Megan M week 8

Yay!! INTERNET!! FINALLY! ha. But only temporary...i'm at my bro's house. Maybe someday we'll get around to setting up the internet at our new place. Well this last week wasn't my best. I lost a little but it's part of a little that I gained back previously so it doesn't help me much. I did run/walk 14 miles this week. Motivation....I need some. And sleep. I need some of that too.

Kimi Week 8

I had a terrible week with a giant lack of motivation! No loss for me!

I am committed to doing well next week!

Aubrey

I lost 1.19% this week and ran 6 miles.

JODI- MEGAN M- AUBREY PROTEIN IDEAS

JODI

I have completed the new protein every day challenge! eggs, peanut butter, tuna fish, edamame (my new favorite veg.), string cheese, almonds, ect..... and I bought everything in bulk so I still have plenty of protein-rich snacks :) 

Megan M

I tried a new protein 5 days in a row. My favorite protein meal is super easy! 1 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup frozen berries. It's tart but sweet and the yogurt freezes to the berries making it resemble ice cream :) perfect for my sweet tooth! I was surprised to see how much protein is in plain yogurt and far fewer calories and less sugar.

I don't have Internet for my computer just on my phone. For some reason my phone is having a hard time logging into the blog so I haven't posted for last Saturday yet. But my total % lost is only 1.08%. :( boo. But I ran 8 miles last week. 

Aubrey

I am happy to say I tried new proteins and completed the challenge.  I also have a new found love for Halibut because of this challenge and I always thought I hated all fish.

Lisa and Craig-0

Craig has stayed the same for the past couple weeks- TONS of around the country traveling- I thought my parents might start slowing down as all of us kids are just about out of the house but it seems they are busier then ever before. So we need to figure out how to help stay on track with weight loss when your life is speeding around you and esp when you travel a lot! Good luck next week Craig!

Lisa stayed the same as well- luckily no gains! She also participated in the protein challenge winning herself a free 1/2 lb!

Virgil and Mary

Mary stayed the same this week- glad not to have any gains!
Virgil had a really successful week losing 2.74%!

LeAnna's week 8 weigh in : Down 1.9%  I'll take it!  I also walked 9 miles this week.

No change for Angela =(

Katie

Hey All!!! So after a fantastic week of losing 6 lbs!!!! I can't count any of it! I somehow gained 8 lbs the previous 2 wks and so I will say no change from my previous weigh in until I get under what I had already lost! My body is so weird! BUT at least we are headed in the right direction down down down to sexy town!
Aways I took some suggestions from neighbors and co workers and what I followed this week is the Game On F.Y.T foods (check out her blog) Which is pretty much carbs-fist size of carbs or fruit each meal, palm size protein with every meal, thumb size of fat with each meal, at least 2 fist size veggies- as many greens as you want. So I cut out almost all processed foods and went with this and its been really great- I feel good! We are also trying soy milk only from now on-..... We will see how that goes, but I have heard good things from my sister as to it makes your skin look so much better, kids aren't as crappy, etc so we will try it!
I ran only 12 miles this week but tried some new classes at my gym that rocked my world!!! :)

***My bad with the PROTEIN challenge the last day was TODAY not WEDS so please keep submitting your meals ideas and let me know if you earned the 1/2 lb by adding new proteins at least 5 days this week!!! Thanks everyone!!!! 

Jodi's week 8 weigh in: 2.03%.....I'll take it! I ran 13 miles this week. My best yet!!!!!!! I'm feeling great. My total % loss is 8.48%. I am on cloud nine!

Amy's Week 8

I had an amazing week.   I lost 2.82% for a total loss of 8.55%.  After coming off such a bad week last week, I really decided to be dedicated this week and focus on adding protein into my diet and it paid off.

LeAnna's Super Chicken Burritos

1 lg. can chicken breast or
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 can black, pinto, or red beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 cup shredded, low-fat cheddar cheese
8-9 inch whole wheat tortillas
Optional toppings:
Lite Sour Cream
Shredded Lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Sliced olives
Salsa

Combine chicken, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and beans (if used) in a large skillet.  Bring to a simmer.  Let simmer until most of  the liquid from the salsa has cooked out.  Sprinkle some of the cheese down the center of each tortilla.  Spread the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.  Roll each tortilla up burrito style (fold the sides in first, then roll from bottom to top).  If desired, brush each burrito with a little EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown.  Serve hot with desired toppings.

My family LOVES these burritos! They're super fast (especially if you use canned chicken) and super easy (even my husband can make them) and super healthy.  The added beans really make the filling stretch to feed a large family like mine (5 growing kids) and add an extra boost of protein and good fiber.  Hope you all love them as much as we do!

Amy's Yummy Dinner

Here is the recipe that we tried.  I just have to say I love pinterest!  It has helped me with the protein challenge.  I was able to compete the protein challenge! (Yea for 1/2 a pound)  But most importantly, I found some really delicious treats and meals that are high in protein that I now love.  Anyway, here is what we tried this week:

Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa

For the Chicken:

2 skinless chicken breasts

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

combine all dry seasonings in a small bowl and then season both sides of chicken.  Then i just grilled the chicken.  

For the Quinoa:

2 cups of low sodium chicken stock

1 cup of Quinoa

juice and zest from 2 limes

a dash of salt and pepper

2 tablespoons of cilantro, chopped

cook quinoa with chicken stock.  once it is done toss the lime zest, juice, and cilantro.

We also served this with a salad full of veggies.  I have never cooked quinoa before so I was a little nervous, but it turned out delicious.  It has lots of protein and fiber.  I have misplaced my camera so I do not have any pictures but if you search it on pinterest you will see why i chose this meal.  

Katie's Kitchen

Okay so here are a couple things that we have tried this week....
FIRST OFF this has been a very frustrating week for me- BUT I am on the up and up and doing a couple of these meals has helped me realize YET again that we can eat really yummy foods just modified a little. I am still learning how to mix the correct foods but anyways here are a couple of our favs:
1- Simple Stuffed Shells
So my hubby and I are both training for some big races this summer so carbs/proteins are really important to us! Pasta is a family fav so just learning how to eat it healthy. Here is what the original recipe calls for- and then I will tell you my version....

24oz Cottage Cheese  (KATIE- stay the same we LOVE cottage cheese!)
1/4 C Parmesan cheese- grated (KATIE we just sprinkle on top)
1 t garlic powder 
2 eggs
S & P
12 oz lg pasta shells UNCOOKED (KATIE- I actually use Penne Pasta now- whole grain. Any type works but it is fun to have different types each time! We also have been 1/2 the recipe)
1 C spinach leaves torn (KATIE- I double this or more- we have added all sorts of different veggies too!)
14 oz can diced Italian tomatoes (KATIE- I hate tomatoes but this gives it a yummy taste you could probably add home grown tomatoes to X-out any processed stuff!)
14 oz jar spaghetti sauce (KATIE- again use Organic or I have even left this out!)
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese  (KATIE- used to be our favorite topping now we either leave off or again just sprinkle on top)

***Combined first 5 items in a  small bowl mix well. Spoon into shells (or just place on top of pasta) Use 13X9 pan tuck spinach into between shells; pour tomatoes and spaghetti sauce on top- make sure all pasta is covered. Cover with aluminum foil; bake at 375* for 30 mins uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese bake another 15 mins or until cheese is melted. Serves 6

Another idea:
Crock pot or grill chicken breasts and get creative with the fixings- we have used honey, VERY LIGHT soy sauce, salsa, chopped tons of fresh veggies and just let them cook a couple hours etc! We have chicken at least 2 night a week and love thinking of new ways to make it, while staying some what healthy!!!
Add some steamed broccoli or beans
or whole wheat pasta a fantastic dinner super easy and fast!

Lastly:
Salads are a huge part of staying on a healthy diet. I did so well last year- eating salads 2-3x a day! I am starting that again but just having the same old stuff KILLS me so here are a couple topping I have found to spice up a boring salad
LEMON JUICE!!!- Now I REFUSE to give up Ranch at any cost- if I am doomed to be fat forever because of it... So be it! I love ranch! BUT I have found if I put some lemon juice on the lettuce I only use a tiny bit of ranch! AND ALWAYS ON THE SIDE.
Chopped up apples, strawberries, blueberries, oranges- fruit has an amazing way of adding a delightful flavor!
Nuts- not a huge fan, but they help add texture.
Cottage cheese on the side
Brown Rice- adding something hot with it helps
Hard boiled egg...MMMM and some times imitation crab (only on special occasions!)

Angela and LeAnna's Week 7

I know this is 4 days late, but we both weighed in early Saturday morning.  I will be better at posting on time!


Angela is down .2% as of Saturday morning.  Not much change but at least it's in the right direction.  Walked 6 miles this week.


