Healthy Choices Canada Giveaway and Goals!

Here it is…February already!  I do not know where January went to!!

Have you made any resolutions?  Have you started them?  Have you started, but feel like you may have failed already?

I have a goal this year to become healthier.  I have about 80-90lbs to lose, and I want to curb some of the health issues that I have been experiencing over the past year.  My problem is…I don’t seem to do well with the follow-through. 

Now, I know I am not the only one who feels this way.  I have no initiative, and it is February already.  I have good intentions, but really struggle with sticking to the commitment.  I think it is because I am afraid of not being able to do it all the way, I am afraid to fail.

When I was in the course I took, 2.5 years ago, we learned about making goals.  We should follow the word SMART.

                                     S- Specific – What, specifically, do you want to accomplish?

                                     M- Measurable – Can I measure the progress?

                                     A- Achievable – Is my goal reachable?

                                     R- Relevant – Will it help me reach my lifes purpose?

                                     T- Timely - What is the time frame for this goal to be reached?

So, for me to just say “I want to live a healthy lifestyle”, isn’t really being specific.  I think that is a big problem why I have a hard time committing to this goal.

I need to find 1 thing to change, which I did about 3 weeks ago.  I decided that I would stop drinking pop.  I haven’t had any pop since I made that specific goal.  You know what?  I don’t even miss it!!  Now, if I go out, I choose to drink water instead.

I love when I can find websites and apps that can help to encourage me to meet my goals, and The Healthy Choice Pledge is becoming a favourite of mine.  I signed up through Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada, and every day, when I log in, I see the next challenge that they post.

“To help kick-start 2013 with a healthy and balanced lifestyle, Healthy Choice Canada is motivating Canadians to take The Healthy Choice Pledge. It’s as easy as visiting Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada and signing up through the online application. The app suggests a simple, healthy choice every day that participants can complete to stay committed to their Pledge.”

By taking this pledge, you are not only taking a step to a healthier life for you, but you can also dedicate your pledge to give $75,000 to these 3 National Charities: Breakfast Clubs of Canada, Kids Help Phone and The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

It is a win-win situation!! Doing something good for yourself and giving to charity in the process!

#1. Revisit and Visualize your Goals

* Review your personal goals weekly.

* Try vision journaling: cut out pictures that portray what you are working towards, what you value and what represents a fit and healthy you.

#2. Spice up your Workout – Avoid the Plateau

* Grab a friend and test out a new class each month.
* Incorporate tools like a heart rate monitor into your routine; seeing the results will keep you motivated.

#3. Turn Goals into Events

* Plan to participate in a future race, an expedition hike or something that genuinely inspires you – set the date, start training and experience the journey!

#4. Grab a Partner

* Do your workouts with others – a workout partner who has similar goals and interests can take your fitness plan from flat to fun and provides a source of friendly accountability.

#5. Excuse Proof your Plan

* Create a list of common bad choices you make that prevent you from achieving your goals. Then, think of ways to redirect your actions to get what you truly want – results.
* Keep a stocked workout bag in the car to decrease your chances of driving past the gym.
What goals do you have?  I am thinking that for me, I need to pick 1 goal every few weeks and start small.  As I achieve each new goal, I would love to pick another one.  I am also going to look for an accountability partner.  Someone that I can “answer” to, someone who can ask me about my progress. 

I have a Healthy Choice Pledge Prize Package for one of my readers to win, to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle!

Open to Canada only.

Starts tonight, and ends on February 16^th at 11:59pm EST.

Leave a comment with your email address for each entry. Include any links you have to earn the entry.

The Pledge Prize Package is worth $200 and includes:

• Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers coupons to get that freezer stocked with some healthy choices
• A Healthy Choice t-shirt and water bottle
• A pedometer and athletic headband
• A journal to keep track of your goals
• A Vitamin E Skin Care Kit
• A $40 Cineplex gift card to schedule a movie date with a family member or friend
• A $25 iTunes gift card to download your favourite tunes and get dancing
• A $20 Chapters gift card so you can spend some time relaxing with a good read

THIS IS AN AMAZING PRIZE PACK WORTH $200!!

Mandatory Entry:

• What is a goal that you plan to achieve this year?

Extra Entries:

• Like the Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada page and take the pledge
• Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Twitter
• Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): "#WIN a #HealthyChoiceCanada prize pack http://tinyurl.com/afkotsd @momsmusings ends: 2/16/13 #giveaway"
• Blog about this contest (5 entries)
• Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

 I have been compensated to share this post.  All opinions are my own.

Procrastination is my Middle Name...

I have too much stuff.  I have always been a collector.  I am not the most motivated person.  I really, I mean REALLY dislike cleaning.  I enjoy cooking but keep getting stuck on the same meals that I don't feel like cooking...

My house is cluttered, and I really don't like that.  I feel like all that happens in our house is cleaning, and I want to do so much more with the kids and enjoy these times while they are home.

