Conversations centered around weight loss in the plus-size body positivity community can be a bit tricky – especially when you are considered one of “the” spokespersons for the movement. The idea of being confident about one’s body, yet losing weight is a precarious state to be in – kind of like attempting to walk across a 100 foot tightrope that is millions of miles away from the ground – only in this case, you’ve got to be sure of your next move because a misstep could leave you crashing down to earth into a crowd of angry spectators just waiting to tear you apart.

Cece is currently on this figurative tightrope. But she has handled the situation with such honesty, grace, and class, and we love it!

Via a Youtube vlog, Cece recently revealed that she went from a US size 28 to a size 18 over a 2-year period. She revealed so many aspects of her personal struggle including:

• How she needed to lose weight during the course of battling major health issues
• Sometimes hiding behind the umbrella of “body positivity” in the past, when she clearly knew she should have been making healthier decisions food-wise
• Overcoming emotional eating
• Being apprehensive about talking about her weight loss due to feared backlash from the body positivity community

and more! Y’all need to watch the video to get the whole scoop.

The moral of the story: You can practice body positivity and still consciously make efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Afterall, the ultimate goal of body positivity is to love your body. And part of loving your body is making decisions that enable it to function well by making healthier nutrition decisions, engaging in physical activity, and doing whatever it takes to achieve wellness.

Photo Credit: Cece Olisa

A word of caution, though, most feminine personal hygiene products  do more harm than good, due to harsh chemicals. What the vagina needs is basic care – not all those fancy products with difficult-to-pronounce ingredients.

A healthy mind and body do not stop at being sane and disease- free. Being healthy also means feeling great and comfortable all day long. One of the basic ways to ensure a fresh feeling every day is to maintain good personal hygiene.

Here are the top basic personal hygiene tips that every woman should learn and must religiously follow.

Cleansing

The vagina has a natural discharge and oils. In reality, these are not bodily waste products and are, in fact, important in keeping the vagina protected against infections. Having these natural discharges is actually a natural process wherein the vagina self- cleanses its surfaces.

Excessive washing and using feminine wash and soap strips the protective barrier created by the discharges. Although it may feel comfortable having scented genitalia, it actually leaves you more prone to infections that will, later on, produce odor and discomfort.

To properly cleanse the external genitals, what you need is warm water and mild soap and remember to rinse the soap suds thoroughly. You also need to avoid cleaning the internal genitalia. Cleanse the vagina only when necessary such as after a comfort room trip.

Menstrual Care

During menstruation, it is natural that a woman feels uncomfortable especially with the wet and potentially bad smell feeling. A lot of women do douche to clean even inside the vagina to really have that clean feel.

However, douching pushes bacteria and other menstrual debris back into the reproductive tract. This will ultimately lead to developing pelvic inflammatory disease, which is very painful.

What a woman must do during the red flag days is to cleanse the genitalia with warm water and mild soap just like on normal days. In choosing pads and tampons, it is best to choose unscented products to avoid exposing the genitalia to a lot of chemicals.

Odor Care

Every woman has a unique natural scent. This odor is healthy and naturally occurring in every woman’s body.

However, if you think you have an abnormally strong scent or that it smells fishy down south, then it is most likely that you are suffering from a genital infection like bacterial vaginosis. You must be checked by a doctor at once because only antibiotics can clear it up.

Underwear Tips

The vagina is naturally moist because of its normal secretions. To make these secretions evaporate, wearing underwear that allows good airflow is a must.

It is important that air can flow to dissipate the collection of bacteria and fungi in the area which can cause vaginal infections.

Cotton underpants are highly recommended and so are those with cotton crotch linings. Do not wear wet bathing suits for a long period as well as leather pants, spandex, and other tight clothing.

When you are sweating a lot, such as after a workout, change clothes immediately including underpants.

Eating & Hygiene

You may not know it but what you eat or drink also affects your feminine hygiene. Junk food and fried foods may make you feel happy but your internal body suffers and is damaged.

The detrimental effects are evident with genital discharges that smell not-too-pleasant. Fresh and healthy foods, and a lot of water,  however,  will help your discharge maintain its natural pH thus keeping everything balanced and smelling natural.

Gynaecologist Visits

Don’t visit your gynaecologist only when something is wrong. It is recommended that you pay a visit regularly even when you are not experiencing anything abnormal.

Gynecologists are the best people to learn from about feminine health and concerns. They can answer any of your questions and will even demonstrate how to properly care for your genitalia.

Regular visits will also ensure that you get screened for early detection of certain female conditions like cervical cancer, breast cancer, vaginal infections, menstrual irregularities, and more.

