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

[my3princes]

Good morning! There were some fantastic ideas for stress management yesterday, some of which had never occurred to me! Thanks so much to everyone who shared their tactics..


Enjoying the time we spend losing weight is crucial for many of us, because it often takes months or years to lose what we want to lose and it takes a lifetime of good habits to keep it off. Some of those changes are challenging and some are really enjoyable, but I believe the things that make staying on track enjoyable are the things that keep us on track long term. I believe the most crucial part of a weight loss plan is not how quickly it takes the weight off, but rather how livable it is in the long term.

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I try to keep my weight down for many reasons. 1) I get heartburn when I hit about 145 lbs (I've crept back up there and it's back ) 2) I love the compliments that I get especially from DH and my boys. It's funny because my boys think of me as skinny and don't remember when I was huge 3) I like my smaller wardrobe. My style has evolved with my weight loss so if I have to go back up a size I lose my sense of style. It's nice to buy a size 8 or even a a few size 6s. I'm picking up pieces that I love rather than settling for what fits and is cheap.

 

[pjlla]

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I am enjoying the feeling of being IN CONTROL. So often I used to feel that guilty, icky, out-of-control feeling... mostly about my weight, but the feeling often overflowed into other areas of my life. Now when I wake up in the morning I can feel (usually) IN CONTROL. I KNOW I will eat on plan, I KNOW I will get in my exercise.... and doing both of those things brings me great peace of mind and great MENTAL health!!

Sure, there are still plenty of days when I wonder how I will get everything done. There is always some big project looming... the house needs painting, the yard needs work, the basement needs cleaning (badly!!), the carpets need replacing (and I'm too cheap the spend the $$), and of course there are ALWAYS the daily things... the kids need to be driven somewhere, school papers to fill out, lunches to be packed, bills to be paid, laundry to fold. But when I am EATING RIGHT and getting in my EXERCISE TIME, I feel much more IN CONTROL about EVERYTHING!! (Sorry for all the caps, but I feel strongly about this!)

On the few occasions recently when I have eaten somewhat out of control and/or off plan (pizza and chinese food come to mind ), I definitely feel ICKY and out of control the next morning. And while it is a familiar feeling, it is DEFINITELY a feeling I want GONE from my life. But a few days back on plan with food and exercise time and that feeling definitely disappears.

Thanks for your GREAT questions! .................P

 

[maiziezoe]

3/15 Monday QOTD: What (aside from eating!) do you to do deal with stress and/or over-scheduling?

My favorite way to de stress is read. I love to read and I am a super fast reader so I am always reading something new. There is nothing like getting lost in someone else's story for awhile to make me forget about my own!

I have always ate to my emotions, so I am glad to hear about some other ideas. I have never tried blueberry tea though it sounds yummy! And I love a long bath, though my kids have some terrible disease thats makes them have to go to the potty "SOOOO Bad!!!!", when I am in the tub. I sure wish there was a cure......

My kids have the same disease.

 

[maiziezoe]

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I have really enjoyed the new friendships I have made through this thread.

I have also enjoyed rebuilding the friendship I have with my nutritionist. He and I dated way back in the 80's and it ended badly. Now we have a great friendship and he is a wonderful help to me. My hubby likes him too!!

I *heart* skinny cow ice cream sandwiches.

I love working out. I usually work out first thing in the morning but today I am going to the gym so I am waiting until after homeschool... I'm starting to get anxious because I want to get to the gym NOW!

Mostly I am enjoying the change in my hubby. He has lost 25 pounds since Christmas (just by changing his diet. He doesn't exercise). He's a lot more helpful around the house and he doesn't complain about the healthy meals I make.

 

[jennz]

I have always ate to my emotions, so I am glad to hear about some other ideas. I have never tried blueberry tea though it sounds yummy! And I love a long bath, though my kids have some terrible disease thats makes them have to go to the potty "SOOOO Bad!!!!", when I am in the tub. I sure wish there was a cure......

Too funny!! Based on this comment I'm also guessing that you are the only one in your family with the magical powers to change the toilet paper roll, put away dishes, pick up dirty clothes...

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I have really enjoyed the new friendships I have made through this thread.

I have also enjoyed rebuilding the friendship I have with my nutritionist. He and I dated way back in the 80's and it ended badly. Now we have a great friendship and he is a wonderful help to me. My hubby likes him too!!

I *heart* skinny cow ice cream sandwiches.

I love working out. I usually work out first thing in the morning but today I am going to the gym so I am waiting until after homeschool... I'm starting to get anxious because I want to get to the gym NOW!

Mostly I am enjoying the change in my hubby. He has lost 25 pounds since Christmas (just by changing his diet. He doesn't exercise). He's a lot more helpful around the house and he doesn't complain about the healthy meals I make.

You count me as a friend right??? No that I'm insecure or anything I saw you Chicagoans are having 2 meets...we will be there in between them! Darn it!

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan. I like seeing the positive changes in my family...dd loves being active and making healthy choices, in a way she has been a model for me and I like reflecting that back to her and building on it. DH is eating healthier too and just started P90X... He's made quite a commitment with no nagging from me. I like being aware of the calories I need every day and how much I burn. I love the way I feel so proud after exercise!

 

[lecach]

I am enjoying the feeling of being IN CONTROL. So often I used to feel that guilty, icky, out-of-control feeling... mostly about my weight, but the feeling often overflowed into other areas of my life. Now when I wake up in the morning I can feel (usually) IN CONTROL. I KNOW I will eat on plan, I KNOW I will get in my exercise.... and doing both of those things brings me great peace of mind and great MENTAL health!!

Sure, there are still plenty of days when I wonder how I will get everything done. There is always some big project looming... the house needs painting, the yard needs work, the basement needs cleaning (badly!!), the carpets need replacing (and I'm too cheap the spend the $$), and of course there are ALWAYS the daily things... the kids need to be driven somewhere, school papers to fill out, lunches to be packed, bills to be paid, laundry to fold. But when I am EATING RIGHT and getting in my EXERCISE TIME, I feel much more IN CONTROL about EVERYTHING!! (Sorry for all the caps, but I feel strongly about this!)

On the few occasions recently when I have eaten somewhat out of control and/or off plan (pizza and chinese food come to mind ), I definitely feel ICKY and out of control the next morning. And while it is a familiar feeling, it is DEFINITELY a feeling I want GONE from my life. But a few days back on plan with food and exercise time and that feeling definitely disappears.

Thanks for your GREAT questions! .................P

This is my answer too. The feeling of being in CONTROL. I cant control my husbands crazy work schedule (newspaper reporter covering Duke basketball), I cant control the fact that DS did not get in a magnet elementary so he'll probalby be attending a subpar kindergarten, I can't control a LOT in my life. But my weightloss is about ME - it's my responsibility and the area that I have the most control over. AND I LIKE that feeling. It's so nice to be able to fit into my smaller clothes. I love that I had to buy new underwear because mine were too big. I am so happy that I am within 10 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

My favorite new activity is the WDW Half Marathon! I really enjoy training throughout the year and chatting with all my WISH buddies, the actual race, and the incredible feeling of accomplishment. Plus, we always tack on a little grown-up vacation, so it's just a positive experience!

That keeps me somewhat on plan -- because I know if I want to improve my time I have to lose weight and get faster!

I like that I have to put less thought into eating now -- bear with me -- we stock fresh fruits and veggies, so when it's time to eat, I don't have to tear my hair out trying to come up with something. Yes, we have to think to buy these things in the first place, but after so long, it's second nature to grab a variety of fruits and veggies when we shop. It's not at all unusual for our grocery list to be mostly fruits and veggies because we're eating out of the freezer for chicken breast, salmon, etc., and just need sides. And it's nice that we waste less food -- we know what we need for a week, and we buy just that much. On Fridays, my fridge is pretty barren, but I know we were well-fed all week.

Maria

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I love buying smaller jeans! I also really enjoy working out though you wouldn't know it lately. I know I still have some sleep to catch up on but I will workout tonight on the elliptical during the first hour of BL. Just took a walk to the bus stop to pick up DD2. I hope to get back on a regular schedule with working out next week. I won't do as much or start as early in the morning as that really caught up with me lately. I'll probably do 2-3 miles each morning after putting DD1 on the bus. Then try to do more later in the day and especially during BL.

Didn't get a bathing suit but I did buy an Easter dress, I still had to get a large but that is due to being top heavy still somewhat! I'm heading over to TJ Maxx at 4 to try on some suits that I saw there a few weeks ago. Don't know if I'll have other time so I hope I have some luck.

It is gorgeous here today! Almost 60 degrees! I drove with my windows down and that felt so great. I really enjoyed my day today taking my time shopping and just having some quiet time to myself!

Enjoy the rest of the day!

 

[princessbride6205]

Too funny!! Based on this comment I'm also guessing that you are the only one in your family with the magical powers to change the toilet paper roll, put away dishes, pick up dirty clothes... :wizard

Exactly! I read in a book about working moms that until men have the ability to see messes, women will always do the larger share of the housework. It's not that my DH doesn't help out around the house, it's that I have to list out every single chore he needs to do. Even daily things, like sponge off DD's chair after dinner. DH thinks I'm crazy but a lot of emotional energy goes into being the only one who remembers to send birthday cards, schedule doctor's appointments, etc. I'm finding my current home workload to be overwhelming and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to delegate more life stuff to DH.

Like pjlla, a messy house stresses me out - but the last thing I want to do when I'm stressed is clean. It's a horrible perpetuating cycle. I think it would help if I just force myself to do a little cleaning even when I'm not feeling it.

Okay, sorry this weightloss thread got derailed into chores...

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.
I enjoy exercise to a degree - sometimes while I'm doing it, but always afterwards! Running is my favorite new activity. I also like the hard numbers and tracking. I got really into counting calories when I first started. This is something I enjoy if they are easy to track, but I loathe if I don't know the cals and have to guess. I can be a bit of a math geek, and I like seeing what resulted in a loss, the chart of how far I've come, etc.
Just recently I've really developed a new attitude toward food. Really thinking about what the health benefits/nutrients of the food are rather than just calories.

 

[Graciesmom77]

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I am with you on the control thing. I have come to find that I am somewhat of a control freak and I love that I am gaining more control over this part of my life that has always eluded me.

I also like learning and with a healthy lifestyle there is always something new to learn like a new healthy recipe, a chemical added to foods, new exercises and so on. I love learning something new each day.

I hope you are all having a good day. This chest cold is still here and is pretty nasty, but I hope I am over it in a day or 2. Any kind of movement or if I get to hot, I start hacking up a lung, so I am going to try and take it easy for another day or 2.

Have a great day!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Exactly! I read in a book about working moms that until men have the ability to see messes, women will always do the larger share of the housework. It's not that my DH doesn't help out around the house, it's that I have to list out every single chore he needs to do. Even daily things, like sponge off DD's chair after dinner. DH thinks I'm crazy but a lot of emotional energy goes into being the only one who remembers to send birthday cards, schedule doctor's appointments, etc. I'm finding my current home workload to be overwhelming and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to delegate more life stuff to DH.

This is why holidays are so particularly stressful to women -- generally, men either don't see the things to be done, or don't care if they happen, and so it all falls on the shoulders of the wife/mother/girlfriend. And then we make it worse because we are determined to have the "perfect" holiday...we make alot of our own stress, and then we are so tired, we can't think straight and we eat...or maybe that's just me?

Maria

 

[pjlla]

This is my answer too. The feeling of being in CONTROL. I cant control my husbands crazy work schedule (newspaper reporter covering Duke basketball), I cant control the fact that DS did not get in a magnet elementary so he'll probalby be attending a subpar kindergarten, I can't control a LOT in my life. But my weightloss is about ME - it's my responsibility and the area that I have the most control over. AND I LIKE that feeling. It's so nice to be able to fit into my smaller clothes. I love that I had to buy new underwear because mine were too big. I am so happy that I am within 10 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight.

LOVE needing to buy silly little things in a smaller size... like rings and underwear (and bras!!!).

This is why holidays are so particularly stressful to women -- generally, men either don't see the things to be done, or don't care if they happen, and so it all falls on the shoulders of the wife/mother/girlfriend. And then we make it worse because we are determined to have the "perfect" holiday...we make alot of our own stress, and then we are so tired, we can't think straight and we eat...or maybe that's just me?

Maria

Not just you!! Don't even GO THERE with me about holidays and lack of help. DH is just as surprised as the kids on Christmas morning about what everyone is getting! (Although in his defense, it is a SUPER CRAZY busy time at work for him and he has NO minutes to spare.)

I have just a minute to chat and then I have to run. We are on DAY ONE of DS's two week attempt at eating almost NO allergy foods.... and it is TOUGH. Breakfast was a rice milk/tofu/banana chocolate shake. Lunch was pb&j and apple sauce and regular milk. Dinner is homemade fish sticks and probably apple sauce again.

He is allergic to the milk and the wheat bread that the pb&j was on, but they are only a "1+" on the scale, so I am letting him have a limited amount of those items.. He said that the homemade fish sticks were only okay... they were coated with soy flour (another 1+ item) and breadcrumbs made from tapioca bread. I know he would have like them better with ketchup, but tomatoes are another no-no.

I might try to make some sort of dessert like muddy buddies with rice chex for him. I'll have to google the recipe.... not sure if I have the ingredients or even what the ingredients are! Anyhow.... between his picky eating and food allergies these next two weeks are going to be tough. We have tried this in the past and had to give up... but I am determined this time... even if he has to resort to eating peanut butter straight from the jar, bacon (but no eggs ), and rice milk for three meals a day!!

Gotta run. TTYL.......P

 

[flipflopmom]

3 minutes until class starts for the night, just made a grocery run, just a second to post...

TUES QOTD: I love the energy I have. I had to run across the playground twice today, and I just bounded instead of plodded. I love knowing that I am putting good things in my body, and making it work. I love watching the scale drop, and the compliments, too.

I do not love the grocery bill, however. I hate that it is so much more expensive to eat healthy!

 

[donac]

Good afternoon everyone.

I have a very scratchy throat but I am giving 3 tests tomorrow so I should be okay in school tomorrow. Just have to write the test tonight.

My math team finished 5th in their league yesterday so they are getting a trophy at the dinner next month. It is not the way I wanted to get 5th. One of the top teams didn't come because their schoool had no power. I don't feel good about it but 5th place is the best we have ever done and stranger things have happened.

3/16 Tuesday QOTD: What are some things you have enjoyed about the process of losing weight so far? Whether it be new favorite foods, attitudes, activities or something else, tell us what keeps you happy on your plan.

I have been eating a lot of plain foods lately. Lots of fruits and veggies. I noticed this weekend that anything with artificial sweetener leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Well off to cook dinner and then bake some Irish soda bread for dinner tomorrow night and a breakfast we are having at school on Thursday. I made it last year for the same breakfast and I got asked for the recipe from a number of people.

Have a great evening everyone.

 

[seashell724]

OT: I'm hoping you can help even though this is off topic! EVERY thread I view on DIS except for this one won't show me all the responses if I scroll down. I have to individually click "Next" or the title of the response to view it.

However, on this thread I can just scroll down and see replies! I like this way much better!

Is it only me and my computer? Why is it "normal" on this thread an so annoying on the rest!

 

[mstinson14]

Hello everyone, just checking in after my dd having strep throat and me taking care of her.
QOTD:I like my new attitude that I have now, I am more outgoing and am not as shy.

 

[maiziezoe]

You count me as a friend right??? No that I'm insecure or anything I saw you Chicagoans are having 2 meets...we will be there in between them! Darn it!

Of course!!!!

 

[tigger813]

26 minutes until BL! Anyone working out tonight while watching it? I'm doing 2-3 miles on the elliptical while watching it! Join me and then post after!

I bought 2 new bathing suits today! A size 10 and a size 12! DH liked them

Time to clean up the kitchen as much as we can before heading down. Can't run the dishwasher until tomorrow due to all the rain! Don't want anything backing up into the house! ALso need to do laundry tomorrow or Thursday.

24 minutes now!

 

[Graciesmom77]

I hope everyone has a good time watching BL tonight.

I wish I was joining in on the exercise during, but this cough is determined!

I did well on food today, but the fact that I can't taste may have something to do with that!

I am sooo behind on laundry that I may pray tonight that God sends me a laundry fairy! Some women dream of diamonds, I dream of having my washer and dryer on the same floor as the bedrooms instead of 2 flights down! What a pain!

 

[redlight]

QOTD: I love being able to fit into clothes that I couldn't before. I'm glad I kept most of my "skinny" clothes. I love having a sleeker figure.