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MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Video Update: Week 40

April 27, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Want to lose weight and get healthy too? Check into Nutrisystem and their variety of plans to find one that’s right for you. Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

FTC Disclosure: I was selected to participate in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program which includes receiving meals, support, and program materials related to the Women’s Nutrisystem Success program in exchange for my honest reviews and opinions about the program through blog posts, videos, and social media posts. I have received no compensation and am under no obligation to provide favorable reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: diet, food, Nutrisystem, video, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 39

April 19, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

As our country has been wracked by multiple tragedies this week, my heart is heavy and it is hard to focus on much, let alone on matters of health and healthy nutrition. It’s weeks like this that, in the not-so-distant past, would have had me reaching for comfort foods and over-indulging in too much fattening, unhealthy junk food. I’m grateful to have Nutrisystem helping me keep on track with my health and eating, even on weeks like this one when I don’t have the willpower to do it myself. My heart just breaks for all those impacted and affected by the tragedies and my thoughts and prayers are will all. I am also sad today remembering the 18th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing; another horrific act of terrorism. What a sad, sad week.

I didn’t lose any pounds this week, which doesn’t surprise me, but since I last measured a month ago, I have lost another 0.5 inch off my chest, another 0.5 inch off my waist, and another 0.5 inch off my thigh, so that’s another 1.5 inches lost overall, which means 24.9 inches lost since August! Plus, I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me before, but since I’ve only been measuring on one side of my body for my limbs, I haven’t taken into account the other side. Silly me! So I’ve lost even more, but in the interest of staying consistent, I’ll stick with what I’ve been doing. I do wish, however, that I had measured my stump (my residual limb – I’m a below-knee amputee) all along because it has shrunk considerably. I’ve definitely lost a few inches on it alone, but just didn’t think to measure it. I have to double up now on my stump socks and will have to go soon to get the socket of my prosthesis re-fitted. I’m trying to wait as long as possible because I’d love to get to my goal weight before having to do that, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to wait that long. It’s exciting to have this problem though, since at the start of my Nutrisystem Nation journey I was having the opposite problem. My leg barely fit and I was going to have to have the socket enlarged. I was also very worried about the possibility of blood clots because of circulation issues that come from a leg that fits too tightly, but thankfully, Nutrisystem saved me from that!

Times like this week also serve as a reminder that we never know how long we have with the ones we love. Tomorrow is not promised so we must make the most of each day. For that reason, even when we don’t feel like it, we do still need to take care of our health and do what we can to improve and maintain our health. How do you take care of your health in times of high stress? What do you do to calm down when you are upset by events beyond your control? For me personally, it helps to pray, rest, and do something I enjoy like listening to music, watching a comedy or reading. Sometimes we have to turn off the news and step away from social media and the internet and clear our minds. Too much news overload, especially when it is bad news filled with horrific images of bombings, explosions, tornadoes, etc., is just as harmful to our health as gorging ourselves on tons of junk food and fattening comfort foods. Take a break, take a walk, talk with a loved one or friend, watch or read something funny or listen to music that is uplifting and be kind to yourself. It also helps me to focus on the good in the world and what I can do to help others. Good will triumph over evil, every time, if we don’t let evil keep us hiding in fear. Let’s show the world there is still goodness and light in the midst of this darkness. May God be with you and all of us!

Filed Under: health Tagged With: food, health, healthy, Nutrisystem, stress, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Video Update: Week 35

March 22, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Since I didn’t get to update last week, here is a pic from the event in Dallas where I got to model this fab new dress I talked about in my week 33 update!

I haven’t worn stripes in so many years I cannot even begin to remember the last time! Thanks to Nutrisystem, I can wear them again!

If you are struggling with your weight like I once was, check out Nutrisystem and see if it could be the solution for you. Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: health Tagged With: diet, food, health, Nutrisystem, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 32

March 2, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Happy March! Can you believe it is already March and Spring is almost here? I’m excited about that and about finally breaking through the plateau of the past month and getting back on track with my weight loss journey on the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. Today I’m at 126.2 lbs. and have lost a total of 26.6 lbs. so far! My BMI has dropped from 30.3% to 25.1% since starting the program. Yay!

Every week I am asked by friends and colleagues about Nutrisystem and they tell me how much healthier I look. This has been so encouraging over the past month when my weight has been stubbornly hanging on and not wanting to budge. I’m thrilled to share my journey with them because I know first-hand how much Nutrisystem has helped me. I truly believe it has been a life-saver for me. After being obese and unhealthy for so long, it feels incredible to know that is behind me and I’m on a path of healthier eating and living again. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been easier than I expected. The weight hasn’t come off quite as quickly at times as I’d hoped, but weight loss isn’t meant to be a sprint, it’s more of a marathon. Sure, there are all kinds of weight loss products, supplements, pills, and exercise equipment that promise a “quick fix” and try to trick people into thinking if you just use their product, the pounds will magically melt away in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, many of these are not only lies, but they are dangerous for your health. And if you do lose weight with some of these, as soon as you stop using them, the weight typically will come right back. But that’s not true of Nutrisystem, not if you follow the program, learn from it, and then do what they recommend to maintain your weight after the program.

One of the things I love so much about Nutrisystem is the fact that they do offer so much support, advice, expert help, and encouragement. They don’t send you the food and leave you on your own. You have access to online experts and support and can even call for help, if you prefer. To help jumpstart my weight loss after struggling with it the past month, it was recommended that I try switching my lunch and dinner entrees and sides for a week. So for the past few days, I have been eating dinner for lunch and lunch for dinner. I was a little concerned that eating less in the evening would leave me feeling hungry at night, but that hasn’t been an issue. I still eat a Nutrisystem dessert or snack before bed and that has kept my blood sugar steady until it’s time for breakfast the next morning. Thankfully, this switcharoo is working and I’m going to keep it up for a few more days.

Since I travel fairly often, I have to plan ahead and pack my Nutrisystem food if I’m going to be gone more than a day or two. If I can’t take it with me, I apply what I’ve learned from Nutrisystem to make smart choices while eating at restaurants. This week, Nutrisystem’s Public Relations Manager, Meredith Bandy, who also travels a lot, shared a helpful blog post about staying on track while traveling. Just another great example of the advice and encouragement you get when you are using Nutrisytem’s programs.

So what are you waiting for? Are you tired of feeling overweight, unhealthy, or out of shape, like I was when I started Nutrisystem. I know I was sick of feeling that way and couldn’t be happier that I made the choice to do something about it. Want to get healthy and lose weight with me? Check into Nutrisystem and their variety of plans to find one that’s right for you. Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: health Tagged With: diet, food, health, Nutrisystem, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 27

January 26, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

This week I was asked what it is I can do now that I’ve lost over 20 lbs. on Nutrisystem that I couldn’t do before. It is a question that I actually have several answers to so it is hard to choose just one. When I get it narrowed down to just one, I’ll be shooting a video for Nutrisystem, but in the meantime, here are some things I can do now that I couldn’t when I started this journey six months ago.

Now I can:

Feel more energetic and not tire out so quickly
Sleep without snoring and keeping my poor husband awake
More easily lug around CPR manikins and equipment for classes I teach
Fit into some of my favorite clothes I’d saved from before I gained the weight, including my favorite dress
Be a better role model for taking care of yourself and your health
Look at myself in pictures, videos, and television interviews without cringing or noticing only my weight
Eat yummy food without feeling guilty about it or worrying about gaining weight from it
Have good checkups at the doctor’s office instead of worrying about my weight and blood pressure

So you see, it is hard to choose just one since there are so many benefits that have come from losing weight on Nutrisystem! If only I’d started this journey sooner. But I’m so grateful to be on it now and am thrilled to be continuing on it towards my goal weight. I look forward to reaching that destination but in the meantime, I’m enjoying the ride!

Here’s what Marie Osmond can do now that she’s lost 50 lbs. on Nutrisystem:

Do you want to be able to say, “Now I can…”? Join Nutrisystem today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: family, health Tagged With: diet, food, health, Marie Osmond, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update Video: Week 24

January 5, 2013 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Happy New Year!!! It’s 2013 and the holidays are behind us with a new year just beginning! It was exciting for me to start this new year off feeling healthier and in better shape than I’ve been in the past few years, thanks to being a part of the Nutrisystem Nation! I’m looking forward to continuing this journey of health and wellness this year!

This week I wanted to share with you my progress for the last few days of 2012 & first few days of 2013 in this video. Enjoy!

Ready for 2013 to be your best yet? Want to get healthy and lose weight once and for all? Why not check into Nutrisystem and their plans? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: family, health, parenting Tagged With: diet, food, New Year, Nutrisystem, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, video, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 22

December 21, 2012 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Well, we are still here and the world didn’t end (no surprise there!) so I stepped on the scale this morning like I do on most mornings. Another 0.8 pound lost for a grand total of 23 pounds lost since I first started Nutrisystem 5 months ago. Plus, with this latest loss, I am now OUT of the 130′s and into the 120′s at 129.8 lbs. It may be barely out of the 130′s but I’m celebrating, nonetheless!

Losing weight on Nutrisystem has been such an interesting and amazing journey so far. When I first started the program, I couldn’t wait to lose all the weight that had been physically, mentally, and emotionally weighing me down. I’m still very eager to get to my goal weight, but I’m taking it one day at a time and learning from the whole process. This has been more than just a weight loss program for me that will end when I reach my goal weight. It is a lifestyle change and one that I believe will help me keep the weight off and maintain a healthy life long after I stop using Nutrisystem. Armed with the information and resources that Nutrisystem provides, I feel confident that will be possible.

I’ve talked in past updates about dealing with food temptations during this holiday season. This time of year is a challenge for anyone trying to eat healthy and especially if you are trying to lose weight. Most years I probably gain at least a little weight between Halloween and New Years Day. This year, armed with Nutrisystem, I’ve managed to maintain an average of a pound a week weight loss and not gain. The next week and a half will be the biggest challenge though. We will be surrounded by cookies, candy, pie, cake, and tons of other oh-so-tempting, delicious Christmas goodies. I’m not going to lie and say I won’t have any at all because I know that will be impossible. But I will try my best to indulge only in moderation and to balance everything as much as possible. Not sure if I’ll be able to lose any weight this next week so my goal is to not gain any back. Wish me luck!

How are you doing this holiday season? Are you resisting or giving into holiday food temptations? Are you looking for a way to lose weight and get healthy? Why not check into Nutrisystem and their plans? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

From my family to yours, we wish you very Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Filed Under: family, health Tagged With: Christmas, food, holidays, Nutrisystem, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 19

November 30, 2012 By MomRN Leave a Comment

It’s the last day of November and also nearly the end of week 19 of my Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program journey. Where has the time gone??? The holidays are here, bringing parties, family gatherings, holiday events, and everywhere you look – holiday treats and seasonal foods. Talk about temptation galore!

Today I was out of town for a television interview in Tulsa. The station happens to be located only a couple of miles from where my Grandpapa lives, so I visited him when I was done with my interview. What was going to be a short visit turned into a much longer visit which included eating lunch at one of my grandfather’s favorite restaurants. One of the things this particular restaurant is known for and very proud of is their assortment of pies. From HUGE signs about their pies, to a table top menu of their pies, to the display case full of pies at the counter, it was hard to miss the PIES. After this stressful week, it took all my willpower to order a healthy lunch consisting of half a sandwich and a cup of tomato basil soup and not just say, “Forget lunch, let’s have pie instead!”

Grandpapa told me a few times he’d gladly buy me a piece of pie if I wanted one, when he saw me eye-ing them. But, thankfully, the desire to stay true to my goals was stronger than my desire for the pie this time. So I thanked him and then shared about how I am using Nutrisystem to get healthy and lose weight and that I’m “this close” (0.4 lb. – less than half a pound) to reaching my 20 lb. weight loss milestone, which I probably would have already reached by now if I hadn’t given in to temptation over Thanksgiving weekend and had some of my mother-in-law’s incredibly delicious, too-good-to-even-think-about-resisting apple pie AND her also very yummy Hershey’s chocolate pie. Granted, I ate less pie this year than I have in previous years but I’m pretty sure what I did have caused me to not reach the 20 lb. mark this week. But we only get those pies once a year, so what’s a girl to do? Seriously, that apple pie is so amazing that it has become legendary amongst not only my husband’s side of the family, but mine as well. One of my sisters even posted on her Facebook wall about my mom-in-law’s apple pie and how (and I quote) “AHHH-MAAAZZIIIINNNGGG” it is! So I HAD to have some, right? Yes, yes I did.

Thankfully, I didn’t gain any weight over Thanksgiving weekend (even with the pieces of those pies!) and I STILL managed to lose a little (down from 133.6 to 133.2), putting me a little closer to that 2nd big milestone.

So how do you handle all the holiday food temptations? I’m actually finding it easier to say no to *most* of them, like I did today, by reminding myself of my goals and because I have all of you and Nutrisystem holding me accountable. The times I have given in while traveling to Chicago and then again for Thanksgiving the past couple of weeks have been under out of the ordinary circumstances and while I can’t say I completely regret them, I do know they’ve slowed my progress and it is time to get back with the program full-time again now that we are home. I really want to continue being successful on the program because A) I feel SO much better already from what I’ve lost so far, B) it WORKS and it really is pretty easy, which I love, and C) I don’t want to let myself or anyone else down. It helps me so much to have accountability, support, and encouragement from all of you and I truly appreciate it and this opportunity I’ve been given!

As I told my Grandpapa today as we were leaving the restaurant, “Sometimes just imagining yourself eating something like those delicious-looking pies is enough to satisfy the temptation. I can enjoy just looking at them, but I don’t have to eat them!” He got quite a laugh from that, but it’s true. I left there feeling pretty satisfied, as if I had just had that chocolate peanut butter cup pie piled high with whipped cream sitting in the display case that I was all but drooling over, but without also having regret for actually eating it. Now to just keep reminding myself of that for the next month as we go through this holiday season!

Oh, guess what I just remembered is sitting my freezer right at this very moment??? Remember that Nutrisystem chocolate cheesecake I’ve talked about before? The delicious one with the chocolate chips on top and chocolate-y crust? I totally forgot I still have one of those in the freezer! Who needs pie? I’m having cheesecake for dessert tonight! Let the party begin!

Are you trying to lose weight this holiday season? Want help?

If you are ready to stop struggling with your weight and want to get healthy, join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: family, health Tagged With: food, holidays, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, pie, weight loss

MomRN’s Nutrisystem Nation Update: Week 18

November 21, 2012 By MomRN Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.A. and that means a time of gratitude, family, friends, and of course, FOOD! Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauces, pies, and my favorite Thanksgiving dish – green bean casserole. It’s simply not Thanksgiving dinner in our family without the green bean casserole! Are you hungry yet?

This year, since I will still be on my Nutrisystem journey through the holiday season, I plan to use what I have learned from Nutrisystem to make smart, healthy choices and to pay attention to portion control, especially when it comes to those not-so-healthy holiday dishes. I want to continue to lose weight through the holidays, not gain it as most of us do this time of year.

Speaking of gaining weight, my trip to Chicago did impact my weight loss endeavors and not in a good way. We were incredibly busy and on the go while in Chicago last week so I was only able to eat the Nutrisystem foods for breakfast and had to eat out for lunches and dinners. And eat we did! For the first time since starting the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, I had a few foods I’ve been avoiding, including fatty cheeseburgers and deep dish pizza. I still practiced portion control during most meals but yeah, those weren’t healthy choices and my weight showed it. We were gone for a few days and returned home late Sunday night. Monday morning I stepped on the scale fearing the worst. Sure enough, I gained 1.4 lbs. Ugh! Thankfully, it was much less than I feared I had gained. I got right back on the Nutrisystem wagon and also made sure to drink plenty of water, since I’d not been able to get my recommended amount of water in during our trip. Yesterday the number creeped downward and by this morning, I was happy to see that what I gained on the trip was already gone. My weight this morning is exactly the same as last Wednesday morning before our trip began that evening, 133.6 lbs. Which means that, once again, I’m less than a pound away (0.8 to be exact) from hitting my 20 lb. weight loss milestone. We’ll see if I can reach that by next week. With the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend, I’m going to do my best. It won’t be easy but I’m confident that Nutrisystem will make it easier for me than in previous years.

What are your favorite holiday foods? How do you deal with temptation during the holidays? Do you tend to over-indulge, or just let yourself have a small amount of your favorite treats? Are you trying to lose weight this holiday season?

If you are ready to stop struggling with your weight and want to get healthy, join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog today!

Filed Under: family, health Tagged With: Chicago, food, holidays, Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Thanksgiving, weight loss

Hickory Farms for the Holidays Giveaway

November 20, 2012 By MomRN 70 Comments

Every year while shopping at our local mall during the holiday season, a kiosk appears filled with delicious and tempting treats for sale. It’s impossible to say “no” when offered a sample, of course! From gourmet sausages to gourmet cheeses, candies to nuts, and much more, Hickory Farms has something for every member of the family to enjoy and has been a classic holiday tradition for many families for over 60 years. Many Americans have a distinct memory of Hickory Farms at their holiday gatherings and Hickory Farms is very proud to be a part of those nostalgic moments and continues to focus on and celebrate its long heritage of tradition and authentic holiday memories. Their yummy foods are the perfect thing to give as a gift, serve at home, or to take to holiday parties. They have a wonderful selection of food gift baskets and food gifts for even the hardest-to-buy-a-gift-for relative or friend.

Last night, my husband and I joined with our small Bible study group to share a Thanksgiving dinner. In addition to bringing a side dish for the meal, I also brought along a Hickory Farms gift basket I was sent to review. Only this “basket” was a very handy and useful tool bag that can used long after the food is gone.

The Hickory Farms Tastes of the Trade Tool Bag is 2 gifts in 1! Delicious snacks and a handy tool bag!

Inside the Tastes of the Trade Tool Bag was:

-2 -Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage 10 oz.
-Farmhouse Cheddar 10 oz.
-Jalapeño Cheddar Blend 10 oz.
-Holiday Spiced Almonds 4 oz.
-Golden Toasted Crackers 4.4 oz.
-Olive Oil & Rosemary Crackers 4.4 oz.

It only took a few minutes for several members of our group to start digging into the tool bag and munching down on the goodies inside. Comments ranged from “Hickory Farms has knocked it out of the park again!” to “These crackers are sooo good!” It was the big hit of the party! My favorite was the sausage on the Olive Oil & Rosemary Crackers. Fortunately we do have some left to enjoy for Thanksgiving! I tried the Jalapeno cheese but I don’t really care for Jalapeno so I found it too spicy for my tastes but for those who love Jalapenos, I have it on good authority from others at the party that it was delicious.

So if you’re wanting some great holiday food and gifts for family and friends, Hickory Farms can be found in over 750 holiday stores and kiosks in America, plus some select retailers. But if you don’t want to fight the crowds or you don’t have a store near you, you can easily order online at www.hickoryfarms.com or through their catalogs. You can also enter to win a Hickory Farms Tastes of the Trade Tool Bag from MomRN and Hickory Farms!

To enter, leave us a comment on this post telling us what your favorite Hickory Farms food is or if you’ve never had Hickory Farms, what your favorite holiday food is overall. (Be sure to include a way to contact you if you win!)

You can get up to 4 bonus entries by:

1) Liking the Ask MomRN Show Facebook page
2) Liking Hickory Farms Facebook page
3) Following MomRN on Twitter
4) Following Hickory Farms on Twitter

Remember, you must leave a comment first for the bonus entries to count and Good Luck!!!

This giveaway will end Friday, November 30th at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Winner will receive 1 (one) Hickory Farms Tastes of the Trade Tool Bag, which will be sent directly to the winner by Hickory Farms.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to All!

WINNER UPDATE: MomRN used Random.org to choose from all eligible entries and the winner is Debbie Jackson! Congratulations, Debbie! Thanks to everyone who entered. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms.