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

[mikamah]

Part 2 was to post about what you do (or what you plan to do) to be sure you get your 6-8 glasses of water each day. All you have to do to get credit for this part is simply post and write about what you did to drink your water.

Thanks for the reminder Jen. Glad your day went well and that you have another day scheduled tomorrow. I'm sure you will be one of the more desired subs and that phone will be ringing regularly for you. Good luck tomorrow.

I have a 32 oz water bottle I bring filled to work, and if I haven't drank much in the morning, I will finish it off by lunch, and at home I always bring a big glass of water to the desk when I'm going on the computer. I'm lucky, I love to drink water, and usually it's not an issue to get it in.

Lindsay- I chuckled at your mom story. She will be so proud of you when she sees you cross that finishline. I wonder what my mom would say to me if she was here and heard I was going to do a half marathon, and am pretty sure she would roll her eyes and might say something like your mom did, but deep down I know she would be so proud of me. Mom's are special in so many ways.

 

[jenanderson]

Welcome to our Healthy Habits Challenge

Please know that you do not have to participate but the Healthy Habits Challenge is here to help you build good habits and have fun as you focus on your health and fitness for the challenge.

Note: You do not have to do all parts. You do not have to participate every week if you do not want to. Take it slow or try it all! Just give it a try as we work together to develop great habits for weight loss success!

Here is how our Healthy Habits Challenge will work.

PART ONE: The first part of the Healthy Habits Challenge will be based off the wonderful work of Donac who taught me that if I do something for 30 days, it will become a habit. Each week I will post two to four habit suggestions for you and at the end of the week, you report your points to me.

CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST CHALLENGE - PRIZES!: If you report your points, you will be eligible for wonderful prizes! I will randomly select one person each week to win a fabulous prize (maybe not fabulous but it will at least be a bit fun)!

PART TWO: The second part of the Healthy Habits Challenge will be a fun task for you to complete during the week and then post about your experience here on our thread. Again, there will be FUN and FABULOUS prizes (for one randomly selected poster each week).

HEALTHY HABITS CHALLENGE TWO

PART ONE
Drink 6-8 oz of water each day (1 point for each day) ( 1 cup of coffee or tea counts)
Exercise 20 minutes each day (1 point for each day)
Eat 5 fruits and veggies each day (1 point for each day)

When you send me your points please post your total in your RE and then in the main part of the pm list your points as follows:

XX days drinking water
XX days of exercising for 20 minutes
XX days of eating 5 fruits and veggies

This challenge runs from Friday, September 10, 2010 to Thursday September 16, 2010. On Friday September 17, 2010 PM me your points for the week. The Healthy Habits Challenge results will be posted the same day the weekly totals are posted.


PART TWO
So often many of us feel so overwhelmed with all that is going on in life. In trying to think about how to lesson the stress of it all, try to look at how to create some smaller goals that will lead you to success.

If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you have won your race. Your goal can be to come in first, to improve your performance, or just finish the race. It's up to you. ~Dave Scott, triathlete

For part two of the challenge, think of one of SMALL goal you can make for yourself this week to make you "win your race". It does not need to be exercise related (but it could be). It can be anything that will help you have a happy and healthy life. The most important thing is that the goal is small and can be achieved in ONE week.

Here's to a happy and healthy week!
Jen

 

[DisneyObsession]

Healthy Habits Week One Reminders -

Part 1 was to drink water and to exercise. Don't forget to send me a PM with your points for each of them. For anyone who is new...there is no such thing as too few points to report your efforts!!! If you tried it, send it to me and get credit for your hard work.

Part 2 was to post about what you do (or what you plan to do) to be sure you get your 6-8 glasses of water each day. All you have to do to get credit for this part is simply post and write about what you did to drink your water.

You can do just part 1 or just part 2 or do both parts...just do it! Finally, you are welcome to join in the Healthy Habits challenge every week or just do the weeks you want. It is all for fun but might help you establish some great habits that help in your weight loss journey.

Night everyone!
Jen

Water is the one thing I am getting in, as I sit in front of a computer all day, talk on the phone to customers, so I drink alot...water or hot tea. :

I ate well today and resisted buying anything in the cafeteria at work. That is the hardest thing....bad for me food is EVERYWHERE! The main thing I've done this week that is good for me is I gave up COFFEE!!! I like the fat free flavored creamers and I have realized they add way too many calories. I am drinking herbal tea's and they are wonderful! Amazingly enough I don't miss the coffee that much.

Well....tomorrow is the day....GOOD LUCK ALL!!!

 

[LuvBaloo]

Okay here is the starting stats for our Fall Biggest Loser 10 Challenge!

Maintainers:
We have 3 maintainers to start of the challenge!

And the Losers:
# of starting weights: .........63
# of excused:......................1

Here's a breakdown of the starting weights.

