30 March, 2011

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E13

Instead of writing a recap of the entire show, I've decided to post a few of quotes from the live tweeting of last night. I'll throw in a few quotes from others I found humorous, as well as my own. What were your thoughts?






@TheBLblog Is it bad that I don't want them to beat Kaylee's percentage? I'm a #BL11 cast snob. No one else can join the club.

@BL11Hannah When @Ali_Sweeney is in the middle of nowhere wearing a hat...you know its challenge time! #BL11

@TheNetConnector - @Jeffrey__Scott: Me too! @FosterFitness Oh, the challenge is over? I was still singing Willy Wonka. #BL11 Oompa Loompa doom-pa-dee-do...

Yea, really needed that spa treatment, didn't they? #BL11

I would have brought my trainer, but I still get the point of Red Team. And so true. They SHOULD know how to do this on their own. But can they? #BL11

Cut to picture of Brett crying alone in a corner, with no one to train. #BL11

@stacigway Commercial break...time for some Cocoa Krispi...er, I mean Multigrain cheerios. #bl11

I've decided I'm going to start using the hashtag #chipgate for Rulon from now on. #BL11 Thanks for the idea @KatMoulton

Gee, who could be caught cheating on their diet? I've got no idea! *cough* Rulon *cough* #BL11 #chipgate

I think @Ali_Sweeney should have made them all hop during the challenge. #BL11

@bridgetrcook That was so nice of Trainer Bob to come straight to the gym from his paper route. #bl11

What? Not going to tell us what happened the first hour and a half? #BL11

And #chipgate cometh! #BL11

True enough @TheNetConnector Ok we got it ....Go see HOP this weekend...Enough already... #BL11

Woah! I never thought @BL11Hannah was going to spearhead the #Chipgate #BL11

Don't want to be the one to send the Olympic home? Why the heck not? #BL11

@garthygurl #BL11 Seems to me @Ali_Sweeney is getting a bit tired of all the gameplay

#BL11 We don't need our trainer! We don't need our trainer! We don't need our trainer! Who was saying that earlier? Someone remind me.

@FosterFitness This is the best ad for my career ever. #BL11

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

29 March, 2011

S11E13 - Chipgate


Original Air Date: 03/29/11


Alison begins the show with a video of when they contestants first arrived at the Biggest Loser ranch. But initially there was a white team who didn't make it onto the show so they will now be given a chance to join the game. If they can beat the lowest percentage of weight lost (held by Kaylee) they will be welcomed to the show. In an anti-climatic moment, neither member of the white team makes it and they leave for good.

Moving quickly to a pop challenge, the teams must balance two balls on a board as they walk towards a basket where they must then drop the balls. The first team to accomplish this wins a minute advantage in the next challenge and the losing team will be sent off-campus. Green team finishes first with the black team right behind. Red team is the last to come in and must leave the ranch for a week, but they are given a $1,000 allowance to spend on a specific shopping list of essentials they can purchase. They use the money to purchase time at a local gym, but opt out of bringing Brett along in favor of a night out and spa treatments. Later, they have to break the news to Brett he's not training them this week. He's not very happy and Courtney and Jennifer wonder if they made the right decision.

The red team rejoins everyone during the Easter themed challenge. Each team must find a set number of dyed eggs. First team to do so wins a special screening of the movie, "Hop". In addition to the eggs on the field is one golden egg. Olivia finds the golden egg and her prize is having the sole vote at the elimination for the evening. Olivia scoffs that it's more a punishment than a reward.

With Hannah being on the black team, Jillian realizes she'll be safe at the vote so she decides to focus her attention on Rulon who is lately losing his motivation.

At the weight in: Kaylee shocks everyone by losing five pounds, it seems shes ready to stay on the ranch and fight for her weight loss. The next shock of the night is when Rulon admits to eating chips in his room at night and making other bad decisions. Things look bad for the black team when the red team only needs to have lost five pounds to remain safe. The final shock of the evening happens when the red team loses a combined weight of only two pounds. Those two pounds came solely from Courtney, meaning Jenn has lost nothing this week and becomes the next victim at the elimination.

