Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[buzz5985]

I can't even TELL you the names that I am calling that girl from the privacy of my own room! I am YELLING at the tv.... she is a PIECE OF WORK! Yes, Adrian is a bit of a loud-mouth... he doesn't seem to know when to SHUT UP! But HONESTLY.... that Conda is a WITCH!

I'm watching season 6 right now on Netflix and must say that VICKY is another one that makes me go.

I remember that season. Who was the other one?? Heba and her DH?? Awful people. The season finale is the BEST!!!!

Good afternoon Donalds!

Sorry I have been MIA for a while, I went to DL last weekend and completed my first half marathon, the Tink half! It was an amazing weekend. For anyone considering doing a Disney race, you should definitely go for it. When I did my first BL challenge Sept 2010 I could not even imagine doing this and now I can't wait for another race. Thanks to everyone for your support and well wishes.

Lindsay Thanks so much for coaching this week and I hope you feel better soon. I looked at a Mickey bar wrapper last year to get the calorie info and I believe it was 330-it looks like Pamela confirmed this. Sorry!

Congrats to all the losers and maintainers this week-it looks like everyone is doing a fantastic job! I came down with a cold after getting back home and really need to get back into the swing of things. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Congratulations on your marathon.

Janis

 

[GoofyPredsFan]

Well, we have completed our first “measure-in” for the WIN! Challenge.
YAY!

I know that some people were feeling a little discouraged at their numbers, but really, any progress is GREAT! Feel free to join at any time, whether it is a WIN week or not. Our next WIN! measure-in will be March 1.

Please remember to send in the TOTAL of your measurements rather than the five individual measurements. Thank you!

Our Top Ten for Team Donald -

#10. virataMama4 = -1.49%
#9. GoofyPredsFan = -2.44%
#8. momofdjc = -2.52%
#7. cjdj4 = -3.23%
#6. jujubee727= -3.23%
#5. 6Smiles = -3.26%
#4. mommyof2Pirates = -3.33%
#3. Disneluvr = -3.39%
#2. luvpoohandcompany = -4.09%
#1. klmrph 9.46

and the winner for Team Donald is.............................
klmrph with 9.46% lost!!!!!
__________________

Our Top Six for Team Mickey

#6. glss1/2fll = -1.69%
#5. myweegirls = -1.75%
#4. candlelady = -1.96%
#3. Debbie = -2.13%
#2. KDIPIAZZ = -2.16%

and the winner for Team Mickey is.............................

DMSlush with 6.25% lost!!!!!!!

WOW!! These are some amazing numbers! I was thinking I did something wrong because my number was actually smaller, but mine was small compared to most of these!! Congrats to all, that is awesome!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Well, we have completed our first “measure-in” for the WIN! Challenge.
YAY!

I know that some people were feeling a little discouraged at their numbers, but really, any progress is GREAT! Feel free to join at any time, whether it is a WIN week or not. Our next WIN! measure-in will be March 1.

Please remember to send in the TOTAL of your measurements rather than the five individual measurements. Thank you!

Our Top Ten for Team Donald -

#10. virataMama4 = -1.49%
#9. GoofyPredsFan = -2.44%
#8. momofdjc = -2.52%
#7. cjdj4 = -3.23%
#6. jujubee727= -3.23%
#5. 6Smiles = -3.26%
#4. mommyof2Pirates = -3.33%
#3. Disneluvr = -3.39%
#2. luvpoohandcompany = -4.09%
#1. klmrph 9.46

and the winner for Team Donald is.............................
klmrph with 9.46% lost!!!!!
__________________

Our Top Six for Team Mickey

#6. glss1/2fll = -1.69%
#5. myweegirls = -1.75%
#4. candlelady = -1.96%
#3. Debbie = -2.13%
#2. KDIPIAZZ = -2.16%

and the winner for Team Mickey is.............................

DMSlush with 6.25% lost!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for doing this Janis I'm delighted to have made it onto the list and would like to congratulate everyone else too

Good afternoon Donalds!

Sorry I have been MIA for a while, I went to DL last weekend and completed my first half marathon, the Tink half! It was an amazing weekend. For anyone considering doing a Disney race, you should definitely go for it. When I did my first BL challenge Sept 2010 I could not even imagine doing this and now I can't wait for another race. Thanks to everyone for your support and well wishes.
Congratulations on your marathon run


Congrats to all the losers and maintainers this week-it looks like everyone is doing a fantastic job! I came down with a cold after getting back home and really need to get back into the swing of things. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Hope you feel better soon

STILL have yet to catch up. This week has been up and down. I had my appointment with the dietician today and I was extremely dissapointed. I paid a weeks worth of gas money and was there for an hour and didn't come away with any new information except for a government ran website that was interesting. I assumed they would help me make a meal plan tell me how much of what I should eat, help me with being vegetarian, etc. We spent half of the hour answering questions about my daily life and the other half with "You should eat more vegetables, fruit, and beans." That was it. Everything that I was told I had already learned/knew. This is the third time I've paid for a university health service and was dissapointed.

