Monday Mommy Transformation

This week Im featuring Jessica's journey! Ive been following her on facebook for quite a while so when I heard she was a Sweat Pink Ambassador I jumped at the chance to share her story! Enjoy!!

What was your life like before you started your journey to better health? 

Before I started my journey to health & fitness I was depressed. I had no self esteem, self worth or confidence in myself. I didn't know anything about being healthy or how to eat clean. I always thought "eat less, weigh less" and I tried ever diet pill, extreme diet etc you can think of! I would lose weight a lot of the time but gain it right back & usually double.

What motivated you to make a change? Well, I started my journey in September 2010 for the first time at the weight of 181 ...and I admit back then it was for the wrong reasons..I just wanted to get skinny then. I didn't even consider fit. By December 2010 I was down 29 lbs but in January 2011 found out I was pregnant with twins. While pregnant I changed my whole outlook. I researched fitness & healthy eating..I was very motivated to get it right this time. After I had my twins August 19th, 2011 I walked out of the hospital at 183. I was motivated bigger than life!! I had 6 weeks of C-section recovery time and it was HARD to keep myself recovering! Haha. Having my daughters changed everything for me. I wanted to get healthy for them..I wanted to set an example for them. I never wanted to be too out of shape to keep up with them! So..this time..I did it for the right reasons..my daughters!

How do you involve your family in your journey? I have a jogging stroller & on the weekends I will take the girls out on a run with me. Or my husband, me & the kids will take long walks on this gorgeous trail we have where we live. Also, I love doing races so my family is always on the sidelines cheering me on :) 

What is your biggest accomplishment so far? This one if tough for me because everything I have accomplished so far is far beyond my wildest expectations!! But, I used to hate running so knowing I found a passion in that..is a great accomplishment in my eyes. 

Who inspires you? My daughters mostly! And other moms who set aside excuses & make it happen!

When your in a slump what do you do to shake it? Remind myself where I started. I never want to be that unhealthy person again so giving up is not an option!

-What future goals do you have for yourself? I have SO many! I love strength training so really challenging myself in the weight room is one. Also, I  have been training for a marathon that I will take on in 2013. In a few years when my daughters are older I really want to train & compete in a bikini competition..my reason for waiting on that is my daughters. They are only babies once & I do not want to miss one minute of them growing up!! But, I WILL do it someday!! For now, my goals are just to keep up in the gym 5 days a week, get my long runs in on Sundays and be healthy, happy, eat clean & train mean!

How did you do it? No excuses!!! I don't always have the time to workout or eat clean, I mean my whole journey has been while my daughters were infants...but it's important to me so I do it!! I get up at 4 am before my husband or the babies are up and I get my butt in the gym. I prep my food daily and journal everything. I don't let myself have excuses because when I do that's when things crumble!

What is one of your favorite recipes? Jamie Eason's turkey muffins...I'm obsessed :)

Click HERE to check her out on Facebook!
Instagram: jessicansmith12 

Monday Mommy Transformation

What was your life like before you started your journey to better health? 

My life wasn't terrible. For the most part I enjoyed it and lived very carefree. I had a wonderful husband and two beautiful, healthy children. But there was a lot of self doubt. Wondering if I'd be able to keep up with my kids if I continued in my current state. Wondering if I could ever truly love myself the way I was.

What motivated you to make a change?

I distinctly remember a conversation with a friend upon my husband receiving orders to Guam. "All of the mommies are very into fitness here," she said. Honestly, hearing that was like a terrible nightmare for me. I had visions of sitting on the beach, pale and tired looking, wearing my 'mom suit.' It was then I knew something had to give. I started the Couch to 5K program in May 2011 but didn't pick up weightlifting until November 2011. Though I have not continued to run since completing C25K in July 2011, I credit that as my official 'start.' 

How do you involve your family in your journey? 

Though I do most of my workouts during school hours, there are times I utilize the family fitness room at our gym. My five-year-old son will often stand beside me using the small dumbbells and telling me about his big muscles. He has witnessed my transformation from the start and enjoys looking at my pictures with me and telling me how I'm shrinking. Also, being fairly new to clean eating myself, I am striving to slowly change the eating habits of my children to match my own. There is a lot of trial and error, and they do have the occasional happy meal, but I am looking to help them strike a balance so that they do not struggle with food addiction the way I have. 

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

As much as I hate to pin numbers on this sort of thing, my biggest accomplishment would have to be the 52 pounds that have vanished from my body. In all my life, I have never lost more than 20 pounds at any given time. Knowing that I have overcome that number hurdle gives me such a satisfying feeling. And knowing that I didn't subsist on carrot sticks and meal replacement shakes(like I had in the past) and that I have ENJOYED this ride means, to me, that I'm doing something right.

Who inspires you?

Many people inspire me but I'd have to say that my two-year-old daughter takes the cake. I look at her, so young and so openminded, and know that I have to set the example for her. It is my job to teach her, and my son, how to find balance so that they can enjoy life while living it in a healthy way .

When you're in a slump what do you do to shake it?

This one is easy! I go into the gym and I pick up, to the pound, how much weight I've lost. Holding that in my hands and feeling the heaviness of it is like a slap in the face! I've also recently taken on a workout partner. I don't need the motivation to actually get to the gym, but she knows how to push my buttons to get me to work harder if I'm slacking off.

What future goals do you have for yourself?

My functional fitness goal is unassisted pull-ups. I would also like to do more cross training to become a more well-rounded athlete. 

How did you do it?

Balance, preparation, hard work and a positive mindset. There is no secret, nor magic pill that will do the work for you.

What is one of your favorite recipes?

I have a lot of favorites but since I prepare my chicken ahead of time, this one only takes five minutes. It's great for a quick lunch!

1 chicken breast, chopped

1 apple, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 tbsp. plain greek yogurt

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of those together to form a delicious chicken salad!

Pile on the Miles 2012

For the past 3 years Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat has hosted Pile on the Miles. Runners from all over have taken part in this challenge every year and this year Ill be joining them! This is just another step  towards completing my first half marathon and marking off an item on my bucket list! This isnt about who's running more or who is faster, its more about challenging yourself to go farther than you have in previous months! So from Nov.1 to Dec.1 Ill be aiming for my goal and hopefully passing my 60 miles that I've set for myself. Heres more info on what its all about!

eage on the spreadsheet below

Who: Everyone is invited to join

What: Online challenge to walk or run more during turkey month.

When: November 1 – December 1. Winners announced Dec 2nd.

Where: Sign up and Update your weekly mil

Why: To challenge yourself and encourage others to move more. This isn’t about weight loss or distance – it’s about doing a little extra this month.

Click HERE to sign up and read more about POTM 2012

Stuffed Cabbage

                 If there is one food I absolutely love its cabbage! Last year I was trying out some recipes with cabbage and I made stuffed cabbage one night. It was really good! This year I went to make it again and could not find the recipe! Don't you hate when that happens? It finally dawned on me that I used turkey just last week for stuffed peppers, why not use that recipe?

I used pretty much the same recipe and it tasted great! I cooked everything and boiled the cabbage. Did I mention I love cabbage?

Stuffed Cabbage

• 1lb Ground Turkey
• 1 Onion
• 4 cloves Garlic 
• 1 Head Cabbage
• 1 can Tomato paste
• 1 cup Kale 
• 1 cup Tomato Puree
• 1Tbs Worchestire sauce
• 2tbs Apple cider vinegar (optional)

Boil entire head of cabbage for 40 minutes. 

Pre heat oven to 400

Saute diced garlic and onion,a dd Turkey and brown. 

Add worchestire sauce. Mix in 1/2 can of paste and chopped kale. Stir until combined. 

Let cool.

Once cabbage is finished separate leaves and lay flat. 

Scoop turkey mixture onto each leaf and roll, tucking in the sides like a burrito. 

Pour puree into bottom of baking dish. Add cabbage rolls. "Butter" the tops of each roll with remaining tomato paste. pour apple cider vinegar over rolls (optional).

Bake for 30 minutes.

I {heart} BOOBS + Giveaway!

October is breast cancer awareness month but we need to be aware year round!

Growing up my mother made it clear that as I was getting older it was important to do your self breast exam once a month when I was in the shower...at times she even hung up a waterproof card with a boob on it with instructions! 

I never really took it seriously until I was married with kids. I have had lumps found and checked with (thankfully) nothing found...I guess I have lumpy breasts! Regardless I will continue to check and be checked! 
You can say "feel you boobs", "check your chest" and "get a mammy" (mammogram) all you want but if you aren't actually doing these things you are doing yourself and your family a disservice. 

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Source

What I'm doing (and YOU CAN DO) to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

• I choose to #livepink  everyday and check myself!
• I choose to breastfeed to help prevent breast cancer.
• I choose to stay active to reduce my risk.
• I choose to be alcohol free to help my chances at being cancer free!

Early prevention is key!

Source

Check out my THINK PINK GIVEAWAY!

Safe Postpartum Running

Now that I am back to working out (almost 2 weeks in!) Ive been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next year. I have my 6 month and 1 year goals but the one I am most wanting to start preparing for is a 1/2 marathon. I have done countless 5ks and love them but Im ready to challenge myself! I want to properly train for it and feel like I did everything I could in order to do my best.
I've been looking at some training programs but haven't found one that I'm going to go with.

I prefer to run with a jogger. This gets you and baby out and adds resistance-especially going up hills!
Here are some tips for safely running after pregnancy and with a jogger!

• Recovery: After giving birth its important to be cleared for exercise by your doctor. 
• Age of infant: If you are not using a car seat attachment your baby should be at least 6 months old when running with a jogger. 
• Pack accordingly: Bring items for the baby just incase you have to change or feed. Depending on the weather- bring extra water, blankets, sunscreen, snacks. If its raining bring a cover. 
• Safety: Baby should be securely strapped in seat. Stay clear of busy roads (especially when wearing headphones) and unsafe areas.
• Ease into it: Whether you ran while pregnant or are just starting out, taking your time to build you endurance back up will take time. Don't expect to run 5 miles the first day! Find a plan and have patience! 
• Sole Sisters: Most cities have running groups like that you can join or find some friends to jog with around your neighborhood. Having support and accountability is the key to success! 

Some great running sites:

• Beginners
• Couch to 5k program
• 5k, 10k, Marathon
• Stroller Strides

Challenge

I've decided that it would be fun to take part in a clean eating / Paleo challenge. I've been eating clean for the last year now and I love that I'm actually one of those people that can say its a lifestyle. It just comes naturally and I don't really put much thought into it anymore!

Going Paleo...that's a whole new world for me. I would need to eliminate my grains: brown rice and oats ( I eat both daily), Dairy: yogurt(I don't eat often) and cottage cheese. I'm still looking into it and learning the spa and fonts but I think to just try it would be good. I love doing this so I can speak to an experience and have my own opinion and understanding. It starts Monday so hopefully by then I'll have everything in order!

In the group of girls doing this challenge I will be checking in daily with workouts, eating and how things are going. Along with being held accountable It'll be nice to see what everyone else is up to and how they are doing! I look forward to swapping recipes and tips! 
Here are some helpful sites to get more information.  

*What is the Paleo Diet?
*What is Clean Eating?
*Breastfeeding and Paleo

Source

Monday Mommy Transformation

What was your life like before you started your journey to better health?  

Well... I have been over weight my whole life, pretty much beginning when puberty struck. I was always "big boned" But my weight really ballooned when I got married. I really never realized how miserable I was...even at the beginning when we were "happy". 

I was obese, my highest weight being 236lbs..not pregnant!  I went up and down many times, never getting lower than 190lbs.  Well, long story short, after a decade of being in a difficult marriage, struggling with infertility, financial problems, etc (everyone has their struggles, mine are no worse) I separated from my husband in July 2009. That was a rude awakening for me. I struggled badly with my new life as a single mother.  

How do you involve your family in your journey?  

Well, I enlist family support to give me time to run while training for a half marathon.  I couldn't do it without my "village".  My kids are a part of  the everyday..they go to weight watchers meetings with me, help me prepare healthy meals and snacks, etc.  Their current favorite thing: roasted veggies!

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?  

    In general:  Being  a good,healthy example/role model for my two children (ages 5 and 9) is by far my biggest accomplishment.  I am showing them how to take care of themselves by taking care of myself.  They are happier because I am happier!

   Health related:  I reached my goal weight this fall and am maintaining under my goal.  I weigh less than I did in jr high now at 147lbs.  I exercise regularly and I am training for a half marathon (completing this will be a huge accomplishment.  I can't wait!).

Who inspires you? 

 I have a friend (Hi Tracey!) who I met along my way in this weight loss/health journey.  She is around my age.  She suffered a stroke recently and since has taken charge of her health and has lost over 100 lbs so far.  I would post online about my runs..and she would post about her walks from one end her driveway to the other.  I know if she could run, she would put me to shame daily.  She gives maximum effort all the time despite her health challenges.  She is kicking butt!

What future goals do you have for yourself?

Fitness related...My very short term goal is to run my first half marathon on Oct 21.  After that, continue to maintain my weight loss and my running for my second half on my 39th birthday in February.  

Simply put, how did you do it? 

 Weight watchers, couch to 5k running program were the two main things.  I have gone past the 5k distance now, but if it were not for that program I would not be able to run more than 60 seconds at a time!  Those two programs have changed my life!

What is one of your favorite recipes?

Slowcooker lentil polenta stew

1.5 cups brown lentils (rinsed and picked over)

2 onions sliced

1 large green pepper, diced

4 garlic cloves, sliced

1 can plum tomatoes with juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1.5 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 cup quick cooking Polenta

Layer lentils, onions, green programs garlic in slow cooker. Halve tomatoes and add to cooker with juice. Sprinkle with oregano, pepper flakes, and salt. Pour in broth and vinegar. Cover and cook on low for seven hours or until lentils are tender. Serve over Polenta (I stirred it in!)

Serves 6. Per serving... 300 calories, 1 gram fat, 57 gram carb, 15 gram fiber, 16 gram protein

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Stuffed Peppaaas

Whenever I have ground turkey I am always so conflicted with what to make! I have so many ideas and recipes that I want to try that sometimes its hard picking one. Then I remembered I got bell peppers on sale and should probably use them (I bought more than my fare share). These turned out so well! I was quite impressed with my "winging it skills" so I wanted to share!

Stuffed Peppers

• 1Tbs coconut oil
• 4 Bell peppers
• 1lb Ground turkey (any meat will do)
• Onion-chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves-choppped
• 1C chicken stock
• cumin
• worchestire sauce
• 1/2C tomato paste
• 1C Cooked Brown Rice (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put coconut oil in pan. Add garlic and onion and turkey. Cook through. add 1/2 cup of stock and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes. sprinkle some cumin and a splash or two of worchestire sauce. Stire

Wash then slice peppers in half long ways (so you have 2 boats). Clean out and fill with turkey mixture.

Line pan with tin foil and pour remaining broth in pan. Place filled peppers in pan cover tightly with foil (I fold up the sides of the bottom foil to keep the stock around the peppers and crimp it to the piece of foil on top)

Bake for 35 minutes and top with cheese (I broiled the cheese) ...and you can leave the cheese off and top with more tomato paste if you'd like to keep it clean!

Staying active

Even while you are pregnant its important to stay active! This is the best time to do it for your body and baby and continuing exercise throughout pregnancy reduces the risk of obesity, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Please check with your doctor when starting any activity during pregnancy. 

If you are a beginner to working out, especially while pregnant, start slow and stick to your level of fitness. You don’t want to over do it and hurt you or your baby. 

STRETCH!

Stretching throughout pregnancy has helped me stay ache free. I try to stretch at least once a day and it doesnt take long at all! I feel that due to my constant stretching I can still touch my toes and do most yoga poses with ease at 40 weeks! I don’t think my belly is on the small size either so Im grateful for my flexibility!

I usually stretch once Im at the gym in the morning both before and after I work out. During the day if Im sitting I try to sit butterfly style and once Im in bed I stretch my back out a bit! After a long day, stretching helps ease my body and I sleep so much better! 

WARM UP!

No mater what you plan on doing for exercise I highly recommend warming up and cooling down at an easy pace. I walked on the treadmill/elliptical for about a mile before I start any weight training to warm up my body and get my heart rate up without over doing it!

CLASSES!

Just about any class that is offered in the gym can be taken while pregnant. With any class, inform the instructor that you are pregnant and most will give you alternate moves or easier ways of performing during the class. 

*Spinning, take it at your own pace. If you are not used to the intensity then stay within your limits or take the speed down. 

*Yoga/pilates be mindful of moves done on your back or stomach.

*Water aerobics: consult your doctor later in your pregnancy

Warning signs

If you have any of the following symptoms while you're exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor if they don't quickly resolve:

• dizziness or feeling faint
• headache
• chest pain
• bleeding
• contractions 
• fluid leaking 
• decreased fetal movement
• rapid heartbeat while at rest

Always perform your workouts with good form and know your limits!

Here are a few workouts I enjoyed!

Waterbaby work out!

Baby stretches

Baby Bumps and Barbells 

To weigh or not to weigh

I've been trying to decide whether or not Im going to weigh myself as I get back in shape post baby.

After my first child I weighed in every Friday, sometimes as early as 3am...just so I could say I weighed in on Friday! That was a healthy way of doing it but as the years went by I started weighing in everyday, any chance I got. I even had the scale in my kitchen-this was after trying every hard surface in my house to see where it told me what I wanted to hear. It was driving me insane! I finally decided to toss the scale and not even think about my weight. I started the LiveFit trainer October 2011 and only weighed myself in the beginning and then at the end.
Only a few days later I found out I was pregnant and vowed not to step on a scale.  I loved how my body had changed during the trainer and now with the upcoming weight gain over the next nine months, I didnt want the stress of the number on the scale. I wanted to enjoy being pregnant! So every 4 weeks at my OB appointments I would step on the scale and tell them not to tell me. Some of them remembered me from the time before and others laughed! They had NO IDEA how big of an accomplishment this was for me; it took the one stress of pregnancy away! (My doctor did mention my weight once or twice but never the actual number)
In the end I ended up gaining about 39lbs...I had to look at my record! I am fine with that number, I gained 37 with my first and I had a rough start this second time and gained quite a bit in the beginning. Now that I have had the baby and dropped 20lbs from labor I'm left with 20 to lose and another 30 before my ultimate goal.

Should I weigh myself once Im back to regular workouts or stick with just my measurements?
The number on the scale doesn't reflect any time in the gym or strength I'm adding so it could be detrimental.  I may do my measurements and leave the scale to only monthly weigh ins. At least till I've lost the rest of the baby weight!  Ill be posting all my starting numbers once I am given the OK to return to regular exercise. Hopefully I can get a bit more lean until then
 just from my eating!

1 Week Postpartum

Not the best photo but 1 week postpartum. My husband and I are both glad "I'm back!" Well sort of lol I can't wait to get back in the gym or at least start running!

I cant wait to have an "After" photo to go with this!

Monday Mommy Transformation

Hello Monday! Today, Stephanie is sharing her fitness journey!  

-What was your life like before you started your journey to better health?                 

 As a naturally thin girl, I was very rarely active. I lived with the false belief that thin meant healthy. I was so sedentary I could barely run more than 30 seconds without being completely out of breath. I assumed I was healthy but looking back at old pictures, my hair was dull, my skin had no glow and I constantly battled hypoglycemic attacks, insomnia and fatigue.

 -How do you involve your family in your journey?

I do my best to include my kids in everything I do. Whether it's "helping" with dinner, going for runs with the jogging stroller or doing short, intense fitness circuits in the backyard, basement or part, I try to always model the behaviour and lifestyle I want them to live as they get older. Actions speak much louder than words and if I want them to be healthy, I have to model healthy.

 -What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

To date my biggest accomplishments are learning to swim 2 years ago and running my first half marathon last year. Also included in that is my success in losing all my baby weight after both my pregnancies through healthy eating and regular exercise.

 -When your in a slump what do you do to shake it?                                                 When I feel tired, unmotivated and like I want to sit on the couch and eat my way through a bag of chips (which tends to happen a lot more often with a toddler and baby keeping me up all night!) I just channel my inner fit mom and remind myself that I will feel much better if I eat well and exercise. My exercise time is also my alone time, which I both cherish and need so that's always a good motivator for me to get off my butt.

 -What future goals do you have for yourself? 

I am currently training for a 10-miler and a half marathon this fall. I'm hoping to set personal bests in both races. I have a long term goal to compete in a triathlon which I hope to accomplish in the next 2 years.

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A Rant

di·et

1. Food and drink considered in terms of its qualities,composition, and its effects on health.-Websters

When I hear the word diet I think of deprivation, crashing and short lived. I cant stand when people ask if Im on a diet. I refuse to diet. To me a "diet" has and end and then what happens next? If I can explain it as a lifestyle it makes it sound never ending. I dont want to ever stop eating well...who would? I used to swear by the South Beach diet but just like everyone else I know who has tried it..I stopped when I met my goal and went back to my old ways....You know, the ways that got me to my heaviest in the first place!! What was I thinking? It was a circle of never ending defeat.

I want to feel full, nourished and enriched by the foods I eat. I want to eat pizza, pancakes and dessert...but in their purest forms. Their names shouldnt dictate how they are made. I dont want them chock full of chemicals and additives...Who said pizza has to have some crazy proceesed form of food on it? Why cant I benefit from my food?

I want to walk away from my plate knowing Im being fueled by what I just ate-and it actually tasted good.
I dont want to walk away from my plate feeling like shit because I just ate something that had zero benefits and ingredients I couldnt even pronounce let alone find in a store!

Fit for 2!

I am now into the 7th month of my pregnancy and since this blog has changed into more of what Im doing while pregnant I figured Id post my workout routine and meal plan. I did a lot of searching online for articles on pregnancy workouts and eating (along with speaking with my doctor) so I knew I was doing the right thing. You really only need and extra 300 calories starting at the 3 month point and that is basically like eating some oats and protein...and not the entire bag of M&Ms!

For the past couple months Ive been quite motivated to hit the gym and stay on track with my meals. Some weekends I do let go a bit and have the things Im craving but it doesnt last the entire day...mainly dinner and its usually always sushi! 

Workout

Monday - Thursday

• Walk to and from the gym
• Stretching
• Treadmill/ Elliptical 2 miles @ incline
• Followed by either arms/legs (squats, pushups, plank, lunges, rows, etc)

Fridays

• 2-4 mile walk outside
• Lots of stretching

Weekends

• If we aren't doing anything active outside I usually just take periods of time thru out the day to stretch really well and we walk in the evenings with our dogs.

Meal Plan

Breakfast: Coffee (w/ crm and sugar) and 4-5 Egg Whites or Oats
WORKOUT
Snack: Protein/ Fruit/ WW Toast with NPB
Lunch: Chicken, Salad, Brn rice/sweet potato
Snack: Fruit/cheese
Dinner: Chicken/Fish, Brn rice, salad
Snack: Cottage cheese

• I generally drink about 6 shake bottles full of water a day. May be more if Im walking to and from the gym in this crazy heat!
• I always have my water bottle with me so as soon as I see its empty I know to fill it right away. Ive found that my body actually CRAVES the water...Im sure the baby likes it too!
• Right now I am only taking prenatal vitamins and 100% Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein.

Grilled Chicken Pita

I was getting a bit tired of just chicken for lunch and I love a good gyro so this is the combination of the two! 

Click to Enlarge

Happy New Year!

I know there are quite a few of you about to start the trainer as their New Years resolution so here are a few tips that I have found to help me hit it hard everyday and fill my body with what it needs.
1. Make a plan: "If you fail to plan then you plan to fail." Know when you will be eating and what you will be eating. Schedule your workouts in a calendar or on a white board...Seeing them written down helps! Make grocery lists and a supplement guide. Each will help you prepare for the week ahead of you.
2. Take before photos and measurements: You look at yourself in the mirror everyday, You may not see a difference but the before and after photos and measurements is where you will watch your progress!
3. Prep your meals: Take time once a week to prep and plan all your meals. Slice up all your veggie, Make your muffins, protein bars and chili and divide it into individual containers or zip locks. This will Help you grab and go thru out the week.
4. Keep track of your workouts/food: Having a binder with all your daily workouts helps! I have a notebook I write down each work out in and then notate the amount of weight I use so I can then see when I improve. I also keep track of the food I eat online. I use myfitnesspal.com but there are a number of food log sites. You can use this to either count calories or just to hold yourself and others accountable!