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.
 


 

Pretty Muddy is back in Chicago for 2013!

Ready to get "Pretty Muddy?"  Sign up today!  

Still have questions, get more info here!

I am taking part of Pretty Muddy Chicago as part of the ambassador program. 

Getting Healthier in 2013 Can Be Easier with Best Buy

This January Best Buy is excited to have the nine members of our Blogging Board participating in a Million Steps Challenge.  I'm afraid I have to admit that so far I haven't done too well in contributing.  Between fighting a sinus infection and the boys being sick, I haven't moved much at ALL!   Some of the other ladies are doing great though and seeing their first week reports is motivating me to stop making excuses!  
In addition to tracking our steps with our FitBit Ultra's, we're also tracking either with the FitBit Aria.  I'm sad to say I've gained back entirely too much of the weight I lost in the first part of 2012.  It isn't really fair how much thought it takes to lose it and how mindlessly you can put it back on.
We're also trying Juicing this month so look for posts on update on ALL of these healthy help products you can find at Best Buy this month!



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

Let's Fight Holiday Fat Together

In the holiday season it's easy to fall off the weight loss wagon.  It is so hard to resist many holiday treats.  From homemade cookies to eggnog, Christmas is not exactly a low fat holiday.  If you're like so many people, you're already thinking about how you'll resolve to be healthier in the new year.   But that doesn't mean you should just throw all sensibility to the wind.  But you can enjoy your holiday as long as you're mindful of your eating and continue to exercise you'll be ahead of the game come January 1!


I've found some great helpful tips, recipes and exercises online at Let's Fight Holiday Fat.  Here are some of my favorites:

Don’t attend a party starving (from Heathy Tips for Staying Lean During the Holidays)

If your calendar tends to fill-up with holiday parties during the month of December and you are worried about sticking to your healthy eating routine, don’t go to the parties when you haven’t eaten anything for hours.  If you are really hungry, you will tend to eat anything you can get your hands on, which will leave you overeating in no time!  Instead, have a small healthy snack before you go, such as an apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter, yogurt with some fruit, or a quarter cup of almonds. When you arrive at the party, practice portion control, choosing a small (handful) size of your favorite foods, or if you must, of all the menu items, so you get a little taste of everything. By practicing proper portion control, you will be able to enjoy your favorite foods, without depriving yourself. 

I've found this to be a huge help in my own weight loss journey.  It's surprising how many times you can arrive at a party truly hungry.  It makes it so  hard to resist often high calorie appetizers.  If you're not feeling deprived it's much easier to just give the special treats a little taste rather than over indulging in unhealthy choices. 

 Another great idea is to make a dish of your own to share.  This way you know what you're eating and can count on having at least one healthy option.  If you could use some inspiration, check out the recipes here.

Stress Relief (from How to Have a Healthy Holiday)

Eating right and exercising will play a big part in keeping holiday stress at bay. Keeping stress levels low  also helps prevent weight gain. However, if the stress creeps in, there are several strategies you can use to relax. 

Say No: Don’t feel pressured to say yes to every invitation. Or, make a brief appearance at a celebration and then go home to relax. Your friends and family will appreciate having a happier, more relaxed you, even if that means skipping a party or two. 

Time vs Money:  If a lack of time is a stressor during the holidays, fork over a bit of extra cash to have someone wrap gifts for you or clean the house before guests arrive. If money is tight, get creative and make homemade gifts or send a thoughtful, handwritten card. 

Remember Your Values: Find ways to remind yourself what the holiday season is really about – giving and enjoying others’ company. Volunteer at a homeless shelter with your family. Take a minute to thank someone for their help. Pause to take a few deep breaths and know the stress will pass. 

I don't know about you, but I'm a big stress eater.  This is something I've been working hard at changing.  If you're a stress eater you'll want to find a stress reducer that works for you.  I find exercising a great stress relief but sometimes when you're feeling down its hard to get motivated to move.  Try finding a partner to help support you in your journey.  I've found that a little kick in the pants from a friend telling me "you'll feel better if you just do it" really can make the difference some days.  If you really can't find it in yourself to shake the stress for a workout, you might try something else that relaxes you.  For me this can be anything from a long hot shower to reading or watching mindless TV.  But controlling stress with the tips above will go a long way in helping you feel better this season.

When it comes to exercise you'll want to find something that you truly enjoy doing.  For some people that's running, many love Zumba, but I love a great strength workout.  I found some great ones at Let's Fight Holiday Fat.

If you could use some help staying on track sign up for Let's Fight Holiday Fat for great exercises, recipes and other tips.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for alli. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Burning Calories to the Tracks your Favorite Celebs listen to

We may not all be able to afford personal stylists and trainers, but we do have access to the same music that are favorite celebrities have. If these tunes can get them pumped in the gym and look good for the Red Carpet, then we can use them to drop a jeans size and look good for bikini season. Free music downloads @ kazagold.com is a site that offers a great way to collect all those tracks your favorite actresses or singers have loaded onto their iPods. Perhaps knowing that when Jennifer Garner is planking and doing crunches to maintain her rock-hard abs to the sound of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’, it will inspire some of us to download that track and give it hell in the gym. To learn how free music download sites can make your musical life better, and to learn what some of Hollywood’s A-level stars are listening to, continue reading.

The Truth About Free Download Sites

Much like the false accusation that Justin Bieber was sending Selena Gomez death threats, some sites that claim to offer free music downloads are also spreading false news. Although some sites may not charge their users a fee per-song, there are monthly charges. Furthermore, most sites don’t give their clients the ability to burn unlimited CDs, and have small media libraries. When researching a free music download website, be sure they are indeed truly free. Also, make sure they have a huge inventory of songs in their digital library, and that downloads are compatible will all types of MP3 players and computers. After all, you don’t want to be stuck singing the Pretender lyrics by the Foo Fightersafter realizing you just got screwed over.

Artists to download to get you fit 

If the stars are using music to fuel their physical goals, then let’s do the same! Recording artist Rihana gives partial credit to musicians such as Shop Boyz, Sean Paul and Jay-Z for her fit and trim figure. She loves listening to Jay-Z’s ‘Umbrella’ while boxing and doing pushups.

If you are looking for a yoga play list then do what actress Jennifer Aniston does and download some Groove Armada, Steveie Wonder, and The Rolling Stones. Holding the lotus position while listening to ‘Wild Horses’ will surely inspire you, as it does her, to get past the point of pain and achieve amazing flexibility and good core strength.

If you need a jogging play list then download what actress Reece Witherspoon has in her ears while hitting the pavement in the Hollywood Hills. She reports that ‘Soak up the Sun’ by Shryl Crow and ‘Buttons’ by The Pussycat Dolls gets her running to the beat.

Why not download tracks to make a compilation. Hillary Duff states that her 80s dance and punk tracks move her all over the place.

But is music really that important when it comes to working out? In an article by Livestrong, the author sites a study conducted by ‘The Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology’ that reveals music as a factor to reducing the feeling of fatigue. Also, it can boost the spirits and produce relaxation response that can be helpful (for stretching and yoga). Also, the rhythms of music are proven to improve motor coordination. The article states that not only can this reduce the risk of injury but it can also help those who suffer from a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease. I wonder what Michael J Fox has on his iPod? Clearly, celebrities know the benefits of working out to music, and now you do too!

Your Music, Your Choice

Do your research and find a good free music download site that offers you the kind of service you desire, and the variety of artists you want loaded on your MP3 player to not only help you get pumped when you work on your upper body strength, but that will also help you relax during those challenging stretching routines. The world of music is just an online click away.

Making Confident Little Leaders out of your Children

Photo source

This day and age poses many challenges for children to develop into healthy, confident people. What with the cultural obsession of the video gaming world, both parents having to work jobs in a downed economy, school bullying at all new highs, and the rising rate of childhood obesity, your child is either a statistic in one of these categories, or goes to school with other children who face some of these challenges. So what is a parent to do? After all, you have a job to go to, and your child’s school doesn’t have the funds to invest in programs to address these growing concerns. One of the best investments you can make in your child’s life is to enroll them in gymnastics classes for kids where trained professionals not only address these concerns, but also help your child grow as a strong, confident and healthy leader in a fun and safe environment.

