Thursday, September 30, 2010

Worth Mentioning


So this has nothing to do with our little challenge, but it's worth mentioning (for the New Yorkers & Delawareans) at least. This weekend and next week at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal will be performing, Vollmond (Full Moon). Here's the link with a short video of the performance. I promise I'm not a marketing rep for BAM, but I highly recommend seeing Pina Bausch's work sometime during your lifetime. Her work is truly stunning.

Just thought you should know.



THE POINT SYSTEM

Here's how it works.....

DAILY POINTS-

Each of the following will earn you ONE point per day, plus ONE bonus point per week if you don't miss a day:

No Desserts (6 points possible for six days, plus 1 point bonus = 7 possible per week)
No Soda (6 pts. possible for six days, plus 1 = 7 possible per week)
No Eating after 8pm (6 pts possible for six days, plus 1 = 7 possible per week)
Exercising (30 minutes or more of ) (5 pts. possible for 5 days, plus 1 = 6 possible per week)
Scriptures (at least 1 chapter) (6 pts. possible for six days, plus 1 = 7 possible per week)
Weekly Challenge (6 pts. possible for six days, plus 1 = 7 possible per week)

You may choose what day is your "free" day for. That is your day to eat dessert (if you choose) and/or drink soda (once again, if you choose).


WEEKLY POINTS-


There are TWO more points possible each week for the following:

ONE point per week for Weight Loss - if you've lost at least one pound, or maintained your ideal weight, you get a point.
ONE point per week for Family Home Evening.

THAT MAKES A TOTAL OF 43 POINTS POSSIBLE PER WEEK.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT SO WE CAN CLARIFY. I WANT EVERYONE TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT POINTS!!!

WEEKLY CHALLENGE #1 - KEEPING A FOOD JOURNAL

I don't know about you, but this is the first time in my life that I've ever written down what I've eaten each day. Let's just say, I've realized that I like carbohydrates maybe more than I should. Today it was wheat thins, yesterday it was pretzels. (thanks, Ashley!) I'm realizing more and more each day that this challenge is all about awareness for me. And hopefully you too. Realistically speaking, I'm pretty sure I won't continue to record everything that I eat after this week, but hopefully I will make those mental notes and stop myself if it's not something I really need to be munching on.

Here are a few websites/templates to help you keep track of the calories and other nutritional values of your diet.

www.my-calorie-counter.com/
http://www.realsimple.com/static/pdfs/foodjournal.pdf

How's the record keeping going for you? Any tips or realizations you want to share?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

TEAM PLAYERS

I'd like to think of doing this challenge with a TEAM of people. We're here to motivate, inspire and give each other support. I know I couldn't do this alone and I'm so pumped that so many of you were willing to do this with me! I'm sure you've been reading the ones that were sent to the google group, however, many of you sent them just to me so here's who's in.


I'm Rebecca Jennejohn, a 33 year old mother of two amazing little girls. I live in NYC, am passionate about the art of dance and movement, and I have a weakness for anything with chocolate & peanut butter. I love the way I feel when I eat healthy and exercise, but following through everyday with this is not always my best asset. Plus, I’ve been wanting to claim back my waistline! Arms and thighs are other target areas that I will be working on as well as kicking my sweet tooth habit & becoming more diligent in my study of the scriptures.

I am Shauna Summers, 44 years old. My main focus for the challenge is the no desserts part and I’m working up the will to address my Diet Coke situation, which is pretty severe. I’m nervous about the withdrawals when I’m trying to address the lack of treats, and you know, be at least semi-functional at work, but hoping I can experiment with weaning off and/or maybe relying on Excedrin to cover the rough patches…

My name is Catherine, I live in NYC, and I am ready for this challenge. I recently cleared out my closet with advice from a friend. Sadly, much of what remains does not fit me - but it used to - one year ago. I am determined to fit these clothes - there is no viable reason why I don't fit them now. My goal is to modify the way I eat, why I eat, and (in all honesty) how much I eat. I love ice cream and pancakes (the latter is a dessert for me during these upcoming 8 weeks!) and carry that affection with me. I also kid myself that my 5 mile roundtrip walk to work is serious exercise. I expect to sweat. I haven't had FHE since I helped my Mom pick out the hymns; I like the idea and will seek out others who may be in my same position (single). I love thinking of all these physical challenge requirements in tandem with spirituality; they are connected and I hope to feel that even more. My age? You'll think I'm 5 years younger than I am in 8 weeks!!!