LeAnna is the same--AGAIN!  I didn't exercise this week and my eating wasn't up to par so I only have myself to blame.  I am doing better this week.  However, this protein challenge is HARD!  It's hard to find time to eat that often and I'm quickly running out of ideas for new protein.  I'll keep trying.

Red Chili Pepper Crock pot Chicken...Lisa Carter

So, this is a new recipe for protein I made up.  It has a bit of a kick to it!  Crock pot boneless chicken, I used Chicken breast.  1 can of Ro-tel (tomatoes, chilis, green peppers) I added about 1/2 C of salsa, and then 1/4 Cup of the Red Chili Pepper spread from Costco.  This Red chili pepper spread is great on grilled chicken as well.

A side of organic brown/wild rice, salad, green and wax beans.....have a couple of grandkids over  to keep dinner entertaining....and there you go....a great, quick and easy dinner!

I do not know how to figure calories/etc.  But this is a high protein, great fiber, lo-cal meal!

*Chicken
*1 can Ro-Tel
*1/2 Cup Salsa
1/4 C Red Chili Pepper spread

You could add onions, green peppers, whatever you like....

Cook on low in crock pot, about 6-8 hours.....

Organic Wild Rice
Salad of your choice

Come home to a great smelling dinner, ready to go!

Aubrey

Sorry I am late I really did weigh in late Friday night (and it is hard trying to find a scale at your hotel) just haven't had time to post.
I didn't lose any weight this week. But I am actually happy with that because I spent the week at Disneyland and I enjoyed myself and the food :)  I splurged, to say the least. 
But I managed to get 10 miles in running.

Okay well...I need to report I'm going to get a new scale I think it is losing it's reliability. So I'm going to go with the weight it showed three times in a row, which lucky for me kept me the same as last week, I'm happy since we have just moved and our kitchen was packed up all week so a lot of eating out blah!!!! Whenever I get access to my personal chart since the computer is packed up I'll send my percentages....

Kyle and Jen - week 7

Kyle - 1.50% loss = 8.43% total (18.2 lbs)

Jen - 0 loss = 5.23% total

Kimi Week 7

I lost 0.81% this week for a total percentage of 4.21%.  It's not as much as I'd hoped, but I will take what I can get.  By using My Fitness Pal, I have noticed how many carbs I have each day.  I am trying to lower my percentage on that. 

I have been focusing on protein for a long time, so the only new thing I tried this week was a different kind of yogurt. Smith's has a Carbmaster Kroger yogurt.  The container only has 4 carbs and 9 grams of protein.   I usually have Yoplait yogurt, which typically has 19 carbs and only 5 grams of protein!  Looks like I will be eating Kroger!  I had the carrot cake flavor, and it was yummy!  I always sprinkle some low-fat granola in my yogurt because it makes it seem more like a treat.  I need to look up some new protein meals to mix things up.

I typically have about 30% protein daily (a minimum of 100 grams).  For daily protein, I usually eat eggs every morning, a protein bar (Dr. CarbRite-net carbs of 2 grams!) or protein shake (Dymatize chocolate mint-also only 2 carbs), yogurt, turkey sandwich on sandwich flats (to lower the # carbs), string cheese, edamame (if you haven't tried edamame yet, it is worth a try - I don't think it's the best thing ever, but it is a great way to add protein and fiber to your diet.  Sprinkle some seasoned salt, chili powder, or sea salt for flavor.), and some type of protein for dinner (grilled chicken, extra lean ground beef, etc.).

My goal for next week is to lose at least 1%.  I ran 1.75 miles this week.

Amy's Week 7

I gained weight this week.  So my total weight loss so far is 5.73%.  I have been following the protein challenge as well.  I found out I love a protein shake in the morning with some frozen fruit.  And I did have to make dessert one night for a family thing so I made black bean brownies (why not try to add a little protein to dessert).  Unfortunately, I got too comfortable with my eating and fell back into my same old habits with late snacking, diet coke, and treats.  Super frustrating!  My goal for this week is to lose double what I gained this week.  Good luck everyone!

Katie

I am sooooooooooo frustrated and happy and the same time!!! First off I ran my first 12 miles today and luckily I have some awesome friends that kept me going and it just feels sooo great! On the down side or I mean UP SIDE my scale reported a HORRIBLE number that is just rocking my world right now so I will just say it says I gained NOT SURE HOW!!!?! Yes I had some cookies but seriously! So I am going to try this new "diet" that I have heard GREAT reviews on- can't remember the exact name on it but basically it gives you great ideas to keep your protein/carbs in check and hopefully it will help this sad sad sad girl!!!! I ran 19miles this week

***Reminder when you post to state YOUR NAME - someone posted this morning but I am not sure who it is? I want to give credit you so let me know who you are! :)

**We are trying the protein challenge in our house as well- loving the Nature Valley Protein Bars for a mid day snack- and trying to get creative with cottage cheese/eggs etc. I am trying a new whole wheat pasta dish tonight that will be interesting! Pics to come soon! Hang in there everyone!!!

Virgil and Mary

Bad news all around- both gained a little so we will just say they are the "Same" and hopefully they can re-lose the weight plus more to count next week!

Lisa & Craig

Craig has been traveling the country for 2 weeks...he hasn't really been able to weigh in....flew home to attend republican convention today, then off to Boston tonight again...but we'll call him the same!

Lisa Nada, nil, zero lost.  Stayed the same. so 5 lb. total so far, and a 2.54%.  I

I have added Kefir to my protein life....it is a tart/yogurt like drink that I have made some healthy smoothies with that, ice, fresh fruit, a little agave.  I don't usually like to just drink my calories....but it is really good and has probiotics which is very healthy!!!

I am down 1.76% this week. FINALLY! It has been a few weeks since I've budged and I was getting super frustrated. I ran 10 miles this week. My total % loss is 6.53% (11.4 lbs). :):):):):):):)
Katie-............I followed the protein challenge. I ate new proteins each day in a meal or a snack.

Megan M week 6

I'm so behind! I weighed in sat morning but we moved Saturday so I haven't had time to post. I'm down 0.4lbs. Nothing impressive. My total is only at 1.83% since I gained some back last week. Here's hoping I can kick it in the butt now that we are living in our own place and I'm in charge of the kitchen :)

Angela and LeAnna's Week 6

Angela gained <1 lb.  Not much to report but she walked 7.5 miles.

LeAnna stayed the same.  It's been 3 weeks now.  I'm going to have a breakthrough this week.  I can feel it.  I just have to stay away from the left over birthday cake.  Now that my baby's one =( it's time to lose the baby fat for good!  I have a new plan and a new motivation.  I also have plans for the prize money!  Hope everyone has an awesome week, just not as awesome as me!  By the way, I walked 5 miles this week.


How do you add miles to the total?  Can someone enlighten me on the process?

Aubrey

I  am only down .03% this week.
I ran 13 miles this week.

Michele Week 6

I was up .12% :( Hoping for a better week!

Kyle & Jen - week 7

Kyle is down .40% for a total of 7.04%

Jen stayed the same but this week is going to be great!

Melissa B

Stayed the same!

Melissa J

Up 2 lbs but hoping for a turn around this coming week!

Katie

Stayed the same :( but adding 14 miles this week.

Lisa and Craig

Both stayed the same this week- but are hoping for some great results next week! Craig needs to learn how to stay healthy while traveling so much!

Virgil and Mary

Virgil lost .011% this week and Mary lost .29% !!!

Kimi Week 6

I lost 0.7% this week. I am down a total of 3.43%.

It took me until Wednesday to get any sort of motivation back after eating the Easter junk, so I am glad I lost! Next week I hope to lose a minimum of 1.5%!

I only ran 1.5 miles this week.

Emily is down 1 lb for a total of 5.29% I'm ready to loss three pounds this week

Jodi's week 6:
I am up -0.29%  BUT I'm a lot more closer to my week 4 weigh in than I have been in the last 2 weeks. I apparently hit a bump in the road (Although I'm not sure why). I followed this weeks challenge by drinking half my weight in water ounces....feels great! I ran 9.25 miles.

Amy's Week 6

I had a little loss of .70% which brought me to a little over 10lbs lost so far.  I also ran 16 miles this week.

Shannon's Story- She is AMAZING!!!

***This is my neighbor Shannon- who has just been amazing and such a great inspiration! I have asked her to share her story/tips for all of us losers! She also is available via FACEBOOK/EMAIL if you have any questions or comments- she has some AWESOME meal ideas!

"If people have specific questions they'd like answered just let me know!  I LOVE talking about this stuff!" Shannon. 

