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

[jenanderson]

I am feeling kind of sad and depressed tonight. Not sure why. Maybe just the stress of the day. Some days I get so overwhelmed with everything.....amount of stuff I need to do at work, getting ryan all he needs for kindergarten..homework, fundraising, etc., finances are a little hairy right now and that has me stressing. Dh is having issues at his job....basically overworked and the president of the company is a complete idiot. Everyone in the company are complaining about how they cant take working there anymore. He comes home at night drained and miserable. I think it just all has taken a toll on me today.

Sorry you are having such a down sort of day. I don't have any words of advice for you but just wanted to say we are here to listen and support.

I was going to post my own feeling sort of down post tonight. I think many of us are a bit overwhelmed at the start of the school year. It seems like so much is going on for everyone with jobs and families and just life. I hope that things settle down for all of us.

I have come to a really important realization tonight that I have to learn to deal with. I have been WAY off track with my eating and exercise since the mud run. I then had to look back at my race before that and realized it took me 3 weeks after my half marathon to get back into the swing of things. Then I looked and realized that my race before that caused me to get off track as well. It seems that I work so hard and focus so hard on a race and then do the race and then have several weeks of being off track. I will accept that in some ways I deserve a bit of a break but I need to learn how to not take so much of a break. I need to learn how to make a plan for how to deal with the after part when I have races. I would love to hear from the rest of you who do races if you have this problem at all.

So for tonight, feeling a bit out of control again. Feel like I have a major gut problem happening. Know I need to get back at it. Just not focusing. Going to go to bed and hope that when I get up tomorrow I can get back on track - since I know I have another race in 5 weeks it will have to happen soon.

Night everyone!
Jen

 

[Cupcaker]

Today was another hectic day for me too. I have a feeling its going to be like this at least for another two months Ive been thinking all day of what recipe to post. I figured I'll just post a couple that I know off the top of my head:

From Hungry-girl
low fat crescent rolls
turkey hot dogs
fat free cheddar cheese slices

cut cheese slices in half to make two triangles. roll out the crescent rolls so that they are flat triangles. put a cheese triangle on top of the crescent roll triangle. wrap around the hot dog.

So this is like a cheesey pig in a blanket, thats anywhere from 200-250 calories.

My go-to salad
baby spinach
dried cranberries
chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
cheese (e.g. fetta, queso fresco)
chopped apple or pear or even strawberries
low fat rasberry vinnaigrette

Sometimes, like today, I just had the spinach, cranberries, and dressing. You can "dress it up" with all these ingredients or just work with what you have or like. People love this salad when I make it for a party. Its so simple.

Southwestern type salad
lettuce
chopped red onion
corn kernals (from small can)
whole black beans (also can be from can)
chopped cilantro
shredded chicken tossed lightly in bbq sauce

Again, just like the other salad, you just put in as much as you like. I have also crushed a tortilla chip on top for the extra crunch. No dressing is really needed because you have the chicken lightly coated with bbq sauce.

strawberry smothie
frozen strawberries (if you buy some and freeze them yourself, they taste better)
milk, of your choice, even soy milk
1 packet of splenda

I do this as a morning drink during the summer because its refreshing. I like to use my Magic Bullet for it. I just add milk till I get the consistency I like.

As you can tell, I like fast easy recipes. Oh and here is the link to the wonton soup I made yesterday. I just added more veggies than called for. Also I found this good honey glazed salmon recipe I made the other day. I was trying to look for something like miso glazed salmon and fell across this recipe. I would definitely make it again. Sorry I recipe-overloaded you guys!

Congrats to CC on being the BL! Sorry to hear about the fracture. For all of you who are not feeling well- physically and mentally- hope it passes quickly. I too am mentally exhausted with all the work I have lately. Im looking foward to a better tomorrow!

 

[corinnak]

I think the thread is passing me by again! Sorry to be so in-and-out lately. I think part of the issue is that my head has not been in the game very well so far this challenge. I'm getting there, though. I'm going to start with a couple of replies and then a few (ahem) QOTD's from the archive...

I have come to a really important realization tonight that I have to learn to deal with. I have been WAY off track with my eating and exercise since the mud run. I then had to look back at my race before that and realized it took me 3 weeks after my half marathon to get back into the swing of things. Then I looked and realized that my race before that caused me to get off track as well. It seems that I work so hard and focus so hard on a race and then do the race and then have several weeks of being off track. I will accept that in some ways I deserve a bit of a break but I need to learn how to not take so much of a break. I need to learn how to make a plan for how to deal with the after part when I have races. I would love to hear from the rest of you who do races if you have this problem at all.

Jen - I've been there. I probably AM there. I just wrote a blog post for WW online today, but that darned site won't let me post it. Maybe I'll post it and the preceeding one here in a bit - they kind of go together.

I am so happy that I have inspired someone else to try mud! Seriously, it was the best race ever and I plan on doing as many as I can afford to do next year!

You make me want to MUD next year as well. Keep me posted about what you're doing and maybe I'll join you for one (if that would be OK)!

Rose - I agree with the others - both pictures are good, BUT I know what you mean about wanting to hide/hide from old pictures, too! I want to forget that I ever was where I started. When I was there, I wanted to forget that I was there. I look back now and I see that, yes, I was bigger, but there were still good things about me then, and over the past few weeks, I've been realizing that while many people when they are overweight feel that there is a thin person hiding inside, waiting to emerge, I definitely feel that inside my now much smaller body, that overweight, unhappy Corinna is ready to come right back out if I just give her the chance. And that's a little worrisome. I don't know if you have some of those same thoughts, but I thought I'd put it out there because it seems like we have had similar feelings about our old pictures.



I was inspired by two quotes this week. One is from the somewhat questionable new sitcom, Mike and Molly. Some of the jokes, I found highly offensive. Some, I thought, were funny. But this bit of testimony from Molly really hit home:

Molly: ...and you know, I'm never gonna be a Size 2, and that's fine, because I happen to like who I am. There's nothing wrong with me as a person. I'm smart, I'm funny...I recycle! [last part said with a twirl]....I just wanna learn to control my eating....

Part of the problem I had and have is that I really didn't happen to like who I was a couple of years ago (and sometimes even now), even though I was smart, funny and a recycler.

The other is from This Runner's World Article:

It is the runner in me who understands that the beauty of my body is in the things it can do, not the way it looks doing them.

