Motivational Monday: Carla Discusses Her 70-Pounds (32 kg) Weight Loss

This is perhaps a bit late for Motivational Monday Success Story, but I just post it anyway. There is really nothing more that inspires us then the success of others especially those who have been in our jeans. So this week Her Weight Loss Diary is featuring Carla who has lost a total of 70 lbs. How she did it? We'll let her tell you all about that.

Her Weight Loss Diary (HEWLD): What is your starting weight and current weight?
Carla: Heaviest during pregnancy -195lbs (87 kg); After baby -175 lbs (78 kg); Now -125lbs (57 kg).

The 'before' pic was 2 years ago. I could only wear baggy clothes and when it came to wearing a dress on special occasions, I only wore baby doll dresses as it gave my tummy a lot of space. BTW I had spandex on underneath on the 'before' pic- I had to wear one every time I wore a dress to hold my gut in haha very uncomfortable stuff but that's what u do for quick fixes I guess then I realized there isn't such thing as 'quick' fixes, only hard work:)

HEWLD: What moment defined your wakeup call?
Carla: A visit to my doctor. When the results of my blood test were worrying. High cholesterol, high blood sugar, I also had high blood pressure. I woke up every morning with sore and swollen knees, my body was struggling with the weight I was carrying. This was 2 years ago.

HEWLD: What challenges you face in losing weight?
Carla: FOOD! I love food! Waking up at 5:45am for my workouts, going out-no alco, no fried foods, no fatty sauces/dressings, minimal carbs can be difficult when you're out. Injuries - I used to run, I hurt my knee and had to take time off.

HEWLD: And what changes you made to lose weight?
Carla: I changed my lifestyle. I stopped buying junk food in the grocery-bought veggies, fruits instead of sweets. I started to make all my meals-stopped buying food outside unless i'm out with my family. I used to have ham and cheese croissant every morning! I started planning my workouts, signed up to a gym. Made this my lifestyle. Although my aim wasn't losing weight, it was getting healthy-weight came off eventually.

I wasn't pregnant on pic1, was just heavily overweight. This pic was taken about 2 years ago.  Believe me when I say "If I can do it, ANYONE can!!!" Don't wait to find motivation, just get started with something, anything! Starting is the hardest part, don't overwhelm yourself with drastic changes, that might be setting yourself up for failure.  

HEWLD: What foods and habits were the most difficult for you to give up and change?
Carla: Eating FOOD! I love food! Cutting down chocolates was/is the hardest part for me. I used to eat blocks and blocks every single day! In high school, I found my love for fitness and sports so lost most of my baby weight then.

HEWLD: Diet and exercise - which one help you lose weight faster?
Carla: Diet and exercise goes hand in hand. You can't take on a healthy lifestyle without one or the other, although I believe it's 70% diet and 30% exercise.

HEWLD: You must be blessed with skinny genes.
Carla: Not at all blessed with skinny genes. I was always chubby growing up, got teased a lot in primary school. In High School, I started participating in a lot of sports and became quite fit. When I started Uni, i started to put weight back on due to lack of activity and eating badly. After graduating, I started going to the gym again and got back in shape until hubby and I got pregnant.

HEWLD: Can you share your diet plan and workout routine?
Carla: I don't have a set diet plan. But this is how it will typically look on a daily basis:

Breakfast: Protein shake, Banana (with 2 tbsp peanut butter
Snack: 1 slice of multi grain toast w/lite cheese, low sodium ham and 1/2 tomato and green tea
Lunch: 70g quinoa w/100g protein (chicken/pork/beef/fish,etc) and veggies or salad
Snack: X2 boiled eggs
Dinner: Veggies/salad with 100g protein
Snack: Protein shake

My typical exercise routine:

NOTE (IA) is Insanity the Asylum, my gym sessions will normally only last for 45 mins including 5 mins of warm up.
Monday AM: (IA) PM: Glutes (home)
Tuesday AM: (IA) PM: Back, triceps and abs (Gym)
Wednesday AM: (IA) PM: Chest & Shoulders (gym)
Thursday AM: (IA) PM: Legs/glutes, biceps and abs (gym)
Friday: OFF
Saturday AM: (IA) & abs (home) PM: OFF
Sunday AM: (IA) PM: OFF

HEWLD: How do you find the time to workout all day?
Carla: I don't find time, I make time. I wake up before my daughter and my hubby so I can do my Insanity in the mornings.

