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

[BernardandMissBianca]

Tuesday QOTD Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?

How my clothes feel and if I need maalox. If I don't need maalox that day, it's been a good day. With my clothes, I have a few staple wardrobe pieces that I leave hanging around to try on every once in a while.

We're going to do our ADRs tonight. I did one this morning. For some reason you can do them online earlier than calling in right now. Don't know if it's a fluke or what.

Nope, not a fluke. You can book ADR's online at 6 am.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Thanks yall! I knew there had to be others like me.

I plan to run this evening, but I'll have to decide whether to hit the road at 6:30, like usual, or try to get DD to bed a little early and head out around 8:15. It'll be dark by the time I get done, but it beats getting up at 4:30 in the morning. The truth is that I prefer starting my day with a run, but 4:30 is just a little more "middle of the night" than it is "morning". The other dilemma I have about getting DD into bed early is that she goes right to sleep if I put her to bed at 8:30, but anytime I get her to bed around 8:00 she usually keeps popping back up until about 10:00. It's always something, isn't it?

Wow Connie, you're telling my story! My DD is the same way with her bedtime and I also am always trying to fit in a run. 5am is just too early for me, though at least now it's light out at 5am so it's safer. But if I don't go at 5am, then it has to be 9pm after she's gone to bed and that's the LAST thing I feel like doing after a LONG day. So I feel your pain!
My solution is that I tend to put DD in the jogging stroller and bring her with me when I get home from work. I also put the dog's leash on the stroller and she comes with us. I make sure I end my jog at a park so that I can let DD out to play afterwards.
Also my DH is reaaally good about taking care of DD when I get home so that I have time to go run (I'm only out for about 40 minutes). He's a real asset to my whole weight loss program

 

[MushyMushy]

Would someone please remind me that just because my hubby is being nice and bringing me home a McDonald's sweet tea I don't have to actually drink the darn thing?

 

[keenercam]

Would someone please remind me that just because my hubby is being nice and bringing me home a McDonald's sweet tea I don't have to actually drink the darn thing?

Can you drink just some of it, mixed with water or unsweetened tea and leave the rest in the fridge to drink over the next day or 2? Could you make a pitcher of sweet tea for the fridge using that as the "base"?

 

[Connie96]

Wow Connie, you're telling my story! My DD is the same way with her bedtime and I also am always trying to fit in a run. 5am is just too early for me, though at least now it's light out at 5am so it's safer. But if I don't go at 5am, then it has to be 9pm after she's gone to bed and that's the LAST thing I feel like doing after a LONG day. So I feel your pain!
My solution is that I tend to put DD in the jogging stroller and bring her with me when I get home from work. I also put the dog's leash on the stroller and she comes with us. I make sure I end my jog at a park so that I can let DD out to play afterwards.
Also my DH is reaaally good about taking care of DD when I get home so that I have time to go run (I'm only out for about 40 minutes). He's a real asset to my whole weight loss program

Yeah, I definitely couldn't do this with out DH's support. When I go run these days, I'm gone for about an hour or a little more and they do enjoy hanging out together. It's just that I ALWAYS do the bedtime routine. Of course, it has been three years... maybe he's ready to take a turn. But, am I ready to let him? I'd hate to give up my story time and cuddle time before lights out. (It's only 2 evenings a week - I'm sure I could adjust.)

 

[LuvBaloo]

Okay, work is calm, so I'm putting our opening results post out at lunchtime instead of this evening.

First off: OUR MAINTAINERS!

Corinnak, 50sjayne & PrincessBride6205!​

We've defined maintainers as staying within 2 lbs of their maintenance weight. These ladies have proven it can be done and are a great inspiration!
# of maintainers reporting in: 2!

Secondly: OUR LOSERS!

# of people signing up: 92
# of weigh-ins received: 76
# of people excused this week: 2
# of missing weigh-ins: 14

I think that's fantastic starting number! Only 15% no-shows .


And some folks like to see the break down of our starting weights, so here it is:
13 less than 150lbs
12 in 150's & 160's
9 in 170's & 180's
15 in 190's & 200's
9 in 210's & 220's
6 in 230's & 240's
12 at 250 or higher

We are pretty evenly spread out. Which really shows that its not about the number; you can want to lose weight at any point on the scale. The goal is to get healthier & happier with your number!


Last round, I added in the retention%.
This will be calculated as:
# of weighins+excused each week compared to this week.
This time around the base number is 76 + 2 + 2 = 80!
I hope to see everybody around until the end

We can do this together! There's loads of experience and support we can all share, so let's make this a great losing (or maintaining) summer!

And copying from a page in my BL page-a-day calendar:

Successful weight-loss frame of mind:
Believe you can do it.
Don't forget to eat.
Write down everything you eat.
Learn new cooking techniques.
Handle cravings sensibly.
Tame your temptations.
Look at healthy foods in a new light.
Face emotional eating head on.​

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Tuesday QOTD Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?

I'm always amazed when my clothes get a bit looser, or I fit into something I could not wear before. I also measure my progress by the workouts I'm able to do -- time and distance. When I increased my weekly long runs to 9M, I was really proud!

Connie96 -- I am one of those 4:30 am people. The hardest part is getting out of the bed -- and I am very lucky because I have a TM in my basement/guest suite (that's our fancy name for in-law!). I only have to go downstairs and I'm good to go. It was hard to shift myself here and I still have days when it just doesn't happen. I'm just much happier if I get my workout in before the day starts. I do not like working out after a long day at my desk. I try to be in bed with lights out at 9:30 every night. This works well because my dh heads for the gym in the evening. And it also works because I have one ds12, who goes to bed at 9. I can still get him settled -- it's pretty much hug, kiss and "Did you brush your teeth?" at this point, and then relax with a book and cup of hot tea before I go to sleep. I Tivo if there is something I really want to see. I can be off the TM by 6, and in the shower, and then ds can get in at 6:30. Like I said, it's not perfect, but it generally works for me.

Everyone have an awesome evening!

Maria

 

[keenercam]

Shannon -- You rock!! Thank you so much for doing this!

 

[Connie96]

Connie96 -- I am one of those 4:30 am people. The hardest part is getting out of the bed -- and I am very lucky because I have a TM in my basement/guest suite (that's our fancy name for in-law!). I only have to go downstairs and I'm good to go. It was hard to shift myself here and I still have days when it just doesn't happen. I'm just much happier if I get my workout in before the day starts. I do not like working out after a long day at my desk. I try to be in bed with lights out at 9:30 every night. This works well because my dh heads for the gym in the evening. And it also works because I have one ds12, who goes to bed at 9. I can still get him settled -- it's pretty much hug, kiss and "Did you brush your teeth?" at this point, and then relax with a book and cup of hot tea before I go to sleep. I Tivo if there is something I really want to see. I can be off the TM by 6, and in the shower, and then ds can get in at 6:30. Like I said, it's not perfect, but it generally works for me.

Thanks, Worfie. I have done the 4:30 thing in the past, but that was for workout videos in the living room and not running the neighborhood in the dark. I may get a treadmill someday, but it's not in the budget right now and I really SO much prefer being outside. Having a treadmill would take away any excuses when it's pouring rain or thunderstorming. Unless the power goes out, of course!

Thanks to each of you for sharing your run-schedule solutions. It's just one of those things that I'll have to keep changing until I get it right so that I'll stick with it!

 

[LMDisneygirl]

I was at home before lunch today and found myself thinking about carry-out from a restaurant that is very close to my house. I had developed a habit of getting it on Mondays for lunch. Today does feel like a Monday too! And let's just say it's not health food! But I decided instead to go to the freezer and get the Lean Cuisine Lasagna and make that instead. It was very good, and I was satisfied and didn't have that overstuffed feeling I would have had from going to the other place.

I have been using "Lose It" on my Iphone for a couple of weeks now, but have been on it for a few days, and then off for a few. Today was another fresh start. If I'm going to lose 20 pounds before Disney I need to start making better choices more often. And so this afternoon I did!

Yay me!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Would someone please remind me that just because my hubby is being nice and bringing me home a McDonald's sweet tea I don't have to actually drink the darn thing?

OMG that is a weakness. for awhile I would go to mcd's for breakfast every morning and order a Large sweet tea along with a buscuit with bacon and cheese, no egg and a hashbrown. Can you believe that. I could just vomit right now thinking about it. I swear they put secret addicting potion in the tea. I would crave it if i didnt have it. I am proud to say I have not drank one in over a month. Woohoo! I am at the point where I dont even think about stopping when I drive by the thousands of fast food places I pass on the way home. I just have to think of all you guys and the inspirational stories and support I have and I just cruise on by.

 

[keenercam]

I was at home before lunch today and found myself thinking about carry-out from a restaurant that is very close to my house. I had developed a habit of getting it on Mondays for lunch. Today does feel like a Monday too! And let's just say it's not health food! But I decided instead to go to the freezer and get the Lean Cuisine Lasagna and make that instead. It was very good, and I was satisfied and didn't have that overstuffed feeling I would have had from going to the other place.

