The END!!

Yeah for the final 6 that completed our 8 week challenge!!! These 3 worked extra hard and look how it payed off! Seriously you guys look great. Way to go Nate for loosing 30 lbs and winning our 8 week Challenge!

5 Ways to Stay Fit While on Vacation

 

1. Plan Ahead to Fit in Fitness: Vacations should be an opportunity to re-energize, refresh, and relax -- not an excuse to take a break from health. When planning your vacation, opt for locations that will allow you to engage in physical activities you enjoy. Keep in mind that physical activity is the ticket to enjoying extra calories without weight gain.
2. Be Prepared: When you travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile, be prepared with healthy food so you won’t have to eat whatever is available. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, then pack easy and satisfying snacks or a small meal, such as a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato on whole-grain bread, a piece of fruit, and some cut-up veggies with hummus.
3. Avoid Dining-Out Disasters: Eating out may pose the biggest challenge for avoiding vacation weight gain. "It is easy to control calories if you stay away from fried, crispy, or creamy foods; hold extras such as cheese and mayo; top salads with low-fat dressings; drink water instead of sodas -- simple things that can shave calories and make room for the special treats," says Blatner.
4. Indulge in Moderation: Deprivation is no fun when you're on vacation. Instead, "the name of the game is moderation when it comes to controlling calories from treats and alcohol," says Blatner. So have one scoop of ice cream instead of the sundae, or split that decadent dessert with a dining companion.
5. Pare Down Portions: Even when you're on vacation, portions count if you want to avoid weight gain.

Sweat-Activated Workout Gear

 

 Have you seen these?? They are so awesome! Activated by sweat, they display sayings to motivate you to really break a sweat. Check them out here!

No-Bake Energy Bites

Finally! A healthy treat that doesn't taste healthy! Since I've had my 3rd baby, I am working hard to lose this baby weight and this snack is perfect for me. It makes me feel like I am really eating cookie dough balls....except they are cookie dough balls loaded with lots of good stuff! And my husband and kids loved them, too! Seriously, go get the ingredients now and try these, for heaven's sake!! Thanks, Smashed Peas and Carrots for the recipe! I can't wait to start trying these with some different variations...raisins instead of chocolate chips, nuts instead of coconut, adding some chocolate protein powder to the mixture...oh the possibilities!

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)--I use Adams

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed--this is actually usually near the vitamins in the grocery store, by the way

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Makes 18-20 golf ball-sized treats.

A reader from Smashed Peas and Carrots figured out all the nutritional info, which I found helpful, so here you go:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 26 g
Amount Per Serving:
Calories-114
Calories from Fat-62
Total Fat-6.9g (11%)
Saturated Fat-2.3g (11%)
Cholesterol-0mg
Sodium-33mg (1%)
Total Carbohydrates-11.5g (4%)
Dietary Fiber-2.3g (9%)
Sugars-6.5g
Protein-3.1g
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet