Discouraged

I guess I will stop the videos now since no one has joined me on this challenge I and I guess I just feel pretty lame doing this alone.  Had a great vacation and can be certain I did NOT gain weight while I was gone.  AN entire 7 days at the beach and I did NOT gain weight.  I ran 5 mornings on the beach and feel ready to keep pushing for balance.  I did ALLOW things and choose to pass on others.  That is a pretty good feeling to come back from vacation and still be balanced.

B

At least donate to the food banks:
Feed someone HERE

Weigh in

Be apart of the Community Challenge and donate HERE


Hope someone will join me in this challenge soon!!

B

Exercise Beauty

Pantry 0 * Brynna 1

Hah Hah Pantry I only had a yogurt and some cranberries!!!!!!

What are you all snacking on?? I always love something new to love.

B

Cake - 1 * Brynna - 0

Gotta handle disappoint IN yourself and brush your butt off and keep going!
B

Eva stole my Vi-Defy!

Vi-defy is safe enough for kids too.  Get in on the group offer HERE and get your box for as low as 19$.  Hope Eva made you laugh!!!

Getting to a new place

NO day like TODAY to GET STARTED!!


So below you now know the PRIZES from the Raffle. JOIN THE CHALLENGE with me and be entered into the RAFFLE. (By following the link you will go to MY site and I will receive notification of who made a purchase and then enter your name in the Raffle). I will post a video after my CHALLENGE ends of my daughter fishing in a bowl and then announcing the winner. Details on THE PRIZE:

1-3 Challengers Prize will be:



5-8 Challengers Prize will be:


8-12 Challengers Prize will be:


12+ Challengers Prize will be:

ViSalus marries ‘Biggest Loser’ with new-age Mary Kay to gain fans - Business - MiamiHerald.com

ViSalus marries ‘Biggest Loser’ with new-age Mary Kay to gain fans - Business - MiamiHerald.com

Day 15

How to enter the raffle:
JOIN THE CHALLENGE HERE

*First person will get 2 entries.
*Referrals earn you another entry
*Enroll in the challenge for entry

The time is now to change your habits and enjoy your health!!

Comments welcome and please ask me questions. I would love to address what you want to know.

B

Feed the Kids

Another reason why I LOVE being a Body by Vi promoter is that I can reach out to you and help feed hungry kids.  Food banks are looking for a good source of protein that is shelf stable and Body by Vi shakes offer that.  How many meals will you provide???

Donate to Hungry Kids with Visalus

Donate HERE

In Miami and Shaking Clean

JOIN CHALLENGE 3.0 HERE

Hmmmmmmm....... I have the prize in mind for my challengers. The more people who join me the better the prize will get!!!

Comments welcome!!

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens Review

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens Review

Mud run

Check out this link, sorry to be do basic but I am on my phone. Mud run is Sep. 22 and is $55. Run with me???

Day 8

So this is where I am headed to!!! 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE!!

Hey there followers!

No video today cause it got super hectic due to an allergic reaction to some antibotics I am on.  Tomorrow I will check in before I leave for MIAMI.

Join the CHALLENGE!!  Take charge today.

How to get entered to win in the Raffle:
* 2 entries for the First Person to JOIN the CHALLENGE with me!
* 1 additional entry if you refer someone
* 1 entry for JOINING THE CHALLENGE


Feel free to comment below.  Ask questions.  JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

Shake Clean: Train Dirty!!

Brynna

I have come a long way from where I started 6 1/2 years ago.  Getting healthy was the best thing I ever did for not just ME but my family too!!

Day 5

Click HERE to be the first person to JOIN me on this CHALLENGE!!


Raffle:
2 entries to the first person to join me. *My site will tell me who gets there first
1 additional entry for every person you refer to join you!

What have you got to LOSE?????

Weight?

P.S. I fixed the comment box issue so please leave me feedback. :)

Welcome to Day 4!!

Who is gonna be the first person to JOIN THIS CHALLENGE with me??? Everyone who joins me during this challenge will be entered to win a super great prize. But I can't tell you what that prize is yet. You will have to stay tuned to find out.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments with me BELOW. I would love to know you were here. Even if is just a HI!

