Why can't I LOSE WEIGHT?

I admit that I have always been a stocky, big and juicy type of girl even when I was younger. I have struggled with weight through out my life and yes, it has been discouraging at times, but I have dealt with it. Being quite a bit older, things have changed when it comes to losing weight. Everyone seems to want to give their unsolicited opinion to me directly about losing weight. How is it that you want to give your opinion about me losing weight when you do not even know me? Do you know the situation that I am in? Do I have a genetic disorder? Are their health issues? Are there hormone issues? What are the issues? What are the problems? Some people say "push away from the table". Some people say diet is the key. Others say it is a life style change situation. Some say eat more protein. Others say eat more fruit and vegetables. Some say drink protein shakes. Some say fast. Some say drink more water. Others say drink sport drinks. Some say exercise is all that you need. Others say a combination of exercise and diet. Some say go on the banana diet. Others say go on the egg diet. Some say do a the four day diet. Others say go on the liquid diet. The list goes on and on and on and on. I have tried countless of diets and lifestyle changes and yet I find it extremely hard to lose weight in my older age. I found some very interesting information that peaked my interest. It makes some very pertinent points to why I may have a problem losing weight. All of the reasons pertain to my situation, so when I read this article I was delighted. Why? I was delighted because it gave an indication on what the problem might be. It shared some insight that can also help others like ME! Here are some interesting reasons why I, why WE may not be able to lose weight! (1) WE ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED. Some studies have shown that without sleep that our stress hormone, which is cortisol as well as blood sugar levels and insulin will rise. This rise can make us hungry. Lack of sleep will always cause insulin resistance, which makes it easier to store fat. (2) OUR THYROIDS ARE OUT OF WACK. Thyroid functions is very important for our metabolism and some experts do agree that the thyroid problems are one of the most undiagnosed and under-diagonosed issues that can get in the way of losing weight. (3) WE ARE EATING TOO MUCH SUGAR AND WE MAY NOT EVEN KNOW IT. Sugar consumption is a major problem. It is sneaking into many products, even yogurts and smoothies. Sugar can be found in processed foods also, which can wreak havoc on the waist line. Fructose is by far one of the worse because it goes straight to the liver where it makes fat. (4) STRESSED OUT. One recent study mentioned that women usually gain eleven (11) pounds a year due to stress. Stress raises cortisol, which breaks down muscle and lowers serotonin, so that we crave more sweet foods. Cortisol breaks down stomach acid, which means that the stomach does not digest effectively, so we are left even hungrier. (5) WE DON'T EAT ENOUGH FAT. Our bodies need fat to burn fat but the key to this is choosing the right type of fat. Healthy fats like the ones that are found in fish, Salmon, Avocado, grass fed beef, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds are the best. (6) Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin is actually a pro hormone that is responsible for many of the bodies functions, without it you can not burn fat off. It is important that our levels are checked. Good sources of this vitamin are Salmon, Sardines, and of course milk. (7) Our bodies are toxic. Environmental toxins are everywhere. These toxins can disrupt our hormones which lowers our temperatures and makes us hold on to body fat. To get rid of toxins in the body it is good to eat a proper amount of fiber, and have a great elimination system. All of these issues pertain to me. This may be a major break through for me. What about you? Are these the reasons why you may not be losing weight? Open up and talk to me people. Tell me what you feel. Please SHARE, COMMENT, LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! Until the next time my lovelies. BE LOVING, BE KIND, BE THOUGHTFUL AND BE SAFE. Thanks for reading my blog post! CHECK ME OUT ON FACEBOOK, I AM OPINIONATED SHELLY!

Poem~I THOUGHT I HAD A RIDE OR DIE FRIEND!

***When I first met you through a dear friend, it was over a century a go ***You were scared, I was scared, you were someone I didn't even know ***You showed me such wonderful kindness, endearing consideration, and upheld me with such respect ***You were smart, giving, loving, unique and were such a darling intellect ***Through the years you were there for me, I have to say, you really held me down ***I cried a lot, was depressed and sometimes my face had a permanent frown ***You listened to me, consoled me dear, only like a real man would only do ***I was so very thankful that you were in my life, to find someone, a "special" friend just like you ***When I say special, I don't mean by any means, in a fresh or sexual way ***We were close, chaste and platonic, and sometimes you did keep me at bay ***I didn't fully understand your actions until I had fully and mentally matured ***All I knew is that you were my ride or die friend, that I was extremely sure ***But somehow through the years things so drastically and sad to say, they so abruptly changed ***You started being distant, wouldn't answer my calls, you started acting very, very strange ***I asked myself "did I do something wrong or is this just another side of you" ***Maybe I did something I was not aware of , or maybe I unknowingly acted like a fool ***I asked you what was wrong several times and you would say nothing and sometimes you just looked at me ***I felt alone, felt abandoned because you were aloof, you were like a hollow tree ***I would get into my feelings because frankly I just could not fully comprehend ***How you could act this way, treat me this way, hey you were "My closest friend" ***How could you be my ride or die friend, and treat me like you did ***No communicating, avoiding me sometimes, acting just like an adolescent kid ***I was so positive and so sure that I had a ride or die friend but evidently I was so wrong ***The feelings I had for you were nurtured through the years and yes the feelings were very strong ***I loved you beyond any comprehension because of the qualities that I thought you ever so possessed ***You proved your loyalty through the years and yes, you proved to be the best ***You had my back in time of need like no other human would ever do ***I said this is my ride or die friend, loyalty sealed, stapled and yes it was real and it was true ***Hold up, wait a minute, don't you member the things I did for you, yes for you ***When you called me up, I would drop everything I was doing and did what you asked me to ***I know all of that you don't remember, it is gone out of your memory time ***That is okay, I know what I have done and that is absolutely just fine ***That is why I am ending this "whatever friendship" because you're acting this way towards my heart ***I have the memories, the good and bad times and this is the way I shall depart ***Goodbye old love , goodbye old friend, it was nice and maybe we shall meet once again ***If we do , it will be different and this time I will not consider you " My ride or die friend"

IS YOUR DEODORANT SAFE? DOES YOUR DEODORANT CAUSE BREAST CANCER?

