#36 HOT OVER 40! HOT HEADED BABE 10/31/12

OH, NO YOU DI'NT!

OK SO ITS HALLOWEEN, A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATIONS AND WEARING COSTUMES CHOSEN TO REFLECT ONE'S ALTER EGO'S, SELF IMAGE, INTERESTS OR JUST PLAIN WISHFUL THINKING...
A GOOD TIME TO THROW SOME EGGS AROUND TOO.
SNARKS 'n SNOOTERS BE- AWARE!

I UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO FEEL SUPERIOR ARE REALLY JUST MASKING THEIR DEEP INSECURITIES....  

USUALLY I CAN OVER LOOK SUCH BLATANT  IMMATURITY.
(can we get past highschool? really!)
HOWEVER AT TIMES, AS DAD ADVISED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STAND.
Bad behavior is bad behavior-this ain't the stage its real life.
(I am a Bronx gal - we don't take crap from anybody)

The snide aside can be overheard.
HAHAHA, QVC, HOHOHO, BRAZIL WHAT LIFT? TEEHEEHEE.   HMMMMM........
YOU WANT TO LAUGH? DISPARAGE? MOCK?
I GAINED WEIGHT BECAUSE I HAD CANCER AND HAD A HYSTERECTOMY SO WITHOUT OVARIES - I BALLOONED 40 lbs.IN 2 MONTHS! That's how my body reacted to zero hormones.

I don't need sympathy just maturity. Jeez, get a life will ya!

IT TOOK ME 7 YEARS TO DISCOVER HOW TO LOSE THE FINAL 25 lbs. AFTER ONLY BEING ABLE TO LOSE 15 ON MY OWN.
THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND. 7 YEARS
I wasn't a potato chip munching coucher either. I was really trying.
NOT 2 OR 4 MONTHS
BUT 2,555 DAYS OF HAVING TO GET DRESSED, DISLIKING THE IMAGE THAT WAS REFLECTED BACK AT ME. (perhaps, privately you can relate?)
It affected my work opportunities and my interactions with people.
 
I WAS EXERCISING AND EATING HEALTHILY SO I THOUGHT I WAS DOING ALL THE RIGHT STUFF. I WASN'T.
BECAUSE MY ENTIRE CONSTITUTION  HAD CHANGED.
I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF IN A DIFFERENT WAY.  A MUCH MORE INTENSE, VIGOROUS, DISCIPLINED WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE. 
I NOW REALIZED I COULD TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
Not one "ok a forkful", not one " I want to sleep in today," not one " I am just too, too busy."  Now none of that was - or still is - allowed.

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND VIA DILIGENCE,  AND LEARNING WHAT I NOW NEEDED TO DO, (WITHOUT THOSE HORMONES taken waaaaaaay before my time),
PLUS ALOT OF COMPASSION FROM LEANDRO (& Lara - she's low profile but pivotal too) 
I DID IT. I GOT BACK TO BELONGING TO MYSELF.

It was, and will always be, alot of hardwork however, I am so glad I found that avenue; so I don't appreciate anyone trying to make less of it. It takes commitment and discipline on a daily basis.  How many individuals can attest to that?
 
So, yes, the name might sound funny. Heck it is!  Saturday Night Live could have a blast with it...... I hope they do one day. I could be the butt of the joke. With pleasure!
Oh, and let me remind you I CAN CLIMB 20 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS as a cardio warmup - and do it 4 more times in a row ---- for the nay sayers, "can you?"

"Maybe somebody was cruel to you
So you think that's what you're supposed to do
One day, it might be you
When you need a friend, but you no longer cool  ....." (Rachel Crow)

And now that my "oh no you did'nt" moment has passed,  (its better to enunciate,afterall) if you feel poofy, bloated & out of shape - contact me.  I am always willing to help out. 

             I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY. JOANNA


oh and I do some really crazy ear tricks too...got me my first commercial with that ability. Sure it's not Chekhov, but a nice check nonetheless. Who would have thunk it?

HALLOWEEN and HOLIDAY EATING TIP:
don't deny, indulge but with only 1 or 2 candies --- Three Musketeers in small size can fit the chocolate craving, along with KitKats --- not too fattening or calorie laden compared to other candy treats.  Apple slices covered with cinnamon work well too.

more info:
IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#29 HOT OVER 40! SWEAT IT SWEETY 8/15/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

SWEAT IT SWEETY

KEEP IT UP TO KEEP IT OFF

SWEATING IS SEXY
SWEATING MEANS YOUR WORKING IT
SWEATING MEANS YOU DID A GREAT JOB
SWEATING MEANS YOU SCALED THE LIMITS

On the days when you just can't bring yourself to go to the gym, here are a few quick aerobic exercises that will raise your heartrate and give you a quick fitness boost. 

Based on # of repetitions and performing either 1 or 2x that day, you will get in a quick workout and dispose of feeling guilty which will only lead to self sabotage.


 Simple Squats - feet flat, weight on heels, butt out, chest up, back straight and stomach tightened, knees never over toes but parallel to them,hands on knees. 25 reps

Advanced squat - bend with hands on knees and jump raising arms overhead in the air. 25 reps

Super Advanced *- squat as hands touch the floor then rise and jump. 25 reps.

Either do just one or do all 3.

Add 5/10/12.5/15 lb weights for Simple Squats and
*Add 2/3/5 lb weights for additional aerobic benefits.
(BEGINNERS SHOULD NOT USE WEIGHTS CONCENTRATE ON PROPER FORM)

Jump Rope - nope you don't even need the rope just make sure you rotate your arms as if you were doing so.  If you have a rope and its weighted, all the better.

Basic - small jumps. 50 - 100 reps.

Moderate - alternate from small to higher jumps every 5 reps.  100 reps.

Advanced - high jumps, rotate arms more quickly. 100 reps.

60 SECOND REST THEN DO AGAIN- 3X-IF TIME.

IF YOU LOOK PRETTY AFTER YOUR WORKOUT
it doesn't count!

#25 HOT OVER 40! BRAZIL BUTTLIFT - FIRE UP YOUR WORKOUT! 7/4/12

FIRE UP  YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE 

 BLAST  YOUR METABOLISM &

 BURN   THOSE CALORIES, BABY!  

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS FOR YOUR BODY

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

OK Blue Collar Babes - 4th of July is around the corner and BBQ, beaches and bikinis are on order. 

Want to blast that fat and burn baby burn those calories for a great beginning of summer lift off?

Join me working out with Leandro Carvalho of Brazil Buttlift fame who will show you some mega-moves that will bring your workout into the stratosphere.

Stop looking at the magazines saying,
"How do they do it?" -- Look in the mirror and say, "I know how  they do it!" --
You can look Hot Over 40!
--- if I can, You can --- 
 Leandro knows all the right moves.
Follow me...

Leandro Fitness Video Blog #25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxVsgu5tXL8

COMING SOON ---- QVC appearance with Leandro, live fitness demonstrations watch us on July 24th, Tuesday evening between 8-10 pm EST.

#19 HOT OVER 40! PLAN B for BLUE COLLAR BABES 3/15/12

OK SO YOU ARE AN INJURED HOTTIE -

NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

PLAN A   That's for the highly blessed, the super rich, or those who have great publicity agents and personal trainers. 

PLAN B  -  that's for our special group: BLUE COLLAR BABES. I used to bemoan this, however, I have learned that when life throws us curves, if we love them on our bodies, then we love them anywhere else, too.

WHEN PLAN A GOES ARRAY

I was injured recently while intensely training for a 1/2 Marathon.  Damn!  What to do? What to do?  All my fitness goals for the new year de-railed.  Doctors orders. After bemoaning my fate, I came up with some alternative exercise options even though I did have to give up the marathon in April.  

Plan A ---   running 5-6 miles 5x a week, gradually adding 2 miles a week

                    until I achieved 12 miles with ease.

My fave Brazil Buttlift classes 3x a week for 2 hours each

                   time; along with free weight training on alternating days.

                   Trampoline 2x a week just when watching TV. And anything

                    else I could come up with.  Eating for intense training.

then re-opened old injuries on elbow, shoulder, bicep, neck, and hip.

SOOOOOO ~~~

PLAN B - BE A BLUE COLLAR BABE HOTTIE EVEN WHEN INJURED

Plan B  ---  water aerobics 1x week,  elliptic 30 min. 3x (no arms) on
                   a low incline and effort (Level 5-9 not  12-15), lower body

                   weight machine training 2x a week. Stairs (19 floors) also very long, hilly 2-4 mile walks.  Eating Heaps of steamed broccolli and stringbeans.

