Posts tagged ‘diabetes prevention’
Real Talk: Starting Measurements,Body Positivity and Health Goals in Your 40s
September 3, 2025
Mia The Diva
My California dreams of L.A. Legs and a flat stomach are simply not attainable. This is because of how my body structure is set up 🤣. I’m ok with that. I don’t care. I love every curve and plump roll, keeping and maintaining my health is the goal!
I’m Mia The Diva, Founder and Creator of the flybyjuly campaign. It’s a 12-week online body confidence, health, and fitness challenge.
I am here documenting my journey as I “Get it together” in midlife. I aim to lower my A1C through nutrition and lifestyle. Follow @flybyjuly on most socials or fly along and subscribe here on the blog for weekly updates!
(Disclaimer) First and foremost, I am not a medical professional. Any information I share is based on my personal experience for educational purposes. I will not accept responsibility for the actions taken by any reader/viewer of this content. I am also not responsible for any consequential results of those actions. Please consult a physician or qualified health professional about your health, weight management or any opinions expressed here.
Let’s get Fly by July Divas!!!!
Hey Divas!✨
Hello September and welcoming the next 365 days! So here we are. I mentioned in my last post that I am on a mission. My mission is to get these suggas in check and lower my A1C levels. Around this time last year I started to really get focused on my health and getting it together. The focus has been on getting in some more movement and making better food choices.
It’s been hard to make a goal. I do not really know where I am at or where I am trying to go. A lot of this is trial and error. It’s about finding what works. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Whatever I am doing, this will be for life and the long haul. I’m a little older now so my motivation has changed. Of course, a diva wants her aesthetics.
However, I am more focused on how I am feeling rather than my looks. But don’t get it twisted, I will not be out here looking like “Who did it and Why??”
My dreams of LA Legs and a flat stomach is simply not attainable with how my body structure is set up right now 🤣 I’m ok with that. I don’t care. I love every curve and plump roll, keeping and maintaining my health is the goal!
Body Goals & My Natural Shape
I carry my weight in my butt and my legs. I have a stomach. It is striving for a “pouch.” It’s all a part of the Big Girl deluxe package. I’ve always kept it real with myself. I would say that I have always had a realistic and positive outlook of my body image. However, since hitting my 40’s, I am experiencing hormonal changes, weight gain, and belly bloating. I’m finding myself navigating a new body.
I’ve always been a Big Girl. These days, carrying the extra weight reminds me of the heaviness of life that I’ve carried. It’s time to let go of the weight and the baggage of life. I’m finally in a space that I recognize everything is not mine to carry. Let all that ish that is holding you back go.
I don’t really eat to the levels that one would think for someone of my size. It’s not a matter of not having self control or will power or even emotional eating to a great extent. The weight of life and emotions is far heavier than the calories of any large pizza with extra cheese.
Traveling, specifically flying is when I am most self body conscious
My weight has never really been an issue for me. I’ve always been confident in my skin. I carry myself well. Then, all that confidence goes down the drain when I am traveling.
Traveling, specifically flying is when I am most self body conscious because the seats are so small anyways. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me hoping I do not choose a seat next to them.
I had to travel years ago because I was on my way to my Grandmother’s funeral. Emotions were already high. I board onto the plane and it is a completely full flight, not one extra seat.
The airline did not have assigned seating. I was the very last person to board the plane. Of course, the only seat left was, dare I say it, a middle seat.
There were two gentlemen seated on opposite ends. They were both Big Guys themselves. As a Big Girl, I thought to myself, there is NO WAY this is going to work.
I noticed a petite lady who was nestled into her aisle seat across from their row.
I became nervous that I would have missed my Grandmother’s funeral by booking the next flight out. I asked the lady if she would kindly exchange seats with me. She cringed and looked at me dead in my face and said, no.
I was completely humiliated and embarrassed that I was about to have to de-board this plane. The two guys warmly said:
” Come on girl, get in here we’ll make it work! ”
We did just that. Shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow, and thigh to thigh, we made it work.
Ironically it turned out that they were undercover flight marshals on that flight and had shown me their badges. They made one of my worst days one of my absolute best.
I felt so comforted and supported in that moment. Kindness can really make or break someone’s day.
I will never forget the compassion and kindness of those men to this day. It was a moment of clarity for me and having acceptance of where my body is right now.
Body Positivity hits different at 40+
I am capable of looking at myself honestly behind the shame and embarrassment. I will probably never fit comfortably in an airplane seat. I have to make accommodations and adjustments when traveling with a larger body.
Body Positivity hits different at 40+. There are many things that are just not as important as they were in my earlier days.
