Gluten Free Banana Bread

Due to Popular Demand I am posting the Gluten Free Banana Snack Cake recipe that I make.

GLUTEN FREE BANANA BREAD

Banana Snack Cake perfect for an after school or lunchbox treat.

 

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This recipe is adapted from the original recipe from the "Close up on Cakes" book published by Rizzoli New York, Edited by Suzie Smith.  Since I avoid wheat as much as I can I have made a version that does that, and if Buckwheat and Coconut flour are Gluten free, then I guess that makes this Gluten free. It is not sugar free unless you use Coconut Palm sugar and Stevia. To make this a nut-free snack be sure to use sunflower seeds instead of the ground almonds.

Ingredients:

Makes one loaf

 125 g Cream Cheese
1/4 cup /125 g Butter, at room temperature
Either:
 1 cup Coconut Palm sugar
OR
3/4 cup brown sugar plus 1/4 scant cup powdered Stevia
2 Large Eggs ( I did not have eggs this time so used flax seed "egg")
2 -3 Ripe bananas, mashed
2 Cups Gluten Free Flour (You can either use a store bought mix, or what I used was 1 cup coconut flour and 1 cup buckwheat flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup ground sunflower seeds (If you are not worried about it being a nut-free snack you can use ground almonds, but sunflower seeds are cheaper and you can grind them in your coffee grinder.)

I do not ice the cake but the original recipe calls for Cream cheese icing , but I omit that.

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter your loaf pan.
2. Measure all the dry ingredients (including ground sunflower seeds or ground almonds) and set aside in a medium bowl.
3. Beat the cream cheese, butter and "sugar" until smooth, scraping sides of bowl.
4. Add the eggs one at a time or flax seed.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas and add the dry ingredients.
6. Spoon into your loaf pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean, approx 55 - 60 minutes.
7. Cool on wire rack and try not to eat all of it before it cools! 

I serve it warm slathered with butter, and tuck a slice in to the lunches.


What is your favourite after school or lunchbox snack?

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Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
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The countdown in on- 30 Day Challenge is over and done with, wow~!

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30 Day Challenge, Last 3 days! 

CONGRATULATIONS!

We did it!

If you want to know more about how this 30 Day Challenge came about click here. 

  I found the transition into fall a little challenging this year. The urge to hibernate on rainy cold damp days was overwhelming sometimes. I had lost some of the momentum that I had in the summer where I ran three times a week. I know from experience that all it takes is a little motivation and a LOT of blackmail and then I am back rolling along as I did before. A co-worker posted on her facebook page that she was battling to fit her daily exercise in and was feeling "blah" and wanted a change. Having a fitness partner and someone to be accountable to, is something that really works when it comes to sticking with a program. Knowing that we would have a better chance of success if we tackled this problem together, I issued her a challenge..and here we are at the end of the Challenge and I am delighted with the results. Not only have 15 of us (one wanted to remain anonymous) finished our challenge, but we have stood by each other every step of the way. One dear participant had a lupus flare up so really had a hard time with that. If you know anything about Lupus you will know what a challenge living with this auto-immune disease is.  No, the 30 Day Challenge was not always easy, some sustained injuries, or experiences sickness or circumstances beyond their control but for the most part each participant did what they could to be accountable to one another and to do their 15 minutes a day. Most participants now consider their 15 minutes a day as a habit now and feel like something is missing if they do not do their bit. Now they want to stick with it and add something more. That makes me so happy, we are all "unstuck" and that was the purpose of the challenge. Congratulations to all the participants!

Thank you to Crystal for sending in this one!

Day 28: Monday, Dec 10, 2012

 

• Mel - Dumbbell Lateral Raises; Alternating Dumbbell Biceps Curls and Mel- Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extensions. - Toronto. Ontario, Canada
   
• Mallory -Still not back in the game - YET! - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -15 minutes of walking, that was it - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - 15 minutes walking to the physio and 15 mins exercise given to me by the physio.

• Lis -25 mins Yoga (Spring Wind Series) and 9 min Bootcamp Core Workout (SP video) - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 45 mins strength training chest & triceps, 3 sets of crunches & 30 mins treadmill. Total of 75 mins - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I did Jillian Michaels 30 day shred for 30 mins. I also shoveled the walk and walked 30 mins in the cold, and 1 walk at work for 15 mins" - Urem, UT

• Tanya -Stationary Cycling- NYC

• Lily - walking.

• Jill - Walked the dog - Toronto

• Tofodil- 30 min walk plus 20 min yoga

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - dealing with a family crisis right now - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila- "Apart from walking from sofa to fridge to bathroom to sofa, I walked (hobbled) 30 minutes to the Mall for antibiotics, painkillers, drop off for repair the spectacles that got damaged in ER. Judging by the amount of sweat produced, this was a workout of note." -  Cape Town, South Africa 

Day 29: Tuesday, Dec 11th, 2012

 

• Mel - "I did my core exercises! still sore from the leg workout! Remind me NEVER to do squats with weights again before I have done them without weights for a week or two! ouch! hehe!" - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Still not feeling well....but she was a good cheer leader.  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -15 minutes walk  - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna -30 minute walk.

• Lis -25 minutes yoga and 7 min leg shaping workout video- San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 50 mins strength training legs & 30 mins treadmill  - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I did Pop Pilates Cardio Melt down for about 20 mins ( its HIIT training so its hard to maintain over a long period)" - Urem, UT

• Tanya - "35 min abs class that was insane, and insanely good." - NYC

• Lily - Walking

• Jill - Walked the dog - Toronto

• Tofodil- 5km run

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -dealing with Family Crisis - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila -30minute walk today-  Cape Town, South Africa 

Day 30: Dec 12 - We did it!

 

 

• Mel -Dumbbell Chest Press, Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curls and Seated Dumbbell Triceps Extensions.( see above)  - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Still not well, poor thing!- Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -" I did it. Would have liked a bigger finish but I managed 15 min of walking so I'm ok with that. Most importantly I haven't lost the desire to keep working out. Thanks for starting this challenge." - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna -Physio exercises

• Lis -"These 30 days have flown by and I loved the challenge of exercising every day. The challenge may be over but I'm going to stick to at least 6 days a week, holidays or not. Day 30: 25 mins Yoga (Exalted Warrior Series) and 8 min Upper Body Sculpt (SP New You Bootcamp video)" - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 20 mins walking (2 sessions of 10 mins ea at work - stressful day) & 3 sets of tricep dips. - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - Canyon Ranch 20 minute ST and cool-down, so that is completed for exercise today. - Urem, UT

• Tanya - 45 mins at gym split between weights and elliptical - NYC, U.S.A.

• Lily - 20 minutes so far today (walking), "Congrats to ALL PARTICIPANTS and way to go for those who finished, too!"

• Jill - Walked the dog - Toronto

• Tofodil- Day  30 Done !Today I did 20 min yoga plus 30 min walking the dog!

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -Dealing with family crisis - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila -  "Can't believe 30 days flew by so quickly! Walked 1mile round trip to gym - met instructor and a gym buddy so we had breakfast together."  Cape Town, South Africa 

  Here are some final comments from some of the participants:

Lis wrote: This was a great challenge and having to "report in" every day kept me on track and made me want to do extra."

Ishi expressed thanks for helping her get through the season, cold and dark morning and evening times was getting in the way of her runs. She wrote: "I have developed the habit of checking in with you! Now what? I did get up and do Canyon Ranch 20 minute ST and cool-down, so that is completed for exercise today. I don't know if I will have time to get any of my typical walks in except for my nightly dog walk. I haven't been running at all because of the cold dark mornings. I really need to invest in a treadmill or change up my schedule so I can run in safety. I really miss the way I feel after my runs. Thanks for helping me through this part of the holiday season. I guess you are my accountability partner now, haha! "

Tafidol wrote: "Loved this 30-day challenge ~ you are an inspiration ~ great job putting this together & keeping everyone motivated."

Goanna sustained a knee injury half way through the challenge and she concluded with this: " Boy, didn't those 30 days go fast.My knee is improving with the help of my physio and I aim
to be more active over the holidays."

