What a week! I hope you all are doing great and finding a little time for yourselves and a little more balance in your lives. Right about now, we are realizing that this is hard...and twelve weeks is a LONG time! Don't give up - just do YOUR personal best! Don't let those super high points discourage you! Just set your own goals each week and strive to meet them. We all have different goals!
Keep up the pace! You are all doing amazing. And just remember, we are all doing better than we were three weeks ago!
Post your points for this week here in the comments. Don't stress if they aren't as high as you'd like. We don't judge!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A Little Clarification
After Jan's comment with a question about eating a bowl of Reese's Puffs for a snack, I have been really pondering and trying to come up with the correct way to answer. So, I am going to try my hardest to establish a few guidelines in order to make this competition equally fair for everyone involved.
What is a snack, compared to a treat? I think that is the question that some may have. There has definitely been some gray area regarding this. So, here is my two sense. Take it or leave it, but I am just trying to be sure everyone gets the most out of this experience and that everyone has an equal chance of getting all those points. :)
So, say you are trying to lose weight. (I am pretty sure we all are!) You need to establish a daily calorie amount that you are allowed. I like 1400 calories. It seems to be my magic number. So, if I can have 1400 calories in a day then I would like to save most of those calories for my meals. For example if I eat 350 calories for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then I have 350 remaining for snacks and treats. That's not a lot! So, I am thinking that I better have a low calorie snack like an apple, carrots, or something that helps me get my fruit/veggie points for the day. And some days, I don't have any calories remaining for a treat. And that's okay - I actually still live! :) Remember, you don't have to only have 1400 calories. Just remember that 2000 is the average for a person who is not needing to lose weight.
And here's my opinion about the sugary snacks that we all love. (And I'm not referring to the natural sugars in fruits and vegetables). This is hard and I have been thinking really hard about it. Here is what I have come up with. I am a label reader. I am amazed at the amount of grams of sugar most items considered to be healthy have in them. I have changed the cereals I buy (even the ones I feed my family). I buy bread that has less that 3 grams of sugar. Even the yogurt I had in my fridge had 32 grams of sugar in it! I feel like I have made many changes recently that are directly related to the amount of sugar we are consuming. So, in my opinion any cereal that has more than 6 grams of sugar in it should be considered a treat, but for this competition lets say 8. Anything with more than 8 grams of sugar in it should be counted as your treat and not just as a snack. And any cereal that is named after a candy bar has at least 10 grams in it. I've spent a lot of time in the cereal isle lately. :) In fact, some of the cereals that I had in my pantry that I had to get rid of were: cinnamon toasters - 11 grams of sugar, frosted flakes - 13 grams of sugar, even honey nut cheerios have 11 grams! I was shocked! The cookies I have right now have 11 grams of sugar in them. So, I would count the cookie as a treat, therefore I guess I better be counting the cereal as a treat also.
So check lables more carefully. Try to count calories as much as possible. This is a hard one for me. Don't even for a second think that I only consume 1400 calories per day. My bod would look lots different if that were the case! :) And try to eat healthier snacks. Eat those fruits and veggies for your snacks. Try to refrain from grabbing chips, crackers, and other high calorie, or processed foods. This will help us all to meet our goals faster.
And if you eat a snack that has more than 8 grams of sugar in it, lets count those as treats. That way we are all on the same page. I am not trying to in any way change rules after we have already started, but I know that many of you are being so super healthy but losing points for missed hours of sleep because of little children (that's my hardest struggle!) and forgetting to say your morning prayers because you ran out of bed to get a crying child, or needing that extra sweet to cope with sick, hard to handle kids! Sound familiar?? We all have different things that we struggle with.
I hope this helps and doesn't frustrate any of you. And this is in no way "my" competition with only me defining the guidelines. Please everyone comment and make suggestions or tell us how you feel about this. If we need to change anything, I'm totally willing.
What is a snack, compared to a treat? I think that is the question that some may have. There has definitely been some gray area regarding this. So, here is my two sense. Take it or leave it, but I am just trying to be sure everyone gets the most out of this experience and that everyone has an equal chance of getting all those points. :)
So, say you are trying to lose weight. (I am pretty sure we all are!) You need to establish a daily calorie amount that you are allowed. I like 1400 calories. It seems to be my magic number. So, if I can have 1400 calories in a day then I would like to save most of those calories for my meals. For example if I eat 350 calories for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then I have 350 remaining for snacks and treats. That's not a lot! So, I am thinking that I better have a low calorie snack like an apple, carrots, or something that helps me get my fruit/veggie points for the day. And some days, I don't have any calories remaining for a treat. And that's okay - I actually still live! :) Remember, you don't have to only have 1400 calories. Just remember that 2000 is the average for a person who is not needing to lose weight.
