Thursday

Insurance Shopping for Health Care... It's not easy!

disclosure: This post is sponsored by United Healthcare but all opinions are my own. 

Insurance shopping can be EXTREMELY stressful, but this go around, I am learning that it doesn't have to be.

UnitedHealthCare is making it as easy as 1-2-3. Here is some help with open enrollment.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Affordable Care Act or ACA, but I’m not sure how much you know about it. In the simplest terms, the ACA helps more people get quality and affordable health insurance. It gives people the consistency and flexibility to make informed choices about their health care in ways they’ve never had before.

Did you know that almost 87% of health insurance applicants were eligible to receive a discount last year? Many are not aware of the money they can save by knowing just a little more about health insurance. I will be providing tools and assistance to make finding the right health insurance as simple and easy as possible. I want to help you learn more about this campaign and how it might help you.

The more you know about the Affordable Care Act, the better prepared you'll be to make smart decisions about your coverage. First,learn about what has changed in health care. The ACA has raised the Medicaid limits in some states so more are eligible and is offering subsidies to eligible income levels above medicaid but still in the realm of struggling. See what open enrollment is all about and why it matters to you. Essentially, you need to use the time of open enrollment to get the proper health plan bought and set for your family. Find a plan between Nov 15 and Feb 15 to have coverage from the marketplace in 2015.


There are certain qualifying events that allow you to use a special enrollment period. The exchanges or the marketplace is a website that allows you to compare plans from a variety of providers much like Travelocity. This website will be either the government Healthcare.gov website or your state’s individual marketplace website.




So, you are discovering all of this new information about health care and what’s involved in the shopping process, but it’s only fair that you should know how to get the most out of your health care plan. Costs within health care can be daunting. Check your deductible and out-of-pockets on a regular basis to stay ahead. When deciding on a plan, look for value ads provided by the company such as nurse lines, apps, and health club discounts too! Also, make sure to ask you Doctor how much medical tests will cost and if there are less costly alternatives.

Best of luck in this process. I hope this helps to make things a little easier. For me, Health insurance shopping has been really important. I left my job in May and had to shop for insurance. I didn't do my homework and relied on someone else to find my plan. I got a very inexpensive plan, but NONE of my doctors accepted my insurance, and the only people who did were 45 min. away. That was a problem. Especially when I broke my foot. It opened my eyes to being informed. At the end of the day, the only person who is going to check and double check things is me!

Before I even started shopping, I contacted my Gyn. That is my most important doctor because I have had health issues over the last year and ovarian cancer runs in my family. I called them and asked which plans they were going to accept. I made sure that I had an informed list from them. Then I called my primary care to ensure that they would accept the choices.  Now, I am informed and ready to find the best plan for my money. I am taking into account deductibles, prescription plans, and co-pay cost. It's a little scary, but I know that I am prepared for shopping this time. I hope you are too.

What is the biggest worry that you have about insurance?

#Win with ShowerPill and win a box of ShowerPill wipes!

Disclosure: ShowerPill gave me product to review and giveaway but all opinions are my own.

A couple years ago, I was introduced to a company called ShowerPill. First of all, I love the name. Wouldn't it be a time saver to take a magic pill that was a shower. (Even though I do enjoy a nice hot shower after a hard workout)  Although this product isn't a "pill," it is in fact a remedy. It's a great thing to have in your gym bag for a "runch" (running lunch) or a quick workout where you don't have time for a full shower.

The ShowerPill is "an antibacterial wipe for your body.  It is like wiping down with soap and water which leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized. One ShowerPill sport wipe cleans your entire body. It will save you time, decrease chance of skin infections, and keep you fresh and clean when a traditional shower is not possible.

-Extra thick like a washcloth

-Kills 99.99% of germs including Staph

-Aloe Vera & Vitamin E

-Quick dry solution, no sticky residue

-Light fresh scent

-Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Sensitive Skin

-Paraben & Alcohol FREE


Each individually wrapped towel fits conveniently into your gym bag.


Now you have a chance to win your own box of ShowerPill wipes... Tell me, what type of workout would you do that would need a ShowerPill? Don't forget to enter my other giveaways.

Enter to win a Polar Loop
http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-giveaway-win.html
Enter to win Kool'N Fit
http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/12/kooln-fit-spray-win.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday

Kool'n fit Spray! #Win!!!

Disclosure: Kool'N Fit was given to me to try and also to give away to my readers. All opinions are my own.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways! Don't forget to enter yesterday's Polar Loop giveaway here: POLAR LOOP fitness tracker

We all have those days when we are so so sore during a workout. I know I have. When it gets like this, we have to find a way to get through our workouts because it's just what we do. I was recently introduced to Kool'N Fit, by my good friend and fellow Polar Ambassador, Suzy. Suzy is an Ultrawoman... 
(Suzy's blog) You need to check it out. If anyone would know about sore muscles, it's Suzy! 

