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

[grafxgirl]

Spent the last 9 days on vacation in NC and Disney! Just got back. I will have to pick up with things this week since I didn't see the challenges before leaving. I do hope that I've lost a few pounds since we did tons of walking and drank water the whole time we were there because it was way too hot for anything full of sugar. We even split our meals, and still came "home" in the evening with extra food!

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Evening,

It is getting late and I am ready for bed. I am hoping to sleep better tonight.

I am going to post Monday's QOTD now, because I really do need some sleep and hope to get some tonight.

Some of us have been talking about loving exercise and some of us are still getting into it. So,

QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

WISHing everyone a great day tomorrow and a wonderfully, OP week!

CC

I still have a sore throat and my sinuses are clogged. I am hoping that I don't lose my voice. It is too early in the school year to do that.

QOTD I think I am making chicken and brown rice for dinnner. TOnight we are haveing bbq pork, corn and some salad. I got a lot of veggies at the farmer's market but I have some things in the freezer so I really don't have to go grocery shopping for a couple of days.

Hope you are feeling better in the morning! I love not having to go to the grocery store for a few days!

QOTD: I work from 12:30PM - 9 PM so dinner isn't dinner per se...I eat it at 3:45 break and within 20 in, so I will probably have a side salad with grilled chicken breast. Luckily I can eat at my desk, so I'll eat red peppers and 50% reduced fat cheese around 6.

You have a great plan in place!

I brought home 3 pounds of white mushrooms & 2 large portobellos. Does anyone have a favorite recipe they'd recommend?

Honestly, I love Portobello mushrooms as a burger. I use one of those 1 point thin rolls and some spray, like Pam before grilling it. I put mushrooms in pasta sauce too. I’ll eat them raw too.

What charities call to pick stuff up? I've never had a call like that. When I want stuff gone I have to load up the car, drive almost an hour to the nearest Goodwill, unload the car, and drive home.

Lowfat cornbread (from a mix) for the family and a corn Vitamuffin top for me.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters just called a few days ago, now that you mention it.

I forgot about Vitamuffin tops. Great idea!

The house looked good and clean... still have some maintenance issues and I can't WAIT to order the new carpet, but at least things were clean. (well, except for my bedroom... I ran out of time and just ended up shutting the door...)

I love a clean house. I don’t think you want to see my bedroom. LOL

9/11 Saturday QOTD: What is one fitness goal you have for yourself? And, What is one thing you can do to help yourself achieve that goal?

Maybe that is my real problem right now. I DON'T have a fitness goal. I am running without a real goal.... I have totally dropped the strength training over the last few weeks. Everything about the exercise seems dull and lackluster. I'm hoping that returning to a more regular schedule this coming week (DD's swim season starts up) will make things come more into focus with regards to the exercise. Perhaps I should pick a race to run and commit to it... that would be a nice goal. I need to give this question some thought.

I know I do better with a regular schedule, FWIW.

Well, I have new shoes. I tried a new pair of the shoes I am running in now on, and my old shoes are definitely done. I got a pair of Saucony's this time, still help with the pronating, but a little more cushiony. They are a little heavier so we'll see how it goes. If after a week or two I don't like them I can take them back. I was also told to maybe only wear the inserts if I feel like the plantar is acting up, so I'm going to try this week without them. The plan is to wear my shoes to run and my old shoes for elliptical and strength. Since I always seem to be running out the door, we'll see if I actually pick up the right shoes.

And I have a plan for dinner for this week:
today: homemade pizza w/ mama mary's thin crust, fresh mozz, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil
Monday--homemade veggie burgers which are in the freezer with broccoli
Tuesday--hummus, carrots and grapes, if I don't go out with friends
Wednesday--baked sweet potato and beans (Mike will still be out of town).

The new shoes sound great! I love that you can return them if need be.

Great menu!

Ok, I'm jumping back in from here. Been a busy weekend at work and I finished day 4 of a 6 day work week. By the time weds. comes I'll be ecstatic. I'm relaxing here in the office, while DH is watching the Eagles game. I like football myself depending on what channel its on. Its not the game, its the announcers. I'm very particular

I’ll only watch the Superbowl and only because of commercials myself.

Rose I have not see Titanic either. Dh was watching it one Sunday afternoon. I walked in and they were in water up to their shins. I walked in about an hour later and they were in water up to their thighs. How long did it take for the boat to sink?

I’ve only made it through the movie once-for precisely that reason.

Well tomorrow is a new day and I will get back to healthy eating. QOTD- I plan on making chicken breast, noodles, and veggies.

Great plan!

Normally I could tell you, as we plan our meals a week at a time. DH and ds are having turkey burgers. Since I will be travelling, I'm not sure what will be available. I am going to aim for a salad and a protein, I promise to try to eat healthy!

Thank you so much to Lisa, Corinna, Taryn, Kathy, and everyone who offered encouragement! I really needed it yesterday.

Filed under "Are you a little bit insane?" I decided to do the 5K with dh today. It was very spontaneous, and I did not mentally or physically prepare -- I would never have run 10M yesterday if I planned to run a race today! About 20 steps in I knew this wasn't going to be pretty, but I was committed so off I went. I knew I was in trouble when the first mile took me 14 minutes, but then I seemed to get my legs a little. I did then whole 5K in 38 minutes, which while not on my usual pace, I'm taking considering I was already tired and there were hills I'd forgotten about!

On the bright side, now I don't have to feel guilty about not getting a workout in tomorrow. And my suitcase is packed, including the workout clothes...

I am going to miss you guys this week, it really helps me to hear how everyone is doing. I should be able to check and read if nothing else, maybe a couple of quick posts, I hope.

Everyone have a fabulous week, and best of luck!

Maria

We’ll miss you too. Hope you have a great trip and lots of healthy options. WTG on the 5K!

I bought some raffle tickets there, hopefully I win. The grand prize is a $1000 gift card to the shopping center where I work. There is a giant eagle there, and I can use the gc to buy a disney gc to pay for my trip.

Sending some PD and good vibes!

Great job today!

The morning will start at 5:15 with a brisk elliptical ride while DD1 does the free step. After putting both girls on the bus I will run over to the wellness center for a "healthy Herbalife b'fast" before hopping in the car to meet Redwalker and her new puppy, Luna for a walk around the parking lot of the mall for a while DD2 gets off the bus at around 12:10 and then we will have some lunch and I will hop back on the elliptical for an hour while watching Y&R. I then planning on doing some strength workouts with Jillian and Bob. This week I will weigh myself on Wednesday before I go to the dr since they will be weighing me there anyways. I want to compare their scale with mine.

Another great plan!

 

[flipflopmom]

Hey everyone! I have 3 minutes while my mini-peel sets, so I'll check in now, and reply in the am.

I am feeling so much better mentally. My face is a wreck, and I have energy, so TOM is on it's way!

Woke up when the alarm went off at 4:30, took Beamer and Pablo out, and went back to sleep on the couch until Beamer woke me up again at 6:30!

Went to church, then to Mom's. Took Beamer to introduce him, Pablo is happier at home. While at Mom's, Sophie cut several 3 inch snips out of her hair with Mom's nose hair scissors. Oh well, thankfully they were underneath, and not that noticeable. Her excuse? "I couldn't wait until we go back to Disney World for a haircut!" I actually handled it a lot better than I did when Anna Kat cut her eyebrows!

Came home around 7, and started cleaning. Just stopped. According to Jennz's info, I am guessing I burned 450 calories or so. At one point I ran to the store for a second, and got a frantic call from AK. They thought Sophie had broken Beamer's leg. AK was on the couch, Brad was in bathroom, and they heard him squeal. He wouldn't put any weight on one leg, and Soph was too scared to tell us what happened. Not sure if she pulled it, stepped on him, or rocked the recliner down on him trying to get in it. We were all ready to call the vet, and then he sat down and scratched with it, moved everything, felt a bit better. He took a few steps, climbed up on a pillow, and down, and used it. He took a nap, and he and Pablo have been chasing each other ever since! THANK GOD he's fine!!!!

