DAY 67, 68, 69: (AWKWARD SITUATIONS)

Posted by Christina Deyo

(Christina Deyo, a producer for The Martha Stewart Show, decided to share her progress on the 30-day Body + Soul Challenge with daily diary entries. Here’s her latest entry:)

Graceann pitching for our town's team.

My 10-year daughter Graceann loves softball. I’ve mentioned this before. She is the star pitcher for her team and actually plays on two teams. There is her school team (The Saints) and our town’s team (the Knights). Yesterday the season began with a scrimmage. But it was a bit awkward because her town team was playing her school team. There were more kids on her school team so her school coach talked to the town coach and it was decided that Graceann would play for the town during the scrimmage. As a pitcher that meant she had to pitch against her classmates. She did an amazing job. She pitched 3 scoreless innings (in her softball league they play 6 innings but pitchers are only allowed to pitch 3 innings), she struck out 6 batters (including striking out the side in the second inning) and her team won 8-2. She was happy to do so well but it was a bit difficult since she was playing against all of her friends. My husband is one of her town’s coaches and one of the parents said to him (jokingly) are you a traitor or what? I hope her friends don’t take on that same frame of mind. Graceann was a bit nervous going into school today; she didn’t know how her friends would treat her. I am hoping that she has a good day and her classmates don’t tease her about playing for the other team. Nonetheless, she had fun and that’s what it’s all about.

I have been put in many awkward situations myself when it comes to the Body and Soul Challenge. There are times when I visit friends and I am offered foods that are a bit high on the caloric side—yet when I say no thank you—it’s as if I am offending the host. There was one incident I can recall quite vividly when I visited a friend who spent the whole day baking 3 different kinds of bread. She wanted me to try them all. I told her I was watching my weight and I would try just a small piece. Well she sliced a size big enough for the jolly green giant. I didn’t want to waste her bread but it was a huge piece.  I told her this is way too big—and she said, oh come on just try it…you only live once!  Then I told her I would save it and give some to my girls. She was really offended that I wouldn’t eat her bread and actually said, I guess you don’t really like it. What do you do in these awkward situations? I’ve tried to politely get out of them…and sometimes they’re tempting situations as well. Once, a similar thing happened when my brother sliced a piece of his chocolate cake for me. It was a big piece when I should have been just having a sliver—and instead of complaining I figured “waste not, want not…just eat it.” Awkward situations, they’ll pop up many a time. It’s learning how to best handle them that’s important. I’m open to suggestions!

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

WEIGHT-CONTROL TIP: STATE YOUR INTENTIONS

It may feel like weight loss is all about your body, but to be successful, you need to get your mind on board, too. Of course, your physical health is important. But you also must take a close and honest look at the rest of your life. Today, try the following exercises to help tap into your emotions about weight loss.

• Start with Intention. Keep a journal about your deepest wishes and hopes for where you will be in three months, six months, and a year. Don't think in terms of scales or sizes. For example, maybe you see yourself taking long hikes or planting a garden. Maybe you see yourself simply full of energy and joyful.

• Determine Where Your Energy Goes. 
Before you shift your habits, draw a pie chart that shows how you've spent your time in the last six months. How much of the pie goes to work, your family, your friends, yourself? How might you reallocate your energy to make room for changes?

• Think Positive and Start Small. Base your changes on self-love, not deprivation. For example, instead of resolving not to eat ice cream at night, sign yourself up for an evening Pilates class. And be detailed: Rather than saying, "I'm going to get in shape," think about how, when, where, and with whom you'll exercise.

After you write down your intentions tonight, enjoy a steaming cup of Hearty Spinach and Chickpea Soup pictured above.

More great recipes to jumpstart your weight-loss goals:
Weight-loss Recipes

Question: What are your weight-loss goals? How do they compare to a month or so ago?

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

TODAY'S SNACK: FROZEN GRAPES

Posted by Sandy Gluck

• 1 cup seedless grapes (110 calories)

Place grapes in freezer until hard ­ they can be frozen for a couple of
weeks.

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TODAY'S SNACK: DRIED FIGS

Posted by Sandy Gluck

• 2 large dried figs (95 calories)
  

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DAY 66: (THE ELEVATOR ESCAPADE.)

Posted by Christina Deyo

(Christina Deyo, a producer for The Martha Stewart Show, decided to share her progress on the 30-day Body + Soul Challenge with daily diary entries. Here’s her latest entry:)

On Monday we taped a special Martha show featuring children from past episodes. My oldest two daughters Graceann and Caroline were off from school and I thought this would be a good show for them to come to and watch. (I also figured I should give the babysitter a break from all five kids.) Graceann and Caroline loved the show and also loved seeing Martha. She’s like a special aunt to them. Anyway back to the story. After the first show we left the studio and got onto the elevator so we could eat lunch.  Three co-workers of mine were also on the elevator which included producer Karen, production assistant Noel and our executive producer Bernie Young. There were also two employees of the Tyra Banks show on the elevator; they also share a building with us. As we pressed the button so carefree to our floor we didn’t have any idea of the drama that lay ahead. All of a sudden, as were about to get off our floor, the elevator did a little jump—as if we were about to go down a roller coaster and just stopped. We were stuck. My girls started to panic. I would have liked to panic but needed to stay calm for them. Bernie was one cool cat stating over and over again that we were going to get out soon. We rang the alarm and waited for help. Somebody shouted to us that the servicemen were three blocks away (which in NYC could mean they’re an hour away). All of us started chatting and tried to get our mind off our situation. I kept envisioning the elevator plunging to the bottom and us getting hurt—of course I didn’t speak a word of this. We kept waiting and waiting. Finally the door opened and there was a flat metal wall. We were really stuck. At this point staff members started shouting out our names through the walls. Joey Kola, our warm-up audience guy, even told us a few jokes. I kept wondering if we were ever going to get out.  After about 40 minutes, miracle of miracles…the door closed and moved up 2 floors. We jumped out and were so relieved. We were greeted by our staff with a thunderous applause. Graceann and Caroline felt like movie stars. Then we got lunch. Graceann made me promise that I would never ever take the elevator again. I told her at the time yes I would only take the stairs. 

As a member of the Body and Soul Challenge you would think I would take the stairs every time no matter what. But it’s a long way up the stairs and I swear I get out of a breath. Plus, it’s not just going up the stairs once. Since we tape two shows a day—we’re running back and forth 3 or 4 times—that’s 3 and 4 times up those steps. But I am proud to say that so far throughout this entire week—I have only taken the stairs. I have not ventured into the elevator once. Graceann checks in with me everyday—“Mom did you take the stairs.” Yes Graceann, I did, and guess what? Each time it gets easier and easier.

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

WEEKEND GOAL: LEARN TO LOVE YOUR BODY.

Whether you’ve lost weight, gotten in shape, or simply feel healthier, it’s time to check in with your body to see how you’re responding to the Challenge. This weekend, take time to get in touch with your body and how you view it: Do you feel proud, ashamed, accepting? Whatever your experience, use this time to view your body in a positive light, following these exercises from Tracy Gaudet, MD.

• Become aware of your judgments.
 Stand naked in front of a full-length mirror. If being naked makes you feel uncomfortable, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, with the intention of working up to nudity. Let your eyes fall on all your body parts—face, shoulders, breasts, stomach, arms, legs, knees. Turn around and look over your shoulder at your back and buttocks. As you do this, notice (but don't try to control) your running commentary. Is your voice critical? Loving? Don't judge the voice —just notice it. Write in your journal about this experience.

• Do a body scan. 
At least once a day, preferably in the morning, sit down and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Turn your attention to the top of your head. Do you feel any tension or pain? Any other sensation? Now continue to mentally scan your whole body, muscle by muscle, all the way down to your toes. As you go along, just notice what you notice. Your goal is to pay attention to what is going on with your body, right now, from the inside.

• Talk with your body image. 
Sit in a comfortable position, and relax with long, deep breathing. As you relax, invite an image that represents your body to appear. Be patient; this can take time. Accept the first image you see, even if it doesn't seem to make sense. Squelch the voice in your brain that says "That's dumb" or "I'm not doing this right." Next, notice every detail of this image. Then begin a conversation with your body image. Ask the image why it's there. Wait for it to respond, and ask follow-up questions if they occur to you. Do you have anything you wish to say to the image? Write in your journal about this experience.

Read more about healthy self perception:
Tips from Dr. Gaudet
Whole Health: A Body to Love

Question: How has your body image changed since you began the Challenge?

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

TODAY'S SNACK: FLAX SPRINKLED CREAM CHEESE AND CELERY STICKS

Posted by Sandy Gluck

• Celery sticks (20 calories)
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (70 calories)
• 1/2 teaspoon spouted flaxseed or 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (12 calories)

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

DAY 65: HELP! MY KIDS ARE GROWING UP! SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE!)

Posted by Christina Deyo

(Christina Deyo, a producer for The Martha Stewart Show, decided to share her progress on the 30-day Body + Soul Challenge with daily diary entries. Here’s her latest entry:)

Last night my 10-year old daughter, Graceann, asked me if she could go to the mall with her best friend Samantha. As I looked at Graceann through my “mom” eyes I couldn’t understand how this helpless newborn thought it would be safe to be in the mall with all those germs. After all, the pediatrician said not to bring babies into public places until they were older. As I looked even closer through my “mom” eyes I couldn’t fathom how Graceann could want to go to the mall with her friend. She’s very shy and “clingy”—she only wants to be with me—her mom. She’ll start crying if anyone else holds her or goes near her. She’ll cry at the mall. I continued to look at Graceann. How could she want to go to the mall when she’s just learning how to walk? She will be holding onto everything and will probably fall…a lot. Is this the same daughter who I held so close to my heart in the hospital a month after she was born when the doctor diagnosed her with pyloric stenosis? Is this my same daughter who crawled into my bed so I could read her the Wizard of Oz 10 times straight? Is this the same daughter who I kissed about 100 times as she walked through the hallways as she was about to enter Kindergarten for the first time? The mall? You want to go to the mall? Well tomorrow you might as well tell me that you need to go to college. And after that you’ll beg me to go to Jamaica for Spring Break because all the other kids are going. What’s happening? How did time go so fast? I want to call the police and tell them I’ve been robbed! I blinked and look what happened. This isn’t fair. Why is time so fleeting? I want yesterday…I think I want yesterday.

