Some career opportunities have come up and so a rehaul was due.

A few years ago, I made a huge change. I left the comfort of my full-time job in mental health, to go to a part-time job in the medical field. I needed to switch gears. And the leftover time would allow me to pursue my business idea and some extras.

This was a brilliant move!

Then things started to feel a little stale. Burlesque, getaways and fitness made things a bit exciting and now we’re back to a feeling a bit stagnant.

So, I took a leap of faith on some opportunities that happened to come my way. And, it’s official: I’m back full-time in mental health!

Overall, this is a good move for me and my future. Then why do I feel this anxiety, which is overwhelming at times?

Did you know that stress is multidimensional?

It affects our cognitive, physical, behavioural and social dimensions.

Stress can*:

• have a positive (eustress) and/or negative (distress) nature,
• have a time frame: acute or chronic (or even acute on chronic),
• be planned or unexpected.

There are pros and cons to everything. And that’s okay. It’s in how you process it and to find appropriate supports.

For me, the CBT approach works best. I know that I ruminate in my feelings like a dog rolls around in a rotting carcass**. My previous negative experiences roll into it. And all these feelings become overwhelming. They overwhelm my logic and I sink farther into the well. I also have a tendency to bottle it all up°.

What works for me

1. I recognize there’s a problem°°,
2. I label my feelings and thought distortions,
3. I use logic to break my thought cycles,
4. I talk it out with a trusted support person.

If you are new to CBT or its tenets don’t quite resonate, N&K encourage you to research different techniques. And then to get appropriate support.

Here is a list of clickable resources to get you N&Kers started:

The Anxiety & Worry Workbook

Bounceback: Reclaim Your Health (depression)

Women’s Anger Management Workbook

Men’s Anger Management Workbook

Boundaries

Brene Brown podcasts and books

Anxiety Canada

Footnotes:
*Winning a competition can be positive. But, there can be negatives too such as feeling more pressure to win the next comp and feeling like the need to train harder. But maybe you don’t have the resources or social support for this.
*An example of acute on chronic is: having a large distressing debt and then all of a sudden, my car breaks down. I don’t have the money to fix it but I need my car to get to work to help pay down the debt.
**Except I don’t want to roll around in it.
°Not sure why I bottled shit up. It’s probably rooted in not being able to trust. But I’ve learned that I have lots of supportive people around, and I can trust them.
°°It took me a long time to realize that feelings are not fact. Feelings can be overwhelming. There are a lot of tools to help me manage. And I know I can manage when I recognize there’s an issue.

Last week I talked about my car accident that left me with disabling back pain, the struggle to get a specialist appointment… all while completing my masters & working fulltime.

So the doctors ordered surgery. Finally, I was getting somewhere!

The next hurdle.  I was put on the list for surgery, but was told that it could be years before I get it.

I cried.

I was not going to make it.

I wasn’t thinking about hurting myself, but I understood why those in chronic pain end their lives.

Thankfully, my lawyer was also there to help me. She got my surgery done in a private clinic a few weeks later. I walked out of surgery standing tall. (also vomiting, but I was able to stand up straight).

• Here’s what I realized:  I know my body. And after this whole ordeal, I really learned about my body.  
• doctors also know what you tell them. Which also means that what the doctors hear and what I say can be 2 different things.
• I need to ask. Ask for referrals to be sent. Ask for results, ask for the better imaging.
• And when I hear, well you need to do A before we can do B. Ask that B also be started.

The other thing I learned was that I have put a few other parts of my health on the back burner because I just didn’t have energy to to keep advocating for myself. I wasn’t happy about this…also annoyed, that I would have to speak up again to have my health taken seriously.

As women*, we are often not taken seriously when we tell the doctor that something is wrong.

We are often viewed as overreacting or unable to manage the slightest bit of pain.

We often have to put our health on the back burner because we need to care for others.

This has got to stop!

And it will stop with us advocating for our own health.

Yes, this is a scary thought. BUT we deserve it. AND we need to support each other. We don’t need to do it alone. Please share with your sisters*. We don’t need to be embarrassed. We need the support and their motivation to get through.

My back surgery and injury was a motivator for me to get my health in order. As I have shared before, I need to keep active in order to keep my back health in check. BUT this also motivated me to get the other health issues in my self checked out. I will post on those later.

But please, today, share with your closest person the health concern you have and what you need support with.

And advocate for yourself! You are worth it.

If you are a woman*, you know that this means you have to advocate for your health.

Going to the doctor can be stressful because we are often not listened to and treated as though we are overreacting.

A couple of years ago I was in a car accident. My car was written off and I was left with lower back injuries that increased in pain every day. Instead of getting better, I got worse.

In my professional life, I’m a strong advocate. In my personal life, I don’t like to do this. But my back injury left me facing my biggest hurdle: advocating for myself.

I was going to doctor appt after doctor appt: telling them that the pain is getting worse. After many appts, I convinced my doctor to get me a referral to a specialist, which was set for months down the road.

By this point, I had troubles waking up in the morning due to the pain.

It would take me a long time to sit up and work towards a stand, which was basically me hunched over, holding onto the dresser, breathing through the pain, hoping I won’t wet myself before I could make it to the toilet. I would slowly get ready and hobble my way to the car. After sitting in the car I would have to continue to breathe through my pain before starting the car and driving to work.

Yes, I still went to work. Mainly because I was told I needed to keep moving. And secondly, I couldn’t really afford not to as I was also working on my Masters degree. My accident was in January. By the summer, I couldn’t stand up straight. The pain was so overwhelming I thought I was losing my mind.

I saw the specialist and as soon as he asked me why I was there, I could barely talk through the tears. He told me that I needed a MRI and to see a surgeon. I was on the verge of a complete breakdown, but I was told to keep working and keep moving.

Meanwhile. I finished my Masters and started a full time job. Finally, I was scheduled for the MRI 6 months later and for an appt with a surgeon for a year later.

It was at this point that I knew I wasn’t going to last another year, let alone 6 months. I was taking it day by day. And near the end of August, I walked away from work because I was hunched right over, having tunnel vision due to the pain and absolutely losing it. The pain was so great I couldn’t think. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t sleep. I just couldn’t. I went to the doctor and I was given Morphine and offered methadonefor pain management. I declined the methadone. (I know way too much about it to accept it.) So, I took the morphine. It made me sleep but unfortunately did not kill the pain.

Thankfully I had a good lawyer, who was able to somehow convince the insurance company that paying to see the surgeon privately and for an MRI privately was the best option.

This moment changed everything.

I knew it was bad. By this point I had a dropped foot with no feelings below my ankle. It felt like bugs crawling on my skin and I wasn’t able to stand up straight. I wasn’t seeing straight, was on meds that weren’t working, and was hanging on by a thread.

I stopped checking in the doctors to give them the insurance information/updates and started to tell them I need help now.

The MRI showed I had 2 bulging discs and a herniated disc that was pressing itself into my sciatic nerve.

And, no amount of rehab was going to change anything.

I would need surgery.

Stay tuned next week for the conclusion of this article.

When I was heavier, I felt bombarded with images of thin, smooth-skinned, tall ladies as ‘beautiful’. If it was North American media, then tanned vixens. And if Bollywood media, then fair-skinned maidens. No one looked like me: pear-shaped, bespectacled, with frizzy unkempt waves & darker skinned… unless it was an actor who played an evil Bollywood mom. Or, was the star of a self-named comedy show (see posts on Tips 1-4, 5-8, 9-10). And I wasn’t any of those adjectives either!

And these thin women were portrayed as The Ultimate Show Ponies, dripping with confidence, promise, fulfilling lifestyles, happiness and sex appeal. Today, I say “Bravo!” to advertising and entertainment sectors for the deep ingrainment. They worked hard to get that image across.  At the time, it didn’t occur to me that I didn’t know anyone else that looked like that, either. Move over Manson² and Heaven’s Gate, Media is the Ultimate brainwasher.

Keep in mind, my teen years were spent poring over glossy magazines with shiny images, talking on the phone with friends, and watching TV. We didn’t have internet or cell phones. My escape was TV and staying up late reading books¹. So growing up with rigid ideas of what the perfect 2-D body looks like makes a regular 3-D girl feel less-than.

In all honesty I thought once I lost weight³, I would be happier. Things would magically fall into place. Of course this is real-life, not a fairy tale.

Happiness is something you attain. It is not bestowed upon you.

I had to really think about what would make me happy. I love reading, photography, the theatre

and writing. I love all kinds of dance. I am happy when beautiful things surround me: people, clothes, art, wine, food. And I am happy after I have challenged myself.

I try to do things to push my personal boundaries like co-writing this blog. (Yes, I love writing but it’s not easy to put yourself out there.) I’ve taken loads of pictures, in public. Then put up these up for you all to see.

And last week, I started a burlesque class with Kells. Yes, burlesque. I love how bawdy, welcoming, tongue-in-cheek, flirty, raucous it is. And we had no idea about its fabulously clandestine history. 

This is an intro class, with a lovely range of ladies across sizes, ages, shapes and abilities. About one third took the class to push themselves, have fun and become more comfortable in their own skin.  Some of the same reasons as N&K!

I would say I’m a happier person, having pushed personal boundaries and embracing all aspects of myself. Am I positive and happy 100% of the time? Of course not. Real life has ups and downs. But if you want to lead a more fulfilling lifestyle…

you gotta wake the F up. Self-evaluate and make a plan of change.

Don’t just chug along with life. Grab it by the horns and point it in the right direction!

Footnotes
1 Thanks Judy Blume, Stephen King, Danielle Steele, Isaac Asimov for keeping me up too late
2 Charles, not Marilyn
3 According to a female family member, all I needed to do in my teen years, was lose weight, get rid of unsightly zits and get toss the glasses. (She was unsure of this last thing, as presumably, there were attractive librarians with glasses.) This aunt was a solid support to me. She never lied. But, she encouraged my strengths and didn’t let me forget them. And I adored her. (She was the next best thing to sliced bread!) So when she gave me this unsolicited bit of advice, which came out of the blue, I was heartbroken.

So what exactly is this Labour Day business?

• Shorter work week
• Right to safety at work
• Right to parental benefits
• Right to unemployment benefits, etc.

We are incredibly lucky to have all of these rights in Canada.

Hmmm safety at work… many peeps think of this as only as physical issues.

Thanks to unions and Labour Day for keeping us all safe.

Don’t forget:  you have to do your part and take care of yo-self, N&Kers.

1 We are not making light of the very real physical dangers.  We are lightening this concept for easier reading. Probative value

Thanks to unions and Labour Day for keeping us all safe.

Don’t forget:  you have to do your part and take care of yo-self, N&Kers.

1 We are not making light of the very real physical dangers.  We are lightening this concept for easier reading. Probative value

Thanks to unions and Labour Day for keeping us all safe.

Don’t forget:  you have to do your part and take care of yo-self, N&Kers.

1 We are not making light of the very real physical dangers.  We are lightening this concept for easier reading. Probative value

Thanks to unions and Labour Day for keeping us all safe.

Don’t forget:  you have to do your part and take care of yo-self, N&Kers.

1 We are not making light of the very real physical dangers.  We are lightening this concept for easier reading. Probative value

Typically, poké bowls consist of a rice base, raw fish (or tofu), seasonings, veg and dressing.
Unfortunately, we haven’t had authentic Hawaiian Poké‏ (yet)… so bear with us².‌

Westcoast Poké is on Cambie in Vancouver, BC. It’s all long wooden benches and a clean look. Food is good. And, they have this spicy homemade sriracha style hot sauce that’s actually spicy!¹ Staff is friendly & service is quick.

MMM yummy The Main Poke Bowl at Pacific Poke on Main Street

We wanted to feature Pacific Poké on Main Street, as we’ve been there many many times.

