• Diamond Peel worth P1,200 – This innovative non-chemical exfoliation treatment corrects the signs of aging and sun damaged skin with no downtime at all. It also helps in the improvement of acne scars and stretch marks. For optimal results, a series of treatments is advised. It is a safe and therapeutic approach to skin care when done in combination with other facial treatments.
• eMax Skin Rejuvenation worth P3,500 for face – uses combined energies for effective and gentle restoration & rejuvenation of skin appearance
• Body Scrub with Bleach plus Massage worth P1,400 – A 2-hour relaxing body treatment for softer, smoother and lighter skin. A rich sea salt is blended with the finest oils that has exfoliating properties and is used to remove dead and unwanted skin. A bleaching agent is then applied all over the body.
• Reshape worth P4,000 for abdomen/butt and thighs – employs cutting edge RF technology to heat the inner layer of skin to achieve a Total Body Reshaping and sculpting. This revolutionary heat wave therapy will improve your body contour and skin texture to give you that toned, firm look without aggressive exercise or dieting.

That’s a total of P10,000 worth of facial and body treatments!

I definitely want all of that!!! Wouldn’t you? If so, join here!!!

Seriously, I think that making little changes, such as walking more, will really start to make a difference in my life, or at least I’m hoping. Perhaps something to make it easier for me is if I had a product like the new Skechers Shape Ups, which is described as “a unique trainer which optimizes exercise by simulating the effects of barefoot walking”. These shoes reportedly aim to promote weight loss, improve muscle tone and posture, as well as get in shape by simply walking in them. While others may argue that walking alone can equate to weight loss, these shoes are designed specially to simulate the natural movements of barefoot walking thus utilizing the full natural movement of feet, which allows for more muscles to work, thus giving you a built-in workout.

I definitely wanna see if this will make a difference in my weight loss regimen.

Suggested retail price: Php 4,590. Available in Skechers Trinoma, Robinsons Place Manila, Market! Market!, Glorietta 5, Festival Mall.

Take two.

I need to make real changes in my life. What better way to start than physically. I remember when I read the book Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert, part of her journey to nurturing body and soul was taking time out to eat. I’ve done that…a little bit too much I have to admit! After going through a dark night of the soul, a beautiful term I’ve embraced since going through a period of depression some time ago, I went overboard in caring so much for what I want that I forgot to take things easy. So here I am, so many pounds more than I should be. So I am taking the first step in getting back in gear.

Siiiiiigh….I know it’s not gonna be an easy journey but like my friend told me, it needs some internalizing. So I am tapping into my inner motivation reservoir and saying I will make this work.

I have decided to take it slow, however, mainly because I can’t afford to buy Xenical or Reductil or any of those diet pills in the market (hint hint to med reps and researchers…need a sample for a study, I’ll volunteer!!!). For now, I am committing to doing the following in an attempt to lose at least 10 pounds by the time the first term of classes end:

1. I will not park closest to the entrance anymore. Not a big step, but one towards the right direction, I think. By parking farther from the entrance, I guess I’ll be forced to walk.

2. Increase the pace of my typical walk. I think I walk too slow nowadays. I guess it’s an offshoot to having a heavier butt harhar!!! Seriously though, when I was very huge years ago, I never realized how heavy it was to lug around my weight. But when I lost a huge chunk of it then gained some back, I realized that it is indeed a heavy load to carry. So now I will try to walk at a quicker pace, after all, they say that exercise can be done in bursts, right? So walking to and from class at a quicker pace should be a good start.

3. No more softdrinks, even diet sodas. This is one thing I really became lax about after losing weight. After a carbonated drink fast for two years, I started having it on occasion then now it’s back to almost everyday…and every meal. Enough of that!!! Now iced tea…well….limit will do!

4. One cup of rice a day for now. When I first lost a lot of weight, I completely swore off rice. As in 100%. Pasta too. I’m probably not ready for this at this point, so 1 cup at lunch time and thats it.

5. Stock up on chicken, fish and veggies. I will limit pork and beef intake for now. During my rice-less days, I also went almost 100% vegetarian. Maybe by October I will explore this again, but for now, chicken and fish stay!

6. Walk with Bubba at least once around the village park as much as possible. Given that it’s the rainy season, it would be difficult to commit completely to this. In lieu of walking, half an hour of hula-hooping should suffice.

7. Sweets and treats in strict moderation. I’ve tried to give this up, but everytime I deprive myself I end up indulging. So I will honor the urge when it comes, but only enough to give it a taste. No more pints-of-ice-cream-in-one-sitting or giant slices of cake.

8. Monitor the numbers. Much as I am inspired by iMom and her fitness project, I am not yet comfortable writing those numbers in my blog. It’s going on my calendar though

That’s it for now, I suppose. Wish me luck!

However, today breaches the sixth month mark of the year and I have yet to fulfill these plans. To be fair, I have done a lot of other things that were not in my original plans. While I am grateful for all the extra blessings that have come my way, I have to admit living life to the fullest can be a challenge.

However, despite the difficulties and trials that may come my way, I am making a conscious attempt to be well. This is my attempt at holistic wellness. Come join me as I journey through days as I nurture my body, soul and spirit.