I need a little motivation to finish getting in shape before summer comes and so I am challenging you!
Come join me in the
SLIM DOWN FOR SUMMER FITNESS CHALLENGE
You’re Invited!
Who:Everyone! Anyone who needs a little motivation to get a bit healthier or simply likes competition! It is not about lbs or inches. It is about a healthier you!
When: 8 Weeks, April 4 – May 29, 2011 – If you do not start at the beginning, you can join in at anytime.
How: There will be weekly check-ins to keep up accountability (and daily, via facebook if that is better motivation). Each day an individual can earn 7 points and is in charge of keeping track of their own daily points to report on Monday for the previous week. At the end of the 8 weeks the person with the highest points wins. If there is more than one person with the highest amount of points, random.org will be used to select the winner from those individuals. There will be prizes….I am working on the details of the prizes*. There will be one prize for the winner and one prize given via random.org based on each weekly entry filled out per individual (for example: if you only participated 6 weeks, you will have 6 entries at the end for the random draw prize). Check out Beginning the Slim Down For Summer Fitness Challenge for additional information.
Points To Earn Each Day:
- 1 point = Drinking 64+ oz.
- 2 points = Exercise 30+ Minutes
- 2 points = No Sugar (**see below)
- 1 point = 6+ Hours Sleep Every Night Day (Yes, naps do count!)
- 1 point = No Eating After 8 p.m. (nothing good ever happens with late night eating! If you have a funky work schedule, set your own food curfew and stick to it!)
- Bonus Challenges = Given throughout the 8 weeks as an opportunity to earn extra points.
* If you are interested in sponsoring or donating a prize or giveaway to be given away during the competition, email me at michelle (at) funonadime (dot) net. You know, if you need a little extra motivation because you are invested! 😉
** A note about No Sugar: I am learning that everyone has their own individual idea of this, so for ease of explanation we will use the top 8 bullet points on the USDA’s Food Pyramid’s description under “Foods that contain most of the added sugars in American diets are:” found here…these are “regular soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies, pies, fruit drinks, such as fruitades and fruit punch, milk-based desserts and products, such as ice cream, sweetened yogurt and sweetened milk, grain products such as sweet rolls and cinnamon toast” Most processed foods have some form of sugar in them. Substitute sweeteners are okay. I use Stevia for a lot of the things I used to sweeten with regular sugar. Plain yogurt is great with fruit or even Greek yogurt, but if you cannot find it or stomache it try to use a low sugar brand…improve upon what you are doing now. Use your own discretion. You are accountable for you! The main point is to avoid the REAL junk – captain cavity cereals, desserts, etc. That should be doable, right?
Also, if you are a caffeine drinker and wanting to cut it out of your diet, do not do it at the same time as cutting sugar. Wait a couple of weeks so you do not have to fight two cravings at once.
Are you in?
If so, leave a comment!
P.S. I am still working on Phase 2 of the Live For Life program. If you are interested they have changed their pricing (it’s lower now!). Go check them out at livethelifefitness.com.
chelsea says
March 29, 2011 at 11:07 pmI’m in!!
Though the no-sugar thing is tricky. I mean – I like granola bars. Healthy snack, right? Well they all have sugar in them. So… are we talking no added sugar at ALL?! Or just real treaty treats?!
Diane says
March 29, 2011 at 11:13 pmI would like to try this also. I also have a question about “no sugar” I make vitamix drinks and I try and use fruit for sweetness but sometimes we add concentrate juice or a little honey. I also use a little honey for herbal drinks sometimes and I’m suppose to drink several different ones right.
What about jams on toast? That is usually what I go for when I am craving sweets.
Just wanting to get a better idea of no sugar. I’ve had a vegan friend in the past and they really did no sugar, honey and only used fruit juices.
Stevia is a natural herbal sweetener. Can you use that? I don’t do artificial sweeteners as I have bad reactions to them.
This starts on Monday right?
Shiny says
March 29, 2011 at 11:58 pmI’m in though I dream of 6 hours sleep at night. Completely unachievable for someon who works until midnight and has a toddler who gets up at 5am!
Fun On A Dime Lady says
March 30, 2011 at 2:11 pmI’m sorry, I did not realize I put “night”…I guess I was secretly telling myself I needed to go to bed! lol I understand with having kids! I’ve revised it and I hope you are able to get naps in, you poor thing! My kids did the super early morning thing for a bit, too!
Anne Marie Freitas says
March 30, 2011 at 12:14 amCommented on FB but wanted to give a shout out here too!
Lorie says
March 30, 2011 at 4:53 amI don’t know about the no sugar thing either that’s kind of a tricky rule but I think I know what you mean.
Either way I still think this will be fun and a great way to help us slim down.
Lisa M says
March 30, 2011 at 7:56 amI am in! I could always use the motivation!
Jami Lyn says
March 30, 2011 at 8:01 amYeah, that 6 hrs. of sleep will be my downfall…haha…unless Elizabeth decides she wants to finally sleep through the night…or at least wake up less times! I believe it’s any “refined” sugar…that’s the bad stuff. High Fructose corn syrup etc. right Michelle? I’m in…how do I join, just say so? how do we report points?
Emily C says
March 30, 2011 at 8:05 amI’m in! And I’d say “no sugar” means “no sugar”, ladies. No niggling! Jam’s okay, as long as it’s all fruit spread.
I’d say honey is probably okay, since your body metabolizes it differently.
And maybe a nap could count for our friend who can only get 5 hours a night max?
Sarah says
March 30, 2011 at 8:35 amI could really use the motivation of a challenge. I’m in for sure.
Jen says
March 30, 2011 at 9:59 amSounds fun…I’m in!
Lorri Randle says
March 30, 2011 at 10:21 amI’m in, works well with my half marathon training.
mamaoftwo says
March 30, 2011 at 1:59 pmYES, i am in. i need to loose around 10lbs. – THANK YOU! Could you make a badge with this Slim Down For Summer Fitness Challenge??? i would like to add it to my blog if so!!
Fun On A Dime Lady says
March 30, 2011 at 2:09 pmYes, a badge is coming…hopefully by this weekend but for sure by Monday. I’m not brilliant at designing, but it will be summery looking, I can promise that! Glad to have you in!
Laura says
March 30, 2011 at 5:16 pmI just found your blog through BlogFrog — what a great idea! It will help me cross off a couple of my 40 by 40 (see http://livingabigstory.blogspot.com/2011/03/completing-40-by-40.html). Yeah! Thanks!
Kathleen Coleman says
March 30, 2011 at 6:24 pmI need motivation and accountability so this sounds like what I’ve been looking for!
aimee says
March 30, 2011 at 7:09 pmI’m in. I think I can do it. I love treats but I can do it for eight weeks.
Cathie says
March 30, 2011 at 7:12 pmHere we go! I love the point challenge as opposed to weight loss challenge – tho weight is way bad for me, I need to concentrate on healthy habits and let my pounds take care of themselves. (Guess the 1/2 bag at a time of Hershey’s kisses while I try to stay awake at the computer til 2 or 3 in the morning violates all sorts of rules) I may not make all the points each week, but every little bit helps!
Karen says
March 30, 2011 at 9:19 pmI’m in! I can’t exercise right now due to an injury (costocondritis), but I can work on the other things!
Fun On A Dime Lady says
March 30, 2011 at 9:59 pmSorry about the injury. That does not sound fun. But if you have some sort of therapy or the likes that you need to do for your injury that can count as your exercise…or even if you can get out and do short walks. I’m glad to have you along!
CoffeeLovinMom says
March 30, 2011 at 10:57 pmI have been looking for something like this and I happen to meet with a personal trainer on Monday so I’m already scheduled to start!
Coffee Lovin' Mom says
April 4, 2011 at 1:16 pmI posted about the Slimdown! Very excited!
CoffeeLovinMom says
March 30, 2011 at 10:58 pmI have been looking for something like this and happen to be meeting with a personal trainer on Monday so am already scheduled to start!
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 11:53 pmI would love to participate!
Keeta says
March 31, 2011 at 5:07 amVery intrested so in! Thanks for doing this.
