Helena, where have you gone???

Hey guys.

I have an awful case of writer's block.

I just don't know what to say. On either blog.

I've been staring at the screen on and off all day, and here's what I've come up with for Reasons to Lose:

"I'm peeing a lot. And I've been doing an exercise video almost every day."

That's it.

You might be like "hey, that's a start." But that's really all I've got.

And so that's where I've been. Here. Just not saying much.

Laughing Your Stress Away

I feel like the main challenge of these 3 months is more than to just to lose weight, it's also about being healthier.

A major issue that affects our being healthy, and can sometimes prevent us from working out, is stress.

The following are some of the ways stress affects our bodies

Stress can cause chronic fatigue, digestive upsets, headaches, and back pain.

Stress can affect the blood cells that help you fight off infection, so you are more likely to get colds and other diseases.

Constant stress can increase blood pressure and can increase the risk for stroke.

Stress can increase the danger of heart attacks, particularly if you are often angry and mistrustful.

Stress can make an asthma attack worse.

Stress triggers behaviors that contribute to death and disability, such as smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overeating.

Stress can lead to diminished sexual desire and an inability to feel pleasure.

Stress makes it harder to take other steps to improve health, such as giving up smoking or making changes in diet.

Being stressed can add to weight gain and a hard time losing weight

Here is a very good article that talks about dealing with stress

When we were in church on Sunday we discussed the talk entitled "Come What May, and Love It." from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 

It is a fantastic talk! In it, he explained how he and his wife learned to laugh. When things went wrong, or for example, when they got lost, they laughed. And instead of having a bad time, they were able to make a lasting memory.

There are a lot of ways to deal with the stresses of life, but my favorite is to learn to laugh.

There are a lot of health benefits to laughing. Some of them are as follows:

Laughter relaxes the whole body

Laughter boosts the immune system

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins 

Laughter protects the heart

Laughter eases anxiety and fear

Laughter burns calories -not a lot, but the more you laugh, the more you burn

Laughing can get you out of your head, and away from your troubles

Laughing helps you to not feel overwhelmed 

Here is one of the really good articles I read about laughter

It's important to work on not getting stressed...

What is something you do to lessen your stress levels?

Let's all learn to laugh!

Challenge #9

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday (usually) and go through the following Saturday. (click here to learn more about our weekly challenges)

At the end of the week, we will each write a post explaining our experiences with the challenges.

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

This week's challenges

Physical Challenge: Pilates

Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.
-Teen Health

Sounds great, right? This week, in addition to your other workouts, throw in some pilates. You can sign up for a class, look at instructions online, or get together and use Amber's pilates DVD's.

Nutritional Challenge: The water thing again

Ok guys. It's a hard thing to keep up. Plus it makes you pee all.the.time. But for this week's nutritional challenge, we are getting re-hydrated.

It's easy to forget now that it's a little bit cooler outside, and you aren't sweating all the time.

But drinking enough water will help you be more awake and focused, you'll have more energy, you won't eat as much, and your skin will improve. These are long term benefits, and so we are going to try and keep this one going until the end of the challenge.

And if you are already on top of this one? Then go back through our other nutritional challenges, and pick one that you would like to work on. We all need to be challenging ourselves!

An Unrealistic Standard

I won't lie I have fallen into this trap, the 'I wish I could look like 'THAT!'" or the 'I wish I had her (skin/hair/abs/etc...)' especially when it comes to celebrities. Heaven knows I don't want to be one but shoot it would be nice to look like that! But then you stop and think... Looking like 'that' isn't realistic, not because you aren't pretty enough or some how don't

measure up... No it is unrealistic because it doesn't exist! There is no such thing as 'that' Well at least not naturally... But add a computer and now you're in business...

This is what 'That REALLY looks like-

Sometimes they 'retouch' you to look younger...

Sometimes the 'retouch' you to look taller...

Sometimes is is because a size 2 is still not small enough...

