Counting Calories With Coca-Cola

Coming 2013, counting calories will be a little bit easier thanks to the folks over at Coca-Cola.  A few weeks ago, I was checking out their new blog, Unbottled, and read about how they are teaming up with the American Beverage Association and the cities of San Antonio and Chicago to roll out their new Calories Count™ Vending Program to assist with the cities' "wellness challenge."   The purpose of this challenge is to encourage city employees and their families to get healthier and shed a few pounds by being both active and cautious of the calories they in-take.

To do their part in helping Coca-Cola will display the number calories in each beverage selection offered in their vending machines.  By doing so, employees can choose the beverage that is just right for them.  These vending machines will be rolled out in San Antonio and Chicago first and will roll out through the US later next year.

See the calories displayed right there on the front of each drink selection

I for one am super excited about this.  My family and I try to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.  However, I don't go around memorizing all the calories that are in my favorite drinks and foods.  Having the calories displayed right there in front of me while I'm making my selection will help to me make better drink selections not just for myself but for children as well.  So, keep your eyes peeled for these next year!

Do you think more beverage companies should follow suit?

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I just love Coca-Cola and thought this was great info to pass on!

Thankful Thursday

Did you miss me?  I certainly missed you all while I was away at the Conversations With Coca-Cola Blogger Conference in Atlanta earlier this week.  I'm so thankful that I was given the opportunity to go.  The knowledge and experience I gained can only be described as life changing and eye opening.  I have a new sense of self-pride, motivation and inspiration.

I'm thankful to have met some great fellow mom bloggers like @lifeofrylie, @onemomsworld, @mommasgonecity and @beccasara to name a few.  The people from Coca-Cola were amazing.  They really made us feel at home and did their best to accommodate us and our families.  Speaking of family, I'm extremely thankful that my mom and younger sister were able to tag along and keep Moo and JJ entertained during the day.

It was great being able to take my kids on their first road trip.  And this was JJ's first major out of state trip and Moo's second.  Now that I think they've gotten the hang of traveling, I'm ready to put more stamps on our travel map.  On a sad note, I didn't get to meet up with my cousin. Let's just say that I'll be investing in a car charger and a mini address book.  However, we're connecting via Skype and are going to meet up in October!

We decided that 4 hours and 2 states will not keep us from meeting face to face.  I'm so anxious to know more about my father's family outside of my aunts and uncles.  I'm thankful that we made it home safe.  We overcame rain, bad traffic and multiple stops to get back to the Queen City.  I was so happy to see my bed.

What are you thankful for?