Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[trinaweena]

It sounds like you've done some extreme things. And, your bucket list is jammed packed. I think I'll write mine down. Maybe then I can start crossing things off.

Maybe your doctor will figure out what's going on. Have they checked for ulcers? I know someone who had stomach ulcers and it was very hard for them to eat anything.

I think we'll be at the world around the same time! We are arriving May 18. What about you?

I think the biggest problem i'm having is, I've been seeing the doctor since christmas for this and they cannot/will not figure it out. The nasesousness is just very hard for me to deal with, it makes me feel like i can't function, even when maybe its not that bad. I don't know, its very frustrating not feeling like yourself

We get there on the 18th, and then we are on a cruise till the 23 i believe and then in disney till the 27th!

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I haven't gotten as much homework done as i needed to this weekend due to sickness, but i am slowly ticking things off. I woke up feeling ok this morning but now the stomach ache is back and i have to work 5-10. I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back and she better call me back today, but i doubt its going to help any. I've had these problems since christmas and they haven't been able to figure anything out, so what would change? I'm feeling quite hopeless about it all.

I'm really starting to think its all in my head.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Well im a bit behind again so i will just catch up on this page. Sorry if i missed anything important.

Pam- i didnt read the whole story but wanted to say im sorry for dd's disappointment. Unfortunately in sports this tends to happen often and although is hard emotionally now she will learn from this and threfore will be an even stronger girl as she grows. I always tell everyone how i think being involved in organized sports through school taught me so much about life and how to be a good person. I feel like i owe much of ym success to many of the coaches i had. Both good and bad. Im glad she is doing better today.

Tracey- welcome to our team. We have some veteran tinkerbells and some galloway runners here so feel free to use them as a resource as you get started. You have great goals and you can do it! Dont let anyone make you think anything different.

Qotd- i just got the most recent ww magazine. There was some cool apps they were showin.
1. Goodfoodnearyou.com gives nutritional info for local restaurants.
2. Fitness.com water tracker easy way to track those glasses
3. Itunes.com eating trainer. Gives u green and red lights to pace the bites u take during a meal.

I cant remember who posted aout dessert w breakfast but that is quite an awesome revelation.

I had a nice day off with my boys today. I also used the extra time to make a good dinner. Stuffed peppers using ground chicken 96%ff, rice, onion, and garlic. I simmered them in tomato saucce in a dutch oven on the stove. I ate half a pepper and i was satisfied.

It was a rest day for me today but once the kids are in bed i may do some dance central 2. Yesterday i ran 5 miles and it was great. It helped that it was a beautiful sunny day too.

I also saw the vow yesterday. Going to the movies was my reward i had set when i got into onederland. Now that i cashed in my reward i hope to move faster towards my next goal which has a reward of a pedicure so hoping to get there before sandal season starts.

 

[jillbur]

I usually read stuff throughout the day but in fitness last week we learned that during 18-20 years old, you get a specific number of fat cells. As in however many fat cells you have at that time in your life is what your stuck with and they shrink or expand when you gain or lose weight. This also means that the weight you are at that time is usually an average weight that your body will hang on to and it gets really hard to break through that wall. When you do break that wall it is much easier to gain weight back up to that point.

I thought that was interesting, and may be why some of us end up getting stuck somewhere?

---
5 mile run yesterday was lame. Had to walk the last 1.5 because I couldn't run anymore. I think I'm going to strike my Saturday runs. I'll just stick with crosstraining on those days so I can have energy to run a long time on Sundays.

Food has been good, stressed about tests, I feel like I'm not getting enough sleep. Weekends are the only time when I don't have to get up early, but I still end up waking up around 7 when I'm still tired but can't fall back asleep.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

That's pretty interesting about the fat cells. I can't even remember what I weighed when I was 18-20!!

5 miles is NOT LAME!! Walking part of it is perfectly fine! You should be proud!At least you were out there trying...most people in the US were on their couches eating junk food

Today she seems ready to be excited about the trip.... talking about seeing monkeys and sleeping on the plane, etc. Life seems okay again. I'm not a high stress person, but this was literally making me sick to my stomach. I went from not wanting to eat at ALL on Friday night, to having a mini mixed nuts and M&M binge last night. Mad at myself for that, of course, but moving on.

I try to read at least a LITTLE BIT about health, fitness, healthy eating, weight loss... every day. Right now I am re-reading the "Flat Belly Diet" book and a WW Success Stories book. I will probably be ready to pass them on once I am done re-reading.

I have found that surrounding myself with health-related "stuff" keeps me in the right mindset on a daily basis. I watch lots of weight loss stuff on television (My Big Fat Weight Loss Journey, Fat Chef, Biggest Loser, Ruby, My 600 lb Life). I read lots of articles in magazines about weight loss, exercise, healthy eating. I get Fitness magazine, Nutrition Action Newsletter, and Weight Watchers magazine at home. I pick up Cooking Light and Prevention at the library pretty regularly. I don't always find that I am learning something NEW, but it just keeps my mind on the right track.

What could I share right now??? I think I will say, that as you continue on this journey, you will almost definitely get to a point in time where it is as much about HEALTH as it is about looking good. And you will learn to eat to FUEL your body properly, rather than always eating just what tastes good.

I will be the first to admit that when I re-started this journey it was SOLELY about looking good. I had no health issues outside of being terribly out of shape. No high bp, no heart issues, no fertility issues, nada. I was sick and tired of being FAT! And my food journals for the first few years of this journey will definitely show that I was eating whatever I could fit into my plan that tasted GOOD! Too much processed junk, too many WW "treats", too many white carbs. Always plenty of veggies and fruit, but too much crap.

But as I have progressed along my way on this trip, I have grown much more interested in FUELING my body in a HEALTHY way! Now I may think much more about what my body NEEDS for fuel (am I running today? Weight lifting? Should I increase my protein? Do I need more calcium today?) rather than just what I am CRAVING to eat.

Glad DD is feeling better and getting excited about her trip!

I try to read something health related daily also. And you're right...most people want to lose weight to look better, but it definitely becomes more about health. I have no health issues, but I know I am treating my body better and in turn, it will treat me better.

How is The Flat Belly Diet? I almost bought the book a couple months ago at Target. I may have some belly fat Okay...I have belly fat! I tell the trainer at the gym who teaches the circuit training class I go to that we need more ab exercises for my "pounch." She laughs at me daily!

Hello! I’m new to team Donald. I look forward to ‘meeting’ you all as we lose! I have quite a few pages to catch up on but wanted to say hi first.

My name's Tracy and I’m 29 years old. I have been over weight all my life. I have a lot to lose, about 140 lbs! So I hope this challenge will help me stay on track.

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite!

I've been reading Jeff Galloway's website, thinking I might order his book. I'm trying to get into running. This week will be my first week of his 5K plan. It's a 15 week plan, which works out great because in about 17 weeks is our local 5k that I hope to run in. After that I hope to move on to the half marathon plan. I want to run the Tinkerbelle half in Jan 2013!

Hi Tracy and welcome to Team Donald! We are happy to have you here and feel free to just jump in! We are a pretty cool group

Great job getting ready for a 5k. It's totally doable in the amount of time you have. I've read Jeff Galloway's info on half marathons and really want to run one. I was thinking the Princess Half in 2013. Wouldn't it be great to have your first half be a Disney race?

I read a really interesting article lately. A study was done about weight loss recently, and it blew my mind- the study had two groups. Both groups were restricted to the same amount of calories and physical activity a day, but the variable group was told to eat dessert with a healthy breakfast (ie, egg whites and toast with a piece of fruit, and then a brownie) The control group was given just a typical b/l/d meal plan. The variable group (over a 32-week period) lost 40LBS more than the control group AND kept it off!!! The researchers came to three conclusions about all this craziness:
1) Eating something sweet and sugary that early in the day spikes your metabolism,
2) It works because you have all day to burn off whatever sweet treat you just ate,
3) And it takes care of your sugar craving for the day.

I tried it last week for a few days and I swear it works. I would have a healthy breakfast (scrambled egg, whole wheat English muffin, coffee, piece of fruit, and a Pop-Tart) and I didn't want sugar for the rest of the day! I will totally be trying it again this week, and letting you all know what the results are. My current weight is 184, and I want to be at 182.75 next time I weigh in.

That's pretty crazy!I may have to try this as well. That's part of my problem right now. I feel deprived of chocolate, so I tell myself to have a little, but then it turns into too much. And, this is usually after dinner. So, maybe if I have something after breakfast I won't feel the need later in the day. This would be wonderful! I have always heard not to totally deprive yourself, so this does make sense!

I think the biggest problem i'm having is, I've been seeing the doctor since christmas for this and they cannot/will not figure it out. The nasesousness is just very hard for me to deal with, it makes me feel like i can't function, even when maybe its not that bad. I don't know, its very frustrating not feeling like yourself

We get there on the 18th, and then we are on a cruise till the 23 i believe and then in disney till the 27th!

-------
I haven't gotten as much homework done as i needed to this weekend due to sickness, but i am slowly ticking things off. I woke up feeling ok this morning but now the stomach ache is back and i have to work 5-10. I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back and she better call me back today, but i doubt its going to help any. I've had these problems since christmas and they haven't been able to figure anything out, so what would change? I'm feeling quite hopeless about it all.

I'm really starting to think its all in my head.

Well, I wish you the best of luck figuring this all out. A cruise sounds wonderful (and relaxing). So funny we are arriving on the same day, but won't be at WDW at the same time.


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

Well, we had a successful trip to Cleveland and the Lego Store. DSs each got smaller sets ($20 and $35) plus some mini figures. They each took $20 of their own and we gave them $20 each (we were supposed to take them to Chuck E Cheese when they got their last report cards and we never went, so I told them I would give them money for Legos instead). Now, if you know Legos, we got off cheap! There were some really cool sets. DS5 decided what he wanted in about 5 minutes and never changed his mind. DS8 took forever and changed his mind 75 times. But they are happy and we had an awesome family day.

QOTD~I read this last week and meant to post it then, but didn't have time. So, here it is. I read an article in Self magazine about boosting your metabolism. Metabolism describes the complex proceses that regulate how our cells use and store energy. Here were the suggestions:

1. Determine your RMR (resting metabolic rate). To find your weight in kg divide pounds by 2.2. To find your height in cm multiple your total inches by 2.54. Here's the math:

(10 x weight in kg) + (6.25 x height in cm) - (5 x age) - 161 = calories burned at rest

Example-30 year old, 5 foot 4 inches, 130 pounds

(10 x 59) + (6.25 x 163) - (5 x 30) - 161 = 1298 calories (RMR)

Take your calories and multiply by your activity level. Your RMR x Activity level =calories you can eat per day without putting on pounds.

Activity levels:

1.2 for sedentary (barely any or no exercise)
1.375 for lightly active (easy exercise 2-3 days per week)
1.550 for moderately active (moderate exercise 3-5 days per week)
1.725 for active (hard exercise 6-7 days per week)
1.9 for extremely active (very hard exercise and a physical job)

Now that you've figured that out...you know the numer of calories you need to consume per day to maintain your weight. To help book your metabolism:

~Pick protein. Protein is the building block of muscle. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you expend. Your muscles can only use 30 grams of protein at any time. Any more gets stored as fat.

~Soothe Your Stress Constant anxiety can cause your adrenal gland to pump out too much cortisol. High levels of this stress hormone changes how your metabolism stores fat, sending fat to the belly, where it affects vital organs.

~Be a Cardio Queen Just one 45-minute high-intensity workout can help increase your RMR by 37 percent for up to 14 hours post exercise.

~Sculpt Lean Muscle As you age, you start to lose some muscle mass. Lifting weight helps you maintain and build on what you have, so your metabolism stays high.

~Fill Up on Plants The fiber in produce helps stabilize blood sugar levels, keeping your metabolism humming. Plus, the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables help your body get rid of free radicals. Free radicals can harm healthy cells-cells your body needs to keep your metabolism going strong.

~Clock your Snooze As few as two sleepless nights can mess with your metabolism-increasing levels of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, and decreasing levels of the hormone leptin, which tells you to stop munching. Research also notes that sleep debt causes insulin resistance, interfering with how your metabolism processes fat and leading to weight gain.


Wow. Sorry that was so long, but I found it so interesting. I didn't even know I had an RMR lol!

I'll try to check back in later, but DH needs the computer for school, so if I don't get back on, I'll will be here in the morning.

Jill

 

[dvccruiser76]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenge – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 1
Congratulations Rose&Mike!!!

