Here are some fun finds for this week!

MentorMob.com organizes the best content for eating right over the holiday season in playlist form, so weight-loss seekers do not have to spend time sifting through endless articles and ultimately finding bad fits.  Here is their playlist page for health and fitness and you can search for healthy eating playlists too.

Have you seen this? I am nominated as one of Healthline’s Best Health Blogs of 2011! You can vote for me by searching for Losing It and Loving It. Prizes are awesome, check them out on that page. I would appreciate your vote and if you would share this with you friends/family, on Twitter, Facebook, etc. I would be most appreciative.

Healthline

AND I was selected as one of twelve blogs to receive one of the 2011 Ultimate Fitness Blog Awards from Two Shoe Guys.  I’m in great company.  The other 11 blogs rock!

Another recent find was howdini. This is a pretty cool site with free editorial video content on a variety of topics.  They have a decent health and fitness section there.

Our friends over at Sweaty Bands have a deal going until Dec. 25th.  Use coupon code “stockingstuffer” and get 20% off your entire purchase.

So there you have it for this week.  I’m thinking of sharing fun web finds every week in 2012.

What do you think?

 

With a new course for the full marathon, I think the changes are going to be great for everyone!  So sad we cannot be there to participate this year.  Looking forward to hearing all the recaps and experiences after the race tomorrow.

To be honest, I’m not sure I would walk another half marathon but I wouldn’t be opposed to doing the 10k and then volunteering in various ways or just be a spectator cheering on the great mighty peeps participating in the race.

I think they need to bring me on as the official live Reggae Marathon blogger for 2012.  That would be a blast now wouldn’t it?  Did you hear that Chris? ha ha  Be sure to keep an eye on the Reggae Marathon blog for updates.

Missing the Reggae Marathon also means we are missing our yearly winter vacation to Couples Swept Away.  We were so thankful to at least get to the Caribbean this year on the trip we won from Marriott to St. Thomas, VI.  But Couples Swept Away is home to us AND they are one of the big sponsors of the Reggae Marathon which makes me smile.  Thanks to Couples Resorts for all you do.

To all racing in the Reggae Marathon…HAVE A BLAST!  And don’t forget…

 

This week I’m guest posting at Plus Size Bloggers and Running With Mascara.  It was fun and I want to thank them both for having me.  Later this week you’ll also find a lot of great guest bloggers here.  Kev and I will be traveling to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for a much needed vacation (while also blogging for Marriott on the Frenchman’s Reef blog). Don’t miss me too much!

Over on Plus Size Bloggers, you’ll find me there for the next couple of weeks. This week we talk about The Trigger Point.  I have previously participated in their REAL People I Respect Q & A’s so don’t miss those.

I did a getting to know you interview with the gals over at Running With Mascara.  That was fun too.  If you ever wanted to know what 5 foods I would want if I was stranded on an island, you’ll find it there.

Hope you’ll drop by and comment!

Did you find any great blog posts/articles that you want to share?

 

Today I chose the Wasa crispbread giveaway winner via Random.org. It chose the #5 comment and the winner is Robin Scott.  Congrats Robin, hope you enjoy the crispbreads.

Next on today’s list are some giveaways you might enjoy.

1) Danica has a super salad dressing giveaway.

2) Clean Eating Chelsey has a I’m Not Nuts giveaway.

3) Anne’s Attune Breakfast Kit giveaway

Oh and have you ever wanted to learn how to cook a fresh pumpkin?

Now for the best news of all…we finished the remodel of our home gym garage space.  There are still minor things left to do like spray paint the doors, fix some paint spots on the walls, etc. but yesterday was the 1st day we were able to workout in there.  It is AMAZING!  Here are some quick shots of the space without all the workout accessories like mats, weights, etc. (I’ll write a whole blog post on it and do video too).

OK the ceiling is not purple LOL, that is just the light reflection. More info to come!

Have a great day!

