Melanie's Week Three Point Challenge

Since we went out to dinner together, I took a picture of Melanie's dinner and am posting it for her. =) It was a FUN night!!!

Melanie's Dinner 10-16-10

Week Three Point Challenge

Breakfast 10-16-10

Lunch 10-16-10





Dinner 10-16-10

Breakfast 10-17-10

Breakfast 10-18-10

Lunch 10-19-10



GAG Week One Weigh In

Are you ready for it? I am! I weighed in today at 173.8! That is a 3 lb loss from last week! Yee haw! For some reason I wasn't expecting to see that much of a loss this week. Have I been in my calorie range? Yes. Have I exercised? More than I have been! Do I deserve it? HELL YES!

Last night we went out to dinner for a fundraiser for Connor's school. I picked out what I was going to eat BEFORE we went. I stuck to it when we got there. I knew I would have chips and salsa, I mean that's the best part! So I made sure I ate lower calorie breakfast and lunch and tried not to snack too much yesterday. And it worked! I still have calories left to have some chips. And my twins decided they like the rice and ate all my rice. So I never even ate that part of my meal. =) Yeah!

We are going camping this weekend. It's just me and my hubby, no kids. I'm going to be enjoying myself. ;) Hopefully not too much though! I'll try to reign it in but no guarantees since I have no idea when the next time we'll get a WEEKEND to ourselves! LOL!

Vision Board

Here is my Vision Board for the Week One Point challenge for the GAG challenge. =)

It says: "My Solution to a Healthy Lifestyle". It actually came out better than I though it would!

Monday, Monday

Well it's the first week of GAG and how am I doing?? Not too bad! I didn't do so hot on Saturday. We had not one but TWO birthday parties to go to. I overindulged. But I drank a lot of water and only 2 diet Pepsi's that day. Sunday i did awesome and stayed within my calorie range. It was higher than I like but I still was withing my point range. YEAH!!

I attempted to wake up this morning and do the TurboJam DVD. Yeah um, that didn't work. It's just not feasible. I'll just have to squeeze exercise in in the evening. Ugh. I'm going to try and do the DVD tonight but my room needs to be picked up so I have room to do it. So I may just pick up tonight and forget the exercising. Tomorrow night my friend and i are going to start taking a spinning class on Tuesday nights. It's been YEARS since I've been. Hope I can hang! And at least I'll start using my gym membership again. LOL! Now to find my card so I can get in!

GAG 2010 Beginning Weigh In

Well here is my beginning weigh in for the GAG 2010 challenge:

Weight: 176.8

I guess this means I'm going to start weighing in on Fridays. Maybe that will help me to keep going. I definitely need something to shake things up because what I have been doing is not working! And how sad. I am HIGHER than my beginning weight last year for the GAG 2009 challenge. :( Actually I'm exactly 3 lbs higher. I lost 20.4 lbs last year during the 16 week challenge (yes it was four week longer than this one) and I even wasn't doing that great the last four weeks so I can hopefully do the same if not BETTER this time. Good luck all you GAG participants!!!

GAG Challenge 2010

Well, it's that time of year again. Ok so we started September 1st last year and this year we didn't start until October 1st. It's probably better that way! LOL! GAG is back! And better than ever. Why? Because I think I talked like six people into joining LOL! So there are way too many people that know what I am doing so I have to live up to it right? No slacking. No daydreaming. No quitting! Shoot. I won last year. I would like to make it two for two. =D Who is ready??

Goals for the 2010 GAG challenge:

1. Lose 30 lbs.
2. Journal journal journal!!
3. Drink 64 ozs of water daily
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
5. Exercise 150 mins a week (this equates to 30 mins 5 days a week).

I think these are basic doable activities. Why can't I do these? This is what I have been struggling with. I need to get into a routine. I need to get back to basics. I can do this.

GAG Challenge - FINAL WI

Well the end result of the GAG challenge is . . . . . 153.4. Considering I started out this challenge at 173.8 - WOW! That is all I can say!! I am VERY proud of myself!!!! 20.4 lbs in 16 weeks. That is awesome. Especially to do it over Thanksgiving and the month of December with all those holiday treats and cookies!!! I so could have done better. At one point (2 weeks ago) I was down to 152.4 but I won't complain. I just know what I have to do and how to do it! And I will get to goal next year!!!

Starting Weight - 9/1/09

Ending Weight - 12/22/09

So who is doing the next challenge??? I am so READY!!!!