Anyway. I know I've gained weight this week even though I've been about 200-500 calories UNDER everyday after exercise, I can feel it and weighed at the dieticians office. This week hasn't been tough in a health or fitness aspect but just demotivating.

Sorry your having a tough time. Maybe the weigh-in wont be as bad as you think-fingers crossed for you!

I will be back later to chat but have to run do the school run now. Cheerio for now

 

[donac]

Good Friday morning everyone. We made it to another Friday. Good luck with everyone's weigh this morning.

I am very happy that this crazy week is almost done. I have a meeting at school to day and then a meeting for costumes tonight.

Lisa Congrats on finishing the Tink Half. That is a great accomplishment.

I have been so busy at school I really don't have too much going on.

Have a haapy and healthy day.

 

[pjlla]

I remember that season. Who was the other one?? Heba and her DH?? Awful people. The season finale is the BEST!!!!

Yup, Heba and her DH, Ed, who just made it back in the house the last episode. I'm up to episode 11 and Vicky's DH (Brady) went home last week or the week before and she is Pi**ed! I'm telling you, that woman has an EVIL look in her eye! Bob Harper had her pegged as a "player" early on and he was right!

I'll probably end up watching the finale today on the TM or while folding laundry.... can't wait! I never watched this particular season when it was new, so it is all new to me now.



Congratulations on your marathon.

Janis

Good Friday morning everyone. We made it to another Friday. Good luck with everyone's weigh this morning.

I am very happy that this crazy week is almost done. I have a meeting at school to day and then a meeting for costumes tonight.

Lisa Congrats on finishing the Tink Half. That is a great accomplishment.

I have been so busy at school I really don't have too much going on.

Have a haapy and healthy day.

Yup..... another week over and done. This year and especially this month are FLYING by!

Hopefully all of the costume drama from last year won't spill over.

BB in a minute.............P

 

[pjlla]

And happy Friday to everyone!

My name is Pamela and I will be your coach for the next 7 days!

Just a quick note about myself.... I am a 40-something mostly SAHM to two sometimes delightful teens (DD 16 1/2, DS just turned 14), married to my DH for going on 20 years this spring. I work as a substitute teacher occasionally....mostly elementary level, sometimes high school lately.

I struggled with my weight to some degree or another from about age 13. I was never really big, but always thought of myself as the "fat girl" in high school, although looking back at photos I was really very average.

I lost weight in my 20's for my wedding but promptly put it all back plus some. I yo-yo'ed through my late 20's and got pregnant with DD at age 30 and 180 pounds. Then got pregnant with DS a few years later at about 190.... and finally hit my all-time high non-pregnant weight of 219 in about 2002.

Lost 40-ish pounds in 2003 and then struggled to keep it off, regaining about half. Started this journey YET AGAIN in 2008 at exactly 200 pounds and haven't looked back yet. I have been within a pound of my final goal of 128 pounds a few times, but haven't quite hit it, so I have decided that my goal is unrealistic and have changed my goal to a range of 130-133. I was with my goal range for about a year and then finally got to 129 last spring.... but combine a trip to Disney with summer vacation and I was quickly above my goal range and have been struggling to get back there ever since. But even if I never lose another pound, I am fairly satisfied where I am at.


QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

 

[Mary•Poppins]

QOTD - yesterday - I usually don't watch MY sodium level much. I know that I am very sensitive to it. I can put on two/three pounds the next day if I indulge in salty things. Like yesterday, I treated myself to McDonald's fries ... but then drank lots of water.

My middle son had high blood pressure. So I do watch it at home. Since I cook dinner most night from scratch, we have minimum salt in our diets. It is when I buy something processed that I notice how much sodium is in the food.

Thank you Lindsey for coaching this week!

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Hmmm.... I think I would open with the positives of being at a healthy weight. You have more energy, your body feels better and you mentally feel good about yourself.

Fairy Godmother .... please bring me a calorie-free homemake chocolate chip cookie! But I could also settle for all DW desserts to be calorie free. I don't go there that often and that would be a really nice treat.

 

[D73]

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)



You have to take time for yourself. If you have put your work, your partner, your children ahead of yourself, it's time to be a wee bit selfish and TAKE TIME FOR YOU! All those things are important, but the reward of taking the time for yourself is a happier and longer life with those important things. You have to want it and then go out and get it! It's attainable but YOU have to take care of you.

BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Anything that has the name Reese's in front of it......I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

 

[::Snow_White::]

Thanks for the comments! I am feeling much better today, I guess stress was just attacking me all at once yesterday. This week has been fairly good, and I actually DID lost some weight. .2 lbs, but since I thought I had actually gained some this is completely cool with me!

My run went nicely and the blister on the side of my foot has seemed to heal.

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Thanks for coaching Pamela!!

I think I'd put something down about how you don't have to feel deprived of food if you eat a balanced diet. I know a lot of these fad diets people do they end up quitting because there isn't enough food, they don't like it, etc. I think people are surprised at how much smaller plates they need to eat but stress how you should never go through the day hungry.

I'm not really that much of a sweet eater, but I would absolutely love for my peanut butter reeses to be calorie free. It would be nice if they were free of everything else bad too. I'd be eating those things like crazy.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

And happy Friday to everyone!

My name is Pamela and I will be your coach for the next 7 days!

Just a quick note about myself.... I am a 40-something mostly SAHM to two sometimes delightful teens (DD 16 1/2, DS just turned 14), married to my DH for going on 20 years this spring. I work as a substitute teacher occasionally....mostly elementary level, sometimes high school lately.

I struggled with my weight to some degree or another from about age 13. I was never really big, but always thought of myself as the "fat girl" in high school, although looking back at photos I was really very average.

I lost weight in my 20's for my wedding but promptly put it all back plus some. I yo-yo'ed through my late 20's and got pregnant with DD at age 30 and 180 pounds. Then got pregnant with DS a few years later at about 190.... and finally hit my all-time high non-pregnant weight of 219 in about 2002.

Lost 40-ish pounds in 2003 and then struggled to keep it off, regaining about half. Started this journey YET AGAIN in 2008 at exactly 200 pounds and haven't looked back yet. I have been within a pound of my final goal of 128 pounds a few times, but haven't quite hit it, so I have decided that my goal is unrealistic and have changed my goal to a range of 130-133. I was with my goal range for about a year and then finally got to 129 last spring.... but combine a trip to Disney with summer vacation and I was quickly above my goal range and have been struggling to get back there ever since. But even if I never lose another pound, I am fairly satisfied where I am at.


QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

I would write about how getting yourself moving and finding an exercise that is fun makes a world of difference not only for weight loss but for you emotionally as well.

I would love for either brownies or oreo cookies to be calorie free.


I am home sick again today. I usually never take sick time like this but this illness has really knocked me down. I do feel a little better today but still weak and shaky. Unfortunately i took the phrase feed a cold to another level yesterday. I apparently didnt loose my appetite. I am giving myself an extra day before i weigh in. So today i am ready to get back on plan.

 

[mikamah]

I know that some people were feeling a little discouraged at their numbers, but really, any progress is GREAT! Feel free to join at any time, whether it is a WIN week or not. Our next WIN! measure-in will be March 1.

Please remember to send in the TOTAL of your measurements rather than the five individual measurements. Thank you!

Our Top Ten for Team Donald -

#10. virataMama4 = -1.49%
#9. GoofyPredsFan = -2.44%
#8. momofdjc = -2.52%
#7. cjdj4 = -3.23%
#6. jujubee727= -3.23%
#5. 6Smiles = -3.26%
#4. mommyof2Pirates = -3.33%
#3. Disneluvr = -3.39%
#2. luvpoohandcompany = -4.09%
#1. klmrph 9.46

and the winner for Team Donald is.............................
klmrph with 9.46% lost!!!!!
__________________

Our Top Six for Team Mickey

#6. glss1/2fll = -1.69%
#5. myweegirls = -1.75%
#4. candlelady = -1.96%
#3. Debbie = -2.13%
#2. KDIPIAZZ = -2.16%

and the winner for Team Mickey is.............................

DMSlush with 6.25% lost!!!!!!!

Congratulations to all ourWIN-NERS!!!! Great job everyone!! I actually did measure myself last week, but never sent it in, but I will, and hope to join you all and see some inches lost!!!

