Doom

I think that I have made some definitive strides in my health goals since April, if nothing else but having a more healthy focus and definitily being better about at least THINKING about exercising and even most of the time, wanting to exercise. I also seem to like my body as it is more and more often, which is good. I don't know if it has changed or I have changed. My mom keeps reminding me to stop lamenting that I look like a woman and not a 16 year-old girl anymore. Yes, I have hips now and body fat. It has taken me years to figure that out.

However, I am nervous. Internship is coming very quickly upon me. I am worried about maintaining these goals I am so imperfect on during a year of extreme physical and mental duress! Things like:

80 hour work weeks-- meaning lack of sleep, physical exhuastion, lack of time, stress--all that may negatively impact my eating and exercise habits
Early mornings-- rounds by 6:30 am, sometimes earlier.
Late nights--being on call about every 3rd night.
Stress--cheeseburgers and fries? vegging out?
Cafeteria food-- (see above)

I can see 2 events occuring.

1) gain a million pounds because I am too tired/busy/stressed to exercise, eat right, etc
2) lose too much weight because I am too tired/busy/stressed to eat...

We'll see how I fair! I think I need to develop some very specific goals to combat these changes. Not sure what but something like eating only salad or veggies for lunch or walking the track for an hour each day during lunch or after clinic?

Any suggestions?

Sparkpeople.com

Hi everyone!

It's been awhile since this blog has seen any action, and I definitely haven't done my part as a contributor, but I wanted to let you know about a website that I just started using ("just" meaning today--but so far it seems great).

sparkpeople.com

You put in your goal (lose weight, maintain, etc.) and it comes up with a customized plan for you. It gives you menus for exactly what you should eat for each meal and snack, as well as the breakdown of calories, carbs, fats, and protein in each item. If you don't follow the recommended meals, though (which I didn't), you just enter in the food that you did eat. You can search for just about anything, even restaurant food (I had Subway for lunch and it was in there). You can see the range of calories, carbs, fat, and protein you should be eating each day to reach your goal, and the site keeps track for you.

It does pretty much the same thing with exercise; gives you a recommended work out for the day (complete with demos), or you can enter in whatever you decide to do on your own and it will calculate the calories you burn. The site also has groups you can join of people in your area, age group, etc. if the group dynamic helps you.

I've seen sites like this before that seemed confusing or time consuming, but this one seems to be really intuitive and fun. Like I said, it's only been a day, but I like it so far...

I promise I don't work for sparkpeople.com either--I was not paid to write this:) Oh, and speaking of money, the site is free (or you can bet I wouldn't be bothering with it).

I've also heard of one called fitday, but haven't tried it.

Let me know if you give it a try!

Running questions?

I went jogging again yesterday. Abe and I have slowly been incorporating this into our workout schedule. Okay, we don't really have a schedule, but it seems we end up going once or twice a week amid other things we are doing to stay in shape.

We have developed a little run that takes exactly 30 minutes. This is a good sized run for two non-runners. However, the past few times it has been very difficult. About minute 20 I feel wheezy and exhausted. I haven't been able to finish the entire run without taking some walking breaks in between. It is so frustrating because I used to be able to run an hour or more without trouble.

It seems it is very trendy to do marathons or half marathons and if you are super cool, triathlons. It seems everyone is doing it.

So my question is, HOW do you do it? I feel like I am dying after probably 2 miles (I hope it is at least 2 miles!).

What tips do you have for a poor runner who never seems to make improvements?

Sweatin

We took our bikes in to the shop to get serviced. After 550 miles, it was probably time. I have only logged 8 miles this year. Rain, cold, darkness have kept me away. Now that it is finally getting warmer I look forward to some more biking and another good form of exercise.

I also bought some well needed running shoes for $30! Yay. They were so comfortable and I really think they seem to propel me forward. I still can't believe how tired I get while running. I used to be good at going for at least an hour. Now, 15 minutes is almost a killer. I hope to change this with consistency! It is so hard to see results, though. I hope I do!

Consequences??

In real estate, we have a quarterly newsletter where all the bad things other Realtors did get posted to the whole Utah REALTOR Organization. It is very motivating to stay out of "the funny pages".

I was thinking that since we never figured out a common incentive for this forum, we could just publish on Facebook if someone doesn't post at least once every 2 weeks. At least if you are keeping us posted on your progress, good or bad, you are still trying.

