#ChangeofHeart with a Giveaway!

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changeofheart

Almost two weeks ago, I wrote a post about my Nan and my quest to discover a little more about heart health.

The fact is, as I get older, I’m starting to worry a little about that old ticker…and with a family history…I worry that much more.

So, I joined the Jamieson Vitamin #ChangeofHeart challenge and have been following their daily challenges to try to educate myself and make a few changes in my life.

While the daily challenges will continue for the entire month, here are the challenges to date…

Day 1 – Tell us why you want to have a #ChangeofHeart. You’re more likely to succeed if you set a clear goal for yourself.

For me…I started the #ChangeofHeart challenge to find out a little more about heart health…and kick my butt in gear to make some changes!

Day 2 – Start your day off right and swap your bagel for a breakfast low in sugars. This morning, opt for a bowl of oatmeal and berries.

Sad to say I’m not a big breakfast eater…but I should be able to at least pile in some yogurt and berries in the morning and have done this MOST of the days since I’ve started.

Day 3 – Grab a colleague, friend or pet, and take a 10 minute walk at lunch today.

Zucchini hardly knew what hit her! We took a quick little tour around our slippery side-walked neighbourhood. I think, when the snow clears, I’ll make this part of my daily routine.

Day 4 – Try to get your 8 hours of sleep by going to bed a bit earlier than you usually do.

Sleep and I have an issue! I’ve stopped drinking caffeine after 3 to see if that will make a difference and I’ve been making my bed each morning to make things a little more comfortable.

Day 5 – Before you sip on your morning cup of java, grab a cup of green tea instead.

GREEN TEA! Ummm…I’m kind of fond of my Tetley!

Day 6 – Dessert doesn’t have to be high in sugar and refined ingredients to be delicious. Try this quick and easy heart-healthy chocolate pudding instead.

I didn’t make this. But I will. I made a chocolate cake this week though! And I drew a heart on it…does that count?

Day 7 – Remember to enjoy everything in moderation. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying a night out, have no more than two alcoholic drinks.

I tend not to drink during the week at all so this isn’t a big issue for me. And…I’ve read the stories about red wine being better than white wine…so I might investigate that a little further. I’m a bit of a white wine drinker.

Day 8 – Run your errands on foot. Leave your car at home and walk to and from the grocery store, bus or train station. Or, take your car to a point that allows you to make at least 30 minutes of the trip on foot.

I’m doing this from now on. Gone are the days of searching for the closest parking spot. I’m going to park a little further away to get in a few more steps.

Day 9 – Look at your upcoming social calendar, and cancel one event.Taking some time out to relax can help reduce stress and keep your blood pressure in check.

I did have to cancel things this week…because of a cold. However, it’s incredibly true…sometimes I’m very over scheduled chasing kids and work contracts…I need to take a little time for myself.

Day 10 – Tonight, avoid eating, drinking alcohol, and doing work and chores a minimum of 3 hours before bed.

Another difficult one. I’m usually working right up until I get in bed…and quite often, working while I’m in bed. I have to do better at fitting a work day into some regular hours.

Day 11 – Swap your midday snack with this super easy, heart-healthy option instead. Just slice an avocado in half, sprinkle with fresh lime juice and ground black pepper. Enjoy!

YUM!!! I love Avocado…eating it straight up with black pepper and lime juice is a definite treat!

Day 12 – Sitting all day constricts your circulation, slows your metabolism, and puts you at risk for heart disease. Stand at every chance you get. On transit, while on the phone, even in meetings and while watching TV tonight.

I do try to get up and move around. I learned that long ago when I first started working on the computer…while it might be good for your circulation, it’s also good for you neck, your back and joints…and just your mental well being.

Day 13 – Pick up some heart-healthy dark chocolate in place of milk chocolates and candies for your sweetheart (and you too, of course!).

Ummm…dogs aren’t allowed chocolate!!

So far, I’m 13 days in and along with making a few simple changes, I’ve been taking Jamieson Vitamins OmegaRED™ Super Krill every day…hoping it will make a difference.

