Category: Weightloss Journey

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Fitness Fitness and Health self-care Uncategorized Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

NW Method

nw-method

Disclosure: I was invited and given free product to attend this event in exchange for a blog review. Although, I have received free product that does not effect my opinion. If I didn’t like it I would tell you. 

FaithFueled Mom in the City

f you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen I was Mom in the City last week. Quickly walking through the busy streets of New York Time Square it was so much fun to be invited to Workout with Nicole Winhoffer and enjoy treats from Pure Protein. When I got the invitation from Pure Protein, I was so excited to be working out with Nicole Winhoffer. She has a reputation for whipping into shape some of the “best bodies in the entertainment industry” the list is extensive, but some of the highlights include Stella McCartney, Madonna, Rachel Weisz, Molly Sims, Naomi Watts, Mya, Abbie Cornish, Spike Jonze, Jennifer Connelly, and Steven Klein. Just to name drop a few and now De Bolton, you guys know how I love to crack myself up.  The old me aspired to see her name in lights, but now I just want to stay fit, be fit and have fun! That’s why when I left the Pure Protein NW Method experience I was completely inspired.

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The day started off like any pretend New Yorker commuter’s day, jumped on the train had some private thoughts (that isn’t normal for this stay at home mom who’s thoughts can easily be interrupted.) Read a fantastic book, rereading Crazy Love and then in real “New Yorker” style was surfing the crowd like a pro. I got to the Diamond Horseshoe a little early and Nicole was so friendly. I was caught off guard. She was taking some photos for Pure Protein and stopped mid-pose and gave me a huge smile and welcome! I don’t know if it was written on my face that I needed a friendly face but it was what I need.

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It was a pretty cool experience. Nicole opened up with this dance where she totally owned it but little did we know until the end that she was going to skip the performance all together. She pushed passed her discomfort and made us feel like she owned the room. How many times have you faked it until you made it? I know I am doing it daily.

 

What’s the NW Method?

I have noticed that there has been an increase with cardio dance in the fitness world lately.  Fitness trainer, instructors, are realizing that people are more willing to dance their stress away then burpees, squats and other traditional forms of exercise.  The NW Method is a welcomed addition to this new phase in fitness.  Mix dance, isometric movements, yoga-style holds and poses and then welcome your inner 90’s Janet Jackson and I would say that is something kind of similar to the NW Method.  Nicole being a critical part of the entertainment world is showing us some great fun and entertaining workouts to build your endurance, strength, flexibility, and fuel your creative soul.  I loved it!!! The best part I left a puddle on the floor.  The next day I felt like I had done a killer leg workout at the gym and I hadn’t lifted a weight, band or anything.  Just my bodyweight, reps and I achieved the same effects as if I had worked in the gym.

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Sweat, Refuel, Repeat

It’s the Pure Protein way and something this FaithFueled Mom lives by.  Pure Protein was a fantastic host, and I am partially biased because they spoiled me with yummy protein treats that night. MM MM! Also, we were introduced to their new line of Protein Plus bars that have increased fiber in them.  Gluten-free and GMO-free so this mommy gave them a try.  Now, for my dairy free peeps I took a hit, they do contain whey and milk proteins so they may not be for you but their Protein Bites!  The bars had little effect on me but they shake unfortunately was not a good idea.  What I love about the Pure Protein bars is that they are low in sugar 2-3g per bar and junk free protein bars.  I am all about trying to fuel my body with natural or “clean” sources.

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Can’t wait to do it again!

The workout was different because Nicole is different!  It’s those teachers who want to help other people to succeed and achieve their goals that make the difference. It makes you work so hard you leave a puddle of sweat on the floor. They make you want to do it again and try harder next time.  Those people who believe in you and that you are more than capable of what you think makes a great teacher and what I aspire to be in my classes.

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All in all, it was such a fun experience. I plan on going back to New York in a few weeks to catch an NW Method Saturday class. It was that fun. I’ve never had an hour workout go by so quickly and although I did grimace a few times. I can’t wait to do it again. I have added lots of cardio to my life lately, and I think I wouldn’t hate it so much if it were dance. The NW Method achieves all that I need in a workout and powered by Pure Protein it’s just the mix I need to keep me motivated and inspired.

Do you like to dance? What’s your favorite type of cardio dance workout?

