Biggest Loser "No Excuses" 2012 Team Challenge for Losers and Maintainers!!!

[myweegirls]

Hi everyone!

Fun part first - QOTD! Where to begin...I think I'd start with Sunrise Safari (we're doing this for the first time this summer, and I can't wait), which has breakfast. Then to Everest for a couple of rides in the front row. Then to DHS to hit ToT and Aerosmith - definitely front row on that one! Over to Epcot for lunch somewhere in World Showcase, then to the Mandara Spa at Swolphin for a massage and pedicure...swing by MK for a quick peek and then over to Victoria & Albert's chef's table for dinner.

If I could survive a day like that, I'd need another one to doze by the pool!

Less fun part second - I saw the orthopedist today, and they reset my toe. OWOWOWOW. It appears to have been worth it, though, as the new x-ray looks much better than the one from yesterday morning. It should heal straight now, which would be nice. I got the go-ahead to use my stationary bike, as long as I'm wearing my shoe cast. So I did that tonight, a little over 14km in 45 minutes. The strap on the pedal adjusted just fine to fit the shoe cast, and I'm relieved there's something I can do while this heals.

I go back to the ortho in a week for another set of x-rays; at that point, they'll give me some more guidance about timelines. So while the bone reset was *very* unpleasant, I'm really glad I did it. He did give me the option of leaving it as it is, but he recommended doing the reset anyway. Healing the other way, the toe would be a lot more likely to catch on everything from sandals to sidewalks, and I think it's well demonstrated now that I'm kind of klutzy already! I don't need any more strikes against me. This will also hopefully ward off any future complications that might end up requiring surgery.

On top of that stress and pain, the kids were pretty bananas today, and DH and I are exhausted. I'm planted on the couch, catching up on some work and television, and soon I'm going to crash for the night. Hope everyone has a great day!

XO
Liz

 

[belledreamer]

It's my last QOTD, where did the week go?

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to all your answers, but I've thoroughly enjoyed being your coach this week and reading all your answers to my questions. Hopefully you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

And now, here's my last question!

Thursday QOTD, 4/19/12 : Tell us a healthy choice you made for yourself this week. Something like turning down a favorite food to keep from eating unnecessary calories? Or maybe taking the stairs instead of the elevator?

 

[D73]

Hello all,

I had a wonderful time on the Dream and Fantasy. Maintained my exercise, limited my alcohol and balanced my meals (most of the time). Got off the ship a few pounds heavier but know it would have been worse had I not gotten the exercise in.

I also got off the ship with a better knowledge of my body composition as I participatd in a series of 6 morning Boot Camp workouts which include a BCA, body composition analysis. I now know that I carry a lot more lean mass then most people my height and that if I were to push myself to the weight suggested on a BMI chart I would be at negative % fat or more likely woud one the healthy muscle. So I have a clearer picture of my healthy self in place.

I titled this a fly by posting because I arrived back in Switzerland only aka few days ago and find myself back at the airport waiting for a flight to Abu Dhabi. I am going for work to visit an international school and serve on the visiting team to assess the school for reaccreditation. Will be interesting, a whole lot of work, and a challenge for my eating as all the meals will be provided and I am not sure what kinds of food we will be served. Oh boy, another challenge.

I hope all of you are doing well. It will be a whole before I can catch up with the thread and it may be best that when I do return from my trip that I just jump in where ever things are in the discussions.

Good luck on the scales tomorrow. I sent my weigh in already as I don't know what tomorrow will hold and if I will find a scale.

All the best,
Christopher

 

[D73]

It's my last QOTD, where did the week go?

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to all your answers, but I've thoroughly enjoyed being your coach this week and reading all your answers to my questions. Hopefully you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

And now, here's my last question!

Thursday QOTD, 4/19/12 : Tell us a healthy choice you made for yourself this week. Something like turning down a favorite food to keep from eating unnecessary calories? Or maybe taking the stairs instead of the elevator?

I can happily share that during my 11 nights on the Dream and Fantasy, I only used the elevator once on each ship and that was upon arrival when I was dragging my bag along behind me. The rest of the time I used the stairs. There were times my legs yelled at me...NOT AGAIN! But I was persistent.

 

[donac]

Good Thursday morning

Christopher Glad to see that you had a great trip. That must have been fun to be on such a great ship and be able to do a boot camp. Great job on taking the stairs. I don't know if I could do that with this crappy knee. Have fun on the re evaluation. It should be interesting.

cc all of my students are taking the AP exam. I don't know how they will do since I do have some people who are not doing well in my class. Anyone who takes the AP test does not have to take the final so it is nice for them and me. Once the exam is done I only have to keep them busy with projects.

Last night I went to a presentation a friend and her daughter were giving about their humanitarian trip to South Africa. It was nice but the mother had to do most of the talking since the daughter was sick and had no voice.

I have to fine tune my grades and post them today. I also have to clean up my desk. It is a mess.

When I get home I have to post some pictures for a friend who wants to give some picture montages to some of the seniors from the local high school musicals.