See you tomorrow!!

B

Transformation Kit

This is the Kit I started on! Amazing amount of nutritional support to maximize your health transformation.

  Join me on this Challenge HERE!! Order your KIT and get started!!!

Off to Beverly Hills to fix my Nike+ IPOD issue.  I am running from Purple to Black this year.  That is 1500 miles of running.  Must make my App work.  Cross your fingers.  See you tomorrow. 

Brynna

Get your KIT here!!!! JOIN the CHALLENGE

GO PRO with the FIT KIT!!  Oh and hey see that link there above.  Click on it and you will go to my site and you can get your kit sent to you and join me.  Shipping is super fast. 



WAIT  See the comment button below Click there and let me know you were here!  I don't want to feel so ALooooooNE.  Thanks for supporting me as this one challenge is gonna change me and hopefully inspire YOU!!

Brynna

Here is is Day 1 of my 2nd 90-Day Challenge.  If you don't look like this after a workout go back and work harder!!

Start your 90-Day Challenge HERE

90-Day Challenge

Coming up in 8 Days is my next 90-Day Challenge.  I have a CHALLENGE already decided on but it's a surprise.  :) Not only am I starting my 2nd 90-Day Challenge I am going to update daily here on my blog with a video of my progress and obstacles.  This is really a step, no leap and bound out of my comfort zone. Join me and Challenge me and yourself to improve our bodies and minds.  

Get your product at: Shake Mix

Niacin, Depression and Nutrition

I am giving this a try. I saw the story of how AA was formed and how Niacin was supposed to be apart of the program. Treating the depression which often leads us to addictive behaviors. So here is my start. A 6$ bottle of Niacin to take on my Compulsive Over Eating. :)

Niacin (or vitamin B-3) has been a long-standing known cure for chronic depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, most of us have never heard of the potential emotional benefits of Niacin. Though the reason for secrecy surrounding vitamin therapy has a complicated and deep-rooted past, a simple explanation is that natural remedies are not supported by the U.S. medical field.

A Brief Niacin History

One of the most publicized cases of Niacin used as a cure for depression surrounded Bill Wilson (the founder of AA). Bill struggled with chronic depression much of his life, and after being introduced to psychiatrists Humphrey Osmond and Abram Hoffer in the late fifties, he began participating in a study including the use of Niacin for depression.

Bill supported Niacin so strongly, that he attempted to introduce its use to the AA organization, but the idea was fully rejected by the fellowship. Bill published several articles, and detailed his experiences with depression and his cure, in the book, “Pass It On.”

Since the research in the fifties, various nutritionists (and very few enlightened doctors) have prescribed high doses of Niacin for chronic depression. Unfortunately, treatment of serious illnesses with vitamin therapy has become dangerous ground for most doctors to walk on. In fact, in the United States, it is against the law to prescribe nutrition or vitamins to treat cancer patients (promoting natural cures landed Juice Master, Jason Vale in prison).

The Myth That Vitamins Are Dangerous

OK, so this may not be a complete myth… In the “Annals of Emergency Medicine” there were 2 documented cases of serious reactions to high doses of Niacin. These patients had taken the Niacin to clear their system of Cocaine in order to pass drug tests. So how does this compare to conventional medicine? Over 783,936 people die EVERY YEAR from medical mistakes and approximately 100,000+ of those deaths are patients taking prescription drugs as directed.

Treating Depression and Anxiety Naturally

First and foremost, it is important to recognize that depression and anxiety can actually be enhanced by poor diet and stress. Niacin itself should not be the first treatment if nutrition, exercise and stress are not being addressed. Simply improving your diet, exercising regularly and taking time to meditate or relax, could greatly improve problems with depression and anxiety.

It is also important to note that many prescription medications for emotional illness have their own side effects. Taking these drugs can actually enhance emotional distress, or have other adverse effects.

If depression and anxiety are severe enough however, you should probably seek out medical care from a doctor who is familiar with natural remedies and treatments. Niacin has not been known to cause death, but should be taken in carefully managed doses and supplemented with other vitamins (especially the other B vitamins).

Most doctors will prescribe Niacin in small frequent doses, and slowly increase these doses daily. Large amounts of Niacin will cause your skin to flush, but a slight niacin flush should end in about ten minutes or so and is considered normal. A doctor will most likely suggest that Niacin be taken after each meal in a small dose (such as 25 mg), and may increase that dose each day (such as 50mg at breakfast, then 25mg for lunch and dinner). These doses will not usually exceed 3,000 to 9,000 mg a day, and will be reduced if the patient’s skin continues to flush.

Niacin not only treats depression, but has also been shown to aid with sleeping problems, addiction, arthritis, schizophrenia, and high cholesterol.

Choosing the Right Type of Niacin

Sufficient research has never been performed on the effectiveness of No-Flush and Flush-Free varieties of Niacin for depression, however research has shown that they have no impact on patients with high cholesterol (suggesting the same would be true for depression). We suggest taking pure nicotinic acid (if you cannot find this at the grocer, try your local organic store or purchase it online).

50mg capsules on Amazon.com
500mg capsules on AllStarHealth.com
1000mg capsules on AllStarHealth.com

Natural Sources of Niacin

Some foods Niacin can be found in, include almonds and seeds, wheat products, beans, rice bran, green leafy vegetables, carrots, turnips, celery, lean red meat, fish, organ meats (kidney, liver), prawns, and pork.

Credits

Annals of Emergency Medicine
www.physicalfitnessforum.com
www.health-report.co.uk

Information from HBO's Weight of the Nation and the following website:

http://spasticgoat.com/2010/10/niacin-depression-cure/

For help with proper diet and nutrition check out Body By Vi at http://josephramirez.bodybyvi.com

An overeaters Truth

I am going out on a limb here to expose myself as an Compulsive Over Eater.  I am ashamed and embarrassed.  My mental quality of life is suffering, my body is suffering, my family and friends are suffering.  I eat.  For at least a couple hours.  Cereal is NOT allowed in my house.  Well a lot of things are  not allowed in the house due to the fact that I will eat it in it's entirety if it is.  Maybe I can work through this with the honesty of what i am doing.

What has lead to this?
1) I do not remember being taught how and what to eat.  I do remember my parents always being in a state of either a diet or NOT. 
2) People always seem to think that I am pregnant and ask me.  Totally hurts me to the core.  I am overly aware of my body in public because I feel like people are wondering if I am pregnant or not.
3) I have suffered mild depression through most of my life and recently the seriously HARSH postpartum depression.  Now medicated and ok.
4) At times I have been seriously addicted to something.  Almost two years ago I detoxed off my pain meds for my fibromyalgia.  Very glad I did but I seem to have replaced them with food.  :(
5) Even though I feel that I am equipped to deal with most of my daily feelings, there are so many that they are being suppressed.  The moment I start to slow down my appetite turns ON.
6) I have no sensation of feeling full after I eat EVER!

I have been trying to finish my weight loss for the better part of 6 years.  The pressure to stay under 180 is so exhausting.  Fighting my mouth, head and belly is simply draining me.

Update on Pants durability!!

Both the Champions and the Under Armour are holding up great.  They are the only two pairs I wear to run in.  I would say I am happy to purchase the Champions at the lower price since the seem is nice and strong.  No need to pay more for the Under Armour brand name.  :)

Green Clean

I have two recipes for cleaning products that I use everyday in every way! No seriously I use this stuff on EVERYTHING!

1) Squirt bottle
1/2 water & 1/2 white vinegar. DONE
I use this in the bathroom, the kitchen, to freshen the carpet, the upholstery, mopping solution, disinfectant, deodorizer. Oh the list could go on and on. I recently used it as a spot solution before using the steam vac. Bingo stains came up. I also use it to freshen my comforter that is Dry Clean only. Stray on bath toys after every bath. Spray on your fruit after the grocery store and the whole moldy berries thing is a thing of the past. I dust with it. It's a natural water softener so I add a splash to every load of laundry. No more Snuggles here. And the best part is that Vinegar is CHEAP and does not harm children, I know cause Eva tries to drink it! If you want a smell to it just add some drops of essentials oil into the spray bottle. Bingo. Done.

