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

[cclovesdis]

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

I love it too! I'll have to stop by your profile.

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...

A recipe thread would be wonderful! Thanks for offering.

Great plan re: Garmin!

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!!

Sounds like fun!

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!

 

[cclovesdis]

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 never worn crocs, but they sound very comfortable.

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's awesome!

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

I hope you are right and it's no big deal!

 

[cclovesdis]

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.

That's such an admirable thing to do!

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!!!!!

Yeah!

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.

I've always wanted a Life is Good shirt.

Oh well, I ran 4K today!

Yes!

 

[flipflopmom]

Back from gymnastics, eating the biggest bowl of salad greens I've ever seen! They had the organic baby spinach and mixed greens on sale, so I got both, but I won't get them eaten before Thursday, and they'll be bad before I can chew again!

I forgot to answer today's QOTD: I would get a $100 gift card to take to WDW in June. There is sooo much cute stuff there, and I want it all!

 

[tigger813]

I've been soooo bad again today! The scale was over 160 this morning which is putting the YIKES in me! I hope to get back in the swing tomorrow! We are eating out again tomorrow so after that I will work on being good! Drinking only water the rest of the night! Had leftover pizza and some chips and spicy dip for supper! It's my own fault and I have no one else to blame! I've been eating all the wrong things and too much of them! Just no will power the last week! I will not even drink at all next weekend! I've been doing that too much too! I don't want to have to go to a 35 pound clippie! That would be devastating to me! I need to go short and capri shopping but will wait now that I've fallen off the wagon!

Looking forward to starting to plan more of our December trip so hopefully that will help motivate me! I need to get some more BL protein powder this week as I've been out of that for a few weeks! I also need to get back to my strawberry yogurt frappes! They fill me up and aren't a lot of calories. Elliptical and Wii tomorrow after our day out. I am giving a massage in the morning so that will be good for me. Will not overdo it with the Chinese food at lunch tomorrow! And will eat very little supper!

Ok, I've stated my goals so now I feel responsible for those statements. Help me stick to them.

*** Here's the link to the Mickey ring!
http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct...29001-Disney The Magic Of Mickey Women's Ring

I so want it!

 

[cclovesdis]

I forgot to answer today's QOTD: I would get a $100 gift card to take to WDW in June. There is sooo much cute stuff there, and I want it all!

You can never go wrong with a WDW gift card!

 

[cclovesdis]

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's responses to the QOTD's.

Today was a good day, very OP! Got in lots of water too! Unfortunately, I'm still fighting a cold and am about to go to bed.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

Tuesday's QOTD: Share how you drink lots of water during the day.

I usually start my morning off with 16 oz. of water with my oatmeal. I drink 16 oz. during the day and have some more during lunch and dinner. I also drink at leas 16 oz. when I am exercising.

 

[tigger813]

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's responses to the QOTD's.

Today was a good day, very OP! Got in lots of water too! Unfortunately, I'm still fighting a cold and am about to go to bed.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

Tuesday's QOTD: Share how you drink lots of water during the day.

I usually start drinking my water after my 2nd workout of the day. I sometimes will have a crystal light drink and then drink lots of water in the evening! I just poured my 3rd glass for the night! That's all I'm having the rest of the night!!!!

 

[sahbushka]

HI all, just a quick check in. I am still plugging away but soooooo busy lately that I haven't spent much time on the threads! I had a tough day food wise yesterday at a family party and now I seem to want to eat everything in site. So far today I am still on track but it is a close thing. I had high hopes for getting to 95 gone this week but after yesterday I don't think that is happening. I have completed my first week fo the C25K and that feels good.

SArahMay

 

[jenanderson]

I would love to respond to people...there are a lot of things I could give praise for, people who I would like to tell you to hang in there with the rest of us, and some where I would just say that "Hey, we are listening...sorry it is going hard for you".

However, I feel HORRIBLE and took medicine and am struggling a bit. So, I will just post about me.

