Sunday, January 31, 2010

She gets it from her momma!


Recently, I came upon an article in Women's Health magazine, "Thigh Anxiety: Are you Destined to Inherit Your Mother's Body" by Margaret Renkl (Jan/Feb 2010 issue). This article really caught my attention as I've always wondered how much genetics impact your weight loss and healthiness, aka Nature vs. Nurture. The article discusses the issue of genetics and the inheritance of bodyshapes, weight issues, and other certain health factors.

Fact: While your genes may determine up to 80% of your weight and body shape, environment, and personal choice still play a significant role.

When I was overweight and even at a healthier weight, I've always noticed a similarity between my bodyshape and my mothers despite the size/weight difference. We have the same curves and lady lumps in all the same places, which I appreciate. It's not only my mother, but her sister and her own mother that have had issues with weight and even other women's health issues that concern me.

However, I wonder if my mom, aunt, and grandmother were raised in a different environment that encouraged physical activity, if they continued to watch their waistline as they got older and had to handle more life responsibilities, etc., would they all be fit and lean or would they eventually expand no matter what they did? Is it really genetics or is it a history of patterns?

When I lost weight, I immediately toned up with muscle and I've been told that I have Mrs. Obama arm muscles too :). The article mentions that while you need physical activity in order to build muscle, people who have "muscular" genes requires far less exercise tha others to look fit. My grandmother had "Tina Turner" legs and I know for a fact that I inherited those as well. So to me, I feel like its a mixture of both, and I hope I retain the positive from both nurture and nature. I want to keep the inherited muscular toned genes and I also want to keep up the enivironment I've created for myself: a new found hobby of working out and LOVING it (hence me become a fitness instructor).

But we can't blame it all on our mothers, etc. 50% of our genes come from our father! In fact, there is some speculation that we can inherit the genes from our dad that stores extra pounds in our gut. Sadly, I know I've inherited that gene. When I lose weight, that's the last area to shrink. When I gain weight, that's the first area to get bigger!

And what about eating? We inherit genes that relate to our psychological relation to food and consumption. Dr. David E. Cummings, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Washington stated a fact that I know hits home for me: The more weight you lose, the harder your body works to compensate. You become hungrier and your metabolism bcomes more efficent. Increasingly, you being to crave food--and such a drive is very difficult to resist. AHA!!! This is totally my current situation. Mental control is not my strongest suits when it comes to food. Food and eating can really cosume my thoughts for a very long period of time. To the point, where I have to get that big mac or that slice of pizza, just to have mental peace. I've tried going to bed ingnoring those thoughts, and I literally can't sleep.

Can we really fight genetics? Or is it a lost battle? Nature vs. Nuture. Who will really win?

Nuture is still a strong weapon against the obesity epidemic. It all comes down to making the right choices and being in the right environment. For me that means:
-reduction of stress
-finding healthy altneratives to pizza or a big mac when a strong craving hits
-continueing to find fun exercises


I think those key things can help me fight genetics. However, in the long run, we can't stop genetics from doing its destined job. While you can delay your future with exercise and healthy eating, eventually we'll hit menopause and our body will begin to take shape of what's in our genetic makeup.

The article ends with this empowering thought: "At the end of the day, you're in the driver's seat of your own life and the navigator of your own body".

So tell us...are you worried about your genetic future? What do you do to fight the genetic battle during your weight loss journey? What do you think matters the most--nature or nuture?



*While I don't post everyday, you can always find me on Twitter: @rosehooks. Follow me!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Workout w/Celebrity Trainer Mark Jenkins!


So this past weekend I had the opportunity to checkout the Jump-off Workout with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Mark Jenkins. He has trained celebrities like Mary J Blige, Brandy, D'Angelo, and others. A friend of my invited to me this class at Soma Body Fit in D.C. His 70 minute class the "Jump-off" is so Intense! If you are in the D.C. area I strongly recommend you check him out. He does classes a Soma Body Fit and private classes at the Mandarin Oriental.
Here is a description of the class:

The Jump Off at SomaFit.
The Signature Mark Jenkins Fitness Class.

