Meet Janelle!

This is Janelle :)

She is competing in my Bikini Challenge all the way from AUSTRALIA! How amazing is that? I just love the internet and how it connects people from all across the world together! Lovely!

Starting weight: 145.5 pounds

 

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Janelle: "Nothing tastes as good as being in shape feels" from Craig Harper book, Fattitude.

WASOS: What is your favorite healthy recipe?

Janelle: Beef Tacos (not low carb but low fat and super tasty)

Serves 2

• 1 piece of rump or porterhouse steak
• 3 large tomatoes deseeded and chopped
• 1/2 red/spanish onion chopped finely
• 1/4 bunch of fresh coriander (cilantro)
• 1 lime
• salt & pepper
• Low fat cheddar cheese
• Low fat/high fibre tortillas

1. Make salsa with fresh tomatoes, corriander (cilantro), red onion, salt pepper & a squeeze of lime juice
2. Grate some low fat cheddar cheese
3. Slice jalapenos or used pickled ones in jar
4. BBQ or grill one piece of rump steak that has been sprinkled with Mexican seasoning.  Slice thinly when cooked
5. Heat low fat tortillas and add fillings to eat

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Janelle: My end goal as well as fitting back into my pre-pregnancy jeans, is to make eating healthy and exercising a part of life so that I don't have to think so hard to keep doing it.  I now have a 3 month old daughter so making sure that she grows up in an environment where I am not constantly stressed about my weight all the time is really important. 

You can "like" the We Aren't Scared Of Sugar facebook page HERE, and keep up with the Spring Break Bikini Challenge on twitter HERE! :)

 

 

Meet Elizabeth!

Another lovely Spring Break Bikini Challenge Competitor! :)

^^ Mrs. Elizabeth recently came back from an amazing vacation in HAWAII. She was there the same time K&K were there!! I would have been stalking the stars of Tone It Up, had it been me. :) haha :) 

Starting weight: 198.4

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Elizabeth: "If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be?" Maya Angelou

WASOS: What is your favorite healthy recipe? 

Elizabeth: Roast chicken with spring vegetables. It is so delicious and incredibly filling. It tastes like comfort food but is only 569 calories for a full plate of yum. Recipe listed below.

http://foodnetwork.mobi/quickPage.html?page=24236

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Elizabeth: I would like to be a good role model for my daughter Emma by being healthy and being comfortable in my own skin. I want to show her how to love and take care of herself by example. Also I would like to have a vbac with next baby and believe that losing weight and being as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant again gives me the best chance possible of having the birth I want.

You can keep up with the Spring Break Bikini Challenge by "liking" the We Aren't Scared Of Sugar facebook page HERE. You can also follow the tweeting SBBC girls by following the list HERE. :)

Meet Amy!

starting weight: 163.6

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Amy:  "There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." -Nelson Mandela

WASOS: What is your favorite healthy recipe?

Amy: I don’t really have any healthy recipes (just really started cooking not that long ago…everything I “cooked” would come from a box) 

Here is a recipe I found from Pillsbury and have adjusted some things in it. Pillsbury Grands Easy Taco Melts: 

Ingredients:

1lb. ground turkey, cooked and drained1

 ½ cups picante sauce (the recipe calls for chunky salsa but I don’t like the chunky stuff)

1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits (they have a low fat one)

½ cup Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese, shredded

Directions:In 10-inch skillet mix cooked beef and ½ cup of the salsa (I just a whole cup). Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Press each biscuit into a 6-inch round. Spoon 1/3 cup meat mixture and 1 tbsp. cheese into the center of each round. Fold dough in half over filling; press edges to seal.Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 9-14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with remaining salsa. 

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Amy: To be healthy and happy for myself and no one else. Once I do that then it will trickle down to my boys and husband, but I’ve realized that if I’m not happy with myself then I can’t be the best mom and wife I know I can be!

You can follow Amy on twitter by clicking HERE.

And if you haven't already, you should go like the We Aren't Scared of Sugar facebook page by clicking HERE. 

Meet Aubrey!

This is the gorgeous Aubrey. :) She is my wing man for the challenges I host. I say that because she helps motivate ME a lot. Annnnd she does all the math for me. I am so, so very terrible at math. Even with a calculator. So, having her to back up my numbers (she charts EVERYTHING- so I have something to compare my math with! SAVING GRACE, haha!) against makes my life a lot easier.

Aubrey has been a part of all 3 of my challenges, starting the first one in July '11 weighing in at 175 and finishing at 168. She started the second challenge at 163 and ended at 156. 

Starting weight for the SBBC: 158.8

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Aubrey: "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch."

WASOS: Share your favorite healthy recipe.