The goal back then was mostly was to wear something cute in the club. I wanted to be fashionable without looking middle aged.
We did not have all the choices there are today, plus size clothing was marketed to middle aged women. Now that I am middle aged, it’s not so bad here LOL.
Ultimately, I just want to be healthy and comfortable in my body. A snatched waist would be nice but not required and being Fly is just simply the standard of my life these days.
To be honest and realistic with these next 365 days, the goal is to get FLY! I also want to feel comfortable in my body. I’m naturally a bigger girl and I have a proportionate curvy shape I gain everywhere I lose everywhere. I can only go against genetics so much. I don’t want to change this.
I love my body, even at this size. My body has carried me through many storms and is still fighting for me everyday through health scares and all.
Taking time to really be thankful for my body and appreciating her has been a game changer in this journey.
So often, we are shamed for having larger bodies in society. Even in 2025, being fat is still viewed negatively. It is still measured as a barometer of health. Ultimately, healthy is healthy regardless of the body we are in. Similarly, unhealthy is unhealthy regardless of the body we are in.
Even if you have won the perceived societal “genetic lottery,” it does not promise or guarantee good health.
I just want my body to be healthy and carry me through into my later years. I am setting myself up for success while I am still in my prime years.
In our 40’s and 50’s, how we take care of ourselves is crucial. Our actions now will decide our health as we grow old. The goal is to be able to wipe my own behind and sustain myself at 80, should I be so blessed to make it there.
My Day 1 starting measurements for my health journey
It’s been said that we can’t manage the things that we do not measure in life, business and our health.
The medical industry has mostly set its weight guidelines according to the waist-to-hip ratio. It does not rely as much on the BMI, which we all know is the Body Mass Index. I’m not going to focus on that number too much. It does not distinguish between fat and muscle.
Thus, it’s not capable of giving an exact ideal weight goal in my opinion. So, let’s get out our measuring tape, divas!
This is what you need to do to find out your waist-to-hip ratio dear diva
- Get your tape measure and measure your waist right at your belly button line. If you do not have one, you can order one online. Alternatively, you can get one the old fashioned way by going to the actual store.
- You will want to stand with your feet hip width apart and then measure your hips at their widest point.
- Then you will divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Ta da! 🥳 This is your waist-to-hip ratio.
My waist 54 inches and My hips is 62 inches which gives us a grand total of .87. The ideal waist to hip ratio for women is .80 and men .95.
Whatever weight I am at once I reach my waist to hip ratio number. I will assess how I feel and manage my weight to keep it from there and beyond.
Setting the Vision and the Vibes for once I reach my Health Goals:
I remember I came across a quote years ago. I recall it to this day. It is always a guide in my fashion decisions. It has been a staple for at least the past 15 years or so.
The quote: ” You don’t have to dress a body that sings ” resonates deeply with me. I love this quote to the depths of my soul. It has been a driving force how I embrace my body confidence.
If body positivism was a quote, this would be it.
One year from now. I imagine myself thick legs and in-shape walking pass a mirror somewhere and giving myself a double take. Girl is that you???
I see myself somewhere tropical. I’m wearing a two piece and a cute sarong. I’m sipping on some exotic cocktail and eating delicious fresh seafood.
It’s July I’m Fly and I am living my very best life! My hair is decorated with cowrie shells and flowing faux locs releasing my inner Island gyal. My skin is clear my eyes are bright, energy vibrant!
Breaking Down My Health Goals at 40+
Ultimately, yes I want to be Healthy and comfortable in my body but how does that look on paper? It’s hard to get a hold of your life and rebuild it without measuring.
It’s pretty difficult to make any real progress without measuring where we are. It’s also hard to understand where we’ve been. Additionally, we need to measure where we are going.
I found myself in a rut for many years. I just wasn’t really making a whole lot of progress in my life as I would have liked. I did not have a clear goal or a plan to get there.
I need to have a healthy A1C level to be healthy. My A1C level is higher than usual. I need to bring this number down. This will prevent it from developing into full blown diabetes. I am grateful. This is something that can be managed by lifestyle at this stage. It does not need medication right now.
To break down goals, you may have heard of using the SMART system. Make a goal Specific, Measurable, Achievable, and assign a Time Deadline to that goal.
To keep things simple, I will list my ultimate goal for the next year. It is to get my waist-to-hip ratio to .80 and my AIC level to 5.7 or better.
I will then break it down to what I will need to do monthly. I will decide what to do weekly and daily to reach this goal. I will celebrate by rewarding myself once achieved said goals!
Honestly, at times in the past, I feel like I’ve been rewarding myself way too much and just need some solid discipline. My health is on the line and I really can’t be playing any games. A healthy vibrant body is the reward.