My name is Lynda Todd and I've lived in NYC for 5 years. I have a 3 year old son and a 1 year old daughter and I am 37 years old. Sweets or overeating are not my problem, my problem is actually living my life in a productive healthy way. I fit in food after the kids are done with whatever they are doing - sometimes that is after 9 pm! I skip exercise because I haven't figured out how to carve out the time in a busy children-focused life. Scriptures - what!? I'm asleep before I can can get to the 2nd sentence. There are many things I can do to improve my life, which is then a blessing for my family, and I am ready! I'm certain I won't have a chance to win this one, but if it helps me start what I've been wanting to start - a healthier lifestyle - then this is worth way more than the $25 I paid to join. A little "good" peer pressure and a kick in the butt to start is what we all need.

Hi, I'm Angie! I'm a busy marketing director and graphic designer who loves word games, oatmeal, and comfortable shoes. No, I am not a senior citizen. And just to prove it, I'm doing this challenge! I'm desperately seeking balance in my life, after a string of "asleep at the wheel" months: mindless snacking (bingeing), working late, and snoozing through my daily "get up and run" alarm. I certainly have my vices (diet cola among them), but I CAN throw down a healthy meal in the kitchen and when provoked, can become fiercely competitive. So, look out (for the girl in the Birkenstocks)!

I'm Anna, a 35 year old mother of 4 who lives in northern Virginia. I was in great shape about six months ago. I worked out hard and diligently on an almost daily basis at the gym, ate little meat, lots of veg, etc. I was training for a half marathon and injured my foot which really set me back, and then to make matters worse we moved cross country and the move killed what remained of my good habits. I am wanting to regain some of my former discipline and once and for all get my sugar craving under control. I just want to regain some good habits and am not really concerned with weight loss (although that would be a bonus) and regain some of my strength. Additionally, I need to dive into a scripture study habit and regain some balance in my life.

I am Julianne Parmenter. By the end of the 8 weeks, I will be 29 years old! I've got two daughters, one in Kindergarten and the other in 1st grade. Finding a balance physically and spiritually isn't very easy for me. I eat for motivation to get through the day...where I may get scripture reading in. But if I watch what I'm eating, it's all I can think about and nothing else gets done!! That's when the emotional takes over! AHHHH! I am hoping to feel better in all areas come November, shedding at least 5 lbs and making personal scripture study a habit. I've also got my 10 year high school reunion and a wedding that I am in 2 of the 8 weekends, so this will help me stay focused and not over indulge...maybe?!

Brandy Anderson: 37-year-old mother of five (feels like eight) kids

Delaware transplant (and happy!)

Passionate about motherhood...

Goal -- to fit ME into the motherhood through more consistent exercise and thoughtful eating (ie. no more eating on the run, eating from a glass, or spilling on my shirts because I don't take the time to sit)

Heidi Foss - I'm 34 years old, mother of two children (3 1/2 yr old and 9-mo old). Moved to NYC a year ago for husband's grad school, had a baby and adjusted to the city-life...so I've had a lot of emotional-eating this year and I'm ready to change my daily habits for better health and spiritual/physical balance! My weakness: quality chocolate treats. But last night I went through the cupboards, cleaned out the bad sweets, threw half of it in the garbage (filled a small tupperware put on a high shelf for my free day), leaving only healthy goods on the snack shelf. I am very excited to exercise and read scriptures more diligently and make these much needed improvements in my life.

Ashley Beck - I'm 28 yeard old, mother of a 2-year-old boy and 5-month-old girl. We moved to NYC at the beginning of the summer for grad school. For some reason, I thought that just walking everywhere and not having a car would get me in to the shape I want to be in but that's not quite the case :) My problem is sweets...especially home-baked goods and candy. And I'll definitely eat whenever I'm bored. I'm so excited for this challenge to be accountable to other people instead of just myself. You're all motivating and inspiring me! My goals are to lose the rest of my baby weight and actually be somewhat excited to get in a bathing suit some time in the future. The best part of this challenge for me will be getting back in the habit of reading my scriptures daily.

My name is Mackenzie. I have two boys - one is almost 5 and the other is

almost 2. I have lived in NYC for the past 8 years. I recently turned 33

and I feel a change in my body (not in a good way!). Or maybe that change is a result of spending the last year eating candy and drinking soda, two things that have never interested me before. Now I am addicted to both and this challenge will help me kick those habits. Also, on the spiritual side, I am excited to reinstate some much-needed goals of regular scripture study and FHE. I think I may be most excited about this part actually. This past year has been a tough one for me in many ways and I have coped by eating junk. I am reaping the consequences. BUT....no more! I turned over a new leaf today! Looking forward to hearing updates from everyone.