Goal -- Healing... then....getting ripped bikini season of course! 

A Blue Collar Babe Over 40,50 or even 60 (Helen Mirren is an icon!) - wears bikini's proudly.  

You can do it. Transforming is a specialty of mine.  I believe in you.

(Don't worry we will be in touch for that - failure is not an option)

I saw this card in the store and had to pick it up -- it encapsulates this philosophy:

Life is all about how you handle plan B.

by Suzy Toronto

#20 HOT OVER 40! THE SACREDNESS OF STRINGBEANS 4/1/12

 A Joanna Dinner. Notice the Italian Lemon Juice.
Pictures by Joanna Bonaro 

STRINGBEANS - SENSATIONAL,  LOW CALORIE AND WHEN SEASONED ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND.     

What can I say about stringbeans?  I wax poetic.  These have taken me from thick to thin and anything in-between. They are crunchy when raw, so that I satisfy my chewing fetish.  They let me absent mindedly munch when I am reading a book.  (A habit left-over from my 12-19thc English Lit and Acting double major college days - then it was corn muffins, but post 40 means adjustments must be made) 

When micro-waved, (yes I buy STEAMERS microwaveable bags, so that any cleaning up before or after is obliterated.  I believe in less work not more)  and seasoned with  Lemon Juice, garlic, 2 TBLspoons white wine, some H2O, and either curry or red pepper, they make a terrific dinner -- alone or with broiled sole, chicken or salmon.  Sublime!    Low Calorie -- guilt free -- finger food - no fork necessary, mindless, chewy, and tasty!  

Who could ask for anything more?  you live green to save the earth, why not eat green to save your body and your sanity?

When I am healthy and driven, or injured and held back, I rely on them.  When I go ballistic and I need to eat, eat, eat!!!!! and just pig out!!!!!!! - well it doesn't have to be so self-destructive.  It can be green and filling.  Then if I still need a Baci, well, my stomach is full, and the chocolate fix can be sated without eating a whole bar.  Stringbean's bring it back to "what am I doing to myself?" "Do I really want to do this?" (meaning the chocolate cookies or box, for that matter.) And, the next morning, "I am soooo veryyyyy proud of myself! Hurrah!"

So when my girlfriends who are over 40 and trying to lose 5,10, or even 20 pounds and ask "how did you DO it?" , "how do you KEEP IT OFF?", I tell them, hard work, Brazil Buttlift, constant activity, making magnificent food choices, and STRINGBEANS!

Just please don't use oil. If you must -- literally -- a teaspoon will do.  Salt, a smidgen, again, only if absolutely necessary.  Don't ruin the magic by fattening it up.  You will come to look at it as your saviour savory.   It will work for you if you work with it.  Add jalapenos, cumin, curry, oregano, sage, onion powder -- any spice will do.  Whatever works for you for additional taste.  I still prefer lemon overall.   Even if ultimately you give in to weakness, your stomach will still have been filled up by a nutritious, healthy substance, so you will STILL BE CONSUMING LESS.

If stringbeans don't ring your bell, then I suggest, asparagus, broccoli (VERY FILLING), spinach or lettuce.  Learn to love green!!!!!!

Yup! Opened and used. 2 for a filling dinner. So low calorie, quantity is not an issue.
pictures by Joanna Bonaro

JOANNA'S TASTY STRINGBEAN RECIPE:
2 Greenbean Steamers
1/4 cup part water and white wine
Garlic powder
Onion flakes
Red pepper powder or flakes
2 tblspn Lemon Juice or fresh squeezed lemon
Mix and enjoy!

If you are still hungry, 2-3 WASA crackers, with Weight Watchers Swiss Cheese - 2 wedges and even a glass of red or white wine.  Filling, healthy and low cal. 




My cancer fitness journey --
blogs 1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

#22 HOT OVER 40! SURVIVING CANCER - I RUN FOR ME, MY MOTHER, FOR LIFE 5/12/12

More info click onto

IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A CANCER SURVIVOR-- MAY 25th, 2002.

 I survived cancer. But hated the way I looked. 

I gained my life. But lost my self-esteem. 

For 7 years. 

Then - * I got the woman in the mirror I liked to see back again. 

