Million Step Challenge with @BestBuyWOLF #MillionSteps

This month I recommitted to my journey to get healthier.  I lost 50 pounds in 2012 and felt great.  Then I fell of the wagon so to speak.  It's really hard to explain how or why I let it happen.  With knowing that it's really not that hard and  feel great when I eat well and move more you'd think I wouldn't let it get so out of control.  But I do, I did.  I gained over 15 pounds back in the same time it took me to lose 50.  I guess the upside is I'm still ahead of the game!  

So I know, it's cliche to vow to get healthy in January.  But that's exactly what I've done and thanks to Best Buy and their challenge to the Best Buy Blogging Board I've had the chance to try a few new tools.

Recently I spent an entire day playing with the Cusinart: Compact Juice Extractor.  I think I bought more fruit and vegetables than I ever have in a single shopping trip.  I think I also  cleaned and peeled and sliced more than I ever have before too.

I'm not sure we're going to be juicing on a regular basis because it really is a lot of work.  But the Cusinart Compact Juice Extractor was beyond easy to use.  It made zero mess (outside the machine) and I really thought cleaning the machine was easy. 

Because we've never done anything like this and we are all fairly picky eaters I thought many of the 'recipes' sounded risky.  So we experimented by juicing each item individually. We tasted each one and then each of us mixed up our own creations.

My personal favorite was just the straight orange juice.  We got about 32 ounces from a full bag of oranges but it was the best (pulpfree) OJ I've ever had.  Thirty two ounces was simply not enough to go around.

And for dessert (because we didn't want anything to go to waste, right?) we made smoothies.  Or something sort of like smoothies because I don't ever actually have ice in the house.

Stawberry banana....yum!

Like I said I'm not sure we'll be juicing regularly anytime soon, but it was a great reminder of how delicious simple, clean eating can be!!  

And don't forget to follow @BestBuyWolf or #MillionSteps on Twitter to see how the Blogging Board is doing on the Million Step Challenge!!

If getting healthier is on your list of things to do this year, check out these great Best Buy coupons for savings on tools to help YOU reach your goal!

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.
 


 

Progresso Light Creme Soup #MyBlogSpark

Craving rich and creamy flavors, but don’t want to splurge on calories? With two new creamy flavors, Progresso^® Light soups are giving those who are managing their weight a new reason to celebrate! At 100 calories per serving, now you can indulge in warm, creamy soups like Light Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese* and Light Chicken Pot Pie Style* without feeling guilty. Packed with indulgent, satisfying flavor, these two new Light creamy soups are the perfect way to make thoughtful eating decisions without sacrificing incredible taste.

These two new Progresso Light creamy soups are joining the lineup of more than 40 flavorful soups that are 100 calories or less per serving

These Weight Watchers^® endorsed soups have 100 calories and a 2 PointsPlus^® value per serving

The Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese variety boasts pieces of potato with savory bacon and rich cheese flavor

The Chicken Pot Pie Style variety exudes a home-style essence with cuts of white-meat chicken, hearty potatoes and classic vegetables

*Light Chicken Pot Pie Style:  At least 33% fewer calories than regular ready-to-serve soups.  Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese:  50% fewer calories than the leading potato, cheese, and bacon ready-to serve soup.   See nutrition information for sodium content.
In addition, visit http://goo.gl/WbbPS to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of 4 cans of Progresso^® soup. Be sure to share this coupon with your family, friends and readers so they too can take advantage of the savings and try Progresso Light creamy soups today!

I'm usually a skeptic when it comes to 'light' or otherwise 'healthy' alternatives. But being that it was Progresso, I didn't even give a second thought to the possibility that these might not be delicious. And I was totally right.  These are both amazing.  But the Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese totally takes the cake for me. Chicken Pot Pie was good but not hugely different from other chicken varieties that I already enjoy for just 2 points a serving.  But a CREAMY POTATO.....with bacon AND cheese...for only 2 points a serving....? They need to just back up a truck load right to my door.  I have always loved soup but spending literally day after day outside on the football or soccer field until dark leaves me craving soup even more often lately. So I'm THRILLED to find a warm and hearty option that I don't have to feel totally guilty about!  Progresso totally wins in my book!!

Learn more at Progresso's Website or find Progresso on Facebook! 
SAVE $1.25 ON FOUR when you buy FOUR CANS any variety Progresso® Light Soup

Enter to Win!

 

Enter to win a gift pack that will contain:

(2) Cans of Progresso^® Light creamy soup
(1) Soup mug
(1) Lunch tote
(1) Water bottle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Progresso^® through MyBlogSpark.

Focus

I've been stuck lately bouncing back and fourth with the same 5-10 pounds. I know what I need to do but I just haven't DONE it. So then I feel guilty and get discouraged. But today I had to go through and old post I wrote for a client and found THIS photo of me and my boys. Which I love cuz they are adorable.  But it reminds me how far I've come. And I can't beat myself up when I stumble. So today's a new day. I'm going to celebrate the progress I've made by being good to myself!!!

This one below is from a week ago!! Yes, much work still to be done but I'm proud of how far I've already come!

Hershey’s Simple Pleasures

Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates have 30 percent less fat than the average leading milk chocolates.

How does it make you feel knowing you can have a delicious chocolate with 30 percent less fat than the average of the leading milk chocolates?

To give you a perspective on what this difference means, I compared the points (program not affiliated with Hershey) in a single serving of Hershey's Bliss Milk Chocolates which included 6 pieces (210 calories, 120 fat calories).

Hershey's Bliss Milk Chocolates, which by the way are amazing.  6 pieces = 6 points This honestly isn't horrible.  (I believe 8 Hershey Kisses are 4 points in comparison.  But wanted to compare a similar style/size chocolate for a more accurate comparison.)

Hershey's Simple Pleasures are 180 calories a serving and 5 points for 6 pieces. Might not seem like much of a difference but there have been many days when a single point can make or break my decision to have a treat.

Ok so, if you're at all like me I know what you're thinking...but are they GOOD?And let me tell you...they taste AWESOME.  I shared them with my boys and then had to hide them so they weren't gone in one evening.  And we shared them with a few people who came by the house before we'd eaten them all and they ALL agree, in and "oh, yeah these ARE good!!" kind of way.  My personal favorite is the Milk Chocolate with Chocolate filling but they are all great. And I don't like Dark chocolate but there is enough sweetness to it that I enjoyed the Dark Chocolate Simple Pleasures.

Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates give you “Sweet Independence” to enjoy delicious chocolate and feel great about loving it.  Seriously, you will be able to enjoy these fabulous chocolates knowing that they are a better alternative that doesn't taste like you've given up a THING. Honestly I think these are my new favorite chocolates, lower fat or now.

Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates encourage you to sign the Declaration of “Sweet Independence,” prompting you to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and live a balanced lifestyle. Declare your "Sweet Independence" and have a chance to win!

I received a complimentary selection of Hershey's Simple Pleasures to facilitate my post as part of a campaign from The Motherhood. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. Seriously these are amazing!

Six Month Progress

It's been 6 months since I started this weight loss journey.  The last few weeks I have NOT worked out because I haven't found my groove with being a single mom and can't get to the gym.  Really, I just let excuses get in the way of working out at home.  I've stuck to my points but I've managed to gain back about 4 pounds.  Still, I'm proud of myself for not giving in to emotional eating and staying with healthier choices. I WILL start working out.  But I will confess that this weekend I attended an event and splurged quite a bit so I'm hoping that it might actually help as a splurge day has jump started things when they've slowed before.

Regardless, I'm not giving up on me.  And here's an updated pic....

And where I started...

Weight Loss Advice

photo source

Having spent most of my life over weight (hey those first couple years I was skinny), I have always found it easy to look at thing people and blow off their advice.  What the hell do they know anyway? Sure just work out, its so easy, right? Seriously, working out when you are over 100 pounds over weight tends to feel sort of like suicide. Watching some perky skinny person bounce around and tell you 'just 10 more'...THAT makes you consider homicide.

But what I have learned recently is its far too easy to cast people, and their advice aside when you are looking for an excuse to do so.  It's actually fairly ironic that I have spent my whole life wanting people NOT to judge me based on appearances yet I have easily done the same.  Not that I have liked or disliked someone based on their weight but I have jumped to conclusions about their experience and understanding of my position based on their current size.  I did this with well known blogger Leah aka Bookieboo of Mamavation.com until I read her story! Suddenly I was able to listen to her advice knowing she too had struggled to lose weight and hadn't always looked so amazing!