Confident and Positive Little People

The best children’s gyms out there offer a wide variety of activities to keep your little one active and entertained. The benefits to such places are becoming highlighted in parenting publications, and are gaining more attention in the news. In an article published by The Huffington Post, the author writes how movement-based science is implemented in a way that fosters self-expression, playfulness, and good health for growing bodies. The author also addresses how many of the activities, such as martial arts and dancing, arm children with self-esteem and skills that they can carry over into adulthood.

4 Considerations for Parents

As adolescent health and fitness is a growing concern, kid’s gyms are popping up in almost every city, and as a parent you have many to choose from. Here is some advice to help you make the right choice for your child. (1) Look for a gym that offers a free introductory class. Any gym that tries to lock you into a contract or take your money before actually EARNING your business should raise concerns. A good quality gym that has nothing to hide should always have open doors and welcome kids to try it out and test the water. (2) What is the gym’s mission statement? Too many times a gym will sprout up and boast, “We take the wimp factor out of any kid”. Although these gyms have good intentions, they will sometimes encourage the belief that if you aren’t number one, you aren’t a winner. They focus on making little mini Chuck Norris or Lara Crofts out of kids. The better alternative is to find a gym that uses multiple approaches to building skill, character, and health development in a way that brings out the star in each and every individual child, and celebrates those differences. Some gyms even use holistic methods into their structure. But a good gym will always promote the children as a valuable team unit, while celebrating their unique differences. (3) Diversity. Look for a gym that has multiple activities and programs that are geared towards numerous age groups, and that fit the needs of specific developmental stages. After all, a 4 year-old can’t do the same activities a 10 year-old can. (4) Instructors. Experienced instructors who have the proper training to oversee the physical and emotional health of your children, while nurturing them along the way, are vital in order for your child to have the best experience. Entrusting your child to a former personal trainer from Gold’s Gym, or some surf instructor who digs little kids, is not a wise decision, even if the individuals have the best intentions and mean well. When you prospect kid’s gyms, be sure to ask what qualifications and training the staff members have.

Your Child’s Adventure

When following the tips listed above, you will have a better idea as to what gym will best be able to work with your child in providing him/her with an exciting outlet to be creative, embrace good health, gain confidence and leadership skills, and make new friends. An interactive gym for kids is a wonderful resource, especially given today’s social challenges that were not as common as when we ourselves were children. Take your child to the gym for a visit, and take some time to ask other parents on site for their opinions. In no time you will see that such an establishment will arm your child with the skills to make them successful, confident, creative and happy people.

 

My Two Weeks with @MyTrainerBob #BobHarperLIVE and #Mamavation Challenge

This was me and Bob Harper in August 2011.  This is when I ate ice cream while I watched Bob help people lose miraculous amounts of weight.  I LOVE Bob. I've actually gone so far as to start filling out the application to be on the Biggest Loser.  But then I panic, imagine being away from my kids that long and scrap the idea.

But when I heard that the latest Mamavation challenge was going to include Bob's workout, I was psyched. Then I looked at the first  workout.  I think I might have skipped the whole thing if it weren't for the fact that I had friends who were also signed up and following along on Facebook to see how everyone was doing.  I don't think there was a workout that first week of the two week challenge that I didn't have to modify in some way.  As I got to week two, life started to get to me.  I wanted to make excuses and let my emotions take control.  But thanks to some great friends, I pushed through and stuck to it.  I didn't do the best with my diet the last two days or I probably would have had even better results.  But in two weeks, working out 5 days a week for about 20-30 minutes each of those days and sticking (mostly) to my Weight Watchers plan, I lost 9 pounds and 6 1/2 inches.



Disclosure: I did get a complimentary trial of BobHarper.com as part of the challenge.  But all opinions are my own and results were not impacted by this savings!

Fitbit Ultra Review @BestBuyWolf

Have you checked out Best Buy lately? Did you know that they feature health and beauty products?  Well you SHOULD since I posted about one the skin care products you can find there awhile back (see my post about the Claro here).

But even I was surprised to find out that Best Buy carries the Fitbit Ultra.  I had purchased a Fitbit Ultra  months ago after watching many online friends rave about it.  I fell in love instantly.  At its core, Fitbit Ultra  is a pedometer.  Yes, I have many other pedometers in my house, several which I received as free gifts with purchase of something else.  

But most of those are:

1. UGLY.  Seriously one I have is huge and orange and no offense to anyone who love orange but it doesn't really GO with most of my wardrobe.
2. Noisey. I really don't know why this is but its almost like they are full of small rocks shaking around when you walk to measure your steps.  Its a little weird.
3. Inaccurate.  I'll admit it, I will cheat if I can...give me a standard pedometer and I'll wow you with the number of "steps" I can take in a day without ever actually getting off the couch.

But the Fitbit Ultra is:

1. Small and unassuming.  You can wear your Fitbit on your waistband like a standard pedometer or for even less noticability women can wear it clipped to your bra. This is my chosen method of wear.
2. NO noise at all. Ever. Seriously if you wear it discretely no one will EVER know you have it on.
3. Insanely accurate. I don't know how it works but I swear I have TRIED to cheat for steps just to test its accuracy (really, it was a test people) and I could NOT get it to count a step unless I moved my feet!
4. Also tracks sleep patterns.  Feeling tired even after 8 hours in bed? Use your Fitbit to see how many times you're moving during the night.  Thankfully I sleep like a rock so I haven't done too much with this feature other than notice I'm well below average on my wakes per night but some friends have used this to help improve their rested sleep.
5. Calculates calories burned and displays it on the unit. I don't count calories because I'm using Weight Watchers but Fitbit will help you lose or maintain weight with calorie tracking.
6. Tracks stairs climbed. I almost never reach the goal of 10 flights a day because there are almost no stairs in my daily life but it HAS helped me to recognize the opportunities to take them when available.
7. Provided online tracking. You can track not only your steps each day but also weight and body measurements as well as daily food log.
8. Integrates with other app such as MyFitnessPal.  I haven't used this app but have friends who've used it with great success.  Its all based on calories in and calories burned. Oh and did I mention, its free.
9. Let's you compete with friends.  I have to say this may be my favorite feature.  When you go online you can add friends to your account and watch as you (hopefully) move up the leader board as you gain steps.  For me this was huge because it allowed me to see that other moms were getting in their goals, leaving me less of excuse to not get it done. 

This Fitbit - Ultra Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker - Black/Blue measures steps taken, distance traveled, stairs climbed and calories burned for efficient monitoring of your workout progress.

Download the free fitbit app for Android devices

Download the free fitbit app for iPhone, iPad and iPod

What's Included

• Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker
• Base station/charger
• Sleep wristband, belt holster

Product Features

• From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
• Measures steps taken, distance traveled, stairs climbed and calories burned
  Via the 3D motion sensor and altimeter. Also measures how long and well you sleep (requires Fitbit wristband, included).
• Wirelessly auto uploads your fitness data
  To Fitbit web site, so you can easily monitor your workout progress and utilize other free online tools at Fitbit.com.
• Clock and stopwatch functions
  Help you keep track of your time.
• Compact, lightweight design
  Allows easy portability.
• Belt holster
  Keeps the tracker securely fastened to you during exercises.
• Apple® iPhone® and Android app
  To access your data on a mobile device.
• Battery level indicator
  Keeps you informed of current battery power. Lithium-polymer battery ensures reliable operation.
• Apple, the Apple logo and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

**From now through August 31, 2012 print out this coupon from Best Buy and save 20% on any regular-priced health & fitness product!**

I received a new Fitbit Ultra (I lost mine) courtesy of BestBuy as a member of the Offical Best Buy Blogging Board.

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!

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?

Getting Fit Hurts

I'm not even gonna lie to you.  There have been days when I wake up and wonder what the heck I am doing.  I'm working out to feel better and have experienced some pain like never before.