Does deodorant cause breast cancer? Well does it? This is a another topic that may be controversial. Some of the so called "specialist" ,"Scientist" and/or "professionals" say YES and others say NO! There have been articles that have been displayed on the internet and in the press, warning individuals that antiperspirants or deodorant DOES cause cancer. These reports have definitely suggested that deodorants contain harmful and toxic chemicals that are absorbed through the skin, they can even seep through the skin from little nicks while shaving. Some Scientist have said that certain ingredients in the deodorants MAY be related to cancer (specifically breast cancer) because it is frequently applied next to the breast. HOWEVER, researchers at the National Cancer Institute claim that they are not aware of any conclusive evidence that links the use of deodorants to the development of breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food, cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, claim that they also do not have any evidence or research suggesting that ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS FOUND IN ANTIPERSPIRANTS AND DEODORANTS? SOME DEODORANTS ARE ALUMINUM BASED! Aluminum-based compounds are used in some deodorants as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. The compound is created to act as a plug within the sweat duct which puts an end to the sweat. These compounds form a plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are used frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may seep into skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. SOME RESEARCH FOCUS ON PARABENS! What are parabens? Parabens are preservatives that are used in some deodorants that copies the activity of estrogen in the body's cell. Although parabens are used in quite a few products like, cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical products, according to the FDA, most major brand deodorants do not contain parabens. MY EXPERIENCE WITH DEODORANT! I have been on this earth for quite a few years, over thirty and like most people was introduced to deodorant as a child. As I get older, because of hormonal changes and imbalances I have used several brands of deodorants and/ or antiperspirants. My first SCARE was about five years ago. I would, like everyone else use deodorant everyday until I started feeling LUMPS UNDER MY ARMS. I was alarmed because these lumps were accompanied by burning sensations under my arms and near my breast. I was concerned so I went to the doctor and he said it was hormonal (they use that excuse for everything it seems). I changed my brand of deodorant and the problem disappeared, so it seemed. During the summer months my deodorant needs changed. I guess because I, like other women, men and children produce more sweat as the temperatures start to rise. I needed something stronger so I changed to CLINICAL STRENGTH ANTIPERSPIRANT/DEODORANT WHICH CONTAINS ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLY. I started feeling the BURNING SENSATIONS and the LUMPS AGAIN. Once again, the pain and lumps went away BUT of course I was concerned. WHAT I DECIDED TO DO! I decided to do some research. I found tons of information and experiences that helped make my decision. I STARTED MAKING MY OWN DEODORANT FROM NATURAL PRODUCTS. I found a very simple, easy, and inexpensive recipe on-line for natural deodorant. I have used it frequently and it is very effective, even in the summer months. HERE IS THE RECIPE: ***1/4 cup of baking soda ***1/4 cup of cornstarch ***6 teaspoons of coconut oil (optional) ***10 drops of peppermint oil (optional) ***Mix and blend thoroughly and use! This recipe can be adjusted by the taste or like of the individual. You can do some research and come up with your own natural deodorant recipe. Natural, herbal and organic deodorant can be purchased BUT I PREFER TO MAKE MY OWN! LOOK AT. Look at the ingredients on the label to determine if a deodorant or antiperspirant contains parabens. Parabens are usually easy to identify by name, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben. The National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database also has information about the ingredients used in most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants! There you have it folks. My take on matters. PLEASE tell me what you think! Thanks for reading. Please SHARE, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE (use that button all the way at the bottom of the pages) ! Until the next time BE KIND, BE THOUGHTFUL, BE WILLING AND BE SAFE!

WHAT CAN EPSOM SALT DO FOR YOU?

EPSOM SALT! This stuff has been around forever and ever and ever. As a child, I use to hear older folks talking about EPSOM SALT. I often wondered, what in the world are they talking about? Is this a wonder drug or something? Some people used it for almost everything. It has so many uses. Who knew? As I got older I experienced exactly what they were talking about. Exactly what is EPSOM SALT? Epsom salt is Magnesium sulfate(or magnesium sulphate), it is an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. It is white in color and it looks like crystals. Even though there are many uses for Epsom salt, I will share with you the ones that I have experienced. AS A RELAXER and SOOTHER. Epsom Salt can help you relax after a hard day's work. It helps to relieve the soreness that may accompany strenuous activity. It may even help when a muscle has been pulled. What I do is I take a cup full of Epsom salt and put it in the tub of warm water, and then I soak. Some people like to add essential oils to the Epsom Salt to give it a personalized smell and feeling. As for me, I just use plain Epsom Salt because that is good enough for me! It helps to soothe and relax me! AS A LAXATIVE. Many people do not like to talk about constipation. Why? I guess because it may be too personal for them. I am pretty sure everyone gets constipated every now and then, even animals. I had been using Epsom salt for sometime to soothe my aches and pains, but I never knew I could use it as a laxative UNTIL AFTER I READ THE BACK OF THE PACKAGE. I take a half of a cup of Epsom Salt and mix it with a cup of warm water and drink.**** LET ME TELL YOU ONE THING, THIS IS A VERY NASTY AND BITTER TASTING SUBSTANCE!!!!!!!!! IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE THE SUGGESTIONS ON THE BACK OF YOUR CONTAINER AND THEN YOU CAN ADJUST IT ACCORDINGLY!***********SPECIAL NOTE***********SPECIAL NOTE************BEFORE YOU USE EPSOM SALT IT WOULD BE WISE TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. THE USE OF EPSOM SALT CAN BE HARMFUL TO THOSE WITH ALLERGIES, AND ILLNESSES LIKE DIABETES, AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. EPSOM SALT MAY NOT BE A GOOD USE FOR CHILDREN. PLEASE READ THE LABEL AND DO YOUR RESEARCH. AS AN EXFOLIATE. Salt exfoliation is often considered one of the best ways to get those nasty dead skin cells off of our faces. When exfoliating, salt can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients like water or oil to make a paste. What I do is I take about a tablespoon of Epsom Salt, put it on my wash cloth, wet with water and scrub, and then I rinse. You can use this to exfoliate your face and your body. PLEASE be careful because these crystals are a little bit bigger than the normal sized salt pellets. THERE YOU HAVE IT ONCE AGAIN, MY USE FOR EPSOM SALT! Do you use EPSOM SALT? HOW? Please let me know. I would love to hear from you. Please COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE! Until the next time BE HELPFUL, BE KIND, BE GENTLE, DON'T SCRUB TOO HARD AND BE SAFE!

