Outstanding Balance

PLEASE LOOK TO SEE IF YOU STILL HAVE AN OUTSTANDING BALANCE OWED.
YOU CAN MAIL YOUR OUTSTANDING BALANCE TO:

JENN MOAK
980 GARCIA AVE
PITTSBURG, CA 94565

PLEASE SEND IT IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THERE IS STILL $330 STILL OWED TO THE WINNER AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT TO HIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THANKS,
JENN

Final Results Are In!

CONGRATULATIONS RAY FLORES!

You are Pacific Heating's Season 2 Biggest Loser winner!

We would like to congratulate Ray for being the Biggest Loser!

Over the 8 weeks he lost a total of 38.75 pounds!

You have won $1,105!

Way to go!

Below I have posted the overall results.

You all rocked this competition!

As a group we lost a total 352.4 pounds!

Also, if you would like to send me before and after pictures (if you took them), I will be more than happy to post them along with any success stories!

Please don't let the end of this competition end your healthy well being. Being healthy and fit is not a DIET - it's a way of life.

Happy Health & Fitness!

-Jenn

Before & After Pitcures

So far I've only gotten 1 set of before pictures.
There is still time to send me your before pictures and then I will post them this week.
Then, you can send me your after picture the day the competition ends ;)

Here is Ray Flores' before pictures:

Outstanding Balances

We only have 1 week left to go!

Here is the list of initiation fees and $5 fees that are still owed.

Please get these sent out as soon as possible.

Thanks!

-Jenn

Week 7 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 30.95 pounds!

In 7 weeks as a group we have lost a total of 296.95 pounds!

That's an average of 10.6 pounds per person.

ONLY 1 MORE WEEK - ARE YOU READY FOR THE FINAL COUNTDOWN?

THE TOP 5 SPOTS ARE IN A TIGHT RACE - IT'S ANYONES GAME NOW!!

As of 7/26/2010 the total winning pot is up to $1,065!!

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

Week 6 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 36.2 pounds!
In 6 weeks as a group we have lost a total of 266 pounds!
That's an average of 9.5 pounds PER PERSON!
6 weeks down and only 2 more to go!
We've got a pretty tight race for the top 5 - this is going to get interesting!
Need a little extra push for the last 2 weeks?
The total winning pot is now up to $1,030!!!!
Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

How to choose the ripest fruits

I saw this on the Yahoo! homepage and thought it was a great article. I'm always picking up fruit, taking a big bite and then getting extremely disappointed because it's not ready to eat. Hopefully you guys enjoy this article as much as I did.

editor by Yahoo!Green, on Tue Jun 22, 2010 12:39pm PDT
By Lori Bongiorno

There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than biting into a juicy, sweet, ripe piece of fruit. But how do you know if a peach or strawberry is going to taste as good as it looks?
While it's true that choosing delicious fruits is more of an art than a science, there are some guidelines that can help you make smart choices. It's helpful to know that there are different categories of ripe, according to Shirley Corriher, a food scientist and author of BakeWise. Some fruits become ripe when carbohydrates break down into sugar and they become sweeter after they are picked, such as bananas, apples, pears, and mangoes.

Then there are the ones that are so deceptive, she says, because they ripen in color, texture, and juiciness after they're picked, but they don't get any sweeter because they get their sugar from the plant sap. Apricots, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, cantaloupe, and honeydew are all good examples.

Soft berries, cherries, citrus, watermelon, pineapple, and grapes will never ripen after they've been picked, says Corriher. So if they're not ripe in the grocery store, you probably don't want to bring them home. Avocados, on the other hand, don't actually start to ripen until after they've been picked.

Color, smell, texture, and other clues can also help determine which fruits you should buy. The rules differ depending on the fruit. Below, experts share their secrets for finding the best fruits.
One thing they all agree on is that you'll get the ripest, most delicious fruits if you shop for local produce that's in season. It's also easier to sample fruits at farmers' markets -- the only surefire way to know if fruit tastes good -- than at the grocery store. Going to a farm that lets you pick your own fruit right off the vine yields the best fruit, they say.

Melons
Experts agree that scent is important in choosing the best-tasting melons, particularly when it comes to cantaloupe and honeydew (less so with watermelon). They should smell very sweet, particularly at the blossom and stem ends, which should also be tender if you press on them.
The best way to check for ripeness of a cantaloupe or honeydew melon is to look at the skin, says Emily Wallendjack, pastry chef at Cookshop in New York City. "If the veins on the skin are green, they aren't ripe." Corriher likes to choose melons that are pale.
Wallendjack and other experts suggests tapping melons: "If you tap on it, and kind of flick it and hear a deep hollow sound, it's ripe."
A watermelon should feel heavy for its size and the underbelly should have a splotch of creamy yellow.

Stone fruits
Look for peaches and nectarines that are tender to the touch, but not too soft. Feeling is the best way, but smell can also be a good indicator of taste as well, says Gabriel Kass-Johnson of McEnroe Organic Farm in Millerton, New York. Stay away from peaches that have a greenish tint, which usually means they were picked too early.
Plums should be slightly tender to the touch and fully colored, says Rachel Saunders, owner of Blue Chair Fruit.

Cherries
Color is key when it comes to cherries. "Look for Bing cherries with a deep, rich burgundy color," says Nick Trocano, a farmer at Sycamore Farms, in Middletown, NY. "A cherry should feel like it's plump and full of juice. It should feels like if you just squeeze it a little harder, it will burst."
Some additional tips from Saunders: The stems should be attached. Cherries should be firm -- if the flesh is too soft, then it indicates an overripe cherry.

Berries
"With berries, color is surefire," says Kass-Johnson. "Smell isn't as important." And remember that they will not ripen after you buy them. They'll just get softer and mushier.
Strawberries should be entirely red, according to Saunders. "If a berry has white shoulders (the part of the berry hidden by the leaves), it was picked too early." She says strawberries should be firm and have dark green leaves. If the leaves are dried out, then it's a sign that the berries are old.
"With raspberries you want the most intense, deep red that you can find," says Corriher. "Pick the biggest blueberries you can find, and they'll be sweeter." Saunders says she seeks out blueberries that are both firm and blue.

Apples
Apples should have a very tight, hard skin, and there should be no give when you press on them, says Wallendjack.
Color is also important. "You need to know what color an apple is when it's ripe," says Corriher. For example, look for really yellow golden delicious apples.

Oranges
Saunders suggests looking for bright, firm oranges. "A too-pale color can indicate that the fruit was picked a little early," she says. "A leather-looking peel indicates the orange is old."
Pears
"A ripe pear typically has a sweet aroma and is slightly tender to the touch," says Saunders. "If the fruit is hard, it's not ready." She also points out that pears ripen very well off the tree at room temperature.

Bananas
Bananas aren't grown in America so they're always picked when green and ripen on the way, says Kass-Johnson. He says it makes no difference if they are a little green when you buy them. It just depends on when you are going to eat them.

Mangoes
"You can take a mango that's not ripe and throw it in a brown paper bag on the counter and it will ripen on its own," says Wallendjack. "If it feels soft and if you press it in and it keeps the imprint of your finger, then it's ripe and ready to eat." She also says the skin should have a yellowish tint to it. Green on the outside means it's not ripe yet.

Week 5 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 30.8 pounds! (And I'm still waiting on 3 people to give me their weight so that number could go up!)
As a group for the last 5 weeks we have lost a total of 229.8 pounds.
5 weeks down, 3 to go!
The total pot is up to $995!


Happy Health & Fitness!

-Jenn

Week 4 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 23.5 pounds! (And I'm still waiting on 3 people to give me their weight so that number could go up!)
As a group for the last 2 weeks we have lost a total of 199 pounds.
4 weeks down, 4 to go!
The total pot is up to $955!

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

Week 3 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 40.8 pounds!
That's an average of 1.45 pounds per person.
As a group for the last 2 weeks we have lost a total of 176 pounds.
3 weeks down, 5 to go!
The total pot is up to $910! Now there's some motivation for you!

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

Woohoo! Bayou Fish Pack - Compliments of Hungry Girl!

