Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge -- thread closing -- see new thread Part 2!

[donac]

...not to neglect drinking water!! If it wasn't for this week's COW, I don't know if I would have made as big an effort on this. Now it will be part of my routine. I just wish I was as successful in getting 2 veggies a day in.

This is my first time with this thread. I am curious, some people have member/leader of red/blue/black team, etc as part of their identity. Did you run it differently in previous threads? Do you break us into teams at some point?...just wondering....

We have been doing these challenges for a few years. Some year we broke into teams. At times this did not work because you might get on a team where everyone bails. That was what happened to my team one year. This thread may move fast now but it will slow down after a few weeks.

 

[my3princes]

For all of you wii fit plus users.....

Do you count it as part of your workout? Like record your calories burned from it? I have been even though I beat myself up over it all night. I have the, "your heart rate isn't up, you don't break a sweat, it's not REALLY working out" thing running through my head. I always make sure I do something else but now I find myslef wanting to get done sooner so I can get to something easier. So should I truely count it? I set up a nice strength training circuit last night and it went strsight from one exercise to the next so it was really nice. I feel it in my core and stuff when I do those things. I just don't know if I should count it? I think I'm over thinking it.

That said, I love my Wii fit. I just look at it more like a game and I'm having a hard time thinking of it as a workout. Help me out. It's not like the Biggest Loser game where I feel it more, like a workout dvd. I don't know. Tell me your feelings.

I do count the aerobic games on Wii Fit as exercise. It is fun, but it does get my heart rate up. I love the hula hooping and we have competitions Exercise is anything that you don't do as part of a normal day. So if you do more housework it is exercise. If you walk further at the mall, etc. Today I painted the bathroom ceiling and 2 coats of paint on the door and trim. It is definitely not a normal thing for me so it counts. That is the way that WW looked at it when I was attending meetings.

 

[LuvBaloo]

For all of you wii fit plus users.....

Do you count it as part of your workout? Like record your calories burned from it? I have been even though I beat myself up over it all night. I have the, "your heart rate isn't up, you don't break a sweat, it's not REALLY working out" thing running through my head. I always make sure I do something else but now I find myslef wanting to get done sooner so I can get to something easier. So should I truely count it? I set up a nice strength training circuit last night and it went strsight from one exercise to the next so it was really nice. I feel it in my core and stuff when I do those things. I just don't know if I should count it? I think I'm over thinking it.

That said, I love my Wii fit. I just look at it more like a game and I'm having a hard time thinking of it as a workout. Help me out. It's not like the Biggest Loser game where I feel it more, like a workout dvd. I don't know. Tell me your feelings.

I count it For the WW online thing, I give myself less points for WiiFit depending on what I'm doing. If I'm doing the toughest boxing, I do get the heart rate up and sweat, if I'm doing the yoga stuff, there's no sweating, so I count is as a less intense workout.

I've made a new goal for myself. I want to be in more of our family pictures. I homeschool my kids and we are talking about the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear... I was looking for a picture of myself for the end of the book they made and I couldn't find any from the last 2 years. So, my new goal is to be IN the pictures... not taking the pictures when we go on our cruise in December.

Great goal! Photos are memories!

 

[ShortyNBug]

Thanks for all of the quick replies. I guess I'll continue to count it but make sure I get 5 days at least with something else where it's more of a cardio workout for me too. If I weren't playing the wii I'd be sitting on my butt doing somethng I'm sure. I also like to make sure my legs are engaged or I'm bouncing at all times between movements.

I think I'll grab my weights and do some of the strength training again tonight. I love those exercises.

Thanks again.

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I've learned 2 things this week.
1) I really missed working out during the holidays. I know I needed a break but I'm glad to be back. I've done 6 miles today of WATP. I did the 2 mile, the 3 mile and the Power Mile! I really like the last one.

2) Jillian Michaels ALWAYS make my legs sore after the first workout. I did the BL Last Chance Workout yesterday focusing on the Upper and Lower body. My legs ache all over. I did my other workouts but it was painful! I hope to do the BL workout in the morning as one of my last chance workouts. I will probably do that and one of the WATP workouts. DH can't believe that I am sore since my body should be used to all this working out!

Had homemade General Gau's on egg noodles for dinner followed by a big glass of water. We are just finishing watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs! What a clever movie! Can't wait to watch it again!

