New Years Resolutions are NOT over yet! And eating on the go with #Atkins

Here I am a month into this diet and I am down 14 lbs. I am pretty pleased with that weight loss thus far. I know that I can be stricter as well, so I am looking forward to staying true to the diet this month. Not only will I be trying to keep at it, but I have also joined a DietBet to help. I can win money if I lose 4% of my body weight for the month. I WILL LOSE WEIGHT IN DECEMBER!!!! No excuses! You can join here: http://www.dietbetter.com/games/54225
Diets are tough because they take planning. I've said it before and I will say it again... I don't plan! I fail at planning every single time! Atkins allows me to be unplanned easily. I can always stop by the store and grab a box of their Blueberry Greek Yogurt Bars and keep them in my office or even my car. Simple and easy! And DELISH~

Atkins has a total of 24 different varieties of snacks and meal bars. There is definitely something for everyone. The Blueberry greek yogurt bars are my favorite! And lately my job has been so busy that I don't have time to stop and eat. This is a great way to get the healthy eating I need in very little time. There is enough protein and fiber to keep me going through the rest of the day without feeling hungry.
So as I begin this December, I know that I won't let the holidays stop me from being healthy. I know that I can avoid the cookies and candies by staying full and keeping my water nearby!
How do you avoid the holiday craziness in your diet? Please comment below!~ I need your advice! Let's help each other!
Follow along with Atkins on their social media channels:
https://www.facebook.com/Atkinsdiet
https://twitter.com/atkinsinsider
http://wwww.pinterest.com/atkinsinsider
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.

My non-resolutions for 2014

My non-resolutions for 2014!

Yes, this year is my year. I am going to be 40 in May... oh my, yes, I said 40. I plan to be fabulous at 40! In order to be fabulous, I have some changes to make. I got derailed from some of my goals in 2013 and it's time to claim my life again. No more excuses! 

Cook for myself 4-5 days a week:
I am a horrible planner, so I am not going to be making food prepping goals yet, but I will cook for my family 5 nights a week unless there is a school or sporting event that gets in the way of this.

Get out of Debt:
I will budget monthly. Each month I will have cash that I am allowed to spend on gas, groceries and fun. I will save money each month and use it to pay off debt. Any extra money from jobs will go in savings for an emergency.

Get to the Gym or get a run in 5 times a week:
There is really no excuse for not doing this. I will do this and I will post about those workouts to keep myself accountable.


What are you goals? Do you set goals or make resolutions??

Don't Wait for New Years to Lose Weight! Join Me!

Every year I say, "This is the year!" I did the same thing this year. This is the year that I am finally going to shed this weight and be myself again. Well, we are 2 months away from 2014 and I have some work to do. Who wants to join me? I am not selling anything, and I am not promising some magic pill. Gosh do I wish I was. It would be a lot easier to take a pill than do actually do this work, but I know from experience that that magic doesn't exist.  I am hoping for some good honest work along with a little push from my friends!  

Join my DietBet! http://www.dietbetter.com/games/24743
All you have to do is invest $25 in yourself. You WILL win that money back, plus a little extra because you will lose weight. You will prove that you can do it. We will be celebrating this new year in style and with a little cash in our pockets! 

Want to know how DietBet works? Click here: http://www.dietbetter.com/how-it-works

 I plan to track my meals on myfitnesspal and wear my calorie counter and sleep tracker (I currently use Jawbone but I will be getting a Polar Loop soon.) I want to feature some people who are having success in their weight loss journey, and introduce you to other who are working hard to lose weight! There is a DietBet support group on facebook. We will use it to share workouts, get support and maybe even talk a little smack! You can request to join by clicking this link: http://www.dietbetter.com/how-it-works

For A Chance To WIN A $65.90 Value Fruit Basket, Come Join The Instagram #Octogram #Parkesdale Photo Challenge! See our October Instagram Challenge: Here!


And if you want to win a pair of Skora Running shoes, click this link:
http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2013/09/skora-running-review-and-giveaway.html

A successful weight loss helper: The DietBet

As you all know, I have been running DietBets for the past few months! They have been extremely successful. This DietBet is still open for joining, and we would love to have you join. It's $25 to enter. I have a support page on facebook, and this month I decided to feature one participant a week on my blog. Sign up here: http://www.dietbet.com/games/19977

This week I am featuring Melisha Murray. She was the first to email me and she said, "Mindy, Thanks for letting me share, I totally love your blog, instagram and your diet bets!  Your blog is one of the ones that inspired me to finally get up and start moving. Thanks so much for all the work you put into helping people live healthier lives :)"  I asked her a few questions, and here are her responses! Enjoy! 

You can follow Melisha's journey at Melisha Murray Fitness.

1. How many DietBets have you done?

I have been doing DietBets since April and have squeezed in 7 so far.  The past 4 have been with Mindy's Fitness Journey and I love that she has the extra support on the Facebook group! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/546796248675207/)

2. Why did you decide to do a DietBet?

I heard about DietBet on a blog and was already on my weight loss journey and figured, "Hey if I'm going to lose weight anyways why not add a little incentive."  I needed accountability and support and knew this would be a great motivator.  I'm super frugal so that 25 dollars isn't worth that froyo or that donut so that definitely is a powerful motivator for me.  

3. Have you won money?

I have won 6 DietBets and I WILL win this 7th one too ;) its been between 40-50 dollars each time but I pay the $25 to get started.  I've stopped rewarding myself with food and instead my dietbet winnings are my reward.

4. What is working for you in DietBet?

The extra accountability and motivation really works for me and keeps me going strong!  I post my workouts, food and diet bet weigh ins on Facebook and I was so surprised to see how much support is out there, its absolutely incredible.  It was so scary to post that first thing but now it keeps me accountable and people notice if I don't post a sweaty workout pic.  

5.  What is one thing you struggle with in your healthy journey?

I struggle with getting and staying motivated and not backsliding in between bets.  I've lost 40 lbs since February and have  more to go.  Now that I'm starting to fit in cute clothes again, I've started getting comfortable so its a struggle to stay on track.  My goal isn't only weight loss and sometimes I forget that, so I really have to redefine my goals OFTEN to stay on track.

6. What is your advice to someone who has just joined a DietBet for the first time?  

Don't do it alone, at the very beginning of my journey I connected with an amazing fitness fanatic named Jen.  I didn't know her before I started but we committed to  check in everyday, msg'd sweaty pics, food pics, and motivation.  Being able to share your struggles and have someone who truly understands and who's been there is amazing.  She has become one of my greatest friends and virtual workout partners.  The great thing about diet bet is you are in a community of other people that are working toward the same goals as you.  Reach out and I think you'll be surprised what you get out of it.     

Have fun and make it a lifestyle, Between DietBets, I don't change anything, I still eat super clean and do my workouts. You'll be a lot happier if you don't have to start over every 30 days or so.  I see a lot of people on the message boards panicking in the last week doing unhealthy extreme stuff to get the weight off for the weigh in.  If you start off strong and finish stronger you'll be a ton more successful and you'll feel amazing and be proud of your accomplishment :)  Just try it and you'll be hooked! 

This is great advice! Thank you so much for sharing! Make sure you check out the DietBet if you want to make money and lose weight while you do it!  http://www.dietbet.com/games/19977