So, one of my goals for this year is household organization.  I really need to organize my house better and get rid of some unneeded items.  I always have these wonderful ideas and ideals but I procrastinate so much that I never get close to finishing them...

I work in a group home and I really like the system that they have there.  They have a communication binder where all the chores for the day are listed.  Each week, on each day they have the same chores, so once in the routine, you just know that on Sunday you put out the garbage and on Friday you wash the bedding etc...I want to do that at our house.  I really crave that organization and non-chaotic environment.  So...I am going to set some goals, I want to get there this year.  I want to have my house in the condition that I feel better about. 

The steps I am going to take to get there are:

• Start one task at a time and complete it before starting the next task
• Get rid of things on weekly basis - we seem to have a lot of things coming in and nothing going out
• Enjoy the small accomplishments, reward ourselves for organizing an area
• Set up a calendar of regular jobs to be done each day/week/month
• Set up a laundry schedule, 1 person each day and linens/towels on weekends
• Start a menu plan and shopping list again

This is my start...Any suggestions or advice for a procrastinator like myself?

Day 12 and Day 1 all together now:-)

So, today is day 12 from the time I said I was giving up iced capps and was going to start walking more.

Yesterday I had my first iced capp since day 1.  I made it 11 days and I had it more out of the need to see what I thought.  Would I start craving them, am I really over the whole fad...I did the same thing with smoking.  I gave it up for a year or so and then had a cigarette and thought it was disgusting!!  I never smoked again.

You know what?  I have no craving to have another one today.  I didn't finish the whole thing yesterday, and I kinda felt crummy afterwards.  I think I am over them.  I am not saying that I am never going to have another one...it will just be very occasional...

I could do better with the walking, I have been trying to get out there, and I guess with my work and stuff I do get some walking in.  I think I need a pedometer to keep track of all my steps, because I don't realize how much I actually move.  I will also be able to try to beat the number of steps from previous days and have little goals to meet too.  It would be helpful.

Today is day 1 for working out on the Wii...I have decided that I am going to spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day (except Sat and Sun) using the Wii Fit Plus and the Biggest Loser games.  I did 45 minutes today and was exhausted!!  It really does work you out.

I have a goal.  I am going to share the blunt facts with all my devoted readers:-)

Starting weight - 226 - October 8, 2010
Goal weight - 180 - March 31, 2011

That is just under 2 pounds a week.  A very reasonable goal.  It is reachable. 

Why March you may be asking?

WE ARE GOING TO CUBA!!!

Me and my hubby have been wanting to do this trip for a while now, without any kids.  We have owed my parents quite a bit of money and have been working to get that paid off.  I just didn't feel right going on a vacation, enjoying myself, having people watching my kids (parents included) and knowing that I am spending all this money that I could be using to pay them back. 

So...we have been blessed with the right amount of money to be able to pay off outstanding debts to them (we still have other debts, but they are under control), and have enough left over to take this trip.  It is already in a forced savings account, so it is really going to happen!!

We will be celebrating our 16th year of marriage on a warm island, on a beach, with drinks in hand.  No worries, no kids, just learning to enjoy each other again.  Families are only as strong as their leaders are:-)

So, my goal to lose approximately 2 pounds a week will have me a little lighter for our trip.  Not that it really matters, I just need a feasible goal:-) 

Day 12 and Day 1...Follow me on my journey!!

Before Picture - I love the picture, I just don't like my size...I think this one shows where I am really at...

Making a choice and sticking to it...

There has been a lot of buzz around setting goals lately.  I know that usually January is when most people set there goals, or their resolutions...but September really feels like the beginning of the year. 

The kids go back to school...new grades for the kids, new changes in our routines etc...so I am setting a new goal.  I am putting it here, again, because I am hoping there will be some accountability for me...this may be a bad thing for me to ask for, but I am going to do it.

I need to make some changes in my life.  I was at an even this weekend and there was a display about diabetes.  I was talking with the lady who was at the table and I had no idea that if you have a family member with Type 2 diabetes then you are at a greater risk...I meet an awful lot of the risk factors and I really need to start taking care of myself better.

- I am turning 35 this year, age is a factor - generally 40 and over...but my body seems to be older then I really am...because my health is not at its best.
- There is no doubt that I am overweight.  I know that I need to lose at least 90 lbs to be at an even remotely ideal weight.  I have a long road there and I need to get serious.
- My father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes when he had heart bypass surgery.  As I said earlier, it never hit me that I was at a higer risk because of the family history...
- Exercise levels...for me are really non-existant.  I always plan on doing something but something else always comes up...
- Healthy eating - I am not horrible at this, but I do admit that I tend to eat out quite a bit - but usually in splurges...like one week I will eat out a lot and another week hardly at all...either way, I need to improve in this area (hence the meal plans:-)

I am sure there are other risk factors that are present for me, but these are the ones that jumped out at me this weekend. 

