Fifth week: TOTAL POINTS (part 2)

Sorry I titled the reporting post wrong...this is really the official total points for 5th week

BEFORE POSTING TOTALS...I just want to mention I never got the scores for the week before from Steph J and Cynthia...if you have them send me a message...thanks!

TOP THREE :

Camie D. 70

Marcia T. 70

Heather 70

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Valynn 68

Katie F. 43

Stephanie S. 61

Michelle S. 57

Gloria L. 53

Steph J.65

Marianne 69

James 68

Nickie R 70

Allison V

Cynthia

Heidi

Rich 63

Kendi 70

Vickie 65

CONGRATS CAMIE!

So Camie D. just ran a marathon this past weekend....AND QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON! What an amazing accomplishment...you rock!

Fifth week: TOTAL POINTS

Sunday...Sunday...Sunday. Here we are again...ready to report!!!

I got a 70. And I didn't even have to use my free point for sweets! Yes...if you knew me you would know that's a big deal!

What's your score???

Introducing Kendi...

Ok since Kendi couldn't come up with a picture of herself....I'LL INTRODUCE HER (Hope you don't mind...it's a cute pic of you...not so much of me...but...)


This is Kendi (on the left). She is one of those people who will inspire you to do many great things with your life. She was the person who trained with me for my first marathon (she's a great workout partner and therapist....what more could you ask for). I've missed her GREATLY ever since I've moved away. Working out solo just isn't quite as enjoyable!!! She has the greatest ENDURANCE of anyone I know...in all aspects of her life!

Well, I know it has already been four weeks but I have never introduced myself. So, here it goes. I am the Mother of 4, yes that is right, 4 beautiful children. I now have 2 in school full time and 1 in preschool. While my preschooler is away my last is napping. I am starting to feel like a free woman.
I have a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I loved working in the field until I started having kids. I now teach a few music lessons to keep my mind in the music. I am also starting to make and sell fabric hair flowers here. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kendenegailey I just listed them this week so I am not sure if they will even sell yet but it is fun to try.

This program has been good for me. I have been over weight since I hit puberty. I started my junior high years in an adult size 14. A few years ago I started to run. I ran my first marathon in April of '09. I have run a total of three now and am planning on running one every year for the rest of my life. I don't really enjoy running but I enjoy the feeling following the run. So, exercising is not my down fall, it is eating. I love to eat. This program has opened my eyes to how much junk I really eat in a day. I hope I will have the strength to continue to eat like this even when the 60 days are up.

I tried to find a picture of myself, apparently I am camera shy, I don't have a single picture of myself on my computer, sorry.

Fourth week: Total Points

TOP FOUR :

Camie D. 70

Marcia T. 70

Heather 70

Valynn 70

Is there anyone else who has received four weeks of 70's that I overlooked? If not...then these are our top contest's who have scored PERFECTLY in the past 4 weeks! Way to go ladies...keep up the good work!
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Katie F. 46

Stephanie S. 63

Michelle S. 60

Gloria L. 53

Steph J.65

Marianne 69

James 65

Nickie R 69

Allison V

Cynthia

Heidi 58

Rich 68

Kendi 70

Vickie 69

JUST A REMINDER: I STILL NEED $5.00 FROM CYNTHIA AND KENDI.

THANKS EVERYONE...IT'S BEEN FUN...KEEP TREK'N ALONG!

4th Week: Report Time

Wow....can you believe it's been 4 weeks!
Time to report in....

I got a 69!

Extra, Extra

This stuff is amazing! I tried it last night for the first time and fell in love. It seriously tastes delicious. I struggle every once in awhile (much less since starting the challenge, thank heavens) with a major sweet tooth craving. This stuff just may be the best answer ever. So far I have only tried the mint chocolate chip, but I might have to try other kinds now as well. It was on sale for $1 at my Smith's. Let me know if any of you try it and what you think of it!

Third week: Total points

Sorry they are not by rank yet this week….my morning is busy…so I’m just going to throw the numbers out.

AND….STEPH J. had gall bladder surgery recently. She has been told she can’t exercise for 2 weeks. How would you all feel if she could still receive the exercise points until she’s given the ok from her doctor. My thought is… this is a challenge to motivate us what’s in OUR CONTROL! Her circumstance is definitely out of her control. THOUGHTS EVERYONE….she says she’s ok losing the points but I wanted to get your input.