ARE BLACK MEN BEING LYNCHED IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, IN 2014?

Are black men being lynched in today's society, in 2014? That question is up for debate. Many say YES and many say NO! What is LYNCHUNG? Some, especially old timers so to speak know what lynching is BUT many of the younger people may not. LYNCHING is usually when a mob kills someone especially by hanging for an ALLEGED offense with or without a LEGAL trial! I was prompted by this question by an article that I read on Huffingtonpost.com. The article makes a comparison with Lynching. Many of you may say, HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU COMPARE? In my OPINION, the author was not necessarily comparing the actions of what lynching literally is bit by bit. There are similarities that definitely stand out THOUGH! She is comparing THE MENTALITY OF HATRED THAT PROMPTS SUCH DESPICABLE ACTIONS! The writer of this article is Melissa-Harris Perry and the title of the article is called Melissa-Harris Perry's SEARING TRIBUTE TO BLACK MEN KILLED, MURDERED BY THE POLICE. I HAVE TO SAY that this article DID get me to start thinking deeply and to do some research! Why? I did research because of the SUPREME COURT CASE SHE QUOTED. LET'S TAKE IT BACK, W-A-Y, W-A-Y BACK! THE PERSON: A BLACK MAN ! HIS OCCUPATION: A SLAVE ! THE NAME: DRED SCOTT ! Dred Scott was a slave born in 1799 who lived locally in South Hampton County, Virginia. Dred Scott unfortunately, and unsuccessfully sued the United States of America so he, his wife, and their two daughters could be FREE. The case that was presented was purely based on fact. Dred Scott and his wife were slaves BUT lived in a territory with their slave owner where slavery was illegal according to THE LAW. The United States Supreme Court made a decision against Scott, finding that he nor any other person of AFRICAN DESCENT could make a claim of citizenship in the U.S. and therefore Scott could not bring suit in federal court under the diversity of citizenship rules. This notorious Supreme Court case that refuted Scott's claim because, in the the strong and famous words of Chief Justice Roger Taney, he had "NO RIGHTS WHICH THE WHITE MAN WAS BOUND TO RESPECT". IS THIS HAPPENING TODAY? IT SEEMS SO! IS THERE AN INDIFFERENCE OF JUSTICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE BLACK MAN AND THE WHITE MAN? IT SEEMS SO, DOESN'T IT! DO THEY TREAT WHITE SUSPECTS BETTER THAN THEY TREAT BLACK SUSPECTS? LETS TAKE A QUICK LOOK. LETS' COMPARE! WHITE SUSPECT: Alabama suspect brilliant, but social misfit That's how the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal chose to present the story of Amy Bishop, a former college professor who eventually pleaded guilty to killing three colleagues and wounding three others at a faculty meeting in 2010. BLACK VICTIM: Montgomery's latest victim had a history of narcotics abuse, tangles with the law. That's the headline some ran about the shooting death of a 25-year-old black man in Alabama earlier this year. WHITE SUSPECT: Son in Staten Island murders was brilliant, athletic but demons were the death of parents. This is how the case of Eric Bellucci, a mentally ill New York man who allegedly killed his parents was covered. BLACK VICTIM: Trayvon Martin was suspended three times from school. This headline ran during ongoing coverage of the Trayvon Martin killing. A CRIME is a CRIME. WRONG is WRONG. What is UNLAWFUL is UNLAWFUL no matter what. No matter what GENDER, RACE, and ETHNICITY! NO MAN, NO WOMAN, NO CHILD, NO PERSON should be treated or depicted differently in any way! I am so very sorry to say, the media shares the blame! Some media outlets have used BOGUS UNDO FOOTAGE, BAD DEPICTING PICTURES, MIS-QUOTES FROM FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, ETC..., AND HAVE USED CHARACTER ASSASSINATION WHEN IT COMES TO BLACK SUSPECTS/VICTIMS. IT IS A SHAME! WHAT HAPPNED TO EQUALITY IN THIS COUNTRY? I GUESS IT REALLY NEVER EXISTED, HUH????????? THERE YOU HAVE IT! What do you think? PLEASE don't hold back. I want to know what you think, your opinion! Please COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND SUBSCRIBE. Thanks for reading. Until the next time people, BE KIND, BE MINDFUL, AND BE SAFE!