My Story:  I'm a 35 year old married woman who works full time outside of the house.  I have three children.  2 boys who are 11 and 8, and a girl who is 5.  I'd ALWAYS struggled with my weight!  Come to find out I'd never been given the tools to know how to change that.  About 2.5 years ago I found myself tipping the scales at 220 lbs and knew I needed to change something.  Timing was good for me to focus on myself!  I joined a contest that included receiving training on how to workout 2 times a week with input on how to eat healthy.  I lost 65lbs in 5 months and won the contest!  I then went on to lose another 15 for a total of 80lbs lost in less than a year!  I have kept that weight off (with the usual fluctuation of 10lbs up and down-which is NORMAL!!) for 2 years and I'll never go back!  I am also currently a trainer at Crossfit UAC which has also changed my life (more on that later).

What's helped me the MOST is my mentality and approach to healthy eating (notice I didn't say DIET!!).  Dieting has an end in sight.  It's something you'll do for "this long" and then once you've reached say a weight goal you say "I'm done".  Listen, you're NEVER done!  Approach this with a attitude of changing habits and that takes time and patience!  Pick ONE thing you're going to change and do it faithfully for 2 weeks (they say it take about 20 days to make AND break a habit).  

My first thing was the cut out pop, then I cut out candy, then I cut my portions, then once I was ready I started to count my calories, then I moved onto eating VERY clean (we call it Paleo eating).  At first I was VERY strict with myself, there was NO cheating!  I DID have a goal in sight BUT once I hit that goal I didn't throw everything out the window and fall back into my same bad habits.  I just would let myself "relax" every so often.  I didn't want to be THAT person that would NEVER go out to eat, NEVER eat food at gatherings etc.  I just would keep track of what I was eating and give myself some flexibility when it was NEEDED.  Mostly I take an 80/20 approach.  I eat good 80% of the time and give myself that 20% to go wild.

The BIGGEST thing that will help you with eating is to write EVERYTHING down that you put into your mouth.  Even if you aren't counting calories, STILL write it down!  It really opens your eyes to see it down on paper what you are consuming each day.  It helps you be aware of what you eat instead of just mindlessly eating it.

The next biggest thing is to MOVE!  Everyday do something.  When I started I walked for half an hour everyday.  After a few weeks I'd run a block, walk 3.  Then I added weights and body moves (sit ups, push ups, lunges) twice a week.  Finally I'd worked myself up to feeling comfortable taking on Crossfit and I LOVE it and wish I had found it earlier!  Take it slow when you start out.  You don't want to push your body too much or burn yourself out.  Shake it up too!  Run one day, ride your bike the next, walk to the next, lift weights the next.  Keep that body guessing!  Again just MOVE every single day!!

My last advice is to again not go into this thinking there is an "end".  You are making lifestyle changes and healthy eating changes that you will MAKE your lifestyle.  It's the ONLY way you'll keep the weight off and stay healthy.  Plus showing your family how to be healthy will reap benefits way down the road!  Feel free to relax one day a week or one meal every other day.  Just make sure to keep track of how you're doing and reign it in when needed and let it loose when needed.  Surround yourself with people that like to move also.  I can't tell you how having like minded health conscious friends and family has helped me stay on track.  They make it easy because it's just our lifestyle!  It's what we DO!

Meal ideas:  Keep your meals simple!  Make sure you have some good protein each day.  It'll help you stay and feel fuller longer.  Eggs, chicken and fish are the best.  The plate idea really is a good one.  Fill your plate with veggies first, then add your palm sized piece of protein, and then a little hand full of fat-olive oil, seeds, almonds, cashews, pistachios, avocado.  Make fruit your desert-strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapefruits, apples.  Leave the complicated meals for eating out.

Also-try to eat something every 2 hours.  A carrot, an apple, celery pieces, piece of chicken.  That'll help keep your energy level and your body fueled all day and keep the munchies away.

Example of my meals: 

Breakfast: 2 eggs with mushrooms, garlic, OVOO, and salsa-scrambled together

Grapefruit

Bag of strawberries

Lunch: 3-6oz of chicken (usually cooked with OVOO, garlic, salsa or other marinades)

Sliced veggies (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, celery)

Spinach (I'll make everything above into a salad if I'm feeling like it-I use olive oil and vinegar as dressing)

Dinner: 3-6oz of chicken or fish or 2 more eggs cooked over easy

1-2 cups shredded sweet potato cooked like hash browns

Spinach (another salad if I'm feeling like it-sometimes I'll just grab some veggies again to snack on).

Snacks: Dark chocolate squares (2) or sliced banana with nut butter on it (it's like peanut butter only made of almonds instead).

