simonesamuels

[simonesamuels]

Ah cook mi ah cook and ah heat mi ah heat. Translation: I am cooking and I am eating. Well.🤤 I love taking the time to cook myself a good meal, even though ah mi one (translation: it's only for me.) DYK I can write and overstand (translation: more than understand) patois but I can't speak it? #nerd Air fryer BBQ jerk chicken, rice and gungo peas, steam vegetables, coleslaw, fried plantain and homemade vegan and gluten-free carrot cake. 😋 #jamaicanfood #jamaicancooking #riceandpeas #eatthecaribbean #jamaicanairfryer #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #jerkchicken #bbqjerkchicken #airfryerjerkchicken #cosoricooks #cosoriairfryer #kgbetterliving @kgbetterliving @cosoricooks #iamajamaican #carrotcake #glutenfreefood #glutenfreejamaica #glutenfreejamaicanfood #glutenfreecarrotcake #vegancarrotcake #glutenfreecaribbean #airfryerjamaica https://www.instagram.com/p/CefISqlM_Vk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#nerd #jamaicanfood #jamaicancooking #riceandpeas #eatthecaribbean #jamaicanairfryer #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #jerkchicken #bbqjerkchicken #airfryerjerkchicken #cosoricooks #cosoriairfryer #kgbetterliving #iamajamaican #carrotcake #glutenfreefood #glutenfreejamaica #glutenfreejamaicanfood #glutenfreecarrotcake #vegancarrotcake #glutenfreecaribbean #airfryerjamaica

[simonesamuels]

It's #internationaldanceday , @zumba is officially 21 years old and exactly five years ago I was having the time of my ever loving life on the Zumba Cruise. That's not a coincidence and I think these videos are very a propos. Something happens when people get together to dance. All I can say is I hope the #zumbacruise comes back next year. #happyinternationaldanceday https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc9ENphM4EM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#internationaldanceday #zumbacruise #happyinternationaldanceday

[simonesamuels]

This is the year where I've realized that no one can really depend on social media, either as an influencer, business owner or even as a consumer. So I'm starting an email list. (Link in bio) I read so many posts from content creators about getting shadow banned or having content removed, and this seems to disproportionately affect the most marginalized of creators, namely those in Black, Brown, and/or fat bodies. Have you noticed your favourite creators using code language like seggs, s3x, wyt, c0vid etc.? They do this in an effort not to get flagged. Because I sometimes talk about these topics, and especially as my platform grows, I sometimes wonder what may happen to me. Then there was that IG, FB, WhatsApp blackout. While a lot of people were privileged enough to say "I didn't even notice," unbeknownst to many in the West, so many people in the Caribbean and Africa (and a lot of other remote places) DEPEND on WhatsApp to communicate and conduct business. WhatsApp phone numbers often replace websites on advertisements. But I digress. In light of this, instead of creating backup accounts or worrying about getting censored or going through another outage, I'm trying to diversify.  That's why I invite you to join my email list. I won't spam you (I honestly don't have the time) and if/when I finally get my act together, my infrequent emails will only be filled with awesomeness and information. And if for whatever reason you find that you can't handle all of the awesomeness coming your way, you can always unsubscribe. Although I may forever 😒 you if you unsubscribe I will still love you. This way, if I ever get cancelled or if you decide to leave social media or if you ever miss a post on here due to some kind of alchemical, algorithmic bias, you'll still know where to find me and I will know where to find you. You'll still be able to hear about class updates, cancellations or new ideas, projects and initiatives. In other words, it helps ensure that whatever happens, we'll still remain connected. And 2021 has taught us that connection matters. Link in bio (& make sure to ✅ "subscribe to newsletter") https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZ3lCfrmJu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[simonesamuels]

“Obese” is a bad word—it’s got to go

“Obese” is a bad word—it’s got to go

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[simonesamuels]

Pressure creates diamonds but pressure also bursts pipes. You need to know when to hold and when to fold as Kenny Rogers would say. And in a world where folding is often seen as failure or weakness, I’m so glad that Naomi and Simone have chosen to…perhaps not fold, but they know when to walk away. Some critics — all of whom are not professional world-class athletes and probably last did a summersault in elementary school — have said that Naomi and Simone are wasting opportunities that others would pay to have. They say that the Olympics and the French Open are about being “mentally tough.” Mental toughness is walking away, knowing what could possibly happen when you walk away but walking away anyways. That’s courage. That’s tough. Whenever women — especially BIPOC — dare to put themselves first, we are met with pushback. We’re criticized. We’re called selfish. Undevoted. Undedicated. Weak. Unable to handle “hard questions.” Expected to give an account or an explanation. I’ve learned that whenever women set a boundary, people are going to get mad. (I'm trying to be more consistent about writing nowadays. If you like, you can follow me on @medium where I'm building a community of people who actually are interested in what I have to say. If you like what I'm writing, clap for my articles and leave a comment on Medium under the article. Link to both articles are in bio.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR2-UsoslSK/?utm_medium=tumblr

[simonesamuels]

I just wanted to let you all know that my hair is long. That's it. That's the post. All those people in elementary school talking 'bout, "wHy dOn't yuO GroW YoUr HAiR?! " as if I haven't been trying to do that for 33 years. Look now. My hair is grown. No one can talk to me. I'm a Black woman with shoulder length hair. (Oh, and my bedroom is messy. And my edges grew back in. And not all of us can do the swoop di woop and lay our edges. And deep conditioning religiously works. Thanks @sheamoistureca ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPl__QJlHI4/?utm_medium=tumblr

[simonesamuels]

@zumbabeto , the founder of Zumba, came over for breakfast this morning but he left before I could give him any arepas. 😔 (While I am thankful to my Columbian friends who taught me how to make arepas over the years, this one was pre-made and came from @theareparepublic. Shout out to them! But yes -- I always have PAN corn flour on hand!) I'm embarrassed to tell you how long it took me to make this video. 😅 Here's hoping that I get to meet Beto in person one day for my coveted #betoselfie. This song should be familiar to my Zumba peeps. If you want to hear it again, come to class tomorrow at 7 pm EST @bodypositivefitness_ #cancionbonitazumba #cancionbonita #zin93 @zincommunity #canciónbonita #arepa #panarepachallenge #pan @pan_us #panarepa https://www.instagram.com/p/CPgnnoOJ2Yd/?utm_medium=tumblr

#betoselfie #cancionbonitazumba #cancionbonita #zin93 #canciónbonita #arepa #panarepachallenge #pan #panarepa

[simonesamuels]

As soon as I saw this show up in my newsfeed, I was like, "Issa no for me."⁣ ⁣ Noom sounded intriguing, what with its messaging about "eating psychology" & "mindful eating." But the scales have fallen from my eyes. It's a damn diet y'all, gallivanting as "intuitive eating."⁣ ⁣ I know a lot of us don't like how heavy we've gotten. I get it. But Noom is not the answer.⁣ ⁣ As soon as I saw "🍦= 1.5 miles", I was like "nah." Weightloss is not a simple calculation of calories in, calories out. You can't "work off" the ice cream you ate, nor is it healthy to think that way (orthorexia anyone?) The idea of earning food is rooted in diet culture. You don't have to earn food. You get to eat simply because you are human and you are alive. Even if you had a buffet breakfast and a banquet yesterday, you still get to eat today.⁣ ⁣ This type of "I need to earn my food" or "I need to burn off what I just ate" thinking is harmful and can lead to disordered eating and a damaged relationship with food. And I say all of this from personal experience AND as a personal trainer. ⁣ ⁣ Wanna be healthy? (notice I didn't say lose weight because the two aren't synonymous):⁣ ⁣ Focus on SLEEEEEEP. Lower your stress (pray, have sex, cut out toxic people, dump that waste manz, stretch, play, be creative, laugh, find a new job, get a babysitter, find a hobby, become a plant mom like me, watch Netflix etc.). THEN focus on diet. Increase fibre. Drink water -- lots of it. Eat veggies. Eat protein at every meal. THEN exercise. Try to move everyday. From wining to soca in the kitchen to walking to doing HIIT (shameless plug for my Strong Nation class on Wednesdays) -- it all counts. Nothing to "work off" but lots to gain.⁣ ⁣ I know I've made no mention of the social determinants of health, or food deserts, or the fact that McDonald's is cheaper than kale, or the psychosomatic effects of racial stress and trauma related to dis-ease and disease among BIPOC. Not to mention genetics and environment and hormones.⁣ ⁣ It's a little bit of an oversimplification but that's the trifecta. Rest THEN nutrition THEN exercise/movement. In that order.⁣ ⁣ There. I just saved you hundreds of dollars. You're welcome. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPcDJlalTQj/?utm_medium=tumblr

[simonesamuels]

I was interviewed by @miriambakerdesigns to talk about pandemic diet culture. I also mentioned the work of my friend @your_body_is_good (Amanda Martinez Beck)! Here's a link to the article: https://miriam-baker.com/blogs/journal/calling-out-pandemic-diet-culture ... Reposted from @miriambakerdesigns This year has been tough, to put it mildly. ⁠ ⁠ The global pandemic has uprooted our lives and forced many of us to stay indoors to help curb the spread of COVID-19. ⁠ ⁠ Gym closures and work-from-home orders have created a prime opportunity for stoking fear around “quarantine 15” weight-gain, causing toxic diet culture to flourish.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ But not everyone is taking the bait.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ These body-positive advocates are using their social media platforms to call-out the harmful body shaming that’s become so commonplace during the pandemic. ⁠ ⁠ Instead of talking about ways to burn calories, they are encouraging people to prioritize self-care and celebrate their bodies — no matter what size they are. ⁠ ⁠ They’re preaching self-acceptance at a time when we need it most 🙌🏼⁠ ⁠ Link in bio for 4 body posi advocates we admire for calling out pandemic diet culture.⁠ ⁠ Repost: Maybe she’s born with it...maybe it’s caffeine ☕️ ☕️☕️ @nat_borch https://www.instagram.com/p/CLwswsLFfco/?igshid=1hyu127arpw76

[simonesamuels]

Birthday weekend PULL UP. UP UP. All the way UP. My birthday is tomorrow on Saturday and thirty-three years ago I was born on a Saturday. First COVID birthday and I'm truly happy. #ohitfeelssogoodtobealive THANK YOU @quiteperry (and fi di quick tunaroung)! Mi luv yuh! Say hi to Patricia fi mi! ❤❤❤ https://www.instagram.com/p/CK71G6cJP84/?igshid=1jilyl3tt49sb

#ohitfeelssogoodtobealive

[simonesamuels]

Bridgerton is a Welcome Respite From Racial Trauma

Bridgerton is a Welcome Respite From Racial Trauma

After a year marked by a racial awakening, decades of movies about slavery, and White privilege on display at the Capitol this week, I welcome the escapism. To read more: https://simonesamuels.medium.com/bridgerton-is-a-welcome-respite-from-racial-trauma-5846c39f268d?sk=0674a1732b019a0ffed0fe987a51e771

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[simonesamuels]

This Sunday, January 10 at 1:00 pm EST four plus-size and/or body-positive Strong Nation instructors (@jess0bp , @fitragamuffin @ash.the.dove and I) are getting together to do a full, one-hour Strong Nation class on Zoom! ⁣ ⁣ Proceeds will go towards the Body Positive Fitness Alliance @bpfaofficial , a nonprofit that supports the education of fitness professionals across the world and promotes body positivity and inclusion in fitness spaces everywhere.⁣ ⁣ It's $10 per person. People can register through any of the instructors listed above. If you register through me, they can go to paypal.me/simonesamuels which will direct you to a PayPal portal where you can register for $10, after which I will send you the Zoom password (or click on the Linktr.ee link in my bio).⁣ ⁣ For those who want to know more, @wearestrongnation (formerly Strong by Zumba) is a HIIT class unlike any other where each move is driven by and synced to music. Strong Nation's branding typically features people who are "conventionally fit" -- lean, thin, muscular. We want to highlight the body diversity among Strong instructors and show our students that anybody can be STRONG and a part of this NATION. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJsfvIFll4Q/?igshid=qmewkcgat0jz

[simonesamuels]

Let's start the New Year off right -- with a party! See you at 7 (5 spots left!)! https://www.instagram.com/p/CJo-tnAFu2W/?igshid=1c6cld1vmo4fy

[simonesamuels]

Yesterday was a good day. I was inspired by @denzelcrispy . 😂😂😂 #miburritosabanero https://www.instagram.com/p/CJR4HK7lVSu/?igshid=12kz2aotsirqx

#miburritosabanero

[simonesamuels]

Why don't you give the gift of Zumba for Christmas? 🎁💃🏿⁣ ⁣ (In an ideal world, I would've made this post earlier in the week. Alas, we don't live in an ideal world.😅)⁣ ⁣ A man emailed me asking if I had any pre-recorded Zumba classes that he could buy for his wife for Christmas. Why didn't I think of that?!!⁣ ⁣ So since we're all spending a little more time at home in the next little while due to #lockdown and #holidays, I've posted a live class up on Zumba.dance (yes, that's an actual url) which you can also access by clicking here: https://www.zumba.dance/i/a34c0836 ⁣ ⁣ This link expires in 24 hours. I'll try to post a class each day for the next week -- but it may be a different link each time. When in doubt, search for "Simone's Zumba Class" at www.zumba.dance.⁣ ⁣ If you would prefer a livestream class, why not gift your loved one(s) the life-changing experience of joyful movement without diet culture at @bodypositivefitness_ ? Gift cards can be redeemed for any service, including personal training, online group classes, run club, and personal coaching. To purchase, visit https://www.bodypositivefitness.ca/gift-card ⁣ ⁣ I hope you have fun dancing by yourself in your PJs (#lockdown) and not to burn off food eaten today -- we don't do that 'round here. Aight? Merry Christmas! Eat, drink and be merry! 🎄🎅🎁⁣ ⁣ Please enjoy this random assortment of Christmas photos I've taken over the years. #fbf #flashbackfriday https://www.instagram.com/p/CJNvVRMFQ3J/?igshid=sgop04rmzk6w

#lockdown #holidays #fbf #flashbackfriday

[simonesamuels]

JOIN ME for my last few classes of 2020!! ZUMBA Monday, December 21, 2020 @ 7 pm STRONG NATION Wednesday, December 23, 2020 @ 8 pm ZUMBA Monday, December 28, 2020 @ 7 pm Let's end 2020 with a bang! Register at bodypositivefitness.ca https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC69k3p9y5/?igshid=1ohgpbrs4agvv

[simonesamuels]

Exercise: How do you get started? How do you keep going? It was my great pleasure to speak with my friend @thedietrebellion , a body positive, HAES, intuitive eating naturopathic doctor here in Ontario about body positive fitness and movement. I talk about my thoughts on certain popular diets, how to unhinge exercise from weight loss and why and how joy is key for sustainable movement. The interview is available on her YouTube channel -- Dr. Kerri Fullerton ND -- and also by clicking the link in my bio or here https://youtu.be/82ECZfRnkdw #thedietrebellion #joyfulmovement https://www.instagram.com/p/CI_WTyClOmc/?igshid=jsvewakeg443

#thedietrebellion #joyfulmovement