Nals gets The Main with a base of half kale and half brown rice. It has: sockeye salmon, spicy ahi tuna, crab & shrimp. Veg: jicama, cucumber, avocado, nori and organic seaweed salad. Dressings: citrus mayo, sesame miso dressing, shoyu, yuzu & lime juice, herbs and sprouts. Nals isn’t into the seaweed salad so she subs for ginger and pickled red onion… and she gets the sweet & tangy topper. Each bite is a little different and freaking awesome!

You can choose another pre-made option or make your own.
Ambience: casual cafeteria style with long benches to sit. Some window and outdoor seats.
Best time to go: before/after lunch/dinner hours, as there can be a lineup otherwise. But, the line up goes quickly.
Parking: metered on Main, limited free on Prior.
Transit: easily accessible by bus.

Conclusion:

Pacific PokÉ is amazing.

Footnotes
1 When Nals says “actually spicy”, she means that there was some tongue tingling. But the subjective rating is medium spicy, on lower side. (Ick. How many times have you ordered the spicy something or other, and it turns out to be like dishwater?)

2 (But let’s not nose-turn, either. Us British Columbians know a thing or two about fresh fruits de mer, right?)

Years ago, Osamu Sushi‘s owners stopped in to the very shop that our baby Kells was working in.

Their suggestion: that her team have their Christmas dinner in the restaurant. They did… and it was fabulous!

Fast forward 15 years… after a hardcore workout¹ with Koach, Kells suggested that the 3 of us have a celebratory dinner at the very same Osamu.

Starters

→ Agedashi tofu ←

crispy hot cubes of tofu sitting in a savoury pond of dipping sauce.

→ Spicy Prawns ←

oh my lord. You’d need to sit down for this. You’ll also need to order your own. Don’t bother sharing. Sure it’s large enough but it’s too delicious. Big juicy prawns, noodles, crispy haricots verts, julienne of red bell pepper are lightly tempura-battered and fried. Like a sultry singer draping her curves over a piano, the“spicy” sauce² is drizzled on top. We had to order a second serving!

Dinner

→ Volcano Roll ←

– larger specialty roll –

exploding with delightful spicy tuna and fabulous flavour-texture combos

← Paradise Roll ←
– larger specialty roll – jam packed with cream cheese, mango and other goodness.

→ Dynamite roll ←

crispy and tasty.

→ Negitoro and salmon rolls ←

Negitoro is Nals’s go-to fave. These makis were mmmm so good!

Conclusion

Yes you must try this place!

⇓N&K Tips⇓

We were hungry & had just worked out… but that was defo too much food. We probs should not have ordered the last 2 rolls. Especially for Kells and Koach, who also ordered a beer.
Osamu is open for lunch and dinner. So pop on over to nearby Coquitlam Centre for shopping before or after your meal. You could go for a pedi at Aveda Spa, then have a late lunch with drinks at Osamu.
You could also work up an appetite at nearby Coquitlam Crunch .

Footnotes:
¹ Stay tuned for our Muscle Development After Fabulous 40 series. (For Kells it’s Almost Fab Forties.)
² Very flavourful and not chili hot

Soooo, after failing many many times with a workout routine I wanted to try something different. I needed to refocus but honestly, I had no idea how.

1 thing I knew for sure, trying to commit to 3 days at the gym a week didn’t work, committing to one month at a time didn’t work. And trying to eat healthy all day every day didn’t work. I was frustrated with myself. Sooo, I found myself back at square 1 (again). What can I try differently…what haven’t I done…oh wait…I haven’t tried one day at a time. Just wake up, do today. And don’t think about tomorrow, next week, the month, the failures…it wasn’t helping anyways.

Sooo I started by taking a picture for every day I made it…and surprise surprise…they started piling up. Hence the “96 and counting”.

Here’s the deal…with focusing on one day at a time, I stopped seeing failures. I stopped losing hope and started to lose inches. Wowzas!

Through this journey I learned something about myself…

if I’m failing, I just throw my hands in the air and let the failure take over.
I’m not getting to the gym as much as I like, oh well I guess I just wont go.

