Week 6 Standings and Evaluation

Annie had a perfect points week - congrats! - and several others had good solid weeks - Robyn, Lily, Susan, Heidi. On weight loss we still have Laura in the lead, but remember she's out of town until the end of the challenge, and we have her daughter Lily and Susan right behind her....

Two more weeks to go! I'd like to know how everyone feels about the challenge and if you guys are interested in doing it again, either right away or in a few weeks, and what if anything you'd like to change. Please use the comments (or email) to let us know!

Questions:

1. Would you like to do a challenge like this again? If so, starting right away, or wait until classes start in August?
2. How would you feel about forming teams that compete for the prize money? Would knowing your teammates are counting on you give you extra incentive to do better?
3. Any other ideas to improve the format?

She wore an itsy, bisty, teeny, weeny, yellow, polka dot bikini...or not!!

Here we go...for the first time since I've been old enough to control having my picture taken I allowed a picture of me in a swimsuit! Even if I wore a t-shirt I wouldn't allow a photo! This isn't about my weight loss completely, it's about my self esteem and courage returning! And yes, I actually went IN the ocean!! 

Back from the land of slack and overindulgence

So, I have been absolutely terrible for about three weeks now. And something happened this past week and I got even worse. Ate EVERYTHING in sight, did not exercise, and gained several pounds as a result. Still not horribly bad, but bad enough. Last week was as if all my hard work and reprogramming flew out the window as if it had never happened. Something must have stuck though because yesterday I was able to prepare for today, which is reset button day!

Made a ton of healthy food for this week. Started going back to the fourth floor when I need to use the restroom. Will at least attempt to start the abs challenge or a modified version of it, head willing (one of the things that bothers me constantly, even on most good days, is motion sensitivity. The degree varies so maybe I can do the ab exercises when it is not too horrible). Anyway, soldiering on and hoping to get back on track with my healthy habits efforts.

To steal a line from Robyn, "Make it great!".

Monday motivation 6/30/2014

Happy Monday!! I had the most wonderful weekend! I can't remember the last time I watched the sun rise while having sand between my toes! The water was warm, the sky was blue and I was surrounded by love! A girl couldn't ask for more!! Looking forward to a busy week that ends with fireworks!

Surrounding yourself with the things that make you happy keeps you strong enough to get through the though times, whatever they may be! Keep the people who lift you up and support you close by and be sure to do the same for them! Make it great!

Berry Crisp Recipe

It was great to see a subset of folks at Lisa's today.  Thanks to Lisa for hosting.

Here is the recipe I made for the "Blueberry Crisp." I've included the original recipe with comments showing the changes I made. Mine had a somewhat tart berry filling with sweet crisp on top...and a good bit less sugar.

I kind of winged it, so I hope this is about right for my changes.

Susan

Slightly healthier Blueberry Crisp

Adapted from http://www.lapommedeportland.com/2010/09/blueberry-crumbleto-share

 

Changes I made:

1/3 C granulated sugar (or less)

½ C oatmeal

½ C flour

About 3.5 c blueberries (mine were frozen so see my note below)

About 4 oz frozen rasberries

 

For FROZEN berries:

Toss berries with cornstarch and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Warm just until berries thaw.

 

Original Ingredients:
1/2 c granulated sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt (divided)
5 c fresh blueberries
2/3 c unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/3 c old-fashioned oats
1/3 c packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled

Directions:
With your rack on the lower-middle position, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Mix your granulated sugar, cornstarch and 1/8 tsp salt in a large bowl. Add your blueberries and gently toss them to coat evenly with the mixture. Pour out into an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.

Put your flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and remaining salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until dime sized clumps form. Now, I never really reached the “dime sized” clumps status and ended up using my fingers to clump the crumble into dime-sized clumps. Speaking of fingers, you can also make the crumble without a food processor and instead, use a pastry blender or two knives. Make sure to pinch together all of the powdery parts and then, sprinkle crumble evenly over the berries.

Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Cool on wire rack for at least 30 minutes. My personal preference was eating this at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream….for breakfast. Enjoy.

Yield: 6 servings

 

Saturday motivation 6/28/2014

Yay for Saturday!! Busy morning visiting with a few of my favorite clients then off to the beach and visiting with my favorite people! I rarely take down time so a small feeling of guilt is nipping at me. Luckily the rest of my brain is saying "ahh, shut up"!! We need time for fun and relaxation to help refresh and refocus! Even if you love your work and home as much as I do, taking a break from the norm is a good thing. Just remember moderation is key-don't pay for weeks after for having had too much fun! Make it great!

Pre-Peri-Post Results

Here's the link to the results of the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-3Z37H9C8/

Friday motivation 6/27/2014

It's Friday-yay!! What a week so far, eh? Busy day ahead, including the 3 oldest Crawford pups going to the vet for their wellness exams. Really looking forward to tomorrow though! It will start off super busy but end with laughter and friends-who-are-family!

No matter how busy things get, making good food choices and taking 30 minutes to exercise must be priorities. Without a strong, healthy body we can't do all we really want or need. I know how much easier life is because my body and mind are stronger. I'm committed to keeping them this way. Will you commit with me? Make it great!