I'm trying to embrace this one, but I'm also trying to remember that even if my body doesn't do things as efficiently or elegantly as others' bodies do, the fact that it can do them at all is still a bit of a miracle.

Now I'm going to see about those blog posts and maybe that Disneyland Half photo. - I noticed Stephanie gave the OK a while ago, but I'd not gotten around to loading it to photobucket yet!

 

[corinnak]

All righty, I'd just post the links for these, but man, that WW community is really not cooperating right now. Obviously, if it's not of interest....skip onward.

September 21, 2010
Slipping

Why is it sooo easy to slip back into old habits, old thought processes, old numbers on the scale?? I have been maintaining at my original weight goal for a while now, but am having a hard time getting it together to lose "the last 5 pounds" again.

I find this somewhat embarrassing - I was supposed to have this together. I was supposed to be on track for the rest of my life. I don't want to be the person who "lost all that weight and then gained it all back, plus more" again.

I know I can stop it here. I can reverse this trend here. I also know that I've somehow allowed some of my "Danger" behaviors to creep back in. It's easy to be complacent when my pants fit and I can still run, but I need to turn this around now, before my pants don't fit, before my running is impacted. Because if I don't turn it around, it is a matter of time before I end up at rock bottom once again.

I thought I had made peace with the fact that this is a lifetime challenge, that I will need to be careful and mindful for the rest of my life. I fee like I've lost sight of where my thoughts were a few months ago.

It's harder to do where I am now, because I am at a weight where people would say "But you don't need to lose weight." This is a tough time of year (as are they all) because of the weather change - something about the colder weather weakens my resolve a bit.

Finally, I realized what I've been doing lately - it's boredom/procrastination eating. I'm not hungry, but apparently food is the what I can think of to avoid cleaning the bathroom. It's silly! And it's a sign that I need to take charge of more than one aspect of my life, too.

I am still not back into the "lifetime" range for WW, but I've been home several weeks and haven't made it to a meeting yet, because I keep thinking I'll lose and then go back to my nice, free meeting. Well, this is it - I'm going to go to my favorite leader's meeting on Friday and if I pay, I pay.

Until then, Track, Spin, Water, Track, Track, Run, Track, TRX, Track, Swim, Track, here a Track, there a Track, everywhere a Track Track. Oh, and keep my hand out of the cereal box as well.


September 22, 2010
How to Climb Up Instead of Slipping Down

Step One: Stop Being Complacent! If you are standing on a slippery
slope, if you just stand there, the natural tendency is to slide slowly
downward, and gain speed as you go.

Step Two: Decide Where You
Want to Go! Moving around randomly, occasionally or in a sideways
fashion isn't going to get you to the top of the slippery slope, but if
you have a clear objective, you can work towards it.

Step Three:
Move Toward That Objective Slowly, Carefully and with Purpose. If you
try to run on ice, you fall down, but if you inch your way slowly and
carefully, you can make a lot of progress.

Step Four: Don't Look Down! Keep on moving forward until you reach safety.

Now of course on this journey, there is no such thing as true "Safety" but
there is a place where it's all slightly less slick and sloped.

I realize that I've gone through the summer with a certain amount of
complacency. I haven't been training hard for any races, I haven't been
able to get my brain fully back into the WW groove. I need something
to focus on, to work toward. And frankly, having a focal point even
when you're just trying to stay where you are always, always helps with
balance.

While I was out running today, I remembered that a friend had
offered to pace me to a 2 hour half marathon at the end of October. I
had scoffed and said I was nowhere near that right now. Which is
probably true. However, I have 5 weeks, and if I don't strive for it, I
may never get any closer to a 2 hour half than I have already been. I
think that having more focus in my training will help me have more
focus with food as well. It has in the past, anyway.

I often think that striving for goals is more important to me than meeting them.When I meet them, suddenly that focal point I'd been using to keep my balance is gone and until I find another one, I often start to lapse or
relapse. Until I find another goal - something I WANT - and catch my balance again. Maybe someday I'll be able to focus without a clear goal to grab onto, but until then, I'm going to have to go with what works right now.

 

[corinnak]

And finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: The photo from the Disneyland Half Marathon Biggest Loser mini-meet! I was so impressed with Stephanie's WISH gear - we never would have spotted you if not for that visor! it was wonderful to have the chance to meet you, Stephanie! I hope to see you at many more events in the future!

 

[flipflopmom]

My stomach feels like crap last night and today. Not sure what it is??? Hopefully after breakfast it feels better. I really feel like just laying in bed all day and watching tv.

See, told ya! You caught my "bug"

I can't wait to get out my measuring tape on Friday for WIN! . Last, but not least, I'm just ready. Ready to be out of the 200's and have a real shot at it. Maybe I had an "ah-ha moment" and missed it but the effect is the same?

Lisa - you are so "ready" right now! No wonder you are so excited to get out your measuring tape - you are rocking it!

I'm starting the weight loss challenge at the WC tonight. I will alternate between Wed and Thurs night meetings. Cash prizes are inspiring and the extra money would be great for Christmas and after.

Sounds like a great incentive. You are really doing a great, great job!

My boss has two boys about the same age and she said that's just what we do--we worry about our kids. The good news is I am not at all stressed about the race, since I'm using all my stress energy to worry about DS

No matter how old they are. My mom still stresses over us, and we are 35, 47 and 50! Yep! I was the oops!

I'm really quite miserable. I can't go down stairs, so I can't even bring my laundry to the laundry room.

So sorry CC, but I'm sure your laundry queen mama will be glad to take it down for you! YOU NEED TO EAT MORE! MAKE SURE THEY LEAVE YOU MORE FOOD! Hello, even people in prison get more than that!

Is this the morning prayer time? I need to have DD check and see if they have anything like this at her school.Wow... they even do it at the little kids level?? NICE!Yup... it is scary that they tie themselves so closely to WHAT they do. I love that she is so active and has found a healthy activity that she absolutely LOVES.... but I wish she would remember she is SO MUCH MORE!!Ummmmm, I know it isn't exactly the kind of recipe to share here on the BL thread, but if you have a chance sometime, could you PM it to me?? I'd love to try it sometime.DVR = Digital Video Recorder.... kind of like a computer hard drive for the TV. Comes as part of our satellite receiver box. AMAZING invention!!

P- I think part of it, at least for AK, is that she's sacrificed so much to be a gymnast. She's had to give up the activities she was doing w/ friends, they play softball together, girl scouts, etc. At times, I think she doesn't want that sacrifice to be for nothing... As for the recipe, I googled disboards ohana bread pudding and found it on here. AND I LOVE MY DVR. Although, I used to do sit ups and pushups, or clean, during commercials. Now I don't have that time anymore.

Taryn – “Fighter” is by Christina Aguilera. I am so sorry that you have been sick. Have you done anything differently as far as what you are eating? I was hoping you were going to be feeling better today – it is awful to have to go into work sick.

Well, the last few days, it has been different, NOT MUCH! Up until then, yes, I had a few things I shouldn't, liquid and solid, but there is a bug going around pre-k and k, and a lot of the school. I tend to catch stuff when I am run down....

A sneak peak at the scale shows I should be getting that WHOOSH this week. I don't know why this is my body's pattern of losing, but I really do seem to lose significantly only every fourth week.

Cam - ITA w/ what P said. I have 2 good weeks a month, if I am OP. Right before I start, I usually lose a decent amount, and again mid month. It's kinda crazy what being a woman does to us!

Michael gets on the busy by 7:40 so I thought I could get 2 miles in and the have a full 30 min to get ready, or I could push and get 3 in, which was what I chose, and when I get home, rush through a shower and get ready in 20 minutes, no goofing off, no dis-ing. I feel like my head is really in the game now. Even though I have those days my eating is out of control, the exercise seems to have become a habit for me now.

That is so awesome Kathy! You ladies are really kicking it this challenge!

I forgot to tell you I &/or my dogs almost died Monday night.

So scary, and mad at the cop. WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!!

I'm still battling this stickin cold. I've had it for a solid 13 days now. The antibiotic took care of the sinus infection, but I still have a nasty cold. So much phlegm this morning that I was actually throwing up

Hoping you can get that stuff cleared up soon!

I have put the Wine and Dine ½ on my radar for next year though, I’ve wanted to go to the Food and Wine Festival for a while now, and that race will really tie in a whole bunch of things together – Food and Wine, ½ marathon, seeing the Halloween decorations at WDW – so I’m working on a plan for that. Maybe I’ll see you there next year, Rose!
I’m telling you guys, this kid (my DS) really needs to broaden his horizons, I’m getting sick of eating the same old things every week!

Bree- I'd like to go next year, too, if I can grow a money tree. OR at least the next. 2012 would be AK's 13th b'day at the end of Sept. I just can't take her out of school in 8th grade for long...... DId you say your DS has ADHD also? I wonder if the food stuff is tied in somehow, b/c AK has the hardest time with new foods. We jumped for joy when she added Subway turkey subs (but it has to be made very specifically or she won't eat it) and barbeque chicken to her menu this year. She has about 8 things she will eat. No joke! She's at the age now, where I fix dinner, making sure there is something she likes - salad, corn, veggies w/ dip, etc. and tell her to try what we are having, or fix something else for herself. I am hoping that she will eventually get tired of cereal or cheese quesadillas and eat what we have. I do occasionally make BBQ chicken for her if we are grilling for us, etc. But a whole separate dinner for her just doesn't happen anymore

[Corinna, Taryn, Dona, Connie, Jen, Shannon, Tracey, Jude, Bree and everyone who's name I'm learning! -- Maria

Right back at'cha! I meant to answer the sister wives question, I saw a commercial for it while I was on the couch Tues. It looks weirdly intriguing, although I am sure it would raise lots of questions from the girls. Those shows suck me in. I was watching something about a family w/ quintuplets, they were advertising 19 kids and counting, and then Kate and her crew came on. DH said THAT'S ENOUGH WITH THE BIG FAMILIES!!! I WANT ESPN!

DH is going to WWOHP Columbus weekend. He has a Sci Fi website and got invited to a press event on the Monday. He'll fly down on Sunday and fly back on Tuesday night. He'll probably spend a day at Epcot for F&W. He knows that I'll be really jealous about that. He just booked his flight and car and is planning on staying at POP! Got some good deals and we had a credit on JetBlue.

WOW! I would be very very jealous and have a hard time not tagging along!

And normally it should be cooler here by now. We have had 80 days this summer at 90+. Our city (while not the hottest by far) had more above normal days than anywhere else in the country.

It's crazy hot here, too. 92 or 93 yesterday. It's been like that all summer. By now, we're usually in the 70s or 60s. Someone told me yesterday they heard we're in for the hottest Oct. on record here.....

I think what bothered me about the comments the other parent made this weekend, is that I was kidding myself last year that I wasn't really THAT overweight. I'm trying not to beat myself up about it. I don't even recognize the person in the old picture and I want to get rid of all copies, but I really need the reminder of where I was, and how far I've come.

I know exactly what you mean, and what you are saying. You totally look like his sister! and completely amazing! BTW, DS's hair in the second pic makes him look like different person too! His face is too handsome to hide behind the hair!

For all who asked... DD woke up at 4am burning completely up. I gave her more Motrin and called the doctor when we got up just after 8.

I hate that.... I always tell the dr's office - I am not going to withhold meds from my child w/ a high temp just so it's still here when we get here. You'll just have to believe me! Hope she is feeling better now!

I’ve thought about a coast to coast attempt in 2012, Princess ½ then DL ½. Our cruises next year will eat up about half of my vacation time, since we’ve already been to WDW we can just do the new stuff (Food and Wine, Halloween stuff) and not worry about missing anything on a long weekend.

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Dinner, FWIW, will be 1/2 chicken breast, at least 1 cup of broccoli, 1 cup of milk, and a banana. If not more. Just not sure what yet.

EAT!!!!!

CC -- When I was in bed for 2 weeks after my bone graft, Howard and Andrew took very good care of me, food-wise.

How sweet, they did a great job!

Today was quieter than yesterday and I got a lot of things done.

Glad things were calmer!

My day was CRAZY yesterday as well! It was really productive though - I cleaned DS's closet (reorganized it and sorted out every piece of clothing), I emptied out our linen closet and reorganized that (3 boxes ready to go to the thrift store), did 5 loads of laundry, cleaned more big clothes out of my closet and found a place for all my running clothing and many other little things.

I love time at home alone when I am motivated and get stuff done!!! You must feel soo much better! Sorry your run was bad!

We had a nice time at the bbq tonight. I ate one hot dog and had a single bite of 2 different desserts, but decided that neither was worth the points so I threw them out I think that is a success.

That's a great success. That's a new catchphrase of mine. Is this worth the calories? After a bite, if it's not, it goes in the trash!

I am feeling kind of sad and depressed tonight. Not sure why. Maybe just the stress of the day. Some days I get so overwhelmed with everything.....amount of stuff I need to do at work, getting ryan all he needs for kindergarten..homework, fundraising, etc., finances are a little hairy right now and that has me stressing. Dh is having issues at his job....basically overworked and the president of the company is a complete idiot. Everyone in the company are complaining about how they cant take working there anymore. He comes home at night drained and miserable. I think it just all has taken a toll on me today.

I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND!!! DH is even having the same probs at work, too.... This is getting FREAKY!

I am trying to look at them and see all the good things about me - how I was still the giving and loving person and that I always tried to look and be the best I could be. When I look at the current photos of me, I really have to be amazed but still realize that it is me...the same insides but just a healthier outside.

It's a tough thing, almost like 2 different people, b/c truly, we were. If you think about it, our mentalities, confidence, drives, etc. were different.

It's harder to do where I am now, because I am at a weight where people would say "But you don't need to lose weight." This is a tough time of year (as are they all) because of the weather change - something about the colder weather weakens my resolve a bit. Stop Being Complacent! If you are standing on a slippery
slope, if you just stand there, the natural tendency is to slide slowly
downward, and gain speed as you go. I often think that striving for goals is more important to me than meeting them.When I meet them, suddenly that focal point I'd been using to keep my balance is gone and until I find another one, I often start to lapse or relapse. Until I find another goal - something I WANT - and catch my balance again. Maybe someday I'll be able to focus without a clear goal to grab onto, but until then, I'm going to have to go with what works right now.

Very well said and written, and I completely understand!

And finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: The photo from the Disneyland Half Marathon Biggest Loser mini-meet!

Love it! How do you both run with that stuff on your waist? IT would drive me absolutely insane!!!!

I know I cheated with 7 items, but it's a very quick and easy recipe, and the salsa adds the spices for you, so there, I'm a cheater.

Sounds like something I like, could do!

Since my "cliff notes for Connie" got so long, going to post my own little pity party in a new reply.

 

[flipflopmom]

Okay, I am processing here. First, I am in the boat with Jen and Corinna. I have been fluctuating with the same 4 pounds for a month or more, and it's depressing. I was up 3 pounds for last week's weigh in! There, I said it. So I'm back to 14 pounds to goal now. I'm not really sure how I feel about it.

It's like, I am still eating mostly okay, but not entering it in to see exactly where I fall. Yes, I know I need to do that. I am not running. I NEED to, for my mentality, but yesterday was the only chance I had this week, and my stomach was not up for the challenge. Hoping for tomorrow and Saturday, but on top of the tummy mess, I have had a killer sinus headache for about 15 hours, my head is full, and I have a cough. I don't run well with a headache, it's just hard to get past. I can ignore a lot when I run, but headaches aren't one of those things. Hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow.

I'm sick of my house being a wreck. I'm sick of being short tempered. I'm sick of worrying about money. I'm sick of being hit for $150-200 everytime I turn around for something, (gymnastics fundraiser, school field trip, glasses, tires,ADHD meds, DOG! and accessories) and yet Sophie needs shoes and I need clothes. I'm sick of trying to corral Sophie for 3 hours at gymnastics. I'm sick of trying to figure out what's for dinner with our crazy schedules. I'm sick of DH's boss making him miserable, and cutting his overtime! I'm sick of feeling sad. I'm sick of trying to work on homework for grad school. I'm sick of feeling jealous when I read BL and everyone is getting in serious workout time, seeing results. I'm sick of feeling like a whiner. And yet, I'm not totally sure what to do about any of it. It feels so out of my control. I hate not being in control. I know I have to step up and take it back.

I know I have a lot going on. I know that I can't do it all. But I feel like I am doing nothing. I know once DH goes back on 1st, it will get a bit easier. Not sure if I can make it until then.....

Have a good day everyone. I am forcing myself to stay caught up and post, b/c my honest to goodness desire is to throw in the towel!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

Taryn- He'll just owe me big time! He'll be better prepared when we go in December. We ordered the new combo camera last night and tonight we'll design him a shirt or two.

Just finished my two miles. DD1 is showering and DD2 is lying on the couch whining. I've got two clients today and if I can get out early enough I'll go to Costco, TJs and the Dollar Store or I'll do that tomorrow. Tonight I have 5th grade curriculum night so it's my 4th night out this week. We've decided that tomorrow we will get Chinese food from one of our two favorite places for supper. We've been doing this on Friday nights as a treat while we catch up on our shows from the week. We'll have CSI and Project Runway to watch. DD1 hates Justin Bieber but wants to see the CSI episode that he's in tonight.

Gotta go make DD1s breakfast and lunch. Hoping I can squeeze in my 5K this afternoon. I'll have to get up early on Saturday to get my last one in before my run on Sunday. I'm getting really excited about it. And another local Diser is thinking about joining me in the weight loss challenge!

TTFN!

 

[keenercam]

Hopefully after a good night sleep I will be back to my cheery feeling self in the morning.

I am so sorry you were feeling sad and overwhelmed last night. Do you feel better this morning? I hope your mind didn't race all night, thinking about all the stresses and about all that needs to be accomplished. I think we all go through this to some extent and some of us go through it very cyclically. There are literally times of the month where everything seems HUGE. The fact is that there are so many things in our lives we cannot control. And then there are things we can take charge of. I find that if I think of ONE thing to accomplish each day, and then just squeeze that in somewhere, at the end of the day I can feel some satisfaction for at least having gotten one thing taken care of. Today's thing for me is the huge pile of paper, bills, magazines, catalogs, school papers that have piled up on the dining room table. I am going to listen to fun music (probably some songs from "Glee") while I am working on that pile tonight.


Jen - Your post has motivated me to change the QOTD for today. It made me think of an important point, especially since I, too, have fallen off track after every race and after every vacation or event for which I was motivated to stay on plan to lose weight. BBL with that. But thank you so much for sharing here. I'm so glad that you've looked at this and figured out a plan.

From Hungry-girl
low fat crescent rolls
turkey hot dogs
fat free cheddar cheese slices

cut cheese slices in half to make two triangles. roll out the crescent rolls so that they are flat triangles. put a cheese triangle on top of the crescent roll triangle. wrap around the hot dog.

