06 Nov My Fitby45 update + Meta Effect Sweepstakes

Disclosure: I’m a proud spokesperson for Meta & was compensated to write this post.  Thoughts and opinions are mine .

I turned 44 on my last birthday and fortunately, my health is good. A few aches and pains, but otherwise, I’m healthy…and thankful.

Growing older is inevitable. Growing older and staying healthy while you age takes work. And listen, I’ve got lots of cards stacked against me in the form of family history. (Various organ, blood and skin cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even GOUT!) I decided that it was time to really start managing my health.   In January of this year, I kicked of my health and wellness journey—my #Fitby45 movement-via the Dallas Morning News Health Blog. (Don’t worry-it’s not trending or anything—you didn’t miss it)

“In honor of my upcoming 45th birthday, I’ve established the #Fitby45 movement. It’s my way of challenging myself to take care of my body, mind and spirit in a way I’ve not done so before.  Clean eating, daily movement, plenty of sleep and living as stress free as possible are on the agenda.”

 I’m just about a month until my 45^th birthday. How have I done so far?

Clean eating: While this has always been important to me, I will say that there’s been a significant uptick in the amount of fruit and vegetables that have seen my plate this year. And, thanks to my partnership with Meta, I’ve added more soluble fiber to my diet.  Along with less alcohol, fewer refined sweets, more plant based protein and more fish, my diet has cleaned up nicely.

Daily movement: A financial and mental commitment to outdoor fitness boot camp plus daily summer swimming and dog walking ensured a lot more movement this year vs. last year.

Plenty of sleep: This was a priority for me as I have realized that I’m just one of those people who does best with 8-9 hours of sleep a night.

Living as stress free as possible: The clean eating, daily movement and sleep definitely help in this department and I’ve made changes professionally to help decrease my stress level.

 It’s by no means perfect, but these small changes-these commitments—have made me stronger, healthier, and happier as the birthday draws near.

What else have I done to support my #fitby45 movement? Remember, it’s a mind, body and spirit driven movement.

• Flossed more
• Stretched more
• Said “no” more often
• Volunteered more with Duck Team 6 (Street dog rescue)
• Found and visited an internal medicine doctor and had a physical exam
• Visited the dentist for regular teeth cleaning and check ups
• Visited the eye doctor
• Visited the dermatologist for skin cancer check ups

 And, I’ve committed to participating in a 5K before the end of the year. I’ll be training through the C25K and plan to compete in the Santa Claws and Paws 5K on December 13^th. It will be the first time I’ve ever run a race of any kind. Ever. In my life. EVER.   It’s because of the changes I’ve seen in my fitness and health this year that I know I can do this. It might not be pretty, but I’ll do it. One step at a time.

Health and wellness journeys take on many different shapes and forms. While I call mine the #fitby45 movement, the folks at Meta call it the Meta Effect. They’ve partnered with celebrity Michael Strahan and Latreal “La” Mitchell, Michael Strahan’s personal trainer, to offer all Americans the chance to experience their own Meta Effect through a national sweepstakes.

All you have to do is share your small health step and enter in The Meta Effect Sweepstakes at Facebook.com/MetaWellness1. The sweepstakes will be live through December. 

Two First Prize Winners Will Receive The Following:

•  A Premium Tablet
•  Wearable Fitness Tracker
•  Meta Products
•  Gift Card For Athletic Apparel

Grand Prize Winner Will Receive The Following:

• 3 Day/2 Night Stay In NYC
•  Personal Training Session With Michael Strahan’s Personal Trainer Latreal “La” Mitchell In NYC
• Tickets to a TV taping to see Michael Strahan in action
• Gift Card For Athletic Apparel
• A Premium Tablet
• Wearable Fitness Tracker
•  Meta Products

About The Meta Effect Sweepstakes

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Meta Effect Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. who are 18 years of age or older as of the last day of the month prior to date of entry. The sweepstakes period consists of two entry periods with the first Entry Period starting at 9.00 a.m. ET on October 11, 2014 and ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 15, 2014 and the second Entry Period starting at 9:00 a.m. ET on November 16, 2014 and ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 22, 2014 (“Entry Period 2”). For Official Rules, visit http://metaeffectsweeps.dja.com