Mighty Ducks

I went "running" this morning around my new favorite lake again. I just like all of the fun things I usually see there, although I do have to be careful not to lose my sense of purpose when I'm out for a run. Training for a half marathon means I can't stop every few steps to take pictures, right?

So I decided to limit myself to stopping only once mid-run to take photos, which takes a lot of willpower when there are teeny tiny baby animals like ducklings, geese, and squirrels hanging out. And the parakeets I saw last time were back, too. I was surrounded by adorableness.

But no, today I only stopped to take some photos of ducks in trees.

What's up, duck? Oh, you are.

This one is a little harder to see, but I hope you can make him out right in the middle there. 

This isn't the first time I've seen ducks in trees down at the lake, but I think it's the first time I've taken photos of it. It just strikes me as odd. Ducks like to paddle through the water. Or waddle around the lake looking for handouts. We just don't think of them as hanging out in trees.

But why shouldn't they hang out in trees? They can fly, right? Why should they be more limited than their feathered cousins?

Maybe some ducks are just better at it than others, though. I mean, I've got two legs just like every other sub-2 half marathoner out there, but I can't seem to run that fast.

In other news, it's day 5 of the Whole Life Challenge. The challenge incorporates more than nutrition - exercise, water, sleep, mobility, and reflection are all part of it. So in many ways, it is more difficult to meet the challenge requirements than doing something like the Whole 30, which only focuses on food. Yet I find this to be easier because the food rules for WLC are a little less stringent. Still, ask me about it 8 weeks from now. At least the Whole 30 is completed after one month.

I really like what the founders believe about pursuing "perfection," and that it's human nature to just always want to be better. We always want more than we've got. The founders say I should just accept this, and that I shouldn't try to chase perfection. I will apply that to every facet of living a healthy lifestyle, EXCEPT I will strive for perfect adherence to my food plan. This is a major component of achieving success with the Never Binge Again program, which has been working really well for me. Which reminds me, I do owe you an update on NBA. Maybe next post.

If you haven't entered already, don't forget Saturday is the last day to enter to win a digital kitchen scale from EatSmart products. Whether you are looking to lose weight or just want to be able to provide more accurate data in your MyFitnessPal food logs, having a kitchen scale will help you achieve more precision in knowing your calorie and macronutrient intake. Good luck to everyone who entered so far!

Are you asking for a challenge?

If only I could run like Homestar Runner.

This week, I'm participating in the "Arms, Abs, and Clean Eating" Challenge, hosted by my friend Danielle of Sunshine and Situps fame. The timing works out perfectly for me, as this 5-day challenge falls right in between a Mother's Day super-not-clean brunch buffet and the Whole Life Challenge, which starts on Saturday.

Danielle first invited me to participate in a similar 5-day challenge last month, but it was a rough week for me since my in-laws were visiting. I ultimately decided that trying to adhere to the challenge rules while entertaining family would add more stress than I was comfortable taking on, and asked her if I could postpone participating until the May challenge.

The challenge rules are simple, though: eat foods from a prescribed grocery list, exercise at least 25 minutes a day, and drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Everyone participating needs to check in daily in our Facebook group to report on progress. Danielle gives you resources to succeed daily, including the day's menu (using items from the grocery list), an exercise plan, and coaching support. Part of the challenge includes taking measurements before and after to see what a difference 5 days can make, which could motivate participants to continue healthy behaviors well after the challenge is over.

So Monday went really well for me, with the exception of having some crazy sugar cravings around 2pm. I chalk this up to the nutritional off-roading I experienced over the weekend during Mother's Day. My diet has been gluten/soy/dairy/sugar-free for a few solid weeks, during which I never experienced cravings. So I'm sure I'm paying for my diet transgressions now, as my inner sugar dragon is roaring. Therefore, I have not been following the menu as prescribed because I think it's important for me to go back to G/S/D/S-free asap, and some of these items are included in the daily menu. But I'm all over drinking the water and doing the exercises.

But on Tuesday, I failed.

The call to Dunkin Donuts butter pecan coffee - with cream - was too strong. I need to be very careful not to let one day of unrestrained eating turn into a full week of poor decision making. I made a commitment, and I need to stick with it.

Part of the trends I'm noticing is that I have a much easier time staying on track when my husband is traveling for work. He doesn't eat anything that resembles a vegetable, and it's really hard to remain committed when you've gotta watch someone else eat potato chips and candy.

So I'm not sure what I'm going to do during the Whole Life Challenge coming up if I can't make it through even a five-day challenge with him being home. He doesn't have much business travel scheduled during those two months. Maybe I'll have to move in with my mother, who is doing the WLC with me, during that time.

Anybody have any suggestions? Leave a comment below! (Which, by the way, would count towards your entries towards winning my Kitchen Scale Giveaway! Don't forget to enter before 5/27!)

EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale Giveaway!

My favorite thing in the world? When someone gifts me something to help me achieve my goals.

EatSmart Products recently reached out to ask if I would try out their new EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale* and write a review. Heck yeah I want free stuff that can help me lose weight!

The thing is, though, I already have a digital kitchen scale. I purchased this Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale* a few years ago and have been pretty satisfied with it. So when I received this in the mail, I figured I'd put the two in a head-to-head, no holds barred cage match to determine which one is best.

Battle 1: Design

When it comes to design, size, and weight, the two scales are pretty evenly matched. The Escali is just a little bit shorter in length, measuring about 6" x 8" compared to the EatSmart scale at 6" x 9". Both scales can measure up to 5 kg or 11 lbs. However, the Escali scale does have an "Off" button which can help you retain the battery life a little bit longer. The EatSmart scale does not, and will auto shut off after a few minutes. Winner: Escali

Battle 2: Accuracy

I did the penny test, since pennies are generally consistent in weight at 2.5 g. Both scales provide measurement in grams - however, the EatSmart scale can do a different measurement in lb while the Escali can provide weight in oz if needed. Neither scale provides weight to the tenth of an announce, and both scales gave a measurement of 2g. Winner: TIE

Battle 3: Price

The EatSmart scale is only $9.99 on Amazon*. The Escali scale is over twice as expensive, coming in at $24.95 on Amazon*.  Winner: EatSmart


Overall Winner

So overall, I'd give the match to the EatSmart Precision scale because you can save some money and put it towards your retirement!

Good news... I'm giving away this scale since I already own one. It will come in its original packaging with manual included. Just follow the instructions to enter below! Contest will end on 5/27/2017 at midnight EST.

EatSmart Precision Digital Scale Giveaway 

*Amazon Affiliate Link. This means that if you click any of the links to Amazon through my site and buy something, I may earn a commission. Much obliged.