







Is your metabolism too slow?
One thing we know for sure is that our metabolism is slowing down as we get older. Simply put, metabolism is the way our bodies burn the calories from the food that we eat. The shift of midlife weight gain actually begins in our 20’s – 30’s. . Starting at about age 25, a person’s metabolism declines approximately 5 percent every decade! So it seems we are entering into the battle of age vs. metabolism..jpg)
Like our cars need fuel to work, our bodies need to be fuelled too. The car performs well when we put in good fuel in the engine, and
we work actively when we consume healthy and good food.
If one wants to loss weight, then, amount of calories play an important role. One is required to consume fewer amounts of calories. But the other factor involved in weight control is exercise. Fat loss depends on the amount of exercise done and what impact it has on one’s metabolic rate.
Metabolic rate: – exercise helps increase our energy output. It also improves our metabolic rate which helps us to burn excess calories for 24 hours after an activity or exercise. More over, exercise also helps in building muscle mass. The more muscle mass one has, the more calories one will burn through out the day.
We should always remember that our weight depend on our metabolic rate. Sometimes, we come across a person who eats large amounts of food and yet remains slim while another person, who eats less, tends to gain more weight. This is because of the metabolic rate. The person who gains no weight has a high metabolic rate while a person who gains more weight has a low metabolic rate.
Tips to increase one’s metabolic rate:-
- the first most important thing to start is to drink at least a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water ever day, And of course, the more the better. Water is good to drink and it increases the metabolic rate of a person’s body. It also helps in removing fat and toxins.
- Eat small meals frequently through out the days, with a gap of 2 hours, at least, so that your metabolism is always busy.
A lot of people claim they aren't hungry in the morning, and try to take full advantage, skipping breakfast and waiting for the hunger to kick in that afternoon. A lot of people love this and think it will help them lose weight, because they are consuming fewer total calories.
It is more likely than not that if you aren't very hungry in the morning, it is because you are already in starvation mode. Your body weakens your appetite so that you don't waste calories to go try and find something to eat (think back to caveman days when we had to actually hunt our food.)
Eating consistently through out the day is the only way to keep you metabolism running smoothly. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast, because it wakes your metabolism up to burn the maximum number of calories per day.
If your metabolism is running efficiently, you can eat more calories and lose more weight than if you restrict and eat fewer calories.
Exercise-good for your metabolism:
- Exercise is good for people who want to loss some weight as it improves the metabolic rate and so help the body to burn calories even after an exercise.
- It increases energy output.
- It also increases body muscles which burn up more calories even when the body is at rest, that fat.
- Exercise helps in digesting the food as well as burning calories.
• Don’t Skip Meals!The myth that skipping meals decreases your total calorie level and helps you to lose weight is not true. When people skip meals or decrease their calories significantly (<>body tries to compensate for the low calories. Your metabolic rate can actually decrease as much as 10-15% and your body will hold on to the fat and burn lean muscle instead. Always eat at least 3 meals and avoid dipping below 1000 calories a day. • Regular activityRegular exercise routines such as biking, walking, or hiking will help raise your metabolism during the activity and for several hours after. Even simple movements such as taking the stairs, house cleaning, or simple yard work can help increase your burn rate. • Adequate ProteinProtein provides the building blocks for muscle. Without adequate protein you may actually lose muscle. You need about .4 - .5 gram of protein per pound body weight. For a woman weighing 160 pounds she would need approximately 64 - 80 grams of protein daily. • Sleep!A 1999 University of Chicago study showed that sleep loss affects the way we metabolize carbohydrates resulting in glucose intolerance and possibly leading to increased hunger and a slowed metabolism. Lack of sleep also can interfere with our energy levels during the day and cause us to skip our exercise routine because we are “too tired”. How often have you told yourself that? • Decrease Alcohol ConsumptionAlcohol may suppress your body’s ability to burn fat. Studies show that when you drink alcohol, your body burns fat more slowly than usual during that particular meal. Watch your alcohol intake. • Try a cup of Green TeaA small study showed that green tea appeared to raise metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation. The calorie losses were small- around 60 calories/day. Green tea also has other health benefits because of its significant antioxidant components. You might as well add a little boost to your metabolism while protecting yourself from heart disease, cancer, and strokes. • Got calcium?Recent research shows that calcium -- three or four daily servings of low fat dairy products -- can help adjust your body's fat-burning machinery. The more calcium in the cells resulted in an increase in fat metabolism. Beware of Magic CuresWe have all seen the ads for products that increase our metabolism and promise miraculous weight loss. Metabolism boosters and Fat Burners – not only do the people they show us in the testimonials lose weight they also end up with a firm body and a six pack stomach. Can a pill do all this?Generally, the answer is no. These weight loss pills are often ineffective, and they can also harm us. Many of them contain either human growth hormone, which can lead to joint or heart problems, or epinephrine type ingredients that are correlated with increased blood pressure. The answer is the good old tried and true: eat a balanced diet that does not exceed your calorie needs, exercise regularly and sleep well. Realize that we may not be able to look 20 again but we certainly can look our best, increase our energy, and enjoy good health at any age.