I washed 3 loads of clothes, swept, mopped, cleaned up the mess from the tailgate we didn't feel like dealing with last night, dusted, cleaned bathrooms,
took out the trash, cleaned out the fridge, and put on venison roast for meals! That, in combination with the meal planning, helped me to feel much more in control for the week!

I wrote out plans for meals for the week, it's tough to make sure Brad has stuff to pack and eat while we are gone, plus easily packable dinners for gym nights, but I think I've got a plan.

Didn't hit the plan as hard as I wanted to today, but ate lots of veggies, some white beans, a bit of bbq rib meat. Then, my aunt brought by a cake that ate half a slice of before I decided it wasn't worth the calories. But I stuck to my "no food after 5:30 on Sundays after eating too much at mom's".

Sophie's staying home tonight, I couldn't go another night w/o her. She'll make her night w/ Papa and Nana Tues. night. I'll drive her tomorrow am. But I think I should be able to run Wed, Fri, and either Sat. or Sun. am. Depends on if I go back to VT Sat. I had said I didn't want to, but I now I want to go back to the tailgate. Brad had offered my ticket to a friend, so we'll just have to see what happens with that and sitters.

I'll be on often, just sharing random stuff this week. It's going to be tough, and I need to keep to my "new normal" I've acquired this year as much as possible!"

I've also decided to let my weight loss plan take a back burner until Brad comes off 3rd. Meaning, I'll watch my food, run when I can, post often, but not stress if progress isn't strong. Brad's 20th H.S. reunion is the first weekend in Oct, so I need to at least maintain until then.

Okay, enough of a novel. I'll be back with replies in the am!

NIGHT!
Taryn

 

[Connie96]

If you like lists, make one of each step, (old clothes out, sort by size, sort by season, etc) when you can cross one step off, you'll feel better than if you have "organize clothes" written down and have to wait until the project is done to do it. Another hint - don't fold anything till its' done. You'll be looking at those tags way too many times to deal with that until the end!

I had every intention of diving in this afternoon, but ending up staying at my sister's much longer than planned for my nephew's first bday party. I did manage to cull out a few toys, so that's something.

Connie...I have had to give up all diet drinks/food that have aspartame in them. I have an article that says the aspartame turns to formaldehyde when we digest it and I was drinking so many of those flavored waters with it I developed an allergy to formaldehyde. I have found I don't even like the taste of diet stuff anymore. I drink water, herbal teas and a little milk. If I splurge on a soda, I usually drink ginger ale. I had heard somewhere that if I grandmothers wouldn't recognize a food, we shouldn't eat it! Just a thought.

I like the grandmother comment. It'd certainly be a good start!

I am officially registered for the Princess Half Marathon.[/COLOR]

Congrats Lindsay! I sure wish I could pull it off too.

What race are you doing? Good luck!!!

The Seawall Half in Galveston. http://www.seawallhalf.com/seawall/index.html

I felt so great when I finished! I will say that I was totally tired of falling down and tripping on things and being in the mud - I was beat up, scratched and caked with mud by the end. I have cuts all over, bruises and every muscle in my body aches...but I do feel great. I can't believe I did it and I can't wait to do it again next year!

You are such THE WOMAN!!!!



To everyone who offered encouragement in the great Diet Coke detox, thank you. It just occurred to me that, although I have stopped drinking it many times, I have NEVER approached it as a FOREVER type thing. Maybe this is the time to make it official.

I'm sorry that I didn't reply to everyone. I am BEAT. I don't even know why. I'm just physically exhausted. I have to tell you what happened to me this morning, though. We were supposed to be at my sister's at 12:30 for my nephew's party. I still needed to run to Walmart to buy a gift, and as long as I was there, I wanted to grab the things on my pretty short grocery list. I knew I'd be a few minutes late, but I thought I could manage. I kept telling DD that we were in a hurry and I needed her to help me out by keeping up at the store. She told me I should drive faster and i explained to her that if I did I would be breaking the rules and I might get in trouble with a police officer. (We had seen a cop car a few days before and I had explained who they were and what they did.) So we go to walmart, and finally leave there at 12:30. I'm driving home to drop off the groceries, pick up DH and head to my sister's (less than a mile from my house). So I'm talking to DD telling her that I need her to wait in the car while I take the groceries in and, would you believe that there is a policeman behind me with his lights on??? I pull over and ask him what I did and I was going 58 in a 45 construction zone. (In my defense, the speed limit there is usually 55 so driving by "feel", it was all perfectly normal.) Okay, fine. Now I have demonstrated to DD that even mommy gets in trouble when she breaks the rules. Then I hand the guy my license and guess what! IT'S EXPIRED! I had no clue. I cannot explain why, but I just lost it. I started to cry. I guess maybe I already felt pretty irresponsible for running late and for speeding and now, I'm an idiot driving around without a license. The poor cop didn't know what to think, but I just could not stop crying. He wrote me up for the license but not for speeding. I'll have to call into work in the morning and start my Monday morning at the DMV. I probably won't have to pay a fine if I show up on my court date with a new license. I'll have to wait and see.

Oh, and when I did arrive at my sister's place, I was completely frazzled and ate everything in sight. Pizza, cake, ice cream. (But only water to drink - no Coke or Diet Coke. That's gotta count for something.) I did manage to pull it together once I got home. I ate a 12 oz bag of fresh broccoli, cauliflour and carrots for dinner. At least I get my HH point for the day.

Good night, ladies. I'm outta here.

 

[corinnak]

I always find your pictures very inspiring, corinna! I worried that it wasn't celebrating what you've achieved now by asking you to inspire those of us still on our way with your pictures. You've done so well and you should be so proud of yourself and all your hard work! The eating more than you can run off quote is one that has stayed with me throughout all the challenges.

And you definitely should go to the Princess too! SWA has a big sale going on this week!

Thanks so much, Lisa - Does it help if I tell you that I actually tucked my "before" pictures into my WW booklet so I always have them in case they want to talk about how much I lost? I feel like people I've just met look at me now and they don't really believe I was ever a different size, and therefore they don't really believe that I struggle.

This summer, I even showed the pictures to a trainer on the cruise and I ran into him later and he told me he'd spent the rest of the day thinking about how much I'd changed. Which was strange to me because I'd think as a trainer, he'd see that kind of thing all the time.

The I am thinking of it more and more, seriously. SWA doesn't have direct flights from MSP to MCO, so I usually go on another airline. I have a good number of miles saved from this summer that I may be able to use.


Maria - Safe travels! Have a GREAT trip!!!

CC - Mmmmm.....Portobello.....Mmmmm! I've got a few in my fridge even now.

Also, I think it's great when you post the QOTD at night - at least from my perspective, it makes it easy to add it right into the archive!


9/12 Sunday QOTD: What are you having for dinner on Monday night?

Oh man, this was a good thing to ask! I had no idea, but now I've decided to make some soup in the crockpot - probably Spicy Southwestern Black Bean or some kind of Lentil Soup. Having leftover soup in the house ALWAYS makes things easier!!

9/13 Monday QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

My answer to this has changed so much in the past few years. I remember it used to be that I'd work out in hopes of burning calories or changing the way my body looks. The idea of a "fun run" seemed to me to be completely oxymoronic! The only thing I loved about it was how many calories it would burn.

NOW, that is just a sort of afterthought. Still important, but I really can't think of it as something I do in exchange for food or to allow food indiscretions.

I love so many things about the experience of working out now. Running outside in cool weather and feeling my mood improve with every step, speeding along on a bike path through a tunnel of trees, feeling the circulation in my back improving with every stroke in the swimming pool, the fun of meeting a friend for a group cycle class. Just moving feels good, and it feels good that I'm able to do all these things as well, and not end up huffing, puffing and miserable during them (ok, for the most part!). It is cool how well the cardiovascular fitness and basic strength have translated into a variety of activities.

I also love the social world that exercise has opened up for me - I can't believe how many of my friends are runners, either that I've met through running or who have started running and asked me for information along the way. I can't believe how fun it is to run a race with a friend, too. I've done that a few times, sometimes with friends who are faster than me, sometimes with friends who are well matched or a little slower, but it is always a very special, memorable experience.

When I started, I couldn't have imagined all the ways it would benefit me. I was just hoping that regular walking on the treadmill would help me get un-depressed.


This has been the most exhausting weekend. Is it really time to start another week???

 

[flipflopmom]

les. Then I hand the guy my license and guess what! IT'S EXPIRED! I had no clue. I cannot explain why, but I just lost it. I started to cry. Oh, and when I did arrive at my sister's place, I was completely frazzled and ate everything in sight. Pizza, cake, ice cream.

Connie. The one time I've been pulled over, I was doing about 25 in a 25, totally unintentionally. Didn't realize the zone had changed, it was after gym one night, and we were all just chatting. I was shaking so hard, the cop thought I was was on something, and almost had me take some sort of test. "Ma'am, what is wrong?" Um.... I just got a speeding ticket.... So sorry about your license. For us, it's every 5 years to renew, so it makes it easy to remember (30, 35,40,45th b'days, etc). Great job on not throwing it all away. Yes, you ate, but you didn't drink anything, and you had a great dinner! Hope your Monday is better!

Totally amazing!!!! - just wit til you are strutting around the Dream sporting those abs....(and no, I will NOT be sitting in the lounge chair next to you unless I do alot of catching up!!!! )

Jude - I didn't know you are cruising with Jen. How very cool is that!

Just seeing this now. Is it too late to join?

Welcome aboard! Just jump in and have fun!

I am finally up. I am also going to have to do something similar to you because right now, I can only do it on the treadmill. There’s something about pavement, etc. that is really hard on my body. You can do it!

Hope you slept better last night! FWIW, I want to throw this in for you. I did a lot of c25K "socializing" while I was doing it, there is a thread here and one on FB. I heard a lot of people talk about after they moved from treadmill to outside, it was a huge setback. If running on pavement bothers you right now, I think the treadmill is a wise choice. BUT, I wanted to forewarn you about the transition so that when you do complete the program and move outside, you won't be thrown back by it!

This thread moves so quickly! I can't keep up.
Tarryn, Thanks for your suggestions. I will start taking tons of carrots to work! Unfortunately, I can't plan Mondays dinner because I have a mandatory work meeting that includes dinner. .

Glad I could help! Don't feel like you have to keep up, just do what you can! Sounds like a good plan to get those veg servings in. And you did plan. You have a solid plan for what to do! We can't always control what we be set in front of us, but we can control what we do with it!

Dinner Monday is meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. We take turns planning and buying which is nice! We have to clean out our aquarium because our last fish is going to live with some friends of ours -- for the first time in 20 years we will not have a fish aquarium. We still have our 55 gallon aquarium for our turtle.

WOW! 20 years? Cool. I love the look of a fish aquarium, but not the maintenance of one. We had one for a while, and I was terrible about cleaning it. I am in charge of a program at school where we raise rainbow trout from eggs and release them once they are about 5 months old into a local river. Since they are "river fish" there is a bit less maint. involved, but I really don't like all the water changes, filter cleaning, etc. What kind of turtle do you have? So good that DH helps you with dinner! Sounds like that elusive Prince Charming to me!


Today I'm going to do laundry, plan my meals for the week and go look at running shoes again. I have 275 miles on these shoes, but my lower legs and feet are starting to bother me again. Mike looked at my shoes, and while before I was pronating, now I am really wearing on the outside of my shoe, so we're thinking they may have overcorrected. We're going to try a different running store--one that tons of people have recommended to us and see how it goes.

Have a good day.[/QUOTE]

We are all gonna do it--stress is a huge factor. At least you are taking into account there's gonna be stress.The whole shoot your tires out thing comes into play here-- you get a flat you wouldn't shoot the rest of your tires out would you? Always sets me straight that thought. Rose promise me you'll never give up...(ok Titanic humor)

Like the tire analogy! As for the Titanic discussion, DH took me to see it in the theatres. We sat down, he turned and said "They're all gonna die. OKAY?" Mr. Sensitive himself. I thought the woman behind us was going to hit him. The theatre was packed with women seeing it for the 5,6th time. I was so disturbed by it, I had nightmares and couldn't sleep well for a week!

After I picked up Michael from my brothers we went for a bike ride. Yesterday we did the state park, and today the rails-to-trails path in Peabody which was awesome.

That is so great Kathy! I love to read about you and Michael being active and outdoors together!

I got in another 1 1/2 hours of stacking wood this morning. I also weighed in and I was down 2 lbs from my starting weight Now to keep it up.

Great job! You are on your way!

Taryn Sounds like you had fun yesterday I have never really tailgated but is a big thing at the Rutger’s games and the Giants games. I have been to Rutger’s games and been amazed at the tailgaters while the marching band sat around and ate their sandwiches. I will be thinking of you this week. I still have a sore throat and my sinuses are clogged. I am hoping that I don't lose my voice. It is too early in the school year to do that.

Hokie Nation knows how to tailgate, that's for sure. It's crazy, all the VT canopies, tablecloths, plates, cups, baskets, pitchers, but it's fun!!! I hope you feel better soon! I highly recommend a neti pot for the clogged sinus, nose. It always makes me feel better!

QOTD: I work from 12:30PM - 9 PM so dinner isn't dinner per se...I eat it at 3:45 break and within 20 in, so I will probably have a side salad with grilled chicken breast. Luckily I can eat at my desk, so I'll eat red peppers and 50% reduced fat cheese around 6.

My DH is kind of that way right now. He eats "lunch"?? at 3 am at work. Maybe it's just Taco Bell's 4th meal. I love eating at my desk at school, it's so relaxing to take that break from noise and people.

(again -- couldn't break my commitment to this challenge for most of the deep fried foods, gourmet cupcakes, gyros, cheesesteaks & funnel cake, etc).

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!! Way to go Cam!

I LOVE being home with my kids still.... I am so lucky.
I can so relate to the issues you are having with maintenance. I sometimes wonder if this 5 lb yo-yo I've been playing with for months is some sort of unconscious self-sabotage to avoid maintenance (bit of psychobabble there for you ). And I hope you ended your day with more than 600 calories... your body will shut down and go into starvation mode if you do that for too many days. And you need the fuel if you are doing all that exercise!Actually, in my next life I would like to be (among other things) a professional organizer/party planner! We must be kindred spirits.
but the aspartame is the real poison. I love the "one project a day" plan. I was doing this earlier this year. Just one other comment.... I use the Heart-Smart Bisquick.... less fat in that one.

Lots to comment on here, P. I would love to be a personal organizer, too. Nothing makes me happier than cleaning out, organizing, labeling, etc. Glad someone gets me! Thanks for the chili reminder, might have to crockpot a batch sometime this week. Didn't know there was such a thing as Heart Smart Bisquick? I can't drink artificial sweetner, it gives me a headache, stomachache, and leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. Now I know why! You are very lucky to stay at home. I feel like w/ teaching, at least we are on the same schedule, and I can be home more than some. I wonder if my last 11 are slow for the same reason, as long as I still have to lose, then I am still in the game??? ITA with your statements about metabolism and starvation. As for a project a day, I did a "home management binder" one time, that layed out my cleaning schedule for the week, which days for each task, a list of projects that should be done monthly, seasonally, and a list of projects to do when I had extra time. Master's Degree and weight loss kinda took care of a lot of that, but I soooo get you!!! WHAT THE HECK IS A VITAMUFFIN???

We cleaned until 4pm straight! I actually got some help from the family without too much complaining.

I actually get upset after company, b/c I clean like a madwoman before, and it usually looks worse than when I started by the time they are gone!

Well, I have new shoes. I tried a new pair of the shoes I am running in now on, and my old shoes are definitely done. I feel disgusting and bloated right now, so I am paying for it. We have a lot going on in the next couple months, and I'm letting some of it really stress me out, so I need to get a handle on it. And at the end of October, some of Mike's relatives are stopping by on their way to Florida. I even suggested finding another 1/2 to run so we wouldn't be in town.

I love my Saucony's! I got inserts, too, but he told me to wear the to walk in to break them in first. They're pretty rigid, and I just don't like the feel of them! Isn't it weird how our bodies tell/show us they don't like us going off plan? You do have a lot going on in the next few months, try not to stress to much, most of it is FUN!!!! And re: Mike's relatives. My Daddy used to say "You just have to look over it hon, they're not from around here."

I hope to get back into my exercising routine this week. Really have been too busy to get back into it lately. Hopefully things will be hitting a routine soon. If not I may have to just exercise before bed, which is how I started my journey not too long after I got married.

It's odd, the things we have to do to make it all work! Good luck!!

Wow that's great that you have not had any soda since jan. I really need to do this too. I only drink 1-3 cups per day but its still more than I need. I really want to make some kind of a plan to meet up with you guys at the race. I dont want to stand for hours by myself. Let me know if you and lisa are interested in another tag along.

I love to hear all your talk about the princess! Yes, I'm jealous, but it's just so cool how many of you are giong! I gave up my soda in Jan., too, and it was full strength. I don't do artificial sweetners. The trip to VT is up a very curvy mtn, and I always get car sick. The only thing that helps is Dr. Pepper, for some odd reason. I sipped on one on the way up, and I'm not sure which was worse, the sugar in the DP or the drive. My, how times have changed!

So I indulged a little too much in snacking foods today. I feel pretty gross. My husband being a huge eagles fan is so not in a good mood. They are totally sucking it up today. I hate sunday nights when the eagles loose, it makes for less than fun conversations

Yeah, Brad was a total party pooper after the loss. I can usually take them in stride, unless it's a championship or something. That's all he has thought/talked/facebooked about since then. Sheez. Get a disney obsession, man!

Filed under "Are you a little bit insane?" I decided to do the 5K with dh today. It was very spontaneous, and I did not mentally or physically prepare -- I would never have run 10M yesterday if I planned to run a race today! I am going to miss you guys this week, it really helps me to hear how everyone is doing. I should be able to check and read if nothing else, maybe a couple of quick posts, I hope.

We'll miss you, too Maria! Love the spontaineity, even though I can't spell it! I have to analyze everything too much! Great job on just doing it, sore legs and all. Hills are my nemesis! I hate them! Have fun, and check in when you can!

I hate Sundays when the Browns lose. (Which is pretty much every Sunday!) My husband gets so moody I don't want to be anywhere near him. I was so happy when he decided to take the Sunday shifts at work, now he dvr's the games and skips them if its a loss. The grand prize is a $1000 gift card to the shopping center where I work. There is a giant eagle there, and I can use the gc to buy a disney gc to pay for my trip.

Another DH to tiptoe around! Hope you win the gc!!!!!!

Tigger has been a naughty kitty today!!

Tracey! Sounds like you have a solid plan for working out! I agree, when I am busy, I do much less overeating!

Spent the last 9 days on vacation in NC and Disney! Just got back.

Hope you had a great trip!!! You went to the Pirates game in NC first, right? Don't give me too hard of a time next week. My Hokies are kinda Pokey this year! Good job on the eating!

QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

I love the mental stability and clearing I get after a run. I love the definition I get from arm work, and feeling the abs under the fat after ab work! My legs are pretty killer w/ muscles, too. It's a nice feeling! The mental aspect of a run is probably more beneficial in the short term for me now!

Think I'm caught up now! Off to shower, and take DD. CANNOT believe it is Monday already. I really need 3 day weekends, 1 to play, 1 to work, 1 to rest. Can anyone fix that for me?

Have a great one!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

Off to a good start! Did 2 miles on the elliptical and am having a cup of Earl Grey Green Tea. Made a big bowl of chop suey that I will divide into smaller plastic containers and put in the freezer to pull out on our crazy nights. We will be having ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork the next few days but I had this hamburger in the fridge that I needed to cook and chop suey is something DD1 will eat. She did get up with me and walked in place while I did the elliptical. Only problem is I can't hear the tv over the elliptical. And I put the volume up full blast. Gotta figure how to put the cc on again.

I'm really going to stay focused this week especially since it's PMS time again! (That's being sarcastic!) I'll eat lightly all day and then have a pulled pork or beef brisket sub. Going to try and drink extra water this week and lots of green tea. I haven't been drinking it since it's been so hot this summer but the weather has cooled so it's time to drink it again.

Gotta go change to go to the bus stop in a few minutes then come back and shower and get DD2 ready for school. Then it's off to the wellness center for breakfast and then walking with Redwalker! Hopefully she will get a chance to get on this week. She's been painting at her house and her b'day party is in 2 weeks (the day before my 5K).

Be Back Later! TTFN!

 

[mikamah]

Well, I have new shoes. I tried a new pair of the shoes I am running in now on, and my old shoes are definitely done. I got a pair of Saucony's this time, still help with the pronating, but a little more cushiony. They are a little heavier so we'll see how it goes. If after a week or two I don't like them I can take them back. I was also told to maybe only wear the inserts if I feel like the plantar is acting up, so I'm going to try this week without them. The plan is to wear my shoes to run and my old shoes for elliptical and strength. Since I always seem to be running out the door, we'll see if I actually pick up the right shoes.

And I have a plan for dinner for this week:
today: homemade pizza w/ mama mary's thin crust, fresh mozz, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil
Monday--homemade veggie burgers which are in the freezer with broccoli
Tuesday--hummus, carrots and grapes, if I don't go out with friends
Wednesday--baked sweet potato and beans (Mike will still be out of town).

Have a great evening!

I ended up with saucony for my first running shoes and loved them and wore them for more than just running. I'm on my second, same shoe, and only wear the new pair for running, and hope they will last a bit longer. Love your dinner plans. They all sound great, and though I would add meat for our house, they sound very appealing and satisfying.

Kathy it must be so nice to be able to exercise and have michael right there with you enjoying himself. You are teaching him such great habits.
We originally were going to book through AAA since I thought it would be the best deal. They kept saying CBR was booked so I decided to call disney endurance and We got into CBR and it was alot cheaper. We werent able to get free dining with the other discounts but no biggie. We booked our package and airfare today. I am so excited. When do you think we will set up a meet? My aunt is coming and its her first trip to disney so we are pretty much packing alot of stuff in to the 4 night trip. I really want to make some kind of a plan to meet up with you guys at the race. I dont want to stand for hours by myself. Let me know if you and lisa are interested in another tag along.

We'd love to hang out with you before the race, and I definitely would love to make a plan to meet up before the race. I think I'll have my cell for the race, or before and then check it in? I'm not really sure, we'll definitely have to make some plans before. Maybe meet at the expo or something. I read about some other people meeting at the expos before the races.

Filed under "Are you a little bit insane?" I decided to do the 5K with dh today. It was very spontaneous, and I did not mentally or physically prepare -- I would never have run 10M yesterday if I planned to run a race today! About 20 steps in I knew this wasn't going to be pretty, but I was committed so off I went. I knew I was in trouble when the first mile took me 14 minutes, but then I seemed to get my legs a little. I did then whole 5K in 38 minutes, which while not on my usual pace, I'm taking considering I was already tired and there were hills I'd forgotten about!

congrats on the 5K!!! Hope you have a great trip.

You have such a wonderful son! That path sounds great! We have a similar one, but it isn’t that close. How do you get his bike there?

Thanks CC. I feel very blessed to have him. I have a mini-van, so now I'll keep the biked in the back until we need the seats for someone else. It's funny, I got the shorter van since it's just the 2 of us, but sometimes it's too small.

I still have a sore throat and my sinuses are clogged. I am hoping that I don't lose my voice. It is too early in the school year to do that.

Hope you're feeling better soon. Do you take a decongestant? I like sudaphed now. Never used to use it, just tough it out, but it really helps get through the day.

Maria (Worfiedoodles) is also going to the Princess!

Oh yes, how could I forget a fellow Mass-ster.

Connie- sorry about your scare with the cop. I have been pulled over a couple times and always try to remember they are people too, just like us. I've been in my scrubs and they've always let me go. They didn't need to know I was rushing to walmart after work though. It is scary though. I guess I drive too fast sometimes.

Taryn- Glad Beamer was ok, but what a scare. I chuckled at the hair. A friends daughter once shaved her eye brows, and micheal cut a big chunk off his head once, and taped it to his upper lip for a moustache. Kids. Glad Sophie's self hair cut is not too noticeable.

Well, I'm supposed to be off the computer by 7 to get bkfst, so I'm a few minutes late.

I do have chicken planned for dinner tonight, the chicken I was supposed to have yesterday but had taco bell instead. Actually when I got home and pointed my 2 tacos from the fresco menu, it was only 7 points.

Have a great day!!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

I've also decided to let my weight loss plan take a back burner until Brad comes off 3rd. Meaning, I'll watch my food, run when I can, post often, but not stress if progress isn't strong. Brad's 20th H.S. reunion is the first weekend in Oct, so I need to at least maintain until then.

Taryn

I think this is a good plan, Taryn. You can see the end. You just got to hang in there for a little bit longer.

(But only water to drink - no Coke or Diet Coke. That's gotta count for something.) I did manage to pull it together once I got home. I ate a 12 oz bag of fresh broccoli, cauliflour and carrots for dinner. At least I get my HH point for the day.

Good night, ladies. I'm outta here.

Wow, what a day. I got pulled over when DS was in middle school and I was a basket case. And I think it does count for something that you skipped the soda. I was so hooked on diet soda, that when I was stressed out, I craved it like a drug. I would take a big sip and it was like getting a fix. Hang in there.

: And re: Mike's relatives. My Daddy used to say "You just have to look over it hon, they're not from around here."

Taryn

My favorite show is The Closer. I know she's exaggerated, but I just love "thank you so much."

Mike got too much sleep last night, so he started waking up before 5, which means so did I since he kept moving around, instead of just getting up! I'm going to go into work early, so that we can leave earlier on Thursday. We're staying in Gatlinburg Thursday night, so that will give us some more time to walk around and hang out.

I'm going to strength after work today. Have a great day everyone.

 

[corinnak]

We'd love to hang out with you before the race, and I definitely would love to make a plan to meet up before the race. I think I'll have my cell for the race, or before and then check it in? I'm not really sure, we'll definitely have to make some plans before. Maybe meet at the expo or something. I read about some other people meeting at the expos before the races.

If you're talking about the Princess race , I can tell you what usually happens WISH-wise. There is usually a WISH meet the night before - last year it was at the Port Orleans food court. POP Century or Downtown Disney are also places WISHers have gathered before a big race. We try to choose somewhere that people can get to without park admission and where there will be room to gather comfortably.

Before the race, and this happened less with Princess than at the others I've been to, WISHers tend to gather either at the W Family reunion tent or inside the holding area after checked bags, near the front. Last year, there was not much Lime and people were covered up, so that made that a lot harder.

After the race, we also try to meet up at the W tent.

If you want to meet up with someone in particular, it is best to exchange cell numbers (via PM) before the weekend arrives, so you can coordinate more specifically.

I'm off to get the kids ready for another day at school! Happy Monday everyone!!!

-C

 

[Dreamer24]

Pjilla, i never even thought about boiling being bad for the veggies. Dumb question, how do you steam them?

QOTD - I don't know if there is anything I like about exercising but it does a lot for me. When I am done, I feel better about myself, I feel like I accomplished something, it gives me energy and I know there are so many health/physical benefits.

 

[jennz]

Oh my gosh Jen!!!!!!!!!! Yes you ARE strong beyond belief!! I couldn't find a good enough emoticon on here - we need a muscle one! I have to say I cannot even believe that you are the same woman that started on the BL what was it, a year ago? Now look at you - looking like a pirate storming a castle or something!

Rose okay sorry but tough love here - you are not disgusting and bloated! Well maybe bloated but don't even worry about it, the last time I was on here, when was that? Oh yea a few days ago! You were trying to figure out how to stop losing weight. You can't go from that to disgusting in a few days! How are you feeling today?

Yesterday everyone in the house was actually healthy and we went to walk the trails again - it was a good day. My leg did get sore but not as bad. Since I'm off today I'm going back up with the dogs in an hour or so. I really don't want to but I really need to. My inspiration right now is a friend who is my age and she lost 50 pounds or so and looks so fabulous...diet and exercise of course. She is on facebook so I see her picture on there and it's my reality check. Hmmm...I know we have posted before and after pics on BL before...I'm going to search for them so I can look at them when I need to.

DD is trying out today for violin honors ensemble...keep your fingers crossed for her please! She wants this so bad but I'm not sure how good she is. (Not being mean I just don't know how good a 7th grader should be or what her orchestra teacher is looking for) I'm sooooooooo nervous for my girl!

 

[jennz]

Bree - are you the one who asked if Power 90 is boring? Sorry I completely forgot to post but have been meaning to...yes it is! It's good the first few weeks and then you're supposed to move up to the next level, which I haven't done, but even so I can't see using this more than 3 or 4 months. I think that's why I haven't been able to start back up, b/c mentally I'm done with it. Tracey/Tigger has tons of dvds that she loves and juggles to work into her week...she can give some great recommendations.

 

[lisah0711]

The Princess Run sounds interesting...I'll have to do some research as I don't know anything about it. I am assuming it is at WDW...but I'll look it up to find out for sure.

Yep, it's a WDW on 2/27/2011. There is a family fun run 5K and a 13.1 mi half marathon -- that is the one that most of us are doing.

Hope your headache is better!

We are back from our second festival this weekend. This is the Kennett Square, PA (mushroom capital of the world) Mushroom Festival. We festival-walked for 90 minutes. I resisted all the typical fair food (again -- couldn't break my commitment to this challenge for most of the deep fried foods, gourmet cupcakes, gyros, cheesesteaks & funnel cake, etc). We did have breaded mushrooms, shroomies (breaded with jalapeno), and mushroom soup, as well as grilled portobello strips. We got one small order of each thing we had and shared it. I think it was well worth the points,and I'm sure the walking helped to burn off some of the calories.

Sounds like a fun festival, Cam, and you were within your points so why not? Mushrooms are one of those things DH will not eat so no help on the recipes thing.

Well... I love Disney and I suppose if I were living in a foreign country for a length of time, it might give me a feeling of home.... but one thing I love about Disney NOW is that it DOESN'T feel like home!! No laundry, no dishes, no snow shoveling, it is all just magic and special and FUN!!

Get some antibiotics if your bug turns into a sinus infection. Hope that you are feeling better soon!

Well, I have new shoes. I tried a new pair of the shoes I am running in now on, and my old shoes are definitely done. I got a pair of Saucony's this time, still help with the pronating, but a little more cushiony. They are a little heavier so we'll see how it goes. If after a week or two I don't like them I can take them back. I was also told to maybe only wear the inserts if I feel like the plantar is acting up, so I'm going to try this week without them. The plan is to wear my shoes to run and my old shoes for elliptical and strength. Since I always seem to be running out the door, we'll see if I actually pick up the right shoes.

I'm glad that you said that about your inserts, Rose, I haven't been wearing mine for exercising because they are just too rigid and make my PF start to flare up rather than help prevent it.

Ok, I'm jumping back in from here. Been a busy weekend at work and I finished day 4 of a 6 day work week. By the time weds. comes I'll be ecstatic. I'm relaxing here in the office, while DH is watching the Eagles game. I like football myself depending on what channel its on. Its not the game, its the announcers. I'm very particular

Hang on! Wednesday is almost here!

Kathy it must be so nice to be able to exercise and have michael right there with you enjoying himself. You are teaching him such great habits. We originally were going to book through AAA since I thought it would be the best deal. They kept saying CBR was booked so I decided to call disney endurance and We got into CBR and it was alot cheaper. We werent able to get free dining with the other discounts but no biggie. We booked our package and airfare today. I am so excited. When do you think we will set up a meet? My aunt is coming and its her first trip to disney so we are pretty much packing alot of stuff in to the 4 night trip. I really want to make some kind of a plan to meet up with you guys at the race. I dont want to stand for hours by myself. Let me know if you and lisa are interested in another tag along.

I'm definitely up for meeting up before and after the race, Lindsay. Thanks, corinna, for sharing about the race meets. That is the whole reason I am doing this so I can meet up with some of you folks!

Well it has been pretty relaxing here. I just finished dinner and watched an old James Cagney movie that I haven't seen in a long time. Nothing better than watching an old movie on a rainy day.

Isn't that the truth?

Normally I could tell you, as we plan our meals a week at a time. DH and ds are having turkey burgers. Since I will be travelling, I'm not sure what will be available. I am going to aim for a salad and a protein, I promise to try to eat healthy!

Thank you so much to Lisa, Corinna, Taryn, Kathy, and everyone who offered encouragement! I really needed it yesterday.

Way to go on the extra 5K! Who else but an experienced runner could say, "I wasn't planning on it but I think I'll join you in that race today, dear?" Safe travels!

I bought some raffle tickets there, hopefully I win. The grand prize is a $1000 gift card to the shopping center where I work. There is a giant eagle there, and I can use the gc to buy a disney gc to pay for my trip.

Wouldn't that be fun?

The morning will start at 5:15 with a brisk elliptical ride while DD1 does the free step. After putting both girls on the bus I will run over to the wellness center for a "healthy Herbalife b'fast" before hopping in the car to meet Redwalker and her new puppy, Luna for a walk around the parking lot of the mall for a while DD2 gets off the bus at around 12:10 and then we will have some lunch and I will hop back on the elliptical for an hour while watching Y&R. I then planning on doing some strength workouts with Jillian and Bob. This week I will weigh myself on Wednesday before I go to the dr since they will be weighing me there anyways. I want to compare their scale with mine.

Sounds like a busy day! Tell Redwalker "hello" and congrats on the new puppy!

Spent the last 9 days on vacation in NC and Disney! Just got back. I will have to pick up with things this week since I didn't see the challenges before leaving. I do hope that I've lost a few pounds since we did tons of walking and drank water the whole time we were there because it was way too hot for anything full of sugar. We even split our meals, and still came "home" in the evening with extra food!

Glad that you had a great time!

Some of us have been talking about loving exercise and some of us are still getting into it. So,

QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

WISHing everyone a great day tomorrow and a wonderfully, OP week!

Well, some of us still don't love exercise, even though we know it is good for us. But I do love what it does for my body and how it makes me feel so I persevere. Some days are easier than others. I know this attitude toward exercise is a big roadblock between me and my goals and that is why I am really working on it this challenge.

I've also decided to let my weight loss plan take a back burner until Brad comes off 3rd. Meaning, I'll watch my food, run when I can, post often, but not stress if progress isn't strong. Brad's 20th H.S. reunion is the first weekend in Oct, so I need to at least maintain until then.

Taryn, I think this is a great idea with all that you have going on in your life now. Way to set yourself up for success!

Connie96, hope that you get a good picture on your new driver's license today!

Taryn, I lost the quote part but I have to tell you this really made me laugh this morning: "Sheez. Get a disney obsession, man!"

We'd love to hang out with you before the race, and I definitely would love to make a plan to meet up before the race. I think I'll have my cell for the race, or before and then check it in? I'm not really sure, we'll definitely have to make some plans before. Maybe meet at the expo or something. I read about some other people meeting at the expos before the races.

So many things to plan!

Dreamer24, do you have one of those little metal steamer baskets? I use them to steam my veggies -- just a half inch of water in the pot and the veggies on top. Be careful, though, that steam is hot. You can also steam veggies in the microwave. I really love roasted veggies -- I would rather have a roasted veggie than a steamed one. Frozen veggies are great now, too.

Have a great day all! Busy day today. Don't know if I will be back.

 

[pinkle]

I've been reading the posts everyday.....so many of them!!!!!! What an inspiring group! The Princess Run sounds like alot of fun! Maybe next year! I am not very good at long distance. I can do3km in 20 minutes but anything more than 5km I die!
Some days I just don't feel like planning my meals or drinking my water and then I read a few posts and I realize that I need to get my butt in gear if I expect this body of mine to respond to any kind of weight loss!!
I am already down 1lb from friday but I am leaving for Disney first thing Saturday morning (with the DDP!) so I would love to be down another 2lbs....that way I will have a bit of breathing room!!!! I really wish you could trade your dessert for a salad on the DDP....no wonder North America is obese!
Have a great day everyone and drink your water!

 

[tggrrstarr]

Remember, skipping breakfast and lunch on a regular basis is a really bad idea. Your metabolism doesn't get the "kick start" it needs in the morning and you will be more apt to overeat later in the day. And I hope you ended your day with more than 600 calories... your body will shut down and go into starvation mode if you do that for too many days. And you need the fuel if you are doing all that exercise!

Don't worry, I don't think I could skip either if I wanted to. I didn't quite phrase that properly. What I meant was I had lower calorie meals without snacking in between. When I am at work I get bored and snack all day. This particular day I was too busy to think of eating, though I made sure to stop for breakfast and lunch. And my dinner was under 600 calories, not my day.

As I am sitting here typing, my kitten keeps dive bombing the keyboard making it a little difficult. I think I might come back later once some of her energy is depleted! (Or on to chasing the dog or a bug or something!)

 

[MacG]

Okay...I think I've caught up with the tread.

9/12 Sunday QOTD: What are you having for dinner on Monday night?

My plan for dinner tonight is, turkey burgers, corn on the cob and tossed salad. I'm trying to hold onto summer for as long as I can. Not too much longer before fresh corn on the cob is no longer available.


9/13 Monday QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

I do feel so much better when I exercise.....both right after I do it and usually it lasts for hours afterward.
Right now I'm into BodyPump (weightlifting to music). I have my favorite instructors and love to go to their classes. There's an emotional benefit I get from seeing people I like. The physical benefit that I get (and love) from BodyPump, is muscles. When I go on a regular basis I can see the difference in my strength and muscle definition. (Not big muscles but I just like to see that they are there) I also tend to sleep better on the days that I work out.

I also see the weight loss benefits from working out. I've learned not to put too much emphasis on that because I tend to compensate with an increase in food intake if I focus on the fact that I burned calories with exercise.

Kim

 

[my3princes]

I'm still not feeling well. sore throat, ear ache and swollen glands. I'm going to see my doctor at noon. Hopefully I can get some antibiotics. Right now I'm freezing, even with a mug of hot chocolate.

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning,

It is almost afternoon as I write this. I slept horribly last night. I kept waking up from a nightmare. I easily had 10 of them last night. I have made a conscious decision to skip my workout for the day. I was slightly ahead of my exercise goal for the month as of yesterday, which is probably an indication that I need a day off as well. The only exercise I may get today is a leisurely walk around the neighborhood. The weather today is perfect for such a walk.

I know I am going to take a nap this afternoon. I am hoping that will help bring my appetite back. Yesterday, I only ate like 18 of my 22 points. I kept eating and eating and couldn’t get near all 22 for the day. I even ate a banana as a serving of fruit just to get some points in for the day.

I’m off to eat breakfast now. I am planning ½ cup of Egg Beaters, plus 1 cup of broccoli and 8 oz. of fat-free milk (lactose-free of course). Only 4 points, but it’s better than nothing. Lunch will be my usual sandwich: 2 oz. of roast beef, 1 oz. of lactose-free cheddar cheese, mustard, and a dill pickle on a 1 point thin roll. Again, only 4 points. I’ll add an apple as well for another point.

I’ll make my dinner salad when I making lunch. That will be 2 cups of lettuce, 1 cup of broccoli, and 1 cup of tomatoes, plus any other veggies we have in the house. I have no idea how many points the lasagna will be because I did not participate in making it whatsoever. I know that it has part-skim mozzarella and part-skim ricotta in it, plus meatballs, sausage, and round stew beef. Yeah, that’ll pretty much eat up the rest of my points for the day. I hope.

Okay, enough venting. Have a great day everyone! Will be back on after I take a nap.

CC

Spent the last 9 days on vacation in NC and Disney! Just got back. I will have to pick up with things this week since I didn't see the challenges before leaving. I do hope that I've lost a few pounds since we did tons of walking and drank water the whole time we were there because it was way too hot for anything full of sugar. We even split our meals, and still came "home" in the evening with extra food!

Welcome back! Sounds like you did great healthy-wise on your trip. But, for the other important part…did you enjoy your trip?

Woke up when the alarm went off at 4:30, took Beamer and Pablo out, and went back to sleep on the couch until Beamer woke me up again at 6:30!

I've also decided to let my weight loss plan take a back burner until Brad comes off 3rd. Meaning, I'll watch my food, run when I can, post often, but not stress if progress isn't strong. Brad's 20th H.S. reunion is the first weekend in Oct, so I need to at least maintain until then.

Uh, Taryn…your alarm goes off at 4:30 on a Sunday morning? I guess mine would too…if I were going to Disney. LOL. Good for you!

Sounds like a great plan for the next few weeks. I’m sorry. I can’t remember exactly. 3 weeks until Brad is back on 1st?

(But only water to drink - no Coke or Diet Coke. That's gotta count for something.) I did manage to pull it together once I got home. I ate a 12 oz bag of fresh broccoli, cauliflour and carrots for dinner. At least I get my HH point for the day.

Sorry about your day. No soda definitely counts in my book. WTG at dinner!

Also, I think it's great when you post the QOTD at night - at least from my perspective, it makes it easy to add it right into the archive!


9/12 Sunday QOTD: What are you having for dinner on Monday night?

Oh man, this was a good thing to ask! I had no idea, but now I've decided to make some soup in the crockpot - probably Spicy Southwestern Black Bean or some kind of Lentil Soup. Having leftover soup in the house ALWAYS makes things easier!!

9/13 Monday QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

My answer to this has changed so much in the past few years. I remember it used to be that I'd work out in hopes of burning calories or changing the way my body looks. The idea of a "fun run" seemed to me to be completely oxymoronic! The only thing I loved about it was how many calories it would burn.

NOW, that is just a sort of afterthought. Still important, but I really can't think of it as something I do in exchange for food or to allow food indiscretions.

I love so many things about the experience of working out now. Running outside in cool weather and feeling my mood improve with every step, speeding along on a bike path through a tunnel of trees, feeling the circulation in my back improving with every stroke in the swimming pool, the fun of meeting a friend for a group cycle class. Just moving feels good, and it feels good that I'm able to do all these things as well, and not end up huffing, puffing and miserable during them (ok, for the most part!). It is cool how well the cardiovascular fitness and basic strength have translated into a variety of activities.

I also love the social world that exercise has opened up for me - I can't believe how many of my friends are runners, either that I've met through running or who have started running and asked me for information along the way. I can't believe how fun it is to run a race with a friend, too. I've done that a few times, sometimes with friends who are faster than me, sometimes with friends who are well matched or a little slower, but it is always a very special, memorable experience.

When I started, I couldn't have imagined all the ways it would benefit me. I was just hoping that regular walking on the treadmill would help me get un-depressed.


This has been the most exhausting weekend. Is it really time to start another week???

Thank you for sharing your story with regards to exercise. I had never thought of the social world that you mentioned.
Thank you also for maintaining our QOTD thread!

Hope you slept better last night! FWIW, I want to throw this in for you. I did a lot of c25K "socializing" while I was doing it, there is a thread here and one on FB. I heard a lot of people talk about after they moved from treadmill to outside, it was a huge setback. If running on pavement bothers you right now, I think the treadmill is a wise choice. BUT, I wanted to forewarn you about the transition so that when you do complete the program and move outside, you won't be thrown back by it!

WHAT THE HECK IS A VITAMUFFIN???

I love the mental stability and clearing I get after a run. I love the definition I get from arm work, and feeling the abs under the fat after ab work! My legs are pretty killer w/ muscles, too. It's a nice feeling! The mental aspect of a run is probably more beneficial in the short term for me now!

Think I'm caught up now! Off to shower, and take DD. CANNOT believe it is Monday already. I really need 3 day weekends, 1 to play, 1 to work, 1 to rest. Can anyone fix that for me?

Ahh, Taryn. I WISH I slept better last night. I don’t know what’s gotten into me-my dreams have been all over the place and most of them are actually nightmares. I wake up constantly.

Thanks for the info on C25K! I am actually planning to starting back over or at least at Week 2 or 3 when I move to outside. I’ll continue on the treadmill as well, but I want to do this safely. Glad you mentioned this.

A Vitamuffin is a bread product that comes frozen. You can order them online or buy them in the stores. Vitamuffin tops are 1 point, to the best of my knowledge. I know they make regular muffins as well. Not sure about those stats. Pjlla?

Oh, and I heard Hawaii had a 4-day school week for a while. LOL

Off to a good start! Did 2 miles on the elliptical and am having a cup of Earl Grey Green Tea. Made a big bowl of chop suey that I will divide into smaller plastic containers and put in the freezer to pull out on our crazy nights. We will be having ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork the next few days but I had this hamburger in the fridge that I needed to cook and chop suey is something DD1 will eat. She did get up with me and walked in place while I did the elliptical. Only problem is I can't hear the tv over the elliptical. And I put the volume up full blast. Gotta figure how to put the cc on again.

Definitely a great start in my book too!

Thanks CC. I feel very blessed to have him. I have a mini-van, so now I'll keep the biked in the back until we need the seats for someone else. It's funny, I got the shorter van since it's just the 2 of us, but sometimes it's too small.

I do have chicken planned for dinner tonight, the chicken I was supposed to have yesterday but had taco bell instead. Actually when I got home and pointed my 2 tacos from the fresco menu, it was only 7 points.

Thanks for the info Kathy! I love Taco Bell for just that reason!

Mike got too much sleep last night, so he started waking up before 5, which means so did I since he kept moving around, instead of just getting up! I'm going to go into work early, so that we can leave earlier on Thursday. We're staying in Gatlinburg Thursday night, so that will give us some more time to walk around and hang out.

Okay, I’m going to be like Taryn here. What is in Gatlinburg? I keep reading about it on the Dis, but I’ve never heard anyone mention it IRL. TIA!

QOTD - I don't know if there is anything I like about exercising but it does a lot for me. When I am done, I feel better about myself, I feel like I accomplished something, it gives me energy and I know there are so many health/physical benefits.

ITA with the sense of accomplishment!

