Fighting racism through awareness, compassion, grace and love as Jesus has taught us to do. Our black communities are being attacked in ways that we cannot imagine and will never understand. "I can't live it and defend it," said Patrice C. Washington from Seek Wisdom. I stand with you, beside you, and want you to know that you are valued, appreciated and loved. 

A candid conversation from a patient's perspective regarding Gastric Bypass and what you can expect after surgery. Pierre and Vanessa discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of this weight loss surgery from their own personal experiences and how they both regained their confidence, achieved permanent weight loss years after surgery and how they are living their best life. If you're considering bariatric surgery, tune in for a real conversation with truthful and inspiring insight. 

Insight into both the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures when considering weight loss surgery. Nurse practitioner Nadine Singh shares her journey to gaining confidence, reversing Type II Diabetes and losing 80 lbs. We both talk about our similarities and differences after our different surgery types.

Overwhelmed with grief? Wondering how to get through the day? Checkpoints are little moments throughout the day where you check in with yourself and with God and have a simple conversation in order to cope. "God when does the pain stop?" or "I have no idea what to do" were some of my checkpoint conversations. Whatever you're feeling is okay. You were not meant to get through life's challenges alone. Use checkpoints whenever the day seems to unbearable and you have no idea how to get through it. Nothing is impossible for you! One tear, one moment, one step at a time and you will overcome the difficulties you're facing today. Check in with your Heavenly Father. He's waiting to hear from you. 

Do you have too much going on in your head to get anything done? Are you lacking motivation during this mandated down time? Are you struggling to lose weight? How are you coping with losing your job? We are all in this together. We all have a habit of comparing ourselves to others. And even in quarantine we are still doing this!! We see what other’s are doing (or say so social media) and we immediately feel less productive than they are. Ladies and gentlemen, we are all in quarantine; eating, sleeping and feeling some level of anxiety about our current circumstances. EVERY ONE… Be encouraged! We will all get through this. I hope these Scriptures and words of encouragement fill your heart and mind with God's peace.  - God is my refuge, my strength and my provider (Psalm 91) - The Lord is my Shephard I lack nothing (Psalm 23:1) - When I call to God, He will answer me (Psalm 91:15) - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) - I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me (Philippeans 4:13) - I am a work in progress and am worth the effort and work that I am doing on myself, for myself and my family. - I am becoming better - I am enough - I am good enough - I am brave and courageous Love,  Your Friendly Vegetarian

Taking the time to take care of yourself, to heal and address your well-being is a part of our own responsibility to ourselves. Self care comes in different forms. It could be starting a new career in a field where you know you’re living your purpose. It could be having a medical procedure done, like surgery, to improve your health so that you can be around longer with your family and achieve those goals and dreams. It can also mean having conversations with your family about what you need, and how they can support you. In this episode I discuss taking the time to take care of yourself and your well being. What does self care look like for you? 

Stress is often called the silent killer because it wreaks havoc on every cell and organ in your body. If unmanaged, it leads to chronic inflammation and a list of other negative effects like insulin resistance, high glucose levels, high blood pressure and so much more. By managing stress, and finding healthy ways to cope with your emotions, you can take a proactive approach and improve your mental and overall well being. 

The Fat Girl was me! After trying 'every diet' and weighing my heaviest, I felt hopeless and wondered, “how am I going to lose all of this weight, now?” I take you through my journey of self discovery, the power of never giving up hope and what happens when you decide to change your life! I reversed Type II Diabetes with a plant based diet, improved my health and had gastric bypass surgery to permanently lose the weight for good. It's been seven years and I'm still healthy, fit and living my best life.