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

[ohMom]

wow! what great posts this morning! i reading everyone's new habit, great question today. there are days that I, too, won't let myself take a shower until i've worked out, it works for me! i'm still working on healthy eating habits, i don't feel i could say they are truly routine for me yet. I try to keep a container of ready-to-eat raw vegetables in the frig; and instead of a snack, a cup of hot tea. that won't work for me once weather warms up, but i'll cross that bridge when i get there.

 

[lisah0711]

Thank you Cinderella Girl for being our coach last week and a big, BIG thank you to pjlla for being our coach this week! You guys are the best!

Anyhow.... I just wanted to let you know.... no matter WHERE you are along the path of your weight-loss/healthy lifestyle journey, chances are I have been there!

Today's QOTD:

What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?

pjlla, you are a great example of how sticking to it will get you to where you want to be sooner or later!

My biggest change is that I make sure every week to plan so I have good food to eat both at home and at work. For the next month I am going to work on my exercise habit and get that back into a routine. I was working out in the mornings but fell off the wagon when I came home from WDW sick.

Thanks Lisa. I did try to have them stretched a few years ago, but after about 5 years of them sitting in the bottom of a closet, the leather was too dry, so it didn't work. Michael had fun at his party, but came home in a defiant mood, so we struggled with homework and a shower for about an hour, and then read before bed and chilled out. But I didn't eat through it, and I didn't yell, so a tough kid moment wasn't made worse by a bad mommy moment. Gotta keep telling myself his strong sense of independence will bring him big places when he's grown up.

Welcome Pamela, and thanks for coaching this week. You always have great advice and give so much support to others here. You have come so far on your journey, and it's so good for me to read, and know that i am not alone, and no matter how long it takes, I will get this weight moving again.

It is a full moon tomorrow, you know. Good job not yelling -- I will think of your great example next time I am ready to yell. We've talked about this before -- what is it with boys and bathing?

I've been here lurking, just not posting. I thought I really did great this week, but the scales did not budge. I maintained for the week. I guess I should be happy I didn't gain.
I can only hope for a big drop in the next week or so. I have stayed away from the cheese ( my passion) and have not touched a single Ruffles Light potato chip all week ( my second passion). I started using 3 or 5 lb. weights with my WATP workouts. SO who knows????
But, I will not give up. My mind has adjusted, my body just needs to catch up!!

Thanks for the tootsie roll tip. That scale will budge sooner than you think!

Good luck to all as you weigh in today! I'm seeing some great numbers. And I totally agree with pjlla that a MAINTAIN is a wonderful thing. I am down 1 pound this week. I am still on track to my goal but it is a sign that the exercise needs to move up on the priority list.

Please be sure and send those numbers to LuvBaloo and COW numbers to donac today!

Have a great day all!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Good morning all! I am your COACH for this week of the BL Spring Challenge!

Anyhow.... I just wanted to let you know.... no matter WHERE you are along the path of your weight-loss/healthy lifestyle journey, chances are I have been there!

Today's QOTD:

What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?

P

Thanks so much for being our coach this week I always appreciate all the encouragement.

My change has been exercising as soon as I get up each morning and keeping fresh produce in the house at all times.

 

[jennz]

This week I lost 2.8 pounds for a total of 10.8 pounds lost since starting this challenge!! YIPPEE!! I will post pictures of my before (early December) and now...I've lost a total of 21.8 pounds since then!! But I think the pictures will show how much my exercise schedule has really helped shave inches...need to measure those!!

Thanks for all the encouragment and Lots of Banana dancers for all you losers!!

I'm at exactly 10.8 loss since 12/26! 21.8 pounds - that is awesome!!!

Today's QOTD: What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?

Hmmm...to be sure I can stick to my plan...diet: my daily calorie "budget" is 1700...I make sure to eat snacks so I don't get ravenous, I keep fruit and Kashi bars for snacks, I make sure to make a veggie or two with dinner (this is NEW for me to make it all the time but dd loves veggies so she is excited) so I eat less of the main course...

exercise: this one is harder for me...I should probably be getting up at 5:30 and exercising but I haven't been, I find excuses not to. I HAVE been making sure I don't do too much and that is very hard, I got a stress fracture on my foot last year by doing too much too soon. On this topic, does anyone have any ideas on how long to wait? Or suggestions on where to look?

 

[my3princes]

Friday's QOTD: I have learned to always have the right kinds of food in the house. I don't eat out (even though I work at a restaurant, I don't eat there as I need portion control) I also view this as the rest of my life instead of just a diet. Giving up late night snacks helps too.