Tanya wrote this:  The 30 Day Challenge..."got me moving, and then moving more
* made me realise that 15 mins is doable and not much time, so can be fit in and therefore, that its totally possible to do it everyday. Not only is it better to do that than nothing, it's also highly likely it'll result in more
* built a habit I plan to continue
* have lost some weight and inches!
* it really helps to have someone holding you accountable in a way." 

So as we approach this holiday season, I hope that you too will find just 15 minutes a day to add some activity and exercise to your day. Your party dress will thank you.
  

 I will continue with my new habit of exercise EVERY DAY! How about you?

www.melonyteague.com 
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Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
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30 Day Challenge - The last week is here.

30 Day Challenge New Rule: You are allowed ONE rest day. Use it wisely! 

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Bonus addition today is an instructional video from my favourite trainer, Igor Klibanov.

I can't emphasis the importance of good form when you do weight training, or any exercise for that matter. This is a good reminder for our 30 Day Challenge participants.

By Igor Klibanov
torontofitnessonline

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO DEMO

Day 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the 30 Day Challenge

Day 22, Tuesday Dec 4th, 2012

• Mel - 5 core strengthening exercises "....I can feel that those side bends with the 10 pound weights are getting steadier and easier and I have more flexibility, tonight I threw in a plank just for fun = 21 minutes." - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Is still recovering from Sinus infection, hopes to be back soon - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - 15 minutes dance workout. - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna -recovering from knee injury

• Lis -25 mins Yoga (Sun Wind sequence)- San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 25 mins treadmill 3.5 mph/10% incline. "I almost didn't do it. Felt better after."
  - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - Did 25 mins on the mini trampoline and walked the dogs for 15 mins - Urem, UT

• Tanya -body aches and exhaustion - NYC

• Lily -Walking

• Jill - Walked the dog and the husband - Toronto

• Tofodil- 15 minutes of exercise done.

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - 40 minute dance workout - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - 60 Minutes Aqua Aerobics with resistance equipment; Extra walk to recycle bins with bags of papers- Cape Town, South Africa 

 

Day 23, Wednesday, Dec 5th, 2012

• Mel - "No swimming today, had a massive headache all day that got worse as the day went along! I thought that it was because I needed to eat, but that did not seem to help much, so I think it is bath and early to bed. I did force myself to do 15 minutes strength exercises, 2 arm exercises and 1 calf raises."   - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Sinus infection - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - 15 min dancing. Not heavy duty but I kept moving. - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna -resting knee

• Lis - 25 mins Yoga (Seated Twist Sequence) and 5 min Butt Firming Workout (SP video)- "The other day we took a short stroll on the beach - not really a workout, more meditative, so I didn't log the minutes."- San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 30 mins treadmill 3.5 mph - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - 1.24 hrs of walking. - Urem, UT

• Tanya - Sick  - NYC

• Lily -Walking

• Jill -walking the dog - Toronto

• Tofodil-  Core workout = 30 min

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - 20 min aerobics - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila -Aqua Aerobics and BodyWorx studio class - 60 minutes each
  30 minutes garden work - trimming /dead-heading bushes - Cape Town, South Africa

Day 24, Thursday, Dec 6th, 2012

• Mel -2 sets of side bends with dumbbells; "Well Lis did some, so I figured I should too) and about an hour of heavy cleaning, scrubbing walls, floor, kitchen cabinets etc. Carrying boxes up and down stairs, and then tonight I did some more side bends and some planks."  - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Sinus infection - still recovering but: "I walked for 20 minutes in the cold.. LOL (it wasn't 100 percent intentional, but I did it anyways so it counts so there." - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - 15 min walking. "In circles. In the house. At least I got it done." - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna -walking; in recovery from twisted knee.

