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

[pjlla]

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

Well.... I read the article, but it didn't really answer my questions. It talked about some is better than none, more is better than some..... but didn't really give any specifics for a middle-aged woman trying to lose/maintain weight. I'll stick with my 60 minutes per day for now. But I'm not sure how realistic that is to keep up for a lifetime. That was why the article interested me. ............P

 

[redwalker]

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

Thank you. pjlla, and that is an excellent idea. I have been compiling a folder full of digital images over the years with her, and adding words to this is a great idea. It helps me to look at her images, and all the fun we had together as a family. I know I need to get back to walking, it is just painful when it was what we did together everyday.

Tracey-thank you. She did have a wacky tail, didn't she.

 

[redwalker]

Well.... I read the article, but it didn't really answer my questions. It talked about some is better than none, more is better than some..... but didn't really give any specifics for a middle-aged woman trying to lose/maintain weight. I'll stick with my 60 minutes per day for now. But I'm not sure how realistic that is to keep up for a lifetime. That was why the article interested me. ............P

Hey pjlla, I found these 3 articles on Jillian Michaels facebook page
http://goingskiing.webs.com/laststubborn10pounds.htm
http://goingskiing.webs.com/choosingagoalweight.htm
http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/03/30/fast-food-is-like-heroin-studies-find/

found them interesting and a distraction.

 

[happysmyly]

I haven't posted much at all since I've been back from the funeral and family stuff... I've been reading, to keep me on track, just haven't felt like I had much to say this week... but I had to post this morning a HUGE congrats to my sister, Kimara, for being the Biggest Loser!!! Yippee!!!

She is taking her oral exams for her Masters Degree today--so I know she hasn't been on here much--so I called her and left her a message that she'll get when she gets back to congratulate her... so fun - to have that done and to be BL on the same day!

A big congrats to the rest of us that are still here--so amazing that we have lost that much weight as a group--so cool!! My weight this week will be not down very much--still can't exercise much with this cold (am just going through the motions but with very little energy)... but today I can breathe through my nose so I'm hoping that it's gone soon.

Good luck to everyone as the rest of this week goes by. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do here--it really does help more people than you'll ever know Have a magically Disney day!

Liz

 

[Rose&Mike]

Well.... I read the article, but it didn't really answer my questions. It talked about some is better than none, more is better than some..... but didn't really give any specifics for a middle-aged woman trying to lose/maintain weight. I'll stick with my 60 minutes per day for now. But I'm not sure how realistic that is to keep up for a lifetime. That was why the article interested me. ............P

Thanks for sharing the article Tracy.

I think it's all confusing as well. Last week on GMA they were talking about women needing an hour a day just to maintain. But then, because I haven't been feeling great, I've been researching to see if maybe I'm getting too much excercise, and one thing I read said more than 60 minutes a day (of intense cardio) is too much and can cause problems.

So if we need 60 to maintain and 90 is too much, then no wonder it's so hard to lose weight. I'm sure I'm overgeneralizing here, but I guess I have just learned that I need to listen to my body, and when I'm tired, slow down. It did depress me a little to think that for the rest of my life it was going to take an hour a day to maintain. I love working out, but some days (weeks) I just want to skip it!

 

[kimara]

i just found out i'm BL for the week
i have been on a binge since i saw my great numbers on friday . i haven't been exercising. i will get back on program...tomorrow.

i will now drive 100 miles to study and then go take my comprehensive exam for my master's degree. in the last week, we also decided to accept a good job offer and move to another state. i was stressed to the MAX with studying for this test and with telling friends we are going to be moving. i know, a stressed body needs exercise and good food even more than a non-stressed body. i just indulged in some emotional eating. this #1 news will get me back on track and i am SO happy!!!

congrats to my sis liz, happysmyly, on being #3!!!
(you know, if this had been a couples competition like the BL on TV, we would have kicked serious bum!) SO PROUD OF YOU!!

i seldom post, but please know how grateful i am to all of you. the knowledge and support you offer is heavenly.
♥ 2 all,
~kimara~

 

[Rose&Mike]

i just found out i'm BL for the week
i have been on a binge since i saw my great numbers on friday . i haven't been exercising. i will get back on program...tomorrow.

i will now drive 100 miles to study and then go take my comprehensive exam for my master's degree. in the last week, we also decided to accept a good job offer and move to another state. i was stressed to the MAX with studying for this test and with telling friends we are going to be moving. i know, a stressed body needs exercise and good food even more than a non-stressed body. i just indulged in some emotional eating. this #1 news will get me back on track and i am SO happy!!!

congrats to my sis liz, happysmyly, on being #3!!!
(you know, if this had been a couples competition like the BL on TV, we would have kicked serious bum!) SO PROUD OF YOU!!

i seldom post, but please know how grateful i am to all of you. the knowledge and support you offer is heavenly.
♥ 2 all,
~kimara~

Good luck on your exam and congrats on the job!!!!

 

[jennz]

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.

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.

Wow great job running for 10 minutes!!!!

Thanks for sharing the article Tracy.

