Mojo and my Garmin vivofit

For a couple of weeks now, I've maintained my motivation.  I'm eating healthier.  I'm being intentionally active.

I'm not dieting.  I'm not counting calories.  I'm not weighing in on a regular basis.

I haven't officially started running.  I haven't started hitting the workouts hardcore.

I'm starting out by just making changes, getting in the habit of making healthier choices consistently, easing my body into the idea of running again.

In terms of food, I'm just following the basics.  Focus on veggies and fruits.  Avoid fried foods and fast food.

In terms of activity, I have been focusing on getting at least 30 minutes of intentional exercise each day.  There are days when the family schedule makes it impossible.  But I just learn from those days.  I learn that I need to plan ahead when I've got a crazy busy day so that I can exercise in the morning or at lunch.

Here are some key things that have been helping me along the way!

1. Getting involved in groups.  I have joined a friend's group on cleaner eating.  I've signed up for a pilot program through a trainer I know.  2 friends and I are going to lead a healthy living group at church.  And I'm just flat out relying on the healthy people in my life to give me a "like" on Facebook or provide some words of encouragement.  I need cheerleaders and I need accountability/responsibilty.
2. New clothes.  I picked up a couple of new sports bras and a couple new shirts.  Putting on workout clothes that fit and don't leave me feeling fat is a definite good thing.
3. Support from my family.  Jeff doesn't give me a hard time when I put on a workout dvd after putting the kids to bed.  The kids are helping me shop for healthier food.  Teagan exercises with me sometimes.
4. Financial commitment.  I bought new running shoes.  And a Garmin vivofit.  This was a chunk of change and I will get my money's worth.

I was very torn between the Jawbone UP24 and the Garmin vivofit.  From what I was reading, they are both top of the market and very comparable.

I have to admit that I totaly got the vivofit simply because it was what they had on the shelf at my local running store (The Blue Mile).  And I also have to admit that I still want the Jawbone UP24.  I like the Garmin but I don't love it.  Yet. But I'm liking it more and more each day. I was initially frustrated with the software and lack of clear instruction and lack of customer service.  But it's getting better.

What I do like about the vivofit:

• It's comfortable.  I also like that I can change the band if I buy other colors.  And the band comes in 2 sizes.
• I like the display on the band - I can easily see the time, number of steps taken so far, number of steps to go to reach my daily goal, miles walked so far, and calories burned.  I'm finding that knowing the steps I've taken and the calories actually burned is very motivational for me.
• I really like the reminder to be active.  If I sit still for an hour, a red bar appears on my display. Then, another little bar adds on for each additional 15 minutes.  All I have to do is get up and walk around to reset it - but I notice that the longer I am idle, the longer I have to walk to reset.  But I really like the reminder to get up and move!
• Now that I worked out the software and app issues, I like how easy it is to sync the band to the app on my phone.
• I like the Garmin Connect website.  And if I ever use another Garmin device, I can have the info from that device in this same website.
• Battery life. The Garmin battery lasts for 1 year.
• Sleep tracking.  I wear it at night and then I can see how restless I was overnight and also note in the morning how I'm feeling upon waking.

What I wish the Garmin had:

• Connectivity to other apps (like RunKeeper, My Fitness Pal)
• A way to input my food.  Not sure I would use it right now but it would be nice to have it.
• Since it's a Garmin, it would be nice if it had a mapping feature so I could see the route of my walk/run.  Even if that was just part of the app...

The Garmin vivofit cost $130.  If I eventually try the Jawbone UP24, it runs $150.

I've got some mojo working.  I'm motivated and feeling good with my progress so far!