In the Fall of 2009 I decided that I wanted to lose at least 12 lbs.; weighed 162 lbs. By Winter of2009/2010 I managed to gain an additional 8 lbs. One of my best friends told me that as long as my jeans still fit that I’d be fine… Well, my jeans (even the “safety/fat pants”) didn’t fit well anymore… something really had to be done. And there was another issue, sometime last year I got the ambitious idea to run the ING marathon in 3 years. Yes, indeed, something really had to be done!

There’s some significant history to this weight gain/loss process of mine. I have a 4-year-old daughter and managed to lose the baby weight by a low-carb diet. At various times in the past 6 years I’ve gained and lost significant amounts of weight. However, I have not been physically fit. When I was younger, I was an athlete so I technically had the foundation but it had been years since I maintained focus on being healthy and strong.

I remember the day I weighed myself and internally screaming “I WEIGH ONE-HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT POUNDS?!?” I also took a good long look at myself in the mirror wearing nothing but my “pom-poms” (as my daughter calls it) and skivvies. I knew that what I was looking at could be “fixed” but it had been so long since I looked how I *wanted* to look… I didn’t know what the end result might be. I just prayed and said I’d make it happen. It was more than just losing 18 lbs (at the very least)… I wanted to see definition in my arms again, strengthen my abs to what they once were, diminish those “love handles” (Why in the world are they called that anyway?? There’s nothing lovely about them!), and tone my thighs to be giggle-free (this was especially important since I NEVER wear shorts because I’ve never liked my legs since they’re not naturally firm).

I am blessed with the best friends a woman could ever hope for and received a plethora of advice and support. I initially started with some extreme kind of diet which proved to be, well, impossible; I consequently hand-picked the best advice for me and came up with a plan that was both feasible and pleasing. It was a complete lifestyle overhaul which included eliminating unhealthy foods from my everyday life, incorporating exercise and maintaining long-term focus. This was beyond just losing some pounds- it was time to shed weight, build a better body and a better mind.

I’m also a huge foodie and knew that I didn’t want to deprive myself of stimulating my taste buds. Part of my process has been to find/develop new recipes and tweek old ones to suit my new lifestyle. I learned to shop differently at the supermarket and challenge my culinary imagination to include more whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables in to my diet. I haven’t missed anything that I used to eat. Actually, my body has adjusted and now craves healthy foods. The human body is a beautiful thing.

My initial exercise of choice was running. I knew it challenge my entire body and mind. I would lose weight and strengthen. But I also had to find alternatives for the days that I couldn’t make it out and I don’t own a treadmill so I’ve also relied on tried and true exercises. My rule is “If I’m not drenched in sweat, I’m not pushing hard enough.” Every week I try to exceed whatever I achieved the prior week and I’ve been successful!

The Goddess Body Diet wasn’t my initial approach but it turns out that the guidelines were quite similar to my own…
- Abstinence from Alcohol: This was not a major issue. I usually only drink socially and recognized the adverse effects of alcohol on any weight-loss endeavor. Empty calories galore!!

- Abstinence from Sex: Well… this was even less of an issue. A relationship and potential intimacy weren’t my focus. I was far more concerned with what I needed to do to better my body than satisfying *ahem* momentary urges.

- At least 6 hours of sleep every night: I have always been a 7-8 hour kind of girl but I must say that exercise had helped me to sleep a lot better and my body needs it!

- No packaged food unless it is signified as Organic: This was HUGE for me! Early on I started paying attention to the nutrition facts on everything and realized that so many of my usual foods where nutritionally horrific! I focused on incorporating as many natural and organic foods as possible in to my every day life.

- Consume a gallon of water every day: I’m close to a gallon… I’m working on that one still. For various reasons, it’s been quite challenging for me to drink a gallon of water but water is absolutely critical especially when you’re working out! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

- No farmed fish or meat: This is still in the works for me but I have essentially cut out red meat.

- Dairy products must be cage free, non- homogenized: This is also in the works… but I have switched to 2% organic milk. I must say that it’s far better than the regular 2%, which I really can’t tolerate.


