Question 17.. Do You Have A New Years Resolution This Year??

Ya know you may laugh when i say this but when i opened this email and saw this question i won't lie when i say i cried. I cried because i actually do have a resolution this year. I have it because this year is actually bringing a doctor for me and a chance to make some serious changes for me in several different ways. I am hoping to have some things put in place that will allow me to reach some goals i am setting for myself both mentally and physically. I am no where near the woman i use to be but i am also no where near the woman i want to be yet but i know i will be. I have the Lord on my side and i know that i will also have doctor and a plan.
My resolution this year is a little complex..I am going on Jan 12 of 2017 to see a new Doc. In doing this i am going to have blood work done that will allow my thyroid to be checked. My mother has thyroid disease and it is definitely something I need to look into. I intend on being a new and better me..
That's my resolution

Question 16. How do I Know What Diet Is Best For Me?

I absolutely love this question, Y'all if you notice in my disclaimer I tell you in every post that I am NOT an expert and this question will help u understand more why I say this.
All people are different and that's the beauty of the world.  With that being said when you feel like it's time to take the step into diet world first things first.. Talk to your doctor.. Make an appointment with your family doctor if you have one. It's very important to get some imput from a professional. If you don't have a doctor then I am going to suggest research,  research. Don't be afraid to read everything about what intereast you and read all reviews.  Read what people have said about it that have tried it just like this blog you're reading right now.
I haven't been lucky enough to have a family doctor over the last 6 years so I picked back up on a diet I did about 8 years ago that I know works. I did this as well as I added a treadmill to the house. I literally took my kitchen table out of the house and replaced it with a treadmill. 
Every day I have made it mandatory to walk no less than one mile. Now I have kept that up but I have been very slack in the food area.  I will post of that in another post for 2017..
Please just keep in mind that before you do anything at all please if it is possible, consult your doctor.

MIA

Hey yall, sorry I have been a little MIA latley.  I have had several things going in and so this kinda fell by the wayside so to speak. I haven't really exercised the way I should have but I have done ok on the eating end of it. I didn't say I haven't cheated every now and then because like I have stated before my earing is very attached to my emotions so I have cheated bit I have been lucky and it hasn't been to aweful bad.  I have also kept walking on my treadmill at least three times a week if only for just a mile...
I have a doctor's appointment in January and I am both excited and nervous.. I have several things I want to discuss with them since it has been close to 6 years since I have had a doctor. There are to many health issues that run in my family for me to not be set up with a doctor so this new year will bring a mew me in many ways I hope. You all have been so amazing and I appreciate it so much more than you could ever imagine.. God has been very good to me and I am beyond grateful so it's time I start showing him..
Please feel free to send any questions you may have about my journey or anything else to
divatammy93@gmail.com. I do not claim to be an expert in any way I just simply share with you what has and is working for me..

A Whole New Year & A Whole New Me

You're not ready.. I have a plan and a mew doc visit this year.. I'm gonna get better..

Getting Back In The Swing

Holy cow.. Ok so let me just say that when u get out of the habit of your exercise routine be it even slightly, Getting back in the groove is like starting over.  This does however detour me from getting out of the habit again.  This for a couple of reasons lol. First and foremost I DO NOT like setbacks. This is insane.. Now here is my deal. My daughter has a 5k coming up in Dec and not only does she want me to participate but I really would love to participate. I am no where near a runner and this I'm sure won't be easy.. So if any of you runners have any ideas On breathing techniques I'd love to hear from you.
So now I am back in the groove so to speak and am getting my miles in in the morning when I can't sleep. I find it a good distraction when my insomnia is in high gear.. Now of you all will help pray me through this I'd appreciate it. 
I am in no way a professional I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me..
If you have something you would like to share or you have a question you'd like to ask please send me an email
divatammy93@gmail.com

Missing In Action

I would like to take a minute to apologize to each of you for the disappearing act.  I don't have and won't make an excuse all I will say is is am back and I am going to work harder on making this a habit I keep, a hobby I pick up, it again is going to become a way of life.
I appreciate your support and love..
I am in no way a professional and I don't claim to be I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me. 
Feel free to send your questions to divatammy93@gmail.com

OMG!!!!! I Am Officially In Love..

As most all of you know i am a mother and my little girl is my world. Well both of them are my oldest lives with fiance and daughter of her own so i am speaking of the little 8 year old u have seen me speak of before. Well I am in love with her hair and i wont even cut it other than the every 6 month trim. She is my blond angel but let me explain this mess of hair she has..
Is so baby fine around her face but then it's also thicker through the back. I have a hard time finding a leave in conditioner i can use or a detangleing product to use that don't leave the hair oily looking and i HATE that.
So i was excited to get this amazing product in the mail for review..I guess i was also kinda apprehensive since i had already been through so many different products.
Well as you can see.. This product left her hair soft and smooth and without a single tangle..
Not Your Mothers is one of the best products i have found for my angels hair. I am so pleased and will be using it again for sure..

This product is so amazing. It smells great and it also aids in hair growth..
You can find this product or the people that sale it in several places
FaceBook
Twitter


I wasn't paid to do this review i was simply sent the product to test by influenster.. all opinions are my own


**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Coming Soon

I am so excited.. blog coming soon about my very first ever voxbox

1200 Calories A Day.. What That Looks Like

As most of you know dieting isn't an easy thing to do. There is cost and taste and so many things that play a roll in it. I live in the south so that also makes it very hard. Everything in the south is fried, rolled in flour/cornmeal and fried again and then after all that it is covered in some kind of amazing gravy.Now don't get me wrong i was raised in the most amazing place on earth and wouldn't trade it for the world. With all this said, all of that makes it very hard to loose weight when it comes time. Well with all this being said i had to get it together and get some weight of due to the fact that my years of this bad eating i ended up with a cholesterol issue. I then found out i couldn't take the meds for the cholesterol due to an allergy so i had to make some changes. It was going to have to start with diet.
So after some extensive research i had the knowledge i needed to get my health back on track..
This is what a day in my kitchen looks like and a day of my 1200 calories.
i keep a strict schedule because it's the only way i can hold myself accountable. These times can be done to suit you of course and also remember if you aren't big on breakfast that's ok too as long as if you are going to have it you do it within three hours of you waking up... Also make sure it is the highest in protein for the day so that it burns fat through out the day..I am going to set this up as a a timed list so that it's easier to understand..

