Time to be REAL!

What does being real have to do with fitness and health?

 It has been a theme at our school, Brethren Christian High, this year. "Be real with yourself, others and God."  How can we apply this to our health? Should we? 

Hmmm... maybe we don't want to go there...

In life we are so concerned with images, but it's not the image or the outside I am referring to. It's the opening up to others about our daily struggle to be healthy and fit. (aka disciplined) It is a bear! Our whole being tells us we aren't as healthy as we should be, while there's a lie in our heads saying "Oh, its not that bad, or you'll never look like that!"

It is time for me to be real.

Sarah D Final post

Final post of this challenge! I definitely struggled with willpower and discipline on this challenge. When I first started the challenges back in February I was really dedicated to trying to cut out sugar and desserts from my diet. It wasn't easy but I really stuck with it. In the last few months and especially the last couple of weeks I have found it harder and harder to keep from sneaking a candy or cookie throughout the day :-) I am sure that has hindered my weight loss efforts and I look forward to getting back on track after Christmas :-) At least this challenge definitely has helped me to keep up with the exercise and keep up with the healthy eating for the most part even if I have cheated a bit! It sure helps to have the challenges like "Nix the Fix" because then I am accountable to not eat those little bits throughout the day!

I am glad that I was able to keep up with exercise, exercising generally 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week even when my days were busy. I was even able to overcome my fears and get through the 30 day Shred DVD, working through all 3 levels! I only did Level 3 a couple of times so that will be my challenge in the next few weeks :-)

So, overall here are my results:
4 pounds lost
10 inches lost (bust - 2, chest - 1, waist - 2, hips - 1, r & l thigh - 1.5 each, r & l arm - .5 each)
32 hours of exercise

Overall I am happy that I made some progress. Not spectacular but still it's something, right! At least I wasn't gaining weight over the holidays!!!

We head off to the States January 12 so if there is another challenge in the spring I am sure I am going to need it! I really want to be able to enjoy the food in the States but all in moderation, right? I don't want to go overboard and gain back weight that I have worked so hard to loose!

Thanks for the encouragement and accountability during this challenge, ladies! God bless you and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

A little progress

I measured yesterday, and didn't see many results. I have lost 1 kg since starting this challenge, bringing my weight to 52.5 kg. I have decreased 1/2 in in the following areas - waist 27.5 in and hips 38.5 in.

I think I'm pretty much stuck at my current weight and measurements.

I didn't exercise much this past week due to a busy schedule. I always drink lots of water, so I can always count on those points. Today I did my step aerobics routine, which I haven't done in quite a while. I really enjoyed doing it again for a change.

The weather is turning fairly cold here lately. We've been down to -18 F for a low. In past years it has been much colder than this at this time of year, so I'm thankful for that. It is so tempting to curl up in a little ball and drink something hot when I'm cold, but I've found I really feel the best when I exercise, and then my metabolism is up the rest of the day, and helps keep me warm.

Weigh in...

Well, my scale broke...but the last time I weighed, I hadn't lost in pounds...but I am down 1.5 ish in inches.

  I have been not doing what I planned...in exercising, but still eating well.  I do exercise from time to time, but just not so consistently...sorry ladies!  I do have a more recent photo...not that it shows all of me, but it shows all my family!  My sister in law took it for us.  My hubby has been an encouragement in this journey of living/eating well.  I can be honest with him about my feelings of "failing" and wanting to "do more" and he just encourages.  God has truly blessed me with a wonderful man.  I am a words of encouragement girl(from Love Language study) and that helps a lot!   I found a used exercise bike, which I am hoping to get this weekend.  Hopefully, this will help motivate the exercising!

Measurements

I was looking at my measurements, and discovered that they are almost the very same as they were last year when we started Christmas Crunch II. I'm glad I haven't gained any, but maybe I need to work a little harder to see if I can accomplish more.

Age: 38

Height: 5'3"

Weight: 53.5 kg or 118 lb.

All measurements are in inches.

Bust: 34

Chest: 28.5

Waist: 28

Fullest part of tummy: 31

Hips: 37

Behind: 39

R thigh: 21.5

L thigh: 21.5

R arm: 11

L arm: 11.25

I would like to try to get to and maintain 115. My weight tends to fluctuate between 115 and 118. I don't have specific inch goals for the rest, but hopefully the thighs and hips will be less.

Amy B's Introductory Post

Greetings to everyone from New England. I live in Massachusetts, and this picture was taken at the fair recently with my Dad and my sister's (Madridmom) two youngest children. It has been great to have them back in the states for furlough and to be able to spend some time with them.

My husband is the Director of Camp Northfield, a Christian camp here in Mass. We love serving God here, and He has allowed us to be here for 30 years now.

This is my second Christmas Crunch challenge. For me it will be about getting back on the right track, refocusing my eating and exercising habits, and regaining the losses that I saw last year. My weight and measurements haven't changed too much, but since they are creeping back up there I know that I must get serious again. Thank you Dani!

I will post my starting measurements below. I am up 4 pounds from my lowest weight, but am still down 14 from my highest weight in April of 2009 when this journey began for me. I can not emphasize enough how much better I have felt these past two years, and how much more energy I have had. This alone should motivate me to continue to maintain my losses!!

My goals for this crunch are to eat better, healthier meals once again and cut way back on the sweets and junk food. This week i have been focusing on drinking more water, eating more fruit and trying to walk at least 20 min each day.

Another goal is to get back to working out at the gym 2 days each week, in addition to walking here at home the other 3 or 4 days. I would very much like to say goodbye to 141 and get back into the 130's for my weight. I am stating here that I would like to lose 5 lbs., putting me at a new low of 136. My final goal is to practice more with posting on the blog, enabling me to improve these skills.

Measurements for 10/13

weight 141

bust 36

chest 31

waist 32

hips 43

l. arm 10.5

r. arm 10.5

l. thigh 25

r.thigh 24

Maribel's Introductory Post

Hi! My name is Maribel. I live in the province of Alicante, Spain. My husband and I have three children ages 13, 11 and 8. I have participated in several challenges with Dani Joy and they all have been a blessing. Sometimes I've been more "active" than others, but they have always helped me take care of myself. 

We moved to Petrer, Alicante 4 years ago to start a church. The Lord is blessing and we are grateful for what He is doing in us and through us.

We are missionaries here but I am a school teacher as well. I teach at a trilingual school my children attend. We eat at school and when we get home I like to make foods my family enjoy. Although we eat pretty healthy meals, there is always food that I should not eat to keep my weight where I want it. So the challenge is to pass on foods that the rest of the family can eat in good conscience. 

Another challenge will be to exercise daily. I have started, but I have to get back to a good routine. I know that when I get into the routine, I will have more stamina and won't feel like going to bed right behind my children, as I do now.

This family picture was taken this past summer in Segovia. We don't live there and that is not our home, but the Alcázar de Segovia. :-)

My measurements are a little behind last challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing results soon.

Height: 5' 3' 
Weight: 127 lbs.

Chest: 31

Waist: 29

Hips: 38

Right Thigh: 21.5

Left Thigh: 21.5

Right Arm: 11

Left Arm: 11

I could not find a full picture of me, so I'll post this one from this summer. I'm at a water fight at camp, and the guy next to me is my oldest son, David! 

CCCIII - Sarah D Introductory post

My first challenge was the Spring into Shape II which was this past spring. I had never participated in one of Dani Joy's challenges before and when I got her e-mail inviting me to join, I was at my breaking point!

After 2 children and a furlough, I weighed way more than what I should have, and was very discouraged that the weight was not coming off. I gained a lot of weight with both of my pregnancies (50 lbs each time!) and I was not one of those fortunate people who loses weight while breastfeeding! I also had gained about 10 pounds on furlough, and although it had been about 5 months since we had returned from furlough, I had not lost any of that weight. I was pretty discouraged, since I felt I was eating much more healthy than when we were on furlough, and was also walking briskly just about every morning with a friend.

