Lose Weight and Win a Polar Loop! #Dietbet #Rethinkyourday

Disclosure: DietBet is compensating me for this bet and Polar has given me the Polar Loop to use as a prize.

DietBet Begins September 15th! Join me! 

The time is NOW! No more excuses and no more health issues! It's time to get serious. If you are anything like me, you have said these things over and over again to yourself.  Then you find every excuse in the world to make bad and unhealthy choices. Then you kick yourself later for it. It sucks! 

Let's work together to get rid of this weight for good... forever! 

DietBet has approached me about hosting another DietBet on September 15th.  I have done these before and they work.  It's a chance to bet on yourself. I know that I can lose weight so I am betting $25 that I will! 

Here's how it works:

Join here: https://www.dietbetter.com/games/48713

Everyone who joins pays $25. We will have to lose 4% of our body weight in a month. When we win, we will split the pot with the other winners in our bet. I usually win and when I do, I get my money back, along with some extra (a lot of times my money was doubled.)  DietBet is very good about ensuring people aren't cheating too.  Don't worry! 

This is Kate. She joined her first DietBet with me. She did it! She is still looking fabulous too! She is a good friend of mine! 

It's so easy! I will be using MyFitnessPal.com to help track my eating.  I have found that if I don't track it, I won't eat right.  Please feel free to join me there. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ArtzeFartze  

I am honest and real. When I cheat, you will know it.  I have EVERY reason not to cheat though. I am ready to be "me" again. 

You can read more about DietBet here: How it works or DietBet: A successful weight loss helper  

There are so many reasons to join, but you should also join so you have a chance to win a Polar Loop Activity Tracker.  http://www.amazon.com/Polar-90052534-Loop-Activity-Tracker/dp/B00FEQ6TVO

Here is my review of the Polar Loop on Amazon.com and I stand behind it completely! 

I did a lot of research on this product before I got it. I previously had a different activity tracker. The Polar LOOP does so much more than any of the other products I researched. Once it arrived, it didn't disappoint. I am impressed by the simplicity of the syncing. It displays a graph of how long I slept, how long I was active and even how long I sat.

I love that I can press the button to see how many steps I have taken, how many calories I have burned and my activity level. It also displays the time which is a great feature and very different from other trackers.

My burn increases. I do wear a FT60 so I plan on wearing them both together to compare data. But even without the H7 it is easy-

Determining the Loop size was so simple. I was a little nervous about setting it up, but there was no issue.

I am a teacher and all of my students think it looks super cool as well.

The Loop would be a great gift for anyone who wants to be more active or is already active. Polar is such a great company with THE best customer service!

Give me your BEST weight loss tip! We need all the advice that we can get. If you would like to be featured on my blog with your success story, please email mindy@mindysfitnessjourney.com

Featured Blogger: Susan... The Foodette

Happy Sunday! Meet Susan... 

Name: Susan

State: TEXAS!

When and why did you start working out?

before

I played soccer and danced in middle/high school. In college I knew I was gaining weight, but I kept telling myself that it was only a little. I would visit my apartment gym maybe once a week and do light elliptical for 30 minutes. It was not enough. When I saw my graduation pictures I was mortified. I was so embarrassed to send them out. I started running with my dog (letting her pull me for as long as I could take it) and eventually started lifting weights and converted to a low carb/low calorie lifestyle. I started my blog to track and share my healthy meals. A year after I started, I had shed 20 pounds and run my first half marathon!

What is your workout of choice?

I like boot camp style workouts. I like a variety and a challenge!

after

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD? 
Run for the Water is my favorite race here in Austin, it's a challenging 10miler for an amazing cause-- my favorite distance, however, is the 10k.

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear? My Moving Comfort Sports Bra!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts? 
higher protein, lower carb meals- no carbs at dinner. I try to eat tons of fruits and veggies every day!

What is your favorite cheat food?
ice cream, chocolate, creamy jalepeno dip and chips, oh was I supposed to list just one? I'm a food blogger!

What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Starting is the hardest part. Rome wasn't built in a day, but part of it was! Keep going!

What is your best workout memory?
Finishing my first half marathon. I cried. It hurt, but it felt SO GOOD.

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?
FitBloggin 2014, & a Disney Princess Half Marathon!

Tell us something that not many people know about you?

M&M Cookie Pie.... you may have pinned it. Yea, that's my recipe. :-)

We can connect with you:

Blog: www.thefoodette.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoodette

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFoodette

Pinterest: pinterest.com/soozind

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoodette

I loved learning about you! You need to go to FitBloggin for sure! We had such a great time, and I learned so much. It's a must!  Thank you for sharing! 

Update on My Crazy Life!

The first thing I need to say is Thank you to all of the veterans out there. We are so blessed for all that you and your family sacrifice. I pray for you every single day and thank you! God Bless! 

Thanks to https://www.facebook.com/FunnyCopImages
for this picture. Thank you Sarah for finding it.

It has been over 2 weeks since my last post. I have had so much happening, and I have started to get anxiety about getting back into writing. I feel a little overwhelmed by everything going on in my life.
I am super busy at work, and I haven't gotten to the gym yet, so I worried that I wouldn't have much to tell you. Then I realized that I need to just write... so here goes!

I am ready to get back into a routine. This past month and a half has been really tough with the stress of wondering if there was something seriously wrong with me or if I would have to have surgery over my medical issues. Things are looking good!

I am hoping to get back to the gym this week. I have done some walks, and this week, I plan to do some jogging. I look forward to it! Gosh, I miss it!

I am so ready to get back to this with my cleaning assistant :) 

What is your plan for the week? Are you training for something?

Meet My Friend Kat!

This week's featured blogger is someone I met about a year ago. She and I connected before I knew any bloggers in person. My first impression of Kat was that this girl was beautiful. She is super fit and kind on the inside as well. I think I just assumed that she was one of those people who was just naturally fit. I was shocked to find out that Kat has worked really hard to get where she is and nothing comes easily. I think it was an eye opener for me in the fitness blogging world. All of us have a story. You need to check out Kat's. She is truly inspirational!

I almost forgot too... Kat is participating in the Marine Corp Marathon this weekend! Good Luck girl!

Name: Katrina P

State: Florida

When and why did you start working out? 

Back in 2005 I started a fitness journey since I gained weight through college. However, I didn't do it the right way, hoping fat burners would do the trick. They did, but temporarily and with side effects. So, I began running in 2007 with 5ks and slowly built up to a half marathon that I did last year - 6 more after and now will do my first marathon at Marine Corps Marathon 10/27/13. Living a healthy and fit life helps you to ENJOY life that much more fully!

What is your workout of choice? 

Running or High Intensity Interval Training Circuits/Tabata

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD? 

My favorite race to date was the Disneyland Half marathon, race distance is the half marathon, and WOD - I attempted crossfit and didn't stick with it, I use various circuits when I strength train. My favorite exercise is the push press and the pushup knee-to-elbow

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear? 

Good sneakers!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?

I eat a mixed ratio of carbs/fat/protein. I aim for .80 g of protein per lb I weigh. I also eat tons of veggies and avoid starches if I can. Through marathon training my body's craved more of those starches and I don't fight it. After training is over, I'm attempting the Whole 30!

What is your favorite cheat food? 

Frozen yogurt

What advice would you give someone just starting out? 

Start slow and don't compare yourself to anyone but yourself! Set attainable goals that you can achieve and focus on!

What is your best workout memory? 

Sub 2 hour finish at my first half marathon and again at half marathon #5

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST”item? 

Achieving the 6 half marathons in 6 months, To complete my first marathon, to compete in a figure competition one day!

Tell us something that not many people know about you? 

