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

[jaelless]

I just got my prizes for summer's healthy habits and they are so neat. Thanks to CC for going above and beyond with the Healthy Habits. It is really appreciated.

Getting the treats in the mail was my second woohoo moment of the week

 

[lovetoscrap]

Popping in to say Hi! Been busy, but been staying on plan. I got a bunch of photos printed today for the crop I am having this weekend. CVS has 10 cent prints right now so I took advantage and got about 225 photos printed.

Had to go to the store today, much as I have been trying to avoid it. Got a bunch of stuff I needed but the fresh fruits and veggies were . Sent DH to another store to get stuff but he said they weren't all that great there either.

Going to try to do some reading back. My foot is killing me and because I was limping through my shopping trip I think I pulled something in my calf on the other leg. So it looks like I am grounded on the couch for the next 24 hours or so.

 

[lisah0711]

I'm enjoying reading everyone's woo hoo moments today!

This article was in my inbox last week. I thought it was pretty good.

It's a blog about "The Mystery of Motivation."

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4426279

Great article, Rose! Thanks for sharing!

This is going to be my line for the day, and hope to keep it up through the fall challenge.
If we feed the positive in our lives, it gets bigger. The cycle is now made up of health, strength, and energy.

Love this!

aamomma, hope that you are feeling better soon!

disneycr8zy safe travels!

Hi I was wondering if I ca join this thread. I lost 10 pounds and still have another 60 to go.

happysummer! Of course you can join! Please PM your starting weight to dvccruiser76. Also, read the first page of the thread, if you haven't already, for info on how the challenge works. Thanks for joining us and good luck!

 

[lisah0711]

Popping in to say Hi! Been busy, but been staying on plan.

Hi LTS! Sorry about the leg. Hope a day on the couch fixes you right back up. Good chance to work on those pics!

 

[ougrad86]

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week!

I've had a couple this week - I've lost weight and got to test my willpower several times - and won! Figured out how to add the sign for the contest and a new weight ticker side-by-side - never knew how to get them side by side before! It was nice to see the scales drop this morning after three days of not budging! Plus being able to read all the posts from everyone on this board - it is so nicer than trying to lose weight on my own.

Been on a high all week about losing weight and feeling better with the way I'm eating (healthy), and that I will be able to continue - keep seeing myself at Universal and Disney on a tear next April! So it is not a moment, but a Woo Hoo that keeps going !

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTD: Well, I can't think of any big wahoo moments. Kinda sad. I've been doing good with my exercising. Today I am sooo tired. The weather forecast was for much cooler weather so I decided to not get up and go to the Y. Instead I walked my 3 miles with my buddy then came home, changed, and ran my 3.27 mile route. I wasn't interested in my time, I just wanted to run that amount because I'm trying to get back on track after 2 weeks off. My time was abysmal, but I made it! And I had a stranger in a car who saw me plodding along and had to wait while I crossed the driveway. I sprinted and was a bit surprised when she hadn't gone, but she waited until I was beside her and said "Good Job!" Very nice. Made my day. Then I had to go to work where I am on my feet for 3 hours straight. I was so happy to come home and kick my feet up!

Almost time to take DS1 to his physical therapy. Gretchen, his knee problem stems from a tight hamstring. Just one more thing to think about for your knee!

Have a good evening, Losers!

 

[Zoesmama03]

Yucky cold virus got brought to me in some form. Either last Wednesday working with the Pre Ker's at church or Zoe or my friend's kiddos on Sunday. Based on the encrusted nose her littlest one had I'm guessing that was my host. She's too cute to be mad at for it. She's the one with me in the other photo from the game.

I slept off quite a bit of the fatigue last night. Just a scratchy throat but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Similasan cold and mucus relief. I haven't had much appetite today but Gatorade will be my biggest calorie stuff going on for today. I had tuna sandwich and some sliced cucumbers and grape tomatoes on the side for lunch. A few minutes ago nothing sounded good except some of my dark chocolate which I shared with my mom and a glass of almond milk. Sloppy joes are already made for dinner. I made it last night while I made spaghetti to save time. I think we will have salad and brussel sprouts(well my brother and I will have those, I can't convince Zoe to eat them but she had tried to once) with it.

Too fatigued for much exercise. The new bp pill does some of that but this cold has doubled it. They shocked the pool today so hopefully Friday we can swim if storms don't come mess it right back up with dust.

Trying to remember to note when things like my dizzy/lightheaded spell yesterday afternoon happened so I can compare the sodium on those days. That day I happened to have eaten 2 frozen chimichangas full of sodium. I'll address that with my Dr. she may put me back on a water pill though I will just try to avoid that type stuff and rely on my produce. Its just so easy to heat up that stuff over cut up veggies for my salads. I bought it to feed more to my friends son.

 

[kollerbear]

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week! =

I've had a few Woo Hoo moments this week so far! I agree with a few of you in that finding this board was definitely one of them! Another was making the Be Our Guest meal-- I made Roasted Pears with Chevre Chaud, Tempeh Au Vin, and Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes (from Cooking Light)... and I stayed on plan for the day! I think it was the first time I've had a proper dessert in my plan in like, 6 weeks. It was really great.

I also just found out today that I got into a professional development Fellowship that I'm REALLY excited about!!! It's something I'll be a part of while I continue to work full-time, and will consist of meeting other NYC nonprofit community members, getting paired with a mentor in my field of interest, going to seminars about the public service field, and learning about graduate school opportunities! I'm REALLY excited and proud--I applied 2 years ago and was rejected, so I guess I just needed more experience.

This is the first professional boost I've had in a while, and while I'm really excited about it I'm also realizing that I have until the beginning of November to lose a little more weight and buy at least a few pieces towards a more professional wardrobe, since I'm going to be meeting so many people who could have an impact on my grad. school and career!!! My personal appearance is something I've really let slip... partly because of the money, and partly because I just don't think things look good on me. I even wear glasses that are a little chipped... I'll have to go to the opthamologist to get more contacts or replace my glasses. So much to do!!!

 

[tigger813]

Had to share this funny happening.

All 4 of us are in Pottermore.

I am a Slytherin
Ash is a Gryffindor
Brian is a Ravenclaw
Izzie is a Hufflepuff

This should be fun!

Going to break down and have two slices of pizza! I walked 3-4 miles tonight! Really fast!!! I'm exhausted!!!!

 

[my3princes]

Why is it that days are so long and nights fly by? Tomorrow is my friday and it can't go by fast enough. I haven't even packed for the weekend yet. I did pick up the materials to finish the kids costumes and got the foam cut out for their accessories. DH helped and then he spray painted them for me. The kids have school on Friday so I will have time to get some things done then. I do need to bake tomorrow night though as I need to put the kitty litter cake together on friday.

QOTD: I weighed in on Friday and turned in my weight I also bought and am using a notebook to log what I eat.

 

[jimmduck]

Good morning all!

Today's QOTD is another shameless copying of sparkpeople from something they do on their Facebook feed -- no I could not coach without it!

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week!

I've had several woo hoos this week -- I've lost 4 pounds. Thank you coaching effect! But I think the biggest woo hoo is a big thank you to Patricia and Cam who told me about the scanning feature on myfitnesspal -- it is fabulous!

BRB with some replies.

Good positive question.

Been several:

a) Started my WISH journal and program as planned.

b) Writing in journal every day so far.

c) Stayed away from Coldstone Creamery and chocolate cake today (both are fine but were just not on the plan today)

d) Got coffee and only coffee tonight.

e) Have been reading the thread, doing HH and answering QOTD so far in this challenge.

Have a magical day guys.

The real challenge for me is weigh in day - the scale is stressful for me - kind of like dangling the keys in front of Scar's face

But I don't have to think of that tonight.

Linda

 

[kollerbear]

Yucky cold virus got brought to me in some form.

Me too!!! I hope we feel better soon! I think it's the change in the season. Also, it was so smart to cook two dinners at once... I should definitely try that!

my woohoo moment this week is I scored a bunch of Disney themed halloween decorations. Even a scarecrow mickey and minnie. My lil princess is a bit leery of halloween (she is 2) so the Disney stuff is helping ease her into one of my favorite holidays.

I was just thinking how great sewing will be for making your little girl's Halloween costumes!!! Have you thought about trying something out for this year? I bet there are some super simple patterns out there... and she's probably too young to be disappointed if it doesn't turn out just like the pattern...

A pedometer is another thing Jeff Galloway recommends for increasing that activity. Once you get the "active" part down then there will be time for fine tuning for the "right" workout or increasing it. I have an Omron pedometer that you just slip in your pocket that I got from Amazon.

This is such a good point. You know, I had such a great epiphany thanks to this... I realized that the reason that reducing my calories was so easy and natural for me is that I was already in the habit with my DBF to plan our meals each week and bring our lunches into work (to save time and money). All I had to do was change the type and amount of food I was preparing, but the habits were already firmly in place. The same thing could work with exercise--I think that if I get into the routine of making the time for a workout, putting on my clothes, and going outside and doing something, I will be able to focus on the type and amount of the workout later, once the habit's already in place. I can't explain to you how excited this makes me, to be able to realize why I was successful in one thing, and realize how I can apply that to working out, too!!! Thank you!!!

I know that sometimes it's caused by the shoes being too tight, but I'm normally pretty good about that. Part of why I was so worried is because that hadn't yet happened on the elliptical, only on the treadmill. I could go to the health center, but I've heard not so great things about them-I'd prefer to just wait and go home to see my own doctor. The scariest thing is that it could be from my hip; my dad had a condition in both hips where the ball doesn't line up with the socket correctly and he needed a double hip replacement. It's genetic, and sometimes I suspect I might have it too, but even if I do, they won't do a replacement because I'm too young.

Congratulations on your test, Gertrude, and I'm glad you decided to give your knee a break today. You should ask your dad if his doctors or PTs ever gave him any advice to lessen the pain before he had his surgery. (I got some knowledge about my knee condition from my sister this way, since we have identical issues that we got from our mom.) One thing that people recommended to me to help reduce my knee pain was to use a foam roller to stretch out my IT band (the connector between your hip and your knee). This was SUPER painful to do because it was so tight (but painful in the way a REALLY GOOD MASSAGE gets at that muscle that really needs help), but unfortunately it didn't actually reduce my pain much. But if your problem has to do with your hip, this might be nice. It certainly shouldn't do any harm, anyway.

Are there any yoga classes at your college? Good yoga instructors will ask if anyone has any physical problems, and if you tell them your knee is hurting, they can offer great modifications with props through the flow (bring a towel to put under your knee for some poses). It is a great way to protect your knee under the eyes of a pro and still get some physical activity in.

Hello, everyone! Why does it always seem like when you really try to get things moving in the right direction, something happens to hinder you?? I jumped on plan, exercising, drinking water, doing HH - doing all the right things, and then I got this killer headache!! I have neck problems, every so often my neck "goes out" and I get a headache for a couple days until it rights itself. When I was exercising consistently, the neck was great - I am figuring that beginning to exercise again is what caused the problem - but if I keep up with exercising, it will help - does that make sense? Also, I have greatly cut down on diet soda (I have been drinking out of the same 24 oz. bottle since Sunday), so I am lacking caffeine in my system as well. But I am trying to read along, and keep myself on track because it would be soooo easy to eat something comforting and curl up with my blankie right about now. Hopefully by tomorrow I can post that I fought through the pain and stuck with it!

Oh no!! I hope you feel better soon. And I am impressed that you are cutting down on diet soda... That is my last indulgent habit and I know it won't go without a real knock-down drag-out fight!!!

My biggest issue will be the drive itself. I like to snack on road trips (popcorn, chips, hot tamales, chocolate) - it keeps at least one hand moving and helps keep me awake (especially the hot tamales). Obviously I'd like to change up the snacks to be more appropriate for what I'm trying to do. I already know that I'll make my own (healthy pop) popcorn before we go but need more ideas. I don't mind raw veggies but the carrots and green pepper and celery get old really quick on a trip that long.

I'm trying to think of foods that are filling and low-cal... Rice cakes? Wasa bread? You could pre-pack yourself a calorie-controlled portion of Reduced Fat chips? Finn Crisp? OH those Skinny Cow chocolate bars? (just as a treat for one snack... they are delish!) Berries are also really low calorie. Melon, too, but much harder to eat while driving. Peanut butter on saltines? Raw veggies with hummus or low-fat sour cream to dip them in? Chocolate graham crackers? I agree with the PP, just pick a few of these snacks that sound good to you and make yourself some calorie-controlled portions for yourself so that you don't need to think about limiting yourself while you're on the road.

I also realized just how mch money in CC and medical debt we've paid off this yr. I think it's now about $18K we paid off !

That is so impressive. Congratulations!!!

 

[jillbur]

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week!


My woo hoo moment is definitely finding this BL group! Everyone is so inspiring and positive! Thank you. My other woo hoo moment is tracking everything I've eaten since I weighed in Friday. I am so proud of myself and feel so much better eating healthier and exercising.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week!

My moment is I had today off from work, and I managed to travel 2 hrs each way to the L. L. Bean flagship store in Maine with my dh, dad and smom, and eat a healthy lunch! They all had chowder and fried clams, I had a lobster roll - and I only at the lobster filling!

Maria

 

[bellebookworm9]

Thanks for all the advice about my hip/knee/foot. I'll definitely take all of that into consideration.Kollerbear, I'm waiting for yoga to start. I've never done it before but am hoping to get into it this year.

My eating today was not so good and my stomach was just queasy all day.

I rented a Hertz on Demand car to go to the grocery store tonight. That was an experience all in itself. The Jeep Patriot wouldn't start so I was able to switch to the Chevy Cruze - which wouldn't go over 30 mph. But we made it to the store and back in one piece. I bought club packs of ground beef and chicken breasts and separated them into easy to grab packs. I also bought a ton of fruits and veggies and have picked out several recipes to make and freeze, including the pasta that Laura posted the other day.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Oh gosh, reading this question this morning really put my head in a daydream all day!!! I'm coming down with a cold and I really need a day to just relax. So since this day is by definition in my Fantasyland, let's say I'm at the Polynesian (which I could afford only in my Fantasyland), lounging in a hammock with the DBF and an adult beverage that tastes like pinapple, coconut, and maraschino cherries. Later in the day, because we're still in Fantasyland, I would get a massage at the Grand Floridian (which is open, because it's my Fantasyland) and have dinner with the DBF at Victoria and Albert's.

Man, I should never go to Disney World in reality, my Fantasyland Disney World is fabulous! (And so affordable...)

I LOVE your Fantasyland Disney World! Can I come with you on this trip?

I would like to join the Fall challenge. Is it too late? I just started South Beach yesterday.

Glad you made it over here. I love having another SBer!

Welcome aboard! I know LTS has probably already checked in with you to talk about SB, but I know a bit about it myself. I kind of created my own South Beach/Weight Watchers hybrid diet a few months ago, so I've done some reading about SB. I'd be happy to help if you have any questions.

You know me so well. . . .
Are you still doing your WW/SB plan?

Also, I had a trainer at the gym once tell me that if anyone has the energy (physical and mental) to even notice what you're doing, let alone snicker or make comments, than that means that THEY are clearly not focused on their workout and are the ones that deserve the snickers. People who are really working out couldn't care less what people look like around them.

I love this, what a great way to think.

Thanks everyone for your concern about gma, she is still at the hospital waiting to be see but looks like she will be physically fine. thanks for all your thoughts, today has been a trying day but i still mananged to stay on plan, run 2.5 miles, get all my hmwk done, and work. I'm exhasuted. Its really time for bed now

Just wanted to give you a Great job staying on plan and exercising with all that you have going on. Continued good thoughts for your Grandma.

QOTD Wednesday, September 14, 2011: Happy Woo Hoo Wednesday! Let's celebrate those Woo Hoo moments (big or small) for the week!

I have stayed on plan most days this week and am already down a bit. Hopefully I can get at least a good 1-2 pound loss. My meals are planned for the rest of the week so hopefully I can stay on the wagon.

I didn't get the QOTD for Tuesday Quoted but wanted to put in my excuse-- I am just NOT motivated. With my physical issues there is not much I really can do and really it has to be done at the gym on their machines. Going to the gym means leaving my house. I have a lot of trouble getting motivated to leave my nice comfortable, quiet house to go. The fact that I am pretty happy with my loss just with good eating means that I have even less motivation to go. And I HATE to sweat!

Those are my excuses and I am sticking to them. . . . .

my woohoo moment this week is I scored a bunch of Disney themed halloween decorations. Even a scarecrow mickey and minnie. My lil princess is a bit leery of halloween (she is 2) so the Disney stuff is helping ease her into one of my favorite holidays.

Where did you get it?????

Anyway, I have now had 8 totally on-plan days in a row. I have logged all of my food faithfully every single day. I have also worked out every single day and logged that time. I have remained within my calorie goal for every single day for those 8 days. All of that is a huge for me. The scale is also showing I am down a good amount since my first weigh-in last Tuesday. I am hoping that by the time I weigh in on Friday for this challenge it will still be looking very good.

What a great bunch of Woo-Hoos!!!

QOTD Wednesday 9-14-11 WoHOo Moments...

I realized that my knit shorts and some tops were not streched out from the wash, I've lost enough inches so they are loose on me. I really didn't get that at first because the scale wasn't going down as fast as I like.

I also realized just how mch money in CC and medical debt we've paid off this yr. I think it's now about $18K we paid off !

Another AWESOME group of Woo-Hoos!! I was so excited to have to go and buy a belt-- and be able to find one that fit--during the Spring BL. Keep a hand on those shorts, you don't want to have a wardrobe malfunction!

QOTD: Well, I can't think of any big wahoo moments. Kinda sad. I've been doing good with my exercising. Today I am sooo tired. The weather forecast was for much cooler weather so I decided to not get up and go to the Y. Instead I walked my 3 miles with my buddy then came home, changed, and ran my 3.27 mile route. I wasn't interested in my time, I just wanted to run that amount because I'm trying to get back on track after 2 weeks off. My time was abysmal, but I made it! And I had a stranger in a car who saw me plodding along and had to wait while I crossed the driveway. I sprinted and was a bit surprised when she hadn't gone, but she waited until I was beside her and said "Good Job!" Very nice. Made my day. Then I had to go to work where I am on my feet for 3 hours straight. I was so happy to come home and kick my feet up!

I see a whole bunch of Woo-Hoo moments!

 

[cclovesdis]

I didn't mean to go MIA. I apologize. I did try to post on Monday night, but alas, the Poof Fairy paid me a visit and it was getting late. Last night, I went to WW and by the time I got home, the pillow was calling my name.

My moment was being down 3.8 lbs at WW! I am also on top of tracking and I exercised on Monday night! I actually made it to the gym. I'd like to give a to my neighbor who called and asked if I wanted to go with her! Made it so much easier to get there!

Work has been very busy. Three weeks ago and two weeks ago, I worked 45 hours each week. Last week, I worked 45.5 hours, and this week, I will end up working at least 46.5 hours. I am saving my money for a potential down payment on a condo closer to work. There aren't a lot of options though, so it will probably be a while, or I may decide to rent an apartment. I'm still thinking things out and will be at least thru the winter.

My exercise excuses are anything and everything. The one I use most often is "too tired." I have been reading a lot about how exercising leads to more energy, which is giving me motivation to exercise more and more.

Kathy: for good news! Glad to hear things are going well. And, I'm like Gretchen. I only have one side effect from my meds and it is a positive: a better chance of sleeping through the night...and still waking up "in case" ;. I also had the side effect of the typical weight loss immediately after starting it, but I can't complain about that one either.

Trina: Hope things are looking up for your grandmother.

Cam: and for your resiliency!

Gretchen: Awesome job on your test! And, WTG for going to the grocery store and getting your house so healthy! Love that you are getting in so much exercise, especially since so much of it is natural (and paid ).

Pamela: Thank you for your thoughtful words. I have been trying to talk to my mother. Maybe it will be easier when I get the results of my blood test. I can only hope. I did spend some time shopping for foods I can eat today. Rice flour is such a common, and from what I've heard, a good, substitute for wheat flour. I will continue my search. I did make some delicious GF blueberry muffins on Sunday. I did not add any sugar and they tasted great. (My parents didn't quite agree. )

To All: Thanks for your unending support!

Well, it is past my bedtime. Lisa, I'm with you. I loved reading all of your moments. It was a positive end to a pretty miserable "hump" day. And, I joined myfitnesspal. I am cclovesdis.

Have a great rest of your 1st week!

 

[bellebookworm9]

I was so excited to have to go and buy a belt-- and be able to find one that fit--during the Spring BL. Keep a hand on those shorts, you don't want to have a wardrobe malfunction!

I have a real issue with belts. The belt I had "broke" - it was a double sided "leather" one and the sides had started to separate. I went to get another one and the extra large has to be put on the very last hook and could probably be tighter, but the large was about 4 inches too short.

My moment was being down 3.8 lbs at WW! I am also on top of tracking and I exercised on Monday night! I actually made it to the gym. I'd like to give a to my neighbor who called and asked if I wanted to go with her! Made it so much easier to get there!

Gretchen: Love that you are getting in so much exercise, especially since so much of it is natural (and paid ).

Pamela: Thank you for your thoughtful words. I have been trying to talk to my mother. Maybe it will be easier when I get the results of my blood test. I can only hope. I did spend some time shopping for foods I can eat today. Rice flour is such a common, and from what I've heard, a good, substitute for wheat flour. I will continue my search. I did make some delicious GF blueberry muffins on Sunday. I did not add any sugar and they tasted great. (My parents didn't quite agree. )

Great job on the loss!

I'm assuming you are referring to my tour guiding with the natural exercise and being paid? Unfortunately, that is only a volunteer position, but hey, it's still good exercise!

Good luck talking to your mom, I hope she comes around. And I think no sugar is an acquired taste. I've been eating no sugar added applesauce, sherbet, and yogurt. The sherbet and yogurt are sweetened with sucralose, which I used to be able to taste in stuff and I hated it. I can't really taste it in the sherbet anymore, and although I can taste it in the yogurt, it's not as overwhelmingly gross like it used to be.

 

[trinaweena]

Gretchen Congrats on your grade!! Better wait on the workout in your knee is hurting you!
===
Today i woke up feeling so exhausted and made the decision to skip the gym tonight. I'm not sure how i feel about that now because I ate some crap today that im no proud of. But tomorrow is a new day, and im back on track. I'm just so tired lately and im only halfway through my week.

grandma is back at the hospital with chest pains. im just trying to stay on track and not think about it. this sounds bad but i feel like i dont even have time to think about it. i dont know. doing my best to stay on track, hope everyone is haveing a good week

 

[jaelless]

lovetoscrap I actually found the Disney decorations at Walgreens when I was picking up some meds. They had Mickey and Minnie scarecrows, a Mickey fiber optic ghost, mickey and minnie light up pumpkins, and then other little toys for her to play with.

kollerbear I have actually already got her's and my costumes planned. She has this full body, delux Mickey Mouse costume that I got last year that she will fit now and I am going to be Goofy. Got my hat last year so all I need to do is get the orange shirt and vest. Going to borrow DS's big shoes and I will be set.

You guy's woohoo moments are great. I am totally envious of all the weight lost. I am doing good on my diet and exercise, even trying that food diary thing, but scale is not showing it. I hate when that happens. Usually when it does that I kinda give up for a bit and sabotage myself. This time though I am not. Next year when take lil princess to disney I want to focus totally on having fun with her and not worry about fitting into the seatbelts.