• Lis -25 min Yoga (Coming Home sequence), 8 min Upper Body Sculpt (New You Bootcamp SP video) and 5 mins dumbbell side bends (2 sets of 15 each side) - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 60 mins Zumba. Just what the spirit needed. - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - walking the dog  - Urem, UT

• Tanya - Going up and down stairs - NYC

• Lily -walking

• Jill - walking the dog- Toronto

• Tofodil- Kelly Coffee-Meyer's NYC Body Sculpting Workout = 60 min

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -Started an exercise class tonight called Bounce Fit. 60 minutes of cardio and resistance exercises using a yoga ball. - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - "I ended up hauling furniture around for most of the day and scrubbing, cleaning, decluttering and probably would have had more rest if I'd gone to gym." - Cape Town, South Africa 

Day 25, Friday, Dec 7th, 2012

• Mel -

  Alternating Dumbbell Biceps Curls
  Seated Dumbbell Triceps Extensions
  Dumbbell Chest Press
  Dumbbell Crunches for 20 minutes total.

    - Toronto. Ontario, Canada 

• Mallory - still not feeling well  - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -  15 walking, well more like slipping but close enough  - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - walking

• Lis - Sea Kayaking - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K -25 mins treadmill - Detroit, MI

• Ishii -I did 30 min of my jogging on my mini tramp.  - Urem, UT

• Tanya - 50 Min Gym- NYC

• Lily - Walking

• Jill - walking- Toronto

• Tofodil- 30 min walk with the dog.

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - Family Emergency - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila -60 minutes Aqua Aerobics; 60 minutes BodyWorx - Cape Town, South Africa 

Day 26, Sat, Dec 8th, 2012

• Mel -  Hip Flexor; Side bends; seated knee lifts; dumbbell side bends ( see above) for 20 min - Toronto. Ontario, Canada 
• Mallory -  - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Crystal -15 minutes walking again and a few weights.   - Regina SK Canada.
• Goanna - 15 minute walk and the physio exercises.
• Lis -25 mins Yoga (Swan Sequence) - San Carlos, Mexico.
• K -50 mins strength training legs - Detroit, MI
• Ishii - finished a combined dog walk and short run with hubby for a total of 1 hr of exercise.  - Urem, UT
• Tanya - 30 minutes walk - NYC
• Lily -Got one hour of leisurely walking
• Jill - - Toronto
• Tofodil- 60 min Peak 10 Cardio Strength
• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.
• Lilith -Family Emergency - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.
• Sheila -5 minutes gardening - move the hosepipe and a couple of garden chairs. Take some dead branches to the garbage bag on the pool fence - oops, slipped into pool - gashed knee - 2 minutes trying to haul myself out of 21C water - 5 minutes removing wet clothing - oh that looks too serious for band aid - find dry clothes and call neighbour for ride to ER - hop to car and into ER - hop to get treatment, hop again for Xray, and back to neighbour's car. Hop to get ice pack and breakfast (all this started at 7a.m.) hop to remote control on sofa - rest ice elevate for 3 days - 5 stitches and Tetanus shot - Cape Town, South Africa

Day 27, Sunday, Dec 9th, 2012

• Mel - Lower body workout, 3 main exercises, 2 sets of 15 for each one! Calf raises with dumbbells ( 20 pounds in total); Forward lunges (One with dumbbells and one without) - "These almost did me in!"
  Wide leg squat with 10 pound dumbbell! - Toronto. Ontario, Canada
• Mallory - Almost back - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Crystal - 15 minutes walking and doing chores - Regina SK Canada.
• Goanna -REst day - coffee received!
• Lis -25 mins Yoga (Third Eye Sequence) 9 min Thigh Toning Workout (SP New You Bootcamp) "The yoga was planks and side planks, up and down dogs and swans in the main part of the session - hard on my wrists but I know I am getting stronger because I can do them without needing to put a knee to the floor for extra support - progress!"
  - San Carlos, Mexico.
• K - 45 mins strength training, 30 mins treadmill, 3 sets of 12 push ups - Detroit, MI
• Ishii - 3 sets of push ups. "Walking the critters for 30 mins and getting in those pushups". - Urem, UT
• Tanya -15 min Abs workout - NYC
• Lily - 30" of rebounding today
• Jill - walking - Toronto
• Tofodil- 30 min of treadmill
• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.
• Lilith -Family emergency - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.
• Sheila -Official rest day - Rest Ice Elevate - thought I might hobble over to the Mall but that's probably not the best idea I've had - maybe I'll do some sit-ups when I reach for the remote, my Kindle and my BB - Cape Town, South Africa

  The end of the Challenge is coming up fast and I for one will be sad when it is over, I will continue with my new habit of exercise EVERY DAY! How about you?

www.melonyteague.com 
To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here 
Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
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Day 19, 20 and 21

Cape Town , South Africa, Neighborhood walk

Day 19, 20 and 21 came and went and I am starting to get a little sad that in less than 10 days time the 30 Day Challenge will be over. I am not the only one feeling this way, other participants have expressed the same thing. 

Day 19

• Mel -Upper body strength training 20 min. ( Bicep curls, triceps raises, chest press and one arm rows)All of them with 10 lbs except for triceps exercises, which were 5 pound dumbbells. "This at 9:30pm! I really need to get my workout in earlier!" - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Recovering still - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -15 min strength, weights and 10 min walking- Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee - Doing a great job cheering us on.

• Lis - 25 mins yoga (Heart Opening sequence) and 6 min Hips, Glutes & Thighs Workout (SP video)- San Carlos, Mexico.

• K -40 mins strength training back & biceps - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I just got back from walking the mall for a little over 2 hrs and before that we walked the dogs for 15 mins."  - Urem, UT

• Tanya -50 minutes at the Gym - NYC

• Lily - Dealing with health issues, taking a hiatus for a few days.

• Jill -Walking  - Toronto

• Tofodil- 15 minutes done

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -25 minute walk   - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - 60minutes each FuseBall and Boxing with 24s HIIT  - Cape Town, South Africa 

Day 20

• Mel - 4 core exercises, including those side bends with 10 pound dumbbells! - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Recovering still - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - DAY OF REST - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee - Doing a great job cheering us on.

• Lis - 25 mins Yoga (Triangle series) and 7 min New You Bootcamp Leg Shaping Workout (SP video) - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K -50 mins strength training legs - Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I got in a quick dog walk for 15 mins"  - Urem, UT

• Tanya - 25 minutes brisk walk- NYC

• Lily - Day of recovery

• Jill - Walking - Toronto

• Tofodil- 15 minutes done 

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -15 min walk in the snow.  - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - "There was a howling gale in Cape Town again - but it's changed direction. For several days a cruise ship couldn't get out of the harbour and trucks were overturned near the Huguenot Tunnel between Paarl and Worcester." Just over 3.5miles neighborhood walk,( SEE PICTURE ABOVE) - Cape Town, South Africa

Day 21

• Mel - "I did 2 sets of crunches, 2 sets each of 4 different upper body exercises.
  I did the crunches and chest press almost under the Christmas tree! lol
  late at night again, but I did it!" - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Recovering still, but she will be back soon! - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - Managed 15 minutes of walking (in the ice and snow!) and ended off with some squats.  - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee -"All I managed today was the
  15 minutes walking to work and the countless stairs."

• Lis -25 mins Yoga (Warrior Series) - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 40 mins strength training shoulders & abs:) - Detroit, MI

• Ishii -Jillian ripped in 30! and a few 15 min walks too!  - Urem, UT

• Tanya - 35 minutes brisk walk- NYC

• Lily -20 minutes walking (on break at work)

• Jill - Walked the dog- Toronto

• Tofodil- 15 minutes done.

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - 15 min walk - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - "I cancelled my Pilates class (headache), did 60minutes BodyWorx and 30 minutes lunges, squats, stretches in the garden - weeding, hauling planters around."
    - Cape Town, South Africa

On day 22 and the realization that we are nearing the last week of the challenge brings two emotions. Undoubtedly there is a sense of accomplishment and pride that we have come this far, but on the other had there is a sense of sadness that this challenge will be over in almost a week's time. It has become part of what we do and the fun part is seeing what everyone else has done, cheering each other on and being accountable. 

 A walk on the beach, San Carlos - Mexico

www.melonyteague.com 
To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here 
Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
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30 day Challenge still ongoing, congrats to the participants!

30 Day Challenge

New Rule: You are allowed ONE rest day. Use it wisely! 

To subscribe to this blog click here

Day 16, 17 and 18.

So far the participants of the 30 Day Challenge are hanging in there! 

Well done ladies! 

If you are not sure what it is all about, you can click here to read about how it all came about.

Day 16- Wednesday, November 28th, 2012 

Some of my swimming friends and I

• Mel - 65 minutes swim training. ( 3.25 km) - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - Recovering still - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - no data - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee - She will be out of the game for a while, but is doing a great job cheering us on.

• Lis - 25 mins yoga (Heart-Mind sequence) and Lunges with Ball (SP video)- San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 35 mins Brazil Butt Lift DVD- Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I really wasn't feeling like exercising today due to a late night last night. I opened my email to the Best of Sparkmail email and this is what it said...burn 80 calories in 8 mins. Well, I thought "I can definitely do that!" So I did the 8 min athletic intervals video twice and also one 5 min core video. Thus, I have now completed 21 mins of exercise! Yay, so I really felt like that was a NSV!!( Non Scale Victory) - Urem, UT

• Tanya - "Applying my one and only 'Get out of challenge day' card. Back at it tomorrow, but now for an early night!"- NYC

• Lily -Walked 25 minutes

• Jill - Walked the dog and the husband - Toronto

• Tofodil- Ab workout = 30 min

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - Walk 40 mins. - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - 60minutes each Aqua Aerobics and BodyWorx plus more ceiling painting for 30minutes x 2 sessions. - Cape Town, South Africa

Day17- Thursday, November 29th, 2012

• Mel - 1 mile on treadmill (20 min) - 1.6 km. - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory - almost better, she  will be back soon! - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal -15 min dancing and yoga poses;15 min strength - Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee - She will be out of the game for a while, but is doing a great job cheering us on.

• Lis -15 min treadmill (0.9 mile) and 5 minutes stretches. - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 40 mins/10% incline treadmill - Detroit- Detroit, MI

• Ishii -15 min walk plus walking the dog - Urem, UT

• Tanya -55 minutes of weights cross training with cardio at the gym. - NYC

• Lily -COFFEE GIVEN- now this lady is dealing with some serious health issues, so really she is a trooper for having gotten this far!

• Jill - Walked the dog-Toronto

• Tofodil- Bob Harper's Totally Ripped Core = 45 min

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith -15 min walk - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - "Entire morning clearing up student room after repainting the blotchy ceiling - deep clean carpets, clean windows, move furniture back into position, wash shelves and cupboards, return clean linens, blankets, duvets, cushions to the room. Return ladders and equipment to storage places." - Cape Town, South Africa

Day 18 - Friday, November 30th, 2012

• Mel - 4 core exercises....and one calf exercise. About 20 minutes or so....does 90 minutes of vacuuming and lugging 4 heavy bags to the car while doing grocery shopping ( I did not get a cart) count? - Toronto. Ontario, Canada

• Mallory -still recovering from her sinus infection - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Crystal - I did go for about a 20 min walk including 2 flights of stairs up and down.- Regina SK Canada.

• Goanna - Twisted knee - She will be out of the game for a while, but is doing a great job cheering us on. Did a bit of walking today nonetheless.

• Lis - 10 mins Yoga and 10 mins walking - San Carlos, Mexico.

• K - 40 mins strength training chest & triceps - Detroit- Detroit, MI

• Ishii - "I didn't have any motivation to exercise today but I did it anyway and I felt better for it!! I did Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown level 1 for 30 mins and I just did a quick 1 mile walk with a coworker." - Urem, UT

• Tanya - Today 25 mins brisk walking about town.- NYC

• Lily -COFFEE GIVEN ( Dealing with some serious health issues)

• Jill -Walked -Toronto

• Tofodil- 30 min walking.

• Bella - No Data - Ottawa, ON Canada.

• Lilith - 20 minute walk - James Bay Region of Northern Quebec.

• Sheila - 60minutes each at Aqua Aerobics with resistance equipment and BodyWorx with hand weights, I walked back from gym via the supermarket and carried 3 big bags of meat and veg as well as gym bag - Cape Town, South Africa