Recipe for an awesome party!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

To me these are the Top Ten successful incredients of a great party:

1. A gracious host.
2. Healthy, creative and delicious food like veggie wraps, yummy salad with raisens and veggies, jalapeno jelly, lots of fruit and veg and other foods that melt in your mouth (chocolate hazelnut balls).
3. Good music - especially Karaoke sung by pros like Raquel, Marc Z and Sheila B.
4. Healthy and excited animals that fall in love to let's twist and shout and show their affection to their guests with frequent "caressing" of the legs.
5. A rocking cake with the three most important words to long term weight loss - no, not, "I love food!" but WRITE IT DOWN!
6. Tasty beverages... in moderation. :-) Cals added up quickly in liquid form.
7. The sound of laughter - especially Franks!
8. Wonderful warm cameraderie between people who cohesively desire to bring out the best in each other.
9. Genunine people who care about the wellbeing of themselves and others. A foundation to being able to help others in need is being strong yourself.
10. Cool, very awesome gifts! Like the new Apple iPad to store bunches of reading material.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed and coordinated the farewell party for Marc and I on Saturday night. I was sincerely overwhelmed by the support, enthusiasm, generosity and excitement for our new adventure. We will miss seeing you all in person but we are just a click away via email and we know that you will all continue to be pillars of strength to each other in your quest for long term healthy lifestyle.

Thank you - we had an absolute blast and I'll be sure to send lots of emails from my iPad!

From in person to e'trainer

Today was the last day that I officially trained a class in person. It's been nearly 8 years of 6am/9am/6pm training. Many of the faces are the same and always the "newbies". So what will NOT change starting Monday:

1. Great trainers and the Rough-Fit minute.
2. Those dreaded check in calls and emails when we don't see you.
3. Variety and the unexpected creative workouts.
4. Highly educated team with a comedic touch.
5. Motivation and incentive programs to help you stay on track.
6. Team cameraderie.
7. Beautiful outdoor environment.
8. Care, concern and commitment to the cause of wellness.
9. Continued access to trainers via discussion group conversations.
10.Annual appreciation event, Rough-Fit songs and sayings.

What will change:
1. No South African accent that you don't understand.
2. A new summer location - Citrus Ranch Park.
3. Hmmm - actually not a whole lot will change, except for the next 3 weeks you'll get to see me sweat alongside of you instead of just watch you sweat!

You'll still have outstanding support, education and guidance from the team. Maybe I'll have them weave in a workout with chopsticks from time to time...:-)

There are still plenty of days for in-person good buys but it's hardly like someone who I've known for years the other day said to me, "well have a good life then!". Nope I will not be saying that to any of you because I will still be on the hook with my team for helping YOU have a good life through exercise and healthy choices!

I will encourage you to read the discussion group more regularly because that's where the most information will get answered. This will also allow the entire team to respond in case I'm asleep in HK... :-). Also, if you have a Facebook account, join both With-U and Rough-Fit. And finally, start following the blog for regular postings.

I look forward to the last 3 weeks of madness in Tustin before I will have dual residences to bounce between!

An hour a day keeps the flab minimally at Bay

Yep, it's true. The FDA has always recommended 90mins of exercise a day to lose weight and 60mins to maintain. But this is the largest study of it's kind and it upholds the fact that if you are not exercising at least an hour a day you will gain weight. The good news for men is that this is predominantly applicable to women! Owch - you know how we always say it's unfair!

But, here's the good news. The way I see it - you get to play another hour a day. Here are some things I do to make it a no-brainer:
Instead of meeting a friend or co-worker for coffee - take a walk, ride, run or rollerblade.
Take advantage of the longer summer hours and visit a park and watch the sunset!
Organize a beach BBQ and set up a game of volleyball. (That'll burn enough cals to offset the smores)
Get out the old bike if you haven't used it in a while - my butt is killing me from a ride I did last night.
Take a stroll after dinner and check out the neighborhood at night.

Easy, fast and not your usual exercise - but it all adds up. If you get an hour of exercise out the way in the morning, then you just have 30mins left if you're in a weight loss mode. If you're extremely diligent about counting cals, then you're done. This means no extra BLT's - bites, licks and tastes!!!

