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

[tigger813]

Monday QOTD:

For go to lunch's I do WW or LC frozen meals or a salad. Or leftovers.

Mostly better, but stomach still off a bit. Having some more water now. Shouldn't have had the Trader Joe's Yellow Curry tonight but it was so good! I'll be paying for it later!

No time to work out again as I was shopping and dealing with the kids this afternoon. I will be mowing the lawn tomorrow morning after taking DD2 to preschool and hopefully doing the Wii Fit or WATP 2 mile. I will be walking with redwalker on Wednesday at the mall for an hour or so.

I was back to my low weight of last week before getting sick so I was happy about that this morning.

I may be signing up for an adult Irish Step class on Monday nights from 7-7:45 starting on the Oct. 5th. Pretty sure I'm going to do it so that will be good exercise. It will last for 6 weeks to begin with. I'll let you know how that goes!

 

[disneychrista]

Not as good, but still will do in a pinch - BK Veggie, no mayo with apple slices.

You make this a better option by forgoing the bun...You will likely save about 250 calories.

Definitely a typo. I do best when I'm tracking as I go. I just don't like tracking so I tend to stop doing it, and then start cheating.

Tracking keeps me in check too. The problem I find is on things that are hard to track...like going out for a meal...you can "guess" at the calories but you really dont know.

 

[jennz]

I've gotten some good breakfast and lunch ideas

My go-to lunches are either a frozen ww or a turkey sandwich. My "should" lunch is a salad, which I do really like and after I eat it I am satisfied, but one of the others is just better for some reason.

 

[DisCanCan]

Monday's QOTD:
What are some of your go-to lunchs that you fix at home or take to work when your rushed for time and don't have leftovers or something to pull out quickly?
I am a creature of habit so my lunches are the same all the time... I make a spinach salad with carrots, broccoli, zucchin & red peppers. I have started to add a 1/2 a tin of tuna to it which I am finding that I am not as hungry with it. I also have a Source yogurt!

I'd like to know what DisCanCan is doing because she lost 6 pounds this week! Woo! Hoo!

I was wondering, though, what everyone is doing to achieve their weight loss? Are there a lot of Weight Watchers on the board? What are other things people are doing?

My plan that is helping me so far is that I am sort of doing Weight Watchers. I can't afford to do the online plan or go to the meetings (cuz I am always saving for the next Disney trip ) But I made a spreadsheet that is like the online tracker & I am using that. I am also staying away from processed food which is difficult but I am finding that I am getting more creative with my meal planing. I have also started a Booty Fitness Camp with is 2 days a week for an hour & I do Pilates once a week. The days that I am not at Booty Camp I walk 5 k.

 

[jennz]

DisCanCan, would you be willing to share your spreadsheet? It sounds like something I've been looking for!

 

[corinnak]

You make this a better option by forgoing the bun...You will likely save about 250 calories.

Thanks for the advice - I hadn't thought about leaving off the bun before, I must admit, so I took the opportunity to go use BK's interactive nutritional tool - very cool!

It's actually not that big a sandwich so forgoing the bun saves 150 calories. Granted, they are not the healthiest calories, but if I leave off both the bun and the mayo, I end up with a 190 calorie meal...which is not really going to be enough, for me anyhow. I usually eat meals in the realm of 300-400 calories, so I figure I can have either the mayo or the bun. I think the bun makes it seem a lot more substantial. If I were in a calorie crunch (which is not usually an issue - I might leave off the top bun and save about 80 calories. (2 points) Disclaimer: I don't get these very often - only in airports or long car trips, really!

For me, if I get into trying to eat as few calories as possible, I get into a whole 'nother realm of problems. I am trying to find a reasonable balance. As long as I track it, things tend to work out!

 

[Colleen27]

I was wondering, though, what everyone is doing to achieve their weight loss? Are there a lot of Weight Watchers on the board? What are other things people are doing?

Right now, I'm working on just being aware of what I'm eating, how much, how active I am, etc. I will put together a more concrete plan of attack as the weeks go on, but right now I just want to get a firm grasp on what my problem areas are.

Just being aware of my eating habits has made for some big changes. I really had no clue how much mindless eating I was doing until I started minding my diet, you know?

I've also been walking more deliberately, as exercise with an eye on my pace rather than just as transportation, and I'm starting the C25K program next week.

 

[Colleen27]

Monday's QOTD:

What are some of your go-to lunchs that you fix at home or take to work when your rushed for time and don't have leftovers or something to pull out quickly?