• 6:00 Am- Morning Whey Protein Shake
• 9:00 Am- A high protein snack such as beef jerky or a Greek yogurt or almonds
• 12:00 Noon- A whey protein shake
• 3:00 Pm- Another high protein snack like listed above
• 6:00 Pm- I have a high protein 500 to 600 calorie Supper. I will list a couple of my faves that i make so you get an idea.. 

Now alot of meal plans want you to eat 6 times a day. To me i can't eat that late so i looked at that 9pm snack as one i will do if i am awake and if i am just really needing something. So keep in mind that time one would be a high protein snack like the ideas listed above..

Grilled Chicken Salad with salsa and greens

Chicken TurkeyBacon Wrap 

Tuna And Black Bean Salad

**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Back In The Swing

HOLY COW!!   Where does the time go? I mean seriously. It seems like yesterday and the kids got out of school for summer and now we are going school supply shopping for them to go back. I cant believe i have a third grader on my hands. This is insane, I am excited. I have several new things going on this year to say the least and i know it will prove to be busy which is fine because it will keep my head busy...
One of the BIG things i'll be doing is going back to my destination walking...I have a new route already picked out just need to wait for the time to do it.. I say time because with summer here yes i am able to walk and have been able to get into a really good place but i also have an 8 year old that i had to keep entertained and that in it's self was exercise. Now that she is  back in school and i am a morning person as you all know as soon as i drop her off at school at 730 i will be able to get my walk in before it gets hot and the biggest part of the traffic on the roads has already gone through. I haven't done it in a couple of years but i would love to get back to being able to do 6 miles in an hour and 45 min. I am excited to see what this up coming year has to offer... This blog thanks to all of you had done great, my weight-loss journey has come a long way but i have a long way to go before i am where i want to be. I am hoping to during this school year get a little closer to the goal i have set for myself.. No matter what i am thankful for how far i have come and am ready to get this party started..


**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

A Shout Out Of Praise To A Friend.. Awesomeness!!!!

When I started my weight loss journey I joined every little group could because I needed to read and know I wasn't alone.. I have done this off and on mess so much I was over it myself so I was sure everyone else was as well.. When I started this blog I was still a little worried that people wouldn't respond or better yet not even care. Well the more I considered it the more.i realized I didn't care that I was doing it mostly to hold myself accountable for what I was doing for me...Turns out, I touched more people than i thought and i found many people on their own journey with this curse known as weight..
My precious friend from over at The Adventures Of SuperMom is also on her own weight-loss journey and she and I were tossing back and forth what was and wasn't working for the both of us.. well congratulations to her for her loss of  pounds.. That is AWESOME!!!!!! Now some words from my sweet friend.

When I saw a picture of me from a Christmas party in 2015 I knew I had to do something. I had been in bed for 1 ½ years dealing with a back injury and the weight snuck up on me. I tried all sorts of things but my sweet tooth wasn’t having any of it so I buckled down in June of this year and started Adkins. It was very hard at first but then it became my way of life. I’m finally below 140 pounds...okay I’m at 138 and it makes me very happy.

I love success stories and i love knowing people are on their way to being healthier and happier about themselves. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and please feel free to keep us updated on future progress..
If you have a story you would like to share send i to the email listed below.These are so much fun.
**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Finding Jeans U Haven't Worn In Three Years... HAPPY DANCE!!!!!! When They Fit

The weight journey i have been on for the last Two and a half to Three years has been a tough road to say the least. I have been up and down so many times I had almost given up. However there came a day when instead of saying i was gonna do it and then nothing happening i got on my knees and i prayed about it. I mean to tell you i prayed hard about it because the health issues i had attached to this weight were a big deal so it was time to get serious..
I did my research and i had been to a doctor and i now knew what i needed to know to get this ball moving.. I began to rearrange my diet but most of all i began to move. I got off my rear and i got to moving and making.. To me this wasn't near as hard i didn't think as changing my diet..I loved my "white stuff" Bread, rice, potato's, chips, all that good stuff. But hanging on to that kind of food is only gonna hinder my ability to get better.
Well about a week ago found a pair of jeans i hadn't worn in about 3 years.. I was scared to try them on right off because i wasn't sure i wanted ti feel that defeat in the mirror so to speak. Well i finally got up the nerve to try them on..
OMG OMG!!!!!! They fit they fit they fit. I almost passed out but omgosh i was over the moon happy.. So i had just seen proof that all my hard work had paid off..
Keep up the hard work y'all. You will get there and if you do it just right you will be in a better place than you expected.

**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Question 16~How Much Water Should I Drink A Day?

This question is a good one. I don't know about you but it isn't easy for me to drink plain water. I am more of one of those people that felt like if it didn't have bubbles it wasn't going to quench my thirst so i wasn't drinking it. Well i had to go ahead and let those crazy thoughts go. Your doctor will tell you to have 8 8oz glasses of water a day which is 64 oz. Well i did a little more research and also saw that i should drink at least half my body weight in ounces of water so i did that too. Now here is what i have found. it definatly needs to be at least 100 ounces of water and maybe more than that. Here is why. Working out takes alot out of you and you have to replace that and it very important to refuel and keep hydrated. With all the extra activity i have added to my life i find i have begun to consume at least 132oz every day. Now trust me when i say there are many benifits to drinking the right amount of water.. Your skin is so soft and clear, and you just feel so much better..
I will recommend this. Start with the 64oz called for in the beginning and move up as you become more active..

