Fit Friday - Lose It!

I don't like to say that I'm trying to lose weight -- I'm trying to manage it. That means that the number isn't as important to me as the long term benefits of being healthier. About a year ago, I started using an app called Lose It! If you haven't heard of it before, it is an app that allows you to track what you are eating and what exercise you participate in each day. You can also track your weight and set a weight loss goal.

Usability
The app is extremely easy to use. Once you set your current weight and your weight loss goal, the app provides you with the number of calories you should each per day to reach that goal. If you just want to maintain or gain weight, there are options for tracking this as well.

When you want to start adding in your food for the day, you can either search for the food in the app's database, scan the packaging bar code or add in all of the nutrition details yourself. Most foods are easy to find, though for some prepackaged foods, it is much easier to scan the bar code than to search for it.

Exercises can also be searched for through a database to estimate how many calories your activities are burning each day. Once you have completed entering all of the information for the day, you will see the net calories from all of your activity.

Motivation
Lose It! does a great job with motivation. One of the biggest motivation tools it has are the badges a user can earn. Some of the badges are easy to learn (such as eating vegetables everyday for a week) and some take a little more time and effort to acquire.

The app also provides challenges for free and paid members. These challenges help you compete to charge up your workouts and your weight loss goals.

If you have friends and family members that you want to use the app with, you can also connect with them. Friends can be one of the single greatest motivating factors, so this is a must-have option.

Upgrade Options
This app has an upgraded version called Lose It! Premium for $39.99 a year. Additional features that come with the paid version include being able to track multiple health, medical and physical data, automatically adding daily fitness routines through a NikeFuel band, track body measurements, sync with wireless scales and participate in more challenges.

The one upgraded option that I wish they would switch to the free version is the meal planning. I don't need to plan my meals for the whole week, but I would certainly like to sit in my bed at 10pm and write down what I expect to have the next day.

The Verdict
The free version of Lose It! is great for getting started on a journey to health. I don't think the features in the paid version are worth it (other than meal planning) because I don't have the devices that will sync, otherwise I may consider buying it.

Let's Get Going with the #GoVoxBox

The #GoVoxBox from Influenster is here! This is my first VoxBox from Influenster, so I was excited to try out all the goodies inside. This box has a health/wellness theme, so all of the products included should help me reach my spring and summer fitness goals. Here's the breakdown of the products:

Blue Diamond Blueberry Flavored Almonds
I'll be honest: I took one look at this package and was convinced I wouldn't like it. However, I just opened it an hour ago and every single almond has been eaten. It is surprisingly good. I like blueberries, I like almonds--so the combination was really great. I would definitely buy these again as a snack to take with me on busy days.

Muller Quaker Yogurt (Coupon)
I went and redeemed my coupon for a free Muller Quaker Yogurt product  the other day and tried it. I have to say, it was pretty good. I bought the Greek Corners variety that came with sugared almonds. Me and almonds -- seriously a match made in heaven. ;-)

Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shake (w/ Shaker Cup)
This is where my fitness goals can really be met. Although I try to maintain a healthy diet, I have a bad habit of snacking a lot because I eat when I'm bored. However, the Next Step protein shakes definitely keep me full. I had one for lunch a few days ago, and it was hours before the thought of food even crossed my mind. I mixed it up in the shaker cup provided, but either I didn't shake it long enough or it just didn't mix well with the water because I had a few chunks of powder while drinking it. But the flavors are tasty--they aren't chalky or bitter like I imagined it would be.

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes*

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
I haven't had a chance to use this product yet, but I have used the Sport line of tampons before. They work well and are great for the gym or any other type of exercise. However, the Fresh Balance part of it (says "lightly scented" on the box) doesn't seem so appealing.

ProFoot Traid Orthodic/ ProFoot Pedi Rock
Now this is the way to treat your feet! I slipped the orthodics into my trainers and went for a walk. By the time I got back home, my back and legs weren't as tired or sore as they usually are. I'm definitely glad about that, because that means I can ramp up my workout. After exercising I took a shower, then used the pedi rock to smooth out my heels. I really haven't used a product like this before, but it worked well. I like the fact that it is made from a soft material and you can use it wet or dry.

Aqua Spa Body Creme
This is what you want to have on hand after a hard day--whether you were exercising or just exhausted from work. I received the lavender and chamomile scent. It smells great and relaxes me when I put it on just before I go to bed. After a few days, I have noticed that my skin is a little bit softer.

Overall, this was an AWESOME box! I will definitely continue to use these products in my pursuit of health.