It would be like a public disgrace to see your name posted on Facebook that you are ???

Starting to Feel Good

I've forced myself to the gym pretty regularly...family scuba vacation pretty motivating. I have been hitting the weights hard on my legs...100 reps. Yesterday, I think I actually noticed a difference in the shape of my thighs. I think I am starting to feel good about the work too instead of dreadful to continue. That is a good motivator.

Victory!

I want to share a small personal success. I revamped one of my goals last weekend and I want to say that this was week 1 of VICTORY. My goal was to not eat candy/treats/desserts this week except for on Saturday/Sunday and I DID IT. And, I plan to do it again this week! Yay for achieving goals even if they are simple and small.

FYI: My one treat this week was frozen yogurt with cookie dough pieces. yum!

A big thanks!

Thank you whoever borrowed my credit card information and so kindly purchased the "wu-yi weight loss tea" system for me. The mere $4.95 start-up fee seems like a bargain for the convenience of not having to sign up or do the research myself. Having it arrive on my doorstep unannounced today was a particularly clever and surprising way to say either, "I am supporting you in your goals" or "yeah, porky, you've really bulked up" in a supportive and non-threatening way. And for only $59.99 I can receive the benefits of the whole program out of "California" (but shipped from Des Moines) each month.

So thank you nameless, faceless friend. However, since I don't drink tea, I may have to find another less miraculous and convenient way to meet my goals! I don't mind trying to ship it back and pay the delivery confirmation with the numerous return/order confirmation orders so I wont continue to get charged each month. Now, I can focus on something else besides the stressed of school.

Ups and Downs

I am glad to see people are willing to post some of their failures or discouragements. I like seeing I'm not the only one have trouble keeping up the "new me." We still have quite a ways to go and I like hearing about everyone's progress. Please feel free to post as often as you like, preferably once a week so we know how you are doing.

Also, I think we will not do an incentive. We didn't have enough people vote to make me comfortable asking people for money. And, I'm not even sure all who are participating since not everyone is contributing. It is hard to know who is winning if you aren't keeping me posted. I hope that is okay.

So, I guess the motivation is an investment in yourself! That is better than $10 from each person, anyway? (Trying to be motivational here)

If it is broken, fix it!

I started off really ambitious, in fact so ambitious it was quite unrealistic for me.
Why? Because I l-o-v-e desserts and my goal was to eliminate all treats. Bad idea. Take about downward spiral. Some people can go cold turkey with their addictions, I can't.

So out with the old, in with the new.

New and improved goal:
1. Can have one serving of dessert on Saturday (or Sunday) IF, I have not had dessert that week. I will be keeping this goal! I will post about my success at the end of the week. yay!

A New Committment

I decided today that I needed to do better. I feel more committeed to lose some weight. I don't want to be old, but I can't help that. I don't want to be a fat, old lady and that is something I can do something about.

I went to the gym and sat in the car for about 10 mins trying to work up the strength to go inside. I finally did and I worked the weights so hard my arm is still shaky. I did 100 reps on my arms and legs and back and did 30min of eliptical. I ate 1/2 a banana for breakfast and the other half for lunch. I had a roast beef wrap and soup for dinner with 5 pringles.

Hope the scales reflect the effort tomorrow.

Week Two Report

Week two was harder. I found that although I have been focusing more on eating fruits and veggies, I didn't stuff my face with them at night when I realized I didn't quite make it. Maybe in the long run this is a better strategy, but I am trying to make sure I eat the recommended amount.

Exercise was harder to initiate as well. The most important thing is that I feel more motivated. Even if I run out of time, I feel bad about it. I find that I want to work out every day and am making it much more of a priority. I am feeling stronger and firmer. I don't think I would say I look any different yet, though.

So, I think I am on the right track. I just need to stick to it.

Sun Dried Tomato-Basil Pizza

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00447

I made this yummy pizza last week. I was worried that without the sauce or the "real" cheese it would be rather bland. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of flavor and it felt very healthy with only 2g of fat for pizza! Abe and I both ate it right up and it was super easy and fast to make. I used 2 boxes of Jiffy pizza dough (talk about EASY and CHEAP!) which seemed perfect and I added some fresh spinach and substituted low-fat cottage cheese instead of ricotta. In the future a homemade wheat crust would be a nice touch. Give it a try, I think you'll like it!

Going backwards?

