30 Day Challenges

[_Erin_]

I knew I was going to screw it up, first with not being into it wholeheartedly, and then for not getting my butt up outta bed! Waiting until the afternoon is pretty much the same as saying, "Yeah, I'm not going to exercise today" with me. Soooo... I get to start over! lol Oh well, I guess it's good not to jostle things around too much a month after surgery, even if it wasn't a major one, right? Good excuse, Erin!

I'm thinking about looking into getting a Wii Fit or Wii Active or even the Jillian Michaels workout for the Wii. Anyone else used any of those? My cousin told me they were good and intense, but I found out that her idea of a "workout" was playing Wii tennis, so I think we might be on slightly different levels there. I'm no exercise guru by ANY means, but if I'm going to do it, I'd like to DO it. I enjoy my walks but sometimes it's nice to push myself a little more... plus right now, even though it's nice out, it's muddy. And then half the time it's NOT nice out, so then I would have no excuses.

Anyway... everyone keep up the great effort and Monday will be a different story for me!

[Ken1]

Sylvane, Apple cider vinegar acts as an appetite suppressant, reduces water retention, and increases your metabolic rate. It helps to balance your body's alkaline balance too.

At one time I had big time stomach problems, namely IBS. I always had a bottle iof Imodium pills in my pocket and ate a large bottle of Tums tablets a week, caused by a high stress job and constantly irritated by drinking. I went to the health food store out of desperation and they handed me a book on ACV by the Braggs, the family that makes the raw unfiltered kind. I followed the directions, basically I had completely screwed up my system and needed the acid. I choked down two ounces and felt better instantly and after a couple of days was back to normal. I also took a good probiotic and haven't had any major issues since. I am a big fan personally. I keep a bottle in the kitchen all the time, but had no idea until yesterday it was good for weight loss. They estimate 2 pounds the first month and I'm going to give it a shot, not bad for basically doing nothing!

Sue, I live on the Mississippi River too, but you can't walk the bridge where I live, too long and very dangerous!

[fiona]

Julie - don't be too impressed, just my ego thinking I can keep up with my 14yr old I'm paying for it. I just made a promise to myself for 2012, that I would give any positive experience a try. And although I did enjoy it, today its a walk with the dog.

Ken - down a notch already???? Great going!

Erin - if walking is working for you amp it up with a weighted vest or some walking poles Wii is fun and great if you like video...just like everything else you have to turn it on

[Julie]

Hey everyone .... great job! I just returned from a brisk walk with Merlin through the woods - It's like Spring here so I couldn't resist getting out there.

Ken - I tried ACV two years ago when I went on a diet called Ultra Lite. My daughter and I were going to attempt a mountain climb and I wanted to shed a few lbs to make it easier on my knees. I was supposed to take 2tbls per day. I did lose weight quickly on the program, but I'm not sure how much of that was due to the ACV. I think I might go back to it - can't hurt and it sounds like it's beneficial to your digestive system. I'l have to look for the Bragg brand. Great job with being down a size!
Fiona - moving is good, and I'm still impressed
Sue - I think you should get the new bike so that you can enjoy training for your event in the fall. Not drinking is an enormous achievement and deserves to be rewarded! Does my vote count?
Erin - I've heard great things about the Jillian Wii but havent' actually seen it. Might be a good thing to have when you don't really feel like exercising - absolutely no excuse if all you have to do is turn on the TV! I like fiona's idea of amping up your walk though - it's too easy to quit if you're at home.
Sylvane - thanks for being a faithful partner! I still haven't had the courage to pic up a kettleball but am going back to the strenght training class at the gym tomorrow.
Millie - great to hear you're OK. Lots of nasty bugs going around now. Come back when you're ready - you're the one who inspired me to sign on to this!

Having company for dinner tonight - the first since I quit drinking. t will be a challenge, but I'm going to think about my promise to exercise tomorrow and how much better I'll feel if I abstain ... wish me luck!

[nomoredayones]

I took a 40 minute walk before work this morning. It really starts my day off right when I do that. Why is it so hard for me to motivate myself to do what I KNOW makes me feel good??

