One holiday down and 3 to go....

We are now 1/3 of the way through the challenge and we have had some promising challengers! We usually list the top 5 contestants but this far into the challenge we have a tight race between quite a few people. Highest percentage of weight loss in 4 weeks:

Heather Kelly 7.8%

Marianne VanWagoner 5.65%

Susan Astle 5.19%

Stephanie Strasburg 5.16%

Daniel Morath 4.76%

Julie Pos 4.65%

Brie Barrett 4.47%

The next hurdle is Thanksgiving!

Join us Thanksgiving morning to burn those extra holiday calories...

7:30 AM BODYVIVE (sneak preview)

8:30 AM 90 minute BODYCOMBAT

(all other classes canceled)

NO CLASSES FRIDAY, November 26th!

Essential Fatty Acids....

Make sure you get the adequate amount of

omega-3 fatty acids each day (250 milligrams or more).

84,000 deaths a year are contributed to not getting enough of this nutrient.

Essential fatty acids help prevent heart disease, which is the number one killer of women in America.

women's health, December 2009

"Tis the SEASONing....

Spice up your holiday cooking with these spices instead of limiting yourself to sweet treats like pumpkin pie, gingerbread, and eggnog! These spices can add flavor with out adding extra salt, fat, or sugar and as a bonus they each have their own health benefits!

Ginger

Ginger can help reduce inflammation that causes muscle pain and arthritis.

USE IT: Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise and cover the flesh with ground ginger, then bake as usual

Cinnamon

Cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of foods, so you can cut back on sugar while still satisfying your sweet tooth. It may also help control blood sugar levels.

USE IT: Toss some nuts with a bit of oil, sea salt, and cinnamon and back for 10 minutes for a delicious snack. Also sprinkle over baked apples and peaches for a fruit side dish.

Nutmeg

Another natural accompaniment to both salty and sweet dishes, it tastes like cinnamon with a touch of nuttiness. Compounds in nutmeg boosts mood

USE IT: melt a touch of butter,m add some nutmeg, and then saute spinach in it.

Women's Health December 2009

Holiday Obsidian Challenge......

Did you know...

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The average American gains 1-2 lbs during the next 3 holiday months. That weight accumulates and never comes off according to the New England Journal of Medicine. What's worse? If you are already overweight you are more likely to gain 5lbs during the holiday and yes that's weight that will stay with you for a lifetime. Most midlife weight gain can be explained by holiday eating!

We have a great group of people who have committed to not only avoid the holiday weight gain but get a jump start on their New Year's resolution and take the Holiday Obsidian Challenge! They will endure 12 weeks of intense training with weely weigh ins and measurements to keep them on their toes through the next 3 months.

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Obsidian Challengers.......

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Aimee McConkie

Amanda Locke

Amy Palmer

Andrea Webber

Brie Barrett

Catherine Stirling

Coco Peterson

Daniel Morath

Emilee Morgan

Eric Morgan

Hanna Kratochvil

Heather Kelly

Heidi Hackett

Jade Nygren

Jen Brewer

Jen Parrish

Jenna Pratt

Julie Pos

Katie Barnard

Lane Nygren

Lisa Sandoval

Liz Vawdrey

Lena Gibb

Marianne VanWagoner

Matt Steenblik

Melissa Reily

Nicole Handy

Noel Nielsen

Rachel Sykes

Robb Dengg

Sandra Stanger

Sarah Beesley

Shellie SImpson

Stephanie Strasburg

Steve Parrish

Susan Astle

Taylor Smith

Whitney Vanleewen

Chicken and Brown Rice Salad

Dressing:
1/2 C rice vinegar
1/3 c vegetable oil (olive oil or canola healthier option)
1 T Dijon mustard
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 t each salt and pepper
1/4 t sugar

Salad:
1 C whole grain brown rice
4 C chicken broth (low sodium)
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 whole chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 bunch green onions, minced
6-8oz snow peas, ends trimmed and cut into thirds
2 ripe avocados, chopped
1/2 C pecan pieces or slivered almonds, toasted (optional)

*Combine Rice, chicken broth, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
Simmer, covered for 1 hour, or until rice is tender. Drain off liquid if any is left.

*Add green onions, snow peas and dressing to rice. Chill for 2 hours or more. Add avocados and toasted nuts just before serving.

Yum!!!~From Grace Rock, author of Favorites Recipe Book

No Bake Protein Bars

2 Cups of quick cooking oats

1/2 C peanut butter

4 scoops protein powder (vanilla or cookies and cream works best)

1 TBSP ground flaxseed

1/2 C water

*Knead all ingredients in a bowl

*Line square pan with wax paper

*Spread dough into pan using a spatula

Optional Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top

Freeze 30 minutes

230 calories, 15 grams of protein per serving

~Robyn Pugmire

Obsidian Challenge #2

4 weeks down and 8 to go......

The Obsidian Challenge is officially underway! We have seen some amazing results in just 4 weeks. We can't wait to see what happens in the next 8. Everyone is very dedicated and working hard to reach their goals and it's starting to show! Keep up the good work ;)

Here are the top Challengers:

1. Joni Hemond 8.5%

2. (tie for 2nd)

Patrick Roeder & Toni Polich 7.2%

3. Angie Detmer 6%

4. Annette Prickett 4.5%

5. Christina Youngberg 3.8%