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------52!
not reporting in for 1 week-----9
not reporting in for 2 weeks----6
not reporting in for 3 weeks----3
Excused--------------------------2
weigh ins-------------------------32
gains-----------------------------7
maintains------------------------8
losses----------------------------15
new or returning members ----2


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 7!
This week’s group loss = 17.1 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.27 %
Total group weight loss so far 403.7 pounds!

AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 72 participants we had sign up for our start week on January 1st)
49% (this includes the Losers, Maintainers and Excused people!). Let's keep sending those weights people!


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 7?

The WISH Biggest Loser Spring Challenge Team Donald Week 7 Superstars!!
#10 - 0.60% - MoonFaerie
#9 - 0.63% - pooh2001
#8 - 0.65% - luvpoohandcompany
#7 - 0.73% - shellebelle76
#6 - 0.74% - ougrad86
#5 - 0.98% - vitfamily
#4 - 1.19% - D73
#3 - TIE - 1.40% - akhaloha & ::Snow White::
#2 - 1.42% - mackeysmom
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Team Donald Spring Challenge Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.76% - ChelleyB

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations ChelleyB!!!

What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by


Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[dvccruiser76]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!!!

NOTE: This list includes participants who have reported in within the last 3 weeks, once someone misses 3 weigh-ins they are dropped from this report.

How this works: You set your goal for what you want to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.

Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.

Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know.

We have done 7 out of 21 weeks, so the challenge is 33% complete.



#1hoosierfan - 30.00
4Holidays - 33.50
amykathleen2005 - 69.23
araes2120 - 20.00
buzz5985 - 0.00
CaliforniaDreaming - 49.33
ChelleyB - 14.65
cjdj4 - 22.69
clhcpaca - 0.00
D73 - 39.41
Disneyluvr - 6.67
dvccruiser76 - 37.78
EDuke98080 - 0.00
happysummer - 32.86
JacksLilWench - 26.67
jenanderson - 23.08
jillbur - 56.00
Jujubee727 - 32.00
kitchensinkguy - 14.29
liesel - 31.71
luvpoohandcompany - 65.00
mackeysmom - 32.50
Mary.Poppins - 38.50
melmar136 - 46.15
MickeyMagic - 20.48
mommyof2Pirates - 46.67
MoonFaerie - 14.81
my3princes - 28.00
ougrad86 - 41.67
pooh2001 - 29.17
quasar4legs - 24.64
Scraggy - 20.00
shellebelle76 - 40.80
::Snow White:: - 13.48
trinaweena - 14.21
VirataMama4 - 25.28
vitfamily - 44.00
wickey’s friend - 0.00



I find everybody on the list an inspiration and everybody who participates in this challenge is an inspiration in and of themselves. Whether you post, lurk or just pm your weight and check results on Tuesdays, you have made a commitment to yourself. And that is the biggest inspiration of all!BY Octoberbride03

 

[my3princes]

Sunday QOTD

Today's movie is The Lion King

The Lion King is all about the importance of family and friends. Who in your family or group of friends is your biggest supporter in your weight loss journey? How have they supported you?

My DH is my biggest supporter as he always jumps in and does it with me. When we are on track we are both on track, unfortunately when we are not it can be very bad

WOW! That is terrific! I see banners in their future! Does your school district do banners in the gym for sports teams?? If not, I suggest you call the school and ask about it! Especially since it is a state and school record!

We had to push the issue, but we got our middle school to do banners for our robotics team! Can't wait til they are done and hung.... hopefully in time for the boys' eighth grade graduation!



They will have a team photo on display in the trophy cabinet along with their trophy. No banners though

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

Good Sunday morning!

Sorry I wasn't feeling chatty yesterday. Having some drama with DD and it is really bringing me down. I'll try to share it briefly.

DD has had a dream for about 5 years of making it to Age Groups for swimming. When she was deciding about her trip to Costa Rica last year, one of the deciding factors was whether or not it would keep her from going to Age Groups if she were to have a qualifying time. Since the trip returns on a Friday night and Age Groups is that weekend, we figured she would be able to squeeze it in if she qualified.

Well.... she didn't qualify in any personal events, so I put it out of my head. But Friday night her swim coach came up to her and offered her a spot at Age Groups in a relay. I'm sure at that moment DD's head was ready to EXPLODE with excitement! But as quickly as that, the coach realized that DD would NOT be here to practice with the girls next week and she immediately retracted the offer and gave it to another girl.

How DD made it through that practice without a complete break-down I don't know, but she did..... but the floodgates opened when she returned home and she was TRULY nearly hysterical for about 2 hours. She is just BESIDE herself and no longer wants to go to CR. She wants to give up her spot and stay here to practice for Age Groups..... despite the fact that the spot is no longer open for her.

DH and I are HEARTBROKEN for her, but we are also aggravated and frustrated with her. She is being absolutely unreasonable about it. She is threatening to refuse to go on the trip. I don't know what to say to her to make her see that this isn't really a good option. The relay spot is GONE. Even if she were to not go to CR, I don't see the coach pulling the spot away from the other girl and giving it back to DD. And I'm sorry, but we aren't wealthy enough to just say "oh well" to losing $3K on this trip!

I'm PRAYING HARD that she will wake up today with some new resolve. I don't expect her to NOT be disappointed about the relay. But I do expect her to realize that giving up the trip to CR isn't going to help or change anything.

I'm in a bit of a panic now because she has not even STARTED to pack, since we were going to do it yesterday and Friday night. She hasn't tried on any of the clothes I laid out. If we don't get packing done today...... I mean, NOTHING is done, except for the fact that I gathered up the stuff she got for her trip for Christmas and I bought her some new socks. She hasn't decided which camera to take, she hasn't checked to see if the cameras have good batteries/memory cards. She didn't like the hiking sneakers I bought for her and she hasn't even checked to see if she has any other decent sneakers to take.

I'm just a big ol' ball of stress over this right now. I KNOW in my heart that she will go to CR. But I'm so sad that this drama will taint her entire trip and it won't be nearly as exciting or special as it should be. I wasn't really worried about her being away or anything, but now I KNOW I will be concerned about her frame of mind the entire time. It is all making me a bit sick. (Sorry, that wasn't too brief.)

Meanwhile, I promised DS we would have a mini b.day party for him during school vacation week. He and his BF could have an overnight at our house and we would go see SW in 3-D, go bowling, out for pizza, and maybe even laser tag. All we need to do is check the movie dates/times and invite the friend. But of course, with all of this drama, I keep putting him off. Not really fair to him.

