Celebrity Slim Downs: Ms. Raven Symone

So its been a while since I've done a spotlight feature in our celebrity slim downs mini series. I want to welcome it back with a celebrity who I deeply admire personally. Ms. Raven Symone, actress extraordinaire. She is an amazing bombshell, activist, and role model to women across all boards.  If you didn't know Raven is a picture of weight loss success in my book.  

Raven reported that she started her journey by taking it in slow steps. 

1. She began swapping healthier food options like oatmeal and salmon. 
2. She started exercising 4x's a week
3. She linked up with a personal trainer to keep her in check 
4. She kept a positive attitude by telling herself: "Whether or not I'm this size, I always preached, 'Be comfortable with yourself,' and I will preach that forever."
   

Looks like these 4 steps got her far in her journey to success without any surgeries! 

“I stopped stressing. You have to realize at 15, there was a whole entire show I had on my shoulders. It was a very big cast and crew and if you’re sick for a day, people lose money and that’s a problem,” she said at the time. “[It wasn't] just over eating because I’ve actually been eating the same. I keep a little bit more smaller portions because I learned that your body has to get rid of that stress some way. Some people break-out, some people lose their hair, some lose weight, some people gain weight, my body just reacted a certain kind of way.”-(credit)

“I find it funny that people now come up to me and say, ‘Wow, you are absolutely gorgeous. I’m like, ‘I was beautiful before I lost weight. Egotistically speaking, I thought I was amazing.’” -(credit)

Raven gets candid on her weight loss journey with none other then Ms. Wendy Williams.  Listen to what she has to say about her change of lifestyle and how its affected who she is today! Finally a celebrity who isn't afraid of being honest. We love it!

'It’s great to put on clothes and not wear a girdle,' she told People magazine at the time.

'People say, "You look so pretty!"  But I was pretty before.

'I could look in the mirror and see me at 200lbs or 135lbs and I’m still the same person.'

Ladies, if Raven can do it. 

Why can't we?

Workout Wednesday: Burst of Blue

You know what time it is right ladies? It's Workout Wednesday and I need us to all stay active, motivated, and on track.  It's a lot to ask for but I believe that you can do it. Each and everyone of you can claim your journey as your own and turn fitness into your craft. With the coming of a new season its easy to slack but not this time around!

So it's getting chilly out and guess what? I think its the perfect weather for outdoors fitness. Throw on a cute sweat shirt and your favorite workout kicks and get moving. This outfit is the perfect mix of girlishness and kick ass.  Aren't those Nike shox sneakers cute?

Burst of Blue by classicdaisy featuring h&m

NIKE crew sweater
nike.com

H m
$21 - hm.com

NIKE racerback sports bra
nike.com

NIKE athletic running shoes
jcpenney.com

Nike Brasilia 5 XS Brasilia Grip Bag
$18 - sportsdirect.com

Get started today!

Motivational Monday

WE PROMISE!

Workout Wednesday

TODAY!

Review: Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt

Hey ladies! I thought it would be great to share a new product with you all that I am absolutely loving at the moment. Dannon Light & Fit has jumped on the greek yogurt train and man is it amazing! Dannon has a great variety of flavors to choose from like: blueberry, strawberry, cherry, and vanilla. 

Here's the nutritional label:

I love that it is only 80 calories compared to other major Greek yogurt brands like: Chobani that average in at about 130 calories. This one has less and its the exact same sized container can you say #winning! The protein count is another perk for me and guess what its not lumpy or too thick. It truly is smooth and tasty!

I first tried the blueberry flavor and thought it was delicious. It has fruit at the bottom and a rich taste.

Strawberry is my favorite flavor so far. It is so sweet, thick, and creamy! I love slicing a banana to add in it.

Vanilla tastes really good topped with granola and I even add it to my smoothies for a flavor boost!

I give Dannon Light & Fit Greek: A+

Try it out today and save $1.00 click here to get your coupon!

Motivational Monday

This Monday we want to remind you that its great to be persistent, to be determined, and to be motivated. But it's better to be informed, to be in tune, and to be able to listen when your body screams for rest. Don't be afraid to listen and don't be afraid to tell yourself you did great even if you think you didn't because chances are you probably really did. Wanna know how we know? Because you always do your best and that's what matters!

Don't be your own worst enemy be your best friend!

Glo's HRM review

Hey loves, its Glo coming to you with a review that’s long overdue. I have had my FABulous Heart rate monitor for a few months now and unfortunately I have yet to show and tell. When I first started looking for a heart rate monitor, I didn’t know exactly what specifications I needed nor what I wanted to track other than calories and my heart rate (duh). So after searching several different brands I finally decided on the Garmin FR70! I must say that other than my newest Nike trainers, it was the best investment I’ve made towards my health.

Details about my FR70 HRM

Cost: $129.99

I’m able to track my calories, time and of course my heart rate! With my FR70 I’m also able to track distance and speed with the addition of a Garmin foot pod. I also have the option of tracking the distance of my cycling workouts! Another great feature is the advanced training options and virtual training partner. But the best feature of all is the automatic syncing of my workouts straight to my computer via Garmin Connect.

Foot Pod Cost: $69.99

Screenshot of my activity from Garmin Connect! For more details visit Garmin.com!

Workout Wednesday: Getting the Skinny On Burned Calories

I know when you're at the gym you sometimes wonder, damn will twenty minutes on this treadmill really matter at the end of the day? And the answer is hell yes, those burned calories and that hard work adds up to big differences on the scale. If you don't believe me check out these below stats. 

Now look at your weekly log of burned calories and total them up and smile with accomplishment at that number. No matter how big or small it is; it is all yours--no one else but you have made that a reality. Own your shining glory!

Remember, we must always find the postivity in all things done during our journeys because its what keeps us inspired and determined. Count this as one of the many tools that keeps you motivated. 

Let's keep moving ladies, 

our efforts won't go unnoticed!

Snack Attack!

This post is dedicated to snacks, snacks, snacks! I know the most challenging part about converting your eating habits to a healthy lifestyle is the idea that you will never be able to eat somethings again. This my friends is absolutely false! There are alternatives out there that can help substitutions replace those old fatty favorites. Take a minute to think about swapping some of these treats instead, you can do this!

I thought this list was super informative and you would be surprised at how useful it really is when it comes to snacking options. 

Motivational Monday

Don't stop believing!

It's Fiber Check Time!

If you didn't know fiber is a very important nutrient that we should strive to keep high! It is recommended that you take in at least 25 grams a day. But what exactly can you eat to get this fiber boost you ask? Well here are a few fiber power foods that will be sure to help keep your body moving and your digestion steady. Fiber is one of the best supplements used to help us all loose those extra pounds. Don't sleep on it ladies.

More Fiber Rich Foods:

Now Go Get-Get Cha Fiber On!

Work Out Wednesday

Motivational Monday: Ladies, REPEAT AFTER ME!

Try again, this time say 

it like you freaking mean it!

Happy September!

My Goals For September:

1. Restart my fitness schedule
2. Drink more water 
3. Track everyday including the weekends!

P.S. I lost 5.7lbs in August! Only 10 more to go to get my summer gain of 15lbs off!

My Goals For September:

1. Continue working out 3-4x's a week
2. Going to attend a 2nd yoga class
3. To practice healthy eating habits on the weekends

Share one of your goals for September with us!

Please leave a comment below.