Yesterday everyone in the house was actually healthy and we went to walk the trails again - it was a good day. My leg did get sore but not as bad. Since I'm off today I'm going back up with the dogs in an hour or so. I really don't want to but I really need to. My inspiration right now is a friend who is my age and she lost 50 pounds or so and looks so fabulous...diet and exercise of course. She is on facebook so I see her picture on there and it's my reality check. Hmmm...I know we have posted before and after pics on BL before...I'm going to search for them so I can look at them when I need to.

DD is trying out today for violin honors ensemble...keep your fingers crossed for her please! She wants this so bad but I'm not sure how good she is. (Not being mean I just don't know how good a 7th grader should be or what her orchestra teacher is looking for) I'm sooooooooo nervous for my girl!

Sending goodvibes for DD. Glad everyone is feeling better. Sounds like you had a great day yesterday. WISHing you a good one today too!

Well, some of us still don't love exercise, even though we know it is good for us. But I do love what it does for my body and how it makes me feel so I persevere. Some days are easier than others. I know this attitude toward exercise is a big roadblock between me and my goals and that is why I am really working on it this challenge.

I understand. My answer would have been similar if I hadn’t restarted C25K. I know I am just starting, but I already feel that “runner’s high.”

I am already down 1lb from friday but I am leaving for Disney first thing Saturday morning (with the DDP!) so I would love to be down another 2lbs....that way I will have a bit of breathing room!!!!

Hope the loss stays! Enjoy your trip!

Don't worry, I don't think I could skip either if I wanted to. I didn't quite phrase that properly. What I meant was I had lower calorie meals without snacking in between. When I am at work I get bored and snack all day. This particular day I was too busy to think of eating, though I made sure to stop for breakfast and lunch. And my dinner was under 600 calories, not my day.

Thanks for clarifying. I was a bit confused too.

Your kitten sounds adorable!

Okay...I think I've caught up with the tread.

9/12 Sunday QOTD: What are you having for dinner on Monday night?

My plan for dinner tonight is, turkey burgers, corn on the cob and tossed salad. I'm trying to hold onto summer for as long as I can. Not too much longer before fresh corn on the cob is no longer available.


9/13 Monday QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

I do feel so much better when I exercise.....both right after I do it and usually it lasts for hours afterward.
Right now I'm into BodyPump (weightlifting to music). I have my favorite instructors and love to go to their classes. There's an emotional benefit I get from seeing people I like. The physical benefit that I get (and love) from BodyPump, is muscles. When I go on a regular basis I can see the difference in my strength and muscle definition. (Not big muscles but I just like to see that they are there) I also tend to sleep better on the days that I work out.

I also see the weight loss benefits from working out. I've learned not to put too much emphasis on that because I tend to compensate with an increase in food intake if I focus on the fact that I burned calories with exercise.

Kim

Dinner sounds great! A little jealous that you still can get fresh corn on the cob…

BodyPump also sounds great! Sounds like quite the strength workout. I love your last sentence too. I am definitely the same way.

 

[keenercam]

Will you believe that my uncle was there with his stand....Giovanni on the Go. He served portabello wraps and mushroom rizzutto. We almost went today to walk around but decided against it with all the rain. Im glad you had a great time.

WOW! What a small world. We actually almost bought risotto there. I was so full by then, though, and couldn't bring myself to eat when I wasn't hungry. It would have been so much fun to meet a WISHer there.

Watching LOTR: Return of the King! My all time favorite movie! I have it on my iPod if that tells you how much I like it! I have all of the the LOTR soundtracks as I just love them! I have a hobby of collecting movie and now tv soundtracks!

Howard, Andrew & I watched this together until 10, when Howard went upstairs to watch "Mad Men". Andrew and I stayed up way too late and watched LOTR until the end. It is such an amazing movie!

QOTD: What is about exercise that you love and/or what benefits to gain from it?

ETA my answer: I love that exercise is totally “me” time – I can listen to music or perhaps, if I am at the gym, read my Kindle. I love that I always feel so good afterwards, that I’ve done something to take care of myself. If I can get my exercise in in the morning, all day I feel good about having started out the day the right way. If I go after work, I feel self-satisfied and kind of smug that I’ve found it in me to go, regardless of how bad the day has been and even if all I really want to do is go home and eat dinner. LOL! Besides all of that, I just feel better physically (as well as mentally and psychologically) when I am in a routine of exercising.

CC - I LOVE Portobello mushrooms as burgers, especially with a little A1 sauce and some melted FF cheese. Absolutely delicious!

BTW, I had made beef stew in the crockpot and only ate the vegetables with the broth, mixed with barley, for dinner. Well, I sprayed a saucepan with Pam, cut some of the white mushrooms really thin and pan "fried" them for a couple minutes. Then, I added some of the beef broth and cooked the mushrooms until the broth was absorbed and poured the mushrooms over my veggies, broth & barley and it was absolutely phenomenally delicious. I think I am going to be eating mushrooms every day this week. Thank God they are so WW friendly.

Taryn -- I am so glad you are feeling better. Isn't it ridiculous how impacted we are by hormonal changes? It is crazy how I can feel myself being almost out of control and then realize that PMS is the culprit. I hope you have a wonderful day. I was so scared when I read about Beamer hurting his leg, and I am so relieved he was okay. I'm sure you were a wreck worrying about him.

I'm sorry that I didn't reply to everyone. I am BEAT. I don't even know why. I'm just physically exhausted. I have to tell you what happened to me this morning, though. We were supposed to be at my sister's at 12:30 for my nephew's party. I still needed to run to Walmart to buy a gift, and as long as I was there, I wanted to grab the things on my pretty short grocery list. I knew I'd be a few minutes late, but I thought I could manage. I kept telling DD that we were in a hurry and I needed her to help me out by keeping up at the store. She told me I should drive faster and i explained to her that if I did I would be breaking the rules and I might get in trouble with a police officer. (We had seen a cop car a few days before and I had explained who they were and what they did.) So we go to walmart, and finally leave there at 12:30. I'm driving home to drop off the groceries, pick up DH and head to my sister's (less than a mile from my house). So I'm talking to DD telling her that I need her to wait in the car while I take the groceries in and, would you believe that there is a policeman behind me with his lights on??? I pull over and ask him what I did and I was going 58 in a 45 construction zone. (In my defense, the speed limit there is usually 55 so driving by "feel", it was all perfectly normal.) Okay, fine. Now I have demonstrated to DD that even mommy gets in trouble when she breaks the rules. Then I hand the guy my license and guess what! IT'S EXPIRED! I had no clue. I cannot explain why, but I just lost it. I started to cry. I guess maybe I already felt pretty irresponsible for running late and for speeding and now, I'm an idiot driving around without a license. The poor cop didn't know what to think, but I just could not stop crying. He wrote me up for the license but not for speeding. I'll have to call into work in the morning and start my Monday morning at the DMV. I probably won't have to pay a fine if I show up on my court date with a new license. I'll have to wait and see.

Connie - You poor thing! I hope today is better, even if it did start at the DMV. And hopefully, you liked your new license picture?

As for me, I had a very successful weekend and even my late-night Doritos splurge (DS17 + me + completely enthralled by Lord of the Rings + tired + open bag of Doritos = not good. LOL!) did not put me over my points.

Unfortunately, there has been NO movement on the scale since my weigh in on Thursday which is frustrating as heck.

My friend said this morning "Bet you wish you'd eaten that cupcake since NOT eating it didn't make a difference on the scale." I had to think about that for a minute. Yes, not eating it might not have made a difference on the scale, but it made a difference in me, in my mind, in my mental state. I know now that I can resist and that I don't have to eat the calorie-heavy stuff to enjoy an event or a visit to an attraction. I feel like it took willpower to not eat all the tempting food and I am always one to say "I have no willpower" and now I know I don't have that excuse. Or I don't have to resort to that excuse. The fact is that I DO have willpower. I can make good choices. I plan to continue to do that with every meal, every bite, every day. You guys are my inspiration!