Biggest Loser Fall Challenge!

[jillbur]

I haven't been on track lately. I just can't seem to "get it together". I am running the Zoo 5K this Saturday. I haven't been running for a week due to the weather so I am sure it won't be a "pretty" run on Saturday.

Have fun in the zoo race! Wave to all the animals for me & my kids lol. We usually make it to Boo at the Zoo, but not this year. The weather hasn't cooperated.


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

Just checking in to say we are leaving in a little over an hour to go to my sister's then on to Hershey! It's about a 4.5-5 hour trip for us. Today's plan is to swim at the hotel (the kids, not me), dinner, then Chocolate World. Tomorrow, the girls from my nephew's school run at 9:30 then my nephew runs at 11:45. It supposed to be sunny and 50. I haven't seen sun in a week. It started raining here last Friday & it was nonstop until last night. I haven't looked outside yet today. Nonstop. I'm not kidding. Miserable! I'm so excited for my nephew & his team. I'll check back in when we get home. Have a great weekend!

Jill

 

[KDIPIAZZ]

Hit a mini-goal this morning I'm now out of the "clinically obese" category and into the "obese" category. Never thought being obese would be a nice thing. 3/4 lb more to hit 30% gone and 2.75 lb more to hit the century mark

 

[pjlla]

Morning all ! Here at school, but managed to find some computer access. Kids are on their way in, but I will be back about 10:30 with today's QOTD!

Hope all are fine! TTYL..............P

 

[JacksLilWench]

That sounds like a great fun race! Can't wait to see photos of the event!

I have met his parents, actually, thank goodness! It won't be a big ambush or anything like that. The thing is, he is actually a lot closer to his grandparents, so that's what I'm worried about. But I think it will be good!

I am so excited for the race! I went to the Halloween store last night because they had 50% off everything and bought an Ariel crown to run in ;-)

Here is my recipe for tomorrow night's soup!



Semi-Crockpot Hamburger soup


1 lb. of lean ground beef, browned, drained (and rinsed if you desire)

2 large potatoes, cubed

3 handfuls of baby carrots

2 medium onions, diced

3 stalks of celery, washed and diced

1 bottle V-8 juice or tomato juice (low sodium if desired)

Place all ingredients into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

I call it "semi-crockpot" because you have to brown the meat in advance. But I will buy a large quantity of hamburg on sale and brown it all at once and divide it into 1 lb. containers and put it in the freezer. I haven't tried this recipe using TVP, but I suppose you could. Not sure what TVP would do after cooking all day in the crockpot.

** My modifications.... the original recipe called for using tomato soup and water.... but I don't like the HFCS in the soup (or the calories), so I use the juice. V-8 comes in low sodium or high fiber or spicy, so you could change it up if you want.

The original recipe also called for corn, but I don't want the added starch.

This could be easily made on the stove top, if you were in a hurry... and you could use frozen veggies if desired.

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

Today's additional note: A few other things I also do..... add a can of rinsed and drained beans (kidney, pinto, or black would be fine). And I throw in lots of extra veggies when I can.... bell peppers, zucchini/summer squash, even kale.

ENJOY!.................P

I may have to make this, it sounds so good! But what does TVP mean??

So rather than a QOTD for today, I'm going to leave you with this thought -- courtesy of sparkpeople.com, of course.

If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average.

- Unknown

Persevering through failure

Of course try, try again, but when you don't succeed at something it's best not to beat yourself up or hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of achievement. Feeling as if you're a failure, simply for not reaching a goal, is not who you truly are. Do you think you're the only one who fails? Of course not! Most problems involve steps to their solution, and solving each step along the way IS an accomplishment. If you become discouraged during your weight loss journey or find your financial aspirations out of reach, keep trying! Some of life's most rewarding experiences make you sweat and persevere through hard times, only to emerge on the other side victorious and wiser for having worked so hard.

Rather than a QOTD use this time to think about your goals, where you are, where you need to be, and what you need to do to get there.

And while you are at it, think about what kind of a challenge you want to have in the spring. It takes a lot of work to put these challenges together, especially a spring challenge. We are going to need people to volunteer for all positions for the spring challenge to make it work. I'm sorry but I don't have the time to volunteer myself and besides I had my turn. That was more of what my comments yesterday were directed to, although I do think that it is true we are more of a chat at this time. If that is what people want that is great. If we want more it is going to take some changes.

We still have a couple of weeks left for this challenge and I know Samantha will be catching up the weigh in reports next week, if she has power.

Have a great day all!

A lot of thinking to do today for my success. I have backslid quite a bit, but I am back on plan and have even written out my meal plan and shopping list. And now I have a new mindset and I'm ready to be back where I was!

I do want to be involved in the challenge, I just have to decide what level of involvement I want to have. But I would love to be more involved in this and with you incredible ladies who give so much to help others achieve their goals. I will have to PM a couple of you to see what is involved !

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Don't forget to PM those weigh ins to Samantha today. Here PM box may be full with the power out so don't worry if you get a message. She will let us know how she is doing when she can.

Thank you Samantha for sticking with us and being our weighkeeper!

Hi Fran! Nice to see you! I got a chuckle out of your remodeling story. We purposely incorporated a light from DS' baby room that is bright turquoise (Rainbow Fish) in our linen closet so we can remember it always.

Have a great day everyone .... and may the weightloss fairy follow your every move!

Same to you!

Pamela, that was great advice you had for Christina on the house building process. It's a stressful process no matter how wonderful your builder is. Be very detailed in all your specifications. That is one of the areas I see people do a lot of arguing about -- they thought they were getting nicer fixtures than were included. It's boring but it saves a lot of arguing and legal fees later.

MB, sending good thoughts your way. I know you can hang in and maintain through this stressful time. Do you have access to a pool?

Thanks for stepping up and keeping us on course! I am set for my coaching stint starting tomorrow, but won't be surprised if we don't have many participants as we wind down here.

I have been doing some thinking about my goals (maintenance, exercise) and such.... especially in preparing for my new job. I am already so busy with subbing and driving the kids, etc, I can't imagine how I will fit it all in with a new job... even part time. Exercise has been lacking lately (although I have been a bit better in the past few weeks) and meal planning has fallen by the wayside. Time to get back into a better routine! Not sure yet how that will happen, but I'll work on it. Probably need to look at getting more done during the weekends... but sometimes swim makes that difficult.

You do have a lot of juggling to do, Pamela, especially once your job starts.

You have a great week-end, too, Jill!

Hit a mini-goal this morning I'm now out of the "clinically obese" category and into the "obese" category. Never thought being obese would be a nice thing. 3/4 lb more to hit 30% gone and 2.75 lb more to hit the century mark

That is wonderful! You've worked so hard this year and been so successful. I did notice when I logged into MFP for the first time in a long time yesterday that you were still plugging along and doing great! Keep up the good work!

Kaiti, did you see that Disney has a sweepstakes for the Princess 2013? The grand prize is a night in the castle after the race! It's called the "Run Like a Princess" sweepstakes. Also, test out securing and running with your crown. It's amazing how much stuff you find at the side of the road during races that people abandon -- wings, crowns, tutus.

A lot of people doing the reboot thing with their healthy living and that is wonderful. Think how much better off we will be when January rolls around than if we just let things go until then.

Have a great day all!

 

[Octoberbride03]

I totally did not mean to disappear from the thread. I have wound up way busier than I planned for this fall and when i am home I get my workout in and get done what I need to am just so tired I haven't even been on the boards.

I knew I had a couple of things but those were just a couple of weeks, and then I got asked to do something else that I'd waiting for an opportunity for at church and I couldn't say no since I had been waiting for it.

That'll teach me to host 1 of these things.

 

[pjlla]

Just checking in to say we are leaving in a little over an hour to go to my sister's then on to Hershey! It's about a 4.5-5 hour trip for us. Today's plan is to swim at the hotel (the kids, not me), dinner, then Chocolate World. Tomorrow, the girls from my nephew's school run at 9:30 then my nephew runs at 11:45. It supposed to be sunny and 50. I haven't seen sun in a week. It started raining here last Friday & it was nonstop until last night. I haven't looked outside yet today. Nonstop. I'm not kidding. Miserable! I'm so excited for my nephew & his team. I'll check back in when we get home. Have a great weekend!

Jill

Fingers crossed for good weather for you and the runners! Enjoy Chocolate World! Talk about a diet minefield! Enjoy your "sister time" as well!

Hit a mini-goal this morning I'm now out of the "clinically obese" category and into the "obese" category. Never thought being obese would be a nice thing. 3/4 lb more to hit 30% gone and 2.75 lb more to hit the century mark

That is a wonderful mini-goal! Congratulations on reaching it! You will be at that 100 mark before you know it!! Onward and downward!! ..............P

 

[pjlla]

Happy Friday morning friends! I am Pamela and I am your coach for this upcoming week! I know things have been quiet on here for many reasons, but I hope everyone takes a moment to at least read the QOTD this week. Hopefully it will inspire you!

I will be taking each QOTD from a book I am currently reading called "The Thin Commandments Diet". So far I am finding a LOT of great food for thought in this book!!

QOTD for Friday, November 1, 2012

Commandment #1:

Strategy is Stronger than Willpower. ".... those who succeed at weight control do not have greater willpower than those who fail - they just have better strategies."
When I read this statement in this book, it was a definite lightbulb moment for me. Folks have been asking me for a few years "how did you finally do it?" and "how are you keeping it off?" And I kept telling them that if I could answer that question intelligently (other than my pat answer of WW and exercise), I would write a book! Well... this statement is my answer. I developed new and better strategies.

What are YOUR best strategies... for any food/exercise related situation?? (If you have trouble thinking of something, think about this week's Halloween temptations... how did you handle that?).

 

[pjlla]

I totally did not mean to disappear from the thread. I have wound up way busier than I planned for this fall and when i am home I get my workout in and get done what I need to am just so tired I haven't even been on the boards.

I knew I had a couple of things but those were just a couple of weeks, and then I got asked to do something else that I'd waiting for an opportunity for at church and I couldn't say no since I had been waiting for it.

That'll teach me to host 1 of these things.

We totally understand! I think we've all gotten exponentially busier than expected this fall!!

I have met his parents, actually, thank goodness! It won't be a big ambush or anything like that. The thing is, he is actually a lot closer to his grandparents, so that's what I'm worried about. But I think it will be good!

Remember... if you love and respect him, they will love and respect you (coming from the Mom of a DS ). But I do remember those moments of getting to know his family... nerve wracking!!

I am so excited for the race! I went to the Halloween store last night because they had 50% off everything and bought an Ariel crown to run in ;-)


Fun!

I may have to make this, it sounds so good! But what does TVP mean??

Textured Vegetable Protein. It is a dry soy meat replacement.... looks a bit like grape nuts cereal. I used to use it to stretch my hamburger years ago... until DS was diagnosed with a soy allergy. I haven't bought it recently because of the questions that are out there about a possible link between increased soy intake and breast cancer. We get so much soy in our American diets now.... it is in EVERYTHING it seems. DMom had breast cancer as did my SIL, so I know that for my sake and my DD's sake, I need to watch that. But it is a great alternative protein for many folks.

A lot of thinking to do today for my success. I have backslid quite a bit, but I am back on plan and have even written out my meal plan and shopping list. And now I have a new mindset and I'm ready to be back where I was!

WTG! Back in the saddle again!

I do want to be involved in the challenge, I just have to decide what level of involvement I want to have. But I would love to be more involved in this and with you incredible ladies who give so much to help others achieve their goals. I will have to PM a couple of you to see what is involved !

Thanks for giving it some thought. It looks like we will have some volunteers in the New Year if we are going to field another BL challenge. If we can't get the volunteers for hostessing and weigh-in tracker, then we will probably move to just a "chat" style thread.

Good morning all!

Don't forget to PM those weigh ins to Samantha today. Here PM box may be full with the power out so don't worry if you get a message. She will let us know how she is doing when she can.

Thanks for the reminder!