**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Just A Few Of My Favorite Things..

I know it's so hard to find thing you like to eat when you are trying to be healthy and make better choices.. Some of it leaves to the imagination when it comes to taste..Over the last year or so i have done some serious searching and digging into this because i figure if i am thinking this others do too. So i tell ya what. Here are a few of my favorite things..

Whatever you decide as your favorite things, Keep it healthy and clean and remember this. The gym can help u get into shape but it initially starts in the kitchen with your diet...
**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Being Part Of The Solution..

Something occurred to me over the last few days. I have so many wonderful friends in my life and some are in the horrible weight boat. Let me assure you that this boat sux.. I will say this though, One day at a time and we are going to be ok and we are going to be healthier for it.. I have been as well as the rest of you have been working hard and we have sweated harder. What i didn't expect was the thank you's and the you have really inspired me comments. Y'all that's so sweet of you to say ans i don't know how to say thank you. I never expected to be in this place i just knew i needed to get healthy..I guess for me that when it all began to turn around. I realized that yes i needed to drop the pounds but more than that i needed to be healthy. and i needed to do that the healthiest and safest way possible. During all this i have had some of the sweetest and most amazing people on my side cheering me on and following suite and i am just thrilled. I don;t think i understood the impact i was having on others until i began to have people telling me how great i looked and behind that would come thank you for being such an inspiration...These words to me are such a shock to me to hear because i guess i couldn't imagine anyone looking to me for answers or any kind of encouragement at all... I do appreciate you all so so much and i know with your help and love and support we ALL are going to succeed in this journey as long as we all stick together and become part of the solution in place of the problem. It is hard enough to be over weight but it is so much harder when you are over weight and begin the journey to loose weight for whatever the reason and have people be cruel and mean about it.
Hold each other up and help each other out. Being ugly isnt necessary. A kind word can go a long way. Y;all are awesome..
**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Bullies

There are several thing in this old world that are just not ok with me and shouldn't be with anyone as far as i am concerned.. Bullies, bullying, being mean to anyone because of differences..I have been all over the place when it comes to my weight. I was a skinny kid growing up. Heck i didnt gain weight until i got pregos with my first daughter and even then i wore my size 4 jeans and size smalls until i was almost 6 months along. I started this weight loss journey over 2 years ago and have been up and down with it for a long time. Well i think, i hope i have finally got it together and under control. I say that with a smile in hopes that if i say it out loud it will help me be accountable lol.
I have worked hard and i have changed the way i eat and how. I had to re-train my brain to handle the thoughts of all the change because i was so so very use to eatin any and everything i wanted to and didnt care how clean or good for me it was..well i changed all that and i finally got weight coming off and was so happy i could scream and well instead i wasnt doing the happy dance i was crying instead.. I know seems backwards right? Well heres the deal..
Here i am thinking i am doing so good just to have someone who i considered a friend send me an email asking me to stay my fat a** off the computer and stop posting all these pics of myself because no one really cares. Well i took this to facebook to see what others said and as it turns out i have way more support out there than i do those who just want to be ugly and mean. So with that being said i am going to keep pushing through and loosing while you are still sitting there with your cookie dough..   I am going to let my haters be my motivators.. Stay blessed and work hard.. MOVE YA BOOTY...

**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

New Lap Top... Back In Business..

Wow, It has been a long time since i worked from something bigger than a phone. I had almost forgotten what it was like..
Thanks to you all for your awesome questions and comments you are so great. You are why i do this. Please keep them coming. I look forward to hearing from you..
**Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be an expert, I am just simply sharing with you what has worked and what continues to work for me. Thank you so much for your questions and if you have questions you'd like to submit please email to divatammy93@gmail.com. Thanks so much. Tammy Ann.

Question 15.. How Often Should I Work Out?

Working out was at first something I hated doing.. I hated it so bad.. However I also knew it was something that had to be done.. I started out honest to gosh with the minimum of just walking.  I walked three miles and I did it at least two times a week. Now I workout every day. Now to answer this question.  Ideally we should do some kind of exercise every day but that may not be possible for every one so I recommend you set yourself to a schedule that works best for you. Three days a week is where most people are comfortable.  If you have any kind of cardio equipment in your house then u have no excuse..  If you don't and you rely on going to a gym then this is when u work out a schedule that best fits you..
Please know that I am no expert I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me...if you have any questions or comments about the blog please send them to divatammy93@gmail.com..

A Question I Can't Answer

I am not a fan of getting a question I can't answer. I got a question yesterday about gastric bypass surgery.. I was asked if it was dangerous and or if it worked..
This isn't a question I am able to answer.  I haven't had this done but since it's something I'm not able to answer I will find a way to answer it for you.. please bare with me and I will get you an answer..

Question 13.. Are Perscription Apitite Suppressants Good For You?

Thus whole diet craze right now is so hard. It's hard to know what to do and not to do. The right and wrong things to take or put in your body..
Trust me when I tell u I have been there and done it.. I have g one to a physician on two different occasions because I knew I could get that little miracle and it would come off fast and I wouldn't be hungry or anything and I'd be all amped up and raring to go.. Yea well that may be the quick fast and in a hurry way to do it but it's so not healthy..
These things pack a punch but they hurt u more in the long run.. I can only speak for the one I took phenterimene 37.5 mg..
It all started great the weight fell off and I was thrilled.  The first time I took it was in 2008 after my last daughter was born.. all was great no worries and I lost 80 pounds. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself..  After the loss and all I stopped taking it and like anything else it came back because I was using the pill as a  crutch. Well the weight came back and it brought some with it.. In 2015 I tried it again.. Now mind u this is 7 years later and my body was way different..
It didn't work nearly as fast as it did before and I became very itritable.. I was mad for no reason and this concerned me.. I also noticed my heart rate was not responding well to it so that's when I began to research the pill..
Here are just a couple of things I got just from Web MD

examples?

Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin
See table below for a more complete list

What are some street names/slang terms?

Addy, Bennies, Speed, Uppers

What are they?

A class of drugs that enhance brain activity. Prescription stimulants were used historically to treat asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments, before their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent.

What are the dangers of abuse?

Stimulants can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, delirium, panic, psychosis and heart failure.

What are their short-term effects?

Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood glucose, and increases breathing. Effects can feel like an increase in alertness, attention, and energy along with a sense of euphoria. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or lethal seizures.

What are their long-term effects?

Stimulants can be addictive in that individuals begin to use them compulsively. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short time can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Additionally, taking high doses of a stimulant may result in dangerously high body temperatures and an irregular heartbeat. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or lethal seizures.

What is its federal classification?

Prescription drugs, Schedule II

None of this looked ok or good or healthy to me and I decided I wasn't going to use it any more.. The fact that psychosis was one of the side effects made since as to why I was so hateful and ill.. so please y'all think about the effects this has on your body before ingesting something because it's all the craze...
I am in no way a professional I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me

Question 14~ Why Is Loosing Weight So Hard?

This question is one I have asked myself so so many times.. Truth is it is so much harder to take it off then it is to put it on.. I know that sucks yes it does but in all honesty when u think about it, You didn't put it on over night so why would you think it would come off that way.. chances are something happened the threw you into this horrible spiral.. I am an emotional eater, I eat when I am sad or frustrated,  when I'm hurt or grieving so trust me there  almost always seemed to be a reason to eat. I had to and still have to really make myself remember not to reach for things I shouldn't.  Thay actually became easier when I stopped buying it..
So yes it is very hard to loose weight but it is way better to be healthy..
Please keep in mind I am no expert I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me
Please feel free to send me an email with any question u may have..
divatammy93@gmail.com

Question 11~ How Do You Say No When Your Head Is Screaming Cheat?

I really like this question because omg it happens so so much.. I have named that voice Ethel.. And trust me when I say she has a big mouth at times. Since I am an emotional eater she seems to rear her ugly head alot.. I find myself in prayer alot when this part of my struggle takes over and that helps alot. Another way I am able to say no is remembering the cheat meal (yes it's just a meal not a whole day). I look forward to this day but it's not a day I'm allows to have if I slip up before then. This is my way of rewarding myself so I look forward to it.. It helps me keep it together. Do I slip? Oh yes I do.. Especially in the beginning. It's a little easier now but in the beginning it was way hard.. I am also lucky enough to have an amazing support team that reminds me of my goal and how far I have come and how well I am doing. This helps me hold it together and strive to work harder..
Keep your head up, a smile on your face and know that u can do anything u set your mind to.. No matter what that unhealthy snack won't taste as good as you look healthy..
I am in no way a professional, I am simply sharing with u was has and is working for me.
If you have a question please feel free to send them to divatammy93@gmail.com

Question 10~ How Do You Justify A Cheat Snack Or Meal?

I actually really like this question.. It took me a long time to even consider a chest meal.  And at this point I only have this ONE time a month... I have a reason for this, I have only been steady doing this diet hard and strong for about a year..
I have been off and on so much but I was finally over it and really buckled down.. Well my reason for once a month is this way I have no choice but to be good for three weeks and you days.. If I slip one time... NO CHEAT MEAL...  It sux and it's hard but I need to be healthy and junk eating is not going to make that happen.. Now with that being said when I have my chest meal I try to make it like the same day every month or at least in that same last week of the month.. I make it a main course and a desert.. That's it..
I may pick pizza and ice cream. I might have a big ole burger and brownie.. but that's it.. its back to business.. Trust me it's the hardest thing I have ever done and it took me a long time to get it together. I know it's weird but I have to do all of this on a schedule and I kid u not I even have timers set for when I eat and for the week of cheat meal so I can decide and plan that meal.. it just helps hold me accountable and keeps me on track..
Please keep in mind I am not a professional nor do I claim to be . I am simply sharing with u what has and is working for me.. if u have a question ud like to ask please send to divatammy93@gmail.com

Question 12~ What Products Work Best, It Works, Herbalife, or Plexus?

I love getting these questions.. I especially love this one. I can only speak for two of these products, but I do know someone who can answer the other one for you..
Plexus. This is the one I actually can't answer because I have never used it. I'd love to try it so if ud like to send me a trial I'd love to try it..I do however know someone who can answer any questions you may have..
www.plexusslim.com/mollyannw
This sweet woman can answer any questions u may have..
The next is Herbalife.. It's been at least 3 maybe 4 years since I tried herbalife... This product didn't really work for me.. The protein to carb ratio was lower than I needed and the sugars were rather high. Now I'm not saying it don't work for people I'm just simply saying it didn't work for me..
It Works ... Now this is a product I can actually speak about, well the Greens part of it anyway.. I have used and still use the greens and they are amazing.. Ideally our body should be getting between 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day.  Now let's get real, who actually eats that many?? As much as I have changed my way of eating and still wasn't getting them in properly to start with. The Greens in the it works program are a sure fire way of making that happen.. And not a bad way if I do say so myself.. This amazing product can be mixed with water, juice, or even your protein shake. I have mixed mine with both juice and my shake.. it comes in several different flavors.  Orange is my fav... I won't lie another reason this company is one I love is its a Christian based company. They believe in giving back to community's and making families financially stable.. They are a wonderful company and if u are interested in ordering some of these amazing products you can contact or order from 

larawraps.com 

I am in no way a professional I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me. If u have a question please feel free to send them to divatammy93@gmail.com 

Accountability..

