Tuesday, January 15, 2013

How I lost 6 pounds OVERNIGHT #Mamavation

Wow.  I wish I was exaggerating.  Yesterday morning I was 6 pounds heavier than this morning.  I was stunned today when I stepped on the scale and noted the difference.  I plan to continue doing the same things today that I did yesterday, but I cannot imagine it will make that great a difference today.

What did I do to lost 6 pounds overnight?  I think the key was my increased consumption of water - not flavored, not coffeed, not changed in any way.  I had about 11 cups of regular, cold tap water.  That's approximately 88 ounces of water.  For the purpose of weight loss, my ultimate goal is 12 cups a day right now, maybe I'll make it today.

Water is not the only thing I changed.  I started using MyFitnessPal for counting calories.  I am curious about what I'm consuming, I'll tell you what - if you've never counted calories - it's enlightening.  I also worked toward exercise goals yesterday.  I walked and biked for a combined total or 40 minutes cardio work.  I hope to get to the gym tonight to do more strength training.

That's it - I drank a lot of water, tracked my calories, and exercised. 

Oh, and snacked a lot on carrots and celery because, well, they're tasty.

What are your best weight loss tips?

Monday, January 14, 2013

Get Moving 2013 Coming THIS WEEK #GetMoving2013

Welcome to the Get Moving 2013 Blog Hop and Grand Prize Giveaway Event.  I'm sure it comes as no surprise that getting in shape is one of the top New Year's resolutions.  This year, let's stick with it! 

 Silent Springs, A Lucky Ladybug and Mommy of One and Counting,  have teamed up with almost 20 other bloggers to help you Get Moving in 2013 and actually keep those resolutions this year.  Each blog features a Get Moving 2013 prize worth at least $25, so be sure to hop around and enter them all!  3 different grand prize packages are up for grabs, so be sure to enter here to win! 

Your chance to win begins January 17th and ends at 11:59pm January 31st.  
Giveaways open to US

 Disclosure:  Please note that Silent Springs, A Lucky Ladybug and Mommy of One and Counting and the Get Moving 2013 Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Sponsor Spotlight: NeoCell Collagen Sport #GetMoving2013

Neocell SportDo you love to exercise?  Do you like to look healthy and beautiful?  Collagen Sport Ultimate Recovery Complex is a protein drink, made for athletes especially to help with recovery during a strenuous workout.  Some have even commented that they feel healthier, more vibrant, and have better skin when using it regularly! 

Collagen Sport comes in 2 flavors: Belgian Chocolate and French Vanilla.  It can be used with water, milk, coffee - pretty much any drink you want to add it to.  Collagen Sport can be used to give energy before a workout, or as a supplement in your morning shake! 

NeoCell claims that it tastes great and mixes easily.  I had the opportunity to try out the Belgian Chocolate.  I agree that it is easy to mix most of the time.  It tastes great too, in water.  I was not as fond of it with almond milk or coffee.  I have not seen a difference in my skin, but I can feel a difference in my body as I continue to exercise and train my muscles.  

NeoCell is offering Collagen Sport to one of my readers as part of the Get Moving blog event.  It certainly can help you get moving, and give your body what it needs to recover after you have worked it hard.

Are you interested in trying this protein drink?  It is free of gluten, sugar, lactose, artificial flavors, and synthetic ingredients.  That is a fantastic list.  It is a whey protein, so it does not fit with a strict vegan diet.

Leave a comment below, tell me which flavor you will choose if you win!

***Disclaimer: I have received a product or products free for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own.***

Mamavation Monday: Counting Calories #mamavation

I admit it with no hesitation.  I have NEVER in my entire life been a calorie counter.  Not even for a day.  Last week I read several Mamavation posts that talked about calorie counting and took some time to confront myself about why I have never counted calories as part of a diet effort.

After much reflection here is what I came to:  I don't know.  Maybe I never really thought it was a relevant idea.  Perhaps I've been too lazy with my eating.  Maybe I just don't care.  I cannot come up with a good reason that I have never paid any attention to calories.

I started this thinking last Monday.  As I made lunch (a simple salad) on Monday, I looked at the calorie counts on my favorite toppings (Bac-o's, French Fried Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese Dressing).  What an amazing salad with a frightening calorie count! 

Also on Monday, my sister "invited" me to try out MyFitnessPal.  I am still looking over the app, and working on forming my thoughts about calorie counting.  I do think that it would be beneficial to at least try counting for a few weeks.  Over the past week I have not been counting - but I have been noticing.  I am starting to pay attention to what I am feeding myself so I can make better choices on my intake.

This week I will begin tracking what I eat on a "normal" day.  Now, I am aware that any time you start to pay attention, you are likely to do a better job of control.  I want to get an idea of what I am eating normally and begin a plan to reduce my calories and increase my activity.

Are you a calorie counter?  How did you begin counting?  Has it helped you in any way? What advice do you have for me as a beginner?

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sponsor Spotlight: Active Accessories #GetMoving2013

I shared a couple weeks ago that we have started using a gym for exercise.  I love it.  I have been in a search for just the right "stuff" to take with me.  I needed to find one of my water bottles, because I don't like to use bottled water.  I wanted towel so I could use the showers.  A gym bag seems to be a must.  I had figured it out, mostly.

Gym ID, Combination Lock, Road ID, Hair Ties, Ear Buds, Cell Phone (or glucometer) - I love using this pouch when I go to the gym!
My biggest problems were related to the things I keep close to me when I am at the gym:  headphones, my glucometer, and a hair tie.  I was delighted to learn about the Active Accessories Pouch.  I was even more delighted when I learned the price is only $20 on Amazon (on sale for $15 at the moment).

I have tried this pouch a few times now and I love it.  I can use it with my glucometer or my smart phone.  It is sturdy, cute, and helps me keep my things together while I am exercising!  Thanks Active Accessories for a fantastic product!
Keys, Chap Stick, Hair accessories, Phone, & Money (there is even enough room for a tampon).  This pouch is fantastic for the high school girl in your life!
Active Accessories will be giving away a pouch as part of the Get Moving event from January 17-31.  Don't forget to enter to win our fantastic prize package.

You don't have to wait to buy though!  Get one on Amazon right now!  This pouch is perfect for exercise enthusiasts, teenage girls (it would fit nicely into backpacks), mamas, grandmas.  Really it's great for anyone!  Try it out for only $15 right now on Amazon!

Connect with Active Accessories
Thermometer, Antibiotic Ointment, Chap Stick, Hair Tie, Bendadryl, & Bandaids - this pouch is ready for a day out with my boys.  I have more than enough room to keep essential health supplies at hand without toting a large diaper bag.
** I have received a product free for the purposes of this review.  All opinions are my own.**

Sunday Sharing: Isaiah 60


This chapter is part of our family focus this year.

Does your family have a scripture focus?

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Upcycled Wooden Pallets: Yay or Nay?

I have long thought it would be brilliant to use wooden pallets for in home construction projects.  I had a fantastic design in my head for making a pallet-sofa.  Unfortunately, I never have figured out how to get pallets without stealing them.  I have eyed so many different great projects and drooled over some really excellent ideas.

Today I read an excellent article about the dangers, yep: dangers, of using pallets in your home.  I'm convinced.  I will not use pallets for decorating in my home, there are too many risks for my family.

Thank you Cupboards Online for opening my eyes.

Cupboards Kitchen and Bath
Grab button for Wellness Wednesday