Zanosaurus

Have you tried SeaSnax? They are paleo compliant, DELICIOUS and totally satisfy snacky cravings.

W1D2 Update: Didn't manage to go for a run, but Hubs forgot his lunch so I took it to him -- walking! It was about 3.5 miles there and back so I felt okay about that fitness-wise even though it wasn't really a work-out per se. Got groceries, felt like a boss when we ate a dinner from the planned menu! So far been doing great at getting out of the door by 6:15 with the dogs, the working-out stuff hass been harder. Yesterday, Day 3, I just feel terrible and didn't want to do anything but forced myself to go to a conditioning class since my trial CF membership is going to run out soon. I felt really pumped afterwards so I'm glad I went, I just hope I can remember that the next time I don't want to go! Today is a busy day and I won't get home until late, but hopefully I can fit in two more workouts before the weeks is over.

W1D1: Got the dogs out at 6:15, planned dinners for the week, didn't work out. W1D2 (today): Got the dogs out at 6:15, heading out to the grocery store now to shop for this week's dinners, planning on going for a run in about two hours.

C25K is really great -- I used a free app on my iPhone. It lets you listen to music and then "interrupts you" gently to say, "Start Running" or "Start Walking" and then the music comes back on. It was pretty perfect for me. As to portion sizes -- we have a handy fridge chart that's a lot like this one: http://jesbody.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/portion-control1.jpg The visuals really help me. Portion of meat? Deck of cards. I can do that. Except for spaghetti (which I know is not paleo, but neither are we 100%). This pasta sizer thing is amazing if you eat a lot of spaghetti. When I measure with my hands I always overestimate: http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Spaghetti-Pasta-Measure/dp/B0000VLLY8/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1370224967&sr=1-2&keywords=pasta+measure Good luck!

This isn't fancy but it is soooo good: Raw kale salad! Chiffonade some kale (as much as you want to eat) Lacitano kale is best for this in my opinion. Squeeze some lemon juice on top of your shredded kale pile and mix it all up (I usually do half a lemon because, well, I cut the lemon in half) Let the kale "cook" in the lemon juice for about 15 minutes. Add olive oil to taste (a tablespoon or two should be good depending on if you make a huge amount or not -- I do) Top with some fresh grated parm and BAM absolutely delicious and nutritious. Good luck! Your goals sound awesome!

I don't know what kind of books you like, but if you need recommendations the following are all really excellent andall in really different genres: The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint by Brady Udall Bell Canto by Ann Patchett Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry The Great Bridge, by David McCullough

Good for you!! I know that AA gets a bad rap in some circles, but my understanding is that part of what makes it work is having a support network of people around you. Have you considered going to meetings just to activate that buddy network? It might be helpful. I've watched folks with alcohol problems struggle (and not drunkards either, high-functioners) and it's really difficult because you know that you can't help someone who doesn't want help. Kudos to you on wanting to make a positive change for yourself. That is awesome!

Good luck! Have you heard of The Whole 30? It's kind of like a paleo-type nutritional reset and they have a bunch of plans and email support to keep you on track. They also have supportive forums over there. Since you tried paleo before and enjoyed it maybe you'd like the Whole 30 too? You can find out more about it at their website: www.whole9life.com I'm on my first challenge too -- I'm rooting for you!

Unfortunately in New York City that's what most CrossFit places cost. It's a big bummer, but the prices have to be high because the rents these folks pay for gym space (no matter how teeny) are insane. I really, really liked it and if I could I'd support them because they're doing a good job --the coaches are especially great -- but I just can't justify a gym membership like that on a grad student's stipend. Womp womp. On the upside, through the trial month I learned there are a ton of things I can do that are really challenging just using my own bodyweight. I just have to actually DO them. Thanks for the pull up bar advice, it's now on the list!

Hooray for another first time challenger! I used to read Get Rich Slowly a lot and one of the things he recommended was automating your finances. Is there any way you can make your bank automatically put $33.33 cents into your savings account each pay period during the challenge?

Cucumbers make prretty tasty snacks and they don't have as much sugar as fruit. I could eat pint after pint of berries until I made myself ill -- switching to veg now and then helps. Also, SeaSnax are another great option. They're about 16 calories per package, nothing bad in them and they really satisfy the "snacky" urge. Plus, at 99 cents a package they're about the same as a junky treat. Good luck!!

Welcome to another first-time challenger! As someone who has been a student foreeeever here's my advice for studying: Pomodoro! Get a timer (need not be shaped like a tomato) and set it for 15 minutes. You can do anything for 15 minutes! When the timer goes off you get to take a break. If you study in 15 minute increments you get a lot more done (at least, I do). Good luck!!

Hello, hi. Longtime Nerd Fitness reader, but I've never commented, or posted or anything. Last month I signed up for a Cross-Fit trial run and although I enjoy the conditioning classes (olympic lifting not so much ...) I just can't afford $315 a month for a continuing membership. Instead, I'm going to try to continue with Tabata /HIIT/Bodyweight workouts at home. I own no gym stuff but I just ordered a jumprope and abmat on Amazon and I have a really big hill just outside my front door. (!!!) I've been previously unsuccessful working out at home because I have no one cheering me on and, well, I guess I need cheering on. I tried fitocracy but it didn't grab me and I only used it about twice. BUT hopefully all y'all will help me out on motivation end. Please? The last day of this challenge is the day I fly to Scotland for a vacation with my beloved so this works out pretty darn well for me! My general goal is just to be "fitter". I don't have weight to lose, but I do have areas to strengthen (read: all of them). Vital Stats: 28 years old, PhD Student living in NYC lunatic-style; one bedroom apartment, two people, two dogs, two cats. I'm 5'4, 115 pounds -- skinny, but not fit. Challenge Goals: 1) Do a crossfit "type" workout 3x a week (burpees, box jumps, etc) 2) Be able to run twice around the reservoir (appx 3 miles) without stopping (at present I can't do this) 3) Meal plan every week to reduce "Uh, we have a can of tuna and a mango..." dinners 4) Get out the door with the dogs for their morning romp by no later than 6:15 am every day.