Post Hospital Body / Fitness Video Uploaded! (+ Pics)

Getting back into the swing of things...

Life has an impeccable way of doing its own thing in its own timing. 

My #BallinOnABudget upper body workout was recorded a few days before I fell ill back in February, and I'm happy to finally get it out to yall =)

You can watch it here. It's crazy to think I'm smaller now than I was in the video.

After being in the hospital for a bit I lost a considerable amount of weight and my upper and lower leg muscles damn near vanished. Saying all that to say my fitness focus has shifted in another direction, but you should still benefit from my workouts if you choose to try em out!

I am sharing these pics because it helps release the need to look good for anyone else but myself. It's a notion of self Love and acceptance. It is motivation for me, and hopefully motivation for you also. There is nothing to hide. There are no new problems. 

Needless to say I will be focusing on healthy weight gain, building up strength, and then sculpting curves once I have finally gained some fat and muscle back!

3/11/15

 Less than a week after being discharged. I was SO fascinated at my extreme muscle wasting. I've never seen my butt so flabby and it was just so shocking lol. I'm used to being Ms. MuscleBooty hahaha

3/22/15

You see them teeeeny buttock gains?! Lol. My thighs also grew a tad. My weight was around 134 lbs, in which I haven't weighted that little since MIDDLE SCHOOL. Phew. My abdomen was filled with tons of air that had to be injected during surgery.

 

3/25/15

I was ELATED when I woke up and noticed I didn't feel like I ate a pumpkin patch! There was still a little bloating here. 

I am happy to continue to share my weight gain + fitness progress. The only limits are those within our minds!

Peeeeeeeace!

<3Crys

Sexy and lean in 2015! Let's look great naked*!

Couple of speed bumps have pushed back the start of my fitness grind, but demos will be up shortly! Follow me on this blog, Facebook page, or my YouTube channel to put on a whole new type of sexy this year! I'll be including healthy eating tips and motivation for yah! 

My long-term fitness goals:

• Gain back lost leg mass/strength.

• Perk up boobs. (via pectoralis major and minor) :-)

• Keep waist trim/increase core strength.

• Increase cardiovascular health.

• Maintain healthy knees, wrist, and lower back by strengthening (old injuries).

• LOOK GREAT NAKED!*

*So let me explain this looking great naked. I tend to buy clothes that "make my butt look great" or clothes that give an illusion of more curves since I have a very slim, athletic figure (in which makes me feel manly at times). NO MORE. I'm determined to feel feminine and sexy in ANYTHING I choose to wear so when I take my clothes off at the end of the day I'm in the mirror like DAMN GIRL YOU'RE FIRE! Lol. Just my 2 cent. I believe confidence and Self Love is boosted when you can honestly stare at your bare body and Love every nook and cranny (fit or not!) =P

How I'm going to accomplish it all (explained in this video):

Starting Stats:

• Unknown weight (Don't care. Numbers on the scale aren't everything to me).
• 28" waist
• 36 1/2" hips
• 22" thighs =( 
• 13 3/4" calves



Lil tummy bloating.



My R side naturally curves more.

In my video I forgot to mention the laundry jugs...AKA "kettle bells"! Put in water...sand...dirt...rocks...whatever you got!

#BallinOnABudget

Much Love

XoXo

Crys 

Look Great Naked!

Getting Sexy For $Free.99!

(#BallinOnABudget)

My brother and I flexin' on 'em!

I just uploaded my fitness regimen trailer to YouTube! Check it out!

I go about staying in shape in the most unconventional ways and I want to share with you guys what I do! I'm not a fan of fad diets and fitness bandwagons and hopefully at least one person this reaches can start a Ballin On A Budget fitness regimen like I have! Let's not forget one important thing though...working out with poor nutrition is like you are not working out at all.  

I'd like to share this site with you. I found it a couple years back and it really helped me get myself back in shape after birth control slowly helped me slack on my fitness. Adrian clearly knows what he is doing and all the exercises are super easy to follow! 

Keep a look out for my detailed fitness regimen and before pics within the upcoming week. This time (not like last year, as you can see from a couple blogs ago!) I am going to give updates monthly.

CHEERS TO LOOKING GOOD NAKED!

<3Crys

Naked yoga. Great ab day also!

Rethinking this "New Year, New Me" Thing

2015! I know what's in store for meee!

I'm kind of a rebel in essence. So I just want to point out that I think new year resolutions are just like any other ol souped up trend that make people feel good in the moment but most times have no lasting effect. What would you say?

I say make NEW DAY RESOLUTIONS. NEW MOMENT RESOLUTIONS. 

There's the cliche saying that tomorrow is never promised, but it actually holds true in my opinion. I think choosing to be a better you in this moment here and now is a BILLION times more rewarding than a few bullet points to work on solely because it's a new year and NOW you want to let go of what been boggin ya down. Hey, new year resolutions work well for some people. Do.You.

I know for most it is all about the weight thing. My viewpoint...the holidays aren't the culprit in throwing you off your game. #realtalk. Let's start incorporating some easy 24/7, 365 day lifestyle changes! (Blogs and videos coming). That's a topic for another time.

My new day resolutions consist of these:

`Say no. It's okay Crystal. It really is.

`Laugh a lot. A f@*kin lot!

`Wake up. Kick ass. Be kind. Repeat.

My aim is to shine brightly in every situation. Bring light to anything dark and weary in the world around me. I try to embrace each new morning with a prayer that I can be the best version of me that day. When it is all said and done, the past is done and over and the future doesn't even exist. All we have is the moment we are ever in. I think it's wise to cherish, in those moments, the people and the experiences, for we can choose to be happy in it. (Or just walk away. Yeah sometimes that ish is needed!)

For those starting off on fresh slates on this 1st day of January, 2015 I have an updated workout plan that I will be sharing in a few days. It's pretty bad ass, if I may blow my own trumpet! As well as blogs and new youtube videos pertaining to staying on top of your game physically, mentally, emotionally, and Spiritually. It takes all 4 to be a kick-ass you! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mucho Peace and Love yall.

<3Crys

Sit Down. Have A Laugh.

"Be a loner...

it gives you time to wonder...."

 ...about why people don't FLOCK to be around something so super spectacular as myself!

Nooo I'm not that full of me. All this alone time I've been having since moving to New Mexico has got me wondering though...

 ...and finding new ways to entertain myself! Big part of the reason I've started blogging and a YT channel. I'm kinda digging reconnecting with this long lost essence of Crystal though. Except, I'm starting to talk to myself more and talk with people less when I'm around them. HA I know that sounds cray cray. Not really sure what I am supposed to gain from this cruel experience BUT I am betting on attracting some cool peeps in 2015! Particularly a swole mate! =)

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE a good laugh. Laughter is something I will almost always turn to when feeling anything less than happy and content. Some of my favorite outlets are Facebook (for the memes and vines), and YouTube (Family Vlogs, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon).

*In my snooty British accent* So whilst currently basking in boredom, I've evoked a nice segment of side-splitting giggles. Well, my kind of humor. I don't think everyone can relate BUT I hope this will lift your Spirit in preparation for those Monday Blues! 

Later! 

<3Love Bug

           

2 SUPER SIMPLE Holiday Detoxes + YouTube!!!

Hey guys.

Long time no blog. I got some explaining to do, yes. 

Life. Just life.

Forgive me now? *eyelash flutter*

Good to be back though! I also did a YT video on this topic. I'm trying to get used to expressing myself in both avenues. The amateur video CLEARLY needs some work and is. . .interesting to say the least haha. Link provided below ;)

My usual disclaimer, these are methods I use to help MYSELF. I encourage you to extensively research anything you want to try out and/or consult your doctor first.

GETTING TO IT! These are simple, yet EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE things I drink around the holidays (or whenevs) to keep the cleansing on full throttle. They are both NATURAL substances that significantly aide in our body's innate ability to remove toxins AKA morbid mucoid plaque (i.e. undigested food....which is a huge culprit in health issues...in which we allll experience!) while simultaneously nourishing and rejuvenating our tissues. 

A Few Signs You Might Experience Toxic Buildup:

-If you clear everyone, including yourself, out the room with a silent toot. 