My Mom was never the parent to reward good grades with money or treats. She always told us that our grade was our own reward. Now, I get it. Thanks Mom.
I challenge you to figure out your waist to hip ratio. Think about how life changing a healthier body will be. Consider how that will look on you. I challenge you to think about your own health challenges. Consider what you need to start moving in that direction. Write down some goals to help you get there!
We’re in this together dear diva!
Feel free to hang out, share your progress or just stay updated on everything social follow us @flybyjuly. We’re on most social media. You can also subscribe here at the blog, our Hub, for the latest FBJ news before it hits the streets!
Closing out summer and during the Fly back into Fall months. I’ll mostly be here on the blog. I will be focusing on my personal health journey for now as I get these sugga levels down.
Fly along and subscribe here for weekly updates!
We are back in business as we Fly back into Fall! 💪🏽💕
Let’s get Fly by July!
Be Healthy Be Fabulous Be You!
Mia The Diva
Grieving the loss of loved ones, pets, friends, and relationships is challenging. Grief doesn’t just rob you of who you love it robs you of the person you were with them.
Ultimately, losing yourself is the hardest part. The loss of identity is by far the greatest heartbreak of them all. It’s like a glass ball that symbolizes your life has been dropped and shattered onto the floor.
(Disclaimer) Hey there! I’m Mia The Diva. I am the Founder and Content Creator of the Fly by July Campaign. It’s a 12-week online Body Confidence Health and Fitness Challenge.
I’m pre-diabetic and on a mission for the next 365 days to bring down my A1C to 5.7 or better. You can join our community by flying on over to all the things @flybyjuly. You can follow or subscribe on your favorite platforms. Stay in the loop of all the things on the Fly!
First and foremost, I am not a medical professional. Any information I share is based on my own personal experience for educational purposes. I will not accept responsibility for the actions of any reader or viewer. I will not accept responsibility for any consequential results.
Please consult a physician or qualified health professional about your health, weight management or any opinions expressed here.
So Let’s get into it & Let’s get Fly by July!!🙌🏾
Hey Divas! ✨ It’s been a while—7 whole days, 7 whole nights, weeks, months, and 2 years since my last post. I hope you’re all doing well!
I’ve missed you and blogging here in the FBJ space. Let’s make it the Flyest corner of the internet once again!
Thank you to all of you who are still subscribed. I am still here and very much alive & still Fly! There is much more to come in the world of FBJ! This blog has been something I always find myself coming back to.
It seems every time I hit my stride and get back into the swing of things life continues to happen.
In short no matter how much I tried to be “normal” I wasn’t. Life has changed & I have changed.
These past several years I have been navigating my new normal through grief. My new life is very different from what I imagined it to be. But I am still here and making it through!
Grief Journey Update: This year marks 7 years since my father’s death.
Today is my Dad’s 77th Birthday and 7 was his favorite number. Some years, I feel okay through the Holidays, Father’s Day, his Birthday and Life Moments. I get by and manage through it. But this year, I’ve really missed my dad.
During these past 7 years, I did not have an opportunity to truly grieve. Being capable of grieving in peace is a blessing.
Don’t ever let anyone or any circumstance rob you of this experience, grief is as personal as it is sacred. Protect your peace and heart at all costs, take care of you.
I had the privilege of getting to know my Dad as a person. It was just the two of us for a lot of years after Mom died.
He was so much more than my father, he was my best friend. I had the honor of witnessing him as an imperfect human. He faced his fears and gained confidence within his boundaries.
He accepted growing old with grace and humor. He truly lived his life on his own terms. I loved him completely. My entire heart was filled with love for him.
He was one of the kindest and gentlest human beings I have ever had the honor of getting to know. He was 5ft 7, maybe 5ft 8 on a good day. Lol. But he was larger than life through my eyes. I saw him this way even as a grown woman well into in her thirties.
Through my father I learned that masculinity is not only the physical strength of a man. It is also about how to treat a lady, help raise a family, or have the ability to give & provide support.
My father showed me that masculinity is also carried through the strength of a sharp mind. It’s also about having a nurturing heart and a caring soul.
Throughout his life, he showed kindness to others, sometimes at his own expense. Witnessing him finally give himself grace and be raw in his vulnerabilities made me see him more than my Dad.
How he navigated struggling through his own grief journey and personal challenges, was ultimately the greatest lesson learned from him.
What I’ve learned about grief over the years
Grief is the final gift of love because the growth that we experience as a human being is priceless. Grief is an expression of love and through the grieving process we transform into becoming our best self.
If we accept it, grief, no matter the form, is one of life’s greatest gifts. It is truly a blessing from God. The human-being we become in the process is a testament of what Grace and Love truly is.
Reconnecting to what brings me joy after grief
It’s a journey. I am in a space of reconnecting with what brings me joy. I am living a life that aligns with that joy. While I’ve been away, I’ve been focusing on rebuilding my life. I am learning how it looks now and where I am going.
This season of grief was a whirlwind of emotions and navigating unresolved trauma. This experience has left with me with being capable of giving the gift of patience, presence and empathy.
The other side of grief can be just as painful. I navigated grief and worked on myself. After this journey, I realized why things played out the way they did. I understood the role I played in my life. Everything really does happen for a reason, even if you do not understand it at the time.
Grieving the loss of loved ones, pets, friends, and relationships is challenging. Grief doesn’t just rob you of who you love it robs you of the person you were with them.
Ultimately, losing yourself is the hardest part. The loss of identity is by far the greatest heartbreak of them all. It’s like a glass ball that symbolizes your life has been dropped and shattered onto the floor.
We have two choices. We can try to piece it and glue it back together. We can make it a disco ball. Or, we can move on. Moving on is another heartbreak in itself but sometimes necessary.
When people show you who they are, believe them. This is who they truly are. Even if your heart is in denial, you have to protect your energy.
Navigating Grief is not all doom and gloom. I promise you. Grief and happiness can coexist. I’ve learned over the years that it’s normal and healthy to feel happiness and sadness especially after losing a loved one and during big life changes.
Grief doesn’t mean you’ll never smile again, finding moments of joy and being intentional about experiencing it is healing.
Finding and doing the things that bring me joy is by far has been my biggest grief hack!
The Good News About Grief
The good news about grief is that as long as we are here, we have the choice. We can live life on our own terms. We get this choice as long as we have breath in our body.
The beauty of going through grief is that you get to see a new version of yourself. This happens if you are lucky. You get to experience yourself on the other side. You can really create an authentic life that you truly love!
Horseshoe Bend – Paige, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend –
Paige, Arizona
Health Update: Walking for Mental Health, Clarity and Eating Cleaner to help lower my A1C levels.
I’ve been dealing with grief and stress. They have been affecting my health. A step outside into some sunshine and fresh air is the cure-all when I’m feeling in a slump. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with walking! It is just as important for physical health as it is for mental health. It also enhances overall wellness.
For several years, I’ve been in pre-diabetes. Recently, my A1C test is high. It’s just one point away from a diagnosis. My goal is to manage it through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
I’m working on lowering my A1C and aim to walk 2 miles daily, now managing 1 mile easily. It’s been several challenging years, but we’re still here and getting things done!
A Diva’s gotta watch her suggas so daily walking it is! My goal is to get my A1C levels down to a solid 5.7 or better. I aim to manage my blood sugars by lifestyle and not meds. I’m now at 6.3 from my last labwork a year ago so it’s a stretch but doable. It’s always best to stay ahead of things as much as we can.
During these past couple of years, working from home and becoming a homebody, I have not been as active. I am now in a space of life where I navigate a changing body.
Hormonal changes and a family history, which I believe have contributed to the higher A1C levels are at play. It also gets really, really — really comfortable being at home. AND. I’m an introvert to boot!
I can literally be unbothered for weeks. I truly vibe alone nestled away in my diva bungalow. I make a cameo here and there. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy.
This journey is not linear; it’s two steps forward and two steps back. There are pauses, turns, and curves, all for the plot I suppose. It helps my brain make sense of all this. I’m finally starting to feel like myself. I’m getting back to me and figuring out what’s next.
Fly by July 365!
One Year to Wellness, Mia’s Journey
I will be starting my new campaign today! FlybyJuly 365! One year to wellness! Here I will be tracking my personal journey. I will also share all the things I’m doing over this next year.
Feel free to hang out as I catch my groove! To stay updated on everything social follow us @flybyjuly. We’re on most main social media sites.
You can subscribe here at the blog, our Hub. Get the latest Team FBJ news before it hits the streets! I will share my weekly goals & check-in with you here on Sundays and Wednesdays. I will also give updates and lifestyle content on the fly. This will all happen as I get back into the swing of things. As I get it together, I will gradually get back into these socials. I’ll be well, sociable. 😂
If this is your vibe, click & subscribe!
Be Healthy Be Fabulous Be You!
Mia The Diva
Hi Divas!
So we just got through that nostalgic time of year and also that time when optimism is at it’s peak. So take advantage of this positive energy!
So many things can knock a diva’s day off let alone her year. So here are a few tips to get those positive vibes going and morning rituals!
