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?