What’s one workout a week gunna do anyways, might as well just not go.

I eat one cookie…might as well eat 3 more.

And here’s the thing…I generally don’t give up on things, I set goals and go for them, hence having a Masters degree. But for some stinking reason when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, I give up way to easy. Tad embarrassing to admit.

So now here I am…10 months in to a day by day plan…and I going strong…I actually feel like going to the gym, and that it’s part of my routine. New feeling…and a gooder. But here’s what I’ve been noticing lately: I’m looking at myself going: geesh Kells its been 10 months, why haven’t you lost more? Why are you still squishy? Why do your arms still look like that? Why do you still have a muffin top and back fat? Why this and why that…and guess what’s seeping in? Those damn thoughts of well its not working so why work so hard? Why keep going? Why not just be happy with what you got and stop trying? Aaack! Why am I my own worst enemy? WHY!?!?

And I know I’m not the only one fighting with myself.

So why do we do it? Why cant we be happy with ourselves and celebrate what we have accomplished. For goodness sakes, I’ve been going to the gym and living a healthier life for 10 months!! That’s the best I’ve ever done, and all I wanna do is cry about some back fat! It’s so silly of me, I want to focus on the negative, and not all the good things.

One of the issues is that I didn’t recognize the warning signs. I didn’t notice the negative self talk seeping in and taking over. I only noticed the other day when I was at the gym, one of the trainers took my picture for their IG page. Which I have no problem with. BUT when I saw the picture I was horrified. I saw every ugly roll, double chin, chubby legged thing I hate about my body. I was embarrassed to think other people have to see this horrific picture. And that’s when I realized, I am being way to hard on myself. And that others are probably not seeing all these things. So you understand what I mean…here’s the picture:

Yup, that’s it. The picture I was so disgusted with. BUT once I noticed how hard I was on myself, I knew I had to stop and rethink. So let me share with you all what you are looking it in this picture.

Improvement!

Hard Work!

Dedication!

Sweat & Tears!

This is a freaking hard station to do. It’s a good butt burner and takes some practice. I have never done well on this particular station. But after 2014, when I had my car accident and back surgery, I really couldn’t do this station. I started with my feet on the floor, then moved up to the big ball. But I had to keep it pinned on the wall for months. It wasn’t until recently that I was strong enough in my back and hips to move the ball away from the wall and do this work out for a full 2 mins. (ok maybe not the full 2 mins, but pretty darn close).

From all this I realized I need to not only rethink how I set work out goals, but also how I fight the negativity I bury myself in.

Here’s what I’m going to add to my day to day; focus on the here and now plan: acceptance and celebrating what I have done.

But like I said, I know I’m not the only one that has these stupid negative thoughts…so please share with me what you do to fight these silly inner voices? I’d love to know how you all fight the good fight!
Please leave your comment below!

Defining Body Positivity

Doing a quick search, you can find various descriptions:
As per health marketing (for weight loss & gyms) BoPo is: we’ll help you³ get the body you want by training at our gym, eating our food or following our rules.

Translation: you are a work in progress.

Psychology says that Bopo is: Your knowledge that your worth is not based on your appearance. You do not feel oppressed or marginalized. You model this behaviour as well: not putting people down because of their appearance. (We’ve all heard trifling things like “After marriage, people let themselves go.” Or “They*² used to be so hot and now they’re so fat!”)

Translation: It’s not about changing the way you look. It’s about acceptance of the way you look at this moment, and modeling the behaviours.

zeitgeisty

As a term gains popularity, it morphs and grows. But these 2 translations are kind of opposite right?
So, what the what?

Let’s back up a bit more …

In the 90s, the Body Positive movement began as a therapeutic response to disordered eating, in the context of anorexia.
Their Mission:
“The Body Positive teaches people how to reconnect to their innate body wisdom so they can have more balanced, joyful self-care, and a relationship with their whole selves that is guided by love, forgiveness, and humor.”
We love that their inclusive Mission statement recognizes the person-centred nature of wellness. My wellness regime is not going to be the same as yours. But also my regime may change depending on changes in my condition.

