Truth2BeingFit.com

Social Media/Work - How Important Is it?

Friday January 27, 2012

    

quotes about life 

I had a different post for today but something happened so I decided to write this one instead.

Yes, I know social media is very important in the scheme of things these days. Yes, most of us have to work to survive. 

BUT, do either of those things notice the smile on your child or loved one's face? Do either of those notice the frown or sad look on your child or loved one's face?

I got some UGH news yesterday - not about me but someone close to me.

I had already decided to step away from the social media for a bit yesterday & enjoy our beautiful weather. BUT, then I got the news... I was so glad I stepped away!!! I stayed away longer than I first planned for - I sat & thought about life & how we get so caught up in the trivial.

Yes, many of us have to work & often we let that work take control of our lives. We forget that the little things in life become the big things in life. The older you get, the more you will understand this so PLEASE try to learn this at a younger age. When we are young, we tend to think that we always have another day or another week or another month but that is not always the case....

Let me tell you from experience! It is a very hard lesson to learn the hard way.

Social media AND work can be crazy. We get caught up in it & miss those little things that can mean so much.

Can you all just take a little time out of your day today to step away from the craziness & enjoy the small things - whatever that may be for you - PLEASE! Each day, can you take just 10 minutes if that is all you have to give your full attention to the little things?

PLEASE DO THIS FOR YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES! 

Thank you & I hope you are walking away from the computer right now, if only for a bit! 

IT IS NOT "COOKIE DAY" FOR ME BUT I MAY HAVE ONE ANYWAY!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The 65 Pound Soda!

Thursday January 26, 2012

Extra Big Gulp!

Got ya on that title, didn't I!

So, I know most of you out there realize and know that drinking soda leads to weight gain. Many "losers" out there lose weight just by cutting back or quitting drinking soda all together. Don't forget that fruit juices, even if they are 100% fruit juice, can add up in calories as well. One might do better to eat a piece of fruit & get the fiber as well vs. drinking it and especially to excess.

A regular 12 ounce can of soda has approximately 140 calories. Some have a bit more or less. On top of that there is around 40 grams of sugar!!!

Let us assume that 140 calorie number. If you drink 3 sodas per day, that is 420 calories per day. If you do that 7 days a week, that is 2940 calories per week. There are 52 weeks in a year so that adds up to 152,880 calories extra per year!!! There are 3500 calories per pound so that is about 44 pounds extra per year!!!! YIKES!!!!!!

So back to my 65 pound soda. My hubby & I ended up talking to a young guy while we were out one day. He had a Kings Hockey pin on & my hubby likes the Anaheim Ducks so that got the conversation started - hockey talk.  

Somehow we got to the subject of his weight. He told us he had lost close to 100 pounds!!! He showed us a pic of him at 300 pounds! Of course I wanted to talk to him about this since this is my love - health & fitness!

I asked him if he changed his food, added in exercise or both. This is what he told me:

1. He used to work a desk job but quit that & was now a server at a local restaurant. Along with that, about 2 months ago, he took up ice hockey. 

Now he lost the weight over a year or more so I knew it had to be food....

2. He told us he used to drink AT LEAST a 6 pack of soda a day!!! He said he lost his first 65 pounds doing almost nothing but NOT drinking soda!!!!

I think people lose track of how calories add up & small changes add up. Even if he had cut back to 3 sodas, he still would have lost about 33 pounds! Add in changing your food choices & exercising - well, it adds up to weight loss & a healthier life!

If you are one that has a 65 pound soda OR juice addiction OR even half of that, try to take small steps to reduce the amount you drink. You don't have to do it all at once! Baby steps lead to big results!!!! You can do this with food too BUT you have to know what you are taking in. Ya got to be honest with yourself & read labels so you are armed with the knowledge to take the small steps!

Anyone else out there have a weight loss story based on cutting out soda or too much juice?

PS: Alcohol has a lot of calories too so beer drinkers or excess wine or hard liquor drinkers - take note!

Silence the Sumo Wrestler in You!

Wednesday January 25, 2012


This is a guest post from my friends over at Shmirshky. If you are in your late 30's-50's OR a women OR a loved one of a women, this is for you - understanding is key! As you all know, to me, this is an important subject because I have & am still living it!

Also, if you are looking for a doctor to help you, DO CHECK OUT THE Menopause Doctor Directory. "It has a list of doctors recommended by YOU—satisfied patients—and finding one is as easy as typing in your zip code. If you can’t find a doctor close enough in our directory, ask your friends or family if they have any recommendations, ask a doctor that you know excels in his or her field, use local media like magazines or message boards, or check the practitioners at the  North American Menopause Society. The great thing about doctors is that if you’re unsatisfied, no divorce papers are needed to go on to the next one! (If you have a doctor you’d like to recommend that isn’t in the directory already, email his/her information to info@shmirshky.com!)

Budgeting Your Energy In Menopauseby Ellen Sarver Dolgen

It’s not your fault. You’ve been programmed to think that you’re not good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, or perfect enough. It’s on the cover of photoshopped magazines at the grocery store, reinforced on TV, and referred to in current — and unfortunately catchy — songs that objectify women. So much of what surrounds us today is appearance-driven, and there’s a natural tendency to adapt to our surroundings. This unfortunate marriage between societal pressures and our brains has birthed a critical voice in our heads telling us that we are quite simply not good enough. Picture a sumo wrestler sitting on your brain. He is huge, powerful and controlling (and HEAVY!), but does he wrestle you down or are you tripping over your own shoelaces? It’s never too late to reevaluate the budget of your energy wallet, and make sure that sumo isn’t taking more than he’s owed!

