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Nutrisystem Week 3 – Getting Closer! #NSNation

nutrisystem, nsnation

“If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” – Jack Dixon

This quote is posted on my fridge. It’s to remind me NOT to think too much about results yet. Losing weight can be so difficult – and when I think about trying to lose 40-50 pounds – Holy heck, that feels so overwhelming! But, I try to remember – every goal is reached in small steps. So each day I focus on making good choices, and changing more of my bad habits. And I am SO proud of myself already, because I’ve made some awesome changes!

How About Results??

I know, I know – What you guys all really want to know is, “How much have you lost so far??!!” I know this, because it’s what my friends and family keep asking too. But, I’m sorry to disappoint you – I don’t have a number to give you yet. I did weigh myself when I started – But our old scale is really unreliable. After a ton of research online, and asking friends for suggestions – I just ordered the EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale. It definitely seems like the best one in my price range. That way, I’ll be able to truly track my progress. But – here’s the good news… Our old unreliable scale weighs me differently 4 times in a row. BUT – it’s now weighing me at lower numbers than I’ve ever gotten before. That’s VERY encouraging and motivating!

Almost the One-Month Mark

Next Sunday will mark my one-month mark on the Nutrisystem program. So, this weekend I’ll have my new scale, to finally get firm numbers of what I truly weigh. AND – I’m going to retake all of my measurements. Since I took a very full set of body measurements before I started, and logged them all in my personal Nutrisystem online journal system – I am incredibly excited to see what kind of results I’ve gotten!! Watch for the big reveal this Sunday night….

Until then, remember…. “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.” – Jim Rohn

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visitingNutrisystem.com!

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Posted by on March 19, 2012 Filed Under: Nutrisystem | No Comments

One Month of Healthy Changes = Big Results! #DigestiveCare

Getting healthy, losing weight, one month of changes

“Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” – Doug Firebaugh

A month ago, I decided to get serious about getting back into shape, and living a healthier lifestyle. Yes, this is partly because as the sunshine comes out from behind those winter clouds, I realized that we’ll be opening up our pool for the summer in just a few months. And I want to enjoy it this year – and be able to rock that new bikini I bought. But – I also want to feel good again too, not just look good. I gained so much weight while I was pregnant with Abby, and have quite a bit still to lose. I feel…. Well, not like “Me“, you know?

Smart Solutions = Success!

To finally get myself in gear, I made some big changes to my routine. I started the Nutrisystem plan, which I’m really excited about. I started moving more each day – From morning walks with Abby, to 10 minutes of squats and sit-ups each evening – I’m making time to get in shape. And – I’ve added a great set of tablets to help boost my body, including a great new multi-vitamin, and the amazing 4X Pro-B from Costco.com. I’ve had IBS for years, and tend to have a lot of tummy troubles. These have made a dramatic difference – and I’m so glad that I finally listened to my doctor, and added these to my diet!

eating healthy, losing weight

“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” – Emilie Coue

I’m adding more fruits and veggies into my diet too – which is another way that I’m helping my whole body, including digestive system, run more efficiently. I’ve also added the Chobani yogurts as my afternoon snack, since like the 4X Pro-B, they contain helpful probiotics. I seriously feel lighter, cleaner, and more energetic. Such a big difference in just 4 weeks, which is pretty darn impressive. I really didn’t expect to feel so much better so quickly.

Toddler shoes,

“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs…one step at a time.” – Joe Girard

I want to help encourage a healthy attitude towards food and exercise in Abby too. So I bought these stinkin’ adorable little sneakers for her, and she’s been coming out to play basket ball with us in the evenings. So much fun! She says, “Catch? Catch??” She’ll be 2 in July, but is getting to be such a big girl already :) I love that her favorite snack is grapes, her favorite new word is “outside”, and her favorite thing to do is go for a walk with momma. She’s off to a great start to a healthy, happy life. And that’s my biggest goal – To set a great example that leads her to happiness.

Learn more about 4X Pro-B and my experience so far on my Google+ post. And check out Costco.com on Facebook for great promotions on products like this.

Share Your Success Stories

What healthy changes have you made this year? Are you still on track with any of your 2012 goals and resolutions? I’d love to hear some success stories – so share your best advice, tips, and more in the comments, to help ME keep on my way towards being a success story this year too!

{Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias. I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All photos, opinions, and results are 100% my own!}

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Posted by on March 19, 2012 Filed Under: Giving Back | 3 Comments

Nutrisystem Week 2: Challenges & Successes

Nutrisystem, diet, lunch

“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” – James Gordon

I told you guys about my big news the other day – I am officially a member of the Nutrisystem Nation! I could not be more excited about this – I know that this is the solution that I’ve been needing for quite awhile now. I shared the basics of the program with you last time, and now I’ll catch you up on my progress so far, since I’ve gotten just a bit behind on posting the past 2 weeks.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou

I have never had much trouble with my weight. Yes, it’s crept over the years after turning 21, but was still in a healthy range. Then it happened – I found out I was having a baby! I had dealt with 3 previous miscarriages over the previous 3 years, so I was – as you can imagine – very nervous. I wanted to make sure I was making choices to be as healthy as I possibly could! I started a prenatal yoga program, and was eating the healthiest foods I’d ever eaten. I even – GASP!! – stopped drinking coffee, cold turkey, the day I found out. But even with all of my new changes to my life – at about 6 months I had a checkup, and learned that I had already gained over FIFTY pounds. Ohmyheck. They had me tested for gestational diabetes and a few other lovely things, but all was negative. I was just going to be a big ol’ momma!! My own mom gained over 60 pounds during all 4 pregnancies, and she’s a tiny little thing. So I guess it’s just in our genes. But now – that baby weight is still filling out my JEANS!! Abby is 19 months old, and I still have 40 pounds of baby weight to lose. Yikes.

Nutrisystem

“Little by little does the trick.” – Aesop

During my first week of Nutrisystem, I’ll admit – I was pretty hungry. Mostly it was because it was a big change for me to eat smaller meals much more often – and it took awhile for me to really find a pattern of when to eat those meals, so that I’d feel full. You get a great little book to help you track everything that you eat – so I also marked down each day which times I was feeling super hungry. By week 2, I was into a good rhythm, and finding it much easier to stick to the plan. These are the pieces of the program that are easiest for me:

  1. Drinking enough water. I don’t drink soda, and am used to chugging down tons of water. Nutrisystem provides you with a big 32 oz. water bottle, and you’re encouraged to drink at least two of those a day. I drink 4 :)
  2. Eating the mini-meals. I have IBS, so I often suffer from tummy troubles. Switching to the smaller meals, spaced throughout the day, has done wonders to help me manage this. I feel SO much better.
  3. Dessert is included. Without this, I’d probably end up cheating! But, with a perfectly portioned dessert choice each night, I don’t feel deprived. Love it!

There are also a few areas of the plan that challenge me a bit. I can tell that it’s going to get easier to follow the longer I stick with it, and build better habits. But these are my current trouble spots:

  1. Portion Control. I had NO idea that I was eating such oversize portions! No wonder I have taken off more weight. It’s been kind of tough to get used to the smaller portion sizes, but I love that it’s teaching me what a realistic meal should look like.
  2. Dinner time. I do fine on the plan all day – But dinner does get a little tough. I live in a big household filled with people – And when my brother is cooking a big taco night dinner, or my Mister is grilling up his amazing steaks, it is SO tough to not have a bite!

I admit it, I did fall off track, just a little bit, a couple nights. But – I was honest with myself, wrote it down in my tracking notebook, and tried to make up with it the next day by having one less snack. I know next week will be even better!

My starting weight“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” – Emilie Coue 

Here’s that moment of truth I talked about…. Yep, I got brave enough to post my starting weight on the internet. Wow. {No mean comments!!} But, I feel like sharing this super embarrassing weight will help keep me motivated to stay on track! Our scale isn’t exactly the most accurate, so I’m going to buy a new one this weekend – {suggestions welcome in the comments!.} But I did take full measurements, and am tracking those in the totally amazing online support system from Nutrisystem, so I’ll be able to see if there are big changes. Wait – Not “If”, “WHEN” I see big changes!! I can do this.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visitingNutrisystem.com!