The difference between the pics is about 27kilos/almost 60pounds and they're 4 years apart.

HEWLD: Do you believe in cheat days?
Carla: I don't believe in cheat days. Personally, once I have a cheat day, I find it hard to get back on the healthy wagon. To be honest though, I do have them once a week now that I've lost most of my weight but I won't advice it, specially if you're just beginning your journey. A cheat meal once a week though is good for the mind and the body.

HEWLD: Emotional eating is common. How do you gain control of emotional eating?
Carla: Emotional eating-this is tough! Not sure if I've conquered this yet. But I always make sure to have healthy snacks around and no junk in the house so I can't turn to them. I've learnt to also channel my brain that when I feel like eating, I drink water or tea first.

HEWLD: How do you make sure you stick on your diet plan at social gatherings?
Carla: Social gatherings is not as scary as it seems. My rule is to only eat the healthiest option on the menu/table. So if there's fried chicken and grilled chicken-i'll have grilled chicken instead. I always bring a bottle of water so I don't end up drinking soda/juice/alco.

HEWLD: How long does it takes to see your weight loss result?
Carla: I lost 20lbs in the first 2 months and slowed down after that. It took me 2 years in total to lose 50lbs.

HEWLD: When you didn't lose weight for a few weeks, how did you keep motivated?
Carla: I stopped weighing myself cause my weight stopped dropping at one point. I then started measuring and inches were coming off so that kept me motivated. Weight loss is not the only basis of getting healthier. If you feel better about yourself, if you're lifting heavier, or doing more sets,if your clothes are loser, if you're running faster/longer on the treadmill-these are only some indications that you're improving.

HEWLD: How do I get a toned midsection?
Carla: Mid section- Fasted cardio, first thing in the morning. I highly recommend Insanity DVDs by Shaun T. I also do a lot of ab exercises such as leg raises, inclined sit ups, obliques crunches, etc. In terms of diet-low sugar, only have carbs from veggies/salads after 5 pm. Walking (even just standing while doing dishes) 15-20 after a meal.

HEWLD: How do you maintain your weight loss?
Carla: I've maintained my weight loss by not giving myself a deadline! This is a lifestyle change, not a quest to lose a certain amount of weight in a certain amount of time. There is no finish line, in fact the line just gets longer as I add new goals to it.

HEWLD: What advice would you give to your "50 pound heavier" self?
Carla: 50 pound self, the journey to a better health is going to be tough! There will be days when you feel like you've failed but "YOU'VE ONLY FAILED ONCE YOU'VE GIVEN UP" as long as pick yourself up the next day and start again, you will reach your goals.

Carla: "This journey has been long and tough but completely worth it! I've failed so many times but I never gave up." 

HEWLD: What advice would you give those out there struggling to do what you've done?
Carla: Your body is just a tool, it will do whatever the mind tells it to! Before you start your journey, you have to believe that you can do it first. It's not going to be easy, that's why you should be mentally prepared to physically survive it. Try new things until you find what workouts you enjoy doing-chances of sticking to a workout is much higher if you're having fun. Find a support group-family, friends or even a facebook group-to help you stay accountable.

Thanks for sharing your story with Her Weight Loss Diary, Carla. You can go follow her on Instagram @be_healthytoday for more fitness and weight loss inspiration. If you know any inspiring weight loss success stories or maybe you have your own success story, don't keep it secret. You never know who you are inspiring. Email me healthybeautifulblog{at}gmail{dot}com. I love hearing them!

And as always, I love feedback. Tell me in the comments:

other than success story, what stories inspire you? 

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Best Foods for Overall Health

Healthy eating is essential in keeping our body functioning throughout the day, and choosing the “right” food can be a tricky thing. Food companies spend billions of dollars just to advertise their products, and consumers can be duped into purchasing seemingly health food, but in reality, a lot of store-bought food is anything but.

When making good food choices, one should take into account if a certain food contains nutrients and other properties that can directly support the body’s overall health and wellness. Choose foods that are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants, energy-boosting nutrients and heart-friendly “good” fats, rather than overly-advertised processed foods. Take note that all foods, even those that are considered super foods, should be consumed in recommended portion sizes. Here are several foods that can contribute to overall good health:

Almonds

Almonds are usually eaten raw or toasted.  They are often used as an ingredient in various dishes because of their sweet, delicate flavor. Almonds are known to reduce the risk of heart disease because of their high monounsaturated fat content. Almonds also help in lowering LDL-cholesterol levels, which is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Based on a study published by the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, those who consumed an almond-enriched low calorie diet had greater reductions in weight than those who didn’t. Almonds are also rich in copper, manganese and riboflavin, which are essential in fighting off free radicals, as well as increasing energy production throughout the body.

Artichoke

Artichokes are a species of thistle plants that are cultivated for food consumption. They can be served as steamed, boiled or stuffed, which is a great way to incorporate other flavors. Artichokes are also ranked as 7th among 1,000 vegetables when it comes to high antioxidant content. Several studies also prove that artichokes can help in cancer prevention because of their rich flavonoid content. They also assist in cancer treatment by inducing apoptosis, (or cell death), as well as reducing cell proliferation. Artichokes are also effective in treating stomach problems such as nausea, stomach pain and vomiting.

Avocado

This green-skinned, fleshy fruit has a distinct and subtle flavor, and is commonly served in milkshakes, sandwiches and dips. It has numerous health-boosting nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, B-vitamins, folic acid and vitamin E. Avocados are also rich in monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative risk factors, as well as blood fat levels. Avocados have also been found effective in cancer prevention because of their numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients. These nutrients also manage oxidative stress and kill off cancer cells through apoptosis.

Beets

Beets, or beetroots, are a cultivated root vegetable, which are grown for their edible tap roots and leaves. They have exceptional nutritional value and have long been used for medicinal purposes. Beets are a unique source of betalains as well, which has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxification benefits. These phytonutrients are also responsible for giving beets their rich pigment. Many of the unique phytonutrients found in beets function as anti inflammatory compounds, reducing the risk of heart disease and other chronic, unwanted inflammation.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers contain a high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. Red bell peppers, in particular, contain the highest amount of vitamin C, which helps in keeping the immune system healthy and the skin youthful. Bell peppers also contain capsaicins, which helps in reducing cholesterol levels as well as relieving pain and inflammation. They also have anti-cancer benefits because of their rich supply of phytonutrients, which contain antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties.

Blueberries

Blueberries have the highest antioxidant properties of any food, making them one of the best foods for overall health. They have numerous phytonutrients that help and support different body systems. Anthocyanin, for example, is an antioxidant that helps in defending the body against inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common causes of cancers and cardiovascular diseases among others.

Flaxseed

There is much evidence suggesting that flaxseed helps in reducing the risk of numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Flaxseed contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acid, which aid in keeping the cardiovascular system healthy by protecting the blood vessels against inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Flaxseed also has high lignan content, which helps in reducing the risk of cancers by blocking enzymes responsible for hormone metabolism, as well as inhibiting the spread and growth of cancer cells.

Salmon

Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in reducing the risk of numerous cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke. Regular intake of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can also assist in mood improvement and cognitive function of the brain. Finally, this fatty acid also decreases the risk of brain-related problems and cognitive decline in older people.

If you're eating most of these healthy foods already, good for you! 

But if you're not, then what is your reason for not eating healthier? Is healthy eating too expensive?

Leave your comment. 

About the author:

David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.  He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline.  To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/. 

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Fitspiration Friday: See Mallory After 97-Pound Weight Loss!

We all love a good success story.

Please meet Mallory. I find her weight loss story is very inspiring. If you still struggle to lose weight, then this is a must-read. I actually don't attracted to hear a success story which claim she/he lost weight eating that, or drinking that. That is more of a marketing gimmick. But when I saw Mallory's dramatic weight loss picture, I silently hope to discover some magic formula to her weight loss. Don't we all wish things to happen instantaneously? We hate waiting in a line at a supermarket checkouts, we expect a web page to load in 2 seconds or less, and when comes to weight loss, we want to lose weight overnight. We want to hear something else, not just 'eat your fruits and vegetables.' But let's face the reality. Note to myself: Weight loss takes hard work. But the end result is long-lasting success.

I hope Mallory's testimony concerning her weight loss can be your motivation and prove that you can do it too! (I am super motivated already!)

Her Weight Loss Diary (HEWLD): What is your starting weight and current weight? 

Mallory: Started at 217lbs (98 kg) and three years later am 120lbs (54 kg)!

HEWLD: What moment defined your wakeup call? 

Mallory: When my childhood doctor told me I was on the road to obesity and would acquire diabetes like most of the people in my family. 

HEWLD: What challenges you face in losing weight? 

Mallory: The biggest challenge for me was believing in myself. In the beginning I got discouraged often, but I would always try again! So I stopped giving up :) 

HEWLD: What changes you made to lose weight? 

Mallory: I had to completely change my lifestyle. I began to eat healthy at least 80% of the time, I slowly added exercise into my life by simply wwalking every other day and working up from there. I also gave up fast food and bought a half gallon water bottle! 

HEWLD: What foods and habits were the most difficult for you to give up and change? 

Mallory: The most difficult part for me which I still struggle with is using food to deal with stress or to reward myself. It's a learning process and every day you will grow. 

HEWLD: Diet and exercise - which one help you lose weight faster? 

Mallory: I believe both are equally important! Having a good diet is imperative to weight loss but exercising gives you the motivation to stay on track with your diet and will transform your body shape. When I began lifting weights after already losing 50lbs I started seeing my body completely change! I lost a ton of fat versus just weight.

HEWLD: You must be blessed with skinny genes. 

Mallory: No way! My entire life I was overweight and my whole family is as well.

HEWLD: Can you share your diet plan and workout routine? 

Mallory: I practice IIFYM which is a lot like calorie counting but you only count fat, protein, carbs, and fiber aka your macronutrients. This gives me flexibility in being able to eat foods I enjoy but still reach my goals. I do macro consultations! Email me at malzisfit@gmail.com. In regards to my workout routine, I do minimal cardio now. I recommend doing 3-5 20 min HIIT sessions a week along with 5 sessions of lifting weights. 

HEWLD: How do you find the time to workout all day? 

Mallory: I workout the first thing in the morning five times a week. It's easy to find time, just wake up an hour earlier! If you want something bad enough you'll make the time for it. 

HEWLD: Do you believe in cheat days? 

Mallory: I believe in treat days. Don't think of it as a bad thing! Sometimes you need to treat yourself, scheduled or not. I typically treat myself once a week to a meal that I don't count macros for. 

HEWLD: Emotional eating is common. How do you gain control of emotional eating? 

Mallory: I still struggle with it from time to time but it's a learning process. I've found other outlets for stress like yoga and meditation and when I feel an episode coming on I'll drink A LOT of water! Just remember, though, nobody is perfect so don't beat yourself up when you do. If you accept it and move on your more likely to have less episodes of emotional eating than if you dwell on it. 

HEWLD: How do you make sure you stick on your diet plan at social gatherings? 

Mallory: I am picky about the social gatherings I go to. If I need to be strict with my diet and I know somewhere will have a lot of alcohol or junk food I may choose not to go. If I choose to go, I'll eat before I leave, bring a healthy snack, and plan out my macros for the rest of the day. 

HEWLD: How long does it takes to see your weight loss result? 

Mallory: It took me three years to lose 100lbs. The last 50lbs I've lost in the last year. Now I focus on measuring rather than weighing and lose about 1/2 an inch to an inch a week. 

HEWLD: When you didn't lose weight for a few weeks, how did you keep motivated? 

Mallory: It's tough, but this is what will make or break you: you have to have disciplince. Even when you don't have motivation, even when you don't see results- you have to trust that you're doing the right thing and stick with it. The results will come! 

HEWLD: How do I get a toned midsection? 

