Category Archives: weight loss vegan

QUARANTINE WEIGHT LOSS


Happy Thursday to all. My quarantine started rocky in mid March when my allergies sent my health anxiety to new levels, coupled with a world pandemic. I had goals for the sequestered time, but all I did was worry and fear, and complain about my symptoms while watching Netflix with my hubby James. Ozark is really great btw, a world more messed up than the one we are living  through.

decided this week as I am starting to feel better to get off my but and start blogging about my new quarantine weight loss journey. As many of you know I had weight loss and fitness success, and a few years later gained half after some personal losses. I’ve tried time and time again to start over and I dropped the ball. That’s the beauty with dropping the ball, you can pick it up again and try harder. That’s where I am now.

in the last month I ate more pasta than usual, and I didn’t even attempt to count my points. Today is weigh in and I currently weigh 175 lbs. Today is day one, I’m up 3 lbs. I’m hoping my allergies have cleared up so I can focus on all my goals, fitness, weight loss, wellness and creative goals. I plan to start fresh with the WW app (Weight Watchers) because I plan to incorporate the 80/20 rule. It’s always worked for me in the past. 80% of the time I will be eating clean vegan with low salt, sugars, and oils and 20% or less of the time I will count in occasional small splurges like vegan cream cheese on my toast. The idea is to eat highly nutritious vegan food but also enjoy in life’s little indulgences, counting them in as part of my daily points. I believe Friday we are grocery shopping to stock up for the week. I’m cooking a lot more these days. 

Tonight I’m making Split Pea Soup for dinner. I’m going to bake some vegan treats to enjoy with coffee or tea. I will be posting more about what I eat in a day, my grocery haul and my quarantine fitness routine. All things I’m doing to try to find wellness, joy and fulfillment during these unprecedented times. I’m making a commitment to myself and accountability to anyone who is reading my words. I’ve fallen before but I keep getting back up, bruised backside and all. There is no failure, only the fear to begin again, so just pick up where you left off. With love and light Rose Bruno Bailey

I will leave you with a few quotes about failure and starting over fresh by some very important historical figures.

 

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
― Thomas A. Edison


“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
― Winston S. Churchill

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” 

― J.K. Rowling

“It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.” 
― Zig Ziglar

 

 

Injury and Weigh in Update

It’s been a minute and a day since I’ve posted. I’m in the process of healing from an injury to my knee that’s taking much longer to heal than I expected. It’s a bit easier to walk on but it’s still pretty swollen. Today is the first day I’m going to try to do some cardio and see how I feel.

My weight has been fluctuating, I’m now 176. I was 174 a few weeks ago but I also stopped taking a diuretic I was on for years, so I’m not upset over a 2 lb gain. It’s incredibly humbling to backtrack from fitness and weight loss, but even more humbling to get hurt and have to stop all together. I never had an mri, just an ultrasound and an X-ray, so I really don’t know exactly what I did to my leg. I’m listening to my body and I’m going to go slow with cardio and see how I feel. My mind tells me if I can walk all night at work I can try to start getting fit again.

My vegan lifestyle is a lifestyle and not a diet, so that will never change. I’m eating mostly whole foods and plant based with low salt, sugar and oils. I do have an occasional boca burger without a bun on days I’m in a rush. I’m balancing my food, meal prepping and having a kale/ fruit smoothie every day; with chia, flax seeds and coconut water. Eating healthy is easy, the weight stalling has everything to do with the fact I haven’t worked out since I injured myself last November. Even though my knee is swollen I’m ready to begin again starting today. I was featured in two issues of VegWorld magazine and I’m really chasing all of my goals. I haven’t given up even when challenged. My sweet husband James said I’m beautiful but I’m stronger then people expect. He said I’m tough as nails. I don’t know about that but I try to never ever give up.