I have been using "Lose It" on my Iphone for a couple of weeks now, but have been on it for a few days, and then off for a few. Today was another fresh start. If I'm going to lose 20 pounds before Disney I need to start making better choices more often. And so this afternoon I did!

Yay me!

Yes, YAY You!!!!! You were an

 

[pjlla]

So I figured I fell off the wagon I might as well drag behind it for a bit. First I had the chocolate bunny and then I had a large mud slide ice from Ralph's. Oh well tomorrow is another day. For those of you that have seen my posts in the last few weeks you know I've been going through some things and tomorrow is the neurologist appointment. I guess I'm just dealing with my nerves right now.

good luck with the appointment. Try not to eat into the nerves. You end up still nervous, but also bloated and possibly feeling guilty about the eating.

thanks mikamah
i totally blew it tonight! It was my DS15 first soccer game tonight and we celebrated with ice cream (kiddie cone)....and when i was done, i thought ...'that wasn't even worth it" Getting back on track!!!!!

NOW... to remember that feeling in the future when confronted with this same situation! Just keep reminding yourself that it wasn't worth it and the next time you are there, hopefully you won't order that ice cream (but maybe a small fat free frozen yogurt instead??).

I made a plan to get the running in between kids soccer and coming home for dinner. And I stuck to it! Still not loving the running, but it feels to good to do it. I may end up doing 2 weeks of the week 1 level, but I'll decide that when next week rolls around.

I did good today with no pop! Now we'll see how tomorrow goes.

I'll be on tomorrow for the first results post, which doesn't have any results just opening stats

I totally understand the "not loving the running but feeling good" feeling!! The running is only worth it for the great feeling of accomplishment I have at the end!

pjlla, glad the hamstring is feeling better. Take it easy!

Thanks... definitely feeling better. Did a 40 minute walk this morning and did 4 1 minute interval runs just to test things out. Felt a small twinge during the third interval, but feeling okay now.

Thanks for the good wishes, pinkle! I had surgery 8 days ago for a bone and tissue graft in my knee and the combination of having the knee joint disassembled to do the surgery plus having a segment of bone taken out of my femur and replaced with a cadaver graft, and the incision itself has all been very painful and overwhelming. Right now it feels like my running days are far behind me and I’ll be grateful to be able to walk or even sit pain-free someday soon.


Tuesday QOTD Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?
I am often motivated by how my clothes fit. Also, if I wake up in the morning having no regrets about what I ate the day before, it is a HUGE victory for me.

First of all.. best wishes on a speedy recovery for the knee. I know when DH had a bone graft taken from his hip years ago, the most painful part of the entire thing was the HIP, not the original injury spot!

Secondly.... the NO REGRETS statement is HUGE! In fact, that was going to be my comment about today's QOTD.... so here goes......

Tuesday QOTD Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?

It has a LOT to do with my emotional well-being. NOT waking up with a "food hangover" or with that horrible guilt or regret is a big way of telling me that my previous day was SUCCESSFUL, as far as healthy lifestyle goes. So I guess that would be my MEASURE OF SUCCESS!

Gotta run........TTYL.................P

 

[cativa]

MondayQOTD: I have zero willpower (as evidenced by my overindulgences this weekend!) so I'm telling everyone who will listen that I'm dieting. It does help when my cubemate raises her eyebrow at me if I head toward the candy dish! Even more important though - if DH knows I'm "being good" he won't bring me home treats or suggest we go get pizza for dinner.

TuesdayQOTD: I can feel when I'm treating my body poorly. My skin is greasier, I'm lethargic and moody, and I don't sleep well. When I'm eating right, drinking water and exercising I just feel better and sleep so much better! Makes me wonder why I do eat badly so often

 

[brinalyn530]

Hello again everyone. I had a very busy weekend and didn't even get a chance to peek in. I just finished catching up on the thread from Friday afternoon - you guys have been busy too ! Not too happy with my weekend from a BL perspective, but I had a lot of fun and had a great birthday, so I'm not going to beat myself up over it.

First, thanks so much for all the birthday wishes! And Happy (belated) Birthday to my fellow Memorial Day Weekend babies!

I have quite a few QOTD to answer so I'll do that as quick as I can...