I got this WONDERFUL recipe from Hungry Girls weekly weigh in e-newsletter. I am so excited to try this. If you end up making it, let me know if you enjoyed it! Here is a link to the Hungry Girl website www.hungry-girl.com


PER SERVING (1/2 of recipe, 1 fillet with seasoned beans): 270 calories, 2g fat, 592mg sodium, 32.5g carbs, 9.5g fiber, 8g sugars, 31g protein -- POINTS® value 5*

This slightly spicy fish dish will rock your face off!!!



Ingredients:
1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning, divided
1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
1/8 tsp. ground thyme
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Two 4-oz. raw flounder fillets
Optional: hot sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place beans, bell pepper, onion, and celery in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine tomato paste with 1/4 tsp. Cajun seasoning. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and mix thoroughly. Transfer seasoned tomato paste to the bean-veggie mixture, and stir to coat. Set aside.

Lay a large piece of heavy-duty foil on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick spray. Scoop seasoned bean-veggie mixture into the center of the foil, and spread it out a bit. Evenly sprinkle remaining 1/4 tsp. Cajun seasoning on both sides of each fillet, and lay the fillets side by side on top of the bean-veggie mixture.

Place another large piece of foil over the whole thing. Fold together and seal all four edges of the two foil pieces, forming a well-sealed packet.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the fillets are cooked through and the veggies are tender. Cut packet to release steam before opening it entirely. (Careful -- steam will be hot.)

Serve each fillet with half of the bean-veggie mixture. If you like, add a little hot sauce. Enjoy!

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

Week 2 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 42.2 pounds!
That's an average of 1.50 pounds per person.
As a group for the last 2 weeks we have lost a total of 135.2 pounds.
2 weeks down, 6 to go!

Below I have posted the OVERALL results (combining weeks 1 &2)

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

The "Skinny" on Sweet Potato Fries

Earlier today I got an email about "regular" fries (like from a fast-foot restaurant) vs. sweet potato fries. I already have a small love affair with sweet potatoes - but this article made me fall even more head over heels for them ...

This article came from www.skinnykitchen.net and was written by Nancy Fox.

These are the hottest potatoes in restaurants these days. It's no wonder--the little spears are tasty. Although they share the same name as the standard potato, they taste quite different. They're sweeter and far more nutritious. Instead of deep frying them, we're baking them coated with a small amount of olive oil.

The skinny on a serving is 106 calories and 4.5 grams of fat.

A medium size French fries at Carl's Jr. has an astounding 710 calories and 33 grams of fat.

The sodium content of our potatoes is only 207mg compared to Carl's Jr.'s at 1,790mg.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients
2 (12ounce) bags Sweet Potato Spears from Trader Joe's or 2 large sweet potatoes (~2 pounds)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
If you're not using already prepped bags, peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/8 inch spears.
Place sweet potato spears on a baking pan and drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Toss well to coat evenly.
Arrange potato spears on the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until tender and crisp. Turn potatoes once during baking.

Serves 6

Food Fact: Sweet potatoes are sweeter than a regular potato and grow in warmer climates. In America we grow two main types of sweet potatoes: One is a pale sweet potato and the other is a darker-skinned variety.

Healthy Benefits: Sweet potatoes have a high nutritional value. They're loaded with vitamin A. In fact, one sweet potato has twice the amount of vitamin A a person needs in one day. They also contain an impressive amount of potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

Shopping Tip: We found our prepped sweet potato spears at Trader Joe's but you can find them at most supermarkets.

Storage Tip: Store sweet potatoes as you would white potatoes--in a cool, dry place.

Serving Tip: Serve these sweet potato fries with our turkey burger.

Skinny Facts for One Serving of Skinny Sweet Potato Fries: 106 calories, 4.5g fat, 1.2g protein, 17g carbs, 3g fiber, 207mg sodium, 3g sugar

Fat Facts for a Medium-Size Carl's Jr. French Fries: 710 calories, 33g fat, 8g protein, 62g carbs, 5g fiber, 1790mg sodium, 1g sugar

Happy Health & Fitness!

-Jenn

Just like last time ...

Like last time I would like to keep this blog as interactive as possible. It is a great tool to keep all of us informed, motivated, inspired ...etc!

