BL Summer Challenge 2009

[corinnak]

I have really neglected the QOTD the past week! I think I got derailed because I couldn't pick a favorite WDW resort.

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?


Some days are a LOT harder than others. Sometimes it is the circumstances - events, birthdays, lack of groceries in the pantry, child home sick from school, etc. Sometimes it is all internal. Either I'm hungrier than usual or bored or stressed and just find myself wanting to nibble all day.

The number one thing that keeps me on track those days is being SURE to log my food starting in the morning and keeping at it all day.

 

[disney1990]

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?

Yes, some days are way harder than others. If my DH cooks (and he does often) it is hard to stay away from his home cooked meals. I usually discourage him from cooking except on the weekends which helps me during the week, at least.

That said, I haven't weight in in 2 weeks and I have gained 4 pounds. I just can't seem to get everything back on track. I have at least been making it back to the gym, so I am happy with that.

On a positive note, I have a job interview on Monday morning. Since I was laid off in February, I have sent out resumes virtually every day and have only had 3 real job interviews. So I am pretty excited.

I hope that everybody has a good weekend.

 

[sahbushka]

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?

Yes, some days are way harder than others. If my DH cooks (and he does often) it is hard to stay away from his home cooked meals. I usually discourage him from cooking except on the weekends which helps me during the week, at least.

That said, I haven't weight in in 2 weeks and I have gained 4 pounds. I just can't seem to get everything back on track. I have at least been making it back to the gym, so I am happy with that.

On a positive note, I have a job interview on Monday morning. Since I was laid off in February, I have sent out resumes virtually every day and have only had 3 real job interviews. So I am pretty excited.

I hope that everybody has a good weekend.

Good luck on your interview! DH got laid off a couple weeks ago so I understand how the market is! I hope you get the job!

Sarah

 

[mikamah]

I am very happy to report that I'm down 2.7 from last week! Its also happens to be 0.7 less than my lowest number back in June when I started doing my 2lb yo-yo'ing.

Whoo hoo!!! Awesome loss, shannon.

Good morning all! My name is Sarah and I will be your Coach for the week! I have never coached before so please bare with me! I think I will start off with the Question of the Day as that is one of MY favorite parts!

Welcome to coaching, and thank you. Thanks to Melanie for coaching last week. It's so fun to have a new coach each week, and I found the week that i coached, really helped keep me grounded.

QOTD: Someone else on the thread mentioned before and after pics. Now, I am not asking you to post them (unless you want to in which case we would love to see!) but do you take them? How do they help you? Do you have them posted somewhere?

I have some before and during pics that I had posted when I was down 40 pounds, but now I'm only down 20, so I don't like to look at the after ones. I think I will check out the before pic as a little inspiration to work a little harder on losing again.

Oh yeah, weigh in. I had a small loss this week, but hey, it was a loss and I was expecting too much as last week I had a GREAT loss! Next week will be even better, I am sure! With hard work and determination anything is possible!

Sarah

congrats on your loss. Any loss is good enough to be celebrated in my book.

Weigh in - well, I'm up 1.4 lb - but I'm okay with that. I went a little crazy this week eating treats, so I was expecting a 2 lb gain. I am determined to lose 2 pounds this week, so that I'll be under what I was last week.

Sorry you had a gain, but you have the attitude you need to see it gone next week.

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?

Yes, yes, yes. I find that if I have my meals planned, I do way better, and also when I'm going to work, it's easier to plan and stick with the plan. When I journal my food that also helps, but I have been having a hard time with that lately.

That said, I haven't weight in in 2 weeks and I have gained 4 pounds. I just can't seem to get everything back on track. I have at least been making it back to the gym, so I am happy with that.

On a positive note, I have a job interview on Monday morning. Since I was laid off in February, I have sent out resumes virtually every day and have only had 3 real job interviews. So I am pretty excited.

I hope that everybody has a good weekend.

Sorry about your gain, but that's great you are going back to the gym. Every little step we take makes us healthier.
Good luck on your job intervew monday!! Hope you get that job.