QOTD Saturday: Do you have any plans for the summer? How will they help or hinder you reaching your goals for this challenge?
We’ll be having a low key summer since we had our big trip to WDW last month and we have the cruises all set up for next May/June. I’m going to get a pass for the county pool we like to go to (the ONLY thing I miss about our old neighborhood is that they had a really nice pool that was included in the monthly dues so you could just show up for an hour or two whenever you wanted and didn’t feel like you had to stay all day to get your money’s worth, but I digress…). We may head to Six Flags or Kings Dominion for the day, and maybe an overnight trip to Hershey Park. Now that my birthday is done, and school and baseball are almost over, there isn’t much that will be a hindrance as far as eating (with the exception of Hershey Park – my plan for that is to take it easy on myself while we’re there but nothing comes home with us!). I really do need to step up the exercise though – it’s a lot easier to eat well when I’m good about exercising because I don’t want to undo the good I did while working out.

QOTD SUNDAY: If you were at Disneyland or WDW right now what would you be doing?
I would love to be meandering around World Showcase right now, but only if I was alone. My son isn’t a fan of meandering anywhere, so if he were with me it would be a constant stream of “Come on Mom, hurry up!” “I don’t want to go into ANOTHER store” blah, blah, blah

QOTD Monday: What is your best tip to avoid temptation?
Stay away from it! I am usually really good about keeping junk out of the house which really helps, but while we’re out and about it’s a lot harder. I have a really hard time choosing healthy options when we eat out – I don’t want grilled chicken at Applebee's, I want the boneless buffalo chicken wings.

Tuesday QOTD Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?
Definitely by the way my clothes fit and by how I feel during my workouts. I weigh myself once a week – never more because I tend to get a little obsessive about the number if I weigh too often. I don’t take any measurements, but maybe I should?

Well, off to baseball practice now. Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Bree

 

[Octoberbride03]

WOw, this is a busy place. I need to start taking notes.

Same here
I have no idea how I'm going to keep up with everybody. Last challenge I had so much drama going on I didn't post often but kept up with reporting in. This time I want/need to keep up with both especially since I am coaching later on. And yes, there's still drama

When I first started losing weight, I weight by my belt I wear to work. It felt great to move to lower notches Then I got smaller pants that currently don't need a belt.

I know just what you mean. For my job I wear men's pants. Sturdier and lots of pockets which i need during my day. Near the end of the last challenge I needed new pants and got a pair 2 inches smaller than the old ones. But because I'm a woman i still need the belt which suits me fine. I find it very interesting how sometimes in the course of my day I will actually need to tighten my belt another notch.

My own report in for today:

I have made a plan for getting on track this week. Went seriously off the wagon over the weekend. But its time to jump back in. My goal is to get good workouts in for the next 4 days. Minimum 20 minutes of power Fit and max of 40 with adding the ball in. Skipping the cardio day this week since i need to get back into the toning and I walk quite a lot at work. 1 of these days i must really get myself a pedometer.

As for eating i really have to pay attention and see just how much I NEED to eat now. After the last BL its clear that I don't need as much. The ? is how long will it take me to find what i need in the right way. That's gonna be an experiment.

Off for now, to get in the workout. Back later to catch up with the QOTDs.

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I have pants that are slightly too small and I try them on weekly. Once they fit I know that I have done well. My weight seems to be shifting around a lot at this point. My pooch is still there.

Just ate some homemade General Gau's and white rice. I had a small plate. I also had to cups of raspberry iced tea. I'm about to go get my 2nd cup of Earl Grey Green Tea.

Listening to the WWoHP podcast. Very interesting. I'm shocked they have a fat patrol not at the beginning of the line. They have try out seats near the front but not a patrol so you don't waste 2-3 hours in line. I'd be ticked if I waited in line and then they told me I was too heavy to ride it!

This is an incentive to lose weight if you are going to WWoHP!

Will get in all my water today but not my veggies.

Can't wait to see Losing It tonight with Jillian though I may record it and watch it tomorrow at some point. I hope to get to sleep early tonight.

 

[CharityLynn]

A tad late to the party but I'm here. My name is Charity.

Lately trying to lose weight has been so hard, so much harder than ever before. Last year I gained 40lbs! I really need to get my butt in gear and hopefully this will help me. I have been around for other challenges, the recent ones I came day one and really didn't return, I'm hoping this time will different I am so sick of myself where my health is concerned.

We are going to Disney World in October and I'm hoping to drop some weight, not giving myself a number because honestly anything would be great.

So here's the QOTDs:

5/27 Thursday QOTD: Tell us a little about yourself and your goals for this challenge.