Mallory: You can't spot reduce. A toned midsection comes with a balanced diet and exercise.

HEWLD: How do you maintain your weight loss? 

Mallory: I maintain the healthy habits I've acquired. :) 

HEWLD: What advice would you give to your "50 pound heavier" self? 

Mallory: Don't be so hard on yourself. You are capable of so much more than you realize. 

HEWLD: What advice would you give those out there struggling to do what you've done? 

Mallory: To focus what's on the inside more than the outside. I saw physical results when I started focusing on mental progress. This is journey is ALL mental- you have to stay positive, you have to be kind to yourself, you have to keep yourself accountable. I started waking up every morning and smiling in the mirror, when I wanted to stop running I would start appreciating the simple fact that I had two legs, when I wanted to eat a donut I would remember why it wasn't something that would truly make me happy, it was just a quick pleasure. You are so much stronger than you realize, you just have to believe it.

For more inspiration follow Mallory on Instagram @malzisfit or visit her blog www.malzisfit.com

What is your favorite part of this weight loss success story? 

Throw your opinion in the comments.

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[Video] One Month Slim Down with Jillian Michaels

I hate running but that is not an excuse not to exercise.

I know running is a great workout but if I hate it the benefits are somewhat irrelevant. The key is to find something I enjoy, something that I won't quit. 

I started dumbbell training at home last year and fell in love with that. What can't you do with a pair of dumbbells? 

I stumbled across one of Jillian Micheal's workout video on YouTube and that is how I was introduced to compound exercise with dumbbell.

Compound exercises are multi-joint movements that work several muscles or muscle groups at one time. 

I love this compound exercise ideas!

A great example of a compound exercise are:

• Dumbbell squats with shoulder press
• Lunge with dumbbell overhead press
• Lateral lunge with single-arm dumbbell curl to overhead press
• Squats to dumbell biceps curls

Why Use Compound Exercises? 

According to Sports Medicine, using more muscle groups. . . 

• means more calories burned during exercise. 
• simulates real-world exercises and activities. 
• allows you to get a full body workout faster. 
• improves coordination, reaction time and balance. 
• improves joint stability and improves muscle balance across a joint. 
• decreases the risk of injury during sports. 
• keeps your heart rate up and provides cardiovascular benefits. 
• allows you to exercise longer with less muscle fatigue. 
• allows you to lift heavier loads and build more strength.

Workout Tutorial : One Month Slim Down with Jillian Michales

Top 35 Best Strength Training books:

1. Strength Training For Women: Tone Up, Burn Calories, Stay Strong
2. Strength Training for Beginners: A Step-By-Step Program to Prevent Osteoporosis and Stay Fit and Active for Life (Harperresource Books)
3. Strength Training on the Ball: A Pilates Approach to Optimal Strength and Balance
4. Strength Training Over 50: Stay Fit and Fabulous
5. Quick Strength for Runners: 8 Weeks to a Better Runner's Body
6. Strength Training For Runners: The Best Forms of Weight Training for Runners (Ultimate How To Guides) 
7. Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training: An Illustrated Guide to Your Muscles in Action
8. Weight Training For Dummies
9. You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises
10. Strength Training for Fat Loss 
11. NSCA'S Essentials of Personal Training - 2nd Edition
12. Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition
13. Zen of Dumbbell Training: How to use a Dumbbell for Health, Strength, Figure and Therapy
14. The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Stronger, More Muscular YOU!
15. 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat!
16. The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier YOU!
17. 1001 Dumbbell Exercises: A Compendium of Instructional Drawings
18. Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength
19. Dumbbell Training for Strength And Fitness by Brzycki, Matt, Fornicola, Fred (2006) Paperback
20. Resistance Band Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching, Strengthening and Rehabilitative Techniques
21. The Russian Kettlebell Challenge: Xtreme Fitness for Hard Living Comrades
22. Enter The Kettlebell! Strength Secret of The Soviet Supermen
23. Body Sculpting with Kettlebells for Women: Over 50 Total Body Exercises (Body Sculpting Bible).
24. Strength Training for Sport 
25. The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess 
26. Maximum Strength: Get Your Strongest Body in 16 Weeks with the Ultimate Weight-Training Program 
27. Strength Ball Training-2nd Edition 
28. Strength Training for Golfers: A Proven Regimen to Improve Your Strength, Flexibility, Endurance, and Distance Off the Tee
29. 101 Strength Training Workouts & Strategies (101 Workouts) 
30. The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want 
31. Lean, Long & Strong: The 6-Week Strength-Training, Fat-Burning Program for Women Power to the People! : Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American
32. Effective Strength Training: Analysis and Technique for Upper-Body, Lower-Body, and Trunk Exercises 
33. Weight Training for Life (Cengage Learning Activities) 
34. Weight Training Safely: The F.I.T.S. Way (Free of Injury & Target-Specific) : A Reference Guide and Injury Prevention Program 
35. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning - 3rd Edition

What is your favorite strength training?

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Confession of a Fatso 2: "I Hate Running."

I've always hated running. I hate running since high school. I always pretended to be sick when it was PE subject, or sometimes I purposely left my sports clothes at home when I knew we're going to have PE subject on that day. I have no particular reason why I hate running. I always feel slow, fat, and uncomfortable running. Just that. Now I'm obese I hate running even more. I feel heavy and so disgusting because I can feel my ass and tummy jiggle when I run.

[ Confession of a Fatso 1 ]

When I read weight loss success stories, people testified how they've lost weight by running I suddenly felt at lost. I felt that because I hated running I can never lose the weight. I don't like running and I don't want to! Haha. Everyone I know who runs is skinny. This world for a moment has convinced me that running is the only way to stay slim and toned.

This is Susan. She has lost half her body weight in a healthy way and keep it off.

But here comes my comfort. This is comfort to me and to anyone who never enjoyed running. Susan's story is really inspiring and enlightening. She has some chronic medical conditions that makes exercise very painful. She found out that she could do so many exercises underwater with no pain. So she started to exercise slowly and with caution - not to push it. She lost half her body weight in 3 years by just counting calorie - no fad diets or magic pills and learning to exercise despite her chronic health issues. See, I told myself, I just need to find a way to do cardio that I will enjoy, or at least one that I don't hate as much. Beyonce too, she swears by dancing to lost her post-baby weight. It don't have to be running to lose weight. There are many other alternatives to running.

"The key to staying motivated is to find a form of exercise you enjoy, and for me it's dance. I lose a lot of weight and tone up much more because I'm truly dedicated to it."

- Beyonce

My favorite? Zumba. Dumbbell training. And now hula hoop.

Hula Hoop Fitness Facts (Quite Interesting):

• It isn't just a waist whittling exercise, it's a whole body workout that tones the back, abs, arms and leg muscles while raising the heart rate to about 84 percent of its max, the American College on Exercise (ACE) study found. 
• Use a weighted hoop to increase the intensity (and caloric burn). Don't just keep it around the waist—try circling around the arms or circle the rib cage or chest to expend more energy. 
• the low-impact, tummy toning workout burns about 7 calories per minute (similar to step aerobics, boot camp, or very brisk walking) or up to 600 calories an hour (especially if other body parts are engaged), according to Self magazine.
• It is low impact workout so it won't cause injury and you can hula hoop any time and anywhere. 
• It is also an ideal low-impact cardio workout if you have joint pain. 
• It is by far the most fun workout, you barely feel like you're working out. 
• Learning a new hooping skill helps keep the mind active, strengthening neurological pathways, thus reducing risk for dementia. 
• Hooping promotes happiness, self-esteem, confidence, laughter and has been reported to improve libido! 

Honestly I'm still trying. I have no idea how come I could do this and keep it up as a kid and I can't now. I can't fully hoop for longer than a minute or two. It keep falling to the ground. I got my hula hoop last week from my diet buddy. It's her handmade hula hoop. It fit perfectly, and personalize with colored tape. I can say this small effort of her is one of my motivations to keep trying and committed to hula hooping. And lose weight. For good.


I'll show you my hula hoop in my next post. But for now:

Would You Try Hooping As Your Exercise? What is Your Favorite Cardio?

Looking forward to see your feedback in the comments.

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