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Posted by on March 14, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 1 Comment

The BEST Weight Loss System for Busy Moms – #NSNation

Ok – You’ve heard me talking about it on social media for a few weeks now – I have joined the Nutrisystem Nation! I am incredibly excited to finally have an amazing system and support to get this baby weight off. {Baby weight? That was so 6 months ago. This is TODDLER weight now. Ugh.} I set up my account a few weeks ago, logged my weight and measurements, and then watched as my shipments of new, healthy meals showed up, delivered conveniently to my doorstep. I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this program!

#NSNation, Nutrisystem, Weight Loss

“A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.” – Patricia Neal

The first shipment from Nutrisystem comes with all the written materials and tracking guides that you need to get you started on the right track – and help you along the way. There is a guide book with loads of great information and tips – and my favorite part, the Daily Planner, which is where you log your meals each day. Just the process of writing down everything that you eat makes you SO much more aware of your habits.

Nutrisystem, Weight Loss, #NSNation, Frozen Weight Loss Foods

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

As you can see – You get a huge amount of amazing foods as part of the system! This is my frozen foods shipment for the month – it includes the awesome new Chef’s Table Entree’s for dinner, great breakfast and lunch options – and even dessert! Yep, when you’re on the Nutrisystem program you get to enjoy a great dessert every single night – things like a fudge brownie or ice cream cups. {I have a sweet tooth, so this addition means it’s easy for me to stay on track. Love it!}

Protein Shakes, Weight loss shakes, #NSNation

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Dennis P. Kimbro

Also included in the plan is a huge assortment of shelf stable foods – things like soups, snack bars, and yummy breakfast choices like chocolate chip scones. Each morning you add a protein shake to your breakfast choice, to keep you filling full all morning. I’d tried weight loss shakes years ago – but I hated that grittiness, the way they never really blended smoothly. Well, Nutrisystem fixes that with their totally cool shaker gadget – that little ball is just like a whisk. You add it in with water, the shake mix powder, and some ice cubes – and it seriously blends it so smooth. Tastes just like a really thick an creamy chocolate milk, I swear. My nephews tried it, and they say it’s no fair that I get to drink them all. It’s that good.

fresh fruit, bananas, weight loss

“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” – John Wanamaker

Nutrisystem supplies almost everything you need for success – The foods, the guide and tracking planner, and an uh-MAY-zing online support system. But there are a few pieces of the plan that you have to add in:

  1. Fresh Foods: Things like fruit and vegetables, low or non-fat dairy products, and smart carbs like whole grain. You can also add healthy beverages like tea, and of course loads of water!
  2. Activity: You can take an assessment in your account profile on Nutrisystem, and give yourself a goal of at least 10 minutes of moderate activity, 3 times per day. This is easier than you think – vacuum the house quickly for 10 minutes in the morning. Take an afternoon walk around the neighborhood. And then play a couple of games of soccer in the yard with the kids again in the evening. Easy peasy.
  3. A Great Attitude: Yep, this will make all the difference – and it’s totally in your control. “Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” Doug Firebaugh.

Every week I will be sharing my progress with you – to give you information on how the process works, to share my struggles and successes, and answer any questions you have. Since I didn’t get a chance to introduce you guys to the program last week like planned – {remember that nasty computer crash I had?} – This week I’ll have two posts. Tomorrow is the Moment of Truth….

What is the Moment of Truth??

Tomorrow I will let you guys know more about my weight loss goals… And share a picture of me on the scale, so you can see my starting weight. GAAAAHHH!! My weight? On the internet?? But I think that it’s the BEST way to keep me honest, motivated, and accountable. So – be nice in your comments tomorrow when I post it :) Stay tuned….

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.com!

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Posted by on March 7, 2012 Filed Under: Nutrisystem | 2 Comments

Gettin’ Back in the Skinny Jeans #DigestiveCare

In addition to the big set of ambitious goals that I set for my blog and business life this year – {Remember my list of 10 goals, including “Be More Awesome?”} I also made a more private list of personal improvement goals. Not the generic, “Lose weight, be more active, get healthier” type of goals, but a list with very detailed steps to take to get back into the great shape I used to be in. You know, in my old life. Before I had a baby…. {You can’t keep blaming the fact that you’re favorite jeans don’t fit on “baby weight” when your baby becomes a toddler…}

Healthy living

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” – Doug Larson

I have always been a pretty healthy eater, but I’ve picked up some bad habits now that my nephews live with me, and we have more snack foods in the house. Plus, with my Mister, and my brother both making dinner a few nights a week… Well, let’s just say they’re not exactly into cooking light, lol. When I pulled my box of pre-baby jeans out of the garage, and realized that my old favorites STILL don’t fit – I knew it was time to get down to business. I’d been so busy over the past year – I had a baby, had family move in, earned my degree, and started this site – I hadn’t even realized that I wasn’t taking good care of myself. It was time for that to change!