Now it is time to do something about it...

I am starting with 2 goals.  They are small, and may seem trivial to others, but for me they will be huge...

1.  I will walk everyday to drop the kids at school or pick them up (probably pick them up).  This is about a 10 minute walk one way, with a stroller, and home.

2.  I am going to limit my iced capp addiction to once a week.  That may seem like a lot for someone, but really, I usually have at least 2 a day...I know, that is bad!!  I expect to have some extra money at the end of the week by doing this.

Two small goals, that I will take a week at a time. 

And you get to walk this journey with me:-)

Out With The Old, In With The New...

Happy New Year!! (A little late, but better then never:-)

Some of us make New Years resolutions and others of us can't be bothered. I fit into the latter category. In the past I have made resolutions only to have them broken. Then I feel like a failure and I get quite down on myself.

This year, I am bound to make NO resolutions...just some welcomed changes. Change is good, and I am preparing myself to go through some major changes in my life this year. At our church we used to do these goal setting sheets each year, and I thought they were a good reflection forward, for what we wanted to happen in our lives.

These sheets covered all the major areas of our lives, spiritual, social, financial, physical, emotional, home life, etc...I loved working through these things and finding out what I was desiring in my life.

I am going to work through some of these here each day this week. I figure it will give me some good content (or maybe really boring;-), but this is where I seem to get most of my work done:-)

Today I am going to look at my home life. What goals do I have? What is going well? What changes do I need to make to reach my new goals?

What is going well?

I think we have become better at organizing our lives. I use a daytimer regularly and now I am lost without it. LOL!! Our kids are learning that living in a slightly larger then average family requires them to take on some bigger roles then kids in other families may not have. I have tried to do little bits each day in the way of housework or cooking (NOT my fortes), with a little bit of success. All around though, we enjoy our family. We enjoy playing games with the kids, or going to movies. We enjoy each other, which is more then some families out there. Our house may not be the cleanest, but we are pretty well rounded in other areas, and I think that is ok.

What goals do I have?

I want our house to be more organized. In a practical way. Everything needs a place and we need to keep up on putting things away. I need to learn that it is ok to not have a lot of jackets for each kid, just in case...God will provide if and when we need another one. I have gotten to this point with clothes, just the jackets keep tripping me up;-) I would love to organize the basement with some special shelving, I really like the workbenches that are meant for garages. I don't necessarily have a garage that needs to be redone, but these workbenches could be used in our basement for so many other things. Rubbermaid also has some pretty cool units and storage solutions. If we had an unlimited amount of money, I would totally redo the basement with some of these items. But, for now we just need to come up with some creative ways to store our things. I also want to spend more time with the family, you can never have enough time. While I do enjoy my time away from them, I enjoy the quality time that we do get even more. My husband and I need to get more time away from the kids. We need to continue building our relationship, something that seems to get lost so easily in the hustle and bustle of having kids.

What changes do I need to make to reach these goals?

To start reaching our goals we need to schedule our time better. We need to make sure that when we commit to going out, or taking our kids out, that we follow through. Finding more free events would be helpful as well, as money isn't always readily available for "fun stuff". We are planning 2 vacations this year, one for the family and one for us. We will probably go camping with the kids, which will cost a bit, and we would actually like to leave the country for our vacation. Maybe Florida, Dominican, Cuba, Mexico? Not sure yet, still researching all the areas. In order to enjoy these times we need to start saving our money and really stick to a budget. We figure altogether we will need $3000-4000...so saving starts now!! For the organizing I would like to look at some different affordable options we have. Can we find any solutions that are free or very cheap? Will they last? We need to research what is out there and be creative with what we have. We also need to pare down on some of the "stuff" that we do have...less "stuff", less storage needed, what do we really need and what can we live without. We will be able to do this after we deal with the other areas that I am going to be working through this week.

Anhyhow, there is a glimpse into my first main goal for this year.

How do you handle New Years and "resolutions" or changes, or goals?

Encouragement

I was reading through some of my favourite blogs on Bloglines (this is the best way to keep up with your blogs without wasting a lot of time!!).

I headed over to Adventures of Meejee. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her last few posts, where she is defining her goals for the year. It really made me think about what I want to accomplish this year.

In this post she also broke down the Proverbs 31 (ugh, just kidding) woman, and made it personal, which I loved. That is what I am going to work on this week. I want to strive to be that kind of woman, but I find it really hard to meet the standard she sets. So, I am going to work through it, verse by verse and see what I can do this year to help me become that person.

That's it for today, we are heading back to homeschool group today. We worked on cleaning up the house last night and laying out all the clothes and books and winter things, and snacks for today, so we are not rushed for time this morning. My kids are up and ready to go, we have all had breakfast and are just relaxing a bit before we head out.

I may get on here later, if not, have a great day!!