working out in an new place.

How many of you leave on a trip only to get completely out of the habit of eating well and working out?  It's so easy to do and you think you'll get back into the flow of things as soon as you get home.

Do you bring your tennis shoes and workout clothes only to leave it in your suitcase the whole time you're gone?

Here are a few tips to make sure that you exercise while you're away from home.

*Bring your shoes with you and a plan.

*Figure out a time in each day that is free time or sleeping time for everyone else.

*While I've been away I've gotten up at 7am and gone down to the pool, sat and written in my journal next to the water (so that turning on lights wouldn't bother everyone else still sleeping), and then worked out in the fitness center.  After working out and sweating like crazy I went back out to the pool, took off my shoes, put my feet in the cool water, felt the breeze on my skin, and looked at the sky.

It's been a wonderful time of the day....you'll love it!

real. LIFE.

win exercise stuff.

So...here we go.  Month two of our consistent working out.  Way to go all of you who have stuck with me through this month and welcome to anyone who has decided to jump on board.  The most important thing here is to get yourself moving for 20 minutes a day, to eat less and leave something on your plate.  Being consistent about these things is what will help you to be inspired and feel successful.

This past month I've really started to enjoy exercise and even look for ways to burn more calories and get moving.  After being consistent and not losing the weight I wanted to lose I started keeping track of my calories and fat on www.mydailyplate.com .  I love it.  It totally adds up much faster than I  think and keeps me honest about what I'm eating.

Now that the weather is nice and warm, I've been walking my 20 minutes in the morning and then going for a 3-5 mile bike ride.  I come back and pick up the kids and we go riding for 2 miles.  We're working up to going farther all of the time.  Our church is doing a walking team and everyone is supposed to walk 7.5 miles a week.  The kids really want o reach that goal so it's motivating all of us. 

Since we've started our practice of being consistent I've lost almost 10 pounds!  YAY!

Tell me how you're doing.  And let's keep it up.  This is wonderful and we're all going to be in such great shape and feel so much more healthy.  I already feel more healthy and love that I'm doing some things to treat my body well.

The prize for this moth is a $50 gift certificate to FootLocker!  You know you want something cute (or cool, if you're a guy) to be parading around the streets in!

good. LIFE.

Alaina.

You win Alaina!  You commented every week since the contest started and you've been consistent in trying to exercise and eat less.  Congratulations!  You will get a subscription for a year to your two favorite magazines...there's a catch though!  I need your email address so I can get in touch with you. 

Very important:  

 for the contest that will start next week for the month of June:  You MUST put your email address in your comments post so that I can get in touch with you!

Congratulations Alaina!

Way to go everyone!  Next month is a new contest, new opportunities.  Make sure to join the Move It Monday Movement!

real. LIFE.

this is it.

For those who have been being consistent try pshing it a little harder this week.  Not so that you feel like quitting but if you have been putting off counting your calories on mydailyplate.com then try doing it.  If you've been walking and telling yourself as soon as you've gotten in a little better shape you'll start running then maybe try a light jog this week for part of your walking.  If you've been swimming trying doing an extra lap this week.  You can do it.  Just take it up a little notch and push yourself beyond where you've been. 

**Make sure to post in the comments how you're doing**

Next week I'll announce who wins the contest this month!  Yay!

real.  LIFE.

the daily plate.

Make sure to submit ideas for how we can all help each other to reach our goals.  Next week will be week four.  So, the following week will be the final week for posting (that means 2 Mondays from today...May 26th...will be the final day of this contest...there will be more so don't give up!) before the winner for this month is announced.  I hope that just made sense. (I started counting weeks when I announced the contest prize for the month...)

This week I'm posting about a website that Sarah and Ingrid both posted about and said helps with staying active and being aware of what you eat.  So it must be a great site.  I'm going to try and start using it.  She recommends using www.thedailyplate.com to track the food you eat, the exercise you do, and the goal you want to achieve.  Try it out and let me know what you think.  Ingrid also suggests a pedometer.  You can click here to purchase the one that I've posted. 

So...this week I've been terrible at portion control and sweets.  I was given breakfast in bed by my husband and kids yesterday morning (strawberries and cream french toast, bacon...the works...yes, it was yummy...but I think I gained 10 pounds...at least it feels like it!).  So, I'm back on the wagon starting now and I'm going to get back to my only sweet of the day being my one small piece of dove chocolate and my usual exercise.

If you haven't posted in the comments in a while, please don't give up!  We can do this.  Just start posting again!  We'll have ongoing contests to keep us consistent for the whole year.  You can do it!  Start today and give me your plan and your update every week.  Also, if you have suggestions to help the rest of us get off our booties post them in the comments.  Remember to give me your email address (and website if you have one so I know how to contact you if I have questions about your idea/suggestion...only I can see you email address if you post it in the email address field...)

move it. LIFE.