Biggest Loser 4 Week 9

[lisaviolet]

I'm down 3.6 this week.

I just want to add something to the mix. I know this isn't for everyone and every single person on here has to do what works for them and is best for them. I know that. I think at this point in our journeys we know what is best for ourselves. So I don't mean to be patronizing in any way.

I am very happy with my success on the BL. But the losses, maintains and some gains that have come with this time, and together have equaled a successful outcome, are not even close to the success I feel in another way. My buddies know this about me but I haven't posted it on the thread because I know that everyone has their thing.

I am bound and determined to not make one change, not one, that I can't, or not even can't, don't want to make for life. And the chips will fall where the chips will fall. I am really bound and determined to see this for what I can do, easily without a moment of white knuckles, for life. I want to lose weight but I want to love life and food just as much or more. It is so important to me. I have eaten a myriad of food choices in the last two months that people would think "what?". You know cookies, fries, gyro on a pita, chocolate etc etc etc. And also healthy choices as well. I also do not document a thing because I personally do not want to do that for life either. And for me, and I know me only, it all works better when I don't think about food all that much. Which is contrary to what "those people" say about planning and documenting. But I know myself.

I'm only writing this in case there is someone out there in the BL mix who wants this but thinks it can't produce a successful outcome. It can. I know I will have maintains and gains, probably next week b/c life is funny , but I have now seen that it can work successfully in the long run.

I posted a sabotage listing that I thought was interesting on the end of the last thread. The first one was about denying foods we love and what that does.

I also know that we are all different personalities and we do what works best for us. So I mean no disrespect to things like having food journals etc. It's obvious that they work well for many. We are all different.

Okay, just thought I'd share what I'm really happy about this week. Not the weight loss but eating what I truly love and desire and still having success.

Lisa

PS. Princess Vija. I am thrilled to see you come back on. Thrilled. I've been thinking about you. I too feel the same way about the scale.

 

[acourtwdw2]

Just posting while i eat lunch. I lost 1.4lbs this week. I owe a big thanks to my buddy Brenda and my sister Annette. I had a bad week last week and i'm sure they are the reason i lost this week.

Amanda

 

[donac]

Lisa that is what makes this work. We are all different and yet we can work to get along. For many years before I had kids I could lose weight and maintain with just diet and some exercise. I never recorded anything but that was almost 25 years ago. My body has changed. The only time I have consistantly lost weight in the last 3 years was to record what I eat and what I did for exercise. I agree that we can't deny ourselves food or this lifetstyle will go out the window. Being half Italian I could NEVER do Atkins . I could never give up PASTA. I too try to keep things in moderation and only give up thing like chocolate during Lent. It works for me but it does not work for everyone.

Lisa what you posted on the last page of last week's thread needs repeating. So here it is:

Stopping Self-Sabotage

By Stephanie Osfield
Print Email

Diet. What diet? "I'll start again tomorrow." But that's what you said last week and the week before -- this holding pattern is really getting you down.

Don't worry, you're not alone. In an early-'90's study researchers found that, on average, dieters had tried to lose weight before, and in fact, averaged one diet a year for the previous two years.

Why the bad track record? In short, many people are sabotaging their own efforts to lose weight for good. Are you one of them? Look over the following self-sabotage signs and click on the link for tips on how to cope.

Sabotage: I deprive myself of enjoyable foods until I can't stand it, then give in and overeat them.
Antidote: "Eat the foods you like, but in small quantities," says Dr. Sharon Marks, a physician specialising in nutrition and metabolism. "If you say foods are bad, then you will start to crave them and overeat them because they are forbidden."


Sabotage: I have all kinds of willpower until I go home and cook my family's supper. Then I can't resist our high-fat favourites.

Antidote: Opt for a lower-fat version of the foods your family likes. They'll help you along on your Plan, and improve your family's health as well. Another tip: Put leftovers in the fridge or freezer before you eat. That way, you'll be less likely to go back for seconds.


Sabotage: I sometimes skip breakfast, thinking it will speed up my weight loss.

Antidote: Set your alarm clock for half an hour earlier so there's time to eat well and energise yourself for the day. "If you skip breakfast you'll be more tempted to reach for a doughnut in the morning," says Marks.


Sabotage: I often lose my willpower at parties and restaurants.

Antidote: Try these tips:

Share an entree and dessert with your partner, or order a salad for starters and have a cappuccino for your third course.


Opt for meals cooked using low-fat methods such as grilling or stir-frying.


Park your car a fifteen-minute walk away so you can burn calories while getting to the restaurant.


Sabotage: When I'm trying to lose weight, I weigh myself several times a day.

