Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[MoonFaerie]

That is funny. If we got 12 inches of snow here, school would be cancelled for at least 3 days.

We don't get "big" snows here very often..... usually just a few inches at a time.

If we got 12" we'd be out for well over a week. Just 1" is a guaranteed day or two off. We got about 15" in the big blizzard back in '93, and we didn't have power for almost a week.

 

[frndshpcptn]

I also second the Leslie Sanstone DVD recommendation

Great for those just getting into fitness and even if you are in shape you are sweating by the end. There are several different levels and she includes some hand weights too.

Just ordered the Leslie Sansone DVDs!

 

[momofdjc]

QOTD - January 1, 2012 - What action plan do you have in place to help you to achieve your goals for this challenge??

1. Post on My Fitness Pal
2. Drink 64oz of water a day.
3. Exercise daily!
4. Post on the board.
5. Don't give up.

QOTD - January 2, 2012 - Thinking back on your Action Plan for the Challenge - which will be your most difficult to accomplish??

I think the hardest part for me will be not giving up. I'll do good for a while and then I'll skip something and then give up.

Did well yesterday but never got to post. Ate ok, drank my water, and did a 50 dvd.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Anyone else have sensory issues? Sound and touch are my big trigger issues, and I loathe the feeling of sweating. It drives me insane. So far, things that I've found that help:
-tight clothes, preferably moisture wicking
-capris, rather than shorts or pants
-my hair must be up in a ponytail (or the ever sexy eleventy billion tiny pigtails when it's too short for a ponytail) and I have to wear a moisture wicking headband/sweatband to keep the sweat from reaching my face. If it starts running down my face, it's all over for me.
-also, I use headphones, music helps keep me distracted

I dont have the same issues but sounds like it could be really challenging for you. Can you also keep a towel handy to wipe off every now and then. I hope you are able to find ways to adjust so you can keep working out.

Oh, and I retain water like CRAZY. Like terrible. So yesterday after drinking water (and lots of it) and using the bathroom a lot (I was going every 30 minutes!) I think I finally shed some of my water weight....because I woke up this morning SEVEN pounds lighter.

Wow that is crazy. I lost 2.6 overnight and I thought that was alot. Good for you

I'm intrigued by the suggestion of trying baby spinach in a salad. I've never had it, so can't say if I like it or not - but that could be my goal for the week - to try it!!

What does it taste like? Is it sweet? Flavorful? Crispy?

I was a very picky eater growing up and in my early 20's my dh's boss took us to alot of these formal balls. They always served "fancy salad" with baby spinach and other greens. The taste kind of grows on you and eventually I grew to like it. It is a bit more bitter and what I would call leafy tasting.

No, I've actually never done them - but very willing to give it a try! I just got a Playstation 3 as a holiday gift and was also considering maybe a Playstation Move fitness game. I really like the idea of being able to workout in my apartment.

Do you have any DVD reccomendations?

We have an xbox kinect but I think most of the games are made now for all gaming systems. I love dance central 2 and the Just Dance DVD's. I havent tried these yet but I heard others say that Jillian Michael's fitness and Zumba Fitness are good too. Plus they are FUN!!!! and that is always good to incorporate into the workout.

By the time I picked up DS from daycare, got to the gym, got him settled in child care, got my workout done, got him and arrived home it was 8pm and time for him to go to bed. I had officially seen him awake for a total of 20 minutes that day. I thought about going to the gym before school and I'm still toying with that idea. At the very least I can take him for a walk when we get home.

I struggle with the same thing. I work long days and often only spend less than an hour with my boys some nights. I look at it this way. We spend quality time on the weekends and I am getting myself healthy so I can be around for my boys for a long time. I think they would rather have us do that than to leave them at an early age.

Alright, I must now go back to grading for 30 minutes. Report cards have to be submitting tomorrow and I have a long ways to go.

ewww report cards due on the day you return. NO FUN!!!!! Good luck getting as much done today as you can.

Hello Donald Friends! Today is our last day before back to work/school tomorrow. I can not believe I did no organizing like I planned to in the 10 days I was off from work.

I pretty much did the same thing and now I am trying to do all of my to do list today. Such procrastination!

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

I got half of the basement cleaned out and just got done taking a break for lunch. I am going to work on the other half now and then I have to make my way upstairs to put away the 5 huge bins of clean clothing. The good part is I found a bunch of pieces of clothing that I have been looking for.

It feels so good to get organized!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For lunch I had a tuna sandwich and cup of soup. It was yummy and very filling. For dinner I am completing my mini challenge. I am going to make chicken parm but with a healthy twist. I am not italian but its one of my favorite ethnic cuisines. I am actually slovak but most of the ethnic food my Nana makes for us I dont really like.

My boys are starting to get crazy being in the house now all day.. They need some energy released so as soon as my dh gets home from the store I am going to encourage him to take them up to the park.

Ok be back later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: 50oz of water and 8oz of diet ice tea already in the books for today.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

That was me, thanks for answering. We visited Dublin Nov of 2010 and loved it. We also went on a bus tour from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. Would love to see more of Ireland someday and at a time of year when it is warmer

Hi There. Sorry I couldnt find you earlier. Glad you had a good time when you were here Only 1 problem with Irish summers-they can be great and last for several weeks or woeful and be a wednesday afternoon sometime between april and september Thats why its so green lol

Seriously May-august are your best bets for warm (by Irish standards) weather

 

[belledreamer]

Wow! Lots of reading to catch up on! So excited to see so many motivated people!

QOTD - January 2, 2012 - Thinking back on your Action Plan for the Challenge - which will be your most difficult to accomplish??

Probably the 'not eating my food like a ravenous wolf'. I remember very clearly one time when I was 12 and we had fajitas for dinner; I made mine first and by the time my dad had his made I had finished my first one, was going back for seconds and would eat 3 more. I used to pride myself on the fact that I could eat as much food as my dad... I don't pride myself on that or do it anymore.

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

Had a really good time yesterday, had some friends over and we had fish tacos (unfortunately fried, but I only had one) and one of our friends who makes sushi for a living brought things to make sushi so I stuck more with that instead. Delicious!

Did really good on HH yesterday and accomplished everything for the day, including the 64oz of water. (I don't know how some of you are doing 100oz!!) Going from about 12oz to 64oz has been kind of tough, but I made it yesterday with room to spare.

Today has been unusually good. I did Special K for breakfast, craved grapes for a snack for the first time in three years, did 30 minutes exercise on Just Dance 3 and have almost drunken all my 64 oz of water for the day. (Mom was really impressed when I showed her that and asked for a bottle of water. ) And it's only noon!!

I'm amazed at what two weeks has done already. I'm not even craving sweets, fast food or iced tea. (Three of my biggest weaknesses) And I feel incredible! I don't know if it's because of eating better or exercising or what, but for the first time, I really feel like I can do this. I'm so excited for what's coming and I know this is going to be the start of a new life for me.

Plus the look on my mom's face when I told her I actually felt like raking our yard (we live on almost 2 acres) was priceless.

 

[buzz5985]

They should know it's quality, not quantity, that counts

They should - but the competition blinds us!!!

Remembering what I'd put in my action plan was a challenge this morning I've now written it out in my wee notebook (along with everything else-HH, H2O drank, food eaten etc)

I think I will find going for that wed night swim the hardest. I know I struggle to go out on cold,wet, dark evenings when the tv is calling me to sit and be a couch potato I also know how much I love it when I actually make the effort and its so great to splash around with the kids (plus I get to spend the whole journey home "shining my halo"

OK in an effort to help you with that competitive nature of yours lol
Someone (I'm sorry I tried to find you but cant) asked me earlier if we normally weigh ourselves here in lbs? No-normally I use stones and lbs-so I weigh 11st 13lb which is 167lbs in your language
Just let it be noted this is before any eyebrow plucking/nail trimming or haircutting

Just wondering if everyones goals are weight orientated? I mean I know we all want to lose but 1 of the reasons I want to lose is that I'd love to wear a t-shirt this summer and feel good in it Its been sooooooooo long since I felt good in summer clothes so that's 1 of my main reasons for wanting to lose weight
To help motivate me I'm going to put £2 in a jar for every 1lb I lose. That way I will be able to buy some t-shirts when I get to my goal (notice all that positive thinking lol).
I'd love to hear what goals you guys have or what motivates you to lose weight?

And if this helps us catch up on Team Mickey (and therefore help Janis feed that competitive spirit of hers) then so be it

Great job!!! I like the idea of putting money away for new clothes. I say I want to lose for my health - but if I were honest - looking good is probably more important.

okj Janis I've tried my best to get us caught up but I really have to go get some housework done now

Look forward to chatting with you all again tomorrow

The heck with housework - get back here!!!!

And big Hugs to those feeling under the weather.

I hope you are all feeling better soon.

I know I could have just edited my prior post, but feeling the need to contribute to the shameless increasing of our post counts.

We are catching up quickly.

