Trust me! This is a post you will WANT to read; one that you will want to REPLY and a contest that you have to have!
I think with the New Year, we are all trying to lose weight, get fit and be healthy for 2009. Here at Mommy Goggles, I have started a Fitness Challenge and I am proud to say that I have teamed up and interviewed two very good friends and fellow bloggers that I have known for quite a while now. I have known Amanda (www.mommymandy.com) online for over 6 years now. Wow! I didn’t realize it was that long until I started to think about it.
I have also teamed up with Jes at www.mycompletechaos.com in which we will help guide each other with weight loss. I have had the pleasure of meeting up with Jes on a number of occasions in the Chicago, IL area and we have defiantly hit it off as friends and I look forward to many more fun times in the future.
I know both Amanda and Jes through ExtraPounds.com as well, where we have all followed each other’s pregnancies, weight gains and weight losses.
With all this said, I thought I would take a new approach to helping Amanda and Jes with their weight loss, along with mine. I decided to take my experiences with my own weight loss, as well as with Kambry, and pass on what I have learned on to Jes and Amanda. I decided to interview these two ladies. Why? Because I the best way to be successful with your weight loss is to have supporters out there to help guide your way and hold your hand on that path.
How old are you? 25 years old
What is your current weight? as of 1/18/09 198
What is your goal weight? Well I checked and for a BMI of 25 it says my weight should be 147, so my goal weight is 140
How tall are you? 5 ft 5 in
Why do you want to lose weight? I want to lose weight to become healthy. I don’t want to be at risk of certain disease because of weight. Plus fitting into a size 5 would be great
What are your goals (short term and long term)? My short term goal is to get to 170, and long term is to get down to 140.
What are you currently doing to motivate yourself? hmm, that is a good question, To motivate myself I am using extra pounds.com, the women are amazing and so supportive! I have a picture of myself and an outfit that I have hanging in my closet. Now I know that I will never fit back into that outfit since it is something I wore when I was 17, but its motivation for me. I don’t know where I let my weight get out of control, I know how it happened and I want to turn it around. It is motivating to have healthy foods and snacks in the house and a plan for weight loss.
What are you currently doing to lose weight? Currently I am not doing anything, But this is a new week and a new chance, I have so many plans and ideas. So today is day one! Today I turn it around. I would like to use my Wii Fit every day, and I would like to do it for 30 minutes if possible. I also will do my Tracey Mallet DVDs, and hoping to do 3 sets (which is about 20 minutes) If I can get outside and walk around the block each day with the girls that would be great. I will go back on having slim fast and salads for lunch, or my nutrisystem lunches. And lean cuisine/ nutrisystem for dinner. I need to teach myself to each in moderation and not eat at midnight! I have started using Alli again for the days I eat foods high in fat.
What all have you tried in the past (year, or more) to help you lose weight? Last Aug. I started with the plan I said above, minus the Wii Fit. I did the Tracey mallet DVDs, ate healthy and took Alli. In about 8 weeks I dropped almost 20 lbs. Then I was proud of myself and binged on food and never got back on the wagon. What I have learned is that even if I want to reward myself, I need to do it in moderation!
What is holding you back from starting to lose weight? (Is something/someone unsupportive?) What is holding me back is myself. But I am done throwing a pitty party. It is my fault, and I need to do this for me!
What do you dread most about dieting? I dread the most about dieting is I feel I can’t eat what I want, I mean if I want to eat chocolate I always hear from someone “that’s not in your diet”
For Jes and Amanda, I created this video – just for you, as well as my readers. I had great success in the past with journaling; physical journal as well as online journaling with ExtraPounds.com. In my physical journal, I would keep physical pictures of my progress. This was the best motivational tool I could have asked for. I will be sending you girls (Jes & Amanda) a journal with some fun stickers and stuff as soon as I get out and about; hopefully this weekend. 
Here is a video to show my thoughts on journaling your weight loss:
You can find this neat tool at: http://preventionweightloss.mvm.com/
The reason Amanda wants to lose weight is perfect. She wants to lose weight to be healthy! Who doesn’t want to get healthy? I looked up on ExtraPounds.com to see what Amanda’s ‘ideal’ weight range should be. You can find this helpful chart on www.extrapounds.com.
