Erica's Blog

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 2

Yesterday was the end of Week 2 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  I hope everyone attempted my Week 2 Challenge and Recommended Exercise.  I know for Brock and I, it encouraged us to eat less sugary cereals for breakfast and carb-loaded pasta for dinner and substitute them for more healthy fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately I did not lose any weight this week which means my total % weight loss is still equal to 1.12%.  I think this is due to not exercising as much as I usually do.  I practiced good, healthy eating habits all week, so I guess I will just have to make sure to hit the gym more frequently this week.  How did everyone else do? 

Week 3 Challenge: This week I would like everyone to eat at least 1 serving of fruits and vegetables each day.  For some, this may already be part of your lifestyle, but for others, this may be a very big change to your daily eating habits.

Week 3 Recommended Exercise: Last week's exercise focused on your thighs and glutes, so this week, I thought we could try an exercise that focuses on your arms.  Try to complete 10 push-ups every day this week.  I will try to post pictures of various push-ups styles soon!

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 1

Today concludes the first week of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  This week I lost 1.6 lbs., which is equal to 1.12% weight loss.  It looks like all of my working out at the gym and running payed off. How did everyone else do?  For those that did not participate in the first round of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge, please use the equation below to calculate your total % weight loss. 

Total % Weight Loss = [Total Weight Lost (lbs.)/Starting Weight (lbs.)] * 100

For next week, please consider the Week 2 Challenge and Recommended Exercise below.

Week 2 Challenge: For all of your meals this week, try to avoid preparing or eating anything that comes in a box.  Boxed items found in the grocery store are typically loaded with unhealthy preservatives.  Instead, replace these items with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Week 2 Recommended Exercise: With the use of the couch in your living room, you can work out your thighs and glutes at the same time.

1. Stand up facing the couch, with one of the couch arms in front of you, and bend forward.  To start off, you can support your weight on the arm of the couch, but when you get more comfortable, try to do it without using the couch.  This will challenge your stability. 
2. Kick your right leg back so that it is fully extended and the bottom of your foot is perpendicular to the ceiling.  Bring your leg back down.

When you are doing the exercise properly, you should feel it in your thigh and butt. By not using the couch arm for stability, you are also working on your body's stability. Do 15 repetitions on your right leg, and then repeat with your left leg. Continue switching back and forth between legs until you feel like you have reached your limit...and then do one more rep.  It's important to push yourself beyond your limit!

Today concludes the first week of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  This week I lost 1.6 lbs., which is equal to 1.12% weight loss.  It looks like all of my working out at the gym and running payed off. How did everyone else do?  For those that did not participate in the first round of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge, please use the equation below to calculate your total % weight loss. 

Total % Weight Loss = [Total Weight Lost (lbs.)/Starting Weight (lbs.)] * 100

For next week, please consider the Week 2 Challenge and Recommended Exercise below.

Week 2 Challenge: For all of your meals this week, try to avoid preparing or eating anything that comes in a box.  Boxed items found in the grocery store are typically loaded with unhealthy preservatives.  Instead, replace these items with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Week 2 Recommended Exercise: With the use of the couch in your living room, you can work out your thighs and glutes at the same time.

1. Stand up facing the couch, with one of the couch arms in front of you, and bend forward.  To start off, you can support your weight on the arm of the couch, but when you get more comfortable, try to do it without using the couch.  This will challenge your stability. 
2. Kick your right leg back so that it is fully extended and the bottom of your foot is perpendicular to the ceiling.  Bring your leg back down.

When you are doing the exercise properly, you should feel it in your thigh and butt. By not using the couch arm for stability, you are also working on your body's stability. Do 15 repetitions on your right leg, and then repeat with your left leg. Continue switching back and forth between legs until you feel like you have reached your limit...and then do one more rep.  It's important to push yourself beyond your limit!

Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Chiles

Today I made some great black bean soup in my new crock pot that I got for Christmas.  It was very flavorful.  The recipe is from www.epicurious.com.  I've provided the link below for anyone that is interested in trying it out. 

Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Chiles

Recommendations: To save some time, chop the peppers and onions a day ahead so that you can throw everything together in 10 minutes the next morning before you leave for work.

January Make-A-Dish

Last night we had our first Make-A-Dish of 2010 and enjoyed some delicious and healthy food while we watched the Golden Globes.  Check out the recipes below, which all came from Cooking Light.  I highly recommend all of them.

Basil Parmesan Dip with Pita Chips

• Note: Do not be alarmed by the very bright green color of this dip - it is delicious!

Grilled Vegetable and Mozzarella Sandwiches

• Note: If it's too cold to grill outside, use a George Foreman to grill the vegetables and then place the entire sandwich in it to melt the cheese.  Also, if you like mushrooms, they are a great addition to this sandwich.

New Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

• Note: Although the roasting time is kind of lengthy, trust me, it is well worth it. 

Carrot Cake with Toasted Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

• Note: Two of my favorite things - carrot cake and coconut.  This is an awesome recipe if your looking for a lighter dessert.  Just make sure you don't eat more than 1 serving in a sitting, which can be tough.

Gonyo Fitness Challenge Round 2

Hello everyone!  It is time to begin Round 2 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge.  I am so excited about how many people are participating in this round: Mom, Dad, Amy, Tracy, Matt, Mandy, Eric, Brock, Aunt Penny, Uncle Bobby and Stacy.  Please remember to do an initial weigh-in, write it down somewhere and post a realistic goal to share with everyone and accomplish by Wednesday, April 28, 2010.  This will be our end date for Round 2 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge.  The individual who loses the greatest percent body weight will win $220!

During Round 1 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge I lost 5 pounds.  I would like to continue to lose 10 lbs more this round.  Hopefully the motivation and support of everyone participating in the challenge will help me reach my goal.  Can't wait to hear the goals of everyone else!