This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Reebok.
So if I’m being completely honest, I have to tell you that 2010 was a Major Fail for me in the exercise department. Maybe my worst year yet.
Oh, I did a little walking here and there. And I cranked up a work-out DVD a time or five. But with the exception of a whole lot of swimming back in the summer, the words “daily exercise” weren’t in my vocabulary a whole bunch. And even though I know it sounds trite, and even though I know it sounds like millions of other people, I can’t help but tell myself that 2011 will be better.
(2011 will be better.)
(2011 will be better.)
(If I repeat it over and over, will that make all my fitness dreams come true?)
I have to say, though, that 2010 brought some really good changes in our eating habits. For whatever reason – and this was never anything that we sat down and planned – we gradually made a switch to a much simpler diet. Lots of vegetables, lots of whole grains, plus good-quality meats that are prepared very simply and flavorfully (is that a word?). And as a result of those changes, we’ve felt a lot healthier. My husband paired the smarter food choices with a regular work-out regimen, and he’s entering 2011 about thirty pounds lighter than he walked into it.
But now? It’s time for Mama here to get on board. Which means, among other things, that I may have to dial it back a notch or two on some of my favorite foods.
Oh, it is a blessing.
I know that if I set unrealistic goals (lose 40 pounds and/or fit into a tiny size and/or look like Heidi Klum and/or run a marathon), I’m just setting myself up for failure. I think a better strategy is to find two or three small things that I can do well and do consistently. The mental and emotional battle is just as big as the physical one, so I know that it’s super-important that I take that into account. So here’s what I’m thinking in the way of goals / changes / strategies for a better, healthier life in 2011:
1. Drink more water. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but diet soda and I have a little bit of a thing going on. We’ve had a thing going on for YEARS, in fact, and I really need to loosen my grip on those 12-ounce aluminum cans. The caffeine has a bit of a hold on me as well, so while going cold turkey (I just wrote “gold turkey,” which sounds like a fascinating albeit unrelated issue) isn’t the best option, drinking more water and less diet soda seems wise.
2. Go to bed earlier; wake up earlier. I have an unhealthy relationship with the snooze button. I tend to err on the side of burning the candle at both ends, which means I’m always trying to grab bits and pieces of sleep whenever I can – and because of that I tend to stay up too late and fight waking up in the mornings. This year I want to at least be in the bed at a more reasonable hour, and I’d like to wake up about fifteen minutes earlier in order to make my quiet time more of a priority. I’m a better, more even-tempered, more level-headed person when I set aside that time in the morning, and I want to do a better job of keeping that appointment with myself.
3. Move. I’ve never been a runner. I like the idea of being a runner, but I’ve decided that my transformation into a runner is just about as likely as teaching a cat to bark. However, I’ve had a lot of success in the past with walking. I really do enjoy it when I make a point to carve out the time for it (the time element is huge for me). This year I want to put on my walking shoes again (side note: I’m intrigued by the Reebok Easy Tones – I actually enjoy the process of toning up my legs, and I think the Easy Tones would make that process even quicker) and hit the trails behind our house. Walking three times a week would be a huge improvement for me, and it would also make that second goal I listed a whole lot easier.
So what about you? What’s one way you plan to improve your overall health and wellness this year? Leave a comment with your answer, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Plus, for more chances to win, just visit the Exclusive Offers section over at BlogHer.com
Visit the BlogHer round-up page for links to other participating blogs.
This giveaway runs from January 4 – January 16, 2011.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This giveaway is now closed.
http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/26364557182115840
I am determined to stress less and pray more, working at it from the inside out.
I’m adding regularly scheduled exercise to my day! Every day! I’ve been kind of hit and miss in the past, and I want to really commit to a healthier lifestyle!
I am trying to drink more water, eat less sugar and be more active.
Eat better.
I’m cutting out the junk food in my diet. Sure, it’s going to be very hard.
