Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Negative Effects of Obesity on Your Health and Your Life

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I found this on the Facebook page, Black Women "Do" Workout, and it puts everything into perspective. Obesity is real ladies, and unfortunately it is spreading through our communities like wild fire. We must learn to take our health seriously. This is not to poke fun at anyone, but the list below is to let you know that this is the reality of being severely overweight or obese. Focus on the keys to good health:  A proper & nutritious diet, exercise, and a positive attitude.



Can you think of any others?


Photo Credit:
www.ThedailyTweight.com

Tip of the Week

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Here is the tip of the week:






Poster:
teambeachbody.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

The Big Chop Hairspiration


Afraid to do the Big Chop? Here is Hair Inspiration & Style Ideas!


 

 



 

 

 

 



Photo credit:
Gofro.tumblr.com
curlynikki.com
goo.gl
blackwomennaturalhairstyles.com
forum.blackhairmedia.com
fbcdn-sphotos.a.aka,ha.net
24.media.tumblr.com

The Big Chop Diva

Be Fearless. Go Natural.


Hello Beautiful Ones,


So you decided to do the Big Chop? You did not want to undergo the long "grow-out" transitioning period and are you having trouble managing your new TWA (teenie-weenie afro)?

Here are a few tips to consider:

  1. Establish a Healthy Hair Regimen. Just because your hair is short does not mean you should not put just as much care into it as when it was long and/or relaxed.
    • I recommend these TWA basics:
      • Sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash weekly,
      • A good moisturizing conditioner for weekly deep conditioning treatments
      • Leave-in conditioner
      • A  moisturizer and sealant (A butter or  an oil)
      • A good styler
      • A wide tooth comb and denman brush
      • A Spray Bottle
    • Massage scalp. Scalp massages can to stimulate hair grow. Try an oil like coconut or jojoba oil and lace with essential oils like rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil.
  2. Let your grow freely at first to learn your curl pattern. Hair care should come before styling. I would recommend try coils or twists to jump-start curl definition. It may not grow in the same curl pattern. You have to train your curls.
  3. Add Cute Hair Accessories to add flair to your new "do". A a cute headband, cute combs and clips, a  flower, or jeweled adornments. You can always wear nice makeup and put on a cute pair of earrings.
  4. Stay Encouraged. Hair does not grow over night. Unfortunately there is no magical or miracle product to grow hair quickly. Develop a healthy hair regimen, drinks lots of water, eat healthy, keep your hair clean and moisturized, and protect your ends.

What transitioning challenges have you encountered? Please share.
 Stay encouraged on this journey!

 Luv,


Hair Kitty Kitty



Photo Credit:

More Tips to a Flatter Stomach

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Desire a flatter tummy? Check out these helpful tips:






  1. Plank
  2. Enrich diet with fiber
  3. Don't just isolate your stomach when exercising
  4. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily
  5. Climb stairs
  6. Don't starve yourself
  7. Do crunches on a fitness ball
  8. Reduce salt intake
  9. Try Pilates, Yoga or both
  10. Swim
  11. Burn more fat via HIIT: High Intensity Interval Training
  12. Stay Inspired

Bonus:

Try these "Gut-Busting" Exercises to Strengthen Lower Abdomen Muscles
Pinned Image

I hope this information helps.

Good Luck on your fitness journey!

*Always consult a physician when starting a new fitness plan

Luv,


Hair Kitty Kitty



Photo Credit:
Ciara: vwbeezy.tumblr.com
Lower stomach exercises: a-fitspirational-blonde.tumblr.com

Sitting is Killing You

Negative Effects of Too Much Sitting


Hello Beautiful Ones,

With the rise of obesity, heart disease, and hypertension, all of which can stem from lack of exercise and improper diets, it is important to get out of chairs and engage in physical activity. As technology advances- computers, flat screens TVS, 3D movies, we are doing more sitting than exercising.  View this illustration below to show ways too much sitting can lead to certain health risk:


*Always consult a physician when starting a new fitness plan


  
http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/sitting-kills/

Thursday, May 24, 2012

June & July will be Hair Kitty Kitty Reader Appreciation Months

Great  Product Giveaways


Hello Beautiful Ones,
I would like to first thank each and every one of you for reading my blog and being motivated by the content. I blog to encourage others to take care of themselves from head to toe; inside and out. Everything I post is done with sincerity and love and I want to thank you for believing in me and this project.

June
1.    Submit your BEST photo of your Protective Style (Braids, twists, Braided/Twisted Updo, Bun…)
&
Receive a FREE 3-piece starter kit of the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Collection*

Monoi Line: Start Repairing Now: This Startup Kit Has Everything You Need To Prevent Breakage By 96%. Plus, After 1 Use, You'll Have Stronger, Longer Hair.
This Set Contains:
Monoi Repairing Shampoo, 2 fl oz
Monoi Repairing Conditioner, 2 fl oz
Monoi Repairing Hair Mask, 2 oz
 TIP: Only use a dime-size amount when applying products. Instructions and ingredients are listed online and on packaging.

2.    Submit your BEST Photo of your Natural Straighten Hair (Before and After Photo of Hair Press)

&

Receive a FREE 3-piece starter kit of Carol’s Daughter Chocolät Smoothing Collection*

Chocolät Smoothing Collection:  Stay Impossibly Smooth With 70% Less Frizz and Up To 72 Hours With This Startup Kit!

This Set Contains:
Chocolät Smoothing Shampoo, 2 fl oz
Chocolät Smoothing Conditioner, 2 fl oz
Chocolät Smoothing Blow Dry Cream, 1.5 fl oz
 TIP: Only use a dime-size amount when applying products. Instructions and ingredients are listed online and on packaging.

What I love most about Carol’s Daughters products are that they include: No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors. They are great quality products.
*Prizes include free shipping in the continental United States. All products are brand-new, unopened, and unused.
Rules &Requirements:
·   Follow my blog by becoming an official member of my site, Hair Kitty Kitty.
·   Follow me on Twitter: @hairkittykitty
·   Email your photo to luvhairkittykitty@gmail.com by June 30th; 11:59 p.m. EST.
·   With photo submission, give a short paragraph on you what you like about Hair Kitty, what you would like to see (future topics, any improvements, etc.), and what is your favorite blog post. Please be honest, descriptive, and creative. 2-5 sentences would be great!
You must meet all requirements to be considered. One photo per entry. Only one photo will be selected as the winning photo and the winner’s photo will be posted on Hair Kitty Kitty on Thursday, July 19, 2012. Winner will be contacted by email on Sunday, July 15, 2012 by 7:00 p.m. and will be asked for shipping info. You will have until Wednesday, July 18th  by 2:00p.m. EST to reply to receive gift and free shipping.
 Photos of the entries not chosen will be discarded and not used for any purpose.

START SUBMITTING PHOTOS NOW: luvhairkittykitty@gmail.com

Please make subject: Product Giveaway Protective Styler (to win first prize)
or Product Giveaway Straight Styler (to win second prize)

Details of the July Promotion will be given in June!

Luv,
Hair Kitty Kitty
Product Info & Photo Credit:
http://www.carolsdaughter.com/

Healthy Delights

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Who said eating healthy has to be boring? You do not have to eat the same foods every week. Switch it up. Tap into your creative side and slim down by cooking delicious, healthy meals.
Recipe of the Week:
Herbed Broccoli & Shrimp Omelet
Prep: 20 Minutes       Cook: 20 Minutes    Makes: 2 Servings

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 dried marjoram
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped, cooked broccoli
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/8 tsp Garlic powder
  • 10 uncooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined

  1. Season shrimp with garlic powder and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, saute shrimp in hot oil using medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove and keep warm.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with salt, marjoram, and pepper.
  3. Add eggs and broccoli to skillet. Cook until nearly set lifting up cooked edges to let uncooked egg flow underneath.
  4. Quickly spoon shrimp onto half on the omelet and fold.
  5. Flip omelet,; cook until golden brown. Halve and divide between 2 plates. (Or make 2 omelets; fold each in half, then flip to finish cooking). Sprinkle with parsley.
Each serving: 350 cal, 7 g carbs, 30 g protein, 19 g fat, 370 mg chol, 760 mg sodium, 3 g fiber


*Can eat with whole wheat/ whole grain toast and fruit (changes the nutritional values).
*Recipe and photo credit: dashrecipes.com

A Guide to Running: Adaptation

Journey to the 2012 AJC Peachtree Road Race



Hello Beautiful Ones,


Training for a 5k or 10k is obviously challenging. The key is getting your body used to running, or adapting. To maintain the adaptations, you must regularly exercise (about every 2-3 days). Waiting any longer, will cause a slight loss in the muscle adaptations you have worked so hard to develop, each day. The longer you wait beyond 3 days, the harder it will be to start up again. In between running, strength train to tone and strength muscles to increase speed and endurance.

Avoid what Jeff Galloway, calls “junk miles”. This is where beginners try to “sneak in” extra miles. This is not necessary and certainly not beneficial, because you may be overworking your muscles and not allowing time for them to recover. In general, train hard, but allow your muscles to recover properly.




Week Three (Beginners):

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
32-38
Minutes of Walk/Run Intervals
Alternate:
Speed Walk  13-15 minutes
Lightly Jog:
3-4 minutes

·  ABS Workout
10 Minute Cardio Warm-Up

Lower Body Strength Training
Workout:
Quads, Glutes, Calves and/or Hamstrings
34-36
Minutes of Walk/Run Intervals
Alternate:
Speed Walk  12 minutes
Jog:
5-6 minutes

·  ABS Workout
Off
34-36
Minutes of Walk/Run Intervals
Alternate:
Speed Walk  12 minutes
Jog:
5-6 minutes

·  ABS Workout
10 Minute Cardio Warm-Up

Upper Body Strength Training
Workout:

Biceps, Triceps, Shoulders, and Abs


Off


View Week 1: http://luvhairkittykitty.blogspot.com/2012/05/runners-chronicles.html
View Week 2: http://luvhairkittykitty.blogspot.com/2012/05/guide-to-running.html



Good luck on your journey to optimal health!