So this is like a cheesey pig in a blanket, thats anywhere from 200-250 calories.

My go-to salad
baby spinach
dried cranberries
chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
cheese (e.g. fetta, queso fresco)
chopped apple or pear or even strawberries
low fat rasberry vinnaigrette

Sometimes, like today, I just had the spinach, cranberries, and dressing. You can "dress it up" with all these ingredients or just work with what you have or like. People love this salad when I make it for a party. Its so simple.

Great recipes! I am doing the crescent roll one tonight for DS17 and spinach salad for lunch for me today. Thank you for inspiring me!

I look back now and I see that, yes, I was bigger, but there were still good things about me then, and over the past few weeks, I've been realizing that while many people when they are overweight feel that there is a thin person hiding inside, waiting to emerge, I definitely feel that inside my now much smaller body, that overweight, unhappy Corinna is ready to come right back out if I just give her the chance.

Corinna - Your blog posts are so insightful and hellpful! Thank you for sharing. I have a feeling your WW blog is one that would truly inspire me. It seems we have a lot of the same thoughts but mine are not as evolved as yours. Would you be willing to share your WW name? or PM it to me? I'd really like to read your blog there.
What a great picture from the DL Half! You and Stephanie look great!

Taryn -- I hope you are feeling better. I can't imagine working around little kids -- I'd be sick all the time.

Okay, there are so many others I want to reply to, but I am running late. Will post QOTD and be back later.

 

[keenercam]

QOTD for Wednesday, September 23: Are you motivated to get healthy because of an upcoming event (i.e., reunion, wedding, vacation, race)? If so, how will you deal with the possibility that you may not get to your goal by that date? And how will you stay on track on your weight loss journey (whether it's continuing to lose or maintaining) after the event is past? Finally, if you aren't losing for a particular event, what is motivating you each day? Do you have some reward planned for yourself for interim goals or your ultimate goal? (For those losing for a particular event, that event may BE your goal)?

Okay, I know that's more than one question, but it's a lot to think about.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

I woke up just after 5 and am so glad I did. I will be able to ask for much more help that way. I may nap later today, but that will give me “something” to do.

Have a great day everyone!

CC

We had a nice time at the bbq tonight. I ate one hot dog and had a single bite of 2 different desserts, but decided that neither was worth the points so I threw them out I think that is a success.

Definitely a success!

Okay, kiddo. That is definitely NOT enough food for any person in a given day. I hope you will have the courage to ask your Mom or Dad for something else if you are still hungry. And for lunches, even though you are watching your sodium, definitely consider having one of your parents leave you food in a cooler, even if it is a lunchmeat sandwich or a lean cusine panini or the lilke. This week's topic at WW is "Asking for help" and it is something I've always struggled with. Hopefully, you will be able to live that lesson right now when you need help.

Thanks Cam! Since I am up, I have asked for some help already. My mom left me some cotton balls so I can wash my face today. (I use Proactiv.) I am also going to eat breakfast with her and have her help me make a high-protein, lowfat lunch. Dinner, I think, is going to be at Panera. I have a plan for there, so I should be good for the day. By eating breakfast before she leaves, I should be able to get in all my GHGs.

I am feeling kind of sad and depressed tonight. Not sure why. Maybe just the stress of the day. Some days I get so overwhelmed with everything.....amount of stuff I need to do at work, getting ryan all he needs for kindergarten..homework, fundraising, etc., finances are a little hairy right now and that has me stressing. Dh is having issues at his job....basically overworked and the president of the company is a complete idiot. Everyone in the company are complaining about how they cant take working there anymore. He comes home at night drained and miserable. I think it just all has taken a toll on me today.

Hopefully after a good night sleep I will be back to my cheery feeling self in the morning.

Thanks for listening.

Lindsay.

I think many of us are a bit overwhelmed at the start of the school year. It seems like so much is going on for everyone with jobs and families and just life. I hope that things settle down for all of us.

First, very well said, ITA!

to you too. I know that your next post will be you sharing how you are perfectly back on track. Also, thank you for your beautiful reply. You are an inspiration to me too!

Today was another hectic day for me too. I have a feeling its going to be like this at least for another two months

Congrats to CC on being the BL! Sorry to hear about the fracture. For all of you who are not feeling well- physically and mentally- hope it passes quickly. I too am mentally exhausted with all the work I have lately. Im looking foward to a better tomorrow!

Thanks!

Sorry things are so busy. Hope things let up soon. Hope you have a great day today!

I often think that striving for goals is more important to me than meeting them.When I meet them, suddenly that focal point I'd been using to keep my balance is gone and until I find another one, I often start to lapse or relapse. Until I find another goal - something I WANT - and catch my balance again. Maybe someday I'll be able to focus without a clear goal to grab onto, but until then, I'm going to have to go with what works right now.

I understand what you are saying completely. You are definitely right. You and I and everyone else need to do “what works right now!”

So sorry CC, but I'm sure your laundry queen mama will be glad to take it down for you! YOU NEED TO EAT MORE! MAKE SURE THEY LEAVE YOU MORE FOOD! Hello, even people in prison get more than that!

Thank you for cracking me up this morning! My mom totally couldn’t stand the laundry being left in my bedroom and the bathroom and it was picked up before I could say “laundry.”

I have planned out breakfast and lunch for the day. Since I am up, I can tell my mom what I want for the day. My father leaves for work too early for him to help much, but I know he would if I needed him to help.

Breakfast: ½ cup dry oatmeal cooked with ½ cup of milk and at least 1 cup of diced apples plus ½ cup of milk to drink and egg whites with 1 cup of broccoli (6.5 pts)

Lunch: deli style chicken breast on a 1 pt bread product (not sure what we have in the freezer) plus 20 baby carrots and 2 pts of guacamole (5 pts)

I think dinner is at Panera and that will be 7 pts leaving me just enough to have another glass of milk and some frozen yogurt when I get home so I will have eaten 22.5/22 points for the day and likely all of my GHGs.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I'm sick of my house being a wreck. I'm sick of being short tempered. I'm sick of worrying about money. I'm sick of being hit for $150-200 everytime I turn around for something, (gymnastics fundraiser, school field trip, glasses, tires,ADHD meds, DOG! and accessories) and yet Sophie needs shoes and I need clothes. I'm sick of trying to corral Sophie for 3 hours at gymnastics. I'm sick of trying to figure out what's for dinner with our crazy schedules. I'm sick of DH's boss making him miserable, and cutting his overtime! I'm sick of feeling sad. I'm sick of trying to work on homework for grad school. I'm sick of feeling jealous when I read BL and everyone is getting in serious workout time, seeing results. I'm sick of feeling like a whiner. And yet, I'm not totally sure what to do about any of it. It feels so out of my control. I hate not being in control. I know I have to step up and take it back.