24 March, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Zeal

You might think zeal is related to motivation, and to some degree you might be right. But ultimately, zeal isn't something you should have to work on. If you don't have motivation, you need to inspire yourself. But the only reason you'd do such a think is because you naturally have the zeal to want to keep yourself motivated and fit. Does that mean an article on zeal is a waste of time then? Not necessarily. Even if you don't have the zeal to keep fit, you can still be told you need to be healthier by a Doctor, or just naturally decide for yourself it's something you need to do. So then how do you use your zeal? Everyone is zealous for something. Find what that is for you and use it to your advantage.

Tips: What are you zealous for? Even if losing weight is not at the top of your list, perhaps it's looking or feeling better. If that's the case, use that to find the motivation inside yourself to want to take on the task. Additionally, find a fruit you might be more zealous towards eating as a snack, find a fitness routine or exercise you are more zealous for and work on that.

Remember: A person doesn't have to be zealous about only one thing. If several things will help motive or inspire you, and you are zealous for them, use them! Don't think you have to be painted into a corner once you choose one thing you want to work on, or have the zealousness for. Also, just because you are not naturally zealous for something, doesn't mean over time you won't become so.

Goal: Find what you are zealous for in your fitness routine and work on it this week. Do you enjoy cardio, or strength training? Focus on that this week, especially to work towards a new goal you have never accomplished or thought you never could before. When you concentrate on what you are naturally more prone to, you'll be far more successful.

Last Weeks Goal: How did everyone do on last weeks goal? I did a lot of substitution this week, usually trading out candy from the company candy jar for a banana or another piece of fruit. I've always been a big yogurt person but have never tried a Greek Yogurt, so took this opportunity to pick one up from the store. So what did you do for healthier snacking this week?

What fitness words starting with the letter "Z" inspire you?

22 March, 2011

S11E12 - The Campus Is Not A Prison

Original Air Date: 03/22/11
This week the blue team is split into four groups of three. Brett's red team consists of Justin, Jennifer & Courtney. Bob's blue team is Moses, Irene and Olivia. Cara's team is green and has Austin, Ken and Kaylee. Finally Jillian will be working with Rulon and Hanna on the black team. Because Jillian has only two people on her team, one previous eliminated contestant will be coming back and Rulon and Hanna get to decide who it's going to be.

Bob takes his team to 'Crunch' for their work out while Jillian invites her team to her beach house for relaxation, and of course a beach work out. Brett takes his team for a hike while Cara and her team are boxing.

At the next challenge, it's revealed Jay is back on the black team. For the challenge, they winning team receives a video call from home. All they have to do is simply hold on to weight equivalent to what they have lost. Red team wins, but opts to pass the prize over to the blue team.

Kaylee earlier tells Cara she thinks she's ready to go home and at the weigh in shocks everyone when she loses no weight. But she's visibly upset when her team loses enough to earn immunity. Alison reminds everyone the campus is not a prison and if the contestants want to leave at any time they are welcome to do so. Kaylee halfheartedly decides to remain on the campus. The red team falls below the yellow line and with Jennifer being the biggest loser of the team, it's either Justin or Courtney to leave. Justin petitions to save Courtney and the rest of the teams comply.

18 March, 2011

Fitness Product Review - 2

Fiber One Bar

I've actually tried several varieties of the Fiber One bars. I've always been impressed with the quality as well as the variety of choices available. Whether you are a chocolate, caramel or peanut butter fan you'll likely find something you'd be willing to try. The price has always been fairly reasonable and I'm always finding great deals on these products. Do yourself a favor and give one a try.

As a personal preference, I'm partial to the Oats & Peanut Butter. It's a great mid-morning or late afternoon snack. The mocha variety is also excellent.

Statistics:
Fiber One Oats & Peanut Butter
Calories: 150
Fat: 4.5
Carbs 28
Dietary Fiber 9

Rating ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ -

Do you have a product you'd like me to review? Send me a note, leave a comment or call my blog phone.

17 March, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Yogurt

Okay, yogurt itself is not the best fitness advice I have for you this week. Essentially it's pointing to eating healthier items, as opposed to regular snacks you usually grab, i.e. Candy Bars, Chips or Cookies. One package of Reese's Peanut Butter cups has 260 calories and 15g of fat. 4 Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies have 160 calories and 8g of fat (and really, who can only eat 4 thin mints)? A 1 oz. serving of Doritos chips has 140 calories and 7g of fat. Now compare that with a Yoplait yogurt which has 80 calories and 0g of fat. Now compare this type of snacking once a week and you can see how the added calories and fat in the other snack foods really add up.

Tips: Don't kid yourself into thinking you need to stick with a simple vanilla flavor. There are many brands, all offering various flavors. Many of these are also fat free and very low in calories. Weight Watchers has many great flavors from Strawberry to Amaretto Cheesecake, all very tasty and in the 100 calorie range. Look around and find a variety you enjoy.

Remember: Obviously yogurt is not the be all and end all of healthy snacking. If you are not a yogurt person, there are many things you can find to substitute for cookies and chips. Perhaps you enjoy cottage cheese? There are a few great tasting varieties, some even including fruit. Which reminds me, fruit is the most natural snack to turn to instead of anything else. But if you are going to pick up yogurt, keep away from the varieties which include cookies pieces and candy for mixing in. Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of altering your snacks?

Goal: Replace some of your unhealthier snacking this week with something healthier, like yogurt. If you are already doing this, I want you to try new varieties or flavors and find a new favorite. And of course, report back and share your experiences.

Last Weeks Goal: The last goal was to find 10 minutes of exercise time a day. How did you do? Were you able to fit in time at the gym or walking in the neighborhood? Did you do anything different or unusual? Feel free to share. I like to try and do a few minutes on the Wii fit in the morning and a bit of walking on my lunch break at work.

What fitness words starting with the letter "Y" inspire you?

15 March, 2011

S11E11 - Stone Soup

Original Air Date: 03/15/11
The red and black teams are done away with. All contestants will now be part of a large blue team. In addition to the change, Alison informs the group if they can match last weeks weigh in, they will all have immunity.

During the week, the contestants have several guests. First is Dr. Huizenga who has good news for the contestants. After he is finished with the contestants, there is a pop challenge involving Curtis Stone and Lorena Garcia. The blue team is broken into teams of two. The goal will be to cook the healthiest and tastiest dish. Winner will receive the Biggest Loser meal plan for home use. Hannah admits a crush she has on Curtis stone, but it's her sister Olivia and Moses who win.

During the workouts, Bob & Jillian work with the guys and Cara & Brett work with the girls. With a target to shoot for, all the contestants work together to try and match last weeks weight loss. The contestants need to lose an average of 5 pounds each, but Marci doesn't lose any weight and Kaylee gains two pounds. Once again Marci offers herself up, this time to save Kaylee

08 March, 2011

S11E10 - Here's Mud In Your Eye

Original Air Date: 03/08/11
Things are shaken up when each team must choose a captain. Marci and Justin are chosen for black and red teams. The captains will be responsible for making a few decisions without consulting the rest of the team. One person from each team must be chosen to do all the cooking for the week and only two people can be chosen to work with the trainers. Marci chooses Olivia to do the cooking and Hanna and Sarah to work with the trainers. Justin has decided on Ken and Kaylee to work with the trainers, and Ken to do the cooking for the team.

For the challenge of the week, the players must run a muddy obstacle course. Winning means splitting a $6,000 cash prize. Despite red teams past record, the black team wins the challenge.

Despite having lost the challenge, Justin is positive they will win the weigh in. He starts the team off by losing eight pounds for the week, and the team has a 2.61% loss for the week. But Marci is just as confident her team will win this week. She starts her team off by losing five pounds. After Hanna and Olivia weigh in with only two pounds, things don't look good for the black team. Jen needs to have lost more than 14 pounds, but only loses one. The black team loses only a 1.76% and Jennifer begins to cry. More tears come when she is voted out.

02 March, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Xercise

Okay, perhaps it's a bit of a stretch to say exercise begins with an X, but it doesn't mean it's any less important. Even when watching what we are eating, exercise is another aspect we need to concentrate on. It helps to keep the body as well as the mind fit. The better our body, the better our mind. The better our mind, the easier our fitness goals will become. When is the last time you got home from the gym and craved a carton of ice cream? Honestly, I don't think I've ever had that happen. I'm likely to be more aware of what I'm eating, and striving for it to benefit my body.

Tips: Be sure to plan a schedule for working out. Don't hope you'll find time in the day because something will always come up. Schedule a set amount of time at the beginning of the day or towards the evening. If you have a gym membership, plan specific day(s) for when you'll go. Sometimes things come up, but unless it's an emergency, don't let that stop you. IF you fall into that rut, you'll start canceling your appointments at the drop of a hat. Well, at least dropping your hat and picking it back up could be considered exercise, just as long as you do it 100 times per session.

Remember: Exercise doesn't mean you have to buy a gym membership, buy expensive running shoes or knock yourself out for hours every day. Keep things simple, enough so you can handle whatever your goals might be. In lieu of a gym membership, try running in your neighborhood. Can you invest in home fitness equipment? You don't have to buy the latest and greatest, look around and see what deals you can find. Let other people buy the latest and greatest, they'll likely sell their old equipment at a fraction of the price. I know, I recently purchased a home exercise bike for $25. Don't forget to keep the time you exercise to an amount that's comfortable to you, but make sure you do it!

Goal: Can you find 10 minutes a day to exercise? If you find it difficult to squeeze time in for running or heading to the gym, can you find at least 10 minutes?

Last Weeks Goal: How did you do drinking the water this past week? Did you enjoy it? Did you find out it wasn't so hard? How about cutting back on soda. Were you able to do that, even a little? Keep up the good work!

What fitness words starting with the letter "X" inspire you?

01 March, 2011

S11E09 - With Friends Like These...

Original Air Date: 03/01/11
Once the elimination from the previous week is over, Alison informs all teams they are going home for two weeks. While at home, Arthur is reunited with his father who discusses his past mistakes. Meanwhile Austin goes bowling with some friends who celebrate his birthday with a cheesecake. Despite their peer pressure, he resolves to pass on the cheesecake.

While home, the contestants were supposed to be training for a 5K. When they finally get back to the ranch, that's exactly what happens. But instead of working in teams as they did the first week, they will all be running the 5K as individuals.

The prize remains the same, those who finish first, get to choose which trainer they want. Although most of the contestants stick with their original trainer, Sara switches things up and chooses Bob & Jillian, forcing Arthur (having come in last) to switch over to Brett and Cara as trainers.

During the course of the two weeks, Arthur lost only 16 pounds which shocks many and draws many emotions. Most vocal is Bob who pleads with the red team to keep Arthur. Despite the pleas, Arthur is the next eliminated.

24 February, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Water

One of the most important things we can do for our body is make sure it gets the proper amount of water. Of course, that's not likely a news flash to anyone. But sometimes people forget how important it can really be, especially when working out. The more we work out, the more we sweat, the more we dehydrate ourselves. We really don't want to dehydrate ourselves, it can lead to serious affects to the body including fatigue, cramps, headaches and even nausea. As you can see, a lack of water can be detrimental to our health, and thus our fitness.

Tips: Do you find drinking water to be bland? Try to zip it up with a twist of lemon or lime. Nicely chilled water can also be more palatable. Do you drink bottled water? It can be a fast and convenient way to enjoy your water. There are many low calorie water mix-ins to flavor your water.

Remember: As you work out, keep water close at hand. You'll need to continually replenish your water as you work out. Do you drink a lot of coffee in the morning? Keep in mind, coffee can be a dehydrator so you might want to drink more water to compensate. Be alert to the signs of dehydration, and if you feel a headache or other symptom, rest for a bit, and have a drink of water.

Goal: Do you drink soda? My challenge this week is to cut out soda and replace it with water. Even if you drink diet soda, there's really no benefit to it. So why not switch to water this week? You might find you'll start craving it more than soda. Trust me, it's been 14 months now since I've given up soda.

Last Weeks Goal: What vegetables did you try this week? Were you able to incorporate more vegetables into your snacking? How about making a simple substitute like instead of chips, eat carrots? Just a little change make all the difference.

What fitness words starting with the letter "W" inspire you?

22 February, 2011

S11E08 - We've Got Big Balls

Original Air Date: 02/22/11
Once the elimination from last week is finished, the black team is asked into the room. Alison informs everyone two people will be eliminated this week. One from the team with the lowest percentage and one person under a new red line. This person will automatically be eliminated.

Cara and Brett get to work right away, taking the red team to an Olympian gym. Cara has a surprise for Rulon when she brings out his former trainer. This is one of many times we learn Rulon is a former Olympian.

At the weekly challenge, both teams must knock giant inflatable balls from one end of a football field to the other using boxing gloves and without letting the ball fall to the ground. Winning team gets a three pound advantage. Once again, the red team easily beats the black team.

At a discussion later, Marci and Deni tell the black team to eliminate one of them if their team needs to. They ask to save their daughters from elimination. Jesse thinks they need to concentrate more on weight loss than already deciding who's going home. Deni is upset when Jesse doesn't quickly volunteer to offer himself up if Arther is in trouble.

At the weigh in: Red team has a 2.12% weight loss percentage, but Jennifer gains two pounds and realizes she's likely going home. However, on the black team all parents have thrown the weigh in to protect their children. Marci gains a pound, Jesse gains three pounds and Deni gains eight pounds, automatically eliminating her. Because of all the gain, the black team loses the weigh in, saving Jennifer another week. Jesse is the other parent who's eliminated.

20 February, 2011

Fitness Product Review - 1



For my first product review I decided to try Weight Watchers 'Smart Ones Home Style Beef Pot Roast' In general I enjoy most of the Smart Ones products but in this case I really didn't. For the price one pays for a Weight Watcher meal (and because of the price I don't very often) I expect quality food. The 'beef' in the Pot Roast tastes like horse meat (not that I know what that really tastes like), but the point should be taken. It was tough, and grisly. I know this isn't a special exception because I've tried it once before and thought I'd give it another chance. With other comparable meals available, and usually tastier, I felt let down in this instance.

As a personal preference, I think the gravy is good, but the amount of onions inside is ridiculous. Truly, I'm not an onion person, so if you like onions you may enjoy the meal.

Rating ♥ ♥ - - -

Next week: Fiber One

Do you have a product you'd like me to review? Send me a note, leave a comment or call my blog phone.

16 February, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Vegetables

One of the best foods provided for us in this world is the vegetable. Whether using for cooking or snacking, there is an abundance to choose from. Think of all the vegetables ready for snacking; carrots, celery, radishes, cucumbers or vegetables handy for cooking with, peppers, asparagus, and who doesn't love onions? (Well I don't, but that's another story). Incorporating vegetables into your daily life will not only 'flesh out' most of your meals, but you'll find yourself feeling better (and better about yourself). The added benefit of vegetables is the more we eat, the fuller we feel, thus less likely to consider eating other foods, especially junk foods.

Tips: Use colorful vegetables in your cooking like peppers, they really enhance the flavor and are appealing to the eye. Also, if you find someone who doesn't like peppers, they are easy to pick out. Go online and look for recipes for vegetables. You'll be surprised with the results and might just find your next best dish.

Remember: Out of sight, means out of mind. If you buy vegetables for snacking, don't put them in the bottom of the fridge in the crisper straight away. Cut some up and have them handy and ready to eat. Also, keep in mind some vegetables like potatoes or corn should be avoided because of the starchy nature, and are higher in calories.

Goal: Use a vegetable you've not cooked with before and try using it. Or set up vegetables as a means of snacking this week. Baby carrots are tasty and so convenient. Slice up a cucumber and eat the slices instead of potato chips. Broccoli and Cauliflower are also great for mindless snacking.

Last Weeks Goal: Did you grow in an understanding of anything new this past week? What was the research you did? What did you find? Share your thoughts here to help encourage others.

What fitness words starting with the letter "V" inspire you?

15 February, 2011

S11E07 - A Little Tied Up At The Moment

Original Air Date: 02/15/11

The episode begins with a cheerful and smiling Alison Sweeney, a sure sign a pop challenge is about to take place. In this challenge each team is tied to an enormous rope, which ever team is able to untie themselves will have the only access to the gym for the week. Once again, the red team beats the black team who is very discouraged. Bob tells the team they don't do well because they don't work well together. Hannah chastises the team also which is not taken well by the rest of the team.

On the red team, Cara notices Rulon is not putting his all into his workouts. When she confronts him, he tells Cara he will do better. But perhaps it's said to just shut her up? We'll see why I say this in a future episode.

While working out in the pool, Jennifer and Justin have a competition to see who can swim the length of the pool the quickest. The winner will be served breakfast in bed by the loser. Justin prevails and is brought a Subway breakfast sandwich the following morning.

Later, the teams are challenged with moving a 24 ton train 8000 feet. To make this even more difficult, they will be asked trivia questions. If you give the wrong answer, time will be added to your total time. Winners decide who sits out on the opposing team during the weigh-in. Once again, the red team prevails in the challenges. The red team opts to sit Irene out instead of Arthur.

At the weigh in: The red team has a total weight loss of 2.68%, but Arthur from the black team has a weight loss of 20 pounds, which helps them beat the red team. At the elimination, red team votes out Jay.


This blog entry was NOT brought to you today by Subway.
But it's still a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Also check them out on Twitter for latest updates. - @subwayfreshbuzz

08 February, 2011

S11E06 - The Land of Chocolate

Original Air Date: 02/08/11
The couples are merged into two separate groups, with the 'unknowns' (Cara & Brett) wearing red and Bob & Jillian's couples donning black. No sooner do they change into their new team colors, they are presented with a temptation challenge. They are led to a room filled with chocolates and told whoever eats the most, will have the power to swap two individuals. When the dust settles, Sarah & Deni are swapped out for Jay and Jennifer, who are hurt and feel it's a strategic move to eliminate them. None of the trainers are happy with the switch and it's found out Arthur was the one who essentially sabotaged both groups.

During the workouts, both the Black and Red teams have access to the gym. No one is happy with sharing.

For the weekly challenge, the teams are given obstacles to overcome involving strength, speed, agility, endurance and knowledge; the winners receive videos from home. The black team starts off great and finishes well before the red team. They all enjoy their videos, but Deni cries as she watches footage from her daughters wedding, which she had to miss to make it on the Biggest Loser.

At the weigh in: Jennifer and Jay show the red team they are an asset by losing 17 and 14 pounds. But Q loses only 7. In the end, the red team lose a 3.43% percentage and black a 4.38%. With the red team having lost, Jay and Jennifer feel they are next to go, but red team is upset with Q for not doing as much as he could and they choose to eliminate him.

A-Z Fitness - Understanding

What exactly are we meant to understand? How to eat? What food is? Obviously we know how to eat and what food is, the understanding comes in knowing what food to eat and what the make-up of it is. But we need to know more than that in our fitness goals. Just knowing what foods are good, isn't enough. We need to understand why they are good or bad and how they affect our bodies. As we all eat different things, and we all have different bodies, you need to understand the food you personally eat and how it affects you. You also need to understand what exercises work best for you. What are the best foods to have on hand when you're craving a sweet? What is the best way to motivate yourself? Answering these and other questions you have will give you a better understanding of what you really want from your fitness goals.

Tips: If you are looking to do research, there is a vast assortment of tools available for you. The handiest can be the internet with so many blogs about health and fitness. You're bound to find something to fit your need. Also check out the book store or library for something more convenient to read. Nothing like relaxing on the beach in Mexico as you are reading a book. In a hurry? You don't have to look far to find a quick magazine with additional information. The check-outs in most grocery stores have them staring back at you as you purchase your food.

Remember: Everyone is unique. Do research that fits your situation best. Don't restrict your research to just losing weight, you could also research how best to maintain your weight, or what sort of exercises work best for you. Not everyone has the body of an athlete an knowing what you are capable of is a great idea for everyone.

Goal: Your goal for the week is to do research on something you need to work on, but have not done so yet. What can you find to do research on? What trigger foods are? The nutritional benefits of water? What vitamins you should be taking? Feel free to report back with any new information you've found interesting. Share what you learn to help others understand.

Last Weeks Goal: How were you in your tracking this past week? Did you spend the week tracking or just a day? How did you do so? More importantly, what did you discover? Anything new or useful? Keep up the good work because you can do it, and you are worth it!

What fitness words starting with the letter "U" inspire you?

04 February, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Tracking

It might not seem like it, but tracking is on of the most important things you can do. Why is this? Tracking does just as it suggests, helps keep track of what you are eating. Most people when they are watching what they eat, try to maintain a certain amount of calories for the day. Generally, that's a good idea to do no matter where you are in your fitness quest, losing weight or maintaining. Have you tried tracking? You'd be surprised how quickly the calories can add up. 1 Tbsp of Ketchup can have 20 calories; 1 Tbsp. of light mayonnaise can have 35 calories; 1 Tbsp of regular mayonnaise can have 90 calories and 8 oz. of orange juice can have 110 calories. If you are not tracking, you may not even be aware of what you are putting into your body. Track can help make you more aware.

Tips: You can find small, convenient journal books in most book stores. There are also many online programs to help with tracking. Some you have to pay for, but I've found several free ones. If you attend Weight Watchers or some other type of program, they generally have free weekly trackers available for use. If you own a Droid phone or one of those apple devices, you can find apps to use as well, again some you pay a one time fee for, others are free. Find out what works best for you.

Remember: If you are going to track, don't kid yourself. Make sure to track everything you eat. This includes condiments, juice, coffee sweetener and all BLT's (Bites, Licks & Tastes). If you don't keep track of those, the tracking will be ineffective because they can add up fast.

Goal: Make it your goal to write down everything you eat. Try to do it for a full week. Not only will you be more aware of what you are eating, you can do a review at the end of the week and see what exactly you have been eating. It might help you figure out where you are going wrong, if losing weight is a problem for you. If you find it too difficult to continue for a full week, give it a try for at least a day.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week you were to find and give new support. What did you come up with? Were you given support at all, and more importantly did you try to support someone else's fitness?

What fitness words starting with the letter "T" inspire you?

01 February, 2011

S11E05 - I'm Done, Can I Go Home Now?

Original Air Date: 02/01/11

Brett and Cara's contestants finally move into the Biggest Loser ranch where they will continue to be trained. But this means they are now eligible for elimination if they go below the yellow line.

With a weigh in to start the show, Irene and Don both gain weight. Irene claims to have done so for Don who wants to go home. He also admits he wants to leave. Instead of giving the contestants an hour, Alison allows Don to leave without further delay.

Once the two groups of contestants meet, Alison gives them a challenge. If they can lose more than 48 pounds, they will win immunity. The original campus team end the week with a weight loss of 63 pounds, winning them immunity. The 'unknowns' fall short. They must now eliminate their first member and it'll be either Q or Larialmy. Q vows to do better if he's allowed to stay, so the rest of the team vote out Larialmy.

28 January, 2011

A-Z Fitness - Support

Some people seem to have so much support in everything they do. Is that you? Not everyone has the support they feel they need, but it's needed none-the-less. Perhaps you don't feel you need the support? If not, how much better would it be if you found a friend or family member to share in your goals and ambitions? I've found blogging can be one way to find the support when I'm lacking. Don't be afraid to ask your close friends and family for support if you think they are not giving it to you. Find a friend to walk with or go to the gym with. Share your success with others in an on-line community. Do what it takes to find the support you need, you'll find it won't be difficult at all.

Tips: Make sure you pair up with someone who has similar goals in mind. If you're looking to work on cardio, pairing up with someone looking to strength train is hardly going to work unless you are simply looking for support getting to the gym. If you are still feeling support is waining feel free to comment on the support thread I've set up in my blog: Support

Remember: Never go it alone. Even if you have to do your workout's and food planning alone, sharing with someone can give you additional thoughts and motivation. Don't forget, as long as they are supporting you, you need to support them as well. Support goes both ways and making sure you are just as supportive makes for a team with positive results.

Goal: Discover who your biggest support is and make sure you are giving them as much support as they giving you. Try finding someone new to support and you'll likely find new support coming your way as well.

Last Weeks Goal: For the past few weeks I've been having a problem with looking at the big picture, one step at a time. With last weeks goal to be more realistic I decided to step back and look what I was doing. I wasn't working towards an immediate realistic approach, but how much I wanted to lose as a whole. By stopping and looking at what my immediate short short goal is, I've become more realistic in my approach and taking it one day at a time. How did you do on last weeks goal of looking more realistic on your fitness?

What fitness words starting with the letter "S" inspire you?