Joovy Tricycoo

“In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.” – Author Unknown

To reach your goals, you have to break them down into small steps. Since my goal is to get back into shape – a shape that will fit into those awesome jeans again – here are some of the smaller goals I’ve been working on:

  1. Get more active. Abby got the coolest new trike – the Tricycoo from Joovy a few months ago. It’s such a fun way for her and I to go out for walks around the neighborhood – and she has so much fun looking and pointing and giggling, that she’s actually ready for a nap when we get home each afternoon.
  2. Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day. This surprised me – I felt like I was eating pretty good foods. But when you track your habits, most of us are not getting enough produce!
  3. Find a diet plan that works. I recently started the Nutrisystem diet. I love it. I’ll be sharing more about it with you guys really soon – But it’s such an easy solution for me. The food portions are prepackaged, so it’s simple to follow. And it’s re-training my brain on what an appropriate portion size looks like.
  4. Add some healthy supplements. I take a Multivitamin, fish oil tablets – and just added in a 4X Pro-B tablet each morning too. I  have suffered from IBS for years, and while some changes to my diet, and doing my best to reduce stress, have helped – My doctor has been recommending that I add a probiotic to my diet too. This is a great choice if you’re looking to improve your digestive health too.

These changes combined are already making me feel SO much better. {Can you believe that since it’s march, we’re almost 1/4 of the way into the year? Wow, right?}

4X Pro-B

“If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” – Leon Eldred

I used to skip breakfast – But now that I’m on the Nutrisystem diet, I have a protein shake and my breakfast choice each morning. That’s when I take my 4X Pro-B tablet too. I’ve been taking it for a couple of weeks now, and can honestly tell a difference. Nothing drastic – but it does help me feel, well, lighter. I’d been suffering from some really bad tummy troubles with my IBS over the past couple months, and they do seem to be getting better. I can’t wait to see how I feel after I finish the 2 month supply I ordered from Costco.com.

Costco.com

“When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no “I’ll start tomorrow.”  Tomorrow is disease.” – Terri Guillemets

You might be wondering – “Ok, what in the heck IS a probiotic??” They’re bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system, and they help improve your immune system. You’ll find them in certain yogurts, and other foods – but getting them in tablet form is the best way to get a consistent daily dose. You need to have good bacteria in your digestive system, but as we get older, there are less of these good guys in your system. And things like diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors can cause your bacteria levels to get off balance. According to Costco.com, the 4X Pro-B “patent pending caplet technology protects delicate probiotics from stomach acid, ” making them one of the best options available.

Big Star Jeans

“You get whatever you settle for.” – Unknown

I have settled for less than the best for quite some time now. I have already seen some great changes – getting out and being active each afternoon with Abby gives me a bigger boost of energy than the cup of coffee I used to have. Eating more fruits and veggies makes me feel SO much better than grabbing some chips or a cookie. The Nutrisystem program is rockin’ for me, and adding in the 4 X Pro-B tablets is just another step towards success. By the middle of the year – Hopefully I will be writing another blog post with a picture of me IN those skinny jeans up there!! Those babies are the goal – and I WILL reach it.

For more information on the 4 X Pro-B from Costco check out my Album on Google+. You can also find Costco.com on Facebook to stay updated on cool new products!

{Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias. I received a complimentary product for review purposes.}

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Posted by on March 6, 2012 Filed Under: Green Living | 2 Comments

Gaiam TV Giveaway! #InspireGaiamTV

Gaiam TV, internet tv

Find Balance in Your Busy Mom Life

I know how hard it can be to find balance – trust me. A couple of years ago, I lived in a perfectly tidy & organized home, just me and the cat. I had an awesome job in Fashion Merchandising. I was also a full-time online student, working towards a degree in Merchandising and Management. Then – Life threw not just a speed bump in my path, but a whole crazy obstacle course to get through!