Hi Fran! Nice to see you! I got a chuckle out of your remodeling story. We purposely incorporated a light from DS' baby room that is bright turquoise (Rainbow Fish) in our linen closet so we can remember it always.

What a wonderful idea!!


Pamela, that was great advice you had for Christina on the house building process. It's a stressful process no matter how wonderful your builder is. Be very detailed in all your specifications. That is one of the areas I see people do a lot of arguing about -- they thought they were getting nicer fixtures than were included. It's boring but it saves a lot of arguing and legal fees later.

Thanks... wish we had talked to more folks before we started building. We didn't make any tragic mistakes, but there are definite change we would have made.

You do have a lot of juggling to do, Pamela, especially once your job starts.

As DD was bellowing at me this morning about the lack of clean laundry, it definitely made me start thinking about this! I am barely keeping my head above water right now just subbing and getting the kids to their events. Not sure how it will be once I get a "real" job!

Kaiti, did you see that Disney has a sweepstakes for the Princess 2013? The grand prize is a night in the castle after the race! It's called the "Run Like a Princess" sweepstakes. Also, test out securing and running with your crown. It's amazing how much stuff you find at the side of the road during races that people abandon -- wings, crowns, tutus.

I am such a scrounger! I'd want to stop and pick the stuff up!!

A lot of people doing the reboot thing with their healthy living and that is wonderful. Think how much better off we will be when January rolls around than if we just let things go until then.

Have a great day all!

I agree! So many folks figure at this time of year to just give up until after New Years.... but there are SO MANY weeks left in this year to be successful and get next year off to an even better start!!

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

Kids are done in art, so I've gotta run! I'll try to pop on again when they are at recess! TTYL..............P

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTD: My best strategy is chocolate milk. When I am craving chocolate I make myself a nice, cold glass. For exercise it is getting up at 5 AM. Not fun, and today I didn't do it (thanks 11 PM phone call and 3:30 AM dog). DH is an exercise fiend in the evening, but I just can't do that cuz I think it takes away "family time." Even if we're all looking at different screens, at least we're in the same room!

So today I didn't get my 5:30 AM 3 mile walk in, but I was able to meet my girlfriends midway through their walk so got in 2.1 miles! It was so wonderful to walk with my buddies again!!! Gosh I miss them, and the fast pace!

My sub job is finally going to end!!!! I will work a half day Monday--they're not even calling it a sub job, I am job shadowing the new person so I can train her! The nurses are coming in mid morning to get her all up to speed on the kiddo. It will be very nice to have some time to myself again. I've been having a pretty crummy challenge and I was thinking a lot of it has to do with working so much. Although I absolutely love my job, I just wasn't prepared for so much work. It makes it really hard to get all the chores done and meals planned and house run. to all those mommies who work full time

Need to go make the most of this no elementary school day--lots of shopping and cleaning on the agenda!

SIX more days until DLR anniversary trip!

 

[pjlla]

QOTD: My best strategy is chocolate milk. When I am craving chocolate I make myself a nice, cold glass. For exercise it is getting up at 5 AM. Not fun, and today I didn't do it (thanks 11 PM phone call and 3:30 AM dog). DH is an exercise fiend in the evening, but I just can't do that cuz I think it takes away "family time." Even if we're all looking at different screens, at least we're in the same room!

Great strategies! DD has developed a love of chocolate almond milk... it isn't exactly like dairy milk, but fewer calories and low fat can't be beat! I was a 5 am exerciser for a long time, but with my nights getting later, I just can't manage it any more. Good for you!

So today I didn't get my 5:30 AM 3 mile walk in, but I was able to meet my girlfriends midway through their walk so got in 2.1 miles! It was so wonderful to walk with my buddies again!!! Gosh I miss them, and the fast pace!

I miss having friends to walk with. It is actually the one thing for me that makes exercise enjoyable!

My sub job is finally going to end!!!! I will work a half day Monday--they're not even calling it a sub job, I am job shadowing the new person so I can train her! The nurses are coming in mid morning to get her all up to speed on the kiddo. It will be very nice to have some time to myself again. I've been having a pretty crummy challenge and I was thinking a lot of it has to do with working so much. Although I absolutely love my job, I just wasn't prepared for so much work. It makes it really hard to get all the chores done and meals planned and house run. to all those mommies who work full time

I totally agree! God bless all those full-time working Moms.... I don't know how they do it! I've worked three days this week and life is already out of control!!

Need to go make the most of this no elementary school day--lots of shopping and cleaning on the agenda!

SIX more days until DLR anniversary trip!

I'll bet you are excited about the trip!! Packed already??

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

Kids are off to recess and I am up for lunch duty in 5 minutes. No swim for DD tonight and she didn't get registered for this weekend's swim meet (registration was during the time she was still undecided about her team choice), so I have a rare weekend without lots of plans. DS still has the play tonight and tomorrow night, but that is it on the real schedule! But of course, there is plenty of laundry to catch up on! .

I'll pop on when I get home tonight! .....................P

 

[bigsis1970]

As a working mom Thank You! (and I was a single working mom when they were little)you choose your battles... things like can the dishes wait till tomorrow so you can do some laundry instead. or can they both wait cause you need to help with homework. or throw it in the washer before dinner and the dryer before bedtime and do the quick fluff the next day before folding it.. and well we used a lot of paper plates.. I tried to cook some meals ahead on the weekend and freeze for quick easy filling dinners or make extra and then freeze it for the following week.. sometimes we were down to our last clean socks on a friday am but laundry day was Saturday.. scrub the tub when the bath is over vs. waiting till the weekend. Well and to be truthful I am sure your days are no less busy without working outside the home - I mean you don't sit on the couch all day watching soaps and eating chips right?? LOL each has it's own type of busyness and it all works out in the end somehow..

 

[bigsis1970]

I have been doing awful for the past few weeks -- I can't seem to get myself motivated and have gained back about 5 lbs which makes me crazy but i just don't seem to care enough to get my Lazy self moving or planning better.. I am an emotional eater and this time of year stresses me out.. I mean I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the stuff that comes with them.. The baking especially - I love to cook and bake so these two holidays are right up my alley.. but I also have a bunch of other overwhelming things happening that are draining me.. Money is always tight but this time of the and this year it seem more so.. (my DD is in college 2.5 hrs away in her first year so she isn't working but needs some cash for the "little" stuff, DS is trying to get his permit so we had a drivers ed bill , DS has 2 hockey bills due - 1 is paid and 1 is not, we are paying my EX child support $60 wkly becuase he is unemployed even though we share 50/50 custody he makes less then I do so I pay him , I pay car insurance for 3 cars, 1 pay for 3 cell phone, my cable bill is off the wall ($150 Hubs needs to call about that and get it lowered) both cars have to registered and expected in Oct, plus all 4 of us celebrate our Bdays in Oct & Nov and we have 6 other family bday by the end of year, oh and the cost of food and gas are crazy .. UGH.. lot's of whining right now.. sorry vent done.. but this is my stress..
So Zumba starts back up 11/6 I only am doing one class as I don't have the $$ for both (plus it runs till the end of Jan and if there is snow I am not driving myself) it was a great stress reliever.. hopefully back on top of things soon.. Thanks for being here.. Hugs to all Michelle

 

[Rose&Mike]

Has anyone heard from Dona??? I probably should go back and read a couple of pages, but just wanted to see if she was ok. I know she is in New Jersey, though not sure how close to the most effected areas? Thanks!

 

[pjlla]

As a working mom Thank You! (and I was a single working mom when they were little)you choose your battles... things like can the dishes wait till tomorrow so you can do some laundry instead. or can they both wait cause you need to help with homework. or throw it in the washer before dinner and the dryer before bedtime and do the quick fluff the next day before folding it.. and well we used a lot of paper plates.. I tried to cook some meals ahead on the weekend and freeze for quick easy filling dinners or make extra and then freeze it for the following week.. sometimes we were down to our last clean socks on a friday am but laundry day was Saturday.. scrub the tub when the bath is over vs. waiting till the weekend. Well and to be truthful I am sure your days are no less busy without working outside the home - I mean you don't sit on the couch all day watching soaps and eating chips right?? LOL each has it's own type of busyness and it all works out in the end somehow..

It is all about coping strategies in life.... not just in eating, but with EVERYTHING! You are right.... I do not sit on the couch watching soaps and eating chips.... but I have certainly wasted my share of time in the past! Wish I had a few of those hours back now!

I was in a pretty good pattern of throwing a load in the washer as soon as I rose and then hanging it out before I left for the day....but with my nights getting later, I'm hitting the snooze a bit too often now and I am barely getting myself and the kids out the door. I did manage to empty the dishwasher this morning before leaving though.

I definitely give a "hats off" to ALL working parents (but especially Moms!).

I have been doing awful for the past few weeks -- I can't seem to get myself motivated and have gained back about 5 lbs which makes me crazy but i just don't seem to care enough to get my Lazy self moving or planning better.. I am an emotional eater and this time of year stresses me out.. I mean I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the stuff that comes with them.. The baking especially - I love to cook and bake so these two holidays are right up my alley.. but I also have a bunch of other overwhelming things happening that are draining me.. Money is always tight but this time of the and this year it seem more so.. (my DD is in college 2.5 hrs away in her first year so she isn't working but needs some cash for the "little" stuff, DS is trying to get his permit so we had a drivers ed bill , DS has 2 hockey bills due - 1 is paid and 1 is not, we are paying my EX child support $60 wkly becuase he is unemployed even though we share 50/50 custody he makes less then I do so I pay him , I pay car insurance for 3 cars, 1 pay for 3 cell phone, my cable bill is off the wall ($150 Hubs needs to call about that and get it lowered) both cars have to registered and expected in Oct, plus all 4 of us celebrate our Bdays in Oct & Nov and we have 6 other family bday by the end of year, oh and the cost of food and gas are crazy .. UGH.. lot's of whining right now.. sorry vent done.. but this is my stress..
So Zumba starts back up 11/6 I only am doing one class as I don't have the $$ for both (plus it runs till the end of Jan and if there is snow I am not driving myself) it was a great stress reliever.. hopefully back on top of things soon.. Thanks for being here.. Hugs to all Michelle

And hugs right back to you. We've had our share of tight budgets lately. I only work during the school year, so every year by August things are super tight... but then in September it seems like every thing is due!! Plus there are school clothes and school supplies to buy, sports deposits, etc. When I am organized enough and working in the spring, I try to sock away my last few paychecks in May/June to save for all of this.... but it doesn't always work out.

I've been a crazy lady on the savings front lately.... saying no to every little request for "extras". But the kids seem to be understanding.

BTW, have you checked out the Budget Board? Seems to me I've seen you on a thread or two over there. If not, check it out. There are frequently great savings ideas (if you can overlook the "check out this wonderful sale on xxxxx!!" posts!), coupons, links to truly wonderful prices on stuff, etc.

Has anyone heard from Dona??? I probably should go back and read a couple of pages, but just wanted to see if she was ok. I know she is in New Jersey, though not sure how close to the most effected areas? Thanks!

I believe we heard from her Monday and she stated that she had no school that day or Tuesday and on Tuesday they would be making a decision about Wed.... but that was the last we heard from her. I guess I've been assuming that perhaps they lost power after that... or perhaps they had to evacuate??

I'll send you a PM if I see her pop on here.

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

Evening friends! Other than stopping to eat a bowl of soup for dinner, this is the first time I've sat down since I walked in the door about 4pm! I am WIPED OUT! I didn't want to have to spend my weekend on house stuff so I was determined to do as much as possible tonight. So far I've done 4 loads of laundry... one went in the dryer and two went on the line...(fingers crossed for no rain overnight) and one is still in the washer. I will put it out in the morning. After dinner I made two double batches of my DH's low carb treats (chocolate coconut treats and peanut butter cups). I cleaned two toilets, washed all of the lunch sack tupperwares and all kinds of other assorted stuff (including searching for DS's missing cell phone, cutting coupons, emptying bathroom trash bins, emptying recycling bins, and packing up the braids I cut off to mail to Wigs for Kids). Where does the time go? It seems like I could have accomplished more in 3 hours!!

The soup tonight was delish.... I added a can of fennel and red pepper diced tomatoes... nice touch! I could have done without the potato and I didn't eat most of what ended up in my bowl. I put it in for the kids.

Kids are at the school play again tonight. DS is the "assistant light technician" and DD is getting NHS points plus extra credit for music class for attending and helping with ticket sales and ushering. I expect them home about 10 pm, although DS may be going out with some of the older kids to Friendly's for a treat after the play. Depends on who is driving and whether or not I approve.

Tomorrow night we have shredded pork tacos on the menu. Never had that before.... I think I am just going to season the shredded pork with a packet of taco seasoning.... seems like the easiest thing to do! I think they will be yummy and a nice change to ground beef tacos.

I was all set to get steel cut oats into the crockpot for tomorrow's breakfast... but my oat canister was empty! Guess I forgot to add it to the grocery list. Oh well. I have an idea for an "egg in a roll" for the kids. I saw the recipe somewhere, but never tried it. I have some whole wheat dinner rolls in the freezer that need to be used up... seems like a good plan!

Off to fold laundry. I probably won't get it all done tonight, as I am fading fast!!

See you all in the a.m.!...................P

 

[belledreamer]

Just a quick fly-by post from Disney!

Been having a good time so far and spent today at Epcot. It hasn't been overly crowded (we've walked pretty much on everything) and I have been writing like crazy in my notebook for my TR. I think I'll be coming back a few lbs lighter too, although not for the greatest reasons... You'll be reading all about it soon enough.

But we're all doing ok and resting up for Hollywood Studios tomorrow! Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage tomorrow! YAY! I'll try to update again if I can!

 

[pjlla]

Just a quick fly-by post from Disney!

Been having a good time so far and spent today at Epcot. It hasn't been overly crowded (we've walked pretty much on everything) and I have been writing like crazy in my notebook for my TR. I think I'll be coming back a few lbs lighter too, although not for the greatest reasons... You'll be reading all about it soon enough.

But we're all doing ok and resting up for Hollywood Studios tomorrow! Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage tomorrow! YAY! I'll try to update again if I can!

Glad to hear from you! Hope you feel better and have a fabulous time! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow at HS!

***********

Phew! Made myself a small treat but told myself I couldn't have it until a ALL the laundry on my bed was folded and put away...and it is done! Every sock, every tea towel, everything! At least I'll start tomorrow with a clean slate and empty laundry baskets!

Good night all! Restful and restorative sleep to you all! .........P

 

[pjlla]

Good morning all!

QOTD for Saturday, November 3, 2012:

(Continuing on in "The Thin Commandments Diet book")

Commandment #2:

"Think Historically, Not Just Calorically"

This chapter is talking about our history with certain foods.... specially things that we call "triggers". "Two people may have very different history or response to a single 100 calorie cookie. For one person, the cookie may be satisfying - so much so that the person has never abused cookies in his life. For someone else, that one cookie may trigger them to want more and more and even binge on a whole box. Knowing which is true for you may ultimately prove more important to your long term success at weight control than knowing that the cookie has 100 calories."

This chapter mentions more than just trigger foods... they also mention "trigger situations", "trigger behaviors", and "trigger times". I know for myself, late night + hungry + tired = bad new in the kitchen!

So what are your triggers and what strategies have you developed (or are you developing) to deal with these??

 

[pjlla]

Well Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you all have a relaxing weekend on the agenda. If not and things are crazy, I hope you at least get a bit of time for yourself.

The kids went out with the play cast and crew last night and didn't get home until 1:05 am! 5 minutes past driving curfew! Honestly... I wasn't at all worried. In fact, I was asleep until just seconds before they pulled into the driveway. I knew DD wouldn't drive past the curfew. I'm sure she was paranoid those whole last 5 minutes! It seems like they had fun and my DD rarely goes out with friends like this... in fact, I cannot remember her EVER doing this.... so I was glad they went. She's senior in HS.... she needs to have fun with her friends....especially after all that has been going on with swim.