[Beth]

Day17 check. Did Jillian this morning. Morgan, great question. I still struggle in getting motivated.
Ken, I'm going to the health store tomorrow to get the apple cider vinegar sounds like a good idea.
Julie, hope you had a nice dinner.

I still need to up my water intake. It really helps in curbing my alcohol urges. I'm still not counting my days sober since I will never drink again. I made that decision after my slip on February 3rd. I am so happy with that decision.

Good all.

[Ken1]

Beth, good reminder about the water intake and how right you are about it cutting cravings! I get that Bragg ACV from Kroger, but I like going to the health food store anyway to be around all those health conscious people. Helps to recharge my motivation.

Check out the Bragg website at bragg.com. They have tons of information there and recipes and more.

Julie, It was probably the combination that made you lose the weight, but the natural ACV is good for you so why not use it when you can?

I'm doing yard work for my exercise today until the rain starts. Good work everyone and thanks for all the positive thoughts and motivation shared here, pretty awesome. Here is another really easy recipe I made yesterday:

Pizza Popcorn

Ingredients
Makes 1 serving
1/4 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1tsp chives

Directions
Pop 1/4 cup of unpopped corn kernels, no oil necessary. Place in large paper bag and sprinkle on pizza toppings. Shake until popcorn is evenly covered and then fold the bag over at the top a couple of times (do not staple!). Pop like you would a bag of microwave ready popcorn, approximately 3 minutes. Remove carefully when the popping slows down (about 5 seconds in between pops) and enjoy. Use whatever seasonings float your boat for different types, such as cinnamon sugar instead of the above seasonings. Very good and chemical free!

[fiona]

Dog walked & having pizza popcorn with our movie night. Thanks Ken!

[Julie]

Day 18: check!

Beth - thanks for the water reminder. I think it helps with snacking too ....

Ken - love the popcorn recipe ... am joining Fiona and planning a movie night with popcorn!

[Midwest Sue]

Day 3 - check! 40 minute bike ride including some hills.

[Beth]

Right with you Julie, day 18 check. I think I am seeing a difference. A little less jiggle today

Now the diet begins.... No more ice cream, chips, and alcohol. That doesn't even sound good
Love popcorn though!

Take care everyone

[Julie]

I'm up early with a clear head (hooyah) and off to the gym. Ken, that popcorn was delicious!

Re. diet - I am limiting simple carbs right now. Gave up sugar and white flour when this challenge started, and I've committed to taking a multi-vit, b12, D-3 and co-Q10 each day. It's not too hard if I make sure to drink enough liquids - I've been drinking hot green tea. And, thanks to Ken's reminder, I've added 2tbs of ACV each morning. Question for Ken: does your muffin recipe provided the recommended 30 grams of protein to start the day? WE CAN DO IT SYLVANE!! Join me!

Beth - how did your weigh-in go? I'm down 9 lbs so far and happy that my clothes are fitting again - that's incentive!

Good job getting on that bike Sue ... keep it up.

Happy Sunday everyone!!

[Beth]

Good morning everyone. Happy sober Sunday! It's morning 19 and will get my workout in after some house cleaning.
Bought the ACV and started it this morning so let's see how that goes.
Julie, I am down 5 pounds, really 7 if you count the 2 I gained. But not sure that was really weight gain since we weighed ourselves after lunch.
I don't believe I have lost any alcohol weight yet. It's all been from my workouts. I had to increase my calories a lot because most all my daily calories were from beer. So now that I am eating I need to start eating healthy.
Massive Action Sylvane. I promised myself that this is the year I would get back to liking myself and stop feeling like a slouch. And I want to keep that promise because I know it is not only for my body but also for my mind. I have been my worst enemy for so long which is so different then how I treat my friends. I am so supportive of people and do whatever I can to make them feel good. Now I am going to be supportive of myself!

