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

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

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


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 3
(congrats Princessbride6205 & 50sjayne & Rose&Mike!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------49!
not reporting in for 1 week------ 6
not reporting in for 2 weeks------ 7
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 3
Excused------------------------- 4
weigh ins----------------------- 32
gains---------------------------- 8
maintains------------------------ 5
losses-------------------------- 18
new or returning members -------- 1


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 7!
This week’s group loss = 21.9 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.45 %
Total group weight loss so far 266 pounds!
We passed 250lb!
AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 67 weighins for our start weigh-in on Sept 3)
(32+3+4)/ 67 = 58% (this includes the Losers and Maintainer and Excused people!)

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

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

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 7 Superstars!!
#10- 0.54% - mommyof2Pirates
#9- 0.69% - keenercam
#8- 0.87% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.92% - MickeyMagic
#6- 0.99% - CrystalS
#5- 1.16% - disneymom2one
#4- 1.22% - KristiMc
#3- 2.33% - Cupcaker
#2- 2.61% - Worfiedoodles
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.37% - Connie96

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

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations Connie96 !!!
What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

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

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

or we have a medium version

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

and we have a small version

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

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

 

[LuvBaloo]

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

NOTE: this list includes participants who have reported in within the last 3weeks, once someone misses 3 weigh-ins they are dropped from this report.
How this works: you set your goal for what to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.
Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.
Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know.
We have done 7 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 47% complete.
boltfan 20.0
carmiedog 6.2
corinnak 23.1
crabbygal902 0.0
Cupcaker 63.7
disneymom2one 87.3
Dreamer24 11.3
dvccruiser76 59.1
flipflopmom 33.3
goldcupmom 27.1
jbm02 50.0
JOANNEL 35.0
keenercam 25.6
liesel 36.7
lisah0711 40.0
lovedvc 12.0
MacG 17.5
MickeyMagic 46.4
mikamah 20.0
mommyof2Pirates 16.0
momof2gr8kids 22.0
my3princes 11.8
NC_Tink 21.9
pinkle 12.5
SettingSail 60.0
tggrrstarr 36.6
tigger813 43.4
tiki23 2.2
Worfiedoodles 48.0

 

[cclovesdis]

Morning,

Today looks to be a good day. It is raining so the can hang out in the laundry room today DIRTY!

My plan for the day is:
breakfast and some little tasks until 9 AM
9-shower
10-11 study
11-12 more vocab
12 lunch
1-2 study more
2-2:30 relax
maybe tutor

Have a great day everyone!

CC

My food choices today sucked. Since Nick's appt ran into his lunch period he asked me to take him out. We went to KFC/Taco Bell. I LOVE the KFC bowl and ate one. Not a wise decision pointwise, but I rarely eat out like that. Hopefully things will be better tomorrow. I'm really hoping to get into a routine next week since my life will be flipped upsidedown anyway I might as well make all the changes that I need to make at once.

I have a feeling today is going to be a great day.

Sat: is going to be a very busy day, but i will post as soon as I am able to. In the afternoon Onslow's vet is having her annual open house, so he gets to go to a party and have his pic taken if we can keep him still So its 10k in the morning and pet party in the afternoon. At night I think I'll just collapse

What a busy day you have! for your 10K! I guess "Every dog has his day."

Today was tough. I was tired all day so I was feeling hungry all day. I kept contemplating different snacks but, I didn't have any decent options, so I just toughed it out. That doesn't always work, but at least I got thru today.

I think you did really well. Sounds like you considered your options and made the best choice! Hope you got some sleep last night.

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 7 Superstars!!
#10- 0.54% - mommyof2Pirates
#9- 0.69% - keenercam
#8- 0.87% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.92% - MickeyMagic
#6- 0.99% - CrystalS
#5- 1.16% - disneymom2one
#4- 1.22% - KristiMc
#3- 2.33% - Cupcaker
#2- 2.61% - Worfiedoodles
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.37% - Connie96 [/SIZE

Congrats to the Top 10 and especially Connie!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I've been reading, just haven't had the focus to reply. Does that make sense? Still a little bit of drama going on here and I had major stomach issues after my run on Saturday. Not fun when your stress reliever is stressful.

Glad to know your ok rose. for the stomach issues. I know sometimes I just dont have the energy or motivation to reply either. I hope things get better for you soon.

Oh, boy. I have been gone almost 2 weeks from the boards.

Dont feel ashamed. Glad your back now. Great job on the race it sounded great. Dont beat yourself up at least you did it. I know the feeling though I beat myself up after every race/run too. Its just the competitive nature.

What age would you say is good to take the boys to NYC. Ryan will be 6 soon and nick is 3 1/2. I really wanted to go this year but money is tight and would really not leave much for xmas shopping. I was also thinking I should wait for another year or two until they can appreciate it a little more. What are did you start going with DD?

I hope you had a nice evening with DH....Happy Anniversary!

My food choices today sucked. Since Nick's appt ran into his lunch period he asked me to take him out. We went to KFC/Taco Bell. I LOVE the KFC bowl and ate one. Not a wise decision pointwise, but I rarely eat out like that. Hopefully things will be better tomorrow. I'm really hoping to get into a routine next week since my life will be flipped upsidedown anyway I might as well make all the changes that I need to make at once.

