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

[airtime247]

Ok I'm here to confess!

I've been having trouble staying on track. Not one day since we started have I had a good day. I think its because I've had so many days in the past month and a half of eating out and being on vacation. I was able to get back on track after Disney, but it's proving harder after the Vegas trip.

So today I'm recommiting. I got up and had oat bran with a banana and raw almond butter. I need to get a handle on this.

Did anyone see the report on how saturated fat triggers your brain not to know its full and this is how they believe binge eaters get in trouble. Interesting.

I know exactly what you mean. Vacations are the worst for me. We always end up eating out a lot in the week leading up to a vacation as we try to save time for packing and try not to dirty up dishes and mess up the house.

After we get back, it takes a few days to get back on track as we haven't been grocery shopping yet. It is also a lot harder to get back into our exercise routines.

Good for you for recommiting. Best of luck to you!

I didn't see the report you mentioned but I did read a good book called "The End of Overeating" by David A Kessler, MD that talks about our addiction to food because of the fat, salt and sugar intentionally added to restaurant and processed foods. It was a real eye-opener.

-steve

 

[chrisula]

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?

My 1st trip to Disneyland was when I was 20 and I loved every minute of it!!!

I have two favorite memories, our trip to WDW in 2008 was a wonderful visit but the 1st time my boys had been to WDW and we all had a great time and a highlight would have to be enjoying Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon with them. Also on that trip the Italian Mime at Epcot called my oldest boy up to help him and my son did an outstanding job, he had lots of facial expressions and the crowd loved his enthusiasm. Oh wait I have one more during Spring Break this year we went to WDW with my BFF and her family, she got called out to hand a dollar bill to a bird during the bird show in Animal Kingdom, when the bird flew back to her to return the money my BFF didn't open up her hand and the bird was all frazzled and started pecking at her hand so she would get the hint to open her hand up so he could give the money back to her - oh it was so funny

 

[donac]

HI everyone. This is going to be fast. Yesterday I had no time for the computer. I was at the foot doctor's office for almost 2 hours. Between the initial wait, the wait for the doctor, the wait for the xrays to be taken and the wait to get my feet casted for new orthotics (shoe inserts) and $500 latter I finally got out. Then I had to get something for the computer and get dinner. The only thing I did was send some pictures of my fil to my sil for their insurance company.


Wed QOTD:
Its a fact of life, that you will have to deal with stress. What non-food thing do you do to de-stress?
I love to knit or do needlwork.

Will be back this afternoon after another doctor's appointment.

 

[Desiree]

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?

Good morning everyone!

I feel like I started this challenge slowly but I think now things are sinking in. Exercise has become a *must* again.

My first trip was to DisneyWorld at age 3. I don't remember much of it though! But since then I've made about 35 trips so I have plenty of memories to choose from!

A few of my favorite memories are the first time my daughter saw Magic Kingdom and her first parade/fireworks/character encounter! It was magical! My other favorite moment was my honeymoon. It was the perfect trip with me and dh!

Oh I guess another favorite moment would be when we got stuck on Space Mountain. We were just at the incline where the then Wedway People mover rides through. I was a teenager when this happened and a group of boys kept riding around repeatedly on the People Mover. It was pretty entertaining! Also of course, seeing what S.M. looks like on the inside with the lights on!

 

[HallsInTheKingdom]

Awww, there's no better place to turn 1! Alas, my little angel has a July birthday and we're not big fans of heat or crowds, so it is unbirthday trips for her.

Tell me about it, we made the decision to take our oldest to Disney for her birthday in June, we knew it would be very hot but we made the exception because it was her 5th birthday, a big one, and the fact she is starting kindergarten. We made sure to make it clear this was a 1 time thing, because it was HOT!!!!!!! But we did have a great time!

 

[mullysisters]

My first visit to WDW was when I was 20yrs old. We grew up with very little disposable income. My mom didn't work (4 kids) and my parents had never travelled themselves. Until then we had only camped for vacations. On that first trip with younger sister and brother we went to the MK early hours and there was no one there!! The CM at Peter Pan let us stay on the ride and go around three times! Imagine that!

My best memory is when my sister took me for my 50th, that was last year! She booked us at CSR, we had been there for drinks on a previous visit and I wanted so badly to stay there.
Boma is my favorite restuarant and we had the most wonderful CM. I've put in two pictures- you can tell how happy I was.

Breakfast at CP

Dinner at Boma
Two buffets in one day? I'm starting to see a pattern

Oh happy Days Thanks for the great question, Luvbaloo, you've made my day!!!

