Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[frndshpcptn]

Hi all -

Happy Wednesday!

I'm doing well so far today - my scale showed a good number this morning, so I feel encouraged to make better choices today to keep up the success!

I'm a little nervous I might go "bad" this afternoon, as I am very tired and when I feel this way I usually snack to stay awake at work (bad, I know).

I was all set to go to sleep at a reasonable hour last night and at about 11pm, my doggie decided that she would pee all over my bed! So we had to strip the sheets / mattress pad and do 2 loads of wash. I slept (kind of fitfully) on an old blanket and comforter. She has refused to go out for her last walk (maybe because of the cold?) and just couldn't hold it anymore I guess. So - little sleep last night and I know I have to get up very early tomorrrow - tonight's going to be little sleep as well.

I definitely find I eat more when I am tired (if I can't go take a nap). Maybe another goal of mine will be to get a more consistent night's sleep.

I had one serving of grits (no butter) for breakfast, along with an iced double espresso (skim milk and splenda). Home-cooked veggie dumplings and water for lunch, with muddy buddies for my snack so far. Not sure about dinner yet, we'll see what time I get home tonight.

Hope everybody in the cold areas stays warm on this chilly day!

 

[belledreamer]

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Janis

Definitely myself. I'm always thinking of reasons why it's okay to eat the Quarter Pounder or the Little Debbie snack or of reasons why it's okay to not exercise today. But I'm keeping the goals I've set for myself in mind; fitting in my grandmother's ring, fitting in my costumes and running the Disney 5k. But I know if I keep up those bad habits, I'll never reach my goal.

Plus the thought of crossing the finish line at my first 5k and knowing that a year before I couldn't do it and look how far I've come is too good of a temptation to go back to where I was.


And for the poster who thought the guy in my icon was my boyfriend, BLESS YOU!! He isn't my boyfriend, but I totally wish he was!

 

[momofdjc]

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'd like to be comfortable in a bathing suit at our annual lake weekend and not feel like I'm larger than everyone else in the group. 2 of my sisters are tall and thin and the rest of the group we are with are thin.

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Janis

I am my biggest roadblock. I will use any excuse to not do what I should do. I am going to plan for the road blocks. I am going to plan around baseball games for exercise and food and not rely on fast food on nights the boys have practice or games.


I'm on my second day of no pop and still fighting a headache from it. Hoping it goes away soon.

 

[Disneyluvr]

Funny story about my day at work:

Hmmm...I had a student today tell me that I reminded her of a crispy potato wedge from KFC. I have been called a lot of things by my students, but never a crispy potato wedge I told her I didn't know if I should be happy or offended and she said it was a compliment~that I looked good and potato wedges are good. I guess I'll take whatever compliments I can get, even if it compares me to a chunk of potato fried in oil

Hope that makes everyone smile or laugh like I did!!

Jill

Thanks for the chuckle! Well I'd take it as a compliment cause anyone knows that the crispy ones are always thin!

What grade do you teach? I teach kinder and they always have something funny to say. I had one little boy who always rubbed my tummy and one day he said, I love your fluffy tummy it's so bubbly

 

[klmrph]

Here is my SUPER SCARY before photo.... probably around 220 lbs. I only ever recorded a legit "219" on a scale, but know that I was probably heavier than that at some point in time..... like the day this photo was taken. May 2002

And here I am this past May... nearly 9 years to the day, since I am realizing that both of these photos were taken on Mother's Day weekend. This is 90 pounds down from the before photo (possibly even more).

Oh.... that prettier and younger version of me in both pictures??.... that is my beautiful daughter! ......................P

You look awesome....thanks for joining us and encouraging us.

Funny story about my day at work:

Hmmm...I had a student today tell me that I reminded her of a crispy potato wedge from KFC. I have been called a lot of things by my students, but never a crispy potato wedge I told her I didn't know if I should be happy or offended and she said it was a compliment~that I looked good and potato wedges are good. I guess I'll take whatever compliments I can get, even if it compares me to a chunk of potato fried in oil

Hope that makes everyone smile or laugh like I did!!

Jill

What grade do you teach?

 

[grumpyskirtgirl]

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??
Janis


I am definitely my biggest roadblock. More specifically, the excuses I come up with. Some are pretty darn convincing! :

BUT, that being said, today I made a choice NOT to eat pizza (like my son was begging for) but to come home and eat a bowl of meatlessTaco Soup. It tasted great and I felt even better knowing it was WAY less calories & cheaper than a couple slices of pizza. So I threw a couple of dollars into my Disney fund since I didnt buy the pizza to make it the greatest lunch ever!

GO TEAM DONALD!!!!​

 

[buzz5985]

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 loserI 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!!!!!!!

Love It!!!

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.



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



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
That is amazing and awesome!!!!!!



So cool! I am all for PINK!


Is she adopting?



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



You did great!



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.



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.

Who's says leather isn't in???

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!

You came to the right place!!! Welcome!!!!!!!

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.

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.

I heard on the news that all the Manatee's were clustered together off the coast of Tampa to keep each other warm. It's cold up here - but we expect it.

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!!


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!

Just keep the image of that dress in your mind when you have a challenging moment and that goal will be yours.

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!

Great job on your planning committee dinner. Doesn't it feel so good to stick to your plan.

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!

Welcome!!!

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

I see a lot of positives in your day. It's a work in progress.

Hey everyone!! Received my team assignment today and so here I am.

I got a long way to go but at this point I will settle for fitting into the pants that fit before Christmas

BTW my name is Kimberly and I will be 53 in a week. I lost almost 90 lbs the last time I participated on the WISH board and I'm hoping to stay that motivated this time.

Welcome!!!!

Whoohoo!! Go team!!

