Redefining Diet + Health
When someone says "diet" the immediate understanding of the word is a short-term fast of sorts or eating healthy for a quick stint of time. The word "diet" has become a fad to lose weight quickly and typically targeted towards a specific time of the year (ie Summer). However the term diet when used properly means a habitual consumption of food. And that is why nutritionists and health professionals use the term in a phrase that includes the word "healthy". Having a "healthy diet" is much more effective and has longer lasting results as opposed to "going on a diet". So rather than choosing to "go on a diet" I chose to change my lifestyle and eat healthy regularly, thus adopting a "healthy diet". Another misconception is that diets will result in weight loss. This is an illusion. The number decrease when on a diet is merely water. What you want is FAT LOSS. And that can only be seen in the mirror and with a measuring tape. Changing the way I thought about weight loss was the most freeing thing I could have done. With this change, not only have I lost a significant amount of weight [namely fat] I also feel better. I have more energy, and my body responded to nutrition and exercise tremendously well.
I started the journey to a healthier me in June of 2011. I tried the ever so popular Master Cleanse and admit that I did lose weight, but it wasn't the kind of weight that an overweight or obese person wants to lose. When trying to lose weight, especially for those that have a high body fat percentage, the goal is to lose [burn] fat. Diets do not provide this. In order to actually lose weight [fat] a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and healthy eating habits is a MUST. So after doing the Master Cleanse I put the weight right back on because I wasn't burning fat and because the diet was short term it did not help me keep the weight off. Weight loss is not the number on the scale but the number on the measuring tape. When numbers decrease or remain the same on a scale, there is no knowing what that is attributed to. The scale remains the same it could be that nothing is happening OR the body is building muscle which is heavier than fat; but that's ok because it burns fat and essentially takes its place.
In 2012, I began to see the results of fat loss once I threw out the notion that I deserve to eat whatever I want because I'm an adult and person who likes food. I love food, I admit, but allowing it to rule me was showing physically on my body. So I got my lazy butt off the couch and in front of the computer and went to the gym. I worked out HARD and it was grueling. But aside from actually seeing results, the reward was knowing that I was doing something. That I was shaping my mind and body with my own hands and will. There is something so triumphant in completing a tough workout. It makes you feel incredible, invincible. And I found that with this lifestyle change, not only was my body shrinking and my mindset freed, other aspects of my life were changing for the better.
So redefining "health" and "diet" is just one thing in life that can be a catalyst to change. Maybe approaching other things in life with a different mindset or redefining situations can help achieve more favorable results or a better understanding that sits well with everyone.
You make it a great day.
Labels: bad diets, eat clean, fat loss, fitness, health, healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, how to lose weight, nutrition, weightloss, weightloss journey
Blue Hair...Yes
I have wanted blue hair since I was in high school and I saw a hair color commercial with a brunnette and long flowing straight blue/black hair. I thought it was so chic then. Now I think it's completely badass and I just had to have it. In actuality, coloredbeautiful on Youtube brought the desire back to the forefront for me. So I hopped along to Sally Beauty Supply and purchased three hair colors because I became indecisive once in the hair color aisle.
I ended up with Manic Panic "Shocking Blue" and "Ultra Violet" and N Rage Color "Purple Plum"
Items needed: Gloves (keep hands dye free and protect from bleach), Petroleum (same as gloves for scalp and forehead), hair color, deep conditioner (to treat hair after color), lightener or bleach and activator (to help colors stand out if desired).
End result is LOVE!
Also went a little bleach happy and ombre'd a wig I had. This will probably be purple in the next coming weeks.
Labels: bleach dark hair, blue hair, hair color, manic panic, manic panic shocking blue
Sleek Haul
The most anticipated palettes on my end. I swear I was itching to get these bad boys and they were worth it. The color on these palettes are brilliant for being matte. As bright as the V1 palette appears is as good as you get in palette. On my dark skin there is good color payoff without a base/primer. These are mineral based eyeshadows as with all of Sleek palettes so the shadows are very soft and some feel almost creamy. I think this palette is perfect for Spring and the coming Summer.
The V2 palette which is dark eyeshadows is gorgeous. Ideal for fall but useable year round. These are also soft and by the texture I presume they will be quite easy to blend. I am so looking forward to putting these palettes to good use. For olive skin and dark girls like myself I would advise using a base or primer as one should with any eye makeup.
Earlier this year I watched many reviews on the blush by 3 palettes. So I have the Pumpkin and Lace to try.
Lace (From left to right) Crochet [matte], Guipure [high shimmer], Chantily [matte]
Off the bat, I am in love with Guipure from the Lace Palette though the accompanying colors are lovely as well. Guipure has such a beautiful shimmer that is ideal for a highlight on dark skin. Crochet is a pale orange with coral tones. Chantily is like a pink coral shade.
Pumpkin (Left to right) Lantern [low shimmer], Squash [satin], P Pie [matte]
And finally the contour kit in dark. I have been on the hunt for a good contour shade for some time.
In the coming week I will post a video with full review and swatches on my channel, until then, you make it a great day.
Labels: sleek blush by 3, sleek brights palette, sleek makeup, sleek matte palettes
Spring is in the Air
Spring is fast approaching and for us Floridians, it feels like we're in the full swing of the breezy season. So I'm fully embracing Spring and the fun colors that come with it.
Spectrum Cosmetics "Soil" and "Coffee Grounds"
BH Cosmetics 88 Standard Matte Palette
Sephora retractable eyeliner "Teal 16"
Covergirl liquiline blast (plum lavender shade)
Wet n Wild lipstick "Don't Blink Pink"
Labels: bh cosmetics, bright spring makeup, bright spring makeup for women of color, spectrum cosmetics mineral makeup, spring makeup
Spring Welcomes Nude [Lips]
I don't know what it is but I have been embracing nude lip colors lately. And with Spring coming in, I think I chose the right time to go "streaking". These nude lipsticks and lip pencils were picked up from Walmart and the beauty supply store.
(From top to bottom liner) NYX "Rose Brown" "Cappuccino" "Never" "Hot Cocoa" "Cola"
Labels: lip liners for women of color, nude lipstick for black women, nude lipsticks for women of color, nyx round lipsticks, revlon lipsticks
Kinky Straight Lace Wig
Young women wearing wigs was introduce to me when I was living in Ga. Before I thought that it was only for older women and women who had alopecia or some sort of ailment that caused hair loss. But after watching youtube videos and seeing that not all wigs are created equal (they don't all have to look "wiggy") I ventured out and got me some wigs. I started off with synthetic because they cost less and I wanted to test the waters. Three years later I have purchased my first full lace wig unit and am in love! After doing some research and watching many videos, I invested in a kinky straight full lace unit from Lacewigtrend. Silky straight and even yaki has lost its appeal to me which is why I went searching for the kinky straight texture. The unit retails for $198 with a $25 shipping charge. Discounts can be applied if one has promo codes. The company was very responsive and answered questions I had in a timely manner. I had a good experience with the company and am having a GREAT experience with this unit.
Photos where the hair can be seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjYE3nwtjqQ
Labels: full lace wig, kinky straight lace wig, lacewigtrend.com review
Smoking Up the Red Carpet
I have been watching the Red Carpets this year as if my career depended on it. I found them to be very interesting as of late. This may be because I went back into makeup full force, nonetheless, the women walking the Red Carpet have offered me quite a lot of inspiration. I entered the L'Oreal Destination Beauty Contest with this look.
Labels: bh comsetics, red carpet makeup, sleek makeup, sugarpill
Name: Emmy Vargas
This blog is as it is titled. A lifestyle page with all encompassing facets of myself.