Team Mickey - Biggest Loser "No Excuses" 2012 Challenge

[dumbo_buddy]

QOTD: i think i'd pick the lion king. i've dreamed forever to go to africa and i love that movie! i wouldn't pick cars even though my 2 year old would. i mean, the movie's good and all but if i watch it one more time i'm pretty sure my head will explode! disney vacations mean a vacation away from the everyday things at home. and considering we watch cars practically everyday, i definitely don't want the cars section!

50sjayne & cruisecasher family drama and stress is enough to get anyone to hit the bottle or the vending machine. hang in there. hope it gets better. mother/daughter relationships can be the absolute best....and the absolute worst.

*****
not too much of a loss this week. boo. half a pound. trying not to get frustrated about it. hard though. i went to modells today to get some workout clothes because my old running stuff doesn't fit me. i mean, yeah, i can squeeze it on but the running tights are so tight they hurt my fat i bought a couple shirts and a sweatshirt. i hate that my clothes don't fit and i really hate that i need to lose literally 20 lbs for it all to fit again...and that's a tight fit at that!

i'm having one of those days where i am pretty much eating everything in sight. didn't get out for any exercise but i DID have to wrestle my 2.5 year old in CVS today and lug him AND the baby in his infant car seat to the car. that probably burned some calories! have some laundry and cleaning to do now and i'll try to do it with a spring in my step in order to burn a few more.

hi maria! thanks for coaching!

 

[lovehoney]

So frustrated My sister brought donuts home.

She knows I'm trying to eat healthier. Thankfully we have 2 extra boys over today (DS's friends) and I only ate 3/4 of one donut.

I'm not going to say anything to her because it will cause more trouble than it's worth. She can be super sensitive. She's been living with us since the beginning of November while she waits to for an apartment she can afford to open up. It's been okay having her, she's been a great help with the kids, but it is just hard having someone in your house for an extended period.

Wish me luck on trying not to eat my feelings.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

 

[MelindaRuns]

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

I am from Kentucky originally. I grew up there. The specialty there is good ol' southern food, like biscuits and gravy, soup beans, fried potatoes, and corn bread. I really don't know how to make this healthy, and have it taste just like mom used to make, so I only have it when I'm back there and it's the real deal.

I lived for 6 months in Alaska, 10 years in New Mexico, 2 years in Alabama, and now 7 years in Minnesota. In Minnesota the regional food I think of are these things called pasties (I have never had one) but they look like hot pockets. Not interested in making those healthy, either. lol.

 

[cruisecrasher]

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

I'm running tomorrow am too...
I'm from the great state of Texas...and as you know everything's bigger in Texas.
My favorite is the Texas Donut available right near my inlaws place:

It's the size of a birthday cake, approximately. Hmmmm, I mayve just discovered where my problem with bingeing stems from...
We're known for our barbeque and huge portions and here in Houston we have more restaurants per capita than any other city in America.
I've lived in Texas since I was ten, but before that I'd lived pretty much all over the states (LA, MO, NY, CA)
As a vegan, I kinda don't really fit in, but that suits me just fine.
Good night y'all!

 

[MelindaRuns]

I'm running tomorrow am too...
I'm from the great state of Texas...and as you know everything's bigger in Texas.
My favorite is the Texas Donut available right near my inlaws place:

It's the size of a birthday cake, approximately. Hmmmm, I mayve just discovered where my problem with bingeing stems from...
We're known for our barbeque and huge portions and here in Houston we have more restaurants per capita than any other city in America.
I've lived in Texas since I was ten, but before that I'd lived pretty much all over the states (LA, MO, NY, CA)
As a vegan, I kinda don't really fit in, but that suits me just fine.
Good night y'all!

OMG that looks so good!!!!

 

[myweegirls]

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

I live in northern Virginia, and I'm a transplant from New England (grew up in CT and lived in MA for several years). NoVa has some great restaurants (I think this is where Five Guys started), but no real regional cuisine that I can determine, so I'll cheat out on this one a little bit and go with my home region cuisine instead!

New England seafood - aaaahhhh...lobster rolls, clam chowder, clam strips, YUM. And Dunkin Donuts - oh, those munchkins and coffee rolls! I love/hate that Dunkin Donuts is here now, and I go for the occasional treat, but I'm hard pressed to find lobster rolls here anywhere near as good as the hot buttered lobster roll at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale.

Seafood is nutritionally great. It's when you fry it or drench it in drawn butter (I'm dying here thinking about the deliciousness) that it gets dangerous. So when I get up there and order my favorites, I get the butter on the side, and I dip the lobster instead of pouring it. Still tastes awesome.

As for Dunkin Donuts, if I can stop with just 2-3 munchkins, great. The restaurant has helped out lately with some pretty sound breakfast sandwich offerings. After one of those, I'm not as hungry, so 1-2 munchkins is a manageable limit.

Now I'm homesick!

XO
Liz

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Morning

It's midnight and I'm going to be up for awhile. I just drank a Dr Pepper. I was low on calories for the day (woke up late & skipped breakfast).

I had a really rough night last night and wound up not going to bed til 3am. I was really emotional and missing Josh and Maddie. I spent an hour on Youtube watching all the videos to the songs that were important to my life during my marriage. Needless to say I woke up with a pounding headache from all the crying.

Sleeping that late through my day off and I didn't get a lot accomplished. I talked with Alan and basically told him, "Our annual passes are renewed and instead of going to Daytona for next weekend (anniversary of Josh and Maddie's death) I want to go stay at Disney. You can either go with me or I'll go alone." I'm still not sure if he'll go with me. I'll find out in the morning before I call Disney. I'm wanting to stay at Pop (1st time) Thursday - Monday.

I was going to stay in Daytona Beach on the oceanfront but they want almost 600 dollars for 4 nights! Um, NO! I can get a room at Disney for half that price.

Then after talking about that and looking at the offers on Disney's annual pass website I decided that I didn't want to stay at BLT in May with my best friend. I don't know what the heck I was thinking when I booked that DVC reservation!! 245 points for a week, UM NO THANKS! So, I did some looking at different options, did some number crunching, and called up bestie. We've decided a week at Coronado Springs (1st time) with AP rate, dining plan, spa treatment, and Wishes dessert party. It will definately be a memorable trip. I've never done any of the above other then the dining plan.

Plus this leaves Alan and I points to go to OKW for Christmas. We stayed in a 1 bedroom at OKW for Christmas in 2010. No, its not our home resort but I love it and if I could get a small contract there I would. So, tomorrow will be spent on the phone with Disney.

After talking with bestie for 3 hours I got my BL kinect workout in. TIGGER813: Have you been able to try the game out yet? Do you like it? Tonight kicked my butt.

I've not come anywhere near my calorie burn for the week. I need to get an hour workout in to meet my 3 hour minimum for the week. I'll probably do 2 miles on the treadmill since its my off day on the Kinect.

Trying to get my veggies and fruits in each night. I started eating celery with peanut butter and love it. This is hilarious to me because it was like pulling teeth when I was younger to get me to eat veggies other then green beans. I didn't start eating brocolli until I was an adult. Matter of fact there are a lot of things I eat now that I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole when I was younger .

 

[50sjayne]

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

I'm from Illinois, born, raised back and forth between there and here-- Oregon with a brief stint in Long Beach CA. And San Bernadino I guess when I was 18. Really an Oregonian but still embrace Midwestern values to an extent. The prejudice and backwoods stuff I could do without. My whole family is there. The only people I am related to by blood here are my Mom and son, since my daughter is currently in New Mexico.
I miss the pork tenderloins you find in a greasy spoon in Illinios! I'm thinking of finding a recipe for them because I just miss them that bad. And really good corn. Plus my gramma's rhubarb pie.
Here-- there's really nothing cultural to speak of, unless you count dungeness crab which is really only affordable and fresh once or twice a year here. You mix that in a big omelet with lots of cheese and spinach and call it healthy lol.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

I am from Kentucky originally. I grew up there. The specialty there is good ol' southern food, like biscuits and gravy, soup beans, fried potatoes, and corn bread. I really don't know how to make this healthy, and have it taste just like mom used to make, so I only have it when I'm back there and it's the real deal.

mmmm....southern food...mmmmmm

I'm running tomorrow am too...
I'm from the great state of Texas...and as you know everything's bigger in Texas.
My favorite is the Texas Donut available right near my inlaws place:

It's the size of a birthday cake, approximately. Hmmmm, I mayve just discovered where my problem with bingeing stems from...
We're known for our barbeque and huge portions and here in Houston we have more restaurants per capita than any other city in America.
I've lived in Texas since I was ten, but before that I'd lived pretty much all over the states (LA, MO, NY, CA)
As a vegan, I kinda don't really fit in, but that suits me just fine.
Good night y'all!

omg. that donut is huge! i'd totally eat it.

I live in northern Virginia, and I'm a transplant from New England (grew up in CT and lived in MA for several years). NoVa has some great restaurants (I think this is where Five Guys started), but no real regional cuisine that I can determine, so I'll cheat out on this one a little bit and go with my home region cuisine instead!

New England seafood - aaaahhhh...lobster rolls, clam chowder, clam strips, YUM. And Dunkin Donuts - oh, those munchkins and coffee rolls! I love/hate that Dunkin Donuts is here now, and I go for the occasional treat, but I'm hard pressed to find lobster rolls here anywhere near as good as the hot buttered lobster roll at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale.

Seafood is nutritionally great. It's when you fry it or drench it in drawn butter (I'm dying here thinking about the deliciousness) that it gets dangerous. So when I get up there and order my favorites, I get the butter on the side, and I dip the lobster instead of pouring it. Still tastes awesome.

As for Dunkin Donuts, if I can stop with just 2-3 munchkins, great. The restaurant has helped out lately with some pretty sound breakfast sandwich offerings. After one of those, I'm not as hungry, so 1-2 munchkins is a manageable limit.

Now I'm homesick!

XO
Liz

i love seafood! we live on the water and you'd think i'd cook it more but it tastes so much better when someone else makes it for me. plus my whole house stinks for days after i make it!

we have a DD just down the road at the gas station. i teach a mommy and me class and for christmas i got three or four gift cards to DD yeah, give the lady who just had a baby and has 25 lbs to lose a gift card to DD! they do sell k-cups so we have been using the cards to buy k-cups instead of donuts

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?
Maria

what up from the boogie down! do i sound cool and tough? no? ok. i'm from the bronx. born here, lived here til i was 11 then did middle school and high school in CT. after college and a few years in chicago, i'm back in the bronx. my whole family is here. typical irish catholic family - i have aunts, uncles, and cousins living across the street, around the corner, everywhere!

nyc has it all when it comes to food. duh. but more specifically to the bronx and my neighborhood i'd say pizza is an awesome staple anytime people come to visit they just want pizza. they don't want to go to city island for the awesome seafood, don't want to go downtown for some fine cuisine. they want pizza. hey, cheaper for me

and how can they make it healthy? um...how about just not eat it. "healthy" pizza is just bad.

***********

i'm getting really frustrated with the scale. yesterday i went OP so i know where the extra lbs are coming from but i really should be losing more. my fitness pal has a few items in their database for breastfeeding. they say you burn 500 calories a day when exclusively breastfeeding. why can't i be one of those people who loses when they bf?? waaaahhhh!!! 500 cal! i mean, hello! that's alot! and yet, here i am. still stuck at the same weight pretty much since jan 1 when we first weighed in. PCOS blows.

snow today. i wish i had a treadmill. maybe it'll stop snowing in the afternoon and i can get out if the roads are plowed.