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey

Next Phase

grow-your-blog-hop-fall-2016

This is so cool today is my Spotlight day in the blog hop hosted by Runaway Bridal Planner, so WELCOME WELCOME I am excited that you’re here! I figured since there are so many new people I might as well unfold the master plan that has been brewing in my head for the last six months. Before I go there let me catch a few people up.

Let Me Introduce Myself

My name is De Bolton and haphazardly am now a faith-based fitness blogger sharing my love of faith, family, fitness and food. I started out as a mommy blogger, and I was going to drop some knowledge on the world through my little platform. After being picked up by a corporate sponsor in my first four months, I got the bug and began pursuing the world of blogging.

Meanwhile, I had some other things going on. After my third daughter, a year of anxiety, weight gains and bouts of depression I decided that I had enough. I had to do something different. My love of family and food lead me to become 196 lbs on my small little skeleton of 5′ 3″ and it was just physically uncomfortable to live in my skin. I realized that you couldn’t pour from an empty cup and sought out ways to fill mine up. I was a girl on a mission.

And then it began….

August 4, 2015, I began my weight loss journey, and here I am over a year later almost 60 lbs lighter, and I have learned and grown so much in this year through my faith and fitness. With God, I have pushed myself past boundaries; pulled myself up from my condemnation. I have tamed the anxious beast in my head and it has motivated me to want to do the same for others. Seven months ago, I decided to go back to school and get my degree in Fitness and Exercise Science. I am also studying to get certified with NASM as an Advanced Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Not only have I transformed my body I have grown so much spiritually, mentally and I now have on my heart to serve others dealing with weight loss challenges. Having experienced the uphill battle, plateaus and scale disappointments myself. I want to be there to coach, motivate and give others the spiritual motivation,tools and skills that trainers and my education have given me.

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What’s next?

Now that I have quickly caught you up! What’s next? It’s a good one. This weight loss journey has brought out things in me; that I have daydreamed about before but never put into action. So many untapped goals that I never thought I could even attempt to achieve until now. When I was a little girl, I remember my mom and I watching fitness competitions. I used to think it was so cool. I also did gymnastics, so I figured it was amazing to see women is such great physical shape. I had grouped them into bodybuilding.

Well, I met a awesome trainer from England back in May and was so grateful he started working with me. He was different from the other trainer that I had previously worked with. Initially, I went to him for a transformation workout program. Upon our first assessment, he already began to inspire and motivate me. He asked me my six weeks, eight weeks, twelve weeks, six months, and year goal. I never even considered what I would do after I got back to my post baby weight. I knew I wanted to be a personal trainer but never thought of my fitness goals or journey. I had only thought to the point of “getting back to the old me.”

I told him of my daydreams, but thought I could never do that in a year. That’s when he challenged me, “Why not?” “Look what you’ve done in a months.” I laughed it off and started working with him. Then I began hitting goal after goal. No plateau, constant progress, and motivation and it lead me to commit to one of my goals I made with him in May.

 

Drum Roll, Please

Announcing my dreams and goals to strangers is something that would have sent me to a dark corner cowering a year ago, but today? Beginning December, conveniently after Thanksgiving. I am going to start training to compete in a figure competition. I am not sure if I will get up on stage and wear that sparkly bikini, but I am going to work everyday as if I am.

When?

My hopes are to be competition ready by July. While I’m so sharing a few things that worry me. Discipline? Do I have it? Can I do it? Commitment? I have a lot going on, and I have heard Figure Competition Prep can be like another job. Getting on Stage? That’s the big one. It’s hard trying to be a light and represent Christ. I get so many nasty comments for bearing my belly for before and after transformation pictures. I can’t imagine what I will get as standing on stage in an eenie weenie bikini. Is that’s what stopping me? Kind of but I know that the next several months I have to get over myself and what other people think.

So, that’s it. That’s my plans other than my husband and my old trainer, “the cat is now out of the bag.” I’m excited to see what this body God has given me can do. I also plan to use my faith just as I did this last year to get me where I want. I only pray that I can be a light for others during the process. I will be tracking my journey through my Social Media platforms as well as a Video Diary?!! I think it’s going to be a fun thing to say one day “I did that!” What’s your “out of reach” dream?

Thank you again for checking me out all my Runaway Bridal Planner blog hoppers! It’s been nice getting to know all the new blogs and I look forward to checking out yours. Thank you Kristy for the opportunity!