WIN A $200 PRIZE PACK (Including a FitBit!):

To help you get started with your own #ChangeofHeart challenge, Jamieson Vitamins is giving away a $200 Prize Package (including a Fit Bit, salad bowl, towel, sleep mask, Vitamin D, Super Krill and some tea) to TWO lucky readers!

It’s simple to enter, just fill in the form below…make sure to comment on THIS POST letting us know one of the #ChangeofHeart challenges you can incorporate into your daily routine. (Pssst, make sure to comment on the actual post, but put your NAME in the comment box on the form.)

Contest ends on February 28th, 2015. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and we’ll ship your package to you. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, 18+ (excluding Quebec). All entries are verified.

Good luck and THANKS to Jamieson Vitamins for giving away this fantastic package! AND…for educating us on our Heart Health!

51 Replies to “#ChangeofHeart with a Giveaway!”

  1. I really like this post! Sometimes it’s the smallest changes can make some of the bigger differences in our lives and our health. I know for me I have trouble having things in moderation. I really need to work hard on that one, instead of the all or nothing mentality I can have sometimes. But I’m working on it!

  3. I really need to get some decent winter boots with grippy treads and get out walking every day. I miss that “me” time and it’s as good for my head as it is for my heart.

  5. I need to drink more water, remember to take my vitamins and focus on patience daily. I’m actually better than expected on that last item so it isn’t so much of a change as a continuing to make it a priority even when it is super hard.

  6. #ChangeofHeart I am going to focus on not eating as much sugar as I do. I know sugar is bad for you, yet I seem to crave it all the time because I eat so much of it! I also need to start walking again now that we are having some warm days.

  7. I would incorporate the Super Krill Oil into my everyday life! I am currently not taking and fish/krill oils.

  8. I made efforts since last year to reduce salt in my diet and increase activity. I squeeze lemon, mix with honey & hot water upon waking up to neutralize the acids. I have less acid reflux since beginning this habit. Breakfast is miso soup, brown rice & fish or egg with vegetables as I don’t like sugary or cold foods as my first meal of the day. When I bake, I reduce demerara sugar or use coconut sugar as I don’t like extremely sweet desserts. I also mostly eat at home & gluten free since I have allergies. I don’t drink coffee but tea, which I make into a smoothie with matcha, sugar and almond or soy milk in the blender. I use an app when I do exercise and stretch before going out or at the end of the day. It took time but these changes eventually became habits that nourish and protect my health and body.

  10. I could incorporate the get more sleep #Changeofheart into my life. I am a horrible sleeper! I always go to bed with my husband at around 9 but once he goes to sleep, I usually get back up and stay up til the wee hours of the morning. I’ve been trying not to get up as much and I really feel the difference the next day.

  11. Big journeys start with small steps.

    Thanks to you good folks for posting such a helpful article.

  12. I think standing at every chance you get. especially when spending a lot of time on the computer.

  14. Great sponsored post…augmenting the little things, like switching to green tea over coffee, can make such a big difference in overall health! Gave me loads of new ideas.

  15. Making sure I get 8 hours of sleep is DEFINITELY something that I could benefit from 🙂

  16. I’ve been making a conscious decision to stand more be it on the bus or at work. My office is small so there’s not far I can walk but I make sure I am up at least once an hour to fill my water bottle, get something from the printer or visit a coworker.

  17. The #ChangeofHeart item that I could incorporate into my daily life is to switch out my morning coffee (in which I put too much sugar) with green tea or water.

  18. I could switch my soda for water, pass on the salt, take my vitamins every day and get up out of the chair to go for walk #ChangeofHeart

  20. I need to start going to bed earlier. I am a terrible night owl but I have four kids so I should be heading to bed when they are!

  21. Day 10 – Tonight, avoid eating, drinking alcohol,

    I often eat or have a glass of red wine before bed 🙁
    hard to break the habit.

  22. I could benefit from a couple of these. Since I’ve been working from home more I know that I’m for sure not “standing” or moving as much which is very scary. It would be great to get a feel for how much I am actually moving (or not moving).

    I also should include my avocados in my life! I love them I just forget to pick them up. I like to mash them with lime juice and salt and pepper with a little dash of sriracha sauce!

    Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway and motivating people to live healthier lives :):) we all have the best intentions, but it’s good to have a reminder.

  23. I’m really trying to reduce or replace my sugar cravings with wiser choices…The avocado snack is one I’ll try…

  26. #7 Everything in moderation….Although following most of the challenges so far has been quite easy to accomplish and I am planning on keeping them as part of my lifestyle

  27. I am going to grab a cup of green tea instead of coffee in the morning and starting tomorrow( first day of lent) me & hubby will be limiting out sugar and carb intake to just natural food nothing processed and hopefully after 40 days and feeling better we will continue to make it a life change.Doing things together makes it easier we have the support of each other.On March 31st we will be 2 years smoke free

  28. The Vitamin D would really help during these drab winter months. I think it would make me more energetic, not so sluggish.. the days feel so long & sad when the sun rarely comes out! Thanks #ChangeOfHeart

  33. In regards to which one of the #ChangeofHeart Challenges that I can incorporate into my daily routine, I would have to say, pretty much all of them except for #4 – I do not ever get 8 hours of sleep due to a bad back injury and a severe G.E.R.D. condition that forces me to sleep on an angle, which aggravates my lower back… But definitely I would have to say that I do all of the others. I even track my daily activity and complete food intake on Fitness Pal, which has seriously made me very conscious of just how many grams of protein, Carbs, Fats, and esp. Sodium. It has really changed the way I am now eating. Thanks for the encouraging tips everyday…

  34. I have gotten rid of the bagels and I incorporate the steel cut oatmeal, but I add in about 1 tbsp of dark chocolate chips, a TBSP of chocolate chia, about 1 tsp of cinnamon and then eat it with a small 4 oz. greek yogurt (watch the sugar/Carb amount) and about 1/2 cup of berries for breakfast. Or I purchase the Double Fiber English Muffins from Walmart/Fred Meyers in the USA and then use the mini cups of Wholly Guacamole instead of butter, margarine, jam etc. for breakfast, or I sometimes alternate with the mini cups of hummus on my English muffin instead, or a Tbsp of Almond or Cashew Butter. I also microwave about 3/4 cup of egg whites, so that I have at least 400 calories to start the day. The green tea is a bit tougher to take in… it is not one of my favourite tips.

  35. Thanks for sharing. 13 days!! Good for you. I am trying….baby steps. I have cut out soda pop completely from my diet and started walking everyday. I can already see how these small changes have made others in my house more aware of what they are putting in their bodies and my youngest son has even joined me on my walks. I think that adding supplements will help me on my journey to a healthier heart (body and mind). Vitamin D and Jamieson Vitamins OmegaRED Super Krill are on my shopping list. Continued success to you. #ChangeOfHeart

  36. I think I could work with Day 13 – Pick up some heart-healthy dark chocolate in place of milk chocolates and candies for your sweetheart (and you too, of course!).

    Too easy! 😉

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  39. I am exercising more – if I only do 10 minutes then I remind myself that it is better than 0. I have made the decision to leave my desk everyday just to walk the stairs and help the circulatory system
    I take vitamins but can enhance with krill etc
    I skip unhealthy treats unless it is a social event with my kids and times when it is important to eat those things.

  41. I think day three. Instead of a college though I need to take my dog for a quick ten minute stroll when I am home on lunches. It will help us both .

  43. dark chocolate would fit into my daily routine quite seamlessly i think. no issues there.

  47. I like the advice from Day 12. I am aware that working from home at a desk doesn’t get me out moving during the day so I’m trying to take little breaks and get up and move around more.

  48. I’m drinking more water with fresh squeezed lemon in it I tend to drink more with this in it!

  49. Grab a colleague, friend or pet, and take a 10 minute walk at lunch today…. I can do that!!!! I wish it was warmer out, but it will be soon enough. 🙂