Thanks & Congrats!

Thanks so much Michelle for putting this together! It was a lot of fun and I definitely have better habits!

Congrats to the winners! You are very inspiring! Let's all keep up what we have learned. I have learned it's the little things that we do consistently that make the difference.

Cheers!

THE PARTY'S OVER!!!!!

Our first place winners are: (drumroll please)

Nichole & Melanie - splitting the $120 reward


Drawing winners are:

Andrea & Marianne - with $50 each rewards

Andrea, could you pls. email me your address @ mtnesters@cox.net

I will be getting both Melanie and Andrea's winnings in the mail this week.

CONGRATULATIONS to all!!!!!

Melanie: 84 points!!!

Michele thank you so much for this challenge I have never been consistent with anything like this before. Thank you Nichole I'm pretty sure that you helped to keep me inspired. You gave my that push I guess I'm a bit competitive. Anyway I plan to keep this routine.
Thanks again.

Points-Tracy

I am posting points for Tracy, she added hers up and she has 909.

Kierstin-82 points

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this. I have totally noticed a difference and plan to stick to most of it. Some things are hard with the holidays, but at least not eating after 7:30 and taking it easy on sweets. I definitely don't crave sweets like I used to. I am now in the habit of reading my scriptures and writing in my journal. This challenge has been great and it feels good to have accomplished it and that I never gave up. Thanks Michelle. You are wonderful!

Marianne-81 points

Okay, this last 2 weeks have been the hardest of the total 12 weeks.

What's up with that?

I woke up this morning so relieved that it's over but then worried that I'll go back to old habits because the motivation is gone.

The New Year, Michele. That's my vote to start this again.

Also, what's up with the perfect scores? You two are not normal.

It's been an adventure, thank you.

Crystal - 81 points

Nan

Ok I am not sure how many weeks I need to report. Last two weeks I have 136 points.

Yoakum Points

Nichole had 84 points and Jeff had 65 points. Thanks for doing this challenge!

Andrea-75 Points

Thanks for the challenge... and it was a challenge. I've learned that I'm better off having a little sweet and then I don't obsess. So, I've accepted that about myself, but hope to continue to moderate myself. Especially with the upcoming holiday months. Best wishes to everyone else!

Michele says......

Well.......things are winding down for us with only two days left of this challenge. I hope that you all have found this to be fun, eye-opening and yes, at times challenging. I appreciate all the comments made that helped us all get to know each other from Vegas to Arizona to Utah. I wish you all many happy and healthy days for the future. If any of you want to do this again next year....let me know!!!! Make sure you get your points in by Monday, November 1st so we can award the perspective challengers their winnings on Wed.

Andrea- 76 Points

Kierstin- 82 points

I agree with starting this back up in January.

Yoakum Points

Nichole had 84 points and Jeff had 65 points. Last week here we come!

Melanie: 84 points!

Crystal - 82 points

So I'm usually losing sugar points, but this week it was the soda points that did me in. It was quite the week. Good think today is Sunday, otherwise I'm pretty sure I would have taken another trip to 7Eleven.

Marianne 83 points

I'm glad it's the last week. I'm getting ornery.

I would like to start this up again in January after I've gained my 10 lbs. back :)

It's the sugar!

It's the sugar, people. I don't know about you but when I increase the sugar in my diet I gain weight. YUK, why am I an addict?

Kierstin- 82 points

83 points

83 points for this week. At total of 166 for the two weeks before that.

Yoakum Points

Nichole had 84 points and Jeff had 72 points. Thanks!

Tracy

I am posting Tracy's points very late for her, she had 77 points, and 74, then 73 this last week.

Melanie: 84 points

Crystal - 82 points

Andrea- 75 Points

I got back from vacation over a week ago, and have struggled ever since. I've made more cookies this week than all the other weeks combined! Not a good thing. (Although I gave most of them away). I need to have a little pep talk with myself to finish out the last two week strong.

Good luck to everyone else!

Melanie:

Cholesterol: 186
HDL Level: 61
LDL Level:110
Triglycerides: 77
Cholesterol Ratio: 3
Blood Glucose: 88
Blood Pressure Systolic: 108
Blood Pressure Diastolic: 68
Height: 65
Weight: 130
Body mass Index: 21
Body fat Percent: 29.2

Not bad?

166 points

Husband wanted a date Friday night which meant I loss 2 points since it was after 7:30 pm and we went to dinner. I kept complaining I was losing 2 points. He got tired of it and said, "We're on a date. Isn't 2 points worth losing so we can go out?"

I guess my priorities are a little off.

Michele ......

I'M BACK!!!!!! Looks like a few of you are hanging in there really good! Please check your points that I posted and let me know if there are any discrepancies. Only 3 wks. left of the challenge...hang in there!!!!!!

Kierstin-167

740 Total

Crystal - 83 points

745 Total.

Yoakum Points

Jeff had 70 this week and Nichole had 84 this week. Thanks!

Andrea- 155 Points

Melanie:

9 down 3 to go!
168 points!!!!

Yoakum Points

Nichole had 84 points and Jeff had 70 points. Thanks!

Crystal - 84

I had 83 last week, so I'm at 662. Thanks.

Melanie:

Michele hope you're having lots of fun!

Nan - 68

Another weird week. Time to get back on track. Excited about the cooler weather! Everyone have a great week!!

Michele says.......

FYI....I will not be around this coming Sunday to post everyone's points. Keep track of your total points for this week and post them together with next weeks the following Sunday, October 10th! We're winding down and it's hard to stay motivated for some - just do and be the best YOU, you can be!!!

Kierstin-83

New Pic Order

Your pictures are all now in the order of the highest to lowest scores! We have a competition here! There are two people with 588 and several more close behind! Keep up the good work!

Crystal - 83 points

Marianne 84 points

You know how hard it is to drink 48 oz of water from 6:00 p.m. until you go to bed.

