This week has been full of it. Full of the good, the bad, and the funny. Let’s get started with…

THE GOOD!

Remember many moons ago when I wrote about Operation Beautiful? Just to refresh your memory, Operation Beautiful is a movement started by a fellow blogger on a mission to end negative self talk one positive post-it note at a time.

Good news! This beautiful blogger just released a book telling the story of Operation Beautiful and the stories behind some of the most powerful notes posted in random places around the globe. Congratulations, Catlin! You done good!

THE BAD!

I have a real beef with this burger. A hamburger sandwiched between 2 grilled cheese sandwiches?! Is this really necessary?

I’m not going to tell you where to get one or say anything more about this beast because that just wouldn’t be Friendly.

THE FUNNY!

Ok, you know how much I love my Safe Side towels? You know the ones where the word FACE is printed on one side and the word GYM is printed on the other so you know which side of the towel hasn’t touched the gym equipment?

Well, check out this full-size bath/beach towel my sister Jennifer found! No explanation necessary. It seriously makes me LMBO! And speaking of butt’s…

Now I really must go hit the gym and work on my weak-end!

Sometimes healthy living can be contagious–and not in a good way.

I am not a germ freak despite some of my recent posts on the subject. BUT, I took an oath as a healthy-living writer to make sure you are safe in the gym and in the kitchen. No, I didn’t. But I figured if I have to be grossed out so do you.

Earlier this week I was reading the Health section of  the New York Times and came across this article titled:

Be Sure Exercise Is The Only Thing You Get In The Gym

As I was reading along, I nearly spit out my coffee. In a nutshell, the article explained that in addition to a great workout you can also get boils, athletes foot, ringworm, impetigo, and other skin infections in the gym if you’re not careful.

After reading the article I’m going to make sure I pack some antibacterial soap in my gym bag, bring my own yoga mat to classes, and remember my Safe Side Towels.

I think you should read the article for yourself, use common sense, and at the very least be sure to wash your hands before and after your workouts. Unless of course you like boils.

Now I really must go grab my yoga mat so I don’t get germany.

You’re probably wondering what I learned during Week 2 at BetterU(niversity). Well, truth be told I learned a lot of things this week from the American Heart Associations BetterU program. But I really want to chat about rewards for short term goals because I think this was the lesson I was meant to learn this week.

Today I had two separate conversations about short term goals and rewards associated with achieving those goals. While I’m sure we all agree that the reward of setting healthy living goals is better health, right Jill? But it certainly is nice to have a carrot dangling over your head to help you achieve your goals. Ok, maybe instead of a carrot…a massage, right Ang?

The BetterU program encourages you to categorize your goals into 3 groups: Exercise, nutrition, and a heart-healthy goal. Here are a few of their suggestions:

• Physical Activity Goal: This week, I will find a safe, convenient place to walk – at home, work, or in my neighborhood.
• Healthy Eating Goal: I will make one of my favorite recipes healthier this week by: adding healthy ingredients, cutting out less healthy ingredients, and/or replacing less healthy ingredients with more healthy ingredients.
• Lowering Your Heart Disease Risk Goal: This week, I will take the Go Red Heart Check-Up to learn my risk for heart disease and stroke; if I don’t know my numbers, I will make an appointment with my healthcare provider to get them.

After setting your SMART goals, it’s time to set a reward for achieving those goals. The “carrots” or rewards don’t have to be expensive they can be anything meaningful to you. Some of my carrots? A manicure, a magazine, new workout clothes, new tunes for the iPod.

What are your carrots for achieving your short term healthy-living goals? Tell us your answer in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be rewarded with a pack of three Safe Side Towels! This contest will end on Saturday, February 20th and the winner will be announced on Sunday.

Now I really must make like a bunny and hop to the gym…I’ve got some carrots waiting for me!