Final Thoughts

what an amazing challenge this has been!!! I am so excited for all of the new friends I have made and even more excited for the successes that have been shared on our Facebook page.  There are many of you that struggled but still gave it all you have and you also share in the success because you never gave up!!!!  

Throughout both challenges I have been trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can about health, success, happiness, all things vibrant :)   I wanted to share with you one of the best lessons that I have learned this time around. It comes from Bishop T.D Jakes' book "Instinct."

In this life there are turtles and there are giraffes.  A giraffe is tall and finds his food high in the trees.  A turtle finds his food on the ground and while he is not wrong his view of the world is different than the giraffes. The Giraffe see much much more, they have a higher vision for themselves because the turtles head is low to the ground.  The turtle can't reach the heights of the giraffe and if the giraffe bends down and lowers his vision to that of the turtle all of the blood rushes to his head and he passes out.

   Be The Giraffe!!!!

"When you are built to be tall you will endanger your position if you lower your perspective."

We have all had turtle moments when our vision for ourselves has been low and we have been stuck not knowing a different reality.  I hope that this challenge has at least shown you that you are capable of standing higher.  I hope that your successes no matter how big or small in the last 30 days will raise your necks to see a greater vision for yourselves.  

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for being here and for helping me to catch the vision!!!
I hope to see you all in our New Years 30 day challenge

Live Vibrant
Stace

Progress Pics:Bo

Bo is a positive person, he is happy and fun to be around.  That being said... I can see a change happening!!  Bo joined the 30 day challenge and made a goal to dedicate himself to a lifestyle change and in a few short weeks he is beaming.  You can tell by this picture that he is accomplishing things that make him proud and feel good!!  Accomplishing something small, such as logging your food or getting in your steps, helps you catch that success bug that catapults you to achieving another goal, and then another, and another, and another!!! Congrats Bo even in a picture we can see you have caught that success bug!!! You're looking GOOD!

Everyday we wake up and have a choice, we can wake up and go out and conquer the day and everything that comes with it, or we can let it defeat us and beat us down until we quit or break. That being said I congratulate you on creating your lifestyle on this 30 day health challenge, we are past half way. This is where most people leave us, Or this is where people show their true selves, dig deep and get out there and kill it. For me it has almost become to easy. 10000 steps has become second nature to a degree, eating healthy isn’t a choice anymore its just a way of life. I personally challenge everyone reading this to evaluate your goals. Not to say they are bad or easy. But you have changed, you have gotten better and progressed, so generally your goals need to advance with you “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you” Also without changing and advancing your goals you will hit a plateau. Plateaus are dangerous places to be. For me the scale has stopped moving. However, I can do 15 pull ups now, I can do 15 dips with a 25# weight on my waist, I can curl more, bench more, my cardio is way higher than it has been in years, my energy is through the roof, and I feel overall great. So we cant base all our success on a number on a scale. Keep doing what you are doing. Keep driving one step at a time, change your goals and advance to success. Create a LIFESTYLE not a Daystyle or a monthstyle. Habits are created in 21 days, we all have 21 days in us. There will be some days that we mess up a little, all is not lost. I see this as a learning experience. Learn and grow it’s the only way to change. 

I was asked to put up a few progress pics. They aren’t my greatest results, but its only been a week, and I have many, many more weeks to keep getting better.

     

One of my personal goals is to meditate everyday. I am keeping a log of thoughts during meditation also. There  are so many great studies on meditation. Getting to know yourself and getting in touch with your inner self is so important. Mental toughness will pull you through any obstacle in your life, and meditation is one way to create mental toughness. I challenge you all to put this into your lives. I have just started but I feel it already to be so peaceful, and such a good time to get to know myself.  We spend so much time with other people, we try to impress them, be like them, etc. Why no impress yourself, why not share your own thoughts with yourself. Who knows you better than you know you? To that I would say your brain. But we rarely listen to it cause we are so caught up in everyday life.  Take time, get to know YOU. I love the name of this challenge, it is a HEALTH challenge. It is challenging us to create overall health. Not just physical, but mental as well. I promise meditation will change your life and getting to know you will make you realize how strong you really are. Friends, go out there and be better each day, make better choices each minute and create a better you. Go out and #ownyourlife.

Recipe Tips:Green Smoothie

I am sooo excited about this recipe because this is a great way to help us raise our scan scores.  For those of you that have not been scanned yet please send me a message!!  Its so important.  Try freezing this or other fruits and veggies like this for quick use!  Remember food is a powerful medicine
Live Vibrant!!
Stace

Green Smoothie Cubes

2 cups fresh spinach

2 cups kale leaves

1 cup water

Mix all ingredients into blender until well blended. Poor into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen put into freezer zip bag for easy use

Motivation: Jonny Johnson

Well at least keep moving until you hit your 10,00 steps anyway lol

Thank you to the AMAZING Jonny Johnson for this motivational video that he sent for me to post last Monday.  Unfortunately as a blogger I struggle :)  So now you get it today.  For those of you that dont know Jonny he is awesome and a great support to our challenge.  You can go back through the blog and view the other videos that he has sent us.  He is definitely one of those people you will want to surround yourself with to "raise your average" lol.   

