Holiday 2011: The Zero Scale Tracks Incremental Changes in Weight

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that there is usually some trial and error involved.  Then there is also the challenge of keeping weight off after you lose it.  The Zero Scale is a unique tool that helps you pinpoint what is working for you and what is not.

What makes The Zero Scale unique is that it allows you to register the start weight for up to four people.  After that, you never have to look at that number again until you want to.  You can check your actual weight by putting the scale into guest mode.  In regular mode, each time you hop on this scale, it will tell you what you have gained or lost.  Rather than focusing on "the number", you can see that you have lost weight even though it may be less than a pound.  The scale also tells you how many days it took you to achieve that weight change, which would be how long it has been since the last time you weighed yourself.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

One of the features about The Zero Scale that I would like to point out is its ability to switch between pounds and kilograms, making it suitable for those outside of the U.S.

This battery-operated scale is glass and has a very modern sleek appearance.  It would work in many styles of bathrooms.  It is also only one-inch thick, including the rubberized feet.  The only thing that could make it better is if it ran on solar power.

The Zero Scale includes a bonus The Zero Pedometer that will not only tell you how many steps you have taken, but also how many calories you have burned.  This scale retails for $69.95.  For a limited time, you can purchase the scale with the free pedometer for the promotional price of $59.95 (plus S&H) on TheZeroScale.com.  You can also save 15% off your first purchase when you use Code: zero at checkout.  This scale would make a unique holiday gift for anyone you know who will be trying to lose weight in the new year.


Thank you to The Zero Scale for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.  This review has been written as part of a campaign for the Family Review Network.

Review: EatSmart Digital Bathroom Scale

In 2010, my husband and I both did the liquid hcg diet and lost over 100 pounds between us, so health and nutrition has been a focal point of our life since starting that in May. In 2011, we both will be continuing to lose weight and be healthy by watching what we eat, eating mostly organic, and doing another round of hcg drops. Having a scale that works accurately is a vital part to losing weight, though. That’s why the EatSmart bathroom scale is perfect for us.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the EatSmart Scale was how sleek and elegant it is. It is much prettier than most bathroom scales on the market, and I really like that. I have found it to be extremely accurate, as well. We have all taken turns weighing ourselves and it’s been right on every time. It features “step-on” technology which means no more tapping to turn on, just step on and it reads immediately. It has a large 3.5” LCD display with a very cool blue backlight which makes it easy to read from any distance.  It has four high precision sensors which give a consistent and accurate measurement up to 400 lbs.  This scale also has sturdy tempered glass and a large 12”x13” platform.

I think the EatSmart Scale is great already and can’t wait to start using it to measure my weight loss once again. You can purchase this scale from Amazon.com and it is currently selling for $28.95 (regularly $49.99) with Free Super Saver Shipping.

To learn more about this scale, visit EatSmart Scales on Twitter and EatSmart Products on Facebook.


Thank you to EatSmart for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.

10 Ways to Get Fit During Cold Weather

Living in New England makes it tough to stay active during the winter. Twitter Moms and EA Sports would like to know how you get fit after the holidays. Do you live in a climate that allows you to still play outside with your children or do you live somewhere that offers mostly below freezing temperatures this time of year? Well, I fall in the latter category, so I have been faced with the challenge of thinking of alternative ways to get fit.

Aside from playing on the Wii or joining a gym, here are some ideas I have for being active indoors and for eating better:

1) Have regularly scheduled dance parties with your children. Put some rock 'n' roll, hip-hop, or techno music on (whatever gets you and your children moving) and dance for at least 20 minutes like nobody's watching.

2) Make extra trips walking up and down the stairs. If you usually save several things to carry up or down the stairs all at once, carry them one at a time instead.

3) When folding laundry, put the basket of clean laundry on the floor. That way you will need to do extra bending and reaching.

4) Vacuum the entire house at least twice a week.

5) Buy a family yoga video, so you can have some active family time.

6) Buy a hula hoop!

7) Replace a portion of your dinner with salad every night.

8) Replace at least half your soda intake with water daily.

9) Replace at least one snack or dessert with fruit daily.

10) Go shopping at the mall, making sure you walk all the way around the mall (even if there are multiple levels) at least once before you let yourself buy anything.

I think everything on my list is realistic. Do you have any tips you'd like to add to the list? I'd love to hear them.

This post was written as an entry into a contest to win EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer hosted by Twitter Moms and sponsored by EA Sports.

Me, My Husband, and Sensa

Ever since the twins were born in 2007, both my husband and I have been feeling very tired and out-of-shape. A few months after this pregnancy, I underwent a radioactive iodine treatment to get my Grave's Disease under control. This resulted in my thyroid becoming underactive, which resulted in weight gain for me. Although many people would say that a size 9 is about average, it doesn't feel average for someone who was a size 3 just ten years ago.

When my husband and I were presented with the chance to try the Sensa weight loss system for 3 months, we decided to give it a try. The logic behind this product is that it can trick your brain into thinking you are full by using your sense of taste and smell. All you need to do is sprinkle the Sensa on everything you eat for 6 months.

I have to admit that my husband and I are skeptical, but we are open to the possibility that this product might work if we make some other small changes in our lifestyle, like drinking a little less soda and exercising more frequently. We just started using Sensa a week ago. The only thing I have to report so far is that after the first day or two, I couldn't detect the Sensa on my food anymore. The first two days I thought I could taste the slightest hint of chalkiness, but I could not be sure. It definitely does not change the taste of my food.

The one problem I am having is actually remembering to sprinkle the Sensa on my food. Life is very hectic in my house with 3 young children. Sometimes I don't remember the Sensa until I am more than halfway through my meal and sometimes I don't remember it at all. Even my husband, who was really gung-ho about trying Sensa the first few days, has started forgetting to use it all the time.

Does anyone have any suggestions about how we can remember to sprinkle Sensa on our food every time we eat?

I will update you on our progress after the first month has passed.