-If your mid-line goes from slim pickens to full-term baby bump after eating. 

-Feelings of heaviness and lethargy after a meal.

-A regular BM for you is, "Eh...every other day or something".

 

Dry ginger tea bag and a fresh ginger piece.

CAUTIONS with taking ginger tea:

Ulcers. Heartburn. Pregnancy. Increased heat in the body and mind, for instance like rashes, irritability, prone to acne breakouts, people who experience increased sweating, gallstones, and high BP.

Ginger is great at burning toxins, kindling our digestive fire, and increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes. When our fire is out or barely burning (saturated by toxins, drinking cold water, previous food undigested but we start eating again), this causes a back up in the "production line" of eat-digest-assimilate. 

Let's put this into chocolate bar factory terms. The nougat has to be placed before the peanuts because it's the center. Then the peanuts have to be placed before the chocolate coating. Then last, the chocolate completes the candy bar. If production sped up and hurriedly dumped the next layer before the other had time to set, you'd end up with a big chunky mess of a candy bar. ALSO, for the layers to set properly they have to be warm in able to be molded. Dumping cold water on it will disable that process. Errm...does that make ANY sense?! HA HA! That is honestly the only analogy I could spawn as I am typing. Moral of the story: The process ends up being all kinds of messed up. 

I grate 1 tsp of fresh ginger (more peripherally heating) and drink that before a meal when I feel my digestion is a bit on the sluggish side. I also run to fresh ginger when I am feeling chilly in my hands and feet!

With the dry ginger (heats more centrally), I steep it in a standard sized mug with slightly boiling water (my patience won't allow waiting a couple more minutes for fully boiled water to cool down--I'm working on that.) I sip it before, during, and after my meals. Even between sometimes. My body usually runs cold and since it's now winter, I'm always huddled somewhere being unproductive while shivering like a naked mole rat.

I know it's working when my BMs become smooooooth (bess get used to me talking 'dirty'!), bloating gradually decreases, and excess wind is released from my colon. Overall feelings of lightness.

This is what WORKS FOR ME. If you want to give it a go, ginger should be taken in low doses and as with everything, monitor you bodys reactions very closely. Subjective knowledge is power!

Triphala Powder

CAUTION IN PREGNANCY

Translated as "Three Fruits", this is a highly used Ayurvedic formula. These fruits are beneficial to mostly everyone and are a gentle and effective way to maintain a healthy digestive tract. The benefits are bountiful! It is available in both powder and capsules.

I use 1/2 tsp of the powder (good dosage to start with). I use standard sized mugs and fill it half way with boiling water. I let this steep from 30 minutes to a few hours before bedtime. I feel it is more effective on my body if I leave it for more than 30. When I drink it I am sure to stir so the stuff that settled at the bottom can be easily consumed but not all at once (pretty rough). That's where it's at!

The goal is to have a nice and smooth BM in the a.m., or at least become more regular overall. Symptoms may include those is which are associated with detoxes due to the release of impurities to be flushed out. Yah know, the headaches and breakouts and such. To my findings, though, since this is so gentle I have not experienced any of it. If you should take it, start off with 1/2 tsp every other day. Feel it out.

This stuff has quite the unique taste, and in my YouTube video I explain a technique I've come up with to ease myself into it. I don't drink it in the mornings (but you can by letting it sit overnight) and my YouTube video also explains why I don't!

So guys, let me know your experiences if you've tried these before or are thinking about it. Leave any other comments or questions!

Fresh ginger tea after a Halloween candy binge!

CHEERS TO HAPPY POOPING! 

*In my Rihanna voice* PO' IT UP PO' IT UP, WATCH IT ALL RUN OUT!

XOXO
-Love Bug

Back To School :(

 "The Ayurvedic Institute, recognized as a leading Ayurvedic school and Ayurveda health spa outside of India, was established in 1984 to teach the traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India and to provide these ancient therapies. Ayurvedic healing includes herbs, nutrition, panchakarma cleansing, acupressure massage, Yoga, Sanskrit, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology)."

  "This ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years. The principles of many natural healing systems now familiar in the West, such as Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy, have their roots in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practices restore the balance and harmony of the individual, resulting in self-healing, good health and longevity."

"Ayurveda, the science of life, has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life."

Courtesy of the Ayurvedic Institue website
==============================================================

 

*QUICK LESSON:  Ā in Sanskrit sounds like a long "ahh". A in Sanskrit sounds like a short "uh".

        I am attending Āyurvedic Studies Program 1 (ASP1). This course is comprised of 3, 10-week trimesters. The first trimester ended before Christmas break, and what a challenge it was for me, to say the least.

        Myself and a couple other students had ZERO previous knowledge about Yoga, Sanskrit, Āyurveda, Āyurvedic nutrition, nothing! While the rest of my classmates are asking questions with words and concepts I wasn't able to comprehend! Whew!  Although, it has to be difficult for a teacher to convey such influential subject matter to 37 adults, ranging from super novice, to "I been self-studying Āyurveda for years"! Having always been the student that was "too slow" for the regular class, and "too fast" for the remedial class...I literally just had to coast through the first trimester by cramming and regurgitating what I needed to for quizzes and tests. Hey, it worked for me. Pulled off a 3.0 GPA and I will sit fat and happy with that! 
*I know that sounded pretty dirtbag'ish, but truth be told I have learned A LOT,I just feel I should know more, perhaps*

Sanskrit

       The Āyurvedic Institute, like many other schools that cater toward natural healing, isn't just about the books. One characteristic a notable Āyurvedic Counselor and/or practitioner will hold is their intuitive ability to help clients because they themselves have experienced all Āyurvedic treatments. I don't know if it is just me, but I don't like going to doctors or asking someone for advice if they have not experienced the treatment themselves. I'm aware not ALL issues can fall into this category, but I still give a slight side-eye. I try to practice that philosophy (give it a trial before sharing). Although, when it comes to emotional issues I am so eager to help/give advice and I don't take it my damn self! The human species is so darn good at that. So what I was trying to get to are the things I have been incorporating into my dinacharya (daily routine) CONSISTENTLY:

• Yogāsanas.

OK. Consistent because I have Āyuryoga® class every Wednesday, lol. I have practiced at home a handful of times though, too. I have definitely gained more flexibility. I have also cultivated a very nice sense of peace and awareness within my body during practice. This I believe is because I keep my breath in unison with the asanas (postures). When I practiced yoga before this school, I did not focus on my breath. I just panted in pain and held my breath during difficult asanas to try and keep up with the other students. Lol nah it wasn't THAT bad. 

• Prānāyāma (breath control).

During class, I did not experience any sort of "shifts" within my mind and body, which the teacher made a point of asking after we finished a round of any particular prānāyāma. Over the holiday break, I nestled comfortably in my own space and I practiced many different ones and they felt...great. I felt the shifting. I can only relate my findings to the feelings I start to get 20 minutes into meditation...kind of blissful. Peaceful. Content. Floaty. Connected. Ahhhh feeling. 

Each prānāyāma has multiple benefits on mind and body, and there are also contraindications for each. You can purchase a wonderful DVD by Dr. Vasant Lad, founder of the Institute, explaining how to do these prānāyāmas. I am going to practice specific ones for certain conditions and I will track and share my progress!

• Oil Pulling (swishing/gargling).

 I have been doing this for about 2 years now and have experienced wonderful things in relation to headaches, tooth infections, and severe menstrual symptoms. I will do a post on it in the near future. We have barely touched upon this Āyurvedic practice in class, so I will leave you with a resource I used before trying it out.  www.oilpulling.com

• Tongue Scraping.

I use a stainless steel tongue scraper every time I brush my teeth. Tongue scraping helps digestion, stimulates the internal organs, and removes dead bacteria from the tongue (helping with halitosis). There are meridians on the tongue, much like everywhere else in the body, and they correspond to the organs in the picture below.A mirror image.

         There are many more practices I have been doing, but on a non-consistent basis. Once I get my ish together, then I will share with yall my experiences. Hope this info inclines you to try something out (after your own research). There is nothing to lose, and your health to gain!

XOXO

-Love Bug