Between the BLs (Biggest Loser) Summer Challenge 2010 Part 1

[JOANNEL]

Which brings me to my QOTD, What is your secret for staying consistent?

I just have to stay busy and keep the junk out of the kitchen!! Obviously I haven't been good at it or I wouldn't be back up to where I am!!

 

[mikamah]

What is your secret for staying consistent?

I got nothing. I haven't been consistent lately, but I'm going to read that article and adopt some of those ideas. I want this so bad. I want to run the princess. I want to feel better physically. The exercise, running is definitely a big part of making me feel better emotionally, and I am going to keep that up. I guess I have been coming here consistently, and I am determined to never give up.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Which brings me to my QOTD, What is your secret for staying consistent?

I try to stay on track and if I find I am really wanting to stray, I will get a dole fruit bar and it hits the spot just perfect. My biggest problem recently is trying to not eat pasta. I've read about having spagetti squash in place of pasta, so think I'm going to try that this week sometime. Has anyone else tried it? What did you think?

Hope everyone is having a good day thus far! I'm off to run some errands then back to do some yard work and maybe a little this evening

 

[bellaphia]

Thankyou for all the birthday wishes
Birthday weekend was great but didn't get alot of formal workouts in-did do alot of gardening, walking the dog and Wii with the girls so I guess it's better than nothing! Air conditioning was broken at work yesterday so I think I sweated at least 5 lbs off-eewwww
still sooo tired all the time but have to keep telling myself to get up and move-it's so hard!

 

[Greenfield1984]

QOTD:

Consistency is not something I have figured out yet. I'm the kind of person that once something goes wrong (say I have a binge dinner) that's it, I'm a failure and I give up. I'm really hoping to NOT go that route again. Basically, I have to realize that if I'm out and I eat something I really shouldn't have, well then too bad, it's in the past, let's just move on.
Other than that, I plan out my meals/exercise, get my gym clothes out the night before...that type of stuff keeps me consistent.

 

[wtpclc]

I try to stay on track and if I find I am really wanting to stray, I will get a dole fruit bar and it hits the spot just perfect. My biggest problem recently is trying to not eat pasta. I've read about having spagetti squash in place of pasta, so think I'm going to try that this week sometime. Has anyone else tried it? What did you think?

My parents used it when my dad was first diagnosed with diabetes. They liked it. Since then, though, they have found Dreamfields. It contains semolina and that does not turn to sugars like regular psta. May want ot give that a whirl.

 

[maiziezoe]

Oh I'm not sure what might be going on that you would need to cancel (Need to catch up ) But Boy I don't think I would miss the pod cast cruise if I had a chance to go and Disney in December is just Magical. Just hang on for a while it's still early you could still cancel later.

WHAT!?!?! What aren't you feeling? I hope you aren't losing the Disney Bug.

I haven't canceled yet but I have looked at other vacation options. Maybe a Sandals resort or Hawaii. I bought a couple Disney related books last night from Amazon.com to see if they bring the spark back.

Shanan ~ I feel blah. I don't know what it is. I feel disconnected.

Morning all!!!!

Today is gonna be a good day. Today is gonna be a good day..........

Lots to do, that's good. I have to stay busy.
Got my WATP video in this morning so I did 2 miles.
And already have 2 of my waters in.

I'm signing my kids up for their camps today so that's 15 day of me time for 3 hours per day. So 45 hours of guaranteed work out time will be available this summer!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! I may even squeeze in a walk(one lap is 1.6 miles) while I'm at the green dropping off the check.

 

[wtpclc]

QOTD:

Consistency is not something I have figured out yet. I'm the kind of person that once something goes wrong (say I have a binge dinner) that's it, I'm a failure and I give up. I'm really hoping to NOT go that route again. Basically, I have to realize that if I'm out and I eat something I really shouldn't have, well then too bad, it's in the past, let's just move on.
Other than that, I plan out my meals/exercise, get my gym clothes out the night before...that type of stuff keeps me consistent.

One plan I use is great for binge recovery. Basically, it says that we were made to know when we are hungry and eat then. (Very simplified version) I do lose (although not quickly) when I eat only when I am hungry and only until I am comfortably satisfied. The plan for binges is that you overate. No way you can go back. However, if you do not eat again until you truely feel stomach hunger, you are right on track again. Basically, you never went off. Just start over with the next meal you eat being only when oyu are truely hungry. Still, not something you shoudl do often, but hopefully that thinking will help next time you have an oops!

 

[lovedvc]

Good morning everyone!

I hope we're all feeling good and motivated today. With all this wonderful support, how can we not be? I already got started on my first glass of water (lime green plastic glass ).

How did everyone do yesterday? I tracked all my calories in Spark People and hit my target even with a small dish of ice cream in the evening. I got in my 2 veggies.... as long as a baked potato counts as a veggie. No exercise at this point. I know I need to, but I'm still exhausted and sore from the weekend.

Sorry but even though potatoes come from the ground they are not a veggie, they are a starch. If it works for you then don't change a thing, we won't tell.

 

[maiziezoe]

Which brings me to my QOTD, What is your secret for staying consistent?

I keep my eye on the big prize... my goal weight.

 

[JOANNEL]

I try to stay on track and if I find I am really wanting to stray, I will get a dole fruit bar and it hits the spot just perfect. My biggest problem recently is trying to not eat pasta. I've read about having spagetti squash in place of pasta, so think I'm going to try that this week sometime. Has anyone else tried it? What did you think?

Hope everyone is having a good day thus far! I'm off to run some errands then back to do some yard work and maybe a little this evening

I made spagetti squash once, my huband and son loved it. I ate it but, I am not a big veggie fan.

 

[keenercam]

I came home from work yesterday to discover DBF all smiles, holding a package for me... a fitbit! We live in Canada, so he had to go through some friends in Washington and a HUGE waiting list, but I loved the surprise and I love it! I am just wondering if anyone else has one and what you think about it..

What a sweet and considerate gift. It is so nice that he was so excited about having gotten it for you. That kind of support and encouragement is priceless.

lovedvc - I'm sorry you are going through this. I hope you get some answers soon and that everything is okay. :

I know it's not the same, but I had bone grafted from my hip into my tibia when I was 17, and the whole thing screwed together. I know what you mean about the incisions! If it helps, the dr. told me that with therapy, I would return to 75% ability. 13 years later, I just started running again. That is because of desire! I did run some exactly one year after my surgery, so it can be done. Hang in there!

Thank you for sharing your experience. That is very encouraging. I had a cadaver graft and so far, no signs of rejection, which is a huge concern off my mind. We will be monitoring to make sure the bones graft together AND that the cartilage tissue grows appropriately AND that the knee joint goes back to normal. Keeping fingers crossed.

Joanne - Congratulations on ordering well at Applebee's. Fortunately, they have some good WW items on the menu, too, so the temptations are at least offset by some delicious options. Good job on being so on-track. BTW, I am so sorry about how your area is being affected by the spill. This is tragic beyond all expectations in so many ways and on such a widespread basis.

What is your secret for staying consistent?

I have found that eating substantially the same thing each morning for breakfast helps me to stay consistent on my caloric intake for breakfast. If I do a light yogurt with sliced almonds with a cut-up apple on the side, I've eliminated the "what's for breakfast" game that can have me ending up at the coffee shop getting a bagel with cream cheese. Also, by having skim milk in the fridge for my coffee, I can be consistent in not choosing fattening creamers. I think for me it is all about planning ahead to eliminate the decision making process at a time when I am most vulnerable.

I did have a small victory. DId some wii fit yoga last night. First time in a long time that I haven't gotten a lecture on gaining. Iw as actually down from teh last time I used it!

Congratulations, Carrie! So proud of you!

I try to stay on track and if I find I am really wanting to stray, I will get a dole fruit bar and it hits the spot just perfect. My biggest problem recently is trying to not eat pasta. I've read about having spagetti squash in place of pasta, so think I'm going to try that this week sometime. Has anyone else tried it? What did you think?

I LOVE spaghetti squash, though I haven't made it in a long time. I usually cook it in the microwave (be sure to puncture it MANY times and to cut off the ends before you cook it). While it is cooking, I sautee some peppers, mushrooms & onions and then mix in a can of diced tomatoes with oregono and garlic. Once I shred the spaghetti squash, I toss it in a large bowl with the veggie mixture to make a bowl of readily-available "veggie spaghetti". It is delicious. I hope you'll try it and let us know what you think.

BTW, I was thinking about what Carrie was saying about recovering after a binge. I decided a long time ago that I had to find a way to get right back on track, not "after all the bad stuff in the house is eaten" and not "I'll start fresh tomorrow" or "I'll start fresh Monday, after I shop and cook this weekend." If I gave myself all that flexibility or those excuses or permission to continue to "behave badly" for even one more hour, it was a downward spiral for me. So, I came up with a personal motto --

"The very next bite is a chance to do it right."

It helped me not to put off doing it right.

