TEAM DONALD--Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge

[MommyTaraLee]

Good Morning, everyone!

Yesterday was a pretty good day for me... I resisted the cupcakes that sat on the table behind me at work all day, and I also went back to the gym for the 1st time in weeks and made it all the way through the step class! With the 45 minute class, I was able to keep my calorie count for the day under my allotted total (budget 1712, net 1665!)

I'm trying my best to hit all of the HHs for the week, but the vegetables always get to me.. I'm going to focus on that a little more for the res of the week.

Tonight, I'm headed back to the gym... I've signed up for a running class to train for a 1/2 marathon in September. The class starts at the end off February, so now I have to get back in shape so I don't make a fool of myself when the class starts! I think I'm going to restart the C25K from week 3 and see how it goes....

QOTD - I think I'd want to do the park hopper, but focus the most on the Magic Kingdom... when I first saw the question, I thought I would stay there the whole time, but just remembering back to my last 2 trips (Honeymoon in 2002 and DDs 1st trip in 2010) made me realize that I would want to visit EPCOT and Animal Kingdom,too.

 

[Tauwillow]

I'm back home after a grueling road trip. I did really well the first day, but completely blew it the second with my eating. (didn't exercise either day, since I spent the entire time sitting in a car or sleeping) Even though I went WAY over calories on the second day - I know that I did because I sparked my calories! This is a big deal for me, and I'm learning a lot about going out to eat. I don't want to give that up, but I need to learn how to eat my favorite things without going over. So yay me.

We got my son settled back into his dorm room (translated: cleaning the microwave & fridge, folding and putting away his clothes and reorganizing his closet) and said our goodbyes before heading back home. Its hard leaving him behind - I really wasn't expecting to lose him at 14.

Got home super late last night, to see the house was trashed. My other kids decided that they had the weekend off, and no one did their chores. (at least all of the animals were still alive) Guess I know what I'm doing today!

I have really bombed with the HH so far. I hope to pick it up today and be more diligent. The vegis will be my undoing.

I have tried varied levels of once a month cooking before, but never a total system. My biggest issue has always been how high in fat and sodium so many of the online recipes are. The other day I went and scoured the interwebs for more healthy freezer cooking and came across Once a Month Moms, who just started a diet menu system this month. I totally lucked out, and I'm super excited to try it. I hope to go shopping for the ingredients today or tomorrow, and cook the whole shebang this week.

I figure I can cook more fresh items throughout the month, but when I'm having a down or busy day - I'll have my freezer options to keep me on track. Thats what most often sabotages my success, not having easy eating options when I don't have the energy to cook.

I could only do 10

YAY for doing 10!! I keep telling myself that right now, just doing something every day means I am totally successful. I figure that I will worry about the intensity of what I'm doing later - right now I'm building habits.

Then the Hashimoto's kicked in, and I felt awful for months. I haven't been able to get into another exercise routine since, and it's been 5 years now!

I also have Hashimotos. (and PCOS - I've won the fatigue lottery!) I've recently read about the herb Rhodiola Rosea, which is supposed to help with energy, fatigue and mental acuity. Its supposed to be particularly helpful for those of us with Hashimotos! I have it on my shopping list for this week, and I'm really hoping it will make a difference.

I love your money jar idea. I think I will join your bandwagon.

We do seem to have a ton of Mass/NH/RI people.

I'm jealous of your meetup!

I did a 5K on New Year's Day and I jogged the WHOLE THING!

Thats an amazing accomplishment! Hooray!

QOTD 1/4/2011 - If you have just one day at DW which park would you want to see? Or would you hop to do your favorites?

I would do Epcot - there is just so much there to do. If I hopped, it would be Epcot and Animal Kingdom. The theming at AK just can't be beat, IMO. (and Dinosaur is my favorite ride!)

 

[alison16]

I think I would do half at MK and half at EPCOT. I don't really even need to ride the rides if it is busy, but I just like to walk around and soak it in. I would probably just go in to things that had shorter lines and forgo the stress of the must see items.

 

[NCRedding]

Hi everyone. Sounds like most people are off to a good start. I am not, but I am working on it! I do well, but then I let myself get hungry, and I grab and snack. I am keeping track of my eating on WW tracker (I think the tracker is secretly laughing at me!) I am having a hard time around here finding decent looking produce. It all looks kind of nasty! I did get a Harry and David gift box of pears, so getting my fruit in is easy (those pears are delish)

QOTD: I always get a park hopper since we normally go in the off season, and I want to maximize my time in the parks. My next trip however, I think I am going to focus on one park a day. My favorite overall is Epcot, particularly when travelling solo. I loved to explore the shops, drink some drinks, nibble the food.

 

[lovetoscrap]

FINALLY! Both kids are at school and husband is at work. I love my family more than anything, but 2 weeks with all of them at home is just way too long! I need to go do some major mopping but my hip is acting up big time so not sure I will get much done today.

I have a FB acquaintance that mentioned she is trying to eat healthy and lose weight so I asked if she had been to the Sparkpeople website. She went to check it out and apparently liked it-- she has started a FB challenge for all her friends and joined a bunch of Sparkteams. So now I have 2 challenges to help keep me accountable.

Today at school this girl was telling everyone in class how she was in the ER all night and had the EKG things stuck all over her and she couldn't get them off. Seriously? Grab and pull. It's not difficult... She can't figure that out, but she can figure out British lit? I just don't get it...

Yesterday a very nice young lady asked me for help in the Frozen Vegetable aisle at the store. She was looking for Broccoli Florets and had no idea what that was. They were out of a ton of stuff so I didn't see any, so I told her she might just want to see if there was any fresh broccoli. She looked confused and asked me what it looked like. She was so sweet and sincere and so confused I felt so bad for her. I wanted to take her by the hand to the produce section and help her learn about all the great veggies there. But instead I asked her what she needed them for (a stir fry recipe that called for frozen ), showed her a bag of broccoli cuts and pointed out the florets in the picture, told her that really all of it would work just fine for her. She was so appreciative, and said she doesn't cook much! She was overweight so I wondered if she too was making a change for the better and trying to cook healthy meals. I really just can't imagine anyone not knowing what broccoli is, but I guess it all depends on your background. It pains me to think that her introduction to it is going to be frozen which is so not the same as a fresh stir fried broccoli.

Good Tuesday Morning everyone.

I forgot to post a question of the day yesterday. I better post today's so I don't forget.

Question of the Day

If you have just one day at DW which park would you want to see? Or would you hop to do your favorites?
.

I would probably hop. I would want to do Epcot and MK but have to get to DHS for Fantasmic!-- it is my favorite. I have the soundtrack in my car and love to listen it and then my Wishes CD. I would try to pick a day when I could do the early F! and then get over the MK and see Wishes.

Hello Virginians!!! How are you all surviving the snow you had?

Ours is all gone. We actually missed much of what fell at home because we were at my inlaws and they didn't get very much. It was beautiful and my girls enjoyed spending a little time in it, but got cold and wet fast!

 

[BobbinWeez]

Hey all...I'm distinctly below average in getting myself moving with an exercise routine but am trying real hard. I'm making myself drink water and I've been snacking on carrots when I feel the urge for potato chips strike
Question of the Day: Epcot is my favorite park so that's where I would go if I had only one day!

 

[DonaldDuckFamily]

Question of the Day: If you have just one day at DW which park would you want to see? Or would you hop to do your favorites?

I would hop...I just can't miss Epcot and all the good food along with Magic Kingdom's electrical parades.

I am so proud of myself for the small changes I made yesterday. I ate my 3 vegetable servings and did my exercise. I drink water all the time so that is not an issue for me. I've made a pack with myself to take the stairs when I get to work each day. I have to climb 4 flights to get to my desk.

 

[TimonTracy]

I wanted to take her by the hand to the produce section and help her learn about all the great veggies there.

Okay, lovestoscrap, count me in as someone who would love to learn about great veggies and how to enjoy eating them without some cheese sauce on them Please, please help ! Or anyone else for that matter. They just seem so boring ! What am I missing?

On the challenge front, I'm following the Sonoma Diet, at least for the first 10 days to break my habits of sugar and unprocessed foods. My husband and I are doing well on that - hope we see something good on Friday's weigh in. If nothing else, I do have more energy.

Also, I did wake up today before work @ 4:30 to do my 3rd day of Zumba. It's pretty fun - but the videos are a little cheesy --- Hmmm, second time I've mentioned Cheese in my post .

I figure I can cook more fresh items throughout the month, but when I'm having a down or busy day - I'll have my freezer options to keep me on track. Thats what most often sabotages my success, not having easy eating options when I don't have the energy to cook.

Thanks for this, I'm going to check it out. I hope the recipes are yummy !

I almost had a melt down yesterday. I was home with the kids and trying to get a healthy meal on the table. It just seemed impossible then and overwhelming to think of doing it today when I'm back to work full time from vacation.

QOTD: One day to spend at the parks...
I would have to say that I would go to the Magic Kingdom for the majority. With the 2 kids under 3, we can't hop anymore

 

[Zoesmama03]

Read through quickly to try keep up while I drink my green smoothie. I wanted some go lean crunch cereal with almond milk but I forgot to chose a setting on the dishwasher again and when the 2 hour time elapsed just turned off since I didn't have anything assigned for it to do. Silly machine I want you to wash dishes, that is what you do right?


I don't think i can attempt Jillian's 30 Day Shred today so I may pay a visit to my old friend Leslie Sansone and take a walk with her. That twinge was bothering me bad last night but seems a lot better this morning. Must have been some muscle or ligament I pulled or something.

 

[mom2knk]

Well, after reading that a few of you were using it, I went out and picked up Jillian's 30 day shred. Target has it on sale for $9.99 this week.

The exciting news is that I not only bought it, but put it in and did my first circuit when I got home. Feeling a little wobbly right now, but also feeling great that I got it done!

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I started a thread last night on the community board about losing weight and a few people sent me to this thread and said it may help me.

My name is Carla and I am an unmotivated, SAHM who needs to lose about 15-20 pounds by MAY!! I have tried to join these things before but I have not been willing to stick with it. Hopefully I am on the right track now so we will see. I just started yesterday and so far today I have done OK. I am just taking this thing one day at a time.

 

[Disneyluvr]

Question of the Day: If you have just one day at DW which park would you want to see? Or would you hop to do your favorites?

Well since I have never been to WDW but have been to DL many, many times I would pick to go to Epcot because I think that would have the most things that I haven't experienced.

I've started off pretty well. I am having trouble with the veggie part of the challenge since I don't really eat a lot of those. I guess that's why it's a challenge, lol it's making me have to eat more!

 

[lovetoscrap]

****Why won't the quoting work on half of my post?? I swear the tags look fine!****

Your slant is going the wrong way. Needs to be a / not a \ .

Okay, lovestoscrap, count me in as someone who would love to learn about great veggies and how to enjoy eating them without some cheese sauce on them Please, please help ! Or anyone else for that matter. They just seem so boring ! What am I missing?

On the challenge front, I'm following the Sonoma Diet, at least for the first 10 days to break my habits of sugar and unprocessed foods. My husband and I are doing well on that - hope we see something good on Friday's weigh in. If nothing else, I do have more energy.

What are the Sonoma Diet principles? I am always curious what different ways of eating advocate.

I am really not much of a veggie person but have a few things that I do love, and it is all because I finally had them prepared properly for me. I came into my marriage as a veggie hater. I think the biggest problem most people have with them is that they eat them canned or frozen and/or overcook them so they just mushy blobs of

The secret to most veggies is just a light cooking. Asparagus, Spinach, broccoli, green beans, snap and snow peas, carrots, zucchini and more I can't think of. Keep in mind they are perfectly fine to eat raw so you don't need to cook them to death. You are killing nutritional value when you overcook them. (if you worry about bacteria you can wash them with a commercial vegetable cleaner, but I don't worry about it. Just a quick rinse is fine with me) Steaming is the quickest way, but you usually only need to steam for a few minutes. You want them to still have a little bit of resistance when you try to put a fork in them. They should have a small crunch, which makes them so much more satisfying to eat. Most of them turn a brighter green color and look much more appetizing after a light cooking. If they are good and in season they may only need a little bit of salt, maybe just a tad bit of butter (I can't believe it's not butter spray is excellent for this!), but often nothing at all. You can also drizzle on a small amount of dressing or soy sauce.

Roasting and Stir Frying/Sauteing are great ways to add a little more flavor. When you roast veggies like asparagus, broccoli and carrots it brings out more of the natural sweetness. I drizzle a little bit of olive oil on a baking sheet, roll the veggies around it in and then you can also add any herbs you like-- a very small pinch of dried sprinkled on goes a long way. Adding Garlic is one of my favorites. Then put it in a 400ish oven and roast for a few minutes until they get a nice light brown. You can turn them if you want. But again, you want to still have some resistance if you poke with a fork. No mushy veggies!

To stir fry or saute put a little olive oil or even a little butter (actually I use a small amount of each together) -- butter isn't the enemy as long as you use it sparingly, and I prefer butter to margarine-- and then add the veggies when they pan is hot. Here you can add some soy sauce to them, again I love to add garlic, sometimes some herbs, a light balsamic vinegar salad dressing, or an Asian ginger dressing would be good either cooked with them or drizzled on at the end. But you don't need to much, with the strong flavors of the dressing a little goes a long way. Putting onion or onion powder in is also a great way to add more flavor. Onion roasts well too and imparts flavor to the veggies it is roasted with. Oh, and peppers too but I hate peppers with a white hot passion so they aren't even allowed in my house.

And there is also grilling. Much the same idea as above. And sesame oil is a great way to add a different flavor when roasting or stir frying.



You have to experiment to find what you like best. Fresh is always best but I am impressed that they seem to have frozen now that is a better quality and comes in steam in bags. I was checking out the selection at Walmart when I was asked about the broccoli. I have tried a few of them. You just pop the whole thing in the microwave. I don't do it for the full time because I think they over cook it. My family has been frozen veggie hating but I am working on trying to add it more since that has been a big issue, with no fresh veggies in the house then what?

OH! And they make these really neat microwave steaming bags that make it even easier: http://www.glad.com/simplycooking/ I saw some by ziplock too.

I am currently working on trying to like Brussel Sprouts. They say it takes 21 times to come around to a new food. I think I am at about 6 so far! I am only at about 1 sprout at each attempt but working on it. Greens are another thing that I haven't tried and have had no interest in. If you have to cook them for hours until they turn grey and mushy then I am grossed out. Also not into cabbage except a few raw preparations, and cauliflower I haven only been able to eat as "faux mashed potatoes".

Hope this helps! I would love to hear what others do with their vegetables and what ones you love?


(see, told you I like to talk a lot! )

 

[donac]

Good afternoon everyone. I can't believe that you guys have talked for 4 pages since this morning.

I want to welcome some new members

mom2knk

mommyTaraLee

Jaaaacki

wdwmomof3

As you can see this thread is moving pretty fast but it is just the first week. It may slow down a little in the upcoming weeks.

I never answered the QOTD

I would hop. We have done that several times on our last day. One year we hit three out of the four parks.

I would start at DHs to do TSM and SW. Off to Epcot to do Soaring and TT. We would finish the day at MK with the Main Street Electric LIght Parade and then SM, Splash Moutain and BTM. I would try to finish up at Dumbo. MY favorite night was when we watched the castle change colors while riding Dumbo.

Well I need to get some things done around here. I think we are taking the Christmas tree down and putting things away. I have a list of things that need to be done before I can relax tonight.

Have a happy and healthy evening.

 

[Zoesmama03]

QOTD: I think I would go to AK. I haven't been there in a long while and dd has not been there or Epcot either. Well she has only been to MK twice. I'm not sure I'd have time left after AK to hop to anyplace else it would take more than one day.

Well, after reading that a few of you were using it, I went out and picked up Jillian's 30 day shred. Target has it on sale for $9.99 this week.

The exciting news is that I not only bought it, but put it in and did my first circuit when I got home. Feeling a little wobbly right now, but also feeling great that I got it done!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Yahy a 30 day shred group going. I really like it and it gives you a good workout in 20 minutes. I am building my stamina and endurance for it. Yesterday was not quite as bad as the first time I did it with endurance anyway, I stopped for water and a break less. I could tell a difference in my push ups. I can't do more than 1-2 really at this time but I felt stronger for them.


I will try to get more personals later this evening. I have some stuff to get done after I get dd from the bus stop in a few minutes.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have been checking out the link for the OAMM someone posted a page or so back and it is really cool! Could be a great help in meal planning. The best thing is that some of the recipes link you to OTHER great sites for recipes and ideas.

So I found this: http://www.foodfit.com/healthy/healthyFallFoods.asp#brussels to go with the vegetable discussion. A great list of information about all the in season vegetables. (they have one for fruit too) Some great and simple recipes to enhance your veggies. And this site lots of other great recipes. Yep, I have wasted the afternoon there!

 

[goldcupmom]

Sat 1/1/11- How did you ring in the New Year? - Just DH, DD, her fiance & I at home. I putzed on the computer, DH watched TV & they played Wii & Kinect. I was asleep by about 10:30

Sun 1/2/11- What are your hobbies? Walking, my dogs, & dealing with 3 'kids' (25, 21 & 19) and all their problems

Tues 1/4/11- If you have just one day at DW which park would you want to see? Or would you hop to do your favorites? It would have to be MK. I LOVE Dis, my family, not really. I've only ever been 3x - 1982 - honeymoon, 1996, and whatever year AK opened.

I have a friend who has been a surro 3x. What a blessing you are for doing that for someone. Praying for you as you deal with your very real loss! Sorry the 'parents' aren't being supportive!

I decided that I am going to start my real changes on Tuesday. DH goes back to work then so vacation will officially be over.

Yep! I could have posted that! Great minds think alike!

oh boy just got done with Jillian's 30 day shred. My legs are jello. I have some weird twinges/pains under my right rib cage I could do the bicycle crunches at the end without shooting pains. I know its not my gallbladder because that was removed last March. Maybe something is filling in the spot and not comfortable there.

I had the same thing from Shred when I tried it after it first came out. Lasted a long time. Went to Dr and they think it was a pulled deep muscle. Be careful!

Not to sound smart alec but does going up and down the stairs taking care of a sick 10 year old and DH count for my exercise today.......sorry but they're driving me crazy one is down in the family room complaining that he feels so tired and his cough is driving him crazy while the other one is yelling from her room saying that her head aches and is hot/cold.....

I think that I've gone up/down about 50 times since 8 am this morning!!!!

Sorry I just need to vent, otherwise I've been doing good dietwise, need to drink more water but now that I'm out of Diet Coke that shouldn't be a problem.

That is DEFINITELY exercise!!! Hang in there!!


So, a lot of you know me from past BL's, from my WISH journal, or from the exercise thread - I am posting January tonight after failing miserably at running it in Nov & Dec.

I turned 50 in July, have 3 'kids' still at home. DS25 is the source of much of my stress eating. But he has now been employed for 2 years straight, so maybe we are making progress. DS21 graduates from college in May. He just got an internship as a youth pastor - still not paid, but will get paid $1k at the end....he does get an office, a Mac, paid cell. This is what he wants to do. DD19 is a freshman in college - EMT major and planning Medical School - pediatrician or ER Dr. She got engaged last summer. All 3 live at home, and DD's fiance is here 2 nights a week as well as he works near here, but lives with grandma about 45 min away.

For those that know me, we finally got moved back in after the sewage flood beginning of December. I'm ALMOST unpacked. Then the vein Dr. moved my vein surgery on both legs up from 12/27-28 to 12/10-11. Really threw me off kilter even more.

I've got to run DD to work so I have a car tonight. I"ll post more later......

I'm back!! Anyway...... I have been doing WW on and off since 1/28/2003 and still have not made goal. I weigh more than at the start of fall BL, but was down 13.8 lbs on 1/1/11 compared with 1/1/10. I have a bodybugg, was doing great, but then it broke, took almost 6 weeks to get it back. Then after vacation in 8/2009 I developed chronic hives & couldn't wear it for almost 8 months. I put it back on this week and need to get going. I'm actually within about 20 lbs of my WW goal, and 30 -40 of my real goal. I need to STOP letting life get in the way and get going. But, small steps are big progress. I have basically NO support here at home, which doesn't help.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far. We can do this!!!

