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

[redwalker]

My weigh-ins follow a usual pattern = up one week, down the next. I've been really good all week. And I was so proud of myself last night for eating at Red Robin and instead of a burger and fries I had the chicken ensenada. But then my weigh-in was up .2. Which isnt huge but I would sure prefer a loss. If you average my total loss since I started my diet and exercise it works out to 1 pound a week which isnt terrible I guess.

TMI for a moment.....I eat a ton of vegetables and not that much meat but I still have a slow digestive system if you know what I mean. I think that's a large part of my problem with weight loss since it takes me so long to eliminate everything I eat. It's not uncommon for me to go 3 days without "going". Any suggestions?

How much water are you drinking? do you eat breakfast? It could be that your metabolism needs you to eat breakfast, a small snack ie:a clementine or baby carrots, lunch, another small snack and dinner...it might be that you need to keep the metabolism humming by feeding your body fuel that it can burn, and not go into survival mode...preventing any weight loss. Don't give up your body will get on track.

 

[redwalker]

Hooray! the c25k with your family - that's great!! and congrats on your ring!

Yes! Congrats on your ring!!!!
I just got my wedding ring and my engagement ring re sized back down to a 6 this past weekend. I had it enlarged 6 years ago. I finally accept and realize I am not going to need it as big as I had it, and if I didn't do something I would loose it off my hand. We can't afford to replace either one, so I made it smaller! It feels good!

 

[PaulaSue]

Ugg, got to stop eating junk. Still the wieght as start...

 

[jennz]

What is working is being here. I hit the grocery store yesterday and as I walked up and down the aisles I was thinking to myself:
"What would the girls on the DIS say about you buying that"
"you know the girls would be proud if you bought A instead of B."
"If you buy crap, you will eat crap"
I am pleased to say I walked out with no junk food. I bought yogurt, oatmeal, and fruit. I stuck to the perimeter of the building.

and we ARE proud of you!!!

 

[Cinderella Girl]

Friday's QOTD - Now that we have been doing this challenge for a little over a month now. What is working for you, what is not working for you. Do you feel you are on track and if not what can you do to get yourself back on track?

I feel like I am finally getting back on track! I have had nothing but drama, chaos and stress at my job right now and I am really trying to deal with it without snacking. I purchased some new workout dvd's this week and got them in the mail yesterday. They are the new Leslie Sansone Walk at Home, Eat, Move Lose. I am excited to try it!!!!!!!

I am so happy it is Friday!!! I need a weekend so bad!!!!!

I hope everyone has a Fantastic Friday!!!!
Molly

 

[lecach]

How much water are you drinking? do you eat breakfast? It could be that your metabolism needs you to eat breakfast, a small snack ie:a clementine or baby carrots, lunch, another small snack and dinner...it might be that you need to keep the metabolism humming by feeding your body fuel that it can burn, and not go into survival mode...preventing any weight loss. Don't give up your body will get on track.

I drink a TON of water -at least 100 ounces a day usually. And for breakfast I usually eat yogurt during the week, healthy cereal on the weekend. Occasionally during the week I will eat a Special K bar if I am in a hurry or forgot to buy yogurt.

 

[pjlla]

TMI for a moment.....I eat a ton of vegetables and not that much meat but I still have a slow digestive system if you know what I mean. I think that's a large part of my problem with weight loss since it takes me so long to eliminate everything I eat. It's not uncommon for me to go 3 days without "going". Any suggestions?

One word...... BENEFIBER. I also was experiencing a similar problem when I started WW a few years ago (and it still crops up occasionally). Even though I was eating plenty of veggies and whole grains, things just weren't "moving" along..... probably due in part to a very low fat diet. But Benefiber twice a day really helps.... I have it nearly every morning in my coffee and often later in the day (mid-afternoon or evening snack time). You may have to take Beano to avoid being offensive to others though. My family HATES it when I forget my Beano!!

You might want to be conscious of your fat intake also. I notice things moving quicker when I have a higher fat meal (like pizza). HTH.

Gotta go teach Math (ick).................P

 

[kimara]

i'm SO happy. for the first time in years I AM IN ONE-DERLAND!! i know some of you have never been this big and i am happy for you, but i am SO thrilled i can't explain it! that has been my invisible wall, and i just walked through it. i have to keep walking and keep going or i will put myself back on the other side of the wall.

Friday's QOTD - Now that we have been doing this challenge for a little over a month now. What is working for you, what is not working for you. Do you feel you are on track and if not what can you do to get yourself back on track?

