Vegan for 30 Days (Pros & Cons)

In case you missed the memo, or perhaps I haven't expressed it enough on this here site, I have a vlog on YouTube under the name "AskHeatherG."  Well, I have started a challenge to go vegan for 30 days and I am chronicling it there and I would love for you to join me on this journey (click video below).  I am currently on Day 7 so there are somethings I can help you with to make your transition seamless.  Make sure you Subscribe to my YouTube to get all the info. 

In the meantime, here are some pros and cons I have experienced since letting go of meat, dairy, starch and sugar (yes I know, that's more than what's required of a vegan, but hey).  Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first.

Cons:
1. Fatigue- In Days 2 and 3, I was so sleepy I could barely make it home in the evenings.  I found myself nodding off at the red lights while driving home, so make sure you are able to get plenty of rest in the beginning. 
2. White Tongue- Gross, I know.  I have been experiencing some thrush on my tongue. This is normal since my body is ridding itself of candida/ toxins.  Still, not a pretty picture.  Tongue scraper maybe necessary.
3. Headaches- Well, I expected this one.  Since I am not taking in too much sugar, I have limited the amount of caffeine I drink since I like my coffee to be dessert-like.  Therefore, my body is going through withdrawals.  Only true remedy for this is more rest.

On the brighter side, I have been experiencing benefits too.

Pros:
1. More Energy-  Yes, I know I said I was fatigue, but that was in the first couple days.  I am starting to gain more energy now, which is huge for someone who usually needs a solid eight hour sleep.
2. Brighter Skin- It is a very slight change, but nonetheless, a good one.  I am feeling like my skin is smoother on my face and definitely more supple.
3. Clear Head-  I can think clearly without that brain fog we get mid-day.
4. Great Smelling Skin- So, I will do a video on this (promise), but I stopped using deodorant 2 months ago and I am telling the honest to goodness truth, my armpits actually are beginning to smell sweet... like "yum" sweet... and no, I am not in denial because I actually have randoms do a "sniff test" from time to time to verify my findings. LOL.. Weird? I know!

So there you have have it.  Make sure you check my YouTube for more updates and tips as we venture through this together.  I hope I have helped someone who may have been on the fence about starting this new lifestyle.  It is well worth a good go at it.

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How I Travel:: You Can Afford to Do the Same

I was reading a post on a fellow bloggers' site when I realized, "hey, that's my lifestyle," meaning, I live a somewhat unpredictable existence.  I say "somewhat" because I intentionally designed my life to look this way.  I have absolutely nothing against anyone who enjoys working a 9 to 5, but saving for 12 months to take a week's vacation is not my idea of living.   Take someone who wants to spend their entire check to pay for the latest hot rod, is that really necessary?  Don't get me wrong, I want to get the latest hot car myself (so tempting), however, I don't choose that lifestyle currently because I feel that living life is much more than the things we acquire.  Buying stuff doesn't equal happiness; maybe in that moment, yes; but how many time have you bought something, let's say a car, and months after you have it, the exhilaration you felt in the beginning turns to anxiety when you realize you have to work overtime to pay for it? Cut down on the things that do not matter so you can spend on the things that you love the most. Sometimes, the things we acquire are actually a deterrent from us living the life we want, but they appeal to you because in some twisted way they make you feel validated.  

So again, not to bash anyone's traditional work life, but to those whom are curious as to how I move and travel as much as I do, or to those who are trying to figure out a way to do the same, here's what I'd suggest (in no particular order).

First of all, downsize.  Letting go of excess possessions doesn't mean you cannot have nice things, it simply means you own "quality over quantity."  This makes it easy to move about.  It means less you have to care for and it keeps things minimal.

Secondly, figure out a way to make an income without having to report to a physical location.  So for me, I blog and constantly work on my YouTube channel, both of which produces income for me.  In addition, I get endorsements from my social media platforms, check me out (http://instagram.com.Askheatherg).  When I want, I will sometimes take a job and use that income to add to my "investments" (even my investments are nontraditional). I know this entire concept may sound daunting, but if you really want to live a life that affords you more opportunities to travel or save, you will figure this one out. Start with googling "alternative ways to make money."

Lastly, change your mindset.  Understand that this is possible for anyone to design the life they want.  Living a life of abundance is about doing what you want, when you want. 

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Naked by New Year: The Journey

As promised, I wanted to take the time to document my journey through Naked by New Year, my 90-day challenge to my friends, family, and followers, which challenged those who took the journey with me to whip their bodies into shape before 2015 instead of waiting to make a typical, result-less resolution after the new year has begun. As a result, not only did I get a great jump start on an improved version of myself, but I started seeing other women (mostly) transform before my eyes as we all posted to Instagram and Facebook with hashtag #nakedbynewyear.  This journey was about more than being physically fit, it was about discipline, mindset, and overall growth.  So here are some of my results:

I lost a little over 8 lbs.  I started at 132.6 lbs. and ended at 124.2 lbs.  My starting goal was to lean out and drop some of the excess fat on my body.  Those 8 pounds have made all the difference in the way I feel and look.  My arms have slimmed down by and 1.5" and my stomach is flatter than it has ever been.  I still have some cellulite to shed, but that will happen in the next phase of detoxification.

Here is what I did on my journey:  When I began, I went extreme in the gym. I went every single day for the first 21 days and I was weight training, in addition to cardio workouts.  The reason this was important to my program is that I had to give myself something to look forward to, some results.  Sometimes it is hard for us to be consistent in improving ourselves when we see no reward, so I made it a point to give myself something to look forward to.  Within 7 days, I was already seeing some weight loss and I was getting stronger.  By week two, I was doing 25 modified push-ups with no problem and the third week I was onto regular push-ups.  Progress.

Also, I modified my meals.  I was drinking anywhere from 3 litres to 1 gallon of water daily.  This is the single most convenient and easy way to help flush your body of toxins.  As some of you may have seen in my previous post, Choose Herbalife, I started consuming Herbalife shakes too.  I took those consistently once or twice a day for the first 2 months and then switched to a low carb breakfast (2 boiled eggs, tomatoes, and avocado) during my third month, December 2014.  FYI,  I started back on Herbalife shakes for January and will most likely alternate the shakes and a low carb breakfast each month from here on out. 

Lastly, I have been staying more active in daily activities.  For example, I will walk a couple laps through my neighborhood when I go out to check the mail.  I also walk to a lot more places like the post office or grocery store.  Anything that will get my heart rate up.

The regimen definitely means putting in work so don't think I am saying it is easy, but the fornula is simple.  Just stay with it!

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Staying Positive When You're Feeling a Struggle

Geez, the title sums it up.  I have been feeling a little down for the last couple days and honestly, I am not quite sure why.  The weather is getting colder and I am definitely not a winter person, but I am not convinced that's the reason for this dull ache between my eyes and lowered feeling of ambition.  I realize, all I can do is work towards a better feeling and I figured I'd share this concept because I am not the first person to preach feeling good and being joyful; but we all have "off" days.  The question is, what can you do to make it better, more positive? 

Earlier I mentioned working towards a better feeling.  Let me explain, when you are sad, or mad, or feeling spiteful; it is not always reasonable to turn these emotions off just like that, but what you can do is step into the feeling that's a little better than the one you're having at that moment.  For example, I was listening to a woman on talk radio and she explained how she got out of her depression after her mate of 10 years left her.  She simply started making herself feel a little better by thinking, "he's leaving me, but not for someone else."  Now, some may not see much progress there, but if she took one step out of depression or shame and another into say, apathy, well that's a better feeling and the next step will be better feeling than the last until she gets back to "joy." Sometimes you cannot immediately leap from sadness to joy.  In fact, sometimes, we don't even know why we are in sorrow to begin with, but all we can do is take one step at a time into better feeling places.  Feeling angry, well, move your feeling to pride, then courage, then... well you get the point.  All of these emotions come from the energy we emit and in return, gives us a feeling that matches the energy we are amplifying. Sitting at my desk, writing this entry is helping me to move from neutrality to reason and love merely off of the idea of helping people who are feeling like me, blah.

Remember, being positive does not mean being the happiest person in the room, but what it does mean is that you will work to find positive and expansive thoughts to help lift you back up when you have fallen down.  If that means going to see your niece because she makes you smile, or calling your grandfather because you know he has something clever to say... do it.  Being positive means creating positivity even in the face of adversity, one feeling at a time.