So that's where I'm at and why I just couldn't be chatty here yesterday. Still not feeling it much today. I'll feel better when DD is up and hopefully acting a bit like herself.

Another day of swim here today, so I won't be around this afternoon. I'll try to pop on again this morning before I leave the house. TTYL............P

I suspect that DD has worked through it by now. The teenage years are tough and we seem to have one of our teens with a crisis on a weekly basis. It is so stressful, but usually things have worked out within a day or two. Hunter bowled a 200 game on Saturday during warm ups, but he wasn't put on the competing team (he had the highest warm up score and that is what they normally go with) It was States and he is only and 8th grader so logically it made sense to the coach, but it did not sit well with Hunter and he cried Saturday night and was inconsolable. He was better on Sunday, but then SIL called to say there was a big article in the newspaper and Nick was listed on the winning team. Of course Hunter was not and the tears started again. He is fine now and both boys will be competing in individuals on Saturday even though he swore up and down that he was quitting forever.

I hope she has a wonderful trip.

--------
The stomach aches are back, I went home from work early today I just couldn't stand it. Just feeling nauseous all the time. My boyfriend thinks it anxiety and im starting to agree with him so that's the next option to explore. He doesn't think im lactose intolerant because im still getting sick with no dairy, but i cant explain to him that i feel worse/different kind of stomach ache when i eat dairy.

i was worried his attitude might be transferring to his parents, which would worry me since we are going to disney with them and i dont want them to be like oh its fine your not actually lactose intolerant, but i guess they mentioned to him that if i needed the reservation numbers so i can call the restaurants they would give them to me. so that's good at least.

i'm getting quite frustrated and i think im just all out of whack. I was up a pound this week, which is my first gain so it was a little dissapointing, but its also that time of the month. I'm not really tracking anything cause like i said before my meals are so eradic. I have zero appetite. Mostly i'm just eating toast, very rarely have full meals.

So i will be calling the doctor tomorrow. I'm concerned i'm losing muscle mass, i feel more bony than i have ever been. (of course still not losing stomach fat!)

Just found out that big thunder mountain and test track will both be down during out trip! Those are two favorites of mine! How dissapointing!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Oh and thanks for all the study abroad advice! I've decided that if I can come up with the money, I will totally do it. It's too big of an opprotunity to not go through with it! I'm looking at London, even though the cost of living is ridiculous, but i will only be there a month

I have anxiety issues that cause lots of stomach issues. This started at least six months ago. Thanks to my doctor we have things under control for now. I hope your doctor can help you too. Being sick every day sucks.

QOTD Monday

Today's movie is Beauty and the Beast

We all know Belle loved to read. What is the last health related book/article you read and can you share anything you learned?

I really haven't read any health related articles lately except about vein issues which I'm sure no one wants to hear about


_______________________________________

Today was President's Day...day off!!!

I helped my mother paint her living room first thing this morning. We were done by 10 am. Ran errands and was home by noon. Had a nap, caught up on DVR'd programs and ran wire from the new electric hot water heater to the breaker box. We have an electrician friend that will connect things for us in the next day or two.

 

[dvccruiser76]

This week's winning team with 27.99% is Team Donald!!

Team Mickey weighed-in losing 25.76% for the week!

Additional stats for the week!!!!

ChelleyB won for Team Donald with 2.76% this week and was the overall Biggest Loser!!

Congrats to myweegirls who was Mickey's Team winner with 2.59%!

Team Donald lost 17.1 pounds this week
Team Mickey lost 18.1 pounds this week

Team Donald leads the Total Weight Loss with 403.7 pounds and Team Mickey's total weight loss to date is 327.8!!!
Both teams together have lost 731.5 pounds!!!! Amazing!

Keep reading, keep posting and most of all keep losing and continue learning!!!!

Have an OP week [/QUOTE]

This week's winning team with 27.99% is Team Donald!!

Team Mickey weighed-in losing 25.76% for the week!

Additional stats for the week!!!!

ChelleyB won for Team Donald with 2.76% this week and was the overall Biggest Loser!!

Congrats to myweegirls who was Mickey's Team winner with 2.59%!

Team Donald lost 17.1 pounds this week
Team Mickey lost 18.1 pounds this week

Team Donald leads the Total Weight Loss with 403.7 pounds and Team Mickey's total weight loss to date is 327.8!!!
Both teams together have lost 731.5 pounds!!!! Amazing!

Keep reading, keep posting and most of all keep losing and continue learning!!!!

Have an OP week

 

[Leitadala]

Hello! I’m new to team Donald. I look forward to ‘meeting’ you all as we lose! I have quite a few pages to catch up on but wanted to say hi first.

My name's Tracy and I’m 29 years old. I have been over weight all my life. I have a lot to lose, about 140 lbs! So I hope this challenge will help me stay on track.

Welcome! I just joined last week!

I read a really interesting article lately. A study was done about weight loss recently, and it blew my mind- the study had two groups. Both groups were restricted to the same amount of calories and physical activity a day, but the variable group was told to eat dessert with a healthy breakfast (ie, egg whites and toast with a piece of fruit, and then a brownie) The control group was given just a typical b/l/d meal plan. The variable group (over a 32-week period) lost 40LBS more than the control group AND kept it off!!! The researchers came to three conclusions about all this craziness:
1) Eating something sweet and sugary that early in the day spikes your metabolism,
2) It works because you have all day to burn off whatever sweet treat you just ate,
3) And it takes care of your sugar craving for the day.

I tried it last week for a few days and I swear it works. I would have a healthy breakfast (scrambled egg, whole wheat English muffin, coffee, piece of fruit, and a Pop-Tart) and I didn't want sugar for the rest of the day! I will totally be trying it again this week, and letting you all know what the results are. My current weight is 184, and I want to be at 182.75 next time I weigh in.



Welcome Tracey!

That's crazy! And just my kind of study... lol

The WISH Biggest Loser Team Donald Spring Challenge Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.76% - ChelleyB

Awesome - congrats! Congrats to everyone!

***********************************************
Looks like I got Poof'd today at work! Lets try this again...

QOTD Monday

Today's movie is Beauty and the Beast

We all know Belle loved to read. What is the last health related book/article you read and can you share anything you learned?

I'm reading "Diet Rehab: 28 Days to Finally Stop Craving the Foods That Make You Fat" right now and I find it really interesting. It talks about how food can be an addiction, and that people that are low in serotonin get some from sugary/carby foods, and people low in dopamine crave fatty foods. It's very interesting.

 

[::Snow_White::]

I think that you are being hard on yourself about Saturday's run. I think that running 3.5 and walking the last 1.5 is nothing to sneeze at!

Lack of good sleep will make your stress worse! Try to get some more rest!


Good Monday morning! As I mentioned above, DD's mood and attitude are much improved now. SHe is still nursing a huge disappointment, of course, but seems to be excited again about her trip.

Off to make beds and hit the TM!.................P

Absolutely! I'm not dissapointed, more of anxious and frustrated. I'm used to sticking to a strict schedule so not being able to do the 5 miles straight as the training says is hard for me to get used to.

I'm glad your daughter is feeling better! Some things just take time. Hope she has a great time!!

Hello! I’m new to team Donald. I look forward to ‘meeting’ you all as we lose! I have quite a few pages to catch up on but wanted to say hi first.

My name's Tracy and I’m 29 years old. I have been over weight all my life. I have a lot to lose, about 140 lbs! So I hope this challenge will help me stay on track.

Welcome Tracy!! It's a great place around here!

That's pretty interesting about the fat cells. I can't even remember what I weighed when I was 18-20!!

5 miles is NOT LAME!! Walking part of it is perfectly fine! You should be proud!At least you were out there trying...most people in the US were on their couches eating junk food


Jill

Now that I found this out I wished I worked a little bit harder up to now instead of starting back again now!

You're right, lame wasn't the proper word. As I was walking I remembered something I read that said "It doesn't matter if you slow down, just don't stop."

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenge – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 1
Congratulations Rose&Mike!!!

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------52!
not reporting in for 1 week-----9
not reporting in for 2 weeks----6
not reporting in for 3 weeks----3
Excused--------------------------2
weigh ins-------------------------32
gains-----------------------------7
maintains------------------------8
losses----------------------------15
new or returning members ----2


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 7!
This week’s group loss = 17.1 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.27 %
Total group weight loss so far 403.7 pounds!

AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 72 participants we had sign up for our start week on January 1st)
49% (this includes the Losers, Maintainers and Excused people!). Let's keep sending those weights people!


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 7?

The WISH Biggest Loser Spring Challenge Team Donald Week 7 Superstars!!
#10 - 0.60% - MoonFaerie
#9 - 0.63% - pooh2001
#8 - 0.65% - luvpoohandcompany
#7 - 0.73% - shellebelle76
#6 - 0.74% - ougrad86
#5 - 0.98% - vitfamily
#4 - 1.19% - D73
#3 - TIE - 1.40% - akhaloha & ::Snow White::
#2 - 1.42% - mackeysmom
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Team Donald Spring Challenge Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.76% - ChelleyB

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations ChelleyB!!!

What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

Wow!! Only here for a few weeks and already in the top 7 superstars! Awesome!

---
Today was a rest day. I was tired all day and ended up going about 400 calories over my limit since I didn't exercise. I don't regret it, you make mistakes and move on. I have done very well since I started. Tomorrow I have a 4 mile run which I think is going to go well.

Hope you all had a great day!

 

[amykathleen2005]

Hello! I’m new to team Donald. I look forward to ‘meeting’ you all as we lose! I have quite a few pages to catch up on but wanted to say hi first.

My name's Tracy and I’m 29 years old. I have been over weight all my life. I have a lot to lose, about 140 lbs! So I hope this challenge will help me stay on track.

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite!

I've been reading Jeff Galloway's website, thinking I might order his book. I'm trying to get into running. This week will be my first week of his 5K plan. It's a 15 week plan, which works out great because in about 17 weeks is our local 5k that I hope to run in. After that I hope to move on to the half marathon plan. I want to run the Tinkerbelle half in Jan 2013!

Welcome Tracy! You'll love Team Donald!

I too am interested in starting running. However I have only gotten to the step in the process where I think about it and have not actually tried it.

 

[amykathleen2005]

I usually read stuff throughout the day but in fitness last week we learned that during 18-20 years old, you get a specific number of fat cells. As in however many fat cells you have at that time in your life is what your stuck with and they shrink or expand when you gain or lose weight. This also means that the weight you are at that time is usually an average weight that your body will hang on to and it gets really hard to break through that wall. When you do break that wall it is much easier to gain weight back up to that point.

I thought that was interesting, and may be why some of us end up getting stuck somewhere?

Hmm, between those ages I was between 155 and 212 and now at age 24 I am stuck at 166. Ergh.

 

[donac]

Good Tuesday morning everyone.

I hope you had a great President's Day. It was very nice here. I got my grocery shopping done. I was able to finish a baby blanket I have been working on and started the sweater that goes along with it. I also got three pairs of pants cut out so I will sew those either today or tomorrow. I need them for Wednesday night.

Congrats Team Donald especially ChellyB.

Our summer trip is starting to come together. I reserved a family suite at the All Star Music and made an ADR for SciFi for our first full day. My sister emailed us last night and she made 2 ADR's for Italy and Canada. I have always wanted to eat in Canada. I am so excited for that. All of these are for 1:30 or 2 so I have time to digest them before we go to bed.

Off to get dressed.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[jillbur]

Congrats to all of the Biggest Losers this week and especially to all of Team Donald Way to go!

I have to get ready for work, so I will have to do replies later. I was spoiled with a 4 day weekend and now I have to head back to reality

Jill

 

[jillbur]

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

 

[DisNorth]

Good Morning team Donald!

Welcome Tracey!

Tracey- welcome to our team. We have some veteran tinkerbells and some galloway runners here so feel free to use them as a resource as you get started. You have great goals and you can do it! Dont let anyone make you think anything different.

Hi Tracy and welcome to Team Donald! We are happy to have you here and feel free to just jump in! We are a pretty cool group

Welcome! I just joined last week!

Welcome Tracy!! It's a great place around here!

Welcome Tracy! You'll love Team Donald!

I too am interested in starting running. However I have only gotten to the step in the process where I think about it and have not actually tried it.

Thank you for all the warm welcomes!!

Great job getting ready for a 5k. It's totally doable in the amount of time you have. I've read Jeff Galloway's info on half marathons and really want to run one. I was thinking the Princess Half in 2013. Wouldn't it be great to have your first half be a Disney race?