Same thing with the instructor for the Zumba and Kickboxing classes I've done.  She's crazy bubbly and I'm pretty sure like 0% body fat.  I MIGHT have hated her a lil bit (but in the best way possible) until I read HER story.

Are you like me?  Waiting for that person you can identify to be able to help you overcome your weight loss struggles?  Well, I believe there are many paths to weight loss and health and not every road works for everyone. Personally I think Weight Watchers is great because its made me make small gradual changes to the way I eat to stay within my points (your daily points decrease as you lose weight) and means I don't have to give up any one thing I love. Its all about moderation and getting the good for you foods in first.  But it may not be what's right for you.

In hopes of helping you find someone who's story YOU connect with, here are a few fellow bloggers you might want to check out.

Oh Rheally

Lilac City Momma

Simply Budgeted

Lindsay Blogs

Shawn Ann's World

Carolina Mom Blogger

Food Family Finds

Diaries of a Domestic Goddess

What's The Buzz

Penelope's Oasis

Raising Three Savvy Ladies

The Tater Twins

A Girl Worth Saving 

Mom Foodie

Mile a Minute Mama

 Living Smart Girl

Is there someone who's inspired you?? 

I would love to hear about it!

I'm NOT an Inspiration

Fat, pudgy, curvy, overweight, plus size, thick, wide-load.  These are just a few of the names I'm used to being called or calling myself by.  

I am NOT an inspiration.  Don't get me wrong, I love when you tell me that I am.  But not because I believe it, not for a minute, but because the fat chick inside me (oh who am I kidding she's still clearly visible on the outside too) she lives every her life knowing that if she can make a difference in just one life, that will be enough.

I am NOT an inspiration. I still weight 279 pounds after losing 50. (Feel free to do the math, its a number I am hugely ashamed of but if it can make one person feel better about themselves, its worth it.) I am still technically morbidly obese.  Suggested weight for a female of 5'11'' vary some but the average top end of the range is about 175.  

I am NOT an inspiration.  My goal weight is 199.  Someone questioned why that was ALL I wanted to lose.  But I'd be beyond f-ing happy to be 25 pounds over weight.  My inner fat chick, refuses to give up occasional treats or live in the gym to fit some medical chart ideal.

I am NOT an inspiration. I have days when getting out of bed to workout is simply beyond me.  I slam the alarm off and sleep for two extra hours.  When I do make it I feel amazing, when I don't I feel guilty.

I am NOT an inspiration.  I still take my kids to McDonald's about once a week and make processed crap for dinner.  I work full time, we have a crazy schedule and I HATE to cook!  But I buy a TON more fresh fruits and veggies now. I actually ENJOY a good salad and so do my kids.

I am NOT an inspiration.  I signed up to do a 5K and finally attempted to walk this on the treadmill this week.  I barely made it half way and my shins still hurt two days later.

I am NOT an inspiration.  I am a fat girl who has spent her entire life dealing with her emotions, good bad or otherwise, with food.  I am a mom who let herself get too unhealthy to do the things she wanted with her kids and FINALLY said 'Enough!'

I am NOT an inspiration. I am just a girl who's spent her life letting fear control her.  Fear of failure, fear of the unknown and fear of what others will think.  I'm just a girl who became too afraid of what would happen if I didn't try to worry about the rest.

I am NOT an inspiration. I am the daughter of a victim of breast cancer who spent years knowing that her weight only made her crazy high risk rate even higher.  Selfishly putting off doing something to change that despite having three very noisy reasons not to wait another minute.

I am NOT an inspiration.  I am an unbelievably lucky person who is surrounded by friends and family who have been kind and supportive the last 5 months as I work to slowly undo a lifetime worth of damage.

I am NOT an inspiration. I am an addict. I was, am and always will be addicted to food. As with any addict, this will never change.  I might not have to sneak into a dark alley to feed my addiction, or fear arrest but my addiction is just as ugly and damaging to my body.

I am NOT an inspiration but I would LOVE to walk along side of you if you are on this same journey to get and stay healthy.  It's really about so much more than just the food and the exercise.  It's about learning to be ok with who I am, fat or not.  And I am so thankful for all of those people in my life who are there to cheer me on.

I am NOT an inspiration but I will gladly cheer you too!!

Edited to add:
Thanks for the kind words but this was NOT meant to be a plea for affirmation.  This pouring out of my heart was really about hoping that those who struggle would understand they aren't alone.  That ANYONE can do this if they want to.  I don't want people to feel like I am some amazingly strong person for doing this. I am beaten and broken too. But its all about forward progress. If you are wanting to make a change, stop letting others or yourself convince you that you CAN'T because if I can do this...YOU CAN DO THIS!

My Current Progress

Ok, so I've been sitting on this post for a week, as proud as I am of myself for the work I've been doing and that I truly FEEL so much better already I am still not at all proud of my current picture.  But it is reality!  I have a long way to go, 95 pounds to go to be exact. 
But here it is, my current progress.  A photo from the week I started Weight Watchers on the left and a current photo (from last weekend) on the right. 

1/12/12

5/12/12

This week I was up 1.6lbs.  Which, seems to be a trend, up one or so and then down 4-5, so it's not too upsetting. But I did go a bit off this weekend. I hung out with friends and had a couple drinks that I didn't track. I'm guessing I went a little over even with my weekly points but I just wanted to enjoy the night and didn't even bring out my phone to check.  But I'm needing to worry more about finding the time to exercise. Last week I didn't get a true workout in at all. We did a lot of walking on Thursday and I do move quite a bit at TBall practices on Monday and Wednesday but nothing to really get my heart rate up. So that's my goal for this week. I will make the time to workout!

Applebee's, Where Parents AND Kids LiveWell

 I have been a fan of Applebee's for a long time, partly because they have good food and partly because they are the only nonfast food place in our town. (Other places take 25 or so minutes to get to.)  I have long been in love with Applebee's pastas and other calorie filled but delicious dishes.  But since starting Weight Watchers I have learned that I also love their healthier dishes as well.  This past weekend we visited and I tried their new Weight Watchers meal (12points) Creamy Parmesan Chicken.  Although I must admit I didn't eat the spinach and pulled out the large chunks of mushroom (like the taste, hate the texture), this was a delicious and filling meal!

But what makes me even happier is that they are also working on healthier options for kids.  They have added a Grilled Chicken Sandwich to their kids menu and paired with their steamed broccoli (which they've had for awhile) your kids can eat healthier too.  As you can see my son went with fries, but he actually typically chooses the broccoli or applesauce.  He didn't finish his sandwich so I tried a little of it and it was very good.  The chicken was juicy and tender.

Applebee’s® Joins Kids LiveWell^SM

World’s Largest Casual Dining Chain Provides Healthful Menu Options for the Whole Family 

 Applebee's is expanding its more healthful menu choices to its kids menu so the whole family can dine out and enjoy better-for-you options. The world’s largest casual dining chain today announced it joined Kids LiveWell, a program that helps parents and kids make more healthful menu selections when eating out.

Applebee’s Kids LiveWell-endorsed entrée is a grilled chicken sandwich with steamed broccoli and 1 percent milk or apple juice. Kids also can enjoy orange juice and a side of applesauce. In addition, Applebee’s offers kids a nutritious mac-and-cheese option.

Kids LiveWell items must meet qualifying nutritional standards from leading health organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The program was started by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining.

“Applebee’s serves nearly 1 million guests a day – including many families with children – at our nearly 1,900 neighborhood locations across the country,” said Jessica James, Applebee’s executive chef. “Our new grilled chicken sandwich for kids lets the entire family eat out while keeping their calories and portions in check. We’re leading the casual dining industry with lower calorie menu options and removing the guilt from dining out.”

Since 2004, Applebee’s has been the only restaurant chain to offer Weight Watchers-endorsed entrées. In addition, Applebee’s has offered its Under 550 Calories menu for the past three years.                                                                                                                            

 I promise he wasn't as miserable as he looks, he is just too cool to appreciate his mom snapping photos of him eating out in public!

Have you tried any of Applebee's Weight Watchers endorsed entrees, Under 550 Calorie selections or the new Kids LiveWell endorsed entree? Which is YOUR favorite?

I received a complimentary Applebee's eGift Card to help cover the cost of our delicious and healthier meal. All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.