I admit the injury left me depressed, but I’m coming out of it with a positive mindset, and meditation. Controlling negative thoughts is key as is living for the present. I’m just going to get out there and move my body. I’m not going to begin with running or try to move too fast while walking. My goal is to move a little more each day, try the rower, and stretch my body. My first goal is to move to heal and get better, each day getting stronger and stronger. I have a long term goal to get in the best shape of my life, but for now I’m taking baby steps. Day one is today and my goal is to just move. I would like to try for 30/45 minutes but I’m going to listen to my body and let pain be my guide. Update tomorrow!!

Love and light and healing to all who need it.
With Gratitude,

Rose 

 

 

Trader Joe’s Vegan Grocery Haul


Happy Tuesday to all. Ok, last night I did my second part of my vegan on a budget grocery haul. Spanky my Siamese cat was excited too, don’t judge. My goal was to spend $80.00 total for the week, but I went over that just a bit. Our vegan grocery haul for the week total with Trader Joe’s and HEB combined was $107.00. I ended up getting some produce that was higher than I thought. I got flax seeds, chia seeds, tons of fruits, veggies and greens. Lentils and canned no salt beans. I ended up getting healthier flax tortilla chips and salsa for my hubby James, because he’s going to need some foods that resemble what he’s used to. The goal is for him to eat wfpb and not feel deprived, so a little balance here is needed. We also bought all paper products etc so we won’t need to go to the store at all until next Sunday night. I can’t wait to see how I feel with very low salt and sodium.

Overall I think I did well. Plus we don’t eat out, so that’s it for the week. All the other money will go to debt and bills, and new work shoes for me. If you are wondering what meals I’m going to make I will do what I eat in a day in the near future. I’m going to make my own hummus. As far as exercise I’m starting with walking and stretching. My knee needs to heal so I’m taking it somewhat easy. It’s still really swollen. Legs up a walk pose every night for 15 minutes for better circulation. I’m not going to deny I’m in a little pain, so it’s a little concerning. I’m determined to heal though, and losing weight is always recommended for the knees and joints. My long cardio sessions will have to wait.

What is your grocery budget? Do you eat out? I’m curious to know how you manage your grocery budget. Happy Tuesday to all. Like I told my hubby, January I’m doing the grudge work, the healing, building the foundation of my new year. My happiness begins with good health, better finances and less worry. Happy Tuesday to all.

 

How to eat vegan on a budget

Happy Monday to all. Let’s crush some goals so we worry less and spread joy more. We are happiness gurus today, not tomorrow or next week. For me it begins with two of my categories I need to work on, bills and my healthy vegan food budget. I’m getting healthy now, and my husband James is on board. To eat clean vegan doesn’t take a lot of cash. This week I’m doing it for $80.00.

These are two categories that are important in my life to be happy, getting on top of bills and debt and health. Beginning on Mondays I set the foundation for my week. I set my intentions for my day, and I honor those intentions. Here’s my food haul from last night. One more haul tonight and I’m done and then I decide which bills to tackle first, this plan is a proactive plan. To be happy you need to stop procrastinating, and find money somewhere to take care of issues. No more vegan junk means money to pay off things. I will reserve vegan junk for occasional splurges. Don’t get me wrong, I love vegan junk, only once in a while and definitely not daily. Eating clean vegan will help me on my path to weight loss/and vegan wellness.

If you want to eat clean on a budget I suggest you stick to fruits, vegetables frozen and fresh. I look around for deals first, and then I make my choices. I do the same with veggies and greens, and I buy a lot because this is the bulk of our meals. I look for seeds that may be on sale, I found chia seeds for $5.99. I buy only one bread, Ezekiel. One loaf should last a week. I have whole grain rice and a big container of oats at home, including oat flour, dark vegan chocolate chips for occasional homemade treats. At home I also have spices, nutritional yeast, and apple sauce. I have coconut oil and olive oil but we will rarely use oil. Applesauce is great for baking. We have nut butters, all natural with no salt or oil. Canned beans no salt, dry legumes like split peas and lentils. I do buy some condiments to help my hubby transition to clean vegan. Vegan mayo, vegan butter, and vegan sour cream. I will use sparingly.

Tonight at Trader Joe’s I’m finishing my haul. I will post in another blog what we are eating with this $80.00 vegan food budget. Oh, and there’s always coffee. I think it’s going to be easy to stick to this plan. After the holidays and all the salt I know eating this way will help me in three ways, losing weight, get rid of water retention from all the sodium, and save money to pay bills. It’s a win-win. Now doesn’t beginning your week this way make you happy?

One more thing, we are making a donation for Australia. I can take a little extra cash to show my support. It’s heartbreaking for all the people and animals. I can’t even look at the images, I just cry. If you can, donate a dollar or two. If we all did that imagine how much relief they can get. Part of being a happiness guru is being kind and giving. Love and light to all and prayers for our neighbors down under. Rose

2020 Clarity

January 2, 2020

Happy New Year to all. I’m finding clarity with the new year. I decided to continue with this blog, rather than begin a new one. I’m still going to be focusing on my vegan wellness journey/ fitness/ weight loss and philanthropy. I’m also going to be my own self development and happiness guru, sharing what I’m learning on this journey of mine. It all began in 2019 when I was having a moment of feeling stagnate. I heard a quote from one of my inspirations. Tao Porchyn Lynch is is over 100, a yoga instructor and the oldest ballroom dancer in the Guiness Book of  world records. She once said she wakes up every day and tells herself today is going to be the best day ever. I started thinking  how can that be when I’m working long hours and money is tight. So many things I want to do cost money. My first reaction Was sorrow. It was Christmas and I felt like 2019 was not what I expected it to be, but then I decided I would make 2020 be everything I dream of and more. How am I going to do this? Stay tuned. I’m going to take each day by setting intentions, and as my husband James said I’m getting out of the loop. The loop is where you keep repeating the same actions and expecting different outcomes.

So here I am, changing  my approach. My fitness journey may be slower since I’m dealing with a knee injury but I’m going to work around it. I made ten categories I wish to work on, the areas of life I’m passionate about and things I feel are necessary for my happiness. Some are simple and some are grand. I’m chasing happiness and seeking joy. I’m going after my goals and dreaming big. Beginning with today’s intention to do very that. My first accomplishment of 2020 is my article about vegan beauty on a budget was featured in VegWorld Magazine.

I’m very proud to begin 2020 with this accomplishment. I’m my own happiness guru, and I’m sharing joy with all those around me. Let’s be happiness gurus together. Together we make a difference. When you are out there in the world making a name for yourself remember to make time for others. We are all connected. 

Love and light,

Rose

WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY


It is Weigh In Wednesday and a few days before my Birthday, and a week before Christmas. I fell off the wagon the weeks after Thanksgiving, so I decided to start WW Green plan, which is the former weight watchers smart points plan revamped. For future reference WW is the former Weight Watchers, and they have three plans. The three plans are green, blue and purple. Green plan you count everything but most fruits and veggies, blue has free lean protein options added, and purple allows free grains and whole grain pasta. I’ve chosen green because it’s easier for me to be in control when I track everything, and tracking makes me less likely to binge and gain. I did that after Thanksgiving, my weight went up to 179 lbs.

Today I weighed in at 176 lbs, after being on green for one full week. My next weigh in day is Christmas, and I hope I can get through the holiday week with another loss. Going forward it’s all green for me, it just seems much easier to manage my life this way.

Speaking of life, in January 2020 I’m making some changes on this blog. I’m still going to be documenting my vegan weight loss and my fitness journey, and I plan to still be into philanthropy. I’m adding more categories though, things I feel are needed to better my life. I will post a blog how I got inspired to make this change. My blog will still be what it has been, but much more. I guess you can say it’s going to be a self development/lifestyle/wellness blog. I’m really enthusiastic about the change. At first I wanted to start a new blog and continue as us with this, but I decided to combine my ideas. I’m also planning a Youtube channel in the future.

All brand new for the new Roaring Twenties. In the meantime it’s Christmas, and I’m pulling myself out of a long melancholic mood and starting over by choosing joy. Happy Wednesday to all.
Let’s share sunshine and be happiness gurus together. Rose 

MAKING PLANS

The end is December is upon us and all I really want to do is to get a head start on my goals, and take it up a zillion notches in January. The holidays have not been an easy time for me, but I’m trying to chase light and be merry.

I realized a few changes are needed recently. I’m changing my ww plan from purple and blue to the green plan. It has less free food and more tracking and accountability. My sister Frankie is doing the green plan and she likes it. I feel with green I can stay in control always even when I’m out of control. I will track my chaos. So I’m weighing myself ( again) and going forward with weigh in Wednesdays. My cardio and workouts are good but I’m going to attempt more walking miles. My knee has felt a little odd so I’m sticking to walking for now. Running can happen when I get back into shape. 

Exciting news, I’m now a regular contributor for Dallas VegWorld Magazine. My first article will be in the January/ February issue. It’s all about my vegan beauty favorites. My mood have been up and down lately, but it’s so much better when I exercise. It’s not just for my body but for my mindset and wellbeing. This time of year I falter a little. Funny it used to be my favorite time of year. I miss those days, but onward and upward. Those of you who have followed me for years know that I don’t give up. I may stumble and sometimes I fall flat on my face, but I always get right back up and at it again. I’m going to start reading some inspirational self-help books. I have a few on hand and I’m always open to suggestions.

I’m off for the day, love and light to all. Rose

Chick Pea Salad Sandwiches

Happy Friday to all. I cannot believe it’s December 6, 2019. Time is truly flying by. I’m totally inspired for 2020 and my goal for the holidays is to try my best to lose but still enjoy some vegan holiday food. This time of year is the hardest time to try to get back on track,  but here I am. I convinced my hubby James to eat clean Whole Foods plant based in January. We will be eating clean vegan six days of the week with one day with vegan fun foods (within reason). As someone who had eating disorders this gives me the balanced and healthy lifestyle I’ve been striving for. I usually eat this way but my hubby does not as often. After the holidays we will be on the same page. Through the holiday season I will be posting some vegan fun holiday recipes as well as the healthy meals I eat most of the time.

Chick Pea Salad Sandwiches are a staple in my house, and so easy to make. We eat them on Food For Life Ezekiel Toast or whole grain crackers. They are delicious served in an avocado or over leafy greens. This is my version of the popular recipe.


You will need three cans of no salt Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed and mashed with a potato masher. I cup chopped celery, one large yellow onion chopped or a handful of scallions chopped. Two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Two tablespoons of dill relish. Ground pepper. Paprika. Three tablespoons of vegan mayo. Mix all ingredients together and Pepper and add paprika to taste. You can switch up the vegan mayo with vegan yogurt and or mashed avocado. I am generous with my paprika. We like to build our sandwiches with leafy greens and big slices of beefsteak tomatoes. Sometimes we use roasted rep peppers, and add kalamata olives to the mixture.

You can really personalize these sandwiches. They are delicious on crackers with a bit of vegan cream cheese for a pate like appetizer. A wonderful meal and completely budget friendly. I’m on WW blue plan. I thought I could change to the purple plan but I feel blue works for me. I may change back. If you do WW and count points the garbanzo beans are free on blue and purple plans. Count the vegan mayo and the Ezekiel bread through the app. All the vegetables are free except the avocado. Crackers and vegan cream cheese must all be counted on the app.

Let me know if you try the sandwiches. Oh, fun fact, our cat Max was meowing like crazy when I made these sandwiches, apparently he thought I was making tuna sandwiches. Happy Plant Based Eating.

