A YOU Worth Fighting For | January 2016 Weight Loss & Better Living Challenge

[SarahDisney]

Hey guys!! I'm back! I've actually been back for over a day, but I just haven't had time to check in.
The trip was great, I had a lot of fun, and I think I actually managed to lose some weight! I've been a little off since I got back, so I may gain some of it back, but hopefully I'll be back on track soon.
Anyway, here's my attempt at catching up.

QOTD for Wednesday, January 5, 2016!

IT'S HERE!!! It's our VERY FIRST WOOHOO WEDNESDAY OF 2016!!!!!!!

For our newbies who may not know, we do a fun little thing here called WOOHOO WEDNESDAY! This is your chance (not that you have to wait for Wednesday's, though) to tell us something AWESOME that has happened in your life! It can be ANYTHING, big or small. Seriously. Your woohoo can be that you got up and made your bed before work this morning, or you got a raise, or your hair looks AMAAAZINGGGG today, or you made it to work on time, or your pants fit a little more loosely, or ANYTHING!!

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?

So ... my WooHoo for last Wednesday was ... Magic Kingdom!! It was rainy and more crowded than I had hoped, but we still got a lot done. I wish I could spend every Wednesday at Magic Kingdom...

MBA Program Final grades are in: A in Global Business and A in Capstone, for a 4.0 gpa this semester. My final GPA is 3.75 over all... so we'll see if I get honors at graduation.

Congrats!! That is an awesome final GPA!! (And an even more awesome semester GPA)

QOTD for Thursday, January 7, 2016

We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's true! It gets your metabolism going, and sets you up for success for the rest of the day. But it's also the most often skipped meal, mainly due to time constraints.

Do you say breakfast every day, or are you more likely to skip it? What are your favorite/go-to breakfast foods? If you usually skip, are you going to make more of an effort to work breakfast into your routine?

I almost always eat breakfast. I'm pretty much always on a rotation of cereal (mostly cheerios), toast, yogurt with granola, and oatmeal (in the winter only). Sometimes I'll toss in an omelet or some french toast. I could probably be healthier with some of my breakfasts (like throwing more veggies into my omelets instead of cheese), but I know I'm in pretty decent shape.

I couldn't take sitting on the couch any more so I sucked it up and jumped on the treadmill in a strange burst of dedication LOL. I'm 18 minutes in, though, and bored out of my mind. Anyone around to chat? I'm reading through TPAS threads trying to keep my mind off the clock on the treadmill (and thus avoiding the "20 minutes isn't 30 minutes but it's close and it's better than nothing so it's totally ok to stop now" rationalizing) but it's slow there and just making me want to go to Disney haha

I used to read on the treadmill. It drove my friends crazy - they had no idea how I could just walk on the treadmill and read and not get dizzy.
Now I usually watch TV or a movie because I have a TV in the room with my treadmill.

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?

My scale is in the bathroom, so I always use the bathroom before I weigh-in. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

I definitely miss the parades of the 90's. Did you ever see the Mulan parade at either of these locations? What is/are your favorite daytime or nighttime Disney parade(s)?

I never saw the Mulan parade ... before my time. The first parade I ever saw was Main Street Electrical Parade, and it's still my favorite!

Were you/are you a fan of his? Do you have a favorite David Bowie song, movie, or quote?​

Not a big Bowie fan myself, but I love the song he did with Queen ("Under Pressure"). Definitely a big loss for the music world.

On Friday we're driving from Southern California to Phoenix for the first of 21 HMs this year. I'm terrified of the HM, mostly due to distance and this being my 1st HM. The 5K is such a quick race and the HM is just a little more than 4 5K races. I'm using the next four days to hydrate hydrate hydrate!

You can do it!! Just stay calm, trust your training, and have fun!

What's got you WOOHOOING today?!

I got to wear a new sweater! I bought a really warm new sweater a few months ago, but the weather here wasn't cold enough for it until fairly recently. So Wednesday was the first time I wore it, and it was so comfy! And then I got barbecue sauce on it.

Thoughts on Pop for someone who didn't like an all-star? Should I give pop a try?

I stayed at All-Star Sports last year and hated it. I stayed at Pop last week and loved it. I found it more convenient - All-Stars had a much longer commute everywhere, and it annoyed me by the end. I found Pop to be much nicer and much convenient.

Let's talk about our tools and weapons today. I know a lot of use MFP, WW, and Fitbits to stay on track, and of course we have our group! Are there any other tools or apps or support systems you have to help you out? I heard about three iPhone apps tonight - Spring, CharityMiles, and Shopwell - that I plan to look into over the next few days. Has anyone tried any of them, or any others?​

Just MFP and Fitbit for me. I have my Garmin, but I only use that for running.

