Mask-ful Day

It's 5am. I am in front of my macbook. My husband is exercising while watching TV.

Suddenly, I heard a shout/yell. I thought he fell down or something. I went to check. It turned out he saw an athlete or some sports person being carried on a stretcher with a mask on his face. I asked what kind of mask? He said cpap masks.

Not having an idea what he said, I went to google it. I did not want him to know I didn't know what he was talking about!

This is what my husband was talking about.







This is a cpap mask for her. I got the picture from The CPAP Shop.

Without me knowing it, I was already browsing for a mask. I was being carried away with the wide variety offered at The CPAP Shop!

Another thing I liked about this store is that aside from the wide variety of masks, they do have customer reviews and star ratings attached to every single mask for sale.

I think that is very important considering the daunting task of choosing among the many offered. For a first time shopper, this one is definitely very helpful.

I just love the internet and the many things it has to offer. Don't you?

Our local food - Madrid, Surigao del Sur

After indulging in these below posted pictures, I am now actively looking for diet pills that work.

In just a week's time in my hometown - Madrid, Surigao del Sur, I have gained more than 2 kgs already. It's not funny right? But I also could not resist these oh so yummy to the tummy goodness. It's rare that I get to enjoy these foods.

Kinilaw na Nukos - it's a fresh, raw squid mixed with vinegar/lime, salt, onion, ginger and chili. It's like the national food in our place. Or something like that. This is really goooood.

Sinugba na Bangus - Grilled Milkfish. I love this dipped in a soysauce with kalamansi or lime with chili. My mouth is watering now...

And for dessert, there's the usual fruits, puto and biko.

With food like this everyday, it's no wonder I gained 2kgs in a week's time.

But I am determined to lose all this weight when I am back in Cambodia.

Push the body to get the result you want

I did the exercise I posted earlier here today. And it was intense. I felt like I was being punished. LOL!

I woke up today with heavy legs and sore muscles in the arms. I wonder how can I go on with my to-do lists today. I need to go to the the pro to have document scanning done properly. My printer/scanner is not doing its job well.

Anyways, I am going to do another intense exercise today. Masochist much? Hahahaha. To be honest, I kinda like doing this exercises now. And I read that you only get results if you push your body. Staying in the comfort zone will not do the trick. So okay, bring it on.

I am really looking forward to have toned legs and stronger arms, like Michele Obama. Hehehe.

Let's see.

Workout at Home

I just had a great 45-minute workout this morning at home. I feel so energized after. But I have been doing the same routine for a week now, it's getting boring. I want to change my routine so I won't stop exercising.

Here's what I found from womenshealthmag.com. Eight workouts that can be done at home. I am definitely going to try this tomorrow. I am excited.

~~~

Here's the full workout:

1. Forward Lunge

Superset One
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. Step forward with your right leg and slowly lower your body until your right knee is bent at least 90 degrees. Push back to the starting position and repeat with your left leg. That's one rep.

2. Squat Jump

Superset One
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes forward; lightly touch your fingers behind your ears and extend your elbows to the sides. Bend your knees, then explosively jump as high as you can. Land softly on the balls of your feet and immediately lower into your next squat.

3. Push Up

Superset Two
Get into a pushup position with your feet hip-width apart and your hands slightly outside your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from head to heels. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Pause, then push back to the starting position as quickly as possible. That's one rep.

4. Bend and Thrust

Superset Two
With your arms at your sides, stand with your feet hip-width apart. In one motion, bend your knees and place your hands on the floor on either side of your legs, then jump both feet back so you're in a pushup position with your back straight. Quickly reverse the motion to return to start. That's one rep.

5. Plie Squat

Superset Three
Stand with your legs two to three feet apart, toes turned out; place your hands on your hips. Push your hips back and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Pause, then slowly push yourself back to the starting position. That's one rep.

6. Jumping Jacks

Superset Three
Stand with your feet a few inches apart and your arms at your sides, then simultaneously raise your arms out to the sides and over your head, and jump your feet out so they are slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Without pausing, quickly reverse the movement. Repeat.

7. T Stabilization

Superset Four
Start in a pushup position with your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Keeping your arms straight and core engaged, shift your weight onto your left arm, rotate your torso to the right, and raise your right arm toward the ceiling so that your body forms a T; your right foot should now be on top of your left. Pause for three seconds, then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. That's one rep.

8. Seated Rotation

Superset Four
Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you, knees bent, and heels lifted a few inches into the air; lean back at a 45-degree angle and extend your arms straight in front of your chest, palms together. Slowly rotate your torso to the right, pause, then rotate to the left. Continue alternating.

