NYARAMULA's SparkPeople Blog

Just Two More Days!

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:59:31 EST

Today is day 30 of my juice feast. I said I would push this to 32 days to make up for some cheating along the way, so just two more days. My DS turns 13 on Thursday and we are planning a big party for him on Saturday, I'm glad I will be done with the fast in time for the birthday party.

For two days now I have not felt like drinking much juice. I have actually been drinking mostly water and some green tea with a slice of lemon. But I do force myself to have some green juice for din...

Be Sure To Stretch After Your Workout!

Tue, 14 May 2013 03:03:44 EST

I made a terrible mistake on Saturday and I'd like all my friends to learn from it.

I have a stepper in my living room and one of my favorite workouts is step-ups, vigorous step-ups! I have reached a point where I can do step-ups for an hour while I watch TV, it's my best way to watch shows that I love.

Because I have been enjoying the Spartacus workouts so much, I took a long break from the stepper, almost two months. So on Saturday morning, because I woke up feeling ve...

I blew it ( Well, almost)

Mon, 13 May 2013 03:35:49 EST

I kind of blew my juice fast over the weekend. I bake on Saturdays when I can so we can have lots of goodies to take to church on Sunday. Most of my family attend the same church and I like for us to have some fellowship after church service. My nieces and nephews are so used to this that most Sundays they don't even bother with breakfast because they know aunty Lucy will have something special for them at church.

The problem with this particular Saturday was, one, I am on a juice ...

Red Cabbage

Tue, 7 May 2013 02:40:24 EST

I really believe that juice fasts help us to change our taste buds. That is why it is possible to get rid of cravings with a juice fast.

During my fast long juice fast, I really enjoyed the carrot juices - my favorite combo was carrot/apple/beetroot. Carrot juice has continued to be a regular feature in my eating plan even when I am not fasting. I take a glass of carrot juice every morning.

T...

Lovely Weekend

Mon, 6 May 2013 03:18:19 EST

I had a lovely weekend, spent most of it catching up with family that I have not seen for a while.

This is a picture that my son took over the weekend. That's me on the left, my SIL in the middle and my niece on the right.

Day 11

Thu, 2 May 2013 03:42:47 EST

As the days go by, the juice fast gets easier. I am now reaping the benefits - clarity of mind, loads of energy, clear skin (the first person I met as I came into the office today said my face looked very bright).

I enjoyed the day off from work yesterday. Even took a bit of a nap in the afternoon, which is not normal for me. Just the thought of being home the whole day was so exciting. I can't wait for the weekend so I can have some more rest.

It's a very cold day today...

Day 8 of Juice Fast

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:05:45 EST

So today is day 8 of my juice fast and I feel great. I still have not decided whether I'll go to 30 days, listening to my body carefully.

The stress at work is easing out slowly, it will be over by Friday. After that I get to decide whether to take a few days off or not.

Wednesday is a holiday - WooHoo. I am looking forward to it because we will all be home - no soccer for the boys and no one rushing to work. I plan on making a big breakfast for the family, it's long sin...

I'm Ok

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:05:45 EST

I have had a very busy time at work, I have been working 7 days a week, 10-12hrs a day for almost a month and a half. I am really glad that I am strong enough now to be able to handle these stressful work situations. A few years ago, this would have sent me straight to hospital.

I started a 30-day juice fast last week, today is day six of the fast. I plan to go for thirty days but I will listen to my body. I really needed this fast and so far so good. No headaches, no food calling ...

Anniversary

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:18:01 EST

Thanking God for thirteen wonderful years of marriage.
I feel truly blessed.

Pledge

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:17:45 EST

Never Quit Pledge

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Never Quit Pledge

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Today, I promise I will not quit.

I pledge that no matter, how many ups and downs I pass through, I will continue on my journey.

I pledge to make a NEW START today, and forgive myself for my past, and to stop being so critical of myself.

I pledge to take control of myself, to stop making excuses, and stop blaming other people or s...

I am a Friend of God!

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 02:25:12 EST

VERSE:
Who am I that you are mindful of me
That you hear me, when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me, it's amazing (Who am I Lord)

CHORUS:
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

Verse

BRIDGE:
God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend

Chorus
......

A few weeks ago, early on a Saturday morning, I left ...

Ouch!

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 04:25:55 EST

I am so sore today. My body feels like someone has been hitting me with a baseball bat. I should have known today was going to be painful. The instructing kept saying to make a fist with your butt cheeks and being the obedient sparker that I am, I followed instructions. Now my glutes are killing me, but it's all good.

I was scheduled to do the second workout in the Spartacus series this morning - the Ab Attack - so I could be able to blog about, it but I decided to give it a miss. ...

I Love It!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:21:55 EST

I started the Spartacus workout today. There are about 7 workouts in total, ranging between 20-minute long workouts to 60-minute long ones. You can also choose to combine the shorter ones into one long workout.

I did the Total Body Blitz and I loved it. The workout is tough, but at no point did I feel like I was going to die, like I sometimes do when I am doing 30 day shred level 3. The workout I did today was 30-minutes long and i felt great at the end of the 30-minutes.

New Workout

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:27:00 EST

Just got the Spartakus workout today and I'm getting ready to change my workout. I've been doing turbo jam and 30-day shred for a while and I was beginning to get bored.

Has anyone tried Spartakus? Just watched the DVDs and they don't look toooooo bad, but then again, I have to try them to really know how bad they are.

Wish me luck.

It's All Over!

Sat, 9 Mar 2013 09:28:39 EST

The tallying of votes is done and we now have a new president. It took longer than we expected and things got really tense for a while, but we thank God that it is over. The new president and vice president are facing charges at the Hague with regard to the 2007 post election violence so that whole situation is really confusing. Whether they won the election fairly (in which case Kenyans are either a very confused lot or a very forgiving lot) or whether the elections were rigged, the next fiv...

Please Keep Praying

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 11:57:47 EST

The election results are not concluded yet, causing a lot of anxiety among people. I was supposed to have reported back to work yesterday but i decided not to go until we are sure of what's going on. DH had to go to work, at least he works away from the city center so that's ok.

Guys, we really need your prayers. I can't even watch news because I am a bit scared.

Kenya Decides

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:38:48 EST

So my country Kenya goes to the polls today. The last time we voted in 2007, things did not turn out too well. We ended up with the worst nightmare this country has ever faced - post election violence. We have been praying for a really long time that things turn out right this time.

I was at the polling station by quarter to six in the morning (I left my house at 5.30a.m). By that time the queues were already pretty long. The polling Station opened almost 30 minutes late, at 6.30a....

34 - Great!

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 03:35:56 EST

Just received an email from Real Age wishing me a happy birthday. According to them, even though my biological age is 41, my real age is 34. That sounds just about right to me.
Take their on line quiz and find out your real age.

41!

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:01:10 EST

I turned 41 today (WooHoo!)

Spent my day doing what I love most - working out ( I know... I'm a bit crazy)

Started with 40 minutes of turbo sculpt, then headed out for a walk. I just kept walking and walking and before I knew it, I'd been out for 3 hours.

Now I'm getting ready to share some birthday cake with my boys. I feel loved and blessed - what more can a girl ask for?

Sleep...

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 04:08:17 EST

I've always bragged about how I make it a point to sleep for at least 8 hours every night. I started tracking my sleep using my fit bit last week and so far I am averaging slightly less than 6 hours per night. I was even more shocked to discover that there was a night when I woke up FOUR times to go to the bathroom!

Well, at least I don't wake up feeling tired so maybe this is just the right amount of sleep for me... I don't know.

This Feels Great.

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:58:06 EST

I work in a very big institution where I don't necessarily know everyone well, except for those in my department and those that I interact with frequently. Yesterday as I was heading to my car, two ladies come up to me to ask me what I have done to lose the weight. These are ladies that I have seen around campus but I don't even know their names. They were especially interested in knowing how I have managed to get my tummy so flat - I didn't even know it can be considered 'flat' already.
...

Fitbit Update

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 07:08:21 EST

Just a quick one - I recently blogged about the difference in steps between my Fitbit Ultra and my Omron pedometer. Over the past two days, the difference in readings is much smaller. I'll wait and see how this continues to play out.

On the other hand, I find the Fitbit motivating me to push myself even harder. I hope this continues because I am loving it.

Happy Sparking!

Day One Of School

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 04:02:57 EST

So today is the first day of the term for my boys. They have been home for almost two months.

When my alarm rang at 3.45a.m, even before I could jump out of bed, my 8-year old DS walks into my room fully dressed in his school uniform and ready to go. He was also excited about the tooth fairy leaving some goodies under his pillow, he lost a tooth last night.

I told him to go back to bed since it was still too early. But when I got downstairs, he followed me and asked if ...

I Think I Did Ok For The Holidays

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 00:09:46 EST

My workouts were not as intense during the holidays as they'd been through the year. On most days all I could do was walk because of my back issues. But I'm proud of the fact that exercising was still very important to me during the holidays and I made time for it. I exercised every single day of 2012 - I know I need a rest day, but that never works for me. Sunday is usually my rest day so all I do on Sundays is take a walk.

My eating plan for the holidays was ok. I made the right...

My Christmas Gift

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 06:40:07 EST

My BIL bought me a FitBit Ultra for Christmas (looks like everyone in the family knows me very well). I have been using an Omron pedometer for about three years now (I just love it!) Its a bit big compared to the fitbit but it has served me really well.