Put yesterday behind you and start a new day today. Good luck with your transition into your new routine next week.

I know my race has this thing called a "dry bag" Apparently 1 of the sponsers is a local dry cleaner so they will pick up the clothes tossed on the side and clean them for us and we can pick them at the beach during the after-party/awards presentation. Does that sound right?

I gotta go find that email again.

ETA: Found it. The dry bag is for me to leave clean dry clothes that will be waiting for me after the race in a van. Not to have clothes cleaned while I race

I was wondering how they dry cleaned things that fast. It sounds like you have a fun weekend planned. Good luck preparing for your race. I am sure you will do great.

[Okay... my recap for today.

Breakfast - oatmeal, 1/2 apple, yogurt
Morning Break - walk
Lunch - McAlister's Deli - 1/2 Turkey Florentine sandwich, steamed veggies
Snack - banana and 1 1/2 tbls peanut butter
Dinner - turkey breast cutlet, baked sweet potato w/ 1/2 string cheese, fresh veggies
Workout - run 5.6 miles

Today was tough. I was tired all day so I was feeling hungry all day. I kept contemplating different snacks but, I didn't have any decent options, so I just toughed it out. That doesn't always work, but at least I got thru today.

Sounds like another great day. Good job not feeding into your fatigue

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 7 Superstars!!
#10- 0.54% - mommyof2Pirates
#9- 0.69% - keenercam
#8- 0.87% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.92% - MickeyMagic
#6- 0.99% - CrystalS
#5- 1.16% - disneymom2one
#4- 1.22% - KristiMc
#3- 2.33% - Cupcaker
#2- 2.61% - Worfiedoodles
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.37% - Connie96

Great job and congrats to all of this weeks losers.

A special big horray for Connie!!!! You are awesome!!!!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

I could not live without my computer. Thats sad but true!!!!

 

[dvccruiser76]

We've seen some amazing National Parks. The Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest come to mind as does the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. We could have spent weeks at Yellowstone. It's actually so large that we stayed at two different hotels on park grounds so that we could more easily see as much of it as possible.

My husband is really into nature and hiking, so we've seen some great parks. I was really awestruck by seeing Mt. Rushmore when we went. My favorite park is probably Yosemite. It was really beautiful. I also enjoyed Muir Woods near San Francisco. My husband's favorite is probably Glacier Park, but the weather was less than great, so I didn't enjoy it as much. The Grand Canyon was also really nice. Sounds like a great idea for a trip to me, we are actually considering that when my son gets older.

I am officially done with a class! I turned in my final project and finished writing my final exam. One class left, it ends in December. I just need to focus on my research that Im presenting in two and a half weeks.

Yay, and it'll all be done before the holidays so you can enjoy yourself and get some good R&R in

My Disney brides get together was so much fun!
While I was planning our vow renewal I had a planning journal on the DIS boards and got to be friends with a bunch of other DISers planning Disney weddings, honeymoons or vow renewals. We weren’t permitted to discuss real life on that section of the DIS – only Disney weddings or honeymoons – so a bunch of us became internet friends off the DIS and have remained friends for a few years. We plan get-togethers whenever possible. This weekend, a bunch of us from as far north as outside Boston and as far south as Baltimore met in NJ for dinner, and several of us got a large suite at a hotel near the restaurant and spent the night. Everyone is so sweet and wonderful and it is SOOO awesome to keep up with their lives after weddings or VRs, to hear about pregnancies, new babies being born, buying houses, etc.

Cam, that sounds like it was a lot of fun

Just a quick fly by to say:

I JUST REGISTERED FOR MY FIRST HALF-MARATHON!!!

Good job, I know you'll do great

My dh's nana is still in the hospital but doing better. They did check her for a UTI and said she did not have one but it could be that she had been on antibiotics for 2 days prior to testing so it was still a possibility. She seemed ok yesterday and today so hopefully that was it. Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and prayers.

Glad to hear that nana is doing better

 

[dvccruiser76]

Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.37% - Connie96

Yay Connie keep up the great work

disneymom2one 87.3

Great job, you're leading the pack and almost to your goal

 

[pjlla]

Happy Wednesday morning friends!

I am just taking a moment to hop on and say HI! I am really missing all the chatter, but I've been working and busy straight out lately. Plus a bad number on the scale Friday has put me into a total tailspin. I actually stood at the bathroom sink and cried while I brushed my teeth Friday morning. My frustration with this is just beyond belief.

In an attempt to keep from saying "I QUIT!" I did some self-analysis Friday morning, after I had some time to think..... here are the stages that I went through very quickly that morning.....

Disbelief
Frustration
Anger/tears
Feeling like an utter failure
More disbelief (stepped on the scale again)
Thinking about options (need help?? Hire trainer?? Hire nutritionist??)
My own fault... no one to blame, not running (enough).

Can I.... eat less? eat differently? exercise more? exercise differently?

What would help??? Rejoin WW and attend meetings? Buy a BodyBugg?? Find a RD or Nutritionist to work with?

Honestly..... I am NOT quitting, but I do feel like I am going under for the last time. If I can't even take off these last 5-ish pounds, how am I going to maintain forever??!! I had a good week last week... I ate well, including measuring/weighing my portions (although admittedly I didn't exercise enough).... and I was up about one pound!!! I was really expecting a loss... but even maintaining would have been acceptable. But the gain absolutely hit me in the solar plexus HARD! It was truly a shock. And that was my second (or maybe third??) gain in a row!! This hasn't happened to me in FOREVER!!

I need to regroup.... I need something NEW to focus on, because what I've been doing isn't working for now. I need to fall back and do some thinking and analyzing. I am NOT quitting.... but I definitely need to find a new plan.

I promise I'll be around, but honestly, I've been very busy with work and the kids and such. Plus I am feeling like I have nothing positive to contribute here for now. I'll try to catch up with the QOTD and continue to read and reply when I have time.

I hope that all is well with everyone... I hope everyone is healthy! I'll try to catch up tomorrow...............P

 

[tigger813]

UGH! I just can't win!!!! Now I've come down with a bladder infection! Luckily they will call in a prescription for me so I don't have to go in! Waiting to hear it's been called in! I've been in the bathroom every 2 minutes! It's so frustrating! I'm drinking cranberry juice that has lots of calories and I'm not happy about that! I had to leave the book fair early as I kept having to run to the bathroom!

It looks like I'll have to just order food with DD2 and take her to the store tomorrow. We will play games on her DSi this afternoon! She was so excited to get it this morning! I almost had to take it away from her so she would get ready for school.

Gotta run again!

 

[keenercam]

I dont have much time to chat tonight. The kids need to get to bed early since we have another busy weekend plan I am trying to make sure they dont lack sleep throughout the week. dh is in bed already...he has had a bad headache all day. I think it is all the stress of life getting to him. I think I will join him early tonight and just relax and watch some tv.

Lindsay – I hope DH is feeling better today. Oh, and happy day! When you said you found honeycrisp apples I decided to look for them and found some in our store last night. They were ridiculously expensive at $2.28/pound but so worth it. Now I can use all the other apples I’ve been hoarding to make some butternut squash/apple/onion soup because I have delicious honeycrisps to eat as snacks. Thank you for reminding me.

I've been reading, just haven't had the focus to reply. Does that make sense? Still a little bit of drama going on here and I had major stomach issues after my run on Saturday. Not fun when your stress reliever is stressful.
Hope everyone is well. We've been eating at home, so that's good. I might even get to lower my maintain a pound this week. I have been struggling with the exercise. I actually skipped a day last week, and one day only did a 12 minute stroll on the treadmill. I am having trouble keeping my head in the game.

Rose – I’m sorry you are still having stomach issues. I’m sure you’ve tried a lot of different things but if you use powerade/Gatorade type drinks, may I suggest that you don’t use that on your next run? Also, if you are eating anything high fiber in the 24 hours before your LRs, you might want to change that up a bit, too. I remember reading some articles on stomach issues/”runner’s trots” (ICK!) a few years ago and was astonished to hear that even the most experienced & accomplished marathoners have had to make adjustments to their pre-race and race nutrition regimens to deal with these types of issues.

Thanks! My day pretty much consisted of those 21 mind-boggling vocabulary words. As a teacher, I cannot figure out why these words are so critical. SATs? Perhaps if the goal is a perfect score?

CC-- Your neighbor is so lucky to have you nearby and that you are so conscientious. I wish we’d had someone like you in our lives when DD22 was studying for the SATs. Sounds like you actually care enough to learn the material before you try to teach it. You must be an awesome teacher.

I finished my first half marathon on 10.10.10 (cool number, hunh??) . . . I have kind of ambivalent feelings about the race. I know in my heart that I should be so happy and proud of myself that I finished - and believe me, I am...but that darn competitive voice in my ear keeps whispering "If you hadn't walked for a few minutes you could probably have done it faster...better...stronger..." AARGH!!! I' am working on being happy about my own achievements but it is hard...

Jude– Congratulations on your first half-marathon!! No matter how you did, remember that it was your first and it was a “personal best”. Now, you have a baseline time. Your goal the next time will be to shave a bit off that. You will LOVE seeing the improvements in your time. I promise. Just bask in the glory of being a half marathon finisher right now. You deserve to be proud of yourself. Oh, and congratulations on your anniversary!!

My food choices today sucked. Since Nick's appt ran into his lunch period he asked me to take him out. We went to KFC/Taco Bell. I LOVE the KFC bowl and ate one. Not a wise decision pointwise, but I rarely eat out like that. Hopefully things will be better tomorrow. I'm really hoping to get into a routine next week since my life will be flipped upsidedown anyway I might as well make all the changes that I need to make at once.

Deb, just remember that the very next bite is an opportunity to “do it right”. Yesterday is history. You will do great today. I can't wait to hear how it goes. Oh, and I read somewhere that in any given week, a meal is less than 5% of our food for that week. So, even if we totally screw up a meal, we have lots and lots of other meals to eat better.

