Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[buzz5985]

First I envision myself at Disneyland with my mom, DD and adorable 4 yr old niece! If I loose 30 lbs by the end of May my mom will pay for me to go And then I really would love to be able to fit into a really cute denim jacket with an embroidered Mickey that I bought yrs ago and it still has the tags on it cause I can't fit!
And the most important one, I want to be able to do things with my family and not be winded and tired, I want to live to see my kids married and have grandkids! I want a full and healthy life!

Now keep all those visions in your mind while you travel on your journey!!!

This is so inspiring. congrats on all your running accomplishments. I thought training for the half would have helped me to drop alot of weight too but I really didnt. Apparently even though you run 13 miles you still cant eat everything in site. Good luck with the medical weight loss program.


Booo! It stinks that the holiday break is over but before you know it the school year will be winding down. I hope you have a good day back.



Hi Maria!!!!!



I think my ideal vision would be to be at the beach in july on my vacation and feel good in a bathing suit. I also want to just be able to see myself in pictures and think wow I look good.




I hope you feel better soon. We have a nasty stomach bug going around our area too. So not fun.



sorry for the snow. I always wish that if it is going to snow it better be a big storm so that I dont have to go to work. Otherwise it is just a headache.



Sounds like you have a good plan for the day Kathy.

**********************************************************
Well Im back at work. I made it here without stopping for fast food breakfast though. Im feeling pretty good today. I am planning on subway for lunch since I have a work lunch meeting with one of my staff. Tonight I will rush to pick up ryan from school and then head to the gym for zumba. We are having burgers tonight with lean beef and lite rolls. I will splurge on tater tots baked.

Have a great healthy day!!!!

I had a tough time coming to work tonight too. Can't stand it. But it pays the bills.

Ok, I'm gonna be up front that my replies will be spotty once classes start back. I'll be reading and I'll try to respond, but 90% of my internet play time is in the short breaks between classes when my classes are close together. Or I'll give myself a 5 min break every 30-45 mins while working on a paper.




I see myself at V&A, in a sexy curve hugging little something. Only that night, I won't be making wise food choices. (Honestly though, that's not really my problem. I already make good food choices most of the time, and when I don't, it's a conscious decision done in moderation. DH & I totally spilt meals or just order apps at WDW last month.)

I also see me enjoying running and finding a way to make it down to WDW for the Tower of Terror race in Sept. Right now, I don't enjoy running, but I do enjoy the feeling of accomplishment it gives me and the physical benefits.

My DH was teasing me that this challenge has turned into a part time job for me. But at least I like this job!!!

One thing that worked very well for me last challenge, was one I stole form the biggest loser tv show, which was obvious product placement, but still worked. I tried the yoplait light red velvet yogurt as a "desert" at the end of the night to satisfy my desert cravings and it worked really well. It was only 100 calories and I would do all the different flavors and basically trick myself into thinking i was having a yummy desert. I have to go grocery shopping again but i will probably be doing the same thing this time around



I'm sure I will get more excited as the time nears. I think I'm kind of worried because my main goal was to be "bikini ready" for the cruise and I don't see that happening as fast as I would like, and now I feel like times running out!

Also, are you a history teacher? What grade do you teach? That's what I'm going to school for and I'm so worried i'm making the wrong decision and i won't be able to find a job

---
Well so far today I packed a healthy lunch/dinner, logged my calories for breakfast (whole grain cream of wheat and a side of apple sauce) and I have to leave for work in 45 minutes, after being off for...5 days or something. It still doesn't feel like enough. 13 days till I go part time...13 days. (my new mantra)

I also looked up classes at the gym last night and figured out what i might be able to fit in. we will see. Tonight my plan is work till 8 then go to the gym for 30 minutes. I know its not much but I have to ease back into these things. I'm thinking 5 minutes of walking, 15 minutes on bike, 15 on eliptical.

Ugh I so don't want to go back to work. I feel like I hate my job lately. But its money so....

That's great that you found some classes to fit in!!!

Sorry but no. My arms are still screaming at me this morning... But I'm going to try to finish it by the end of the week.



