Get Healthy Challenge – Week 6 Check In

By Jenell — October 15, 2012

It’s week 2 of Month 2!!!

If this is your first time ever hearring about the Get Healthy Challenge and you would like to participate, Be sure to register and then come back and check in.

We are off to a great start. We are already at the half way mark for this months challenge. Keep up with your goals and don’t sell yourself short.

For the newbies, Week 2 requires focus and determination. The adrenaline you had in week 1, may start to fizzle, but I want us to keep up the momentum throughout this entire month. Your daily affirmations are crucial, because when you think you can’t — YOU CAN!

In honor or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to share some awesome info that was shared with me.

FIGHT BREAST CANCER WITH FOOD

There are certain that can help prevent breast cancer!

Beans – At least six bean-based meals a week are recommended for breast cancer prevention. Saponins, compounds found in beans, appear to protect cells from cancer-causing damage. Women who eat beans or lentils two or more times a week have a 34% lower breast cancer risk than those who eat them once a month or less.

Berries – Proven cancer-fighters, berries are laced with compounds that block stem cells associated with breast cancer formation, according to new University of Arkansas research. Fresh blueberries are best, and all you need is a 1/2 to 1 cup a day for the most protection.

Green Leafy Vegetables – Not only are these preventative, but they may help keep you cancer-free after treatment. 40% is the reduced rate of breast cancer recurrence with high intake of leafy greens.

Cooked Tomato Products – Think sauce, juice, canned tomatoes, tomato paste – a Swiss study of 700 women who ate lycopene found in the aforementioned products had a 36% lower breast cancer risk than women who don’t partake.

LOSE WEIGHT TO CUT YOUR BREAST CANCER RISK IN HALF

If you’re overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight slashes your risk of breast cancer up to 50%! It’s never too late to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of breast cancer!

We are going to have a blast and I am so looking forward to reading all of your check in entries. Be sure to encourage each other by commenting on each others comments.

I am looking forward to reading all of your check in entries. Be sure to encourage each other by commenting on each others comments.

Check In Questions

1. JUICE - Which meal do you substitute with your green juice/smoothie? How many days did you juice last week (week 5)? Share one of your favorite recipes from last week so we can all try it out.

OPTIONAL – Do you incorporate the breast cancer fighting foods in your weekly diet?

2. MOVE - Is strength training a part of your weekly movement? How are you strength training? Did you meet your movement goals last week (week 5)?

3. AFFIRM – Reflect on this statement,

I am in control of my reactions.

In addition to the check in questions, you can com here and check in as often as you want. Feel free to share anything on your mind. Something you are excited to share. Suggestions: Something new you tried. The calories you burned in the gym. The miles you ran/walked. The cheeseburger/pizza/fried chicken/cake you turned down. The pant size you dropped to. The pounds you lost. Share anything you want!

You might also like:

Benefits of Good Fats for You and Your Hair

Do you have Enough Vitamin D?

Are Carbs The Enemy?

About Author

Jenell Stewart, formally known as BlakIzBeautyful is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Kinky Curly Coily Me. Jenell has a MS in special education and dedicates her time to educating and uplifting women with kinky, curly, coily hair. She big chopped on March 26, 2010 and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

View all Jenell posts.

Lovey

- Juice – I usually have a smoothie for breakfast, and did so 4 days last week. I’ve tried several variations. My favorate is peaches, pineapple, strawberries, banana, spinach, Vega, flaxseeds, milk, water & cinnamon.
- Move – I do cardio and strength training (free weights or circuit training depending on if I work out at home or go to the gym) at least 3 days week. Last week, I got in 4 workouts last week.
-Affirm – I always try to make more good decisions than bad, including controlling how I react to any given situation.
Anthonia Anyanwu

Hey everyone, hope you all are still going strong!
1. I juiced 5 days last week. I usually fix smoothies in the morning for breakfast, but I’ve come to fix up any time of the day when I want one or want it to substitute for a not so healthy snack, or after my workout, which can be anytime of the day. I found a new love in my life…a great smoothie recipe! lol

Recipe ingredients: spinach, red grapes, banana, v8 splash tropical juice blend, frozen fruit mix-papaya, pineapple, strawberries, and mango, lemon juice

I do incorporate cancer-fighting foods in my smoothies! Spinach, blueberries, strawberries, kale, etc. have been included in my smoothies throughout this challenge.
2. I moved 5 days last week. I do strength training through exercise videos. My arms are shaping up, and I feel stronger, getting toned and sexier! I moved more than I did last week so I’m glad about that too!
3. This statement says to me that I have the power to manifest what I want in my life. I can’t let negative situations get the best of me, take my energy…I need that to exercise lol! If each of us thinks before we do, alot of us, people would be in better situations. I always have the upper hand when I react in love, an non judgement, forgiveness in any situation. I’m learning to let things go. Oh, and it doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a daily effort, it’s a choice to make each day. Let’s take back our power each day.
- onyinyechi uwakwemdike
  
  keep going! i like the positive outlook.
  - Anthonia Anyanwu
    
    Thanks, I’m try each day to flip frowns into smile, even when it is someone else going through something. How long have you been doing the challenge? I’ve started to recognize, and names and haven’t come by yours. Good luck with the challenge if you have started with it! Have a great day!
    - onyinyechi uwakwemdike
      
