Here are a few pictures I shared along the way.

Last month Carla and I challenged each other to drink more water with the help of Brita. We taunted, nudged and bragged to one another over twitter hoping to remind and inspire everyone who followed along to drink more water.

Here are a few pictures I shared along the way.

I had fun with it (as you can see) but I also took it seriously. Every morning I’d fill my Brita Pitcher and it sat on my counter as a reminder to drink. Every time I passed it I’d take a sip, if not more.

At first I wasn’t used to increased bathroom breaks or the habit of bringing a water bottle with me everywhere I went. I used to be, but times have changed. It took this challenge to remind me that drinking more water simply makes me feel better. Case closed. End of story.

I’m so glad I rediscovered my hydration habit!

Brita not only sponsored our month of H2O banter they also provided me with an extra Brita pitcher and filtered water bottle to giveaway. I can honestly say I love both. The pitcher is now a mainstay on my kitchen counter and the Little Guy fights to use my water bottle for his soccer practices. I love that it has a filter on it so I feel better about filling up at water fountains.

To enter the giveaway leave a comment below. Share you best water tip or confess if you are currently drink too little like I was.

Unfortunately the winner must be from the USA. Sorry International Friends. :(

Oh! and Carla (aka MizFit) actually thinks SHE won. Whatever. Feel free to go over there and humor her. ;)

Winner announced 11/4/11
Clorox is providing the prizes for this Promotion at no cost to me.  This Promotion is not administered or sponsored by Clorox or its affiliates, but solely by me, and by entering this Promotion you agree that The Clorox Company and its affiliates are not in any way responsible or liable for any damages, injuries or other claims you may have as a result of your participation.
*This is a sponsored post & challenge by Brita.

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All you need to do is click here and vote for [...]]]> I hate to ask for things. I really do. It just makes me feel uncomfortable BUT this is pretty exciting. At least I think it is.

I was nominated for Shape Magazine’s 2011 Best Blogger Awards: Favorite Weight Loss Blog!

All you need to do is click here and vote for me. No signing up or creating an account or anything. I promise!

OK, I’m off. I’ve been running around like a chicken without a head wrapping things up and getting ready for my night out with hubby.

Later!

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I never turn down a challenge. Ever.

Have I told you I’m a wee bit competitive? Not at everything, just at things I think I’m good at.

And I’m darn good at drinking water.

Not as good as I used to be though.

There was a time I was [...]]]>

I never turn down a challenge. Ever.

Have I told you I’m a wee bit competitive? Not at everything, just at things I think I’m good at.

And I’m darn good at drinking water.

Not as good as I used to be though.

There was a time I was never without my water bottle. We were attached at the hip. Never to be separated. Home. Work. Class. On walks. In the car. I was constantly sipping.

It was a habit.

Every night I’d fill my bottle half with water, throw it in the freezer, then the next morning I’d fill the rest with water. Off to work I’d go with my trusty companion. If I ran out? Hello water fountain.

It worked for me, but only when I had a consistent daily routine.

Now I’m all over the place. Having a newborn and working for yourself is pretty much the definition of inconsistent.

I still drink water, but not nearly as much as I used to. I just forget. I’m out of the habit and to be honest, I miss it.

I may even miss it more than I realize.

According to Nutrition Today, even minor dehydration can impair your mental health. Degradation of cognitive function and mood begins at a point between 1% and 2% water mass loss.

Maybe THAT’S my problem!

I kid. I kid.

In all seriousness though. Water rocks. It’s just does.

That’s why I’m psyched for the Brita Challenge!

Drink 8–10 glasses of water a day for four weeks and feel the difference it makes. Join us:

• Hydrate. Drink the 8–10 glass goal daily for four weeks
• Save. Get up to $15 off Brita® products
• Get support and tips for success
• Share your results
• PLUS, enter for a chance to win a trip to "The Biggest Loser" Resort at Fitness Ridge in beautiful Malibu, Calif.

I’m TOTALLY doing this and so is my–awesome online blogger buddy turned simply, FRIEND–MizFit. We have challenged each other and will be battling for the next month on twitter. Who will rise float to the top?

Put your money on me. I’ve got this in the bag!

Follow me (@RoniNoone), @MizFitOnline, and the HashTag #BritaChallenge to keep tabs on us. We’ll be chugging water, talking smack, and having fun!

Join us? Click here to sign the pledge and get drinking!

Full Disclosure: I am working with Brita to promote the Brita Challenge campaign.
Citation: Nutrition Today (Armstrong, Lawrence E. Rationale for Renewed Emphasis on Dietary Water Intake. Nutrition Today, 2010). Studies indicate that degradation of cognitive function and mood begins at a point between 1% and 2% water mass loss.

