Biggest Loser 9 Spring challenge -- Part 2! HERE WE ARE! :)

[happysmyly]

Good morning, everyone!
I love eating my breakfast reading through your posts... and was feeling very sorry for those of you with snow again this morning. And then--well I look out my window here and, yes, indeed, it's snowing here again! Agh! We had such plans today to get some stuff done outside (putting up a new fence around the chicken coop so they can get outside again).

I am still coughing and congested which has made it hard to exercise this week--but I am very pleased to report a really good loss this morning--the pounds from the funeral/trip are gone as well as an additional 3 pounds!!!

I am finally a believer in the power of drinking lots of water (have always just done the minimums) and want to thank Donac for the COWs--they really helped me keep more on track this week than I would have without it. And a huge thank you to everyone here--you guys are the best!!!

Have a great day and a fabulously magical weekend!!
Liz

 

[princessbride6205]

Hello, all! I will be your coach this week.
I'm 28, mom to a 2.5 yr old DD, work full time outside the home, and I've always been interested in fitness. I just haven't always put that into practice. After DD was born I didn't exercise regularly and I was eating too much. I managed to lose the baby weight relatively easily so I just stopped trying after I saw that number. (Of course not taking into account that my pre-baby weight was the heaviest I'd ever been!) I started my current weight loss journey in early 2009 and joined BL. I've lost 20 pounds, and I only have 1 pound to go to goal - so much of this success is due to the support and accountability I've found here.

Friday QOTD: How do you deal with treats? Do you have a splurge day, avoid them altogether, find healthy treats?

 

[tigger813]

Friday QOTD: I eat Skinny COWS and as you all know, I have my handful of M&Ms everyday! On the weekends I splurge a bit with my DRINKS!

Tonight I will have a nice supper and a piece of cheesecake and a drink! DH and I each had a Boston Market meal that was uner 500 calories so we are saving up for supper. I am about to go make some chocolate chip cookies for the girls and baby-sitter. She is a co-worker/college student who has several younger siblings so I'm totally psyched that she's coming tonight to spend with the girls. She is going to paint their nails for this weekend so they are also psyched. I will leave them money for pizza.

 

[maiziezoe]

Thanks for the info on the teams! I'm also so hesitant about joining an established group, like I'm an outsider. My own hang up.

I'm soooo glad your son asked you about that and didn't just listen to what his peers said! Great opportunity for you to have that discussion. I throw out comments all the time because like you said, they're talking about it at school.

I'll join with you Jen!!!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I'm gleeful! Like bouncing up and down gleeful! After eight years, I'm finally below the weight I was on the day I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter! I've been bouncing around with the same 20-30 pounds for that long! Okay, minus the nine months pregnant with DD1 and nine months pregnant with DD2, but still! I'm so happy, happy, happy!

AND! I get to put a 30 pound sign on my siggy!

AND! I've lost enough as of today that my scale is now showing my weight loss in 0.2 increments instead of 0.5 increments!

Yep, giddy!

 

[maiziezoe]

I am having an awesome day!

My weigh in this morning was FAN-freaking-Tastic. Down 3.7 pounds for the week. I've now lost a total of 35.3 pounds and I am in WONDERLAND! Oh, it feels so good!!!

I'm going out tonight for the first time in a long time. I'm seeing some friends that I haven't seen in years (since I was thin 6 years ago)... so, they are going to think I am so much heavier than I used to be, but I know I've lost 35 pounds. So crazy... but I am beyond excited. *giggle*... I was just thinking about the last time a majority of them saw me... I had red hair and bangs! Now I have black, long, straight, bangless hair! Oh, and I used to drink back then... I haven't done that in over 6 years. Thank goodness I am still completely obnoxious when I am sober!!! Whooo Hooo! It's going to be FUN!

QOTD: What have you done to get your family on board with your new healthy lifestyle? Are they excited to try new things with you or do they grumble about the changes?

I started cooking healthful meals. They don't really have a choice because I am the only one that cooks in this house. If they don't like it, they don't have to eat it but I am not going to cook something else for them.

