100 LBS to Lose

Okay folks, I need your help here.  Accountability is the key and I am making myself accountable to all of y'all.  Now that is 254 people to keep me on my toes.  But I have a reward for you too for the help out.

Let me explain.  I have to lose 100 pounds.  And I am giving myself one year to get it done.  Yes, I am serious.  Here is my plan.  I have ordered a years supply of Cinch by Shaklee.  These are shake meal replacements.  And since I tend to just skip meals and then find myself starving at the end of the day, this will help me get my 3 meals a day.  I ordered vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and cafe latte.  Thus not worried about being bored with the flavors.  Each shake also has 24 grams of protein and 190 calories.  I also have the 3 in  Boost by Shaklee.  This is three supplements in one, for my metabolism, blood sugar and overall health.  Add in my filtered water and get back in my routine of daily exercise at Curves.  This seems to be the idea of how to get back on track.  But honestly I also need everyone here to help me out too.  Ask how I am doing, keep me going and do not let me get off with lame excuses. 

I also have Top Trainers from Healthy Fit Bodies to help me out.  This is a 10 DVD set that covers it all for the home workout program.  We have a DVD to help every area.  Ready for it?

• Cardio
• Thighs
• Core
• Abs
• Buns
• Yoga
• Ballet
• Pilates
• Latin Dance
• Plyometrics
• Interval Training
• Kickboxing

Now if that is not some list1  I am looking forward to the Shed Five Fast as a 30 minute workout.  There is also Yogini which is a blend of yoga and pilates for body-sculpting.  I wonder if I can get through the 6 minute Quick Blast for cardio and deep toning.  Eventually I hope to be able to do the kick boxing.  But my knees may not make that.  Dear Hubby will not mind me adding in the Latin Dancing and moving my curves for him too!  All of this includes a fitness guide, wall calendar and a free month with ediets.com too. 

I am serious enough to even give you my weight right now.  Yeah, we know a lady never tells her age or weight.  But at 265 pounds I am killing myself.  My start date is August 1st, 2011.  That gives me til Monday to get everything in gear.

Now here comes the good part for you.  I am going to give away 2 books to one of my readers.  The first is Sloan Barnett of former NBC's Today Show (and wife to Roger Barnett the CEO of Shaklee).  I have my AUTOGRAPHED copy of Green goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett.  This gives you her background as to why Green is so important.  As well as simple steps to living a healthier life.    And I also have The Gorgeously Green Diet by Sophie Uliano.  Here we have nearly 100 recipes, exercises and ways to save money and stay Green.  These are two of my books that I am willing to share in this giveaway.  They are valued at $45.90 as a set. 

How to win?  Simple....first be one of my GFC friends (mandatory).  Second, leave me a comment with a tip to lose weight or stay on my diet or stick to my plan.  What ever advice you think will help me through this next year.  Make sure I have your email so I can notify you as a winner too.  Wish me luck....and please do not give up on me!  BTW, these are my books and my plan.  This is NOT a sponsored post.  But Shaklee is helping me out by sending me the Cinch I have asked for.  They are good like that!  I also received the 10 DVDs from KMR Communications Inc.

Getting Moving Again

Well it has been a busy few weeks here at home with all the illness and sickness and yuck going on. But we are finally back on track. Thanks GOD! I am so glad.

Today Dear Hubby is finally back at work after a 6 week break. He had to go back in his lil 'storm trooper' boot but at least can walk finally. His toes are all healed up and looking good. And the Dr. says that the bone is looking good on the x-rays. So it looks like we are finally done with all of the foot surgeries for some time! YIPEESSS!

Granny M has been to church this week and is back to her daily trips to the coffee shop visiting friends there. Also she is still smoke free. So happy about that. We will go this week and do the assessment for her cardiac rehab too.  It looks like she will be able to get her body back in better shape than she started out.  But it will be a good 6 months til we are in a good all clear signal.  And we are unsure as if the oxygen will be a daily part of her life or not?

College Girl is doing full swing with school again and has landed 2 small parts in the play 'The Glass Slipper'.  It is good that her car is also up and going again thanks so much to our neighbor who did all the work for her.  FOR FREE and (can you believe this) also filled her gas tank up too!  What a amazing thing to do to help us all out.  Thank God and bless this man too.

And last but not least, I am out of the house and working out again at Curves.  I am beginning to feel like ME again.  Hate winters and one filled with hospital stays is never any fun.  I am glad I have been able to help out all of my family so but also thrilled that life is beginning to get back on track too.