Time waits for no one. The same goes for losing weight. I realize that the time is now to stay healthy. I can think of so many times when I said, I’ll really lose it when I turn 30. Then it was 40. What is it now?  Will you still love me, will you still need me when I’m 64? I have to stay on this right Body and Soul track now. There cannot be any falling off the wagon. If I do—it won’t only be weight I am worrying about.  There will be the diabetes, the hip replacement, the knee replacement, the high blood pressure etc. But I can turn time into my friend. When the time goes for Graceann to beg me to go to Spring Break maybe the whole family will go and stay in the hotel room next door—maybe I’ll even wear a bikini. (Okay, that’s going overboard.)

p.s. Yes, Graceann you can go to the mall. Make sure Samantha’s mom holds your hand. And be careful. I love you. Mom xoxoxxo

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

STRESS-LESS TIP: STOP STRESS IN ITS TRACKS.

Stress: It’s inevitable. Rather than try to eliminate it, your best bet is to manage your response to it. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and helpless—stuck in traffic or coping with a cranky child (or boss), for instance—stop yourself from spiraling out of control and bring yourself back to center by saying “no” to negativity.

A technique known as “thought-stopping” can help you shut down negative, obsessive thoughts triggered by stress, says Dr. Kenneth Ruggiero, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. First, literally call a halt to this train of thought. If you're alone, say the word "Stop!" out loud. If you're around others, think it to yourself. You might even find it useful to pinch yourself to disrupt these stressful thoughts: The sensation momentarily distracts you and gives you the opportunity to change your focus.

Next, choose a positive thought on which to focus instead, such as, “I know I do good work” or “I love my child.” In doing so, says Ruggiero, you swap a negative, stress-inducing thought for a positive one.

Learn more strategies for ceasing stress:
Instant Calm: Thought-Stopping
Stop Stressing Techniques 

Question: How do you cope with stressful situations?

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.

DAY 64: (MORE "CHEESE" PLEASE!)

Posted by Christina Deyo

(Christina Deyo, a producer for The Martha Stewart Show, decided to share her progress on the 30-day Body + Soul Challenge with daily diary entries. Here’s her latest entry:)

Last night my husband Bob had to work overtime. That left me to figure out a simple supper for my girls. (Usually Bob beats me home and he makes dinner during the week). I made lime grilled chicken with steamed cauliflower and wild brown rice. The whole thing took less than 30 minutes to make. And the best part is that my girls just loved it. My two-year old, Gemma, was really cleaning up her plate when she looked up at me and said more cheese please! I said, “Gemma, there isn’t any cheese on this dinner—you don’t want any cheese.” She started getting frustrated and just continued to say, “more cheese please…now!” I thought maybe she wanted a little ketchup for her chicken. I tried to figure out what condiment she was trying to express. I just couldn’t solve this puzzle. Then Caroline (my 7-year old) said, “Mom, Gemma isn’t saying more cheese—she’s saying more TREES please.” She was calling her cauliflower little trees. Once we told Gemma that her broccoli were like little trees—Gemma figured out that the cauliflower were those same trees just a different color. Gemma wanted more cauliflower. I pointed to the cauliflower and asked, “Is this what you want?”  Gemma smiled and said loudly, “yes!” It amazed me how Gemma loved the cauliflower in it’s natural state (no salt, no butter). There are some books on the market that offer recipes on how to “sneak” healthy food into your child’s diet. I am so proud that I don’t have to do that with Gemma. (I am not saying that’s the case with all my girls.)

I do believe our healthy eating habits are formed when we’re young. It’s important to instill our children with healthy habits so this is they way they will enjoy eating. When my daughter Graceann was about 7-years old her favorite snack was carrot sticks. Would you believe I actually could bribe Graceann with them?  I’d say, Graceann if you clean your room I’ll give you carrot sticks. Imagine that! I will encourage my daughters to eat healthy and in the process, I am learning too. It’s never too late. 

On a side note: Today is weigh-in day. I didn’t gain—nor did I lose...I stayed the same. Considering that I was able to get through Easter Weekend without a gain—I’ll take it!

Please leave a comment and we may contact you to appear on the show (your email will be kept confidential)! If you DO NOT want to be contacted, please email us at bodyandsoulchallenge@marthastewart.com.