News for today's 2018

Beck Diet Solution: Week 3

1:30 PM Tukiyooo 0

It wasn't a great weekend..... for my sports teams!  <a href="http://www.psu.edu/">Penn State</a>, the <a href="http://www.dallascowboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, and <a href="http://www.jeffgordon.com/">Jeff Gordon</a> all lost their respective sports on Saturday/Sunday.  Even my secondary NFL team from the Motherland, the <a href="http://www.steelers.com/">Stillers</a>, took a beating to the..... ugh..... Baltimore Ravens.  I'm not sure which team has the worst fans, the Ravens or the Eagles?  At one time I even heard the Baltimore fans cheering "Steelers suck! Steelers suck!"... such poor sportsmanship.  I don't like that kind of conduct.  I wouldn't even do that to the dreadful Ohio State team! ;) I had a great weekend otherwise.  I learned that even though it's a Friday night, the muscle-ly men are still at the gym .  Shouldn't they be out showing off their bodies?  But, Sunday evenings are so much better.  Even though I prefer to keep Sunday as it's intended 'day of rest', Joel and I did a quick NROLFW workout after his Redskins actually won a game ;) (p.s. in the past I keep messing this acronym up and putting NROLW - whatevs :) ).   So on to the Beck Challenge hosted at the Priorfatgirl.com: <blockquote>Day 15 - Monitor Your Eating - Every day at a time we specify, we need to be creating a food plan to follow for the next day.  Then, we check off the food as we eat it the next day.  I did good with creating the food plan on the weekdays, but failed at it on the weekends. The weekends are less structured, as is my eating - I don't always eat at the same times on the weekends as I do on the weekdays, and it's harder for me to plan what to eat ahead of time. Day 16 - Prevent Unplanned Eating - Pretty self explanatory here.  You should only eat what is on your daily food plan/menu and not digress from that.  I did stray from this twice last week. I had two Pumpkin Spice Latte's on both Tuesday and Thursday when I only planned to have one.  In this case, you write down the unplanned food in your food journal and circle it.  Then at the end of the day you can easily see how you measured up. Day 17 - End Overeating - Beck suggests taking one or two meals where you over load your plate with food, and then not eat the extra.  By doing this, you are strengthening your "resistance muscle" and practicing not over eating.  I am too afraid to overload my plate. I have yet to do this experiment. I'm going to, I'm just not ready yet. I've been doing well over the last few weeks with weight loss and I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. Day 18 - Change Your Definition of Full - Bascially, don't eat until you feel uncomfortably full or stuffed.  Don't eat because you don't want to waste the food, thereby wasting money.  Those are just some examples of people's definitions of feeling "full".  I try to combat feeling full by ensuring I portion out my food. Now, what I am learning is that just because I have the Points+ for the food, doesn't mean I have to eat it if I'm not actually even hungry. I do this A LOT - I eat just because I can (i.e. I have enough Points+) when I really don't need to. Day 19 - Stop Fooling Yourself - This goes hand in hand with Day 16 in my opinion. I need to ingrain in my mind/build up my resistance muscle with "If it's not on my daily eating plan, then I'm not eating it!".  This whole concept simply means to stop making excuses for yourself as to why you're over eating.  For example, "I'm going to eat these cookies because if I don't, I might make Sally feel bad." Day 20 - Get Back on Track - How many times do you eat something you didn't plan on eating, only to allow it to spiral out of control (i.e. "Well, I already blew it by having this 1 doughnut, I might as well keep going with whatever I want and then I'll start again tomorrow/next week/next month/next year")?  What I have come to find lately is that sometimes when I think I have gone "off the deep end", it's actually not as bad as I think.  When I actually track the food I ate (unplanned of course), it's really not as bad as I expected afterall. This helps me stop myself from going further down a self-sabotaging road of eating more and more. I've decided I will draw a line in my food journal at any point I go off track to serve as a visual that I will stop and eat normally my next meal - NOT the next day/week/month, etc.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/">Priorfatgirl Jen</a> mailed me a cool bracelet for being a Beck Challenge participant. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoB8XumHjowI9qr8WFmoIesFJ5aPc6LzIODQOB4_CP-CSPpkCq8U62O3JNguE-szdPtOmaPHwy1l2qIf6XBGih6an9TUgoJcCRZdfVwruE31N0zdrI8H2-r9krtYj6UWGVzkYtoQfF4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoB8XumHjowI9qr8WFmoIesFJ5aPc6LzIODQOB4_CP-CSPpkCq8U62O3JNguE-szdPtOmaPHwy1l2qIf6XBGih6an9TUgoJcCRZdfVwruE31N0zdrI8H2-r9krtYj6UWGVzkYtoQfF4/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">don't mind the Halloween cat backdrop :)</td></tr></tbody></table>Then I proceeded to bring the kitty kitties in on the Big Weight action... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMxSWfP4D8w8-XfyMf3f0DXlzFqgctDz9LfOCJLbT1TK56xmfpYYBR7qeHngM4Pd3iyPXknDYnISE6W4JpKywNIqNQPZ9RVqrqw4vN8uR17qNlvO-H7G_P8T6d5d-J45BJIeIXFi9HK0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMxSWfP4D8w8-XfyMf3f0DXlzFqgctDz9LfOCJLbT1TK56xmfpYYBR7qeHngM4Pd3iyPXknDYnISE6W4JpKywNIqNQPZ9RVqrqw4vN8uR17qNlvO-H7G_P8T6d5d-J45BJIeIXFi9HK0/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles: "I hate when you take pictures of me."</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfszS0FTZV4_VxIDtT2tbSJRrqLjj6V5DI1fxrSVwMhW_UvPQe28FrImCyZK0bbjVJlUZcnTezFJx7Jnb1fDl-bkVR-BB96XgrLKMthcglPYIIBZAs1T3yPLv3_v5rxLjkGzzQ8xRJw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfszS0FTZV4_VxIDtT2tbSJRrqLjj6V5DI1fxrSVwMhW_UvPQe28FrImCyZK0bbjVJlUZcnTezFJx7Jnb1fDl-bkVR-BB96XgrLKMthcglPYIIBZAs1T3yPLv3_v5rxLjkGzzQ8xRJw/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merlin: "What is this thing you are pointing at me?!"</td></tr></tbody></table>It's too bad Merlin wasn't standing up.  We took him to the groomer for a hair cut 3 weeks ago and he got the only cut they do - the lion cut.  When he stands up, he's got an all-over shaved body with the little pom-pom tail and booties for his legs.  So funny and so girly - especially on him! Oh wait... you're not here for the cat pics. <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/starbucks-giftcard-giveaway.html">Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $10 Starbucks giftcard!</a>

