Week 10 points

Vi L - 630+70=700
Tony L - 630+70=700
Sally C - 340+61= 700
Wayne C - 340+61= 700
Crystal H - 292+47= 339
Casey A - 630+70=700
Jamie A - 630+70=700
Kristel M - 453+45= 498
Michelle E -310+46= 356
Amy K - 603+70=673
Taylor P - 629+70=699
Sandee P - 628+70=698
April P - 548+57=605
Megan P - 630+70=700

week 9 points

Vi L - 560+70= 630
Tony L - 560+70= 630
Sally C - 340+61= 630
Wayne C - 340+61= 630
Crystal H - 292+47= 339
Casey A - 560+70= 630
Jamie A - 560+70= 630
Kristel M - 453+45= 498
Michelle E -310+46= 356
Amy K - 535+68= 603
Taylor P - 559+70= 629
Sandee P - 558+70= 628
April P - 504+44= 548
Megan P - 560+70= 630

week 8 points

Vi L - 490+70= 560
Tony L - 490+70= 560
Sally C - 340+61= 560
Wayne C - 340+61= 560
Crystal H - 292+47= 339
Casey A - 490+70= 560
Jamie A - 490+70= 560
Kristel M - 407+46=453
Michelle E - 270+20=290
Amy K - 469+66= 535
Taylor P - 419+140=559
Sandee P - 488+70=558
April P - 450+54= 504
Megan P - 490+70= 560

Week 7 Points

Vi L - 420+70=490
Tony L - 420+70=490
Sally C - 340+61= 401
Wayne C - 340+61= 401
Crystal H - 292+47= 339
Casey A - 420+70=490
Jamie A - 420+70=490
Kristel M - 351+56=407
Michelle E - 249+21=270
Amy K - 400+69=469
Taylor P - 349+70=419
Sandee P - 418+70=488
April P - 392+58=450
Megan P - 420+70=490
Kelly T - 108+56= 164

Week 6 points

Vi L - 350+70=420
Tony L - 350+70=420
Sally C - 340+61= 401
Wayne C - 340+61= 401
Crystal H - 292+47= 339
Casey A - 350+70= 420
Jamie A - 350+70= 420
Kristel M - 289+62= 351
Michelle E - 249+21=270
Amy K - 331+69= 400
Taylor P - 349+70=419
Sandee P - 348+70= 418
April P - 329+63=392
Megan P - 350+70= 420
Kelly T - 108+56= 164

Week 4&5 points

Cat T -
Wendy N -
Charlotte C -
Matt J -
Michelle L - 180+45 = 225
Vi L - 210+ 140 = 350
Tony L - 210+ 140 = 350
Tabatha M -
Sally C - 203+137 = 340
Wayne C - 203+137 = 340
Crystal H - 167+ 125 = 292
Peggy T -
Casey A - 210+ 140 = 350
Jamie A - 210+ 140 = 350
Kristel M - 171+ 118 = 289
Lindsay E -
Michelle E - 179+ 70 = 249
Summer F -
Amy K - 202+ 129= 331
Taylor P - 279+70= 349
Sandee P - 209+ 139= 348
April P - 203+126 = 329
Megan P - 210+140= 350
Kelly T - 108+56= 164

Week 3 points

Cat T -
Wendy N -
Charlotte C -
Matt J -
Michelle L - 127+53=180
Vi L - 140+70=210
Tony L - 140+70=210
Tabatha M -
Sally C - 138+65=203
Wayne C - 138+65=203
Crystal H - 105+62=167
Peggy T -
Casey A - 140+70=210
Jamie A - 140+70=210
Kristel M - 120+51=171
Lindsay E -
Michelle E - 125+54=179
Summer F -
Amy K - 136+66=202
Taylor P -
Sandee P - 139+70=209
April P - 136+67=203
Megan P - 140+70=210
Kelly T - 108+56= 164

I like an omelette in the mornings for breakfast. I cook the onions and peppers in some oil. Then I add shredded zucchini or cabbage and stir fry it around for awhile. Then I add the eggs which I have stirred in a bowl with water and sea salt, kelp and dulse. I just cook it with the lid on, and either scramble it or fold it over. Since I can't have cheese, I just serve it without. It's a great way to get some veggies in first thing in the morning. When Larry cooks it he uses bite-size chunks of squash. I like it both ways.

