May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month & $100 GNC GC Giveaway 5/25 US/Canada - WINNER CLOSED

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entry #2

marcia.goss@gmail.com

May 22, 2011 4:21 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Marcia who has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Summer is upon us or at least it feels like it with 90+ temperatures in Georgia but I'm not complaining.  I love the warmth and the sunshine and with that comes my continue wellness path forward of getting in shape.  Since April, I have been on a diet with my oldest and have lost 16 pounds.  I am exercising, watching calories and fat intake and losing at a great pace.  I'm also taking a supplement that I purchased at GNC last month called OxyELITE Pro.  I feel it's helped give me the energy to exercise on those days where I'm too tired.  We have a busy month with moving out of our house, a trip to Disney and a move to Texas, all back to back so this has been one of my motivators for getting healthier.  





I've been a GNC fan for years and have relied on them for many of the products I use to stay and feel healthier.  The OxyELITE Pro states it's mandatory to get physician approval before taking and USPlabs used Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure high quality and purity.  There is a warning list so if this interests you, please review prior to purchasing.  To date, I've had no issues taking it to include no palpations as I have with other products in the paste.  I definitely would recommend the product based on my personal experiences.


GNC carries an array of products:

• Vitamins & Supplements
• Sports Nutrition
• Protein
• Diet
• Cleansing & Digestion
• Super Food & Greens
• Herbs
• Energy & Endurance
• Pets
• Beauty Care
• Equipment & Accessories

Since May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it's a good time to shop at GNC and to win a $100 Gift Card!   Check out the Community page at GNC for tips and more here.  According to the President's Council's site, the following key takeaways are:

• Adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy; children and teens need 60 minutes of activity a day for their health.
• Significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking or raking leaves, 15 minutes of running, 45 minutes of playing volleyball). Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity.
• Thirty to sixty minutes of activity broken into smaller segments of 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day has significant health benefits.
• Moderate daily physical activity can reduce substantially the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Daily physical activity helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent or retard osteoporosis, and helps reduce obesity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and symptoms of arthritis.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as regularly active people.
• 37% of adults report they are not physically active. Only 3 in 10 adults get the recommended amount of physical activity.
• Poor diet and inactivity can lead to overweight/obesity. Persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some types of cancer.

_____________________________

The Giveaway:


One reader will win a $100 Gift Card to GNC!


To Enter (three mandatory steps and each will be verified):

• Tell me if you are doing anything to support National Physical Fitness and Sports month such as starting a new sport, exercising, etc AND
• Become a fan of GNC on Facebook AND
• Follow @GNCLiveWell on Twitter and Jeff Hennion on Twitter here

Extra Entries:

• Follow my blog
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
Giveaway ends 5/25 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org US/Canada only please

*Disclaimer:  I received $100 GC from sponsor to keep and one to giveaway for this post.

*** BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITY ***

Vote daily for this Pepsi Refresh idea, Send Kids with Muscular Dystrophy to Camp and you can have two extra votes a day for each or all my on-going giveaways.

Mamavation Monday - Week Four

I'm an official Mamavation Sista again and I can't wait to do my part in the Sistahood in motivating the other great ladies while getting my own motivation.  The first time I participated, I was really geared up to get into the healthy lifestyle but had so many things going on in my life that I had to drop out.  Now that I'm in a point to restart, this was a no brainer that and I think BookieBoo is a great leader and an inspiration.  So now I begin my second week with the Mamavation Carnival and this past week was a bit of struggle but I lost a pound.

Since I started my weight loss journey January 1st, I've lost 12 pounds and I'm finally going to do it healthier.  I tried the Atkins, Dukan and then Weight Watchers which I enjoyed since I could eat and figure out the point system with real food not to mention free fruit and vegetables.  I then became desperate in wanting to lose so I went back to Dukan and it works but it's hard on the body and not at all safe.  I'm back to watching calories and I will continue exercising as I have been.  I try to minimally ride my bike for 30 minutes but usually go for around 50 minutes and then I complete a series of leg raises and ab work.  I have been doing this for about four to five weeks now.

I did slip a little today and took my girls out after we took some Easter pictures.  I opted for the chicken snack wrap and I had a one scoop vanilla cone.  A few month's ago, I would have opted for the fat-on-my-butt hamburger, fries and Coke along with a 2000 calories specialty ice cream shake.  This is how I know I'm changing.  It's even rubbing off on my eight year old who has been choosing apple slices and milk for her Happy Meals over french fries and soda.  I'm very proud of her!