Antidote: Limit weighing yourself to once a week at the same time of day. "Weight can fluctuate according to time of day and menstrual cycle," says Marks. "So pay attention to how you are fitting into your clothes, and use a tape measure to see if exercise is helping you take inches off your body measurements."


Sabotage: I often eat while working, reading the newspaper or watching television.

Antidote: Set yourself some ground rules, like "I don't eat in the car or while I'm watching television" -- eating on the run is a surefire way to lessen your satisfaction with food.



Sabotage: I get frustrated when I don't lose weight right away, and usually just give up.

Antidote: Make "slow and steady" your weight-loss mantra. "If it's going to be maintained, then the maximum weekly weight loss should be one to two pounds," says nutritionist Rosemary Stanton. "If that doesn't sound like much weight loss, empty out two tubs of margarine onto a plate and you'll realise how well you're doing.


These are all great points and ones we should all print out and think how we can change our lifestyles instead of constantly going on a diet.

 

[goldcupmom]

Happy Tuesday, everyone! (or at least I hope it is...somewhere!)

I'm down .3, but surprised I am at all. Rough week here with my DS21, & some nagging health issues for me(details in my WISH journal). Hopefully Dr tomorrow can ease some of my fears.

Have a great rest of the week! I'm anxious to watch BL tonight.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Lisa (and everyone else too ) -
It's funny that you mention not tracking things. I have in the past tried to "watch" what I eat and exercise. Last summer I spent like 24 days out of 31 in the gym exercising but didn't watch what was going in my mouth and lost like 3 pounds. This time around - well I'm not exercising yet - but in just under two months I have lost 21 pounds. The difference? For me it's not killing myself. I am doing weightwatchers and I do not think of it as a diet. I am changing my life to be healthier. I need the points to re-educate myself and put a "value" on what's going in my body. For example - DH went and got donuts Sunday morning - initially I was going to get one too - but after looking over points values I decided it just wasn't worth it to me. However I did have a Betty Crocker chocolate & caramel cake mini AND chocolate pudding over the weekend (Sugar Free COOKED - I just do not like instant pudding ) I'm eating what I want - we are still eating out some and I'm enjoying what I'm eating. I just need the reinforcement of how many calories, etc something is and the points system works awesome for me.

I think you hit the nail on the head though - we all need to find what works for us. And not be afraid to try something new. If it doesn't work then try something else. I was one of those people who did not think WW meetings were for me - I could do it on my own. But I finally TRIED the meetings and I'm loving it. It keeps me accountable to someone other than me and motivates me to do better. As silly as it is those 5 pound stars push me to the next one. However meetings for some people might be absolute torture.

We just have to keep trying. DH and I have been kind of doing WW together - but I know he isn't eating enough. I try to encourage him to but he's stubborn and he knows best - less has to be better - right? After weigh in this morning and him losing 1.5 and me losing 2.5 I challenged him to eat all his points for one week. See what the scale says - and if he isn't happy he can go back to what he thinks is best. He doesn't want to go to the meetings (which I can understand) but he doesn't believe me when I tell him he needs to eat his points. But it's like I told him - you have nothing to lose by trying it - if I'm wrong - well it will be historical - but if I am wrong he has only lost 1 week and then he can try something different.

I hope everyone has a great day and we can all do this. It's just finding what will work for each of us as individuals.

 

[lisaviolet]

Exactly everyone. Exactly. We all can not be afraid to go with what brings success no matter what everyone else says and does. Including the professionals. Or try new ways if we are interested in seeing how it works for our personality, our lifestyle.

I hope that I didn't come across as my way is the way. Obviously, it's not. Not at all. I'm just excited that it's working for me. That I'm happy with.

Or eating foods we love. I know many on this thread are doing just that. I know I'm not alone. I just wondered if there was anyone out there that is frustrated by denying themselves.

We are not the same. And as Dona mentioned things that worked before might not work now. So true Dona. Bodies are different. Life is different. I've noticed a lot of changes when I turned forty last year.

I know that journaling is a successful tool for many. And is not a big deal for many to do. Simple. So why wouldn't people do it. My personality. Far from simple. Well, it makes me think about food more!!! And think and think and think. That's me in a nutshell. Overthinker! All or nothing too.

One of my buddies is very successful in using the scale as a tool and guidance. It works for her. I am very successful at becoming obsessed. It's my period next week and I'm already thinking about a gain!!! Obviously, I lack of the rational mind set of my buddy. Unfortunately.

I don't want anyone to think that I came on here and made no changes. Obviously, or there would be no need to come on here.

I was very stubborn about changing anything about food. You know the "I exercise I'll eat what I want, when I want, as much as I want". I have learned to eat in smaller portions. Because without changes no movement.

Have a wonderful week everyone,

Lisa

 

[jimmduck]

Hi again folks - I just want to pipe in a bit on this topic.

Lisa - I agree completely. I have to chart (write things down) because if I don't my day is often one continuous meal.

But... I, too, am aware that you have to work with what you have.

For me, that is a tremendous sweet tooth. I could sleep in a potato chip factory and care less, but sweets simply must be worked into my plan to be satisfied. And I have good success too, when I have the right mindset, keep the "lion" in check and portion control properly.

It is when I hit the lion on the nose that I struggle. The lion is nicely in his cage today so far.

Anyway, I am thankful for this group.

I appreciate hearing from you all.

My training has been way out of whack (i.e. mostly non existent) and I have yet to have a week where the diet and exercise are there together consistently.

That would be a "perfect week" for me, and I would love to see the weight after a week like that, it is what I am striving for.

Anyway, after posting earlier, an ad from Amazon.com popped into my mailbox, advertising the following book:

"The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training"

I bought it - I can take a hint

Have a "magical losing day"

Linda

 

[lisaviolet]

But it's like I told him - you have nothing to lose by trying it - if I'm wrong - well it will be historical

Made my day!

 

[lisaviolet]

Just posting while i eat lunch. I lost 1.4lbs this week. I owe a big thanks to my buddy Brenda and my sister Annette. I had a bad week last week and i'm sure they are the reason i lost this week.

Amanda

Well Amanda I am awed by you this week. It's not your loss Amanda. It's your courage. You were struggling and you came on here and said so. Not simply stating not a good week. But "I am struggling a lot" "need support" to paraphrase. And look what happened. You took help from your buddy and your sister. Courageous. It's big in my mind.

Congratulations Amanda.

 

[lisaviolet]

Being half Italian I could NEVER do Atkins . I could never give up PASTA.

 

[lisaviolet]

Lisa (and everyone else too ) -
It's funny that you mention not tracking things. I have in the past tried to "watch" what I eat and exercise. Last summer I spent like 24 days out of 31 in the gym exercising but didn't watch what was going in my mouth and lost like 3 pounds. This time around - well I'm not exercising yet - but in just under two months I have lost 21 pounds. The difference? For me it's not killing myself. I am doing weightwatchers and I do not think of it as a diet. I am changing my life to be healthier. I need the points to re-educate myself and put a "value" on what's going in my body. For example - DH went and got donuts Sunday morning - initially I was going to get one too - but after looking over points values I decided it just wasn't worth it to me. However I did have a Betty Crocker chocolate & caramel cake mini AND chocolate pudding over the weekend (Sugar Free COOKED - I just do not like instant pudding ) I'm eating what I want - we are still eating out some and I'm enjoying what I'm eating. I just need the reinforcement of how many calories, etc something is and the points system works awesome for me.

I totally relate with a tool making a tremendous difference. But with the scale for me. I had been successful with weight loss. But it was over years. And I mean years. And then I virtually maintained for over a year. So success yes but not like this. This is the one time that I've had such, well rapid isn't the work but fast, success with weight loss. The BL. And the one difference. Oh crap, it's the scale. I wasn't using it at many times during the slow but steady years.

So unlike your story I hate the tool!!!! Aaaah. What to do? What to do? It's brought me success and I vilify it. Who knows what I'll decide after this thread.

I came on here originally to deal with maintains and gains and the scale. Obviously, it's my thing.

Thanks for listening to all my ramblings today everyone.

Lisa

 

[lisaviolet]

I could sleep in a potato chip factory and care less

Who needs Comedy Central when you have the BL thread. You guys are great. I love this thread.

 

[jakenjacksmom]

I am down 3 yea!!!!

 

[cobbler]

I've been lurking but I am around. I am kind of annoyed with the scale shifting up/down and staying the same within a lb all the time, so I have decided to report a final weigh in when we end this version during the season finale of BL.

Congrats to all who have lost and my buddy who is doing so well.

 

[disneychrista]

I am down .2 this week but it is still a DOWN!!

I am so hungry the last few days. I ususally get this way only when it is that time of the month but that is still about 10 days away. I am trying to drink more walk/fluids to help but I am still SO HUNGRY!! I had a nice big chef salad for lunch and walk away still hungry. So i had the pretzles I brought for afternoon and still was hungry. I just know that I will be up next week if this continues. I seem STUCK at 150 (149 - 151), I only have 15 pounds to go to my goal and I so want to be there for my birthday. I am not going to give up but I sure am frustrated.

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

I'm up this week, I think by about 1.4 but I'd have to go back and check my figures to be sure.

