Monthly Archives: March 2010

Hola Friends & Happy Wednesday! This morning I woke with Sunshine tunes in my head with hopes for a bright & sunny one, and NOTHING. Still cloudy, BUT hopeful . After all the weather guy says its going to be sunny!   Actually I see it! Its coming through…HELLO SUN! Yesterday was a tough one with the kids home & the rain pounding down on us! I am so sorry for those dealing with the floods! It looks awful in some parts.  Barlkow had to be forced to go out and do his “thing”, and I was not a happy camper, especially doing the “detox” flush   However, as I aim at seeing things through the eyes of optimism and the “glass half full” today is day 3 of  “the flush” and I am almost there! Woo Hoo   Seriously though, as I pause and think of my own little “fasting” I am thoughtful & reflect on the wonders of Holy Week. The Passion of Christ & all that lead to this week. After all, for us Christians, this week is what its all about.   Today is Day 3 of our workout and I for one am going to take full advantage of the weather and go for a run. Michael will join me later on today, and will be weighing in as well   I cannot wait to feel the fresh air on my face There is a poem I am going to share with you all that I read at the Vet during my last visit with Barklow   Although my Bulldog puppy drives me NUTS many times, when I truly observe him & his actions I become in awe of this incredible life.

           Things to Learn From a Dog

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
• When its in your best interest practice obedience
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory
• Take naps and stretch before rising
• Run, romp, and play daily
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
• Be loyal
• Never pretend to be something you’re not
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
• On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
• When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body
• No matter how often your scolded, don’t buy into your guilt thing and pout….run right back and make friends
• Bond with your pack
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk

Until Tomorrow Friends…Have a Great Day Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. I can’t finish today with out sending my thoughts & prayers to The Escalante Family. Growing up I was genuinely moved by “Stand & Deliver” and the story of Jaime Escalante.  He was truly an inspiration to many & my hopes is that his legacy will live on. God Bless….xoxo

Oh Yes we love Barney at Casa Gomez and this morning was a full sing along to Barney’s fav rain songs…and for all those Barney Fans (we know who you are) you know how many there are   Happy Tuesday Friends! We are so wet here in the North East and sadly enough its getting rather dangerous with the flooding in many areas. Let’s keep our thoughts positive with hopes that everyone is OK.  The good news is “The sun will come out tomorrow…” You had to hear us though, we really think we could sing! Michael on back up and all! That’s a reality show waiting to happen! I can see it now…  “My Family Can Sing Better Than Yours!”   OK  B focus…See friends the problem is I am a tad bit delirious. I am on day 2 of a 3 day Fruit Flush Detox Program. Yes, I am. These days consist of no coffee, no nothing, zero, nada! Simply whey protein shakes, fruit, and one meal of raw veggies.  There is a “science” behind it, and if anyone wants the details please don’t hesitate to reach out. Its tough, I won’t lie, but its all natural and in my opinion really good for you. I do them every now and again when I feel sluggish and know that I may be a bit “toxic”.  Once the three days are over I am more motivated than ever to maintain a “cleaner” eating regimen. We’re all human and may “fall of the wagon” from time to time, so luckily for me there are simple detox programs that I like, and believe  they are important for the healthy maintenance of our body.  After all, don’t we have to fuel this incredible vehicle that we live with every nano second of the day with only the best?!   Its definitely a challenge, but if you haven’t figured it out by now, I love challenges   Back to what I wrote about yesterday, the reward to me is that much greater when I know I sweated my “Ass” off in the process   Speaking of challenges I have one for you ALL  to go along with today’s workout. I want you to remove ALL ASPARTAME/ ARTIFICIAL SWEETNERS from your coffee, tea, meals etc.  EVERYTHING! Keep it clean! AND in addition to that I want you to give me 50 Push-Ups! You can break them up into 5 of 10-just do it. You know how I feel about push-ups & planks, and when all else fails you’ve got your God Given Natural Strength to give you a great workout that will make your Core and Body Bathing Suit Ready BABY!! 

Enjoy Today’s Workout Day 2

Until Tomorrow Friends! Have a Great Day Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barara por Adentro!”

P.S. NOW DROP TO THE FLOOR & GIVE ME 50!! xoxo

Happy Monday Friends! Its Lunes AND I need some major cheering & pumping to get myself going on this, yet again, gloomy & rainy morning!   Great weekend at Casa Gomez filled with Birthday Celebrations, & Sunday Mass Brunch with mom, grandmother, sis & la Familia   Maybe that’s why I am feeling sluggish, too  much vino & Cheesecake Factory!   Nothing better than a long table of 11 on a Sunday afternoon filled with laughter and conversation ranging from a 4 yr old to a 98! “Thank you G”   Frankly, it doesn’t matter that I didn’t keep to my “healthy” eating yesterday, because at the end of the day if we don’t take moments like these to “stop & smell the roses” then what is it we are living for?  Yes its important to set goals and aim at keeping firm towards those destinations that you set for yourself, but if you don’t stop and appreciate the journey along the way, once you do reach that goal you will have missed so much that the reward will just not feel the same.   I often tell Michael that I don’t play the lottery because frankly I don’t want to win the “millions”. He thinks I am crazy, as I am sure many of you do as well   but the truth is that not only would it scare me to come into an exuberant amount of money over night, the reality that I did not “earn” or “work” for my millions does not make it any fun for me. I rather see the fruit that my seeds provide than have it given to me. AND when I see all the hard work and sweat that it came with, WOW that is an accomplishment and REWARD that NO ONE can ever take away!   So my friends- Enjoy the Journey!

Have Fun with Today’s Workout Day 1

Tip of the Day: Flax Seed  -  In a recent article published by WebMd, Flax Seed was named by many the most powerful food in the planet, & I for one agree. Not only is it yummy, its great for us. It helps with Heart Disease, Diabetes, & Cancer. AND for us Ladies a recent study published in 2007  showed that it cut Menopausal Hot Flashes in half, in addition to lowering its intensity by 57%. The study showed significant changes in as little as a week within the group of ladies who just had 2 tbsp 2x’s a day.  I love adding it to my Oatmeal, Protein Shakes, & even my Peanut Butter!  You can purchase the seeds & grind them yourself, or buy them ground already. Either way store in the fridge or freezer and add to everything!   Omega 3, Lignans, & Fiber! A FAB Combination!

Until Tomorrow Friends! Have a Great Day  Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. Also note that Flax Seed is added to many foods already sold in the market. So when deciding which one to buy if it has Flax Seed in it, then go for that one! xoxo..

Happy Friday Friends! Don’t you just love Viernes Even though its raining here, its Friday & its a bright & beautiful one I’m going to jump right in today, because I have lots to talk about before getting into the “Belly Bust” list I promised! Within the list you will see that the one major ingredient that will be missing is Sugar. Sorry sweetie   Yes, sugar is unfortunately the evil here when consumed in excess. Excess is the operative word-Balance Friends-yes the Yogi in me is never far behind   The Waistline & so many other health issues are related to sugar. Health issues such as diabetes. Sugar adds to the increase of weight gain & obesity which then lead to heart disease, hormonal imbalance, & even cancer!  Friends, your life is in your hands & now is your time to take control of it.  Wellness is the foundation that will lead you to greatness! Its not only about your health. Granted it may be the most important reason why, but its also about all the factors that its a contributor of.  When you work-out you feel energized, & now you are motivated to conquer the goals you set out to do in the day or week. Not only do you feel good, you are also producing new “healthy” cells & eliminating the “bad”. Your brain power is elevated & you are actually smarter & brighter   Now you are eating better & making smarter food choices. You are exploring & enjoying the variety of tastes & even starting to cook more-you are preparing healthier meals. Now what’s happening!?! The inches are coming off & you are starting to look good! YOU WANT TO SHOP! Clothes have never looked better & you are FINALLY enjoying the shopping experience!  Wait, it doesn’t stop there. Remember all those “healthy choices” you are now implementing in your diet? Well guess what, now your skin in radiant and you are heading to the cosmetics & beauty counter!  AND while your at it, since we ladies can’t live without shoes You grab yourself some Fab shoes & jewelry and the day is complete! You look GREAT! You are PROUD, because you are doing it-you are on the Wellness Journey!  Your Positive Energy is Contagious, so its reflective upon those around you-you are the role model AND what ties it up all beautifully is that now you are Empowered to do WHATEVER it is you were meant to do!   Friends, it ALL STARTS with Wellness & Fitness!  

OK NOW to the List!   SUGAR! THAT IS IT!  When you stick to a low sugar diet you will see unreal results. Stick to the Natural Sugars and balance your intake! It is important to remember that sugar is very sneaky and will use its MANY disguises to hide in your favorite foods, so make sure you read your Labels!!  Do a search on the Glycemic Index, print it and keep it handy. That will definitely help you when deciding what to buy during your next visit to the Market.

Enjoy Today’s Workout Day 5!

Tips for your Weekend Cooking   Cook several pieces of Chicken & Salmon and store in your fridge. This will help with your weeks meal choices. Toss over salads, add to meals and done!   I make my Salmon Salad weekly and keep in a container. Not only is it delicious & magical for your health its a Fam Fav and all of us devour it. What better choice to have during “March Madness”

Until Monday Friends!  Have a Great Weekend!  Que la Pacen Feliz!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. One more since its the weekend…Ezekiel 4:9  Don’t leave the Market Without It! xoxo

Happy Thursday Friends! He did it! Although he started off rocky he did not succumb to complete temptation, and made it through the “Madness” weekend without gaining a pound! Michael remained strong and steady at 208 lbs! Woo hoo baby I like the way we are implementing more cardio to our routine. Running helps with leaning you out and I can see that happening   Today I am going to bring up a topic that has coincidentally come up a lot lately. Elder Care. The other night over dinner it came up because my mom is now caring for my grandmother who is 98 and is slowly but surely deteriorating. She cannot be alone and needs round the clock supervision. Therefore the week is split between her home with her care-taker, & my mom’s home with my mom, a 66 yr old caring round the clock for a 98 yr old. Over dinner my friends were contemplating the same situation, however hers is even tougher with one parent in Australia & the other in San Francisco. Then there’s my other friend who has had her elderly mom living with her since her dad passed 10 yrs ago.  Michael’s situation was even worse, caring for both his parents while they tried to fight the battle of cancer. It is a heartbreaking reality that there will come a time where we will be caring for our parents.  Putting them in a “home” is out of the question so therefore the financial & emotional burden lies on the “next generation”.  But isn’t that the “circle of life”? A song that brings me tears of joy is now taking a meaning of its own. I remember when my grandmother recently stayed over & I had to “care” for her – my heart broke. Memories of my childhood, my life with Bita,  and here I was washing her down.  Again,  “full circle”.  But what are we to do? We owe it to them, the one’s who gave us life, and hope that those that follow will lead by our examples.

Enjoy Today’s Workout Day 4- I am reading so much research on the wonders of combination training/supersets! If you haven’t done them already I urge you to. Your workout time will not only be cut significantly, but you will be giving your muscles a training/tone like no other!

Until Tomorrow Friends! Buen Dia..Have a Great Day!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. Have you completed your Census yet?

Happy Wednesday Friends! What a great night I had last night! As I mentioned yesterday I was a panelist at the Fashion Group International-The Latina Factor. I had the honor of sitting alongside some great experts in the field, and was able to contribute with “true life” experiences. The blend was wonderful. My hope now is that it does bring awareness to the laxed mindset of the Corporations who are still not seeing the very clear, big picture, that investing in a Marketing Strategy aimed at Latinos is no longer a question but a MUST DO!  Especially in the social networks That is one thing we didn’t talk about in depth. I was hoping to ellaborate on that but time ran out. Marketers & Advertisers are missing the boat by not promoting and utilizing the social networks. They are becoming such a way of every day life & communication. How many of us wake, and first thing check what  is going on with FB or Twitter! Come on tell the truth now OR, if not have it connected to our ever so loyal “smart phone”.  Technology, what a genius. I tell you those “geeks” are laughing all the way to the bank! God bless them! Fact-technology has helped us in getting out of this recession by large means. Just go to your nearest Apple store and “people watch”.  One of my favorite pass times .   

Today’s Day 3 Workout RUN!   We will be going for a 3K run today. If you can’t run then go for a brisk walk. Pump that blood!  One of my dearest friends was feeling rather congested the other day so I pushed her to go for a brisk walk. She asked how that would help with her cold. Well friends, not only will you be releasing those toxins that are “infecting” you, through sweat, BUT one of the many beauties of exercising is that it helps reproduce “healthy” blood cells while wiping out the “Bad” ones. DETOX Baby SO NOW GET MOVING- I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT!!

Until Tomorrow Friends The Big Weight Reveal Buen Dia! Have a Great Day!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. A Special Thank You to my good friends Lisa & Ovidio for a lovely “healthy” dinner last night Just one thing for all of you who either work or live in NYC- YOU HAVE NO Excuse! Those City Blocks are GREAT for a Brisk Cardio-Pumping Fat-Burning Walk. Especially after a lovely dinner at a French Bistro! xoxo…

Happy Tuesday Friends! Its raining here again   But we can’t complain, its been great out and the rest of the week should be fabulous! Gotta love the “faces” too bad I can’t figure out angry, or wink, or secret OK enough now B. I am so excited today!! I am a panelist on a great event aimed at us Latinas! Yes ladies, I will be joining several leading experts in the Fashion Industry to discuss the missed opportunities of not marketing to today’s “Fastest Growing and Fashion Savvy Demographic” -  “The Latina Factor”   Very cool! I am so proud to be a part of it and even more to be a representative of this demographic-A LATINA!! We’ve come a long way and are still going!  Just a few facts to pat ourselves on the back   Latinos hold over $1Trillion in purchasing power, we are tech savvy and our teens,  the “young trendsetters” are amongst the fastest growing group of teens, and yes we love to socialize so of course we dominate the social networks   Now its up to us to make sure we stay on this upward path, and that we teach our kids well so that they ARE a positive influence & force in the future of this GREAT NATION!  I can’t wait to fill you in on all the great details of this evenings event!

Enjoy Today’s Workout Day 2

Thought of the Day: I have to switch gears here a minute because I believe it is our duty as citizens of this world to talk about ALL things that are affecting us, and at times, unfortunately, it could be simply awful.  I read, & then saw the heart wrenching report of the 8th grader in Deerfield Beach, FL who is clinging to her life because of a 15yr old boy who beat the crap out of her, with the intentions of “killing” her, all because of a TEXT!!   AND to make matters worse this young girl is friends with the boy who, I believe it was last October, was set on fire after a group of boys doused him with alcohol!  Friends, we need to learn something from this horrific situation. Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, friends, everyone. We need to end this violence!

Until Tomorrow….Have a Great Day  Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

Happy Monday Friends! Hope you all had a great weekend We had incredibly gorgeous weather, and enjoyed every minute of it. The kids were on overload but what can you expect..Spring Fever is amongst us!   I struggled with promising myself to do nothing “work related”, so much that I placed my planner on the opposite side of the room in order to remove myself from going down my “to do” list and making notes.  I have a very busy week ahead of me and my brain is on overload with the risk of becoming fried   I couldn’t take it anymore. I was getting jittery & the stress level was elevating so I locked myself in my office for “an hour” late afternoon while they were playing outside and started to work. Then when I heard the laughter and fun I started feeling guilty that I was in the office. Then I started feeling guilty that I was feeling guilty. Then it was over and  I couldn’t focus!!  What is up with us ladies!? Are we for real?!? Am I the only one?!  Michael never feels guilty, he is guilt free. I remember one year he actually told me not to stress over Christmas Cards, “just skip them this year”  What?!?!!  Again, here I was “guilty” that I didn’t feel like filling out 100+ Holiday Cards.  Ahhhh! Enough said. I knew I wasn’t the only one!  I enlisted the help of my ever so loyal friend “Googy” and searched It was there in black & white. Studies suggest that “Men are guilt deficient”. Men stay emotionally detached. So it isn’t me. Its just another “obstacle” in genetics that I have to overcome, or even better, start “thinking like a man”   I may just dust off my old copy of “Men are from Mars, Woman are from Venus” and read some good ole’ Dr. Gray

Enjoy Today’s Workout Day 1

Tip of the Day: Supergrain Quinoa!  Actually its not even a grain but yet the seed of a leafy plant. I recently tried some and its actually rather yummy. Kind of a cross between CousCous & Brown rice.  Give it a try, the health benefits are amazing! Loaded with protein and dietary fiber, in addition to great vitamins & nutrients. It even offers more iron than any other grain. Strongly recommend it!

Until Tomorrow Friends  Have a Great Day  Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. If any of you just joined us, and would like to start from Day 1 of Michael’s training it all began on 2/1/10

Woo hoo its Viernes!! And a GORGEOUS one to say the least AND “FULL DAY FRIDAY” BOTH kids are in school ALL DAY!!! I just LOVE Friday’s   Even though I am not doing anything overly exciting for “me” just the thought that I will be able to fully focus with no interruptions is priceless and oh so needed!   Well friends, it has begun. “March Madness” is upon us and my fridge is proof of it. Slowly but surely the left-overs  are mysteriously disappearing. Silly boy leaves the proof in the dirty dishes! At least wash them and put them away in order to eliminate the evidence.   Picadillo….gone. FULL Hummus container…gone. Galletas…gone. ALL IN ONE NIGHT! AND we still have this & several other weekends to go before the tournament is over! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this time of year in collegiate basketball. The passion & drive of these kids is an inspiration to all who watch, and if you are not a follower I urge you to give it a try. Its best to start from the beginning, you may be fortunate enough to catch a “Cinderella Story”    So yes, Michael has been overdoing it watching the games late at night. Which leads me to today’s workout. We will be adding extra time on cardio along with two supersets.

Today’s Workout Day 5:

• 10 minute Run
• Superset 1- Arnold Press w/Tricep Kickbacks for the upper body 20 reps 3 sets
• Superset 2- Push-ups off the ball with Plank & Side Plank. 20 push-ups & Planks held for 30 seconds EACH! CORE BABY! Love it!
• Cool Down- Yoga/stretch/meditate for as long as you can

Tomorrow Day 6 We will be going for a 3K run, with rest on Day 7.   A full week complete & we feel GREAT! Well at least I do   Honestly, he says he is liking it and appreciating the  “pain in the Ass” I can be

NOW, I have a task for you all. I want you ALL to take out your cell phones, go to the calendar feature, and program, WITH ALARMS, “Did You Workout Today? Get MOVING!”  If that won’t work then send me your cell# and I will text you “friendly” reminders   Think of me as your conscience

Fact of the Day: 2/3 of American Adults & 1/3 of Children are either Obese or Over-weight adding about $150 BILLION A YEAR to US Health Care Costs!   Need I say more….

Until Monday Friends! Have a GREAT Weekend  Que la Pasen Feliz!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro”

P.S. Reminder: All exercises a fully described in previous blogs  www.BarbaraPorAtras.com/blog  xoxo…

Happy Thursday Friends! Hope everyone had a VERY Happy St. Patrick’s Day & did not over-do it with the “Green Beer” or “Green Martini” Max had a great party at school. The class mom brought green bagels, green cream-cheese, green eggs, green jello, & the rest of the parents contributed to additional “green” goodies. He had a blast needless to say   While we are on the school topic. Just in case some of you missed the report I posted on my FaceBook FanPage, I am so proud of PepsiCo! Finally making the smart decision to remove sugary soft drinks from schools WORLDWIDE! They will be focusing on kids under the age of 18. Kudos to PepsiCo, with the hopes that more follow.  Another smart decision I read about today was on the part of Kraft. Kraft will be lowering the amount of salt it adds to its foods by 10% over the next two years. Everything from cheese, to cold cuts, to snacks will be effected. Next time you go shopping take a look at the fine print and you will be amazed at how many things Kraft makes. Salt is so bad for us!  I understand it adds flavor, but there are so many natural alternatives, through spices/herbs, that can do the same thing or actually enhance the flavor to another degree of likeness   We do not need an enormous amount of sodium in our diet &  minimizing the intake will make a whole lot of change to your overall health.  Read the labels and stick to the low sodium, I assure you the pounds will come off. And for us ladies we DO NOT NEED THE EXTRA BLOATNESS   However,  when in need to add some I use Kosher Salt. Its grains are larger and it enhances the dish beautifully, especially when grilling Another company following in reducing sodium levels in their products is Campbell Soup. Unfortunately canned foods have an enormous amount of sodium, & some soups are close to the thousand range!  Great for Campbell for making the decision to change its ways  

Weigh in Wednesday was yesterday and he did it! Drum roll…..Michael weighed in at 208 lbs! He lost another pound! Slow & steady friends   Now if I could only get him to like running   I’ll do it, wait and see

Today’s workout Day 4:  Michael will be doing a combination exercise that will be utilizing different muscles as he does one move.  The first is an overhead press with squat. This is GREAT FOR OUR ASSETS Ladies!   Pick up your weights standing straight with legs shoulder width apart. As you go down to do your squat lift your arms for an overhead press. Make sure your back is arched and butt is pushed back. One movement one motion. Repeat this for 20 reps & 3 sets. For those that want to tone, usually the ladies, use light weights and high repetitions. If bulking is your goal then higher weights and less repetitions. I tend to be thick so I have to use light weight & high reps when weight training. DO NOT be afraid of weights though. Weight training is what burns the fat hands down!   The next combination we will be doing is GREAT for the core. Get down on all fours with your weights in hands. Start with right arm straight out and left leg extended, bring in on the same move for 20. Repeat with opposite arm & leg.  Back remains straight and belly tight. This exercise is great for the “love handles” Again 20 reps & 3 sets.  That’s it!  Cardio to start & cooldown to end Bottom line is to GET MOVING! THERE IS NO EXCUSE!!!!! There is no better time than the present to embrace your life & make the right smart decision of making it a long, healthy, & happy one!

Tip of the Day: If you don’t have weights fill up water bottles I full gallon is great when doing Twists! AND if you really want a challenge grab two and go up and down your stairs with them in each hand!

Until tomorrow Friends…Have a Great Day Buen Dia!

xoxo…Besos y Abrazos   “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”