Biggest Loser Fall Challenge!

[cclovesdis]

No time for replies again tonight. I promise to catch up tomorrow night. I am taking an hour off of work to have my thyroid checked. Partially routine, partially symptomatic.

I'll coach through Sunday.

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?

Have a great, OP day tomorrow!

[lisah0711]

Thanks CC for coaching through Sunday. I'll take the rest of the week through the 1st . Ashley took the last week so we just need 11/2 through 11/8. This is the first time I've posted from my phone so sorry no smilies

[mskayjay]

I have fallen way off track the last week or so. Not happy with myself but *absolutely* NOT giving up on this. I will reset and regroup. Send some good vibes my way folks.....

[pjlla]

Originally Posted by cclovesdis

QOTD for Thursday, 10/25: Chicken is often a staple in a healthy lifestyle. What is your favorite way to prepare it?

Well, we don't tend to eat much chicken, as DS is allergic. But I do LOVE my "roasted" rosemary chicken (in the crockpot). It is a really easy one-pot meal! And it always has lots of leftovers for lunches and such. Shameless plug here for the recipe over on the BL dinner thread!! On this page.... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447512&page=3

I also love my own creation... "Red, White, and Green chicken chili" (also found on that same thread). But I will make it with lean pork loin if I intend it for the whole family.

Also can't beat a good piece of grilled marinated chicken on top of a nice fresh salad!

Originally Posted by belledreamer

We like to grill it on the George Foreman grill and add it to a salad, DMom sometime will make a chicken salad with left-overs and add celery and grapes which is really yummy. But my favorite is Chicken Fajitas. I'm sure the seasoning pack is probably full of sodium, but I do love it with some lite sour cream and homemade Pico de Gallo. YUM!!


YUM! I haven't made fajitas in a LONG time! I bought low carb tortillas at Costco last night, as well as pork loin. I think I will throw that into the menu for next week! Thanks for the inspiration!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Got some not-so-great news today... The job I interviewed for two weeks ago, I just found out that I didn't get the job... Needless to say, I was more than a little disappointed since this would have been able to get me out of retail, give me more hours and been a job that I could still have my weekends off. But even though it was a job that was willing to train me even though I didn't have any experience, there were alot of people that applied and let's face it, they're going to want someone with experience if they can. So it's back to the job hunt for me. Fun...

So part of the afternoon was spent feeling sorry for myself...but I did harness that energy to get another application filled out and went to the gym where I burned almost 300 calories! There will be no pity eating here!

Besides, I've got a trip to get excited for!

Have a good day everyone!

So sorry that the job did not work out. I guess you can't blame them for going with someone with some experience. Fingers crossed that something even better will come along for you.

WOOHOO on no pity eating! You are going to have long-lived success with that attitude!

Originally Posted by jbm02

YAY, EVERYONE!!!!!!!
is it inappropriate to celebrate??! omg , so so excited!!! this is the first challenge that I've really seen progress like this. I'm trying to do everything 'right' - journalling, exercising, eating right - but I've done that before and haven't seen this. I'm not sure whether my body finally decided to 'get it' but either way, not giving up now!! bring on the next 10 pounds!!!
...and it's been so long since i've added a clippie (just see below. LOL) Have to figure out how to add it!!

LOVE the NSV inclusion!!
hope everyone has a great day!!

I am SO HAPPY that you are having success! Sometimes it just takes the right combination of things. I know I have found for myself that I really need to watch my carbohydrates if I want the scale to move. I can eat just right within my Point/calories, exercise, drink my green tea and water.... but if I have too many carb calories, the scale does not want to move. Glad you have found the winning formula for yourself!!

Originally Posted by lisah0711

Pamela, glad that you are getting used to the new Y. I know it's tough going someplace else. You are so kind and helpful to everyone else I'm sure that anyone there would be glad to do the same for you and show you the equipment.

Thanks for the hug. I was just having a bit of a pity party that night. I'm DETERMINED next week to find a trainer/Y staff person to give me a "tour" and familiarize me with the equipment. No more wallowing in my own frustration!

Does your family really love the decorating? Maybe just a few family favorites this year?

I know the kids obviously love the tree and all of the special decorations they've gotten over the years. And we have a paper "fireplace" that I made years ago when the kids were little. I know they would miss that. And I don't mind putting out a nice table scape on the dining room table. But beyond that, I don't think anyone cares too much. I may reduce my own stress and do minimal decorating this year. As long as the tree is pretty and the house is clean, that should be good.


QOTD for Wednesday, Oct. 24th: For those who celebrate, it is 2 months until Christmas Eve. What is one thing you can do this week to help reduce the common stress of this time of the year?

We have a very small family Christmas so it takes a lot of pressure off for cooking, baking, gatherings, etc. Even the presents are easier this year since all available cash is being saved to use on our trip of a lifetime Mediterranean cruise next summer. My one thing really causes me stress are the Christmas cards so this year I am sending Thanksgiving cards so that chore is out of the way. I really love to hear from people I just wish they would all get on FB or have email so I could chat with them electronically!

WOOHOO! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. Since I don't travel as much as I would like, I need to live vicariously through my friends!!

I think I will try to talk both kids (but especially DD) into asking for CASH from Santa to save for a special trip for each of them next year (especially since I know that DD has her heart set on a Mother/Daughter graduation trip next year to DISNEY!).

BTW, I LOVE the T.giving card idea! I may have to steal it!

I love baked chicken with roasted root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, onion and parsnips. I season the chicken breast with just bit of salt and fines herbes and a little olive oil. Yum!

Have you checked out my recipe on the BL dinner thread...."Sweet Autumn chicken and Vegetables" ? Similar to yours with a sweet twist! Post #43

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447512&page=3

Looks like we need three more coaches to get us through the rest of the challenge.

10/26-11/1
11/2-11/8
11/9-11/16

We can always split up weeks and I think the new one question for the week-end is working fine. I can do part of a week soon but this is bad timing for me coaching with my approaching race. If you can coach for a week or even a day just let me know. I'm just pinch hitting for Maureen here since we haven't heard from her. Hope she is okay.

Have a great day all!

Thanks for stepping in! I'm happy to do that remaining week of 11/2 thru 11/8!

Originally Posted by kollerbear

Hey there, Pamela! I'm coming out of lurkdom because I've really been loving this recipe lately for Eggplant Provencal. Matt kicked it up with a little extra wine and preserved lemons, but the recipe as it is gives a really nice, mild, hearty stew, and I love the fennel and the olives. The addition of red lentils means that you don't need to serve it with quinoa for protein if you don't want to, but it would go nicely with quinoa if you like. We've been eating it with garlic bread or by itself because the potatoes are very hearty.

I know you don't cook potatoes in with foods for your DH, but if carrots are OK I don't think you'd miss the potatoes terribly. Just reduce the liquids accordingly, or use more carrots. I was also thinking yesterday that pearl onions would be an awesome substitution instead of sliced onion, because this reminds me of beef stew. I'm having leftovers for lunch today!

I've made a couple eggplant stews and curries in the past few months and this one is by far my favorite.

Umm... SUPER YUM sounding! I didn't have all of the ingredients last night, so I couldn't make it, but I printed it and your suggestions and will definitely throw it into the menu soon. I may skip the potatoes, as you suggested.

I don't always serve protein with protein (quinoa with pork), but it just makes it easier with all of my "food quirks" in the house. DH won't eat the quinoa (too many carbs) and the kids love the quinoa and they all like the pork. I didn't actually end up making quinoa last night. DD voted for whole wheat pearled couscous.

Thanks for coming out of the shadows to share the recipe! Don't be a stranger!

Originally Posted by JacksLilWench

I made a VERY tasty Greek chicken last week that I will have to make again soon! Here it is:

4 x chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (Personal note: I used lime juice instead- just as yummy!)
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp Mt. Olympus Greek Style Seasoning
1 x 12oz can artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup white wine
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large zip-top bag combine chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, water, and Mt. Olympus Greek Seasoning. Shake to combine. Let marinate for 3-6 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade. In a sauté pan, brown chicken on each side (about 2 minutes). Place in oven safe baking dish. Stuff artichoke hearts and olives around and between chicken breasts. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes (or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees). Meanwhile, deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping pan to release browned bits. Add white wine and reduce by half. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt. Salt and pepper to taste. When chicken is finished cooking, spoon sauce over dish and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:

Serve with couscous or rice.
Yields:
4 servings

So delicious!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So I have big news!! Well, big for me- my mom and I just registered for the Royal Family 5K in February!!!! Whoo!! I can't wait!! Who else is going from the thread?!

The recipe sounds delightful.... but I would have to hide it. I don't think that DS would eat something with olives in it. But it would be a nice change.... we don't do "greek" type flavorings very often.

Major WOOHOO on the 5K! Wish I could join you!

Originally Posted by bigsis1970

I have eczema on my hands and feet - it makes my hand in the winter crack and are quite painful.. I found that Melaluca renew lotion and bodywash keep it at bay - what type of lotion is it?? might have to give it a try since the meleuca is expensive.. So glad you found something that works!

Have you ever tried just straight Melaluca oil? I used it a few times on DS when he was younger and it seemed to work pretty well (although it doesn't smell too great). It may be cheaper than the lotion and body wash. How about coconut oil?.... again, much cheaper then traditional lotions.