I see myself wearing the costumes that I've always wanted to wear but couldn't because of my weight, especially the yellow Belle dress that I've always wanted. I see myself shopping for clothes in the petite section, not in the woman's sizes. And getting pictures taken of myself that I can be proud of. Also being comfortable in my bathing suit on the beach and wearing shorts to Disney because I'm so self conscious about my legs.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I mentioned to DM the other day about one day going to do one of the marathons at Disney when I get in shape and she said she'd be more than willing to help me reach that goal and may even do it with me!

What are good Disney marathons for two first timers? I've heard some of you talking about 'Princess' and I've heard about something with the Tower of Terror, but I don't know where to start...

That's great you have such a supportive DM. No advice on marathon's but I will be reading along.

I am new to all of this. I only have internet access at work (i work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).

I am 62 and a C.P.A. (busy season had begun) My doctor informed me that I needed to do "something" as I have chronic health issues from being overweight. I would like to lose 100 pounds.

Is there anything else I should post as an introduction?


Cindy

Welcome, read along, post when you can. Good luck with tax season!!!

Hi everyone -

So far the day has started out good. I bought a new scale last night and was pleased with the number on it this morning. I'm new to weighing myself (seriously). Is it normal to fluctuate about 3.5 - 4.5 pounds between a night weigh in and a morning weigh in? Which one is more accurate?

I had yummy Black Pearl sticky rice for breakfast and will be having Sweet Potato soup by Imagine for lunch. Snack is a baggie of Muddy Buddy's I made (not great - but better than what I was snacking on before, calorie-wise). Dinner will be fresh bell peppers, low fat Ranch dressing and turkey meatballs. Possibly with a slice of toast.

The Leslie Sansone DVDs have shipped!

My vision at the end of my journey...I have two. One is to look in a mirror and not dislike what I see. The other is to look amazing at a potential big event I may have this year..

Hope everyone has a good and productive day!

I like the Leslie Sansone DVDs. Good Luck.

I don't usually sign in from work to post, but do come on and read sometimes, but just happened to notice that we were only 1 post count behind the Mickey thread, so thought I'd say hi.

Remember, nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!!

Have a great day!!!

I was so excited when I saw the post counts.

Just got home from my first time with my personal trainer, who also is a mom from my DS's preschool class. She used to be 330lbs and lost 200 through changing her diet and exercise. So I feel totally comfortable with her and know she's been there done that. And she's not looking at me and thinking " look at the fatty trying to exercise."
Now, I think my muscles are protesting against me now. I was dying at the end of the the "warm-up" section of the workout. I knew I was out of shape, but I had NO CLUE how bad I really was. The total workout only lasted about 35 min. including warm up and cool down. I'm going to go to her 2 times a week and on my "off" days I'm going to try to do some walking/running on the treadmill and maybe some Wii Zumba. I can also go running with my trainer and another friend, if I choose too.
Well, I'm off to pick up DS from school and then I'm going to try to find the strength to pick up the living room and kitchen... Not sure that is going to happen though.

Happy Tuesday!

Pass along any tips to us your trainer has - how inspiring she must be.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I have just joined the Donald team and look forward to losing weight and getting healthy with you all.

I am hoping to lose over 60 lbs in total - sounds scary. I really need some motivation, as I have started diets a few times in the last year and then lost focus. I like the idea of the mini-challenges to help focus on healthy things like water and exercise.

I'm another busy mum, with a full-time job and two teenagers. So fitting in exercise can be tough - although if I'm honest that's just an excuse!! I am a member of a local gym but hate going. I am rather self-conscious of my size at the gym which really doesn't help.

So I'd really appreciate ideas from people on how to get started with exercise and what you enjoy.

Welcome - I think the ideal way to start - is just start by being a little more active - park farther away from the door, take the stairs instead of the elevator. March in place during commercials. Walk for 10 minutes.

to all the new challenge participants, this is a fun motivating group!

Hi Team Donald!

I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to even get on here and introduce myself. I'm Lisa, 36, married for 14 years with 2 kids: DS10 and DD6. This is my fifth(!) challenge and I'm looking forward to it. I've lost 43 pounds in the last 2 years, but still have lots to go. This group has inspired me to take up running and I'm doing the Tinker Bell Half Marathon later this month! I'm so excited! I may not be posting as faithfully this month since I am getting ready for this half, but I will definitely be here in spirit and following along as best I can.