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

What will you do when you have the dreaded setback. You may fall back into old habits, eating junk, the exercise slows down and you're back on the couch. It happens to all of us. But it does not have to be the end of out weight loss. We can get back on track, pick yourself back up. Imagine yourself at the weight you feel good and healthy at. Are you there? Not yet, then get up off that couch again, and go out for a quick walk. Pick up some apples and bananas, and start eating healthy again. Forgive yourself. You are not a failure. YOu can be a success. The key is to never give up, to get up every day and do the very best that you can for that day. Things in life may derail you, but to quote a famous disboard weight loss success- "you may not be able to control what is happening in your life right now, but you can control your reaction to it" -pamela/pjlla.
Promise yourself right now, YOU WILL NOT EVER GIVE UP!! You are worth the hard work and dedication, and you will reach your goal as long as you keep on trying.

Great question Pamela!! thank you for coaching this week!! We have the Puppies for Dummies book, and it really is so helpful. And we're no dummies.

Now I'm having a hard time of what to ask my fairy godmother for. It has to be chocolate, any chocolate, chocolate cake, milk chocolate, dove chocolate, lindt chocolate, chocolate trifle, chocolate ice cream. I feel so greedy, but I think that's what i want, all chocolate to be calorie free. Thank you fairy godmother.

Lindsay-Thank you for coaching last week. I loved your qotds connection to the HH. I hope you are feeling better soon and aren't down and out with the bug today.

Lynda-Glad to hear your mom's surgery went well, and sending prayers she has a smooth and speedy recovery. It will be so helpful for you to be available when she goes home too.

Hello to everyone else!! Hope all is well, and you all see a good number on the scale.

I am happy to report I'm down 0.2 pounds, so I was able to lose my superbowl weekend gain, and planning to continue onward and downward with the rest of you. We can do it!!!

Have a fabulous friday friends!!!

 

[jillbur]

----
STILL have yet to catch up. This week has been up and down. I had my appointment with the dietician today and I was extremely dissapointed. I paid a weeks worth of gas money and was there for an hour and didn't come away with any new information except for a government ran website that was interesting. I assumed they would help me make a meal plan tell me how much of what I should eat, help me with being vegetarian, etc. We spent half of the hour answering questions about my daily life and the other half with "You should eat more vegetables, fruit, and beans." That was it. Everything that I was told I had already learned/knew. This is the third time I've paid for a university health service and was dissapointed.

Anyway. I know I've gained weight this week even though I've been about 200-500 calories UNDER everyday after exercise, I can feel it and weighed at the dieticians office. This week hasn't been tough in a health or fitness aspect but just demotivating.

On the bright side I visited a whole foods store today and finally found this vegan cheese that I've seen on online recipes and some quinoa. However money has been stressing me out and it's really hard to afford the food that I want.

Sorry the nutritionist didn't help you like you thought. If you go back, maybe you can bring along some questions and they can help with more specific information. My mom went to a nutritionist when she found out she's diabetic (or as my grandma says, "She's got sugar." ). They really didn't tell her much. In fact, she kept a food diary and they told her it was ok to eat hot dog buns (in moderation). My sister & I were in shock~white bread should be very limited. At least her insurance covered the visit.

I'm glad you found the vegan cheese. I wish we had a Whole Foods around here. The closest is about an hour away. I may go check it out one weekend.

Have fun on your run!

Healthy Habits Week 7: Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage, The France Pavillion, and Server AmusantTM

Belle is someone I adore. She has passion and compassion. She is also an avid reader and a planner/thinker. These are attributes that research shows leads to successful weight loss and are perfect for this week because it’s Back to Basics! With Belle in mind, here are this week’s Healthy Habits.

Love this CC! I think Belle's probably my favorite Disney character!
Thanks for all your creativity!

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Thanks Pamela for coaching~I coach next week. I can't believe I have to follow the awesome Pamela!

Christopher~great minds think alike...

I would write about putting yourself first. Yes, it's important to help and care for others, but until you put yourself first, you are not at your best. And, you cannot feel guilty taking time for yourself. Especially women who have children. The best thing for your children is to have a healthy, happy mother. Take time for yourself, eat healthy, and exercise!

Just one dessert? Tiramisu or white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. It's a toss up

I am home sick again today. I usually never take sick time like this but this illness has really knocked me down. I do feel a little better today but still weak and shaky. Unfortunately i took the phrase feed a cold to another level yesterday. I apparently didnt loose my appetite. I am giving myself an extra day before i weigh in. So today i am ready to get back on plan.

I hope a good day of rest will help you feel better!


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

Yay it's Friday! I actually have NO plans this weekend! I do need to go grocery shopping and I am going to yoga tomorrow morning, but we have nothing else scheduled! I plan to get a lot of cleaning done. Although, my boys want to go to Cleveland to the Lego Store. I want to wait to go when DH can go, but that may be at Easter. DS8 is also hinting (about every minute ) that he wants to see Star Wars in 3D. Ugh~DS5 does not like 3D movies so I hate paying extra for the 3D when he leaves his glasses on for about 15 minutes. But, they love Star Wars, so we might do that instead of the Lego Store. Maybe DS5 will like it in 3D better than other movies we've seen which are cartoons.

