Loss, Recovery, & NOOMing into the future!

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Last Summer, I left a company that I worked at since September of 2013, with no secure plan on what was coming next for me. A month later, I lost my maternal grandmother, followed soon after by my paternal grandmother, which ultimately shattered my heart. 

Despite being aware that difficult times and loss were an inevitable part of life, I quickly went down a rabbit hole. I started traveling and eating almost everything in sight in hopes of distracting myself. Looking back, I don't blame myself, considering how my world was suddenly turned upside down. And as I've mentioned before, food has always been a lifelong love of mine. No matter what's going on in my life, I often turn to food as a form of comfort. And in those sad, Summer months, I'm embarrassed to say that I ended up packing on way more pounds than I'm proud of.

It wasn't until this past March, when my parents pointed out how "healthy" I was looking, during a family trip to Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), that I snapped out of my disillusioned state. I wasn't taking care of myself, and I finally had to face how I was I living my life. 

We all fall on hard times and have different ways of grieving. But as the natural wheel of fortune turns, you eventually find yourself slowly but surely making your way back up from the bottom.

And this is where my journey with Noom began! 

Noom's mission is to help people everywhere lead healthier lives through behavior change. And that is exactly what it has done for me! I have lost 20 lbs so far using their program, and I feel as though I am well on my way to reaching my fitness goals as well as making a permanent healthy lifestyle change for the future.

Using Noom's app, I've learned how to create healthier habits, reduce my risk of chronic health problems, and foster a healthier relationship with food and myself in the process.

Every morning after my sun salutation and daily meditation practices, I open up the app to add my current weight and read through my daily articles. I also check the app throughout the day to log my meals. It was pretty simple and easy to incorporate into my day to day routine.

Another great aspect to the program is my personal Goal Specialist and Coach, Telisa! Telisa checks in with me weekly, discussing my current and ever-changing fitness goals. In a way, she feels like my therapist, holding me accountable while also allowing me to be vulnerable and open up about how I'm feeling overall. Having a Coach to help me on my journey has been a tremendous help. Telisa has allowed me to truly reflect on both my physical and mental health, which I know will ultimately ensure the changes I've made will stick with me in the long run.

For anyone like me, who is currently going through a rough time, know that you are not alone. And don't be ashamed for wandering off your usual path seeking comfort from outlets that might not be the healthiest, such as food. I've been exactly where you are and I was able to pull myself together and find my way back.

I understand that Noom is not for everyone, but if you're looking to try something new. I can personally attest that Noom has helped me in so many ways to become a happier and healthier version of myself. I'm so grateful for Noom, Telisa, and where as well as who I am today. So what are you waiting for? Sign-up here for a free 14-Day Noom trial today!

XO,

Denise

How-To: NamaSLAY

It's no secret that my day hasn't begun until I've completed my morning Sun Salutation, aka Surya Namaskar. Even though yoga is one of my favorite ways to get my body moving nowadays, it wasn't always. I used to be the one at the back of every yoga class giggling to myself about my lack of flexibility and balance, eventually falling asleep during savasana. lol

Over time, I've learned a few key ways to keep myself mindful and fully engaged in my workout. If you have trouble enjoying yoga and want to start a more engaged and meaningful practice so you can enjoy in all of its benefits, let me help! 

DECIDE TO HAVE FUN

It can be a little daunting trying to figure out which type of yoga is best for you. But don't forget that should be part of the fun, so you should enjoy the process of exploring and maybe bring a friend or two along with you. In fact, my most memorable yoga event last year was attending Soul Pose with my besties. Stop over-thinking, get out of your own head, and decide that yoga is something you can enjoy!

ACCESSORIES MATTER 

Once I was in my new yogi mindset, I knew that I had to get the right gear. I scoured the internet for reviews to ensure that I'd get the most bang for my buck, and you should too! From new yoga outfits to look scorching at your next Bikram yoga class to finding the Best Yoga Mat, take your time and find accessories that set your yogi soul on fire!

