Even with all the toxicity, of course, I still don’t forget to look Fab I try to put on make up even just a hint of blush, a lipstick and of course, my mascara. Good thing I am blessed with a good skin type and naturally long lashes, teeheehee. Once I was asked by an office mate if I was putting on fake lashes and even inquired about the best eyelash growth product I was using. “Oh, this is my natural lash. I just placed mascara,” I replied with a smile.

Working in front of people has taught me to dress and look good even when I am busy, it gives me no excuse to look hideous. Oh that’s not me at all. Others tell me that when you are a SAHM (stay at home mom) that gives you a good reason not to dress up. I say No! I probably wouldn’t be wearing my usual office attire but I certainly wouldn’t wear anything crappy. You always need to look good, whether you are working or not.

Hubby said I was stressed! Yeah, but it was a different kind of stress. I am comparing the stress I had when I was in the corporate world. This “stress” gave me fulfillment .. which make me feel the need to still get up and do more. I believe it is when you love what you are doing that you overcome stress. Not to say that I did not find satisfaction when I was working as an employee, I did! In fact, I loved how I was able to deal with different people but at some point, when you can no longer enjoy the time and you’re all tied up at work… it will get you thinking. Is it all worth it?

Now, I added a little zest into my life, taking some risks and after all the setbacks, I am back on my feet. Life would be so boring if you don’t take chances once in awhile. Your body will always look for that adrenaline rush, and so just like some people who add flavor on their swisher cigars, I had to venture into something new.

My physical body has always been weak, but when your spirits are high nothing can put you down. I enjoy what I am doing now, I have my own time which enables me to spend more time with my kids.

And so, I move on! Even when I still have a funny voice (due to colds) and coughs every once in a while, I still got up Monday and did the work that had to be done. I couldn’t say that stress is no longer there…. but I can easily overcome it. It’s all about managing it!

One month into the practice and I feel that I am already reaping some of its benefits. For one, I feel the happy hormones are always present, I am more energized every day, the grumpiness has lessened, much to the content of my kids and of course, my hubby

Fitter by the day! As I deepen myself into the practice, I am discovering that my body can do a lot of stuff that I have not tried before. It’s liberating to undergo such thrilling poses that I never thought I can do, especially with my age now. I have felt the change when I go up and down the stairs and even just walking a mile… I am pleased that I don’t grasp for breathe or even if I do at times, it will take a lot of time to do so.

Weight management was my ultimate goal when I enrolled and I have been quite successful in doing so. Thus, it is in the maintenance that will pose quite a challenge but with discipline, I know I’ll be able to do so.

No more diet. My metabolism is faster now and I can eat whatever I want as long as it is in moderation. The exercise makes me eat less and I can even live with only yogurt for dinner… Can you imagine that?

More “Me Time”. Yoga practice is about creating your own space and every time I go to shavasana (corpse pose), I find time to relax and free my ever worrying mind. If there’s one thing I find it difficult to do is just to let go. Yoga has introduced calmness in my mind. Just by practicing Yoga is enough “me time” for me. I don’t even look for a great massage at the end of each session Even though I feel some sore in my muscles every now and then, I don’t really dwell on it.

I look forward to practicing yoga every day and even if I still cannot perfect the pose, I don’t get intimidated. Besides, I have only been practicing for a month. Yoga has taken all my anxieties away, given me a clearer mind to think of what is NOW and let go of what the future has in store.

The old me would probably still be anxious about my ultimate dream (of having our own house) but now I just let go… Now, I would look at the elegant tubs at bathsofdistinction or the furniture and fixtures in the mall with much content for I know that I am blessed. And as long as hubs and I are working hard and giving it our best, we will soon reap the fruits of our labor

And so through an email confirmation, I was finally scheduled for two free classes.

Last night, was my first class and it was under Ms. Maricar Holopainen. As Maricar explained, the class I attended was an FNR class (Flexibility not Required) with more of the Vinyasa poses, which means “breath-synchronized movement. Hmmmm…. that’s why she instructs us to move from one pose to another with an inhale and exhale . I find the FNR class fit for beginners like me. Honestly, I though it will be quite difficult but I was actually surprised at how I can follow the instructions and the poses, although I have to rest a couple of times and do the “Child’s pose”, especially during the planks. Planks are my least favorite even when I had my fitness trainer years back . The morning after was not even a problem for me, no muscle pains at all. It was probably because I prepared myself for the worst that’s why I didn’t feel it.

At any rate, I am so glad that my search is over… I finally found a Yoga Studio that is so strategically located and very much accessible to Moi. I have been itching to try out Yoga ever since I felt the strain on my knee, in which the doctor said that I had nothing to worry about that the best cure is to go back to having a fitness regimen, although not hi-impact especially on the knee like the treadmill or running. Yikes! So Yoga it is.. I have read the many benefits of yoga and it’s not only one of the best fat burners but what I like about it is the “serenity” — wherein you can focus and have peace of mind. For someone who is a worry wart like me, this is probably the best thing I can do for myself.

Urban Ashram Manila is located Level 3, Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig. It’s very near Pioneer Center Supermarket and along the street of the new opened Ace Water Spa in Kapitolyo. Their building does not even have a name yet. If I remember it right, it used to be an old warehouse and now the owners have converted it to commercial spaces for lease. Urban Ashram is the first tenant to open in that building, so expect some works on-going as you go up to the studio.  It has 3 generous studios that can fit in 20 students each and can be combined for larger classes of 60 students.

