DAY 122: (ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END...WELL NOT REALLY.)

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:)

Today the Body + Soul Challenge is closing up shop, but not exactly. Our website will be on a brief hiatus until next season when we unveil our second annual Body + Soul Challenge, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Our website will become more interactive and more helpful for all those trying to become healthier in both body and soul.

I have enjoyed sharing my day-to-day progress with all of you. When I started this, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And while I’ve put myself on a healthier lifestyle track, I am most grateful for all the friends I’ve made along the way. Thank you for your support, insight and motivating words.

While the website is on a brief hiatus, please don’t take this as an opportunity to put your healthy eating and living habits on hiatus. You’ve been given some helpful tools; now is the time to use them and make the most of them. In some ways this part of the Body + Soul Challenge will be the most challenging of all—because you won’t have the daily tips and advice from our experts. While this will be difficult—I for one—will not give up this obstacle. Luckily, the editors at Body + Soul also provided plenty of links to tips and resources to keep your busy in the meantime and Dr. Brent is standing by for health questions Body + Soul Challenge .

I will also continue doing what I started 122 days ago, sharing my progress on a website that my husband and I started last summer, www.3pluskids.com. It’s a website devoted to offering help/tips/advice for large families. (Now maybe ‘large’ will have two meanings!)  It’s a work in progress, so be patient with me. But please visit my website and continue to tell me about your progress. Starting next season on The Martha Stewart Show we’re going to want to share some success stories.  Log on and let me know what you think! 

Enjoy your summer; have a healthy and happy one. We’re in this together—and remember as someone once said (and I have no idea who it was), “WE MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER—BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL!”

Peace, love and healthy living!
XOXOXOXOX
Christina

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 120, 121: (TO BE RIGHT AND WRITE.)

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:)

I have taken away so much from the Body and Soul Challenge. I’ve lost weight. I feel healthier about myself and I can run around more with my kids. But I think one of the most important things I have received from this challenge is the belief in myself. For the first time in a long time, I truly believe in myself. I believe I can meet any challenge head on—and conquer it. It may take awhile, but if I really want it, I know it can get done. For the first time in a long time I have confidence in myself. I have become my own number one fan. It wasn’t always that way. I can count many a times when I would hide in a corner, hoping not to be seen or heard. There is a new me and the Body and Soul Challenge has everything to do with that.

One of my long time goals was to write; I’ve always wanted to write a book. I have so many ideas and stories, but never was disciplined enough to sit down and write. My excuse was always my kids (yet it’s the kids that I always write about). Writing this diary has taught me discipline. In the past I’ve been told that I am a horrible writer. I’ve been told that I couldn’t convey thoughts properly; that my words never made sense. I am standing up against the critics to prove them wrong. I believe I can do this.

Do the same. What is it that you believe to be right? What is it that you always wanted to do, but were told you couldn’t? You can do it. Believe in yourself. Become your number one fan. Go ahead—ask yourself for your own autograph and sign it with conviction!  You’re great. You can do anything...and will.

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 119: (LET THE PARTIES BEGIN.)

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:)

This is one of the hardest times of the year for me to watch my weight. It’s party season in the Deyo household. Caroline received her first Holy Communion three weeks ago, followed by three communion parties: The May Crowning party was last week—all first Communicants wear their dress again, say the rosary, crown Mary, and then enjoy cupcakes, cookies etc. Last Sunday was the Communion Breakfast. This is an opportunity to wear your dress again and party with the entire class (since the class makes their communion on different days). I actually indulged in a bagel. It was only the second time I had a bagel since the challenge began. I probably could have chosen the fruit, but I just wasn’t “feeling” it. Due to all of these “shindigs” with Caroline, we haven’t been able to celebrate her birthday party with her class; so that will occur in about two or three weeks.

And there’s more partying to be done. My dad celebrates his 75th birthday on Memorial Day. My baby Rebecca turns two on Flag Day (June 14th). Since that’s the day before Father’s Day (another family celebration) we’ll celebrate my Dad and Rebecca’s party on May 26th. That’s not the end of it. July marks not only Independence Day celebrations, it is the month that Pauline turns six-years old. Shortly after that, Graceann turns 11-years old. It won’t be long before Halloween hits, as well as Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And then guess what? The whole cycle starts all over again next year. I guess the point is that there are always going to be parties, and celebrations—and most of them will involve food.  I think you just need to plan for each one accordingly. I know I won’t turn down a piece of cake (never met one I didn’t like). So leading up to each celebration, I’ll plan to be extra good to make up for the sweets. I’ll continue to find ways to motivate myself (maybe to look great in that new bathing suit—which I haven’t bought yet). Let’s continue to help one another. Let me know what works for you and I’ll do the same.  We’re in it together.

