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

[JOANNEL]

I am down 2.5. It's not as good as I would have liked, but I had two bad days so I will take it.

QOTD- Grocery Shopping- I usually make a list. Now with the kids gone it's much easier not to buy junk.

Good job all you losers!!!

 

[MushyMushy]

For those wanting to multi quote, here's how you do it. Down at the bottom right corner of each post will be 3 buttons -- the one in the middle has a plus sign. Each post you would like to quote, click that plus sign as you read through the thread. Then when you get to the end of the thread, or you are ready to post, then down below the thread, there is a reply button. When you click the reply button, you will get every post you clicked the plus button for. Just write your response after each [/QUOTE].

 

[pjlla]

So........I'm down just under a lb but I'm happy as I went out to dinner last night. I did pick a healthier meal than I would have before, I got grilled jerk chicken with a mashed sweet potato and some green beans. (didn't eat the sweet potato it was TOO sweet!!!) I shared a salad with my sister in law, it had greens and lots of fruit and some goat cheese. I did splurge and have a little bit of dessert, some banana thing. Anyway....I'm happy because I KNEW weighing in the morning after a dinner out would not be a good thing....but...next week I hope to lose 3-4 lbs to make up for this week's little loss.

If the sweet potatoes were that sweet, they probably had added sugar in them.... which meals you were better off probably NOT eating them. I always ask how the potatoes are made when I order them out. Too many places "adulterate" their sweet potatoes with sugar and butter. I LOVE sweet potatoes and don't need the added junk.

Good morning everyone and good luck on the scale. Don't give up or worry if it goes the wrong way, especially if you've done what you should. All those little fluctuations are normal, and it will catch up with you. Congrats to all the losses you've seen so far!! Some great numbers!!

hugs to all who need them today. Have a great day.

Thanks for the reminder.... and I'll take a hug!

I have no suggestions, but I feel your pain. It's so hard to set a goal in the first place, and then to know whether or not it's too high or too low is another story. Getting closer to goal is exciting and a little stressful at the same time. You've probably already tried this, but what about changing up which days you do workouts. For example cardio on the day you normally do strength and vice versa. Or a little cardio after strength. Hang in there.

I don't have any particular schedule for my workouts, so I'm not sure that would help.... but thanks for the suggestion. I think I actually need to bump up the strength training. I only tend to do it sporatically.... maybe twice a week... and probably not with enough intensity.

Well... the sun is shining and my class is in PE so all is good... for now!

QOTD: Describe your trip to the grocery store. How do you tackle this task?

Well... considering how orderly I like things, I actually don't have a "usual" plan of attack for grocery shopping.

First of all, we live 35 minutes from the nearest grocery store (although there is a Mom and Pop mini grocery about 20 minutes away), so I am not the type to just stop in for one or two things. But DD's swim practice is within a few minutes of two stores, so I am able to make it to the store a few times a week, if needed.

When I am being organized and planning my meals ahead, I tend to hit the store about every 5 days. When I make up the menues, I make up shopping lists at the same time. I need/like to hit the store that frequently to make sure we have plenty of fresh fruit/veggies.

No particular pattern of WHEN I hit the stores.... but mainly during the week, when I am driving into town anyhow. I rarely shop on the weekends... I'm either too busy or I don't want to drive all that way for just that.

I take my preplanned menu shopping list and add the normal necessities to it (from the white board I keep in the kitchen... one section for Shaw's, one section for Costco, one section for Target, and one section for Market Basket, since I know the best prices for certain things at each of these stores).

I'm not great about using coupons.... especially since most of my purchases are fresh foods and/or store brands... but I do cut the coupons for items I know I will buy... and then I frequently forget to use them!!

Since we DO live pretty far from a store, I keep a decently stocked pantry with overflow in the basement. We would never starve, even if we were stuck here for weeks!

I try to plan my upcoming meals based on what I have readily available in the freezer or pantry or what is in season. I buy my meats on sale/markdown and store them in the freezer. Then when I am planning my meals, I just check my freezer inventory and plan from there.

When I hit the actual store, with list (and hopefully coupons) in hand, I tend to hit EVERY AISLE (unless I am stopping in for just a few specifics). I hit the marked down produce rack first, and then the rest of the produce department (I rarely pay full price for my salad greens, as I usually buy them on "last day" markdown.. and they usually last at least three days or more).