ETA: Found it. The dry bag is for me to leave clean dry clothes that will be waiting for me after the race in a van. Not to have clothes cleaned while I race

Maureen – I had to laugh at your initial take on the “dry bag”; it actually made sense to me. They may actually collect those clothes you discard, but you probably wouldn’t be able to get them back. I have heard of runners hiding a jacket or sweatshirt and going back post-race to pick them up, but you might not find what you’ve discarded.

As for your “dry bag”, here is what I put in mine – a dry shirt or sweatshirt (I am always cold post-race), a bottle of water (I can’t drink Dasani); dry socks; and crocs or other shoes . I hope that helps.

As for pre-race food, lately before my longer training sessions, I have been eating a bowl of oatmeal. At the Disney races, my tradition is a bagel with crunchy peanut butter. For some reason, the combination of carbs and protein keeps me satisfied for a long time and my stomach doesn’t get upset by it. I hope that all helps.

Okay... my recap for today.
Breakfast - oatmeal, 1/2 apple, yogurt
Morning Break - walk
Lunch - McAlister's Deli - 1/2 Turkey Florentine sandwich, steamed veggies
Snack - banana and 1 1/2 tbls peanut butter
Dinner - turkey breast cutlet, baked sweet potato w/ 1/2 string cheese, fresh veggies
Workout - run 5.6 miles
Today was tough. I was tired all day so I was feeling hungry all day. I kept contemplating different snacks but, I didn't have any decent options, so I just toughed it out. That doesn't always work, but at least I got thru today.

And that, my friend, is what a biggest loser winner’s day looks like! You are just amazing, Connie. What a wonderfully disciplined day you had. AND you ran 5.6 miles? I would have used that as an excuse to eat anything I wanted especially if I were feeling hungry. Congratulations on being in control. And major, major kudos for being the biggest loser this week.

Shannon – Thank you again for tracking all of this. You are wonderful, especially when we know that your life is a bit hectic right now. I was so excited to see that I was in the top ten this week. Even though I am only ~25% toward my BL challenge goal, I am learning to be content with “progress, not perfection”. Too often, it is easy for me to fall off the wagon and then to let it run me over and drag me along. I am feeling like this is going okay, even if not fast. And it’s really just so much fun to see everyone here “showing up”.

P – It is so good to see you here. You poor thing. I got all choked up reading about how upset you were after you stepped on the scale. I wish I had some words of wisdom, but will you accept empathy instead? Please remember that the scale is not the only measure of success. Especially when you have lost so much and are so close to what you think your ultimate goal is, your body just ISN’T going to give up the pounds that easily. You have to acknowledge how much healthier you are just by being conscientious about this effort. That does count for something, Pamela. It counts for a whole lot. And even small gains for a few weeks will not take away all you have accomplished. There are a lot of platitudes that we all hear along this journey, but they seem so trite sometimes when we are the person on the receiving end. All I can say is that we all understand. Just keep showing up. I’ll repeat what I read last week on the weight watchers board – “we all see the number we deserve on the scale, sometimes just not right away.” Just keep keepin’ on, P. And keep posting here. You have a LOT to contribute. You are a success story. Share it. Renew your familiarity with it. Pat yourself on the back for being here and for coming this far. We LOVE to hear about it. It isn’t always about where we are and where we are going. Many of us need to know where you have been and how you got here.

As for me, tomorrow is my weigh in day for WW and I am really hoping to cross into a new "decade" which will also put me at a number I've been trying to get back to for well over a year. It shouldn't be so hard to do it, but for some reason, it is. I think part of it is that I just haven't been willing to make the sacrifices it would take to make progress quickly. The reality is that when I have been really strict with my food and have moved heaven and earth to find time for the gym, I wasn't able to sustain that lower number once I reached it because I couldn't sustain the lifestyle it took to get there.

At least doing it the way I am doing it is relatively easy. I'm not living on salads and carrots. I'm eating normal foods in smaller portions. And if that means that the losses are slower, I have to be okay with that. Probably the biggest change is that we aren't eating out as much (like Rose) and that means that I have more control over most of my meals. There have been times where we ate out several times during a week just because I didn't feel like cooking. Right now, Howard has been trying to lose weight (especially with the Marine Corps Marathon being this Sunday), so he is more amenable to eating at home, too. I just want us to continue to be this disciplined so that we can go into the holiday season with a healthy lifestyle as the norm and not something that we are striving for in the middle of the chaos of the holidays.

I was really excited to be one of the top 10 losers last week. I am hoping I'll end up there again this week, but I can't control the scale. All I can control is what I am doing and how I react to whatever the scale has to say on any given day at that moment when I weigh in.

 

[SettinSail]

Congrats to all the Biggest Losers this week! And Connie, way to go

I am very jealous, I could never lose that much weight in one week.

I have to be content with slow and steady.

