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

[princessbride6205]

I must admit.... I have really been letting the housework go to get in the exercise time and the "me" time (scrapbooking). I live with three slobs, so it is tough. But I am keeping up with the "cumulative" things like laundry and dishes, but relaxing on things like dusting, vacumming and such. And I haven't cleaned either of the kids rooms in ages.... and it shows!! I will fit in 5 minutes here and there as needed. I keep reminding myself that I don't need 2 hour time slots to get things done....I can unload the dishwasher in 5 minutes, I can start a load of laundry in 5 minutes, I can wipe the bathroom counter in 2 minutes.

Healthy meal time prep is tough. Lots of veggies means lots of time peeling and chopping. But I have broken down and started buying the prechopped salad greens. I didn't for a long time because it is more expensive, but my TIME is worth it and it gets eaten faster if it is already prepped.

I've found a few pretty basic healthy meals that I can have ready in under 20 minutes and those are kind of my "go to" meals when things get crazy and time is short. And the crockpot can be your friend, even when eating healthy. Not every crockpot meal is covered in cream of something soup and sour cream and cheese!

I'm with you on the house cleaning - we keep up with daily stuff and I'm working on getting those 5-15 minute cleans in more regularly. I agree that healthy meal prep can be tough - or at least more time consuming than ordering pizza! I think once I get a few more of those healthy 20 minute meals into our routine, we'll be doing a little better. We're in a quick & healthy rut.

Tuesday QOTD: I know in the past few weeks we've talked about finding time to exercise and balancing everything we have going on. I saw a fun question in the last issue of Real Simple: What's the funniest, craziest or most embarrassing thing you've done to save time?

I have ironed my pants while wearing them

Your really did make me laugh out loud!

Well, when my son was very little and I didn't have time to feed him before I took him to daycare we would have what I called "breakfast in a bag!" (But you have to say it in a happy, excited voice, like it is a good thing). It was a total "marketing" thing to make eating cereal out of a ziplock sound fun. In reality, I felt a little guilty because I was too rushed but in reality he doesn't remember and was happy at the time and that is what was important (even if I didn't realize it at the time ).

I'm glad I'm not the only person who has done this! Daycare used to supply breakfast, but decided to stop a few months ago. Mornings have been hectic for us about half the time - I end up late for work some day. I try to do real breakfasts but some days we are running insanely late. DD's "fun" To Go breakfast is an organic granola bar and a sippy cup of soy milk. She thinks "nola bars" are treats so she loves it. I try to forgive myself for not giving her a sit-down healthy meal.

I'm not sure how funny, crazy or embarrassing this is. The only thing I can think of is I'm always in a huge hurry to get to and from yoga at work, so I tend to go in my fuzzy socks on "deep relaxation yoga" days. I hope no one is looking at my feet!

Cute! I would love to wear fuzzy socks to work some days.

I'm back, I think I have problems with my meds that make me *slightly* moody and a good friend told me to get my prescription filled, so I obeyed...just took and am hoping tomorrow is better. Took the dogs for a walk, a friend ended up offering to pick dd up from school which gave me an hour free . Tonight is zumba with dd and a friend so I'm committed.

Nice free hour! Sorry about your meds and side effects - I hope tomorrow is better for you, too.

Good afternoon/evening!

Having a much better day now. I went to the gym and worked out for 95 minutes. 60 minutes on the treadmill going 4.0 mph, 20 minutes on the bike (6 miles) and 15 minutes on the elliptical (going backwards). Tomorrow morning I meet with my Personal Trainer...

I got the best news today via the blood pressure machine. A month ago my blood pressure was 215/109... and I thought it was low (for me, anyway... it's usually higher than that).

Today my blood pressure was.... *drumroll* 123/75!

CONGRATS! That's an amazing difference! Go you!

We've got water in the bathroom and laundry room downstairs. It's seeping through the walls it appears. The ground is so saturated that we have a few large puddles up against the foundation under the deck. I had been checking it all day. I was heading downstairs to get cake for DD2 when I saw all the water. DH put some gravel up against the house so hopefully that is slowing it down. I had to postpone a client for tomorrow and cancel plans for the afternoon for DD1. We're eating off of paper plates with plastic silverware so we don't have to do dishes. Probably won't get to shower tomorrow either. Hoping it lets up soon! We've got towels all over the floor downstairs and then we throw them in the dryer and will reuse them later. Good thing I did laundry last weekend and had run the dishwasher.

I just had a drink! Couldn't help it as I'm so stressed about this situation! Had leftover chop suey for supper and I'm going to have a piece of cake! Not going to be a good week. PMS isn't helping as I've found myself screaming and getting frustrated about everything.

Have I mentioned how much I hate rain?!

Going to spend the evening cleaning downstairs and keeping track of the water. I'll watch BL and hopefully get back some motivation for the rest of the week and for my coaching week!

Oh no! I'm sorry about your wet house. I hope everything clears up for you guys!

My kids were going stir crazy from being stuck in the house the last two days, so I suggested dinner out. We went to an Italian restaurant that we recently discovered. I knew before I left what my choice was going to be. I ordered the shrimp scampi with sauteed broccoli. I figured I would allow myself one roll. Well one roll led to two. I'm not gonna beat myself up I enjoyed it. I figure the whole meal was about 11 points on WW. I could have done a lot worse.

It sounds like you did well while still enjoying the meal.

Thanks Jennz
That would be nice if he does that lol

BTW Here is the dress I want XD
http://www.polyvore.com/bella_swan_birthday_dress/set?id=14976684

Great dress! Congrats on your additional loss the past few days!

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

Thanks princessbride6205
I just hope it continues to be like this.

 

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
Reporting in week 12: 2!
Congrats to Corinnak & 50sjayne for successfully maintaining!
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants------------- 72
not reporting in for 1 week------ 10
not reporting in for 2 weeks------ 8
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 8
Excused------------------------- 4
weigh ins----------------------- 43
gains---------------------------- 7
maintains------------------------ 10
losses-------------------------- 26
first time or returning weigh-ins--------------- 1

Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 12!
total group loss =51.7 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.54 %
Total group weight loss so far 1126.4 pounds!
Let’s see when we will hit 1250 pounds!

Retention Rate (compared to the 135 weighins for our start weigh-in on Jan 1st)
(43 +2+4)/ 135 = 36% (this includes the Losers and Maintainer and Excused people!)

Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 12? This time I’ve done a TOP 11 LIST, which is everybody at 1% or more! That criteria will change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)
The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 12 Superstars!!
#11- 1.00% - 3TinksAndAnEeyore
#10- 1.15% - maiziezoe
#9- 1.51% - cclovesdis
#8- 1.60% - Rose&Mike
#7- 1.84% - leamom2princesses
#6- 1.87% - CptJackSparrowsGirl
#5- 1.97% - talytam
#4- 2.27% - carmiedog
#3- 2.37% - happysmyly
#2- 2.79% - sahbushka
and now

The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge
Week 12 Biggest Loser!!

#1- 3.71% - kimara

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!

Congratulations kimara !!!
What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[LuvBaloo]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!

How this works: you set your goal for what to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.
Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.
Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know. This is something new for BL9

We have done 12 out of 19 weeks, so the challenge is 63% complete.
3TinksAndAnEeyore 70.2
bouldertcr 82.5
chskover 21.7
debf 34.3
DisneyFam5 77.0
Double 42.3
happysmyly 80.0
heatherlynn444 15.6
IWISHFORDISNEY 81.7
jbm02 46.7
jenanderson 93.3
JFrey4240 80.2
jimmaher69 39.2
kimara 94.3
Kitchensinkguy 72.7
leamom2princesses 66.0
LegoMom3 46.4
lisah0711 75.0
LittleSeacow 29.5
lovedvc 44.0
LuvBaloo 13.4
maiziezoe 68.0
MaryAz 66.7
MickeyMagic 28.0
mikamah 10.0
MrIncrediDad 53.4
my3princes 0.0
NancyIL 50.0
NC Tink 55.5
redwalker -28.0
Rose&Mike 86.0
sahbushka 64.2
ShortyNBug 49.3
talytam 70.0
Tasha+Scott 62.4
tigger813 57.4
Worfiedoodles 82.0

 

[LuvBaloo]

dona & flipflop - hope you enjoy your shortened spring breaks. I didn't know you guys had to make up snow days.

Rose&Mike - hope you are able to get a quick doctor's appointment and find out what is going on. Hope your son starts sending you the quick texts to let you know he is ok.

Corinna - thanks for sharing your danger list! What a great idea!