Dona- sounds like a fun, busy week. Nice job choosing the dessert over the pasta. Hope your foot is feeling better.

Hope you're all having a nice weekend. I got a little sunburned at the beach yesterday, and am feeling lazy this morning. I thought i'd maybe start planning my nov disney trip, but the hours aren't posted yet. I think i'll get my son to take a bike ride this morning after breakfast.

 

[pjlla]

Morning friends! Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I have come on a few times to read up on how everyone is doing, but I haven't really had time to post or answer any QOTD. This is, by far, the busiest summer on record for us here and it won't be letting up. The eating has been a BIG challenge lately and I was up a bit last weigh-in, but that's life I guess. I've officially lowered my goal weight by 5 pounds too, so now instead of being "almost" at goal, I am a bit further away.... but not discouraged by that.

Thanks to Sarah (sahbushka) for coaching this week! I really appreciate it.

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?


Well, obviously, being able to plan all of the meals myself helps a lot. If I am going to someone else's house to eat, that really makes it more challenging.

Thinking of it as a "regular" day really helps too. If I connect any sort of special-ness to the day, it seems to give an excuse to eat or have extra treats. Heck, I could use the entire summer vacation as a "special" day! But I can't. And I am trying to keep reminding myself that our upcoming family vacation is not an excuse to overeat. Just being together and having fun is enough without adding food treats into the mix. Just the fact that we take turns cooking will make it challenging enough without adding that "I-have-a-right-because-it's-vacation" mentality into the mix. Breakfast on plan, lunch on plan, dinner foods that I can't control (but I CAN control my portions) and MAYBE one treat... that is my vacation eating plan.


I'm feeling a little frustrated with myself because I had committed to losing 2 pounds this week and instead I gained 1.4. But after DH's "pizza" birthday, (which I mentioned previously), I went away with DS and it was truly an enormous eating challenge. We went to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and were surrounded by food vendors for three days!! Fried dough, french fries, pizza, ice cream, calzones, onion rings, fried clams... you name it! I'm trying to remain positive and keep reminding myself how well I did avoiding most of this stuff. In fact, I only indulged in one item and it was a small portion. We managed to find a healthy dinner the one night we did eat at the beach. We avoided all of the fried food vendors and found a Subway and I had my usual turkey breast on honey oat bread with lots of veggies and no dressing. I was very pleased with myself for making that smart choice. However, I ended my evening with a dessert of a .... (drum roll)... DEEP FRIED OREO!! (And yes, it was delicious ) Oh well, you can't win them all! I did also share a piece of pizza with DS for dinner one night, but I'm not considering that a huge splurge.

The only thing that kept me at all on track for those three days was - #1. The thought that I had committed to a two pound loss here with you folks and... - #2. The fact that I brought a cooler full of healthy foods along with me and I ate from that cooler every day. So thanks for being here to keep me accountable.

I am committing to losing that 1.4 this week. I will do what it takes to make that happen. Eating on plan and 60 minutes of exercise today and every day this week. I know I can do it and I need to do it. I'm so glad to have you all here on my side..............................P

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning, losers!

Just popping in quickly to say "hello" -- will have to wait until I am home to catch up on the reading.

Hope everyone is doing well, I am staying OP for the most part and getting in extra activity points from walking. I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

Sounds like everyone is having a great week-end! See you Wednesday night!

 

[sahbushka]

I have some before and during pics that I had posted when I was down 40 pounds, but now I'm only down 20, so I don't like to look at the after ones. I think I will check out the before pic as a little inspiration to work a little harder on losing again.

Yes, yes, yes. I find that if I have my meals planned, I do way better, and also when I'm going to work, it's easier to plan and stick with the plan. When I journal my food that also helps, but I have been having a hard time with that lately.

Hope you're all having a nice weekend. I got a little sunburned at the beach yesterday, and am feeling lazy this morning. I thought i'd maybe start planning my nov disney trip, but the hours aren't posted yet. I think i'll get my son to take a bike ride this morning after breakfast.

