BL Summer Challenge 2009

[disney1990]

Hi all -- I wish I could say that I have been having a good week, but I think I have crashed and burned. I find myself crying and eating. After being unemployed now for 6 months and having my daughter (my exercise partner) go out of town, everything seems to be weighing me down. I can't seem to get to the gym and everything I see, seems to make it into my mouth -- even if I have just gotten up from the table from dinner, I am looking for something to eat again. In addition, I just got a letter in the mail yesterday about a job I interviewed for with the Federal Government, and I didn't get it. I have been waiting to hear back on this job since February and I had such high hopes of getting it. I have never been unemployed for more than a week or so and I never expected that 6 months down the road I would be unable to find a job. I even offered to volunteer at the food bank and was turned down -- I just wanted to be able to do something that felt worthwhile. With no job, I have no money to do anything and I am just sitting at home feeling sorry for myself and eating. I am just so sad and don't know how to break out of this. I am going to go out in a bit and fax (yet another) resume. All vacation plans for 2009 have been canceled. I still have hope of getting a job so that I can take my granddaughters away in January. I don't expect anybody to have a miracle cure for what I am going through, but I just wanted to share it.

QOTD: Momentum for the final few weeks of BL?

I guess my biggest momentum is that I have been so bad this week and I don’t want to go backwards.

QOTD: What's one of the top meals you've had that you've been able to remember FOR YEARS afterward?

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I just love all the different flavors.

QOTD: What way can you start or kick up your exercise to help you on this weight loss journey?

Make myself get back to the gym, even if I have to go alone.

 

[LuvBaloo]

Good morning fellow losers!
First off, I finally realized why I had the wrong end date. Lisa had told me it ended Aug 14th, but I mis-remembered it as being a 14 week challenge which took it to Aug 21 final weigh in. I'm happy with whatever the group wants for an end date. I have no big vacation plans, so I'm never away from the computer for more than a day or 2.

Yesterday, DD7 did ok on the bike, she is so nervous about falling, that I got some good exercise hanging on to the bike. We just worked on peddling and keeping her feet on the peddles, and made some progress. I did start doing some Woo-Hoo's, where I let go for long enough to say WOO-HOO and then grab back on. Its not long enough for her to tip over, but its long enough for her to start realizing the bike doesn't collapse the instant Mom lets go!

Kathe - glad to see you back posting and cutting yourself some slack!

QOTD: What way can you start or kick up your exercise to help you on this weight loss journey?

I put my exercise clothes on when I get home. If I change into the clothes, I'm more likely to do something. Or tell the kids we'll go do something like trying the bikes, because then I can't back out!


Disney1990 - what a frustrating time for you. Is there another volunteer activity you could do besides the food bank? Good luck!

 

[LuvBaloo]

Just read this on WW on-line, and I thought I'd share it:
Have you ever dropped a dish while unloading the dishwasher causing it to shatter on the floor? Most people have. But what most people haven't done is continue to break the rest of the set of dishes just because that one plate slipped out of your hand. That would be absurd! So why would you use one small lapse in your weight-loss plan as an excuse to throw all your goals away?

Today is the last day of the week, and I have lots of little treats, but managed to stay within my points (I have used up activity points, but I figure that's what they are for). I really feel like going out to A&W for lunch, but I won't because I don't need it. This time, I want to lose weight more than I want the burger and fries.
(typing it out makes sure I won't change my mind in the next hour before lunch)

 

[princessbride6205]

Just read this on WW on-line, and I thought I'd share it:
Have you ever dropped a dish while unloading the dishwasher causing it to shatter on the floor? Most people have. But what most people haven't done is continue to break the rest of the set of dishes just because that one plate slipped out of your hand. That would be absurd! So why would you use one small lapse in your weight-loss plan as an excuse to throw all your goals away?

Today is the last day of the week, and I have lots of little treats, but managed to stay within my points (I have used up activity points, but I figure that's what they are for). I really feel like going out to A&W for lunch, but I won't because I don't need it. This time, I want to lose weight more than I want the burger and fries.
(typing it out makes sure I won't change my mind in the next hour before lunch)

Great post! And good you on your commitment not to go out for lunch.

QOTD: What way can you start or kick up your exercise to help you on this weight loss journey?
I've been exercising regularly during our challenge, and just started taking walks at lunch to help increase my active time during my day. But I've let myself work out less intensely lately - so I should start jogging with my walking again. Also need to start strength training, which I really don't like.

 

[rnrlover]

Hi all -- I wish I could say that I have been having a good week, but I think I have crashed and burned. I find myself crying and eating. After being unemployed now for 6 months and having my daughter (my exercise partner) go out of town, everything seems to be weighing me down. I can't seem to get to the gym and everything I see, seems to make it into my mouth -- even if I have just gotten up from the table from dinner, I am looking for something to eat again. In addition, I just got a letter in the mail yesterday about a job I interviewed for with the Federal Government, and I didn't get it. I have been waiting to hear back on this job since February and I had such high hopes of getting it. I have never been unemployed for more than a week or so and I never expected that 6 months down the road I would be unable to find a job. I even offered to volunteer at the food bank and was turned down -- I just wanted to be able to do something that felt worthwhile. With no job, I have no money to do anything and I am just sitting at home feeling sorry for myself and eating. I am just so sad and don't know how to break out of this. I am going to go out in a bit and fax (yet another) resume. All vacation plans for 2009 have been canceled. I still have hope of getting a job so that I can take my granddaughters away in January. I don't expect anybody to have a miracle cure for what I am going through, but I just wanted to share it.

QOTD: Momentum for the final few weeks of BL?

I guess my biggest momentum is that I have been so bad this week and I don’t want to go backwards.

QOTD: What's one of the top meals you've had that you've been able to remember FOR YEARS afterward?

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I just love all the different flavors.

QOTD: What way can you start or kick up your exercise to help you on this weight loss journey?

Make myself get back to the gym, even if I have to go alone.

THIS IS PJLLA posting under DD's username... SORRY!

So sorry to hear how tough things are right now. I cannot imagine the stress you are under. I'm sure that you are doing everything within your power to get a new job. But you cannot control who is hiring and such. But you CAN get your behavior under control.... such as your eating and exercise. And I can GUARANTEE YOU that you will feel better with less stress if you were to gain some control over your personal "stuff".

Take it one step at a time. Start by getting back to the exercise.... 30 minutes of walking today, tomorrow, and the next day. Just a nice brisk walk. Or a short trip to the gym. If you are concerned about being alone, take a class or bring along some music to listen to. Then on Sunday, start by eating one really healthy, on-plan meal a day for a few days (start with breakfast if it is easiest). Continue with the 30 minutes of exercise. The next week, add another healthy, on-plan meal. By this time next week you will be eating at least two healthy meals and getting 30 minutes of exercise a day. And you will feel so much more in control of EVERYTHING in your life.

What a great thought you had, to volunteer your time. Sorry that you were turned down. Keep searching... I would imagine that the right volunteer opportunity is probably out there. Sorry I can't help more. I definitely will send a prayer up for you........................P

 

[50sjayne]

Just read this on WW on-line, and I thought I'd share it:
Have you ever dropped a dish while unloading the dishwasher causing it to shatter on the floor? Most people have. But what most people haven't done is continue to break the rest of the set of dishes just because that one plate slipped out of your hand. That would be absurd! So why would you use one small lapse in your weight-loss plan as an excuse to throw all your goals away?

That's a great analogy. With me it's always I lose a little then get HUNGRY and eat. I won't always even feel hungry just be eating, then realize what is going on.
It is a constant battle. But I'm gonna win. I'm my own worst enemy.

 

[lisah0711]

A big to you, disney1990. I am sorry that you are going through employment troubles. We are all here for each other to lean on when times are bad and celebrate when times are good. I hope that we will be celebrating for you soon, and if not, we are here for you!

Have you ever dropped a dish while unloading the dishwasher causing it to shatter on the floor? Most people have. But what most people haven't done is continue to break the rest of the set of dishes just because that one plate slipped out of your hand. That would be absurd! So why would you use one small lapse in your weight-loss plan as an excuse to throw all your goals away?

This is a great quote, Shannon. Thanks for sharing it!

I would definitely vote to extend this challenge a week or two and I would be up for coaching again if needed. That said, I will be away from Aug 15 - 22 and probably won't have internet connection.

So our weightkeeper is up for keeping onand we have our coaching volunteers if we want to extend the challenge -- let's hear from some more of our group about extending the challenge.

Has anyone discovered any new fun foods or recipes lately?

pjlla, I made a delicious lemon vinegrette this week. 5T oil, 5T fresh lemon juice, 2 t lemon zest, 2 t sugar, 3 cloves garlic minced, dash salt and pepper. Looks like 2 pts a T on WW. You might have to adjust the seasonings a bit depending on how you like it. It was very refreshing on a salad and the next night I used it on some baked chicken. I think that it would be good on pasta, too. You might be able to reduce the oil and the points.

Those were great suggestions about exercising. Thanks!

Does your daughter know you were using her user name?!?

That's a great analogy. With me it's always I lose a little then get HUNGRY and eat. I won't always even feel hungry just be eating, then realize what is going on.
It is a constant battle. But I'm gonna win. I'm my own worst enemy.

Isn't that the truth? Why are we so hard on ourselves?

I had all my flex points and activity points left for the week so am having a mimosa and listening to Tom Jones on Disradio sing about Kuzco . . . it is a pretty good way to end a busy day. I want to make sure that I practice for vacation mode!

Have a great night losers!

 

[corinnak]

So our weightkeeper is up for keeping onand we have our coaching volunteers if we want to extend the challenge -- let's hear from some more of our group about extending the challenge.

Do we know when the next BL season/challenge is going to start? I would love to see it stretch to the next challenge if that were possible, but I'll take whatever I can get. I appreciate the daily questions, accountability of a REAL Weigh In day and the company of people striving toward the same goals.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Well, the BL program premieres 9/15, so I guess that's when the challenge will start.

I'm up for extending....I'll be around until 9/2.

.

 

[LuvBaloo]

I'm game for whatever the group wants. I've been good today, and have enough points left to have an icecream later if I want. I was really wanting fries or chips all day, but instead just kept drinking. I had 2.5 litres of water and a litre of diet coke throughout the day at work, which meant many trips to the bathroom, but that's better than eating 8points of chips from the vending machine. The tomato basil rice cake at the end of the day was good and crunchy but not quite what I was craving. Oh well, I can behave myself.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I would love to go 'til the next BL Challenge! It seems like I have fits and starts, and it's much better if there's accountability -- I am totally tied up with work and company until Aug. 30th. Can we come up with coaches to make it to the next Challenge? I could swing coaching the week starting Aug. 28th, if people want to continue...

Maria

 

[TammyNC]

Here I am again trying to get caught up, just can't seem to make it over and post as much this summer.

Sounds like some are having a rough time and others have said it so right, we are all here for you to lean on and to vent to.

I was actually down a pound this week, truly not sure how but I will take it without complaining.

I'm up for the challenge continuing just not sure that I can coach, we have a good amount of things going on and a few weekends away planned.

Hope everyone who is leaving soon for trips have a great time too!!

Need to move along and check on a few other things before shutting down the computer for a while.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

 

[ohMom]

happy friday!

can't think of much to say b/c i'm soooo far out of the loop! summer has got me! i love the dedication you all have....gotta get me some of that i leave in 16 or so days so i won't add input on extending since i won't be back until the 20th....but i will say if it's extended it will help me jump back on track after vacation to burn off WDW lbs.

 

[MelanieC]

Happy Friday everyone -

I'm your coach for the week and I must confess I was hiding last week. I gained 1.8 and we had a camping trip last weekend that sort of bumped me off the wagon. I have no idea what is wrong with me. You would think I could keep my eyes on the prize and get the business done, but I can't seem to get it together. I keep gaining and losing the same few pounds. LuvBaloo, sorry about not reporting last week.

But.........it's a new week and what is done is done. Moving on

We have two weeks left for Disney. I'd love to make it into the 159's before leaving. Only hard work is going to make that happen. Let's see. I tend to get lax right before a vacation because I'm so busy getting everyone together. It's so easy to say - ok let's go eat this, or I'll just have this at lunch because I'm going on vacation and will be eating like that anyway. I've got to get walking again. I was doing good before we left for the camping trip.

Thanks Jackie for being a wonderful coach this week

As far as extending - I won't be back from Disney till 8/26, and then I leave for Vegas on 9/4 and will return on 9/9. The time in between Disney and when I return from Vegas I will need some serious help and having the thread extended may just be that "push" I need to get back on track. Unfortunately I wouldn't be here to help, so whatever everyone else wants is fine.

I'll be raring to go for the next challenge and that is it - I'm losing this weight once and for all!

Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track.
For me, Fridays are usually a day to relax after weighing in. I usually eat a little heavier. I'm going to track and make sure I stay on target and keep my eye on the fact that I only have two weeks left.

 

[lisah0711]

Well, I haven't heard anyone say that they don't want to extend the challenge yet so it is sounding like it will be extended -- the question is how long?

The season premiere of BL starts on 9/15 (which is a Tuesday). I believe in the past the challenges start the Friday before and weigh ins are still on Fridays. A poll will be posted in another week or two discussing proposed formats, etc. for the fall challenge.

In the meantime, there is still lots to be accomplished for this challenge.

This is our current coaching schedule:

7/24 - 7/30 MelanieC
7/31 - 8/6 sahbushka
8/7 - 8/14 lisah0711

and if we extend it could look like:

8/14-8/20 princessbride6205
8/21-8/27 disney1990 (or someone else who volunteers ) for 8/21 and 8/22
and pjlla for 8/23-8/27
8/28-9/4 worfiedoodles

That would keep us with weigh ins until a week before the likely first weigh in of BL fall challenge.

For you folks on the proposed coaching schedule, I just went by your posts in putting together the schedule so if something doesn't work for you, just let me know. If more people want to coach during those last few weeks, can can split up weeks, too.

I will be gone a few days during the time the challenge is extended and I know that donac will be too, so there may be a break in the COW.

This is a democratic group so please speak up if you don't want the challenge extended, want to coach or share any thoughts on the subject.

Have a great day, losers!

 

[lisah0711]

Thank you Jackie for coaching last week and welcome MelanieC, our coach this week!

Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track.

Well, apparently I enjoyed using my flex and activity points a little too yesterday and gained 2 pounds and consequently lost my 15 lb. ribbon. So I've already exercised and will eat within my points to keep myself on track. Hopefully by my next weigh in, in two weeks, I will have lost and can regain my ribbon. It's happened to me before and it is pretty good motivation to get it back!

I am so excited for people like MelanieC and corinnak who are getting close to goal! All your hard work is paying off!

Have a great day losers!

 

[pjlla]

Thank you Jackie for coaching last week and welcome MelanieC, our coach this week!

Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track.

Well, apparently I enjoyed using my flex and activity points a little too yesterday and gained 2 pounds and consequently lost my 15 lb. ribbon. So I've already exercised and will eat within my points to keep myself on track. Hopefully by my next weigh in, in two weeks, I will have lost and can regain my ribbon. It's happened to me before and it is pretty good motivation to get it back!

I am so excited for people like MelanieC and corinnak who are getting close to goal! All your hard work is paying off!

Have a great day losers!

Frustrating about the ribbon, but glad to hear you are keeping a good attitude about it. Those two pounds will disappear in NO TIME! Been there, done that, NOT going back!!

Personally, I find that I CANNOT eat my activity points and still lose weight. In fact, I rarely even use all of my Flex points. I NEVER count on them. I just figure they work their way in in case I mis-count something or underestimate the points on something. The most I might intentionally use are 10-15 Flex points on a splurge day.

I am down a bit today (.8). Considering the movie popcorn I had this week, I am grateful! I am setting a personal goal to lose 2 pounds this week. Sometimes when I commit to something out loud, I stick to it better. So 2 pounds it is for me this week!! And I figured out I need to exercise 51 minutes per day, every day until the end of July to reach my July exercise goal. So far so good... I did an extra 20 minutes yesterday to give me a "cushion" and I did 53 minutes this morning.

Tomorrow will be tough (food-wise). It is DH's birthday and the kids and I are planning a "pizza" themed day (he got his big gift on Father's day, so we are just having a fun day). Breakfast pizza, out to lunch for pizza, homemade pizza for dinner, and homemade pizza "cookie" birthday cake!! (In case you didn't guess, he LOVES pizza!) I need to save every possible point for tomorrow!!

I hope you are all BIG LOSERS today!.........................P

 

[princessbride6205]

I had a bigger loss than expected today: 2 pounds. Now I am finally back below my huge gain from 2 weeks ago, when I gained 3.8 in 1 week! I was expecting a smaller loss because I hadn't been totally on my BL plan. I've been good health-wise this week, but not strictly on plan. I've been eating and exercising more like I plan to continue after the challenge. Eating well, but allowing treats and not counting every calorie, and exercising 3-5 days a week instead of the 6 I've been doing during BL. It's good to feel like I'll be able to maintain my loss, even when I'm not so strict with my cals & exercise.

As for extending the challenge, I'm good with the week assigned to me for coaching. If others want to switch, I could do the week of 8/21, but I couldn't coach the last week.

Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track?
Well, we're going out to a nice restaurant for DD's 2nd birthday (my folks are in town and started a tradition of taking her to this one fancy restaurant). I'm going to eat 3-4 mini meals today before the big dinner, get my fruits & veg, drink my 8 glasses of water, and take a walk at lunch. At dinner I'm sure I'll be off plan, but I'm thinking of getting the fish this time instead of the steak.

 

[sahbushka]

Happy Friday everyone -


Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track.
For me, Fridays are usually a day to relax after weighing in. I usually eat a little heavier. I'm going to track and make sure I stay on target and keep my eye on the fact that I only have two weeks left.

My dad is in town so he wants to take us out for dinner. I suggested a restaurant that I know has low calorie options but will be fun for everyone!

My dad and I went for a nice walk on a local trail last night...he's in a walking program to lose weight so it was nice to get to walk with him.

As for this weeks weigh in....it was good....really good....the best one since week one so I am pleased! On the bad note, my ww meeting is being canceled so I am going to have to find one in a nearby town to go to. On the possitive note, if I do one in the large town near us I can keep my same wi day and also do errands without the kids which I don't normally get to do! So that would be good...especially around christmas!

Have a great op day!

Sarah

 

[disney1990]

So what does one need to do to be the coach for a week? I would be happy to take a week.

As far as this past week is concerned, I just want to forget about it. I am not reporting my weight because I just don't want to get on the scale after this past week. But, I have definitely gained.

Friday's QOTD: What are you going to do today to keep yourself on track.

I am hitting the gym this afternoon with my DH who has decided to join the gym also.