Heather says
March 31, 2011 at 6:30 amI love the idea of the point system to help me make healthy habits. Thanks for putting this together.
Angela says
March 31, 2011 at 7:06 amI am in!
Kendra says
March 31, 2011 at 7:16 amI’m in!
abbigail gutierrez says
March 31, 2011 at 9:16 amIm in!! This sounds fun. Yay for healthier lifestyles!
Gwen says
March 31, 2011 at 9:17 amI am so sick of being out of breath at the end of a tiny little hike with my kids. Heck yeah, I am so ready 🙂 thanks for hosting, what a great idea!
LeAnn says
March 31, 2011 at 9:56 amThis is perfect! I am in and looking forward to it!
Lisa says
March 31, 2011 at 9:59 amI am in- I hope I can do this 🙂
Rani says
March 31, 2011 at 10:05 amCount me in too!
Kayli says
March 31, 2011 at 11:55 amI’m in!!
Rachel says
March 31, 2011 at 1:01 pmI’m in sounds great : )
Mamabean5 says
March 31, 2011 at 4:52 pmI’m in. I tried a fitness challenge at the gym, but they only met to talk every 6 weeks! I need daily encouragement! Without a friend who’s schedule matches mine, I’m learning to work out alone, just me and my IPOD–this challenge will certainly help. A final weekend to say goodbye to sugar…this is gonna be the absolute toughest part for me.
Jennifer Cooper says
March 31, 2011 at 5:39 pmOkay – So I am very new to your blog. Just found it today through Blog Frog. – This looks kind of fun. So I am in! Currently working crazy hours at work (it’s my busy tax season) and also training for a half marathon. (The Nashville Half at the end of April) – This would help a ton with that…
Crystal says
March 31, 2011 at 9:05 pmSounds like a great challenge! I’m in!
Jan H says
April 1, 2011 at 9:42 amI’m in too! 8 pounds to lose….do-able in this amount of time. Thanks for motivating me. Good luck everyone
Sophieandmomma says
April 1, 2011 at 10:08 amI’m in! 🙂
Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
April 1, 2011 at 4:03 pmI’m in! I’ve been losing weight this year and think I need some motivation to keep with it sometimes. I think this will be great. However with the no sugar thing, I’m trying to be more natural and avoid artificial sweeteners. I also try to avoid sweets, except chocolate because if I can’t have chocolate I won’t make it ;)!
Sally says
April 2, 2011 at 5:03 amI’m in!
Kathy in Greendale says
April 2, 2011 at 7:40 amI’m in!
chelsea says
April 2, 2011 at 9:59 pmI’m posting for my sister Meredith and my mom, Debbie. They say they’re IN too!
Have to warn you all… I’m pretty competitive. Ya’ll better be ready to BRING IT!
🙂
Leslie says
April 3, 2011 at 3:57 amI’m in! Checking in weekly will really help me! I need to lose about 15 lbs, at the very latest by the end of the summer for my lil sister’s wedding!
Diane says
April 3, 2011 at 11:56 amMy husband and I are in. Would like to get the kids to take the challenge as well. I have one that I think is a sugar addict. Always wants treats etc. He’s has started making them because I have never been a big treat making mom (poor kids-eye roll) LOL.
Thanks for clearing up the sugar info. I find that if I’m running errands I need to keep a granola bar or something healthy on hand to keep my blood sugar even but I try to stay away from processed sugar and flour stuff.
I found a recipe for popeye icecream in the costco magazine (vitamix review) that we are going to try.
Amanda says
April 3, 2011 at 12:28 pmCount me in!!!
Tiffany says
April 3, 2011 at 7:20 pmSounds fun, I’m in!
Adelina Priddis says
April 4, 2011 at 7:06 amOh I am so in!!! Really glad I saw the post today!!
Your Mom says
April 4, 2011 at 9:10 amOK, I am in! How long til I get cranky…
Fun On A Dime Lady says
April 4, 2011 at 9:21 amlol! From what I understand if you are really on sugar (that wouldn’t be you) then it can be a mood changer the first week, you may get headaches the first 2 weeks (drinking water will help) and then it is smooth sailing from there!
Mary Filhart says
April 4, 2011 at 9:13 amI’m so ready for this.
Amber says
April 4, 2011 at 9:27 amCount me in-always looking for extra motivation 🙂
Stacy says
April 4, 2011 at 10:22 amOops, I mistyped my e-mail address in my last comment!
I’m in! 🙂 I need it and am looking forward to the group aspect of it!
Melanie Holdaway says
April 4, 2011 at 12:00 pmI’m in! This is great! I’ve been looking for something to do and this sounds like a lot of fun. Plus I already got my exercise points for today. Woohoo! I don’t get my sugar points though, cuz I ate a couple cookies before I found out about this. Thanks!!
Casherie Bright says
April 4, 2011 at 12:44 pmI’m SOOOO in! And, do we post our points daily or do we post a weekly point total? I can’t wait to add a button (once made) to my blog too!
Fun On A Dime Lady says
April 4, 2011 at 1:10 pmOfficial check-ins are weekly. Unofficial daily checkins can be via facebook or at the bottom of each Monday post. It’s up to you to do which will motivate you more. And there is a button made, if you go to the main page you will find “Beginning the Slim Down for Summer Fitness Challenge” under tracking lists you wil find a button. Thanks for joining in on the fun!
Amy says
April 4, 2011 at 2:48 pmSo in!!!
Kim says
April 4, 2011 at 3:15 pmI just saw this and I am in!
Coach Heather G says
April 4, 2011 at 3:31 pmThis is a great challenge! I’m doing something similar with my boot camp participants. I’m a certified trainer running outdoor boot camps. I’m starting my Shakeology challenge next Monday.
Here is a great recommendation for a meal replacement that is low in sugar (grams) and helps reduce cravings. In my 12 plus years as a trainer, I have not found a product like this one. I encourage everyone to try it as part of the contest. It was developed by Beachbody which created home workouts like P90X, Insanity, turbo kick, etc.
For more info: check out my site
Good luck Everyone!
Coach Heather G.
Adrienne says
April 4, 2011 at 4:38 pmThank you so much for the motivation!! I am so in! I have needed some kind of kick to help lose all of my post baby weight!
Linda says
April 4, 2011 at 5:51 pmCount me in. I found I need to be accountable if I am going to lose the 8 lbs. in 8 weeks. Thanks for the motivation!!
Anne Jensen says
April 5, 2011 at 9:48 pmAwesome, I’m in!
Janice says
April 5, 2011 at 9:51 pmI am in! I am a sugar addict though…so this will be tough but really good for me. I am excited to see what happens…Thanks for the challenge!
sumi says
April 6, 2011 at 6:28 pmOh just saw this, hope I’m not late can I join in at this time . I will be serious and commited
Fun On A Dime Lady says
April 6, 2011 at 7:32 pmDefinitely, late comers are welcome anytime! I’m looking forward seeing you around here!
jessica myers says
April 7, 2011 at 9:22 pmI’m in although it will be tough. I have some baby flab to get rid of and I really would like my abs to return. I definitely don’t drink enough water. The coffee thing I cannot give up. Though I will only put creamer in it and no sugar (I get the flavored creamers which are sweetened) and then later try to cut that out too. The creamer not the coffee. I need my one cup a day.
My biggest challenge is getting the work out done with a baby. Hopefully you girls will be just the right motivation I need to do this! 😀
Sandi says
April 8, 2011 at 12:42 pmOK, Michelle, I’m going to do it. Most of it I already have down, but that no sugar thing is so hard! Chocolate was made to be a happy spot in the middle of the day.
Fun On A Dime Lady says
April 8, 2011 at 1:07 pmYes! Chocolate is my weakness, too! I just saw in the store that Dove has a sugar free chocolate option…very tempting!
Tiffanie says
April 8, 2011 at 8:15 pmWow! I so need this. I am in. Just added your blog to my feed:) Here we go! I’m hoping that I can look HOT this summmer watching my kid rock it out on the softball field:)
Laura says
April 9, 2011 at 11:41 pmI’m IN!! great challenge. so excited!
stephanie says
April 11, 2011 at 9:45 pmI need to get rid of this doughy post baby physique…. I am in!!!!