The yoga tonight. I just hope that my shoulder cooperates. It has been bothering me off and on for the last couple of weeks. It will be fine for a couple of day but then if I do anything (like the yoga with weights class I took the other night) it then bothers me. It will be fine in the morning but the more I use it the more it hurts. I know I have to keep moving it so that it doesn't freeze up on me.

QOTD I have been packing my lunch every day this week and making sure that it is mostly veggies and protein.

Off to get dressed for school.

Have a happy and healthy day

 

[MelindaRuns]

Great job getting up and exercising! That's a good workout.

And, cute suit!!




This is a cute idea. We love Star Wars, too.




I don't have specifics, but I know I would ROCK WDW!! First of all, I would start my day with a stop to buy DVC. And, lots of points. And points at every resort lol. Then I would try to hit all 4 parks and do tours at each. I'd sqeeze in an awesome dinner on a private yacht to watch Wishes to end my magical night.



Great run! That's interesting about the quarter mile repeats to predict your 1/2 time. I didn't know that and may try it out. Thanks for the info.




That's awesome! Yay for the personal best!





Whoa! That's a great run and lots of races to get ready for. Good luck!




Super cute suit! Your boss is pretty funny

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

Well, I am feeling pretty blah. I didn't have time for a workout yesterday or today. Usually I don't make up excuses like "no time," but I really didn't have time! And, I am heading to bed when I am done here, so I do not want to workout this late. Tomorrow I will be able to make it to the gym, but I am worried about my weigh in this week~I'm still bloaty

DS5 started t-ball tonight and I may have gotten an ab workout just from laughing at those little kids. What a hoot!

31 days of school left (but who's counting ) and exactly ONE MONTH from today, DH and I will be getting ready to watch Wishes on our first night at WDW without kids. I cannot wait until our getaway! Although, I may not make it until Wishes starts...Our flight leaves PA at 6:30 am. The airport is an hour away, so I will be waking up at 2:30 am to leave at 3:30ish am! Yikes!

Gotta go and get things together for tomorrow. I'll check in then.

Jill

Jill, Good luck today getting a workout in! Let us know how it goes.

Hi everyone!

Fun part first - QOTD! Where to begin...I think I'd start with Sunrise Safari (we're doing this for the first time this summer, and I can't wait), which has breakfast. Then to Everest for a couple of rides in the front row. Then to DHS to hit ToT and Aerosmith - definitely front row on that one! Over to Epcot for lunch somewhere in World Showcase, then to the Mandara Spa at Swolphin for a massage and pedicure...swing by MK for a quick peek and then over to Victoria & Albert's chef's table for dinner.

If I could survive a day like that, I'd need another one to doze by the pool!

Less fun part second - I saw the orthopedist today, and they reset my toe. OWOWOWOW. It appears to have been worth it, though, as the new x-ray looks much better than the one from yesterday morning. It should heal straight now, which would be nice. I got the go-ahead to use my stationary bike, as long as I'm wearing my shoe cast. So I did that tonight, a little over 14km in 45 minutes. The strap on the pedal adjusted just fine to fit the shoe cast, and I'm relieved there's something I can do while this heals.

I go back to the ortho in a week for another set of x-rays; at that point, they'll give me some more guidance about timelines. So while the bone reset was *very* unpleasant, I'm really glad I did it. He did give me the option of leaving it as it is, but he recommended doing the reset anyway. Healing the other way, the toe would be a lot more likely to catch on everything from sandals to sidewalks, and I think it's well demonstrated now that I'm kind of klutzy already! I don't need any more strikes against me. This will also hopefully ward off any future complications that might end up requiring surgery.

On top of that stress and pain, the kids were pretty bananas today, and DH and I are exhausted. I'm planted on the couch, catching up on some work and television, and soon I'm going to crash for the night. Hope everyone has a great day!

XO
Liz

OUCH Liz! At least that part is over! I hope it heals very quickly. Congrats on staying on that bike to keep your cardiovascular system working.

It's my last QOTD, where did the week go?

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to all your answers, but I've thoroughly enjoyed being your coach this week and reading all your answers to my questions. Hopefully you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

And now, here's my last question!

Thursday QOTD, 4/19/12 : Tell us a healthy choice you made for yourself this week. Something like turning down a favorite food to keep from eating unnecessary calories? Or maybe taking the stairs instead of the elevator?

belledreamer Thank you so much for coaching! I have enjoyed your questions and everyone's responses. This week a healthy choice I made for myself is getting myself back on that wagon after 10 days at WDW. I only gained a pound from the day I left, because we did a LOT of walking (80 miles). I ate what I wanted, and drank what I wanted, but I noticed my eating habits and drinking habits are changed. I almost refused to drink my calories (water or diet soda) unless it was a cold beer at Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. I only ate about half of what was served to me in restaurants (I was full! I wasn't forcefully trying to limit myself, but I found making smart choices was easier now that I have been disciplined since January). Had we not been so active with all the walking I would have gained more.