2) Squirt bottle
1 to 1 Rubbing Alcohol and Water
1 Tbls. Vinegar. DONE.
This does windows and glass. Follow up with a newspaper and it is streak free!

Enjoy your next Cleaning Day as I am off to do the Bathrooms!!

Avocado Pasta

You will need (makes 2 servings):
1 Avocado
1 clove of garlic
1 handful of chopped Cilantro
1 Lime
Salt & Pepper to taste.
1/2 Box of Brown Rice Pasta (Spaghetti Style)

I also add in chopped zucchini and broccoli. About a cup of each.


Mix together first 5 ingredients in small processor or blender until
creamy in texture. Set aside. Boil pasta as directions say on box. At least 5 minutes drop veggies in to boil. Drain.

In large bowl add avocado mixture and noodles. Stir. It is now ready to plate up.






You have a gluten-free and meat free dinner that is all of 320 Calories, 5.5 grams of protein, 45 Carbs and 13 grams of fat. Avocado will do that to the fat content. But hey I eat this stuff and lose weight. :)

Happy Eating All!

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Here are you INGREDIENTS:
Cake~
3 Cups Flour
1 Cup Sugar
4 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Milk
2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 Cup of Butter
(I used red food coloring to make the pictures stand out better)


Filling~
1 Cup of Butter
1/2 Cup of Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
OR
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. of Flour
1 tbsp. of Vanilla




Pour cake mixture into greased 13x9 baking dish. Drop filling evenly on top of the cake batter.


and use a knife to swirl.


Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.


Glaze~
2 Cups of Powdered Sugar
5 tbsp. of Milk
1 tsp. of Vanilla

Glaze while still warm.




Serve up a nice warm slice and be resolved that you will need to exercise tomorrow. This is a wonderfully delicious and indulgent treat. You will not be sorry you made this.

Treadmills are boring but handy

Many, many days I am stuck inside running on my treadmill. Boring? YES! So I saw the below article link on Facebook and decided to give it a try. I know you think I am nuts but I really enjoyed the workout. It took me 68 to finish the sets. I was pleasantly challenged and not a second spent bored. Always good to mix it up!!


Advantages

“It’s easy to gauge progress over time because your environment is consistent. In a four- to six-week cycle, you have a constant every week. Plus, you get immediate feedback on workload.

“It’s also a great place to work on cadence and form—especially if the treadmill is in front of a mirror.

“For some athletes prone to injury or overtraining, I actually like to break up the long training day into two long training days. And I’m not opposed to one of those being done on the treadmill.”

Disadvantages

“The belt feels different: You don’t get the nuances of the road. Also, if the treadmill is flat, it’s easier to run on the belt than outside.

“The important thing is to keep up muscular strength and leg turnover in the offseason so balance, symmetry and the stimulation of your faster fibers are enhanced. Don’t just get on the treadmill and do slow, steady runs every time.

Note: Run at a 1.5-percent incline to more closely mimic running on a flat road. When you’re working on foot turnover, however, you should go back down between 0 and .5 percent.
Treadmill Workout

This workout will help you maintain muscular endurance—elevating the firing of the faster twitch fibers—and leg turnover in the offseason.

Warm Up: 8-12 minutes at 1.5 to 2 percent grade, starting off with a slow jog. In the last 3-5 minutes of the warm-up, gradually increase to your standard aerobic speed (outside pace). This gives your heart rate time to catch up. (Note: HR is not a good indicator until you’ve been running for about 15-20 minutes.) Once at aerobic speed, you’re ready to go into the first set
First Set: 6x2 minutes on a hill with 1-minute rest intervals; effort should be moderately hard at the offset
45 seconds at 5 percent grade (don’t change speed)
45 seconds at 6 percent grade (don’t change speed)
30 seconds at 7 percent grade (don’t change speed)
1 minute rest interval at 2 percent grade (remain at your aerobic pace; don’t go down to a softer speed)
Repeat 5-8 more times
Second Set (leg turnover): 8-12x20 seconds at 0-.5 percent grade; you should be working at a sub-threshold pace. Segments are short to avoid unnecessary stress.
Run for 20 seconds with good balance, symmetry and control; it’s not a flat out sprint.
Jump off belt and straddle the treadmill for 20 seconds
Jump back on for 20 seconds
Repeat this sequence 8-12 times
Third Set (if time permits): Run steady at aerobic pace for 12-20 minutes (1.5-2 percent grade).
Extra Credit: Repeat sets 1 (with slight modification) and 2.
Set 1 (modification): 6x1 minute on hills from 5- to 7-percent grades. Effort should be moderately hard to hard at the end. Include a rest interval of 1 minute between each round.
Set 2: Same leg turnover set at 8x20 seconds
Cool Down