.. and I just heard the news about Alan Rickman. What is this week?

Yeah, that wasn't how I wanted to start my morning. The entertainment world is not doing very well this week.

---

Okay, I'm mostly caught up, I think. I'll try to catch you guys up on my trip a bit later this week.

 

[flvy]

Welcome back @SarahDisney !!!! Thank you for your take on Pop. I'm still torn. I really really hated my all star when I compared it to Riverside. I might book CSR and then go down to Pop if needed. I'm staying for about a week and spend more time in the resort when running so I'm a little nervous. Did Pop have coffee makers?

OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. The 10K has cut-outs for the wings this year. Words cannot express how excited i am to earn that 10K medal.

I'm heading to the Expo tonight so I'll get some better pics to share. @flvy - which race(s) are you doing? I'll see what I can get for pictures.

I have a feeling I'm late but I'm doing the Tink half which is why I'm so obsessed with it and the Dark Side half. Did you happen to see what was on the other side of that spinner?

Tink as the spinner is amazing to me. Outside of the ToT 10 miler this might be the coolest medal to me.

EDIT: I might just be in my head that Tink is spinning because it's the anniversary medal. Even if she isn't I love it haha

 

[SarahDisney]

Did Pop have coffee makers?

Nope, no coffee makers. We were close enough to to the food court that we just went there for coffee, but if having a coffee maker is really important to you, I'd say stick with a moderate.

 

[flvy]

@SarahDisney It is and it isn't. Was pop a loud resort? I think I just don't want to come off as being a lush even if it's just splurging for a moderate.

 

[SarahDisney]

@SarahDisney It is and it isn't. Was pop a loud resort? I think I just don't want to come off as being a lush even if it's just splurging for a moderate.

It wasn't super loud, but it wasn't quiet. It was actually louder than I expected.
Honestly? I love Pop. I love the over the top theming and I think it's very convenient. But I know it's not for everyone. It can be loud, and it doesn't have some of the amenities that some people prefer. If you think you'd be more comfortable at a moderate, I'd say go for the moderate.
One of the great things about Disney is that they have so many hotels at different price ranges that you have options and you don't have to settle for a hotel that may not be right for you.

 

[flvy]

I'm booking at the end of the month. I think I'm just going to go for CSR and suck up the few hundred dollars and take it off my spending money, or just try and earn some extra perks at work.

If I had it all at once I'd just rent DVC points for AKL.

Anyway carry on with the fitness talk. I technically skipped a day of running today :x My 6.5 miles for training aren't going to feel very nice sunday.

 

[jaelless]

I love Pop Century The first trip my son and I took to Disney World we stayed at POP and the vacation was absolutely magical. Mousekeeping was a hoot, every day they left us a surprise. We missed a shuttle and the staff drove us to Polynesian when they found out we were going to miss out on the character breakfast with Stitch. The theme was so fun and absolutely made us feel like we were at Disney. I just this month finally wore out my mug I had gotten from there 10 years ago. Of course I hit ebay and found a duplicate for it so that I can still have a bit of that vacation when I drink my coffee. So I totally recommend.

 

[flvy]

@JacknSally you should edit me in for April before I try and pretend like I didn't volunteer to host it

 

[JacknSally]

@JacknSally you should edit me in for April before I try and pretend like I didn't volunteer to host it

So sorry! Not sure how I missed that!

Stopping in for a second before giving in and getting some much needed rest... Today did not go as planned - seems to be a theme at my house this week! I'm hoping that stops REALLY soon. Doing this small check-in without going back and perusing the back pages, so forgive me for not having a more inclusive catch-up! I WILL BE CATCHING UP TOMORROW! It is high on my priority list.

Someone asked about my Etsy on the last page.. Sorry for not going back to see who it was specifically!! The link (hopefully it's ok to post!) is www.etsy.com/shop/craftiestplace ... I'm planning an overhaul of it this weekend, though, with some new items and designs, and updating photographs of what is on there currently.... I will also be drastically reducing prices in an effort to drum up some business and reviews, so you may want to hold off judgment for the moment. Haha.

This is not the proper catch-up I had intended. Blah. Things have really been off here this week, and I am not a fan! Don't hate me, guys! I feel like such a bad host!

@Lady Marie , how was your birthday?! AMAZING, I hope!!!!

@courtneybeth , good luck to you this weekend!!! Post pictures when you can!