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 116, 117, 118: (STAND OUT IN A CROWD, OR STAY HIDDEN. THE CHOICE IS YOURS!)

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:)

I love when my girls stand out in a crowd. Usually, all we have to do is walk into a room—the fact that there are all sisters is usually enough of a WOW factor. (Most people can’t believe I have 5 girls under the age of 10.) I love dressing them alike. It’s not always easy to find dresses in a size 2T and a 10/12, but when I do—I take advantage of it.

This weekend we were in Maryland for my nephews first Holy Communion. The girls were tired of wearing their Easter dresses so I found adorable Hawaiian sundresses. The weather was warm enough to wear them, thank goodness. The best part was that there weren’t any ties on them either. Pauline is my most difficult one to dress. Anything with ties or that is slightly too big—and we have ourselves a guaranteed meltdown. This one was perfect. When the girls walked into church for the Communion, everyone stopped to stare. I have to admit, they looked like a little singing group—ready to take center stage. Afterwards we took pictures with their cousin John Paul. Everyone looked great.

When it comes to me, I prefer to stay hidden. If I have to be in a picture, I hide behind the girls (I’ve got strategic placement of the girls to hide certain rolls of fat.) It wasn’t always this way. I used to love the camera. But add on some extra pounds, and the camera is no longer my friend. Maybe someday I’ll feel ready to stand proud in front of the lens; I know I am on the right track—the Body and Soul Challenge has helped me. I look forward to the day when I don’t mind standing out in a crowd—like my girls.

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 114, 115: (LITTLE GOALS = BIG RESULTS)

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:)

I am not one of these people who has much success with big goals. I can’t motivate myself by saying “next year at this time I could be 100 pounds less, or even 50 pounds less.” I need small goals to keep me going.  For example, I tried desperately to fit into a dress for my daughter’s communion (which really didn’t happen—oh well). But it’s easier for me to say—my daughter Rebecca turns 2 in a few weeks, I’ll have people over to celebrate her birthday—all I need to do is keep going ‘til that date so people will notice.  Then after that date I make another small goal. So this Monday I am doing a photo shoot with my girls for a magazine called Park Place Magazine. It’s a New Jersey Magazine about moms and working moms. (They wanted to do the photo shoot at my house—but with 5 girls the house looks more like a zoo—so we’re doing it at a park.) I want to look good in the photos—after all this is a magazine that a lot of people will look at. So for the past two weeks that has been my “small” goal. While we might not all have motivating goals such as a photo shoot—I am sure you can think of small goals in your life that will work for you.  Have a great weekend! Here’s your homework assignment: start plotting out your small goals. We’re in this together and we will all succeed.

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 113: (A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE.)

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:)

As a mom I often look at my 5 daughters and wonder what they will become when they grow older. Will they be married? Have children? What careers will they choose? Based on their personalities I think I have it all figured out. Graceann and all her theatrics and creativity will work in the entertainment field. Perhaps she’ll be a television producer like me, or maybe even an actress, or a screenwriter. Caroline will be a chef. With her love of food, and love of concocting ingredients— I can’t imagine her doing anything else. She loves her sweets—so perhaps she’ll become a pastry chef. Pauline is a whiz. She’ll be the doctor in the family. Her love of babies makes me think--pediatrics. Gemma is my helper—and although she’s only 3-years old, I can see her as a dedicated nurse. Rebecca, only a one-year old, is the adventurer and the risk taker. (This became quite apparent when at 8-months old—when most kids are learning to walk—she was jumping from the couch to the coffee table.) She’ll either be my Olympian gymnast—or an FBI agent.

Of course, I encourage my children to pursue all of their dreams. I think I have it all figured out, when in fact, life is an open book: Anything can happen and usually does.  One thing is for certain. I want to be around to see what my children become. I want to continue to always be there for them, encourage and support them. I want to see each one of them accept their Emmy, James Beard Award, Medical Diploma, Citation, etc. I can only do this through my actions now! The Body and Soul Challenge is helping me make this a reality, thanks to all of you!

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 112: (WHAT’S IN A WORD?)

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:)

I am so impressed with the kindness of strangers. Today I was driving into New York when I started to hear this screeching sound. I knew it had to be bad when the faces on the street kept starring at my front bumper. I pulled into the parking garage and looked at the damage. My bumper was hanging by a thread and I wondered how the heck I was going to fix it—at least until I got home and could have my handy-dandy husband Bob look at it. All of a sudden (the timing of this couldn’t have been better), the truck that was parking before me had these two guys with hard hats looking at my dilemma. One of them said, “Want me try and attach that for you?”  I couldn’t have been more grateful.  “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you…”  I responded and honestly couldn’t have said it enough. In their truck they had wire ties (in my car I had some yarn). All I can say is thank goodness for them. I wanted to pay them a tip, but didn’t have any cash with me—all I had to repay them were my words.

