588 Days appears in The Final Call Newspaper

"I Can't Take It Anymore"... Overcoming the desire to quit

How many times have you looked in the mirror wishing for the clear evidence that all of your hard work, eating right, and exercising have truly paid off? Maybe you are looking for a smaller face in the mirror, thinner arms, a smaller waistline, or some visual sign. What do you do when you don't see that sign?

I know that this is a long and hard journey. DON'T give up. Stay in it for the long haul. Even if you don't see the noticeable differences on the outside, how do you feel on the inside? Do you have more energy, do you feel more confident in yourself?

I encourage everyone to take pictures of yourself along your journey.Those living with you may not notice the difference in you right away but when you and your family members look at your pictures, you should see some differences.

How about those clothes? Have you lost a few inches here and there? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then keep forging forward. Something that you are doing is working for you.

Give yourself some time to get it all together. As I've said several times before...it didn't take you a day to gain that extra weight and it won't take you a day to get it off.

Take the small victories as they come and wait for the big ones. One day, you will have people stopping you in the hallway or on the street asking you, "What have you been doing? You look good! You've lost a lot of weight!".  Even if NO ONE ever says those words to you, you have to answer to yourself and God as to what you have done to get your mind, body, and spirit back on the right track.

Here are some quotes from 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME in the chapter called "I Can't Take It Anymore":

"I encourage you and I to keep forging forward, particularly during those times when you just want to throw in the towel. Those should be the times when you dig deep into your inner strength and call about your faith to get you through. Those should be the times when you recognize all of the hard work you’ve done so far and congratulate yourself for coming this far. Those should be the times when you reassess your eating and exercise regimen to determine where improvements could/should be made that would yield you your desired results.

Below you will find some quotes from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan that reaffirm to me that the struggles, trials, and tribulations I was experiencing on this journey were ordained and I was not alone.

“Brothers and Sisters, each time we turn away from the struggle to overcome difficulty, there then is deterioration of character and there is destruction of the Will---and the Will is that within you is God’s gift. It is His Essence that He gives to man and anything that deteriorates your Will destroys you ability to cope with the problems of life. Struggle is ordained.” ~  Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 3

“Struggle is ordained by God. God is not a vicious God. He is a Loving, a Beneficent and Merciful God, but He ordains struggle. Because without struggle, you cannot bring out of yourself that which God has deposited within you. It is something that has to be brought out and it is a struggle overcoming difficulties that manifest your own gifts and your own sublime qualities.” ~  Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 3

“’Impatience’ is defined as an ‘eager desire for relief or change; intolerance of anything that thwarts or hinders.’ Thus we see that it is a force which is natural and which is characterized as a desire. Desire feeds the Will, therefore, the desire to be relieved from the irritation of waiting over a protracted period of time comes into conflict with the desire for any goal which requires patience to obtain. One force must win over the other.” - Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan –  Building the Will, Part III Study Guide #7

“Impatience, or the desire for relief or change, may be removed from us, not by yielding to this natural force, but by seeking refuge in Allah (God). Whenever impatience threatens to cause us to turn away from a desired goal, we must go to Allah (God), the Lord of the ways of Ascent, in prayer. Prayer will give us the security and peace of mind that will relieve our irritation. It is that frame of mind that we then must re-identify with our desired goal. The desire (and the willingness to be patient in order to obtain it) will then return.” Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan –  Building the Will, Part III Study Guide #7

“It is written in the Holy Qur’an, which is the Book of Scripture for the Muslims, that Allah created man to face difficulties. God has brought us all onto this Earth to face one difficulty after another and it is the facing of these difficulties and the overcoming of these difficulties that helps us to improve our character and improve ourselves” ~ Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 2

Although these times seem frustrating, disappointing, filled with anxiety and doubt, these should be the times when you kick it into gear and press on. You’ll be amazed at yourself when you do!"

"Remember...You Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses"

July 18, 2010 - July 18, 2011 - What a difference a year makes - Maintenance

This time last year, I was in a state of amazement, awe, excitement, grateful, humbled and overjoyed. You see, on July 18, 2010, I achieved my last weight loss goal of reaching 140 pounds by my 40th birthday (September 1st). Not only did I reach my goal, but I did it ahead of schedule.

I had to jot down what I was feeling at on July 18, 2010. These words can be found in my book, 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME in Chapter 31:

           On Sunday, July 18, 2010, I celebrated the accomplishment of my final weight loss goal. I’m now 140 pounds and loving it!!!

          On that morning, I stepped up on the scale, as I do each day, and as I secretly prayed that this would be the day I reached my goal, there it was. The number on the scale this particular morning read 140.0!

          You can only imagine what was going through my head and my heart. The words, “Wow!”, “Oh my goodness!”, “All Praises Are Due To Allah (APADTA)!”, and “Thank You!” were just some of the words floating through my head.

          Once again, my family was asleep and I didn’t want to wake them up to tell them the good news quite yet. This accomplishment felt different. Although it was worth the biggest shout and scream I could muster up, this time, I felt a sense of quiet and peace of mind. It was a very surreal and humbling feeling that came over me that morning. It is very hard to explain it in words.

          As I stood there and took pictures of the scale to add to my scrapbook and place on Facebook®, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There, right before my eyes, was the number I have worked towards for 588 days! I had reached the proverbial mountaintop. I felt like those mountain climbers who strive to climb Mount Everest and actually succeed.

          While standing in the shower and reflecting on the moment, tears started to flow down my cheek and my heart felt very heavy. I predicted I would feel that way all day long. I took a moment to sit, in humbleness, and reflect on my mental, physical, and spiritual health and weight. I remember, so vividly, the day I started this leg of my journey in December 2008 and what has transpired to get me to this special day in July 2010. Others may not see or believe it, but I am a different person in so many ways. All Praises Are Due To Allah!

What has this year been like? Well, I have to be honest and say that it has had its up's and down's. Yes, I reached my goal and I celebrated. I went shopping, got some new clothes, enjoyed the new look and the ability to wear anywhere from a Size 4 to a Size 8. Being able to get into those smaller sizes at one time seemed like just a dream. There were times when I didn't know if I would make it to my desired weight but you know what, I didn't give up. I keep forging forward, not matter how frustrated, discouraged or tired I might have been. I knew that with the help of Allah (God), my determination, and the support of my family and friends, I would reach all of my goals (sooner or later).


During this year, I had my moments of backsliding. I ate some of the foods that I stayed away from for so long. I guess that desire just took over me. :-) Some of my portion sizes grew a little bit, but definitely not back to the old days.

I gained a few pounds here and there. Some times, my clothes that were now a few sizes smaller than they used to be were fitting tight in certain places.


The good thing, for me, about this time around is that I didn't get upset with myself when the scale had a few higher numbers than I desired. Do you know why? It's because I KNEW that I had the strength, will and determination to do what it would take to get back on track. I knew that getting upset over the extra weight would not solve the problem. It just meant that I needed to reel things back in and kick it up a notch.

Don't be deceived in thinking that the maintenance part of the journey is easy. Remember, this is a LIFESTYLE change. If you ever watched the Biggest Loser Show on NBC, you will remember that the contestants and the trainers talk about what life will be like when they leave the ranch. Yes, it may be easier for them to lose the weight and stay focused when they are on the ranch and surrounded by the trainers, support of others, a gym that is open 24 hours, and the ability to only focus on their journey....but what happens when you step back into reality? What happens when you live your day to day life (as busy as it is) and you have to prioritize your journey in with all of the other things going on in your life? It is NOT easy, but it is so worth it!!!

Today is a day of new beginnings in so many ways. We've been given a chance to start over. Many of you will probably be able to bear witness to the grace and mercy that we are given each day to do things right and to start over. Every day that you wake up, take a breath, and let your feet touch the ground, you have been given a chance to start over!

We MUST do something about our health and the health of our family, particularly the youth of today. Start in your own home with your family. Branch out to the community and do what you can to save the life of someone else. Our lives depend on making a change in our mindset, our health, our behaviors, and our physical activities.

Commit yourself to something positive, worthwhile, and healthy. We commit ourselves to everyone and everything else, how about committing YOURself to YOURself.

Ask whatever higher power you believe in for strength, guidance, discipline, and forgiveness. Search deep inside your mind, body, and soul. Take a leap of faith and just go for it.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!!

Much love,

Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad

www.findtimeforyou.com

October 2008

July 18, 2010 - Reached my goal of 140 lbs.

July 2011 - one year later

Tips for the summer and holidays

It's the beginning of summer. School is out, graduation commencements/parties have begun, the family reunions are planned, the weddings will start soon, and the grilling season is on and poppin'. What does this mean for your health journey?

Hold on...don't give up. YOU can still work on your journey in the midst of temptations of summer and its festivities.

Here are some tips from 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, and Finding Time for ME" in Chapter 17 entitled "Let's Hit the Road":

Let’s say you aren’t going to eat out at a restaurant but rather you are going to eat all of the lovely food prepared for the family reunion, wedding, or somebody’s bbq. How do you handle this? Here are some tips that might come in handy:

1.    Eat before you go to the event. If you find foods you know you can eat and are the right portion size BEFORE you go to the event, then you might not be so tempted to eat the spread that will be laid out in front of you.

2.    Bring your own food with you. If are able to stop at the grocery store or maybe go to a place like Subway® to buy yourself a sandwich, you can bring your sandwich or food with you to the gathering. That way, you are still in attendance at the gathering and can still control what and how much you eat.

3.    If you find yourself indulging in the food that is being served at the event, monitor your portions! You don’t have to sit there and starve, but you can partake in the delicious food, within reason!

Stay focused but yet have fun. Time spent with family, friends, and co-workers can be enjoyable. You don't have to overindulge to have a good time. Think before you eat!!!!

For your own copy of the 588 Days! book, visit http://www.findtimeforyou.com/.

588 Days! Video Tidbits - Reality Check, Goal Setting, Being a Mommy, Busy Lives, Support System, and Why I Eat the Way that I Do

Greetings,

Attaced you will find some video tidbits that will help you on your journey toward better health and weight loss.

Video #1 - "Reality Check" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG6YX8OoKgk
Video #2 - "Goal Setting" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4jENrUUzac
Video #3 - "Busy Lives! - Finding Time for YOU!!!" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngIFLjzbSA
Video #4 - "Being a Mommy / Getting My Body Back" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za2WNAMiYSY
Video #5 - "Support System on Your Journey" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPz-dzh9gSc
Video #6 - "Why do I/We Eat the Way We Do?" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKGj2Iys3Y
Video #7 - "Reward Yourself -- You've Worked Hard For It" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6k6ObJZqs


After viewing the videos, let me know what you think. Also, share them with a family member, friend, or co-worker...anyone that is struggling to start or maintain their own journey.

It's my prayer that something that I've experienced over my journey will help you on your journey toward better health.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It!!!"

Travel Time - How do you handle your journey while travelling?

It's that time of year where many of us have either travelled already or are planning future personal/business trips.  Question - how do you handle your journey while travelling? Do you stay on your journey or do you truly enjoy the trip and get back on your journey when you return? Do you fit in time to exercise?

I recently travelled out of town and had to really strive to stay focused on my journey. The food temptations from the Chicagoland area were great. No matter where I turned, there was food around me, and not the healthiest of choices. There were pizza, fries, pies, ice cream, fast food restaurants, and some of my favorite sit-down restaurants. Wow...what a temptation I faced!!!

I was still able to squeeze in some time to exercise but I tell you, it was a chore. I even gained about 3 pounds by eating my favorite foods. Not to fear...I will get those pounds off soon. I won't let them take me off course.

Here are some tips from the "588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME" book that might help you on your next vacation or trip.

"Often times when we travel, we tend to eat at many fast food places and high scaled restaurants that we’ve been dying to try. Since we are not back there in the kitchen preparing our own meals and monitoring its ingredients, we have to rely on all of the knowledge and expertise that we’ve learned up to this point."

"When you are in the process of booking your hotel reservation, look at the hotel’s website or ask the reservation specialist if the hotel has a fitness center located either in the hotel or nearby. You can inquire as to what type of equipment they have or how many machines they have at their facility. Some hotels only have 1 treadmill and a couple of free weights. On the other hand, some may have several treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes, free weights, and workbenches.  Either way, you should have enough equipment to get in some type of workout while you are on your trip."

