Biggest Loser "Sizzlin' Hot" Summer Challenge

[lisah0711]

Just a little reminder of what you need to be doing tomorrow for the start of the challenge.

If you are new to the challenge you might be wondering What do I need to do for the start of the challenge?

On Friday, June 1st, PM (private message) your starting weight to our lovely weightkeeper dvccruiser76. Her name is Sue. She has her inbox cleaned out and ready for your messages.

On Friday, June 1st, you should also PM your starting WIN! (Whittle Inches Now!) numbers to our lovely hostess, buzz5985. Her name is Janis. Here is a link to the introductory info on WIN! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44925336&postcount=9
Measurements are a great way to confirm you are making progress even when the scale is not showing your efforts.

Be on the look out for the post from our lovely HH (Healthy Habits) coach, cclovesdis. You won't be sending CC a PM until next week unless you have an idea for HH or a question or just want to say "hello." Here is a link to the introductory info about HH. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45014627&postcount=61

Remember you can participate as much or as little as you choose. Whether you are a champion multi-tasker or someone who likes to do baby steps there is something here for you.

Feel free to ask questions anytime. We are all in this together!

BRB with the QOTD (Question of the Day) for our first day.

 

[penguin1102]

I am super excited about the start of this!!! I am not gonna lie though, I am a little nervous what the scale and measurements are going to say tomorrow. But this is just a starting point right? This is the point to move forward from.

 

[lisah0711]

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, June 1, 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!

 

[lisah0711]

I am super excited about the start of this!!! I am not gonna lie though, I am a little nervous what the scale and measurements are going to say tomorrow. But this is just a starting point right? This is the point to move forward from.

They are just numbers, they aren't who you are!

 

[cclovesdis]

QOTD Friday, June 1, 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!

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 1: Let's Get Ready for the Trip!

Lisa and I teamed up to have her QOTDs and the Mini-Challenges coincide.

Mini-Challenge #1: Where are you going and what are you doing? Earn 1 point for deciding on the approach you will take to lose weight or maintain your weight.
Here are some ideas, but please make sure that you choose the approach that you think will work best for you.
- Counting calories on myfitnesspal
- Tracking WW Points
- Watching portions
- Low-carb

Mini-Challenge #2: How are you going to get to your destination? Give yourself 1 point for making sure that you have all of the following available:
1. A water bottle or large glass that you know how many ounces it holds
2. Measuring cups and spoons (a scale is great if you have one as well)
3. A notebook that is easily portable
4. Healthy foods
5. Laundry detergent

Mini-Challenge #3: Why are you going on this trip? What is your motivation? Give yourself 1 point for making a list of the reason(s) you have for getting healthier.

Mini-Challenge #4: How else are you going to get to your destination? Will you be exercising? Give yourself 1 point for writing an exercise plan for the month of June. Please feel free to tailor it to your needs. You could make it be training for a marathon or increasing your steps to 10,000 per day.

Mini-Challenge #5: What are your goals? Give yourself 1 point for writing down at least one goal for the Summer Challenge. I encourage you to have a weight loss goal and an exercise goal, as applicable. You may want to write a goal for the entire summer and then others for each month.

As always, please feel free to PM me with any questions or ask on the thread.

Please PM me your points out of 5 (ex: 4/5) for Week 1 by Monday, June 11 at 5 PM.

Have a great, op plan week everyone!

 

[camnhan]

Wow, how many "Jen's" are we up too now?
So ready to get moving on this challenge! Am going to measure tonight ( which is probably not a good idea after the day I have had" and weigh tomorrow.

Really need to get a plan together as we will be traveling EVERY weekend for the next 2 mths for either baseball or Special Olympics soooooo a lot of eating out coming up
I have gained almost 20 lbs in the past 3 mths so need to start tracking and getting up to work out again, just hard when our schedule is so whacked and I can't find a "regular" time to exercise. I do so mUch better when I can go right after work. Mornings are not good for me but think I am going to have to change that.

Another issue I have....working out in front of my family I LOVE doing Zumba and my other tapes but if anyone is home I just can't make myself do it...I think because I was for a while and just too many comments made.....so I really need to suck it up and get over it as well.

Well off to get the measuring tape

 

[Rose&Mike]

Another issue I have....working out in front of my family I LOVE doing Zumba and my other tapes but if anyone is home I just can't make myself do it...I think because I was for a while and just too many comments made.....so I really need to suck it up and get over it as well.

Well off to get the measuring tape

Jen--I can really relate to this. Last summer DS was home for the entire summer and Mike and I really encouraged (ok pushed him hard) to run with us. And I was so nervous. Let's face it, 20 yo boys who played soccer and ran cc in HS are going to be faster than 44 yo women. I was very self conscious and we had a lot of discussions about what makes an athlete or a sport, etc. (As in is long distance running really a sport?_

It ended up being a challenging but very positive experience for all of us. He now sees how hard I work and I know he is proud of me in his own way.

I know you aren't talking about exercising with your family, but rather, around them but I think this still kind of applies. It's good for your family to see you taking care of yourself and working hard and setting goals.

It gives you "street cred" to be able to say if I can set my goals and stick to them, then so can you. Over all I think it can be a positive experience.

As for the comments, I think you need to just shut them down if they are negative. It is not ok to make any kind of negative comments when someone is working hard. You are setting another awesome example by reminding your kids of something I am sure they already know. It's a really, really good thing for your family to see you taking care of yourself. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to show my DS.

 

[myweegirls]

QOTD Friday, June 1, 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.

I do, I do! I have a plan! My big goal is to finish the summer (which contains three total weeks of vacation (2 trips)) with a maintain or a gain of no more than two pounds. Smaller goals are also the route to that big goal:

*Continue the C25K as the toe heals and get back up to speed with running before we leave on vacation on June 22.
*Make a serious effort to exercise on the ship and then at AKL - ask the concierge about good running paths on AKL property and do at least two weight sessions at the AKL fitness center.
*STOP HITTING THE *&^@# SNOOZE BUTTON AND GET UP ALREADY. Those runs feel so much better when it's not 90 degrees and full sun outside!
*Stick with the WW PointsPlus plan like glue when not on vacation and do your best to track on vacation.

I was very self conscious and we had a lot of discussions about what makes an athlete or a sport, etc.

I love this! DH runs, too, so I know he gets it, and he's supportive, but I've pretty much always been a solo flier with exercise, unless I'm at my Zumba class. DH has a much longer running history (although he was away from it for a while), and I don't necessarily want to run with him when we do the ToT and Donald races at Disney! I know that sounds kind of nuts, but I really just want to zone out and do my thing without worrying about my competitive nature getting the best of me with him, or feeling inadequate next to what he's doing. We've had some conversations about it, especially because DDs (7 and 5) want to run with us. We'll be doing some family jogs soon...

And so glad to see that TOM has made an appearance before we get started. For those of you who were not on Team Donald this Spring, it took me a few weeks to realize that TOM was not another male participant. Sorry ladies, I will do my best as what appears to be the token guy of the group.

I love this, Christopher! I'd venture to say that TOM is no-one's friend here...

XO
Liz

 

[leeandstacismom]

OK it is a huge bit of bragging, but since I did it, I can brag. Just finished first semester of grad school with 4.0

Now taking the summer off to focus on getting a bit healthier. Main goal = make it thru the whole challenge. Sounds so simple, but we all know something always comes up that seems more important than exercise or watching what we eat. Going to try to do all the suggestions thrown out there by you guys. After this post will figure out how many ounces my water glass handles, and make sure I am drinking. Will also designate a notebook to keeping track of everything fitness related. One this I can't figure out is what is with the laudry detergent???


Jujubee727 have you ever been to the MNSSHP at Disney World before? I have never been, kinda making that a major reward for this. I am debating whether lil princess and I will be pirates or witches, either way I want to slim down to look good in costume. DD gets trip as reward for becoming potty trained over summer LOL Hopefully we both make it.

 

[Jujubee727]

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself.

Hey all, Carla Rae here

I haven’t done a challenge on the dis for YEARS! Way back in the day, I used to run what is now HH (notice my tags).
Anyway a bit about me, Dh and I will be celebrating 11 years at WDW this fall. We just celebrated our 30th birthdays (April 10 for him and April 30 for me) at WDW last month. No kids just yet, tons of critters though!
For this challenge, I will be tracking in myfitnesspal, walking at least 10,000 steps a day 6 days a week and once again trying C25K (I have never been able to complete the damn thing!)

I guess I will give you a little of my sob story…..
I have always been that proverbial 20 lbs overweight since I can remember. In college I gained that dreaded freshman 15 and just never lost it. About 4 years ago I guess, I started seeing a holistic doctor and got down to just shy of my goal weight. It was January at the time, but I bought a bikini and I was going to wear it that summer with pride! Then all hell broke lose, first I lost my job (the non-profit I worked for lost its funding and had to close. It had opened in 1948 so it was very sad), then 2 months later my father-in-law threw a seizure for the first time in his life and began throwing them every few minutes after that. My dh and I brought him to every specialist on the eastern seaboard. He spent time in 6 different hospitals. They did brain surgery twice. He started to lose his memory and then his mind (he went totally crazy like a movie psychotic). So during all of that, I ate junk because of lack of time and sleep and Ben and Jerry where my only solace for the living hell we were in. (Besides work, I was also in grad school at the time and spending every evening and weekend by his bedside). He passed away 18 months after his first seizure, on his 67 birthday no less. We still have no idea what happened to him.
Then we had a reprieve for just over three months. Life was beginning to get back to normal, but then disaster again. Thanksgiving 2010 my father wound up in the ICU. He put up a good fight against MRSA (he got from walking barefoot in his backyard and cutting his foot), but succumbed to the bacteria January 9th of last year at 64 years old. It took me a year to recover from the two major losses so close together, but almost exactly a year after my father's death, I once again planned to get myself under control. That normal for me "15 to 20 lbs overweight" had ballooned into almost exactly 100 lbs overweight since disaster one three years ago ! The first two months of the year, I lost 25 lbs and I was thrilled , but for the past 3 months I have been yo-yoing around the same number . I am actually UP to having lost only 20 lbs so far this year! UGH! Oh well, Friday is a new day!

So anyway if you managed to read through all that, go you!

HI Carla Rae! Wow, you really have been through a lot! I really hope things start looking up for you and your family soon! Good luck with this challenge!! You are obviously a very strong person, I know you will have great success with the support of everyone from the group!

Hello fellow Losers! Just now getting onto the Dis' today - busy busy with end of school year events.

I'm Jennie, and this is my 1st Challenge. I'll actually be starting off the challenge in WDW - we'll be there June 8th-18th! I'm 18 pounds from my goal weight, and I'm training for my first half marathon. Looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Hi Jennie!! OOoohhh, I'm soo jealous of your upcoming trip!! My trip is still 4 months away! I hope you have a WONDERFUL time!!

Today was the last supper! I blew it on calories with bread and pasta for dinner. UGH, back on plan tomorrow to get ready for the weigh in on Friday.

My head hurts too. It's been hurting since yesterday, to much time in the heat. I guess I'm trying to feed the ache.

trying to decide if I should attempt to do something exercise related tonight.

Oh I have been terrible ALL week, with the excuse of "I will just work even harder on the 1st", oh how I am really going to regret that when I weigh in tomorrow!

Hi Everyone ... I am hoping to have responded to everyone who posted to the QOTD.

My name is Fran.

The spring challenge was my first on the board. I lost 11.3 pounds (the most I have ever lost!) I am very eager to be on this board. I have a vacation to Key West the middle of July and I would love to lose a little more.

I am a teacher and have 8 more days of work left. However, I have a senior son this year and the graduation party is on June 15th. I would invite you all if you live close to Pittsburgh, PA (let me know if you live close....) After that, I feel the world will be off my shoulders.

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world! We have been married 22 years this August. We have 3 sons that I love to death. They all drive me CRAZY at times since I am the only female in my house and I am still trying to understand the male race.

I have recently found running a pleasure. I ran my first 5K this spring and am signed up for another one in August. I am looking for a 1/2 marathon to train for in my area. My goal is to run the 10 mile TOT next year.

I am going to put a BIG plug in for coaching. The week I coached I lost weight. It wasn't as hard as it seems and I really felt I needed to give back to the wonderful people on this board. Really think about coaching .... WE NEED YOU!

Looking forward to knowing you all a bit better. Let the weight loss begin!

Hi Fran! I'm not exactly close to Pittsburgh, but we are neighboring states! I am near Buffalo, NY.
I don't know how you survive in a house with all males! They are all so stubborn!!

Okay! I'm Liz, I'll be 40 on August 1st, I'm married to my awesome DH (Eric), and we have two beautiful DDs (Anna, 7, and Tessa, 5). I've been working the same two jobs for 11 years (!), and I've been at one of them for 16 years. That doesn't even seem possible.

I've always struggled with my weight (put together with control/organizational issues, it's a challenge!). I've been doing WW for ages. I made lifetime in 2002 and maintained until I got pregnant with Anna in 2004. I gained 80 pounds with Anna, lost most of it, and then gained 60 with Tessa. I got all but the last 35 off. By the time I joined the spring challenge, I'd lost all but the last 20. Thanks in BIG part to the spring challenge, those pounds are gone, and I'm a maintainer now!

I started exercising much more seriously - interval work (Jillian Michaels, woo!) and running (something I *never* thought I'd do). I stuck with WW, which really helps me control what I'm eating. And now I'm back at goal, back at lifetime status, and so happy to be feeling this good!

We leave in a few weeks for the podcast cruise, followed by a week at AKL (1BR villa on rented points). DDs know about AKL - but not about the cruise. They're going to *flip!*


XO
Liz

Hi Liz! Congrats on becoming a maintainer!!! That is a huge accomplishment!!
How fun that your girls don't know about the upcoming cruise!! I hope you all have a great time!!

Count me in! My name is Robbie & I'm 33. I have been married almost 16 years and have four kids: DD 14, DD 13, DD 11 & DS 9. I've been overweight since I was a teenager and after a health scare in March, I got myself into gear. I began weight watchers 3/23 and began walking three times a week soon after. 5/1 I began (and fell in love with) zumba. I FINALLY found the exercise that I enjoy! As of last Friday I am down 25 pounds. I have 75 to goal. Yesterday I bought jeans in the regular section. Good bye plus size! I'm looking forward to this challenge! Good luck everyone!

Hi Robbie! Wow, congrats on the 25 lbs!! Good luck with the other 75!!!

 

[ChelleyB]

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself

Hi everyone!
My name is Michelle and I'm super excited to be joining the summer challenge!!! I participated in the last challenge and did really well. I'm about 40% to my goal and am looking forward to losing more weight and inches this challenge.

I live in the NW burbs of Chicago. I have been married to my sweetheart, Jon, for almost 9 years and we have a cutie patootie, Karen, DD6. I'm a SAHM am loving that DD is on summer holidays. I've missed her!

Best wishes to everyone on the challenge!

 

[ChelleyB]

I do, I do! I have a plan! My big goal is to finish the summer (which contains three total weeks of vacation (2 trips)) with a maintain or a gain of no more than two pounds. Smaller goals are also the route to that big goal:

*Continue the C25K as the toe heals and get back up to speed with running before we leave on vacation on June 22.
*Make a serious effort to exercise on the ship and then at AKL - ask the concierge about good running paths on AKL property and do at least two weight sessions at the AKL fitness center.
*STOP HITTING THE *&^@# SNOOZE BUTTON AND GET UP ALREADY. Those runs feel so much better when it's not 90 degrees and full sun outside!
*Stick with the WW PointsPlus plan like glue when not on vacation and do your best to track on vacation.
XO
Liz

You have a great plan, Liz! I admire your determination

OK it is a huge bit of bragging, but since I did it, I can brag. Just finished first semester of grad school with 4.0

Brag on!! That is awesome!!!!



Now taking the summer off to focus on getting a bit healthier. Main goal = make it thru the whole challenge. Sounds so simple, but we all know something always comes up that seems more important than exercise or watching what we eat. Going to try to do all the suggestions thrown out there by you guys. After this post will figure out how many ounces my water glass handles, and make sure I am drinking. Will also designate a notebook to keeping track of everything fitness related. One this I can't figure out is what is with the laudry detergent???

for the challenge! We're all here with you - it's going to be a great summer! Drinking enough water is hard for me, too. I never seem to get enough during the day and then I'm struggling to get it in at night and then I'm up during the night - I'm getting old! haha

Christopher - that is so funny about TOM! I can understand how it would have been confusing, but it did make be giggle out loud

My plans to get me through this challenge are to continue portion control, no eating after 7:30pm, drinking plenty of water, continuing my ab routine and band exercises. My family and I biking together each Saturday and I hope to take DD to lots of parks/museums/zoos to get lots of walking and active movement.

 

[Jujubee727]

Good Thursday morning everyone.

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself.

My name is Dona and I can't tell you how many challenges this makes for me. I am 57 (my birthday was just Tuesday) married woman with 2 sons 27 and almost 22. Ds2 just graduated from college this month and turned around and started grad school as a grad assistant. He moved into his first apartment and has most things paid for as long as mom and dad are there to help him. Ds1 is still at home but would love to move out and move in with his gf (the new world. something we never did). He will if he gets a full time job. PLease send PD for him because they are getting ready to post a full time position doing just what he is doing. I would love for him to move out. He also is starting grad school but as an online student with the UNiv of Nebraska (we live in NJ)

Dh and I are college sweethearts and have both been working at our present teaching jobs since we graduated colleg in 1977. Dh teaches 7th graders math and I teach the other end of the scale and teach Advanced Placement Calculus to high school students. Dh is planning to retire at the end of next year. I am hoping to retire in 3 years. My school is changing to block scheduling next year so we shall see what happens.

I was hoping to be almost at my goal by now but I am no where near. I do have my eating under control but I am struggling to get back to working out. I am hoping to do it this challenge. I will be walking during this summer to get ready for my trip to DW. We will be staying for 3 nights at a family suite at ASMU and then 5 days at BLYT TPV but we will be staying with my sister and her family and a couple of other people.

Off to get ready for work.

Good luck everyone.

Hi Dona!! Happy Belated Birthday!!
Having your eating under control is great! That is half the battle! Good luck to you!!

Good morning! My name is Pamela and I am a 40-somthing mostly SAHM to two teens (DD nearly 17 and DS 14.5). Just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and I live in the beautiful but often cold state of NH.

I re-re-re-re-started this weight loss journey (with Weight Watchers) on Jan. 2, 2008 at an even 200 pounds (although I had been as high as 219 and had lost 40 and then regained 20 during 2003-2006) and haven't looked back. I was originally losing for a Disney trip, but managed to get to my short-term goal before that trip and then kept going!

I have never really considered that I "hit" goal, as I was determined to see a lower and lower number.... but have finally come to realize in the last 6 months or so that I need to consider myself pretty much at maintenance with my range being about 130-135 (although I am currently struggling with a few pounds to get back within that range).

I pretty much have the eating under control, except for occasional flubs and slip-ups, but I definitely struggle with the exercise.

I have lost count of how many of these BL challenges I have done here on the WISH boards, but they are my ROCK!! This group has come to mean a lot to me!

Well.... although I claimed I am a mostly SAHM, today is a work day and I have 25 kindergarteners waiting for me! TTYL.....................P

I

That is great that you are pretty much at your maintaining weight! I have only done one other challenge, but I can see how helpful they are! I lost 18 lbs in the spring challenge and hope to the same or better this time too! Good luck!!

Finished Week 3 Day 2 of C25K today and will be starting zumba on the wii tomorrow. I think my exercise routine will be every other day c25k and then rotating zumba and 30 day shred of my "c25k off days".

I weighed myself this morning and am up again. I am hoping it is water weight as I just started drinking my 64 oz of water/day on Saturday. I don't think it will be off by tomorrows weigh-in, so maybe I'll have a big loss next week.

I found an interesting recipe of pinterest called "Sassy water." Some of you may know it, but it is said to to help you shed some extra pounds around your midsection by eliminating a buildup of contaminants, fat, and excess water weight. I just made my first batch, so we'll see. You're supposed to drink 8 glasses a day of it for 4 days. Since it has to sit overnight, tomorrow will be day 1 of Sassy water.

I have never heard of this Sassy water, but you have me on the hook now!! I'm gonna have to go google it!!

Quote of the Day

Cultivating inner discipline is something that takes time: Expecting rapid results is simply a sign of impatience. ~ Dalai Lama

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

Sorry I'm late with the Quote of the Day. DS15 is really sick but insisted on going to school (Final exams preview) so we've been texting back and forth as to wether he should go to the nurse or not. I tried to talk him out of going but he wasn't hearing it.
I need to call the Dr back today too, I'm not happy with the other Dr that we saw yesterday. Could be pneumonia, could be Lyme, or could be a virus. Did a chest x-ray but there "was some fluid around the lungs but not enough to worry about" didn't do a blood draw to test for Lyme. WTH?!?!? So we just sit here and wait with 103 degree fevers???

As for me:
Headache is better. I think it was just the heat and not wanting to eat because it was hot.
Today I finally got all the park hours for our Disney trip in Dec, so I'm starting with a basic touring plan and need to work on Dining ideas!
I have got to get moving!! 21 days until I can make ressies. Making ressies for 12, not an easy thing to do!

Great quote! I really hope your DS feels better soon!!

Yikes! I thought making ressies for 8 was bad! Good luck with all your planning!!

Good morning! My name is Jennifer, and I'm a 44 yo SAHM to 2 kids (dd almost 15 and ds 8). This is my third challenge, though I haven't been active on the threads. It's hard to keep up with you all, and I feel guilty if I don't respond to everyone, so I tend to keep quiet. But I really like the accountability, support and ideas I get from Biggest Loser challenges.

I'm a runner (would have said "slow jogger" or "really slow runner" a few posts ago ) and just ran my first 5k this month. I'm pretty disciplined about the exercise, and usually eat fairly well during the day, but evening snacking is a hard habit for me to break. I've also recently been diagnosed as anemic and have been borderline low thyroid for a few years. I feel very lucky to have only very minor health issues, but I'm trying to figure out if and how these relate to my struggles to keep my weight down.

Thanks for all the hard work that goes into keeping these challenges going!

Hi Jennifer!! I know what you mean about trying to keep up in these threads. This is my second challenge. I started off pretty good at the beginning with my posts, but had a hard time keeping up, so I would try to just read through and then I would get pages behind and I gave up! So I'm hoping to stay on top of things a little better this time around! I hope you get your health issues straightened out soon!!

I am Laura, 42 years old. Since I was a kid, I was always chubby. By high school, I was close to 200 lbs. Joined Weight Watchers for the first time as a senior in HS and lost 30 pounds to fit into my size 13/14 prom dress.

I maintained it over that summer, but once college started I gained the Freshman 15, the Sophomore 15, the Junior 15 and the Senior 15. Stayed that way all throughout my 20’s. I would periodically re-join WW, lose 20 pounds and then quit. I always hovered around 240 or so.

I had a job in my 30’s which required me to travel 5 days a week. I stayed in a hotel with an expense account for breakfast, lunch and dinner – for two years. I was close to 280 by the time that assignment was over. Once again WW brought me down to around 240.

About 5 years ago, I decided enough was enough. I was a few years away from 40 and wanted to get on track before I hit the big 4-0. I rejoined WW and got myself down to 203 – it was lowest I’d been since I started college 20 years ago. But – life got in the way. My mother got sick and passed away suddenly. I was left in charge of the estate, dealing with her house, etc. And the weight crept back on.

Last January (2011) I rejoined WW and was down 21 pounds by the time the summer rolled around. Again – I hit a wall and stopped losing (I also stopped going to meetings and stopped tracking – hmm, I wonder if those two things go hand in hand ). Luckily I didn’t regain – I think sticking to my 3.5 mile walks 5 days a week really helped.

I am single and responsible for cooking only for myself. It SHOULD be easy to shop for the healthy groceries and cook the healthy meals everyday – but SHOULD and actually DO are two separate things and I am trying very hard to work on that.

So here we are today – back on WW – weighing in at around 215. I’m trying very hard not to focus on the “number”, but to focus on the positive changes I am making. However, I have not seen the lower side of 200 since 1987 – and it is within my reach right now.

I rejoined WW just last week, and I also removed my old (21 lbs. lost) ticker from my signature. Yeah, it is great that I lost over 20 pounds and kept it off, but I'm starting fresh this go-around.

Over on the WISH Journal board, I've been keeping a journal and I think that helps with accountability. I dropped out of the last BL challenge and am determined to stick it out this time.

Looking forward to spending the summer with all of you.

- Laura

Hi Laura! You are definitely in reach of ONEderland!! I really hope you can stick it out this time around!!!! Good Luck!!!

Hi all,
This is my first BL challenge so I'm really excited to start.

My name is Victoria and I'm a loooooonnnnnggg way from my goal weight but one step at a time. I'm twenty nine and single but starting to look for that DBF so we'll see what happens.

I started losing weight when I was training for my first triatholn last year and am in training for my second one now. Yep, that's right I ran a tri when I was over 300lbs. And I didn't finish last! I am crazy excited to do my next one this september as long as work dosen't get in the way.

I work in theatre and film in NYC and am currently working on a huge musical but we posted closing for the 24th of june. I've got some leads on a few fall shows and if those don't pan out it's the Radio City Christmas Show for me. Oh, I do wardrobe so I get to play with all the pretty costumes everyday.

It's great to meet everyone here and I hope that this summer is productive and fun!
Cheers

Hi Victoria! That is amazing that you did a triathlon! Way to go!!
What a fun career you have!! That sounds like a dream job!!

 

[Mary•Poppins]

Fran If you are using the app just click Friends on the bottom and then Friends on the top. There should be a blue button that says add a friend. Just click that and enter your name in from and my user name (same as here) in the To:.
Just type a message saying who you are if your username is different.

On the website, log in, click friends and then invite friends and fill out the info.

If all else fails just PM me your info and I'll invite you!

Thanks for liking my posts! I'm crazy but people still love me!

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

I have my quote ready for tomorrow. It's very fitting for the Eve of the Great Summer Challenge.

Hey Buffy, I think I figured it out. See if I friended you. (Or it could be some random person ... LOL!)

Good morning all!



Hope that you are feeling better today, Buffy!



Fran, good luck with these last few days of school. I think there is a special place in heaven for teachers.

Thank you Lisa for the nice compliment. I am so lucky ... I love my job. It is so rewarding and on most days the peanuts I work with make me laugh for one reason or another!

Quote of the Day

Cultivating inner discipline is something that takes time: Expecting rapid results is simply a sign of impatience. ~ Dalai Lama

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

Sorry I'm late with the Quote of the Day. DS15 is really sick but insisted on going to school (Final exams preview) so we've been texting back and forth as to wether he should go to the nurse or not. I tried to talk him out of going but he wasn't hearing it.
I need to call the Dr back today too, I'm not happy with the other Dr that we saw yesterday. Could be pneumonia, could be Lyme, or could be a virus. Did a chest x-ray but there "was some fluid around the lungs but not enough to worry about" didn't do a blood draw to test for Lyme. WTH?!?!? So we just sit here and wait with 103 degree fevers???

As for me:
Headache is better. I think it was just the heat and not wanting to eat because it was hot.
Today I finally got all the park hours for our Disney trip in Dec, so I'm starting with a basic touring plan and need to work on Dining ideas!
I have got to get moving!! 21 days until I can make ressies. Making ressies for 12, not an easy thing to do!

I really hope your son and you are feeling better.

