BL Summer Challenge 2009

[FLAngie]

I am in preparation stage too.

Monday QOTD -- Are you ready to change your lifestyle to a healthy one? Or if you are there, what was the one big change that helped you get there?

DD6 last check up.

DH, DD8 and I are fairly healthy, but DD6 has been put on a diet by her ped. That was a real wake up call for us. We need to do better to get her on track. A healthier lifestyle will be much better for us too, so I am really committed to make this work.

 

[corinnak]

It is an interesting quiz - what a great QOTD!

I'm in "actively changing your lifestyle!" which does not come as a huge shock to me. It did seem like there weren't always enough gradations from "Whatever" to "Ideal" in the answers, but that's the way these things go, I guess.

The site went on to say this:

"The action stage requires lots of time and energy, and although you've already made the change, your work is still cut out for you as you strive to maintain it for a lifetime."

Boy, that is a fact, isn't it?

As for the one big change that got me here, this is what I did. I made a chart of the things I know help keep me on track. Some are easy to check off (Drink some decaf green tea, read "healthy" articles online, in books or magazines) and some are more challenging (track on WW etools or run or do resistance band work out). I did this for about a month and it made a big difference to me in doing the things that keep me mentally and physically in the game.


Rides: Favorite is probably.....Tower of Terror! My first big race was the 13K, I love that freefall - it makes me laugh! And my youngest son is such a riot on that ride - absolutely silent.

The one I do not love: Oh criminy, I have a list. And Stitch is really bad - but my kids do enjoy Stitch and might miss the attraction. If they could replace that with a GOOD Stitch attraction, that would be optimal. For me, though, I would be just as happy if they got rid of those stinky little slow cars at the Tomorrowland "Speedway." I can walk faster. Seriously!!!


Exciting news - I seem to be on my last belt hole today. When I started, I could not wear this belt and now I am about to run out of holes in the other direction!

 

[LuvBaloo]

Just putting a friendly reminder out there for anybody that may have forgotten to send in their weigh in. No pressure intended

50sjayne
bobnjenn0828
DisneyFam5
Sneezie
disney1990​

 

[LuvBaloo]

Corinna - great news on your belt!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

According to the Sparkpeople Quiz (Awesome question, Lisa!) I am in the preparation stage. I actually think I'm in action, but not following through very well...

In some ways I'm ready to change, in others not so much. I don't do well with deprivation, I'm having a hard time getting back into getting up at 4:30 (and it seems futile to try now since I'm going to have company Aug. 15-30, and won't be able to do it), and I just seem to feel hot and discouraged all the time. I'm really looking forward to Sept. 1, I've set it as my "New New Year!".

Maria

 

[princessbride6205]

I have to pass on a story that totally made my day. DH and I work for the same parent company, but in different divisions/locations. With my current project, I've been over at his building for meetings at least once a week. I was there this morning in their warehouse to see some pieces built for my current project. Apparently DH's summer intern told him that a cute girl was walking around the shop. DH said, "I think that's my wife." Intern didn't believe him. I ran into DH and intern at lunch and said a quick hi. Little did I know that afterward, the intern says, "That's the girl I was talking about." And DH replied, "I know, that's my wife." So often I feel like a frumpy, bedraggled working mom - it's nice to know someone besides DH still thinks I'm cute.

Monday QOTD -- Are you ready to change your lifestyle to a healthy one? Or if you are there, what was the one big change that helped you get there?
I took the quiz and it said Preparation phase, but I think I'm mostly in Action. Although I think I will forever be "preparing" to make meals from scratch and get 8 hours of sleep! Does anyone with a FT job and a toddler achieve those?
As to the actual question, the big change that finally got me to take action was realizing I could do it. Before the BL, I had been exercising 5-6x a week but not changing my eating. I saw almost no weight loss. At some point around the start of this BL, I realized that if I could lose 1-2 pounds a week, I'd fit into some of my old clothes before the end of the summer. Once it seemed doable, I took more steps toward my goal - charting calories, passing on dessert, more veggies, etc. The combination of watching what I'm eating, reducing calories a little, and exercising have helped me succeed.
I could still eat a little better - making sure I get my fruits & veg and further limiting sweets. We do well on eating food we prepare instead of dining out, but almost nothing is from scratch. Lots of veggie burgers and homemade pizza in our house lately.

 

[sahbushka]

I have to pass on a story that totally made my day. DH and I work for the same parent company, but in different divisions/locations. With my current project, I've been over at his building for meetings at least once a week. I was there this morning in their warehouse to see some pieces built for my current project. Apparently DH's summer intern told him that a cute girl was walking around the shop. DH said, "I think that's my wife." Intern didn't believe him. I ran into DH and intern at lunch and said a quick hi. Little did I know that afterward, the intern says, "That's the girl I was talking about." And DH replied, "I know, that's my wife." So often I feel like a frumpy, bedraggled working mom - it's nice to know someone besides DH still thinks I'm cute.

Monday QOTD -- Are you ready to change your lifestyle to a healthy one? Or if you are there, what was the one big change that helped you get there?
I took the quiz and it said Preparation phase, but I think I'm mostly in Action. Although I think I will forever be "preparing" to make meals from scratch and get 8 hours of sleep! Does anyone with a FT job and a toddler achieve those?
As to the actual question, the big change that finally got me to take action was realizing I could do it. Before the BL, I had been exercising 5-6x a week but not changing my eating. I saw almost no weight loss. At some point around the start of this BL, I realized that if I could lose 1-2 pounds a week, I'd fit into some of my old clothes before the end of the summer. Once it seemed doable, I took more steps toward my goal - charting calories, passing on dessert, more veggies, etc. The combination of watching what I'm eating, reducing calories a little, and exercising have helped me succeed.
I could still eat a little better - making sure I get my fruits & veg and further limiting sweets. We do well on eating food we prepare instead of dining out, but almost nothing is from scratch. Lots of veggie burgers and homemade pizza in our house lately.

Isn't this the truth! LOL!!!! It said I was in preperation too but I agree with you, I think I am in action as well. I know I need to eat some more veggies and make more homemade meals and exersize more, but the truth is I work so many hours I am lucky for the 5-6 hours of sleep I get and spending time with my ds and dd is way more important that getting to the gym. Now, that being said, once the overtime dies down or my husband gets a new job I will be back in the gym, but right now I just have to let that go a bit. I am doing pretty well on my eating and getting in my water....for now that is enough.

Have a great day all!

Sarah

 

[TammyNC]

Today's QOTD comes from this Spark People Quiz "Are you ready to change your lifestyle?" http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/assessment_questions.asp?quizid=61

Apparently there are five stages of change that people move through when losing bad habits or creating new ones (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance).

When I took the quiz it said I am in the preparation stage. I believe it because I've spent the last seven months figuring out what works and what doesn't work. Most importantly I've figured out that a half hearted effort isn't going to do what it takes, I need to take a page from corinnak's, pjlla's, and sahbushka's books and really pour it on day after day, week after week. And that is what I am going to do!

You don't have to take the quiz to answer the QOTD but it might be fun if you do.

Monday QOTD -- Are you ready to change your lifestyle to a healthy one? Or if you are there, what was the one big change that helped you get there?

Have a great day, losers!

I'm in the preparation mode as well. A few months ago I probably would have gotten a different answer. I honestly am just thankful to be maintaining this summer with the lack of exercise that has been happening. I am so ready for cooler weather, slower schedules so that we can get back to our routine.

It is an interesting quiz - what a great QOTD!

I'm in "actively changing your lifestyle!" which does not come as a huge shock to me. It did seem like there weren't always enough gradations from "Whatever" to "Ideal" in the answers, but that's the way these things go, I guess.

The site went on to say this:

"The action stage requires lots of time and energy, and although you've already made the change, your work is still cut out for you as you strive to maintain it for a lifetime."

Boy, that is a fact, isn't it?

As for the one big change that got me here, this is what I did. I made a chart of the things I know help keep me on track. Some are easy to check off (Drink some decaf green tea, read "healthy" articles online, in books or magazines) and some are more challenging (track on WW etools or run or do resistance band work out). I did this for about a month and it made a big difference to me in doing the things that keep me mentally and physically in the game.


Rides: Favorite is probably.....Tower of Terror! My first big race was the 13K, I love that freefall - it makes me laugh! And my youngest son is such a riot on that ride - absolutely silent.

The one I do not love: Oh criminy, I have a list. And Stitch is really bad - but my kids do enjoy Stitch and might miss the attraction. If they could replace that with a GOOD Stitch attraction, that would be optimal. For me, though, I would be just as happy if they got rid of those stinky little slow cars at the Tomorrowland "Speedway." I can walk faster. Seriously!!!


Exciting news - I seem to be on my last belt hole today. When I started, I could not wear this belt and now I am about to run out of holes in the other direction!

How exciting about your belt...keep up the great work and get ready to go shopping for that new smaller belt!!