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Naked By New Year: Exercise

What's this talk about being naked... well, let me explain! I have taken on a challenge, one that will test me both mentally and physically.  It is a 90 Day Challenge, meaning I will finish up right around the New Year.  What's the challenge you ask; getting in the best shape of my life! What is it that you'd desire to achieve if you were to give yourself 90 days of complete discipline?  For me, I want.... no, I will have a tight and toned body.  This requires fitness and nutrition, but I am going to talk exercise for now.

Usually we wait until Dec. 31st to give ourselves New Year resolutions, but I ask, why wait?  Why not start now if it is something you truly say you're going to do.  Did you know that over 85% of people who purchase gym memberships for the new year stop going before the month of February has ended?  That is less than 8 weeks, which leads me to believe we only make these resolutions because they sound good, not because we truly believe them or plan to accomplish them.  So how  will I get to my goal and how I can help you break some barriers to get you to yours? To understand this let me share something that will resonate with most of you, my past journey.

First, my mental challenge, mindset.  For years, I never had to obsess about fad diets or serious workout regimens. I'm referring to my high school and college years.  A lot of my ability to maintain my "look" has been a blessing (genetics) and a bit of clean eating, but definitely nothing I had to work for.  Whenever I'd see myself picking up a little weight, I'd do a quick juice fast for a couple days or my version of "killing it" in the gym for a week and viola, I was better.. keyword: better, but not my BEST! My mindset would allow me to believe it was hard to consistently workout.  I believed it to be a task to pull out my workout gear, lace up my sneakers, and head to the gym or at least that was my excuse. But here's the thing, if we want to be our best, we have to start with our beliefs.  What I learned was that I can have anything I want and desire.  A kick-ass body is merely effort combined with consitency and who better to whip herself into shape than the girl (me) that preaches this mindset to anyone who will listen?!

My physical challenges, on the other hand, started at home.  Laziness.  Once I'd get up the courage and energy to get to the gym, walk into the gym, and find a machine to burn calories on, I'd feel a huge sense of accomplishment... and it is.  Getting to the gym is a great hurdle to get over for a lot of us, but that is only the beginning.  I'm not sure I realized that before.  I believe that I allowed myself to exert minimal effort.  Why?  Because "I came to the gym right?!  And that trickle of sweat that just rolled over my eye has validated me, I can go home now!  I got it in!" Wrong!  Please don't think like this because much like me, you will get nowhere fast. If you make the effort to go, make the effort to grind.  

Remember, it starts in your mind, so believe you can do it and absolutely, you will!

So why am I sharing this?  Well, I want to be held accountable to more than myself this time around, something I have never done before.  But, I am also sharing this because I challenge you to join me.  Start now and give yourself 90 days! Let's be #NakedbyNewYear

P.S. If you are in the Los Angeles area and want to workout with me, shoot me a message through Facebook, Heather Graves! <-- click="" i="" there="">

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Becoming a Beautiful Person

Beverly Hills is where I am at this very moment... sitting in a Starbucks inhaling the aroma of arabic beans and warm milk while watching the flow of people move up and down Beverly Blvd in their designer frames, shiny boots, perfectly pressed hair and sun kissed skin.  Yes, I am amongst the "beautiful people."  So I started to think; what makes us beautiful? Sure our outward appearance is important, but what makes us glow?  What draws the people closer to us?  What makes us magnetic?

Being that I am a strong believer in attracting the energy you exude, I know that people are drawn to confidence and positivity.  I have always seemed to have a way of connecting with people and it wasn't until recently that I truly understood why.  Let me explain how you can become a 'beautiful person,' but understand it is far more than the way you look.  Think about all the folks whom are outwardly unattractive according to societies standards, but always draw a crowd.  How do they do that?

The first step in being magnetic and irresistible in love, business, and friendships is letting your guard down.  We are so used to people judging us or perceiving us in such a way that we mask our true self.  That is the first thing that pushes people away, because you seem unreachable.  Learn to allow people in.  It is smart to be cautious, but do not block advancement.  Be open to new people... listen to what they have to say.  In the same way, be open to new ideas.  Be present.  When you allow yourself the opportunity to view things through other people's eyes, you sometimes find exactly what you are in need of and in return you absorb information that could be useful for others.  That's magical, the transference of ideas and thoughts; but more importantly, it is invaluable.

Being beautiful also means being positive.  You never want to be that 'downer' type of person.  We crave zest, which is why so many of us are hooked on caffeine, in search of that next joust of energy (but that's another conversation).  However it is possible to gain that from human interaction.   What I am saying is, be light, joyous and insightful.  You must be useful, offering as much as you take... understand?  Although you need information, always be in a position to offer something too even if it is only good conversation. 