I plan on taking up a sport/activity that I actually enjoy – racquetball & getting to bed earlier.
I would like to exercise more regularly. Like you, I enjoy walking. It’s just hard to be motivated–especially because in order to walk, I need to get in my car and drive somewhere! The other thing that would improve how I feel, I’m sure, would be to spend less time on/at the computer. This would require more discipline–because the enticement of prizes has a strong pull. As my discomfort increases, maybe the lure of a win will decrease.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Happy New Year.
aleq13@gmail.com
This year I will focus on cutting out starchy carbs and exercising outdoors more often.
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
(http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/26412376446214144)
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Thanks!
Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/26413034142441472
I am planning more family activities for vacations including hiking, biking etc. instead of less active trips! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net
I plan to eat more fruits and veggies!
I plan to drink even more water than I already do!
Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/bikeohio/status/26464225345929216
I wish I had tips to share, but this is one battle I have yet to win. I’m still trying to become fit and be consistent with an exercise program. I never give up though.
Loving myself as much as i love others!!! And that means taking part of every day out to do something for myself!
I plan on getting more sleep, I’m getting rid of cable-and my beloved DVR-no more late nights watching HBO in bed early every night. I plan on walking to work, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
kakihararocks@gmail.com
Resolving to do my workout first thing in the morning instead of whenever I can squeeze it in is one small way to aid in a healthier new year. If it’s done in the early a.m., I am less prone to cheat (i.e. eat junk) as the day progresses because I remember how hard I’ve already worked.
Tweet
http://twitter.com/mail4rosey/status/26487626915643392
Definitely MOVE! with the abundance of fabulous blogs to read i find myself lazing around catching up on them! I need to make it a point to read them while on the treadmill or something.
Also to eat a better breakfast. A good start to the day just makes everything better. So far this year, so good I’ve had a proper healthy breakfast everyday! woohoo :)
My plan is to eat healthier and exercise more.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/ayeejen/status/26513814308528128
I’m going to be walking more — whenever I feel like shopping I’ll just walk the mile to the store instead of driving :)
I’d love to lose approx. 30 pounds. I too need to stay away from CHEESE. It is my love, and my arch-enemy. I need to stop being lazy and use my gym membership more often (had it since Sept…go twice a week, which really, is about all I have time to do since there is no daycare there and I need somebody to watch the kids…) but also take the time to workout at home too. I’ve got the tools. I have a Wii Fit system and I’ve got the P90X DVDs (which I LOVE, even though it kicks my ass!). I just need to DO it and STICK to it!
Tweeeeeeeet
http://twitter.com/briggszilla/status/26553050109837312
I need to get back to keeping to fruits and veggies for my snacks.
I don’t exercise at all and that is what I need to change. I already eat pretty well but my job is very sedentary and I need to move a bit more. I”m going to try and add some little thing every day that moves or strengthens or stretches my body.
I plan to walk more this year
sweokgrl@gmail.com
To play actively with my kids this year is my goal.
reejen(at)comcast(dot)net
I am focusing on exercising at least 30 minutes each day this year!
Drinking more water and walking daily!
no19034770 @yahoo.com
I plan to start walking and eating healthier.
deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
I am implimenting a new exercise program this year. Thanks!
I plan to actually schedule my exercise instead of just saying “I’m going to work out tomorrow”. I bought a calendar for fridge so I’m planning to write exercise on the calendar at least 3 times a week with a specific time. So no more excuses!
walk more and tone up
jdmimi at gmail dot com
Stay on my low inflammation diet, continue exercising and have self discipline in all areas.
Hope that went trhu?
Tweet http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/26676432532938752
mine is also to drink more water
Lovefool827 (at) yahoo (dotcom)
Smaller portions, healthier meals and lots of sparkling water. My daughter bought me a seltzer maker for Christmas and I am loving it.