MaizieZoe - glad your DD came to her senses. Have a great trip! I like rainforest cafe! And congrats on the blood pressure!

pjlla - I haven't heard "kiss my grits" in a long time, but love that attitude!

lisah - welcome back! Don't feel guilty about "breakfast in a bag"! My kids think that's the greatest snack for a road trip, and consider it a great treat

tigger813 - hope the flooding stops soon

lovedvc - I think 11points for eating out sounds like you did well

CptJack - the dress looks pretty! Keep up the good work

Tuesday QOTD: I know in the past few weeks we've talked about finding time to exercise and balancing everything we have going on. I saw a fun question in the last issue of Real Simple: What's the funniest, craziest or most embarrassing thing you've done to save time? And my own follow up, do you have any time-saving tips for the rest of us? How do you fit in preparing healthy meals, exercise, and "me" time?

Well, since I usually do my showering at night, some days I've put on clean socks and panties before going to bed so I am part way dressed when I wake up. I have also been known to encourage my DD's that housework is fun. I want to keep getting them participating, so will "let them" clean the bathroom. The love using the cleaning wipes to wipe things down. A while back, I told my oldest (8yo) that she was now big enough to even clean the toilet with the special cleaner. She was excited and asked is she could do the basement bathroom too. I pretended to think it over for a few seconds before graciously saying "yes you can". This week I think its time to let the 5yo have her turn at it.

time saving: I buy bagged salad that's already prepared. I hate taking time to chop up lettuce. I use a lot of packaged foods for the kids lunches (yogurt, cheesestring, fruit cups in water). Right now, its worth it to save time and have pre-portioned food ready to go. I also usually have a frozen meal for my own lunch with the raw veggies on the side. No dishes!

 

[flipflopmom]

Congrats Kimara!!! And all of this week's superstars!

Today my blood pressure was.... *drumroll* 123/75! !

WONDERFUL!!! What an impressive byproduct of your lifestyle! That's really why we are doing this, right! Congrats!

We've got water in the bathroom and laundry room downstairs. It's seeping through the walls it appears. The ground is so saturated that we have a few large puddles up against the foundation under the deck. PMS isn't helping as I've found myself screaming and getting frustrated about everything.

So sorry about your rain problems. My mom's basement will get water in it when we get a lot of rain. It is such a pain. Are you in for a dry spell? PMS just makes everything worse.

dona & flipflop - hope you enjoy your shortened spring breaks. I didn't know you guys had to make up snow days.

I use a lot of packaged foods for the kids lunches (yogurt, cheesestring, fruit cups in water). Right now, its worth it to save time and have pre-portioned food ready to go. I also usually have a frozen meal for my own lunch with the raw veggies on the side. No dishes!

It's no fun to make those days up, especially when we are in for such wonderful weather. I just keep telling myself that at least I can take the kiddos outside to enjoy this weather, instead of being cooped up in the classroom when it's cold and snowy.

I pack the same kinds of things for the kids. On that note, DD2 is doing a great job with her "healthy" eating. She's doing very well to just be 3. She asked my mom for an M&M yesterday, and said "I just want one, because they are not healthy", and only ate one. I've been packing lunches and snacks for her, she's been eating very healthy dinners. She's actually lost 2 pounds in the last couple of weeks, so I am pleased. We did Just Dance on the wii last night, and I'm sure she'll get outside a lot this weekend. Only once in the last week has she had a fit for something unhealthy, and when I reminded her about being strong, and not having to take shots, she immediately asked for strawberries instead. I hate using the insulin shots as a reminder, but that is the very real reality for anyone that is overweight, and she can identify with it. I did some charting with her height and weight. She's on the 83 percentile for height, so she only needs to lose about 4 more pounds to be on the healthy weight/bmi. I am feeling so much better about her!

As for me, the scale went down another .9 yesterday. Getting closer to that wonderful day before TOM big dip weight! Same cycle, big dip day before, slow 3-5 gain over the next 5 days, another week to get back to that magic low.

I tried out the weight calculators, and it gives me around 156. When I graduated high school, I weighed 175. That's the weight I want to be in late June for Disney, I don't know if I can lose 17 more pounds in the next 2 1/2 months, but I'm going to try. I think I'll set a final goal of 158, which would be 70 pounds, and see how it goes. I like minigoals, they seem much more attainable.

I want to run before work this morning, just waiting for the sun to come up enough. Have a great day!

 

[tigger813]

Thanks everybody for the well wishes. It slowed down last night but the towels were soaking wet this morning. I'm staying home to monitor the situation today. Also to nap a bit! I fell asleep easily last night but was awakened an hour later with a torrential downpour! I ended up on the couch and went back to bed at 5. Canceled all my plans today to deal with the situation. I'll have to go basket shopping tomorrow after my client. Otherwise there will be mostly empty baskets on Sunday. Except for what the bunny brings!

Time to fiinish getting DD1 ready for school and make her lunch!

 

[donac]

Good morning everyone. It has finally stopped raining and I think the sun may come out later. I did get to sleep in this morning. I won't be long because I have a lot to do today. Not only what I want to do but a list of thing dh has been setting aside for me. Doesn't he know I have my only list and that is TOP priority.

Congrats to all the losers this week. Let's all keep up the good work.

 

[jennz]

Thanks Jennz
That would be nice if he does that lol

BTW Here is the dress I want XD
http://www.polyvore.com/bella_swan_birthday_dress/set?id=14976684

Pretty dress!! It will look great you! I love the way your mom is motivating you, with her emails a notes, it really makes it's fun doesn't it?

Good morning everyone. It has finally stopped raining and I think the sun may come out later. I did get to sleep in this morning. I won't be long because I have a lot to do today. Not only what I want to do but a list of thing dh has been setting aside for me. Doesn't he know I have my only list and that is TOP priority.

Congrats to all the losers this week. Let's all keep up the good work.

Okay you posted a little after 7 and slept in??? What time do you normally get up? I know you must be excited to see the sun, you've probably felt like building an ark lately! What a helpful DH, setting a few thing aside for you.

 

[tigger813]

Oh, and we are in for a dry spell and 70s starting on Friday and through the weekend! May get shower on Monday sometime but nothing like this!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congrats Kimara!

Tracy--hope you dry out today.

Today starts my off week (job share). I was hoping to sleep in, but woke up at 5:30 with dh. I am carless today, so not sure what I'm going to do today. Normally, by now I would be at the Y. It's supposed to warm up so I might walk outside.

Have a good day!
Rose

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone we are finally back from the wedding/trip. Uuugghh I gained 2 lbs but I am ok with that. I hope everyone is well and has a great Easter week.

 

[redwalker]

HI everyone,

I really wanted to thank you all for sending me hugs, god knows I can use it. I don't think my eyes have ever looked so bad or salty. Xena was my walking buddy. She was the one who was with me almost every step of the way from when I was 182lbs down to 123lbs. She walked with me everyday with a puppy smile on her face, and sometimes pushed me when I wanted to stop, but she would look at me as if to say "one more mile?" I know many of you have a furry friend, and I hope you take them with you this week for a walk with you. It was always a special time I had with just the two of us, without the house or the family to distract me from her. She was a 12 years old yellow lab. I know we had her up to the very last second we could have her with us. We believe it was a brain tumor that took her from us. Her body was in exceptional shape for a lab in general and a 12year old dog. She never looked old. I know it was due to all the exercise we did together.

I have had a very bad time these past days, with exercise especially. Last night was the first time I exercised since last Wednesday. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill. I know that Xena would not want me to quit. Walking was her favorite thing to do with me. It is painful to go through my daily routine without her. I would put my kindergartner on the bus and go straight to our walk. I miss her, but I know this journey she helped me with can not end with her passing. She is with me every step of the way in my heart. I know our family will one day welcome a new furry friend in to our home. As much as the thought of someone new joining our family is so strange, I know that when the time is right and everyone here is ready for that, it will be a wonderful thing. Xena was one amazing dog and she has set the bar very high. So many people I know got dogs because of meeting her. She was with us when we bought our first house, she was with us when our babies were born, she helped us raise them, she let the girls use her as something to balance on when they were learning to walk. She was there when my oldest was attacked by another dog, and helped her get over a fear of dogs, I am certain she would have had if not for Xena, and helped us all heal as a family due to that horrible experience. She helped me get healthy, so that I will have more time with my family. Although her passing is extremely painful, it will bring us to love a new furry family member. There are so many wonderful blessing this dog has given to us, and her memory will continue to live on in our hearts.

Thank you so much again for all your kind and supportive words and hugs! I don't think I will weigh in this week, I am going to continue on working on getting myself back on my exercise schedule. I will weigh in next Friday. Thank you all again. I feel blessed to have found this group of all of you.

 

[pjlla]

Good afternoon/evening!

Having a much better day now. I went to the gym and worked out for 95 minutes. 60 minutes on the treadmill going 4.0 mph, 20 minutes on the bike (6 miles) and 15 minutes on the elliptical (going backwards). Tomorrow morning I meet with my Personal Trainer...

I got the best news today via the blood pressure machine. A month ago my blood pressure was 215/109... and I thought it was low (for me, anyway... it's usually higher than that).

Today my blood pressure was.... *drumroll* 123/75!

Impressive BP!! It must have been a GREAT FEELING to hear that number!

We've got water in the bathroom and laundry room downstairs. It's seeping through the walls it appears. The ground is so saturated that we have a few large puddles up against the foundation under the deck. I had been checking it all day. I was heading downstairs to get cake for DD2 when I saw all the water. DH put some gravel up against the house so hopefully that is slowing it down. I had to postpone a client for tomorrow and cancel plans for the afternoon for DD1. We're eating off of paper plates with plastic silverware so we don't have to do dishes. Probably won't get to shower tomorrow either. Hoping it lets up soon! We've got towels all over the floor downstairs and then we throw them in the dryer and will reuse them later. Good thing I did laundry last weekend and had run the dishwasher.

I just had a drink! Couldn't help it as I'm so stressed about this situation! Had leftover chop suey for supper and I'm going to have a piece of cake! Not going to be a good week. PMS isn't helping as I've found myself screaming and getting frustrated about everything.

Have I mentioned how much I hate rain?!

Going to spend the evening cleaning downstairs and keeping track of the water. I'll watch BL and hopefully get back some motivation for the rest of the week and for my coaching week!

I am SO sorry about the water in the house. What a PITA! And yes, PMS DOES seem to arrive along with the super stressful situations. Not sure why. I'll be praying for some dry weather to come quickly for you!

I pack the same kinds of things for the kids. On that note, DD2 is doing a great job with her "healthy" eating. She's doing very well to just be 3. She asked my mom for an M&M yesterday, and said "I just want one, because they are not healthy", and only ate one. I've been packing lunches and snacks for her, she's been eating very healthy dinners. She's actually lost 2 pounds in the last couple of weeks, so I am pleased. We did Just Dance on the wii last night, and I'm sure she'll get outside a lot this weekend. Only once in the last week has she had a fit for something unhealthy, and when I reminded her about being strong, and not having to take shots, she immediately asked for strawberries instead. I hate using the insulin shots as a reminder, but that is the very real reality for anyone that is overweight, and she can identify with it. I did some charting with her height and weight. She's on the 83 percentile for height, so she only needs to lose about 4 more pounds to be on the healthy weight/bmi. I am feeling so much better about her!

As for me, the scale went down another .9 yesterday. Getting closer to that wonderful day before TOM big dip weight! Same cycle, big dip day before, slow 3-5 gain over the next 5 days, another week to get back to that magic low.

I am SO pleased to hear that your DD is getting on board the "healthy eating train"! NOW is the time for her to incorporate HEALTHY habits and eating... before she learns unhealthy habits. Tell her to keep up the good work!! You too Mom... you are doing great and setting a great example!



Happy Rainy Wednesday morning all!

I am at work today, but I have a few minutes to "talk". Last night's BL was interesting. I'll chat more about it over at the official "BL CHAT" thread.

I had to miss my circuit training class last night for the first time, but I made sure that I did my OWN circuit training when I was exercising. I definitely worked up a sweat and got my heart rate up, but it wasn't killer like it the class usually is. But I feel good about what I did on my own. I'll be right back to class on Thursday though!

I really wanted to say NO when they called me to work this morning, but I keep reminding myself that a little extra money will be much appreciated when DS and I go away in a few weeks, so I said YES. I don't think it will be a tough day, but it would have been nice to be home and get in my workout early and get a few more scrapbook pages done and catch up on the housework!

I mentioned that I have a few "quick and easy" healthy go-to meals that I resort to when things are busy. I am wondering if we could start sharing these type of meal ideas. Not necessarily recipes (although I always welcome those!), but just easy, healthy meal ideas.

Frozen vegan Boca Burgers (or Veggie Medley Gardenburgers) and Salmon patties are two of my last minute meals that I can usually throw together quickly. The Boca burgers I either serve on light whole wheat rolls or I chop them up and put them on a wrap (sometimes I treat them like a soft taco and add a bit of refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and lettuce).

The salmon patties (especially the herb crusted ones) are delicious without any roll or wrap, but can easily be made into a sandwich as well.

A side of green veggies or a salad with this and we are ready to roll! If I am not serving the burger or patty on a roll, I might add a side of whole wheat couscous or whole wheat orzo.


Another fairly quick meal is a pork tenderloin. Usually cooks in about 45 minutes (but doesn't need tending, so you can do other things while it cooks). My family LOVES the Idahoan brand of instant mashed potatoes. They are really yummy and ready in about 5 minutes. And they aren't too high in points. I believe 1/2 Cup is just 2 points. Probably high in sodium and not the healthiest, but my kids think that they are having a real treat when I make these! Imagine that! Again... a side of green vegetable (fresh or frozen) and you have a full meal. And the tenderloin is very lean.... I believe 4 oz is just 3 points.

Eggs are always a quick and easy meal. Scrambled or omelets with toast and applesauce... dinner is done!!And it is easy to "customize" a portion of the meal for your own healthy eating.. scrambled egg whites or Egg beaters made in a separate pan, maybe with some extra veggies thrown in (I love spinach and tomato in my egg whites).

My family LOVES baked potato night. It does take some time in the oven for the potatoes to bake, but you could microwave them to partially cook them and speed it up, or you could bake them a night or two ahead when something else is in the oven and then just warm them (save electricity too!). (I know that some people bake potatoes in the crockpot, but I haven't had any luck with that.) I serve it with a small dish of bacon crumbles (as a condiment, not a main dish), homemade lowfat cheese sauce, salsa, sometimes chili, lowfat sour cream, and a green veggie or apple sauce or fruit salad on the side. Even my "meat and potatoes" DH is happy with this meal.

I am going to try a new recipe this week or next week. Crepes... I've never attempted them, but there is a Bisquick recipe that looks quick and easy. I will make some sort of sauteed veggies in a light white sauce or cheese sauce to go in the crepes. We'll see how that goes and I'll report back if it is a winner!!

I have students arrive in 7 minutes, so I need to run! I'll be able to hop on later. Hope everyone has a great (DRY) day!....P

 

[ShortyNBug]

Tuesday QOTD: I know in the past few weeks we've talked about finding time to exercise and balancing everything we have going on. I saw a fun question in the last issue of Real Simple: What's the funniest, craziest or most embarrassing thing you've done to save time?


I too have let my house go. Not only to exercise but to homework and life in general. To me it's filthy, to others it's perfectly clean. I'm a bit of a clean freak so my messy is different than most others. *Except my mom....which is where I got it.* I'll clean the shower while I'm there or empty the dishwasher while my daughter reads to me. I try to multi task as much as possible. I also started making my kids fold socks and get everyone's undies in the right drawers. Saves me lots of time. While it's not embarrassing to all, it is to me. If you were to stop by my house now there might be dust on the end tables or hair on the bathroom floor....that kills me! But life goes on and everyone is just fine.

 

[lisah0711]

Congratulations to all our superstars this week and a BIG congratulations to our biggest loser, Kimara!

I love seeing all those numbers get closer to goal and I bet we will be at 1250pounds lost sooner than we think! Having 72 people still participating this late in the challenge is an accomplishment, too. We should all pat ourselves on the backs for sticking with this!

redwalker, Bless your heart and bless Xena's doggie heart. She was a big part of your life and your family -- what a good dog!

tigger813, I hope that the water situation improves as the weather dries out!


maiziezoe, great job on the bp numbers!

donac, tell DH you'll work on his list if he will give top priority to your list for him!

Why does it always seem that PMS coincides with some other really stressful situation? I hope the rain lets up soon. Hang in there.

Murphy's law!

My kids were going stir crazy from being stuck in the house the last two days, so I suggested dinner out. We went to an Italian restaurant that we recently discovered. I knew before I left what my choice was going to be. I ordered the shrimp scampi with sauteed broccoli. I figured I would allow myself one roll. Well one roll led to two. I'm not gonna beat myself up I enjoyed it. I figure the whole meal was about 11 points on WW. I could have done a lot worse.

Great attitude and good job not letting a little OP eating derail you! I'm sure 11 points didn't seem too bad at all after being cooped up with kids in the house all day!

I'm glad I'm not the only person who has done this! Daycare used to supply breakfast, but decided to stop a few months ago. Mornings have been hectic for us about half the time - I end up late for work some day. I try to do real breakfasts but some days we are running insanely late. DD's "fun" To Go breakfast is an organic granola bar and a sippy cup of soy milk. She thinks "nola bars" are treats so she loves it. I try to forgive myself for not giving her a sit-down healthy meal.

Aww, forgive yourself, princessbride6205, that was the part I didn't learn earlier but I should have. Now that DS is older I realize he doesn't remember anything really of the various situations that I felt guilty about. The only time I really "scarred him for life" was when I took him to see A Bug's Life at DL when he was 3 -- he loved the movie, was totally adventurous on rides, even HM and Pirates, and I thought he could handle it -- but he lost it on Bug's Life, crying "Why did that bug spit on my new shirt?" And refused to go back on that attraction until last year at age 10! I can tell that your daughter is truly loved and well taken care of from your posts. Relax and enjoy those moments with her because they will pass so, so quickly.

I have also been known to encourage my DD's that housework is fun. I want to keep getting them participating, so will "let them" clean the bathroom. The love using the cleaning wipes to wipe things down. A while back, I told my oldest (8yo) that she was now big enough to even clean the toilet with the special cleaner. She was excited and asked is she could do the basement bathroom too. I pretended to think it over for a few seconds before graciously saying "yes you can". This week I think its time to let the 5yo have her turn at it.

You should be in marketing!

On that note, DD2 is doing a great job with her "healthy" eating. She's doing very well to just be 3. She asked my mom for an M&M yesterday, and said "I just want one, because they are not healthy", and only ate one. I've been packing lunches and snacks for her, she's been eating very healthy dinners. She's actually lost 2 pounds in the last couple of weeks, so I am pleased. We did Just Dance on the wii last night, and I'm sure she'll get outside a lot this weekend. Only once in the last week has she had a fit for something unhealthy, and when I reminded her about being strong, and not having to take shots, she immediately asked for strawberries instead. I hate using the insulin shots as a reminder, but that is the very real reality for anyone that is overweight, and she can identify with it. I did some charting with her height and weight. She's on the 83 percentile for height, so she only needs to lose about 4 more pounds to be on the healthy weight/bmi. I am feeling so much better about her!

flipflopmom, I am glad that you are feeling better about DD!

Have a great day all!

 

[mikamah]

MAINTAINERS:
Reporting in week 12: 2!
Congrats to Corinnak & 50sjayne for successfully maintaining!
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants------------- 72
not reporting in for 1 week------ 10
not reporting in for 2 weeks------ 8
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 8
Excused------------------------- 4
weigh ins----------------------- 43
gains---------------------------- 7
maintains------------------------ 10
losses-------------------------- 26
first time or returning weigh-ins--------------- 1

Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 12!
total group loss =51.7 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.54 %
Total group weight loss so far 1126.4 pounds!
Let’s see when we will hit 1250 pounds!

Retention Rate (compared to the 135 weighins for our start weigh-in on Jan 1st)
(43 +2+4)/ 135 = 36% (this includes the Losers and Maintainer and Excused people!)

Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 12? This time I’ve done a TOP 11 LIST, which is everybody at 1% or more! That criteria will change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)
The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 12 Superstars!!
#11- 1.00% - 3TinksAndAnEeyore
#10- 1.15% - maiziezoe
#9- 1.51% - cclovesdis
#8- 1.60% - Rose&Mike
#7- 1.84% - leamom2princesses
#6- 1.87% - CptJackSparrowsGirl
#5- 1.97% - talytam
#4- 2.27% - carmiedog
#3- 2.37% - happysmyly
#2- 2.79% - sahbushka
and now

The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge
Week 12 Biggest Loser!!

#1- 3.71% - kimara

Whoo hoo!!!! Congratulation Kimara and tll the top losers and maintainers!!!

Thank you Shannon for all your hard work as weightkeeper.

Redwalker-Take the time you need to grieve and remember your precious Xena. You describe your special relationship so sweetly. So sorry.

Tracey- It's finally slowing down here. Hope the water recedes soon in your area. I always get a little water in the basement with heavy storms, but have a sump pump but this week, the water level outside is so high, it's seeping in all 4 walls. It's all unfinished though, so just gotta get down an clean it up later. It is so nice have some warm, sunny weather on the horizon.

Lisa- welcome back! Love your breakfast in a bag idea.

I don't really have any funny stories that I can think of. Probably most embarrassing but not healthy would be the Mcd's drive through two for one breakfast sandwiches. It's been so long, I really have come a long way.

I did w5d2 c25k today, so I jogged for 10 minutes or 2/3 of a mile straight, twice. It was even still drizzly and raining, but I got out. I am so excited to do this. Friday will be 20 minutes straight! That's a little scary but we'll see. Running late again for work. My dis-time has to be shared with my c25k time now.

Have a great day.

 

[tigger813]

HI everyone,

I really wanted to thank you all for sending me hugs, god knows I can use it. I don't think my eyes have ever looked so bad or salty. Xena was my walking buddy. She was the one who was with me almost every step of the way from when I was 182lbs down to 123lbs. She walked with me everyday with a puppy smile on her face, and sometimes pushed me when I wanted to stop, but she would look at me as if to say "one more mile?" I know many of you have a furry friend, and I hope you take them with you this week for a walk with you. It was always a special time I had with just the two of us, without the house or the family to distract me from her. She was a 12 years old yellow lab. I know we had her up to the very last second we could have her with us. We believe it was a brain tumor that took her from us. Her body was in exceptional shape for a lab in general and a 12year old dog. She never looked old. I know it was due to all the exercise we did together.