Aubrey:  I like to keep it simple.....grilled chicken with grilled squash and zucchini, with some Tony Chachere seasoning

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Aubrey: I want to feel comfortable going for a run in booty shorts and a sports bra

^^ Me too, Aubrey, me too. We will get there! :) 

If you would like to follow Aubrey's journey to an amazing beach bod, you can view her blog HERE. You can also follow her on twitter HERE. You can also add her as a friend on my fitness pal by searching for Aubarnold.

If you haven't already, go ahead and "like" the We Aren't Scared of Sugar facebook page by clicking HERE! 

Meet Gabrielle!

Gabrielle is the 4th lovely lady featured on the blog for my Spring Break Bikini Challenge!

her facebook profile picture :)

starting weight: 197

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Gabrielle:  "If you don't love yourself BEFORE, you won't love yourself AFTER. It's your body, adore yourself at every weight."

WASOS: Tell us your favorite healthy recipe.

Gabrielle: Hunter’s Chicken - weight watchers value- 4 points or 203 cals a serving

 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about (5 oz each if you do Flex)
 Or use thighs if you like dark meat
 ½ tsp salt
 ¼ tsp pepper I added 1/2 jar of stuffed green olives
 3 tsp olive oil
 Cooking spray
 1 large onion chopped
 3 cloves of garlic, minced
 2 large bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1/2 pieces
 ½ pound fresh white mushrooms, sliced
 1 celery stalk, chopped
 1 (1 pint) container refrigerated fresh tomato pasta sauce
 fresh thyme (optional)
 1.) Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet,
 spray and add 2 tsp olive oil. Brown chicken over medium heat, about
 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, put on plate and set aside.
 Cut each breast in half.
 2.) Add remaining oil into same skillet and add onion and garlic. Stir
 until softened, about 3 minutes. Add peppers, mushrooms and celery;
 cook. Stir occasionally until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add back in
 the chicken. Add the Sauce and stir so the chicken is coated. Bring to
 a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
 You can serve this right away, or make it in advance as it tastes even
 better the second day. This is an easy “bring to someone’s house”
 dish. This would also be excellent as a buffet dish, served in a
 chafing dish or on a hot tray. The chicken is good cold the next day.

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Gabrielle:  My end goal for this challenge would be 165-175. My over all goal would be to just be healthy, I want to run around with my kids and not worry if my flab is hanging over my pants or if my shirt is to tight. I want to be the person I know I can be for my husband, the better I feel the better I can be for him. Life is to short to waste wishing "what if" I have to do it now before it's to late.

You can keep up with the Spring Break Bikini Challenge updates by making sure you "like" We Aren't Scared of Sugar on facebook! Or you can follow the SBBC list on twitter, HERE. 

Meet Tasha!

Contender number 3 for the Spring Break Bikini Challenge!! :) 

Yes, I stole her facebook profile picture. :)

Starting weight: 164lbs

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: Tell us your favorite motivational quote.

Tasha:  Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

WASOS: Tell us your favorite healthy recipe.

Tasha: Right now my favorite (I know it's not a recipe) is Asparagus. Mostly grilled b/c it's fast, easy and delicious but I will take it in any dish. I used to avoid it because of the canned stuff. I never knew it had such amazing potential!

WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Tasha: Overall I would like to see my weight decrease by 10-15lbs but that isn't firm. I am in great physical shape but I want to take some extra pressure off of my joints because I have Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. The longer I am healthier and mobile with my children and husband the better. I went through a two year period where the disease owned me and now I take each day and give it all I have.

You can keep up with the Spring Break Bikini Challenge updates by making sure you "like" We Aren't Scared of Sugar on facebook! Or you can follow the SBBC list on twitter, HERE. 

Meet Chelsie

Today we continue meeting the Spring Break Bikini Challenge girls!

How exciting!

(another stolen facebook profile picture!)

starting weight: 311.4

We Aren't Scared Of Sugar: So, What is your favorite motivational quote?
Chelsie: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." -Grandpa Dale
WASOS: Tell us your favorite recipe.

Chelsie: 5 spice roasted chicken 295 calories
marinade-
6 cloves garlic
1 lrg shallot
1 tbsp fresh ground ginger
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 c reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp chinese five spice powder
freshly ground pepper
6 legs of boneless skinless chicken legs/thighs with fat trimmed

place marinade items in blender, blend until smooth
place chicken in ziploc bag, pour marinade on top, shake/ toss to cover chicken. marinate in fridge for 6-8 hrs or overnight.

preheat oven to 400. place chicken on rack over a cookie sheet covered in foil, make a tent to cover chicken to avoid burning. roast chicken in oven for 30 minutes, remove foil and continue roasting until internal temp is 165-175- about 45 more min.
then tear it up.. nomnomnom
WASOS: What is your ultimate fitness goal?

Chelsie: To be able to look into the mirror and smile.

I am so happy that Chelsie has turned to this challenge to find the strength, motivation, & encouragement she needs to begin this amazing journey of self-transformation! 

You can follow Chelsie on twitter HERE! And make sure you "like" the We Aren't Scared of Sugar facebook page to keep up with how the challenge is going! :)

Miscellany MOTIVATION Monday!

Can I participate in two "days" at once? I think I can. :) So get ready!

1. The last week has been so crazy. Seriously, I have barely left my house. BUT. I did make it to the gym almost every day last week. I did eat clean all week. I DO FEEL GREAT! I lost an inch off my thighs. I lost an inch off my natural waist. I lost an inch off my abs (right around the belly button!). I lost an inch off my calves. I lost half an inch off my arms. I pushed myself harder than ever. I killed some awesome ab workouts. I have almost mastered my kettle bell (and I haven't dropped it on my face ONCE! biggest fear ever... "hey, what happened to your nose??" "Oh... I'm a klutz and I dropped my kettle bell right on my face because my hands were sweaty." hahaha). Oh, and I have decided I want to become a FitFluential Ambassador. So, if you don't already, click follow up there ^^^ and then go "like" my facebook page- I just created it last night.

2. 88. that is the number of ounces of water I consumed yesterday.

3. Girls' Night wine and apps:: I created an event (Feb 4, I  believe!) and I can't wait. So far I think 6 or 7 girls have confirmed. A night at uptown upstairs, wine, laughing, appetizers, laughing, adult conversations and high heels. That is whats on my agenda. I NEED THIS!

4. Sophia has become, over night, a diva. Ok, maybe not over night. And maybe Olivia calling her "Little Diva baby girl" doesn't help. But. It is what it is, and Miss S feels the need to accessorize 24/7. hahaha.

5. I am hosting the SPRING BREAK BIKINI CHALLENGE, and if you're interested in joining up, please leave a comment here or check out the facebook page. $20USD to enter, and the winner (biggest loser) takes all the cash. Its a great, fun and inspiring way to have fun, lose weight and enjoy a little friendly competition. :)

And NOW... the MOTIVATION portion of this post:::

THIS is what is motivating me this week!!!

this is the Betsey Johnson 'Romance' swim suit. This is what I want! Only.. its $98 PER PIECE. So, I'll aspire to this and buy something similar.. but not quite as pricey!

Holy Day

Sunday is a holy day. A day for church. We don't attend a local church. As episcopalians, we are churchless here. The nearest episcopal church is an hour away. So, aside from holidays & when Andy is home to help me with the children.. we don't go. That makes me sad.

Anyway, where I was going with that whole "Holy Day" title, our bodies are our temples. So I wonder how so many people can put such awful things into their literal temple (body) when they try so hard not to put awful things in their figurative temple (mind/heart). I'm guilty of both, I sin and sometimes I fail at health and have a soda. {moving on}

Sundays are weigh in & body measure day for me. I have worked so hard this week, pushing myself physically and it paid off. I lost 1.5lbs, and I lost an inch from my natural waist, abs, thighs, calves. I also lost half an inch off my arms. I feel great. and I feel like I can really tell a difference in my body. I'm sure that part is all in my head, and those that see me won't notice.. but I feel it. Its a great feeling. I can't wait to reach my goals and be able to post my before/after photos. That moment will be glorious.

I am hosting the Spring Break Bikini Challenge- a motivating challenge between a group of girls to see who can lose the most body fat percent. Everyone wants a great bikini body before their big spring break trips! If you are interested in entering, you can find out more details on my facebook page. The entry fee is $20, and the winner (biggest loser) walks away with all the cash. The last challenge I hosted had 13 ladies and $260. I am happy to report the winner was my friend Beth, and she has continued to lose weight and be healthy! I am so proud of her!

Since the weight has been coming off, I can no longer wear my engagement ring without my wedding band being on the wrong side to keep it on. I have been wearing my rings the "widow" way, which I feel really uncomfortable with since my husband is in Iraq... I went ahead and took my engagement ring off today. It is safely tucked away in my jewelry box until I can get it to the jewelers and have it re-sized. Which makes me really nervous because my ring didn't come from just any jewelry store, my husband custom designed my ring from a diamond bank. He picked out each individual diamond. All together my ring is 2 carats and VVS1. I love it. Its perfect. Just like my sweet Andrew.

I have one other thing I want to touch on... VITAMINS. I have a huge daily regimen for vitamins! I take Biotin and B12 for my hair, Zinc for my face, a womens multi (which has been replaced with two flintstones because I haven't placed another order with bodybuilding.com) fish oil, evening primrose oil (just started this again last night for my eczema), and green tea extract. I'm curious to know what vitamins you take or have taken, and why?