YOU Can do this!!! Take your journey with you...You won't regret it!

Remember...YOU Are Worth It!

Peace,

Sister Lorraine

To order your copy of the "588 Days!" book, go to www.findtimeforyou.com.

Stop Teasing Me - Have you been teased about your weight?

How many of us have been teased, at one point in time, about our weight? Maybe it was a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or even a stranger. How did that make you feel? Do people realize what impact their words have on those that they tease?

What has been your experience? Have you been teased? How did that make you feel?



Here is a quote from my book, "588 Days! - Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME"

"How many of us have been told we are fat, overweight, large, thick, big boned, or other names that aren’t flattering? Maybe it was our friends from school that called us names or made references to our weight; maybe it was our mother, father, brother or sister; maybe it was our boyfriend or someone that we really liked; maybe it was our husband or our best friend. Regardless of who it was that made the comments…it probably hurt our feelings, didn’t it?

You may not admit that it hurt your feelings but you probably have given these negative comments some thought at one point and time. Maybe these thoughts have caused you to become quiet and reserved when you are around others. Maybe you’ve masked your feelings by telling jokes about yourself before others tell jokes about you. Maybe you’ve bought in to the theme that “big is beautiful” or that “men like some meat on their woman’s bones”.  For many people, they have turned to one of the loves of their lives for comfort in these situations….food!"

Take care of YOU and don't let people's words about you damage your self-esteem and confidence. At the same time, find time for YOU. Get up, take care of yourself, focus on your health, and make all of those that have teased you eat their words!!! Prove them wrong and show them that you are more than what they perceive of you.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...NO Excuses!!!"

www.findtimeforyou.com

Video for 588 Days! - How to lose weight the healthy way

Want to know more about the 588 Days! program and how you can lose weight in a healthy manner? Watch this video and get started today!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbGOm26tXsA

Visit http://www.findtimeforyou.com/ TODAY and get started right now!!!

Why do I eat the way that I do?

Root Cause-I had an epiphany that many do on their journey. It's about facing your thoughts/fears/emotions/feeling in order to get to the root cause of your circumstance.

Without facing your situation, you are bound to repeat your habits & tools for coping. So many of us turn to food to help us cope but look at where we are now. Did you think that you would have gained all of this "extra" weight?

Figure out how to not turn back to your old habits of coping. Find a new, healthier way!

NO Excuses in 2011!!!

No excuses in 2011!! As Kat Williams said, "You've got to get in touch with your STAR player (YOU)!" Set your goals, ask for help, believe in yourself, pray to God for support, strength and encouragement, and JUST DO IT!

588 Days! - Why did I write the book?

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH (GOD) THE BENEFICIENT, THE MERCIFUL.

I believe in the Golden Rule that says, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you!” Another similar saying that has been taught to me via The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is, “You should want for your Brother or Sister what you want for yourself!”

I did not write this book out of vanity or the pursuit of fame and fortune. Quite the contrary! My goal for writing this book is to inspire women, mothers, youth, or anyone else that is embarking, or wishes to embark, on their own journey towards better health and weight.

I am by no means a professional trainer or one that has a degree in medicine but what I do have is faith, a strong will, dedication, and personal experience on my side.

We all need help and support in finding ourselves and becoming healthier. Consider me as that friend or sister that is here to help you, not to hinder you. I will be that friend we all need that will tell you the truth about yourselves and what you are going through. I’m not here to sugar coat the details and aspects of a health/weight loss journey. I am here to share my experiences and help you with your own personal journey.

Throughout this book, I will help you to face your fears, deal with your present and past, challenge you to take it to the next level, and praise you for your successes. Additionally, I will give you a glimpse into my life and share with you my joys, pains, sorrows, triumphs, challenges, and rewards.

Come on and get ready for some “tough” love. We are about to commence the journey of a lifetime. Are you ready to meet the New YOU?

          Your Sister,

          Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad

http://www.findtimeforyou.com/