 

[HallsInTheKingdom]

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?

I was 8 the first time we went to MK. We had just moved to FL from MI to come and take care of our ill grandparents.

Favorite memory!

Memorial Day weekend 2009, it was a last minute what are we gonna do today, hey lets go to Disney! Allison was 8 months old, and this was her first time riding Winnie the Pooh. The sheer joy and excitement made me so happy and brings a tear to my eye everytime I think about this! If you look closely you can see the line of drool coming out of her mouth.

 

[JanuaryF]

Hi all!

I wanted to introduce myself - I just joined the group last night and I tend to be more of a lurker than a poster, but I would like to change that. So here it goes...

Hi. My name is January. I'm a working mom (I'm a tech writer) living in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. I started off 2009 with the need to change my life and get healthy. No medical reasons (besides my general weight), but wanted to become thinner and more active for the sake of my family.

I am married to a great, supportive man, James, who is also the cook in the family - which makes it even more important that he support me in this, which he does. He has actually lost about 70lbs this year, which really irritates me (but in a good way). I also have two little girls, Eowyn (5.5) and Kiera (3).

Since starting my new lifestyle, I have joined a gym, which was a huge thing for me as I haven't stepped into a gymnasium since grade 9. I've been going at least twice a week, and have even been using a personal trainer for the past 5 months or so. I had my last session with her this week, so now I'm on my own and could use a bit more support to get my butt into the gym. I've also taken up running with the Couch to 5k program (C25k). Its been great to get me moving, and the running is way more convenient than going to the gym. I started the year at 257, and am down to 217 and I am very proud of myself.

Anyways... For the QOTD:
"How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?"

I think my first visit was in about 1977, and I really don't have any memories that aren't planted by the pictures I've seen. My grandparents had a home in the area and we went down to visit them in the winter 3 or 4 times. My real memory is that every time we went, the Tea Cups were broken/not running. Grrr. This trip I am going on darn the Tea Cups!

Jan

 

[mikamah]

I am pleased to report I've been on track with the COW and tracking my WW points to date. This is big for me, I'm not a good tracker! It's also a bit of a stressful week, but I've been making tracking a priority, and then it happens! I discovered a great method for the COW -- I just write the item & #s on a post-it, then I check it off as I do it -- 8 glasses of water = 8 checks under "water"! It's portable, it's easy to keep up with, and I don't have to think alot. Tomorrow I will have all my post-its, and be able to count my points. I'm also going to make a spreadsheet, but you can't beat post-its for ease!

Maria

Great job staying on track. I'm using the post it method for the cow too. It's so easy to have it right in front of me when I go on the computer.

Umm - just want to say that I adore naps. As in ADORE.

Naps can be wonderful, can't they? The only problem is if it's too long, and then I can't sleep that night. Guess I haven't mastered the nap.

The first part of this challenge is always hard, I find the large thread intimidating. Admittedly tonight (and especially tomorrow night as I have restraint training until 9:00) I will be skipping the many pages in between.

It can be overwhelming, but also inspiring. When I am having a weak moment, it's nice to come and see how well the others are doing and help to get back on track. The great thing about this challenge is that if you have time for the thread, great, but if not, you'll still be a part of this wonderful group. Hope your work gets easier as your students get to know and trust you.

Here goes the last QOTD for my coaching week:

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?
:

Love this question. I love reading everyones special memories. It's hard to pick just one, so I'll pick two but they're the same day. My son's 5th b-day just he and I got up early and went to the MK for opening ceremony for the first time, and it was so beautiful, and I felt truly blessed to be there. He was so enthralled watching the train come in, and then we just took our time heading into the park, met pinocchio, took pictures, and just enjoyed a nice, peaceful morning. Then after a busy day with everyone we were traveling with, we ended with my brother, sisin law and niece as the osborne light, and michael and my niece just chilled and relaxed in the stroller, and we adults got an eggnog, and sat and relaxed on a bench and took it all in. It was such a nice ending to a fun day. I had planned to take my son for his 5th bday since I was pregnant.

Almost forgot, I was in my late 20s on my first trip, can't remember exactly when.

Will be back this afternoon after another doctor's appointment.

Not a fun couple days for you, dona. Good luck today.