Today was tough. My allergies were out of control last week and it turned into a cough that makes my chest have a burning feeling (think coughing fits that don't stop). I rode my bike to work to get some exercise and it was okay because going to work is pretty much downhill. I worked all day and then biked home. That was horrible because it was pretty much all uphill. Tonight was a scheduled running night (remember, I am scheduled to run a 1/2 marathon June 6th ). DH and I started out and by the time I had done 1/2 mile, I was coughing and felt horrible. So, stubborn me...I said I could at least walk the 2.5 miles we had left. We walked to the 1/2 way point and I thought I would just lay down on the sidewalk and die. Unfortunately, I had to keep going to get back home. We did finish it but I felt like crying and decided that it was a stupid idea to even try it at this point.

I am now home and in bed. I am going to try to take some NyQuil and get a full night sleep, hopefully I will feel better in the morning.

I have been logging my food but I feel so bad that I am not coming near to my points so I ought to be fine.

BTW...I LOVE THE RING! Sorry to steal your idea Tracey...but I would buy the ring with the $100 too! It is wonderful!!!

Night Everyone!
Jen

 

[my3princes]

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

I love my cleos. I have a turquoise pair and a navy pair. I also have a silver pair of Patricias, but they rub my little toe and aren't very comfortable. I'll stick with the cleos anyday.

 

[corinnak]

Hi Friends,
I'm just muddling along right now, with the school closing and everything. We're getting through it. The kids are holding up fairly well and so am I, so far.

My weight was down below my goal range on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but I am getting past the distress and more into just stress (which makes me want to eat and doesn't make me feel ill) so I bet it will be back to more normal by the next weigh in.

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.

My advice would be to take some of that Mickey $$ and invest in some padded bike shorts or a gel bike seat if you plan to go to more spin classes. Those things really do make a difference. I've had that bruised spin class seat feeling and it is....no fun! Great job making it through the class - the first one is never easy!

I also hear ya on the challenge of having no shorts - I wish we lived close enough to do a Biggest Loser Swap Meet!

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.

Glad you are getting this checked out. Of course we are different people, but I wanted to let you know that I went through something similar about a year and a half ago. I did the holter monitor, I did the heart sonogram, and the conclusion was that it was a double beat followed by what felt like a pause. Harmless, they said. Hopefully you get a similar answer. I found that it was greatly increased by consuming things with Sucralose - Trident gum, for instance. Kind of weird, I know!

Oh, the holter test was a little bit of a hassle, but overall not so bad, I thought. Hopefully your experience will be similar in that as well!

Take care and keep us posted.

I have some photos of the race to share as well....but I'm just not getting to it tonight. It was so great to see my fellow Biggest Losers here in Minnesota!

 

[LuvBaloo]

Last chance to report in with your April 16th weight:
It was a busy weekend for me, and I just got to all the PM's this evening, so here's the list of missing people for the weigh-ins. I'll be doing the results post tomorrow evening, so there's still time to get your number in

chskover
CptJackSparrowsGirl
Craftydawn
Eeyores Butterfly
goofypete
janmadre
jenanderson
JFrey4240
jimmaher69
leamom2princesses
LegoMom3
LittleSeacow
lyncecelia
mikamah
NCRedding
Nicole786
pjlla
ShortyNBug
sskem96
talytam

 

[flipflopmom]

IOk, I've stated my goals so now I feel responsible for those statements. Help me stick to them.

*** Here's the link to the Mickey ring!
http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct...29001-Disney The Magic Of Mickey Women's Ring

I so want it!

Okay lady, you can do this. You've given yourself accountability now, so we expect reports on your Chinese lunch.

HI all, just a quick check in. I am still plugging away but soooooo busy lately that I haven't spent much time on the threads! I had a tough day food wise yesterday at a family party and now I seem to want to eat everything in site. So far today I am still on track but it is a close thing. I had high hopes for getting to 95 gone this week but after yesterday I don't think that is happening. I have completed my first week fo the C25K and that feels good.

SArahMay

95?? That is so very awesome!!!!

However, I feel HORRIBLE and took medicine and am struggling a bit. So, I will just post about me.

I am now home and in bed. I am going to try to take some NyQuil and get a full night sleep, hopefully I will feel better in the morning.

