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

[dvccruiser76]

We had pizza for lunch. We stopped at a place called Sal's Pizza. They have the biggest slices of pizza you have ever seen. They then cut it on half so it's easier to eat. I had a sausage slice! Very good and filling!

Love Sals' It's my DH's favorite pizza. He loves the white bbq chicken pizza there. We haven't had it since July or August when he started dieting

 

[Cupcaker]

Hi everyone, Im back from San Antonio. I think for the most part, my presentation went ok...at least I survived. I tried to exercise as much as I could. At one point I walked up 30 floors of stairs and back down just to get exercise. The food choices though were not great. Not that I chose wrong, but that I really didnt have anything to work with. I gained 3 pounds. This has really set me back mentally so much that it makes me teary eyed. I was soooo close to reaching my goal. Im so exhausted from my trip that its hard for me to feel motivated to exercise. I think Im going to take a break for a couple of days and regroup before I tackle this weight loss thing again. I'll catch up on what I missed in the meantime. I hope everyone is doing well.

Jeanette

 

[tigger813]

Back from my wellness class!

Right knee is slightly achy tonight. I put some Biofreeze on it and am hoping I can get in my workout in the morning. I'll do my weigh in at the wellness center on Friday and then my one for next week will be on Wednesday and then I will do another one the day before I leave for Disney.

Gotta run around a bunch tomorrow to get ready for my event tomorrow night. I will stop at the bank in the morning after going to the wellness center. No clients scheduled tomorrow so I will probably just do some cleaning in my room at work. I'll probably eat lunch at the restaurant next door and then have my protein shake for supper. If time I'll get in two workouts tomorrow. I plan on doing my strength workout in the morning too!

Watching Criminal Minds! It's kind of freaking me out! I'll never go camping again! Not that I like to camp anyways!

I need to go get some laundry out of the dryer now!

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

Taryn- The kids have a half day about 15 Wednesdays during the year. DD2 only goes a half day every Monday and Wednesday and full days the other 3 days.

I like that schedule!

Hello BL friends, it's another dreary day here and very quiet for me. The Markthalle is huge gourmet market with foods from around the world and all kinds of specialties and delicacies. I have discovered that if I don't ever quit, I can continue on my weight loss journey and not have to start all over again. I can mess up, I can take a break, I can have a gain, I can have a blowout, I just have to keep focusing on forward progress, no matter how slow. I have also discovered that exercise gets easier the more you do it and that I can do some things I did not think were possible.

That market sounds soooo coool! Hope the dreary days bust away soon! LOVE YOUR INSIGHT!

OMG..... I just heard the funniest thing! The little boy across the room just finished doing the pledge of allegiance ...."with liberty and Justin's frog.

I had a kid say the EXACT same thing one time! Last month, I was testing Pocahontas, (our state standards are crazy), the kids have to know the "PC" term for "Indians". Well, in VA, it's American Indians now. Last year it was First Americans. Anyway, I pointed to a picture of a Powhatan American Indian and asked "What should we call this group of people?" A boy said "Pledge of Allegiance Indians". And a girl told me that Pocahontas helped the "aliens" that lived in Jamestown. Told you this was a heathen group! Yesterday, we were brainstorming a list of solids, liquids, and gases. One of my friends' daughters came up with BEER!

IReminds me.... today is my "engagement anniversary" and my sweet DH thought he was being so nice and planned a little dinner picnic for us... but honestly, I'm not sure what he was thinking! THere is NO WAY I am going to eat cheese and crackers and summer sausage and wine etc. I told him I would sit and talk and eat some fruit, but I'm not indulging like that on a Wednesday. It is HARD to start changing life patterns of celebrating by eating (and overeating)! But by making smart decisions about our lives now, we are helping our children change that pattern! Holidays like t.giving and other family celebrations are supposed to be about the time together... not how much you can eat!! You have such a great insight about all of this Taryn!

See, though, I would have totally had that picnic, and said, "who cares if it's Wednesday, he remembered, and I'll remember that picnic for years to come". Not the best example there, coach! I just wouldn't have eaten much!

So happy to hear this. I'd love the website too, though I'm a little embarrassed to say here that I need an ice cream scoop. Hope you slept better last night.:I have learned that patience is key, and I don't have to handle my emotions with food all the time, exercise makes me feel better, physically and more importantly emotionally, I can actually run, and there is a bra that makes that possible, though my life will have highs and lows, I am strong and will be able to ride the waves, and make it through the lows. I have also learned that you can make some true friendships and get inspiration and support from people you have never met in person. . I've been good at home, but there was ice cream cake at work and then cookies and candy at an inservice, and before I even thought about it, I was shovelling them in my mouth. Stupid. I know what to do. I need to start journalling again. So stop talking about it, and just do it. I am committing to myself to track my food from now til next wednesday. 8 measly day.

Even more embarassing as coach to admit I just ordered it as a freebie, myself. It's supposed to be awesome! Great insight, and the bolded part had me You can totally journal for a week. Take your pen and a piece of paper everywhere in your pocket. WRITE IT DOWN, and that will stop you!

Sorry folks. I got caught in birthday stuff here and forgot yesterday was Tuesday. Too busy dealing with my sister birthday yesterday, and getting ready for my daughters birthday today. .
MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 2
(congrats Rose&Mike, 50sjayne & flipflopmom!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 10 Superstars!!
#11- 0.61% - cclovesdis
#10- 0.67% - mikamah
#9- 0.69% - Dreamer24
#8- 0.79% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.94% - my3princes
#6- 1.02% - dvccruiser76
#5- 1.06% - MacG
#4- 1.19% - tigger813
#3- 1.38% - KristiMc
#2- 1.41% - disneymom2one
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 10 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.08% - carmiedog

GREAT JOB LOSERS!!! WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE TO US ALL YOU ARE SETTING! KEEP ON KEEPING ON! WANT YOUR NAME ON THAT LIST NEXT WEEK? BACK AWAY FROM THE CANDY, AND MOVE!!!!

I did get something to eat yesterday. The dr I work for bought us all lunch. The only issue was everyone choose chinese. I got chicken and broccoli with the sauce on the side and noodles. I felt stuffed and gross after eating it. I didnt eat much for dinner last night because I was still full. My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He gets so worked up about his job and can not handle the stress of people coming down on him. The whole situation along with the worries of money and the stress of my own job, and making sure my kids are happy are starting to take a toll on me as well. I am getting the feeling of everything falling out of my control and I hate it.

I am a firm believer that a lot of physical health lies within our mental health. I had to get to a better mental health place before I could start the physical, and then the mental improved as the physical did. Great snowball effect!

Okay, from someone who is in the mire with you,this is what I have been trying to do to cope. First of all, I hope the dr can help DH. I agree with Rose, and sleep should help some. As for your kids being happy - what makes them happy? MORE Toys? NOPE! A secure home. YOU CAN CONTROL THAT. Despite the HUGE mental effort it will take, BE PRESENT when you are with them. Talk to DH, and work really, really, really hard to make your time in the evenings with them as stress free as possible. You two can brainstorm, cry, vent, stress, etc. AFTER they are in the bed. Quality time with them will help you gain perspective on what is really important, they'll feel more secure. My kids have definitely picked up on the stress, I noticed them going upstairs to play a lot more instead of hanging with us. I had to step back, and get that time in with them. It lightened my mood soooo much. I've taken the attitude that we didn't get in the mess overnight, and it's not going to be fixed overnight. YES I STRESS AND CRY A LOT! BUT, I am trying my hardest NOT to do it in front of them or let them feel it. That one step, of making my kids feel happy and secure, helped me a lot. Then, I came up with a solid plan, and I whenever I feel it all slipping away, I just remember the long term, what I am doing to make it better, and try to focus on that. It's scary as l;fjalse fjal;sfjl in the moment, but I'm working for a better future and doing what I can to make TODAY better. Tomorrow will have it's own battles. Hope some of this helps.