Going out on a limb here.... have you ever found out what causes the eczema? DS had SIGNIFICANT skin issues from about age 2 on. We are talking severe rashes. It got to the point where I had to change his sheets daily because the bed was always full of blood spots and scabs from his constant night scratching. Traditional medicine (including a special pediatric dermatologist) just never helped much. I kept getting prescription (both oral and topical) and allergy testing and steroids ( ). I finally brought him to a Naturopath about 2 years ago. She diagnosed him with Leaky Gut syndrome, "prescribed" a few natural supplements and vitamins and such and he is now 100% CURED! He is supposed to still be taking one of the supplements, but I weaned him off of it over the summer to see what happened and he is still clear! I am telling you, this was nothing short of a MIRACLE!! If you could see the photos, you would understand. He still has a few scars, but as he is still growing, they are kind of blending in.

Anyhow, maybe you could get some long-term help for this?


QotD --- Well I am going to try and get all my shopping wrapping and tagging done the week after Thanksgiving since I'm on "anniversary vacation" (hubs and I take off our anniversary week every year) with any luck it'll work out.. then I just have baking to do -- LOTS of it -- but I love it so it's all good.

Don't forget to relax and enjoy your "anniversary vacation" too!

Chicken --- Love it most anyway you cook it.. I guess though my fave way is breaded and baked (or fried) which isn't really healthy ..

Breaded without the skin and baked should be okay. I know there are a LOT of recipes out there for "mock" frying.

Originally Posted by cclovesdis

No time for replies again tonight. I promise to catch up tomorrow night. I am taking an hour off of work to have my thyroid checked. Partially routine, partially symptomatic.

I'll coach through Sunday.

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?

Have a great, OP day tomorrow!

Prayers for your appointment.

As far as the QOTD..... I don't get as much "housework exercise" during the winter. No yard work, no hanging laundry outside, no gardening, no housepainting, that type of thing.

If I have a walk/run scheduled and it is raining lightly, I don't let it stop me. But pouring rain and gusty winds... I'll stay inside, thank you! And snow??? SO NO HAPPENING! It's the treadmill for me in the winter!

Originally Posted by lisah0711

Thanks CC for coaching through Sunday. I'll take the rest of the week through the 1st . Ashley took the last week so we just need 11/2 through 11/8. This is the first time I've posted from my phone so sorry no smilies

I think we are all set now!

Originally Posted by mskayjay

I have fallen way off track the last week or so. Not happy with myself but *absolutely* NOT giving up on this. I will reset and regroup. Send some good vibes my way folks.....

Sending you some and love. NEVER give up! You are worth it. Your health is worth it. Step on that scale, take a deep breath, face the music, and start fresh RIGHT NOW!

**************************

Morning friends! Sorry I didn't make it here yesterday. I tried at the Y last night, but couldn't get the Dis to load.

It seems like things are pretty quiet here anyhow, so I wasn't too worried.

Not working today, but still plenty to do! And it may not be a laundry day, as it is cloudy this morning. But vacuuming, dishes, etc still call!

DD has a swim meet all weekend, so I may not be around much. On her new team the parents are "REQUIRED" to volunteer for at least 4 sessions during the season. This is definitely NOT a problem for me. I will have 3 of those 4 sessions done by the end of this weekend.

Parental brag here..... DD retook the SATs earlier this month in an attempt to get a better math score. She did, in fact, better her math score by 50 points AND bettered her writing score (which was already pretty high) by 50 points! Reading stayed exactly the same. This puts her FIRMLY in the 2000 points range. Fingers crossed that this means more scholarship money!
She is taking the ACTs tomorrow, but with such a great SAT score she is pretty relaxed about it. BACK ON TOPIC!

Off to make those Dr. Oz pancakes for DH and myself. Nice Friday morning breakfast treat for us! They were delightful, but I wanted to make them one more time before sharing the recipe. Hoping to "tweak" them a bit. (Why can't I ever leave well enough alone!?).

TTYL.................P

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Please be sure and PM your weigh in info to our lovely weightkeeper, Samantha!

Samantha, that Eggplant Prvencal recipe looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.

Kaiti, your Greek Chicken sounds delicious too. And congratulations on your race registration for the Royal Family 5K! You and your mom will have a great time!

bigsis1970, hope that you can find something for your poor hands and feet that works for you -- skin stuff is so painful.

Originally Posted by cclovesdis

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?Have a great, OP day tomorrow!

Bad weather doesn't impact my healthy lifestyle too much because I do most of my workouts at the community center. It's the dark, cold mornings that really do a number on my motivation.

Hope that everyone who may be affected by the "Frankenstorm" stays safe!

Originally Posted by mskayjay

I have fallen way off track the last week or so. Not happy with myself but *absolutely* NOT giving up on this. I will reset and regroup. Send some good vibes my way folks.....

Hop right on! Lot's of room in the wagon! The important thing is that you are back and you are not giving up!

We have all our coaches that we need to get us through the rest of the challenge.

10/26-11/1 CC/lisah0711
11/2-11/8 pjlla
11/9-11/16 belledreamer

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to fill in!


I'll be back later to finish chatting -- today is Latin project day and the computer is being taken over by my Roman. We also have to do the toga draping and that takes awhile!

Have a great day all!

[christinascreative]

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?
I live in NJ so I'm right in line to get the storm as it is now. I am hoping and praying that by some freak of nature occurrence, that it doesn't make landfall and just goes out to sea- proving all the weathermen wrong. Hugs to everyone else in the path!!
How does it impact my healthy lifestyle... Well- if we lose power, there is going to be some creative eating at my house. I'm going to stock up on apples & bananas since they don't need refrigeration and are still healthy. I think they will compliment my protein bars, PB & J sandwiches, or cold canned Spaghetti O's quite nicely, don't you? Seriously- I'd love ideas for non perishables that aren't going to wreak havoc on my progress.

As far as exercise goes... if we have no power and we have 60 mph winds... I'm thinking my training runs this week might not happen. If we still have power, then I'll do Zumba on the Wii or the elliptical.

[pjlla]

Originally Posted by lisah0711

Good morning all!

Please be sure and PM your weigh in info to our lovely weightkeeper, Samantha!

Thanks for the reminder!!


Bad weather doesn't impact my healthy lifestyle too much because I do most of my workouts at the community center. It's the dark, cold mornings that really do a number on my motivation.

I am NOT looking forward to changing the clocks.

We have all our coaches that we need to get us through the rest of the challenge.

10/26-11/1 CC/lisah0711
11/2-11/8 pjlla
11/9-11/16 belledreamer

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to fill in!


I'll be back later to finish chatting -- today is Latin project day and the computer is being taken over by my Roman. We also have to do the toga draping and that takes awhile!

Have a great day all!

Enjoy the project! DD took two years of Latin (all our school offers) and really loved it. Toga day was fun....as was her Julius Caesar costume!

Thanks for organizing us to get some "sub" coaches in place!

Originally Posted by christinascreative

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?
I live in NJ so I'm right in line to get the storm as it is now. I am hoping and praying that by some freak of nature occurrence, that it doesn't make landfall and just goes out to sea- proving all the weathermen wrong. Hugs to everyone else in the path!!
How does it impact my healthy lifestyle... Well- if we lose power, there is going to be some creative eating at my house. I'm going to stock up on apples & bananas since they don't need refrigeration and are still healthy. I think they will compliment my protein bars, PB & J sandwiches, or cold canned Spaghetti O's quite nicely, don't you? Seriously- I'd love ideas for non perishables that aren't going to wreak havoc on my progress.

As far as exercise goes... if we have no power and we have 60 mph winds... I'm thinking my training runs this week might not happen. If we still have power, then I'll do Zumba on the Wii or the elliptical.

You can always do a circuit training at home. Tricep dips with a chair, step-ups, some free weights (using canned goods, gallon jugs, etc if you don't have weights), jumping rope, running stairs (if you have a staircase in your house). It may not be the same as a good training run, but better than nothing! And don't forget to keep your gas grill handy for after the storm passes but the power is out. You can cook all kinds of stuff on a grill! Including Spaghetti-Os! Don't forget the NON-ELECTRIC can opener!

Fingers crossed that this storm just heads East out to sea. I am not in-line to get much of it, but they are predicting 4-5 inches of rain and gusty winds for Monday and Tuesday. I would be happy to avoid that.

******************

Okay.... third load of laundry is in the washer, two loads on the line. Twenty pounds of pork loin are "butchered" and in the freezer (two 2 lb. roasts, 2 packets of boneless chops, six boneless chops in the crockpot for tonight, and a big 5 pound roast ready to make pulled pork for the play rehearsal on Monday night). Phew!

I was going to vacuum, but it really needs it downstairs and DH has been on conference calls continuously this morning and I don't want to bother him. I'll wait a bit.

Off to make a bowtie for DS's Halloween costume. I thought I had a few more days, but he said he wants his costume done for tonight's school Halloween dance. He has everything else but the bowtie . I couldn't find one at the thrift stores I checked and I refuse to pay full price at Macy's for a "real" one, so I need to get creative! I made him one for something in Kindergarten and it came out well.... just need to remember what I did and repeat it, only larger!

The pancakes were delish! I will post the recipe next, but let you know about my "tweaks"! ...........................P

[pjlla]

(Recipe courtesy of the Dr. Oz website, with cookbook credits at the bottom.)

Cinnamon Toast Pancakes

Ingredients

Batter
2 large eggs
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup milled flax seed
1/4 cup bulk sugar substitute
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt


Cinnamon Sprinkle
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp bulk sugar substitute
Butter (may use light, trans-fat free buttery spread)
Fresh blueberries or strawberries, for garnish


Directions
Grease a griddle or large skillet with vegetable oil spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Mix all the batter ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon until well blended.

Pour approximately 16 mini-cakes onto the hot griddle, and cook on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes until almost done, and then flip and cook for just another minute or so to finish. You may need to do this in 2 to 3 batches (as we use a very large electric griddle).

Combine the cinnamon and sugar substitute and sprinkle over the hot cakes before serving. If desired, top with a pat of melted butter or fat-free margarine and garnish with fresh berries.

Nutrition Facts
160 calories
11 g fat
7 g protein
4 g fiber
4 g net carbs



Recipe by George Stella, from the book George Stella’s Still Livin' Low Carb; A lifetime of Low Carb Recipes. For more information, go to http://stellastyle.com.

************
My "tweaks".....

I used 4 egg whites instead of 2 whole eggs to save some fat. I made it the first time using the almond flour, but the second time I used half almond flour and half coconut flour and thought it tasted better.

I grind my own flaxseed and found that a finer grind gave a more "real" pancake texture.

I found that they needed a bit more water than what is called for to be pourable. The first time I thought that they thickened up because I let the batter sit for a bit before cooking, but I made it and used it immediately today and it was still too thick to pour. I added about another 1/4 C of water to make them pourable.

I used liquid stevia to sweeten.

I added cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to the batter....YUM.

For topping..... I gave DH a small dish of cinnamon butter made with real butter, liquid stevia, and cinnamon. He really enjoyed that.

For myself today I took a tablespoon of Polaner all-fruit spread (blueberry) and warmed it and thinned it with a bit of water and used that as my "syrup". It was DELIGHTFUL! I used the Polaner because it was the most reasonable sugar/carb count and calorie count without having artificial sweetener. Last time I topped them with a bit of Sunbutter spread.... that was tasty too. I was a bit surprised that the Dr. Oz website would condone something like "fat-free margarine". Try the real butter or the fruit spread or even a bit of real syrup for a healthy treat!

ENJOY!

[bigsis1970]

Thanks for the suggestions about what we lovingly call "my cracks" Haaa .. since I used the Meleluca stuff it's quite under control.. Winter is always the worst and when I scrapbook it drys my fingertips out quite a bit.. I never had any trouble until about 4 years ago - I think I was developing my diabetes around that time and attribute it to that break down in my system I did see a determo. for a while but putting creams/oils on my hands anytime of day seems sooo inconvienent.. when i get a flare up I do however suck it up.. (thankfully it's not that often now) right now there is one finger tip (my middle Haaa) and knuckle on the left hand that is cracky but everyplace else is good hand wise.. now my feet! my heals are always bad.. I have to use a file about every 2 weeks but they don't hurt or bleed just gross cracky dry skin.. TMI sorry!

well I am leaving work for the day hope you all have FANTASTIC weekend.. ME I am going to visit my DD at college - haven't seen her in about 3 weeks! miss that girl like crazy! I'll be back on Monday - waiting out the storm like all the rest of us east coasters! Ps I have a gas stove and can use my cold water when there is no power so other then candles to see by we don't alter too much - we buy ice and use a cooler so we don't have to open up the fridge/freeze and call it good..

[BernardandMissBianca]

Update on DS16:

Still waiting for the MRI, we have that today at 5.

But, coach called DS into his classroom today during D channel. He wants DS16 to run States this weekend. DS texted me and he asked what I think he should do. I told DS that no one knows his body like he does so I left it up to him to decide. He is pretty much at a level 5-7 for pain all day long with walking around campus. So he told coach he wasn't comfortable running right now. I think the fear of the unknown is getting to him. Coach said the right thing though, Coach said it wasn't worth hurting himself more.
I feel so bad for him though. He wanted to go to states so bad, and knowing he wouldn't be in the lead pack was ok, because he would gain some much needed mental experience and be prepared for next year. hopefully he will still get his letter since he was in all but 1 varsity race, but this stinks.

We will count our blessings though, he has run 7 years without the slightest injury. I just hope this turns out to be nothing. He really wants to do indoor again, but that starts 11/26.

I will update as soon as I hear more. I hope the DR calls me tonight. The office is closed by the time we leave the MRI.

[jillbur]

Originally Posted by kollerbear

Biggest Loser Fall Challenge! Week 6


MAINTAINERS (i.e. participants staying within 2 lbs of their goal weight):

Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining-----2
Congratulations myweegirls (Liz) and princessbride6205 (Nicole)!!!



LOSERS:

THE WISH BIGGEST LOSER FALL CHALLENGE! WEEK 6 SUPERSTARS!!

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 6?