And here's my opinion about the sugary snacks that we all love. (And I'm not referring to the natural sugars in fruits and vegetables). This is hard and I have been thinking really hard about it. Here is what I have come up with. I am a label reader. I am amazed at the amount of grams of sugar most items considered to be healthy have in them. I have changed the cereals I buy (even the ones I feed my family). I buy bread that has less that 3 grams of sugar. Even the yogurt I had in my fridge had 32 grams of sugar in it! I feel like I have made many changes recently that are directly related to the amount of sugar we are consuming. So, in my opinion any cereal that has more than 6 grams of sugar in it should be considered a treat, but for this competition lets say 8. Anything with more than 8 grams of sugar in it should be counted as your treat and not just as a snack. And any cereal that is named after a candy bar has at least 10 grams in it. I've spent a lot of time in the cereal isle lately. :) In fact, some of the cereals that I had in my pantry that I had to get rid of were: cinnamon toasters - 11 grams of sugar, frosted flakes - 13 grams of sugar, even honey nut cheerios have 11 grams! I was shocked! The cookies I have right now have 11 grams of sugar in them. So, I would count the cookie as a treat, therefore I guess I better be counting the cereal as a treat also.
So check lables more carefully. Try to count calories as much as possible. This is a hard one for me. Don't even for a second think that I only consume 1400 calories per day. My bod would look lots different if that were the case! :) And try to eat healthier snacks. Eat those fruits and veggies for your snacks. Try to refrain from grabbing chips, crackers, and other high calorie, or processed foods. This will help us all to meet our goals faster.
And if you eat a snack that has more than 8 grams of sugar in it, lets count those as treats. That way we are all on the same page. I am not trying to in any way change rules after we have already started, but I know that many of you are being so super healthy but losing points for missed hours of sleep because of little children (that's my hardest struggle!) and forgetting to say your morning prayers because you ran out of bed to get a crying child, or needing that extra sweet to cope with sick, hard to handle kids! Sound familiar?? We all have different things that we struggle with.
I hope this helps and doesn't frustrate any of you. And this is in no way "my" competition with only me defining the guidelines. Please everyone comment and make suggestions or tell us how you feel about this. If we need to change anything, I'm totally willing.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Week 2 Points!
Two weeks down, ten to go! How did you all do this week? Was week two harder than week one? I hope you were all able to stay warm! This weather is killing me! I hate to be cold and exercising outside is excruciating! I am visiting my sister in Boise and we went outside in zero degrees to exercise. We looked like giant icicles when we got home. It wasn't so bad after our bodies went completely numb! :) Lets hope for better weather this week.
So, post your points in the comments just like last week. And share your experiences, frustrations, etc. We all like to hear how everyone else is doing. And, good luck this next week!
So, post your points in the comments just like last week. And share your experiences, frustrations, etc. We all like to hear how everyone else is doing. And, good luck this next week!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Baby it's cold outside!!
BRRRR! For those of you living here in Cache Valley, you are well aware of how stinking cold it is outside! I have been dying to get outside and go running, but I am not going in the below zero temps! I did see Jason Low out running the other day. Crazy man! :) I wish I had his endurance!
Well, if you are anything like me then you know that doing the same exercise everyday gets boring! I have a treadmill and love that it is so convenient, but I like to mix it up. So... here are a few websites I have found that have great workout ideas that you can do at home.
*Cross Fit Mommas
*Easy crossfit workouts
*Alison Sweeney's at home couch workout
*Lose weight fast - Treadmill workout
*Jillian Michaels' standing ab workout
*burpee-workout
*Exercises for tightening under arms
*Jillian's no equipment training
If any of you have other websites that have helped you, please let me know and I'll post a link to them. I hope this helps you get that hour of burn everyday!
Have a great weekend!
Well, if you are anything like me then you know that doing the same exercise everyday gets boring! I have a treadmill and love that it is so convenient, but I like to mix it up. So... here are a few websites I have found that have great workout ideas that you can do at home.
*Cross Fit Mommas
*Easy crossfit workouts
*Alison Sweeney's at home couch workout
*Lose weight fast - Treadmill workout
*Jillian Michaels' standing ab workout
*burpee-workout
*Exercises for tightening under arms
*Jillian's no equipment training
If any of you have other websites that have helped you, please let me know and I'll post a link to them. I hope this helps you get that hour of burn everyday!
Have a great weekend!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Week One Points!!
We made it through the first week! Wow, I know my body has been in shock. I want to hear from you to see how you all are feeling. I know everyone has been trying their hardest this week. Remember this is only the first week! So, whether you have perfect points (which I know some of you do!) or whether you didn't do as well as you hoped, don't be frustrated. This isn't just about the contest. Making a change is difficult and we all have different situations that can make it really hard to get all those points each day. And almost all of us are moms/dads with crazy lives involving multiple kids and their crazy schedules, work, church callings, etc. Just keep trying your hardest and that's all that matters!!
We had Stake Conference today and it was very interesting that a couple of talks focused on living a healthier lifestyle. Brother Frogley talked about how so many diseases in our country are directly related to bad choices and being overweight. He challenged us to look in our pantry and decide if we are trying to live healthy. He also talked about the word of wisdom and the importance of moderation. It made me so happy to be participating in this challenge and so grateful to be doing it alongside some great friends. So, thanks to you all!
Well...here we go! Post your points by leaving a comment on this post. And I have found that it doesn't always work if you are trying to post from your phones. If you can't get your comment to work, please text me. (Most of you have my cell number.)
We had Stake Conference today and it was very interesting that a couple of talks focused on living a healthier lifestyle. Brother Frogley talked about how so many diseases in our country are directly related to bad choices and being overweight. He challenged us to look in our pantry and decide if we are trying to live healthy. He also talked about the word of wisdom and the importance of moderation. It made me so happy to be participating in this challenge and so grateful to be doing it alongside some great friends. So, thanks to you all!
Well...here we go! Post your points by leaving a comment on this post. And I have found that it doesn't always work if you are trying to post from your phones. If you can't get your comment to work, please text me. (Most of you have my cell number.)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
One last update!
I have had a few people ask me questions and also have some great suggestions, so I thought I better update you all before tomorrow.
First of all, I had the question of if you should count your hours of sleep from the night before or the night after. Well, it really doesn't matter either way, but I like to count the night before so each night I can count up all my points for the day and be finished for that day. Make sense? So, count your hours of sleep tonight towards tomorrow's points.
And the tracking sheet isn't very clear on the points for the one sweet and the not eating after 8 p.m. If you eat more than one treat per day, you get 0 points same as if you eat after 8 p.m.
So, what is considered a treat, you ask? Well, it is really up to you. For some, a graham cracker is a treat. I consider anything sugary to be a treat. Cookies, cakes, candy bars, brownies etc. And how much you choose to eat for that one serving of treat is up to you. You can eat four slices of chocolate cake as long as it is in one sitting. I might recommend only one! :) You get the point though.
And, what is considered a serving of fruits and veggies? Well, I will give you some info that I have found helpful.
Next, I had a great suggestion of having a drawing at the end for everyone who finishes the contest. It doesn't matter if you have the lowest or highest points, but that you finished. I love that idea. So, we will have a first place winner, a second place winner, a third place winner, and then the drawing winner. That way, you will know that even if you have had a couple bad weeks and can see that you are behind on points that you can't give up! It isn't just about winning the big prize! Finishing is a huge accomplishment and should be rewarded! So, don't give up!
I don't have money from everyone yet, so I don't know the exact total for the prizes. I am guessing that first place will be at least $250, second place around $150, third $50 and then the drawing will be $50. I love that we will have four winners! Great incentive!
And last, please leave a comment letting me know that you are able to do so. I am wondering if people have tried and cannot, or just aren't. I need to know so I will be able to get it all set up before points are due next Monday. I want everyone to be able to post their points on this blog. Thank you!
Good Luck to you all! And if anyone has anything they would like to share on this blog, I would love for you to share. Whether it be a recipe, a workout idea or a website that has great info...anything is great. Let me know and I will make sure to post it, or better yet, add you as an author so you can create a post! :) Great idea, Jenny!!
Have a fabulous week!
First of all, I had the question of if you should count your hours of sleep from the night before or the night after. Well, it really doesn't matter either way, but I like to count the night before so each night I can count up all my points for the day and be finished for that day. Make sense? So, count your hours of sleep tonight towards tomorrow's points.
And the tracking sheet isn't very clear on the points for the one sweet and the not eating after 8 p.m. If you eat more than one treat per day, you get 0 points same as if you eat after 8 p.m.
So, what is considered a treat, you ask? Well, it is really up to you. For some, a graham cracker is a treat. I consider anything sugary to be a treat. Cookies, cakes, candy bars, brownies etc. And how much you choose to eat for that one serving of treat is up to you. You can eat four slices of chocolate cake as long as it is in one sitting. I might recommend only one! :) You get the point though.
And, what is considered a serving of fruits and veggies? Well, I will give you some info that I have found helpful.
A
serving of Fruit is one Medium piece of fruit = the size of a
Baseball
A
serving of Fruit Juice is 6 fluid oz. = A little less than one cup
A
serving of Vegetables is ½ cup
Examples
Fruit Servings
½ banana
1 medium apple, orange, or pear
½ cup of chopped, cooked, or
canned fruit
Vegetable Servings
1 cup of raw leafy vegetables
½ cup of other vegetables;
cooked, raw (chopped), or canned
½ cup of vegetable juice
(This list was compiled from Brittany K. who did the last contest I participated in.)
Next, I had a great suggestion of having a drawing at the end for everyone who finishes the contest. It doesn't matter if you have the lowest or highest points, but that you finished. I love that idea. So, we will have a first place winner, a second place winner, a third place winner, and then the drawing winner. That way, you will know that even if you have had a couple bad weeks and can see that you are behind on points that you can't give up! It isn't just about winning the big prize! Finishing is a huge accomplishment and should be rewarded! So, don't give up!
I don't have money from everyone yet, so I don't know the exact total for the prizes. I am guessing that first place will be at least $250, second place around $150, third $50 and then the drawing will be $50. I love that we will have four winners! Great incentive!
And last, please leave a comment letting me know that you are able to do so. I am wondering if people have tried and cannot, or just aren't. I need to know so I will be able to get it all set up before points are due next Monday. I want everyone to be able to post their points on this blog. Thank you!
Good Luck to you all! And if anyone has anything they would like to share on this blog, I would love for you to share. Whether it be a recipe, a workout idea or a website that has great info...anything is great. Let me know and I will make sure to post it, or better yet, add you as an author so you can create a post! :) Great idea, Jenny!!
Have a fabulous week!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Getting Ready??
I woke up this morning in a panic thinking that I only had two more days to get ready for this! How sad for me! Because of the stress I was feeling, I ate three oreos for breakfast with a glass of milk. Oh goodness! At least I finished off the package so there won't be any left in the house on Monday, right?? :)
Well, I created a point tracking sheet for us all! It wasn't quite as difficult as I thought it was going to be. Somehow when my fingers touch a computer, something usually goes down badly! I have tried to link it to this blog, but haven't quite figured it out yet. (I will see if Crae will do it for me.) So, please give me your email address and I will email it to you all. If you don't want to post your email address on here, just send me a text or a facebook message. Either way, I'll get it.
If you haven't been able to comment on this blog, please try now. I made adjustments and am wanting to know if I fixed the problem. Thanks!!
And If you haven't paid your $25 yet, it is due ASAP. I really don't like having to track money down, so if you pay me by January 12th then I will know you are in the pool for the big bucks! If not, you are still welcome to play, you just won't be eligible for the money prizes.
I will be thinking of you all Monday morning when I am at the gym running on the treadmill while eating an apple. I will surely have said my morning prayers too and will make it home in time to shower and get dressed before the kids wake up. Yeah right!! I can't wait to hear everyone's successes and frustrations! Thanks to all who are joining in with us. It will be a great 12 weeks!
Well, I created a point tracking sheet for us all! It wasn't quite as difficult as I thought it was going to be. Somehow when my fingers touch a computer, something usually goes down badly! I have tried to link it to this blog, but haven't quite figured it out yet. (I will see if Crae will do it for me.) So, please give me your email address and I will email it to you all. If you don't want to post your email address on here, just send me a text or a facebook message. Either way, I'll get it.
If you haven't been able to comment on this blog, please try now. I made adjustments and am wanting to know if I fixed the problem. Thanks!!
And If you haven't paid your $25 yet, it is due ASAP. I really don't like having to track money down, so if you pay me by January 12th then I will know you are in the pool for the big bucks! If not, you are still welcome to play, you just won't be eligible for the money prizes.
I will be thinking of you all Monday morning when I am at the gym running on the treadmill while eating an apple. I will surely have said my morning prayers too and will make it home in time to shower and get dressed before the kids wake up. Yeah right!! I can't wait to hear everyone's successes and frustrations! Thanks to all who are joining in with us. It will be a great 12 weeks!
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