Kyle & Jen - week 5

Kind of crazy this weekend...sorry for the delayed post!

Kyle - down 1.08% this week for a total of 6.67%.  He has been doing great!  A total of 14.4 lbs.!

Jen - down 1.26% this week for a total of 5.23%.  A total of 10.4 lbs.

Have a great week?

Amy lost 5lbs!

I did it.  I said no to the most delicious Easter treats and it paid off.  I lost 5 lbs in two weeks!  I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend.

Aubrey

I am down 1.18% and with my two pounds this week and my three last week I lost 5! 

I also ran 11 miles and started my second week of Jillian Michaels Body Revolution.  LOVE IT!

Megan M

Well I'm up o.4lbs. Boo.

Michele Week 5

I was down .37% this week,  for a total of  6.07%. With spring break and being home the whole week I found it hard to keep up my routeen! I am hoping with this new week getting back to work and our routeen and hopefully all the easter candy out of the house it will be a better week! :)

Kimi Week 5

I gained back the 0.3% I lost last week. Dang the Easter candy! I need self control. ;)

I am starting P90X this week. I need to change things up!

I ran 2 miles this week.

Oh, and PS other bloggers, you can add yourself to the blog as an "author" only. That way you don't have to sign in/out every time you post on here. Just an FYI.

Emily

Emily stayed the same....next week I'm going to really avoid the chocolate

Angela's and LeAnna's Week 5

Week 5--we're still alive--and the same size.  Angela gained less than 1% and LeAnna stayed the same.  LeAnna walked 2.2 miles this week and, I know it doesn't go towards the total walking/running goal, but, LeAnna also jumped at "Get Air" for an hour with my super-cool kids and hubby and his awesome family.  It was absolutely the funnest exercise I've ever gotten and I think if all exercise was that much fun, we wouldn't live in an overweight/obese nation.   This morning, I mowed the lawn and cleaned up the yard.  That counts as exercise, right?  I think I need to watch what I eat more carefully.  I've taken on "Dory's" motto: Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.  As long as I'm moving, I'm doing my body and mind good, whether the scale shows it or not!  Good luck to everyone on Monday!

Katie

I finally LOST 1 lb! Hola!~! After another 10 mile run this morning and a better week with my work outs I feel a lot better! That puts me at 2.24% lost thus far! I ran 17.5 miles this week.

I wanted to remind everyone to add any favorite websites etc to the blog so we can all take a look and also reminder that the 5 lb challenge ends THIS MONDAY April 9!! So Amy- keep it up you are almost there!

Thanks to my fantastic cousin for sharing her story and lifestyle- she is really is so amazing! So glad she is willing to help us along! Any questions or comments shoot them her way!

Good Luck everyone! Happy Easter! Have some chocolates for me! :)

Virgil and Mary

Mary stayed the same this week!
Virgil lost another .34%

Jodi's weigh in:
I was up -1.24% this week.........but Tepanyaki sure was tasty. I ran 7 miles this week.

Amy's Week 5

I lost 1.59% this week for a total weight loss of 6.06%.  I tried so hard to lose the full 5 pounds for the challenge by today, but I still have 0.2 pounds to lose.  Oh well, hopefully that last little bit will help keep me away from those dang cadbury mini eggs this weekend.  Happy Easter everyone!  Also, I ran 7 miles this week.

Happy Easter Lovely Losers!!! Lisa C.

Bouncing like a bunny, I hippity hopped on the scale this morning....hoping to take a peep at some marvelous eggs-traordinary losses out of my basket....and discovered I was missing 2 out of my nest!
I hope to push 3 more from my jelly belly by Monday so I can claim that extra 1 lb. treasure!

Total: 2 lb. this week for  a 1.03 weekly.
Total  so far, 5 lbs., 2.54%.

It's great to see my beautiful niece sharing her thoughts and wisdom!!!  I sure do have not only beautiful people to claim as "mine" but ones who are willing to share and help others!!!  

 'Those who succeed are unwilling to quit.' 