Ok I did this already for the most part. I'm a wife and mother (2 kiddos) My kids are how I gained the weight I took pregnancy as an eat whatever you want period. Gained 76lbs with each baby (4 years apart) I have hypothyroid disease as well.

My goals are to lose some weight at this point I don't have a certain number I really just want to see the numbers go down on the scale and measuring tape.

I have a gym membership I don't think I've used this year, have a bicycle too. And tons of DVDs and other exercise options. Haven't used them much but I have them and its time to dust them off.



5/28 Friday QOTD: We talked a little yesterday about ourselves and our goals for this challenge. Today's question is what is your plan to help you reach your goals?

I need to get moving This honestly my biggest hurdle right now and its the first step I want to take then i will think about getting into even more on the diet side. I will stop drinking soda and a couple other steps on that side but I don't want to do anything too dramatic at this point.


5/29 Saturday QOTD: Do you have any plans for the summer? How will they help or hinder you reaching your goals for this challenge?

Normally I am a stay at home mom but last year with the economy I got a summer job at the local zoo. I am doing this again this year. I love working there The season started at the end of April and goes until the beginning of October. Last year i think working here had me gain a lot of weight. But this year I want it to be different. I haven't drank any pop at work so far My kid's will be going to summer school/camp and I have to pick them up at school which means walking (We have one car and hubby works 2nd shift) so I will be walking 1.4miles (back and forth) 5 days a week. SO that will definitely help

5/30 QOTD SUNDAY: If you were at Disneyland or WDW right now what would you be doing?

Well its about 5:30 (if i were doing this at this time on Sunday) I'd be pulling into the Bay Lake Tower Resort (Where we are staying in October) and we'd be touring the resort maybe swimming in the pool.

QOTD Monday: What is your best tip to avoid temptation?

Still working on this myself, may have to go and read others responses. I'm guessing not uying it and putting in the house is a good one. Also not allowing myself to come up with excuses to just do it.

Today’s: Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?

I have a measuring tape that I will be getting out tomorrow to use, I really find more change in this than i do in the scale so it helps me keep motivated, at least it has in the past.


I will send in my weight on Friday so I can start fresh with everyone.

Charity

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm new here and I haven't read all the post I'm joining in! I need to lose about 70lbs total, and hope to lose 26lbs over the summer taking into account we have many birthdays, holidays, etc and don't want to be hard on myself about not losing a huge amount because of them.

 

[carmiedog]

I wanted to stay up with QOTDs this round, but wow! I'm already so far behind. Here's my catching up...

5/27 Thursday QOTD: Tell us a little about yourself and your goals for this challenge.
I'm close enough to 40 to start thinking about how I want to celebrate. Mom of 3 kids that are super busy so I spend a lot of time driving them around. I've been "martyr mom" the last 12 years and I'm finally starting to find ME again. Realistic goal is to lose 13 pounds in 13 weeks, dream goal is to lose 20 pounds before August 6.

5/28 Friday QOTD: We talked a little yesterday about ourselves and our goals for this challenge. Today's question is what is your plan to help you reach your goals?
Track calories at the daily plate, track exercise minutes on the exercise challenge threads here, and follow the COW. I have a sticker chart for COW. Hey, if it works for kids...!

5/29 Saturday QOTD: Do you have any plans for the summer? How will they help or hinder you reaching your goals for this challenge?
Good news: I'm off work in 2 weeks and don't go back until August. That means more time to exercise!
Bad news: We're doing a family roadtrip to my grandmother's (who will insist on stuffing me) and also to a wedding. But at least I can balance out the extra food with lots of good stuff from our garden!

5/30 Sunday QOTD: If you were at Disneyland or WDW right now what would you be doing?
Considering I'm pretty pooped, I'd be relaxing and meandering around the resort (Dolphin or POR). The boat from POR to DTD sounds nice right now. sigh.

5/31 Monday QOTD: What is your best tip to avoid temptation?
First question: Is there something to eat instead? If not, then make it count! Seriously. If I'm really tempted by something, I ask if it's worth it. And if it's really worth it, I have just a little and make it count. If I'm having a chocolate craving, Hershey's kisses aren't worth it to me. I need to satisfy myself with something more rich. Hershey's Nuggets are awesome for this - one Special Dark with Almonds satisfies me so I don't keep dwelling on the temptation.

6/1 Tuesday QOTD: Do you have other ways to measure your progress besides the scale?
I'm a scale addict, and other than that, I only notice fit of clothes. Not a tape measure kinda gal!