 

[RutgersAlum]

duplicate, my bad!

 

[RutgersAlum]

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Ok, born & bred in New Jersey. We have a few specialties. Not really able to clean them up nutrition-wise...

1. Taylor Ham (a.k.a., "Pork Roll"). Most popular on a "Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese Sandwich" served in just about every local deli here in North Jersey. Apparently, where you grow up determines whether you call it Pork Roll or Taylor Ham:

I grew up in the red zone calling it Pork Roll, now live in the purple zone, it's called Taylor Ham. We're very particular in each region for such a small state, no?
Yum, yum, yum! I have this about once or twice a year.

2. Saltwater Taffy - You've heard of the Jersey Shore (ugh, not THAT one) and the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This is taffy:

3. DINERS!!! We have many variations on French Fries:
a) you know, of course, Cheese Fries:

b) Fries & Gravy - you use like chicken or turkey gravy for dipping :


c) Disco Fries - Basically Cheese Fries with Gravy on top!

4. Bagels--which are a NYC thing, but they are bliss in Jersey, and seems you can't always get them in other parts of the US, they're just bigger & puffier:

5. Rutgers University is kinda known in NJ for its Grease Trucks, great for 2 am bad snacking on Taylor Ham Sandwich & Gyros, etc.

Great interesting question! Can't wait to see food from everyone's region!

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

Well, I was born in Alexandria, VA but have lived in Alabama since I was 2 years old so this is my home. In the south the specialties tend to be a lot of fried foods, chicken, potatoes, okra, squash etc. and even twinkies and snickers! I've never understood the allure of the fried sweets, blech! But I always loved the fried chicken and various vegetables, especially with fresh gravy and homemade biscuits and a sliced garden tomato. However, it's impossible to completely recreate this meal in a healthy way. But, since I rarely eat anything with any grease in it anymore I really don't like the way it tastes anymore and when I do have some it makes me feel sick. We bake/grill everything and I'm used to the taste of that now.

Hope everyone had a great week. My scale actually showed a .6 gain but I was expecting it because it happens every month at this time. I gained a pound of fluid and muscle and lost fat so I'm moving in the right direction. I'm trying to focus more on toning up since I'm getting closer to my goal but I'm still sticking to my calorie limit and exercise plan. I just wish the cellulite would find somewhere else to go! I know it's more difficult with a major weight loss to get rid of it and tighten up excess skin but it is still frustrating. This week I did 2 hours of cardio, 2 hours of P90X and ran 3 days, only got 1 mile in 2 of those days but managed to run 2 miles yesterday. Today will probably be my rest day depending on how I feel but I still want to get at least an ab workout in. Good luck everyone! We can do this!!

 

[MelindaRuns]

Its -7 here in Duluth, MN (-10 at my house) and according to the Weather Channel it feels like -19, and I am supposed to be out on an 8 mile training run. I have put it off until this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I am hoping it gets warmer! 15 would be good, 20 would be great, and 30 would be just awesome! Doing 8 miles on a treadmill sounds just horrible to me, but I will do it tomorrow afternoon if it comes to that!

I really need to get that BL Kinect game, and also the Disneyland Adventures one. I wonder if the DL game actually is a calorie burning game, or just a novelty?

Have a fab day everyone! Burn some calories, either indoors or out. I hope next weigh in is going to be a little kinder to me! lol:

 

[MelindaRuns]

Well, I was born in Alexandria, VA but have lived in Alabama since I was 2 years old so this is my home. In the south the specialties tend to be a lot of fried foods, chicken, potatoes, okra, squash etc. and even twinkies and snickers! I've never understood the allure of the fried sweets, blech! But I always loved the fried chicken and various vegetables, especially with fresh gravy and homemade biscuits and a sliced garden tomato. However, it's impossible to completely recreate this meal in a healthy way. But, since I rarely eat anything with any grease in it anymore I really don't like the way it tastes anymore and when I do have some it makes me feel sick. We bake/grill everything and I'm used to the taste of that now.

Hope everyone had a great week. My scale actually showed a .6 gain but I was expecting it because it happens every month at this time. I gained a pound of fluid and muscle and lost fat so I'm moving in the right direction. I'm trying to focus more on toning up since I'm getting closer to my goal but I'm still sticking to my calorie limit and exercise plan. I just wish the cellulite would find somewhere else to go! I know it's more difficult with a major weight loss to get rid of it and tighten up excess skin but it is still frustrating. This week I did 2 hours of cardio, 2 hours of P90X and ran 3 days, only got 1 mile in 2 of those days but managed to run 2 miles yesterday. Today will probably be my rest day depending on how I feel but I still want to get at least an ab workout in. Good luck everyone! We can do this!!

Awesome positive attitude! I love it! My husband is from Alabama (Tallassee, just outside of Montgomery) and we lived in Montgomery for two years not long ago. I know--the fried southern foods are very hard to recreate in a healthy way, and once you lose a taste for them it really makes you sick to have all that grease. YAY for the grilled/baked foods! Especially in the south!

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Its -7 here in Duluth, MN (-10 at my house) and according to the Weather Channel it feels like -19, and I am supposed to be out on an 8 mile training run. I have put it off until this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I am hoping it gets warmer! 15 would be good, 20 would be great, and 30 would be just awesome! Doing 8 miles on a treadmill sounds just horrible to me, but I will do it tomorrow afternoon if it comes to that!

I really need to get that BL Kinect game, and also the Disneyland Adventures one. I wonder if the DL game actually is a calorie burning game, or just a novelty?

Have a fab day everyone! Burn some calories, either indoors or out. I hope next weigh in is going to be a little kinder to me! lol:

Melinda, its DEFINATELY a calorie burner. I wear my pedometer every time I pay it. I burn anywhere from 50 - 60 calories for each 30 minute workout.

 

[BMC423]

Did any of you see the birthday special for Betty White last night? It was awesome see what she has accomplished in her 90 years on Earth. Some of those shows she has been in over the years I've never even seen. We also watched her new show about elderly pranking younger people. It cracked me up!

I did, it was great. I love Betty White! I'm a huge Golden Girls fan and she was fantastic on Mary Tyler Moore.
:

I did I loved it... so funny!

QOTD Wednesday, January 18: On This Day in Disney History in 1977, "the second episode of The New Mickey Mouse Club airs for the first time. Tueday's lesson is about self-control, and Donald Duck learns to control his temper in the cartoon short Self Control." Tell of a victory in this challenge when YOU got to use some self control, too!

My most victorious moment so far was at work. I work in a bank and there is a coffee truck right outside our branch. Whenever anyone steps out to get a cup of coffee the guys always gives them a donut, bagel, or a pastry. Normal all those freebies end up piled up on a counter and everyone just picks at them during the day. Well I have to admit that during the last 2 days I have taken a piece or two of these goodies, for the most part I have been good at not having any.

QOTD Thursday, January 19: What is your "go to" healthy-ish dinner to whip up when you have little time (or energy)?

So today is my last day of coaching, and I have enjoyed coming up with questions--as well as trying to be more diligent about responding--this past week. Best of luck to worfiedoodles in this upcoming week, and best of luck to all of us LOSERS (and maintainers)!!!

My favorite go to dinner is baked chicken with salad. I just season boneless chicken breast with lemon, garlic, oregano, and pepper. I add a bit of white wine to a pyrex and brush bit of olive oil on the breast. Pop them in the oven and while they are cooking I make a salad. Best part leftovers = chicken salad for lunch.

Thanks so much for hosting!!!

