Saturday, January 31, 2015

Open Mic Nite Performance Of "Reassurance"



This loveliness is a poem in my boyfriend's voice about how we communicate with each other and share our love for each other. Yay love poem! Performed at the Elevator Sessions open mic at the Justin Pauly Art Studio in River North, Chicago. I recorded this on January 23, 2015 and the link is: http://dbzmaron.blogspot.com/2015/01/reassurance.html -- Enjoy!!!

Open Mic Nite Performance of "Conquer the Crossroads"



This is the first time I've decided to perform my song lyrics ever (as a lyrical poem) and it's basically about my feelings of reaching a junction in life... performed at the Elevator Sessions open mic at the Justin Pauly Art Studio in River North, Chicago. I recorded this on January 23, 2015 and the link is: http://dbzmaron.blogspot.com/2014/09/conquer-crossroads.html -- Enjoy!!!

Journey To Health's Shrine

Every time I looked in the mirror,
I felt trapped inside my body...
Beauty faded from existence...
And confidence was too distant to fathom...

In the tall mirror's confines, I saw myself as a fat blob... continuously being picked apart by "friends" and "family" who enjoyed flaunting my flaws in the public eye...

My belly hung over my pants like extra meat falling off the front of a burger...
While the wrong people wanted to take a bite...

These 60 extra pounds on my back, which I prayed to be able to throw away every day, were stuck like brick and mortar being nailed into the ground...
These demons, which existed for my college days and then some, were soon able to be defeated...

One day on the battlefield, a camping trip to a medieval foam swordfighting battle and a spear to the face led me to my guru who turned me over to health's shrine...

10 months and lots of help later, overweightness played a permanent disappearing act!

Once my new self was unsheathed, I knew I had to pay it forward and spread the word of the shrine's teachings...

My guru, being the holistic doctor he is, introduced to me how to live the healthiest possible life while fully embodying my surroundings and my being...

From my experiences and my guru's advice, eating healthy doesn't mean an apple a day to keep the doctor away or eating salads for life to keep your clothes on just right...
It's making sure you indulge in moderation, eating your fruits and veggies, and not turning your plate into a losing game of Tetris.

Exercising definitely doesn't mean going to the gym 7 days a week for 2 hours at a time, but you can surely do martial arts, dance, walk, bike, run, swim, exergame, or even run around in the grass hitting each other with foam weapons, and still call it exercise... but be sure to do a combination of any or more of the awesomeness for at least 2.5 hours per week...

Being healthy is utilizing your body and mind to its fullest potential every day, while keeping your mind awake and in the now...

These words of wisdom may sound simple, but in order to understand the shrine, you need love to unlock its meaning. Not a fad diet, not something that gives you pre-packed meals, and especially not the "I'm going to do it myself" method...

No one is ever alone, nor should be picked on for not being as teeny and thin-boned as a barbie doll.
The struggle is real, and for those who wish to take the plunge towards healthspiration's paths, it is up to you to choose your destiny... though it may take awhile to find as it took me 3 years and 4 tries.
I wish to sprinkle my seeds to those around me wherever I land and serve as a catalyst of motivation for others... in ways such as listening to a lady at work's cry for help, providing her with guidance, and joining a company-wide fitness challenge with her to keep her on track and have someone to get an extra boost of "I can do it" from.

In the end, we are all beautiful creatures no matter what shape or size you are. Embrace your body, flaunt your curves and your everything to the world, and smile... while keeping health's shrine in mind. You deserve it!

Friday, January 30, 2015

How it Feels to Lose Weight

Today, I looked at myself in the mirror and appreciated what I saw. I didn’t see “the old me” aka me over 55 pounds ago and my poor state of mind. I saw me, who started a new beginning, a strong, beautiful, passionate woman sans fat rolls and clothes to hide who I really am. I don’t feel the need to wear as much makeup anymore either (though I think makeup is an art form to me and I will admit that my acne scars make me self-conscious and not wearing it will make me look tired all the time). I no longer need to hide myself because I have extra pounds on me. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve rekindled my passion for martial arts and am quite close to finally earning my black belt in Shotokan. I have truly discovered my passion for cooking. And most of all, I have never been this happy before and will never look back because I love who I am now.

In November 2013, I stepped foot into my friend’s holistic healthcare office (which he owns) and didn’t realize how much that would change my life. I was tired of being overweight for quite some time, but he summoned me into his office because I told him my mental health was severely going further down the toilet. To top it off, right after graduating from college, in August 2013, I was told that I have PCOS (more info here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841). After doing some reading on this disorder, I was well aware my hormones had been abnormal for years, but as soon as I found out that this is also triggered by being overweight and raises my chance of developing type 2 diabetes, I knew something had to be done. I did some research on type 2 diabetes and what I’d have to worry about if I ever developed this terrible disease and I was like, “nope, screw this, I’m just going to lose the weight and take care of myself now before something traumatic happens”. I had stopped doing karate in early-mid 2008 and realized how much I loved/missed it and how lovely of shape I was in. I unfortunately had just missed the session and had to wait until January to start again (and I did). I had also been involved in Belegarth (medieval foam swordfighting) as well at the time. I was so ready to do this! I so wanted to lose weight… at least that was my mindset “then”.

A couple of months into seeing my holistic doctor friend and right after starting karate again, I asked him for advice on how to lose weight… as he points to a program called Shape Reclaimed (more info here: http://www.shapereclaimed.com/). Although I am not the best at religiously following “diet plans”, I was pretty spot on for the first few months of this program. I still follow the program and am monitored, but I don’t “follow it to the T anymore”. I will honestly admit this because weightloss programs and losing weight is one of the most difficult things to do… no really, it is. Plus, if the world thinks that everyone follows every diet program super religiously, that’s likely untrue, especially because I’m still losing/maintaining weight and haven’t gained any significant amount of weight back in all of 2014 (excluding weight fluctuation of like 2-3 pounds, which is normal). This is the longest I’ve been able to hold my progress and this is my 4th serious attempt at losing weight… and only genuinely successful one.

The Shape food list is now a permanent guideline for how I construct my personal diet, which for me, is more effective than strictly following a diet plan (ex I have become highly disinterested in eating bread now). I also tend to follow things more loosely because it’s less stressful for me, but that’s just a personal deal. This program ultimately ended up helping me because it taught me how to eat healthier overall, about how my body works and burns fat, and to be more cognizant of looking at nutrition facts and especially ingredient labels. My dear friend educated me on how to maintain overall health through eating and in general, as well as acted as a coach and guiding star for me. Since he is my friend, having your wellness coach be someone you’re comfortable around who genuinely supports you ultimately helped me. The Shape program also fostered an even deeper appreciation and passion for cooking healthy, since there are only certain foods you can eat while on the program. Not only did the Shape program work for me, but it also taught me portion control, which is in my opinion the most integral factor of weight loss and why I gained weight in the first place… through eating way too darn much. I also exercise several days a week, which also helps.

My journey started in January 2014. It is now December 2014 and I am down over 55 pounds… and am still down over 55 pounds. So how did I do this?
*Shape Reclaimed (and my holistic doctor friend of course)
*Karate
*Further exercise (ex belegarth, running, extra walking, taking the stairs whenever possible, little things like that)
*Portion control
*Friend support (and falling in love with a darling who is health conscious, enjoys a raw diet, and helps hold me accountable)
*Cooking my own meals instead of eating out
*Heart/motivation
How does losing weight feel?

So for reals how losing weight feel? Well first off, feeling amazing is an understatement. I think a better term is me feeling holistically healthy aka healthy as a whole.

Aesthetically, I feel quite lovely because I enjoyed noticing the positive changes in my mind and body. There were changes in my mind because I knew I was acquiring a healthier mindset about my body image. I wasn't calling myself fat. I like looking in the mirror and confidently knowing I look quite snazzy... and fitting into my clothes. Not only that but I could barely fit into the biggest size, and now I feel and look just fine in the clothes, which made me enjoy shopping again. My family and various others also stopped making fun of me, which they shouldn't have, but it's in the past now. Yay for morale increases! I received plenty of compliments, which I always enjoy. Most of all, I met my boyfriend after I lost all the weight and he said he would have still wanted me for my heart and personality, which makes me blessed to know that men appreciate you for you.  In short, I feel a lot more prettyful.

Physically, I feel more nimble, my endurance is significantly increased, and overall more happy and healthy. Even when I had the extra weight, I still had the capacity to run a couple of miles... very very slowly... and then I would gas out. After losing it, I was able to run my usual 4 mile bike path without stopping and even do it a second time before my legs gave out due to needing further training. I haven't been sick in over a year, and even when I was sick, it was due to mold in my apartment. I feel more bubbly and lively as well. I also don't fear getting diabetes anymore and I know my health (of which I can control) will no longer adversely affect me.

My favorite from all of this process was the motivation to help others become healthy and even console and provide advice through their "I'm so gross" or the several versions of the "I'm going to start now" tirades. I also want to promote positive body image through the lens of someone with an "imperfect" body. Some of the effects of losing weight involve having scars aka stretch marks left behind... the same ones you get when you're pregnant. It hurts, but I want to project a message that you can have scars and be any shape or size and still be beautiful. I have stretch marks and I wish I loved my body more when I had the extra weight especially... because it's my body and I need to own and rock it. I've had several people also ask me for health tips, my recipes, and "how did you do that". One of my main goals and highest pillars in life is to make a difference. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I'm able to help at all or give someone that extra push they needed to get their life back on track... or even when people ask *me* for advice. I feel like I'm fulfilling my purpose when I help people be happy and healthy! But in the end, the size or makeup of your body doesn't define you as a person!

Healthy Game Day Taco Dip

Getting a jump start on my Super Bowl cooking with my el famous taco dip... made with greek yogurt instead of sour cream... here's what I've done to create this (without using a recipe):

1 32 oz container of plain greek yogurt
1 package reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp chili powder
3 tbsp minced onions
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp spicy salsa
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp cumin
2 tsp better than bullion chicken stock
Salt/pepper to taste

Stir everything into the greek yogurt container until the yogurt has no more white spots and enjoy the tastiness :D Healthy food can be and is just as flavor filled as its counterpart!


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Shape of Love Revised

I edited "The Shape of Love" poem which I made on a GIF... but sorry, I have not remade the graphic at this time. The poem is much improved though. Enjoy!



Today I shall vow
For love to be the wealthiest entity
Because this sacred power
Is one to cherish for every beat...

It is the core of existence
As you spiritually unite with your heart and project it towards being in the now
In order to absorb every breath taken above ground
And smile towards the almighty skies while exuding your passions each day...

Without utilizing your fullest potential to the best of your ability,
Life's evils will consume you
And happiness won't protrude at its brightest...
Remember to stay conscious if you want to take the gold medal!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

1 can white meat chicken 2 tbsp lite mayo
1 tbsp relish
1 tbsp sun dried tomatoes
1/2 tsp of the following: onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, crushed red pepper, mustard powder, cumin, dill seed
salt/pepper to taste
1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 handfulls crushed pretzel thins

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir and enjoy! If you want to put it in a pita or make this hot, go for it! Putting it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes would be fine and melt the cheese!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

My Vegetarian Recipe for Shepherds Pie. Enjoy!

Gravy:

2 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup diced mushrooms
¼ cup chopped white onion
1 tsp minced garlic
2 chopped green onions
1 can veggie broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder
1 tsp soy sauce

Cook over stovetop in a pot on medium heat. Gradually add corn starch (or flour) until desired thickness is reached and don't let the gravy boil

1 pack cous cous -- I wanted to save time and used the 5 minute cous cous box. There are directions on there in which you should follow. Get some flavor with garlic in it!

Mashed Potatoes:

½ cup 2% (or almond) milk (add more if needed)
4 skinned potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onions
Salt/Pepper to taste
(optional: 1 cup vegan cheese)

Cook in large pot and initially put the potatoes, olive oil, and almond milk into the pot and turn to a medium heat. Cook until you can mash the potatoes in the pot. Add the spices

Veggies:

¼ cup panko crumbs for topping
1 can green beans
1 cup spinach
1 can corn
¼ cup chopped white onion
¼ cup diced mushrooms
¼ cup chopped green pepper
¼ cup chopped broccoli

Sautee the veggies in a large sized pan with 1 tbsp olive oil. Once the veggies are sauteed, combine with the potatoes, cous cous, and some of the gravy to turn everything into the pie. You can also combine the ingredients into a casserole pan and cook at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy!















Reassurance

This is a "persona poem" I wrote in my oh so lovely poetry class where I was writing about what my boyfriend would say to me (me talking through his voice). He would always reassure me that everything would go smoothly and that I'm a better person than I think I am. Enjoy!



Haaaaaayyy!
I know you're on a mission to better yourself,
And now, I'm peeking into your dream to gleam upon your life...
Because you know, I know you way better than you think I do... and feel like I can read your mind…
It literally feels like we've met in a past life and held our hearts together for eternity only to need each other now!
Any strife or dumb bullshit you've been through, take my hand and go to neverland because that shit’s in the past...

We shall operate as a team!
Starting by taking our visions we constantly discuss on Google Hangouts, such as starting a business, making a mobile app, making a technology blog, making websites together, whatever else it is, and placing them into fruition!
That way, we can prance around in Japan or Hawaii on the beach, be alone on our own private island in dream land, enjoy near-unlimited cute time together, and engage in cuddle puddles with Ash the evil kitty of adorableness!
Let's lie down and look at the stars while we plot our plans to execute our everything's together...
Of course without bickering about trivial crap that is only going to lead us into a loop of eventually despising each other...
The amount we can see and accomplish together is endless… as long as we are dreamers AND doers!

Oh Rebs...
I can totally see ourselves traveling together... not looking back but only looking forward...
Yes, that trip to the World’s Fair in Italy, which you’ve mentioned 8 bagillion times IS happening as well!
When we went to goodwill to grab ourselves a place to store your clothes aka a rusty mc desk drawer,
I really wanted to let you know how much you don't need makeup to impress anyone... which would give us an extra bit of us time... and cuddles as we lie with our skin touching as we feel each other's heart and embrace each other's being...
And even more time to sleep in the morning while we're exploring the world together...
Why?
Because you're beautiful...
No need for further explanation...
You don't need to try to impress me... all I need is you hunny...

The stars synchronize and we, the duo laughing at each other pretending to be an old couple and eating the el famous Max breakfast of oatmeal with almond milkie, hard boiled eggs, and an orange, are going to continue to tackle the world by storm as we work to combat injustice and foster the greatest efficiencies...
Just be yourself and believe in yourself... and let's enjoy us, while we fuse our hearts together, place our bullshit arguments behind us, and make each other whole... as we are one!
I'll be the happiest man in the world when you no longer need reassurance of my love for you...
I love you to the moon and back, and nothing will change that, especially because you love Ash, who is my baby and my boy!
I choose you, Pikachu!
Never forget that you silly dorkface!

Now let’s cheers to a long and treasurable forever with my darling by my side and a tasty glass of wine!