TEAM DONALD--Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge

[donac]

Good Monday morning Team Donald

Just a short post. I over slept by about 15 minutes this morning and need to get going.


The weekend shows went well. We took about 2 hours last night and sorted costumes. My van is now filled with things that need to be transported to a storage area. There are some problems with the former director and the new director wanted anything from the storage area to sent back there. I can go into later in the month when something finally happens. I still don't know what is going to happen with this situation. I think the parents are going to the board of ed later this month and I plan to be there.

Don't forget to send your weights and hh points in.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[SettinSail]

good morning Donalds

Of course Dona has already beat me to the first post - she is a dynamo Glad your shows went well this weekend. Now that it's over, you will have a lot more free time I'm sure you will fill it up

I've eaten breakfast, started on water drinking, got laundry going and need to get in my elliptical workout after this.

It is getting hard to think up a new QOTD every day so this one is recycled from last challenge:

QOTD Monday March 13, 2011
Are you working on weight loss for a special event?

Or, do you happen to have one coming up that you are looking forward to "showing off" at? I started my weight loss efforts on my 49th birthday with the goal of losing 50 pounds by the time I turned 50. Well, that did not happen so I'm not really working with an end date in mind but I do have some goals ahead:

1. This upcoming weekend is spa weekend for my Women's Club. We are going to Baden-Baden. The past few weeks I have tried to keep in mind that it's coming up and work hard.

2. We have a Spring and a Fall beer festival in our town that is the 2nd largest beer festival in the world, behind Munich. Everyone dressses up in traditional dirndls and leder hosen. I've never dressed up before but I bought a special blouse to wear this time. It is VERY tight around the middle and I want to be able to wear it by the first of May.

3. My BFF is coming to visit me for 10 days in May. She is VERY fit and active and wants to see and do a lot. I want to be able to keep up with her! We've been friends for 26 years, met each other on our first job after college and we both turned 50 this year.

What events do you have coming up?

Pamela, so sorry about your long post disappearing. That happened to me the other night. I hope you will find time to repost it, I would love to hear your weight loss story.

JimDuck, hang in there. My first thought is to go ahead and face the scale but you know yourself better than I do. Do what works for you!
So much of weight loss and making healthy changes is mental. I play all the mental games I can with myself if it will work! Don't ever worry about contributing to the team's total weight loss.....just do what is healthy for you Your "Silent Night" experience sounds moving.
Glad you no longer binge & purge!!!

Honugirl, nice to hear from you
for your health issues, that sounds tough. I often feel there's no rhyme or reason for why my body decides to drop weight too and you are right, it is very frustruating. I'm glad you have a diagnosis and can get ongoing treatment.

Well, it's Monday I was glad to send DS back to school today and have the house back to myself. I need to PM my weight to Tigger, it will definitly be Friday's weight I was down a little yesterday from Saturday, but still up over 3 lbs from Friday I know exactly what it was, 2 little devils called cashews and potato chips. I really can't have them in the house and I need to think before buying them again. They are now on my "can't buy" list I've planned in my head everything I'm eating today and now I just need to carry it out. Some days this is a breeze and some days I really have to fight myself. Hoping it will be a good day

Shawn

 

[mikamah]

Good morning, Donalds!!

I ate crap all day yesterday, and got mcdonalds for dinner, and was totally out of control. Tom arrived this morning, and I feel so much more in control today. I had forgotten the broth and onion for the chicken broc ziti and since I bagged it for dinner and did mcd's, I started making it late and it was too late to go to the store. So I went this morning and got just those items, and walked by the crap that I couldn't walk by yesterday, and thought I am going to get back in control right now, and stay there. I have my paper out to journal, and had egg beaters, cheese and salsa for bkfst. It is such a head game. I get off work at 2, and will run then.

Shawn- It's nice to know I'm not the only one who buys the things I can't control myself around. It was doritos and mini cupcakes for me yesterday. Duh. Michael had asked for the cupcakes last week and I said no, so when i was there yesterday I bought them for "him". 6 each, I ate my six, and he's got 4 left. Surprised I didn't eat his other 4. I'll post the chicken brocolli recipe I have on the healthy recipe thread later. It's a healthy recipe, and good as it's called for, but when I make it for a holiday or occassion, i tend to add more sour cream and cheese, and buttered crumbs on top. I love the sounds of your spa weekend, and beer fest! Two opposite ends of the spectrum. Lucky you didn't have to choose between the two, that would be a tough decision. Oh, not for me, the beer fest it would be.

Pamela- I'm sorry about your long post. I hope you take the time to post again about your weight loss history. And thank you for solving all our problems too! I'm sure your advice will be telepathically transferred to all of us. I think that's why I walked right by the cupcakes at market basket today.

Linda- Sorry you have such a struggle with the scale. As someone who actually gained over 10 pounds through one of these challenges in the past, please don't every feel bad posting a gain. We are all here to support each other through the ups and downs, and any other life stresses that are affecting our healthy living. Hang in there. I would definitely vote for a tuesday afternoon time change. great idea. Let's start writing our congressmen right now.

Dona- Hi there. Glad your weekend went well. We miss your chatty posts when you are busy.

Honugirl- Just a hug for all you have had to deal with. I hope you have a spring break coming up and are able to take some "me" time. Hang in there.

LTS- OMG, you are almost in ONE-derland!!! WHoo hoo!! Hope this week we'll be doing the celebration dance with you!!!! I hear you on the sister thing, though my younger sister would have been an 8 and I was a 16, so it wasn't as bad as a zero. I have an older sister and a younger sister, and the oldest has always been the heaviest, and the youngest always thinnest, except when she had her first son 20 years ago, I was a 10 at the time, and it was truly the only time I've been thinner than here. Funny, I feel the competition with my younger sister, but I don't feel any competition with my older sister, and think I have always been supportive of her when she has lost and never felt threatened by that. Though growing up through the teen years, wasn't so pretty, but I don't think it was about weight, but you never know. Well, I'm rambling, so I'll stop now. Can't wait to hear you're in ONE-derland!!!

Buffy- I used to love country dancing. I still think when Michael is old enough I can leave him alone for an evening, I'd like to try and find a place and get back into it.