Well, I have to run for now. I have to finish my lesson planning for next week. Have a super Friday!

Jill

 

[pjlla]

First of all.... a big WOOHOO for not getting called to work today. The money would be nice but the day to get caught up around here is even nicer!!

Q
Hmmm.... I think I would open with the positives of being at a healthy weight. You have more energy, your body feels better and you mentally feel good about yourself.


I don't disagree, but sometimes I think until you have a small "taste" (for lack of a better word) of that better feeling, it is hard to realize just how GREAT that feeling is. When I weighed 200+ pounds, I KNEW I wasn't happy about myself and was embarrassed about how I looked.... but I never knew just HOW lousy I felt, both physically and mentally until I lost some of the weight and felt SO MUCH BETTER!

It's too bad there isn't a pill that could make you feel that great for just an hour.... that would be a REAL incentive to help folks get started and stay on this journey.

Fairy Godmother .... please bring me a calorie-free homemake chocolate chip cookie! But I could also settle for all DW desserts to be calorie free. I don't go there that often and that would be a really nice treat.

Yup.... I think Disney ought to be magical enough to create calorie-free desserts for their parks!

Anything that has the name Reese's in front of it......I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ooooohhh... won't disagree with that one!

Thanks for the comments! I am feeling much better today, I guess stress was just attacking me all at once yesterday. This week has been fairly good, and I actually DID lost some weight. .2 lbs, but since I thought I had actually gained some this is completely cool with me!

A loss when you expect a gain is terrific. It definitely off-sets my week.... expecting a decent loss and getting a small gain instead...

My run went nicely and the blister on the side of my foot has seemed to heal.

Thanks for coaching Pamela!!

You are SO welcome!

I think I'd put something down about how you don't have to feel deprived of food if you eat a balanced diet. I know a lot of these fad diets people do they end up quitting because there isn't enough food, they don't like it, etc. I think people are surprised at how much smaller plates they need to eat but stress how you should never go through the day hungry.

I don't disagree.... you shouldn't spend the day hungry.... but I definitely have times when I am TRULY hungry and made smart choices and I am still out of points. Thank GOODNESS for tea and carrots! I think it is also about learning to ENJOY the healthier foods. My healthy breakfast this morning was an immeasureable treat because I don't have it often.... half of a low carb oat bran/flax seed pita pocket with 1 Tb. of sugar-free almond butter and half a banana..... absolutely delish! I enjoyed it because it was sweet and creamy and yummy... and I KNOW it is fueling my body properly. I enjoyed it so much more than I would have enjoyed what some folks would consider a treat.... such as a Poptart, muffin, or fast-food breakfast.... because I was able to enjoy it GUILT FREE!

I'm not really that much of a sweet eater, but I would absolutely love for my peanut butter reeses to be calorie free. It would be nice if they were free of everything else bad too. I'd be eating those things like crazy.

I suppose you could ask for calorie-free french fries if you don't care for sweets.

I would write about how getting yourself moving and finding an exercise that is fun makes a world of difference not only for weight loss but for you emotionally as well.

Amen! I'm STILL struggling to find exercise that I ENJOY. This was going to be the winter when I tried snow-shoeing and/or cross-country skiing, but we haven't had much snow for either!

I would love for either brownies or oreo cookies to be calorie free.

MMMMMM!


I am home sick again today. I usually never take sick time like this but this illness has really knocked me down. I do feel a little better today but still weak and shaky. Unfortunately i took the phrase feed a cold to another level yesterday. I apparently didnt loose my appetite. I am giving myself an extra day before i weigh in. So today i am ready to get back on plan.

Sorry the cold is kicking you down. Hopefully you feel better and better over the weekend.

Congratulations to all ourWIN-NERS!!!! Great job everyone!! I actually did measure myself last week, but never sent it in, but I will, and hope to join you all and see some inches lost!!!

I never did congratulate our big WIN-ners, so thanks for the reminder. GREAT JOB FOLKS!

What will you do when you have the dreaded setback. You may fall back into old habits, eating junk, the exercise slows down and you're back on the couch. It happens to all of us. But it does not have to be the end of out weight loss. We can get back on track, pick yourself back up. Imagine yourself at the weight you feel good and healthy at. Are you there? Not yet, then get up off that couch again, and go out for a quick walk. Pick up some apples and bananas, and start eating healthy again. Forgive yourself. You are not a failure. YOu can be a success. The key is to never give up, to get up every day and do the very best that you can for that day. Things in life may derail you, but to quote a famous disboard weight loss success- "you may not be able to control what is happening in your life right now, but you can control your reaction to it" -pamela/pjlla.
Promise yourself right now, YOU WILL NOT EVER GIVE UP!! You are worth the hard work and dedication, and you will reach your goal as long as you keep on trying.