Life flipped upside down

I found out that I was pregnant. Woah. Never had planned to become a mom, and I was almost 30 – some of my friends had kids who were almost teenagers already! Then, my mother and her long-time partner broke up, and she needed to come and stay with me. I cleared out the spare room, and she moved her stuff out of his home and into mine – bringing her 4 very loud little wiener dogs. Next, my brother moved in. With my two nephews. He was going through a divorce, and was in a lot of confusion. So I remodeled the basement and they joined me. Then – I lost my job while on Maternity leave. Ohmyheck. What now? I have an infant, full time college courses – and it’s a bad economy. Yikes.

Finding Balance in my new life

But – I didn’t let things get me down for long. I decided that I would take matters into my own hands! I read a bunch of books to motivate me, and give me some basics of working online. I started this site. I found some freelance writing jobs. I learned how to adjust to a packed house full of craziness – and messes. And, I made sure to fill my life with only things that were positive and uplifting! And that is exactly what Gaiam TV is – streaming media that is full of inspiration, education, motivation, and total energy. I am SO incredibly excited to be able to give one of you lucky readers a full 3-month subscription totally FREE!

Learn More About Gaiam TV – And Find YOUR Mom-Life Balance!

Enter to WIN!

Use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below to enter – and if you’re feelin’ lucky, check out the rest of the great giveaways in my sidebar. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win! Have fun & Good Luck!

{Disclosure: This promotional sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. All prizing for MSM giveaways is handled by a third party unless otherwise noted. For this reason, prize fulfillment can take up to 90 days after the winners information is received.}

[Read more…]

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Posted by on March 2, 2012 Filed Under: Giveaways | 11 Comments

How to Lose Weight with Chocolate Ice Cream

The Challenge: Most of you ladies know that I’m still trying to lose my baby weight. {Can I even still call it that? She’s a toddler now…} But, I’m a busy momma. I struggle with eating a balanced diet – I get up early so I can do some writing before that adorably destructive toddler of mine gets up, and skip breakfast for a few buckets of coffee. I eat really healthy in the afternoon, and then attempt to make something healthy for dinner that the kids will like. But, my biggest weakness is sweets, at night, while I’m up working late.

Weight Watchers Points

“I keep trying to lose weight… but it keeps finding me!” – Author Unknown

Busy Mom Solution: Weight Watchers new Ice Cream bars!! Ohmyheck ladies – these are goooood. When I heard that I was going to get a shipment of samples to check out, I thought it would be fun to try them, but honestly – I didn’t have big expectations. Most “diet” sweets have that really artificial taste to them. Since they were Weight Watchers, I knew that they’d be better than most, but I didn’t think they’d be anything that exciting. Um, I could not have been more wrong!

Dieting with Ice Cream

“I’m not overweight. I’m just nine inches too short.” – Shelley Winters

I loved all of the flavors that we tried out, and the whole family actually really liked them too – Even the guys! My very favorite was the Dark Chocolate Raspberry – These taste just like my favorite chocolate truffle from a little candy shop downtown. They are, honestly, my favorite ice cream bar that I’ve ever eaten. And when you top that with the fact that they have only 80 calories, 2 grams of protein, 0 grams saturated fat, and a Points value of 2 – well, let’s just say that I have fallen in love. Heck, I’m calling this the Chocolate Ice Cream diet – join me in adding these sweet snacks to your daily routine too!

“I have gained and lost the same ten pounds so many times over and over again my cellulite must have déjà vu.” – Jane Wagner

Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Bars

Learn more about the other flavors of Weight Watchers Ice Cream bars, like Triple Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche. You can also check out all of their other products, and join the Weight Watchers program yourself.

Social media junkie like me? Follow Weight Watchers on Facebook & Twitter to stay updated on new products and promotions.

{Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary products from Mom Select and Weight Watchers for this review, so that I could share my honest opinions. As always, all photos and opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by a little bit of swag. Thanks for reading!}

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Posted by on January 31, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 1 Comment
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