So I got Dani Joy's e-mail and joined the challenge. At first I did not plan to make any changes to my diet, but after about a week I decided "something's gotta give!" and I cut out desserts completely (except for that one wonderful "treat" day every week!) I stepped up the exercise, and by the end of that first challenge had lost 11 pounds! I kept up the work through the summer challenge and so far have lost almost 25 pounds! I would still like to lose at least 10 and maybe 20 more pounds (20 would get me down to what I was pre-pregnancy with my first child), so we'll see what happens!

Anyway, here's a bit more about me... My husband Dan and I are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Wamena, Papua, Indonesia. We have two girls ages 5 and 3, and they definitely keep me on my toes all day long!

Here is a picture of our family taken back in May:

And a few photos of my progress so far...

Here is a picture I took at the beginning of my journey (210 pounds!)

Here is what I look like now:

I think I am even starting to get some muscle definition! That pesky tricep area is still flabby but I'll work on it!!!

And, here you can see how I carry my weight... definitely all in my lower half... I'm a girl with junk in my trunk, no matter how skinny I am! (This is for Vicki K. who wondered how we can have almost the same measurements but I still weigh more than she does... it's all the junk in my trunk! :-))

Oh, and before I forget, here are my starting measurements:
5 feet, 10 inches tall (I don't think that is going to change! Ha!)
186.5 pounds (I actually got down to 185 but the last couple weeks have not been good for me in the discipline area, so I'm up a bit...)
(my measurements are also a bit higher than the end of the last challenge, although I am down in weight. Not sure how that works, but oh well!)
Bust - 36
Chest - 30
Waist - 31
Hips - 43
R & L Thighs - 25
R & L Arms - 12.5

So, there you have it! Sorry my post got so long and rambling :-) I am looking forward to meeting all of the rest of you and "crunching" together with you!

CCC 3 Intro!!

Howdy from Texas!  I am happy to join you all again . I've gained a few pounds since our last challenge...no exercise and a week back on sugar did it so quickly!  I am a homeschool mom of 4 kiddos.  We just moved into a rent house for the next year and I am unpacking and doing house stuff when I'm not teaching.  

Most important thing about me and weight is...SUGAR is my nemesis...so, I am avoiding that unless there is a special occasion.  This is helping!!  I am doing that through the end of December and probably will have to continue after.  When ever I go back on desserts/sweet snacks, I always gain(hence the three+ pounds after the last crunch.  I seem to have no discipline except when I am off completely!

 

This is me and my second oldest Melissa.

Here are my starting measurements.  I hope to get down to 145--that's the final goal.  My goal for this challenge is to at least go below the 150 mark.   That's the number goal.  I want to keep up with my points more on this challenge...That's the fun part for me!!

5´7"

156.6 lbs

bust - 34 in

chest- 30 in

waist-28.5

hips-38.5

Rthigh-23.5

Lthigh- 23

Rarm-11.75

Larm-12

Karen

Who is She Anyway?

Dani Joy  is crazy about her family! She has a wonderful husband and three sons. She homeschools, teaches English.  She is crazy about reading, and playing sports with her boys.  She loves to go on excursions in the great outdoors. She is into fitness and health to be her best for her Lord and Savior. She is a missionary in Gijon, Spain and most importantly, she is a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Her prayer is that her joy and her love for the Lord may be evident in all she does.

With all her heart,

Dani Joy

To see Dani Joy´s fitness journey and goals click HERE.

Sarah D SOFII final post

Well, here we are, ladies! I know that it has been a busy summer for a lot of us, and many probably didn't get the opportunity to exercise as much as they would've liked. Well, ANY exercise is better than none, right? And any time we resist temptation and eat healthily is good, even if we give in at other times!

I was glad for this challenge - it kept me exercising even when my exercising buddy was gone (and still is!), and kept me on my toes, thinking about what I should eat and shouldn't. I have probably let things slide a bit more than I should have by the end of this challenge, but am still glad for the work I did put in!