Fit Tips: Lindsey Rust

Thanks again to Lindsey for helping us out with more Fit Tips.  I love this post because there are so many of us that are sooo short on time.  These are quick easy ideas to pack in a few fitness moves in a small amount of time.  The challenge is about baby steps and this is doable for all of us!!!

You can use bands for many different exercises. They are a great item to take with your while traveling or tuck away in a draw at home for easy access. If you do not have one they are fairly cheap and can be bought at almost any sporting goods store. Today I will be showing you 4 exercises using the band that will help tone and lift your butt.

• Focus on a slow pace (2 seconds up/ 1 seconds hold/ 2 seconds down) 
• 15 reps each side
• repeat all 4 sets 2-3 times

Lateral Leg Extensions

Hip Lifts

Donkey Kicks

Kick Butt Extensions

Live Vibrant: Kathy Paul

Okay you guys I am so excited to post this segment because this lady is a true inspiration.  When I told my mom that I was getting lots of emails about doing a second 30 day health challenge she lit up and told me I had to meet Kathy.   Her story gives me chills.  She works soo hard to be exact with  her diet and exercise and has logged into myfitnessapal for more than 610 consecutive days!!  Not only is she logging but I see that she is cheering others on in their health journey as well.   I am so glad that Kathy and I have become friends!  She inspires me and shows me that there is NO reason that I can not accomplish anything I put my mind to.  Thank you for living vibrant.  This girl truly can do hard things!!

My story of success on myfitnesspal began on Feb. 11, 2013 (exactly 13 years from the time I was paralyzed with a spinal cord injury).  My weight was 370lbs. and I was 61 years old.  My metabolism was slow even before the car accident causing my paralysis, so the idea that I could actually reach my goal one day was overwhelming.  My son (Glenn) and his wife (Christina) provided all my food (fresh and pre-measured) for the first three months, as well as, downloading MFP and helping me set goals for success.  Having spent so much time sick and in the hospital, I was motivated by my faith in a blessing I received, which stated that if I lived my nutrition program with exactness, I would have no illness or injury.  I began one meal, one snack, and one day at a time.  Because of the difficulty of being taken to the hospital to be weighed in my wheelchair, I have only weighed-in approximately every 10 weeks.  As of my last weigh-in on July 25, 2014, I had lost over 85 lbs. (an average of about one pound per week).  Now, having just passed my 600th day, I have never exceeded my 1,300 calorie goal; I have had no treats and no greasy fried food; I have stayed within my percentage goals on carbs.,fats, and proteins.  I am so very happy to say that I have had no illness or injury, and I take no medication (which is a miracle to all of the health care professionals who work with me).  I realize I still have a long road ahead of me, but the support I've had from family and friends has been incredible and inspiring for me!  I wanted to join the 30-day challenge to help me set higher goals in my exercise routine, and to change a bad habit I have developed of saving 200-300 calories to eat after 10:00 PM at night.  Thank you for sharing all your doing as it makes me feel like I am not just isolated in this room, but a part of something wonderful

Recipe Rescue: 7 Days of Flavored Water

Thank you so MUCH to Autumn for this amazing blog post!!  More water is the most common personal goal that I see from you guys.   Happy Drinking :)

7 Days Of Flavored Water

I know it can be really hard to get the amount of water we need everyday, especially if we are used to drinking flavored drinks. I have come up with 7 days of flavored water to help you get the water you need without having to sacrifice flavor. All of these recipes can be prepared first thing in the morning so you can store, poor, and go. A little stevia can be added if you need a little bit of sweet.

#1 Cucumber Mint Water

1 gallon water

1 small bunch of mint leaves

1 cucumber sliced

#2 Strawberry Basil Water

1 gallon water

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 small bunch basil leaves

#3 Lemon Berry Water

1 gallon water

1 cup frozen berries

1 lemon sliced

#4 Cherry Lime Water
1 gallon water
1 cup frozen cherries
1-2 limes sliced

#5 Mint Lemon Water

1 gallon water

1 lemon sliced

1 small bunch mint leaves

#6 Citrus Water
1 gallon water
1/2 large orange sliced
1 lemon sliced
1-2 limes sliced

 

#7 Strawberry Lemon Water
1 gallon water
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 lemon sliced

Progress Pics: Bo

Bo is one of our participants that has graciously allowed us to spy on him while he is hard at work lol.   Here is a video that motivates him and some progress pics.  Thanks Bo.
what motivates BO!!  and a link to Bo's Blog

These pic are from Before the beginning of the challenge
      
"I have been on a roller coaster fitness journey for most of my life. At the point of my highest weight I hit 292. That was a scary moment for me. I could lift a lot of weight, but we all know almost 300 lbs is never healthy. I slowly cut down. I leveled out at a steady 282 ~ 285. My Family and friends did a 30 day challenge, as i watched their success and me being in the same exact spot, I sat in front of the mirror realizing something has to change. This isn't fair to your beautiful wife or kids"

This is BO During the challenge!!!