I am determined to make up for those 7 lost years.

In between, I learned that we all really need and want to feel beautiful.  That society puts way too much pressure on woman to be skeletal skinny and prepubescent and that there is a huge prejudice for any woman out there who is a size 8,10, 12 or 14. 

 I had a conundrum. 

I feel magnificent as a size 4, fat as a size 10 --- so what can my philosophy be? 

"Are you a hypocrite?", I asked myself.

No.

My viewpoint is:

I am not advocating skinny, nor am I condoning too much fat.  Neither is good - both are reflections of poor eating habits and perhaps poor exercise regimes.

I decided to propose & promote a positive outlook --- 

to seek health and happiness based upon your own values.  Not Vogues.

The thinking that "taking care of yourself" is important.

A tall building won't stay upright without a deep foundation and strong supports.  The same goes for your body- it needs proper food and exercise to excel.  Take care of the inside and the outside will take care of itself. Your spirit needs to wonder and feel light.  That's why we love mountain aeries.  Feeling close to the sky transports you.  You must have moments in life when you feel as if you can jubilantly soar through the Heavens.

 

The more  you take care of yourself, the better and lighter you feel. Your mind and emotions need to feel inspired.  Creating new ways of eating, moving and then yes adorning, create a sense of well-being.

LIVING IS ABOUT HAPPINESS.

 I want everyone to look and feel as pretty as they can, based upon there own comfort levels. Because I know, I know that no matter what any woman says, she wants to look and feel beautiful.

The reason why I am a lunatic in the gym?  

Because I can be.

Because I am still here. 

I could have been LONG gone. 

I am grabbing Life and not letting go. 

No one can stop me. No one can pull me down. 

I won't let myself and I won't let anyone else.  

AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.


No matter where you are in your journey to look good and feel beautiful, remember that you are alive and able. 
Just start.  It will become a wondrous adventure full of surprises. You will surprise yourself the most. 
I guarantee it.

 Sure there are setbacks.  Life is about "dancing in the rain" afterall. Any rebirth symbolism involved water; a sprinkle or a plunge, drinking or sweating, it's all the same.

When I am in a class and basically moving at 100 mph an hour while others drop around me.  I am not showing off. 

I am exhilarating in the fact that I can move,
that I am alive.
 

I am not competing -
I am exhulting in movement and breath and life. 
I look in the mirror and I am grateful, incredulous and absolutely amazed.

Working out has become a celebration. 

So yes, I run  for my mom who has survived not one but TWO bouts of breast cancer, and I run for me. 

The scars on my body are my testiment, her testiment, every woman's testiment.  They say "I have survived." 

YES! I RUN FOR LIFE!

If  you are a cancer survivor I would love to hear from  you. 

   

If you would like to read some other blogs about cancer, my fitness and weight loss journey and getting your groove back with Brazil Buttlift 
see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

Fitness tip: Brazil Buttlift w/ Leandro Carvalho  www.leandrofitness.com

*thanks Leandro - I may not be a VS model, but who cares? I feel like a gorgeous one and at my age --- that is enough for me!

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#13 HOT OVER 40! HAPPY HEALTHY HOT NEW YOU! 1/1/12

 TO DO LIST FOR A 2012 HAPPY, HEALTHY, HOT YOU!






 Celebrate yourself with a glass of champagne...







 Try something new just for the heck of it...





Say, "I love you" often...
Call your mother and compliment her...
Tell dad your proud of him...


 Eat really tasty food, you deserve the good stuff...
 

Take lots of long, long meandering walks...
Tell someone an unexpected truth that makes them smile...



Be especially kind to animals, children and the elderly...


Laugh as much as possible, as often as possible, and spend time with the ones who you care about the most...

Travel... explore... excite your mind...exercise your body.  LIVE!

#12 HOT OVER 40! SAY GOODBYE 12/30/11

Say goodbye...
Say goodbye to all your doubts and self-recriminations...
Say goodbye to your guilt, the late night food fests & self -prevarications...
Say goodbye to the 4th slice of pizza and the whoopie cookie binge...
Say goodbye to dressing room dread and summer clothing cringe...



Before the midnight bells ring 
 this is what I wish for you on January 1st 2012...
Joy ---   in your first breathe of the day as you open your eyes
Joy ---   as you feast on the sunshine and clouds and wonder of nature
Joy ---   as you plan all the activities that will make you smile.