It wasn't a great weekend..... for my sports teams! Penn State , the Dallas Cowboys , and Jeff Gordon all lost their resp...

September Goals and a Chai Tea Recipe

9:36 AM Tukiyooo 0

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!! Oh hey - notice something a little different?  :)  While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't exactly the most chipper color.  I <3 purple, and so I present to you a new layout.  I hope you find it a little more refreshing/inviting. It's time for me to think about what I want to work on for the month of September. <ol><li>Have an average of 4 days of activity per week instead of the 3 that I had for August.</li><li>Track what I did for activity, how often I did it, and for how long.</li><li>Track the days that I've stayed On Plan.</li><li>Add 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables into my daily menu.  This is up from August's goal of just 1 serving of fruit and vegetables per day.</li><li>Continue on with the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">New Rules of Lifting for Women</a>. </li><li>Continue reading <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">The Beck Diet Solution</a>.</li><li>Set a weekly goal for myself that I will determine on Monday's.  Thanks <a href="http://www.1year100pounds.com/">Ryan</a>!</li></ol>These goals are all similar to that of August with a few tweaks.  Since I had success with this in August, losing a total of 3.6 pounds, I want to keep setting attainable goals for September.  I am a lover of tea.  In case you haven't figured it out yet, my favorite tea variety is the chai.  I particularly like the spiced chai flavor.  Now, I frequent Starbucks a lot, and they serve a chai that is a liquid version.  I love this chai, but I don't love the 7 Points+ value for a venti skim.  While I can almost afford those Points+ now, I know I won't be able to as time goes on.  Still, I like the liquid chai for it's creaminess, a consistency I cannot seem to achieve using just half and half and chai tea bags.  Until now! Enter: Coffeehouse Chai Latte.  This is yet another recipe from <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20What%20You%20Love">Eat What You Love</a>.  I'm not sure how/why this tea tastes so great but perhaps you can figure it out by the ingredients: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <ul><li>1/2 c. fat free evaporated milk</li><li>1 1/2 c. water</li><li>3 packets of Sweet 'n Low</li><li>2 individual chai tea bags</li><li>1 tsp honey</li></ul><blockquote>Combine the evaporated milk, water and Sweet 'n Low packets together in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Stir frequently, so as not to scorch the milk.  As the liquid begins to simmer, add the tea bags and allow to steep for 3 minutes.  Remove pan from heat.  Remove tea bags from liquid.  Add the honey.  </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This is supposed to make 2 servings at 1 cup each.  This entire concoction makes just 1 for me :).  This delicious chai only costs me 4 Points+, as opposed to the 7 from the Starbucks version.  Winning! Do you have any beverages that you cannot go without on your weight loss journey?

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!! Oh hey - notice something a little different? :) While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't ex...

What's Wrong With My Bananas?

4:44 PM Tukiyooo 0

As part of the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/starting-weekend-off-right.html">Beck Challenge</a>, we were asked to pick a day where we have to skip lunch.  By doing this, it is to teach us that it is actually 'ok' to feel hungry.  Despite my popular beliefs, it won't hurt me (this is news to me!), I won't die from one skipped meal (are you sure about that Dr. Beck?), and eventually this hunger will go away (I don't believe this for a second!).  Today was the day where I skipped lunch.  However, I didn't exactly do everything as planned.  I skipped breakfast, though not on purpose.  I had 2 cups of tea this morning, which filled me up, and I got distracted while in a meeting.  Before I knew it it was 12 noon and time for lunch.  I really was super hungry by this time and I had a <a href="http://www.kashi.com/products/tlc_cereal_bars_cherry_vanilla">Kashi TLC Cherry Vanilla Cereal Bar</a> and an <a href="http://www.emeraldbreakfastonthego.com/">Emerald Breakfast On the Go Smores nut pack</a>.  That's all I had all day until 6 PM.  So, even though I didn't follow it exactly as planned, believe me, I still felt the sensation of hunger.  And while I was able to resist eating for the 'experiment', I never actually felt the hunger pains go away entirely.  I'm sure if this occurred on a more regular basis they may not be so intense, but my stomach was rumbling non stop. And still, even though I pre-prepared healthy dinners for most of the week on Sunday, none of it sounded appealing tonight.  And while I didn't really want Papa Johns when Joel suggested it, I did have the Points+ for 2 slices, thanks to skipping meals today.  I also knew I didn't want to sabotage an entire day's worth of hard work, plus our nice walk we did this evening by going overboard like I usually would.   But, I did great! For once, friends, I actually controlled my intake of take-out pizza!  I don't recall that ever happening ever before! Giving myself some credit Beck ;). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1VgIwhFSnH3qsWYcfkb_1WObYLLBAVIz9U-aDf2gXJJmQQMCW1kz9z521RaxMYa6gTMV22aun-UGmzRcR-Yh3cVBPKcEsi6n7X-MNQXEi2f6QDq1he2FbC1VEI0s8N8x5XhwUD9p1ns/s1600/bananas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1VgIwhFSnH3qsWYcfkb_1WObYLLBAVIz9U-aDf2gXJJmQQMCW1kz9z521RaxMYa6gTMV22aun-UGmzRcR-Yh3cVBPKcEsi6n7X-MNQXEi2f6QDq1he2FbC1VEI0s8N8x5XhwUD9p1ns/s400/bananas.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEd4P1xRkq-wpQWCJ3PKw0DB26IMW5ZsHUTxTvEJE7Rw2FzffLYMlYlQiJcO9fAccmLYO6iVlSjM8fZILWwUpUFXaqKOmHw4jNq5PkM2k_s1gDDa7V8cweUFRMFA-tREbLMid2mplnW4/s1600/bananas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>On another note, what is wrong with these bananas?  I've had them for almost 2 weeks now and they are still green!  Do you think they will they ever ripen?

The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Challenges What's Wrong With My Bananas?

As part of the Beck Challenge , we were asked to pick a day where we have to skip lunch. By doing this, it is to teach us that it is actual...