N&k’s take on bopo

When we first encountered the term BoPo, we took it to mean that we all have different bodies and abilities. This variety is where the beauty of BoPo lies. What the human body and mind can do are amazing. We are resilient and have plasticity. Booyeah: Body Positivity á la N&K!

At this point, N&K’s idea of BoPo probably morphs into Health at Every Size (#HAES¹).

For the past decade, Kells & I have been working with folks who have severe challenges with addiction and as such, engage in risky behaviours. But we have seen time and time again that people can reach their own potential with motivation, empowerment and an adaptable game plan. There is positive mental and physical health at every state and stage of life.

So . . .

BoPo means acceptance & awareness.
Working out can be the next seamless step, if it is for the sake of becoming healthier. For example, doing weight training exercises to get stronger. Losing weight might be a byproduct but not the main driving force.
So yes, we think these 2 buzzterms are distinct but complementary and on a continuum.

What do you guys think?

Please comment below.

Footnotes
¹Yep there’s a hashtag for that. More info on: Health at Every Size.
²we need to come up with a gender-inclusive pronoun that depicts the singular person.
³Feels like we should have a pic of Abe Lincoln pointing here.

Here‘s how the series started, 90 pounds ago.  Read why I changed.  I tell you how I made my changes, using the ME method: Tips 1-4 (includes S.M.A.R.T.ening up your goals) & Tips 5-8.

Kells’s life situation was a bit  different. She is a lifelong athlete.  However, a back injury & years of schooling-and-sitting changed her body.  But, she used the Tips… and here’s how she uniquely applied Tips 1-4 & 5-8.

Let’s forge ahead with our last 2 Tips.

9) Plan  a    h   e  a d.

We all have busy lives with deadlines and schedules. But your body deserves better than junky ass food and a sedentary day.

Think about meal plans, groceries and your exercise regime a week in advance. That way when something unexpected slows you down, you are already prepared. Like a superhero. (But better cuz it’s real!)

Fuel your body.

• Take advantage of slow cookers and insta-pots;
• Make extra portions – to freeze or eat again the next day;
• Remember you can utilize frozen veggies and pre-cut fruit trays.  Or, can it! But don’t forget to rinse off the salty liquid;
• Have healthy snacks around like veg & fruit tray with homemade dips.  Pre-portion snacking bags of nuts and cheeses for your lunch bag or grab it when you’re running late.
• Make a versatile dish that you can change up.  For example: veggie chili can be eaten several ways: the usual way in a bowl with toppings, or use it to fill quesadillas or serve with meat/rice;^
• When making tonight’s meal, cut up extra veggies & onions for tomorrow’s meal. Or, freeze it with homemade herb/spice mixes for future slow cooker meals.
• How about re-purposing those Mason jars with salads or yogurt parfaits?*;
• Supermarkets often have healthy meal options like protein & veggie plates in their deli section.

Get (and then keep on)                    m o  v   i    n    g!

Yes absolutely do your dedicated workout.   But you can’t expect it to be as effective if you then just sit on your bum the rest of the day. Keep on moving!

• Attempt chin-ups with your buddies (see video above for the N&K rendition);
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  (Yes even if your destination is on the 10th floor.**);
• Sprint up or take the stairs 2 at a time or do lunges in-between floors;
• Park a few blocks away from your destination, so you are forced encouraged to walk a few extra blocks. (If taking the bus, get off a few stops early);
• Lunching with colleagues is a great team builder.  Instead of the usual restaurant fare, have a work picnic!  Walk together to a nearby park (or greenspace) & chow down on homemade lunches.  You could have fun themes like having green and Irish foods for St. Patricks Day;
• Take a romantic stroll after dinner;
• Plank it! while you watch TV (let your food digest a bit first and warm up beforehand);

The options are endless, folks.

10) Don’t forget about your GD self care.

Kells and I will be posting a lot more on this so BOLO.