Why did I do and post this interview? I wanted to get your help – from my readers. I want to show Amanda the motivation that she can use. I would love to see some helpful tips that are healthy and motivational. Do you have a diet tip? Do you have suggestions for Amanda? Did something work for you? Let us know!
I will post Jes’ interview in the next week, along with another fab giveaway!
Not only are you entering a great giveaway, you are also helping Amanda and so many other readers out there!
Here is what TWO WINNERS will each get!
Tracey Mallett’s 6 Minute Quick Blast Method-Total Body Fat Burner
What is it? A 58-minute workout, divided into 8 6-minute exercise blasts, plus warm-up and cool down. The segments can be mixed and matched or stand alone, and are based on Tracey Mallett’s book, Sexy in 6. Mallett instructs. Who is it for? Mainly intermediate exercisers. Good, although a tad challenging, for advanced beginners (don’t worry, you’ll work into it). You’ll need 2 pairs of light to moderate dumbbells, a stability ball and a mat. What to expect: “Everybody’s got 6 minutes!” Tracey Mallett says on this DVD. I had an hour, so I did the whole thing in one go-round. It was not an easy hour, but it was intensely satisfying and I will feel it tomorrow. If you don’t have an hour, you’ll still be able to fit adequate exercise into your day because all the segments can be done on their own, 6 minutes here, 6 minutes there. The first 3 segments are quickie circuits that blend lower body toning with cardio, and the next 4 segments, done with the stability ball and weights, are mainly upper body, with some ab work added. The final segment is all core work. Each segment has a count-down clock on the lower left hand side, so you know how much time you have left. There’s also the warm-up and cool down, and if you don’t have time for them, you really should still add some stretching after you’re done exercising. Especially handy is the pre-programmed guide, which parcels out a group of segments day-by-day over a week’s time, so you don’t even have to think about sequencing them yourself. All this is great, but what really makes this DVD such a worthwhile workout (or several of them) is Mallett herself. She’s designed creative exercise combinations and makes these quick routines fun to do. Unless you’re a truly dyed-in-the-wool couch potato, Mallett will have you looking forward to your exercise bytes.
- Post a comment here to Amanda, and for other readers to see, about your success or trials in weight loss and getting healthy. Maybe you have a trick, tip for Amanda and the other readers, recipe, work out DVD, routine, etc. Let us know!
For extra entries:
- The more tips, suggestions, etc., the more entries you get to win!
- Twitter this giveaway
- Blog about this giveaway
- Grab my button on my sidebar and post on your blog
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Just the little tidbits about entries and what not
- Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner.
- Winner will be chosen at RANDOM and backed up by post content.
- TWO (2) entrants will each win a DVD copy of the fabulous Tracey Mallett’s 6 Minute Quick Blast Method-Total Body Fat Burner
- Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 2 days, another winner will be drawn
and will end on
February 4, 2009
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About Tanya
i really don’t think of what i’m doing as a diet per se, it’s more of a life style change, just eating and choosing healthier foods, but i don’t deprive myself of anything, if i really want like ice cream or something all have a small portion of it. I try and exercise 4 days out of the week, the exercises i do are 20-30 minutes long, i find that i NEVER can stick to the long 45-60 minute exercises, i get bored waaaay too easily so 20-30 minute really intense aerobic exercise is good enough for me, and i can actually stick to it. Sometimes i throw in some 45 minute yoga when i’m feeling achy or when i’m stressed.
I have struggled with being overweight my entire life. I have to admit it is a constant struggle to eat healthier for me. However, I do try to power walk every night for at least a half hour and I think power walking is a very good form of exercise and can help you to lose weight if you do it frequently. This is a great giveaway and I really hope I win as I could certainly use this DVD. Thanks.
I so need this ! thank u very much 4 the entry:)
I’m overweight but hate the word “exercise” but love food. I’m good for about two weeks then I fall off the wagon. It is hard working full-time and having a busy family. I try off and on but wish I could stick with something and make it work.
I am currently obese, ya i knowwww
i just started eating better 1.5 weeks ago and it is super hard.
i havent lost any weight, but eating right is a start.
I had a high school reunion last summer, and my goal was to lose twenty pounds beforehand. I did it using the above method: rewarding myself. I did a lot of walking, cooked and prepared a lot of food…and lost MORE than 20 pounds.
Best tip ever! Reward yourself for every step you take in the right direction. Make each 15 minute block of workout time worth one point. Make each meal and snack following your diet plan worth one point. Consider rewarding yourself every thirty points (manicure), then rewarding yourself again for reaching milestones (2 inches off waste means you get a facial, etc). Just make sure your rewards aren’t food-based. Who knows? Your ultimate reward, once you reach your ultimate goal, could be a cruise to show off your new figure!
I am trying to lose about 30 lbs. It seems like a long journey! I can use all the help I can get.
rlgrady[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have had weight struggles since 7th grade and have yoyo’d pounds. The best tip was to go as organic as possible and get rid of as many chemicals out of my diet as possible. This plus exercise has helped me keep weight off.
Another tip~I love to freeze juice until it’s slushy ~then I feel like I am eating something instead of just drinking it.
I boo boo’d thats 228 lbs!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the info ~I plan on checking it all out.
I am 5′3″ & 128 lbs……ugh!
I love your idead about a journal.
I can’t wait to check out the simalation tool.
Congrats on your weight lose.
Tip ~dryer’s fat free sugar free ice cream!
I subscribe.
Thanks for the info ~I plan on checking it all out.
I am 5’3″ & 128 lbs……ugh!
I love your idead about a journal.
I can’t wait to check out the simalation tool.
Congrats on your weight lose.
subscriber
I’ve found out that watching your calorie intake works for me. I check everything I eat and write down my total calorie intake.
after my second child, i went on a mcdonald’s binge that had caused me to gain all the weight that should have “melted off” via breastfeeding. and now i can’t lose it. this looks perfect for me as i have very little awake time left to work out.
My goal is to lose 30 pounds this year to get myself healthy. My doctors have said that I need to workout for my osteoporosis and thyroid condition. With that being said, one would think I’d be more motivated. Instead I feel even less so. Yes, I know that depression goes with the thyroid issue, but I need someone to help whip me in shape. I’m going to try out your suggestion on the prevention website. Perhaps seeing the changes before me would be a big boon. A dvd would help to because I’m pretty much homebound and the nasty weather has prevented me from walking outside as I should.
Try to workout at least 4 times a week. At least this is what I have been doing. After having my little one I had to lose a large amount of weight. I was very successful until I got comfortable. Then what do you know a year later and I have gained 15 pounds. So now I have to lose 25 pounds. It is amazing on how much I have gained, but I have started working out again, and I need to start counting calories. Thanks for the tips.
Like everyone else I do well on my fitness goals for a while then I fall off the wagon. I just cannot seem to find something I can stick with. Thanks for the contest!
Make exercise apart of your life. For me it’s having a variety of different work-outs. I get tired of the same thing so I have several from dancing to walk- away DVDs to weight training. Always eat sensibly.
Thanks for having the wonderful giveaway.
I’m frustrated! I have 100 pounds to loose. I start out strong but give up because of so much to loose.
Get enough sleep. If you get enough sleep, you’ll be less likely to eat when you are tired and looking for energy. If you get enough sleep, you’ll have the energy you need to exercise. Sleep, food, eating–they all work together. I have to remind myself of how important sleep is, too.
I snack on nuts!
i’ve been doing well on my diet this year
I’ve lost 12 pounds since mid October. It’s coming off slowly but I’ve heard that if you loose slowly you are more likely to keep it off. I’m sure if I exercised more it would come off more quickly. I actually feel so much better just having lost the 12 pounds. I would like to loose another 20 lbs eventually.
i just had my last baby and i am ready to get in shape once and for all. i tried to lose weight in between babies, but that never worked:( this sounds like it would be fun and the results sound awesome! thanks!
BIggest trial – losing baby weight from having 2 kids 14 months apart.
Biggest success – food diary & calorie counting but still have 30 pounds to go.
Always looking for so new routine to try & keep me motivated.
3 years ago, I started a weight program and lost 45 pounds. I have regained 10 of those pounds but am pretty careful about what I eat! I try to stay away from fast food!
I have been trying to go for a walk around our parking lot at work during both of my breaks and to get a longer walk in during my lunch hour. This DVD would be a great help for the evenings.
I did a Bible study called Weigh Down Workshop where I ost 15-20 lbs for my sons wedding. East when your shomach growls and then just enought to fill it. Anything at all. Then when until you are physically hungry again.
Im a subscriber
the best and easiest weight loss was when I had vitamin B-12 shots or was grieving. It fell off without doing much. When I workout I gain weight and get bigger.
I lost 30 pounds about three years ago. I’ve plateued since then. I have a hard time sticking to exercising.
I joined a weight loss contest in my mom’s group and paid to do it. The biggest loser gets 75% of the pot and the 2nd place gets 25%. The money motivates me to lose more. Plus our weight loss results are posted on our online discussion board every week.
Trying to get motivated again. Lost 4 sizes. Still have 45 lbs to go. I think I will get started now. Every day I plan on getting fit. I’m on my way now. Please enter me, thank you
It is all about motivation. When I get motivated I eat healty (and less) and get out and walk/run. I am just starting up again. Try using kettlebells too. They are a great strength/stamina workout!
I watched dance-aerobic DVDs and performed them, and also ate much watermelon:) So I lost 9 kilos.
a win for me
Amanda – you can do it! Don’t succumb to fad weight loss aids, eating right and exercise is the only way to sustain a healthy weight and body image. Good luck!
I joined Weight watchers and am learning to eat healthier foods, but also still foods I enjoy, just using portion control (and lots of willpower!) I’ve lost 20 lbs since October (slowly, but surely), even through the holidays. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Plan your menu, and if you fall off the weight wagon, just hop back on (don’t beat yourself up).
To have meal plans in advance. That way I don’t get fast food or pizza because I don’t have anything healthy to prepare a meal in my home.
my goal is to get in shape and feel better
I am a subscriber.
I’m still trying to lose some pregnancy weight. I have another 15 pounds to go. I found that weighing out my food and restricting my food by weight works for me. I make it a point to make a big chunk of the weight for each meal be a protein and then a fruit/vegetable for the second biggest chunk. This prize could really help me out. Thanks for the chance.
To be successful you need to make it a lifestyle change. Smaller changes over a period of time are easier to adapt to than big drastic changes so take it in small consistant steps
i so need this video. i have let myself go for the last four years. Im losing my willpower. Its now 40 lbs later and i’m not motivated.
I am trying to lose weight and am keeping a journal of everything that goes in my mouth, it does make me think before I eat it
Tip for new moms: don’t eat their leftovers! I have about 15 pounds to lose and I’ll bet half of it is from grilled cheese crusts, that last cookie, the green fruit snacks that no one likes…
I am a subscriber
jceko77@yahoo.com
Eating low carb has always helped me
jceko77@yahoo.com
I do not have any tips but I amdetermined this year to lose wait . Right now I weigh 226 and I’m 5’5 I would like to weigh between 140-150. I’m turning 35 this year and decided that this is the time to take care of myself, not just for me but for my kids also.
I have been eating healthier and incorporating more fresh produce into my diet.
As far as meat, I only eat seafood, I drink a lot of water and take fiber suppliements. It’s REALLY made a difference. I’ve lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks.
I am in the process of getting healthier now. I have no real tips yet besides stay focused. I quit smoking 10 Months ago, so I am trying to apply the same will power
I joined WW four years ago and lost 25 lbs – then had another baby and gained it all back (not blaming it on the pregnancy but metabolism slowdown does not help). My resolution for this year is to get back on track with healthier food choices and more exercise.
I blogged about your contest, click HERE!