So here are the final results for me (weight in pounds, and the rest in inches):
Starting Ending Loss
Weight 199 191 8
Bust 36.5 35 1.5
Chest 31 30 1
Waist 31 29.5 1.5
Hips 44 42 2
R. Thigh 25 24 1
L Thigh 25.5 24 1.5
R & L Arms 13 12 1

Total pounds lost: 8
Total inches lost: 10.5

Total hours exercised: 53 I am pretty happy about all the hours I put in exercising. The last challenge I started off exercising 4-5 days a week, 20-40 minutes a day. By the end of this challenge I have been exercising 6 days a week, 40-60 minutes a day (usually 60). So that is an accomplishment for me! I know I can't always do the 60 minutes with little kids running around and needing attention, but when I can, it is great!

And, some pictures. I thought I would post the starting one from last challenge as well.
So here is the beginning of the last challenge (mid-February)

And the second, which was at the end of the last challenge (end of April):

And finally, taken just yesterday at the end of this challenge:

I am still not where I would like to be (maybe another 20 pounds or so... hopefully off my butt and thighs!!!) but I have lost 19 pounds since starting these challenges with Dani Joy and you better believe I am happy about it!!!

Dani Joy - I think you should continue with points for water in every subsequent challenge :-) I think it is SO good to have that goal each day, and a lot of times, if I want a coke or something, I will think "Well, if I drink a coke, I won't be able to finish my water!" so I won't drink it. OR if i feel hungry, I will just drink some water, and many times I was just thirsty and not really hungry. So I think it would be good to continue this!!!

Sarah D Week 8

Well, I am a bit late this week but better late than never, right?! :-)

This week I am down one pound and 2 1/2 inches! I am glad to see the hard work and exercise paying off. I have exercised 60 minutes every day this week except for Sunday... and today. It is only 8 in the morning but I did not sleep well and am feeling sniffly and achy this morning so I think I will take the day off. I also have lots to do today so I don't want to use up my energy on the exercise and then feel drained the rest of the day. Most of the time exercise gives me extra energy but it works the opposite when I am starting to get sick :-(

Keep up the hard work, ladies!

Week 8 - Sarah K.

Hello Friends,

You have such encouraging posts to read! Thank you for posting them!

I have been doing much better at my calories this past week. Wed 1540, Thurs 1050?, Fri 1575, Sat 550?, Sun 1260, Mon 1926, and Tues 1296. (The ? are because I think I missed some recordings on those days and cannot remember what I ate.)
Measurements -.75 Weight -.4 Water 6 days Exercise 3 days

Keep going strong! You're all doing great!

Week 7 - Sarah K.

Hi Friends,
I apologizing for not being here. I had too many deadlines and not enough time. Fortunately, all the deadlines are past and I have much more "free time" right now.
I weighed and measured on Monday (to take the place of last weeks weigh in and measurements) and then started Day 3 of a program called Slimming Made Simple. When I weighed and measured today I was pleased with how well it is going.
I can not recommend it for healthy weight loss. I just wanted something to jump start me and get me on my way for the summer while I figured out my plan for the rest of the year.
Calories for Monday 1058-11, Tuesday 1258-1300. (I forgot and don't want to go downstairs to find the paper, yet.)
Weight loss since Monday 3.6 lbs
Inches lost since last weigh in 3.5
I drank all of my water the last 2 days. I had 60 min of exercise yesterday and 20 min on Mon. I am sore and trying to talk myself into exercising today.
Thanks for being here. I am anxious to read how you all have been doing.

Sarah D Week 7 results

Yes, it is the end of week 7 already! Only 5 more weeks! Yikes, how time flies!!!

I was SO encouraged to step on the scale this morning and see 2 more pounds gone! That makes a total of 6 for this challenge so far! Woo hoo! I also lost 2 inches, which includes a half inch off of each of my thighs! That is cause for celebration! But maybe not food-related celebration, right?! :-)

Recently I have hit a bit of a mental block, feeling like "I can't do this!" as far as the eating right and so much exercise. But I am just trying to take it one day at a time. I have been exercising 6 days a week, 60 minutes a day, and if I look at the big picture, thinking "I only get one day off a week!" then it is a bit discouraging, but just taking it one day at a time, and making sure I get my exercise in that day is do-able.

My husband also has been exercising, only in the afternoon after he gets home from work. He is a pilot and leaves for work at 5:30 am or earlier, so exercising before work is not really an option. But on the days when he is home in the early afternoon, he will do the 30-day Shred and then walk for 20 minutes afterwards, and often I walk with him. I haven't been counting that time towards my exercise points, but I do think it is good for me to get moving in the afternoons as well, and also nice to have some time to connect with my hubby!

Keep moving, ladies! I am fortunate in that my schedule isn't very different during the summer than the rest of the year. My kids aren't in school yet, so every day is pretty much the same for us. For that reason I think it has been easier for me to stick with the eating and exercising routines that I have set earlier in the year.

Weigh In from June 15

Well, not much to report...at least nothing in the losing way.  I have been eating zero desserts for about 2 weeks now.  My goal is that I will only allow a dessert after I'm down 4 pounds--150 lbs---My real goal is 145, but I haven't seen the other side of 150 since last summer.  I started running today.  I need more endurance, but I hope someday to enjoy the sport!
Thanks for being my inspiration!!

Sarah D Week 5 and 6 results

Boy, things have been slow on the blog lately! I can't complain because I am not very good at posting, either! I hope that everyone is keeping up with their exercise, even though they're not on the blog!

I didn't post last week so I will combine these two weeks' results. Last week I didn't lose any weight but I was down 1.5 inches. This week I didn't lose any inches but I was down .5 pound. So that takes me down 4 pounds so far this challenge. The last few weeks have been a bit discouraging because I feel like I am doing really well with the exercise and pretty well with my eating, and still not seeing results. So even though it is just a half a pound, it is still encouraging to me to see movement on the scale.

I am keeping up with the exercise. A few days my husband and I have even been able to do the 30 day Shred together (I'm sorry, I haven't looked up that Ripped one, our internet is super-slow and I am not sure I would be able to download it..)

I have also noticed that drinking water keeps me from eating and drinking things i shouldn't! I might feel munchy but if i just drink some water that helps take away the cravings, to a certain extent. I think it helps if I am just munchy and not really hungry.

Well, keep up the good work ladies! I hope you are all doing well!

Sarah D Week 4 results

Well, my weight is finally back to where it was before it started jumping up, lol :-) I had lost three pounds in one week, and then put almost all of it back on the next week, but over the last 2 weeks it has come off again, which I am very happy about. So now we keep on with the weight loss!

I lost 1.5 inches as well. Just need to keep it coming off on my hips and thighs!

I have kept up with my water every day. I find it is much easier to drink all the water on the days I exercise, probably because of all the sweating I do!

I have also exercised harder - I exercised 6 days this week and on 4 of those 6 days I put in a full 60 minutes. So that should be good, right?!

Let's keep this going, ladies!!!

Week 4 - Sarah K.

Well, last week was a no go. I did not exercise, I did not count calories, I did not drink my water every day. I gained one pound and 1/2 an inch. There is not much hope for this week as my husband is out of town and the kids and I are trying to finish all of our workbooks by Monday (along with baseball and softball games). I do have a good menu plan. Hopefully that helps.

Hope everyone else had a fantastic week!

Swept aweigh in(pun intended)...after 3rd week of SOF2

Measurements...down 1/4 of an inch, but weight was up 0.4lb.  I know my weekend was not great for eating sweets...hence the lack of change in the right direction.  I will keep pluggin along.
My mother in law is building a house to sell across the street from her , so I've been getting my workouts there by sweeping vigorously!  Lots of dust!  I like to work and see results(in other words---clean floor)...much more fun than a video.  I think that maybe the results on my body are different, but I like it much better!