BL challenge ~ BLUE TEAM ~ wk1

[cjackearl]

Go Blue!! Princess Vija, FitZone is a franchised women only gym like Curves, but instead of just a circuit, they also have cardio machines and classes. I really enjoy it. Re: the popcorn. It's a healthy snack if you eat the low fat or air poppped kind. If you eat entire bags of movie theatre butter microwave popcorn filled with trans fat, not so much. When I go to the movies, I usually skip dinner so I have plenty of room for lots of popcorn.

 

[njmom23grls]

Hello Everyone - I swear I saw the challenge questions somewhere - but can't find them now. I'm just cutting and pasting from Tammys (thanks Tammy!)

It has been really interesting to read everyone's posts. I read of them and think about how much I have in common with everyone and it makes me feel so much much less alone. Thanks for sharing everyone.

I was inspired by a short little blurb in an old WW magazine about a "success" story - the woman wrote about how she could only do 3 minutes on jogging pace on the treadmill and now a year later she can do 60 minutes. I thought - now thats the kind of honesty that helps. I'm embarrassed to admit it - but thats me. So as my personal mini goal - I'm aiming at 3 minutes a day of a joggingish pace for this week. Oh crap, did I just publicly write that?

As for the challenge:

1) Start carrying a water bottle around and drink throughout the day- 6 to 8 glasses is ideal - I will try. I grew up with a family who used to swear that drinking water was bad for you. I learned (and I quote) that "water is for washing your feet, not drinking". I drank 3 glasses today.

2) Give yourself an extra hour in the grocery store. Spend the time looking at labels and serving sizes on your common food choices and find healthier items to replace them - I always spend a lot of time reading labels so this won't be as hard for me as the water

3) Buy a pedometer. They range from $5-$20 usually or currently can be found in Wheaties boxes as the prize. You are supposed to take 10,000 steps a day. - I bought one today. Got 3000 steps in this evening

4) Locate and/or buy some fitness clothes. You need good shoes when starting a fitness regimen. need to work on this

5) Don’t stress. You have 15 weeks to get the hang of this and get closer to your goal, so don’t go gung-ho and burn yourself out. - Glad to have the time - I can do anything for a few weeks its the long term approach that I need to work on

Have a good week everyone!
Lisa

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Go Blue!! Princess Vija, FitZone is a franchised women only gym like Curves, but instead of just a circuit, they also have cardio machines and classes. I really enjoy it. Re: the popcorn. It's a healthy snack if you eat the low fat or air poppped kind. If you eat entire bags of movie theatre butter microwave popcorn filled with trans fat, not so much. When I go to the movies, I usually skip dinner so I have plenty of room for lots of popcorn.

Oh, I would love the classes, I always like that stuff.

Hmmm, the popcorn, I get it. I know what you mean about movie theater popcorn... I would often pick the theater we go to because of the popcorn. crazy I know! Can you start with air popped and add some butter, or some spray? It will be an adjustment, that is for sure. I can make adjustments with popcorn, but ask me to have low fat sour cream.... NO WAY!

 

[Briarmom]

Happy Monday Blue team!!

Today I am supposed to be in Ireland. Darn deployment.

Anyway, it's just after noon here and I've had over a liter of water and done 45 minutes on the treadmill.
Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[Jaime]

It has been fantastic reading where everyone is at and what their plan is for this challenge. I know all of you are going to be fantastic. I recently posted a little story on another thread because it was something that I found inspirational so I'm going to repeat it here.

A large part of my job is working with Early Childhood students which are children ages 3-6 with special needs. One of the little girls is six years old; she has Down Syndrome and significant delays. Our team has worked so hard to help her progress in her development. This week, I was able to see her take her first unassisted steps. There were lots of cheers and tears as the PT slipped her finger out of Addie's hand and she kept on going (for 40 whole steps her first time out). I won't take the ability to walk for granted again because she had to work so hard to just to get to that point. So I challenge my Blue team to get out there and walk this week, and no matter how far you go, take a moment to think about Addie!

Good luck as Monday comes upon us and keep up the great work.
(I second that Go Packers---how 'bout those 3 interceptions in the 4th quarter)!
Jen

What are great challenge!!

That's great about Addie! I have such respect for people like you

 

[Jaime]

Hey Jaime - yes, we'll be on the 10/31 cruise in 2009. Can't wait - this will be our first DCL cruise and I'm looking forward to agreeing that once you go Disney, you'll never do another cruise.
Go Blue Team!

It was the best vacation ever! Even though my dd's got seasick they ask every day to go back! Maybe we'll meet!

Also, just a note from me, I won't be able to be on tomorrow, I have TaeKwonDo testing and it will be very late. DD also takes TaeKwonDo, so I will be there watching her test, and then it will be my turn... I love testing, it gives me a boost of self esteem, especially when I break the board. I LOVE board breaking. I am still hoping to one day break the board on my first try. Maybe tomorrow????

BEST OF LUCK TO BOTH OF YOU TODAY

Hmmm, the popcorn, I get it. I know what you mean about movie theater popcorn... I would often pick the theater we go to because of the popcorn. crazy I know! Can you start with air popped and add some butter, or some spray? It will be an adjustment, that is for sure. I can make adjustments with popcorn, but ask me to have low fat sour cream.... NO WAY!

Okay you sound so much like me...I was like dead against eating no fat sour cream...skim milk...whole wheat pasta...etc... well now it's all I eat I don't even like the old stuff anymore...a friend challenged me to mix it...for example 1/4whole wheat pasta 3/4 regular it wasn't too bad I so kept adding more whole wheat and over time we just stopped using regular. With no fat sour cream I did the same thing but some brands taste so much better then others. It does really pay of to spend the extra hour at the grocery store it is pretty amazing the difference in very similar products.

Have a great day BLUE TEAM

My baby starts pre-school today so I have my veggies cut up and ready to go

 

[TammyNC]

Hi everyone,

My husband has been in Afghanistan since July, but he comes home next weekend (as long as everything goes according to plan). Keep your fingers crossed!!

Meant to say hey earlier but kept forgetting to go back to your post...hope plans are still on go for your husband to be home next weekend. We understand the military ways...my brother is in the Air Force and left last weekend for places unknown until he gets there although we have a pretty good idea. Just before leaving he also found out that he and his wife are expecting their 2nd child together, she's about 10 weeks along.

Will be keeping you all in my prayers that his return isn't delayed...I know you are all ready for him to be home.

 

[Hypermommy]

Oh, I would love the classes, I always like that stuff.

Hmmm, the popcorn, I get it. I know what you mean about movie theater popcorn... I would often pick the theater we go to because of the popcorn. crazy I know! Can you start with air popped and add some butter, or some spray? It will be an adjustment, that is for sure. I can make adjustments with popcorn, but ask me to have low fat sour cream.... NO WAY!

Not crazy at all! I do the same thing!!! For me it's the AMC theater here in town where I add my own butter to the 'corn. Of course it'll still be AMC but now I'll have to add less butter.

Or maybe I can fast for two days so I can enjoy my popcorn the way I like it (swimming ).

 

[hobbester]

Good morning everyone. Today is going to be a very difficult day for me. It is my 36th birthday. My office has brought enough food for several days and my husband is cooking me dinner tonight. I'll just enjoy it today and start again tomorrow. I did ask my husband for a pedometer last night, hopefully he will get me one today.

Vija-Hope your TaeKwanDo test goes well. Wow, breaking boards - that is awesome.

Lisa-I know water is a hard taste to swallow. 3,000 steps, that is great.

Briarmom-Good treadmill and water drinking. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Hope everyone has a good day, keep walking and drinking water - Lisa.

 

[Jaime]

Good morning everyone. Today is going to be a very difficult day for me. It is my 36th birthday. My office has brought enough food for several days and my husband is cooking me dinner tonight. I'll just enjoy it today and start again tomorrow. I did ask my husband for a pedometer last night, hopefully he will get me one today.

Vija-Hope your TaeKwanDo test goes well. Wow, breaking boards - that is awesome.

Lisa-I know water is a hard taste to swallow. 3,000 steps, that is great.

Briarmom-Good treadmill and water drinking. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Hope everyone has a good day, keep walking and drinking water - Lisa.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[MelanieC]

Meant to say hey earlier but kept forgetting to go back to your post...hope plans are still on go for your husband to be home next weekend. We understand the military ways...my brother is in the Air Force and left last weekend for places unknown until he gets there although we have a pretty good idea. Just before leaving he also found out that he and his wife are expecting their 2nd child together, she's about 10 weeks along.

Will be keeping you all in my prayers that his return isn't delayed...I know you are all ready for him to be home.

Hey Tammy,
I'm so glad your on my team. I need a serious kick in the butt, so it's great having someone I know motivated me so much before.

Thanks for the well wishes. So far so good. He called last night, but we missed his call. He must have called late last night -not sure why though, because it would have been in the middle of the night for him. My son had a football game last night and he hadn't called by then - I was home all day. When we got home there was a message. I'll have to e-mail him and find out. He should be having his e-mail turned off any day though, so not sure if the window of getting in touch with him has closed. As far as I know he is still scheduled to leave Afghanistan on Wednesday and then hopefully leave Mannis AFB on Saturday or Sunday.

 

[TammyNC]

Good morning everyone. Today is going to be a very difficult day for me. It is my 36th birthday. My office has brought enough food for several days and my husband is cooking me dinner tonight. I'll just enjoy it today and start again tomorrow. I did ask my husband for a pedometer last night, hopefully he will get me one today.

First off...Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your day and all that it brings, just keep drinking your water and hopefully you'll get that pedometer from your DH.

 

[TammyNC]

Hey Tammy,
I'm so glad your on my team. I need a serious kick in the butt, so it's great having someone I know motivated me so much before.

Thanks for the well wishes. So far so good. He called last night, but we missed his call. He must have called late last night -not sure why though, because it would have been in the middle of the night for him. My son had a football game last night and he hadn't called by then - I was home all day. When we got home there was a message. I'll have to e-mail him and find out. He should be having his e-mail turned off any day though, so not sure if the window of getting in touch with him has closed. As far as I know he is still scheduled to leave Afghanistan on Wednesday and then hopefully leave Mannis AFB on Saturday or Sunday.

It was nice to see your name on the list too...I remember several from before but it has just been so long ago. I'm with you on needing a butt kicking too...we did it before and we can do it again but this time make it stick!!!

Sorry to hear you missed a call...hopefully you'll be able to touch base with him today. We are waiting to hear that my brother is where he is to be until at least Jan/Feb. His group was traveling with the planes this time so it was taking them longer to get there. His thoughts...the longer it takes to get there, the less time they are actually there.

 

[live4christp1]

Hi everyone! Thanks for the warm welcome's to the BLUE TEAM!

Said I'd post more on Monday so here it goes:

I'm the youngest of 3, was actually a surprise baby, brother & sister were 14 & 12 so a large part of my life was spent at home as an only. I'm 38. DH and I are headed toward our 19th anniversary. As stated earlier, I work full time as a data entry, inventory control clerk. Also keep the after care class for 2-1/2 hours a day - this year my numbers have been down with only 11 - 15 per day as opposed to 28 most days last year. DH and I are also volunteer leaders with our church Word of Life teen group. We help out in Jr. Church and VBS as needed. DS just moved to boy scouts so we have left the responsibility of scout master and den leader behind (cub scouts). DD just started pre-ballet and is very excited. DH is home now and drill's one weekend a month with the guard.

My goal is to make healthy eating changes and get on a steady exercise program. My long term goal is 60 pounds off but we will work at smaller goals during the course of this challenge. We went to see some the boys in DH's DIA group play football (high school) Friday night and I did really well. Despite the temptation of game food (pizza, nachos, funnel cakes, deep fried oreo's, etc. I resisted and didn't have any - Yeah me!). My mom had surgery a week and a half ago so with running to the hospital etc. we got out of the eating home cooked meals routine so my main goal this week is to get back to that point.

Thanks for all the encouragement!

Cristy

 

[jimmduck]

Don't have a lot of time right now - but wanted to say that I am on this team too, as of this morning.

I look forward to reading everyone's posts and introducing myself this evening.

Linda :

 

[Dianatlol]

Popping in!!! Hi everyone!