1. Eat before working out Fuel Up Divas!
You’ll get more of a boost and if you are into early riser kind of workouts find an easy digestible carb that is low in fat and fiber. A banana is great to give you energy without causing tummy issues before exercising.
2. Drink Up! Cheers!
Post work out recovery go-to’s Vitamin C for muscle repair and breakfast a smoothie or bar that has a mix of carbs proteins and fiber to help repair muscles and replenish energy.
When a diva is dried out from not getting hydrated is not a good look for a diva! To stay on your game it’s best to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Standard rule of thumb is to divide half your current body weight into ounces to make sure you’re hitting those water goals! It’s a good idea to bring a 16 oz water bottle try to drink the whole thing during your 1 hour work out.
Plastic water bottles are thought to be a health risk because of the recycled plastic. Harmful chemicals are emitted from these bottles, and these chemicals might cause cancer.
3. Create good vibes & go outside!
There is a freshness and sense of freedom working out outside. Just something about crisp morning air in the colder months and the freshness of a new morning during the summer months.
Alas Let it Go dear diva!
Music! Who loves a good ole booty shake! My playlist ranges a little bit of everything Black Eyed Peas is my Go- To Yes! That 40 plus Club playlist be FiYa!! Fast high energy music has been proven to increase endurance a diva can go a little further and also adds a happy distraction 🙂
Let it all Go! Let it all OUT! It’s been a year! A tough one for a lot of us out here.
Take heart that Strong emotions are exhausting and can be draining. Physically too. I couldn’t really put my finger on why l was tired for no real reason.
Where the mind goes energy flows stressing and negativity is definitely a drain but it’s still energy. Put it to good use having a Super Fly workout or better yet clean your house! Two in one deal!
Happy New Year Divas! May your 2022 Be Your BEST & FLYEST Yet!
Be Healthy! Be Fabulous! Be You!
Mia The Diva
Hi Divas!
It’s a harsh reality. Too many times we expect “ us “ from others. Some people will give you their entire ass to kiss regardless of your relationship with them. Regardless of your friendship. Regardless of your family ties.
Stop expecting YOU from other people
This is a physical world and people will be people out for themselves. Givers will be givers and takers will be takers until the end of times.
The hardest lesson but the greatest lesson of my life is the importance of making myself a priority and self care. Everyone and everything took priority over me. My body and my life was a reflection of that. Not a good look for a Diva!
Self Care is how we fill up our cups. Love You some You Dear Diva!!
My cup ran empty it was not replenished. As we know we can not pour from an empty cup.
I ended up feeling emotionally drained, used, and taken advantage of most the time.
The hard reality l had to face is that a part of me allowed that behavior due to my lack of boundaries.
Boundaries. What are they? Anything that doesn’t feel good is when a boundary has been crossed.
In that moment diva has 3 choices. She can address it, take it, or move on from it.
A diva doesn’t have to make anyone’s bullshit her reality. F—that. We are here to receive what overflows from our Fabulousness. Graciously.
Be Healthy Be Fabulous Be You!
Mia Thee Diva
Hey Divas,
Here l am getting back on track. The art of allowing. I’m in a space of life where l don’t have to get it all right. I’ve lived enough life to know what l like and what l don’t for the most part.
I know that l don’t like feeling tired and tapped out. I don’t like feeling drained. I don’t like feeling stressed, even though it’s healthy sometimes and a part of life. I do like how l feel after eating right and clean. I do like when l am actually on time for things. It reduces my stress and l am able to be fully present.
The sacrifice to eating clean is the prepping. It takes time and l am working on ways to perfect it to balance it in my life. If I don’t plan I go straight to what’s most convenient or miss a meal. Not a good look for a diva! lt’s all a work in progress but I take things day by day.
I’ve been chronicling my journey and got off track these past couple of weeks after losing my Uncle to cancer. I would think by now l would have this grief thing down but with every death a piece of me dies too. Every death is painful no matter how much you prepare for it. You’re never prepared when it actually happens.
My Uncle was a second Dad to me. He was the version of my Dad who broke all the rules. He lived in his truth and unapologetically.
Everything is eventual. This one hurts so bad.
I’m staying on the course and not allow grief to get me off the course. I’m in a space of life that l understand death is a reality of life as it is necessary and natural but it doesn’t take away the hurt.
I’m learning to process death while still keeping my priorities in tact by having goals but more so than that making a commitment to them because without making a commitment it just adds to the list of failures.
Set realistic goals and expectations. It’s okay—and healthy—to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything all at once. Be mindful of the things you can control and work on accepting the things that you can’t control.
Be Healthy Be Fabulous Be You
Mia The Diva
Fly by July Campaign! 