#10 (tie) - 0.98% - Disneyfn420 (Leslie) and MelindaRuns (Melinda)
#9 - 0.99% - dvccruiser (Sue)
#8 - 1.06% - mommyof2Pirates (Lindsay)
#7 - 1.09% - DorkyDisneyMom (Mary)
#6 - 1.10% - pjlla (Pamela)
#5 - 1.19% - Mary Poppins (Fran)
#4 - 1.28% - Mom2aJessieGirl (Christy)
#3 - 1.41% - jillbur (Jill)
#2 - 1.95% - DoomBuggieDriver (Kathy)

and now

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge! Week 6 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.01% - jbm02 (Jude)

Congratulations!!!

What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week!

Now a look at our CHALLENGE TO DATE LEADER BOARD after 6 weeks!

#10 - 4.76% - rubybpc (Ruby)
#9 - 5.14% - Mom2aJessieGirl (Christy)
#8 - 5.15% - shinysparklybubbles (Rebekah)
#7 - 5.23% - Flossbolna (Magdalene)
#6 - 5.28% - bellaally (Alexandra)
#5 - 5.63% - DoomBuggieDriver (Kathy)
#4 - 6.15% - 6ofus2 (Robbie)
#3 - 6.30% - slriver (Tracy)
#2 - 6.35% - jbm02 (Jude)
#1 - 6.61% - disneymom2one (MB)

THIS WEEK'S NON-SCALE VICTORIES!!

Myweegirls (Liz) ran her first official 5K last Saturday and won her age division! Then she ran 6.5 miles this weekend, her longest distance since the ToT 10-miler.

CClovesdis (CC) logged her food for the entire week and hasn't binged in over 2 weeks!

Christinascreative (Christina) bought a size 10 dress (down from a size 16 in May), and she also had her insulin resistance meds reduced--doctor said she should be off of it in January if she keeps it up!

Elleherself (Elle) has been in boot camp for two weeks and has not missed a single class!

Indygirl99 ran with her Galloway running group for the first time and met some new Disney friends and a DISboard friend!

Melissahac99 (Melissa) ran 5.79 miles in 58 minutes this week which was a personal best in speed and distance! She is also diligently tracking in My Fitness Pal.

Thanks everyone and keep up the great work! Sorry if I do not respond this week--I'm trying to spend time with my family--but I wanted to let you know that I'm cheering you all on and am so grateful for your support and camaraderie!

Yay! Congrats to everyone and keep it up!

Originally Posted by cclovesdis

QOTD for Thursday, 10/25: Chicken is often a staple in a healthy lifestyle. What is your favorite way to prepare it?

I love chicken cacciatiore especially with broccoli, peppers, and onions.

Ugh. Chicken. I used to make grilled or baked chicken a lot. But, I am having a problem with raw chicken right now. I bought some awhile ago & it just started grossing me out. But, I made baked chicken anyhow. When I went to eat dinner, I couldn't do it. I don't know what it is, but that was about 8 months ago & I still cannot be near raw chicken! I'm going to try a recipe in the crockpot this weekend (although not healthy at all-a request from DH) but I don't know if I'll be able to do it. I can eat chicken out, though. So I preferred grilled on salads. Especially with strawberries or an Asian dressing. So, I can eat chicken as long as I don't have to see it raw or cook it myself lol.

Originally Posted by cclovesdis

I'll coach through Sunday.

QOTD for Friday, 10/26: In "honor" of the appraoching storm, how does bad weather impact your healthy lifestyle. How can you change it, if necessary?

Have a great, OP day tomorrow!

I continue going to the gym when I can. I do not like running in the cold. I'm going to try more this winter, but I just don't like the cold in general. I was never a go out & play in the snow type, so I have a hard time motivating myself to run in it! And we can get some bad weather off Lake Erie (snow belt). Our forecasts are usually 2-12 inches. That usually means 0-18. I prefer 0

Originally Posted by mskayjay

I have fallen way off track the last week or so. Not happy with myself but *absolutely* NOT giving up on this. I will reset and regroup. Send some good vibes my way folks.....

It's okay! Keep up the positivity & get back on track.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am lacking motivation today. It's just one of those days. I walked for 30 minutes during my lunch break, but it wasn't a hard workout. I know I should go out & bag all the leaves I raked yesterday and conquer the mounds of dirty clothes piling up in my basement, but I'm sitting on the couch on the dis instead

I feel like our house is getting cluttered right now & I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. The weather has been gorgeous, so we've been enjoying it instead of cleaning. And now DH will be working/sleeping all weekend. So, I'm on my own on this one. I guess I better find that motivation I lost! Or, I can have a cleaning party & you're all invited lol!

Okay, time to get my butt off the couch! I'll check in later.

Jill

[cclovesdis]

Going to catch up in small posts...trying not to see the Poof Fairy.

Originally Posted by pjlla

Hopefully you will figure out your hungries!

If you don't get a new blind, check out Lowe's or Home Depot for a roller shade. Remarkably effective and inexpensive...and you can decorate them with fabric and ribbon.

Btw, what do you use on your hands?

I've been slowly starting to buy gifts as I have coupons and see sales. I also need to get in gear finishing a cross stitch for my cousin. I should be even smarter and start wrapping as I buy!

Great question!

I've never heard of a roller shade. I assume it is the same thing we have had before and I never knew its name.

The lotion is called Vanicream. I love it.

Good for you for shopping early! I've been doing that myself. My CVS visits have yielded a year's supply of body wash for my sister and probably 6 months of shampoo for my sister, mother, and me.

Originally Posted by jillbur

Great job CC! I hope you week is easy peasy with all that prepping!

Love the phrase "easy peasy"! A teacher I knew would say it all the time when she was teaching rhyming.

Prepping was a big time save this week!

just wanted to mention that I read along daily even if I don't post. Sometimes I only have a few minutes here & there. And, a friend and I decided to take a few online classes. Nothing major, just hours toward our teaching certificates. The classes are free, but we have a 2 hour video to watch in each class (6 classes total) and a few small assignments for each. We have until Dec 7 to finish, but I'm trying to get it done sooner than later. So, I'll be spending a lot of time trying to complete these classes. I may not posting as much as I would like, but I'm still following along

Enjoy! I love the fact that you can break up the videos!

Originally Posted by belledreamer

Probably sleep. I do love sleeping, except I usually pay for it later when I toss and turn all night. Other than that, I'd probably surf Youtube or write if I'm feeling inspired.

Love sleep too!

I personally don't celebrate Christmas, but working at a grocery store, things get pretty chaotic for us this time of year. That being said, I plan on taking a few minutes each day to clear my head; no tv, no phone, no computer, just to enjoy the silence.

Didn't someone once say "Silence is golden"?

Originally Posted by kollerbear

Biggest Loser Fall Challenge! Week 6

THE WISH BIGGEST LOSER FALL CHALLENGE! WEEK 6 SUPERSTARS!!

Disclaimer: I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference the weight lost formula is = loss for the week divided by last week's weight times 100.

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 6?

#10 (tie) - 0.98% - Disneyfn420 (Leslie) and MelindaRuns (Melinda)
#9 - 0.99% - dvccruiser (Sue)
#8 - 1.06% - mommyof2Pirates (Lindsay)
#7 - 1.09% - DorkyDisneyMom (Mary)
#6 - 1.10% - pjlla (Pamela)
#5 - 1.19% - Mary Poppins (Fran)
#4 - 1.28% - Mom2aJessieGirl (Christy)
#3 - 1.41% - jillbur (Jill)
#2 - 1.95% - DoomBuggieDriver (Kathy)

and now

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge! Week 6 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.01% - jbm02 (Jude)

Congrats to all our BLs, especially Jude, our maintainers, and those with NSVs!

[cclovesdis]

Originally Posted by pjlla

May I just say.... I am LOVING the new NSV list! I am finding it so very inspiring! Thanks to EVERYONE for contributing and sharing your "woohoos"!

Same here!

Originally Posted by JacksLilWench

This year, I'm going to plan ahead for all the treats I KNOW I'm gonna eat. There's always extra treats around work (not the house though, fortunately!), some even provided by me! I know I will be invited to dinners and potlucks and parties, and a big part of what happens to me is the guilt spiral- I eat too much, feel bad and think "I may as well polish off the rest" and gorge myself on leftover Christmas cookies. Not this year!! Not feeling guilty about my (smaller) portion of cheese ball, cookies, and whatever else may be in front of me will definitely help reduce my stress!

Great plan!

Originally Posted by Bethislucy

QOTD for Wednesday, Oct. 24th: For those who celebrate, it is 2 months until Christmas Eve. What is one thing you can do this week to help reduce the common stress of this time of the year?


I'm starting early. I love Christmas so I'm going to decorate early (really early) and I will finish my shopping on black friday. Also i made a budget that I'm sticking to this year and not going crazy. Then I would like to try out some new dishes that are healthier and since my decorating and shopping is done I will have the time to do it.

Sounds great too!

Originally Posted by BernardandMissBianca

Just wanted to post 2 things real quick.

1- DS16 is having an MRI Friday at 5 for his leg.

2 - Today is my one year anniversary of quitting soda cold turkey!!!

Hope the MRI brings helpful news.

for giving up soda!

Originally Posted by pjlla

I'm on my IPad and I STILL have not figured out how to cut and copy and paste on this thing.

We have one. I personally dread when I have to use it. I’ll take a keyboard any day. You rock!

Originally Posted by belledreamer

So part of the afternoon was spent feeling sorry for myself...but I did harness that energy to get another application filled out and went to the gym where I burned almost 300 calories! There will be no pity eating here!