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Gluten Free Honor My Temple Prayer Challenge Mealtime Monday Product Review Product Reviews Weightloss Journey

Living the GF Life

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Okay, guys! I may be going all into living this gluten free life.  Seven months ago I was tested for my allergies and among the seasonal allergies that I already knew of wheat and peas was one of the allergic reactions I had.  When I was in my teens, I had an allergy test with the same results but didn’t think anything of it. When I was 16, I didn’t care about my allergies and until that day didn’t realize the effect of ignoring my allergy had on my body.  I used to say regularly, “My stomach hates me,” after every meal.  I would get horrible headaches, itchy scratchy throat, constant post nasal drip always clearing my throat.  I always associated the throat and nasal to my known indoor/outdoor allergies.  I never thought it could be from the things I was eating.  My stomach aches the doctors could never figure out until now; I did a blood test for Celiac Sprue disease, elimination diet which I realize I was lactose-intolerant, but no one could tell me why I would bloat and have horrible stomach pains. I also had terrible acne and scarring.   That was about eight years ago. So, when I went to the doctor months ago and brought it up to a new doctor led me to get allergy tested.  Do you know how good it feels for someone to tell you your not crazy?

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Wheat Allergy

According to the Food Allergy Research and Education,

Differences between Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

A wheat allergy should not be confused with “gluten intolerance” or celiac disease. A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. When the food protein is ingested, in can trigger an allergic reaction that may include a range of symptoms from mild symptoms (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) to severe symptoms (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can be potentially fatal.

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue), which affects the small intestine, is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, it is a digestive disease that can cause serious complications, including malnutrition and intestinal damage, if left untreated. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats. Learn more about celiac disease>

People who are allergic to wheat often may tolerate other grains. However, about 20 percent of children with wheat allergy also are allergic to other grains. Be sure to ask your doctor whether foods containing barley, rye, or oats are safe for you or your child to eat.

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Living the GF Life

Now I am living the Gluten-Free life. Not because I have a gluten intolerance because it is easier than living wheat free. Gluten-free products (the real deal certified ones) contain no wheat. I don’t have to think about it and as a mom of three that makes my life easier. From skin care, shampoos and conditioners, and of course foods I try to buy gluten free products. As a result, I no longer have the ailments I had before; my skin is so much clearer now, and I feel better.

glutenfree-and-allergyexpo

 

Gluten-Free Allergy Expo

I will be attending the Gluten Free & Allergy Expo in Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, October 15-16,2016. I am so excited to visit because we are going gluten-free for the holidays. We’ve been doing it now for consistently I say five months and there’s not turning back now. I can’t way to see all the different vendors and gluten free options that are available to bake and cook. It’s going be an exciting new adventure I am going to have to Snap or Instagram Story all the interesting things!

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I would love for two of my New Jersey friends to go too! Just click on the giveaway link and Enter to Win! Drawing will be on Monday at NOON

You can also get your tickets here!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Getting My Functional Exercise

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Functional Exercise

Functional exercises are performed every day in our workouts but have you considered doing a Functional Exercise workout to your weekly routine. As of recently this primary type of activity has not only caught my attention but is now I include it daily in my exercise.  It only takes me less than 20 minutes, and I am feeling the difference a month later.

What is Functional Exercise?

The point of the Functional exercise is to train your muscles to perform the everyday task safely and productively. Huh? Isn’t that the whole point of the exercise. Well yes, but functional training is more specific than that.  Functional exercises teach your muscles to work together and get them ready for your day to day tasks. The functional exercise simulates typical movements you may do at home, work or in sports. One of thing things I like about functional exercise is its emphasis on balance.  Usually, the exercises are performed while using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time this helps stabilize your core.

FunctionalExercise.

What are the benefits of Functional Exercise?

I have been on this weight loss journey for a year now. Recently, it has turned from a want to lose weight to new fitness goals. I decided that I want to be the fittest 70-year-old. Since yesterday was my birthday that means I have 36 years to obtain my long term goal, God willing. One of the benefits of Functional exercise and the advantage of all exercise is a lean, in shape physique. Another advantage of functional exercise is it helps make everyday life task easier. When functionally exercising you are using multiple joints and muscles at the same time. Training is liking this also reduces your risk of injury and helps improve your quality of life.

Functional exercises tend to be multi-joint, multi-muscle exercises. Instead of only moving the elbows, for example, a functional exercise might involve the elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles. This type of training, properly applied, can make everyday activities easier, reduce your risk of injury and improve your quality of life.

