The Schip Family: March 2011

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 30- 100 Day Challenge

Day 30, 70 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: The Worst Late Night Snacks

QOTD: For those who are just trying to maintain, how do you do it? (This question is for my friend, Shana, who just met her weight loss goal last week. WOO HOO! She is wanting some advice on how to maintain and keep the weight off.) Ideas?

I decided to keep up the same QOTD from yesterday so we can get some more ideas for Shana.

My Daily Update: I have a friend coming into town from Missouri who is going to hang out here all day. She will be here in 30 minutes and I can't wait! I was able to get in about 20 minutes of upper body here at home but that was it. Better than nothing.

My Comments to You:

Sorry, guys. I am heading out the door in 10 minutes and I have no time to do comments. I promise tomorrow I'll get to them!

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 29- 100 Day Challenge

Day 29, 71 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: 10 Worst Supermarket Foods- Yikes! We've had #6, 9, and 10 in our house recently. Time to make some changes!

QOTD: How do you maintain and keep the weight off once it's gone? (This question is for my friend, Shana, who just met her weight loss goal last week. WOO HOO! She is wanting some advice.) Ideas?

When I was in my best shape 2 years ago, and just trying to maintain, it was tough. Mentally it's easier to slip because you are at your goal and you figure it won't kill you to be lax once in awhile. I agree that you can be lax sometimes, but you have to draw the line. Keep monitoring what you eat, keep exercising. What helps me to continue to push hard is to set goals for myself. Sign up for a half marathon or a triathlon. Having something to look forward to will help you stay motivated. I'm interested to hear what others have to say about this, too.

My Daily Update: I met with my trainer, Christine, and we worked my legs and butt. Holy cow! At the end the session I honestly could not walk straight. It was awesome! I was sweating all over the machines, grunting, giving everything I had. I love days like these. Christine pushed me hard, adding more weights and more reps, more than I would have done if I had been on my own. I felt strong, something I really needed to feel after a bad lung week. I have my bi-annual ct scan on Friday and then will be meeting with my doctor on the 11th to discuss the scan and I want to bring up my rib pain and see what he says about it. Praying everything looks good.

My Comments to You:

Tiffany- Glad you took the pics and wrote down your measurements. I don't need them now, but it would be great for you to share at the end of the challenge if you feel comfortable. Seeing results is a huge motivator. For yourself, and everyone else. Glad you're still sticking to it and working hard!

April- Sorry you haven't been feeling well. Glad this week is going better. We all have bad days and weeks, but like I've said, the important thing is you get recommitted and jump back in.

Mom- YAY!!!! True inspiration there. Even being injured with a torn meniscus (knee), you've still been able to lose 5 lbs. You probably weight less than I do now. What's your goal weight?

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 28- 100 Day Challenge

Day 28, 72 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: 8 Ways to Cut Fat Without Realizing It- Found this article in Yahoo news and thought it had some great ideas to help lower your fat content.

QOTD: If you could have your favorite dinner prepared for you, what would you choose?

In Jake's family if it's your birthday you get to pick the Sunday dinner that week. We've had a few birthdays this month, my sister-in-law chose salmon, Jake picked grilled kabobs, and my brother-in-law chose pork steaks. As for me, that's a hard one. I don't really have just one favorite meal. Turkey is my favorite meat. I love turkey barley soup. I actually like a lot of soups (potato, clam chowder, chicken noodle, taco soup, chicken tortilla). I love turkey sandwiches with avocado. I love grilled chicken, salmon, and shrimp. I love pasta, probably too much. I like mashed potatoes and fluffy warm rolls. (Yep, carb-overload.) My favorite veggies are green beans, broccoli, and asparagus. For dessert, anything with chocolate and peanut butter. What about you?

My Daily Update: My friend, Meighan, and I made it to combat this morning bright and early for the 5:30am class. I wake up at 4:45am to get ready and man, that's early. It was a good class, although I felt like I couldn't give 100% because this dang rib pain is bothering me. I'm worried if I go full out I could do some real damage, so I'm taking it a little easy on my right side. I'm calling today to make my CT scan appt. I'm supposed to have one every 6 months for awhile to make sure the cancer in my lung doesn't come back. I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little nervous thinking about it. Crossing my fingers everything looks good. Tomorrow I'm meeting with my trainer, Christine, and will be working my lower body. Can't wait!

My Comments to You:

Ash- Have you checked out Marissa Mann-Hardinger's blog? She has a lot of healthier dinner recipes that are all (or mostly) gluten-free. I have a few on my list to try. Are you still feeling bloaty?

Rebecca- We all have bad weeks. The important thing is you recommit and keep trying. You're determined and strong, and I know you can do this! Those triathlons are coming and you will be ready. By the way, your sister-in-law, Hillary just put two and two together that we know each other. I know her from that online LDS forum I think I told you about awhile ago. Anyway, small world.

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 27- 100 Day Challenge

Day 27, 73 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: None (It's the weekend!)

QOTD: None

My Daily Update: No workout. Sunday is my rest and recover day. Last night during dinner I felt a migraine coming on. I quickly downed 2 excedrine migraine pills and hoped it wouldn't get full-blown. I felt nauseous into the night and when I woke up my stomach still felt a little queasy. Yuck! On a positive note, I tried a Skinny Cow chocolate sandwich yesterday (recommended by Shana and Beth) and YUM! For 140 calories, 15g of sugar. 1.5g of fat, not a horrible treat for those wanting something sweet and watching their waistline. Jake told me any dessert that low in calories and advertised as "healthier" won't taste good. For the most part I agree with him, but not this time. I really liked it, and so did our kids. They each scarfed one down after dinner.

My Comments to You:

Karyn- WOW! 9 lbs. in a month is incredible. I always seemed to gain or stall my weight when I was nursing. Good job getting out for a run. Can't wait for warmer weather so we can all get out a little more. Is Rich thinking of doing the Thanksgiving Point race again?

Ash- 7:30 is FAST! Nice job. You could totally smoke me. 5K under 30 minutes will be so easy for you. Have you tried running it yet and timing yourself?

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 26- 100 Day Challenge

Day 26, 74 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: None (It's the weekend!)

QOTD: None

My Daily Update: I just got back from the gym. Ran 3 miles and it was rough. This whole week has been a bad lung week. Don't know what's going on. I feel like I can't get enough deep breaths and that I'm sucking air a lot. My ribs are more sore today, too. Glad tomorrow is my recovery & rest day.

My Comments to You:

Beth- That's a great tip, to drink a bottle of water first before soda. Yay for new shoes!! What did you get? And new bra!! 2 miles is awesome. You're a rockstar!

Ash- Is your period back yet? I'm sure your hormones are out of whack from having Baleigh and that totally affects your body. By the way, if Jayden thinks YOUR belly looks big, who knows what she would say about mine. Ben told me a few weeks ago that I should go on the Biggest Loser. I asked him if I was fat and he said "No. Well... just a little bit." Nice. You can't take those comments seriously. You know you look amazing (even if you don't feel like it right now.) Just do the best you can with your diet and push yourself when you exercise. Knowing you are giving 100% will help push those negative thoughts out. When I get bloaty it's because of two reasons: 1. it's around that time of the month or 2. something I ate PS At least you can suck it in. ;) Love ya. Don't let this get you down. You're going through a lot right now, coming off your meds, Baleigh sick, stressed about H2C training, and you not getting enough sleep. Give yourself some slack, mama.

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 25- 100 Day Challenge

Day 25, 75 days left... We are 1/4th of the way there. Have you put 100% into this, or do you feel like you could give a little more? Push hard and have no regrets!

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: How I Drink Enough Water- Reader Tips to Drink Enough Water

QOTD: How much water do you drink each day, on average? And what do you do to get yourself to drink more of it?

I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I KNOW I do not drink enough water each day. My best friend, Naomi, is so good about this. I was amazed when she came to visit last summer and went through bottle after bottle of water. Today I've drank only about 24 oz so far (and to be honest, I usually don't drink a ton more than that.) On average I usually drink about 36-48 oz. I should be drinking double that! I like the Crystal Light To-Go packets. I will put in 1/2 a packet, and it flavors the water. Only 5 cals a serving and no sugar. Here are 10 reasons to drink water:

Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.
Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.
Drinking adequate amounts of water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.
For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.
Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

My Daily Update: This morning I went a mile on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the stair climber, and 20 minutes of lower body and abs. My boss, Jess, was there and we got to talking about studio stuff and that cut into my workout time. That free 5K put on by the Salt Lake Running Co filled up this morning and they are not accepting any more people. The first email I got about the race said registration was opening March 28th. Next thing I know, there are only 250 spots left and they were gone in 5 minutes today. Crazy! I registered right at noon and thankfully got a spot. You can't beat a free race and free tech shirt! So April 30th I'll do that 5K, and June 4th is my 10K.

Also, my friend/personal trainer Christine hooked me up with a couple sessions at 50% off. I couldn't pass up the chance to do this so I'm selling some stuff and using my birthday money to pay for them. I really feel she will push me hard and get me headed in the right direction, so I can achieve my fitness goals. I already can tell my body is changing a little. I'm down 3 lbs from when I first started the challenge and I feel I'm getting more toned. My size 8 pants are pretty loose and my size 6s fit perfectly. I told Christine I have to be a size 4 by June 8th so we have some hard work coming up these next 75 days and I'm excited!

My Comments to You:

Jenni- I agree about getting the 8 hours vs. 6. I can feel a huge difference when I don't get enough sleep and I don't like it. Have you guys figured out if you're moving yet?

Ash- 5-6 hours every night would kill me. Ugh. I don't know how you're functioning during the day. And no, I haven't tried ZOI. I'll have to go try and find some at another store. Today for lunch I had Fage 0% with Blueberry Acai. I took one bite of the yogurt without the fruit and I made a sour face. When I dipped the yogurt in the blueberry and ate it I thought it was yummy. So yes, I totally agree with you. Liking the fruit with it.

Ksenia- That's even worse! Getting woken up off and on for 5 hours straight. How are you functioning, woman! I'm like a zombie if I don't get at least 6 hours straight of sleep. You're still teaching this semester, right? And you're training for H2C? You're definitely superwoman!

Selena- I'm so proud of you! Making it all the way through your hard step DVD is awesome. Can't wait for that rec class in a few months. Look at you, increasing your endurance! You've come a long way and you're doing great. Keep it up!!

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 24- 100 Day Challenge

Day 24, 76 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: Side by Side Nutritional Comparison of Greek Yogurt- Here is a chart comparing Cabot, Oikos, Chobani, and Fage.

Also, wanted to say the verdict is in for the Greek yogurt. I tried 5 brands and here is how I would rank them, based on taste:

Oikos w/caramel- My fave. Got it at Target. Liked the texture. (The only negative is it came in 4 oz. instead of 6 oz like the others, so it's less than the rest. I didn't mind though because it tasted so yummy.)

Chobani- Close second. I ate a couple of these. A few 0% fat, one 2% with peaches. I liked them all and thought they tasted pretty good.

Fage- Pretty good. A little thicker consistency than the first two. Also, a slightly more "sour" taste than Chobani.

Yoplait- Okay, but now that I've tried all 5, don't think I'll be buying this one again. Much prefer the first three over Yoplait.

Kroger- Alright. Nothing special.

QOTD: How many hours of sleep (on average) do you get each night?

Naomi's comment yesterday made me wonder this. Just curious how much all of you are sleeping each night? I get to bed by about 10:30pm or 11pm and wake up between 7 and 7:30am. So I do get 8 hours usually (except Monday mornings I wake up at 4:45am for my combat class.)

My Daily Update: So, my 3 year old is sick. He woke up 8 times during the night, crying for his mama. He has a 102 temp and I had to cancel the daycare at the gym, which meant no weight training or catching the last half of body combat. And on top of it, I'm tired. Really tired. I'm focusing on my food today, going to put the kiddies down for their naps, and I plan to take a good afternoon nap myself. I don't like missing my workouts. But you know, sometimes the daily routine gets thrown out the window and we have to be flexible. I just have to be okay with today being a lazy, recovery day. In the meantime, I'm giving my little guy tylenol, cuddling lots, and getting in a few rounds of Hungry Hungry Hippos (his favorite game.)

My Comments to You:

Tiffany- Please tell me you took "before" pics and have written down your measurements! I know you're going to see results, especially if you stick with CrossFit. What's the hardest part with your food? Eating too much? Feeling like you're starving? Too much sugar? Fat?

Marci- Bora Bora would be an amazing spot. 8 years isn't that long either. What a cool vacation to look forward to!

Ash- Sorry the blog comments have been messed up. Wish things were easier for you right now. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Have you researched about the withdrawals? How long does that usually last? Poor Baleigh, too. I hate when the kids get sick and she hasn't had a break from it in awhile. At least the other two girls haven't gotten it. (knock on wood!)

Nom- Hawaii, Caribbean cruise, months in Europe. It all sounds heavenly, especially as I sit bundled up in our basement, freezing. Wish you were here so we could kick our own butts together! I couldn't imagine going to bed after midnight every night, Nom. I would be so exhausted! I guess your body is sort of used to it? What time do your boys usually go down? As for the food thing, I KNOW you can do it. You've done it before when you were doing Weight Watchers. I know that drive and motivation is there, you just have to find it, chica! Every time I look at a plate of cookies or piece of cake, I ask myself if that feeling I get when it enters my mouth even compares to the feeling I get when I try on a skinny pair of jeans (and they fit!) It's not worth it. Not saying I don't eat stuff I crave, because I do. But it's not very often and I try and make up for it by kicking my trash the next day at the gym. You can do it! That's awesome that you got some girls to do that run with you! By the way, I'm not going much faster than 5.7. I bet in another month you could totally run circles around me! Keep going!!

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars

100 Day Challenge

List of 73 Participants & Their Goals

(Click "Read more")

Day 23- 100 Day Challenge

Day 23, 77 days left...

The Google spreadsheet is HERE. Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.

Better Health Article: 6 Unhealthy Foods to Avoid- Stick margarine, soda, whole milk, white bread, breakfast toaster pastries (like pop tarts), and hot dogs. Read the article and find out why these 6 things should be avoided.

QOTD: What is your dream vacation?

I know this isn't really health related, but I'm so sick of cold and can't stop thinking about going some place warm. I want to wear my short and capris! I want to take my kids to the park! I want to be WARM! So, my dream vacation right now would be taking the family to an 80 degree southern CA to Disneyland, and then spending time at the beach getting a very needed tan.

My Daily Update: My mom came with me to the gym today (she leaves for Portland this afternoon). I went 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill, did 10 minutes on the bike, then went downstairs and did upper body weights. Today I just wasn't feeling it. It was a bad "lung day". I couldn't get very many deep breaths and felt like I was sucking air most of my workout. My stomach also felt weird, too. Don't know why that was happening. Anyway, not my greatest day, but oh well. The important thing is I DID it. I get to do another session with Christine tomorrow and I can't wait!

My Comments to You:

None

Our Snack List

turkey wrapped in lettuce

mixed nuts (almonds)

cucumber slices

grapes (frozen)

bananas

apple slices (w/peanut butter, almond butter, or dipped in one Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese wedge)

granola bars

Greek yogurt (Zoi or Fage 2% w/packet of Stevia)

rice cakes

edamame

string cheese

hummus w/carrots or celery

avocados

strawberries

blueberries

salad

homemade whole wheat bread

celery w/peanut butter

hard-boiled egg

Extra Sugar-free gum

Fiber One bars