Umm, for this first little bit the no soda part. Today's my last day at 9oz, tomorrow I'm bumping down to 6oz. then in 3-4 days it's down to 3 oz before I'm done. Typically I bought cans because it was easier to limit my intake to that one can per day. With this weaning, I bought a 2 liter to last be until I'm done. (Correction: DH bought it for me. I was going to buy 24 oz bottles as needed.) Last night I really wanted to get another glass. I didn't though. I made myself some of my favorite caffeine free hot tea. No caffeine, no calories, it basically counts as water, right?

After school starts back though, it'll be fitting in eating and exercising. (I have a bad habit of forgetting to eat when things get really busy. ) A typical day last semester for me:
5 AM - get up, shower, eat, finish up any last minute homework
get the kids up and ready, drive them to school (no bus option)
hurry off to campus for school myself
classes all day with maybe a 1-2 hour break to hit the library and get as much homework done as possible
hurry back to the kids' school to pick them up
homework with the kids, cook dinner, dishes, laundry, etc
basketball/track/etc practice for DD
home again, get the kids cleaned up and ready for bed
By now it's 8 PM, and I still have to finish any homework

IMO, my options to fit in exercise are:
wake up earlier - I'll be honest, not gonna happen (I am NOT a morning person)
at school, on the days I have a 2 hr break (1 hr isn't enough time, campus is huge & the rec center is on the far side away from the classes, but we do have a nice gym)
evenings - will prob win, on the days DD doesn't have any sports (how did I give birth to such an athletic child? True story - when I was 3ish, my mom put my in gymnastics because I was so uncoordinated that I was falling on my face all the time & my front teeth were turning black. I'm still not super coordinated, but I can fall without hurting myself 99% of the time now), I can take the kids to the park and run. On the days she does, I can get in 30-45 mins after I put them to bed. I'm toying with the idea of buying an elliptical. I can either watch tv while on it or have my study notes in front of me.

Knowing what obstacles are in your way are half the battle. Try dancing around the house while your cooking, cleaning, in the shower. The family thinks it strange, it upsets the dog, but it's moving!!!

Without a doubt, the exercise portion. I have a REALLY hard taking time for myself and away from the boys. When I was doing c25k, I would leave work as soon as I could a few days a week, and then either go run or go to the Y. I felt sooooo guilty leaving the boys at daycare that extra hour.

This semester I am going to have a student teacher. I know that I will need to spend at least a half hour after school each day going over lesson plans and debriefing with her. I don't want to add another hour on top of that. I could get up and run in the morning.... but I just know that is not going to happen. I would have to get up at 5.... and... well.... no.

Sooo, that is why I chose P90x. I have had several friends have success it. I figure I can pop that in in the afternoon when I get home and the boys can be playing.

I still LOATHE exercise, however... in any form... so this will be a struggle for me.

With doing P90X you should take your measurements. From what I understand you will see more inches lost with the program than weight loss. And no this isn't just me drumming up more contestants for the WIN challenge.

Janis

 

[StephMK]

Wow, just wanted to check in quickly and look at all the posts!!

My biggest challenge will be exercise. I don't mind it after I get started, but I hate to sweat & am just naturally lazy I think. I have run a 5k in the past and would love to do that again. I was getting my stamina up last summer but got sick and never got it back.

I've been decluttering like mad, trying to get Christmas put away & collect another load of stuff for Goodwill. I really want this to be the year that I have a happy, peaceful home w/less stuff. Decluttering myself of extra pounds is part of that goal!

Will be back tonight to respond to posts & catch up more!

Go Team Donald!!!

 

[frndshpcptn]

Ok, I'm nervous about baby spinach tasting leafy.

I'm still going to try it, as part of my plan to add more vegetables into my diet.

Are there other lettuce leaves (besides romaine) that are palatable (i.e. without much distinct flavor - like iceberg)?

Thanks!

 

[VirataMama4]

I haven't read through the thread yet, but I wanted to introduce myself!
Hi! I'm Renee, I'm 32 almost 33 (Valentine's Day). I've been married 5 years and we have a total of 4 kids. Oldest DD is 13, DSS is 13, DSD is 6 and my Monster (DS) is 4. My DH is in the Navy and I'm a SAHM right now, but plan on going back to school this Summer or Fall.

This is my first Biggest Loser challenge, and I'm way excited to finally start being a "loser". I've been really fighting my weight for about 4 years now, ever since I had my youngest DS. I've finally decided that I'm going to stop talking about losing the weight and buckle down and do it. Besides it being better for my health, we're PCSing to New Orleans in March, so I know hiding in my big baggy sweat pants and sweatshirts is not going to be feasible. I want to be comfortable and feel good wearing shorts and a t-shirt... I also plan on doing the Princess 1/2 in 2013, wanted to do it this year but we ended up getting orders to move in March.

I think my toughest challenge is going to be portion control and watching what I eat. Exercising shouldn't be too hard as I'm hiring a personal trainer. I just hope I can keep up with everything even with all the stress from moving!

 

[klmrph]

OK in an effort to help you with that competitive nature of yours lol
Someone (I'm sorry I tried to find you but cant) asked me earlier if we normally weigh ourselves here in lbs? No-normally I use stones and lbs-so I weigh 11st 13lb which is 167lbs in your language
Just let it be noted this is before any eyebrow plucking/nail trimming or haircutting

I just heard the term stones for the first time this past year while watching a cable tv show, it's the one where the skinny person has to eat the fat persons food and vice versa.

My biggest challenge as I said before is exercise. I was already to start my Zumba and somehow my DH ruined the file we had, so he has to borrow them again. I did download the app for the C25K on my phone, but it's snowing and blowing outside and I don't have a treadmill to do it inside.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Ok, I'm nervous about baby spinach tasting leafy.

I'm still going to try it, as part of my plan to add more vegetables into my diet.

Are there other lettuce leaves (besides romaine) that are palatable (i.e. without much distinct flavor - like iceberg)?

Thanks!

Sure, but they have little nutritional value other than fiber. Baby spinach is yummy! Try chopping it up good at first and mixing it with plain lettuce until you get used to it. We use it as our only salad green sometimes. And my DS took it for lunch sometimes as a snack--it really is yummy!

Most veggies are an acquired taste. You might not like them the first time or the second or the third, but just hang in there. They only veggie I won't eat is mushrooms (texture) and I'm not a big fan of eggplant--though I will eat it.

 

[Scraggy]

QOTD - January 2, 2012 - Thinking back on your Action Plan for the Challenge - which will be your most difficult to accomplish??

I'd say the most difficult thing to accomplish for me is exercise. I really need to do something, but I can't get motivated to do it.

You know, today is day 3 of my healthy eating, and I'm still wanting sugar filled, carb filled junk. I'm hoping these cravings will go away. I hope this won't be something I'll feel from now on. It may sound silly, but it feels horrible right now.

Here is what I'm eating today:

B: 1/2 cup old fashioned oats cooked with 1 cup of water and then 1 packet of Splenda mixed in.
S: 6 cheese cubes with some pizza sauce to dip it in (it tasted so good)
L: Wegman's Italian wedding soup
S: nothing because I wasn't hungry, but still thought about pizza..
D: Tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread and a big salad. Vanilla yogurt for dessert.

I've been drinking water and have kept my diet soda addiction to only 1 can today. Usually I drink 3 cans of diet soda per day.

Does anyone have a suggestion what I can eat instead of whole wheat bread? I purchased a loaf yesterday morning with an expiration date several days ahead. Today it smelled yeasty, and I saw white mold growing on the bread. I had to throw it out and buy another loaf. It really turned my stomach to see that mold.

 

[belledreamer]

Sure, but they have little nutritional value other than fiber. Baby spinach is yummy! Try chopping it up good at first and mixing it with plain lettuce until you get used to it. We use it as our only salad green sometimes. And my DS took it for lunch sometimes as a snack--it really is yummy!

Most veggies are an acquired taste. You might not like them the first time or the second or the third, but just hang in there. They only veggie I won't eat is mushrooms (texture) and I'm not a big fan of eggplant--though I will eat it.

I'll second that. I'm not a big fan of spinach by itself but one of my former co-workers got me started on mixing iceberg and spinach on my Subway sandwiches and I love it like that.

You don't eat mushrooms Rose? I love them! Especially when they're sauted (spelling?) on a steak... But it was an acquired taste. I didn't start really eating them until last year.

 

[frndshpcptn]

I'll second that. I'm not a big fan of spinach by itself but one of my former co-workers got me started on mixing iceberg and spinach on my Subway sandwiches and I love it like that.

You don't eat mushrooms Rose? I love them! Especially when they're sauted (spelling?) on a steak... But it was an acquired taste. I didn't start really eating them until last year.

Ok - spinach / icebreg mix it is! That may help me get used to it. Great idea.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I'll second that. I'm not a big fan of spinach by itself but one of my former co-workers got me started on mixing iceberg and spinach on my Subway sandwiches and I love it like that.