GAG Challenge Before & After Pictures & Final Exam

And here they are. The much anticipated before and after pictures from the GAG challenge. I don't see a whole lot. I've basically lost 20.4 lbs. That's pretty good for a 16 week challenge. I cannot complain. It could have been better had I not "goofed" off at the end. It's very hard this time of year but I'm glad I did what I did these previous 16 weeks to help me get through this holiday time. I really had a fun time and I "met" a lot of great women! Thanks so much Sheila for starting this challenge. And thank you to Christine and Sue for taking over!!! I can't wait for another one!!!

Front View -

Side View -

Back View -

Power Arm View!!!

Darn me and closing my eyes!!! Oh well!!!!

Why did I join GAG and how am I doing today? Well I needed a jump start. I was going nowhere fast and tired of being in the 170's and flirting with the 160's. I needed something to help keep me on track. Something to hold me accountable! And that is exactly what I found in GAG. It helped me to stay on track. It helped me to learn what i need to accomplish to get to goal. And most of all, it's taught me this is a learning process. No one is 100% all the time. We all make mistakes. But we learn from them! I'm so happy with where I am now compared to where I was 16 weeks ago. Could I have been better? Absolutely! Am I upset with what I accomplished? HELL NO! I lost 20.4 lbs. I am now firmly in the 150's and at my all time low ever since high school. The only thing I am asking now is when/where is the next challenge to propel me into goal!!!! =D

GAG Challenge - Week 15

Time to see what I know!! Hopefully I know something! LOL!!!



1) How many spoonfuls of sugar are in one can of regular cola?



a- 1

b- 3

c- 5

d- 7 (although everything I've been reading is 9-10 teaspoons of sugar per can)



2) Substituting turkey for beef two times per week will save you how many calories?

a- 150

b- 250

c- 350

d- 450



3) Which fast food item has the most calories?

a- Bacon Double Cheeseburger

b- 22 oz chocolate shake

c- Medium order of french fries

d- Medium order of onion rings



4) How many jumping jacks would you have to do to burn off the calories in a pint of ice cream?a- 2000

b- 5000

c- 8000

d- 12000



5) What percentage of Americans eat fast food as a family meal at least once a week?

a- 10%

b- 29%

c- 52%

d- 70%



6) When should you have your first cholesterol screening?

a- At age 10.

b- At age 20.

c- At age 35.

d- At age 40

e- It depends on your risk factors.



7) What percentage of your diet should fat make up?

a- About 10 percent of your daily calories.

b- About 20 percent of your daily calories.

c- About 30 percent of your daily calories.

d- About 40 percent of your daily calories.

e- There is no recommended amount of fat; you should strive to eat as little of it as possible.



8) How much exercise do you really need?

a- 45 minutes twice a week.

b- 30 minutes three or four days a week.

c- 60 minutes at least three or four days a week.

d- 30 minutes at least four or five days a week.

e- It depends on your age and overall physical-fitness level.



9) Which of the following is not a good approach to managing stress?

a- Talking directly to the person who is causing the stress.

b- Giving yourself a treat, like comfort food or a cocktail.

c- Accepting that there are things beyond your control.

d- Trying cognitive-behavioral therapy to learn new coping skills.

e- Working out regularly.



10) What is a healthy blood-pressure level?

a- 110/70.

b- 125/85.

c- 135/90.

d- 140/95.

e- 150/95.



11) What is a healthy body-mass index (BMI) measurement?

a- 17.5 or lower.

b- 18.5 or lower.

c- 18.5 to 24.9.

d- 25 to 29.9.

e- 30 to 34.9.



12) How many cups of fruit and vegetables should you eat daily?

a- At least one cup of fruit or vegetables.

b- One cup of fruit and one cup of vegetables.

c- One cup of fruit and 1 1/2 cups of vegetables, for a total of 2 1/2 cups.

d- Two cups of fruit and two cups of vegetables.

e- Four to five cups of fruit and vegetables.



13) What percentage of weight-loss ads contains false or unsupported claims?

a- 25 percent

b- 36 percent

c- 42 percent

d- 55 percent

e- 67 percent



14) How much weight loss is a safe and reasonable goal?

a- Half a pound a week

b- A pound a week

c- Two pounds a week

d- Three pounds a week

e- More than three pounds a week



15) Some weight-loss products say they can prevent calories from being absorbed. What's the greatest amount of weight that can be lost using this method, according to experts?

a- One-third pound a week
b- One-half pound a week
c- One pound a week
d- None of the above



16) Some products, such as green tea extract, promise that they can cause you to "burn fat" without working out. How much do they really boost your metabolism?
a- 2 percent
b- 4 percent
c- 5 percent
d- 7 percent