I have to pass on a story that totally made my day. DH and I work for the same parent company, but in different divisions/locations. With my current project, I've been over at his building for meetings at least once a week. I was there this morning in their warehouse to see some pieces built for my current project. Apparently DH's summer intern told him that a cute girl was walking around the shop. DH said, "I think that's my wife." Intern didn't believe him. I ran into DH and intern at lunch and said a quick hi. Little did I know that afterward, the intern says, "That's the girl I was talking about." And DH replied, "I know, that's my wife." So often I feel like a frumpy, bedraggled working mom - it's nice to know someone besides DH still thinks I'm cute.

Awesome story and thanks for sharing. How exciting to be referred to as the cute girl, I am sure that made your week!!


I'm heading off the computer, time to get the day going in full swing to get everything done on my list.

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning, losers!

I am in preparation stage too. We need to do better to get her on track. A healthier lifestyle will be much better for us too, so I am really committed to make this work.

to you Angie helping your daughter to build healthy habits that will serve her, and all of you really, well throughout her lifetime.

I'm in "actively changing your lifestyle!" which does not come as a huge shock to me.

As for the one big change that got me here, this is what I did. I made a chart of the things I know help keep me on track. Some are easy to check off (Drink some decaf green tea, read "healthy" articles online, in books or magazines) and some are more challenging (track on WW etools or run or do resistance band work out). I did this for about a month and it made a big difference to me in doing the things that keep me mentally and physically in the game.

Exciting news - I seem to be on my last belt hole today. When I started, I could not wear this belt and now I am about to run out of holes in the other direction!

I would have picked you as one of the folks in action phase, corinnak. Your suggestions for getting those healthy habits nailed down are great ones.

A big congratulations on the belt! Woo! Hoo! Time to go shopping for a new, cute belt!

According to the Sparkpeople Quiz (Awesome question, Lisa!) I am in the preparation stage. I actually think I'm in action, but not following through very well...

In some ways I'm ready to change, in others not so much. I don't do well with deprivation, I'm having a hard time getting back into getting up at 4:30 (and it seems futile to try now since I'm going to have company Aug. 15-30, and won't be able to do it), and I just seem to feel hot and discouraged all the time. I'm really looking forward to Sept. 1, I've set it as my "New New Year!".

Maria

From what I can tell in the quiz there is a fine line between preparation and action if you don't do everything everyday. If I were you, Maria, I would hold the line for the next few weeks while you have company and fine tune my plan for the "new new year.!" (I always feel like the start of the school year is a fresh year, too!). Then you will be ready to go, go, go again in September. Being frustrated about not being able to stick to plan because of hostessing will be stressful for you and might do more harm in the long run. Just my 2 cents worth!

I have to pass on a story that totally made my day. DH and I work for the same parent company, but in different divisions/locations. With my current project, I've been over at his building for meetings at least once a week. I was there this morning in their warehouse to see some pieces built for my current project. Apparently DH's summer intern told him that a cute girl was walking around the shop. DH said, "I think that's my wife." Intern didn't believe him. I ran into DH and intern at lunch and said a quick hi. Little did I know that afterward, the intern says, "That's the girl I was talking about." And DH replied, "I know, that's my wife." So often I feel like a frumpy, bedraggled working mom - it's nice to know someone besides DH still thinks I'm cute.

Wasn't that a nice compliment for you? And I bet DH was puffed up with pride because that cute girl was his DW.

Isn't this the truth! LOL!!!! It said I was in preperation too but I agree with you, I think I am in action as well.

I would agree that you are in more of action stage now, sahbushka, and your results this challenge show it!

I'm in the preparation mode as well. A few months ago I probably would have gotten a different answer. I honestly am just thankful to be maintaining this summer with the lack of exercise that has been happening. I am so ready for cooler weather, slower schedules so that we can get back to our routine.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with maintaining -- it beats the alternative of gaining! I know that you are a home schooler. Will you be starting classes soon or do you just do the hours required at your own pace, on your own schedule?

QOTD coming in next post!

 

[lisah0711]

Hello again, losers!

I am sure that you have heard of Joy Bauer who appears regularly on the Today Show. I haven't reviewed her site or know too much about her system but I did run across this article on msnbc yesterday about diet myths.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32359715/ns/today-today_health/

The myths were interesting but this comment hit a note with me:

"Most importantly, chronic dieting can have a negative impact on psychological health. Weight loss followed by weight regain can squash self-esteem and promote feelings of failure. This mind-set makes it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with food. With that in mind, take care of your body and your psyche — avoid crash dieting and instead stick with a program you can sustain long term."