Savor ---  your morning coffee
Savor ---  the first hug of the day from  your loved ones
Savor ---  every step forward, every smile, every kindness



   



    

    Keep ---  your wonder
    Keep ---  your hope
    Keep ---  your determination



 and think of all that you have and not what you want.


 You are your own creation
BREATHE DEEPLY   
Please, Do it all with Heart

HEALTHY TIP:   CRANBERRIES  Eating a heart healthy diet is one important step you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease & lower cholesterol. Cranberries contain no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium.   ( read entire article at www.uscranberries.com )

#8 HOT OVER 40! CARROTS, CRUNCHES & MUNCHIES

FLAT STOMACH.   Two words that can send frissons of fear into the female heart. 
Our minds and souls become paralysed.  Thoughts, usually filled with guilt about last night's dessert, swell your brain.  Those two words can cause an explosion of voices and such fevered emotion  that onlookers, or foreign travelers, would swear a duel might imminently ensue.  It can't - we are too busy asphyxiating ourselves holding in our stomachs.
Well, don't fear. Help is on the way.  
You know how I have mentioned that orange and green are my fashion color enemies? 

Well , in food choices they are just golden. 

I have discovered my munchie food friends and none of them are fried.

I have to admit that I suffer from mandible motion mania or munchie madness. 
In other words. I have a constant need to chew and swallow food while I am reading (which is quite often, book-worm that I am), watching TV (usually only Sunday nights at 9), studying, (the times vary widely), writing (such as this very moment). 
These are activities, keep in mind, where one is stationery, either lying down or sitting, 

 I found this very bad habit impossible to control until I decided that I wasn't going to tame it, just change it - and re-thought what type of snacking  I would use.  In the past, crackers and cereal were my chew of choice.  I used to pat myself on the back for not opting for the "bad" choice of cookies or ice cream. What greater fool was I! 

My healthy drugs, er I mean foods, of choice, (though now I do crave them - oh joy!)  ensure that I get the crunch and chew satisfaction that I must have,  along with a feeling of satiety (Merriam Webster definition 1 not 2 ) without the guilt of calories and a swollen stomach.

(NOTE - ALL ARE RAW - NOT COOKED - REMEMBER THESE ARE GRAB AND CHEW WHILE ENGAGING IN SEDENTARY ACTIVITIES - AN OXYMORON I KNOW)

5  CRUNCHIE MUNCHIES

CARROTS- fiber, Vitamins A & C                                     One cup= approx 50 cal.
JICAMA -potassium and Vitamin C                                   One cup = approx 45 cal.
RED,ORANGE & YELLOW PEPPERS -                           One cup =approx  30 cal. 
   lots of Vitamin C in all 3 though red is best  
ROMAINE LETTUCE                                                       Doesn't matter - so few cal.
JALAPENO PEPPERS - capsaicin - great for arthritis       Can you even eat one cup?
                                       go slow on this one.

Yes there are lots of other often recommended veggies such as celery, which I found boring,  broccoli - which I love cooked or raw, but if munching in public can create "green teeth smile" so be warned.  I choose the above because these items can be purchased pre-washed and pre-sliced so that it is all easy-peazy lazy lady-like. 

EXERCISE TIP:  Stomach exercises work as long as you concentrate on the specific area and lift and lower while always keeping the muscle tensed.  If you do them quickly, just lifting your head and not your shoulders,  and/or  fully release your muscle upon lowering you are accomplishing very little and will not see the results as quickly. 
Also, in order to see results, and maintain them, you should be doing crunches, upper and lower along with oblique crunches ideally 4-6x a week.  You want even quicker results?  Use a stability ball -  or an incline bench - or hold a 5 lb. dumbbell on your upper chest - work it!

EXTRA FLAT TUMMY TIP:   don't drink your calories gals,  I mean soda, or frozen margaritas .  A complete waste on your waist.  That's where those calories go - right to your middle.  Choose water with lemon instead.  Sparkly if you need the fizz. (like me)  My on-the-go favorite is  Vitamin Water ZERO - Mixed Berry.

 I know I sound like a broken record but go to http://www.leandrofitness.com/ for Brazil Tummy Tuck exercises.  He is the fitness trainer not I.  I am only a convert,  who tried it and found it to be true - oh and my waist is the same as when I was 20.  So it works if you work it.

JUST TO GET THINGS SORTED:  I would like to re-confirm that I am simply a woman who is making recommendations based upon my own experiences.  I am sharing what worked for me after much experimentation.  This blog is aimed to empower women on how to feel beautiful and take control of their bodies, and increase self-image and self-satisfaction levels in order to experience REAL not "reel" beauty.  I am  hoping that you are relating to a woman who is just like you  - a woman from the neighborhood who doesn't have tons of money for trainers, food deliveries, cosmetic surgery or any of those other not mentioned "beauty secret helpers"  that create tabloid goddesses. 
 If you have any serious health conditions or allergies kindly review any of these suggestions first with your doctor. 

#6 HOT OVER 40! BRAZIL, BIKINIS & ME (MY SECRET BIKINI FITNESS WEAPON REVEALED)

 I 

 MY SECRET FITNESS WITNESS WEAPON.

IT HAS BEEN 4 YEARS NOW- STILL SIZE 4 - STILL FIT AND ON FIRE- FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW YOU HOW AND SUPPORT YOU. I WANT YOU TO HAVE THE SAME JOURNEY OF EXCITEMENT AND FULFILLMENT AS I HAD. I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS 500%! BLUE COLLAR GALS UNITE!

IRA  More info click on
IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

My story:

As a cervical/ovarian cancer survivor I knew deep down that I should feel happy. 

Nevertheless, I was in a constant state of despair, especially getting dressed

 in the morning when I would longingly look at my “old” clothes which I

refused to throw out or give away, but which almost 7 years later I still

could not fit into. 

And let’s not even mention the idea of the bikini!

I thought I would have to eventually resign myself to a “perfect” size 10, until one

day I saw a notice for volunteers to undergo a pilot exercise program entitled

 “Brazil ButtLift with Leandro Carvalho” the trainer for many Victoria Secret models. 

The producers made us stand in front of a huge display of a bikini clad model

on a sun drenched Brazilian beach, announcing a grand prize trip to Rio de Janeiro. 

They took pictures of us and asked us to talk into the camera, saying something

about winning the trip to Brazil.

I quipped  about my very own yellow bikini collecting dust on the shelf.

To my surprise I was chosen.  I started the program.

 I met Leandro – The man who would change my life.   

Leandro turned out to be a warm, very energetic and highly knowledgeable trainer

par excellence, who demanded our utmost.   

One of his favorite statements is, “Don’t settle for less.”

The workouts were tough, but the challenge was exhilarating, and the exercises varied. 

As the weeks progressed, I started to look forward to exercise as more of a pleasant

diversion instead of as an onerous activity. 

I also started to think about a certain yellow bikini.

My favorite exercises were the ones that focused on “the tummy,” or as the class was to

 become known as “Brazil Tummy Tuck.”  The concept of tightened obliques became

less oblique as the weeks went by. 

Leandro’s favorite command -”More definition in your movement, more definition in your body.”

Well, I was starting to see definition on my arms, my thighs, and yes my stomach. 

Those were victorious defining moments for me.  I was learning what I needed to do to

 transform my body and I was seeing results. 

The inches were melting away. 

Yes it was hard work, and yes I was committed.

As I had read in a great novel somewhere, “What would it be worth if it were easy?”  

By week 11 out of 12 in the program I had lost 27 lbs and a lot of overall inches.

After the program ended, they took “after” shots of us all.

 They interviewed us and asked, “Will you be the one who wins the trip to Brazil?” 

I remember saying, “I have already won more than you can imagine.”

When I got home, I didn’t even glance at the clothes about which I had been opining. 

Instead, I ran to the shelf that held the zippered bag, that housed the wrinkled yellow bikini. 

I put it on. It fit.  In fact, it was too baggy.  I think at that point I cried. 

I finally felt as if I had been given my life back.  It was my self image.  My identity. 

The person who looked familiar again when I looked in the mirror. 

In fact, she looked even better than before.   I was “the new old Joanna.” 

And I needed a new bikini.

And yes, wonder of wonders, I also won the trip to Brazil. I went to Rio de Janeiro

and wore a teeny, weeny, itsy, bitsy, turquoise bikini on Ipanema Beach. 

Now, over two years later, I own a red one too, along with a whole new size 4 wardrobe. 

