My Journey Towards a Better Me

If you've been following 4BabyAndMom for any amount of time, you've probably read about my struggles with weight, and know that I'm a plus sized mom. Despite of my size, I still see myself as a "Healthy Mom". Yes, I may not look as cute in spandex and sweat bands as my super-thin-model-esque sister, but I take pride in knowing that I eat well rounded meals, drink a ton of water and exercise- in some way, shape, or form- every day. No matter what I seem to do, losing weight is always a struggle for me.

I love myself, but I do struggle with knowing that I once wore a very small size, with no big ol' belly or cellulite. I think it's important for women everywhere to know that you can still live a healthy life style, and make healthy choices, without being a size 8. With all of the media hype on super-skinny Hollywood celebrities, I try to impart to my kids that you should be comfortable in your skin, no matter what your size or shape is. They know as long as they feed their bodies "the good stuff", it will continue to grow and develop the way it should. I'm proud to say my kids eat almost everything- from salmon, to nuts, to berries, to veggies.

I'm in another wedding this October, and my biggest fear came true. The dress my best friend chose didn't come in my size. The largest size that they carried was four inches too small on my natural waist line. I bought it, with the hope that I could drop the weight, and if not, (as the sales lady assured me), we could buy extra fabric and add it to the dress. (Did I mention the average size of the Bridal Party is a size 8?) I was devastated.

I took that bit of news- either rebuild a dress or lose at least 4 inches- and used it for motivation. I went to a local store and stocked up on some vitamin supplements. I knew I was eating healthy, but I was concerned I wasn't getting 100% of my full amount of daily vitamins. After being introduced to SAM-e supplements last year, I started taking them during my stressful times of the month, so I researched and started taking a daily multi-vitamin to help meet any of my daily requirements that I might be coming up short on. I also bought some CoQ10 to help with my energy, and some Vitamin D. I had from February until October to fit in this dress, and by God, I would!

I eat healthy choices, grilled seafood or fish, dinners that are mostly home-made; I'm a busy mom on the go, but I still take pride in eating a more balanced diet than most of the families I know. We eat veggies, we eat whole grains, and the kids drink mostly milk, and I drink a ton of water. I gave up junk food and fast food almost completely, stuck with the idea of "a little bit in moderation", and started following a daily food craving devotional. I know, that sounds odd, but I figured I could use any help I could get- even from the Big Guy himself. It was free on my Kindle, so I figured the only thing I had to lose were inches, right? I started walking every day, after the kids went to school. I even bought a pair of those toning sneakers.

Since I started this new regiment, I didn't really notice any changes in my physical appearance. I know that I've felt like I've had more energy, and been more active with the kids and around the house, but only one friend mentioned that I started looking a little different. I got the phone call in August that my dress had arrived. I went for my fitting in September, and low and behold- it fit!! I had done it. Little by little, I had accomplished the impossible- I lost at least four inches from my mid section!!

I don't know exactly how many pounds I've lost in total, but I know that it's been at least a few. I made a pact that I wouldn't step on the scale again until my jeans started sliding down on their own. I'm almost to the point now where I need to wear a belt, or they definitely start slipping. I'm proud of myself, for being a role model to local moms that are stuggling with their weight, who are starting to ask if I've been losing weight. It's still hard for me to look in the mirror and see the changes that my body is slowly making, but I know that with the extra vitamins I've been taking, my energy is up, my mood is up, and my body is making progress. Something it hasn't done through the plethora of diet fads I had tried to date. My focus has been on me... me & God, me and my health, and me and my future. For the first time in a long time, I've decided to make time for me again, and start taking care of myself. I have a feeling that I'm starting to balance myself out, little by little, with the supplements I'm taking, and I know that my journey has truly just begun.

Do you struggle with weight issues? Do you use any vitamin supplements? Do you consider yourself a healthy person?

Feel free to send some good thoughts and encouragement, as well.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Nature Made and received promotional items to thank me for taking the time to participate. Vote for my entry at www.facebook.com/naturemade between 9/20/11 and noon (PT) 9/26/11.”

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Fuel Your Body with Zola Acai Drinks

Since having kids, I feel drained.. all of the time, for no good rhyme or reason. It doesn't matter the time of day, or what time I went to bed. The bottom line is that I am shot!

Last year, while researching Acai berries, I found a company called Zola that creates organic Acai drinks that are flavorful and energizing. (Read our review of Zola Acai Drinks.) Over the last year, Zola has grown and has started sprouting up on shelves of mass retailers all over the place. I happen to find Zola at Whole Foods or on Amazon.

What's New to Zola?

This year, Zola has introduced their new Light Acai Berry juice ($2.99 each) and a family sized (32oz.- $6.99 each) bottle of their original juice to the market.

The Zola Light juice contains 50% less sugar, almost half the calories, but still containsthe same antioxidants, omegas and energy as Zola's Açaí Original Juice. Zola Light Açaí is naturally sweetened with Stevia and uses the same 100% organic Açaí Pulp to deliver the best tasting LIGHT superfruit juice.

The family sized Zola is not only convenient, but allows families to stock up on the superfruit juice. Zola Acai juice can be stored on the shelf and is refrigerated after opening, which is much more convenient for our busy family. I like the idea of the individual bottles however, we do seem to go through them much quicker than the larger 32 oz size.  It really is a personal preferance, but either way, you are getting the same fresh taste, and same great product. 

Zola also offers several different varieties of acai juice blends to give your body exactly what it needs. If you are looking for a quick pick me up, turn away from synthetic energy drinks and pick up a bottle of the energy blend juices and keep them in the pantry or fridge- ready to go in seconds! Fighting cold and flu season during Back to School? Make sure you stock up on the Immunity Smoothie which is packed full of Vitamin C and blended with acai and other super fruits proven to help boost your body's cold fighting ability.

Our friends at Zola have offered our Back to School readers a chance to win a sampler case of Zola Acai drinks. Sampler packs include 3 of each of the Zola flavors.


This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on September 6, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If I cannot find a way to contact you I will not. I do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays can be expected. If you catch your name before I email you, please feel free to contact us first. :) Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. This product was provided to me at no cost by Zola to facilitate a candid review. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom. Your opinions may differ.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

Please refer to our WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize.
 

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Lady Foot Locker Helps Mom Get 'Back on Track' +Giveaway!

From the Lady Foot Locker Press Release:
For many of us, "Back to School" means a change in schedule -- whether we are going back to school ourselves, or putting our kids on the bus. This change of schedule can threaten the fitness routine we've worked to maintain all summer. Experts at Lady Foot Locker believe this doesn't have to be the case -- the right footwear will get you "Back on Track" this fall.

"Wardrobe can often affect the mind," states Doree Sanger, VP DMM of Footwear for Lady Foot Locker. "Just as a pressed suit will make you feel prepped for an interview, a great pair of athletic shoes will prime you for your fall fitness goals."

Cathy Lang, author of Wardrobe Workouts and contributor to Lady Foot Locker's blog, The Club, offers these tips to keep you on track:

HIGHER LEARNING: No matter what shoe you wear -- toning shoes like the Reebok EasyTone or a casual favorite like the Converse Chuck Taylor -- elevate your booty by taking the stairs. If you are feeling ambitious, make it a rule to go up to your floor, back down and up again every trip.

CALORIES BURNED: approximately ten calories per minute when ascending, and seven when descending.

AHEAD OF THE CLASS: Sneakers are a fall fashion staple, and running shoes are brighter and more colorful than ever! Nike, Reebok and Asics have infused their top performance sneakers with pops of color. Do your feet (and your fitness goals) a favor by choosing sneakers as your everyday shoes.

CALORIES BURNED: If you're carrying a bag, for every five lbs you carry on a ten minute walk, you will boost your burn by 14.25 calories. So, if you're walking a 15 lb bag to class will burn approximately 43 calories.