Johanna Talbott - I am 28 years old and have lived in the city for the last 8 years. As well as being a mom of two (three year old girl, 19 month boy) I have a very busy husband with a work schedule that could be anything from 8am to midnight for three weeks in a row to no work for a month. This has made it very hard for me to organize meal times, exercise times, scripture reading, etc.! But lately I have been thinking of my mom and how she did it with seven children. My dad sometimes had a very hectic work schedule; If she could hold FHE, feed us right, and exercise I can too! I am about 20 lbs away from my ideal weight and hope to be much closer in 8 weeks! I am excited about working with a group and getting inspiration and ideas from all of you!

Hi everyone! I am Emilee Palmer, 25 year old mother of 3 boys. I have always loved fitness but it seems like it is quickly getting away from me as well as my body. I hope to trim down from my last baby and tone up. As a mom it is so easy to put all your energy into your kids and let go of the things that make you feel vibrant and happy. I am extremely excited to study the scriptures more diligently and make them more apart of my daily life to become better all around. Balance really is the key to a happy life and that is my goal by taking on this fitness challenge! Good Luck to all of you!

I'm Emily Nelson. I have lived in New York now for 8 years. I have 2 boys who are 5 and 3. I have gained 60 pounds in the last 5 years. Over the last couple of years, my weight has gone up and down and I am tired of it. I am hoping that this challenge will help me to stay motivated. I have a severe weakness for baked goods. I am also excited for the motivation to read my scriptures as I am in need of a spiritual boost. Good Luck!

I'm Marin, and I'm getting married in December:) I've been wanting to start some kind of exercise/eating program in order to feel and look my best for the big day. This challenge came at the perfect time, and targets the very things I struggle with: eating at night and desserts (usually together, i.e. oreo binges while watching Letterman). I think just sticking to the few guidelines suggested will make a big difference. So, here we go!

My name is Emily Trefethen. I am a new Delawarian as of 4 months ago. In the process of moving and remodeling our kitchen and moving we have eaten out a lot and I have some extra baggage I have got to get rid of! I am a big soda drinker and dessert junkie. I am super motivated by contests so I think this is the perfect way to get me going!

I'm Melissa Atkin, I live in NYC, and I'm totally addicted to sugar :). I eat candy EVERY day...swedish fish and chewy sweetarts are my drug of choice. This challenge will definitely give me added motivation to overcome my daily need for "something sweet." Most of the other categories are usually part of my routine, but this challenge is prompting me to host FHE for the first time EVER! Love it!

My name is Chloe Andersen. I just moved to New York about three months ago. I have always struggled with both my weight and finding balance (physically and spiritually) in my life, so this seemed like a great, habit-forming, non-obsessively-weight-loss-focused challenge. I'm a total carbohydrate addict, so I've added "no white flour" to my goals for the next 8 weeks. We'll see how it goes! Great to be a part of this with everyone!

My name is Jennette, I am 34yrs old, I'm a mother of 4 kids (ages 9 to 18mos) and I now live in Delaware. I'm excited for the challenge of the game. I'm looking forward to finding some discipline when it comes avoiding sweets and in organizing my time so that exercise becomes a daily habit. I'm also looking forward to breaking up the close relationship that I have with the Costco bulk-sized bags of Peanut M&Ms.

I am Sariah Toronto, New York is more home than anywhere, I love to be physically active and I also love food. With this challenge I hope to become more mindful about what and how I eat...to keep hold of the pleasure and enjoyment and sociability that make food such an important part of life, but to let go of food that I'm not eating for nourishment and true enjoyment. Nice to be in this together with all of you!!

I'm Sunny Clark. I live in New York City with two kids and a husband. Everyone seems very nice and has noble goals for this fitness challenge but I'm in it to win it. Plus I'll feel better if I can lose 8 pounds in the next eight weeks so my oldest daughter stops thinking there is another baby inside my belly. I used to love eating ice cream and chocolate sauce every night before bed. And now I love drinking water for a late night snack.

My name is Ryan Todd and I've lived in NYC for 5 years. I just turned 34 and I'm the father of two. My wife is actually writing this because I've had a long day at work (still there) but I wanted to submit to the blog. I've always been a well-balanced person with a very healthy lifestyle. Life in New York, or shall I say, work in New York has made it difficult to find the time and energy to keep up a regular work out. Add in two kids and there is even less time and energy to spare. My wife and I want to get back into a healthy routine and hopefully this will kick start us back together.

My name is Lizza. I live in Pasco Washington with my hard working husband and four boys ages 7-3. My husband and have been doing a weight loss program for the last six weeks. I struggled this last week so when my sister in law passed this along to me I felt that this is what I needed to finish my goals. Thanks Morgan. I'm excited to see if I can stick with it. Good luck.

I am Emily Poll, a 27 year old working professional in NYC. I love to run & work out, but after my last marathon, have taken way too long of a break and am craving a healthy lifestyle once again. I love to bake...the problem just happens to be that making an entire cake or a whole batch of cookies is going a little overboard for just me and my husband! I also am a night owl...and the midnight cravings for baked goods or chocolate need to end. I am so excited for this challenge to help motivate me to have more meaningful scripture study, give up my sweet cravings, stop eating late at night, & just feel more healthy & energetic. I am especially glad knowing that we are all in this together! Good luck to everyone!

My name is Morgan Olson, I am a 28 year old stay at home mom of 3 crazy boys. We have lived in NY for a little over 2 years. I love being a mom, but find that what makes me, me, is slowly being taken over by the needs of the kiddos. I am hoping to take care of myself a bit more with this challenge. I have a HUGE sweet tooth, especially with chocolate. I love to bake, and that is definitely not helping me to eat less desserts. I am so excited for the spiritual aspect of this, and the challenge to be better at planning and executing family home evening. I still have a bit (a lot) of baby weight to get off, so I am hoping to make some progress with that, tone up a bit, and just get my body moving in general. I am also thrilled to be doing this with everyone involved. I love the idea of having such a large support group and being in this together.

My name is Lane and I am fond of treats, reading books, and finding new places to eat treats. Unfortunately only one of these (sort of) fits into the fitness challenge. Earlier this year I had a very difficult break-up with Diet Coke, which had nursed me through good times and bad, and got me through grad school, for which I will always be grateful. I'm hoping that will give me the hope and strength that I need to meet these challenges. I live in NYC--an excellent place for treats.

I'm Jamie Anderson Calder. I'm 32 years old. I've lived in a handful of places, including NYC, but have recently planted my roots in Palo Alto, CA, with my husband and my 10 month old little slice of heaven. I'm about 5-feet-nothing tall and the thing I like most in life is to have fun! In the immortal words of Cat (for all you Real Housewives fans), "I'm here for a good time, not a long time." For me, having a good time means looking and feeling my personal best in all facets of my life. I find that if I look, act, and feel my best (easier said than done), then it's easy for me to actually be my best self (also easier said than done). Right now I'm pretty sure I'm not even close, probably slightly above my average self. What do I want to get out of this adventure? I'd like to lose a few pounds, but nothing major. I'd like to get into the habit of personal scripture study. I'd like to be proud of my thighs. I don't really have any major weaknesses, unless I'm traveling (which I seem to do quite often)...then it's a free for all. I can undo 6 months worth of personal work in about 6 days. In my former life I was a Justin Timberlake groupie. I think he'd be quite disappointed in me now, and tell me to bring the sexy back (to which I would also add bring the spiritual back)! So maybe that will be my daily mantra or something. Cheers!

My name is Andrea & I have lived in NYC for 5 years. I wanted to do the challenge for several reasons, none of which are that noble.

1) I just like to compete. Anytime there is a competition I have to be apart of it.

2) I hate to miss out on anything. If there is a party or fitness challenge I want in.

3) It would be nice to have some extra spending cash. I am not saying I plan on winning, but I work for a Hedge Fund and I have been trained well to be incentivized by money.

4) I want to regain a better balance in my life. My job is demanding & sometimes it can be difficult to fit a workout or FHE into my week. I think the competition is what I need to obtain that balance.

5) I have the worst sweet tooth. I have at least one (but truthfully it's more like 10) pieces of candy everyday. You name it I have it at my desk: blow pops, jolly ranchers, chocolate, jawbreakers, lemon heads, etc. I have been trying to cut back on my sugar for years, but never thought I could do it. This just might be the motivation I need to finally kick the habit. I have say that I survived day 1, Candy 0 - Andrea 1. See ya sucker!

6) I wanted to support Rebecca & the rest of my ladies. You are all amazing!

Hi, I'm Louise Smock. I am a 30 year old mom living in NYC with two girls (ages 3 and 6 months). I am really anxious to get off my lazy (physical and spiritual) behind and get into great shape, physically and spiritually. I really want to lose about 12 pounds so hopefully this challenge will get it going. I'm excited about NOT gorging myself before bedtime and forcing myself to go to bed earlier. After this challenge I plan on ditching my old lady clothes and start rocking a new wardrobe.

I'm Ashley Rockwood Melgar. I've lived in NYC off and on for 13 years since my undergrad days at NYU. I'm 31 and mom to two (3 yr old boy and 18 month old girl). My biggest desire in this challenge is to gain consistency in what I'm doing. I find that I'm great in accomplishing my goals for a couple weeks, a couple days, and then go completely off the wagon. With kids has come a lack of stick-with-it-ness, probably from lack of energy or time! This time, I want to actually attain the goals I've had hanging over my head for a long time. Like most everyone else, I'd also like to get my pre-mama body back in business and find a better "me" spiritually.

Hi, I'm AnnMarie Dunn. I recently moved back to NYC in June after finishing a two year stint in grad school. I lived in the city for five years before going back to school. While I was gone I put on a few pounds. I like to blame this on my tendency to snack while I study but it may be that I'm 31 years old and my body might not handle food the same as it did when I was 20. I was surprised how much I missed NYC and I'm glad to call it home again. I just started a job on Monday so it's probably also a good time to readjust my diet, exercise and spiritual habits.

I (Sharon Fitzpatrick), have lived in New York for 39 years and love it. I have worked as a teacher, , a geologist, in the technology department for Moody's Investors Service and as a Program Manager for AmeriCorps. The hardest (and best) work I did was a mother of three and wife to a fabulous fellow. I hope to become healthier and stronger with this challenge.

I'm Olivia. I've long been an advocate for butter and sugar rights, and now I'm looking for a new cause. I have legs like sausages and thighs like hams and, while I'm also a supporter of pork products (shout out to my man, Bacon), I'd like it if my body parts resembled less meaty things. I do strength and aerobic training on a regular basis, so my main focus will be on eating better and getting my spirit in shape.

I'm Renee L. and I've lived in NYC for over a year now with my husband and 22 yr. old son who is attending Hunter College. I have 4 sons, 3 married, and 5 grandchildren. I'm ready for this challenge because I am addicted to sugar and have been over-eating ever since I moved here. I need healthier habits and also would like to loose 5 lbs (to start). 50 really is a magic number. I've always eaten whatever I want, and never gained weight....until the last 2 years. Wow, that was a full confession, it must be time to get serious!!!

My name is Courtney, I'm 25 and living in northern Virginia. I got divorced this summer so my love of baking mixed with a serious comfort-food fest this summer has left me unable to fit into lots of my clothes. I'm excited about this fitness challenge because I want to get into shape and find balance again. I am definitely trying to make changes in my life now that will make me a better, more balanced person as I start this new phase in my life. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin again, prepared to face the singles' wards, and finally establish a good scripture-reading habit.

Other challengers:

Diana Marsden & Shauna Davis


Monday, September 27, 2010

DAY 1 - HOW DID IT GO?

I hope you you've all had great success with DAY 1! I found myself almost taking a bite of Madeline's cookie after school, but alas, I remembered my goal! It's amazing how much we all probably do (that isn't always good) out of habit or without even thinking. I already feel like my awareness, for at least what I ate today, has been heightened a bit. Hopefully, this will only improve. I'd love to know how your day went as well. Please feel free to leave a comment!

A few things:
  • Don't forget to weigh yourself today. Determine your "ideal" or desired weight so you know what you're shooting for. Then make sure to weigh yourself every Sunday in order to determine whether or not you earned a point for weight loss or maintenance each week.
  • Keeping track of your points: I've decided that I'm going to keep track of your weekly points, not your daily points. That's for you to do. If you've already come up with your own spread sheet to use, great! Melissa Atkin has put together a weekly spreadsheet that I'll send out through the google group, so feel free to use that one. There will be a weekly google doc for you to submit your weekly points to. Your weekly points must be submitted to the document no later than Sunday by 9pm. I'll be sure to remind you all.
  • I need your introductions by tonight!!! Most of you have responded, but I'm still waiting to hear back from several of you. I will be posting those up ASAP so if you want to be included, please do this tonight.
  • Share your successes. If you're making great progress, please let me and/or the group know about it. We want to hear about how you're doing and what's working and what's still challenging for you. Sharing each other's progress is a great way to motivate and encourage one another!