Don’t forget to track your progress over time. In a four- to six-week period you might notice:

Improved perceived exertion, where the same workout feels easier.
A slight increase in speed. (Note: Don’t push it. Hard efforts should be avoided; all efforts should be moderate.)
A lower heart rate for the same work load.

Article from http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Treadmill-Training-With-Dave-Scott.htm?cmp=17-1-2050.

Diaper Cake Fun

Diaper Cake ~ Great gift for the Mommy-to-be AND awesome decorative touch to any shower. I am doing a Classic Mickey Themed shower for my friend so I did a Mickey diaper cake to have as a center piece on the food table. Make your cake any theme you want with ribbons and gifts.
You will need:
Baby items
~about 100 diapers (I used one pack of 2's and one pack of 3's. The 2's are the bottom tier and the 3's are the top two tiers.)
~bibs, butt cream, pacifier, socks, blankets, teething toys, rattles. Anything you want to give the momma-to-be for her baby. Maybe some of the things off her registry.
~Large bottle of baby wash
~4 oz bottle
~one set of chopsticks
~large and small rubber bands
~cake platter (I used my portable one)
~decorative ribbon
~1 inch or larger (I used 1 inch for the main ribbon)
~1/4 inch for the smaller ribbons
~3 small safety pins





Instructions to build your cake:
First roll diapers from the open end toward the closed end, as tight as you can, and then secure with a rubber band.

Place large rubber band around bottle of baby bath and put diapers around it till it is snug. Layer out depending on how large you want the cake. I did 3 rings out. Secure each ring with a large rubber band. The second tier was two rings. I used two chopsticks to secure the top two tiers to the bottom. Stuck them straight through. :)

Now for the fun of decorating your cake. I used the individual ribbons, 1/4 size, to secure the items to the cake. The thicker ribbon hides all the rubber bands. You can exchange a diaper for a gift, such as the trail size baby oil and butt cream. I also wrapped bibs around some of the diapers to add the Mickey touch.

Have fun!

Another site for directions:

www.plan-the-perfect-babyshower.com/diaper-cake.html

Sugar Scrub from your Pantry

This scrub is simple and luxurious. There will be no need for lotion after using this in the shower. You come out soft and revitalized. You can add any essential oil you prefer. I am giving these to my church group for Valentine's Day since we all have a boat load of kids and need some peace. Plus I really like the idea that I am using natural ingredients instead of chemicals to moisturize my skin. Even better that each bad of brown sugar was .78c and the oil was $3. I had the other supplies. However the investment is the mason jars but you could also save pickle jars and the like until you have enough. Happy Scrubbing!!

Ingredients:
1 16oz bag of Light Brown Sugar
1 16oz bag Of Dark Brown Sugar
2 Cups of Sugar
1 Cup of Sea Salt
17 oz of Olive Oil
Mason Jars with Lids
Scent oil of your choice
*This batch I used Peppermint extract since it was a Valentine's Scrub.


First I added the Peppermint Extract to the Oil and shook to mix well. Set aside.


In large bowl with lid, mix the sugar and salt till well blended. Pour half the oil over the top and place lid. Let sit for about an hour.



Stir the mixture and pour the rest of the oil over the top. Again let it sit for about an hour.

Scoop into mason jars. Decorate accordingly or use for yourself.

Spinach pasta with Black Beans and Zucchini

I usually make this in single serve portions so it is fresh every time since it's just me for dinner most of the time. Takes barely longer than it takes to cook the noodles and it is healthy and nourishing.

Ingredients:
Spinach noodles (at store like Lassen's)
1/4 cup of Black Beans
1 Zucchini - diced
1/4 Cup of Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese
1 Chicken Breast - cut into cubes (optional)

Boil pasta, about 25 noodles, according to directions on package in medium saucepan. Drain and add back to pan. Add in zucchini, beans and cheese. Stir and let warm over very low heat. Sprinkle with a green onion.

If adding in the chicken. Grill stove top in a tsp of Olive oil and a pinch of sea salt while noodles are cooking. Add in with other ingredients at the end.

To Tithe or Not to Tithe.......

Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

For most of us the thought of parting with a 10th of our income, or a tithe, is unthinkable. That money is spent far before it every actually hits the bank account. God says to test him in this practice. Mind you this is the ONLY place it EVER says to TEST him. So do not take it lightly. My church did a series about Tithing over the past few Sundays and we followed up that message in our Community Group. I know I was personally moved to start up the practice and put my faith into action. To me an see-able act of the Faith I say I have in my GOD. Myself and Becky have husbands that would not eagerly join us in this so we had questions. Where from do we tithe? How much? Is my heart in the full tithe?

Becky was put to the test over the past couple weeks. She is employed and makes her own part of her households income. She struggled with handing the money over to God when she got paid and felt that there just was "not enough" money to meet all the bills. However, she did feel the conviction as she set aside money for a girly expenditure for her daughter. The decision was to not tithe this time. God pulled at her and pulled at her. Here God was gentle and loving to Becky. In the mail she found........ a check refund from a Dr. she had completely forgotten about for the EXACT amount she should have tithed.

Is God's lesson always this painless? No. Is God's lesson always this quick? NO. But in case you were wondering how much to tithe from your first income.... You now can see that he is faithful to give you what you need to have your needs met and some of the things you don't.

Moving that God moves in ways that we NEED to see.

Becky also has a mustard seed (of Faith but a real seed) taped to her bible and she infects me with the courage to keep praying cause that little seed of faith is all that I need to move mountains.

Under Armour

Here's the thing! I have spent WAY too much money buying pants to run in so finally Joey told me to "INVEST" in a good pair. Today was the first day in the new pair of Under Armour brand running tights(pink & grey), with attached skirt to cover my hinny! Nice that I don't have to run around with my butt bouncing in plain sight. Modesty I guess. They were very comfortable, stayed in place and dried quickly. Very nice pair of pants. I also started with a pair of Champion running tights(black) on January 10, 2012. These pants are a bit uncomfortable around the knee but overall I would buy them again. I do have to wear short over them so there is the extra cost. I found some on sale for $4. So let's which brand stands up longer.

Under Armour $69.99 Feb 11 - ?
Champion $19.99 Jan 10 - ?

Wedding Dress-Up Photo Session

Photo by LadyBeePhotography.blogspot.com.

Pinterest has opened up a whole new avenue for creativity for me and I am going bonkers working on all the ideas that I have seen. Only difference is now I have INSTRUCTIONS! So, I saw a pin that said you should take a picture of your daughter in your wedding dress when she is young to have to display at her wedding. Of course she may later decide that it is totally lame but I have it for her anyways. Eva was even admiring her ring. She is true to form a DIVA. Now mind you I have lost weight so the wedding dress I wore when I was 24 is WAY to BIG and donated to the Goodwill. Next, I wore a green sweater and maternity pants when I married Joey in front of our fireplace on Friday evening. Not the image I would be after. It would look like they were in a heap of my dirty clothes. Alas I have a wonderful friend that allowed me borrow her lovely dress and veil so that I could bring this idea to fruition. Thank you friend!!

The Beginning

Picture by LadyBeePhotography.blogspot.com

Hey all,

I am now, with much encouragement commencing a blog. A witty repertoire is not me but man guys I have A LOT to say, and if you know me you know this to be true. I choose to not say necessarily that I am a "know-it-all" but rather that I have A LOT of information on a wide variety of things. I plan to share with you all my adventures, some are rather boring but others are quite tasty. So in short I will post recipes, with pictures, activities I have found and done with my girls, photography, fitness tips, meal plans for weight loss, depression and healing, answers to prayer, and share my AMAZING God! I hope that you will give me the responsibility to pray for you as well. Post and I will cover you. So let's see where this ride will take me.

Brynnarellie