The Disney races look so fun and supportive, that's why I want to run them. I don't know if I could do a 'serious' half, especialy for my first. Although you have to keep pace disney seems like it would be less stressful!

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

The WISH Biggest Loser Spring Challenge Team Donald Week 7 Superstars!!
#10 - 0.60% - MoonFaerie
#9 - 0.63% - pooh2001
#8 - 0.65% - luvpoohandcompany
#7 - 0.73% - shellebelle76
#6 - 0.74% - ougrad86
#5 - 0.98% - vitfamily
#4 - 1.19% - D73
#3 - TIE - 1.40% - akhaloha & ::Snow White::
#2 - 1.42% - mackeysmom
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Team Donald Spring Challenge Week 7 Biggest Loser is:
#1 - 2.76% - ChelleyB

Good job on last week everyone!

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

I'm just counting calories right now and trying to make healthy choices. I use fitday and it tracks nutrents as well, which I find really helpful. It estimates calorie burn during a day based on your weight and activity level. Then you can input a weight goal and it tells you what your daily Calorie Restriction you need to loose that much. I'm also starting my training, which I think will help a lot. For me exersize seems to make a big diffrence.


Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[::Snow_White::]

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

I love Up!!

My plan is to drink 6+ cups of water a day, cut my tea consumption (from a jug) to 2 a day, and counting calories on myfitnesspal. My calorite intake is around 1350 a day and then I crosstrain on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I am training for a half marathon on TTHSu and I am trying eat a lot more vegetables. This plan works for me because I don't have a set schedule on what I can and can't eat and I have the ability to have a cookie as long as it fits into my calories and I don't eat too many a day so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

----
Thinking about our disney trip. I really want to try and snack around the world at epcot. I'm too young to drink and I don't think we could afford to go to all the restaurants, I saw this photo of a snack from each pavillion. I'm afraid of what that would do to my plan, but I guess the plan goes out the window on vacation.

We are learning about nutrition this week, so should be fun.
Well, I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

 

[D73]

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

I am following the Dukan diet. It was recently introduced in the USA but has been around for about 5 years in this part of Europe. Dr Dukan is from France and he has developed his principles over many years of his medical practice. He does not stress BMI but rather reaching one's personal true weight. for some this may fall in line with BMI but for most who choose to diet he realizes have likely been throughm any attempts at dieting. He wants them to realize that the cell memory of the body is going to aim to keep you at its most memorable weight and forcing oneself down too far often leads to drastic rebound of weight.

The diet is split into 4 phases. The first 2 are the losing phases and the second 2 are the maintenance phases.

The Attack phase lasts for 2 to 6 days depending on the amount of weight someone needs to lose to reach their treu weight. (A free online calculator assists someone to determie this weight and how long this first phase should last.) During this phase, you are limited to eating protein only with the exception of 1 1/2 T of oat bran. He provides a list of proteins which are acceptable and recommended (including eggs and non-fat dairy). There is no limitations in regards to when or how much to eat. This phase is meant to kick start your body into losing and shedding the intital water weight.

The Cruise phase reintroduces vegetables to the diet on some days. In addition the oat bran is increased to 2 T per day. Again there are no limits to the when and how much but there are certain vegetable which are permitted. Basically the more starchy items such as potatoes and beans are on the "no go" list. He provides a list of 100 Unlimited Foods. It is up to the dieter in which manner they which to approach the alternation of protein days and protein + vegetable days. He recommends a couple ways but I have chosen to follow the alternating days method. One day protein, the next protein + veg. This phase continues until you reach your true weight. It should be said at this time that he does not discourage the use of artificial sweetners or diets sodas that contain these sweetners.

Once reaching the true weight, the losing phases are complete and the maintenance phases can begin. Dukan is very concerned about how many dieters regain their weight after all the time of dieting with other programs because they have not learned the proper means of approaching foods that they have been avoiding during their weight loss. He also makes it very clear that the body is most succeptable to rebounding the weight when the losing phases is over. The body has the memory of the comfortable heavy weight and will seek to get back there unless it is trained to get used to its new weight.

So phase 3 is the Consolidation Phase which is a transitional diet that last for 5 days for each pound that waslost in the first 2 phases. So someone who loses 10 piunds would follw it for 50 days and someone like me who will need to lose about 85 pounds will need to be on this phase for about 14 months before I can graduate to a more relaxed diet where I can eat more freely. This phases introduces fresh fruit each day, 2 slices of whole grain bread per day, 1 1/2 oz of cheese per day, 2 servings starchy food per week, allows the addition of some more fatty protein once or twice a week. Celebration meals are also allowed. These are anything that you want without bingeing, basic rule one serving only of what you choose. 1 celebration meal per week for the first half of the phase and 2 per week for the second half odf the phase. The last guideline is that there must be 1 day of pure protein diet every week.....same day each week.

The Permanent Stabalization phase allows you to eat wht you want for 6 out of 7 days keeping the consolidation foods as a base. The protein day each week will continue throughout life, give up stairs and escalators for life and 3 T of oat bran per day for life.

Exercise recommendations: 20 to 30 minutes purposeful walk per day.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

So how am I handling this. Pretty well. It is amazing how creative you can get with the list of items that are allowed. I will say that I have begun to count calories more carefully as an accompaniement to this program though it is never mentioned in the program. I found I was not eating enough to sustain my body. I think that he expects people will eat plenty so never really addresses this. But I have found that counting my calories after 5 weeks on the program has helped me to get through a bit of stagnation.

It can be a bit confusing at first glance but I have given a really quick overview.

I am challenging myself to find how to get though my 2 weeks on the cruises that are coming up in about 6 weeks time. I may find that I do as best I can, increase my exercise during that time, and then use another attack phase to counteract any collateral damage that occurs.

Phew.......long post.

Christopher

 

[JacksLilWench]

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

I find the most success in counting calories. I think of it like money, and I have a little over 1500 calories in my "bank". How I spend those calories is up to me, and I can do activities to earn more calories. But once they're spent, they're spent. It helps me a lot when I'm standing in the cafe line at work and want an order of fries, but realize I don't want to spend all my calories in one place. So I pick up a yogurt instead

 

[RemembertheMagic98]

QOTD Tuesday

Today's movie is Up

Carl was determined to make it to Paradise Falls and had a plan to get there. What is your weight loss plan? Do you do Weight Wacthers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, the Dukan diet, or count calories? Explain your plan (so others can learn what your plan is about) and why it works for you.

I love Carl!! This movie made me cry....many times...but I loved it!
I am attempting weight watchers for the third time. I never made it to goal...ever. So, this time I am making it to goal!! I have found it soooo much easier to use the tracker on my smartphone and use the online stuff to supplement. I skipped last weeks weigh in since I was sick and didn't want to infect the masses...lol. So I am going this Friday and hopefully I have made a dent into my loss. The first week I was down 4.2 and the second week I maintained (the scrapbooking weekend killed me!!) and week 3 was last week. So, it is week 4 on WW and I am hoping to see that scale move!
Also, no matter how busy I get I have to hit the gym. I look at the cute little skirt that I bought on sale 4 years ago and know that I still can't fit into it.....by the summer (my 39th birthday on 7/11) I will wear this to my bday dinner!!! Inspiration clothing is my key!

I love Up!!

My plan is to drink 6+ cups of water a day, cut my tea consumption (from a jug) to 2 a day, and counting calories on myfitnesspal. My calorite intake is around 1350 a day and then I crosstrain on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I am training for a half marathon on TTHSu and I am trying eat a lot more vegetables. This plan works for me because I don't have a set schedule on what I can and can't eat and I have the ability to have a cookie as long as it fits into my calories and I don't eat too many a day so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

----
Thinking about our disney trip. I really want to try and snack around the world at epcot. I'm too young to drink and I don't think we could afford to go to all the restaurants, I saw this photo of a snack from each pavillion. I'm afraid of what that would do to my plan, but I guess the plan goes out the window on vacation.

We are learning about nutrition this week, so should be fun.
Well, I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Kayla....LOVE the idea! My family tried to do this...we began in Mexico. By the time we hit Italy we were stuffed...I think we ate too much in Germany!! I have done the drinking around the world....aside from the killer hangover I had the next day, the calories were just too much! Maybe share a snack?

I find the most success in counting calories. I think of it like money, and I have a little over 1500 calories in my "bank". How I spend those calories is up to me, and I can do activities to earn more calories. But once they're spent, they're spent. It helps me a lot when I'm standing in the cafe line at work and want an order of fries, but realize I don't want to spend all my calories in one place. So I pick up a yogurt instead

This is how I think of my WW points!! Great minds think alike

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please excuse my MIA since last week....I had a nasty cold which put me behind in almost every area of my life I spent Saturday in bed to rest and recoop! Today I am ready to go....kitchen cleaned, laundry done, emails answered, calendar updated....still need to food shop and plan dinners for the week but I have this afternoon to do that

Although my cough is still around, I went to spin last night. It was crazy taxing on my lungs....clearly I am not fully "better"... so I only burned 588 calories. Bummer but hey, at least I got myself there

Hang in there Donalds!

 

[jillbur]

My DH is my biggest supporter as he always jumps in and does it with me. When we are on track we are both on track, unfortunately when we are not it can be very bad

Today was President's Day...day off!!!

I helped my mother paint her living room first thing this morning. We were done by 10 am. Ran errands and was home by noon. Had a nap, caught up on DVR'd programs and ran wire from the new electric hot water heater to the breaker box. We have an electrician friend that will connect things for us in the next day or two.

It's great to have DH as a supporter. It's probably easy to cook when you both are on track!

Wow! You were pretty busy on your day off!

I'm reading "Diet Rehab: 28 Days to Finally Stop Craving the Foods That Make You Fat" right now and I find it really interesting. It talks about how food can be an addiction, and that people that are low in serotonin get some from sugary/carby foods, and people low in dopamine crave fatty foods. It's very interesting.

Hmmm...maybe I'm low in serotonin? I wonder how I find out. Does it say?

Today was a rest day. I was tired all day and ended up going about 400 calories over my limit since I didn't exercise. I don't regret it, you make mistakes and move on. I have done very well since I started. Tomorrow I have a 4 mile run which I think is going to go well.

Hope you all had a great day!

You have a great attitude about being over your calories. You can't stress over little things like 400 calories lol.

Good Tuesday morning everyone.

I hope you had a great President's Day. It was very nice here. I got my grocery shopping done. I was able to finish a baby blanket I have been working on and started the sweater that goes along with it. I also got three pairs of pants cut out so I will sew those either today or tomorrow. I need them for Wednesday night.

Congrats Team Donald especially ChellyB.

Our summer trip is starting to come together. I reserved a family suite at the All Star Music and made an ADR for SciFi for our first full day. My sister emailed us last night and she made 2 ADR's for Italy and Canada. I have always wanted to eat in Canada. I am so excited for that. All of these are for 1:30 or 2 so I have time to digest them before we go to bed.

Off to get dressed.

Have a happy and healthy day.

I have never eaten in Italy or Canada, but do have an ADR at Le Cellier in May. I hope it's good. My family also loves SciFi. We may be one of the minority that does, but we've never had a bad meal at Disney. It will be so fun. Waiting is the hard part

I'm just counting calories right now and trying to make healthy choices. I use fitday and it tracks nutrents as well, which I find really helpful. It estimates calorie burn during a day based on your weight and activity level. Then you can input a weight goal and it tells you what your daily Calorie Restriction you need to loose that much. I'm also starting my training, which I think will help a lot. For me exersize seems to make a big diffrence.


Hope everyone has a great day!

I, too, count calories. It's what works best for me. I've never used Fitday but it sounds similar to My Fitness Pal, which is what I use.

I love Up!!

My plan is to drink 6+ cups of water a day, cut my tea consumption (from a jug) to 2 a day, and counting calories on myfitnesspal. My calorite intake is around 1350 a day and then I crosstrain on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I am training for a half marathon on TTHSu and I am trying eat a lot more vegetables. This plan works for me because I don't have a set schedule on what I can and can't eat and I have the ability to have a cookie as long as it fits into my calories and I don't eat too many a day so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

----
Thinking about our disney trip. I really want to try and snack around the world at epcot. I'm too young to drink and I don't think we could afford to go to all the restaurants, I saw this photo of a snack from each pavillion. I'm afraid of what that would do to my plan, but I guess the plan goes out the window on vacation.

We are learning about nutrition this week, so should be fun.
Well, I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

It sounds like you have a good plan for yourself.

When I head to Disney with just DH and no kids in May, we plan to eat/drink around the world. We are just planning snack and probably sharing. I'm sure the calories will be out the roof, but it's the one day I will allow the splurge, plus I'll be walking a lot. Have you looked at the food porn threads? I already know what I want to eat and drink in each country just by the pictures lol.

I am following the Dukan diet. It was recently introduced in the USA but has been around for about 5 years in this part of Europe. Dr Dukan is from France and he has developed his principles over many years of his medical practice. He does not stress BMI but rather reaching one's personal true weight. for some this may fall in line with BMI but for most who choose to diet he realizes have likely been throughm any attempts at dieting. He wants them to realize that the cell memory of the body is going to aim to keep you at its most memorable weight and forcing oneself down too far often leads to drastic rebound of weight.

The diet is split into 4 phases. The first 2 are the losing phases and the second 2 are the maintenance phases.

The Attack phase lasts for 2 to 6 days depending on the amount of weight someone needs to lose to reach their treu weight. (A free online calculator assists someone to determie this weight and how long this first phase should last.) During this phase, you are limited to eating protein only with the exception of 1 1/2 T of oat bran. He provides a list of proteins which are acceptable and recommended (including eggs and non-fat dairy). There is no limitations in regards to when or how much to eat. This phase is meant to kick start your body into losing and shedding the intital water weight.

The Cruise phase reintroduces vegetables to the diet on some days. In addition the oat bran is increased to 2 T per day. Again there are no limits to the when and how much but there are certain vegetable which are permitted. Basically the more starchy items such as potatoes and beans are on the "no go" list. He provides a list of 100 Unlimited Foods. It is up to the dieter in which manner they which to approach the alternation of protein days and protein + vegetable days. He recommends a couple ways but I have chosen to follow the alternating days method. One day protein, the next protein + veg. This phase continues until you reach your true weight. It should be said at this time that he does not discourage the use of artificial sweetners or diets sodas that contain these sweetners.

Once reaching the true weight, the losing phases are complete and the maintenance phases can begin. Dukan is very concerned about how many dieters regain their weight after all the time of dieting with other programs because they have not learned the proper means of approaching foods that they have been avoiding during their weight loss. He also makes it very clear that the body is most succeptable to rebounding the weight when the losing phases is over. The body has the memory of the comfortable heavy weight and will seek to get back there unless it is trained to get used to its new weight.

So phase 3 is the Consolidation Phase which is a transitional diet that last for 5 days for each pound that waslost in the first 2 phases. So someone who loses 10 piunds would follw it for 50 days and someone like me who will need to lose about 85 pounds will need to be on this phase for about 14 months before I can graduate to a more relaxed diet where I can eat more freely. This phases introduces fresh fruit each day, 2 slices of whole grain bread per day, 1 1/2 oz of cheese per day, 2 servings starchy food per week, allows the addition of some more fatty protein once or twice a week. Celebration meals are also allowed. These are anything that you want without bingeing, basic rule one serving only of what you choose. 1 celebration meal per week for the first half of the phase and 2 per week for the second half odf the phase. The last guideline is that there must be 1 day of pure protein diet every week.....same day each week.

The Permanent Stabalization phase allows you to eat wht you want for 6 out of 7 days keeping the consolidation foods as a base. The protein day each week will continue throughout life, give up stairs and escalators for life and 3 T of oat bran per day for life.

Exercise recommendations: 20 to 30 minutes purposeful walk per day.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

So how am I handling this. Pretty well. It is amazing how creative you can get with the list of items that are allowed. I will say that I have begun to count calories more carefully as an accompaniement to this program though it is never mentioned in the program. I found I was not eating enough to sustain my body. I think that he expects people will eat plenty so never really addresses this. But I have found that counting my calories after 5 weeks on the program has helped me to get through a bit of stagnation.

It can be a bit confusing at first glance but I have given a really quick overview.

I am challenging myself to find how to get though my 2 weeks on the cruises that are coming up in about 6 weeks time. I may find that I do as best I can, increase my exercise during that time, and then use another attack phase to counteract any collateral damage that occurs.

Phew.......long post.

Christopher

I am so glad you posted all of the info. My college roommate is a teacher also and many of her colleagues are doing the Dukan diet. She said they are losing tons of weight. I didn't know much about it, so thanks for the info. It sounds like you are doing very well!

I find the most success in counting calories. I think of it like money, and I have a little over 1500 calories in my "bank". How I spend those calories is up to me, and I can do activities to earn more calories. But once they're spent, they're spent. It helps me a lot when I'm standing in the cafe line at work and want an order of fries, but realize I don't want to spend all my calories in one place. So I pick up a yogurt instead

I like how you think of your calories like money. Hmmm...$400 on french fries? No way!

I love Carl!! This movie made me cry....many times...but I loved it!
I am attempting weight watchers for the third time. I never made it to goal...ever. So, this time I am making it to goal!! I have found it soooo much easier to use the tracker on my smartphone and use the online stuff to supplement. I skipped last weeks weigh in since I was sick and didn't want to infect the masses...lol. So I am going this Friday and hopefully I have made a dent into my loss. The first week I was down 4.2 and the second week I maintained (the scrapbooking weekend killed me!!) and week 3 was last week. So, it is week 4 on WW and I am hoping to see that scale move!
Also, no matter how busy I get I have to hit the gym. I look at the cute little skirt that I bought on sale 4 years ago and know that I still can't fit into it.....by the summer (my 39th birthday on 7/11) I will wear this to my bday dinner!!! Inspiration clothing is my key!

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Please excuse my MIA since last week....I had a nasty cold which put me behind in almost every area of my life I spent Saturday in bed to rest and recoop! Today I am ready to go....kitchen cleaned, laundry done, emails answered, calendar updated....still need to food shop and plan dinners for the week but I have this afternoon to do that

Although my cough is still around, I went to spin last night. It was crazy taxing on my lungs....clearly I am not fully "better"... so I only burned 588 calories. Bummer but hey, at least I got myself there

Hang in there Donalds!

I hope you feel better. 588 calories is a lot, especially not feeling well.

I have heard so many good things about WW. I have an aunt and cousin (by marriage) that love WW and do so well with it. I'm sure you'll be looking good in that skirt by your birthday!

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I'm posting at work and have to get going. I'll be back later tonight and hopefully I will remember to answer my own qotd!

Jill