Happy Weekend to all. Love and light, Rose

 

WEIGH IN WEEK FIVE


Happy Monday to all. Today begins my week five and it’s also weigh in day. Today my weight is 172 lbs and I lost another 1 lb and 5 lbs total in 4 weeks. My true focus has been on consistency and balance. My fitness goals are revolved around progress not perfection. My short term goals with my workouts are to be able to do all the exercises with ease. I want to be able to hold planks and side planks longer. I once planked for over five minutes and I hope to do that again. I want to be able to do 20 pushups, first the easy versions and later the more difficult pushups. I’m focusing on fitness and clean eating and allowing my Monday’s to be my vegan splurge days. Like I said, consistency and balance.

This week I’m going to take my #benderfitness workouts up a notch with more intensity and three rounds of workouts, and if it’s warmer I’m planning on taking my cardio outdoors. I’m going to add a little running to my cardio. It’s been four weeks and my joints feel better, I already feel more flexible and I do not get winded going up stairs. I have more energy and overall I feel like my wellness is returning. On my work days I eat clean vegan food and I meal prep so I never go hungry. I have found my stride but I also understand this is only the beginning and the last four weeks were a warm up for the real work that is to come.

If you are on a fitness and weight loss journey I would love to hear from you. What inspires you to keep going and overcome obstacles and challenges to get to your goals? I love feeling healthy and ageless, so fitness and nutrition are so important for my life. Life can be messy but consistency is truly rewarding. That feels like the biggest accomplishment, the fact we keep going no matter what comes our way. Bonus points for those sharing smiles to whoever comes in our paths. Yes, it’s a challenge. Yes, we can do it.
Love and light to all. Rose 

NON SCALE VICTORIES

Happy Friday. I’m celebrating small nsv’s, that means non-scale victories. It’s week three of my #benderfitness workouts and I’m going strong and getting stronger. I’m working out 5-6 days a week, and I can see improvement in my strength. My push ups are a little bit lower, I’m holding my planks a little bit longer. My lunges are not as scary or as difficult. My flexibility is improving and my joints are no longer aching. A body in motion stays in motion, a body at rest stays at rest. Newton’s law. I’m doing these workouts for either six weeks or 12 weeks, and later I will switch it up.

To me this is the beginning of success, the little improvements and the commitment to put in the hard work day after day, despite the struggles and disappointments of life. As humans we tend to only view success in the grand accomplishments. Money, cars, awards, followers; material gains and huge accolades are often looked upon as more important than the non material and smaller wins. We tend to congratulate someone without knowing the background of the blood, sweat and tears that got them there. It takes hard work to accomplish dreams and goals, but that hard work in the beginning should never be looked upon as insignificant. When someone who’s never exercised in their life finally walks a block, that’s success to me. It’s getting the guts to get up and go, to jump hurdles and leap over anything that gets in your way; and a lot of time we are tripping over our own two feet. Our insecurities hold us back, our perception of what others think holds us back. Don’t do that.

My life right now has issues, but I’m not letting that hold me back, and I understand that’s life for all of us. There is fear, uncertainty and some sadness; but through it all I’m a survivor who loves life and is grateful for another day. So each day, no matter what’s going on I will commit to my small daily goals because that’s how I’m getting to where I’m going. Small goals one day will become big accomplishments. No one is clapping when I hold my plank 1 minute at 1 am in the morning, but I’m giving my commitment to making it happen a standing ovation. That’s all the accolades I need, the satisfaction of showing up and getting it done despite what comes my way. In one year I will look back at this moment with immense pride because I refused to give up.

Do you believe in coming back after failure? Do you believe in second and third chances to get something right after falling on your face multiples times? I find it really inspiring when someone makes a come back after failure after failure. After all failure is just a word we created, and we don’t have to let that word define us. Every brand new day is a chance to try again, and get it right. Let’s get it right, let’s work hard and show ourselves we can and will do it. Let’s define and rewrite our definition of success. Most important point to remember is to remember to make time for others when you are out in the world trying to make a name for yourself. No one is an island. Kindness and giving should always be a given in the sequence of chasing success. We all are here for one another. Let’s chase success together and rise each other up. Everyone who tries deserves thunderous applause. Show up and give yourself a standing ovation. 

Love and light,
 Rose