 

[N&B'smom]

QOTD Wednesday -

It helps me to set mini goals. Even though I want to lose 25lbs I set my first goal for 10lbs. Then once I meet that I set my next goal for another 10lbs. That way it doesn't seem so daunting!!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Good morning. I'm glad I don't go to work til 10 today cuz it took me a while to catch up. Very motivated group we have here.

This is so sad and tragic. I pray they can get this under control asap, but it's already having such a catastrophic effect on so many.

I hope you are feeling better. Maybe a disney trip is just what you need. December is such a beautiful time. Maybe get over on the trip report boards and see if you can get that disney spirit back.

So fun to have prizes. I have a lime green water bottle I use at work that holds 32 oz, and never realized the connection to the dis, but now when I drink from it, I think of you guys. It was one of several bottles I bought last summer for my son to take to camp. I never found a sport type bottle that didn't leak in his backpack. (he's a little rough with it.)
At home I've been using my coffee mugs for water. After my past 3 disney trips, I've ordered a mug from the photopass website with a pic of michael on it, and use them for my coffee every morning, but in the evening I sometimes slack on the water, so I've been having one full mug each night before bed- they're 16 oz, so it works out great. Thanks for doing the cow, Jen.

Good luck on your 5k this weekend!!

Anxiety attacks are so scary. Hang in there, and we're always here to listen. It definitely helps to get thing off your chest sometimes. I'm glad everything is turning out ok so far, and hope you're workup will be done soon.


I love this. Thank you Shannon for all the stats. We really do have a great mix of people here, so you know no matter where you are on the scale, you are not alone.


Definitely clothes. I wear scrubs for work, and they hide a multitude of sins, so my non-work wardrobe is minimal. I'm have some capris to wear when i lose 12-15 pounds, and plan to wear them to disney in august, and I also have some from a few years ago when I was 25 pounds lighter that I will wear when I go to disney for the princess. Positive thinking can be so powerful.

Thanks Lisa for all your wonderful coaching this week. It's such a busy place here.

Have a great day all.

Kathy I too used to wear scrubs for my job. It does hide alot. I was promoted to be the practice manager of our pediatric office in the beginning of march and had to shop for business clothes. This has been my wake up call. I couldnt believe what I looked like. That has been a big motivator too. I cant wait to hopefully run into you during the princess and seeing those capris fitting you so nicely. Way to be optimistic. You will do it!

QOTD-Wed.

I can only say what has worked for me in the past 5 weeks.

1. knowing I have to report what Im doing to you all on the wish boards and my team I joined the incredibles.
2. Having a goal in mind- running the princess 1/2 in february and making mini goals in between now and then. some 5K's 10K's etc.
3. Knowing how hard I worked to get the lbs off that I already lost. I remind myself of this when I want to eat something bad or not do a run/workout.
4. Plan meals ahead and make sure I get to the grocery store at least every 2 weeks so I dont feel forced to eat out.

 

[brinalyn530]

What is your secret for staying consistent?

I am anxious to hear everyone else's answers to this QOTD because consistency is actually my biggest problem. I know what to do, how to eat, etc. and I'm fine as long as I can get to bed at the same time each night, get up at the same time each morning, and get home at (roughly) the same time each day. I'm big on routines and schedules. Unfortunately, my son has a bevy of activities that constantly wreck my schedule and routines. There isn't anyone to help me cart him around to activities and I don't feel comfortable just dropping him off and leaving him places. I end up with all this idle time while he's practicing or playing baseball that I could be using to wash and prep our veggies, cook a decent meal, do laundry, clean house, or anything else that's actually productive. By the time we get home from these things it's almost bedtime so I have to rush and get some food in him and make sure homework is done and get him to bed and get myself to bed so I can get up for my 6 am workout. It's a struggle almost every day, especially these next few weeks with all the end of school year stuff going on. This week alone we have baseball three times, a dentist appointment, a doctor appointment, chorus/band concert, chorus performance at the local minor league baseball game, and the end of year picnic at school. Then next week are baseball playoffs, the baseball parade at another minor league game, and the field trip on Monday (which I have to pack a lunch for, drop him off early at school, and then worry all day if he stayed with his group). That's not including anything I have to do at home - cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. - or at work.

I might actually be more excited for school to end this year than my son, just so I can have my life back. I think (hope) summer will be easier because I can control our schedule - until baseball starts again in August anyways.

Sorry to be so long, but lisah0711 really hit the nail on the head with this question for me today. I haven't figured out how to cope with this part of my life yet and I know that's my biggest downfall - as far as losing this weight, increasing my stress levels, having to decide what's not going to get done today, it all just makes me miserable. I don't want to keep my son from playing sports, because he really enjoys it and is good at them (he plays baseball spring and fall and basketball in the winter). It helps keep him healthy and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that scholarships are in his future... But on the other hand, if I can't get this under control, it's definitely detrimental to my health. Any advice would be greatly appreciated .

Bree

 

[tigger813]

QOTD:If I don't stay consistent my body lets me know! I feel yucky and really achy especially by back.

I not only did my early morning walk but I also did my 2 mile WATP! I plan on doing the 3 mile Pilates walk this afternoon when I get home. At work now for awhile and then I need to run to Staples and then the grocery store for some necessities! If I get back home by 1:15 I will have time to get it in. Then tonight hopefully DH will go down and do some more Wii. I suggested that he do the EA Sports Active Challenge. I hope to do some more elliptical tonight.

Had a granola bar for breakfast, the dark chocolate and oats one. I still need to drink my BL Protein water. I have a WW meal for lunch and then we're going to have Pierogies for supper with sauce and parmesan cheese on top! YUM!

DD2 has dancing at 4 and as long as DD1 finishes reading Hoot today we will watch Hoot, the Movie during supper! Tomorrow is soccer and then a trip to an ice cream place called Kimballs to treat the girls as long as the rain stays away. I'm going to have to watch it tomorrow. Of course next week we are going to eat dinner there! Fried clams and onion rings are amazing there! I'll save up my calories on Wednesday for sure so I can enjoy that!

Time to make my lunch! Enjoy the rest of the day! I'm sure I'll be back on again later!

 

[Connie96]

What is your secret for staying consistent?

Oh, I am definitely consistent. Consistently focused on losing weight or consistently stuffing my face and gaining weight. I apparently haven't discovered the secret of consistently maintaining a healthy lifestyle yet.

Sounds like a plan! I started running this winter when the wind chill was below zero, but I think the heat is worse, believe it or not!

Yeah, at least you can layer up in the cold. In the heat (and humidity), you can only remove so many layers. And I have a personal aversion to running with no shirt. Women in just jog bras and topless men - it just strikes me as indecent. (Please don't flame me - it's not personal - it's just one of those pet peeves that we all have for one thing or another.)

Figured I should also give a personal update on the COW...I have been using a Disney resort mug to make me a bit happier as I drink all kinds of water.

I haven't commented yet on my water vessel of choice. Nothing particularly "fun", but I have two bottles that I use on a daily basis. I have a pink 27oz Klean Kanteen that I fill up every morning and drink on the way to work. I also use this bottle at home in the evenings. During the work day, I use a plain gray 24oz Clear2O filter bottle. They may not be "fun", but I'm getting the job done.

Oh, I also thought I'd share my new veggie secret... I bought a bag of baby cut carrots. Easy snack-time veggies or, if I get to the end of the day and realize that I haven't had my two, a quick handful of carrots will do the job.

, your DH really can get your DD to bed and you might be right that it is his turn. You're not really missing out when you are sharing that special time of day with your DH!

Yep! Last night I gave DD a bath early (which was easy because she had a new night gown she was anxious to put on) and left her to play until Daddy says it's storytime. He took care of getting her to bed and I just popped in to kiss her goodnight when I got back. It all worked out great and this may just be the Tues/Thurs solution I've needed.

Good Luck with your race on Saturday!

connie96, good luck on your 5K this week-end!

Good luck on your 5k this weekend!!

Thanks ladies! I'm trying to race about every 5-10 weeks to stay motivated to keep training faster and farther.

 

[lisah0711]

That just sounds so awesome to me, Jen! I am really trying to slowly increase my mileage, I'm not sure how much my bum ankle/leg can take, so I am taking it slowly. I am working on 2 4Mruns, and 1 5.5 a week, then I'll up each one by .5 mile to see what I can handle! I can't believe you actually ordered real prizes! I've been trying to grab a mug of water when I think I need a snack at night. That's been helpful for me.

I was reading Marathoning for Mortals this week-end, Taryn, and they recommend increasing no more that 10% per week to help avoid injuries. It is hard not to want to just go, go, go but it may not be best for you in the long run. (no pun intended )

Yep, the race is on Sunday, June 6th. I am a excited and scared all at the same time! We have been trying different things to prepare for the race with our drinks and nutrition. I seriously cannot run and sip at the same time so when I need water, we have to walk and then I drink. We tried the goo....never again...it was so gross! We use jelly bean like things and they are okay. Again, I struggle to run and eat so I do it when we stop and walk a bit. The walk breaks are nice because then I feel really ready to go for the next miles again.