[nomoredayones]

I didn't drink yesterday but I didn't exercise either. I felt (feel) so down, I didn't do anything all day..... :-(

[fiona]

Morgan sometimes doing nothing IS doing something. Its actually one of THE hardest things for me to do. Just think of it as recharging. A starting point for the next thing...whatever that may be. I think in this crazy world we don't listen for our body's need for peace, we feel we have to DO all the time. Embrace it. & you didn't drink, so really you DID SOMETHING

[Ken1]

Julie, I'm glad you liked the popcorn, I think it's great. Like Beth, I'm trying to give up chips and this is a good alternative. I'm also switching to pretzels, I like the small twists and dip them regular old yellow mustard. I'm into supplements too, good for you. Consider adding fish oil if you don't eat a lot of fish like salmon and sardines. The flax muffins only have about 10 grams of protein but have about 15 grams of fiber, so I probably should have warned everyone about that. They are pretty hard core, but if you like bran muffins they aren't bad, try pouring a little honey on them or spread a little whipped cream cheese to make them a bit more palatable.

Here are some ideas for getting to 30 grams of protein:
3.5 ounces of Swiss and mozzarella cheese have appx 30grams of protein
1 ounce 2% sting cheese has 8 grams of protein
Edamame (soybeans) have 68 grams of protein per cup
Lean beef has 31 grams per 3 ounce serving (similar for other lean meats, around 30% protein including fish, pork, chicken is a little lower around 20% protein per ounce)
Pumpkin seeds 31 grams per 3.5 ounces
Eggs 6 grams each
1 can of tuna 42 grams
Peanut butter has appx 8 grams per 2 tablespoons
1 slice of whole wheat bread has 2.3 grams protein
Oatmeal 5 grams per serving or 11 for the steel cut type
1 cup of skim milk has 8.5 grams
1 scoop of protein powder average 26 grams per scoop

I am adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder in with my oatmeal a couple of times a week and miking it up on the rest. A couple of hard boiled eggs and a couple of wedges of cheese are another really easy way to get there. Hope you all can throw in a few ideas as well and hope my list helps a little.

Fiona, I like your advice, sometimes it is great to just take time to smell the roses.

Sylvane, Beth, No more day 1s, Sue, Erin, Millie and anyone else out there hope you have a great day!

[Julie]

Wow, Ken, terrific help. I love edamame and never knew it was such a great source of protein. I get the large frozen bags at Sam's club (it has 12 smaller bags inside for individual servings) which are really handy. Do you think the frozen edamame has as much nutritional value as fresh? I am so grateful to you for your continued willingness to share such great information!

I've tried fish oil, but it isn't very pleasant for me over the course of the day - I seem to taste it all day long. Dr. Weil recommends Krill oil and I've been thinking about adding that. I really am feeling a lot better with the exercise and improved eating plan - of course no alcohol helps. It's been interesting - the exercise and better nutrition (and Beth's great recommendation of lots of water) help me avoid the desire to drink.

Get out and move today everyone!!

[Midwest Sue]

A repeat of yesterday's bike ride and I am checking in for day 4. Have a great day everyone!

[Ken1]

Julie, frozen is great and should have almost as much nutritional value. I eat some canned vegetables but try to limit them because of the BPA lining. The edamame I'm referring to is dry roasted, like a peanut. I think the fresh/frozen is about half for some reason.

Try an odorless fish oil supplement, that's what I take. I know what you mean, you can taste it all day sometimes, they call that "repeating", but the odorless doesn't do that. I use the Nature's Bounty brand because it is on sale 2 for 1 at Walgreens and Kroger all the time. They have 1,000 and 1,200 mg bottles of odorless, but if you prefer krill oil, they carry that as well but it is much more expensive. The sun just came out so Blue and I are off for a run, see you later!

[Beth]

Hi all, checking in. My 3 hours of house work will count as my workout today! Wow so proud of my clean house. Everything is tip top! Even the kids rooms and rec room are cleaned and organized. Yah me!
Very healthy eating today. Started with a blueberry banana smoothie for breakfast, turkey sandwhich on whole wheat with mustard for lunch, a nice pot roast in the crockpot for dinner.
Peace to all my friends.