I think it's all confusing as well. Last week on GMA they were talking about women needing an hour a day just to maintain. But then, because I haven't been feeling great, I've been researching to see if maybe I'm getting too much excercise, and one thing I read said more than 60 minutes a day (of intense cardio) is too much and can cause problems.

So if we need 60 to maintain and 90 is too much, then no wonder it's so hard to lose weight. I'm sure I'm overgeneralizing here, but I guess I have just learned that I need to listen to my body, and when I'm tired, slow down. It did depress me a little to think that for the rest of my life it was going to take an hour a day to maintain. I love working out, but some days (weeks) I just want to skip it!

I agree it is confusing! I remember Bob telling a contestant on BL that she'll have to workout an hour/day to maintain. But what level of a workout? And is moving around and steps counted?

 

[tea pot]

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.

Oh redwalker
My heart just aches for you and your family.
We lost our Golden Retriever at just 8 yr old from cancer
They are truly like people. I still miss him. Don't let anyone rush you
one pet can't just instantly replace another.
We have two cats now and love them very much. We just couldn't get another dog.... maybe some day.

 

[lisah0711]

kimara, congrats on being the BL this week and good luck on the exam today. Congrats on the move and job. It will be a stressful time for you but worth it when it is behind you. You have the right attitude that exercising and eating right will help the stress!

I see your Biggest Loser clippie needs a little editing. Go into your User CP and edit signature and delete the bolded words and any spaces so there is no space between .jpg and [/IMG] and that should do it.

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.

Kathy, you'll do fine. Think back to a few weeks ago -- you would have laughed at me if I'd suggested to you that you would get out in the rain to run 2/3 of a mile straight! You so totally .

I think it's all confusing as well. Last week on GMA they were talking about women needing an hour a day just to maintain. But then, because I haven't been feeling great, I've been researching to see if maybe I'm getting too much excercise, and one thing I read said more than 60 minutes a day (of intense cardio) is too much and can cause problems.

So if we need 60 to maintain and 90 is too much, then no wonder it's so hard to lose weight. I'm sure I'm overgeneralizing here, but I guess I have just learned that I need to listen to my body, and when I'm tired, slow down. It did depress me a little to think that for the rest of my life it was going to take an hour a day to maintain. I love working out, but some days (weeks) I just want to skip it!

I know some days I just don't want to work out -- hush, inner brat!

I agree it is confusing! I remember Bob telling a contestant on BL that she'll have to workout an hour/day to maintain. But what level of a workout? And is moving around and steps counted?

I hope it includes moving around and step counting but I have a long ways to go before I have to worry about maintaining -- by then the recommendation could have changed again!

Need to try and get some work done before going home with DS today -- its tag team week at work due to spring break.

 

[kimara]

I see your Biggest Loser clippie needs a little editing. Go into your User CP and edit signature and delete the bolded words and any spaces so there is no space between .jpg and [/IMG] and that should do it.

Thanks, i just copied-pasted and didn't check it!! funny thing is...my degree is in technology!

i am WAY too nervous...gonna go take that test and get it over with....

 

[pjlla]

I made the most of my chilly recess duty today and did 400 kickbacks and 350 high knee lifts. I'm counting it for 15 minutes of exercise done for today! Plus I kept warm. (Although I must say some of the kids were giving me funny looks!)......P

 

[jennz]

Thanks, i just copied-pasted and didn't check it!! funny thing is...my degree is in technology!

i am WAY too nervous...gonna go take that test and get it over with....

Congrats on BL AND finishing your masters!!

I made the most of my chilly recess duty today and did 400 kickbacks and 350 high knee lifts. I'm counting it for 15 minutes of exercise done for today! Plus I kept warm. (Although I must say some of the kids were giving me funny looks!)......P

That's funny! Great job getting some exercise in!

 

[princessbride6205]

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!

I love the cleaning tips! DD loves the Swiffer and the swiffer dust cloths, too. She likes to pretend to vacuum but is a little scared of our behemoth.

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!

I'm so glad to hear that things are going well with your DD. One of the preschools we're looking at is BYO lunch, so I'd be interested to hear more about what you pack for her.

redwalker - more hugs to you!

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.

Thanks for this, Lisa! Between working late, taking time for me/exercise, and realizing that DD is not getting quality care at her daycare - I've definitely been feeling a lot of mommy guilt lately.

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.

Congrats on getting up to 10 minutes! I remember the first time I did 20 minutes - it was so daunting! But it was doable, and you'll feel great after you complete it.

I haven't posted much at all since I've been back from the funeral and family stuff... I've been reading, to keep me on track, just haven't felt like I had much to say this week... but I had to post this morning a HUGE congrats to my sister, Kimara, for being the Biggest Loser!!! Yippee!!!

She is taking her oral exams for her Masters Degree today--so I know she hasn't been on here much--so I called her and left her a message that she'll get when she gets back to congratulate her... so fun - to have that done and to be BL on the same day!

A big congrats to the rest of us that are still here--so amazing that we have lost that much weight as a group--so cool!! My weight this week will be not down very much--still can't exercise much with this cold (am just going through the motions but with very little energy)... but today I can breathe through my nose so I'm hoping that it's gone soon.

Good luck to everyone as the rest of this week goes by. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do here--it really does help more people than you'll ever know Have a magically Disney day!

Liz

Glad you're feeling better. Hopefully you'll be back to exercising soon.

i just found out i'm BL for the week
i have been on a binge since i saw my great numbers on friday . i haven't been exercising. i will get back on program...tomorrow.

i will now drive 100 miles to study and then go take my comprehensive exam for my master's degree. in the last week, we also decided to accept a good job offer and move to another state. i was stressed to the MAX with studying for this test and with telling friends we are going to be moving. i know, a stressed body needs exercise and good food even more than a non-stressed body. i just indulged in some emotional eating. this #1 news will get me back on track and i am SO happy!!!

congrats to my sis liz, happysmyly, on being #3!!!
(you know, if this had been a couples competition like the BL on TV, we would have kicked serious bum!) SO PROUD OF YOU!!

i seldom post, but please know how grateful i am to all of you. the knowledge and support you offer is heavenly.
♥ 2 all,
~kimara~

Congratulations on being the BL this week!! Good luck with your exam!

 

[princessbride6205]

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

 

[tigger813]

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

My inner toddler wants a large serving of clam strips and onion rings! Though I don't think it is the inner toddler in me but the PMS in me right now! I also want a large hot fudge sundae with mint chocolate chip ice cream and sprinkles! And a piece of cheesecake!

The parent in me is saying NO, you will regret it in the morning! Work out and you can earn a treat!

DH and I were discussing my stress last night and how I wasn't handling it well and said I had better get back on track! He knows I will be angry with myself and doesn't like me to feel that way! I think he may start joining me in working out! I'll keep you posted on that! Maybe we can start this weekend! Of course, I bought a bunch of candy for Easter at CVS! It was all really cheap!

I plan on working out at some point tomorrow. The next several days will consist of running around to work and getting the rest of the Easter gifts! UGH! Dentist for DD1, hope to see the Easter bunny! Soccer photos and jr choir rehearsal on Saturday! Going to be a crazy rest of the week!

 

[mikamah]

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.

This is such great advice, Lisa, and sooooo true. I know I've told this before, but this reminded me of one time michael was about 3-4, and was a horrid little brat all day, and I was a screaming lunatic all day, so at the end of the day we were getting ready for bed, and I think I'm going to talk to him now, so we can change the behavior and have better days, so I asked him how he felt to day was, and I can still see his little face saying, " it was a great day mommy.", and when I lose it now, I think back to that, and he isn't going to remember those bad mommy moments that wrack us with guilt, but all the wonderful, loving moments.

My inner toddler wants to eat junk food, and not be the adult, not cook, just eat easy, prepared foods. My inner toddler is also the culprit that ate a lindt chocolate bunny that was supposed to be from the easter bunny, and had to go out and buy another one. She is a bad girl.

 

[donac]

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?



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.

MY alarm goes off at 4:20. I leave for work at 6:15. I like to be in my classroom by 6:40. Kids can come in for extra help any time after 7am. If they need to make up a test they need to get there by 6:50. Classes start a little after 7:30. From 4:20 to 5 is work out time for me. Then breakfast, put out the dog, shower, dress and make lunch and off to get a tea at Starbucks.

redwalker I know how hard it is to lose a family pet and my heart goes out to you. We never thought we could replace our last dog. we went 2 years before ds got his dog and brought her to the house. If ds ever leaves we are going ot require custody.

kimara congrats on winning this week. Good luck on your comps. YOu will make it through. That is exciting news about the new job and the move.

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

Yesterday I went to a candy store to buy some things Easter Baskets. It brought me back to Easter at my grandparents house. They would some things from Kmart but they would also go to this special candy shop to get special chocolate lollipops. I was walking around taking in the smells (almost 6 weeks without chocolate it was intoxicating) and looking at things. Someone even commented that I looked like a kid in a candy store. I even bought a special egg for dh and I. It is a chocolate one with small chocolate candies inside. This is the kind of thing we always got for Easter. The parent of me has not touched chocolate in 6 weeks and I know that the chocolate I bought will last a long time.

Off to work on my project for the day. I am working on a quilt top. I have finished the squares. Now to put the top together and tomorrow morning the borders go on. I am hoping to start quilting it this weekend.

Have a great evening

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

Thanks LuvBaloo

And most deffiently Jennz

Today I got a Jacob Black message and it was wonderful:
"Jacob and the pack are howling over your success. Keep it up and run with the wolves."

 

[redwalker]

Oh redwalker
My heart just aches for you and your family.
We lost our Golden Retriever at just 8 yr old from cancer
They are truly like people. I still miss him. Don't let anyone rush you
one pet can't just instantly replace another.
We have two cats now and love them very much. We just couldn't get another dog.... maybe some day.

I just feel like I am going crazy without her, and I am not motivated to move. I know for my health, I must, I have to. I will try again tonight, at least a mile. I know I have to really get moving next week, not for any other reason but to keep body healthy. Maybe when the sun comes out, and the rain stops I will feel a little better. I am awaiting her ashes to come home. When she is finally home, I will feel less incomplete. Thank you for your kind words.