There is so much more to cover, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, be beautiful!

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On the Go: Four Easy Ways to Get Healthy

There are hundreds of fad diets, lotions, potions, and magic pills on the market; but they rarely work and if they do it is temporarily.  Why? Because these remedies are only a temporary change in your lifestyle and daily habits so naturally you are bound to go back to the way things were (i.e. your habits).  Remember it takes 21 days to break a habit so a diet or beauty trend is not a long term solution. 

I have been on a health kick (the simplest form of healthiness if there is such a thing) for a long time, but living in Cali has definitely made me even more conscience.  Everything in life is about balance. I eat some of the things I want, but I balance that by doing other things like the ones I will outline in this blog.  I am not a strong believer "going cold turkey" with anything, I believe in gradual steps.  For me, it is the only way to make a permanent change in your health/ beauty regimen.  So hear me out; here are some ways to help cleanse your body, rid it of nasty toxins, lose a little weight, and make your skin glow in the process:

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother (ACV)- There are so many uses for Apple Cider Vinegar.  I drink a lot of water everyday, but my first glass of water usually starts with a tablespoon of ACV.  If it is too bitter for you, add a tsp of raw honey and that will sweeten it up a bit.  What this does is curb your appetite, regulate the pH in your body so that you are not so acidic, and boosts your energy, which for some leads to weight loss.

I also use ACV as facial toner and sometimes use it in my hair as a clarifying agent when I feel I have too much buildup on my scalp.  To do the toner and clarifying agent for hair, simply pour equal parts ACV and distilled water in a spray bottle then use.  The smell is intense, but it clears after 10 mins.

P.S.  The mother in ACV are the brownish particles floating in the bottom of the bottle.  I suggest Bragg's or Whole Foods brand.

2.  Gradually Eliminate Sugar from your Diet-  Some of you are hooked on sugar and do not even know it.  Eliminating it is not as harsh as you may think.  Again, this is DEFINITELY something you should do gradually, otherwise you will experience withdrawals and they can be killer. 

Here is an example of how to cut back.  Say you drink coffee like I do;  try not adding sugar and only using the creamer as your sweetener.  If you use a lot of sugar in your coffee, first cut the dose in half and gradually ween off of it.  It will be something you are not used to at first, but give it a few days.  In my experience, it takes about 2-5 days to acquire the taste for less sweets.

3.  Coconut Oil- The changes you notice in your body will not only be internal, you can do things externally to change the appearance of your skin too.  I swear by Coconut Oil.  Read my previous entry The Miracle Oil to get full details on uses for Coconut Oil.

4.   Epsom Salt Baths- Epsom Salt is seriously inexpensive and an excellent way to clear toxins from your body.  We dump up to a pound, that's right, a whole pound of dead skin cells and other toxins through our skin on a daily bases.  Epsom Salt aka magnesium sulfate helps in purifying and detoxifying your body of heavy metals. 

Pour two cups of Epsom Salt in a bath and fill the tub with very warm water.  Relax for at least 20 mins and you will see the water begin to turn a murky color.  That is the metals and other junk being released from your skin and body.  I always soak for 30 mins and then shower to wash off any excess toxins that may be settled on my skin.

 I hope this helps and it is extremely easy to make these small changes.  We all have to start somewhere.

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Grabbing Life By the Balls

When I set out to write this blog some years ago, I did not imagine it being such a huge window into my personal life.  However, now that you are here (and I love you being here), I realize we are human beings and we have similar experiences in life be it emotionally, financially, physically, or mentally. So I decided, if there is something I can do to help through my story, experiences or simply by being an inspiration, I am beyond happy to do so... which leads me to this post.

Less than 2 weeks ago, I upped and moved to the Golden State, California.  It has been something I wanted to do since I was 18 and I've finally done it.  Once I actually got here, I started wondering why it took me so long to do it in the first place, but there was really no good reason.  I suppose I was scared or comfortable at home, or plain lazy because I knew it would mean a shift in what I was used to.  But ultimately, I made the change and decided that I only have one life to live and I want it to be as beautiful as a sunrise in Bali (my fantasy destination).