You know where I was last night at 3 a.m.

I used my water freebie Thursday.

Sugar Saturday went better. I picked out a few sugar choices before hand and didn't go over board like I usually do.

I'm ready for fall weather.

Nan - Disaster week - 66

But I am still hanging in there!!! Going to do a lot better!

My progress: I had lost 10 lbs from this challenge as of a few weeks ago but now I know I have gained some back. I am going to get back on my plan. I feel so much better when I stick to it. I just had a crazy week. A lot of changes in my life. I guess I am mostly making excuses! No more excuses! Thanks to all of you! You are inspiring!!

Kellie...I am done being a wellness challenge loser

Too many excuses, and too much time lost. I am renewing myself to try and start over. It is official because its in TYPE on this BLOG!
So here is my pledge....
I, Kellie, will avoid Cheetos in all forms, regular and baked. I hereby promise that I will NOT justify bad behavior because I am in pre, post or in active menstruation. I will post points, good or bad, and be accountable.
The end.

Tracy-74

I am posting for Tracy in that she hasn't been able to access the blog personally. Her points are 74 and her total points are 534.

Yoakum Points

Jeff had 80 points and Nichole had 84 points.

Andrea- 78 Points

Melanie: 84 points

Sorry this will be long-

Since Andrea wants progress here you go.

I started the challenge because a year ago I was put on a diet by my doctor. In 5 months time I lost 40 lbs. and 39 1/2 inches.

By July I had gained 12 lbs. and 6 inches.

The Wellness Challenge came right at the time I was beating myself up for the weight gain and the inches.

Women need to get over loss of weight. It's the inches that count. I just weighed myself and what my weight is now by tonight I will have gained 3 lbs. That's the way our bodies work.

So, that was the number 1 thing I learned on my diet was don't look at the weight, look at the inches.

This is what you tape measure. Neck, upper arms, bust, rib cage (just below the bust), waist (about 6 inches below the rib cage), abdomen (12 inches below the rib cage, I measure around my belly button), buttock, thighs, calf's, and the upper knee (It's amazing how big the upper knee is).

You set up a 30 day calendar. You only measure and weigh yourself on Day 1, 8, 18 and 30. The next month day one is the day 30 of the previous month.

You total the inches, then add or subtract the loss of inches to date, then the weight, and the lost to date weight.

Since I started the challenge I have loss 9 lbs. and 7 1/2 inches. I am 1 lb. away from the lowest weight that I loss on the diet and 2 inches away.

Now, here is the irony. Last February when I was at my lowest weight and inches on THE DIET I maybe received a handful of comments through out the whole diet. I'm telling you it was a good thing I was going to the Doctor to receive my praises because if I was relying on others I would have quit a long time ago. Of course my opinion of myself is the only thing that matters but at that time in my life my self esteem was ZERO.

Now I'm on this challenge. You should here the compliments, which self esteem wise I'm doing pretty good but here come the compliments and I'm thinking where were you 6 months ago?

The difference between The Diet and this Wellness Challenge is the Wellness part. It's physical and spiritual balance that this challenge is all about and I do feel a great balance in my life. 6 months ago I wasn't very balanced mentally (you looked at me wrong and I would feel like crying).

I think we have to listen to our bodies. Monday and Tuesday I was starving. I have a set plan each day of what and when I eat but not those 2 days. The difference was what I ate to fulfill the hunger. In the past it would have been junk food. I must say the seconds on the meals on those 2 days tasted good but my body for some reason needed it. So, 2 days of eating more than I usually do is okay, because like I said I was starving.

What I need control over is my Sugar Saturdays. I take my freebie on Saturday for sugar. By Saturday night I'm on sugar overload and am sick. I have a goal for tomorrow. Moderation in all things. Crossing my fingers and toes that it works.

There's my novel. I don't know if this helps any one but I feel pretty good.

Hang in there you Challenge Ladies and Man. We are down to what 10?

I think we should all pat ourselves on our backs or come over and I'll do it for you.

Marianne

Progress? by Andrea

This challenge has given me great opportunities to evaluate. I feel like I'm progressing, but sometimes get frustrated that it's not the progress I would like to see.

I've realized that when I don't get enough sleep alot of other parts unravel. Not eating sugar seems impossible when I'm tired.

I've always loved exercise, but have been trying to push myself more. I've been doing more P90x, Jackie's workouts, in general, lots more push-ups and plyometrics. I feel although I haven't lost much weight, I'm seeing some results with toning. I can actually feel a tricep muscle! :)

I've actually read some of the Old Testament, and Book of Mormon. I've been studying my General Conference talks from last spring in preparation for this upcoming conference. I also read a Sheri Dew book. I've made it a goal to read more books about our leaders, hopefully starting with the new biography of Pres. Monson. Now, I've just got to go buy it.

Care to share any progress you have made?

Melanie:

HaPpY bIrThDaY tO yOu ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ hApPy BiRtHdAy To YoU
♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ HaPpY bIrThDaY DEAR MICHELE . . ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ HAPPY ♥ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ BIRTHDAY ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥...
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ TO ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ YOU ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Hope it is a great

Melanie:

Oh WOW!!!! I'm so embarrassed that last post was meant for my personal blog. I guess I better be more careful.

Kierstin - 82 points

Melanie 84

Yoakum Points

Jeff had 80 points and Nichole had 84 points this week!

Crystal - 83 points

Marianne- 84 points

Andrea-79

Not so hot, I went on a trip and felt the need to splurge. Still plugging along though!

Nan - 82

Sugar Saturday

I don't know if Sugar Saturday is such a good idea.

It's like Christmas you can't get enough in one day.

Way too much. Yuk!

I've got to have more control. Like the Freebie though.

How many are still in this challenge?

I sure don't want to exercise this morning. Better get to it.

Doctor's appointment last Wednesday. My blood work results were fantastic.

You would think that alone would be the motivation to keep going.

Have a bit of an attitude today. I want pancakes with strawberries covered with syrup and whip cream. You can add a cherry on top. Yeah, I'll dream of that while I ride the "bike" for an 1/2 hour.

Biggest Loser

The Biggest Loser starts this Tuesday. It's my favorite show! If you've never watched it before, you should. It is very motivating. (I used to watch it while eating fro yo, but will probably just sit down with a glass of ice water thanks to this challenge:) I usually try and do it along with the show, so it will help get me through all of the holidays.

Melanie:

I was dreaming all night last night about different ways to prepare veggies. Now that's just weird!

162 points-Becky, this is 2 weeks

Kierstin- 83 points

Michele - 68 Pts.

Crystal - 84

Yoakum Points

Jeff had 82 points this week and Nichole had 84 points this week. Good Job to all those who have stuck with this. This has been a great challenge for Jeff and I. We love the changes we have made in our lifestyle and diet and look forward to continuing this habits when the challenge is over. Thanks Michelle for organizing this! Let's keep up the good work, everyone!

Melanie 84 points

84 points

Yesterday was my sugar day. Today I'm craving sugar like crazy. Goes to show you sugar is a drug and I'm an addict.

Nan - 84!!!

I can't believe it! I finally did it. I feel like I finally got in the groove . I am excited for the coming weeks, if I can keep this up. I have so much to do, I don't know how I am going to fit in the sleep. But, I am going for it!

Andrea-77

My worst week so far! Ugh. I made the mistake of weighing myself. I've lost 2 pounds total, so then I went for the self sabotage. If giving up sugar isn't make a difference why sacrifice? It went downhill from there.

But, I've recommitted. Here's to a better week!

Melanie said:

Yesterday or I should say last evening was really hard I wanted to munch so baaaaad on something bad. BUT I got busy and quit thinking about it and made it through. Whoo!
On a brighter note I now have my husband reading the scriptures with me every night.

Yea Me!

I had a Young Woman come up to me at Mutual tonight and say, "Sister Morris, are you losing weight?" I said, "Yes Christine, thank you for noticing."

Amy - 68

Here's to a fresh start!

Michele says....

Uh oh.....we're dropping like flies! Hang in there gang!! 5 wks in and only 7 more to go. My fear is what will I do when this challenge is over? At least now when I make a few not so good choices I'm well aware and try not to sabbotage the rest of my day. After the challenge......will it be a free-for-all?! Hopefully 7 more wks. will have given me more good habit forming time!!!

Kierstin- 78 points

Crystal - 78

Tracy B - 75 points

Nan - 80 Points

Really wanted that 84! It's a good thing I am not a teenager because I cannot stand up to peer pressure! I am going for it again this week. I know to not use my freebies on Monday. Great job to all of you! You inspire me to try harder. Thank you!

Michele.....80 pts

Marianne 84 points

Andrea-80 Points

Melanie 84 points and Kellie S. 50 points

Yoakum Points

Jeff had 82 points and Nichole had 84 points! Thanks!

Melanie said:

I agree this challenge has been so good for me. I too look forward to reading the Book of Mormon I actually read much longer than 15 minutes (does that mean bonus points) hehehe!
Anyway I feel better in so many ways. I have only lost 4.5 lbs. but I'll take it. Thanks again Michele for making this happen.

I forgot...

Michele my Belle,

If I have to hear Michael Jackson one more time I'm going to scream.

Not really. Just trying to make a point.

Luv Ya!

Thank you

Thank you for this challenge.

I just finished 30 minutes on the bike, while reading the Book of Mormon.

I walk M-Th and usually take Friday and Saturday off. But with the challenge I've been doing the bike on Friday and Saturday.

Needless to say setting goals and accomplishing them is the way to go.

The Challenge has reconfirmed this.

My mental, physical and spiritual health is so much better. It will be a month on Monday (right?) that we started this.

The only thing I have to say is, we need to band together and drop chocolate and pastries off at the Yoakum house, everyday next week. This perfect score has gotta go.

Marianne

Kellie- I have been hiding...

The last week hasn't been super great for my diet, and I had been dealing with some sad emotional stuff. Anyways, I have recommited and its amazing just how one really good on-goal day can make you feel.I really hoped that this challenge would 1. help me get re-started on losing the second half of the weight I needed to lose, and 2. strengthen my testimony of the Book of Mormon
I really experienced positive results with both. I have lost about 9 lbs, and I actually look forward to reading my scriptures. This morning at the gym, as I ran on the treadmill, I was amazed at how un-out of breathe I felt. It was awesome! I am trying to train for a 7k in October, and the run this morning is making me feel more optomistic as to how I will do.
So, today was a good day. I am sure there will be more crappy ones, too.

So, I won't have perfect points, but I have to be okay with the ones I do get.

Michele says.....

Who started this stupid challenge, anyways? Just did "Yoga Buns" DVD. Am I insane? My body doesn't bend like Gumby - what was I thinking? Actually, it does feel good when all is said and done. If I exercise first thing in the morning I feel like my day will go much better. If I put it off, I'm thinking about it all day and don't make as many wise choices. So, today, I'm with Nan - perfect "12"!!!!!

Nan - 100% This week

I am going to get full points this week, I swear, even if it KILLS me!! (I am hoping by posting this it will motivate me.) I am on track so far but have already used some of my freebies.

Is it possible to have a free week? : )

I know it is not, but it would be nice... especially since I have a 4 day Family reunion which is camping. It's hard to be good when you are camping. I'll try my best to have high points, but I'm not promising anything.

Becky-82 points

82 Points

Amy - 77

I was doing really well until the weekend hit.

This week isn't starting out much better. I dropped my boy off for his first day of kindergarten. I got a little weepy, and was proud of myself for not outright bawling my eyes out.

Then I came home and had a cinnamon roll and a chocolate cupcake.

Guess who's an emotional eater?

Crystal - 84

I knew I had to do good last week since I will be camping again this week. And I've tried, but I can't camp without soda and sugar.

Michele - 61

This is a good example of "don't follow your leader"! Today's a new day!

kellie f- 64

Even worse than last week...too many excuses...this week can only be better

Kierstin - 83

Nan - 71!!!

What a week! Had a little bit to much fun with the kids and hubby. Hoping that with the kids going back to school, I will get a healthy schedule going. We will see. Everyone have a great week!

Kellie S. 65

Melanie 84

Jeff and Nichole Yoakum

Jeff and I each had 84 points. Thanks!

Marianne- 84 points

yea, finally a perfect score, well sort of, thank goodness for freebies

Andrea- 81 Points

Chloey 84 points

Karen- 81 points

Melanie said:

This is legal right? Lowfat ice cream made with spienda and sugar free and fat free topping. Let me know before I indulge.

Pep Talk

All those with perfect points... splurge a little. Give me some hope, just dangle it a little in front of me. Even if it's just one point. :)

The first week seemed so easy. Then last week I wasn't feeling well, and because I lost a few points, I've struggled to recover this week. The perfectionistic side of me is taking over. The "all-or-nothing" attitude is creeping in. I'm trying to keep it at bay. But, it's hard. And it's really over 1 thing- the sugar point. So sad, that I do so well in the other 11, but I spend 99% of my time focusing on the 1.

Am I the only one?

Melanie said:

Yesterday on the Today show they talked a bit about water and weight loss. They said to drink two glasses of water before each meal. It doesn't do anything to your metabolism but it makes you eat less. WELL DUH! Honestly did we need the Today's show to tell us that?

Kellie F....night-time hungries

My husband will be out of town for the next five weeks (he comes home on weekends) so that means very late nights for me. My anxiety is VERY high when he is gone, and this means going to bed very late...and I am so hungry!! AHHHHH! Water does help a bit and so does reading scriptures and a long, hot bath.
Tracy B and I were talking about being hungry and she says she likes the feeling, and I can understand that to a certain point.
Anyhow, thats my current struggle, nighttime.

Question

Do you consider Cafe Rio fast food?

I'm craving Cafe Rio something fierce.

kellie f

I miscounted...I got 72

Kellie Stilson: 72 points

Tracey - 78 points

Michele says......

Wow....I'm impressed! We have some very disciplined challengers. This challenge is not easy....so don't beat yourself up if you don't get a perfect score. It's all about thinking about the choices we make on a day to day basis! Here's to a new week!

kellie

A measly 68...

Tori - 78 pts

Kierstin- 82 points

Would have done better, but had hubby's b-day this week and Mommy/Daughter back to school shopping.

Nan 79

I cannot believe how awesome everyone is doing! The veges and sugar killed me this week. But, it was definately an improvement from last week. I have lost a couple of pounds. My goal is about 15.

Good job and good luck in the coming week!

Amy - 75 points

I blame it all on PMS - just ask my husband.

Crystal - 83 points

The sugar gets me every time.

Melanie 84 points!!!!!!!

Andrea- 81 Points

Jeff and Nichole

We each had 84 points. Thanks for putting this challenge together. We love the changes we are seeing.

Marianne 83 points

Michele - 74 points

Becky-83 points

Kierstin says...

Someone asked if anyone is losing weight. I have been working out for 3 months now but I was doing workouts where I am gaining muscle. I have been completely committed to my workouts... not so much to my eating though. The wellness challenge is pretty easy since I do most of that anyways. The hardest thing for me is the no sugar. I love Hot tamales and Reese's and those little sweets to have after lunch. So I have been craving it like crazy. Before the wellness challenge I had lost 12 pounds and 2 inches in my belly. Just within the first week of the WC, I lost 3 more pounds and another inch. My goal when I started working out 3 months ago was to lose 15 pounds. I DID IT!!! So on to another goal. I still would like to lose a few more inches and get rid of my sugar cravings. I'm sure this WC will help. Thanks for letting me be a part of this!

Michele says......

When I saw the last post about "adding songs to the playlist", I figured it was posted by one of our youngest competitors. Lo and behold, it was my friend, Marianne, and she's old like me!!!! I'm still laughing.....I had no idea she knew this type of music. I love it! I'll see what I can do Marianne to make you happy!!!! The Killers??????? Buahhhh!!

Sorry this is petty but..

I think we need to add to the play list.

I vote for Black Eye Peas: I've Gotta Feeling, Coldplay: Viva La Vida, Killers: All These That I've Done, Jimmy Eat World: The Middle, etc. etc. etc.

What would I do without children and their songs (I'd be bored).

Melanie said:

It's been a successful week but I am looking forward to the weekend. I'm trying to decide how to use my free points. Should I break them up or save them all for Sunday. What to do hum?

Marianne is asking:

Is any one losing weight?

My goal is 10 pounds. Really I want to lose 20 but I'm trying to be realistic.

Michele says.....

Terrible, Awful, No Good, Very Bad WEEK!

Swapping exercise for Food-Kellie

Where we live in Vail, you cannot go to Target without passing several runners and bikers (bicyclists, not motorcyclist). Tucson is a very desireable city to live because of the great weather, open spaces, and good roads. Also, the ward I atttend is chock full of runners and bikers and even a friend who completed an Iron Man, thats awesome!
If I never moved here, I dont know if I would have EVER attempted running, biking and now swimming! I love doing it with friends because we laugh, catch up and burn calories.
So, the next time you want to catch up with a friend, go for a walk INSTEAD of going out to eat!

Hanging on By My Fingernails- Andrea

This week seems to be more difficult than last. Maybe the initial excitement has worn off? Plus, my allergies have gotten crazy, and I'm now questioning if I don't have a cold on top of it. So the idea of eating vegetables has made me gag (I like veggies, just not when I feel yucky). I used my freebie for veggies on Tuesday, so last night I forced myself to choke down a portion of carrots and cucumbers just so I can count the point for the week. I'm thinking today I'll have to use one of my sick days...

On a positive note, I'm no longer dreaming about chocolate.

Easy day

Nothing like spending a fortune to get your teeth bleached to FORCE you into a 100% Challenge Day!!!!!!!! They gave me a list of things I can and cannot eat for 24 hours. LOTS and lots of water or milk.......NOTHING with color on it. Have to figure out my veggies some other way. I already have my two fruits in. But definitely NO soda or sugar for me today! WOO HOO!

Melanie said:

Hey speak up people. Let us know how it's going. I don't want to be the only one to say anything =]

Melanie said:

Here's a recipe I enjoy:
Brocoli Cauliflower Salad:
Cut brocoli and cauliflower up to the size you prefer
add: died red onion to taste
craisins or raisins
bacon bits
Blend these together mix chill and enjoy!:
1 cup light mayo
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup splenda

Couple things for week TWO

First of all...CONGRATULATIONS on an awesome first week every one! We're off to a GREAT start!

I have received some emails with points for the week. I have posted them for you on the blog in the manner that they should be posted by you here every week. My mom and I will then go through the posts and add them to your total points next to your pictures on the left sidebar. If you still have not received the invitation to author on this blog so that you can post these yourselves, please email me again at www.thehutchingsfive@gmail.com. I have resent some of the ones that had not been responded to, so make sure you look in your Inbox or Junk box to make sure the email is not there. It will be coming from Blogger.

Also, if you are able to get to the spreadsheet, I HIGHLY recommend just printing the spreadsheet 11 times and changing the week dates so that you have enough to last the entire challenge. It has been acting up and I will try and make one that I can email to everyone this week.

Lastly, thanks for all the tips and recipes that you have been posting. They are fabulous!

I have one tip for any of you who have not yet printed a spreadsheet. My printer is down, so instead what I did, was got a cheap blank journal just for this challenge. On the very first page, I listed all the challenge points and for my journal entries every day, I post my points on each page and then have my total for the end of the week. It has helped me to see it in my journal and helped since I have been unable to print anything for two weeks! Also, an idea for journaling would be to right a short summary of a scripture verse or chapter you read that night, or do a gratitude journal where you right down three-five things you are grateful for every day.

Have a super fabulous week ya'll!!!!!!!!!!

Karen - 84

YIPPEE!

Chloe - 78 points

Awesome!

Tracy - 82 points!

WA HOO!

Jamie - 50 points

Me and my measley 50 points! I decided to just eat the points instead of using my sick points in the FIRST week! Not a good week for us last week.....some sort of sinus/cold thing ran through my house. But, boy did those milkshakes help my throat! ;) ha! Keeping my fingers crossed for this week. I have my eye on some SKINNY jeans!!!!

'Kellie

I am realizing that I cannot stop eating at 5:30 if I am not going to bed until 10 or so. I would realizw just how hungry I was afterthe cutoff and that has made my no soda headaches worse.
I had a 15 minute struggle today as to whether I just couldn't make it today without my beloved diet coke...and since it was 1pm already...common sense won out....but just by a hair.

Melanie said:

A new week begins good luck to one and all!

Kierstin- 82 points

THREE CHEERS FOR US ALL!

Congratulations! We made it thru our first week of this sometimes "difficult" challenge. I have a love/hate relationship with this challenge. About 2:00 every afternoon, I'm hating it. The rest of the time, not so bad. I went to TGIF on Friday and couldn't wait to check out the dessert menu (I had saved up my sweet point till then) and lo and behold, I couldn't order one. I was having this little "fight" within myself. However, the next day, I did decide to have a 1/2 cup of sherbet!!!

I'm very grateful for this challenge because it really helps me to make wiser choices. Keeping track of what I eat on myfitnesspal.com has helped in so many ways. Good luck to all in this coming week!

I was doing great until this week end. We had a reception to go to yesterday and a fireside at our house tonight. I couldn't resist the sweets. The reception had a chocolate fountain. Did you know that cream puffs taste great drenched in chocolate?

I'm glad for the freebies and that naps count towards our 7 hours of sleep. I do not sleep 7 hours straight through the night. I'm lucky if I sleep 6 hours straight.

Long story short I'm a 80 this week.

Nan - 68

This was a crazy week! I had to be up by 4:00 every morning to teach bootcamp classes. I could not get to bed early enough!! We also went out of town for a wedding. I have a hard time sticking to good habits when I am not at home. Definately room for improvement. I am ready for a great week!

Amy - 81 points

Tori -84 points!!

seriously i have been loving this challenge! it will makes me keep up on everything! I even worked out at 11:30pm-midnight such so i didnt lose a point...and was able to get 7hrs sleep after it! crazy! i had a headache for the first 2 days from no sugar! but i am good and enjoying the challenge!

Crystal - 83 points

Kellie Stilson 76 points

Melanie 84 points

Holly-50 points

Nichole and Jeff Yoakum

Jeff and I had 84 points each for this week. Thanks so much for putting this challenge together. It has been really fun!

kellie

I got 83 pts this week...missed one pt for fruit!....grrrrrr

Andrea- 84 Points

I really didn't think I would make it all week without sugar. But, I did (with lots of sugar-free gum), and when I used my "free point" yesterday to make brownies it wasn't as delicious as I had dreamed about all week!

It's amazing the peer pressure and competitiveness I feel. I've tried to give up sweets before and have lasted 2-3 days max. Here's to a good week for everyone!

Becky-71 points

Michele - 84 pts

Don't forget to post your points tonight! Simply post your name and amount of points earned for last week in the Title and we will take it from there! Hope you all had a successful week. Also, make sure you get a new spreadsheet for the new week.

FREEDAY!

I made it with a perfect score. Today I'm going to enjoy something YUMMY! 1 week down 11 to go =] Have great day!!!!

Kellie-Super Saturday

So, because I am a Weight Watcher from years past, I have journaled every bite this week, and have had good results. I have never truly had diet success without regular journaling, and I love looking back to see what works, and what doesn't.
I used Saturday as my free day, and had good intentions to stay within my WW points, but got a little sidetracked. I ate some good food, drank soda (which, by the way, seemed to burn a little)..but am excited to get back on track tomorrow.
I even missed my water, its a MIRACLE!
Good luck everyone!

Melanie said:

We went out to dinner tonight at a mexican place tonight (before 7:30). Now I love chips and salsa but I resisted and because I was so hungry I ate the salsa like soup until my lowfat salad arrived it was yummy!

Michele said....

May you all have a "splenda" weekend!!!!!!!

Melanie said:

Last night I served wedding cake for 2 hours and I really wasn't bothered, weird. But it was crazy how many times I almost licked my fingers. Day 5 and all is well. How are the rest of you doing? Spring I haven't heard anything from you, speak up girl let us know who it's going.

Crystal

So I'm getting ready to leave for my first of four vacations/camping trips that will take place during this challenge. I've packed all of my fruits and vegetable and I have my free points all figured out...one day soda, one day chips and salsa, and one day cobbler. I've been doing a "fitness program" since January, so I've already been doing most of these things 5 days a week. Trying to keep it up for that extra day or so is going to be my challenge. I love to sleep, I like to exercise, I love to love my husband, but I'm going to have to give up another love...baking (with sugar). It's not so much of a big deal during the summer, but come October I always get the itch. Good luck this weekend everyone. (Amy- please don't check this for grammatical errors:)

Melanie said:

I like to get the things that are my biggest challenge out of the way first thing in the morning. So I start my day with scriptures then exercise then my journal entry those are the three hardest things for me except the sugar and unhealthy snackage. And with that I just try not to think about it.

Michele said....

Jamie discovered a wonderful website called "myfitnesspal.com" . You can enter in your food intake everyday and it will tell you how many calories you've eaten. You can also enter your exercise and it will tell you how much you've burned in calories. I learned that eating honey nut cheerios is better for you than eating fiber one! Who knew?!

Progress- Andrea

My biggest challenge has been the "no sugar". I love to bake and I keep hoping for the sugar craving to subside (no such luck!). I'm constantly thinking about what I want to make on Sunday for my free day! It's really the only thing that is getting me through... besides those dark chocolate sugar free Jell-o puddings. I've allowed myself to have one each day.

For my sincere appreciation, I decided if I go out of my way to do a kind act to somebody that counts too. Yesterday at the post office my daughter and I found a piece of mail somebody dropped. It didn't have a stamp yet, so we decided to put a stamp on it and send it on it's way (it was a bill, and needed to go!).

My heart goes out to all of you who are giving up soda drinks. I've watched my mom do it lots of times, and it is sooooo hard! Fortunately, I've never liked carbonation.

Progress - Amy

So, we are 3 days into this. I can't believe I am still alive. I also can't believe that the craving for sugar and diet coke are beginning to fade. ( What do ya know, all those healthy people actually know what they are talking about!)

I decided that not only will I show love and appreciation to my husband, but also make it a point to thank the kids for things and give them an extra long hug and extra affection each day. Yesterday my son was sitting on the couch watching cartoons while I was exercising. After I finished up I went up to him and told him how much I loved him and how grateful I was that he was all mine. He just looked up at me and smiled. I thought we were going to have a moment. He then said..."Mom, I think you just need to take a shower. You really stink!"

How's that for appreciation!!!

Michele

Hey guys........Yeah for the posts! When you do post something remember to put your name in the title.

Salsa

Try this for a healthy snack or meal:

TOMATO, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALSA

2 large tomatoes, diced
...3 green onions, sliced
1 small red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 avocado, diced
2-3 Tbsp. lime juice
Chopped cilantro to taste, optional
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can corn, drained
1 cup Italian dressing (nonfat)
Mix together all ingredients except for Italian dressing.

Then bake a whole wheat flour tortilla until crispy break and dip or buy Baked corn chips!

Three days in, a million to go?

I have been feeling pretty good considering I am a MAJOR drinker of soda, and being without it hasn't been as hard as I thought. I miss my nightcap so bad though! Crystal Light has been my substitute, and the Target brand Cherry Limeade is pretty yummy. I feel like I have the major tummy sloshiness from so much liquid, but I do feel healthier.
I am not craving any foods per se, but I miss the 'full belly' feeling. Anyhow, the empty-ish belly feeling lets me know I am on the right track.

Kellie

Michele said.....

We really want to hear from all of you and how you are doing on the challenge. Please accept the bloggers invite that Jamie has sent to you and "post away". Good or bad, we want to know the challenges you are facing or hear the "atta-boys/girls". I, personally have had a much better day today. I think the first two days were filled with sugar & caffeine withdrawals. Onward & upward!!!!

Tips and Ideas

I thought I'd put my two cents in on a few things. For the yogurt, obviously frozen yogurt would be a sugar dessert unless it is sugar free. Any yogurt that is Light or low in calories and sugar is fine. I have been eating Breyers Yo Crunch 100 Calorie cups. They substitute sugar with a sweetner to make them low in calories and sugar. They are delicious and fill my "sweet tooth" cravings for the day.

Also, for alternative recipes........try

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/

You can sign up and receive emails with recipes and coupons and you can go online and view their recipe lists with thousands of favorite recipes that have been "healthified". Good stuff!