WHY DO WE EMBRACE WHAT WE HATE?

I have often wondered why, as a society, we embrace what we claim to hate? I think this is a good questions to ask. I ask this question as I sit around and look at the society that we live in. I know there are many things in the world that we hate. Some things we can change and some we can not change because as humans we do have limited power. Some things are GREAT and some things are SMALL. Some things touch our lives DIRECTLY and some INDIRECTLY. Some things we care about a LITTLE and some we care about A LOT! In this blog post I will talk about two subjects that we claim to hate but we embrace. POVERTY, and DRUGS! POVERTY! As we listen to the news, read the documentations in the papers and see the images on T.V., it reminds us that there is poverty ALL OVER THE WORLD. Some countries have to deal with poverty on different levels because of different reasons. Some countries are considered to be third world countries that for some reason or another can not sustain itself financially. Then there are other countries that are prospering financially, they are even considered to be the POWERHOUSES or apart of THE DYNAMITE WORLD POWERS. What about them? What about the countries that are fully developed and financially sound and stable like, well, like...... THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? ACCORDING TO ONE SOURCE, the financial position of the United States including household and not-for-profit net worth is $66.07 trillion, non-financial corporate business net worth of $17.59 trillion and non-financial non-corporate business net worth of $8.06 trillion, for a total of $91.72 trillion at it's least. If the United States of America is so very wealthy, why is there POVERTY IN THE STATES? It is said that the U.S. invest 550 billion dollars a year on poverty. If there is such a great investment, where is the money going and how is it being used? Why are there so many homeless and starving people in the United States? In my research of reading articles that may be reputable, there are so many answers to this questions, so many antics and explanations that it is overwhelming, confusing and mind boggling. SOME say we are in poverty because we spend too much money on FOREIGN AFFAIRS, on WAR, on HELPING OTHER COUNTRIES, on the WAR ON DRUGS, on HEALTH CARE, on FOOLISH RESEARCH, and the list goes on, and on, and on. Some say it all involves politics.

DRUGS! The war on drugs in the United States of America has seem to accomplish little to none. As we look around in our neighborhoods drugs are prospering, they are increasing. New variations of drugs are popping up and there is nothing that no one can really do about it. America is definitely at war. We have been fighting drug abuse for almost a century now. Four Presidents have personally waged war on drugs to no avail. Sad to say, it is a war that we are losing horribly. Drug abusers continue to fill our courts, hospitals, and prison systems. The drug trade causes violent crime that destroys our neighborhoods, and our lives. Children of drug abusers are neglected, abused, and even abandoned. It seems that the only beneficiaries of this war are the organized crime members and drug dealers. The United States has focused its efforts on the criminalization of drug use. The government has, to no avail, spent countless billions of dollars in efforts to eradicate the supply of drugs. How does the United States spend on the war on drugs? According to Drugsense.org, "The U.S. federal government has spent over $15 billion dollars on the War on Drugs, at a rate of about $500 per second. State and local governments spent at least another 25 billion dollars". That is quite a bit of money to be spending and it seems that it is all useless and going up in smoke so to speak because we are LOSING THIS WAR by a milestone!

YES, as a country, as a people we EMBRACE WHAT WE CLAIM TO HATE. WE embrace by means of acceptance. We accept what we should not. We accept what we think we can not change. When there are human limitations, what are we to do? I guess we can only do what we can within our measure, means, abilities and powers!

There you have it once again. The opinion of OpinionatedShelly. Tell me what you think. I want to hear from you! Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT. Remember I am waiting. Until the next time BE KIND, BE SAFE, and BE CAREFUL!

Are you feeling frustrated by the news?

Do you remember when the change went over many years ago with TV because of it going digital? I do. At that time I decided that I would not change over so I was without a TV for about a year and a half. People often wondered how I did not go crazy (who says I am not crazy! LOL). What did I do? I caught up on reading, and listened to the radio. What I did not hear on the radio, I heard by word of mouth. It was a very interesting time for me BUT it was also very beneficial. Why? It was very beneficial because I spent time with myself. I got a chance to get to know myself in and out. I missed out on some good things that happened locally, nationally and internationally. I missed out on some of the bad things that the media reported on as well. KILLINGS, MURDERS, AND ARREST! There is soooo much in the media, the news that is frustrating. If there is anything that may be POSITIVE, or GOOD it is overshadowed by the NEGATIVE, or BAD. What is going on the news? IT SEEMS THAT THE WORLD, NOTICE I SAID THE WORLD IS GOING CRAZY! Everybody seems to be aware of what is going on in GAZA, and what is going on in the states as well. The Buzz all over the news channels, Facebook, Twitter, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR, RADIO ONE, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, NSNBC, The Huffington post, etc.. are the murders. The taking of many innocent lives and the brutality of the POLICE. It tears my heart apart and makes me very scared. Scared for whom? Scared for anyone who seems to defy the police. It seems that the rights of individuals are being snatched away from citizens in the United states of America. There is so many thoughts going through my mind and heart right now. I know that I do not know the full story behind these shootings by these Police Officers BUT what I have read seems to be so unfair, cruel, and inhumane! What is happening can happen anywhere in the United States. It seems that BLACK MALES are the target even though I read an article that said that WHITE America is being targeted by the police as well. If this is true by what degree is this happening and why don't mainstream America know about this? Why isn't this being reported on openly? WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON! It seems like an ever lasting tornado! When will it ever end? What can be done? Why do people have to die this way, by the hands of the police? I have so many questions that are unanswered. I am pretty sure that they will never be answered. I just hope there is a settling ground for this. Some of the stories that I have read made me break down and cry. Yes literally break down and cry like a baby. I can only imagine how the VICTIMS family and friends must feel. I can only imagine! If some of the killings, shootings were unintentional I can imagine how the POLICE OFFICERS may feel. I don't want to believe that ALL of these shootings were premeditated or intentional. I GUESS THE FEDS WILL HAVE TO INTERVENE TO STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT. IF THEY DO, WILL IT BE FAIR TO ALL PARTIES INVOLVED? HOW LONG Will THE SETTLING OF THIS TAKE? ARE THE POLICE GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER? In the mean time I will pray on this. I am pretty sure most of AMERICA is praying for this to end! There you have it, my feelings on the matter at hand. Please tell me how you feel, express yourself! Please SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, LIKE AND SHARE! UNTIL THE NEXT TIME BE SMART, BE KIND, BE GENTLE AND BE SAFE!