Dared to blog . . . Planning for Success!

My Spark is back! While I'm probably singing to the choir, the SparkPeople Community is one of the most positive and motivating you'll ever encounter! I'm glad to be part of an encouraging group of friends and teams. One of the things I like about being a fan of Joyce Meyers, is she has a loving way of spanking our behinds (verbally) in an attempt to bring us back into step with right and healthy living. Even well-meaning, constructive criticism -- when done with love and kindness -- is a good thing!

I have begun my fourteenth 5% Challenge with The Teddy Bear Team (one of fourteen teams all) vying to incorporate healthy habits while losing weight with several of us maintaining a healthy BMI. I know I can do it, but my most recent history does not paint a pretty picture as my new goal is to lose 28 lbs -- to return to a healthy BMI -- in the next 9 months.

Confession: I've gotten lazy. My love for food has been my demise as I�ve returned to some of my old, bad habits. The good news is that I have learned how to forgive myself quickly and get back in the program. My SparkFriends, SparkTeams, the 5% Challenge and Teddy Bears (who are actively showing love, care, and encouragement) are some of the best external motivators. It was today's Teddy Bear Dare that suggested we blog today.

I've strayed from the foundations of my healthy eating as encouraged by doctors I�ve come to admire: Dr Mehmet Oz and Dr Michael Roizen (You on a Diet), Dr Mark Hyman (Ultimate Metabolism and Blood Sugar Solution), Dr Daniel Amen (The Daniel Plan, Change Your Brain Change Your Life), and Dr Joel Fuhrman (Eat to Live, Super Immunity, and The End of Diabetes). After joining the Florida Gulf PBS in early December, I'm anxiously waiting for Dr Joel Fuhrman�s Immunity Solution package. In addition to maintaining my Spark ranges, I am trying to incorporate G-BOMBs into my daily regimen: Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries and Seeds.



�G-BOMBS� is an acronym Dr Fuhrman gives us to remember the most nutrient-dense, health-promoting foods on the planet. These are the foods you should eat every day, and they should make up a significant proportion of your diet � these foods are extremely effective at preventing chronic disease and promoting health and longevity.

Here are my 5% Winter Challenge goals:

FAITH: Spend 15 minutes daily in the study of God's word, knit 2-4 prayer shawls and be of service to God�s will by making faith an active verb. Here�s a group I made during the Fall 5% Challenge:



I find motivation in the following passage: "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." (Galatians 6:9-10)

FAMILY and FRIENDS: Spend quality time (be present) with family and friends weekly. Listen better. Contribute heartily to the weekly healthy living challenges (daily participation within very good numbers). Here�s my Dad and I after working a puzzle. I also attended the wedding of a friend.





FOOD: Daily: Track, eat six or more freggies, drink 10+ waters, meet 4-7 recommend levels of: calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, and sodium.

FITNESS: Track and average 30+ minutes daily. Sleep 7-9 hrs a night six days a week.

FUN: Do something fun at least three times weekly. Below, my friend wears her new prayer shawl and we put the crowns on from having opened our English Christmas crackers! I love our winter wonderland and celebrate all four seasons!





Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I'm wishing you success! What are you doing that works in achieving your goals?

Hug, hug
Evelyn