Day 10: O.W.L. - Quick update

Okay so I have now lost a total of about 6 lbs.  Ive been kinda improvising with the South Beach diet this week but its still working for me overall along with exercising.  I probably would have lost more by today if I had continued exactly how I ate last week.   I have cheated a lil here or there.  I ate a Caesar salad at Unos with croutons and cheese.  And I'm pretty sure croutons, Caesar dressing, and full fat cheese is a no-no on this diet! lol
I really dislike being on diets as most people do but I guess its not that that bad. The main thing is getting results and getting down to my weight goal.  Then from there its just about maintaining!

Hope all of you all out there on diets too are staying strong!

My 1st Nneka Saran Diaper Bag!

One thing I've been dying to do for awhile now are funky baby bags.  I've talked to a lot of mothers who say they have trouble finding diaper bags that are stylish.  I have definitely seen a few cute styles out but I would have to agree...the pickings aren't as broad in the diaper bag category for all the fly and haute mommas out here!

So this past weekend, I decided to test my hand in doing a diaper bag.  This was my practice bag which I think came out nice for my first stab at it! Actually its already been SOLD!  Let me know what you think!

 I will be doing different prints along with a few other features. Stay tuned :) And be sure to hit me up if you would like a custom diaper bag made!

Day 5: O.W.L.

Today is day 5 of Operation Weight Loss...and Im officially a little over 4 lbs lighter since Monday mornings weigh in.  Not too bad.  My goal was to drop at least 5 lbs this week. My friends and I are keeping track of the lbs we lose by Saturday of every week...so I'll see if I lose one more lb between today and tommorow and maybe I'll hit me week 1 goal.

I can say the headaches finally went away so thats a good thing! I did still crave some sweet stuff but thank God I didn't give in.  I did however cheat a lil by eating a few tortilla chips one day but I guess it didn't hurt me too much. I also worked out 4 times this week so I'm sure that helped too.  Next week, I'm supposed to continue with Phase 1 but I have been reading that some people suggest not even doing Phase 1 of South Beach and skipping to Phase 2 as its a more realistic and healthy way of eating and dieting.  So we'll see if I skip to Phase 2 or just stick it out for my last week of Phase 1. I'll keep you posted.

Nicole Murphy - this woman's body is the truth ESP after kids!

To help with staying motivated, one good thing to do is to post a picture of yourself the size you want to be. You can use an old picture of yourself or a picture of a celebrity.  Keep it up on the frig, bathroom mirror, on your desk, pretty much wherever you are going to constantly see it! This should help keep you on track a lil when you are ready to give in to temptation!! BUT if you do have a bad day, dont beat yourself up about it. Pull a double at the gym and keep it moving!! Every day is a new day!!


Have a great weekend yall!

Nneka Saran Bridesmaids Gift Package!!

Day 3: O.W.L.

Today is Day 3 in Operation Weight Loss (O.W.L.) and Im already tired of doing this diet! I got a headache on Monday, Tuesday, and a small one today...but Im going to keep pressing through.  Apparently, getting headaches are normal because my body isn't used to not having the sugar and carbs I used to feed it so much with.

On the bright side, Im 3.5 lbs down already which is encouraging...but I swear a slice of pizza (my fav food), Cherry Coke, and a candy bar are all calling my name  but I will stay strong.....for now!

I have to treat myself at some point so I guess I'll just have to look forward to that day! Lol

Wedding Photography Giveaway!!!

My friend Nicole of Girl Photography is doing an awesome giveaway for one lucky couple within 50 miles of the Philadelphia area!! How great is that!?

 
Here is the lowdown:

Give Away Rules & Terms 1. One recipient will receive the following Wedding Day Coverage package for free :

• 8 hours of wedding day coverage from Nicole Peterson of Girl Photography with a second photographer
• Online gallery for sharing and ordering of prints
• DVD of full resolution images from wedding day in custom case
• Wedding timeline review meeting

2. Submissions should be sent to Nicole Peterson of Girl Photography at youngpeterson@me.com and will be taken from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011.
3. Wedding must take place between March 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 and be within 50 miles of Glenside PA (19038). Wedding date must also be available based on current wedding bookings for 2011.
4. Recipient of give away will be contacted within one week of giveaway deadline.

For more info, check out her site HERE.

Operation Weight Loss 2011

As I mentioned before, one of my goals this year is to lose 20 lbs.  To do this, a few of my friends and I have come together to support each other through the process since alot of us have some amount of weight we want to shed.  I have decided to do the South Beach diet after my girlfriend told me she lost 15 lbs in one week!!

So today, I officially started what we have termed O.W.L. (Operation Weight Loss).  The basic premise of the South Beach diet is no carbs, sugar (my weakness), etc for the first two weeks. Basically, you can only eat meats and veggies during Phase 1.  After 2 weeks, you go to Phase 2 which starts incorporating some other things like fruits, whole wheat pasta, etc back into your diet.   You stay at Phase 2 until you reach your weight loss goal, then you go to Phase 3 which helps you maintain your new weight.   I figure doing this coupled with working out at least 4 times a week (cardio & strength training), I should reach my goal by March. So I'll def keep you all posted.

Here is my lunch for today.... chicken breast and 2 cups of collard greens.

 

I'm pretty sure I will officially be tired of chicken breast by the end of the week, but I better get used to it because I have a feeling that will one of the main meats I'll be eating on this journey! Pray for me yall! :)

By the way, if you are looking for a diet friendly sweet treat, try these:

I must say for no sugar added, they taste great and only 40 calories each!