When I lost weight previously I used the Gazelle, it was low impact and I lost a good amount of weight (along with a low carb diet) in six months.  I did NOT however get stronger.

This time I am working out 3 to 4 times a week in addition to get moving more in general.  My gym work outs include cardio but also strength training and I still don't like cardio, I"m pretty sure I never will.  But strength training is something I have really been enjoying.  I have actually gained some strength and I know I am doing something right when I can really feel it.

But that means sometimes I can still feel it the next morning.  Thankfully I have only had one workout that left me sore for a few days, but then I experienced shin splints for the first time and that last for just over a week of being seriously uncomfortable.  For the most part when I feel sore I grab a couple Tylenol and a hot shower and call it good. But as I push my self more and more, I have been looking into other options to have on hand.  I know some people use something like Icy Hot, where others use something like Copaiba Essential Oil which is a natural anti inflammatory.  

If you work out regularly, what do you use when you are feeling a little extra sore?

It's Not Just About Looking Better

I won't deny that if feels great to have my weight loss be noticed by others.  It's nice to be complimented and acknowledged.  I look forward to a day when that is just my new normal. But it's really not the reason I am motivated this time to make a change.

The real reasons I am committed to making some life changes are the health risks of being obese.  Things like increased risk of some cancers, blood pressure issues (which I have had borderline for a long time), heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The good news is, you don't have to be a size 0 to reduce your risk.  Studies show that you a 5-10% loss in body weight can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease.  And I've already hit the 5% mark and creeping close to the 10% goal.  I still have a long way to go to lose the label of obese but I really feel good about the changes I have already made and how that helps my changes of staying healthy so that I can spend many more happy healthy years with my boys.

And I mean really, who wouldn't want to be around for plenty more of THIS....

Getting Healthy Together with Together Counts

As you know I've been putting some serious focus this year on living healthier. And I have to admit it feels pretty darn good when friends point out that they can see the difference in the way I look but honestly the more important reason for me is to set a healthy example for my kids.  Yes, my boys are super skinny and the oldest is slightly sports obsessed.  But if all they see from me is examples of how not to eat healthy or move enough, who knows how long things will stay that way.  When I started I was pretty much strictly going to the gym, partly because its crazy cold in IL in January and partly because I didn't know what else to do.  But now as I'm feeling better and really enjoying getting moving, I love making it a family activity.  That's why I was thrilled when I was asked to share with you Together Counts because they are all about encouraging families (and other groups) to work on calorie balance together...you know making sure that you're burning those calories you're eating!

Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. The principle behind our program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn. Calories in, calories out. It’s that simple. Together Counts was started by The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a CEO–led organization, that is a national, multi-year effort designed to help reduce obesity–especially childhood obesity–by 2015.

It’s a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 160 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations.

The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation promotes ways to help people achieve a healthy weight through energy balance–calories in and calories out. It focuses on three critical areas–the marketplace, the workplace and schools.

To celebrate their first birthday at Together Counts they are holding a Sweepstakes and giving away prize packs of Visa gift cards and George Foreman grills on their Facebook page.  Visit here to enter.

I have found a new love of getting out and playing basketball with my older boys instead of just watching them.  It makes us all move more.  I've also started walking the bike trail by our house while my oldest son rides his bike or I pull the youngest in a wagon.  When its not so nice outside I like getting us all off the couch by playing Wii.  The dancing or sports games can get you moving and be a ton of family fun!

 If you're looking to do more to eat healthy and get moving as a family visit Together Counts online and take the pledge (you decided how many meals you'll pledge to eat together and how many activities you'll do together).  And check out Together Counts on Twitter for regular ideas on how to reach your goals!

 And join me and Together Counts as they celebrate Child Nutrition Month at a Twitter party on 4/3 from 8-9 PM EST. Prizes include $50 same-as-cash gift cards. For more information and to RSVP, visit here

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!

