Biggest Loser 10 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers :)

[lisah0711]

Thought about going to the pool but in a crushing moment realized my swimming trunks would be too big lol.

Not going to find too many swimming trunks this time of year!

 

[donac]

Goldcupmom Glad the first procedure went well. Good luck tomorrow.

Pamela Glad that dh is home and coming along. Another week and you should be in a good routine. Good luck

QOTD for Thursday---
I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Personally I think it's a recipe for failure. Having said that, do you have any goals for the upcoming year?


I agree about resolutions. In fact up until about 10 years ago I never really celebrated NYE. Just went to bed early. I met someone and we got invited to her NYE party for the last 10 years. Last year we left at 10 because it was just too crowded. We shall see what happens this year.

I have been thinking about goals for next year though. I recently read a book about someone who spent a year working on a very difficult sweater. I am thinking about working on some applique with my quilting.

Have a nice evening everyone.

 

[50sjayne]

Not going to find too many swimming trunks this time of year!

Yeah! They were getting loose on me at 135--I just weighed myself (twice) and I'm 124 as of today, I've lost 4 pounds since Friday.
This week started out pure he** so I should have known, but it's a bit concerning. It's all ok now--I've been pulling out the big guns-- Bowie, and have put my p2p sharing site back on my pc. Went to look for my favorite bowie cd--Low and of course daughter shanghied it out of the cover so it is long gone but in a matter of minutes after installing winmx I had it again. I've been around the depression bush many times and like ET can heal myself but I always have my favorites on reserve for the worst of it. Anyway--it's better for now. I haven't been anorexic for a very long time but I can see myself going that way. I really don't want to do it though. 124 is probably good for a lot of people but I'm not small boned and have always been naturally curvy--my body type is not thin. Trust me-- I'd have to lose 40+ more pounds to be where I was when I was a teenager-- at my lowest weight I weighed 81. And that was with some muscle-- I ran every day.
I'm watching myself...

 

[my3princes]

Hello all

I am committed to joining weight watchers after the first of the year. Right now I'm just hanging onto maintaining through the holidays. I am so impressed by those of you that are losing

 

[Rose&Mike]

ok, another slacker coaching day for me. But you all seemed to do ok with out me. I skimmed and saw some great goals for next year! I will be back in the morning with some very late replies! Hope everyone has a nice evening.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hello!

I've been so busy with work stuff since yesterday morning that I completely forgot to check in yesterday evening and/or this morning.

But, my project is done and it's time for one of my favorite priorities: coaching! I am so excited to be coaching again this challenge. My goal, as with last time, is to motivate all of you.

Tomorrow is one week until the final weigh-in. for a great final week!

To make things a little less confusing, I'm going to connect the QOTDs and the mini-challenges.

QOTD for Friday, 12/10: What is your favorite dairy product or substitute?

Mini-Challenge: Enjoy your favorite dairy serving and 1 other serving of dairy today.

for a good weigh-in tomorrow and a great day tomorrow!

CC


I am just going on memory here...

Pamela: So glad DH is home!

Julie: Hope tomorrow goes well.

Taryn and Lindsay: Your discussion on eating what is available really made me think. I've been doing that too and need to nip it before I gain everything I've lost back (again ). Thanks for the great ideas!

Cam: Sorry HHI was not what you expected.

QOTD: Journal my food. Get to my goal weight. Restart and finish C25K.

 

[tigger813]

Got home about an hour ago. Did not eat well today. Had a big piece of dark chocolate caramel from Germany and then had Panda Express at the airport. I had a Bud Light on the plane and ate the Dorito munchie mix. But that was all I ate today. May hold off my weigh in until Saturday. Gotta get going on my water again.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with all I have to do tomorrow. I also need to pick up some Christmas presents as well as work and deal with make up work for DD1. I have DD2s p-t conference at 8. I will drop off DD1 at school and pick up her report card and work so we can organize it for the weekend. We have a zillion things to do this weekend so I'm not sure how she will get everything done. Only a few things to wash since we did laundry several times while there.

I will try and catch up over the weekend!

TTFN

 

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused

First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 3
(congrats Rose&Mike & 50sjayne & my3princes!!!!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------33!
not reporting in for 1 week------ 4
not reporting in for 2 weeks------ 3
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 6
Excused------------------------- 3
weigh ins----------------------- 17
gains---------------------------- 3
maintains------------------------ 2
losses-------------------------- 12
new or returning members -------- 1


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 13!
This week’s group loss is 29.8lbs.
Average percentage of weight gained 0.94 %
Total group weight loss so far 334.9 pounds!
Will the group make it to 350?
AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 67 weighins for our start weigh-in on Sept 3)
(17+3+3)/ 67 = 34 % (this includes the Losers and Maintainer and Excused people!)


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of the week? This time I’ve done a TOP 10 LIST ! That criteria may change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 13 Superstars!!
#10- 0.70% - OctoberBride03
#9- 0.75% - carmiedog
#8- 0.94% - disneymom2one
#7- 1.12% - tggrrstarr
#6- 1.19 % - corinnak
#5- 1.21% - MickeyMagic
#4- 1.40% - KristiMc
#3- 1.75% - cclovesdis
#2- 3.42% - Worfiedoodles
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 13 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.49% - mammaU4

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations mammaU4 !!!
What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[LuvBaloo]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!

NOTE: this list includes participants who have reported in within the last 3weeks, once someone misses 3 weigh-ins they are dropped from this report.
How this works: you set your goal for what to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.
Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.
Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know.
We have done 13 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 80% complete.

carmiedog 5.3
corinnak 96.2
Cupcaker 78.8
disneymom2one 144.3
Dreamer24 32.3
dvccruiser76 100.0
keenercam 25.6
liesel 26.7
lisah0711 41.7
lovedvc -15.0
MacG 25.0
MickeyMagic 34.4
mikamah 20.0
mommyof2Pirates 33.0
momof2gr8kids 39.0
NC_Tink 21.9
SettingSail 83.3
tggrrstarr 65.3
tigger813 87.9
tiki23 31.7
Worfiedoodles 25.3

 

[SettinSail]

Good morning BL friends!

I need a new game plan for Winter !!!

Seriously, this is really messing up my weight loss plan. Back home, when we had the rare snow day or days, it was just a time to stay indoors until it was gone and cook lots of good foods like chilli, brownies, snow cream, hot chocolate, etc. Most everything would be cancelled or shut down. We would watch movies or TV, play cards, lay around, take naps, etc. The kids would go outside to play but I never did

I still have that mentality here but so far we have had snow on the ground since Nov 26 so I have to snap out of it. I've already emailed my yoga instructor to let her know I will not be in today. I do not plan to lay around and eat all day but I do feel in a mental funk. The scale has not been kind to me this week and today I have to report a gain for the first time in this challenge! I am up one pound! Unless I can lose 3.5 pounds in a week, I will not reach my goal for this challenge. But, I am not going to let that get me off track. If I make 85 or 90% of my goal, I will still be pround of myself. And, I will just keep on swimmin......right into the next challenge.

It can't be Winter forever! OMG, I just realized I don't think it is officially even Winter yet I think for today, I will have to put on some peppy music and make myself a list of tasks to do around the house. I may even venture out to the corner market or drugstore. I have been having fun putting little surprises in the guys' stockings. They are getting such a kick out of it. Yesterday DH got blistex and DS got some Haribo Happy Cola (gummy candy).

Congrats to all the Biggest Losers and shout-out to mammaU4, WOW
what a great week you had! Maria, you had a great week too!!! The new WW is really working for you.

Tracey Welcome home! Good luck getting everything done!

QOTD-Friday Hands down, cheese is my favorite dairy product. I have to be very careful with cheese, I try to use low fat but it is hard to find here. When I eat out, I ask for no cheese whenever possible (like Subway).

QOTD-Thursday My 3 resolutions for 2011:
1. Reach my goal of losing 50 pounds total. Only 27.5 more pounds to go!
2. Continue to run 3 times a week and run in a real 5K race.
3. Finish up a couple of big needlework projects.

Thanks for being our coach this week CC and thanks for last week Rose

Pamela Wow, can't believe DH is home already! Sounds like he is making great progress. It's great that you are able to leave him alone for a little while. andfor the continued rehab. Hang in there!
How nice of your parents to get DH a Lazyboy!

Julie Good luck with your second procedure today
I just had to laugh about your DH sneaking off to the casino

50'sJayne Don't get TOO skinny !!!

LisaH Thanks for starting the BL Alumni thread. I will definitely be chatting in there if I have time while I'm back home. I've already checked to make sure my parents have the scale out and where I want it to be so I can do my daily weigh-ins while I'm visiting. Good luck geting to oneder-land

Jeanette To me, it does not sound at all like Bridezilla. Just continue to be calm and state what you want. Do you think you can talk DF into the Disney venue? Even if you don't end up at Disney, it will be a magical and special day I did not get my first choice of venue and now all these years later it seems pretty insignificant.

Nicole You are doing GREAT!!! Keep posting about all your successes with exercising and weight loss. It is VERY motivating to me!
I think you are lucky to have a sister getting a nutrition degree. I ate something right after exercising yesterday to see how I did. I will keep trying this.

Cam Way to go on losing 3.6 pounds!!!!! Esp after eating at Melting Pot! That's awesome!

Kathy The tree lighting ceremony sounds lovely. I'm so glad you are in a better place this Christmas and can have your wonderful memories of your Mom to enjoy. Hang in there with the laptop mouse. I used to play Pathwords (facebook game) with mine a lot and that helped. (OK, I still love to play Pathwords. Anyone else here?)
I love all your resolutions! I think I will print them off! Good luck getting to oneder-land, you can do it!

Tggrstarr I hear ya about the momentum slowing down. But, look at how much you've lost in 4 months. Even if you have to just maintain for a few weeks, you are still way ahead of the game!

Tayrn Way to go on doing the dog grooming yourself and finding cheaper pet meds!!! It's amazing how much of our spending is discretionary and if you absolutely have to, you can find a way to do many things yourself. I am the only person in my circle of friends that does not have a cleaner. I could never see paying someone to do that and I know they would not do as good a job as I would. Sounds like you did as good or better than a prof. groomer! Be careful driving with all that snow and wind! That's great that DH is losing weight too and not even trying! Don't let him get too skinny!
Can't believe that about the folks putting Sun Drop in the baby's bottle WOAH!!! That's alot of caffeine! Funny story about Sophie and the Cheerwine

Lindsay for everything going on at your house. Hope finances are better after the Holidays I also have to laugh with you at Ryan. At that age, rewards worked better than punishment for us. Maybe you could make a chart and let him place a gold star for every day he got a good report or no bad report. You could just wait a few weeks to see if it goes away first. If he's never done this before, it might go away as quick as it came and best not to make a big deal out of it. Glad your DH is getting a rest away from work this week. I hear you about struggling with eating lately! Enjoy your Kielbasa! You would love Germany, they have so many different types of sausages, brats, etc.

Rose I had to laugh at your comments about the contacts and gray hair I have been wearing readers for atleast 5 years and so does DH. We have them all over the house but he can never remember them when we go out so we have to pass one pair back and forth to read a menu or a program, etc He will be wearing mine that are pink or have rhinestones and cracks me up! I am too scared to try the different contact lenses though. I can tell I will need them soon but I'm putting that off as long as possible. Your outfit sounds really cute! I think your short skirt needs some boots!