I'm slightly OCD - order makes me happy ;)

You can find Kat at:

Blog: http://www.katrinaelle.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatrinaElleP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinaelle

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katrinaellep

Instagram: http://instagram.com/katrinaellep

#Rethinkyourday and Win a limited Edition Polar Shirt

Have you ever had to change your plans? Adjust your goals?

RETHINK YOUR DAY???

Two weeks ago, I finally admitted that something was going on with my health, and I went to the doctor. I had been having some female issues for the last month, and things were not going away on their own. With a history of ovarian cancer in my family, I knew I couldn't wait. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be cancer! YAY! I do have a cyst and a whole bunch of fibroid tumors, but thank God for no cancer. These things are, however, causing me a lot of pain and some other issues. As a result, I am "benched." Yep, that means no working out. I am able to go for short, easy walks, but no heavy lifting and no running. Well, as someone who is still trying to lose weight, this is awful news!


So now I have to Rethink my Day... everyday. I decided to come up with some ideas that will help me stay healthy without exercise.

Ten Easy Things You Can Do when Exercising is not possible

1. While watching TV...  stretch. Just because you can't workout, doesn't mean you can't work on your flexibility.

2. Keep a bottle of water within reach all day. The more water, the less cravings. (As an emotional eater, and this whole thing is emotional. The more water I have, the less I feel like eating. This is also good because then I get more "short, easy walks" to the bathroom! See, this is me being optimistic!)

3. Track what you are eating. (I need to write down every morsel of food I eat throughout the day so that I can be sure to stay true to my goals.)

4. After tracking all day, it is important to reflect on it. (I have picked out a journal where I will write and reflect on my day.)

5. Exercising has always helped people relieve stress, and when you cannot do that, you need a new way to let go. Sit quietly for 10 minutes every day. That means no TV, no social media, nothing! (I am not going to call it meditating because I don't really know how to do that. I am betting this is something similar.)

6. Get more sleep! You need to make sure that you get at least 8 hours a night. (I will journal about this as well. I look forward to getting a Polar Loop to help with this.)

7. Explore more recipes in the kitchen. (I am not a cook, but now that I have more time, I will try some new things.)

8. Don't sit longer than 30 minutes. (Sometimes my pain is too bad to walk, but this is my goal.)

9. Get outside. Fresh air does amazing things for stress!

10. Stare longingly at your medal rack and yearn for the day when you are  healthy and ready to "play" again! (One thing I know is that I miss exercise. I will be ready to be very serious about my workout plans! No more excuses)


What positive changes are you making in your life to 

achieve better balance and health? Tag your 

photos/posts/tips showing how you #rethinkyourday 

with the #rethinkyourday hashtag.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Who wants to win this limited edition Polar Tech Shirt? I only have one and it's a medium. You cannot buy this shirt anywhere! Fill out the Rafflecopter below! I am also giving away a second and third prize too. You can win a Polar tee or a Polar Water Bottle.

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I am also giving away a copy of Eli Sapharti's new book. Check out the giveaway here. He went from Fat Boy to Fit Man! From 300 lbs to 180... Check it out!

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From Fat Boy to Fit Man: A "One Step at a Time" Story of Success Book Review and Giveaway

photo from Eli's facebook page

I have been following Eli Sapharti on facebook since I started working out almost two years ago. Eli's story has been a huge motivator.  I remember when he made his first comment on my page, Mindy's Fitness Journey, I couldn't believe it. I was thrilled.  Here's a man who has done it, and he looks GREAT!!! And he was supporting me on my journey! 

photo from Eli's facebook page

After hearing that he wrote this book, I knew I had to have it. When I was asked to review it and give a copy away, I couldn't wait. I love the title of this book. From Fat Boy to Fit Man: A "One Step at a Time" Story of Success  This One Step at a Time is a program that will help you achieve a happy and healthy life. 