Have you ever tried to silence the sumo with a louder voice telling yourself not to think so much? Over-thinking is something many women do and have done their entire lives. That sumo is only reinforcing negative thoughts, impairing problem solving and throwing a wrench into everyday life. When women enter menopause, several of their symptoms (MayoClinic) can work together to create a menopause monster. Weight gain and insomnia can partner with depression to make a tornado of negative thoughts and feelings that seems impossible to diffuse. Society’s obsession with slowing down the aging process is unhealthy, yet difficult to avoid. It’s easy to slip into an energy-sucking ocean of negative thoughts when you’re in a sinking boat. Stewing over a hot flash can bring you to an archive of bad feelings you’ve had in your journey through menopause, leading to an unproductive, negative self-reflection and confusion, and if there’s one thing you don’t need more of when you’re in menopause, it’s confusion!

Your sumo wrestler erodes your ability to solve problems by keeping you fixated on the analysis phase. So how can you think positive, take action, and repurpose your energy to achieve hormone happiness in menopause?

Do not suffer in silence.

Remember, 50 million women are currently in menopause in the United States. You are not alone. Find a perimenopause and menopause specialist to be your menopause partner. Reach out to your friends and family, and consider throwing a Menopause Party. Sharing your experiences with other women who are going through menopause is not only a wonderful source of comfort, but it can boost your self esteem. Get the help and support you deserve. 

Put yourself on the top of your to-do list.

Make time for you! Yes! Take time to pamper yourself — read a book, grab lunch with a friend, take a long luxurious bubble bath, or go to the movies. Whatever you do, enjoy it.

Be mindful of healthy eating. CNN reports that this will help balance out your plummeting metabolism, mood swings and might even help you sleep better. According to MSN Health, metabolism does slow with age. Find a form of exercise that makes you feel good. Call a friend and go for a walk, bike ride or join that gym that you’ve been talking about. Release some endorphins — it feels good and Reuters says modest exercise will also help lower your blood pressure.

Be less self-critical and more proactive.

Send your sumo packing! Listen to your body and start recording your symptoms in a Menopause Symptoms Chart. Then take this chart with you to your perimenopause and menopause specialist so that your doctor will understand exactly how you are feeling and be able to develop a personalized program for you. 

 

Imagine your negative thoughts as bubbles floating by that you can acknowledge as you please and pop when you want. It’s difficult to control your thoughts, especially when they are reinforced by everyday norms. You will find when you shrink your sumo, you’ll spend less energy on feeling terrible, refocusing it on finding solutions and celebrating your happiness and progress.

Try to live SUMO FREE! 

Remember: Reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is OUT!

"E" is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, author of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness -- a cut-to-the-chase book on perimenopause and menopause, filled with crucial information and hilarious and heartfelt stories. It condenses a confusing, daunting medical topic into an easy-to-understand, purse-sized guide which can be used as a reference throughout your PM&M experience. Reading Shmirshky is like getting a big, comforting hug from a dear friend, who happens to know a lot about menopause!

Follow Ellen Sarver Dolgen on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@Shmirshky

Have you managed to silence the sumo wrestler? Don't suffer in silence! If you have a doctor you love, don't forget to send an email to info@shnirshky.com.

My Hip Hurt. Dynamic Stretching & RumbleRoller

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Long post below BUT worth the read so bookmark or come back later if you don't have time!

 

A while back my right hip started to give me problems - it was hurting, changing my gait, tender to the touch & more. Let me say that I do have flat feet and I am a major overpronator. The older I get, the worse the feet get AND the pronation.

I still absolutely LOVE my Hoka OneOne shoes & will not go back but up to now, I have not used special inserts in them. I have recently started to do that & will write about that in a different post because I am testing & will be reviewing some inserts! The inserts are for my overpronation, not my fat pad/balls of feet issue SO I STILL WILL NEVER GO BACK FROM WEARING MY HOKA ONEONE RUNNING SHOES!

What I want to write about today is what I did & AM STILL DOING for this hip issue.

I have always done a full stretching routine after my workout when I am fully warm & have not cooled down yet. The one thing in all my years I did not do was dynamic stretching. I had posted about it HERE with an ACE video but had not incorporated it into my routine. Here is another article on dynamic stretching from Runner's World

***After I had written this post, I saw this great video on strengthening the hips from one of my fellow FitFluential ambassadors. I do a lot of these but I see many more I will incorporate!!!

Just as my hip started to hurt & progressively got worse, I was reading an article in the November/December 2011 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. It was a dynamic stretching routine that seemed effective for not only my hip issue but just to add to my routine long term. I have NOT STOPPED DOING IT SINCE THEN!

For me, I knew my feet & overpronation were part of the issue. I also try to work my 54 year old butt & that little area between the butt & hamstrings very hard - age is not nice to that area! So I think it was a mixture of things.

I immediately started doing dynamic stretching both in my workouts & at home too. The one thing for me is that I do still warm up a little bit before the dynamic stretching. At the gym, I might be on the treadmill for 5-10 minutes before I start the dynamic stretching. The dynamic stretches that worked the best for me for my hip thing were the leg swings (high kicks) to the front/back, the side leg swings, the spider stretch, the hack-sack (in Runner's World video) and lots of hamstring stretches. For me, I think my issue was a combo of both & I already stretched my hamstrings a lot but I did even more. Google hamstring stretches, IT band stretches & hip stretches & read the REPUTABLE sources on these. Also, check the videos above!