Hello Mickey Mouse Club! I'm going to post the QOTD tonight, so we can hear from our early risers!

to another fantastic week at the BL Challenge! I am Maria, and I will be your coach.

Friday QOTD: Let’s start with a fun one: Disney’s newest resort, the Art of Animation, is opening later this year. The sections have larger than life characters and scenes that put you in the movies. The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid are brought to life in vivid, exciting areas both inside and outside the rooms. You are going to be dropped into one of the movie sections – where would you fit right in and why?

Hi Maria, I would fit right in to the Little Mermaid. I love to swim and sing. That's the main reason but also because the Little Mermaid was my first Disney movie.

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

I'm from New York City born and raised so we have a little bit of everything but I would say some of the things we are famous for are:

Cheesecake

Pretzels

And... Pizza:

I don't really know how to make a pretzel or cheesecake healthier, but I will say that the pizzerias in our neighborhood have started making whole wheat pizza. Also the standard light on the cheese and veggie pizza.

Ok, born & bred in New Jersey. We have a few specialties. Not really able to clean them up nutrition-wise...

1. Taylor Ham (a.k.a., "Pork Roll"). Most popular on a "Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese Sandwich" served in just about every local deli here in North Jersey. Apparently, where you grow up determines whether you call it Pork Roll or Taylor Ham:

I grew up in the red zone calling it Pork Roll, now live in the purple zone, it's called Taylor Ham. We're very particular in each region for such a small state, no?
Yum, yum, yum! I have this about once or twice a year.

2. Saltwater Taffy - You've heard of the Jersey Shore (ugh, not THAT one) and the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This is taffy:

3. DINERS!!! We have many variations on French Fries:
a) you know, of course, Cheese Fries:

b) Fries & Gravy - you use like chicken or turkey gravy for dipping :


c) Disco Fries - Basically Cheese Fries with Gravy on top!

4. Bagels--which are a NYC thing, but they are bliss in Jersey, and seems you can't always get them in other parts of the US, they're just bigger & puffier:

5. Rutgers University is kinda known in NJ for its Grease Trucks, great for 2 am bad snacking on Taylor Ham Sandwich & Gyros, etc.

Great interesting question! Can't wait to see food from everyone's region!

OH YUM! I love saltwater taffy no trip to Atlantic City is complete until we get some taffy! The other stuff on your list sound pretty good too... especially the cheese fries.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Great day of Scrapbooking. Going to try to finish up a few things I started over the weekend. I cam home exhuasted though. Not really sure why since it was an early night-- 9pm instead of the usual 11. Went to bed early. I ate just fine-- took all my food and we didn't do the bring a snack to share so there were no temptations. I do regret that I didn't drink my water. No idea why, I was just involved with what I was doing and didn't pick up the bottle like I should have. And it would be so easy there-- the bathroom is closer than when I am at home!

Had no problem with the donuts-- I got there late to volunteer and they already had plenty of people, really more than they needed. They offered to have me come and be another person handing out donuts ( I usually sit and check people off the lists) but I told them I would rather get back to my Scrapbooking. There was no way on God's green earth I was going to stand there seeing, smelling and touching donuts for 2 hours! It would have led to tasting really quick! And in any case I wouldn't have been able to stand in one place for 2 hours. I have to be able to sit. So I hightailed it out of there before they even offered me a donut, did a few quick errands and got in an extra hour and a half of scrapping.

Trying to run early again tomorrow (and falling asleep now ), so here's the QOTD:

Saturday QOTD: Let’s hear from all the fine states and countries we represent! Tell us where you live – are you a native, or a transplant? Is there a meal or food item is a specialty in your region? Is it considered “healthy”? Is there a way you could adapt it to make it more user-friendly?

Maria

I was born in western TN, raised in Central Illinois, moved to TX after I got married and lived in the Southern end for 2 years and in Northern TX for 5. Then we moved to VA and lived in the far SW corner for 5 years and am now on the other side of the state and have been for 7 years. Hopefully this was our last move because I really just want to stay here.