 

[ohMom]

morning folksk

jessi -- wow, you are a great teacher!

dona -- how frustrating a simple doc visit can be! been there! i think i'm needing new orthotics too....been stalling action on that

tried to read all but admit it's overwhelming. however I can say that you all have motivated me here a bit this morning

my first trip to WDW I was 27 years old and i've been hooked since each trip has it's own character and favorite moments; one of my favorites was the Thanksgiving cruise (2004 i think) my parents went too, it was a double dip at Castaway Cay and my first 7 day.

off i go.....cyber to all for a GREAT day on plan..one step closer on the journey

 

[mikamah]

January! This is a great group of people to get to know and come out of lurkerdom with. Funny, when I first joined this board, I would read on the family board or budget board, and come across some threads that were so controversial, and was very intimidated to post, but I've really settled here on wish, and I don't think I have ever read a post or thread that is not friendly and supportive. And congrats on 40 pounds gone!! that's fabulous.

HallsInTheKingdom- what a cutie-patootie. Don't you just love the drool! adorable.

mullysisters- Great pictures. I love the crystal palace. I'm 45, and am planning to do a disney cruise for my 50th. Can't wait. Well, can wait to turn 50, but not for the cruise.

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Everyone,

Two successful days of tracking WW pts this week. Hopefully that will make up for the slow start I had over the weekend. If not at least I'm building momentum for next week.

I was 24 when I went to Disney for the first time. Two favorite memories: one is when we brought my kids for the first time. They were 5, 2 & 2. My DD who was afraid of most of the characters finally opened up when she met the Princesses in Toon Town. She was wearing her Belle shirt and began to tell Princess Aurora all about it after she was completely quiet when she met Belle. #2 is when my DH and I went by ourselves and stayed at MK until 1 AM going on all the rides we couldn't go on when we were there with the kids.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[jennz]

QOTD:

My first trip to Disney was when I was 10 or so, but I don't really remember it. A few years later my mom was working there and she took my brother and me there during the summer to hang out at the Contemporary and swim and play while she worked...that was fun.

My favorite memory...this has to be on dd's first trip, the first time she walked down the street and saw the castle...she was 4, I cried - the look on her face! Then meeting the princesses at Cindy's...it was like if I met Brad Pitt! I worked at WDW and never "got it"...thanks to a little girl now I get the magic.

 

[Colleen27]

Tell me about it, we made the decision to take our oldest to Disney for her birthday in June, we knew it would be very hot but we made the exception because it was her 5th birthday, a big one, and the fact she is starting kindergarten. We made sure to make it clear this was a 1 time thing, because it was HOT!!!!!!! But we did have a great time!

We took our older daughter to Disney for her 6th birthday in Aug '07. That wasn't so bad, though, because her birthday is late in the month so it was hot but not crowded. And we were only there for 3 nights, with 2 park days and a lot of time in the pool at the Beach Club!

I can handle hot. I can handle crowded. I canNOT handle both together.

 

[Northern_Julie]

My own childhood visits are a huge blur because we lived in Florida between 5 and 7 years old.
But we took my nephew for his 5th birthday. I mentioned earlier that I watched Dumbo a lot with him...because he lived at home and was like a brother. M favorite memory is him on Dumbo. The look on his face was pure wonder. I rode an elephant in front and took pics of him. My father was converting this to DVD when I was home visiting and I managed to well up and cry.
We did a fireworks cruise with him to and he really enjoyed driving and the Boardwalk Bakery made him a Flick from Bugs Life cake that was amazing
That was our last visit as a huge family.

The next special visit was last year. Mom and I met up and it was a very special adult trip with Dine with Imagineer, Afternoon tea and the Key to Kingdom Tour.

 

[mullysisters]

I've also taken up running with the Couch to 5k program (C25k). Its been great to get me moving, and the running is way more convenient than going to the gym. I started the year at 257, and am down to 217 and I am very proud of myself.


Jan

January F : Hi- I've just read your blog and I'm impressed and inspired. I'm going to look up that C25k plan, if you don't mind, and start it too. Your weight loss pics are great.

 

[Colleen27]

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?

My first Disney trip was when I was 18, as a graduation present. My mom always wanted to take us to Disney World, but she was a single mom and couldn't afford it when we were small, and by the time she had climbed the ladder enough to afford it, I was involved in fastpitch softball and competitive swim and my brother was playing football. Summer vacation got too busy for trips! So we didn't go until I was graduating, when my mom asked what I wanted for one last big family vacation.

My very favorite Disney memory is of DD8's 6th birthday trip. It was a really short trip, 1 day at Epcot, 1 at MK and a Pirate & Princess party. The party we had tickets to was the night before DD's actual birthday, and we stayed in the park until closing. At the very end of the night, maybe 10 minutes to midnight, DD was waiting to get on Dumbo for one last ride and started talking to the CM running the ride. She told the CM all about how the trip was her birthday present from Grandma and that the next day was her birthday. At that point the park was almost empty, and my kids ended up being the only ones on the last ride of Dumbo. The CM made that they longest Dumbo ride ever, so that DD got to spend the first few minutes of her birthday riding one of her favorite rides in the middle of an empty Fantasyland.

 

[JanuaryF]

January F : Hi- I've just read your blog and I'm impressed and inspired. I'm going to look up that C25k plan, if you don't mind, and start it too. Your weight loss pics are great.

Thanks! Of course I don't mind - it's a good way to get started. It's funny - I've always been an 'exercise is bad' person, and now I look forward to running. Have fun with it!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Its time for another fun question. How old were you on your first trip to Disneyland or DisneyWorld? And what's one (or more) of your favourite Disney memories (either at a park, cruise ship, or even just watching Disney)?

My first trip was to Disneyland for the 25th anniversary, I was 7. My dad's Coast Guard band was in the big parade so we all got to go. My first trip to WDW was in 2004, I was a lot older then 7. LOL We discovered WDW by accident, we were looking for a family vacation spot and at first we wanted to do a cruise so I started searching and I came upon the Disney Cruise Line. We loved it and as we looked we saw the land and sea cruise, well when DH saw Animal Kingdom Lodge he was all over it so we just booked a land trip.

Favorite Disney Memory:
I have 4, the first is DS13 meeting Mary Poppins for the first time. This was our very first trip and it was for DS13's 8th birthday He glowed! I mean red face, couldn't talk etc etc etc. DH got a great shot of him staring up at her blushing from ear to ear.

#2 is DS - also our first trip, we were standing in line waiting for the Holiday Bus at Epcot and right as Chip and Dale got off the bus they took DS8, age 3 at the time and walked him all the way over to the store at the front of World Showcase. The lady behind me said "hey they just stole somebody's kid!"

#3 is DS7. In our April 2005 trip DS7, 3 at the time loved the power rangers. and DS7 is obsessed with red, like crazy obsessed to the point that there is no other color in the world but Red. Anyway, DH and I spot Red Power Ranger so we duck into line and DS7 is totally clueless. When we got to the head of the line he finally saw Red, yelled RED POWER RANGER! and ran straight into his arms for the biggest hug. Red had no idea that was going to happen, he was ready for a hight five or something. was just thrilled to pieces and was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day.

#4 was Sept 2008, DH and I took her on a singleton trip without the boys(they each get their own trips sometimes) and we hunted and hunted for Snow White for the whole weekend. No one go their story straight as to where she was going to be. On our last day we hung out at Epcot to look for her and we were told she was at MK, so over to MK we go. We headed over to Town Hall and they told us she would be out next to Exposition Hall any minute so we head over there and get in line. DD was over the moon when Snow came out. They twirled and curtsied and had a blast and we go the best picture DH and I have ever taken there.

sorry it's so long, I couldn't just pick one!!!

p.s. mine is just watching my family have fun and being carefree. Especially seeing DH loosen up, his job is tough and he never gets down time except at WDW.

 

[anut4disney]

Okay I am playing catch up.

Tues. QOTD - Favorite Disney Movie - OMG I love them all! Some of them are Swiss Family Robinson, Pollyanna, Parent Trap (heck anything with Haley Mills), Peter Pan, Bambi, 101 Dalmations, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Toy Story (both) the list goes on and on.

Wed. QOTD - What non-food thing you do to de-stress? - Reading in the tub or bed, reading trip reports, computer, taking pictures, playing with grandkids.

Thur. QOTD - How old first trip and favorite memories. - I was 25 when I went with my dh to be at that time there was only the Magic Kingdom. Favorite memories I have a few.

This is my dd at the age of 3. Check out the old time stroller. Dopey just walked up and bent over and she leaned forward and touched noses, she wasn't afraid at all.

The second one was when dd was 6 and we went with another couple and their two children. One day we were still in our rooms when housekeeping came to do her thing. This wonderful lady allowed our kids to "help" her clean up. They got to put out clean towels and even cleaned up their toys all the while asking the lady a million questions. At the end she gave each one of them an apple for helping her.

One of the most recent was in 2005 when the grandkids were 6. We at at Liberty Tavern with the character meal. Dgs is very shy but this time really did well with the characters until this particular meal. He decided that he was tired of them coming over and everytime they came by he would put his head under the table. The characters were so funny because they knew he was there and tried their best to get him to come out but he wasn't having any of it so his sister had them all to herself.