So, here is a list of things that I would be MORE than happy to post on here for all of us to check out:

* recipes
* work-outs & tips
* before & after pictures
* what motivates you

You see what I'm getting at.
You can email me at jenn@pacheat.com

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

Week One Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 93 pounds this week!
That is an average of 3.32 pounds per person.
That's incredible!
Way to go!
Keep up the great work!

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

Last Day to Sign-Up!

IF ANY OF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO JOIN, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO DO IT!
LET ME KNOW BY THE END OF TODAY.
I WILL NEED THE PERSONS EMAIL ADDRESS AND THEIR STARTING WEIGHT. =)
I'M SO EXCITED THAT WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
LAST TIME OUR GROUP LOST A TOTAL OF 277.3 POUNDS IN 8 WEEKS.... LET'S SEE IF WE CAN SMASH THAT RECORD!

HAPPY HEALTH & FITNESS!
-JENN

Are you in it to win it?

Day one is off to a great start! I've already got almost everyones starting weight!

We've got 27 people signed up so far which means that the total prize is GUARANTEED to be over $800!! Today is the last day to sign up - so let me know if you know anyone who wants in on it.

Happy Health & Fitness!
-Jenn

I'm baaaaaaccccckkkkkkkk!

Hey everyone!

I'm excited to say that I think we might end up having more people participating than the last go-around!

I'm hoping that I can get a final head count by Friday so if you know anyone who "might" be considering.... TALK THEM INTO THE FUN! Please email, text, fax or facebook me with the information of the person who would like to join the competition. Either tomorrow or Friday I will be sending out an email to everyone regarding where you can send your entry fee and more details about Monday. Here is my contact info:

Jennifer Moak
Cell: 707-372-1005
Fax: 925-439-8426
Email: jenn@pacheat.com
www.pacificheatingpresents.blogspot.com

Hope to hear back from you all soon!

Thanks!!!!
-Jenn

Final Results Are In!

CONGRATULATIONS ERIC MOAK!

You are Pacific Heating's season 1 Biggest Loser winner!

We would like to congratulate Eric for being the Biggest Loser!

Over the 8 weeks he lost a total of 37.5 pounds!

Way to go!

Below I have posted the weekly and overall results.

I am so pleased with the outcome of this competition!

As a group we lost a total of 277.3 pounds!

That's an average of 12 pounds each in 8 weeks!

You all rock!

Bucky and I are going to try to do this every year and also we are going to be starting some friendly FIT competitions as well ( for example: 5k runs ).

If you would like to send me before and after pictures ( if you took them ), I will be more than happy to post them along with any success stories!!

Please don't let the end of this competition end your healthy well being. Being healthy and fit is not a DIET - it is a way of life.

Happy Fitness!

-Jenn

Light at the end of the tunnel!

We have only got 2 days left in the competition and I wanted to make sure that everyone knows to get their money to me ASAP. I still have $110.00 still outstanding.

I really want to make sure that the person who wins gets their winnings in a timely matter =)

This is what I still have outstanding as of today (03/13/2010):

Becky S.- $40.00
James G. & April G. - $25.00
Chris T. - $20.00
Amber S. - $15.00
Diana G. - $5.00
Cheryl M. - $5.00

I really appreciate it!

Thanks!
- Jenn

Please review this list

If I don't see you on a regular basis then you can mail me your money.
You can send it to:

Jenn Moak
Pacific Heating & Sheet Metal
980 Garcia Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565

Thanks,
Jenn

Week 7 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 22.6 pounds this week!
That's an average of .98 pounds per person.
As a group for the past 7 weeks we have lost a total of 257.2 pounds!
That's really incredible.
Here's a little motivation for the last week - this is what I have here just waiting for the winner!!

$875.00

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining weeks 1,2,3,4,5,6 &7)

Happy Fitness!

-Jenn

Please review this list

If I don't see you on a regular basis then you can mail me your money. You can send it to:

Jenn Moak
Pacific Heating & Sheet Metal
980 Garcia Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565

Thanks,
Jenn

Week 6 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 28.7 pounds this week! (That's even without 2 people's weights added to it)
That is an average of 1.24 pounds per person.
As a group, for the last 6 weeks we have lost a total of 235 pounds!
Keep up the good work!
Only 2 more weeks, let's see what you've got!

