Social Fabric Theme of the Week: Healthy Living

With the start of a new year, many people have set goals or resolutions for themselves. Some of those goals are most definitely related to healthy living, as many seek to make life changes in the area of nutrition, physical fitness, etc. Are you seeking to make a healthy life change? This Friday we’ll be hosting a @CollectiveBias Twitter Chat at 12:30 pm EST; be sure to join us by using the hashtags #HealthyLiving and #cbias. We’ll be chatting about ideas for ways to incorporate healthy habits into your everyday life.

This week 36 Social Fabric members answered a survey that had to do with the topic of healthy living. They provided insights on ways they’re attempting to make a healthy life change in 2012. Take a look at what they had to share….

We asked members what types of changes they’ve been making toward a healthy lifestyle in 2012. 97% answered they are eating healthy; 77% answered they’re setting an exercise routine in place; and 45% answered they’re getting the family off the couch and outdoors more. Interestingly, only 11% are staying faithful to medical checkups. When asked how they’re creating healthier eating habits, 86% said they’re eating more fruits and vegetables; 52% are cutting calories. We wanted to know what types of health supplements members ingest, as well. 71% take vitamins/minerals, 65% taking a multivitamin. 50% take a probiotic or Fish Oil/Omegas. When asked where they typically purchase health supplements, mass retail stores like Walmart, Kmart, or Target were the  most popular vote at 68%. Only 22% purchase these at an actual nutritional supplement store. Next we asked members about their exercise routines. 83% of members enjoy walking or hiking; 61% enjoy aroebics or cardio; 47% enjoy yoga. When asked how often they exercise, 58% answered 3-5 days per week, while 8% said rarely. When asked if they own a gym membership, only 14% answered that they do own one and use it all the time; 76% answered they prefer to exercise at home or outdoors.

Social Fabric members also shared posts related to this week’s theme, as well as shared in a community conversation surrounding healthy living and even some of the struggles they’re facing. Keep reading to be inspired, motivated, and encouraged in your own quest to live a healthy life in 2012, and remember that you are not alone….

Lindsay, from Lindsay Blogs, is making changes for a new year, new you in 2012, and so can you.

I had bariatric surgery in November so the portion sizes are already cut down for me as well as what types of foods I can eat so this year my focus is on getting into an exercise routine. I want to lose at least another 50 pounds and get some tone/definition. I went from a 4-5X/30-32 to, as of this morning, a 0X/20-22 and since May when I started the program have lost 100 pounds. I took photos this morning because the outfit I bought this weekend made me feel so good. That has NEVER happened. ~ Holly from I Like It Frantic.

Tazim, from Being Tazim, talks about changes she’s making in her eating/exercise habits in   How Are Your Health & Fitness Goals Coming Along?.

Well, as is typical, we too are trying to live healthier. My husband is a two shot a day diabetic and even though I ‘chew’ at him constantly about his habits, he has started to see an actual diabetic doctor instead of a GP. He’s even looking in to gastric bypass surgery, which is fantastic. And yesterday, he finished a pack of cigarettes saying it was his last and that he’s quitting. I’m very happy with this! (I do not smoke by the way). As for me, myself, I’m on the weight loss train too. I told hubby that if we can just commit to doing something, even walking, every day for 30 days we can start new habits, which will help us reach our goals. We’ve been keeping up with it pretty good so far. We didn’t even get any junk for the Super Bowl yesterday, which, for us, is a huge feat!! So I really think there are big changes coming for us this year. It’s going to be a great one ~ Lisa from East Texas Saver.

Amy, from Long Island ParentSource, shares ideas on Packing Healthy Lunches for Kids.

I am exercising more by running and bike riding and have even made up exercise routines around the house. The kids and I also love to do the Just Dance games. My goal is to do at least 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week ~ Sara from Clever Pink Pirate.

Emily, from Family and Life in Las Vegas, shares her family’s favorite 5 Meal/Snack/Protein Bars for the Whole Family; she also gives advice, as a mom, on How to Jump Start Your Weight Loss Journey.

For my husband and I, we are at the gym at least 3-5 days a week this year.  I was happy we finally got into a groove that included our baby.  I can’t get him to stop eating cake though!  He ate cake with extra frosting 4 times last week and he wants to be ‘ripped’ by June.  Silly man. I was able to cut both of our portions during dinner which is great!  I do protein shakes every day and drink about 60 ounces of water.  I usually make two dinners anymore though: one for him and one for me.  He will still eat pasta and pizza so I will make eggs or chicken for myself.  I have some physical disabilities so I am not able to burn 600 calories during cardio like him.  I was stoked to burn 200 last time! ~ Mallery from Mallery’s Deals.

Michelle, from Simplify, Live, Love, shares two nutritious, delicious recipes for Eggy Breakfast Muffins and 9 Grain Bread.

My husband and I have been going to the gym every morning before he goes to work, I make his ‘healthy’ lunch for him so he is not tempted to eat fast food. We do take Saturdays and Sundays off from hitting the gym. I am trying to make my lunch when I make my husband’s so I eat good during the day ~ April from April’s Lifestyle Show.

Terri, from Tsue ~ That’s What She Said, shares her experiences with both Crystal Roll On Deodorant and Member’s Mark 4X Probiotic.

Yep, we’re on the healthy bandwagon, too. I’m working on getting back up to drinking my 100-140 ounces of water daily.  And eating more veggies.  I *like* them just don’t think of them, even when they’re in the house.  That and I’m working on sleeping more, because that helps SO many different ways from metabolism to my general crabbiness level. And going to the gym even on days when I’m tired.  Doing something is better than nothing! ~ Michelle from Honest & Truly!.

Laura, from About a Mom, shares the Benefits of Yoga for Moms.

We’ve been eating healthier out of necessity. Our 5yo was recently diagnosed with multiple food allergies. The 10yo can’t have artificial red dye. I can’t eat anything with MSG, sulfites, or nitrates. I’ve found some substitutes that are safe for the kids. It’s very hard to find things that are peanut, tree nut, shellfish, and citrus fruit free. I’m cooking a lot from scratch. I got a bread maker to make our own bread. My husband and I try to eat an entree salad once a week. I do find it hard to fit in exercise with everything else, but we’ve had a mild winter so I’ve been outside with the boys more than most winters, and I know once the nice weather is back to stay we’ll be out every day ~ Amanda from Confessions from HouseholdSix.

Natalie, from Great Contradictions, shares a healthy, nutritious recipe for Harvest Granola.

I’m also trying to exercise more, I don’t mind doing it, I just have to make the time to do it.  The stupidest things make me exercise more; I wrote a post on it a while ago, like having expensive shampoo in my gym bag because then I know I’ll get to smell like that instead of Suave.  It’s more time management and deciding what to ‘bump’ than anything else!! ~ Jennifer from Big Binder.

Olfa, from Our Family World, has some awesome tips and Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Child’s Lunch Box.

I found a great deal on a pilates reformer and had to jump on it. So I’m using that. And I love using my Wii to play EAS Active 2 and Just Dance games. (I have a new XBox I picked up on Black Friday with a Kinect and I’m not using that as much as I wanted.) I want to cook more and better things. And on that note, I think I’m going to break in my new mixer that just arrived with some brownies. Umm…totally healthy brownies…yes…that’s it…calorie burning brownies ~ Amy from As the Bunny Hops.

Monica, from Older Mommy Still Yummy, inspires her readers to Make Death Wait during Heart Month in February.

We started a weekly Sport Night with a few other families a couple of weeks ago.  The first week was outdoor hockey, the second week was indoor skating and this week is swimming.  Everyone is having a fabulous time so far! ~ Tonia from The Gunny Sack.

I workout (lift weights) 3 times a week and today I started the couch to 5K program.  My husband and I installed a really nice gym in our home a little over a year ago when our local health club closed.  It was the best decision we ever made! ~ Julie from Eggs and Herbs.

I also had bariatric surgery at the end of August 2011… gastric sleeve. After years of trying diet after diet, and being diagnosed with multiple health issues in the last year (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.), I finally decided to do something drastic. It is NOT an easy way out as some may think.. you still have to do the work! It just gives you a jump start to learning the proper way to eat and be healthy. I’ve lost 72 lbs in the last 4 months, and have learned portion control, what fats are good fats, limiting my sugar, sodium, and “white” foods intake, and exercising to not only see results, but to feel better! I honestly feel like a new person! I have a hubby on disability and 4 of our 5 children still living at home, and I made the decision (not lightly) to have the surgery to hopefully be around for my family for many more years to come. I’m over half way to my goal weight and working my way to a “healthier me!” ~ Tree from Mother of Pearl It Is.

Don’t give up soda…just switch to a natural brand like Zevia.  no calories but no artificial sweeteners either.  Some of the varieties taste exactly like the ‘real’ thing although the cola is a bit different.  I like it though.  I still try and limit it but it satisfies my soda craving! ~ Diane from Turning the Clock Back.

Melissa, from Home Grown Families, shares 10 Tips and Tricks to Get Your Kids to Eat More Vegetables.

I’ve been on a journey to lose 100lbs. It’s been a huge, life-altering process for me. I’ve had to confront a lot of buried emotions and my food addiction. I’m 21lbs away from my goal weight and transitioning back to ‘normal’ foods (I use a weight loss plan, Medifast). Aside from weight loss, I’m working on getting my home life organized (de-cluttering, etc) so that I can keep myself mentally organized. If your house is a mess, chances are your brain is a mess! ~ Kelly from The Turnip Farmer.

My husband and I have both lost approximately 20 lbs each (we started focusing on January 1)! We are committed to eating healthier, exercising daily, adding new vegetables to our diet (we have a newfound love for Spaghetti Squash), etc. I am using a weight loss program called Medifast, it is teaching me about appropriate portion sizes and adequate water intake, the importance of exercise and how to graze throughout the day. I am on a mission to lose a total of 35 pounds and I provide weekly updates on my blog. My husband is not using a weight loss program; he is benefiting because I am cooking whole foods and healthier meals. He still enjoys wine with his dinner, too ~ Jessica from The Unemployed Mom.

I’m not a big exerciser. However, I have two friends who are beachbody coaches/trainers so they gave me the insanity discs to try them out. My husband did them for a little while when he was deployed so we figured if we start doing them together we can motivate (harass) each other to stay on top of working out…LOL. I’ve also started cooking healthier and trying to avoid so many processed foods and junk food. Super hard when your hubby comes back and has been used to eating MRE’s and just wants some good ole take out….LOL ~ Emmi from Mommy’s Free Time.

I decided two days before Thanksgiving last year that I was going to get healthy! I have been working on this by eating fewer calories and working out. I have a gym membership and God willing go Monday through Friday during my lunch. I was at first doing the treadmill, then changed it up to the elliptical. Now I am doing the elliptical for 30 minutes on Monday, Wed, and Fri. On Tuesday I do the elliptical for 18 minutes then use the rest of my time to work on my lower body with the circuit stuff. Then Thurs. I do the same but work the circuits for my upper body. I want to be toned not just skinny. I am also eating healthier. I still eat what I want pretty much to an extent. I want to eat healthier. More fruits and veggies. I eat a low calorie breakfast, then a snack, low calorie lunch, then snack then dinner. I have practically given up pop. I did have a few sips the other day but that will last me a long time. I also just bought me an elliptical for my house! So I am going to be rockin. That will not replace my gym time. It will be an addition to what I am doing. Now when watching my favorite shows I will be on the elliptical while watching it! Oh I am also down 37 lbs since Aug. But Since Nov 22nd I have lost 28.5 lbs! ~ Rachel from According to Rachel.

I just got EA’s Active 2 for the Wii and I’ve started doing that. I hope I can keep it up. I stink at routine! I’ve also been doing Just Dance 3 every day! Through these winter months I have to do something active ~ Mimi from Woven by Words.

Hopefully, you’re motivated and rarin’ to go on making a healthy change….creating a healthy, new life for yourself and your family in 2012! Here’s to good health and longevity!

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