DS was on the fence about whether to drive home or fly at Christmas and said he wants to drive because he doesn't want to deal with TSA anymore than he has to. We're flying to Disney at Christmas. DS flys a lot, so I get it. He told me twice this summer when he flew he's been pulled out for extra screening and that he's been feeling profiled lately. We called it "flying while khaki." (Mike's Mom was from India). DS is a pretty rational kid, but I kind of wondered how he was going to react to the patdowns, etc. He assures he will keep his teenage opinions to himself when we fly in December.

So for the QOTD:
What have I learned about myself through my weight loss journey?
I had a great reply, but it's gone. I'll give you the cliff notes:
I have learned to trust the process, and this has helped me in all aspects of my life. I don't like to think of it as having patience, but just learning to wait for things. I think growing up in a constant state of fight or flight, I did not learn how to just enjoy the journey. We were always just constantly worried about everything. I can't look at it anymore as a journey with an end, but have to look at it as an unending, but fun and exciting journey.

That's awful about the whole flying situation, I don't blame him for preferring to fly. The whole thing seems so invasive! You have a great attitude that this is a journey. It won't ever, ever, ever end, but I do feel it becomes lifestyle by habit.

All right, I LOVE this. The bolded part is such a wise insight - even though when you say it, it's really obvious, in that moment when we want the bite of chocolate, that is not what traditionally pops into my head. I love the way it takes the power right away from the food.11/17 Wednesday QOTD: Think back through your weight loss journey, what have you learned about yourself along the way? So many things. I've learned to recognize the "danger" signs - it's not good when I'm eating cereal out of the box or chocolate chips out of the bag. Not a good sign at all.

It definitely is all about the power for me. If I lust over it, it has power over me, if I control my thoughts about it, I have power over it. Sounds crazy, but usually works! Love the danger signs! I need to think about my own danger signs. Bears further thought! Glad you have a nice state of plumminess now!

I'm having trouble with watches too. I wear cheap watches from Walmart. When one dies, I just buy another. But this time around I really had trouble finding one that wasn't HUGE.

Remember my "Daddy" Citizen Mickey watch? It's halfway to my elbow now.
I need to get some links removed, along with my rings sized!

I'm the cold one. I am freezing! I think Taryn said she was cold too. The problem is I prefer to wear as little clothing as possible. And so I'm feeling strangled in all these piled on clothes! Thanks for the suggestions! I do like scarves, so maybe I will try that. And Corinna--did you ever have an issue with hair falling out? I still feel like I'm shedding a lot. Not sure if it's a vegetarian thing, a weight loss thing, or just an age thing. I see my doctor in March I think, so I can always ask her what she thinks.

My hair looks AWFUL! My hairdresser said that happens a lot w/ people that lose weight. So thin, straggly. She suggested upping whichever vitamin is supposed to be good for hair, sorry that wasn't so helpful. I haven't been taking my multis AT ALL lately, I need to do that! I'm sitting here in my robe, nightshirt, and UGGS.

As of this morning I was down 2.2 for the week! I'll see if I can make it 5 by Friday. Tomorrow I will have my big meal at lunch time and snacks in the morning and at night. I have a vendor event tomorrow night so I will also bring some Special K bars with me to snack on.

WOW TRACEY!!!!!! YOU ARE SOOO ROCKING IT!!!!!

Hmmm, I wonder what it is about switching to maintainer that makes people have a great week? Maybe taking the pressure off yourself a bit? No to diminish anyone's accomplishments -- I just find it interesting.

Shocked the crap out of me! I thought about a cousin that tried for 5 years to get pregnant, gave up, and got pregnant 3 years later.... Kinda the whole, quit stressing sort of thing?

BTW, I got little nips of the mint Bailey's and peppermint mocha Kahlua to try and they were yummy. I also made that candy cane martini that someone posted, except I substituted vanilla vodka for the vanilla rum and it was tasty. Though I actually enjoyed the combo of vanilla vodka, godiva white chocolate liquer and the peppermint mocha Kahlua better. Going to bring some to a holiday party.

OKay, so I totally have to send DH to get some of that peppermint mocha Kahlua. I have a thing about going to the "alphabet store" as we call it (ABC store here). It's right in the town's only shopping center, and too many people would see. I've shared that my mom is a TOTAL NO ALCOHOL person, and I don't share that I have been known to have some on a rare occasion with her out of respect. Most of our church is, too, and a lot of the parents of kids in my class. DH goes in the town where he works, a lot "safer".

Hi everyone, Im back from San Antonio. I think for the most part, my presentation went ok...at least I survived. I tried to exercise as much as I could. At one point I walked up 30 floors of stairs and back down just to get exercise. I gained 3 pounds. This has really set me back mentally so much that it makes me teary eyed. I was soooo close to reaching my goal. Im so exhausted from my trip that its hard for me to feel motivated to exercise. I think Im going to take a break for a couple of days and regroup before I tackle this weight loss thing again.

Jeanette, I read somewhere along this journey about a group of women that did nothing more towards weight loss than get more sleep. They lost weight! Get some sleep, lots of it, and you'll be back on track in no time. You've stressed over this presentation and worked so hard, your body may be in survival mode. Let it know that you are going to take care of it, and it will be more responsive. Glad your presentation went well and you are back!

Gotta run around a bunch tomorrow to get ready for my event tomorrow night. I will stop at the bank in the morning after going to the wellness center. No clients scheduled tomorrow so I will probably just do some cleaning in my room at work. I'll probably eat lunch at the restaurant next door and then have my protein shake for supper. If time I'll get in two workouts tomorrow. I plan on doing my strength workout in the morning too!

Have a great day!!!!!!


My own musings and QOTD in next post!

 

[Rose&Mike]

That sounds like the pizza I tried to duplicate recently.... I originaly had it at California Pizza Kitchen down at Foxwoods Casino. It was pear and gorgonzola and walnut.... I tried to make my version on whole wheat crust with goat cheese and carmelized pears and onions and skipped the nuts. It was good but not nearly the same. Next time I am going to try to use a bit of REAL gorgonzola and a few nuts... the goat cheese was good, but it wasn't the same. But the carmelized pears and onions were unbelievably good! I feel like I am doing something wrong with the goat cheese. It doesn't melt and spread like regular cheese... so I ended up with warm lumps of goat cheese around the pizza... next time should I warm the cheese and spread it on smoothly???

I'll say a prayer for DS's safe travels. DD is finally at the age where some friends have cars/licenses. She's only been in a car with one girl twice, but I was very nervous both times... but I just keep reminding myself it is another step toward adulthood.

The pizza I made was really simple. I caramelized one red onion thinly sliced in olive oil until completely brown. Used a Mama Mary's thin crust and put olive oil on the edge. Spread the onion on the crust. Placed a very thinly sliced apple over the top of the onion--it was a large apple and filled the whole crust and crumbled 4oz of goat cheese on top of the apple. That was it. Baked until the cheese and crust were starting to brown. Goat cheese doesn't really melt so much as get soft. I love it cause it's relatively low in calories but high in flavor. The onions and apple were so sweet that Mike said he thought it was like eating dessert pizza. Nuts probably would have been good on it as well.

As for the driving and teens, I so feel your pain. It was so stressful for me. I'm doing better with it obviously, but I don't think you ever stop worrying about your kids. We are finally at the point that when DS is home we don't HAVE to stay up until he gets home. They have to drive through the mountains in NC/TN. Once they get through there I will relax a little bit.

BTW, I must comment.... I rarely post anywhere on the DIS other than the WISH board, the Scrapping board, and occasionally the Budget board.... but I had a few general questions so I threw them out on the Community Board... and NOW I remember why I NEVER go there any more!

It can definitely be interesting on the CB. I find myself really second guessing myself when I post over there, cause I hate being flamed. I started a thread last year with people who had kids going to college and it's still going. It's a nice group of people. We only had one instance of someone being nasty, but luckily she backed off.

I gained 3 pounds. This has really set me back mentally so much that it makes me teary eyed. I was soooo close to reaching my goal. Im so exhausted from my trip that its hard for me to feel motivated to exercise. I think Im going to take a break for a couple of days and regroup before I tackle this weight loss thing again. I'll catch up on what I missed in the meantime. I hope everyone is doing well.

Jeanette

Welcome back! I think one lesson that a lot of us have had to learn is that, it's not unusual to gain on vacation but more importantly that's it not the end of the world. Frustrating yes, but remember you lost it before, you can do it again. When we ran the 1/2 at WDW in October, I still came home up a couple of pounds, depsite having run 13 miles and putting in over 150000 steps in 5 days. If you aren't ready to completely dive back in yet, pick a few things that you can do successfully--drink your water, schedule some workouts, catch up on your sleep. Just jump back into things as soon as possible. You can do it!

I got 8300 steps in yesterday. Not too bad for not having an actual workout. I didn't go to the mall planning on buying anything, but ended up getting a couple of things. I am really starting to enjoy shopping for clothes again. It's kind of fun figuring out what looks good on me. I got a hot pink sweater and a plaid puffy vest to go over it at JCPenney. It's too cute. And I went to Chico's and got a light sweater and a ruffly sweater to go over it. I also bought a necklace. They were having a pretty decent sale so it wasn't too painful. Wanting to be able to stay in my new clothes and not growing out of them will be a huge motivator I think. I also went to Victoria's Secret and bought a new bra--I am down to a 34, which is exciting, but we won't talk about the letter part. Uggh. Hoping to go down a little bit more. The bras there are soooo expensive, but sooooo comfortable.

I work today. I'm going to run after work. Might do a couple of miles on the elliptical first. Hope everyone has a good day!

 

[flipflopmom]

Sorry about my lack of coaching yesterday. TOM IS KILLING ME THIS GO AROUND. Everything you've ever had bad w/ it, is coming together at one time. Seriously. I can barely walk without pain or stress about an "accident" Sorry if TMI.

AK left an hour ago for her overnight field trip. She was excited, but a little scared. She had to sleep in our floor last night, and asked me to write a letter to put in her bag. I think I shared that she has been calling me a lot if I'm not with her (VT games, conferences,PC shows) to ask if I got there okay, and to tell me she loves me. Not sure if it's coming from the death of her gym friend's dad, although it started before that. She's always been kinda... paranoid, moreso since Daddy died. I cried when she left, another one of those "out of my control situations". They are going on a charter bus, some of my best friends from work are chaperoning, to Williamsburg and Jamestown. (Where the aliens lived, if you read my reply to P) Found out yesterday that the kids are going to get back about $18 when they get there as spending money that was overpaid on trip, Mom gave AK money for her report card, FIL gave her spending money, and she's been saving. Hope she spends it wisely. All her meals are covered, we told her not to spend it on food. I think she's as excited about eating out 6 times in 2 days as the trip. Can you tell we haven't gone out to eat in a while?

We had so much to do to get her ready, I just ran out of time last night. Sorry!

It's been like Christmas this week - I earned a new apron, grill pan and press from Pampered Chef for my sales. DH cooked chicken on it last night and was VERY impressed. It must be easy to clean - he washed it!

While I have had a fairly easy time of maintaining, actually losing, I am getting a bit worried. Yesterday I had NO control. Like, a boy brought me a cupcake from his birthday party from another k class, and I ate it before I thought about it. I'd already had a slice of pumpkin log. I can't say "What was I thinking?" because I wasn't. TOM maybe? Anyway, I can't have another day like that. Can't change what I did yesterday, just gotta make the best choices I can today.

Vascillating between "going to throw up, I can't stand this financial situation, don't want to get out of bed or check the mail" and "we're going to be fine, it's just going to take a while, call someone to book a PC show".

Asked the girls what they want for Christmas - AK wants a cellphone, laptop, and Ipod touch 4. Told her no to all of the above. Then she said the Eclipse DVD and an itunes card. Sophie's reply was - "That Polly pockets set (It was $5) I can't have everything". She says to every commercial "I want that for Christmas" ,next commercial - "I changed my mind, I want that for Christmas". So she's heard "you can't have everything". Thankfully, I had been buying some things along from Disney store outlet on Clearance, so their stockings are almost bought, plus WDW sweatshirts and some books.

Hoping Mom can keep Sophie a little late this pm so I can clean and work on homework, or nap, whichever is needed most!

Sorry for all the venting. I'm having one of those "going to throw up mornings" IF you read all that - God Bless you!

Since tomorrow is weigh in day - a challenge for QOTD

QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

For me, I'll have a banana and milk for breakfast, some turkey, carrots, hummus, and maybe craisins for lunch/snack, dinner will be...hmmm...white chicken chilli cooked in the microwave in my deep covered baker and some french bread.

Happy Thursday! Remember, the choices you make today will effect the scale tomorrow. Also remember, no matter what the scale says, you are a wonderful person with lots to offer and be proud of!

If you've been skimming and not posting in a while, please post a hello so we know you're okay - Bree, Maureen, Zoe'smama, and all the others!

Taryn

 

[mikamah]

The whole situation along with the worries of money and the stress of my own job, and making sure my kids are happy are starting to take a toll on me as well. I am getting the feeling of everything falling out of my control and I hate it. I feel tearful often and sad. I wish things would get better. I know they will but I hope it happens quickly. I hate feeling like this. I am usually such an upbeat positive person.

Gosh I am starting to feel that instead of this being a board to talk about weight loss it is now my mental health outlet. I know you all dont mind listening and it honestly helps so much. You all are amazing. Thank you.

It's so tough and overwhelming , but we are all hear for you, and some weeks it is about weight loss, and other weeks it's all about mental health. Somehow they are related. I hope dh is able to ask for and get some help with the stress. It's hard to do. You are a positive person and are going to be all right, hang in there, take it one day at a time, and hug those little pirates tighter every day.

Kathy--Should we be watching for your daily report on whether you journaled? You can do it, I know you can!!!.

Thanks rose. One day journalled, 7 to go!!

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 10 Superstars!!
#11- 0.61% - cclovesdis
#10- 0.67% - mikamah
#9- 0.69% - Dreamer24
#8- 0.79% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.94% - my3princes
#6- 1.02% - dvccruiser76
#5- 1.06% - MacG
#4- 1.19% - tigger813
#3- 1.38% - KristiMc
#2- 1.41% - disneymom2one
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 10 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.08% - carmiedog

Whoo hoo!! Congrats to all the top losers, especially Carmiedog!! You are awesome!!! Nice to see my name up there. Motivating to keep on track.

thank you Shannon for all your time as weightkeeper.

DS was on the fence about whether to drive home or fly at Christmas and said he wants to drive because he doesn't want to deal with TSA anymore than he has to. We're flying to Disney at Christmas. DS flys a lot, so I get it. He told me twice this summer when he flew he's been pulled out for extra screening and that he's been feeling profiled lately. When he flew back from Orlando in October he got pulled out to have his hands swiped and for a body scan along with the Irish kid in front of him. (They weren't doing body scans on everyone yet.) He said, I'm sorry, but no one else got pulled out but me--the foreignish looking kid and the college kid from Ireland--and they were in line one after the other. He said he got an extra look in August too. Mike used to get profiled every time he flew in the 90s. We called it "flying while khaki." (Mike's Mom was from India). DS is a pretty rational kid, but I kind of wondered how he was going to react to the patdowns, etc. He assures he will keep his teenage opinions to himself when we fly in December.

That's got to be so frustrating for ds. I don't blame him for not wanting to fly.

The other two 1/2s we've run this is what the last mile has been like: Me--I can't do it, Mike--yes you can, Me--I can't do it, I'm too tired, Mike--you should be tired you just ran 12 miles, Me--I can't do it, Mike--if you'd stop talking you'd have more energy to finish. Maybe I'll tape him and put him on my ipod to listen to for the last mile.

so funny, and I can just imagine this. I've only done 5k, but have felt like I couldn't finish, but didn't have a "mike" there to encourage me.
Lisa-This may be us at the princess, and as long as we aren't dying at the same time, we will be fine, and will encourage each other through it.

BTW, I must comment.... I rarely post anywhere on the DIS other than the WISH board, the Scrapping board, and occasionally the Budget board.... but I had a few general questions so I threw them out on the Community Board... and NOW I remember why I NEVER go there any more! I mean, honestly, I was asking a question about looking for some freezer-friendly T.giving recipes to help out a friend in need this year (recently afflicted and diagnosied with RA and she is younger than me and really struggling getting daily stuff done). Anyhow, can you believe people actually got argumentative with me and told me that I WASN'T being helpful by offering to help cook part of her T.giving meal??? HUH???? I think that should be called the ARGUERS board... because they all seem to like to create arguments!!! From now on I'll stick to my friendly WISH board!!...................P

I was amazed as well, when I went to the community board, and the family board can be a little dicey too. WISH is such an amazing group of positive, supportive folks. I feel so blessed to have found it. It's great to see you back, Pamela.

Hmmm, I wonder what it is about switching to maintainer that makes people have a great week? Maybe taking the pressure off yourself a bit? No to diminish anyone's accomplishments -- I just find it interesting.

I thought the same thing. Go Carmiedog!!!!

BTW, I got little nips of the mint Bailey's and peppermint mocha Kahlua to try and they were yummy. I also made that candy cane martini that someone posted, except I substituted vanilla vodka for the vanilla rum and it was tasty. Though I actually enjoyed the combo of vanilla vodka, godiva white chocolate liquer and the peppermint mocha Kahlua better. Going to bring some to a holiday party.

I forgot about that drink. I think I'll pick up the fixin's for thanksgiving.

Hi everyone, Im back from San Antonio. I think for the most part, my presentation went ok...at least I survived. I tried to exercise as much as I could. At one point I walked up 30 floors of stairs and back down just to get exercise. The food choices though were not great. Not that I chose wrong, but that I really didnt have anything to work with. I gained 3 pounds. This has really set me back mentally so much that it makes me teary eyed. I was soooo close to reaching my goal. Im so exhausted from my trip that its hard for me to feel motivated to exercise. I think Im going to take a break for a couple of days and regroup before I tackle this weight loss thing again. I'll catch up on what I missed in the meantime. I hope everyone is doing well.

Hang in there, Jeannette. 3 pounds with food being out of control, isn't too bad, and probably some is fluid retention from the travelling. Those last few pounds are the hardest, but you can and will get there.

Watching Criminal Minds! It's kind of freaking me out! I'll never go camping again! Not that I like to camp anyways!

OMG, I felt the same way. I don't know why I can't stop watching that show, but last night was thinking, we don't camp in the middle of nowhere in the woods, we're in a campground with lighted bathrooms, and that can't happen to us. Plus, I think in my head, I say it's all fiction, but lately the news has had some horrible things. It's a crazy world we live in.
Thanks for the megamind review. We want to see that too.

I had a kid say the EXACT same thing one time! Last month, I was testing Pocahontas, (our state standards are crazy), the kids have to know the "PC" term for "Indians". Well, in VA, it's American Indians now. Last year it was First Americans. Anyway, I pointed to a picture of a Powhatan American Indian and asked "What should we call this group of people?" A boy said "Pledge of Allegiance Indians". And a girl told me that Pocahontas helped the "aliens" that lived in Jamestown. Told you this was a heathen group! Yesterday, we were brainstorming a list of solids, liquids, and gases. One of my friends' daughters came up with BEER!
GREAT JOB LOSERS!!! WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE TO US ALL YOU ARE SETTING! KEEP ON KEEPING ON! WANT YOUR NAME ON THAT LIST NEXT WEEK? BACK AWAY FROM THE CANDY, AND MOVE!!!!

on the kids quotes. MIchael just went to Plimoth wiht school, and I've been corrected many times when I ask about the Indians. They prefer native people, you know. SO funny. Love the beer comment.
Love your encouraging quote. No candy for us, and move, move move!!

I feel your pain on TOM. It is not fun. My doctor mentioned an ablation last time I was in, and I hate to have anything done, so I declined, but lately so many patients I've admitted have had ablations, and feel soooo much better. A friend of mine had it, and highly recommended it. I'm thinking about it. They cauterize the lining of the uterus, and it decreases your flow immensely.
on the christmas lists. It's so hard not to be able to give our kids all that they want, but it's good for them to learn that we have limits, and can't afford everything. For michael's b-day, I told him I couldn't get an expensive gift and have the big 300$ kids party too, so he chose a gift and I'll take him and a friend out for a movie. I got a 99$ refurb ipod nano, and will get an itune's gift card, and a docking station for him. He of course wanted the touch, but we talked about it before, and looked at the mp3 players, non apple type, but he wanted the ipod. I want to cut back for christmas too, and am going to take money out of the bank and not use my credit card this year.

QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

So far, I've had my coffee, but am going to have a waffle with peanutbutter, and a banana now for bkfst, lunch is leftover chicken, rice, and beans, a chobani yogurt and an apple, and for dinner, I'm planning to cook steak, red potatoes and green beans. At work towards the end of the day, I'll often have a couple graham crackers with peanutbutter for a snack if I'm hungry. And I've already written it down.

Thank you Taryn for coaching this week!! I'll be coaching starting tomorrow. Gotta get thinking of some qotds.

Have a great day!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Thank you, Taryn, for being our coach this week. You had a lot of interesting, thought provoking questions. And a big BL welcome to mikamah who will be our new coach starting tomorrow. Thank you to all our coaches who are the heart of our challenges.

Well, this morning the white, cold stuff not only fell out of the sky but it's stayed there! I think it is supposed to melt off today but more is on the way and it is supposed to be 8 degrees by the week-end. It would be nice if it were a little more gradual!

Kathy, between the coaching and the journaling I bet you will be having a great week!

Lindsay, hope that your DH can get some rest. Not being able to sleep is one of the worst things that can happen to you I think.

pjlla, you are in your car alot. Can you schedule a no driving day every once in awhile? I don't drive very far at all, especially compared to you, but I do try to stay home on Sundays. It's nice to stay up here in my cocoon!

Rose, I know you've learned a lot, even though your post went "poof," darn it. It's all really a part of you now or you wouldn't have been able to send back the chips!

Rose and Corinna, did you see on sparkpeople they have several recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving?

Dreamer24, thanks for sharing that variation of the candy cane cocktail. Be careful -- they are very potent!

Cupcaker, some of your gain may just be water from travelling. Those travelling pounds seem to go away quickly as soon as you get back on track so don't be discouraged!

QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

I have a whole wheat bagel and some applesause for breakfast. Lunch will be an Amy's Country Cheddar Bowl -- which has potatoes and tofu -- sounds weird but is really very tasty. Dinner is baked chicken, rice and salad. The big challenge will be keeping the Chex Party Mix snack to one small bowl. It comes in around 1600 calories according to sparkpeople, if I stick to the small serving of party mix. It's a trigger food for me. So far my plan of small bowls and knowing I will not buy more Chex so have to make it last is working.

Have a great day all!

 

[dvccruiser76]

I forgot about that drink. I think I'll pick up the fixin's for thanksgiving.

I got the nips of mint Bailey's and peppermint mocha Kahlua at the Kappy's across from the NSM. I went to Merchant's and the place near Market Basket, but they don't have those nips.

 

[corinnak]

First a Shout-out to all of last week's coaches and Taryn, too:

Thank You So Much!!!!

I could not believe how easy it was to catch up the archives this week. I appreciate everything you do, but I especially appreciate the "temporal tag" on the QOTD's!!!

Rose and Corinna, did you see on sparkpeople they have several recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving?

Lisa, thank goodness we have a Sparkpeople Mole! I loved that link to the 300 calorie plates the other day. Is there a particular link for those recipes? I don't really NEED any more (I cook mostly from the Vegetarian Times Thanksgiving and Vegetarian Times Holidays cookbooks, and we do have our traditional dishes pretty well set). I searched for Vegetarian Thanksgiving on there and came up with a bunch of recipes for vegetarian "loafs." Which, unfortunately does not sound all that festive to me!! I need to get that Cheddar Vegetable Pot Pie recipe typed up....


QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

I have some black bean soup and some red lentil dal in the fridge, so that is probably going to be lunch and dinner. Fruits and vegetables, popcorn, and maybe some cottage cheese for snacks.

 

[lisah0711]

Lisa, thank goodness we have a Sparkpeople Mole! I loved that link to the 300 calorie plates the other day. Is there a particular link for those recipes? I don't really NEED any more (I cook mostly from the Vegetarian Times Thanksgiving and Vegetarian Times Holidays cookbooks, and we do have our traditional dishes pretty well set). I searched for Vegetarian Thanksgiving on there and came up with a bunch of recipes for vegetarian "loafs." Which, unfortunately does not sound all that festive to me!! I need to get that Cheddar Vegetable Pot Pie recipe typed up....


QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

I have some black bean soup and some red lentil dal in the fridge, so that is probably going to be lunch and dinner. Fruits and vegetables, popcorn, and maybe some cottage cheese for snacks.

First, Corinna, a BIG THANK YOU for keeping up the QOTD archive. I think that we will have a whole year's worth of challenge questions in one spot now which I don't think has ever been done but is so darn useful.

I find it so interesting that you do a vegetarian Thanksgiving when you are in the heart of the midwest where food traditions are just about impossible to budge.

If you search "veg" instead of vegetarian you may pick up some more info. This is a recipe for gravy -- which looks interesting to me:
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=442238
and another link to some other vegetarian recipes called "Vegarian Thanksgiving Recipes" http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=vegetarian_thanksgiving_recipes and a link to a really good looking menu and recipes for a Thanksgiving dinner http://ohsheglows.com/docs/Oh_She_Glows_Dinner_Party.pdf

sparkpeople has good information but sometimes there is just so much of it. I get a lot of dribs and drabs of info because I have been trying to get 100 sparkpoints a day lately. I really don't know why but it is fun to see a lot of different things and get ideas.

I'll try and remember to post my MIL's cranberry relish recipe tonight. It's so tasty I can eat it by itself!

 

[lisah0711]

There is a very good possibility that we are going to need a coach for 11/26 through 12/2 so if you can help for any or part of that week, please PM me. Thanks!

 

[tigger813]

I'm having quite the interesting day!

I've had another order for my home book show on Saturday. Then the owner of a local book store just called about a book she needed which I was able to get for her. Then work just called about a 2nd client tomorrow afternoon. Trying to work around the kids is making life interesting! My neighbor can get her off the bus as I can't get in touch with DH right now so I had to look for other coverage though he may be able to get home in time to get her off the bus.

My head is spinning!

QOTD: I started off with a protein shake. For lunch I had a grilled chicken and eggplant roll-up with pesto and mozzarella. For supper I will have a fruit smoothie protein shake. I'm trying to drink my water now so I don't need it later. I have about a 45 minute drive to the even tonight and they promised people to help carry the stuff for me so I can get set up. Send lots of pixie dust my way that tonight goes well.

DD1 will be home shortly so I had better try and get some things done around here!

TTFN

 

[SettinSail]

Hello BL friends

Another blah day for me. I was really in a funk today until about 1:30.
I went for my jog, W8D3 and went on a different route that made me have to walk a long way back home. There was a little sunshine briefly and I enjoyed walking and listening to my I-pod. I think I snapped out of it. From now until late March most days here are gray and gloomy with lots of snow and rain. This week I have spent way too much time at home alone. The more I do that, the more I tend to withdraw. I decided not to go on the hike today with my Wandren Club since it was so cold and I knew the hike would be muddy. I volunteered to help at DS's Scout troop's "brat burn" tomorrow but nobody ever contacted me back with a time slot. I know there's some logical explanation but it has hurt my feelings. I've just been Miss Moody today!
I watched the Dateline Special with Kate & Prince William and a couple of Oprah's I had taped. She has really had some fantastic guests on for her last year. Made the African Stew this morning and had that for supper. DEE-licious! So far, I'm the only one in the family to eat it though!

...."with liberty and Justin's frog."

Reminds me.... today is my "engagement anniversary" and my sweet DH thought he was being so nice and planned a little dinner picnic for us... but honestly, I'm not sure what he was thinking! THere is NO WAY I am going to eat cheese and crackers and summer sausage and wine etc. I told him I would sit and talk and eat some fruit, but I'm not indulging like that on a Wednesday. But if he wanted to save it for Saturday then maybe we could have a nice dinner together. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings.... after all, how many husband's actually remember engagement anniversaries!! I told him I really appreciate it, but I didn't really have the time or the calories to do this on a Wednesday. Hope he understood and we can reschedule this for Saturday. I think he really just wanted to impress me by remembering the day! (20 years ago, btw!)

That's so SWEET I would pass out if my DH ever did anything like that! It's funny how food is such an expression of love sometimes. You have to really think to try and participate w/o the food - it's so easy to go along to "make the moment". Good job!

This is very interesting. My son hate to be wrong. Sounds like a good book. What's the name of it?

Someone here recommended it "That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week, Help for the Disorganized and Distracted Boy"

It's written primarily for MS & HS boys but I think you could still learn from it
with an ES boy. Turns out, boys are interesting creatures

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 10 Superstars!!
#11- 0.61% - cclovesdis
#10- 0.67% - mikamah
#9- 0.69% - Dreamer24
#8- 0.79% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.94% - my3princes
#6- 1.02% - dvccruiser76
#5- 1.06% - MacG
#4- 1.19% - tigger813
#3- 1.38% - KristiMc
#2- 1.41% - disneymom2one
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 10 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.08% - carmiedog

Congrats to CarmieDog and all the superstars this week

I am soo jealous! I want to get back on the list one day

I did get something to eat yesterday. The dr I work for bought us all lunch. I forgot that I have enough points on my subway card for a free 6 inch so I will use that today for lunch.

My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He gets so worked up about his job and can not handle the stress of people coming down on him. Its not the job itself its just how he is talked to and blamed for everything. He made an appt for the doctor tomorrow so hopefully that helps him to talk to someone and maybe get some meds to try for the time being. He is looking for other opportunities so hopefully something turns up.

The whole situation along with the worries of money and the stress of my own job, and making sure my kids are happy are starting to take a toll on me as well. I am getting the feeling of everything falling out of my control and I hate it. I feel tearful often and sad. I wish things would get better. I know they will but I hope it happens quickly. I hate feeling like this. I am usually such an upbeat positive person.

Gosh I am starting to feel that instead of this being a board to talk about weight loss it is now my mental health outlet. I know you all dont mind listening and it honestly helps so much. You all are amazing. Thank you.

That was nice of the Dr I think it's great for you to post anything you want here and please continue to do so. There are so many wonderful supportive people here. I wish your DH could find another job.
I hope wonderful things are on the horizon for both of you

"flying while khaki."

That makes me mad.

But, did I miss something? I keep reading about protests aginst body scans in the news. I thought those had been in place for awhile. I think I have even been through one. And me & DH have both had patdowns, I didn't think it was too bad just a little wierd. What has changed lately to cause all this to be in the news so much?

Corn Bags - they have these for sale at some massage places and chiropractors in the area. It's a bag full of feed corn or sometimes rice that you can microwave and it gets nice and warm. Great for hands, feet and general coldness, the foot of the bed, the car, etc.

Hot Tea - My new favorite is The Republic of Tea Coconut Cocoa tea. Mmmm. It warms you up from the inside, and is nice to hold in your hands, too.

Soup - Similar to tea, it just makes me warm and satisfied.

Scarves - wearing a scarf is fashionable and adds just a little more warmth.

Vests - same idea as scarves. I have a couple of fleece vests that are nice for a little added warmth under a jacket.

Hats - cover up that head chimney and you'll feel warmer - how much of our heat do we lose through the top of our heads? I don't know, but I think it's a lot.

Stay warm!!

Good tips

I've had to learn all this moving from a warm climate to a cold one.
LOVE hot tea and soup. And, I made a rice sock similar to the corn bag that I warm up in the microwave for little aches and pains like lower back. Made with an old tube sock

And Corinna--did you ever have an issue with hair falling out? I still feel like I'm shedding a lot. Not sure if it's a vegetarian thing, a weight loss thing, or just an age thing. I see my doctor in March I think, so I can always ask her what she thinks.

For me, this is a stress and an age thing. It is normal for hair to thin as we age and I notice more shedding if I am stressed. My hair is so thin now
But mostly from age and not stress!

Hi everyone, Im back from San Antonio. I think for the most part, my presentation went ok...at least I survived. I tried to exercise as much as I could. At one point I walked up 30 floors of stairs and back down just to get exercise. The food choices though were not great. Not that I chose wrong, but that I really didnt have anything to work with. I gained 3 pounds. This has really set me back mentally so much that it makes me teary eyed. I was soooo close to reaching my goal. Im so exhausted from my trip that its hard for me to feel motivated to exercise. I think Im going to take a break for a couple of days and regroup before I tackle this weight loss thing again. I'll catch up on what I missed in the meantime. I hope everyone is doing well.

Jeanette

Welcome home! I bet you are glad to get back home to a normal routine.
For me, 3 pounds is nothing! But you are very small so it probably seems like a lot for you. I hope you get some good rest and recuperation and then feel fresher. It could be just some sodium or water retention that you can flush out in the next week. Keep thinking about your upcoming cruise and keep your eyes on the prize

It's been like Christmas this week - I earned a new apron, grill pan and press from Pampered Chef for my sales. DH cooked chicken on it last night and was VERY impressed. It must be easy to clean - he washed it!



[/B]

QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

[Taryn

Woo Hoo for all your PC things

Hope your daughter has a great time on her trip!

Today was the first day in awhile that I did really well with eating:
Bfast - usual: Special K cereal with raisins and 1.5% milk (lowest we can regularly find here!)
Lunch - 1.5 cups of small red beans with 2 Tbls ketchup, 1/2 roll
The beans were leftovers that I cooked from dried for the stew.
Dinner - 2 cups Sweet Potato African Stew w/ handful of peanuts

Hoping & praying for a loss tomorrow

I'm already feeling like another hibernation day tomorrow. I am going to stay holed up at home tomorrow and enjoy some TV, needlework and I am even going to sleep in tomorrow. Hopefully one more day of that and I will get it out of my system. I know I should not complain because many would gladly change places with me but I can't continue on like this or I will become a hermit

Shawn

 

[keenercam]

Cam - to you. Big tight bear hugs. NO MATTER WHAT, DO NOT GIVE UP. You have sooooo much going on right now. It's incredible. You do have control over what you eat at that moment. Make the best choices you can at that moment, and then give up and move on to the next. When life overwhelms us, maintaining our sanity is as/more important than weight loss. You are such an amazing person. As for getting head and body in the game, concentrate on what you can do RIGHT NOW to achieve your goals. What is the most important thing to be doing for yourself and family at this moment? You already know all this, as you are such a success story in your life. Take deep breaths, say a prayer, and know that we are here.

Thank you, Taryn, and it helped so much to talk to you Saturday night. Thank you for letting me fall apart on you. Bet you never saw that coming, huh?

I really hope AK is having a fabulous time on her trip. We LOVE Jamestown and Williamsburg. As a matter of fact, that is sort of where Andrew's band trip will be in the spring -- VA Beach/Busch Gardens. I hope Sophie had a nice visit with her DGM.

Life is kicking you hard right now... huh? And you can't even count on those exercise endorphins to help. I hope your hearing goes well today.

I am going to talk to you here like I would want someone to talk to me if I were feeling like you seem to be...

DON'T give up! You need to get on the scale, face the music, and give yourself a FRESH START. No matter where you are, it is not as bad as it could be if you just throw in the towel. Get a handle on it now while it is do-able.

Plan a week's worth of healthy meals (or at last, dinners). Shop for that week and post the menu on the fridge for all to see. Pull out your food journal, turn to a fresh page, get a new fancy pen and put it right on the counter, ready to use!

Tomorrow is a new day and you can make a fresh start. Trust me, you will feel better about EVERYTHING in your life if you get your food/eating back in control.

Sorry that the knee is not cooperating.... but find a way to do SOMETHING.... bicep curls, overhead presses, SOMETHING. Again... it will make you feel better and in control.

Hope this helps.

P - This is exactly what I needed to hear. I truly needed a kick in the butt and when I read this last night, you totally motivated me to get up and go to WW this morning and face the music (or the scale, as some call it). It was ugly. Really ugly. UP 3.4 pounds in the past 2 weeks. That just totally stinks considering I can gain it in 2 weeks but it might take me a month to take it back off. But, I am back on track and today has not been difficult, thank God.

I have to tell you I was totally freaked out yesterday morning because I did not think my really good suit -- the only one that I think is good enough for an appellate court argument -- was going to fit. Fortunately, it did. So, I reminded myself that even if I didn't know what the scale would say, the damage wasn't out of control yet and I had to regain control because nothing is going to get better without me changing my behaviors. It would only get worse with every bad choice I make.
So, I just wanted to thank you for getting me back to WW.

Jeannette - Welcome back! Kudos to you for getting in that excercise.

Rose - You totally rock! LOVED what you did about the chips. And I really love that Mike supported your request. What a guy!!

Hello to everyone I missed. This is the best place in the world for me to be these days. Everyone is so supportive. Hearing about others' struggles helps me know I am not alone and teaches me what strategies can be applied. Hearing about others' successes make me and totally improves my mood. Just hearing about others' lives and activities gives me a mental picture that makes me smile. So, thank you, everyone for sharing.

And HUGE congratulations to our losers and maintainers last week!!!

There is so much more I wanted to comment on, but I just got some earth-shaking news and I really need to get a handle on it before I start my drive home from work. Just when you think you can't handle one more thing, you find that God has WAYYYY too high expectations about your abilities to cope.

 

[pjlla]

We had pizza for lunch. We stopped at a place called Sal's Pizza. They have the biggest slices of pizza you have ever seen. They then cut it on half so it's easier to eat. I had a sausage slice! Very good and filling! That's the only bad things I've had today besides the mint M&Ms I snacked on earlier today. I had a protein shake for breakfast and lunch with strawberries and blueberries in them. I'm still chugging down my water. I'll probably have a couple glasses at class tonight too. I read the article this afternoon and starred some parts I found interesting.

TTFN

We just "discovered" Sal's around here a few years ago....YUM!! And you can say "I only had one piece" Thankfully it is not terribly convenient, so we don't get it much..... mostly a quick slice on the random Saturday when we might be running errands in Concord.

I've never seen the mint M&M's... sounds like something I would LOVE! I wish those M&M developers would knock it off.... I could resist the plain and the peanut.... but the peanut butter.... and coconut... and pretzel....DOUBLE YUM!! What color is the bag?

See, though, I would have totally had that picnic, and said, "who cares if it's Wednesday, he remembered, and I'll remember that picnic for years to come". Not the best example there, coach! I just wouldn't have eaten much!

Remember my "Daddy" Citizen Mickey watch? It's halfway to my elbow now.
I need to get some links removed, along with my rings sized!

Well..... it wasn't just the calories that kept me from having the picnic.... I'm not sure exactly WHEN he thought we would have time on a Wednesday for this??? Worked all day, get home, make dinner, clean up around the house, laundry/dishes, drove DD to swim, ran errands, drove her home from swim, watched Survivor together as a family from about 8:30 -9:15... tucked the kids in and went to bed myself with the alarm set for 4:45 am to get DD to the pool for her 5:45 am HS swim practice! So where is the slow romantic picnic supposed to fit in??

Get that watch fixed and wear it proudly!!!

Since tomorrow is weigh in day - a challenge for QOTD

QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

For me, I'll have a banana and milk for breakfast, some turkey, carrots, hummus, and maybe craisins for lunch/snack, dinner will be...hmmm...white chicken chilli cooked in the microwave in my deep covered baker and some french bread.

Happy Thursday! Remember, the choices you make today will effect the scale tomorrow. Also remember, no matter what the scale says, you are a wonderful person with lots to offer and be proud of!

Taryn

First of all..... for all you are going through financially. I am so PROUD that you are pulling on your "big girl panties" and finding a way to HELP the situation. Many, many people would just sit around and cry harder, looking for an easy way out.... but you are hitting the situation head on, taking control, "packing your own parachute" so to speak. I'm sure it is tough and time consuming, but at least you are IN CONTROL!

Now for the QOTD:.... easy to answer since today is already done!

Breakfast was a toasted bagel thin with 1 Tb. of peanut butter and half a sliced banana, plus a cup of my morning hot drink. More points than I usually have for bkfast, but I was super hungry this morning.

Lunch was a bowl of homemade pea soup I made a few weeks ago and put in the freezer. Yummy, high fiber, low points... can't beat that! Also an apple and a bottle of seltzer.

Afternoon snack... 1/2 a Fiberone Bar (didn't want to spend 2 points), a few carrot sticks and a cup of black coffee.

Dinner... Boca Vegan burgers on light whole wheat roll (two patties, one roll), topped with lettuce and tomato and mustard. Sides were steamed broccoli and Alexia oven potato wedges. I wasn't going to indulge in the potato, especially on the night before weigh-in, but they are only 2 points for 3 oz and definitely delicious (and yes, I did weigh out my portion.... I LOVE my digital food scale)!

I'm only at about 11 points so far for today. I usually stick to about 14-16 points on Thursdays.... I know it is very few, but I feel that it helps at weigh-in. Dessert tonight will be the homemade applesauce I made this afternoon.... warm and cinnamony... SO GOOD! I'll probably end the day at 13 -14 points, depending on if I want a cup of something hot besides tea tonight.

Oh... and thanks for the nice words at the end of your post!!

pjlla, you are in your car alot. Can you schedule a no driving day every once in awhile? I don't drive very far at all, especially compared to you, but I do try to stay home on Sundays. It's nice to stay up here in my cocoon!

A "no driving" day is rare, but I do love them. The occasional Sunday when we don't have plans with swim or something, the drive to church is the only trip... but that is about 40 minutes each way.

I'm in my car a great deal because we live so far in the boondocks. I love my house, but I would NOT build here again, knowing what I know now.... but you cannot predict the future.

DD's swim is 25-30 minutes away, my school is about 15 minutes away, DD's school is 20 minutes away, church is 40 minutes away, grocery store is about 30 minutes away, Walmart is about 40 minutes away.... so now you see why I drive so much!! Plus DD's swim meets can have me driving up to 3 hours each way, sometimes on two or three consecutive days (unless we decide to splurge on a hotel)... and during this time of year she is swimming 3 out of four weekends.

I keep threatening to sell my car and buy a small RV.... that way we would have EVERYTHING we need for all of these mini-road trips we are constantly on.... the kids could eat, do homework, sleep on the road.... DD could keep a small wardrobe in there for changing before/after swim... we could have a fridge stocked with foods/drinks... wouldn't that be GREAT!?

:
QOTD for Thursday, Nov.18th What are you going to eat today?

I have some black bean soup and some red lentil dal in the fridge, so that is probably going to be lunch and dinner. Fruits and vegetables, popcorn, and maybe some cottage cheese for snacks.

I LOVE black bean soup. DId you make it?

P - This is exactly what I needed to hear. I truly needed a kick in the butt and when I read this last night, you totally motivated me to get up and go to WW this morning and face the music (or the scale, as some call it). It was ugly. Really ugly. UP 3.4 pounds in the past 2 weeks. That just totally stinks considering I can gain it in 2 weeks but it might take me a month to take it back off. But, I am back on track and today has not been difficult, thank God.

I have to tell you I was totally freaked out yesterday morning because I did not think my really good suit -- the only one that I think is good enough for an appellate court argument -- was going to fit. Fortunately, it did. So, I reminded myself that even if I didn't know what the scale would say, the damage wasn't out of control yet and I had to regain control because nothing is going to get better without me changing my behaviors. It would only get worse with every bad choice I make.
So, I just wanted to thank you for getting me back to WW.

There is so much more I wanted to comment on, but I just got some earth-shaking news and I really need to get a handle on it before I start my drive home from work. Just when you think you can't handle one more thing, you find that God has WAYYYY too high expectations about your abilities to cope.

You're welcome!

Hope the earth-shaking news wasn't too devastating.... And YES.... I keep reminding God that I can only handle a LITTLE BIT!!



Well friends... they changed my assignment at work today, so I had NO time to catch up with you all.... but I skipped folding the two baskets of laundry that are waiting so that I could come on and say HI! I'm working again tomorrow and hopefully it will be back in the original assignment and I will have time to jump on during the day.

I don't feel like weigh-in tomorrow will be anything to write home about, but I'm giving myself that "whatever happens you can deal with it" pep talk already, just in case. Virtually no exercise this week due to the INSANITY that my schedule has been... but no excuses. What will be, will be.

I'll see you all tomorrow...........P

 

[flipflopmom]

The pizza I made was really simple. I caramelized one red onion thinly sliced in olive oil until completely brown. Used a Mama Mary's thin crust and put olive oil on the edge. Spread the onion on the crust. Placed a very thinly sliced apple over the top of the onion--it was a large apple and filled the whole crust and crumbled 4oz of goat cheese on top of the apple. That was it. Baked until the cheese and crust were starting to brown. Goat cheese doesn't really melt so much as get soft. I love it cause it's relatively low in calories but high in flavor.

That sounds very yummy!

It's so tough and overwhelming , but we are all hear for you, and some weeks it is about weight loss, and other weeks it's all about mental health. Somehow they are related. They prefer native people, you know. SO funny. Love the beer comment. I feel your pain on TOM. It is not fun. My doctor mentioned an ablation last time I was in, and I hate to have anything done, so I declined, but lately so many patients I've admitted have had ablations, and feel soooo much better.

Sounds like something I might eventually have to think about. I thought I still coached tomorrow - LOL! Glad you mentioned it! Native people, huh? VA is behind on the times!

Thank you, Taryn, for being our coach this week. You had a lot of interesting, thought provoking questions. Well, this morning the white, cold stuff not only fell out of the sky but it's stayed there! I think it is supposed to melt off today but more is on the way and it is supposed to be 8 degrees by the week-end. Be careful -- they are very potent! . The big challenge will be keeping the Chex Party Mix snack to one small bowl. It comes in around 1600 calories according to sparkpeople, if I stick to the small serving of party mix. It's a trigger food for me. So far my plan of small bowls and knowing I will not buy more Chex so have to make it last is working.

Great job on the rationing of the Chex mix!!!!! That sounds yummy. I need a potent cocktail right now. AND SNOW - AHHH, A SNOW DAY, stay home jammies day, sounds DE-VINE! You are most welcome!!! It was nice to have an excuse to back away from the craziness and reconnect!

First a Shout-out to all of last week's coaches and Taryn, too:

Thank You So Much!!!!

