Social media and weight loss: Three Things Thursday

My plan was to run on the treadmill this morning and catch up on the current season of "The Walking Dead." I had my alarm set for 5:10 a.m., my outfit was set out and socks stuffed in my shoes. I posted about my recovery plan and told Mark that I was getting up.

But, you know how it goes - the alarm goes off, you throw the iPhone across the room and say to hell with fitness. Or at least think about the last two.

Getting out of bed, much less exercising, was the last thing I wanted to do this week, especially as Miles' sleep has been erratic and less than restful lately. I did it, though, and made my way downstairs - first to the main level for water and getting ready and then to the basement where we have the treadmill. I ended up just walking for 30 minutes, deciding that I hate running on the treadmill, but it was good to move the legs.

While I was able to channel some intrinsic motivation this morning to work out, sometimes you need an external push and that's where social media can help.

At least that's what I told Joy Bauer for a segment on this morning's "Today Show."

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The segment, "Real People Lose Weight," featured less conventional tips from Joy Fit Club members. Mark, from Kentucky, likes to keep a race on the calendar. I said that I use social media, namely run dates with Twitter pal Alyse, to keep me motivated.

Here's three ways to use social media to your advantage in terms of losing weight or maintenance.

1. Foster relationships. I know there are exponentially more people who read this blog than comment, and I have Twitter followers with whom I never interact. It's the name of the social media game. However, it's important to spend time connecting with people who reach out and reaching out to others. Had I not done so, I would have never "met" Alyse. Alyse helps keep me motivated and accountable and will also call me on my shit, like when I was teetering on recovering and pushing too hard with my hips. I'd also like to think she'd bail me out of jail if necessary as I would her (a true test of friendship). Other relationships formed through this blog helped keep me honest when I considered dropping down to the Veterans half.

Ways I connect: Search hashtags on Twitter, such as #weightloss and #fitlife. I also connected with people via #turbofire but beware of Beachbody coaches latching on. Facebook groups and pages are great. There are quite a few running ones that aren't related to blogs, such as Running Recipes, and I used the local run club page to meet local pals.

2. Share your successes -- and your failures. Social media can simultaneously turn us into a bunch of braggards and whiners. When success is small, it's easy for us to discount it and not celebrate it, especially when others around us don't share our interests. It's important to honor our accomplishments, though, because it fosters that intrinsic motivation that we need to keep moving toward our goals. On the flip side, it's OK to acknowledge when we aren't doing well as it helps us take not of what we did wrong and move forward. Sharing it on social media allows us to get tips and encouragement for moving on.

3. Focus on the process, not the goal. I know there are a lot of challenges that encourage 4 percent weight loss or a certain amount of miles logged, time exercised, planks held. Those are great - for some people. I've found when I have made broad goals, such as my body after baby posts and strength challenges, that I'm more likely to struggle with adherence. First, I don't often have a plan of attack. Secondly, the pressure is greater and the fear of failure can be stifling, building anxiety and self doubt, which in turn affects that intrinsic motivation. With Alyse, we set a goal for the next day - a single run. A single run is much more doable than saying that we're going to lose 10 pounds before Christmas because we've already met our goal by stepping out the door.

Do you use social media to keep you accountable? Or does it back fire?

Three Things Thursday: Out with the big, in with the small

I hated to disappoint the producers of the "Today Show" but I just couldn't give them what they wanted.

The ubiquitous pair of fat pants.

We've seen Jared on Subway commercials with his jeans and Weight Watchers ads with a person standing in just one leg of her old pants. Maybe they had the foresight to know that they would lose all the weight and would want that memory or they had a significant attachment to their clothes - regardless of the reason, they had kept a physical reminder of how big they used to be.

I had not.

I barely have photos of the time - much less the clothes. Once I felt comfortable that I wasn't going to be a size 24 or a size 18, the clothes were donated.

So you can imagine how ill equipped I felt when I was asked on Twitter what to do with "fat" clothes. Alyse wondered whether keeping them would give her permission to go back to the old her but yet she had an attachment to her clothes. I quickly told her to get rid of them but the more I thought about it, the more ways I came up with to repurpose old clothes.

Take it to the tailor. I had this pinky-mauve pinstriped skirt from Lane Bryant that I absolutely loved (though thinking back I'm not sure why). My grandma was able to put elastic in the waist band so I could continue to wear it as I lost weight. It was more of a "make do" solution than a permanent one but there are other things you can do. A shirt could be taken in at the shoulders and be turned into a fun, flowing tunic to wear with leggings. A long dress or skirt in a beautiful fabric might make for a great scarf. If you lose enough weight, a pair of pants could make for a great pencil skirt ... or not.

Patch it up. We've seen runners and sorority girls alike turn their T-shirts and memorabilia so why not turn your old clothes into a quilt. Obviously, it would be great if you liked complementary colors and patterns but it would be a great way to keep part of your old self with the new self.

Bag it. If you are particularly crafty, you can make a tote bag from a shirt or a pillow case even. You could make appliques and put them on your new pair of skinny jeans.

If you don't want to shred the clothes, here are a few more ideas.