So the QOTD is this What are your going to do today to help your mind-set maintain a healthy relationship with food?

Yesterday, my mind-set needed some help. First day back from vacation is always hard, there is a stack of mail and bills, too many emails, and telephone messages. Everyone asks how your vacation was and wonders when you are going to get their stuff done. I had client emergency that took a couple of hours right out of the middle of day. Then errands, including back to school shopping and the grocery store. I was strong and stayed within my points, even with a bellini, and walked over 6,000 steps. I could have used being tired and cranky as an excuse to eat poorly, which is what I would have done in the past.

That mind-set yesterday that said doing something unhealthy isn't going to make you feel better but worse is what I will do again today. And again, and again, and again. I woke up early and exercised and practiced my piano already. I have my meals planned out and am ready to keep moving forward again today. Oh sure, something may happen to change that forward momentum but I know that the worst it will do is stop me in my tracks, it won't be an excuse to go backwards!

Onwards and downwards!

 

[LuvBaloo]

princessbride6205 - great story!

So the QOTD is this What are your going to do today to help your mind-set maintain a healthy relationship with food?

Today, I'm sticking with my plan. I don't do well with straight denial, so I made sure to pack a little treat in my lunch bag. When I plan to have a cookie as part of my day, then its easier to not hit the vending machine and have something really bad.

 

[LuvBaloo]

WW online today had some supermarket information to remind us that supermarkets are a business and their goal is to get people to spend money. I thought I'd share the blurb, because while I knew all buy one of the devices, it was still a good reminder for me, and maybe some of you will get something from it too.

Marketing expertise
Supermarkets have been employing marketing experts and psychologists to design their stores for many years. The simple plan is to entice you to buy lots of goodies; whether or not you actually need them is beside the point.

Recognise the following devices?
An in-store bakery: The smell of freshly baked bread is designed to make us hungry and get us spending.
Produce near the front door: Fresh food looks best in natural light, hence you find these areas near the opening to the supermarket.
Hidden staples: Milk and bread are set far apart from the entrance and each other, to encourage consumers to walk through all parts of the store.
The "end cap" trick: Special displays at the end of the aisles, known as end-caps, are laden with offers; shoppers notice them more than regular displays.
Eye-catching at eye level: More expensive items with higher profit margins are placed at eye level, while the shop's basics range will be on the floor—companies actually pay more to have their products at eye level, as shoppers are considered "lazy" and will see them first.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm so late on the QOTD -- What I did today to help my mindset and maintain a healthy relationship with food -- I stuck to my eating plan! I am so proud, it's been awhile since I managed to not eat a bunch of junk in the evening. Tonight I had a salad, and I have a brownie bite ready to go before bed in a few minutes -- and that's it!

Maria

 

[sahbushka]

Oh LuvBaloo, where are you?!?! (like shaggy calling for scooby doo!) It's tuesday, right Weightkeeper?

He He He

Sarah

 

[LuvBaloo]

I'm here!
Just finished putting kids to bed, and will get the results posting up momentarily

 

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars for Week 12 of our BL Summer Challenge!

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – (can re-start at any time, though )
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know ahead of time
-I don't follow the BL TV version of handling gains. All losses are the simple formula of: (last week - this week) divided by last week

First some stats

not reporting in for 3 weeks --------- 1 (they are dropped from the stats, but can return anytime!)
not reporting in for 2 weeks ----------0
not reporting in for 1 week -----------4
Excused------------------------------3
DONE because they reached Goal------1
new recruits this week----------------1
weigh ins this week------------------21
gains--------------------------------6
maintains----------------------------6
losses------------------------------9


Summer Between BL Challenge Week 12
weekly total group loss for week #12 = 16.2 pounds

Average percentage of weight lossthis week 0.45%


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me.

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 12? This week, the top losers list is a top 9
(That criteria may change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 12 Superstars!!

#10- everybody who's name isn't on the list but is still reporting in! We all deserve Summer weightloss is tough!
#9-0.51% - lulamc
#8-0.70% - FLAngie
#7-0.78% - Corinnak
#6-1.02% - maznorm
#5-1.38% - pjlla
#4-1.89% - bobnjenn0828
#3-1.96% - sahbushka
#2-2.10% - SeedsLuvDisney our newest member!

and now

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 12 Biggest Loser!!

#1-2.37%- PrincessBride6205

This summer challenge has been a struggle for some of us (including me). With 5 weigh-ins left, there's still time to make changes if you need to, or just keep going with what's working. Remember to stay positive, be proud of your successes and learn from your mistakes.