My hubby has lost 30 pounds on my journey. My kids, are all so thin, I actually worry about them losing too much weight. This morning when my 5 year old was weighing-in on the Wii Fit, I joked that if he loses any more weight, DCFS is going to come and take him away. He is very tiny... has been since he was 4 months old and was diagnosed with failure to thrive.


Friday QOTD: How do you deal with treats? Do you have a splurge day, avoid them altogether, find healthy treats?

I do not have a splurge day. I have a treat every day but it is a "healthy" treat. I usually have a Skinny Cow after dinner. Sometimes, I will have a 100 calorie Hostess Snack Pack. I really don't eat anything that isn't low calorie, low fat, low carb, etc.

 

[tigger813]

I'm gleeful! Like bouncing up and down gleeful! After eight years, I'm finally below the weight I was on the day I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter! I've been bouncing around with the same 20-30 pounds for that long! Okay, minus the nine months pregnant with DD1 and nine months pregnant with DD2, but still! I'm so happy, happy, happy!

AND! I get to put a 30 pound sign on my siggy!

AND! I've lost enough as of today that my scale is now showing my weight loss in 0.2 increments instead of 0.5 increments!

Yep, giddy!

WOOHOO !!!! CONGRATS! Isn't that great feeling!!!!!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Hey, there is the new group of INCREDIBLES!!! Of which I am a member, as well as Lisah and 3tinksandaneeyore.

Yes, definitely come on over and join us! It's going to be a [cough] incredible thread!

Dd and I just had another talk about eating healthy, and what junk food can do to you. She remembers her Poppie giving himself insulin shots, and doesn't want that. We got out her Tinkerbell lunchbox, put an apple in it, bagged some broccoli & carrots, got out a gogurt and a string cheese, put them in the front of the fridge with a water bottle to put in before she heads to DH's parents tomorrow morning. She has her healthy lunch and snacks all ready! Dh talked to his parents, told them to lay off the junk. Steps in the right direction. :thumbsup

You go, girl!

Tomorow I have an appointment to look at wedding dresses, that will definitely give me some motivation.

Have a joyous time looking at wedding dresses! It's been eighteen years since I did that and I still remember how much fun I had! Are you taking some friends with you?

And, get your school psych or behaviorist in your classroom to help with that kiddo! Sounds like a new behavior support plan is needed. It shouldn't all be on you. That's why they call them IEP teams!

I am having my own struggle with child care tonight. I've been having the same concerns about food, and each time we address it, our provider promises to serve healthier meals and snacks. Then the following week, when we pick her up at 5:15, she's eating Chex Mix!

Gah! Childcare can be so problematic. I love the Montessori preschool my youngest attends, but every now and then, I find that they will turn a movie or something on in the afternoon. The morning teachers would never do that, but the afternoon is considered "childcare" and most of the lead teachers leave by 3:30. I finally had to say something to the director. But, I figure that's a small issue. Overall, I feel really lucky to have found a good place. But, I must have checked out 20 or so by phone and narrowed it down to six that I went to visit before deciding on the one we did. Good luck with those iffy snacks!

Gonna eat light throughout the day so I can enjoy the Cheesecake Factory tonight!

Ohhh, Cheesecake Factory! I love the Cheesecake Factory. Now I'm drooling.

And now it's 28 here and snowing!!!

It started snowing pretty hard here at 7:15 when it was time to head to the bus stop. DD1 insisted on walking so we got cold and wet! I think it's about done now! Remember what they say, "If you don't like the weather in NE, just wait a minute!"

Still snowing here.

Rain, snow, sleet -- I've seen it all this morning...Spring in New England...

And then--well I look out my window here and, yes, indeed, it's snowing here again!

Just thought I'd mention that I'm sitting here in the California sunshine on a patio outside of a Starbucks in my jeans and short sleeves and am beginning to get a bit warm. It's just about time to pick up my DD from parent participation preschool (today was my non-participation day) and I think I'll go home and change into shorts. Okay, I guess I'd better...

 

[heatherlynn444]

QOTD: I have to have treats everyday or I will feel deprived, splurge, and go overboard!

 

[donac]

Yes, definitely come on over and join us! It's going to be a [cough] incredible thread!

Do you have to be training for a Disney race to join? I can't see a Disney race in my future because of cost. Maybe after ds2 gets out of college.