Recipes!

Sorry it has taken me so long to do this. I have a ton of recipes - some I've tried, some I haven't... If you go onto Erleen Tilton's website she has some really great cookbooks that you can purchase. I have several of her books - you are more that welcome to come and take a look at them. I don't want to overwhelm you - maybe try a new recipe every week or something.

Cashew Cream
I know it sounds gross, but this is one of my favorites
1C. raw cashews (can find in the bulk foods at sprout's)
1/2 C. water
2 TBS. Pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 C. olive oil

Mix all ingredients in blender (except oil) until smooth - then drizzle in oil while blender is still going. The oil helps thicken it up. *You can use this cream on anything you want. It is sweet and delicious. My favorite is to top sliced apples with cashew cream and some granola. Makes a great breakfast or snack, and kids love it.


Peanut Butter Pancakes
1 1/4 C. white whole whear flour
2 TBS. ground flax seed (can get at sprouts)
2 TBS. light brown sugar
2 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 C. 1% lowfat milk (I'll probably use 2% because that is what I buy)
1/4 C. creamy peanut butter (or almond or cashew butter)

Whisk the flour, flax seed, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Beat the milk, egg, and PB in a med. bowl until smooth; add to dry ingred. and beat just until well moistened.
Spray hot griddle or large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfulls. Flip once. Makes about 12 med. pancakes.
*I have not made these yet, but I have tasted them and they are very good. There is just a hint of PB (it's not overpowering) and it adds some extra sweetness. You don't even need syrup - you could carry them around for snacks.


Tacos
1 TB olive oil
1 onion minced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 med. zucchini, grated
3 garlic cloves, pressed
3 TBS homemade seasoning (I don't have this - so I would use Lawry's or something)
1/2 lb. extra lean ground meat
2 cups cooked beans
2/3 cup corn
1 C. cooked red quinoa (sprouts)
1 C. cooked millet (sprouts)
1 1/2 C. tomato sauce
2 tsps. sucanat (sugar)
2 tsps. apple cider vinegar
salt to taste
Sautee onion and pepper in olive oil. Add zucchini, garlic and spices, cook for 1 min. Add meat and brown. Add the remaining ingred and simmer about 10 min. or until sauce is thickened.
* I have not tried these yet, but my S-I-L has told me they are delicious! She said they are even better the next day. I was going to make them last week, but zucchinis are not quite in season and I didn't feel like paying $3 for one zucchini. Will try soon!


These nest recipes I found in the May issue of the Family Fun magazine - and they are actually good for you! I plan on tryin some this week! (Okay, seriously check out their website for some other really good recipes that could be easily adapted to healthier)

Fruit and Nut Energy Bar
To make apple-pecan bars, grind 1/2 cup pecans in food processor fitted with a steel blade. Transfer the nuts to a bowl, then process 1/3 cup each pitted dates ( I detest dates so I may try raisins) and dried apples. Add the nuts and a pinch of cinnamon, then process until the mixture holds together when squeezed. Divide into six portions, mold each into a bar and wrap in plastice wrap. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Makes 6 bars.
Apricot version - dates, dried apricots and almonds
Cherry Tart - dates, dried cherries and walnuts
PB snaps - dates (2/3 cu), peanuts, 1/4 tsp. vanilla and a pinch of salt.


Quinoa salad with Apples and Almonds
1 C quinoa, rinsed
2 C water
2TBS honey
1/4 C lemon juice
1/2 tsp coarse salt
3 TBS olive oil
1 C peeled diced tart apple
1 C finely chopped celery
1/3 C golden raisins
1/3 C finley chopped parsley
1/2 C coarsley chopped almonds, toasted
Coarse salt and pepper
In a med. size pan, combine the quinoa and water, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, about 15 min. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl, stir, and let it cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and salt. Gradually whisk in the oil until blended.
Add the apple, celery, raisins, parsley, and almonds to the quinoa and toss the ingred. well. Add the dressing and toss once more to coat the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temp. Serves 6-8


More to come!!!

Week 2

Okay, I'm reposting the points because I posted them wrong the first time. Here they are again...