~~~

Hopefully, I'd see results after two weeks.

Water Therapy

I was talking with my friends on twitter about our weight and how we really want to lose some. A friend said she's going to do detox. And I asked her to share what it is. She emailed it to me and I want to share it here. Full text from her email. I am not sure where she got it but with google for sure, it is easy to find out. Here it is:

~~~

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Gastric - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.

~~~

It sounds great, isn't it? I am just not sure if I could really drink 4 glasses of water right after I wake up. Even with practice or over time I am still not sure I could do it.

This I am sure I could do easily - drink one glass of water after I wake up. I have been doing that actually ever since. I will try to drink two glasses if I could. I also don't want to drink too much as I have read from a news that too much water can kill. Scary!

And another diet

I am planning to go back to South Beach Diet. But I hear there's a new diet craze about to hit the US.

It's called Dukan Diet, Europe’s most popular diet book and the latest carnivorous weight-loss plan. I read from Yahoo that it's also the diet used by Kate Middleton's family and herself as well.

Sounds intriguing!

I will definitely read more about it because I need to lose at least 15 pounds as soon as possible. I want to be able to fit in the dereon clothing I purchased just recently.

And I just hate, okay, cross that out, don't like what I see in the mirror. I am getting rounder and rounder again.

Food is really bestfriend and my best enemy. Why can't they co-exist harmoniously in my body? Why do they always have to fight?!

In the mean time, I am drinking lots of green tea.

I'll be serious with my diet again next week. So help me God.

Mango as a diet food?

I am first to admit I have no control over food. It's my weakness. I can hardly refuse food when it's in front of me. So it's no surprise that I am a size 8. Sometimes even size 10. Yikes! Yeah, I've contemplated about lipo 6 for her but I am scared of needles and knives so, no thank you.

Anyway, last week, just before dinner I ate one small green mango. I dipped it in salt with chili. Yum!

What's so interesting about this incident is that come dinner time, I had zero craving for food. To think we were having one of my favorite dish, sinigang na hipon - prawn in sour soup. I only ate one piece of prawn and had a small sip of the soup. And that's it!

I was really surprised. Hubby said that anything sour before meal makes you full. Aha! I know what to do now.

I bought another kilo of green mango and ate it just before meal time. It seems to be working. I could only eat like a bird.

The downside is that my teeth are now sensitive. I couldn't eat more green mangoes. Hahahaha!!!

South Beach Diet, second time around

Did I mention in this blog that I have been on South Beach Diet (SBD)? Well, yes I was. I did the phase 1, and was religious about it. I lost 5kgs exactly.

I was pretty impressed. Impressed with the diet and impressed with myself for being able to stick to the rigid 14-day of no carb and no sugar.

And then the holidays came! Wham! Diet gone.

I tried going back to where I left off, the phase 2. But it's not the same. I always cheat.

Last February 1, I tried on two scales for accurate weight measurement. I gained back almost 3kgs of the weight I lost. Horrors!!!

That same day, I went back to phase 1 of SBD. It's my third day again. And since this is my second time, it's not that hard anymore.

I've lost 1kg already. I know it's probably just water only but that made me happy.

I've continued with my exercises as well.

I am hoping to make this time really work. Cross my fingers.

On a different note, Go Xi Fa Cai everyone!!! May we all have a prosperous year of the Rabbit.

My favorite massage

I love a good massage. In fact, I go to a spa at least once a week. Sometimes, I go twice a week.

The moment my friend introduced me to the world of spa nine years, I got hooked. There was no turning back. And my body actually craves for it.

I have been to a whole range of spas. From basic spa to five star spas. While the amenities add for a relaxing atmosphere, what really matters is how good the massage is. Or appropriately how good the therapist/masseuse is.

I love an aromatic whole body massage. But what I am crazy about is a foot spa or a foot massage.

I love a strong massage. It relaxes me and it actually makes me feel good. They say that a reflexology is helpful. And it is!

When I feel like a migraine is coming, I run to the spa. It relieves me. It does. That's why I am crazy about it.

A healthy lifestyle for me includes, a good diet, exercise, one a day vitamin and a relaxation in the form of massage.

More than the massage, I love it because while I am being pampered, I still get to read a magazine or blog or take a peek into my FB account. I am a multitasker and this is one example of multitasking in a very good way!

In fact, I am having a foot massage right now. Cool!

Exercise more

While looking at my daily exercise log, I realize I am not exercing enough. Sure, I log in between 20 - 30 minutes everyday of combined cardio and toning exercises but to be able to see the results, I need to spend some more quality time.

I am thinking I should exercise twice a day because I couldn't afford to spend 1 hour of exercise in the morning. I am always pressed for time in the morning. And I can only spare 30 minutes.

In the afternoon, I have some free time. After I do my work and errands, I usually just read my favorite blogs with chips in my hand!

So, to resist temptations I need to be doing something. And what better way to stave off cravings than to exercise, right?

I should go find my exercise dvd now. I will be needing it.

If you want to burn fats while sweating it out, click here. Happy exercising!

Muffins, the healthy kind

Let me share something. I've tried South Beach Diet and it worked with me. I have lost 5kgs in 14 days (phase 1).

At first I was hesitant to try another diet. It never works. But this SBD really does. Of course you have to follow the diet religiously.

During phase 1, carbs and sugar are off limits. It was difficult but what I find more difficult was planning my menu. Thankfully, you can easily find recipes online.

Here's one of my favorite South Beach Diet food: Egg muffins

It's just eggs, spring onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes and cheddar cheese baked in a muffin pan.

It's so delicious! It makes me think I am not on a diet. LOL!

Since losing weight, I have breakouts. Not the alarming kind but enough to make me run to the nearest pharmacy and buy mild acne treatment.

If you're keen to lose weight, try SBD. And don't forget to include the egg muffins in your diet.

Gel as birth control pill

Let me quote billionaire, bad boy, hero Oliver Green aka Green Arrow on Smallville: "Okay, that's officially the biggest news I've heard all day."

And I am referring to this news: Contraceptive gel could replace birth control pill

Source

How does it work? Simple. You just have to rub small amount into your arms, legs, shoulder everyday and in turn it delivers a dose of hormones that prevents pregnancy.

Moreover, it doesn't have any side effects and it's suitable for those who are breastfeeding.

It's still in the early stage of development though but if it gets out to the market, I would be sure to try it. Not because I am breastfeeding but because it doesn't cause any weight gain. Hehehe.

We do live in an amazing time, don't we?

Now, I am off to read more about business debt consolidation. We need to learn some practical stuff as well.

Of pills and exercises

Diet pills that work without exercise, is that possible? I've been wishing for a pill like that eversince I couldn't lose the extra pounds left by my pregnancy.

But guess what, I am too scared to try even one.

In the mean time, I will eat right and exercise everyday. I've been doing my routine exercise daily for two weeks now. But still no changes in the scale. I must still be eating a lot.

I remember when I was trying to lose weight a year ago, it seemed easy. I did not deprive myself with anything. I just ate in moderation and I exercised a lot. Probably twice a day. I am thinking I should do it again. I should log my exercises and the food I eat. That way, I could monitor everything.

Tomorrow I'll be doing new set of exercises which I got from self.com. It's called plyometrics.

This is going to be exciting. If you want to see the complete set, sign up self.com. I did! =)

Not just the right food but the right amount

I have been asking myself this question often this past few weeks "how to lose weight fast?" I know the answer. There's no way I could lose all my fats in one month. But I am really stubborn. Maybe there's a new formula where I could magically lose these unwanted pounds in just one month. Sigh.