Well said!!


Now I'm having a hard time of what to ask my fairy godmother for. It has to be chocolate, any chocolate, chocolate cake, milk chocolate, dove chocolate, lindt chocolate, chocolate trifle, chocolate ice cream. I feel so greedy, but I think that's what i want, all chocolate to be calorie free. Thank you fairy godmother.

OH MY GOSH.... calorie-free Lindt chocolate?? I'm drooling!

I am happy to report I'm down 0.2 pounds, so I was able to lose my superbowl weekend gain, and planning to continue onward and downward with the rest of you. We can do it!!!

Have a fabulous friday friends!!!

That is three weeks in a row for you!! I'm so pleased!!

Thanks Pamela for coaching~I coach next week. I can't believe I have to follow the awesome Pamela!

I appreciate the compliment, but honestly, I am just repeating so much of what I have learned from all of my great friends here.

I would write about putting yourself first. Yes, it's important to help and care for others, but until you put yourself first, you are not at your best. And, you cannot feel guilty taking time for yourself. Especially women who have children. The best thing for your children is to have a healthy, happy mother. Take time for yourself, eat healthy, and exercise!

So important!!

Just one dessert? Tiramisu or white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. It's a toss up

Maybe it needs to be one CATEGORY.... like all cheesecake, all cookies, or all chocolate!


Yay it's Friday! I actually have NO plans this weekend! I do need to go grocery shopping and I am going to yoga tomorrow morning, but we have nothing else scheduled!

I'm SO jealous!!

I plan to get a lot of cleaning done. Although, my boys want to go to Cleveland to the Lego Store. I want to wait to go when DH can go, but that may be at Easter. DS8 is also hinting (about every minute ) that he wants to see Star Wars in 3D. Ugh~DS5 does not like 3D movies so I hate paying extra for the 3D when he leaves his glasses on for about 15 minutes. But, they love Star Wars, so we might do that instead of the Lego Store. Maybe DS5 will like it in 3D better than other movies we've seen which are cartoons.

I'll probably take DS and a friend during Feb. school vacation week. We'll do a whole day of movie and bowling and pizza and call it DS's birthday party day! DH would probably love to go, but he can't do 3-D movies with his eye problems and I'm SURE that DS won't be content to see this in 2-D.

Well, I have to run for now. I have to finish my lesson planning for next week. Have a super Friday!

Jill

Thanks.... it's a great Friday so far.


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

Just a bit of chatter here.....

did anyone watch the TLC show "My 600-lb life." last week? It was sad and inspiring. The woman was pretty honest about her feelings. I didn't like her much in the beginning, but her success at the end was absolutely inspiring. She went from nearly 700 pounds to 180 (after gastric bypass and several HUGE skin removal surgeries over the course of a few years) and is now a patient liaison for the bypass surgeon who did her surgeries. She was also starting a support/informational group for folks considering gastric bypass. I was absolutely thrilled to see her success at the end and her willingness to pass on all that she had learned.

I think when you go through a big life change like that it really does CHANGE everything in your life. I will say, even though I didn't go through the same journey as that woman (her name was Melissa), the weight loss journey I experienced (and am still on) has changed a great deal of the focus of my life. I read SO MUCH about healthy eating, exercise, and weight loss. I've become a little obsessed about it..... I receive four magazines.... Fitness, Weight Watchers, Nutrition Action Newsletter and a scrapping magazine. The shows I am currently recording on my DVR are things like "The Biggest Loser", "Fat Chef", and "My 600-lb Life".

The books on my shelf right now are things like "The Flat Belly Diet", "The Fat, Slow Tri-Athlete", "WW Success Stories". I've read Richard Simmons' biography, Valerie Bertonelli's book "Losing It", and I finally got through the book written by Abby Rike from BL fame (can't remember the title right now).

I feel like every tip and trick and idea and recipe I can glean from these sources is one more thing to help me be successful on this continuing journey.

I'll be back later for more chatting. Breakfast is over and it is time to hit the TM for all it's worth. Then three loads of laundry to fold and maybe I can finish up my menu planning project I started yesterday. I can't wait to share it all with you when it is done!

.................................P

 

[pjlla]

Speaking of those books, I have a few things up for grabs.....

books...

