Challenge #3 of the 2014 Blog Forward Challenge by ZonePerfect -- Mid-Year Check-In + #Giveaway

Disclosure: I am taking part in the 2014 Blog Forward ZonePerfect program, where I will share posts and giveaways throughout the year centering around resolutions.  Although I have entered the program and received complimentary product and ZonePerfect promotional items, I am free to comment about ZonePerfect in a positive, neutral or negative fashion.   All views I share are mine and mine alone.

Can you believe that we are halfway through the year?  Just today, Savannah asked when it would snow, as she was done with the heat and wanted fluffy snow to build her own Olaf. :-)  We haven't even had a heat wave here in New England, and she is already done with summer.  Can't wait to see how the rest of the summer pans out. :-)

One thing I know for sure this summer is that I have to get back to losing weight, as I have put on weight over the past month or so.  When it comes to stress or feeling overwhelmed, I find myself reaching for unhealthy snacks or eating just to eat, even though I am not hungry.  And, this over time leads to weight settling around my mid section and thighs, and the numbers on the scale to go up, instead of down or staying the same.  And, when I see the numbers going up, I get discouraged and eat more, feeling like I have let myself down.

Lately, I have been dealing with the girls going through terrible 2's and 3's, not wanting to nap anymore, thus in turn getting grouchy mid morning and lasting until they fall asleep at night, on top of trying to potty train them for the 3rd time (they get close, but then want to go back into diapers).  Then, there is my personal health and dealing with the challenges and long term side effects of my cancer treatment back in 2008.  I feel like an old person in a 30 something's body.  Being stiff and sore doesn't help when you want to work out, and your body is telling you otherwise.  So, the easiest thing to do is walk to the fridge or kitchen to grab a snack.  

But, after going to a waterpark a few weeks ago and having to put on a bathing suit, I saw what the past month or so and my eating has done.  Gone were the curves I was starting to notice around my midsection.  While I felt defeated, I also found myself eager to get back on the horse and shed the weight like I had successfully done last year.  Like I said, we are halfway through the year, so I still have six months to lose the weight I have put on, and keep it off.  Having done it before, I know that I can do it again.  And, being apart of the ZonePerfect Blog Forward challenge and sharing my resolutions that center around not gaining weight in 2014, I am more driven than ever.  Yes, it will be a challenge, as my metabolism is not like it was back in my 20's, and my body has its limitations.  But, I know that I can do it!  So, for now on, instead of reaching for a bag of chips or sweets, I will make sure I have an assortment of ZonePerfect bars on hand to grab when I am feeling hungry, missed a meal and are looking to tide myself over until the next, or simply want to grab a healthy snack when heading out the door for the day with the family. In past posts for ZonePerfect, I have shared my love for their nutritional bars, and how good they taste.  If you haven't had a chance to try ZonePerfect bars, and are looking for healthier snacks, you will definitely want to check them out...some even contain chocolate. :-) Mmm!

Have you found yourself struggling to maintain your new year's resolutions?  Have the recent holidays and cookouts got your off your game of losing or maintaining your current weight?  What steps do you take when you find yourself wanting to give up on your new year's resolutions half way through the year?  I would love to hear what you have to say and your tips, as they can help me and others who are struggles and looking to give up on their resolutions for one reason or another.

---GIVEAWAY---

Seeing that we are halfway through the year, I wanted to share another fun giveaway with you.  Thanks to the folks at ZonePerfect, one lucky reader will win a "Well Being Essentials Kit".  This kit contains a pedometer, tumbler, lip balm, hair ties, hand sanitizer and box of ZonePerfect Bars.  

Want to snag this "Well Being Essentials Kit" from ZonePerfect?  Then, complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am taking part in the 2014 Blog Forward ZonePerfect program, where I will share posts and giveaways throughout the year centering around resolutions.  Although I have entered the program and received complimentary product and ZonePerfect promotional items, I am free to comment about ZonePerfect in a positive, neutral or negative fashion.   All views I share are mine and mine alone.