      Thank you. I didn’t sign up for the challenge but i follow up on the posts because it motivates me to keep moving and live health..been on my healthy grind for 2 years plus now.
      All the best dear!
- Tennisshoes
  
  I’m with you. I find the smoothies any time during the day is great! With your favorite smoothie recipe, it wasn’t really sweet?
nikki 3c

I joined this challenge last wk!
1. I juiced 3 days last week and I must say that it feels really good. The first day it made me go to the bathroom quiiiiiickly (tmi, sorry), but it was really good and my husband loves it too!
2. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the commitment of working out last week because I was EXTREMELY sick. (working around kids). I began to feel sick on Tuesday when I supposed to start back at the gym, and all fell down from there. I just got back to work this Monday.
3. What a powerful statement! For me, it reminds that action DOES NOT need a reaction. Sometimes things are better left unsaid and undone. I can be the bigger person by choosing the best reaction. In the end, I will be better for it!
Sidenote: Even though it’s water weight and from being sick, I dropped 5lbs last wk. woohoo! I’ll take it (=
- Anthonia Anyanwu
  
  Welcome to the challenge girl! And Congratulations on the weight loss, water or not lol, you went down! Yay!
yardie_chick

I use green smoothie to substitute lunch or sometimes as a snack replacement. Last week I juiced 3 days. Tomato and tomato products are one of my fav to cook with. I also enjoy beans wether its kidney beans or garbonzo. Since starting this challenge I can say that the green leafy veggies have also become a staple. No, still no strength training. I tell you my schedule is a beast, it takes all my strength to tackle my day to day lifestyle.
I think this statement needs to be added to my daily affirmations. I have been on a whirlwind at my job and I tell you I just want to SNAP. I have been barely holding my tongue and my Honey told me not to let the issue phase me to react how I wish. i cannot control what people say or think but I can control my reaction so I will focus my attention of fixing my responses as not to damn my soul to hell.
- Anthonia Anyanwu
  
  I hope the situation gets better at your workplace. Pray for the people you come into contact with, and whatever they’re going through. Sometimes people react to others not because they have done something wrong to them, but because they are letting off steam from what they are dealing with when not in the workplace. At least, you haven’t snapped so kudos for trying to control your reaction. Keep that power!
Tennisshoes

Sigh…my whole post just disappeard.
I feel like I haven’t checked in in a while, but I HAVE been doing my smoothies and my movement.
1. JUICE – Which meal do you substitute with your green juice/smoothie? I don’t intend to substitute a meal, but what winds up happening is I’m full for longer periods in the day. How many days did you juice last week (week 5)? Last week I made smoothies three days out of the week. Share one of your favorite recipes from last week so we can all try it out. Handful of spinach, 1/2 frozen pear, lactose free peach yogurt, almond milk, water and flax seed.
2. MOVE – Is strength training a part of your weekly movement? How are you strength training? Strength training has nt been a part of my weekly movement. Did you meet your movement goals last week (week 5)? I met my movement goals last week. I really enjoyed getting some walking in on the Brooklyn Bridge with my sorority sisters. Looking forward to doing the Breast Cancer walk in Prospect Park this Sunday.
3. AFFIRM – Reflect on this statement,
I am in control of my reactions.Reminds me of a conversation I had with one of my sisters about a week or so ago. She was upset about something and I told her that she can’t be concerned about someone else’s actions. She could only be responsible for HER actions and HER reactions. Sometimes people do or say somethign to get a reaction out of you. You can’t give them control over your emotions and being like that. I think I was talking to myself as much as I was talking to herself. Sometimes we give ourselves pep talks through others
- Anthonia Anyanwu
  
  You are so right when you say “sometimes we give ourselves pep talks through others.” That is so true for many people. I also feel the same about substituting a meal. I feel fuller too. I really want to gain muscle instead of lose weight. I’m steadily trying to figure that one out. I do incorporate weight training in my exercise plans.
Anthonia Anyanwu

Just wanted to say hope yall are sticking with the challenge! It is tough but so worth it! Have a great week and weekend!
http://twitter.com/Afro_Geisha Danielle

Q1. JUICE – Which meal do you substitute with your green juice/smoothie? How many days did you juice last week (week 5)? Share one of your favorite recipes from last week so we can all try it out.
A. I substitute my post workout snack with my green smoothie. I juiced 4 days last week. I missed 3 days because I had to go out of town. My fave recipe is : Kale, collards, 1/2 apple, 1/4 c. peaches, 2 tsp. flax seeds, 3 strawberries, pineapple juice, cinnamon, ginger, agave nextar, and tumeric.

OPTIONAL – Do you incorporate the breast cancer fighting foods in your weekly diet?
Of course!

Q2. MOVE – Is strength training a part of your weekly movement? How are you strength training? Did you meet your movement goals last week (week 5)?
A. I do both strength and cardio in every workout. I, unfortunately, missed three days because I had to leave town last minute.

Q3. AFFIRM – Reflect on this statement,

I am in control of my reactions.

Although I cannot control my surroundings or what others do, I can control my reaction to situations. My reaction can either make or break an outcome.
Anthonia Anyanwu

lol didn’t realize this challenge ended officially yesterday for month 2! Whohoo! I’ve kept up exercising for 3 or more days of the week and still drink smoothies from time to time.