Next big change for me is exercise. We just bought the P90X program and it came yesterday. DH has been reading all the books so the plan is for all 5 of us to start the one hour work outs tonight. That means I will go from virtually zero planned exercise to 1 hours six days per week

While I just maintained this week I have noticed that I went down a size in my pants. I've also have dozens of people comment on how good I look so something must be working.

I have a question for everyone: What do you think your ideal size would be? I remember thinking that a size 12 was where I wanted to be back when I was wearing a size 18. When did my first weight loss attempt I blew by 12 and landed at 10 which I was happy with for awhile. Then I thought an 8 would be ideal, but even at size 8 I still have the Mommy pooch. So now I'm thinking 6. I need to know what other people view as an ideal size as I try to get my head wrapped around it.

 

[MelanieC]

This week was great. I lost a total of 4.2 pounds. I gained 1. 8 last week, so that is a loss of the 1.8 I gained last week and another 2.4!! Woo hoo! I've lost a little over 6 pounds since the beginning of January. Glad the scale is moving in the right direction and I really need to keep focused so it continues and doesn't go back up as it usually does. I am just trying to take it one day at a time!



Today's QOTD:

What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?


The main one I've been trying to work on right now, is just making sure I journal my calories on Sparkpeople. That one thing is what is working at the moment. I did start exercising at the beginning of the challenge but have fallen off a little due to starting Physical Therapy on my shoulder and just having a few things take up a lot of my time. I know I want to work on getting up and exercising, even if it's 20 minutes in the morning.

 

[beansf]

I feel like exercise is FINALLY a regular habit for me.

Me too! It is great, because when I need to take off the pounds, I only have to battle on one front: food. I have been getting up a few minutes before 4 to exercise before work for over a year, but I recently moved my workout to when I come home from work. I realized that the time between arriving home and dinner time is a dangerous time for me. I have a tendency to want to snack because I am so hungry and the only way to keep myself out of the kitchen is to be on the elliptical trainer. Also, I am now getting about an hour more sleep in per night, which feels great. I am no longer falling asleep on the train on my way to work.

Never thought I turn into a guinea pig person, but I think I have.

I haven't been able to watch G-Force yet, but I will, eventually. I had a guinea pig when I was a kid. He was an albino. Unfortunately, he bit my mom and she made me put his cage outside and someone broke the padlock and stole him.

I also found that 1 tootsie roll pop is only 1pt. on WW, and really helps cure a sweet craving....plus it lasts a long, long time.

I agree! I love Tootsie Roll Pops. I have them on hand at home all the time. It is one of my favorite desserts and I love the long-lasting component. Chocolate is my favorite.

Taking ONE slice out of the pizza, then freezing the rest in one slice packs so I'm not tempted to eat more.

Hey, that is a great idea!


I had a really good week this week. I feel sort of like the red team on BL (but not on purpose), because I dropped a lot this week due in part to my slip up last week where I put on a few. No gameplay here though, sometimes I just lose control over my eating a bit. Anyhow, it feels great to have a good number to report this week instead of the shameful one I had last week.

 

[beansf]

I have a question for everyone: What do you think your ideal size would be? I need to know what other people view as an ideal size as I try to get my head wrapped around it.

Ideal? Hmmm...well I suppose a 4 or 6 would LOOK ideal (by Hollywood standards?), but there isn't much leeway for me and it is pretty difficult for me to maintain. When I can fit a 6 in a few things and an 8 in others, I am plenty comfortable in my skin. I consider that to be an 8. Am I perfect, flawless, a supermodel? NO. But I feel good about myself and that is really what I want.

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: Changes? Drinking a lot more water. Down to 1 soda a day, don't drink coffee, need my caffeine! Cut down on portion sizes. Not eating out as much. Paying close attention to calories. Cokking with healthier ingredients and not depriving myself when I feel the need to splurge.

Down .4 this week. Couldn't get my full workouts in this morning. Did 3 of the 5 I usually do. A loss is a loss and better than a gain! I'm down to my last 10-13 lbs I would like to lose. I know those will be the hardest. I will work really next week!

I want to take this time to thank everyone for sharing in their weight loss journey with us. I make special time each day to come on and read and browse and have learned so much from all of you! I feel like I know some of you and have only met mikamah! I hope I get to meet more of you at Disney in December and really want to meet pjlla at Pheasant Lane some day for a brisk walk!