Luv,



Hair Kitty Kitty


Reference:
Galloway, Jeff and Barbara, Women's Complete Guide to Running, (Oxford: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd., 2007).

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Tip of the Week

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Here is the tip of the week:

Keep It Simple, Sexy: Cleanse > Cowashing


 



Keep It Simple, Sexy
Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Now that we have discussed Step 1 and Step 2, I would like to discuss the third step, Cleansing. This is a very important step of the K.I.S.S. Method. The goal is to remove dirt and product build-up. The goal is for your hair not to feel stripped- maintain natural oils.

In this post, I will discuss only Co-washing for those who prefer this cleansing method over shampooing.

Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo (Optional)

Cleanse Hair >>>Co-wash (optional)

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair


Co-washing is another name for conditioner washing. This is a hair washing method that skips the shampoo stage. Your hair is cleansed with conditioner instead of shampoo. Most women prefer to co-wash because it provides an easier comb-through because it is a moisture-boosting washing method.. It also helps maintain your natural oils. Unlike some shampoos, co-washing reduces the negative effects on hair that harsh sulfate-based shampoos can cause.

Since I workout daily, co-washing is a great way for me to cleanse my hair that will not cause dryness or a tight-scalp feeling. I mainly co-wash in the shower to remove dirt, sweat, and product build-up. Afterwards, My hair feels soft and moisturized and it makes styling easier. Under time constraints, I co-wash when I don't have time to do the entire K.I.S.S. Method.

You can co-wash if your hair is relaxed or natural, although it is mainly used in the natural hair community. Most naturals prefer this gentle cleansing method because natural hair tends to be dry and requires moisture constantly.

Using this method, the hair is simply washed with warm water using a gentle, light-weight conditioner.  Most conditioners on the shelf include gentle cleansers in their formula. Conditioners of this type will do deposit heavy films on the hair strand and  will remove dirt easier. You can co-wash effectively for long periods of time as long as your moisturizers and oils remain light to moderate in use.

The main obstacle in co-washing is managing product buildup on the hair strand. Since there is no shampoo being used, weekly products, especially those containing heavy oils, will build up on the hair strand. If this happens, the hair strand may refuse moisture. This can lead to hair breakage. I recommend using a clarifying shampoo occasionally, at least once per month and the other three weeks in the month you can follow a shampoo free regimen to manage issues with product build up from only co-washing.

Next week I will discuss Part 2 of the Cleansing phase... Shampooing.

I hope this information helps.

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Reference:
Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care, ( Stafford, Texas: Saja Publishing Company, LLC, 2011).

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Sexy Cleavage Workout

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Summer is right around the corner and a lot of us will be wearing our sheer tops, halter tops, and overall cleavage enhancing tops.

Here is a quick workout you can do to keep your chest muscles underneath your breast toned. Give your "girls" a perky look!


These workouts are designed where you can do the exercises at home without much equipment.
*The workout includes toning your abs also. Consult a physician before starting a fitness program


Sexy Cleavage Workout
  • 20 Incline Push ups
  • 60-second Plank
  • 20 Dumbbell Press on a Fitness Ball
  • 20-40 Torso Twists
  • 30 Push ups (modified acceptable)
  • 20 Seated Chest Flys w/ 10-15 lbs Dumbbells
  • 20 Chest Crossovers w/ Resistance Bands
  • 20 Leg Lifts (abs)
  • 20 Dumbbell Press on a Fitness Ball
  • 60-second Plank
  • 20 Chest Squeezes
  • 20 Alternating Floor Press with dumbbells



Examples of chest exercises




Example of Chest Squeeze:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CReZF4-PjO0&feature=player_embedded


It is all about toning, strengthening, and building up your chest muscles- this will give your breast a nice boost.

Also, check out Killer Buns, Killer Legs, and Killer Abs. You can take workouts from each and customize your own workout

Monday, May 21, 2012

Transitioning Styles

Hairstyle Ideas for Transitioning Beauties


Bantu Knot-Out



The two pictures above: curlynikki.com


Coil Out
blackwomennaturalhairstyles.com

Flat Twist/Braided Updo

Blackgirllonghair.com

natreview.com

Twist Out



Three photos above: curlynikki.com
 Braid Out
gofro.tumblr.com
kisforkinky.com


naturalhairtutorials.com

Roller-set/Rod Set
Curlynikki.com

teendiariesonline.com

Bun

 blackgirllonghair.com

What is your favorite hairstyle?


I hope these photos help.

Good Luck on your Natural Hair Journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty