150 Club...care to join???

[chrismiss56]

Morning All!!

Hot and sweaty here in Chicago How about you?

Jen - Coming from a big city girl you will have to excuse my ignorance. Where in Ohio do you and the BRAT KIDS live that there is no pool, park or library? I feel so bad for you. Summers are the worst for kids if they are bored. How about a sprinkler? How old are they again? What about water balloon toss? Arts and crafts? Homemade popsicles? Hang in there - the heat is not helping either..........

Tara - Way to Go with the weight loss That bridesmaid dress is going to look gooooooooooooood.

Agotta - That clippie looks GREAT on you!! The next one will be here real soon.

I have a dress for the wedding Actually doesn't look bad on me except that it is knee length and I can see my ugly knees. My girlfriend tells me I am nuts!! Giving me motivation to think before I stuff the food in my mouth!!!

I put the pedometer back on and am determined to get 10,000 + steps in today.

Have a Magical Disney Day!!
Linda

 

[lmhall2000]

Aaagh! TC...it seems you do have a brat pack there! I was a master sitter in my former days! It seemed all my free time was spent babysitting, and then when I graduated from college....what did I do? Did I pursue the career in my field? NO, I became a nanny for 2 years! I really enjoy children and have had my share of eeewwwies!

Don't let them run over you....we want them all to have a good time and enjoy their time with you but the minute the play turns into disrespect (hitting you and such...) make sure you firmly and kindly show them how that is not kind. I know you know all this but I don't like hearing our cheerleader get slammed by some brat kids! Will they sit and have a story read to them? I think the key with kids of all ages is trying to find common times throughout the day where they can do something together and times where they can be independent. Giving them 2-3 structured events that they plan on help them with their independent play later on..when my children were 2..I started reading at length with them...it was great for them to play while I read but they had to play quietly so others could hear...at that age just 15 minutes was their max...but after about age 5 or so they can really listen for 30-40 minutes at a time and sometimes they beg for more. Here are two books your local library should have that will keep them excited about story time...."The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald, "The Five Little Peppers" by Margaret Sidney and another one my kids loved was "Otto of the Silver Hand" by Howard Pyle...now here's a website where you can find many books online and just read to them from a computer!
http://www.literature.org/authors/barrie-james-matthew/the-adventures-of-peter-pan/index.html We had forgotten to recheck out Peter Pan and I found it online so we could finish our chapters...it's a great site! Hope that helps...my kids even like to act out the scenes taking on the characters..they loved Five Little Peppers because there were enough boy/girl characters to act out the scenes. Hope this helps!

Well, I'm back to weighing daily only until I grab that 65 pound clippie! I was 176.8 again today though...just a little more to 176 and I'll have it! I feel strong seeing new numbers I've not seen in over 10 years!!!! YEAH!!! I was 158 when I got pregnant with my first child and 143 when I married...so any numbers between those two will have me tickled!

Tara

 

[westjones]

I gained about .4 pounds this week, but I don't mind. My kids have been at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Ohio and DH and I have eated out every night! The kids only go away for a week once a year, so this is like a mini vacation for us!

They will be back this afternoon, so the party is over. I will start being good again.

Hope everyone is ready for the weekend. It keeps raining here off an on all week and my grass really needs mowed, but it is always wet. We are hoping to get to it today.

Hope the weather is good in your neck of the woods!
Debra

 

[TigerCheer2009]

Morning.

Linda- i live in North Baltimore, OH. No pool, but a park and a library. They live in Bairdstown, a few miles away, with nothing but houses, land and corn. I can't drive yet and no car yet. One graduated KDG, one finished 3rd grade. I am not allowed to cook in their house (mom's rules pre-divorce). They like doing arts and crafts, but they do one project (I come prepared...they are going to get new kitties, so I was prepped to make kitty noses, kitty toys, welcome home new kitty signs and draw pictures, plus 3 craft idea books. I put my clickable permanent marker in there so I could draw, and had to hide it in my pocket.) and then run back outside topspeed. Their dad is somewhat strict...like they can only eat certain foods, which I understand, but the one time I had to make dinner for them, we couldn't have: tomatoes, pickles, bologna, turkey/lunchmeat, hotdogs, fruit, soup, crackers or lettuce. We had to eat butter sandwiches and a veggie creation called Peas Cruncheese (cold peas, creamed corn, whole kernel corn and shredded cheddar) that was nasty. They got mad at me because I refused to light a candle in the house with matches or a lighter. They wanted to go to the cemetary and pick flowers (they did) but I called their mom and asked first. They acted snotty and said "Told you SO!" I can't dish the attitude right back, because they'll bring out their magic wands and say "I make you nice!" And I am, most of the time. Break my rules and you get the worst of me. I am literally powerless because they don't listen! They just give me that "My house, my rules/you're not my parent, I don't have to listen to you/what did you say? I'm not listening, lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala!" bit. I know I am the one in charge. When I tried to tell their dad what happened, he dismissed it! Completely!

Tara-I tried stories, really, I did. They don't sit still long enough to listen...and if they do it's because there is secret pinching going on. I've told them at least 10x every time I go over not to hit, punch (as there was yesterday, lotsa punching!), or call names. They give me the "not listening" bit. And I can't just go in the house and leave them to their own devices...I'm getting paid to watch them and not Spongebob. They can't occupy themselves because they will say "Jen, come with me!" and fight over me. They can't be apart because their bedrooms are close to each other...they fight through the walls.**Good luck, Tara!**

I'm at the end of my rope with those brats. And the fall is looking nicer more and more often. It couldn't be worse than this. Plus...if my mom gets me a work permit, I can get a job at the Daily Queen...which has work openings and 2x the pay (like I got $1.50 an hour per kid=$3 which equaled $6 during school, but now I get $6 for 1/2 the day.)

I can't brush my hair this AM! It's in braids waiting for 9:00, and the Harry Potter party! I'm going as Hermione!

And I was looking thru ALIVE pics and saw how much more improved I look...I mean, I still don't like seeing myself in a bathing suit and I cringed. But in my fourth grade pictures, I was really huge. I'm talkin' double chin, 170 I think, and really fat. I looked like a baby seal. I don't feel like that anymore!

Bye all!

 

[lajones81]

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!

I have entered ONEderland! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I cannot contain myself!

Yesterday I was really close, but didn't want to jinx myself so I didn't say anything here.

Today I get up and the scale says 198.5!

I think I'm going to cry!

Woo hoo!

Lisa

 

[lmhall2000]

WOW!!! TC!! You are amazing!!! I think you're doing the best you can in a tough spot...you've already tried to talk to the father...it sounds like the whole family is a recipe for what happens in divorce....it's just soo hard for everyone to figure out what's going on and will happen. I will pray for those little guys and for their parents. But, I have to say, you being there is probably a greater blessing than you give yourself credit for. The only other suggestion I would have is to wear their little tails out...meaning...take them on a long long nature hike around the area....take a picnic lunch and lots of water....all that walking in the heat will surely get you some peace when you return! When all else fails.....tucker them out! You're doing GREAT!!! They're lucky to have you!

Tara

 

[lajones81]

I forgot to mention that I have a new clippie, too!

Oh, now I'm really going to cry! It's actually working this time!

Thank you everyone for your awesome words of encouragement.

I will write more soon!

Lisa

 

[TigerCheer2009]

CONGRATS LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO-HOO! That's awesome!

Tara-Good idea...I like it! I'll try it! Thank you!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm Baaack!

I've been out of town and MIA, but I'm finally back to the DIS, and ready to start losing again! I had flight issues Wednesday in DC, so I didn't make it home in time to go to WW. That means I have to go tomorrow morning. I know it won't be pretty (I think eating away from home does not sit well with me, o.k. it sits on me and settles...), but I'm determined to just accept my probable 2 lb. gain (I really hope it's not much more than that!), and move on to a loss next Wednesday.