Katie F. 52

Stephanie S. 66

Michelle S. 55

Gloria L. 50

Camie D. 70

Marcia T. 70

Steph J. 64

Marianne 70

James 68

Heather 70

Nickie R 70

Allison V 70

Cynthia 66

Heidi 60

Valynn 70

Rich 64

Kendi 66

Vickie 68

REPORT TIME:

3 WEEKS…CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’VE BEEN AT THIS FOR 3 WEEKS! And I finally scored a 70!!! Finally, I didn’t have birthdays, baby blessings, family BBQ’s and date nights to compete with. (Isn’t it obvious what my weak spots are…..YES SOCIAL EVENTS). And can I also mention that I feel like I’m on top of the world right now….BECAUSE I JUST MADE COOKIES WITH MY FAMILY AND DID NOT EAT ONE…NOPE NOT ONE! I’ve always struggled to control myself around baked goods….especially warm fresh baked choc. chip cookies. But I used my sweet point earlier this week so I passed on the cookies today. I usually would not have even tempted myself but since today is GRANDPARENTS DAY, that’s what we made for our grandparents. 

WHAT DID YOU GUYS SCORE???

Thanks to:

Heidi P. (Sorry about not posting your score...I knew I was forgetting someone. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!)

Valynn

Debbie

James J.

Heather J.

Marianne (mom)

Vickie D.

FOR SENDING IN YOUR $5...YOU ARE OFFICIALLY IN!

Confession…

Ok fellow supporters….it’s me again Nickie! So this challenge has really helped me make better decisions each day (especially when it comes to not eating sweets or eating after 8 p.m.) but I want to be held more accountable for what I’m doing for my health. I’ve been VERY STRESSED lately. My husbands out of town for 4 months and now I don’t have anyone to be held accountable too. So going for second helpings for dinner is becoming a little too easy these days. So I’m just getting the word out that I’m swallowing my pride and posting my daily food intake on a new blog at onedayatatimegoal.blogspot.com  !!!! I so badly want to fit into my old clothes (which it’s about time….my baby’s 20 months old). So I hope you don’t think I’m too forward by doing this….but I’m desperate to have a little more accountability and it’s just not in our budget to join somewhere like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. So if you want to try and bust me feel free to spy on me at that blog. And if you are feeling the same way….please form your own food log blog and we can keep tabs on each other and keep each other motivated!

Healthy Recipes

I thought I would just post some of my favorite healthy recipes, just in case any one gets bored of eating salads! :) Hope you might find something you like and want to try here!

Jenny's homemade bread recipe for 2 loaves of bread:

250 mg vit C
2 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup oil
4 cups whole wheat flour (plus 3 to 4 more added in step 2)

1. Heat one cup of the water to a very hot temperature and dissolve
the vitamin C. Mix the above ingredients together and let sit for 5
minutes.

2. Add 3 to 4 additional cups of whole wheat flour. Mix for 3 minutes,
then let sit for 15 minutes. Mix again for 3 minutes, adding more
flour if necessary.

3. Turn dough onto counter and knead or shape it into a ball. Place
the dough in a large and lightly oiled tupperware container or bowl
and let rise until double in size. Shape into two greased loaf pans
and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise again till double in
size. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Here is a link to a good recipe. It is Thai Curry Chicken:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/quick_thai_chicken_vegetable_curry.html

Quinoa with Beans and Corn (this makes enough for our family of 6 with leftovers)

1 cup Quinoa
1 Tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (I use 2 beef boulion plus 2 C. water)
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin (we like it really smoky, if you don’t like smoky & spicy, tone it down to 1 tsp.)
salt (about 3/4 tsp., but much less if you are using canned beans) and pepper
1 cup frozen corn
4 cups beans
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
shredded cheddar

Soak the quinoa for 10 minutes. While it is soaking saute the onion and garlic in the oil over medium heat. Once onion is starting to brown, add the quinoa, broth, chili powder, cumin salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add corn and beans, cover and cook 5 minutes more. Add the chopped cilantro and stir. Plate the quinoa and top with shredded cheddar.

Wheat Thins
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C all purpose flour
1/2 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 T soft butter
Kosher or sea salt

Preheat oven to 325. Combine dry ingred. Cut in butter. Slowly blend in milk, using just enough to form a ball that holds together. Divide in half. Roll out to 1/16-1/8 inch thick of a floured surface. Sprinkle with salt and roll over salt. Using a sharp knife, cut crackers into 2 inch squares. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Prick with for 2 or 3 times. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on rack. Makes 100 crackers.

Whole wheat flour tortillas

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp salt (or maybe it's 1/2 tsp- I can't remember right now)
1 1/2 Tbsp butter or oil
3/4 cup hot (almost boiling) water

Mix the salt and flour together, then by hand work in the oil or
butter. It should become a little more 'sandy' in texture. Then add
the hot water and mix to form a dough. Knead for a few minutes (and
the let rest and knead again trick works well here too- you don't need
to knead for nearly as long if you get it together, then let it sit
for 10 minutes and knead it again). Let the dough sit (covered) for at
least 1 hour. Divide into 12 to 14 pieces and roll out flat, cook on a
hot cast iron skillet for best results.

Second Week: Total points

Katie F. 53

Stephanie S. 67

Dustin S. 55

Michelle S. 60

Gloria L. 55

Camie D. 70

Marcia T. 70

Steph J. 69

Marianne 69

James 67

Heather 70

Nickie R 69

Allison V 51

Cynthia 66

Heidi 62

Rich 59

I’m sure more names will be listed as they are sent to me (including my husbands). Starting next week I will take the time to list people by rank. If I remember right…all the people scoring 70 this week also scored 70 last week….so those are our leading competitors!!!

Thanks to:

Marcia T., Camie D., Katie F., for sending me your $5….you are all officially in!

Report time:

It’s that time again….time to report your scores! You all did great the first week….can’t wait to see what this week brought about.

I ALMOST…..ALMOST scored a 70. I’m so impressed by all of you 70 pointers. I just slipped up 30 minutes ago at a family get together. I was the only person out of 60 people not eating my favorite dessert. DANG THOSE FUDGY OWEY-GOOEY BROWNIES.

I scored a 69

But I’m proud of myself…..this week we had 3 family get togethers, a night at the movies, and a date night to the Diamond Back baseball game. I WAS SURROUNDED BY GOOD FOOD! I’m slowly proving to myself I have the strength to say “No thank you”.

Well….I can say no to everything but brownies apparently!

WHAT WAS YOUR SCORE???

Free Day= Whoot…whoot!

Since I’ve had my third child (1 1/2 years ago) my weight has always been going in one direction or the other. I struggle to maintain. I’ve got down to my goal weight several times since having her….than weeks later I gain it back. Can you say YO-YO DIETER??? I don’t want to be a YO-YO D anymore! I don’t want to deprive myself for weeks just to find that in the end I’m not strong enough to keep up with my new lifestyle. I’m done with my sprint dieting and ready to train for that marathon eating lifestyle.

Rather than depriving myself, I’ve found that substituting is REALLY EFFECTIVE! Giving your body what it craves….but substituting some of the bad with better options….or PLANNING AHEAD  so your indulging moments are not on a whim.

I have lost over 4 lbs with this challenge so far (although I am doing a little more…eating only whole foods at meals etc). My weak spot is family get togethers. I can eat healthy all week long….then it feels like every weekend the family gets together to BBQ and feast. Monday we had a BBQ and pool party,  we are having another one tonight, and tomorrow is a baby blessing with YES ANOTHER FEAST… and last night we all went out to the movies together…..YIKES! BUT……I made a game plan.

(At the BBQ’s I’ve had grilled chicken and veggies or I’ve cooked up egg whites and put it on whole wheat bread as a sub for a greasy hamburger. )

Knowing that yesterday would be my free day (with popcorn and treats at the movies) I planned ahead by eating very low but nutritious calorie meals. Then for a snack I made these http://leanbodieshf.com/?p=1198  (…..sorry I’m once again promoting her website) but it was a nutritious substitute to something I usual indulge on.

AND EVEN THOUGH I FELT LIKE I INDULGED AND LET LOOSE A LITTLE YESTERDAY….I still lost a pound!!!

How are you guys feeling about this challenge??? Let’s keep each other motivated!!!

Thanks to:

Stephanie S., Dustin S., Gloria L., Michelle S., JoAnna T. for sending your $5. You are officially in.

If you did not get the email with the information of where to send your $5, leave a comment with your email address and I will send you my address.

Thanks!

Yummy….but healthy!

Hey guys….so I just want to share a site that I visit daily AND IS A HUGE MOTIVATOR TO ME in my journey to becoming my healthiest me. I was told about this site only 2 weeks ago…and today was  the first time I tried one of her recipes. All of her recipes look awesome…I can’t wait to try them all. In the mean time I really liked this one.

Lemon Protein Bars  at  http://leanbodieshf.com/?p=2267

It tasted like a dessert but had nothing unhealthy in it. And it was a good source of whole grains and protein of course.

It’s not the BEST THING your mouth has ever tasted. But for being as healthy as it was….I was surprised!

The site has all kinds of good information…workouts…tips etc. ENJOY!

Thanks Steph J

I got your $5.00. You are officially in!