Holiday Challenge

What's Going On?

SO, some crazy chickadee chicken lady I'm friends with on Facebook convinced me to join a 'Healthy Holidays Challenge'. Yes, she absolutely twisted my arm and threatened me with all sorts of odd violence if I didn't participate. (insert sarcasm font here). In all honesty, this is just what I need. I also joined a '50 Ways to Leave Your Flubber' challenge in my San Antonio Spark Team, well, because it's FUN!

Now is the time to de-funk my funk.... as I have been in QUITE some kind of funk lately, and it is almost (well it is) - - rather embarrassing as to how far off track this train has de-railed.

So, for me, it's back to basics, and these challenges are ideal because I am NOT waiting for New Year's to make changes. Last night was the time change thingy ... so it's a perfect time FOR change, don't ya think?

Personal Goal: To lose 10 lbs or 5% Body Fat

I stole this from the crazy chic on Facebook because it is a lofty goal for me too. I took all of my measurements yesterday and weight and made note. I think losing 10lbs is a very lofty goal for me and will be difficult to achieve over these last two months of the year. It may actually be a little unrealistic given certain health conditions I am doing battle with, but I need to shoot high to ensure that I will try my hardest (inspired by crazy chic friend)!

The Plan:

In order to achieve this goal, I commit to the following Fab 15: 

1. Working out at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes 
2. Strength training at least 3 times a week, separate from #1 above {either body weight or weights}
3. Drink 8+ glasses of water daily
4. Get at least 5 servings of fruits/veggies daily
5. Tracking my food every day in SparkPeople - even if it's not impressive
6. Track my fitness minutes in SparkPeople
7. 10,000 steps daily on FitBit
8. 10 Flights of stairs daily on FitBit
9. Allowing only one Fun Meal or Fast Food Meal a week -- been bad at this
10. Blog/Journal and encourage my Spark teammates and Facebook groupies
11. Try a new fitness activity
12. Try a new fitness class either at my gym or the free ones provided by my city
13. Explore a new park
14. Try Yoga/Meditation at least once per week
15. Participate in the challenges/rules I've committed to doing, and completing them (great at starting, not great at finishing)

And as a wise one said: "At least I know if I do all of these things, I should lose weight. In the end, if I did everything I said I would and don’t lose “enough”, I know I tried my hardest! The point is attempting to reach the goal." I concur completely. When I took my measurements and weight, I realized a sad truth ... and that is that in the last two years (of which I've been active online with fitness friends) ... I really have made no significant progress. I've been up and down - but I am pretty much in the same boat I was in when I started paying closer attention and joining fitness groups. I like to talk about fitness, and read about it, and show pictures of how I've lost over 100 pounds, but the truth is - that was a while ago - and I have made no such progress in quite some time. I still weigh over 200 pounds, still overweight, only 5'4", and not getting any younger. Yes, I do have some medical issues I am dealing with - - but I just refuse to believe they will define me and my success. I know so many people that are dealing with worse problems than myself, and they are making progress.

So anyway, Here is the link to the Facebook group for the Holiday Challenge I joined, in case anyone is interested:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/297011370400401/

And here is the link to my '50 Ways to Leave Your Flubber' challenge I joined on SparkPeople thanks to my good friends on my San Antonio Spark Team - if you want in on this challenge, you'll need a free SparkPeople account and to join our San Antonio Spark Team (You do not have to live in San Antonio)

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_messageboard_thread.asp?board=3390x560x50659071

Now go make champion choices, and choose a challenge for yourself,
Debra