2017 Healthy Holiday Challenge Winner: Debi Jacovetz

307 points!  That was the winning score from this year's Healthy Holiday Challenge and it was earned by Debi Jacovetz from Minneapolis Moms on the Run. She has earned a $100 prize pack: gear of her choice from the Moms on the Run merchandise store. More importantly than the prize, Debi is proud to walk away from the challenge  ten pounds down! She says although she was trying to lose weight, she had recently plateaud and was not expecting these kinds of results. She credits being cognizant of her food choices as the real difference maker. We interviewed Debi about her experience with the holiday challenge; and here's more of what she had to say:

What was your most challenging category, and the easiest one? 
The most challenging category was the sweets. I am an extreme snacker, especially chocolatey things, so it was tough to stop myself. I didn't want to completely deprive myself over the holidays, but I made a rule for myself to only indulge in the special treats and not things I could have every day (for example, a homemade Christmas cookie vs. a store bought donut). The easiest category for me was the water. I drink 120-140 fl oz a day anyway, so it wasn't hard for me to get 8 glasses.

How was the challenge helpful in motivating you with your goals this month?
It was another way to help me stay accountable. I had gotten into some bad habits after a death in my family in November and had started to gain back weight that I had worked so hard to lose the last year. I needed any tool I could get my hands on to help me get back on track.  

Is there anything you learned about yourself as a result of doing this challenge?
I learned I am capable of fixing bad habits if I just work one day at a time. I am glad I generated this momentum going into the new year, so I can start strong in 2018!

Congratulations Debi! And also to Audra Gabriel from Aberdeen, South Dakota, the participant who won a prize pack in our random drawing, and to all the contestants who worked hard to stay healthy during a very tough month!  A special thank you to Ice Castles for sponsoring weekly prizes in our challenge. Check them out at one of several COLD locations in North America this January!
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Wishing you a #MOTRstrong 2018. Keep pushing through to a healthier you!

 
Debi Jacovetz (back row, middle), pictured here with some of her Minneapolis Moms on the Run teammates after completing the 2017 Moms on the Run 10k.