My #Diettogo Review and $50 gift card for you!

Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored by Diet-to-Go. All opinions are my own.


I am such a slacker when it comes to planning meals. Most of the time, I am only planning for my 9 year old and I. As we all know, 9 year olds like chicken nuggets, hot dogs and pizza. Well, when you are trying to eat healthy, none of those items work well for you. So luckily, I have found Diet-To-Go! One thing I have definitely learned... "You can't look like a million bucks if you eat from the Dollar Menu!" Can I get an amen on that one! The problem is, that dollar menu is so convenient. That's why you need Diet-to-Go. It is just as convenient if not more so because all you have to do is open your freezer!

I ordered the Low Carb options this time, and I was not disappointed. Bryce (my son) ate some of these too, and he is super picky. He actually craves the turkey sausage. He fights me for it! When I made this burger and green beans the other night, Bryce changed his mind on his dinner and opted for this. He loved the burger. It was a pleasure seeing him eat some healthy veggies too without having to fight him. That was my deal with him... he could have the burger if he ate the veggies! Yay, Mom!!! :)

We all know that eating healthy isn't easy, but why not take some of the work out of it. Diet-to-Go really wants to help you with their Summer Shape up program, and they are adding a special deal just for my readers! Yay! That is you!!! Here is a $50 gift card for you to use towards your order! That is a great deal! Here's your chance to try these meals! You won't regret it!

As you may recall, I have had the chance to review Diet-to-Go's meals before. You can see my review HERE.

Diet-to-Go has some pretty neat things going on right now:

• Summer Shape Up Sweepstakes You could win a free month (or week) of free meals! This ends June 28th and you can enter daily.
• Diet Bet Bet $25 that you can lose 4% of your body weight and you will share the pot with the other winners and you will win a $50 Diet-to-Go gift card.
  This begins June 28th.
• Join the Google+ Community:Common-Sense Healthy Living

So Now's your chance! Go order! 

TELL me... is this something you would be interested in trying... What is your biggest Diet struggle?

Want to workout like a superhero? #Soldierofsteel

Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Soldier of Steel™.

I don't know if you have had the chance to see MAN OF STEEL™ yet. I did a review of the movie last week. It was amazing. I have seen Henry Cavill in other movies and was surprised at how strong he looked in this movie. OK, he didn't just look strong, he looked like an Adonis! Do you want to find out how he trained? As a newbie to CrossFit, I couldn't wait to see him and the cast train. I am so excited to be a part of this campaign. 

Physical fitness is an essential trait for every soldier. National Guard Soldiers are trained to be ready for anything. The National Guard Citizen-Soldiers transform, just as Clark Kent did in MAN OF STEEL™, when their communities call. The Soldier of Steel™  Transformational Workout Plan was developed by MAN OF STEEL™  trainer Mark Twight. Twight is a fitness trainer for Hollywood, and he pushed the cast and Soldiers with his unique workout plan and helped them transform!  

Here is a little taste of what the workouts were like... You have to watch!! 

Motivated to begin your transformation and train like a Soldier of Steel™ ? Go to SOLDIEROFSTEEL.com where you can:

• Download a one-month training routine developed by celebrity trainer Mark Twight

• Learn how Mark transformed Henry Cavill into the MAN OF STEEL™ 

• Watch fitness training webisodes 

• Receive training tutorials on 23 different exercises

My favorite quote from the workout:

"I think in order To save someone else, you will almost always go harder than you will to save yourself." Mark Twight

Got a fitness question for Mark Twight? On Thursday, June 20, Mark Twight will answer fan questions on the @NationalGuard Twitter handle. Follow the conversation from 3PM EST – 4PM EST at #TwightTakeover. I will be there! I can't wait! 

Check out the workout plan and let me know what you think? Do you want to be a MAN OF STEEL™  or a Woman of Steel? I know that I do! 

Motivational Monday! And Giveaways!

Whether you are lifting or running, I hope you can find something that motivates you! This is what pushed me this week! Scroll down to enter my two giveaways! 

There is just something special abou CrossFit Blackbeard

Love Indy!

Can't wait for a progress pic next month!

Just run!

How I felt today with my chalk!

Target Gift Card giveaway: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-c9attarget-shopping-spree-and.html

Headbands of Hope giveaway: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/headbands-of-hope-and-giveaway.html

What's Beautiful? A letter to myself at 21... and some Diet-to-Go news

I have been working on this What's Beautiful campaign for Under Armour with Fitfluential. It got me thinking that sometimes I forget where I have come from. What's Beautiful is that I am not living the life that I had planned, but I am living a really happy life.

A fellow blogger, Nichole from Casa de Crews wrote her 21 year old self a letter the other day... It really go me thinking. I have made a whole lot of mistakes in my life... some I would change and some I wouldn't.... what would I say? As I sit here and ponder the things that are beautiful about me, I realize that it really has nothing to do with outside appearances. I need to give that 21 year old a talking to.... Well, here goes!

Dear 21 year old Mindy,

Hey there girl! Gosh, there is so much to say. You are so clueless on what life is all about, but I know that you are sitting there thinking about how smart you are. You really aren't.  Do me a favor and listen to your parents. They are really looking out for your best interest, and they know what is right.

First of all, you, my friend, are worth way more than you give yourself credit for. When you look in the mirror, embrace what you see. My God, you are a size 5... not a "wide load." If someone makes you feel bad about yourself, walk away from them. You are worth it!

Once you graduate college, travel! Travel around the country~ Live!!! You don't need a man to define you! You will later find that you are pretty darn great on your own! Learn it now...

This man that you are wrapping your world around is going to cause you a lot of hurt and pain. In the end, you will win because you will have the most beautiful son, but maybe you should just get pregnant right now so you can move on... lol... just kidding.

My biggest advice is keep exercising! When you first hear of this new workout called CrossFit, join! Join the first day you hear of it!!! It is so up your alley!! And who knows where you will be when you are my age if you do.

Use exercise as your stress reliever. Don't turn to food. Believe me when I tell you that the best revenge is not to eat poorly in front of him. The best revenge is to be the fittest you can be. And Mindy, when you decide it's time to leave him, DO IT! Don't wait for it to get worse!

Mindy, you can do great things. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who build you up rather than tear you down! You have an incredible life. It's not the life you picture yourself in, but it is really great. You are going to love being a mom! And you are pretty darn good at it too!

Keep your chin up! Life gets better every single day!
Love,
The 39 year old Mindy

PS Start a blog! I know you have no idea what that is right now, but do it.  Oh and invest in a little company called Apple! :)

Diet-to-Go
Make sure you head over to Diet-to-Go on Facebook and like their page. From there, you can enter their Facebook Sweepstakes. 
We are excited to announce our June summer sweepstakes, which will give you a chance to win up to one month of free meals! There will be 5 runners up and one grand prize winner. 
Enter Here: diettogo.com/enter
Mark your calendars! There will be a twitter chat with Diet-to-Go on June 18 focusing on applying common-sense principles to get fit for the summer.


Enter my Target gift card giveaway HERE! http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-c9attarget-shopping-spree-and.html
Enter my Headbands of Hope HERE!
http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/headbands-of-hope-and-giveaway.html

My #C9atTarget shopping spree! And giveaway!

So summer is here! That means I don't have to wear work clothes til August. And you know what that means!!! Chances are if you see me out, I will look like I am about to workout or I have just worked out. Yep... I will be wearing Activewear all summer long. Well, you know I love Target, I mean who doesn't? I have written two sponsored posts for them. We have been lucky enough to have a giveaway and guess what? We have another one! So when Target asked me to head out to try on some of their C9 activewear by Champion and buy some, I, naturally jumped up and down... I really did!!! This post is sponsored by Target!

What do you think?

He was pulling outfits out like crazy

Today, Bryce and I headed out to Target. We walked straight over to the hats first because I needed to know if my new haircut would look good in a visor... I am thinking yes... hope you agree!

Then, I grabbed a whole bunch of stuff to try on. I am not sure Bryce was too thrilled, but I did tell him if he would come in and take pictures when I was done that I would buy him some C9 activewear too! That pepped him up because, let me tell you, there is some awesome stuff for kids in the C9 line. Bryce could bankrupt me too. That kid loves clothes!!!

Isn't this just beautiful! Look at these colors. I have to be honest... I have been overweight so long that I have not really looked for clothes other than black pants and black shirts. I really had fun digging in to these beautiful colors and realizing that I can wear these clothes! That was fun!

I found that I was drawn to the pinks and the blues the most. I am still partial to the black pants and shorts, but at least I am changing things up with my tops! That is progress, my friends!

I tried on some really cute activewear shorts. Bryce said that I looked like a golfer. So I had to practice my swing... I think I've still got it! :) I really loved this sleeveless shirt with the shorts. Too cute! I had to buy it! I feel like my sister in law. She dresses like this because she is an athletic trainer, and I like that look a lot! Plus, I thought it was slimming... definitely a plus! There were so many shirts that had adorable cuts on the back! I am only a month into crossfit, but I already see a difference and liked the way these looked! I loved these! I bought the ruffled black one, but I really am thinking that I need to go back for the others too!

I cannot wait to wear my new clothes on my runs, to crossfit, or just around the house. As I said before, I will be found in activewear for the next 2 months! And with my new C9 clothes from Target, I am going to be stylin'!  Would you like to be stylin' too? All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. Enter for a $25 Gift Card to Target to buy some C9 gear for yourself! They have men's gear too!

I bought this too... won't wear it til it's cold, but it was too cute to pass up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also giving away Headbandsofhope: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/headbands-of-hope-and-giveaway.html

Man of Steel... A must see!

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a blogger to get a sneak preview viewing of Man of Steel on Monday night. I was very excited for the opportunity to take my son Bryce to see it. He was beside himself... THRILLED! We do see every superhero movie that comes out, so I definitely had some expectations. We expected some special effects and some action as well as a little bit of romance.

You will not be let down if you expect those things. The love Superman gets from his birth family and his adoptive family is something that will bring tears to your eyes. At one point, my son grabbed my hand because he knew that the raw emotion on the screen would touch me. There was  a whole lot of action. We were often sitting on the edge of our seats.  After the movie, Bryce said, "I had to go to the bathroom, but couldn't leave because I didn't want to miss anything!" This is from a kid who takes 2 trips at least to the bathroom during movies. If that isn't a 5 star review then I know don't know what is! The special effects were so real. We were mesmerized.

Henry Cavill plays a great Superman. I kept thinking that Christopher Reeve would be very pleased with this choice. Not only is Cavill a great actor, he is very likable and believable as the kind-hearted Superman. And well, he isn't bad to look at either!!! Those eyes!!! Oh my!  Amy Adams is an adorable Lois Lane. I remember as a child being somewhat annoyed by Lois Lane in the original movies. Adams is astounding in this role!

We truly loved the movie and highly recommend it. The only thing I wished was that there would have been more of Lois Lane and Superman's courtship. I guess I will be able to witness it in Man of Steel II.

If you are looking for something fun this weekend, you need to check out Man of Steel! It's a must-see! Check out the trailer below.


Will you go see this movie? What do you think of the cast?

Headbands of Hope and giveaway!

I would love to introduce you all to Jessica Ekstrom. She is doing something amazing, and I want to help her. She is a senior at North Carolina State University studying communications. She launched Headbands of Hope in April 2012 during her junior year. Since then, her company has been featured on the TODAY Show and TOMS Shoes Blog. Jessica is providing us 3 headbands for a giveaway. 

Please enjoy this guest post by Jessica.

Almost everyone can think of a moment where they knew their life was about to change. For me, my moment was right before my 20th birthday in the summer of 2011. I began my internship at the Make-a-Wish Foundation that I can confidently say, changed my life forever.

Everyday, I got to wake up and grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. I took day trips to visit the wish kids at their houses and bring them their favorite toys. We received hundreds of letters from wish children that said we changed their lives; little did they know, they were changing mine.

I thought about the thousands of girls around the world losing their hair to chemotherapy. Being a young girl presents many struggles with self-esteem already and losing their hair as a result of a life-threatening illness is traumatic.

For girls and women everywhere, their hair is a part of their feminine identity. Wigs can be uncomfortable and unappealing, especially to younger girls.

I realized that headbands are the perfect way for these girls to keep their feminine identity and have a constant reminder that they're not alone. Therefore, I started HeadbandsOfHope.org.

For every headband purchased, one headband will go to a girl with cancer and $1 will be donated to the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Since I launched in May of this year, I've sold thousands of headbands online and in stores around the nation. I created a company where I didn't have to choose between making a living and making a difference. I can wake up and do both at the same time.

I’ve had the opportunity to distribute headbands to girls in the hospitals across the nation. The best part of my job is opening the door to their room and seeing their faces light up when I bring dozens of colorful headbands to their beds to choose from.

Even though it’s fun and fulfilling to bring the girls headbands in the hospitals, I’m constantly reminded that there still isn’t a cure.

Childhood cancer takes the lives of more children in the U.S. than any other disease - in fact, more than many other childhood diseases combined. 

Children with cancer cannot be treated simply as "smaller adults." The cancers strike kids differently and they are in a crucial stage of development, which complicates the effects of treatments and can result in life-long complications.

Progress is also especially slow in curing adolescents and young adults, because federal funding for childhood cancers is a fraction compared to adult cancers. 

Therefore, attention needs to be brought to childhood cancer. Progress can't be made without research. Research can't be done without funding. And funding can't be done without awareness.


Headbands of Hope aims to start with awareness and end with a cure. Together, we can spread hope in all girls…one headband at a time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: Headbands of Hope provided me with a headband and a tshirt. All opinions are my own.

Lose Weight and Win Money!!! And 2 Giveaways!!!

Reminder: I have 2 giveaways going on: 
Target Gift card: 
http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/keeping-family-involved-in-fitness.html
Flavor Run 5K entry:
http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/flavor-run-5k-giveaway.html

DietBet! Lose Weight and Win!

Who doesn't want to lose weight and win money at the same time! Seriously! This is a win-win! We are getting ready to begin another DietBet. If you haven't joined us yet, this is the time. Why not drop some pounds during this summer season. 

I know that I have a hard time eating in my bathing suit. Maybe this is the trick! I would love for you to join my DietBet for June! It is a great way to lose weight and have some fun!

How does the DietBet work?

 

I have done a handful of DietBets now, and I always almost doubled my money when I won. It has been a great way to keep me focused. DietBet does a really great job of ensuring honesty, and they make it very difficult to cheat. We also have a facebook group that will help keep you motivated. You can request to join HERE!  You can also follow me on facebook for extra motivation.

We would love for you to join this bet! It's going to be a lot of fun! Join here: http://www.dietbet.com/games/17432

If you have more questions you can check out these posts about the DietBet: 

http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/05/time-to-jump-on-weight-loss-train.html

http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-have-to-join-this-dietbet-13000-and.html

Have you done a DietBet before? Would you recommend this to friends? Comment below!

Loving CrossFit Blackbeard! And 2 giveaways!

Split Jerks during the week

When this CrossFit journey began at CrossFit Blackbeard about a month ago, I was really apprehensive. I am overweight and not young anymore. I worried about fitting in. I got through Fundamentals with only one puke, and I felt good.  But then it was time to try this on my own. Without someone there holding my hand...

Well I immediately learned that this wasn't true. I now had the entire box there to hold my hand and answer my questions. I couldn't believe how uplifting and motivating everyone was. It took me a little time to feel comfortable (like maybe a week and a half) and that was my issue, no one else's. Now I feel like part of the group.

Best Place ever!!! CrossFit Blackbeard!

I am definitely someone who struggles more with basic movements and running than others, but mostly I struggle with confidence (nothing new for me) and a lot of times I hear myself saying negative things in my head. The difference is, no one else is saying those things about me. This gym (box) has taken me in and become my support system. This is the difference between going to a BIG Named gym like Golds or something. These people have taken the time to know my name and care if I show up. That is the kind of support I need!

I have gotten through the workouts. I have survived the WODS or Met-Cons (metabolic conditioning) as we call them. Last Saturday, I decided to take on my first SATURDAY TEAM CHALLENGE!  Holy Crap! As I walked in, Trey was writing the Met-Con on the board....



Saturday's Team Challenge:
In teams of 4 For time: (Only one person does the exercises at a time... you take turns)

Ty pushing me and coaching me! Awesome!

1. Run 400 meters (as a team)
2. 75 power snatch 75/55
3. Run 200 meters (as a team)
4. 50 reverse burpees
5. 50 meter two-person farmer carry right arm 115/75 (only two from each team at a time)
6. 50 meter two-person farmers carry left arm 115/75 (only two from each team at a time)
7. 50 burpee pull-ups
8. Run 200 meters (as a team)
9. 75 bear complex
10. Run 400 meters (as a team)

This came from www.crossfitblackbeard.com

Um, I was ready to turn around and get into my car. I started wondering if anyone noticed me hiding in the bathroom.  Want to know what scared me the most... Team Run!!! Yes, as you all know, I run like a turtle stampeding in peanut butter. I am so slow. I was on a team with the most supportive, up-lifting people. They pushed me and coached me... It was unreal! And, WE WON! As we were doing the last 400 meter run, there *may have been tears from me. I started to doubt myself, when this guy Ty, turned to me and said, "You've got this Mindy! I know it!"  He was right! I did! Then I heard Rob (the owner) yell, "We are not getting second! Let's go!" And I kicked it into gear (lol, I am sure it wasn't really fast, but I did my all-out!)  And WE WON! 

Winning team! Ty, me, Erin and Rob!

I had another awesome week at CrossFit Blackbeard, and  I will tell you more in my blog tomorrow. 

Don't forget that I have 2 giveaways going on. TARGET $25 GIFT CARD click HERE!

And I am also giving away on registration for The Flavor Run click HERE! 

Do you lift weights? Why or why not? Have you tried CrossFit yet?

 Comment below.

Flavor Run 5K... Giveaway!!!

We love Color Races, right? How fun are they, right? Well, how about adding some flavor to our color??? Doesn't this sound fun! I have been asked to be a "Flavor Fairy" for The Flavor Run! So excited.... (read to the end to win a registration!) 

Here's Bryce and I after a color race.

So What is The Flavor Run?
The Flavor Run is a 5K family running or walking event that takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is on August 17th  (8:45-3:00.)

This run supports local businesses and farmers by creating a fun run that engages ALL of your senses! Their website states that "During this epic 5k, there will be five separate Flavor Stations that will cover you in a delicious flavored (FDA Approved/All Natural) celebration powder and followed by a refreshing taste of locally produced fruits."

You can choose to sign up for the 5K or you can be a "Flavor Fairy!" You can also do the Flavor Family Mile Walk/Run.  Go to https://flavorrun.webconnex.com/RegisterOnline to register for this event. 

Early Registration prices go until 6/12 11:55pm.

5K is $35

5k Registration includes:

• 5k Entry
• Flavor Race Bib
• Flavor Run Shirt
• Mystery Flavor Prize
• Two Flavor Packets*
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access
• Post-Race Activities

Flavor Fairy is $40

• Everything in Flavor 5k Registration (Yep, you get to run the race too!)
• Flavor Fairy Wings
• Snacks & drinks
• Basket of Flavor
• Access to sprinkle Flavor on participants in the Flavor Forest
• Wave 1 - 9am-10:30
• Wave 2 - 10:30am-12:00

Mile race is $25

• 1 Mile Entry
• Flavor Shirt
• Flavor Packet
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access

I have also been given an extra registration to give to one of you!!! This giveaway will end June 11th at midnight. If you don't win, you will have a chance to get the lower prices before the price increase on June 12th. If you want to be on my Fairy team, the team name is Mindy's Fitness Journey and the password is "bryce." I am doing the early wave.
All you have to do is comment below telling why you should win this. It will be a random draw for the winner.

I hope to hear that a lot of you are going to be there! This is the first time they are having this race.

Also don't forget the I am giving away a $25 Target Gift Card. Enter HERE!

**disclosure: I was offered a free entry into this race for me and also one to giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Keeping Family involved in Fitness: Target Giveaway #c9attarget

C9 at Target

How lucky are we? Target has offered to give us a $25 gift card. You can use it to purchase some of their awesome C9 by Champion clothing... They want to know how you are keeping your entire family fit. 

This year I decided that my goal would be that I would participate in fitness events with my son. I started this fitness journey last year and I did a lot of races. I talked my son into running the mile race at two of them, and he loved it. 

I was fortunate that a very special person surprised me and paid my way into the Rock n Roll mini marathon (5K) in Feb. As I was driving to the expo to pick up my packet, I asked Bryce (my 9 year old son) if he wanted to run the race with me. You have to love his honesty...He said, "Do I have to stay with you the whole time or can I run at my own speed?"  He's faster than I am. I told him he could GO! I was blessed with a gift from a friend, so I used the money I would have spent on me for him. It was the beginning of a really great new lifestyle for us. 

When I first began this journey, my most favorite thing to do was flip a big tire... it still is btw... If you haven't seen my logo, I am a tire flipper. I love flipping tires. When I would tell Bryce about it, he wasn't impressed until I had him try to flip the tire. He was hooked. He couldn't do it but he thought I was a tough chick. Well, we loved it so much that we (my son and I) headed over to our local tire store and got our own tires to have at home. We haven't used them a lot, but we have had some fun with them. Not only do we flip them, but we also jump on them like they are plyo boxes. I am still looking for a BIG tractor tire, but for now we have 3 different sizes.

Since then we have run quite a few races and have some others headed our way too. I have run some races without him, but I certainly don't like it as much. He makes fitness fun! 

We ran a Mother's Day run! He beat me by almost 10 minutes!!!

He loves to go on walks with me and sometimes we have to stop and enjoy the nature around us! 

We ran for Boston... It actually turned out to be a walk, but we talked and bonded like we hadn't before. It was really special and nice because I had been glued to the TV and Twitter all day....

Then there is the fun of Color Me Rad. We had a blast getting colorful and laughing together! 

Adding Fitness into your family life is the best. Get your kids outdoors and away from the video games for a bit! It's good for all of us. Bryce often asks me if we can go for a walk or a run. And usually it's when I am being lazy, so it's a good motivator! 

I am usually wearing my C9 by Champion Clothes from Target while I am exercising with my family! 

What does your family do together to stay fit? Check out #C9atTarget on Twitter and Instagram.

Enter my giveaway for a $25 gift card below! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

At Target Influencer Network, we support ethical blogging and strict adherence to the FTC guidelines pertaining to free samples and gifts. Participants in our programs are expected to do the same. For more information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf