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

[jenanderson]

I weigh myself every day. It is something that my Dad taught me to do when I was a kid. I've had a many a day that was good or bad because of teh numbers that showed on that scale. But I am getting away from that attitude thanks to our BL challenges. It's a number, it's not who I am. I am less into the daily fluctuations except to see whether something is working or I need to be extra vigilant and more into the long term trends. I use a digital scale from Target. It seems to be reasonably accurate compared to the Wii Fit but, of course, if 10 pounds lighter than the ones at the doctor's offices!

I am a little blue today because it is the five year anniversary of when my Dad passed away. This morning was the first time I cried missing my Dad in a long time.

First, I want to say that I am thinking of you today. I am sure you miss him and that is a sad thing.

I love that you pointed out that you are more than a number on a scale. That is so much what I am learning from this experience. I like to watch for trends as well and think that is more important then one number at one given moment.

I hope you were able to have that walk in the sunshine today at lunch!

I just did the nasal rinse and will do it again later! Making myself some tea now too.

I will probably still have a small gain this week as I only worked out yesterday morning. Girls and I hope to do the Just Dance this afternoon when we get home from our errands. I may try and squeeze the 2 mile workout in later. Haven't done the 6 week challenge in over a week so I may have to start over or I will just switch to the BL Wii game.

You have had quite a time with being sick...hopefully you will continue to improve each day. I bet even if you gained a little it will come off quickly because you amaze me with your workouts!

Idiot forgot to buy a new battery for my scale last night so I'm stuck with the LO notice until I replace the battery.

I also keep my scale in the linen closet as we have a very small bathroom and there is no room to leave it there all the time, but I find this helps me a lot as far as obsessing goes. Most of the time I just don't bother getting it out of the closet, unless its an actual reporting day. Out of sight out of mind I guess

I hate when I get the LO notice! I like that you are able to have such a great attitude about not weighing yourself all the time. I think that is a healthy attitude as long as you can stay OT without checking all the time (again...my obsessing requires it!).

QOTD: My answer is "sometimes." The only time I'm consistent with weighing is on Friday morning. Other days I'm all over the place, morning, clothed, not, night, middle of the day... I do like my scale, it's big so I can see the numbers without my glasses or contacts. It's digital, weighs to 2/10th of a pound, and matches my dr's scale.

I would love to get a digital scale that weighs to the 2/10th of a pound. Mine does to the .5 pound and never matches any other scale I use (Wii, WW, dr, etc.). The only good thing is if I put it in the same spot (I use the grid on the flooring), I know it is consistant.

I got a new wish bar today and I was also able to run 1/2 mile straight without stopping. I have been doing the C25K program and that was one of my goals I set for myself to run 1/2 mile. I finally did that today. I had to share the news!!

That is SUPER NEWS! Isn't it an incredible feeling when you start realizing how you can actually run??? I am proud of everyone here who is out accomplishing great goals!

On the weight loss side--I gained 6 pounds (working on losing that and am doing well) - but there were lots of non-weight related 'rewards' that I experienced on this trip. For the past 5ish years I had to use a knee brace to walk around that much--I didn't even take one on this trip and didn't feel the need for one til 11 pm Friday night--so that was fabulous. I also had to take naproxen pretty steadily--I took it with me on this trip but didn't use it once.

The funnest reward was when I rode California Screamin--I've never really had a fat behind (Kimara says I have no behind) but still the fat kept me pretty well 'seated' throughout the whole ride--and the 2 times I rode it this trip--I got air - my body rose up out of the seat like it's supposed to It was soooooo cool and sooooooo fun! I also didn't have to worry about any of the turnstyles for the rides--I fit through all of them. I've only lost about 20 pounds - but I'm down a bit more than 1 size and I guess it's the size that matters most at Disney for comfort--if that makes sense

I love to hear about your non-scale victories! It is great that you were able to see all these benefits of living a healthier lifestyle!

I like your idea for a challenge. I've got to get in a run today, but I will also get out my Wii BL game - I've been meaning to try it, but never get it out.

I can't wait to hear more about this game. I love that the Wii is so much more than a video game!

QOTD: I weigh myslef everyday, with the understanding that weight fluctuates, and I don't let it stress me out. I weigh myself in the morning, before I eat. I tend to fluctuate 4 pounds on any given day!

It is amazing to read that your weight fluctuates that much on any given day. I sometimes think I must have done something really right (or really wrong) when my scale has big changes but I am also starting to realize that it is just normal fluctuations.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, I never even sent in my starting weight, but it turns out that's pointless, as I have lost none!

My body has changed, I have lost fat, absolutely, it's been pretty amazing, what exercise does for me. But according to the scale at the Y, I've lost NOTHING. And I've been exercising now for too long for it to still be the "losing fat gaining muscle" issue, especially since I'm only doing cardio work, no lifting, so it's got to be the scale. Very frustrating!

But the body changes are amazing. I have a long way to go, but I've also come a long way. And at least I can see the squish I couldn't see before b/c it was hidden by other squish.

Last night I went to Costco because I was in desperate need of cat litter-forgot the last time and lugging in that 40# thing it really hit me—that is what I lost. That was what was on my body. It seemed almost a cruelty to subject my small frame, damaged spine, to that much unnecessary weight. I had come to see women that were thin as sort of weak I think…or just kind of not tough…I don’t know... it’s hard to explain. But watching those Olympians makes me really realize that that is just not true. It also made me realize how strong I am going to have to be to maintain this weight-- and I need to see myself as strong.
I miss biggest loser too—but I am loving the Olympics. This is the first year I’ve ever really watched it. We’ve watched the ice skaters here and there but this year I am watching it constant. The only stuff we watch for summer Olympics are the gymnasts occasionally.
I love when customers notice I've lost weight--we wear big huge white coats so it's hard to notice but I've been getting a lot of people noticing in the last few months. They all think you do something like atkins or something--ask me how I did it- and it's pretty simple, eating less and exercising more. I also mention the support I find here which is sort of hard to explain. I feel kind of bad in a way that I don't have some miracle to offer them. Proper motivation (my back) was how I really did it. That and hard work. I've never even tried to lose weight in the last 20 years or so got used to eating whatever I wanted. When I decided to--I did it. It's that simple really. I wish all these crazy diet plans and miracle pills would just go away, it's just taking people's money and not working.

I love your whole post. What an amazing moment you had at Costco, and also by watching the Olympics.

 

[jenanderson]

So, to make a short story longer, when on program I can only weigh-in once a week. Even that is dangerous to my emotional state. I need to come to grips with the fact that weight goes up and down even when working hard. I need to know that plateaus are OK and it just means I need to challenge myself with a more difficult workout. Mentally, I know this. Emotionally, well, not so much. I hope to get there one day, but I will accept it for what it is right now.

You summed it up so well! This is pretty much where I am at with weighing in.

I absolutely weigh myself everyday. I weigh in the morning before breakfast. If I don't I tend to be less diligent with my weight loss efforts. I guess it is an out of sight out of mind mentality. Oddly enough I am usually lighter in the mid afternoon. DH thinks I'm weird

I think many people are out of sight, out of mind sort of people. I think this is my problem when I am not trying to lose weight. I just don't weigh myself until it is way too late. I am now realizing that this is probably just the way my life is...I have to think about making healthy choices from now on. The scale, the food choices and the exercise are all just my new reality.

It IS important to me to have a digital scale that measures in tenths. Going from 20.8 to 20.7 isn't much, but it still feels good to see that number change!

That .1 really isn't that much but you are right...if feels great to see any change!

I like your mini challenge. I did buy a country dance dvd a few weeks ago, and haven't tried it yet, so I think I'll do that later.

I love the dance DVDs. Can't wait to hear about this one!

Today is a new day!!! And I'm gonna rock it!!

We are planning an Alaskan Disney cruise for 2011 so I have a long term goal now!!!

Love your attitude today!!!!! AND I love that you have a cruise to look forward to! I will be cruising the Dream in 2011 and it is a great thing to look forward to!

We'll be on the repo cruise from LA to Vancouver. It will be our first cruise, Disney or otherwise, and I intend to be a maintainer by then!

I LOVE to hear all about all the cruising that will be going on. Next summer will be our 3rd Disney cruise and we LOVE it! I am intending on being a maintainer by then and NOT gaining so much weight this time around!

Still feeling pretty yucky. Fever, sore throat, stuffy head. Blech. I did the WATP 3 mile walk today and then an ab workout on my Golds Gym game.

YUCK! I am sorry you still feel so bad. Hope to hear you are feeling better soon!

Just wanted to update everyone. I went to the vet today and my little doggie Irvin or Mr Brown as we call him is doing better. I can decrease his Lasix in 2 weeks if he stays well. So thanks for all the prayers and pixie dust it helped!!

YEAH! Great news!

Last night I went to Costco because I was in desperate need of cat litter-forgot the last time and lugging in that 40# thing it really hit me—that is what I lost. That was what was on my body. It seemed almost a cruelty to subject my small frame, damaged spine, to that much unnecessary weight.

Amazing! I have almost lost 20 pounds (1 more to go) and your post got me to looking around and trying to imagine that 20 pounds on my body. It is very eye opening! Thanks for making it so real!

 

[tigger813]

I've been so totally bad today! Went to McDonald's and ate too much of all the wrong things! I had such a headache at the time it was comfort food for me! I did drink a diet coke. Came home and just laid on the couch and watched the Olympics and played games on FB. Even having a Mango Smirnoff Ice! Just finished what we had for supper last night, steak and onion sub. Made some kielbasa and had some cheese and crackers but that didn't taste good to me! I know I will get back in the swing of things one of these days. I did do 3 miles yesterday. Didn't feel up to it this morning or doing Just Dance. Feeling ok right now just tired. Gonna read some of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol! Haven't even wanted my water today. I was down a little this morning but still have a gain for the week! Part of it is my routine is off with the kids home. Gotta do some errands tomorrow and DD1 is having a friend over for a sleepover tomorrow night! Friday we will have pizza for supper and a good friend is coming over to watch the Olympics with us!

I will drink hot tea and water the rest of the night and try not to snack on anything.

Thanks for all of your support everyone. If the headache is there again in the morning I promise I will go to the doctor's.

 

[jenanderson]

Well, I never even sent in my starting weight, but it turns out that's pointless, as I have lost none!

My body has changed, I have lost fat, absolutely, it's been pretty amazing, what exercise does for me. But according to the scale at the Y, I've lost NOTHING. And I've been exercising now for too long for it to still be the "losing fat gaining muscle" issue, especially since I'm only doing cardio work, no lifting, so it's got to be the scale. Very frustrating!

But the body changes are amazing. I have a long way to go, but I've also come a long way. And at least I can see the squish I couldn't see before b/c it was hidden by other squish.

I am so glad that you are seeing body changes. I am sure if you keep dedicated to the exercising you will eventually see a change.

I've been so totally bad today! Went to McDonald's and ate too much of all the wrong things! I had such a headache at the time it was comfort food for me! I did drink a diet coke. Came home and just laid on the couch and watched the Olympics and played games on FB. Even having a Mango Smirnoff Ice! Just finished what we had for supper last night, steak and onion sub. Made some kielbasa and had some cheese and crackers but that didn't taste good to me! I know I will get back in the swing of things one of these days. I did do 3 miles yesterday. Didn't feel up to it this morning or doing Just Dance. Feeling ok right now just tired. Gonna read some of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol! Haven't even wanted my water today. I was down a little this morning but still have a gain for the week! Part of it is my routine is off with the kids home. Gotta do some errands tomorrow and DD1 is having a friend over for a sleepover tomorrow night! Friday we will have pizza for supper and a good friend is coming over to watch the Olympics with us!

I will drink hot tea and water the rest of the night and try not to snack on anything.

Thanks for all of your support everyone. If the headache is there again in the morning I promise I will go to the doctor's.

Oh my! I am sorry you are having a bad day...I am going to dig into our list of motivational quotes and give you this one....

Fall down seven times, get up eight.

You went to McDonalds and feel down. I know that you will get back up and get going again soon! I just think that you need to be feeling yourself again and have your routine return to normal. Take it easy tonight and drink your tea!

 

[redlight]

I weigh almost every day, first thing after I go to the bathroom. I record Friday's weights, but keep a note if Fri. is unusual from the nearby days. My body shape has really changed. My stomach pooch is just about gone now!

 

[cclovesdis]

QOTD: I weigh myself whenever I use the Wii Fit. I usually do the "Simple Test" because it almost always works on the first measuring attempt. I try to keep what I wear to work out in similar from day to day.

The Wii Fit says I'm down 2 pounds today. It looks like I'll have a loss these week. I'll still be higher than when we started, but I'm on my way back down. I've been really struggling with WW and staying full, but I did well today. Perhaps it was because of Ash Wednesday, but I learned that I can go from breakfast to lunch without needing a snack. I'm calling that a huge NSV. I only got in 20 min. of exercise today, but again with Ash Wednesday, I didn't eat very much either.

Hoping for a good, no great, day tomorrow! WISHing the same for everyone else!

CC

 

[tigger813]

Jen- Thanks! I got up the eighth time!!!! Just did 20 minutes of Just Dance with the girls. I scored 3 songs over 10000 points! I danced when the girls were competing against each other.

Time to get back to the Olympics! Maybe I'll try and do some free step tomorrow while watching the Olympics! And maybe some elliptical!

This curling match is pretty awesome!

 

[lisah0711]

Super Big for you today.
Great job!!!

Thanks, Ann! And super job on kicking that big ole' sugar habit! Hope that you are feeling better soon!

Well, I never even sent in my starting weight, but it turns out that's pointless, as I have lost none!

My body has changed, I have lost fat, absolutely, it's been pretty amazing, what exercise does for me. But according to the scale at the Y, I've lost NOTHING. And I've been exercising now for too long for it to still be the "losing fat gaining muscle" issue, especially since I'm only doing cardio work, no lifting, so it's got to be the scale. Very frustrating!

Glad to hear that you are noticing a lot of changes in your body -- those NSVs are just as satisfying as the scale changing!

50sjayne, amazing analogy with the kitty litter!

First, I want to say that I am thinking of you today.

Thanks! I appreciate it!

I'll be looking forward to seeing your 20 pound clippie soon!

Jen- Thanks! I got up the eighth time!!!! Just did 20 minutes of Just Dance with the girls. I scored 3 songs over 10000 points! I danced when the girls were competing against each other.

Wow! You are a dancing machine, Tracey! Hope that this is the beginning of the end of the bug for you.

Thanks, again, for all the hugs and support -- it means a lot to me!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD: Weighing -- I weigh myself every day after I work out. On days I don't work out, it could go either weigh (I am so bad...). I definitely do better when I'm weighing regularly -- could be because that means I'm also getting the workouts in...

I have to be careful and not weigh too often. Morning and night is not necessary, and not good for my mental state. I get too caught up in small fluctuations, decide I'm not making progress, and give up. Or, at least I used to. Now I've figured out that I'm not willing to stop trying and weigh even more, so I have to just keep swimming, Like Dory.

Oh, and I just had to say to Lisa -- Nothing hurts more than missing your parent. I wish you peace and happy memories.

Day 1 of Lent has gone well. I did my incline walking, and I've kept myself to my daily points.

Maria

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

It was a different para who quit. Basically, Mr. Para has been in my room all year. In late October they transferred a second para to my room so that we could have someone work one on one with my biter. We'll call her Ms. Para 1. He was crappy to her from the start and she actually talked to the principal about it. She quit with no warning due to family issues (supposedly moved to Florida to help out a family member) but I have always wondered if part of it was Mr. Para.

In late Novemeber we hired Ms. Para #2. Again, she noticed issues with Mr. Para from day one and went to the principal. She quit our first day back from break in the middle of the day after a student kicked her in the chest and another student tried to stab her with a pencil.

It's been a bad day. It started out well. I left for a little bit to go observe a new student that we're being sent from another school (My room serves mutliple elementary schools) and apparently the kids were awful. When we got back, I had to send a kid to the safe seat for bullying and he got upset and picked up the desk and threw it against the wall.

So it's been a tough day. It doesn't help that I have had the cold from hell which I think I caught from my spitter since he kept spitting one me when he was sick. I have not been working otu because of it. After a day like today I would normally unwind by eating out, so it's been a challenge not to, but one day down, 39 more to go!

Thanks for letting me vent.

QOTD: I WI once a week at my WW meeting. I will occasionally spot check, but not with any regularity.

 

[jenanderson]

I weigh almost every day, first thing after I go to the bathroom. I record Friday's weights, but keep a note if Fri. is unusual from the nearby days. My body shape has really changed. My stomach pooch is just about gone now!

That is great! I need to figure out how to get rid of my stomach pooch! I am losing the weight and seeing changes in body shape but I am still really struggling with toning the center areas.

The Wii Fit says I'm down 2 pounds today. It looks like I'll have a loss these week.

Jen- Thanks! I got up the eighth time!!!! Just did 20 minutes of Just Dance with the girls. I scored 3 songs over 10000 points! I danced when the girls were competing against each other.

I knew you could do it! I love having the list of motivating quotes to pull from!

I'll be looking forward to seeing your 20 pound clippie soon!

I haven't done any of the clippies so far but I am thinking I might have to do the 20 when I reach that point!

It's been a bad day. It started out well. I left for a little bit to go observe a new student that we're being sent from another school (My room serves mutliple elementary schools) and apparently the kids were awful. When we got back, I had to send a kid to the safe seat for bullying and he got upset and picked up the desk and threw it against the wall.

So it's been a tough day. It doesn't help that I have had the cold from hell which I think I caught from my spitter since he kept spitting one me when he was sick. I have not been working otu because of it. After a day like today I would normally unwind by eating out, so it's been a challenge not to, but one day down, 39 more to go!

Thanks for letting me vent.

Feel free to vent anytime! We all need to do it once and a while...I think you have some really valid reasons for needing to vent right now.

I hope that you feel better and the cold goes away soon. My students are spreading their snotty germs all over the classroom and I am sitting on the verge of a cold so I feel for you.

I am proud of you for not going out to eat! You can do this!!!!

I know that the day was not so great but I hope you had a better evening!

Well, tonight I had a beautiful run! The sun was shining, the temperature was above 30° and it was all good. DH and I completed week 6, day 1 of the C25K and it is so fun to think of how far we have come. We have actually registered for a 7K race in March and a 5K in April...who would have ever though?

It is time for bed...hope everyone has had the best day they could have! Chat with you all tomorrow!

Jen

 

[pjlla]

I'm hoping some of you have some suggestions for me. Here is the background. 2.5 years ago I asked my doctor to put me on prescription water pills. Why? Because with both of my boys I had toxemia and the water retention during pregnancy was awful and the water retention unfortunately remained with me after giving birth, so 6 years after my son I asked for the Rx. I stayed on them all that time but had progressively put back on 15 pounds and was also noticing dehydration symtoms. So at the beginning of January I went off the water pills. For the last 2 weeks the retention is building again. I can actually grip my shins with my fingers and leave indents in my shins, it's pretty gross. I was just wondering if any of you have any ideas on how to deal with this. I don't want to go back to the Rx on a daily basis, but maybe every 2 - 3 days take a pill or maybe there is a natural way. Drinking more water is not a possibility, if I drink anymore my organs will begin to float. I also make sure I don't eat foods that are high in sodium.

It sounds like pitting edema in your legs. It is definitely something to talk to your doctor about... all of that extra pressure is probably causing a strain on your heart, as well as possibly affecting your blood pressure. Please get it checked out soon.

I am a little blue today because it is the five year anniversary of when my Dad passed away. This morning was the first time I cried missing my Dad in a long time.

Prayers and PD coming your way (a bit late...sorry).

Today's QOTD: Let's talk about scales! Do you weigh yourself everyday? Do you only weigh once or twice a week? What time of the day do you weigh yourself? Do you feel your scale is really accurate and want to recommend it to others? Share your advice when it comes to the scale.

Yes I weigh myself every day. I am one of those people who have to know my daily progress. I have a digital scale. No name on it. It was pretty cheap from Walmart. It is accurate with in .5 pound of my docotors. Mine is usually higher than the docs.


I got a new wish bar today and I was also able to run 1/2 mile straight without stopping. I have been doing the C25K program and that was one of my goals I set for myself to run 1/2 mile. I finally did that today. I had to share the news!!

Nice job with the run!! Keep at it!

QOTD:

I weigh in every day at home first thing in the morning after going potty. I have had the same scale for over 5 years. It seems pretty accurate but I wish it was a digital and I have considered getting a new one for that reason alone....I haven't read all the posts but has anyone really liked the digital that they have?

SarahMay

As I mentioned in another post, my digital scale is a "THINner" brand, purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I bought it to replace an accurate, but hard to read, dial scale and I really love it. It reads to the 1/10th pound and does a few other fancy things that I don't use. It is easy to read and seems to be pretty accurate and consistent.

I weigh almost every day, first thing after I go to the bathroom. I record Friday's weights, but keep a note if Fri. is unusual from the nearby days. My body shape has really changed. My stomach pooch is just about gone now!

You're so lucky about the stomach pooch. I don't think that mine will ever totally disappear without surgery. I am less than 10 pounds away from goal, but I still have a pooch (and not a furry friend who brings my slippers!!)

