Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you looked at the calendar lately?  If you haven’t, then you might be as shocked as I was last night to realize that Valentine’s Day is just FIVE days away!  While the big day may be right around the corner, there’s still plenty of time to find that perfect gift for that special someone in your life, or to give them ideas for gifts for YOU!

Given that February is also American Heart Month, I thought it would be fun to look at some Valentine’s Day gifts that aren’t chocolate, candy, or calorie-laden.  These are some gifts that will not only help celebrate the occasion, but can also help the heart of you or your loved one.  How cool is that?!

Image: Fitbit

The first gift idea I thought of was a Fitbit activity tracker which retails for $99.  This little gadget is a pedometer on steroids.  I have one of these and love it!  It’s a constant reminder to me to get moving which is great for the heart!  It tracks steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and it will even display floors climbed in the new Ultra model which now includes an altimeter!  Free website access is included with the purchase (no additional subscription required) which can be used to set goals, track foods, etc.  You can even link it with some of the most popular smartphone apps like MyFitnessPal, LoseIt,  RunKeeper, Endomondo, etc.  Check out the one in the middle in the photo above.  To make it even more romantic, it’ll even display a flower each and every day to boot.

Image: Apple

For an idea a little more budget-friendly idea, how about an iPod Shuffle which retails for $49.  You can load it up with some great workout tunes for your favorite runner, cyclist, or even for them just to dance off some calories.  If you’re willing to shell out an extra $10 for expedited shipping, there’s just enough time to even get a custom message engraved on it for your loved one and still have it by Valentine’s Day!  The husband of one of my best friend’s got her a Shuffle a couple of years ago for Valentine’s Day and had something along the lines of “Candy for your ears” engraved on it.  I thought it was an awesome idea!

Image: Shrinking Kitchen

On a really tight budget?  How about making your Valentine a nice healthy dinner to celebrate the day?  There’s not rule that says a recipe has to have hundreds of calories to be appropriate for Valentine’s Day.  As an example, check out the lightened up Meyer Lemon Chicken recipe from our sister site, Shrinking Kitchen.  This chicken recipe is a great source of lean protein, comes in at under 300 calories per serving, but more most importantly for Valentine’s Day, look how beautiful it is on the plate!

So, those are some of my ideas for heart healthy gifts for the day of hearts!  Remember, if you must have some chocolate, grab a small piece of dark chocolate.  Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids which make it a better choice for the heart than regular or milk chocolate.

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, all of us here at the Sisterhood hope you’re able to spend the day with the one you love.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

That all chances this week. I have made up my mind that I am going to stop this mindless eating. There is no reason for it. If I must snack, there are much better options. I have a fridge full of fruits and veggies all washed and cut up and ready to eat. I just have to reach in there and grab them and that is just what I plan to do.

I have been doing an excellent job on exercise. I’m not missing any classes. In fact, my Thursday class has gone to a 90 minute kettle bell/zumba extravaganza. I love it. Piyo continues to be my hardest class, but I still enjoy it. It’s just really hard on my wrists and ankles.

I have started the Fab Ab February workout with Ann. We are keeping each other honest with texts and Facebook check ins each day. We started a few days late, so we had to catch up by doing two workouts a day for two days. Now we are on track with the daily workouts. I put the chart below if you’d like to join us. I got the chart from Bari. Thanks girlfriend. I’m loving it. I’m a little scared about the end of the month though.

Now it’s your turn. Tell us all about your week. Link your blog post or your confessions in the comments. You’ll feel better when you do and you can start over again with a fresh slate.

OK Sisters, this one will be quick.  I am not feeling very wordy today : ).

Sundays here at Shrinking Jeans were the days we posted recipes and a weekly menu plan. However, that is all changing with the new addition of Shrinking Kitchen.  If you read regularly, then you already saw the post announcing this newest endeavor.  If not, then I’m letting you know now.  Shrinking Kitchen is our new site where we will post recipes and all things food related.

Have you checked it out yet?  If not, then go do it now, please.  We are SO excited about this- special kudos to Christy, Melissa and Heather for pulling it together- you girls ROCK!

Shrinking Kitchen-  Eat! Drink! Shrink!

P.S.- Today is Superbowl Sunday.  Maybe you know that and care and maybe you don’t know that.  Anyhoo, before you head to that Superbowl party or celebrate just because every one else is, you much check out Thea’s post about what the typical person consumes at a Superbowl Party and what it would take to undo the damage of just three tortilla chips.

P.P.S. Kelsey, you won the Attunes Gift Pack.  Please forward your mailing address to lisa@shrinkingjeans.net

Tomorrow is the big day!! Can you believe it! This one team is playing this other team and we are going to celebrate by stuffing as much food into our face as humanly possible!!

HURRAH!!

No, wait. Stop and think about it. Why would we celebrate watching other people being fit by stuffing crap into our own pie hole? How does that even make sense?

And yet, year after year, that’s exactly what we do. According to the USDA, Super Bowl Sunday is now the second largest food consumption day of the year (Thanksgiving is first).

Every year, Charles Platkin, PhD, MPH, assistant professor at the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College in New York City and founder of DietDetective.com, comes out with a list of what he refers to as “Big Game Foods” and the exercise equivalent of what it would take to burn the calories off. Here’s a sampling of this year’s list:

• THREE PIGS IN BLANKETS = PLAYING CATCH WITH A FOOTBALL FOR 68 MINUTES (NONSTOP)
• SIX BOTTLES OF BUDWEISER BEER = DOING “THE WAVE” 4,280 TIMES
• ONE DEVILED EGG = 12 MINUTES OF CHEERLEADING
• FIVE TOSTITOS RESTAURANT-STYLE TORTILLA CHIPS WITH 7-LAYER DIP = 110 MINUTES CLEANING THE STADIUM AFTER THE GAME

You guys. I implore you. Have fun this weekend but STOP and THINK! Don’t let the festivities make you lose sight of your weight loss goals.

If you can go into that party and eat and not feel guilty on Monday, go for it. Enjoy yourself and move on. But if you think they’ll be any amount of guilt, disappointment, shame, or anger on Monday morning, listen to your gut! Don’t stuff yourself! Have fun but also stay focused!

Don’t let this one day determine your success this week!

Because, seriously? Who can do the wave that many times? My limit is about 2500 TOPS!

*You may have heard about the tragic case of Sherry Arnold over the last few weeks. A much-loved school teacher, mother, and wife from Sidney, Montana, Sherry went missing one morning after heading out for an early-morning jog. Two men are in custody and Sherry is presumed dead, although her body has yet to be found. Her story has rocked communities all over the nation, and hits especially close to home for me. A virtual run/walk is planned for Saturday, February 11th in honor of Sherry. Please consider joining in!

*While we are on the subject, I want to know… what measures do you take to protect yourself while out running or walking? Sherry’s story has really caused me to step back and look at ways that I can protect myself. I have since ordered the PepperBlaster II from Kimber, along with a holster to carry it with me.

*RunKeeper has released 9 new apps to track your fitness and health data! You can check these fun apps out here. I love my RunKeeper!

*Looking for ways to make your Superbowl party healthy and fun? You might want to try these party tips brought to you buy Jack Sh*t, Gettin’ Fit.

*Once again, Colleen never fails to amaze me. Last weekend, she completed her first Ultra Marathon. YES, ULTRA. That is just over 31 MILES. Read Colleen’s recap here.

Today is Go Red For Women day.

Are you wearing red? More importantly, do you know what today means? Let me fill you in – the American Heart Association has designated today as a day to wear red to create awareness surrounding heart disease in women.

Though heart disease is often thought of as an ‘older man’s disease’, it is, in fact, heart disease is the LEADING killer in women, causing one out of three deaths each year.

Not only is Go Red For Women designed to raise awareness, it is also a day to take action – to understand your risk factors, to take steps toward living a heart healthy life.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Travis Stork of television’s ‘The Doctors’. Dr. Stork deals with patients in the ER with heart disease on a daily basis. He graciously took a few minutes out of his busy day to answer some questions and give some insight into our heart disease epidemic.

First of all, know your risk factors:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
•  High cholesterol
•  High triglycerides
•  Untreated diabetes
•  Obesity
• Stress
•  Lack of regular exercise

All of these risk factors are things you can control. Yes, it can be hard to give up smoking.  Or you may think that you’re too young to have your cholesterol or triglycerides tested. But knowledge is power. Visiting your doctor for a physical may be life saving.

Other than quitting smoking, Dr. Stork said that one lifestyle change can make a huge difference – walking thirty minutes a day. It can add three years to your life. It requires no equipment and no skill set. And another ‘heart-healthy’ side effect? If you make a habit of walking with loved ones, you get to spend quality time together – and make your heart happy.

In addition to the walking, Dr. Stork suggested standing more and sitting less. For instance, if you usually make phone calls at work sitting at your desk, try standing.  Be on your feet as much as possible, the less sedentary you are, the better.

Now that we’ve gone over lifestyle changes you can make to prevent heart disease, let’s get into what you need to know about heart attacks.

Typical Symptoms Include:

• Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and returns
• Pain and discomfort in one or both arms or back
• Shortness of breath
•  Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea and/or lightheadedness

Overlooked Symptoms Include:

• Indigestion
• Pain and discomfort in the stomach, neck or jaw
•  Headaches
•  Fatigue

It should be noted that the warning signs can be harder to detect in women. Fifty percent of women don’t experience chest pain – the number one symptom is fatigue.

Dr. Stork stressed that we need to listen to our bodies. Really listen. Things like being tired for no obvious reason, generalized weakness, or simply that something just doesn’t feel “right.”  If you’re experiencing odd symptoms, different than anything you’ve experienced before, it can’t hurt to get it checked out.

Other than addressing the risk factors, there are further actions you can take to avoid heart disease.

Reduce risk by:

• Purchasing foods and beverages without added sugars and that are low in sodium
• Drinking alcohol in moderation (one drink/day for women; two drinks/day for men)
• Watching portion sizes of ALL foods and eating a balanced diet
• Cutting back on food high in cholesterol (goal of no more than 300 mg/day)
• Avoiding all tobacco products
• Exercising on a regular basis

Finally, realize there are NO EXCUSES. Under the Affordable Care Act, all new individual and group health plans must provide recommended preventative care and services (including blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and body mass index screenings as well as counseling on quitting smoking, losing weight and eating well) without a copayment, coinsurance or deductible.

So, go to your doctor. Get checked out.

And, one more piece of advice from Dr. Stork:

Eat well and be active.

Words to live by, ladies.

Make sure to wear red today and spread the word!

Today’s the day we learn our (possible) collective fate, the prediction from a tiny little furry creature in a hole: will we get 6 more weeks of the treadmill or bike trainer? (Yes).

You may be wondering what on earth fitness and Groundhog Day might have in common but I assure you there are similarities.

First of all, whether or not he’s a morning person doesn’t matter. Punxsatawny Phil has to wake up early to get the job done and that’s that. He can’t even cave under the pressure, everyone is waiting with bated breath on his results! Shadow or no shadow! We want to know!

Now, we too have the option to cave and scurry back into our caves of course, but now that you’ve been inspired by Punxsatawny Phil and his story, will you? Nah. Not today. You’ve got a job to do today, and you’re gonna get out there! Just like Phil! We may not be a morning peoples but sometimes when that’s the only window, that’s the only window.

Second, there’s a little movie called Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. You’ve probably seen it and I’m guessing it’ll probably be on some station sometime today.

The question is, do you wake up day after day after day stuck in the same day? If you’re nodding yes, that’s frustrating isn’t it!? We get in a fitness rut and sometimes it happens quickly. We don’t know how to get out of it or perhaps don’t have the motivation to get out of it. The good news is, thank God we are not Bill Murray, WE can actually fix that! Let’s go forth into February 3rd determined to make it different. It’s like New Years day all over again. (Which I suppose would be sort of like Groundhog Day only with New Year’s Day. Oh nevermind. You know what I mean.)

Next, groundhogs have a pretty impressive weight-loss regimen. They hibernate all winter and when they wake up in February, they actually find they’ve lost 1/2 their body weight! Which is not unlike the experience of those who have traveled through one of the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans’ challenges, right?? So even though you’re not hibernating your way to weight-loss (and perhaps 1/2 your body weight would be a little extreme for a winter weight-loss) you are still doing something for several weeks at a time and coming out the other end shrinkier! Go us!

Lastly, guess what a groundhog’s diet is? According to Groundhog.org (yes, that website actually exists):

“A groundhog’s diet consists of lots of greens, fruits, and vegetables.”

Cha-ching!

Again. Us. All us.

See? Told ya. OK maybe some of these was a stretch, but still!

Have a great Groundhog day. Let’s be groundhogs!

The Weigh In

Happy Wednesday, Shrinkers!!  Wow, here we are in February already!  How is that even possible?!  It seems like just a week or so ago that it was the start of the New Year and our first challenge of 2012!  So far, we’ve completed four full weeks of the challenge which means it’s time for another weekly check-in!

As for me, I’ve been doing pretty well considering I’m nursing a bum knee which makes exercise extremely difficult.  I’ll be having laparoscopic surgery on it fairly soon, so hopefully I’ll be able to get back to my workouts in the near future once I’ve recovered.  Even with the decreased exercise, I still managed to rid myself of 5.6 pounds in January.  Thank you Weight Watchers and GO ME!!

So, how about you? Have you been rockin’ it and shrinking yo’self?  If you have, well done!!  Keep up the great work! If not, never fear.  There’s still plenty of time to jump back on track and see progress before the end of our challenge on Feb. 29.

The Fitness Challenge

Our fitness challenge is the same each week. We’re asking you to do either 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three times weekly OR 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times weekly.  If you aren’t sure what the different is, check out Heather’s great explanation over here. Are you getting your weekly quota of exercise in?  Be sure to let us know how it’s going!

Have you joined us for the 52 Small Changes challenge? Week 5 is all about being positive and seeing the glass half full.  This is a principle I learned as a child from my Gran that I’ve tried to embrace throughout my life.  It’s definitely not always easy, but just like when we work out our muscles through exercise, being positive is also something you can get better at the more you exercise that “muscle” in your daily life, too. Give it a try!

If you haven’t joined us yet for the 52 Small Changes challenge, it’s not too late!  You can join this challenge any time and it will continue the rest of the year! Please join our group at the Hood for support, motivation and discussion.

Ok, enough from me.  It’s time for all of YOU to head on down to the form and check in for the week.  Have a great day and another great Shrink Yo’Self week!

Be sure to check out our newest development here at the Sisterhood: The Shrinking Kitchen. It’s our brand new site that just launched today!!

Good morning, friends! Welcome to this week’s installment of True Confessions, the post where you can confess all of your unhealthy sins from the previous week. Once you confess it, you forget about it, and start fresh.

I’ll get us started….

We’ll do this list style:

1. I had two desserts in one meal on Saturday. Two. I didn’t really need two. I really didn’t need one, but oh how I love dessert. I did make up for it by having a bowl of Special K for dinner since I really wasn’t that hungry from the TWO desserts.

2. I headed to the cafeteria last week with every intention of buying a chocolate muffin. (Hey. It was that TOM last week. Don’t judge.) I bought Cheerios instead.

3. I’m addicted to Sheetz coffee but it’s not my fault. Do you have Sheetz? Sheetz is a gas station here and they have the best coffee in the world. And! Not only that, they’re just awesome. On Saturday, they were out of Colombian coffee (because let’s face it, Colombian coffee is the best), and we had to wait for them to brew more. So, since we waited, they gave us our coffee for free! Free! So, we went back Sunday.

4. Confession: We usually go to Sheetz on Sunday anyway. I know.

5. I had a chance to try tripe for the first time on Sunday. I couldn’t get my stomach to do it. I feel so bad. I pride myself on trying anything once, but I couldn’t bring myself to try the tripe. Maybe another day.

Ok, now it’s your turn! Let’s hear it… what do you have to confess? Tell us in the comments below or blog all about it and leave us the link to your post below! Go! Why are you still sitting there? Confess already…are you there?

I was spending an hour or two on my latest addiction, Pinterest the other night. Raise your hand if you are hooked too. The last thing I needed was something else to keep me on the computer, but boy am I hooked. I love that site. I can’t believe how many new recipe sites I have found.

One of my new favorites is Gina’s Skinny Recipes at SkinnyTaste.com. Just the pictures are enough to keep me looking at the site, but the recipes are awesome too. There is everything from appetizers to dessert with all the courses in between.

One of my new favorite recipes from this site is Pineapple Bliss Cupcakes with Pineapple Fluff Cream Cheese Frosting. Talk about easy and so yummy. You really need to try them. She gives you all the nutritional values and even the Weight Watcher points.

I tried using our fancy dancy recipe program on the SJ site, but I got half way through it and it disappeared. I couldn’t find it anywhere. I have the flu at the moment, so I just want to get this posted and get back to bed. I’ll try using it next time.

In the meantime, head over to skinnytaste.com and look it over. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.