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Hey guys! I recently posted a before and after pic on Instagram of me a couple of months ago where I lost over 20 pounds.
What people don't know is:
I still have not set foot in a gym...yet!
I got lots of engagement on this post and positive encouragement with people sliding in my dm's asking how I did this.
Why: I am a huge fan of Tyra Banks America's Top Model. The show was on and on this season, there is a model with alopecia, a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. The judges then showed their flaws on national television and I was shocked. I took that as an "if they can do it on national television, I can in real life!" I went to the bathroom and took my photo...in my leggings and sports bra. Nothing flattering, nothing tucked or snatched. As a Kardashian-Jenner superfan, I always thought things had to be airbrush perfect to get noticed. Want to know something? this was not true ....I OWNED THAT PHOTO ( view original post here)!
Once I placed the photo of 2 months prior next to the photo today....I saw the difference. It was important to me to share it. I didn't want to wait until summer to start showing progress. I see people who post dramatic weight loss...but we don't see the process. The ups and downs. The plateaus they hit. I didn't care.
Surprisingly, I haven't even started to work out yet. I know and learned very early in high school that your body can be controlled by what we intake. There are so many yummy delicious things out there that we created that are there for enjoyment and we abuse. I may not be a gym rat, but I know my body and what I intake pretty well. A lot of my excess fat has been accumulated by empty calories that I drink: soda/pop, juices, shakes smoothies and COCKTAILS coupled with no physical activity!
What Started it: This past December, I was asked to be a bridesmaid at a wedding. I have never been in a wedding and I know the expectation for this couple is very high. I couldn't be the most out of shape bridesmaid bc in comparison to the other maids...I am already the biggest one! I wanted to change my intake before I started working out and my doctor agreed. He said to make small changes such as more water & swapping out drinks/snacks for more organic or healthier versions available.
I started researching green tea and ran across a tea that I have seen Kourtney Kardashian drink many times on the Show Keeping up with the Kardashians and on her social media called Matcha. I had never heard of it before but I researched it and learned as much as I could of it.
Matcha powdered green tea is:
a mood-enhancing, antioxidant powerhouse
a natural weightloss aid, pH balancer and detox agent
a sugar-free coffee alternative without the jitters I went and saw my doctor who suggested simple things to "take out or substitute" in my diet and said I could do this. I drink caffeine a lot which is something I felt I needed but not great for your body.
(FYI: my physical activity is limited temporarily to smaller movements because I have very little cartilage in my right knee so my workouts would come later after I get the weight off).
I started swapping the coffee in the morning and my afternoon cup with this Matcha tea and didn't even think anything of it until about a week later I weighed myself and lost 3 pounds already! I must warn you, do your research and speak with your doctor before starting any sort of regimen. Matcha is very powerful. One cup is the same as drinking 10 cups of green tea and has 137 MORE ANTIOXIDANTS than green tea. Yea...SUPER POWERFUL. There are side effects for this like anything else and can create uncomfortable situations if not taken properly. This is not a fast or diet, it is something to incorporate into your lifestyle which is the difference between yo-yo weight loss and actually maintaining it off. YOU MUST EAT with this tea. I strongly suggest you do your research and speak with your doc or nutritionist before starting this tea!
According to The Matcha Source: Amongst its many health benefits, matcha…
-Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
-Boosts metabolism and burns calories
-Detoxifies effectively and naturally
-Calms the mind and relaxes the body
-Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins
-Enhances mood and aids in concentration
-Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
-Prevents disease
-Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
The brand that I use is the Jade Leaf Matcha. You can purchase it here. It's about $23 and I use it twice a day. You must drink it per the directions meaning measure your water and match with actual measuring spoons to get the best dose and bang for your buck! Also, adding a bunch of sweeteners and sugars will counter the effects if anything. I feel more energized and don't feel the crash effects that coffee can produce later in the day. I also feel like my concentration and mood have gotten way better. Plus, the fact that I see the weight disappearing gets me excited to get to the gym! I am definitely going to keep this is my diet. It is simple, organic and full of all the great things my body needs. Not to mention, I am steadily losing weight and inches and I am excited to be able to incorporate more physical activity without hurting my knee to marry with this new lifestyle. I can't wait to be the best me and living my best life....2018 is the revenge year!
I am not done yet! Want to come and watch me get my body ready for this wedding and Say Yes to the Dress?? Follow my social media accounts on my homepage or subscribe to the blog to be the first in the know! Matcha giveaway coming soon!
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