Cha-Cha Challenge

Ah ... the Cha-Cha

I saw this quote the other day. Sometimes I get discouraged when I see a weight pop up on the scale that I was really hoping I wouldn't see again. Living in the 150-155, then finally some success and dropping to the 144-149 ... but then back up over 150. I turned off my weight notifications in MFP long ago, because I keep losing the same five pounds over and over and over again. Hopefully I'll Cha-Cha back down again!

Speaking of the Cha-Cha ... some time ago I heard a new Zumba song, Cha-Cha Swing. It is so catchy and fun! The one of the instructors did it in class and I fell in love with the routine. It is one that can get my heart rate racing.  The steps are the ones in the video featured below ...

Then the song appeared in one of my other Zumba classes ... with different steps. Generally, I always like whatever I learned first, but this had a few moves that seemed easier, more intuitive. I really enjoyed this routine too, although I really missed a couple of the moves in the video above.

I enjoy dancing to this song so much, I'd be a little sad when it wouldn't appear in the Zumba class rotation as often as I would like. What to do! It NEVER made an appearance in one of my classes ... one of the classes I occasionally step up to the front and lead a song or two, just to give the actual instructor a bit of a break here and there. If I lead the song ...

I pieced together my favorite choreography from the two routines and performed it for the first time last week. I hope I'll be leading it regularly in my Tuesday class, as it really is one of my favorites. I'll still look forward to the ones in my Wednesday and Thursday classes, lead by my instructors, but I like my compilation, and hope those in the Tuesday class do too!

Do you do either of these routines (or something different?) 

Which steps do you prefer?

Linking up with Weigh-In Wednesday and Workout Wednesday.

It's Wednesday ...

I like alliteration. If you look back on my blog posts, watch the wording of my terrific titles, you will probably see that. So many of the link-ups out there also adopt alliteration, Wednesday being one. There is Workout Wednesday, Weigh-In Wednesday, and What I Ate Wednesday, just to name a few. I wasn't sure which one to work on this Wednesday, so I figured I'd hit all three *Ü* Wonderful!

The scale said 154.9 this morning. Not wonderful.

I weigh-in every day, but my official day is Friday. I do usually join the Weigh-In Wednesday link-up late, only linking up on an actual Wednesday if I'm discussing something else weight related. I thought I would share my updated weight graph today. 2014 has come to a close, so I thought it would be good to post it in comparison to my previous years (last year's line is in gray). It was a pretty steady year, right there in my "comfort zone happy place" of 150-155 pounds for most of it. I did have a little dip Octoberish, but the packed on some holiday pounds to end the year. It's always interesting to take a really broad view of my weight, looking at it over years, not just the weekly check in.

 We had pancakes for breakfast ...

It's the eating! I actually enjoy exercise, but I have NOT mastered my eating. Thus the constant struggle. I to track on MFP at least, and try to control my calories. Because I don't have much good or inspirational eating advice, I don't participate in the What I Ate Wednesday link-up very often. But I have really been thinking about what I've been eating lately, as it's been SO hard keeping calories in check. I think one of the reasons is our big breakfasts. Normally, I'm not much of a breakfast gal. Yes, I know ... "most important meal of the day" and all, but I'm usually just not that hungry. If I eat, those are 200-500 calories that I wouldn't have consumed otherwise. Over the holiday break, I made quite a few breakfasts for the boys. Pancakes, waffles, french toast, muffins, cocoa and toast, cinnamon rolls (yes, we like the breads) ... sometimes scrambled eggs, bacon and hashbrowns too. Even with the boys going back to school, they are still expecting me to make them breakfast (go figure!) Before, it seems like they would just grab a banana or some cereal, things I didn't have to take time to make and then be tempted to eat myself. I'd think I'd do better off going back to eating my "breakfast" around noon ... 

Lastly, there is Workout Wednesday ( #wowlinkup)

 I do participate in the Workout Wednesday link up quite often. Working out ... that is something I seem to have endless ideas to talk about, things worth sharing. I like the exercise and activity part of this attempted healthy lifestyle! One of my main workouts is Zumba. I go Mon-Fri, to five different classes. While I love all my instructors, their different styles and steps, I don't know that I could go to the same class everyday without getting a little burned out. So I switch it up! Today, my Wednesday class was having a theme. "Black and White" ... ok, that is pretty much my usual attire (Lacking in Color Confidence).  These theme days can be fun though! It's their Wacky Wednesday ... look, more alliteration!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Pin It Party #5

Time for a Pin It Party, hosted by Lindsey over at The Lean Green Bean. I don't know about you, but some blog posts are just day to day stuff, recording personal insights and such. Other posts are more informational, things that maybe deserve a wider audience. Pinnable posts if you will. This link up gives bloggers a chance to look through their previous posts and spotlight a few and give those posts a little extra exposure.

