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.