Remember I said that this is not a diet.  Diets are typically short periods of radical diet changes to lose weight.  These are not good for your psyche, metabolism, habit reversals or empowerment.

This is a changing-your-outlook on life endeavor.  And folks, life is totes more than just food and exercise!

It is important to do some self care every single day.

This can be as simple as:

• Waking up early to enjoy your morning coffee in the peaceful silence of the sunrise;
• Doing a bit of gardening! Spring Equinox was a few days ago. Though weatherwise the PNW is a bit wonky, the plants are sprouting up right on schedule;
• Stopping to smell the roses or the fresh baked goods at your local bakery. (You can choose to just look and smell, and don’t have to necessarily eat it every time you walk by.);
• Treating yo-self and yo pups to an unexpected long weekday walk in the park;
• Paint, sketch, draw;
• Knit, crochet;
• Sing in the shower;
• Sleep in on a day off;
• Netflix (+/- the “and chill”);
• Go to the spa;
• Review that spa experience on your blog;
• Catch up with an old friend;
• Tinker with that old beater you’ve had sitting in the garage for years…

So today …

I feel pretty darn good. I have lost some weight and inches.  I have gained muscle, endurance & gumption.  I have found healthier ways to cope.  I have been pushing personal boundaries.  In fact, on March 17, I finished my first 5KM Run! I was 6 minutes faster than my practice runs (which must have been all that adrenalin).  I defo would not have considered doing that even 5 years ago. And we’re planning on doing another one in a month!

Kells and I are going to do a professional photoshoot tomorrow!  Even a year ago I would’ve said No way.

Sure, I still struggle with some stuff like eating too much junk during that monthly hormone change. Or if I’ve not prepared my meal plan a week ahead^^.

It’s been 15 years… and sometimes I get stuck on the thought that I should have lost all of the weight already.  But I know I’m moving forward and challenging myself in a lot of other ways.

I’m a sun-bunny.  I love warm bright days.  In the PNW, the weather may be mild but it’s damp which ≠ warm.  Some mornings I’d rather just stay snuggled in my down duvet. I don’t always feel like getting up at 5 am to exercise.

But at the end of the day I know I’ll feel less ache-y, more energized and closer to my goals if I just get my cantankerous arse out if bed.

And that’s it (for now) for the 90 Pounds and Counting series.  …. Stay tuned for how Kells broke down these Tips to suit her lifestyle.      And we still have reviews coming your way.

What did you think about my 90 Pound Tips?

Common sense?

Surprising?

Ludicrous?

Leave a Comment below!

Footloose footnotes

^ other versatile dishes: grill a whole buckload of chicken & veggie kebabs (protein can also be tofu or veggie ground round).  Use different marinades.  Or, keep the marinade simple but dress it differently at service with salad, in a wrap or other starch. Dressing=  tzatziki or raita style, cumin/oregano/lime, balsamic with fresh rosemary, Thai/Malaysian inspired coconut curry, Vietnamese bahn mi inspired sour-sweet-salty, French Provencal herbs with champagne vinegar or homemade Dijon.

* How to MJ salads: starting bottom up: salad dressing, hearty items (beans, peppers, fennel), leafy tenders then top with cheese/seeds/nuts.  Keep upright until you are ready to eat. Then shake it up & enjoy. Use a similar idea for MJ yogurt: plain yogurt, hearty fruit, tender fruit and top off with granola/nuts.

** In our previous job, Kells & I would see clients on the 7th & 8th floors in DTES SROs.  The stairs were old AF, rickety crickety, slanted, with short landings and usually covered in some UFOs (unidentified fluids or objects). And if that sounds treacherous, you don’t want to see the elevators.

^^IDK but it never ceases to amaze me that our pattern (including my spouse with a forever healthy BMI) is that when we don’t prep/plan our meals ahead of time, we scramble when our tums grumble. Which is usually for takeout ⇒ bigger portions, more salt and fat than home cooking. Plus it eats into your budget like a hungry hippo! Take a look at your own household’s patterns.  Meal planning is not hard. It is not a chore.  It is something that helps you to align with your life goals.