The Hope of a Broken Spirit

“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.” ― Vance Havner

Have you noticed that I've been SUPER quiet lately?? In the past month or so I've had to take a step back and deal with my "stuff." Somewhere along this journey I've run out of fire. For me, it's a combination of fighting through an injury, accommodating an arthritic ankle, working around my kids needs/schedules, financial issues, not being able to teach fitness classes, hitting a seemingly never ending plateau, and just being plain exhausted. For three years I've been fighting the good fight. And as soon as I got close enough to see my goal realized things went haywire.

In April I was down to 207 lbs--so freaking close! And today I'm at 230 lbs--what the hell??!! This is the first time since I've started this journey that I've GAINED a significant amount of weight. At one point, I think back in June, it was just 12 lbs. You would think that with all I've been through and everything I've learned that I would not have let this happen...but I did. Beyond the gain are the feelings of failure and anxiety. Over the last week in particular I have felt myself slipping back into depression which makes me just want to stay in bed and escape my reality. My spirit is broken.

I'm tired. It seems like I've worked my butt off and haven't gotten the best returns. I look at the stories of others (comparing myself, which is a no-no) and how they lost 100 lbs and can now bear their gorgeous tummies and I wonder why it's so hard for me. Part of me just wants to retreat for a while and rediscover my passion for fitness without the pressure of weight loss. Part of me just wants to put on some baggy sweat pants and eat a never-ending bag of chips. But it's not in me to go quietly into the night--no matter how hard I try. This morning I was teaching my four-year old about rhyming words and he got frustrated and said, "Just forget it. I'm never gonna do it." And I told him to keep trying and asked, "Would God want you to give up?" As he said, "No" the Holy Spirit jabbed me in the ribs and made me answer the same question. Just because it's hard doesn't mean that the vision was wrong or isn't coming to fruition.

For whatever reason, my journey is what it is. Things don't come easily for me, but I never give up. God gifted me with resilience, tenacity, and a desire to live the best life that I can while here on this earth. As hard as these last few months have been and as exhausted as I am, in my heart of hearts I know that I can never go back to what I was--nor do I want to. If you are reading this, please pray for me. Know that I bare my authentic self to you in the hopes that you will gain something useful to keep you moving forward. It's not all lettuce leaves and crunches; your head and your spirit are as much a part of sustained success as exercise and diet.

In 25 days I'm going to hit the course of the Run Like a Diva Half Marathon. My training has been lax and my passion has been hot and cold. I have no idea what to expect. Over the next few weeks my only goal is to renew my motivation, rediscover my passion, and redefine my vision, my purpose. Out of my struggles, my brokenness, I know that God can produce something beautiful.

Learn How To Do A Perfect Tempo Run From Runner's World.com

I've shared this before and I'll share it again. Tempos are great runs to add to your training if done right.

Learn How To Do A Perfect Tempo Run From Runner's World.com

"Reverse Route" Not an Option

I think it's pretty cool that all these map apps finally have a "reverse route" option. Previously I would have to re-enter the addresses to get directions back to starting point. Great feature for a road-trip, but not so great on this fitness journey. 

It's very easy when in the face of adversity to stop moving; stop making forward progress and just go back to what is familiar and comfortable. It's very easy to scream curses skyward or bemoan the fates for cracks and pitfalls in your path and stop moving forward. For years I've battled with bouts of immobilizing depression and the thought that I'm cursed. Those feelings kept me in a crazy circle of avoidance, obesity, emotional eating, and settling for mediocrity. I would be lying if I said it all went away. It doesn't go away. But it gets better.

If you've followed this blog you've heard me say time and time again that weight loss is not just about the weight. As you move forward on this journey and endeavor to make lasting changes, you will have to learn how to deal with whatever head issues you have because it's those head issues that will you busting a U-turn and hitting the "reverse route" button. Before you know it you will have reverted back to a couch-potato in size 26 pants watching "Biggest Loser" while eating chips and ice cream.

I have learned to not allow myself to wallow in the depression or whatever negative thing I'm feeling. I have learned to shake the dust off and keep moving. The more you conquer the easier it becomes to traverse those cracks and pitfalls along the road; the more you appreciate the trials of the journey. Learn your triggers. Learn your kryptonite. Learn how to get out of your own way. Learn how to keep moving forward no matter what.  You know the work it took to get ahead so don't even contemplate reversing your route. Keep it moving!!

