CHALLENGE: 30 DAYS OF NO EATING OUT

Ok so I threw the idea of a 30 Day "no eating out" challenge out on my twitter feed yesterday and it raised alot of interest!  So I decided to go ahead and move forward with this.  To be honest I really wanted to do this for myself and the fact that others want to do it with me only makes it more awesome. Strength in numbers right?!

So lets get down to business! The challenge is "not eating out for 30 days". Please realize this challenge isn't about limiting your food choices or not eating the foods you love to eat. Its more about being more conscious and aware of what we are putting into our bodies. You don't have to cut out the things that you enjoy eating and I don't want you to.

I realize a lot of grey areas are involved with this challenge and I thought about it all last night and decided on this criteria.

The Guidelines:

• No eating at any restaurants. No fast food, no drive thru, no sit down places, and no take out.

• You must eat all of your meals from items you purchased from the grocery store. We will go ahead and say that anything you can buy at a grocery store is fair game. Use your judgment, if you cheat you're only cheating yourself :)

• Buying drinks from outside places is also acceptable. Example: Starbucks (Maybe I should do a 30 day no Starbucks challenge next time LOL)

• You don't have to eat your meals at home, they only need to be prepared at home. Feel free to take them with you and eat them anywhere you like.

• Exceptions will be made if you happen to go on vacation or a business trip during the challenge. I feel this is fair in order to open the challenge up to more people.

• The challenge will start on October 1st & end on October 30th. 

• OPTIONAL: Every friday of the challenge email me a picture of one of your meals. It can be any meal of the day. I will post this picture on my blog. 

• OPTIONAL: Track all of your spending on food items for the 30 days. Then after the challenge is over track your spending on food for an additional 30 days and see how they compare. I personally will be doing this.

ARE YOU READY TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE ???

If so please email me at sweating_it_off@hotmail.com with your name (only need your first name) and twitter handle (if you have one). I will add you to my email list and twitter list. 

**During all my challenges I usually send out daily or almost daily emails with an inspirational quote to everyone. But don't worry I BCC everyone so that your email address remains private. If you do not want to receive my daily emails then please say so in the email you send me to sign up for the challenge**

GOOD LUCK!!

Mel's Success Story

I had the pleasure of meeting Mel (@GeminiMel02) through twitter and she has been gracious enough to share her story with me and all of you. I think alot of us can relate to what Mel has been through. She truly proves that anyone and everyone can do this, its all up to YOU!


Success stories like this keep me going, they keep me fighting! I hope you enjoy Mel's story.

When I first started out on this journey, my goal was simply to lose weight by any means necessary to be like everyone else. Any diet you can think of, I’ve probably tried. I’ve been on and off diets for as long as I can remember, going back to the age of eight. And, no matter what, as my age increased, so did the number on the scale. I played basketball throughout practically my entire scholastic career - until college that is. And, though I’d always been pretty significantly overweight, it was in college where I “blossomed” into the obese category. Without basketball, my daily activity consisted of walking to and from the dorms, my classes, and the dining hall. We ordered pizzas at 11 at night at least three times a week. My freshman 15 turned into the sophomore 20, the junior 50… I think you get where this is headed by now. The bigger I got, the more I ate, and the more I wanted to be small. Somewhere down the lines, I was obviously quite confused. I would get so upset over being overweight that I’d say forget it all and overeat. Add in a few very conflicted relationships and this was the exact recipe for disaster.

One morning in November of 2008, I woke up to my own loud snoring and made the decision that enough was enough and it was time to end my life as it currently existed. I began each morning by waking up at 5am, heading to the gym and walking on the treadmill for an hour. Within two weeks I was walking for two hours. It was as simple as just taking that first step and believing that 1) weight loss is something possible for someone who isn’t on TV and doesn’t have an unlimited supply of finances and 2) I was more than worth the change.

After I started walking, the weight began to drop off – talk about encouragement and motivation. Then I decided to do a complete revamp of my diet. I cut out fast food, soda and even juice. I cut back significantly on salt and sugar and even just my overall unnecessary intake of processed foods. Later on down the line, I fell madly in love with Crossfit (shout out to the team at crossfitoakland.com), a combination of strength and cardiovascular training using Olympic lifts and calisthenics amongst other unconventional things and ideas.

The more weight I seemed to lose, the happier I got and the harder it became to continue losing this weight. By February of 2010, I’d lost 83lbs. There would be weeks my weight would fluctuate a few pounds and it seemed like I’d be stuck at that point forever. I even felt as though I looked exactly the same – as though I still hadn’t lost a substantial enough amount of weight. I was still stuck seeing myself as who I used to be that I couldn’t even see who I had become. I looked to others who were going through similar struggles for suggestions on how to overcome the plateau and barrier. I took another good look at my diet, bought a heart rate monitor and started pushing myself to new levels.

As of September 2010, I have lost 105lbs. The most amazing moment of my journey was going into a normal department store and being able to buy a pair of jeans and a shirt - something I am sure many people have taken for granted. And, I’m sure to many it doesn’t really seem like that big of a deal. But, when you’re used to shopping in Big and Tall and having to order all of your clothing online at twice the price, it’s pretty huge. 

Ultimately, what I have found to be the most inspirational and poignant part of my journey are all of the people that I have met and the lives that I have touched and changed forever. I have inspired coworkers, friends, family, associates and even acquaintances with one simple phrase, “I thought it was impossible…it isn’t.” I still have another 40 lbs to go but, I’m sure I’ll be at the finish line in no time. My weight is no longer my barrier. Now, this 10k I’m preparing to do, that’s another story.

I could go on for days about how important fitness is. I could also say that losing weight is as easy as calories in and calories out. But, I won’t. The most important thing I’ve learned is that until I dealt with all my emotional issues and I was truly ready to make a change, change was impossible. No matter what anyone has told you and no matter what you’ve even told your self, change is possible and there for the taking if you really want it. Despite what I thought (and I’m sure many others have thought) it was never my size, my weight, my parents, fast food, or even my parents getting in my way to success. The power for change was always mine – I just had to make the decision on what to do with it.

Change your thinking and you will change your life – I’m living proof.

BEFORE & AFTER! 

"What's said on the run, stays on the run"

I have always wanted to be a runner. I never really knew much about it but in the back of my mind I knew that it was something I always wanted to pursue.

So a few weeks ago I reached out to my friend Jennifer, who is a runner, to ask her if she was interested in writing a guest post on my blog about running and I am VERY happy to say she was. Honestly I think what she has written is amazing and inspiring. You see for a guy my size running has always seemed to be out of touch, it just did not seem like an option. I tried it before and it just didn't work. Jennifer has inspired me to give it another shot, this time I have a new perspective on it and I am ready to see where it leads me.

Thank you for answering my questions and writing this Jennifer !

I encourage everyone to read her post below!

You can also reach Jennifer on Twitter at @JenZenator

And you can follow her blog at http://jenzenator.blogspot.com/

1. When and why did you start running?

I'm actually a late in life runner.  I didn't start running until my 30s. I was never "athletic" in high school and in fact didn't really participate in sports due to my lack of confidence in myself.  I started to learn to work out in college through some great friends and out of necessity - the dreaded Freshman 15 (OK - so it was 20, but who's keeping track!).  But even then my cardio was pretty limited to the elliptical machine.  I felt comfortable on that. I didn't branch out into running until after a tough break-up.  I needed to try something new and was tired of being afraid of the treadmill.  So, I started slowly jogging on it.  I could barely do one mile.  But I would run as long as I could and then take a walk-break. One mile slowly turned into two miles and two miles slowly turned into three.  I was ecstatic when I was able to complete three miles without stopping! ME? The spazzy, non-coordinated girl just ran three miles straight? 

Then I started blogging about running and met some fantastic girls online through blogs.  They wanted to all meet up at a race. The Chicago half marathon was the race of choice since it was pretty central to all of us and in a great city.  I was Scared. To. Death.  I had never run a race before - not even a 5k. How was I going to do a half marathon as my first race?? I picked a great beginner's half marathon training plan through www.halhigdon.com and stuck to it. We supported each other through our blogs and emails. With their encouragement I got through my first 6 miler, 8 miler and 10 miler. Race day came and my stomach was in knots.  The furthest I had run was 10 miles.  Could I make it through 13.1? One of the girls in our group was luckily the same pace.  We ran the whole race together and encouraged and pushed each other through to the finish. I could not believe I had just run a half marathon! And I LOVED it! At that point I was hooked.

Running has been a part of my life ever since.  I'm now training for my second full marathon in October and about to run my 11th half marathon this month. I have suffered surges and injury set-backs but keep coming back to it for more punishment.

2. what do you enjoy the most and dislike the most about it?

I enjoy the simplicity of running. It doesn't take a lot of expensive gear or crazy gadgets.  You put on your shoes, your running clothes, walk out the door and just go.  It's as easy as that.  You can run as long/short or as fast/slow as you want. And running is something you can do anywhere.  Whether you are at home or on travel you can always find a place to run or you can at least find a treadmill if the weather is bad.

I also love the sense of self accomplishment it gives me.  After a good, long, hard run I feel so great about myself.  I look back and think, "I did that."  I often marvel at how much my body can do and how far you can push it.  I have more respect for my body because of running. I listen to it more and take much better care of it. It's the machine that keeps me going.

Running is also very therapeutic for me. After a hard day or stressful week, nothing feels better than to just head out the door and run it out.  "Running is cheaper than therapy", (I stole that from onemoremile.com) but it's so true.  I've had some of my best crying and anger sessions while on the run.  Running just puts life into perspective and often gives me clarity. When you are pushing through the pain -  marveling at what your body can do - and God blesses you with a beautiful sunset or cool, autumn breeze to accompany you on the run, you just have to stop and marvel at his Grace. Dwelling on how mean your boss was to you today just becomes inconsequential.

What do I dislike most about running?  It hurts.  It's hard.  It's stinky.  And you sweat....a lot.  Running is not easy.  It's work.  But I guess that's why you get the most rewards out of it.

3. how has running affected your life?

I have so much more self-confidence from running. This all goes back to the sense of accomplishment I mentioned earlier.  When you set out for a goal (like running for 30 minutes without stopping) and achieve it, you can't help but marvel a bit at yourself.  It has also taught me the value of hard work, preparedness and determination.  You cannot run a race without preparing for it, and that preparation takes hard work and determination.

Running has also really allowed me to meet some amazing people.  Running is actually quite social.  There are running groups everywhere.  Runners are so welcoming and accepting of all people, shapes, ages, sizes and speeds.  Never be afraid that you're too slow.  Everyone had to start somewhere and all of us runners remember that time.  If you are a beginner they are so encouraging and great to give you advice. I have managed to make some great, lasting friendships through running.  I have to laugh because running can be quite the buffer.  When you're out on a long run with other runners, you start to talk, and talk, and talk. Before long you're telling these other runners the most intimate details of your life and they are reciprocating. We have a saying, "What's said on the run, stays on the run".  It's kind of our "safe zone" to talk about anything and everything.

4. what advice would you give to  people who would like get into running?