Thanks. It's definitely starting to wear me down, though. In fact, I found out today that 3 former students (males) were arrested today for murdering a local businessman outside his restaurant/bar last weekend. It happened in the town I teach and go to that restaurant monthly. It was so sad. Then, on today's front page another former student (a female) was accidentally shot in the leg by another one of my former students while he played around with his gun. So one former student shot and 4 more shooting. It makes me so sad that these are the kids I teach. I do have students who go on to college and make something of themselves, but most don't.

Actually, DH and I are considering FL. Where are you located/which county? DH finishes school for respiratory therapy in Jan 2013, so my aunt who lives in Lady Lake, FL says that all those retirees need health care lol.





I'm sure 45 is cold for you, but if you can send some heat up here, we'd appreciate it. It's 10 degrees right now and the high today was 19. 45 would send me outside to exercise!! Hope it passes fast!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm finishing up watching the BL and then heading to bed. I haven't actually watched the show in a few years, but thought I'd check this season out. DH isn't too happy about that lol.

I'll see you all tomorrow!

Jill

I was underwhelmed by the show's contestants. I think I still miss Jillian.

So checking in for the evening; and keeping Team Donald's posts up!

Arms were still screaming from yesterday's raking, so I decided to walk on the treadmill and did 27 minutes! Plus I listened to Disney theme park music while I was walking to keep me focused. I really started getting wobbly on my legs when I hit about 20 minutes though. Still need to remember to pace myself...

Still keeping up with HH. I'm determined to have a perfect score this week. Plus a few pounds less would be nice. Did have chocolate for the first time in nearly 3 weeks, but it's the mini-choco bars and only had two. Just enough to satisfy the craving without feeling like I've blown my diet.

I've also decided that I want to do one of the marathons next year! And mom's on board for taking me, so I gotta start saving money now! Still not sure if I'm up to the half marathon, but I could definitely see doing the 5K so at this point I think I'll train for that instead. Plus my DM and one of my cousins (who frequents the DISboards) have expressed some interest in doing it with me. So who knows? Maybe there will be three extra runners next year.

Really tired this evening. Think I'll turn in early. Good night!

Good luck with the marathon training.

Janis

 

[buzz5985]

Hear you with the fertility drugs - I had got down to 135 when I started fertility treatments - I weighed myself 2 weeks into my pregnancy, I was 174!



My name is Carol, I am 53 years old, married for 31 1/2 years to my DH and have a 15 DS.

I never had trouble with my weight when I was young - I was a stringbean and never learned about healthy eating, since I was doing sweets to try and pack on the weight - I could eat anything. That all changed when I got my desk job, but not too bad. Yoyo'd back and forth through 15 pounds, got down to 127 when I got married, and kept a lot off through college since I was living at home with DH and running all over the campus to class. After teaching for a few years, I settled into accounting, and that was it! Reached a high of 215. I've been with WW a few times, currently following it now and lost about 55 pounds a few years ago. Gained 25 back, and lost about 10 with last fall's BL challenge and WW, but had some family issues that impacted my participation in the program; hopefully this go 'round will be better. Hope to get back to my starting weight before going back to Disney/Universal again in April, so I feel comfortable on the rides and running around the parks.

Always crazy busy with work and DS is training for Track and Field. I can't run due to arthritic knees, so when I do exercise need to do low impact, which does limit me somewhat. I like yoga, but need to get some cardio and strength training in.



I was able to get my wedding band back on after my last weight loss, and I can now slip in on and off - determined never to get back to where they have to force it off for surgery, which is where I was in '05. It hurt like blazes when they forced it off, and I couldn't get it back on until I lost that weight.



Action Plan:
Journal everyday using WW online
Drink water - I drink a little diet soda but still drink enough water - I can't give up my soda, at least not yet!
Follow HH, WIN and do weekly weigh-ins
Start planning healthier evening meals - that is usually my downfall
Find time to exercise, even if it is just taking a walk during lunch at work!



I'm the same age with my 15 DS! I always feel older, and felt better about myself when I lost some weight. Need to get back there again. My friend is about the same age with a DD my son's age. That might be why we get on so well!



The exercise, finding time and motivation. I hate exercise, but if I plan the meals right, I pick up DS from track, put him in the shower (he takes forever), put the meal on to heat up and do the Wii or something for about 30 minutes and then a quick shower. We may eat a little late, but we tend to do that anyway. I can't exercise after eating dinner.



I know - I love salads, but when it is 20 degrees outsdie it is the last thing I want!



I saw other answers as well to this. I like iceberg for it's crunch, but like someone said it does not have much in the way of nutrients. You could try the salad blends in the store, they mix iceberg with other types. Spinach is not crunchy, a little bitter, but with the right dressing I like it. I have never been a romaine fan, it tastes odd to me, but mixed with other greens it is not very noticable. But the blends are many different types, and you can get small bites to see what you like.



I see myself in Universal and Disney in April - hopefully not afraid to wear shorts, running around like crazy to keep up with DS and his best friend (the aforementioned DD of my friend - we go together). To have the energy to keep going all day, sleep well at night and then get up to get going again! When I am not heavy, I have more energy and feel better. Less stress on my knees, so I can walk more. And we are planning a pool day - I had the courage to put on a swimsuit for the first time in years this last summer - hopefully I will be even slimmer by then.

At the far end of the journey, when I have finally lost all the weight I want to lose - about to 140 or 145 - I expect to feel better and be healthier. I had DS late in life - I need to keep myself healthy to spend time with him and watch him grow and go on with his life!


I did some searching for recipies over lunch, will put together a shopping list tomorrow, and try and find some time to make it to the store - maybe over lunch since after work does not work too well. I never know when DS will be out of practice!

Need to turn in, too tired to even do smilies, but I really wanted to catch up with you all!

Looks like you have a plan.

My DS 15 is on the wrestling team - and if Track and field is anything like it the practices are ridiculous. He has practice every day from 3 pm to 6:30. the meets are 3 hours long and the tournaments are closer to 6 hours. I wish I was still a hockey mom. I never thought I would miss sitting in a cold rink!!!

Okay I've had this vision since seeing pictures of me from the last Disneyland Half Marathon (9/2011). They were definitely sooooo not pretty. So my vision is me, running the Wine and Dine half this year, in a custom shirt. On the front, it would say "I'm an AFTER" and on the back, there would be a picture from the DL half and something like "My before – 115lbs heavier, 09/2011"

Of course, I probably won't make it down 115 pounds by November. But next November is a huge probability...

Love your shirt idea!!! You can do it.

All right, I realize this post will mean I've posted four times in a row, but I have a lot to say, and I thought they were too different (and it'd be too long) to put it all in one post. Plus, whatever gets us ahead of Team Mickey, right?

Vent time... Why does eating healthy have to be so expensive? I know there's deals and things like that at the market, and not everything is expensive, but the stuff that is makes it annoying. For example, today I went out to breakfast with one of my best friends. She got french toast, and I got a tomato, spinach, and onion omelet. We started out at the same price. But then I got egg whites instead of whole eggs which added $1.50. The I opted for fruit instead of potatoes, which cost another $1.50. Really?!? So annoying.

Buuuut I did eat healthy. So it's all good.

I've said before that I hired a trainer at the gym. We have a full session on Mondays that I pay for, then the rest of the week she trains me for free (I her. Seriously). I thought I manages to get out of tomorrow's session. We usually train in the afternoons, but tomorrow I'm leaving work early and heading to Disneyland for the evening banana. So I told her I couldn't meet because I'm working earlier than usual. Here's how the conversation went down:

Me: "I can't make it tomorrow – I have to go to work early."
Trainer: "Oh that sucks. What time do you have to go in?"
Me: "Like 9:00am" (Side note – I work part time and usually don't go in until 1:00pm).
Her: "Oh perfect! I have a client at 6:00am. You can come in at 7:30!!"

Uuuugh.

On another note... I weighed in today. Down 2.2 pounds!! So excited. It isn't a huge percentage, but it makes my five-week total 9.2! I'm really not usually this excited about stuff, but this is exciting for me.

Of course, I leave for WDW (and the marathon relay) on Friday. I'll be awesome Friday, Saturday, and Sunday... but then we don't leave until Wednesday night and while I'll try to make smarter decisions, I'm eating whatever the heck I want!!

Yay team! (I also don't usually use this many exclamation points, I promise. I'm usually pretty sarcastic and not really excited about anything. But whatever.)

I find when I grocery shop - the healthy stuff is actually less expensive than the processed foods. But eating out it's difficult to find healthy choices. Great job on finding some.

Thanks to everybody who puts in their time to make these challenges work! You are wonderful!!



Hi everybody! I signed up yesterday, and got on today to read the thread. My name is Shannon, I'll be 40 this year, married with 2 daughters (10 & 6). I work full time, have started taking accounting courses again to aim for getting my CGA designation.
I've been off the Dis for almost a year, but used to be very involved in the BL challenges, and had some successs. This is a fresh year, and I will get back into ONE-derland.



This time, I'm going back to what worked for me in the past.

Remember my key phrases:
1 - I am worth it!
2 - My daughters deserve a healthy mom.
3 - The goal is healthy not skinny.
4 - Exercise consistently. Use my Curves membership. Go there. I deserve 3 hours a week to go do the exercise I enjoy.



Exercising consistently. I have to make time for it.
The reason I keep failing, is I let myself fail.
Nobody stops me from exercising but me.
Nobody can motive me - I have to motivate myself.



I will have more stamina! In 3 months, I will be motivated to start the C25K again and I will enjoy my success.

Welcome back!!!

first of all.. I need to kind of find a place in my self to stay calm about this. I get anxious when I think of how much I need to lose (48 lbs). I am going to try and take it 5 lbs at a time because I know that if I can do the first 5, then I can go on.

I am beginning by cutting back on what I eat. I'm not ready to jump into a weight loss program full steam yet due to things I'll explain in the next part... but thinking positively and having real reasons for doing this (my health) is important..



Exercise. I suffer from chronic pain (woke up with it this morning as a matter of fact) and I am always afraid from day to day that I won't be able to control it. I also have literally NO endurance - so that is my biggest thing to work on. I will start slow and try to build up over time.



I want to be healthier. Not necessarily thin, but healthier. I have suffered for 23 years in pain and I'm the one person I put last. I need to concentrate on MY health and take the steps to make it better.

I would like to see myself on the hammock between the two palm trees at the Poly. (and not have the Hammock drag on the ground... )

I would like to buy clothes in regular sizes.

I want to be able to do the Princess 5k While my iron woman niece does the goofy challenge...

Small baby steps, take it slow and try to change one thing at a time. This week, drink more water. Next week add a extra vegie.

I'm with you on this one-I'm my biggest roadblock! I find it too easy to make excuses for myself-too busy to exercise/ too tired to cook etc. This year I'm determined to make it work and I find this challenge is really helping me stay focused on that.

Must say writing down what I eat has flagged up some areas of my diet that need improving big time. Hasvent managed the recommended daily fruit/veg intake yet but I'm getting closer

I find when I write all the BLT's - I have a better week.

uh oh I have to make a confession

1)I have yet to take the "before Photos". Too scarey to even contemplate getting someone to take them and havent figured out hoe to do it myself without the flash going off in the mirror

2) I went to bed at 8.30pm last night because the big bag of peanuts in the kitchen was calling to me and this was the best way I could think of avoiding them

On a positive note though- I didnt cave and they (the peanuts) are hitting the bin as we speak

Good luck to everyone on another sucessful day

Nuts are hard to have around. A serving size is so small, it's easy to go overboard with them.

Janis

 

[Ruthie5671]

Oh, I'm excited! My first post as an official member of "Team Donald"!!

My name is Ruthie and I live in Frankfort, KY. I'm 40 years old and have been married for the past 1 1/2 years to the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am a social worker, love scrapbooking and cannot wait to retire to Florida and be able to go to Disney on a regular basis. This is my first time being a member of a Biggest Loser challenge. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure I can come up with a million excuses. I'm really loving the "No Excuses" motto of this seasons BL. I of course watched last night and was totally rooting for Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Anyway, how did I get here? Well, I was a chubby child, a fat teenager and an even bigger adult. I have been on a bunch of diets that have temporarily worked but ultimately failed. My DH and I have been saying for a while that we need to get our lazy butts off the couch and make better decisions, and I think we have finally rounded that corner. Of course, we have a bet! The person who loses the most weight (percentage) between now and our tentatively planned WDW trip in June will get a $25 gift card to the store of their choice. Yup, I'm motivated by the cash.

So I went and dusted off the scale yesterday to find it not working. After putting in new batteries, it said that my weight was 197 punds. I'm pretty sure that was my birth weight , so it is officially broken. I have ordered a new one, so my inital weigh in will not get sent for a few days.

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Gosh, road blocks - there are so many. We are constantly broke, so I cannot afford a gym membership or to buy a treadmill. Excuses. Eating healthy is so expensive. More excuses. Myself and my own mentality. Why try again? Why will this be different? Well, maybe now I'm different, and this challenge will help me.

I will post some pics when I get home. Yup, still at work. DH works third shift tonight, so he's at home sleeping and I didn't take anything out for dinner. Crap - quit the excuses!!! Okay! I will - I promise!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I'm leaving to go on my Disney trip tomorrow and won't be back until next week.

Have a great time susie and if your running in the marathon good luck. I cant remember if you said you are or not.

Woot woot! Zumba & Strength classes today - 120 minutes, 1364 calories burned. Combined with my sensible lunch and breakfast, and I'm still -627 calories for the day...I guess I can totally eat dinner, huh?

woohoo that makes eating dinner even that more fun know that you already burned all those calories. Great work.

Peep drop sounds absolutely adorable! Are they Christmas peeps or leftover Easter peeps??

It was the classic yellow peep.

Here is my SUPER SCARY before photo.... probably around 220 lbs. I only ever recorded a legit "219" on a scale, but know that I was probably heavier than that at some point in time..... like the day this photo was taken. May 2002

And here I am this past May... nearly 9 years to the day, since I am realizing that both of these photos were taken on Mother's Day weekend. This is 90 pounds down from the before photo (possibly even more).

Oh.... that prettier and younger version of me in both pictures??.... that is my beautiful daughter! ......................P

Pamela that was an absolutely amazing transformation. You are so inspiring. Your daughter is beautiful and has grown so much since that pic.

I saw your question to me about sauerkraut which is a funny story. My nana makes 2 versions but both from canned saurkraut. I never ate it until last year when I forced myself to try it and loved it. I only like the kind she makes that she calls brown flour kraut. I got done eating a 1/2 cup serving on New Years day that I counted as 35 cal or something around there. Then I said how do you actually make this nana? She said you boil the kraut and then add flour and a tub of lard. keep mixing it until its all brown and juicy. OH my god I almost died when she said that. Thats my nana for ya. She says pork fat rules. and we wonder why I have a weight issue.

Funny story about my day at work:

Hmmm...I had a student today tell me that I reminded her of a crispy potato wedge from KFC. I have been called a lot of things by my students, but never a crispy potato wedge I told her I didn't know if I should be happy or offended and she said it was a compliment~that I looked good and potato wedges are good. I guess I'll take whatever compliments I can get, even if it compares me to a chunk of potato fried in oil

Hope that makes everyone smile or laugh like I did!!

Jill

hahaha thats a good one. Kids say the funniest things sometimes.

I had one serving of grits (no butter) for breakfast, along with an iced double espresso (skim milk and splenda). Home-cooked veggie dumplings and water for lunch, with muddy buddies for my snack so far. Not sure about dinner yet, we'll see what time I get home tonight.

Hope everybody in the cold areas stays warm on this chilly day!

let me guess, are you from down south??? grits and dumplings???? Great job with making all the things you like to eat much healthier. I think that is the most important thing is to not deprive yourself but to make what you like healthier or eat it in moderation.

I'm on my second day of no pop and still fighting a headache from it. Hoping it goes away soon.

It gets better as the days go on. Im on day 4 of no soda. I am still getting headaches at night before dinner but it is getting less and less worse as time is going on. Hang in there. Its not easy.

What grade do you teach? I teach kinder and they always have something funny to say. I had one little boy who always rubbed my tummy and one day he said, I love your fluffy tummy it's so bubbly

Oh my gosh that is hysterical. I bet that childs parent would have died if they heard him say that. My 4 year old walked in as I was getting dressed a few weeks ago and I had on my pants but only a bra. He said "do you have a baby in your belly" and I was like no. and he said then why is it so big? I was a little mortified but then found the humor in it. Out of the mouth of babes.

So I threw a couple of dollars into my Disney fund since I didnt buy the pizza to make it the greatest lunch ever!

GO TEAM DONALD!!!!​

Now that is a great idea. My fast food breakfast was costing almost 5$ and I at least was getting it 5 days a week if not more. So right there I should be able to put away 50$ a paycheck. I think I might steal your idea.

My name is Ruthie and I live in Frankfort, KY.

Hi Ruthie, Welcome to the team.

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

Had a delicious dinner and now I am going to help ryan with his homework and then head to the gym. I am feeling so good right now. I feel like nothing can stop me. I just hope I can keep this motivation going. Im glad I have all of you here to help me.

 

[buzz5985]

Good Wednesday Morning everyone.

I only have a few minutes since I just read 2 pages that were posted since I looked last night. Welcome to all the new people. Welcome to the new Team Donald people who used to be on the BL challenges. It is good to see you again.

I am feeling better from the bout of stomache virus. I have a feeling that the headache may be back but I have some tylenol in my desk so I think I am ready for the day. I just had 2 pieces of toast . I think I will pack some fruit and crackers for lunch and take it from there.

Ds2 made it to Gambia safely. I got an email from him yesterday. He will be spending some time in the capital before he goes to the villages they will be working on. He will be working on the road between these 8 villages and also looking at solar water pumps to make it easier for the villages to get water.

Off to work. I didn't want to work out this morning because I didn't want to exhaust myself before I left.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Glad you are feeling better.

There seem to be so many hurdles this time. Of course I am probably the biggest hurdle. I can come up with believable excuses. My work schedule is a hurdle and the fact that I hate my job. The anxiety associated with everything that has gone on in our life over the last several months means lots of meds for me. I need to figure out the balance that I seem to be missing, find a new enjoyable permanent job, figure out what I can an can't eat and figure out which exercise is going to work best for me.

I'm off to work. Have a great day.

I didn't like my job for years, and years and years. A wise man told me to look at it differently. So now I think - If it weren't for my job - I wouldn't have a roof over my head, the food on the table - or my WDW vacations.

I have a few road blocks, but the biggest one is myself! I always am putting Dh and kids ahead of myself and making excuses as to why I don't eat better or exercise regularly. I need to learn how to make time for myself and stick to it.
The other big road block for this challenge is going to be our up coming move. We're moving from MD to NoLa in March, we're driving so making good food choices and getting in exercise is going to be next to impossible. My plan right now is that I'm going to pack healthier food for myself and I'm going to bring the Wii with me and do some Wii Fit while in the hotels... Hopefully I will be able to keep up with that. We will have our dog with us so I'll have to take her for little walks at every stop. But she is a Shih Tzu/Maltese so she doesn't go for long walks before she gets tired.

I have a Shih Tzu/terrier/dachsund mix, that in the cold will just stand there and shiver. He's so pathetic. Good luck with the move.

I am right there with you on the biggest roadblock being myself, and putting others before me.
I do really well, and then something happens, and I get stressed and start mindlessly eating. And then I don't stop.
I can make so many excuses for not exercising....and as a single mom, I feel bad taking time for myself.
This time, I think what I might do for exercise is something that will include DD....like the Wii Fit. I am also going to buy Zumba for the Wii.
I just need to remember that I DO deserve to do this for myself!

Yes you do deserve it!!!

Like others, it's me for the most part, but it will be others that are eating around me who may encourage me to take part in their bad eating.

I just tell a little white lie to people, I have a sore tooth - the sugar will kill it. Or something like that.

PS, if anyone needs a little extra motivation today (or at any point, really!) go to YouTube and search for a video called Jessica's Daily Affirmation. It's totally safe for work (no curse words, violence, etc) and always gives me a little boost when I watch it. Plus it's cute and funny!

That was cute!!!

I think my biggest roadblock right now is affording the healthy foods. We're on a tight one-income budget right now and I can't afford to buy seperate foods. Everyone will have to be on board to eat the healthy foods I make! Plus, healthy foods are expensive! But NO EXCUSES right? I will make it work, it'll just take more time at the grocery store finding the right things! On another note, I just wanted to share a line that stuck with me last night from Dolvet (sp??) the trainer on Biggest Loser...He said "If you ain't moving, you ain't losing!!" I thought that was great

I don't know if it will help you or not - but I plan my meals around what is on sale that week. Look over on the Budget boards here for some ideas on savings at the grocery store. I find I don't use many coupons, since I don't buy processed foods.

Isnt it funny how so many of us recognise that we are our own worst enemies when it comes to looking after ourselves!
Let 2012 be the year that we change that once and for all and be our own best friends instead

Thanks for all the supportive comments re photos and peanuts
You never know I might even pluck up the courage to take photos on friday before I weigh myself (no promises though I dont feel just as daunted as before now)

Yes it does seem we are the problems. So NO more EXCUSES!!! I was hoping on BL they would get into the No Excuses more than they did.

Just a quick drive-by to cheer everyone on for the next week. Remember to write down everything you eat. It really does help to see where we can improve our diets. If you drink it - ink it; if you bite it - write it!

I'm leaving to go on my Disney trip tomorrow and won't be back until next week. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to login every now and then and see how everyone is doing. I don't have time now to respond to everyone now but hope to do my share when I get back. Just remember - we're in this together. It's so much easier and more fun than to go it alone.

I think the biggest road block for me is stress. I eat when I'm stressed out, bummed out, mad, discouraged, etc. Comfort foods are my biggest hangups. Carrots and celery don't cut for me at times but neither does being over-weight. However, with this medically supervised diet I'm going on (with a 16-week mandatory classes), hopefully, I can change all this. Any tips I learn, I'll pass on.

Hope you all have a great week ahead! Sending pixie dust to all!

Never heard of the drink it - ink it before - love it.

Woot woot! Zumba & Strength classes today - 120 minutes, 1364 calories burned. Combined with my sensible lunch and breakfast, and I'm still -627 calories for the day...I guess I can totally eat dinner, huh?

Good for you!!!!

LOVE THIS.
Heres one my friend used to say "lose the c on chips and whaddya get? HIPS

 

[Rose&Mike]

Shannon--Welcome back! So glad to see you!

You too Pamela!

I saw your question to me about sauerkraut which is a funny story. My nana makes 2 versions but both from canned saurkraut. I never ate it until last year when I forced myself to try it and loved it. I only like the kind she makes that she calls brown flour kraut. I got done eating a 1/2 cup serving on New Years day that I counted as 35 cal or something around there. Then I said how do you actually make this nana? She said you boil the kraut and then add flour and a tub of lard. keep mixing it until its all brown and juicy. OH my god I almost died when she said that. Thats my nana for ya. She says pork fat rules. and we wonder why I have a weight issue.

Yuck! But I bet it did taste good! Great job on the fastfood Lindsay! I am so proud of you!

*****
I knew from the start I wouldn't be a 100% here until DS goes back to college, and that day is tomorrow. I am pretty sad. We all are really. Even my son. I think part of it is my hormones are just all over the place this past month--one of the lovely side effects of c-d. I have spent the entire day trying not to cry. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I am planning a big old nasty pool run tomorrow night to get rid of some of the stress. And the physical therapist helper dude ratted me out today. I'm still not technically supposed to be running (it's been 10 weeks!!!!!) but since Christmas have slowly been starting back up. So today when I went for p-t he asked me if I was running and how it was going and my physical therapist looked at me like--seriously, do not tell me you are running. Anywho, the cat is out of the bag. The bad part--she beat the h*** out of my foot today and it is really, really, really sore. I think that was payback for not following directions.

Have a good Thursday! Hopefully by Friday I will be done being sad and back to my motivated self.

 

[buzz5985]

Definitely myself. I'm always thinking of reasons why it's okay to eat the Quarter Pounder or the Little Debbie snack or of reasons why it's okay to not exercise today. But I'm keeping the goals I've set for myself in mind; fitting in my grandmother's ring, fitting in my costumes and running the Disney 5k. But I know if I keep up those bad habits, I'll never reach my goal.

Plus the thought of crossing the finish line at my first 5k and knowing that a year before I couldn't do it and look how far I've come is too good of a temptation to go back to where I was.


And for the poster who thought the guy in my icon was my boyfriend, BLESS YOU!! He isn't my boyfriend, but I totally wish he was!

You can do it!!!

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??
Janis


I am definitely my biggest roadblock. More specifically, the excuses I come up with. Some are pretty darn convincing! :

BUT, that being said, today I made a choice NOT to eat pizza (like my son was begging for) but to come home and eat a bowl of meatlessTaco Soup. It tasted great and I felt even better knowing it was WAY less calories & cheaper than a couple slices of pizza. So I threw a couple of dollars into my Disney fund since I didnt buy the pizza to make it the greatest lunch ever!

GO TEAM DONALD!!!!​

Great job on the no pizza.

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Gosh, road blocks - there are so many. We are constantly broke, so I cannot afford a gym membership or to buy a treadmill. Excuses. Eating healthy is so expensive. More excuses. Myself and my own mentality. Why try again? Why will this be different? Well, maybe now I'm different, and this challenge will help me.

I will post some pics when I get home. Yup, still at work. DH works third shift tonight, so he's at home sleeping and I didn't take anything out for dinner. Crap - quit the excuses!!! Okay! I will - I promise!

Welcome - isn't it amazing, when you sit down and think about it - how many excuses we all make?? This time it will be different!!!

Shannon--Welcome back! So glad to see you!

You too Pamela!


Yuck! But I bet it did taste good! Great job on the fastfood Lindsay! I am so proud of you!

*****
I knew from the start I wouldn't be a 100% here until DS goes back to college, and that day is tomorrow. I am pretty sad. We all are really. Even my son. I think part of it is my hormones are just all over the place this past month--one of the lovely side effects of c-d. I have spent the entire day trying not to cry. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I am planning a big old nasty pool run tomorrow night to get rid of some of the stress. And the physical therapist helper dude ratted me out today. I'm still not technically supposed to be running (it's been 10 weeks!!!!!) but since Christmas have slowly been starting back up. So today when I went for p-t he asked me if I was running and how it was going and my physical therapist looked at me like--seriously, do not tell me you are running. Anywho, the cat is out of the bag. The bad part--she beat the h*** out of my foot today and it is really, really, really sore. I think that was payback for not following directions.

Have a good Thursday! Hopefully by Friday I will be done being sad and back to my motivated self.

Take care of that foot!!!

I think I have finally caught up for now.

 

[my3princes]

Here is my SUPER SCARY before photo.... probably around 220 lbs. I only ever recorded a legit "219" on a scale, but know that I was probably heavier than that at some point in time..... like the day this photo was taken. May 2002

And here I am this past May... nearly 9 years to the day, since I am realizing that both of these photos were taken on Mother's Day weekend. This is 90 pounds down from the before photo (possibly even more).

Oh.... that prettier and younger version of me in both pictures??.... that is my beautiful daughter! ......................P

You were Both beautiful in both photos, but you look much younger and healthier now

Glad you are feeling better.




I didn't like my job for years, and years and years. A wise man told me to look at it differently. So now I think - If it weren't for my job - I wouldn't have a roof over my head, the food on the table - or my WDW vacations.

The 2 b witches that I work with decided to throw me under the bus, put it in reverse and back over me a couple of times. They did this while I was out sick yesterday. One of them didn't even work yesterday, but felt the need to call in to "tell" on me. The funny (not so much) thing is that they made up things that I supposedly said at a staff meeting last week that the director was at. The 2 of them don't seem to have a brain between the two of them. Everything they claims had been disproved before I cam in this morning. Our team lead was on vacation for 2 weeks and she was the one they reported too. Of course we had expected this and discussed it before vacation. I'm just angry that no one does anything to stop these 2. I so wanted to confront them, but I was talked out of it. My lead says that the 2 of them has done it to her too many times to count. It just isn't right. I so can't wait to find a new job.

 

[melmar136]

Just wanted to share a treat that is low in calories. They are called French Twists, and I have seen them at the store in a bag, and in a plastic tub. The shorter ones, in the tub are only 30 calories each, and are great if you are craving something sweet. If you're doing Weight Watchers, they are 1 point for 2.
http://barrysbakery.com/ is the link if you want to check them out. Yummy!
Although, DD decided she really likes them as well, and ate half the tub after school!

Another "treat" I have, mostly in the winter, is the diet hot chocolate, which is only 25 calories.

I NEED something sweet...so at least these are better for us!

 

[belledreamer]

Whew! I'm wiped out! Just got finished exercising so I thought I'd catch up while I rest.

Resisted the urge for a corn dog today and opted for water instead. I read an article on Yahoo! the other day that said just smelling the food instead of eating it helps you lose weight. Supposedly, they say just smelling it instead of eating it tricks your body into thinking you've already eaten it...

It doesn't work...

Mom treated me for lunch at Chili's today and even though I really wanted the 'Big Mouth Bites' (YUM!!) I settled on a lunch special, a small salad and mini quesadilla which was actually really good and filled me up.

Exercising was harder to make it through today. I guess going from absolutely no exercise to 4 days in a row is a bigger leap than I thought... But I'm not giving up!

 

[ougrad86]

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??Janis

As many have already said, I am my own roadblock. Especially finding excuses not to exercise, too busy, too tired, etc. Exercise needs to be a normal part of my day, like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. Once I get going I can be wonderful about food and water during the day, but get me home and I let myself go . I had a good schedule last spring, and I want to start up with that again.

Remember, nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!!
Have a great day!!!

That quote got me through the last challenge!! I said it nearly every day and have it written down in the journal I kept .

The other big road block for this challenge is going to be our up coming move. We're moving from MD to NoLa in March, we're driving so making good food choices and getting in exercise is going to be next to impossible. My plan right now is that I'm going to pack healthier food for myself and I'm going to bring the Wii with me and do some Wii Fit while in the hotels... Hopefully I will be able to keep up with that. We will have our dog with us so I'll have to take her for little walks at every stop. But she is a Shih Tzu/Maltese so she doesn't go for long walks before she gets tired.

We take long trips to the midwest twice a year, and my DH was in the Air Force so I know about PCSing! On the road, Subway is a good choice. They have some decent lo-fat sandwiches, great salads where you can pick and choose, and they even have soup and breakfast foods, though I haven't tried any. The only bad thing is the cookies staring at you when you pay for your sandwich. I try my best not to let temptation get the best of me...

I weighed myself this morning after tracking all my food and working out every day this week~up 0.4 pounds! Grrrrrrr...I have to get in an awesome workout at the gym tonight! Unfortunately, I feel a cold starting, so I need to kick that as well as my own butt lol. Have a great day everyone.
Jill

But remember, muscle weighs more than fat - so you might be getting leaner even if you gain a little weight! Hope your cold gets better, I feel like I have a little stomach bug myself. At least soup is good for me!

I'm a little nervous I might go "bad" this afternoon, as I am very tired and when I feel this way I usually snack to stay awake at work (bad, I know).
I definitely find I eat more when I am tired (if I can't go take a nap). Maybe another goal of mine will be to get a more consistent night's sleep.

It is dangerous for me as well if I don't get enough sleep. Especially with sweets - I instinctively reach for sugar to help keep me alert...I need to reach for a sweet apple or banana instead of the chocolate!

My DS 15 is on the wrestling team - and if Track and field is anything like it the practices are ridiculous. He has practice every day from 3 pm to 6:30. the meets are 3 hours long and the tournaments are closer to 6 hours. I wish I was still a hockey mom. I never thought I would miss sitting in a cold rink!!!
Janis

Wow - he only practices two hours a day, 1 hour running and 1 hour upper body (sometimes). But our school lets out late, about 4:00, so I can't pick him up on the long days until about 6:15.
The meets start at about 5:30 and end about 7:30 - 8, depending on how fast we cycle through the events. I was a timer for the two home meets we had, and it was fun, but cold that spring night! It is usually held on a school night, so they can't go too late, which helps.
I can't complain though. I am glad he is picking this active lifestyle instead of sitting on the computer all the time...like I do at work, and after work, instead of exercising sometimes. I hope he carries it with him into adulthood.

Here is my SUPER SCARY before photo.... probably around 220 lbs. I only ever recorded a legit "219" on a scale, but know that I was probably heavier than that at some point in time..... like the day this photo was taken. May 2002

And here I am this past May... nearly 9 years to the day, since I am realizing that both of these photos were taken on Mother's Day weekend. This is 90 pounds down from the before photo (possibly even more).

Oh.... that prettier and younger version of me in both pictures??.... that is my beautiful daughter! ......................P

That is awesome - really inspiring!

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

Had kind of a blah day, overslept for the 2nd day in a row, finally realized I had my clock set for 5:45 PM - no wonder it wasn't working! At least I got some extra sleep, but makes for a hectic morning with no breakfast, so I eat all the wrong things. Had soup for lunch though, and may have it for dinner since I feel a little icky. Hopefully will be on time tomorrow and be able to eat my oatmeal and start the morning off on the right foot!

Wrote up my list, may sneak out of work a little early tomorrow (boss is off, yeh!) and run through the store to pick up all my stuff to replace the junk food we seem to have too much off (DMiL and DM loads us up with food before sending us back home - including all the leftovers from the parties). So will be all healthy starting Friday!

I did kind of fall off my diet...I really need to get started again, and get back on track!

Go Team Donald !

Carol

 

[cjdj4]

Good day again today. I followed a 7th grader through her classes today. The teachers are so great I honestly feel privileged to work with them everyday. Tomorrow I follow an 8th grader all day. I am looking forward to it.

I ate well again today. Still haven't exercised I need to get off my butt and do something already. Not getting enough water in either.

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

I Read them all too, but it is HARD to reply to everyone. I am really in awe of those that do! It really is so thoughtful. I'm just not great at keeping up with it all. So you are not alone.

I, like many others here, teach 5th/6th grade full time as well as I am attending graduate school.

Yay! Another one!

Thanks. It's definitely starting to wear me down, though. In fact, I found out today that 3 former students (males) were arrested today for murdering a local businessman outside his restaurant/bar last weekend. It happened in the town I teach and go to that restaurant monthly. It was so sad. Then, on today's front page another former student (a female) was accidentally shot in the leg by another one of my former students while he played around with his gun. So one former student shot and 4 more shooting. It makes me so sad that these are the kids I teach. I do have students who go on to college and make something of themselves, but most don't.

