Healthy Life Loopholes - Exercise (meh*)

Hello everyone, so you guys remember when we spoke about the two things you need to lose weight and live healthy? That’s right, good food and exercise. Mainly good food though, but exercise is definitely a great way to keep fit and build muscle. 

However, not many people like to exercise, most of all me (Yep, that's right. It literally is a WORK OUT!) 

But you gotta do what you gotta do right? 

So I had to figure out a way to make exercise less of a pain and more fun for me. These hacks can be improved to fit you, so let's just try to have some fun alright?

Numero Uno! Get bomb workout gear:

Let's face it, your first time out at the gym or wherever you like to exercise will be daunting. You're going to feel like everyone's watching you and you really don't know what you're doing. How you appear goes a long way to improve your confidence. Nobody hates a good confidence booster, and trust me, a good outfit definitely helps.

Next, decide what time works for you:

I am a morning person; I can wake up super early and get my workout done before I start the day. I like the privacy the early hours provide me, plus I hate the idea of working out in the evenings, it's always confusing to me whether or not to have dinner before I exercise and most evenings are consumed by activity. So come up with what time works best for you, and stick with the work out.

Get that playlist down yo!

Music cannot be overplayed (hehe! pun intended). Get some amazing upbeat music on your playlist and some soothing music too for when you're stretching out. Great music gives you an extra boost and makes the workout seem like less of a chore.

Choose a venue:

Contrary to popular belief, the gym is not always the best place to exercise. I personally dislike the gym. I don't like the hangout feel that it gives. But if the gym is your zone, then by all means rock out. I like taking in a scene while I workout. So I jog round a trail. You can hike, do core exercises at a park, you can even have a rocking workout at home. So choose what works for you!

Breathe Baby Breathe:

Breathing is super important; you need the oxygen now more than ever. While you exercise, it's tempting to want to breathe through your mouth. The problem with that is you'll tire out quickly because you're not absorbing enough oxygen that way. Breathe through your nose and remember to pace yourself.

Get a partner:

Having someone cheer you on, look goofy with you and just be there is always a great thing. It's even better if it's someone that's looking to begin the “fitfam” journey as well. If you like to work alone however, that works fine too. Just do you fam’.

A workout does not always have to be planned. You can walk, or use a bicycle instead of having a drive, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Go dancing, or get your praise on. Just move.

Finally but most importantly; START! The worst workout is the one that didn't happen, so no matter where you are or what pace you're on; just keep at it. This is your journey, so take it however way works. Just be honest with yourself, it's not about anybody else. So have a rocking time, living your life. Your Healthy Life.

Love,

Tolu. XOXO!

Jogging with Jugs

(Dream Jogging trail)

Hello Beautiful People, It's been such a long time; My bad! I am so sorry, a lot's been happening and I guess I got a little overwhelmed, but we'll talk about all that later. Something happened to me this morning and I thought it's something worth sharing.

Y'all know how much I love my morning jog. I haven't been faithful with it recently I must confess, but this morning against all odds; I put on my workout clothes and I hit the streets. (New city mind you - But that's gist for another day)

It was going great, my body jumped into gear like I didn't take the hiatus. I had my headphones and the music was good, I would have preferred a chiller morning, but the weather was workable. And the roads were not so busy. It was a new route so I was also taking in my surroundings.

Anyway, I encountered a fellow jogger at a turn along my trail; not my first by the way but she seemed friendlier than the others I had seen. We passed by each other - it was uneventful.

Side note: Whenever I encounter a fellow jogger, I get a little nervous. I'm not sure if I should wave, say good morning, smile or give a cool nod. It's an honest battle, one I believe with perseverance I shall conquer. But I am taking suggestions. LOL

Moving on. I made it to the end of my trail and turned back to begin the journey home. I got to that turn again and met the same jogger, I guess she was making her way home as well. This time around she said something to me *Oh Joy* I jovially took off my earphones so I could make some small talk. You know, now that the ice had been broken. I strained to hear what she was saying as she was on the other side of the road. Finally I heard her.

"You should get a firmer bra" She said with a sympathetic smile on her face.

I did a double take, and looked at this curious jogger. She was skinny, with a smaller build than me. She looked fit and clearly had small "easier to manage breasts." So I wondered, what does she know about my predicament?

I smiled back to wave her away, but she persisted. So I said "they're big" when she insisted that I needed a firmer bra, I wondered if she thought I had just picked up any old bra from my closet. I proceeded to show her a strap and then I said:

"It's a sports bra, they're big and they're going to move."

I turned back to my trail, before she could utter another word.

While I wasn't particularly offended by her remarks, I flashed back to a time when I wouldn’t  go out jogging for this singular reason. Matter of fact I didn't take part in many sporting activities because I was overly conscious of what these babies were doing. I realized she thought she was giving me a sound advice. But honestly, that advice was unsolicited. If your body wants to dance while your heart races and your feet paces, let it. Be comfortable in your own skin and recognize that next person does not need to fit your mold to be perfect. My boobs are not shy, and neither am I.

Oatmeal Pancakes YUM!

Two days ago I got back from my morning jog with a hankering for some flapjacks. (Pancakes)
One problem though, traditional pancakes are not the most healthy food.
So I came up with this recipe, it contains no flour or sugar, it's super simple and absolutely delish!

This recipe makes 7 mid sized pancakes. But you can increase or reduce proportions to make as may or as little as you desire.

What you need:

Oatmeal - 2.5cups
water- 3/4 cup
2 large eggs
2 medium sized bananas
Honey- 1 Tb

Directions:
Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix into a batter.

Slightly grease a non stick pan. and place large full spoons of the mix in the pan to fry

A trick you can use to grease the pan so it does not have excess oil: Use a paper napkin, dip in oil and spread on the pan.






Repeat process till the batter finishes. Plate and enjoy.

Rest STOP! ...

You ever been on a road trip that’s so stressful you can’t wait to get to a rest stop? And when you get there, you’re not too stoked about leaving. I remember taking road trips as a child from Port-Harcourt where my family lives to Lagos. This was way back when the federal roads made some sense in Nigeria. We would take a rest stop in Benin which was the midpoint. It was always Mr. Biggs, a really big branch. It had the kids play area, which quite frankly was the height of its attraction. We usually stayed between 30-40 minutes. Enough time to eat, use the restrooms, stretch out and for us the children play a little. However whenever it was time to leave the place I was hesitant. The whole trip I had basically slept, anticipating our arrival at that Mr. Biggs but not quite excited for the journey there. Though that was not my ultimate destination, I was not too happy about continuing the grueling journey.

Dieting can be a grueling journey or the traditional idea of dieting at least. We have to give up certain things we’ve come to love. Guilty pleasures as it were, so much so the idea of a moment, a cheat day; when we allow ourselves indulge in these sinfully delicious, health impairing foods is met with fully open arms. The problem is however, if you’re anything like me getting out a cheat day can be really tasking.

Imagine if dieting was not such a chore, you actually eat food you enjoy; desserts are not off the table etc. I never eat anything I do not enjoy. I make my meals with my taste palette in mind. True I can’t make a traditional recipe for most meals, but I find alternatives that are close enough and require no strain on my diet. Have a piece of cake every once in a while, granted I shouldn’t eat a whole wedge but a well portioned piece once in a while won’t kill me. Same goes for most other desserts. Right now, on a road trip; I choose to be the person with the info booklet on every new town we drive past, the one that takes pictures of the shrubs and sky. That tries to collect as many post cards as possible, that enjoys the journey...

Try new natural foods and flavors. It may shock you to see just how many new meals you enjoy! 

They See my Baggage

I went to my school gym one of those mornings. You know second semester, New-year resolution work out powwow. Anyway I found my weapon of choice, got on, made the necessary adjustments and began my 30 minutes workout. My eyes wandered because I had to keep my mind off the grueling exercise. So I looked around to see what could capture my interest or distract from my ordeal even for a short time.

Then I saw her. She was running on the track. She was bigger than me, dark skinned going at her pace but maintaining it. Her eyes shot straight forward, she wasn't distracted, she had a goal and she looked dead set on achieving it. Of course, I didn't think all these things at the time. On the contrary, I thought ‘Wow that girl is fatter than me’. And I’ll admit, the thought made me feel good.  I'm not proud of it, but rather than see the effort she was making at achieving her clear goal, I saw her weight; even though I had mine. I relished in it, daring to think that I was better than her, because I hadn't allowed myself get that big!

I'm extremely self-conscious, did I ever tell you? Matter of fact, starting this blog was a huge leap for me because I felt I would be putting myself out there and that was a scary thought. But I digress.    My self-consciousness is one of the reasons I hate going to the gym, when I did I stayed on the elliptical and it wasn't without reason. I felt awkward at the gym, I didn't think I looked good working out. I didn't look like those women in Nike ads with abs and good hair, still don’t to be honest. I was flabby, huge and I had terrible gym clothes. The elliptical was easy enough; I wouldn't look as awkward on it as with other exercise machines.

For most people trying to lose weight, there is a natural amount of self-consciousness. If you're Nigerian, it's especially true. Nigerians have no chill. We spew out whatever comes to mind with little sensitivity. Political correctness? Please what is that one? If you're offered food and you decline, "Oh you're watching your height?" If you eat junk food, "hmm as big as you are?" or "You don't like yourself" Everyone's an expert on how you should live your life. Maybe we judge others based on insecurities, deciding to see in what ways we may appear better than the next person so we feel good about ourselves. There are many reasons people try to lose weight. For me, it was because I felt I would be more attractive, I’d fit into clothes better and. While I cannot discount the boost of confidence a trimmer figure gives, I must say you remain essentially the same person bigger or smaller maintaining the same insecurities.

In dealing with my insecurities, I found one who saw the entire picture and that person wasn’t even me. I read HIS letters of love to me, and I began to see what HE saw. Yes I could improve on aspects of me. But I was not insignificant, I am not ugly, I am pretty amazing “… A prized jewel” and above all I was and am worth dying for. I know because someone already did. I was formed and called good by my maker. So were you, so was everyone and our insecurities only blind us from a very obvious truth. I can do anything, I’ll achieve every goal all I need to do is believe.

I would love a society with less vocally opinionated people. Skinny does not always mean Healthy and it’s time people stopped fat shaming. Yeah I said it. Believe me when I say, most people that are overweight are well aware. In fact a lot of us have tried or are trying to lose the weight. Some have resorted to unhealthy measures. The snide comments we make, helps nobody. I have always said, the goal here isn’t simply to lose weight. It’s to live and maintain a healthy well rounded life and believe me the weight will come off. A healthy life is for everyone, fat, skinny or in-between. 

Having said all that, we as individuals must realize that we cannot control what others think or say. We are only ever responsible for our actions. So wherever you are on this journey, it’s ok when they see your baggage. It’s part of your story, and whatever they say matters little. Buy some killa work out clothes. Pack your hair in a pretty practical way so you can ditch the bonnet when you work out. Carry yourself with confidence, you deserve to be there. Eat that piece of cake(in moderation) As long as you know who you are and most especially whose you are, you’re gold! 

BODY CREAM REGIME

NINAS’ SKINCARE ROUTINE

Welcome back my darlings : -} I will like to begin by apologizing for the late post. My handsome brother graduated with honors in Industrial Engineering (not marketing him oh!).  But I am back now to give you guys wonderful tips to leave your skin naturally sun kissed.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BODY CREAM

LETS DIVE IN :)

In my previous posts, I explained how to cure blackheads and generally care for your face. Today, however we are moving on to;

“How to cater for your body” (and I mean from your neck to the sole of your feet)

The body cream you use is as important as the way you carry yourself! (Excuse me Anita? Why so rude)

I say this because you cannot go into a board meeting or an interview looking like a dried cashew nut.  It is “very important” you apply lotion to your skin before leaving your house.  If you are in Nigeria where you cannot predict NEPA, (shout out to Mrs. Diezani and co) you can apply a small portion.

But buying a cream and just applying it sometimes doesn’t give the desired result. Don’t worry though, I got you;

You can add certain oils and other ingredients to your cream that will boost it.

BODY CREAM

Different bodies different types!  When buying your body cream there are certain criteria you should consider;

Questions you should ask yourself

·      Do I sweat a lot?

·      Is my skin dry or oily?

·      Is my skin sensitive?

·      Do I want to lighten up a little or extreme?

After asking these questions and answering them, you are ready to purchase one.