- 3 days of cardio workout. Can include core workouts for strength training (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Swimming): I work out 3-4 days per week. My preference is running and I’ve worked up to 1.75 mi.; I can run 1.25 mi. straight. Otherwise, my home work-out currently consists of 200 (20 reps) sit-ups, 160 (20 reps) squats, 30 side leg lifts, 30 push-ups, and 30 ab/leg lifts. When I first started, I ran 0.25 mi (max), and my sets were of 15 reps; I couldn’t do more than 10 push-ups or 15 leg lifts.

It’s been 4 months and through it I have lost 21 lbs., managed to work my way up to running 1.75 mi. (I barely got through 0.25 mi. when I first started), begun to see significant definition in my legs, arms and abs and most of all, I just feel good! I decided to lose 2 more lbs. to give myself “wiggle room” but my journey absolutely continues in building and maintaining a healthy body. I have loads of encouragement around me but my biggest cheerleader is me- there is something remarkably rewarding about feeling myself surpass the extent of my last work-out. And, ING awaits me in 2 years!!

Follow Zulay through her day on TWITTER and on her BLOG

You can also find her on AlumniRoundup.com now, providing great, healthy recipes under our Lifestyle Category
Check in with the rest of the participants on the GodBodyDiet Lifestyle:
Jill Person aka JI double L
Julie McShay, ASouthernSocialite
Leilah Reese

In January 2009, I decided to join a gym for the first time ever and get back in shape.. Not only did I feel it essential to get in shape, I also wanted to live a healthier life style all together. So, it wasn’t only about working out, it was also eating healthier and living better.

In the beginning, trips the gym were a group activity. There were four of us and we would hit the gym at least three to four times a week. My girls were both my inspiration for joining and my motivation to keep going and also the ones who would remind me of my pledge to get fit and get healthy. There was no quitting and no reneging. It was all about the win. I also got a trainer to test my limits, push me even further and help me to create new workouts and keep challenging my muscles.

Fast forward to January 2010. 160 became 130 and a healthier life style has not only become a necessity, it’s a passion

I didn’t know about the Goddess Body Diet when I started. I just called it 
“Go Hard or Go Home”.

Abstinence from Alcohol
I didn’t drink for about 8 months. Folks looked at me crazy every time I would turn down a drink, which motivated me even more. I wasn’t a big drinker from the start but you would be amazed how great you look and feel when you stop consuming empty calories.


Abstinence from Sex
When you don’t feel comfortable or sexy in your own skin, it affects your sex life. I had never had any complaints in the body department from anyone I was involved with but it was about how I felt.

2009 was also the year that was “all about me”. No sex for 30 days by any means isn’t a super yummy piece of cake, but, and especially if you are involved with someone, it’s a challenge and I’m always down for that. I would apologize ahead of time to the significant other though.

At least 6 hours of sleep every night
If you’re really getting in your cardio work outs and weight training you will have no choice but to give your body the rest it needs and will demand. I got hip to this quick and learned to literally go sit my ass down and go to sleep.


No packaged food unless it is signified as Organic
I’m not a huge packed food eater in the first place and I did really get to enjoy and exercise my love for cooking when I first started out. Tested new recipes, snack ideas and tried all kinds of new foods.

No farmed fish or meat
I didn’t always follow the no farmed fish or meat rule but tried to shop as naturally and organically as possible.

Dairy products must be cage free, non- homogenized
I was never a big milk drinker, only had it with cereal and Oreos but now I don’t drink it at all. It’s all about Silk (soy milk). Still working on that cage free business but I limit my intake of dairy a lot more now (down went the cheese lover in me).

These are all key elements of clean eating (look this up! it’s like the key to unlocking a healthier life style).


Consume a gallon of water every day

WATER IS THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. That and cocoa butter. Drink it! And if you’re like me, and don’t like the taste of it…buy some lemon juice and add it to a glass or your bottle. Water is essential, especially when working out.

3 days of cardio workout. Can include core workouts for strength training (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Swimming)

ATLEAST 3 to 4 days of cardio a week.
By cardio I mean 30-40 mins heavy duty, sweat the hair out, test your boundaries, skies the limit, feeling like super woman-cardio. I said go hard right? My cardio choice is running. Not only does it get your heart rate up it’s also a great stress reliever. You don’t have time to be stressed out or think about anything when you’re trying to keep a steady pace and control you’re breathing.

In the Winter time, to keep from getting bored with the treadmill I did interval training and in the warmer season I take it out door. Out door running is loads better than the treadmill. It is truly a full bodywork out.

Exercise doesn’t end with cardio. Weight training is also essential, also 3 to 4 times a week. I alternate between lower body, upper body and core (yoga and pilates are great core workouts).

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For healthy tips and for overall motivation I am an avid reader of Oxygen Magazine and my girl Lita’s blog
You can also follow E. Isis on Twitter through her day by clicking this photo:

Check in with the rest of the participants on the GodBodyDiet Lifestyle:
Jill Person aka JI double L
Julie McShay, ASouthernSocialite
Leilah Reese

STATS: Lost 45 lbs in 6 months. Lowest weight was 163 in October 2009. Gained 5 lbs and maintained at 168 for another 9 months. As of today, July 16 2010, I am 165. Goal is 150 by my birthday, October 18 2010 or 2011. The goal is to win and not to give up.
This is the longest I’ve ever kept this weight off. I’ve gone from a size 20 to a 10 to a 14 to an 8, never keeping the loss off for long. What is different this time? I’ve been set up, man. Set up to win. I am constantly monitoring my mind, my environment to support my goals and do away with anything and anyone that doesn’t positively contribute to that goal. Surrounding myself with good thoughts, good food, good people makes all the difference. It’s why I tweet, tumbl and FB about the God Body Diet. The GBD follows these rules:
Abstinence from Alcohol ▶ I don’t really drink. So easy one for me. But do wonder how this becomes a lifestyle for those who do.

Abstinence from Sex ▶ I don’t… well let’s just say it’s been a slow Summer. But eventually I’d like to start-up again. I think this rule and the first rule is to help with discipline and learning to say “no” to your desires.

At least 6 hours of sleep every night ▶ So very important. Your body has to rest so you can lose that weight. Rest is essential for weight loss. Less stress. More focus. Plus if you are sleeping, you are not eating.

No packaged food unless it is signified as Organic ▶ I got off of Lean Cuisines. I am, however, on a grocery budget and will buy the $3 conventional spinach vs the $5 organic spinach. Tastes the same to me.

Consume a gallon of water every day ▶ A challenge. I’m up to 2 liters.

No farmed fish or meat ▶ If I got a double coupon for Oscar Mayer boneless chicken strips I’m getting it.

Dairy products must be cage free, non- homogenized ▶ I love eggs. I wish they could all be free. But will be paying $1 for eggs as opposed to $4 for the cage free ones. #FoodEconomics I do stay away from milk and yogurt. Too much sugar.

3 days of cardio workout. Can include core workouts for strength training (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Swimming) ▶ I like this especially as there are so many options to include exercise into your daily life. I’m trying to learn how to hula-hoop again.
Though I dont follow the God Body Diet’s rule-by-rule, I am an advocate and enthusiastic fan of it. Here’s why: It is a gentle and solid start for building a healthy lifestyle. Some of the GodBody rules (ie no sex) are not realistic for a lifelong way of life. If you can, however, follow those rules for two weeks, a month, then you are learning discipline, you are learning how to read a nutrition label, you are becoming hydrated and becoming conscious of your body—what you put into and what you do with it. I like that kind of thinking! I cheer the “creator” of the God Body diet, RoundUpRussy, an “everywhere, into everything” kind of guy, for sharing it with his friends. To hear this young guy speak on his health concerns, weight gain and then come up with a way of life that address those issues (issues that plague many people in America) is a positive effect. Many people will follow. And they have.
Check in with the rest of the participants on the GodBodyDiet Lifestyle:
Jill Person aka JI double L
Julie McShay, ASouthernSocialite
Leilah Reese
Does this diet address the negative and pervasive effects of sugar, or the difference of good carbs (whole wheat) vs bad carbs (wonder bread) or the psychology of entitlement and overeating? No it doesn’t. For those like me trying to battle the last 15lbs, most of it being visceral, belly fat, I’ll have to follow a more comprehensive approach (more on that later). For those just starting out, looking for a reboot, trying to maintain, the God Body Diet is a great starting point to a gradual and steady change into healthy eating and living.
- Krishna “Billy” Brown
Read More About the God Body Diet HERE
And HERE

Height: Tall enough to ride ALL the attractions at Six Flags
Weight: If I told you, I’d have to cut you!!!
Age: 29 and feeling fine
Occupation: News aide at a national newspaper, soon to be graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology.
Goal: To drop 30 pounds by the big 3-0!!!!!