I knew I would be up this week because of the off weekend that I had. I didn't make it to the gym tonight either. I came on home because we leave for Vegas this weekend and I needed to get some things done around the house - mainly

To comment on the current discussion:
I too feel like the most important part of this whole journey is the ongoing lifetime lifestyle change. I have to learn portion control and learn to make healthier choices for life. This will not only impact my health and my life, but also that of my future children because generally what ever mom and dad eat and whatever habits mom and dad have the children will too.

I do find that while I'm trying to develop the habits and lose the weight that it helps me tremendously to keep a log of what I'm eating and how I'm doing. I have noticed a major difference in how I have done this month compared to last month and the biggest change is that I haven't been tracking my food in fitday.com like last month I will not track my food forever, but until I get the habit firmly instilled then I will need to track.

I think that all of us have various things that work for us and also very different things that we struggle with. The point here is that we all struggle with something and we are here to help each other get through it

Hope we all have a Wonderful Healthy Wednesday!

 

[lynnielou]

Hi everyone,

Lots of activity on this tuesday weigh-in day.

I am happy to report a 1.5 pound weight loss.

We all need to hang in there and "keep on keeping on".

 

[whgrn]

It's funny (as in funny strange, not funny haha), but I always, ALWAYS hated writing down everything I ate. Maybe because I felt I couldnt' cheat? But this time around, keeping track has been a godsend. Why is it different? Well, I think a big part of it (maybe all of it?) is the elimination thing. Not being able to have eggs, milk or wheat has so greatly limited what I CAN eat, that if I don't write down what I DO eat, I'll never remember the ideas from one day to the next! I know, pathetic, right?

I can honestly say that in the past 8 weeks I have had almost no desire to "cheat". And trust me when I say that is unheard of for me! At this point, it's pretty easy, since the things I would most likely cheat with are things I can't eat due to the sensitivity thing. I mean, having bread and butter won't only wreak havoc on the scale, but it would totally screw up the whole elimination thing. And that, I'm just not willing to do at this point!

I must admit though that right now, having had my evening granola early, I am sorely tempted to go have more! Would it kill me? No, it's 140 calories, not 1000. But I am trying very hard to "ride the wave" and not do it. So, instead, I'm here on BL telling you all about it!!

With the scale being so weird for me--up a bit one week, down alot the next, and then back and forth between the two--it would be easy for me to throw up my hands in disgust and just give up. But I'm not going to do that! The trend is downward, and that's what matters. I'm wearing my "skinnier" pants (if you can call a size 20W "skinny") and feeling great. I got clearance to go to the gym, so I spent 30 minutes on the treadmill. WOOHOOO, that felt GOOD!!!! And I KNOW that I am eating just the way I should be eating. I've come prepared for the battle of the bulge. I am fully armed. And now the outcome is not up to me anymore. My body will do what it will do. I cannot force it to lose any faster or more consistently. I cannot make it walk faster, or climb higher, or stretch farther. It is what it is. As long as I keep doing my part (eating right, taking the supplements, and exercising), I know I am doing all I can to win the battle. The rest is up to my body. I just hope and pray it has forgiven me for all the years of abuse and neglect.

I know that I could not do this without the support here on BL. You all have been such an inspiration and a blessing to me!

So, to all of you who have lost this week, congratulations. I hope you keep up the great work. To those (like me) who have stayed the same or even gained a little for no apparent reason, hang in there--we'll see the results eventually. And to those of you who are struggling and gaining, remember that this isnt' about losing weight. It's about making healthy choices and doing what is best for you, for your body, and for your life.

(Now how's THAT for some speechifyin' ????? )

 

[winniedapooh]

I am up this week by about .4 which has me majorly bummed out but on a good note, I began using the stationary bike again. My knee feels like it is being ripped to shreds but I managed to get in almost 22 miles in 6 days. Not a lot for some of you but with my knees it is a major success.

 

[lisaviolet]

I am down .2 this week but it is still a DOWN!!

I am so hungry the last few days. I ususally get this way only when it is that time of the month but that is still about 10 days away. I am trying to drink more walk/fluids to help but I am still SO HUNGRY!! I had a nice big chef salad for lunch and walk away still hungry. So i had the pretzles I brought for afternoon and still was hungry. I just know that I will be up next week if this continues. I seem STUCK at 150 (149 - 151), I only have 15 pounds to go to my goal and I so want to be there for my birthday. I am not going to give up but I sure am frustrated.

Hang in there Christa. You already know this but the stuck, as you call it, is only because you've been so incredibly successful and you're so close to your goal. Congrats on all your success.

Lisa