Snack Attack Report 5 and Quality

A month has passed since I began the experiment, and it's time to reevaluate. Neither DH nor I were comfortable with how much sugar was being consumed, and DH was not happy with the eat-when-you-want-to practice. We did like how certain foods weren't as big of a deal anymore and how competitive eating stopped.


Observations:
5 y.o. - He: shared his stash often,went through it slowly, chose to snack on a variety of real and play foods


10 y.o. - She: went through her stash slowly, shared with her friends, chose to snack on a variety of real and play foods, ate a lot more candy than usual (Before the experiment, her holiday candy would sit on a shelf, forgotten. When it became part of her stash, she began eating it more and more).


11 y.o. - He: went through stash quickly (nearly empty by Fri's restocking day), prefers the extra-sugary stuff, does enjoy and requests fresh fruit


Me: I had no desire to dip into their stash; I had my own: a large bag of peanut M&M's that I'm still working on (In all fairness, I was sick for two weeks and had no desire for them. Otherwise, they'd be gone, I'm sure). I keep a zip-bag of them in my purse along with some pecans.


What's Next:
We are continuing the snack stash boxes with modifications. Each box will have (typically): favorite nuts, dried fruit, real granola bars (not candy bars disguised as granola bars), and ONE play food -- all customized to their tastes. Additionally, I'm buying different types of beef jerky for them to try -- a higher quality*, less greasy variety -- and ad to their boxes.


5 y.o.'s choices: pistachios and cashews, raisins, rolled wafer cookies (plus the granola bars and beef jerkey I'm having them try)


10 y.o.'s choices: pistachios, dates, Lindt dark chocolate truffles* (plus granola bars)


11 y.o.'s choices: cashews, apricots, pop tarts (3 of the 4 packages in the box), (plus granola bars and beef jerkey I'm having them try).


Guidelines:
-They can eat when they are hungry, BUT they must ask first when the next meal is ready (if it's within 20-30 minutes, they'll need to wait).
-They can snack on veggies and fruit almost any time (supplied in fridge and counter).
-They have to make their play food last at least a week. (We'll restock once per week).
-I will provide additional real-food after-school snacks; then they can dip into their stash if still hungry.
-Future holiday candy: they can choose their ultimate favorites and donate the remainder to the Bishop's office (he has a candy jar).

Source

*Quality
Lindt truffles can be expensive but are a better quality chocolate. I want to encourage them to get a taste for quality in a variety of foods. Then they'll learn that cheap versions are not "worth their taste buds." We may not purchase a lot, but the quality will be savored. That's also why I'm trying better quality beef jerky for the boys.


I've noticed this for myself: when I choose better quality, I lose a taste for cheap stuff (which is usually less healthy). I've been working to learn to cook and bring in flavorful veggies and better quality meats, etc. In the process, I have lost the taste for most fast-food. (This is a work in progress, one I haven't mastered, yet, but do see changes in).


For example, I used to buy steaks for everyone in the family for dinner. I'd buy the cheaper cuts that didn't turn out very good (I know, my skills may have a lot to do with that). Now, I buy the expensive cuts of meat, but because they are expensive, I buy one cut, and we all (5 of us) share the one. Although less quantity, it's so much better. It's enjoyable. With that joy comes a feeling of being satisfied and fed.

Snack Attack Report 3 and 4

You would think being sick in bed would be the perfect time to blog.  Strangely, I haven't felt like blogging or being on the computer at all for over a week.  I barely watched television.  I slept when I could and read quite a bit (as well as exercising my brain with several Sudoku puzzles).  Reading and rest are  luxuries I'm not afforded very often.  Maybe that will be "my thing" to be passionate about (referring to a previous post about passions and hobbies).


I haven't been diligent about keeping track and restocking the snack boxes during my sick time.  I notice my 5 yo shares with everybody without even being asked which is so different than my oldest (see photo below).  My daughter is eating more of her Halloween candy than before (she used to forget about it).


Before getting sick I restocked with:


5 yo
Slim Jims
Fruit snacks­­­­
Fig Bars
Fruit leather


10 yo
Dark Choc M&Ms
Better quality fruit leather than last week
Raspberries


11 yo
8 Pop Tarts (UGH!  I KNOW!!!)
BBQ Kettle baked potato chips (I don't know if baked is that much better than fried)
Fruit leather
Raspberries


This week, they all asked for pop tarts and granola bars (I did introduce organic alternatives).


It's been about a month.  I'd like to continue a version of the snack boxes similar to what I did for the second week:  have one of their favorite play foods mixed in with real-food snacks like a favorite nut, dried fruit, granola bar, beef jerky.  I will continue to serve fruit and/or veggies after-school-snacks.

"Thomas's Pepsi Not everybody's!
Do NOT touch !!!!"
Yeah, a little possessive.

I haven't spoken to DH about continuing the snack box idea.  He was against it but said he'd give me a month.  Ironically, though, he brought home a six-pack of Pepsi (short cans) for our 11 yo.  DH bought himself a liter of Squirt.  I.don't.buy.soda.  He'll say our son only had 3 and was made to share the rest with his play dates and brother and sister.  I'm not comfortable with a soda stash in the house.  Maybe it should be included in the true sense of the experiment, but I can't bring myself to include it.


It's a gorgeous spring day today.  Time to walk amongst the living.  (whiff)  Are those pop-tarts I smell?

A Bit of This and That (Ahhchooo!)

I guess it's my turn to get sick.  I'm so wiped out.  I haven't felt like being on the computer at all the past few days.  I hope all is good in your neck of the woods.

Snack attack reports -- I have a rough draft of the 3rd report I did over a week ago, and I've been too uninterested to even think about it.  I think they are doing okay.  There's still stuff in there, and I haven't wanted any of it.  My own bag of M&M's is still there.

Eating for Your Soul - The 10 week program is over. It's been great.   I will now have one-on-one sessions.

Well, that's about it.  My blanket and pillow have a stronger pull on me than this computer.  Stay healthy, everybody.

Snack Attack Report 2

One week down, three to go.  I was able to talk Danny into giving it a month.


After a week, this is what remains in their stash box:


5 y.o.
5 out of 8 granola bars remain
1/3 bag of Doritos (he shares them with his visiting friends)
7 oz peanut M&Ms (hasn't eaten any)


10 y.o.
5 out of 8 granola bars remain
Doritos still UNopened
6 count of peanut M&Ms
Halloween candy


11 y.o.
0 granola bars
0 Doritos (except some broken pieces)
0 M&Ms




Today was restocking day.  I asked the oldest two to make a wish-list, and I would pick two out for each.  
-For my daughter (from her wish-list):  regular chocolate chip granola bars and fruit leather.
-For my oldest son:  chocolate-covered coconut granola bars and fruit snacks.
-My youngest has so much stuff remaining that I didn't ask him for a wish list.
Oh, and look at this >>>  My oldest son, without any prompting from me, also requested plums and blackberries.  Real, live fruit!!!


They will have more-individualized stash snacks this week than the starting selection from last week.  In addition to the two play foods they asked for, I also took the initiative to add pistachios and raisins for all three, small size Slim Jims for the boys -- they really like those, and quality fig bars for my youngest - he loves those).  I want to send the message that snacks can include real food as well as pretend play foods.


A Good Sign
My 5 y.o. son was the first to see the new stash.  I was busy wrapping my daughter's birthday presents but later noticed that he was eating some raisins, 7 pistachios, and a Slim Jim.  They were in the same box as the M&Ms, chocolate-covered granola bars, and Doritos -- but he chose the real-food snacks!  (Slim Jims, although salty, are real, aren't they?)


I told him he was eating foods his body likes, and they have good things in them that will help him grow.  He said, "I ate healthy things!"  Later he said, "I'm gonna get more raisins!"  And then moments later, "Yum, yum."


Wow.
And I haven't had the desire to jump into their stash.
Double wow.

http://flyingraisin.com/

Update:  When my oldest son saw the box of raisins he shouted, "AHHH!!  Get these outa here!"  And then he tossed them into the air.  I guess raisins aren't his thing.  But, he did dig into the plums.

Snack Attack Report

I began the Snack Attack Experiment a few days ago, and the experiment may be squelched before it has a chance to show its merits (should it have any, that is).  DH is having misgivings.