Here's a couple of quotes I found for this week:

If hunger is not the problem, then food is not the solution.
(this one reminds me to stop and think: if I'm eating because I'm stressed its not going to fix the stress

Stephen R. Covey:
Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.
(This one reminds me that I'm the only one that can get me going, so I have to just do it!)

Congratulations PrincessBride6205!!! We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser.

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg[IMG]

or use
[IMG]http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by [IMG]

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[sahbushka]

Way to go PrincessBride6205!!!! Great job! What a wonderful percentage! Congrats to all of us on the top 10 list! I am glad to see our group loss for the week is going up again! Have a great night and health dreams!

Sarah

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Great Job, Losers!

Even if you didn't make the list, still working on weight loss at this late date in August deserves a hand of applause, so I'm giving it to everyone!

I think our momentum is really starting to build. 5 weighins is plenty of time to lose alot -- think how happy you will be in Sept. if you keep going now!

Maria

 

[TammyNC]

Good morning, losers!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with maintaining -- it beats the alternative of gaining! I know that you are a home schooler. Will you be starting classes soon or do you just do the hours required at your own pace, on your own schedule?

We will probably start in a couple of weeks. There are a few more things that I need to get planned out and I'm honestly not ready for summer to end either. I don't try to follow the local school calendar just because we don't take the teacher workdays, holidays, etc. If DH is off from work for a holiday we take the day off but usually save our days for vacation during the off times.

Hello again, losers!

I am sure that you have heard of Joy Bauer who appears regularly on the Today Show. I haven't reviewed her site or know too much about her system but I did run across this article on msnbc yesterday about diet myths.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32359715/ns/today-today_health/

The myths were interesting but this comment hit a note with me:

"Most importantly, chronic dieting can have a negative impact on psychological health. Weight loss followed by weight regain can squash self-esteem and promote feelings of failure. This mind-set makes it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with food. With that in mind, take care of your body and your psyche — avoid crash dieting and instead stick with a program you can sustain long term."

So the QOTD is this What are your going to do today to help your mind-set maintain a healthy relationship with food?

Yesterday, my mind-set needed some help. First day back from vacation is always hard, there is a stack of mail and bills, too many emails, and telephone messages. Everyone asks how your vacation was and wonders when you are going to get their stuff done. I had client emergency that took a couple of hours right out of the middle of day. Then errands, including back to school shopping and the grocery store. I was strong and stayed within my points, even with a bellini, and walked over 6,000 steps. I could have used being tired and cranky as an excuse to eat poorly, which is what I would have done in the past.

That mind-set yesterday that said doing something unhealthy isn't going to make you feel better but worse is what I will do again today. And again, and again, and again. I woke up early and exercised and practiced my piano already. I have my meals planned out and am ready to keep moving forward again today. Oh sure, something may happen to change that forward momentum but I know that the worst it will do is stop me in my tracks, it won't be an excuse to go backwards!

Onwards and downwards!

My mind-set just needs to stay positive and focused on maintaining my water in-take, portion control and good fresh healthy eating for right now.

Congrat's to PrincessBride6205 for being the BL this week and to all the other superstars!!!

Off to try and make a dent in the list today so that I can enjoy some stitching time later today.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning, losers!

Congratulations to princessbride6205 for being the biggest loser this week, making goal and being "that cute girl in the shop" all in one week! Way to go!

And a big congratulations to all the other folks on the list, including all of us who are still sticking with this challenge in the dog days of summer. I agree that it looks like we've got some momentum building for our final week -- go! go! go!

There are 4 weigh ins left on this challenge -- 8/14, 8/21, 8/28 and 9/4. Lots of time to get some serious numbers down.

I believe the BL 8 challenge will start with first weigh in on 9/11 so there won't be any gap in the challenges. BL 8 is a work in process but we will do our best to get some info out soon.

I found this interesting article in my email this morning from Sparkpeople http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=394 that talks about journaling and a study that found the best preditor of weigh loss was directly related to the days that you journaled!

So the QOTD is Do you journal? Do you like it? What do you journal? Do you feel that journaling makes a difference for you in your weight loss journey?

My answer is yes, I journal. I am getting to like it and I find it helps me stay focused and make better choices. It keeps me honest because otherwise I tend to underestimate what I ate and overestimate the benefits of exercise. The weeks that I concentrate on my journaling are the weeks I have the best results. That being said, I am journaling every single day for the rest of this challenge and probably for the of my life!

Have a great day, losers!