Hello to everyone else! Hope you all have an easy monday.

Off to work soon, and am going to write every bite I eat at the pot luck. I'll have my casserole so I know what's in it, and someone is bringing fruit salad.

 

[mikamah]

forgot the qotd

QOTD Monday March 13, 2011
Are you working on weight loss for a special event?

I don't really have anything coming up, except summer and bathing suit season. I do want to do a 5 mile road race in june, and would like to look better for that. I was looking for another half marathon, and there's one in Salem, the next town over from me at the end of sept, and the first week in oct there's one at Hampton beach which looks fun, so I'm going to see if anyone wants to do one with me, and go from there. If I do one alone, it would be the salem one. It's nice because I know the route, and it's relatively flat except for one hilly part right in the middle. I think I need a goal race, and if I have one planned it will help keep me moving during my summer vacation at the end of august.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

Good Morning team Donald. I have been MIA & need help to get back on track.

The last 2 weeks have been not so great. Some family stress (mostly from my father) and a whole lot of negativitity in my household, combined with many boxes of girl scout cookies and a bad knee.....and I have gained back 2lbs

I know that I need to reign this in now, & get back to tracking my food & being on the healthy track again, so here I am.

The knee really has me bummed. I am not exactly sure what I did to it but it has been hurting on & off since January. I am probably going to need to see a doctor about it. In the meantime I bought a knee brace over the weekend, and it feels so much better when I wear it.

I need to get to the gym this week. I won a 3 month membership, but I need to redeem it before the end of the month. I have been putting it off since the knee feels better when I rest it.

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

I was not overweight as a young girl. When I ate what my mother served me & didn't really make my own food choices & was slim.

In around 7-8th grade, I began snacking after school and became less active. Snacking doesn't sound like a bad thing, but my snacks were things like 2 slices of pizza, a hot dog & ice cream. By the time I was in HS I got in the habit of eating an entire meal between lunch & dinner & that is when the weight piled on. I was over 200lbs in college.

When I met my DH it only got worse since he wasn't physically active either & one of our favorite activities was to eat together. Add to that the fact that he loved me despite my weight....and we ate out all the time while dating & during our first year married. I weighed over 260lbs by the time I got pregnant with my twins.

Six + years ago, my mom passed away & that is when I reached my heaviest. I think at my highest, after her death, I weighed 278lbs. I lost some of that weight & kept it off for years before starting this weight loss journey at 261lbs.

So I sit here now, at 249lbs, frustrated at myself for getting derailed again. But I am trying to focus on the postives.....one of which, I am actually at my lightest weight that I have been at for years. It has to be 12 or more years since I weighed under 250lbs. Now I just need to get my head on straight & keep moving in the right direction.....

As for today's QOTD,

I am losing weight for my life and my health. There is no major event or vacation, I am just tired of living in this body!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[princess_reject]

For now, I just suffer through my little 2.5 mile runs 3 x week. I want to eventually get that up to 5K.

I always tell people that if you can run 2 miles, you can run 3.1 I only started running a few years ago with the goal of running a 5k. Until the day I actually ran it, I don't think I ever ran more than 2.5 miles at the most. Even now that I am running on a more regular basis, I very rarely run more than 2.5 miles, but I know that I can do a 5k.

I'd love to use the salad bar at the grocery store more, but the salad dressing is not in its original packaging so I have NO idea about the calorie count. How do you manage that? Does your store have the NI still on the bottles?

Yes, my grocery store has the original labels on the bottles so I know the nutrition info. I love using the salad bar there because I can add the things that I don't usually have on hand at home.

QOTD Saturday March 12, 2011

Do you have an area of your body that you consider to be a "problem area"?

I would probably say my stomach is my problem area...I guess in more than one way since I am always wanting to fill it I think my midsection is where I carry most of my weight, unfortunatly. I have naturally muscular legs and arms, but my stomach is kind of flabby. I don't do anything specific to target it though. I keep thinking that I should do more core work, but I haven't started yet

Often when I have a really big splurge day/meal, I have trouble ending it. Why is it that I can splurge on movie popcorn and a few M&M's at the movies.... and then come home and eat three pieces of chocolate (from my secret Lindt stash) instead of just ending it when I walk out of the theater????? Talk about adding injury to insult!!!

This is totally me too. If I just stop eating something all together, I don't have too much of a problem avoiding it. But once I have "just one" I usually end up having more like 10 I am really trying to be more consistant, but sometimes I don't succeed.

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

I think I have always been at least a little bigger than I should be. I always said I was "big boned" and naturally muscular, which maybe I am, but I was deffinitely using it as an excuse.

For almost as long as I can remember, I have been about a size 12. I know that when I graduated high school, I was around 170. When I went to college, I actually lost weight my freshman year because I was playing volleyball and had 2 a day practices for the first couple of months. Pair that with the fact that I was poor and so I only ate at meal times at the caffeteria, I lost about 15 lbs.

After that, I landed around 160-165 and stayed there pretty consistantly. About 4 years ago I hit my all time high of 181. I decided that I was not happy with that and made a lot of really good changes. I started counting calories and working out at least 5 days a week. At that time I was also working a very physical job and was on my feet, constantly walking and lifting luggage for 9 hrs a day, 4 or 5 days a week. I actually really hated the job, so I think part of the reason that I was so successful with losing the weight was because it was something I could control and was something that actually made me happy. After about 6 months, I weighed in at my adult low of 148. I was wearing a size 8 which is the first time since 8th grade that I was in a single digit size.

In the fall of 2007, I got a new position at my company that was located at our general offices instead of at the airport. Now, instead of a job that I hated, but burned lots of calories doing, I have a job I love, but spend 9 hrs a day on my rear in front of a computer. At that same time, I also met and started dating my boyfriend. When we first started dating, we worked out together a lot, but as we got comfortable with each other and fell into a routine, we stopped being so consistant. We would go through phases, but generally, we skipped the gym more often than not. So, since that time, I gained back most of what I worked so hard to lose I started this challenge at 177.

I will say now that 148 is probably an unrealistic weight for me. I really am natually muscular and I build muscle quickly. To maintain a wieght that low, I would have to stop strenght training, which I know is a necessary part of being healthy. So I have a goal of 156. I think that is a weight that I will be able to maintain without giving up too much. It also puts me into the healthy BMI category

Whoo...that was a long story, huh?

And I am now ONE OUNCE away from One-derland!!

Woo Hoo!

Someone on my Facebook page made the suggestion that we jump ahead on a Tuesday at 4 p.m. rather than 2 a.m on a Sunday.

I never thought of that...that would be awesome!

QOTD Monday March 13, 2011
Are you working on weight loss for a special event?

I don't have a specifice event, although, my BF and I have a deal that once I reach 160 we can plan a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately, I think it is going to be a while before we can afford to go even after I reach that goal Other than that, it would be for my upcoming Ultimate season. It is so much easier to sprint and change directions when I am lighter, so I am looking forward to a good season.

I ate crap all day yesterday, and got mcdonalds for dinner, and was totally out of control.

I hear you! On Saturday, BF and I went to McDonalds and I actually ordered the grilled chicken snack wraps (which aren't great for you, but aren't terrible either), but when we got our food, we had the angus snack wraps instead. I wanted to go back and exchange them, but BF said to just eat them. Actually, they were really delicious but I know they were awful for me. And, just for good measure, I got a shamrock shake to share with him

Hi everyone! I had a busy, but good weekend, although my eating was terribly suspect. On Friday night I finally gave in and we ordered pizza for dinner. I had very good intentions to have something healthy and to go to the gym, but instead, it was pizza and I fell asleep at 8 It was nice to get a lot of sleep though! On Sat, BF and I spent much of the day shopping and running errands. He finally talked me into buying a Wii. I got the Wii Fit too, so I am hoping to add some of that into my workout routine once or twice a week. We also played racquet ball, which we used to do a lot, but haven't in close to 2 years. Both of us have had shoulder injuries, so we have avoided it. It was a lot of fun, but I have certainly lost a step while he seemed to start right back where he was before. He easily beat me 3 games in a row, but it was a fantastic workout

Well, I have spent my first 2 hrs of work reading and responding here, so I should probably get to what I am getting paid for

Have a great day!

beth

 

[jimmduck]

Just a quick pop in.

Decided to face the scale this morning.

Also sent the weight in to Tracey.

Was up from the last weigh in but only 1.6 lbs - and three pounds less than I was this time last week (when I did not send in the weight).

So I am continuing on.

The scale is a necessary evil, just really hard for me.

Hope to pop back in later. Thanks to you all for your encouragement.

Linda

 

[sparks19]

Hey everyone

boy I have a lot to catch up on here. I didn't get a chance to make it here all weekend.

We went to the Philly Zoo on Saturday it was so nice. about 55 degrees so the animals were really active. I got some great photos of them. That also means I did a lot of walking that day

I'm down 5 lbs now. WOOHOO.

Just wanted to check in and now I'm going to go and read all the posts I missed

 

[mom2knk]

Hi everyone~

I've been terrible about posting here, but I do try to pop in and read as much as I can, and really appreciate the coaching and support found on this thread!

My weight is down two pounds this week, which is great for me all by itself- but I'm most excited because my short range goal is within reach! I started this challenge at 210 and have lost a total of 10 pounds so far. However, I really wanted to reach One-derland by my birthday, which is coming up this Saturday. As long as I can pull one pound this week, I'll get there!

From there I can move on to my long range goal, that of being a thinner, healthier person!

Have a great day Donalds!

~Lori

 

[lisah0711]

Well add me to the list of folks whose long post was poofed by the poof fairy!

No time to rewrite now but just want to say Go, LTS, go and go, Lori, go! Can't wait to hear that you ladies have reached ONE-derland!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have been here on and off since this morning but kept having to leave so couldn't finish posting! I had to run DD's camp form up to church since it was due yesterday. While on my way home I realized that I forgot to give her her medicine this morning so I had to run home and get it and go and give it to her. Came home for a few minutes to make some calls then had to go back out and get her some lunch and take it up to her school. I always have lunch at school with my kids for their birthday and bring them "fast food". Then some small errands and back home.

I was signing in for lunch in the school office and a teacher was in there turning a leave form and discussing the need for a sub with the secretary. They have a few "regulars" but teacher said they were all busy. So the secretary said she would just put it out on the system and get whoever signed up. I hate to seem like I am eavesdropping or to interrupt conversations but HELLO!!!! I AM STANDING RIGHT HERE. I am constantly reminding them that I sub and love to work at this school. I have no idea why they can't seem to remember that! Last year I was there for an event in DD's class when the teacher next door had to leave suddenly and I overheard they couldn't find a sub and were really in a bind. I volunteered to leave DD's event and work "off the clock" for about an hour until the official start time (sub days here are either all day or half, nothing in between). I had hoped that would mean they would remember what a wonderful and dedicated sub I am, but so far, nothing. DD's own teacher whom I have subbed for in the past keeps forgetting to call me--the music teacher had to take her class a few weeks ago because she couldn't find anyone--I was home that day! I really have to wonder if they have something against me? So I interrupted and just said "Oh, when do you need someone for?". Secretary had that "oh, I completely forgot that you sub" look and asked if I could do it. I told them I would check my calendar, came home and rearranged a dr appt and have the job for next week. Yeesh, I am not sure what more I can do to get them to call me if they can't even remember when I am standing there!

Olive Garden worked out very well last night. I had the mixed grill (beef and chicken) with grilled veggies and asparagus. I had some salad but I really don't like predressed salads so it wasn't much, and only ONE breadstick. We came home for cake and ice cream and as much as I would have liked to skip it (I really was full) DD made, frosted and decorated the cake herself so I had to have a piece. I cut one so thin you could practically read through it! I had about 2 Tablespoons of ice cream with it. But I did have to do some taste testing later when I made "puppy chow" for her to take to school today. But as my day had worked out I actually had only eaten a very small amount of black bean soup and a yogurt the rest of the day so it shouldn't be a problem (I hope!). I had the leftover chicken for breakfast this morning.

Planning a light meal of soup and salad tonight since the rest of the family had Alfredo last night.