I've been reading all the back posts. I won't try to respond to everyone, but I will say that it sounds like lots of progress has been made! And I feel for TigerCheer, those kids sound like a real challenge!

Congrats to all those entering Onederland! As for me, I'm back to eating right, treadmill time, and hopefully, results! I also haven't caught up on any of the great DIS tips, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of new and awesome things to know.

By the way, I was at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and I saw the purple Dumbo car and teal Tea Cup that were donated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. It was a cute exhibit, and now I'm even more ready to go!

Thanks to everyone for sticking with me and being patient with my up and down weight loss. I did put two weeks together, so my next goal is three weeks of losses in a row, starting next Wednesday!

Glad to be back! And I don't want to hear anyone here saying they are fat. That is just unacceptable! Like everyone else on this planet should be, we are improving and learning each day as we go. Be gentle with yourselves. Self improvement is hard work! If it was easy, everyone would do it!

 

[westjones]

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!

I have entered ONEderland! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I cannot contain myself!

Yesterday I was really close, but didn't want to jinx myself so I didn't say anything here.

Today I get up and the scale says 198.5!

I think I'm going to cry!

Woo hoo!

Lisa

Lisa,
I am So happy for you!

Just keep it up. I think I told you that on January 1, 2005, I was 204 pounds. I started on my new life style (I don't call it a diet, because I know that I have to change my eating style for life) and I am now somewhere around 155 pounds! I don't know my exact weight because I only weigh in once a month at Weight Watchers (I am a life timer and at the goal I set with them, but I still want to lose 15 pounds).

It really DOES work, but it also takes time. Stick with it, don't give up if you have a bad day, and just think what a wonderful Christmas present you can give to yourself!

Congrats!!!!

Debra

 

[TigerCheer2009]

Hi Worfiedoodles! Glad you are back! Thanks for your comment about how if self-improvement were easy everyone would do it. I've just gotta take it a little slow.

I CAN DO THIS!

 

[lmhall2000]

Congratulations LISA!!! You slammed right into the 190's!!! You are doing it girl!!! That makes three Onederlanders I've seen this week! It really is getting contagious...I think all this summer weather is helping us with our motivation...when it's shining on the outside I tend to shine on the inside and feel stronger!!! Hearing all the successes helps keep me in check!

(I think eating away from home does not sit well with me, o.k. it sits on me and settles...)

Isn't this the truth!!! I really truly believe that eating away from home holds more calories than the same foods at home! I think it's just that we eat more than we think we do...but usually 1-2 pounds is gone QUICKLY when we return to healthy eating...our bodies retain that sodium...it really is hard to gain a pound gang...I mean really truly gain a pound...sure we may carry some extra water but to actually put on a pound of fat would mean eating 3,000 calories a day for atleast 4 days in a row! Now I know every now and then we may have a 3,000 calorie day when we have that piece of fudge pie that alone constitutes 600 calories...but we really don't eat like that alot...so keep that in mind when the scale goes up...it's most likely water retention and it will go down. 3,500 calories equals a pound of fat...and we usually burn about 2,000 calories or more a day when we're active...so keeping under 1500 calories a day helps us lose those pounds!!! Losing 101 course completed!

Tara

 

[westjones]

3,500 calories equals a pound of fat...and we usually burn about 2,000 calories or more a day when we're active...so keeping under 1500 calories a day helps us lose those pounds!!! Losing 101 course completed!

Tara

LOL! I count calories too. I know there are all kinds of diets that tell you this or that, but bottom line:

Food=Calories
Bodies Burn Calories
Therefore it all gets down to what your body burns - number of calories eaten in a day. If you burn more than you take in, you lose. If you take in more than you burn, you gain. If both are equal you stay the same.

What we see in the little ups and downs from day to day is often water weight, but is not the same as calories converting to fat. BUT over time, we will see either gains or loses if our calories in do not equal calories burned.

I try to keep my calories per day within the range of 1200-1300, and some days up to 1500. If I do that, I see the scales go down. But I have to stay with it for several day before the scales move.

Anyway, I like your Losing 101 Course!

Debra

 

[chrismiss56]

Hi Gang!!

Debra - How do you keep track of how many calories things are especially when going out to eat? I know that is the hardest part when I am out. I agree with you that the age old adage of eating less calories than you use works the best

Tara - you are a WONDERFUL instructor ........... You are correct that we should all keep the calories under 1500.

So does anyone know what is the best approach. Did you go buy a book or find a website? Then how do you handle going out. Went out to dinner last night - had a spicy chicken dish with capers, black olives and diced tomatoes with grilled polenta....so how do I figure out how much that was?

After many years of dieting and changing lifestyles I do believe the best approach is smaller portions and calorie counting.

Enough lecturing - I am done contributing to Weight Loss 101

LISA!! WOO HOO!! Never see the number 2 at the beginning of the scale again!!!

Maria - Glad you are back - missed you!!

Jen - How is your day going? Better with the BRAT Kids???? Don't let then win!!!

Anyone excited about Harry Potter - I like reading the books but won't be there at midnight tonight DD20 in Spain does want me to bring the book when we go visit. Says she will read it on the plane ride back.

FYI - DD20 got her debit card and guess what!!! IT WORKS!!!! She now has access to her money........she is sooooooo happy!!

Off to Blockbuster to rent a movie......any suggestions. There is nothing on tv - costs too much to go to the movies for 2 of us on a Friday night.......DH has already told me that he is too tired to do anything tonight.

Have a Magical Disney Day!!
Linda

 

[duck_adoo]

Hi all,
Hope it isn't too late to join. I weigh in by weekly,Jul 6 I was at 184. Was up 2 from the previous weigh in. Hoping to get to 150. I've lost 12 since Jan., but plateued (sp?) at 178 and got discouraged. Hoping to bust through that now I'm back on course. My biggest problem is finding time to exercise. I'm a busy mom of 3 young dd's and already get up at 5:00-5:30 in the am, so exercise in the am isn't going to work. I have recently started an aerobics class that I like, so hopefully I'll be able to stick to that. When I'm good I'm really good, but when I'm bad.... well we know that tale I've been doing a modified South Beach diet..pretty much like Oprah.
My tips:

Go to linens' and things' and get an olive oil Misto. You can use this on your non stick pans (and George Foreman grill) and it helps w/taste and non stick. Because it sprays, you're hardly getting any oil/calories, but still getting flavor.

Also, egg beaters really aren't that bad. It's great for protein in the am, quick, and with a little ketchup taste like the real thing.

Hope I"m not too late.

Cheryl

 

[lmhall2000]

Welcome Cheryl!!!

You sound like a carbon copy of myself...I finally kicked myself back in the tail and am down to 176.8 FINALLY!!! I'm on a mission to get to 150's by October 1st...care to join me? I've got three children myself and homeschool...so my free time is limited...let's work together on making exercise a priority!

Our goal is to get to 159.5 then share the journey through or into the 150's...so really you don't have that far to go to make the club! We've had a few make it and they're inspiring us to get down there! Come on in and share your wins/losses which in this camp are the same thing!

Tara

 

[duck_adoo]

I'm in Tara...though I don't know if I'll make 159 by Oct 1,but will try really really hard. We're going to Disney Aug 19-28. All bets are off then..but we walk so much hopefully won't have too much of an effect. In your sig it says '60 pounds' is that how much you've already lost?? What do you do for exercise? I tried to read through all the posts, but only got about half way before posting here myself
Cheryl

P.S.We need to get a jumping jack/push up smiley for our group!

