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

[pjlla]

That's great dh is still doing well with the weight loss. At least that's a positive that came out of that horrible accident. Can't believe it was almost a year ago.


Yes, something good did come out of that terrible accident. He has lost about 75 pounds! He would like to lose another 20, but it taking it slowly. He is doing low-carb, but not as strict as the Atkin's he has done in the past. He is doing it much healthier this time and I'd like to think that some of it is my influence!

The saltines for breakfast was a rushed morning, I was packing michael's snack, and thought that was quick and easy. We don't always do traditional breakfasts here, often ds will have leftovers from dinner the night before, or turkey/ham rolled up with fruit. I always try to get some protein in for breakfast. I did buy canadian ham this week, which is better than bacon, but we did not like the turkey bacon, so bacon is an occassional treat.

Well.... it got me thinking because the only time in my life that I ate saltines for breakfast was when I had a "bun in the oven"..... just wondering what your excuse was....


Thanks for the recipe, Laura. I think I'll try it with the corn soon for ds and I. He would like that better than the brocolli.

I'm going to try hard to remember to stop and buy creamer on my way home from dropping off DD tonight so that I can make that soup for dinner!


You have such resolve at restaurants, I am so impressed. I'm with pamela, I don't think I could go to a chinese restaurant and stay on track. I"m sure there are many healthy choices, but we don't do chinese often, so I know I would rather have it as a splurge. I know i just wouldn't be able to stay away from the crab rangoons.

Mmmmm... crab rangoon!!

He is doing just fine on the seizure meds. Knocking on wood here. I am so relieved. It was such a worry when I read about all the possible side effects, but he is just fine, and no further seizures. I do hope they pave that path at some point, it would get so much more use if it was paved.
I love having days off. Yesterday afternoon was just insane at work, so I'm very happy to be off now. We are closed the day after T-day too. Noone wants to prep for a colonoscopy on Thanksgiving, so it was always a very quiet day with just a few gastroscopy patients, so our boss decided last year to close, which was very nice for us.


Glad to hear that Michael is doing well on the meds.

Nice of the boss to make that decision. I worked at an orthopedic office for a few years before DD was born and we were ALWAYS open that Friday after T.giving.... but the patients rarely knew it, the phone hardly rang.... it always seemed like such a wasted day.

Hope the scale behaves for you this week. I just love gala apples, and unless they have the Honeycrisp, I stick with the gala. But I think I should try some macoun's. I don't remember if I like them or not. Funny when we go apple picking, we'll sample all the apples in the orchard, and pick the ones we loved, but once they're home we don't necessarily remember which is which.

I only like Macoun's when they are really crisp and fresh. Later in the season they start to get too soft for my taste.

I hope the scale behaves too, but I am feeling mighty pudgy around the middle today. Being in this perimenopausal state, I can never predict what TOM it is any more, but I feel like I have been ovulating this week, and that is usually a problem time for me. But whatever happens, I will "keep on keepin' on!!"


Hope you all got a good nights sleep. Nice to have the homework assignements online so you can catch up when your'e sick.

Thanks LTS.

Good morning everyone!!

I'm off for 4 days and very happy about that. Ds is watching a show and then we're going to go for a walk/run this morning. We're going to get together with friend later too that we haven't seen much due to the busy football season, so that will be nice. They are our friend we are doing the turkey trot race with. At work the other day they someone noticed turkey hats in the christmas tree shop flyer, so we might go get them for the boys to wear in the race. They look like an actually roasted turkey. Funny.

One more day til weighin!! Get that water in!! Make good choices!! Let's see that scale move tomorrow!!

Have a great day!!

WOOHOO for days off!!

What has been the single most (positive) influential factor in your weight-loss/getting fit journey? Was it a lightbulb moment, was it finding a new passion for physical activity? Was it the influence of a person? Was it medically motivated?

I think finally realizing that in order to lose ALL of the weight and KEEP it off, I needed to make this my LIFE, was the really big factor in my success this time around. I'm not exactly sure WHY it clicked this time, versus all of the other times I tried, but I'm sure glad it did.

Like many of you, this is NOT my "first time at the circus" so to speak. I had even gotten to my goal weight when I got married, but it didn't last beyond the honeymoon! I had regained it all before had even been married for 6 months! And I successfully lost anywhere from 30 to 40+ pounds other times since then, but never kept it off.

Definitely no outside influence, no medical factors, and certainly no new passion for exercise!! But I have to say, honestly, the longer I do it (healthy eating, counting calories/points, exercising regularly) the easier it gets.... the easier it is to say "no" to birthday cake, extra portions of treats, etc, etc.

10 days and an extra hour or so without power, but Tuesday night my mom called me at my grandparents to let me know. My relatives cheered. It was kind of funny, in the had to be there way. I stayed until early yesterday morning because I was not driving 2 hours through the Berkshires of Mass starting after 7 PM. I got home just in time to change into a skirt and run to church. Then, I had a doctor's appt. I've had 2 meds added in the last 6 weeks or so and they have helped so much. I am finally on a good sleep-wake schedule. (Kristina-I feel you. )

I ran home to quickly do something and then had to grab something to eat before my stress reduction class. We lost everything we hadn't yet eaten in our fridge and freezer and couldn't go grocery shopping yet because they were too warm to use. My mom will probably stop for dinner tonight and then I'll go tomorrow.

I have caught up here and will post the HH results later this afternoon. I have the next week's planned as well. Thanks Dona for your help!

Also, thanks to pjlla and lisah!

And, I want to thank all of you for your concerns while we were without power. I spent some time at my sister's and BIL's and then went to my grandparents'. They loved having me. I enjoyed spending time with them and helping them with a few things and I also saw 3 of my 4 cousins, with the 4th being at college somewhere in really upstate NY.

Planning to be back in the next few hours.

CC

PHEW!! I cannot BELIEVE how long you were without power! That is absolutely crazy! I'm so glad you had somewhere to be, not just sitting home in the darkk!

Glad you popped right back on here to let us know how you are doing.


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

Evening friends! I was going to chit-chat, but DH just walked in the door and the broccoli cheddar soup is ready! Trying Laura's recipe! I'll talk with you all later...............P

 

[mackeysmom]

Evening friends! I was going to chit-chat, but DH just walked in the door and the broccoli cheddar soup is ready! Trying Laura's recipe! I'll talk with you all later...............P

Can't wait to hear how it comes out.

- Laura

 

[pjlla]

Can't wait to hear how it comes out.

- Laura

Okay.... you got the ULTIMATE compliment.... DS exclaimed "Mom, this soup is SO good!" Admittedly, he is a big fan of broccoli, but he really liked this soup!

DH and I loved it too! I had originally been thinking about making a double batch, but figured I would start with a single batch, since I wasn't sure how well it would go over. Now I wish I HAD made the double batch. DS, DH, and I finished it all.... none left for DD!

I did tweak it a bit to reduce the fat content even further and it was still really delicious. (I'll share what I changed if anyone is interested.) I can't imagine how very yummy it is with Laura's original recipe.

This one is definitely going into the regular rotation!! Thanks for sharing it.........P

 

[jillbur]

Okay I am behind again! But, I did write 2 IEPs in two days so I feel like I can relax now.

I'm glad she's doing better and is home. I could have written this post a few years ago with my mom too. It is so hard to see, and frustrating that you can't help her, and she has to help herself and be ready to change. Maybe the scare of being in the hospital will help her. I remember trying so hard, and being so frustrated with my mom at one point when she wasn't doing what they doctors told her to do. I wrote her a letter, and said that I loved her and I pushed her because I wanted her to be here for a long time, and I would be there for her, but I needed to step back and let her handle her medical issues in her way. I think it helped both of us, her to see where I was coming from, and me to realize it was not my place to try and fix her. She was a grown woman, and she needed to make her own decisions, even if i didn't approve. I was her daughter, and not her mother. It is so hard. A big hug to you and your mom.

Thanks so much for the support. I just want her to be healthy!

Wednesday QOTD-We all know the WISH boards are an amazing place to find support in good times and bad, and to know that we are never alone on our healthy journeys. Are the other people in your life, friends, coworkers and family supportive of your efforts too? Do they encourage or sabotage you? If they aren't supportive, what can you do to gain their support?

My DH is super supportive. He stays with the kids so I can go running and to the gym. He encourages me everyday! In fact, he just gave me a funny look when I grabbed some M&Ms and asked if I really wanted to eat those lol. I don't really discuss anything with anyone else.

Enjoy the parade!

P

Thanks! We will be bundled up in the 40 degree temps.

For those who asked, here is the Panera Copy-Cat Broccoli/Cheddar Cheese soup recipe I spoke about yesterday:

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

• 1/2 medium chopped onion
• 1/4 cup melted light butter (plus 1 tablespoon)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups fat free half-and-half
• 2 cups fat free chicken stock
• 1/2 lb fresh broccoli (chopped)
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 oz grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper

Sauté onion in 1 tbl. of butter. Set aside.

Cook remaining melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.

Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
(Can be puréed in a blender at this point if you like a smoother consistency.)

Return to heat and add cheese.

Stir in nutmeg and add salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 5 servings.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

If you wanted to, you could use fat-free cheddar cheese, but I'm not a fan of fat-free cheeses. I find that they don't melt and taste a little plastic-y.

You could also use frozen broccoli, but in order to keep it from getting soggy I would add it when there are only 10 minutes or so left in the cooking process.

I've also used the base of the soup (just exclude the broccoli) and added corn for a sort of corn chowder.

Enjoy

- Laura

Thank you so much! This is my favorite soup at Panera! Can't wait to make it this weekend!

Hi Jill, sorry that your mother isn't listening. At this point it may have to come from a doctor or someone else, but if she hasn't been listening all along maybe this will scare her into taking things more seriously. It's tough, DH does it with his mom. She lost a bunch of weight, got off all her diabetes meds then after his brother's wedding she put it all back on and then some and is back on all her meds. She was going to a seminar on gastro bypass the other night and he ripped into her about how it's not a solution and that she's going to have to do regular exercise in addition to doing this and that it's not an easy way out, but she never seems to listen

BTW, I'm 35, so we're very close in age

Thanks for your story and the support. I told my mom the same thing about surgery. I don't know if she'd really have surgery, but I hope she does something.

What has been the single most (positive) influential factor in your weight-loss/getting fit journey? Was it a lightbulb moment, was it finding a new passion for physical activity? Was it the influence of a person? Was it medically motivated?

I'm not sure if I've had a single positive most influential factor in my journey. I have always loved working out, but it hasn't worked in my schedule for awhile. So, with DH's schedule change, I am able to go to the gym and run again. I set a personal goal to run a half marathon in 2013 (hoping for the Princess) so I am trying to motivate myself.

I am all caught up and ready for weigh in tomorrow. Good luck to everyone. I feel pretty good about tomorrow's weigh in. I was OP this week and worked out hard. I hope it goes well and DH doesn't wake up to me yelling at the scale

Jill

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Wednesday QOTD-We all know the WISH boards are an amazing place to find support in good times and bad, and to know that we are never alone on our healthy journeys. Are the other people in your life, friends, coworkers and family supportive of your efforts too? Do they encourage or sabotage you? If they aren't supportive, what can you do to gain their support?

My dh is very supportive, and does encourage me. He also discourages me, through no fault of his own. He's one of those naturally skinny people -- the other kids made fun of him in high school because there was just nothing to him. I think he's having the last laugh now!

What has been the single most (positive) influential factor in your weight-loss/getting fit journey? Was it a lightbulb moment, was it finding a new passion for physical activity? Was it the influence of a person? Was it medically motivated?

The most positive influential factor has definitely been starting to run, and then continuing for the past few years. I shudder to think what I would weight now if I didn't at least have regular exercise. I am so far from where I want and should be, but I know it would be an even further distance without continually signing up for races and then doing the training required.

Awesome questions! Kathy thank you so much for being our coach this week!

Pamela -- I love the costumes, you are so talented!

Jill -- My dh also asks me if I really want to eat whatever I've got my mitts on -- sometimes that little reminder to think is just what I need!

Dona -- I'm sorry about the shower dilemma. I know how hard you work for Christmas, and of course you need a day to recover! I think you've already received some great advice. I think you should sleep on it for a night or two, and then do what feels right for you

Maria

 

[tigger813]

Good thing I took tomorrow off1 My list of what I need to do is ridiculously long!!! I hope I don't forget anything! My house is still a disaster area but that will have to wait until some other time!

Watching Harry Potter with Brian now. I'm trying to avoid getting up and eating something else! But I will or I will be up during the night starving! I gave 4 chair massages tonight and booked a few more massages! We have put our FB page into high gear at the spa and the phone was ringing off the hook today. I may have to add extra hours.

I hope I can get a lot of stuff done next Wednesday though Izzie has a half day and Ash will be on an after school trip. I may work at a fundraiser on Tuesday night and may work on Thursday night. It will be great to have some extra money so hoping work keeps up like this!

Need to eat something before it gets too late! I have to get up early to work on all the stuff I need to do!

TTFN

 

[trinaweena]

i think its safe to sat say im off the wagon and not feeling great about that. im feeling very stressed with school. because of the power outages i have two tests next week and i dont feel like im prepared, or that i have enough time to prepare. I keep going back and forth on if im im gonna do fine and if im freaking out.

also i miss running. i havent had time to go or ive been in pain and i miss it. i think once things calm down this week my goal is going to be 30 min run every morning. doesnt matter how far i go just that i run for 30 minutes every morning.

we will see how that goes.

now its bed time since i had to work tomorrow

 

[buzz5985]

What has been the single most (positive) influential factor in your weight-loss/getting fit journey? Was it a lightbulb moment, was it finding a new passion for physical activity? Was it the influence of a person? Was it medically motivated?

Finally realizing that it is not a race. Losing a couple of pounds a month is fine. At the end of the year, your down.

Good afternoon everyone.

Thanks Kathy for coaching this week. I will be coaching starting tomorrow morning.

I need some place to vent. We just got an invitation to our dnephew's bridal shower. His fiance does not believe in the feminist idea of a woman only bridal shower so they are having a joint shower. It is on Monday December 26th. Now the wedding is not until June 1st. We are guessing that this is the only time that all the bridal party will be in town.

I am so torn. I know dh does not want to go. It is a Bridal shower and from where we are coming from that is a female thing. I can accept the he/she concept but I can't accept the date. I spend the 24th and the 25th driving to visit relatives. I also spend a lot of time cooking and doing all the things associated with Christmas. Now we being asked to add on the 26th since the shower is at least 1 1/2 hours away. My dh has already said that we really aren't going. I am torn. He has no siblings and his father has been non exisitant. Dh has been a male influence in his life. He was born about 9 months before we were married. I know it is just an invitation and we don't have to go but I really think we should. I have always used the 26th to relax from the stress of the month.

thanks for listening.

See you tomorrow morning.

I have been to Jack and Jill showers in the past - that are more like mini-weddings than anything else. It may be a fun time to unwind after the holidays. If DH doesn't want to go and you do - I would go. If you both don't want to go, don't go. I was thinking Monday is a weird night for a shower. I know I have to go to work that day, so doesn't my DH. So I have to imagine most people need to work??

Janis

 

[donac]

Good Friday morning Happy 11/11/11

If you see a veteran thank him or her for the work they do for all of us.

Thanks for all the great responses to my shower problem. The shower is not at night on a Monday but at 1. I do know that people have to work on that Monday but some don't. My schedule for the end of Dec is: 23rd half day of school (thank heavens) rush to grocery shop for last minute things. Go home and cook. 24th cook some more, drive up to my dmom's house for Christmas with my family. Get home around 9. Fiinish wrapping presents. 25th Open presents, church, finish cooking, stockings, pack car, celebrate Christmas with dilaws, repack the car, put things away and collapse. we make Christmas for ilaws because is used to be at our house but it is now at dilaws because milaw is not healthy enough to travel. Dh is right at my side working around the house those days to make things easier for me. He doesn't cook but he wraps many of the presents and helps pack the cars. The boys also help out with some of the cooking and the packing. So we are all pretty busy those days. Ds may go to the shower but he is not sure if he has to work or not since he does work for jcpennys. We will have to think about this.

I know not everyone has as busy a schedule as we do. This is the only time everyone in my family gets together and the same with dh's family.

Question of the Day

With the holidays fast approaching, what do you do to relieve stress? I am hoping that it is not eating.

I had a great yoga class last night and am pulling out my yoga tapes and plan to do at least 20 minutes a day.

Off to get some things done.

Have a happy and healthy day. I may not get back on today. We are helping to sort out popcorn for the Boy Scouts later today. It is my last time I am giving up this position. I have done it long enough.

 

[tigger813]

Morning all,

Got an early start on the day due to a really stuffy head and a bad case of indigestion. Couldn't lay down anymore! Got up and started getting stuff organized for my Usborne booth tomorrow at a church fair. Need to leave here around 8 to get everything done so then I can come home and get more stuff done. I should probably go get dressed in a few minutes so I can run something over to work that I forgot to bring last night for my boss's mom. I want to do that before Brian leaves for work. I also have some tips to pick up from last night.

Need to check my list to make sure I don't forget anything today! This week has just been way too crazy and has gotten away from me! Plus I need to be out of the house between 7 and 7:30 tomorrow morning! I will hopefully be home by 4:30. Sunday is just as crazy with church and basketball.

TTFN

 

[cclovesdis]

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

My name is CC (like see-see), which is short for Christina. No one has time to say 3 syllables so, it’s been shortened to my initials.

This is my 3rd time coaching Healthy Habits (HH) and I absolutely love it! I started a new job right after Thanksgiving and HH have been so important to me. I would like to give a shout out to donac and jenanderson who showed me the ropes coaching previous challenges.

For the WISH Biggest Loser Fall 2011 Challenge, I am revamping Healthy Habits. Each week will have a theme, and each theme will be a Disney movie. I will be using various components of the movie to determine each week’s daily habits and the 2 mini-challenges.

Every week you will have 4 “Habits” to do each day. There will also be 2 Mini-Challenges. These will be something like “Exercise for 45 minutes simultaneously once during the week.” The “Habits” will be things that are essential for good “Health.” One might be “Drink 6 8 oz. glasses of water per day.” I will be very clear about which 4 are for all 7 days and which 2 are the Mini-Challenges.

The Healthy Habits “week” is the same as for weigh-ins. A new “week” begins on Friday and ends on Thursday. At the end of each week, total your points and PM (private message) me them. Please list your total points in the subject of your PM. In the body of your PM, please separate each “Habit” and mini-challenge. Here is an example.
Habit #1: 5/7 days
Habit #2: 4/7 days
Habit #3: 7/7 days
Habit #4: 1/7 days
Mini-Challenge #1: Completed
Mini-Challenge #2: Not Completed

This will allow me to recognize participants who earned 7/7 for 1 or more “Habits.” It also gives me feedback for future weeks.

Please PM me your points by Tuesday at 5 PM Eastern Time. I will post the results as soon as possible after that. Everyone who participates will be entered into the “hat” for a chance at the weekly prize. I have bought many of the prizes already and I think they are great!

It is optional to participate, but I know I do so much better when I participate.

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 10: The Princess Diaries

I love this movie and its sequel. I remember others saying the same. Mia is midway through high school and receives life-altering news. We are over midway through this BL Challenge and I have some Health Habits picked out that will help us continue our health journeys.

Mia definitely disliked gym class. Some of us may dislike exercising. The reality is that it is necessary whether we are trying to lose or maintain. There are also other health benefits like keeping our bones healthy and our cholesterol levels in the healthy ranges. 1. Your “Habit” is to exercise for at least 20 minutes each day.

Mia had perfect skin. (I’m not jealous.) Water helps with skin health too. Plus, we’ll be exercising even more this week. 2. This week, your “Habit” is to drink a total of 64 oz. of water each day.

I think I’ve watched this movie a few too many times, because I’ve noticed this. The portions served are healthy portions. 3. Measure, weigh, count, etc. so that you know exactly how many servings of something you are eating.

Mia definitely had busy days. One of my favorite moments is when her grandmother gives her a day off from princess lessons and they relax. 4. Each day, spend some time relaxing. Again, if you think it counts, it counts!

Mini-Challenges:

1. To handle her granddaughter’s car accident, Mia’s grandmother “knights” 2 people. In honor of a recent QOTD, “knight” someone. Thank the person or people who are helping you on your journey.
2. In honor of Julie Andrews, listen to some music.
Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread. I check my e-mail frequently.

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[mikamah]

What has been the single most (positive) influential factor in your weight-loss/getting fit journey? Was it a lightbulb moment, was it finding a new passion for physical activity? Was it the influence of a person? Was it medically motivated?

My son and being around for him, and hopefully being healthy and active as I age, so he doesn't worry about me is the main reason I am on this journey, and the main reason I will not give up.

10 days and an extra hour or so without power, but Tuesday night my mom called me at my grandparents to let me know. My relatives cheered. It was kind of funny, in the had to be there way. I stayed until early yesterday morning because I was not driving 2 hours through the Berkshires of Mass starting after 7 PM. I got home just in time to change into a skirt and run to church. Then, I had a doctor's appt. I've had 2 meds added in the last 6 weeks or so and they have helped so much. I am finally on a good sleep-wake schedule. (Kristina-I feel you. )
CC

So happy you've finally got your power back on. What a nightmare that must have been for all of you. It's good to see you back, and I hope you're feeling better now that you're sleeping better too.

I had reached my "bottom". I had really had enough of being the size I was and feeling the way I was, like I was never gonna be the cute one, I would always be the "fat friend". It's like that "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" feeling. I was 21 when I started, and it hit me one day that I shouldn't feel like an old maid at 21. I should be out having fun and dancing and going to places with my friends. And so much of the why I wasn't doing those things was not feeling good about the way I looked. So I changed the way I looked, and I love doing those things now

Love to see this, and am happy that you were able to get out there and enjoy life.

I need some place to vent. We just got an invitation to our dnephew's bridal shower. His fiance does not believe in the feminist idea of a woman only bridal shower so they are having a joint shower. It is on Monday December 26th. Now the wedding is not until June 1st. We are guessing that this is the only time that all the bridal party will be in town.

I am so torn. I know dh does not want to go. It is a Bridal shower and from where we are coming from that is a female thing. I can accept the he/she concept but I can't accept the date. I spend the 24th and the 25th driving to visit relatives. I also spend a lot of time cooking and doing all the things associated with Christmas. Now we being asked to add on the 26th since the shower is at least 1 1/2 hours away. My dh has already said that we really aren't going. I am torn. He has no siblings and his father has been non exisitant. Dh has been a male influence in his life. He was born about 9 months before we were married. I know it is just an invitation and we don't have to go but I really think we should. I have always used the 26th to relax from the stress of the month.

I agree with the other advice you have gotten, to not feel guilty if you decide to stay home, and enjoy your traditional unwinding day. But I do know you will feel badly, but will you be seeing this nephew over the weekend? If the shower is not a surprise, and you'll see him, could you speak to him and give him a special gift then?

the one thing that I have realized, though, is that that horrible 'i can't breathe' feeling when I start running doesn't get worse the longer I run! That truly was a revalation - it doesn't go away so much (although it's certainly getting better) but I always thought it would get worse and worse until I passed out and died.

This is so true. I have not been running as much as I should, but still find myself amazed that after 2 weeks without running, I expect I won't be able to go for a minute, like i couldn't the first time I tried, but I just take it slow, and I can still do it. It really does build up your endurance and stamina, and even when you slack, it's still there deep within you.

My dh and I also had a joint shower (back in 1992). I don't remember why we had a joint shower, but I do remember that quite a few family and friends were unable to attend. If I had to pick, I would rather have them at my wedding than my shower - so I was never upset about the people who couldn't attend my shower. So don't worry. Send a card and/or a gift to let them know you are thinking of them. I'm sure they will understand!

I think finally realizing that in order to lose ALL of the weight and KEEP it off, I needed to make this my LIFE, was the really big factor in my success this time around. I'm not exactly sure WHY it clicked this time, versus all of the other times I tried, but I'm sure glad it did.

Like many of you, this is NOT my "first time at the circus" so to speak. I had even gotten to my goal weight when I got married, but it didn't last beyond the honeymoon! I had regained it all before had even been married for 6 months! And I successfully lost anywhere from 30 to 40+ pounds other times since then, but never kept it off.

Definitely no outside influence, no medical factors, and certainly no new passion for exercise!! But I have to say, honestly, the longer I do it (healthy eating, counting calories/points, exercising regularly) the easier it gets.... the easier it is to say "no" to birthday cake, extra portions of treats, etc, etc.

You're way of living so inspires me, and I think one day I will be there too.
Wow, dh lost 75 pounds. That is awesome!! YOu must be so proud and happy about that. You do know your amazing influence must have had a big part in his success.
Glad your ds liked the soup too. I had it yesterday too, but we got it at Panera!! 5 pointsplus, 4 old points, for the 1 cup portion. I thought it would have been worse. How did yours point out?

I set a personal goal to run a half marathon in 2013 (hoping for the Princess) so I am trying to motivate myself.

A disney race was the only motivation that got me running. I never ran in my life, and at 46, what started as almost a joke by LisaH who said maybe one day we'll run a race in disney together, actually turned into a huge motivator, and a focus to get out and run-walk, and actually stick with it more than a few weeks.

Good thing I took tomorrow off1 My list of what I need to do is ridiculously long!!! I hope I don't forget anything! My house is still a disaster area but that will have to wait until some other time!

:

Enjoy your day off. We might go see Jack and Jill today.

i think its safe to sat say im off the wagon and not feeling great about that. im feeling very stressed with school. because of the power outages i have two tests next week and i dont feel like im prepared, or that i have enough time to prepare. I keep going back and forth on if im im gonna do fine and if im freaking out.

also i miss running. i havent had time to go or ive been in pain and i miss it. i think once things calm down this week my goal is going to be 30 min run every morning. doesnt matter how far i go just that i run for 30 minutes every morning.

School is so hard. Take it one day at a time, and definitely try and get a little time for you and relaxing if you can.

Finally realizing that it is not a race. Losing a couple of pounds a month is fine. At the end of the year, your down.

I totally agree. All those fractions of a pound will add up, and being down at the end of each year, is way better than up.

Happy 11/11/11

If you see a veteran thank him or her for the work they do for all of us.

I know not everyone has as busy a schedule as we do. This is the only time everyone in my family gets together and the same with dh's family.

Question of the Day

With the holidays fast approaching, what do you do to relieve stress? I am hoping that it is not eating.

I had a great yoga class last night and am pulling out my yoga tapes and plan to do at least 20 minutes a day.

Off to get some things done.

Have a happy and healthy day. I may not get back on today. We are helping to sort out popcorn for the Boy Scouts later today. It is my last time I am giving up this position. I have done it long enough.

Thanks for coaching this week, Dona.

Thanks for having me as coach last week. I've really enjoyed it, and so many times I could have fallen out of the wagon, but my commitment to be on track 80% of the time til T-day, and I did not want to come here and share that I ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's, so I didn't do it. I'm down .8 this week, but after salty panera last night, it may have been better. I'm pushing for 2.4 more pounds gone by thanksgiving. A push for me, but if I actually stay focused, I know that I can do it.

QOTD-Stress relief. I'm definitely a low stress person most of the time, so when stress gets high, and my house is a mess, to get the house in order, clean, organize, and just neaten everything up, definitely helps to decrease the stress. Now my cleaning frenzy may start with a little meltdown and the occassional yelling at ds for messes he's made, but then I'll pull it together, and just get to work.

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[mikamah]

The most positive influential factor has definitely been starting to run, and then continuing for the past few years. I shudder to think what I would weight now if I didn't at least have regular exercise. I am so far from where I want and should be, but I know it would be an even further distance without continually signing up for races and then doing the training required.

Hi Maria, I missed multiquoting you somehow. Even if we don't get the training in we want, we get more than we would have if we weren't doing any race. I guess we'll go out this morning and start training for our turkey trot. You will get to where you want to be because you will never stop trying.

 

[mikamah]

Thank you for the HH cc!!

 

[pjlla]

I'm not sure if I've had a single positive most influential factor in my journey. I have always loved working out, but it hasn't worked in my schedule for awhile. So, with DH's schedule change, I am able to go to the gym and run again. I set a personal goal to run a half marathon in 2013 (hoping for the Princess) so I am trying to motivate myself.

I am all caught up and ready for weigh in tomorrow. Good luck to everyone. I feel pretty good about tomorrow's weigh in. I was OP this week and worked out hard. I hope it goes well and DH doesn't wake up to me yelling at the scale

Jill

That is a great goal! I'm sure you will make it to a half in 2013!!

My dh is very supportive, and does encourage me. He also discourages me, through no fault of his own. He's one of those naturally skinny people -- the other kids made fun of him in high school because there was just nothing to him. I think he's having the last laugh now!

AMEN!


The most positive influential factor has definitely been starting to run, and then continuing for the past few years. I shudder to think what I would weight now if I didn't at least have regular exercise. I am so far from where I want and should be, but I know it would be an even further distance without continually signing up for races and then doing the training required.

I am always so awed by the runners here... you, Rose, Kathy.... EVERYONE! I just wish I could keep it up.

Awesome questions! Kathy thank you so much for being our coach this week!

I second that Thank YOU!! Thanks Kathy, great week!
Maria

Good thing I took tomorrow off1 My list of what I need to do is ridiculously long!!! I hope I don't forget anything! My house is still a disaster area but that will have to wait until some other time!

Watching Harry Potter with Brian now. I'm trying to avoid getting up and eating something else! But I will or I will be up during the night starving! I gave 4 chair massages tonight and booked a few more massages! We have put our FB page into high gear at the spa and the phone was ringing off the hook today. I may have to add extra hours.

I hope I can get a lot of stuff done next Wednesday though Izzie has a half day and Ash will be on an after school trip. I may work at a fundraiser on Tuesday night and may work on Thursday night. It will be great to have some extra money so hoping work keeps up like this!

Need to eat something before it gets too late! I have to get up early to work on all the stuff I need to do!

TTFN

YOu are so lucky that during these economic times that your business seems to be increasing! Thank your lucky stars (and your FB page ) ! Have a good busy weekend!!

i think its safe to sat say im off the wagon and not feeling great about that. im feeling very stressed with school. because of the power outages i have two tests next week and i dont feel like im prepared, or that i have enough time to prepare. I keep going back and forth on if im im gonna do fine and if im freaking out.

also i miss running. i havent had time to go or ive been in pain and i miss it. i think once things calm down this week my goal is going to be 30 min run every morning. doesnt matter how far i go just that i run for 30 minutes every morning.

we will see how that goes.

now its bed time since i had to work tomorrow

I think that you will find that the 30 minute run each morning, even though it will probably mean a bit less sleep, will make you feel SO MUCH BETTER for the rest of the day.... both mentally and physically! Good plan. Best of luck on your tests.

Good Friday morning Happy 11/11/11

If you see a veteran thank him or her for the work they do for all of us.

I don't know any, but if I do see any, I will definitely say THANKS!!

Thanks for all the great responses to my shower problem. The shower is not at night on a Monday but at 1. I do know that people have to work on that Monday but some don't. My schedule for the end of Dec is: 23rd half day of school (thank heavens) rush to grocery shop for last minute things. Go home and cook. 24th cook some more, drive up to my dmom's house for Christmas with my family. Get home around 9. Fiinish wrapping presents. 25th Open presents, church, finish cooking, stockings, pack car, celebrate Christmas with dilaws, repack the car, put things away and collapse. we make Christmas for ilaws because is used to be at our house but it is now at dilaws because milaw is not healthy enough to travel. Dh is right at my side working around the house those days to make things easier for me. He doesn't cook but he wraps many of the presents and helps pack the cars. The boys also help out with some of the cooking and the packing. So we are all pretty busy those days. Ds may go to the shower but he is not sure if he has to work or not since he does work for jcpennys. We will have to think about this.

I know not everyone has as busy a schedule as we do. This is the only time everyone in my family gets together and the same with dh's family.

Question of the Day

With the holidays fast approaching, what do you do to relieve stress? I am hoping that it is not eating.

I had a great yoga class last night and am pulling out my yoga tapes and plan to do at least 20 minutes a day.

Off to get some things done.

Have a happy and healthy day. I may not get back on today. We are helping to sort out popcorn for the Boy Scouts later today. It is my last time I am giving up this position. I have done it long enough.

I think you will need to make the best decision (regarding the shower) for YOUR family (yourself, DH, DS). Think about your stress level, etc.

Question of the Day

With the holidays fast approaching, what do you do to relieve stress? I am hoping that it is not eating.

I'm not really a high stress person, but when things get crazy, I make lists! And when I start crossing stuff off the list, I feel better! My holiday-related stress comes from things like a messy house, un-bought/unwrapped gifts, things like that. If I start making lists and getting the stuff done in some sort of order, I am instantly less stressed!

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 10: The Princess Diaries

I love this movie and its sequel. I remember others saying the same. Mia is midway through high school and receives life-altering news. We are over midway through this BL Challenge and I have some Health Habits picked out that will help us continue our health journeys.

Mia definitely disliked gym class. Some of us may dislike exercising. The reality is that it is necessary whether we are trying to lose or maintain. There are also other health benefits like keeping our bones healthy and our cholesterol levels in the healthy ranges. 1. Your “Habit” is to exercise for at least 20 minutes each day.

Mia had perfect skin. (I’m not jealous.) Water helps with skin health too. Plus, we’ll be exercising even more this week. 2. This week, your “Habit” is to drink a total of 64 oz. of water each day.

I think I’ve watched this movie a few too many times, because I’ve noticed this. The portions served are healthy portions. 3. Measure, weigh, count, etc. so that you know exactly how many servings of something you are eating.

Mia definitely had busy days. One of my favorite moments is when her grandmother gives her a day off from princess lessons and they relax. 4. Each day, spend some time relaxing. Again, if you think it counts, it counts!

Mini-Challenges:

1. To handle her granddaughter’s car accident, Mia’s grandmother “knights” 2 people. In honor of a recent QOTD, “knight” someone. Thank the person or people who are helping you on your journey.
2. In honor of Julie Andrews, listen to some music.
Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread. I check my e-mail frequently.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Another great week of HH! I may have to get DD in on this week, as she is a HUGE Princess Diaries fan (and as such, I of course, have seen the movies many, many times).

I love Julie Andrews and her music. Perhaps I'll treat myself to the soundtrack from SOM this week!! I own it on vinyl from the 70's, but don't own it digitally.

Thanks CC!!

You're way of living so inspires me, and I think one day I will be there too.

You are already there! You exercise regularly and watch what you eat.... the pounds are just slow to follow!!

Wow, dh lost 75 pounds. That is awesome!! YOu must be so proud and happy about that. You do know your amazing influence must have had a big part in his success.

I'd like to think that seeing my success helped spur him on, but having his jaw wired shut for 6 or 7 weeks was a good start!!

Glad your ds liked the soup too. I had it yesterday too, but we got it at Panera!! 5 pointsplus, 4 old points, for the 1 cup portion. I thought it would have been worse. How did yours point out?

I may have overestimated. I am really bad with math and had to try to figure out the points for a cup of the fat free half-and-half (everything else I could figure pretty easily). I figured my pot of soup to be three LARGE servings and estimated each serving to be 6 points (keep in mind, this was the way I made it, not Laura's originally posted recipe). If the REAL Panera soup is 4 (old style) points for 1 C, I may have overestimated....but I think that is better than UNDER estimating.


Thanks for having me as coach last week. I've really enjoyed it, and so many times I could have fallen out of the wagon, but my commitment to be on track 80% of the time til T-day, and I did not want to come here and share that I ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's, so I didn't do it. I'm down .8 this week, but after salty panera last night, it may have been better. I'm pushing for 2.4 more pounds gone by thanksgiving. A push for me, but if I actually stay focused, I know that I can do it.

I'm with you.... I haven't weighed yet this morning, but I have a number in my head I'd like to be at by T.giving and it will be a stretch. But we can do it, right!??

QOTD-Stress relief. I'm definitely a low stress person most of the time, so when stress gets high, and my house is a mess, to get the house in order, clean, organize, and just neaten everything up, definitely helps to decrease the stress. Now my cleaning frenzy may start with a little meltdown and the occassional yelling at ds for messes he's made, but then I'll pull it together, and just get to work.

Have a great day everyone!!

You sound just like me! A messy house = a stressed me!!

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

Morning friends! No time to chit-chat. RObotics team will be here in 2 hours. Kitchen is picked up, dishwasher running (should have been done last night...oh well). Laundry is moving along, but I have two loads to fold that I won't get to until tonight. I need to run the vac around downstairs and feed the family. HOping to pop in a 20 minute workout before showering, but the day is quickly getting away from me.

Don't forget, today is 11-11-11! Do something special. Take a family photo... record your day in history on 11-11-11! I've already taken a handful of pictures and I'm the only one up!! Don't forget to make a wish at 11:11 am and again at 11:11 pm! It's a special day for wishes!

I've gotta fly now. TTYL.........................P

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

QOTD Stress- Well it used to be eat, that is for sure. Now, prayer, play with the dog, read,tv, internet, planning with lists...anything to change my focus.

I am happy to say I pulled out some cool weather clothes (jeans, sweaters,long sleves...) and I found lots that were too big. Like most women I still had some of the next size smaller around but it was nice to be able to put a bunch of items into the ebay pile. I just bought the jeans the beg of 2011 so they were rarely worn. We only get a few days a yr I need jeans outside-mostly for DS games at Ice hockey rink.

Our Dec WDW is our "cold" weather each yr. Pants,jackets, some years even scarves and gloves...but last yr we were in shorts for most of it. I think I would rather have the warmer weather this yr as well. I have more of those clothes avail, and it takes a lot less room to pack up everything. My DS 13 has no long pants, long sleeve shirts,seater,or anthing that fits from last yr. Major growth spurt. I just finished buying new dress clothes ,shoes, shorts, t's,polos for that boy last month now I am thinking I better at least buy a pairor 2 of jeans and a sweater before the trip.

I had hoped to get some early X-mas shopping in today but instead I am sitting around waiting for the cable guy. They never make it in the time frame.

 

[glss1/2fll]

Am days and days and days behind. I will catch up over the weekend! Am super excited to have a maintain. In thinking about my exercise habits this week I've been envisioning myself as a sloth. In thinking about my eating habits this week I've decided that I've just been hooky-bobbing behind the wagon. So now everybody envision the 2 together and that's how my week was! But today is a new day and I plan to go for a run later.

Have a great weekend!

 

[bellebookworm9]

THEY ACCEPTED ME FOR THE COLLEGE PROGRAM!!!!

Main Entrance Operations!

 

[Rose&Mike]

THEY ACCEPTED ME FOR THE COLLEGE PROGRAM!!!!

Main Entrance Operations!

Congratulations!

 

[liesel]

THEY ACCEPTED ME FOR THE COLLEGE PROGRAM!!!!

Main Entrance Operations!

Major Congratulations Gretchen! I had a feeling you would get accepted!