That being said: my weight loss is still at a little bit of a standstill. I keep gaining and losing the same few pounds. I weigh 182.6 this morning, and I started this challenge at 195.8. The first time this challenge I weighed less than what I do today was March 10, and that was just by about a pound (181.4), and then my lowest weight of the whole challenge was 180.6 on March 24. I weigh myself every day and keep track of it in my phone. I'd like to get solidly into the 170's and forget these yo-yoing 180's!

Good Thursday morning

Christopher Glad to see that you had a great trip. That must have been fun to be on such a great ship and be able to do a boot camp. Great job on taking the stairs. I don't know if I could do that with this crappy knee. Have fun on the re evaluation. It should be interesting.

cc all of my students are taking the AP exam. I don't know how they will do since I do have some people who are not doing well in my class. Anyone who takes the AP test does not have to take the final so it is nice for them and me. Once the exam is done I only have to keep them busy with projects.

Last night I went to a presentation a friend and her daughter were giving about their humanitarian trip to South Africa. It was nice but the mother had to do most of the talking since the daughter was sick and had no voice.

I have to fine tune my grades and post them today. I also have to clean up my desk. It is a mess.

When I get home I have to post some pictures for a friend who wants to give some picture montages to some of the seniors from the local high school musicals.

The yoga tonight. I just hope that my shoulder cooperates. It has been bothering me off and on for the last couple of weeks. It will be fine for a couple of day but then if I do anything (like the yoga with weights class I took the other night) it then bothers me. It will be fine in the morning but the more I use it the more it hurts. I know I have to keep moving it so that it doesn't freeze up on me.

QOTD I have been packing my lunch every day this week and making sure that it is mostly veggies and protein.

Off to get dressed for school.

Have a happy and healthy day

Congrats on the yoga! I hope your shoulder feels better very, very soon and it continues to cooperate with you!

What is everyone doing to stay active today? I am working out with my trainer for the first time since being back from WDW. The little bit of core we did after Run Club on Tuesday (one minute plank, some bicycles, etc) let me know that being gone from strength training for more than two weeks has seriously taken its toll. Or maybe I was just tired. Anyway, today is a tracking and toning kind of day! No excuses, right?

Melinda

 

[jillbur]

Less fun part second - I saw the orthopedist today, and they reset my toe. OWOWOWOW. It appears to have been worth it, though, as the new x-ray looks much better than the one from yesterday morning. It should heal straight now, which would be nice. I got the go-ahead to use my stationary bike, as long as I'm wearing my shoe cast. So I did that tonight, a little over 14km in 45 minutes. The strap on the pedal adjusted just fine to fit the shoe cast, and I'm relieved there's something I can do while this heals.

I go back to the ortho in a week for another set of x-rays; at that point, they'll give me some more guidance about timelines. So while the bone reset was *very* unpleasant, I'm really glad I did it. He did give me the option of leaving it as it is, but he recommended doing the reset anyway. Healing the other way, the toe would be a lot more likely to catch on everything from sandals to sidewalks, and I think it's well demonstrated now that I'm kind of klutzy already! I don't need any more strikes against me. This will also hopefully ward off any future complications that might end up requiring surgery.

It's probably better to go through that pain of resetting to make sure it heals properly and you can get back to running without problems. I'm glad you're cleared to bike for now. You can always do some upper body strength training and a little lower body, too (maybe squats?). Good luck!

It's my last QOTD, where did the week go?

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to all your answers, but I've thoroughly enjoyed being your coach this week and reading all your answers to my questions. Hopefully you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

And now, here's my last question!

Thursday QOTD, 4/19/12 : Tell us a healthy choice you made for yourself this week. Something like turning down a favorite food to keep from eating unnecessary calories? Or maybe taking the stairs instead of the elevator?

Thanks for coaching! I've enjoyed the questions.

I preplanned my lunches for the week, so I was not running out to grab something unhealthy. I planned 3 different salads and today I am having a small portion of leftovers~whole wheat rotini noodles with a little sauce and lean ground beef. I am also trying to eat more fruits and veggies since I've been slacking off in that area.

Hello all,

I had a wonderful time on the Dream and Fantasy. Maintained my exercise, limited my alcohol and balanced my meals (most of the time). Got off the ship a few pounds heavier but know it would have been worse had I not gotten the exercise in.

I also got off the ship with a better knowledge of my body composition as I participatd in a series of 6 morning Boot Camp workouts which include a BCA, body composition analysis. I now know that I carry a lot more lean mass then most people my height and that if I were to push myself to the weight suggested on a BMI chart I would be at negative % fat or more likely woud one the healthy muscle. So I have a clearer picture of my healthy self in place.

I titled this a fly by posting because I arrived back in Switzerland only aka few days ago and find myself back at the airport waiting for a flight to Abu Dhabi. I am going for work to visit an international school and serve on the visiting team to assess the school for reaccreditation. Will be interesting, a whole lot of work, and a challenge for my eating as all the meals will be provided and I am not sure what kinds of food we will be served. Oh boy, another challenge.

I hope all of you are doing well. It will be a whole before I can catch up with the thread and it may be best that when I do return from my trip that I just jump in where ever things are in the discussions.

Good luck on the scales tomorrow. I sent my weigh in already as I don't know what tomorrow will hold and if I will find a scale.

All the best,
Christopher

Sounds like a blast on the cruises! Glad you had a good time and were able to do so without stressing about food. Have fun on your new trip even though it's work!

What is everyone doing to stay active today? I am working out with my trainer for the first time since being back from WDW. The little bit of core we did after Run Club on Tuesday (one minute plank, some bicycles, etc) let me know that being gone from strength training for more than two weeks has seriously taken its toll. Or maybe I was just tired. Anyway, today is a tracking and toning kind of day! No excuses, right?

Melinda

Today I have a plan to go to a circuit training class at the gym. It's an hour long. While I am there I will signing up for spinning tomorrow. I hardly ever workout on Fridays because of DH's schedule, but he is off tomorrow, so I am going. When I miss a strength training class, I always feel tired the next time I go. And if I miss a week? It's like starting all over when I go back!

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

Well, like I said above, the plan is to hit the gym at 4:30. I hope DH gets done with his clinicals on time today so I can make it to class. If not, I will just go to the park and maybe take my hyperactive dog

I just looked at my school calendar and I have 30 days of school after today! I also realized that DS8's birthday is 2 weeks from today. I need to figure out what to get him! Then DS5's birthday is 4 weeks away. (hey-I'm a teacher and I plannned these kids well ) He tells me daily what he wants (pretty much anything he sees on tv), so I should have no problem there The problem is that we usually do a combined party for our families. There are only 2 weekends between their birthdays and one of them DH and I will be at WDW. I just texted DH and told him we need to sit & discuss this tonight so I don't stress about it. Stress=chocolate and I do not need that!

I hope everyone is having nice weather. It was beautiful here (western PA) yesterday and again today. Tomorrow is supposed to be 80 and Saturday 52!! What!?!? I was planning on mulching Saturday, but I may wait. DS5 got invited to an ice skating birthday party Saturday. DS8 and I may skate as well since it's an open skate time. We'll see how that goes. Last time I was on ice skates, I ended up with a bruise on my knee the size of a grapefruit. I'm not feeling that again! DS8 thinks hockey would be a cool sport to play. We'll see...he's not the most coordinated 8 year olds!

Enjoy your day and I'll check back in later!

Jill

 

[jillbur]

Duplicate post.

 

[myweegirls]

OUCH Liz! At least that part is over! I hope it heals very quickly. Congrats on staying on that bike to keep your cardiovascular system working.

Thanks! It did feel good to get back on the bike and work up a sweat. I was a little nervous about flapping that foot around, but overall it seemed to stay pretty stable. I have three toes taped now instead of two, so a little extra stability, such as it is.

It's probably better to go through that pain of resetting to make sure it heals properly and you can get back to running without problems. I'm glad you're cleared to bike for now. You can always do some upper body strength training and a little lower body, too (maybe squats?). Good luck!

Jill, great idea - that's what I was thinking, too! So today I put on 30DS and did the parts that I could do without using my feet. If she was on one leg, I stayed on two and got into a mild squat while doing the upper body strength. I had to skip all the cardio sections, of course (jumping jacks? don't think so...), but I got pretty much all of the strength and abs done.

I told DD7 about the reset yesterday because she knew I was going to the doctor. The look on her face was priceless - she was absolutely horrified at the idea of having a bone pushed back into place! It still gives me the quivers when I think about it today - I am SO glad that's done.

QOTD: I've been really careful about food and counting my WW maintenance points because of the dial-back on exercise. I know that's not just one thing, but it's an overall one thing, right? Oh! I went out to lunch with DH yesterday - he offered to come meet me after my ortho and derm appointments so I could have something fun to do yesterday as well. We went to Sweetwater Tavern, which I love but which also has lots of pitfalls, nutritionally. I ordered the roast chicken salad, held the pine nuts, and put the dressing on the side. I skipped the croutons and gave DH about a third of the goat cheese that came with the salad, which also had tomatoes, corn, dried cranberries, and figs. It was delicious and definitely healthier than if I'd just downed the whole thing as written.

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

XO
Liz

 

[tigger813]

Hi all,

Quick post from work! I'll be your coach starting tomorrow so I will be replying more the next week and try to use mutiquote again! I don't always have a lot of time to reply but I will do my best this coming week.

Stayed the same as yesterday on the scale but I'm ok with it. Ending up being a busy day. At work now, going to run home and feed the kids lunch and then come back to work to give a massage to my hair dresser and then go back home to do some raking and then come back again at 4 for a 30 minute massage and then get the house ready for our sleepover visitor tonight.

I did 50 on the elliptical this morning and plan on at least that much more later today and will be raking for an hour as well.

Have a great Thursday and make healthy choices!

QOTD: I have been really trying to watch my calories. I did have one small homemade pretzel yesterday when we made them. I am drinking tons of water and getting in my workouts. I'm going to really watch everything that goes in my mouth for the next two months so I will look and feel great on my cruise and during my trip to Disney!