I was very discouraged to find that I've gained 2 1/2 lbs. I haven't gained weight in 10 years since I started taking Synthroid. I am hoping it is the muscle I've developed from my strenuous strength training. If not, ...?

Water Weight

Why I need to get better at drinking more water.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/04/10/water.losing.weight.jampolis/index.html

Weekly Update--Amber

Original weight: 133
This week's weight: 131.6
Goal status: Hurray!
Points: 114

I didn't get a lot of points this week. I never actually worked out. But I am very pleased with my efforts in eating better. We have been very conscious about the fruits and veggies we eat and purposefully plan our meals around them. I have enjoyed having produce around--it makes me feel like I have more cooking options. We have also improved our whole grain intake and I have rather enjoyed it. Water consumption is easy some days and much harder others. I have to get my full 8 glasses before I leave work because my water at home is nasty. Sometimes I get too busy to bother at work, however.

I do need to workout, however. My biggest challenge is going to be on time so I can get myself out of bed at 5:30am to workout. Nights are pretty busy or just plain hard to get away to the gym.

I did push myself and went to Zumba at the gym yesterday. It is a kind of a combination of latin dance and kick boxing. I was terrible, but it was fun. I may have to find something that does not require so much fluid coordination. I wish they had lacrosse at the gym!

Matt's Profile

Name: Matt

Age: 26

Occupation: Community Organizer ;)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 176 (a note on this, I weighed myself with a shirt, belt and pants on, but no shoes and was surprised to find that it added 3 lbs. to the weigh listed)

Goal Weight: 178

BMI: 22.6

Disclaimer: I've been on the injured reserve for the last 10 days and haven't been able to do anything of a physical nature. I tried to return to working out yesterday and re-aggravated my ailing back. I have constantly adjusted my goals for this and have had a hard time settling on goals, so these goals I am posting now will have to be subject to change. Currently I am not able to lift weights, run or play any sports. These goals are designed to help me in rehabilitation and still squeeze in cardio (stationary bike).

What I would like to gain: Healthy back. Maintain aerobic fitness. Steadily gain ground on Abby's push-up challenge*. An aversion from sweets (EVER) during the day and once a week for dessert. Ensure at least 3000 calories a day are consumed. (Again, this will likely be updated with some running/lifting goals once I am able to gauge the progress my back makes).

Strategy for success: I've seen a physical therapist 3 times now and have been prescribed exercises that I am to carry out every day. I believe that completing this regimen daily will allow me to be lifting light weights and running in 14 days. For the time being I will ride the stationary bike at high intensity for 30 minutes/5 days a week. I will also increase my daily push-ups by at least 1/day*

Challenges: Obviously, the back is a challenge. However it also presents an opportunity to concentrate on my core for the full two months of recovery that I expect it will take to be at, or close to 100%. I really wanted to attack this entire competition aggressively and fear that the position I am in, which will not allow for tremendous results will lead to a lack of motivation. My greatest challenge, however, may come in making progress on Abby's push-up challenge*, which I will explain below. I can do push-ups now, but am not able to supplement them with much else.

*Abby challenged me to do 100 technical push-ups on her birthday (18 June). While I don't think she'll care how I perform the push-ups, I wish to do them at a pace that is maintained throughout all 100.

Progress

I started out strong...the first day. ha ha
I haven't done as well as I wanted but having it nag at me helps me not to give up all together.
I have worked out pretty vigorously, not everyday but last night, I got into bed and suddenly noticed my sore arms were feeling pretty firm. It was very satisfying.
I appreciate the reason for the goals.

Week 1 Update

Successes: I actually started training. I ran for 30 minutes yesterday. It was pretty hard considering I haven't worked before this week in the past 2 months. I was able to push through though. My old roommate the post about my goal on my normal blog and asked to be my workout partner. Having a set commitment with someone definitely helps get you out the door and moving the whole time. I've also been eating more fruits and vegetables, a big feat for me. I found a couple of promising looking training schedules online.

Challenges: I am incredibly out of shape. So much so, it is basically ridiculous. I looked for a marathon today and found what will probably be "the one." It is in August, but there is no official information up yet. There is a sooner one in Mid-June, but A) i think we will be on vacation when it happens, and B) the shortest training program I could find is 3 months, and that is if you are already basically in shape. As far as food, we had quite the party weekend with my husband's birthday and othe parties. We still have homemade 4 chocolate torte and pecan pie on my counter.