You go, girl!



Have a joyous time looking at wedding dresses! It's been eighteen years since I did that and I still remember how much fun I had! Are you taking some friends with you?

My looking for a wedding dress was even longer (try 32 years) and my mother and sister were no help after I tried on my mother's dress. Once I tried it on they convince me to wear it. I had planned on making my dress since I have been sewing since I was 10 years old. But I needed their help to pick things out so I wore my mother's dress. I can't complain. I have been married for almost 32 years. Two of my other sisters wore it and they both ended up divorced.

And, get your school psych or behaviorist in your classroom to help with that kiddo! Sounds like a new behavior support plan is needed. It shouldn't all be on you. That's why they call them IEP teams!

Good luck with your classes. I hope today was a better day.


Gah! Childcare can be so problematic. I love the Montessori preschool my youngest attends, but every now and then, I find that they will turn a movie or something on in the afternoon. The morning teachers would never do that, but the afternoon is considered "childcare" and most of the lead teachers leave by 3:30. I finally had to say something to the director. But, I figure that's a small issue. Overall, I feel really lucky to have found a good place. But, I must have checked out 20 or so by phone and narrowed it down to six that I went to visit before deciding on the one we did. Good luck with those iffy snacks!

Child care is one of the most stressful things a mother goes through. I remember always thinking what if, what if. Nothing ever came true but it was still in my brain.



Ohhh, Cheesecake Factory! I love the Cheesecake Factory. Now I'm drooling.

We have only been there once. We didn't have lunch just cheesecake so that we could enjoy it.









Just thought I'd mention that I'm sitting here in the California sunshine on a patio outside of a Starbucks in my jeans and short sleeves and am beginning to get a bit warm. It's just about time to pick up my DD from parent participation preschool (today was my non-participation day) and I think I'll go home and change into shorts. Okay, I guess I'd better...

I am so jealous. It was very warm last weekend and even until yesterday. I walked out of school and couldn't believe how cold and windy it was. Snow flurries for tonight.

Today was supposed to be the startt of my spring break. But with snow days they are making us go in on Mon and Tues and the following MOn. I don't feel like going in but we already have 5 people out of the department and they have no idea how many subs we will be getting. I also think another guy is not going to show up on Mon. He wasn't in today and someone had to make up lesson plans for him. Just a hunch.

We also got a directive today that supposedly came from higher ups.

"To all staff…..

Due to the anticipated large number of absences next week, please refrain from giving quizzes, tests or starting new material on 3/29, 3/30 & 4/5."

Any one have any ideas what we can do.

I didn't weigh in this morning since I was so achy from yoga last night. I forgot to take a couple of advil after class. I will do it tomorrow morning.

Congrats to all the losers this week.

QOTD I love something sweet after dinner. I miss having a smalll piece of chocolate. I was pretty good about making sure they fit into my plan and that I didn't over do with it.

Have a great evening everyone.

 

[jenanderson]

"To all staff…..

Due to the anticipated large number of absences next week, please refrain from giving quizzes, tests or starting new material on 3/29, 3/30 & 4/5."

Any one have any ideas what we can do.

Dona -

I am not sure what level you teach but can you do like some enrichment sort of activity? Try things like brain teasers or logic puzzles. I do this often because I teach at a private school and there are all the days before vacation where my kids leave early to go on vacation and I have just a handful left. We do a lot of creative thinking type of activities.

Hope you come up with some plans that don't take too much extra planning on your part!

Jen

 

[donac]

Dona -

I am not sure what level you teach but can you do like some enrichment sort of activity? Try things like brain teasers or logic puzzles. I do this often because I teach at a private school and there are all the days before vacation where my kids leave early to go on vacation and I have just a handful left. We do a lot of creative thinking type of activities.

Hope you come up with some plans that don't take too much extra planning on your part!

Jen

I wasn;t teaching anything new for the next couple of days because I have good kids who are never out. They usually go on vacation during vacation time.

I teach 4 classes of AP calc and it is less than 6 weeks until their big test. I gave them enough work to keep them busy all week next week. They are the point where they are just starting to review so that quote from central from funny because that is what I was going to do.

My geometry class is going to either work on a project at home or during class on Mon and Tues.

 

[jennz]

I'll join with you Jen!!!

Thanks my friend! I'll meet you on the Incredibles thread.

Any chance of doing the Princess 1/2 next year? I'm thinking about it...Kathy and Lisa will be there (RIGHT??!!!)...who else?? Bring on the peer pressure.

I'm gleeful! Like bouncing up and down gleeful! After eight years, I'm finally below the weight I was on the day I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter! I've been bouncing around with the same 20-30 pounds for that long! Okay, minus the nine months pregnant with DD1 and nine months pregnant with DD2, but still! I'm so happy, happy, happy!

AND! I get to put a 30 pound sign on my siggy!

AND! I've lost enough as of today that my scale is now showing my weight loss in 0.2 increments instead of 0.5 increments!

Yep, giddy!

That is awesome!!!!

Yes, definitely come on over and join us! It's going to be a [cough] incredible thread!

You go, girl!

Have a joyous time looking at wedding dresses! It's been eighteen years since I did that and I still remember how much fun I had! Are you taking some friends with you?

And, get your school psych or behaviorist in your classroom to help with that kiddo! Sounds like a new behavior support plan is needed. It shouldn't all be on you. That's why they call them IEP teams!

Gah! Childcare can be so problematic. I love the Montessori preschool my youngest attends, but every now and then, I find that they will turn a movie or something on in the afternoon. The morning teachers would never do that, but the afternoon is considered "childcare" and most of the lead teachers leave by 3:30. I finally had to say something to the director. But, I figure that's a small issue. Overall, I feel really lucky to have found a good place. But, I must have checked out 20 or so by phone and narrowed it down to six that I went to visit before deciding on the one we did. Good luck with those iffy snacks!

Ohhh, Cheesecake Factory! I love the Cheesecake Factory. Now I'm drooling.

Just thought I'd mention that I'm sitting here in the California sunshine on a patio outside of a Starbucks in my jeans and short sleeves and am beginning to get a bit warm. It's just about time to pick up my DD from parent participation preschool (today was my non-participation day) and I think I'll go home and change into shorts. Okay, I guess I'd better...

Braggart! lol I'm just jealous. At least it's sunny here with our 43 degrees. Just watched the rain on Anne's house on the news.

Well I have escaped/self-banished myself to my bedroom. DD is having a sleep over with her 11 bff's for her birthday tonight. They are LOUD!!! The dogs ran away before I did.

Any quick game ideas for them?

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Braggart! lol I'm just jealous. At least it's sunny here with our 43 degrees. Just watched the rain on Anne's house on the news.

Well I have escaped/self-banished myself to my bedroom. DD is having a sleep over with her 11 bff's for her birthday tonight. They are LOUD!!! The dogs ran away before I did.

Any quick game ideas for them?

I know! I'm bad. Sorry!

How about a scavenger hunt? Depending on how much you want to confine them or set them free, you could have them search for items in a) your DD's room, b) your house, c) nature items from your yard, or d) odds and ends from your neighbors' houses. We just had a bunch of fourth graders last weekend looking for a Lego, a Polly Pocket shoe, an empty toilet paper roll, a February magazine, and some other items.

 

[jennz]

Thanks - great idea! I'll set that up. I just sent them out to park and finished a truth or dare ball. Off to set that scavenger hunt up!

 

[maiziezoe]

I know! I'm bad. Sorry!

How about a scavenger hunt? Depending on how much you want to confine them or set them free, you could have them search for items in a) your DD's room, b) your house, c) nature items from your yard, or d) odds and ends from your neighbors' houses. We just had a bunch of fourth graders last weekend looking for a Lego, a Polly Pocket shoe, an empty toilet paper roll, a February magazine, and some other items.

A scavenger hunt is a great idea!! We used to do that with our church every year right before Thanksgiving. We had a list of things to find and then we would ask each house for a canned food item to give to the food pantry.

Thanks my friend! I'll meet you on the Incredibles thread.

Any chance of doing the Princess 1/2 next year? I'm thinking about it...Kathy and Lisa will be there (RIGHT??!!!)...who else?? Bring on the peer pressure.