Selective admissions. It's OK to really like some of your old clothes. There are pieces that might have made us feel particularly beautiful or sexy, and it's hard to get rid of those items. Pick 10 things that you really like and put them in a storage bin, which goes in the scary depths of the attic. As they aren't convenient to get to, there won't be the temptation to get back into them. Also, you never know when they'll come in handy - I wore some of my favorite tees when I was pregnant.

For sale. Some of my more "gently used" items that were from better brands - like all of my clearance Banana Republic - dresses were taken to Clothes Mentor, a consignment shop. You might not get a lot of money - if they accept your items - but something is better than nothing, and you can use your "earnings" for new items. (Note: I actually bought a lot of my in between clothes there because I didn't want to spend a lot of cash until I got to goal.)

As seasons change. It's still been bloody hot, or humid at least, in these parts but as you get ready to unpack the sweaters and boots, try things on. If it fits, put it in the closet. If it doesn't or you didn't wear it last season, sell it or donate it. If you are having a hard time getting rid of things, make a deal with yourself: for every three items you get rid of, you get one new item. I did this recently with purses and it was amazing how much I was able to get rid of.

Final thought ... You have to do what feels right and do it when you feel ready. It felt right for me to donate my clothes/sell them because I don't like the reminders of who I was. For you, it might serve as a cautionary tale.

Tried and True: A product review

There are three things that people say to me when they tell me they saw me on the "Today Show."

1. How nice of Joy Bauer to say you looked like a model.

2. I wished they would have talked to you more.

3. Kathie Lee and Hoda sure didn't give your drink a try.

Sing it, sistas.

When I go back and watch the video, the reaction of the fourth-hour hosts to the True Lemon-spiked water is the one thing that mars the experience. Sure, it looked slightly discolored and it was warm but they had decided it would be off and it was.

To them.

For me? Well, I have come to not only enjoy but rely on True Citrus products.

About True Citrus:

At True Citrus, our goal is to meet the needs of today's consumer by creating innovative, high quality food products that offer taste and convenience while complimenting a healthy diet and providing value for consumer's money.

Add a burst of citrus taste to your recipes and beverages with 100% all-natural True Lemon®, and True Lime™ and True Orange™. Deliver authentic, fresh-squeezed taste in an easy, consistent and shelf-stable format with no labor, waste, or mess! Each serving contains: 0 calories, 0 carbohydrates,  0 grams sugar, 0 grams fat, no preservatives, no artificial colors, no sodium, gluten-free and 25 percent of RDA of Vitamin C. 

How I use True Citrus:

We all know that I love Diet Coke. More than love Diet Coke. I'd probably drink it with breakfast, during  a run and before I went to bed if I didn't let common sense and nutrition prevail.

However, common sense and knowing that I should drink water doesn't make it easier. I've become quite fond of the True Lime and True Grapefruit packets, which are crystallized fruit that is just like squeezing a wedge of fruit in your water. The grapefruit is fresh and the lime reminds me of margaritas. I don't really like margaritas so it's odd that I like it but I'm a complex woman. Deal.

Some of you may always have citrus fruits (or strawberry - do try this in water) in your refrigerator to add flavor to your water and thus negating the need for True Citrus. But I don't. Why? I forget about it, for one; two, I don't want to run up the grocery bill that won't get used entirely; and three ... who carries a grapefruit in their purse for office use?

I usually have a box with a variety of flavors in my desk drawer so that if I know I need water but the vending machine is calling that I can fight off the urge for at least 10 minutes while I chug my water. Chugging water = good, especially in this heat and marathon training.

I also like the more Crystal Light-like packets that are Raspberry Lemonade flavored. I get the sugary sweet taste I want under the delusion that I'm being healthful and without the caffeine. The lemonade also has Stevia as opposed to artificial sweeteners - a fact that I appreciate.

True Citrus also has products that are more cooking specific, and I've used True Lemon and True Orange in my dishes. I used True Lemon in my Healthier Chicken Parmesan on Sunday to brighten the flavor, and I used True Orange in the carrot zucchini muffins that I made for Miles. I think you could easily sub True products when a recipe calls for citrus zest and your lemon is shriveled in the back of the crisper.

In sum:

I like True Citrus. It makes me drink water. Eff you Kathie Lee and Hoda - not all of us can drink wine for a living.

Want to try it?

The 500-count boxes of True Lemon, True Lime and True Grapefruit are 50 percent off this month. Originally $32.99, you can now snag 'em for $16.50 each. (What a deal!) Ten-count, 32-count, 2-quart, and 2.85-ounce shaker products are also 50 percent off + $2.95 shipping too! Just use promo TRUEJULY at checkout on www.truelemonstore.com.

Disclaimer: I received True Citrus products for free in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own and y'all know I have no problem sharing things I don't like.

In a New York minute

To call my trip to the Big Apple a whirlwind might be the understatement of the day: I landed at LaGuardia at 7 p.m., sat on the tarmac for an hour, got into the city about 8:45 p.m. and left the city for LaGuardia a mere 16.5 hours later.

I was undeterred, though, and determined. I was going to see the city and make the most of my time there.

I left my hotel, which was right across the street from Radio City Music Hall with my walking shoes on. OK, they were TOMS.

I quickly found Rockefeller Plaza and enjoyed the lights and sounds of a city still bustling with activity at 9 o'clock Sunday night.

I peaked in store windows. Just peaked as (lucky for Mark) most of the retail establishments were closed for the evening.

I did stumble upon one place that was open.

The famed Magnolia Bakery.

As I was in the city to celebrate my weight loss, it might have been appropriate to bypass the cases of treats but  I was in New York.

And there's just something about New York that screams, "Eat Me!" Maybe it's the Big Apple moniker?

I opted for a decaf iced coffee with Splenda and a Carrot Cake Cupcake.

The cupcake was good but not that good, and I almost stopped at just half. My emotions, just as shattered as my laptop (thanks, Delta), got the best of me, and I ate the whole damn thing.

I woke up Monday morning, groggy after a fitful night's sleep but with one thing on my mind: running in Central Park.

My runs last week were less than stellar but I promised myself that I would really take the time to enjoy the miles as they ticked away.

It was so invigorating to catch glimpses of the city through the trees and to be surrounded by athletes. The bonus was the inspirational messages that were no doubt written in chalk for a previous race but I used them as my own personal motivation. I logged just over 6.5 miles Monday morning, as I looped the outer edges of the park, and they were some of the best miles I've had in a while.

I walked more blocks than I anticipated back to the hotel, my sweaty body navigating between busy city dwellers, and felt at peace with my short time there.

Had I planned better, I think I would have taken public transportation down to Union Station for the farmers market but it was just as fun to watch people gawk at Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie knowing that soon (maybe) they'd be gawking at me.

What are your must-hit spots in New York?

Living for 'Today'

I clenched my teeth, took a deep breath and smiled. I heard a "go" and the door in front of me opened. I took a step and then another.

And then I stopped. It all stopped. For what felt like hours and nanoseconds all the same, the world stopped.

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And then it began again.

I said quick goodbyes and accepted congratulations before being ushered (nicely, I promise) off set. Twenty minutes later, I was in a cab back to the airport and back to reality.

But it happened. It really happened.

I was on the "Today Show."

◊ ◊ ◊

I was first contacted by someone affiliated with "The Joy Fit Club"/NBC just after my Woman's Day article appeared. She wanted me to apply to be a member of the club - but offered me no promises. I might not ever make the show and, if I did, it might be months down the road. Regardless, I filled out a lengthy questionnaire, attached photos and sent it on its merry way.

And forgot about it.

In fact, I'm not sure it had so much crossed my subconscious until I got the email last Monday afternoon - a mere week before the segment would air - asking if I was interested in being on the show. I was tired and had just walked in the door from our Colorado vacation. A trip to New York? In a week? Did I want to?

Uh ... Uh ... YES!

Of course, it required some logistical planning and complete support and pure awesomeness on the part of my husband as well as my colleagues but I was in.

Over the course of last week, I talked to producers and editorial directors, scrounged up photos, recorded a voiceover and received travel information all the while doubting that this was actually going to happen. Maybe it was because Miles' birthday was just days away and a  dreaded 12-miler was scheduled for Sunday but I was only consumed by the work and not the thought of the trip.

◊ ◊ ◊

9:15 a.m. - it was my call time.

I bullied my way through photographers waiting to grab shots of celebrities exiting the studios (Queen Latifah, Ray Romano and Pink were there) as I made my way into the studio.

I was ushered back to a green room where snacks and drinks awaited though there was no time for that. Hair and makeup awaited.

I can only hope that everyone is so lucky as to experience professional hair and makeup. The queens of New York gush about your hair and looks as they curl, tease, smooth and curl again. They deftly dab away your undereye circles and line your lips with the same skill that they do celebrities. It is absolutely amazing and I would die for someone to do it every day.

I resisted the urge to take pictures at this time. It just didn't seem cool - ya know. Oh, and Piper Pearabo was walking behind me. Talk about awkward.

◊ ◊ ◊

It all looked so pretty. From the perfectly sliced avocado to the uniformly cut carrot matchsticks, the food that I eat so often was now TV ready.

Joy, her editorial director Johannah and "Today" producer Amanda gave me a quick tour of the set, introducing me to the production people who were all going to make the segment work. They told me where to stand, how to walk out and when to look out at the camera.

And they told me to smile. All I really had to do was smile, they said.

That, and hide from Hoda. Apparently, she likes to be just as surprised as the viewers are by the big reveal. Mark, one of the production folks, ushered me to the side as the hosts walked on. They closed the set door and put me in position.

You look great, they said. Just smile.

◊ ◊ ◊

The segment was over more quickly than I imagined, and Hoda and Kathie Lee rushed off set as if someone screamed "Happy Hour!" I think Kathie Lee touched my hand - sadly, it's been washed - but it's hard to say.

I took some photos on set with Joy, went back down to hair and make up to grab my bag and hugged the Js goodbye. 

I walked out of the studio, hair and make-up done. My dress still on. I slung my bag, with a map for Mark and a onesie for Miles inside, over my shoulder and walked the three blocks to the hotel.

I had been on TV but home was calling.