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Don’t forget to use the code EX9MPHR6 for 20% off. That’s a savings of $3.99 making the book a mere $15.96! Click here to order your copy today!

GreenLiteBites

Roni’s Weigh

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

Cook the [...]]]> In First place…

VitaTop French Toast By Gracie

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Second…

New England Breakfast Stacker by Kate

• 1 Golden Corn VitaTop
• 1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)
• 1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)
• 1 large egg
• cooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

Third…

CranBran VitaTop Stuffing by Arlene

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1 Tablespoon Craisins
• 2 small slices pumpernickel bread
• 1 thawed CranBran VitaTop
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

Congratulations guys! This was totally fun. I loved seeing all the ideas everyone came up with.

Thanks for voting! and if you have no idea what I’m talking about click here to see what this contest was all about. :)

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off any Vitalicious order! Did you see they have a new flavor?!? Pumkpin! I hope to review soon!

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Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who [...]]]>

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who knows. I’m not into making excusing for myself but seriously… I’m so scatterbrained anymore!

I was suppose to post the entries in my VitaTop Recipe contest LAST Wednesday. Better late the never I’d suppose but man I HATE missing deadlines.

As a reminder the prizes include…

• 1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)
• 2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and
• 3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

Now onto to the voting! I love that winner selection is left up to you. I’m tired of all that pressure. ;)

Here are the entries, voting takes place below.

CranBran VitaTop Stuffing by Arlene

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1 Tablespoon Craisins
• 2 small slices pumpernickel bread
• 1 thawed CranBran VitaTop
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

New England Breakfast Stacker by Kate

• 1 Golden Corn VitaTop
• 1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)
• 1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)
• 1 large egg
• cooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

VitaTop Ice Cream Sandwich by Kathy
(No picture)

• 1 Chocolate VitaTop

SLICE IN HALF. ADD A SCOOP OF FAT FREE COOL WHIP ON ONE HALF AND TOP IT WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THE VITATOP MUFFIN.

PLACE IN A ZIPLOC BAG AND PLACE IN THE FREEZER.

FREEZE AT LEAST 2 HOURS AND ENJOY.

YOU CAN MAKE A BATCH OF THEM SO THEY WILL BE READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY

WHEN YOU NEED THAT SPECIAL TREAT. ENJOY!

Sinfully Simple Light Peanut Butter VitaTop Icing by Patty

• 1 Tbsp.(14g) Neufchatel Cheese (this is a lighter type of cream cheese)
• 1/2 Tbsp. (8g) Peanut Butter

Microwave for a few seconds (time will vary depending on microwave), to soften. Stir to combine and spread on warm Deep Chocolate VitaTop.

Nutrition Info: 83 Cal, 7g Fat, 0g Fiber 2WW Pts for Topping

I used regular peanut butter, substituting low fat is always an option. I could also see this being delicious with almond butter!

VitaTop french Toast By Gracie

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Vote Now!

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

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ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny [...]]]>

ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny asked me to host a giveaway for American Diabetes Month. I get to try some more of their low sugar ice cream products again (I’ve reviewed their products before) plus give some away to you!

Here are the products I tried this time around…

No Sugar Added Reduced Fat Ice Cream Chocolate

1/2 cup is 110 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugar, 2 WWP

Creamy and dense is how’d I describe this product. Little man and I have been enjoying it a few nights a week. I top it with some frozen wild blueberries, light chocolate syrup and of course… sprinkles (his contribution.) It’s totally satisfying and cures that ice cream craving with only 6g of sugar for those that have to watch.

Sweet Freedom® Fudge Lites Bars

1 bar is 35 calories, 0g of fat, 2.5g of fiber, 2.5g of sugar, 0 WWP

OMG these are my favorite of the bunch! They are that perfect night time, I want something, snack and for only 35 calories each completely "guilt free." One lasts forever and the texture is fudgy and smooth.

Sweet Freedom® Ice Cream Bar Krunch Lites

1 bar is 100 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 2 WWP

These are a classic ice cream bar with chocolate crisp coating. I’d rather a bowl of ice cream or the "free" fudge bar but these are a great low sugar snack when you want something cool and refreshing.

Now… to the giveaway part! Leave a comment for your chance to win these three products! They’ll come delivered cold on ice so unfortunately the contest is only open to U.S. readers. Sorry my international friends. :(

On to The Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest update…. It seems my schedule was slightly too aggressive as the winners of the giveaway will not received their products until this week. SO.. we will be updating contest dates. The schedule is…

• Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Dec 1
• Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 6
• Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 11 at 11:59PM
• Winners Announced: Monday Dec 13

That means you still have time to submit your ideas to win a 6 month supply of VitaTops!! Click here for all the details but first.. leave a comment for your chance to win the ice cream! :)

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A Big CONGRATULATIONS to our Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest Giveaway winners…

Let the creations begin! You have until November 24 to submit your VitaTop recipe. Don’t forget, the winner will receive $180 worth of VitaTops!

Didn’t win? Don’t fret! Click here to order your own [...]]]>

A Big CONGRATULATIONS to our Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest Giveaway winners…

• Patty
• Arlene
• Kate
• Kim
• Kathy

Let the creations begin! You have until November 24 to submit your VitaTop recipe. Don’t forget, the winner will receive $180 worth of VitaTops!

Didn’t win? Don’t fret! Click here to order your own VitaTops online. Just be sure to use the code RonisWeigh when checking out for 10% off!!

Want to enter the Recipe contest? Click here for all the details!

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I am SO excited to host this contest! You guys KNOW how much I love getting creative in the kitchen (helllllooooo GreenLiteBites!)

Here’s the deal…

I’m hosting the Vitalicious, maker of the famous 1 Point VitaTops and VitaBrownies, Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest. I’ve been a fan forever of their products [...]]]>

I am SO excited to host this contest! You guys KNOW how much I love getting creative in the kitchen (helllllooooo GreenLiteBites!)

Here’s the deal…

I’m hosting the Vitalicious, maker of the famous 1 Point VitaTops and VitaBrownies, Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest. I’ve been a fan forever of their products (I have quite a few on my freezer right now) and I love the fact that I get to work with them through my blogs.

Together, we are looking for your best VitaTop snack ideas. Things like…

• AppleCrumb VitaTops A La Mode
• Pumpkin Pudding VitaTops
• Chocolate for Breakfast VitaSundae

To enter your VitaTop idea simply post your recipe on a blog before Wednesday November 24. You can use any VitaTop flavor you like but the idea must include a photo and simple instructions on how to remake your creation.

Sounds good but what can I win?

Oh it’s exciting! I didn’t even know this but Vitalicious now offers memberships! That means you can get VitaTops delivered monthly to your house automatically. How cool is that?!?

• 1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)
• 2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and
• 3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

How will the winners be selected?

You get to vote. That’s right…. YOU! :)

Once the contest closes (Nov 24) all the entries will be collected and listed here on Roni’s Weigh along with a form allowing readers to vote for their favorites. The recipes with the most votes win! Easy huh? Winners will be announced Monday December 6.

How do I submit my idea?

Easy! Just post it on your blog before Wednesday Nov 24 and email the link to roni@skinnyminnymedia.com. I must receive the email before Thanksgiving or it will NOT be counted. I’m cooking this year, again, and there’s just NO way I can deal with late contest entries while running, basting a bird AND being 5 months pregnant. ;)

Can I enter if I don’t have a blog?

Official, no because the only way to enter in to post the idea along with a picture on a blog. However, you can always create a blog just to enter this contest. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You could simple create an account on BlogToLose even if you decide not to blog anything else. Although I urge you to poke around.. it’s a wonderful, supportive community. :)

I never had a VitaTop! How do I try them?

OH! I’m glad you asked! I realize not everyone has tried VitaTops before so I asked Vitalicious if we could give some away and they said YES! There’s only one catch. If you enter and win the VitaTop giveaway you MUST enter the contest. Hey… it’s the least you can do. :)

Here’s the deal.. Leave a comment on this post and you will be automatically entered in the VitaTop giveaway. I will be picking 5, yes FIVE, random commenters to receive a free VitaTop sample pack. Giveaway winners will be announced next Wednesday November 10.

If you aren’t one of the lucky winners you can also purchase VitaTops online from the Vitalicious store (be sure to use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off!) or find them in the freezer section of the your local grocery store. Click here to find a store in your area that carries them.

Will you ship outside the US?

Unfortunately, No. Vitalicious only ships in the US. :(

You just gave me a crap load of info.. can you summarize?

YES! I’m confused myself!

1. Leave a comment on this post the be entered in the VitaTop Sample Pack Giveaway. Winners will be randomly selected and announced next wednesday.
2. Enter the Your VitaTop Recipe Contest by posting your idea on your blog and emailing me the link (roni@skinnyminnymedia.com)

That’s it! Just for your reverence.. here’s a few key dates…

• Giveaway Winners Announced: Wednesday Nov 10 
• Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Nov 24
• Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 29
• Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 4 at 11:59PM
• Winners Announced: Monday Dec 6

Phew. I’m done for the day. :)

Full Disclosure: Vitalicious is a paying sponsor of Roni’s Weigh and the Roni’s Weigh RSS Newsletter. However, any opinions expressed in this post are, as always, my own.

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