For Such a Time as This! Renew! #weightloss

RENEWAL! I have been waiting til I lost 30 lbs to write this.... 

AND TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

For years, I have had this sweet little blog that makes my heart happy, but I have ignored it for the past few years and tried to pretend that I was going to make changes.  I didn't.  And I kept trying and giving up.  

I got my chin back... 20 lbs gone

Last December, God put the word Surrender on my heart.  I thought He wanted me to surrender my finances, my parenting, almost everything.  I didn't realize He wanted me to surrender my control and put it in His hands.

In October, I was doing a study on Esther using Beth Moore's book with an awesome group of ladies.

Something hit me... BIG!
"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" Esther 4:14

SUCH A TIME AS THIS!!!!

If Esther didn't act immediately, her people would die. She could have just buried her head in the sand and ignored what was happening to her people. She was doing alright.  She was the queen.  It wasn't a great life.  She hadn't even seen her king in 30 days.  Should she put her life on the line now? Her uncle, Mordecai, knew she had to. And when he says, "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" it spurs her to move forward.  She knows she may die.  She even says in Esther 4:16, "If I perish, I perish."  Wow!  Imagine having all that pressure to do something that you know is right but it could kill you, or knowing that your people WILL die if you don't. 

I realized that I make much easier decisions daily but still struggle with those decisions.  It seems that my stronghold this year and in the past few years has been my decision making.  Especially what decisions I am making concerning my health.  I will in no way compare this to the heroic decisions that Esther made, but I can learn something from what she did. 

I have gotten way too comfortable in my life. I feel like everything personal has been put on the back burner for me for a while now. I focus on work and being a mom and I even manage to fit in time with Jesus. But what about me? Oh, I do things for myself, but they aren't always healthy. Recently I read Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst, and I was convicted about how I crave food and treating myself to that food more than I crave God! Ouch! This is not something I am proud of.

I am mortified by the pic on the left. But there it is....
30 lbs down

A couple of months ago, at The Soul Sisters retreat in Tennessee.  One of the presenters talked about strongholds and how they cancel out our abilities to bear fruit. Wow... I know that I have an eating problem and it is affecting me on the inside, but I hadn't thought about how it was affecting my relationship with God and my ability to bear fruit.  

That was it, I just knew that I would lose a million pounds and give all the glory to God.  (I even saw my skinny self declaring it while I sat on the back of the convertible with my sash and crown waving to all that came to my "She's finally skinny parade" to celebrate this feat... Just kidding... kinda) I got back home and ran into the same thought process I always have, "I will do it... SOON."  I know I am not the only one who says this... soon... I will start monday, or on the first or in the new year....

About a week later,  I was woken up to a thought in the middle of the night. "Who knows! Could your word for the year, Surrender have been given to you for such a time as this!" It felt like it had been said specifically to me. I didn't hear a thunderous boom or a deep Morgan Freeman-like voice.  I just thought it. And I, FINALLY,  realized that NOW was the time. I don't have to be perfect but now, at this very moment, it was time.  I have always felt God would use my story for something, but I have never SURRENDERED control of this particular stronghold.  I have never given my cravings of food to God. I have never actually surrendered them. I would try to, but I would pick them up later in the McDonald's drive thru.  No more! I will do this! I will change my habits because I want to honor the Lord. That was Oct. 28th, 2019.

Esther did a whole lot more than what I have been doing with this past two weeks, and I am not trying to say I am anything like her.  But I know that in order to be who God wants me to be, I have to surrender this stronghold to God.  I have asked God to unsettle me and to remind me that the number on the scale doesn't define me. I also ask God to help me when it's time to make a food choice.  I have talked to Him a lot more in these last 2 months than I have in the past. Sometimes I have even painfully asked why those incredible cookies from Chicken Salad Chick can't be healthy!

He keeps reminding me of Ephesians 4:22-24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  

I have been asking people to pray for my "want to" in this journey over the last month, and it is SO VERY evident that people are! Some of you are, I know it.  And I am so grateful for your obedience. 

This growth has only come in the last few months and I pray deeply that I stay the course.  I know not everyone struggles with this issue, but I do hope it helps someone else. 

I would love to hear how you are going to enter 2020...  For me, my vision for 2020 is clear.... it's time for RENEWAL! I am ready to transform into who God wants me to be.

What is your word for 2020? Share it with me!

Why does it have to be so hard!!! #MadeToCrave Day 1

Seriously! Why? It wasn't always this hard... why now?
Have you ever asked any of those questions? I am really struggling with this. I need to get healthy and I have the urge to, but I am missing one big thing.... I am missing my WANT to.  The WANT to comes with really hard choices that don't pack a lot of fun. I mean, I know I need to, but ugh... it's too hard!

No makeup and short hair, yikes! 

I will confess it now... I am tired of saying, when I lose weight I will do this or that... oh I am not going to get a headshot done til I lose weight, I am not going to cut my hair til I lose weight, I am not going to put myself out there to meet someone special til I lose weight.... All of the things that have to wait until I lose weight to do.... That is dumb! That means I am waiting to live UNTIL I LOSE WEIGHT????  Well that is pretty sad.  This should be the motivation to get started!

So today, I cut my hair! Yup! Chopped! I cut off about 9 inches! It's a short bob now and well, it doesn't make my face look thinner but my hair does look much healthier than it did.  But now, I can't hide under all of that hair.  You can see my face... it's too, um, uh, full.... So this should be the motivation to get started too!

I just finished the book, Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst.  If you all don't know of Lysa Terkeurst, you need to check her out. I have read a number of her books and she is incredible! She also founded Proverbs 31.  In this book, she talks about craving God more than you crave anything else.  Wow! I love my time with God and I want to glorify Him in everything I do.  Hmmm... am I doing that with my self care? So this should be the motivation to get start too!

Well, tomorrow is the day! I am starting Day 1 of Made to Crave Devotional: 60 Days to Craving God, Not Food. 

So, I am asking the Lord tonight to Unsettle Me! I don't want to keep living the way I am living. I want to be a healthy, Godly woman who takes care of the body that she was given so that she can live a long and happy life, LIVING, rather than watching from the sidelines!



Would you like to join me? I am considering starting a Made to Crave group.  Let me know in the comments if you want to join me.

Back to the Drawing Board #FWTFL

I am here now and that's all that matters!

Well, it's been too long since my last blog.  Unfortunately, that means that I haven't had much to talk about in the health and fitness world.  I am not sure how it's gotten away from me, but it has. 

Rather than beating myself up about it, I am going to forgive myself and move on.  Thank you all for joining me on this new endeavor... the road to healthy living!

I have tried so many different weight loss plans over the years and failed.  I am the queen of verbal abuse to myself and comforting myself with food.  NO MORE! Not happening anymore!

I have been reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. You read more about it HERE: Atomic Habits on Amazon. He talks about how negative thoughts produce more negative thoughts and that we can have big goals, but that can cause disappointment.  The better plan is to change by 1%. Just be 1% better and then celebrate the victories! I love it.  I have always said, "I want to lose 50 lbs (or whatever)"  And then when I didn't lose it in 30 days, I would feel frustrated and want to quit.  NO MORE! I want to make small changes and see the difference.

I have decided to do the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® program. This program was created Amanda Tress and I have see HUGE changes in lives! Not just weight loss, rather in overall health. It's all about creating healthy habits.

This program begins on Monday. I am excited to get it going. I will be documenting this 6 week program here. My coach is Jordan Rothwell and she has made huge changes and looks incredible.  She feels great too!


You can learn more about it here. FASTer Way to Fat Loss  Today I am still working on understanding the program. I am very excited. It is a plan that I feel I can get on board easily! It makes complete sense too.  I have already started fasting. We do an intermittent fast daily.  I will be fasting every day from 7pm til 11 am.  This allows for the body to burn fat.  I am excited about it.  I have done it this week and believe it or not, it isn't that hard.  When I really wanted to eat something the other night, I just went to bed.  LOL... worked perfectly!

I cannot wait to get started and I will be sharing the journey! Have you ever heard about this program? Do you know anything about it?

Getting the Pounds Off easily with the Body Fat Smart Scale #Giveaway

As most of you know, weight gain is a constant struggle. I fell off the wagon for a while and I let my weight creep back up to a new high for me. I am embarrassed and ashamed, but no more! 4 weeks ago I stepped into Weight Watchers and have begun my journey again!

Weight loss is never easy and we all hate that dreaded scale, until we see magic happen. Those numbers go down! And now it's fun to get on that scale to see my progress! 

About a year ago, I was sent a Body Fat Smart Scale. I used it and I thought that I would review it as I lost weight. Well, that wasn't happening, so it began to collect dust. 4 weeks ago I wiped off that dust and decided to give it a try!

What makes the Body Fat Smart Scale unique is that it measures weight, calculates body fat, muscle mass and body water. There is a daily calorie feature which calculates maximum calorie intake needed to maintain weight. It uses the latest Bluetooth® technolgy to then transfer you data to your smart phone or tablet. 

There is an app and you can trasmit data to your favorite fitness apps including Mapmyfitness, MyFitnessPal, or RunKeeper. The SmarTrack app allows you to share data via email, twitter and facebook. 

The Smart Scale reinforces the belief that weight management is not a quick fix, rather a long term commitment to a healthy lifestyle. 

Regularly priced, this scale is $59.95, but right now it's on sale at Amazon for $49.95.

This scale has a sleek look, and definitely helped me get on track with my weightloss. It was so easy. I downloaded the app from Google Play and created an account. It easily connects to your scale. Once the scale pops up on your screen, you simply click on it. 

You set your height, weight, activity level and weight preferences all from your phone. Now you are able to keep track of your weight (it even tracks it for you) and no more writing things down! 

So if you are looking for an easy way to get your health under control, I highly recommend this scale. It's done great things for me!

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Giveaway

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#Atkins Milkshakes! Saving breaking and helping meet New Years Resolutions!

For years, all I hear is people telling me how important it is to eat a healthy breakfast. And I know it to be true... However... I don't do it daily like I should. I am always running late and grabbing something quick rather than well balanced. I know that this causes cravings and it doesn't give me the fuel I need to get through the day. I know all of this. But I still struggle.

Atkins offers milkshakes now as meal replacements. This is so great for someone like me. No matter how organized I am, I am still managing to run out the door in the morning. That is why I am IN LOVE with Atkins shakes.

The delicious Atkins shakes offer 8 flavors which are an optimal low-sugar mix of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Perfect for a light breakfast on the go or when you are craving a late afternoon sweet snack.
It is my New Year's resolution to take better care of myself, and that is just what I am doing with Atkins. I have lost 18 lbs so far, and I am going to continue losing til I have no more to lose and I feel great!

In October, I spent a week on the plan and did really well. After the holidays, I do need a bit of a jump start, so I am going back to week one. I am going to flip my body's metabolic switch again. I need to get back on track and make 2015 the healthiest year of my life!

Atkins Avantage Dark Chocolate Royale shake
-1 gm of sugar
-160 calories
-only 2g Net Carbs
-15g protein





This product can be used in all phases of the Atkins Diet.
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.

#Atkins 40: A Way of Life, not a diet!

My Goals for losing weight on the Atkins 40 Plan. Here's what I want to learn...
• The difference between good carbs and bad carbs
• How to eliminate added sugars
• How to incorporate healthy fats
• How easy it is to adapt to a low carb lifestyle
• How to lose weight, feel great, while enjoying healthy delicious foods with a wide range of food choices.
You all know that I needed a "kick start" for my diet. Things were just not working for me. I needed to "shift (my) body from burning primarily carbs to burning primarily fat, kick-starting weight loss." It's been a week since I began the Atkins plan.
I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I consume no more than 20 net carbs a day. (range is 18-22) I have to watch for hidden carbs. Especially when going to a restaurant... I have to pay attention. I am learning to ask a lot of questions. I used to be afraid to "bother" the server, but now I just explain that I am trying REALLY hard to be healthy. Here is the list of foods I can eat on this diet. http://www.atkins.com/Program/Phase-1//What-You-Can-Eat-in-this-phase.aspx
I am going to stay with Phase 1 until next week when I travel to Houston for an event. Then I am going to move onto Phase 2, the balancing phase.
Here are some things that surprised me so far:
1. I get to eat more calories. I have tried VERY hard to lose weight and every time I do, I cut my calories to around 1200 a day. With Atkins I can have 1500-1800 calories. That is almost 25% higher than my normal diet! HOLY COW! I was thrilled... No being hungry. And I wasn't... I haven't been.

2. Good carbs are welcome! I was under the impression that I should AVOID carbs at all costs! CARBS=BAD I was pleasantly surprised that I could eat vegetables. I will confess that I don't eat a ton of veggies, but I love broccoli and I could eat it for every meal. I also love Edamame. My son and I are addicted to it... Atkins actually recommends more veggies than the recommended amount from USDA. Yay! So there are no worries that you aren't doing something that isn't a way of life!
3. Atkins is not just, "Hey let's eat red meat and cheese all day!" There are healthy fats and unhealthy fats. Avacado, Olive Oil, Nuts, Dairy, and Greek Yogurt are our friends! We need to eat those fats to be healthy!
Here are a list of truths and myths about the Atkins plan. Click here: https://www.atkins.com/library/truths---myths.aspx
The biggest myth is.... (photo from theblaze.com)

Have you tried the Atkins 40 plan? What is stopping you?
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.

Almost 9,000 lbs lost, Reebok #Giveaway, and Polar Loop Giveaway

Want to win a pair of CrossFit Nano 4.0 shoes? How about a Polar Loop?  Read on to see how you can.

Don't we all want this? Let's do it!

Over the last year, I have been hosting DietBets. The participants and I have lost almost 9,000 lbs this last year. Can you believe that??? 9,000 lbs!!! Wow!

My newest DietBet starts this week. You can begin weighing in now, and the bet begins tomorrow, but you have the next two weeks to join us.  One winner will receive a Polar Loop activity tracker.  All of the winners will split the pot. Tell your friends. Right now there are only 6 people signed up for the bet so your odds are really good! Head over to https://www.dietbetter.com/games/48713 right now to get signed up.  This is the first of 3 months of DietBet that I am doing to get myself in gear! If you want to lose weight, you want to join this bet!!! Your weight is private. None of the participants nor I will know your weight. 

I am also giving away a pair of CrossFit Reebok Nano 4.0.  These shoes are great for CrossFit, but they are great for weight training as well.  I love mine. You can read my review here: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/08/back-at-it-and-ready-to-feel-good-in-my.html 

Are you drooling yet!!!

Now's your chance. Enter below!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell me if you have ever joined a DietBet? Would you? Why or why not?

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! 

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

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

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