It is too late to go back and repost everything. Sorry. Again, I said wonderful, witty, intelligent things!! I solved everyone's problems and practically, single-handedly, found a way to create world peace! But it's all gone now. oh well.

So sorry about that, I know how frustrating that is! It is the thought that counts so we all feel very supported and had a great laugh and are problem free today.

There are some problems with the former director and the new director wanted anything from the storage area to sent back there. I can go into later in the month when something finally happens. I still don't know what is going to happen with this situation. I think the parents are going to the board of ed later this month and I plan to be there.

That stinks that he is causing so many problems. I hope you all can get it sorted out. Seems like the administration should be able to step in and make things happen.

Not sure what to do in the morning, do I face it? I know it will be waaaay up, and I am not sure I can handle that without going into a downward spiral, even though I went to the gym and have been perfectly OP for today.

Sorry I am not contributing to the team total though - especially when I am OP and consistent I know I can do well - made the superstar list one week.

Ooh, the scale. Hate it but necessary part of program.

Someone on my Facebook page made the suggestion that we jump ahead on a Tuesday at 4 p.m. rather than 2 a.m on a Sunday.

Hang a sign by your scale that says "Today is a NEW day and I CAN do this." or something else inspirational. Or if you think you can resist, ditch the scale and measure your progress by your clothes or your inches. Being in this challenge is really just about YOU, so do what is best for you to succeed and we are right here with you to offer help and support.

Definitely all for the 4pm Tuesday jump! I am still trying to adjust and not doing a great job yet!

OK Donald peeps, time for me to hopefully get back on board here. School is just killing me. I'm exhausted most of the time because of it.

Now I'm trying to regain my life. It's really hard and frustrating.

While I haven't faced anything near the challenges you have, I totally understand that feeling of trying to get back to your life. I have said that repeatedly to doctors the last few years "I JUST WANT MY LIFE BACK!". You are a fighter and have been fighting all your life so this is just one more step in your journey.

I'll post the chicken brocolli recipe I have on the healthy recipe thread later. It's a healthy recipe, and good as it's called for, but when I make it for a holiday or occassion, i tend to add more sour cream and cheese, and buttered crumbs on top.

LTS- OMG, you are almost in ONE-derland!!! WHoo hoo!! Hope this week we'll be doing the celebration dance with you!!!! Can't wait to hear you're in ONE-derland!!!

I will be looking for that recipe too. No ONEderland today but I really hope that it will be this week. I am torn between wanting to weigh everyday and wanting to just wait until Friday! I think I may throw some laundry on the scale to hide it and wait until Friday. If I do everyday it will fluctuate up and down and I will probably have a 1 day then 2 day and be discouraged!

When I met my DH it only got worse since he wasn't physically active either & one of our favorite activities was to eat together. Add to that the fact that he loved me despite my weight....and we ate out all the time while dating & during our first year married. I weighed over 260lbs by the time I got pregnant with my twins.

Six + years ago, my mom passed away & that is when I reached my heaviest. I think at my highest, after her death, I weighed 278lbs. I lost some of that weight & kept it off for years before starting this weight loss journey at 261lbs.

So I sit here now, at 249lbs, frustrated at myself for getting derailed again. But I am trying to focus on the postives.....one of which, I am actually at my lightest weight that I have been at for years. It has to be 12 or more years since I weighed under 250lbs. Now I just need to get my head on straight & keep moving in the right direction.....

Just reading this, you have already come a long way. You have proven to yourself that you CAN do this. Set smaller goals for yourself-- 10 pounds off, or 25 gone and work towards those.

I will say now that 148 is probably an unrealistic weight for me. I really am natually muscular and I build muscle quickly. To maintain a wieght that low, I would have to stop strenght training, which I know is a necessary part of being healthy. So I have a goal of 156. I think that is a weight that I will be able to maintain without giving up too much. It also puts me into the healthy BMI category

Picking a healthy and attainable weight goal is great! Too many people pick some arbitrary number that isn't realistic and then get discouraged when they can't get to it or comfortably stay at it. I really have no idea where I will end up but am just aiming for a range and will see what happens when I get there.

Decided to face the scale this morning.

Also sent the weight in to Tracey.

Was up from the last weigh in but only 1.6 lbs - and three pounds less than I was this time last week (when I did not send in the weight).

So I am continuing on.

The scale is a necessary evil, just really hard for me.

Way to go! Just keep swimming!


Okay this has literally taken me almost all day to post so I better go and get some other things done! Have a great rest of the day everyone!

 

[lisah0711]

I always have lunch at school with my kids for their birthday and bring them "fast food".

Wow, busy day, LTS!

Ah yes, I fondly remember the days when my bringing lunch to school was considered fun and a treat! Last Friday I was helping the teacher with some typing and went at lunch to pick it up. I ran into my DS and told him I was there to have lunch with him. He said "NO!" and looked like this . I am such a mean Mom!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Wow, busy day, LTS!

Ah yes, I fondly remember the days when my bringing lunch to school was considered fun and a treat! Last Friday I was helping the teacher with some typing and went at lunch to pick it up. I ran into my DS and told him I was there to have lunch with him. He said "NO!" and looked like this . I am such a mean Mom!

LOL! Show up with a bag full of Taco Bell and Large Coke. I have found that usually works!

Actually DD15 was a little disappointed that I didn't sit with her at lunch this year but it is her freshman year of high school and I just don't think any parents come up there. I told her it was probably not a good idea. As it worked out I was volunteering up at the school that day anyway so I was in the lunch room and I brought her a Subway Sandwich (her request every year) and a huge box of cupcakes to pass out. Having cupcakes or cookies to pass out also makes you the cool mom so the other kids, and yours, don't mind if you are there! But I don't want dd to have any social issues because mom came to sit with her at lunch. She isn't ultra popular so she can't away with stuff like that, even though her friends wouldn't have a problem with it! They are all already asking what I am bringing next year!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Just looking over the Healthy Habits list to see how many points I got this week. Did anyone else remember to list their positives for each day? I forgot we should post them here but the deadline is today so here they are:

Friday: OFF TO CROP!
Saturday: I won 2 prizes!
Sunday: Back home to my family
Monday: Didn't sleep all day and got up to get things done (not so sure that was positive though!)
Tuesday: DH came to my Dr appt with me and the visit wasn't as bad as I thought it might be
Wednesday: Found a store that has my oatmeal!
Thursday: Got my organized photo files back on to my computer from the backup!