I also have some things happening that I wanted to give you info on.  As I love my books, movies and family fun times too.  The first is that we helped place a darling lil chihuahua with a 16 yr old girl this weekend.  She was looking for her own doggie and I had a niece who was looking for a new home for her doggie.  Easy peasy and a match made in heaven.  It was nice to tell Princess Emma how this all worked out.  We also shared the book 'Our Rescue Dog Family Album' to explain that pets have ways of making new families.  Many of us have had times where we had to release a loved pet to a new family.  Not always easy but feels good to know that a loving home is awaiting the pet too.  Showing Princess Emma the many photos and the way that each pet fit in was the best way to help her understand.  (The 16 yr old is her cousin and she met the new doggie this weekend too.)  Our Rescue Dog Family Album (Polaire Entertainment Group, Inc.) by Diane Pomerance, Ph.D., is a collection of endearing stories that covers the lives of forty rescued dogs, lucky enough to become members of her seemingly ever-expanding family, and the obstacles they overcame in their recovery. You can share more at Dr. Pomerance's blog too.

We also had fun this weekend with Princess Emma dancing. We be-bopped all around to the newest Kidz Bop 19.  Princess Emma loves to dance just as much as I do.  And it is great fun and exercise.  I am unsure as to her favorite song but I just loved Please Don't Go. You can hear a sample of all of the songs too.  They have music, web shows, contest, games and so much more to do with the kids.  We just love the energy it gives us to dance all around the room.  The best yet is the Kidz  Bop radio...all free!  I know that Tammy and Maureen will have it on with all the kiddos they watch.  Rocking all around the play room.  Who is going to join them?

I know that it is so much fun to be up and moving around again.  I do wish to thank those that have sent me the books and cds for reviews.  It is great how things work out the way they should.  Life is back on track here.  And I hope that it is going well for you too.

An Important Notice

I am posting a letter I received. This is from a man and his wife that I feel have good hearts and wish to really make a difference. Please take the time to read the following. And more so PLEASE vote this program that make a difference. You just take a moment and can get your own reward for doing so.

Now let me have you hear from Phil,

"As I'm sure you are aware, childhood obesity is a huge problem in this country. And now with the economic conditions, can you believe Physical Education is being cut in schools across the country.

Did you know that because of the childhood obesity epidemic, it is
predicted that today's children will be the first generation with a shorter lifespan than their parents?

Not only is reduced physical activity affecting children's health, but it also affects their learning ability. They just don't learn well unless they are getting exercise. The body and the brain work together.

Teachers are telling me that when the kids don't get the physical release of energy from exercise, they struggle at learning. There's a lot of scientific evidence to back this.

However, some teachers have experimented with our fitness app, Break Pal,in the classroom. We've offered it to them at no charge to see how it worked out in the classroom.

They are reporting significant success. They simply project the exercises on the overhead projector and take a few breaks during classroom time for the micro-workouts.

A teacher in Texas who teaches a special ed class has especially seen great results with this. The kids are much more focused if they get in exercise during their studies. They get through their studies faster with the increased focus levels.

We also have a few test cases starting in classrooms in the Bay Area. The teachers are very excited about it and feel it can really help their students not only get in better physical shape (As you know childhood obesity is rampant) but also to help them learn by keeping them more focuses.

Obviously it works. But it's hard to get the word out.

Right now we are a finalist in First Lady Michelle Obama's "apps for healthy kids" contest. This contest has been highly publicized and is being promoted by the White House and the USDA.

If we win, the First Lady will help us spread Break Pal to classrooms across the country. We can literally helps millions of children and people who work at desks.

Our application is the only one to integrate exercise into the day and also teach about nutrition.

Unfortunately we are a very small organization. Just my wife and Myself. We bootstrapped the entire project and built the app without outside funding.

We are competing against huge national corporations and unfortunately they are using their marketing power to garner votes for their apps and are leaving us in the dust. Some of them have PR firms working for them to get votes and I'm sure many ask their hundreds of employees to vote.

This is Where You Come In

I think that maybe bloggers and their followers can compete against these PR firms. It's worth a shot. Who better is there?

So I've decided to do something drastic.

I'm going to give out a premium version to anyone who votes for our app. They just have to contact me and tell me they voted and I'll give them a premium account. No catch. A free premium account and a thank you for voting.

It takes less than 90 seconds to vote.

What do you think? Would you vote for us? Would you be willing to spread the word? Maybe post it on your blog. It wouldn't take a full review or anything (unless you felt like it). Just a post saying we're giving away as many free memberships as people will vote for us.