I LOVE seeing new runners and someone who's interested in getting started.  Here goes:

• INVEST IN A GOOD PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES - and get properly fitted.  Find a local running store where they will measure your foot, watch your stride and even look at your foot shape to see what kind of supportive shoe you need to be in.  Shoes are about the most expensive thing in running, but they also make a huge difference.  It also took me going through about three pairs before I found the brand and shoe that I liked and that worked for me.  This may be some trial and error but the right shoe makes all the difference.  You will also need to replace the shoes approximately every 300 miles.  I can start to feel some soreness in my joints and shins when my shoes start to go.  That usually coincides with about 300 miles for me.
• START SLOW. Most beginning runners start out way too fast, burn out quick and then get frustrated or even worse, injured.  This is not an all or nothing sport unless you're planning on doing a bunch of sprint distances (which make me vomit). Just start slow and set a goal for yourself.  Try and run 5 minutes without stopping.  The next week go for 10 minutes.  You will be surprised at how quickly your body will adapt.  The speed will come. Also slowly add distance.  Don't try and do too much too soon.  Most running experts say don't add more than 10% total distance each week.  If you ran 12 miles total last week, only add one or two more the next week and so on.
• WALK.  Yup...I said walk.  You are no less of a runner if you take walk breaks.  The run/walk method is a great way to start training for any distance and I know several super speedy runners who still use this method.  You can read more about it on www.jeffgalloway.com.  I'm a huge fan of run/walk.  I still use it on some of my super long runs. Start with run one minute - walk one minute and slowly ramp it up to where you're running longer than you're walking.
• FUEL YOUR BODY. Your body is a machine and it needs maintenance and fuel to run properly.  Most of my crappy runs I have been able to attribute to poor fueling and hydration.  I either didn't eat/drink enough or ate/drank the wrong things.  The stomach game is tough for runners.  You have to trial and error and find what works for you.  I eat a small 100 calorie snack 15 minutes before a run.  I'm a big fan of the small Lara bars.  I then re-fuel with another 100 calorie snack every 45 minutes (Gu, Honey Stingers, Shot Blocks, etc.) I also stay away from heavy, greasy, fatty meals the day before and day of a run.  I made the mistake of eating Chinese food take-out the night before a long run.  The only running I was doing was to the bathroom.  Hydration is SUPER important too. You should drink water before, during (if a relatively long run) and after a run. Try and hydrate where your urine is relatively clear.  When it comes to pee, yellow may be mellow but clear keeps in you in gear. 
• SIGN UP FOR A LOCAL RACE.  Find a local 5K fun run and commit to it.  Pay for it.  Tell people you are running it.  Shout it at your neighbors and people in the grocery store (as long as your neighbors aren't the gun-toting kind).  Signing up for a race and committing to it makes it all more real and helps keep you on track with your training.  The fear of flopping on your face at a race is a real motivator. ;)
• KEEP A RUNNING LOG. This is a real motivator and lets me see how far I've come.  Log your distance, time, weather, what you ate/drank, and how the run felt.  This will help you keep track of what works and what doesn't on your runs.  www.dailymile.com has a really good work-out log that lets you track all of this online and share with other folks who are crazy runners like you.
• GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Consistently try and push yourself. When you get comfortable, try and run a little harder or faster. Also try something new.  Find and explore a new running route.  If you train on the treadmill mostly, take it outside.  Find a running group and meet up with them.  Sign up for a new race distance.  Mix it up.  This will keep you motivated and excited about running.
• THERE WILL BE GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS.  There will be days when you are giving it everything you have but your body is just not cooperating.  Just listen to your body.  Take a rest day.  Try again the next day.  Usually for every bad run, I have followed up a day or two later with a great run.
• HAVE FUN! This is most important.  Just get out there and have fun with it! I usually take about one run day a week and just go run.  No pace watch, no gear, no worries about time or distance - just me and the pavement.  This usually reminds me of why I love to run.

The Runner's World has a great website and wealth of running information, great forums and a good beginner section. http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/beginners/big-beginner-index/1461.html  Twitter is a super way to hook up with other runners too (I'm @JenZenator).  There are a ton of us on there, all ready to encourage you every step of the way.  Also your local running store will be full of people who are passionate about the sport and can give you advise and help.

Best of luck and happy running!