Came home from work as I had no clients and I just couldn't warm up. Did some marketing materials and will do some more while I'm home. I still need to do my EA Sports Active workout in awhile! Had a lean cuisine for lunch and am enjoying a large cup of hot tea!

 

[50sjayne]

My favorite tootsie roll pop flavor, to cure a craving has got to be the chocolate ones. But I am partial to the new wild black berry ones also.

I dumpster dove a large box of tootsie pops years ago off our college campus (move out time===hippie xmas) and really got to like them as a good curb for sweet cravings. It's funny, since I'm off the pill I don't really crave sweets like I used to.

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope everyone is having a good morning. I have to tell you all, that I have enjoyed being the coach! I do think it is funny though, that the week I am coach, had to be my most chaotic week at work!

So, I will post the QOTD and then come back and answer.

Thur-QOTD

If you could create/invent a ride or attraction at DW or DL, what would it be and why?
.
Check back later!
Molly

I think I'd bring back the gondola ride except do it in an Up style--with multicolor balloons. There could be the Up house for people with disabilities and or maybe even a Muntz blimp.

I'm down 2 pounds from last week. Now I'm only 2 pounds from goal weight. As far as size goes--well, I'm a size 12 now in pants and a medium shirt. I'm 5"2, 137 and I'm fine with that. 12 seems big to me but I've always carried my weight on my hips and thighs. SorryI haven't been on much- my back's been giving me some trouble again and this is such a busy thread--looks like I've missed some good coaching and quotd's. I've been reading Jillians book though
so that's been helping me a lot. Didnt' catch Biggest loser this week because I had a steward meeting and I wanted to see a movie after at the $1 theater that's out in that area so decided I'd catch up with it on the weekend. I did see Migdalia get voted off when I got home though-- was glad about that.

Have a full on crush on Jeff Bridges at the moment--all it took was an appearance on Letterman and his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes lol. I really hope he wins the Oscar this year--looks like he will. If he does I may forgive the Academy for Mickey Rourke last year....alas Avatar will probably win best picture so there goes my respect yet again. Going to give Avatar another chance today--this time with 3-d. It has to be what the big deal is about because it's really got nothing else...I will suffer silently with my fingernails digging into the arm rests at every alien mohawk and plot hole while hopefully 'swept away' by the 3-d.
I would almost kill someone to see Bridges movie Crazy Heart right now-- but out here in the boonies we got 'nuthin. The stars have aligned for me though-- someone at the steward meeting I went to gave me his cd (it's good-- kind of bar bandish, makes me very happy) to borrow, Big Lebowski was on tv last night, Fearless is on on demand, and men who stare at goats is at the cheap theater...We also watched Starman (my husband is regretting his charity) and we have Kpax, Tron and The last Picture Show and it's sequel.
Hey-- did everyone know The sequel to Tron is coming out this year? Hopefully it'll do well and they do this:
With Tron 2.0 coming out in 2010. Rumor is that WDI/Burbank is considering a new attraction in Tomorrowland. Using the Innoventions building, gutting it completly, and using the Peoplemover Track, and turing it into a ride for Tron. Also the timeline would be starting construction after DCA is finished.

 

[my3princes]

So if I'm shivering enough to NEED a cup of fat free hot chocolate, have I already burned those calories?

 

[lmhall2000]

Let me first warn you (all southern ladies have this habit of making excuses for why their house is so messy or their hair is a mess) that I just woke up and put the clothes on for my monthly picture...it's my goal to be at 150 by the end of this year so here's the first pics....

December 2009-January 2010

Haven't seen them side by side so hope there's some change!!

Started out at 265.8-now 243.2

Less than 100 pounds to go!!!

Sounds daunting doesn't it...but it came on in a year, it can come off in a year!!

Losing the right way....exercising 45-90 minutes a day and keeping calories under 2000, on good days under 1500!

Tara

 

[tigger813]

So if I'm shivering enough to NEED a cup of fat free hot chocolate, have I already burned those calories?

I say yes! I'm shivering here in MA too! I had hot tea!

 

[sahbushka]

This week was great. I lost a total of 4.2 pounds. I gained 1. 8 last week, so that is a loss of the 1.8 I gained last week and another 2.4!! Woo hoo! I've lost a little over 6 pounds since the beginning of January. Glad the scale is moving in the right direction and I really need to keep focused so it continues and doesn't go back up as it usually does. I am just trying to take it one day at a time!



Today's QOTD:

What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?


The main one I've been trying to work on right now, is just making sure I journal my calories on Sparkpeople. That one thing is what is working at the moment. I did start exercising at the beginning of the challenge but have fallen off a little due to starting Physical Therapy on my shoulder and just having a few things take up a lot of my time. I know I want to work on getting up and exercising, even if it's 20 minutes in the morning.

I so hear you. I lost 4 lbs this week (I had gained .6 last week) and I am only down 5.4 since the start of the year...I had planned to be down 8. Oh well, I am doing well right now and hoping for another good loss next week!
As far as changes to my daily life...we plan meals, eat more as a family, stock up on veggies and fruit and less on pre packaged meals and I pack my gym bag each night before bed and take it to work with me so I have no excuse not to go to the gym.

Have a good one all and lets make this a great week!

SarahMay

 

[heatherlynn444]

Let me first warn you (all southern ladies have this habit of making excuses for why their house is so messy or their hair is a mess) that I just woke up and put the clothes on for my monthly picture...it's my goal to be at 150 by the end of this year so here's the first pics....

December 2009-January 2010

Haven't seen them side by side so hope there's some change!!

Started out at 265.8-now 243.2

Less than 100 pounds to go!!!

Sounds daunting doesn't it...but it came on in a year, it can come off in a year!!

Losing the right way....exercising 45-90 minutes a day and keeping calories under 2000, on good days under 1500!

Tara

I can see a difference, great job!!! I love being able to see results. It makes you keep going. keep up the good work!

 

[my3princes]

Let me first warn you (all southern ladies have this habit of making excuses for why their house is so messy or their hair is a mess) that I just woke up and put the clothes on for my monthly picture...it's my goal to be at 150 by the end of this year so here's the first pics....

December 2009-January 2010

Haven't seen them side by side so hope there's some change!!

Started out at 265.8-now 243.2

Less than 100 pounds to go!!!

Sounds daunting doesn't it...but it came on in a year, it can come off in a year!!

Losing the right way....exercising 45-90 minutes a day and keeping calories under 2000, on good days under 1500!

Tara

I can definitely see a difference. You go girl

 

[jennz]

So if I'm shivering enough to NEED a cup of fat free hot chocolate, have I already burned those calories?

Let me first warn you (all southern ladies have this habit of making excuses for why their house is so messy or their hair is a mess) that I just woke up and put the clothes on for my monthly picture...it's my goal to be at 150 by the end of this year so here's the first pics....

December 2009-January 2010

Haven't seen them side by side so hope there's some change!!

Started out at 265.8-now 243.2

Less than 100 pounds to go!!!

Sounds daunting doesn't it...but it came on in a year, it can come off in a year!!

Losing the right way....exercising 45-90 minutes a day and keeping calories under 2000, on good days under 1500!

Tara

Girl look at you!!!! I can definitely see a difference! I'm so glad you posted this...I feel like 20 pound...nothing! I'll still have 60 or 70 to go when I get there but looking at your pictures - 20 pounds is definitely SOMETHING!! It's a lot!! You've got to be psyched!

 

[jennz]

I have a question for everyone: What do you think your ideal size would be? I remember thinking that a size 12 was where I wanted to be back when I was wearing a size 18. When did my first weight loss attempt I blew by 12 and landed at 10 which I was happy with for awhile. Then I thought an 8 would be ideal, but even at size 8 I still have the Mommy pooch. So now I'm thinking 6. I need to know what other people view as an ideal size as I try to get my head wrapped around it.

Well I can definitely say that it depends! That's a hard question to answer, and we all get hung up on sizes. Where do you feel good? Back 20 years ago when I lost 50 pounds or so I thought I wanted to be a 10 - that would be sooo skinny! lol I ended up in an 8 and looked healthy - yes I still had my child bearing hips and always will, but 8 was good for me. (Now that's probably the size of one of my legs! But not for much longer...) I am 5'7" and weighed around 140 at that size. Hope that helps!

 

[tea pot]

Happy Friday All
It's so cold here but Sunny. Suppose to be the largest full Moon of 2010 tonight. Will need to really bundle up to go outside to see it tonight.

Well looks like I'm back on track Finally down 4 lbs today
total of 6 lbs loss in Jan. would of liked to have lost 8 but so grateful to still be here and back on track.

Good morning all! I am your COACH for this week of the BL Spring Challenge!

Most of you know me, but for those of you who don't here is a brief bio....