Is a Calorie Truly Just a Calorie?

Is a Calorie Truly Just a Calorie?

Lots of info in this article, but don't get bogged down by it. As a low-carb/high-protein eater, I agree with their summation and have found that I have to manage my total intake AND be mindful of my fat intake.

Are you a low-carb eater? Do you count your calories? Talk to me, FP!

Lentil Lovin'

Lentils are not very attractive looking legumes. I've passed them up several times, too put off by their appearance to give them a try. I probably never would have taken a nibble if my co-worker hadn't made some for an office potlock. Sitting amid the steaming dishes of baked macaroni & cheese, hashbrown casserole, and corn pudding the little dish of brownish-green beans didn't look very appealing but I put a few tablespoons on my plate anyway. Ahhh! It was love at first bite.

Variety of lentils

After my initial encounter with this lovely legume I did a little investigating. To quote Marc Anthony, "Tu amour hace bien!" (your love does me good) because these little beans are packed with all sorts of benefits. They are low in calories, high in fiber, stabilize blood sugar, high in iron, great source of B vitamins (most notably folate and niacin), lower cholesterol, and (my fav) packed full of protein. Protein makes up 26% of the calories in lentils AND they are the third highest level of protein than any other plant food. One cup of lentils is about 230 calories, 18 grams of protein, <1 gram of fat, and 16 grams of fiber (net carbs of 24g).  How can you not love that, Fit People??

Another thing I love about lentils is that they don't require soaking or other such non-sense that encroaches on my time. My requsite for just about anything I cook is that it can't complicate my life. Soaking and a lot of prep do not work for my lifestyle most days. Also, it doesn't take a lot to make these babies delicious. My first adventure with cooking lentils was a nice and easy lentil soup recipe that I found on www.fatsecret.com--of course I made some changes to suit my taste.

Ingredients:

My lovely lentil soup

2 bay leaves, whole and dried

• 1 dash black pepper, coarse ground
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 3 cups of water
• 2 cups of frozen mirepoix mix (already chopped celery, onion, and carrots) 
• 1 clove garlic (I used already minced in a jar)
• 1 16oz package of lentils (mine cost $1.25)

1. Dump lentils into a bowl and rinse them. No need to soak!
2. In stockpot lightly saute or "sweat" the mirepoix mix in the olive oil. Add garlic; pour in the chicken broth and water.
3. Add lentils, and seasonings bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf, season with additional salt and pepper if desired. 

That's it!! We ate off half a pot for about a week and I froze the other half. I had it by itself, as a side dish, and as a pre-workout snack. So easy, so delicious, and so good for you. Ahh, that's amore! 

Until our next adventure EAT Fit4Life!! 

The Skinny on Fat Loss Muscle and Fitness Hers

The Skinny on Fat Loss Muscle and Fitness Hers

Interesting responses to the questions posed. Over the past couple of weeks I've gone back to tracking my meals to see just what I'm eating and the spread of my calorie intake. One of the changes I've made is no sweets and less dairy...that's two changes. I think the ideal for me is somewhere in between low-carb and low-fat.

Your thoughts?

No More Yo-Yo

"When everything seems like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top." ~ Unknown  

Standing in line at the grocery store I saw a magazine with a woman on the cover who lost 170 pounds in some number of months and they had an article on how to lose some number of pounds in a couple of months. Having been injured and in plateau mode since April, I can understand the desire to drop weight quickly. I get it.  

A person I know took B12 shots last year and dropped down a couple of sizes. She raved about it and went out and bought hundreds of dollars worth of new clothes. Then she stopped the shots...and she's back in her old clothes. 

Back in 2003 I lost 60 lbs--the most I ever lost to that point--and got down to a size 18. I thought I was the bomb-diggity. Then it got harder and life happened. Two years later I was back where I started plus some. And every time I tried to lose weight I would get frustrated because it seemed like it was taking too long, like nothing was happening. I tried all sorts of diets and tricks. I woke up at 4:30am and went walking. I bought Jillian Michaels' fitness set. A few weeks in and I was frustrated again because I wasn't losing weight quickly enough. Then I would go into a downward spiral and hate myself because I failed. Then I would eat. Then I would stop exercising...and the cycle repeated itself.

A friend recently contacted me and asked for help in getting started and staying motivated. I'll share with you what I shared with her: 

1) Understand that this is a process and will take time. You will have moments when you "fall off" but the key to moving forward is not staying in that spot--don't allow yourself to go into "F-It!!" mode.  The more you stick to it, the better you get, the better you feel, and the more progress you will make. Would you quit a five mile race at mile three or would you push through just those two more miles to the end? If you quit, you don't get to enjoy that moment of victory--and trust me, it's so sweet.

2) Don't try to change everything at one time. You will feel overwhelmed and confused and frustrated. Pick one or two things to incorporate/change over three weeks or 30 days. Once you have those behaviors down add something else to the mix. For example, make your goal getting in 30 minutes of exercise five days a week--no matter what--for the next three weeks. This will teach you how to plan your week, how to overcome obstacles, and will get  your body ready for more activity. Maybe add to that drinking an adequate amount of water daily. That might mean not allowing yourself to drink any other type of beverage until you've hit your water goal. 

3) Surround yourself with people who will help you move forward. Ask someone at work to partner with you. Join a group, page (Fat2FitPosse) , or discussion board to keep yourself accountable and motivated. Positive people will help you stay positive. Active people will help you stay active.  Encouraging people will help you stay encouraged. Find a Meet Up group. Find a running/walking club. Become a "regular" at a fitness class. 

None of this is rocket science; it's mental science (aka psychology). And no, these are not the elements to quick weight loss. But having experienced both sides of the coin, I'm enjoying sustained weight loss much better than I ever enjoyed the yo-yo dieting. These three tips are keys to changing your behaviors and how you view this journey; they will help you start and keep going. Decide to be in this for the long haul. Commit to doing what it takes to reach your goals. Succeed daily and celebrate YOU!

Be Fit4Life!! 

Cardio Workouts Workouts: self.com

Cardio Workouts Workouts: self.com

Adventures in Kale

Everyone raves about kale. Kale chips, kale in smoothies, kale salads, kale, kale, kale! After passing by it in the grocery store a bazillion times I decided last week to give it a try. One of the changes I've had to make on this journey is adding and deleting foods from my tank, er huh, plate. As serendipity would have it, Kroger had kale on sale for $1 a bunch so I bought some...actually, one bunch. 

What's so great about kale? According to the article "The Truth About Kale" by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, one cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily value requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of  magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

Armed with my kale, its nutrient benefits, and the internet I looked for some easy recipes to try. I like simple. I like very few ingredients. I like versatility. If a recipes calls for 15 ingredients and Top Chef level prep work, this Fit Girl will move on. While I came across a lot of tantalizing possibilities, I decided to go with two test dishes. The first, my weekly batch of veggie soup. The second, a basic sauteed kale recipe I found Eating Well.

My veggie soup recipe changes every week depending on what veggies I have on hand and what I have a hankering (yes, I said hankering) for that week. Other than the broth I don't really measure my ingredients. I just shoot for the quantity and array of colors that look appealing to me. And I use a mix of frozen and fresh veggies.

Veggie soup concoction

This week I used kale in place of spinach. I wasn't sure how to cook it but it looks so much like the greens my Granny cooks that I figured boiling it couldn't hurt. After sauteing the onion, garlic, basil, red pepper, mushrooms and adding all the veggies and broth I threw in the kale.

While the taste was not bad the texture threw me off a little bit in my soup. I'm guessing I didn't allow the kale to cook long enough because it was tough.  Not easily daunted I decided to give it another shot and try the sauteed kale recipe I found online.


Basic Sauteed Kale
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of EVOO

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of coarsely chopped kale, ribs removed

• 1/2 cup of water

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper

• 2-3 teaspoons of sherry or red-wine vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

**Let me pause here and confess that I did not have 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of kale. Remember, I only bought one bunch; so I improvised and just used what I had on hand. Also, I don't mince garlic, I buy it already minced--sue me! And another thing, I had three types of vinegar on hand none of which was red-wine vinegar. My choices were balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or distilled white vinegar. My taste buds advised that I go with the tried and true white vinegar.**

It really did turn "bright green"

Heat the 1 TBSP of oil in a Dutch oven (I just used a regular pan) over medium heat. Add kale and cook, tossing until it's bright green, about 1 minute.

Add water, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until kale is tender (12-15 minutes). **Another pause--I added a little sea salt and pepper. Okay, continue.**

Push kale to one side, add the remaining 1 tsp of oil to the empty side and cook garlic and crushed red pepper in it until fragrant (yes, I stood there smelling it), 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar to taste and salt.

Nutrition info: 1/2 cup serving, 80 calories, 5g fat, 7g carb, 1g fiber, 2g protein.  

This recipe was pretty good. The taste reminded me of my Granny's collard greens--especially with the red pepper and vinegar--without all the "pot liquor." However, I still don't know how I feel about the texture. It's a lot tougher and more fibrous than spinach. I can see how some people might over cook it to make it more tender (like my Granny's greens) but doing so would strip it of it's nutrients.

I can't say that I'm a huge kale fan now, but I will add it to my repertoire of veggies. Maybe next time I'll attempt kale chips--which really does not make me salivate in the least.
Until our next adventure EAT Fit4Life!! 

Garrison Personal Training: Guest Blog: "Strong is the new Skinny," by Collett...

Garrison Personal Training: Guest Blog: "Strong is the new Skinny," by Collett...: Learn more at http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do Since announcing my plan to feature a guest blog, written by one o...

On the eve of race day...

"No matter how old I get, the race remains one of life's most rewarding experiences. My times become slower and slower, but the experience of the race is unchanged: each race a drama, each race a challenge, each race stretching me in one way or another, and each race telling me more about myself and others." ~ Dr. George Sheehan

2012 1/2 Marathon Finishers Medal

Tomorrow morning I will participate in my fifth half marathon and yet I'm as nervous as if it were my first. I don't know why this one has caused me so much anxiety. Maybe because it's been six months since my last half  marathon. Maybe because this will be the largest race in which I've participated. Maybe because among the racers will be co-workers, running mates, and friends. Maybe because I only trained for eight weeks and missed two long runs. The other night I actually dreamed that I missed the race and went to a bootleg man to buy a medal but he ran out and I was like, "Dude! I can't go home without a medal. I can't get a DNF!!" Hilarious!!

To add to my anxiety my right arch and knee are feeling weird. I'm not sure what to do about it, so we'll just see how it goes tomorrow. This evening I will do a portion of P90X's Stretch X to help loosen up any tightness and I've taken a Motrin to alleviate any inflammation I may have. And of course I've been hydrating (my urine is so pretty--to other runners that's not gross)!! I'm also praying and making myself relax. The things I can control I will. Everything else is in God's hands. 

One thing that I've learned through distance racing is that you never know what's ahead. No matter how much you study the course map or how well you've trained, to a certain point you have very little control over the outcome. I count it a blessing each time I finish because others who were faster, skinnier, and more experienced than me have lost their lives or suffered major injuries on the course; but God has seen fit each time to lead me on to a victorious end. 

So, my game plan for tomorrow is:

• Breakfast 1 (as soon as I wake up): Shakeology
• Breakfast 2 (about 60-30 mins before start): slice of bread w/PB and banana
• Mid-race recharge: pack of GU at mile 7, drink Energy & Endurance at mile 8
• Parking at my office (last potty break) and walking/jogging the .8 miles to the start as my warm-up
• After the finish, walk to the bus depot and hop on the bus back to my car

To all those participating tomorrow, I pray good hydration, strong legs, and a great finish. Godspeed!! 

"ME" in TEAM?

"I used to run with doubt, but now she can't keep up!" ~posted in BGR!Nashville


I think that people who have played sports have an ability to relate to people because when you're playing you have to work on teams and with opposing players. ~Michael Michele

At the end of a race I can give you a blow by blow of each mile--what I was thinking, how I was feeling, my time/pace, etc. I use that blow by blow to progress. Was my fueling on point? If not, where do I need to adjust? Did I run out of steam during the race, if so where and how can I do better the next time out? You take notice of these things because each time you stand at the starting line your goal is to be better than the last time. Why do it if you never make any forward progression? Why gear up if you aren't going to compete against that person in your head? I may never win my age-gender group. I may never be first to cross the finish line. But I work to win against that person in my head continually.

Over the past two months I've been training for the St. Jude Country Music Half Marathon while also playing on a softball team and a flag football team. For me, playing on an athletic team is uncharted territory because I've always been the smart, fat kid. To date, my group competition involved Quiz Bowl, Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, debate, and oration. But even then, I was competitive-my Mock Trial team can attest to that. I used to stay up until two o'clock in the morning going over the case, the stipulations, and the objections. When I delivered my closing arguments I would look intently at the jury, while all the while my ears were burning, and when I had one person wrapped up in my story I would move to the next. The point?

The difference in those experiences and running and these two teams is that I have to learn that I am not solely responsible for the final outcome. All I can do is play my position to the best of my ability and support my teammates. There is a measure of control that you give up when you play team sports and it can be very hard. I am a coach by nature (and as part of my business) but not everyone takes very well to that, so I'm learning that when I'm on the field I am a player, not the coach. My role is my role and the team functions best when I operate at my very best in my role.

While my teams are not doing as well as I had anticipated (right now--we still have time!), I am thankful for the experience. I am so glad that I chose to join athletic teams instead of signing up for a fitness class because I've found a treasure within and have had the opportunity to connect with more people. I'm also having to use my body in very different ways than required by running. When you're at bat or throwing a softball (or football) you have to engage your core. When you're on kick-off return you have to employ  your quads and calves to hoof it down the field. Making it to home plate is not as easy as it looks!

In seven days I will line up at the start line to complete 13.1 miles--my fifth time taking on a half marathon--with my goal firmly set in my mind and written on my heart. Whatever happens along that course will be solely on my shoulders. Just a few hours after finishing, I will don my flag football uniform and play with my team as we take on our opponents. Victory or defeat, we walk on and off the field together. The juxtaposition of the two events will make for an interesting day. Bring it...

My Inner Tiger

The long run is what puts the tiger in the cat. ~ Bill Squires

Some people think I'm strange. Actually, I've always been a little different, skirting on the outside of groups. Never an outcast but never quite part of the crowd. At this point in my life I am so totally okay with that because well, I am different and I am learning to love it. As I've grown along this fitness journey I have had to be different than those formerly familiar with me. I've had to make choices that others probably wouldn't make so that makes them look at you as different, not bad just different.

Last week I was on vacation in Savannah, GA visiting my family and just bumming around town. Before packing my bags I mapped out a 10-mile route around my family's neighborhood so that my training (for the St. Jude Country Music Half Marathon on Apr 28th and the 13.1 Chicago on June 9th) would not be derailed. My stepdad looked at me with his head cocked to the side, as if he was making sure it was me he was talking to. Along the route the only other runners I encountered were soldiers (which of course fed my ego!), everyone else was walking or riding bikes. I wasn't even done with mile one when I realized that I had NEVER run anywhere in Savannah. Never ran to catch a CAT (haha, only folks from SAV will get that), never jogged around the lake (I walked), never ran up my street. I actually came back from vacation five pounds lighter. Yeah, I'm different.

 Today, I have even more proof that I'm different--inside and out. I put on a pair of size 10 shorts (real shorts) and a tank top that used to scream when I put it on. I stared at myself in the mirror for a couple of minutes because I've never seen this person. I've never visualized myself any smaller than a size 14 because it never seemed possible.

As I continue my training for the two upcoming half marathons, I am a little calmer than last year. Not because I'm resting on my laurels but because I have a deep seated assurance that I am fierce and will not fail. Have you ever watched a tiger run on those animal kingdom or Discovery Channel shows? They look so determined, so sure footed, so powerful. Even when they aren't moving at full speed they remember that they are powerful. I suppose that is really what is different for me. No matter what obstacle, no matter what endeavor--running, softball, flag football, child rearing, coaching--I know that I am powerful. Growl, baby!

Beautiful Imperfection

If you look closely at a tree you'll notice it's knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully. ~ Matthew Fox  

I am coming to terms with the fact that I may never look like Laila Ali and it makes me sad and frustrates me a little. There are side effects to living a lifetime of obesity. I used to wonder why the contestants on The Biggest Loser took their shirts off when they were fat, but had shirts on when they lost the weight. Now I understand: the loose skin. I personally think it's very dishonest of them to hide that from viewers because it makes it seem like once  you lose weight your body will be perfect, like "normal" people. Maybe it's different for people who were skinny, then gained weight, then lost it. Maybe it's different for people who were obese until they were 20 then lost it. I don't know.  I hide my arms because I feel like people see the skin, not the muscles I've worked so hard to develop.  I just know that sometimes I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle.

Which one is perfect?

According to my Tanita numbers 74 lbs of me is fat, which puts my body fat percentage at 35.5 with a BMI of 32.6. Considering when I first started this journey I was at 55% body fat and had about 150 lbs of fat, I should be ecstatic. Most of the time I am. . .but I look around at others my same size and I can't help but feel cheated. Why is my body made this way? Why can't I look like this person or that person? Haven't I worked hard enough? When will I be "there"? I've been at this for almost three years and feel like I should be at my goal look, my gauge of perfection.

I wonder if one rose looks at another rose and compares it's petals? Do trees, blossoming and swaying in the wind, wonder why they don't have as many blossoms as the one two houses down? Do leopards compare their spots? Fish their scales? Of all God's creatures are we the only ones to question His handiwork? Are we the only ones who want to "improve" what He created? If by God's hands I am beautifully and wonderfully made, why do I look at myself with so little admiration? Why can't we see the beauty of our imperfection?



Feb 2011, Beautifully and wholly ME!

As I continue this seemingly never-ending journey, I am continually confronting issues and discovering things about myself. Clarity comes, oddly enough, as I'm struggling to breathe while trotting up a hill. It's then that I'm reminded that I don't have to know the answer to everything, I don't have to be like or look like anyone else. All I have to do is be the beautifully crafted creature that God designed me to be, that is all.





Operation: Shrinking Divas

For the majority of my weight loss journey I've been going it alone. While I'm thankful that God provided me with the internal motivation to push myself, there are times when it's good to have co-laborers. Several of my friends, co-workers, and family members have asked me to help them get focused and stay motivated. So my bright idea was to start a 30 day challenge to get everybody in shrink mode. I call it Operation: Shrinking Divas.

While I am a Beachbody coach, the challenge does not require you purchase anything from me. It does, however, require that you use the Team Beachbody site--which is free. That's probably not good business sense, but as I was drafting this plan I came to terms with the fact that first and foremost my life and journey are a testament to the power of God. My heart's desire is to be used by God to help others and the giftings that He's given me are fitness and motivation. This challenge is about helping the women in my life--and the women in their lives--live healthiher, untethered lives.

So, I invite you to join us for the next 30 days and see what is possible with a plan and persistence.

Operation: Shrinking Divas
Dates: March 1st - March 30th, no new entries after March 3rd
Goal: Establish healthy behaviors and get the shrinkage started!!

Rules:
1) Create TBB memership (free) www.teambeachbody.com/fitgirlposse and click "JOIN"
2) Set a 30 day goal--keep it simple and realistic
3) Pick a plan/program (does not have to be Beachbody) and track your workouts via TBB site
4) Follow the nutrition plan (will be emailed to all participants after you email me and posted to the group page on Facebook)
5) Take a photo and track weight and inches weekly and update TBB profile
6) Encourage one person a week to join you in living a healthy lifestyle--they must join my TBB site and send me an email that you referred them.
7) Send me a weekly email from your TBB account with progress notes on weight, inches, workouts and how well you followed the nutrition plan.
 *March1: from your new TBB account email me your begining weight, inches   (chest, wasit, hips, arms, legs), photos, and your 30 day goal
 *March7: Email for week 1 due
 *March14: Email for week 2 due
 *March 21: Email for week 3 due
 *March 28: Email for week 4 due
 *March 30: Final email with final results (weight, inches, and photos), and a   short paragraph on how you're different from day 1 and how you plan to  continue going forward.
At the end of 30 days we will all be healthier, more energetic, and SMALLER (combo of inches & pounds). The person who earns the most points will receive a "Diva Fit Kit" that includes necessary tools for staying healthy and looking fabulous!!

How do you earn points?

• 10 points for setting up your TBB membership (freebie if you already have an account)
• 20 points if you're using a TBB program for the challenge
• 5 points for each email (must include all requirements, see rule #7)
• 10 points for each person you encourage (see rule #6)
• 3 points for every pound and/or inch lost each week

This challenge DOES NOT require you to purchase anything. Using the TBB site for communication means that I can track and communicate with everyone from one source. Plus, the site has great support tools--chat groups, WOWY gym, articles, tips, etc that will be helpful to you over the 30 days.

Why all the updates and tracking? Because you have to track your progress and keep your healthy habits at the forefront of  your priorities; otherwise it's easy to forget and miss out on your successes.

6 Secrets to Firing Up Your Metabolism Fitness: self.com

6 Secrets to Firing Up Your Metabolism Fitness: self.com