ON THE FAST TRACK: You know you can use your campus track for more than running. Get a full lower body workout by inserting lunges. Run at the highest intensity you can. When it's time for a break, tighten your lower half by doing walking lunges while your heart rate and breathing slow before returning to your cardio workout. A great running shoe like the Asics Gel Kayano 16 is ideal for the track and will support this active rest as well.

MOMS, Win up to $100 from Lady Foot Locker for Back to School!

Since both of my children will be going back to school full time this year, I am super excited about getting *myself* back on track. I have a wedding that I'm going to be in 12 days after school starts, and I am planning on taking advantage of the time alone. I can really walk, or jog, or do a video in the comfort of my own home, without anyone interrupting me for a snack, or drink, or potty problems. I'm really looking forward to that.. but I have a feeling it's going to be missed almost as much as it is welcomed.

I've already updated the music in my MP3 player, and purchased a new pair of ear buds, so I am amped and ready to go!

I've been checking out some new sneaks on Lady Foot Locker since I heard about this promotion, because I thought it lined up with my theme for Back to School quite perfectly! I love the new Reebok EasyTone (or RunTone) sneakers. They are available in so many different colors, and they don't have the 'Herman Munster'-esque platform that many other toning shoes possess. I can't wait to head to my mall and try on a pair of these.

I cannot believe that the fluorescent colors from the 80's have made a full-fledged return. Many shoes, (even for moms!),  are splashed with some form of neon accent. I haven't quite made up my mind whether or not I think it's super cool or super crazy, but all I know is that for my size 11 feet, I do not need day-glow anything! For those of you with super cute little feet that can wear all of the adorable shoes in the world, check out the Nike AIRMAX sneakers. With just a little splash of color, Nike AIRMAX are both functional, (providing great support and traction), and fashionable.

Looking for little extra support and motivation to get moving? Learn more about The Club at Lady Foot Locker, keep track of your fitness goals, learn about new products, and so much more. Also, sign up in your local store for VIP status, and receive many perks like coupons, discounts, early access to upcoming promotions and more. Check out Lady Foot Locker VIP more details on how you can get FREE rewards. If you prefer to shop online, Lady Foot Locker is offering FREE shipping on orders over $75 and free return shipping if you are not 100% satisfied. Just use coupon code IP23T847 at the checkout.

Now, thinking about Back to School and getting YOURSELF back on track, what type of sneakers would you get?  Our friends at Lady Foot Locker have offered two $50 gift cards to our readers to help get them 'Back on Track' this Back to School Season. Two winning comments will be chosen, you could win one, or BOTH- up to $100 in Lady Foot Locker Gift Cards!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Lady Foot Locker and tell me which pair are your favorite AND what you're planning on doing to get yourself "Back on Track" this Back to School season. 

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada or APO/FPO addresses as well. This giveaway will end on August 30, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. TWO $50 gift cards will be given away thanks to Lady Foot Locker. One person may win both gift cards, depending on the numbers drawn at random from Random.org. All winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom. Your opinions may differ.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!!

Please be sure to visit our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize! This giveaway has been redrawn. If the winners do not claim their prizes by Sunday, 9/26, it will move to the next number in line. Thank you for understanding.

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Weigh in Wednesday- Blog the Weight Away

It's been a long week over here. I'm trying to get into the swing of "Organization". I have what I like to call "Organized Chaos". Lately, it's not been too organized..

My son's school put together a Fly Lady support group, so a lot of my energy has been spent on trying to get my home in order, and learn the entire Fly Lady system. Last week, I went to the gym twice, and once was simply pathetic. I have been using the free weights a lot more than normal, and I am thinking of buying an exercise ball to allow myself to do simple exercises (like sit-ups and squats) at home in between spurts of energy.

This week, the kids are off for spring break, and I have a feeling I will be going to the gym a lot to get out of the house and give them a break from me. I've been focusing more on taking care of myself- I got a haircut- a drastic one- literally, I cut off most of it!! I also found a doctor that sees patients on a sliding scale basis, and helps with medication, so I am trying to set up an appointment for them to do a bunch of testing on me to see what's going on inside of me. Things are coming together around the house, and now hopefully with the medical side of things, so I am hopeful that this is the push-through that I needed to get out of the mess that has become my life.

Back to the point of this post- I haven't been on the scale in two weeks, I know that I am up. I feel that I am up. I am hopeful for next week. I hope the Easter Bunny doesn't treat you all with chocolates and jelly beans, but lots of time playing with the kids outside!






       

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WellnessDaily.com- Simplify Personal Health and Wellness

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of wellnessdaily.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Designed to provide the guidance and community support needed to begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle, www.wellnessdaily.com is a comprehensive, online destination to simplify personal health and wellness management. WellnessDaily.com, is a new, online community that collects the latest news, healthy living blogs, expert opinions, easy, nutritious recipes and videos on a variety of topics including weight loss, healthy eating, exercise and mental well-being.

From weight loss to stress relief to eating right, the site provides a central hub for anyone looking to get or stay healthy. WellnessDaily.com also enables users to create a customized personal health and wellness news feed so that they receive the most relevant news possible. To support WellnessDaily.com members in their journey to better health, Jennie-O Turkey Store, sponsor of www.wellnessdaily.com is providing a rebate for the purchase price of any one product (up to $5.00) for the first 25,000 registered users.

You all know that I am trying to lose weight and have actively been participating in our BLOG THE WEIGHT AWAY competition. The scale has not been my friend lately, but with all of the press Jennie-O turkey has had lately, I decided to buy a couple of packages last week when they were on sale. This rebate is a great way to jump start your weight loss journey!

This weekend my awesome husband fixed my bike. Finally the four of us can pack the bikes up and head out for a ride at the local park or trails. I think the kids would love it, and I know I would too! A big part difficult lifestyle change for me has been the ability to increase my intake of pure water. I drink a lot of soda. I struggle with it constantly and have tried everything from buying water in bulk to individual water bottles. But it always seems that I want that caffeine, or just the sweetness of it all. Plus, I really hate the fact that I can't just turn on the tap water and drink a refreshing glass of water- the water in Florida STINKS (literally!). I recognize that I have a problem with drinking water, but I've started using an aluminum water bottle and this weekend, I made my husband finally hook up the water to the fridge. I have a feeling that this minor adjustment might mean major changes in my refreshment choices.

So go visit wellnessdaily.com, sign up and take the pledge to a healthier life, come back here on Wednesday and participate in our Weight Loss Wednesday MckLinky as well. I know that this resource is going to be great during my weight loss journey, and will hopefully give me more tools and support to finally shed the abundance of unwanted pounds.

I would love to know ways that help YOU maintain a healthier lifestyle or any tips you have on making wellness a part of your life. Also, if you've visited WellnessDaily.com what tools or articles YOU found interesting.

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Weigh in Wednesday ~Blog the Weight Away!

This week was insane.. check that, last month- ALL of January, was insane. But, since the last time I checked in Mom went for her 3rd Chemo treatment, we got over being sick FINALLY, Abbigaile had lice, and I got my 'Dear Aunt Flo' for the second time in two and a half weeks. (Sorry for the TMI.) I think it's just because of all of the stress, sickness, and changes in my activity level-plus last time it was super light and almost non-existance, so it was bound to creep up again soon.

The Second Annual Fabulous February Fiesta began on 4BabyAndMom- celebrating our site, our family, and some of our favorite things. Be sure to follow us during this month for your chance to win some great prizes and save some extra moolah.

I went to the Gym on Monday, day 1 with my Dear Aunt visiting and weighed in at 314.7, which is a 2.1 pound weight loss, but only a tenth down from where I began. Obviously I'm bloated, so I'm with that number because I've noticed my arms and legs developing muscle and slimming down. While shaving my legs, I happened to realize I'm getting a dent in my calves and quads from where my muscle is. SO exciting!

