Reebok Spartan Race GIVEAWAY...and more exciting news!

Some exciting news...

Spartan Race has partnered with NBC Sports to bring obstacle racing to television!  

"Spartan Race and NBC Sports Network are collaborating on a television special which will feature the World Championship and focus on the sport of obstacle racing. This event, the culmination of the 2013 Reebok Spartan Race Series, will take place on September 21-22, 2013, in scenic central Vermont, near Spartan Race HQ in Pittsfield.

Tens of thousands of obstacle racing competitors and enthusiasts from around the world will converge on New England, where$250,000 in cash and prizes will be on the line. At the World Championship, top-ranked Reebok Spartan Race athletes, Olympians, and amateur athletes alike will compete side-by-side, assuming they have the brawn, guts and intestinal fortitude.

Spartan Race has partnered with NBC Sports Group to chronicle the amazing people and stories behind the race series and the World Championship, culminating in a 90-minute TV special that will air on the NBC Sports Network on October 19, 2013.

**Share your story about how Reebok Spartan Race has changed your life, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Spartan on camera at the World Championship Race in Vermont!"

In honor of this exciting news, Reebok Spartan Race has offered one lucky reader a FREE entry into any open heat in any 2013-2014 upcoming race event in the U.S!

"Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. 

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor."

MANDATORY ENTRY:

1. "Like" The Move It Momma on Facebook HERE (1 entry)

2. Tell me why you'd like to race the Spartan Race series (1 entry)

other entries-after completing MANDATORY:

Share on FB, Tweet, Instagram or blog this giveaway ( 2 extra entries for each)

-please include the link in your comments separately for each that you complete!

Good luck!

Giveaway will end August 23rd!

And if you don't WIN, Reebok Spartan Race is also offering my readers a 15% discount!
This URL will generate a code for 15% off any Spartan Race - http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior

healthy tastes good!

I often hear, "I'd eat healthy if it tasted good"...WHAT?

Healthy DOES taste good if you prepare it correctly and try great recipes using flavor without the added fat and calories!  

Be optimistic when it comes to trying new foods.  If you didn't like it as a child, it's time to try it again with an open mind.  If we want to be healthy it means eating foods that are good for us, nutritious foods that don't come from a box or bag...

Here are a few recipes that may help satisfy your taste buds!

First of all, if you've never tried My Fit Foods I suggest you give them a try...and Wednesday August 7th-Saturday August 10th, they'll be offering 

GET A FREE LUNCH WITH THE PURCHASE OF A LUNCH!  

I have some My Fit Foods favorites, but watch the sodium in some of their meals...

other than that, ENJOY!  They have options for all healthy lifestyles, so ask for help at the counter and they should lead you in the right direction.  I am simple and really enjoy their lunch chicken with brown rice and broccoli.  Simple and delicious while on the go!

Move It Momma Yogurt Chicken Salad

You'll Need:
1 large can Chicken breast, or sliced grilled chicken *if you've prepped, you should have these on hand!
2 tbs plain Greek yogurt-I used Chobani
sprinkle garlic powder and chili powder
1/8 onion, chopped finely
2 stalks celery, chopped 
Combine and ENJOY!
*Pictured on 'Ole low carb/high fiber tortilla and lots of green leaf lettuce


Quick-n-Easy breakfast on the go!

You'll Need:
1 egg, 2 egg white omelet-I prepare mine in TJ's Coconut Spray and it takes less than 5 minutes!
1 slice Ezekiel toast with sesame-or any flavor but I like the added crunch of the seeds
Layer toast with leafy romaine then omelet, serve with a side of grapes or fruit of choice.
SIMPLE AND HEALTHY :)



Another option?
Organic High Fiber O's from Trader Joe's

These are delicious, and with 9 grams of Fiber and 6 grams of Protein per serving, what's not to love?

I serve these with Almond Breeze, unsweetened Original almond milk OR mix serving of plain Greek Chobani yogurt, fresh fruit, a little of these and you have a simple breakfast parfait that is filling and tastes great!

Today's Workout:

warm-up followed by 30 minute cardio using the elliptical-intervals and the spin bike-constantly changing my resistance levels.  Once my muscles are nice and warm, then move on to legs.  

*remember, change up your routine OFTEN!  It keeps the body guessing and keeps you from getting bored and in a routine that seems repetitive :)

Do you change up your workout routine?

**FIND & "LIKE" MOVE IT MOMMA ON FACEBOOK!**for latest recipes, workouts and MORE!

https://www.facebook.com/TheMoveItMomma

*Yes, I'm finally on FACEBOOK!  Woohoo!

bigger is better?

I cannot tell you how many restaurants here in Texas serve a portion of chicken fried steak that's falling off of the plate, coated in cream gravy and served with a heaping (the size of a cheeseburger) portion of homemade mashed potatoes.  Sound familiar?

But wait there's veggies there?  But sadly, some customers choose (we see this FAR too often) to substitute the yummy, saturated in butter-veggies for well, another simple carbohydrate such as french fries, fried okra, or rice.  

Now let's all be honest, you've seen this too?

Maybe you've ordered it and indulged a little? 

That's OKAY!

However, the part that is NOT okay to me is the PORTION...and those that order this amount of food on a daily basis.  

For a person like me that has always had an unhealthy relationship with food, this is scary.

If a person walks in and wants to order a chicken fried steak, they are going to (because let's be honest, not all of us can control ourselves and only eat a 1/4 of this meal) consume 3-4 times the amount of food that they should in one sitting.  Especially when the meal is loaded with saturated fat and calories.  

What about children?  They wouldn't possibly order an adult meal this size and consume it?  Don't fool yourself, I remember ordering things like this and eating the entire meal :(  
BIGGER IS BETTER?  I'd say not.  With our children struggling with obesity, health-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes at far too young of an age.  My heart aches for young people that are overweight in this society.  Just because one child can eat huge portions and not struggle with their weight does NOT make it okay.  

When I taught health education, I would explain to my students when asked, "What foods can we eat?" That's NOT what it's about, it's BALANCE.  I'd explain, "It's not about what you eat, it's more about HOW MUCH and HOW OFTEN you're eating it" 

But as a person who is always watching what they eat, you almost feel cheated.  Almost like, "Here I am having to watch my foods and 90% of this restaurant is ordering THIS meal"...what gives!  As I've said 1,000 times and must repeat to myself often, IT'S A JOURNEY.  Never ending and something I will deal with for the rest of my life.  BUT I can focus on knowing that meals like THESE made me feel empty...empty in a very different way.  A feeling I never want back in my life.  It's when I focus on those feelings, that feeling of sadness and helplessness that I feel better knowing the choices I am making today are helping me have a healthy future for myself and my growing family.  

So what's the answer?  What's that KEY to success when it comes to getting healthy?

I believe that when we focus on balance, meaning it is definitely okay to indulge from time to time, we set ourselves up for success.  Too much restriction can lead to overeating at its finest, so be careful.  It's a mind game and we have to tell ourselves we want to be healthy today and every day. 

  We are all different.  We all have different relationships with food...and yes, I honestly had a relationship with food.  It was there when I was happy, sad, lonely, etc...it gave me a false feeling of happiness.  It never failed that the emptiness came creeping in EVERY time but I never knew that until I made up my mind to change that way of thinking, that former way of life.  

For me, I must not restrict myself too much but I know that when I consume lean protein, fresh fruits and veggies and there's a day when I want to have a fatty meal, it's OKAY.  It does mean that the next day, I will tighten up on my calories and fats, and will make sure I burn some serious calories!  It works for ME and my struggles.  

But if we're following some crazy "diet" and it requires everything coming from a package and one day we're out dining with friends...trust me, if you're anything like the old me you'll want to devour this chicken fried steak platter like it was your last meal!  Anybody relate?  It's why every "diet" attempt of mine failed throughout my life.  The cabbage soup would taste fabulous for two days and Mmmm, those grapefruit were sure yummy and then after day 2, I couldn't find a McDonald's fast enough :(  sad but true.  

some FUN things

I'm super excited about becoming a DeltaLabs Ambassador!
About Delta Labs:
"At Delta Labs, our mission is to develop the highest quality, most affordable and comprehensive line of women’s health and wellness formulas founded on scientific research. We’re committed to helping every woman feel renewed, empowered, and excited about life, and strive daily to provide unsurpassed customer care to help every woman achieve her best."

"At Delta Labs, we are committed to helping women lead healthier, more invigorating and fulfilling lifestyles. By partnering with some of the nation’s leading scientific minds, nutritionists and world renowned physicians, we’ve developed a complete line of all natural health and wellness formulas to help
you achieve your goals."

I will be sharing giveaways, discounts and MORE on their products 

and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!  

SO STAY TUNED....

Today's Workout:  was with friends!
Sometimes I enjoy working out solo, but it is nice to share a good sweat session with your girlfriends too.
We started with a warm-up-
20 jumping jacks
20 high knees
repeat x 3
(end of warmup)
THEN
20 push ups
10 bicycle crunches
7 jump squats
7 push ups
10 bicycle crunches
repeat x 2
THEN
10 jump squats
20 regular squats
20 pulse squats
20 sec wall sit
repeat x 2
THEN
10 alt lunges
10 pulse
10 hold lunge, on each leg
10 kick backs

Berry Trifle-

You'll Need:

frozen blueberries and strawberries

1 container of FF whipped cream

1 container vanilla Greek yogurt

Angel Food Cake- I used pre-made from Randall's 

Cube your Angel Food cake into bottom of trifle

Then layer with the vanilla Greek yogurt, I used whole container

then half of the frozen berries, you can also use raspberries!

Then more angel food cake, then top with the whipped cream and the rest of the berries!  

*Pop in freezer to get the top really firm and cold...serve and ENJOY!  

Delicious and a health alternative to most desserts!

Quick SNACK option:
2 WASA flaxseed crackers-any Wasa will do :)
green leaf lettuce
oven roasted turkey slices
Laughing Cow light Swiss
handful grapes
I've been loving these quick, go-to snacks lately.  Makes it easy for on the go!
Don't forget to drink lots of water, especially this time of year!  Drink the water BEFORE you snack, to keep you feeling fuller, longer!

And just for a good smile today,

a goofy picture with friends yesterday...these kids sure enjoyed that juicy, fresh-sliced watermelon!  Nothing better on a hot, summer day in Texas!!!

Rock It!

When you wanna commit to getting healthy, JUST GO FOR IT!  Ya know, ROCK IT!

With your workouts, what's the point in going half way?
...we should push ourselves further each time, shouldn't we?  Why settle?  We should keep striving and reaching new goals with our health...we only have this one life, so why not live it to the fullest?  
I wasted so many years not living...I was just going through the motions, ending each day feeling disappointed and frustrated with my health, my weight...my life.  Why live that way?  We all deserve more.

We give 110% of ourselves as Mommas, wives, employees, daughters, sisters and more but at times we forget that it means we don't deserve to settle for only giving 50% when it comes to our health.  Right?  

So lets try this, 
At the beginning of the day make up your mind that you will ROCK the day!  You will make the best of it, the most of it and take care of yourself :) 

With your foods, is it okay to settle because you're busy, tired, stressed?  
Plan ahead so when those tired, lazy days come creeping up, YOU'RE PREPARED!  We all have bad days, we wouldn't be human if we didn't.  It's HOW we deal with those bad days that make us stronger.  

By the way, these Wasa flaxseed crackers are addicting!  Our new favorite snack.  Top one or two of them with a Laughing Cow Light Swiss, some fresh fruit and you're good to go!  Just a tip!

And let's not stop with ourselves, lets ROCK IT when it comes to our families.  Our children.  

They are watching our way of life every day, we must lead by example right?  Just exposing your children to healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables you are helping them understand the importance of taking care of their health.  With childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other health-related illnesses on the rise, we don't want our children to keep getting unhealthier, let's reverse that statistic TOGETHER!  

There's a website, "Rock the Lunch Box" that's here just in time for back to school!  

• More than 100 lunch ideas for what to pack, including nut-free and vegetarian choices
• Informative video clips by parents that explain how to involve the kids, and keeping menus creative
• 59% of children desire healthier options in their lunch box!  Yikes! 

*For sharing videos and tips, you will find savings of up to $2.00 with coupons from Annie's, HONEST kids, Organic Valley and Stonyfield.  

For more information on Rock the Lunch Box, please visit www.rockthelunchbox.com and follow the conversation at #RockTheLunchBox 

going BANANAS

Before we talk BANANAS...

lets talk about CHANGE.

It's never too late for it.

It comes with hard work and dedication.  

Change isn't easy.

BUT CHANGE is worth it.  We are ALL worth it.  

When my husband and I first met, I was at the top of my game.  I was teaching aerobics, eating healthy, lost 84lbs and was already on my weight loss journey... 

BUT when I say the journey is forever and there is NO finish line

I am speaking from experience...

I allowed my old habits to take control as life's changes came our way.  My first son was born, I became a Mom and things fell apart.  I was working full-time and felt like the "easy" way was fast food and microwavable meals! Blah!!  Oh if only I would've known what I know now...

but we live and learn right?

October 2009

July 2013

Our life experiences and struggles with weight have helped shape us into who we are...and obviously helped fuel my passion for helping people find a healthy way of life so I can't regret or dwell on the past :)  We make the decision each day to live healthy...to have the occasional splurge while keeping things reasonable.  We devote the time and energy it takes to keep our family eating and living healthy too!  After all, we must teach them while they're young to appreciate their heart, their health and show them how to take care of it!  

Don't let the fear of CHANGE control you.

Take control of your life and what you want out of it.

Although I never allowed a majority of my weight to come back on, I do regret those times of "quitting" and not truly living my healthiest life.  I allowed those "bumps" in the road to make me lose focus on what matters and what's important.  I am a much happier and healthier Mom, wife, daughter and friend when I am eating healthy and exercising regularly!

What about you?  What makes you feel your best?

Now...

LETS GO BANANAS!!!!

-Some recipes I'll be trying this week and I hope you will too!

Banana Bites:

1 ripe banana

1 tbs natural PB

1 tsp plain Greek yogurt

Cut banana into small slices.  Place PB and yogurt into ziploc bag and combine by mashing together in baggie.  Cut tip as if it were icing and squeeze mixture onto banana slices.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and ENJOY!  I think my kids will LOVE these :) and we will too!

Banana Oat Cookies:

1 c oats

1 ripe banana

2-3 tsp dark chocolate chips

Mix together, bake at 350 until brown.  ENJOY!  

These seem so simple and delicious!  

**Both above options are great for on the go, kid-friendly for after school snacking too!**

Tropical Banana Salad:

1 cup fresh spinach or spring mix 

1/2 small purple onion-diced

1 cup fresh pineapple

2 ripe bananas

handful of chopped walnuts

*calls for poppyseed dressing, but I'm thinking I'll modify here to save on calories and fat.  

Frozen, chocolate-dipped bananas:

4 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into thirds

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips-melted

1/4 shredded coconut

Insert popsicle stick into each piece of banana.  Cover or dip into melted chocolate and then sprinkle with coconut- you can use walnuts or other topping if your family does not like coconut.  Place bananas on parchment paper, on baking sheet and put in freezer for 2 hours.  Enjoy!  

*If the chocolate chips harden during the dipping process, microwave in 20 sec increments as needed for reheating purposes.     

REFUSE TO QUIT.

It's what we should tell ourselves each day.

Having a day of splurging or taking a day off from exercise is NOT quitting.

HOWEVER, allowing one bad behavior to repeat itself over and over again...

well, looks like you're headed toward QUITTING

But don't.

REFUSE TO QUIT!

If you find yourself spiraling out of control, time to change things up.  
Obviously something going on in your life is causing you to go through moments of doubt and those feelings are probably causing you to lose focus on your goals and what you'd like to accomplish.  Am I right?  
DON'T GIVE IN.  

Write down goals and priorities, the reasons you started this journey in the first place! 
Write down and think about what you want out of your life...  
Do you want to lose weight?  
Do you want to be healthy?  
Do you want to stop gaining and losing those same 10lbs?  
If you answer yes, then REFUSE TO QUIT.   


Recipes of the week:

                      Move It Momma's Cheesy Enchiladas

You'll Need:
Mission carb balance small, fajita size tortillas
1 can diced tomatoes with chiles
1 can black beans
1 can FF refried black beans
cumin
chili powder
1 cup skim milk
1 tbs all purpose flour
1 tbs margarine or butter

Saute butter and milk in a pan on med-high heat until simmering, add flour.  Allow mixture to thicken and turn off heat.  Allow to cool.
In separate dish, mix black beans-drained and refried black beans, stir until combined and add 1/2 tsp of each cumin and chili powder, stir.  Set aside.  
Dump half can of the tomatoes with green chiles to the milk mixture on stove with heat OFF.  Stir, set aside. 
Fill each tortilla with bean mixture, then a little LF cheese blend.  Lay in sprayed Pyrex dish.  Once all tortillas are prepared, pour milk and tomato mixture onto tortillas and then sprinkle with a little more cheese.  I added 1/4 cup to the top.  Bake at 400 for 35 minutes or until bubbly.  I allow to cook a while longer to get extra crispy on edges :)  HUGE family favorite and add less chiles if your children cannot tolerate a little spice!  


                     NAAN pizza variation:

You'll Need:
NAAN bread-I have whole wheat TJ brand
steamed broccoli and cauliflower 
turkey pepperonis
diced tomatoes
parmesan cheese
Top NAAN with tomatoes, steamed veggies and pepperonis,  
Bake at 425 for 25 minutes or until CRISPY or texture you desire.  Sprinkle with Parmesan and ENJOY!!!


                  Quick, Go-To Snack

Light Creamy Swiss Laughing Cow

1 clementine orange

Wasa flax seed crispbread- 80 calories and 3g fiber per slice