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

[happysmyly]

Good morning, Losers, Maintainers and the rest of us!
Hope you're having a great Monday morning - with a new week full of possibilities and hope for success!
I am here--I am up 7 pounds from 2 weeks ago - agh! So I lost my 30 lb siggie and am back to the ol' 25 lber... but today is a new day with no mistakes in it and I am planning to be back to a fairly obsessive compulsive me to get back on program
I look forward to checking in here throughout the day and seeing how you all are doing--needing to read the goods and the hards - so thanks in advance for sharing

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?
Hmmm... a friend of mine has recently gotten into using Essential Oils for health and well-being stuff... and it has reawakened that in me--I used to use them tons when working in product development - but they're so pricey - so I would probably spend the money on that. Or I would get some fun new plants--DH got me a bleeding heart plant on Saturday--I think they are so pretty and I am just hoping we can keep it alive--I'm transplanting it today into a nice pot. A nice plant with pretty flowers just makes me smile even thinking about it.

Have a great day!!
Liz

 

[pjlla]

Feeling much better, thanks. The talent show was great. The boys did great, sang their little hearts out. It was fun.

It's been a busy couple days and I've been trying not to spend too much time on the computer. It is nice to catch up on the thread. I'm trying to do some spring cleaning, and get the house in order for first communion in 2 weeks. I don't want to be stressing that morning. Today we went to the bakery to order a cake, and I offered Michael to buy him a cupcake and he didn't want one, and I so wanted one, but I didn't buy one just for me. He of course would have been my excuse to get one too.

Because I was sick mid week, I missed my c25k on thurs, and this morning it was rainy and cold, and I almost skipped it again, but I thought that this would be the beginning of the end, miss one day, then two, and then slowly give it up all together, so I got dressed and went out and did it in the cold and rain, and it felt so great after to be done. I know from past experience, it doesn't take long to get out of the habit of exercising, and I am determined not to do that.

Hope you're all having a nice weekend.

I'm glad to hear that the talent show went well. I know you were thinking of your Mom.

WOOHOO on getting out there and getting that exercise done! I am so very proud of you! I really am.

Yeah-- I'd forgotton how quick it is to the gates from HOJO--I think we can do better than that lol. (son and I walking)

You're staying at the HoJo?? That is where we stayed! Love that place! Don't forget, the walk feels a LOT longer in the morning when you are anxious to get there and at night when you are dead tired!!! I SWEAR the distance doubled between 7 am and midnight!!

QOTD: I would buy the Magic of Mickey Ring that the Bradford exchange is putting out! I have fallen in love with the ring! I get more excited whenever I see it!!!!! It now keeps popping up on my FB page several times a day. I may just have to save my money/tips and get it for myself!

Enjoy your day tomorrow! I'll probably be stopping in at some point in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

Where can I find this ring? I'd love to see it. Enjoy your school vacation week. Have fun with the girls.

It has been a really long week. There were too many things happening at school, I had my taxes to do, we had a huge amount of commitments and then I ended up feeling horrible. I struggle with spring allergies but it has changed into a cold of sorts with a cough that hurts my chest. After the 5K on Saturday (a real struggle when I felt like this), I ended up sleeping away most of the day yesterday and today. DH and I should have run 6 miles today but I just could not do it. Instead, I did some stretching and light exercises and then took another nap. The cough is not getting any better and I am feeling exhausted. It looks like it could be another long week.

On a positive note, I have been perfect about logging my food since Friday. I have been working hard at eating balanced, healthy meals and not using points on candy. Since I haven't felt that great, I have not eaten all my points the past 2 days...you would think that would cause me to lose weight but it hasn't. I am a bit discouraged because I seem to be stuck with my weight loss. I have been working hard at exercise, logging all my food (I even have been weighing to be sure I record the right amounts) and the scale just will not move. I guess I will be happy it is not going up.

My goal for this upcoming week is to keep on doing what I am doing and then log all my water to be sure I am getting enough each day. Have a great night everyone!

Jen

First of all... feel better!! Second of all... nice job on tracking your food so well. You WILL see results eventually! And just think of the nice habits you are reinforcing!

Well - it's almost 10 days since last I was here--and all I can say is--I'm so glad that you guys are here--I'm gonna need help to get back on track... I thought I was an emotional eater--but my emotional eating is NOTHING compared with the damage I can do with stress--and this last week+ has been full of stress--mostly stress of the unknown - and I'm a wreck. I've been in a fairly deep funk and it's compounded with TOM (which I know has decreased my ability to deal with the stress). Hopefully I should have this stress 'solved' in the next couple of weeks--will I get everything ready for the appraisal that will hopefully happen this week? Will we get a loan so we can either move or renovate this summer? Will he get a job where the rest of my family is moving? How stressful will mom's move to her new place be? ...

So I sit here, having just finished eating a HUGE brownie, knowing that I am going to have to face the scale tomorrow morning and get back on track and deal with whatever weight is staring back at me after 2 weeks of no exercise and eating just like I used to. I took away my clippie--cause I'm not sure which one I am going to get to have...

I wanted to get on here tonight to thank you all for being here and for your encouragement. I am so glad that I found this week's COWs and I'll start those tomorrow morning--I so need the minute to minute reminders that my little spreadsheet to track my weight and COWs gives me--staring at me from the bottom of my computer screen.

And, as someone said in one of the posts that I have scanned through today--it's a good time to reflect on where I was in December 2009--and how far I've come and the good habits that I can have when I actually try and remembering how good I felt healthwise and about myself when I was trying and succeeding. I still have more than 100 pounds to lose (close to not but I'm sure it's back to over 100) so this is going to be a long journey--and I'm so glad that you are here! Thanks!!

Liz

Not much to say except..... for coming back here with us. You know what to do, now you just need to do it. Try to pop on here at least once a day for your daily dose of encouragement!! The ladies here are so helpful!

I finally am going to the doctor today. I've been really stressed lately, so I'm hoping she will say this heart rate thing is nothing to worry about.

We had opening week for our minor league baseball team this week. I ate too much junk, and worse had too much beer. I talked to dh and we're going to go alcohol free until we go to Disney in May. I don't think I was having so much that it was an issue, but I really was starting to think of having a beer as a way to de-stress. I don't want to go down that road. And when I think about it, it is really silly to workout so much and eat well (most of the time) and then drink a bunch of wasted calories. So no beer, french fries or onion rings. (They have really good fries and onion rings at the ball park.) I have worked too hard to put weight back on eating such unhealthy food.

Have a good day everyone. I'm going to strength class, and then I'll probably get on the elliptical for a little bit.

I'm glad you are finally seeing the doctor. I know this has been on your mind a lot lately. This should give you some answers and some peace of mind.

Nice job deciding to give up the beer. I know that when I recommitted to this healthier lifestyle a few years ago, beer was definitely a "favorite" of mine. But you know what.... I find now that I rarely want to give up the points/calories for it.... it just isn't worth it. I went from drinking a beer or two a week, to a beer or two a YEAR. And I almost never crave it. Occasionally when DH is having one, I might have a sip or two.... but that is usually it. If I am going to indulge in a drink these days (like on my birthday or on a special vacation) I am more apt to have a fancy "girlie" drink like a margarita. It does amaze me that people are willing to spend so many calories on liquor. I heard Bob Harper mention on BL that most people in the fitness/nutrition industry refer to liquor at "liquid fat" because it has almost as many calories per fl. oz as fat!! Makes you want to think twice about that drink, doesn't it!??

I think it's time to lay off the weight loss journey a bit. I'm stressing myself out over it. I have been the same weight for a month now. I know you would all say that's a good thing that I have maintained, but I'm kicking my butt at the gym and the only results I've gotten lately is a lot of hip pain. This week I'm just gonna cool off, not track and just walk at the gym. I need to let me hip and my mind relax a little bit. I will not go over board with the food. I lost my original 50 lbs without tracking and just following the Core Plan, so I think that's what I am gonna do.

It does sond like you need some rest time. I think you have the right idea with having an easy week at the gym and hitting the Core plan again, since that is what has worked for you in the past. Hopefully these changes will bring less stress aned some good results. I'll be thinking of you.




Well, happy Monday morning all! I am subbing for the school nurse again, so I should have some time to chat here today!

Sunday's QOTD: Well... I do usually manage to carve out a few hours for myself, at least every few weeks (depending on my work schedule) and as you all know, I usually spend that time at my scrapbooking table. That said, I do love to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book or the lastest issue of my scrapbooking magazine.

Monday's QOTD: If Mickey gave me $100, I would save it for my upcoming Mother/Son trip to WDW! Then I would buy myself some special souvenir from the trip. I have been collecting Disney Italian charms for a few years, but they are not as popular now and are harder to find. And the ones I bought in 2008 at Disney were of inferior quality and haven't lasted really well. DD has managed to find me a few nice ones on Ebay though.


I had a pretty good weekend, food wise. I did fall for the dreaded cookie dough on Saturday night, but I counted it and journaled it and will keep moving forward. I did indulge in a half a cookie last night (usually it is just the dough that tempts me) and it put me a bit over my planned points, but not too bad.

I had a fairly productive weekend. I got some errands run, groceries bought, food prepped for the upcoming weeks, some house cleaning done, laundry caught up, exercised both days, and got some scrapping done. All in all I was pretty satisfied about the weekend by bedtime last night.

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the tough time DS has been having with his skin and that we were seeing a new doctor. Well, DS was diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection (not sure what type) and has been on some pretty strong antibiotics for about a week now and the improvement in his skin is already DRAMATIC! It is SO exciting. He said to me at bedtime last night "Mom, I might be able to wear short sleeves at Disney and not be ashamed!" I was so touched.... I explained to him that he has NOTHING to be ashamed of and that he has almost NO control over this skin rash. I think he meant to say he was "embarrassed". But I feel so bad.... this has been so hard for him. I don't think that we are totally out of the woods yet, but we are definitely encouraged by this improvement.

I mentioned a few days ago that I have my dinners planned out for the next few weeks. I can't TELL you what a feeling of calm and peace that is bringing me, knowing I am going into a few really busy weeks. Tonight's dinner is essentially done, I just need to assemble the parts. Tomorrow night I planned something quick and easy (grilled cheese and tomato soup) as it is a 5:30-8 pm swim night. That way DD can eat at 4:30 pm and the men can eat later if they want. I'll just leave everything cooked and out and they can just warm it when they want it.

I made a double batch of last night's dinner and packed up the remainder for lunches for DD and myelf for this week (it is a super low calorie delicious meal that we both really like).

If anyone is looking for some new exercise clothes, DD and I found a really pretty line of Danskin stuff at Walmart on Saturday. They have lots of pieces like running tanks with Ipod pockets, shorts, warm-up pants and jackets, t-shirts, etc. We got kind of excited and got carried away buying the stuff, so we had to take a look at it when we got home and will be returning a few pieces. Most of the pieces were around $7 - $11. I bought myself three plain hoodies... a grey and a white that are full zip, and a longer black one that is a partial zip. I bought three running tanks that I will share with DD (yellow, black, and coral) plus I bought DD a pair of black shorts with a coral inset. We were kind of excited and giddy about it. Is it silly to get so excited about exercise clothes???

Well... I'm off for now. TTYL.............................P

 

[lisah0711]

It is good to see pics of ya all--doing something so healthy. And it's fun to meet up with people. Yeah we'll have to coordinate at Disneyland!

There's this we could possibly do:

Originally Posted by maberlyne
Can I ask for more info about the port/chocolate tasting? Especially cost! Yum, yum!
I think it's a bargain. It's $12 and you sign up at the wine bar in Wine Country Trattoria. You usually do this at the granite bar but when it wasn't busy, we were able to move to a little table nearby after we'd heard all of the info. I believe the tasting times are noon - 4.

They give you 3 types of port to try, the last being something called tawny port. Those are each paired with a different type of Ghirardelli chocolate, which goes from sweetest to darkest (% cocoa gets higher). Then you are told the history etc and you sip and nip. You're encouraged to then mix and match chocolates with ports and see what you prefer.

You end up getting a lot of port & chocolate, even though it doesn't look like that much to begin with.

Here is a tip: ask about the Magicale wine that is made in Italy exclusively for the Disney resort. Both times we did the port & wine tasting, we asked about it and got to have a little glass of Magicale to taste as well, I think because we were having so much fun! It normally costs $12/glass, $47/bottle.
forgot to mention you can do port and cheese (bleu cheese ) instead of chocolate

Yeah-- I'd forgotton how quick it is to the gates from HOJO--I think we can do better than that lol. (son and I walking)

Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun. I was thinking it would be fun to meet at Wine Country Trattoria anyway since the walls are down at DCA now. Do you think we need PS? It's fun to look at the map and see how close things are -- I think we do forget.

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?

If Mickey Mouse gave me $100 to spend on me only, I would match it and get a new Nintendo DSi with a larger screen. Those little screens are hard on my eyes and I don't want to strain my eyes!

I do like running in knee highs! The first time I wore them, I did it for warmth. I like running in my skirt and once I start, I get really hot. I thought the knee highs would help keep me a bit warmer. Then, at my first race, I saw TONS of people wearing them. I like to wear them to races because then people know who to look for! I would imagine that as it gets hotter, I will not enjoy having them on though.

I think your knee highs look very snazzy but I do see how they would get warm.

No exercise today. I guess this will be my week off. I'm just not motivated right now. I have been stuck between 155 and 160 the past several weeks so I will just start from there next week! I will probably do some Wii at some point tomorrow and take my own lite popcorn to the movies in the morning. Food court for lunch followed by another movie.

Enjoy your day tomorrow! I'll probably be stopping in at some point in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

Tracey. It is frustrating when you stay in the same place for a long time no matter what you do. I know pjlla can relate. It might not hurt to be a maintainer for a couple of weeks and let your body adjust. Like mikamah says, maintaining is underrated!

Well - it's almost 10 days since last I was here--and all I can say is--I'm so glad that you guys are here--I'm gonna need help to get back on track... I thought I was an emotional eater--but my emotional eating is NOTHING compared with the damage I can do with stress--and this last week+ has been full of stress--mostly stress of the unknown - and I'm a wreck. I've been in a fairly deep funk and it's compounded with TOM (which I know has decreased my ability to deal with the stress). Hopefully I should have this stress 'solved' in the next couple of weeks--will I get everything ready for the appraisal that will hopefully happen this week? Will we get a loan so we can either move or renovate this summer? Will he get a job where the rest of my family is moving? How stressful will mom's move to her new place be? ...

So I sit here, having just finished eating a HUGE brownie, knowing that I am going to have to face the scale tomorrow morning and get back on track and deal with whatever weight is staring back at me after 2 weeks of no exercise and eating just like I used to. I took away my clippie--cause I'm not sure which one I am going to get to have...

I wanted to get on here tonight to thank you all for being here and for your encouragement. I am so glad that I found this week's COWs and I'll start those tomorrow morning--I so need the minute to minute reminders that my little spreadsheet to track my weight and COWs gives me--staring at me from the bottom of my computer screen.

And, as someone said in one of the posts that I have scanned through today--it's a good time to reflect on where I was in December 2009--and how far I've come and the good habits that I can have when I actually try and remembering how good I felt healthwise and about myself when I was trying and succeeding. I still have more than 100 pounds to lose (close to not but I'm sure it's back to over 100) so this is going to be a long journey--and I'm so glad that you are here! Thanks!!

Liz

, Liz. It's hard when you have a long ways to go and you have other things going on in your life that make it hard to stick to your weight loss and exercise goals. We've all been in your shoes. There are lots of things tht you can't control in this world. But you can control how you let them affect you. You can control what you eat and whether you get the exercise that you need. All the things going on in your life will not be any better for you selling yourself short. In fact, your ability to deal with them will improve because you have good fuel in your body, got lots of rest, exercised and took care of yourself. There are several of us on this thread who have a ways to go so you've got plenty of people to keep you company on this journey.

Rose, good luck at the doctor's office today.

I think it's time to lay off the weight loss journey a bit. I'm stressing myself out over it. I have been the same weight for a month now. I know you would all say that's a good thing that I have maintained, but I'm kicking my butt at the gym and the only results I've gotten lately is a lot of hip pain. This week I'm just gonna cool off, not track and just walk at the gym. I need to let me hip and my mind relax a little bit. I will not go over board with the food. I lost my original 50 lbs without tracking and just following the Core Plan, so I think that's what I am gonna do.

It sounds like you know what works for you. Sometimes it takes awhile to figure that out. It does sound like your hip needs a break. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

I'm detecting a theme in our posts here and found an article is SparkPeople about dealing with setbacks that might be appropos. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=113

This is not an easy journey that we are on. We are the only ones who can make this dream happen for ourselves. Ask yourself what is really important to you? What will make you and your families happier at the end of the day? Will taking care of yourself and being healthy help you with your goals? What can you do each and every day to get yourself where you want to be?

Have a great day all!

 

[pjlla]

Tracey. It is frustrating when you stay in the same place for a long time no matter what you do. I know pjlla can relate. It might not hurt to be a maintainer for a couple of weeks and let your body adjust. Like mikamah says, maintaining is underrated!

:I'm detecting a theme in our posts here and found an article is SparkPeople about dealing with setbacks that might be appropos. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=113

This is not an easy journey that we are on. We are the only ones who can make this dream happen for ourselves. Ask yourself what is really important to you? What will make you and your families happier at the end of the day? Will taking care of yourself and being healthy help you with your goals? What can you do each and every day to get yourself where you want to be?

Have a great day all!

Thanks for the link to that article. It definitely helped put things in perspective. I should check out Sparkpeople... it looks like there is a lot of helpful information there!................P

 

[happysmyly]

There are several of us on this thread who have a ways to go so you've got plenty of people to keep you company on this journey.

I'm detecting a theme in our posts here and found an article is SparkPeople about dealing with setbacks that might be appropos. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=113

Thanks, Lisa--it's good to know that there are several of us on this journey--all headed in the same direction - some ahead of others but all there That's why it makes it so easy to come back instead of just give up There's a real positive power here!

Thanks for the link to the article--I had only read 2 articles so far this morning--I try to read 3 articles throughout each day--to keep my mind focused on the good positive things I can do. I ended up saving that one to read later as needed.

Thanks for the link to that article. It definitely helped put things in perspective. I should check out Sparkpeople... it looks like there is a lot of helpful information there!................P

I LOVE Sparkpeople!!! This thread and Sparkpeople are my tools--I love their food tracker - it totally keeps me on track - and there are so many other great resources there--good articles, good blogs, fitness info/tips/tracker, great recipes and an OK forum section too (though that will never even come close to the fabulous support here on this forum). And I like that it's there and people can use any part of it that they want - and it's all FREE!!! Enjoy exploring it. And drop on by--my username there is the same as here

 

[Rose&Mike]

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the tough time DS has been having with his skin and that we were seeing a new doctor. Well, DS was diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection (not sure what type) and has been on some pretty strong antibiotics for about a week now and the improvement in his skin is already DRAMATIC! It is SO exciting. He said to me at bedtime last night "Mom, I might be able to wear short sleeves at Disney and not be ashamed!" I was so touched.... I explained to him that he has NOTHING to be ashamed of and that he has almost NO control over this skin rash. I think he meant to say he was "embarrassed". But I feel so bad.... this has been so hard for him. I don't think that we are totally out of the woods yet, but we are definitely encouraged by this improvement.

I mentioned a few days ago that I have my dinners planned out for the next few weeks. I can't TELL you what a feeling of calm and peace that is bringing me, knowing I am going into a few really busy weeks. Tonight's dinner is essentially done, I just need to assemble the parts. Tomorrow night I planned something quick and easy (grilled cheese and tomato soup) as it is a 5:30-8 pm swim night. That way DD can eat at 4:30 pm and the men can eat later if they want. I'll just leave everything cooked and out and they can just warm it when they want it.

I am really glad your son got the right diagnosis and things are improving so dramatically. My ds has a genetic skin disorder where his skin does not exfoliate on its own. He has it head to toe. And the worst part is it's x-linked, which means I am a carrier and gave it to him. He really handles it well now, but when he was young and didn't want to deal with it, it was really hard. When he wouldn't use his lotion his skin would build up in some places and look like fish scales and in some places would crack open. And he didn't sweat until middle school. It would make me so sad when he wouldn't wear shorts or when he would get frustrated and angry that he couldn't go a day without dealing with it. There are a lot worse things, but as Mom, you never want to see your kid suffer. So, I am so happy that it turned out to be treatable for your son. And hugs to you, it's hard not to worry sometimes.

The dinner planning is really motivating me to get off my butt and start planning! Thanks for sharing.

If folks are still interested in starting a thread in the healthy eating section with quick dinner recipes, I would be willing to maintain it--keep a list of what page the recipes are on, bump when needed, etc. I could really use some more vegetarian ideas that don't involve tofu or mushrooms. Anyhow, if anyone is interested, let me know.

If I had a $100 I would apply it to a Garmin watch for my dh. He hates to buy things for himself, but if it was from Mickey, it would be ok. I should just tell dh that I want one, and then just give it to him after a week or so...

 

[pjlla]

I am really glad your son got the right diagnosis and things are improving so dramatically. My ds has a genetic skin disorder where his skin does not exfoliate on its own. He has it head to toe. And the worst part is it's x-linked, which means I am a carrier and gave it to him. He really handles it well now, but when he was young and didn't want to deal with it, it was really hard. When he wouldn't use his lotion his skin would build up in some places and look like fish scales and in some places would crack open. And he didn't sweat until middle school. It would make me so sad when he wouldn't wear shorts or when he would get frustrated and angry that he couldn't go a day without dealing with it. There are a lot worse things, but as Mom, you never want to see your kid suffer. So, I am so happy that it turned out to be treatable for your son. And hugs to you, it's hard not to worry sometimes.

The dinner planning is really motivating me to get off my butt and start planning! Thanks for sharing.

If folks are still interested in starting a thread in the healthy eating section with quick dinner recipes, I would be willing to maintain it--keep a list of what page the recipes are on, bump when needed, etc. I could really use some more vegetarian ideas that don't involve tofu or mushrooms. Anyhow, if anyone is interested, let me know.

If I had a $100 I would apply it to a Garmin watch for my dh. He hates to buy things for himself, but if it was from Mickey, it would be ok. I should just tell dh that I want one, and then just give it to him after a week or so...

Thanks for the words of encouragement and such with regard to DS. Yes, there definitely are worse things in life, but when you are a 12 y/o boy who already gets picked on, having something else for people to make fun of is frustrating! DS has trouble dealing with it too... the cream/ointments do help a little, but sometimes it hurts to apply it because the wounds are open. It is a vicious circle.

I would love to see a recipe thread here, but I guess I haven't gotten off my duff and started one!! I would be happy to contribute if you started one!

I must be out of my MIND!! I just booked a hotel room in NYC for this coming Friday night so that my DD can go meet Michael Phelps who is doing a personal appearance at Macy's in Herald Square next Saturday. I can't even IMAGINE how excited she will be!! I wouldn't have really considered it, because I figured it would be a case of standing at the back of a crowd of 10,000 just to get a glimpse of him.... but in reading about the appearance, it states that anyone who spends $50 or more on a Speedo product gets a complimentary photo taken with Michael. My DD will absolutely PEE HER PANTS with excitement if she actually gets to be that close!!! I can't WAIT to tell her tonight!! We are talking OFF THE CHARTS excitement. I guess I can drive 11 hours round trip for that!!

Well, I think it is finally lunch time for me! I've had a steady stream of kids with nausea and vomiting all morning.... but I still have plenty of appetite! ..............P

 

[lisah0711]

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the tough time DS has been having with his skin and that we were seeing a new doctor. Well, DS was diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection (not sure what type) and has been on some pretty strong antibiotics for about a week now and the improvement in his skin is already DRAMATIC! It is SO exciting. He said to me at bedtime last night "Mom, I might be able to wear short sleeves at Disney and not be ashamed!" I was so touched.... I explained to him that he has NOTHING to be ashamed of and that he has almost NO control over this skin rash. I think he meant to say he was "embarrassed". But I feel so bad.... this has been so hard for him. I don't think that we are totally out of the woods yet, but we are definitely encouraged by this improvement.

I am so happy for you and your son that this new medicine is working. It is hard enough to be a teenager as it is without adding skin issues.

I love Sparkpeople and it is free! You might want to check out the nutrition part of the program -- you don't need it now because all your meals are planned out for awhile -- but when I see their plans I realize how much more you can eat when you eat "the good stuff."

Thanks, Lisa--it's good to know that there are several of us on this journey--all headed in the same direction - some ahead of others but all there That's why it makes it so easy to come back instead of just give up There's a real positive power here!

Yep, it's hard to beat the support of this group!
Next time I am on Sparkpeople I will say "hello." My username is 1313harbor on Sparkpeople.

The dinner planning is really motivating me to get off my butt and start planning! Thanks for sharing.

If folks are still interested in starting a thread in the healthy eating section with quick dinner recipes, I would be willing to maintain it--keep a list of what page the recipes are on, bump when needed, etc. I could really use some more vegetarian ideas that don't involve tofu or mushrooms. Anyhow, if anyone is interested, let me know.

That would be great if you would start the recipe thread and maintain it, Rose.

Sending good thoughts to you for your doctor's appointment today.

Well, I think it is finally lunch time for me! I've had a steady stream of kids with nausea and vomiting all morning.... but I still have plenty of appetite! ..............P

Boy, we can tell you're a Mom if you still feel like having lunch now!

The NYC trip with your daughter sounds like a lot of fun.

I had a big hearing this morning. It involving having a big box of files that weighed over 20 pounds that I had to carry quite a ways. It was really nice to have to cart that box so far because it gave me a chance to contemplate how I had lost more than that box weighed. It was also nice because I could cart that box hither, thither and yon and it was no big deal. I didn't huff and puff and my arms didn't hurt. Sure it felt good to set the box down, just like it feels good to get rid of that weight, but what really felt good was that feeling of being so much stronger and able to do anything that needs to be done!

Have a great day!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Here is today's QOTD: Do you wear/use a pedometer? If so, do you think it helps you on your weight loss journey? If not, is there a reason why you don't? Do you think that it could help you on your journey?

I don't wear a pedometer, I've had them before and they seemed inaccurate and too much trouble. I probably did not spend enough. I'm not sure how much it would help -- I get my exercise through running, and I don't think I would be likely to walk more. Still, every bit helps!

Sat. 4/17 QOTD: What is one exercise/sport, etc. you have always wanted to try and/or wish you fit more into your schedule?

I wish I could do yoga more than once a week. I really like it and think there are a ton of benefits, but timewise it's just not likely.

QOTD for Sun. 4/18: If you had 2 hours all to yourself, what would you do?

I do tend to make time for myself, but a 2 hour block is not typical. I would probably read, or go for a walk (maybe I do need that pedometer!). If I was tired (ok, that's most days), maybe I would have the ultimate indulgence and take a nap

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?

Crocs! I have two pairs I really want, new black Cleos and walnut brown Patricias. I literally wore out my last pair of black Cleos, I wear them whenever I can in the summer. I'm waiting until May, I have a set "fun budget", and it's all gone for April . I may end up just getting black Patricias, we'll see what else catches my eye next month...That would leave me with $30 left over. I've been contemplating a scarf to go with a new peach shirt and coral sweater I have, so I think an accessory would be the way to go.

I've been doing a great job with my workouts and eating lately, and I think it's starting to really pay off. I think we all go through cycles, 'cause I've had some very down times, too. The key is to recognize where you are in the cycle, and either go with it or do what you can to get to the next phase. Some plateaus last longer than others, but if you are doing what you should, you will eventually see results. You may have to shake things up (and sometimes it can be in an odd way -- like by eating more or changing your exercise routine), but consistently consuming fewer calories and expending more will yield weight loss. Eventually

Maria

 

[maiziezoe]

happysmyly Stress/anxiety can be a crippler sometimes. I'm glad you have a plan to get back on plan tomorrow.

jenanderson--hope you feel better soon!

tigger813--have a great week of no classes with your kids.

Qoftheday--I would like two extra hours with dh. I'm only working 1/2 time, and no kids at home, but dh and I just feel like we haven't had any quality time together lately--where one or the other of us hasn't felt like we should be doing something.

I finally am going to the doctor today. I've been really stressed lately, so I'm hoping she will say this heart rate thing is nothing to worry about.

We had opening week for our minor league baseball team this week. I ate too much junk, and worse had too much beer. I talked to dh and we're going to go alcohol free until we go to Disney in May. I don't think I was having so much that it was an issue, but I really was starting to think of having a beer as a way to de-stress. I don't want to go down that road. And when I think about it, it is really silly to workout so much and eat well (most of the time) and then drink a bunch of wasted calories. So no beer, french fries or onion rings. (They have really good fries and onion rings at the ball park.) I have worked too hard to put weight back on eating such unhealthy food.

Have a good day everyone. I'm going to strength class, and then I'll probably get on the elliptical for a little bit.

How did your doctors appointment go?

 

[maiziezoe]

I did my first spin class today and I am still alive! It was hard! I went with two of my girlfriends and when the instructor walked in the room, I heard one of my friends whisper to my other friend, "she's tough". I almost got off the bike and hid in the locker room. 15 minutes into the class I thought about quitting, 30 minutes in I thought about crying and when there was 15 minutes left, I didn't think I would ever walk again. My rump hurts from that teeny tiny seat! But I did the full hour and I am happy.

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?

I would go to Old Navy and buy some shorts. Last May we went on a Disney cruise... before we went I bought 10 pairs of size 22/24 shorts. Now I wear a 16. I have NO shorts to wear this summer.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?

I would go to Old Navy and buy some shorts. Last May we went on a Disney cruise... before we went I bought 10 pairs of size 22/24 shorts. Now I wear a 16. I have NO shorts to wear this summer.

That is something to celebrate! Congratulations!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

Thanks for thinking of me everyone!

First the important news--my scale at home and the one in the doctor's office are almost the same, within a pound. So at least that part didn't depress me.

She listened to my heart and said she is definitely hearing a pause. I wasn't sure if I wanted her to hear it or not. I kind of did--because otherwise I would have thought I was going crazy, and I kind of didn't because that means more tests. She took blood and they are going to set me up with a cardiologist because she wants me to wear a Holter monitor (sp?) for 24 hours. She said it is probably pvcs, and since I am otherwise healthy, it is most likely nothing to worry about. My bp was normal, and she said to stay on the multi-vitamin for the B12, and that it was fine to the take the electrolyte capsules that I'm taking on hard workout days.

So, I'm waiting to hear when I go to have the monitor put on. I have no idea how long you have to wait for that appointment. It's a little worrisome, but at least I'm finally doing something about it. And it really sounds like it's going to be nothing to worry about. I've been feeling really healthy lately, so I'm going to just assume it's my heart doing silly things, and no big deal.

I need to come up with a good title for the recipe thread. Any ideas?

Ok--here it is http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447512
The Biggest Loser Healthy and Easy Dinner Thread

maizezoe--congrats on completing the spin class!!

 

[donac]

pjilla congrats the new medication working on your son.

Rose I am glad you went to the doctor's. The only problem with the holter monitor is sleeping. I slept half sitting up on the couch so I would roll over it. You will probably need a stress test and an echocardiogram to confirm that it is pvcs. I have been there and done that. It is not that bad.

Ds finished his first half in 2 hrs and 51 minutes. Not great but her did finish. He twisted his ankle at mile 6 and kept running till mile 9 and then wallked the rest. Then he ended up with a cold. So with only 5 left at his job he took a sick day


I never got to really walk at the scout event but I spent almost 4 hours on my feet walking from side to side in the tent. I did do some walking yesterday and won't today because it is cloudy and cold. Maybe do some bike riding while watching a dvd.

Monday's QOTD: Here is another "what if" question. Mickey Mouse sent you $100 to spend on you only. How would you spend it?
Probably buy some yarn or fabric to make blankets for project linus or liner helmets for the army.

Have a great evening everyone.

 

[mikamah]

Hi everyone. We had a very active day today. We slept in, til almost 8, which is virtually unheard of, and then we walked to the park which is about a mile, and I did my c25k and ran 2.5 miles!!!!! Very exciting for me, and this afternoon we've been out working in the yard. We're having a lot of people after first communion may 1st, so I'm hoping for good weather so we can be outside too, but that means I need to clean up outside as well as inside. This was a bonus day off, so I'm happy we were productive. We came home from the park to watch the first lady and man cross the finish line in the Boston marathon. Michael wasn't really interested in going this year, but hopefully he'll want to go another time. He did enjoy watching it on tv.

Pjlla- I am so happy for you and your son that the medicine is working. I'm sure it has been so hard for him, and for you to watch him go through it. I noticed your 18 day countdown in your siggie!! How exciting, and so nice for just the two of you to get away. The weekend you planned for your daughter sounds awesome. I can imagine with her swimming that she will just be thrilled. It will be so nice for her to see him, and know that he was a kid in high school just like her, and followed his dreams, and that anything is possible.

Dona- How exciting for your son to have completed, and how inspiring to twist his ankle and keep on going. Being new to the running world, his speed sounds pretty fast to me! You must be so proud.

Rose- Glad you went to the doctor and are getting it all checked out, and I'm sure she is right, and most likely nothing to worry about. Pvc's are very common, and usually harmless. It will be nice for you when the work up is all done. Thanks for starting the recipe thread. I'll go check it out.

Maria- So nice to hear you're doing well with everything. You are so right, we all go through cycles, and when things are looking and feeling grim, they will turn around. I forgot last week when you described your day in DTD to say how appealling it sounded, and I felt like I was right there with you.

Maiziezoe- I'm sorry you don't have any shorts for this summer, but not really. So happy for you!! The way you're going you might need a 12 by summer. Keep it up, girl!!

This is not an easy journey that we are on. We are the only ones who can make this dream happen for ourselves. Ask yourself what is really important to you? What will make you and your families happier at the end of the day? Will taking care of yourself and being healthy help you with your goals? What can you do each and every day to get yourself where you want to be?

Lisa, I love this and it really makes me think. It is so true, we are in charge of our destiny, and I feel so much better when I am more active, and when i'm more active, I eat better. After my run, and walk home from the park, I was so hungry, but I didn't want crap, I made egg beaters with cheese and salsa. That was a great sparkpeople article. I should investigate sparkpeople more often. Nice analogy on the 20 pound box of files. 30 pounds is awesome!!

Happysmyly-You have such a positive attitude, and we are always here for you to listen and offer support. This is a lifetime journey, and we must keep on trying, no matter how long it takes. Every little change we make makes all the difference.

lovedvc-sorry it has been so frustrating for you lately. It sounds like you have a good plan to go back to core, and give your body a rest from all the exercise. It is frustrating when you do all the right things and don't see the results you want.

Have a great evening.

 

[mikamah]

I forgot my 100$ from mickey would buy me a new pair of merrel sandals, and if I had enough leftover, a new life is good t-shirt.

 

[flipflopmom]

Hi everyone. We had a very active day today. We slept in, til almost 8, which is virtually unheard of, and then we walked to the park which is about a mile, and I did my c25k and ran 2.5 miles!!!!! Very exciting for me, and this afternoon we've been out working in the yard. We're having a lot of people after first communion may 1st, so I'm hoping for good weather so we can be outside too, but that means I need to clean up outside as well as inside. This was a bonus day off, so I'm happy we were productive. We came home from the park to watch the first lady and man cross the finish line in the Boston marathon. Michael wasn't really interested in going this year, but hopefully he'll want to go another time. He did enjoy watching it on tv.

Pjlla- I am so happy for you and your son that the medicine is working. I'm sure it has been so hard for him, and for you to watch him go through it. I noticed your 18 day countdown in your siggie!! How exciting, and so nice for just the two of you to get away. The weekend you planned for your daughter sounds awesome. I can imagine with her swimming that she will just be thrilled. It will be so nice for her to see him, and know that he was a kid in high school just like her, and followed his dreams, and that anything is possible.

Dona- How exciting for your son to have completed, and how inspiring to twist his ankle and keep on going. Being new to the running world, his speed sounds pretty fast to me! You must be so proud.

Rose- Glad you went to the doctor and are getting it all checked out, and I'm sure she is right, and most likely nothing to worry about. Pvc's are very common, and usually harmless. It will be nice for you when the work up is all done. Thanks for starting the recipe thread. I'll go check it out.

Maria- So nice to hear you're doing well with everything. You are so right, we all go through cycles, and when things are looking and feeling grim, they will turn around. I forgot last week when you described your day in DTD to say how appealling it sounded, and I felt like I was right there with you.

Maiziezoe- I'm sorry you don't have any shorts for this summer, but not really. So happy for you!! The way you're going you might need a 12 by summer. Keep it up, girl!!


Lisa, I love this and it really makes me think. It is so true, we are in charge of our destiny, and I feel so much better when I am more active, and when i'm more active, I eat better. After my run, and walk home from the park, I was so hungry, but I didn't want crap, I made egg beaters with cheese and salsa. That was a great sparkpeople article. I should investigate sparkpeople more often. Nice analogy on the 20 pound box of files. 30 pounds is awesome!!

Happysmyly-You have such a positive attitude, and we are always here for you to listen and offer support. This is a lifetime journey, and we must keep on trying, no matter how long it takes. Every little change we make makes all the difference.

lovedvc-sorry it has been so frustrating for you lately. It sounds like you have a good plan to go back to core, and give your body a rest from all the exercise. It is frustrating when you do all the right things and don't see the results you want.

Have a great evening.

WHAT SHE SAID! Seriously, hon, you said everything I wanted to!

DARN SUN!! I was so proud of myself, thought I run 4 miles for the first time without much problem, but it was K instead of miles. Oh well, I ran 4K today! No wonder it was fairly easy. Off to take DD to gymnastics. Got one paper turned in today, have to finish formatting and editing the big one, and get it in. Checking off the to-do list!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and such with regard to DS. Yes, there definitely are worse things in life, but when you are a 12 y/o boy who already gets picked on, having something else for people to make fun of is frustrating! DS has trouble dealing with it too... the cream/ointments do help a little, but sometimes it hurts to apply it because the wounds are open. It is a vicious circle.

My Ds would scream when he was little because it would burn so much. He uses a really strong alpha-hydroxy. It just went over the counter a couple years ago. For a long time it was a prescription. He's also had a lot of weird rashes, through the years, who knows why. I reread what I wrote, and I hope you didn't think my attitude was "it could be worse." Because that's not what I meant at all. When I am having too much Mom guilt, I remind myself he's very healthy, and thank goodness it's manageable. While Ds was growing up, when he would get frustrated, we would say ok--have a pity-party, be miserable for a while, yell, scream whatever--you're entitled, and then move-on. This strategy seemed to work ok. And kids can be so mean. One kid asked DS when he was four or five why his skin was dirty and looked like fish skin. Anyhow, I really hope things continue to improve.

 

[cclovesdis]

QOTD: I would buy the Magic of Mickey Ring that the Bradford exchange is putting out! I have fallen in love with the ring! I get more excited whenever I see it!!!!! It now keeps popping up on my FB page several times a day. I may just have to save my money/tips and get it for myself!

I feel out of the loop. Do tell! I love your enthusiasm.

4/17 Saturday QOTD: What is one exercise/sport, etc. you have always wanted to try and/or wish you fit more into your schedule?

Yoga is still on my list for trying one day. I just don't do it because I don't want to pay to learn how to do it. I might try a community education class some time though. The other one is belly dancing! Seriously, I have heard it is great exercise for the core and I just think it could be fun.

4/18 Sunday QOTD: If you had 2 hours all to yourself, what would you do?

I would like to take a warm, bubble bath and then spend some time catching up on my correspondence...all while drinking a good bottle of wine!

It has been a really long week. There were too many things happening at school, I had my taxes to do, we had a huge amount of commitments and then I ended up feeling horrible. I struggle with spring allergies but it has changed into a cold of sorts with a cough that hurts my chest. After the 5K on Saturday (a real struggle when I felt like this), I ended up sleeping away most of the day yesterday and today. DH and I should have run 6 miles today but I just could not do it. Instead, I did some stretching and light exercises and then took another nap. The cough is not getting any better and I am feeling exhausted. It looks like it could be another long week.

On a positive note, I have been perfect about logging my food since Friday. I have been working hard at eating balanced, healthy meals and not using points on candy. Since I haven't felt that great, I have not eaten all my points the past 2 days...you would think that would cause me to lose weight but it hasn't. I am a bit discouraged because I seem to be stuck with my weight loss. I have been working hard at exercise, logging all my food (I even have been weighing to be sure I record the right amounts) and the scale just will not move. I guess I will be happy it is not going up.

My goal for this upcoming week is to keep on doing what I am doing and then log all my water to be sure I am getting enough each day. Have a great night everyone!

Jen

I love yoga, but belly dancing, now that sounds like fun!

Feel better! You've been doing so well with your weight loss. Don't let a few days or even a few weeks get you discouraged. You're exercising, tracking, weighing your food, and setting goals. Have a great week!

Well - it's almost 10 days since last I was here--and all I can say is--I'm so glad that you guys are here--I'm gonna need help to get back on track... I thought I was an emotional eater--but my emotional eating is NOTHING compared with the damage I can do with stress--and this last week+ has been full of stress--mostly stress of the unknown - and I'm a wreck. I've been in a fairly deep funk and it's compounded with TOM (which I know has decreased my ability to deal with the stress). Hopefully I should have this stress 'solved' in the next couple of weeks--will I get everything ready for the appraisal that will hopefully happen this week? Will we get a loan so we can either move or renovate this summer? Will he get a job where the rest of my family is moving? How stressful will mom's move to her new place be? ...

So I sit here, having just finished eating a HUGE brownie, knowing that I am going to have to face the scale tomorrow morning and get back on track and deal with whatever weight is staring back at me after 2 weeks of no exercise and eating just like I used to. I took away my clippie--cause I'm not sure which one I am going to get to have...

I wanted to get on here tonight to thank you all for being here and for your encouragement. I am so glad that I found this week's COWs and I'll start those tomorrow morning--I so need the minute to minute reminders that my little spreadsheet to track my weight and COWs gives me--staring at me from the bottom of my computer screen.

And, as someone said in one of the posts that I have scanned through today--it's a good time to reflect on where I was in December 2009--and how far I've come and the good habits that I can have when I actually try and remembering how good I felt healthwise and about myself when I was trying and succeeding. I still have more than 100 pounds to lose (close to not but I'm sure it's back to over 100) so this is going to be a long journey--and I'm so glad that you are here! Thanks!!

Liz

Glad to have you back! I'm working on the COWs this week wholeheartedly. 25 lbs is great!

 

[cclovesdis]

I finally am going to the doctor today. I've been really stressed lately, so I'm hoping she will say this heart rate thing is nothing to worry about.

We had opening week for our minor league baseball team this week. I ate too much junk, and worse had too much beer. I talked to dh and we're going to go alcohol free until we go to Disney in May. I don't think I was having so much that it was an issue, but I really was starting to think of having a beer as a way to de-stress. I don't want to go down that road. And when I think about it, it is really silly to workout so much and eat well (most of the time) and then drink a bunch of wasted calories. So no beer, french fries or onion rings. (They have really good fries and onion rings at the ball park.) I have worked too hard to put weight back on eating such unhealthy food.

Hope it goes well at the Doctor's today! Yeah for healthy eating (and drinking) choices!

I think it's time to lay off the weight loss journey a bit. I'm stressing myself out over it. I have been the same weight for a month now. I know you would all say that's a good thing that I have maintained, but I'm kicking my butt at the gym and the only results I've gotten lately is a lot of hip pain. This week I'm just gonna cool off, not track and just walk at the gym. I need to let me hip and my mind relax a little bit. I will not go over board with the food. I lost my original 50 lbs without tracking and just following the Core Plan, so I think that's what I am gonna do.

Hope your hip feels better!

I was soooo bad this weekend! Going to have to get with it so I don't get too out of sorts! I also had too many drinks. I will try not to overdo it! Gotta get back to my water!!!!!

Water sounds so good right now!

I'm working less this week and my kids are home for their April vacation. I'm hoping to stay OP this week as I won't be tempted to eat out. When I bartend at work they buy my dinner so of course I eat. When I waitress I have to pay for dinner (reduced pricing), but I usually forgo the calories and eat at home. Hopefully with less bartending shifts I can stay OP. I also plan to get my house in shape this week. I have no excuses as I'll be home. That will also count as extra exercise. I need to get on track and stay there as our vacation is now less than 3 months away.

Have a great week! I know you'll stay OP!

If Mickey Mouse handed me $100 to spend on myself...I would buy the camera that I've been wanting. I would like to upgrade to the Canon SX20 as my current camera has very little zoom and no image stabilization. Since I don't mind being in pictures now, I'd like to improve the quality of the pictures that we take

So excited to hear that you are willing to be in pictures!

Good morning, Losers, Maintainers and the rest of us!
Hope you're having a great Monday morning - with a new week full of possibilities and hope for success!
I am here--I am up 7 pounds from 2 weeks ago - agh! So I lost my 30 lb siggie and am back to the ol' 25 lber... but today is a new day with no mistakes in it and I am planning to be back to a fairly obsessive compulsive me to get back on program
I look forward to checking in here throughout the day and seeing how you all are doing--needing to read the goods and the hards - so thanks in advance for sharing

Again, so glad to have you back!

Sunday's QOTD: Well... I do usually manage to carve out a few hours for myself, at least every few weeks

Sweet!

Monday's QOTD: If Mickey gave me $100, I would save it for my upcoming Mother/Son trip to WDW! Then I would buy myself some special souvenir from the trip. I have been collecting Disney Italian charms for a few years, but they are not as popular now and are harder to find. And the ones I bought in 2008 at Disney were of inferior quality and haven't lasted really well. DD has managed to find me a few nice ones on Ebay though.

LOL. My QOTD was almost going to be "Do you collect anything?"

I had a pretty good weekend, food wise. I did fall for the dreaded cookie dough on Saturday night, but I counted it and journaled it and will keep moving forward. I did indulge in a half a cookie last night (usually it is just the dough that tempts me) and it put me a bit over my planned points, but not too bad.

I had a fairly productive weekend. I got some errands run, groceries bought, food prepped for the upcoming weeks, some house cleaning done, laundry caught up, exercised both days, and got some scrapping done. All in all I was pretty satisfied about the weekend by bedtime last night.

Wow! I'd call that a really productive weekend!

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the tough time DS has been having with his skin and that we were seeing a new doctor. Well, DS was diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection (not sure what type) and has been on some pretty strong antibiotics for about a week now and the improvement in his skin is already DRAMATIC! It is SO exciting. He said to me at bedtime last night "Mom, I might be able to wear short sleeves at Disney and not be ashamed!" I was so touched.... I explained to him that he has NOTHING to be ashamed of and that he has almost NO control over this skin rash. I think he meant to say he was "embarrassed". But I feel so bad.... this has been so hard for him. I don't think that we are totally out of the woods yet, but we are definitely encouraged by this improvement.

That story had me in tears. So excited for your DS!

If anyone is looking for some new exercise clothes, DD and I found a really pretty line of Danskin stuff at Walmart on Saturday. They have lots of pieces like running tanks with Ipod pockets, shorts, warm-up pants and jackets, t-shirts, etc. We got kind of excited and got carried away buying the stuff, so we had to take a look at it when we got home and will be returning a few pieces. Most of the pieces were around $7 - $11. I bought myself three plain hoodies... a grey and a white that are full zip, and a longer black one that is a partial zip. I bought three running tanks that I will share with DD (yellow, black, and coral) plus I bought DD a pair of black shorts with a coral inset. We were kind of excited and giddy about it. Is it silly to get so excited about exercise clothes???

Well... I'm off for now. TTYL.............................P

Thanks for the info! I'm always on the prowl for exercise clothes.

If Mickey Mouse gave me $100 to spend on me only, I would match it and get a new Nintendo DSi with a larger screen. Those little screens are hard on my eyes and I don't want to strain my eyes!