Total Lean Challenge: Week 3

Hey Challengers, good news! As I've said before, it takes 21 days to form a habit and you only have seven more to go! Don't lose sight of short term goals; they really help seal the deal in regards to long term success in many aspects of life. Make this week your week to finish strong taking each day as it comes.

By the end of this week's challenge you'll have completed 25% of your goal. Are you really giving this your all? Anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you're proud of your progress, use a rest day to do something special for yourself. If you're unhappy with your progress, use your rest day to refocus and clarify your goals. Lack of clearly defined goals gives way to compromise and regret.

Tweet or Facebook us using #RespectYourself to let us know if you're proud of your Total Lean Challenge efforts so far! If you're not, let us know which day you're going to use to refocus and clarify your goals. Get to it!

What is unique about your meal plan this week? It includes nine recipes! Several recipes yield plenty of servings to last throughout the week so keep this in mind when planning out your meals.

Remember, your daily calorie intake is set to ~1,500 calories per day. You can remove meal 1, 2, 4, or 6, on a daily basis to reduce your calorie intake to ~1,300. View this week's meal plan, recipes 1 & 2, and shopping list.

The focus for this week of the Total Lean Challenge is a continuation of circuit training. If you haven't been incorprating the Extra Mile into your routine, pick a day this week to try it out! Even if you cannot finish it, give it your best shot. Progress is progress! View this workout.

In the event that you are unfamiliar with how to perform a movement, check out the video instruction from Jess Allen, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; she's one of our favorite FitFluential ambassadors.

The prize up for grabs for week 3 will go to 50 winners. Be sure to follow @GNCLiveWell and tweet on Sunday using #RespectYourself to be entered to win.