TTFN

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Welcome home Christopher Safe travels to Abu Dhabi! DH has been there once, just to fly through from parts we can't talk about. LOL
Great job on the classes and stairs!

******************
Ugh, must get motivated. DS15 has a 1/2 day and practice at 3. He decided to grab lunch with his teammates before practice instead of coming home but I need to run him gym clothes. I'd really like to squeeze in a walk/run somewhere but I'm not sure I'll have time.

I'd really rather take a nap! LOL I went to bed at 11 last night, which is pretty good for me but we still overslept. I'm not sure what's going on. I don't get why I'm so tired.
And I'm a little frustrated with the scale, it's not moving. I think I need to tweak my calorie count some more. But the shirt I wore today is one I haven't worn in a while but it does fit better around the belly. And my pants are a little loose, or rather they fit and aren't cutting me in 1/2. I need to find that darn belt! LOL


OK OK, I'm going to go do something.

 

[RemembertheMagic98]

Rememberthemagic98 Congrats on your run! Woo hoo! That is amazing! Keep up the good work! And I love how you would spend your one day in the park! Can I come with you?

I ran 5.25 miles this morning, average pace 15:31. I had to take some walk breaks. It was pouring rain the whole time, and I mean POURING! I had some minutes that were 10's, 11's, 12's, and 13's. My fastest mile was 13:33, for the whole mile. Ugh. I know I can do better than that. I have a half coming up a week from Saturday. I admit, I am a little scared for that one. My pace has been off ever since returning from WDW and I haven't really gotten it back yet. I thought I had it back last night (for one miles out of three) but today it was the same old demon back (negative self talk, not keeping my breath even though I know I am cardiovascularly capable of this, etc). I have a 5K this Saturday the 21st (and hope to get a used bike at the Bike Swap a local bike store is having, and I have my next half marathon in Brainerd, MN on Saturday the 28th. Double !!

Hope everyone is well!

Melinda

Melinda, feel free to join me....I'll work on winning the lottery....

Great times for the pouring rain!!! You CAN do it!!!

Well, I am feeling pretty blah. I didn't have time for a workout yesterday or today. Usually I don't make up excuses like "no time," but I really didn't have time! And, I am heading to bed when I am done here, so I do not want to workout this late. Tomorrow I will be able to make it to the gym, but I am worried about my weigh in this week~I'm still bloaty

DS5 started t-ball tonight and I may have gotten an ab workout just from laughing at those little kids. What a hoot!

31 days of school left (but who's counting ) and exactly ONE MONTH from today, DH and I will be getting ready to watch Wishes on our first night at WDW without kids. I cannot wait until our getaway! Although, I may not make it until Wishes starts...Our flight leaves PA at 6:30 am. The airport is an hour away, so I will be waking up at 2:30 am to leave at 3:30ish am! Yikes!

Gotta go and get things together for tomorrow. I'll check in then.

Jill

Super jealous!! Excited for your trip report!! Will you come back as a DVC member???

Hi everyone!

Fun part first - QOTD! Where to begin...I think I'd start with Sunrise Safari (we're doing this for the first time this summer, and I can't wait), which has breakfast. Then to Everest for a couple of rides in the front row. Then to DHS to hit ToT and Aerosmith - definitely front row on that one! Over to Epcot for lunch somewhere in World Showcase, then to the Mandara Spa at Swolphin for a massage and pedicure...swing by MK for a quick peek and then over to Victoria & Albert's chef's table for dinner.

If I could survive a day like that, I'd need another one to doze by the pool!

Less fun part second - I saw the orthopedist today, and they reset my toe. OWOWOWOW. It appears to have been worth it, though, as the new x-ray looks much better than the one from yesterday morning. It should heal straight now, which would be nice. I got the go-ahead to use my stationary bike, as long as I'm wearing my shoe cast. So I did that tonight, a little over 14km in 45 minutes. The strap on the pedal adjusted just fine to fit the shoe cast, and I'm relieved there's something I can do while this heals.

I go back to the ortho in a week for another set of x-rays; at that point, they'll give me some more guidance about timelines. So while the bone reset was *very* unpleasant, I'm really glad I did it. He did give me the option of leaving it as it is, but he recommended doing the reset anyway. Healing the other way, the toe would be a lot more likely to catch on everything from sandals to sidewalks, and I think it's well demonstrated now that I'm kind of klutzy already! I don't need any more strikes against me. This will also hopefully ward off any future complications that might end up requiring surgery.

On top of that stress and pain, the kids were pretty bananas today, and DH and I are exhausted. I'm planted on the couch, catching up on some work and television, and soon I'm going to crash for the night. Hope everyone has a great day!

XO
Liz

Hang in there Liz!

Hello all,

I had a wonderful time on the Dream and Fantasy. Maintained my exercise, limited my alcohol and balanced my meals (most of the time). Got off the ship a few pounds heavier but know it would have been worse had I not gotten the exercise in.

I also got off the ship with a better knowledge of my body composition as I participatd in a series of 6 morning Boot Camp workouts which include a BCA, body composition analysis. I now know that I carry a lot more lean mass then most people my height and that if I were to push myself to the weight suggested on a BMI chart I would be at negative % fat or more likely woud one the healthy muscle. So I have a clearer picture of my healthy self in place.

I titled this a fly by posting because I arrived back in Switzerland only aka few days ago and find myself back at the airport waiting for a flight to Abu Dhabi. I am going for work to visit an international school and serve on the visiting team to assess the school for reaccreditation. Will be interesting, a whole lot of work, and a challenge for my eating as all the meals will be provided and I am not sure what kinds of food we will be served. Oh boy, another challenge.

I hope all of you are doing well. It will be a whole before I can catch up with the thread and it may be best that when I do return from my trip that I just jump in where ever things are in the discussions.

Good luck on the scales tomorrow. I sent my weigh in already as I don't know what tomorrow will hold and if I will find a scale.

All the best,
Christopher

Glad your back safe Christopher!! Enjoy your reaccred and I look forward to your trip report when you return??? Dying to see pics of the ships!

Good Thursday morning

Christopher Glad to see that you had a great trip. That must have been fun to be on such a great ship and be able to do a boot camp. Great job on taking the stairs. I don't know if I could do that with this crappy knee. Have fun on the re evaluation. It should be interesting.

cc all of my students are taking the AP exam. I don't know how they will do since I do have some people who are not doing well in my class. Anyone who takes the AP test does not have to take the final so it is nice for them and me. Once the exam is done I only have to keep them busy with projects.

Last night I went to a presentation a friend and her daughter were giving about their humanitarian trip to South Africa. It was nice but the mother had to do most of the talking since the daughter was sick and had no voice.

I have to fine tune my grades and post them today. I also have to clean up my desk. It is a mess.

When I get home I have to post some pictures for a friend who wants to give some picture montages to some of the seniors from the local high school musicals.

The yoga tonight. I just hope that my shoulder cooperates. It has been bothering me off and on for the last couple of weeks. It will be fine for a couple of day but then if I do anything (like the yoga with weights class I took the other night) it then bothers me. It will be fine in the morning but the more I use it the more it hurts. I know I have to keep moving it so that it doesn't freeze up on me.

QOTD I have been packing my lunch every day this week and making sure that it is mostly veggies and protein.

Off to get dressed for school.

Have a happy and healthy day

Good luck at Yoga!! I hope the kids get through the test without complaint....who am I kidding....

Welcome home Christpher Safe travels to Abu Dhabi! DH has been there once, just to fly through from parts we can't talk about. LOL
Great job on the classes and stairs!

******************
Ugh, must get motivated. DS15 has a 1/2 day and practice at 3. He decided to grab lunch with his teammates before practice instead of coming home but I need to run him gym clothes. I'd really like to squeeze in a walk/run somewhere but I'm not sure I'll have time.

I'd really rather take a nap! LOL I went to bed at 11 last night, which is pretty good for me but we still overslept. I'm not sure what's going on. I don't get why I'm so tired.
And I'm a little frustrated with the scale, it's not moving. I think I need to tweak my calorie count some more. But the shirt I wore today is one I haven't worn in a while but it does fit better around the belly. And my pants are a little loose, or rather they fit and aren't cutting me in 1/2. I need to find that darn belt! LOL


OK OK, I'm going to go do something.

Great job on needing a belt Buffy!!! I love when that happens!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BRB before I get poofed~

 

[JacksLilWench]

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 15?

The WISH Biggest Loser Spring Challenge Week 15 Superstars!!
#10 - 0.76% - ChelleyB
#9 - 0.90% - GoofyPredsFan
#8 - 0.95% - tiki23
#7 - 1.01% - lisah0711
#6 - TIE - 1.03% - goldcupmom & thunderbird1
#5 - 1.06% - Blndiebby25
#4 - 1.10% - ::Snow White::
#3 - 1.15% - akhaloha
#2 - 1.53% - belledreamer
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Spring Challenge Week 15 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 1.64% - JacksLilWench


Have a healthy day!
Congratulations JacksLilWench!!!

Whoo, Biggest Loser!! I love when that happens!! I couldn't do it without everyone here on the board- you guys are awesome motivators!!

QOTD Tuesday, 4/17/12 : What inspires/motivates you in your weight loss journey to reach your goals, be it to make better food choices, to go exercise more, to run that race, etc?

Well, you guys! That, and the fact that I don't want to be a statistic. Most of my mother's side of the family is not well, health-wise. They smoke, drink regularly, eat a terrible diet, and don't work out. And many of them died of heart disease/attack and stroke. So making the decision to eat healthy foods and live "clean" ensures I'll be around for a long time to come, and I'll be looking good while doing it!

Wednesday QOTD, 4/18/12: If you had one day at Disney World and money wasn't an issue, what would you decide to do? Go to all the parks in one day? Ride your favorite ride over and over? Eat at any restaurant you wanted?

Oh, don't even get me started...it would for sure be a MK day, and if money were no object, I would buy out the park for the day so I could ride EVERYTHING with no lines (I would bring all my friends with me, too). We would all eat at CRT for breakfast (so tasty!!) and CHH for lunch- lighthouse sandwich all the way! Then for dinner it would be over to CP Oh, to dream about it!

Thursday QOTD, 4/19/12 : Tell us a healthy choice you made for yourself this week. Something like turning down a favorite food to keep from eating unnecessary calories? Or maybe taking the stairs instead of the elevator?

I chose every day this week to drink water instead of soda during the day, and it feels awesome. No more empty calories that don't fill me up!

 

[tigger813]

Congrats to all of our losers this week!

Hi all! I'm Tracey, your coach for the coming week. I try and post the question the night before!

Do you look at menus before you go out to eat? What is your favorite restaurant to eat at that has the best healthy choices?

I have become obsessive about counting calories! The other thing I always check is protein in what I'm eating. I try not to eat at McD's too often but I try and pick healthy choices when I do. But my favorite restaurant with an online menu is Subway! I like that you can go on their site and build your sandwich and it lists all the calories, carbs, protein and fat in the sandwich. I really liked the steak and cheese from there. Unfortunately most of their sandwiches have a lot of sodium so there are certain ones I stay away from.

Watching the Bruins game. I ended up going to soccer practice to help supervise though I ended up walking a mile with a friend as he didn't have as many kids as he was expecting. I may treat myself to a small adult drink tonight. I am a little hungry but trying to keep myself under control tonight so I don't blow all that I accomplished this week. According to my tracker that I use, I consumed 1360 calories and burned 1080 calories. My net calories is 280. My calories to lose weight is 1256. Hoping I can hit a new low for this challenge tomorrow.

Have a good night!

TTFN

 

[::Snow_White::]

Good evening! I have had a long day so don't feel like replying to everything at the moment, but I'll get caught up tomorrow!

Chris - Glad you had a great trip, sounds like you did a great job at staying active and making good choices!

---
QOTD: Well, I bought some blackberries and other new foods to try. We went out to eat today and I had a cup of soup with a side of mandarins and broccoli. I was really active because I had a lot of photos to take this week. I declined half a personal pizza for rice and a veggie pattie because I knew it'd fill me up and was better.

Hope you all have a good day!

ETA: Thanks for coaching this week Tracey! I always look at menus before going to restaurants. The calories in most of the food is outrageous! I always end up with some kind of soup and then get a side of steamed veggies and fruits too.

 

[cclovesdis]

Do you look at menus before you go out to eat? What is your favorite restaurant to eat at that has the best healthy choices?

I always do for both nutritional info and to find out what is GF in advance. My parents and I aim to eat at a restaurant only if it has a GF menu. If it doesn't, than I stick to salads with grilled chicken like I did on Saturday. It was a lot healthier than the pasta, rolls, and veal parm others had. (They did take some to half home!!!!!!!!!! Progress with the family!!!!!!!!!! )

Red Robin's website allows you to pre-plan your meal so you know what goes into and the calories, etc. like Subway. I found a great GF meal there and with the changes required for it to be GF, it was easily OP. And best of all, it was tasty and not something I would ever have at home!

Thanks for the info Dona. I know you are a great teacher!

Have a great, OP day tomorrow everyone! for weigh-in!

CC

 

[cclovesdis]

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

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. On random weeks, there will be a prize. Everyone who participates will be entered into the “hat” for a chance at the 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 of 4/20: "a bug's land"

As you know, I have never been to Disneyland. I am again relying on the Disneyland website for this week's HH. Please feel free to offer any information. Thank you to Lisa for her help last week!

For All 7 Days:

What you think about being a bug? I'm not sure that there are a lot of pluses, but like in weight loss, there aren't a lot of advantages (if any) to being overweight. Like we learn in It's Tought to be a Bug bugs have a tough, but good life. It might be hard to lose weight, but a few Healthy Habits can make it easier. In the spirit of our friend Flik...

1. Do bugs drink water? I honestly wasn't sure, so I looked it up online and they do drink water. Your “Habit” is to drink 48 oz. of water per day. Since they probably don't drink as much as humans do, 6 glasses is this week's goal. Try not to count coffee or tea, but anything decaffeinated and calorie-free counts.

2. We have different approaches to losing weight. Some of us count calories or points and some of us focus on smaller portion, while others take different approaches. This week, pick one of the following habits and do it each day:
a) Write down everything you eating including its portion size and its calories or points.
b) Focus on portion size for every meal or snack you eat. Include any caloric beverages as well.
c) Tackle emotional eating. Before you eat anything, write down why you are eating it.

3. I refuse, refuse to eat a bug. Nonetheless, my research indicates that they are fairly healthy and have plenty of protein. Eat 2 servings of protein per day. (I'll let you decide what counts, but don't call your dairy serving your protein serving too.)