 

[tigger813]

I'm not crashing again...just sharing information!

I saw a post by Mikamah about a NE Dismeet! THere is one coming up next month. Here's the post I just shared with Team Mickey and am also sharing with you!

Mickey Team/Donald Team

Upcoming NE DisMeet!

For those interested and living in a reasonable proximity, there is an upcoming DisMeet weekend at the Coco Key Water Resort in Fitchburg, MA. The dates are Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. Come for 1 day or both! If you call for reservations say you are with the DIS and you can get a discounted rate of $129 for the night including passes for 2 days at the water park. The original invite was posted on the Podcast boards about 2 months ago. It's a great chance to meet and hang with a great group of people.

Here is the original thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2538615 for all the info!

 

[mikamah]

Hi - Can someone expalin the C25K, is it like the couch to 5K? thanks

It is a 9 week walk/run program that you do 3 days a week and it will take a couch potato and turn them into a runner. You are suppposed to do it just as written and not overdo it to prevent injury and burnout. Each work out is about 30 min, and the first week you walk 3 min and run 1 min eight times. I did it in feb and I couldn't make the last 2 running intervals. But I stuck with it, and I did it. You can google it and print out the plan if you're interested.

We are eager to see what kitties come our way. We were referred to the shelter in Salem as always having kittens that had received good care, so we'll be checking it out later this month. I'm in for the MA/NH Meet, just tell me where and when! I live and work in Boston, but I often travel north as dh's family is from Dover, NH.

Tha't where our kitty cousins have all come from. My sister was calling daily for my bil to get his christmas kitty, and she kept the kitty at her house for a while. I've heard good things about them. We'll definitely do a dismeet. I'm up to travel a bit too, depending on where everyone lives. My god parents live in Rollinsford NH, and I have some salmon falls stoneware from dover.

Hoping to dodge the pneumonia bullet. College students are not known for staying home when they're sick though... I worry about this time of year.

Good handwashing, antibacterial gel and keeping the fingers crossed. It is a worry.

Hi Team Donald! Just stopping by to say hello to all my BL friends. I miss talking to you all. Our team is rocking it. I hope your's is too. Cant wait to see the results for week 1. I am liking this whole friendly competition thing.

Hey Lindsay! Team donald is rocking this challenge too! I think if it came down to it, Donald Duck could take Mickey. You better watch out.

For those that know me, we finally got moved back in after the sewage flood beginning of December. I'm ALMOST unpacked. Then the vein Dr. moved my vein surgery on both legs up from 12/27-28 to 12/10-11. Really threw me off kilter even more.

Great to see you Julie, and I'm so happy you're back in the house. What a fiasco you went through. Hope your legs are doing well since the surgery.

This thread is hopping. Welcome all our new Donald team members!!

I went out for 5 miles this morning. I was nervous after missing the 10 days of vacation but I felt pretty good. Still within my ww points going on day 5, so that's pretty good for me. Planning to stay on track.

This group is so motivated and inspiring. We are going to see some big losses, I can feel it.

 

[mikamah]

I'm not crashing again...just sharing information!

I saw a post by Mikamah about a NE Dismeet! THere is one coming up next month. Here's the post I just shared with Team Mickey and am also sharing with you!

Mickey Team/Donald Team

Upcoming NE DisMeet!

For those interested and living in a reasonable proximity, there is an upcoming DisMeet weekend at the Coco Key Water Resort in Fitchburg, MA. The dates are Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. Come for 1 day or both! If you call for reservations say you are with the DIS and you can get a discounted rate of $129 for the night including passes for 2 days at the water park. The original invite was posted on the Podcast boards about 2 months ago. It's a great chance to meet and hang with a great group of people.

Here is the original thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2538615 for all the info!

It's never crashing! We're always happy to see our Mickey friends here. Thanks for the info on the dismeet. That sounds like a really cheap rate for cocokey.