BEAST MODE!!!

And Bo Today!!! A week and a half into the challenge!!  He is 15 pounds down and has added 8 pull ups to his max!!   I cant wait to see what another week will bring.  Congrats on your hard work and dedication!

 NOW

 Then

Cant wait to see whats next!!!

The Event, The People, The Scan, The Spa, The Prizes, The Cause!

The Event

Wow the day has come! I have worked so hard to make our event tomorrow even the tiniest bit informative.  My nerves are high I normally don't come out of my shell and I NEVER plan events.  So here goes nothing!

So the location of the Scan/Face Spa party  is.........

8014 South Welby Park Dr. Suite 201

This is approximately 4450 west on the Southwest corner of New Bingham Highway and Airport Road

At this event we will be trying to provide you with the opportunities to "Know Your Numbers."  We will have the Pharmanex Biophotonic Scanner, Blood Pressure, Body Fat, and Measurements.  As a perk we will also have trainers available to answer questions and showing a fun new style of bootcamp.  People will be allowed to work out as well as they are waiting for their turn or for the face spa fun.

You are not obligated to do any of these stations they are just meant to be fun and informative.  You will go home with a paper containing your score/numbers so that we can all get to work on improving our health!!

The People

April Robinson: has been a business owner and operator for the last 25 years.  She has been in the health and wellness industry for the past 7 years.  After a lifelong struggle with weight she has just lost 80 pounds and is healthier than ever while using pharmanex scanner as a guide.

Scott Robinson: Scott has 30 years experience in retail management and has been a gym owner for the last seven.  He has also made some amazing changes in his personal health and is now an IACT personal trainer and wellness coach.  He has spent the last seven years helping people achieve their own personal and professional goals.  The knowledge he has gained from Pharmanex and their scanner helped him achieve more energy and greater overall health.

Shannon Adams:  Shannon first got involved with Pharnamex after her mom won, YES WON, The Biggest Loser.  The dramatic results that making positive lifestyle changes has had on her entire family has instilled a passion in her to give back.  She is own of the big wigs and Beyond Weight loss, a group of people dedicated to supporting others in their journey towards health.
  

The Scan

The measurement of your Skin Caroteniod Score is an indication of tissue carotinoid concentrations and provides a good indication of antioxidant status and oxidative stress in the body (that is what makes an apple go brown).  Your score is reflective of long-term lifestyle habits.   (YIKES these numbers dont lie)

Factors that influence your score include

1) Your Diet: Typically people who eat more than 5 servings of deeply colored fruits and veggies have high scores

2) Your Supplementation: Typically people who consume well formulated(HIGH QUALITY) nutritional supplements containing  phytonutrient antioxidants have higher scores.

3) Your Body Fat: People who have a high percentage of body fat typically have lower scores.  Reducing your body fat to an acceptable Body Mas Index will increase your score

4) Your Lifestyle: High levels of oxidative stress and exposure to free radicals decrease your score.  Smoking, pollution, excessive sunlight, stress, and toxins are common sources of these free radical.

5) Your Genes: Individual differences in your body's predetermined ability to absorb caroteniods will impact your score.  

The Spa

AMAZING!! Need I say more!!!  you cant even buy this bad boy in the United
States yet so how LUCKY are we to be playing with it today.  This spa stimulates the skin for an improved appearance.  It improves facial toning and features Micro current technology.  The Face Spa has received FDA clearance as a class II medical device for over the counter cosmetic use and is very close to being available to all :)

The Prizes

I tried to do what I can to make it fun.  You can put your name in the raffle box when you walk through the door.  Some of the prizes coming in are 

Free Haircut of $20.00 Value from Kyla Cunningham at Studio Salons in the Jordan Medical Plaza

Jamberry Nails from Lindsey Bean Click Here for more Jamberry!

Shirts, waterbottles, and ear phones from Intermountain Riverton Hospital. 

Free Gym passes and boot camps from Thrive Fitness

Thanks so  so much to all of our contributors.  We appreciate your support. 

The Cause

In addition to trying to support our participants to the best of my ability I am dedicated to giving back  Some of you have seen that I am collecting yarn for Nancy Webster, one or our own 30 day challenge family!  This would be a good time to drop off your yarn you have laying around your house.  

Another cause that is near and dear to my heart is Nourish the Children.  The Nourish the children initialtive recently surpassed 350 million donated meals.  Since its inception in 2002, Nourish the Children has been supported by a steady stream of VitaMeal purchases and donations. If you have any spare change laying around your house (next to the yarn lol) these donations will be used to nourish over 100,000 every day in countries around the world.  Thank you thank you for your kindness!!!

I cant wait to see you guys tomorrow.  I am itching for a huge turnout!  I look forward to putting faces with all the names of the amazing people in our challenge, their friends and their families

Love

Stace :)