I think I am caught up with everybody now! CC, good luck coaching this week! I am going to need some SERIOUS motivation for this last week so throw your big guns at me

I think while we are in the US I will get some exercise videos or Wii/Kinect exercise games to bring back and that will give me something else to do besides the elliptical if I continue to be stuck in the house. I also plan to get some better snow boots so I can atleast get out and walk even if I can't run. These Uggs really do not cut it in snow and ice and they aren't waterproof either. I need to continue to brainstorm ideas for what to do over the Winter to get out more too. After January, I will try to get more involved around here.

Have a great Friday and a great weekend! Make those healthy choices, they are so worth it!

Shawn

 

[flipflopmom]

QOTD for Thursday---
I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Personally I think it's a recipe for failure. Having said that, do you have any goals for the upcoming year?

1. Reduce our debt by a lot by
2. Having a minimum of 4 pampered chefs shows a month
3. Hit the 140's and stay there
4. Not pay for anything on credit
5. Make sure my family gets 12 hugs a day (3 from each member daily will get us there)
6. Have "the talk" with AK
7. Develop an attitude of gratitude

This is one of those mornings that my calories don't seem to make any sense! After all that calorie burn yesterday I did not lose anything! I think I might not have eaten enough calories.

You have to be careful. One low calorie day thrown in sometimes will boost some weight loss, but too many puts your body into starvation mode. For me, I've found that mixing the calories up seems to keep my body hopping. Instead of 1200 a day, each and every day, maybe a 1000 cal day or two followed by a 1300 or so day or two. Does this makes sense?

After I put michael to bed, I watched the Christmas Shoes, and had a good cleansing cry. OMG, what a tear jerker. I almost woke michael up when I went in to kiss and hug him goodnight after that movie. I feel good today. I am definitely in a better place this year than I was last year, enjoying the memories more.

Well, on to weight loss. 2. I am going to lose these 9 pounds and get into One-derland before the princess. I'm not going to try, I am going to do it.

I hate Christmas shoes. Sorry. But something that makes me cry that hard, well, my own life has enough of those moments. That being said, I was flipping through the stations and the song came on as I was driving by our TA's house. Just about killed me. The poor son is struggling so bad, as I understand all too well. I think I mentioned that the parents had been missionaries, so he has been brought up as a child of faith. He has absolutely no doubt in his mind that his mom is going to get better, because "No God that loves me would take my Mommy from me". I remember those same feelings, but he's running from such a more innocent place... My heart is just broken for them.

ANYWAY, sorry to be so sad. Glad you were able to have the ceremony in a better place mentally this year. I look forward to those days...

I at your weight loss comment. "I'm not". I can read your determination, and I feel Onderland will be yours by the princess. I'll beat you over the head daily to make sure! Do or do not, there is no try!

He is still weak and a bit shaky, but getting around on his own. He is LOVING the new LazyBoy my parents bought him. What a super early Christmas gift. He is doing great drinking and talking with the jaw wired shut. Not consuming enough calories yet though. I think all of the liquids are getting boring. We are trying to settle into some sort of routine... but between VNA visits, therapy visits, and friend/co-worker visits, things were nuts here yesterday!

That was so thoughtful of your parents, and a great gift! I'm sure the liquid diet is getting old. Did they give you any ideas for recipes that could be blended? I can do some research and see if I can come up with any that would be tasty and a bit more filling, without making you want to gag, if you would like. When my grandmother's alzheimers advanced, all her food had to be pureed, and I tell you, I wouldn't feed some of that to her. It made me want to vomit (pureed spaghetti???) Thanks for stopping in for a minute, and I am thrilled to hear he's making so much progress!

Good morning, everyone. I had every intention of multi-quoting and catching up with everyone, but my email inbox has exploded and my secretary is on vacation, so I'll comment quick on a couple things I remember. And those loving touches are free except for the time they take, but it is the time that is more valuable, if that makes sense.As for me, my first week on the new WW plan was a success and I lost 3.6

WAY TO GO CAM! What a way to take CONTROL! Bolded part is so very, very true. Coming from the standpoint of "memories", those things are what we remember. Not the material stuff.

We're in the exact same place right now too There are a lot meals of hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soups around this time of year. I probably would have been one of those friends to give you flack, but it would have been pure teasing on my part

Unfortunately, Nicole, some of them weren't teasing. Without going into it a lot, most of my friends' husbands do a lot more "housework" and helping than mine, and they know it. Couple that with the things I do for him, and I catch the "you're stuck in the 50's, you'd never catch me doing that" stuff from a few. You've got some great goals there! I wish I could stomach tuna, it would be a cheap lunch! With AK, I was very, very, very sick for months during my pregnancy (lost 20 pounds) and my co-workers were all on a tuna kick. I couldn't even be in the cafeteria when they ate. That's one smell I'll hate forever!

I made an appointment to go see a Disney venue this sunday with DF, mom, and MIL! Im so excited. I hope I can convince my mom about my venue once she sees how great it is. So far the logistics of it isnt convincing her...events can only be held during the week, at night, and its price. Besides my DF, people have said maybe I should consider another venue. But if its my dream location and we're not asking anyone to pay for it, then why should I change it to accomadate others? If I get my dream wedding, it may turn out that many people wont go anyway. We’ll see.

You are not being Bridezilla! You are totally correct. Now, if you ask them to wash your feet or something... LOL! The way I see it, this will be the single most expensive day of your life (not withstanding the long term effects of the day you have a child, if that's in your future HA!), and you should do what you want. What does DF want?