Thursday motivation 6/26/2014

Happy Thursday! So close to the weekend I can already hear the words "Hi Auntie Robyn, how are you today?" from the sweetest boy and feel the sand in between my toes as I watch his sister and brother play on the beach! So excited!!

I'm learning happiness in life is simple: don't overcomplicate things! Work toward what you want, surround yourself with the people who lift you up, and make each day the best you can! The rest seems to fall in place! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 6/25/2014

Happy Wednesday! Mid-point of the week-yay!! Just a few more days, then off I go to visit with my favorite people and see the beach! It's been 5 years since I last visited the beach. Shameful, considering I live just a couple of hours away from some of the most beautiful beaches! I keep thinking, "oh, next weekend", but inevitably I get busy with other things and don't go. Of, course not having a swimsuit may have been a little deterrent too (ordered one from Old Navy, didn't like it, so I've got another coming from LL Bean-fingers crossed)!!

Why do we put things off until tomorrow? Only Scarlett O'Hara could do that. Learning to take control, prioritize and make the commitment are the key steps to a happier life. What can you do today that you've said "well, tomorrow is another day" about? Make it great!

Tuesday motivation 6/24/2014

Happy Tuesday! One down, four to go! My warrior ladies of the Healthy Habits Weight Loss group struggled last week, week 5 of our challenge. I read their emails yesterday and felt for them because I know all too well how hard it is to fight the cravings. For me to get to this point I had to say 'no' to all the things I wanted and focus solely on the foods and exercise that would help me. One of the hardest things I've done, but I learned I'm so much stronger than I realized. I never saw myself as strong-that girl was buried under too much self loathing and fat. Shedding the weight was never about physical appearance for me, it was simply about getting healthy. The bonuses are greater self esteem and true strength, the mental and emotional kind! Oh yeah, I can comfortably move 400 lbs of pet food too! Make it great!

Crazy few weeks

Well, when we started this challenge, I had no idea that my life was going to take a major shift in direction.  My husband just took a new job in California and I am now in travel mode until July 14th. I will not have access to a scale until I return so my final weight is going to be a surprise for everyone...especially me! Thank goodness for this group because you are going to be what keeps me on the straight and narrow during these few crazy weeks of getting Paul moved, Lily settled in camp in Oakland, celebrating a birthday with our oldest daughter in San Francisco, house-hunting, learning my way around a new town, attending my sister's 40th birthday celebration in Tampa, etc!!

This should be a true challenge but I want to make it through all of this by eating well, moving my body as much as possible, drinking tons of water and being happy!!
Laura

Monday motivation 6/23/2014

Happy Monday! Why are Mondays always the toughest day to get started? I feel like my body is made of lead and I have no energy to face the day. Ugh! Time to get up, get moving and get it over! I find tackling the problem head on, staying positive and focused, is the best way to survive something unpleasant. So far it's the only way I've been able to face an unpredictable kitty client (who can be very mean) and burpees! Sometimes it really is best to grin and bear it! Make it great!

Getting healthier with weights!

I'm such a huge fan of women lifting weights! Honestly I just want to shout this message from the highest mountain! I think many women are afraid of bulking up so they focus on cardio alone. Bulking up and looking like a dude won't happen for the average woman, more for the professional body builders! For the rest of us, improving our stability as we age, burning fat more quickly and getting a far better cardio workout is what really happens! Here's a link to 6 additional fantastic reasons to start lifting or keep you motivated to continue with your weights!

Have a happy, healthy day!!


http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/fitness/workouts/1084-6-reasons-to-lift-weights

Sunday motivation 6/22/2014

Happy Sunday! It started out a gloomy day but it looks like the sun is coming out! I love when things change so quickly for the better! Life is like that if we want it to be. One minute we're standing in the rain, but if we choose to move, we can stand in sunshine! Just remember that where you stand can be lonely sometimes. If you opt to stay in the rain, please try to see the rainbows every now and then. Make it great!

Introduction for Cindy...better late than never.

Hello, my name is Cindy and I am a procrastinator.  "Hello, Cindy."

I've also put off this losing weight thing for far too many decades.  I have had weight issues since I was a teenager.  From being just slightly overweight to the Freshman 15 that lasted until I joined Weight Watchers my senior yr and graduated college and got married.  Then immediately after our wedding I started gaining the weight back....and kept on going.

I grew up in Edmond, Ok (suburb to Oklahoma City) and started dating Tim our senior year in high school.  We married two weeks after college graduation at separate state schools.  My degree is in music (flute) and Tim's is in forestry.  Fast forward 7 years and we had lived in Athens, GA and Seattle, WA for education and arrived in G'ville in 1997. 

1997 to present I've been teaching flute lesson from my home and did a lot more playing publically in orchestras and small ensembles in Seattle and here until my kids were born.  So I still teach and play when I can but mostly at church. 

In 2001, we had our first set of twins (Mark and Holden), and in 2006 we had our second set of twins (David and Brian).  So, we have four boys, now ages 8 and almost 13.  Tim and I are 46.  We get a little ragged but have no real complaints.  Great boys.  Not always easy, but how many of us have conflict free zones??

For years and years I have dabbled in exercise and dabbled in better eating (mostly with Weight Watchers) but I have a real problem putting them both together:)  When this challenge started, I happened to find a card from G'ville Health and Fitness and it was probably from 3.5 years ago.  I was 28 pounds heavier and my measurements were 2-3 inches more except for my chest(crap)  and thighs.  I interpret the thigh measurements not changing to the fact that I have been exercising more again this past year.  No chest change is just bogus.  So I've been chipping away.

My husband has lost 40 pounds over the past two years and kept it off for some of that time.  He's an avid bicycler and enjoysoff road biking.  So he's good to have around.  3.5 years ago, I started coordinating for Annie's Buying Club with Heidi and we did it together for maybe 3/4 of a year.  It has forced us to get creative in using the weekly produce and the food processor is our best piece of equipment.  We chop everything up into sauces and stir fries and the kids are even used to seeing bits of carrots on their nacho bake.

This challenge has been great to force myself to focus.  And good for encouraging.  Heidi and I (btw, our husbands work together and we go to the same church/schools- that's my connection to her) tried our first spinning class yesterday.  Guess they may not call it spinning anymore (All Terrain) but it was a challenge and something we were both hesitant about.  We did it and can do it again!

Here's my fam and me:

Friday motivaton 6/20/2014 (a day late but hopefully just as good)

Woot woot! TGIF!! While yesterday was a great day, today will automatically be even better because it's Friday! My FB pals know about my 'Cinderella' moment yesterday with my new runners, but my HHWL warrior gals don't. Wow what difference new shoes make! My workout last night was fantastic and, according to my Garmin, my average pace per mile was 10:49!!!! A new PR!!

Working toward something you want so badly is never easy, but with the right attitude, equipment and a whole bunch of determination (almost had a Roxie Hart moment there  ), the goal can be reached! Make it great!!

*Roxie is a character from the musical "Chicago". Ann Reinking played her on Broadway a few years back. If you get a chance, listen to Ms. Reinking's version of 'Roxie' to understand the reference!

Saturday motivation 6/21/2014

Yay for Saturdays! Yesterday was an insanely busy day but I managed to complete a good workout and made great food choices. No matter what else goes on, a bad day is instantly made better with clean eating and exercise (those endorphins, eh?)! My plan is to attack today in much the same way! Thankfully it won't be as busy! Once my coffee is onboard, watch out world! Make it great!!

We are divine!

Oh my goodness!  Here I am on my computer, trying to procrastinate as much as I can before I go do Day 14 of the Ab challenge from hell, and I came across this.  I love it!  I love how these women embrace their aging bodies, regardless of condition.

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/happy-videos/736/The-Older-Ladies-Anthem-I-LOVE-This-#IHIpCEDSvSwDkGr6.01

I've tried several times for the link to open here, with no luck.  You may have to cut and paste.

Happy Saturday!

Ugh, technology!

Hi! Sorry to miss the Friday motivational posting. The blogger and my ipad and iphone did not want to cooperate today! I tried all day with no luck to get everything posted. Sometimes technology isn't so wonderful! Hope everyone had a great day and made it the best you could! I'll try again tomorrow! With luck, "double the motivation, double your fun" kinda Saturday!

Struggling

Man, I just want to eat something bad!!  The craving is almost out of control.  I have tried having hot tea.  I ate a nice, filling, healthy lunch. I exercised. I took a long hot shower......but I still want to eat!  Geez.  I guess I will try the banana, cocoa, almond milk shake.  If that doesn't do the trick, I am in trouble.

Thursday motivation 6/19/2014

Yay, we're into the home stretch!! Happy Thursday! Thursdays are one of my favorite days! It's probably the most productive day of my week! I also enjoy the "throw back Thursday" idea! A chance to see where we were and how far we've come!

I know how far I've come and I know I don't want to end up going back to that place. Everyday I choose to step forward, sideways, sometimes dance in place, but I won't step backward! Life is hard enough to carry around regrets and "what ifs". No matter my mistakes in the past I made one right choice that turned it all around-that's all that matters! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 6/18/2014

Happy Wednesday! Just a few more days until the weekend, we can do this! I get to spend this weekend with two of my favorite furries ever, Carly and Pinky!! Another favorite is staying with me and the crew while his family gets in some well-deserved vacation time. Kirby (or Kirby Doo as I call him), is the sweetest pup and glad he's with us!

I say all this because I wake up each morning truly grateful for my day ahead! I'm finally living the life I want-good healthy, steady business, happy home! How can I not appreciate this? Make it great!

Airline Restrictions

Ok everyone, I have to vent. We're flying to PR tomorrow, on Spirit which I haven't flown in a long time, and I know is bare bones BUT....   I went in today to print boarding passes, etc and noticed the fine print on Orbitz. Spirit's Bare Fare covers the minimum - Robyn, cover your eyes - they call it "Your Ass and Gas". That means no frills, no food, no checked-in bags and NO CARRY ONS included. You're allowed one personal item no bigger than 16x14x12. I travel light, I really do, but that is tiny!

So I checked their prices: carry-ons $35 and checked bags $30 if you buy online. Prices go up if you pay at the airport, all the way to $100 if you only realize this at the gate! So glad I saw it today!