My name is Pamela and I live in NH with my kids (DD 14 1/2 and DS just turned 12), and my DH of almost 18 years. I have had an ongoing struggle with my weight most of my adult life. I hit my all-time adult high non-pregnant weight of 219 in January 2003 (I may have been higher at some point, but I avoided scales whenever possible). I lost 40-ish pounds in 2003 and maintained 20 of that loss until January 2008, when I got back on a SERIOUS track with Weight Watchers AGAIN. Since January 2008 I have lost about 65 pounds.

Right now I am struggling to take off the last of the weight I gained over the most recent holiday season and FINALLY get to my goal. I was just 5.4 lb away from my goal on Christmas Eve, but of course, the holiday eating got the better of me and now I need to lose a little over 2 lb to get back where I was on 12/24. Then onward and downward to my GOAL!!

I feel like exercise is FINALLY a regular habit for me. I don't always love it, but I still do it. I try to run at least 5K on M-W-F (this is a fairly new thing), and do a combination of cardio and strength on T-Th-Sat. I use a combination of things.... WATP DVDs, BL DVDs, treadmill, and trips to the YMCA.

Anyhow.... I just wanted to let you know.... no matter WHERE you are along the path of your weight-loss/healthy lifestyle journey, chances are I have been there!

Today's QOTD:

What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?

For myself.... I try to be sure that I have fresh fruit and veggies on hand all the time. It really is ESSENTIAL for my eating plan. I also make sure that there is time for exercise, even if other things have to be given up (like sleep, housework, scrapbooking). My exercise time has become TOP priority in my daily schedule. If necessary, I will get up at 5 am, even on the weekends, to be sure I fit at least 30 minutes of exercise into my day.

Talk to you all later...............P

Thanks so much Pamela for sharing your story and I'm happy that you'll be coaching this week. I have learned so much from all the support that you have already given me and others. I know that this will be a great week.

PS.... I tend to be a dipper, even with my veggies, and I have found that low fat hummus works great. My store also has a fat free lentil dip that's pretty yummy. I also found that 1 tootsie roll pop is only 1pt. on WW, and really helps cure a sweet craving....plus it lasts a long, long time.

Great Snack Tips wezee I haven't had a tootise pop in years. I'm a big hummus fan too.

I want to take this time to thank everyone for sharing in their weight loss journey with us. I make special time each day to come on and read and browse and have learned so much from all of you! I feel like I know some of you and have only met mikamah! I hope I get to meet more of you at Disney in December and really want to meet pjlla at Pheasant Lane some day for a brisk walk!
am enjoying a large cup of hot tea!

So well put tigger!! I feel the same. Why does Pheasant Lane sound familiar
is that a Mall in Newington? heading up for a cup of tea too!

I think I'd bring back the gondola ride except do it in an Up style--with multicolor balloons. There could be the Up house for people with disabilities and or maybe even a Muntz blimp.

that's a great idea I would Love it I missed the gondola ride too and what a great way to rehab it you should submit it to Disney??


Way to go Imhall2000

Today's QOTD:
What kind of changes have you made to your life/schedule to be sure that you can stick to your plan (diet plan/exercise plan, etc)?

I cleaned out the Fridge and Cupboards replaced with healthy foods.
Now I need to be consistent with an exercise plan

Have a Great Weekend All

 

[lisah0711]

Let me first warn you (all southern ladies have this habit of making excuses for why their house is so messy or their hair is a mess) that I just woke up and put the clothes on for my monthly picture...it's my goal to be at 150 by the end of this year so here's the first pics....

December 2009-January 2010

Haven't seen them side by side so hope there's some change!!

Started out at 265.8-now 243.2

Less than 100 pounds to go!!!

Sounds daunting doesn't it...but it came on in a year, it can come off in a year!!

Losing the right way....exercising 45-90 minutes a day and keeping calories under 2000, on good days under 1500!

Tara

Wow, Tara! Way to go! I can definitely see a difference in your pictures. 150 is my goal for the end of the year, too, so I hope that we both make it. Also, now that you have less than 100 pounds to go it means that you are no longer eligible for The Biggest Loser -- I was pretty happy when I figured that out! Keep up the good work!

I so hear you. I lost 4 lbs this week (I had gained .6 last week) and I am only down 5.4 since the start of the year...I had planned to be down 8. Oh well, I am doing well right now and hoping for another good loss next week!
As far as changes to my daily life...we plan meals, eat more as a family, stock up on veggies and fruit and less on pre packaged meals and I pack my gym bag each night before bed and take it to work with me so I have no excuse not to go to the gym.

Have a good one all and lets make this a great week!

SarahMay

Check out that snazzy new 75 pound clippie! It looks great on you!

Go, tea pot, go!