Biggest Loser Fall Challenge!

[jillbur]

See, I told you that we would try some new and exciting things on this Disney trip! And what could be more new and exciting that Disney's latest E ticket ride Radiator Springs Racers in Disney's California Adventure? (Rumored to be coming to DHS). So let's talk a little about winning . . .

Doc Hudson says it takes more than new tires to win a race . . . .

Here is an excerpt from an article on sparkpeople called 7 Things that Separate Weight-Loss Winners & Losers.

Whether you’re focusing on your diet or hitting the gym, the commitment to long-term weight loss takes the mindset and mental stamina of a champion. You’ve got to have a supportive team and a great playbook to get on a winning streak. In this head-to-head match that lasts a lifetime, it’s all about preparation. Your success will be determined by how well you set your strategy and play the game.

Here are the winning strategies you'll need!

Winners Set Small Goals

Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts

Winners Are Proud of Themselves

Winners Take On New Challenges

Winners Keep Score

Winners Are Part of a Team

Winners Make It Fun

Here is a link to the entire article if you are interested http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=1732

Which brings me to the QOTD for Sunday, September 9, 2012: Do you have all the winning strategies covered? Or do you have one of your own that should be added to the list?

BRB with replies and my own answer.

Actually, I think I need to work on taking on new challenges. I am kind of stuck in a rut with exercise. I take the same classes at the gym & run/walk the other days. The trainers at the gym are talking about adding & tweaking some classes this fall, so I'm looking forward to that. I also bought a set of DVDs at Ollies for $7.99. It's called Supreme 90 Day System hosted by Tom Holland. It seems to be similar to p90 but shorter workouts. I did the Tabata workout Friday & it was tough. I am going to try to challenge my food, too. I find myself eating the same things a lot.


I am home from church & grocery shopping, but feel terrible. I woke up with more of a cold. I am very achy & my throat & head hurt. Luckily, I have a wonderful DH who woke up early (after working a 12 hour midnight shift in the ER) & carried all the groceries in. I helped put them away & he told me to take some cold meds, get in my pajamas, and lay down. So, I am. I wanted to take DS9 run/walking today to get ready for a 5k we are doing next Sunday, but I told him he may have to jog up & down the street & I'll watch from our porch. This 5k is a fundraiser for the police & we have a good friend who is an officer. We did it last year & it was a blast. DS9 runs a little, walks a little & I stay with him the whole time. Last year, I think his time was 42 minutes. I hope he does as well this year. We really haven't been running like last year.

I am rambling again, so I am off to watch the Bears take on Indy. I am also going to make some lists for this week for home & work. Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon

Jill

 

[glss1/2fll]

I'm not sure if I have all the winning strategies, well maybe I do, I'm just not obsessing about them! I do have small goals; I cheat sometimes--so we'll call that a break!; I'm tickled about what I've done--just wish I'd done more!; no new challenges this time--started c25k last year and am still running, have added sit ups every night; keeping score is fun--not the weight part, but I am "walking to Disney," also tracking my exercise minutes (so fun to watch your name change colors on the first page!); this is my team, even if I mostly lurk!; tracking is fun and eating is just what it is!

This morning I went for my first run/plod in over a month. Two miles and I felt super slow. But the back of my knee isn't hurting any more than usual so suppose I can start up again! It was weird to run without the dog, poor old baby. Made waffles for breakfast with fresh blackberries on them. so, so delicious

Have a super week! I know Tuesday I'm supposed to start a sub job for a vacant position. Mornings only so that'll be good.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

I'm walking right down the middle of Main Street USA-a-a . . . it's the heart of America, the heartbeat of a holiday-ay-ay-ay! The place was made with a magical plan . . .

We all know a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth starts with a little trip right down Main Street USA.

How many times have you been on Main Street and seen some poor group of people standing right in the middle of the street staring at a map and trying to figure out where they are going to go. We Disboards big time planner types know that you can't get where you want to go without a great PLAN.

And those of you who have done the challenges before know that I can't coach without help from one of my favorite sites sparkpeople.com And this week is no exception.

Which brings me to the topic of goal setting. It's not enough to have a goal but you need a plan for how you are going to get there. Here is an excerpt from a sparkpeople article called Do's and Don'ts of Goal Setting:

Goal achievement, especially when it comes to health and fitness, can be a mystery. Most of us have no trouble with setting the goal. Setting a goal is the easy part, it's those other steps that can be a puzzle. But you CAN turn achieving your goals into a science with the right strategies. Here are a few of our favorites:

DO create a plan. DON’T wait for "someday" to roll around.

DO start small. DON’T focus on too many things at once.

DO write it down. DON’T forget to give yourself a deadline.

DO be specific. DON’T deal in absolutes.

DO leave room for failure. DON’T expect perfection.

DO track your progress. DON’T fool yourself into failure.

DO reward your success. DON’T beat yourself up over failure.

DO find a support system. DON’T try to do it alone.

DO make a commitment. DON’T ever forget that you can do it.

Here is a link to the whole article if you are interested. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=124

QOTD Friday, September 7, 2012: So do you have a plan for how you are going to make your goals for the challenge? Share your plan and your goals big and small for this challenge.

Let's get this party started!

Plan:

64 oz of water daily
Exercise 4 to 6 times a week at minimum 30 minutes
More FREGGIES (fruits & veggies)
Alternate between cardio and strength
Take Sundays off

Goal:

I'm still thinking this part out. I'm thinking I wanna lose 10 pounds but that number may change.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Let's continue our journeys to the Happiest Place on Earth.

We DISboards planning types know understanding the ins and outs of FASTPASS is a great way to help you get the most out of a trip to Disney and take in lots of attractions while other people are stuck waiting in line.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a FASTPASS to help you with your weight loss?

What if I told you there was something that you could do to help you lose TWICE as much weight than you would otherwise?!? Would you be interested? Would you be willing to try it? Well, you can! And all you have to do is keep a food diary!

A 2008 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that dieters who tracked their food intake in a "food diary" lost twice as much weight as those who didn't track their food. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708080738.htm

It is incredibly easy to underestimate the number of calories that you consume and overestimate the number of calories you burn when exercising. It is a real eye opener when you first start tracking.

Here is a link to an article on sparkpeople.com about how important keeping track of your food can be on this journey to good health. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=394

Which brings me to the QOTD.

QOTD Saturday, September 8, 2012 2012: Do you think tracking food is an important part of weight loss?
* Yes, definitely
* Maybe, it depends on the person
* No, I don't think it's necessary

Have a great Saturday!

Yes, to me tracking is very important. I have come to find that on days that I don't track I tend to at times go a little nuts, not always but its been known to happen. Now, I have gotten better when we go to Disney for trips. Naturally I can't track anything while I'm there but I try to be very conscious about what I eat. Yes, I still have an occasional Mickey bar but I try not to go to crazy.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Which brings me to the QOTD for Sunday, September 9, 2012: Do you have all the winning strategies covered? Or do you have one of your own that should be added to the list?

I have all of those covered except:

Winners are part of a team

I tend to do better on this weight loss journey doing it alone. Yes, I have my friends and family to support me but I'm a loner when it comes to this area in my life.

 

[mskayjay]

Which brings me to the QOTD for Sunday, September 9, 2012: Do you have all the winning strategies covered? Or do you have one of your own that should be added to the list?

I have all of those covered except:

Winners are part of a team

I tend to do better on this weight loss journey doing it alone. Yes, I have my friends and family to support me but I'm a loner when it comes to this area in my life.

Totally agree. I am my own biggest challenger, biggest critic, biggest motivator.

 

[ronalee]

Winners Set Small Goals-- During my weight loss journey, I set 5 pound goals both in weight loss and total weight... It made the 50 pounds I needed to lose more manageable... And now I only have 10 left to go...

Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts---sadly I have been on a break for the last two months... At least my weight stayed roughly the same, so once I reach goal, I should be good...

Winners Are Proud of Themselves--I am very proud of the 40 pounds I lost already... I am also proud of the two half marathons I did this year... One that included walking most of the way because my sister who is 10-years younger than me was having panic attacks (which is why training is important)

Winners Take On New Challenges - on Friday and Saturday I am signed up to do the Tartan Twosome... Nova Scotia's version of the goofy... I will be doing a 5k on Friday night and a half on Saturday morning... After these races, I am gonna repeat the C25k program to increase my running intervals (currently able to run 2 minutes at a time)...

Winners Keep Score--I compete weekly with my husband at WW to see who has lost the most weight or gained the least. I also need to work on tracking what I eat

Winners Are Part of a Team- I consider my WW group to be a major part of my team, along with my husband and sisterrr...

Winners Make It Fun-- I know find that exercise is fun... My husband and I also try to have fun making different meals that are healthier...

 

[cookzilla]

Welcome Cindy! It's great to have you here.

Thanks kollerbear - this is all so new to me. Thanks for being the weight keeper for this challenge. Once I get enough posts in I can send you a PM with my weight.

 

[penguin1102]

Winners Set Small Goals
Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts
Winners Are Proud of Themselves
Winners Take On New Challenges
Winners Keep Score
Winners Are Part of a Team
Winners Make It Fun

I set small goals for myself. I like to take my weightloss in 5 lb increments like most others.

I do not really take breaks or timeouts because I find that once I do, I have a really hard time getting back on track.

I am proud of myself. I took a picture the other day and got super excited to see my collarbone. I know that may not seem like a lot to some, but when you do not remember the last time that you saw it, it is a big deal

I keep score on a poster on my closet showing what my weight is every week when I enter it in.

I have a support team. My DH is very supportive and buys me foods to lead to my success when we go grocery shopping. My mom is a great supports also, she is actually doing the challenge this time as well.

I try to make it fun. I was originally going to the 5k at DL in Jan, but I decided to do one on Oct 5 for breast cancer awareness. I also have a friend that is going to teach me to surf so I think that is going to be a fun way to workout.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Hehe.

1 Can Coconut Milk (We use regular, not lite)
2 Fuji Apples (more if you like it sweeter)
Cinnamon and Vanilla to taste.

Blend apples and coconut milk until they are pureed.

Pour in ice cream maker.


No lie, that's all we did. I've done blueberry/coconut too...though it was super tart. I may toss blueberries in the next time we do apple though.

Sounds easy enough. Now I have to drag my ice cream maker out of moth balls!

Winners are part of a team

I tend to do better on this weight loss journey doing it alone. Yes, I have my friends and family to support me but I'm a loner when it comes to this area in my life.

That's me too. The only "real" person (you guys dont count ) I discuss me weight issues with is my dh (and I dont even tell him much to be honest). I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but it is just the way to is.

 

[cookzilla]

Doc Hudson says it takes more than new tires to win a race . . . .

Here is an excerpt from an article on sparkpeople called 7 Things that Separate Weight-Loss Winners & Losers.

Whether you’re focusing on your diet or hitting the gym, the commitment to long-term weight loss takes the mindset and mental stamina of a champion. You’ve got to have a supportive team and a great playbook to get on a winning streak. In this head-to-head match that lasts a lifetime, it’s all about preparation. Your success will be determined by how well you set your strategy and play the game.

Here are the winning strategies you'll need!

Winners Set Small Goals
This I can do. Plan to take it 5lb. at a time.
Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts
My previous problem has been extending the break and not getting back on track
Winners Are Proud of Themselves
Not always happy with the small improvements - it's all or nothing. Need to work on this
Winners Take On New Challenges
I like a challenge. Helps keep me focused.
Winners Keep Score
If I'm playing a game I really pay attention to the score cuz I want to win! Need to celebrate the small victories.
Winners Are Part of a Team
I can be a team player. Nice to have the support off others and to be there to encourage and support others.
Winners Make It Fun
Never thought of dieting as fun. Maybe some fun exercise. Have enjoyed the Wii before, time to dust it off

Here's to fun, focus, friends and success!

 

[cookzilla]

Great job baby. I'm there for you. Btw if you have time I could use a new poster :-*

 

[belledreamer]

Which brings me to the QOTD for Sunday, September 9, 2012: Do you have all the winning strategies covered? Or do you have one of your own that should be added to the list?

I'd say I do. Although I wish I could make my gym workouts more fun...and less smelling like sweat...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ohhhhh.... My muscles are hurting...

It's been about 3 months since I worked out 3 times during the week. (I had gone down to once a week during the summer...) and I'm feeling it now... But I got my workout in and showered so I'm ready to settle down for the evening with dinner and a movie. Totally craving an egg sandwich on wheat.

Otherwise, the day's gone pretty good. Cool front came through last night so we're having beautiful weather today. Worked on making dinner reservations and deciding which day for which park. Finally got my countdown ticker up too! I can't wait!!

 

[jbm02]

Okay, here goes:

Winners Set Small Goals. Like several here, I am aiming for 5lb increments. It's less intimidating to me...

Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts. This might be a problem for me. Once I take a timeout...I tumble into "well, just one more cookie won't hurt..." I am better if I give myself 1 day a week with a definite limit: for example, on Sunday I can have a piece of Italian bread and butter...

Winners Are Proud of Themselves - something else I have to work on. My self image is definitely not the strongest. Getting there!

Winners Take On New Challenges - I am really looking forward to the challenges on this board. I try to think of things to motivate myself but it will be fun to do it with others. Some of my "self" motivators: trying to do 5000 pushups by Christmas. I have a counter on my computer, try to do 30 every night before bed and remember to subtract the totals the next morning. The frustrating part is that I sometimes forget so I might actually do more than 5000!!!

Winners Keep Score. I'm a "little" competitive, sooo.....

Winners Are Part of a Team. Again, competitive here. And I want to contibute to my team!!

Winners Make It Fun. Oh, yeah. If it's not fun, I may give up. So, keep the humor coming, please!!

My other goal: to read this board every day. I may not be able to comment each day but I get alot of support from others. One days like today (worked 0700-5PM, then off campaigning door to door, then home for family dinner, etc), I may be more of a "stalker" than a contributor but I'll write as often as I can!!

 

[cookzilla]

I'd say I do. Although I wish I could make my gym workouts more fun...and less smelling like sweat... !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Smelling like sweat is a good thing. You go girl O

 

[cookzilla]

Plan:

64 oz of water daily
Exercise 4 to 6 times a week at minimum 30 minutes
More FREGGIES (fruits & veggies)
Alternate between cardio and strength
Take Sundays off

Goal:

I'm still thinking this part out. I'm thinking I wanna lose 10 pounds but that number may change.

I'm loving your plan.
Sounds like a goal for me. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Mary•Poppins]

Hi Everyone

My name is Fran and this will be my third challenge. I joined the spring challenge and lost about 10 pounds. I participated this summer but just yo-yoed with my weight. I am back again and am getting focused. I do so much better when I am posting on here and on MFP.

I am 46 and a mom of 3 boys. My oldest just went to college this fall and I have a senior and 12 year old. My DH and I have been married for the last 22 years. I am a remedial reading teacher and love my job. This year I have had a rocky start but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I live outside of Pittsburgh and started running/walking in January when I started the BL. I have to say the people on this thread have turned me into a runner ... THANK YOU!

I look forward to losing weight with all of you! My ultimate goal is to lose 15 more pounds ... but a slow decrease in weight will work for me.

Fran

PamSorry you got lonely on the summer thread! I just didn't have the time to post. Also, hoping you search for another job works out!

Hello! My name is Mary. I'm 39 just two weeks ago. I have been married for 16 years. I have three kids. This will be my first Biggest Loser Challenge.

I was always thin but when I had my children I never lost the baby weight with any of them and battled depression a lot. My younger boys both have High Functioning Autism and my daughter has Tourette's Syndrome. I love them all but it has been really hard. So I have just eaten my way through it.

Hey Mary, Glad you are here with us! Sending you a for being a great mom.

I decided a year ago I was tired of being tired and overweight. I started watching what I eat and exercising. So far I have lost 16 lbs. in the last 9 months. I have been working with my husband and he has lost 11. He is far more athletic and hasn't been working as long as I have. I just switched to the Jeff Galloway app. I was doing to c25k. I'm prone to shin splints and it was too much running.

I also work at a daycare. I work part time in the office and then part time in the classroom.

I'm looking forward to having some goals and also some support as I try to reach them.

Hahhaa... that sounds kind of like a 1-person race!!! Congrats!



Welcome!! I'm sure those last 12 lbs. are stubborn, but you're stubborn-er. Or more stubborn. You know what I mean.



Good morning, all. I am having a FRUSTRATING morning. I made the mistake of letting myself get upset after being called out on a thread (about calling myself vegan even though I very rarely and in specific circumstances do not make every effort possible to ensure that I'm eating vegan food in restaurants, or make the decision to have some dairy in my coffee if nothing else is available, or eat something someone has prepared for me in their own home (like pancakes) if nothing else is available, etc.) I was SO hurt by this, that it kept me up until 4:00 yesterday morning!! I've seen some DIS threads get pretty contentious and crazy, but I was just so used to how welcoming these threads are, so I got comfortable and said a couple things casually on the vegan thread that, even though I believe in them, were probably asking for people to jump all over them. They are conversations I'd gladly have in person because I stand behind my ideas and feelings, but on the thread the responses felt hurtful to me (even though they were respectfully written) because of how passionate I am about veganism and how much it means to me. In retrospect I REALLY regret talking about something so important to me. I can't shake this yucky feeling!! I've definitely learned a lesson--I guess that happens to people on the boards a lot.

On the up side, I decided yesterday to do the C25K challenge! I should focus on THIS. I've done a couple 1/2 marathons in the past, and trained from 0 to the 1/2 in about 9 weeks, so I know that the C25K might be too easy for me. BUT, my big obstacle is making time for exercise, and this seems like an easy and fun program that will get me off the couch three times a week, and that's honestly what counts. EASE and FUN were two ingredients I was definitely missing last time I took up running, so I hope this feels nice and gets me motivated! I'm also hoping that working up so slowly might help ease the knee pain I experience when I run.

Looking forward to weighing in on Friday and getting this party started!!! Have a great day everyone! Happy September!!

I am so sorry about being attacked on a thread. Don't let it get to you. I also don't frequent the community board too much because of this.

But I do agree with Lisa, sometimes it is fun just to read how crazy some of those people can be on there. Stay here with us. :

Good morning everyone.

I am still here and will be starting the challenge on Friday but this has been the week from hell.

I have never had such a STUPID beginning of the year. We had a meeting the other day where the Vice Principal was such an IDIOT. He had no idea what he was talking about. I wrote on a paper "We here by Retire" and 5 of us signed it. The other VP's had other complaints so they just laughed at it.

I have 2 more days of this and then there is nothing planned for this weekend but sitting at my sewing machine and getting some sewing done.

WIll be back probably this weekend when I finally calm down.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Hey Dona, sorry about your rough start to school. Mine hasn't been too fun either ... but it is getting better. I actually start teaching tomorrow (I have been testing the last 2 1/2 weeks ). I will now be doing what I love.

And just a funny story about a kindergartener in our school that will make you laugh ....

We have a student that is very physically handicapped. One day at recess, two aides were monitoring/helping him go down the slide on the playground. Well the aide that was on the top of the slide had just helped him go down when one of the other kindergarteners came up behind her on the steps and said,"Are you going down the slide ... or are you stuck?!" Well the aide just started laughing and the child then started yelling to the recess monitor .... "Hey there is a giant up here and she won't go down the slide!" By this time the aide was about to pee her pants! Just thought I would share to give you all a giggle!

Just remembered that we were starting sometime soon and I had signed up. My brain is fried!

My new job (Middle School secretary/receptionist) is INSANE! I was expecting crazy but this is beyond that. I was told that this week was crazier than usual and that the first day was the worse one in years. Of course having a new gal there that is clueless probably didn't help! But we got to Friday and the school is still standing and all the teachers and kids are accounted for so I guess we can count that as a success. As I learn more and get it figured out hopefully it will get easier. This morning I got confused and started the morning announcements 5 minutes early. I got all the way to "Please stand and join me for the Pledge of" when I realized why the other secretaries were waving their hands like maniacs and mouthing "STOP!". OOPPS!!! Hopefully I gave the teachers a good Friday morning laugh.

I was told that every Friday is "order out for lunch" day, and so far we have had bagels, monkey bread and today gourmet cupcakes in the office! When I subbed in the Guidance office it was easy to avoid but now it is right there. I am doing okay though.

Hey ... hang in there! The first few days of school for a school secretary are the pits!!! I promise it gets better.

Our secretary is a hoot and has a special count down for when the students will be off for the summer ... then another count down for when the teachers leave the building!



QOTD Friday, September 7, 2012: So do you have a plan for how you are going to make your goals for the challenge? Share your plan and your goals big and small for this challenge.

My plan is to start tracking my food starting tomorrow, running at least 3 times a week and drinking my 64oz. of water daily.

I am going to set my goal small this challenge. I would like to lose 5 pounds and STAY there or lose more ... but quit yo-yoing!

QOTD Saturday, September 8, 2012 2012: Do you think tracking food is an important part of weight loss?
* Yes, definitely

It is for me! I do so much better when I am watching what I eat.

QOTD for Sunday, September 9, 2012: Do you have all the winning strategies covered? Or do you have one of your own that should be added to the list?

Winners Set Small Goals ^ see above.
Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts I need to get better at forgiving myself when I do take a break.
Winners Are Proud of Themselves I am proud when I am making progress.
Winners Take On New Challenges I am going to put my nose to the grindstone this time.
Winners Keep Score I will track my food and weight.
Winners Are Part of a Team You are MY TEAM!
Winners Make It Fun I need to work on this. Sometimes it is not fun ... and this is when I lose motivation.

 

[DHK]

Hi - I'm Kevin and this will be my first challenge.

This seems like a very nice and encouraging group, so I'm really looking forward to getting started. With a trip to WDW looming in January and quite a bit of weight to lose (more than can be lost in one challenge), I can use all the help and motivation I can get.

Accountability and perseverance have been my biggest shortcomings in weight loss, so hopefully I can improve in those areas.

Every long journey must begin with a single step ... and I very much hope joining the Fall Challenge is my first step to weight loss success.

 

[MelindaRuns]

Hello everyone! I hope you all are having a great adjustment to the challenge. I need to get back to where tracking is second nature. I will get there.

 

[tea pot]

Hi lisah
Good to be back and loving this journey to our Happy Place

Let's continue our journeys to the Happiest Place on Earth.

QOTD Saturday, September 8, 2012 2012: Do you think tracking food is an important part of weight loss?
* Yes, definitely
* Maybe, it depends on the person
* No, I don't think it's necessary

Have a great Saturday!

Yes Definitely
But I have to say I need work in this area
I like that quote bite it / write it! A new mantra

[

Here are the winning strategies you'll need!

Winners Set Small Goals 10lbs at a time

Winners Take Breaks and Timeouts This one scares me

Winners Are Proud of Themselves Not yet

Winners Take On New Challenges This One

Winners Keep Score Check

Winners Are Part of a Team Hey guys I thought you were my team

Winners Make It Fun Will need to work on this one too