I've technically got a job interview in the morning... But I can't decide if I want to keep it or not. Well, that's not true - I KNOW I don't want to keep it. It's for a job that I don't want and know I won't enjoy.... But I know that we can't stay on one income forever. Things are tight but we're doing ok at the moment, but to cover bills, we're supplementing DH's monthly income with what's in our savings right now, and that just isn't a ton... But the job would also, though, keep me from seeing DH, as he would work Monday-Friday and plans to go back to school in the evenings, and I would work all day Saturday and Sunday (it's only a part time job, and all weekends are required). I'm so torn. I hate having to make decisions. DH is no help at all - he's not the one actually paying the bills or checking the bank accounts, so he doesn't stress about it like I do. I want chocolate. Sigh.

 

[JacknSally]

QOTD for January 15, 2016







"Reflect before you snack... ACT!"

The matchmaker definitely didn't think that was as funny as I do.

But Mulan's slip up is just one more good tip for us!

It's so easy to get caught up in stress, anxiety, cravings, or absent-minded snacking, and before you know it - BAM! A whole bag of chips is gone! Or you're in the freezer digging for that chocolate fudgesicle that has been in the back corner since July 2013. Or your single serving of cereal has become three bowls of cereal, a banana, an apple, and 3 mints. I know I'd gotten so used to absent-mindedly munching on something when I watch TV that now it's almost like Pavlov's dog - I've had to break myself of the conditioning that TV and snacks go hand-in-hand.

Those aren't the only reasons for snacking, though! A lot of times, thirst is confused for hunger. Ever heard the trick that you should drink at least one 8oz. glass of water before a meal so that your stomach will be more full and you'll eat less? Also, if you always feel peckish, it might be because you're exercising more, or because you aren't fueling up with the right kinds of foods to keep you feeling full - if you always go for sugary snacks, you'll feel hungry more often because your body burns sugar so quickly.

Do you fall victim to stress-induced or absent-minded snacking? Are you pretty good about stopping and thinking about why you might be hungry before you start to snack - maybe it's thirst, maybe it's that you had a smaller meal than usual earlier, maybe you skipped a meal altogether? Do you have any snack-triggers, like watching TV, or maybe feeling the need to "sample" while you're cooking dinner?


ALSOOOO.....

Can you believe we've made it to our SECOND reporting weekend?! WHAT?! Where is January going?!

Don't forget to post your results this weekend! Sending pixie dust for high percentages! ​

 

[ohMom]

Yea, no so good here. No change

 

[bigsis1970]

QotD -- my snacking time is when my DH is not around (I have a snack or two or three) because no one is looking - not that he would judge or say anything but it's like it doesn't count.. I am trying very hard to reign that in (I only did it twice this week and only one snack each time) also he is a before bedtime snacker so I tend to stick my hand in whatever he has because it's there! UGH working on that as well but not very successful this week!

I have stayed the same.. so I am still at 45% so no change for me..

Hope everyone has a great day, are big losers and a wonderful weekend - (I am finally getting to see the new Star Wars movie with my dad!) Thanks Michelle

 

[5xdisneyfans]

QotD -- my snacking time is when my DH is not around (I have a snack or two or three) because no one is looking - not that he would judge or say anything but it's like it doesn't count.. I am trying very hard to reign that in (I only did it twice this week and only one snack each time) also he is a before bedtime snacker so I tend to stick my hand in whatever he has because it's there! UGH working on that as well but not very successful this week!

I have stayed the same.. so I am still at 45% so no change for me..

Hope everyone has a great day, are big losers and a wonderful weekend - (I am finally getting to see the new Star Wars movie with my dad!) Thanks Michelle

I struggle with the same thing. I tend to over indulge when nobody is around. Same thing if nobody sees it..... Thankfully for this I never seem to be alone in the winter. My husband eats and snacks ALOT!!!!! Which can make things hard also. He is a skinny beanpole also! Haha. I think that is why I enjoy eating when he isn't around since he can eat nonstop and not have to think about it yet I feel like I eat anything he is looking at me.

 

[pjlla]

Hey friends! I'm on for just a minute here. I can't do much of any reading because my glasses are in the other room and if I go get them they will know I'm done with my student and then assignment another task! So I'm going to say hello (because I can see just well enough to know if I'm typing okay) and then go get my glasses and then on with my day of testing.