I can feel that my body is adjusting to this new weight and nothing is going to drop. In the past I would have quit. I would have quit way before now.
But because I have stuck with it awhile, I know that eventually it will start back up again. On average, I only lose about 2 pounds a month. But, in 7 weeks on this challenge, I've lost 9 pounds
So I'm due for a little slow period I guess.
I'm going to stick with it. (sometimes I don't know if I'm talking to others on this Board or talking to myself)

Having a great day today and hope you are too. Yoga class was great, the postures are getting easier as I slim down and get stronger. A friend brought me a can of Pam spray that she was able to get because she has military access. We don't have Pam in the German grocery stores. It was a rare treat. But I actually already have a can of it so I gave it to my friend who was very excited. She is a big baker. I'm not. My yoga friend is going to bring me some chocolate chips next week, we don't have them in the German grocery stores either. Perhaps I should not have asked for those !!!

I watched the BL on tape today and went for a 25 minute bike ride aftewards.
It just about killed me! There are 3 killer hills. I think my tires may need some air.
It takes me 70 minutes to walk that route but only 25 to bike it.

Thanks for the kind words and advice for my son. I did not mean to steer the conversation away from the original poster with the 7th grade daughter but I do appreciate all the different advice.
CC: His textbook is NOT available online but good thought!
We actually do not allow him any computer time on school nights.

Cam: Yes, you are correct, the school we are at now is not as challenging as the one we were in back home. They do not differentiate the students into differing abilites until the 9th grade. They have to teach until all students know the material. I have heard it does get quite challenging in 9th grade though so we will see.

I actually think the teacher that called our house yesterday was over reacting a bit. I found out he called parents of 8 different boys and I believe from what I have seen that they need to single out 2 of those boys who are repeat trouble makers and focus on them. We have never had any bad behavior reports before now in any grade so I'm not going to worry TOO much about that. Of course we did talk with him and warn him and he has already gone back to that teacher and apologized for the incident. He did that on his own and I was quite impressed with that.

Today, I noticed he had 20 Euros in his wallet and I asked him where it came from. He said that a boy borrowed 2 Euros from him a few weeks ago and he charged him interest I'm going to have to think about that, not sure what to say. I wonder how on earth he got this kid to fork over 20 Euros !!??

Well, enough teenage drama.....hope everyone has a great day and much success throughout the remainder of the week. I have my monthly "Stitch and B*tch" club Thursday night but I will have to be careful not to have a gain Friday morning. Luckily, I already know the menu because we email each other to see what we need. I'm going to eat dinner at home and have one drink at S&B and ONE item from the menu. Either mini pizza or slice of cake, whichever looks better!

Shawn

 

[brinalyn530]

Just a quick hello to let you guys know I'm still here. I've been reading each day, but like Rose, just haven't had the focus or energy to craft a reply. I've just had a lot of little things frustrating me lately, I hope I'll have less to worry about soon and can get back to posting and replying regularly.

I'm just getting over a head cold that was driving me nuts for almost 2 weeks. My nose was Rudolph red and so sore from having to blow it every five seconds! I've only ran twice in the last two weeks because I just felt like crap, which is really making me nervous because my 10k is this Sunday. I feel very unprepared.

I need new shoes and/or inserts - the side of my left foot has been hurting after my runs and when I wear my running shoes during the day (I wear them to work on running days so I don't have to carry stinky shoes around with me all day). I'm worried about getting a new pair so close before the race, but I'm also worried about my foot hurting after the race and setting my trainer workouts back . I guess I'll just wait until after the race and let the trainer know if it hurts too bad - maybe another upper body day or two until it feels better. Upper body days kill me though, I'm sore for days afterwards.

My trainer gave me a new eating plan - 2000 calories a day, front loading carbs, 250g of carbs + 150g of protein + 44g of fat per day, eating every three hours. It is surprisingly very difficult to eat 2000 calories of GOOD food every day, especially since I've been eating between 1300 and 1700 calories a day for well over a year now. The tracking/journaling is very time consuming and I feel like all I think about all day now is food - when do I have to eat next, don't forget to write down the nutrient stuff before you get rid of the package, writing down everything from the time I wake up until I go to sleep at night - it's pretty draining. Not to mention I'm so full all day that I haven't been drinking as much water as I need, which means 1 more thing keep track of and stuff into my body. He told me that I may see a slight gain the first week or two but to bear with him because he really thinks this is why I'm stalled (not enough calories for my activity level and nowhere near enough carbs). Well, I was actually down about 2 pounds this week, so maybe he's on to something . I forgot to send my weigh in to Shannon though, so I didn't even get to count it!

Because of DS's baseball schedule I have to leave work early twice a week, Monday and Wednesday, which is really fine with everybody. One of the guys here in the office has had to be off every Wednesday in October to care for his baby twins because they can't go to daycare yet but his wife had to go back to work, which is also fine with everyone. Except, that means that every Wednesday I have to cover the drop offs between 3 and 5 - and I have to leave no later than 4:45 to get DS to his game . Every week so far someone has come in at 4:30, I've had to run around like a chicken with it's head cut off to get them done and out so I could leave on time. Just more stress I don't need but can't do anything about. Luckily today is the last day I 'll have to worry about that.

The guy who used to clean my old house is coming by on Saturday afternoon (if DS doesn't have a playoff game - which I won't know until probably Friday night, really, can't these baseball men plan anything in advance ) to tell me how much he's going to charge me to clean the new house. This is causing me stress for a couple of reasons, I'm concerned about how much he's going to charge me firstly since it's so close to Christmas and secondly I really need to clean some things (like the toilets and the stove top - if you ever need a new stove, don't buy a black one, it's a pain to keep looking clean) and finish the two loads of laundry that are currently sitting in my upstairs hallway because I didn't get to finish the laundry this weekend before he comes.

And of course Christmas is coming which means the annual worry over spending has already started. The only credit card I have is a small limit card from Best Buy (and only because my brother works there) so I have to carefully plan out when to buy which gifts between now and Christmas. Luckily, lay away seems to be making a come back!

Anyways, that's what's been up with me. After next week, DS's baseball season will be over, I can set up a regular schedule with the trainer, the race will be behind me, I'll have (hopefully) had a chance to make the plans for Christmas shopping and my housecleaning situation should be resolved for at least a few weeks so I should be in a a much calmer and happier place !

Have a great OP day everyone!

Bree

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

My plan for today has pretty much went down the drain. I had a meltdown while studying and completely gave up. Now, I'm all stressed out and I can't stop eating. The goal for the next few minutes is to use my sister's advice: Breathe.

That and reply, of course!

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

I'd have to say my computer too. That, and my cell phone. I don't need that because I need to be on the phone throughout the day (I don't even have service inside my house), but I do feel so much safer having it.

My husband is really into nature and hiking, so we've seen some great parks. I was really awestruck by seeing Mt. Rushmore when we went. My favorite park is probably Yosemite. It was really beautiful. I also enjoyed Muir Woods near San Francisco. My husband's favorite is probably Glacier Park, but the weather was less than great, so I didn't enjoy it as much. The Grand Canyon was also really nice. Sounds like a great idea for a trip to me, we are actually considering that when my son gets older.

Mt. Rushmore was great! We loved that trip too! I had no idea there was a place to visit near San Fran. We went there years ago and did drive out to Yosemite, but Muir Woods would have been great too!

FWIW, I was almost 17 and my sister was 15 when we went to the Grand Canyon. Flying has grown on my mom and she was finally ready to tackle the long flight to Las Vegas from wherever we changed planes. She also prefers direct flights.

Pamela: You are an amazing inspiration to me and I'm sure so many others here. Cam's response is beautifully written. I hope you find it helpful.

One idea for you. Have you tried using "SETPOINTS?" It's supposed to be for restaurants, but I use it at home too and find using them highly successful.

Tracey: Hope you get the antibiotic soon.

Happy Birthday to your DD2!

CC-- Your neighbor is so lucky to have you nearby and that you are so conscientious. I wish we’d had someone like you in our lives when DD22 was studying for the SATs. Sounds like you actually care enough to learn the material before you try to teach it. You must be an awesome teacher.

Thank you! I was quite touched when she asked me to tutor her.

At least doing it the way I am doing it is relatively easy. I'm not living on salads and carrots. I'm eating normal foods in smaller portions. And if that means that the losses are slower, I have to be okay with that. Probably the biggest change is that we aren't eating out as much (like Rose) and that means that I have more control over most of my meals.

You are doing it the healthy way! I don't understand how dropping 16 pounds in a week is healthy even at 350+ pounds and being male-aka BL style.

for weigh-in tomorrow!

for making the Top 10! I knew you'd make the list again!

I am very jealous, I could never lose that much weight in one week.

I have to be content with slow and steady.

Slow and steady is good for sure! That being said, I would not be surprised to see you make the Top 10! Also, remember that this is a journey and small percentages add up to big overall losses! And, that's big!

Bree: I'm interested in your new eating plan. I definitely sounds like a huge change for you. I'm sorry it's taking so much of your time. I know for me, after a while, I started remembering points for things and can now hold all the needed numbers in my head so I'm no longer checking 3+ times before I have everything recorded. I hope things gets better quickly.

on 2 pounds!

 

[50sjayne]

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

I could not live without my computer. Thats sad but true!!!!

I second the computer.

Happy Wednesday morning friends!

I am just taking a moment to hop on and say HI! I am really missing all the chatter, but I've been working and busy straight out lately. Plus a bad number on the scale Friday has put me into a total tailspin. I actually stood at the bathroom sink and cried while I brushed my teeth Friday morning. My frustration with this is just beyond belief.

In an attempt to keep from saying "I QUIT!" I did some self-analysis Friday morning, after I had some time to think..... here are the stages that I went through very quickly that morning.....

Disbelief
Frustration
Anger/tears
Feeling like an utter failure
More disbelief (stepped on the scale again)
Thinking about options (need help?? Hire trainer?? Hire nutritionist??)
My own fault... no one to blame, not running (enough).

Can I.... eat less? eat differently? exercise more? exercise differently?

What would help??? Rejoin WW and attend meetings? Buy a BodyBugg?? Find a RD or Nutritionist to work with?

Honestly..... I am NOT quitting, but I do feel like I am going under for the last time. If I can't even take off these last 5-ish pounds, how am I going to maintain forever??!! I had a good week last week... I ate well, including measuring/weighing my portions (although admittedly I didn't exercise enough).... and I was up about one pound!!! I was really expecting a loss... but even maintaining would have been acceptable. But the gain absolutely hit me in the solar plexus HARD! It was truly a shock. And that was my second (or maybe third??) gain in a row!! This hasn't happened to me in FOREVER!!

I need to regroup.... I need something NEW to focus on, because what I've been doing isn't working for now. I need to fall back and do some thinking and analyzing. I am NOT quitting.... but I definitely need to find a new plan.

I promise I'll be around, but honestly, I've been very busy with work and the kids and such. Plus I am feeling like I have nothing positive to contribute here for now. I'll try to catch up with the QOTD and continue to read and reply when I have time.

I hope that all is well with everyone... I hope everyone is healthy! I'll try to catch up tomorrow...............P

You've done really well-- this is nothing. There's probably some water retention involved and I question your scale....
I know the feeling though-- it's scary to see the scale creep up-- even just a little because 'they' are always saying anyone who loses weight will gain it back. But we are different in the fact that A: we have support. B. We didn't lose the weight on some rididculous diet--we lost it by changing our habits. There are people who keep it off and we will be a part of those statistics. I always find it helps to wear a pair of pants that are a little tight when I've gained a little as a constant reminder lol. And more exercise-- helps with your stress level too.

Cupcaker:

BF took me shopping yesterday I got a new pair of shoes, a pair of pants, a dress, and a cardigan. This inspired me to come home and clean out my closet for the second time during this weight loss journey. It was hard in the sense that I was scared to get rid of my clothes. Kind of like I was letting go of my crutch. What if I will need them again? I talked it over with my BF. He promised me that if I ever tell him I have to buy new clothes because my clothes are too small, he will get on me to help me lose weight instead of going down that slippery road of gaining weight again. I am still suffering from body distortion. I am still thinking and feeling like Im 25 pounds heavier. Maybe I need to take some pictures of myself so I can see the proof. Dont get me wrong, I am very happy with what I am seeing on the scale. Im just 2 pounds away from the 120s!!!! Im just scared my thinking will take me back to where I started.

This—is a good boyfriend.

JBM02:

Okay, no flames here: mine would be John McCain, or Dick Winters. See, it's not a political thing. But after reading McCain's autobiography, and reading/watching Band of Brothers, those two men were my inspiration for the kind of officer I wanted to be while deployed. I can't imagine the strength of character that McCain exhibited as a POW, or the leadership and wisdom that Winters used to lead his men during WWII. Everytime I felt like I had doubts, I thought about the two of them and found the courage to keep trying. (BTW, the song I listened to every night to get me through: "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride).

I didn’t vote for him, his healthcare scared me. If it hadn't been for that--and Palin--. But I adore him

I've decided that-- I will spend an hour with Dr. Dyer today-- reading up on stuff that relates...;-)

 

[Connie96]

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 3
(congrats Princessbride6205 & 50sjayne & Rose&Mike!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 7 Superstars!!
#10- 0.54% - mommyof2Pirates
#9- 0.69% - keenercam
#8- 0.87% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.92% - MickeyMagic
#6- 0.99% - CrystalS
#5- 1.16% - disneymom2one
#4- 1.22% - KristiMc
#3- 2.33% - Cupcaker
#2- 2.61% - Worfiedoodles
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.37% - Connie96

First of all... Shannon - Thanks for keeping up with all of us. I really don't know how you do it with all the house/move/new job stuff going on. BTW, how is everything going?

And for everyone on the list... just look as us kickin' it this week!!! Congrats to everyone who is still losing, maintaining or maybe just hanging in there. You guys make my success possible and I just plain you for it!

CC - I think my favorite part of your plan is "lunch" and "relax".

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

How exactly did we ever get thru a day without our cell phones!? (And, I feel pretty much the same way about my DVR. )

Pamela - Have you considered setting a goal "range"? I mean, even if you ate and exercised PERFECTLY for your entire adult life, the fluctuations would still be there. Hormones, fat%, muscle mass... while the number on the scale may INDICATE success, it does not DEFINE success. You have already succeeded and, even if you do need to shake it up a bit, you're still doing GREAT!

Tracey - Hope you get that infection knocked out and keep all new illnesses at bay for a while. You are due for a break!

Cam - Good luck with your WW weigh-in. I hope you're able to cross that next milestone this week. I'm with you on the "lifestyle" - smaller portions of normal food is a change that has a much better chance of sticking than all out "dieting". Good luck to Howard in the race!

Shawn - Do NOT be jealous. Consider this a "first week" for me. I gained 9 pounds in the 4 weeks prior to this losing week and I'm still UP 2.2 for the challenge. I hope to be in negative territory soon, but for right now, I'm just working on damage control! And, I loved your question about "talking to myself"... in this type of setting, I think it's a little of both. Enjoy your get-together tomorrow.