If you have some posts you would like to feature ... come join the party! If you need a little extra reading material, but sure to check out the party and some of the proffered posts. I'm sure you'll find something of interest.

You can find ME on Pinterest (JenB'sJourney), and see the previous Pin It Parties I've participated in ... (PIP#4, PIP#3).  Here's my shares this go round ... and I hope to get some reading and pinning in soon (gotta get to Zumba this morning!)

Library Love

Just a quick reminder of all your local library has to offer. Books, magazines, DVDs, music and even stream services. If you haven't checked out your library lately, you might be surprised and all you can find there!  I ♥ my library!

Fit Studio/Earning Points Through Activity

If you follow my blog at all, you know I'm into fitness AND frugality! I love the programs out there that reward a healthy lifestyle. The latest one I've discovered is with Kmart/Sears "Shop Your Way Rewards" ... set up a FitStudio account and earn points for your activity. I get about $8 in instant store credit a week. I've had a bump here and there (trying to use both my points and surprise points, not getting all my points) but overall ... it's some extra easy "income".

PACT and Paydays

Another reward program. I've earned over $50 since starting in January. Admittedly, getting in my workouts and logging my food are second nature to me. I only commit to six days (out of seven) just to give me a little leeway (I have taken a rest day here and there, but haven't missed a day logging food in over a year). There is also a "Veggie" pact ... I can't quite commit to that. Both the actual eating is an issue, and then it isn't an instant-sync like the other two. Still thinking about that one ...

Blog Hops

If you are participating in the Pin it Party, there is a good chance YOU are a hopper. In this blog post I talk about some of the things I think are important (as a host) and love to hear others experiences as well. There is also a list of the many health/fitness blog hops that are available (in case you wanted to do a little more hopping yourself!)

I've been sharing some of my favorite jogging songs. Music that has 160 beats per minute ... which is perfect for me on my treadmill, set to 5mph. My foot falls match the beat of the music exactly. I'm a little OCD like that. I've shared three (sets of 5) so far ... "PopularPlaylist", "Motivate&Inspire" and my "Pissed Off Playlist" (which is pictured above). 

I hope you found something that interested you! Thanks for visiting!

Blog Hops and Link Ups

I started my blog about a year ago. I really have no interest in becoming a high-profile blogger. I'm not doing this to earn an income, endorsements or recognition. It's really just for me. That being said, it IS still nice to have someone reading and get a little feedback.  Blog hops and link ups are a great way for a new (or even established) blogger to get their name out a bit, and to find new friends and blogs with similar interests. I'm quite the blog hopper myself. I keep a link-up list here on the blog, and keep a Pinterest board to help me keep track.

I'd been a pretty active contributor in the Motivation Monday link-up, and a few months ago, when Wendy said she was looking for some new co-hosts, I told her I was interested. It's been fun to be on the hosting side of a blog hop, as well as just a participant. 

I've been thinking about blog hops ... what makes it successful. I found a couple blog posts with tips and recommendations (here & here).  I've been thinking about what I like when it comes to a blog hop ... and I've love to know what others think too!

• Consistency: I don't know about you, but after participating in a blog hop for a while, I come to expect it to be there *Ü*  I am disappointed if I have MY blog ready and then I go to link up and the blog hop isn't there that week. Has that ever happened to you?
• Theme: I go back and forth on whether I like there to be a specific theme. On one hand, a theme can serve as a writer's prompt, pushing me to write something I might not have otherwise. I do know, if there IS a theme, I do like to know about it in advance so I can be thinking about my post, and not writing it that day. Did you like it when our Motivation Monday's had a theme, or do you prefer just the general link up? Did the list of themes ever inspire you to write something not originally planned?
• Links: Blog hops will generally show as simple links, or photo image squares. I DO like the picture option, it makes it a bit more personable. As a host however ... the picture option does generally carry a charge with it, and it does add more length to the original blog post each time (it can look a bit cluttered). What is your preference?
• Duration: Most blog hops run for about a week, but I've come across some that only go for a day or so. Often times I've taken the time to write up my blog post, then I go to link up only to find it has closed. 
• Linking Back: I normally always try to link back to the blog host on my post. I know some blog hops actually require this (you're link will not be accepted unless there is a link-back present). I will also really try to follow the request to check out (and comment) on a few of the other blogs in the link up. I actually think commenting on the other blogs will make the connections more than just posting your own link.

