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^ Thanks! I gotta tally up my scores: Last week: +4 for beginner's workout (I missed Fridays ) +10 for walking (I did M-Th but missed Friday and Saturday) -5 for snacking!!! ---- +9 (sadface) This week so far: +2 for beginner's workout yesterday +4 for Sunday and yesterday's walks --- +6 + 9 = +15 so far. yay! Any tips on how to stay away from processed foods? My husband buys them b/c he needs quick snacks for school, and I'm always so tempted to eat them, too!

I did a good workout today (+2) and walked for 20minutes while listening to audibles (+2). I didn't have a strong urge to check instagram and was pretty focused on my studies all day, which was good. But, I definitely took some big breaks catching up on some abc shows I'm finding the beginner's workout easier by the day I hope that's a good sign! I can't wait to move to a harder workout soon.

You should try cauliflower pizza crust! Just google it. I haven't tried it out personally but heard a lot of good things about it. I think you should definitely count your accomplishments! I like to look at the positive sides and motivate myself, so I wouldn't duck myself missing a workout b/c I didn't feel well. Give yourself a grade that will motivate you to work harder and continue this challenge just my 2cents :)

i know... I hate to say no to family. Here's what's been (sort of) working for me: 1. Let my family know that grains are not good for ME and it gives me stomach problems. I think they are a lot more receptive to the idea that I'm trying to avoid things that are harmful to me. It's also a bit easier when I just talk about myself rather than pointing the finger at everyone else (I used to say "grains are not good for anyone!") 2. I pack a green smoothie whenever we go out to eat. I usually put flax seed and hemp seed in my smoothie so it's pretty filling. I let myself have a slice of pizza with everyone, but in the end, I really can't pig out TOO much b/c I'm already too full! Plus, you can get your daily dose of spinach/kale this way win-win. Good luck I'm struggling with the same thing so we can cheer each other on!

I haven't tried recently but I think I should! Thanks for the tip Today was a good day. I recruited my mom to work out with me and take a 20 minutes walk with me (yipyiphooray). BUT, snacking is still a hard habit to loose. I did drink a full glass of water before munching on some chocolate... but chocolate is chocolate I realize that I tend to eat less junk food when I'm at home (where I can control what food is in my house) vs when I'm visiting my parents (they always have stashes of different chocolate bars). I hope one day that I can resist the urge to eat processed foods even when they are right in front of my face! One day...

LOVE this keep it up (both fitness + school)!!

How did everything go for the past few days? I ordered a Fitbit and can't WAIT for it to arrive in the mail. What is considered "in the zone" for Fibit?

Goodjob on the handstand Excited to see new updates soon!

I'm down for exchanging emails! Hi!! *wave It's okay. I think it's particularly hard when our family isn't eating the same way we are, so I definitely know what you are talking about. Once in a while, I'm pig out with my husband, too. But, those times just makes me realize that I want to COOK for us, b/c I know my cooking is a lot healthier AND I get to control what we eat. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just keep looking forward - good job today for working out!

I just signed myself up!! how should we keep each other accountable? I just "followed" all your challenge threads and this thread. Insecurities...? Hmmm.. right now, it would be not being able to find a job. I'm job-hunting so it's incredibly scary!

^ welcome!! I just started, too. lets do this

Hi I am starting out late... but better late than never! I recently discovered NF and I've been learning SO much here. It's been a wonderful journey reading through all the archived blog posts and lessons in the Academy. I am now ready to take my life to the next level! A Little Background: I'm 24 (2 weeks away from 25!!), about 5'7'', and 147.4lb. I know that even though my BMI says I am golden, I am not healthy. I think because I am on the taller side, it's always been easy to "hide" my fat... as in, none of my friends or family would look at me and think I am chubby. BUT, now I know... BMI is a LIE. Liar, liar, pants on fire! I got a body fat caliper last week and measured myself, and got 34% as my percentage. It was a bit shocking at first, but it made sense to me. And this definitely gave me a good kick in the butt to take my life to the next level. Dieting has always been hard because I really need that extra kick of accountability. My husband is not the type to want to go exercise with me, so in the past two+ years, it's been hard to want to eat healthier or go exercise more by myself. I am hoping that through my progress here on NF, I will not only be more fit for myself, but also become a motivator for him to want to take control of his health Okay, enough chatting, here's my main quest! Main Quest: 22% body fat! This will be a super long journey but I know it will be a good one. Three years ago, I was only 120lb due to stress and wedding planning, but even when I was stick skinny, I did not feel healthy. Today, I don't want to be just skinny; I want to be healthy and strong. Since 21-24% body fat is considered "fit," I thought 22% would be a good point to aim for. Three Goals: 1. I will work out 3x a week. I am going to start the Tutorial Body Weight and hopefully move on to Bodyweight Level 1. 2. I will walk 20 minutes everyday. 3. I will drink 1 cup of water every time before snacking. My goal here is to not snack at all. I am such a bad snacker, so I know that if I go cold-turkey on myself and not snack AT ALL, it may become counter-productive. I am going to take one step at a time I read somewhere that when you want a snack, sometimes you are just dehydrated! I hope that by drinking water before snacking, it will quench my thirst and maybe even fill me up so I end up not snacking. My goal next time will be snacking on only fruits / veggies / nuts. But like I said, one step at a time Life Quest: Turn on Self-Control when studying. Also put away iPad and iPhone when studying. I get distracted so easily!! Grading System: (I got this idea from reading Mangostrike's thread I can't take any credit here at all!) +2 points for working out 3x/week (M/W/F). Possible 6pts/week x 5 = 30points +2 points for walking daily. Possible 14pts/week x 5 = 70points -5 points for not drinking water before snacking. -5 points for not turning on Self-Control when studying. -5 points for checking Instagram when studying (does anyone else check Instagram like crazy??? Maybe it's just me b/c I don't have fb right now) ---- Total possible: 100 points! A: 90 B: 80 C: 70 D: 60 F: <60 I did start exercising last Friday and walking daily, but I will officially reward myself starting Monday. Omgs, I'm SO excited!!!!

Wow! Congrats!!! I am just now joining the fun here and have been really enjoying reading everyone's progress. But man! 5.2lb already????? BIG congrats are in order. Btw, I LOVE your grading system. I hope you won't mind if I do something similar?

Would it be okay to join this now (5days late)? I've been reading up all the materials in the academy class that I totally forgot about this! I will sign up on the google doc and create a new thread... Guess this will just have to be my 5.5 week challenge