Take personal hygiene seriously to avoid unnecessary illnesses and to help make you feel good inside and out!

Photo Credit: ShutterStock | FreePik | Getty Images | Dreamstime

I know how exhausting Mondays can be.

From the struggle of picking out what to wear, to the struggle of getting out of bed to the struggle of your commute to work. Everything can be frustrating especially when you didn’t get enough rest during the weekend.

However, we can’t change the fact that we need to go to work. Neither can we take Mondays away.

If you find yourself a bit grumpy about Mondays, here are 5 ways to help you have a happier Monday!

1. Plan to give yourself a reward at the end of the day: This can easily come in form of food. Just make sure the reward is something you like and really appreciate. For me, I buy myself ice cream every Monday.
2. Carve out 10 minutes to do something you love:  It could be calling your friend up for some quick gist during your lunch break or listening to music and having a mini-dance party by yourself during said break. I always find myself feeling better after doing both.
3. Have something you are looking forward to this week: Write down things you want to achieve during the week. That way, you stay organized and minimize the anxiety that comes from feeling totally unprepared for the week ahead.
4. Sing your favorite song loudly: This is very easy but you just might not be able to do this if you work in a very “serious” / official environment. So you can sing your best song loudly by organizing your own concert in the bathroom as you prepare for work.
5. Say your affirmations every morning: This helps put your mind at ease, gives a confidence boost, and puts a smile on your face. Remind yourself that you are the best thing since jollof rice and no one can make you feel otherwise.

• Talk to someone about how you are feeling – Just talking to someone about how you feel can take so much weight off your shoulders. Make sure you trust the person, then decide on what you want to say to them.
• Focus on the present – Have you ever noticed that feeling stressed or anxious often coincides with dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? Simply focusing your mind on the present moment can help you feel a little more relaxed.
• Take some time out – A fully packed schedule can make you feel very stressed out. Make sure you fit in at least one thing you enjoy each day, whether it’s a hobby, a Netflix show, or a chat with a friend. It can also help if you schedule the enjoyable activity into your day, so that you don’t feel guilty about not doing something else. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to things that will just add to your stress.
• Challenge your thoughts – If your head is full of negative thoughts, of course you’re going to feel stressed or anxious. But even though your thoughts might feel true, it doesn’t mean they reflect what’s really happening. Try to write down what you’re thinking, then add facts that support or disprove each thought. You might be surprised by how many of your thoughts are not reality.
• Face your fears – If you always avoid situations that make you anxious, this might be stopping you from doing things you want or need to do. It sounds weird, but facing the things that make you anxious can reduce your anxiety. You can test whether the situation is as bad as you expect, and learn to manage your fears.

If all of the aformentioned fail, and your stress/anxiety are taking a debilitating turn, please seek professional help from a mental health/wellness facility.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

Time waits for no one, you have to decide your future now.

I just had this epiphany and had to share with you guys. Here are 5 important things you should know in your 20s:

Know yourself
You might ask me, what’s there to know about myself – right? Well my dear, I’m still getting to know myself, it is a gradual process. Know who you are. What you stand for, your values, your temperament, your hobbies, and skills, then define who YOU are. 

It’s important to know who you are, and clearly articulate that to yourself, and stand proudly and confident in your individuality. If you do not do this, then chances are, you will let the world define who you are, which could lead to self-esteem issues.

If I give you a piece of paper, for instance, to write in one sentence about yourself, what would you write? Who would you say you are? Know yourself! 

Learn a skill
Don’t limit yourself to your formal education. Learn a skill and become a master at it. Practice makes perfect. Once you are confident in said skill, then find ways to monetize it. Secure that bag girl!

Avoid meaningless relationships
Any relationship that will not add value to your life, just cut it off. Whether it’s romantic relationships, friendships, or certain overly toxic family members. Don’t waste your precious time on people who have clearly shown that they are bound to sabotage your future in one way or another. 

Don’t be a people pleaser
No matter how nice you are, there will always be people who will not like you, and that is not your business. If you want to grow in life, you can’t continue to please everybody. 

Stay true to yourself
It’s okay to admire others but let it end there, don’t start imitating their lifestyle or wanting to be like them. Every woman is unique in her own way. Going back to my first point: Know yourself! List all the good things you like about yourself and start loving them.

Staying true to oneself can be difficult especially as most women in this era try so hard to follow the trend and impress the world. But take this from me:

• You won’t die if your make up is not on fleek.

• You can slay without wearing designers outfits.

• Your hair will still look beautiful whether it’s natural or relaxed

• If you don’t have the latest phone, it doesn’t make you less of a human being

Staying true to yourself means accepting who you are, living within your means and becoming the person version of yourself.

Can I get an Amen?

Photo Credit: thetruemetalmaniac

I have come to realize that these feelings of doubt creep in mostly because we don’t take time to honor some changes/growth in our lives.

Throwback to about three weeks ago when I started to feel burnt out, I had to pause and remember some excerpts from an Emotional Intelligence class I attended where the teacher said to always “name the feeling” . In the midst of the crisis, panic attacks and tears, always pause and ask your self ” what is this about?” “what do I need”? – This is supposed to allow you pick out the things that will help you get out of that phase or feel a little bit better.

Today, I’m going to share tips I’ve learned and I’m currently practicing:

• Identify what is bugging you: Often, when we are feeling a sense of discomfort, we just go about our lives and act like “meh, I’ll deal with it later”, or you start to lash out at people (guilty!) or you turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much, drinking too much, or other destructive habits. All of that is only going to lead you to a dark place. First, Identify what the problem is. Do you feel you are not getting enough support? Do you feel choked up? Do you feel like you need a change of environment? Do you feel anxious about change? Having a sense of awareness about the problem enables you to look for ways to tackle it. That sense of understanding will help you be kinder to yourself and to the people around you.
• Create healthy boundaries: This one has been of great help to me, as it has helped me identify what my work hours and the time spent on various aspects of my life are. I identified these time frames and that, you guys, was one of the most daunting things to do because I can be quite disorganized. Create boundaries with your time, your relationships, social media, etc.
• Find ways to blow off steam: This could be something as simple as calling a friend. A good friend will pull you out of any dark moment faster than you would if you were alone. That being said, I want to thank God for friends that I can trust, laugh with, hang out with, bond over poems and movies with, and friends that just genuinely love me. That being said also, dump that TOXIC friend in your life today!
• Treat yourself: Go window shopping, eat good food, get a haircut, exfoliate your skin, etc. Treat yourself, because it is a way to remind yourself that everything is going to be okay and that you are deserving & worthy but please, don’t get reckless about it. Spend wisely too.
• Create a to-do list: I’m probably the only one on earth that dislikes schedules but because never say never, I started creating to-do lists and I started out with a list of 3 things and slowly it moved to 5, 6 and so on. To-do lists help me figure out what is really important and what needs to be done. A to-do list helps put one’s mind at ease as it just feels really good when you tick something off your list.

I hope these tips come in handy and that you will be kinder to yourself because you deserve happiness and all the good things of life.

Photo Credit: ShutterStock

Popularly obtained from Northern Nigeria, they have become a trendy healthy food and snack amongst people all over Nigeria.

Fun fact: Tiger nuts are not actually nuts, but rather, are edible tubers.

They’re roughly the size of a chickpea and wrinkly with a chewy texture and sweet nutty flavor.

Here are some health benefits of tiger nuts you should know:

Aids Digestion
Back in the day, tiger nuts were used to treat stomach upsets, irritable bowels, and other digestive issues. They are still used by indigineous/holistic doctors as a remedy for many illnesses like flatulence and diarrhea.

Controls Diabetes
The high insoluble dietary fiber present in tiger nut flour regulates blood sugar levels, thus helping diabetic individuals remain healthy.

Rich in Vitamins E & C
Recent studies suggest that tiger nuts are loaded with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C, E, potassium and phosphorus.

They are a rich source of protein
Protein is a vital nutrient used in the building of muscle, skin, and bone. Tiger nuts are in fact one the best, non-meat, sources of protein available.

Tiger nut milk can be used as cow milk substitute
Tiger nut milk contains no lactose but plenty of calcium, so it makes for a great alternative to cow’s milk, for people who are lactose intolerant or who are vegans/vegetarians.

MORE FUN FACTS
Nuts.com states that:
Tiger nuts come from a plant known by its scientific name, Cyperus esculentus (Bamishaiye & Bamishaiye, 2011). Also known as nut grass or yellow nutsedge, this plant originated in Southern Europe but became naturalized in Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Archaeological evidence suggests that this nut has been cultivated for thousands of years, providing a critical component of the embalming process for Egyptian pharaohs (Bamishaiye & Bamishaiye, 2011).

Today, tiger nuts are widely produced in Africa and have incredible nutritional benefits. They can be eaten fresh, semi-dried, or fully dried. Additionally, tiger nut milk and tiger nut oil are often sold as forms of the nuts. Although tiger nuts were briefly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, they have only recently been rediscovered for their health properties. Now, they are poised to become the next big superfood.

Photo Credit: Lifetimedaily.com

For the past two years my routine has been bare. I barely had breakfast, read my bible and barely had a cup of water (if I reminded myself).

Here are some things I made a conscious effort to include in my daily morning routine, and they have changed my life! I now feel more refreshed, rejuvenated, and more confident to face whatever life throws at me each day.

Devotionals: Reading your Bible is not enough. Get a plan or a guide that speaks to your situation or inspires you towards achieving a set goal. Having a Bible plan guides you about God’s plan for your life, and provides you with daily inspiration. I’d recommend YouVersion Bible app for your devotionals. It’s one of my favorites.

Breakfast: Always drink coffee. I am a strong advocate for coffee even though I have been told it contains substances that are unhealthy and addictive. But oh well! Coffee helps stimulate my senses and makes me feel alert in the mornings, especially if I’m feeling tired.

Podcast/ Ted Talks: Listening to a morning inspirational podcast or Ted Talk not only diversifies your world view, but also gives you a confidence boost.

Meditation: Meditation is a deeply personal and spiritual practice. After indulging in meditation, the feeling of clarity one gets afterwards is so refreshing. I urge to you to include this in your daily routine.

Exercise: Exercise isn’t only meant for weight loss, and no; you do not necessarily need to hit the gym to be able to exercise effectively. Even if all you can spare is 20 to 30 minutes each morning, you can exercise at home. Get a skipping rope and skip a few hundred times. Download some workout apps on your phone and choose which muscle groups you would like to work on each day. Physical activity is not just great for your heart health, but also keeps you feeling energized all day long.

***

Are there any other morning routines you partake in? Please share in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Spa day 
If you don’t know if there is an affordable spa within your vicinity, Google is your friend! Find out how much it costs and book an appointment. You can also find budget-friendly on DealDey.

Spoil yourself baby girl. you deserve it!

 Go on a solo movie date or Netflix & Chill
You can binge-watch your favorite TV series and spend the whole day in bed enjoying yourself or visit a nearby cinema and watch the latest movies – whichever works best for you. And no, there’s nothing weird about watching a movie all by yourself. Remember, it’s all about you! Not about what anyone else thinks.

Take a nap
Sometimes, a nap is all the self care you need. A short, sweet nap can work wonders and give you a quick boost of energy and a refreshed mind.

Go shopping
I’m yet to meet a woman who doesn’t love new things. Ain’t nothing wrong with a little retail therapy. Just makes sure you set a budget for your shopping trip first, before you head out, so you don’t go overboard!

Visit a new restaurant 
What is life without food? Try a new restaurant in your spare time. And if people give you weird looks because you are dining alone, just stare right back at them as you chew your tasty, delicious meal. It’s all about you girl, never mind what people think. 

Weekend getaway
You can pamper yourself by taking a trip to the next city, or by book a room at a nearby hotel and having a mini “stayation.” Enjoy peaceful serenity away from home and work.

Listen to Music
Vibe to your favourite jam by yourself and dance, dance, dance! You get to enjoy all the tunes you love, while burning calories, so it’s a win-win situation.

Photo Credit: Getty Images | Dreamstime

I do not want to bore you with information about the many reasons why I hate water. So here’s a quick summary: It has a not-so-nice flavor, it makes me lose control of my bladder, amongst many other reasons. However, because I want to have radiant skin, and also have good health, I’ve decided to train myself to love this wonderful beverage.

Here are some tips I found for my fellow water-haters:

• Get a beautiful water bottle – One of the ways I tried to drink more water was by buying a pretty water bottle and carrying it with me everywhere. This encourages me to sip something healthy when I’m thirsty rather than buying a bottle of my favorite soda.
• Use rewards and punishments – On days when I consume large amounts of water, I give myself a reward with some nice stuff. For instance, a trip to the movies. And if rewards don’t work, use punishments. For example, every time I choose my favorite soda over water I stay away from it for two weeks (I’m currently serving this punishment).
• Try an app – Or set little reminders to help you keep track so you don’t fall off the water wagon.
• Try being physically exhausted – For every time you are physically exhausted, water actually tastes more refreshing. Try dancing. Take up a sport. You’ll find yourself consuming more water.
• Add flavoring – This one I haven’t done yet but I see a lot of people do this, and I will try it soon. There are many flavors to make water appear more desirable and taste great too. One that I know for sure is squeezing some of your favorite fruits in.

I hope that with these tips, your water consumption rate increases and that you stay hydrated and above all, super HEALTHY!

Do you have more tips? Feel free to share!

Photo Credit : Shutterstock