Here are a couple of things I bet you didn’t know about JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil):
Black Castor Oil is a powerful healing oil that has withstood the test of time. It is the end result of an ancient method used in preparing and making castor oil. The fatty acids and phytochemicals found in Jamaican Black Castor Oil address many health and beauty conditions. A bottle can serve as a hair and scalp conditioner; a skin moisturizer and healer; a massage oil for aches, pains, fibroids and lumps in the breasts; a powerful laxative and can be used as fist aid for cuts, wounds and burns. It is also excellent for dry, chapped hands and feet.
Black castor oil seals moisture in the hair with a protective coat. It’s also the only oil in nature with ricinoleic acid. It helps to destroys viruses, bacteria, yeast and molds that cause many skin problems. Black Castor Oil also helps to remove uric acid from body, the source of many inflammations.
When you purchase a bottle of JBCO make sure it’s in a dark bottle. Oils tend to lose their freshness and potency when they are exposed to direct light as a result of being in clear bottles.They also risk being contaminated by toxins if placed in regular plastic bottles.
History on JBCO:
The castor oil plant originated in
When used on micro braids your scalp will be very moisturized and soft. Make sure you wash your braids regularly when using this stuff to prevent buildup at the base of the braid.













Deeply hydrates, helps repair and adds body.
Herbal R/X™ : Sage, Geranium Wild Mint
Condition/Moisture
Hydrating conditioner for dry hair and scalp.
ABBA® Pure Moisture Conditioner is a natural moisture treatment that helps repair and hydrate dry, stressed hair and scalp. Sage and geranium extracts add thirst quenching moisture to hair while wild mint works to stimulate the scalp and senses, leaving hair smooth, manageable and full of body.
Commitment to Purity
Made in USA
Ingredients:
Botanical Infusion of: Water (Aqua) (Eau), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cymbopogon Schoeanthus Extract, Quercus Alba Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Stearalkonium Chloride, Benetrimonium, Methosulfate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Mentha Arvensis Oil (Wild Mint), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (1000 mw), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (2000 mw), Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Lupin Amino Acids (150 mw), Tetrasodium EDTA, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, ABBA Aromatherapy Fragrance (Parfum)







Soooo um I haven’t posted in a while because I got my wisdom tooth pulled and I decided to try Smart Lipo.
What is Smart Lipo?
SmartLipo is a non-invasive fat removal procedure which uses the focused power of laser energy to break up and dissolve fatty tissue trapped beneath the skin. By directing the energy to the area beneath the surface of the skin, the technique also encourages the development of collagen, which results in a tighter, more toned appearance overall. Is the fat removal permanent?
The fat removal will be permanent as long as the individual maintains a healthy lifestyle following the procedure. Any significant weight gain can result in the return of fat to the treated areas, as well as untreated areas.
How is the procedure performed?
Prior to beginning SmartLipo, the areas to be treated will be carefully marked and a local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. Using a small, handheld device, the laser energy is directed toward the fat cells beneath the skins surface. As the laser energy is fired, the fat cells break apart and liquefy. During the initial days following the procedure, the liquefied fat will be drained away by the bodys natural processes. The laser energy also encourages the growth of new collagen, which tightens skin and improves the overall appearance of the treated area. The laser energy also helps seal small blood vessels, reducing bleeding and subsequent swelling in the treatment area.
Once any initial swelling has resolved following the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter and more toned. The results will continue to improve within the first 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure, as the skin readapts to new curves and outlines. In most individuals, optimal results are visible at about 8 weeks following the SmartLipo procedure.
(Source for above info: http://www.dermanetwork.org/information/smart-lipo.asp)
Reason I did it: Because no matter how much I tried to diet or exercise (the lil I did) my lil pooch would NOT go away. I looked at my friends who had babies and it looked like I HAD AT least 1 kid. I am soo satisfied and I am not even completely healed! That extra skin flapping over my pants and panties is GONE.