I challenge you to see exercise as a gift rather than a chore. Think about this - what if you could never exercise again? Would that be a relief or a tragedy? While you can, love it and do it!

Starting over can be fun!

Five months ago after I finished Dublin Marathon I knew I would be side lined from running for a while. I didn't expect it to be four months. About 3 weeks ago I started back up again as my foot, achilles and toe all seemed to be finally cooperating and telling me that I could start back up again, all be it slowly.



As fate would have it my running partner finished her last chemo treatment at the end of January and we began to walk each week. Then she picked out the Spirit run as a way to celebrate her health. We started out slowly, 1 mile for several days a week, then two and then a few more. Run, walk, heavy breathing, fatique were part of the routine. But we were so excited to just be able to run again.



During my time off, I tried really hard to not think about how much I missed running and working out hard. Instead I saw it as a vacation that would enable me to come back stronger. It didn't take a marathon finish to get excited, just one mile, then two and today 3.1. No stopping, just running and feeling the joy of one foot in front of the other. Together we were able to accomplish another milestone in running, being back again... in 2010!



If you've fallen off the wagon, are injured, have gained weight or just feeling plain blah, don't think about where you've been and what you did. Think about where you could go and what you can be. Start fresh, start new and delight in the small "big steps" that you take to get you to where you want to go.



Yesterday I got to laugh my butt off watching you all (see picture #43) at the 5k breakfast run. Some PR's were made, breakfast was delish and Sandy will have the Rough-Fit torch handed to her in the next three weeks and she can then stand on the sidelines watching the blind leading the blind... :-)
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=celeste.jmc&target=ALBUM&id=5451169886268104945&authkey=Gv1sRgCKakyt-6l_iYnwE&feat=email

A big thank you to my team - Liz, Jenny, Celeste (all the way from Pasadena) Tracy and Sandy for their help. (Greg was off winning his first race of the season) for helping at yesterday's breakfast. And a huge thank you to Asics, Jenni (for awesome hair) and Joanne (massage queen) for their generous contributions for prizes.



Celeste did a fantastic job to capture the spirit of the day. Enjoy!

Discount Tix to Netball/B-Ball Events

March Madness got you in the mood for a little B-ball?

Come and join us at the STAPLES CENTER NEXT SUNDAY as we partner with Netball America at the season opening game of the Clippers. I'll be on the floor with Netball America during their exhibition game which starts at 5:30pm followed by the Clippers/Knicks game.

With-U and Rough-Fit are pleased to support Netball America in promoting health, wellness and youth education. Netball America is an aggressive, entrepreneurial association that uses Netball as a vehicle for the promotion of good health, participation, individual progress and team unity within North America. Netball promotes self-confidence, communication skills, teamwork, fitness, health and hygiene.

As part of its nationwide education and outreach effort, Netball America will be playing two exhibition games this spring. BUY YOUR TICKETS THROUGH THIS LINK so that NETBALL AMERICA benefits!! AND You get your discounts.


Enjoy some of the best netball talent in the nation when the LA Clippers meet the NY Knicks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, April 4, 2010. Come for the exhibition Netball game at 5:30 pm and stay for the Clippers v. Knicks game at 6:30 pm.

As our promotional partner, Netball America is offering With-U and Rough-Fit participants a $10 discount ($30 ticket for $20) or a $20 discount ($75 ticket for $55) for this exciting netball/b-ball package deal.


And for our East Coast participants, Netball America will present some of the nation’s top Netballers in an exhibition netball game for 2 hours prior to the Season Opener for the New York Liberty on May 16, at Madison Square Garden.

Netball America is offering a $5 discount ($34 ticket for $29) or ($64.50 for $59.50) to this exciting match-up.

To purchase your discounted tickets to either of these exciting events, just go to http://www.netballamerica.com/MM2B_Store.htm and enter the promotional code WellU.

To learn more about Netball America, visit http://www.netballamerica.com/MM6_News.htm.