Doing great... DD and I went to the Mall this past weekend (castleton) and walked and walked! Eating has been great and awarded with a lb drop each morning when I hop on the scale!

Anyone here from Indiana? I am in the Anderson area....
My ultimate goal is to be 10lbs under goal by our land/sea vacation in April... I am sure I will gain some there, especially during the cruise! LOL

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey guys! Hope you all had a great weekend. This was my dad's last weekend in Ontario before he moves out to British Columbia and he was staying here in town so as to spend time with my brothers and I. We ended up eating out a lot so my caloric intake this weekend was not good. However I plan to make up for it by being extra careful about what I eat throughout the week.

 

[Julylady]

Wow! You are a talkative group of people. What fun! I only DIS at work during my lunch hour so I haven't been online since Friday. I just finished reading the last six pages getting to know a bit about all of you.

Here is my status report on the pre-challenge:
1) Start carrying a water bottle around and drink throughout the day- 6 to 8 glasses is ideal.
* I had to drink 8 glasses of water during the time I lost 50 pounds last spring. I have cut down a bit during the summer, but will now need to ramp it up.

2) Give yourself an extra hour in the grocery store. Spend the time looking at labels and serving sizes on your common food choices and find healthier items to replace them.
* I closely check all food labels already since I am only eating 1200 calories a day.

3) Buy a pedometer. They range from $5-$20 usually or currently can be found in Wheaties boxes as the prize. You are supposed to take 10,000 steps a day. I went to Target and picked one up on Friday night. I walked 7500 steps on Saturday and 4500 on Sunday. But, I don't exercise on the weekend.

4) Locate and/or buy some fitness clothes. You need good shoes when starting a fitness regimen. My normal exercise routine is to walk 45 minutes per day on the treadmill Monday - Friday. I also go to Curves 2-3 times per week. I have plenty of fitness clothes!

5) Don’t stress. You have 15 weeks to get the hang of this and get closer to your goal, so don’t go gung-ho and burn yourself out. I have not lost any weight for the past three weeks. I saw my Doctor last week who assured me this is normal for someone who has already lost 70 pounds, but I am getting frustrated!

I mentioned in my first post that I have already lost 70 pounds and want to lose another 30. The first 50 were lost during a medically supervised high-protien fast of 900 calories a day. I now go to a weekly group meeting/weigh-in run by the same medical practice. The meetings are very helpful in keeping me motivated and on track.

Some things I have been doing:
1. My trigger foods are crackers and chips. I have found that I have to totally elimate them. I tell myself that I am "allergic" to them and in a very real way, I am.

2. I "treat" myself to a piece of dessert each night. I have a cookbook of Splenda recipes and try out one new dessert recipe each week.

3. I realized that what I really needed to work on was portion control. I carefully measure out the recommended portion and limit myself to that. I allow myself to eat unlimited amounts of salad and vegetables.

Have a great week everybody!

Donna

 

[junebugTN]

Wow, I have been reading all the inspirational emails...do we have the best group or what???

Happy birthday, hobbester!

Donna, you gave some really good tips, and I'm going to try to consider myself "allergic" to my trigger foods, too. This makes a lot of sense to me, so I think it will help!

Here's my update on the challenge:

1.) Start carrying a water bottle around...
I’m carrying my 32 oz. Weight Watchers mug, and I’m aiming for 3 full mugs per day. So far, so good!

2) Give yourself an extra hour in the grocery store...
I spent the extra time at the grocery store this weekend. I passed on a lot of junk food, but I also got a ton of Weight Watcher and Lean Cuisine meals. I know they’re not the healthiest option, but they’re quick and easy. I really need to come up with some creative meal ideas…

3) Buy a pedometer...
I have one picked out at Amazon… just waiting for payday!

4) Locate and/or buy some fitness clothes...
I’m saving my extra pennies for Disney at the moment, but I dug up some of my old workout clothes. I haven’t worn them in so long, it seems just like buying new ones!

5) Don’t stress...
I’m not stressed about this – just fired up! I think that holding myself accountable to my team will inspire me to do much better.

Happy Monday to all my blue teammates!
June

 

[Bellybee]

Hi everyone,

Looks like everyone is doing really well. I have not started yet and have not been good today but I am storing all these little tips for next week.