                                                      -Adam Bornstein

     Hello Everyone!!  I am so excited to be able to share a bit of our life with you all!  First of all, let me introduce myself.  I am Kierstin Laws, daughter of Kathy Jensen, wife of Reed, mother of Mikaela, Max, and Mia, and (favorite) niece of Lisa Carter :)  I am 32 years old and have a passion for fitness, organization, cleaning, and overall healthy lifestyle.  I am NOT a nutritionist, fitness/health expert, personal trainer, or dietitian.  I majored in Health Promotion & Education in college and had a few nutrition courses as well as a handful of human anatomy & physiology classes.  These courses, as well as almost 20 years of researching health, fitness, nutrition, and healthy living have helped me stay on track with my weight and help keep my little family healthy and active.
     Katie asked me to tell my 'story' as to how I became so passionate for healthy living, so here goes (try not to fall asleep :)  I have always had a lot of energy & a passion for an active lifestyle.   I acquired a desire to learn more about how the body works... especially when dealing with food and fitness from watching my parents good examples.  I began taking college medical courses in high school and that lit a fire within me to learn more about health.  I got a job at a local gym at 17 and there began learning all about proper weight-lifting techniques, form, and how to properly challenge your body to get results.  I trained & consulted with personal trainers, spent countless hours speaking to nutritionists, and years being inspired by the 'health nuts' that came every day, without fail, to challenge themselves and succeed.
     I also watched person, after person, year after year, sign up for a membership in January only to completely fizzle out by March.  Everyone is motivated in some way or another in January... the KEY is to keep that motivation going throughout the year, and carry it into the rest of your life!    
I watched as people would come into the gym, walk around for a bit, lift a few 10lb weights, walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes while watching t.v. and then stop by the juice bar for a 900 calorie 'protein smoothie' to reward themselves for all of their 'hard' work.  They would come to the gym every day, faithfully, for years doing this same routine.... with absolutely no results, and most of the time weight gain (darn those smoothies!!).
     I learned that to be strong, fit, healthy, and happy, I had to get active!  I challenged myself and made myself push past my comfort zone.  I trained my brain to shut out the word 'can't' and told myself over an over, 'of course I can!'.  This became my mantra.  Honestly, I cannot tell you enough how much that phrase has affected every aspect of my life since then.  I stopped being afraid of the 'pain' in life and decided to give it all I had... I felt I could do and be anything!

Fast forward a few years...
After my second child, Max, was born, I suffered from severe depression.  I went on antidepressants that turned me into a drone with no real emotions, good or bad.
I didn't lose any weight.  I had no motivation, or drive, or will to change or challenge myself.
I was stuck in a hole that I had no idea how to get out of.
I was scared that I would be this way forever and I thought that the 'old me' was gone.
...Until one conversation I had with my wonderful Mom.
I was complaining how awful I felt, how depressed I was, and how everything sucked at the moment.
My Mom listened patiently to me, and then said, 'Stop it.  Stop it right now.  Stop waiting for everything and everyone else to make you happy!  No one is going to make you happy except for yourself.  Go find your happy and stop complaining!'
I was shocked at first, and then it sank in deep into my heart.
She was right... I needed to go find my happy again!  My 'old' self was still in there and I needed to find out what I used to do to be happy.

From that moment on, I made a conscious decision to kick my depressed butt into gear!  I signed up with a little gym that had a great daycare and literally had to FORCE myself to go... every, single day.  I got a haircut and bought some new exercise clothes and shoes.  I wanted to like what I saw in the mirror and wanted to feel like myself again.
I went to fitness classes, making sure to stay hidden on the back row in the corner (so no one could see my chunky butt jiggle when I hopped on the steps).  I strained through endless amounts of situps, pushups, and weigh-lifting Body Pump classes, spinning classes, and yoga twice a week.  I kept track of the fitness schedule and decided that I would hold myself accountable to be at those classes, every day.  I made myself go to two classes a day.  Two hours.  It was a lot, but I needed that extreme to change up my routine.
**You do not need 2 hours a day to get into shape.  I'm just saying, that's what I did.  And it worked for me.
I re-learned so much from those classes and slowly, but surely, day by day, I began to feel stronger and happier.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.  Read, research, learn.  Subscribe to health magazines.  Be inspired.

One class, one hour, one decision at a time.
It took me about one year to get in great shape.  I found that the more I exercised, the more I wanted to maintain, so I researched all about nutrition and fitness.  I wanted to fuel my new muscles with the right foods to maintain all of my hard work.
And now, 8 years,  another baby, and another bout of depression later, I am still maintaining.
I realized that I could wait around for that 'perfect' time in my life when things are less stressful, less chaotic, less busy, to take care of myself... OR, I could just suck it up and get to work!  So, that's what I've done.  Over, and over, and over again throughout the years.   