Less than 150 lbs ........10
Between 150 & 174.9....16
Between 175 & 199.9.....9
Between 200 & 224.9.....18
Between 225 & 249.9......6
Greater than 250............4


Hope everybody is happy with their weigh ins tomorrow!
I'm looking forward to having regular internet again next week, so I can be more involved.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Oh shucks he decided on Six Flags. That's okay I'd rather wait to do DL and stay on site and have cash for shopping.

We will be going next weekend if all goes well finding hotels etc. My brother said there is a nice place that is cheap close by but it was years ago when he last went.

I have Zoe's admission will be free and my brother is kind to be paying for me to go. He isn't able to drive right now and issue with his pain meds and my mom hates driving freeways or interstates so I'll be driving. It will be a nice break. Not sure if we are doing just one day or 2 yet. Thinking just one day and then drive over to the beach Sunday morning spend the afternoon there or something before heading back to AZ.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Lindsay- I chuckled at your mom story. She will be so proud of you when she sees you cross that finishline. I wonder what my mom would say to me if she was here and heard I was going to do a half marathon, and am pretty sure she would roll her eyes and might say something like your mom did, but deep down I know she would be so proud of me. Mom's are special in so many ways.

I know deep down she is so proud of me too. She is still trying to get over the fact we are going on vacation without my dad. He has to stay back with my grammy so my aunt can come along. I keep telling her Im the one having to leave my two kids at home and see how heart broken they are that Im going without them. I feel really selfish that everyone is doing this just for me. I just hope my mom realizes that it is such a great opportunity for us to go and spend time together. As you know very well life is just too short. We are hoping to stay at CBR. When I called disney endurance last week they still had availability so I am hoping that stays that way. I think thats how I sold my mom on going... its where she really wanted to stay.

Jen- Im so glad you got a full day for today.

Im off to work super early today to hopefully get caught up. Then we are taking the boys to a high school football game tonight. Its DH's alma mater even though our kids are going to eventually go to his high school rival. I asked if we should start taking them to that high schools games and my dh said he's not going to cheer for them until he has too.

Either way it will be fun and I am loving this fall like weather we are having.

Talk to you all later! Good luck on the weigh ins.

 

[flipflopmom]

I hope that you are giving yourself credit for making it through every day. Sounds like there is a lot going on before Monday....does it help you to make a list or does that just make you feel more overwhelmed?

I could not survive without a list! My lists have lists! I seriously LOVE to write it all down, I have a Franklin Covey planner for everything, a school planner, a notebook on the counter, you get the picture. Thanks for your kind words. I do need to give myself more credit than I do just for surviving!

Who is standing in your way?

Imagine someone regularly tying small weights around your ankles as you try to climb a mountain.

I don't have to imagine it, I live it!
Who is standing in my way?
My DH - his work schedule is not his fault, but it has seriously altered my life. Beyond that, he is a very unhealthy eater, and man, and while he is incredibly proud, he is always saying "eat more" "you can't live on that" "don't you want some". He insists on "Meals" where I could get by with making sandwiches for dinner for the girls with veggies and fruit for sides.
My kids - gotta be a mom!
My professor - hello? HOMEWORK
New puppy - mornings are his "up time", so leaving him for a run would be hard even if I could.

Now, all of the above are 100% true. HOWEVER, I love my husband and girls, and puppy, and I chose to go back for my Master's, so the only thing about any of the above that I resent is DH's work schedule. The rest are just facts of life.
I also stand in my way, sometimes. But I will 100% say that this week, I've done the best I can w/ what I've been given. And that feels good!

Life is crazy, and I have finally made the time to sit down, read some posts and post myself! So...I'll start by intriducing myself...

Glad you took the time!

Good morning friends! Sorry I haven't been around the last few days. I was right out straight doing housework and painting over the long weekend. And then I caught DS's cold... and I actually had to WORK the last two days!!

I missed you! Hope you feel better soon!

Cali is definitely a family dog, even 10 years later – Right from the beginning we all handled her and interacted with her and she has grown up so attached to all of us. I really hope that you find that Beamer has a relationship with each of you. It is so enriching.

I am starting to see that already! Thanks for sharing your story. The only problem is that since he is so small and docile right now, Sophie is not as gentle as she should be b/c he is easy to handle. We're working on that, but it is taking a lot of patience and teaching with her!

My DH keeps telling me that I need to put myself first, but it's just so hard with a 14 month old.

Good for you on recognizing this early! Sophie was 3 before I even began to think of myself again! In fact, I started my WL journey 1 week after her 3rd bday! However, I am NOT good at putting myself first, at all!

I am so bummed BB is almost over. For me it means that it is the end of summer. Here is a picture of my tattoo as I was getting it and a picture of it when it was done...

CUTE tattoo! I thought about getting one after college, but I don't like needles or pain, so it was a no go! I thought of you while I was watching BB last night!

The job hunt is not going well. I'd hoped to be working full time by now. I had no idea how bad the job market was until I entered it. Stressful and not good for self esteem. Today is my first day subbing for this year. Full day so that's good. I'm waitressing tonight too

Good luck to you!

Man, there are a lot of pages already. I was going to go back in and read them......but with the number I'll just start here and work forward so I don't overwhelm myself.

