2 Weeks till Shred

Hello Shredders!

Congratulations on being brave enough to begin this challenge! 100 days is a LONG time, so we are all in for a marathon of no sugar and getting ripped. Be prepared for lots of cravings, cranky moods, and getting angry when all your friends are eating birthday cake and you can't. It will be worth it in the end.

This year's challenge is basically very similar to a contest we held last year that lasted 80 days, however we decided 100 days just seems like so much more fun.  This year there are significantly less people, and no money involved.  The focus shouldn't be about "winning", but rather making a lifestyle change and seeing improvements in yourself.

That being said, there is a very small amount of homework to do before the challenge begins on February 15th. Here's what you need to do:

1. Get a Body Fat % test! - These shouldn't be too hard to find. Plenty of gyms and health clubs offer them. We found a mobile truck that does an underwater test that is the most accurate. It might run you a few dollars, depending on where you go. If you make it the full 100 days, you will retest yourself at the end and see what % of body fat you lost.
2. Your "before weight". This is optional. It's not a weight losing contest or anything, it's just interesting to see how people's bodies react to 100 days without sugar.
3. Your "before photo". This is not optional. I know some people wont be comfortable with this, but it's just like going to the beach.  Show as much skin as possible (bathing suits recommended) front view, side views and back view.

Here are the basic rules of the challenge:

• anything that is considered "sweets" is NOT allowed. Desserts, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and anything made tons of refined sugar are NOT allowed.

• ketchup and BBQ sauce is also NOT allowed (more sugar than sodas)

• natural sweetener IS allowed (agave nectar, honey, etc.)

• all beer and wine IS allowed

• Splenda and other artificial sweeteners ARE allowed as well. 

Basically, if you're questioning it, check the label. Please don't get caught up in the details of this. You have to make healthy decisions for yourself. This is more about kick-starting a healthy lifestyle, not about being anal about what is in a salad dressing. For instance, bread has some sugar in it, but you can eat that. We can't be monks, but we can make good choices!

Please enjoy this blog as we'll be posting often throughout the 100 days. This can be our way of seeing how everyone is doing, tracking our progress, sharing photos, temptations, etc.  You can also sign in to leave comments if you want.  If you think you'd like to contribute some posts on this blog, let us know so we can sign you up as an author.  

Now lets go kick sugar's ass!!!

xoxo,

Ash & Ty