I participated in last week's Mamavation TV and really listened to Pete discuss halting the cycle of rewarding with food.  It made so much sense as I not only reward but I treat sadness, frustration or anger by eating.  I'm a carb hound and am completely addicted.  I have confused eating with pleasure or a mechanism for comfort versus survival.  I'm getting it finally.  It's taking awhile but I am getting that it's okay to have some pleasurable food but not constantly.  I know that I need to eat for sustainability and health.  This has been an eye opener for me since it's taken my entire adult life to get it but I did.  I now have the foundation to take the next step.  My next thought ties in with this week's carnival question:

Who in your world deserves a “shout out” this week for pushing you to better yourself?  What did they do?

This is an easy one because it's my oldest daughter who understands how important it is for me to get healthier.  She has been trying to hang in there with me to motivate and inspire me as she tackles her last bit of pregnancy weight post birth.  She gives me encouragement and tries to keep me honest with how I'm eating.  She's a trooper with all the different hair brain ideas I have to join the diet of the moment as well as endure my crabby rages when I'm hungry and deprived.  She is my rock and has been for some time. 

 

Don't forget to watch the men behind the moms on Mamavation TV on Monday at 10:00 pm (EST) on Mingle Media TV.  Also, check out My Trainer Fitness' (MTF) 100-Calorie Workouts here.  Six cards with 100-calorie workouts that can be done in 20 minutes sounds wonderful!  When my time is limited, I don't want to have to ride my bike for 50 minutes to an hour.  This is a great way to get in a good workout in limited time.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win My Trainer Fitness 100 Calorie+ Workout featuring MizFitOnline from Mamavation

Those So-Called Fast Food Healthy Alternatives

I just wrote about eating healthier and trying to make smarter choices especially while on the road.  I even noted the recent controversy over McDonald's new oatmeal and how it's not so healthy once you get outside of the sound of good wholesome oatmeal.  It was a New York Times reporter, Mark Bittman, who uncovered the high sugar content and other ingredients that weren't easy to say if at all.  I remember hearing over and over again that if you can't say it, don't eat it.  My e-mail today contained one from Every Day Health with an interview with a nutritionists who tackled some of the worse fast food "healthy" food choices.

Oatmeal was the first food due to the toppings or other sugary additions added which takes away from the healthy goodness of a high fiber, whole grain meal.  I already knew the made to order yogurts had to be chalked full of the same old bad sugars and I was right as it made the list along with fruit smoothies.  This is another example of what the health gurus tell you in that you should not drink your calories.  The infamous baked potato was next but a potato on the surface is not bad for you rather it's when you pile on the butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon bits.

This one was a surprise for me as I never really thought about it but the vegetable sandwich made the list due to the oil, cheese and sodium.  A Blimpie Veggie Supreme has a whopping 1,106 calories per the article!  Of course the fancy coffee drinks made the list but luckily, I don't drink nor like coffee.  I was also surprised to see the turkey burger made the list due to restaurant preparation.  The chicken salads were included but that was a no brainer as anything with breading is usually bad in terms of calories but oh do they taste better!  It's sort of like watching a movie with Johnny Depp and never getting to see him.

To read the entire article, click here.  In summary, I'm trying to get to a mind set where I eat for survival and every now and then, eat for pleasure but within reason.  I used to find myself rewarding myself with food and still do so it's a habit I need to get over along with the stress eating that I'm notorious for.  I learned about stopping the cycle of food rewards via Pete Cohan who is a weight loss guru out of the UK.  He's very motivational and really has great tips on getting healthy which leads to weight loss.

Our Family Getting Healthier in 2011

I think I have posted about every diet there is or at least tried every diet.  I have tried the online diets, Atkins, soup and many more.  The three things I'm finding no matter what when one pursues an attempt to lose weight that are needed:  1.  mental state geared towards getting healthier versus dieting; 2. support from family and/or friends; and 3. ability to track food and exercise.   The key to the programs like Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers are food portions, calorie intake, exercise and tracking those calories and exercise.  You've seen all those commercials for those miracle fat loss supplements and in tiny print are the "results not typical."  No kidding .... but can they be a little more realistic and state that the few that actually did lose weight did so because they started eating better and exercising?  If any claim was that easy, everyone would be in shape.