Last night's soup was good and yielded enough leftovers for another night if I add cheese sandwiches or something along with it. Plus the veggies weren't overdone, so they won't get mushy on reheating.

I should do some cooking this weekend to get me ahead, but I don't have a lot of ingredients in the house. I could probably make a batch of curried carrot soup... and maybe some tuna cheddar chowder... they both freeze okay. And I've got some chicken thighs to use up, so I'll pull those out to defrost today and work them into the menu sometime in the next few days. Need to find a recipe for them... something new would be nice. I've been perusing the crockpot recipe thread over on the Budget Board lately. I've gotten a few great recipes there in the past and need to find a few more.

Off to hang a load of clothes on the line. I'll be back to answer my own QOTD later!................P

 

[pjlla]

Happy Friday morning friends! I am Pamela and I am your coach for this upcoming week! I know things have been quiet on here for many reasons, but I hope everyone takes a moment to at least read the QOTD this week. Hopefully it will inspire you!

I will be taking each QOTD from a book I am currently reading called "The Thin Commandments Diet". So far I am finding a LOT of great food for thought in this book!!

QOTD for Friday, November 1, 2012

Commandment #1:

Strategy is Stronger than Willpower. ".... those who succeed at weight control do not have greater willpower than those who fail - they just have better strategies."
When I read this statement in this book, it was a definite lightbulb moment for me. Folks have been asking me for a few years "how did you finally do it?" and "how are you keeping it off?" And I kept telling them that if I could answer that question intelligently (other than my pat answer of WW and exercise), I would write a book! Well... this statement is my answer. I developed new and better strategies.

What are YOUR best strategies... for any food/exercise related situation?? (If you have trouble thinking of something, think about this week's Halloween temptations... how did you handle that?).

For myself, sometimes the best strategies is to HAVE NONE! Especially with things like Halloween candy.... once I have one, it is a downward spiral! I also use this strategies for things like chips and appetizers.

For other temptations, I just don't bring them into the house if I can avoid it. But I do need treats sometimes, so I've tried to find ways to enjoy them with less guilt. I've found a low carb chocolate bar at Trader Joe's that is delish... yes, the first ingredient is (Maltilol) but I figure once in a while is okay. I also splurge and buy red raspberries.... I hate that they aren't organic and I hate that they come from so far away, but a girl needs her treats, right?

Good morning all!

QOTD for Saturday, November 3, 2012:

(Continuing on in "The Thin Commandments Diet book")

Commandment #2:

"Think Historically, Not Just Calorically"

This chapter is talking about our history with certain foods.... specially things that we call "triggers". "Two people may have very different history or response to a single 100 calorie cookie. For one person, the cookie may be satisfying - so much so that the person has never abused cookies in his life. For someone else, that one cookie may trigger them to want more and more and even binge on a whole box. Knowing which is true for you may ultimately prove more important to your long term success at weight control than knowing that the cookie has 100 calories."

This chapter mentions more than just trigger foods... they also mention "trigger situations", "trigger behaviors", and "trigger times". I know for myself, late night + hungry + tired = bad new in the kitchen!

So what are your triggers and what strategies have you developed (or are you developing) to deal with these??

Triggers for me, as I mentioned, are things like a late night. If I walk into the house tired and hungry, there is trouble afoot! I am better off just going to bed hungry because if I start eating, I can't stop.... or I don't make good choices! Best strategy, of course, is to not let myself get that hungry at night!

I took a thermos of green tea and a small piece of low carb chocolate to the play on Thursday night. Sat there at intermission like an old lady enjoying my thermos of tea and my treat.... and I did NOT return home hungry at 10pm. I was able to skip through the kitchen and go straight to bed.

I also try to not eat in front of the TV any more..... that can be a problem for me!

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

Wow.... I'm feeling pretty lonely here today! Well... off to make lunch for the family. We will have our big meal today about 12:30 since DS will be at the school for the last play performance from 1:30 - ?? today.

I'll pop on again later.... hopefully someone will have come to visit me here!............P