Actually, DH and I are considering FL. Where are you located/which county? DH finishes school for respiratory therapy in Jan 2013, so my aunt who lives in Lady Lake, FL says that all those retirees need health care lol.

I have had two former students get arrested this year as well. One for rape, and one for a shooting. I also had 2 former students die this year, one was shot, and one was hit by a car crossing the street walking to school in the dark morning. It is very sad. I actually moved schools this year to a new magnet school in my district. We are an IB focus so it is really different.

I live and work in Hillsborough County where Tampa is located. We are the 8th largest school district in the nation. I think we always have openings because we are so big. Only 1 - 1.25 hours from WDW. I have lived here for 17 years. I love it.

welcome: to another teacher! It is so funny how many of us in the group teach this time around.

Jill - I really feel for you. I used to work in a really rough area but at least it was elementary school. DH still teaches in a really challenging school. We both have dealt with murders within the families of kids we teach, kids who are homeless, kids who have parents who are in jail and the list goes on. Whenever we watch the news and it seems like the bad thing is in the neighborhood of our school, we pray it does not involve any of our students. Three years ago I left the inner city. I still teach in what we call an "inner ring" school and we deal with a lot of gang problems. It does get hard at times.

We go through same thing here when we hear of bad things going down in the neighborhood.

I'm leaving to go on my Disney trip tomorrow and won't be back until next week.

Have a great trip!

Woot woot! Zumba & Strength classes today - 120 minutes, 1364 calories burned. Combined with my sensible lunch and breakfast, and I'm still -627 calories for the day...I guess I can totally eat dinner, huh?

Nice!

Funny story about my day at work:

Hmmm...I had a student today tell me that I reminded her of a crispy potato wedge from KFC. I have been called a lot of things by my students, but never a crispy potato wedge I told her I didn't know if I should be happy or offended and she said it was a compliment~that I looked good and potato wedges are good. I guess I'll take whatever compliments I can get, even if it compares me to a chunk of potato fried in oil

Hope that makes everyone smile or laugh like I did!!

Jill

That is funny!

Thanks for the chuckle! Well I'd take it as a compliment cause anyone knows that the crispy ones are always thin!

What grade do you teach? I teach kinder and they always have something funny to say. I had one little boy who always rubbed my tummy and one day he said, I love your fluffy tummy it's so bubbly

OMG! LOL! I love little kids.

Just wanted to share a treat that is low in calories. They are called French Twists, and I have seen them at the store in a bag, and in a plastic tub. The shorter ones, in the tub are only 30 calories each, and are great if you are craving something sweet. If you're doing Weight Watchers, they are 1 point for 2.
http://barrysbakery.com/ is the link if you want to check them out. Yummy!
Although, DD decided she really likes them as well, and ate half the tub after school!

Another "treat" I have, mostly in the winter, is the diet hot chocolate, which is only 25 calories.

I NEED something sweet...so at least these are better for us!

Thanks for the snack ideas!

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Janis

I think I have to go with the crowd on this one - I am my biggest road block. I love the BL "No Excuses" theme. I love to make excuses for not taking care of myself. It reminds me of this quote by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

 

[SettinSail]

QOTD - Wednesday January 4, 2012 - Are there any road blocks in your journey to better health?? These road blocks could be people, events, etc. How are you going to deal with these road blocks??

Janis

My family is always my roadblock Of course as a Mom, I put them first and make sure they have everything THEY need, the foods THEY want to eat, the things THEY need support with, etc. I also try to remind myself how lucky I am to have my family but geez it would be so much easier if I just had myself to deal with. I seriously predict in a few years when DS has moved out, DH & I will probably lose a good amount of weight. Tonight DS was begging me to go out to eat but I held firm to eat the beef and barley soup I had taken out of the freezer and he pronounced it "delicious"

Dona, I am glad your son made it safely to Gambia.

Pamela, hope you and the family are feeling better. No, the guys are not using the hooks. I am already reminding them and putting their stuff up there for them. They are now piled up with multiple items on each, even a T shirt is hanging on one. I think they need to be cleared out once a week or so.

Lindsay, thanks for the team song or was it a poem? I'm too lazy to go back and look it up now but very cute

Pam, thanks for posting your pictures WOW You look great!

I'm having a rough week Waaaaaahhhhhh! I let a little holiday eating continue into Sunday & Monday, pushing my weight up a little after Sunday morning's starting weigh-in. Then TOM hit with a vengance Tuesday and I was up a little more. After work Tuesday, I did a very good workout at the Y for an hour to try to get myself back on track but it just sent my appetite into overdrive I snacked on alot of cereal while watching BL last night and was up a little more this morning
Today was much better eating wise. I worked from 7am to 5 pm today so I was too tired to go to the gym. I do not feel ravenously hungry tonight and have done no snacking after dinner so I think I will do better on the scale tomorrow. I hold on to a slim chance of maintaining by Friday morning

I know that all sounds very wierd for someone in the first week of a challenge but I have been at this for almost 2 years now and through the ups and downs I just continue to do the best I can and slowly more weight comes off.

I hope everyone else is doing much better than me On Friday we pick up our new kittens from the SPCA, a brother and sister out of a litter of 5. They appear to be black and white "tuxedo" cats just like our old cat who passed away a few years ago. I need to go out tomorrow and get all their supplies I am bracing myself for the energy of 2 baby kittens

 

[SettinSail]

Hey everyone!! Received my team assignment today and so here I am.

I got a long way to go but at this point I will settle for fitting into the pants that fit before Christmas

BTW my name is Kimberly and I will be 53 in a week. I lost almost 90 lbs the last time I participated on the WISH board and I'm hoping to stay that motivated this time.

for us over 50 ladies I know there is me, you, Dona and Janis - anybody else? Awesome job losing 90 pounds It is not easy at this stage of life. To all you younger ladies, I strongly encourage you to take the weight off now. The older you get, it gets VERY difficult to lose.
That doesn't mean you can't do it though