I do more stretches & if I can ever figure out the video for my site, I will do a video.

I will say that adding dynamic stretching has been huge for me along with the roller below!

I also have started to get on & off the treadmill during my intervals & HIIT (instead of slowing down) & doing these leg swings throughout the whole treadmill workout. It really has been a HUGE help! Not only that, the dynamic stretching keeps me breathing heavy so it still is a workout doing that in between the intervals! I am not off the treadmill more than 45 seconds.

Of course, I still do my static stretching at the end of my routine when the bod is warm ALONG with the dynamic stretching. I KNOW, many of you are thinking - I CAN'T DO ONE MORE THING! Well, for me, age has a way & I want to be able to exercise into my very old age! Stretching has been part of my routine for ages & now it is more important. Do it while watching TV or in the kitchen cooking - you can find a way if it means staying healthy long term!

Here is one more article I saw on Twitter about the myths of stretching.

In addition, I started to use the RumbleRoller rather than my regular foam roller. I read about this roller in my ACE newsletter. Read the 5 star review here. Here are some additional images for you. The pic above is the standard roller. The firm roller is black.

I wrote to the company & asked if I could review both their standard size RumbleRoller and their compact/TRAVEL SIZE firm RumbleRoller. Both the standard & the firm come in both sizes. You can see them HERE.

I love this roller because those little bumps on it really get into the areas I need worked... yes, at first, it took some time getting used to the firmer roller & I worked into it - I did not put my whole weight on it at first.. BUT NOW I AM SOLD! You can read more about the comparisons to other tools here and frequently asked questions here. PLUS, a travel size for those that travel a lot & IT WILL fit in a carry on!!!

This roller does not "squish" either. Holds its shape, you can work it to meet your needs & I am loving it!

The RumbleRoller is used for "myofascial release, a type of massage that focuses on correcting restrictions of movement. "Myo" is Greek for muscle, and "fascia" is the thin sheath of silvery connective tissue that envelops the outer surface of each of your muscles. Injuries, repetitive motion, or even prolonged inactivity can lead to the development of trigger points, which are localized areas of muscle and fascia with compromised function. Professional massage is the best way to counter this problem, but few people can afford to employ it as often as it's needed. The RumbleRoller provides you with a more convenient and economical self-treatment option.

That link to myofascial release above was sent to me by a dear friend & is packed with very important info that I intend to follow up on soon! It is long but print it or bookmark it & read it later!!! It is not from the RumbleRoller company!

OK, your thoughts on dynamic stretching... do you do it or will you do it now? Anyone tried the RumbleRoller? Thoughts on myofascial release?

Gratitude Monday & Giveaway Winner & Grandkids

Monday January 23, 2012



Welcome to Gratitude Monday. Each Monday, stop by & comment on what you are grateful for & how it will impact you to live a healthier life going forward. How it impacts you does not have to be food or exercise related. It can be in any way, shape or form! If you just want to write a grateful comment & nothing else, that is fine too. If your comment is the same as another one, so be it. Everything goes here!

Today I am grateful to YMX by Yellowman for allowing me to not only test one of their amazing items but to also offer a giveaway to my readers! How lucky is that! Again, I have to say that this MadKool fabric is unbelievable. You got to wear it to believe it! Worth the money in my opinion! 

Also, they have a cool sale thing going on so check this out: YMX - Spread the Love.

The winner of the Tri-Sport Jersey chosen by random number generator is:

Maureen!

Please email me at jody@truth2beingfit.com. I need your mailing address & size. If I don't hear back in 3 days I will choose another winner - THX!  

Also, who can't be grateful for these CUTE grandkids! We miss them so much!







How are you & what are you thankful for today?

Tri-Sport Running Jersey GIVEAWAY!

Sunday January 22, 2012


You still have till 9pm west coast time, Sunday January 22, 2012, to enter my giveaway for a YMX by Yellowman Tri-Sport Jersey!!! Here is the link so you can head right over there and 

ENTER HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Winner announced tomorrow!

You Are Special!

Saturday January 21, 2012

I saw this over at Ewa's FB page & had to share! Isn't it true that we always treat others & speak to others so much better than we do to ourselves at times... Be good to yourself today & know that you are special!


I thought I would also share Miss Representation's 2012 goals for the year. You can take the pledge HERE

1. Get healthy - It's not about dieting, it's about a lifestyle shift. We are taking a 360-degree view of all that we consume in 2012. 

2. Value ourselves - We want to celebrate our true selves and our accomplishments, while taking moments to recognize our worth. This is essential for us to reach our full potential.

3. Be a model, be a mentor - Being a model is about personifying the characteristics we hope to see in the world around us. 

4. Get involved - By becoming active in our local communities we are taking ownership of the change we want to see. 

5. Be a leader - We are taking on stronger leadership roles in our own communities, cities and states. Only 18% of America's top leaders are women. This is the year we significantly change that number. 

Have a great day & weekend! AND a special HUGE THANK YOU  too Carla for her post yesterday!!!!

Don't forget my YMX Workout Gear Giveaway!

Chia Applesauce

Friday January 20, 2012


I saw this recipe over at PowerCakes. I think it looks amazing & so many ways you could use it. Definitely a try for me!!!