Now, I am discovering Yoga at Urban Ashram Manila. You too can join the Yoga Revolution, you can visit their website at www.urbanashrammanila.com to book your classes and check out their well-trained Yoga instructors.

Namaste.

And just when everything seems to feel good, you hear an unsolicited comment comment from someone in the family telling me that I get fatter each time she sees me. What the …. ???? I have been working my ass out and that’s what I get. I did not even resort to pills, no matter how safe diet pills are.

I told hubby about it and he just laughed. Good thing I have quite a strong personality that I can handle these kinds of negativity but how about other people who easily get affected by these blunt comments?

People can sometimes be so inconsiderate. Blurting out words without regard for the rights or feelings of others. I guess the reason why Hubby laughed is that he is just as tactless as anyone can be. I often remind him not to start a “small talk” with anyone by saying something negative especially if its a female. My tips are not to talk about age, weight, and waistline when dealing with girls. It’s such a touchy subject.

In short, if you don’t have anything to say, just keep your mouth shut! Am I right?

Breathe in and breathe out …. I still feel good about myself and no one can take that away.

Oh well! This is me venting out… I am just human, ya know????

I have seen my blogger friends like Yogini from Manila live the benefits of Yoga. I believe Yoga can help me de-stress. It does not only increase flexibility but it can also tone and strengthen muscles though proper breathing.

Okay, okay! I think it’s time to look for a nearby Yoga studio and hit the yoga mats. Wish me luck! (wink)

Photo Credit : photo remix: Yoga woman on exercise ball – flickr_enthusiast_rocks_Nilmarie_Yoga-001 by adria.richard on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

Here are some of the foods which has substantial amout of fiber:

• Whole grain brean
• Cereals (all natural)
• Vegetables – especially the green ones like spinach, kangkong, beet greens, and especially broccoli.
• Beans – dried beans, peas, and other legumes
• Nuts – peanuts, almonds, walnuts
• Fruits – bananas, cherries, raisins and prunes and even dried fruits

Of course, we should also note that our food intake should always be in moderation and that does not exclude the food listed above. However, with the rigors of everyday life, we seem to forget that we need our daily dose of vitamins and nutrients, including fiber in the food that we eat which is why we need supplements and substitutes. These are taken in order to meet the required level of vitamins and minerals needed by our body.

Here are some of the many benefits of fiber:

• Keeps your weight under control;
• Improves digestion and bowel movement;
• Lowers Cholesterol;
• Preventing certain diseases like diabetes and colon cancer;

Before you start on any supplements and any other dietary substitutes, try checking the supplement reviews site and consult your physician.

To a point, you can always prevent premature skin ageing when you can lessen your exposure to sunlight, smoke and stress. For me, without putting on SPF on my face, my bare skin can feel the tingling effect of sun exposure, that’s why I always make it a point to put on sunblock.

In addition, proper skin care never fails. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and of course, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. With those steps in mind, you can never fail.

~~~

Remember : Make sure to consult your physician when taking hgh supplements!

I have had it with yo-yo diets, it’s really the way I eat and the activities that needs to be modified. To persevere and remain with it will be the ultimate challenge.

Ageing is part of everybody’s life and we cannot stop it yet we can things to modify the effects on our body. For instance, if I go three times a week to the gym, I help my metabolism. This way I maintain the weight I have if not shed off some extra pounds. On the food that I eat, I go for 5 small meals a day rather that 3 giant full of servings. Plus I chose to have leafy vegetables instead of going for meat. Well, of course there are cheat days especially when you are on vacation or attending a feast. I am only human!

The most important thing I have learned is to get enough sleep and sleep on time. Although people think that lack of sleep can make them lose weight, however from my own personal experience it does the opposite. There was a time when my addiction to blogging and internet made me stay up to the wee hours of the morning … and made me really fat! I have since changed my habit and I can feel the difference not only in terms of the weighing scale but of my energy level as well.

As for vitamins, I can say I have been a fan of supplements that’s including my husband. It’s an admission that my diet do not meat the recommended vitamins and minerals needed by my body. I go for supplements that I feel I need the most like Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Once I hit the big 50, who knows what the doctor would prescribe, I might be looking into testosterone cream for women to increase energy and reduce the mood swings (wink!)

On energy consumption — I honestly did not feel the difference it’s energy efficient and according to the sales personnel it has the capability to reduce energy consumption for the times you’re rarely using it, like when on you’re on vacation.

Now that summer is coming I am on the lookout for a new air conditioner, that’s why I didn’t pass on the chance to grace the launching of Electrolux’s newest range of air conditioners.

True to its promise of always thinking about its consumers with the “Thinking of You” theme, they added a unique brand of wellness or “Halsa” into their newest line of air conditioners. With a combination of advanced air purifying technologies that will help keep your family healthy and give you that wellness experience you’ve been seeking in your very own home.

FACTS:

• Integrated Air Filtration System that eliminates dust and other harmful particles, ensuring that the air your family breathes is clean and pure.
• Bio HEPA Filter that traps very fine particles of airborne dust, bacteria, fungi and microbes then destroys the organisms by dissolving their cell walls with a biological enzyme in turn eliminates over 95% of bacteria and 99% of dust particles.
• Plasma Air Purification Technology that helps keep annoying summer sniffles away from your family.

With these facts in mind, I am sure to consider Electrolux in my next purchase.