I plan on making 2011 a healthier year by exercising three times a week (I joined a zumba class) and by getting more sleep (at least 7 hours each weeknight)! :)
I am going to start doing more fun things I know when I am happy I feel better
I tweeted this giveaway @deegee13 thanks! http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/26691697819787264
I’m listening to my doctor more – this year we are starting off with some yoga to hopefully take some of the arthritis pain away
janicecrespo@gmail.com
I hope to be more active, using my exercise bike more often. Slow start so far, though…
I hear you about 2010 being a major fail. We took a holiday over the summer and never got back into fitness after that; bad. I need to walk more as well. I just ordered the EasyTones; can’t wait to try them. A friend of mine loves them.
I will walk the dogs a mile a day.
I like the set small changes approach you mentioned. I want to add water aerobics 3X/week and daily dog walks.
I will be cutting out a lot of junk food from my meals!
I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/annemariez3/status/26734861519683584
My plan is less eating out and more cooking at home. And to enter in a good variety of healthy foods.
http://twitter.com/#!/BTHM1/status/267500721044234
tweeted
as a family we are cutting out fast food for a start!
I plan to improve my overall health this year by walking on my treadmill more so I can firm up. I also want to work on my emotional health, I think that’s just as important!
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ShesAnAngel417/status/26751177957834752
exercising more
I’d really like to start walking each morning – a great way to start the day and get some exercise too!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I plan on walking daily as soon as the weather gets better.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
Ouch-i want to keep doing pilates, find some way to reduce my ‘belly fat” and build up my stamina!!!!! I can do it, I can do it, I can do it…
I have been eating much healthier this year so far and I plan to start exercising much more once the weather allows it outside. I wish I had a treadmill so I could start walking inside.
tweeted about this giveaway. http://twitter.com/elangomatt/statuses/26765751293583360
I plan on using my aerobics exercise bike more this year which so far I have!
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
tweet
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/26774399956819970
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
One way I plan to improve my overall heath this year is to cut out soft drinks and cut back on coffee, and replace both with tea instead for its health benefits (especially green tea for its metabolism-boosting power and high antioxidant content). I’d also like to get at least 30 minutes more of sleep each night!
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/26782716808663040
gkaufmanss(at)yahoo(dot)com
I plan on trying new workouts that way my routine doesn’t get boring.
will be doing zumba classes and ea sports football training with hubby
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
I want to eat better more veggies and try and gain 5 pounds to feel better! great giveaway thank you!
tishajean@ charter.net
Tweeted too
http://twitter.com/#!/latishajean/status/26787675721703424
tishajean@ charter.net
My main goal is one you mentioned: MOVE. Get up. Walk. Move. Get outside. Move.
I plan to eat the biggest meal of my day in the morning and my smallest one in the evening
I’m going to be reasonable about eating healthily. No more swearing off hot dogs and fries forever. That doesn’t work.
I swim 3 times a week and try to walk as much as possible.
Thanks for the contest.
http://twitter.com/slehan/status/26802685785153537
I need to stop eating out and cook more heathy food at home and get more sleep.
I plan in eating much better this year, and cutting back on fast foods. I also plan on getting more excercise and walking more each day. Thanks.
Follow and tweeted
http://twitter.com/Sarafan2/status/26833865679052800
i plan to walk regularly on my treadmill
i tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/26836715343712256
I’m trying to drink more water and get to bed before midnight by 11 at least practically impossible for me
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rosannepm/status/26866279851753472
There’s a great track a few blocks from my house. I just hope to get my 18 month old in the stroller and go for long walks 3 days a week. It would be a good start!
I plan to do a little more cross training this year!
scottorbsmith at gmail dot com
I’m going to start with changing one habit – just one. I am going to stop eating when I am no longer hungry. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But I’ve been letting my taste buds make my decisions for me, which was not good.
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/?status=Reebok%20Share%20Your%20Story%20-%20http%3A%2F%2Fboomama.net%2Freebok-share-your-story%2F#!/tammigirl/status/27071154401312768