Night Everyone!
Jen

Jen, you might want to get that cough checked out. With the burning in your chest, it might need something strong to knock it out, like an antibiotic. I had a friend get pneumonia a couple of years ago by ignoring it. Take care of yourself! Feel better soon!

Hi Friends,
I'm just muddling along right now, with the school closing and everything. We're getting through it. The kids are holding up fairly well and so am I, so far.


I have some photos of the race to share as well....but I'm just not getting to it tonight. It was so great to see my fellow Biggest Losers here in Minnesota!

Hang in there, it's got to be tough!


I am a bundle of nerves. I think I have finally finished that research paper, told a friend at school I would take her class for 30 minutes and teach both our classes if she'll proof it for me. That would be a huge load off to get that thing submitted. I am worrying about getting my final test done. I just hope I can get off pain meds quickly after the oral surgery Thursday so I have a clear enough mind to do it!

Trying to get everything worked out for my girls' schedules for Thursday and Friday, and keep the house relatively clean, and finish assessments and enter grades and write plans and run and not eat too much and not cry and not scream and not yell! Tomorrow would have been Daddy's birthday, so I am adding other emotional stress too!

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF - Dh comes home last night and tells me that he might have to move to 3rd shift for 3 months in that late summer/early fall. His company is starting a 3rd shift for the department he is over, and he would have to move to get it set up and train people. I have NO idea how I will have time to get DD to gymnastics, stay there since he usually picks her up, get Master's class stuff done, and be in charge of taking dd2 to grandparents, 20 minutes away, 3 mornings a week like he usually does on his way to work. I just broke down and cried a river when he told me. But, I am trying to put that into a box and leave it until the time comes. I have enough stress for today without adding to it.

QOTD: I drink from my WDW Mickey refillable mugs! I take one to school, drink one before the kids come in, one with lunch, and then when they have their twice daily water breaks, I have a kid fill it from the water fountain. They love to do it for me, so they remind me! I also drink one after a run, and at least one or two at night.

Have a great day everyone! Sorry for the vent!

 

[carmiedog]

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

Something I wouldn't do normally? I think I'd have my teeth whitened. I'm a 30-something coffee addict who has never had it done. I have a couple wonky but otherwise healthy teeth. With 3 kids, my teeth fall low on my priority list, but brightening them up would help my confidence.

(I've been MIA here the last few weeks and meaning to get back in the game. The best way is to just jump right in!)

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I love my cleos. I have a turquoise pair and a navy pair. I also have a silver pair of Patricias, but they rub my little toe and aren't very comfortable. I'll stick with the cleos anyday.

Oh! Thank you for posting this! I don't have any Patricias, and now I'll just stick with the Cleos. I know I love them, and it's good to not find out the hard way the Patricias are uncomfortable.

I have the brown/cotton candy cleos, and I love them, too. I've tried various croc styles, and I find these to be the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn!

Maria

 

[jenanderson]

Hi Friends,
I'm just muddling along right now, with the school closing and everything. We're getting through it. The kids are holding up fairly well and so am I, so far.

I have some photos of the race to share as well....but I'm just not getting to it tonight. It was so great to see my fellow Biggest Losers here in Minnesota!

Hello Corinna! DH and I have been thinking of you and your kids this week. I hope that transition is going the best it can and that you are all working through the unexpected change. Just know that there are many of us here who are thinking about you all and are here for you!

I would love to see your photos as well! It was fun to meet up and we will have to chat before the Minneapolis 1/2 Marathon!

Jen, you might want to get that cough checked out. With the burning in your chest, it might need something strong to knock it out, like an antibiotic. I had a friend get pneumonia a couple of years ago by ignoring it. Take care of yourself! Feel better soon!

Trying to get everything worked out for my girls' schedules for Thursday and Friday, and keep the house relatively clean, and finish assessments and enter grades and write plans and run and not eat too much and not cry and not scream and not yell! Tomorrow would have been Daddy's birthday, so I am adding other emotional stress too!

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF - Dh comes home last night and tells me that he might have to move to 3rd shift for 3 months in that late summer/early fall. His company is starting a 3rd shift for the department he is over, and he would have to move to get it set up and train people. I have NO idea how I will have time to get DD to gymnastics, stay there since he usually picks her up, get Master's class stuff done, and be in charge of taking dd2 to grandparents, 20 minutes away, 3 mornings a week like he usually does on his way to work. I just broke down and cried a river when he told me. But, I am trying to put that into a box and leave it until the time comes. I have enough stress for today without adding to it.

Sounds like you have a lot of stress going on right now.

I don't know if this will help, but I know when I am feeling totally overwhelmed by all that I have to try and fit in one 24 hour period, the best thing I can do is write it all out on a planner that shows the hours. It is still scary but at least I can see it all and I know what I will be expecting and how it is going to work out the best. I am so sorry that you have all of this going on while you are trying to finish up your Master's....that alone is stressful.

BTW - If the cough does not get better, I will have to go in and have it checked out. Woke up feeling a bit better today...but I woke up feeling good yesterday too. I have been coughing but it doesn't burn yet. We will see...

(I've been MIA here the last few weeks and meaning to get back in the game. The best way is to just jump right in!)

I totally agree! Glad to see you back!

Oh! Thank you for posting this! I don't have any Patricias, and now I'll just stick with the Cleos. I know I love them, and it's good to not find out the hard way the Patricias are uncomfortable.

Glad to read this! I want some new Crocs and now I will have to check these out!

Have a great day everyone!
Jen

 

[tigger813]

I will have to do the elliptical this afternoon as DD1 is having a sleepover and they use my workout room for the bedroom! Giving a massage this morning, then a visit to In laws grave and then Kowloons in Saugus! Seeing if I can talk DH into stopping at Christmas Tree shop so I can get some BL Protein powder and some more green tea!

Gotta think about breakfast and finish getting ready to leave for work in 45 minutes!

Very light supper tonight after having Chinese for lunch! And TONS of water!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Tuesday's QOTD: Share how you drink lots of water during the day.

I start sipping a bottle of water while I work out, and then have a cup of hot tea with breakfast. Then I go to work, where I fill a 32oz. WW mug with hot water making tea. I drink this throughout the day. I fill a 16 oz. cup with citrus water when I get home (which may get a refill over the evening), and I also drink another cup of hot tea before bed. If I'm having a really great water day, I'll have one 32 oz. mug of tea in the morning and another in the afternoon, but I rarely fit all that in. I am not overly fond of plain water unless I'm working out, I find adding the citrus (lemon, lime, orange), really makes it enjoyable.

Maria

 

[corinnak]

Hello Corinna! DH and I have been thinking of you and your kids this week. I hope that transition is going the best it can and that you are all working through the unexpected change. Just know that there are many of us here who are thinking about you all and are here for you!

I would love to see your photos as well! It was fun to meet up and we will have to chat before the Minneapolis 1/2 Marathon!

Jen

Thanks so much, Jen! It gets a little easier every day, at least for our family. I am not feeling so sick to my stomach all the time now, anyway.

I did not get a lot of pictures - unfortunately, I was grabbing my camera out of the car when I heard your name called out, Jen! But here's what I've got:

Princessbride6205 and her DD crossing the finish line STRONG!

The three of us together:

And these are from the race organizer - have you guys seen the photos online? I sent him a message and he replied including my photos from the race!

This is me crossing the finish line - I was REALLY pushing it at the end there, but at this point I knew I had met my goal, so I might have been starting to smile, maybe. OK, maybe not. I did meet my goal of running the race under 27 minutes, as you can see. It was good enough to win my age group, as well, which is a first!

After I finished, I went up and talked to the race director for a minute - I've done a few of his races - especially the one about challenges from brain injury, so he remembered me and snapped another photo:

And finally, I stuck around for the awards ceremony - they give a loaf of bread to various winners and then when they run out of those, people the race director recognizes and finally random people. Actually, he didn't get to random people this time. But he did single me out for a loaf of bread and a photo. The first people he gave bread to were the folks who lost 100 pounds and he recognized the irony of that. At least it was really healthy whole wheat bread, though. Great Harvest Bakery mills their own wheat and makes everything from scratch with no preservatives.