Family Fitness Challenge

2014. A new year full of new possibilities. To begin this new year on the right foot, my dad has come up with a 5 week Family Fitness Challenge. Each week, you get points for various things that we have decided "healthy/successful" people might/should do. Here's how it works:

• You must set three goals on or before Day 1 of the current week. If all three goals are completed by the end of the week (and signed off on by a witness or spouse), then three points are awarded. There is no partial credit. (For example, achieving one of the three goals does not give you one point.)
• Each day, there are four things you can do to receive one point for each: 
• Eat healthy. There are parameters for this one that are outlined in our Challenge Manuals. (Yes, we have those and yes, they are bound. Thanks to our Dad "Challenge Coordinator.") 
• Work Out. A "work out" constitutes as 50 minutes of exercise that includes 20 minutes of cardio. Because we are a family of runners, a 3 mile run outside also constitutes as a "work out."
• Getting at least 7 hours of sleep. This is pretty self-explanatory. This is what we decided a healthy/successful person should be getting every night.
• At least 15 minutes of personal Bible Study or time in prayer. This does not include a small group or prayer at meals. This is a quiet time set aside for God and you.
• A random act of kindness at some point throughout the week will earn you three points. (Even if you do more than one, only one act will count toward your points.)
• Attending Sunday church will also earn you three points.

This challenge is not necessarily "results-based," however I believe each of us will see results at the end of the 5 weeks. There are a maximum of 37 available points each week, but you can only max out at 33, so if you only want to work out 4 days a week, but you do everything else, you still can achieve maximum points for the week. Or, if you are not able to get 7 hours of sleep each night, you have a little wiggle-room there. Reading one book throughout the challenge also gives you 15 points that are added in at the end of the challenge for a total possible points of 180. The contest is simple, really--the one with the most points at the end of the 5 weeks is the winner. In the event of a tie, Dad the "Challenge Coordinator" will decide the winner based upon the quality of personal goals and the random acts of kindness. So, who's ready to begin?

On top of (and to help with) the Family Fitness Challenge, a few of us have decided to start another healthy-eating challenge with various supplements and meal plans. It is a comprehensive supplement and nutrition program. We will be eating about 5 times a day, with each meal falling between 200-300 calories.

What are we cutting out?

Fried foods, processed foods, white flour, white breads, dairy, mushrooms, sugar, candy, syrups, honey, creamy sauces, high-calorie salad dressings, sodas, alcohol, deli meats, and mayonnaise

So what in the world can you eat?

Protein (eggs, chicken, turkey, fish)
Fruits (berries, apples, kiwi, mango, etc.)
Veggies (spinach, romaine, kale, asparagus, sweet potatoes, broccoli, edamame, celery, etc.)
Healthy fats (avocado, nut butter, nuts or seeds)

2014 is going to be a great year. 

Did you make any resolutions?

Good luck and happy 2014!