I'm home. Just had lunch. Procedure took just over 1 hour. Had one vein that ran from groin to near ankle done with laser and then lots of tiny injections on others. Really felt nothing worse than drawing blood type of prick. Only problem was that due to nerves my BP was 173/98 when I went in. During procedure was 156-164/87-93. As soon as the Dr. said 'all done' it dropped to 132/84. Gee, I wonder if I have white coat

That just sounds painful! You are such a trooper. Too funny that DH was at the casino!

I tried on 8's and they fit the other day...the fun part is I found some at goodwill for $2.50 that I love because they were a little stained on the cuff and the same day I found an "I survived the TOT" tshirt that is really pretty.

THanks for sharing that, it shows a lot that numbers on the scale can vary so much, because I weigh considerably more than you, and that number has bothered me. In fact, when I get the "you've lost too much" and my response is usually "how much do you think I weigh?" to the people that I trust to tell me the truth, they guess closer to your weight than mine. But yet, we are both in 8s. I hope that doesn't sound bad, because I don't mean it to. But you made me smile this morning!

But I do think goals are important because WISHing doesn't always cut it. I started the BL alumni thread. I am hoping to do a coach of the day rotation so if you are interested in coaching a day or two please let me know.

I think goal setting is VITAL. A to-do list for the year, so to speak. The important part to me, in my list making mania, is to make a list of how to accomplish each one of those goals. Then, it becomes a true "working" list, than a "resolution" if that makes sense. When do we move to the new thread? I'll be glad to pull some time (LOL). Just not 30th-Jan. 2. What's the plan for the next challenge? I think Tracey mentioned being weightkeeper?

I haven't been anorexic for a very long time but I can see myself going that way. I really don't want to do it though.

So good that you are recognizing the warning signs. Get on top of that!

QOTD for Friday, 12/10: What is your favorite dairy product or substitute?

Mini-Challenge: Enjoy your favorite dairy serving and 1 other serving of dairy today.

Skim milk, hands down. I LOVE milk, and could drink a half gallon a day. I have to watch not having those calories, but I love it! Did I mention I love milk? I've read a lot that says dairy helps weigh loss!

Got home about an hour ago.

Glad you made it home safe! True Diser, checking in within an hour of return from a trip! I hate that swamped feeling when you get home!

Thanks for the Sun Drop info. I'll have to see if there is any in Florida when I am there in February.

I've only found it in Va/NC, so I doubt it! It's addictive, you're better off not to EVER find it!

I have been thinking about goals for next year though. I recently read a book about someone who spent a year working on a very difficult sweater. I am thinking about working on some applique with my quilting.

What a cool goal!

Off to pack DH's lunch and crank his car. BRB

 

[cclovesdis]

I didn't oversleep, but I'm feeling a bit sick to my stomach, so I'm behind schedule. I'll reply tonight. No plans for tonight, which is good because I heard talk of snow. It's pretty and all, but a lot of people have no idea how to drive in it.

Have a great day today! Eat and drink your dairy!

I'm off to have some milk now. And lots of water.

CC

 

[flipflopmom]

Good morning BL friends!
Back home, when we had the rare snow day or days, it was just a time to stay indoors until it was gone and cook lots of good foods like chilli, brownies, snow cream, hot chocolate, etc. Most everything would be cancelled or shut down. We would watch movies or TV, play cards, lay around, take naps, etc.

There is definitely a "snow day" mentality. I suffered from it this week. A lot of "I'm resting" kind of thing, not a lot of motivation. Since it looks like you're gonna have a bunch of it, here's a suggestion for you. Make a list, a looonnngggg list of projects you want to do. I AM THE LIST QUEEN! Every day, tackle one. Make that a goal. It will help you A. be active and move, B. not get depressed in the weather, C. have a sense of accomplishment. Don't put it off! To make it even harder to put it off, I suggest that you cut your list into strips, and put them in a jar. I have to do that, otherwise, the same thing that I don't want to do keeps getting bumped to the bottom of the list. Throw in some movement/exercise things that you can do at home, and maybe even one or "relax/suprise" items. You can always dig in hoping for one of those. The trick is, you HAVE to do whatever you pull out!


DH and Sophie are gone now, so I can finish up!

Got home from a KILLER day (2 hr. delays are AWFUL!) let Beamer out of his daytime area, and noticed he looked---fuzzy. Took him outside, and went back upstairs to check. We had forgotten to put his toys back upstairs, and he had amused himself by shredding his "pee pad" into a bizzilion little fuzzballs!!!

Been introspective this am, thanks to you guys. All that's going on with everyone has made me stop and think what is really important and my thoughts about them.
1. Health - that's why were are here, is for our health. So we need to buckle down, get going, and do what we can. Not for vanity - which I am guilty of - but health. Scale numbers are just numbers, but they can be tied to other numbers (bp, cholesterol, etc) that do mean something. GET HEALTHY!
2. Mental health and attitude - how much of #1. is tied into this one! Lack of sleep, motivation, healthy attitudes about food, diet, OURSELVES. I found that getting my weight down helped my mental health, but I had to get to a mental place to focus on it. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND BRAIN!
3. Memories - how many things are we sharing that are memories from our past, both positive and negative? They are all connected to who we are, our mental and physical health. Do we have a lot of memories about the financial stuff? I don't. Granted, I was never without a NEED growing up, which can be a HUGE factor, and I remember a few WANTS I had that I never got. Honestly, I can't tell you what I got for Christmas most years growing up. The things I do remember are the memories, and that's all that I am left with in one instance. SO GO MAKE SOME!


DH and I have really been wondering if we should cancel our HHI trip. Yes, it would be the financially responsible thing to do. There is not a lot of cost involved since we are staying on DVC points, basically just gas because we are taking food down. (Cereal, soups, sandwiches, etc). The other expense is the NYE parties for the kids. We decided that his aunt sends us money for Christmas, we'll use his for gas down, mine for gas back, and the girls' to pay for their parties. Part of me feels horrible about going, but we wouldn't take the girls' money to pay for bills, and the memories from our trip will get them through a lot. They've been such troopers, especially AK, with this whole thing. They both talk all the time about stuff we did last year there. I know, I know, I'm rationalizing this. I just felt the need to mention it, since I whine about money all the time, yet talk about this trip!

I hope the scale is good to each of you this am. I am proud to be back at maintenance weight, would love to have a good loss next week to get to the 140s, but since TOM is on his way, probably not!

HAVE A WONDERFUL FRIDAY ALL!
Taryn

 

[Rose&Mike]

I know you ladies are all pros at this calorie intake stuff, but honestly I don't have much of a clue. My sister is getting her undergrad degree in nutrition and she likes to dole out the advice whenever possible (the know-it-all ). So over Thanksgiving I mentioned to her that it seemed that I was following a strict calorie intake throughout the week but not showing any progress in weight loss, but on the weekends when I had thought I wasn't doing too good I seemed to be showing more progress. She told me I probably wasn't getting ENOUGH calories during the week to keep up with my new found metabolism, that I should add a fruit or vegetable as a snack during the day and that I absolutely needed to eat right after running whether I wanted to or not.

Of course I gave her a hard time about not being a doctor and told her to get over herself (what are big sisters for) But I looked into it when we got home, started tracking my calories, and realized that I was missing almost 600 calories a day! So at her suggestion, I now eat right after running and I have a 3pm banana and it seems to be working! At least I hope so.

Nicole

You definitely can get too few calories--especially if you are working out a lot. The trick is in realizing that it doesn't take a lot to get you where you need to be. I had trouble with this for a while, but have settled into pretty much eating 5 or 6 times a day. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. The key is that the snacks are small and healthy--no 100 calorie packs. A lot of people will recommend some protein after running because it helps repair muscles.

Lindsay--I am so sorry your husband is still having bp problems and is still so stressed out. No advice, just sending good thoughts your way, that things improve. As for the healthy food--have you looked at eggs? (I can't remember--do you eat eggs?) Eggs and beans are extremely cheap and there are about a billion things you can do with them both. And while eggs have cholesterol, it's all in moderation. And I think Taryn's ideas about leftovers are a great idea! My grandmother loved to send home leftovers! I think the eye doctor was surprised I wasn't having trouble reading earlier. I can actually read fine with my glasses off, just can't read with them on. I mostly wear contacts. Yesterday was my first full day with one contact for reading and one for distance. It went ok. It will definitely take some getting used to, but I'm going to give it a shot. I hate wearing glasses!

Then I went grocery shopping, bought more Tea at Teavana and WENT TO THE GYM! I finally dragged myself there. I don't know why I hate going there so much but I have to get over it. Especially if this snow keeps piling up. I did day 1 of C25k and did 8 of the 9 runs. Afterwards I spent 15 minutes on the recumbant bike (dr's suggestion for my knee) then made sure I did my stretching for my knee. I was home by noon, and parked on the street since the snow was still falling.

.

Great job on making it to the gym! And I hope the cholesterol numbers come back good!

QUOTD:

My keys
1) Exercise - I walk at least an hour every day - sometimes two.
2) I finally "got" how I could cook one meal for the three of us. It took awhile but we have a routine now. If I make pasta, they get the pasta and sauce and I just take the sauce and put it over Romaine lettuce - no pasta for me. The sauce is super healthy and I can have some of it. I also keep healthier snacks around for them and fill out their plates with that - pretzels for example.
3) Weighing every day - still debating whether or not to bring the scale on vacation. Probably will honestly.

The one thing I don't do (and haven't done in months) is journal. I worry about that sometimes.

Great job on the exercise! I have debated taking the scale on vacation, but I think Mike would have a fit! He is incredibly supportive but I know I'd get the "you can't possibly be serious" look! I say if it helps you to not worry about the weight, then go for it!

I told someone the other night that whoever said it was the most wonderful time of the year didn't have to pay for it. I've just tried to take it one day at a time, and lose myself in the magic of my girls' excitement. We've been DVR'ing Christmas movies, and watching one every night. That helps, just snuggling on the couch together!


BRB

First, I think soda in baby bottles should be a crime! (Ok, maybe that's extreme, but come on--do people really think that's a good choice???) And I agree with the bolded comment. I am going to be honest here--I have not bought a single gift yet!! My nieces and nephews and sisters are bils are just like us--no one really needs anything! For me, it's just the hassle of trying to buy stuff for people you don't see very often. Uggh. Ok, whine over. That's my goal for today. Try to get some of this shopping done.

Our family rule is that you can talk with your buds any way that you want as long as younger kids don't overhear you, you don't talk that way at home and you don't get in trouble. I know it is stressful but you have to admit a good source of comic relief -- I think one of the hardest things about being a parent is not laughing at inappropriate times!
I'm going to work very hard the next seven days and see if I can get myself into that new decade. That would set me up for some good numbers before the Princess. I know what I need to do. It is just a matter of putting my good intentions into action!

Have a great day!

I really hope you reach your next decade! We had similar rules for Ds. And I used the phrase--Mom in the room--a lot. One of ds's best friends said to me once--not my Mom. I knew he was messing with me, but I told him I would be happy to call his Mom, if he wanted to repeat what he just said. Our other rule was--you don't hit girls, period. This might sound obvious, but middle school girls seem to like to slap middle school boys--on the arm, etc. This one girl smacked Tom so hard it left a mark on his arm and he walked away, but I saw it happen and got in her face and said--don't you ever do that again. I never saw her hit a boy again.

This is one of those mornings that my calories don't seem to make any sense! After all that calorie burn yesterday I did not lose anything! Look on the bright side, I am not gaining weight, I am just doing a great job of maintaining this week!

It can definitely be really frustrating when you expect a loss and nothing. It often doesn't make sense. Just keep drinking your water, and if you don't track calories, maybe track for a couple of days, just to get an idea of where you are. Sometimes you have to shake things up a little bit to get things moving again.

Kathy--glad the tree lighting went well. And I agree--never give up!

P--what a wonderful gift from your parents. So glad DH is home so quick!

Cam--woohoo on the great loss! I love the melting pot!

Jeanette--I don't think you are being a bridezilla!

Julie--hope today goes well!

I don't know what the big deal is about grey hair anyway-- I like it. People go grey really young anyway.


.

I think the issue for me is that even when I was overweight, my hair was the one part of me that I always liked. So just not ready for it to be grey yet.

But I do think goals are important because WISHing doesn't always cut it.

Some of my goals for 2011 are:
1. Get to ONE-derland once and for all.
2. Complete the Princess Half.
3. Build back my bank reserves from the hit they've taken this past year.

Great list Lisa!

Yeah! They were getting loose on me at 135--I just weighed myself (twice) and I'm 124 as of today, I've lost 4 pounds since Friday.
...

Ok, I'm worrying about you a little. I have ana thoughts on occasion, though I've never done it full blown. Anyhow, if you are at a good place weight wise, do you need to put a plan in place to make sure you are getting enough calories?

Tracey--welcome back!

Shawn--A couple of people on here (including me) have done the walk away the pounds video. You can get them online or at target for pretty cheap. They aren't the most exciting videos, but you don't need a lot of space and you can get a decent sweat going. Hugs on all that snow.

1. Reduce our debt by a lot by
2. Having a minimum of 4 pampered chefs shows a month
3. Hit the 140's and stay there
4. Not pay for anything on credit
5. Make sure my family gets 12 hugs a day (3 from each member daily will get us there)
6. Have "the talk" with AK
7. Develop an attitude of gratitude

Great goals Taryn. I think it's sweet that you wipe off Brad's car. If you want to do it, who cares what anyone else thinks!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Qotd--I am not a big milk drinker. I do like cheese--and have string cheese at lunch a lot. I go through phases where I eat a lot of greek yogurt, but I'm kind of off that for now. I'd say cheese is my favorite.

Yesterday I was up at 5:30 and did the Y before work. I thought I would leave work early, but nope. So when Mike got home we decided to go have a drink. Then we came home and watched Shrek Christmas--so cute. I fell asleep during prep and landing. I am barely a maintain this week, but I'll take it!

We've been up since 5. Mike went to work early. It's supposed to be between 45 and 50 here today, so I'm going to meet him at the park at 4:00 so we can run outside. I am soooooo excited to run outside. His company is a big supporter of working out, so they will be ok with him leaving early--which is funny cause he got to work by 7, so he will still be putting in a full day, just leaving earlier than normal.

I got a ton of complements yesterday. So I guess I can still wear short skirts in public.

DS sent us a text last night that he is going to wait and drive home tuesday. I'm glad. They aren't forecasting a ton of snow, but frigid temps and it's hard to keep some of the roads clear when it's that cold. Plus, they should now be able to do the whole drive in daylight after getting some sleep. He's going to end up following the kid he rode with at Thanksgiving, so they both have their cars here over Christmas. (Actually knowing DS, it will probably be the other way around!)

Can't remember if I said this or not, but we went ahead and booked the segway tour. We need to watch the weather though, because I do not want to do it if the temps are in the 50s. Really hoping for at least a couple of warm days when we are at wdw.

Congrats to all the losers and maintainers this week, and thanks CC for coaching.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Congratulations to all our superstars, especially our biggest loser, momma4u! Those were some great percentages considering how close we are to the end of the challenge.

There are some great numbers for the goal setting part of our challenge, too.

Please be sure and PM those weigh in numbers to LuvBaloo today. No WIN! reporting this week.

I have been thinking about goals for next year though. I recently read a book about someone who spent a year working on a very difficult sweater. I am thinking about working on some applique with my quilting.

That sounds pretty and fun too!

This week started out pure he** so I should have known, but it's a bit concerning. It's all ok now--I've been pulling out the big guns-- Bowie, and have put my p2p sharing site back on my pc.

I'm glad that you are watching yourself!

Hello all

I am committed to joining weight watchers after the first of the year. Right now I'm just hanging onto maintaining through the holidays. I am so impressed by those of you that are losing

The new WW program seems to be a success for a lot of people. Some of the folks on our BL list this week are WW people. Any of you folks who are doing it want to share your experiences? I'm toying with the idea, too. I got a little annoyed with WW math last time -- WW products calories not counting as much as other food -- but all the buzz is making me curious to try it myself again.

ok, another slacker coaching day for me. But you all seemed to do ok with out me. I skimmed and saw some great goals for next year! I will be back in the morning with some very late replies! Hope everyone has a nice evening.

Nah, you aren't a slacker coach, Rose.

QOTD for Friday, 12/10: What is your favorite dairy product or substitute?

Another big cheese lover here. The creamier and more high calorie the better! Laughing Cow and Bonbel are good substitutes so I will have a bit of that tonight with some chocolate skim milk.

Tracey, glad that you made it home safely. Sorry for the busy times as soon as you get home.

It can't be Winter forever! OMG, I just realized I don't think it is officially even Winter yet I think for today, I will have to put on some peppy music and make myself a list of tasks to do around the house. I may even venture out to the corner market or drugstore. I have been having fun putting little surprises in the guys' stockings. They are getting such a kick out of it. Yesterday DH got blistex and DS got some Haribo Happy Cola (gummy candy).

Shawn, it is hard to switch to winter in the exercise department. I'm sure the WATP (Walk Away the Pounds and other exercise DVDs will be on sale while you are home. In the meantime there are Zumba routines free online -- maybe on YouTube -- several BL people talked about them quite a bit. Sparkpeople has exercise demos for things like crunches, squats, etc. Maybe you can do a little circuit. There may be some other things free online that can tide you over a bit. Hopefully the weather will break soon and you can get out a bit.

I'll be glad to pull some time (LOL). Just not 30th-Jan. 2. What's the plan for the next challenge? I think Tracey mentioned being weightkeeper?

Thanks for volunteering to coach a day on the alumni thread. I'll put up a schedule this week-end and have people pick a day, or two. I don't think we will move to the new thread until the 17th after this challenge is over. I am always afraid if I start new threads too soon I will cause the old thread to die. I also have to keep an eye on the page numbers so we may move sooner than we were planning if we hit the limit.

I believe the next challenge will start on the 1st of January. There is a planning thread and we have Tracey as weightkeeper, CC as HH coach, Connie for WIN! and donac and Rose as hostesses. I'm taking a break from hostessing so don't know the details. We have a great group of folks and it will be fun to have two threads!

Been introspective this am, thanks to you guys. All that's going on with everyone has made me stop and think what is really important and my thoughts about them.
1. Health - that's why were are here, is for our health. So we need to buckle down, get going, and do what we can. Not for vanity - which I am guilty of - but health. Scale numbers are just numbers, but they can be tied to other numbers (bp, cholesterol, etc) that do mean something. GET HEALTHY!
2. Mental health and attitude - how much of #1. is tied into this one! Lack of sleep, motivation, healthy attitudes about food, diet, OURSELVES. I found that getting my weight down helped my mental health, but I had to get to a mental place to focus on it. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND BRAIN!
3. Memories - how many things are we sharing that are memories from our past, both positive and negative? They are all connected to who we are, our mental and physical health. Do we have a lot of memories about the financial stuff? I don't. Granted, I was never without a NEED growing up, which can be a HUGE factor, and I remember a few WANTS I had that I never got. Honestly, I can't tell you what I got for Christmas most years growing up. The things I do remember are the memories, and that's all that I am left with in one instance. SO GO MAKE SOME!


DH and I have really been wondering if we should cancel our HHI trip. Yes, it would be the financially responsible thing to do. There is not a lot of cost involved since we are staying on DVC points, basically just gas because we are taking food down. (Cereal, soups, sandwiches, etc). The other expense is the NYE parties for the kids. We decided that his aunt sends us money for Christmas, we'll use his for gas down, mine for gas back, and the girls' to pay for their parties. Part of me feels horrible about going, but we wouldn't take the girls' money to pay for bills, and the memories from our trip will get them through a lot. They've been such troopers, especially AK, with this whole thing. They both talk all the time about stuff we did last year there. I know, I know, I'm rationalizing this. I just felt the need to mention it, since I whine about money all the time, yet talk about this trip!

I hope the scale is good to each of you this am. I am proud to be back at maintenance weight, would love to have a good loss next week to get to the 140s, but since TOM is on his way, probably not!

HAVE A WONDERFUL FRIDAY ALL!
Taryn

I say go and have a great time. Your expenses are paid for and for the reasons that you listed above for your goals: health, mental health and attitude, memories. All three can be accomplished on your family New Year's celebration.

After my long maintain I am down 1.5 pounds today. I'm hoping another good week of Princess training will get me down to my new decade before the challenge ends.

Have a great day all!

 

[keenercam]

Lisa - Congrats on the loss!

Taryn - You must go! You have been looking forward to it so much and I fear the effects and regrets of not going would total you and your family. You guys need the time away from your worries and daily stress. There is SOOO much to do there that costs nothing. Just enjoy being there, walking to the beach house or walking on the beach, looking at the boats at the marina, walking out to the end of the fishing pier to just commune with nature. What kind of vehicle do you have? Can you take bikes for the girls? Do you have fishing poles? Maybe you could decorate some lunch bags or ziplock bags for the girls to look for shells at the beach. I can't wait to hear what an awesome time you will all have together.

Shawn - I like your ideas for how to get over the snow day blues. I agree that the Leslie Sansone tapes are a great way to burn some calories but they dont' require much floor space.

CC - I hope you are feeling better. Are you enjoying your job?

Congratulations to all of our losers!!

Sorry to all I overlooked. Last day of no secretary but it is a busy one. Have a great day, my friends!

 

[Cupcaker]

These holidays are getting tough, so many parties with lots of not so good for you food. Ive had a holiday party almost everyday this week I actually managed to surpass my goal and reach 126. I dont know how, but its a miracle. I think Im going to ride this to see how far I can go that I feel comfortable with. At my height, my current weight is on the high, but healthy side. Thank you everyone for all the compliments I have another holiday party today, but I promised myself I will only eat the salad! Hoping to stay OP today.

Have a good friday everyone!

Julie- Glad the procedure went well yesterday. Hoping today will go even better

50sjayne- Those walks sound nice. I always enjoyed walking with family and friends just for the talk. Maybe reflecting on your past experience with anorexia and what you learned from it can help you battle your difficult times right now. I hope things work out for you

Lisa- Thanks for starting the thread. I can take a day or two of coaching.