The long/short of it is Leilah has had enough of the “extra baggage” taking residency on her body. A former dancer (ballet, modern, and tap you naughty children), she packed on pounds shortly after quitting dance cold turkey and replacing it with the sport of eating. She has set a goal for herself of losing 30 pounds before a milestone birthday, her 30th! By committing to the #GodBodyDiet she is hoping to achieve this goal and prays that no one will get hurt in the process. To follow along with her journey, check out my BLOG

First, let me just hip you jive turkey’s to the latest “weight loss/exercise” plan I’ve committed to. It’s called the #GodBodyDiet. Google, pray, do a rain dance to the sky gods, ask a neighbor/friend/police officer, whatever, about it if you want to, but I think me posting the deets will be pretty self explanatory. Here it goes:

- Abstinence from Alcohol
- Abstinence from Sex
- At least 6 hours of sleep every night
- No packaged food unless it is signified as Organic
- Consume a gallon of water every day
- No farmed fish or meat
- Dairy products must be cage free, non- homogenized
- 3 days of cardio workout. Can include core workouts for strength training (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Swimming)

Some of you reading this know me, and you’re probably scratching your heads, thinking, “How in the bloody hell is this chick going to give up Ciroc coconut/red berry and pineapple? AND beer? AND margaritas? And….”. Well you get the drift. Ummm, good question. I’ll get back to you on that one after this weekend. Others might think the “no sex in the champagne room” bullet point may be a challenge. Well, since I have no one tapping my on the shoulder in the middle of the night saying “Hey baby, is you woke?” that is null and void (don’t cry for me Argentina. I can handle the lack of “coloring”).

Honestly, I don’t think the first two rules will be that difficult to handle. I’ve cut soda, even juice, out of my diet before, so alcohol shouldn’t really be an issue. And as far as the nookie goes, I can manage without that too. The areas where I might struggle are with the water and sleep. A long time insomnia sufferer and infomercial connoisseur, I have to force myself to sleep. Lately I’ve been doing better, especially since a trainer at my gym told me you can burn fat while resting. WELL HOT DAMN!!!!! Just typing *yawn* about it makes me *yawn* sleepy. Ok, maybe not. The gallon of water……Mama might have to work on that :-/ A whole gallon?!??! Do you realize how big a gallon is?!?!?! You don’t?!?!?! Well go to the store and look at one for five long minutes. Just stare at it without blinking. Go ahead, I’ll wait…….Did you see it? I should have told you to pick it up too. That thing is heavy!!!

In all seriousness, my decision to get myself healthy has been one in the works since 2008. Back then I weighed a whopping 183lbs. Not a good look for A) a former dancer and B) someone who is only 5’4 1/2”, 5’5” on a good day. I also noticed people around me whose health was beginning to deteriorate. As an African American woman I run a great risk of high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a few. Add to that the fact that my grand mother (maternal) battled breast cancer and my other grand mother (paternal) was considered obese. However, weight wasn’t an issue for me until my mid twenties. Up until then I was of average weight for my height. But life happens. Office jobs, frequent trips to vending machines and fast food spots, lack of physical movement, and depression were the main culprits in my “packing on of le pounds” (French accent, qui qui). Oh shoot, I’m rambling…..

Long story short, I’m fat, I hate being fat, and now I’m going to REALLY stick to my guns and do something about…….Watch me work biznatchezzz!!!!!!

lei

Make sure you follow Leilah through her journey and lend a helping word of support when you see her on Twitter or on her blog as she fights the temptation to sway away from the new Healthy Lifestyle.

Click Here to see some of the other participants

Check out the Details to the GodBody Diet here