What is working for me? This time I pulled out all of the stops and used every piece of information I have. I am going to my doctor so he can yell at me or give me high fives. I am tracking every piece of food. I started with a gradual program and have been building rather than expecting myself to be perfect in everything from day one. I started with counting calories and aiming for the goals set by my doc. I then added exercise 3 days a week for 1/2 hour. Then increased by 6 days a week for 1/2 hour. Then I increased by 3 of the days I exercise for 50 min while the other 3 at 1/2 hour. Then up to 6 days for 50 min each day. By following a plan of steadily increasing the challenges to my body, I have helped to avoid the nasty plateau that has derailed me for the past years.

I don't have big loses, but i'm safely, steadily rebuilding my body in hopes of fixing some damage done by having my 4 wonderful children. i'm just super-de-duper happy. i couldn't have done it without your daily encouragement and suggestions. i thank you all.

 

[redwalker]

Friday's QOTD - Now that we have been doing this challenge for a little over a month now. What is working for you, what is not working for you. Do you feel you are on track and if not what can you do to get yourself back on track?


I do feel on track, today..and usually. When I am off track, I know it is due to stress, or letting myself indulge to much..knowing full well I will pay for it on the scale. The screw-ups usually happen on the weekends. So, to get back on track I start again Monday, fresh, and look to Friday and how much better I will be by then. I don't let the set back be permanent. I think a lot of people let a mistake done today stick with them for years, I use to believe that..well, I ate the whole 5lb bag of peanut m&ms, might as well have more of whatever. That is something I stopped doing...choosing to break that cycle. Yes, I screwed up, how am I going to change it. What am I going to do to be better. This leads to my routine over the past 4 years.

What works for me:

Recognize everyday is a choice to live healthy. This is what I choose to do.

Drinking 90ozs of water everyday..even weekends

Walking 3-5 miles every other day 5 days a week, giving myself a break from official workouts, but if we, as a family, do something active such as geo-caching or kayaking..then a bonus for me!

Forgiving myself when I screw up

Having a good friend to bounce weigh-loss accomplishments and failures with

Having people who support me

Lifting free weights every other day for my arms. I am finally comfortable in tank tops

Knowing that every time I make a healthy choice I am giving myself more time to live and enjoy life!

Seeing that all my hard work is paying off, in small and large ways. Seeing that my kids are respecting their own bodies and learning to make good choices. Seeing friends and family recognize the hard work that I do, with the permanent injury I do have, and work through it. Giving them hope that they too can change. If I am as screwed up as I am, and am having success, then they can too.

When I go out, I try to make reasonable choices, restaurant wise and drinking wise. I am still enjoying, but not over indulging.

Being on this blog, sharing my information and receiving encouragement.

Thank you everyone!

 

[princessbride6205]

One word...... BENEFIBER. I also was experiencing a similar problem when I started WW a few years ago (and it still crops up occasionally). Even though I was eating plenty of veggies and whole grains, things just weren't "moving" along..... probably due in part to a very low fat diet. But Benefiber twice a day really helps.... I have it nearly every morning in my coffee and often later in the day (mid-afternoon or evening snack time). You may have to take Beano to avoid being offensive to others though. My family HATES it when I forget my Beano!!

You might want to be conscious of your fat intake also. I notice things moving quicker when I have a higher fat meal (like pizza). HTH.

Gotta go teach Math (ick).................P

Benefiber is helpful, as is making sure you're getting enough healthy fat. Also important is understanding the difference between the two types of fibers. Insoluble fiber is key to "moving things along." A lot of the food products with fiber added are actually soluble fiber - which does help, just in a different way. I have the same problem and do not have it mastered, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
Food Sources of Insoluble Fiber:
Vegetables such as green beans and dark green leafy vegetables
Fruit skins and root vegetable skins
Whole-wheat products
Wheat oat
Corn bran
Seeds & Nuts

 

[heatherlynn444]

what is working for me: running, eating more at breakfast, protein powder for energy!
what isn't working: eating out, being stuck inside on the weekends when I get bored and start to snack..

 

[lmhall2000]

I'm down 1.8 pounds this week!!

I'm happy with this, last Saturday I twisted my ankle and it was swollen like an orange..couldn't walk or do my treadmill, spent all weekend with frozen lima beans on it...by Tuesday I was able to get on the treadmill and do 4 miles that day, took Wednesday and Thursday off...so it's the longest I've gone without doing my regular 26+ miles a week, afraid I would not have lost....so back to my walking, ankle is still tender but not swollen, I think as the weight comes off, my joints/tendons will be much happier!

so shooting for a big loss for next week...I am hoping to get 15 pounds off a month...

I'm giving up sugar for lent, had 2 doughnuts this week b/c with me on ankle rest it was eat what was available...I did pass up 3 opportunities for waffle fries this week, so that was HUGE in changing my eating dynamics!!

Keep up the motivation everyone, it's just the first 1/4 of our challenge...let's make it to the midpoint with great steam!!!

Tara

 

[jennz]

I'm down 1.8 pounds this week!!

I'm happy with this, last Saturday I twisted my ankle and it was swollen like an orange..couldn't walk or do my treadmill, spent all weekend with frozen lima beans on it...by Tuesday I was able to get on the treadmill and do 4 miles that day, took Wednesday and Thursday off...so it's the longest I've gone without doing my regular 26+ miles a week, afraid I would not have lost....so back to my walking, ankle is still tender but not swollen, I think as the weight comes off, my joints/tendons will be much happier!

so shooting for a big loss for next week...I am hoping to get 15 pounds off a month...

I'm giving up sugar for lent, had 2 doughnuts this week b/c with me on ankle rest it was eat what was available...I did pass up 3 opportunities for waffle fries this week, so that was HUGE in changing my eating dynamics!!

Keep up the motivation everyone, it's just the first 1/4 of our challenge...let's make it to the midpoint with great steam!!!

Tara

Ouch! Sorry about your ankle!!!

Thanks for writing that - gives me a new outlook..I was all sad because I only lost .2 pounds this week, but hey - we're only 25% through, that will give me close to 50 pounds gone by the end!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

QOTD - What is working for me is some sort of exercise every day. Stopping the diet soda. I think it was making me crave sweets more and when I stopped it things have been improved. I am trying to do WW on my own and it is going pretty well. Changing my frame of mind this is not a diet but a change in lifestyle. I could go on and on so they are my biggies.

What is not working for me is going out to eat something I only did in Disney and since I live close by it is hard. Also snacking at night is still a bit to much.

I managed to actually lose .5 this week even with my 2lb spike early on and the stress of my doggie. So I am pretty happy about that.

Thanks to everyone and our coaches it has been a great 4 weeks for me.

 

[MelanieC]

A big, BIG thank you to pjlla for being our coach this week! Sorry it was a busy week for you. And another thank you to our coach starting tomorrow, MelanieC. We really appreciate our coaches and it is so nice to have different perspectives on this healthy living thing.

Don't forget to PM those weights to LuvBaloo and COW numbers to donac tomorrow!

Thanks lisa!!

Home from work. 2 clients and excuse me for venting but neither one tipped but both said they loved their massages. I have $1 in my wallet! Glad it's payday tomorrow.

DH is taking tomorrow off and I don't have anyone scheduled so we will probably do stuff around here and go to the new Super Target in Lowell. It's awesome!

Nothing planned yet for Saturday so hopefully we'll just stay here!

Time to sit on the couch with DH and watch the Survivor special! We love it too!

Have a great night everyone! I'll be up doing my 2 Last Chance Workouts in the morning beginning at 5:30 AM!

Wow - neither tipped?? People are strange! Have fun with DH today!

I survived the group strength class--my first class in about 16 years. The instructor was great, really positive and helpful. The class was small (about 8 people) and there were a couple of beginners. My knee is a little sore from the squats, but I talked to her about it after class and she said I was doing them ok, but to maybe not go down as far until the muscles in my leg get stronger. Hopefully that will work. It's nice to know I can still go to the class even if I can't do the full range of motion. I am really proud of myself. I was really nervous. I still probably won't sign up for Zumba anytime soon, but at least now I have an alternative to the elliptical and the treadmill.

Glad you survived the class. Zumba does sound fun!!

I turned in my notice at work last week to accept a position at another company beginning 2/8. Being in management, I was sent home to enjoy my last 2 weeks off from work with pay. That's great...right?! Well, earlier this week, issues were brought up that I thought were going to cost me my new job! as if that wasn't enough to worry about, DBF - we're to be married in April - and I had a disagreement that I feared would change EVERYTHING! I spent Tuesday and Wednesday crying and eating...now, I'm suffering from PMS! All is ok now...I still start my new job Monday and DBF and I are spending this weekend (except for during the Super Bowl - GEAUX SAINTS!) getting ready to move his stuff to my house. BUT...the results of the stress eating (and the PMS) will definately show in tomorrows weigh-in. But I will get up and get on that scale and hopefully remember the consequences the next time I have such a terrible time.

Thank you all for faithfully reporting on your successes! So many ideas to help keep on track. And for those posting your struggles, it helps to know I'm not alone and makes me strive to be like each of you that keep on keepin' on even during the difficult times.

♥ Theresa

Sounds like you had a stressful week ((Hugs))!! Sounds like things are looking up again!

Thursday QOTD: If you could spend just one day at WDW, how would you spend it??
Definitely a commando day of visiting my favorite attractions. Dinner at California Grill and finishing the day with fireworks - hard to decide between Wishes and Illuminations!
We just got back from our trip 6 days ago and I am going thru so much magic withdrawl!

I hate Disney Withdrawls too! Hope you had a fantastic trip!

This weigh in was not good for me. I'm up 2.8 lbs and most of that is since yesterday. There are several factors in that.

1) I haven't been feeling well so I drank much more diet soda (sodium)
2) I'm in the throws of PMS (maybe that is why I feel so horrible)
3) Whole wheat pasta is not my friend. Everytime I make a pasta dish I eat way more that I should. It is just so yummy and it isn't as filling as what I usually eat.


I'm sure this is a very short term gain, but I'm owning it and learning from it. The good news is that I should have a huge loss next week

Sorry to hear you gained, but I agree that it's probably the PMS and sodium. Hang in there - Hoping you have a huge WOOSH next week.

Heading down at 7:30 for my Last Chance Workout! I weighed myself when I got up and am at a new low so looking forward to it being even lower after my workout! Wish I could've gotten up at 5:30 to workout but with working last night I was wiped! I was awake but went back to sleep until 6 and then again until 6:17.

Can't wait to see if it helped to lower it. I know sometimes it definately helps me! Maybe I should have done that this morning.

Just a quick hello, and wanted to wish everyone good luck with their weighins today. I am down 1.4 of last weeks gain, which is great.

Yeah on your weight loss this week!

Congrats to all of us that are still here! Congrats to all those, like me, who had a loss on this morning's weigh in. And for everyone here--keep up the good hard work

Quite excited by my number this morning--down another 2.5 lbs this week--which puts me into the new 20 lb clippie--but since I will be on vacation for the next 10 days--I think I will wait til I get back and am at this weight again before I add the new clippie to my sig Not being negative--just planning ahead as I will be in a car for 4 days of it, with my mom (who is the queen of junk food while traveling) for 8 days of it, and in Disneyland for 3 days of it.
I will do my best to make wise choices and put as many miles onto my pedometer as I can each day. My niece has told me that she will do WATP with me each morning So hopefully that will help with 'damage control'... but whatever happens weight wise--I am going to enjoy this trip, and know that I'll be OP as much as I can

Liz

Liz - Great job on the 2.5! That is awesome and congrat's on the 20lb clippie!

Can you tell I'm excited???!!!!!

I have reached my lowest weight once again! I am at 157.2 this morning 1.6 less than the end of the last challenge!!!! 42.8 pounds total since last Christmas!

That's 2.8 for the week. Could've been a little more if I didn't sleep in this morning and get in 2 workouts but I'm thrilled anyways!

Just did the 2 mile WATP! I just need to keep that metabolism rolling to help me out with this weekend's eating opportunities that are too large to go into!

Woo hoo! Congrat's 42.8 pounds is awesome! Way to go!

Very well said...I think everyone on this thread is making a commitment to better themselves, their lives and showing good examples to those around us. It doesn't matter if you have over 100lbs to loose or 10lbs. The fact is that we are all making the effort...you wouldn't be here if you weren't making the effort! You recognize that a change must happen, and are working toward that change. We all must look to the future, the future of ourselves. Let go of any shame or bad feelings of ourselves. Focus on what is going to come next, how we are going to better ourselves. We are doing this for ourselves-first and foremost. Then for our families and friends..so that we can enjoy life with them as long as we can. You all have no idea how many lives we touch, and becoming a healthy active person is not just good for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

Here Here - Great post!

Well.... my PMS snacking and the arrival of Aunt Flo definitely effected the scale this morning.... I was up almost 3 pounds! I really didn't expected it.... I'm not feeling bloated and I worked out really well this week. I will just pray that it is related to PMS and such (and I really reduced my water this week because of the stress incontinence issues, so maybe some fluid retention??).

I am DETERMINED that I will hit my goal by Easter at the latest. So I am vowing here to RENEW my committment to all of the habits that got me this far..... JOURNAL every bite, EXERCISE 45+ minutes per days 6 days per week, STAY WITHIN my 20 points EVERY DAY, REDUCE my carbs, INCREASE my MUFAs and VEGGIES, 2 liters of water every day (may have to reduce this), WEIGH/MEASURE my portions.

I had the same thing - I'm retaining salt and I didn't expect the .8 gain I had -uggh!

Thanks MelanieC for being our coach this week! Hope the big WHOOSH comes today. It will, sooner or later.



I have to say that I am happy with the ways things have progressed this challenge. I set myself a goal of losing 2 lbs a week and I've done that every week -- so far (on average). I'm down 2 this week for a total of 12 for the challenge so far. I'm in a good groove eating wise and don't really have any problem saying no to things I shouldn't eat -- but I will have to be careful on Superbowl Sunday -- king of the junkfood day.


I had an interesting NSV this week -- I had to temporarily retire my wedding ring because it is too big. I don't wear my wedding ring all the time so I'm okay with it. DH is getting me an anniversary ring and I will have my other ring resized later this summer -- when I go below 200.

Congratulations to all of you who are sticking with it, no matter what the scale shows today. MelanieC's question today is perfect so we can all reflect on what is working or not working. We're all here to help you but ultimately you are the one who has to do the work. You can do it!

Thanks - and congratulations on the ring NSV!

hmmmmmm.......no loss this week..........not active on BL thread..........

think there is a connection? ugh!

I need to do better on this too!

My weigh-ins follow a usual pattern = up one week, down the next. I've been really good all week. And I was so proud of myself last night for eating at Red Robin and instead of a burger and fries I had the chicken ensenada. But then my weigh-in was up .2. Which isnt huge but I would sure prefer a loss. If you average my total loss since I started my diet and exercise it works out to 1 pound a week which isnt terrible I guess.

TMI for a moment.....I eat a ton of vegetables and not that much meat but I still have a slow digestive system if you know what I mean. I think that's a large part of my problem with weight loss since it takes me so long to eliminate everything I eat. It's not uncommon for me to go 3 days without "going". Any suggestions?

Hang in there - I feel your pain on the up and down. That is exactly what I'm doing too. I feel like I'm stuck and can't move.


I'll type more later - At work and problems with an Indian Visa - Gotta go work out some problems.

 

[beansf]

My weigh-ins follow a usual pattern = up one week, down the next. I've been really good all week. And I was so proud of myself last night for eating at Red Robin and instead of a burger and fries I had the chicken ensenada. But then my weigh-in was up .2. Which isnt huge but I would sure prefer a loss. If you average my total loss since I started my diet and exercise it works out to 1 pound a week which isnt terrible I guess.

We are in the same boat. I am going up one week, down the next, also. Plus, I am also up .2 lbs this week. Let's both really buckle down this week and see what we can do to have a good loss! As long as we are trending downward, which we both are...let's not get too bummed out about this weigh-in. Let's focus on kicking butt for the next one!

 

[chskover]

QOTD: What is working for me and what isn't working for me. I am doing pretty good with the eating and not eating aspect of this diet. I am proud of myself for turning down the snacks and junk at work. What isn't working for me is trying to schedule the time to exercise. My life is so hectic that trying to find anytime to exercise has been extremely impossible. Hopefully I can do better next week!

 

[PeterPan09]

Haven't gotten on the scale yet for this week, but I know it isn't going to be good. This was a BAD week for me, very little exercise and I caved yesterday and ordered a pizza. I could blame stress but really it's just that I'm basically a lazy person, so when given the slightest excuse to sleep in or to order in-I take it.

 

[lisaviolet]

i'm SO happy. for the first time in years I AM IN ONE-DERLAND!!
:

This is fantastic news. Fantastic! Very happy for you Kimara.

I'm down 1.2 and it's a two week WI. . Okay, that's what works for me. Accepting any loss with open arms. Come to me baby losses (trust me they add up folks). And giving maintaining the respect it deserves. We don't respect it enough. And not freaking out about gains. Moving on. (The hardest issue for me. Still working on it)

What else works for me. Eating all foods. In fact, only ones I ADORE with all my heart. For some people - and me - excess weight came on eating everything but what you really want because it's "better" and then probably eating what you wanted in the end. So ridiculous. So my entire loss has been from eating foods I love.

What isn't? The Bulk Barn. It's Canadian. You get the picture. Bulk candy. Bulk nuts. I'm beginning to accept that I WILL eat everything that I buy. As in not saving for a rainy day. I WILL. Time has shown that little lovely fact. So I now remember that as I'm filling my bags in absolute glee.

And sometimes not getting a good balance between compassion for myself and kicking my a$$. Hard to get the best balance.

 

[jennz]

Bulk Barn? Sounds wonderful...but I'm sure I'd be bulking up at the bulk barn (and I'm sure that's been said before!)

Yes small losses, baby step losses...they add up!