 

[chrismiss56]

WELCOME CHERYL!!!!!!​

Always looking for a few good LOSERS to join the group!!

I'm Linda and the Official Slowest Loser of the Group!! 49 years old with a DH and 2 DD (almost 21 and 17) - you will hear alot about them especially the 17 year old who challenges me at every turn

I have yet to find the "right" combo of eating lifestyle and exercise that will magically make these pound melt. I have been living in the world of 165 - 170 for wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy toooooooooooooo long!! Haven't given up yet!!

This is a GREAT group of people who support each other through gains and losses and everything else that might come up in life.

After reading Debra's approach I have decided to keep track of my calorie intake for a couple of days to see where I am indulging too much Anyone else doing that? Debra, do you have a website you go to for nutritional information and what do you do when you go out?

Today is DD17 senior graduation pictures!! She is doing GREAT these days - still no job - come August 31 when I have to take the car keys away because she hasn't given me any money life will not be so rosy but for now she is so much better. BF is still in the picture but we have taken a low profile to that - if we push too hard he will become "forbidden" fruit.

DD20 got her debit card and it is WORKING!! She can now shop her way through Spain!!

Off to walk Cody -

Have a Magical Disney Day!!

Linda

 

[lmhall2000]

Cheryl! I always say shoot for the stars and you'll be happy with landing on a moon...if I shoot for 20 pounds and only lose 15...that's probably more than I would have lost if I'd only shot for 15! I have to play these little mind tricks on myself! For exercise, I'm a walker...it's the easiest exercise....I just get up put on my shoes and get out there....I walk through my neighborhood onto streets and into other neighborhoods..the key is walking more than 45 minutes...right now my track is a 4.3 mile route and it takes me 1 hour and 10 minutes. When I do that 5x a week I can't keep the weight on ...it just melts off! But dh is out of town this week so my 5:30 am walks were whittled down to one so far...I told myself I'd do cardio pilates but a week of vacation bible school and keeping house by myself (dh does do so much for me!) wore me out. I've lost 64.2 pounds so far! And yesterday, at Wal-Mart, the lady asked for my drivers license for verification...she didn't believe it was me! It was so neat someone noticed that I really look like a different person! I'm waiting to get my new license until I hit the 150's...here in AL they put your weight on it..eek!

A great place for calorie counting is www.fitday.com they have it all..after you count calories a few times you start to have a good idea of how much you're eating.

I've got lots of cleaning up to do today...about 5 loads of laundry and just general picking up...I had 11 children over here yesterday after our art and Latin classes and you can imagine how much they strolled out everywhere!

Linda...you are going to get below 165...I have a feeling you're waiting for me to hit 169 then you're going to race off to the 150's so I have a hero to follow!

Let's kick it up...my mental mantra today...whether I'm considering a morsel of food or activity..."WILL THIS HELP ME GET TO GOAL??" If I can't answer a huge YES then I'll try to choose something that will.

Tara

 

[NYcpa]

Goode morning everyone.

Even with my best effort to sabotage my goals for the last 3 weeks, i have maintained my weight. I wonder what would happen if I had actually included exercise.

Am home for a week Will try to get some serious exercise minutes in. Actually working in my office here, I manage to get more water consumed. I have water available down on the Island but it seems the day flys by and the morning bottle is stil sitting on my desk half full. Maybe I need an excuse to walk around my upstate office.

My goals for today:
1. go to gym and use arc-trainer for 1/2 to 3/4 hour.
2. drink 60 oz of water
3. eat healthy meals
4. limit soda intake

DD2 an I are going to my mothers for today. You would think the 10 hour trip home from Long Island yesterday would cure me of wanting to drive more. She lives 2.5 hours away and I don't see her as much as I used to. She is going stir crazy and needs someone to visit. I'm not quite sure she has adjusted fully to my dad's death in Feb 04.

Have a good exercising and losing day. Remember to drink you water.