BL Summer Challenge 2009

[disney1990]

Good Morning Biggest Losers and Happy Friday.



Sorry I have been away for a while, but I had a major problem. My younger sister tried to commit suicide last week. My DH found her and called the paramedics. She was admitted to the mental health section of the hospital and got some counseling. They released her and she has already started seeing a counselor. She has just had too much going on in her life over the past 6 months and it all came to a head when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is doing so much better now and we have high hopes that things will be better in the future.

So here is the questions this morning. It's not really weight related, but more life related.

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them? My sister didn't reach out for help; so be aware of your family and friends and try to pickup on the little clues that they give -- I wish I had.

Let's go losers -- let's have a great weekend and a good next week.

 

[lisah0711]

Wow! to you disney1990 and thank you for coaching for part of this week in spite of all that is going on in your life! I am so sorry to hear about your sister and glad that things are improving. You know your Dis friends are all here to help you when you need it.

THANK YOU, too, princessbride6205, for being our coach last week!

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them?

Since this is a philosophical QOTD, my initial answer will be philosophical, too. I think that the one thing that I can do to show my family how much I care about them is to take time to take care of myself so I am there for them when they need me. That and communication, listening and talking and even just touching base during our busy day.

I am happy to say that I had a 2 lb loss this week so am within 2 lbs of getting my 15 lb ribbon back. I really want to get that back before the end of this challenge!

Have a great, OP day, all!

 

[mikamah]

Wow, the thread has been busy this week. It's so great to see everyone doing so well. I only have a few minutes, as I'm trying to get packed for camping this weekend. Keeping an eye on tropical storm bill, in hopes he doesn't turn west and hit us in new england. We going to old orchard beach in maine. Pjlla- I thought of you and your trip there, and am going to remember how well you did with all the challenging foods there. We always get Pier fries, but I've packed my mikes berry lemonades, and I'm going to limit the fries.

Thursday QOTD: Today's is a 2-parter, since I think it's my last day (correct me if I'm wrong, Lisa!). If you were in Disney right now, what resort would you be staying at? And back to reality what are you going to do to stay on plan today?

!

thanks so much princessbride for coaching this week. You had some really fun questions.
If I was there right now, I'd love to stay at wilderness lodge, or a cabin at fort wilderness, and take the boats over to mk. As for yesterday, I did journal all my food this week, and did fair in the eating dept, over points, but not as bad as if I hadn't journalled, and am down 1 pound. I will be cutting up a bunch of fruit to take camping today, and though I won't be journalling for the next 2 weeks while I'm on vaca, I am planning to be aware of what I am eating, and be active with my son. I'm hoping for a maintain. We are taking 3 short trips, so I'll try and check in here when we're home.

Sorry I have been away for a while, but I had a major problem. My younger sister tried to commit suicide last week. My DH found her and called the paramedics. She was admitted to the mental health section of the hospital and got some counseling. They released her and she has already started seeing a counselor. She has just had too much going on in her life over the past 6 months and it all came to a head when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is doing so much better now and we have high hopes that things will be better in the future.

So here is the questions this morning. It's not really weight related, but more life related.

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them? My sister didn't reach out for help; so be aware of your family and friends and try to pickup on the little clues that they give -- I wish I had.

Let's go losers -- let's have a great weekend and a good next week.

Disney1990, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I'm glad she is doing well, and I'll be sending prayers and good thoughts to give you both strength as you move through this difficult time.

In answer to today's question I would say I try to keep in touch, and be available if anyone wants to talk. This is an emotional question for me, because since we lost our mom in june, my siblings, and I are all dealing differently, and coming from a family who didn't discuss feelings very much, it's been difficult, and some days I feel very alone in my pain, and I think my family as a whole doesn't like to talk about difficult things, and so we don't. We will be vacationing next wed-sun with one of my bros and sisters, so I think that will be helpful. I think calling, and letting my family know the I am here for them is how I show them I care. As for my son, spending time with him, and sharing my feelings with him is real important, and I think I do that pretty well. He's so cute, and when I'm feeling down, and missing my mom, he'll remind me that she's right here, in our hearts with us. Amazing how profound kids can be.

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them?

Since this is a philosophical QOTD, my initial answer will be philosophical, too. I think that the one thing that I can do to show my family how much I care about them is to take time to take care of myself so I am there for them when they need me. That and communication, listening and talking and even just touching base during our busy day.

I am happy to say that I had a 2 lb loss this week so am within 2 lbs of getting my 15 lb ribbon back. I really want to get that back before the end of this challenge!

Have a great, OP day, all!