I signed up to be a Nutrisystem Ambassador and probably won't make it because the competition is quite stiff.  I purchased my domain and lost my page rank of 3 unfortunately so that taints many in spite of my large number of followers.  Before that starting in January, I invoked a challenge to my family as I saw that many of them needed to get healthier so I started a private Facebook group and invited them to it.  There we share our struggles, our weekly weigh in and whatever else we feel like.  I have my mother, my sister, my daughter, her fiance, my cousin and my sister's husband to include myself all competing for the first prize of $100.  Money motivates them!  After being on the "whatever you choose plan," all but one has lost weight so I find this a big success.  My sister wrote me yesterday after visiting the doctor who was very happy she had lost 8 pounds since her last visit.  She thanked me for motivating her and even though I'm not looking for the kudos, it's so wonderful knowing my actions are making a difference.

Out of seven of us, we have lost 22 pounds since January 1st.  The power of motivation and family support are big!  Most everyone is just watching portion control, calorie intake and exercising.  Two are on Weight Watchers Online, one is on Nutrisystem and the rest are just eating healthier.  If you have a family like mine, why not try with them to see how far you can take it to get everyone feeling better and living longer!  I'll post an update with the mid results and who was using which program.

Losing Weight in the Sistahood and #Mamavation

I've been trying and trying to lose weight and get healthier and ever since I hit 40 (will be 42 in July), I'm realizing the importance of getting in shape for longevity over appearance sake.  I finally joined the Mamavation Sistahood to further the encouragement and success.

;   

Since I started working on the weight loss track (again), two weeks ago, I've lost five pounds by counting calories and sticking to the Nutrisystem plan.  I bought the EarthFootwear shoes and wear them everywhere to add a little extra to the weight loss and I ride my bike minimally for one hour a day.

Yahoo Health had a great article on easy ways to lose weight.  After reading it, it wasn't anything new or truly informative but I considered it further reinforcement to help make little changes that will equal big chances in the long run.  The summary is:

• Eat hot soup before you eat lunch or dinner as hot foods forces you to slow down and eat.  If you are like me, you are an unwilling marathon eater and can't control it!  I multi-task so much and for so many years that I cram food in to get to the next task or I eat and task at the same time.  Before I know it, I just consumed a 1700 calorie Wendy's meal in 10 minutes flat!
• Don't eat heavily before bed.  In fact, I've routinely read that you shouldn't eat after 6 pm.  I don't understand that one as so many people eat dinner after 7 pm but aren't overweight but then again, they probably eat less than I would at a meal.
• Live like a city dweller which means find ways to walk more.  Park down further at Walmart or park and walk to get your food order.  Little things add up and this is an easy way to do it.
• Try dashing chili pepper on your food as it helps to stimulate your metabolism while possibly curtailing your hunger. I also read the cinnamon does this.
• Limit your calories in drinks.  You would be surprised how quickly those Starbucks or apple juices add up.  I also have been wondering how calorie free the fake sugars are.  Every time I quit drinking them and switch to water, I drop weight.  I'm sure it's a benefit to having the water to flush the body but it still seems like there has to be something about the so-called calorie free claims.
• My biggest one: weigh yourself daily!  This is so true even though many experts state you shouldn't do this.  How many times have you forced yourself on the scales after a couple of weeks, trying to shift to one side over the other to trick the scale only to find you packed on a few pounds?  When you weigh yourself daily, you are more accountable in ensuring the scale doesn't go up and it's motivating to see it staying put or going down.  One way it's bad is when you are trying to lose weight and you see no movement.  With any weight loss program when you incorporate exercise, there is a period of weight increase as you shift from fat to muscle. 

Overall, I think the biggest changes are recording your intake, drinking water, exercising and weighing yourself daily.  You can read the entire article here.

YouthfulTips Step Up to Slim Down Virtual Challenge It's On

Latest Update:

If you plan to participate in the New Year's Challenge, please send me an e-mail or comment below that you are ready to begin November 1st.

There is still time if you want to join as long as you realize you will have less time to lose but join if nothing else for the motivation!

See Latest Post from Jenna Our Optional Personal Health Coach here 

Need help and encouragement to finally get into shape?

Tired of being tired and not feeling great?

Are you ready for a new you?

Why wait until January 1st for yet another failed New Year's resolution?

How about breaking tradition and why not GET IN SHAPE BEFORE January 1st and start the year off great?

If you are like me, you always cringe with the holidays or in my case, all the Army balls coming.  You use food for comfort and then immediately it becomes your enemy.  Whether you are a military spouse coping with a deployment as I just did or if you are just a fellow struggler, let's get motivated!  It's a sordid affair with food but join me and others as we step up to a challenge beginning November 1st to be in shape or at least healthier by January 1st!

Look for great sponsor gifts and rewards in the Step Up to Slim Down Virtual Challenge.

Leave a comment that you want to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

If you would like to sponsor this Step Up to Slim Down Virtual Challenge, please contact me at staying_younger@yahoo.com.

This is what's up for grabs so far:

 

Watch for more products to be added!

Sign up today!

To enter the weight loss challenge, please follow the rules:

Starting November 1, 2009 and every week after, leave a comment (and be honest) with your weight.  On the initial entry, leave your height so we can determine the greatest percentage lost. If you want to add extra validity to your entry, feel free to send a picture and I'll post with your permission.

On January 4, 2010, leave your final weight entry and the person with the greatest weight loss will win!   If I get more sponsors, I'll divide out the giveaway to the first, second and so forth pending the results of the sponsorship.

Game on starting tomorrow for me!

I have confirmation from Colleen & Jillian!

Click here for a great get started blog post.

Note:  I am not responsible for any product's claim or any possible reported adverse events.  I am not responsible for any injuries sustained in this giveaway.

Review of QUICK-BOOST Diet Supplement

UPDATE:  I just purchased four boxes of this as I love it!  It's less than 1 calorie, it's great tasting and it boosts my energy level.  I've not found anything else that gives me a boost and you can drink this twice a day and it's full of vitamins.
QUICK-BOOST in either orange or lime, claims to be a scientifically formulated beverage that combines some of nature's most powerful flavonoid antioxidants with key vitamins and metabolic enhancers. Its energy-producing effects help fight fatigue, attack free radicals, and repair cells, as well as boost energy and performance, and support daily wellness and vitality.

All you have to do is mix with 8-24 oz. of water and in no time, you do feel less tired, more energized and ready to go.  The recommendations are twice a day in the morning and afternoon. 

You can purchase this at NashuaNutrition.com for $20.95 which includes 14 in a box.  This is $10.05 cheaper than most places that carry it.

It has less than 1 calorie per serving.

Supplement Facts

• Serving size 4.5 g
• Servings per container 14
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Quercetin
• Caffeine
• Licorice (root)
• Ginkigo Biloba
• Ginseng (root)

Also has dextrose, citric acic, flavoring, gum arabic, citrus flavor blend, locus bean gum, sucralose, calcium silcate, acesultame, potassium, FD&C yellow #5.

There are warnings to for pregnant and lactating women to not consume it.

The Biggest Loser: Season 8 - Yeah!!!

I have a vice ... it's The Biggest Loser and I can't help but watching it.  I rarely watch TV mostly because it's always on The Backyardigans or Sponge Bob but when I'm not watching a dreamy movie about Robert Redford (yes, he's old enough to be my father), I love Jillian Michaels.  Luckily, they threw Bob in as our eye candy but they put Jillian in as the woman you love to hate.

I had to record it last night as it's a ritual with my oldest daughter and I to watch it together.  We were just watching it and after tearing up over the tragic story of Abby's loss of her two children and husband in a car crash, we were amused by Jillian's antics.  I always get motivated and inspired over Jillian's way to produce results.  Love her or hate her, she's always the winner at the end. 

You have to look deeper into how Jillian works with the contestants and understand it's not about her being hard core and mean, she really knows how to tap into the minds of these people and how to get them to respond.  If you read her book and understand more about her, she's been there so she knows what it's like to be overweight.

Okay, so not everyone can respond to her manner but overall, she's got it going on!

I just read she has a new Wii game coming out and I can't wait to see it!  She'll be rolling it out to some mommy bloggers in NYC.  Too bad I don't live there any longer...

Given season 8 is now on, why not commit to my virtual fitness challenge as well as sign up to win my giveaway for one Wii fitness game?

What do you have to lose????