Body

Psychological Hurdles preventing weight loss + 5 tips to beat them!

June 23, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Look Good, Stay Motivated

Hey sis! I hope that things are going well in your life, and that with it being halfway through the year, you are halfway to your goals. Even if you are not, it is never too late to start. One of the toughest things about making a lifestyle change, when it comes to dieting and weight loss especially, is the psychological part. I mean, just think about it, who doesn’t know that they are supposed to eat vegetables (besides your standard 2 year old of course)? So there has to be something else at play here, and that something else is psychological hurdles. What are Psychological hurdles? Okay, I see you, asking all the right questions. Psychological hurdles are the non physical factors that are stopping you...

diet Mental Health

5 Mediterranean Recipes, I’m going to try and I think you should too!

June 16, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Fitness Guide, Look Good, Stay Motivated

Hey Sis! While I was spending time scouring the internet for new ideas and topics to write about during the pandemic, I found something interesting. Since we are at home, this not the perfect time to spice up your dinner and try something new? I knew you would agree, so today I have listed 5 Keto-Friendly Mediterranean recipes that I tried this month, and I think you should too. Mediterranean food? Yes, Mediterranean food is the cuisine style of people from countries along the Mediterranean. Places like Greece, Turkey, Israel and Morocco are just a couple on the long list. Their diet consists of a lot of healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh fruits and veggies making it easy include for those of us on the keto...

keto

A Novel Concept

June 2, 2020

Body

I’m still trying to process how the guidance went from basic germ prevention practices and stay at home when you’re feeling ill TO mandatory social distancing and stay-at-home orders. 2020 hasn’t exactly been a red-letter year, but I never imagined that a global pandemic would be on the docket for the new decade. The first few weeks of quarantine were pretty good. I was given the opportunity to telework. My commute was completely eliminated. And, all dress code restrictions had been lifted. My gas tank and my bank account were nowhere near empty. I was cooking more, and eating out less. As a self-proclaimed germaphobe, I welcomed the idea of being “safe-at-home”. I enjoyed my remote life and all of the perks that came with it....

Time to Morph with Lauren Keir Wellness

May 27, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Fitness Guide, Look Good, Stay Motivated

Our BGH Partner spotlight is shining bright on Dr. Lauren Keir Simmons, EdD. Dr. Simmons is a New Orleans native who moved to DC at age 19 to attend Howard University. She has an undergraduate degree in Human Growth and Development, a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and an EdD in Child, Youth & Adolescence from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Lauren is no stranger to academic or professional success and is constantly excelling in all endeavors. So a certain level of stress is expected when you have that kind of drive. But when her physical health started to change, she knew something wasn’t quite right. Dr. Simmons started experiencing severe migraines, blood pressure spikes, and unexplained and uncontrolled weight gain. Lifestyle changes and working with her health...

How To Be Your Own Financial Support System and Practice Self-Care During A Crisis

May 21, 2020

Body, Stay Motivated

The crisis of COVID-19 has taught everyone how to be more self-sufficient because people are isolated from others and in many ways have had to become their own support systems. It’s important to be reflective of this unprecedented time to take these experiences and turn them into learning moments. Finances are a major cause of stress for Americans; with women, single parents, and those living in lower-income households reporting higher levels of stress due to money. Take time during self-isolation to learn to be your own financial support system and take control of your finances. Map out your financial goals: Take some extra free time to map out your financial goals for the near future. Everyone’s situation is unique but here are some common financial strains that...

From Fighting Emotional Trauma to Healing and Becoming A Relationship Expert – Meet Montrella Cowan, MSW, LICSW

May 12, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Stay Motivated

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Montrella Cowan, MSW, LICSW who is the founding CEO of Affinity Health Affairs and International bestselling author is a personal trauma and relationship expert. She has spent her career helping men and women heal from personal trauma as a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and Life Coach. Montrella decided to start her business because of the dire need in our society for Black, culturally-competent mental health professionals who are psychotherapists. Right now more approximately 87% of psychotherapists are Caucasian - leaving all other practitioners of color to make up only 13%. There are also fewer Black therapists. At Affinity Health Affairs, in her practice, she offers a holistic and practical approach, where she gives her clients tips and tools that can...

How Her Battle with an Autoimmune Disorder Pushed Her to Become a Powerhouse – Meet Lauren Wells

May 5, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Fight Disease

Have you ever received a diagnosis that you weren’t sure how to tackle? Have you experienced health issues that impacted your outer appearance and overall self-esteem? Have you lost your spark and felt drained emotionally, physically, and spiritually? At one point, Lauren Wells responded to say ‘yes’ to all of the above. She was suffering from an autoimmune disorder and had constant battles with her health. Fitness and wellness were here saving graces during some of the darkest moments of her life. Over the past 7 years, she has coupled her journey with extensive study in holistic health to assist Black women on their journey to achieve optimal health and longevity. Lauren, or LC, is the CEO & Founder of LC Fits You! She provides holistic and realistic...

How to Better Yourself During Self-Isolation

April 30, 2020

Body, Stay Motivated

Another month of quarantine can be worrisome for many, especially if you’re not taking care of yourself during it. It can be easy to forget about your mental and physical health when it seems like everyone is struggling with their new normal. However, spending hours quarantined by yourself or even with others can have an effect on your well-being, which is why you should use this time to better yourself and your life during self-isolation. If you’re not sure how to improve, not just your day-to-day but yourself then follow these 5 tips. Pay Attention to Your Health Even if you’re not feeling any symptoms that have you worried, you should always take care of your health. Taking care of your bodies throughout quarantine will only provide you...

Changing the Trajectory of Black Women’s Health through Holistic Wellness with Erica Woods

April 22, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Get Fit

As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Erica runs fitness classes and offers one-on-one training sessions. In addition, over the past 4 years, Erica Woods has taught empowered women and young girls with life skills by organizing grant-funded health conferences in the DMV, reaching over 200 participants. She addresses a wide array of topics such as financial literacy, mental health, goal setting, and relationship building. Her passion for health and fitness with the intent to help women and young girls live a holistic lifestyle stems from a doctor finding a cyst in her breast. After six months of monitoring its growth, they decided to remove it for precaution. In 2019, Erica established SPN Fitness, LLC in an effort to redefine what it means to live...

Amateur Boxer Turn Certified Personal Trainer and Medical Exercise Specialist Marita Martina Gumbs

April 8, 2020

Body, Fight Disease, Fitness Guide, Look Good

Competing as an amateur boxer, Marita Martina Gumbs knew that in 2010, she wanted to become a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer. Since her early twenties, her desire has been to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle. More than just gaining muscle or losing weight, she acknowledges that "playing ball with my kids, going on long walking tours to explore a new city, embarking on adventurous excursions while on vacation, and waking up in the morning with the energy to seize the day and give her best" is what fuels her and brings her joy. In 2017, Marita became certified through the Medical Exercise Training Institute (METI) (a part of the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals) as a Medical...