You don't eat mushrooms Rose? I love them! Especially when they're sauted (spelling?) on a steak... But it was an acquired taste. I didn't start really eating them until last year.

No mushrooms--though I like a reduction sauce that has mushrooms in it. I have tried and tried and tried, but it's the texture not the taste. I really wish I liked them since it would make gf/veggie eating easier sometimes, but no luck. This summer I made grilled portobellos with this yummy sauce, etc and was so excited--thinking this is the time I will finally eat mushrooms--and I tried, but just couldn't. I'm sure in 6 months or so I will try again. My family thought it was fabulous!

The funny thing is, growing up I didn't like ANY vegetables except corn and potatoes. I have been a vegetarian since 2009 and love vegetables as an adult. We just got back from WDW and I had some yummy gf/veggie dinners! (I have started posting a trip report on my journal).

So for folks out there struggling with the whole veggie thing--just give it a chance. Add things slowly. Try roasting. Try different seasonings. You will find that you like more than you think you do!

 

[VirataMama4]

Ok, I'm nervous about baby spinach tasting leafy.

I'm still going to try it, as part of my plan to add more vegetables into my diet.

Are there other lettuce leaves (besides romaine) that are palatable (i.e. without much distinct flavor - like iceberg)?

Thanks!

I love baby spinach in a salad or on a sandwich! Like PP said try mixing it with iceberg, romaine or other salad greens you know you like. This is what we usually do, because I like the crunchiness of iceberg lettuce.

 

[jenanderson]

This was my quote today from Running World....

We find time for the things that are important to us. Period.

I thought about all the people who responded that exercising is going to be the most challenging part for them. I agree in many ways because I also live a totally crazy life - teaching, mom of 2 very busy kids, wife, head of the parent group for the HS dance team, serving on the school district GT committee, and so many more things. I look at my calendar every single day and wonder how I can fit one more thing in the day and sometimes the honest answer is I can't.

So, what do we all do about the exercising? I think today I just asked myself...is it important to me? The answer was yes (even though I tried to give excuses why it was okay to skip it). It meant that something had to give today. For me, I just had to walk away from all the grading I had left to do. I know this means I will be working on it tonight when I thought I would be done but the exercising was important. Period.

I have looked at my schedule for the week and I have decided that I am going to make some hard changes...like 2 days this week I am going to get up at 4:45 so I can get 15 minutes of exercise in before work. I know that on those 2 days I can fit 15 additional minutes in later in the day but this is the only way it is going to happen. I hate getting up early but I know I can do 15 minutes. I also know that I am going to have to ask DH to do a few things for me on one night so that I can free up a little bit more time.

I cannot keep putting everything else on the calendar and not have time left over for the exercising because in all honest, I know that the exercising is going to make the difference for me in this challenge.

So, tonight as you get ready for the rest of this week and are trying to figure out how to fit everything in...I hope we all realize how important our goals are and that we make time for what is important. Period.

Alright...I am done preaching! I just thought that this quote came to me today at the perfect time! BTW....if you want an inspiring quote sent to you every day via e-mail...sign up at Runner's World. Some are really good!

 

[jillbur]

Does anyone have a suggestion what I can eat instead of whole wheat bread? I purchased a loaf yesterday morning with an expiration date several days ahead. Today it smelled yeasty, and I saw white mold growing on the bread. I had to throw it out and buy another loaf. It really turned my stomach to see that mold.

How about a flatbread or wrap (I like Flat-Out brand)? Also, they make regular size and mini pita pockets that you can stuff with healthy things. I usually put some grilled chicken (cold) or ham and veggies. In our Walmart, the mini pita pockets are in the bread section and the Flat-out wraps are in front of the deli counter on little shelves. I've also used Thomas' English Muffins with tuna. Yummy! Good luck and I suggest trying different things to see what you like. I need variety~I cannot eat the same things everyday. And, I rarely eat bread (except toast every once in awhile).

Jill

 

[Scraggy]

Just checking back in to say I actually exercised. I used weights for my arms. I could really feel it burn. Better than no exercise, I guess.

DH says if I can make my 50 pounds goal, he'll take me somewhere special for the weekend over the summer. Too bad I'm 1800 miles from WDW. Too far for a weekend for us.

So, I'm trying to lose weight and be healthier.
I printed out a daily checklist of chores that need done in order to keep my housekeeping on track.
I printed out a decluttering daily checklist. Although I'm not a clutter person, I figure it could help.
I also started a strict budget to save as much as we can this year. With my MS and Dh's Parkinson's, our jobs may not last forever.

I feel so much better in 2012, even if it's only the 2nd.