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining weeks 1,2,3,4,5 &6)
Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Want

"You know, when everybody starts to live from their heart, and go for what they want, they don't go for the same things. That's the beauty of this. We don't all want BMWs. We don't all want the same person. We don't all want the same experiences. We don't all want the same clothing. We don't all want ..... fill in the blank" - Joe Vitale

Update . . .

Thank you all for being patient. I am still waiting on 4 people's weights and then I will post the results for week 6.

FYI - If I do not get those weights by noon today I will post the results that I have so far. Then I will update the results as I get the other weights.

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

BREAKING NEWS ALERT!!

Here is a little motivation for our last 3 weeks in the Biggest Loser competition!

Drum roll please . . . . . .

The total winning pot is currently at:

$810.00

Now, if that doesn't motivate you to step it it a notch, I don't think ANYTHING will! This is the time to step up your game! There's 3 weeks left! Let's see what you've got!

Week 5 Results Are In!

As a group we lost a total of 40.3 pounds this week!
That is an average of 1.75 pounds per person.
As a group, for the last 5 weeks we have lost a total of 206.3 pounds!
Keep up the great work!

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining weeks 1,2,3,4 &5)
Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Chili-Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus & Lemon

Today Leslie H. submitted a recipe from Jillian Michaels daily newsletter. Jillian Michaels got this recipe from www.eatingwell.com. I am going to be posting the original recipe along with my modified version of it.
Enjoy!

Chili-Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus & Lemon
From eatingwell.com

Serves: 4
Cooking/Prep time: 20 mins

Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic, powder

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1 pound tilapia, Pacific sole or other firm white fish fillets

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Put asparagus in a steamer basket, place in the pan, cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large plate, spreading out to cool. Combine chili powder, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a plate. Dredge fillets in the spice mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until just opaque in the center, gently turning halfway, 5 to 7 minutes total. Divide among 4 plates. Immediately add lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and asparagus to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the asparagus is coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve the asparagus with the fish.

Nutrition

Per serving: 210 calories; 10 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 48 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 24 g protein; 4 g fiber; 418 mg sodium; 645 mg potassium.
WW points =4 per serving

Chili-Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus & Lemon

My modified version

I decided to forgo the olive oil and use Pam olive oil cooking spray. Do so saves you a total 59.5 calories and 7 grams per serving.

The new nutrition info is as follows:
Per serving: 150.5 calories; 3 g fat; 48 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 24 g protein; 4 g fiber; 418 mg sodium; 645 mg potassium.

WW points =2.5 per serving

Hope you all enjoy this delicious looking recipe from Leslie H.! Remeber, you can always submit recipes to me and I will post them on the blog!

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

What tha Kale?

The other day I cooked kale for the first time and both Bucky and I loved it!
Here is a tasty recipe that I think is a great way to introduce yourself to kale and all of its healthy benefits!

According to http://www.whfoods.com/ kale can benefit your health in these ways:

*Organosulfur Phytonutrients that Help Prevent Cancer
*Kale Protective against Ovarian Cancer
*Optimize Your Cells' Detoxification / Cleansing Ability
*Carotenoids that Lower Cataract Risk
*Kale Gets an A+ for its Pro-vitamin A
*Promotes Lung Health
*A Healthy Dose of Vitamin C for Antioxidant Protection and Immune Support
*Protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis
*A Very Good Source of Fiber
*Calcium-For A Lot Less Calories and Minus the Fat in Cow's Milk

Sautéed Kale
* 1 bundle of kale - washed and chopped coarsely
* 1 small onion chopped
* 1-2 cloves of garlic minced
* Pam olive oil spray
* Salt & pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)

Spray a medium to large sauté pan (that has a lid) with Pam cooking spray and let it warm over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes & pepper and sauté until onions are translucent. Add as much kale that will fit into the pan (the kale will reduce quite a bit) and sprinkle salt to taste then cover. Sauté for 15-20 minutes until kale is soft. Then enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did. I would love to hear your feedback on whether you liked it or not.

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Week 4 Results Are In!

We are at the half-way point! Don't give up now!
As a group we lost a total of 27.1 pounds this week!
That is an average of 1.18 pounds per person.