Week 6 Weigh-In Results

Okay, Strippers – here’s the skinny! A couple of teams just missed the cut-off for the POG entry, but overall things are still looking good. You have just under two weeks to bring it! (as those youngsters say!)





This week’s winners for POG’s were: KEEP IT SIMPLE – congrats to two couples and a stray… :)

The weigh-in numbers were based on the last two weeks of weight loss. Hmmm, we saw some pretty good numbers, but it looks like there was some straying – maybe the Olympics?? Weather? Snacky poos?

"What is it?" we asked ourselves. So we went to the source to see which POG’s were the culprit. Ahhh ha! Well, it seems like two-thirds of you are still doing the exercises – hellooo – this is awesome, since this is still WAYYYYY above the average American. Then we dug a bit deeper – exercise was good, not as great as the first two weeks, but not horrible.



But what did we find… Our first rule – WRITE IT DOWN… It appears to be a toughy for half of you. Folks, I kid you not, this is the secret to long-term weight loss/maintenance – everything. You’ve got to know what’s going into your body. So, be GREAT to yourself these last 12 days and make it happen by one simple task – WRITING IT DOWN… YOU CAN DO THIS!!



Now on to the losers for the last two weeks of weigh-in – this week’s winners are on an entirely different continent – a HUGE congratulations to the RUMP DUMPERS. They lost a combined 7lbs. A big shout out to the nearly 12 year old on this family team!

Since we have continent winners, the local US winners will also receive a prize and that goes to the FLABLESS FIVE. Paula Deen, you guys were so close, again.
Remember that the last numbers are based on TOTAL percentage, waist measurements AND a final POG drawing.

Olympics are over – take that extra TV watching time and take a run, hike or walk, but remember... all the changes start With-U!

Super Bowl Tips Contest Winner Plus New Exercise Video!

Well, the Super Bowl has come and gone, the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony is behind us, and the STRIP Challenge is entering its final 2 weeks! Great work, everyone!

Winner of the Surviving the Super Bowl Tips Competition is Tracy M! Tracy’s two winning tips were:

• Create an exercise to be performed whenever a team scores.


• Use a small plate and fill up on veggies and other healthy eats!

Great advice whether you’re watching the Super Bowl, the hockey World Cup or ice dancing!

Tracy’s great tips won her a gift certificate for Jamba Juice. Thanks for sharing, Tracy!

Strippers, you’ve done great work these past six weeks, and you’re all winners in sticking with your goals and making healthy changes!

Here’s Greg with a great workout for your final 2 weeks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT9eah_r1R8

Tasty Breakfast Ideas

Don’t miss the most important meal of the day!

The ideal breakfast is based on a combination of carbohydrate & protein. Try the following tasty ideas:

• High-fiber cereal with fat-free or lowfat milk and dried or fresh fruit



• Low-fat cheese and tomato slices on a whole-wheat English muffin



• Peanut butter and fruit spread on multi-grain bread



• Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs (or egg whites) with a couple of wheat crackers



• A banana and a small handful of almonds



• Low-fat yogurt and a grain-rich cereal bar

Can Sleeping Make You Slim?

Not getting enough sleep can certainly have the opposite effect. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body goes into what medical professionals call “after-stress reaction mode” where you tend to want to eat. Not only that, but you make less wise choices when you’re tired because you are reacting with “disinhibition.” In other words, you're tired, so you lose the motivation and desire that, under well-rested conditions, you usually have to make good choices.

There’s another reason why sleep is important for our weight and our health . . . cortisol.

What is cortisol? It is known as a “stress hormone” and it is involved in response to stress and anxiety.

What does it do? It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and it reduces immune responses.

Sleep deprivation and stress increase our cortisol levels.

So what? If your adrenal glands are producing too much cortisol, you may develop conditions such as weight gain, especially around the abdomen. It also results in depressed immune function, which increases our susceptibility to sickness and infection, and it increases the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers.

Resistance: I think the quality of my sleep could improve.