I can't really think of any local specialties that are prevalent. I grew up on good midwestern casseroles from a mom that was born and raised in the South. She didn't do a whole lot of southern cooking though but we had lots of processed stuff from a box like Hamburger Helper and canned veggies and anything you could make with cream of mushroom soup. I don't cook anything like that. We do use canned veggies when we have to but certainly prefer fresh.

One of my biggest regrets from living in TX is that I really didn't like BBQ when we lived there! Didn't have it growing up and didn't really want it there. Once I moved to VA we found a few great places and now I LOVE it! Sure wish that I had appreciated it more when I was there.


For the weekend I need to make a new menu, we are at the end of the last one I made. Have to get some cleaning done and the kids want to go to the library. It is pouring rain here so not thrilled to go out but may go anyway. I would like to stay home so I can really concentrate on getting a good amount of water today. DD16 has exams next week so she is going to be studying all weekend. The bummer about exam week is the kids have a half day every day so I lose a lot of my precious "me" time which I really do value.

I have made a major diet decision-- I think I need to cut the coffee I can't drink coffee without cream and sugar and it just isn't worth it if I use ff and/or sf creamer. I just don't like the fake stuff and would rather go without. So I am going to cut all coffee during the week and have hot tea instead, and have coffee in the morning on the weekends. I am really not a coffee "addict", and I won't have withdrawal issues-- I just love the comfort and taste of a hot cup of coffee with my favorite creamer to start my day. But it is adding a lot of sugar and fat. I am losing but I think it is making it harder. I actually went without coffee for most of Nov and Dec because of my IBS so it won't be too bad.

Gotta go get some done. Everyone have a great ON PLAN day!

 

[BMC423]

Hello! So... this week turned out to be a HOT MESS!!! Everything went downhill after Tuesday. I was expecting this week to be crazy because the first week of a new routine is always a bit crazy but I didn't expect it to be so bad. First off I'm still trying to shake off that cold that I got last week. So a I still have a stuffy nose and have some congestion.

Wednesday was my first day of school, everything was going well until I reached school. Since I ate lunch early at work I was a bit hungry when I was on my way. I was set on getting a salad or a yogurt but I couldn't find anything that I wanted So I bought a sandwich! I didn't even finish it because as I was eating it I kept thinking how off plan it was. Old habits die hard and this is one I really need to work on... no more bad choices for at school dinner.

Thursday I had a great breakfast... oatmeal with flaxseeds. I had put together a pretty sad lunch... english muffin (whole wheat) with almond butter, a jello snack cup, and a wedge of laughing cow with 5 crackers. Needless to say I was hungry right about 3 o'clock, I forgot to pack a healthy snack so when my coworker offered me some of her bagel with cream cheese I gladly said yes. Also, my original plan to go to the gym that evening was replaced with tapas with some friends who I hadn't seen in a while. At tapas we didn't have horrible food since one of my friends is a vegetarian but we did have sangria.

Yesterday, was ok (I have to plug my meals into fitness pal to see my calories), but I really did not workout at all.

This is what I learned this week:

1. I am really going to have to start carrying a variety of healthy snacks in my bag.

2. I don't like working out after work and will find any excuse to avoid it. I need to stop kidding myself and just do it.

3. I need to stop going back to my bad habits and follow my healthy instincts.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!

BTW- At weigh in yesterday... no change that is 3 weeks at the same number... was I surprised not really given my choices. Just a bit annoyed with myself.

 

[MelindaRuns]

LTS: I had to make that coffee decision too when this challenge started. It was just too much. I couldn't afford the WW points, and no way am I going to have coffee with a splash of almond milk, or God forbid- black coffee. I like my flavored creamer, and it's not cheap! So, it will be a weekend luxury. HEY-- TODAY IS THE WEEKEND, lol!!!: