Biggest Loser--Fall 2011 Challenge for Losers & Maintainers!!

[kollerbear]

Well-- I had a great weigh-in last week, but this week has just been very meh-- I've been pretty hungry and my DBF and I are still getting used to reportioning and adjusting our old recipes so that I can eat them on my plan, and the less restricted ingredients/spices have brought on some water retention and feelings of general ickiness, even though my calories are still under 1500, which is my goal. (They used to fall around 1350 on average, though, so it's a little bit of an increase for me... I think I've just been really hungry in preparation for TOM. )

Anyway, I wanted to make sure I stayed caught up!!

It was fun. I'm glad I did it. I was very careful not to carry around a bunch of regrets over training or my weight, because I already had enough to carry as it was. Everybody finishes their race one step a time. And they gave me this for my 4+ hours of work:

Pretty good for a 50+ year old broad.

Lisa, that is such an awesome medal! I'm so impressed by your commitment and positiveness. Do you have your next race scheduled already? I don't remember if you said you planning on doing any of them in WDW or DL?

The workout class schedule was finally posted, so here's my planned workout schedule:
Sunday: Elliptical/Weights
Monday: Off
Tuesday: Zumba
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Kickboxing (New for me)
Friday: Zumba
Saturday: Yoga (also new for me)

I'm so impressed by your workout schedule, Gretchen--way to go! Glad to hear that you were able to finish stronger at Zumba than last time. And I hope that you love yoga! If your gym doesn't have blankets in the studio, I do recommend bringing an extra towel for your knee-- it helped me SO much, and I only needed it for a few poses that involved kneeling. Can't wait to hear how kickboxing and yoga go!

QOTD: Do you make a weekly menu? What are your favorite spices to cook with? ( I love the "Cooking with Flavor" page!!!!)

I do make a weekly menu for dinners (lunches are leftovers)--pretty religiously! It saved us a lot of money to do it that way, and we try a few new things each week. This week our menu has been:

• Saturday: Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna (Veg Times, this was strange)
• Sunday: Mediterranean Salad with Artichokes, Penne, and Sundried Tomatoes (Martha)
• Monday: Escarole, Bean, and Sausage Soup with Parmesan Cheese (Cooking Light, used MF Italian Sausage for this one to keep it veg)
• Tuesday: Enchiladas Verdes (Veg Times, this recipe uses rinsed and drained large curd cottage cheese in place of queso fresco... BRILLIANT source of protein and cuts down on the fat and sodium)
• Wednesday: Nicoise Salad with Roasted Mini Potatoes (Veg Times)
• Thursday: Hungarian Goulash (Cooking Light, with seitan)
• Friday: Tofu Steaks with Red Pepper Walnut Sauce (Cooking Light) and Roasted Broccoli with Garlic (Skinny Taste)

And on Saturday I'm making my 2nd Be Our Guest meal-- since I loved making a Beauty and the Beast-inspired French meal so much last week!!! I'm going to do one each week and write it up with photos in my WISH journal--the first is already written up there. This week will be a Toy Story-inspired Cowboy meal for Woody-- Buttermilk Onion Rings (from Skinny Taste), Espresso Black Bean Chili (Mark Bittman) and Easy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits (also Skinny Taste), and Lemon Cornmeal Cookies (Cooking Light)!!!

Can you tell I love food?

Oh, and my favorite spices right now are probably cumin seed, fennel seed, dried oregano/za'atar mix (oregano with sumac and sesame seeds), dried rosemary, and fresh ginger. My BF thinks that smoked paprika and turmeric belong in everything, so I have to balance that tendency out.

Sunday I had a migraine all day so that stunk. Had the migraine hangover yesterday but did get some cleaning and other things done. Back to normal today so I guess I should find something constructive to do!

DD11 was so excited for school today-- she chose clarinet (same as her sister) as her band instrument on Friday so today is the first class where they play them. Lord help me, it will be several months of sounding like geese are being tortured around here. That migraine may be back sooner than I would like! It is amazing though how by mid December they will be able to give a concert with songs you can actually recognize and enjoy.

I'm so sorry about your migraine-- I get them too and they are just terrible. I know what you mean about that migraine hangover... it's like an echo of the pain in your head, but at the same time I always feel so grateful that it's gone that I almost feel refreshed. I hope you don't get them too often and that sounds aren't a trigger-- because yeah, kids learning clarinet must not help with that too much!!! I'm glad you're refocusing this week and I hope you're able to break through that plateau this week and next!

QOTD: Have you ever tried a low-carb diet? Which of the TOP 10 carbohydrate sources/categories do you eat the most of?

I tried a low-carb diet for maybe 1 week in high school. It doesn't really work for vegetarians. I knew it was over when I had a saltine and it tasted like cake. Haven't tried since, and have no intention to. I just wouldn't want to live my life like that.

I definitely eat the most of the colorful fibrous vegetables. Although now that I learned the benefits of cruciferous vegetables, I will definitely up my intake. Glad that I've got broccoli in the fridge waiting to be roasted!

FUN Question: What are your favorite tv shows this season? What new ones do you want to watch?

Oh man, I am so excited fall TV is here so I can cancel my Hulu Plus membership! Hahaha. The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, Raising Hope, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Bones, and Glee are all on heavy rotation at home, but I will also check out New Girl, Up All Night, and Pan Am this season. Not bad for someone who doesn't own a TV, right? Gosh I love Hulu.

Alright--off to bed... need to get some serious sleep tonight!

OH--has anyone else had a hard time coming up with a mantra for this week's HH?? Whenever I am lying in bed trying to think of something, all that's come to mind is "You're worth it." from L'Oreal commercials. Which of course is TRUE and worthwhile, but I refuse to cheer myself on with something that has been planted in my brain by marketing execs!!! What mantras are you guys using?

 

[mackeysmom]

Are they like the white cheddar popcorn? I love that stuff but don't buy it since I would have the same problem!
Carol

That's exactly what they are. So addictive - hopefully I can stop at one mini-bag!

 

[bellebookworm9]

I'm so impressed by your workout schedule, Gretchen--way to go! Glad to hear that you were able to finish stronger at Zumba than last time. And I hope that you love yoga! If your gym doesn't have blankets in the studio, I do recommend bringing an extra towel for your knee-- it helped me SO much, and I only needed it for a few poses that involved kneeling. Can't wait to hear how kickboxing and yoga go!

has anyone else had a hard time coming up with a mantra for this week's HH?? Whenever I am lying in bed trying to think of something, all that's come to mind is "You're worth it." from L'Oreal commercials. Which of course is TRUE and worthwhile, but I refuse to cheer myself on with something that has been planted in my brain by marketing execs!!! What mantras are you guys using?

My knee has actually been fine since that one time. The studio doesn't have blankets, but it's on a matted type floor-it's a dance studio. The only real problem I had at Zumba (that will more than likely transfer to the others) is that "No street shoes" are allowed. So I couldn't wear sneakers (or orthotics, though I don't usually wear those when I exercise anyway) and because my feet roll in, my big toes felt really raw by the end-I did have socks on though. I wonder if I could wear sneakers bought specifically to use in the dance studio.

The mantra I have been using is "You can do it!" That could be already in play but I can't think from what.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I am not sure if anyone would be interested but - there is a group on the same idea as groupon. 8moms.com They have a 2 year subscription to Fitness Magazine for $7. If you use promo code PARENTING8, you will receive an $8 credit on the site, making the subscription free.

I just signed up for the site and received the deal.

Janis

Its sold out I'm too late. I would have loved that.

 

[my3princes]

My Manta this week is that "my job is not who I am, it is what I do" I see so many people getting caught up in the office drama and taking things personally that are just job related. When I'm on my death bed I'm pretty sure that I'll be thinking of the quality time with my family over the years, not about work.


I was up 8 tenths of a lb from last week, but given our camping trip and my birthday I don't think that is too bad. Hopefully I'll do better camping this weekend (no desserts planned) and have those ounces gone quickly.

 

[donac]

Good Thursday morning everyone. I am so glad that it is Thursday. The week is almost over. It is supposed to be rainy here today and possibly tomorrow. With all the rain we have had it is hard to be outside at dusk. Dh walked to the garage late yesterday afternoonn and got 5 insect bites. I didn't get bit because I had only stayed on the patio. We need a frost soon to get rid of them.

Everyone look below. As of right now I am going to DW next Aug My sister emailed me yesterday that she got 2 nights at Boardwalk and 3 nights at BLT. Each place is a 3 bedroom and BLT is with a theme park view. She is going to work to get the entire 5 nights at BLT. I wouldn't mind 2 nights at BW and 3 at BLT but dh was looking forward to only at BLT.

QOTD I loved The Middle last night. I did enjoy How I Met Your Mother and watched 2 1/2 Men the other night and had some fun. There is not a lot of new stuff that I am interested in this season.

Off to get ready for work. Lots to do. I need to start on letters of recommendations and get them done besides all my normal school work. Off we go.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[tigger813]

Bellebookworm- Pan Am wasn't on Sunday night. My DH was confused. Glad we didn't miss it!

Just can not get up early to workout no matter what time I go to bed. I will have to squeeze in those workouts this afternoon at some point. I'll probably get one in after I bring izzie home from school.

Tummy is not feeling so good this morning. This happens when I don't drink enough water. I was running around too much yesterday and didn't get in the water. Wish I didn't have to go into work today. I'm just not up to sitting there. I am supposed to work on the website with my boss. Hoping she doesn't want me to make phone calls. I want to do some organization of my files while I'm there today. I have to run back there tonight for a bit to deliver products to a new Herbalife client and do her weigh in and measurements. Excited that her stuff arrived early so I don't have to go in on Saturday.

Need to make Ash's breakfast now and try and get moving a bit!

TTFN

 

[fitgirl36]

Hello everyone! I joined in the fall challenge when it started but haven't posted anything on this board yet, just done a lot of reading! I've been plugging away one half pound at a time and logging my food and exercise on myfitnesspal. This board is really motivating! Have a great day everyone!

 

[yulilin3]

My knee has actually been fine since that one time. The studio doesn't have blankets, but it's on a matted type floor-it's a dance studio. The only real problem I had at Zumba (that will more than likely transfer to the others) is that "No street shoes" are allowed. So I couldn't wear sneakers (or orthotics, though I don't usually wear those when I exercise anyway) and because my feet roll in, my big toes felt really raw by the end-I did have socks on though. I wonder if I could wear sneakers bought specifically to use in the dance studio.

The mantra I have been using is "You can do it!" That could be already in play but I can't think from what.

They sell dancing shoes (like sneakers but don't have that much traction so you can move/spin better) at zumba.com also at other stores, they are on the expensive side, at least for me, but my sister did buy a pair and she loves them. I used to have knee problems when doing Zumba and my husband gave me a pair of shoe covers, the ones you put on over your shoes when going to someone else's house and doing work, and I don't have anymore knee problems cause they help me slide better, hey it's not pretty but with this economy I can't just buy $70 dancing shoes.

 

[pjlla]

Haha no, Ling is an actual person. She's going to be living in our house next semester, but for now she just eats at my house and uses me to cook for her. She's been looking for corn dogs for three weeks now and hasn't found them. i happened to stumble across them yesterday by the bread, of all places.

That is very generous of you to cook for her. HOpefully she will repay the favor when she moves in for good.


Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking more that a completely carb free diet would be bad for me, or very few carbs. But I'm working on what you mentioned: eating a healthy carb with a protein, and less of the junky stuff. For example, (with other things) I had half a whole wheat bagel and cottage cheese for breakfast, a slice of whole wheat bread with 98% fat free turkey for lunch, and for my snack I just had 4 whole wheat crackers with peanut butter.

Combining lean protein with complex carbs is PERFECT!

Hi all,

Another busy day!

No time to post an article tonight but I will share more with you guys next week!

FUN Question: What are your favorite tv shows this season? What new ones do you want to watch?

I've been a Survivor fan from day one... probably my favorite show ever ever. We've been saving it to watch on Friday or Saturday night this season because DH is gone all week and DD is overloaded with homework mid-week.

DD got me hooked on Glee over the summer. Trying to finish up watching season 2 on DVD before we start watching the new season.... saving it on the DVR in the meantime.

Biggest Loser is another favorite (just for me.... no one else here watches).... unfortunately it conflicts with Glee and DH's NCIS. We have two DVRs, but not three.... so I went "old-school" and recorded it with a VHS tape on the third tv in the playroom (just has basic cable where as our other tvs are on Dish Network). It wasn't such a big deal and I got to see the whole thing.

We watch Amazing Race as a family on Sunday nights.... I believe it starts this coming Sunday. Some seasons are better than others (there was a season a few years ago with a RUDE, SCREAMING family from NJ.... could NOT watch that season! ). Hope this is a good one..... I mostly love the travel and sights.

I also love the summer series of "History Detectives" on PBS.... but it is only on a few weeks a year.

That seems like MORE than enough tv! I often have it on for background noise when I am home and tend to watch History Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, Nat'l Geographic Network, or a bit of TLC (most of their stuff is though).

Hi everyone,
Sorry for the re-post, but I made an error with a formula and left a great loser out.

I didn't mean to miss kollerbear's great efforts

To fix the problem, I made it a top 11 list. Next week I'll go back to 10.

I'm sure all is forgiven! I would hate to see what a mess it would be if someone left ME in charge of numbers!

I've been very, very good today. Only went one point over my daily limit. I have a test tomorrow morning that I need to go study for-I've been procrastinating quite a bit!

Only 16 days until Disney! I'm thinking, "Where did the time go?!" and it probably won't feel real to me until we're at the airport getting on Magical Express.

Just 16 days!? LUCKY YOU! They will go by like LIGHTENING!

I am not sure if anyone would be interested but - there is a group on the same idea as groupon. 8moms.com They have a 2 year subscription to Fitness Magazine for $7. If you use promo code PARENTING8, you will receive an $8 credit on the site, making the subscription free.

I just signed up for the site and received the deal.

Janis

THanks for the info. FOr anyone who is interested, I get Fitness magazine (got a freebie subscription from buying a workout DVD a few months ago) and I really enjoy it.

For those of you who like Pirate's Booty and need portion control - I found a box of little bags of PB at Target today - only 65 calories per bag (bags are smaller than the individual size bags you'd find at 7-11).

They were with the Halloween candy - along with the little bags of pretzels, goldfish, etc. 20 bags for $5.99.

I love Pirate's Booty as a snack, or with a sandwich - but once I open a big bag, I can't stop - so these little bags are perfect!

Yesterday I mentioned making polenta parmigiana for dinner and had some plain polenta left over. This morning I decided to slice it up thin and "fry" it on the stove with a little butter-flavored spray. Once cooked, I sprinkled on a little cinnamon and brown sugar Splenda and had polenta "pancakes". Absolutely delicious.

- Laura

THanks for the heads-up on the mini-treats. I don't always like the added expense and trash that comes along with buying those individual treats, but the portion control can't be beat!!

I love polenta! The pancakes sound scrumptious!

My knee has actually been fine since that one time. The studio doesn't have blankets, but it's on a matted type floor-it's a dance studio. The only real problem I had at Zumba (that will more than likely transfer to the others) is that "No street shoes" are allowed. So I couldn't wear sneakers (or orthotics, though I don't usually wear those when I exercise anyway) and because my feet roll in, my big toes felt really raw by the end-I did have socks on though. I wonder if I could wear sneakers bought specifically to use in the dance studio.

The mantra I have been using is "You can do it!" That could be already in play but I can't think from what.

Anywhere I've been that said "No Street Shoes" just means that they don't want you coming in from outside wearing the same shoes. Usually if you change into another pair of shoes (with presumably a clean, grit-free sole), you are fine. A fresh pair of sneakers would be perfect.

My Manta this week is that "my job is not who I am, it is what I do" I see so many people getting caught up in the office drama and taking things personally that are just job related. When I'm on my death bed I'm pretty sure that I'll be thinking of the quality time with my family over the years, not about work.

Isn't that the truth??

Good Thursday morning everyone. I am so glad that it is Thursday. The week is almost over. It is supposed to be rainy here today and possibly tomorrow. With all the rain we have had it is hard to be outside at dusk. Dh walked to the garage late yesterday afternoonn and got 5 insect bites. I didn't get bit because I had only stayed on the patio. We need a frost soon to get rid of them.

Everyone look below. As of right now I am going to DW next Aug My sister emailed me yesterday that she got 2 nights at Boardwalk and 3 nights at BLT. Each place is a 3 bedroom and BLT is with a theme park view. She is going to work to get the entire 5 nights at BLT. I wouldn't mind 2 nights at BW and 3 at BLT but dh was looking forward to only at BLT.

QOTD I loved The Middle last night. I did enjoy How I Met Your Mother and watched 2 1/2 Men the other night and had some fun. There is not a lot of new stuff that I am interested in this season.

Off to get ready for work. Lots to do. I need to start on letters of recommendations and get them done besides all my normal school work. Off we go.

Have a happy and healthy day.

I'd give a TOE for just a SINGLE night at BLT! It sounds terrific! Can't wait to see pictures!

Hello everyone! I joined in the fall challenge when it started but haven't posted anything on this board yet, just done a lot of reading! I've been plugging away one half pound at a time and logging my food and exercise on myfitnesspal. This board is really motivating! Have a great day everyone!

Glad you are still hanging on with us!

************

Happy grey rainy Thursday everyone! The weather here is ICKY and predicted to be ICKY for several days. I have a feeling that DS's robotics team fundraising car wash/bake sale tomorrow will be rained out. Not sure when we will get a chance to reschedule before the weather gets too cold. I'm going to hold off on baking cookies for now, just in case we have to cancel. I'll know better tomorrow morning.

But DD's swim team bake sale for tonight is a definite, so I need to be sure to bake up the cookie dough she made Tuesday. Hope I can resist any nibbles! And I'm making a batch of pumpkin or banana muffins too.... haven't decided which yet. Probably banana, since the freezer is overrun with them.... just need to make sure I have enough sugar and eggs. I hate baking, but at least the "threat" of tomorrow's weigh-in will be hanging over me and give me the strength to resist testing any of the baked goods!

I felt inspired by this week's BL premiere and pulled out the BL circuit workout that I had written up last year and did about 20 minutes of it while watching the show (followed by a good sweaty 30 minutes of incline work on the TM). I can definitely feel the front lunges in my legs today! And my pecs are sore too.... guess I really needed that workout!

Tonight is another busy one..... DD is going to the Y early to get in a workout before tonight's high school open house and swim team bake sale. Fortunately she will be getting a ride to the Y directly from school from another girl (and then back to the school later too). I only need to get DS to soccer practice, dash to the high school to bring up the baked goods, dash back to the soccer field to pick up DS early (unless I can find him a ride home with someone else) and then attend the high school open house for about 2 hours.... As much as I like to meet the teachers, etc, it makes for a long evening.

Well.... it seems like I don't have much else to share. I'll spend a minute catching up with the QOTD and then hit the TM!......................P

 

[pjlla]

QOTD: Have you ever tried a low-carb diet? Which of the TOP 10 carbohydrate sources/categories do you eat the most of?

Well.... I did try about a week of full-blown Atkins about 5 or 6 years ago when DH was "doing Atkins". It was DREADFUL! I just wanted a stupid piece of fruit SO BAD! And I couldn't care less if I never saw another egg! No tomatoes, no carrots, no onions.... just lots of greens, full-fat dairy, meat, meat, and more meat, and eggs. EWWW! I KNEW it wasn't for me.

Fast forward to this year, when I decided to try doing my own hybrid lower carb diet combining South Beach with Weight Watchers points system. I was trying to lose a few last stubborn pounds and it worked. I was very strictly watching my carbs though.... no carbs at all except low-fat dairy and nuts. No breads, no fruits, no grains. As soon as I added in even just some fruits (berries, apples, pears) and a few complex carbs (flaxseed/oat bran pita pockets, quinoa), the weight loss slowed waaaay down. But I'm okay with that.... it makes life much more bearable!

My biggest source of carbs over the past several months has been fruit, low-fat dairy, nuts, and flaxseed/oat bran pitas and flat bread. For now I can definitely live with this system I've developed.... and hopefully I will be able to for the long term too!

QOTD: Do you make a weekly menu? What are your favorite spices to cook with? ( I love the "Cooking with Flavor" page!!!!)[/COLOR][/SIZE]

I usually make up monthly menus.... often for several months in a row. I've been doing that for a few years now. But lately I've been winging it a bit more, as our schedule is really unpredictable.... plus with DH gone most weeknight's I don't feel the pressure to make a "real" meal. I still make a healthy variety for the kids and I, but less formal than a full-blown sit-down meal. I will pick up the weekly/monthly meal planning when DH is working from home again in a few months.

I have trouble using spices, as I never quite know what "goes" with certain things. That said, we use a lot of garlic and onions, italian seasoning blends, and moroccan seasoning blend. I do put cinnamon in lots of things because it is good for you.... I add it to my coffee, hot cereals, baked goods, etc. I was using a lot of tumeric because it is supposed to be super good for you, but I quickly got really sick of the flavor of it. I use it sparingly now in a few things.

Of the "Ideas to balance your fat consumption" which do you already do and which would you consider trying to help improve your health?

My first year or so on WW I had a hard time adjusting to eating fats. I was eating a VERY low fat diet. But the more I read about healthy fats, the more I realized that I needed to add some fats to my diet. It is still a struggle to intentionally eat fats though.

Most of my fat consumption comes from wild-caught salmon(and other white fish a few times a month), nuts, low-fat dairy, nuts (and nut butters), salad dressings, and avocado. We do eat more beef than the "usual" family because of DS's chicken allergy, but I buy lean ground beef and when using it as loose meat, I always drain and RINSE it under hot water after browning it.... most people presume it loses all its flavor doing that and maybe it does... but it makes me feel better about using it.

DH bought a jug of organic coconut oil that is all the rage right now as far as healthy oils go, but I don't use it when cooking for the family because DS's nut allergies include coconut.

When cooking I use EVOO (although it loses most of its healthy properties when heated) and canola oil. I've bought grapeseed oil in the past, but wasn't sure about using it for DS. I love the smell and taste of toasted sesame oil too, but sesame has been an issue for DS in the past, so I don't use it in anything for the family. When cooking for just myself I use PAM spray or nothing.

I feel like I was familiar with most of what was discussed in the article, but it was a nice refresher!

Tracey.........thanks again for bringing us such helpful (and healthful) information this week! ............................P

 

[mikamah]

As of right now I am going to DW next Aug My sister emailed me yesterday that she got 2 nights at Boardwalk and 3 nights at BLT. Each place is a 3 bedroom and BLT is with a theme park view. She is going to work to get the entire 5 nights at BLT. I wouldn't mind 2 nights at BW and 3 at BLT but dh was looking forward to only at BLT.

Whoo hoo!! So excited for you!!

Hello everyone! I joined in the fall challenge when it started but haven't posted anything on this board yet, just done a lot of reading! I've been plugging away one half pound at a time and logging my food and exercise on myfitnesspal. This board is really motivating! Have a great day everyone!

Hello! Good to see you posting. I've heard so many wonderful things about myfitnesspal. All those half pounds do add up.

• Saturday: Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna (Veg Times, this was strange)
• Sunday: Mediterranean Salad with Artichokes, Penne, and Sundried Tomatoes (Martha)
• Monday: Escarole, Bean, and Sausage Soup with Parmesan Cheese (Cooking Light, used MF Italian Sausage for this one to keep it veg)
• Tuesday: Enchiladas Verdes (Veg Times, this recipe uses rinsed and drained large curd cottage cheese in place of queso fresco... BRILLIANT source of protein and cuts down on the fat and sodium)
• Wednesday: Nicoise Salad with Roasted Mini Potatoes (Veg Times)
• Thursday: Hungarian Goulash (Cooking Light, with seitan)
• Friday: Tofu Steaks with Red Pepper Walnut Sauce (Cooking Light) and Roasted Broccoli with Garlic (Skinny Taste)

And on Saturday I'm making my 2nd Be Our Guest meal-- since I loved making a Beauty and the Beast-inspired French meal so much last week!!! I'm going to do one each week and write it up with photos in my WISH journal--the first is already written up there. This week will be a Toy Story-inspired Cowboy meal for Woody-- Buttermilk Onion Rings (from Skinny Taste), Espresso Black Bean Chili (Mark Bittman) and Easy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits (also Skinny Taste), and Lemon Cornmeal Cookies (Cooking Light)!!!

Your menu sounds amazing. I am not very adventurous in the kitchen, and tend to stick with the same things, but I love your idea of disney movie inspired meals, and may need to try that. A good healthy meal and a disney fix. Do you watch the movies after the meal?

I took my Father to the Doctor today for his semi-annual physical - he gained 5 pounds - I told him he better get over here to these boards.

Did he join us yet? He could be buzz'sdad!

FUN Question: What are your favorite tv shows this season? What new ones do you want to watch?

Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy are the two I will watch most faithfully. I just love Criminal Minds and watch the old reruns on Ion television a lot. I did watch the Two and a Half men premiere, and will watch that sporadically, and BL I like too, but don't always watch every week. I think it's on On Demand, so that I could watch it on the weekends.

[Only 16 days until Disney! I'm thinking, "Where did the time go?!" and it probably won't feel real to me until we're at the airport getting on Magical Express. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

15 days now, and it will fly by!! So excited for you. I'd love to do the halloween party one day, it looks like so much fun.

For those of you who like Pirate's Booty and need portion control - I found a box of little bags of PB at Target today - only 65 calories per bag (bags are smaller than the individual size bags you'd find at 7-11).

That's not bad, even if I eat 4 bags.

Two years ago when I did it (all of two times) I was so out of breath and just huffing and puffing by the end. But today, because I was doing it all summer, I was in much better shape at the end. I was the biggest girl in the class and that was a bit discouraging at first, but then I thought, "Hey, at least I'm here trying to get fit!" And thinking about it, even though I'm heavier now than I was two years ago, I must be at a better fitness level.

You are right. YOu are out there, and deserve to be there, and kudos to you for realizing that. It took me some time to feel comfortable running in public because I just didn't feel like I looked good or wanted people to see me, but no I don't care, I'm out there, doing my body good, and I really think that most people see it as a positive thing I am doing, and if they don't, they don't matter. Keep up the great work, gretchen.

I am pleased to report that I am still tracking exercise and every stinkin' bite I eat on myfitnesspal.com. I have also done at least 30 minutes of activity every day since September 6.

I really wish the pounds were dropping off faster, but I'm just not willing to make the sacrifices I'd have to make in order to get those results. That is a hard realization to have reached but I am learning to be at peace with it. I think the people I know who are losing faster are working out for longer periods of time or more intensely and are also doing strength training in addition to severely curbing their calorie intake.

Life is just too stressful for me to put those additional pressures on myself right now, so I'll have to be content with the average of 1-1.5 pounds I seem to be tracking down per week.

Love your attitude, Cam. And remember 1-1.5 pounds a week is 50-75 pounds in a year, nothing to shake a stick at. You are doing fabulously!! I loved the pics of your weekend day and your kitchen looks beautiful.

Good evening all. Long day with many ups and downs. Hunter was hit in the face with a football today at recess. The nurse had him ice it and sent him back to class 1 1/2 hours later he returned with a headache. She called me just to let me know what happened. I tried to call the neurologist, they didn't return the call. Thankfully he seems fine tonight, but my stomach was a mess for several hours.

I also have some teenage drama going on. God give me strength to get through the teenage years.

Glad Hunter is ok, and hope the teen drama is better soon. Happy belated birthday too!!

DD11 was so excited for school today-- she chose clarinet (same as her sister) as her band instrument on Friday so today is the first class where they play them. Lord help me, it will be several months of sounding like geese are being tortured around here. That migraine may be back sooner than I would like! It is amazing though how by mid December they will be able to give a concert with songs you can actually recognize and enjoy!

DS chose Saxaphone, so do you promise me I'll actually hear a song by december? I think the neighbors may be wishing for winter so the windows will be closed again. Hope the migraine is gone, and stays away.

On a side note, I am such a pround mommy today. My DS8 ran his 1st 5k today. Our police sponsored a race in town (187 people ran). DS ran a little, walked a little the whole way. My sister and I ran with him. He finished in 41.24 (and sprinted to the finish) and placed 2nd in his age division (9 and under)!! He got a medal and is proudly wearing it around. He's also wearing it to school tomorrow. And, he is already planning his next race lol. We are so proud! That, by the way, that was my exercise for today and we treated ourselves to pizza and a cupcake for him!

Congratulations to ds!! That is so exciting, and a great time for his first race!!

I RAN A 5K TODAY!!!!! That's right RAN!!! I finished a 5K and ran the whole thing!!! It was hard, harder than i thought it would be to be honest, almost all uphill and some of the time i felt like my feet weren't even moving but i did it!! And i didn't hate it! I will def be doing it again...NOVEMBER 6!!.

Congratulations, Trina!! You must feel so great!!

"Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full"

I like this adage, but just wish it was easier to follow.

As I mentioned above, we did go to LK last night (saw it in 2-D) and had a ball! It was so nice but made me sad to think that in less than 2 years DD will be off to college and these special times with just the 4 of us will be ending! Made last night even more special. I don't care if it ended up costing us about $50 to see a movie we have at home!

this sounds like a perfect night, pamela. It's amazing how fast the kids grow up, and it's so nice to spend some special family time together like when they were younger.

Sunday QOTD: What is your favorite form of exercise? What form of exercise have you not tried but would like to do?

Walkin/running, and biking are my favorites.

It's pretty nice here on the Hayride to success!

Love this!!

DS15 ran JV cross country today, placed 79 out of 275 time was 20:23 which is a 6:32 minutes per mile!!!

Last year, same course but shorter he ran a 7:38 minute mile.

He looked amazing!!!!!!! Will throw some pics up later, we are having a picnic/team meeting at 1 so I need to book it to the park.

Congrats to ds!! That is awesome!!

But ewwww... dusting? I hate it! I did my bi-annual dusting of the master bedroom yesterday though! Took a Clorox wipe to most surfaces (we don't have much in the way of "fine furniture" so the wipe is NBD). Took the vacuum with brush attachment to the cobwebs and corners. Not exactly a "white glove" job, but a definite improvement! And the kids' rooms, dining room, and living room all got dusted last week before my parents came to visit, so I'm gonna call it good and move on!

Pamela, somehow this makes me feel so good. My bedroom is what is always left a mess when I run out of time, and truly get to it, before our big christmas eve party and fourth of july party. Glad i'm not alone.

Hahahah, I love how avoidant that sentence was about your race coming up.... I hope you enjoy your weekend and have a great week leading up to it... Not every race is is PB race, right?

thanks, that is so true on the PB. I'm just hoping to finish.

Final Summer WIN! results have finally been posted.

Final WIN! Results for Summer Challenge

I sincerely apologize for flaking out on you. Things got way too busy before our WDW trip and then there was the trip (awesome, of course) and then there was re-entry that I still haven't really completed.

I hope everyone has a fun and successful Fall Challenge!

thank you so much, Connie. How was your trip? Hope it was as amazing as ever.

Good morning and hello to everyone I missed.

I finally feel like I got caught up for real. Still, Shawn and Pamela, I'm not as ocd as you, and skimmed a few pages, or I'd never have caught up. But now going forward, I hope to read along daily.

Again it's thursday, and I haven't done as good as I said I would last week, but try and try again, never give up, that's my plan!! I'll be more realistic this week, and will track every day but sat and sunday, but will make smart choices over the weekend.

Thank you Tracey for coaching this week.

 

[pjlla]

Whoo hoo!! So excited for you!!

Hello! Good to see you posting. I've heard so many wonderful things about myfitnesspal. All those half pounds do add up.

Your menu sounds amazing. I am not very adventurous in the kitchen, and tend to stick with the same things, but I love your idea of disney movie inspired meals, and may need to try that. A good healthy meal and a disney fix. Do you watch the movies after the meal?

Did he join us yet? He could be buzz'sdad!

Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy are the two I will watch most faithfully. I just love Criminal Minds and watch the old reruns on Ion television a lot. I did watch the Two and a Half men premiere, and will watch that sporadically, and BL I like too, but don't always watch every week. I think it's on On Demand, so that I could watch it on the weekends.

15 days now, and it will fly by!! So excited for you. I'd love to do the halloween party one day, it looks like so much fun.

That's not bad, even if I eat 4 bags.

You are right. YOu are out there, and deserve to be there, and kudos to you for realizing that. It took me some time to feel comfortable running in public because I just didn't feel like I looked good or wanted people to see me, but no I don't care, I'm out there, doing my body good, and I really think that most people see it as a positive thing I am doing, and if they don't, they don't matter. Keep up the great work, gretchen.

Love your attitude, Cam. And remember 1-1.5 pounds a week is 50-75 pounds in a year, nothing to shake a stick at. You are doing fabulously!! I loved the pics of your weekend day and your kitchen looks beautiful.

Glad Hunter is ok, and hope the teen drama is better soon. Happy belated birthday too!!

DS chose Saxaphone, so do you promise me I'll actually hear a song by december? I think the neighbors may be wishing for winter so the windows will be closed again. Hope the migraine is gone, and stays away.
Congratulations to ds!! That is so exciting, and a great time for his first race!!

Congratulations, Trina!! You must feel so great!!

I like this adage, but just wish it was easier to follow.


this sounds like a perfect night, pamela. It's amazing how fast the kids grow up, and it's so nice to spend some special family time together like when they were younger.
Walkin/running, and biking are my favorites.

Love this!!

Congrats to ds!! That is awesome!!

Pamela, somehow this makes me feel so good. My bedroom is what is always left a mess when I run out of time, and truly get to it, before our big christmas eve party and fourth of july party. Glad i'm not alone.

thanks, that is so true on the PB. I'm just hoping to finish.

thank you so much, Connie. How was your trip? Hope it was as amazing as ever.

Good morning and hello to everyone I missed.

I finally feel like I got caught up for real. Still, Shawn and Pamela, I'm not as ocd as you, and skimmed a few pages, or I'd never have caught up. But now going forward, I hope to read along daily.

Again it's thursday, and I haven't done as good as I said I would last week, but try and try again, never give up, that's my plan!! I'll be more realistic this week, and will track every day but sat and sunday, but will make smart choices over the weekend.

Thank you Tracey for coaching this week.

Glad to see you here. I've missed you. I've been keeping up with you through my secret lurking at the Princess thread though!

I wish I wasn't so OCD about reading everything.... sometimes it makes me skip being here for a few days because I don't want to just "pop" in. But I need to get past that!
**************

Well.... a double batch of banana muffins is done and cooling, the cookies are in the oven, most everything is labeled (or at least the labels are made). I saved the leftovers from the previous bake sale in my freezer, but when they defrosted the labels got icky, so I had to relabel almost everything. NBD.... just a few extra minutes. But no saving things this time. Whatever doesn't sell today I will make a big donation and buy for tomorrow's robotics team bake sale.... and whatever is left after that will go home with team members.... no baked goods are to return to my house!!

I admit to licking my fingers after scooping out the banana batter and again after rolling out the cookies (but I PROMISE, I washed carefully both times!), but that was it.... not real tastes or nibbles. I may save myself a muffin to have as a splurge over the weekend.... I really love my banana muffins!

Done on the TM.... was only going to do 20 minutes, since I was feeling behind schedule, but managed to keep myself on for a full 30 minutes, plus did some arm work (but they are really sore from yesterday). I may do some laps at the soccer field or school tonight if I have some time to kill... but nothing too fast.... don't want to get sweaty for open house night... that wouldn't make a very good impression on the teachers!

Not sure what to have for lunch today.... not craving anything in particular. I have some lean turkey, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese (although I had that for breakfast today and lunch yesterday), greek yogurt, nuts, low fat cheddar, babybel cheese, hummus, celery, tomatoes, guacamole and apples to choose from... I suppose I'll make up some sort of hodge-podge from that selection. THen I'll hit the shower, package up the baked goods when they are cooled, and keep moving with my day!

I did fold the one load of laundry and unload the dishwasher this morning before I got the kids out the door, so at least that stuff is done. Beds got made before I hit the TM too. And it's too rainy out for yard work (plus I think I broke the mower when I used it monday... big puddle of oil under it in the garage.... gotta wait for DH to come home and check it out). I might sneak a few minutes at my scrapbook table and try to get a few cards made that I should send out to some friends.

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

 

[pjlla]

Okay..... I had a serving of hummus (1 pt) with celery (0 pts), three hard-boiled egg whites (1 pt), and a serving of nonfat greek yogurt (2 pts) with vanilla and stevia (0 pts) and a liter of seltzer (0 pt). Later in the afternoon I'll have an apple and maybe a piece of cheese, with a cup of hot green tea.

The baked goods are nearly all packed up but MAN, does that pumpkin coffee cake smell FABULOUS (from the Boston Coffee Cake Co.). I opened it to slice it and will pack it up and sell it as individual servings. It was something that was donated. I may have to buy a piece for myself and hide it in the freezer for another day! Although DD LOVES pumpkin muffins, etc, so she will probably want a piece.... maybe I'll sneak a nibble of hers!

Haven't hit the shower yet, so I need to get flying!....................P

 

[ougrad86]

I know it's not the end, but I just mindlessly sat here at my desk eating 4 Hershey's miniatures - about equivelent of a candy bar - 5 points . I did enter it - I can't ignore it - but that is 5 points I can't get back! Will have to be extra careful at dinner or not have my ice cream that I treat myself with at the end of the day.

Of course, my scale hardly budged this week, and not sure why. Have been eating well. Just have to tough it out...I know if will move eventually.

On top of that, DH has picked where we are going for our anniversary - a German restaurant. Not the best thing for a diet, but it is our anniversary. We are going Sunday afternoon since our anniv is on Tuesday, and it is one and a half hours away. And I have no idea how to track that! Am reviewing the online menu to get an idea of what would be best to eat. It'll probably blow my WW weigh in on Monday, but hopefully I'll be looking OK by Friday again.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Drive-by posting again. this is a busy busy week!

DS9 and 10 have a meet today, and had one on Monday. And tonight is open house at the HS.
DS15 had a great meet on Tuesday, shaved 2:14 off his time and made MVP for the meet (He was soooo stoked!)
Saturday is the big invitational in RI. All day event!

I have not been staying on plan. I need a better action plan for when I'm on the road a lot like this. It's been a rough week on me.

I did discover a new Vietnamese place in the next town over and it was really good! Lots of veggies in the meal and rice vermicelli instead of wheat. It was awesome and I made 2 meals out of it.

OK gotta run, time to start picking up kids and prepping for the race today.

 

[pjlla]

I know it's not the end, but I just mindlessly sat here at my desk eating 4 Hershey's miniatures - about equivelent of a candy bar - 5 points . I did enter it - I can't ignore it - but that is 5 points I can't get back! Will have to be extra careful at dinner or not have my ice cream that I treat myself with at the end of the day.

Of course, my scale hardly budged this week, and not sure why. Have been eating well. Just have to tough it out...I know if will move eventually.

On top of that, DH has picked where we are going for our anniversary - a German restaurant. Not the best thing for a diet, but it is our anniversary. We are going Sunday afternoon since our anniv is on Tuesday, and it is one and a half hours away. And I have no idea how to track that! Am reviewing the online menu to get an idea of what would be best to eat. It'll probably blow my WW weigh in on Monday, but hopefully I'll be looking OK by Friday again.

Enjoy your anniversary dinner! I don't know much about German food, so I don't have any helpful suggestions... but it seems like you are on the right track.

Drive-by posting again. this is a busy busy week!

DS9 and 10 have a meet today, and had one on Monday. And tonight is open house at the HS.
DS15 had a great meet on Tuesday, shaved 2:14 off his time and made MVP for the meet (He was soooo stoked!)
Saturday is the big invitational in RI. All day event!

I have not been staying on plan. I need a better action plan for when I'm on the road a lot like this. It's been a rough week on me.

I did discover a new Vietnamese place in the next town over and it was really good! Lots of veggies in the meal and rice vermicelli instead of wheat. It was awesome and I made 2 meals out of it.

OK gotta run, time to start picking up kids and prepping for the race today.

I know what you mean about eating and busy weeks/weekends! The hardest times for me are probably swim meet weekends.... sitting in the stands for hours on end Friday night, Saturday, Sunday..... I'm bored and hungry! It makes for a bad combination. I have discovered I will eat whatever I bring.... good or bad. So I HAVE to make good choices about what I pack and the portions. I CANNOT throw an entire bag of pretzels in my tote and think that I will eat just a handful... if it is in there it will be GONE!

Sometimes your meals during these busy, on-the-road days has to be a variety of snacks rather than a full out meal. If I think (or know) I will be gone from the house during a meal time, or more than an hour or so, I will grab a cheese stick or baby bel cheese, apple, 100 calorie pack of nuts, handful of baby carrots in a ziptop bag, low carb pita with a smear of natural peanut butter.... any combination of those items to have along with me. It gives me NO EXCUSES to stop for fast food or to go hungry and lose control later!

I've also found a few "emergency" things I can have at a fastfood place to get me by if I am desperate.......apple dippers at McDonalds or a grilled chicken snack wrap (I usually eat none or only a little of the actual wrap), veggie egg white wrap at Dunkins (same with that wrap), Wendy's also has a grilled snack wrap available. You can stop at a gas station or quick-mart for a packet of nuts, bottle of water, or a piece of fruit too. Sometimes they even sell individual cheese sticks. (But whatever you do, don't wander down the chip aisle!!! ).

Anyhow.... I think the key to these busy, crazy days with the kids is planning ahead but also being ready for an emergency.

Love you!...........................P

 

[buzz5985]

OH--has anyone else had a hard time coming up with a mantra for this week's HH?? Whenever I am lying in bed trying to think of something, all that's come to mind is "You're worth it." from L'Oreal commercials. Which of course is TRUE and worthwhile, but I refuse to cheer myself on with something that has been planted in my brain by marketing execs!!! What mantras are you guys using?

My DS gave me an insulated cup for my birthday. There is an outline of Minnie on it and it says "If you can dream it, you can do it". So I have been using that.

Everyone look below. As of right now I am going to DW next Aug My sister emailed me yesterday that she got 2 nights at Boardwalk and 3 nights at BLT. Each place is a 3 bedroom and BLT is with a theme park view. She is going to work to get the entire 5 nights at BLT. I wouldn't mind 2 nights at BW and 3 at BLT but dh was looking forward to only at BLT.

Awesome!!!! I loved being able to walk to the MK. That's why I like BWV too - I can walk to Epcot and HS.

Bellebookworm- Pan Am wasn't on Sunday night. My DH was confused. Glad we didn't miss it!

TTFN

I am looking forward to this show too.

Hello everyone! I joined in the fall challenge when it started but haven't posted anything on this board yet, just done a lot of reading! I've been plugging away one half pound at a time and logging my food and exercise on myfitnesspal. This board is really motivating! Have a great day everyone!

You should post more often!!! I remember an old WW instructor that would say - when you said I only lost such and such - well 1/2 pound is equal to 2 sticks of butter!!!!

But DD's swim team bake sale for tonight is a definite, so I need to be sure to bake up the cookie dough she made Tuesday. Hope I can resist any nibbles! And I'm making a batch of pumpkin or banana muffins too.... haven't decided which yet. Probably banana, since the freezer is overrun with them.... just need to make sure I have enough sugar and eggs. I hate baking, but at least the "threat" of tomorrow's weigh-in will be hanging over me and give me the strength to resist testing any of the baked goods!

Stupid question - when you put the bananas in the freezer do you peel them and wrap them up or just throw them in peel and all. I can't tell you how many bananas I throw out - never thought to freeze them.

I know it's not the end, but I just mindlessly sat here at my desk eating 4 Hershey's miniatures - about equivelent of a candy bar - 5 points . I did enter it - I can't ignore it - but that is 5 points I can't get back! Will have to be extra careful at dinner or not have my ice cream that I treat myself with at the end of the day.

Of course, my scale hardly budged this week, and not sure why. Have been eating well. Just have to tough it out...I know if will move eventually.

On top of that, DH has picked where we are going for our anniversary - a German restaurant. Not the best thing for a diet, but it is our anniversary. We are going Sunday afternoon since our anniv is on Tuesday, and it is one and a half hours away. And I have no idea how to track that! Am reviewing the online menu to get an idea of what would be best to eat. It'll probably blow my WW weigh in on Monday, but hopefully I'll be looking OK by Friday again.

Have a great anniversary celebration!!!

 

[dvccruiser76]

Hi everyone, had a long day at work today. Blah!

I've been keeping up with weights and pm's, but don't have as much free time to do replies, so you'll have to excuse me

I wanted to wish everyone good luck tomorrow and to remind everyone to pm me their weights starting tomorrow

Everyone look below. As of right now I am going to DW next Aug My sister emailed me yesterday that she got 2 nights at Boardwalk and 3 nights at BLT. Each place is a 3 bedroom and BLT is with a theme park view. She is going to work to get the entire 5 nights at BLT. I wouldn't mind 2 nights at BW and 3 at BLT but dh was looking forward to only at BLT.

Yahoo, I want to try BLT sometime soon too. Let me know how you like it!

I'm sure all is forgiven! I would hate to see what a mess it would be if someone left ME in charge of numbers!

Ha Thanks

Well.... a double batch of banana muffins is done and cooling, the cookies are in the oven, most everything is labeled (or at least the labels are made).

You go Little Debbie or Betty Crocker

My darn mother left a baggie with a orange frosted pumpkin muffin on my doorstep tonight At least there was 3 of us to share it together.

I know it's not the end, but I just mindlessly sat here at my desk eating 4 Hershey's miniatures - about equivelent of a candy bar - 5 points .

I hear ya, I stumbled upon Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses at Target last weekend I had to give them away so I wouldn't keep eating them

 

[cclovesdis]

Healthy Habits Week 1 Results

Congratulations to our participants! I can't tell you how excited I am that we had 15 people who reported their points! I know many more of you kept them in mind as well!

Our participants were:
aamomma
akhaloha
AUdisneyDad
AUdisneyDad's DW
bellebookworm
buzz5985
ClassicPooh2
cclovesdis
glass1/2fll
jimmduck
kollerbear
lisah0711
momofdjc
ougrad86
Worfiedoodles9

I am so excited that everyone earned 7/7 for at least one of the 4 Habits!

Congratulations to akhaloha and buzz5985 who earned all 30 points!

Congratulations to this week prize winner: buzz5985! Please PM me your address and I will mail out your prize as soon as possible.