It was a different para who quit. Basically, Mr. Para has been in my room all year. In late October they transferred a second para to my room so that we could have someone work one on one with my biter. We'll call her Ms. Para 1. He was crappy to her from the start and she actually talked to the principal about it. She quit with no warning due to family issues (supposedly moved to Florida to help out a family member) but I have always wondered if part of it was Mr. Para.

In late Novemeber we hired Ms. Para #2. Again, she noticed issues with Mr. Para from day one and went to the principal. She quit our first day back from break in the middle of the day after a student kicked her in the chest and another student tried to stab her with a pencil.

It's been a bad day. It started out well. I left for a little bit to go observe a new student that we're being sent from another school (My room serves mutliple elementary schools) and apparently the kids were awful. When we got back, I had to send a kid to the safe seat for bullying and he got upset and picked up the desk and threw it against the wall.

So it's been a tough day. It doesn't help that I have had the cold from hell which I think I caught from my spitter since he kept spitting one me when he was sick. I have not been working otu because of it. After a day like today I would normally unwind by eating out, so it's been a challenge not to, but one day down, 39 more to go!

Thanks for letting me vent.

QOTD: I WI once a week at my WW meeting. I will occasionally spot check, but not with any regularity.

I give you a HUGE amount of credit for being able to deal with that kind of stress without eating. I have had a few long term sub assignments dealing with children who needed 1:1 aide for behavioral reasons and it is SUPER stressful! I've been bitten and pinched and kicked, just to mention a bit of it. I cannot imagine doing it full time!! It truly takes a special person and these kids are LUCKY to have you!!

Sorry I didn't get on again earlier today. I am still fighting cold symptoms, but I'm not convinced that it is turning into a sinus infection, so I may luck out in that respect. I spent the day doing house work and scrapbooking, after I did my exercise. It was hard to get up the energy to exercise, but I usually find if I can just convince myself to get started ("just a quick 20 minutes for today"), I will usually keep going for at least my minimum of 45 minutes. Today I did 50, but yesterday when I felt crummier I only did 30... and that is okay once in a while! Same with the housework... I really wanted to skip it and just head straight to the scrapping table, but I told myself I had to do at least 20 minutes... but I ended up doing about 45 minutes of "power" housework and was able to sit at my scrapbook table without guilt!!

I've got another busy swim weekend coming up.... YMCA State Meet is this weekend, but at least it is at our home pool, so just a 30 minute ride each way! She will be swimming all three days... distance events are Friday night and she is signed up to swim the 1650 (yards)... it always amazes me that she ENJOYS doing this!! How can she be my child and ENJOY exercise so much!!?? But I LOVE that she does love it so much. And I'm so proud of her talent. But as usual, it will be a struggle to fit in my exercise and healthy eating... but I know I can do it!! I'll just need to plan ahead again.

If I don't get called to work tomorrow, I am going to do another "power housework" session in the morning after my workout and then head to the scrapbook table again. I am making SUPER progress on my current project and I am getting really excited to get it finished (it is our 10 day trip out West and to DL in 2005). I had originally planned to finish it by the end of 2009, but alas, I didn't. But to get it done by the end of February 2010 is looking like a possibility (depending on how much scrapping time I get during school vacation next week).

TTYL..........................P

 

[Carys]

If you feel like it, please take a moment to introduce yourself since you are a newbie and tell us about yourself and your goals. I'm especially curious how you like living in New Zealand and Taiwan.

First some of these --->

Well as I mentioned before, I'm now able to start exercising following my spinal surgery last year, so now I'm trying to bring down the poundage to reduce pressure on the (now) fused part of my spine, and rebuild the muscle tone I had before those months of forced inactivity.

I'm a NZer so on average live in NZ, currently I'm working in Taiwan, and I'm actually moving to Shanghai later this year, again for work. I've travelled alot and seen many beautiful places and can appreciate them all, but nowhere will ever be as beautiful as NZ to me Taiwan is suprisingly modern in many aspects, and I think it has a bland image it doesn't deserve - it has alot of Chinese culture here, as well as it's own aboriginal (Hakka) culture, and alot of beautiful natural scenery, like Taroko Gorge which is essentially a gorge with natural marble walls. It's a great place for cyclists to holiday, as a relatively small island country with a varied geography. Mandarin will help, but you can get by with English too as it's taught in the public school system to a high level.

