Remember to review earlier blog posts to make sure you get the latest from your team members. Everyone has great info and insights to share.
We're entering week 4. You've noticed by now that I pay close attention to the time as it passes. That's because it's easy to slip into a habit of thinking you have plenty of time to make a change. Forget about the deadline for the biggest loser competition for a second (very brief second, at that), and think about what you want to feel like when you take that beach vacation, or put on your shorts and t-shirts for the first time in the spring. And then remember, your time runway is SHORTER than you think. Some habits I hope you've formed, or are in the process of forming:
1. Faithfully keep your food and workout journal. (What day are we on, for those who followed my advice?)
2. Limit sugar intake to 50g or less a day. (How have you been able to accomplish this goal?)
3. Use no sweeteners -- artificial or "real" -- for 30 days (you do know I'm going to recommend that you continue on this path, right? Although post-30 days it's called a "recommendation"). (I know several of you have been religious about this pursuit -- has it impacted your cravings for other sweets?)
4. No soda -- regular or diet -- for 30 days. (How has this been working for you? Any noticeable changes in your cravings?)
5. Eat real food. Fresh veggies, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats. (Can you feel a change in your energy levels?)
I'm going to add one that I've spoken to many of you about, but can't quite break through the "I know best about my body" barrier. I'm not here to claim that I KNOW BEST (well, maybe I am a little), however, I'd like to see you try my way and determine the impact on your body. This is a big one for a lot of you:
DO NOT USE PROTEIN BARS OR DRINKS AS A MEAL. These things are not REAL FOOD. Sure, you get some of your vital nutrients (assuming your body can actually absorb those nutrients...), but this stuff is so processed, and full of chemicals, it's actually something that you can fool yourself into thinking you're eating healthy. It's not a billion dollar industry because it works. Look around you. Please try the real foods concept. I believe it's vital to your health. (If you must have a bar, please try Lara Bar. They are made from fruit and nuts, only. No processed chemicals or preservatives. Still, awfully sweet...).
Let's make this a great week! We've got two work outs -- Tuesday morning at 6 AM and Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM. There's been a proposal for a Saturday morning workout -- let me know if you're interested! Best of luck, and let's keep the success going!
So over the weekend, I discovered my new cardio love, ZUMBA! It is so fun and you are sweating and working your booty off. It's not near as boring as the treadmil and when it was over I couldn't believe an hour had gone by. They said that one hour burns between 500-700 calories. Of course I did discover why they don't have mirrors! I don't think my dance moves looked quite as put together as the instructors! So fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm in for Saturday morning! When and where? And Tammy - where did you do the Zumba class? I've been thinking about getting a WII Fit so I can do it at home but I'll bet it's fun in a group!
ReplyDeleteOkay Team! We are on! Saturday workout here at 8:30. Laura and Maddy! Let's get some more people here! Who's in?
ReplyDeleteI'm in....Let's see if we can rally the troops ladies!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! Look at that! Jenny's adjusting her Starbuck's time to work out! That's commitment!
DeleteThanks for noticing Laura :)
DeleteLaura, I go to the Fitness Fusion on hwy k right past the Goodwill. They have a website and classes everyday. It is so fun! In fact, I just got back from taking a class. I know a couple people that got it for their wii but they didn't like it and didn't suggest getting it.
ReplyDeleteAnyone reading the blog tonight who did not see my text -- are you in for a workout tomorrow at 6AM? Nate is in, but if no one else is, he will work out at his own gym. C'mon people! Where's the commitment??
ReplyDeleteMaddy, the blog should be called Clear Your Mind of WON'T. I'm eating hard boiled eggs and drinking black coffee. SO NOT COMFORTING. It's the price I'm willing to be pay for beautiful. Thanks, Coach!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Zumba, but saw this Living social deal today: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/860/deals/232652
ReplyDelete10 zumba classes in West county for $25. Might be worth a try for those of you looking for new fitness ideas!
Thanks for the tip on Larabars. I'm not normally a bar person, but have to figure out something for our family trip to Universal. Because funnel cakes and butterbeer ain't gonna cut it! LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe gym in Ballwin that I go to offers free group classes for members, so last night I went to their Fitball class. It a solid hour of core strengthening with each activity last 1 minute in duration. I plan to at least try their Zumba class, just to get some entertainment and variety.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in the Saturday workout, since I already workout that day. I won't be able to attend this weekend, as I will be in Chicago.
Ok, everyone. We had a good weigh in -- and there's a lot more to go. Definitely a Saturday workout, since only one person could work out at 6am this week. I don't mean to be rude, but with some of you, I question your commitment to the process. This is not easy. This is not a game. This is your life, your health and your FITNESS. Please, embrace it.
ReplyDeleteTo clarify: I do not question the commitment of those of you who post on this site each day. I know you are all working toward your goals diligently. How can we, as a community, bring the others on our team more deeply into the discussion and help with their goals? Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteHad to share this: a quote of the day just popped up on my phone: "Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness." Earl of Derby
ReplyDeleteWhat about posting tips/tricks/articles/recommended reading in the lunch room?
ReplyDeleteLoved our work out tonight! Everyone showed terrific intensity, stayed with the movements, and made it through 3 rounds! See if you can get your accountability partner to attend next Wednesday, if they aren't already. @Nichole, I am absolutely going to do what you suggest! And, team, it's not too much to work out several times a week, even when sore. Your muscles will actually appreciate the continued work, since you work out the lactic acid and other grungy things that make you hurt. Just keep moving!
ReplyDeleteDay 24 without any soda, french fries or beer! I have been eating a lot more vegetables and bananas. No energy bars or energy/weight-loss drinks. My only sugar intake is from a small glass of orange juice or cranberry juice in the mornings. OK, I sneaked a couple of cookies on two occasions! I appreciate all the nutrition advice and encouragement from others. I think this process has been very good for office morale.
ReplyDeleteWomen on the team: What times/days work for you to have an Intro to Weightlifting class?
ReplyDeleteMy schedule is flexible. I would prefer it not to be on Mondays as I plan to be attending a Fitball class those evenings.
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ReplyDeleteDo lunchtimes work for anyone? Until March 1, I'm pretty limited to lunchtime and my daily early morning workouts at home.)
ReplyDeleteAny Super Bowl snack ideas? I know we're having steak, guacamole, veggies, and maybe a clean apple crisp. I'm always looking for the ultimate clean wing recipe, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis wing recipe looks clean to me Nichole:
Deletehttp://www.paleoplan.com/2010/01-04/buffalo-chicken-wings/
Lots of great recipes at Paleo Plan. Check it out!
Nassau William Senior said, ”To abstain from the enjoyment which is in our power, or to seek distant rather than immediate results, are among the most painful exertions of the human will.” You see, when setting goals, we end up creating a struggle between who we are now (our “present” self) and who we wish to be later in life (our “future” self). The problem with this struggle is that it’s not a fair fight. Our “present” self is present. It makes all the decisions. Our “future” self doesn’t have a voice, therefore it sits at the mercy of our “present” self.
ReplyDeleteHow do you make this fight with yourself more fair? Are you strongly adhering to your accountability partner? Are you willing to share your journal with me? We still have 8 weeks to go, but time, it is a'wasting!!
Thank you Maddy and Laura for the Saturday morning workout. I showed up with too little sleep and a little too much attitude. Thank god the honey badger put up with my sassy remarks and pushed me when I needed it. Wish I had gone for round 3. :( My goal for next week is to be equally committed to eating right and exercising. I have not hit my exercise goal and I know that is holding me back. Expecting that the Monday weigh in will be my final push to do better.
ReplyDeleteyummy snack=
ReplyDelete1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1/4 cup blueberries
splash of vanilla extract
Glad you guys had a nice WO yesterday. I got in two great family walks yesterday, and a step workout this morning. Grass-fed NY Strips thawing for dinner, yum! Thanks for the recipe link, Maddy. Those look delicious!
ReplyDeleteHappy Super Bowl! We are having Tri-Tip steak, wine mushrooms, broccoli and salad. If I feel extravagent I'll add in half a sweet potato. I found some hummus guacamole at Trader Joe's yesterday. It's awesome! Having it now on some bell peppers, carrots and baby tomatoes. Num num eatemup! Aren't ya'll glad I posted? BTW - Maddy's workout is a killer and it nearly killed me BUT I now know how much work I have to do. If you did it with her and are afraid to go back, I am challenging you to take it on!
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