I only went to the gym three times this week, but I played JUST DANCE on Tuesday, jogged after my kids on their bikes on Friday, and ran after them all day on Sunday at a birthday party at Great Explorations.  I took the stairs instead of the elevator, many, many times, and turned down the cake. I've been drinking a TON of water, and honestly feel like I will start to float away sometime soon, but find myself thirsty again not too soon after I'm done thinking that.

I just did my measurements, and *drum roll, please*--

I'm down 7 inches in my waist, 0.5 in my hips, 0.5 on my arms, 1 inch on my thighs, but up about two inches on my calves (I think because of my Dear Aunt, or the fleece pants I'm wearing).

The kids love going to the gym with me, and today I'm supposed to go to Zumba with the girls, as long as they don't forget to pick me up because I'm without a car today. So, that's the dilly, and here's my chart.

Thanks again to weighttracker.info for keeping it all in check for me!

Your start date:	1/19/2010
Starting weight/height:	314.8   5' 10"
Goal weight:	220
Last weigh-in weight:	314.7
Last weigh-in date:	2/1/2010
Weeks (days) on Program:	1.9 (13)
Total to lose:	94.8
Lost so far:	0.1
Pounds to go:	94.7
Average loss/week:	0.1
Est. weeks (days) to go: (projection)	947 (6629)
Percent of body weight lost:	0 %
Number of weigh-ins:	3
Adult BMI (what's this?):	45.1

Please visit all of our contestants and show your support. Don't forget, if we've inspired you to get healthier this year post your link to show us YOUR progress too.




       

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Weigh in Wednesday ~Blog the Weight Away!

Time to check in! Let's see how our teams are doing.

This week, I'd like to introduce you to the BLACK TEAM-
Patricia from LittlesRuleTheRoost.blogspot.com
Anabelle Meettheboyles.blogspot.com
Charissa from Mimisbabiesgifts.blogspot.com
Alicia from aliciamarie112.wordpress.com

In case you didn't notice, the Black team is the ONLY team with 4 players, BUT their weight loss goals average higher than the other teams.. (not by a lot, ladies!)

Please visit all of our contestants and show your support. Don't forget, if we've inspired you to get healthier this year post your link to show us YOUR progress too.

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Blog the Weight Away

What a week! Last weekend was my birthday, and I spent it sick. I couldn't breathe, nauseous to the point where I actually took a home pregnancy test just to make sure, and completely felt like death warmed over. I went to the gym 4 out of 7 days though, and played the JUST DANCE on the Wii at a friends house-- HOLY MOLY, I love this game!!!! Seriously, I vote this game as one of the best games I've ever played, and it was SO much fun! If you have a Wii, buy this game- I promise you'll love it!!

Anyway.. Here's my update:

Your start date:	1/5/2010
Starting weight/height:	314.8   5' 10"
Goal weight:	220
Last weigh-in weight:	316
Last weigh-in date:	1/26/2010
Weeks (days) on Program:	3 (21)
Total to lose:	94.8
Lost so far:	-1.2
Pounds to go:	96
Average loss/week:	-0.4
Est. weeks (days) to go:	N/A
Percent of body weight lost:	-0.4 %
Number of weigh-ins:	2
Adult BMI (what's this?):	45.3

Thanks to Weighttracker.info, I will be posting my plus or minuses using this graph each week. Unfortunately, I gained two pounds this week, but I think it's muscle.. You can totally tell that I'm losing inches, but I need to have the trainer measure me this week. I will update this graph as soon as I get those numbers for you all.

Be sure to check out the MckLinky in the next post to read the progress of my teammates, as well as all of the competitors participating in Blog the Weight Away!

 

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This is me, and where I want to go.. and where I've come from.

In High School, a mere 10 years ago, I thought I was fat. I couldn't stand the way my arms jiggled, and when I sat, my stomach had a "roll". Now, I often joke that I have more rolls than our local bakery- but that's besides the point.

As a teen, I was very over-critical, and promised myself I would never allow myself to get over a certain amount of weight.. after marriage, two kids, (and a ton of bedrest because of the aforementioned children), I watched the numbers on the scale tick forward, and not stop. The lack of motivation, lack of will, sheer laziness and procrastination- not to mention total denial that I had actually gained as much as I did- kept me from putting the right foot in front of the other.

I know that I will never look as I did in High School- nor do I want to, because at almost 6 feet tall I honestly think I was a little too skinny, looking back. My goals now are different than they were a year ago, five years ago, even a decade ago. I want to be able to run again- as I used to recreationally- I want to feel good about myself when I look into my mirror, I want my husband and my kids to be proud of me. I want my words to be taken with the matured authority and respect that I deserve, and I want to be able to have the confidence to put my ideas into motion, to create, and influence those around me for the better.

My actual weight loss goal is a hefty one- in total, I'd like to lose over 100lbs; for now- I'm giving myself a more attainable goal of 50lbs, and to look stunning in the bridesmaid dress I will be wearing in August.I have a great support group "IRL" (in real life) and online, and cannot wait to share this journey with you all.

A lot of you asked whether or not I would be posting my actual weight, and how it would affect my site as a representative of "who I am" to my clients, and for my business. Frankly, I would hope that my sponsors, partners, clients, and peers know me well enough to know that this public journey is keeping me accountable, will improve my individual moral, and the health benefits of turning my life around will allow me to continue my business for many more years to come.

There was a point in time where I would have been too embarrassed by the giant number that I would have never posted it.. but as I will never EVER see this number again, I will admit to you all that I officially weighed in at the gym at a whopping 314.8 pounds.

 This is a current full body shot of me, just after I got back from the gym. This is the first full body shot that I've allowed online in a very, very long time.

I am so excited about turning my life around, and getting "myself" back.. The drive, the energy, the confidence. Anyone that knew me in high school would have told you that I carried myself with great confidence, and that is what I miss the most.

So join me in saying good-bye to the old, overweight me, and feel free to email, tweet, or comment on any (non-giveaway) post asking me what I did at the gym, if I went today, if I stayed within my points for the day, etc. I need your online support and encouragement as much as I need my real life support system.

Feel free to visit *MY* other teammates, as well as the MckLinky post to get to know all of the BLOG YOUR WEIGHT AWAY competitors.

With much thanks for your support,

Show your support to the rest of The Blue Team:

Brandy from HappilyBlended.com

Hilary from GladFamily.blogspot.com

Our Goal weight loss as a team: 170

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Blog the Weight Away~ Weigh in Wednesday

So, "Blog the Weight Away" has officially commenced!

Over the next few days, you will get to know all of our teams a little better. I hope that our stories and journey inspire you to get off of that sofa and get motivated to 'Blog the Weight Away' along with our teams! Every Wednesday we will post our "weigh in posts", sharing with our readers how much we've lost, what we've learned, and how our road to becoming healthier has been that week. We ask that you all leave comments to support and encourage us, and if you are participating at home, to link to us as well, so we can share this journey with you.

Marissa@4BabyAndMom will also be participating as captain of a "non competitive team", so if you have any questions or would like that extra accountability, please feel free to contact her at 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com.


To link using this MckLinky please use this format: Name/Blog Name, Color of Team
This MckLinky will be open for 2 days to new links.



   

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Blog the Weight Away- Q & A

Sign ups are still open for our BLOG THE WEIGHT AWAY event!

I've received a few emails regarding criteria, so I figured I'd answer some of them for you today.


Do you need to join a gym to participate? 
NO! Absolutely not. I am, but as long as you want to make a change in your life, that's all you need.

Do I need to have a preset team, or will teams be assigned?
Teams will be assigned after sign-ups have completed. If you have another bloggy-buddy, or offline friend that would like to work out along side of you, as long as we have their info they can participate as well.