Lean Cuisine/Smart Ones or bagged salad, mostly. I'm usually home at lunch time so I just grab something quick, and I've been making sure I have something that is both quick and healthy on hand so that I'm not reaching for junk or tempted to go out.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

For me, if I get into trying to eat as few calories as possible, I get into a whole 'nother realm of problems. I am trying to find a reasonable balance. As long as I track it, things tend to work out!

I totally understand what you're saying! I get into a little contest with myself about how little I can eat, I do that for a day or so, and then I eat everything in sight!

Corinna I think you have the right attitude -- everything in moderation, and you will feel healthy and strong!

Maria

 

[MelanieC]

Oh, and Melanie, since you brought up your hummus recipe, could you please share it with us again?

I'm going to have to look for that Ezekiel stuff because I hear you all talking about it all the time.

Yep the Ezekiel is my favorite. I love it because there are so few ingredients and they are all wholesome and healthy. It's Jillian Michael's bread of choice too!! I think Bob eats eat too.


1 can garbanzo beans
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup tahini
Juice of 2 lemons (or 4-6 tablespoons of organic Santa Cruz Lemon Juice)
salt to taste
0-4 cloves of garlic (most times I make this without garlic so I don't smell, lol)
Water as needed

Place all ingredients except water in food processor and process until smooth. Add a small amount of water as needed to thin out to desired consistancy.

I like my hummus smooth, so I add a little water at a time till I get it to a consistancy that makes me happy. I make this ALL the time and keep it in the fridge for a quick meal or snack.

Also its great as a replacement for mayo in tuna salad, egg salad and when making deviled eggs. Its pretty darn close to the mayo taste and healthier.

I LOVE a tomato and cucumber in a tortilla with hummus - yummo!

 

[Piglet18]

Is it too late to join?

 

[lisaviolet]

January - your question.

For me I don't look at food at all. I know that it's not common on this board - or for everyone of course - but it has worked for me. I've lost somewhere around 60-70. No idea on the exact number because I was off scale for a long time in the beginning. I was over 80 but I slid back this year. I sold one place and was in other people's houses waiting for this place and lack of environment/routine ......well let's just say not a good thing for me.

I also was so tired of the scale instead of just being grateful for where I was at.

For the food part - I only eat what I absolutely adore. Only. For me a lot of overeating came when I ate something and then endlessly searched the rest of the night for what I REALLY wanted. The only change from my heavier days is I try to eat consciously. Try.

Exercise - that's what I focus on. And that's what I let go for a bit - hence the bit of a slide. I do a six on - two off schedule. Every other one of those days is heavy intervals.

Hi to everyone. I can hardly keep up with this thread but I am reading.

 

[lisaviolet]

Is it too late to join?

Never Piglet. Welcome . One of the leaders will find you!

 

[lisah0711]

I may be signing up for an adult Irish Step class on Monday nights from 7-7:45 starting on the Oct. 5th. Pretty sure I'm going to do it so that will be good exercise. It will last for 6 weeks to begin with. I'll let you know how that goes!

Glad that you are on the mend. Your step class sounds like fun!

Yep the Ezekiel is my favorite. I love it because there are so few ingredients and they are all wholesome and healthy. It's Jillian Michael's bread of choice too!! I think Bob eats eat too.

Thank you! I finally found some tahini so will try some. I love hummus and this looks quick and easy.

Is it too late to join?

Piglet 18! It is never to late to join! Please PM your starting weight to LuvBaloo. You might also want to check out the COW (challenge of the week) in progress http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33525584&postcount=46

Discancan, thanks for sharing your secret. Sounds like you have found something that works for you!

 

[MelanieC]

Right now, I'm working on just being aware of what I'm eating, how much, how active I am, etc. I will put together a more concrete plan of attack as the weeks go on, but right now I just want to get a firm grasp on what my problem areas are.

Just being aware of my eating habits has made for some big changes. I really had no clue how much mindless eating I was doing until I started minding my diet, you know?

I've also been walking more deliberately, as exercise with an eye on my pace rather than just as transportation, and I'm starting the C25K program next week.

I love that your working on this and really looking at your eating habits and it sounds like a plan that will last! Way to go!

Thanks for the advice - I hadn't thought about leaving off the bun before, I must admit, so I took the opportunity to go use BK's interactive nutritional too - very cool!

It's actually not that big a sandwich so forgoing the bun saves 150 calories. Granted, they are not the healthiest calories, but if I leave off both the bun and the mayo, I end up with a 190 calorie meal...which is not really going to be enough, for me anyhow. I usually eat meals in the realm of 300-400 calories, so I figure I can have either the mayo or the bun. I think the bun makes it seem a lot more substantial. If I were in a calorie crunch (which is not usually an issue - I might leave off the top bun and save about 80 calories. (2 points) Disclaimer: I don't get these very often - only in airports or long car trips, really!

For me, if I get into trying to eat as few calories as possible, I get into a whole 'nother realm of problems. I am trying to find a reasonable balance. As long as I track it, things tend to work out!

I agree - If I eat too little I find I'll run into problems too. Tracking is so vital. Without tracking I fail!

Monday's QOTD:
What are some of your go-to lunchs that you fix at home or take to work when your rushed for time and don't have leftovers or something to pull out quickly?
I am a creature of habit so my lunches are the same all the time... I make a spinach salad with carrots, broccoli, zucchin & red peppers. I have started to add a 1/2 a tin of tuna to it which I am finding that I am not as hungry with it. I also have a Source yogurt!





My plan that is helping me so far is that I am sort of doing Weight Watchers. I can't afford to do the online plan or go to the meetings (cuz I am always saving for the next Disney trip ) But I made a spreadsheet that is like the online tracker & I am using that. I am also staying away from processed food which is difficult but I am finding that I am getting more creative with my meal planing. I have also started a Booty Fitness Camp with is 2 days a week for an hour & I do Pilates once a week. The days that I am not at Booty Camp I walk 5 k.

Great job with the track sheet.

I've gotten some good breakfast and lunch ideas

My go-to lunches are either a frozen ww or a turkey sandwich. My "should" lunch is a salad, which I do really like and after I eat it I am satisfied, but one of the others is just better for some reason.

I love the ideas too

You make this a better option by forgoing the bun...You will likely save about 250 calories.



Tracking keeps me in check too. The problem I find is on things that are hard to track...like going out for a meal...you can "guess" at the calories but you really dont know.

For things you don't know. I find it best to just try to break it down to what you think is in it and guestimate and move on. I find I can usually lose even when I do this.

Monday QOTD:

For go to lunch's I do WW or LC frozen meals or a salad. Or leftovers.

Mostly better, but stomach still off a bit. Having some more water now. Shouldn't have had the Trader Joe's Yellow Curry tonight but it was so good! I'll be paying for it later!

No time to work out again as I was shopping and dealing with the kids this afternoon. I will be mowing the lawn tomorrow morning after taking DD2 to preschool and hopefully doing the Wii Fit or WATP 2 mile. I will be walking with redwalker on Wednesday at the mall for an hour or so.

I was back to my low weight of last week before getting sick so I was happy about that this morning.

I may be signing up for an adult Irish Step class on Monday nights from 7-7:45 starting on the Oct. 5th. Pretty sure I'm going to do it so that will be good exercise. It will last for 6 weeks to begin with. I'll let you know how that goes!

Glad your feeling better

Sunday's QOTD:
Besides Disney where is someplace that you would like to vacation at?

I have always wanted to visit the New England area and eventually visit Italy!!!!

I hope you all have a great week!! I'm 4 short days away from Disney!! I'm so excited!! I bought clothes specifically for Disney in mind a couple of months ago and they were all a bit too tight! I tried them on last night and they fit perfectly WOOT!! I was so excited I couldn't believe! I can't wait to be styling my way around Disney LOL!!!

How exciting - have a great time

I would like to start off by saying thank you to all who maintain and post on this thread. It's finally giving me the boost I need to shed some of the weight I've been carrying around for the past 17 years!!! I also love the QOTD, it's giving me motivation every single day.

Okay now to catch up on QOTD's

QOTD(Saturday) - What are your favorite go to breakfasts while losing weight and maintaining? Here lately it's been one scrambled egg (scrambled in the microwave) on a piece of toast. I'm typically running late every morning and this is quick and easy.

QOTD (Sunday) - Besides Disney where is some place you would like to vacation at? Europe, Paris in particular, and New York City. There are many, many more but those top my list.

Glad the thread is helping!!!! Keep up the great work.

Jen, where are you staying? We are pulling into AKL on Thursday night, staying through Sunday and doing HS on Friday. Maybe we will run into each other. Maybe one of us will be trailing the other to keep tabs on our weight loss journey, well as much as you can being at Disney. Just kidding ya! Enjoy your trip!



January, if you have an iPhone or an iTouch there is a free app called "Lose It" and it does all that too, calorie intake, calories burned, goals and it can be customized for other things too. I have been using it for over a week and I really like it so far. We also do Nutrisystem about 75% of the time, I like the convenience of the pre-packaged foods.

Have fun and enjoy your trip

The core of my "plan" is exercise & calorie counting. I keep my calories in the 1200 - 1500 range. I exercise twice a day (most days). A 30 minute dog walk that is just under 2 miles Then in the evening I do 3 - 5 miles of In Home Walking (WATP/Leslie Sansone). I am committing myself to also doing weight training 3 days per week. The weight training is not something that I like, so I am going to have to push myself to do it.

I'm at the 1200-1500 calorie range too. See now I should add the weight training too. I actually love it, well the upper body part. I love how I feel after lifting weights. I feel so strong!!

JanuaryF: I've been successful with WW online and exercising at home. I've noticed that when I quit tracking everything as I eat it, that I do the best.



If I don't have leftover or frozen meals, then I will just grab a peanut butter sandwich and a container of veggies (raw fresh ones, or even just throw some frozen veggies into a container for microwaving), fresh fruit, cheese-string (that covers snacks and lunch).

Today I'm trying a new frozen lunch. Its only 5 pt for WW and its high in fibre (5g), total 260cal and looks good. Its a Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers. I decided to try the Grilled Chicken Red Pepper Alfredo (has lots of broccoli). The dish it comes in has the sauce in the bottom, and then the rest sitting in a steamer tray. Hopefully it tastes good. Has anybody else tried these ones?

Interesting that you do better when not tracking. I eat more when I don't. It's a recipe for disaster.

Monday's QOTD:


This sounds crazy but I drive 10 hours a day so I can't always cook something and food doesn't always keep in the truck (in the warm weather)
I "drink" soups that come in Tetra boxes like Campbells or Gardennay. Usually they are fairly low in calories, high in fibre and vitamins. It's just easier to cut them open and drink right out of the carton! Lots of them are good cold or at room temperature, and they are very filling. Even the cream soups are reasonably low in fat.
They stop me from buying fast food!

Yikes - 10 hours a day!! That is my biggest nightmare, lol - I hate driving.

Monday's QOTD: What are some of your go-to lunchs that you fix at home or take to work when your rushed for time and don't have leftovers or something to pull out quickly?

My favorite is a salad, w/ff feta cheese, turkey breast, garbanzo beans, corn, black beans, ff croutons and homemade oil/vinagar/spices/honey dressing.

That sounds similiar to a salad I make but with Chicken instead. I like greek salads too.

 

[stitch1986]

Monday's QOTD:
What are some of your go-to lunchs that you fix at home or take to work when your rushed for time and don't have leftovers or something to pull out quickly?

my on the go lunch is usually small salad with one of nutrisystem apple and a diet coke

and as far as my weight loss I usually have smallportion meals for breakfast lunch and dinner I dont eat after 7 and i usually have a snack from breakfast to lunch because I start ssooo early at work

 

[MelanieC]

Is it too late to join?

It's never too late Welcome!

For the food part - I only eat what I absolutely adore. Only. For me a lot of overeating came when I ate something and then endlessly searched the rest of the night for what I REALLY wanted. The only change from my heavier days is I try to eat consciously. Try.

Hmm- I feel like this is me. I'm in a rut right now where I can't get back on track and then once I eat something I shouldn't I eat and endlessly search for the rest of the night trying to figure out what I really want. I think the problem is what I really want is not in the house, lol.

 

[Piglet18]

Yay! Thank you! I am so excited!

 

[disneychrista]

Thanks for the advice - I hadn't thought about leaving off the bun before

I started doing this so I could have the fries too

For me a lot of overeating came when I ate something and then endlessly searched the rest of the night for what I REALLY wanted.

Exercise - that's what I focus on. Hi to everyone.

Food - I find this to be so true. If you are really craving chocolate cake or pizza, carrots just aren't going to cut it. You are beter of having a SMALL slice of cake or a piece (or two) of pizza. You can only trick your brain so much, it knows the difference between pizza and carrots.

Exercise - for me this is the glue. When I don't exercise everything seems to fall apart.

 

[corinnak]

I started doing this so I could have the fries too

That makes sense then! I like the apple fries, no caramel, so I'd rather have the bun! It's all about choices, isn't it? We can eat anything we want, we just can't eat EVERYTHING we want!