Ya know it's so funny.  please yall keep in mind I am doing this blog and anything else  I do right now ultimately for me.. I make it public to hold ME accountable.  I do hope that I touch and or help someone along the way.
Now with that being said I have gotten two private messages in Facebook telling me to keep my Fat a** off the track with my bs.. that they are tired of seeing it blow up their news feed.. HAHAHAHA..
First of all its my Facebook and I'll post as I please. I post the treadmill on here to hold myself accountable for what I do and don't do. I am one of those who would much rather stay in bed than get up and do any exercises I mean come on now who wouldn't. Turns out I can't do that though.  I really do love my walks especially now with my new playlist of #PRAISEANDPRAYNOW music..
So just remember if u don't like what u see on Facebook then feel free to delete ..
Have a great day yall.
And remember I'm no expert I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me

Do You Ever Just Want to Give Up..

In sorry it's been a couple of days since I posted.. Have an 8 year old I entertain since school is out. She has a totaly become part of my workouts because she likes to help mommy.. She is also the first person to remind me I can't give up... I have a precious daughter that needs me so giving up IS NOT AN OPTION.  I hated this journey more than anything and that to was holding me back from my goal.. See it takes to much energy to hate something. Energy I could use to put into the actual act of loosing weight.. There will be days that are harder than others trust me. Look deep into you and know you can do anything you set your mind to.. You are going to do great..
I am in no way an expert in am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me.. if you have a question you'd like to ask please email me
divatammy93@gmail.com. 

Walking.. Make It Count... FitBit Can Be Miss Leading..

OMG!! I got a great question yesterday.. I got asked which fitbit is best to buy.. That's actually not a question I can answer for u because I don't and won't use one.. They can be misleading if they don't track your "Healthy Pace" Steps.. Now I could care less for all those going around right now chasing pokemon and getting in your 20,000 steps if those aren't healthy pace steps.. meaning did u get your heart rate up or were u just strolling around looking for this..
Your every day walking around in life becomes the normal so those steps no longer count. If you are wanting to wear this to get more exercise in your life then u must also step outside your comfort zone and actually get in a good 30 min walk that has u moving more than u usually do.. THESE ARE HEALTHY PACE STEPS..
Find u an app or a tracker that shows u when your heart rate is up to a healthy exercise rate then you do your walking or whatever you are doing to keep it there for a good 30 min..my cell has an app that shows me how many steps I take but it also shows me which ones I took in healthy pace and if I don't take any it shows that also.. I'll show you.. 

Below is how Samsung health shows me my work.. if I am on the treadmill then I allow the treadmill to speak for what I walk I just male sure I warm up.. I get my heart rate up before I get on it.. no since in wasting my time.. 

I am in no way an expert and don't claim to be.. I am simply sharing with you what has and is working for me.. if you have any questions or want to share your experiences please feel free to email me

divatammy93@gmail.com 

A Challenge..🕆💪🏃💪🕆

Ok y'all.  I have had just about all I can stand of the horrible things in media period right now... I started this blog because I wanted to share with others my weight loss journey and what has worked or is working for me.  Well this morning I got lucky while searching Spotify and I put in pray now and there she was..  My sweet friend Karen Peck and New River.. I was immediately just overwhelmed with this idea.. You all know I get up every morning and it could be any time at all since insomnia and I seem to be such friends, so why not use this time to pray, praise. To do something besides get caught up in the news and mess in this world and use it to praise the one man that can get us out if we allow him.. Use the time to pray for our country and families and neighbors..
This world has fallen to hate when if we'd take time.. connect to our Lord and pray. Give praise to every one and to all..
Get on a piece of cardio and #PRAISEANDPRAYNOW.. Make u a list as long and u want and just make it happen.. most of us listen to music anyway.. why not let God be part of your cardio. Now more empty stomach cardio for me..

Praise And Praise Cardio...

Question 9~ How Do You Deal With The Bad Days

This question is such a good one. What do I do when I get frustrated? Well it happens more often than u think and I would like to admit. Weight loss is such a hard and lonely journey at times and definitely not easy to do alone.. I struggle  daily with it and the depression that comes with it.. I am lucky that I have a couple of ways I deal with all that. First and foremost I have God.. I pray alot over this because in all actuality no one can male the change in my body and life but me and as long as God is at the hub I know I can do anything..
I am also lucky enough to have this blog. I can come here and tell all of you what's going on and how I'm feeling and get it all-out and to me that's healthier thank sitting down with the bag of doritos and dip with the candy bar and just pigging out. See I have depression eating and that's my favorite thing to do when I am hurt or upset. Well I come here now and can read all I have posted so far. I can see the progress I have made and it all comes together.
I also have a very wonderful support system, which is a must. I have wonderful friends and family that are so sweet and encouraging.  They are always there to congratulat me on the good and remind me that it's ok to have bad days.. I couldn't do it without all of u and I love and appreciate u all so much..
So to anyone out there that is struggling with this horrible weight monster, please keep u have someone to go to.. I am here and u are welcome to email me any questions, concerns,  u can be mad and raise Cain. Whatever u need I will do what I can to be helpful..
I am in no way an expert, I am simply sharing with u what has and is working for me. Feel free to send any questions to
divatammy93@gmail.com..

The angel u see? My main reason for all I do. 

Question 8~ Will U Share Your Fritata Recipe.