Bree - Good to see you again, girl! I'm sorry your feet are hurting and that you won't have time to address it before the race. WOW! I can't imagine having to track every bite of a 2000-cal plan. That does sound like a lot of work. Maybe that'll get easier too after baseball is over. Good luck in your race this weekend! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

CC - That's it... just breathe... Why the meltdown during studying? Are you okay? I say, jump to that "relax" part of your schedule. Take a nap, maybe? (Hey, you can't eat if you're asleep! ) And, maybe, you'll wake up with a new perspective.

Have a good afternoon folks!

 

[mikamah]

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

I could not live without my computer. Thats sad but true!!!!

Oh, but you could live without it if you had to!! I feel like mine's been down for months, but I think it's just been 2 and a half weeks. I'm excited to be back online at home, but my computer seems to be running slowly, and needs some more attention. My fingers are crossed I'll stay online for now, and I'm hoping to try and score a cheap laptop on Black Friday.

Great question, Lindsay. I think I'd go with my car. With work/school/sports, etc, I don't know how I coud do without it. the other mom who is cub scout leader with me, doesn't drive, and she depends on others for rides to things, she walks to school, and lives with her mom so she drives her to work or she walks, but I would hate to have to depend on others so much.

A big congratulations to all our top ten losers!!!! You guys rock!!!!

I have not been eating too well the past 2 weeks. I was up a pound last friday, and today up another 2, so I need to get back on track. I know being back on here will so help me with that. Last weekend my sister had a birthday/halloween party, so I made some halloween treats, marhsmallow prezel spiders dipped in chocolate, and witches hats made from upside down fudge stripe cookies and bugles dipped in chocolate. And of course indulged at the party, so I've had way more than my share of sweets this week. I'm also behind in the exercise this month too, which makes a big difference. I could blame it on my foot hurting and trying to limit the running to 3 days a week, but on the other days I have no excuse and should have been doing something else. My foot is better, and I did 5 miles yesterday, and it feels pretty good. Gotta actually sit down and make out a plan for my princess training now. I just realized it's 4 months from today!!!!!!!!!!! So exciting!!!!!

Michael should be home soon, so I'm going to cut it short now. I hope to be back on later to catch up more with you all.

Hugs to all who need them, and congrats to all of us for still being here and working toward these healthy goals.

 

[Dreamer24]

Pam, I'm sorry you are having such a rough week. I don't have advice but I am hoping that your body is just storing up to shock you with a huge loss on your next weigh in!

Cam, I'm the same way with cupcakes. I love making them. Doesn't matter what kind or who they are for. I wish I could find the willpower to not eat them!

Congrats to all of the top 10, particularly to people who stay on there each week!

My week has been good so far and I'm working to continue it!

 

[my3princes]

Wed. QOTD- What is one "material" thing you could not live without? We all know we could not live without our families, significant others, friends, and of course each other.

I could not live without my computer. Thats sad but true!!!!

I thought about computer, car, but I have to go with my bed. If I'm not well rested the rest of my life falls apart. Yep, nephew is right, Deb = Bed

UGH! I just can't win!!!! Now I've come down with a bladder infection! Luckily they will call in a prescription for me so I don't have to go in! Waiting to hear it's been called in! I've been in the bathroom every 2 minutes! It's so frustrating! I'm drinking cranberry juice that has lots of calories and I'm not happy about that! I had to leave the book fair early as I kept having to run to the bathroom!

It looks like I'll have to just order food with DD2 and take her to the store tomorrow. We will play games on her DSi this afternoon! She was so excited to get it this morning! I almost had to take it away from her so she would get ready for school.

Gotta run again!

Careful with cranberry juice. I have kidney stones and some stones are calcium fed and cranberry juice is high in calcium which can make things worse. Stick with water.

 

[keenercam]

Cam, I'm the same way with cupcakes. I love making them. Doesn't matter what kind or who they are for. I wish I could find the willpower to not eat them!

Dani -- These cupcakes are SOOOO cute!! Have you seen them?

I am hoping that they'll be so cute that I won't be even slightly tempted to eat one.

EDITED TO ADD: The cupcake design and those photos are from the DisneyFamily.com website. I am aspiring to making mine look that great.

 

[tigger813]

Feeling drained and not so great! I'm not running to the bathroom every 5 minutes but feeling clammy and my back hurt earlier and I did take a bit of a nap. Cipro seems to be doing its job!

DD2 is missing dancing as I just couldn't take her. She was so sweet this afternoon when I said we couldn't go out to lunch and shopping. She said we could go another time. I think she liked just lying around. We watched the newest Tinkerbell movie and Toy Story 2. She's been playing her new DSi practically non-stop. We ordered pizza and onion rings. I had a diet pizza with mushrooms and a few onion rings. For supper I had a mushroom, cheese and chive eggbeater omelet. I'm going through water like crazy. Stopped drinking the cranberry juice as it was high in calories. Hoping I didn't blow it today but whatever happens happens. I hope to be feeling better tomorrow as I have to work.

I really missed working out today. I was planning on trying the new thai bo DVD I got the other day. Hopefully I'm up to it tomorrow or up to doing some working out.

DD1 and DH are headed off to soccer in a bit and I might try to nap or play a game with the birthday girl. She'll probably have her leftover pizza and onion rings for supper.

TTFN (wishful thinking that I will be bouncing again soon!)