Next I just go aisle by aisle. I will stock up on a few things if they are a great sale that week (canned beans, spaghetti sauce, tuna, ketchup, things like that). As I am going aisle by aisle, I make sure to stop at the reduced rack... I've gotten great deals there, like slightly dented cans of Old ElPaso fat free refried beans for 50 cents! I bought all they had! I also check out the reduced bakery rack, but don't buy from there often. But I've found the whole wheat "light" hamburger rolls I like there a few times!

If I need to do a MAJOR stock up, I might plan a day when I will hit several different stores. Market Basket has better prices than Shaw's, but is much further away, so I will usually hit that on "stock up" day! And ANYTIME we are in the vicinity of Costco, we will buy plenty of fresh produce!! We "plan" a specific Costco trip about every 6 to 8 weeks to get basics like detergent and such.

THat enough shopping info for you!!

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

 

[brinalyn530]

Bree, you and I are starting to sound like the same person.

You know, they say everyone has a twin somewhere...

Bree

 

[brinalyn530]

For those wanting to multi quote, here's how you do it. Down at the bottom right corner of each post will be 3 buttons -- the one in the middle has a plus sign. Each post you would like to quote, click that plus sign as you read through the thread. Then when you get to the end of the thread, or you are ready to post, then down below the thread, there is a reply button. When you click the reply button, you will get every post you clicked the plus button for. Just write your response after each

Well, that's why I couldn't figure it out... It was just too darn easy ! Apparently I was clicking the wrong button .

I got it now. Thank you for showing me the light!

Bree

 

[lovedvc]

I am down 1.4 lbs. only 6.5 lbs till goal.

 

[brinalyn530]

I am down 1.4 lbs. only 6.5 lbs till goal.

Awesome! Congrats to you!

I think I'm done for the day. I'll try to check in on Sunday morning so I'm not quite so behind on Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bree

 

[maiziezoe]

Kath Sometimes we need ice cream. The important thing is you had it and made it work into your week - you controlled it, it didn't control you. Awesome!



Jen just another hug for you



Taryn wow!! 55 pounds!! Thanks for the reflections on your week!

Ann somehow I didn't quote you- how can that be?! Sorry about your bloodpressure Is it hereditary, or related to your lupus? Just curious. DD has a friend her age (12) who is on bp meds, skinny little thing too...that's what I'll be saying about you except w/o the age part

Well I had a great week, I've finally refocused. I've been working a lot this week and driving dd around so I really had to schedule workouts, plus I've been walking my dogs, getting up at 5:40 to get it in before my first shift. Yesterday I almost skipped my Power90 b/c I had walked and was tired but fortunately I ran out of tests to score so I went down and did it.

Got my walk in this morning, only work 1 1/2 hours today then take dd to strings (10 - 15 minute early arrival), get a haircut, pick her up and we're done for the day! Will do my Power90 w/dd when she gets home.

Probably Lupus related. My doctor is going to run some blood tests for my kidneys.

 

[maiziezoe]

I had the best day!

Scale said I am .7 down. Yippee Skippy.

I got up early and took the train to downtown Chicago with my kids (DD-13, DS5 and DD-3) to see the Stanley Cup Winners parade. It was AWESOME. Soooooo many people and it was soooooo hot (90 degrees and very humid). It was so cool to see the Cup in person. My kids were soooooo well behaved and that made the day even better. I will never forget today. It was awesome.

QOTD: Describe your trip to the grocery store. How do you tackle this task?

I make a weekly menu on Sunday mornings... then I make my grocery list... then I go to the grocery store. I do not buy anything if it isn't on my list.

 

[tigger813]

OK, not being good at all! Had a grilled chicken and eggplant calzone with mozzarella and pesto! SO good but fattening. I'm now on my 2nd maragarita and had some tostitos with a spicy dip made with cream cheese. That's dinner! I did my 2.7 miles this morning. Watching Toy Story 1 and then we'll watch Toy Story 2 on DXD!

Parents arrived and left again for the weekend. I need a BL for the dog. She is on Prednisone so she has gotten really heavy. She is a 12 1/2 yr old cocker spaniel with major ear problems and deaf. I just had to carry her out to the bathroom as she can't go downstairs but can come up. Man, is she heavy!!!!

DD1 is off to her sleepover! GOing to the cheesecake factory for supper! My mom brought is 2 slices of chocolate chip cheesecake so we'll have that later.

I will get in some workouts tomorrow after World Cup Day while watching soccer. I'm really excited about it! I even bought a USA jersey the other day!

Next week is shaping up to be really busy! I have 1 person on Monday and 3 on Tuesday so far! And actually not working Thursday and Friday!

Have a great night! DD1 misses her sister but I think is enjoying having mom and dad to herself! She's going to help take care of the dog!

 

[flipflopmom]

Ugh. Home from class. I'm truly meant to be on the other side of the desk, although it does give me a better perspective on what school is like for the kids!

I'll have to share a funny story. I got bored, so I started looking at the thighs of all the ladies around me, and running my hands down the side of my desk seat to see if mine hung over or were on the seat, and comparing them to people I thought were skinny, on target, a little over, etc. Sad but true.

Forgot to take something to eat. Thankfully I had broiled a bunch of chicken breasts, so I made my own "chicken salad". I don't like mayo, so I typically don't like chicken salad. Instead, I added 1tsp of ranch dressing and 2 TBSP of buffalo wing sauce. My mouth is on fire, but it was yummy!

Congrats to everyone that had those milestones becoming reality and/or getting closer!

Taryn

 

[pinkle]

What a day I am down 1 pound, not bad but I was hoping for 3. I had surgery on my foot today (to correct my 'erected' toe from a previous surgery)! Well.......after the doctor cut the tendons in my foot he was a little perplexed as to why my toe was still standing up!!! So now i have 5 staples in my foot and am no better off......i think my running will be put on hold for a few weeks. just when i was getting a rhythm
Sorry for the neg vibes, i needed to vent.
tomorrow will be a happy day
Congrats everyone on the weight loss!!!!!

 

[tigger813]

What a day I am down 1 pound, not bad but I was hoping for 3. I had surgery on my foot today (to correct my 'erected' toe from a previous surgery)! Well.......after the doctor cut the tendons in my foot he was a little perplexed as to why my toe was still standing up!!! So now i have 5 staples in my foot and am no better off......i think my running will be put on hold for a few weeks. just when i was getting a rhythm
Sorry for the neg vibes, i needed to vent.
tomorrow will be a happy day
Congrats everyone on the weight loss!!!!!

Here's to a quick recovery!

 

[mikamah]

QOTD: Describe your trip to the grocery store. How do you tackle this task?

I try to go once over the weekend, with a list in hand. If there's no list, I miss things, and buy things I don't need. When michael has ccd I go on sunday mornings without him, and always have a list, but when I need to bring him, he tends to put things in the basket. Lately it's gum he wants so that's not too bad, and I'll let him get a few of the 25 cent individual chips. I like to buy enough for the week, but don't always plan enough, so might stop by once mid week to pick up another meal. Also I do not like to go hungry, or I come home with things like twinkies and dove bars. I always go to Market Basket. It's so much cheaper than shaws and stop and shop.

MILESTONE ACHIEVED! Weighed-in this morning 0.1 pounds into "normal" territory.

Whoo whoo!! Normal is awesome!!! I can't remember the last time I was normal, in many ways.

Am i the only one super over-whelmed by how fast the thread moves? I do read most of it but I don't feel like I can participate. How do you do the multiquoting thing? I want to reply but I'm not sure how to.
.

The thread does move fast, and I try not to let it overwhelm me. If I have time, I'll try to respond more, but if I'm short on time, I might just read some, and get back later. I love the support and inspiration and might just pop on and say hi. It's hard to keep up with everyone and respond to everyone, but you are always welcome to share whatever is on your mind, any time, and everyone here is so helpful and welcoming. Mushymushy explained the multiquoting thing above. Phew, I was going to try, but she did a much nicer job than I could have.

No you are definitely not the only one! You certainly don’t have to respond to everyone – or anyone, really – but what I do is open up a Word document as I’m catching up on the posts, then I can jot down notes or replies as I come to them. Then I copy the Word document into my reply. I can’t explain the multi-quote to you as I just stumbled upon how to do it myself and honestly, I don’t remember how I did it that time – it was a fluke! But an easy way to cheat is to right click the “Quote” button on the post you want to reply to, open in a new window or tab, then you can copy and paste the quote into Word to incorporate it into your reply, then you just close that window/tab and continue reading the thread on your original one. When you've finished your reply in Word, you just click "Post Reply" at the end of the thread and copy it from Word into the reply box. Sprinkle with smilies as needed and voila! HTH. If you have any questions about my “cheating” method, just let me know and I’ll try to explain it better.

Now you sound very computer literate but that sounds difficult to me. I have a hard time using more than one window. Though I love that you sprinkle your replies with smiles, and voila!! Very fun.

For those wanting to multi quote, here's how you do it. Down at the bottom right corner of each post will be 3 buttons -- the one in the middle has a plus sign. Each post you would like to quote, click that plus sign as you read through the thread. Then when you get to the end of the thread, or you are ready to post, then down below the thread, there is a reply button. When you click the reply button, you will get every post you clicked the plus button for. Just write your response after each

.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the explanation.

THat enough shopping info for you!!

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

It sounded pretty organized to me. I feel very lucky now to be 5 minutes from our Market basket. Sorry you had a gain this week, Pamela. Keep up that positive attitude, and don't let it get you down. They always say the last 5 are the hardest, and you're working hard for them. Keep it up.

I got up early and took the train to downtown Chicago with my kids (DD-13, DS5 and DD-3) to see the Stanley Cup Winners parade. It was AWESOME. Soooooo many people and it was soooooo hot (90 degrees and very humid). It was so cool to see the Cup in person. My kids were soooooo well behaved and that made the day even better. I will never forget today. It was awesome.

How exciting, and such an awesome memory for you and your kids. Congrats to all your Blackhawks fans.

I'll have to share a funny story. I got bored, so I started looking at the thighs of all the ladies around me, and running my hands down the side of my desk seat to see if mine hung over or were on the seat, and comparing them to people I thought were skinny, on target, a little over, etc. Sad but true.

Funny, but how did you measure up? I'd bet you did pretty well. How far over the seat would your thighs have gone 55 pounds ago? I like to compare to other people too. Sometimes I don't think we see ourselves as we really look, whether we think we're heavier or lighter, but not always accurate.

What a day I am down 1 pound, not bad but I was hoping for 3. I had surgery on my foot today (to correct my 'erected' toe from a previous surgery)! Well.......after the doctor cut the tendons in my foot he was a little perplexed as to why my toe was still standing up!!! So now i have 5 staples in my foot and am no better off......i think my running will be put on hold for a few weeks. just when i was getting a rhythm
Sorry for the neg vibes, i needed to vent.
tomorrow will be a happy day
Congrats everyone on the weight loss!!!!!

So sorry about your foot. I hope you heal quickly from your surgery.

Home for the evening, but on call til 11, hoping the phone doesn't ring. My son wanted to stay up til 9:30, so I figured I'd catch up here, and let him. We have a busy baseball day tomorrow- homerun derby, little league picnic, and a game. We went to a friends house for supper, and I had 3 pieces of pizza and a salad. Oh well, it's a new week, so might as well use some of those flex points.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

HI everyone great job on the wt loss this week. I have never been more happy to have the weekend upon us. Not much planned but just glad to get a break from work. I do have to go into my office on sunday to get some work done but it will be nice to focus without everyone else bothering me.

I lost 1.4lb this week. Overall I was happy about this given the circumstances (TOM).

QOTD- It has been working out good when I plan dinners for 1-2wks depending on how often I am planning on going to the store. I write down the meals and make a list of whats needed. I list whats needed for lunches and other household items. Drinks etc. then I always pick one treat for my kids to have throughout the week. exp: popsicles, fruit snacks, etc. It seems to be working out both healthy eating wise and also budgeting. I am finding I am not over spending on junk food or things we end up not eating quick enough.

 

[jenanderson]

Evening Everyone! I just got caught up with all our COW week 2 records. You are still welcome to send me data all weekend if you participated. I really encourage people to give it at try...even for just a week and see how it help you.

Well, I have survived the end of school and packing up my classroom. I actually had a really good day because I decided that it is not helping me to dwell on the job I did not get. I will get paid through the summer and spend that time focusing on what is next. I have a great resume, incredible letters of recommendations and know that I am a great teacher - there has to be something out there for me. Overall, it was still an emotional day and I still made stupid choices. The good thing was that I had to make over 20 trips with very heavy boxes filled with books...down stairs at school and then down stairs at home. I had an incredible workout.

I have not run since my half marathon on Sunday and am planning a run right away in the morning...hope it goes well. I did do some great exercising all week though so I feel good about all the cross training. I love my new Y membership.

I did not find a a new journal tonight but I did use my WW journal. I have to find something I like this weekend because the WW's one just does not inspire me to keep journaling.

QOTD: Describe your trip to the grocery store. How do you tackle this task?
To be successful at the grocery store, I have to make a menu first and then develop my list from there. Once I have the list, I can go shopping. When I have a good list, I tend to stick to it...when I do not have a list, I tend to buy a lot of impulsive sort of things. The only good thing is that my impulsive buys lately are simply just extra healthy foods. For example this morning, I had to run into the grocery store to pick up something for school. I did not have a good breakfast and wanted to grab something to eat. Instead of going to the bakery, I went and got some assorted dried fruit and ate that instead.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Jen

 

[A.Mickey]

QOTD: Describe your trip to the grocery store. How do you tackle this task?