Kool'N fit is the best and only Performance Spray on the market. The original formula comes from Europe (Germany), was developed in the 1880's by German Pharmacist and has been in the same family ever since. Also it was marketed since the 1880's with exception during the 2 wars. In 1984 one of the family members came to CA and started the business here in the USA. In the meantime many of the NFL teams are our customers, thousands of athletes, from cycling to running and tri-Athlons, are using the product as an edge over their competition. It's an all natural none-ozone spray; 15 different herbal oils are compounded into a great solution, which works on contact. There is no need to rub it in. It will activate once it is absorbed, in about 1 minute's time and the overall effect of the product is 3.5 to 4 hours. It can be applied as many times as needed.
It is antispasmodic, relives cramps almost instantly, it increases blood flow by up to 31% under the area it is applied to*, and it's a pain relief. Applied before any activity it speeds up the warm up process, so that precious time is not used to warm up the muscles, used during longer runs to alleviate tightness and fatigue and provide the extra energy to finish, and after the events to allow the fast exchange of toxins, lactic acid to be replaced by fresh oxygenated blood, nutrients and cool soothing relief to the overworked muscles. That in turn allows for a faster and more complete recovery time. There is no animal testing done nor does the product contain any PEDs. That is why many Universities and Colleges use the product successfully in their athletic departments.


What intrigues me most about this is using it during a workout. I think back to my half marathon, and I wish I had this. It would have been great to be able to spray this for a quick boost to a sore or crampy muscle. You should try it! It really does help!!!

You are in luck! I am giving away 6 (4oz) bottles and 6 (100 spray) refillables to take along during a run.

What is the most difficult workout you do? Would this spray help you? And make sure you enter my other giveaways!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to win a Polar Loop
http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-giveaway-win.html
Enter to win a box of ShowerPill wipes
http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/12/win-with-showerpill-and-win-box-of.html

Sunday

12 Days of #Christmas #Giveaway! #win

Disclosure: Polar gave me a Polar Loop to give away, but all of my opinions are my own.


Yay!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! 


Yes, I mean it's holiday time, but even better than that, it's time for GIVEAWAYS!!!



The first giveaway for this year is a Polar Loop!!! 
I know that everyone is talking about getting an activity tracker these days and I agree that is it a must-have for this holiday season. But which one should you get? Well, it's obvious! Why not get one from the best in the business. Polar has been a leading developer of Heart Rate monitors for years.

The design is cool and now comes in colors other than black. (I have a black one, and now I am going to have top shop for a blue or black currant) I am loving the new colors! Sleek, sexy and stylish!!! My giveaway will be for a black currant loop.

How does it make you move? It tracks every step you make... it tracks your activity... and it tells you how many calories you burn. A unique feature that the Polar Loop has is that it will sync with a bluetooth unit and strap. Now you can have your daily activity and your heart rate during a workout all in one device! Too awesome! My son, my boyfriend and I all have one. We have had to go for late night walks in order to meet our daily goals, and doing it together certainly makes it more fun.  It is really simple to set up, and it charges by connected to a computer or an outlet. It will also sync to your smart phone.  One thing that I really love is seeing how I am sleeping. I know that sleep is an area where I need help, and this tracker keeps me aware of how much sleep I am getting a night and what type of sleep I am getting. 
So, it's time... Enter for a chance to win your very own Polar Loop (Black currant)

And tell me... What activities do you do to keep active during the holidays? 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday

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.

Friday

On the go with #Atkins

My Atkins update! What to do when planning fails!
I am notorious for diet planning fails. I don't plan well. I just don't. I have tried everything from even hiring a trainer to help me plan my meals. I am a single mom and busy Realtor and meal planning is where I drop the ball. For all of you who want to jump through the screen and shake me to tell me how important this is, I KNOW! I know, I know, I know!!! There is a wall up that I can't seem to tear down! I am not a planner.
Well, Atkins makes frozen dinners. AND guess what??? They taste GREAT! The only planning you will have to do is, WHICH ONE?
Seriously, when Atkins sent me the first few flavors, I liked them, but thought that it made sense that they would send me the good ones to try. So I did some investigating on my own. I have had the Chicken Pot Pie, the beef Merlot, the Meatloaf with Portobello gravy, Mexican style chicken, and a really yummy pizza that will be coming out in December. They really are delicious! The Swedish meatballs today are my favorite, but they are all great. Perfect for someone who is on the go and didn't remember to pack a lunch!
I know that people are going to tell me that there is too much sodium or that's not the way to get healthy... you need to eat fresh food without preservatives. Here is my response. I understand that you want me to eat the way you do. I respect it. I have tried it and it doesn't work for me. I try that but then I get into a rush and I ruin my diet. This is a livable way for me to get healthy. And the research behind Atkins is here. It is real. This works. I am down 14 lbs since I first posted about Atkins. So, for me, it works! We have a huge problem in this country with carbs! It is estimated that 34 million Americans have metabolic syndrome. If left uncorrected it can lead to type 2 diabetes. 25 million people are affected by type 2 diabetes. I don't want to be one of them. I know that I have a problem with sugars, and I want to stop it here and now!
I also know that when I went in for blood tests with my doctor, he told me that I had higher triglycerides and lower "good" cholesterol. This comes from excessive carbohydrate intake. I have not eaten a tons of carbs in my life, but it shows me that I eat too many. This diet is perfect for me. I plan to get my blood tested again after a few months as well.
You can follow Atkins here:
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsDiet
o Twitter: https://twitter.com/atkinsinsider
o Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/atkinsinsider/
So, have you tried the Atkins diet? Have you done a low carbohydrate diet? Give me your advice... Tell me and my readers what works for you!
With Atkins
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.

Thursday

#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.