DH and I have to clean the kitchen now. Gonna try to be good the rest of the night so I can have a good weigh in tomorrow morning! 3 pounds as of this morning so that will be better than I expected originally.

Hope everyone has a restful night and best wishes for the weigh in tomorrow!

See you first thing in the morning with my QOTD!

 

[ShortyNBug]

DH can't believe that I am sore since my body should be used to all this working out!

I've been doing Jillian/BL workouts for months and there are still moves that make me sore the first few days I do them.

I love Last Chance Workout. I really like the new 30 Day Jump Start too.

 

[jbm02]

I've been doing Jillian/BL workouts for months and there are still moves that make me sore the first few days I do them.

I love Last Chance Workout. I really like the new 30 Day Jump Start too.

Lynsey, just wanted to say that I LOVE your blog!!!

 

[DisFam95]

I've not been on the boards in several days and man am I behind!!!! Sorry have not read it all yet.

went out w/ my friends to celebrate a b-day of a friend and she picked a mexican restaurant...not a lot of healthy options! I went w/ chicken fajitas and kept to the meat and veg, had the tiniest bit of cheese and thin thin layer of sour cream on the tortilla, no quac. Most of my bad topping were still left on the dish. No alcohol or dessert. Took 2 spoons of queso and about 8 chips. NOt bad since I have not been out for Mexican for long time and all looked so good!

Going out on Saturday for another b-day lunch..not sure how that will go. I hate having this feeling of not wanting to go and celebrate w/ my friends and family right when I want to get myself on track

Had a small moment of weakness just now. Got McD's for the kids (darn Chipmunk toys) and ate almost 1/2 my youngest's small fries. Oh well I'll skip my snack I usually have later.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm! I'll try to get on the treadmill to make up for my extra fat today. I can't kick this sore throat but I feel fine otherwise.

 

[ShortyNBug]

Lynsey, just wanted to say that I LOVE your blog!!!

Thanks so much. This means a lot to me because I'm at a point right now where I feel like I'm talking to myself. It's good to know someone is reading it.

 

[maiziezoe]

I'm so confused - I thought Cottage Cheese was a good source of calcium and protein. Are you concerned about rBST? I like to have about 1/3 cup of 1% cottage cheese sometimes. What am I missing???

I should have phrased that differently. The cottage cheese I bought was large curd/full fat cottage cheese. When the snow stops and the roads clear I am going to get some WW cottage cheese or some low fat stuff.

I've been doing Jillian/BL workouts for months and there are still moves that make me sore the first few days I do them.

I love Last Chance Workout. I really like the new 30 Day Jump Start too.

I just started the BL challenge. Tomorrow I have my first challenge and weigh in.

 

[corinnak]

I should have phrased that differently. The cottage cheese I bought was large curd/full fat cottage cheese. When the snow stops and the roads clear I am going to get some WW cottage cheese or some low fat stuff.



I just started the BL challenge. Tomorrow I have my first challenge and weigh in.

Ohhhhh, yeah, full fat cottage cheese is a whole different thing. There are so many different permutations of the stuff it can be totally overwhelming at times. My favorite is Old Home 1% cottage cheese with a little salsa and some baby carrots. I'm glad to hear there isn't some new evidence against it.

Good luck with your first challenge and weigh in tomorrow!

 

[ShortyNBug]

My girls and I love non fat cottage cheese. My mom buys full fat like 4% or something crazy and we can really tell the difference.

 

[pakaramom]

QOTD:

I've learned that exercise is important not just for dropping the pounds, but mentally also.

Had homemade General Gau's on egg noodles for dinner followed by a big glass of water. We are just finishing watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs! What a clever movie! Can't wait to watch it again!

I'd love the recipe for General Gau's!

 

[Piglet18]

QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

Um, that sometimes it is better to do SOMETHING than nothing - even if that something is hardly more than nothing. I got really, really sick this week so I hardly did anything at all; just WiiFit a couple times. So instead I tried to be better about eating; I cheated a couple times, but was pretty good about portions for the most part. Feeling under the weather did curb a lot of food cravings, at least! Ah well, that just means that I will be working hard next week to make up for it. I am starting to feel better today, so that is hopefully going to mean a pretty good last chance workout tomorrow.

 

[cclovesdis]

Answer to QOTD:

I'm will many others, I learned you have to get your water in. I've felt so much better now that I've been getting in the COW.

I've also learned that I can earn more APs than I thought I could. I'm up to 13 and I weigh in on Sat. morning. I'm hoping to get in at least 2 more tomorrow. 15 would be huge for me. I don't think that's ever happened before, unless you count the days I spent walking around WDW!

Good luck with upcoming weigh ins everyone!

 

[Riverhill]

What have I learned this week?

I have been reminded that the mental stress of work can make you feel like you worked out without any of the benefits. I need to take the time to do physical activity as well as mental activity.

 

[lisah0711]

I haven't posted much - and haven't had much time to read here either--because I have been lots of my extra internet time this week elsewhere... where? It goes with the QOTD--and a site that someone mentioned here about a week ago (for which I will be forever grateful)

QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I have learned that Sparkpeople.com is exactly the tool that helps me to feel like I can do this!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

I have really enjoyed reading through your posts--great ideas and inspiration This is a great group to be with

Glad that you found something that is working for you!

Lisah Dh swears he didn't do anything to the Wii. He is wondering why it selected his name instead of one of the other Miis that are registered. Personally I'm wondering if our Wii is possessed since when you look at out middle sons Mii it looks like there is a freckle added at the end of his nose when looking at the small Mii, once you get the bigger version it's gone. The funny thing is that son has a freckle in that exact spot in RL. It also gave me the age of 21 and I recently celebrated the 18th anniversay of my 21st birthday (I refuse to be 40). My cake even said that. Yesterday was a bit freaky.


QOTD: I learned that I really need to add exercise. Weight doesn't fall off as easily as it did years ago. I am going to have to work hard for each and every one of those last lbs.

Well, if DH ever does fess up that he fixed the wii, we all want to know about it!

QOTD, what have I learned?????? I naturally eat lots of vegies every day and that I hate drinking water. I guess I have known these two facts for awhile, but this past week has reminded me, especially about the water!
Also.....I have learned that when I'm in diet mode, friends and family really don't need or want to hear about it.

Actually of the two I think eating lots of veggies is better for you and the water thing is pretty easy to add!

I know we're not supposed to feel guilty about taking time away from our families to exercise, but I need some advice. My DD is 2 and cries every time I go to the gym, leaving her with DH. DH and I both work full time and have moderately long commutes, so we're away from DD over 50 hours a week. She's definitely a mommy's girl. Once I get home in the evenings we only have 2 hours until bedtime. We usually eat dinner, then have some play time, then the whole bedtime routine, ending around 8:30pm. A few days a week I try to get to the gym by 8pm and DD bawls. I feel awful because we don't get to spend that much time with her as it is, and I'm shortening it. Also, it's hard to know if DD is just upset because she's not getting her way or if she really does need more Mommy time. I've been thinking about trying to work out in the mornings, but I'm really a night owl and I'm not sure I could stick with getting up over an hour before the sun! I don't mind working out at home a few days, but I really want to get my jogs in 3x a week. Any ideas or advice?

, princessbride6205, mom guilt is the pits. Could you do your workout before you got home from work? Or leave after she has been put to bed? I know the whole morning exercise thing doesn't work for you -- what about at your lunch hour? Or adding some extra activity in your day so you can work out less? It is going to take some time to figure out what will work for you but don't worry -- you will.

Off topic, has anyone gone to WDW the second week of December? What is it like? I thought we were going in Oct but Eric wants to make it Dec now. HELP!

I don't know about the second week but I would definitely not recommend going the week right before Christmas! I've heard the first and second weeks of December are great -- it is a very popular time for DVC folks.

I love the first and second week of December for WDW. The decoration are up; MVMCP is going on; Candlelight Procession at Epcot. Weather is iffy, but the crowds are fairly low.

QOTD: That if I actually eat WW program, it actually is more food than when I eat junk food with lots of calories. I also enjoy vegetable soups, when I think about it. I've also learned that for me, I really need to be in the right mood, or I'm just not going to do what I need to do. I haven't overeaten this week, nor have I feasted on junk food, but I also haven't eaten OP. I expect that the scales tomorrow will reflect that I've not done the program.

Isn't it amazing when you realize that you could have been eating more and doing better?

 

[lisah0711]

I think that I have learnt...to keep with it. LIke, Corinna said. It is hard when you don't feel like it or see payoffs. But I remember that if I eat something I shouldn't, doesn't mean that I cna't get back on track tomorrow. Each day is a new day to start fresh.

You got it!

QOTD: That exercise really does give me energy! Makes me mad - I feel tired and want to take a nap then I exercise and that lovely drowsy nap feeling is gone and I want to do something else!

I have to go shovel snow from the driveway or I'll never get back into the garage after I go and get dd Wish me luck...

Hope you made it back home okay!

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I was reminded that once I stop eating so much sugar, the cravings get weaker and it is easier to eat right. The sugar thing is really an addiction for me. When I allow myself to have as much of it as I want, I just want more and more. I end up putting something sweet in my mouth every time I turn around.

I sure hope I remember to weigh myself tomorrow morning. My old weigh-in day was Sunday, so this is a bit of a change for me. It is hard for me to remember my own name at 4AM when the alarm goes off, let alone what day it is or anything else!

Good luck!

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

That I have to work through the hunger pains and continue to get my water in each day. My next big step like I've been saying is the exercise. It is a must for me and I enjoy it once I'm there it is just getting to that point of scheduling into my day.

I bet it will be a new habit for you in no time!

Is it to late to join? If not, I'm on the Loser list.

*Seanaci*! Please PM your starting weight to LuvBaloo or just use tomorrow's weigh in as your starting weight!

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I've learned that each go at this is different. Just because I did something one way last time doesn't mean it will work for me this time. I've got to find goals and plans that fit with my life as it is today and be adaptable.

Yep, I read something that summed it up this week -- change isn't an event, it's a process!

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I agree with the PP who said that as you eat less sugar/junk, you will crave it less. I also learned that I can take a class all by myself at the gym-used to feel I had to have a friend. I'm at 24 fitness and took the 24 SET class-great workout but going up and done my stairs today is hards-quads are screaming!

But think how much easier it will be next week!

QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I have learned that the amount of food I can eat on WW is enough. I thought I would be hungry but I am not. I think that I have been eating until all the food is gone instead of eating until I am full. It has been interesting to think about the feeling of being full versus the felling of being stuffed.

It has been snowing all day in Minnesota and the temperature is COLD (suppose to be -20° wind chills by this evening). I am going to attempt some exercising tonight but it will have to be inside!

Hope the weather improves soon!

I know how you feel. I did a quick check this morning to see how I'm doing and was up too! I'm hoping it was too much salt yesterday and tomorrow will be better.

With all that exercising you are bound to see some good results soon!

Would it be ok if I join? I need to be accountable in order to be successful!

shellynn24!

Since you're a night owl anyway would you be willing to sneak out to the gym after dd goes to sleep? I'm guessing that jogging outside with her in a jogging stroller isn't an option January in MN!

We got an email the other night that ds is in Africa so I am happy about that.

Glad that your son arrived safely!

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I realized that I *need* to write everything down (I do points) in order to keep myself accountable. I need to have a plan for dinner (otherwise we end up ordering out - like last night's BLT wrap). I also need to dig out my pedometer.

Rhonda

Yep, it's amazing what we can forget when we want to!

 

[lisah0711]

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

That when I am working out almost every day I need to make sure to up my food intake slightly or my body thinks it's starving and won't lose the weight.

Sarah

That is a good thing to remember!

Happy snowy afternoon!!

We've gotten about 6 inches of snow so far today and it isn't showing any signs of stopping. All the schools in our area were canceled except our district. They let the kids out 15 minutes early. So odd.

I did an hour of step aerobics today. My daughter just gave me an old pedometer that she found in her room. Exciting!!

I've made a new goal for myself. I want to be in more of our family pictures. I homeschool my kids and we are talking about the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear... I was looking for a picture of myself for the end of the book they made and I couldn't find any from the last 2 years. So, my new goal is to be IN the pictures... not taking the pictures when we go on our cruise in December.

Today's QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

I have learned that there are foods that I thought were "healthy" that really are not all that "healthy". For example: Cottage Cheese.

Yes, you need to be included in those family memories, too.

For all of you wii fit plus users.....

Do you count it as part of your workout? Like record your calories burned from it? I have been even though I beat myself up over it all night. I have the, "your heart rate isn't up, you don't break a sweat, it's not REALLY working out" thing running through my head. I always make sure I do something else but now I find myslef wanting to get done sooner so I can get to something easier. So should I truely count it? I set up a nice strength training circuit last night and it went strsight from one exercise to the next so it was really nice. I feel it in my core and stuff when I do those things. I just don't know if I should count it? I think I'm over thinking it.

That said, I love my Wii fit. I just look at it more like a game and I'm having a hard time thinking of it as a workout. Help me out. It's not like the Biggest Loser game where I feel it more, like a workout dvd. I don't know. Tell me your feelings.

I count anything that will give me an activity point on WW as an activity -- that includes steps and housework!

...not to neglect drinking water!! If it wasn't for this week's COW, I don't know if I would have made as big an effort on this. Now it will be part of my routine. I just wish I was as successful in getting 2 veggies a day in.

This is my first time with this thread. I am curious, some people have member/leader of red/blue/black team, etc as part of their identity. Did you run it differently in previous threads? Do you break us into teams at some point?...just wondering....

In past challenges there were teams but we will not break out into teams this time around. As we are planning the next challenge we usually post a poll and let people vote on what format they want -- this time the big thread got the most votes. The challenges have evolved over time -- we've added some new components that were not in previous challenges. Feel free to PM any of us anytime that you have a question. And donac is correct this thread will get more manageable as time goes on so hang in there!

I do count mine. While I don't usually sweat, I do usually get my heartrate up some at least. I do about 5 min of balance games to warm up, 30-50 of aerobic games and then a series of strength training things. I also try to add movement to my aerobic games (if that makes sense) - I add extra bounce to my step aerobics, some walking in place in the boxing demos, etc. I don't ever just stand still while in between the more busy parts of the activities.

That is a great tip!

We got about 4 inches at our house. It's cleared off the driveway for now, but it's supposed to blow a lot tonight. I know 4 inch isn't much, and I'm not complaining, it could have been worse. But I must be getting old, because I don't remember shoveling snow as being so tiring.

Don't forget to take some breaks -- that heavy, wet snow is the pits!

QOTD - Week one has taught me that I can do this. Also to take time off to recoup. I am pretty sore today so I am not going to exercise and take the day off. It has also taught me that having a support group like this is very important to staying on track!!

Way to honor your body!

Hope everyone has a restful night and best wishes for the weigh in tomorrow!

See you first thing in the morning with my QOTD!

It's been a lot of fun being your coach this week. to our next week's coach, tigger813!

 

[lisah0711]

I've been doing Jillian/BL workouts for months and there are still moves that make me sore the first few days I do them.

I love Last Chance Workout. I really like the new 30 Day Jump Start too.

Well, as Jillian would say, that is when your body is adapting and changing!

I've not been on the boards in several days and man am I behind!!!! Sorry have not read it all yet.

Hope that you are feeling better soon! And that is the nice thing about this thread, it moves quickly but you can usually just hop in and keep on going!

QOTD: I've learned that exercise is important not just for dropping the pounds, but mentally also.

Yes, it is hard to beat the feeling you have after you are done with a workout!

QOTD is what is one thing that you have learned from the first week of the challenge that you can use next week to help you?

Um, that sometimes it is better to do SOMETHING than nothing - even if that something is hardly more than nothing. I got really, really sick this week so I hardly did anything at all; just WiiFit a couple times. So instead I tried to be better about eating; I cheated a couple times, but was pretty good about portions for the most part. Feeling under the weather did curb a lot of food cravings, at least! Ah well, that just means that I will be working hard next week to make up for it. I am starting to feel better today, so that is hopefully going to mean a pretty good last chance workout tomorrow.

Hope that you are feeling better soon, too!

Answer to QOTD:

I'm will many others, I learned you have to get your water in. I've felt so much better now that I've been getting in the COW.

I've also learned that I can earn more APs than I thought I could. I'm up to 13 and I weigh in on Sat. morning. I'm hoping to get in at least 2 more tomorrow. 15 would be huge for me. I don't think that's ever happened before, unless you count the days I spent walking around WDW!

Good luck with upcoming weigh ins everyone!

Yep, that COW will help you with a lot of great new habits over the next few weeks!

What have I learned this week?

I have been reminded that the mental stress of work can make you feel like you worked out without any of the benefits. I need to take the time to do physical activity as well as mental activity.

, Riverhill. Some physical activity will help that with the stress.

Please be sure and PM your weighin to LuvBaloo and your COW numbers to donac tomorrow!