35 by 35! Blog Series Finale: BIRTHDAY EDITION!

First, I want to THANK YOU, dear reader, for caring to stop by for the finale of this blog series!  While I've lost weight throughout this challenge, I have gained a fresh new outlook and a drive to continue pursuing and enjoying a healthy life!!  I'm so glad that you've come along with me on this journey.  I pray that I was able to encourage you along the way!  Okay, without further ado, here are the results of my final challenge weigh in!

35 by 35! #15: The Final Countdown!

So, this is it! I'm heading it to the final week of my challenge! Will my last week of "34" be a calorie-crushing, fat-burning fest?  I sure hope so!  Before I start treating each day like it's my "LAST CHANCE WORKOUT!",  I'll give ya a quick update...

35 by 35! #13

Happy Thursday, friends!  This past week has been absolutely wonderful! So thrilled to share it with you all, along with a fiber-packed sweet treat, and encouragement to view your choices in a positive light!  Let's get right to it...

35 by 35! #12

Happy Thursday, friends!  Time to check in with you all, and share a FREE must-see app.  Let's get right to it...

35 by 35! #11

Hello, friends! I hope you all enjoyed a terrific first week of August.  I'm excited to share the progress I've made over the past week and hopefully hear about yours in the comment section!  I also have a yummy chocolate covered (light) food find for you, and a dose of encouragement too!

35 by 35! #10 + Skinny Banana Bliss Bites!

It's Thursday!  Time to check in with my scale and my friends! ;)  Excited to also share my new FAVORITE post-workout snack, and hopefully a dash of encouragement too! 

Progress:

I've dropped 3 more pounds since last week!  I'm currently only one pound shy of waving 10% of my total (starting) body weight goodbye!  It's a wonderfully exciting feeling!

Delicious Way to Shrink:

This is my new favorite post-workout pick me up!

Ingredients (per serving):

1/2 Banana

1 teaspoon Peanut Butter 

7 Almonds

Steps to Yum:

1.  Cut half a banana into 7 slices.

2.  Place a dab of peanut butter on each banana slice.

3.  Top each with an almond.

4.  ENJOY!

One serving (everything shown in the photo above) is just 138 calories!     

Remember that every food choice you make can either help or hinder you in your journey towards gaining/maintaining a healthful lifestyle!  This satisfying snack will sure make you feel a whole lot better than 11 Doritos chips at 140 calories would! 

Tip of the Week:

Are you drinking enough water?  Try filling a 2-Liter bottle with water and storing it in your refrigerator.  This will help you keep track of exactly how much you're getting and you'll always have some cold and ready for you!  I started doing this last week and didn't allow myself to drink any lemonade or my fave diet soda until after I've drank the amount of water my body needs for the day.  I have never been a big water drinker and have found this to be really helpful! If you struggle with drinking enough H2O you may want to give this a try too. You'll feel so much better when you're hydrated.  I know I do!

REMINDER: My comments section is officially a CHEERING SECTION on Thursdays!  Let's cheer each other on, friends!  I'd love to hear how you're doing too!  Struggles, triumphs, things you've found helpful...feel free to share!  The interactions I've had with each of you who've  sent me comments/messages have served as an incredible inspiration and encouragement! THANK YOU!!!

Need some new light and delicious recipes?  

Check out my Pinboard:  Delicious Ways to Shrink.  

You may also be interested in previous posts from this blog series:

35 by 35!: Introduction to Challenge + Light Recipe!

35 by 35! #2

35 by 35! #3

35 by 35! #4

35 by 35! #5

35 by 35! #6

Celebrating Independence Day with a Skinny Recipe Roundup!

35 by 35! #7

35 by 35! #9

Don't miss a bit of the Summer Fun at 

Chatting Over Chocolate!:

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35 by 35! #8

Is it just me or do these Summer weeks pass SUPER QUICKLY?!  We're enjoying every bit of it though!  It's been such a terrific week, filled with (red velvet wedding cake) temptation and mini triumphs.  Wanna hear all about it, and hopefully be encouraged along the way too? You've come to the right post!  35 by 35 time!

35 by 35! #7

Hello, sweet friends!  Welcome to this week's edition of 35 by 35!  I hope it finds you well, and moving closer to any personal health and wellness goals that you've set for yourself this Summer!  I'm excited to check in with you, sharing my progress ...plus a delicious low cal treat, and a dash of motivation too!

35 by 35! #6

Happy Thursday, friends! It's (challenge) sharing time again...

35 by 35! #5

Good morning, friends!  Week four wrapped up beautifully ... sharing time!

35 by 35! #4

Hello, friends!  How's the whole getting lean in Summer '13 going for you all?  I hit a few bumps in the road, but overall did see some progress. I'm thankful to be learning from my mistakes, using them as opportunities to better understand what works and doesn't work well for me! 

Time to share a recap of week #3 of the challenge, a Summer food find, and tip of the week!