Also, to answer a question from before for Marianne. In my opinion, if you go to bed at 10pm and wake up at 6:00am, even with bathroom breaks, you have tried to get a full 8 hours of sleep. If you are not actually "waking up" and walking around, but actually laying in bed trying to sleep because of something that is uncontrolled by you, I don't think you need to deduct that time. As long as you are making an effort to go to bed a little bit earlier than usual to get a longer nights, sleep that is fine. After all, it does say that it does not have to be consecutive.

And, on a side note, I have been having a rough go of the exercise this week because our household has some sort of strep throat thing going around (no fun believe me), but it is amazing how much you can get out of reading even just a couple chapters of scripture. It seems like something new hits me every time I read. I love to have my scriptures and a journal handy to jot down anything that touches me. Helps get through the day a bit easier.

Jamie

Yogurt!

Just had a question on eating yogurt. Absolutely, just look for the least amount of sugar as possible. We don't discourage things that are good for you. Just watch the carbs! Try to go sugar-free. When we say "no sweets" that would mean the obvious ones i.e. pastries, ice cream, cookies, desserts, and the list goes on!

Michele Anderson said......

OK.....did great the first day up until approx. 2:00 p.m.. No sugar, no caffeine, a little grumpy! I got sooooo grumpy that the only point I couldnt' take for the day was the "Sincere appreciation" one, seriously?! I couldn't think of anything nice to say to the dog let alone my hubby. Today's a new day!

A couple things...........

First of all, a few of you still have not accepted the invitation from Blogger. I have sent this invitation to everyone that I have email addresses for. If you have not emailed me, please do so to thehutchingsfive@gmail.com. This is what the email you receive will look like (it is an email directly from BLOGGER, not from me):

The Blogger user Michele Anderson has invited you to contribute to the blog: WELLNESS CHALLENGE.
To contribute to this blog, visit:
You'll need to sign in with a Google Account to confirm the invitation and start posting to this blog. If you don't have a Google Account yet, we'll show you how to get one in minutes.
To learn more about Blogger and starting your own free blog visit http://www.blogger.com/.

You CANNOT click on the link on the above to do this, it has to come from your email box. Once you accept, you are then able to POST on the blog with your total points for the week, and any time you want to post tips or questions. You MUST post every week for us to be able to tally your points.

Second, there are a few of you who have not printed the Spreadsheet. Everyone MUST have a new spreadsheet every week in order to keep track of your daily point total. Click on the link on the right that says SPREADSHEET, sign into your Google account (if you do not have one, you can use ANY email address and a password to create one), send a request to my mom and she will send you access to print the Spreadsheet. You can go in weekly and change the WEEK date on the top, or you can just print 12 of them now and change the week by hand.

Lastly, for any questions you have, feel free to post them on this blog so that once they are answered everyone can see and it will help them too if they had the same questions. Here are a couple of questions that have been asked recently:

Q: Can I do Subway or other sandwich-type fast foods?
A: Yes, you can even go to McDonalds if you get a salad and water. There are healthy items on all fast food restaurant menus. The key is not to elminate altogether, but to find HEALTHY substitutions for your regular unhealthy, high calorie meals.

Q: Can I substitute a V8 type juice for one serving of veggies and/or fruit?
A: Yes. V8 has several juices on the market that say 1 serving veggies and 1 serving fruit per glass. You can however, only use this as ONE substitute per day. They do contain sugars, so you have to check and see how much.

Q: What night do I count my sleep (ie: Sunday night at midnight for Mondays points.......)?
A: This is a personal decision. Because I started the challenge today, I am going to start my sleeping points tonight. My mother however, started counting her sleeping as of midnight last night.

Also, if you do not have a blog, or cannot figure out how to post on here, please email myself or my mom and we would be happy to walk you through it. When you type in the blog address, in the top right corner, there is a menu that will prompt you to SIGN IN. You will sign in with your Google account and it will say POSTS, you just hit New Post, type away and Publish Post when you are done. It will say Published by....... on the main page of the blog, so you do not have to sign your name every or any time you post, we will all be able to see who posted what. If you are a couple or a mom/daughter team signed in on the same post, please be specific on who has what points.

Again, if you have any questions, feel free to post them directly to the blog, or email us and we will help where we can.

Thanks all!!!!!! Hope your first day was refreshing and FUN!!!!!!!!! Here's to a great week!

Three Cheers for Jeff!

Jeff ate his first veggie in his lifetime today!!!! RAH! RAH! RAH! We're so proud of you Jeff!!!!

Sweet Potato Fries

Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Drizzle oil on them and your favorite herbs. Bake @350. Great tasting and counts for a veggie!!! Just don't make it count for two!!!

FAST FOOD AND SUGAR CLARIFIED

The challenge requirements are no "bad fast food" i.e. french fries, burgers, especially anything fried. Subway, depending on what you eat, could be considered a "good fast food". You just have to use your judgement. I think most of us truly know when we are eating "bad food". McDonalds has wonderful salads now, that are quite tasty. Just be careful of the dressing you put on them. Some dressings are loaded with sugar. If you question it, then it probably shouldn't be put into your mouth!!! Speaking of sugary foods - don't eat the obvious, i.e. sugared cereals, pastries, ice cream...unfortunately there is sugar hidden in most things. Sometimes there is a trace of sugar and we don't even know it. I'm thinking we can't help ingesting some. Just be aware by reading the package!

One last reminder!

We have sent out the blog invitations for you all to become authors on this blog. Only a few of you have accepted this invitation. In order for us to all keep track of your points, you HAVE to post on here every Sunday night your total for the week. To do this, you have to become an author on the blog to be able to have access to the posting page. Please look over your email again and look for the invitation from blogger. It may have made it's way into your spam accounts, so make sure and look there as well. If you have not received this email, either I haven't received your picture, quote and email address, or it was sent to the wrong account. Please let me know as soon as possible, by emailing me at thehutchingsfive@gmail.com.
Also, if your name is on the bottom of the list on the left sidebar without a picture or quote, I still need to receive this from you.
THANKS! Jamie

ARE YOU READY?

Life as we know it is going to change a bit for us (22) brave souls that are participating in this challenge. As of Midnight tonight, we will be encountering into a world full of melons, tomatoes, spiritual awareness, & exercise. One without SUGAR!! Oh me, oh my! If there are any questions now would be the time to ask them in this forum, for all to see. Please go on the blog daily, or as much as you can and make your comments - that will be of help to us all! Keep your eye on the prize: One with the most points wins $120 (in case of a tie, it will be split equally). Everyone with 65% of the points names will be entered into a hat and two will be pulled for $50 ea. However, the real goal here is to form lasting healthy habits & weight loss (if needed).

GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!!

WELCOME ABOARD!

Tracy Baird
Stanley Baird
Nan Horlacher

WHAT A GOOD LOOKIN' BUNCH WE ARE! Hard to imagine, but we'll be even better looking at the end of this challenge!

SPREADSHEET

In order to get the spreadsheet, you have to have a google account set up and then request permission. If any of you are still having problems after that, email me and will make other arrangements!

8 more join the Challenge!

Sheila Grosse
Ranae Johnson
Holly Hutchings
Melanie Neighbor
Kellie Stilson
Marianne Morris
Amy Rhodes
Crystal O'Roarke

Fruits & Veggies in question........ You are to eat (2) fruits & (2) veggies a day in order to count a point for each: (i.e. (1) sm. apple & 1/2 cup pineapple/1/2 cup celery (Jeff, you can even use peanut butter on it to hide the taste) & 1 can V8 juice. Keep in mind that the fruit juices are usually packed with sugars so that's a no no!!!

Are you gearing up? Here is a list of the challengers as of Sunday Aug. 1st:

Kellie Farrell
Tori Klein
Spring Stacy
Danielle Gunny
Jeff Yoakum
Nichole Yoakum
Kiersten Leavitt
Chloey Garza
Karen Slaughter
Andrea Wazenegger
and me and Jamie!

Keep em' coming!

On your mark.........get set........

CHALLENGE!!!!

We will start this challenge on MONDAY, AUGUST 9th and will go for 12 weeks, ending on Halloween, OCTOBER 31st. You must pay a contribution of $10 by SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th. This money will be used as prize money for the challenger(s) with the most points and a raffle for challengers who receive at least 65% of their points (complete an average of 8 of the 12 daily goals).

Once you've paid your dues, please email a picture and quote (90 characters or less) to THEHUTCHINGSFIVE@GMAIL.COM. Your picture and quote will be posted on the left side bar of the blog with your total points added up every week. We will add your email address as an author of this blog, so that you can come in and post your weekly scores.

Rules of the CHALLENGE

You have a total of 12 points per day. You must keep track of all your points on your own. There is a link on the right side bar that will take you to a weekly spreadsheet with a breakdown of the points to make it easier to keep track. Just print the spreadsheet and hang it somewhere that will always remind you to do good! Then, every SUNDAY, type a post with your total for the week and anything you would like to share about your experience. Your total points will then be added up by the Challenge coordinators (myself and my daughter, Jamie) and added to your total under your picture.

You have one free point, PER CATEGORY, PER WEEK. One free point for exercise, one free point for soda/unhealthy drinks, one free point for sweets, etc. You do not have 12 free points to use however you choose -they are NOT interchangeable and if you choose not to use a free point in a category, it is gone at weeks end. You could also just choose to have one "free" day where all points are free (which is less confusing), but we are allowing for flexibility and success!

We have provided you with some links on the right side of this blog to help with some of your goals. My Fitness Pal is an online site that is FREE and has a daily journal, calorie counting and ideas for exercise. Readthescriptures.com will help you keep track of your daily scripture reading and will send quotes and scripture references to your email. Please take advantage of these sites that we hope will both inspire and motivate you throughout this challenge.

We are excited to start this journey with you and can't wait to hear about all your experiences!

**** Extras to the RULES

Some people have questions on the rules.....here are some EXTRAS for you to review...

*** This challenge is based on an HONOR CODE. The only person that can keep track of your points is YOU. The only person that will know the truth of the points you are posting, is you. So, please remember that we are all doing this for fun, and even though there is a slight motivation (i.e. prize money) at the end, we are all basing this on the honesty of the players. ;)

*** We know that we are starting this during a lot of people's "vacation time" and just so you know going into it........vacation does not mean free days. What you eat or do not eat or do not do on vacation is up to you. If you are planning for it, you know that you will probably be behind some points during that time. Just make up for it the rest of the weeks!

*** When you are thinking about your food consumption....a handful of potato chips or a handful of M&Ms, just because it isn't a full portion, does NOT mean you get to keep the point. The whole CHALLENGE behind this is that you avoid ALL temptations in those categories. You cannot earn half points or extra points. If you partake, you lose that point.

*** There are 2 sick days alloted for the 12 week period. If you are too sick to get up and out of bed to do this challenge you can use a sick day. There are only TWO days for sickness, and must be used ONLY for sickness.

*** It is sometimes easier for people to have a free DAY, giving themselves freedom from the ENTIRE list on that one day per week so that you don't have to think about it the rest of the week. But, if you have a soda on Monday, you do not get to use a point from a different category to have another soda. You get 12 FREE points per WEEK. One point PER category. If you have a second soda, you are down another point. There is a total allowance of 84 points per week. You do not get extra points if you do not use your FREE points. They are free and are not added back into the total.
So, a PERFECT week would be 84 points total.

GOOD LUCK! This is a fun, but sometimes difficult challenge that is a great all around experience. For those of us looking to shed some unwanted pounds, this will definitely be a great way to get going. But, the purpose behind this challenge is not strictly for weight. We are simply working on what President Hinckley has repeatedly asked of his saints.............

"TRY A LITTLE HARDER TO BE A LITTLE BETTER"