Those are some of the items that impact MY participation in blog hops. I do like where there are multiple hosts, as that does help spread the info about the blog hop a little more. Some blog hops will showcase a link or two from the previous week ... I like that! Having a clever name, and a cute button can impact participation too I think! I do take notice when the blog hostess takes the time to come and comment, although I know that can be a practical impossibility with some of the larger ones!

There are so many blog hops out there ... sometimes I will link up for more than one on a single post. Do you have any thoughts on that? Is that considered bad etiquette? 

Blog hops definitely motivate me to blog more ... and as I'm blogging about a healthy lifestyle, I like to think that they help motivate me there too, simply so I will have something to write about! What about you? Do you participate in blog hops and link-ups? Why or why not? What draws you to a link up? What don't you like?  Leave a comment telling me ... and if you'd like, link up with the Motivation Monday team in our blog hop each Monday and get motivated!

Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

The link-up entry is below, but going along with this topic, I thought I'd recap my weekend and linkup with Marvelous In My Monday,  Move it Monday and Motivational Monday.

• Friday was actually pretty good, even with late start at the middle school and early out at the elementary I got in pretty good steps ... this was mostly because of an impromptu treadmill 5k. I plan on writing a little more about that on Workout Wednesday, as it's pretty monumental and I think it deserves it's own post! *Ü* I spend the evening at a basketball game for #3 where the kids were on fire and hitting three pointers all night long!
• Saturday started with a growling tummy. I had really controlled calories Friday and my stomach was complaining! Hubby just looked at me and asked "what exactly is going on over there?" It was a busy day, we had five basketball games and one soccer game (overlapping, so I attended two basketball games, Daddy handled the soccer and #2 hitched a ride to his double header). TOM hit and I went to bed early. Like 8:30 early.
• Sunday we had some family activities, went up to my brother's house. I resisted the treats there but still overindulged in hubby's delicious BBQ that evening. I took a rest day ... didn't even get to 4000 steps on my pedometer!

I'm usually really good on Mondays, motivated and ready to get back at it. I'm feeling quite sluggish today though. It's cold and dreary outside and that doesn't help. Hopefully I'll shake it off, I need to as the weight IS up after the weekend.As always, you can keep up with my daily activities in my Day to Day Doings. I am trying to stay current!

Walking with Walgreens

Do you have a Walgreens near you? As part of their balance rewards program, you can earn $$ rewards just for walking! A while back, I did a Reaping the Rewards post, mentioning the various programs out there that offer incentives for activity (if you wanted a little something more than weight loss and better health *Ü*). Since then I've been updating with my experiences with the different programs (Everymove Update, Achievemint Update). I originally signed up for the Walgreens balance rewards and linked up my Fitbit last summer, so I've had a bit of time to work with it.

Unlike some of the other programs, the Walgreens rewards are fairly limited. They only sync with Fitbit, BodyMedia, Wirthings and Omron. You can input activity and weigh-ins manually ... but it's SO much easier when it links and syncs automatically. You can just set it up and forget about it and start earning.

There are limitations to the Walgreens walking program. You can only earn 1000 points per month from your steps. I usually hit it a few days into the month. That's equal to $1. You do need to get to 5000 points ($5) before you can redeem anything. If you hang onto your points though, they do gain additional value ...

So ... it's not a HUGE reward. You can earn about $12 credit through steps each year. This does need to be used toward a Walgreens purchase. I can see why Walgreens is offering this return. Before I heard about the walking rewards, I didn't really pay any attention to their balance rewards program. Now, being linked up, I do check out their ad and have made some purchases, earning additional rewards that way. Just before Christmas, I redeemed 30,000 points (9000 of those had been earned through walking and weigh-ins) and got $35 off my purchase. I was pretty happy with that.

So if you have a Walgreens nearby (they have decent online deals often with free shipping over $25 if you don't) and you have a Fitbit/BodyMedia/Wirthings/Omron, or are willing to enter your activity yourself, it's a rewards program worth checking out. Walgreens Balance Rewards (I'm in no way associated with Walgreens other than simply shopping there occasionally and earning my rewards).

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin for Tips and Tricks Tuesday! I also stumbled up another Walgreens Rewards Walking article. Check it out for even more info and another recommendation. Then go get off the computer and get walking! *Ü*

Pin It Party (LGB#4)

It's a Pin it Party ... hosted by Lindsay and The Lean Green Bean. It's a chance for you to spotlight some of your previous posts that you think others would enjoy, and even "pin" on Pinterest (you can see MY Pinterest page here). If you go back to the link-up, you'll see that many are recipes and such, but I focus more on fitness than food (as I'm not inspirational in the eating area at all). Here are five of my posts that you may have missed that perhaps deserve a second look (at least I hope you might think so) and perhaps a pin to YOUR fitness/workout Pinterest boards ...

Do a Little Good

Did you know there are several programs that will donate to charity based on your activity? If you are working out anyway, you might as well pay it forward too!

Achievemint

A fitness rewards program that pays you! No risk (like Gym Pact or Diet Bets) but still a cash$$ reward. Just link up various devices and apps (Fitbit, Facebook, My Fitness Pal are three I use) and start earning. My review of MY Achievemint experience ...

 Say What?

A quick guide to the many 

abbreviations & acronyms 

used in the online fitness community.

 

Feel the Beat

I'm motivated by music, are you? A review of this website that lists the BPM of songs, lets you create playlists and check out other's favorite workout tunes.

Picture Imperfect

While we're striving to look better through diet and exercise, this post offers some example and links to helpful articles to attempt to capture the skinny side when taking pictures. I know I need all the help I can get! *Ü*

Check out my post from the last Pin it Party too (Pin it Party #3).

Here's hoping one of these posts had some good information for you. Be sure to check out the link up and even join up yourself! Remember that pinning images from blog posts you love is a great way to support your favorite bloggers! It helps more people see the posts and can help the blogs grow. So check out some of the great posts that are linked up and pin away!

Weekly Weigh-In (#26)

My first "official" progress post for January (last Friday, while technically being January, was still part of the non-routine, holiday schedule.) I like that my screen capture of my daily weigh-ins DOES start on January 1 though. After my crazy December (being sick, the holidays) and the drastic weight changes (my ten pound loss and then regain, my three pound up and down last week) this week was nice and steady. While I AM still wanting to lose weight, in a way, it was nice to see some consistency too. 

I was SO excited and ready to return to the routine this week. The weekend ... it had it's challenges, with a fountain of flowing chocolate (A Fountain of Chocolate and the Aftermath), but my Monday morning weigh-in was just under what I'd been on Friday. Mon-Thurs this week I've been excellent in my exercise and ok in my eating. Average intake for the week was 2257 ... too high, too many treats (even with the chocolate fountain put away). Average expenditure was 2884 ... not quite up to my 3000 goal, but this IS my first week back at it after my flu(s).  

 My MFP ticker is on 30 pounds lost. My weigh-in today came in at 150.1, down 1.5 from last Friday (down 1.6 from yesterday). As the scale seemed to be staying so steady, I wasn't sure I was going to see a loss this week. I'm glad it did decide to drop a little today.  I had deficits Mon-Thurs, but for the week (calculating the weekend in) it only added up to 1943, so my loss is a little more than the numbers would have indicated. I'll take it, and try to keep it! Just need to drop a little more to get below 150 and stay there!

There's a new link-up for the new year. Follow Through Friday. As I'm already posting weekly recaps and Friday is my weigh-in day, it's a perfect fit for me. I really like looking back and reflecting on a weekly basis.

I'm a little late, but I thought I'd go ahead and link-up with Weigh-In Wednesday, and of course with my usual Friday linkup Fitness Friday. I really enjoy checking out these blog hops, and finding new blogs to follow. We are definitely not alone on this journey to better health, fitness and weight-loss.  I've been trying to get my reading in, and will be posting my Saturday Spotlight so check back tomorrow for that!

Motivational Monday & Me

If you've followed my blog at all, you are probably aware that I like link-ups (see my I Like Link-Ups post) and I like Mondays (the return to the routine after the "wicked weekend"). So when Wendy at http://www.dailydoseofdelsignore.com/ said she was looking for some new members for the Motivational Monday team, I sent her an email to know I was interested. I've been participating in the link-up most weeks anyway, but being part of the team will motivate me even more.

So starting tomorrow, YOU can link up on MY site, as well as any of the other gals on the team (I've posted all their links in my sidebar there on the right. Keep going, it's there, just down a little *Ü*). Each week there should be at least ten different blog posts to peruse, plus many more as additional people link up. Wendy came up with a themed schedule to jumpstart ideas, but you can post about anything that motivates you or that you would feel could help motivate others.

So remember to come back every Monday and get motivated! 

Let's all be fit and healthy in 2014!

I am SO excited for tomorrow ... the first "official" day back to the routine for me. Back to work, back to school, back to basketball, back to the routine. The holidays are over. Birthday and baptism completed and cleaned up. No big disruptions in the near future. I'm over my sickness ... NO EXCUSES.  I'm ready *Ü*

... it's that time of year

I don't how the weather is where you are, but here? It's turned COLD. We had our first big snow on Monday. It took me twice as long to get the middle kids to school. I wasn't sure I was going to make it home in time to get the little ones off. With the cold ... comes hot chocolate.  I love this little dispenser, keeping a fresh batch of cocoa ready at all times.  As the snow fell, I wasn't surprised  at all when the kids asked me when we were going to get the hot chocolate maker out. It's a tradition in our home.  

Other traditions ...

The stockings hung by the fireplace ...

A variety of holiday nesting dolls

our little elf slide toy

The Winter Wonderland Skating Pond ... this was given to us LONG ago and we've really enjoyed getting it out each year! It's on it's last legs, having been beaten up through the years. A fond memory with this was my little boy taking his dinosaurs and placing them in the scene, with one poor skater in the mouth of a T-rex, with the other skaters looking up in terror ... *Ü*

The kinetic pyramid ...

A funny memory not with THIS pyramid, but Maga's.

... it caught fire and went up in flame!

A Christmas memory those there will never forget!

... and then there is the Santa head filled with M&M candies. Christmas just is not complete until he is out and filled up (and then of course emptied out) ... the "clank" of the candy jar being opened and closed is a common sound throughout the holidays at our house.

I'll have to be careful of my consumption of hot chocolate and m&ms ... :)

We are lucky to have both families so close (hubby and I grew up within a 1/2 mile of each other, going to the same Jr. High and High School but not meeting until afterward). We always spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family. The annual slideshow and calendar capture the memories from the year. The "candy bar game" is tradition too. For hubby's side, we have a family party about a week before Christmas, then we go up again on Christmas Day.

What are YOUR Christmas traditions?

Check out  Holly and Amy's  Christmas Traditions Link-Up!

Feeling Fruity

How many fruits and veggies are we supposed to get in a day? I struggle to get in even one. It's not that I don't like fruit ... well, it kinda is. I've never even tried many of the fruits out there (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, peaches and more). I've taken one bite of cantaloupe and kiwi and that was the end of that. Apples and oranges are all right if I'm in the mood. I do love pears, but I struggle to get them home from the store without damage. Bananas are a staple, but they go bad so quickly. I have a hard time keeping them around at the right ripeness. We all like the purple grapes ... if they are firm and crisp.  

This was a picture of my shopping cart from the summer. I really enjoy watermelon, but only in season. We're looking forward to the "Cuties" (mandarin oranges) to hit the shelves. I am trying to have fruit available around the house, and even keep it visible (like in the basket on the counter in the top photo) to remind the kids AND me to eat up.

I purchased a pomegranate for the first time this week. I've picked up just the seeds before, but I haven't been able to find them lately, and the fruit itself was on sale. But my heavens, since when does fruit need opening instructions?  I looked it up online, and I still did it wrong. I even tried eating one of the little seeds. If you know me at all, you know that is huge. I don't try things. But alas, I didn't like it at all (it's sour!). I've looked up a couple other methods of opening a pomegranate and getting the seeds out, so maybe I'll try an alternate opening technique. The kids like them. They are a favorite fruit of kid #3. It was a good thing I got my fruit photo when I did, because the next time I turned around, he had eaten all the arils.  

I have mastered prepping a pineapple. That's not nearly as hard to handle as a pomegranate.

I set myself up a "Feeling Fruity" streaks calendar. All I need to do to be able to mark off the day is it ONE serving of fruit. I don't know that I even got 50% for October, but at least I'm tracking and consciously trying.

I was proud of myself for trying something new ...even if I didn't like it. Maybe I need to try again. This article (Pomegranate Health Benefits) popped up in my BlogLovin feed. 

I consider it an NSV for the week and participating in the LinkUp. I had a second NSV too, I made brownies and did NOT eat one bite (I might have licked the spoon though). 

It's Halloween today! An email from the Jillian Michaels camp came up with healthy candy alternatives, (some being fruit) ... but sometimes I just want to indulge in good old-fashioned candy. I'll just try to keep it in control. What? Candy Corn isn't a vegetable?

And a final offering ...

A humorous attempt at substituting Halloween candy with more healthy fare.

I admit ... I laughed.

So tonight ...  door duty or supervising the kids duty?
Either way I should get some steps on my pedometer.

What are your favorite fruits?

Streaming vs DVDs

I don't SIT and watch TV anymore (ok, there is some snuggle time with hubby some evenings, we watched "The Walking Dead" last night). But if it's just me ... I only allow myself to watch while working out. There is a television in my home gym. It's not actually connected to cable, I can't watch live programming on it. I am hooked up to a DVD player and a Roku (so Netflix and Amazon). Another great product is PlayOn/PlayLater (also accessible though my Roku box), which allows me to watch anything available on the computer (YouTube, what the networks put online, which is actually almost everything if you are willing to wait a day) on my television in my gym. This has allowed me to keep current on some shows that in the past, I had to wait on (until they hit Netflix or DVD). Wanting to watch my shows is not only a nice distraction while working out, but it's also a big motivator ... I want to see what happens next!  I keep track of What I'm Watching, and I did a Let's Talk About TV link up post featuring some favorites. What are YOU watching?

I must admit ... we are a techno family and I've been converted to the convenience of streaming. It is SO nice to be able to easily switch between shows, not having to find, load and go through the pages of copyright warnings and slow start menu. If I'm in the middle of a movie, and I want to do me some Jillian ... I can quickly and easily move between the two in moments. When making a purchase ... streaming offers instant gratification (no waiting!) and often has lower prices.

Now ... DVD can have it's advantages as well. Originally one of these advantages was captions. I must have captions if I'm on the treadmill, as it's quite noisy. The elliptical isn't loud, but I still prefer having the subtitles as otherwise it is so hard for me to catch everything (I think my hearing is fine, there's just a lot of "low" talking on television!). Netflix and Amazon are doing much better now at offering captions on many of their streamed offerings. While new products are generally a bit more expensive, you can often find used DVDs at low prices. DVDs are also lendable.  But DVDs can get damaged and/or lost.

The other advantage to DVDs is they do NOT depend on your wireless signal. I did have struggles a couple weeks ago, TRYING to get in a 30DS workout, and my internet was on the fritz, which was beyond frustrating!

So when I wanted to invest in Jillian's Ripped in 30 program ... I was torn. DVD? Streaming? It was slightly less expensive as an instant download from Amazon ... BUT the four different workouts didn't have separate chapter headings (as 30DS does). For something like this, where you are watching a portion over and over, that was unacceptable.  I actually asked for a refund (and good ol' Amazon did give it to me).  So I've got this on DVD now, which is ok, but not as convenient as streaming if I'm able to access the workouts individually. 

Linking up with Tips and Tricks Tuesday

with Kristen and Kristen

Do you watch during your workouts?

Are you aware of all the streaming options available?

Do you think streaming will ever replace DVDs?

Which do you prefer?

Weigh-In #13

Well ... the scale doesn't reflect a loss (up .3) and my MFP ticker is at 25 pounds lost (it was 26 last Friday), BUT if you average all my daily weigh-ins for the week, my average is 154.87 ... last week my average was 156.11 and that had been the lowest average to date. I know I was pretty happy during the week to see that while the weight was fluctuating, it didn't really have any big bump ups.

This past week was just ok. TOM was here, but I'm not nearly as affected by that as I know some are (although I still hate it). I had a very bad eating day last Saturday, and I wasn't very motivated yesterday. I had a sick child home and it rained ALL DAY. I ate too much and didn't get to goal, although I was close. You can catch up on my Day to Day Doings if you want a complete run down of the week.

Other than Saturday (donuts/movie popcorn), I didn't really have any out-of-the-ordinary food challenges this week (no chocolate mint brownies, candy corn or moose tracks ice cream around to tempt me). . I made a roast and baked a turkey breast to have some easy protein on hand. I've been wanting to make some fun Halloween treats (Tricky Treats) but I don't want yummy stuff around to temp me.

Crunching the numbers, I only had a 1283 deficit this week. Too many calories. I've stayed active, but haven't really pushed it. No big deficit days.  My weekly weigh-in post fits the theme of Coffeecake and Cardio's How'd I Do Friday link up. I'll keep plugging away ... while my ultimate goal is 135, my intermediate goal, 150 is SO close. How did you do this past week?

Friday has a number of "Fitness" linkups too.
I think it's the alliteration. 

JillConyers at Fitness, Health and Happiness
Katie at Talk Less Say More
Michelle at Mind, Body and Goal

If you haven't participated in a link up, they are a great way to interact with the blogging community (I Like Linkups).  Be sure to come back tomorrow for an all new Saturday Spotlight Linkup too! Share what you've been reading ... any articles, blog posts, magazines, books that impacted you this week.

Top Tips for Workouts/Weight Loss

Several months ago when I decided it was time to take this seriously ... part of my weight-loss plan was to start this blog. To make my goals, my progress (or lack thereof) public to friends and family and others in the bloggosphere. Accountability. As I was reading one of the magazines from my stack (Health November 2012) I came across an article "100 Best Diet Tricks Ever". There were some good tips there, and one of the tips, #13 (it will change your life, claimed the cover!) was to Blog About Your Weight Loss.  Do YOU think making your weight-loss public is a motivator? Has it changed your life? *Ü*

There were some other tips that I felt I was already implementing ...
(and thus agree with, funny how that works)

• Weigh Yourself Often: I've weighed myself every day for the past 8+ years. Admittedly, I still slowly gained weight, watching it every step of the way. Now I'm watching it on the way down. While I weigh everyday (and thanks to my Fitbit Aria scale which syncs wirelessly to my Fitbit and MFP account my weight is updated, graphed and recorded every day) I really try not to focus on the daily numbers. I have an "official" weekly weigh-in, and I also average the numbers each week and watch for trends. It is interesting to see the fluctuations. I plan to continue weighing in even when I hit my goal.
• Count/Record Calories:  Joining MFP and tracking my food is what has made a difference. Calories can add up SO quickly. Write it all down, be accountable, know what you are eating.
• Workout in the morning: I always get in a 20min session on the elliptical first thing.
• Get enough sleep: I don't know that I am, but I try.
• Fill your playlist with upbeat tunes: Music can be SO motivating and there is so much great music out there.

Now ... two commonly heard tips (they were included here) were to Eat Breakfast and to Stop Eating Three Hours Before Bed.  I always get a bit flummoxed at these. Does timing of what you eat really make a big difference, or is a calorie a calorie? I'll admit, I'm not a good breakfast eater. If I eat breakfast, I always end up with a higher calorie count for the day. If I put off eating until I am hungry and need to eat, then I usually save myself 300+ calories, or whatever I would have eaten for breakfast. And while I don't have a big problem with late-night snacking, I don't consciously set a goal NOT to eat after 7:00, and I don't really feel guilty when I do. 

... another common tip is to have a Workout Buddy. Now the little article blip I showcased in the image above (the "Ask Bethenny" sidebar, on the left) is actually from a different issue. Health, December 2011. I had to laugh just a little though.  Apparently I would NOT be a good workout buddy ... according to her, you certainly don't want an "obsessive type who works out twice daily and counts every last calorie."   Is that obsessive? Is that bad? *Ü*  I guess it doesn't matter, as I am actually a very solitary exerciser. My only "buddies" are online support.

I couldn't find the entire article online, but there is a truncated version (25 Tips) on the Health Magazine website. As I was looking, I found another blogger who had reviewed this article, citing several of the tips she did NOT agree with. I thought her take was interesting.You can read her review here.

I found another article with top tips My No. 1 Weight-Loss Tips from celebrity fitness experts and I thought they were very good. Check them out if you have a little time. 

If I had to come up with a few workout/weightloss tips from ME...

• Break it Up: If committing to an hour long workout seems too much, try three 20 minute workouts spread throughout the day.
• Just Start: Even if you don't feel like exercising, commit to starting. Tell yourself you can quit after 10 minutes ... you will probably keep on going once you've begun.
• Pre-Record Calories: I know some people pre-log their entire day. I'm not that organized. But I do try to log BEFORE I eat something ... and often logging, seeing the calories in black and white will stop me from eating something I shouldn't. And with pre-logging there are no surprises.

Linking up with Workout Wednesday (what do you know, there are a bunch of good tips listed on today's post!) Weigh In Wednesday (does a diet-bet help you with achieve your weight-loss goals?)

If YOU were asked to list three of your top tips, what would they be?

I Like Link-Ups

I've kept a family blog for a few years now ... I'm not sure how many people (family included!) actually get around to reading the posts, but that's okay. The blog is mainly for ME. It's my way of documenting what goes on, and it's a great reference (I'll look up recipes, or figure out when something happened by going through past posts). It's our online photo album and journal.  When I started this blog a few months ago, again ... it was mainly for me. But that being said, it IS nice to have readers, to get comments and compliments. I have been trying to be active in the blogging community. A fellow blogger recently posted some ways to increase readership on your blog (Affection for Fitness) and there were many good ideas. One idea not included there, was participating in Link-Ups. These are often weekly posts with a specific theme. You are able to add your link and you are encouraged to check out others who are participating. I've found many great blog posts through link-ups, and I know I owe much of my traffic to references from these sites. So if you haven't linked-up before ... give it a try! Here's a list of the link-ups that I participate in regularly.

• Motivational Monday: Get the week started off right
• Friend Making Monday: Some fun topics, link up in the comments section.
• Tips and Tricks Tuesday:  Share a health/fitness tip or trick!
• Weigh-In Wednesday: Give a weekly accounting of your progress.
• Work out Wednesday: Share a workout related post.
• NSV Thursdays: Link up with your non-scale victory!
• Fitness Friday: Large link up ... share your fitness blog here.
• Stay Fit Sunday: Share a healthy living post. 

If these link-ups appear to be no longer accepting entries, check to see if there is a more recent one posted. All of the linkups I shared update weekly and usually have a "live" linkup going on.

Link-Ups can give you a little "writing assignment" post, as you try to match the theme of the link up. Sometimes it's a post you might not have written otherwise. The Link-Up can lead you to posts and blogs you might have missed, and introduce new readers to your blog. It's a great way of interacting with the fitness-blogger community.

I keep a list of the link-ups I participate in featured in my sidebar, and I also try to link back to the original webpage in my post (although sometimes I'm linking up an older post). Today ... I'll link this up with Tips and Tricks Tuesday (I already featured the button in the image up top).

(Another blogger posted about her love of Link-Ups with her own list, which has a few different than mine, if you want to check it out at Grab Your Kicks.) 

I've even started my own link up. During the week, I keep a unpublished post in progress, where I copy down the links and my thoughts on articles, blog posts, magazines ... anything that impacted me. Things I think others might enjoy. Then on Saturday, I finish it up and press publish.  It keeps me motivated to read (I've got a stack of magazines) and gives me something to reference if I want to find a certain article or blog post again in the future.  I've seen many others also sharing links and reading references on their blogs. I hope you'll come link up over the weekend (last week's Saturday Spotlight is still accepting).  If anyone was interested in co-hosting the linkup, I'd be open to that too *Ü*

Do you participate in Link-Ups?

Saturday Spotlight

Magazines, blogs, websites ... there is a wealth of information out there focusing on health and fitness. Even if you spend a lot of time online, there are bound to be great articles, information or even tiny tidbits that you miss out on. As I move through my backlog of magazines (see my Mucho Magazines post) and find myself folding over the corner of an interesting article, or seeing something online that I want to bookmark, I thought I'd compile my collection and share it here on the blog each week. 

I've noticed (and enjoyed) similar posts from bloggers I follow ...

• Success Along The Way posts a weekly "What I'm Reading" list. I always like checking out the articles, some fitness health related, some not. Often I've already read many of her picks (then it's a "we're so in sync" moment) but other times I'm introduced to new information.
• Strength and Sunshine has a "Blogposts I Loved This Week" recap each Friday.
• Garden Girl had a recent post listing healthy living links in her blog.
• Sky n Surf showcased a couple very interesting articles on her site in recent posts.

I was glad that I found these bloggers, who took the time to recommend reads I would have otherwise missed.  I'm sure those featured also enjoyed having the link back. It's a win/win.

So, in addition to the links given above this week I thought I'd share some tidbits from my latest magazine reading (Fitness July/August 2013)

• Cruise Control Run app: ($5, itunes) ... An app that analyzes your music to match a specific tempo. I'm currently getting  back into  running with music and I am VERY beat oriented! I looked into it, but think I'll pass for now. Has anyone tried it?
• Split Ends: A quick tip from a stylist to put conditioner on the ends before shampooing ... hmmm, this is one of those "it can't really do any harm and it's worth a try" tips! 
• Preventing Injury: You can read this article online ( Workouts Gone Wrong) ... I know crossfit has been stirring up controversy in the news lately, and of course the crazy competitive Spartan, Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash were mentioned (which brings me to another link, a fellow blogger shared her recent race in the Warrior Dash, I'm not sure I'd ever be up for that). I've always thought stationary bikes were super safe, even after MY silly injury (A Bit Bruised), so I was surprised to see them make this list . 
• Slowing Sugar: Another article available online (Ditch the Sugar Habit). I know SO many of you have been able to do this successfully. I keep hoping that if I simply control calories, it doesn't matter so much what those calories are. Articles like this are a good reminder that it's not only quantity, but quality that is important. I don't know if I'll ever be successful in breaking my sugar addiction ...

Even though so much is available online - I love magazines. They are inexpensive, and a bit a motivation in my mailbox each month. I pretty much subscribe to all the fitness ones. Just a shameless plug for my munchkin ... he's selling magazines as a fundraiser for his school. If by chance you were thinking of purchasing a subscription, a portion of the funds go to support our local school AND my munchkin wins a little prize... a plastic monkey. Apparently he really wants these little plastic monkeys. Check out the sales page (Magazines for Monkeys) ... the 2-year or combos seem to have the best deals. Health, Fitness, Shape, Self, Women's Health, Weight Watchers, Eating Well. Non-Fitness magazine are available too (Time, People, Cosmo, etc.). Luckily for my little man, I did need to renew a few, so he at least got an order from mom ... and a monkey.

If you have come across something you think others would appreciate, I'd love to hear about it. I'm going to TRY to jump on the LinkUp trend. If you see it below, and have a post you want to feature, link up. If you do not see a link up link ... then I was unable to figure it out. Feel free to post a link in the comments though.

I'll leave you with one final link .... Metronome Magic. Watch 32 discordant metronomes achieve synchronicity in a matter of minutes. I watched the video ... it really was a bit mesmerizing *Ü*

Do you like "reading recommendation" posts?
Do you share articles, links or shout outs on your blog?