So drinking water, journaling food, controling the meals yourself and considering every day a regular day and not special are some ways to stay on plan! Great ideas everyone!

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?


Well, obviously, being able to plan all of the meals myself helps a lot. If I am going to someone else's house to eat, that really makes it more challenging.

Thinking of it as a "regular" day really helps too. If I connect any sort of special-ness to the day, it seems to give an excuse to eat or have extra treats. Heck, I could use the entire summer vacation as a "special" day! But I can't. And I am trying to keep reminding myself that our upcoming family vacation is not an excuse to overeat. Just being together and having fun is enough without adding food treats into the mix. Just the fact that we take turns cooking will make it challenging enough without adding that "I-have-a-right-because-it's-vacation" mentality into the mix. Breakfast on plan, lunch on plan, dinner foods that I can't control (but I CAN control my portions) and MAYBE one treat... that is my vacation eating plan.


I'm feeling a little frustrated with myself because I had committed to losing 2 pounds this week and instead I gained 1.4. But after DH's "pizza" birthday, (which I mentioned previously), I went away with DS and it was truly an enormous eating challenge. We went to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and were surrounded by food vendors for three days!! Fried dough, french fries, pizza, ice cream, calzones, onion rings, fried clams... you name it! I'm trying to remain positive and keep reminding myself how well I did avoiding most of this stuff. In fact, I only indulged in one item and it was a small portion. We managed to find a healthy dinner the one night we did eat at the beach. We avoided all of the fried food vendors and found a Subway and I had my usual turkey breast on honey oat bread with lots of veggies and no dressing. I was very pleased with myself for making that smart choice. However, I ended my evening with a dessert of a .... (drum roll)... DEEP FRIED OREO!! (And yes, it was delicious ) Oh well, you can't win them all! I did also share a piece of pizza with DS for dinner one night, but I'm not considering that a huge splurge.

The only thing that kept me at all on track for those three days was - #1. The thought that I had committed to a two pound loss here with you folks and... - #2. The fact that I brought a cooler full of healthy foods along with me and I ate from that cooler every day. So thanks for being here to keep me accountable.

I am committing to losing that 1.4 this week. I will do what it takes to make that happen. Eating on plan and 60 minutes of exercise today and every day this week. I know I can do it and I need to do it. I'm so glad to have you all here on my side..............................P

Good luck with losing this week! I am sure you can do it...and thanks for the idea for todays qotd! (Deep fried oreo? Hmmm...)

Good morning, losers!

Just popping in quickly to say "hello" -- will have to wait until I am home to catch up on the reading.

Hope everyone is doing well, I am staying OP for the most part and getting in extra activity points from walking. I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

Sounds like everyone is having a great week-end! See you Wednesday night!

Hi good job staying op! See you when you are back on!

Sarah

 

[sahbushka]

QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

For me my favorite is Gibson Girl ice cream. I plan on having it once and only having a single scoop...I will probably also give my dd a few bites. As far as other treats, we are planning on having anything we want, but getting one and sharing it amongst the 4 of us!

Sarah

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

As odd as it may sound, it's carrot cake -- preferably a carrot cake cookie from Goofy's, but one of the little ones will do in a pinch. I don't allow myself to eat it at home, so it really is a special treat. I will definitely be having it at least once, probably twice, but not one a day -- which would be as much as I want!

Maria

 

[corinnak]

QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

You know, I used to have a couple of these. Dole whip. Boma food (though you never know if they are going to have the cocomisu!). That one flatbread pizza at Saratoga Springs. And I love the tofu noodle dish at Brown Derby. Pretty much now, I'm like - well it's just food.

I think the only must-haves for the January marathon weekend trip are the Vegetarian Platter at the Tangerine Cafe and a Welsh Dragon from the Rose & Crown bar on Saturday sometime after the half!

 

[disney1990]

QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

Dole Whip and/or School Bread.