At first he thought it was a good idea and was for it.  Now, he wonders, "How will we know it's not working?  When will we know?  And, will there be irreparable damage if the experiment produces kids hooked on junk and fat?"  This experiment goes against all ingrained common sense, and he doesn't want to experiment on his kids.


Fair enough.  I get it.  I'm discouraged at the same time because I did have some hope.  Here's some data from the past few days:


My 5 y.o.:
5/8 of his granola bars remain
Almost all of his MMs remain
Dorito bag is almost full (and he sweetly shares a few with his brother and friend)
He hardly goes to the stash -- maybe he forgets it's there -- and asks for milk, fig bars, or a nectarine, instead.


My 10 y.o.:
6/8 of her granola bars remain (I pack them into her lunch box)
1/4 of her MMs remain (she likes those)
Dorito bag is UNopened -- she said she's not in the mood for them.
She asks me for oranges and grapefruit.


My 11 y.o.:
0/8 granola bars remain (GONE after day 2)
2 measly MMs remain after day 2 (started with 7 oz)
1/4 bag of Doritos remain


Yes, I'm concerned about my 11 y.o.  Is he "over-eating," or is he a growing boy with an insatiable appetite that ideally should be filled with power/real food but isn't always?


I expect this experiment to have a period of adjustment where the play treats are a novelty for a week or two and then lose their savor.  I think it's too soon to stop it.  I'll see if I can talk DH into giving it a month.


Do you know what I wish?  I wish this was an ideal world where bottomless pits of trash food didn't exist.  I wish only wholesome goods were provided at grocery stores, church functions, potlucks, and parties.  No such luck.  Instead, I have to help my kids deal with the real world where unreal foods are abundant.  I want them to learn that the play food is no big deal and nothing to go crazy about, and that real foods are so much better.  I don't want them to be ashamed for snacking on play food (hiding in a closet and thinking, "Oh, I shouldn't be eating this.  This is so bad.  I'm bad.  I can't stop.I better eat this until it's gone.")


Another reason I want to give it month is to also see how I do with the experiment (but, yeah, I shouldn't do it at the kids' expense).  My bag of MMs are still there as well as an unopened bag of Doritos, and I have no desired to sneak into their stash.  So far, so good.  I wonder if that will change with hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, etc.

C25K Week 7, AZ, Computer Allergy (?), and Part 2 Repost

C25K Week 7 (What's a C25K? Click here).

Monday - Ugghhhh I was so happy when the 25 minutes were up. It was difficult. My shins were hurting. I didn't have my ipod. (But Danny came with me :)

(Tuesday - walked 3 miles with Danny)

Wednesday - I did it. And, I kept going. After the 25 minutes I realized my legs didn't hurt, and I was breathing fine. I wondered if I could keep going. I did. I jogged for 3 miles. I JOGGED FOR 3 MILES!!! Not for three steps, three houses, nor three blocks...three miles. Fireworks were going off in my head. I was choked up and cried a little. (Did have ipod, no Danny).

(Thursday - went to IKEA and walked for about 100 miles inside there - lol , actually, I forgot my 3 mile walk that day)

Friday - 3 miles, Baby! (uh huh, uh huh, that's right! uh huh) 41.09 minutes. Slow as molasses, I know. That's okay. Danny came with. I didn't have my ipod, but Danny has a radio in his phone and put it on for me the last stretch up the hill.

Instead of finishing the C25K's last 2 weeks, I'm going to see about improving my time for the 3 miles. MWF-jog. TThS-walk.

Click here for another C25K success story. Leah from "My New Ending" just ran her first 5K race. Did she come in first place? In the race, no. In her life, yes. Way to go, Leah!

Arizona

I'll be unplugging for a week+ and heading for Arizona. Mom is having surgery, and I want to be there for her and my dad. She has had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis throughout her body since she was 2. She's had both hips and both knees replaced. It's been 30+ years from the first time her hips were done; they are worn out. Now she's having hip revisions. She's been in her own training program getting ready for surgeries. She keeps her weight down and has been strengthening her arms and leg muscles preparing for this surgery. She's been a great example to me.

Computer Allergy?

I suspect I'm having some sort of reaction to our computer. My index and mid finger (right hand only) get sore and swell up. Those are the fingers that are on the touch pad/mouse. When they get sore, I use my ring and pinky fingers (R hand). Then they get sore. It gets really bad if I'm on the computer for a long time. My neck itches. My sinuses get stuffed up. Strange, huh?I've drastically reduced my time blogging. I read more than comment. Unplugging for a week will be good. (We have a DELL XPS M1330 with silver touch pad).

Oh, and here is Part 2: Reposting Danny's entry "Torrid Affair" over at Larkspur's "Am I Really That Fat/The Back Forty."

C25K Report - Week 6 and Comparisons

C25k-Week 6: Done!

One morning, someone was baking something wonderful, and it filled the neighborhood. On Wednesday, someone must have hit a skunk on the main road...not so wonderful.

On that same morning, I was so proud I got my keister out of bed and was actually running. Then two walkers passed me. For a moment, I was discouraged. Then these words shouted in my head: Don't compare yourself to others!!! I will only compare myself to myself. I am making great changes. Although my jog is just a putt-putt jog, I am using different muscles than if I were walking. And, I'm improving. I can feel it.

This morning I looked at my watch after my first mile. It said 7.5 minutes. What? Really? Oh, wait. That's 22 minus 7.5 which equals 14.5 minutes (my neurons don't fire quickly at o-dark thirty). That's nothing close to a 7.5 minute mile. Then it hit me: Gina, you just jogged 14.5 minutes straight, and you're still doing it. Your legs haven't fallen off. You haven't coughed up blood. You're doing it! (goofy little dance)

Compare yourself only to yourself.

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."

Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)

You are that worthy purpose.

C25K Report - Week 5 and Gratitude

Yes, the C25K is back on. It's a nine-week program, and I just finished week 5. It's becoming easier to wake at 6 a.m. There's less traffic, less car fumes. And I love how the snow on the snow-capped mountains seem to float like spirits against the dark sky. Their positions settle and their majestic presence loom as dawn breaks.

It's cold, and I feel alive. And I feel grateful. Running outside along our one-mile loop brings me out of myself, out of my problems:

I run by *Bro. W's home (I wonder if they've filed bankruptcy).

I run by Sis. H's home (Yay! She finally found a job. I need to remind Danny to help her and her 4 little ones move on Saturday).

I run by Sis. B's home (Oh, that's right, she's sick. Darn, I haven't called her, yet).

I run by Sis. G's home (I want to go see her next week. She's so amazing and faithful. How would I handle the death of a child?).

I run by the empty lot on our hill, and the view takes my breath away.

I run by the R's (I remember the terrific talk their teenage son gave in church).

I run by Sis. O's (How does she remain so patient and easy-going? Remember to thank her).

I run by the other W's (I wonder how Sis. W is feeling about her new calling as Relief Society President. She'll be wonderful).

I run by adorable homes that just aren't selling.

I run by the H's (How do they do it for being out of work so long?).

Next door are the other H's (I hope he's feeling better. Sis. H must be so worried).

I run by our beloved chapel (Comforting).

I run by the B's (How did Bro. B survive that accident?).

And now I'm at Bro. W's home, again. Their kitchen light is on.

And I am grateful.

*{Most of my neighbors and I are members of the same religion. We call each other Brother and Sister during church (we use first names in casual settings - except to the Bishop). Minors address us as Bro. or Sis. So-n-so all the time as a sign of respect. It brings us closer and reminds us we're in this together and to be there for each other}.

Update: Dr.'s, C25K, Meal Planning

Image Credit: Levi Boree

Isn't that a fun picture? I see little images of me

running around this week. Sometimes I was hot,

and sometimes I was cold, but I was always moving.

Whew! What a week! Doctor appointments are complete (except for mammogram and dental). So far, so good. No calcium deposits in the heart, and I'm told the blood work is all normal (I'm waiting for my copy of the report). I'm still waiting for pap and sonogram reports. I'm really happy about the healthy heart. The chest pains were probably just anxiety. Now I feel I can push myself a little harder during exercises.

Speaking of exercise, the computer couch-to-5K is back on as well as the resistance training. Yesterday, my legs were saying, "What the heck are you making us do? We didn't get the memo!" They rebelled at first then said, "All right, all right, we're going."

I had a really busy week, and guess what! I did not eat at a fast-food restaurant once! In spite of the full week, I took the time to make home-cooked meals. I am so happy with the meal planning worksheets I cranked out a couple of weeks ago and am using.

I'm trying not to be discouraged by the scale. It's not moving, but I know I'm moving in the right direction with better choices and more activity.

Well, the week isn't over, more on my to-do list. I just wanted to report I'm here, I'm alive, and I'm going to keep it that way.

Image Credit: Levi Boree

May your world be filled with flowers, butterflies, and color.

Have a great weekend.

Life is Hard Quote and Monthly Report

Life is Hard;

It's Even Harder When You're Stupid.

(Do What Works In Life).

Last Sunday's speaker at church is a high school coach, and he has a sign in his office with John Wayne's quote and the addition "Do what works in life" underneath. He spoke about coaching the kids and having them answer, "What does work in life?" He said they come up with a long list including kindness, respect, integrity, honesty, dependability, prayer, hard work, etc.

What works in life on a fitness journey? Kindness to self, planning, patience, persistence, prayer, lots of water, exercise, portion control, more veggies and whole foods, less sugar and processed foods, rest, balance, gratitude, getting support, giving service, quality gym shoes.

Am I stupid?

Okay, that's not very kind to myself, I know, but the only thing I have persistently done is have quality gym shoes. Today's monthly weigh-in shows me at 207#. I'm not surprised. I haven't been doing what works.

Let's look in this box of silver-linings {rummaging...it's gotta be here somewhere...ah, here it is}: I see a difference in calf-definition. The c25k is making a difference in calf tone. I've always seen my right calf, but my left calf hid in fat, had no definition and was an inch and a half larger than the right. (Yeah, someone kindly pointed out to me 20 years ago that my left leg is larger than my right). So, I'm developing muscles. Yay!

Another silver lining is my meal planning is almost complete with new, healthier recipes.

About my couch-to-5K training: I was doing well the first few weeks. Then MWF turned into MWS, then just MW last week. It's been a week w/o it. Again, I stay up too late and dread getting up early in the cold.

A lot of my journey is just breaking bad habits, but there's a little stupid mixed in there, too.

A Mother's Anxiety (and C25K Reports)

I managed to do all three C(omputer)-to-5K challenges the week before last (along with upper body resistance) but only did one challenge this past week with the plan of doing one today.

See all those "Mini Fitness Goals" on the right (and down a bit)? I haven't been doing any of them. No thankful journal, dancing, water (barely), no stop-eating-after-7, no going to bed early. I've only managed the C25K and upper-body resistance.

It's been rough lately. I've had a lot of anxiety and moments of darkness. No doubt that if I consistently did my little goals I'd feel better. However, one of my darkness times was after a C25k jog. I remember wishing I could just cry or something (I have a hard time crying but wish I could because it releases tension and clears the mind). Then I was going over my to-do list in my head when I thought about my children and how they are growing so fast, and I feel like I'm missing it. The guilt of all of my shortcomings as a mother flooded me: my lack of patience, the junk food I was/am in the habit of feeding all of us, the lack of activities, spending too much time on the computer (blogging), I'm not teaching them all the things I imagined teaching them when I was pregnant, I should be reading to them more. I wish I had a pause button so they would stop growing until I could get my act together and have a perfect healthy menu, everything is finally unpacked from our moves, home repairs made, appointments made and finished, the dog trained, an exercise routine I can include them in, and good habits to pass on to them. I just want to freeze my kids in time until I can be a better mom.

Then I cried. I just sat on the bathroom floor and let it out. I composed myself but for the rest of the day I'd get choked up when I thought of my kids, those precious spirits entrusted in my care.

They just keep growing. Life keeps happening. If I'm going to be a better mom, I have to take better care of me. I have to put my oxygen mask on first so I can better help them. Time is valuable.

I'm going to reinstate my mini fitness goals, one at a time. This past week I've been working on a four-week rotation menu plan with healthier food options. I'll post about that later.

Well, I have a Sunday school lesson I will be teaching tomorrow, and I need to finish preparing. The subject is the Abrahamic Covenant.

C25K Week 3 Report

Does anyone remember that commercial?

C25K - Done, done, and done.

Yoga - Not happening this week. I'm not giving up on it, but I may need to switch to "Yoga for Dummies."

This week has been a blur. I feel that each day I wake up next to my shoes, and they've run off without me. I feel so far behind in all areas of my life. I've had to let go of emailing and blogging (I'M GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWAL!).

At least I got the jogging-thing in. I found this video about dressing for winter walking and other tips. Dress in layers:

1: wicking material like silk or polypropylene (no cotton...sorry, that's all I have)

2: center layer breathable like wool or fleece

3: wind or water-resistant shell

(+: mittens, gloves, scarf, warm socks, water-tight shoes and hat)

I'll continue to read your blogs, but I may not always comment. Know I'm still rooting for you.

Weekly Report and Bonus: Skating

C25K

Monday: Did it. I was having a harder time. Sluggish. Bad mood.

Wednesday: Did it. Some snow, but the roads were fairly clear. It was beautiful.

Friday: Did it. Cold and windy. Harder today.

Resistance

Monday: Did it. Shaky arms afterward. I challenge myself to do a full, normal-looking push-up in two months (March 20ish).

Wednesday: Did it. Shaky.

Friday: Did it. Good workout. Skye joined me with 2# wts. and pushups.

Yoga

Tuesday: Did it. Hard work! Very shaky afterward. My 4 yr old said, "Mommy, you can't do what they are doing." I mastered the downward facing tree pose, though. :-P

Thursday: Half done. Seemed harder for me today (lack of sleep, maybe)

Saturday: Slept in. The plan is to do it later this afternoon.

No-Sugar Week

Monday: Did great. Sure missed it in my Shrek shake (it helped the medicine go down).

Tuesday: Did great. Added cinnamon and a couple extra slices of fruit to Shrek Shake...better.

Wednesday: Did good. Had homemade wheat/white crepes. Didn't sprinkle sugar on them, but there was some in the batter.

Thursday: Great. Getting used to no sugar in Shrek shake.

Friday: Great. Really wanted something sweet this afternoon.

Saturday: Eh. Had cookie and part of a shake at Carl's, Jr. Passed on the soda.

Bonus: Went rollerskating on Monday.

Much more comfortable closer to the ground.

The kids had Monday off, and my daughter suggested rollerskating. We went to a place in Orem. It's been something like 27 years since I've skated. My husband, son and daughter rented skates. My 4 yr old had his scooter. I planned on just sitting on the sidelines. I honestly felt I had no business being on the floor. I'd certainly look like a circus freak hurt myself. I had a 40-something friend who broke her arm while skating falling.

After helping my kids with their laces, I sat and watched. I watched as my husband skated off with my 8-yr old daughter, holding hands. My head shouted, "HEY, I want to hold my little girl's hand and skate with her! What am I waiting for?" Then I saw a woman larger than me rolling on by. She was such a great example (and didn't look like a circus freak). I rented my skates, practiced on the carpet, then took my solo flight...unapologetically myself.

It was so much fun sprinkled with terror, especially when the little kids start going in the opposite direction! But, I eventually got to hold my little girl's hand while gliding on the rink. I felt I was floating on cloud 9: happy to be with her, happy to be with my family, happy I overcame some mental barrier, happy I did it. No more sidelines for me.

C25K Week 1 and PSC Week 2 Reports

C25K

Day 1: Did it! (5 degrees F) Hills made me gasp. Time went quickly (especially the walking part).

Day 2: Did it! (20 degrees F) Got up earlier, still dark.

Day 3: Did it! (16 degrees F) Fog with 2-house visibility.

I enjoyed the fog. It was dark outside. The street lamps were a blurry glow. I could barely see two houses away. I couldn't see any houses down the hill from us, nor the shopping centers, nor the highway, nor the town across the lake. I wondered if there was a black out. I could hear the cars on I-15, but I couldn't see them.

I had my ipod. As I began down a long, dark street with just a dot of street light at the end of the tunnel, the song "Enter Sandman" by Metallica (playlist on bottom) began. Thicker patches of fog floated by me. I felt I was in a dream.

PSC

Day 1: Shrek Shake; 250 crunches

Day 2: Shrek Shake, celery and PB; 100 calf raises

Day 3: green beans and celery in veg. soup, blanched broccoli; 250 crunches

Day 4: Shrek Shake, broccoli, salad greens with bean and corn salad (yum); 100 calf raises

Day 5: Shrek Shake, spinach salad, green beans (stir fry); 250 crunches

Day 6: Shrek Shake, zucchini, lettuce on my CJ western bacon cheeseburger; didn't do the raises

Day 7: Shrek Shake, bok choy, cilantro and jalapeño; 250 crunches

There are no new PS challenges for the next couple of weeks. This will open up time to focus on other things.

Cranky Fitness's tips on eating vegetables.

Blanched Broccoli: Proof Kids Like It (and PSC 2: Day 1)

Summer 2008

Don't like mushy broccoli. Don't like raw broccoli. My friend introduced me to blanched broccoli a few years ago. Love the blanched broccoli. Warm. Cold. In a recipe. With a dip. Alone. Yum. (Okay, so it's not going to make your eyes roll into the back of your head, but for a veggie, it's good.)

Blanching reduces the bitterness, brings out a beautiful color and is a easier to eat (but still crunchy).

And my kids love it. Their friends love it. It disappears at pot lucks. The video above is of my kids enjoying it. We taped it because no one would believe it. They still like it. I made a bunch the day before yesterday. I made extra to use in a recipe for last night. It was ALL gone. I asked my kids where it went. They said they finished it. And these are the same kids always begging me for candy.

Alas, blanched broccoli:

1. boil a pot of water

2. cut the florets of broccoli off (whatever size you want)

3. optional: my daughter loves the stems...slice the thick, tough "bark" of stem off (discard) which leaves the tender inner part

4. put florets and stem in boiling water for 2 minutes.

5. drain*

*I remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and keep the water for making pasta/rice.

My Primal Stride Challenge 2 Report: Day 1

Drank my Shrek Shake with spinach

Did my 250 crunches

*50 typical crunches (and stretch)

*50 left side crunches (elbow-to-knee things) ...and stretch

*50 right side crunches ...and stretch

*100 lower ab crunches (flat on back, legs perpendicular to floor, tiny lifts as if a rope is tied to ankles and lifting them to ceiling...small move but you really feel it after 100)

AND stretch: the cobra move: roll onto belly, prop up on ELBOWS (it hurts me to prop onto hands), lift chin up, pull shoulders down. You don't have to stretch as far as the photo. Just feel it.

5 at 5 Day 7 Report (Last Day!) and Next Challenge

I got the 5K walk in! And thanks to KatieO's advice yesterday, I didn't zap my ears.

Seth's challenge was a great way to kick start an exercise routine. I am going to continue walking but take it a "step" further. I'm going to do the Couch-to-5K program. It's 30 min every other day. In between I'll do the yoga video I won at Cranky Fitness (I ACTUALLY won something).

I liked getting up early. My goal is to get to bed earlier and wake at 5:30 a.m. I'm going to use at least a half hour of that for spiritual fitness (prayer, scripture study). First things first. Then the c25k/yoga.

Seth's next challenge is 250 crunches a day and a different green veg to crunch on per day for 7 days. I'm going to modify that. I'll do the crunches eod and do 100 calf raises in between (may modify that number depending on my plantar fascia). Green veggies are purchased and ready to be crunched.

Maybe you've heard this before, but I like it:

MOTTO TO LIVE BY

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely in an

attractive and well preserved body,

but rather to skid in sideways, body

thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and

screaming, "WOO HOO, what a ride!"

5 at 5 Day 1 Report

I did it! Up at 5. I walked the 3 miles in one hour as planned. It was AMAZING. Dark. Quiet. 18 degrees. Time to think. View was great. Christmas lights lingered.

I was feeling so elated at the end of my walk, then, boom, down I go. I slipped on a patch of black ice at the base of my driveway. Slammed my left knee into the road. I had two layers of pants and still managed to scrape the skin. Felt like a fat fool.

I sat in the road begging God to not let this slow me down. I was able to get up and walk back in. It's hurting. Elated feeling gone.

Please send me some good vibes and prayers (and I'll go get the motrin and ice pack). Thank you.