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

[Rose&Mike]

Okay, so today I quit. I just gave up. I'm not seeing the scale move. I'm walking, working out, eating MUCH better and staying with the program. I'm stuck at 180. I always get stuck at 180 and never get below it. so.i.just.gave.up.

then, my DD21 and I went to Kroger to get the stuff we needed for dessert tonight. There was a woman there that both DD and I know--she was a customer at the store we both work at (I no longer work there, BTW). Anyhow, I haven't seen her since September. She exclaimed: "Wow! You look GREAT! You've really lost some weight. You look as young as your daughter!"

So, maybe I won't give up. Maybe I can keep at this. I ate a lot of fruit for dessert and backed off of the other stuff (we had chocolate fondue by special request of my in-laws.)

Tomorrow I WILL get up and walk two miles before I leave my bedroom. I WILL take my DS5 to his swim lesson and workout at the Y. I WILL eat on program. I may not make it below that 180 today. Or this week. Or maybe next, but I WILL do it. I WILL!

You can do it!!!! Perfect timing that you ran into that customer today! Hang in there.

 

[jennz]

Well, my obstacle is my focus or lack of it! To overcome it I will just focus on one meal at a time.

Now today...I did not exercise or eat on plan! I had chips, cheetos, and ordered pizza for dinner - but I did only have 2 pieces of a medium pizza. DD cheered and DH was excited when I said I was ordering - it's been about a month! I wanted to try Dominos new pizza that they said it so great. It's so "okay". I have just about broken even on calories in and out today, so that's and okay maintaining day.

DD was home sick again today. I worked until 1:30 then called the dr. to get her in tomorrow. They had an opening at 2:15 today so we headed out (bye bye exercise - I didn't get up this morning to do it)...turns out she has a virus. Of course $140 later a virus, nothing we can do thank you have a nice day. Of course I am very very glad it's nothing else but I do wish it was something she could take a zpac for and feel better! I got a semi-nasty email from one of her teachers today about her missing school again. That really kind of upset me - what can I do about it? Send her in sick? And the girl is in the gifted classes and still getting straight A's so backoff! I know she misses a lot but she gets sick a lot. Last semester - she got a 97 in her gifted english class and that teacher wrote a note on her card that dd was confused about a lot of things b/c she missed so much. Well how did she get a 97 if she was confused? I asked the dr about it and she said she most likely has a weak immune system. Some kids are just like that.

 

[jennz]

Okay, so today I quit. I just gave up. I'm not seeing the scale move. I'm walking, working out, eating MUCH better and staying with the program. I'm stuck at 180. I always get stuck at 180 and never get below it. so.i.just.gave.up.

then, my DD21 and I went to Kroger to get the stuff we needed for dessert tonight. There was a woman there that both DD and I know--she was a customer at the store we both work at (I no longer work there, BTW). Anyhow, I haven't seen her since September. She exclaimed: "Wow! You look GREAT! You've really lost some weight. You look as young as your daughter!"

So, maybe I won't give up. Maybe I can keep at this. I ate a lot of fruit for dessert and backed off of the other stuff (we had chocolate fondue by special request of my in-laws.)

Tomorrow I WILL get up and walk two miles before I leave my bedroom. I WILL take my DS5 to his swim lesson and workout at the Y. I WILL eat on program. I may not make it below that 180 today. Or this week. Or maybe next, but I WILL do it. I WILL!

What perfect timing for you to run into her!!! You must have been floating after hearing that Your hard work is really paying off!!

 

[lmhall2000]

Okay, so today I quit. I just gave up. I'm not seeing the scale move. I'm walking, working out, eating MUCH better and staying with the program. I'm stuck at 180. So, maybe I won't give up. Maybe I can keep at this. I ate a lot of fruit for dessert and backed off of the other stuff (we had chocolate fondue by special request of my in-laws.)

I can so commiserate with you!! I had lost 75 pounds 3 years ago and hung out at 174...I just got TIRED of working out and not seeing it go down, so I just gave myself a break..I quit essentially, and blessed day forgive me but with some family stress (2 house payments for 31 months) I put the 75 back on and 15 more!!

Am I the only one who doesn't think they're as fat as they are?? I see myself in the mirror..those stretchy pants kept stretching....sure the bras were getting tight but taking them off made it feel better! I can NOT believe the mental games I played with myself!!! Oh, and then the pain, heck my body was carrying over 100 pounds it should not have!! No wonder my knees ache and my feet have pain when pounding away at the treadmill!!

But!! BUT!! BUT!!!!

There is tomorrow, there is hope, I have walked 4 miles at least 5 out of every 7 days since December 26th..the other 2 days I managed 2 miles...I've only had one day off of walking and that was the day we closed on our other home!!

I lost 4 pounds the first weigh in and NONE the second, yes, we did eat out that weekend and celebrate (with food of course) the NCAA Football championship game and the house closing...but I ignored that no loss week because I could fit into a pair of jeans I bought last year, they zipped!! I could never get them over my thighs!!! So while the scale may deceive you/me the workouts are burning and reshaping our bodies into a healthy form!!! I am SOOO excited about recording my losses in inches on January 31 because I measured myself back at Thanksgiving and KNOW I have lost inches!!! I won't fight the scale, but relinquish that I can NOT eat a few homemade cookies to reward myself for doing 4 miles...I need to stick to average portions even though I walked 4 miles...I need to drink more water...

Won't beat myself up but I will post monthly pictures to help motivate any of you who suffered from the "I'm not THAT fat am I?" epiphany...I can actually feel the rolls going away as I walk and do my arm exercises..

Here is my exercise routine specifically!!

I have a Bowflex Series 7 treadmill, it has a little stream of 'clicks' that cover .25 miles...so for each quarter mile I do something different..

Keep heart rate between 140-160
1st Quarter Mile...warm up at 2.7
2nd Quarter Mile....increase speed to 2.9 and add in arm weights (5 pound weights that I use to do bicep curls...shoulder raises...and a boxing type move that matches my walk on the treadmill...adding in this exercise for the duration of the quarter mile ups my heartrate and boy do my arms and shoulders BURN!! I am constantly doing 3 sets of 12 until the quarter mile is up...alternating the three moves)
3rd Quarter Mile....increase speed to 3.1
4th quarter mile....increase speed to 3.3
5th Quarter Mile....decrease speed to 3.1 and add in arm exercises again
6th Quarter Mile...decrease speed to 2.9
7th Quarter Mile...decrease speed to 2.7 and add in arms again
8th Quarter mile...keep speed at 2.7 and go into 3 minute cool down after completing...

I've noticed as I've continued to do this I can increase my speed..when I started on December 26th I had to start at 2.5 and only increase to 3.1...now I easily start at 2.7 and move up to 3.3 speed. I gather as the weight comes off I will be starting at 3.0 and go up to 3.8..

I do this exercise 2x a day, in the morning and around 8pm at night...it took me 45 minutes in the beginning and now it takes less than 41...shaved off 4 minutes!!

I was planning to do 4 miles 7 days a week, but I find my body is actually stronger if I take only 2 miles on the weekend...I start to feel very fatigued if I do 28 miles in a week...

I hope this helps someone and when you see the pictures and know that I do still eat that cookie or have that order of french fries once in a while (meaning once every 2 weeks, instead of 3x a week on the go eating) you'll see how exercise played a big part in losing those inches...off to the treadmill!!!

Inspired by each of you and your journey, hope I can inspire those with similar thoughts like I have in this horrendous 'why am I here again' journey!

Tara

 

[tigger813]

Leader of the Club- I like your attitude! I get stuck and then just work a little harder and then it comes off. I'm kind of stuck right now after the holidays and not feeling great isn't helping either. But I will do it! I didn't get in any exercise today so I will probably maintain or have a gain this week. I will try and get back on track tomorrow! I just want to feel better. I'm having my water right now! I had a small brownie sundae with a small scoop of lite vanilla ice cream but I hadn't felt like eating all day though I did have some lunch that I just wanted something to make me feel better.

The rest of the week will be good as will next week. No clients tomorrow as of yet but I have somebody Friday and hopefully Saturday as well. Gotta head to Costco in the next few days before the coupons expire to pick up some necessities.

This group is great! Check in everyday for inspiration from those on here. We are all in this journey together!

Think I will get into bed soon and read for awhile and hopefully fall asleep early. I want to accomplish something tomorrow since I did NOTHING today. But we all have days like that and we need and deserve them!

There I feel better now!

 

[Colleen27]

ladytink75---FWIW, I have been a diet soda-aholic for over 20 years. I have quit and restarted too many times to count. I gave it up (for good) just before New Years. (I'm not even sure which day.) The withdrawal, headaches, and cravings weren't fun, but I replaced the soda at first with hot tea and black coffee and ibuprofen. I am now down to one mug of hot tea most days. (I didn't have any today!) On the weekends I might have one cup of coffee, but have found I feel too jittery, so will proably try to stick with tea. Following the challenge of the day, I have been trying really hard to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

Oh--and the nice thing about tea, is you can get some flavors that are so good you don't have to add sugar.

I can't tell you how much better I feel. I still crave the soda on occasion, especially when I'm stressed, but now I drink some water, have some tea, or do something to distract myself until it passes. I have also avoided bingeing this year, and I really think that has to do with not drinking soda. My usual binge involved potato chips, chocolate and soda. Hard to say whether it's all related.

Good luck with cutting back. It's hard, but so worth it.

I really need to tackle that obstacle, but I haven't mustered the willpower yet. I've been a 2ltr/day Mt Dew addict (diet for the last few years) since high school, and it is just so ingrained now that I can't ever seem to stay quit even if I do make it through the withdrawal. Quitting smoking was easier, seriously.

As far as binging and diet soda, it is all related according to recent research on the subject:

After all, sweetness is meant to signal to the body that it’s getting something it wants desperately: metabolic energy. If a certain amount of sweetness (the artificial sweetener) suddenly represents significantly less metabolic energy (fewer calories), the brain will want more and more sweetness as it fails to be satisfied.

http://trueslant.com/ryansager/2009/03/08/diet-soda-the-brain-knows-better/

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

QOTD: What are the obstacles you encounter on your journey of personal change?

I would say that I am my worst enemy...I sabatoge myself for no apparent reason...if I can just stick to a plan and workout I would or should be fine! WILL POWER!!!

I think we can all identify with that!

I think I need to get my life back in order and the dieting may come easier. Off to work to clean off my desk and not let other people bother me.

Congrats to all the people who are still in the challenge. Keep up the good work whether you lost, stayed the same or gained. Keep at it.

Good luck! It seems like the desk is the hardest part.

I feel really really yucky today! Stomach ache, headache and tired. DD2 coughed for awhile during the night which didn't help any.

Sad to miss my walk with Redwalker. Don't think I'll get any workouts in today unless I start feeling better. Gotta take DD2 to preschool at 9 and then I'll come home and enjoy my couch again. Then DD2 gets her 2nd H1N1 shot this afternoon and then she has dancing. Wish I could have a day when I had nothing to do!

Time to go wake DD2 up. It's not like her to sleep this late. Hope she's not sick too! Don't think I could handle that too!

Enough of the whining! I hope everyone has a good day.

I hope you start feeling better.

It is a good thing it's a new day. Seeing those results was sobering -- and just what I needed. I'm back from vacation and ready to get going on the losing. I'm planning on good workouts tomorrow and Saturday, and holding to my eating plan like glue.

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

I have to think before I eat, and think twice before I decide not to follow through on exercise. I need to think short term, and plan long term. By that I mean I need to realize the importance of each workout and meal, 'cause starting "tomorrow" got me here in the first place.

Maria

Have you thought about journalling in pencil what you plan to eat they day before? That way if something comes up you can change it but since you've already written in your journal you may be more likely to stick to it.

I'm a LOSER!!

That just made my whole day!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

I am continuing to figure that out. I'm staying active on this thread and continuing to send my weight to Shannon on a weekly basis, for one thing. I'm also choosing new races to train for - it is definitely possible to gain weight while training for races, but the training plans and the idea of the races definitely keeps me active on a regular basis. I also rejoined WW meetings for the last few pounds and to go through their maintenance program. And finally, I've started a Fit Club at the YMCA - last week we got our body fat % tested by calipers and we will be tested again in 9 weeks. I have a new goal not of reducing pounds but of reducing that percentage. I've never had this kind of support and continued culture of health and fitness at goal weight before and I am hoping it makes a difference to my mindset going forward. No complacency in eating when I've got goals to meet, after all!

I am also thinking ahead to the events this year that I want to experience at my goal weight: My cousin's wedding. Europe. More races. My son starting Middle School in the fall. My DH's 20th high school reunion (we went to the same school and last time we were back, I was 30 pounds heavier than I am now, which was still down from my highest.). Lots of reasons to stay focused this year and I am going to continue to envision myself doing these things at the weight I want to be for life!

It sounds like you have a lot of great things in place, and we love having you here!

QOTD: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

when i have a bad day, or week or even month...i won't give up. i only fail if i don't keep trying. it is a long race. it doesn't matter if i fall or even run backwards for a mile or two. i will get up and keep heading towards my goal and i will succeed.

Good morning everyone!

I still feel pretty "yuck" this morning but seeing my percent stat up there in LuvBaloo's post, well that makes me feel better! I am still dreading getting on the scale on Friday.... If I get on there and discover that I've gained back the 2 lbs I've lost, it won't be pretty.


So I've been wondering, do any of you sort of "re-invent" yourselves in your minds? Like, do you have a vision of what you would like to look like? I suddenly got one yesterday and I'll tell you I am runnin' with that baby!!! My "goal", besides just being healthier, is a solo trip to WDW that I'm hoping to take later this summer. I envisioned yesterday exactly what I'd like to look like for that trip (it's reasonable, too....I mean, I'm not picturing myself as a 22-yr old swimsuit model or anything!!....just FIT!).

I'm planning to head to the gym tomorrow and can't wait to get that ball rolling!

.

All the time! I used to be pretty skinny and I always see that girl in my head.

 

[pgumiela]

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

Better planning is probably my best bet for overcoming my obstacles. Making sure there are tasty healthy things in the house for breakfast and lunch, as well as things to pack to take to work. If I have tsaty things to eat I have no excuse to eat junk instead of actual meals and mealtimes. I have been this week been making a real effort to actually eat breakfast and lunch and not just snack on junk. I bought the special K blueberry cereal and actually like it.

 

[lornak]

I had a little victory yesterday and I wanted to share it---this is probably the only place anyone would care!! I went shopping at Sam's Club and before I knew it I had had about 8 different samples. I wasn't paying any attention as this is what I "always" do. But then I realized that all of those items would really add up to a lot of point. So, I went back through what I ate and figured out what I thought the point total would be. This was at noon and according to my best guess, I had used up all my points. I decided to stay OP no matter what and I made it through dinner and beyond. I had to work late and about midnight I was starving!! I actually started walking upstairs to get something to eat when my stomach growled. I remembered something someone posted on here..."that is me losing weight". And that is what I told myself---what I am feeling right now is me losing weight. And I turned around and went back to work. I went to bed having stayed OP all day. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a big victory for me! Thanks for listening!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

rough day today.
DH and I were deposed for our accident and it was mentally and emotionally exhausting. He came home and took a nap when I went to get the kids from school, then I took a nap when he went to Target.
But DH bought 2 brownies at Panera today, one for me and one for him. DD asked for a piece so I opened it and took one sniff and nearly gagged. I love chocolate and brownies but there was no way in Hades I was eating that!! It literally turned my stomach. I was thrilled!!! LOL

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Do I feel a biggest loser disney meet starting????

You can count me in for BL meet!! I live close by and would definatly drive over for the day.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?
Food and time were the obstacles I identified yesterday.
In overcoming both of those, I have worked on being mindful of my choices. I used to spend hours on the computer in the evenings, which I've realized isn't one of my priorities. I like checking in here and on some favorite sites each day, but limiting that time has helped. If I find I'm spending a lot of time on something - I try to ask myself if there's a faster way or if it's really one of my priorities.
Recently we talked about how we'll be different and the same when we're done losing weight. For me, when I reach my goal, I will still love food - especially sweets. It's what I do about it that will determine my continued success. I try to eat healthy sweet things like raisins, fruit, etc. I've been better about making good food choices for meals. It's still a work in progress, but it gets a little easier as you go.

That all sounds great! Have you thought about finding healthier recipes of a food you really like? That way you can enjoy it sans guilt. There are some really great ones out there if you look.

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

I found a new slogan when doing the P90X video. I am not able to do that with my weight and fitness level. It is just to intense for me. But..... the slogan the instructor keeps saying over and over is.

DO YOUR BEST AND FORGET THE REST. I really like that. So that is what I keep telling myself. I am doing what I can do. If I mess up so what; recoginize it and move on dont dwell in it. I am trying to change my frame of mind.


Just wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions with my son. I got him the alphabet factory video from Leap Frog and the little frigde magnet thing; along with flash cards and we are going to label everything in the house so it is more of a fun game for him to learn than work. I did manage to teach him two new letters yesterday. D and P along witht he 9 he already knew so we are making progress at his pace.

Love it!

QOTD: How can I overcome my obstacles....Hmmm since I am my obstacle I guess I could seek counseling, but I don't see that happening I look at it this way, each time I make a step in the right direction I am adding to my knowledge of how this works for me. I am doing great at maintaining the losses of 6 years and I am committed to continuing for the rest of my life. I definitely see myself making better choices, consistantly. So maybe overcoming my obstacle might be learning from my mistakes and moving on

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

Well, first I need to go back and answer what my obstacle is...I think the biggest thing is my distractability. I have great intentions in lots of areas, but lose it in the carrying out portion. For todays QOTD, what I can do to overcome them is to keep plugging away. Remind myself every day - every hour, if necessary - what I'm trying to accomplish, why I'm trying to accomplish it and just keep at it!

Maybe you could put stuff up that reminds you of your commitment. For instance, if you have photos from a time you were at your goal weight. Or maybe some kind of keychain or something you can carry with you to remind you.

Ok workout report.

I took the dog for a walk and came in and did my stability ball lower body workout and flexibility. So that was a little over 35 minutes total for me. Not bad.

I REALLY have to stick with working out this time. My lower back was NOT happy at all but decided to forgive me when i got about halfway through the flexibility routine. I need to stretch better and concentrate on my lower half. Its not hard for me to lose around the middle. I thought my back would take it better than it did. So I have A LOT of work to do.

Back later to answer questions.

Have you thought about scheduling one or two sessions with a trainer to help you so you can workout without hurting your back? It's hard when our bodies odn't want to cooperate with us.

I keep seeing myself finishing a 5k race with my dad. My dad is a health nut (which often confuses people because I am so large)... he runs and or bikes every single day. He is super fit for being 61. One of my short term goals is to run a 5k with my dad in July. When I start getting down on myself (like I was this morning when the Wii Fit said I gained .04 pounds), I imagine my dad and I finishing the race together and making my dad proud.

CONGRATS to all the Losers and especially NicolFam!! Way to go!



Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

My main obstacle right now is getting eat a meal uninterrupted. Short of duct taping my kids to a chair during meal time, I guess I am stuck getting up to get them what they need during meal times.

My other obstacle is drinking water all day. I had not been counting my two cups of morning coffee or my nightly cup of tea as part of my water intake. Now that I know I can count them, drinking water has become easier!

Have a great day everyone! Homeschool time!

How old are your kids? Are they old enough that you can say that meal time is "mommy time" and they can be independent to get what they need? Or have your husband do it?

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Big DUH moment for me today. I spend 3 afternoons a week at my sister's house from the time the kids get off of the bus until her DH gets home from work. Today I'm reading her Facebook post about the treadmill and thought, well DUH! I can use the treadmill when I'm there. That's 3 days of workouts when usually I'm just hanging out reading, sometimes computering and otherwise just doing nothing while the kids play. (Well, other than the time we're doing their homework and I'm fixing dinner.) So, that's my goal today - knock out my exercise time instead of wasting time.

LOL. At least you have found a way to work in some exercise!

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

No longer accept the excuses I give myself for all the things I should do and don't.

Short, sweet, and to the point!

This is actually something that gets in my way sometimes. Nothing would change for me, really. Clothes shopping would be easier, but that's not something I enjoyed doing even when I was a size 7, and at this point in my life, my weight doesn't get in the way of living the way I want to live. I know it will eventually, and I don't want to wait until then to make changes, but sometimes it is easy to fall back to thinking "I'll exercise/eat right later" because the motivation isn't in some immediate thing that I can't/won't do at my current size. So at goal, I'd be the same - wife, mother, gardener, internet junkie, avid reader, crafter, photographer, Disney nut - just healthier.
I'm my biggest obstacle. Like so many women, I have a hard time making "me time" a priority. I put the kids and DH first, and that often doesn't leave much time or energy for exercise, particularly right now with a toddler and DH off work for the winter. Plus I'm basically a lazy person. My hobbies are mostly sedentary and exercise isn't especially enjoyable, so I put it off. I like to cook when I have the time to enjoy it, but on rushed evenings I'd much rather order out. And I hibernate. It isn't unusual for me to go days without leaving the house this time of year.

How to overcome those things? Well, if I knew that, I'd be thin! Thinner, at least. It really comes down to one day at a time, making sure I spend some time exercising even if only on the Wii, planning ahead so that I'm not trying to figure out dinner at the last minute, and just trying to stay focused on the goal rather than on my momentary impulses.

Could you set aside one day a week, or one hour a day that is just "you" time? Your husband and kdis know not to disturb you during that time, and you do something for you. It might be hard at first, but I bet you could do it and be happier for it!

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

I think I can over come mine by switching my real Pepsi to Diet Pepsi or start drinking Green Tea... Since my popcorn is airpopped i don't have to worry about that I guess I just have to watch the kind of seasoning I use with it.

Tealeaves.com were the suppliers for the Garden View at GF in 06 (I don't know if they still are). Their tea is amazing and you can order a lot of the same teas the GV uses. I absolutely love their teas, they taste divine.

Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

I need to stratagize how I am going to react when stressful situations come up. I need to make a plan for myself because things will always come up. People will get sick, things will break, and I will have to be in 3 places at once. I need to realize that I am only one person, I will do what I can, when I can. So, what is the plan???

I have walked 4 miles today, and plan to do 2 more miles. I want to be at goal by my Disney trip!!!

I have 27 days until we are at Disney World! I can't wait!!!!!

What can you do that helps you destress? Think about different things that make you feel good, and then make sure that whatever you need is on hand.

QOTD: I will not give in to my cravings. I felt lousy today and snuck some brownie batter but it did make me feel a little better.

I think I'm feeling better. I just had some supper and actually felt hungry. No workouts today but I plan on going to bed early tonight and getting up early tomorrow to get back on the wagon! I am going to have some lite ice cream later if I feel up to it.

Watched Julie and Julia and Love Actually today. I was hoping to nap but just couldn't get to sleep. Postponed DD2s 2nd H1N1 shot and didn't take her to dancing which she was disappointed about but understood. There is a stomach bug going around so that's probably what I had. I hope to get out of the house for a while tomorrow. I'll probably stay home in the morning and go to work if needed in the afternoon.

Time to catch up on American Idol from last night.

Thanks for all the get well wishes!

I'm really getting excited about my Disney trip in December if I get to meet up with other LOSERS!

I'm glad you're feeling better!

Getting caught up...

My biggest obstacle has to be losing weight for me instead of my mother. How to overcome it? Wow, that's a great question. I honestly have no idea. I'm not good about doing things for me. I'm a people pleaser so to speak. I know I need to lose the weight to be healthy, so maybe if I constantly remind myself of that, I'll overcome my obstacle.

Great questions!

Maybe give yourself a little reward system. Every 5 or 10 lbs have a set reward for yourself.

Okay, so today I quit. I just gave up. I'm not seeing the scale move. I'm walking, working out, eating MUCH better and staying with the program. I'm stuck at 180. I always get stuck at 180 and never get below it. so.i.just.gave.up.

then, my DD21 and I went to Kroger to get the stuff we needed for dessert tonight. There was a woman there that both DD and I know--she was a customer at the store we both work at (I no longer work there, BTW). Anyhow, I haven't seen her since September. She exclaimed: "Wow! You look GREAT! You've really lost some weight. You look as young as your daughter!"

So, maybe I won't give up. Maybe I can keep at this. I ate a lot of fruit for dessert and backed off of the other stuff (we had chocolate fondue by special request of my in-laws.)

Tomorrow I WILL get up and walk two miles before I leave my bedroom. I WILL take my DS5 to his swim lesson and workout at the Y. I WILL eat on program. I may not make it below that 180 today. Or this week. Or maybe next, but I WILL do it. I WILL!

Please do not quit! One thing that I have found that sometimes helps with plateaus is to go back and start measuring everything! Our portion sizes tend to creep up over time. Also make sure that you are eating enough and getting enough exercise. You can break through this plateau!

ladytink75---FWIW, I have been a diet soda-aholic for over 20 years. I have quit and restarted too many times to count. I gave it up (for good) just before New Years. (I'm not even sure which day.) The withdrawal, headaches, and cravings weren't fun, but I replaced the soda at first with hot tea and black coffee and ibuprofen. I am now down to one mug of hot tea most days. (I didn't have any today!) On the weekends I might have one cup of coffee, but have found I feel too jittery, so will proably try to stick with tea. Following the challenge of the day, I have been trying really hard to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

Oh--and the nice thing about tea, is you can get some flavors that are so good you don't have to add sugar.

I can't tell you how much better I feel. I still crave the soda on occasion, especially when I'm stressed, but now I drink some water, have some tea, or do something to distract myself until it passes. I have also avoided bingeing this year, and I really think that has to do with not drinking soda. My usual binge involved potato chips, chocolate and soda. Hard to say whether it's all related.

Good luck with cutting back. It's hard, but so worth it.

Well, my obstacle is my focus or lack of it! To overcome it I will just focus on one meal at a time.


DD was home sick again today. I worked until 1:30 then called the dr. to get her in tomorrow. They had an opening at 2:15 today so we headed out (bye bye exercise - I didn't get up this morning to do it)...turns out she has a virus. Of course $140 later a virus, nothing we can do thank you have a nice day. Of course I am very very glad it's nothing else but I do wish it was something she could take a zpac for and feel better! I got a semi-nasty email from one of her teachers today about her missing school again. That really kind of upset me - what can I do about it? Send her in sick? And the girl is in the gifted classes and still getting straight A's so backoff! I know she misses a lot but she gets sick a lot. Last semester - she got a 97 in her gifted english class and that teacher wrote a note on her card that dd was confused about a lot of things b/c she missed so much. Well how did she get a 97 if she was confused? I asked the dr about it and she said she most likely has a weak immune system. Some kids are just like that.

I'm sory that your daughter is sick, and that her teacher is not working with you. I would think the fact taht she has doctor's notes would make a difference. I hope she feels better.

Leader of the Club- I like your attitude! I get stuck and then just work a little harder and then it comes off. I'm kind of stuck right now after the holidays and not feeling great isn't helping either. But I will do it! I didn't get in any exercise today so I will probably maintain or have a gain this week. I will try and get back on track tomorrow! I just want to feel better. I'm having my water right now! I had a small brownie sundae with a small scoop of lite vanilla ice cream but I hadn't felt like eating all day though I did have some lunch that I just wanted something to make me feel better.

The rest of the week will be good as will next week. No clients tomorrow as of yet but I have somebody Friday and hopefully Saturday as well. Gotta head to Costco in the next few days before the coupons expire to pick up some necessities.

This group is great! Check in everyday for inspiration from those on here. We are all in this journey together!

Think I will get into bed soon and read for awhile and hopefully fall asleep early. I want to accomplish something tomorrow since I did NOTHING today. But we all have days like that and we need and deserve them!

There I feel better now!

You're right, we all deserve those days.

Wednesday: Now that you have identified your obstacles, how can you overcome them to reach your goals?

Better planning is probably my best bet for overcoming my obstacles. Making sure there are tasty healthy things in the house for breakfast and lunch, as well as things to pack to take to work. If I have tsaty things to eat I have no excuse to eat junk instead of actual meals and mealtimes. I have been this week been making a real effort to actually eat breakfast and lunch and not just snack on junk. I bought the special K blueberry cereal and actually like it.

Sounds like a great plan!

I had a little victory yesterday and I wanted to share it---this is probably the only place anyone would care!! I went shopping at Sam's Club and before I knew it I had had about 8 different samples. I wasn't paying any attention as this is what I "always" do. But then I realized that all of those items would really add up to a lot of point. So, I went back through what I ate and figured out what I thought the point total would be. This was at noon and according to my best guess, I had used up all my points. I decided to stay OP no matter what and I made it through dinner and beyond. I had to work late and about midnight I was starving!! I actually started walking upstairs to get something to eat when my stomach growled. I remembered something someone posted on here..."that is me losing weight". And that is what I told myself---what I am feeling right now is me losing weight. And I turned around and went back to work. I went to bed having stayed OP all day. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a big victory for me! Thanks for listening!

CONGRATULATIONS!

rough day today.
DH and I were deposed for our accident and it was mentally and emotionally exhausting. He came home and took a nap when I went to get the kids from school, then I took a nap when he went to Target.
But DH bought 2 brownies at Panera today, one for me and one for him. DD asked for a piece so I opened it and took one sniff and nearly gagged. I love chocolate and brownies but there was no way in Hades I was eating that!! It literally turned my stomach. I was thrilled!!! LOL

LOL. When I was OP on weight watchers, I found that if I tried to eat something higher fat/sugar, my stomach would not be happy with me!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Wednesday QOTD: My obstacles are all about time management. I'm really feeling buried right now. I feel like my classroom is turning into a prison ward. I was told that I have to keep one of my students separated from the others at all times. This means that I have to separate his instructional group. Speech and OT have to redo their schedules. I don't know when I am going to fit in all my lessons, particularly with MAP A going on. Growl!

To overcome my obstacles, I am going to set myself a bedtime. I am going to start with 11:30 and try to slowly push it to earlier so that I can get a decent amount of sleep. I am going to start trying to get to work earlier so that I have time to get things done. And also make the most of my plan time. My goal is to be done with my weekly planning by Saturday so that I can spend the weekend for myself. I will also set a timer for myself for certain tasks so I can't get distracted. Finally, I am going to make my own little behavior chart so I can have the visual reminder of what it is I want to do!

Thursday QOTD: What's one healthy swap you can make in your eating?

 

[cclovesdis]

I will also set a timer for myself for certain tasks so I can't get distracted. Finally, I am going to make my own little behavior chart so I can have the visual reminder of what it is I want to do!

I have done both these things and been much more successful. You mentioned giving myself a reward. Ironic, really. I wrote about doing that in my WISH Journal and haven't stuck to it. I keep changing my mind. Well, you convinced me. I'll be starting it on Sat., my weigh-in day.

Thursday QOTD: What's one healthy swap you can make in your eating?

That's a good question. I already use Splenda whenever I can, including the brown sugar blend. I use as much whole wheat flour as possible and incorporate oatmeal, Fiber One, and cornmeal whenever possible. I love egg whites and egg substitute. The only time I eat vegetable oil is if my father cooked. Hmm. I switched to 60 calorie hot chocolate. I know there is one that is less. I could switch to that.

 

[tigger813]

Thursday QOTD: I try to use egg substitutes instead of real eggs and we mostly use ground turkey these days.

Didn't get to sleep early last night so I will do my first workout at 7:30. It will be the 2 mile WATP. I will do my other workouts later. I didn't get out out bed until 5:55 instead of 5:30. I will catch up on sleep this weekend I guess. My goal is 6-8 miles today plus the EA Sports Active. I missed my workout yesterday.

Gotta get motivated and focused again. Being sick really gets you down. I'll probably go to work for awhile, go to Costco, come home and make some business cards on line for work, work out, pick up the kids and work out a little more. I think I get to be home tonight. I want to watch Gray's and Private Practice but I think I will get to bed and to sleep early so I can get in my last chance workouts tomorrow morning.

Enough babbling here! Time to get moving!

 

[ohMom]

wow tigger813! that is alot of working out! i feel pretty lame dragging myself to get my daily workout done.....

YAY! for lornak and Buffy!

today i'm cleaning and hopefully taking christmas lights down if the rain holds out.

QOTD -- a cup of hot tea in the evening instead of a glass of wine

 

[jenanderson]

Wednesday QOTD: My obstacles are all about time management. I'm really feeling buried right now. I feel like my classroom is turning into a prison ward. I was told that I have to keep one of my students separated from the others at all times. This means that I have to separate his instructional group. Speech and OT have to redo their schedules. I don't know when I am going to fit in all my lessons, particularly with MAP A going on. Growl!

This is so my obstacle as well - time management is often what hurts me the most. I wonder if it is true of most teachers. My class is such a challenge and I spend so many hours creating individual plans for so many students. I get to school early, work through my lunch, stay late and often am working late at home on school stuff. I often feel really stressed about it all because it seems like there is more to do then there are hours in the day. I think I have to add prioritizing my to do list to my obstacle list as well because I have to learn not to always put school first. I need to learn to say when enough is enough and just know I have done my best.

I am going to try to use my daily planner next week to schedule work time, family time, exercise time and whatever else needs to be on there time. I need to learn how to schedule some of this out and then stay on task with it. This week I gave up my morning exercising time to try to do some housework stuff and what I really needed to do was give up some of time evening school time to do the house stuff. I want to have my exercising on the schedule so that I feel like it is equally important as the other parts of my life.

Thursday QOTD: What's one healthy swap you can make in your eating?
I have made a couple. I am using egg substitute instead of eggs. I took regular bread out and put in reduced calorie bread. I learned to alter a brownie recipe to make it a great chocolate treat without all the fat. I am looking to work harder on a more balanced diet for next week because I sometimes struggle with getting the proper amount of the different types of food in my diet...dairy especially.

 

[PeterPan09]

You can count me in for BL meet!! I live close by and would definatly drive over for the day.

Me too! I'm always up for a reason to head to the parks!!

 

[pjlla]

I had a little victory yesterday and I wanted to share it---this is probably the only place anyone would care!! I went shopping at Sam's Club and before I knew it I had had about 8 different samples. I wasn't paying any attention as this is what I "always" do. But then I realized that all of those items would really add up to a lot of point. So, I went back through what I ate and figured out what I thought the point total would be. This was at noon and according to my best guess, I had used up all my points. I decided to stay OP no matter what and I made it through dinner and beyond. I had to work late and about midnight I was starving!! I actually started walking upstairs to get something to eat when my stomach growled. I remembered something someone posted on here..."that is me losing weight". And that is what I told myself---what I am feeling right now is me losing weight. And I turned around and went back to work. I went to bed having stayed OP all day. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a big victory for me! Thanks for listening!

It sounds like a big deal to me! That is really tough, to get OP and stay OP after an "oopsie" moment. You are learning how this is going to work for a lifetime. It is tough being hungry though. Do you enjoy vegetables? Sometimes when I am hungry and have no points left, I make a small pot of hot vegetables to fill my belly... broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots are handy and healtyy and quick.

Morning all you losers! Well.... DD's plane is in the air as we speak. She is on her way to WDW, the lucky girl. I made her promise to call me when she hits Main Street and just hold up the phone so I can hear it..... there is just something about the music/atmosphere on Main Street that says "DISNEY" to me!

Thursday QOTD: What's one healthy swap you can make in your eating?

Well, after two years on this journey, I feel like I have made most of the swaps that I can make, but that probably isn't true. I eat egg whites instead of whole eggs (I don't care for Egg Beaters), I have eliminated most breads other than whole grain/high fiber english muffins and wraps and the occasional Sandwich Thin. I have eliminated most white pasta and usually substitute whole wheat pasta or vegetables. I only 2% cheeses and LC cheeses for myself. I use almost NO butter, the occasional bits of EVOO and canola oil (in cooking).

I gave up diet soda when I re-started this journey two years ago and substituted in seltzer, which I still enjoy. I don't miss the soda at all. I never liked regular soda, so no problems there. I've never been a big coffee drinker. I have a "customized" mixed hot drink most mornings (something I kind of created myself... sort of a light coffee/latte drink), which is my last holdout of daily artificial sweetener, but I'm not ready to give this up yet.

Wow... you asked for ONE healthy swap and I have rambled on and on! I would say that my HEALTHIEST swap I've made is the subbing in seltzer for diet soda... not necessary just calorie-wise, but truly for my overall health.


I didn't get my workout in this morning, as we had to leave at 5am to get DD to the airport on time. THen I was SO hungry when I got back that I needed to have breakfast. Now I am waiting for it to digest before I get in today's workout. No YMCA for the next few days while DD is gone. I'm not making excuses... the trip is 30 minutes each way and I drive it about 5-6 days a week, Sept-May, so anytime I can eliminate that drive, I WILL! I will keep up my workouts at home while DD is away.

It's a ski day, so after DS gets off to his lesson, I will have a little time to visit with other moms and maybe read a bit. I guess that will be my "me" time today!

Not sure I will get in a Last Chance workout tonight, but I'm not too worried about it. I hope everyone has a great last day before weigh-in tomorrow!......P