I am currently participating in three challenges that I wanted to talk about. I love a challenge. I’m not competitive by any means. I could care less if I “win” although that’s not really the idea with any of these challenges. I enjoy being a part of a group all striving to better themselves. I love the support that comes from the participants. I find it motivating to hear how others are doing. Evaluating my progress helps to keep me accountable as well.

The first challenge I joined is Biz’s Holiday 2011 Challenge. Each participant has a different goal and we update our progress weekly. My goal for this challenge is to shed those last 20 pounds by the New Year while training for a marathon. It has certainly been a challenge so far with this darned broken rib halting my progress. I haven’t lost any weight since the accident, but I haven’t gained any either. I’m going to change things up a little this week with my diet in hopes of shaking up my metabolism. Namely I will be filling my plate with fruits and vegetables, there will be more Green Monsters, lots of leafy green kale and spinach salads, and roasted root vegetables. This leads me into my next challenge.

I am also participating in Marion’s More Fruits & Veggies 30-Day Challenge over at Affection for Fitness. The idea is to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet during the month of October. This is a great month to be focusing on eating healthy because as Halloween approaches the tasty temptations begin to appear and don’t disappear until after Christmas. Marion posts daily and includes interesting research about fruits and vegetables. I love learning more about nutrition. This challenge has also helped me to transition from summer to fall/winter vegetables and to start thinking about new ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my diet.

The third challenge is the Brita Challenge. The idea is simply to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. There is a twitter feed and emails to offer support and reminders. Seems simple right? Well with the temperatures cooling down I am guilty of not drinking enough water. I am enjoying this challenge because I think I often snack when I’m actually thirsty. Now I reach for a glass of water before deciding to snack. I’ve been drinking lots of mineral tea to aid in the healing of my broken rib so that has been a flavorful way to hydrate. Oh and did I mention that if you join the challenge you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a trip to the Biggest Loser Ranch.

I has been a gorgeous weekend here in New England. The leaves are slowly changing color, but there are pumpkins and mums galore.

Pumpkins Galore

Fall is here

Carlos and his auntie carved a jack-o-lantern yesterday while I baked oatmeal cookies for Carlos’ school bake sale.

Carlos' Jack-O-Lantern

We have soccer games all weekend. So far Carlos is loving it especially the social aspect of it!

Ghosts vs. Pumpkins

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.