As a group, for the last 4 weeks we have lost a total of 166 pounds!
That is really amazing. Just think of how healthy we are getting =)
Keep up the great work!

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining weeks 1,2,3 &4)

Happy Fitness!

-Jenn

Holiday!

Whooo Hooooo!

Monday is a holiday for some of us =)
You have two options for weighing in:

1-email/text me your weight on Monday like usual
2-get all of the info to me Tuesday AM

I will make sure to post the results on Tuesday once I get everyones weights.
Hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend!

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Valentines Day 5K! Join us!

I just signed Bucky and I up for our FIRST EVER 5 k run! It is this Sunday - Valentines Day ♥
We decided that this would be our Valentines Day gift to each other!

There is still time to sign up for the run/walk!

Here is a link with all of the information about the 5K:

http://www.breakoutracing.com/folsompoint.htm

Race Distances
Short Course - 3 mi
Intermediate Course - 7 mi
Long Course - 12.5 mi

Race Start Time
9am - Long Course
9:15am - Intermediate Course
9:30am - Short Courses

Shirt info
Registered runners will receive one short-sleeved technical/moisture wicking shirt with the FLWTS logo design print during the Series.

* Race Fees
Short Course (runners and walkers welcome)
Adults - $15
Children (17 and under) - $10

Intermediate Course (runners and walkers welcome)
Adults - $20
Children (17 and under) - $10

Long Course
Adults - $25
Children (17 and under) - $15

* Register on-line by 11:59pm on Friday, February 12, 2010 (no online payment processing fee) Add $5 for race day registration
To keep the cost down, the $2.50 per runner online payment processing fee is paid by Breakout Racing.


Join us if you can!

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Pacing Yourself

Go Go Go Go....
Have to work out ....
Can't stop or else ....

Anyone else feel that way? Well, since starting this "Biggest Loser" contest I've felt that way. If there is one day out of my week I can't work out - I feel horrible & guilty. This morning I got my daily email from Jillian Michaels and after reading it I felt like a ton of bricks was taken off of my shoulders. Here is a blurb from her email regarding overtraining and pacing yourself.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pace Yourself - from www.jillianmichaels.com

Believe it or not, your muscles do not get stronger during your workout; it's after the workout that they grow and develop. Intense strength training places huge demands on your muscles. To adapt to those demands, your muscles need adequate recovery time to rebuild and get stronger. As important as it is to stay the course and not get lazy, it's just as important to know when to cut yourself a break so you don't burn out, and your body has a chance to process all of the work you're doing.

Hope you enjoy this post!
Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

The Key

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Herman Cain

Farm Fresh - To Me!!

Today I received my farm fresh organic produce!

This is what came in my pretty little 9.5lb package:
-Fuji Apples
-Navel Oranges
-Hass Avocado
-Kale
-Collard Greens
-Broccoli
-Butter Lettuce
-Celery
-Nantes Carrots
-Yellow Onions

I'm so excited to go home and learn how to cook some of these things.
I really think this will help me open my mind to different fruits and veggies that I otherwise wouldn't give a second thought. Did I mention that these are all organic?

To get yummy, fresh & organic fruits and veggies sent straight from the farm to you visit:
www.farmfreshtoyou.com or call 800*796-6009

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

The Test

"I think exercise tests us in so many ways, our skills, our hearts, our ability to bounce back after setbacks. This is the inner beauty of sports and competition, and it can serve us all well as adult athletes."— Peggy Fleming, American figure skating Olympic gold medalist.

Destiny

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." - Winston Churchill

Week 3 Results Are In!

Hang in there!We've still got 5 weeks left!
As a group we lost a total of 38.3 pounds this week!
That is a average of 1.66 pounds per person.

As a group, for the last 3 weeks we have lost 138.9 pounds!
That's incredible! Way to go!
Keep up the great work!

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining week 1,2 &3).
Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Living Vicariously

I am definitely living vicariously through you all who are eating all of those DELICIOUS Super Bowl foods right now...

Back to the Basics

Restoring Lost Nutrients - from www.jillianmichaels.com

Our bodies were made to thrive on the fresh, natural foods that Mother Nature provides. But the longer a food's journey from soil to plate, the more interfering chemical processes it has probably endured along the way. Vital nutrients are lost during that trip — ones that would otherwise have played important roles in your body's healthy metabolism and everyday functioning.