I make a weekly menu on Sunday mornings... then I make my grocery list... then I go to the grocery store. I do not buy anything if it isn't on my list.

I so want to menu plan! How do you do it?

Been trying to keep up with this thread but it moves sooo quick! I exercised 5 times this past week, thanks to the COW and am down 7 lbs! Time to start journaling the food...gonna go do that now.

 

[flipflopmom]

! So now i have 5 staples in my foot and am no better off......i think my running will be put on hold for a few weeks. just when i was getting a rhythm

Vent away, that has to be frustrating! What does he think is still causing it? Hoping you feel better soon!

Funny, but how did you measure up? I'd bet you did pretty well. How far over the seat would your thighs have gone 55 pounds ago? I like to compare to other people too. Sometimes I don't think we see ourselves as we really look, whether we think we're heavier or lighter, but not always accurate.

I really, really struggle with self-image. I did okay, smaller than some, waayy smaller than some, a bit more than some. I guess avg. Which, considering where I was 5 months ago, is pretty cool! I am constantly asking DH - am I her size? what about her? etc. and looking at my reflection, not out of vanity, but to see my body shape and critique. Every once in a while I'll have a "I look pretty good" moment, but most of the time I just focus on what I don't like. It's becoming bordlerline obsessive, which kind of scares me. I keep reminding myself of all the people, just in the last few weeks, that have not recognized me that I've known all my life if I get too negative.

Yikes, sorry for that book~ Have a great day baseball mommy!!

then I always pick one treat for my kids to have throughout the week. exp: popsicles, fruit snacks, etc.

I try to do that, too. But I typically only go every week and half, two weeks, and just send DH to a cheaper market where he works when we are out of stuff. When I get home, they are so excited for something new, it's usually gone in a few days.

I actually had a really good day because I decided that it is not helping me to dwell on the job I did not get. I will get paid through the summer and spend that time focusing on what is next. I have a great resume, incredible letters of recommendations and know that I am a great teacher - there has to be something out there for me. Overall, it was still an emotional day and I still made stupid choices. The good thing was that I had to make over 20 trips with very heavy boxes filled with books...down stairs at school and then down stairs at home. I had an incredible workout.

Jen Hoping your run goes great. You have a lot to be proud of, and I love your attitude. If you hit the cabin this weekend, RELAX!!!

I exercised 5 times this past week, thanks to the COW and am down 7 lbs!

7 pounds in one week! That's a HUGE number!


DD2 had nighmares last night, which kept me up. I don't know HOW I am going to stay awake for class ALL day today. Actually, my heart is racing right now thinking of everything that must be accomplished in the next 7 days. I am going to get out my planner, list every single one of them and assign them a day and time. Then yoga to get me stretched so I can go sit. Have a great day everyone!

Taryn

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning,

I promise I will catch up with everyone later today. I, not sure how but..., woke up just before 6:30 AM. The hotel I am staying at has a Starbucks with free wi-fi, so I am able to post the QOTD. Actually, being at Starbucks is my inspiration for today's question.

QOTD: What is your favorite beverage?

I love decaf tea.



Speaking of which, it is still piping hot and my oatmeal is good, but a little hotter than I make it at home. I have a few more minutes, so I'm going to try to catch up a bit. I want to get in a workout at the hotel gym too, so I only have a few. I WILL catch up later. I promise.

CC

 

[disneymom2one]

I so want to menu plan! How do you do it?

Been trying to keep up with this thread but it moves sooo quick! I exercised 5 times this past week, thanks to the COW and am down 7 lbs! Time to start journaling the food...gonna go do that now.

I'm not the OP but I can share how I menu plan/ make a list. I organize my list into categories and then work my way through the grocery store flyer - listing the things on sale. I print off coupons using Hot Coupon World and cut them out (I usually don't have the time or patience for regular coupons). Based on what's on sale and what I have in the house, I look through my recipes and come up with 6 main meals as well as several lunches. What else I need for the meals goes on the grocery list. The list of meals gets posted on the fridge.

For 90% of my recipes I use Living Cookbook - a recipe collection software program. I keep printouts of those recipes in a special place in the kitchen as well as any cookbooks I'm using this week.

I'm a math person so it suits my personality. Even with this, we still forget things occasionally but we never have "what's for dinner" problems.

MB