To start:

Cut up an Apple. Sprinkle with Cinnamon & ground Cloves(or any spices!) Add a splash of Vanilla and 1/4 cup Water

 *Microwave for 2 minutes in a microwave safe bowl

Then stir in:

2 TB CHIA SEEDS
1 or 2 packets of STEVIA (or any sweetener of your choice!)


Then I put that mix into my Magic Bullet Cup & "Pulsed" the mix for about 20-30 seconds until smooth but chunky.

*I liked mine chunky so I didn't mix it as long
*You could also make it "smoother" by adding more water & mixing it more!

 I ate it warm on top of a Basic Cinnamon PowerCake with a little Peanut Fluff & small amount of Pure Maple Syrup for an awesome Sunday Brunch!

 *You could also let it sit in the Fridge and it would get even more thick & delicious!

Everyone seems to be LOVING the CHIA JAM so definitely try out the CHIA APPLESAUCE & let me know how you like it!!

From Jody - You have to click on the link & go over & see some of the recipes she is working on like Chocolate Orange PowerCakes, Chia Chocolate Pudding & 3 Ingredient Pumpkin PowerCakes. I see some testing of recipes for me in the near future!!!! Thx Kasey!

Anyone going to try this recipe? Want to link us to your favorite chia recipe - PLS DO in the comments!

Don't forget my YMX Workout Gear Giveaway!

Sleepwear Giveaway Winners

Thursday January 19, 2012

 

AND the winners of the sleepwear giveaway are:

1. KCL Anderson - Sweet Dreams tank & top

2. Maggie - Sweet Dreams night gown

Please email me your size & color and mailing address of course.

Please check out & pass on the Dry Babe website to all your friends. Wonderful gifts for all & 10% of all sales go to Susan G Komen for the Cure! Items are made in the USA too!

I still have my GIVEAWAY for the YMX by Yellowman Tri-Jersey going on. Click & enter!

Women/Media Influence - Inner Health & "Beauty"

Wednesday January 18, 2012

First things first - a very happy anniversary to my middle stepdaughter & her hubby - enjoy and you guys are getting old!

 

I while back, I wrote a post about a great documentary on the OWN network, Miss Representation. The documentar was about:

"Miss Representation brings together some of America's most influential women in politics, news and entertainment, including Condoleezza Rice, NancyPelosiKatie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret ChoRosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem to give audiences an inside look at the media's message and depiction of women. The film explores women's under-representation in positions of power by challenging their limited and often disparaging portrayals in the media. Miss Representation takes the stand that the media is portraying women's primary values as their youth, beauty and sexuality - rather than their capacity as leaders." 

I also signed up for information from their organization HERE. The other day I got an email from them that said this:

"Often, when we think about health, we fall into conversations around weight and physical appearance (just browse the covers of so called "health" magazines). By focusing so heavily on our looks - especially in a media climate that celebrates such dangerous ideals of beauty - we risk neglecting our own true inner health and safety.

One of the first steps to addressing this is actually looking at the language we use to describe "being healthy." Not just in our heads, but when talking with others. Something as innocent as a compliment - "you look skinny" or "you look great" - can contribute to this obsession with weight and looks. 

This week's action is simple: try avoiding complimenting anyone on their physical appearance for an entire week, including yourself. No conversations about losing weight or being pretty. Instead, tell the loved ones in your life how smart they are, how you admire their confidence or even just how happy they seem! Celebrate the talents and abilities of those around you without mentioning appearanceBy shifting the way we talk about this subject we can begin to shift the entire mindset around what it means to be healthy. This is the year we stop judging ourselves and others by what is in the mirror, and instead see in everyone the same potential for greatness. This is the year we get healthy."

Now, I am one that likes a compliment on how good I am looking or fit or healthy BUT this is definitely something that made me think! I still want to compliment people on how well they are looking but to spend more time on telling them about their other amazing qualities - this will really help girls & women understand that it is not just looks that empower them!

I am not sure I will make it a week but I am going to try to do this as much as possible not only for a week but as part of my everyday life! Yesterday, while walking with a friend, I told her how I always admire how intelligent she is & her ability to multi-task & still do things so well.

How about you? Do you think you could do this & will you join in this challenge to let girls & women know that you love all their other amazing qualities too?

I also saw this article on Carla's FB page & wanted to share again (I had it on my FB page too) - a great read & oh so true - fits right in with this post! It is about don't just think it - say it - PLS READ!

Still have the Sleepwear Giveaway thru tonight with 2 winners announced tomorrow!!

AND, don't forget about my YMX by Yellowman Tri-Jersey GIVEAWAY!

YMX Yellowman Workout Gear - GIVEAWAY POST

Tuesday January 17, 2012

  

 
The 3 pockets below.

I am very excited to be reviewing workout gear by YMX by Yellowman. I first saw their outfits over at MizFit's blog. She was doing a giveaway & I was loving what she was wearing!!! Of course I entered the contest - who wouldn't!!!

As luck would have it, her random number generator picked me!!! YES to that! At around that same time, I got an email from YMX by Yellowman asking me if I wanted to review their Winter Flower-red long sleeve Tri-Sport Jersey. Did I? You betcha!!!

First, about this company from their webpage:

YMX (acronym for YellowMan Expression) was launched in 2009 as an extension of the original, high-end tattoo clothing brand, YellowMan (founded in 2004). Built on an extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected around the globe, YellowMan offers collectible, limited wearable art prints. YMX was created to offer an alternative to YellowMan in a broader, commercial market, while still preserving the authenticity of its origins.

YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use, or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change!

Honestly, I LOVE these tops!!! 