I've been using the two together over the past week just to try and compare the readings, it's a bit confusing how different the readings are. On day way, the steps recorded on the fitbit were more than those recorded on the Omron ...

Visit to the Chiropractor!

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 07:29:00 EST

Hi Sparkies, I have been MIA as far as blogging is concerned for a really long time. I had my busy season in mid July to mid August and it was impossible to blog. Then in the process of trying to be an excellent employee, I triggered some serious back pains. I had a fall some time in 2008 and the only pain I felt after the fall was on a really long flight from Denver to Kenya. I saw a doc after that and he told me that the x-rays showed no serious damage. He gave me a few painkillers and afte...

Couldn't Resist...

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:45:05 EST

Four Weeks!

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 03:02:31 EST

I have been running consistently for four weeks, three times a week!
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Still Running!

Sat, 7 Jul 2012 04:27:58 EST

Just completed my third week running (woohoo!). I run on alternate days (three times a week) and I have not reached the point where I really enjoy it yet. I am hoping to get there and I know that the only way to get there is to keep at it, be consistent!

The trail I run is very hilly, I'll take a pic just to show everyone how hilly it is. It is about 3.8 miles and it takes me 35 minutes to run it now. The first day it took me close to an hour. The last hill is always the hardest, I...

Running With DS!

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 02:48:49 EST

I went for a 6.00a.m run with DS. This is my second week running, my goal is to run three times a week and so far I have been very consistent. There is something about running that makes me feel strong and very alive.

DS did three laps around the track and said he was feeling tired so I encouraged him to slow down. I was determined to run for an hour since I don't know the exact distance around that track. I did 15 laps running and two laps walking (the warm-up lap and the cool-dow...

I am Slim!

Thu, 3 May 2012 05:28:43 EST

Just a quick WooHoo moment....

A new colleague at work was trying to describe me to my boss since he didn't know my name. According to my boss, the colleague said that he had been assisted by "the slim lady in our office." So my boss tries really hard to think who the slim lady is and he comes out blank. The colleague is forced to describe the slim lady further and the boss realizes it's me he is talking about.

My boss said that he knew me when I was fat and even though...

My Alarm Robbed Me!

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:12:38 EST

So last night my alarm goes off and I quickly jumped out of bed, changed into my workout clothes and rushed downstairs to do level 3 of my 30 day shred workout. As I was changing I remember thinking that someone must have stolen some of my sleep hours, because I was not feeling quite as rested as I usually do after a good night's sleep.

After the 3DS workout, I started doing some step-ups as I watched the doctors on telly.

That's weird - who changed the tv schedules with...

Making Room

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:06:28 EST

I finally got round to getting rid of the clothes in my closet that no longer fit. I have no idea why it has taken me so long.

Yesterday I sorted out some pants and dropped them off at my baby sister's place. These were pants that I had worn just once or twice before they were too big (WooHoo). My sister recently had a baby and even though she used to be much smaller than me, she now has quite a bit of baby weight.

I am doing everything I can to help her lose her baby we...

Run For The Bible-less

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:43:12 EST

Today I did a 10km run for the bible-less.
Some communities in my country do not have the bible in their own language. This makes it impossible for those who do not understand English to get the word of God. The run was to collect funds to facilitate the translation of the bible into these minority languages.

It was not a long run, but again I am not exactly a runner so for me this was a great achievement.

I finished the race.

I was not last (lol), infac...

It's My Birthday, Y'all!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:07:27 EST

So I turn 40 today (wow!)

I don't feel forty and guys tell me I don't look 40. That's a very good thing.

I am happy that I have hit forty when I am healthy and I am at a good weight, I am blessed and I am happy - what more can a girl ask for.

I am told that life begins at forty - so here is to a wonderful life!

Gratitude!

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 03:17:01 EST

" I want to have a heart, full of thankfulness for your goodness Lord..."

My Heavenly Father, I want the words of this song to be the prayer of my heart now and always. I want to have a heart full of thankfulness for your goodness Lord. You have been good to me in so many ways. " You have done so much for me, and I cannot tell it all (sometimes I just forget). Forgive me Lord for complaining. Forgive my ingratitude. You have been good to me. You have been faithful even when I am no...

Which One Would You Believe?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:02:09 EST

I have two bathroom scales but I have always used just one for my weigh-ins.

This morning, for some reason that I can't explain, I decided to use both scales. My regular scale gave my weight as 124.8lbs and the second scale gave my weight as 119.2lbs.

If you were in my shoes, which scale would you believe?

Improved Fitness!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:10:11 EST

About a year ago, after watching the biggest loser and seeing the contestants using aerobic steps, I decided to get myself one. My husband thought I was a bit crazy with this fitness thing but I really did not care.

