Spirit 92.9

The Novak Family

Week 4 was a real struggle for us- Joan started out with a sinus cold that slowed things considerably and baby Ben had some of the same stuffiness/fussiness so sleeping all night was not an option- this made a cranky start to the week - we did get the gym time in with our trainer Krista on Monday, and Thursday, but our goal of going to the gym on Wednesday didn't happen!  Biggest struggles: still is finding time to meet with the experts.  Hope this one goes better next week- biggest successes- finally had a little more family time-  did our workout one night with the kids!  That was fun- they all tried to be helpful!  Also have been enjoying the ACTIVATOR cd FOR KIDS that 92.9 sent- our 4 year old loves this and we created an exercise routine for him with this. Other big sucesses- My husband had his first weekend with portion controlled meals- and he wasn't hungry!   Yeah Scott!  We both are noticing some nice tone coming back! For me I lost my "chicken Wings" no more wobble!  And Scott is noticing his arms, shoulders, and chest toning up more and having more strength.  On to WEEK 5!

nyhammers

Hi everyone.  Sorry this is so late in the week.  Its been busy.  We have been keeping up with the gym.  Mike has been very helpful with new exercise ideas and keeping us motivated (and tired).  The good news is its starting to pay off.  Laurie is doing much better than I am at getting a routine of going to the gym and exercising.  That is my goal for the next couple weeks.

We are working on the ideas Cory from Agstar gave us for budgeting.  It takes some effort to stay on the budget and not take money out of savings at the end of our 2 weeks, but it is paying off in getting a new base in savings.  We are in the process of starting a few of the other ideas he suggested. 

We are using what we learned from Sara at Stillpoint Natural Health.  We have found some new foods and recipes that we like that are healthier for us.  When we go grocery shopping we try to keep each other from buying our favorite junk foods. 

Thats all for now.

Brent 

The Novak Family

Wow!  Can't believe we arefinished with week three!  Biggest sucesses:  starting to notice some changes from the workouts.  Clothes are fitting better- energy levels are definitely higher.   Worked on foods this week and trying to eat a little healthier...this worked so-so, as a few nights we needed quick things so we could get to the gym and workout-(an oxymoron??) so we did have to fall back on the chicken nuggets and hotdogs which I am trying to stay away from... The kids have also been helping us out by working out with mom and dad at home.  We invested in a couple of exercise balls and everyone has been having fun with these.

Struggles:  we have not found the extra time to meet with the other experts yet- and I do so want to- I have questions and issues for them all- that is our goal this week- to meet with at least two of them.

Otherwise...we're off and running for week four!  Thanks for the chance to be part of this- it has already made our family better - can't wait to see more positive changes!  Thanks 92.9 Family! Joan

Greniger family

Hello everyone.

thanks so much for praying for our families and the competition. We had a huge day of experts on Friday. Chelsea & Jim went to the same 3 "experts" but  we had different appointment times. What a day!
My husband Kevin & I started our day by spending a couple of hours with Cory at AGSTAR. We probably had more fun than a couple should have when trying to figure out finances. We have been wondering if now is the right time to refinance, or should we roll over our credit cards into the rest of the loans, etc. Cory gave us some food for thought and has us really trying to set some goals. Cory mentioned Dave Ramseys plan for financial freedom. We have the books, and have read most of them, but could stand to go through them again.  Our next visit was at Stillpointe Wellness Ctr. I met with SarahErin and we found out what my ideal weight should be. I already had a good guess considering I remember what my weight was when I used to fit into those size 6 jeans. Believe it or not the size 6's and 8's weren't that long ago. Boy this turning 40 and it all going to pot is the pits! SarahErin tells me I shouldn't blame it on turning 40+ and that its more likely my body's reaction to all the stress we have had over the past 5-6 years (when I gained the 20 lbs). 
At 4pm we met with Mike. I used to like Mike (no I'm just kidding.......) man, he was hard on us. My kids tell me I'm a whiner and not much of a team leader. Don't you think they should cut me some slack for being like 20-30 years older than they are? Please pray for me to find a way not to whine so much. I do the work out, but still find it necessary to complain about it.(at least thats what my kids tell me). Hope and I are waking around the house very gingerly today and yesterday. Our 1 and only bathroom in the house is upstairs, it hurts like crazy to walk the stairs.... gosh I guess I don't have to go that bad after all.

We are anxious to set up times with our life coach!

thanks for checking on us!

Heidi (mom of the Greniger clan)

From Jim & Chelsea of the Greniger family

Hey everyone, Jim and Chelsea here from the Greniger family. It's been a BUSY week, and today was especially busy. We somehow managed to cram in our Financial Planning meeting, another round at the nutritionist, AND a vigrous workout at the gym! In one day!

It's nice to actually start seeing some serious progress towards our goals. Between the two of us, we've already lost about 20 pounds, which is very inspiring.

Before we went to bed tonight, we shot a really quick recap video from the week for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

See you later!

Jim & Chels

Nyhammer Family

Hello!

Laurie here, just wanted to check in and let you know how it's going.

It's been a struggle of ups and downs.  Once we get going on a good momentum of exercising, our eating is challenged, or we get the eating right and are having a hard time getting to the gym.  Last night Trainer Mike was well aware that I was very frustrated, he reminded me that it's baby steps, not all or nothing....it's a LIFE change, not just for a week...and most of all even spaghetti with whole grain noodles still doesn't mean it's good for you when you're trying to loose weight, it's still spaghetti!  Seems so simple, but still good reminders.

Trying hard to overcome the nutrition battle and find family friendly, weightloss friendly foods and recipes, that also won't break the food budget.  Open to recipes if anyone has any to share!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Laurie

Greniger Family

Well hello to all,

I'm Hope from the Greniger family, just wanted to put in my 2 cents. I am one of the 2 in my family that need to GAIN weight through the Biggest Gainer. It's something i have struggled with my whole life, and some of you might say LUCKY GIRL!!! but it really isn't all great, especially when you get teased by your best friends about diseases like anorexia. So far on the biggest gainer I have gained 1 pound. HA! It was kind of expected... I went up 3, down 1, up 2, down 3... it's just kinda how i role :) Im still working hard at it and going to the gym 3-4 times a week. 

Another aspect of this competition that i wanted to really hit hard was my spiritually. Being 19 I'm going through a really tough time in my life. I just moved home from Canada where i had run away with a boy and was almost engaged... now I'm home. Going through moving back in with my parents and not having a job or a car is a HUGE struggle for me. Having 'responsibilities' that others make for me is really hard. I'm reading a lot of self help books.. one is particular is really hitting home for me it's called "Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free" Amazing book and really down to earth. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I have yet to meet with the nutritionist but i am really excited for that so hopefully this next week. I will have to let you know how that goes too! That's all for now!

-Hope-

Dr. Susan Saetre, StillPointe, "Biggest Gainer" Nutrition Coach

Happy Monday everyone.

I found a great walking article to share with you. This was published in "Fitness" magazine, January 2010, and has some interesting variations on walking to help use more calories during your workout.

Go against the grain.

Swinging your left arm and leg in sync -- rather than left arm and right leg -- burns 26 percent more calories, according to a new study from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Translation: A 3-mph walk goes from torching 211 calories per hour to 266. Totally worth the stares!

Move it on up.

Add a 5.0 incline, and that 3-mph walk blasts 346 calories, a 64 percent boost. "Your butt and legs work harder against gravity," explains exercise physiologist Julia Valentour of the American Council on Exercise. (I did this at a 2.0 incline on the treadmill this morning - much harder!)

Trade pavement for path.

Taking your stride to an uneven trail adds a balance challenge that helps you melt 82 percent more calories (384 per hour at a 3-mph pace).

Note: this is not advised in ice and snow, but I also want to share my favorite new product I discovered called "Yaktracks". They are a coiled band that you put on the bottom of your shoes or boots that really dig in the ice and snow. I LOVE them, and they are easy and comfortable to wear. I got them at Schuller Shoes in the mall for about $19. I think Scheels has them also. I got a pair for my 86 year old mother who fell and broke a leg last year. We are being very careful this year!

Anyway, have a great week and happy walking!

Dr. Susan

dr.saetre@stillpointe.net

 

SarahErin Palmer- StillPointe Natural Health Center-Wellness Coach and CPT

Hello everyone! I want to take a little time to introduce myself and give you a little information on what I do at StillPointe. My name is SarahErin Palmer and I am a Wellness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, and I am also Certified in Nutrition.  My focus is on helping people to lead healthier lives through nutrition. I will be meeting with each contestant to discuss their goals and help them make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. With the contestants I am also conducting BIA tests- which is a simple test that gives us a lot of information!  It tells us the body fat percentage, fat-free mass percentage, based metabolic rate-how many calories the body burns during the day if sitting or resting all day, water weight and so much more.  Some of the contestants will also receive an EDS test, which uses the same technology as a EKG. The test will tell us if a system or organ in the body is stressed, weakened, or balanced.  With this system I am also able to test for food allergies/sensitivities, parasites, mold/fungus, bacterial infections, viruses, etc. 

I am very excited to be working with Spirit 92.9 and all of the Biggest Gainer families!  Here are some healthful tips to help you through this journey:

1.  Have a "meal planning day" scheduled into every week.  (For many, this is Sunday.)  The whole family comes together to make meals and portable snacks for the coming weeks.  This is a great way to have something healthy ready on the go.  Some sample meals and snacks would include: a large vegetable soup or stew, stir fry with brown rice, trail mixes, or homemade granola.

2.  Work veggies and fruits into ever meal and every snack.  Fruits and Vegetables keep you full, energized and your bodies pH level balanced.  They also supply your body with many vital nutrients, including fiber and water.  

3.  If you like to have a little flavor in your water, skip the artificial sweeteners and add a fresh lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit wedge.  It's delicious and healthy!

I hope the above tips are helpful to you and your family.  Remember: You only have one body, take care of it!

SarahErin 

Hi everyone, Dr. Susan Saetre here from StillPointe Natural Health Center. We are the nutrition coach for "The Biggest Gainer". Everyone is doing so well. We are excited to work with all the families to support healthy eating and a healthy life!
Just want to let everyone know that if you are interested in getting into a healthy lifestyle, we are offering a class this Thursday, Jan 21 at our office in Sartell. Call 320-203-8266 to register. The cost is $15 which is for a complete workbook. We hope all the 'BG" people will be there as well.
The station asked us to have health tips each week, so you will hear from me and SarahErin, our health coach. This week, plan your eating. If you want to start a better diet, remember that your body only can handle about 300-350 calories at a time, so pack a lunchbag for the day with 5-6 snacks or small meals that you can eat during the day. This will keep you from hitting the vending machines or the break room for cookies at 2pm! Also drink a glass of water every 2 hours to keep hydrated.
Some great snacks to bring: whole wheat crackers with peanut butter, almonds, carrots/veggies with low-fat dip, apple slices, celery with peanut butter (one of my favorites), yogurt (plain or vanilla) and add your own fresh or frozen fruit.I love to sprinkle on some chopped almonds for added texture and Omega 3's. Have a wonderful week! I'm getting hungry, so I'm off to make my own snacks for Monday....:)
Dr. Susan