Biggest Loser 8 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers!

[lisah0711]

Okay, Loser friends, I could use some advice. After starting a weight loss journey together, DH has now been effortlessly maintaining for several months. He just barely watches what he eats and doesn't exercise (though his day job is a little more active than a desk job like mine). He has recently become less supportive of my continued efforts to exercise. Not that he's telling me not to work out, but he just doesn't get why it's important to me. The only time that works for me to exercise is after DD goes to bed, which means it's 9:30pm by the time I'm done and showered. Sometimes I roll with the late time, and other times it frustrates me that I have no time to just relax in the evening. I had a rough weekend (didn't complete my "must do" list and didn't get to my less important to do list). DH thinks that if there are important things on my "must do" list, then I should just skip exercising. I explained why it's not optional, but he said he thinks I don't know how to prioritize my to do list. (This was all part of a bigger "discussion" we are having, but I thought I'd only bring up the exercise part here.) I'm not sure what I'm asking for from you guys, but I really needed someone to talk to.

, princessbride6205. It is no easy feat being a wife, mom to a toddler and working. You have endless demands on your time and energies, may not have as much help as you would like, it goes on and on, and if you aren't careful you end up at the bottom of the list every single time. But you can't take care of everyone else if you don't make sure to take care of yourself.

So, the things that you do for yourself that need to be done like exercising and planning and fixing healthy food is not negotiable. Likewise, tending to your daughter's needs is not negotiable. But some of the activities for her school might be. Take a look at that to do list and see if anything can be left off. Also look and see what can be delegated. Then be willing to let control of some things -- in other words, let your DH dress your daughter funny or do some of the gift shopping, even if it doesn't turn out exactly like you want. Last, but not least, don't be afraid to tell your DH exactly what you need because he may not know (even if it should be obvious ).

When my DS was little DH would let me take the lead in a lot of things because I was "the Mom" and he just didn't feel as comfortable as I did. (I didn't know what I was doing either but apparently I faked it better!). DH would think he was being helpful by asking "what can I do?" over and over. Finally, I just told him I'm not the only adult in this family, every day the same things need to be done and why couldn't he just see what needed to be done and do it without being told? No one had to constantly direct him at work, why did they need to at home?

That really worked. I still have to remind him at times but it is much better. It will also get better as your daughter gets older. It takes a lot of women a long time to figure out that they need to be at the front of the line. Luckily, you already know that!

Tell your DH you can't be that cute girl in the warehouse if you can't take care of yourself! Or let him take care of the must do list for a few days and see how he does with the juggling act . . . he might learn a thing or two.

 

[JoanneNC]

, princessbride6205. It is no easy feat being a wife, mom to a toddler and working. You have endless demands on your time and energies, may not have as much help as you would like, it goes on and on, and if you aren't careful you end up at the bottom of the list every single time. But you can't take care of everyone else if you don't make sure to take care of yourself.

So, the things that you do for yourself that need to be done like exercising and planning and fixing healthy food is not negotiable. Likewise, tending to your daughter's needs is not negotiable. But some of the activities for her school might be. Take a look at that to do list and see if anything can be left off. Also look and see what can be delegated. Then be willing to let control of some things -- in other words, let your DH dress your daughter funny or do some of the gift shopping, even if it doesn't turn out exactly like you want. Last, but not least, don't be afraid to tell your DH exactly what you need because he may not know (even if it should be obvious ).

When my DS was little DH would let me take the lead in a lot of things because I was "the Mom" and he just didn't feel as comfortable as I did. (I didn't know what I was doing either but apparently I faked it better!). DH would think he was being helpful by asking "what can I do?" over and over. Finally, I just told him I'm not the only adult in this family, every day the same things need to be done and why couldn't he just see what needed to be done and do it without being told? No one had to constantly direct him at work, why did they need to at home?

That really worked. I still have to remind him at times but it is much better. It will also get better as your daughter gets older. It takes a lot of women a long time to figure out that they need to be at the front of the line. Luckily, you already know that!

Tell your DH you can't be that cute girl in the warehouse if you can't take care of yourself! Or let him take care of the must do list for a few days and see how he does with the juggling act . . . he might learn a thing or two.

Perfectly worded

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I am so far behind on the QOTDs...I'm going to try to catch up a little. The family Christmas party this weekend went well -- I had two pieces of veggies pizza, a handful of spiced oyster crackers and two Christmas wreath candies, and then did not eat when I got home. Victory! I also ran 8M that morning, so I think that has to help... I was down, and pretty much back to my pre-Thanksgiving vacation weight, so I'm pleased.

Tuesday QOTD: With the BL Finale coming up, I thought I'd ask a BL question. Is there a particular contestant that you really identify with or who inspired you? If you're not a BL watcher, is there a person in your life that inspires/inspired you in your healthy-lifestyle journey?

Oddly enough, I identified with Abby, but just because she was so amazing -- so positive after the cruel events in her life. I aspire to that attitude!

Belated Wednesday QOTD:Is there anyone that YOU'VE inspired to get healthy or lose weight?
I answered this incorrectly before -- I totally forgot we have 4 people doing Disney races in January that would not be there if dh and I hadn't made them want to do it with our experiences!

Thursday QOTD: Do you have a non-weight related goal? (clothing size, fitness, etc)

I want to be a size 8. I know that sounds ludicrous to those of you who would be devastated to be that size, but it is a good goal coming from where I topped out at an 18.

Jumping in to do the QOTD before heading out to work! Its a 2-parter

Its 2 weeks until Christmas, and it may be a stressful time for many of us. So what do you do to handle stress?
And part 2: what's a favourite non-traditional Christmas carol?

I've started using breathing techniques I learned in yoga. Sometimes I just have to pause and take a nice, deep breath. I also love to grab a cup of tea and a good book, but having time for that is more rare.

My favorite non-traditional Christmas carol is the BareNaked Ladies "Elf's Lament".

QOTD a day late 12/12:

What other little things do you do when you've lost weight to make yourself feel better?

I try to take the time to actually do mani/pedis, and I keep rewarding myself as I go along. I'm a real "carrot" kind of girl, works much better than a stick with me!

: I am coach today so here is the QOTD:Share one thing that you have learned during this challenge that you can continue to use?

I've learned that I really can recover quickly from a vacation if I immediately start to focus when I get home.

PrincessBride -- I cannot say it better than anyone else -- you have to put you first. And maybe, just maybe, you can let some things go. It's hard, but I learned early there wasn't anything I could do for my toddler that dh couldn't do. Not my way or any way I would have thought of, but he survived. I probably didn't read your post carefully enough, but can you get up earlier and do your workouts? That is a lifesaver for me.

I also go to bed at 9:30 every night whether I'm done or not. I need my rest, and I make it a priority. There's no way I could face my days and get up early if I didn't. DH is the opposite -- he goes to the gym around 8 every night. That works for him -- it wouldn't for me, because if I'm tired I will skip the workout. If it's done first thing, I don't have to think about it again. I'm sitting here right now really glad I've already run 4M today. Another huge help is having the word "No" in my vocabulary, and actually using it. It's hard to do at first, but it gets downright joyful after awhile -- I'm saying "No" to you so I can say "Yes" to me -- and it's not selfish, it's my way of giving my family the gift of a healthy, and happy wife and mom, which is invaluable.

Maria

 

[LuvBaloo]

Jumping in to answer the QOTD:
What I've learned this challenge is that I have to exercise if I want to lose weight. And that maintaining is possible.


PrincessBride - I like Lisa's answer, and just want to add that its good to come here and vent because sometimes just venting it out helps to clear your own mind

 

[donac]

Thanks to all the PD for my son. At least he was able to mail it back to the company doing the processing. We went over it last night and I know that he had everything down pat to what he had to do. Now just to wait for the passport to go on to the next step. If all goes well he leaves on Jan 3rd and will not be back until the 16th (yes he is giving up his winter break)


mikamah I did enjoy David Cassiday but I love the Osmonds more. A few years ago we went to the Boy SCout Jamboree and the headlines in the paper was Osmonds performed last night. We were upset that we had missed them until we found out it Osmond-The Next Generation

tiger813 I hope your daughter feels better soon. It is so hard on us when the kids are sick.

princessbride I also can not say anything more that has not already been said. You have to find out what works for you and the family. For me that involves getting up early and going to bed fairly early. If I don't workout in the morning then I probably won't. It has gotten easier since my sons are grown. This year I have the luxury of taking a yoga class one night a week but that has been a long time coming. Good luck

QOTD I too have found out that I have to exercise in order to lose weight.

Have a great evening everyone.

 

[mullysisters]

Share one thing that you have learned during this challenge that you can continue to use?

I've learned that it's not enough to stop eating foods that are not especially healthy, I have to actually eat less of foods which are healthy. I guess in other words -"portion control"!!
Also doing chores is not really exercise, even though it is sometimes hard on my back or my arms. Regular, consistant exercise is what I need (not really doing it regularly, faithfully yet...but I do know that walking is so good for my back)
donac - good wishes to your son!
princessbride - women with families and jobs outside the home continue to amaze me. Just how do you do it
I didn't think I would still be on this board but your support has been very, very helpful. I have really enjoyed keeping up with your lives and hearing your success stories!

 

[corinnak]

QOTD:Share one thing that you have learned during this challenge that you can continue to use?

Two good things:

1. Cross-training is awesome and makes me a stronger runner.

2. I can still lose when using more of my flex points. Thank goodness, because less than 20 points per day feels a lot like starvation rations to me, in the long term anyhow.

OOOPS! That was two things. FAIL! I pick 2 as my one thing, then.

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD:Share one thing that you have learned during this challenge that you can continue to use?

That I don't need to eat as much as I think when on vacation!
I did great this time- only gained a pound anyway ;-)

**Donac-- that's great news about your son- I bet you won't relax until it is all a done deal though...


***Welcome Christmas is sort of traditional I guess, my newest favorite that I Love is Bill Nighy's Christmas is all around us!

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I learned that I feel so much better when I work out! Of course, I haven't had time to workout since Friday except for the massage I gave this afternoon.

DD2's temp is down though she is really congested. She finally ate some chicken nuggets for supper. She's gonna spend tomorrow with Grammy so I can take Grampy shopping. I have to give a 30 minute massage in the morning and then we're heading up to Nashua. Praying that I get some sleep tonight though I'm not as tired as I thought I'd be. I think I did get at least 5 hours of sleep. Going to sleep by 10 last night was a wise move on my part. Hoping to do that again tonight though DH has to do some online work at 10.

Hoping to get the 2 mile in after DD1 goes to school. I really want to get on the Wii Fit tomorrow. I will try after my shopping excursion. Mom is also taking care of fixing supper so I won't have that to worry about.

Time to see what's on tv and get in my jammies!

 

[jennz]

Good morning! Today I am the coach...so here's our question of the day:

During the BL reunion show Julie talked about how the doctor told them that to maintain their weight loss they would have to exercise 1 -1 1/2 hours per day. She said she was like "Oh sure whatever" but has found out that he is right. So - this must become a lifestyle, not a quick-fix diet. This really opened my eyes - my thoughts when the doctor said that were the same as Julie's, and to hear her say it's true, and see how fabulous she looks now, and how she looked before, made me realize I need to do the same thing.

QOTD: How can you fit 1 1/2 hours of exercise into your new lifestyle? It doesn't have to be all at once, it can be spread out over the day.

My goal is 1 hours of dedicated exercise each day - walking, running (one day! lol), video, etc, and 1/2 hour of "other" - parking farther away, vacuuming the house, mowing the lawn.

I'm looking forward to your responses!

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I fit in the 1-1/2 hours a day by starting at 5:30 am. I then do another workout at 7:30. Haven't done anything since Friday due to my schedule and my parents being here. I plan on doing the 2 mile WATP at 7:30ish today. Also hope to do the elliptical or the Wii Fit later today/tonight. Hoping for a maintain the last week and to retain my 20 pound clippie!

I had several compliments at the Christmas party I went to on Saturday. Redwalker's DH gave me a big hug and said that I looked great and he knew how hard I had been working. Another firend emailed me yesterday and told me how awesome I looked and what an inspiration I was. Last night leaving dancing one of DDs classmates mom's told me how great I looked. These compliments and how much better I feel are what really keep me motivated.

Gotta get going!

OT: DD2 slept all night with NO coughing!!!!! First time in 2 weeks!

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks, jennz, for being our coach today and to all of our other coaches this week!

QOTD: How can you fit 1 1/2 hours of exercise into your new lifestyle? It doesn't have to be all at once, it can be spread out over the day

I saw that segment, too, jenn, and went "Wow! I've got to exercise more!" I am another one of the early morning workout folks. So I will do 45 minutes of exercise in the morning and then another 45 minutes of activity during the day -- parking far away, printing to a remote printer, housework, anything to get up to 10,000 steps a day. But it is going to take awhile to work up to that level -- I'll add 200 minutes a month to my exercise challenge goals to get there.

QOTD: I fit in the 1-1/2 hours a day by starting at 5:30 am. I then do another workout at 7:30. Haven't done anything since Friday due to my schedule and my parents being here. I plan on doing the 2 mile WATP at 7:30ish today. Also hope to do the elliptical or the Wii Fit later today/tonight. Hoping for a maintain the last week and to retain my 20 pound clippie!

I had several compliments at the Christmas party I went to on Saturday. Redwalker's DH gave me a big hug and said that I looked great and he knew how hard I had been working. Another firend emailed me yesterday and told me how awesome I looked and what an inspiration I was. Last night leaving dancing one of DDs classmates mom's told me how great I looked. These compliments and how much better I feel are what really keep me motivated.

Gotta get going!

OT: DD2 slept all night with NO coughing!!!!! First time in 2 weeks!

Yay! DD is feeling better! And the tree didn't fall down! So things are looking up for you, Tracey!

You are the champ when it comes to working in the exercise. Your routine is the one that we all aspire too. Isn't nice to know all that hard work paid off and people really notice? Good for you!

I put up the Biggest Loser 9 thread today. But don't you all go running off to that thread right away because we still have lots to do before this challenge is complete! I just wanted it to be up before I left on my trip. I will only be checking that thread every once in awhile while I am gone so I suggest that we continue to chatter on this one until after Christmas. I'll ask ohMom to be sure it is kept open. But do sign up and let me know if you want to coach!

Been up since 3:15 a.m. -- couldn't sleep. Too early to go to work. If I can just get through today, it should be smooth sailing until we leave.

Have a great day all!

 

[tigger813]

DD2 is up, no fever but has been coughing almost non stop!

Got in the 2 mile WATP. And what they say about metabolism is true! I did not eat well at all yesterday and I'm at 160.8! I'm in shock!

 

[jennz]

QOTD: I fit in the 1-1/2 hours a day by starting at 5:30 am. I then do another workout at 7:30. Haven't done anything since Friday due to my schedule and my parents being here. I plan on doing the 2 mile WATP at 7:30ish today. Also hope to do the elliptical or the Wii Fit later today/tonight. Hoping for a maintain the last week and to retain my 20 pound clippie!

I had several compliments at the Christmas party I went to on Saturday. Redwalker's DH gave me a big hug and said that I looked great and he knew how hard I had been working. Another firend emailed me yesterday and told me how awesome I looked and what an inspiration I was. Last night leaving dancing one of DDs classmates mom's told me how great I looked. These compliments and how much better I feel are what really keep me motivated.

Gotta get going!

OT: DD2 slept all night with NO coughing!!!!! First time in 2 weeks!

Congrats on all the great compliments!! You deserve them! You inspire me.

That nighttime cough is the worst isn't it? DD is just getting over hers now, but unfortunately she has "shared" it with DH. Makes for some long (or short, depending how you look at it!) nights! Have you seen that Mucinex commercial with the little mucusses (don't know if I spelled that one right!) jumping around saying, "another day of school missed because we'll keep them up coughing all night!" I was cracking up b/c that was dd when I saw it - I told her that's why she has to take her Mucinex! Anyway....so glad one of your dd's is feeling better and hope dd2's cough goes away quickly.

I saw that segment, too, jenn, and went "Wow! I've got to exercise more!" I am another one of the early morning workout folks. So I will do 45 minutes of exercise in the morning and then another 45 minutes of activity during the day -- parking far away, printing to a remote printer, housework, anything to get up to 10,000 steps a day. But it is going to take awhile to work up to that level -- I'll add 200 minutes a month to my exercise challenge goals to get there.

I like your goal of 10,000 steps - that's a great way to work it in! And you're right it needs to be a work-toward goal, not jump in or we'll all end up injured! (except tigger813 and pjilla lol)

 

[jennz]

Off topic but I wanted to pass along...Disney Dining Reservations is VERY slow right now, no hold time! So if you have any ressies to make over the next 6 months give them a call!

 

[Cinderella Girl]

QOTD: How can you fit 1 1/2 hours of exercise into your new lifestyle? It doesn't have to be all at once, it can be spread out over the day.


I am a teacher, so I get alot of walking, stairs and I even try to participate in Gym class with them. try being the operative word.

I am really trying to get either a dvd in or a trip to the gym 4-5 days a week. Hasn't been that much lately, but I am trying to get back on track.

This is a crazy work week for me, we only have 3 more days till Christmas break and my students are ultra hyper. Can't wait till the 18th, 2 weeks off!

I hope everyone's Christmas planning is going well!

Have a Magical day!

Molly

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD: How can you fit 1 1/2 hours of exercise into your new lifestyle? It doesn't have to be all at once, it can be spread out over the day.

Work is exercise for me-- although not aerobic like the job I had before this. (those darn customers keep slowing me down). I'm still not bored with the View and I have my exercise equipment. On days I'm not home for it and I don't work I've been trying to go for walks with the kid but the weather has been very rough lately. Speed shopping still works for me lol.

Here's a pic off of Guys website. It was really hot in there and I was sweating, but I had to put the precious on (my beautiful coat). Seriously I was being practical I didn't want to have to put stuff down and keep track of it. You can see my husband jumped right in there- he likes guy a lot too,(obviously). I went looking for my gloves after this and he was talking to a guy selling shirts and he told him his Mom loves Guy but he couldn't get an autograph because he worked for the event center so Steve offered to buy him a book (he couldn't buy the merch) and get the autograph for his Mom. So I got another picture on our camera that way and got to talk to him a little too Anyway:

 

[LuvBaloo]

I didn't think I would still be on this board but your support has been very, very helpful. I have really enjoyed keeping up with your lives and hearing your success stories!

Very well said! I totally agree!

hope everybody with sick kids or DH's end up with healthy households for Christmas!

Good morning! Today I am the coach...so here's our question of the day:
QOTD: How can you fit 1 1/2 hours of exercise into your new lifestyle? It doesn't have to be all at once, it can be spread out over the day.

I think I should go back to wear my step counter again. I know I will never get to doing 1.5 hours of structured exercise a day, but I do average about 10,000 steps a day on work days - and wearing work boots with steel toes, and the base steel plate is like walking around with ankle weights on. I am happy that I got in 45 minutes of exercise last night. I pulled out the twister last night which I haven't used for a while. Its like a 'lazy susan' that you stand on and do the twist. I did 15 minutes and I could really feel it in my side-abs. Tonight I'll do it again.

I had several compliments at the Christmas party I went to on Saturday. Redwalker's DH gave me a big hug and said that I looked great and he knew how hard I had been working. Another firend emailed me yesterday and told me how awesome I looked and what an inspiration I was. Last night leaving dancing one of DDs classmates mom's told me how great I looked. These compliments and how much better I feel are what really keep me motivated.

congrats on the compliments! Its great that others are noticing your efforts!

Been up since 3:15 a.m. -- couldn't sleep. Too early to go to work. If I can just get through today, it should be smooth sailing until we leave.

Have a great day all!

Have you seen the commercial for a trip to Disney and the parents are too excited to sleep? Hopefully its trip excitement that is keeping you awake!

I'm nervous but excited that I've got a phone interview this afternoon for a job I applied for. Even if I don't get it, I'm happy that I at least got an interview. Unfortunately, its really making it hard to stay focused and get other things done today.

 

[pjlla]

Went down to weigh in. Was actually excited. Feel good. Felt smaller. Clothes looser. Oh the anticipation. Psyched to get on the scale. Smile on my face. Down .2.

WTH? Guess what other surprise I got. A period this morning when I just had a period a week and a half ago. Obviously my body is whacked. I can't decide whether it is stress (My mom has to have open heart surgery in a couple of months - weeks of waiting for test results) or the lovely menopause. Of which I always thought was friggin' less periods - not a double batch for crying outloud! Why would God grant such a lovely thing? Don't answer. I'm a tad too hormonal for the answer.

to all!

Welcome to my world! Menopause DEFINITELY started for me this year. It seems a bit early (I turned 45 this year), but my doctor has pretty much confirmed it. I had three periods in 5 weeks this spring! ICK! And over the past few months they have been either two or three weeks apart... or 5-6 weeks apart! I definitely can't predict them anymore. Which also means I cannot predict the typical "PMS bloat" on the scales either. Good luck going forward with "the change"!


Good afternoon friends! I TRULY only have about 5 minutes to say Hi! I am crazy busy... right out straight lately. We finally got out Christmas tree in the house on Saturday (squeezed it in between DS's b.ball game and DD's swim meet spaghetti supper) and the lights are on it.... but that is as far as I got. DS put a few of his ornaments on it, but there is remains. I truly don't see ANY time in the schedule to get it finished before next Sunday at the earliest.

I haven't quite finished all of my shopping, I have NO wrapping done, I have an unfinished tree in the living room, and the house is in SHAMBLES! DD has a swim meet almost 2 hours away on Friday night (for her HS) and another meet here at our home pool for her club team on Saturday. DS also has a b.ball game on Saturday, but I'm not sure I'll make it. DD has a COOKING project due in her World Civilizations class on Friday and a major Science test on Thursday and Latin test on Friday (and I told her I would help by making her some flash cards). All of this in addition to tennis, swim, robotics, and work. And it would be LOVELY to get some order in this house.... a messy house stresses me more than most anything else!

Sorry to moan and groan... just kind of thinking out loud. I am not working tomorrow, so hopefully I can bring some order to this place and will feel better about things by tomorrow night.

I have been keeping up with my exercising, but really lost track of my food journaling over the busy weekend. But I'm back to it today. I ran my 5K again last night and this past Friday night. I managed to make a slightly better time each time I ran it, so that is encouraging. I think I'm going to try to make it an every other night thing and work on upper body strength on those days. Then on the alternate days I will do treadclimber (or WATP dvd) and lower body strength training. For those of you with some knowledge of these things, does that sound like a good plan? I will probably be taking Sundays off for now.

Sorry to hop on and off so quickly. Wish I had time to stay and chat and respond to more of the QOTD, but we are out the door in about 30 minutes and I haven't packed my exercise bag yet. Holiday cheer to you all.........P

 

[jennz]

Molly - I'm sure you get a lot of steps in moving around the classroom and school! And participating in gym class -what a great role model for your students!

50sjayne - LOVE the picture!! What a fun time!! And speed shopping definitely counts - your moving fast and covering lots of ground!

Luvbaloo - 10,000 steps with ankle weights you must have some awesome toned legs girl! Woo hoo!! That twisting thingy sounds fun, easy to do and I'll bet you don't realize until the next day that you were using some muscles! How did your phone interview go?

pjilla...deep breath...deep breath...namaste...you are crazy busy!! Great job keeping up with your exercise with that schedule you have, and kudos on the 5ks!! Thanks for checking in.