WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN 2/17/18
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME TO OUR "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN!....
**Don't forget to drop on by and check out & participate in our FEBRUARY HEART DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH EVENT** Its our Cardio Event to get those "Hearts pumping" and to do something good for your "Heart Health"
We are also half way through February already!.. Its almost "SPRING" for alot of us! (Warmer weather is coming finally yay!!)
How have you been doing over the past week?
What have been your motivators this week? What's kept you going?
What have been your highlights of the week?
What goals have you been working on or what have you accomplished so far this month?
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates @PhoenixAsh @Erato @BlueberryFriend @Elle22 @BenscupofTea@Akshita0612 @Keion @rebecca947 @tinugeorge @Alia2 @Riggers @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @TakeAStandAgainstBullying @Moj @AliNurse @RoseRael @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @Sadme70 @Gardenlady @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @DogLover1991 @fruityvision @Essdee @Windflowers @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @Kevan @inventiveWheel @softFern50 @brightCherry8538 @intuitiveWest8187 @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @Iris22 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @Keola @DrDonut @AlluraRae @Rebekahwriter13 @politeTangerine7243 @Dancersoul @MoreThanAConqueror18
**The week started off pretty well, got some minor, personal things accomplished.....Anxiety has been low, so thats always a good thing......Stayed on complete track with my Eating and workouts... Taught my usual 3 Zumba Classes this week.
**My husband is back to wearing his 'Fitbit' watch, so that gives me a little "friendly competition" again to stay on track with my workouts and steps. My sleep pattern has NOT been the best over the past week, but of course, thats my fault since I'm still such an "night-owl". So I'm still working on that...... But, I am back to tracking my water again regularly! And am meeting the goals I have set for myself each day.
**Today is the local POUND Fitness class, so plans are to attend that of course and start my day off buring calories, because well, today is also "Rest Day" AND "Treat" day as well lol....
**Lastly, I have signed up to obtain another Fitness license tomorrow... I am going to be attending a training for a Format called "MIXXEDFIT"... its a mixture of "dancing and fitness moves" with a little boot-camp type stuff... It was an affordable training to attend and its near my home, so I thought 'What the heck", it can't hurt to have another license under my belt... Sooo... I decided to go for it. I told myself that I was done attending these "long" trainings (I don't look forward to that part), but next thing I know I'm spending the day at another one.. This will be my 4th one in under a year already. 
. But, I like having varied licenses to teach different things and styles incase I want to "dabble" in something different for awhile.... I'll be glad to have the training done, but personally I'm already looking forward to "Monday" lolol....(Looking forward to "Monday") SAID "NOBODY" EVER! LOL 
I hope everyone's week has gone well!
@PoliteOcean
Yay, it's great to head you're on track! And woah, well done on getting so many licences! What are you licenced to teach? MixxedFit sounds SO fun!!! Update us on how it goes! Wonder if I can find a class somewhere near me... and what's your favourite class to teach? Zumba? :D
@rebecca947
Thanks Rebecca!..
I am licensed to teach every Zumba Format (Regular, Gold, Toning, Aqua, Step, Sentao, Gold-Toning, Circuit, and Strong By Zumba).... MixxedFit is a Newer Format, I've never taken a class actually lol... but I've seen them, and the training was so affordable, I just had to have it since it includes a dance format. lol.....
I'm working toward getting my POUND Fitness license next, hopefully between now and April. Just waiting for a training that is closer to my home. Otherwise I'd have to travel out of state.
I do hope that you can find a class near you! Take the opportunity to try out as much as you can, to see what you like!.. And give yourself a mixture of workouts to look forward to! 
@PoliteOcean
Wow, that's a lot! Did you have to attend training for all the types of zumba, or was it packed all in one session? And good luck with POUND Finess training! It sounds like you're determined to attend training, that's great to hear! :D
And yeah, I'll try to see if there's any interesting and different fitness classes near me! I do want to try them all, but also depends on cost aha
@rebecca947
Hi Rebecca.. Yes, I had to attend EVERY SINGLE Training for EACH format! anywhere from an 8-10hour day (depending on how fast the instructor moved through it)......(I know sounds crazy right! lol).. .. but some were so fun it seemed to go by so quickly!... ... . But having all the Zumba licences have definitely been well worth it for sure.
@PoliteOcean
Oh my goodness, what dedication!!! But I'm so glad it all paid off, that's awesome! :D such good experiences!
@PoliteOcean
Oh my goodness, what dedication!!! But I'm so glad it all paid off, that's awesome! :D such good experiences!
@PoliteOcean
And having more fitness certs under your belt can only be a great thing. . .plus, you enjoy them. win-win!
@oakhenge
P.S. Polite - I wish someone would give me certificate just for getting my weight and cardio training in every week! lol
@oakhenge
Hahaha.. ME TOO Oak!! Me too!!
@oakhenge
Yes Oak.. Absolutely! ...Thank you :)
@PoliteOcean
Late to the party here but WHOA that's so impressive!! It's nice to see other people who are so devoted to fitness and a healthy lifestyle in this community. Keep it up and nice job with the licenses! May you Zumba your worries away. <3
@MikaCaresAboutYou
Thank you so much Mika!... I appreciate it
@PoliteOcean
Don't wait until Friday to celebrate your week <3
@PoliteOcean
Ooft, such great questions!! And it's coming into Autumn for us, then the dreaded winter!!! :'(
How have you been doing over the past week?
I've been doing great! Chinese New Year is huge in China (duh!) so there have been celebrations! We played with fireworks last night, which was a first time for me! I've eaten heaps of junk food though, which isn't good! :p
What have been your motivators this week? What's kept you going?
Definitely eating the junk food and seeing myself grow bigger- I am itching to exercise again!!!
What have been your highlights of the week?
Celebrating CNY in China :D
What goals have you been working on or what have you accomplished so far this month?
Hmm, goals wise... I don't have any for the holidays! I guess I want to be less terrified of firecrackers- theyre SO loud and unexpected sometimes! I've semi-accomplished it today, as I became less scared of them! Though the powerful firecracker explosions are a different story...
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
It's the weekend already for me! Since CNY is a 15 day celebration, I guess spending time with all of dad's side of the family, before they leave in 3 days back to where they live!
@rebecca947
I have certainly heard of Chinese New Year!.. Sounds like such a HUGE and FUN celebration!.. Sounds like you are also enjoying yourself to the fullest and that is great!.. Nothing wrong with that..... I know we all get off track a little.. I too got off track over the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas AND our New Year! So I have been really working myself to try to get back on track to where I was! ...Its defintely alot of work... But worth it when we are happier with ourselves and how we feel.
I hope that you are enjoying yourself, and manage to get back on track when you are ready!.... Thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going with you!
@PoliteOcean
Very true- thank you! I'll have to remember your words when I start to possibly lose motivation aha
@rebecca947
Happy CNY! I wish you a pleasant lunar new year and I hope that much luck comes your way ^_^
@SteadfastStatue
Aww, thank you so much! :D That's so sweet :) xx
@rebecca947
Hey there,
So, I recently learned that Chinese, Japanese, and Korean all celebrate the new year according to lunar calendar, together ^_^ If I were more in tuned, I would be celebrating KNY <3
@SteadfastStatue
Ooh, Happy CNY AND KNY to you!! :D and wow, that's so dedication righ t there haha my background is Chinese but I can't even speak it well... and can write next to no words in Chinese 😂 how's your Chinese, Korean and Japanese? Are you still learning them?
@rebecca947
Thank you for your well-wishes ^_^ I learned China, Japan and Korea all follow the same lunar year new year calendar from my mom. She is a korean born and raise, native, and that is where I attained all of my Korean knowledge from during my upbringing.
I come from a Korean background. I didn't stay fluent in Korean for very long (Kindergarten is when I lost it all) but my pronunciation is pretty good. What kinds of things can you speak?
One of my trade secrets for healthy living: studying languages and learning how to read, write and speak them helps me feel more in tuned with my position on diversity. I feel an intersectional connectedness with those in my community, be it in a workplace, public, private social/ family setting. I feel that I lack certain insights and learning to speak another's language is a bit of a gateway, to build a foundation of trust with others, to hopefully hear them share what their experiences are.
@SteadfastStatue
Ahh, nice! Yeah I lost my speaking at around 8 years old, after my grandma stopped raising me. I can speak basic Chinese (Cantonese and my family's hometown language- cant soeak Mandarin at all)... that's great that learning new lamguages is your way of healthy living! We all interpret healthy livkng to be different things, and I love your personal interpretation of it into your own life. It's true- learning new languages does build a foundation of trust and gives us insight into the culture and their world.
@rebecca947
rebecca, thank you so much for saying that and weaving your words together in that way. That is exactly it! The trade secret I have is that there is no secret! It really boils down to being open-minded, learning to respect and accept individuality and freedom of expression in what healthy living means to you <3
pretty mixed this week.
-but link doesnt work-
@vivelespatates
Good spot! :p
@vivelespatates
Pretty mixed about what Viv?..... Also the link should work, I just checked it... maybe a glitch
Some good things and some bad ones. and things that are both, good and bad at the time.
@PoliteOcean yes sounds like the link got updated.
I cut my soda to once a day.
@Rebekahwriter13
Hey, that's great! Well done! :D
@Rebekahwriter13
Thats good Rebekah, Keep up the great work!
@Rebekahwriter13
Happy dance on cutting the sode to once a day, rebekahwriter13. Happy dancing! So you've given up something in order to improve your health and so I wonder what will you add? That is, what good thing are you drinking in place of the extra sodas you gave up? Water is a great choice.
I used to be hooked on diet coke and diet root beer. I still have a diet root beer maybe twice a month, but gave up the diet coke years ago when excess caffeine started messing with my body. At first, I felt deprived but haven't for a long time. I still like the taste of carbonated liquid so now by zero calorie seltzer water and add an 1/8 cup of organic juice to it. So delicious.
Wishing you well and much peace this coming week.
@oakhenge
I drink more tea and once a week cranberry juice.
Once it warms up, i plan on walking one mile three times a week.
How have you been doing over the past week?
- I've been doing pretty great! I finally got back to exercising in a studio, which I'm very happy about. And my meal plan is going great.
What have been your motivators this week? What's kept you going?
- My motivation has been to follow my meal plan, so I will be able to see clear results!
What have been your highlights of the week?
- The gym visit, and going to a friend for dinner!
What goals have you been working on or what have you accomplished so far this month?
- I've been working on following the meal plan, as well as getting back into exercising.
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
- I'm planning to go ice skating on Sunday, which I haven't done this winter! I'm excited!
@saranova
What an AWESOME Check-in Saranova!... You sound very positive and its great that your plan is working for you and that you are staying on track for yourself with everything!..Its great to have goals, and to make goals and what a great feeling to accomplish them! Keep up the great work!
I hope that you enjoy your time Iceskating! I have never done that, but it has always looked like so much fun! Enjoy!... And thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going for you!...
@PoliteOcean Thank you! I'm feeling motivated to do this! Haha. It's been going great so far, which is awesome. I've seen change already, which postively surprised me!
@saranova
Great! You helped up my energy - thank you!!! Wishing you an energetic and consistent week.
@saranova Sounds like you're doing a great job, keep it up!!!
Very busy week, but kept anxiety in check. I am back to a better diet than over the holidays and have bern able to get some good walks even with the cold weather. Counting the days until Spring. Gained 10 pounds over the holidays, but have lost five pounds over the last few weeks. Everyone keep up the good work.
@sail46
What a great check in Sail!..
Good to hear that your anxiety has been in check.. ( I love when that happens, its a good feeling!)...
Also its great that you have been back on track with everything.. I know it was challenging for me over the holiday time as well. And trying to un-do all the damage around that! lol... But "here's to us" doing it and getting back on track with everything!... Great job on your 5lb loss! Thats great. Keep up the great work that you are doing. And I think its awesome that you are able to get out and walk in this colder weather. I am counting down the days until Spring right along with you!.. Ready to get back out walking again myself~
Thanks for checking in this week!
This week has been a mix of ups and downs. I got nominated for highly important program at my school that was an up for me. The next day though, I was basically beating myself up when I thought I didnt get into a class because I had low scores. Turns out, I actually did get into the college class and I had really good scores for it. I wish I believed in myself more but its so hard to when Im just always thinking about the bad in myself. Throughout the whole week, Ive been feeling empty and sad though. It hasnt changed and my dad only likes to make me feel worse.
@determinedstar91
Sorry to hear that your week has been mixed with ups and downs... Sometimes that happens, and it can be challengin to focus on the positives at the time.. but just know that we are here for you to support you. And I think its really great that you were nominated for a highly important program at your school! So that is a really great positive thing for you!...
And also you said you got into the college class that you desired to be in and got the good scores for it, so that is yet ANOTHER positive thing that happened for you!... Perhaps you can feel good about yourself by thinking about all those great things that you did manage to accomplish this past week!.. Just concentrate on "one" good thing at a time...and allow yourself to feel good feelings and positive about it.
I'm also sorry to hear that you and your dad aren't on the best terms.. I know that can be yet another challenge to deal with. Have you ever tried talking to him? Letting him know how he makes you feel? Perhaps even writing a letter about your feelings, (if you can't talk to him) and just allow him to read it. Maybe you can get through to him somehow. Best of luck to you in the coming week ahead.
Thank you for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing.
@PoliteOcean
How have you been doing over the past week? I have been doing pretty well. I have just been lethargic the past couple days.
What have been your motivators this week? What's kept you going? Mantras!
What have been your highlights of the week? I am going with my friend today to visit her son
What goals have you been working on or what have you accomplished so far this month? Working on mindfulness. I have been taking more time out for meditation.
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!? going to see my friend's son today and work tomorrow
@Mellietronx
Mindfulness, Meditation and Mantras!!... Great job Mellie!.. Sounds like even though you've been feeling a little run-down and sluggish that you are mananging to do some really great and positive things for yourself! Keep up the great work that you are doing. And enjoy the plans you've made with your friend! Thanks for checking in this week!
@Mellietronx Great job, keep up the good work!!
Hello! This past week was a learning experience all around and continues into the new week. Most significantly, after a 47 day 7cups consistency streak, yesterday I forgot to log in and complete my growth step so I'm back to zero. While that is something I would rather not to have forgotten, I'm not at all worried about it or berating myself. I just got right back on this morning an d am starting again with a light and full heart. I can forgive myself the slip because yesterday three things were happening. First, I had insomnia due to a week-long cold I'm tending. Second, my daughter gifted me with a day-long mindfulness workshop yesterday that took an hour one-way to drive to. Third, between the cold and the driving and the insomnia plus all the new information I was processing in my head, I was exhausted when I got home and completely forgot about 7 cups!
For this upcoming week, I still have my cold which thankfully has not deteriorated into an infection. Though it is lasting a long time (usually colds come and go in 4 days and this one's been going on for 6 so far) my body's cells are fighting it off. To keep it able to fight, I have to double-down on my daily self-care, with multiple salt gargles, water drinking, OTC aid taking, and rest. Needless to say, full gym workouts are impossible, yet I do get in an get a 30 min cardio in a few times a week and I am staying on a nutritarian eating plan.
So yay! I'm not anxious or worried. I'm attentive, caring, and engaged. Blessings to you all.
@oakhenge
Sorry to hear that you've been out of sorts. I do hope you are starting to feel better... Its sounds like you had "Quite the Eventful" week!...I'm glad that you are back and trying to get back into the swing of things again. Its great that you are taking time for the self care that you quite obviously need and deserve at this time. I thank you so much for finding the time (AND the energy) to post and check in with us to let us know how you've been doing! Please take care of yourself! I wish you a much better week ahead!
A less than ideal week for me. I had a bad cold, and spent most of Sun-Tues in bed. I felt crappy until Thursday, did not exercise all week until yesterday, but ate lots of candy plus cake on two days - gained 4 pounds. I think I drank enough hot tea to float a ship. I took a 45 min walk at the park yesterday and that felt wonderful. I forgot to take a picture, but hopefully I'll get to all my regular exercise this week so I'll have more chances for pictures! I have not been cooking much lately, so today I am hoping to make lentil soup or something along those lines.
I am going on a really long (for me) hike in the mountains in 2 weekends and I am not feeling very prepared! This is my third annual hike at this spot, with my older son and a few others. I love it but it is very challenging for me, and being sick for a week is not the way to get ready!
I did go shopping and get a nifty new coat and hat for hiking. The coat is super light like a jacket, with a thermal reflective lining to keep you as warm as a bigger coat. So, a little retail therapy for my cold!
@SadMe70
I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling out of sorts too Sad! Seems like thats been the thing for a few of you here this past week.
On another note, I do hope that the week ahead finds you getting and feeling better and more able to tackle all the things that you are wanting to get done! I know how much you like to hike, I think thats awesome that you and your son can do that together....( I can just imagine me and mine trying to do that) lolol..... I don't even have the words lolol......
But sounds like you will have a great trip ahead. I know your preparations aren't coming along with that for the moment, but you will get there and you will get it done. And your "New" coat sounds like great motivation for getting there!.. If you can, post a photo of it! Sounds really cool! I love buying new clothes to wear. Its the one thing I can always look forward to, to treat myself and feel better.
I also hope you got around to making your Lentil soup.... One of these days I might get to try that. You always make it sound really great when you talk about it! lol.... Please continue to take care of yourself, and may your week ahead look alot brighter for you! Thanks so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing. And no worries, on the photo for the Heart Event, You have until the end of the month (and possibly a few days beyond that)? You'll get it done!
@PoliteOcean I did make the lentil soup and it was delicious! I have an Instant Pot, that so far I have only been using for making yogurt, which is why I bought it. I made the soup in it this time, and it was easy and fast. Carrots, zucchini, onion, garlic, lentils, broth. Saute right in the pot for about 6-7 minutes, then put the lid on and set the pressure cooker feature on. After about 10 min of warming up, it cooked in 12 minutes.