Four Months with Weight Watchers

Photo credit: mantasmagorical from morguefile.com

This weekend's weight in will mark 4 months on Weight Watchers for me and I am trying not to focus too much on the number I will be able to say I've lost.  I'm currently at 32.4 and I'd LOVE to hit 35lbs!  But really its all about the progress I've made and the ways I've changed my life. 

I LOVE food! But until recently I had a crazy love/hate thing going on with it.  You see when you use food to deal with emotions, you use it all wrong. It really is no different than any other drug.  It makes you feel good for a little while and then, when it's gone you feel guilty, you hate yourself for the way you look and the way you feel.

Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE food.  But NOW, now I can eat a little bit of anything I like because its controlled, its planned and its for better reasons.  I eat fruits and veggies because that's what my body needs.  When I'm truly hungry I have healthy options in my kitchen and at work so that I can eat because I need it.  And when I really WANT something that isn't so healthy, I can see my points, I can give a little here, to have a little there.  When I know I'm making mac n cheese for dinner, I take it a little easier at lunch.  And then when dinner comes, I take out a measuring cup, I measure a serving, a real serving, not a well it fits on my plate so I'm sure its a serving and I enjoy it.  I track my points and I don't have to feel guilty about it.  What I DON'T do anymore is deal with a stressful day by making myself an entire box of mac n cheese after everyone else is asleep. Now I work out or I chat with a friend to deal with stress.

So whatever the number on the scale shows, I will be celebrating four SUCCESSFUL months with Weight Watchers and surviving my first #2WeekChallenge with #Mamavation!

Weight Watchers endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables #Giveaway #MyBlogSpark

 



Whether you´re striving to watch your weight or simply helping your family to add more vegetables in their meals, with a little help from Green Giant® finding a delicious way to mix up your diet routine can be easy and convenient! Available in a wide variety of flavors, there are nearly 30 varieties of Green Giant® frozen boxed vegetables endorsed by Weight Watchers®, including offering that feature decadent sauces and tasty seasonings.
 

• Available in the frozen aisle of your local grocery store, Green Giant is the only frozen vegetable brand to be endorsed by Weight Watchers®, and nearly all endorsed varieties have a 1 or 2 PointsPlus® value per serving
• Click here to download quick and delicious recipes that incorporate Weight Watchers® endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, with most coming in between only a 1 and 4 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus® value per serving - from "Broccoli and Chicken Topped Potatoes" to "Quick Corn and Black Bean Soup," this wide array is sure to satisfy every member of your family
• If you prefer a smaller serving size, try Green Giant Just for One vegetable trays which are also endorsed by Weight Watchers®

In addition, visit http://bit.ly/greengiantcoupon to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off the purchase of two boxes of Weight Watchers® endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables. Be sure to share this coupon with your family, friends and readers so they too can take advantage of the savings and try Weight Watchers® Endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables today!

• Green Giant on Facebook http://on.fb.me/GreenGiantFB
• Green Giant on Twitter http://bit.ly/GreenGiantTwitter
• Weight Watchers Website http://bit.ly/WeightWatchersWebsite
• Weight Watchers on Facebook http://on.fb.me/WeightWatchersFB
• Weight Watchers on Twitter http://bit.ly/WeightWatchersTwitter
• Coupon Link http://bit.ly/greengiantcoupon

As you know, if you've read my blog at all lately, I am using Weight Watchers with success this year.  With their revised program, PointsPlus most veggies are 0 points which is great. But sometimes, you need a little something besides a totally plain veggie.  Traditional dips or sauces can easily be 4 points or more per serving. But with Green Giant almost all the varieties I checked were 1-2 for 1/2 of veggies.  In our house corn is the big favorite. It's so helpful to have a healthy side that works well with my weight loss plan but that my kids actually love too!!  Be sure to visit the coupon link above to save on your Weight Watchers® endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables.  And then enter to win this great prize pack.  (not prize pack includes a coupon for YOUR CHOICE of Weight Watchers® endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetable.
 