Yesterday's headache was MISERABLE. I honestly probably looked drunk or high for about two hours..... I couldn't see straight, I couldn't think straight. It was miserable. I am actually going to to apologize to the teacher whose class I proctored at 12:15 because I"m sure that I appeared totally incompetent. I honestly did't even know if I would be able to drive myself home. But the Advil, snack, and a bit of tea made all the difference in the world and I actually was able to get back to a functional level and hit the grocery store with DD last night.... phew, the produce bin and fruit bowl are full again! I'm sorry, but as much as I try to keep my grocery bill low, I do not know how folks feed their families for $100/week +/- ! I will admit I bought some more expensive items last night (quinoa, coconut flour, cat food, veggie burgers, frozen organic fruit), but NO MEAT and NO cleaning supplies and no health/beauty supplies. I bought enough apples, broccoli, greens, and bananas to hopefully last 10 days, milk and yogurt enough for 7 days and a handful of marked down canned goods (Muir Glen organic diced tomatoes in BPA free can....yeah!)..... but honestly. $270 !!??? Hope we eat it slowly!!

Okay.... back to work!..............P

 

[dsnyfn1022]

Do you fall victim to stress-induced or absent-minded snacking? Are you pretty good about stopping and thinking about why you might be hungry before you start to snack - maybe it's thirst, maybe it's that you had a smaller meal than usual earlier, maybe you skipped a meal altogether? Do you have any snack-triggers, like watching TV, or maybe feeling the need to "sample" while you're cooking dinner?

I don't have a problem with snacking until after dinner. During the day my snacks are tracked and controlled. I have a piece of fruit mid-morning and then a piece of fruit mid-afternoon. But I could go home, make and eat dinner, be totally full, and think about that dessert that I have tracked and waiting for me or just think about what I have next to eat. So I guess eating dinner is a snack trigger for me? That's odd to think about...I'm not sure how to fix that.

____

So, I went to the doctor yesterday for the short of breath feeling I'd been having when exercising and she decided that I do indeed have exercise induced asthma. So she prescribed a rescue inhaler for me to take before each workout. I put it to the test yesterday and it was like night and day! I didn't struggle to catch my breath during walking breaks and after I'd finished I could still breathe! I was so happy I felt like I could cry. I called my DH (because when I initially told him I suspected I had this he seemed skeptical) and he said "I'm sorry, it just didn't sound like a real thing. It sounded like an excuse to get out of something." I love my DH dearly but sometimes...foot meet mouth. Needless to say after a 5 minute tangent of me telling him that I was 23 and didn't have gym class to get out of anymore he started to change his tune . So all that to say YAY! I can breathe again while working out!

Although, no more outdoor running in the cold doctor's orders.

 

[Lady Marie]

@Lady Marie , how was your birthday?! AMAZING, I hope!!!!

It was great! Thanks for asking! There was a lot of food and wine so I did not even go near the scale today... Maybe I'll try tomorrow....

Do you fall victim to stress-induced or absent-minded snacking? Are you pretty good about stopping and thinking about why you might be hungry before you start to snack - maybe it's thirst, maybe it's that you had a smaller meal than usual earlier, maybe you skipped a meal altogether? Do you have any snack-triggers, like watching TV, or maybe feeling the need to "sample" while you're cooking dinner?

My biggie is being hungry while I cook, so I will grab some cheese or something to nibble while I cook. And because it wasn't part of my meal, it's like it didn't happen!

I put it to the test yesterday and it was like night and day! I didn't struggle to catch my breath during walking breaks and after I'd finished I could still breathe! I was so happy I felt like I could cry.

Wow! That's wonderful that you got that figured out and taken care of!

----------------------

It's a dreary day here in Florida and I'm already stressing a little. I had an interview with a local theater yesterday to do some secretarial work (my background is theater) and they want me to work for them. Problem is, I currently work for DFIL which definitely has it's perks but not really in my industry of choice..... but long term would give me the flexibility I would need once DH and I start a family, etc..... (Long story short: they were grooming me for their bookkeeper position bc the lady was going to retire when she turned 70 this past Nov. But now she has decided to stay on til ??? we don't know...) I am torn. I'm going to to talk to DFIL later today about it all. But just like you @JacknSally , I don't like making these big decisions.... I know this is like adulting and all, but I need a crystal ball to tell me what would make me happiest! haha!

 

[pjlla]

QOTD for January 15, 2016




"Reflect before you snack... ACT!"

The matchmaker definitely didn't think that was as funny as I do.

But Mulan's slip up is just one more good tip for us!

It's so easy to get caught up in stress, anxiety, cravings, or absent-minded snacking, and before you know it - BAM! A whole bag of chips is gone! Or you're in the freezer digging for that chocolate fudgesicle that has been in the back corner since July 2013. Or your single serving of cereal has become three bowls of cereal, a banana, an apple, and 3 mints. I know I'd gotten so used to absent-mindedly munching on something when I watch TV that now it's almost like Pavlov's dog - I've had to break myself of the conditioning that TV and snacks go hand-in-hand.