Official Weigh In & Week 2 Challenge Updates

4:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

This morning I weighed in at 255.8!  That means I officially met my <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/p/goals.html">first goal</a>!  I'm down a total of 8 lbs and today I picked up the <a href="http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/2EC398vHy15QEeuA2gp2AqlCpANwFMYL">Wii Just Dance 2 video game</a>.  I'm excited to include this into my weekly workout routine.  <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hkofferhouse.com/images/cover/other/Just%20Dance%202%20-%20U.S%20Ver%20%28Wii%29%20cover%20front%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.hkofferhouse.com/images/cover/other/Just%20Dance%202%20-%20U.S%20Ver%20%28Wii%29%20cover%20front%201.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hkofferhouse.com/items/wii/o0109-detail.htm">Source</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr> </tbody></table>I really hope that the weight is coming off mainly because of the consistent weight training I've been doing over the last 2 weeks now, and not due to <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/so-there-was-earthquake-today.html">this past week's events</a>.  Either way, a loss is a loss! :) <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/starting-weekend-off-right.html">To continue on with the Beck challenge</a> from Priorfatgirl, here are some additional things I've been working on: <ol><li>Find a diet coach.  This person will be our motivator and personal cheerleader during our weight loss journey.  They could be a therapist, spouse, family member, friend, anyone... just as long as you have someone to stay accountable to.  My diet coach is <a href="http://60lessat40.blogspot.com/">Leslie</a> - thank you again for volunteering to be my d.c.! :)</li> <li>Arrange your environment.  This includes ideas such as start eating your meals on smaller size plates to cleaning out your cabinets and pitching all junk food and trigger foods.  Be sure to make it known to people that you are on a healthiness journey so that hopefully they don't sabotage you in some way, and also try some creative problem solving - such as not allowing any candy in the house what so ever.  I've used the plate trick for years and I love it.  </li> <li>Create time and energy.  Make a schedule for yourself.  Schedule in time for yourself to get healthy, whether that means putting exercise on  your calendar or allotting time to meal plan or whatever it is you need to do to stay on track with your weight loss journey.  In other words, figure out your priorities and schedule those first, then put all the extraneous stuff in where it fits (if it fits!).  When I sat down to make my workweek schedule and weekend schedule, a feeling of relief came over me.  Finally, I can see in black/white what I should be doing and when.  I can see that I have plenty of time to get everything done that I want to achieve each day.  Having it written down really helped me organize my thoughts and relieved some stress to be honest.  Try it!</li> <li>Select an exercise plan.  MWF for me is the NROLW.  Tuesday is a gym visit.  Thursday is a Wii active game.  If I decide to go to the gym on Saturday as a bonus, I will.  Sunday's are always meant to be a day of rest :).</li> <li>Set a realistic goal.  Beck doesn't want us focusing on anything more than 5 lbs goals.  <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/p/goals.html">My goals page</a> has been updated to reflect my rewards for each goal.  I think this is a great idea, because originally I had been focusing on 10 lbs losses, and as you can see on the left, my weight loss hasn't exactly been moving along so drastically.  The 5 lbs goals seem much more attainable to me.</li> <li>Differentiate between Hunger, Desire and Cravings.  For one full day, keep track of how you feel before, during and after a meal.  On a scale of 0 - 10, where 0 is not hungry at all, and 10 is you're the hungriest you've ever been, rate yourself for one day.  I plan to try this out tomorrow.  This is by far the thing I struggle with the most - I often eat out of boredom!</li> </ol>The <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Rules%20of%20Lifting%20for%20Women">NROLW</a> is going great guys!  I haven't missed a workout yet and Joel is still participating as well.  In just the 2 short weeks I've been doing this, I've already seen true growth in my strength - in some cases I've already moved from 5 lbs weights to 15 lbs weights.   I'm definitely proud.  Soon, we'll be able to move back into the gym to start doing these workouts. I hope you all have a great and relaxing weekend!  To those of you on the east coast, I hope you and your families are able to stay safe during <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?5-daynl">Irene</a>! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/581574main_image_2043_946-710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/581574main_image_2043_946-710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_2043.html">Source</a>. I've heard Irene is the width of Maryland to St Louis, MO!</td></tr> </tbody></table>

Loss New Rules of Lifting for Women Success The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Weight Watchers Official Weigh In & Week 2 Challenge Updates

This morning I weighed in at 255.8! That means I officially met my first goal ! I'm down a total of 8 lbs and today I picked up the Wi...

Starting the Weekend Off Right!

