Finally... Hello fellow bloggers!!! I'm back... And this time, I won't go m.i.a. again, even though I still have my honey off for four more days. Today is Thursday the 5th of July and my scale shot up 5/6 lbs.... The best part, I DON'T CARE! And do you know why I don't care? Because I know just how to lose them again. (And then some!) ;)

I have FOUR days to mentally prepare and to stock up my kitchen with the right fueling system. Starting Monday... I WILL work out 5/6 days a week. (Running/Turbo Fire/TaeBo/Tennis/Weight strengthening/yoga) At least two of those days should be weights (upper body on one day and lower body on the other)

No more sugars and high carbs.... Going back to the basics... If God didn't put it on the earth for me to consume.... It probably is not a good idea to eat it! ;)

Today I had my Isotonix cocktail with antioxidants, calcium, vit b and the multi-vitamin!! Breakfast was a banana. Lunch was a p.b. & j. sandwich on wheat toast and 4 oz. of skim milk.

Dinner will be a lean grilled chicken breast with veggies and snacks will only be fruits.

I have yet to start my water intake... so I will start now. A little late but I'll get 5/6 servings in. Tomorrow will have to be a better hydrating day.

Today's weigh in: 1?0... and NOT the low end that I was trying to reach... o_O

And finally, the final possible reasons for you aging more than you have to:

7. You Drastically Cut Fat, Carbs, or Calories

When your diet isn't balanced, your skin, hair, and nails will suffer. Cutting calories can deprive your body of certain nutrients that promote healthy cell division, cell regeneration, and overall skin tone and texture, explains David E. Bank, MD, FAAD, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY. "The skin also requires essential fatty acids—which the body can't produce on its own—to maintain hydration. A diet that's too low in fat could cause dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails." Other key youth-boosting nutrients include vitamins A, C, and E. Being deficient in A can cause acne, dry hair, dry skin, and broken fingernails. Get your daily vitamin A fix by eating five baby carrots each day. A lack of vitamin C can affect collagen synthesis (the "glue" that binds our ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and skin), impair wound healing, and make you more likely to bruise. Incorporate vitamin C–rich foods in the form of citrus fruits, brussels sprouts, peppers, and leafy greens. Low levels of vitamin E can result in easy bruising and cause chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Get more vitamin E in your diet by eating almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, and fortified cereals.

8. You're Missing Alkaline-Rich Foods

Kimberly Snyder, a Los Angeles nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution, says she sees a big improvement in her clients' skin and hair when they eat more alkaline-forming foods, such as parsley, almonds, kale, pears, lemons, and apples. "If your body is too acidic, which can happen when your diet is unbalanced, it leaches the alkaline minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, that allow us to have strong, healthy bones, teeth, and hair," Snyder explains.

So take care peeps and use what you know to live and feel better!! Happy Holiday WEEK to all...