Those aren't the only reasons for snacking, though! A lot of times, thirst is confused for hunger. Ever heard the trick that you should drink at least one 8oz. glass of water before a meal so that your stomach will be more full and you'll eat less? Also, if you always feel peckish, it might be because you're exercising more, or because you aren't fueling up with the right kinds of foods to keep you feeling full - if you always go for sugary snacks, you'll feel hungry more often because your body burns sugar so quickly.

Do you fall victim to stress-induced or absent-minded snacking? Are you pretty good about stopping and thinking about why you might be hungry before you start to snack - maybe it's thirst, maybe it's that you had a smaller meal than usual earlier, maybe you skipped a meal altogether? Do you have any snack-triggers, like watching TV, or maybe feeling the need to "sample" while you're cooking dinner?


ALSOOOO.....

Can you believe we've made it to our SECOND reporting weekend?! WHAT?! Where is January going?!

Don't forget to post your results this weekend! Sending pixie dust for high percentages! ​

Hmmmm.... snacking.... I would say my MAIN problem (like the one mentioned) is thinking that my favorite TV show needs to be accompanied by a snack/treat. In fact in our "not so healthy eating" days, the season premiere AND the season finale of Survivor were considered "make-a-pig-of-yourself-with-Chinese-food-and-beer" nights! TRULY. I would eat myself into a pork fried rice-and-egg roll coma as I watched the show and swigged beer (light, of course... ). And while that is a thing of the past (the food, not watching Survivor... still love the show), I STILL like to have a treat while watching TV at night..... which is what makes it SO HARD to "close the kitchen" at 6 or 7 pm! I've been able to push the last snack back to about 8pm most nights though. And now my evening snack most often consists of homemade (fat-free) microwave popcorn, fruit, or a small WW treat or frozen treat (tried the Yasso frozen yogurt coconut bars last night..... found my new favorite sweet treat! ).

Since I have been walking on this journey for several years now, I do not fall prey to absent-minded snacking much any more..... but I am guilty of letting myself get too hungry because my previous meal wasn't large enough..... I OFTEN have waaaaay too many Points/calories left near the end of the day (hence I am "free" to snack at night). I need to continue to work hard to eat larger meals earlier in the day. I have learned to take my snack portion (either a single serving bag or a portion that I weighed and measured) and leave the area to eat it. My Fiesta ware dishes have a small bowl called a "fruit bowl" (waaayyy too small for a serving of fruit IMHO) that is perfect for a small portion of something like pretzels or ice cream.

When cooking I do not taste/sample/snack..... it wasn't a habit I ever got into.... in fact, I SHOULD taste my food more.... I'm often guilty of going too light with the salt shaker.

Results.....hmmmm..... I'm torn about reporting today's number (down .9) or holding out for another .1 loss before tomorrow to bring it to a solid 1 pound lost. I may end up shooting myself in the foot if I don't run with the number I got today so I am sticking with my Friday reporting day and calling it good. That being said, math is NOT my thing so I will have to stop and do some calculating to figure out my percentage (see..... if I waited until tomorrow and could report 1 pound, that would make the math easier! )......okay.... I THINK I'm at 80%..... but anyone can feel free to correct me (goal was 3 pounds and I'm down 2.4).

Back to work! My student finished early and my next won't be here for a few minutes..... yeah for DIS time at work!.............P

 

[j2thomason]

I lost 2 more pounds this week, but have already blown it today. It's snack day at our school and temptation overwhelmed me!! I will get back on the wagon tonight for supper. Maybe I can work of my snack day binge before next week's weight in!!

 

[JacknSally]

First Bowie. Then Alan Rickman. Now this. What. A. Week.

 

[SarahDisney]

Do you fall victim to stress-induced or absent-minded snacking? Are you pretty good about stopping and thinking about why you might be hungry before you start to snack - maybe it's thirst, maybe it's that you had a smaller meal than usual earlier, maybe you skipped a meal altogether? Do you have any snack-triggers, like watching TV, or maybe feeling the need to "sample" while you're cooking dinner?

I'm a boredom snacker. If I'm bored, I snack. I need to work on finding things to keep me busy so that I don't snack!

Don't forget to post your results this weekend! Sending pixie dust for high percentages! ​

Thanks for the pixie dust ... it worked! I weighed in at 3 lbs down from the start of the month, which puts me at 100% of goal! Most of that is from the walking/running at Disney, but my new goal is to keep that weight off and still be at 100% at the end of the month!

First Bowie. Then Alan Rickman. Now this. What. A. Week.

It's craziness. This week has been a whole lot of sad.