I'm on a journey guys!  One that is introducing me to new people, new opportunities and a whirlwind of other things.  I could not be more anxious than I am in this very moment, but the idea of the unknown is exhilarating to me.  I decided to take life and grab it by the balls.  One month ago I was sitting behind the desk of my family's business wondering what the heck I was doing there.. in my mind I kept reasoning, "Heather, this is an excellent opportunity, you can take this company and grow it.. you will be very comfortable in a couple of years and despite the cold weather and low energy of this town, you can travel on the weekends to get away."  Yes, that was the lies I was feeding myself.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that working a traditional business and traveling on weekends is bad IF that is what truly makes you happy.  However, I knew I wanted something different.  I was not made to be that woman.

I am meant to inspire, to transform and conquer.

So here I am.  I hope you can join me on this journey.  Your life changes may not be to move across country, maybe your changes are advancing at work or moving into a better home.  Whatever it is, do it.  Think it out, write it down, and do everything in your power to make it happen.  You do not have to know exactly how it will happen as long as you begin to take steps towards your dream. It is worth it, I promise.

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What's Your Life Purpose

Hey you... yes you! Do you know your life purpose? Do you know the reason you were created and the gifts and talents you are supposed to give to the world?

If you are like me, the answer is no, or not exactly.  There are so many things I am good at, yet, after a certain amount of time dedicated to them, I find myself bored of it and ready to move to the next exciting adventure.  For so long I thought that this was a horrible way to be.  I would wish and pray that the answer to my life's purpose would come to me so that I could find that one thing to focus on.  That way, I'd be "normal," you know... just like everyone else.  Well, over the course of a couple weeks now, I am realizing that I am not at all normal by western standards anyway, and that trying to put myself in a box will only slowly stifle my creativity.  So now I am at the point where I have to find and hone a profession or hobby that will allow me to fully express the very essence of me.  I am wondering if there is such a way to funnel all of your dreams, thoughts and creativity through one focus.

I know I am not alone in this journey as I see all the Facebook and Instagram quotes on a daily basis talking about "dreaded Mondays" and the people, like me, that are merely living in glorified misery for the sake of being "responsible."  I advocate being a person to stand up and handle your business, but I do not advocate living hopelessly only to go home, watch reality tv and tell everyone how if you had a reality tv show it would be so good because your life is so "cray." One way or the other, if you are not happy, find your passion or purpose instead of watching others live theirs.  We have to stop watching other people's lives through gossip sites, instagram, and NOT so reality tv.

I must admit, I am still uncovering the ways to do that (because right now I have little idea), but everyday I am getting closer.  If I can help anyone of you find your way, I intend to do so... continue to check back over the weeks as I explain some techniques that are helping me unveil the things life has in store for me.  Hopefully my story will help you write yours.

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Be Happy Now!

I have been away for quite some time because I was struggling to come up with topics based solely around relationships (as I have in the past), but then I thought, well heck… the name of MY blog IS ASKHeatherG and so, why not take you on a journey with me. We have to remember, life is not stricken to the love of one other person or one type of relationship. We have family, friends, significant others as well as battles with image, etc. So let’s take a ride down the path of life!

At this time in my life, I am still considered “single” although I have been taking my time with a special someone. In addition to the daily hustle and bustle, I have been consulting for a company on the verge of making major moves in the tech world…. talk about challenges… but it has been fun as well as a learning experience. I’ll keep you posted on that endeavor, but I see HUGE things coming from this.

Anyhow, for me, achieving happiness has been easy, BUT that goes to say I make a very conscience effort to keep my mind, body, and soul, focused on happiness at all times. So let’s get you to happiness. You should first find the things, activities, and memories, that ultimately make you happy. Happiness should never be dependent upon another individual; not to say that another cannot bring you joy, but true happiness is within you and it is based on your ability to grasp that and embrace it.

I realized through my journey of finding Heather, I have so many things I want to do, places I need to see. The sheer thought of doing these things makes me happy. For one, I have begun a much healthier lifestyle. I am 1 year soda-free and on day-6 of eliminating coffee from my diet. I also begun juicing about a month ago, and can I tell you that my juicer is the single most important purchase I have made all year?! It is amazing, and guess what, THAT makes me happy; something so simple. Joy lies within simple things like that… the ability to juice and drink fresh produce makes me smile (I know… I’m a nerd), but it is true… ask my friends! LOL. But my point is, be happy NOW and life will become easier, I promise.

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