I go to the gym now with glee to work out with Leandro and keep up the pace with gusto

or pop in a Brazil Tummy Tuck and Brazil Buttlift Workout DVD and think about

when I’ll be going back to Rio!  

Next time I’ll be in yellow ! With feathers!

My secret weapon revealed -  Leandro Carvalho – Master Mind behind (no pun intended)

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT W/ LEANDRO CARVALHO  - DVD FITNESS SERIES  

SO More info click on

IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro
WEBSITE   www.joannabonaro.com

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK - CONTINUAL UPDATES ON EXERCISE , FOOD , NUTRITION AND OF COURSE BIKINI SHOTS.  THE MASTER HAS TO SHOW OFF HIS WORK YOU KNOW!

NOURISHMENT AND FULFILLMENT TIP - 

 eating foods that have a low value on the

               glycemic index scale are the key to sustainable weight loss ---

        filling and delicious low GI foods are 

broccoli (15), apples (38), sweet potatoes (54)

#3 HOT OVER 40! MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL!

I was eating, yes actually eating, today at a trendy little place in Alphabet City.  I had just worked out intensely with my favorite Brazilian trainer (more about that in future posts) and decided to treat myself to a healthy veggie whole yolk egg omelette along with an everything bagel, meaning my omelette was actually yellow not white, and in reverse, my bread was white and not brown.  I was feeling a bit guilty because I am not used to those colors on my AM plate - I usually eat egg whites only, hold the toast and just have some sliced tomatoes on the side.  I call that my "red toast" special.  But my body was sending me signals that I absolutely could not ignore. So in order to shut it up and reduce my Sunday morning stress I gave in to yellow and starch.  I  already know what some of you must be thinking. "Jeez, when I have a special weekend breakfast, it's banana pancakes with chocolate chips!"
But the point about this blog is not about pigging out. 
It's actually about listening.
When I used to read articles about listening to what your body tells you, I couldn't relate.  I didn't understand what that meant in terms of healthy eating choices.  Yes, it often screamed, "chocolate please!" - sometimes not that politely. Or gaily chirped, "baked white potato with butter-yum!"  It never said, "kindly pass on the garlic bread sticks and get me some apples." 
I was very jealous of the women who could sit for an entire meal with chips and dip in front of them and nibble on just one! We women do notice these things out of the corner of our eyes while gorging.  Come on now! Admit it.
However, after finally losing my PC weight (post cancer - more on that in a future blog) as a result of proper training (from said Brazilian trainer)  and experiencing very healthy and tasteful food choices and steadfastly adhering to them for a long period of time - my body did start to talk to me as it had never done before. 
It even started to surprise me with what it was saying.
It now actually craved salad and broccoli, carrots, cantoloupe, grilled salmon and camomile tea with lemon not milk. Drinking lots of water became easy. It started to get with the program so that mind and stomach weren't always at war.  A peace treaty of sorts had occurred and my heart happily signed on with a sigh of relief. 
So now when my body says, "you need to have some steak today", or crackers, or a sesame almond cookie or two, I actually listen to it.  Because now it doesn't say it to me very often.  So I give in.
Do I feel guilty? Well yes I do, because I will admit I am still going through some issues and I want to still lose 5 more of the Xmas season 10.
The difference - and this is key - is that my body is telling me something intelligent now. 
It is saying, "you have been stressed so I need a just a bit more today in this area to feel better, and if you give it to me I won't bother you again for awhile." Not, "load up on the cheese laden pasta in the mega bowl."  Just, " a little yolk and 1/2 a bagel will do."
My body feels better and my emotional state after giving in feels great too. The temper tantrum rackets between stomach and brain have been quelled.  I know that I will eventually lose the 5 more pounds in reasonable time with continued exercise and healthy eating.
I had to go to the ladies room after my very delicious breakfast and what did I discover? 
The mirror on the wall had the following words stencilled on the bottom, "don't you look good today!" Really.  I swear.  On Ave A and 12th street.
Check it out if you don't believe me.
Isn't it nice when the mirror is on your side?

EXERCISE & FITNESS TIP:   Leandro Carvalho Super Trainer to the Stars -  DVD Brazil Butt Lift with Leandro Carvalho,  via Beachbody Productions   http://www.beachbody.com/ OR http://www.leandrofitness.com/