I am going to start a RESET challenge. Five days of RESET and then a few more weeks of your choice of weight loss plan. Details will be coming in the next couple weeks. Just watch for details here and on Facebook. There will be AWESOME prizes!!!

Let's talk sleep. According to Dr. Myron Wentz, "In the typical adult, even a week of getting two to three hours less than the optimum amount of sleep needed each night seriously undermines mood, alertness, and performance."

There are also studies that show, people that do not get enough sleep tend to be overweight.

I have struggled with fitful sleep most of my life. I have trouble getting to sleep, and then staying asleep. Have tried everything to help. I even resorted to Tylenol PM for years just to be able to get a few hours every night. I knew this wasn't good for me, but what was worse, no sleep or sedated sleep with a product that had side effects?

A couple months ago a friend of mine left a bottle of Pure Rest, made by USANA on my buffet. Didn't believe it would help. I had tried melatonin supplements before, didn't really help. But after a couple days, gave in and gave it a try. Surprise it worked! Problems still persisted though. Stress, too much caffeine, phone going off and light from it waking me, needing to use the rest room. Once I was awake, I couldn't go back to sleep.

Over the last few weeks have discovered a couple things... I need dark, most people do, to sleep. In reading Dr. Wentz's book he explains that just a flash of light in the middle of the night is enough to signal your body that it is time to get up.

The answer, make sure that alarm clocks, computers, TV, and cell phones are turned off! or at least in a position not to disturb your sleep.

Also stopped drinking any caffeine after 12 noon. Yep, me of all people, Diet Pepsi, die hard addict, only one a day. NONE after 12 noon.

Also, cooler room is better for me, and fresh air. Even if I close it before sleep, need to open window for a short time before bed.

And lastly, don't fight it, if it is calling, get up and do it quickly, then go back to bed. It is easier to sleep if the mind is clear.

Hope this helps, and would love your suggestions!!!!

Friends know how I cook, so here is the best I can do... Not exact, but you can add or take away what you prefer.

Spinach Salad
1 bag baby spinach
1 lb sliced fresh strawberries or 1 sm. can mandarin oranges
5 green onions - sliced
3-5 heaping T. Feta cheese
You can also add diced grilled chicken

Poppy Seed Dressing
1 c. canola oil
1/3 c. red wine vinegar
3 T. minced dried onion
1 T. minced garlic
2 T. mustard
1/2 c. sugar substitute, I use splenda or agave
1/4 t. poppy seeds

Blend in a blender. Drizzle over salad. Dressing will cover more than one salad.

Who doesn't want to look like this? Most of us, as women, know our own body imperfections. And at least for me, after 4 kids, up and down weight fluxes, and just not quite living like I should, that body to the left, will never happen. Plus, I do believe I may be a bit older than her.

It is true however that we are what we eat. Inside and out. Everything we put into our bodies effects our weight, our skin and even our emotions.

Most of my friends know about my struggles with weight. I decided to start this blog, keeping track, with all of you, about where I am. Hopefully, you will join me on this ride, and we can reach healthier US together. I plan to post recipes, and helpful things I have found to curb hunger, help with skin, sleep, and anything I can find about woman's health.

If you have anything that is relevant to Woman's Health, let me know! As I help you, I would hope to get your help too!

Watch for Pictures of the purses and shoes I plan to add to my collection as I reach each milestone and reward myself. I also want to see any rewards you plan for yourself!