Yesterday someone asked how my trip was... LOVED IT!!! The San Diego Wild Animal Park and Zoo were great--I grew up a few miles from the Zoo and have always loved watching the animals there.

Total zoo lover here too! I'd love to see the San Diego Zoo someday.

We are planning an Alaskan Disney cruise for 2011 so I have a long term goal now!!!

Awesome!! Is that three of us on this thread with Disney cruises planned? I went on a 4 day last year and am hooked like a fish.

Just wanted to update everyone. I went to the vet today and my little doggie Irvin or Mr Brown as we call him is doing better. I can decrease his Lasix in 2 weeks if he stays well. So thanks for all the prayers and pixie dust it helped!!

That's really good news, it's so hard seeing pets not feeling their best - fingers crossed he keeps improving.

But the body changes are amazing. I have a long way to go, but I've also come a long way.

Great work! I will have to read back in the thread to see what exercise routine is working so well for you

My stomach pooch is just about gone now!

Where's a jealous smiley when you need one? Very inspirational!

I
Thanks for letting me vent.

It sounds like a rough day, I woke up with sniffles this morning too but I doubt it was brought about like anything near you've been through! Hope tomorrow is a better day.

QOTD: I have a generic glass digital scale that I picked up here in Taiwan, which seems very accurate. I weight daily in the mornings, saves me wasting thinking time wondering what my current weight is.

On the challenge, I do have a Learn to Samba DVD somewhere I could pull out, but otherwise I don't think this challenge is for me since I need to stick with gentler activity for now - even my pilates DVDs would have too much back twisting, and rolling on back etc. Looking forward to trying the Samba though!

 

[Carys]

Forgot to mention - the quote on the bottom of today's journal page is "Exercise your optimism."

 

[carmiedog]

I just did the math... 3 cups of coffee a day, each with 3 HEAPING tablespoons of sugar = 9 heaping tablespoons. 2 cups of tea a day, each with 3 heaping tablespoons of sugar = 6 heaping tablespoons of sugar. 9 + 6 = 15 tablespoons of sugar a day. 1 cup has 16 tablespoons of sugar. I was eating almost a CUP of sugar a day. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it. That isn't even counting the Pepsi's and Dew's I would drink on top of my coffee and tea. Crazy. Both of my grandfathers died of complications from Diabetes. That is one addiction I am glad I kicked.

Woah! That is scary when you add it all up. I am so glad you were able to kick it. My addiction was carbs/bread - 4 or 5 bagels a day, a whole bag of bread sticks from the pizza place for lunch, a whole box of pizza place cheesy bread for dinner, bowls of cereal for snacks...it didn't SEEM bad at the time since I was avoiding sweets and sodas.

 

[jenanderson]

Sorry I didn't get on again earlier today. I am still fighting cold symptoms, but I'm not convinced that it is turning into a sinus infection, so I may luck out in that respect. I spent the day doing house work and scrapbooking, after I did my exercise. It was hard to get up the energy to exercise, but I usually find if I can just convince myself to get started ("just a quick 20 minutes for today"), I will usually keep going for at least my minimum of 45 minutes. Today I did 50, but yesterday when I felt crummier I only did 30... and that is okay once in a while! Same with the housework... I really wanted to skip it and just head straight to the scrapping table, but I told myself I had to do at least 20 minutes... but I ended up doing about 45 minutes of "power" housework and was able to sit at my scrapbook table without guilt!!

Wow! You were busy! I hope that the cold goes away though so that you feel better soon. I think it is great that you still managed to get in 50 minutes of exercise...and housework...and scrapbooking. Sounds like a very productive day!

I'm a NZer so on average live in NZ, currently I'm working in Taiwan, and I'm actually moving to Shanghai later this year, again for work. I've travelled alot and seen many beautiful places and can appreciate them all, but nowhere will ever be as beautiful as NZ to me Taiwan is suprisingly modern in many aspects, and I think it has a bland image it doesn't deserve - it has alot of Chinese culture here, as well as it's own aboriginal (Hakka) culture, and alot of beautiful natural scenery, like Taroko Gorge which is essentially a gorge with natural marble walls. It's a great place for cyclists to holiday, as a relatively small island country with a varied geography. Mandarin will help, but you can get by with English too as it's taught in the public school system to a high level..

Sounds interesting! What is it you do that you travel around a lot?

Forgot to mention - the quote on the bottom of today's journal page is "Exercise your optimism."