I couldnt of said it better myself. I totally am in the same boat minus dh being on 2nd shift and no kids in gymnastics. I am just sick of it too. I often think about what life would be like if I had just stayed single. Then I feel horribly guilty for even thinking such a thing. I love my dh and kids and would never change anything but sometimes life just gets to be too much. I need another vacation but have no money to take one. So I guess we just have to push forward and somehow figure out a plan to take control. I get there some days and other days I just want to give up. It really is scary how much we are alike. Hang in there. Things will get better.

Rose- I cant believe I forgot to tell you how beautiful and healthy you look in your picture from the weekend. Your son even looks so much different since last year. I agree you still looked wonderful last year but I understand what you mean by not knowing that person anymore. Congratulations on all you have accomplished and for most of all being you again and being happy.

I am off to work again. I felt like I was just there a few hours ago. I hate late night meetings. I cant believe its only thursday. I feel like the week is never going to end. I am so looking forward to the weekend.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[mikamah]

I started to read earlier, and then got sidetracked with a little meltdown because I asked michael to wash his hands and clean his fingernails. He was fresh to me, so I got mad, so then he somehow hit himself in the head with his sneaker while he was getting dressed and started crying. I was laughing to myself and thought of the song, "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins. And I thought of you, Lindsay, Taryn, Jen, and all who are feeling overwhelmed lately. And I thought of Rose, who probably does miss some of this chaos. This is my favorite verse.

Five years later
There's a plumber
Working on the water heater
Dogs barking, phones ringing
One kids crying, one kids screaming
She keeps apologizing
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got two babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
It's hard to believe..."

But
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this
You're going to miss this
Yeah you're going to miss this

It is hard to believe that these days will pass, and we will survive and even enjoy so much of them when we're so overwhelmed. I hope we will all look back on these days with smiles in our hearts, and the stress we are feeling will fade away and be barely a memory. Hang in there, girlfriends!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

I couldnt of said it better myself. I totally am in the same boat minus dh being on 2nd shift and no kids in gymnastics. I am just sick of it too. I often think about what life would be like if I had just stayed single. Then I feel horribly guilty for even thinking such a thing. I love my dh and kids and would never change anything but sometimes life just gets to be too much. I need another vacation but have no money to take one. So I guess we just have to push forward and somehow figure out a plan to take control. I get there some days and other days I just want to give up. It really is scary how much we are alike. Hang in there. Things will get better.

Rose- I cant believe I forgot to tell you how beautiful and healthy you look in your picture from the weekend. Your son even looks so much different since last year. I agree you still looked wonderful last year but I understand what you mean by not knowing that person anymore. Congratulations on all you have accomplished and for most of all being you again and being happy.

I am off to work again. I felt like I was just there a few hours ago. I hate late night meetings. I cant believe its only thursday. I feel like the week is never going to end. I am so looking forward to the weekend.

Have a great day everyone.

I just have a minute before work, so I'll try to comment on some of the other stuff this afternoon, but Lindsey I wanted to tell you that there are STILL times I wish I was single. I adore Mike, our life is great, and we have a great kid, but sometimes I just get overwhelmed and want a different life. I don't think this is abnormal or even a bad thing, it's just an is. At that moment that's how I feel, and then I move on. I wouldn't really change anything. to you. Hang in there. And thank you for getting what I was trying to say. Mike has often said he's surprised I don't have multiple personalities from my crazy family. Last night he said maybe the person in the other picture was another personality and that's why you don't know her, because the old you is back. I thought that was pretty funny.

Taryn--

Jen--I have trouble with getting back on track after races. We are ending up with 3 races in 5 weeks, and honestly I am tired. I'll have to think about it some more. I don't think it's so much that I give myself permission to eat differently, more like I just consume more period during this time. There's something about running 13 miles that makes you hungry. Maybe it's just hard to concentrate on being completely on plan and running at the same time. I don't know. I do know that on long run days I can't seem to eat enough. Then that seems to spill over into days after the runs. How much is my body needing the calories and how much is me thinking I need them is the issue.

Off to work. Have a good day.

 

[Dreamer24]

Corinna, THanks for posting about slipping.

CC, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I know how you are feeling. I joined the gym in November and was doing a great job, I was back within about 5 pounds of my "normal/goal" weight in March when I strained some ligaments in my foot and was in an air cast for close to 3 weeks. It's now september and I still seem to be heading up on the scale (up about 7 lbs since the foot incident) and I haven't gotten myself back into the habit fo regularly going to the gym. I know how challenging your setback is but I also see how strong you are and you will get through it!

QOTD - I don't have an event and honestly, I'm struggling with motivation. Seeing myself in the mirror, the numbers on the scale, the way my clothes fit SHOULD be enough. Those things make me feel horrible about myself yet I feel myself eating like crap (I'll just have this and that be better later today....) and being too tired to go to the gym. NO I need to start being better NOW. It's so hard and I amazed by everyone of you on here.

 

[lisah0711]

Lisa- I could go back at lunch time to have a protein shake if I wanted to. DH and I eat a lot of WW and LC meals though we try and be careful with the sodium. That's the only problem with the yellow chicken curry I'm having tonight. It's LOADED with sodium so I definitely need to drink extra water today.

I wasn't sure what else they had at the Wellness Center. You are so busy and have those split work schedules I thought it would be helpful sometimes if you could get your lunch while you were in for breakfast. It's nice to have someplace close by where you have healthy choices.

CC, sorry for your forced rest. You are going to need to eat more so you body has energy to heal properly though. Could you sit in a chair and do a little core work? I've been doing abs work sitting up straight then leaning back about an inch -- enough to engage my abs -- that is the starting point. Then I go back a few more inches and return to the starting point and do two sets of 12 to 15 of those. You feel like you've done some situps after that. Also you can some twists and side to side motion. The important thing is to take care of yourself and get healed!

pjlla, great job on the run walk!

Cam, how was the weigh in? Hope the whoosh did it's thing!

mikamah, that was a lot of work to do on your day off!

Julie, so glad that you are okay after your close call.

Deb, hope that you can shake that cold soon. I hate it when they hang on forever.

I would love to have someone make me surprise vegetable omelets each day with perfectly ripe fruit on the side.

That sounds so yummy!

Bree, I can totally relate to the picky eater thing. DS has an exaggerated gag reflex that will come back to bite you if you force the issue so we do not push it. I have to say since he started middle school I am seeing a little progress in this area.

Maria, your popcorn sounds so yummy. That was the way we made popcorn for years -- Jiffy Pop on the camp fire was as adventurous as we would get! And yes 1993 was a very good year!

Rose, I think that you looked great in both pictures. You are obviously much happier and healthier in the latest picture but it wasn't like you were starting out from a horribly bad place, even though I know you felt that way. I agree with Lindsay that your DS looks happier this year, too. Thanks for the reminder about the recipe thread and keeping that for us!

Thanks, Susan! When that good farmer's market corn runs out, the frozen sweet corn is really good, too.

Connie, hope that your DD is feeling better soon!

dona, glad your week is improving!

jenanderson, great job on getting so much done yesterday!

Computer woes have cut short my Dis time this morning. Will be back later to finish replies.

 

[disneymom2one]

QOTD: I mention this one a lot but there is a big family wedding in two short weeks. We both have small families and this is the first big event (other than funerals - which we've had plenty of) in many, many years. My husband is in the wedding (singing rather than preaching funerals which is such a nice change) and it's a huge affair - formal the whole way. I knew back in May that I would refuse to be in pictures and I just said enough. I still don't like the way I look - even at 46 pounds gone - but I am happy to have lost the weight.

So that's it. The next motivation is our DC trip followed by spring break at WDW. I'm so looking forward to being able to really enjoy Epcot - before the walking was almost too much.

MB

 

[keenercam]

It's like, I am still eating mostly okay, but not entering it in to see exactly where I fall. Yes, I know I need to do that. I am not running. I NEED to, for my mentality, but yesterday was the only chance I had this week, and my stomach was not up for the challenge. Hoping for tomorrow and Saturday, but on top of the tummy mess, I have had a killer sinus headache for about 15 hours, my head is full, and I have a cough. I don't run well with a headache, it's just hard to get past. I can ignore a lot when I run, but headaches aren't one of those things. Hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow.

Taryn - I'm sorry you are feeling so lousy, physically. It is so hard to stay on track when we don't feel well, and personally, I think sinus headaches are the worst. I hope you get some relief soon. BTW, I know that you know this, but if you are eating pretty much what you've been successful with all along and aren't seeing progress, it may help to change things a bit. I really do think our bodies get used to what we eat and become more efficient about processing those food items and we don't see the downward progress as much. My WW leader has often advocated upping the protein and being sure to get the healthy oils in to try to break a plateau.

Life will be easier when your husband's shift is compatible with your schedule. Just think of that as your light at the end of the tunnel.

Taryn- He'll just owe me big time! He'll be better prepared when we go in December. We ordered the new combo camera last night and tonight we'll design him a shirt or two.

Tracey -- Are you using cafepress? You may also want to check customizedgirl -- I've gotten some great personalized stuff there.

CC -- So glad you have a plan and that your Mom is willing to help.

Lindsay - I am so sorry you were at work so late last night and can't take a break today.

Kathy -- Sorry you had a rough morning with DS. What great lyrics to share today. Perfect for all of us struggling to accommodate kids, their homework, their activities, etc. I hope youre day gets much better.

Rose --Had to laugh at DH's "multiple personality" comment. When I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago, if it felt any different to be with a new improved me, at a lower weight than I'd ever been since I'd met him and he insisted I was the same inside, just happier and more self-confident. He said he couldn't love me any more than he already had all those years but that he was glad I was finally learning to love myself. Isn't he amazing?

I have to agree that your DS looks so great in the second picture. What a great looking guy. How old is he?

Cam, how was the weigh in? Hope the whoosh did it's thing!

Thanks for asking, Lisa. Yep. Got my 4th week "whoosh" on the scale this morning at my WW weigh in. I will do my best to stay on plan this weekend, but I know it is inevitable that I'll have a gain next week of .4-.8 and I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing and know that it's the lifestyle that matters, and not the number on the scale. THat's not to say that I didn't want to do this --> at the scale this morning.

QOTD - I don't have an event and honestly, I'm struggling with motivation. Seeing myself in the mirror, the numbers on the scale, the way my clothes fit SHOULD be enough. Those things make me feel horrible about myself yet I feel myself eating like crap (I'll just have this and that be better later today....) and being too tired to go to the gym. NO I need to start being better NOW. It's so hard and I amazed by everyone of you on here.

Dani -- I think we can all relate to that "procrastination" mentality where we tell ourselves we can have this now and be good starting as soon as we eat it. I've even gone through phases where I've said, "once we've eaten all the "bad" food in the house, I'll get back on plan." At some point, I came to the realization that the "bad food" would always be around, whether at home, out to eat with family or friends, or on the kitchen table at my office, and that if I waited to make good choices until there were no bad choices tempting me, I'd never get started. It is just such a struggle some days, isn't it? Just keep telling yourself that you WILL make a good choice, not just that you CAN, and that you are definitely worth taking care of.

I knew back in May that I would refuse to be in pictures and I just said enough. I still don't like the way I look - even at 46 pounds gone - but I am happy to have lost the weight.

So that's it. The next motivation is our DC trip followed by spring break at WDW. I'm so looking forward to being able to really enjoy Epcot - before the walking was almost too much.

MB -- You should be so proud of yourself. You must have been so disciplined to have been able to accomplish that much just since May. Be proud of how great you must look, and just think of all the calories you will burn dancing up a storm at that wedding.

 

[keenercam]

QOTD for Wednesday, September 23: Are you motivated to get healthy because of an upcoming event (i.e., reunion, wedding, vacation, race)? If so, how will you deal with the possibility that you may not get to your goal by that date? And how will you stay on track on your weight loss journey (whether it's continuing to lose or maintaining) after the event is past? Finally, if you aren't losing for a particular event, what is motivating you each day? Do you have some reward planned for yourself for interim goals or your ultimate goal? (For those losing for a particular event, that event may BE your goal)?