As a blogger I'm sure you know all about contests and how great it is to win one. Getting into this contest has been the biggest thing that's happened to us and we really hope it can launch our program. This will bring it nationwide exposure.

If your interested here's some information:

Easy voting instructions (this will take less than 90 seconds):

1) The fastest way to vote is to go directly to the registration page first.

https://www.appsforhealthykids.com/register

2) You'll then need to confirm your email address (don't worry they won't spam you)

3) Go directly to our app and click vote
http://www.appsforhealthykids.com/application-gallery/break-pal

4) Bonus - Share on facebook and twitter.


That's it!!!

We've produced a video on the subject with the help of our local Public access Television station. If you've got time there's some great information here.
http://www.breakpal.com/blog/help-end-childhood-obesity

Thank You, we really appreciate your support


Phil Weaver
www.breakpal.com

MyGym Giveaway

We are having such a great weekend with the grandbabes here. They are growing and next week will turn 2 and 6 years old. Time is going so fast. But for now they are my babes and we are having fun playing.

This weekend we opened up our MyGym DVD and CD. This was a great set for us to use with both of the babes. With the MyGym DVD of Baby First Presents My Gym at Home. My grandson love it since it was geared to babes from 6 months to 3 years old. We flipped, rolled and did headstands all over our living room. He giggled as we rolled around with our very own exercise time. The special features of parenting tips and a 2 month free subscription to Baby First TV Channel was a nice extra too. This is the nations only 24/7 channel for babies and their parents.

After wards we pulled up The Activators online. Here we watched videos of different exercises to do with my older grand daughter. She loved jumping all over the living room. And we did have to download some of the free coloring sheets. Thankfully there was the MyGym CD too. Arron Nigel Smith and The Activators have some of my favorite children's songs. This is so we can exercise but we cheated. With the youngest grandbabe tired we listened as he napped. And the other grandbabe colored her free coloring sheets.

Whew! Now time for Nonnie (that's me) to be able to rest a lil bit too! I wish to thank Cara and SSA Public Relations for letting me enjoy the MyGym series. Now off to help out a lil before he wakes up. SHHHUUUSSSSHHHHHH! Oh by the way, May is National Fitness Month so let's get out there and get moving.

So lets help you out by letting you win a CD. The contest is open to the U.S. and Canada. Just leave me a comment about your favorite exercise for you or your babes. I will pick a winner in a week and have your very own MyGym The Activators CD sent to you too!

Sneaky Sneaky Woman

I thought that I would be child free today, but alas, no! And it is so so so cold here. We can not go outside to play. Not even on the front porch. And cabin fever sets in oh, oh, oh so quick. You know how it goes.

Well since I do not wish to have the kiddos hollering and running around like lil rug rats. Instead we are going to do the "Sneaky Fitness" way of running off steam. And while doing so help these kiddos get a lil exercise too.

Marching Band may be a lil loud but such fun to see the kiddos making music.

You don't need seventy-six trombones to lead a big parade. All you need are some willing band members and some imagination. The music you make may not hit the top of the charts, but the exercise you're sneaking in is solid gold.

What you'll need:

• Musical instruments, or make your own with pots and pans
• beans in a coffee can
• a plastic container with water, or upside-down buckets

Who's playing: Preschoolers
How many: 2 or more
Prime time: Any Day, Weekends, Playdates, Parties

Lead your "band" around the house and/or outside, and up and down stairs, reminding them to march by bringing their knees up high as they go.

Fitness Factor: Cardiovascular Endurance, Coordination, Mood Booster!
Covert Calories: Marching will burn 53 calories in 20 minutes.
Sneaky Supercharge: Have them step side-to-side for one minute, skip for one minute, walk backward for one minute, and jump for one minute as you make your way through the parade route. You'll tack on an extra 72 calories.

And for another way to get in a lil goodness lunch will be served via the "Sneaky Fitness" chef.

Mac 'n' Cheese Pizza

Makes: 8 servings

When you can combine three of your kid's top favorite foods (in this case, pizza, pasta ,and cheese) together with healthy ingredients, you know you have a winning recipe. The pizza sauce is already a healthy food because of its lycopene-laden tomatoes, and it also offers an ideal hiding spot for pureed white and orange vegetables. This is also the one way Missy gets some kids to eat whole-grain pasta because it's blanketed with the melted cheese, so they can't tell it's not their usual white noodles.

- 3/4 cup store-bought pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup White or Orange Puree (See Make-Ahead Recipe #4, p. 260, or #2, p. 258)
- 1 large (about 12-inch) store-bought pizza crust, ideally whole grain (like Boboli® whole grain)
- 1 cup cooked elbow pasta, ideally whole grain
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

> Preheat oven to 450 degrees and preheat a pizza stone, if using one, or spray a baking sheet with oil.