 

[jbm02]

Hi from VA!!! It's not Florida but there is NO SNOW. WOOOHOOO!!!!

Jude, we did not go on the actual SOM tour. There are just some things my guys won't do We are about 3-4 hours away from Salzburg by car so I AM going to do that tour before we leave here however! I did hear it was corny and you ride on the bus singing the songs but I don't care! Aren't you glad you got to see Egypt? I had 2 friends go there last year and their pictures were awesome. I went with my two college roommates back in..oh no....1985. We sang through the whole thing...!!..and so did everyone else on the bus. My Austrian relatives thought we were nuts.
As for Egypt, I was thrilled to see the pyramids but...was totally shocked at the countryside in general. I probably should have done alot more research before going to Egypt but superficial me always viewed Cairo as the cosmopolitan center of Egypt . I didn't expect Paris but thought it would be more urban, kind of like Milan or other European urban centers. The level of poverty and lack of modern urbanization really opened my eyes. It really wasn't that different from the cities I had seen in Iraq (absent mortars).

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

Make it a great day Donalds!

Shawn

Another true confession time. And let me preface this by saying I love my mom. I really do. But growing up she was a 5'0, 85 pound waif. And she could never understand why I wasn't. So, from about age 11 on, I received alot of "constructive criticism" about my weight and why couldn't I control it. I can remember doing crunches and push ups at 11PM at night rather than going to sleep, and getting up at 5AM to do them all over again. And you know what? I pulled out my baby book (which allow entry up until I'm a grandma!) and looked at the recorded heights and weights. At age 14, I weighed 99 pounds; at 19 I was 110. And I thought I was fat. So while I have always viewed myself as overweight, I realize that it was a perception issue.
As for now, I am about 30-40 pounds overweight and fall into the "fit but chubby" category. I know I am stronger than many of my skinny friends. I put on alot of weight after pregnancies (yes, I used pregnancy as a reason to eat anything and everything I wanted, whenever I wanted) and this whole aging thing is a huge pain in the neck. I used to have a totally flat stomach - I haven't had that since about 40. (when I had a flat tummy the clothing style was high waisted jeans that didn't emphasize that nice feature - now that low riders are in style, I have a muffin top! AARGH). PLus I got into a grazing habit that I am working on breaking...
But I am also afraid of repeating my mom's mistakes with my DD. DD11 is 5'3 and is definitely bigger than the other girls in her class. She weighs about 120 but it is all in her belly - she has long legs and no bust yet. She has a belly that makes my cringe inside but I don't want to let her see my reaction. We talk about "healthy choices" and why exercise is important. But I am so torn - I desperately want to help her lose weight because I know how mean tweens and teens can be to overweight girls. But I don't want to make her feel self conscious or make her feel bad about her body the way that I have felt my whole life. Maybe it's karma for me being so mad - inside - about the weight comments my mom made to me. Now I have to figure out the better way to handle this.

"Nice lawyer" doesn't have to be an oxymoron. DONALDS!

Can I just say "ditto"!!! (although maybe some of the people who are still in prison might disagree....)
Thanks so much for that great article. It is going into my archive collection for me to keep reading, and reading and reading!!

Okay girls.... I give up. I was literally on my LAST SENTENCE of a post that I've been working on for over an hour!! I wrote an entire NOVEL in response to the QOTD..... and one bad keystroke and it is gone!!!!! I'm sure you all understand my total frustration right now!!!!!

P

Pam, you have no idea how I grinned when I read this. This happens to me at least once a week and I thought I was the only one!!!

QOTD Monday March 13, 2011
Are you working on weight loss for a special event?

Or, do you happen to have one coming up that you are looking forward to "showing off" at? I started my weight loss efforts on my 49th birthday with the goal of losing 50 pounds by the time I turned 50. Well, that did not happen so I'm not really working with an end date in mind but I do have some goals ahead:

Shawn

I have goals but no specific occasion. I am just sick and tired of hating every picture I am in, or of hiding behind someone in a picture. I KNOW I can do this but also know it is going to take alot of work, and time.

Just a quick pop in.

Decided to face the scale this morning.

Also sent the weight in to Tracey.

Was up from the last weigh in but only 1.6 lbs - and three pounds less than I was this time last week (when I did not send in the weight).

So I am continuing on.

The scale is a necessary evil, just really hard for me.

Hope to pop back in later. Thanks to you all for your encouragement.

Linda

Linda, WOOHOOO to you for facing that darn scale!!! I actually need the scale about every other day or I lose a sense of accountability to myself.

..thinking of you. Hang in there!!

Picking a healthy and attainable weight goal is great! Too many people pick some arbitrary number that isn't realistic and then get discouraged when they can't get to it or comfortably stay at it. I really have no idea where I will end up but am just aiming for a range and will see what happens when I get there.

Aiming for a range, too!

And good luck to everyone reaching for one-derland this challenge!!!!!

Just looking over the Healthy Habits list to see how many points I got this week. Did anyone else remember to list their positives for each day? I forgot we should post them here but the deadline is today so here they are:

Friday: OFF TO CROP!
Saturday: I won 2 prizes!
Sunday: Back home to my family
Monday: Didn't sleep all day and got up to get things done (not so sure that was positive though!)
Tuesday: DH came to my Dr appt with me and the visit wasn't as bad as I thought it might be
Wednesday: Found a store that has my oatmeal!
Thursday: Got my organized photo files back on to my computer from the backup!

What a terrific idea. I did a "thankfulness" journal one Lenten season and have always thought about repeating it, or something similar. I may start a "positive thing for the day" one now...

Hope everyone has a great night!!
Jude

 

[sparks19]

How did I come to be overweight. hmmmm

It was kind of just creeping up on me. When I hit my 20's I put on a few pounds here and a few pounds there and then I'd hold steady for a while. then I'd put on a few more and a few more. then I met my husband and we started living together and I put on a little MORE and after we got married more still. Then I had my daughter and spent 90% of my time sitting on the couch with her lol so that was when I put on the most weight I've ever put on and what put me where I am now.

 

[pjlla]

QOTD Monday March 13, 2011
Are you working on weight loss for a special event?

Nope.... but started out this particular journey trying (like many of us) to "DIET FOR DISNEY" (again ).

Pamela, so sorry about your long post disappearing. That happened to me the other night. I hope you will find time to repost it, I would love to hear your weight loss story.

Well.. you asked for it!! I'll post a shorter version at the end of my responses.

Good morning, Donalds!!

I ate crap all day yesterday, and got mcdonalds for dinner, and was totally out of control. Tom arrived this morning, and I feel so much more in control today. I had forgotten the broth and onion for the chicken broc ziti and since I bagged it for dinner and did mcd's, I started making it late and it was too late to go to the store. So I went this morning and got just those items, and walked by the crap that I couldn't walk by yesterday, and thought I am going to get back in control right now, and stay there. I have my paper out to journal, and had egg beaters, cheese and salsa for bkfst. It is such a head game. I get off work at 2, and will run then.

Pamela- I'm sorry about your long post. I hope you take the time to post again about your weight loss history. And thank you for solving all our problems too! I'm sure your advice will be telepathically transferred to all of us. I think that's why I walked right by the cupcakes at market basket today.

Sorry about the CRAP over the weekend. Crap happens! Time to move on... and it seems like you have. And yup..... I was sending you a message to just "back away from the cupcakes"!!

Hey everyone

boy I have a lot to catch up on here. I didn't get a chance to make it here all weekend.

We went to the Philly Zoo on Saturday it was so nice. about 55 degrees so the animals were really active. I got some great photos of them. That also means I did a lot of walking that day

I'm down 5 lbs now. WOOHOO.

Just wanted to check in and now I'm going to go and read all the posts I missed

Great job with the 5 pounds gone!!!

Hi everyone~

I've been terrible about posting here, but I do try to pop in and read as much as I can, and really appreciate the coaching and support found on this thread!

My weight is down two pounds this week, which is great for me all by itself- but I'm most excited because my short range goal is within reach! I started this challenge at 210 and have lost a total of 10 pounds so far. However, I really wanted to reach One-derland by my birthday, which is coming up this Saturday. As long as I can pull one pound this week, I'll get there!

From there I can move on to my long range goal, that of being a thinner, healthier person!

Have a great day Donalds!

~Lori

Excellent job on two pounds and on approaching your current goal!

Well add me to the list of folks whose long post was poofed by the poof fairy!

No time to rewrite now but just want to say Go, LTS, go and go, Lori, go! Can't wait to hear that you ladies have reached ONE-derland!

Sorry it happened to you too. Hope you're back later to chat!

I have been here on and off since this morning but kept having to leave so couldn't finish posting! I had to run DD's camp form up to church since it was due yesterday. While on my way home I realized that I forgot to give her her medicine this morning so I had to run home and get it and go and give it to her. Came home for a few minutes to make some calls then had to go back out and get her some lunch and take it up to her school. I always have lunch at school with my kids for their birthday and bring them "fast food". Then some small errands and back home.

I was signing in for lunch in the school office and a teacher was in there turning a leave form and discussing the need for a sub with the secretary. They have a few "regulars" but teacher said they were all busy. So the secretary said she would just put it out on the system and get whoever signed up. I hate to seem like I am eavesdropping or to interrupt conversations but HELLO!!!! I AM STANDING RIGHT HERE. I am constantly reminding them that I sub and love to work at this school. I have no idea why they can't seem to remember that! Last year I was there for an event in DD's class when the teacher next door had to leave suddenly and I overheard they couldn't find a sub and were really in a bind. I volunteered to leave DD's event and work "off the clock" for about an hour until the official start time (sub days here are either all day or half, nothing in between). I had hoped that would mean they would remember what a wonderful and dedicated sub I am, but so far, nothing. DD's own teacher whom I have subbed for in the past keeps forgetting to call me--the music teacher had to take her class a few weeks ago because she couldn't find anyone--I was home that day! I really have to wonder if they have something against me? So I interrupted and just said "Oh, when do you need someone for?". Secretary had that "oh, I completely forgot that you sub" look and asked if I could do it. I told them I would check my calendar, came home and rearranged a dr appt and have the job for next week. Yeesh, I am not sure what more I can do to get them to call me if they can't even remember when I am standing there!

Olive Garden worked out very well last night. I had the mixed grill (beef and chicken) with grilled veggies and asparagus. I had some salad but I really don't like predressed salads so it wasn't much, and only ONE breadstick. We came home for cake and ice cream and as much as I would have liked to skip it (I really was full) DD made, frosted and decorated the cake herself so I had to have a piece. I cut one so thin you could practically read through it! I had about 2 Tablespoons of ice cream with it. But I did have to do some taste testing later when I made "puppy chow" for her to take to school today. But as my day had worked out I actually had only eaten a very small amount of black bean soup and a yogurt the rest of the day so it shouldn't be a problem (I hope!). I had the leftover chicken for breakfast this morning.

. No ONEderland today but I really hope that it will be this week. I am torn between wanting to weigh everyday and wanting to just wait until Friday! I think I may throw some laundry on the scale to hide it and wait until Friday. If I do everyday it will fluctuate up and down and I will probably have a 1 day then 2 day and be discouraged!

I go through periods where I feel like I am being "ignored" as a sub.... and considering I have "sub seniority" in our elementary school, I feel like I should get right of first refusal. But it doesn't always happen that way.

Nice job with the food choices! I feel like ONE-derland is in your near future!!

Hi from VA!!! It's not Florida but there is NO SNOW. WOOOHOOO!!!!

