I'm going to admit something I never have, but I've struggled with binge eating. When I'm stressed or want to relax I would go to the store or a drive through and pile on the food and eat til I felt sick. I haven't done it in a while, thankfully, but it was something I used to cope. And that's not very healthy. In the past year I didn't focus on my health. Honestly, I don't know what I did. Finally one day I looked in the mirror and realized that I had seriously gained weight and I wasn't happy with the way I looked. I'm the heaviest I've ever been in my life. And I hate the way I look. I've been saying this for a while now “I'll do better.” But I think “OMG, I never get to eat this again so I'll eat it now and then I'll start my diet tomorrow.” I do this a lot.

I have to make a change. Not just because of the way I look, but for my health.

A few weeks ago Staples contacted me about participating in a 3 month Staples Shape Up Challenge. I instantly jumped at the chance. I knew this would be a good motivator to keep me on track. I received a fitbit, FitBit smart scale, iPad and notebook to track my progress.

The fitbit has become my new best friend. I named him (because it's normal to name electronic devices) Franklin and he doesn't leave my side. He tracks calories burned, steps taken, stairs climbed, and hours slept. He also tracks sleep- when I'm awake or restless during the night. I feel more motivated to move more. My goal of 10,000 steps a day can be hard to reach when I sit in front of a computer all day. But I feel like reaching that goal is more attainable.

I'm also eating healthier, or at least trying to most days. I'm eating more vegetables, fruit, eggs, whole wheat , chicken, salads, and popcorn (sorry I can't ever stop eating popcorn). One thing that drives me crazy is fad diets. Michael works in nutrition and although I've asked him for the miracle diet where I magically lose weight, I know it's not out there.

The scale is awesome. You just hop on and the scale automatically sends my weight and body fat percentage to my FitBit app on my iPad or phone.

I'll be honest, I didn't think much of an iPad. I didn't understand why anyone would need one, until now. How did I pin before the iPad? How did I write blog posts in the middle of the night (like I'm doing right now at 3 in the morning when I can't sleep). I've become quite attached. I like it especailly for tracking my calories with Franklin.

My iPad with my main motivation: the trip to Greece.

Really this is just a wonderful way to keep me on track. I will be continuing the challenge through August (but really I hope to use this as a lifestyle change.)

You can track everything easily online and with the fitbit iPad app.


Staples is kind enough to giveaway a $25 iTunes Giftcard! Just tell me what helps you stay motivated (I need all the motivation I can get!) along with your email.