4. Flik's Flyers: This attraction/ride allows you to see above this land. This gives you the opportunity to see what else awaits you in this land. Knowing our options can be very helpful. Each day, write down one goal you have for the next day, next week, etc. so that you 7 goals by the end of the week. You goals can be as broad or specific as you WISH and do not have to be related to weight loss or maintance nor do they need to be shared.

Mini-Challenges:

1. I realized that I frequently ask you to exercise 7 days a week. However, that is not realistic. So, again for this week: Is your fitness plan ready for the month? Stick to it! If you complete all of your planned workouts, you completed this Mini-Challenge!

2. Did you include any strength training in your exercise plan? Include at least one strength training session during the week. Ten minutes is a great start! You will need your strength both physically and emotionally to tackle the twists, curves, and turns of everyday life.

Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread.

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[myweegirls]

Do you look at menus before you go out to eat? What is your favorite restaurant to eat at that has the best healthy choices?

Tracey, thanks for coaching! Great QOTD...I am pretty vigilant about trying to plan ahead for eating out. For restaurants like Subway, Potbelly, Moe's, and California Tortilla, I use the calculator (although by now I have my go-tos there) - I love that you can customize your meal to get the points/calories/etc you want. If a restaurant doesn't have a calculator, I look for straight-up nutritional info and make choices based on that. If they don't even have that, I try to read the menu closely before I go and line up 2-3 choices so I don't have to worry about figuring out good choices while I'm enjoying friends and family, too!

One of my old tricks (I don't use it as much now that I'm telecommuting most of the time) is this:

For the restaurants near my office, I went to the websites and built 3-4 meals at each place. For my current job, this was Subway, Au Bon Pain, Chop't, and a couple of local places. I wrote up an index card for each restaurant that included the meal specifics (hold the cheese, type of dressing, etc.) and the WW points for each. Then, when I went out to lunch, I brought the cards and was always ready with good choices. It took a little time to do the research and write up the cards, but it was so worth it to have them ready when I needed them!

XO
Liz

 

[50sjayne]

Jill
What is everyone doing to stay active today? I am working out with my trainer for the first time since being back from WDW. The little bit of core we did after Run Club on Tuesday (one minute plank, some bicycles, etc) let me know that being gone from strength training for more than two weeks has seriously taken its toll. Or maybe I was just tired. Anyway, today is a tracking and toning kind of day! No excuses, right?
Melinda

I am glad to announce I am no longer sick! I think it's been about a month and a half. I did an hour on the elliptical-- all my weights at the former levels I was at except for arms, and I don't think it'll take me too long to get back to where I was. Then I wasn't completely exhausted the rest of the day! Which is what happened every time I have worked out the last 3 weeks. The coughing's even petered down to almost nothing. I went shopping today after working out and found some great stuff at Grocery Outlet. I love going there--it's like a treasure hunt every time...and I got some Mederma and great makeup deals at Walgreens. The Mederma's for the scars left by the radio falling off the headboard on me...It healed pretty well but I have a lot of confidence in the stuff-- it really helped my stretch marks. I'm kind of glad I was sick in a way because it made me realize how lucky to be as healthy as I am every day-- I have no excuses to hold me back anymore. Froze the rest of my awesome birthday cake today in pieces, polished off the last of the birthday take home and now there's no more birthdays and holidays for quite awhile. Just Mothers Day in a month and that doesn't leave a lot of candy cake or excess food around. My daughter is progressing well with her plans moving back here and my parents are on vacation for well over a month. Seems everyone is doing allright for themselves excepting the cats right now with the awful weather and boredom. Clean up is extra effort right now too--it 's ok though they're cute and some of my favorite people. Gotta get everyone ready for flea season-- I'm going to take Harvey to the vet and see what else I can do for him other than frontline...

 

[donac]

Good Friday morning everyone.

We made it to Friday. Three weeks from today my younger son graduates from college. When did I get so old?

My mom's eye surgery went well yesterday. Today she is having something removed from her back. Thanks for all the good thoughts everyone has sent here.

Yoga went well last night and my shoulder doesn't feel too bad this morning. We shall see how it does today.

Thanks belledreamer for being our coach last week.

Hello Tracey for being our coach this week.

Congrats to all of our losers this week!

Hi all! I'm Tracey, your coach for the coming week. I try and post the question the night before!

Do you look at menus before you go out to eat? What is your favorite restaurant to eat at that has the best healthy choices?

I have been trying not to eat out too much. When we do go out we usually go to Applebee's. I do like some of their weight watchers menu and they have some items with calorie counts on them.


What does everyone have planned for this weekend?

It is pretty quiet here this weekend. I don't have anything planned for tonight so I am hoping to quilt. Saturday we have tickets to see a local production of the Wizard of Oz. I got these tickets for free since I made a coat for the production. Many of the other costumes I worked on 10 years ago. Our local high school made the costumes and then sold them the following year to this group. It will be fun to see some of the costumes that I worked on so long ago. I guess sometime this weekend I do need to go grocery shopping. I may try to fit in a trip to my quilt shop.

Good luck for everyone on their weigh in.

Have a happy and healthy day.