Another true confession time. And let me preface this by saying I love my mom. I really do. But growing up she was a 5'0, 85 pound waif. And she could never understand why I wasn't. So, from about age 11 on, I received alot of "constructive criticism" about my weight and why couldn't I control it. I can remember doing crunches and push ups at 11PM at night rather than going to sleep, and getting up at 5AM to do them all over again. And you know what? I pulled out my baby book (which allow entry up until I'm a grandma!) and looked at the recorded heights and weights. At age 14, I weighed 99 pounds; at 19 I was 110. And I thought I was fat. So while I have always viewed myself as overweight, I realize that it was a perception issue.
As for now, I am about 30-40 pounds overweight and fall into the "fit but chubby" category. I know I am stronger than many of my skinny friends. I put on alot of weight after pregnancies (yes, I used pregnancy as a reason to eat anything and everything I wanted, whenever I wanted) and this whole aging thing is a huge pain in the neck. I used to have a totally flat stomach - I haven't had that since about 40. (when I had a flat tummy the clothing style was high waisted jeans that didn't emphasize that nice feature - now that low riders are in style, I have a muffin top! AARGH). PLus I got into a grazing habit that I am working on breaking...
But I am also afraid of repeating my mom's mistakes with my DD. DD11 is 5'3 and is definitely bigger than the other girls in her class. She weighs about 120 but it is all in her belly - she has long legs and no bust yet. She has a belly that makes my cringe inside but I don't want to let her see my reaction. We talk about "healthy choices" and why exercise is important. But I am so torn - I desperately want to help her lose weight because I know how mean tweens and teens can be to overweight girls. But I don't want to make her feel self conscious or make her feel bad about her body the way that I have felt my whole life. Maybe it's karma for me being so mad - inside - about the weight comments my mom made to me. Now I have to figure out the better way to handle this.

What is it about that whole "Mother/Daughter" dynamic that is SO HARD!!??? I can't believe you thought you were overweight at 90 or 110 pounds!! But I understand being kind of "brain washed" into believing it. And it is SO HARD to want the best for our daughters without using words like "overweight" or "fat" or "chubby". Fortunately for me, DD is very busy and active..... but she did have a "season" a few years ago when she didn't swim for a full season (spring/summer) and definitely put on weight.... plus she was just hitting puberty.... it was a TOUGH season and she put on I would guess about 15-20 pounds. NOTHING fit and I had to buy her many new clothes.... but she was kind of in denial. But we put away the size 6-8's and bought new 11-12s and moved on. And as soon as she started swimming again that fall and had a growth spurt, the weight seemed to even out. She is definitely solidly built with wide shoulders.... but all muscle!! But she KNOWS if she were to stop swimming the way she does, she would need to IMMEDIATELY change her calorie intake.

Hopefully my healthy eating is helping teach her about making good food choices.... and hopefully she will be able to continue swimming as long as she would like.



Evening friends. I don't have the time to repost last night's NOVEL that I had posted about my weight history.... so I'll be posting the "Cliff Notes" version tonight!


Normal weight kid. Puberty hits and I gain a bit of weight. Joined Weight Watchers for the first time at age 13.... lost a bit and was back to "normal". Gained some weight again in the next few years and hit WW again at about age 15. Lost 35 pounds the summer between Freshman/Sophomore year and kept it off all through high school as I stayed busy with music and cheerleading. But I ALWAYS felt like I was the "fat" girl on the cheering squad. But in looking back at pictures.... I definitely wasn't!!

Early college I gained 20ish pounds and struggled to get back to a normal weight for the next 8 years. I ranged anywhere from 140 to 175 during those years (college, met/dated future DH). Lost weight for my wedding day and got married at 138/140. Felt good in my gown, but still "fat" in my swimsuit on our honeymoon.

Gained all of the weight back right after the wedding... plus a few pounds. Hit 180 and joined WW again. Got down to a reasonable 155-ish and moved to our new house and stopped attending WW meetings. Slowly but surely put it all back on... and then got pregnant with DD. Over the next few years with staying home, being pregnant again, etc, I finally hit my all-time high of about 220 in about 2001.

Took the kids on their first trip to Disney in January of 2002.... the title of that photo album should be "Mr. and Mrs. Fat visit Mickey"!! Horrified by my own photos.

Decided in early 2003 to take the kids back to Disney in January of 2004.... so spent all of 2003 losing weight on WW again. I lost about 40 and DH lost about 60 (on Atkins).

Felt good and looked decent for our trip in 2004. But didn't stick with it and regained a bit more than half over the next few years.

Christmas 2007.... Santa brings the family an April 2008 trip to Disney. I am currently at 200 pounds and I am determined not to return to Disney fatter than I had been the last time. I have 3 1/2 months to lose about 30 pounds to achieve that goal. I lost the 30 and then some (through DILIGENTLY following WW.... absolutely NO CHEATS and 3-4 x weekly workouts... mostly walking) and returned to visit Mickey at about 165. I felt good and looked pretty good.


BUT HERE IS THE CLINCHER....... When we got back from that trip... I GOT RIGHT BACK ON TRACK!!! The morning after our return I hit the scale (to face the news), pulled out the food journal, food scale, and hit the gym, right on schedule!!! And I kept going!!!! And I'm STILL going! It has been almost 3 years since that trip and I haven't quit!!

My original goal was 145.... but when I got there I dropped my goal to my wedding weight of 138. And then I dropped my goal again to 135 and again to 130. I have hovered within a few pounds of 133 for the past full year. My "current" goal is (and has been for a long time) 128. But I'm not sure when/if I'll ever get there. But I'm comfortable at 133..... but am not giving up on achieving 128.

I wish I could tell you all what finally "clicked" this time. But I haven't regretted ONE MOMENT of the choices I've made in this journey. I never wake up in the morning and wish I HAD eaten that __________________ (fill in the blank with whatever current naughty food I have most recently had to pass on). But I ALWAYS wake up and am once again DELIGHTED with the healthy slim body I have to use that day!!

I NEVER regret the workout I did even when I was (tired, hungry, PMSing, busy ).... but I will have regrets if I skip a workout for ANY reason. Even 15-20 minutes makes me feel better..... both mentally and physically.


Anyhow folks... I've rambled long enough. Time for a quick snack and I'm heading to bed soon! Time change is catching up with me!! Talk to you all tomorrow!..................P

 

[SettinSail]

Good morning Team Donald!

I don't have a whole lot of time this morning so this will be a quick post. I will come back later this afternoon and catch up.