A New Bed for a New Me (Sleep Number m7 Memory Foam Bed Review)

Two months ago I began changing my life. I started eating better and working out.  I have lost weight and gained strength and was feeling notably better on a consistent basis. BUT I still woke up sore in the morning.  Sometimes I experienced back pain but more often, I had pain in my shoulders.  And if I even attempted to sleep on my back I had unbearable hip pain. 

Two weeks ago Sleep Number changed the way I sleep.  Now mind you I should probably be honest and say, my standards WERE pretty low.  My old bed was a standard pillow topped mattress set in an old water bed frame.  The mattress was almost 15 years old and was probably flipped a total of 3 times.  And because it wasn't on a box spring it aged quickly.  I've been feeling the springs for several years when I roll over.  So, while I fully expected anything to be a nice upgrade, I was still very pleasantly surprised my how much I LOVE my new Sleep Number m7 Memory Foam bed.

 I wasn't home for the delivery and setup but am told that it took less than half an hour and the guys were super courteous and helpful.  (Check out this post at Mom and More for a full description and photos of the delivery and setup.) The first night I cranked my sleep number way down, to 25 because I love the super soft feel.  But that was so soft that I actually had a difficult time rolling over.  Since then I've played with my number everywhere from 50-35.  I really like not being locked in because I enjoy the extra softness on the days I have worked out especially hard.  I love that the DualAir system lets you and your partner select your own individual firmness levels although I have been surprised to find that my husband and I's numbers aren't nearly as far apart as I thought they'd be. I will say that if you DO have a large difference in preference the two sides will be at very different levels and I would recommend adjusting the levels to somewhere in between if you want to snuggle and watch a movie or anything like that. On Saturday mornings the boys often pile in to watch cartoons and it makes it much more comfortable if I even the two sides out (usually to a higher setting of 60 or above).  But if you have very different Sleep Numbers it does naturally create your own separate sleep space, this can be handy if you share a bed with a bed hog! 

Having checked out Sleep Number years ago, I thought remembered the pump being much louder but I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the adjustments are.  If you lower your number (which is super easy to do with a wireless remote) you will hear just the quietest push of air for each setting (5% steps) you lower it.  If you increase your number the pump quietly hums for just a moment, but nothing loud enough to wake your partner if you made adjustments while they slept.

I was very curious to try out the CoolFit foam on the m7 Memory Foam Bed.  I didn't think it would be too different from a pillow top but it is so much better. I am hot sleeper and even with the last two weeks record setting high temperatures and my refusal to turn on the A/C in March I have been very comfortable. The only issue we currently have with the bed is that the mattress is extra thick because of the memory foam but a friend told me I can easily find deeper sheets to combat the problem we have right now with the sheets I have.  A small price to pay in my opinion.

I am seriously in love with this new bed.  I am a skeptic at heart and so I really doubted how much difference there could be.  But I am truly upset that I didn't listen several years ago when a close friend swore to me that I NEEDED to get a Sleep Number mattress.  I have had zero hip or shoulder pain since we got our new Sleep Number m7 Memory Foam bed. When I work out especially hard I still know it in the morning but I thoroughly believe that the comfort of this bed is helping me be less sore overall because of the increased comfort and better sleep (which equals better muscle recovery).

The new Sleep Number m7 Memory Foam bed is currently priced at $2,799.98 (regular price is $3,199.98) which can raise a little sticker shock but, in my opinion, it is truly going to be the best thing you've ever slept on.  

For more information visit Sleep Number.

About the all-new m7:

• Three (3) inches of exclusive Sleep Number CoolFit™ foam with gel technology provide a cool, soothing sleeping surface.
•  CoolFit foam is naturally contouring and more breathable compared to the leading memory foam brand.
• Exclusive Sleep Number DualAir™ technology lets sleepers adjust firmness on each side of the mattress for their ideal level of comfort.

 


In-store and Purchase Experience Sleepers interested in the exclusive and unique Sleep Number m7 bed or other CoolFit foam products can visit one of the more than 380 Sleep Number stores across the country, sleepnumber.com or call (800) Sleep Number or (800) 753-3768.

Disclosure: I received the new Sleep Number m7 Memory Foam Bed courtesy of Sleep Number. All opinions expressed are my own honest personal feedback.