What stood out to me most was that losing weight is not something that you just say, "I want to lose weight," and POOF, you lose weight. We all know that. Well, Eli has a one step at a time approach. The first thing he gave up was soda. That was it. Only he meant absolutely NO SODA! No cheating... I love it.  He gave up things, but he did it in a manageable way. 

He is now sharing his secret with us! How did he lose 120 lbs? Read this book to find out.

Photo from Eli's facebook page

Eli's bio on his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FatBoyFitMan
  says the following:


In 2008 I had ballooned to almost 300 lbs standing at 6' and my body fat percentage was well over 40%. My blood pressure was elevated, I felt tired all the time, if I walked a flight of steps I would lose my breath, my joints were hurting, and I was always getting some type of flu or cold. 

Around March of 2008, shortly before the end of an almost 18 year marriage, I had what many would call an epiphany. One day I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't believe how unhealthy and just plain FAT I had allowed myself to get. At that moment I knew I had to do something to change this downward spiral. As I thought about past attempts to lose weight I realized that the "quick fixes" and fad diets I had tried, although successful short term, were not going to work if I wanted to make LIFE-LONG changes. That is when I decided to try a different approach and came up with my "One Step at a Time" principles and approach to weight loss. Small, consistent changes allowed me to achieve the body I have today. 180 POUNDS with 10% body fat. I am also an avid runner having finished FOUR Half Marathons with a personal record of 1:46. I have also run countless 5K and 10Kraces my last 10K in 46:43 and my last 5K in 22.01. Both being my personal best times. My drive and passion today is in helping inspire, motivate and teach others how to achieve fitness success too. I have had the privilege and honor of being able to spread my message to the masses. In 2012 I was featured in People Magazine, Inside Edition, Extra, AOL.com, The Huffington Post and the Emmy Award winning show, The Doctors. 

Want to win a signed copy of Eli's book? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gingermantra: Featured Blogger and Win a Polar Heart Rate Monitor

I have this beautiful friend that I was lucky enough to meet in real life in June. Her name is Tammy and she runs a blog called Gingermantra. She is a feisty red head and a true, good-hearted woman that I am proud to call my friend. You have to meet her! I cannot wait to see her in November for the Women's Half Marathon in St. Pete, FL.

Meet Tammy Means from  Florida

When and why did you start working out?  I was a tomboy growing up.  I loved the outdoors and camping out (primitive camping) at a very young age.  It was the classic childhood of you don't come inside until it is dark or dinner is ready.  I spent my days running and on my bicycle.  After 3rd grade my Mom put me in a summer camp where I grew to love softball which I played through high school and in a few adult leagues after that.  I also dabbled in running in high school, but never fully committed to it as my sport of choice since I was also a volleyball player.  After turning 25 I found myself in the rut of my mid twenties on the slide to 30 and I had gotten out of shape, so I joined a gym and began working out and taking aerobics classes 6 days a week.  In between workouts I would hit the treadmill for 6 miles every day.  Then after turning 35 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and found myself right back at the threshold of needing to get back into better shape.  I began working out at a gym and then took several months of bootcamp classes and then a long time friend reunited me with my love of running I had found in my mid twenties and I have never looked back.

What is your workout of choice?  I'm a runner as my main sport of choice but I also cross-train with mountain biking with my husband and weight training in the gym.

What is your favorite race, race distance, or WOD?  I love the half marathon distance. 

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear?  Oh for me, the runner, it's all about the shoes!  For many years I was a Nike girl, but last year I was introduced to Mizuno's line of running shoes and have trained and raced with them ever since.  When I run I have an odd foot plant which makes me supinate (land on the outsides of my heels instead of neutral or inward) and if I do not have the proper shoe or foot bed in my running shoe it makes my legs fatigue much faster.  I know a lot of people would say a certain brand of clothing or maybe their favorite piece of equipment, but for me it's all about the shoes!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?  I don't follow what society calls the traditional version of "diet" but I am a newbie vegetarian, about 2 months now.  I do not eat dairy at all and I only consume meat once a week if at all, but must know where it came from and how it was raised.  My requirement for all food I eat is that it is hormone free and pesticide free and I do not eat fast food or traditional processed food items.