Cost of procedure: $ 4700 if cash is paid and $5200 if you use a debit/credit card
Would I recommend this: Yes if you are tired of exercising. This procedure has been FDA approved and been out since 2006. I did A LOT of research and have read about minor problems. Most people go to a doctor that does not do a good job and they come out with lumpy skin. I personally believe wearing the girdle 24/7 afterwards plays a critical step in preventing that. Remember its only cosmetic surgery. I am not writing this to encourage or discourage you. Just do your research and don’t let anybody discourage you. It’s your body, and your money. Do what YOU want with it. Just do the research first! J The only reason I am writing and POSTING this is to share my progress because out of all the research I did I only came across a hand full of our people who actually did it. Color has nothing to do with it or the results but…..umm let me leave that alone. J
Pre- Op: I was given some prescriptions to get fill to begin taking some meds b/f the surgery. I was also given a pack of vitamins named Vita Medica to begin taking. I must admit I was not consistent with taking the pills because I was still in pain from getting my wisdom tooth removed.
Day of the surgery: I was getting very nervous. I asked a female (black) on YouTube about her procedure and all she responded with was save your money. I was like WTH? If you say something like that more details should follow. So that almost made me reconsider my decision. So I went in to the procedure room and the doc made about 6 small incisions on the sides of my stomach area. I was filled with fluid that was to numb me up really good before the actual doctor would begin the suctioning. That is about the worst part of the whole procedure. After the fluid starts numbing you, you just get this uncomfortable feeling. The funny feeling is due to your stomach blowing up like a balloon. You can actually fill some of the fluid leaking out of the incisions. YUCK!
Dr. Mickie (nickname) began the procedure and made it very relaxing. She talked to me, fed me crackers and PowerAde in between. The reason for the feeding was because I didn’t eat a full breakfast b4. My appointment was 0900 and I had to wake up early to drive the long trip to her office. Anyway I was in there crying like a lil baby because I don’t take well to anything dealing with doctors or needles! When I got my wisdom tooth pulled they had to spray som numbing spray on my arm to get me to calm down so they could get the IV started to put me to sleep. Anyway it was a not alot of unbearable pain but I felt the vibrations and pressure of the suctioning. I started stressing because I did too much research on the procedure and I knew exactly what was going on. I had an image in my head of her sticking the laser in and out of me melting the fat and the fat running through the tubes to the liter. I know… CRAZY! I guess it was my nerves. So the procedure took about 3-4 hours and she took out 3 ½ liters of fat out of me. YUCK. She said I had the most fat around my belly button. After they finished she wrapped me up real good but I still bleed through my gray sweats. I was scheduled to return in 2 days so she could take off all the wrapping/ bandages.
Night (After Surgery): There is no need to spend the night in the hospital or anything but you will need someone to drive you home. Don’t believe what they say on YouTube. You will NOT be able to do this on your lunch break. Mess around and get fired. LOL. Anyway that night I was drinking a lot of vitamin water, PowerAde and Gatorade as instructed by the doctor. I messed up and ate an ice cream stick and chicken noodles and threw it up. Yeah it was very stupid of me. When it was time to sleep, I couldn’t lie down, I feel asleep leaning on the headboard. If you normally sleep on your stomach…4 get it!
Day 1 (After Surgery): I spent it mostly at home and just relaxed. I did drive. It was hard to stand up straight and sit for long. I had to take a “wash up” because I couldn’t shower until she removed the bandages. They didn’t want me to remove them myself because it common for people to pass out after the bandages are removed.
Day 2: I returned to my appointment and she took off the bandages and that dried up blood smell was overwhelming. I wanted to pass out from that sticky azz tape she was struggling to get off! After she finished and dressed me up she gave me some instructions and sent me on my way.
Day 3-6: OMG, I can see a BIG difference. I am sooooo happy I took my own b4 pictures because the pictures prove it all. My stomach feels REALY funny. It’s this spongy like feeling. I can feel the tightening process going on too. Wearing the girdle helps you not to think or feel that funny feeling. The extra fluid I guess has settled down in my vagina area. So it’s sitting on swole, lol! When I say that I mean it. Its unbelievable how big your vagina area gets.
Day 7: I returned from yet another appointment and she stated that I am healing great. I told her that I am happy with the results so far and she said oh sweetie you are still swollen. You will be seeing A LOT more results. She said my waist hasn’t even begun to show because of the swelling. She said give it about week 3 b4 seeing any major results.
Day 8: I can maneuver a lot better now but I am still swollen. Its not that much uncomfortable anymore. I no longer feel like an 80-year-old woman trying to get out of the bed and car and I got a lil more “pep” in my step as my 86-year-old granddad said. LOL. I will continue to post updates. I will try to post the next one at the beginning or end of week 3.
Overall, I am VERY happy and positive about the results.