Response:
• If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something boring (and in dim light) until you feel sleepy.
• Don't take naps that are longer than one hour.
• Get up and go to bed the same time every day.
• Develop sleep rituals. Give your body cues that it is time to slow down and sleep, like listening to relaxing music.
• With an obvious exception, use your bed for sleeping, not watching TV or doing work.
• Stay away from caffeine, nicotine & alcohol 4-6 hrs before bed.
• Take a hot shower 60 minutes before bedtime. Research shows that 60 minutes before bedtime is the optimal time.
• Make sure your bed and bedroom are quiet and comfortable.

Reward:
Quality sleep rejuvenates the body and mind, regulates mood, and is related to learning and memory functions. Not only will getting proper sleep help you perform on a test, learn a new skill or help you stay on task, but it may also be a critical factor in your health, weight and energy level.

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.”
~Irish Proverb

Crunches NOT the Ticket to 6-Pack

So, you want to reduce the middle. Over the years the first thing I generally hear is, “I’ll start doing crunches!” Just last week I saw someone curling away, and she told me she does 300 crunches a day to give her a lean stomach. So, let’s get to the bottom of the “crunches give you a great middle myth!” Crunches/curl ups/sit ups are not your first-class ticket to a six pack.

Facts:

• Performing a crunch/curl up/sit up builds muscle.
  
• Building a muscle under fat still means you’ll see the fat.
  
• There is no such thing as “spot reduction” around the middle – yes, magazines would like you to believe this but ultimately you have to reduce the layer of fat.

The vast majority of people today find themselves perched in front of a computer – or rather hunched over a computer. Shoulders rounded, heads forward, necks strained and bellies protruding. Look at yourself right now – tighten your tummy, pull your shoulders back and sit up straight – that’s better!

Performing a crunch puts significant strain on the back at its weakest point: the section where there are the most nerves and subsequently the most potential for nerve damage – the very part that is strained when you’re flexing forward (crunching). If you keep bending forward (when injuries most often happen) the probability of disk herniation is increased. Stuart McGill is a leader in research on core training and has written extensively on flexion intolerance.

So what is your core? The core muscles extend from the pelvic area (primarily the glutes), the trunk (traditionally thought of as abdominals – transverse abdominas, rectus abdominas, internal/external obliques) and the muscles that support the spinal column. These latter can be tiny little devils – there are 31 muscles that connect all the way down from the neck to the rear – 31!! And yet far too often we’re focused on that one set of “6-packs,” which is actually more like a 10-pack!

Ok – how’s that back doing? You still sitting up straight – belly still tightened – that’s it – you’re working your core as you sit! Try this when you’re standing, shoulders back, and it will activate your TVA (Transverse abdominus) and immediately make you’ll look straighter and leaner.

So what exercise will help your core and will help you expose a lean body once you lose the fat (yep, once – not when or if – you can and should do it!)

In this weeks’ video, Marc demonstrates a plank, push-up and lunge. These are excellent full body core moves and great calorie burners. Try them, slow them down, focus on your breathing – do them 2 or 3 times a week and do 2 or 3 sets along with all the other good stuff you’re doing – cardio and good nutrition – and you’ll be taking great care of yourself from the inside out. So conquer your core without the crunches, and your back will love you for it. http://www.acefitness.org/exerciselibrary/32/front-plank

Surviving Superbowl: Help Us Pick A Winner!

Help us pick a winner of the Surviving Superbowl Tip's. Click on the link below and select your favorite (no personal information required) - one click, that's it!

The tip with the most votes will win a prize for submitting the best tip.

Click here to take survey

Super Bowl . . . of Sodium!

The Super Bowl is fast approaching, and that typically means supersalty snacks. Here are some tips for making the big day healthier, leaner and less salty!!!

Super Bowl Super Snacks
It has been said that in the United States, the Super Bowl is the second biggest day for food consumption in the United States, after Thanksgiving. Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and for many people that means fat-laden chips, creamy dips, fried finger foods and colossal sandwiches. It also means an overload of fat, calories, and sodium. Try the following healthier alternatives:

• Reduced fat Mexican Layered Bean Dip (see recipe at end of this article).


• Baked Tostitos -- but watch your portion sizes, since calories can easily add up.


• Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream in your dip mixes.


• Serve sliced veggies like carrots, celery and even baby tomatoes with a low-cal dip like fat-free ranch dressing, hummus, salsa or low-fat cheese.


• Grill kebabs- chicken, shrimp, tomato, onion and pineapple.


• Bake Creamy Zucchini Boats http://www.fitsugar.com/1817236


• Order a fruit tray from your local grocer instead of a cheese tray.


• Make a pot of vegetarian chili instead of the regular beef based, or use low-fat ground turkey breast instead of the regular beef.


• Put out cereal mix instead of mixed nuts.


• Instead of chicken wings, make chicken fingers using skinless chicken breast strips, dipped in milk and seasoned bread crumbs, and baked at 425 for 10 minutes (cooked through, but still moist). Dip into mustard, honey or barbecue sauce.
  

So Much Sodium
Do I need to cut back on salt?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recently issued a report saying that 2 out of 3 of us need to seriously cut back our sodium intake.
Consider yourself part of the two-thirds group, especially if you're over 40, African-American, or have high blood pressure.

Why do I need to watch my salt intake?
Too much sodium can
 Increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
 Cause fluid retention which contributes to

-a sluggish feeling
-a puffy appearance
-extra water weight

Tips:
 Go easy on high-sodium condiments like soy sauce, mustard, and ketchup.
 Use herbs, citrus, and salt-free spices to season recipes.
 Learn the lingo: Sodium-free or salt-free = less than 5mg/serving.
 Read nutrition labels on foods you purchase to see how much sodium they contain.
 Taste before you shake. Many people salt their food before they even take a bite. Try the food first; don’t use salt out of habit.

How much sodium do I need?
The maximum recommendation is 2,300 mg (about one teaspoon of salt). The USDA estimates that most Americans get well over that: 4,000 milligrams/day.

Why are we ingesting so much salt?
 70%-80% of the sodium in U.S. diets comes not from the salt shaker but from packaged, processed, restaurant, and store-bought foods, such as

-soups,
-potato chips,
-prezels,
-cereal,
-canned veggies,
-packaged deli meats,
-teriyaki sauce,
-spaghetti sauce
 Only about 5% comes from salt added during cooking
 About 6% comes from salt added at the table.

Layered Mexican Bean Dip

16 oz fat-free canned refried beans
3 medium avocado, Hass, finely mashed
1/4 tsp table salt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream
2 Tbsp Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning Mix, or other brand
1/2 cup(s) Reduced Fat Shredded Mexican-Style Cheese
1 small tomato(es), chopped
2 m Medium scallion(s), sliced
10 medium olive(s), black, sliced or chopped
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped

Michelle Obama on Childhood Obesity

As many of you have no doubt noticed, First Lady Michelle Obama has been all over the news the past few days with her new initiative to address childhood obesity. In a Today Show interview with Matt Lauer, she talks about the "shocking statistic" that one in three kids in the United States is obese. Also shocking, Obama said, is the fact that "our youngest generatoin is on track for being less healthy healthy, having a shorter lifespan than their parents."

Obama acknowledged the intense pressures parents face in our busy modern society, the need to juggle jobs (sometimes more than one), school and extracurricular activities. "It's not that parents don't care," Obama said. "We have got to help them." She went on to say the problem is "imminently solvable."

Obama's remarks fit right in with our earlier post about the importance of, and the challenges of, planning healthy meals for ourselves and our families. (http://wellnesswithu.blogspot.com/2010/01/planning-key-to-positive-change.html)

Those of you who are parents already know, the kids are watching--one more reason for all of us to step up the Challenge (the With-U Wellness Challenge!) and make positive changes that will both improve our health and provide positive examples to the people we love. Here's a link to the Michelle Obama Today Interview: http://www.wowowow.com/politics/michelle-obama-today-show-matt-lauer-family-life-barack-obama-gray-hair-pain-hope-video-439512

148 Total Pounds Lost and Counting!

Our STRIP Challengers are off to a roaring start--A cumulative 148.77 lbs lost, and 1,130 POGs completed!