Week One Report

Total points: 145

Successes: a very strong start in all categories (except water). Slowed up towards the end.

Challenges: finding variety in exercise when it is cold/dark outside, weekend schedules, eating my 5th fruit/veggie (should we change it to 4? is anyone else having trouble? Technically the recommended range is 4-5). Fondue (never had fondue before but had it two days in a row this week. Strange).

Overall thoughts: I am very bad at drinking enough water. I pretty much gave up on that one (but feel more thirsty after trying for awhile). I have been eating really well, avoiding treats relatively smoothly. Feel a little fat and bloated today though.

And, I ran out of groceries and my stockpile of plant matter.

Red Beans & Rice

I made this yummy recipe a while back, but decided I'd try to make it a little healthier the second time around. These are my "improvements."

- I used turkey smoked sausage instead of beef.
- I used low-sodium chicken stock in the red-bean mixture
- I used brown rice and cooked it in water instead of the chicken stock it calls for.
- Also, I didn't have the dry rub it called for, so I used this instead. (I've actually eaten at the restaurant it came from and it was the best BBQ ever!)

Overall, I liked this changed version better than the original. It was too salty the first time, and the second time the dish seemed a little more well-rounded. Not to mention the fact that I felt a little better about not using the fattier beef sausage. Plus, the brown rice counts as points on our spreadsheet, right? :-) Let me know if you try it and what you think!

Brenna

Name: Brenna

Age: 22

Occupation: Communications Manager at a local nonprofit

Height: 5' almost 3"

Weight: 133

Goal Weight: 128

BMI: 23.6

What I would like to gain from this competition:
Endurance and strength. I really want to push myself physically again. I hate running but am excited to see if I can do a half marathon by the end of the summer. I also do not like seeing this recent jiggling my body has started doing. It is time to get some muscle back! I also really want to get my mile time back down to at least 7 minutes.

My stategy for success:
The biggest thing is going to be doing cardio 5-6 times a week. At least 4 of those need to be runs. I will follow a plan from a running web site to help me get up to the 13 miles I need for the half marathon. I also need to start eating healthier by eating normal portions and "beefing" up the veggie/fruit intake. I've also arranged to start working out with an old roommate. Who doesn't love a workout buddy?

My challenges:I really love food. It has been difficult for me to start eating like a normal person. Also, I haven't quite figured out how to balance a the schedule when I come home from work with everything else that needs to be done. Also, to be honest, I have become lazy. Eating healthy is harder since my cute little husband doesn't see it as the same level of priority as I do.

A little tip

On www.self.com they have a challenge and it involves logging both exercise and food each day. It is a great place to figure out how many calories you burn for exercise and how many calories you eat through out the day. I do it and I feel like it helps me be more mindful of what I eat and I love logging my exercise because it helps me feel like I am accomplishing little things towards my ultimate goal.

How is it going so far? A few days in. Is everyone feeling motivated or is it starting to wear off?

As for me, I started off really strong. I feel a little more tired and also the stress of a full weekend. And, no thanks to Caroline for the cheese and chocolate fondue! I thought you were being nice but after learning your competitive side I can see it was an attempt at sabotage.

Has anyone found any problems or discrepancies in the spreadsheet? Please let me know.

I would love to see more posts. Any good recipes or tips?

Abby

Name: Abby

Age: 22

Occupation: I Wish I were still a student--working at Georgetown is the next best thing! (Program Assistant)

Height: 5'10"

Weight: I don't really weigh myself, and don't own a scale (not as a statement, but just because I've never gotten into the weighing habit). I'm around 140.

Goal Weight: I'm not focused on weight, but rather building up to more strenuous workouts and toning up.

BMI: 20

What I would like to gain from this competition:

Endurance and strength. My focus is more on working out often and regularly than losing weight. I'd like to tone up, maintain and regain the flexibility of my dancing days, and run farther.

The specifics: I want to be able to run 10 miles (right now I'm at about 4). I also want to keep my abs flat and my arms toned. Now if there were just a way to thin out naturally chubby cheeks...

My stategy for success:

Alternate yoga and running four to six times a week. At least one "long" run a week, building distance as the weeks go by. Like Abe, I'm not cutting out sweets altogether, but cutting back would be a good idea. I'll also eat plenty of fruits and veggies, which I also love--more fresh food.

My challenges:
I love sweets. Love. Especially candy, but also cookies, and really anything. Those days when I just want to be lazy after work rather than putting on my running shoes or pulling out the yoga mat are also a challenge. You can see how I feel about running here.

