30 Day Challenges

[Beth]

Morning All! Upped my workout this morning! There are 30 days till Spring! Great motivator to get fit.

[Locus]

Hi all, I've been inspired by you all so have decided to commit to this. Yesterday I did my weekly hill walk so that definitely counts as day one (10 miles up hills in Ireland) and today I'm just back from 30 minutes in the pool so that's day two.

To be honest I've been looking for something like this. I'm on day 40 sober (the longest period in about 27 years) but was a bit concerned about not taking enough action. I committed myself to a weekly hike in the hills and rising early every morning regardless (both of which I've done) but I feel that more change is required. Anyway, I have no excuse as the gym is about 100 feet away from my office...

Locus

[Ken1]

Locus, hey, welcome, would love to see those beautiful Irish hills you're talking about. Glad to have you working out and keeping us all committed to being better.

Sylvane, how do you make your meatloaf? I use ground turkey and oatmeal for the binder instead of breadcrumbs to make it a little healthier. The other thing I like to do is use chili sauce to add into the mix for more flavor, I like regular old tomato sauce on top instead of ketchup too. I have also started making mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes on the side. I like your Italian sausage idea, I can get that in turkey also!

Trying to make myself work out, the weather is cool but sunny, but I am dragging today. Stayed up too late watching movies and TV, like drinking, not worth it.

[Locus]

The hills in Wicklow are stunning Ken. Sylvane, I wish I could do it in three hours! It took four and I was never happier to see my car again than when I stumbled back to it.

[fiona]

Locus, I was wondering where you were. Hill climbing in Ireland sounds wonderful.

Day 7 Tried another yoga class. We did a cool meditation to banish negativity. You sit comfortably with your right arm in front of you palm facing out like you are trying to stop someone. The left hand is in front of you palm facing up like someone is going to put something in it. Elbows can be bent. You think about the negative thing and as you breathe out imagine the breath and right hand pushing it away and as you breathe in imagine taking in a positive that has been placed in the left hand and replacing the negative. You repeat it a few times until you feel the energy shift.

[Midwest Sue]

Day 5 check-in after 20 min on the elliptical.
Locus, we are all imagining the hill walk. Sounds spectacular!

[Julie]

OK, I think this is day 20, so check! I've lost count here, just like I have of my sober days - maybe that's a good thing if I just keep going day by day. So I went to H20 aerobics, then swam laps for 1/2 hour. I would never have done it pre-challenge, so thanks to you all for keeping me motivated.
Locus - welcome! Glad to see you here. A four hour hike through hilly terrain certainly qualifies - wow. Exercising daily and improving my diet are my 'massive change' actions, and I've found both to be helping me more than I ever imagined. It sounds like you're off to a great start and congrats on your 40 days! Keep coming back.
Ken - you and Sylvane are making me hungry - Italian Sausage meatloaf ... yum. I'd be right over if you were close Maybe a good meatloaf dinner will lift your spirits? Also, Ken - how do you make your mashed cauliflower? I've been told it's indistinguishable from mashed potatoes, but the recipe I saw called for enough cream and butter to make anything taste like potatoes!
Beth - you're motivating me with your reminder of Spring, AND getting your whole house clean - that will be my goal next weekend.
Sue - you're on a roll - keep it up!
Erin - how was your weekend?
Fiona - I need your yoga class - sounds very calming. Do you do the meditation at the end of the class instead of shavasana (sp??) - that's my favorite part of a yoga class!!
Millie, Morgan ... where are you??

I'm proud of all ..... be good everyone!

[Julie]

I don't mean to overwhelm anyone, but I just saw a link on Facebook to Deepak Chopra's 21 day meditation challenge and did the first day's 15 minute meditation. His concept is that "all of the thoughts, perceptions, memories, emotions, and feelings in our mind influence every cell of our body. When we have a loving thought or focus on a happy memory or feeling, our brain triggers a cascade of molecules that promote wellbeing in our physiology. On the other hand, when we hold onto emotions such as anger, fear, and doubt, this creates stress and damage in the body". Meditation is a way to promote the former and elimate the latter. I think I might add this challenge to my exercise .... just wanted to let you all know about it just in case this might be another weapon in our arsenal......massive action/change:
http://www.chopracentermeditation.co...12.asp?id=6886

[Midwest Sue]

Thank you for the link, Julie. I joined this meditation challenge, and you are right: it's yet another weapon in our arsenal!

[Ken1]

Julie, that's amazing, I was just watching Deepak Chopra on TV yesterday doing meditation. Thanks for the link!
When I make mashed cauliflower, I cook the cauliflower until it is soft, then drain it really well. You may even want to squeeze some of the water out by hand or if you have clean towel or cheese cloth use that, otherwise it can be a little loose or runny. I mash it, add a little salt and black pepper to taste, and a little skim milk and a little butter (I actually use Country Crock with Calcium as it is half the fat of butter and zero trans fat). If it is still too loose for you, a great cheat is to mix in a little mashed potato flakes as a binder or add in a few potatoes while mashing the cauliflower.

[fiona]

Julie - meditation challenge is right up my ally...I actually listen to a positive meditation cd as I fall asleep. As for the meditation I've been doing in yoga class, they have been starting the class with it and it still ends with Savasana, or as another teacher called it "Dessert" Its at Lifetime Fitness.

Off to walk the dog before the rain...It looked like spring yesterday after Beth's post!

[Julie]

Day 21: check - got 'er done. 60 minutes on the bike. I downloaded some new songs to make it easier. Anyone have any good workout music recommendations?

Sylvane - exercising while sick is especially dedicated - go you!! Good luck with the healthy low carb plan. I'm not sure about the Atkins bars, but my friend swears by something called skinny cow - claims they're delish! I don't even want to try because I couldn't stop at one, just like drinking. Easier to just avoid it altogether. Can you believe we've made it 21 days?? Three weeks down, one to go ....is it habit for you yet?

Hope the meditations go well for everyone - I figure it's like ACV, can't hurt. I'm going to do it before bed so that maybe I'll fall asleep more easily.

Ken - thanks for the tip on the cauliflower preparation. I'll give the mashed a try. My husband made roasted caulflower covered in crab oil, then served it with old bay dip - it was supposed to taste just like crab, but IMO Old Bay obliterates any other flavor no matter what.

[Beth]

Hi all Happy Fat Tuesday.... Sorry Fat Tuesday plus a birthday equals DQ, sweets, and no exercise. Tomorrow is my day to begin again. No guilt from this good Catholic girl

[Locus]

I'll be starting again, probably tomorrow, after only getting two days done... Oh well. Happy Birthday Beth.

[Ken1]

Happy birthday Beth, I'm Catholic too. What are you giving up for Lent? I'm giving up alcohol (just to re-commit myself) and chips. I vote that your birthday should be allowed as a cheat day and that you should not have to start over!

Julie, I'm with you on the Old Bay, it is overpowering. I forgot about roasting it, I have a recipe that you season the cauliflower with a squeeze of lemon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. After you roast it (400 degress F for 25-30 minutes, until fork tender), top it with Parmesan cheese.

Also, I subscribe to the newsletter from this site: http://www.onemomentmeditation.com/ If you don't have the time to meditate, they have a short video on the front page of this site to teach you how to "meditate in a moment."

[fiona]

Day 9 - yoga...check After reading the posts I'm hungry

Meditation in a moment??? I have plenty of moments that would be a good idea.

Happy Birthday Beth!

[Beth]

Hi all, thanks for the B-day wishes. Ken, you crack me up about a pass
I am traveling today so I have my work out video for tonight.
It's funny I am in a restaurant having a late lunch. The hostess asked "can I sit you in a bar booth?" hesitantly, I said yes.
So when the bartender came to take my drink order she said "Would you like a Ice tea or coffee?" Wow did that shock me! Why would that shock me? It's 3:30 in the afternoon! But that shows how distorted my thinking of bars are.
I am giving up alcohol and a few other bad habits for Lent.
Count me in on the 21 day meditation challenge. It is a nice way to end the day.

[Julie]

Ok, day 22: check!

Happy birthday Beth..... I second Ken's vote - you get a bday pass.

My Lenten sacrifice will be to give my time, effort and attention on a daily basis to benefit someone else in some way ...

[Beth]

Checking in for yesterday's work out. Today I planned to workout this morning but oh well, sitting here drinking coffee and reading and journaling. I guess I'm getting a "mental" workout.

Julie, I like your Lenten obligations. I think it will be easy for you though.....since you already do that for me!

Ok, let's all stay challenged today. I am finally seeing the change and like it.

[Julie]

Thanks Beth

How did we all do today? I'm not seeing a change yet in my physique, but I do feel better. And today my daughter and I used the $$$$ I've saved by not drinking for the past month to have a bit of a spa day. Huge treat ....

Day 23: check. Hope your cold is better Sylvane ....