 

[princessbride6205]

QOTD: Do you ever notice that some days are way easier to stay on plan than others? What do you do at the start of your days that help make sure you stay on plan all day?
Absolutely! There are some days when I am a rock star, then others (this past week included) that I can't seem to resist temptation and struggle to get a good work out. *sigh* I almost always start my day with an OP breakfast, but making sure I get in at least one fruit serving before lunch helps keep my day on track. I try to get in 20-30 minutes of walking on my lunch break. I think it's really important that I am active earlier in the day than my 8 pm workout. Ideally I will get in my evening workout, too, but if I don't, at least I got off my butt at some point during the day!

QOTD: Must-have food at Disney?
I really don't know. It used to be the chocolate croissant on Main Street, but I'm not as attached to those anymore. I like to get the design-your-own caramel apple at Goofy's Kitchen. I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting...

 

[bobnjenn0828]

Hi everybody!

I haven't posted in so long! We have had 2 vacations this month so things have been really crazy. If I haven't been at work I have been gone it seems!!
I hope things calm down when school starts next week, but I also start grad school so who knows. I haven't made a lot of progress during July but I also haven't gained so that is good!!


QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

Well we love the hamburgers at Pecos Bills. I will have one when I go b/c I love them. I have come to the conclusion that I can't not have anything if I want it. I think that it just makes me want it more if I don't let myself have some. During this month when we were at Fort Wilderness we ate way too much ice cream. I won't do that again, but I will eat it in moderation. That was the first time I really let myself eat ice cream and went a little crazy. When we went to the beach, I got what I wanted at the restaurants, but when I was full I quit eating. We also made sure we walked enough to make up for the extra calories. I am going to Disney this month with my mom and we have decided to split our meals, that way we eat a normal size portion!!

Jennifer

 

[SpaceMtnFan]

QOTD: We may have had something similar to this before but....What is your favorite "must have" food item at Disney? When you go next are you not going to have it at all....have a bite....or have as much as you want because "hey, I'm on vacation!"

I love the Smoked Turkey Legs. I first tried one in 1998 when I saw my brother and his friend with A Turkey Leg so I got one. It took me 25 minutes to finish it. It was soooo Good.

 

[sahbushka]

QOTD: So it seems that we are having mixed results this summer. What is one thing that you notice, whether you have lost or gained this summer, that is a step closer to being the person you want to be (ie, full faster, better choices, more movement, etc.)

As for me, the best non scale result this summer has been that I feel full so much sooner than I used to. In fact, I can't really remember feeling full before. Now I am full a lot faster and there have been numerous times where I have gone out to eat and not finished everything on my plate...in fact, I can't remember the last time I finished everything on my plate at a restaurant. That is huge for me! Before this summer I would never leave a bite and normally I would get more!

Have a great op day!

Sarah

 

[MelanieC]

Hey everyone - WOW I can't believe we leave in 3 days!! Today went so fast - Yeah!!

I just wanted to check in and say I lost .8 last week, but it's still just yo-yoing the same 2 pounds I have for over a month now. I guess that it's good I haven't gained, so I'm ok with that.

I'm pretty much packed - first time in history I won't spend the night before packing and even though I had to buy all new shorts for this trip - I got them all on clearance so it wasn't that bad. Who knows.......I may look into how much it is to take some of them in and maybe it will be cheaper than buying new ones next year or maybe the ones I have will be ok - because this fall when I get back from Vegas I'm losing this once and for all.

Here is my plan for Disney. I'm expecting to gain some, but if I come home I will drop some of the water weight usually 4 pounds is easy water weight to lose. I am planning to drink unsweetened iced tea or water while I'm there instead of soda (most years I end up having one soda and then crave it the whole time). I'm not dieting, and will eat desserts sometimes not all the time (The second 9 nights we have the free dining so I will eat desserts then). I am going to buy Kashi bars for breakfast or I'm even thinking about not worrying about breakfast since we eat lunch at 11:30am most days depending on the restaurant. By the time we get up and get to the park we ride a few rides and its time for lunch. Dinners are filling, so it may not be that bad to skip breakfast in this instant (I'm not a big fan of skipping breakfast). Saving 200-300 calories each day, will add up over 18 days. I also will be having tons of calories the rest of the day, so I'm sure my body won't be to terribly upset if I don't feed it first thing.