I have both the Tri-Sport Jersey ($119) provided to me by YMX for review AND GIVEAWAY (Tri-Sport Jersey only) along with the Winter Cloud-blue Tank ($59) I won from Carla (MizFit). 

This is perfect for me because I do both gym workouts & outside runs. YMX by Yellowman also sent me the Dragon Cotton Legging ($49) when I won the top from Carla. They have this cute little dragon print on the side of the calf area. Pictures below but first I want to review that amazing Tri-Sport Jersey!

Winter Flower Red long sleeve Tri-Sport Jersey: LOVE!!!!!!!!!

1. I asked for a size Medium because my back is wide due to my weight lifting. Smalls usually are too small for me in the upper back area. The medium actually fit me really well both in width & length as you can see from the pictures above. The sleeves were long but I just scrunch them up & they work fine! If you are a medium normally, you may want to go up a size. They have a size chart on their site. They also mention that it is slim fit so if you like a relaxed fit, go up one size.

2. The fabric is amazing!!!!!!! This MadKool fabric - I have worn nothing like this! I can't wait to try it out in hotter weather! It is as light as a feather & so soft yet wears so well. It drys so fast after my cardio sweating in the gym. It claims to be wrinkle resistant & hold its shape. So far, YES to that! It is machine washable & dryer safe PER THE INSTRUCTIONS but I chose to hang dry mine & I have never had something dry so fast on a hanger! That amazing fabric!

3. The designs & colors are so fun & different & vibrant! I feel "special" when I wear them! The tank top - I have worn that out & about with jeans so these are great for workouts & play! I would wear this tri-jersey out BUT it does have 3 pockets in the back so.. but they have jerseys without the pockets & those I would wear out & about for sure!

4. There are those 3 pockets in the back for people who carry "stuff" OR do triathlons, marathons or any races or long runs where they want to carry things. The middle pocket is larger & deeper than the 2 smaller ones on each side. Picture above. I also show you the zipper & how far it goes down so an easy on & off if you need to do that!

5. This shirt is UV Protection SPF 50+. In mid to high 40 degree weather, I wear it with a short sleeve warmer top under it - seen above. In the high 30's, I wear a long sleeve & higher neck warm top under it. If 50-55 degrees, I just wear my sport bra under it. Now remember, I am in California so this is what works for me. If you are used to colder weather, you may want to adjust how you wear it.

The tank I won from Carla is just as amazing! I absolutely love the way it wears & feels!!!! It is UV Protection SPF 30+. Couple pics below from the gym.

 

The cotton leggings are cute too - pics below! These may be more for yoga or something like that but I wear them on my all weight day sometimes. I actually wore an XS in these when I sometimes wear S - depending... I think Carla said she went down to an XS too in the tights she reviewed - different from mine. I may have to save up for those so I can wear them for my outside running! The ones that Carla reviewed are made from that amazing MadKool fabric! OK - pics of the cute cotton leggings below:

  

All in all, I LOVE these clothes - all of them!!! Yes, a bit pricey BUT I have really never worn a fabric like this MadKool. In my opinion, if you can swing it or save for it or get as a gift, YES!!! They wear & wash/dry like nothing I have worn before!

OK - on to the GIVEAWAY for that Long Sleeve Tri-Jersey!!! 

Here is how you can enter to win that Tri-Jersey worth $119 - leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry please. If you have issues commenting, send me an email & I will add you in!

1. Leave a comment on where you would where the jersey - running, out & about, snow play or all & more!

2. Tweet the giveaway out.

3. Share on your Facebook page.

4. Head on over to the YMX by Yellowman site & tell us all which item you love the most. Me, I love so many!

Contest is open to USA entries only. I will pick the winner by random number generator & announce the winner on Monday, January 23, 2012. If I don't hear back within 3 days, I will pick another winner - thx!

FTC: I received one Tri-Sport Jersey for free but all the opinions are my own!

Don't forget that I still have the Sleepwear Giveaway open until end of day Wednesday. Winners announced Thursday.

Gratitude Monday & Freedom/Acceptance

Monday January 16, 2012

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

Welcome to Gratitude Monday. Each Monday, stop by & comment on what you are grateful for & how it will impact you to live a healthier life going forward. How it impacts you does not have to be food or exercise related. It can be in any way, shape or form! If you just want to write a grateful comment & nothing else, that is fine too. If your comment is the same as another one, so be it. Everything goes here!

Today is the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  "It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States."

From Wikipedia:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, though the act predated the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by 15 years.

King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.


Today is also a day of service:

What is the MLK Day of Service?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: 

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

I think this is a day just to be grateful for living in a free country & having CHOICE, FREEDOM & ACCEPTANCE! What are you grateful for today?


UPDATE: Forgot to mention- You still have thru Wednesday to enter my Hot Mamas Sleepwear GIVEAWAY!!!

Make Each Moment Count

Happy Saturday - January 14, 2012

Make each moment count! Be kind to one another!


I FitFluential, Pinterest,Twitter, FB! Friday the 13th!

Friday January 13, 2012

FitFluential, Inc.           

Happy Friday the 13th! Anyone superstitious about this day out there? I am not but I was when I was a kid. I avoided the cracks on the sidewalks, black cats, ladders & more!

Anyway, I have to share that this social media has taken control of me. OH NO!!!!!!!! I was just your typical blog & FB lady until FitFluential came into my life! Recall that I am now a FitFluential ambassador!!!! So, to keep up & be part of this great community, I have joined it all or at least these ones for now!

If you want to be a FitFluential Ambassador or just an enthusiast or blogger, check out their site here & sign up! They also have a FB page. Just now started - a FB Running group page, a FB Food group page and a  FB Parents page (men & women)!

Ah, Twitter! Craziness! I wake up to tweets that came to my phone at all hours of the night! If you have not followed me yet OR I am not following you, you can follow me at @truth2beingfit. I think THIS will get you to me or I have a link on my green sidebar now. I am working on tweeting more but it takes time & I have to get better with doing it from my phone. I still have yet to figure out how to tweet a pic either form my computer or my phone!

Pinterest - OK, I resisted at first but I so love this site! I only have 1 board right now, MotivationHealthFitness, but I hope to do more. For me, this is addicting! Honestly, the 2nd night I started it, I dreamed all night about the things I was pinning & pinned! Now that is scary!!!! I must be careful - very careful!!!!

So, do tell, comment on what you are doing in social media! Anybody want to confess to addictions to Pinterest, FB or Twitter .. or any other social media site? I know there is tumbler but have not gone there yet!

PS: Don't forget about my HOT GIVEAWAY from yesterday!

I Am So Hot! Giveaway Post

Thursday January 12, 2012

Wicking Night Gown by Dry Babe  Wicking Tank Top by Dry Babe  Wicking Boy Shorts by Dry Babe 

Oh, yes, I am a hot mama!!!! OK, my long time readers know what I am talking about! I am talking night sweats, hot flashes & more!!!

Yes, I have written more posts on this perimenopause into menopause crap than I care to admit BUT it is inevitable for those that have not got there yet!!! For those that are there - I FEEL YOUR PAIN - well I feel your hotness!

I have been going thru this change for 8 years or so now - I lost track cause it is a pain in the arse & many other places too! I have had every symptom multiple times over. They come & go & come & go all thru the years so just because say the night sweats disappear, that does not mean they are gone forever. AND, if your period/monthly stops for a few months, don't get all comfy & throw out "the necessities". It will come back - I guaranty you! I was almost at a year when I had some visits!!!

There is so much to write about on this subject but today I just want to share some info about some clothes you can wear to help with the night sweats & hot flashes.

I have posted before about Dry Babe  - Absorbent Sleepwear for Hot Mamas. I wrote about them HERE & HERE. I had been given their Classic Absorbent ChemiseThey also donate 10% of all sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Well, they have added new items to their line & I was lucky enough to get their Sweet Dreams Tank Top and Sweet Dreams Boy Short. I so love the feel & wear of these items! Colors are pretty too!!!! They have a whole line of items that you can check out HERE. They have also added Missy & Plus sizes for you full figured ladies!!! Wash & wear & oh so comfy & soft!!! I wear then even in times when I don't have night sweats!!!

SIZING: Me, my upper back is WIDE so I got the size medium even though I am smaller. It fits pretty loose in the lower half but for me fits fine in the upper back. I do wear a size small in the bottoms & they were a tad big for me but fine to wear around home! The top in my humble opinion is pretty enough to wear out & I DID!!!!! Heck, even the bottoms might be worn out or over, say a bathing suit or workout wear... just a thought!

Hey, I was even part of their newsletter HERE!!!

Here is some info right from their website:

The original Dry Babe chemise sleepwear is made of 100% soft, plush, cotton fabric. The "Sweet Dreams" collection is made out of woven cotton velour which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester for stretch and comfort. Other night sweat sleepwear companies tend not to use natural fabrics, using mainly 100% polyester or high polyester content blends. Science has demonstrated that polyester fabrics tend to trap heat next to the skin, making wearers feel much warmer. Cotton fabrics have been shown to aid in cooling the body.

Now clothes are not the total solution for hard core night sweats but they help!!! I have had times & weeks on end waking up to my sheets totally drenched - NO, NOT FUN to say the least! Hot flashes too - when you are out & about & get these -well, just start thinking about your explanations now because it will happen!

Don't forget that you can get tons of info over at the Shmirshky Menopause website! They have a doctors directory, tons of resources & more!!! Check it out!

So, on to the GIVEAWAY! 

You can enter by leaving a SEPARATE comment for each of the following & if you have trouble commenting, pls send me an email & I will add you in. 

I will be giving away one (1) Sweet Dreams Night gown and one (1) Sweet Dreams Tank & Boy Short set.

Do one or all of the following:

1. Just leave a comment about your own experiences or a loved ones experiences.

2. Tweet this out & let me know you did.

3. Visit the website & let me know your fave item and/or the color you would choose if you won.

Contest is open for U.S. & Canada residents only. I will pick winners by random number generator unless there is a comment that just really hits home with me but most likely random generator. 

Winners will be announced Thursday January 19, 2012. If you win, please contact me by email within 3 days with your size & color. If I don't hear back, I will choose another winner - THX!!!!

FTC: Yes, I was provided items free of charge from Dry Babe for review. All the opinions here are entirely my own!!!!

Tighten the Butt/Glute with a Ball!

Wednesday January 11, 2012

Before I start, I want to let you know I am on Pinterest now! HOLY COW - addicting! I may change over to the FitFluential page but not there yet because I had already signed up before I knew about our FitFluential page.

Picture from Muscle & Fitness Hers.

We all want a tight butt - one that does not fall & keep on falling! A pinchable one is what I say or at least to my hubby!

I have written a lot of posts over time about glute/butt exercises. One of them is right HERE with lots of links to other posts for you. We can do squats and lunges and split lunges and leg presses and step-ups and cable work and more!!! The all have the intent to tighten the butt & yes, legs too. Then we have some isolation moves that can target just the butt like old times moves - glute bridge and fire hydrants(dirty dog) and pretzels among a few of them. Definitely check out the WebMD link in this post for lots of way to work the glutes.

Today though, I want to talk about a variation to the glute bridge that I saw in Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine. It is a glute bridge with your feet on a medicine ball. Here is a video of it

I actually put my heels vs. my feet on the ball but the way in the video is a bit easier. You can also add weight to your hip area to increase the intensity or even try 1 foot at a time. I have not done that yet!

I really feel this when I do it & a nice change of pace to add it in to my glute training. Another great thing - you can do it at home!!!!

Check out all my links above for lots of butt lifting & tightening exercises along with leg work as well.

Have you tried this exercise before & what is your favorite exercise to tighten & list the butt.

I have so many faves & to me, after 30 years of exercising, there is no one best.

For me, it is all about changing it up & doing a variety of exercises to hit all parts of the glutes. I will say that for over 15 years, I have been using a cable ankle cuff to do inner & outer thighs (adductor & abductor) & butt work and it never gets easier!!!

Weight Loss - What it Takes - HARD WORK

Tuesday January 10, 2012

First - a huge thank you for all your comments to my post yesterday! It really helps me understand things. I got on Twitter to complain to GoDaddy & got a response so will see where this goes....

Motivational quotes I like & hope they help you. MAKE SURE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE END!!! 

Don't make a resolution...make yourself. Found this on Gym Trainer.




 




  


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Muscle does not weigh more than fat but it takes up a lot less room so you are more compact & tighter - Going to start weight/resistance training  & eat healthier now????

Muscle and Fat Size Difference

Do you like these posts? If you do, I will do them each or every other week.

Have you resolved to make yourself the best you can be - and for each of us, that may be different. BE YOURSELF!

Gratitude Monday & Comments/Blogging

Monday January 9, 2012

 

Welcome to Gratitude Monday. Each Monday, stop by & comment on what you are grateful for & how it will impact you to live a healthier life going forward. How it impacts you does not have to be food or exercise related. It can be in any way, shape or form! If you just want to write a grateful comment & nothing else, that is fine too. If your comment is the same as another one, so be it. Everything goes here!

Today I am thankful for all your wonderful comments on my blog!!! I think we all like to get comments... not rude ones like my funny above! Reading what you have to say or offer up makes my day!

So, with my gratitude, I would also like to ask for your help. I have received emails from some of you about the problems you have commenting on my blog. Some just can't get in & others say that they are asked for the security code multiple times & eventually still can't comment. I use GoDaddy for my blog host & format and have had issues from the beginning. This is the BLOG side & NOT the website side. I understand that the website side is not as bad.

What I need to know is:
 
1. How many of you have had issues commenting & what were those issues?

2. How many have had no issues?

3. How many have tried to comment & can't so just gave up - if this is you, please email me at jody@truth2beingfit.com

4. If you are anonymous, please feel free to email at jody@truth2beingfit.com

5. Does the process to comment on my blog discourage you from commenting, even if you have no problems?

6. Anything else you want to add, please comment OR email me at jody@truth2beingfit.com

I want to & plan to change up this blog to WordPress or something else that works better & makes it easier to do more things I want to with the blog. Any suggestions on what you feel is the best way to do this? WordPress or something else. I have been reading a lot about issues with WordPress updates.

Thank you!!!! I am grateful for your comments & help with this!

What are you grateful for today?

Birthday Time Again!

Saturday January 7, 2012





A very happy birthday to my niece Jennifer & my hubby's ex-wife Gail. YES, I get along with his ex-wife!!!! We had get togethers when we all lived close!

The pic of my niece was in Australia. She was doing advanced studies & graduate work for her Marine Biology degree. Such a smart young woman & wanting to help the world!

Hope you both have a great one!! Gail, I am keeping your age secret!
We are anything we want at our age!!!

Frittata - Eggs are GREAT for Protein

Friday January 6, 2012

Eggs are a fantastic source of protein & nutrients! I have written about them in the past HERE and HERE. Also, here is info from World's Healthiest Foods.


Any Time Frittata

Don't reserve this great frittata from World's Healthiest Foods website for breakfast; it's wonderful for lunch or dinner as well! Zucchini and tomatoes provide excellent sources of health-promoting vitamins A and C as well as manganese to your Healthiest Way of Eating. And all of this for only 85 calories!

Prep and Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 whole eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • pinch of turmeric
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 cups thinly sliced zucchini
  • 1/2 4 oz can diced green chili
  • 1 small tomato, chopped with excess pulp removed
  • 2 TBS chopped cilantro
  • salt and black pepper to taste


Directions:

  1. Chop onions and garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to enhance their health-promoting properties.
  2. Beat together eggs, egg whites, turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 TBS broth in 10-12 inch stainless steel skillet. Healthy Sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and green chili for about 3 minutes stirring frequently.
  4. After 3 minutes, add tomato, cilantro, salt, and pepper to zucchini mixture.
  5. Pour egg mixture over vegetables. Turn heat to low and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes checking periodically to see if eggs are firm. When done, run a rubber spatula around edge of frittata, cut into four wedges and serve.

Serves 4 Serving Suggestions Nutritional Stats

Once again, easy to change up to meet your own tastes. Good any time of the day!


Also, on a FitFluential chat Wednesday night with Coach's Oats, they offered up a recipe Eggcelent Oatmeal Veggie Cups. Easy to make and easy to make your own! See side pic here.









I highly recommend those looking for support in health & fitness & all things like this take a look at FitFluential. My original post is HERE when I announced that I am a FitFluential ambassador!

What is your fave egg dish? Are you FitFluential?

86,400 Seconds - What Are You Doing with It?

Thursday January 5, 2012

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What are you waiting for - today is the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



So, what are you doing with your seconds? Are you sitting on the couch & watching TV? Are you wondering why you have not lost the weight you promised to last year? Are you wondering why you ate that donut this morn? Are you wondering why you are not healthier? Are you wondering about what lies ahead but you have not moved yet to even try? Are you doing Twitter & FB & all that stuff but don't have time to work out or eat healthier????

It is all about CHOICES!



Yes, go faster if you want, but the key is to just move forward in any little way you can!

DEFINE IT for yourself. Make it yours!!!!!!!!!!!

I know many don't like The Biggest Loser. I watched the first show last night & for now it seems to be getting back to basics & not like the past few seasons - time will tell. 

What I wanted to share though is that this season on The Biggest Loser is the season of NO EXCUSES

How about we make this season, this year of 2012 & each & every moment one of no excuses. You don't have to go crazy like me. You don't have to be an athlete. You don't have to do your exercise in a gym or be a runner or be like "that person over there".

JUST BE YOU!

We all make mistakes. We all fall or falter. What makes the difference? You get up & keep moving, keep trying, don't give up, don't make excuses. Just get back to it. Aren't you worth it - YOU ARE!

What are you doing with your seconds?

Why People Quit

Wednesday January 4, 2012

 

I found the first pic & copied it & of course forgot to get the credit before I realized I did not have it & can't remember where I found this.... DOH! I do this way too often since I love reading motivational quotes.

Anyway, it really hit with me because when people ask me about my motivation, I always say for one thing, I never want to go back where I was when I was heavy - not only how I looked but how it felt.

When people ask me about the stress or depression or anger type eating, for me, I say to myself, I AM NOT GOING TO LET THAT PERSON OR THAT JOB OR THAT SITUATION RUIN ALL THE HARD WORK I HAVE DONE TO GET TO THIS POINT.

Yes, I know it is easier said than done....  BUT when you think about it, why are you going to let some person, whether a friend, family member, stranger or even a bad job take control of your life & how far you have come in your efforts to lose weight or whatever it is you have set out to do for yourself.

The quote above, I hear it often on TV, in articles, from people. People are so focused on how far they have to go that they forget the present - how much they have done already. I don't care if it is just a couple pounds - it is a couple pounds less than the other day. If it is 10 or 20 pounds & you still want to lose 40 more pounds - focus on how far you have come! Focus on how much better you feel & how much more you can do & yes, the NSV's - non scale victories. It is not always about the scale or the pounds!

Now I know that this is not the only reason people quit. It is complicated, as they say..... BUT I do hear it often... something to think about.

How many of you have said that sentence in the first part of the quote above? Are you still saying or thinking it - how far there is to go?  Can you focus on how far you have come? How much better you feel OR WILL FEEL? What a great example you are OR WILL BE for your family & kids AND YOURSELF!

Please share your thoughts and also any NSV's for those that need to see that it is not all about the scale!

Also, please share why you have quit in the past if you are willing to do so...

MOTIVATION - You CAN!

Tuesday January 3, 2012

More motivation to start out 2012! Tomorrow I am chatting about why people quit!

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"A winner is a person who goes out today and every day and attempts to be the best runner and best person they can be. Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don’t have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up."

From Jody: Replace any word you want in there for runner in the above quote - or just be the best person you can be... you don't have to be an athlete or compete or do races.... every day you just do your best, don't give up on the hard work it takes, accept that sometimes things don't go right but you just GET BACK TO IT, that it takes time & patience & learning & change & just accepting that each day is a new day & don't look back - look forward!!!

Here is to a "Love ourselves & be the best we can" 2012 and that is enough period!

Gratitude Monday & Grandkids; Happy Bday!

Monday January 2, 2012



Brooke liked this one. She was goofing when they visited Old Idaho Penitentiary in the fall.
 

Welcome to Gratitude Monday. Each Monday, stop by & comment on what you are grateful for & how it will impact you to live a healthier life going forward. How it impacts you does not have to be food or exercise related. It can be in any way, shape or form! If you just want to write a grateful comment & nothing else, that is fine too. If your comment is the same as another one, so be it. Everything goes here!

Today & every day I am grateful for the 7 grandkids & of course all the family members!

Today is Brooke's 8th bday & sure wish we could be there! We thought she was going to be born on the 1st but instead we sat in the hospital waiting area for hours & hours & hours !  It was worth it though!

Happy birthday Brooke & we love & miss you!!!!

I always loved this one pic of her when she got into lipstick at Target & got in trouble!



I also love this one from 2009 with the oldest granddaughter, her cousin. CUTE!

















I had a great start to 2012 with a beautiful sunrise for my first run of this year in my Hoka One One running shoes - LOVE - and my Yellowman YMX Tri-Jersey that I will be reviewing soon. Great jersey!

How are you & what are you grateful for today?

RELEASE - Happy 2012

Sunday January 1, 2012

MY GOAL FOR 2012 & ALWAYS!!!

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“Years end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” ~ Hal Borland



HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET'S DO THE ABOVE EACH & EVERY DAY!!

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