LOOK GOOD | FEEL GOOD

Slowly but surely I saw and felt gradual changes in my body. It was amazing seeing myself doing things that I originally thought that my body was incapable of. Every day, whether it's my morning sun salutation or a Vinyasa class with my co-workers, I clear my mind and set my intentions for the day or even just the workout. Know that this time is for you and the more you focus and be mindful at this moment, the more benefits you'll reap later on. 

I hope my yogi tips help you NamaSLAY your next yoga sesh! :) 

XO,

Denise

RUN: 3.1 / 6.2 / 13.1 / 26.2

The more I run the more I love my body. Not because it’s perfect (far from it), but because with every mile I prove to myself that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible! <3

Growing up, I never imagined that I’d be able to call myself a runner. In terms of athleticism and physical activity, I’ve always loved dancing, and I played volleyball and basketball from the 4^th through the 8^th Grade. Even though I also did track & field for a couple of years (6^th & 7^th grade), I always preferred the High Jump to any actual running. Running was just never my forte. I’d much rather be spending hours in front of a mirror perfecting my dance techniques.

On a whim, I signed up for the GIANT Race in the summer of 2012. On a quest to live a healthier lifestyle, I decided that a race would be something fun to participate in, and even if I didn’t like it in the end, I’d have a fancy medal to show people. I have several friends and family members who participated in races before, so they all encouraged me, despite my initial hesitation. For those of you who do not know, a 5K is approximately 3.1 miles. Considering that I hadn’t done much running since high school, I was extremely apprehensive. But I found that once I got out there, my stamina and endurance quickly improved. One easy mile turned into two. Two easy miles turned into three. And without fear, I ran my first successful 5K on September 16^th, 2012.

Since then, I’ve successfully ran in 6 more races including: The Neon Run 5K, The GIANT Race 10K, Color Me Rad Run 5K, Dirty Girl Mud Run 5K, Awesome 80s Run 5K, and the Tinker Bell 10K.

I plan on running my 1^st Half-Marathon on March 29^th 2014, the Livermore Half-Marathon. Followed by my 2^nd Disney Half-Marathon on Sunday August 31^st, 2014, and my 3^rd Half-Marathon the GIANT Race on Saturday, September 6^th, 2014. Ultimately, I hope to one day go to Greece, where I’ll run my very first Marathon from Athens to Marathon, like Pheidippides. (Minus collapsing and dying of course! LOL)

My current mantra: “RUN. Sweat. Smile. Repeat.” <3

Are you a runner? What is the furthest distance you’ve ever ran? Do you have any fun races in California that you’d recommend? Please leave me a comment, because I’d love to know! 

xoxo,

Denise Joyce

Wellness 101: The AWESOME-ness of Drinking Tea!

Hello my Loves!

In today’s Wellness 101, I want to share with you the AWESOME benefits of drinking tea. If you watched my latest October Favorites video, you will know that I only recently began drinking tea because I wanted to cut back on coffee. I found myself slowly but surely falling for the warm and cozy comfort that only a cup of tea can provide.

Black, white, and green teas are loaded with beneficial antioxidants! Studies have shown that tea can help boost your exercise endurance, hydrate your body, maintain a healthy body weight, look younger, and reduce your stress levels. Why wouldn't you want to drink tea when it has all of these great benefits right?!

Below are a few of my personal favorite teas! Be sure to click the images if you'd like to purchase them!

 

Do you love tea as much as I do? What are some of your favorite teas? I'd love to try some of your favorites! <3

xoxo

Denise Joyce

Wellness 101: How I Stay Motivated!

Hello my Loves!

In today's Wellness 101, I want to share how I stay motivated and continue in my journey to Wellness. There are three components that help me stay motivated: Seeing Results, Accomplishing Fitness Goals, and Motivational Fitness Quotes. Keep reading to see how each one helps keep me motivated!

SEEING RESULTS
After pushing myself through the initial two weeks, I started to see changes in my body. I began to lose weight and inches all over. I started to look and feel amazing! My clothes fit much better, and I would continually get compliments from my friends and family. The results I get make everything worth it in the end. It makes me happy to see the changes in my body, and it only pushes me forward to continue to get positive results and reactions from others.

ACCOMPLISHING FITNESS GOALS
In last week's Wellness 101, I briefly spoke about setting fitness goals and how great it feels to accomplish them. When I set small tangible fitness goals for myself, I create a never-ending cycle of success that I know I'll never be able to get enough of. As I accomplish a goal, I also make sure to reward myself and take time to bask in my fitness glory. Success is truly addictive, and it helps push you further on your journey toward Wellness.

MOTIVATIONAL FITNESS QUOTES
Using Pinterest, I've dedicated an entire board to Wellness, featuring some of my favorite motivational fitness quotes. Whenever I'm feeling particularly lazy, I open up this Pinterest board to inspire me. You can see my Wellness board here. The quotes that I include help push me forward and consistently remind me of why I started in my Wellness journey in the first place. Included are some of my favorite motivational fitness quotes below. Enjoy!

How do you stay motivated? Let me know in a comment below! 

xoxo

Denise Joyce

Wellness 101: FITNESS

Hello my Loves!

In today's Wellness 101, I want to focus on Fitness! As many of you already know, staying active and maintaining good physical fitness is an essential part of Wellness. Unfortunately, most people will cringe just at the thought of exercise, and I want to change that!

I've learned that the key to enjoying exercise and wanting to stay active is finding a fitness routine that's fun. By designing a unique fitness routine catered to what you enjoy, it's no longer a burden, allowing you to stop making excuses and thoroughly enjoy your workouts.

Here's a few ways I learned to enjoy my workouts:

TRY EVERYTHING AT LEAST ONCE!
A few years ago, I was the girl that never wanted to go hiking; when honestly, I never went on a long, solo hike by choice before. Growing up, I hated being forced into the woods and camping. (Let's just say that I'm not fond of feeling sweaty and dirty for long periods of time. >_< hahaha)

A few months ago, I decided to go for a hike by myself through a local trail by my house. I ended up enjoying every minute of it. I liked being able to enjoy the fresh air and completely clear my mind. It has become my favorite way to wind down the end of my day. (I also like being able to hop in the shower as soon as I'm finished ;D LOL!)

I soon realized that just because I don't enjoy camping and super long hikes in hot weather, it doesn't necessarily mean that I won't enjoy quick, relaxing hikes on a nicely shaded trail. So don't be the way I was, and be so quick to write-off one healthy activity! Try hiking, biking, or even rock climbing! You never know what you might end up really enjoying!

FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY!
I LOVE working out with my friends and family. It's always more fun to work out with a buddy. When I make workout plans with my friends and family, I always end up looking forward to it all week long. Not only is it a great way to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, but you also get to spend quality time with someone important to you.

I also have many friends with different interests, so I may be hitting the gym with one friend one day and attending a yoga class with my sister and cousin another day. I get to enjoy their company while still staying active and mixing up my fitness routine, which I absolutely love!

TRACK YOUR WORKOUTS!
I track all of my workouts using the iPhone App RunKeeper. By tracking my workouts, I can visually see my progress. (It actually shows me when I've been particularly lazy at times too! hahaha) By seeing the distance, time, and calories I'm losing, it only pushes me to continue without excuses or room for laziness.

SET FITNESS GOALS & ACCOMPLISH THEM!
There's no better feeling than accomplishing a goal! Whether it's losing inches around your waist, running a faster mile, or finishing a half-marathon, the sense of accomplishment you get from conquering the goals you set is incredible. When you set small and easily achievable goals, like going for a walk at least 3 times a week, you propel yourself to keep going. The key is to choose easily tangible goals for the short term and aim for bigger fitness goals, like running a half-marathon, for the long term. Be sure to also reward yourself for every accomplishment! Maybe buy yourself some new running shoes, headphones, or workout clothes?! The possibilities are endless! Just keep setting those goals, and you'll soon be in a never-ending cycle of happiness! YAY! ^______^ <3

Well, I hope today's post inspires you to get off your booty & get out there! Staying active can be fun! You just have to find what works best for you! GOOD LUCK!

xoxo

Denise Joyce