I am going out for my run at 9, shower at 10 and then meeting a group downtown for a tour of the Staadsgalarie (art museum) in English. Should be fun but the tour starts at 12 so I'm not sure how that's going to work for me in terms of lunch. I'll try to have a big snack or maybe even a sandwich before I leave here at 11:00. Tonight is my women's club monthly dinner and I never know what to expect there. All I know is the name of the restaurant is Rat Rat...don't even know what kind of food! So I will have to be as careful as I can with food today, flying by the seat of my pants!

I did better with choices yesterday and was down a pound this morning, now only up 2 lbs. I did find the potato chip bag back in my hand about 4:00 yesterday afternoon but I was finally able to put it back up.

So excited for all our ladies who are about to break into one-derland
I look forward to celebrating with each of you. Pamela, thanks for sharing your condensed story, sounds like WW has worked well for you over the years. I hope one day to have that "click" as well and be able to stick with this healthy lifestyle.

Sparks, your story sounds a lot like mine Your day at the zoo sounds nice.

Jude, I have seen many girls in DS class over the years that looked pudgy but ended up a few years later looking thin and great as they grew. It's very hard for girls, you have to be careful to not send the wrong message as you say. As for DS, he has always weighed a lot (75%-80% percentile for weight)but always looked average in appearance. His Dr always tells us he should be concerned according to his number but he would not worry about it because he "looks fine". Right now he's close to 14, 5'6, 130 lbs. They can change so quickly at this age. In a few months your dtr could be the same weight but 3-4 inches taller!

LTS, GREAT list of positives! That's really strange about the sub jobs at school. I guess you will just have to keep sticking your face under their noses until they can finally remember you Hopefully being there every day next week will get you etched in their minds a little more permanently! Glad the Olive Garden worked out for you.

MomtoKNK - Hello! Nice to hear that you are being succesful and you WILL reach one-derland by your birthday Saturday We are rooting for you

Linda, glad to hear you face the scale and the WI was not so bad

Princess Reject, thanks for the encouragement on the runs. It does seem like I could do 3.1 if I can do 2.5. I keep telling myself I will increase the distance when 2.5 is easy for me You sound like you are in great shape. Is it an ultimate frisbee league that you are in? Enjoy your new WII and WII fit

Christin, nice to hear from you! You have the right attitude, just get right back on track! I hope you will get some answers for your knee soon and the pain will go away

Kathy, how did it go at the pot luck? Those things are really hard for me. We have a fundraiser event at school this Friday night that is booths from around the world with samples of their cuisine. That's really hard for me as I think this may be my one chance to get something different and I want to try everything, esp the Indian and Asian foods. I signed me & DH up to sell beverages for 90 minutes and I am seriously considering attending for only those 90 minutes this year and not sampling anything!!! You only pay an admission fee to enter and all the samples are free so I would still be giving my $....

Here is our QOTD, stolen directly from the Mickey archives:

QOTD Tuesday March 15, 2011
What is your best tip for keeping your life organized. Clearly we are all juggling many things and trying to keep everything running smoothly. What have you found keeps you most organized?

I will say that having a place for everything and keeping everything in its place is my best tip. Sometimes I will spend several days or hours trying to think of a good place to keep something. If it doesn't seem to be working, I will try it in another spot. If only I could get DH & DS onboard with this instead of me having to put things away all the time.

I'm off to get my run in, hope it's a great day for you Team Donald!

Shawn

 

[donac]

Good Tuesday morning Team Donald

Very quiet here. It was nice to have nothing to do last night. I made meatloaf for dinner with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. My ds2 loves meatloaf and I don't know if they serve it very often at college. When I was making I took some of the mixture and made him two mini loafs to take back with him. I also have some veggies to make a sandwich for lunch.

I watched some tv and knitted some. I am making preemie caps. I wanted to do something for Lent that was different. I am thinking about trying to make 1 a day. I didn't start until Sunday but I have two made. Yes I know I can't just sit and do nothing. I went to bed early and read some and ordered some cheap books for my Nook.

Long day today. I have a 2 hour meeting after school. I will put ds's in charge of dinner.

QOTD I am trying to get more organized. I have never been one and I am hoping to be one before I finally retire in a few years.

SettinSail I have always wanted to go to Baden-Baden I just love the name.

pjlla How is dh doing?

jbm02 Taco Bell would make any teen let you sit down with them. I know it would with ds1.

lovetoscrap It sounds like you had a great week even though at times it was tough.

mom2knk Good luck reaching one-derland

sparks19 I haven't been to the Philla zoo in 14 years. I love to visit any zoo except the one in Jacksonville Fl. That is one big open space with nothing to shade you.

jimmduck Congrats on not having too bad a weigh in.

Kathy thanks for the kind words about my posts.

princess_reject I try to watch what I eat all week so on Friday I could eat pizza. I refuse to go through life without pizza.

 

[mikamah]

Wow, busy day, LTS!

Ah yes, I fondly remember the days when my bringing lunch to school was considered fun and a treat! Last Friday I was helping the teacher with some typing and went at lunch to pick it up. I ran into my DS and told him I was there to have lunch with him. He said "NO!" and looked like this . I am such a mean Mom!

they're so fun to tease. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy what little time I have left of not being an embarrassment to ds.

Good morning everyone.

I only have a minute since ds is working on his homework that he couldn't finish last night. It's open response questions to a short story, practice for the state testing coming up, and he's having a hard time with them. Until now, most of the work has come pretty easily to him, but this is not, and he's having to work really hard at it, and was tired last night, and couldn't stay focused. Hopefully I don't regret the decision to leave it til this am.

Impressive, Shawn that you beat Dona this morning.

I did well at the pot luck. Had a plate with small samples of a lot of different foods, stayed away from the cake, and had one small serving of grapenut custard. I did run/walk 3 miles after work, and when ds got home he wanted to go for a bike ride since it was still light out, so we went out for half a hour. I know now, homework will come first next time. I'm sure that didn't help him.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your weight loss journeys. It is amazing how so much through our entire lives affects us forever, and so many of us do not want our kids to have to deal with the same things we went through. Wouldn't it be nice for all of our children to grow up and always stay active, and never have to worry about losing weight. All we can do is do our best.

Have a great day!