Dona- I like your take on the new years resolution. Good luck!

Deb- That sounds like a good plan. Im sure they will have even more specials to join next year too.

Tracey- Welcome back!

CC- Hope you feel better

Shawn- Can you do any exercise while at home? Maybe some workout videos? Turning it into a habit will definitely break the habit you have right now. DF is totally with me on having a Disney venue, so theres no issues or resistance with him. Its just our family who is asking if we really have to have it there, do we really want to pay that much, why cant it be on the weekend, etc.

Taryn- I had to laugh at your goal of having the “talk” with AK. Im sure its going to be hard and awkward because my mom never gave me the talk and if she did right now I would feel awkward. Your talk of memories almost had me crying. You should definitely do what you have scheduled. I think memories are super important and that’s what I want my wedding to be filled with. Not did we invite everybody on the whole earth and whether they showed up, or the cost of it. I want to live in the moment and remember it forever.

Rose- Have fun on your run today. That’s great they they let Mike get out early to exercise. Woohoo on the compliments.

Cam- Have a good today, hopefully with not too much stress

 

[MacG]

The new WW program seems to be a success for a lot of people. Some of the folks on our BL list this week are WW people. Any of you folks who are doing it want to share your experiences? I'm toying with the idea, too. I got a little annoyed with WW math last time -- WW products calories not counting as much as other food -- but all the buzz is making me curious to try it myself again.

I started ww for the 3rd time last spring to lose weight for a Disney Cruise. I attended meetings, used the online tools and the iphone app and lost 18 pounds before the cruise in August. I stopped going to meetings right before the cruise because I was unable to attend for the whole time we were going to be away. I continued to subscribe to the ww online during the vacation. Applying what I learned at ww meetings from April to August helped me get me through the abundance of food on the cruise and come home after 20 days of vacation only 1 pound heavier.

As far as the new ww.....
I have to say, I was really freaked out when I logged into the new plan the first day. There was such a change in the points....I went from 23 points to 29 points in one day. Some foods were more points and fruit is now 0 points. That's not to say you can eat a boat load of fruit and think that you are going to lose weight. The free fruit has helped me make better snack choices. I've picked up an apple a few times more since the new plan started instead of other snacks, like crackers, that I would have selected in the past. Now all my favorites have to be recalculated. It is interesting that the calories in food are not used to calculate points now....carbs, protein, fat a fiber amounts are figured into the points. I have noticed that one calculation that I did for a bowl of soup and bread is the same point value as a cup a soup and sandwich. In the past the soup and bread were fewer points than sandwich and soup. Quite honestly I'm glad they're the same point value since I would much rather have the cup of soup and sandwich than a bowl of soup and bread.

I've used the BL Challenge in place of ww meetings and it's working for me. I weigh myself and report each week and get support and encouragement from reading everyone's posts....sometimes joining in and most of the time just listening(reading). Just like I would do at the meetings.

This week I reached my -25 pound mark. I am so motivated to continue and get to my goal....another 25 would do it.

I've had my ups and downs with this....literally and have taken the attitude of one step at a time and slow and steady....mostly because there have been many weeks that I didn't lose and maintained even though I was sticking to the plan.

Milestones along the journey have been.....
1. Not having to squeeze into clothes...and being able to wear a smaller size
2. Enjoying food that's good and good for me
3. Loving to go to the gym and really missing it when I don't go
4. feeling when I go to the gym...sometimes sore but a good sore
5. fitting into my real wedding and engagement rings...not the fake ones I've been wearing for 9 years
6. realizing that I need outside support to lose weight
7. realizing that I HAVE to keep a food journal because I really have no idea how much I eat during any given day


everyone for listening and sharing your lives on the DIS BL board......I look forward to continuing my journey with all of you in 2011.

Cheers,
Kim

 

[Rose&Mike]

I've had my ups and downs with this....literally and have taken the attitude of one step at a time and slow and steady....mostly because there have been many weeks that I didn't lose and maintained even though I was sticking to the plan.

Milestones along the journey have been.....
1. Not having to squeeze into clothes...and being able to wear a smaller size
2. Enjoying food that's good and good for me
3. Loving to go to the gym and really missing it when I don't go
4. feeling when I go to the gym...sometimes sore but a good sore
5. fitting into my real wedding and engagement rings...not the fake ones I've been wearing for 9 years
6. realizing that I need outside support to lose weight
7. realizing that I HAVE to keep a food journal because I really have no idea how much I eat during any given day


everyone for listening and sharing your lives on the DIS BL board......I look forward to continuing my journey with all of you in 2011.

Cheers,
Kim

Kim--thanks so much for sharing this. I really like hearing that I am not the only one who really needs outside support to be successful. Congratulations on reaching 25 pounds. Your list is wonderful! When people ask me how I did it this time I have started saying--you need a support group. And I truly believe that! Thanks again for sharing!

Busy day today! I decided to order books for my 18 month old niece and get the rest of them amazon gift cards. So that's done. I do need to shop for Mike and Tom. Shopping stresses me out! I also ordered our park tickets from undercover tourist. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I logged onto the website at 1:45 and realized that if I didn't make a decision by 2:00 I was going to have to pay for 2 day shipping! Kind of kills the discount. Mike and I are going to get annual passes, but I saved ~20 a ticket, and then we'll apply the tickets to annual passes when we get there.

I also did 3 loads of laundry and have been exchanging messages with Lisa about the Spring BL thread. I hope to have the new threads up next weekend, but we will chat on here until this challenge is over and on the reunion thread until the new challenge starts on Jan. 1st.

I don't know what size shoes you wear Lisa, but I hope I can fill them!

Ok, going to try to get some more stuff done before we go to the park to run.