6:21 PM Tukiyooo 0

You saw me <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/lets-say-it-all-together-folks.html">complaining on Thursday</a> about my gain at the Weight Watchers meeting on Wednesday evening.  Well, even though I don't count that weigh in as my official weigh in, it still hurt. Friday's are my official weigh in days.  They have been for years.  Yes, years.  I've been a WW member for years folks (even though I'm 27, I've been doing it off and on since high school!).  So today is Friday.  Today was my weigh in.  Today I lost 1 pound! I'm proud of myself for this.  Now, my scale is slightly different from that of the WW scale so it's not comparing apples to apples.  Still, I'm just happy to have a loss of a pound.  If all I ever drop is a pound a week for a year, then that's 52 pounds gone at the end of a year and I'd be VERY okay with that!  I also wanted to share some updates on the 2 challenges I'm doing with some lovely ladies over at the <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/">Priorfatgirl.com</a>. <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">The first challenge is the New Rules of Lifting for Women</a>.  I just started my first week on this challenge, and so far so good!  Even though I'm a member at Gold's, I wanted to do these workouts in the comfort of my living room before I take my inexperienced and insecure booty to the gym to do them in front of the Meat Heads.  Even though I'd have Joel by my side the whole time, and he says he even feels insecure, I'm just not ready yet.  But I will be soon!  Did I mention Joel is doing this with me?  That is one reason why I love Joel so much.  He's not afraid that this book is specifically titled "for Women".  After all, the author states that women are fully capable of lifting the same amount of weight as men do (or something to that effect).  We've done 2 workouts so far and have gotten great results.  Great = sore.  Sore = muscle building.  Muscle building = success.  Go us! The second challenge is the Beck Diet Solution.  This isn't actually a diet, it's simply a cognitive behavioral therapy book that helps you become aware of your behaviors with food.  Each day you are asked to focus on one behavioral aspect.  For example, so far this week we've been asked to do the following: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7s8LIffcI7E5GRmuIrsVoI0NFs_vn-a0M6yCmrFZZ43YQMTzVCiQSnzUf-_Ihcw9mg_rrvG_DncC7qpeNjVVApKQm0cots1pXw2ldfhyphenhyphenzYHo0B1UAP1ysiIgyZ2t0AP4JKI60T3ZgyU/s1600/blog%2521+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7s8LIffcI7E5GRmuIrsVoI0NFs_vn-a0M6yCmrFZZ43YQMTzVCiQSnzUf-_Ihcw9mg_rrvG_DncC7qpeNjVVApKQm0cots1pXw2ldfhyphenhyphenzYHo0B1UAP1ysiIgyZ2t0AP4JKI60T3ZgyU/s400/blog%2521+004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The supplies for the Beck challenge: post it's, 3x5 index cards, a notebook (not pictured) and the book itself.  Things not needed: the Halloween cat (also known as Charles).</td></tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote>1. Write down the advantages of losing weight.  This is clearly a subjective assignment.  What do you think are advantages for you for losing weight? 2. Pick 2 reasonable diets. I've struggled with identifying a second diet.  My first pick is Weight Watchers.  I'm struggling between simple calorie counting, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/biggest-loser-diet">the Biggest Loser diet</a>, or this one I've been reading about from Elle at the Priorfatgirl, call <a href="http://www.cynthiasass.com/the-cinch-book.html">the Cinch diet</a>.  Any ideas?  I'm a very picky eater so not a lot of eating plans work for me. 3. Eat sitting down.  Self explanatory.  The idea is that you're not shoving food in your mouth while you're making it.  Only enjoy eating the food when sitting down, which if you're sitting down it probably means the meal is ready to be eaten in its entirety, not just in bits and pieces while you're preparing it.  I actually don't struggle with this at all (unless I'm baking cookies!). 4. Give yourself credit.  Were you able to resist the offer of take out from your favorite Korean restaurant when your boyfriend texted you saying he could easily swing buy and bring that home for dinner?  Yes, I was!  Well, I'm just gonna go ahead and pat myself on the back then Miss Thang. 5. Eat slowly and mindfully.  If you're inhaling your food, chances are you're not really enjoying it and savoring the taste.  Not only that, but you may find yourself hungry an hour later because you practically swallowed that turkey breast roast whole in t-minus 5 minutes!  Try to have a sit down meal at your dinner table, without the TV on or without the computer sitting in front of you.  The gist is to minimize the distractions while eating.  Dr. Beck gives tips for those who have small children that need tending to during/after you as the parent have finished your meal. Again, not something I struggle with but it's still good to be mindful of it anyhow.</blockquote>I'm really enjoying both of these challenges so far.  If you are participating in either of these challenges, or have participated, how did they work for you? Best wishes to everyone for a lovely weekend! :)