Interestingly, "this time" I hadn't thought of losing weight for a particular occasion or by a particular deadline (except for BL goal date). I think I've re-started my journey as just that -- a journey but no appointment to get to at the end. Just strolling along, learning how to live a healthier lifestyle and looking for validation at the scale that I'm doing it well.

Well, earlier this week, it occurred to me that in about 9 months, we will be leaving for our 2 week European adventure (including a 10 night DCL Mediterranean cruise). I started thinking about how much I've despaired of recent pictures of myself and that I really want to be happy with the pictures from this "trip of a lifetime." I've thought about putting a "___ pounds to lose before our trip in ___" days in front of me at work and at home and decided that I can't do that. I have to be losing the weight because it's the right thing to do, not because of the trip on the horizon.

 

[cclovesdis]

Wow! We've been busy today! Cam, I hope weigh-in went well!

Okay, I am processing here.

I know I have a lot going on. I know that I can't do it all. But I feel like I am doing nothing. I know once DH goes back on 1st, it will get a bit easier. Not sure if I can make it until then.....

You WILL DEFINITELY make it! I know it is hard and believe me, if I could fly down to VA and help you out, I would. Take each day at a time, or even every hour. I can see you reaching goal by the end of the challenge. Why, because when you set your mind to something, you set your mind to something. That is one of my favorite things about you.

Gotta go make DD1s breakfast and lunch. Hoping I can squeeze in my 5K this afternoon. I'll have to get up early on Saturday to get my last one in before my run on Sunday. I'm getting really excited about it. And another local Diser is thinking about joining me in the weight loss challenge!

Good luck with your race!

QOTD for Wednesday, September 23: Are you motivated to get healthy because of an upcoming event (i.e., reunion, wedding, vacation, race)? If so, how will you deal with the possibility that you may not get to your goal by that date? And how will you stay on track on your weight loss journey (whether it's continuing to lose or maintaining) after the event is past? Finally, if you aren't losing for a particular event, what is motivating you each day? Do you have some reward planned for yourself for interim goals or your ultimate goal? (For those losing for a particular event, that event may BE your goal)?

As some of you know, my sister married my wonderful BIL in May of this year. That was a huge motivator for me. I didn't get to my goal weight by then, but I was content with what I weighed and how I looked. My goal right now is Christmas Eve dinner. It is a huge event in my family and I would love to be at goal by then. I won't have seen some of my family since the wedding and I know they will have plenty to say. Realistically, with or without fracturing a bone, I would have had a lot of work to do to reach my goal by then, especially since I keep lowering my goal weight. My other goal is to completely run a 5K race (aka outside). The reward here is accomplishment. For both goals, the reward is my health. Although, a manicure before Christmas Eve dinner wouldn't be a bad idea either. And, I do have a gift certificate.

As for post these goals, I will be sticking to using WWonline and exercising as much as possible so that I can maintain my weight, health, and fitness level. I think the important part for me is to not just consider weight but all 3 aspects. I may have weighed less on Christmas 2008 than what I'll probably be this year, but I'm happier, more confident, and my fitness level is much better. I'm not afraid of the gym anymore. I want to go there-daily, if I could fit in the time to go there and back and exercise.

Not so sure that I answered the question, but you know me, I am the difficult one.

I couldnt of said it better myself. I totally am in the same boat minus dh being on 2nd shift and no kids in gymnastics. I am just sick of it too. I often think about what life would be like if I had just stayed single. Then I feel horribly guilty for even thinking such a thing. I love my dh and kids and would never change anything but sometimes life just gets to be too much. I need another vacation but have no money to take one. So I guess we just have to push forward and somehow figure out a plan to take control. I get there some days and other days I just want to give up. It really is scary how much we are alike. Hang in there. Things will get better.

If there is one thing I know about you, is that you WILL NEVER give up!

I was laughing to myself and thought of the song, "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins.[/COLOR]

Love it!

I do know that on long run days I can't seem to eat enough. Then that seems to spill over into days after the runs. How much is my body needing the calories and how much is me thinking I need them is the issue.

Not sure if this belongs here or not, but it is advice, so I'm going to go ahead and post it. One of the WW leaders at the center I used to go to once said that she "often hears from her members that they need more [food] the day after exercisng." to you too.

CC, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I know how you are feeling. I joined the gym in November and was doing a great job, I was back within about 5 pounds of my "normal/goal" weight in March when I strained some ligaments in my foot and was in an air cast for close to 3 weeks. It's now september and I still seem to be heading up on the scale (up about 7 lbs since the foot incident) and I haven't gotten myself back into the habit fo regularly going to the gym. I know how challenging your setback is but I also see how strong you are and you will get through it!

QOTD - I don't have an event and honestly, I'm struggling with motivation. Seeing myself in the mirror, the numbers on the scale, the way my clothes fit SHOULD be enough. Those things make me feel horrible about myself yet I feel myself eating like crap (I'll just have this and that be better later today....) and being too tired to go to the gym. NO I need to start being better NOW. It's so hard and I amazed by everyone of you on here.

Thanks for sharing. And, thanks for the compliment.

I will likely continue to lose weight by following WWonline and eating just my minimum or slightly over my min. points everyday, but exercise is a boredom-buster for me. It's also a great stress reliever. I was mentioning to Taryn that I probably only need 1 of my meds and maybe even only every other day. They are technically for vertigo prevention, but that's supposedly all tied in with stress, and well, you get the picture.

Let us know how your day went today. I see you back on track. (Is there a magic ball smilie?)

CC, sorry for your forced rest. You are going to need to eat more so you body has energy to heal properly though. Could you sit in a chair and do a little core work? I've been doing abs work sitting up straight then leaning back about an inch -- enough to engage my abs -- that is the starting point. Then I go back a few more inches and return to the starting point and do two sets of 12 to 15 of those. You feel like you've done some situps after that. Also you can some twists and side to side motion. The important thing is to take care of yourself and get healed!

Thanks Lisa! I ate part of what I planned for breakfast. Cooking egg whites was just too much for me and my mom only has so much time to help. She doesn't want me using the microwave without her there to help (yes, I know I am 26 ), so I will probably have that when she gets home as a snack. I also have a few neighbors I can call as well. I am definitely getting better about asking for help.

As for core work, it is definitely on my agenda for today. I love your suggestions! I was hoping to do 20 min. of alternating upper body cardio (like the exercises in the 30-Day Shred-thanks Bree!) and upper body strength training.

Thanks again!