I went upstairs to sort through all of our bags, and found some the right size. I embraced this challenge to bring the bare minimum. I could pack all my stuff in a bag that size, including my purse, since this would become my personal item! Marisa can do it - she actually did already. Called my mom, she took the challenge, she can do it. Then called Jim - no way. He's bringing a laptop, so that takes care of personal item. OK - plan B, we'll bring just one checked bag - cheaper than carry-ons, and bigger, so we'll have a bit of wiggle room.

I go online to purchase it and the prices have changed in the last hour! Now we are officially less than 24 hours from departure (by 2 freaking minutes!) and prices have gone up $10! So $40 to check a bag each way, I'm out $80.... Still ok with my $300 tickets, I guess, but it pisses me off.  Thanks for listening :)

Pool Party Date - VOTE!

Lisa has offered to host a ladies only pool party / tread water get together at her house on either Sunday June 26 or Sunday July 6. There was an email thread about it before she went out of town but no clear consensus. So please post on the comments below whether you're available 6/26, 7/6, both or neither so we can pick a date that works for most people. And sign your name on the comment in case it doesn't show.

Week 4 Standings

Big week for Laura! She got a perfect points week, as did Robyn for the second time in a row, but Laura leads in weight loss as well! Congrats!

We had 6 people show up for our walk on Sunday - Laura, Robyn, Susan, Annie, Kristina and myself. We walked for an hour and a half from Westside Park down 8th Ave, and twice running the hill to get to 22nd St. Susan calls it Hamburger Hill, because that's what your knees would look like if you fall down - but we didn't :) It was a good workout, and great catching up with and meeting some wonderful ladies. We should plan to do something like this again.

I was quite proud of myself. I have never been a runner, and my knees have been given me trouble since I was 13 and I hurt myself, but since losing these almost 40 pounds I was inspired by Heidi to use a Couch to 5K app and introduce running slowly into my walking workouts. I don't follow it religiously but use it to pace myself so I don't do too much too fast and injure myself which is what usually happens. And I was able to run that hill which a few months ago would have been impossible for me! You may notice on the standings that several of us (me the worst!) have negative weight losses. But I went to my Face2Face appointment at GHFC yesterday, and even though my weight is a couple of pounds higher than when we started 4 weeks ago, I have lost half an inch on my hips and my waist (thanks, AbChallenge!) so I am feeling good about myself. Weight fluctuates, and like I said from the beginning, my goal is really to maintain and tone.

I'm going to Puerto Rico tomorrow for ten days (woohoo!!!) and will have limited internet access, so next week's update may be a little late. My email issues were only with Babette and Kristina - I got their emails eventually, but not until many hours later. Maybe it was the survey monkey link looking suspicious, or maybe my ufl account was down for a bit... In any case, I got everyone's info EXCEPT for Julie Anne. With her crazy 12 hour work shifts I think she hasn't had a chance to send her info.

Ok ladies, four weeks down and four to go! Even if you've been slacking off a bit, remember who you're doing this for - yourself. Make each day count.

This is your challenge for WEEK 5 - GET ONE PERFECT POINT DAY.
If you're already doing that, get as many as you can in one week.
If Robyn and Laura can do it for an entire week, we can all do it for one day, right?

Tuesday motivation 6/17/2014

Happy Tuesday! The week is underway but shaping up to be a great one. At least I plan to make it so!

Sorry that the language of today's picture is a bit rough, but it sums it up so nicely! I've never taken much pride in my appearance, but as my self-esteem and self-confidence return I want to look as good as I feel! I must admit to liking the reactions of folks when they see me now, 80 lbs lighter. Haven't been called 'hot ' but 'amazing' and 'fantastic' keep me motivated just the same! Make it great!

Maria is something wrong with your email?

Hi Maria, I sent my points to you twice but I don't think you got them.  I bet this is what happened to the others you just emailed too.  I think something might be wrong with your email.  Let us know.  Thanks, Babette

Monday motivation-6/16/2014

Happy Monday! Time to do it all over again. Going to just do it better this week! Hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend-let's start planning next weekend now! Always good to set goals! Make it great!

Outside influences

I am really ready to return to a routine.  We had three birthdays this week, a house full of 10 people and travel to St. Aug for a couple of nights.  In addition, I drank more alcohol than I normally drink in 6 months.  That's really not saying much, I just hate the empty calories.  Such a waste and I get disappointed when I could have really done without.  Outside influences.  SIL and BIL drink every night and special dinners, etc.  Cake!  This is why I don't buy dessert.  I still can't handle this kind of thing in my home.  I look forward to being able to coexist.  But all the negative acts aside, I am still exercising more that I was a year ago.  I am still eating pretty darn well.  I have been able to maintain my minimum on water and sleep (all but one).  This week I am on week 4 of Couch to 5K.  I'm still not having fun, but my SIL ran with me twice.  I ran 5 minute intervals with this interval training.  NEVER would have thought I could have done this two months ago.  I didn't say I was fast, but it's heart pumping!  I really want to try a spinning class at GHFC if anyone wants to join/push me.

Just gabbing.  I am looking forward to moving ahead.  Good night.

socca ! not soccer, which also gets an exclamation point at my house.

Socca with roasted veggies....yummy dinner...easy to make and so delicious.  It tastes sinful even though it is not.
I loved the walk this morning...you all are serious walkers.  Holy crapola!

Sunday motivation 6/15/2014

Happy Sunday! Another full day ahead but making time to walk with my health warrior ladies this morning! These women are awesome: many work full time and their plates are full with additional life responsibilities! As hard as it can be, they have taken on the challenge to lead healthier lives! Making the best choices each day with all that's thrown at them. You don't have to be perfect or a professional to get started, you just need the willingness and determination to try! Make it great!

Saturday motivation 6/14/2014

Happy Saturday! Ahh, the weekend! Many things to do but I will make time for me! Please make time for you!

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. To me this picture is priceless! It simply states what I'm learning each day! Make it great!

Immunity shots...the liquid kind.

I made this immunity shot today...very potent!  Babette, I think you would love this.  It is similar to those ginger shots we did in Miami!

http://withfoodandlove.com/juices-smoothies/immunity-shots-carrot-ginger-lemon-garlic/

From the blog with the recipe:

Carrots // naturally sweet, adding plenty of sugar to the mix, keeping the flavors well balanced and easy on your palate. Plus these little guys are chocked full of antioxidants, beta carotene and Vitamin  A which are vital in supporting your immune system.

Ginger // super anti-inflammatory properties bringing relief to those horrid body aches and soothe away that nausea. 

Lemon // loaded with Vitamin C to boost that immunity and balance your body’s pH levels.

Garlic // now this is the key ingredient here, with a long history as an immune system booster because of its antiseptic, anti-fungal + nutritive properties. This ingredient you can’t leave out or substitute, but I promise you, the strength of the ginger + lemon juice with the sweetness of the carrots, the garlic taste will be oh so subtle. Really, I promise.

Friday motivation 6/13/2014

Happy Friday! Yay for the weekend! Great week but really glad to see it end!

This last year I've focused mostly on my physical health because it was deteriorating so rapidly! An unexpected side effect occurred: my emotional and mental fogs are or have lifted! I'm seeing things so clearly now and my willingness to tackle all the messy areas of life is in full force! I've realized my body can be strong but if I don't keep the other areas strong too, life will be harder to live! Mind-body connection! Make it great!!

Are you pre peri or post?

As I read about our various struggles and humor I've started to wonder about our distribution when it comes to menopause?

What do you say we have Maria do a survey monkey regarding our age and pre/peri/post menopausal status as well as our ages?

I'll start by saying I'm post menopause and 53 yo

Stephanie-intro!

Hi gals, Sorry I forgot about doing an intro!
I'm Stephanie Milch, 47, mom of three boys: Elijah is 15, Evan is 17 and Chris (my stepson) is 27. I love my boys and I can't help talking about them all the time! I love seeing them grow into wonderful young men! They're a lot of fun, except for when they're not. LOL!

I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary last month. My husband, Eric, works for the City of Gvl and he does training and organizational development.
I work at Environmental Consulting & Technology in the corporate services dept.
I love arts & crafts, knitting and making jewelry. I create designs all year and then I sell them at the Craft Festival at the O'Connell Center just after Thanksgiving. I have an etsy page, but I don't use it much.

I've struggled with food issues since my preteen years. My family ate mostly cheap, southern food and all vegetables were cooked to within an inch of their life! My dad was a good cook, very adventurous, and I got that from him. I like to stray from recipes a lot and make up things as I go. My maternal grandmother was a big, Swedish woman and I think I got her genes. I've never been dainty, but wasn't really fat until after I had kids.

These days I cook pretty simple foods with a LOT of vegetables! I love roasted veggies and in the summer I love raw veggies. My husband & I have found that eating a modified Paleo diet makes us feel better. We still eat some grains though- oats and rice mostly, but we try to stay away from wheat. The kids are fine with eating Paleo most of the time, but I usually try to throw in some rice or baked potatoes for them at dinner.

Sugar is my weakness. I am addicted to it. I've been struggling with this a lot over the last year or so. It is SO hard to stay away from sugar and once I get a taste of it- BAM! There goes any shred of willpower I had. I recently did a sugar detox (the 21 Day Sugar Detox diet) and I made it 11 days without any sugar!! That was HUGE for me! If you have heard of this diet then you know it is extremely strict. You can't even eat peas or carrots. You can have one green apple or one green-tipped banana each day, but no other sugar. The good thing about it is that I learned some good alternatives to some of the foods i was eating regularly, and I learned how to drink black coffee!

I'm very glad Heidi asked me to join this challenge. I'm not a very competitive person so I am thinking of it more as a personal challenge than a contest to win the prize. I have been doing some of the things on our checklist but not all of them. I really need to get in the habit of doing ALL of them because I know I will be healthier if I do.

Speaking of Heidi- I met her over 15 yrs ago, not long after they moved here. Heidi, Cindy, Shanna & I all know each other from church. I think I have met a few of you when our kids were at Littlewood.

Here's a pic of me and the hubs (the one ont he left!) in Asheville about 2 yrs ago. I have more wrinkles and grey hair now!

Zipping Over Alligators

My exercise for today - Crocodile Crossing at Alligator Farms in St Augustine. It's a zipline/aerial obstacle course that takes you over the gators and crocodiles. This type of thing is my daughter's favorite thing to do ever, so we went with some friends and had a lot of fun and a good bit of exercise.   I really felt the abs challenge tonight, after doing this earlier today :)

They don't allow cameras or cellphones, but here's a video from youtube, and the link below in case it doesn't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4EbQzI-Bn4&feature=youtu.be

This course was not nearly as strenuous as others we've done in Bradenton and the Adirondacks, but seeing the zoo keeper feed the gators from up above added quite a bit of drama to the course! And we plan to do those two again this summer, in addition to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga and Mega Caverns in Louisville, which we're doing with Annie and her daughter. If anyone is interested in doing the Bradenton one the week of July 4th let me know! It's called TreeUmph and it's about 3 hours away, so it's an all day adventure.

Rooibos Tea

Hi All,
Thought I'd share my latest healthy habit with you.  A friend from work told me about Rooibos tea, available at Teavanna at the mall in many different flavors.  It's caffeine-free and it is a great way to keep hydrated.  Very tasty.  And I find that I can drink it instead of eating snacks.  Anyone else use Rooibos?  If so what are your favorite flavors?
Have a good Thursday!
Babette

Thursday motivation 6/12/2014

Happy Thursday! Don't know about you but I'm really glad the week is almost over (one part of my week is but still a fun filled furry weekend ahead)!

I was talking yesterday to a friend who has young children (boys) and wanted to get her body back to its healthiest! She declared this was her year! She works out at home using an online trainer (another friend in another state)! I LOVE this idea! Her declaration and doing something so good for herself is the greatest act of self respect! Children should have strong role models. I think it's amazing her boys get to grow up to learn that respect starts with self! This will help shape them into great men!! Make it great!

Dinner

The family has headed off to Bonnaroo, so I am on my own to eat as I please!  Tonight, portobello, onion and spinach topped with polenta and Italian seasonings....so yummy.   Not pictured is the glass of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc!!

Spinach really is so easy to use...I even throw it into smoothies ( it adds no flavor, only nutrients).  

Try blending this one-  

1/2 banana

8 oz. almond milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp cocoa

15 ice cubes

handful of spinach

Similar to a Wendy's Frosty but good for you!!  Happy Wednesday to you all.

Wednesday motivation 6/11/2014

Happy Wednesday! Mid-week, two down, two to go! Got to spend time yesterday with two of the most awesome people! I'm blessed to have friends who are like family! I'm blessed to have friends from my childhood. I'm blessed that, even with my big mouth, people still want to be my friend! Support and encouragement of others is what gets us through! You guys are the best and I will never take for granted all that you give me! Make it great!

Tuesday motivation 6/10/2014

Happy Tuesday! We've gotten Monday behind us so it's all downhill from here! Well, I did it! I added burpees to the workout routine! Got through them and felt stronger for it! I took the obstacle and pounced all over it! BAM! Move your obstacle any way you have to in order to keep moving forward! Make it great!

Walk Sunday 6/15

Meet at 8:30 am at Westside Park in front of the Rec Center. Depending on how much rain we've had we can walk through the woods, in the park or the neighborhoods around it. It is Father's Day but we won't be walking all day, so I hope you can make it!

So far, Maria, Kristina, Annie, Laura and hopefully Robyn will be there.

this happened on my walk today...

This is a follow up to Robyn's post...I walk in a 4 mile loop around my neighborhood.  I also collect rusted pieces of metal that I find in the street for a future art project that is rolling around inside my brain. Usually, these are small items that I can put in my pocket.  But, today, at MILE ONE,  I found this:

So, I did biceps & triceps curls, shoulder raises and arm lifts for the next mile!  Then, my arms were baked... but I still had 2 miles to go.  So, I lugged it the rest of the way home...questioning my sanity the entire time.

Now, off to do my Ab Workout!!  Happy Monday, Y'all.
Laura

11 Sneaky Ways to Move Everyday!

So my brilliant and very talented running coach, Amy, also writes for the amazing online magazine, Breaking Muscle! She's just posted a great article on 11 ways to add a workout to our day! If you're struggling to find a block of 30-45 minutes each day, these could help!!

http://breakingmuscle.com/strength-conditioning/11-sneaky-ways-to-move-every-day

Week 3 Standings

We have Laura in the lead for weight loss, taking over her daughter Lily.... is there a little family competition going on there? And for points, Laura did great, only missing five points, but we have Robyn with a perfect points week - way to go Robyn!!

Interesting to see that for some people, point counts have been quite a bit lower this week - some people because of travel, others have had crazy busy weeks with celebrations included. But overall, most people start any program strong, and after a few weeks their motivation wanes - that's what this group is for.

Also interesting to note that some people with lower counts managed to maintain or even lose weight, while others with decent counts gained weight! That's were I am :(  I need to get back on track with my portion control. Is not enough to eat healthy foods for the most part, I also need to slow down and listen to my body and stop eating when I'm satisfied, not wait until I'm stuffed.

Monday motivation 6/9/2014

Happy Monday! Why do the weekends always go by so quickly? Hope everyone in the Gainesville area made it safely through those storms yesterday-wowzers!

Getting to the next level to reach your goal or in fulfilling a dream means having to push yourself. Not talking hurting yourself, but pushing past the barrier, whatever it may be, in your way. Before opening Paws at Home, it was fear. I didn't want to fail at something I wanted for so long. Before getting healthy, it was telling myself I can't do it. I'd try before to get the weight off and sure got it off, but it came back with a vengeance! This time IS different because I've knocked down the barriers, drowned out the fears and found my determination! New goal: keep pushing! For me this means conquering burpees! I CAN do it! What are pushing for?? Make it great!

Blueberry Pie

So my daughter and I went blueberry picking with a friend today, and then the girls made three pies from scratch. I probably ate 20 servings of fruit just while picking... more ended up in my belly than my bucket they were so yummy! I figured if the pie is made from scratch, using blueberries we picked ourselves, that should still count as Clean Eating, right?  And I would have given myself the points today if it weren't for those evil Milano cookies we got BOGO at Publix!!

Migraine whine

Hi everybody!

I've been absolutely dreadful this weekend, starting on Friday. Been having migraine symptoms most week but Friday onward it's been a lot worse. Friday night I needed wine. Yes, it can trigger a migraine but I already had it and needed to unwind from a day with too many symptoms and too much work. I also had as many sweet potato chips (1 vegetable serving per portion!) as I could stuff in my mouth and dessert. Yesterday had an abortive injection in the morning and it did diddly squat. So I just lay in bed and emerged when kids needed something or hunger struck, and ate whatever I wanted (coke, vanilla pudding...) No veggies but at least some oatmeal with fruit for dinner. Did manage to walk the dog briefly both days, at least. Had some relief for about two hours last night and then it was back. Today I've also not done much. Just hoping this thing goes AWAY already. Can't do much of anything, forget exercise as moving around too much makes me feel green. Light sensitivity is thru the roof and I am 24/7 dizzy. Summer might end up being looooong. The sunlight and the heat don't seem to be my friends. Get numb and dizzy when I go out, even on the good days. But on good days I recover instead of just more of the same the entire day.

Enough whining. Hoping to get back on track when I feel better. I might do a modified version of the ab challenge when I feel better, but don't know when I can start. All depends on the lovely symptoms going away enough so I can resume normal life. : (

Thanks for letting me whine.

Ab Challenge starts TODAY!

Just a reminder that we agreed to start the Ab Challenge today!  I reposted the pic for those of you who need it.  How did you do?  I thought today would be easy peasy, but I think I am in for a surprise. ;-)

Day One is down for me, and I'm ready for day two!

Birthday cake, anyone?

So I don't know if I'll ever get around to properly introducing myself.  It feels like the past few weeks have just been filled with extra end of year activities for our four kids...and we built a bed for one of my boys and purged and cleaned house.  My husband's sister and her family arrived last night.  We have a birthday party tomorrow for my youngest set of twins who will be 8 tomorrow. Today is my birthday, so we are going out and will have a sliver of a small cake because I am also baking two cakes right now for tomorrow.  And getting the house ready etc.  But payback's a bitch, because I was born on my mother's birthday and this is what she always had to do on her birthday!  Oh well.  I have my SIL who loves making cakes so this year I have help.  Off to go make the second chocolate cake!

Sunday motivation 6/8/2014

Happy Sunday! A new start to the week, new opportunities to be better than yesterday! Let go of the mistakes you made and focus on the possibilities of what a clean start brings! Make it great!

Sunday - Points, Weight and ABS

The weekend is here and, being the beginning of summer vacation for the kids, I know a lot of you are busy doing fun stuff. So here's an early reminder to send me your points and weight tomorrow before midnight. Remember that this is still anyone's game!

Also, we're starting the Abs Challenge tomorrow. I need this - I have been working out regularly but on most days it's like I just go through the motions and don't challenge myself. And I feel it in my body. When I was doing the Healthy Wage competition I was pushing myself to exercise more intensely and my body felt so much stronger. So I'm scared (totally) but also looking forward to the Abs Challenge. Even if you don't think you can do the entire 30 days, try it! You may surprise yourself with how much you can do, and you can always modify it, and repeat a day until you feel stronger. Plus you can break up the exercises and do a bit in the morning, a bit at night. Here's the link to Annie's post again, and the video on how to do a proper sit-up that Robyn shared with us. Print that chart and DO IT!
http://hhwlchallenge.blogspot.com/2014/05/who-is-up-for-ab-challenge.html
http://youtu.be/1fbU_MkV7NE

Saturday motivation 6/7/2014

Happy Saturday! Wow, what a day yesterday! I knew it was going to be busy but never expected that! Today will be SO much better!

With the craziness of the day I found myself asking why was I doing this? The stress, the heat, the demands of my time. I was walking my friend Amos, a gorgeous Greyhound, when he stopped, looked up at me and gave me a goofy grin. In that moment I remembered exactly why I fill my days to break point with barking, meows and sweat (I'm a pet sitter in Florida)! It's also why I'll never take my health for granted again. Doing what you love and being strong enough to do it are key elements to life's happiness! No quick fixes will fill that void. Start today on fulfilling your dream! It may take time, but it's worth it! Make it great!

Robyn totally slacked off...kinda

Sorry for no motivational post this am! Today was busy from "go", and It took all that I had to keep my head above water and my eating clean! No complaints-I'm healthy and able to take a day like this! Hope you had a good day! Happy Friday and welcome weekend!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Greetings from a hotel four hours on the way from Changchun to Changbai Mountain.  This hotel is nicer than the one in Changchun.  The bathroom is nicer.  The bed is comfortable instead of hard.  There is not lots of noise from traffic when the window is open to let in fresh, cool air (no working airconditioners so far here).  I woke up feeling refreshed this morning.  We have 3.5 more hours to travel today to get to the Mountain.  The weather is looking good, sunny even, which is a surprise because I think most of us thought it was going to be rainy. 

I can't see any posts from any of you on Friday so far.  Not sure what has happened there.  It is Saturday morning here of course.  On Friday I managed to get in my 5 vegetables.  And I also managed to eat some pig's feet.  How about points for that? ;-)  Haven't gotten in 3 fruits on any of the days.  It's just not available at the meals, and I didn't feel hungry enough to eat 2 bananas and a lot of watermelon at the conference each day. 

Hope each of you have a fun, healthy weekend!   

Checking in!

Hi all- I've been having a rough couple of days but it's almost to Friday. I'm adjusting some meds and trying to get off of them but I seem to keep hitting a big roadblock just when I think I'm there. Also having a hard time with my kids- the end of the school year is supposed to be a fun time but they are making it hell for me! Tues and Wed were difficult days with food and exercise- super busy at work and home. Sugar got the best of me and I didn't make time to exercise. My hubby said some things to upset me so I was feeling angry at him but I am determined to not let it get in the way of my healthy goals. Feeling better today. I've been making green smoothies for breakfast the last few days. So yummy! I love it when I start my day with one. It feels like drinking sunshine! (thanks to my friend, Ellen, who taught me her recipe.) Thanks for letting me vent- feeling healthier already! ~Stephanie

Weigh-In Tip for Travelers

If you'll be away from home on a Sunday when you have to weigh -in, and you think you have maintained your weight and want to get the 50 points, I want to pass on Heidi's trick. Last Sunday, while in Puerto Rico, she decided to stop by a K-Mart and step on one of the scales they had for sale!!

Breakfast

Good Morning!  Breakfast with 1/2 cup of mushrooms and onion, 1/2 cup chickpeas and 3 cups of spinach.  I also added some salsa verde for some kick.  Veggies...check!  Plus, 1/2 cup of blueberries.  

The picture below is the Watermelon Jerky that I made yesterday...very chewy, so delicious and soothes that sweet tooth.  With a couple servings of this today my fruits are checked off as well.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Thursday motivation 6/5/2014

Happy Thursday! Congrats to Alachua Co. School kids on making it to the last day and to the teachers for surviving!! Teachers and nurses: God's proof that patience exists in the strongest people!

Ok, my abs are still sore from yesterday's WOD! I don't just crunch and plank, I also Russian twist, C-sit touch back and pull up, Superman, squat with weights, I could go on! Full on, full body workout that hits everything and in 30 minutes! Last night I repeated the workout! It was a long, busy day but you've got to make time! I call my body 'Rome' and we all know how long it took to build that city!! Make it great!

Sit ups and roll ups and bears, oh my!

So I was looking for a video to double check my Superman exercise and came across this link on the proper sit up technique. I have to say it's much more controlled than how I've been doing them. I really like this! The "roll up" move is one of my favorites! I mean, c'mon, an exercise that encourages you to lie down! Yes, please!!

Hope you find this helpful!  http://youtu.be/1fbU_MkV7NE

Oh sugar, I love you so!

So in order to stuff myself with all these fruits and veggies, I've taken to replacing chocolate or other candy with a slice of angel food cake topped with fruit and whipped cream for dessert at night. Just curious, are you ladies trying to cut sugar out altogether, or are you trying to practice moderation/healthier choices? What about other things like carbs? Moderation or elimination? And is your choice a long-term one, or a short-term one you will evaluate once you reach your weight goals?

Wednesday motivation 6/4/2014

Because sometimes the greatest motivation a girl needs is a mid-week "pick-me-up"! I decide to not fail (and get that reminder from a picture with beautiful scenery. Look at those clouds!)! Happy Wednesday!!

5 veggies for breakfast!

Hi All,
Just have a couple of minutes in between breakfast and sightseeing.  The breakfast spread had tons of veggies.  Not much fruit though.  So I got my 5 servings veggies in for breakfast.  Dialed number 2 and asked for 10 bottles of water, but nothing has come out of that yet.  It is challenging over here.  Last time I was in China I stayed in some of the finest 5 star hotels, in major cities, and it was quite luxurious.  Now I feel like we're kind of camping this time, relatively speaking.  But it is making for a memorable trip.  Ah!  the 10 bottles of water just arrived!  They cost something like 50 cents each, for 350 ml, but I don't care.  The water seems clean and I will keep supplied.  Maybe one of the days I will drink 8 cups.  But this is dangerous because of the toilet situation.  Last night I went to the bathroom in the airport in Changchun, and only one of the toilets was western and none of them had toilet paper.  I had forgotten about the need to carry your own toilet paper over here.  But I will put some in my bag for today! 
Hope you all are having a good week, and don't take your toilets, toilet paper, freely available water, and fruit access for granted! 
Babette