I'm finally vowing to do it, to get healthy for myself and for my family. Many of you know that I recently lost 23 pounds with the hCG Diet. That's really been the jump start I need toward improving my health, as well as my appearance. I feel that I'm making improvements in my outlook and my confidence as well. Now that I've taken conscious, positive steps toward making such a big change, I'm motivated to continue making positive changes in my life.

Unfortunately, I'm not alone when it comes to having weight issues. According to the Center for Disease Control, "two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese" This puts them at risk for health problems like heart disease and diabetes. I don't want my family to become one of the statistics. Not only are there health risks to obesity, but being overweight contributes to lack of energy. Summer is fast approaching, and my kids and I will need all the energy we can muster to accomplish all the fun things we want to do in the warmer months.

For these reasons, I didn't hesitate when I was asked by The Motherhood to take part in a campaign to promote Healthy Choice. I was intrigued to learn that recent research has shown that replacing 10 meals a week with Healthy Choice meals contributed to improved life and dietary quality. That makes sense to me because Healthy Choice meals are portion controlled and are a convenient and healthy alternative. I've always been a fan of Healthy Choice. The Cafe Steamers are my favorite.

Healthy Choice offered me coupons to try two free entrees. I chose the Cafe Steamers Whiskey Steak, which is one of my all-time favorites, and one that was new to me, Select Entrees Honey Ginger Chicken. Here a short review of the latter.

The Honey Ginger Chicken Meal was easy to prepare. All I had to do was make a slit in the plastic cover and microwave it for two minutes. Then I removed the dish, pulled back the cover and stirred the ingredients. I replaced the meal and microwaved it for another minute and a half. The instructions said to let it sit in the microwave for another two minutes. That was the hardest part because it smelled so good, and I was hungry!

This entree was very good. The rice was tender, and the sauce was absolutely delicious. I'm a sucker for anything sweet, and it was just the right amount of honey flavor. The vegetables were crisp and plentiful, and there were large chunks of chicken. While the meal was small, it was enough to satisfy my hunger. I believe that we often eat portions that are too large. That's one of the advantages of Healthy Choice; you always get the right amount of food for a healthy meal.

Also, did you know that brands containing the word "healthy" are held to a higher standard by the FDA? Healthy Choice is "the only major brand in its category that can call 100% of its products 'healthy' as defined by the FDA." Healthy Choice has inspired me to hold myself to a higher standard. In true baby steps fashion, I vow to make some healthy choices and changes this summer. I will:

• continue to eat in a healthy way
• exercise at least five days a week, getting outside with my kids at least three of those and
• experiment with flavorful and healthy foods for my family, incorporating some gluten and dairy-free ingredients.

I vow that this will be a fun-filled and adventurous summer. I intend to be active and do budget-friendly activities with my kids. I say this every summer, and it seems to just fly by without accomplishing this goal. I feel fairly confident that this year will be different, as I'm well on my way to leading a more active lifestyle already. What are your summer plans? Do you think you'll make some new healthy choices?

* I was compensated for this post by The Motherhood and Healthy Choice.