"Working it Out" by Abby Rike of BL fame

TAKEN"Losing It" by Valerie Bertinelli

DVD........

TAKEN "Dancing with the Stars" Latin Cardi Dance exercise dvd

If you would be interested in one of these, please PM me your address..... first come, first served. There may be more stuff as I do more cleaning! .........P

 

[RemembertheMagic98]

And happy Friday to everyone!
QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Thanks for coaching Pamela!!!

My advice would be water. Drink it when your hungry and you would not believe how it can turn your hunger around! Many times when I was hungry I was probably more dehydrated and need more water to make me feel better.

My calorie free dessert is ICE CREAM....chocolate chip mint preferred!

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

Morning all!

I read the Boards yesterday and I thought I replied and it must have just poofed away instead If I have time today I will catch up and repost.

I'm convinced there is a cosmic force trying to keep me away from my Weight Watchers meeting on Thursdays!!! The first time I wanted to join we had snow and the weekend weigh in meetings were canceled. Last week I went with just a I-almost-ran-out-of-gas scare. This week, faculty meeting ran until 5:30 and there was no way I could make it home, change, and get to the meeting. Well, I got home and changed and would actually make the meeting, but the road that the WW center is on was closed for a water main break What next??? Soooo, today I am determined to get out of here on time and get to the meeting (5:30) at 5 for my weigh in. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I do not meet with some kind of catastrophic event before I get there!

My eating has been pretty good this week (despite the terrible eating weekend last weekend) so I am looking to maintain this week. Let's hope!

Well, off to get some much needed morning coffee

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

And happy Friday to everyone!

My name is Pamela and I will be your coach for the next 7 days!

Just a quick note about myself.... I am a 40-something mostly SAHM to two sometimes delightful teens (DD 16 1/2, DS just turned 14), married to my DH for going on 20 years this spring. I work as a substitute teacher occasionally....mostly elementary level, sometimes high school lately.

I struggled with my weight to some degree or another from about age 13. I was never really big, but always thought of myself as the "fat girl" in high school, although looking back at photos I was really very average.

I lost weight in my 20's for my wedding but promptly put it all back plus some. I yo-yo'ed through my late 20's and got pregnant with DD at age 30 and 180 pounds. Then got pregnant with DS a few years later at about 190.... and finally hit my all-time high non-pregnant weight of 219 in about 2002.

Lost 40-ish pounds in 2003 and then struggled to keep it off, regaining about half. Started this journey YET AGAIN in 2008 at exactly 200 pounds and haven't looked back yet. I have been within a pound of my final goal of 128 pounds a few times, but haven't quite hit it, so I have decided that my goal is unrealistic and have changed my goal to a range of 130-133. I was with my goal range for about a year and then finally got to 129 last spring.... but combine a trip to Disney with summer vacation and I was quickly above my goal range and have been struggling to get back there ever since. But even if I never lose another pound, I am fairly satisfied where I am at.
Thanks for being our coach this week

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


If it had to be just one sentence I'd say "Eat less and more more!"

An easy way to accomplish the eat less bit of this is to serve meals on a smaller plate. I've been married for almost 24 years and recently bought some new chinaware-I was amazed at how much bigger the new dinner plates are (at least 2inch diameter bigger) than the old ones!! I found I was serving much bigger portions without thinking on the new plates

BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

It would have to be my mums hot apple tart and vanilla ice-cream
Oh or Bailleys chocolate truffles

 

[amykathleen2005]

QOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:

I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Hmmm.....my contribution is that if you want to be successful you MUST track calories in. If you can't lose weight the problem is hidden somewhere in there, you just have to find it. So if you go over your limit every week tracking shows you what you could have done better. If you are feeling weak, tracking shows you if you need more of certain nutrients. If you cannot find any reason then you can take your notes to an expert to show what you've done and they can see if you may have a medical issue to overcome like a thyroid problem. I use myfitnesspal.com and it is awesome. You can put in every little bite. It has thousands of foods from across the world listed on there and you can even scan the bar code of an item with your smart phone and it will appear. The tool has an app and tracks every major nutrient, telling you if you are above or below your goal. You can also input water you drink in cups as well as exercise and it makes a tracker for your weight loss. All in all a fabulous tool that I started using right when I started this challenge I have already lost 13.5lbs so it definitely works!

Happy to report a loss this week of 3 lbs. which puts my weight at 166! Only 6 lbs. to my challenge goal and 21lbs to my ultimate goal of 145.

 

[pjlla]

Thanks for coaching Pamela!!!

My advice would be water. Drink it when your hungry and you would not believe how it can turn your hunger around! Many times when I was hungry I was probably more dehydrated and need more water to make me feel better.

GREAT advice!!

My calorie free dessert is ICE CREAM....chocolate chip mint preferred!

My favorite flavor!

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

Morning all!

I read the Boards yesterday and I thought I replied and it must have just poofed away instead If I have time today I will catch up and repost.

I'm convinced there is a cosmic force trying to keep me away from my Weight Watchers meeting on Thursdays!!! The first time I wanted to join we had snow and the weekend weigh in meetings were canceled. Last week I went with just a I-almost-ran-out-of-gas scare. This week, faculty meeting ran until 5:30 and there was no way I could make it home, change, and get to the meeting. Well, I got home and changed and would actually make the meeting, but the road that the WW center is on was closed for a water main break What next??? Soooo, today I am determined to get out of here on time and get to the meeting (5:30) at 5 for my weigh in. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I do not meet with some kind of catastrophic event before I get there!

My eating has been pretty good this week (despite the terrible eating weekend last weekend) so I am looking to maintain this week. Let's hope!

Well, off to get some much needed morning coffee

Just the fact that you continue to TRY to get to WW despite all of this adversity speaks VOLUMES to your committment to get healthier and lose the weight for good!

It would have to be my mums hot apple tart and vanilla ice-cream
Oh or Bailleys chocolate truffles

Double yum!

Hmmm.....my contribution is that if you want to be successful you MUST track calories in. If you can't lose weight the problem is hidden somewhere in there, you just have to find it. So if you go over your limit every week tracking shows you what you could have done better. If you are feeling weak, tracking shows you if you need more of certain nutrients. If you cannot find any reason then you can take your notes to an expert to show what you've done and they can see if you may have a medical issue to overcome like a thyroid problem. I use myfitnesspal.com and it is awesome. You can put in every little bite. It has thousands of foods from across the world listed on there and you can even scan the bar code of an item with your smart phone and it will appear. The tool has an app and tracks every major nutrient, telling you if you are above or below your goal. You can also input water you drink in cups as well as exercise and it makes a tracker for your weight loss. All in all a fabulous tool that I started using right when I started this challenge I have already lost 13.5lbs so it definitely works!

Really good advice! Tracking WORKS!!

Happy to report a loss this week of 3 lbs. which puts my weight at 166! Only 6 lbs. to my challenge goal and 21lbs to my ultimate goal of 145.

That is amazing weight loss this week! WTG!

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

Quiet thread today!

I had a headache starting at 2:30 am.... probably coming from my neck, but could also be hormonal. Anyhow, I managed to ignore it most of the morning, but about 11am or so it was getting bad. I finally popped some Advil about noon and actually laid down for a bit (which means it was really bad). I got up at 1pm and felt a bit better and ate lunch. I feel okay now, but have that sort of "migraine hangover" type feeling, so of course I don't feel like doing anything that I should be.

But I am PROUD of myself for managing 46 minutes on the TM despite the headache. I didn't do as many sprint intervals as I should have, but I kept moving and even threw in some 5 lb hand weight work (which probably aggravated the neck/head pain, unfortunately).

I'm splurging on some 100 calorie microwave popcorn right now. I only eat it every few months, but I had the munchies AGAIN today and was trying to avoid a dive into the nut jar!

Off to check my PM box.................P

 

[GoofyPredsFan]

And happy Friday to everyone!
IQOTD for Friday, Feb. 10:
I'm writing a book called "Weight loss for Dummies". I'd like contributions from folks like you who are taking part in this "journey", whether you are just starting out, mid-way to your goal, or cruising in maintenance. Your contribution can be anywhere from one sentence to one paragraph.

(P.S..... I like to imagine that a person struggling with their weight grabs the book at the store and flips open to ONE page.... and what they see on that page will determine whether they buy the book or not.... what if it is YOUR contribution they are seeing? How compelling will it be??)


BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

Q1) I would tell them to learn to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their everyday eating. This is by far one of the most important things I have learned. It really does make a difference. There are so many benefits of doing this. They're good for weightloss and for your heart and they fill you up.
Q2) I want ALL chocolate to be calorie free!! I would be one happy girl

 

[amykathleen2005]

BONUS QOTD:
If the Fairy Godmother could create one dessert for you that would be calorie-free FOREVER, what would it be?? Ice cream?? Cheesecake? Chocolate chip cookies?? .....................................P

I forgot to answer the bonus! I think ice cream should be calorie-free. I LOVE ice cream. Although I have already found some Nestle Mini Drumsticks which come in a variety of flavors for only 120 calories! I have one everyday.