I got an email asking me about another recipe.. My fritata recipe.. well it's funny because I honestly just threw this together as a trial and error just looking for things that were high in protein and healthy..
You can pretty much do this to suit your taste but this is the final recipe I came up with.
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 small red onions, diced
1 1/2 pounds sliced mixed mushrooms (about 8 cups)
2 pints grape tomatoes, halved
1 pound spinach leaves, torn into 1-inch pieces I used frozen and squeezed out all the water
3 1/2 cups egg whites
8 ounces creamy goat cheese
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 large green peppers diced
This recipe yields me enough to get 24 1 to 1.5 cup servings..
I am in no way an expert, I am simply sharing with you what is working and has worked for me..
If you have any questions or a success story u would like to share please shoot me an email
divatammy93@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you

COFFEE... Slim Roast ~ A Review

A week or so ago I was contacted about trying a new coffee.. Well anyone that knows me knows I am a lover of all things coffee. I didn't use to be but I definitely am now and when I was approached about this coffee I was Intrigued.. A coffee that also aids in weight loss? No way I was definitely going to try this.. I was skeptical but excited..
Well guess what? IT WORKS... No joke my starting weight was 175 and I am now down 2 pounds and 3 inches all over.. Now I know that don't sound like alot but to those of us who struggle with weight it is..
The coffee is a great source of energy without the jitters that some people experience with regular coffee..
The coffee taste great also. U just simply add your cream and or desired sweetener.. I only added a powdered non dairy cream and simply honey to sweeten because I wanted to actually taste the coffee. I can't say enough great things about this coffee and was very happy to be able to do this review..
Please if you want more information or you would like to order this wonderful product you're in for a treat..

www.getslimwithcoffee.com/theskinnylatte

www.valentusmovie.com/theskinnylatte
828-333-8883
Lily Nguyen
Please tell her I sent you..

I wasn't paid to do this review but I did receive a trial to tey for.tje review.

OMG!!! Sorry I Didn't Mean To Scream.

Ok guys so check this out.. I have been feeling my way through this exercise thing. The one thing I know for sure is I will walk.. I will always walk.. it's one of my favorite things to do. It calms me it distresses me and I just LOVE it.. After my wonderful birthday gift of a treadmill I also now have it drilled in my head that I have no excuse. Well I also have a set of circuit that I do that is routine for me now as well.
A circuit of: 10 burpees, 10 air squats, 10 push ups, 10 sit-ups, 10 lunges. Do as many rounds as u can. Try not to rest too much in between but don't do for more than 30 mins. This is a good overall circuit that works arms, legs and core...
These are done no less that three days a week
Well I decided to get creative with my walking when I am able to go to the elementary school my baby girl attends and it's cool that it just happens to be right beside my house. I added in all of the stairs .. 7 sets to be exact.  And omgosh... it is awesome.. My rear end is on fire but that's ok. It feels good.. So now I do a 30 min mandatory empty stomach cardio, my 30 min circuit listed above every day. I added in the hopefully 3 day a week at the school to walk and add steps..
So far I feel amazing and look forward to what the new has in store for me..

My Girly Side

Nothing I love more than having my nails done.. So when I am able to find an AMAZING nail salon I tend to get a little excited. 
Stay tuned for an amazing review and maybe u can help pick my next design.

Question 7~ Is There A Best Time To Work Out?

This is a great question. If you are anything like me I am a morning person. I always have ever been. I can't speak for any one else but I being a morning person am up and at it early. Insomnia also plays a factor in the fact that I work out first thing in the morning.  Now that's just me . I think putting yourself on a schedule is the best way to help you self accountable.  Now I have a very early schedule because I have severe insomnia... So I usually have my fist part (30 min empty stomach cardio) done by 5am. This making me have breakfast done by 6am.. With that part of my day being done I try to have the rest of my workout done before lunch..
This is no way means you have to follow this I am just telling you what works best for me. I know many people who are night owls and working out comes best to them as a winding down technique and that too is great.  I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this question I just think making time to make it happen is what Is important.

I am in no way a professional and don't claim to be I am just simply sharing my experiences and what is and has worked for me.. please feel free to send questions or comments or your workout experiences to
divatammy93@gmail.com..

I Despise A Bully

In some form or fashion I have always been bullied. In high school I was the red head with glasses so I got called everything under the shinning sun.. as I grew up and had kids of my own I always made sure to instill in them the importance of loving people and being kind no matter what. You never ever know what someone is going through.. People fight some kind of battle no one knows about. My handicap went from the red hair and glasses to actually blooming into a beautiful young woman but oh the red hair still gave them the reason to make fun of me..
It made for a horrible high school experience and I just wanted out. I wanted away and nothing to do with any one from my years there.  Well as time went on and I grew up so did some of them. Life got busier and I had kids and then something else happened. I got heavy.  I gained weight from pregnancy and it didn't just go away like I had hoped or led myself to believe.. Well this opened up a whole new reason for someone to poke fun, laugh at and just be mean to. People in general aren't mean but you will always find that one person that leads a whole group to be ugly to others.
Well it has taken me a very long time to come to a place where I can push through this whole mess and know I am a good person and their words are just that, Meer words.
I have come to a conclusion that letting my haters be my motivators is the best way to handle these kinds of people. I will over come and I will be the best me there is. I don't need any one to validate me..
Please know that u are a wonderful person, inside and out and no matter what people can't take away from you anything u don't allow them to have.. God made you a wonderful being and u don't need anyone aside from you self to believe in you..

Question 6~ What Has BeenThe Hardest Part Of This Journey?

This is a great question. To be honest it has been a couple of things. The one major thing that has and at times still is the hardest is motivation.. I have a serious lack of motivation at times. I am one that would much rather lay in bed and not get up and do my cardio or my circuit stuff. I like being in bed with my little doggie, BUT that gets me nowhere and isn't any healthier for me. So I suck it up and I get up and get my rear end on the treadmill and make it happen..
Aside from motivation there are times I would really like to throw in the towel and just sit in the mingle of my couch with all my favorite junk foods around me and just eat until I can't move. Well that to won't do me any good and isn't healthy for me.. No one ever said that eating right and being healthy was or is easy, but it's very worth it. So instead I keep my cheat meal to one meal a month and from there I try very hard to stick to my diet. 

I am not an expert and I don't claim to be. I am just sharing with you what has and is working for me.. of you would like to ask me a question please feel free to drop me an email
divatammy93@gmail.com..

Setbacks, Frustration. Don't Dare Give Up.

How many of us start things and then just stop?? How many new years resolutions have been just dropped. Forgotten. Trust me when I tell u I have been there. I have done it. 
I have stopped and started diets so many times I loose count. One thing u couldn't call me was follow through.. well, in the last 9 months or so I have gotten better at it . No not anywhere near where I want to be. But I am definitely getting better. I have made myself commit to a stricter diet and I have also made myself commit to a 2 mile walk and a 30 min circuit of exercises that I do daily... Please know that this in no way is or has been easy because I will be the first to stay in bed and think no.. I watched a pretty cool chick the other day though that said.  "If you have time to sit and think about how not to do it, You could have done it already ". So please y'all..Don't Dare stop. You got this... Get up and move.. anything is better than nothing.
I am in no way a professional and don't claim to be. Just sharing what has,worked and is working or isn't working for me and maybe touch someone somewhere...

She is why.. ❣❣❣

Coming Soon. Coffee Review

Coming soon, an awesome coffee with even better benifits. Stay tuned for more details..

I Keep A Strict Schedule . 📆🗓

The biggest thing for me in the very beginning was timing myself of when you eat. I wasn't used to sitting down, stopping what I was doing to actually pay attention to my eating. I was a grab and go, some sort of junk snack and maybe actually eat a real meal for supper. That would be meal of some kind of fried, Southern casserole, drowned in butter fatty something. Well this is a whole new lifestyle change for me and now that I was set to a 1200 calorie a day diet, I had to plan meals, snacks, prep times and all of this. I was excited and couldn't wait to try. My OCD makes me a chart maker and a timer setter so that is exactly what I did. I have stated in a previous blog that if you are going to be a breakfast eater it needs to be within the first 3 hours of getting up in the morning. I chose a protein shake for breakfast and for lunch so that makes those two areas easy.
Check this out. Now I'm not saying that these are times you should use, these are just the ones that work best for me.
6am- breakfast shake
9am-high protein snack
12pm-lunch shake
3pm-afternoon high protein snack
6pm- high protein supper.
Now here is where I usually stopped. Ideally three hours later you're supposed to have one more snack that is high in protein. I'm usually early to bed so I don't eat that late. I've had people ask me what I use for snacks. Well that's a good question. I keep them higher in protein than carbs so I am always carrying something like beef jerkey, almonds, quest bar. Things of that nature. And I always have water with me.
I hope this is useful. Please feel free to leave comments on my blogs I love your feed back. I also appreciate the questions I have received so far. Please if you have something you want to know shoot me an email.
divatammy93@gmail.com. 

Weightloss Product Reviews.

I have had a couple of companies contact me about trying a product they sale to put on my blog. This excites me. I want to go over a couple of things though.
If you would like for me to consider your product as a rule I would need at least a 30 day supply because usually as a rule it takes at least 7 day for said product depending on what it is to enter your system.
I also will in now way invest money in a product for the sake of doing the review. Not even shipping. If you want me to try It I would love to but you will cover the cost.. I love trying new things and passing on my thoughts on the product... I am looking for products to review now..
I will review all weightloss products.
Protein shakes, if you have a pill or patch, if you have that magic product that will be my breakthrough please shoot me an email and I'll look it over.
divatammy93@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support I look forward to hearing from you.

Question 5. When You Began Your Journey What Was a the Hardest Thing To Cut Back On

This next question is awesome because so many things came to mind. But the one thing I kept coming back to was my diet coke. I was a hard core diet coke drinker. Well to me I was anyway, considering that now I might have 1 a week if that... It was hard at first I won't lie. I had done some research on diet coke, it's ingredients and just all the caffeine.i had to take it slow to keep down the withdraw headaches. I had also been doing research on water intake and how much your body should have. Well I found that there are a couple of ideas on this. One being 8, 8 ounce glasses a day. The other is to drink half your body weight in water. Well, for whatever the reason at the time I was so disgusted with my weight that this would mean I would have to have 110 ounces of water in a day.. This literally was how I saw this. That number was huge just like me so I was gonna do it because it was going to help me get my other number down.. Now every day, I drink at least 150 ounces of water a day. I don't even put anything in it anymore. I use to have to add things like crystal lite packs to it because I wasn't a fan of just plane water. But the more I drank the more I just began to leave it plane. And just recently I began to notice I haven't drank quite as much cofee as I have in the past.. I am usually now just walking with a water bottle. And I have also noticed the change in my skin and that is also a good thing. It's just all around healthier for your body not to contain the chemicals of a diet drink and the caffeine in coffee..
Thank you guys again so much for your questions. If you would like so send a question you can do so to divatammy93@gmail.com.  Thank you all so much for your support.

Skin is so much smoother 

Question 3. Aside From Your Cardio What Else Do You Do?

Hey hey yall, I have gotten soo many questions and I'm loving every minute of it. 
So question 3 is
Other than the 30 min empty stomach cardio that you do first thing in the morning what else do you do.
This is a good question as well. Please keep in mind yall that I am no expert I am simply giving you what I have found works for me. Make sure you consult your doctor before starting any diet to make sure you have an idea of where to start and see if you have any restrictions. Our goal here is health FIRST..
So trust me when I say that I have tried so many things that did and didn't work. But my go to surefire was sent to me by a very sweet friend and if I don't do anything else (and that happens trust me ha ha) this is what I do.

