Midweek Motivator 3-30-11

This week's motivator comes from a daily reflection book that I turn to regularly for my own development and growth. It was so fitting for me personally, and I know many of you can relate as well. Often I find myself judging my accomplishments and challenging myself to go faster, do better and accomplish more. Sound familiar? This week's motivator helps us refocus on the direction we are moving in and the importance of being consistent and steady in our goals.

Maybe you are struggling with your fitness and exercise routine. Perhaps packing your lunch and being diligent with good nutrition choices has been more difficult lately. If you're taking on a new challenge such as a detox or weight loss competition, it can be easy to fall into this mindset of comparison, judgement and dissatisfaction...

"It doesn't matter how slowly you go- so long as you do not stop." - Confucius

In a world in which time as become the master of many, Confucius's quote offers an important and simple reminder to us. As we reach and stretch and make positive changes in our lives, we need to report to our own internal time clock. Too often, we compare our progress to others. Or we become negative coaches to ourselves, reprimanding ourselves for not doing more or accomplishing something sooner. This type of thinking usually leads to backwards movement.

Remember, we are always moving. If we aren't moving forward, then we are moving backward. But let us not make the mistake of thinking we have to leap forward every day. It is more important to be consistent in our steps, no matter how small, than to leap forward and then stop. I have never seen someone make it by lurching toward success.

Brooke Noel, Good Morning: 365 Positive Ways to Start Your Day

Weight Loss Challege Week 10 Results

Happy Friday!

Great work this week, lots of good results! There are now officially 6 weeks left of the competition, which will put us right into the start of May and warm weather season! Keep up the great work so you can look and feel your best this summer!

There has been date change for the Making Meals Work lifestyle workshop. The new date will be Monday, April 11th at 7pm. Please make a note of the date and time change. Remember these workshops are to give you the tools to continue with your healthy lifestyle changes. Please confirm you will be attending. This is a great workshop to learn how to cook more at home in less time.

Week 10 Standings:

#325 (3) 4.63%

#326 (1) 10.61%

#327 - DNW

#328 - DNW

#329 (2) 7.13%

#330- DNW

#331 (5) +1.13%

#332 (4) 3.94%

#333 (6) +1.50%

p.s. Stay tuned for the info on the Bonus Bootcamp workout in the next two weeks to make up for the cancelled classes on Thursday the 24th.

Midweek Motivator 3-23-11

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." -James Dean.

What great words of wisdom from someone who really knew how to live for the moment, and was blessed to have done so with such premature meeting with death. Between the busy work schedule we hold, household responsibilities, and family and personal obligations; it is easy to focus on our to-do lists and tasks that need to get done tomorrow or next week.

We eat and rush from the table to the next thing. Appointments are brief so we can get to the next one on time. Worst of all, our play time is cut short because we have so many things we NEED to or SHOULD get done.

Time flies by, the weeks, days and months blend one into the next. Heck, I can't believe it is close to April already. What have I been doing for the last three months? Can you relate?

What if you took extra time to live and find joy in each moment, each day? How would your conversations be different? Would your relationships change? What would be different for you at work? Maybe you would enjoy things instead of seeing them as a chore or obligation (exercise is a perfect example!).

Starting today (actually yesterday when I wrote this) I have decided to slow down and linger just a little longer in the present. I will focus on the joy of each moment, and as our friend James Dean says, live as if today is my last. How can you find more joy in daily life and live in the present?

Weight Loss Challenge Results Week 9

Happy Friday! This week was a great rebound from last week's missed weigh ins, low numbers in bootcamps and low attendance at the Supermarket event.

It is great to have people energized and back on track. Spring is officially here and that means tank tops, shorts, skirts, bathing suits...you name it. The time is now!! You have signed up to be accountable to yourself and other members of the group. Have you stepped up to the challenge you signed up for?

We are officially OVER halfway done with the 16 week competition. Get back to food journaling, get to a workout or try a new recipe. You have 9 other people here to support you!!

Official Standings:

#325 (4) 3.33%

#326 (1) 9.80%

#327 -DNW

#328- DNW

#329 (2) 6.44%

#330- DNW

#331 (5) +0.26%

#332 (3) 6.16%

#333 (6) +1.70%


*DNW- did not weigh

Great work everyone!! What will your ranking look like next week? What is your goal?

Dedicated to your success,
Sara

Biggest Loser Week 8 Results

We are halfway through the challenge! I always see this time become a bit of a challenge for many people.... maybe you're losing momentum, feel defeated, having a hard time staying on track. Remember that losing weight and keeping fit is a lifestyle, and it takes time to develop new lifestyle habits after years of old ones.

New flash, you still have 8 weeks to rock this challenge!! Imagine what you can really do if you put your mind to it. The question is, do you really want it? Is it your top priority? If not, you may need to check in with yourself on what else is getting in the way.

Due to vacations and that nasty flu/cold bug going around, many of you missed your weigh in this week. The weigh ins are not just about the standings but a time for you to connect with me, get motivated, see your progress and feel good about what you're doing. Don't dread the scale. Be excited to see how hard you're working. If you're nervous to see your weigh in, then again I challenge you to look at your priorities right now, is your health really one of them?

Week 8 Standings:
#325 (2) 4.2%

#326 - DNW

#327 (3) 3.84%

#328- DNW

#329 (1) 6.90 %

#330 (4) 0.69%

#331- DNW

#332- DNW

#333- DNW



Remember, I am here to support you in any way you need. Reach out to me and other participants, that is why this is a group!

Dedicated to your success,
Sara

Midweek Motivator 3-10-11

The other day I was tyring to figure out whether or not to do an upcoming race... to me it felt like a "big" decision. Had I been training enough? Was I ready to spend the money to travel to the race? I put a lot of time and energy into thinking about it when I realized, it really isn't a big decision.

Often, it seems the "big decisions" require a lot of heart, soul and energy. In reality, life is made up mostly from our little decisions. These daily little decisions are what actually become our life. How do you make these daily decisions? Do you find yourself over thinking your decisions? Or do you even think about them as contributing to the reality of your life.

The decisions you make each day create your daily reality. What path are you on? Where are your decisions leading you? I challenge you think about the decisions you have made so far today...are they supporting your goals for your life and your health?

What can you do differently tonight or tomorrow to change your reality? Post a comment and let me know!!

Biggest Loser Week 7 Results

Wow, we are already 7 weeks into the challenge. Many of you have made significant changes to your lifestyle and health and it shows!! If you find yourself struggling, take a minute and ask yourself why you signed up for this challenge. The group is amazing at supporting each other so reach out for help and support. While it is technically a competition, the goal is for everyone to be successful.

Before I reveal this week's standings, I wanted to remind about a few things. Only 4 missed weigh ins are allowed so be sure you keep coming and getting on that scale, even if you don't want to!! It holds you accountable and the whole reason you're here!!!



Also, don't miss Supermarket Survival, one of the fabulous lifestyle workshops that are FREE for challenge participants. This is a great workshop with information and tools to keep supporting your quest for better eating and health. It is Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30pm. Visit sanvtium.com for more info.



Before the standings, I wanted to congratulate two participants who hold title for most weight loss in one week with 4.8 lbs. Great job # 328 & #331. Imagine if you keep that momentum up?

Additionally, Zoli Hercik is February's Loser of the Month. Zoli has been active on the blog, facebook pages and encouraging his fellow participants. Thanks Zoli for your energy! You can pick up your Whole Foods gift card at your next weigh in!! Be a team player and be March's Loser of the Month!

And now what you all have been waiting for....



Participant (Rank) % Loss

• # 325 (DNW)


• # 326 (1) 8.65%

• # 327 (DNW)


• #328 (4) 0.66%


• # 329 (DNW)


• # 330 (5) +.40%


• # 331 (3) 2.65%


• #332 (2) 6.65%


• # 333 (DNW)

Midweek Motivator 3-3-2011

Today I found myself wanting comfort all day. I wanted to be in my pjs, warm and cozy on the couch and drink hot tea. Could be a bit of the weather or that Day 3 of my detox is starting to have a few effects on me. Either way, it was hard to get up, workout and charge ahead today. Ever feel like that??

How do you provide comfort for yourself when you feel that way? While a day on the couch in our pjs seems nice, the reality is that we still have to take on the day ahead. I often find that people crave warm foods, foods from their childhood, or "bad" foods that give us a sense of comfort...the feeling that everything is going to be okay.

While those foods may seem like they make us feel better for a short time, in reality they will often make you feel more tired, lethargic and unmotivated. So how do we comfort ourselves without going for the mac n' cheese or hot cocoa?

Maybe its a cup of herbal tea or a 10 minute meditation in your car before going into a meeting or appointment. It could be watching a movie with a loved one or friend, taking a bath or reading a good book. There are so many ways to find comfort from things other than food.

That being said, on days like today, warm soups and stews are very comforting and satisfying. Here is one of my favorites! It is a high fiber, heart healthy soup packed with flavor. Try it and see if it gives you that warm soothing feeling you're looking for.

Garlic and Kale Soup
Serves 6

1/2 cup wheat berries (soaked overnight)
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup shitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 bunch kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Soak wheat berries in a large bowl of cold water overnight
2. Heat oli in 2 qt saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Saute mushrooms about 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add garlic, and saute 2 mintues or more. Stir in vinegar; simmer until vinegar is almost evaporated, stirring to scrape off brown bits from pan.
3. Drain wheat berries, and add to mushroom mixture with vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes. Add kale, and cook 10-20 minutes until kale is tender.

per 1 cup: 138 cals, 4 g prot, 5g fat, 20g carbr