I've actually been considering doing the Princess next year!!!

 

[corinnak]

So sorry I've been so absent this week! I have to start by saying a huge

Congratulations Maria!!!!

Way to rock that loss!

Wow - lots of chatter about next year's Princess....I know I said I'd probably do it just that once, but I am notoriously susceptible to race-related peer pressure. They haven't opened 2011 yet, have they? Not that I'm anywhere near ready to commit to it, but it is tempting to think we could have a BL DISmeet at that event in 2011.

The QOTD thread is all caught up - I thought I had done it earlier in the week, but apparently had some difficulties - technical or otherwise.

And now for my own QOTD catch-up:

3/23 Tuesday QOTD: So yesterday we talked about trouble spots, today I want you to tell me what you like best about your body. Why is this spot your favorite?

I think I've mentioned my wrists in the past - they have gotten so slim, they are the same size as my 10 year old son's now! I am also a big fan of my legs - I have a very short waist so all my height is in my legs. They might have a few muscles in them at this point, even. If only they weren't so pasty, pasty white.

3/24 Wednesday QOTD: When it comes to exercise, which do you feel is more important, cardio or strength? And why?

It's so hard to choose. Cardio is important, no question, but I have to admit, I started really seeing results, changes and improvements in every area when I added more strength training. Thank goodness we don't actually have to choose one or the other!

3/25 Thursday QOTD: What have you done to get your family on board with your new healthy lifestyle? Are they excited to try new things with you or do they grumble about the changes?

I think the main thing has been that it has been MY heathy lifestyle - I am not forcing it on anyone else in the family. They all benefit from the healthier dinners, my increasing the purchase of more organic/heathy/natural foods and decreasing some of the "junk," and the example of my working out...well, it doesn't make my DH want to work out, but the kids often want to join me in a DVD, and sometimes my younger son will just spontaneously start running around "for exercise." He also wants to know when he can run a half marathon with me. Sweet boy.

We also talk about stopping eating when they're full as being something that they are REALLY good at doing and something that I am trying to get better at doing.

3/26 Friday QOTD: How do you deal with treats? Do you have a splurge day, avoid them altogether, find healthy treats?

I eat food I enjoy every day of the week - mostly treats that will work FOR me - popcorn with t. of olive oil, greek yogurt with frozen berries and a measured portion of chocolate chips, banana with peanut butter, tofu chocolate mousse.

The kids and I plan to have McDonald's Ice Cream every Friday when I pick them up from school, too. Friday is the last day of my points week, so it's a good day for a little splurge. At 3 points, it's not so bad. It also reminds me of the time that DH and I lost weight together before our wedding and we had McDonald's soft serve pretty much every single night of the week - we would each save calories (cards, actually) for it every day. It was back when they had chocolate and vanilla both - those were the days, I tell ya.

I also, as princessbride knows (because she got roped in to my pre-race ritual earlier this month!), I always get a chocolate or twist ice cream the night before a big race.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

.

 

[sskem96]

QOTD: What have you done to get your family on board with your new healthy lifestyle? Are they excited to try new things with you or do they grumble about the changes?

DH is on board, but he does like a little piece of chocolate after dinner. He says he'd love to get a quarter machine of M&M's in the house so he would have to pay for his treat, the portion would be right, and then he could put that money towards our next Disney trip! He's thin in my opinion, 5'11" and about 175#, but he'd like to trim a little off his belly. The kids know that they should eat healthy and they know how to read the labels on food and everything, but a lot of times they just want the junk and don't care about the consequences. It's hard on them that a lot of kids their age can eat nothing but junk and are still thin, but my kids gain weight just by looking at a cookie! I guess they take after me in that respect. DH and I are trying to eat really healthy ourselves to set a good example so we don't feel like we're being mean by restricting their diets too much.


Friday QOTD: How do you deal with treats? Do you have a splurge day, avoid them altogether, find healthy treats?

I only have a splurge day when I'm hormonal and can't control myself! I generally try to have fruit for dessert, like strawberries dipped in a little chocolate Cool Whip. It's healthy, but still tastes like a real treat. If it's something like a party with cake and ice cream, I do have some, but I journal it and count the points.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

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