I eat the right food always.

Photo from shape.com

But the portion, that, I have my doubts.

I have started NOT eating carbs at dinner time. It's been 4 days but it's not paying off yet. Maybe I should eat smaller portion too.

Let's see if there's an effect on my body.

At home exercises

I am consumed looking for home exercises. It's obvious I want to lose weight. And I want to do it right by eating well and exercising. Since I don't have much time for gym classes, I need to do the exercises at home.

Here's one I got from shape.com. It's part of Kelly Ripa's workout routine.



It's called the Triceps Can-Can Home Workout. I've tried it and I feel like my triceps are tight already. LOL!

But hey, before you do this exercise, make sure you stretch first. I don't want you filing for disability appeal just because you sprain or break a ligament or something. Okay?

I am going to look for more home exercises or workout and post it here.

Get Fit Anywhere

I've tried going to the gym, running and joining yoga classes. But I couldn't sustain the enthusiasm. After a while, I stop.

I realize I really don't have to go to the gym to be able to work out. I could exercise at home in my own time.

Today I was browsing self.com and saw Jill Wagner's Wipeout Workout. I could definitely add these workouts to my routine.

Stairway Stretch. Walk up and down stairs on the tips of your toes for a simple but effective calf stretch.

Smile and Squat. Stand straight up with your legs shoulder-width apart. With your back straight, body leaning forward bend your knees and lower yourself into squat, don't sit down. Rise back up for 3 sets of 15.

Half-gallon Lunge. Stand straight up, legs together with jugs in both hands at the sides of the body. Extend left leg forward into a lunge with your knee directly over your left heel, right leg stretched behind the body. Return to original position and alternate legs for 3 to 4 sets of 10 on each side. But don't race through these lunges—going slow maximizes your muscles' workout.

For the complete workout, visit self.com

Kundalini Yoga

Have you heard of Kundalini Yoga? I have to admit, I didn't know there are several types of yoga out there. I thought all yogas are the same.

I used to attend a yoga class in Maldives before. We did it in the open field every morning. I liked it. After moving here in Cambodia, I searched for a yoga class and found several classes. The Kundalini Yoga class stood out. So I signed up.

At first, I found no difference between my old yoga class and the kundalini yoga class. It all seemed the same to me. After a couple of classes, I noticed the difference. It's not all about the poses, it also focuses on the breathing and there are several meditations included.

Here's detailed description from wikipedia:

"Kundalini yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline built around the physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of Raja yoga, Shakti yoga, Bhakti yoga, tantra, Kriya yoga, Laya yoga, Nada yoga and the principles and sutras of Patanjali. In its simplest dilution, it describes a set of yoga exercises (kriyas) and mental practices (meditations) which are designed to awaken ones consciousness to the universal nature of the soul and ones spirituality. Kundalini yoga is sometimes called the yoga of awareness because it "awakens" the kundalini which is the unlimited potential that already exists within every human being.

Kundalini Yoga has been documented as a system of exercises and meditations and claims to provide extensive benefits for personal growth, health and improving mental and physical well-being, including asthma, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, pain, stress-related diseases, healing and rehabilitating addictive behavior, and treating mental disorders."

I have been attending for almost three months now and I could say that I love it. If there is one in your place, try it. If you're here in Phnom Penh, check out the Kundalini Yoga House. Here's the address.


Kundalini Yoga House
House 204ZB Street 322
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Hope to see you there!

Fight Fat!

I am a lot of wannabe things. But close to my heart is being a wannabe health buff. LOL! I read anything health related I see on yahoo or msn. Self.com and shape.com are on my favorite list. I constantly read health updates from both sites.

Today on Self.com I read about the 8 foods that combat fat. I was happy to find out that the foods on the list are the food I have no problem eating.

1) Almonds

2) Berries

3) Cinnamon

4) Mustard

5) Orange



6) Soybeans

7) Sweet Potato

8) Swiss Cheese

I love and often eat sweet potato, orange and almonds. The rest of the food I just have to find ways to incorporate in diet.

To find out how the foods fight the fats in our body, please click here.