Unbelievable – everything that you’ve done started With-U! You are making things happen. The needle is moving!

Together you’ve all lost nearly 150lbs. My challenge to you is this:Lose 1,000 lbs, and we’ll make a HEFTY donation to a foodbank! BUT, we would need 80% of the teams to be at 80% of their POGs!

We had some stellar results this week, and several individuals surpassed the 5 lb weight loss mark to spur their teams into the top rankings. The graph below tells you where your team is at – there are 6 more weeks to go, so kick it up a notch if your team is mid-pack, and you still have an excellent shot at the bi-weekly or final prizes.

This week the Butter-Loving Paula Deen Fanclub stashed their sticks of lard and lost an incredible 23 lbs together. They walk away with the first bi-weekly prize for weight loss. A check for $100 will be mailed to your team leader for distribution.

For those of you who aren't part of our exciting STRIP (Spare Tire Reduction Incentive Program) Challenge, we have three more wellness challenges planned for 2010, and the first one begins April 10! Lose weight, get healthy, and win great gifts and cash along the way! Visit http://www.with-u.us/public/wellnesschallenge/register.html to find out more!

The 3 Rs of Serving Sizes

Resistance: I understand how many calories I need, but I’m not sure how many calories I’m taking in.

Response: Studies show that we underestimate our caloric intake by 25%. You must become familiar with portion control and serving sizes.

According to the USDA, one serving equals:
 one slice of whole-grain bread
 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta
 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes
 three to four small crackers
 one small pancake or waffle
 two medium-sized cookies
 1/2 cup cooked vegetables
 1 cup (four leaves) lettuce
 one small baked potato
 3/4 cup vegetable juice
 one medium apple
 1/2 grapefruit or mango
 1/2 cup berries
 1 cup yogurt or milk
 1 1/2 ounces of cheddar cheese
 one chicken breast
 one medium pork chop
 1/4 pound hamburger patty

Reward:

• Accuracy in understanding your caloric and dietary intake.
• Control over your diet and weight.

Know Your Numbers!

• To With-U STRIP (Spare Tire Reduction Incentive Program) Challenge Contestants:Well Done Strippers!
  
  One week down - 7 to go!
  
  So far, the following teams are at 80% of their POG's completed:
  Bacon Strippers, Belly Jelly's, Chew the Phat, CSI, Keep it Simple, Markey's Angels, Paula Deen Fanclub, The Flabless Five.
  
  Remember a drawing will be held next week after weigh-in for ALL teams 80% or higher - don't miss out on this opportunity.
  
  First weigh-in this SAT, Jan. 30- 10am-1pm at RUNNERS HIGH or upload your photo by midnight Monday.
  
  Can't wait to see who the first round winners will be!
  
  Week 2: Know Your Numbers
  
  Next week, the focus is on being informed by getting to know your numbers. Become familiar with how many: how many calories you need each day, how many cals do you need (or not need) to lose weight, and how many ounces, pieces etc. of this or that make up a serving size.
  

How many calories should I consume to lose weight?

• Burn more calories than you consume.
• For a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week, daily intake should be reduced by 500 to 1,000 calories.
• If you plan to reduce your daily caloric intake to much less than 1200 calories per day, you should consult with a dietician or nutritionist.
• Login to WITH-U and check out the "Calories and You" e-learning course for additional helpful info.
  

Stay tuned for more diet and exercise tips for healthy weight loss and positive lifestyle changes!

Planning Key to Positive Change

Planning – to me this is one of the KEY components of weight loss/weight maintenance and overall healthy living.

Planning saves you money and calories. Oh, and it makes your life a whole lot easier – less stressful, more organized and is more likely to included a balanced meal.

But newsflash – this doesn’t happen on its own – it all starts With-U:

1. Figure out what you like to eat – ask your family.

2. Create a menu plan – using healthy cooking books or some of the following sites online for low-cal/healthy menus:
http://www.cookinglight.com/
http://lowcaloriecooking.about.com/
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/low-calorie

3. Create a shopping list for the week or even an entire month.

4. Look for items on sale and stock up in anticipation of the monthly menu.

5. Don’t deviate from the menu and buy “extra snacks” or “just in case”! You know what I’m talking about.

Then start saving and losing! These small changes in your routine will start to make healthy living a no-brainer.

And BIG BONUS, Strippers – you won’t feel bloated because you’ve eaten junk because you didn’t have a plan.

Check out these articles on the effectiveness of making small behavior modifications:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14567154?dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15672889?dopt=Abstract

And this amazing “Good Morning America” piece on a Texas mom who planned every meal for an entire year!
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/mom-plans-meals-entire-year/story?id=9618348

Rough-Fit folks, visit for more information on our ongoing STRIP Challenge and to get signed up for our spring WOW Challenge! http://www.with-u.us/public/wellnesschallenge/wellnesschallenge.html

More Prizes Added to STRIP Challenge!

More prizes added to STRIP Health Challenge! Runner's High will donate the following fabulous prizes:
All participants at the weigh in on Saturday will receive a $10 discount off anything in the store
At each weigh in, there will be a fishbowl for a raffle using the red tickets for a prize of merchandise appropriate for ...the winner at a value of $40
At the end of the challenge--
1st place winning team: Each team member will get a $50 gift card for the store· 2nd place winning team: Each team member will get a $25 gift card for the store.

Thank you, Runner's High! Guys, don't wait--Challenge starts Saturday! Register today: http://www.with-u.us/public/wellnesschallenge/wellnesschallenge.html

Welcome to STRIP... the Movie

Whether you're already signed up for our 8-week health challenge, STRIP (Spare Tire Reduction Incentive Program), or you're still sitting on the fence -- check out our new video! First Weigh-in Jan. 16! More at http://www.with-u.us/public/wellnesschallenge/wellnesschallenge.html

I'm In, Are you?

With my recent temporary setback of “still no running”, I’ve had to adjust my strategy to come up with a new temporary carrot to help keep me on track. So, I gathered 2 of my peeps (who also happen to be trainers) and some cronies and we have a quorum.

So, my team and I are in for the next 8-week health challenge (Spare Tire Reduction Incentive Program... STRIP) – are you?

No, I won’t win my own prize money – but I’ll be my own winner because I’ll get to stay on track during the next few months I’m unable to follow my normal routine.

So far we have 14 teams for the annual challenge. The next incentive program starts Saturday. It’s so easy to help you stay the course. We have one team that still needs 3 people but obviously would love to get more teams on board. This is the best way to help you stay on track throughout the year, or even to kick things up a notch this first part of the year.

You can sign up as an individual ,and we’ll assign you to a team or find some of your own “peeps!” Several folks have recruited people from work or families.

Only THREE more days until the kick off – are you in? (Saturday, Jan. 16, 10 am to 1 pm, Runners High in Irvine)

Traci N is coming up with our team name – last night she tossed out Bacon Strippers – hmmm! Yum!

If you did not do the HHC, then you can sign up for the challenge at www.withu.org. If you did the challenge, please send Jeannine an email and she’ll provide you with a direct link to Paypal. For one incentive it’s $40, for all 4 2010 Challenges, just $100.

Let’s STRIP together With-U!

More Press! And A New Challenge!

Hi, guys! Check out the OC Register story on the $1,500 prize-winners of our Holiday Health Challenge: http://www.ocregister.com/news/-226944--.html.

The five members of the Pink Ponies lost a cumulative total of 100.4 pounds!You can join them in getting in shape for 2010 with our upcoming STRIP (Spare Tire Reduction Incentive Program) Challenge, beginning with our kick-off weigh-in on Jan. 16, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at Runner's High in Irvine. http://www.with-u.us for more information and to register!

Rough-Fit is Tweeting!

Now you can follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WellnessWithU!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our three new Rough-Fit members:
Laura, Brenda and Baltazar!

Many thanks to Lauri Young and all her great work in helping establish Rough-Fit's and With-U’s online presence. To read more about Lauri and her work, visit http://www.lauriy.wordpress.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming news about our Holiday Health Challenge stand-outs.