Healthy Holiday Tips.....

The beginning of 30 ways to outsmart temptation:

1. Start with soup. Research has found that a broth based soup at the beginning of a meal can help prevent overeating. Soups are high-volume foods but often low in calories. Choose low-sodium varieties or make your own.

2. Downsize. Instead of eating the whole pumpkin pie, eat a sliver and stay within your calories. Check the caloric content of your favorite desserts for Thanksgiving and choose the option with the least amount of fat and calories.

3. Be wasteful. Faced with an oversize meal or treat, want to eat every bite...savor a few tastes, set a limit and send the rest away. Throw it in the garbage, cover it with salt or drizzle it with ketchup. Just don't eat it.

4. Face your fear. Knowing you have the strength to resist it can make you feel even that more powerful and in control. Just because the mashed potatoes are sitting there doesn't mean you have to eat them. One small scoop is every bit as good as half a plate!

5. Be a kid again. Order from the kids meal or for this time of year, eat off of a child size plate. When you are done, wait at least 30 minutes before going back for seconds!!!

6. Envision the consequences. What will this indulgence do to your plan? How far will it set you back? Will you be able to bounce back quickly, or will it take weeks of work?


This is from The Skinny Cow: There's room for the best meal of the year and treats in a healthy lifestyle. Eat sensibly, budget your portion, and there's no reason why you can't indulge from time to time.

Biggest Losers......

Hey Everyone!

Here are the Biggest Loser's up to this week! Everyone has stayed committed and working hard this far. The real challenge is going to be this week. Next week's weigh in will tell us who is serious about the Obsidian Challenge and winning all that money! Remember first place wins 2 round trip tickets to Las Vegas and the pool of money which is $800.00!

Biggest Losers weight loss percentage:
1. Kate Van Wagner 6.7%
2. Christina Youngberg 6.28%
3. Nicole Handy 6%
4. Becky Olson 4.25%
5. Lucy Borg 3.9%
6. Doreen Braun 3.38%

The Obsidian Challenge crew has lost a combined weight loss of 84 pounds in 5 weeks!

Quick Healthy Party Chili

Quick Healthy Party Chili...by Grace Rock

1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 quart chicken broth
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney
1 can black beans
1 can corn, drained, or frozen corn
1 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
1/4 cup brown sugar

Brown turkey and onion. Add other ingredients. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with chips, sour cream, grated cheese, salsa, etc. (or if you are under Lacey’s watch just eat it plain!). Grace also suggested putting 3 cans of beans instead of 2!

Grace, thanks for the amazing recipe! Enjoy!

Healthy Quick Party Chili for the Holidays

Quick Party Chili......by Grace Rock

1 lb ground turkey
1 onion chopped
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 quart chicken broth
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney
1 can black beans
1 can corn, drained, or frozen corn
1 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
1/4 cup brown sugar

Brown turkey and onion. Add other ingredients. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with chips, sour cream, grated cheese, salsa, etc. (or if you are under Lacey’s watch just eat it plain!). Grace also suggested putting 3 cans of beans instead of 2!

Grace, thanks for the amazing recipe! Enjoy!

Biggest Losers to Date........

The Obsidian Challenge is in full force and almost everyone is seeing some great results! The majority of our classes are starting to not only lose weight but also build their endurance and strength. It's amazing how far people have come in just a few short weeks! Here are the top 6 Biggest Losers up to date:

1. Kate Van Wagner 1.07%
2. Nicole Handy 1.06%
3. Christina Youngberg 1.041%
4. Lucy Borg 1.04%
5. Becky Olson 1.036%
6. Doreen Braun 1.035%

Now, remember the Challenge has just begun! Everyone is still in this so keep striving for the goals and results you have all set for yourselves! Keep checking the blog for helpful tips on diet and nutrition and much more information to help you be successful!