Sometimes it is because they don't get that having curves, means you have curves and its not just on your chest and butt ...

Maybe they 'retouched' you because being 52 isn't 'fashionable'...

Sometimes you will be 'retouched' because you had a baby...

Sometimes it is because they though you would look better with a different body...

Sometimes its because your stomach isn't impossibly smooth while leaning forward...

Sometimes its because having a normally thin body doesn't mean you don't have cellulite...

Sometimes it is because aging gracefully isn't good enough...

...And sometimes I think they 'retouch' you just because they can...

Regardless of why they 'retouch', the fact is they do and it is everywhere and on everything. These pictures are only a few of the ones I found and one thing is for sure, there is no perfect! No matter what you see... or think you see.

The Truth Is

Your stomach will fold if you bend it, your skin is going to have pores, dark circles come if you don't get enough sleep (and sometimes even if you do!), Skin will break out, eyes are easily blood shot, almost everyones gets cellulite and everyone ages. If all of theses things are normal then why are we spending so much time, money and effort worrying and trying to change it?

My 120 pound journey.

My Update

Hey guys! Since there wasn't a challenge this week I figured I'd still let you know how my week went.

I did the 30 Day Shred on Monday with Amber and Annie.

I played raquetball on Tuesday morning

I did not end up making it to raquetball on Thursday -I was making jewelry for someone on Wednesday night and it broke so I stayed up very late trying to fix it. Oh well.

And I did the 30 Day Shred again on Saturday. Man... I had never done it twice a week before. It was tough. I was very weak after. But it was worth it!

So, that's my update! It was a good week. 

***

So, my mother in law has tried over 30 diets over the years, and nothing would work very well. She'd lose some weight, but gain it back.

Recently, she lost a ton of weight -she looks great! She looks younger and healthier. She told me that once she stopped focusing on losing weight, and instead focused on eating healthy, she lost a ton!

She's been doing an alkaline cleanse to clean her blood, and it has worked wonders for her! If you guys would like to learn more about it, let me know and I'll get more info! 

So... how did you do this week?

How this week is going

Hey guys! How are your workouts coming?

Here is how this week is looking for me:

I did the 30 Day Shred with Amber and Annie on Monday

and I used the 3lb weights this time! I thought my arms would fall off...

Then on Tuesday I played raquetball at 6am! 

That's always fun, and sweaty

Tomorrow (Thursday) I am playing raquetball bright and early again

And on Saturday I'm going to do the 30 Day Shred

It's intense... But that's my plan for this week!

I was going to do some workouts today (Wednesday) as well, however after my chiropractic appointment on Tuesday my back has been really sore. It's getting better though!

What are your plans for the week? and how are they coming?

Sorry guys

I totally forgot to write the challenge post. So this week, just be sure to exercise and try and eat healthy. I promise I'll be more on top of it next week!

Quotes, Jokes, and an apple.

At work we have an activity that is called Quotes,Jokes, and Rootbeer Floats! But since this is a healthy blog, we will go with the Apple. 

Today is random things I found on the Internet today. They all relate to health, and eating and exercising, but are form different places. Enjoy! 

“I mean, my basic philosophy of eating is, you know, if your great-grandmother wasn’t familiar with it, you probably want to stay away from it.”
“And, in fact, one of my tips is, don’t eat any food that’s incapable of rotting. If the food can’t rot eventually, there’s something wrong.”- In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

 A study performed at the University of Georgia took 36 individuals who received little to no exercise on a regular basis. Part of the group did leisurely to moderately intense workouts for 6 weeks, while the other participants remained sedentary. The active participants had a 20 percent increase in energy level over the sedentary participants.

What’s in a Chicken McNugget?
You’d think that a breaded lump of chicken would be pretty simple. Mostly, it would contain bread and chicken. But the McNugget and its peers at other fast-food restaurants are much more complicated creatures than that. The “meat” in the McNugget alone contains seven ingredients, some of which are made up of yet more ingredients. (Nope, it’s not just chicken. It’s also such nonchicken-related stuff as water, wheat starch, dextrose, safflower oil, and sodium phosphates.) The “meat” also contains something called “autolyzed yeast extract.” Then add another 20 ingredients that make up the breading, and you have the industrial chemical—I mean, fast-food meal—called the McNugget. Still, McDonald’s is practically all-natural compared to Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets, with 30 ingredients, and Burger King Chicken Fries, with a whopping 35 ingredients.-David Zinczenko

Two In One

I guess I'll do my weekly update and the recap of how I did on the challenge all in this one post.

Both my week and this challenge went well for me, I wrote my post about motivation and I started using 5 pound weights in my workouts instead of my old 3 pound ones! That makes working out even tougher but I like the challenge of it :)


As for my week, I played racquetball one day, did the 30 Day twice and did my new Pilates DVD once!
I have really enjoyed this pilates DVD, I have only done it once but it is very different then the others I have tried, there is just something about the unique moves that seems to keeps me interested! This week I am hoping to continue pushing hard and I am also hoping my 5 pound weights get easier to use!

This weeks challenge

Alrighty... I didn't rock it as hard as Annie and Helena, but I did do everything!

Sawweeeett!

I did two days of strength training! But I didn't use 300lb weights. Or even 3 lb like Annie (way to go Annie!) However, I'll build up to it. The 3, not the 300...

I also wrote my motivation post! 

I hope everyone thinks of something that we can't have until we meet our goals, something that we are willing to lose weight for. 

For me, I really want a Kindle, or Nook. One of those ereaders. 

I will always love actual books with pages better, however one of these would come in very handy! I've wanted one for a while now.

I don't have the extra money for one, but I'll save for it. And even if I did suddenly get a lot of money, I wouldn't allow myself to get it until I have met my goals.

What about you guys? Have you thought of something?

my thoughts on the challenge.

Pushups and lunges at work, pilates at home, and lifting squirmy nursery kids at church for 2 hours (did I mention I have a new calling?).

I'd say this weeks challenge was a definite success.

And I don't think my body is going to forgive me.

You know, building muscle would be a whole lot more appealing if it didn't hurt so much.

Also, cardio. If it didn't mean sweating and panting, I bet more people would do it.

This week's challenge: come up with a painless, sweatless, easy-to-do and yet incredible effective exercise.


Just kidding.

....but these are all good options:


(Hawaii Chair)


(1960's shake belt)


(Ab Contour)

What Motivates Me...

Odd things tend to motivate me, a simple 'I want to change how I look' isn't going to do it, I have to think more creatively!

I try to pump myself up, think about it all day and plan on working out at a particular time .

I dress up, I'm not talking prom dress or anything but I do my hair (in such a way that it looks cute but isn't going to get plastered to my skin because of sweat) and do my makeup. I find that looking cute helps motivate me... probably because working out really isn't very sexy, all that bending, sweating and fat getting squished together doesn't do much for my self esteem BUT if I feel cute already, it really helps!

Even if I'm not really in the mood to workout but I know I should, I will change into my workout clothes and get ready (including my hair and makeup) when I do this my confidence is already high (I picked out cute workout clothes, ones that make me feel good and are flattering) I have more motivation but also it is hard to justify not working out when I am already to go and could easily pop on 'the shred' and be done in 20 minutes!

That is how I get my motivation up, but the mental clarity and boost I get from working out is sometimes motivation in its self. I don't get 'down' and I feel more like myself after I have been working out, I also feel better about how I look, even though the only thing changing it my mindset!

Challenge 8

Yeah, I rocked Challenge 8. 

Did you see my motivation post? Step 1 complete. 

Did you hear me grunt while using 3 lbs weights during 30 day shred? Step 2 Complete! 

It feels so good to complete this weekly Challenge. 

I needed to get weights of my own and I did this week but I swore they would not be 3lbs. maybe 1, or 2. Then I went to Target and tried them out. I came home with 3s. Push it right? 

What a freaking awesome week! 

Well... You Did Ask For It

Well it looks like we need to come up with some motivation for everyone! Most of us seem to be struggling, so lets start brainstorming! I think we all need to be working out 3 times a week(don't kill me!), when the workouts are less often it can be hard to stay motivated (I find if I have too many days in between workouts it is harder to get going again sometimes) 3 workouts shouldn't be too bad to incorporate. Maybe there needs to be a penalty for not doing something or you only get a certain reward if you do your workouts (blue drink, sugar, ice cream...). What you eat has a direct connection to how you feel, making it so if you are eating crappy, you are less likely to workout... So maybe we need to only have one splurge day a week, that is the day you get your sugar fix or get to eat out... These things may seem a little extreme but we are doing this together for a reason and I am committed to getting it done and getting it done together! There is no reason why we can't 'lose', it may be hard and it may seem impossible but I know we can do it but we need to help each other. We need to help each other and we need to help ourselves, we need to be willing to do something extreme, we need to be up for pushing hard, it might not be fun at first but we owe it to ourselves and to our future-selves to do it and do it now! So what do you say? Lets recommit, lets find a way to make this work!

Words are pretty but we need to act, so lets figure out what each of us needs to help accomplish our goals.

Helena- I think you need to cut sugar out of your diet (please don't hurt me!) I'm not saying completely but pretty much... I think you need to purge your house of any 'easy sugar' so that when you are craving it, there is nothing to go to. This is what I did about a year ago, it was really hard to throw away all my candy and sweets in the house but I saw a noticeable difference just by cutting out sugar, you will still need to have something to satisfy cravings so get healthier stuff like, dried fruit, fresh fruit and some dark chocolate! Also make sure you are drinking your 8 cups of water! You know it makes you feel so much better!


Chantel- You have been doing pretty good with your diet but I think you need to make sure you aren't eating out as much, you have a crazy fast metabolism but it can really take a toll on your body in other ways. You also need to make sure you are doing your workouts, your cough has improved so much by your consistent workouts but with the winter months coming you need to stay on it, the goal is that you don't get sick and stay sick for months this year!




Annie- You need to make sure you are still drinking your 8 cups of water a day! That is such an important thing for all of us but when you were drinking yours, you stopped craving your blue drinks (they didn't even taste good anymore!) and I think you need to stop drinking your blue drinks (sorry!) every time you drink a blue drink you aren't drinking water and water is soo important! I also think you need to be getting in 3 intense workouts a week (you already got that this week! 30 day shred and zumba!) we are doing a weekly Monday 'shred' together but that leaves 2 days that are up to you for intense/vigorous workouts.



Katie- I think you need to blog more (you probably won't even see this!) But also I think you need to cut down on how much you eat out, once a week is what you should try for, it is just not good for you! I also think you need to either start back up with your trainer or find 3 other workouts you will do that are intense. We can try something together or you could start running with your Army friend :)


Amber(that is me!)- I need to eat out less, I do good most of the time but there are weeks where it becomes a social thing and sometimes I end up eating out 3 times that week! I need to just say no! Also I need to intensify my workouts, I have been getting my 3 a week but I need to either add more workouts to my week or make them harder, I don't want to become complacent! I also need to stay away from (I have been so far) 'Star Bursts' they are my sugar gateway drug... I can have the occasional treat and stay on track but if I have Star Bursts I usually go on a sugar binge like no other!

Now is not the time to take it easy or make excuses but go full force ahead! So please don't be mad at me for my suggestions and if you are already doing what I suggested, great! So lets do this, lets revamp our life. Are you in? What do you have to lose?

Motivate me!

Ugh. This challenge sucks. Who came up with it anyway?

I am really good at exercising. As long as someone is making me do it.

If I sign up for a class, I'm there. And the teacher makes me dance.

If Amber comes and visits, I feel obligated to sweat it out in the living room.

If people ask me to come running with them, I'll do it. For them.

But when I try to motivate myself, and exercise alone? I end up sitting in my workout tights, eating chunky monkey ice cream, and watching a movie.

(Kidding, I don't have workout tights. But if they looked anything like this, I would.)



When we started this challenge, I was motivated by you guys. Even though we are on opposite sides of the country, I felt like you were making me do it.

Plus I was being asked to run by some of the girls here.

But now? It's kind of worn off.

I wish I was there with you guys!

But for now, I think I'm going to sign up for a class.

I guess I wasn't motivated enough to write my post on time...

But at least I'm writing it now!

I had every intention of writing this one Tuesday and then scheduling it... LoL, but things kept coming up.

That's the way it is with working out too, isn't it?

Things keep coming up.

So, we put working out, eating healthy, drinking water and all those things on the back burner. Cause really, we have more time... right?

Guys. It is so important to stay motivated! We all have more than $20 on the line. We also have our health. 

I know from experience that in a few years we'll wish we'd done more, we'll look back and regret it... and I don't want any of us feeling this way! 

(I'll tell you all about what I was regretting later)

 So, what can we do?

I wrote some tips here, I challenge you all to go back and read it, and pick some to do -and stick to it.

I know that if someone tells me I can't do something, that makes me want to prove I can. So, sometimes I'll ask Michael to tell my I won't have enough energy to work out three times this week, or something like that, to make me feel that burn to prove myself. 

If you guys are the same, maybe you could have your husbands/friends/us challenge you

Here's what I think we should do.

Each of us think of something you really really want, and tell us what it is in your next post.

And we will work together to make sure none of us get that thing we really want, until we meet our goals.

What do you guys think? Are you up for the challenge? 

I can call and talk to each of your husbands/friends to make sure they know you are not allowed to get said thing until you meet your goals.

Lets get serious about this.

So tell me, what is it you really, really want? What is the thing you are willing to get healthy for?

Motivation! ( Cause she said so)

So I need all the motivation I can get. I need so much motivation I am in two groups. One with the girls (Amber, Helelna, Chantel) another with my Mom sister and sister in law. With my second group we are all on Daily Burn.  It's a great website to track your workouts and nutrition. It's pretty cool. 

Chantel, Amber, and I did the 30 day shred yesterday. Wow. That was intense. Like a lot. As I told the girls if they were not there I would have turned Jillian off after 45 seconds. But those girls are great! I could not do it with out them. They rock. And now because they rock, we are doing it every Monday! 

What motivates you? I always do good for a bit.....then I fall off. I still have not found that "thing". Even with the blog and my Daily Burn, etc.....I hope to find it soon. 

Weekly Challenge #8

1 Month left! We can do it! (I hope...)

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday (usually) and go through the following Saturday. (click here to learn more about our weekly challenges)

At the end of the week, we will each write a post explaining our experiences with the challenges.

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

This week's challenges

Physical Challenge: Strength Training (again)

(because it didn't really happen last week, but it's a really good challenge)

"Now don't worry, you don't have to go out and bench press 300lbs (unless you really want to. In which case, PLEASE take pictures). There are a bunch of ways to do weight training. Including Yoga (especially Jillian Michaels yoga. She should be paying us for these shout outs), and pushups, and working in a Nursing home.

Whatever your method, start adding it to your workouts this week."

Motivational Challenge: Write a post about motivation.

It's our last month you guys! But we're seeing a theme. It's hard to stay motivated.

So this week, our challenge is to write a post about motivation. When we started this challenge, we all had different reasons to lose. What was yours? And is it still enough to keep you going? What is your relationship with exercise like right now? Are you excited for it, or do you avoid it? Has your motivation changed in the past two months, and if so, what keeps you going now?

What could you do to be keep going strong for the next 4 weeks?

And do you have any ideas for the rest of us?

You can share your post anytime between now and Sunday.

Week #7 Yo!

Hey guys!

Yeah... I'm late again this week... 

So, here's the thing. I hurt my wrist playing raquetball, so I couldn't do the weight lifting during the last half of the week. (I hurt it on Thursday)

Before then I did some chin ups, and I did the 30 day shred... so I think that counts! 

 You know you agree ;-)

As for the nutrition thing, I didn't really consciously give anything up either.

I crave chocolate multiple times a day, but I don't eat it that often. 

I did have some chocolate a few days this week, but it was small amounts, and not every day.

I generally eat pretty healthy, and only occasionally drink anything other than water.

So I think I did pretty good!

My wrist is doing much better, still a little sore, but I can move it more! That's a plus.

Earlier this evening I went to Annie's with Amber and we all did the 30 Day Shred

And we hated it together.

But it was so fun!

I'll actually write on Wednesday this week (I totally missed my day last week)

So, until then, feel the burn!

Lets Get Started

Last week I was really sick and didn't get a single workout in (I think I had a good reason, not being able to stand for long periods of time helped me to decided to give up on working out this week!) so the physical challenge this week didn't happen. I thought I would dominate the nutritional challenge this week because I already moderate (or have eliminated) the 'bad stuff' in my diet but with being sick I reverted to some comfort foods (like Ice cream...) as I was miserable in bed. My super sweet Hubby went to the store and stocked up on some of my more 'moderated' foods and surprised me, it definitely lifted my spirits and I really appreciated it! SO yeah... I really failed this weeks nutritional challenge :) but normally I eat great...

This week I am really excited to get back to my workouts! I have actually really missed working out, I just don't feel as good and am much happier when I am working out regularly, I find that I have more energy and just feel better about myself! So this week I really looking forward to pushing myself, starting with 'the shred' with Chantel and Annie tonight!

(Sorry guys, my home internet is broken.)

I did it! Yes yes yes! I did some strength training (pilates, some pushups, and I used that exciting weight machine that I took a nap on). I don't feel any difference, really, except my arms and pecs are sore. But I am going to be adding that to my weekly exercise.

And that awful challenge, where we are supposed to give up something that's bad for us? Well, I gave up dessert. It wasn't that hard, I just let Kurt do the shopping this week (he never buys anything yummy). I had some intense sugar carvings, but I satisfied them with fruit. And by satisfied, I mean placated. Because I definitely would have preferred chocolate.

And then I celebrated last night by going to a dessert night with some of the other students and their wives.

Hey, it's a start.

I can't believe how fast time is slipping by. If I'm going to make my goal this month, I'm going to have to get serious.

My plan? I'm going to make Kurt do my exercise videos with me.

He already said yes.

(And don't worry, I'll take pictures)

Review of Challenge 7

Wow! 7! This week-not so good. I was super busy and no residents of mine wanted to be bench pressed. (You know the whole brittle bones thing) So fail on the lifting weights. ( I didn't even move heavy boxes! Lame!) Also I didn't consciously  give anything up. Maybe unconsciously I did, but nope, I made sure I got in my blue drink and chocolate this week.(Both weaknesses) 

But I do Declare!!! I will for sure, give 100% at this weeks challenges. )I hope whoever makes them this week does not read this 1st and make them impossible.) 

... Maybe Next Week

Last week I was in a different state visiting family, so my workout goals weren't completely met (though it was totally worth it! I got to hang out with my awesome sister Helena, and my husband's awesome family!) I did a few workouts when I was at Helena's apartment, we went to the gym and also did the 30 Day Shred together (let me tell you, the gym has nothing on the shred! I feel so much better after the shred and am way more sore the next day!). I am home now and was pumped to get going full force again... and then I got sick :( That is where I am at now, I can barely move... It is an ordeal just to walk up and down the stairs right now! So I am thinking my 'full force' approach is going to have to wait a little longer. Hopefully I will have something better to report on my next post!

Survey!

As I was browsing the Internet, I found this survey on WEBMD. I recommend you all take it! i love the helpful hints and items in the side bar as you answer questions. How did you like it? Didi it help you or give good advice? Comment below! 

WebMD Survey

Weekly Challenge #7

Wow you guys. Week number 7. I hope you guys are still having fun!

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday (usually) and go through the following Saturday. (click here to learn more about our weekly challenges)

At the end of the week, we will each write a post explaining our experiences with the challenges.

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

This week's challenges

Physical Challenge: Weight Training.

If you want to lose fat or change your body, one of the most important things you can do is lift weights. Diet and cardio are equally important, but when it comes to changing how your body looks, weight training wins hands down. If you've hesitated to start a strength training program, it may motivate you to know that lifting weights can:

* Help raise your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn all day long.
* Strengthen bones, especially important for women
* Make you stronger and increase muscular endurance
* Help you avoid injuries
* Increase your confidence and self-esteem
* Improve coordination and balance

-About.com

Now don't worry, you don't have to go out and bench press 300lbs (unless you really want to. In which case, PLEASE take pictures). There are a bunch of ways to do weight training. Including Yoga (especially Jillian Michaels yoga. She should be paying us for these shout outs), and pushups, and working in a Nursing home.

Whatever your method, start adding it to your workouts this week.

Nutritional Challenge: Give it up. Pretend it's Lent. You know what I'm talking about. That one special treat that you like to pretend isn't going to hurt you? Well, it probably wouldn't- if it really was just a once in a while thing.

It's time to give it up. At least for a while.

Maybe it's soda. I know a guy who used to drink it every day. But then when he realized just how much sugar he was consuming, he started having second thoughts (y'all know who I'm talking about).

Or it could be fast food. It you're eating it a couple times each week (or maybe even once each week), that could be what's holding you back.

For me it's dessert. I try to limit myself to one per day. But it isn't easy (and that's kind of ridiculous).

Whatever your vice is, this is the week to give it up. Not forever, just for now. I bet you'll see a difference.

It's Labor day! Still the weekend right?

Sorry it's not Sat. but it's all good! 3 day weekend-3 days to update! 

I did see 3 things I like about myself . 3 things is way easier than 15. 15 is for super models. 

I failed at my weekly goal. I made t, I was excited. I didn't do it. I soooo wanted to do Zumba. But.....sister didn't want to go with me and since she is in town- I didn't want to ditch her. 

I do have my September plan. Will I make it? I hope so!! Will you?I hope you will too!

How I did this week

I did a lot better than last week!

Okay:

I wrote my goals for September,

I made my goals for the week,

And I found 3 things each day I like about my appearance!

My main goal for the week was to do something active everyday for at least 15 minutes in addition to my regular work out routine.

I did pretty well, I missed a few days, but I'm happy with how I did. :-)

I feel good, and well worked... LoL

Finding 3 things each day was kind of challenging because I didn't want to repeat anything I had written down before when we had a similar challenge.

So, sometimes it took all day thinking about it, but I did it!

I did a good job, and I'll do even better next week! :-)

Oh, man.

My personal goal this week was to do a DVD every day. But I was never alone in the apartment without my in laws- and it is way too small for my panting and grunting to go unnoticed, even from the other room.

**Note to self- learn how to grunt quieter.**

For the Self Esteem Challenge, I decided to choose 2 things I like, and 1 thing I need to learn to like- or at least be ok with. And then I focused on finding something positive about that thing for the day.

For example: the pooch on my lower belly. Not a fan. But I am a fan of the way it protects my ovaries. Someday, I'm going to want to use those.

My big goal for September is to lose 15lbs. I know, that's intense. But hey, you've gotta dream big, right?

What is your big goal?

Personal Weight Loss Plan

Hey guys! I'll update about the challenges later

I just wanted to tell you about something I found.

If you go to Jillian Michaels website there's a place to put in your stats, and she'll give you a personal weight loss plan. So... you should go check it out!

I haven't done it yet. But it looks cool.

Psst! Hey, guys!

I'm over here! Shhhh, be quiet. I don't want her to find this.

My MIL is coming for the weekend.

And she will be sleeping in the living room, on our air mattress.

So how am I supposed to do my daily Shred?

Let me know if you have any ideas...

(Just make sure you whisper!)

Annie is totally right.

It is so much easier to stay motivated when you exercise with other people.

Kurt finally finished repairing our bikes (it took a few weeks). We went on some bike rides, and it was really, really fun.

And then I went for a bunch of walks. With Amber and Dave.

I am SO excited that they came and visited me!

(Annie and Chantel, you guys should come too sometime. I promise you will have as much fun as Amber did. Maybe even more.)

Everywhere we went, we walked. We walked around the Waterfront. We walked around Campus. We walked around Mount Washington. We walked around Phipps Conservatory. We walked and walked and am I the only one feeling a little bit of deja vu right now?

....And then I accidentally let Amber see my post from the weekend (Note to self- hide the power cord better next time), and she made me stick to my goals.

As in, we did the Shred.

And it was awful AWESOME.

My favorite parts?

1. Making Amber use heavier weights than she is used to. This totally leveled the playing field.



2. The fact that we were both doing 1-inch push ups by the end, and neither of us was the least bit ashamed.



3. It's a lot more fun to hate Jillian when you are doing it together.



Yeah. Much better when you aren't alone.

(Did I mention how jealous I am that you guys live so close together? You had better be taking advantage of that!)

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Tips for Staying Motivated

So, I've been trying to think of ideas to help us stay motivated.

We have a money reward at the end, now what else can we do?

Here are a few ideas I found/thought of:

Write a contract with yourself, and be specific. Don't just say "I will lose weight" say how. 

Here are some examples:

"I will walk every morning for 15 minutes, even if I feel too tired to get out of bed"

"I will drink water, and only rarely have sugary drinks"

"I will stay away from high-Fructose corn syrup, aspartame and other dangerous ingredients in what I consume"

"I will eat all my serving of veggies and fruits a day (or at least the veggies :-)"

After you wrote your goals/contract, sign it and leave it on the fridge, or somewhere you will see often.

Some other ideas include:

Keeping a journal to track your progress

Work out first thing in the morning so you can't procrastinate it (This is something I may need to do)

Focus on little goals and slowly increase what you want to do. Also reward yourself every step of the way

Take before and after photos (These photos will be just for you, so they don't need to be good. Take pics of problem areas so you can see how they've improved.)

Watch fitness shows (there's something about watching other people workout that makes me want to).

When tempted to buy "junk food" read the label and try to find out what every ingredient is, and how it affects you -knowing all the unhealthy things will make it less appealing (I don't like doing this)

Start acting like an athletic person. This sounds weird, but lie to yourself and say "I'm athletic, I'm athletic." Think about it: What do athletic people do? What are their lifestyles like? What do they eat? What do they not eat? What do they drink? What do they do in their spare time? How much of a priority do they put on exercise? When do they exercise? Now it's time to live the lie.Eventually you'll believe it 

Only do hobbies while exercising (at least the hobbies that allow for working out while doing it) Want to watch T.V, listen to an audio book, talk on the phone or listen to music? Here's the deal you can make with yourself: you can only do those things, if you're working out while doing it. 

Work out with someone (this helps a lot)

Tell someone your goals, and report to them on how you're doing (this helps a lot too)

Reward yourself with new clothes at the end of our 3 months :-)

So, that's what I found and thought of! I hope some of these help.

Does anyone else have any ideas?