♥
nateandjakesmom at gmail dot com
I am struggling to get back into shape after having 3 kids in 5 years. My body fights harder after each pregnancy and is very resistant now. I really have to work out harder
We have been taking turns I am cooking breakkfast wo my wife can get her exercise in and she is doing dinner so I can get mine in. A six minute DVD would be something we could do together.
I’d love to try this DVD. It sounds manageable for anyone.
Some tips I’ve found that are helpful to me:
1. Never skip breakfast. You’ll end up eating more later to compensate.
2. When you go out to eat, cut your meal in half to save for another meal and eat half. Restaurant portions are usually very generous and too much for me to eat at one time.
3. Get some type of exercise every day even if it’s only a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Keep it up, Amanda! I’m a fan of your blog and enter a lot of your contests! I started at the same weight as you and I’m down 30 lbs. I’ve found that weight loss is about 70% diet and 30% exercise. I’m a mom, too, and it is hard to fit in time to do traditional workouts so I challenge myself while doing all the tasks I already have to do – Lunges with the vacuum or squats while folding clothes. Take only one thing up the stairs at a time so you have to make more trips. Put on the Wiggles and get dancing. Anything you can do helps!!
My weight is an ongoing battle. I am determined to be more healthy this year.
I have your button on my BLOG!
♥
nateandjakesmom at gmail dot com
Another tip is to do something, anything, each day. Don’t allow yourself a “day off.” You need to make this a habit and if you take a day off, you will more likely take another and then another… you get the picture!
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/kariellen/statuses/1138303015
I too am in need of some weight loss and as a former PE/Health teacher I am so ashamed. My first suggestion is to keep in mind that muscle is a metabolic tissue meaning, basically the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn. So, do the cardio but also do strength training!
I am getting up at 5:00 in the morning and trying to walk on our 10 year old treadmill. The DVD wold be a great addition to my workout. I might get to my goal weight of 150 quicker.
I have been working out regularly since March of 08 and have lost 30 pounds. That seem like a big number, but I still have 100 to go. Ugh, it seems to go so slow.
I am a subscriber.
I have your button on my sidebar.
Tweeted~
http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/1137809146
I am in a similar situation only I don’t have a Wii Fit (yet). I just want to give you some encouragement and tell you that I love your blog and I know you reach your goals!
I have lost 29 lbs. I need to lose 29 more pounds to be at goal weight in 2009! Thanks!
Going vegan – healthier and cruelty free!
I do really good about getting my exercise in the summer when the weather is nice, but it is harder once the snow and cold arrive. A DVD llike this would give me something to do inside.
i’m on a diet now have lost 25lbs feel great and sticking to the program
Your button is on my blog.
I need to get back to it. I used to be thin and healthy. I have put on weight from being lazy and not eating well. Stress also tends to contribute to my weight gain.
I’m doing it the old fashioned way – exercise and diet
Losing weight is HARD! The one thing that I have going for me right now as I struggle to lose 50 pounds is the support of my husband. He is doing the cooking for our evening meal and he is finding lots of great receipes that are good for me and low in calories. He is helping with the kids and house more so that I can get a workout in. It has been great getting the support and encouragement to keep going.
I’d love to win this. My 2009 resolution was to workout more… Haven’t done so well as of yet! Thanks for offering this cool giveaway!
Looks great! I’m so excited to lose weight and get fit together!
Tanya, I have your blog on my blog list.
Great giveaway!
If you have a sweet tooth, take two graham crackers, each split in half, and add any flavor of fat-free Cool Whip and put the graham crackers together like a sandwich. Put them in the freezer for at least an hour. Tastes kind of like an ice cream sandwich – love it! This is a “Biggest Loser” recipe.
Also, treat yourself with a square of dark chocolate if you’re craving sweets – it’s good for you if you eat just a little
I just started WW’s Momentum plan. I have already lost 9 pounds in a little less than 4 weeks. I have increased my fruits and veggies a LOT. I also try to get protein with each meal. The nice part is you can eat what you want (obviously have to stay within your point range), but must be aware of portion sizes. Also, tracking everything you eat and your daily activity is a must!
For working out, I have added a little weight training to my routine and I think this is a huge help. I usually walk/jog anywhere from 2-5 miles a day and try to do some incline as well. Start out slowly and then try to increase a little each day or week.
Try watching “The Biggest Loser” while working out – Great motivation! Good luck!
I have just recently starting working out to get back into shape after quitting smoking.
I actually have an old fitness workout of Tracey Mallet’s, Boot Camp Workout, which takes about twenty minutes. I try to do it at least three times per week (not easy at the best of times, with three kids and two jobs) but lately it has been really hard to fit it in at all. The idea of a shorter workout really appeals to me…maybe I could fit it in three times during the course of the day instead of trying to find a 20-minute chunk of time.
My husband found the simple obvious secret. He was always in good shape, but had plateued. He started counted his calorie intake and what he burned, and voila, he dropped 40 pounds in 4 months!
Seriously do not deprive yourself of a sweet- take a bite. I am trying to lose a few pounds and have promised its not to lose weight although its a bonus but to feel healthier and eat healthier. Sure I love the discounts on cereal and the stockpiles but also have switched over to oatmeal for breakfast for the family most days and cereal is a hurry or a treat. The hot breakfast fills them up and is actually a money saver. That is one thing we make sure- breakfast and although breads are beyond yummy we also have learned to cut down on the breads because we do overdo- I used to serve it everymeal..now nope. ANOTHER big thing is to really learn what portions are- my husband always says what are you feeding a rabbit? Well I show him the calories and the container and tell him see you are already eating 3 x the servings you should etc…make them aware- its like the boxes of cereal that can be polished off in a sitting by one or two teens here- thats why I love the oatmeal- money saver- portion control and healthier.
In the spring I am doing another nasty and cleaning the cupcoards of the bigger dishes- the bigger bowls- if they need more then get themselves up and get more but maybe they will not eat half a box of cereal for breakfast.
It is so hard being a mom and trying to lose weight- God Bless and there are alot of us out there fighting the fat monster and the chocolate devil above our head…You will do fine, and you have the blog world to help if you ever need to chat- I don’t do diet foods, just cut the portions down and exercise- there is no miracle fat chopper- do it right and be proud you did it the healthy way.
I do have one tip…if you only eat whole foods (nothing processed, no chemicals, preservatives), you will lose a lot of weight. Thanks for the giveaway!
http://twitter.com/colleen_mouse/status/1135408904 I tweeted.
I subscribe.
I have your button.
I cant say I have any tips or anything…I am pretty much at the point Amanda is, but heavier. I started Jan 1 doing some exercises and watching my eating. I am definitly going to start the journaling and see if that helps. I started using the wii fit about a week ago also. I have signed up with extrapounds.com but having issues with the confirmation email. I have been watching here to help me stay motivated. I have in the past lost 2-30lbs but gone back to “being comfortable” and not trying. Then I have gone through the whole “who cares” state of mind. Now I am turning 35 in a week and know there are so many possibilites of getting heart disease or diabetes because of my health…so I really want to be around for my children. I also have a disabled child and I lift her a lot. I really need to stay in shape so I dont throw my back out like I did a year ago and could barely move. I also just want to finally not feel so humiliated when I am out in a bathing suit! My favorite thing right now to do for exercise is playing the Wii Fit…I have read/heard places to start out with the aerobics type activities and end with the strengthening…and if you dont have lots of time try short tough bursts of exercise to get that metabolism going….Also try to do the small meals more often than the big meals to keep the metabolism going. So hopefully with these things in mind I am off to a good start…and hope to stay motivated!
I added your button to my blog.
I’m a new subscriber.
I just lost about 30 lbs (all gained during my pregnancies) between August and November just by counting calories. I just wrote down everything I ate and each item’s calories and kept it under a certain amount. (I’m working on getting in shape now.)
Good luck Amanda!
Thanks Tanya for all your support. I can not wait to do this with you and Jes and get healthy again. Hey one good thing about loosing weight is my boobs will shrink. YAY!
I love the Tracey Mallet DVDs and who ever wins will love them too.