So how do you get back to basics? First of all, ditching the "frankenfoods" for fresh foods is one of the best ways to reap those natural benefits. If you can't pronounce the ingredients in a food, you shouldn't be eating it — period. Second, make sure you're getting the important nutrients your body needs. Don't sacrifice them in the name of a dollar.

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With that said, Leslie H. had introduced me to an amazing thing today. It is called "Farm Fresh to You" and it focuses on organic produce from local farmers in the Bay Area! It is delivered directly to your house or office and the prices are very hard to beat.

Too good to be true?

No - I just signed up today and picked the smallest delivery package which was $25 every two weeks (you can pick the frequency - every week, every other week, once a month ) and which kinds of produce I would like to get. I am so excited to see what I will be getting next week for my first delivery. I will make sure to post some pictures =) Here is the link to the website:

www.farmfreshtoyou.com

Hope you enjoy this post!

Happy Fitness!

-Jenn

Failure

"Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it, So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that’s where you will find success." – Thomas J. Watson

Wild Rice, Barley & Asparagus - Oh My!

Weight Watchers Wild Rice, Barley and Asparagus Pilaf Recipe

This tasty Easter side dish recipe is the perfect accompaniment to the Easter main dish recipe that I posted yesterday! It’s a fantastically delicious Weight Watchers Recipe for Wild Rice, Barley, and Asparagus Pilaf and it has just 1 Weight Watcher Point per serving! It’s easy to make and is loaded with heart healthy fiber, protein and vitamins. I love that this rice recipe doesn’t look or taste like it’s low calorie and actually good for you. Whether it’s with you Easter dinner, or any meal for that matter, this Wild Rice, Barley and Asparagus Recipe is definitely a great choice – your whole family will love it!

Ingredients:
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup raw wild rice
- 1 cup pearl barley (do not use quick-cooking)
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 10 ounce pencil-thin asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch segments

Directions:
Bring the broth and rice to a simmer in a large saucepan; cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.Stir in the barley, shallot, salt, thyme, sage and pepper. Cover and continue simmering over low heat for 25 minutes.Stir in the asparagus, cover, reduce the heat even further and simmer slowly for 5 minutes. Set aside off the heat, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Entire recipe makes 12 servings
Serving size is ½ cup Each serving = 1 Weight Watchers Point
That's only 2 points for an entire cup!!! YuuummmmO


I am VERY excited to make this recipe! In fact, I might try it tonight =)
I found this recipe on http://www.laaloosh.com

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn

Success

"Success doesn't come to you…you go to it." - Marva Collins

Time

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. – Life’s Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

The Week 2 Results Are In!

Hang in there!
We've still got 6 weeks and that means ANY one of us could easily take the lead!
As a group we lost a total of 44.8 pounds!
That is a average of 1.95 pounds per person.
Keep up the great work!

Below I have also posted the OVERALL results (combining week 1 & week 2).

Happy Fitness!

-Jenn

Grilled Caribbean Chicken

I found this recipe this weekend and I can't wait to try it! If anyone decides to try it - let me know how it turns out for you.

Grilled Caribbean Chicken

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
4 chicken breasts halves (3-ounce each), boneless and skinless

In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, olive oil, ginger, garlic, chili sauce and oregano , add the chicken. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken on prepared grill and proceed as follows:
For Charcoal Grill: When coals are ready, spread over the edge of the hearth (24 “round) and keep a spray bottle near the fire to extinguish the flames. Turn the chicken often and do not let burn. Boobs take about 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 aa ° F (juices will run clear when cut with a knife). Do not close the lid.
Gas BBQ (because it can maintain a hot fire, without closing the lid): Place the cooked chicken to the hot grill. Covered barbecue with a lid, open any vents, and bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (juices will run clear when cut with the tip a knife), turning several times during the barbecue.

I'm sure you could also pan fry or bake this recipe and it would still be delicious!

4 servings
Per Serving – 6.5 fat grams, 192 calories, 5 WW points

Happy Fitness!
-Jenn