Hot 100 -- Third Update! And a new Award!

Steve over at Log My Loss is trying to help us stay focused and motivated during these last 100 days of 2009. Visit his blog and check out his motivation for Monday posted this week -- awesome! Steve is the man! Thanks, Steve

Here's my Hot 100 goals and how I did since my last report:

Exercise a minimum of 5 hours per week - As I posted earlier this week, I sucked ass at logging my food and exercise this past week. I have already turned that around! I have really been enjoying the autumn walks. A combination of having lost weight coupled with the cooler temperatures makes for less sweating and makes breathing easier.

Eat foods rich in omega-3s at least 3 times a week - I nailed this one again too.

Complete all three months of the ChaLEAN Extreme fitness program: Well, this will take another 8 weeks, but so far, so good. This program guides you in using heavier weights with proper form. I LOVE THIS!

Consume at least 5 fruits and veggies per day - I did it!

Eat 5-6 small meals per day - I improved on this over last week. I was hungier for some reason so was able to do it without a prob.

I mentioned a month or so ago that I thought I needed to give up artificial sweeteners because of the symptoms I was having. Well, I was one of those people who was constantly drinking crystal light or diet coke or coffee. I ALWAYS had a can, bottle, glass or cup in my hand. Once I gave up the aspartame I became conscious of just how much I was drinking sweet-tasting stuff constantly, day and night.

On this vein--I have a small victory to report! I simply can't give up my morning cup of coffee and I tried Stevia -- quite frankly -- YUCK! It tastes bitter to me. So I decided to have one, maybe two cups of coffee per day prepared as I like it, and drink water the rest of the time.

So every morning I have one or two cups with real sugar and real cream! YES! And ya know what? Not only did it NOT affect my weight loss but I lost MORE from my waist this past month than I did previously.

So this goes to show that we can consume just about anything in moderation and still lose weight. We just have to stick to the planned amount and not go beyond that. I am so proud that I can do this in moderation! It is a huge accomplishment for me!

I work from a home office and the deadly part of that is that my kitchen is always just a short walk away. I used to drink coffee by the POT and would often make a second pot of decaf in the afternoon and down that too-- and I like it light and sweet. I bet I was consuming 1,000 calories a day just by what I put in my coffee and how much of it I drank.

Anyway, this wasn't part of the Hot 100 but it is an accomplishment I am proud of so I thought I would include it.

I am honored to have received another award for my blog. I wish to thank Helen and Sandra for this Cat's Meow award. Of course, I will pass this on! You don't have to do anything in particular when you receive this award, and of course, you can pass it on!

If I read or comment on your blog, consider this award bestowed upon your amazing self and post it on your blog with my gratitude for sharing your journey with the rest of us. But I did want to mention a few recipients by name, as with the last time, I tried to focus on people who don't already have the award so that we all feel loved. LOL

Patsy over at Musings on a 100+ Weight Loss Journey

Kiki over at Overhauling Me

Greta over at Big Bottom Blogger

Steve over at Who Ate My Blog?

Josh over at A Personal Journey of Fitness and Fat Loss

Ron over at Ron is Getting Healthy

Becca over at THE FINISH LINE

Ok, I could be here all day listing people. Spread the love my friends! Thank people for putting themselves out there and sharing the ups and downs of their journey! I realize the guys don't always like to display these awards, but, that's ok, I'm giving it to you anyway.

I've been super busy and a little stressed but this coming week looks like things may ease up a bit, at least temporarily.