Our Slim for the Chimney Partner Challenge 3rd Place Winners – CP & Cynthia!

Our Slim for the Chimney Partner Challenge 3rd Place Winners – CP & Cynthia!
Interviewed by Jaimie Bouige

Jaimie: Congrats on your 3rd place win, ladies! You must be very proud of yourselves – and each other!

CP: We had won regardless of the voting. We supported each other in all areas and we’re seeing and feeling the difference. We knew that this was a life changing experience and that we would adopt our practices from then on.

Cynthia: It feels pretty awesome to have come in third place. There were some good teams that did really well, so I’m proud that we were among good company. The fact that I’m an “older” gal makes it especially nice to have done so well. In my late 40′s, I’m facing new challenges (hello, hormones!) that make taking off even a couple of pounds not so easy. What worked for me even a few years ago does not work now. I’ve done most of the challenges since Invictus opened, but this one was different for me. Having my sister-wife, CP, as a partner made me feel more accountable for what I ate. I didn’t want to let her down.

Jaimie: What was the hardest part of the challenge for you, and how did you get past it?

CP: Hi, my name is Carolyn and I’m addicted to sugar. Yes, it’s true. The temptation of baked goods and snack foods can sometimes be very overwhelming for me. I don’t think one ever “cures” themselves of their addiction, whatever it is, but I have it under control. Having the challenge during the holidays was awesome. I was able to bring Paleo dishes to gatherings and educate others on “clean” living.

Cynthia: There wasn’t a real difficulty to this challenge for me. I already ate very well, just too much for my age and activity level. Apparently I don’t need to eat sweet potatoes as often as I thought I did! I also gave up the weekly treat (usually some kind of baked good) that my husband, Barry, would force me at gunpoint to eat. I think even a little too much sugar sets me back quite a bit.

Jaimie: Did you discover any new favorite recipes or establish any new healthy stable foods in your diet?

CP: I learned I enjoy Bison very much, lamb not so much. Brussel sprouts sauteed in coconut oil with a few pieces of bacon became a life safer.

Cynthia: No, I pretty much stuck to what I already ate. Just less!

Jaimie: Have you started any new mini-challenges or did you decide to continue on with this new way of eating?

CP: Yes, as a matter of fact a small group of us are continuing the challenge. The difference is if you cheat with food you pay $1 per item, if you miss a workout (pre-determined prior to starting) you pay $5. M is keeping the “jar” until the end where the winner gets the pot. This was created to keep us accountable and getting us to think twice about that choice. Our health is the most motivating factor but you have to admit, when your wallet is involved you for sure think about it!

Cynthia: Some of us have continued on another challenge through March 1. We committed to a certain number of days per week at the gym, and committed to eating clean. There are monetary penalties for missing a day or having a cheat. Mistress Michele is our moderator, and she is keeping us in line! I just feel like I need some kind of motivation/reward to not slip back into overeating. I also made an appointment with CJ to pinch me (Biosignature) eight weeks from the end of the Slim Chim challenge. We think I’m pretty close to my set point, but want to see how much more I can change. I bet him $100 worth of diapers that I can continue to show progress. Diapers for the baby, not him.

Jaimie: Any tips on how to keep each other accountable for?

CP: Cynthia made me throw away some foods that would have totally tempted me so I took a picture of it in the trash can to prove it.  :)