Enter to win a gift pack that will contain:
• (1) VIP coupon for a free box of Weight Watchers® endorsed Green Giant Boxed Vegetables any variety
• Water Bottle
• Lunch Bag
• Mini Nutrition Tracker
• Lunch to Go Kit
• Solar Powered Pedometer
• Mini Ice Pack

Read more »

Read more »

Motivation Monday #Mamavation

Last week was another stressful week for me.  But I managed to stay well within my points all week and then splurged just a bit on dinner Friday night.  I worried that doing so right before Saturday morning weigh in might make my numbers look less than impressive but sometimes you just have to enjoy life.  (My big splurge was the most amazing fried rice from Tsukasa but to balance it out I ate cooked broccoli and zucchini which I NEVER eat.)  Saturday morning though, I was pleasantly surprise with a 2.6lb loss.  Maybe I walked off more calories than I realized while 'window shopping.'

I'm still struggling a bit with figuring out how to fit in my workout with our new spring/summer sports schedule. But I got up early one morning to get to the gym and just need to do that more often.  This week is another SUPER busy week.  But because I LOVE a challenge, I decided to take on Mamavation's 2 week challenge.  So today I will be doing the first day of the beginner challenge workout.  It's not too late to join me....

How was YOUR week?

Motivation Monday #Mamavation

click image for credit

Love this!  I honestly think my body is trying to help me figure this out as I am feeling worse and worse every time I try to cheat, like my stomach is starting a revolution against my poor eating choices.  And I honestly love the way I feel after a workout. Ok, sometimes it doesn't feel so hot during the workout but it feels so good when I stop! Just kidding! 

Stress Eating

Are you a stress eater?  I totally am.  I am an overall emotional eater. I grew up dealing with all emotions with food.  Good days deserved a treat.  Bad days were washed away in food.  Holidays, birthdays, getting together with family all equaled food.

This habit is harder to break than most of the other hurdles of weight loss for me.  But I am proud to say that having a simple plan that makes me acknowledge what I eat helps a lot.  However, I think I could still easily through that out the window when I am truly stressed if it weren't for the accoutability and support I have been getting through sharing my journey on social media.  This Saturday's weight update on Facebook (on my personal page) had 59 likes and 17 comments.  It's a fabulous reminder of the people who love me and the accountability that people are watching and excited for me is huge.  But it also provides a network of people that I can go to when I am stressed instead of turning to food.

This week has been a real test of my new coping strategy.  Life has been a little rough, with some new bumps in our regularly rocky marriage.  But my friends have shown up in full force letting me know they are there and making sure I am ok.  I know that these trials are nothing compared to what many people have overcome but typically this type of week would be one that I would run (and I don't RUN) to food.  Honestly, my first choice would have been my mom but I'm pretty sure that's why after she passed my weight continued to grow as I filled that void too with...more food.  And don't get me wrong, I missed my mom more than ever this week.  I missed her hugs and the love she had for my boys in a week when I felt like they really could have used it.  But I have taken comfort in my amazing friends.  I've done things I love to do with my kids and shockingly, even to me, I have NOT tried to fix anything with food.

So, are you curious about what my update actually WAS on Saturday?  I missed my first large goal of 30 pounds but a measly .2lbs.  I could have been upset that I didn't get there but I was way too busy doing my happy dance for a 6.6lb loss in one week after a gain the week before.

Balance

Last week I got a message from a friend who wanted to get together Friday night.  Friday's are usually a workout night and I'd already skipped one night, so I decided I would workout and then go out.

I cut my workout just a little short (still over an hour) but took it a little easy so I wasn't a total sweaty mess since I was just cleaning up in the locker room before heading out.  We went out to one of my favorite restaurants.  And since we were an hour away from half price appetizers, we had dessert first. I could have really gone for a ginormous cookie loaded with ice cream and whip cream. Or the lava cake. But decided to go for the hot fudge dessert shooter.  Not healthy mind you but not over the top over induldging either.

I'm finding it really is all about balance.  It's not about completely depriving myself of any one thing until I'm too crabby to care anymore and then really over doing it.  It was a bad week with Easter cheating and a PMS related chocolate binge and probably water retention. I was up 2 pounds at my official weigh in Saturday. But was down yesterday morning three from there.  I am coming to terms with my nonfantastic weeks and realizing they only break me, if I let them.  I didn't put all this weight on in a week...its not coming off in a week either.  And while I AM learning to love a good work out, I still want to live a life of balance with time for family and friends.  What the use in putting in all the hard work to have a long healthy life if I'm not able to actually take some time to enjoy it?