SomaSole PlankHold

 

What does Functional Exercise look like?
There are a lot of exercises that are included that serve a functional purpose. Especially those moves that are various physical movements like in Tai Chi and Pilates.  The mix of resistance and flexibility is a great way to functionally exercise.  Some other common moves that you may recognize are; Multi-directional lunges, standing bicep curls, step-ups with weights these exercises help you with an everyday task such as vacuuming, mopping, yard work for example.  Proper form when performing these exercises is imperative.
How do I get started?
Most people would recommend functional exercise workouts for those over 40 (not there yet), but I feel that it is important for everyone.  It improves your balance, agility, muscle strengths and reduces the risk of falling.  If you have a trainer, I would ask them to include some functional exercises (they most likely already do).  There is always the University of YouTube and Pinterest.  Just be cautious that you are using proper form,  are cleared by a physician.  I gave you a little preview of the Functional Core Workout I have been doing the last month.  I feel stronger, can hold a plank longer and will be including this in my workout regime from here on out.
My Birthday Month Workout
Disclaimer This month I included a Functional Workout in my daily core routine.  I felt so much stronger and lost over an inch and a half on my waist which is a great benefit of exercise.  I also used my SomaSole Workout Bands.  They were a great easy way to add some resistance to my workout and one of my new favorite at home workout tools!!   They were a great easy way to add some resistance to my workout and one of my new favorite at home workout tools!!  Use Coupon Code DeBolton10 for 10% off of your own bands.
Do you do Functional exercise? How does it make you feel?

FunctionalCoreWorkout

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Get Brycked Up!

BryckedFitness

I must get B.R.Y.C.K.E.D again!

I got B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Up, and I want to do it again and again. Two weeks ago, I was able to participate in something so fun, intense and different.  It was an hour and 20 minutes of pure sweat, laughs, smiles and hardcore non-stop workout.  I got B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Up, and I am now hooked.  I was invited by a friend to try a new workout; Of course, I was gamed!  When I got there, it was instantly enticing.  It was like stepping into a club there were Black Light, Strobe, Disco Ball, Carribean, Latin, Hip Hop music and sensory overload!  After the 2 minute warm up I was drenched in sweat and Tru Adams, the creator of Brycked Fitness was like, “Now let’s get started.” It was on an popping from that point forward.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Class

What is B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Fitness?

In my opinion, B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Fitness will be the next fitness phenomenon. I was privileged to experience it from the Creator, Batrice “Tru” Adams.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D stands for:

Bootcamp.

Resistance.

Yoga.

Cardio.

Kickboxing.

Endurance.

Dance.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D withTru

Who thought of that?

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D is a crazy INTENSE workout. Endurance is required and dancing makes the workout tolerable. All the movement makes you forget that you just did 40 squat jumps or 50 lunges then jabbing and kicking all in a 2 and half minute song span.  It makes it okay that you are doing bicep curls with resistance bands and then jumping jacks because you’re sweating and having fun. Tru Adams created B.R.Y.C.K.E.D out of the desire to create her a workout program. Tru compiled everything she loved and inspired her into this jam packed fitness workout program. Tru has been working in the fitness industry for over ten years and wanted something efficient and with variety.  She couldn’t pick just one, so she added EVERYTHING. (My kind of girl)

What is B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Like?

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. appealed to me by covering all of your basics, adding on to others skills, and having different movements from song to song.  This format allows so much variety in one workout. I tend to get bored quickly with the same ole workout routine, over and over again. I burned 1100 calories in the one class. When I left the workout I was famished, pumped and woke up sore; but in a right way.  I hate cardio, but if cardio looked like B.R.Y.C.K.E.D; I see myself taking three classes a week. B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. could replace my normal workout routine. It’s that good! I also loved the Yoga part I never thought to include balance in my cardio but Tru slides that in too. Imagine doing Tree pose after you just squatted it out. Performing the Warrior Stance in between some high-intensity moves; I loved the mix of skills.

B.r.y.c.k.e.d Class.

Where can I get B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. Up? 

I am fortunate enough that the creator of this fantastic workout is near me local in the Southern New Jersey area.  There are opportunities to become certified in B.R.Y.C.K.E.D and also participate in Live Classes.  Words cannot do this class justice. Once you experience it you will want more!  I plan on getting certified in B.R.Y.C.K.E.D in the Fall or Winter and putting a Faith-based flare on it.  If there is a B.R.Y.C.K.E.D instructor in your area, I highly suggest you try a class.  What do you think? Would you try B.R.Y.C.K.E.D if it was in your area?

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