Originally Posted by jbm02

YAY, EVERYONE!!!!!!!
is it inappropriate to celebrate??! omg , so so excited!!! this is the first challenge that I've really seen progress like this. I'm trying to do everything 'right' - journalling, exercising, eating right - but I've done that before and haven't seen this. I'm not sure whether my body finally decided to 'get it' but either way, not giving up now!! bring on the next 10 pounds!!!

You are doing awesomely! (Spell check likes this. Hmm. I thought I made it up.) WTG!

[cclovesdis]

Originally Posted by lisah0711

I love baked chicken with roasted root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, onion and parsnips. I season the chicken breast with just bit of salt and fines herbes and a little olive oil. Yum!

Sounds good! I keep meaning to try parsnips.

Originally Posted by kollerbear

I've made a couple eggplant stews and curries in the past few months and this one is by far my favorite.

Eggplant in stew is a great idea!

Originally Posted by JacksLilWench

So I have big news!! Well, big for me- my mom and I just registered for the Royal Family 5K in February!!!! Whoo!! I can't wait!! Who else is going from the thread?!

Cool!

Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Originally Posted by bigsis1970

I have eczema on my hands and feet - it makes my hand in the winter crack and are quite painful.. I found that Melaluca renew lotion and bodywash keep it at bay - what type of lotion is it?? might have to give it a try since the meleuca is expensive.. So glad you found something that works!

Vanicream is about $15 for 16 oz. I’ve never heard of Melaluca. I’m allergic to oats, so a lot of the usual eczema products are a no-go for me. I’ll look for this and check the ingredients. Might be worth a try!

QotD --- Well I am going to try and get all my shopping wrapping and tagging done the week after Thanksgiving since I'm on "anniversary vacation" (hubs and I take off our anniversary week every year) with any luck it'll work out.. then I just have baking to do -- LOTS of it -- but I love it so it's all good.

Nice plan!

Originally Posted by mskayjay

I have fallen way off track the last week or so. Not happy with myself but *absolutely* NOT giving up on this. I will reset and regroup. Send some good vibes my way folks.....

and

Originally Posted by pjlla

Also can't beat a good piece of grilled marinated chicken on top of a nice fresh salad!

Yum!

Prayers for your appointment.

Thanks! (It was actually a disaster, but blood was drawn and I should have the results early next week.)

As far as the QOTD..... I don't get as much "housework exercise" during the winter. No yard work, no hanging laundry outside, no gardening, no housepainting, that type of thing.

If I have a walk/run scheduled and it is raining lightly, I don't let it stop me. But pouring rain and gusty winds... I'll stay inside, thank you! And snow??? SO NO HAPPENING! It's the treadmill for me in the winter!

Raking is outstanding exercise!

Snow

Originally Posted by lisah0711

Bad weather doesn't impact my healthy lifestyle too much because I do most of my workouts at the community center. It's the dark, cold mornings that really do a number on my motivation.

I love going to the gym in the winter! I actually think there are less people there then.

Originally Posted by christinascreative

Seriously- I'd love ideas for non perishables that aren't going to wreak havoc on my progress.

Soup
Peanut butter/almond butter
Tuna fish
P gave you lots of great ideas!

Originally Posted by pjlla

You can always do a circuit training at home. Tricep dips with a chair, step-ups, some free weights (using canned goods, gallon jugs, etc if you don't have weights), jumping rope, running stairs (if you have a staircase in your house). It may not be the same as a good training run, but better than nothing! And don't forget to keep your gas grill handy for after the storm passes but the power is out. You can cook all kinds of stuff on a grill! Including Spaghetti-Os! Don't forget the NON-ELECTRIC can opener!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by pjlla

(Recipe courtesy of the Dr. Oz website, with cookbook credits at the bottom.)

Cinnamon Toast Pancakes

Thanks!

Originally Posted by bigsis1970

ME I am going to visit my DD at college - haven't seen her in about 3 weeks! miss that girl like crazy!

Enjoy your time with DD!

[cclovesdis]

Originally Posted by BernardandMissBianca

I will update as soon as I hear more. I hope the DR calls me tonight. The office is closed by the time we leave the MRI.

Originally Posted by jillbur

Ugh. Chicken. I used to make grilled or baked chicken a lot. But, I am having a problem with raw chicken right now. I bought some awhile ago & it just started grossing me out. But, I made baked chicken anyhow. When I went to eat dinner, I couldn't do it. I don't know what it is, but that was about 8 months ago & I still cannot be near raw chicken! I'm going to try a recipe in the crockpot this weekend (although not healthy at all-a request from DH) but I don't know if I'll be able to do it. I can eat chicken out, though. So I preferred grilled on salads. Especially with strawberries or an Asian dressing. So, I can eat chicken as long as I don't have to see it raw or cook it myself

Raw chicken isn’t my thing either.

Chicken on salad is always a winner in my book!