My Pyramid

Thanks for those who have posted their profiles. Please let me know if you are having trouble or need to be added. If you have not done so, please post your info so we know who is participating and can help you reach your goals.

I have added a few hopefully helpful links to the sidebar. Feel free to add others you find helpful. I in particular could use some yummy, healthy recipes!

Of particular interest is My Pyramid. This has some very handy tools. I esp like the serving size pictures it shows for each food group.

Please feel free to post any tips, challenges, recipes, etc that you may have as well as your progress. Abe suggested keeping regular progress reports as comments under your own profile for accountability sake.

Happy health everyone!

Val

Val

Occupation:  Scientist and Physician

Age:  Older than Erin; younger than Kristin and Susan.

Height:  6'4"

Weight:  205 pounds (I have already lost 23 pounds in the last two months)

Goal:  190 Pounds and maintain

Plan:  Continue my healthy food diet of fruits, protein, limiting fats and desserts.  I have created my own dietary plan that is rich in foods with strong flavors.  

I should have joined this health competition sooner because I am already over halfway to my goal.  Oh well!!! The key will be to maintain.  

Amber

Age: Young, but approaching 30 faster than I realize (I still feel 22!)
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 133ish
BMI: 22

Goal: I want to fit comfortably into my clothes again. I refuse to buy the next size up, yet never follow-through with strategies to lose a little extra weight.

I want to accept my body, but maybe improve it (before I have children). Someday I know I'll wish I was as "fat" as I am now. I am not fat and I want to appreciate that about myself. I do not have a lot of weight to lose, but I secretly want to be back to the way I was when I played lacrosse, walked miles around campus, and still went to the gym each night. Right! Realistically, I want to lost 5-10 lbs. and be happy with the older, maybe softer, me.

I also want to be more healthy. More whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and water. And I want to start using the gym pass I am paying for! I also like when I feel toned, in shape, and athletic. I want to feel good hiking this summer!

"Move more, eat less"


Challenges: I sit in an office all day. I'm not used to the combination of a slowing metabolism, fewer workouts, a sedentary workday and getting older.

It is too hard for me to wake up to go to the gym because it is too hard for me to go to sleep on time. And it seems like there is always something going on at night that keeps me from taking a trip to the gym in the evening.

Water at my apartment tastes yucky. And the dishwasher never washes my glasses adequately.

Planning meals for two different taste preferences. Plus, I hate grocery shopping which means all the healthy stuff spoils and I'm left with college student food.

Kristin

Name: Kristin

Age: older than Susan

Occupation:  Homemaker

Height: 5'7''

Weight:  Not tellin' -30 lbs. over goal.

BMI: 26.6

Goal:  I'd like to lose the above mentioned 30, at least, so I can once again fit into my summer clothes.  I also want to limber up and keep my muscles flexible which is very important as we get older and work a bit with weights for bone health.  I'd like to firm up as well but at this point getting the weight off is my main focus.

Strategy for success:  Realize that taking time to exercise is not wasted time, and makes me feel better.  Cardio strengthening exercise daily by walking, going to gym for an hour.  As the weather gets better I hope to follow my husband's good example of riding my bike at least 3 times a week, and work a bit with weights for bone health.  I want to keep exercise varied for strengthening, flexibility and stamina.  Dietary alterations include less meat and boxed foods/junk carbs and sugars.  Plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains...you know the drill.  No extreme chocolate blizzards or Yummy's cake on the run!

Challenges:  Procrastination and stress or "grab 'n go" eating. (Guess I've been stressed)  I'm actually pretty good at losing weight once the first "withdrawal week" is over.  Sadly I've done it twice in the last two years then regained it all.  The challenge for me will be keeping it off again when the weather gets cold or I get busy and just want to grab something quick and easy.

What I hope to gain from this:  Encouragement and accountability.  I've had a hard time getting started and am angry at myself for letting the weight creep back on.  Twice.  This is the last time!!!  So in October when I'm back in a size 8, everybody has to keep on me to maintain!