Initially, I could only do 5 - 10 minutes of step-ups at a time and it used to kill. I would feel like my legs were literally on fire and after the 10 minutes, it would take me a while to recover.

But now (drum roll please!) I can do a whole hour of vigorous ...

124.2lbs - And Spreading The Spark!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:42:24 EST

My weight this morning was 124.2lbs! I think the last time I weighed anything close to this was before I had my kids. I feel energetic and very alert. The headaches I used to have are all gone - WooHoo! This has been one of the greatest 'side effects' of my health and fitness journey. I cannot even remember the last time I took pain medication.

Spreading the spark has become quite easy - people see me and they want to know what I'm doing! I love sharing with anyone who can listen....

Back To Work!

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 02:45:17 EST

Happy New Year Sparkies.

I hope everyone is off to a great start, both in your pursuit of health and fitness and in other aspects of your lives.

Given all the hard work we put in last year, I am sure we all have the energy to face this year.

I am back to work and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for me. I am off to a good start with my workouts and my eating habits and I am happy that all these elements are becoming and integral part of my new l...

2011 Has Been A Great Year!

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:41:59 EST

I don't know about the rest of you sparkies, but for me, this has been a great year!

I have enjoyed great health all through the year, and not just me but everyone else in my family as well. I thank God for this. Health care is very expensive and I can't take this for granted.

I have enjoyed a great relationship with my DH and my children. There are very many families falling apart around us and I have to sincerely thank God for this.

I have given my job my ve...

A Much Needed Break!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:00:50 EST

So the past month has been crazy busy at work. But that has officially come to an end. I can positively say that I gave the job my all and I am proud of the work I did. And now I can take a break from work.

I start my leave today. I am looking forward to spending time with my family, exercising to my heart's contentment ( not rushing through my workouts for fear of getting late for work) and cooking some of the healthy recipes that I have been collecting but have not had the time ...

Just Checking in!

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 04:20:31 EST

Hi Sparkies, I have really missed you guys. Things are super busy at work so I don't get a chance to check in.

I am fine, still eating healthy and working out. I have so much energy, yesterday someone at work commented that for me to handle the load of work that I do, I must be on steroids. That made me laugh.

I thank God for strength to do my work well and for clarity of mind. I take none of that for granted. In exactly two weeks, this busy season will be over and then...

127.8lbs

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 08:32:28 EST

Just a quick update - I weighed in today at 127.8lbs. Lost exactly 2lbs this past week. That's a great pace if I say so myself.

WooHoo!

Spreading The Spark!

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 11:38:21 EST

I am feeling really good today.

I mentioned in a recent blog that a friend of mine wanted me to help her with her weightloss. She is not in a position to join SP because she is tech-challenged (her words, not mine.

We have been walking together everyday for the past two weeks and I also give her nutrition advice (just passing along what I have learnt on SP.

She just called me a few minutes ago to tell me that she tried on some of her old clothes and they are ...

129.8lbs!

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:46:30 EST

I was really excited a few weeks ago when i weighed in at 133.0lbs.

I weighed myself this morning and guess what - 129.8lbs. I have never been so excited in my life.

Last week was very exciting for me. A friend of mine asked what I have been doing to lose weight and wanted some bit of push to get her on the right path. So I started walking with her in the mornings. You cannot motivate someone when you are not doing your best so I really had to push myself and be on top ...

Total Insanity!

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 02:16:59 EST

I am convinced that Jillian Michaels and Shaun T (insanity) are out to get me!

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!. 46

I am too tired to post a proper blog.

133.0lbs - Passed My Goal Weight Without Even Knowing!

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:50:38 EST

I weighed myself yesterday morning and lo and behold - 133.0lbs!

My goal weight of 136lbs has been elusive for many, many months, despite my best efforts. So I stopped stressing about it and went on doing what I was doing. I knew when I hit 140lbs, but I was not too excited because I have reached that weight before and gone up again.

I was beginning to think that my scale has a manufacturer's defect and the reading cannot go below 140, even contemplated buying a new one....

Fitness Fanatic?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:15:44 EST

Someone in my family referred to me as a fitness fanatic. I didn't know how to react to this at the time. Because it was not exactly said in a positive way, I felt a bit offended at the time. But as I continued to think about it, it did not sound so bad.

As I continued analyzing the statement, I actually started to feel proud of myself. Do not get me wrong - 'fanatic' is not the way we want to be described, not even when we are doing something as positive as taking care of ourselv...

I Hate Goodbyes!

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:02:36 EST

I am feeling blue today. My sister, my brother-in-law and my lovely niece Laurie left this morning. They have been around for three weeks and I feel like I didn't get to spend enough time with them.

I got to spend most of the day with my mum and my other sister. My mum will be leaving on Monday morning 39

I really hate goodbyes!