Celebrity fitness trainer Mark Jenkins will conduct an intensive 70-minute, sweat-inducing training course. Each session features sport specific activities performed to today's hottest music. Clients will achieve an unsurpassed level of physical fitness, visual appeal and energy.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Juicing The Pounds Away



Hello everyone, my name is Courtney and I am 20 years old. After recent trips to the doctor, I have learned that I have to have my gall bladder removed. Although this is a step in the right direction, it has to be followed with very healthy eating, and a complete change in lifestyle. They say if it comes to you three times, it must be meant to be. The idea of Juicing as a way to lose weight came to me. My family sent me some juicing products, so that I can get my nutrients until the surgery, when I can eat again. These products are the closest thing next to real fruit.



Then I picked up this month’s episode of Ebony, which had an article about Juicing


Then my dad sent me a link for a machine called The Health Master, which Montel Williams has used to help manage his MS.

myhealthmaster.com


So I have decided to take this up as I share my journey with all of you. I currently weigh 178 lbs, which for my height is considered “obese”. After first hearing this word I thought “WHAT NOT ME?!?!” , but when you learn to accept your reality it becomes easier to handle. So my goal is to get my weight down to what is considered healthy which is around 130 lbs. Cannot wait to get started and learn from any suggestions you all have.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Working Hard!


I have been working hard developing my new blog. So please stop by and check it out. My Mom just wrote a great post called: "Looking for the Black Prince Charming ??"

Don't forget that you can follow my weight loss journey via People Magazine. There's an article in stores now. I'll let you know when the next one comes out.

Also, I will be working on two projects with non profit organizations over the next year to promote fitness for Black Women and Teen Girls. I will be working with Pink Isn't Always Pretty and In the Paint Basketball both of these organizations are really important to me.

In the Paint Basketball is a program dedicated to helping Chicago youth. The program focuses on encouraging health , fitness, building confidence, discipline, and responsibility. I am working on a project for teen girls, more info to come! Please view the site to enroll you children, volunteer, or donate.

Pink Isn't Always Pretty
Breast Cancer runs in my family and has affected several women in my life. Particularly one of my sorority sisters who started this organization with her family.

P.I.A.P.’s mission is to provide a national community of support for women of color coping with breast cancer through raising awareness, education on healthy living and encouraging freedom of expression. Be sure to visit there site to volunteer or donate!



Don't worry I will continue to keep you all inspired at Nubian Fitness Goddess. I appreciate your support!



Friday, January 1, 2010

New Year Fitness Deals


Good Morning my Beautiful Sistas!

It's a New Year and you have fresh start to take care of your health and get in the best shape of your life! So start the year of right by putting your New Years Resolutions into action. Several gyms have promotions running so be sure to take advantage them:

D.C. Fitness Deal
: Fitness First Health Clubs. I received this as a GROUPON this morning so check it out ASAP!

Gold's Gym : T
ry it, 7 days Free!

Ballys Gym: They are currently offering $0 intiation fee and 34.99/mth

If you can't afford to join a gym there are other options. Pick up a couple of workout DVD's (e.g. Jillian Michaels) or use my favorite "Exercise TV."

Remember a healthy body need physical activity and foods that keep it nourished. So check your eating habits too.

Here are a couple more resources to keep you motivated:

Weightloss for Black Women: An Eight Week Guide to Better Healt
h

Slimdown Sister: The African American Woman's Guide to Healthy Permanent Weight Loss

Don't forget to pick up a copy of PEOPLE MAGAZINE to see my article (pg 94 & 98). They will be following my wedding fitness journey for the next nine months so there will more articles to come. Also, my wedding blog is also up check it out at A Cinderella Story.blogspot.com