Good plan! Welcome back!

I just realized I have a whole new motivation for sticking to this plan to lose weight -- We have decided we are definitely going on the Disney 10-night Mediterranean cruise next summer.

YAY!!! I so want to do a cruise someday!

First thing I need to do is get back off the soda. I started drinking them last week in morning and then over the weekend had some overdosing. I always feel it too when I have more than one can I feel crummy.

Giving up soda was one of the best, and hardest things I did in the beginning of my journey. Good luck!

I thought of the commitment to myself and the BL and I held out and didn't have anything!

Love that! Very motivating and inspiring, thanks for sharing!

Im feeling a little bit better today. Just trying to regain control of my life again. So today Im taking care of everything that went wrong yesterday and moving foward.

I really identify with this! Hang in there, we can do it!

I'm still standing in my way. You'd think I would learn to be more polite to myself and step aside...
He ended the day coming home half an hour later than I expected, minus his sweatshirt. I was so happy to see him I just gave him a big hug (after closing the door so no one would see, of course! ) Turns out, most kids in the school are getting on the subway, so getting in a car was a challenge.
Maria

Glad he had a good first day! I love it, will you please step aside and get out of my way!

The fact is, sometimes circumstances make it very, very hard to be successful at losing weight. Sometimes the people in your life make it harder, usually without intending to, though not always. I can't even say that these things can always be overcome, but I do think that in order to lose weight, I had to (and still have to) figure out to navigate these more challenging relationships.

So true Corinna, so true! BY the way - you still look fabulous. Thanks for sharing your pics again, love the new ones!

Bad start to the day. I woke up feeling TERRIBLE! I sent my DS off to school and went back to bed. I slept until 11:30.

Hope you feel better soon!

Went to my first Jimmy Buffett concert with my mom and my aunt on Saturday I’ve been in a little mini funk myself as far as the house goes – needs to be cleaned, really cleaned, and organized but I have better things to do (like talk with my policeman friend !) and too little energy so I’ve been slacking and it’s starting to get on my nerves. Vicious cycle! I think we need another one of those “Let’s do this!” competitions – but this time it should be a “get on top of our stuff” competition !

Bree - I missed you! Glad you checked in, I would love a JB concert! What is it w/ everyone and housework lately? New season, fresh start?

So now I feel like our October trip is really on. My cousins are coming over from Scotland and we're staying at SSR. We had to shorten our trip because dd's first cheer competition is that Sunday - doesn't it figure?

for WDW trips!

I've been meaning to post...I read an interesting fact the other day, the average person burns 30 calories sitting on the couch watching tv in 30 minutes. Same person stretching for 30 minutes burns 95 calories, and 100 doing light household chores. For what it's worth.

OKay, so I have been burning some calories! Thanks for sharing!

I am down another pound today. I'm working on it. It's just hard to convince my brain that eating a little more is ok, but part of the reason I'm feeling so sluggish today could be because I'm not eating enough.

YOU HAVE TO EAT. Period. Your body needs fuel. Don't make me come after you.

Well, that's not a bad idea. I have a few tasks that I have been putting off WAY too long. I need to clean out the "guest" room which is covered in all of DD's out-grown toys and clothes. I need to clean out DD's closet/dresser/toybox and add those things to the out-grown toys and clothes. I am just dreading all of it. These things will take several days to accomplish and I just don't want to do it!!!

Having just done this w/ DD's clothes, I empathize. Break it up. One day, just organize by size. Get some bins/boxes/ bags. Another day, organize each size by season. It seems more manageable this way. I try to organize my life in minutes sometimes too. What's been working for me are 3 lists. 1 - what has to happen before I go to bed. 2 - what has to happen before I leave for work. These are pretty standard from day to day. The third list is what has to happen during the week. I take 15 -30 minutes a day, if I can, to work on it (clean bathrooms, etc.) I pick something manageable to do in 15 minutes that I can start and complete, knowing if I don't, I'll be spending

I finally did it! I registered for my first 5K!!!!! DD1 is going to do the 1 mile fun run!!!!!

You go girl!

Alright, I am 10 pages behind and for some reason having trouble getting back on the exercise wagon as well as this thread wagon. Don't know what's going on with me

Hang in there!

If I can just have a day where I can get things done but the rest of the world freezes it would be good. I have the constant feeling of falling behind and just not enough time to get it all done. I hope things get easier for you. QOTD- I feel like life sometimes gets in the way. I guess ultimately it falls on me to not let it to. Its just sometimes things get so busy and crazy that emotionally I cant worry about 1 more thing. Luckily these days are getting fewer and farther in between. So I feel like I am starting to conquer my issues. I did good eating most of the day. I peeked at the scale and I only have .2 to loose to hit the 30lbs. !

You are on a roll girl! So proud of you! ITA w/ everything you said!

About to crash, but I tallied my walking and with 6.22 miles today, I crossed the 700 mile mark - 702.27!! Which leaves me 47.73 to reach my goal for the year of 750 miles. Now if only I could get my eating under control and count my points, I would lose weight. Food is the problem....stress is the fuel for the problem.......I MUST SUCCEED!!!!

I think it is very hard to get them both under control at the same time.

Awesome, Jen, getting putting BOB back to work for you and journalling again. Now it's stories like this one that make me want to get a dog. This and when I see michael with my brothers dog, and how cute they are together playing. You have so much on your plate. So hard, I'm sure to try and take it one day at a time, and let some of the little things slide. I hope thing calm down soon for you. I'm glad Beamer is doing well. Sounds like a wonderful addition to your family. I laughed when you said you were jealous of my 2 hours alone, and just so you're not too jealous, it's only 2 morning/week. Good luck to everyone tomorrow when you get on that scale.

OK. That helps a bit. Only 2 mornings. I think a dog would be a great Christmas present for Michael! And the comment about putting BOB to work for you gave me a totally different mental image. I am just trying to take it 3 hours at a time. That helps, what do I need to do in the next 3 hours.....

oops- things have been so insane with work, I honestly forgot to come and post; so I'm running a bit behind- I did read everything, and promise to stay on track from here on out.

You are making great progress and plans! Congrats on getting in the exercise!

Welcome to our Healthy Habits ChallengeFor part two of the challenge, think of one of SMALL goal you can make for yourself this week to make you "win your race". It does not need to be exercise related (but it could be). It can be anything that will help you have a happy and healthy life. The most important thing is that the goal is small and can be achieved in ONE week.

Ok. I'm going to make this one small, and hope it gets done. I will run 2x between now and next Saturday. SURELY somehow, please God, it will happen!

The main thing I've done this week that is good for me is I gave up COFFEE!!! I like the fat free flavored creamers and I have realized they add way too many calories. I am drinking herbal tea's and they are wonderful! Amazingly enough I don't miss the coffee that much.

I couldn't give up my coffee, so I went to drinking it black! Congrats!

Hey everyone! I guess you wonder how I don't have time to run but I can type all this. Well, it's dark out, and there is no one at the park where I run until 6:15 or so now. Honestly, I don't feel safe in the dark there by myself. When the sun is up, the park is wonderful, but some shady stuff has been known to go on there overnight, early morning.

Little boy wronged was a terror yesterday. But here is my big dilemma, he was a terror all last year. I told my friend that taught him many times "I am so glad you got him, b/c I would have him in the office every day." Well, my words came back to bite me. I am trying to be understanding about his emotional needs, but knowing his behavior, a lot of it is just him. So finding the balance b/t understanding and firmness is tough!

Talked with AK about gym, and told her if she plans to continue she has to step up and help w/ housework a lot more. She seemed to understand. We'll give it a few weeks to see.

Having a bit of mixed feelings about the weekend. Girls will stay w/ MIL tonight, they'll take them to mom tomorrow, and they'll stay w/ her tomorrow night. I'm going to miss them, and feel like a bad mom. But tonight is "get the homework done or die" night, leaving around 6 or 7 to head to Virginia Tech, and we'll be there until 7 or so tomorrow night, if not later. I must say, I am looking forward to the time away, and the tailgating.

Sophie had a great first day in preschool. Came home and told me it was September the 9th, the first few lines of the Pledge, who she played with. No problems when mom dropped her off, and when mom went to pick her up, she said "Granny, I don't want to leave yet. You can go home and come back later."

OFf for my 45 min drive to take DD to MIL for the day. Hope weigh ins go well for all of you! Forgot to do it before I had my coffee, so I'll weigh in tomorrow. Jen - I'll try to get my HH points to you later today!

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY!! TGIF!!!
TARYN

 

[tigger813]

Good morning!

Got up and did 2.5 miles on the elliptical in 55 minutes. It felt good. I kept trying to up my pace. I'll try and do 3 more later today.

After getting both kids on the bus I will head to Kohl's to get some new exercise pants and some new running sneakers. Going to try Asics gels. I got a gift card from a good friend for my b'day so I decided to use it on my new sneakers. I usually only spend about $20 on shoes for myself so this will be a splurge for me! A friend that I made on the podcast boards is going to do the 5K with me! SHe's doing one this weekend and then we'll do this one in 2 weeks.

Not going to have much of a loss despite my hard work this week. I gained a few over the weekend and I've been bloated the past two days. Tonight will be my only splurge for the weekend. DD1 and I are going to go out and run in the morning before the girls' 2 soccer games. I think that's our only plans for tomorrow. Sunday is church with the first day of Sunday school and blessing of the backpacks.

Gotta go get dressed so I can walk DD1 to the bus stop. She wanted to go alone and I refused despite there being 6 other kids there. She's being much more independent which is good.

TTFN!

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning Everyone!

My name is Christina, but please call me CC. I feel l should preface my coaching week with 1) I am a bit OCD about coaching and 2) because I do not have a job, I have plenty of time on my hands.

I do spend a significant amount of time looking for a job each day. I spent a lot of time yesterday working on an application for a position and I’m still not done yet. I WILL finish it today. It is for a special education position. I have certifications in special education, elementary education, and hearing impaired.

A little bit about me and the answer to yesterday’s QOTD: My mom started bugging me-a lot- about my weight in summer 2008. I finally agreed with her in mid-September and went to a Weight Watchers Center nearby. I learned I had gained at least 40 pounds in 10 ½ months. I knew I had gained a lot, but was not expecting that much. After following WW diligently I lost over 30 pounds by January 2009. I was even able to lose during the holidays. My sister and I went to WDW for 6 days and I gained a pound or two. I’m pretty sure I lost those pounds and then held steady for a few weeks. Then, in the quest to determine if I have Meniere’s disease, I was prescribed some medication. One of its side effects is significant weight gain. I’m off of it now, know I do not have Meniere’s disease, and have a new specialist in the same field. She will do anything possible to avoid weight gain that still helps me avoid vertigo or manage it when it happens. I now have two specialists that actually work together and listen to one another so I feel much better about the medications I am taking.

In summary, there are a few people/things standing in my way, although for the most part it is me. The medications I am on now do not cause weight gain, but it is still difficult for me to lose weight on them. There is still an occasional day when I wake up with vertigo and then have to debate how much movement is okay and in the end, I almost always decide to not exercise that day. Then, there is my mom. She insisted I needed to lose weight, and even though I started when I was ready, I often think that I am doing this for her. She is often telling me that I am an embarrassment to her and she does not want to go out in public with me because of my clothes. It is especially problematic because I lately I’ve been gaining weight and even the clothes in larger sizes are tight. I am much better about exercising, but I procrastinate about journaling my food and often avoid it altogether.

A few other comments and today’s QOTD:

Thanks Lisa for coaching last week and co-hosting this challenge!

To all those struggling

Good luck with weigh-in today. Please remember to PM your current weight to LuvBaloo and your HH points to jenanderson. Jen has already posted this week’s Healthy Habits and I encourage you to participate.
Have a great day everyone!

CC

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.


For me, 1) I earned all 14 HH points. 2) I am getting better about journaling my food. 3) I completed W1D1 of the C25K.

 

[flipflopmom]

Just back from dropping off DD, and did my weigh in. I am pleased to report that despite only 1 run, 1 lost 1 pound. Not going to make any top tens, but I am glad that I kept my eating under control, even w/ the stress and my birthday! 11 pounds to goal!

So, I guess that's my answer to QOTD.

Have a great day!

 

[JOANNEL]

Well I only lost .5 but after last week end I will take it!!!! I was so worried I gained some.

Good luck all.

 

[Dreamer24]

CC - I'm sorry that your journey has been so tough. I hope that you can find the strength to do this for yourself and not your mom. It's your opinion that counts!

I had a very disappointed week. It's tough to come up with three good things about my performance in week 1. 1. I did get all 14 HH points. 2. I met the goals I set for myself for exercise. 3. I "met" wonderful people whose stories will inspire me for the next few weeks.

I was successful with my exercise plan. I walked 2-6 miles each day (2 on gym days, 4-6 on non gym days) and I went to the gym 4 times. Unfortunately, I at bad all week. My weight was EXACTLY the same.

My goals for this week:
2 miles of walking every day
Gym 4 days
W1D1 C25K
Half of my plate for dinner will be vegetables at least 4 days


The last one I will need some help on. For those of you who have changed your eating habits, how do you do it without giving up the things you enjoy or if you did have to give up the things you enjoy, how do you feel satisfied? How do you teach yourself to like vegatables and healthy foods? I love fruits and I like salad (but hate the work of preparing them!) but for veggies, I only eat corn, carrots, peas, green beans and broccoli. Well, when even when I measure my foods, a serving of peas does not fill half of my plate! What do you do, do you eat 2 different veggies? Do you eat 2-3 servings? AND how do you teach yourself to eat more different veggies? I'm feeling desparate!

 

[DisneyObsession]

Well...I got through my first full week and have lost 2.5 lbs. I am very excited and know that with all your support I will reach my goal.

Running per usual this morning, so I'll come back tonight after work.

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.
1. I gave up coffee with fat free flavored creamer
2. I was very conscience of what when into my mouth
3. I bought NOTHING in the cafeteria at work all week!

Happy Day All and Happy Weigh In Day!!!

 

[pjlla]

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.

Tough to answer, since it has been a lousy week for me... I came down with a bad cold/sore throat, had to work unexpectedly two days, and have been in high gear getting some stuff done around the house. My exercise has definitely been on the back burner.

Three positives.... hmmm..... #1... I did lose a little bit of weight, despite feeling lousy and not running since Monday. #2.... I didn't give in to comfort eating on Wednesday when I felt really lousy and tired. #3. sorry... can't come up with #3.

The last one I will need some help on. For those of you who have changed your eating habits, how do you do it without giving up the things you enjoy or if you did have to give up the things you enjoy, how do you feel satisfied? How do you teach yourself to like vegatables and healthy foods? I love fruits and I like salad (but hate the work of preparing them!) but for veggies, I only eat corn, carrots, peas, green beans and broccoli. Well, when even when I measure my foods, a serving of peas does not fill half of my plate! What do you do, do you eat 2 different veggies? Do you eat 2-3 servings? AND how do you teach yourself to eat more different veggies? I'm feeling desparate!

I'll try to offer some help here. I feel that my eating habit have been pretty significantly and permanently changed since I started this journey (not for the first time) in January of 2008.

There were definitely things that I gave up that I thought I'd miss... but in hindsight, I really don't. I gave up beer... I used to enjoy a few on the weekends, but now only indulge in maybe one or two a YEAR... during vacation usually. And I really don't miss it... I would so rather EAT my calories than DRINK them. I gave up Diet Coke and replaced it with seltzer and water. Again, I don't miss it at all.... just knowing how TERRIBLE it is for me, made it easier to drop.

Other things that I loved I found a way to substitute or fit it into my plan... ice cream.... I usually indulge only on the weekends or during a special occasion. Then I measure it/count it (unless I am out somewhere) and journal it and move on. On other days, if I am craving ice cream, I have a Skinny Cow cone, Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich, or some sort of WW ice cream pop. I also occasionally have ff/sf instant pudding, if I am craving a sweet (plus I am getting calcium... so that is good).

I love salty snacks... rarely met a potato chip I didn't love. But I've switched to Baked Lays and don't miss the regular chips at all. (Although occasionally I will snitch the first one out of a freshly opened bag and I will savor that ONE for a minute!)

HONESTLY.... it constantly amazes me the things that I have given up that I really DON'T MISS!!!! But I would definitely miss fitting into my size 6 shorts! It is all about choices!

Honestly, you might say it was easier for me because I have always liked most vegetables. I've always made/serving fairly healthy meals consisting of green veggie, starch, protein. And I was NEVER the type of person who ate three candy bars and a bag of cookies every day. I gained my weight by overeating on portions of "normal" foods, potato chips, and double scoops of ice cream!

Broccoli, green beans, and carrots are a GREAT place to start, for hot veggies. Don't forget, for most eating plans, corn and peas are considered a starch/grain. Even if these are the ONLY veggies you want to eat, consider filling your plate half way with them (not the starchy ones). Find different ways to cook them.... broccoli can be steamed, it can be stir fried (and I have a great broccoli salad recipe if you would like it)... green beans can be steamed or oven roasted with onions and garlic and a bit of EVOO... they can be served with slivered almonds or in tomato sauce. Carrots can be steamed, roasted, raw, mashed... you name it. Salad... make it easy on yourself and buy the prewashed greens and such! I'm super cheap, but this is one splurge that is well worth it for me.

I eat two veggies most nights... or at least a HUGE portion of one veggie. I no longer eat starch with my evening meal (but I still like the occasional Sandwich thin with breakfast or lunch). For example, last night's dinner was crockpot chicken cacciatore. In with the chicken I cooked onions, peppers, and portabello mushroom. For the family, I served this with whole grain pasta. For myself, I steamed cauliflower. Then I served the sauce over the cauliflower. It was delicious and filling with so many veggies. And since I am about the only mushroom lover, I was able to pick those out for myself (I left them in big chunks just for that reason). So I had at least two servings of veggie... probably closer to 3 or 4.... mushrooms, onions, peppers, cauliflower, and spaghetti sauce.

Wednesday night's dinner was a Bisquick recipe... Easy Vegetable Pie. I make two... one for the family and one for me. The one for me has about double the amount of veggies called for and a smaller amount of cheese and egg whites instead of whole eggs. It is sort of like crustless quiche. And I easily get a serving or two of veggies.

As far as teaching yourself to like veggies... I think it just takes time and continued trials. I didn't learn to like peas until I was in college.... I didn't like cucumbers until I was in my 20's. I am still trying new veggies.... most recent trial was turnip (which I was FORCED to eat as a kid). You know what... I still DON'T like it! But at least I tried it again. But I have also discovered parsnips (yummy, but starchy... kind of like potato), jicama (great raw in a salad... adds crunch), sundried tomatoes (both in oil and without... super yummy!), and bok choy (in a homemade ham fried rice recipe... nice!).

Try preparing veggies that you marginally like in a different way. DD won't touch asparagus that is steamed, but she loves it roasted or grilled. And she would rather eat raw carrots than cooked any day. Sometimes it is all in the preparation.

And try adding veggies into your day in unexpected places. For example, my breakfast today was a sandwich made with a Sandwich Thin, three egg whites, and a slice of fresh tomato. Eggs and tomato are a great combination, and now I've had almost a full serving of veggies before 9 am!

V-8 does have a lot of sodium, but it is a good way to get in a serving a veggies if you are lacking. There is low sodium, but personally I don't like it.

Fruits can be added all over the place... warm applesauce with dinner (no sugar added kind) is popular here in the fall. Diced mango with grilled chicken on a salad is delicius (I have a recipe, if you would like), bananas on cereal and oatmeal.

The only other thing I will mention... if there is something I am really craving, I usually save one day on the weekends for a splurge day. If I have been craving "real" pizza or ice cream or something like that, I plan it into my day, measure it/count it/journal it/enjoy it... and move on! Sometimes it was worth the wait... sometimes it isn't. And when it isn't, I make note of that in my food journal to remind myself on the next occasion when I am craving that item!!

Sorry to ramble.... just trying to help......P

 

[pjlla]

Happy Friday morning everyone!

I got waaaay behind on this thread this week, so I sat down last night to catch up. After reading for almost 2 hours, my eyes were closing so I gave up and shut down (after I had been clicking on multi-quote). So I won't be responding to anything in particular. So sorry. And I know I missed some great QOTD!! Maybe I'll have time over the weekend to catch up on those.

I'm still fighting this stupid cold.... headache is mostly gone, sore throat is improved, but now I'm coughing and sniffling... so no run again today. Hopefully by Monday I'll be ready to start fresh! And of course, since I haven't run since Monday, the scale showed that.... down just .1 today.. oh well.

As it is, today is another busy day, so I don't have much time to even chat here. I just wanted to come on and say HI! Hopefully I will have time to chat maybe on Sunday. TTYL..............P

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.

3 Positive Aspects of the 1st Week: 1) I ran the day after I got back from my vacation 2) We restocked the house with good food right away 3) I was able to get a couple of days of "office laps" in for an hour yesterday and today -- it's like bonus walking in the air conditioning, without any colleagues around

I have my 10M on tap tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it. That will be the most calm part of day -- we have a kitty appt., shopping for ds, haircuts for dh and ds, and registering dh for his 5K on Sunday, plus getting me ready to travel for work next week.

Dreamer24 -- I actually like veggies, so I don't have a problem getting them in. I make them a part of every meal, except for breakfast. I usually have hummus and 3-4 raw veggies for lunch during the summer. Even if I'm having something else, I will have a bag of baby carrots or grape tomatoes as an "appetizer". I have a salad with dinner almost every night, and then I'll also have some steamed or grilled veggies. I definitely eat more than one serving with each meal. You can get little bags of carrots already to go, or you can do what we do -- we buy the veggies for the week, and in a monster session, we cut up red, orange and yellow peppers, cucumbers, and whatever else, and we also divide grape tomatoes and baby carrots at the same time. We put them in little baggies and they stay good for a week. It is very easy to grab whatever you might want whenever you need it. We do the same thing with grapes and watermelon. We also keep oranges, apples, bananas, and peaches (or another seasonal fruit), out so they are easily seen and eaten.

Pamela -- I agree with you! I find there are things I just don't miss at all. Thank goodness! Anything that I really love enough to miss, I love enough to eat a portion -- because I wasn't eating portions before! Here's a trick I use -- I pick something to be my treat for the week (this week it's 2 dark chocolate Reese's cups). As long as I'm doing my best, I get that treat at the end of the week. The beauty of it is, I tend not to use many of my extra WW points, and my treat always falls within that range. I know I shouldn't have a food reward, and I don't for big things, but this is just a little extra yummy so I don't feel deprived. I'm still eating something I really want that's kind of decadent.

Healthy Habits part 2 -- A small goal -- this is a great idea! I'm going to be travelling this week, but I did find out my hotel has a stellar gym. I am planning 3 workouts this week while I'm away, and I am making that my goal. This will help me stick to it, and actually use the workout clothes I'm packing!

Maria

 

[Dreamer24]

Pjilla, thanks so much for your suggestions. I'll try cooking the veggies I do eat in different ways and doubleing up as a starting point. I usually boil them because I feel like it defeats the purpose to add fat. Then I will work on adding in new ones.

 

[Connie96]

PART ONE
Drink 6-8 oz of water each day (1 point for each day) ( 1 cup of coffee or tea counts)
Exercise 20 minutes each day (1 point for each day)
Eat 5 fruits and veggies each day (1 point for each day)

FIVE?!! Sure wish I had fruit with breakfast today. Now I'm just behind.

Speaking of breakfast, and completely off the HH subject, I figured out how to enjoy my beloved peanut butter without triggering the insanity. For an occasional *weekday* breakfast: 1 piece toasted cinnamon raisin bread (organic, sprouted whole grain) spread with 1.5 tablespoons of organic peanut butter. 230 calories. And, since I'm off to work, breakfast is OVER - no opportunity to go back for seconds, thirds, etc., etc.

For part two of the challenge, think of one of SMALL goal you can make for yourself this week to make you "win your race". It does not need to be exercise related (but it could be). It can be anything that will help you have a happy and healthy life. The most important thing is that the goal is small and can be achieved in ONE week.

Goal: Remove all outgrown clothes from DD's closet and dresser.

Depending on how the week goes, they may just end up in the pile of other outgrown clothes, but at least I can dress her from the closet instead of the laundry basket. I can start buying new fall clothes for her too.

Having just done this w/ DD's clothes, I empathize. Break it up. One day, just organize by size. Get some bins/boxes/ bags. Another day, organize each size by season. It seems more manageable this way.

Taryn, you're making entirely too much sense for me to understand you. It's like we speak two different languages or something.

I try to organize my life in minutes sometimes too. What's been working for me are 3 lists. 1 - what has to happen before I go to bed. 2 - what has to happen before I leave for work. These are pretty standard from day to day. The third list is what has to happen during the week. I take 15 -30 minutes a day, if I can, to work on it (clean bathrooms, etc.)

Again! You with the smart planning. I have actually done something similar in the past and it was helpful. I think I'll give it another try.

Little boy wronged was a terror yesterday. But here is my big dilemma, he was a terror all last year. I told my friend that taught him many times "I am so glad you got him, b/c I would have him in the office every day." Well, my words came back to bite me. I am trying to be understanding about his emotional needs, but knowing his behavior, a lot of it is just him. So finding the balance b/t understanding and firmness is tough!

Poor kid. A situation like this is tough on everybody involved and that's just rotten. I hope you are able to find the balance that you, he and all your students need very soon. And I hope that he can find where he belongs - he must feel very lost right now.

Having a bit of mixed feelings about the weekend. Girls will stay w/ MIL tonight, they'll take them to mom tomorrow, and they'll stay w/ her tomorrow night. I'm going to miss them, and feel like a bad mom. But tonight is "get the homework done or die" night, leaving around 6 or 7 to head to Virginia Tech, and we'll be there until 7 or so tomorrow night, if not later. I must say, I am looking forward to the time away, and the tailgating.

ENJOY!!

Sophie had a great first day in preschool. Came home and told me it was September the 9th, the first few lines of the Pledge, who she played with. No problems when mom dropped her off, and when mom went to pick her up, she said "Granny, I don't want to leave yet. You can go home and come back later."

Sounds like a good sign!

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.

1) I exercised 6 days this week. I never did really want to, but once I got started, I was glad to be getting it done.
2) Craving diet coke every morning this week, but haven't had one since... last Sunday?
3) I feel like I really am making progress toward finding the balance of sustainable lifestyle changes.

The last one I will need some help on. For those of you who have changed your eating habits, how do you do it without giving up the things you enjoy or if you did have to give up the things you enjoy, how do you feel satisfied? How do you teach yourself to like vegatables and healthy foods? I love fruits and I like salad (but hate the work of preparing them!) but for veggies, I only eat corn, carrots, peas, green beans and broccoli. Well, when even when I measure my foods, a serving of peas does not fill half of my plate! What do you do, do you eat 2 different veggies? Do you eat 2-3 servings? AND how do you teach yourself to eat more different veggies? I'm feeling desparate!

Well, I clicked to multiquote and answer, but then I saw that pjlla pretty much covered it. I keep bags of frozen veggies that I like and, since I do like them plain, I'll just nuke half a bag (usually 2-3 servings) right before dinner, put the other half bag back in the freezer for tomorrow, and that's the first thing I put on my plate. Then I add a small portion of starch and a good portion of protein. Personally, I don't add oil, salt or anything else to my veggies, so I have as many servings as I want without any guilt at all.

Well...I got through my first full week and have lost 2.5 lbs. I am very excited and know that with all your support I will reach my goal.

Sounds like a fantastic start! Way to go.

 

[tigger813]

Lost .8 for the week! Contributing the small loss to my overindulgence last weekend and this annoying bloated feeling I've had the last two days.

Back from buying sneakers, picking up a few groceries and visiting my local wellness center. It's run by an Herbalife rep so I got to try a few things. The cookies and creme and chocolate shakes were really yummy! I'm going to try and go back on Monday morning next week. Try it for a few days and see how it makes me feel.

Time to get off the boards and get some cleaning done. Going to watch Y&R from yesterday and then listen to the podcasts from this week.

I'm not allowing myself back here until my living room and dining room are clean and vacuumed! Gonna be hard as I'm a BL addict!!!

 

[my3princes]

CC

QOTD: Share 3 or more positive aspects of your first week in the BL Challenge.


For me, 1) I earned all 14 HH points. 2) I am getting better about journaling my food. 3) I completed W1D1 of the C25K.

I started out very strong and lost 3 lbs, then stress, life and a nasty cold put a damper on that. I was up a pound from my starting weight today. I normally weigh in on Sunday as that just works best for me. Maybe I'll at least break even by then. It sucks having a head cold, sore throat, ear ache and worst of all bed spins (with no alcohol involved).

3 positive things:

1) I cut back a HUGE amount on diet soda. I'm down to about 1 a day from only drinking soda
2) I increased my water intake. I hate the taste of plain water and we don't drink tap water at all. Our tap water is "perfectly safe to drink", but often has a brown tinge I've been drinking bottles of flavored water and I'm allowing myself one bottle of 10 calorie vitaminwater each day. I think that is better than diet soda, but I hope that someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
3) I dug out all my weight watcher's supplies including my food scale