Susan

Name: Susan
Age: Oldish :(
Occupation: Mom, Realtor
Weight: Too many Ibs
Goal Weight: Anything less than now...I'm not going to concentrate on lbs. I want to just exchange my fat for some muscle and establish good habits that will eventually start dropping off the lbs.
BMI: 28.8
What I would like to gain from this competition: It's been too long since I've routinely exercised. I want to be able to carry my new video camera housing around...it's heavy. I don't to be dragging on our next vacation.
Exercise: I want to work out an hour a day, at least 5 days a week.
Diet: More fresh fruits and Veggies instead of anything else as snacks. Snack only when necessary. Eat less.
My Challenge: Discouragement. Giving up. I've been there, done that and I know how hard it is already so it is hard to feel pumped up. I want to though so this is what I need to get me motivated.

Cait

(here Erin, lol)

Name: Cait

Age: youngish :D

Occupation: student

Weight: 136 Ibs

Goal Weight: 110-115 lbs

BMI: 24.1

Optional: Measurements:

What I would like to gain from this competition:
To just be healthy... and get in shape for the next lacrosse season.

My strategy for success:
Stop snacking, be more active

My challenges: The computer, Doritos, and Cookies :(

short short short~
(simple is better lol)

Caroline

Name: Caroline

Age: 22

Occupation: nanny

Weight: yikes. 143
Height: 5'8

Goal Weight: 130

BMI: 22

Optional: Measurements:

What I would like to gain from this competition:

I want to lose the 13 pounds I've gained in the last year and have control over my sugar addiction and my snacking habits.

My strategy for success:

Exercise:

I already exercise 6/7 days but I want to get out of my regular exercise rut and try new things. I plan on trying some of the classes offered at the gym, and varying my routines on the treadmill and the elliptical.

Diet:
I plan saying NO to refined sugars for the next two months. (cake, cookies etc.)
I plan on being more mindful of what I am eating- meaning, no snacking while standing or multitasking. (downfall: I have gotten into the habitat of snacking while at my computer)
I will replace processed snack foods with healthier options and will put more thought into what I eat.
I will not eat after 7:30 p.m.

My challenges:
anything sweet, anything easy to grab ( i.e, crackers), and mindless eating

Profile - Amber W.

Name: Amber W. (The "W" makes me feel like I'm back in elementary school, eh, Amber C.?) :-)

Age: 26

Weight: 122.6

Goal Weight: I don't really have one. I'm mostly going for fitness and inches.

BMI: 20.42

Current Measurements: Waist - 32 1/2"; Hips - 36 1/2"; Arm/Bicep - 9 1/2"

What I would like to gain from this competition:
I would really like to be fit. My main goals are to get the maximum possible points on the Air Force's standards for female fitness. I want to gain more muscle and lose fat, especially around my midsection. I want to drop at least one pant size and feel good in a swimming suit by July for my husband's family reunion.

My strategy for success:
Eating less sweets, not eating after 7:00 or 8:00 (depending on whether it's a 10:00 or 11:00 bedtime), drinking more water, and taking advantage of any time I have to exercise, no matter how much time it is.

My challenges:
Trying to work around my husband's and two kids' schedules; Accepting the fact that my body may never get to point I want it to due to changes from two pregnancies (I'm not going to give details. Definitely T.M.I.) Any baked good or chocolate. Yikes...

Profile--Abraham

Name: Abraham

Age: 25ish

Occupation: Stay-at-home-husband

Weight: 184 lbs. according to the scale at my gym (no shirt, no shoes)

Goal Weight: 190 lbs (gain muscle, lose fat)

BMI: ~23

What I would like to gain from this competition:
I'd like to get into better all around shape. When the weather is good I've generally been very consistent at making it to the gym and riding my bike. However, this winter really got to me and I feel like I'm more out of shape than I've been in awhile. I want to get back into good biking shape (I'm preparing to ride across Iowa in RAGBRAI this summer) and also put a bit of muscle on.

One more thing...I love junk food too much and I plan to cut back on the amount of sweets I eat (although I am not going to give up desserts altogether!).

My stategy for success:
Lift weights at the gym 4 times per week; ride bike to work every day; cardio exercise 5-6 times a week (bike rides, jogging, pickup basketball, jump rope); limiting myself to 1 dessert per day; substituting healthy snacks in place of sweets

My challenges:
The cold weather (will spring ever come?); ice cream (it's an excellent source of calcium, right?); my fondness for baking delicious desserts; the cookie/candy jars at work (my mentor stocks these full of great-tasting sweets every week and I find myself partaking more often than I care to admit)

Please...

...take the time to fill out a profile. See the example below. Feel free to add any info that will give you accountability and will be helpful. If you do not feel comfortable sharing personal info such as weight, feel free to email me your stats.

We can go private once we get started. Is that what people would like to do?

Let me know.

Good luck.

Erin

Profile --Erin

Name: Erin

Age: 25

Occupation: busy student

Weight: TBD (the scale I bought tonight is WAY off. 10 pounds different from the sample one at the store). ~132 lbs

Goal Weight: 122-125 lbs

BMI: ~22

Optional: Measurements: 28'' waist, 38.5'' hip, 11'' right bicep

What I would like to gain from this competition:

I am mostly hoping to establish some life-long habits of regular fitness and healthy eating. I figure my life will only get busier so I need to change things now to live a long, healthy life.

Also, I want to cut down my weight to my normal range (see dorky picture above), tone up, and be able to keep up with Abe better on my bike.

My stategy for success:

Load up on fruits and veggies first and make 45-60 minutes of exercise a priority 5 times per week.

My challenges:
Cookies, brownies, pies... and time and energy for exercise. And, thinking of healthy things to make.

Rules

Well, I've been trying to come up with the perfect plan for how this is going to work. I've never done anything like this before so I'm sure I'll mess up but it is better to try than to do nothing, right? Moral of the story: please make suggestions before we start on April 1.

Amber and Russ made a spreadsheet that you can use to help calculate your daily points and goals throughout the competition. I cannot figure out how to link it here. Does anyone know how to do attachments on here? If not, I can email the spreadsheet to each person, part of the reason I need your email address. It is an interactive spreadsheet that will help tally your points for each day.

Here is the breakdown:

On day one (April 1), each person will find their weight and calculate their BMI. There is a handy-dandy calculator on the sidebar if you need it. You will set an overall weight goal as well as a weekly weight goal. For some this will be very small if anything. For others, this may be the biggest motivator. This can be a weight loss or gain goal (if you want to bulk up with some big muscles). I would recommend weighing yourself at the same time in the same circumstances each week. The best time is in the morning before eating.

Next, points will be added for each goal.

Dietary:
1 pt = each fruit or vegetable eaten. This includes servings of vegetables. For example, a serving is usually 1 c. of fresh fruit, a med apple or banana, etc.
2 pt = Bonus 5 total fruits/veggies in one day
1 pt = choosing whole grain/unprocessed food choices--example brown instead of white rice, whole wheat pasta or breads, etc. 1 pt per substition.
3 pts = Bonus avoiding sweets for the day
1 pt = 8-80z glasses of water (pop shouldn't be a substitute because it is bad for your teeth! That's what happens when the dentist makes the rules)

Fitness:
3 pts = 15 min cardio workout
1 pt = bonus for 60+ min workout in one day
3 pts = 30 min strength training

I also wonder if you'd like to get bonus points for trying shared recipes? Let me know.

I figure we can aim for 70 points for the first week. Here is my thinking
30 points for 5 days of 30 min cardio
35 points for 5 days of 5 fruit/veggies
5 points from bonus points or other categories

No one has suggested incentives. Would you like a monetary one? If so, we can all donate $10-$20 to go to the winner at the end. Please let me know.
Do you want to submit more specific personal goals such as a mile goal, weight lifting goal, etc?

So, to get ready:

1) email me your preferred email so I can get you added as an author and send the spreadsheet
2) come up with your goals, weigh yourself (on April 1) and determine BMI
3) post profile (example to come) or email me if you prefer privacy by April 2.

Did I forget anything?

Coming Soon

I am really close to debuting our rules with the help of Amber and Russ. I will hopefully submit it for your input by this afternoon. As you can see, I have added some hopefully useful (even if unsightly) widgets to help us on our way. Feel free to add others if you have any ideas of what may be handy. Again, send me your email of choice so I can add you as an author.

I am hoping we can all start an initial post giving our profile and goals. If you are not comfortable with sharing this I understand. I think for me it will help me be accountable. I am also fine if we would like to go private once everyone who wants is on board. As soon as I have the rules up I will post my profile.

Just a few more days! Eat your desserts now. :)

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog! Please let me know if you have not been added to the authors list so you can have access to post items. Feel free to post anything that will be helpful to you: personal goals, tips, progress, problems, etc.

I hope with a little extra encouragement we can all meet our goals!

Erin

PS I hope to have the rules ready within the next day or so.

Also, please add your name to our followers list so we know who we are all working with.