17) Which of these claims should be a red flag about the safety or effectiveness of a weight-loss product?
a- It causes permanent weight loss
b- It helps the user lose more than three pounds a week for more than four weeks
c- Substantial weight loss occurs by wearing a device or rubbing a substance on the skin
d- All of the above



18) High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are faulted because of their emphasis on saturated fats. What's another problem with these diets?
a- They can cause headaches
b- They can cause bad breath
c- They can make you feel tired and weak
d- All of the above



19) If you follow a low-fat diet, you don't have to watch your portions of which of these foods?
a- Pasta
b- Nonfat cookies
c- Nonfat chips
d- Whole-wheat bread
e- None of the above



20) Which items are examples of foods high in "healthy fats"?
a- Olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds
b- Safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils
c- Fatty, cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel and herring), flaxseeds, flax oil and walnut
d- All of the above

GAG Challenge - Week 14

Yikes! Is it already Week 14?!? Where did the time go? Dh was just asking me Sunday what was going on with that challenge I started way back when. I was happy to tell him I was in the lead. =D But let's see if I have learned anything over the course of these past 14 weeks. Part 1 of Week 14's challenge is a true false. Here goes!

1. Women who lift weights will get bulky muscles.

False! So not true even though so many people believe this to be true!

2. "Spot reducing" (focusing on one area with exercises to see faster results in that one area) is possible.

False! As much as most people would LOVE for this to be true. It is so NOT true. No matter what you do. You cannot control how your body wants to look and take away the weight. Now if you use plastic surgery that's a whole 'nother story!

3. Exercise boosts brain power.

True! The more you use your brain - the more your brain will learn and stay healthy. Exercising forces your brain to keep you steady and balanced therefore, boosting your brain functions.

4. No pain, no gain.

False. If there is pain, you are NOT doing it correctly. However, you will feel sore afterwards. That is completely common and acceptable as it is your muscles healing the tiny little tears when weight lifting.

5. Movement melts away stress.

True.

6. Exercise requires a hefty time commitment.

False. Studies have shown that just exercising for 10 minutes a day is better than nothing. Even just slipping in 3 10 minute workouts a day equals 30 mins!

7. If you exercise, you can eat whatever you want.

False. How I wish this were true! The one thing I have learned is you can never eat whatever you want all the time. You can splurge. You can celebrate. But you have to watch what you eat!!

8. There’s a magic bullet (quick fix) out there somewhere.

False. The only way to lose the weight and keep it off is to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. Even if you try to use a quick fix - you will only gain the weight right back.

9. Exercise gives you energy

True! And oh boy do I know this! It really makes me able to get through the day without being tired.

10. All excuses aside, it's actually not that hard to find some amount of time for fitness daily.

True. I walk up 105 stairs daily on my way to work leaving the subway station. That's still fitness!

11. You need a gym membership if you want your exercise routine to be most effective.

False. You can do just as much at home as you can do at a gym. It's all about know WHAT to do and HOW. Even having a gym membership doesn't mean you will be effective if you don't know HOW to USE the equipment!

12. People who have exercise partners stay with their programs and reach their goals more often than those who try to go it alone.

True. I think. I'm kinda 50/50 on this one as I know having a flaky partner is NOT good. But if you have a good partner I think you would be more likely to stick with it and reach your gosl!

13. Exercise helps ward off disease.

True

14. Exercise is good for the heart.

True

15. Pound for pound, muscle burns more calories at rest than body fat -- so you can eat more calories and still lose weight if you exercise regularly.

True.

Ok. That's all I have time for today! Hopefully I got 15/15 right but we'll see!!!

The Aftermath!

And drumroll please . . . . WI after Turkey Day is



154.6



Well I will not complain. A maintain after T-day is a feat in itself!! (I never did come in here and say I lost 1.2 lbs LAST week. Was busy with Disneyland and going on the roadtrip to my parents!) I have come to the realization that I cannot lose weight in the month of November. With four birthday's AND Thanksgiving it's just not gonna happen. So in the end, I lost 0.6 lbs this month. That's not bad. I didn't gain weight! That's what's important right? So I am back on track today. I did NOT meet my goal of 150 today but that doesn't mean I can't still shoot for 145 by the end of December. If I start exercising and watching my portions and journaling EVERYTHING again, I can and WILL rock it again. There really isn't much going on in the month of December. I am working every day except the 24, 25 and 31, 1 so I should be able to stick to a halfway decent schedule so I can get back on track. That is my goal this month!! And wow, I cannot believe there is only 3 weeks left in the GAG challenge! Yikes! I better move my butt so I can win this thing. I am poised and ready but I know at any time there are several ladies ready and WILLING to take my top spot from me. Not gonna happen without a fight I tell ya!! Not gonna happen. =D

An Award

Remember that challenge I'm doing?? Well my fellow challengers nominated ME for an award! How cool is that?!?! Here it what they said:

Heather, of Heather & Chaos, was recognized for her Recipe Sharing and Food Porn, with quotes like “WOW! and YUM!” And she was also nominated for making Healthy Lifestyle Changes. Her fellow GAGer said “Look how far she’s come…I’m so inspired and motivated by her! I KNOW that she is finally on the right path! SO proud of her!!!!” Congratulations, Heather!

WOW! I really didn't think I shared that many recipes and food porn. =) But I did there for awhile. I guess I need to get back into that to live up to my award right??? =) And really, I have come a long way. Thanks for letting me see that. I am at the finish line. I can taste it - and NOTHING tastes better than being at goal!!!

GAG Challenge - Healthy habit update

As part of the weigh in last week, we had to WI and list some healthy habit we were going to do this week. I choose to walk at least 15 mins each day. And my progress. Well, um yeah. I did walk on Tuesday last week at work. Then was extremely busy Wednesday and Thursday. Was home with a sick child on Friday. Walked a ton on Saturday at Day Out with Thomas. Took the kids to the park on Sunday so there was a 15 min walk. Today is not over with yet . . . ;) So all in all: 3 out of 7 days. Hmm. Not too bad but could have totally been better.

New Breakfast Idea

As part of the GAG Week 9 Challenge, we were challenged to try new recipes and/or new foods. I've had this breakfast "recipe" that I've been wanting to try for MONTHS and well, now is a good time. =) Here is the recipe:

Nutty Chocolate Banana

1 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Rice Cake
1 Tbsp marshallow creme
4 banana slices 1/8 inch thick, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp chopped peanuts
1/2 tsp mini chocolate chips

1.) Spread marshmallow creme over rice cake.



2.) Top with banana pieces



3.) Sprinkle peanuts and mini chocolate chips over banana



Servings: 1
Calories: 120
Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g

It was YUMMY! But I think I'll try it tomorrow with cool whip. I can have more of that for the same amount of calories as the marshmallow creme. Stay tuned!!!

1/2 Mark for the GAG challenge

So today marks the 1/2 way mark for the GAG challenge. I've done extremely well so far if I do say so myself. BUT the hardest part is coming up. All my November birthday's, Thanksgiving and Christmas. :sigh: And I'm starting to struggle. I don't want to struggle. I've got to figure this out. I WILL figure this out. I meant to take 1/2 way pictures. I'll do that tonight or tomorrow if I get a chance. Tonight is a potluck International Dinner at my kids preschool. Yikes! I WILL be good though! Although the Apple Pie I am bringing looks pretty darn yummy!!!! And Connor's been asking to eat it. LOL! So check back tomorrow on that!

But anyway, a lot of other GAGers are re-looking at thier goals and seeing how they are doing so I figured why not me too. =)

My Goals:

1. Journal EVERYDAY!
2. Drink 64 ozs of water every day.
3. Exercise at least 4 days a week.
4. Menu plan dinner and STICK WITH IT!
5. Update blog at least 3 times a week - no matter what.
6. Weigh 150 or below!

#1 - Well I think I've only not journaled this past weekend. So 2 days out of 56. Pretty good!
#2 - Well, I think this past weekend was the first time I didn't drink my 64 ozs. So again 2 days out of 56. Yeah! But I see a trend with this past weekend!
#3 - Um what's exercise?? Can someone find it for me?? By the way, got the renewal in the mail for my gym membership. Ha, ha. Have had it for 3 years and used it TWICE. Yep that is the TRUTH! LOL! Am I going to renew it?? Hell yes. It's $49 for a year and I WILL USE IT. Keep asking me k. ;)
#4 - Been menu planning and sticking with it for the most part. I move days around but that's about it.
#5 - I'm not sure I've been keeping up with 3 days a week but I know I've done at least two. I'll keep this one going. Shouldn't be too hard.
#6 - Well since I've lost 18.6 lbs so far (HOLY COW!) I "only" need to lose 5.2 lbs to reach the 150 mark in the next 8 weeks. I CAN do that!!! Shoot if I lose a lb a week for the next 8 weeks (which I've been averaging 2.3 lbs these past 8 weeks) I'll be at 147. So I'm going to change this goal to be at 145! I can do this!!!

So I am NOT upset with my progress so far. I am doing really really really good. I am going to go head out for a walk right now during lunch since I have that darn potluck tonight. I need to get in some exercise today and this is the BEST way. So off I go!!

ETA: Went for my walk. =) 30 mins. 1.5 miles. Whew! It was a beautiful day. I just need to find a BETTER area to walk in. The only downside to working in Downtown LA.

I guess I should update . . .

It's been a trying week for me and I'm not really sure why?? It's been VERY difficult for me to stay OP these last two days. But I have. Today is REALLY going to be a struggle since I can't eat dinner basically. We had a funeral to go to for a co-worker. Well, retired co-worker. There was a lot of people there. Standing room only! On the way back the four of us that car pooled stopped at Farmer Boys for lunch. I could have been better, I could have been MUCH worse. I split an order of fries with a coworker. AND I only ate 1/2 my sandwich. I actually took less than 1/2 the fries even. =) And by the time I was done eating my 1/2 of the sandwich I was FULL!! =D And I stopped. Yeah me!!

As part of the GAG challenge this week, we are supposed to "think outside the box" in terms of exercise. Uh huh. Well if I could even think in the box and find time to exercise I would. So I'm a total DUD with that challenge. I will have NOTHING. Oh well. I'm hoping to make it up in the two truths and a lie challenge. =) Which by the way is FUNNY!!  I can't wait until we find out what the lies are!

I'm not too hopeful on the weight loss front. Although I hopped on the scale this morning (BAD HEATHER!) and was down 2 lbs! Why wouldn't that spur me to greatness??? Good question.

Weighing In

Drum Roll Please . . . . . .





158.0!!!! Holy Smokes! I have made it to virgin territory!! YEEHAW!!! A stressful weekend probably helped as I know I did not eat much. Bad me. I have to be careful of that!! But that is a 4 lb loss. I made my goal of getting to 160 2 weeks early!! And I am on my way to hitting 140 before the end of the year! Ok, let's not get ahead of ourselves what with my three kid's birthday's, my hubby birthday AND Thanksgiving all in November. Then Christmas right after. Ugh. But I am doing so hot that I WILL continue and not let those days derail me. =) I seem to do so much better on the weight loss front towards the end of the year than the beginning. Go figure.

GAG Week 6 Point Challenge

This weeks point challenge is a doozy!! Lots to keep track of so I will do it here. That's the only way I'm going to keep everything straight. Somethings will be a struggle since we are going camping and I'll be without a computer but that is why I have my iPhone. =) I can still blog (as long as we have cell service!) AND I can still track my food. So here is the point breakdown:

Water – 15 pts per 8 ozs
Supplements – 10 pts per day
Stay OP – 25 pts per day
Exercise – 25 pts per 30 mins
Sleep: 6 hours = 10 pts
          7 hours = 15 pts
          8 hours = 20 pts
Blog – 25 pts per day
Team Support = 50 pts (check in with them two times this week!!) DONE
Holiday Prep = 50 pts (Going to work on my calendar for gifts!)
Do Something for YOU = 50 pts (Going to find time this weekend to munch on something, OP of course, with a diet soda and reading a nice book!)

Tuesday - 220 pts total
   Water 150 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 10 pts
   Blog 25 pts

Wednesday - 250 pts
   Water 180 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 10 pts
   Blog 25 pts

Thursday - 300 pts
   Water 180 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 10 pts
   Blog 25 pts
   Team Support 50 pts

Friday - 305 pts
   Water 150 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 25 pts
   Sleep 20 pts
   Blog 25 pts
   Do something for self 50 pts

Saturday - 215 pts
   Water 135 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 20 pts
   Blog 25 pts

Sunday - 175 pts
   Water 120 pts
   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 20 pts
   Blog 0 pts

Monday - 190 pts
   Water 120 pts

   Supplements 10 pts
   Stay OP 25 pts
   Exercise 0 pts
   Sleep 10 pts
   Blog 25 pts

Total Pts 1655

GAG Challenge - Week 4

Whew! This week's challenge isn't hard but it is time consuming and makes you think! It's a 3 part challenge with multiple items for part #2. I know Sheila said we didn't have to post it on our website, we HAVE to e-mail her but I'd like to get everything together for me. =)

#1 - Survey

Week 4 Challenge Survey - DONE

#2 - Christmas Planning (serisouly?? It's like only 13 week away! YIKES!)

• Christmas Card List (Thanks Shiela! I do this normally but you spurred me to make an excel file that i quickly update every year! YEAH! Now to just take pics for the card - scheduled for Oct. 24th)
• Christmas Gift List (I had already started this but I updated based on some stuff I recently bought.)
• Christmas Get Together - Never got a chance to post my idea. Oh well.

#3 - Soup/Stew/Casserole Recip - Shared my Crockpot Taco Stew - DONE

WOO HOO!! It's all out to you Sheila! Have fun going through all the e-mails. LOL!