LIsa, I like that answer of taking care of ourselves. It is so true, and I know when I am healthier, I am so much more there for my son. Congrats on your loss!!!! I bet you'll have that ribbon by the end of this challenge.

Hope you all have a great day, and weekend!!

 

[FLAngie]

Hugs to you Disney1990. I hope things start looking brighter for your younger sister and your family.

Way to go lisah0711 for being so close to your goal!

I didn't lose anything this week but I guess I didn't gain either Dh keeps telling me to hide the scale and not to weigh myself for a month. That way I won't get too discouraged.

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them?

I make sure that I spend quality time with them each day. With the girls I remove all distractions and just spend time talking with them individually. Dh works from home so we usually have time to spend at lunch talking over our day, plans, etc.

 

[princessbride6205]

Disney1990 - I'm sorry to hear about your sister's struggles. It sounds like she's now on the right path to emotional recovery. Hugs to you and your family!

QOTD: What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them?
Communication and hugs are generally how I show my care and support.
For DD: Months ago I had read an article about how to make your child's day. All of the options were cheap or free, emphasizing how important just playing together and connecting is. On weekdays especially I try to make special time - between getting ready to get out the door in the morning, then work, then getting dinner on the table, and a short amount of time before bedtime...not a lot of room for play together. So I try to do at least one fun thing each day that is beyond our normal routine. Like last night, we played outside in the rain.

 

[princessbride6205]

I forgot to mention my weigh in. I had a small loss, but I'll take it! I'm down 0.6 pounds. This is all I was hoping for this crazy week.

 

[sskem96]

Thursday QOTD: If I was at Disney right now, I think I'd be at BCV sitting in the shade reading a book and watching the kids in the pool. To stay on track today, I'm going to eat lots of fruit and make sure I take some with me to my daughter's softball game so I'm not tempted by the concession stand!

Friday QOTD: I show my family I care about them by thanking them for doing everyday things (like last night I thanked my husband for doing the dishes and changing the litter boxes even though those are his normal chores that he's responsible for anyway). I give my girls lots of hugs and tell them I love them several times a day.

I'm off to the mall to meet my mom for some shopping. I just ate a late breakfast so if she wants to go out for lunch I'll be able to get something very light. I know we'll probably go out for dinner tonight, which will likely be pizza, so I'm trying to use fewer points this morning so I'll have plenty left for dinner.

 

[sahbushka]

To our leader this week . I am glad to hear your sister is getting the help she needs!

I had a loss this week so I am happy!

DH is having a phone interview for a job right now. He just had to tell them about the Disney trip in september...I hope that won't make them not hire him!

I went to work this morning and immediately threw out my back! I am on the couch right now and I need help to get up and go to the bathroom and all that. We were supposed to go to our county fair today but there is no way I will be able to go. DS will get to go with my mom though.

Later,
Sarah

 

[LuvBaloo]

Good Morning Biggest Losers and Happy Friday.

What is the one thing that you can do to show your family how much you care about them? My sister didn't reach out for help; so be aware of your family and friends and try to pickup on the little clues that they give -- I wish I had.

Let's go losers -- let's have a great weekend and a good next week.

I hope everything works out for your sister. Thanks for being coach, especially when your life sounds very stressful right now.

With the kids its easy, just hug them and make time for playing. With DH its easier to fall into the trap of taking each other for granted, and I am trying to make fun time for him and I. For extended family, its really just staying in contact. I have one aunt that is horrible for reaching out, and I am guilty of not calling her often as she doesn't initiate and she doesn't return calls and then complains that she is left out of things , but I have to remember to keep trying.


I did my weigh in this morning, and I was really hoping for a small loss, because all I needed was 0.1pound loss to get my 25pound clippie, and I really thought I did good this week, but it was a 1.1pound gain Oh well, all I can do is continue to do good, and trying to kick it up a notch.

Sarah - hope your back feels better soon.

for all the losers, gainers and maintainers!

 

[princessbride6205]

Shannon - I had a one pound gain the week after I was the BL too! Sometimes our bodies just want to bounce back, I guess. You're right, though, stay on track and you'll get your clippie soon!

OT: Got an e-mail from DVC that we are now in the system. EEE!!!

 

[LuvBaloo]

congrats on getting into DVC!

And thanks for the reminder that sometimes a big loss, ends up with a small gain right after.

 

[lisah0711]

to you, Sarah, I hope that your back feels better today. Someone is sending you a message to relax and take care of yourself.

Shannon - I had a one pound gain the week after I was the BL too! Sometimes our bodies just want to bounce back, I guess. You're right, though, stay on track and you'll get your clippie soon!

OT: Got an e-mail from DVC that we are now in the system. EEE!!!

OT: Welcome home! What is your home resort? Oh, and beware, once you become a DVC member, you are suceptible to a little thing called "add-on-itis." We really love our DVC and I am sure you will, too.

Shannon, I am sure that you will be headed back in the right direction in no time!

Thanks for the encouraging words, FLAngie, it is good to get those mini-goals met as they are the path to the main goal!

 

[disney1990]

Thank you everybody for the good wishes for my sister. She actually made it back to work for 2 1/2 days this week. Hopefully, being back at work will perk her up (she loves her job.)

LISA0711 - Congrats on the 2 lbs loss. I know you will be happy to get your 15 lb ribbon back. It's coming soon.

Mikamah - I hope you had fun camping this weekend and that you stayed dry.

Sarah - Hope your back is feeling better.

FLAngie - It's always better to stay the same than to gain.

Princessbride6205 - Playing in the rain was always one of our favorite things to do. We still do it when we go to Disney.

Sskem96 - Eating at the mall is one of my downfalls. I can hear Annie's Pretzels calling my name.

sahbushka - I've got my fingers crossed for your DH. Being out of work since Feb, I know what he is going through. Hopefully, things will get better soon.

LuvBaloo - I know you'll get your clippie back soon.

So here's today's question - What one thing do you like to eat when you want something sweet that is fairly good for you, but still fills that "sweet" spot?

Mine would be sliced apples with a small amount of caramel sauce.

I hope that everybody has a great weekend!

 

[corinnak]

Disney1990 - I'm glad your sister is doing better. It sounds like she's going through a lot. Thank goodness she's getting the help she needs now.

QOTD- What one thing do you like to eat when you want something sweet that is fairly good for you, but still fills that "sweet" spot?

I'm going to share the BEST recipe. This is So good, but not too sweet! It is not exactly low calorie, but it is very satifying. The recipe claims to serve 4, but I like to have more smaller servings and find that 6 or 8 is more reasonable, so that is what I've calculated the nutrition for:

Tofu Chocolate Mousse

From "The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook" by Tosca Reno

3/4 dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate bars, broken into pieces
12 oz light silken tofu* at room temperature, drained
1/2 cup warmed skim milk or soy, rice or almond milk
1 tsp best-quality vanilla

raspberries for garnish (optional)

*You MUST use silken tofu for this recipe. Regular or light both work fine, but light creates a smoother texture.


Preparation

1. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler in the microwave. Make sure to let the chocolate melt slowly. Stir until chocolate is uniformly smooth

2. In a food processor or blender, combine tofu, melted chocolate, warmed milk and vanilla. Process until smooth. If there are still white pieces, you can place the mixture in a fine-mesh strainer or sieve,pushing through with the back of a wooden spoon into medium decorative bowl or ladle into individual serving bowls. Chill and serve. Garnish with raspberries (optional but good!).

Nutrition Facts
8 Servings

Calories 126.8
Total Fat 7.4 g
Saturated Fat 4.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 0.8 mg
Sodium 44.3 mg
Potassium 23.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14.3 g
Dietary Fiber 1.5 g
Sugars 11.4 g
Protein 3.3 g


It boils down to 3 points per small serving, but I think I actually lose better when I have this!

 

[lisah0711]

Yum, corinnak, that recipe sounds delicious. I will definitely try it when before school starts. I might make it and not tell my family that it is tofu.

So here's today's question - What one thing do you like to eat when you want something sweet that is fairly good for you, but still fills that "sweet" spot?

I don't know if this qualifies as "fairly good for you" but it does fill the sweet spot without doing too much damage, sugar free popsicles, only 15 calories a piece!

Have a great day all!

 

[princessbride6205]

QOTD: What one thing do you like to eat when you want something sweet that is fairly good for you, but still fills that "sweet" spot?
I cut up a banana in a bowl, drizzle chocolate syrup over it and top with either some wheat germ or a small handful of peanuts.
I also like fudge pops in the summer - the ones I have are 45 cals. Not nutritious, but they are pretty low cal.
I make my own popsicles too. Puree watermelon in a food processor or blender and strain. Pour into molds. The flavor ends up being really light with only watermelon, but you could add other fruits or juices for more of a typical popsicle.

Lisa - We bought a small resale contract at Vero - but we'll probably use it mostly at WDW. I know, I know, that goes against most DISer advice to buy where you want to stay. But at $59/pt for a loaded contract we could afford without financing? We'll take the risk of having to stay at a non-favorite WDW DVC resort. And we are already planning an add on - had the addonitis before we closed on this one! That's the benefit of the small initial contract, we *need* more points. For our add-on(s) we'll actually buy a resort at WDW.

 

[sskem96]

QOTD: I usually eat some strawberries dipped in a little bit of sugar, or some sugar-free chocolate pudding with fat-free Cool Whip on top. You can also layer the pudding and Cool Whip with a WW 1-pt snack cake for a yummy pudding parfait.

We went to Chili's for lunch and I had a 1/2 turkey sandwich, side salad with FF honey mustard dressing, and corn on the cob. I haven't gone to their site yet to figure out the points, but at least I avoided eating anything fried!

 

[sskem96]

Yikes! I just checked my Chili's meal. 12 points for 1/2 turkey sandwich, 5 points for a side salad, and 3 points for corn on the cob, plus add a point for the FF dressing=21 points! Here I thought I was being good! I suppose there's some butter involved in grilling the bun, regular cheese, and regular mayo. I'm to used to using my Hellman's Reduced Fat mayo at home that I didn't even think ask them to leave off the mayo! I guess I'm dipping into my weekly allowance points this week.

It could have been worse. The meal my husband got came out to 47 points! He thinks their nutritional info has to be wrong. Can each of those tiny little chicken sandwiches have 25g of fat? It says 4 of them are 1490 cal and 100g of fat, and he had mashed potatoes for his side. I had to go to the WW site to use their points calculator because my slide doesn't even go that high! He's always been thin and isn't on WW, but I had to figure it out just for fun when I saw those numbers!

 

[MelanieC]

Hey guys - just checking in.

I'm STILL here at WDW, it's really feeling like we have been here forever now, lol. I was doing well with feeling like I wasn't gaining weight until the Free Dining started. I felt ok until a few days ago and my shorts are now a little tighter and I am really overdoing it on the desserts (too many snack credits, desserts with counter service and holy cow the desserts at dinner.
This madness needs to stop I am NOT used to eating like this. We've been here for over 2 weeks now and holy cow I can't wait to get home and diet again. Tomorrow night is Boma -why did I schedule my favorite for the end of the trip.

So I'll do my best to get through the next few days and then get back on track once I get home. I should do ok in Vegas over labor day because my mom is watching what she is eating now. I have her Sparkpeople'ing it now

 

[lisah0711]

Lisa - We bought a small resale contract at Vero - but we'll probably use it mostly at WDW. I know, I know, that goes against most DISer advice to buy where you want to stay. But at $59/pt for a loaded contract we could afford without financing? We'll take the risk of having to stay at a non-favorite WDW DVC resort. And we are already planning an add on - had the addonitis before we closed on this one! That's the benefit of the small initial contract, we *need* more points. For our add-on(s) we'll actually buy a resort at WDW.

DS and I used to make our own popsicles from orange juice in ice cube trays. They were the perfect size for him when he was little.

Your DVC deal sounds great! It sounds like you have realistic expections of how your points can be used at WDW and think of all the great places you can try. I've heard Vero Beach is a nice place, too. It wouldn't be too bad to spend a day or two at the beach . . .

Yikes! I just checked my Chili's meal. 12 points for 1/2 turkey sandwich, 5 points for a side salad, and 3 points for corn on the cob, plus add a point for the FF dressing=21 points!

Isn't that amazing?!? This is an example of why it pays to know what is going on, even when the news is bad. One meal like this every once in awhile isn't going to do too much damage but if you ate it every day for lunch, it could get ugly!

Hey guys - just checking in.

I'm STILL here at WDW, it's really feeling like we have been here forever now, lol. I was doing well with feeling like I wasn't gaining weight until the Free Dining started. I felt ok until a few days ago and my shorts are now a little tighter and I am really overdoing it on the desserts (too many snack credits, desserts with counter service and holy cow the desserts at dinner.
This madness needs to stop I am NOT used to eating like this. We've been here for over 2 weeks now and holy cow I can't wait to get home and diet again. Tomorrow night is Boma -why did I schedule my favorite for the end of the trip.

So I'll do my best to get through the next few days and then get back on track once I get home. I should do ok in Vegas over labor day because my mom is watching what she is eating now. I have her Sparkpeople'ing it now

Glad that you are having a great time! Have a safe trip home.

donac, have a wonderful time on your WDW trip this week, too.

It is going to be a busy couple of days here packing and getting ready for our DL trip. DS' summer camp ended so we will also be doing a combination of tag team and having him come to the office for a couple of hours each day. He likes to watch the old shows on hulu.com!

Have a great, OP day all!