I love this quote and will add it to our list!

Woah! That is scary when you add it all up. I am so glad you were able to kick it. My addiction was carbs/bread - 4 or 5 bagels a day, a whole bag of bread sticks from the pizza place for lunch, a whole box of pizza place cheesy bread for dinner, bowls of cereal for snacks...it didn't SEEM bad at the time since I was avoiding sweets and sodas.

It is amazing all the food addictions we all once had. I was such a carb person as well - I loved breads, rice, pasta, etc. I now still enjoy carbs a bit but it is better to be more in control of my addiction.

 

[pjlla]

Morning all! I am up and moving and not working (unless she calls me at the last minute). I've already got one child off on the bus and a load of laundry going and some picking up done. DD has swim tonight, so I will be saving my workout time for the Y tonight. After DD is on the bus, I will do some quick picking up and laundry and maybe wash the kitchen floor. Then breakfast and I will be free to sit at my scrapbooking table!

Last day before weigh-in I usually eat really light and try to stay below my points target. So breakfast will be my sauteed veggies and egg whites and maybe a serving of fruit.... no white carbs.

Not sure about lunch. I do have some really light hamburger soup that needs to be used up. Not sure how much is left after DH had some yesterday, but that is a lunch possibility.

Any ideas of what to do with some leftover beef roast? I'm thinking of trying to make some sort of stew with it. The meat was good, not great (a bit overcooked for my taste... it was medium rather than rare). Would the meat get dried out if I cooked it for a short time on high in my crockpot to make a stew?? Or maybe some sort of beef soup?? I do have some beef stock on hand. Maybe I will check allrecipes.com and see what I can come up with.

Gotta run and get DD off on the bus. TTYL................P

 

[jenanderson]

I made a list of all the quotes that were posted the other day(hope I did not miss too many...sorry if I missed yours). I thought it would be nice to have them all in one spot for people to copy. Here they are:

Dead Last Finish
is greater than
Did Not Finish
which greatly trumps
Did Not Start

If hunger is not the question, food is not the answer.

Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.

No one ever got fit from staying cozy and comfy.

Give it your best and forget the rest.

DON'T GIVE UP! DON"T GET FRUSTRATED!

Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Hunger is not an emergency.

Just keep swimmin...just keep swimming

Do I really love this food?

I am strong.

If you feel hungry, your body is telling you something. Eat the right fuel and you will burn and aid in speeding your metabolism.

A calorie burning diet REQUIRES protein.

It's All in The Attitude

Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.

I will never regret not running!

I AM WORTH IT

If you break a dish emptying the dishwasher, you don't throw the rest on the floor, so don't let one mistake snowball.

Be good to your body, it's the only place you have to live.

Losing weight is Hard. Maintaining weight is hard. Being overweight is hard. Choose your hard.
There's plenty of time to solve this thing, but you got to stop using your mouth and start using your brain!

You are worth it, and you are strong.

Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.

I am doing the best I can given what I have today.

The past does not define you, the present does.

I don't eat McDonald's because it's gross.

Life is a journey, and sometimes there are detours.

Exercise your optimism

 

[jenanderson]

Well, my week of coaching is coming to an end. I thank everyone for sharing all your thoughts and stories this week. I have enjoyed the opportunity to hopefully provide you with things to think about, support when you needed it and just someone to chat with. I know that this week helped me stay focused and think more about my own weight loss.

Today's QOTD: What did you try new for exercising and what did you think about it? If you did not try something new, what is a new exercise that you would like to try?

Okay, I wanted to try my DD's exercise ball and had no clue what to do on the thing. I spent some time looking up exercises for the ball on the Internet and spent about 15 minutes trying them out. I have decided that I will continue to look for more ideas for using the ball because it was loads of fun. I am totally not the most stable or balanced person (I knew this from the Wii Fit) but it does make some exercises feel easier. I really loved the push ups on the ball. I have been trying to work on push ups and think this will really help me build muscles. I am glad that I tried it out and hope it will help provide some variety to my exercising. I like that it was a cheap piece of equipment, it feels like it is easy to use and it is suppose to help my "core".

I still would like to try to get some WATP videos because I hear so many things about them here. I would also like to to learn a bit more about using the small weight set that we have in our exercise room. I have been reading a lot about cross training for running so hopefully I will continue to add variety and not get bored with exercising.

Have a great day everyone!
Jen