 

No, that’s not my gym bag above but mine is just as full with stuff.

Ever since we started going to a gym, I have been through quite a few gym bags.  Started with a small one, ended up with a large one and it still wasn’t enough room. I had to bring an extra mesh bag to put towels, after workout clothes, swim suit, etc. in for the drive home.  I felt like I was moving in or something.

Here are some of the items in my personal gym bag:

• Training log/pen
• iPod
• Socks
• Extra pair of clothes
• Polar heart rate monitor watch & strap
• Weight gloves
• Spin shoes
• Sneakers/Vibrams/Shower shoes
• Small towels/Shower towels
• Swimsuit/pool towel
• Lock
• Water bottles
• Handwipes/Antibacterial hand gel

I really don’t like showering and getting ready at the gym because I have everything that I need at home and don’t like dragging it there and back so that is one thing I’ll really look forward to when I start working out exclusively at home.  I won’t have to go far for a shower that is for sure!  I know a lot of gym goers have an extra set of everything but not this chick.

My gym bag is on it’s last leg so good timing. And thanks to Polar, I have a brand new gym bag that they sent as part of my ambassadorship.  YEA!

So tell us…what’s in your gym bag?

P.S. Here is a decent sale on a gym bag at Buy.com
Get a Nike Brasilia IV XS Duffel for $13.99 at Buy.com, a $6.01 Savings! Valid through 06-27-2011

 

Since I won’t have a gym membership for too much longer, I thought it would be fun to share some tips on gym etiquette rules. If you are a member of a gym there are some rules that really should be followed. In addition to the tips already mentioned, I wanted to add a few more that are my personal pet peeves.

1. Don’t wear perfume/cologne to the gym
2. If you are joining a fitness class for the 1st time, get there early so you have enough time to meet the instructor and go over anything you might need to do before the class starts.
3. Don’t hang out and chat with others while sitting on a piece of equipment that someone else could use.
4. Don’t sing along to the music on your ipod.
5. Be sure to wipe down EVERY piece of fitness equipment you use after your workout.
6. Wear deodorant please!

The more courteous people are the better the experience!

What are your TOP gym etiquette rules?

 

Trouble catching your breath when walking up stairs?

Have trouble fitting in a restaurant booth?

Frustrated with clothes not fitting anymore?

No energy to spare?

Does any of this sound familiar to you? It does to me because I have personally been there and I’m still working daily at living a healthier lifestyle struggles and all.  It was 2005 that I decided to start my journey to healthy living and although it hasn’t been easy, I have not given up. I know it’s possible to hit my goals because I have done it before.

I know that through my personal experience I have been able to help “educate, motivate and inspire” others.  When I heard Kelly say that quote in one of her recent videos, I knew I was meant to make a positive impact in the FitFluential community in some way, shape or form.  So I’m here to explain why I would be a great choice to be part of the FitFluential team.

FitFluential Inc. connects brands and influencers who share a passion for fitness. We are a network of the best when it comes to fitness bloggers and those who can inspire and guide them. People with a passion. People with a voice. People like you!

Over the last 5 years, I have welcomed fitness into my life.  I have tried some amazing workouts and many have stuck with me to this day.  Kevin (my hubby for those that don’t know) and I like to go to spin (cycle) class a few times a week and walk outside together when possible.  Workouts that I love and do on a regular basis include all types of boxing,  walking (outdoors and Walk Away the Pounds DVD’s) and like I said spinning.  We regularly attend a Pilates class at our gym which is not one of MY favorite workouts BUT it works so I do it when I can (and Kev loves it).

Last December, Kevin and I walked the Reggae Marathon half marathon in Jamaica and might be walking the Disney Princess half marathon in Florida next year.  I’m pretty much up to trying anything! Here we are at the end of the half marathon.  What a great experience!  Now I know why people are addicted to races.

