A Little Bit Of Me | Lifestyle Blog by Charnita Fance

It's been almost a month since I posted anything here, and honestly, that's not like me. So I wanted to come back and just talk. Not a polished post about a topic, just an actual update on where things stand, because a lot has happened since I went quiet. Losing Adah If you've been following along, you already know I lost Adah on June 6th to GI lymphoma, something that got missed early on before we knew what we were actually dealing with. I wrote the full story here if you want the whole thing, so I won't retell it all again. But I'll say this. It still hurts just as much as it did that first week. Some days, it feels like a bad dream I haven't woken up from yet, like she's just going to come around the corner. I got a small memorial for her that I've got set up now, a little wooden heart that says "No longer by my side, but forever in my heart," hanging above a little glass jar with her collar tucked inside, right next to her picture. ...

Sixteen pounds doesn't sound like much. I know that's probably the first thing you thought. But when you're managing PCOS, insulin resistance, and prediabetes all at once, losing 16 pounds over 6 months while also building muscle is a real win. Some weeks the scale didn't budge at all, but my body scan scale showed I was losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time, which balanced everything out. I started on December 22, 2025, when I was 44. I turned 45 in February and I'm still going. I haven't missed a single day. This isn't a before-and-after story with a dramatic finish line. It's an ongoing thing. But here's exactly what I've been doing and why I think it's working. ⚡ Key Takeaways ⚖️ Losing 16 lbs in 6 months with PCOS is a real win, especially when muscle gain is also happening at the same time. 📱 Tracking every calorie with the Cronometer app (1,400–1,500 daily) was the foundation that made everything else work...

If you ask me what my all-time favorite breakfast food is, I'd tell you in a heartbeat: oatmeal. I've been eating it for nearly 40 years now, ever since I was a kid. Over the decades, I've tried it prepared in just about every way imaginable. It's the one food I can always count on because it's quick, convenient, incredibly versatile, and genuinely tasty. It’s my go-to comfort food that also happens to be amazing for you. Source: Pixabay Through all those years of experimenting, I've figured out the secrets to making the perfect bowl. Not just a bowl that tastes great, but one that's optimized to help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Forget the afternoon energy crashes. I’m going to share my time-tested methods so you can make oatmeal a delicious, satisfying part of your own health journey. Why Oatmeal is a Weight Loss Superhero Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutri...

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a little something to get me going. Maybe it's a busy morning, a long afternoon slump, or just a day where my brain feels a bit foggy. While coffee is the go-to for many, I've found something else that offers a nice lift with some extra perks. It's called Yerba Mate, a traditional South American drink. People have been drinking it for hundreds of years down there, and it's becoming more popular in other parts of the world now, and for good reason. It's not just a tasty beverage; it packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. I've been looking into it, and I wanted to share what I've learned about why this might be a good addition to your routine, whether you sip it like tea or take it another way. Source: Wikimedia Commons The cool thing about Yerba Mate is that it's made from the leaves of a plant called Ilex paraguariensis . It's got some unique stuff in it that researchers are finding can do som...

As a satisfied user of Evidation , I've learned firsthand how rewarding it can be to earn points for healthy activities like walking or completing health surveys. However, I've come to realize that using multiple apps can significantly boost your earnings and rewards. Here's a look at over 10 alternatives to Evidation that you might find useful. 1. HealthyWage HealthyWage is a great option if you're looking to lose weight and earn cash rewards . You set your weight loss goals and timeline, and the app calculates how much you could win. The process is straightforward: you make a bet on yourself, verify your starting weight, lose the weight, and then verify your results to win money. The average payout is between $1,100 and $1,400, with potential wins up to $10,000.

Living with PCOS since 2005 has taught me one brutal truth: our bodies play by different rules. I’ve spent nearly two decades trapped in the same weight-loss cycle—strict diets, punishing workouts, and endless frustration. Even at 44, with perimenopause amplifying the struggle, I’ve learned that extreme calorie deficits aren’t sustainable (or healthy). But through trial, error, and digging into the science, I’ve uncovered strategies that actually work for our unique biology. Let’s break down why PCOS makes weight loss feel impossible—and how to hack the system. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support. Why PCOS Sabotages Weight Loss: The Insulin-Blood Sugar Tango The Vicious Cycle of Insulin Resistance Imagine insulin as a key that unlocks your cells to let glucose in for energy. With PCOS, those locks get rusty. Your pancreas pumps out extra keys (insulin), but cells stop respond...

Ready to kick off the new year with a bang? Let's talk about Veganuary, the coolest food trend that's taking the world by storm. Whether you're a curious omnivore or a seasoned veggie lover, this article will give you the lowdown on what Veganuary is all about, why it's awesome, and how you can join in on the fun. What's the Deal with Veganuary? Veganuary is a 31-day challenge that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the entire month of January. But don't worry, it's not just about giving up your favorite foods – it's about discovering a whole new world of delicious plant-based options. This remarkable initiative started in the UK back in 2014, and it's been growing faster than a beanstalk ever since. In 2024 alone, more than 2,100 new vegan products and menu options were launched in key campaign countries. Talk about a plant-based revolution.

Let's face it, we've all scrolled through social media and seen those picture-perfect lattes topped with swirls of whipped cream and drizzles of caramel. They look delicious, sure, but they're about as far from real coffee as you can get. Here's the thing: coffee in its purest form is meant to be enjoyed black, and there are some seriously compelling reasons to ditch the sugar and embrace the bold, complex flavors of unadulterated java. The Health Perks of Going Sugar-Free A Longer, Healthier Life Recent studies have shown that drinking coffee – especially without added sugar – can actually help you live longer. That's right, your morning cup of Joe might just be the fountain of youth you've been searching for. Researchers found that people who drank unsweetened coffee were up to 21% less likely to die during the study period compared to non-coffee drinkers. Want to be notified about new posts?  Subscribe for a weekly dose  of content, inspiration, and persona...

When we think about getting healthier, we usually focus on single nutrients like protein for strong muscles or fiber for good digestion. But what if we brought these two superstars together? A diet packed with both fiber and protein can be a game-changer, helping you feel full, manage your weight, and keep your gut happy. Let's dive into why you should add more of these foods to your plate. Want to be notified about new posts?  Subscribe for a weekly dose  of content, inspiration, and personal musings delivered straight to your inbox. Weight Management and Satiety One of the most celebrated benefits of a high-fiber, high-protein diet is its role in weight management. Both fiber and protein contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, helping to curb cravings and prevent overeating.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained immense popularity in recent years, touted for its potential benefits in weight loss, improved health , and simplified eating patterns. But how exactly does it work? And is it the right approach for everyone? In this guide, I'll delve into the science behind intermittent fasting, drawing from personal experiences and insights to provide a well-rounded understanding of this dietary approach. Want to be notified about new posts?  Subscribe for a weekly dose  of content, inspiration, and personal musings delivered straight to your inbox. Understanding the Basics of Intermittent Fasting At its core, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. It doesn't dictate what you eat, but rather when you eat. This flexibility makes it less of a restrictive diet and more of a sustainable lifestyle change .    The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrat...

Did you know that May is Hypertension Awareness Month? It's an important time to focus on keeping our blood pressure in the healthy range. Withings Body Comp and BPM Connect are excellent tools to stay on top of your health (among other things). I'm in love with the scale, as it measures a handful of things to help you know more about your overall health. The digital screen and animations are a huge bonus, too; I actually look forward to weighing myself! The BMP Connect cuff is also a joy to have and is so convenient to use. You just wrap it around your arm (the correct way, as shown in the instructions) and press the button. It'll take care of the rest. Now, let's dive into the seven ways these fab health gadgets can help you live your best life while keeping your blood pressure in check! Disclosure: These items were kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Note: This was resurrected from Tumblr thanks to Google cache and was originally posted on March 19, 2015. I have PCOS, which is very closely related to diabetes. As a matter of fact, it often turns into diabetes, so I often have to watch what I put into my body. I try to stay away from sugar as much as possible because it spikes my insulin and glucose levels, thus making my PCOS symptoms worse. I don’t want that. I have been using artificial sweeteners for some years now (maybe 7-8). Although they don’t raise insulin or glucose levels, they still have their own dangerous effects . So I’ve been trying to stay away from those as well.  If you’re in the same boat (want to stay away from sugar and artificial sweeteners), you may want to consider Yacon syrup. I had never heard of it until recently, but it’s a very diabetes-friendly sweetener that can be a substitute for sugar, honey, and maple syrup. Additionally, it also helps to boost your metabolism, which in turn will help you lose...

Note: This was resurrected from Tumblr thanks to Google cache and was originally posted on July 15, 2015. I’ve been drinking SlimQuick protein shakes one to two times a day for a few weeks now and I must say, it’s quite tasty. The powder is made with Whey Protein and natural ingredients like green tea, sunflower oil creamer, and soy lecithin. It’s available in Double Chocolate and French Vanilla. I got to try the French Vanilla and it’s so delicious! It has a nice, creamy vanilla flavor and kind of reminds me of Slim-Fast. I love that the powder contains only 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of dietary fiber, plus 10 grams of protein and 50 mg of calcium. These are the supplement facts that are important to me (low sugar, high protein, and fiber help as well). Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BrandBacker. I received this product complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. All opinions are 100% mine.