Cat T -
Wendy N -
Charlotte C -
Matt J -
Michelle L - 127
Vi L - 140
Terry B - is graciously bowing out- we're sad to see him go!
Tony L - 140
Tabatha M -
Sally C - 138
Wayne C - 138
Crystal H - 105
Peggy T -
Casey A - 140
Jamie A - 140
Kristel M - 120
Lindsay E -
Michelle E - 125
Summer F -
Amy K -
Taylor P -
Sandee P - 139
April P - 136
Megan P - 140
Kelly T - 108

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (with Honey)

You better okay this with Becky before making cause I won't be held responsible for any points lost if she doesn't okay it but I think she will be okay with this one. :)

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg

Wet Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup oil
1 TBSP molasses
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts

Mix all dry ingredients.
Mix all wet ingredients in medium bowl.
Mix wet and dry together.
Add raisins and walnuts in.
Cool the mix for 20 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat oven to 335 degreees (lower temp when using honey)
Drop teaspoonfuls on baking sheets.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. The cookies freeze great!

I Need Help!

Help I need a really good recipe for cookies! Sugar-Free would be good but I don't know if that is possible...So if there is anyone who has a yummy cookie recipe that we can eat whilst on this challenge let me know thanks!

Week 2

Cat T -
Wendy N -
Charlotte C -
Matt J -
Michelle L -
Vi L -
Terry B -
Tony L -
Tabatha M -
Sally C -
Wayne C -
Crystal H -
Peggy T -
Casey A -
Jamie A -
Kristel M - 57
Lindsay E -
Michelle E - 61
Summer F -
Amy K -
Taylor P -
Sandee P -
April P -
Megan P - 70
Kelly T -

Helpful Sites

Here a couple of sites that I really like. I subscribe to their newsletters because they are free and have a lot of great info. Just thought I would pass them on... (I may not always agree with everything they have to say - but it's still nice to have.)

http://www.mercola.com/
http://livingahealthylifestyle.com/about.htm

Free Class!

*Hey guys - this class is being given by Erleen Tilton. I've been to several of her classes and really like her. Make sure to pre-register if you want to come. Thanks, Becky


Food Influences Our Behavior!

Workshop & Tasters Event



Tuesday evening, May 4, 2010, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Home of Stacy Riggs,255 N. Williams, Mesa, AZ 85203


NO Charge for the Class, but Pre-registration is required: 480-632-2399

or email me back at economicgeek@hotmail.com





The speaker for this incredible, informational class is:

Erleen Tilton, Holistic Nutrition Specialist - Statistics show that the increase of processed foods parallel with the increase of prescription drugs for disorders such as: ADD, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, as well as violence, aggression, suicidal tendencies, insomnia, irritability and more. Vitamins & minerals do play a leading role in how we feel and function! We are what we EAT!



Class will include:

· What we eat affects our behavior and how we function - which foods to avoid in behavioral issues

· ADD, Depression, Anxiety & more can be corrected with diet and dealt with naturally

· Diet patterns that produce a superior healthy people: physically, mentally, even psychologically

· Toxins, chemicals, food sensitivities do affect your health and behavior

· Taste delicious foods for improving behavior, dealing with food intolerances, and promoting superior health and wellness!



This information could change your life (or the life of someone you love)! Take the time to be here!

Couch to 5K program

I just started doing this cause I was having a hard time getting to the gym. Its a 9 week program if followed you can be running a 5k at the end of the 9 weeks. Its not every day it recommends 3x week. I did my first work out today and honestly I loved it!! Its a combination of walking and running. I downloaded a pod cast to listen to when I am doing it.
Check it out: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
The place where I downloaded my pod cast at: http://gonicoleyourself.blogspot.com/2008/06/couch-to-5k-podcast-page.html

Curb Cravings

I wanted to share this product that has helped me with food and sweets cravings. It is actually fish oil in the form of lemon swirl. I promise you it tastes like lemon pie filling. If you love that flavor like I do it is called Barlean's Organic Oils; Omega Swirl; Lemon Zest; Fish Oil. Take a TBS. every time you have cravings, so maybe 2-4 times a day and since it is cod liver oil it will also help with whatever ails you. I found this at Nature's Finest on Brown/Gilbert it is pricey but I like it a lot.