This made me think how powerful words truly can be—especially when you really mean them. This can work both ways—they can build someone up, and they can tear someone down. Telling someone they truly look great when they’re on a diet can help motivate them to continue doing what they’re doing. Telling someone they shouldn’t eat that—they’ve had enough, etc., could make them feel bad about themselves; so much so, that they eat even more! Choose your words carefully—they matter so much.

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 109, 110, 111: (NEWS FLASH: MOTHER’S DAY MEALS = 0 CALORIES!)

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:)

My Mother's Day breakfast treat.

Let’s be in agreement about one thing: when it comes to Mother’s Day calories can’t count. I know last week I wrote that everything you put in your mouth is accounted for, but I am taking back my words. When it comes to Mother’s Day (and remember it only comes once a year), it’s hard to count calories when your children make you breakfast—and it’s a little more than you would make for yourself. 

Yesterday, my daughter Graceann made an awesome breakfast for me. She made scrambled eggs with buttered toast, a blueberry cake, berries with vanilla yogurt and a tall glass of whole milk. The whole tray was adorned with a beautiful pink rose. And of course all my daughters watched me eat every bite (although I could sneak some of it to my youngest Rebecca). It truly was a wonderful surprise to the perfect day.

After breakfast we headed to my brother Joe’s house. He is a chef who made homemade sauce, pasta, meatballs, garlic bread—the most terrific Italian dinner you could imagine.  And of course dessert was just as mouthwatering, Mile High Cream Coconut Pie! As a mom of 5 girls I truly enjoyed Mother’s Day—not just for the delicious food—but for the fat-free hugs, kisses, and smiles, too (maybe they’ll balance out the food).

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 108: (CAN YOU HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO?)

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 Graceann was able to play softball for her town league. It was her first game in 3 weeks. She only pitched the last inning but it was a gem; she struck out two and didn’t allow a run. Her team was outscored 10-2. But her team won the game anyway. What? I was just as confused when she told me that the other team scored 10 runs—her team only scored 2, but they won anyway. Turns out the other team didn’t have enough players, but instead of a forfeit they decided to play the game with the addition of two members of Graceann’s team to even out the playing field. The Knights got the win no matter what the outcome, so technically it was a lost, but it counts as a win. 

It made me think, wouldn’t it be great to have your cake and eat it, too? Imagine if you could eat whatever you wanted and it wouldn’t count—you’d still be the winner by being thinner (kind of like Graceann’s game). Well life doesn’t work like that. Everything you put into your mouth counts. We’re responsible for all of our food choices. Last night I saw a box of one of my favorite candies “Mike and Ike.” I’ve never met Mike and Ike, but they’re friends of mine. They’re delicious. I took a few and made sure I didn’t eat the entire box. I am wise enough to know that I would pay for it. Remember that the next time you’re reaching for a snack.  Enjoy it—just don’t enjoy it too much…because IT COUNTS!

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 106, 107: (NOW PITCHING…)

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:)

We received some great news yesterday. Graceann met with her doctor who told her that she can start pitching and playing softball. Her knee is healing nicely—although no sliding for 2 more weeks. She is so happy, but make that a double on my part! I am thrilled to have my softball partner back. We actually played catch last night and it felt great to work out! It also was great to see her enjoying the game she loves so much. We really thought she might be out the entire season. But she really started healing very well.  I told the doctor we didn’t want to overdo it—and he said her knee will get stronger by using it.

As a mom I still can’t help but worry about her. I am the typical mother hawk—watching all of my daughters’ moves. I can remember a time when I worked at the Rosie O’Donnell show and Rosie’s bodyguards were taking her son and daughter to the park. She wanted my daughter Graceann to join them. I was 'Nervous Nellie.' “What Central Park, in big bad New York City? Never!” Rosie told me that I couldn’t shelter my children forever and I had to trust they’d be ok. But if I could keep my kids in a plastic bubble, I thought, I would. Nonetheless, I can’t and they’ll be ok, but sometimes as a mom you just can’t help it.

So how does all of this tie into the Body + Soul Challenge?  There’s always is a tie-in, so here it is: Worrying usually makes me eat. Being a ‘Nervous Nellie’ means turning to food. But I have learned not to. I have learned to take out my frustration and my nervousness in other ways. This is a learned response. My automatic response is to eat, but thanks to the support of everyone involved in The Body + Soul Challenge—especially all of you—I’ll go throw the softball against my daughter’s pitchback a few times, instead of eating the chocolate butterfingers bar I found in my bag last night.

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.