essential oil  in a small saucepan
• Melt over low heat stirring constantly
• Once melted remove from heat pour into air tight container
• Add the Vanilla essential oil
• Place in freezer for about 10-15 minutes
• Remove mixture and let soften(mimicking the consistency of butter)
• Apply to clean hair
•  Dry hair as normal

Trying these tips cocoa butter may become a permanent staple in your healthy hair regimen.

Have a blessed day!

5 Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

Clarifying Shampoo or Swimmers Shampoo:
After swimming at the beach or pool use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo's will remove any minerals(sea salt) metals(chlorine) left behind on your hair as well as any product buildup.  You should also use a Swimmers Shampoo if you have beautiful blonde hair or blonde highlights.  Sometimes the chlorine from the pool water will leave a greenish tint on your hair. Swimmers shampoo contains phytic acid which will remove the green tint on the hair.

Avocado Oil Rinse:
 Similar to a hot oil treatment but this method is done in the shower.  After shampooing hair and scalp apply Avocado Oil from the roots to the ends. This will seal moisture into your hair.

Moisturize:
Moisture is needed to beat dry hair.  The best type of moisturizer during summer months to use are water based products.
A few examples  of water based products:
Africa's Best Kids Organics Detangling Hair Lotion
Giovanni Direct Leave - In
If you do not have any of these products don't worry mix Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado Oil and a little water in a spray bottle. This works like magic!!!! This is my favorite summer moisturizer!!! Spritz this  cocktail onto your hair. Your  hair will be moisturized and sealed!

Co-Wash:
Shampooing the hair is not always the best due to time constraints and also shampooing can strip some of the very moisture we are trying to hold on to.  So Co-Washing is an awesome option.
Co-Washing is applying a moisturizing conditioner to your wet hair then rinsing it out.  This method will retain moisture while gently cleansing your hair.
Some of my favorite co-washing conditioners are:
Ogx Coconut Water Weightless Conditioner
Alberto V05 Moisturizing Conditioner ( I know its very cheap but its excellent for co-washing because it will not weigh your hair down)

Air Dry:
Stay away from direct heat!!! The beautiful sunshine and heat will dry your hair with a less damaging effect.

And out of all the tips this is the most important of all.............
STAY HYDRATED!!!!!! 
WATER, WATER,WATER !!!!!!!!
Our diets play a major role in how our hair and skin thrive.  So make sure you drink up or none of these tips will be beneficial !!!

Have a blessed day!

From Stay At Home Mom to Trophy Wife!!!

I was asked recently what do you do??, and without missing a beat I said "Oh I'm a Stay at Home Mom". This all started when  I was picking my son up from school. As I walked away I heard one of the Mom's say " She's a TROPHY WIFE!"  I turned around and said" YES I AM!!" Her face turned beat red and she looked afraid as if I was going to slap her. I then smiled and said" Thank you for the compliment and with hard work you can become one too!!"and walked away.

 I know some do not like the term "Trophy Wife". Some  may go on to say I am not his property, I am my own person and no one owns me. And yes all of that is true. But first lets just think about this for a minute.  
When I see Trophy Wife I don't view it as a negative. First lets break down the term: TROPHY! 
The word Trophy is defined as a cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success.
Then I think ..... well what  is related to a Trophy. A trophy is something that is wanted and something someone works hard to obtain. It is also valued and cherished. And the recipient of  a trophy is honored to receive it. The recipient shows it off and is very proud of it. The recipient also protects it from harm, they may shine it up and many times just sit back and admire its beauty and grace.  So to me those are not bad qualities to be compared to.

Well lets not stop there I decided to do a little  research to see what do people say is a "Trophy Wife", many said:

• A young, attractive woman married to an older, more powerful man
• A woman who marries for money and sits at home all day looking pretty
• Usually a young woman, not necessarily a gold-digger, who is married to a much more older man with power, wealth.etc 
• The woman who got ahead on her looks by marrying a “sugar daddy” 

Then I said okay yes I am young and attractive(not to toot my own horn but Toot Toot/LOL) Yes my husband is older than me(19 yrs my senior). He is powerful. (really who wants a weak man). I didn't marry for money but I was well aware of the fact that when I married my husband he could afford to take care of me. When we met he was an owner of a very lucrative  auto & body shop. Well yes I do make it a point to look pretty not just for him but for me. I believe a woman should keep her hair done and dress nice and neat. No one wants to look unattractive; when you make it a priority to dress your self neatly, do your hair and apply a little makeup whether its the whole glam factory or just a little lipstick or lip gloss  your self confidence raises making you feel more attractive, not only to others but most importantly yourself!

I have worked really hard to obtain the success that I have and is on the path to making even bigger strides and accomplishing more things. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and always telling me you can do it!!  And yes he did have  to work hard to even go out on our first date. I knew my worth and was not just going to waste my time (even as little as a 3 hr date) on someone I didn't feel deserved my time. I am valued and cherished, my opinion means a lot and is heard.   I am a college graduate with a degree and a  professional license holder for 2 states.  I am the owner and partner of VanGwyn Enterprises ( trucking company) Blessing and Beauty(beauty consultant/blogger) Feeling Beautiful(  mobile beauty salon). Do I have to do hair and makeup to pay my bills?? NO!!! I do it because I love it and love empowering women.  With just organizing the outside I get to watch  something beautiful bloom on the inside. When they leave my chair they have raised they confidence level to a new high they start to believe they can change the world and yes I believe they can!!!   Yes I do hair and makeup on why terms: I say Who, When, Where, & How much? 

The term “trophy wife” has taken on a new, more upscale meaning. Men are finding that the most attractive and sexually desirable women are not brainless beauties whose sole function is to look good and stay quiet, but women who are making good money and are in positions of power. 
So yes I am a " Tropy Wife"!!!

Have a blessed day

DIY Clarifying Shampoo

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo
1 tspn of Baking Soda

 Shampoo

few drops of Tea Tree Oil


The reason this recipe works is because baking soda is alkaline which soften the sebum(oils) allowing the shampoo to cleanse the scalp. The tea tree oil is an antiseptic which kills bacteria and unclogs the hair follicles.

After cleansing your scalp and hair you can follow up with a moisturizing treatment. This will leave your hair soft and manageable!!

Have a blessed day!