QOTD: I wouldn't dare wear a bikini on Summit Plummet, I've heard some stories! I see myself feeling good, having lots of energy (I'm getting there but could be better), and more clothing choices! And running a half in a cute running skirt!

Feel better Dona!

Kathy Good idea about the post count, we wouldn't want Team Mickey ahead!

Trina Sorry about not liking your job, I hope that improves.

Have a great day back at work to everyone going back today! I'm still at home with the kids, but that will likely change soon!

That's exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote about Summit Plummet - I'm a little scared of heights - I wouldn't be caught dead up there!!!

janis

 

[Rose&Mike]

I am a bit behind, but my DS is only home for two more days--he goes back to college on Thursday. I promise to get back in the swing of things then. I am up 7 pounds since mid December--which is the highest I have been in probably 15 months. I am trying to remember that I did this before, I can get back to maintain, I just have to be patient.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

 

[VirataMama4]

Was just catching up on the posts and noticed that we were tied with Team Mickey for posts so I had to make a quick "tie breaker" posts.

 

[buzz5985]

Hi everyone. Glad to see that we caught up to Team Mickey.

I have been awake since 11 and I ate another piece of toast and an clementine and had no problems yet. My headache is coming back but I think I am due for some more tylenol. At least I am not cold. Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and had to put on a sweatshirt and two more blankets to get warm.

Thanks for all the well wishes. I think I am turing around and will be able to get to work tomorrow.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Glad to read you are feeling a little bit better.

My officemate brought in a box of See's chocolates today. Which are my favorite. And not available anywhere near me, so I almost never get them...

I had one (a scotchmallow). She keeps offering me more. I need to say no!!

That's a great accomplishment. There's a saying - if you bite it - you write it. So write it down in your journal - put a note of how you felt when you stopped at one - that way you can read over your accomplishments if you hit a rough patch.

I envision myself being out of size 1x, my quadruple chin will be gone, I won't have to worry about whether my commuter plan safety belt will fit, and I'll feel better about myself.

I've been drinking a lot of water, but heck I got up 3 times last night to use the bathroom. So much water.. It's all good though.

Your body will get used to the extra water, don't worry. It's worth it.

The 5k actually sounds pretty do-able for me. I think a 5k is a little over 3 miles, right? I think that's a goal we could reach by next January. Plus I like the idea of doing it in January as opposed to a September marathon.

September's just so hot in Disney...



That's the one thing I can't get used to. I feel like I'm going every couple hours! But at least I'm getting all my water in.

No expert here - but I believe 5K is 2.6 miles.

Hi, I'm new here! I was placed on Team Donald and I am super excited! I've never been part of a weight loss team before.

Not exactly sure what I need to do seeing how I didnt read through the many pages of this thread (yet). But my name is Tina & I am super excited to have accountibility partners so I can reach my goal by my November trip to Disneyland.

Welcome - the first thing you need to do is send your weight to dvccruiser76.

Hi
i just started this challenge and I am on team Donald. I want to lose 70 pounds. I hope to run Disneyworld marathon one day.
i just wanted to say hi to everyone.

Welcome!!!

 

[buzz5985]

Hi Team Donald!

I just joined this team today. I am 36 years old, a stay at home mommy to a 3 year old DD, and have been married for 13 years to my awesome DH. I have a ton of weight to lose (like over 200 pounds) but I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm looking forward to getting and giving the support and encouragement of my fellow teammates. I also rejoined the gym today!

Renee

Welcome. Take it one pound at a time. Congratulations on joining the gym!!!

I picture myself on a beach in hawaii in a purple bikini. I can't wait.

Very nice - I love purple!!!

I am a bit behind, but my DS is only home for two more days--he goes back to college on Thursday. I promise to get back in the swing of things then. I am up 7 pounds since mid December--which is the highest I have been in probably 15 months. I am trying to remember that I did this before, I can get back to maintain, I just have to be patient.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

We will be here!!!

Was just catching up on the posts and noticed that we were tied with Team Mickey for posts so I had to make a quick "tie breaker" posts.

That's the spirit!!!!

Janis

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Hi, I'm new here! I was placed on Team Donald and I am super excited! I've never been part of a weight loss team before.

Not exactly sure what I need to do seeing how I didnt read through the many pages of this thread (yet). But my name is Tina & I am super excited to have accountibility partners so I can reach my goal by my November trip to Disneyland.

Hi Tina! Welcome to our team. It is a great place to come for support. We will help you acheive your goal. Woohoo for a DL trip in your future.

Thanks!!

I took another - but then threw it away (which I felt kind of wasteful about - but happier that I didn't eat it!)

Great job!!!!

Hi Team Donald!

I just joined this team today. I am 36 years old, a stay at home mommy to a 3 year old DD, and have been married for 13 years to my awesome DH. I have a ton of weight to lose (like over 200 pounds) but I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm looking forward to getting and giving the support and encouragement of my fellow teammates. I also rejoined the gym today!

Renee

Hi renee. Welcome to our team. Taking it one day at a time is all you can do. Theres a quote that goes something like one minute, one bite, one lb. Something like that. I have a horrible memory but maybe one of my friends will help me out here. Believe me its a good quote.

I am a bit behind, but my DS is only home for two more days--he goes back to college on Thursday. I promise to get back in the swing of things then. I am up 7 pounds since mid December--which is the highest I have been in probably 15 months. I am trying to remember that I did this before, I can get back to maintain, I just have to be patient.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

You can definitely do it again rose.

**********************************************************

rushed out of work and got ryan from after school care. He lost his last wiggly tooth today at school and he got a fancy little treasure box from the nurse to keep it in. He was thrilled. Now I have to add being the tooth fairy to my list of to do's tonight. We quickly got home and changed around and headed to the gym. Ryan begged to get a MCD's happy meal because he was starving and for a second the thought of eating a mcdouble crossed my mind but I won the battle in brain No Fast Food for me today. I did Zumba and had a great time. I couldnt believe how crowded the gym was compared to a few wks ago. Its funny how the new year brings out everyone. We just got done eating dinner and now I am going to get the boys ready for bed. They are being quite the bears tonight and I think their first day back at school has really wiped them out. I am hoping to make my relaxing time today, laying on the couch watching the biggest loser. I also have not had any diet soda today too. I do have quite a headache tonight. I thought I was over the withdrawl symptoms but apparently not.

I hope you all are having successful days and soon will see the waist line shrinking and/or the scale number lowering. I have a feeling we will see some big % numbers this week. We all seem like a very motivated bunch.

Oh and I heard that Team Mickey has a theme song. So I took the liberty to make up one for us.

Team Donald he's our guy. Hey you over there put down that French Fry!!!!
Team Mickey may have more posts but our team captain is our Host.
We are great whether big or small, but we will get healthy once and for all!!!!
Go Team!!!!!!!

 

[Scraggy]

Today is day 4 for me, and it seems to be getting easier. Today I don't have the wild cravings like I did the first 3 days.
I can't wait to weigh in on Friday. I hope I will lose at least 1 pound.

 

[cjdj4]

Great day today. I spent my day at work following a sixth grader through all his classes. I love 6th grade! I miss teaching the kids all day, plus it was cool to see what all the teachers where doing in the classrooms.

I finally weighed myself on the school nurse's scale after work today. One of my co-workers is giving me an extra scale she has tomorrow. Unfortunately, the number was almost exactly what I thought it was

I was on great eating behavior today. We went to Tijuana Flats for diner. I checked out their menu/ nutritional facts out before we went. They have a great option on the menu called power lite, which gives you choices of soft taco, quesadillas, or burritos on a whole wheat tortilla with chicken and/ or beans along with fat free sour cream and a tiny bit of cheese. SO good!

I feel like I have the eye of the tiger right now. Once I get it, I do great. Keeping it is my problem.

Have you ever heard of the Flylady?? She has a website that helps to keep you focused on daily chores etc.

Love me some Flylady! I highly recommend her to anyone who is not BO (Flylady-ism for Born Organized).

Ouch ... 4:30 is so early. I am always getting up late and rushing in the morning. My goal is to get up at 6:00 instead of 6:20 like I was doing before Christmas break.

I just checked my email from work and my principal just gave us a "free" dress down day tomorrow. This will be a nice way to start back. We have dress down days to raise money for charity (or our community) throughout the year ... so the free day is great.

I always say I am going to stop hitting the snooze button and get up 10 or 15 minutes earlier. I might do it for a day or two, but I always slide back to my bad habits.

When you say dressing down what does that mean? Jeans? In my school district our contract only requires us to "dress professional," and that is interrupted in a variety of ways

45 half-marathons, 2 full marathons and a Goofy later, I'm still at it. If I can do it, anyone with reasonably decent health can do it!!!

That is amazing and awesome!!!!!!

The Biggest Loser starts tonight and I am throwing ALL my support behind Emily Joy in Team Pink! I kinda sorta know her- her best friend is a friend and fellow co-worker of mine. So if you do follow the show, follow her along with it!!

So cool! I am all for PINK!

First I envision myself at Disneyland with my mom, DD and adorable 4 yr old niece! If I loose 30 lbs by the end of May my mom will pay for me to go

Is she adopting?

One thing that worked very well for me last challenge, was one I stole form the biggest loser tv show, which was obvious product placement, but still worked. I tried the yoplait light red velvet yogurt as a "desert" at the end of the night to satisfy my desert cravings and it worked really well. It was only 100 calories and I would do all the different flavors and basically trick myself into thinking i was having a yummy desert. I have to go grocery shopping again but i will probably be doing the same thing this time around


Also, are you a history teacher? What grade do you teach? That's what I'm going to school for and I'm so worried i'm making the wrong decision and i won't be able to find a job.

Ugh I so don't want to go back to work. I feel like I hate my job lately. But its money so....

Yoplait Red Velvet????!!!!! That sounds awesome! I also have to have something sweet to look forward to at the end of the day. I used to get WW Giant Fudge Bars.

I am sorry you hate your job Hang in there.

I Know you did not direct your question to me, but my school district has hired hs and ms history teachers every year for the last 20 years. If you are willing to work in a large urban school district in FL, and you don't mind working in a Title 1 school, then my school district might be for you

My officemate brought in a box of See's chocolates today. Which are my favorite. And not available anywhere near me, so I almost never get them...

I had one (a scotchmallow). She keeps offering me more. I need to say no!!

You did great!

I am a History teacher, but that is not my certification. I teach in an alternative education placement and was originally the special education teacher (all sped...learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, life skills). Our school is very small and a few years ago they had to let 5 teachers go. I got thrown into History which was fine because I love it and I am actually highly qualified in it even though it's not my degree (elementary and sped). I was kind of grandfathered into the highly qualified status in PA since I had already taught so many years, I did teach learning support history, I had enough college History credits, and I took some History classes to keep up with my certification. I actually love teaching History because there is so much you can do with it. But, I also dislike it because I feel like I don't have enough time to teach everything! Good luck! And as far as jobs go, it's very, very difficult to get a job in a public school where I live, so I'm not sure about job openings. Each town has their own school district (instead of some places where it's county wide) and it's very political and all about who you know. That's why DH and I are considering moving. I love the people I work with, but I've taught in a school for disruptive youth for 11 years now. They are draining me!!

11 years with the toughest kids earns you a medal of honor in my book. If you want to move to FL and closer to the mouse, my school district seems to always have openings.

QOTD - January 3, 2012 - This isn't really a question. And you can use it as part of your HH #4 - relax each day. OK. I want you to sit down, close your eyes and envision yourself at the end of your journey. How do you see yourself?? Are you sitting in V&A in a new sexy dress making wise food choices?? Are you running in the next Princess Marathon?? Or are you able to keep up with the kiddo's at MK without keeling over?? Are you in that itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini, at the top of Summit Plummet thinking maybe this wasn't a very good idea??

My vision is of wearing 10 year old leather pants on my 40th Yeah, they're not even in style, and they won't be back by Sept., but I looked HOT I wore a gorgeous sweater with it, which is also still in my closet. On my 40th birthday I am wearing that outfit as I blow out the candles on my cake. That is my vision.

 

[pjlla]

Evening friends! I am officially a "Team Donald" member! Glad to see some familiar faces and looking forward to meeting the newbies!

It will probably take me some time to catch up with all 18 pages I've missed, but I'll try!

Nothing much to report from cold NH right now. DD, DS, and I are all suffering from bad colds/coughs/sore throats, but hopefully they won't last long. Anxious to get back into my exercise routine. Between holidays, traveling, and illness, it has been far too many days since I've had a good workout! But the eating is right back on track, now that we are post-holiday.

Off to watch the new BL!............................P

 

[cjdj4]

Oh and I heard that Team Mickey has a theme song. So I took the liberty to make up one for us.

Team Donald he's our guy. Hey you over there put down that French Fry!!!!
Team Mickey may have more posts but our team captain is our Host.
We are great whether big or small, but we will get healthy once and for all!!!!
Go Team!!!!!!!

Go Team I love it!

 

[melmar136]

Hi Team Donald! I just joined, so wanted to introduce myself. My name is Melissa, and I am turning 40 this year. I saw a few others are as well, while I was looking through previous pages of posts!
This is my first BL challenge on the boards. I did one at work last year and lost 25 pounds. However, I fell off the wagon, and over the course of 7 months, gained it all back! So, I know I CAN do it, it's just a matter of getting motivated again, and eating right, and getting in the exercise!
I really need someone to "report in to" for accountability, so I thought this might work!

 

[klmrph]

On January 1 we discussed what our Action Plan would be on our weight loss journey. On January 2 we discussed which aspect of our plan would be the most difficult to follow, and hopefully found some solutions. Which leads us to -

QOTD - January 3, 2012 - This isn't really a question. And you can use it as part of your HH #4 - relax each day. OK. I want you to sit down, close your eyes and envision yourself at the end of your journey. How do you see yourself?? Are you sitting in V&A in a new sexy dress making wise food choices?? Are you running in the next Princess Marathon?? Or are you able to keep up with the kiddo's at MK without keeling over?? Are you in that itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini, at the top of Summit Plummet thinking maybe this wasn't a very good idea??

I see myself in Negril, Jamaica for my 40th birthday (Oct 2012) under 200 lbs which means I have 63 lbs to lose by then. It's been at least 5 years since I have been at my WW goal weight of 179. My weight ticker has a picture of the 7 mile beach in Negril as extra motivation. We honeymooned in Negril and I have been there several other times too.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

QOTD 1/3...aT the end I hope to feel healthier-more energy and endurance,strength, and hopefully get to the point that some of my health issues go away, get off the meds. I wouldn't hate it if I was in a smaller size but more importantant to me would be a little better shape rather than the number on the clothes.

I thought it would be easier the second time getting back into the routine of good food/ exercise but I am finding I still want to reach the cookes/candy that is around. I'm not, but I still feel the urge too. And mostly I feel hungrier which is how I felt last time for the first week.

I am currently freezing here! Only 45 and windy when I just walked the dog. For us this is COLD! I was supposed to take down more of the decs but didn't want to go to the back garage to get all the bins out because it was so windy and cold! I mean I was sitting by the pool on New Years Day-that is a big change.

 

[klmrph]

QOTD 1/3...aT the end I hope to feel healthier-more energy and endurance,strength, and hopefully get to the point that some of my health issues go away, get off the meds. I wouldn't hate it if I was in a smaller size but more importantant to me would be a little better shape rather than the number on the clothes.

I thought it would be easier the second time getting back into the routine of good food/ exercise but I am finding I still want to reach the cookes/candy that is around. I'm not, but I still feel the urge too. And mostly I feel hungrier which is how I felt last time for the first week.

I am currently freezing here! Only 45 and windy when I just walked the dog. For us this is COLD! I was supposed to take down more of the decs but didn't want to go to the back garage to get all the bins out because it was so windy and cold! I mean I was sitting by the pool on New Years Day-that is a big change.

It's going to get up to 45 here in NW Indiana later this week and everyone is saying how warm it's going to be

 

[mom2maggie]

Today was a great day! I had a good breakfast, went to Hip Hop Hustle (love that class - burned 762 calories in 60 min!), and then when I went to lunch with my husband and the kids (to a Chinese buffet - EEEK!) I ate sensibly and stayed within a great calorie range. I didn't emotionally eat, even after I spent NINETY minutes on the phone with AT&T (ugh! NEVER GET UVERSE!!!) - I ate a apple and that was it. Then I had a great dinner. I ended up the day under my calorie range, and drank all my water. Go me!!

QOTD - January 3, 2012 - This isn't really a question. And you can use it as part of your HH #4 - relax each day. OK. I want you to sit down, close your eyes and envision yourself at the end of your journey. How do you see yourself?? Are you sitting in V&A in a new sexy dress making wise food choices?? Are you running in the next Princess Marathon?? Or are you able to keep up with the kiddo's at MK without keeling over?? Are you in that itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini, at the top of Summit Plummet thinking maybe this wasn't a very good idea??

I picture myself wearing the dress I've saved since my husband and I were dating - a very classic black wrap dress (so it isn't out of style yet ) - I would love to be able to get back into it. I was so close before my backslide...I only needed to lose about another 10lbs, which means now I'd need to be down about 44lbs from here. Totally doable, I think, if I can stay on track!

 

[jenanderson]

Today was the first day of work and my day was crazy! I meant to get on here and post several times today but something always came up. I know I can't respond to everyone so I will do the best I can.....

For those of you craving chocolate: I am not sure who was talking about it but what I do is buy sugar-free hot cocoa. I use it in a couple of ways. First, if you add it to coffee, it tastes kind of like a mocha and is my morning treat when I need it. In the winter, I love to have the hot cocoa plain for my bedtime snack. It is warm and makes me feel like my chocolate fix is all good!

Dona - I hope that you are feeling better and are able to go to work tomorrow!

Kathy - I love your vision! If you do the Disney 1/2 marathon in 2014...maybe I will be there doing the Goofy and we can have some margaritas together!

To all the other teachers who had to go back today...Did we all survive? I have to say I am exhausted! After staying up too late, sleeping in too late and taking naps for all the days off...today was hard!

Ashley - I think any Disney marathon must be wonderful! I did the Princess 1/2 marathon and feel that if you are a first timer looking for an incredibly supportive experience ...it is great! There are guys that run it (my DH did - he ran it with me to document the whole race as I was doing it with one of my dear friends) but it is mainly a huge group of women out there cheering each other one. I can't describe how incredible it was to run into the MK and up the street to the castle and then run out the castle...wonderful!

Welcome to all our new members! Sorry I am not replying to each of you tonight but I hope you all had a great first day with us!

Joslyn - Great job only having one of the chocolates. I have found today that I need to tell my co-workers that I can't have chocolate near me right now. It is just so hard to say no all the time. After a bit of joking around about New Year's resolutions, they are being supportive!

Elizabeth - I laughed when I read about you getting up to go to the bathroom! I had to get up several times as well and I swear it is part of why I am so tired today!

Susie - Thanks for your responses! I love the Poly and that is where we stay whenever it is at all possible (we just stayed there this summer). I will continue to dream of running the Goofy and staying at the Poly! Please take a photo of you at the Poly and post it when you return!

Deb - You go girl! You will be on the beach in Hawaii in a purple bikini!!!

Lindsay - Love your Team Donald theme song!

 

[jenanderson]

Evening friends! I am officially a "Team Donald" member! Glad to see some familiar faces and looking forward to meeting the newbies!

Nothing much to report from cold NH right now. DD, DS, and I are all suffering from bad colds/coughs/sore throats, but hopefully they won't last long. Anxious to get back into my exercise routine. Between holidays, traveling, and illness, it has been far too many days since I've had a good workout! But the eating is right back on track, now that we are post-holiday.

Off to watch the new BL!............................P

Hope you all feel better soon! I am looking forward to having you back on my team again!

Hi Team Donald! I just joined, so wanted to introduce myself. My name is Melissa, and I am turning 40 this year.

So, I know I CAN do it, it's just a matter of getting motivated again, and eating right, and getting in the exercise!
I really need someone to "report in to" for accountability, so I thought this might work!

Hi Melissa! You SO CAN DO THIS! Having a team to report in with really does help and that is what I am hoping gets me going and back on track again.

I see myself in Negril, Jamaica for my 40th birthday (Oct 2012) under 200 lbs which means I have 63 lbs to lose by then. It's been at least 5 years since I have been at my WW goal weight of 179. My weight ticker has a picture of the 7 mile beach in Negril as extra motivation. We honeymooned in Negril and I have been there several other times too.

That beach looks beautiful!

QOTD 1/3...aT the end I hope to feel healthier-more energy and endurance,strength, and hopefully get to the point that some of my health issues go away, get off the meds. I wouldn't hate it if I was in a smaller size but more importantant to me would be a little better shape rather than the number on the clothes.

Being healthier is the ultimate goal. When I started 2 years ago, I was on insulin and within 3 months...I was off it! It was amazing! I am still off insulin but know if I let my weight creep up too high again or don't get my exercise in...I could go right back to where I was and don't want to be unhealthy like that again.

I hope that this challenge will help you get off your meds as well so that you can feel like you have a healthier life!

Today was a great day! I had a good breakfast, went to Hip Hop Hustle (love that class - burned 762 calories in 60 min!)

This class sounds great! I am hoping to check out a class to do at our gym because I know I need some fun ways to work out!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Good evening!

Watching The Biggest Loser that I DVR'd. I am on the planning committee for a big community fundraiser luncheon being held in April, and we had a dinner meeting tonight. I am proud that I planned for it, and I had a glass and a half of wine and 2 pieces of thin pizza and still came in a bit under my calories for today. Also got my water and exercise in for today.

Speaking of exercise, I did day 2 of P90X today and it was Plyometrics..... basically a lot of jumping/cardio/quad work for almost an hour. I am so glad that have you all here to support me, because it was HARD!

When I was training for my half-marathon there were MANY days that the ONLY that got me out the door (and continuing) was 2 things.....

1) my boys..... they deserve a Mommy that is healthy
2) going to Disney World to run my first half-marathon. I would literally picture myself crossing the finish line when I wanted to quit and just walk home.

Now, I am committed to checking in here to post about my progress, so that is very motivating to me. I also find motivation from your success.

I am bad about doing personals, but please know that I read each and every post.

Have a great rest of the evening and an awesome day tomorrow!

 

[amykathleen2005]

Hi everyone!

I am excited to have just joined the team! I am 24 years old and been married for about a year and a half to my wonderful English husband (long story there with our immigration journey). We live in Ohio with our dog Molly. I, like many others here, teach 5th/6th grade full time as well as I am attending graduate school.

Currently I am at 179.5 pounds. I have a mini goal of getting to 174 to be out of the obese BMI category and then down to 145 to be at a healthy BMI weight.

Good luck everyone!

 

[jenanderson]

Evening everyone! Today was not the best day for me still but I keep writing it all down and keep trying to make some smaller changes. I am really struggling at jumping in with everything again. I think I keep thinking that I don't have to work as hard and that the weight will just go away with the little changes. As I keep looking at it all and reading what everyone else is doing...I realize that I have to make some bigger changes. I am not sure if all of it will happen this week because of some of the plans we have but I know that next week there will have to be bigger changes.

Here are some positive things about the day...
1. I knew exercising would be a challenge today so I spent 10 minutes of one of my morning breaks walking the halls at school. I also did the stairs for a total of 9 flights of stairs. I then spent 20 minutes of my lunch walking. I know that I should have done more at home tonight but I didn't and I am going to have to feel comfortable with the fact that I got 30 minutes in today.

2. I packed a very healthy lunch. I had a couple of pieces of salami on an Arnold's Sandwich thin for my sandwich. I also had a sugar free chocolate pudding, 14 almonds and a clementine.

3. Despite the fact that I felt like I was going to barely make it through each class...I drank all my water. It is really hard having to go to the bathroom when there is a class full of MS kids waiting for you!

4. I had a healthy supper of baked chicken with baked fries (a counted out serving).

Things I would have liked to have done better today...
1. More and better exercising. I have to focus on getting more weight training and cross training done.

2. I did not eat breakfast. This led to me eating 3 piece of chocolate with my coffee this morning because I felt like since I didn't have breakfast it was okay.

3. I wanted to make some soup for lunches. I did not have the ingredients I wanted. I did not go to the store. I still do not have the soup.

4. I skipped WW today. I could have made it but I didn't get out of school in time. I should have been more prepared so that I was ready to leave knowing that I had to go but I wasn't. I still need to work on my organizational skills.

Hope everyone else is had a great day!
Jen