ADD-ON FOR YOUR LOTION

Below is a list of good ingredients you can mix in your cream that will give you excellent results.

·      Coconut oil

·      Lavender oil

·      Shea Butter

                                          WHAT DO I USE?

For moisturizer- I love my body butter (I can never shout!)  So you will always catch me with body butter. Then I mix it with other components.

I do not want to be specific with what brand of lotion I use because, my blog friends our skin varies. 

Add-ons- I mix my body butter with exactly what I highlighted above. But I will explain the importance of the each add- on

Coconut oil – This is one of my best oils. Especially because I live in Nigeria and it is HOT!  Coconut oil absorbs into the skin within seconds without leaving your skin dry.  But I advise not to use the whole bottle just a few drops in your lotion will do the magic.

Lavender oil- Ah! Beautiful scent that can turn any man’s head (hehe if it doesn’t work don’t blame me!). It can be used alone for wounds, burns and improves eczema.

 You can mix it with your lotion as it restores skin complexion and is best for reducing skin acne.

Shea Butter- Hmmm! (Disclaimer: do not use this product on your face!)  If you reside anywhere raw shea butter is sold, count yourself lucky.  You only need a teaspoon of shea butter in your cream.  It is also used as a remedy for dry skin, to help protect the skin’s natural oils.

EXTRA INFORMATION

 When mixing your cream with any of these products, you do not need to empty the add-ons into your cream. Just a few drops will do.

P.S:- Please  you do not have to use the exact products I display in my posts, you can buy a close substitute if you cannot find the product displayed on the blog.

Better still you are always welcome to email me what product you want to substitute and I will be glad to help.

My email address – anitaakuvue2@gmail.com

Plantain boat & Fish?

Hello Beautiful People!
Have I got a treat for y'all. So who doesn't like plantains? Show of hands please, we can't see you, in the back? anybody?
Oh That's right, everybody loves plantains!!
I don't know if you can tell but I was in a bit of a bind coming up with a name for this dish. Well since it's not the name we're eating, feel free to call it whatever you like.

Here we go...

Roasted Plantain

Ingredients:

Plantain (That't it. Go figure...)

Oil-less Vegetable stew (Efo Riri)

Shout out to 9jafoodie for this lovely recipe.
Link: http://www.9jafoodie.com/oil-free-nigerian-soup-efo-vegetable/

However, there are variations I made to the recipe
Ingredients:
Vegetable leaves (Ugwu, Spinach, Green)
Chilli Peppers -10
Bell Pepper -1
Onions - 1 large
Iru(Locust Beans) - 1/2 cup
Meat stock(I didn't use meat because of the fish) - 1/2 cup
Salt - to taste
Cray fish - 1 Tb
Bouillon Cube - 2 cubes

Fish:
1 whole fish (I used Pangasius but it is quite oily so I'd recommend Tilapia)
Chilli Pepper - 3
dried bay leaf, shallots and nutmeg -1 Tb
Ginger & Garlic paste- 1 Tb
Lemon juice - 1 Tb
Onions - 1/2 large or 1 Small
Bell pepper - 1/2
Bouillon Cube- 1 Cube
Salt - to taste

Direction
Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Peel Plantain skin off and divide it vertical to two equal halves. rub a little bit of vegetable oil on the plantain so it does not stick to the grill. Use a knife to cut marks across the plantain but don't cut all the way through. Arrange plantain on a Grill and put it in the oven. Set at 350 degrees and leave for 30 minutes.

Blend Chilli pepper, onions, bell pepper and crayfish. Ensure that you maintain a coarse texture so don't blend finely. Drain out excess water and pour in the mixture to the pot.

Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add in Iru, Bouillon cubes meat stock and salt. leave for 5-8 minutes. Add chopped washed vegetable leaves, stir well. Cook for 3 minutes.

Cut and clean fish. Blend chilli pepper, onions and bell pepper. mix in 2 Tb spoons of the blend to the fish. Add ginger & garlic paste, dried bay leaves, nutmeg and shallots, bouillon cube and salt. Mix it all with the fish. Add lemon juice. Leave fish to marinate, while you preheat oven.

Oil oven pan. Arrange fish on the pan.
Place pan in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.








Serve all components