Hi all,
This is my first BL challenge so I'm really excited to start.

My name is Victoria and I'm a loooooonnnnnggg way from my goal weight but one step at a time. I'm twenty nine and single but starting to look for that DBF so we'll see what happens.

I started losing weight when I was training for my first triatholn last year and am in training for my second one now. Yep, that's right I ran a tri when I was over 300lbs. And I didn't finish last! I am crazy excited to do my next one this september as long as work dosen't get in the way.

I work in theatre and film in NYC and am currently working on a huge musical but we posted closing for the 24th of june. I've got some leads on a few fall shows and if those don't pan out it's the Radio City Christmas Show for me. Oh, I do wardrobe so I get to play with all the pretty costumes everyday.

It's great to meet everyone here and I hope that this summer is productive and fun!
Cheers

Wow a Triatholon! I am really impressed. The swimming would do me in. I don't have much arm strength (something I should work on ...) Welcome!

I am super excited about the start of this!!! I am not gonna lie though, I am a little nervous what the scale and measurements are going to say tomorrow. But this is just a starting point right? This is the point to move forward from.

We are all here for support. As Lisa said, it is only a number. I have actually enjoyed looking at that number go down on all the emails I sent Sue during the last challenge. Hoping the same will happen for you.

So do you have a plan for how you are going to make your goals for the challenge?

Okay, my goal is to break the weight I am at right now. I am STUCK on this number. It just keeps following me .... One week I am down then the next week I am back at it. My goal is small but I am hoping it helps me to move off of this number. So ... my goal is to lose 2 pounds and keep them off until the end of June. (With my son's graduation party and 5 more parties we have to attend .... I will be thrilled with this goal!)

OK it is a huge bit of bragging, but since I did it, I can brag. Just finished first semester of grad school with 4.0

Way to go!!!! Congrats!!! What a great feeling!

 

[momofdjc]

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself.

I'm Reenie. I live in the Chicago suburbs with my DH and our 3 kids - DS almost 16, DD 13, and DS 8. My spring and summers seem to revolve around baseball as both my boys play. I work full time and commute to the city most days. I do get some exercise each day as I have a 7 block walk from the train to the office I work at.

 

[Jujubee727]

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself

Hello everyone. My name is Leslie and this is my second BL challenge..the first was two summers ago when I lost about 18 pounds, and then I sorta of lost my way for a while in regards to Weight Loss. But I am back raring to go!

I am a 40 something wife and mother of two boys (22 and 14). I work for a PBM and am lucky enough to work from home, which i have been doing for 6 1/2 years. We live in Houston, but I am from Florida originally. Texas is home now, and I don't plan to move unless I absolutely have to.

My weight issues started after DS2, but it has been way too long to blame it on the baby weight. Up and down, mostly up, which has got to stop.

In April I decided I wanted to buy a bike, because walking to me is boring, I don't run well due to an old ankle injury, and exercising in front of the TV is okay, but I really wanted to get outside. DH thought it sounded like a good idea so we both got bikes.
The first ride was murder, I didn't even go a mile before I had to stop the first time, and I made it only 2.5 miles that first day. Since then, I found the Monthly Exercise Minutes thread here on the WISH board and set myself a goal for May. I am happy to say in addition to exercising (mostly bike rides) 1000+ minutes, I completed a 15 mile bike ride last Saturday, and, most importantly I lost 7 pounds!

DH and I go on bike rides at least 3 nights a week together, plus I do a Saturday ride while he is at work. It is nice to have that time with him, without the distractions of the house, dinner, tv, etc to get in the way.

I am looking forward to this summer challenge! I would really like to repeat my weight loss from May over the next three months and lose 20 pounds ...but I have a cruise on the Fantasy coming up, plus a week at my sister's house (she is a great cook and she cooks to feed an army!) so I know, while I am going to thoroughly enjoy my vacation, it will be a whole different kind of challenge!!

Looking forward to a great summer getting to know all of you!!

Leslie

Hi Leslie!! Way to go with the 15 mile ride!! That is great! Your post made me want to get a bike and go for a ride! I'm so jealous of your upcoming cruise!!! We are just in the beginning stages of planning a cruise for Dec 2013! I can't get it out of my head lately and it is still sooo far away!!
Good Luck this summer!!

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.

GREAT POINTS!!!!

OK it is a huge bit of bragging, but since I did it, I can brag. Just finished first semester of grad school with 4.0

Now taking the summer off to focus on getting a bit healthier. Main goal = make it thru the whole challenge. Sounds so simple, but we all know something always comes up that seems more important than exercise or watching what we eat. Going to try to do all the suggestions thrown out there by you guys. After this post will figure out how many ounces my water glass handles, and make sure I am drinking. Will also designate a notebook to keeping track of everything fitness related. One this I can't figure out is what is with the laudry detergent???


Jujubee727 have you ever been to the MNSSHP at Disney World before? I have never been, kinda making that a major reward for this. I am debating whether lil princess and I will be pirates or witches, either way I want to slim down to look good in costume. DD gets trip as reward for becoming potty trained over summer LOL Hopefully we both make it.

WOW! Congrats on the 4.0!!!!

This is only our 2nd trip EVER to WDW, lol. So, no we haven't been to MNSSHP yet! I have heard nothing but great things about it though!! We went to MVMCP this past December which was great, but I have been reading that the halloween party is even better! We are going to do it on the last night of our trip. What a great potty training reward for DD!!! I should try that for my DS! lol. I totally know what you mean about the costumes though! I haven't given much thought to what we will dress as, but I know I don't want to make a costume look bad because of my weight.

 

[Jujubee727]

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself

Hi everyone!
My name is Michelle and I'm super excited to be joining the summer challenge!!! I participated in the last challenge and did really well. I'm about 40% to my goal and am looking forward to losing more weight and inches this challenge.

I live in the NW burbs of Chicago. I have been married to my sweetheart, Jon, for almost 9 years and we have a cutie patootie, Karen, DD6. I'm a SAHM am loving that DD is on summer holidays. I've missed her!

Best wishes to everyone on the challenge!

Hi Michelle!!! Way to go the weight loss so far and good luck this summer!!

Intro QOTD (Question of the Day) 5/30/12: Please introduce yourself.

I'm Reenie. I live in the Chicago suburbs with my DH and our 3 kids - DS almost 16, DD 13, and DS 8. My spring and summers seem to revolve around baseball as both my boys play. I work full time and commute to the city most days. I do get some exercise each day as I have a 7 block walk from the train to the office I work at.

Hi Reenie!! Good luck with the summer challenge!!

 

[Kdutton]

QOTD Friday, June 1, 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.

I do have a plan! I am going to stick to my weight watchers points and keep up with my zumba on wii.

My long term goal is to lose 75 pounds. My small goals include :
- Losing 20 pounds by the end of this challenge
- Taking my kids outside more for physical activity
- Drinking at least 5 glasses of water a day

I'm on my way to healthier living!

 

[Jujubee727]

PHEW! It took me ALL day but I finally caught up!!
So here is my official introduction!!

My name is Shannon, I am 28. I am a SAHM to two little monkeys. My daughter Calee is 3. Her name is pronounced like Cali, not Kaylee. My fiance is Cal so we just added the "ee" to his name. So she is like his JR. LOL. My son, Joshua, will be 2 in July. He is a little monster! I'm pretty sure he will give me a heart attack at some point!

My weight issues began about 3 months after our daughter was born. I gained 80 lbs in ten months. So I have only been dealing with being overweight for 3 years. This is my second BL challenge. I lost 18 lbs in the spring challenge, finishing in 9th place and I also was #1 in the WIN challenge!! I also lost a few lbs before I started that challenge so I am down about 25 lbs total right now! I also made it to ONEderland during the spring challenge!! So I definitely consider it a success!! I am hoping for similar results this time around!!

My fiance Cal and I are getting married at Cocoa Beach on 10/11/12! With a 5 day Disney-moon (with the kids, of course)! We will be staying at the Art of Animation resort!!
My wedding dress came in last week and I am determined to have it get altered and taken in a little after the summer challenge!!

I am looking forward to this challenge as I am down to crunch time before the wedding!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!

 

[tinkerbye]

QOTD Friday, June 1, 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 goals for this summer are to lose twenty pounds, start run/walking instead of just walking during my training and to do at least seven of the nine workouts I'm schedualed to do each week for my up coming triathlon. My plan is to take one day at a time, because if I look at the big picture it looks a little crazy!

Buffy - you can totally do a disney marathon! I'm doing the dis. princess half marathon next febuary so I have plenty of time to train. The Christmas show is pretty cool, but intense for the people working it. They've already got a crew of five looking at shoes for december!

Mary-Poppins - I started with swiming but most triathleates don't. It's not to hard to learn because you only use your arms, you're saving your legs for the bike and run so they just float behind you. I've seen some people even do the whole swim with a back stroke because they don't lik to put thier face in the water!

Dona - Christopher figured it out, I work at Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. We have over five hundred costumes on stage every night including sixfoot across cupcakes, human sized lizards, and angels that fly from the ceiling. If either of you are in NYC in the next month tell me and I'll take you backstage to see it all.

Sorry Christopher, no trying on the costumes even if you did fly out. I do have a picture of me trying to incorperate last years Tony into a Les Girl headdress while it's on my head though. I really do have an awesome job.

Hope everyone has a great first day!