 

[sskem96]

QOTD: Must have food at Disney?

Probably the pulled pork sandwich in MK (Ray's Starlight Cafe I think?) I put cheese sauce, pickles, and sauteed onions on it. I don't like ground beef, so I get excited when a place actually serves something that I consider "normal" food!

QOTD: One thing you notice that makes you one step closer to the person you want to be?

I have been faithfully attending WW meeting every week. In the past, if I skipped a week, I got off track in a hurry and ended up quitting. I've also been riding my bike a lot and have noticed a big difference in my endurance.


I went shopping yesterday and got a new pair of shorts and 2 new shirts, and I didn't have to go to the "plus" section to get them! Yeah!! It's been a while since I've been able to get a XL shirt from the regular sizes because I carry all my weight in my stomach.

 

[sahbushka]

Hey everyone - WOW I can't believe we leave in 3 days!! Today went so fast - Yeah!!

I just wanted to check in and say I lost .8 last week, but it's still just yo-yoing the same 2 pounds I have for over a month now. I guess that it's good I haven't gained, so I'm ok with that.

I'm pretty much packed - first time in history I won't spend the night before packing and even though I had to buy all new shorts for this trip - I got them all on clearance so it wasn't that bad. Who knows.......I may look into how much it is to take some of them in and maybe it will be cheaper than buying new ones next year or maybe the ones I have will be ok - because this fall when I get back from Vegas I'm losing this once and for all.

Here is my plan for Disney. I'm expecting to gain some, but if I come home I will drop some of the water weight usually 4 pounds is easy water weight to lose. I am planning to drink unsweetened iced tea or water while I'm there instead of soda (most years I end up having one soda and then crave it the whole time). I'm not dieting, and will eat desserts sometimes not all the time (The second 9 nights we have the free dining so I will eat desserts then). I am going to buy Kashi bars for breakfast or I'm even thinking about not worrying about breakfast since we eat lunch at 11:30am most days depending on the restaurant. By the time we get up and get to the park we ride a few rides and its time for lunch. Dinners are filling, so it may not be that bad to skip breakfast in this instant (I'm not a big fan of skipping breakfast). Saving 200-300 calories each day, will add up over 18 days. I also will be having tons of calories the rest of the day, so I'm sure my body won't be to terribly upset if I don't feed it first thing.

I hope you have a great time! How could you not?

QOTD: Must have food at Disney?

Probably the pulled pork sandwich in MK (Ray's Starlight Cafe I think?) I put cheese sauce, pickles, and sauteed onions on it. I don't like ground beef, so I get excited when a place actually serves something that I consider "normal" food!

QOTD: One thing you notice that makes you one step closer to the person you want to be?

I have been faithfully attending WW meeting every week. In the past, if I skipped a week, I got off track in a hurry and ended up quitting. I've also been riding my bike a lot and have noticed a big difference in my endurance.


I went shopping yesterday and got a new pair of shorts and 2 new shirts, and I didn't have to go to the "plus" section to get them! Yeah!! It's been a while since I've been able to get a XL shirt from the regular sizes because I carry all my weight in my stomach.

WTG on doing the meetings each week and on the smaller clothes! I can't wait to be able to shop in a section other than "PLUS"!

Sarah

 

[Worfiedoodles]

One thing that I've noticed which is making me closer to the person I want to be is the regularity of my workouts. TM issues aside, I have done many more miles than the previous two years. I am regularly on the TM, not just in the training push before marathon weekend.

Maria

 

[corinnak]

QOTD: One thing you notice that makes you one step closer to the person you want to be?

It's all becoming just regular. Tracking the points, doing the work outs, making healthy choices. It used to be like skiing uphill. Now, it just feels...normal.