What is your favorite cheat food?  Post race I love a great burger, grilled grass-fed beef with just mustard and ketchup and a side of sweet potato fries.  It's a race day tradition and sometimes I throw in french fries if sweet potato fries are not an option. 

What advice would you give someone just starting out?  Never ever compare your beginning to someone else's middle.  Never concentrate on the number on the scale either, get full measurements and track your progress with body fat tests and other health assessments.  Getting healthy takes time and it never happens over night, even if we wish with all the wishes we could have that it would.  Getting on track to being a healthier version of you requires dedication and focus, but even more than that it requires that you identify triggers that you have.  Whether it be an emotional state of mind that you must overcome that keeps driving you to quit or if it is finding the right workout for you to see the results you want, you have to sometimes step outside the box and try different workouts and routines.  I'm a morning workout person.  I love to get my runs in at 5:30 am and on cross-training days, you will find my husband and I in the gym by 5:00 am.  We love to spend our Saturday mornings on the mountain bike trail for a quickie 7 or 10 mile ride to clear our heads and get away from the hustle and bustle of the week.  It's all about finding what works for you.

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?  Oh I have so many, I don't think I could chose just one!  I would love to run the New York City Marathon and I would also love to run Chicago.  I have a list of things I want to accomplish before I turn 41 and one of the biggies is going sky diving (tandem of course), though I have yet to find anyone that would join me in this adventure.

Tell us something that not many people know about you?  When I was a little girl in 2nd grade I struggled with a learning disability.  It was something that I wished to overcome and knew that I could with hard work.  I decided to put all my focus on what it would take to develop past this issue and to make sure I always challenged myself to work harder and do better and be a better student.  I think a lot of what I pushed myself through with those insecurities and also as a little ginger child helped me get where I am today.  I believe to be successful you must work hard, inspire others, always be encouraging and above all remain humble.  "People may not remember your face but they will remember how you made them feel"

We can connect with you:

Blog:  http://gingermantra.com

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/gingermantra

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/gingermantra

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/gingermantra

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/gingermantra

Win a Polar Heart Rate Monitor! 

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Review and Giveaway! MostFit™ Suspension Strap

Update: Winner is Summer Irby
Are you looking for an easy, affordable and compact way to stay fit without leaving the house or when you are traveling? I recently had the opportunity to try MostFit suspension straps and loved them. I have done TRX workouts in the past and really enjoyed doing them. When the Mom Power Team asked me if I would like to review this, I was so excited! I love that this company's  mission is to "be the MostFit you can be! Anytime. Anywhere!

It was actually the perfect day to try them because I couldn't get to my CrossFit box because my son wasn't feeling well. No excuses right? So I set up my MostFit™ Suspension Strap and got to work. I first found my friend, Dani Get Your Gunz's workout using these. I am not a personal trainer, so I wanted to make sure that I got the best workout I could! (You need to go check out her blog! Amazing! http://danigeturgunz.com/)

All you have to do is use your body weight. It will give you a complete workout. There are over 100 different exercises. (push ups, squats, knee tucks, bicep curls, rows, and many others)

Bryce even joined in on the fun! 

MostFit offers health benefits you likely never would expect! As you get stronger your body will not fatigue as easy, and your muscles will protect your joints from injury and build better balance. Regular resistance training can help improve attention and reduce the symptoms of many chronic conditions.

To install:

1. Place tube over a solid, sturdy door that closes toward you.
2. Close the door and lock if available.
3. You are done! It's that easy! 

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Don't forget to enter my Spartan Race Entry giveaway too! http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/08/want-to-be-spartan-try-spartan-race.html

Have you ever done a suspension strap workout? What is your favorite exercise?


Disclosure: This product was given to me to test out and review. All opinions are my own.