I only have 15-20 pounds I'd like to lose, can I still participate?
YES! With the obesity epidemic taking over North America, anyone that has a desire to lose weight and get healthy this year is allowed to participate. Whether you have 20 pounds or 120 pounds we want YOU to join!

How long will this event last?
Ideally, I'd like for this to last until August, however, I'm thinking that we'll do a mid-point prize to keep people motivated. Any feedback for those of you who have participated in events like this would be greatly appreciated.


Are we going to win anything?
Besides a healthier you, you mean- right? I am working with several companies right now to be able to put together a great gift basket for our "winning team". Although, I foresee a vote coming up in our future about how to officially determine the winner.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So that's that! If you've filled out a sign up form, please spread the word to your blogging buddies, and your audience. Please tweet, facebook, stumble, digg, whatever you have to do to spread the word about Blog the Weight Away! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send them to me, 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com.

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Blog the Weight Away- Looking for Mom Bloggers that want to Lose Weight!

This week I am joining Shapes with some of my gal pals, and need you- my followers and fellow bloggers- to help me stay accountable. Right now, we got a great promotion- only $10 down and $30 a month- plus, it's right up the road!

While thinking of ways to stay accountable, I decided what would be better than incorporating what I do now and Blog the Weight Away! As a long time fan of The Biggest Loser, I envisioned a blogger's biggest loser of sorts.. sans skimpy weigh in clothes. With the new season starting just days away, I decided I'm not going to be a spectator this year, but I'm going to compete too!

I am currently seeking 3-5 teams (depending on response) to 'compete' weekly against each other publicly. "Official" teams will be determined after enrollment is closed.  Bloggers will be required to post as a group twice a week, and posts should include pictures, measurements, weight (start and current). You may post more frequently, but it is not required. This is strictly for fun and should not feel like work or obligation, but incentive and motivation.


If you are interested in forming a team, or joining a team, please fill out this form to tell us more about yourself! Please tell your audience about this incentive to get fit!


If you are a representative of a fitness related product or company and would like to participate or have a product reviewed, please email 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com for more details!




ETA: As of 9pm EST 1/5/10, there are 12 bloggers and 3 friends that would like to participate! Please keep spreading the word! Sign up's end on Saturday 12pm EST; all participants will receive an email on Sunday with further details.  I am so excited, and hope that you are too!!

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Make Your Miles Matter!

In my quest to get healthy, walking has proved to be a very essential component of my daily routine. I definitely notice the difference in my mood and energy level on days that I do not walk, or walk very little outside of my normal motherhood activities. Walking is not only beneficial for your heart, but many studies show that walking can alleviate depression symptoms, boost cognitive function in your brain, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer.

From now through October 31st, Bumble Bee Foods will donate $0.15/mile for every mile logged at BeeWell Miles (up to $200,000) to help Breast Cancer Network of Strength to provide emotional support to those who can't wait for tomorrow's cure. I recently signed up to participate and have already logged in 20 miles-which is the equivalent of $3.00- that will be donated for cancer research. If that isn't motivation to stay on my path to becoming healthy again, I don't know what is!

There's no more excuses to stay on your couch, because Bumble Bee Foods gives you the resources you need and the inspiration to stay motivated. Get a couple of neighbors or friends to join you and calculate how much of a difference you'll be making on your waistlines for a great cause! Bumble Bee Foods makes it easy to log in your miles every day, read inspiring articles and interact with healthy living experts & other guests to share ideas and tips on getting healthy and staying there. You can Map Your Route, (which provides true satellite images of your neighborhood!), and all you need to do is click to set the markers on the route you walked and it automatically calculates the miles then click to log those miles. Plus, each day you log miles or game codes from pink Bumble Bee cans you could instantly win one of 15,000 prizes!!

What are you waiting for?! Go check out BeeWell Miles and sign up now to lose those inches and make a difference for breast cancer!

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