Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Challenge Week 12

WELCOME
Ok gang ... we are in the homestretch now! Looking forward - I've opened the Super Spring Slimdown which you can register for here. It's just 6 short weeks - I've moved weigh-ins to Fridays and eliminated all monetary prizes. If we work hard, we'll be good to go by Memorial Day!

FOOD/NUTRITION
As we wind down our competition - let's finish strong! Eat your food sitting down at a table, and from a plate. Food eaten out of packages and while standing is forgettable. You can wind up eating lots more than if you sit down and consciously enjoy your meals.

HEALTH/FITNESS
Check out MizFit Online for tips on weight loss maintenance ...

Looking forward to the Spring Slimdown - Take a peek at Experts Reveal: 15 Small Diet Changes for Big Weight Loss. Each tip contains a link to that expert's strategy. Do some research, you might find your next program!!!


WEEKLY CHALLENGE
This week? Think of a shortcut you can share on our next challenge - something that will save us time, money or calories - it will be the price of admission to Super Spring Slimdown!

APPS/BOOKS
Just when I thought we had covered everything ... check out these Weight Loss Tools from Exercise4WeightLoss!

ADVICE
This week I ask you to serve as your own advisor. I hope signing up for the challenge was worth it in some way, large or small - there are a few people in our group who have lost over 20 pounds - not bad in three months. Please consider signing up for the next challenge - whether it's to keep the momentum going, to get it back, to get a do-over, to work harder or to stay in the loop - I know being in this together has certainly helped me stay on point!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Challenge Week 11

WELCOME
Like life, this week was good news/bad news for me!! The good news is that I am officially out of the boot, the bad news is ... I'm actually less active as I re-learn to use those muscles again. Only lost a pound : ( But, I'm staying focused - was able to walk a mile on the "skinny spare" today!

FOOD/NUTRITION
I love this sight ... found it on Pinterest! SkinnyTaste.com - I think it's worth a look at. I was lured here by these Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets!

HEALTH/FITNESS
Looking to drop those last few pounds? Try these:
From Men's Health: The Sparticus Workout
From Women's Health: How to Lose the Last 5, 10 or 15 Pounds

WEEKLY CHALLENGE
Since no one's taking my challenges, I'm not spending too much time on them - LOL. I challenge you to start thinking ahead. I'll be setting up the Spring Slim Down to start up the week after we are done here!

APPS/BOOKS
Health, Fitness and Medical Smartphone Apps Reviews
Which Apps Are the Best Apps for You? This week, I'm letting About.com do all the work!

ADVICE
This week's advice comes from Bruno Mars' appearance on Sesame Street in November - Check it out: Don't Give Up! Be sure to stick around Will.I.Am follows him up!!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Challenge Week 9

WELCOME
It's makeover week - just like on Biggest Loser!! LOL ... originally, I had planned that once I lost some weight I would take myself clothes shopping, turns out I can do some of that shopping in my own closet now ... I am so psyched! Although it's been so long since this stuff fit me, I wonder if it's still (or ever was!) fashionable!!

In any event, it's been 8 weeks ... so why not treat yourself a little bit, for me it will be highlights and a trim. I always say a good haircut is like a good knife - the right one does most of the work for you!

FOOD/NUTRITION
Ever wonder what the fat and calorie content of your favorite home-made meals are? Ugh ... maybe it’s time to give your recipes and cooking habits a makeover. Try these helpful substitution tips to trade up on the health of your recipes without giving up on flavor or texture! Weight Watchers 24 genius cooking-light tips give your favorite recipes a truly healthy makeover! And the Mayo Clinic offers Recipe makeovers: 5 ways to create healthy recipes - both are great reads.

HEALTH/FITNESS
Not quite ready for makeover week? Check out Fitness Magazines 21-Day Total-Body Makeover Workout or, from Men's Health: Look Good at Any Age

WEEKLY CHALLENGE
This week, I'm turning the tables. I challenge you to challenge us this week. Please log on and post your suggestions for a great class or workout to try!!!

APPS/BOOKS
In the spirit of Makeover Week: If you are interested in trying out a new look … check out these Top 5 Virtual Makeover Websites and Apps

ADVICE
So, we've made over our bodies, our wardrobes, our hair and makeup, and our recipes - what's next? ... My guest columnist for this week was unable to join us, so I did some research on anti-aging products and potential procedures which could help us fine-tune our new looks - but in my own twisted way, that turned out to be more depressing than catching my reflection in a car window. I didn't know what to do, so I asked Oprah and she told me 11 Ways to Feel Beautiful!