I learned this lesson all over again:
YOU MUST CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SEE RESULTS!!  I cannot emphasize this enough.
I know you all know this.
If you are not sweating or breathing hard, you are not going fast enough or working at a high enough intensity.  If you are not really straining to lift that weight by the 12th rep, it's not heavy enough.  Don't leave a workout until you have given it all you've got... even if it's 30 minutes.  
Keep track of your caloric intake & exercise minutes for the day.  EVERY day.
For at least a month.
Force yourself to exercise hard for no less than 30 MINUTES-ONE HOUR every, single day.
Give yourself that hour and kick your own butt.
See what you are really made of.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF!! PUSH YOURSELF!!
Learn how to lift weights.  Talk to a personal trainer or look online.  Lift weights 3x/week.
MUSCLE BURNS FAT!
It will be hard.
You may feel like throwing up... or just throwing in the towel.
It will be tedious.
And annoying.
And you will hate it most days.
BUT it will be worth it because you will train your body to listen to your brain.
You can train your brain to crave the right foods.
You have to start with keeping track of yourself to make yourself accountable for what you put into, and exercise out of your body.
And I promise you will see results.

**Here's a sample of what we eat around here for meals and snacks :)

Breakfast:  Oatmeal with 1 tbsp. honey & 1/2 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen)
3 eggs (1 whole, 2 whites) scrambled with veggies & sriracha sauce
water

Snacks:  string cheese & apple.  1/4 c dried apricots, 5 raw almonds, string cheese.  Apples with 2               tbsp natural peanutbutter.  Protein bar.  Muscle milk.  Whole wheat crackers (without hydrogenated   oils!) canned chicken or salmon with some lemon pepper mixed in.

Lunch:  HUGE salad with green, leafy lettuce, any veggies, berries, & about 6 chopped raw almonds.  1/2 can chicken & about 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.  You can also sprinkle a small amount of fetta cheese on top.

Dinner:  Broiled salmon (extra virgin olive oil & lemon pepper), broccoli or other green veggie, another colorful veggie, & either barley or brown rice cooked in chicken or veggie broth and sprinkled with Mrs. Dash or a little lemon pepper.  Drizzle everything with lemon juice.

Dessert:  You can make your own fresh sorbet!  Just take frozen berries, or freeze cantaloupe or other melon, and blend in the blender until slushy.  Mix in 1-2 tbsp agave nectar or raw honey, pour into a container and freeze until ready to eat! Dark chocolate is also good for you in small quantities :)

**Rules we have in our family:  We barely drink any juice... even if it is 100% juice, it has TONS of sugar.  We don't drink soda.  Drink half of your weight in ounces of water each day (example:  half of 100lbs is 50 oz of water a day).  Add protein to your diet!  Most people don't get enough protein.  If you're starving at night, eat 5 almonds, or a string cheese, or a 1/2 c cottage cheese, or 1 tbsp of natural peanut butter,   Drink 12 oz of water and wait 15 minutes.  If you're still starving, have some oatmeal, if you're ok, go to bed :)  Track your progress on MyPlate at livestrong.com  It is a great tool.

Good Luck Everyone!  I'm excited to see who can kick their own butt into shape!!

Megan M Week 4

Talk about being late! Sorry all, my life is one giant blurrrrrrr. I did weigh in on Saturday morning but i haven't had a minute until now to post this. So last week wasn't a good one. I ended up gaining 0.4lbs back bringing my total % to 1.72% lost so far. Bummer. Not that i'm surprised at all. Working out definitely took a backseat. I'm starting to realize there is no "when things slow down" or "when life isn't so hectic". My life is getting worse week by week as far as being busy and loaded down with obligations and goals. It's definitely time for me to prioritize and stop letting exercise go by the wayside. It's like Nike says.... Just DO IT. Grr. Hopefully this week is a little better, although, it's already Wednesday and I'm not making too good of progress. I just need more TIME! ugh.

Trent'n Megan week 4

This was our week of frustration and cravings and stress and we bombed bad on the diet.  I am glad that our weight numbers don't reflect how bad we did on the food this week.  Trent stayed exactly the same and Megan lost .23% so for Trent a total of .25% lost and Megan has lost a total of 3.5%.  We are getting back on track this week so wish us luck!!

Kyle & Jen - week 4

Jen is down - .73% for a total of 4.02%

Kyle is down - .97% for a total of 5.65%

Also....I came across this article that I found very interesting:

http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/women-running-into-trouble/