> In a mixing bowl, combine pizza sauce with White or Orange Puree. Mix well. Spread sauce evenly over pizza crust. Scatter cooked pasta evenly over the sauce, then top with shredded cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

> Allow to cool a few minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.

I wish to thanks Missy Chase Lapine and Larysa Didio for providing me with the "Sneaky Chef". This book is coming in quite handy with all the kiddos that seem to pass through my home. I appreciate the chance to review their book.

Adding in a New Exercise

I was asked to review Break Pal this summer. And I tried to...but at that time I could not get things to work. But now!

With my new computer I was able to log into Break Pal. And I am finally using the system. I love this! It is so nice to have someone show me how I can do some exercises while still at my desk. With all that I do online with my blog, reviews, email and just wasting time (y'all know how that is right?), Break Pal is working out great for lil "breaks".

Today I tried out some Chair Yoga by "serving tea" and doing some leg stretches. My lower back felt better. Also my knees enjoyed the stretch. I am ready to look up some more to continue. But I had to take a Break and share Break Pal with you!

Dear So and So . . .

Dear Lazy Body . . .

Why did you let me forget the new diet class I was to start last night? As a matter of fact, I do not understand how come you have effected me so badly here lately. Due to your attitude, I am now having a very hard time dealing with so many things. Like you have not paid all the bills. Nor have you been exercising as well as you should. And the diet is very important.
I think it is time that you get your act in gear. And off the lazy patoooohhtiee! I feel that your apathy is going to be the death of me yet. So, take some meds and go exercise before I have to kick your patooohhtiee!

Dear Brain Dead . . .

Why in the world did you let me embarrass myself last night. I know I needed to take dinner to Dear Hubby at the store he was working at. And it was great to see people I know there. But you could have told me I was in my NIGHTGOWN before I left the house. Not after I was standing out in public did you remind me of that lil fact............DANG IT!

Whooopie!

Well here is my weigh in update.

As of today going by Curves scales,
I am now 14 lbs lighter then I was 10 days ago.

So guess it is all working together.

Diet, Exercise, Alli and Symlin!

Getting the Joints Wet

My mom-in-law has had a lot of problems with her knees. And at 70+ years it is not surprising at all. But she has found a great upside to it all. Swimming! Spas!

Yeah, she was told that she had to do Aquatic therapy for her knees. And that she did. With a little hesitation at first. I mean who wants to pop on a bathing suit in your 70's? But once she started then it was a love affair. She was quite upset when they told her that she had to stop. Insurance only does so much you know.

Well we started looking into other options for her. It really was helping and she adored it so. We found that you can get Hydrotherapy pools in your home. Of course you need the room for it too. But it was really wonderful to look at what all they can do. And of course dream of the great relaxation too. Now water exercise in a swim spa is really good for you. And not hard on your joints. Many seniors are finding the benefits of doing this type of exercise for therapy. Heck I would love it myself with the weight I have on me. I am exercising all I can but some days my knees hurt so bad from the RA I have that I just can't do it. That is really when I wish I had a pool to jump in. Well, climb in at least. And think how fast it could cool me down during my ever frequent hot flashes.

Well my mom-in-law does not have the room for one. And we do not have a YMCA in our lil town. But there is a therapy clinic that we are looking into. Hoping that pooling our funds we can buy her a "membership" so she can continue her water exercise. It sure would make her happy and feel much better.

Shaking my Bootie

Well y'all know I have been exercising more. Doing a 3 times a week circuit workout. I am amazed that I can do short burst of "jogging" but can not handle it on the road. Too hard on my knees with the RA. I had a chance to look at some elliptical machines. I think that they would help with the "shock asorbers" that my knees would need. Have you used one? It seems that I could have a good walking workout with one.

I would not mind having a treadmill or exercise bike available. Of course I would have to have some room at home too! I guess we all do what we can to keep healthy. Eating right. Or the Angle way as Annie says. And if we can move around some more than it will help too.

Personally I have to say my motto "Let's dance" is a good way to start. If you can use these different machines to help you. But what ever you do always find a way to move around every day. I know I am still keeping my joints greased up. How about YOU?

Swan Princess

Did any one else love watching The Swan? Where they take two women and do a total make over on them with plastic surgery, dental work, diet and exercise. You spend months away from home. And you have two brand new people come out of it. Amazing differences! I was enthralled by the show and the idea of being "beautiful".