ZeroWater Filtration Pitcher with Electronic Tester Review & Giveaway

Do you drink enough water each day?  I have been tracking my water intake for many weeks now.  It's really all I drink.  When I'm home I just fill refillable water bottles and I try to remember to take them with me when I go out.  I had just been drinking tap water as I'd previously tried filters that didn't seem to do much but cause work.  

But this past week I was introduced to ZeroWater and there is now no going back!! 

The ZeroWater pitcher comes with an electronic tester so you can see the results of the filtration yourself.  We tested our water straight from the tap...166 PPM.  While I'm a little fuzzy on the technical side even after reading all the material this number can indicate any number of various soluble solids that can be in your water.  Ours is within the normal range of city water.  And should get normal usage of the replaceable filters (the higher your water tests the fewer gallons the filter will effectively treat.)

Check out ZeroWater online and on Facebook for more info on the filtration process.

Once we tested our water, and thoroughly cleaned the pitcher and properly installed the filter, we were ready to filter away.

For the most part the pitcher is similar in design to others you are likely familiar with however the filter is considerably bigger and heavier.  However, I think the spout on this pitcher is genius.  It allows easier use of a somewhat bulky pitcher and also lets you get water before all the water is filtered.  (It also makes it fun for kids, possibly increasing the chances they'll chose water!)

Now that we have a glass of freshly filtered water, lets test the results....000!  Perfect!  But honestly, I think the difference in taste was even more impressive.  I am not one to be to picky about my water, but the change was impossible to ignore.  My entire family is thrilled!!!!

It's not quite water in the door of the fridge, (are my kids the only ones still totally fascinated by this) but its delicious, cold and convenient!  

Want to try ZeroWater yourself?  

Use code MC30 to get 30% off of a 10 Cup ZeroWater pitcher

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ZeroWater and received a water pitcher to facilitate my review, two pitchers to giveaway, and extra filters to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Crash, Splat

"Crash! Splat!" That's the sound of me hitting a wall and pretty much not getting back up all weekend long.  After a week of moving more than I think I ever have in my life, I was expecting the scale to make me a happy camper Saturday morning. Instead, it shot straight through my heart with a one pound GAIN! 

I still got ready for my first kickboxing class and pushed harder through that class than I even thought I was capable of.  But then my shins reminded me how hard I'd pushed all week and the weight of my disappointment coupled with the stress of the week bowled me over and left me there all weekend.

This morning I'm fighting hard to suck it up and clean up from my two day pity party and get back on track.  Thankfully, one of the first things I read this morning was a post from a good friend about breaking through plateaus.  This isn't really a plateau, it's been one week since I had a good lose and this week wasn't just a stand still.  But I think the frustration is still the same. I know I worked hard and the results weren't there. It makes it hard to keep plugging away.

What do you do when you feel like you've hit the wall?  I could use any motivation you've got this chilly Monday morning!

One Small Step...

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...means I only need 9999 to make the goal for the day!

Although I have continued to stick to Weight Watchers 100% the weight is coming off slower than I'd like. I'm still averaging 2 lbs a week but each week it has been slightly less so that average will go down soon.  Last week 1.2lbs. I KNOW that its still going down, and I'm not starving to do it. In fact most days I'm looking for something else to eat because I haven't used all my points. 

But I wanted to see if I could kick it up a notch. So this week I bought a FitBit, thinking it might help me move more on nonoworkout days.  Today is my third day using it.  The first, which I worked out for just an hour, I had 7,500 steps.  Not too bad for the first day.  But the goal is 10,000 a day.  Day two...a sad 2500 steps.  The plus side, I feel like this means I have a ton of room for improvement! (Hey, don't ever tell ME I'm a glass half full kind of girl.)

So today, day 3 and I'm making the most of my work hours which is a little tough considering I have a desk job. But I am getting up more instead of stacking stuff up to get up once to do.  AND I took a walk at lunch. And I'm almost to 5,000 steps already.

I'm really feeling good about where I am going with this.  But I think truly the biggest reason I feel like I'm succeeding this time is the amazing support I get DAILY from friends and family online. From those who help answer my many questions to that cousin who is always ready with a virtual kick in the a$$ when it sounds like I'm trying to be lazy for the day.  Sometimes I feel a little guilty about my social media obsession, but it has really be the most amazing tool for me in this journey.

How about you, how are YOU doing with your goals? What things are helping you the most??