Did you see on the BL marathon where Mike and Ashley who did the walk/run combo didn't do much worse than Kohli who ran the whole way? I think walk breaks really do help your body.

Good morning everyone!

I hope we're all feeling good and motivated today. With all this wonderful support, how can we not be? I already got started on my first glass of water (lime green plastic glass ).

How did everyone do yesterday? I tracked all my calories in Spark People and hit my target even with a small dish of ice cream in the evening. I got in my 2 veggies.... as long as a baked potato counts as a veggie. No exercise at this point. I know I need to, but I'm still exhausted and sore from the weekend.

Well, you might want to give yourself an extra day or so to recouperate so you don't get injured. Or start slowly. Sparkpeople has a lot of little 10 minute exercise routines. I am thinking about trying some for my cross training -- don't have that one figured out yet.

Things are going pretty low these days, so I hope you luck out! I own SSR and added on there, just because eit's eassier for em to keep track and we travel off season a lot, so I can get in almost anywhere.

I think that we may get to check out SSR for the Princess next year. DVC is not for everyone but it is one of the best things that we ever did!

Sad note- the oil is headed towards our beaches. Yesterday they closed the beaches in Alabama. It will be a sad summer if the beaches are closed. There will be so many more people out of work.

That is such a sad situation for everyone.

Had a really good day yesterday, made great food choices all day long. When I got home I went for a run and then DH took me to dinner to celebrate his new job. There were tons of 3000 calorie food I wanted, but I opted for the grilled salmon and an extra serving of veggies to replace the rice (and I didn't feel deprived because i LOVE salmon). So I was proud of myself yesterday.

For the COW, I've been getting in all my water and veggies. At work I use my Disney mug, and at home I use a funky bottle I bought at Old Navy.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

You go girl!

QOTD, What is your secret for staying consistent?

Whoops, forgot to answer my own QOTD.

My secret for staying consistent is setting myself up for success. I wouldn't send DS to school without what he needs nor would I trot myself off into court without be prepared, so I make sure I've done what I need for myself to be successful. That means having healthy things to eat at the office so I'm not tempted by fast food, having a plan for dinners so I am not starving and eating anything within reach, and making sure that I have at least one set of workout clothes in my car at all times. Making sure that I am successful for my exercise is my number one priority right now because I know that is the only way I will get to ONE-derland by the end of the summer.

I'm a list maker so I guess the best way for me to stay consistent is to make sure I add my workout into my Daily Grind list. If I don't have a list I tend to get to distracted by the DIS, the TV, school, etc.

Distracted by the DIS?!? Never happens!

I did have a small victory. DId some wii fit yoga last night. First time in a long time that I haven't gotten a lecture on gaining. Iw as actually down from teh last time I used it!

Yes, it is a good day when the Wii doesn't complain at you!

We really do have a great mix of people here, so you know no matter where you are on the scale, you are not alone.

It's great to have company on the road to success!

 

[MushyMushy]

Speaking of spaghetti squash, I think it tastes really good, but it's definitely squash tasting and not close to pasta. I've made the switch to whole grain pasta, which is pretty yummy.

Have any of you heard of miracle noodles? Shirataki noodles? They're supposedly very low or no carb and are super low in calories. I've been reading about them for a while and recently saw them in an international grocery store. I'll have to pick them up the next time I'm in that town and let you all know how they taste.

What is your secret for staying consistent?

You know, I really struggle with that. I think the key for me is to always, ALWAYS track my calories and exercise. If I do that, I can stay accountable and consistent. If I skip it, then I can't stick with it.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Which brings me to my QOTD, What is your secret for staying consistent?

If only I knew...consistency for me involves not getting discouraged when I don't see immediate results. I'm still trying to learn to accept delayed gratification I have to keep doing what I'm doing, even when I don't lose 3 lbs overnight I think having realistic expectations is key to keeping me moving forward and just doing what needs to be done without overthinking it. It's hard for me to accept that to be consistent, I have to actually do less physically in each session. I can't have one all-out killer workout, and then do nothing the rest of the week because my body is toast. I have to do a reasonable amount each day, and then I can do more the next day. I did 6M this morning doing intervals, switching between 4.8 and 5.2 mph. Now, I could have cranked that up and done 5.0 and 5.5, but then tomorrow I would be too whipped to do another 6M. I still had a great workout, but this way I left something for tomorrow!

Lisa -- I do run outside on occasion, but my "outside running" season is pretty short. I won't go if it's too warm, too cold or too dark, so that puts me inside most of the year

I think in the immortal words of Dory, we all need to "Just Keep Swimming", oh and quoting Stephwalks, "Food is Fuel, not Friends!"

Maria