I have had a very bad time these past days, with exercise especially. Last night was the first time I exercised since last Wednesday. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill. I know that Xena would not want me to quit. Walking was her favorite thing to do with me. It is painful to go through my daily routine without her. I would put my kindergartner on the bus and go straight to our walk. I miss her, but I know this journey she helped me with can not end with her passing. She is with me every step of the way in my heart. I know our family will one day welcome a new furry friend in to our home. As much as the thought of someone new joining our family is so strange, I know that when the time is right and everyone here is ready for that, it will be a wonderful thing. Xena was one amazing dog and she has set the bar very high. So many people I know got dogs because of meeting her. She was with us when we bought our first house, she was with us when our babies were born, she helped us raise them, she let the girls use her as something to balance on when they were learning to walk. She was there when my oldest was attacked by another dog, and helped her get over a fear of dogs, I am certain she would have had if not for Xena, and helped us all heal as a family due to that horrible experience. She helped me get healthy, so that I will have more time with my family. Although her passing is extremely painful, it will bring us to love a new furry family member. There are so many wonderful blessing this dog has given to us, and her memory will continue to live on in our hearts.

Thank you so much again for all your kind and supportive words and hugs! I don't think I will weigh in this week, I am going to continue on working on getting myself back on my exercise schedule. I will weigh in next Friday. Thank you all again. I feel blessed to have found this group of all of you.

Love you, my dear friend! You made me tear up again! We will always miss her too! Brian joked, especially his shins from her tail! LOL Hugs to you all and we will see you soon!

 

[tigger813]

Interesting article on CNN.com regarding How much exercise you should get.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/30/exercise.guidelines.confusion/index.html?hpt=Sbin

 

[pjlla]

HI everyone,

I really wanted to thank you all for sending me hugs, god knows I can use it. I don't think my eyes have ever looked so bad or salty. Xena was my walking buddy. She was the one who was with me almost every step of the way from when I was 182lbs down to 123lbs. She walked with me everyday with a puppy smile on her face, and sometimes pushed me when I wanted to stop, but she would look at me as if to say "one more mile?" I know many of you have a furry friend, and I hope you take them with you this week for a walk with you. It was always a special time I had with just the two of us, without the house or the family to distract me from her. She was a 12 years old yellow lab. I know we had her up to the very last second we could have her with us. We believe it was a brain tumor that took her from us. Her body was in exceptional shape for a lab in general and a 12year old dog. She never looked old. I know it was due to all the exercise we did together.

I have had a very bad time these past days, with exercise especially. Last night was the first time I exercised since last Wednesday. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill. I know that Xena would not want me to quit. Walking was her favorite thing to do with me. It is painful to go through my daily routine without her. I would put my kindergartner on the bus and go straight to our walk. I miss her, but I know this journey she helped me with can not end with her passing. She is with me every step of the way in my heart. I know our family will one day welcome a new furry friend in to our home. As much as the thought of someone new joining our family is so strange, I know that when the time is right and everyone here is ready for that, it will be a wonderful thing. Xena was one amazing dog and she has set the bar very high. So many people I know got dogs because of meeting her. She was with us when we bought our first house, she was with us when our babies were born, she helped us raise them, she let the girls use her as something to balance on when they were learning to walk. She was there when my oldest was attacked by another dog, and helped her get over a fear of dogs, I am certain she would have had if not for Xena, and helped us all heal as a family due to that horrible experience. She helped me get healthy, so that I will have more time with my family. Although her passing is extremely painful, it will bring us to love a new furry family member. There are so many wonderful blessing this dog has given to us, and her memory will continue to live on in our hearts.

Thank you so much again for all your kind and supportive words and hugs! I don't think I will weigh in this week, I am going to continue on working on getting myself back on my exercise schedule. I will weigh in next Friday. Thank you all again. I feel blessed to have found this group of all of you.

What you've written here is so beautiful and eloquent. From a scrapbooker's point of view, I hope you take the time to write this story out somewhere (do you keep a journal) and keep it. Someday your kids would like to hear this.

After we lost a precious kitty a few years ago I took the time (several weeks later) to write out her "life story" and do a scrapbook page for each of the kids. I am SO glad I did. If I had waited any longer I wouldn't have remembered all of those little silly details that make a story like that come to life.

I will pray for continued healing for you and your family......P