A circuit of: 10 burpees, 10 air squats, 10 push ups, 10 sit-ups, 10 lunges. Do as many rounds as u can. Try not to rest too much in between but don't do for more than 30 mins. This is a good overall circuit that works arms, legs and core.
This is so amazing yall. I have since up'd this to 15. It's true it works everything. I think the first time I done all of this I was so out of shape I felt like a beached whale.  I have since stopped feeling that way lol. It's never ever good to be so down on yourself over your weight. I say this from experience, we are all our worst enemy but that won't help you. 
It don't stop here though. I have one more thing I have been doing. Planking.
This isn't as easy as it looks and is awesome in engaging all of your muscles.
Thanks so much yall for all questions. If you happen to have a question please send them to
divatammy93@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Question 4..Carb Cravings, How I Combat Them

This is such an amazing question. The reason I say this is because trust me when I tell u I am a southern Belle born and raised there wasn't anything in my diet that wasn't a carb.. Potatoes, breads, pastas, I mean u name it we do it and do it right in the south. Well I won't lie when I tell u it wasn't easy.
One thing I want you to remember though is you aren't cutting out carbs you are switching the kind of carbs you eat. You are now going to eat complex carbs. What I mean by this is instead of eating a big baked potato, eat a big baked sweet potato,  instead of white bread have whole grain bread. Instead of white rice yiu have brown rice. I am going to add a link to a page I found offline that was so helpful.. I actually made a copy of this and have it on hand just to keep me on my toes. I was asked how I handled the craving that come with cutting out those foods. Well I will say I haven't had alot of craving for them but if I do I always try to grab a piece of fruit or a rice cake with some almond butter.
It's not easy but it is so worth it. I drink about a gallon and a half of water every day which is a big change for me and it also helps with the carb cravings.
Please keep in mind I am no doctor, I like every one else is doing what I know works for me so far. Everyone's body is different and will respond different to things. Take you time,  don't get discouraged and never ever be afraid to ask for help..
If you happen every any questions you would like to ask please send them to
divatammy93@gmail.com.  I appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you.

Question 2.. Awesome!! A Two Part One

  Question #2
The day you decided to start, how did you go about it?
Did you plan things out or jump in head first?
I can feel my body screaming for all those bad carbs when I try to make that transition. ..thanks!...
Wow.. what a question. An amazing one. Well the day I decided to start came after a new patient appt to a new doctor and finding I had high cholesterol.  I was put on medication and was told the do's and don't's and sent on my way. Well I was on this medication for about 5 days and then my body had a horrible reaction to it. So much so that I was informed by said doctor that I wouldn't be able to control my cholesterol with meds so then I got this list of foods I can and can't eat and all that.
By this time my heart is broken and I'm just beside myself because I know how hard it's going to be to get this weight off. And doing it the right way is gonna be even harder but I knew it had to happen..
Well for the next few weeks I did alot of reading and research of any and all diets I had seen on TV and everywhere else.. A lot of what I did felt like I was getting no where.  Well about 5 years ago I finally had a long hard talk with myself and The Good Lord above and decided I would get started and would just figure it out as I went along..
And that's pretty much what I did for a couple of years and almost even up until now because it is a daily struggle still. I just feel like I am on the right and on a better track to handling it now.
This is the deal. First things first,  SEE YOUR DOCTOR.. Any time you begin any kind of diet please consult your doctor so that u have an idea of what is healthiest and best for you. And what is healthiest weight range for you. From there it's trial and error for you as to what works best for you.
It will in no way tell u that what is or has worked for me is the best to do because I can't do that and I'm not qualified to do so. I am just simply sharing my experiences with you and hope maybe some of them will help you.
Now in all of my research I have found that these are the things that work for me and where I have gotten the best results.  The body needs at least 65 but no more than that to properly burn fat. Now my old thinking would have thrown me into Oh yay I can have some bread, or some pasta. Something like that because it's what I'm used to having. Now check this out.. Complex carbs are so much better and when eaten correctly work amazingly in adeing burning fat.
What are complex carbs u ask? One of my favorites are sweet potatoes. They are so good and can be cooked so many ways. I have included the two pictures, these are two I got off Internet a few years ago and it helped me with the kinds of carbs to use.
But all in all, my real true reason for doing this is the fact that I am a mother, I'm a grandmother.  It's important that I be healthy for my angels.

I hope I have helped answer some questions for you. Please keep them coming. 

divatammy93@gmail.com 

The first pic, BIG NO NO.. STAY AWAY FROM THESE. 

SECOND PIC... MAKE IT YOUR BIBLE

Question #1 Breakfast. How Do You Start Your Day.

I am excited, I have one of my first questions to answer..
1. Breakfast. What do you do to start your day?
This is a great queation. As a rule people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, how many of u heard that growing up?
I went to a doctor several years ago when I started this what then was a horrible weight loss journey, Who proceeded to shed a little light on this matter for me. Turns out that yes it is an important part of the day if done correctly. Now before u get all irritated at me and ask me when I became an expert, I didn't I have just spent several long FAT years sorting through so much information it almost made me need a steak (ha ha ).
If u are going to have breakfast, have it within three hours of getting up. Also make it the highest meal in protein that day or at least as high as u can..
Whey protein is what I use. Now I'm not going to tell u this is "the best there is" to use but I will tell u this is what the doctor I saw suggested to me. It tastes great and I like it. I have it with a tblsp of pb2 and almond milk..
I also do 30 min of empty stomach cardio first thing in the morning.
This is how I start my 1200 calorie a day diet. High lean proteins with complex carbs..
Thank u guys so much for your participation in this. It's not an easy journey but it's something I had to do. Please feel free to send your questions to
divatammy93@gmail.com and you will find your answers here. 

My First Picture On New Blog.

A picture I took the day I began this journey.

A Whole new Me..

Hey yall, Let me take a sec to introduce myself.  Some of you may remember me from a previous blog I ran called The Diva's Mix. Well for many reasons this blog no longer exists but I have embarked on a new adventure. Many of you know I have tossed around weight issues for a long time. Well this year I have had to actually get serious about it due to health issues.
I have been asked by numerous people what diet I am on, or what I am eating or the exercises I am doing. So I have decided I would find a place that I could answer all your questions and a place I could vent about it being a pain in the butt to do this. Please make sure u stay tuned and if u have questions please let me know and I'll do what I can to answer.. tomorrow will start the post of recipes, and plenty of other things.. So glad to be back.