I am in my 40's and way past the time that my body is going to greatly change. Of course everything has taken a downward droop too. If I was going to do a total makeover I would start with the top. I would have to have Breast Enlargement Advice. Not that I need them larger, just where they belong. I know, I know! TMI!

But doesn't everyone have some fantasy of how they would change something. I remember as a lil girl I wanted to have pink hair and bright blue eyes. Now as a woman I just want things to look like they are suppose to. Well since I am not a Swan, I guess I just have to keep on exercising.

Curves Special

Well since y'all know I am going to Curves and for FREE. I am part of the Silver Sneakers program of my insurance company. If you are on Medicare then you may also get to go for FREE.

I thought I would add another way to save money, help out and get you exercising too.



Nationwide for the month of March Curves is waiving their start up fee if you bring in a bag of groceries. It will be donated to a local food bank. That is like a $75 savings. Also if you have your monthly fee taken from you bank account automatically then you save another $10 a month. (That is $195 savings for the first year.) Break it down and it is less than the cost of a soda a day to go and exercise with a bunch of really crazy ladies.


Benefits I enjoy are:

No Mirrors
No Men
All Positive Praise for being there
Totally Accepted as I AM

So if your ready for a change, itching to get out and move as Spring sets in and want to help a local food bank the head on over to Curves.

Energy in Powders

Well as most of you know I joined Curves. Well I was able to because my insurance is paying for it. YIPEE! But I am not attending as well as I should. Being alone is not real fun. I am trying though.

I have seen that many places also encourage you to do supplements. So I thought I would check out what some of them are. When one with organic whey said it would reduce stress and help alleviate depression. It also said it promotes fat loss. Well that caught my attention. Since I have been on medication for depression for over 10 years and of course I am more than chubby these are key words for me. These protein shots are suppose to boost your energy levels. Well I know I can always use a boost in energy.

Well with my budget it would have to be cheap protein powder. I have not ever tried these type of drinks or shakes. Have you? Did they help? Is it worth the investment? Let me know as I am researching what is best to do. So far I am sticking to good ol' fashion food that I love. (Thus the chubbiness).

Time To Renew

Well I am into my second week at Curves. And already they have a "Time to Renew".
No, not fees or membership. But time to renew a promise to ourselves. Time to renew our determination. Time to renew our image of ourselves. Time to.....you fill in the blank. I like that the owner tries to have fun things for us to do. Last Friday was school spirit day. You dress in any school name or colors and you get a "Curves Buck". A coupon to use at a later date for goodies. This week we will get one for with our renewal forms. Later this week we will play "bingo" while exercising. All things for fun.

Some of the fun things to get on the back wall.

Well this renewal has a form to fill out. We are to list all the food we eat for a week. Oh no! After yesterday being so sad and pigging out on donuts.


Well, I did it. Ok, so what. I am not going to beat myself up on it. Some days are better than others. The weekly menu is so we are aware of what we are doing. I can go with that. I need some awareness. I need some resolve. I need some energy. And maybe I will get some more as I exercise this week.

So what would be your idea of renewal? What would you want to focus on? How would you? Wanna fill out my meals for me?????? Ha Ha!

My New Change!

and

Have joined together to help provide affordable health classes to seniors and others on Medicare. Well affordable is actually
FREE

So I joined last week.
Making today my first workout.

I was able to join through my health care program with Humana

I loved the windows when I arrived.
Letting me know I was in for a fun time and only committing to 30 minutes 3 times a week. To be a member through Silver Sneakers you only have to go 10 times a month.
That is easy. I hope to go Monday thru Friday.

We started out with some paperwork.
And measurements.
Then the dreaded scales.

There is up beat music playing.
You start out on one of these walking pads.
Just walking, stepping or jogging in place.
Til you hear the beep!

Then you move to the next station.
One of the machines.
They are all different kinds.
This one you move your legs in and out in a V shape.
Glad there are only women here!

You will do the circuit three times.
Rotating from stepping (for aerobics) to a machine (for calisthenics).
There are beeps for each time you change back and forth.
And it also tells you when to take you heart rate.
I was happy that mine was between 75% to 85% for my age range on the workout.

When your done you do a cool down period at the bar.
Don't you love all the bright colors here.
I did!

I clocked the mileage of the trip one way.
Maybe I can start walking there and back later.
That would make a good 3 mile walk everyday.

Oh, you also get this free magazine too!
Diane
It has great ideas for how to stay healthy in it.
And of course recipes.
Other women who have made big changes in their lives.
And ideas for clothes, inner and outer beauty.