Now before I move on I have to say that Kevin deserves a medal for sticking the race out with me. We trained together for months and he was so supportive (he always is).  He truly deserves a Best Husband in the World award!  You might be wondering what this has to do with FitFluential?  Well, Kev and I are a team and if I’m behind FitFluential he will be too so that’s one extra person on your side.

I feel that I would fit right in at FitFluential because as you can see from above, FITNESS is something I love and have stuck with.  There are so many great benefits to exercise so that is what I like to focus my life around.

Having support and people to stay accountable to is important. That is why I started the Losing It and Loving It Facebook page.  There is a daily workout check in so people can come by and get motivation to do their workouts.  I have built the community to over 400 members and it’s growing daily.  That is also why I offer challenges here on the blog to get the community to move out of their comfort zone.  In fact this month we are having the 30 Days to Better Healthy living challenge.

Being a part of the healthy living community has given me great opportunities like guest blogging opportunities, product reviews, generous prize donations and most recently I became a Polar ambassador.

In addition to the fact that I would have the chance to grow my reach to “educate, motivate and inspire” others I feel that joining FitFluential would be beneficial to me so that I can be inspired to set and reach new goals.  When you have a healthy living blog, you’re always trying to be strong for those who come there for inspiration but we can’t forget that we all need a boost ourselves.  And I know the FitFluential community could do that for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to enter to become part of FitFluential for the Chicago, IL area (Northwest suburbs).

 

I have some exciting news!  I was chosen to be a Polar fitness ambassador.  What does that mean?  Well, as an ambassador for the Polar USA fitness company, I get to share my love for one of my favorite companies and their awesome products.  It also means that I will be pushed a lot harder to hit the goals I have set for myself and will have other great opportunities come along.  Most importantly is what it means for you!  You’ll get great info on heart rate training, product reviews and giveaways, Polar product video training and more.

As the inventors of the 1st heart rate monitor for training over 30 years ago, Polar is truly the world’s top specialists. Polar carries a wide variety of heart rate training fitness products and they cater to ALL levels of fitness.  If you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Polar has what you need. From heart rate monitors to bike sensors, foot pods, cardio sports bras and more, you’ll be set.

The Path to a Better Workout

I’m really excited to represent Polar because I have been a happy customer since I started living my healthy lifestyle back in 2005. Polar heart rate monitors have always been a part of my fitness routine. You learn a lot about your body when you can monitor your heart rate and activity levels. I still have a lot to learn about what all my Polar heart rate monitor has to offer though (Kevin and I recently bought ourselves the FT60 models, upgrading from one of the earlier versions) so you’ll be right there with me and we’ll learn together. It’s my goal to educate you on the value of heart rate training.

Polar sent me a lot of goodies to share with my local peeps and with my blog readers, Facebook followers, etc. Check it out…and this isn’t even all of it.

I even have a Polar FT7 heart rate monitor and Flowlink to give away to one lucky reader. In June we’ll be doing a fitness challenge here on the blog and on my Losing It and Loving it Facebook page (clue:  the challenge has nothing to do with the number on the scale). Keep your eyes open for a blog post about that on Tuesday. Challenge starts Wednesday.

I’m so excited about my ambassadorship with Polar USA and want to thank them for giving me such a great opportunity. I look forward to working with them. If you have any questions about the company or products, please let me know and I will make sure you get all your questions answered.

It is also thanks to all of YOU, my readers and support system for commenting, sharing my content and participating on the blog and Facebook page that I was accepted for this wonderful opportunity. You are all very much appreciated!

Let me ask you this…

Do you utilize a heart rate monitor? Why or Why not?

P.S. You can follow Polar USA on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Kevin and I at Couples Swept Away, Negril Jamaica

A. Age: 38 (although not for long, I’ll be having a b-day this Friday, April 1st)

B. Bed size: King

C. Chore you dislike: Folding laundry, doing dishes (I have to rinse off plates BEFORE I put them in the dishwasher, drives Kev crazy LOL)

D. Dogs: Not anymore.  Miss our Caleb (see below) but I’m ready for another dog or two.  Kev isn’t quite ready yet but hopefully it won’t be too long.

E. Essential start to your day:  Coffee (Keurig and Blue Mountain French pressed)

F. Favorite color: Green (I like purple a lot too)

G. Gold or silver: Both but I have more gold jewelry

H. Height: 5 foot 4 inches

I. Instruments you play(ed): Used to play clarinet and piano.  In elementary school my mom was my music teacher.

J. Job title: Self employed (blogger, Internet/Affiliate Marketer, Virtual Assistant)

K. Kids: 2 grown step kids

L. Live: IL but originally from Virginia

M. Mom’s name: Marie

N. Nicknames: Ang

O. Overnight hospital stays: No, not that I can remember anyway.

P. Pet peeves:  I absolutely don’t like it when people burn leaves in our subdivision.  I have a hard time breathing AND we can’t open our windows to get fresh air.

Q. Quote from a movie:  This would be hubby’s area, he’s always quoting the lines in movies.

R. Righty or lefty: Right

S. Siblings: Nope, only child.

T. Time you wake up: It varies but most times around 6-7 AM.

U. Underwear: Umm not sure what you’re asking here LOL  Yes I wear them ha ha

V. Vegetables you don’t’ like: Spaghetti squash

W. What makes you run late: Nothing, I like to be on time.

X. X-rays you’ve had: wrist, feet and I have had surgery on BOTH feet for Plantar Fasciitis

Y. Yummy food you make: I don’t cook!  But I make good homemade chocolate peanut butter cups.

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Dolphins, Scarlett Macaws (we have a Blue & Gold Macaw at home), monkeys, elephants.  Oh OK I love all the animals at the zoo.  It’s one of my favorite places to go!

Hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better!  Now I would like to get to know you.

Feel free to answer any of these in the comments!

If you do the ABC’s on your blog be sure to link back here so a pingback shows up OR feel free to leave a comment with a link to your ABC blog post.

Happy Blogging,

P.S. This has been posted a lot on various blogs and I have no clue where it originated from.  If anyone knows, I would like to give credit where it’s due.  This was not started by me.

 

Home this week from the gym and other works because I have pulled a muscle somewhere across the chest area (can’t remember what hubby called it) and it’s painful.  Had to change my ONE personal training sesh this week to next week.  Was really hoping to get there today but it just wasn’t happening.  Doesn’t look like I’ll get my FitBlogger goal in either. Boo!  So to get over feeling down for not being able to workout and learn how to give in and let myself heal, I was reading about the 400 pound man who completed the L.A. marathon last weekend.  I’m sure you have heard of him right?

I have been reading about it on various sites and I can’t believe some of the rude comments people are leaving on these news articles.  I for one am very proud of him for setting a goal and accomplishing it.  I’m excited to learn that he jogged the first 8 miles and walked the rest.  You go Kelly!  And this was his 2nd marathon.

Just 3 months ago I walked a half marathon in 4 hrs and 30 min. (you can read my story on the Reggae Marathon blog) and know what it’s like to be last although I did read that there were 6 people behind him? I didn’t care that I was last but instead was proud to have finished.  I was also lucky to have a great support system!

I was just commenting today on a blog about how we can still be FIT even if we are overweight.  There are some small/thin people who are not fit at all so it makes me upset to hear the naysayers making nasty comments.  Anyway, I just felt the need to write about this gentleman because I think it’s cool that he accomplished what he set out to do.  Now I did read somewhere that he boasted about eating 8 Big Macs in a single sitting and I think that is absolutely unhealthy and gross and not something I would be proud to announce but I don’t think it’s his desire to lose weight anyway.

Here are some of the articles I found on this story:

L.A. Times

Yahoo! Sports

You can see a video about him in this Huffington Post article.

Fox Sports

What is one of your biggest accomplishments?