Woven by Words: Choosing Healthier Meals & Giveaway #RealisticResolutions #ad

I realize that at the start of the year most people make a resolution to diet and lose weight. I have to admit that having gained 10 pounds since moving from Minnesota, losing weight sometimes crosses my mind. As with other years, I didn’t make a resolution to start the new year off. Like my kickboxing trainer said the last time to the class before the new year, “You’re ahead of the game. You don’t have to make a resolution to take care of yourself because you’re already doing it!”

Actually, I don’t mind my weight. I just really want to be fit and healthy. If I could weigh what I weigh now and be in better shape, I’d be a happy camper. That comes with two pieces: how I eat and how active I am. Working from home, sitting on the couch, doesn’t give me any activity so that’s where the kickboxing comes into play. Of course, that’s usually only two nights a week. I need to take care of myself more than two nights a week.

At the start of this week, I signed up for the 30-Day Realistic Resolution Challenge with SparkPeople. I’d never even heard of them before I was given the opportunity to work with Gorton’s in conjunction with them. We were sent some coupons to get Gorton’s seafood and a package that would help kick our year off great! The SparkPeople are realistic in that, they realize changing how you do things needs to be done in steps, steps that are attainable. Day 1 was simply signing up. Day 2 is focusing on drinking more water during your day. Simple, right? Let’s be honest, right now, I need “simple” with getting into a new routine.

Since I’ve gotten out of the habit of making nutritious meals at home, I’m using the SparkPeople Cookbook to find some healthy meals that we’d all enjoy. Now, having the boys around I know that I might have to tweak some of the recipes or they might not eat parts of it, but I need to be offering it! That’s where I fall short most with my cooking...not offering a lot of good food to the boys. I think starting with this Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken will make all of our tummies happy!

I want to get fit this year! Back to kickboxing next week. I also want to eat better with my boys. The Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe from The SparkPeople Cookbook looks delicious! #RealisticResolutions #sp

A photo posted by Mimi B (@mimibakermn) on Jan 3, 2015 at 8:17am PST

Earlier this week, Fred and I had a nice date night at home (his home) with Gorton’s Grilled and Simply Bake Tilapia. When it comes to straight fish, he’s more of a fan than I am, but wow, the Simply Bake was really good. Enough that I’d buy it again to eat even if I were by myself. Adding fish to our menu on a regular basis will make date night much healthier. We usually go out to eat, and that’s never a healthy meal. He knows we have to make a change, and I’m hoping we can make it together. I also want to get him into kickboxing…have I mentioned that? )

Now, for some exciting news. Gorton’s is giving you the chance to win a Cash Grand Prize in the Gorton’s Eat Smarter Sweepstakes!!

Not only are they having a sweepstakes, I’m going to be hosting a giveaway for them. You can win: 2 full-value product coupons, an insulated tote, the SparkPeople cookbook, the Spark book and the SparkPeople Boot Camp DVD!