Healthy Snack Idea

Quinoa Fruit Pudding

1 cup organic quinoa
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
2 bananas
1 tsp grated orange peel (or 2 drops orange essential oil)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Add quinoa to boiling water and simmer 12 minutes. Add dried cherries and cranberries to absorb rest of water. Combine remaining ingredients in food processor and puree until smooth. Combine quinoa and mixture. Enjoy.

Week 1

Cat T -
Wendy N -
Charlotte C -
Matt J -
Michelle L - 64
Vi L - 70
Terry B - 43
Tony L - 70
Tabatha M -
Sally C - 68
Wayne C - 68
Crystal H - 51
Peggy T -
Casey A - 70
Jamie A - 70
Kristel M - 63
Lindsay E - 37
Michelle E - 64
Summer F -
Amy K - 66
Taylor P - 69
Sandee P - 69
April P - 68
Megan P - 70
Kelly T - 49

Water...

I've been wondering: Is it okay to drink water or other drinks after 8?

The Final Word on Sugar (I think)

I know there has been some debate about this... and I've been trying to figure out a way to set firm guidelines - but it is so hard because there is sugar in almost everything we eat (sad, but true). So however you have interpreted the rule - this is the new rule so please adhere to it. No desserts, candy, jam, syrup, etc. However, you need to start reading labels. If there is "sugar" (HFC, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, etc) in the first 2 ingred. of the product then it is considered a sugar food and you are only allowed 6 grams/6 tsp. per day - this includes artifical and natural sweeteners. Debatably there are natural sugars that are better for you - but we still shouldn't be eating them in large quantities - this rule will help to curb that.

On your "free sugar" day you can eat as much as you want. But I warn you that if you go without sugar for a while and then try and eat a bunch all in one day you'll make yourself sick - I know from experience - haha. The exceptions are ketchup and salad dressing (and of course unprocessed fruit). Let me know if this makes sense or if you have any more questions. Thanks, Becky

Can't Exercise?

As far as exercise goes - I know there are some who can't do "traditional" exercise at this time. April is on bed rest, Kristel just had a baby, we have another expecting mom, and some people just have other physical limitations. If for some reason your body cannot handle strenuous movements - obviously don't do it, haha. Do something for 30 min., that you feel good about, that will take the place of exercise each day. Exercise your brain - plan on reading for 30 min. (in addition to the other 15 min). There are videos called "Sit and Be Fit". They are a little corny, but hey, they work - and most everyone could do them. Stretching, yoga, I know there are others... Check out some exercise videos on different subjects from the library. When you can start exercising again -then do. And for everyone else on here without physical limitations - you are expected to exercise! :)

How to Post

When you log in to the blog there should be a tab in the upper right corner that says "New Post" - just click on that and you will be able to post whatever you need to. If you still can't figure it out let me know.

Sugar free jellies and the Farmer's Market

We love love love! the farmer's market. There is something really nice about knowing exactly where and from whom your produce and other food has come from (especially with all of the e-coli and other outbreaks from non-local growers.). It's the next best thing to getting it from your own garden. The market we go to has a vendor that has sugar free jellies and fruit butters made just from the fruit. So it's not completely sugar free, but it has no added sugar on top of what's already in the fruit. There stuff is DELICIOUS. There's also usually a honey vendor, so you can pick up another sugar free goody. It's every Friday from 9-12ish at Center and University. They've recently gotten some other new vendors too that have free range eggs and grass fed meat. So you could get most of your basic shopping done there while you're picking up all those fruits and veggies we're supposed to be eating :)

Also, I'm sure most of you have seen this at some point, but a few months ago I saw for the first time a package with the ingredient "evaporated cane juice". This is a fancy way of saying "sugar". I see it mostly on organic and all natural foods. I just wanted to throw that out there.

Keeping Fruit Fresh!

We will all be eating more fruit for the next little while, hopefully longer, but how do you keep it from going bad before you get to it? I like to buy a little at a time but that means I HAVE to go to the store more often it is a love hate relationship! Anyway this webiste that I enjoy going to has a great post on how to keep your fruit fresher longer I hope this helps you out!

Go here to see what I mean!

P.S. read the comments there might be more advice there!

breakfast and lunch ideas

I would love b-fast ideas for lindsay.. she normally just shoves down something quick and I am normally just glad she has eaten something.. today she had a bagel and cream cheese, but obviously there should be better options….. she does like toast.. so maybe
High fiber, wheat bread with preserves instead of jelly and that could count as part of her 6 tsp. of sugars?
Also, any ideas for what a girl might do for lunch at school… they have one salad option but it has mandarin oranges which sounds gross to her… otherwise the only option is sub sand… of course Lindsay has never liked meat and cheese sandwhiches…. Gonna have to get creative…. I am fine with sending her with stuff

Answers:Hmmm... I'll just throw out some ideas and brainstorm here...
Toast would be good, oatmeal, cottage cheese and fruit? , yogurt, apples and PB, granola, any kind of non-sugar cereal, muffins, scrambled eggs, fruit smoothies, crackers with cheese or PB, pancakes, waffles (of course those require cooking, but if you baked a whole batch then you could throw a bunch in the freezer and then heat them up real fast when needed) - some of these could be made the night before so she could just grab them and go. I'll look through my books and see if I can come up with some other creative things.
For lunch - you could look on the menu and try and supplement some of the "not-so-bad choices" with something from home. Like, a hamburger from school with apple slices and bottled water from home - something like that... Wraps are always good - tortilla wraps. You can put anything in those - it doesn't even have to be meat. You could go totally veggie if you want. Instead of a sandwhich, what about using pita bread or something? They have different things at sprouts and trader joe's. Some of their stuff costs more, but you could go and see what they have and get some ideas. Make up a huge salad at the beginning of the week and she could take some for lunch each day and add different things like chicken or nuts and berries, cheese, etc. Part of this challenge is difficult because it requires more preparation in the food area... which is always more time consuming... :)
I'll add things as I come up with them.

be gentle

This fancy technology makes me think to much. Becky I will be over tomorrow with $150. for the entrance fee. I hope everyone else has coughed it up as momma needs a new pair of shoes.
This should be fun. See you all at the finish line.

Really? Another Question?

Ok I am just curious about 2 things that I am unsure of with the Wellness Challenge. First of all is it 2 servings of fruits AND veggies a day or is it 2 servings of fruits OR veggies a day? Or is it you can have one of each, each day, or however you want to do it? I need to also ask a probably simple question for some of you but would like some validation for the voices in my head...What kind of exercise are we to do on Sunday? Thanks so much for your help!

More Questions

Gosh, this just seems to get more complicated every day! :) To clarify a couple things. You can have grilled hamburgers, or hamburgers made at home - and you can have homemade pizza. As long as it's made from scratch (not like a frozen pizza).
We now have 24 members! Wahoo! We're up to $360. But I promise that the real blessings will be what is gained aside from the money. Let me know if I've left anyone out...

Snack Ideas

Someone has aksed me to give ideas for healthier snacks; these are some of my favorites...
*Air popped popcorn (after a while you won't even be able to eat the microwave stuff anymore)
*Chips and Salsa (preferably fresh or homemade salsa)
*Edamame (these can take the place of potatoe chips - they are usually in the frozen food section - you can even find them at walmart!)
*Homemade granola - I'll send out the recipe
*Fruit leather -also known as smooshed fruit. You can buy a huge box of organic fruit strips at Costco. So good. Or make your own fruit leather.
*Homemade bread
*Smoothies
*Apples and PB, or cashew cream (recipe to come)
*Almonds, pecans
Write in your own ideas!
And I have a wheat grinder. If you want to try some recipes with whole wheat, bring it over and I'll grind it for you.

Questions...

Becky
For the wellness challenge jounal entry, does it have to be your own journal? I have a journal for each one of my kids, if I make an entry in one of them a day, does that count or does it have to be my own?

Jamie

Jamie, This would be fine and a good idea! - Becky


Does a Quaker granola bar count as a sugary sweet treat?Vi

I would say yes, because if I remember correctly some of the main ingred. are sugar and high fructose corn syrup... -Becky

Welcome, Welcome

Welcome to our very first wellness challenge! I know a lot of you are excited (maybe some of you not so much...) It's going to be a great, challenging, hopefully habit changing, 3 months! Are you ready?