You, too, are most welcome! Thank you for the archive!!!!

I'm having quite the interesting day! I've had another order for my home book show on Saturday. Then the owner of a local book store just called about a book she needed which I was able to get for her. Then work just called about a 2nd client tomorrow afternoon. QOTD: I started off with a protein shake. For lunch I had a grilled chicken and eggplant roll-up with pesto and mozzarella. For supper I will have a fruit smoothie protein shake. I'm trying to drink my water now so I don't need it later.

Hope you have a marvelous, wonderful show that gets you some WDW money!! Your lunch sounds really yummy!!! Glad you've got orders coming your way!

Another blah day for me. I was really in a funk today until about 1:30.I watched the Dateline Special with Kate & Prince William and a couple of Oprah's I had taped. She has really had some fantastic guests on for her last year. Made the African Stew this morning and had that for supper. DEE-licious! So far, I'm the only one in the family to eat it though!'ve had to learn all this moving from a warm climate to a cold one. LOVE hot tea and soup. And, I made a rice sock similar to the corn bag that I warm up in the microwave for little aches and pains like lower back. Made with an old tube sock I'm already feeling like another hibernation day tomorrow. I am going to stay holed up at home tomorrow and enjoy some TV, needlework and I am even going to sleep in tomorrow. Hopefully one more day of that and I will get it out of my system. I know I should not complain because many would gladly change places with me but I can't continue on like this or I will become a hermit

I have hermit tendencies. We we close school for snow, I don't ever leave unless I have to. One of the plusses of AK quitting team, I won't have to leave the house! Hope you get all the self-snuggle you need tomorrow!

Thank you, Taryn, and it helped so much to talk to you Saturday night. Thank you for letting me fall apart on you. Bet you never saw that coming, huh? I really hope AK is having a fabulous time on her trip. We LOVE Jamestown and Williamsburg. As a matter of fact, that is sort of where Andrew's band trip will be in the spring -- VA Beach/Busch Gardens. I hope Sophie had a nice visit with her DGM.
P - This is exactly what I needed to hear. I truly needed a kick in the butt and when I read this last night, you totally motivated me to get up and go to WW this morning and face the music (or the scale, as some call it). It was ugly. Really ugly. UP 3.4 pounds in the past 2 weeks. That just totally stinks considering I can gain it in 2 weeks but it might take me a month to take it back off. But, I am back on track and today has not been difficult, thank God. So, I reminded myself that even if I didn't know what the scale would say, the damage wasn't out of control yet and I had to regain control because nothing is going to get better without me changing my behaviors. It would only get worse with every bad choice I make. There is so much more I wanted to comment on, but I just got some earth-shaking news and I really need to get a handle on it before I start my drive home from work. Just when you think you can't handle one more thing, you find that God has WAYYYY too high expectations about your abilities to cope.

We just had that conversation, didn't we? About God having wayyy too much faith in our ability to handle stuff. I sincerely hope every thing is okay! With all my comments about TOM this week, you can see He totally knows I CANNOT handle any more. I really enjoyed talking with you Saturday, too. We both kinda fell apart, best I recall. That's what friends are for!

WAY TO GO on getting back to WW. Remember the start of the challenge, how you had a wonderful week? Keep it up, and you might have one next week. Hope all went well in court in your POWER SUIT! You are in control, honey! Totally in control. I am sooo proud of you, overcoming all that you have!!!!!

Well, folks, that might be the end of my coaching stint. As I told Lisa, I thoroughly enjoyed the excuse to get on here and "visit". I'm a bit afraid of the scale in the AM, TOM usually wreaks havoc!

Got a text from a friend on the trip, all is well. IT's funny, they don't usually see AK w/o meds. They've worn off - "Man, she can TALK!" Wonder where she got it from.

DH and Sophie are in the kitchen. She just informed him she was going to work in a restaurant when she grows up. They're singing Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson.

Got a catalog show to put in, looks like I'll meet my 30 day goal. It's really funny, not a lot of people are taking Christmas shopping, and want to wait until Jan. b/c they want stuff for themselves.

Have a great evening!
Taryn

 

[Rose&Mike]

Uggh! I lost my post again. I don't know what key I am hitting, but it is driving me insane!

Here's the Cliff notes:
Shawn--glad you liked the stew! Hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Tracey--hope it went well tonight.

Lisa--thanks for the pointing out the veggie stuff on spark people. I think we had the same Amy's bowl today!

Kathy--great job journaling and woohoo for making the list this week!

Cam--welcome back on the wagon.

Taryn--hope the field trip goes well. I have to keep reminding myself that maintaining is not losing--I have those what was I thinking days too. As long as it's just one day though, in the big scheme of things it shouldn't matter too much. That's the beauty of maintaining.

Corinna--would love to see the potpie recipe. I ordered veg times from a magazine sale, but it hasn't come yet. Was hoping to get the holiday issue, but might have to buy it at borders if they have it.

I did 2 miles on the elliptical, ran 4 miles in 39 min and walked another mile afterwards. I have 50000 steps for the last 4 days.

QOTD--brown rice, skim milk, banana and a few almonds for breakfast, amy's bowl for lunch, clif bar--peanut pretzel--for snack, 7 pistachio crisps after running, brown rice, black beans, and this thing we roasted that had pineapple, red onion, red pepper and coconut for dinner. So yummy!

Have a great evening everyone! Hope the scale says good things tomorrow!

 

[tggrrstarr]

QOTD Saturday, Nov.`13: Is there something in your past that affected your weight/health NOW that you would like to do-over?

Taryn

Just being lazy. I never liked exercising before I gained my weight so I never did. If I could change that mentality from back then, I think everything would be alot different.

QOTD Sunday, Nov.14th. What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Do you have any special traditions?


Taryn

Thanksgiving is really just a great chance to spend time with family for me. No real traditions for Thanksgiving, mostly just Christmas. Since the 3 days following are such busy, important shopping days, I have never been able to get them off, so for me, this holiday is mostly about work.

Good morning all!


And I have to tell you guys that apparently I am elf challenged because I've never heard of the elf on the shelf thing. But thanks to Google I did learn about it as well as a book called Llama Llama Holiday Drama which I think could work on so many levels.

I've never heard of it either.

Qualified for my own Pampered Chef website, spending my free time setting it up this am. I'll coach this afternoon!!

QOTD Monday, November 15: Mondays are hard! What is one thing you have to look forward to this week?

Talk to you this afternoon!
Taryn

Congrats on the website! I love their stuff, I will definitely check it out once you get it set up!

I love Mondays! First, I usually have Tues and or Wed off, so for me, Monday is my Friday. Second, Monday is kind of a slow day at work and its usually a goof off day. I've been downloading the tv shows I don't have time to watch at home onto my ipod and watching them at work.
As for what to look forward to this week, my first week in like 5 months with two days off!

Sorry I've been MIA this week. I get so far behind, then drag my toes coming back since I am so backed up. I am still catching up, but as for my weight loss, its been a fantastic week! I can't wait to see what my numbers are tomorrow! I have managed to move past my plataeu, reached 40 lbs lost, and am now under 200 lbs!

I also started running again, just a little bit. I run for about a minute, two or three times during my walk. I am being super careful about my knee and making sure I am stretching before and after. So far so good.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for the support! I am doing much better. Sunday night through yesterday afternoon was pretty much a blur. I spent a lot of time crying and afraid. But, I'm 100% again. I had planned to go the gym today, but I need new sneakers first. I cannot find a pair I like though. What do you think of wearing girls' sneakers? There is a pair that really sparked my interest, but there is a fair amount of pink accents on them. I'm thinking if I have a pair for the gym and a pair for going to the mall, etc., than I should be good to go. Ahh, the things I worry about.

Thanks again everyone!

for weigh-in tomorrow. (I am 99.999999999% sure I will be up this week and likely 4+ pounds .)

CC