This (DISNEY)land Was Made For You and Me - July 2016 Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Challenge

[piglet1979]

The past few days have been somewhat busy. I haven't been able to get on much. Yesterday I took some Nana, mommy, daughter time. I went with my mom and daughter and got our mani and pedis. Then my mom bought my daughter an outfit while I was finishing up. My daughter needed some time being pampered or at least I feel she deserves it. I feel like I need to do some extra stuff for her since I can't fix the eye issues she has.

Today for work I got to a golf outing. One of the radio personalitis here has a scholarship with us and does a golf outing to raise money for it. He is giving out like 50 Kids. It is a lot of fun but it is a long day.

I have gained a walking buddy at night. My son and husband started playing Pokémon go and I guess my daughter started today. My son the past few days (except for today) has joined me for my walks so he can play. I love getting this extra time with him. He is quickly growing up and doesn't always want me around all the time. We also made a game of the walk. I needed to get a work out in so we would race each other to a destination. He beat me every time.

 

[mamattorney]

Question of the Day - July 11​

What is your plan to resist holiday treats during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas?

Have you thought about how you'll manage at family functions or restaurants during the holidays?

Bonus Question: Share your experience with Haunted Mansion Holiday if you've ridden it!
​

How to resist holiday treats? Hmm . . .Halloween is the only one that will require extra special self control because of all the candy around the house for such a long time. I really have to abstain completely from candy. Because, even with fun sizes, I still can't control my portions well. Thanksgiving and Christmas are less of an issue because they are basically one or two day holidays and I always eat freely one day a week, so I will just eat what I like on the holidays. For the secondary day (Christmas Eve and Black Friday), I will likely eat outside of my plan when needed, but not crazily from sun up to bedtime. Kind of like vacation - have a good start to the day through lunch and then be more free with dinner and dessert. Honestly, if I gain a few pounds the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas/New Years, I'm not going to stress. It's a marathon, not a sprint, etc. Will it really matter if I reached my goal four weeks later than some arbitrary MFP schedule schedule? No, it will not. So I fully plan on attending all holiday parties I am invited to and do my best to be reasonable while still enjoying the foods of the season.

Bonus - Haunted Mansion Holiday sounds incredible. I REALLY need to make it out to Disneyland!

 

[courtneybeth]

July 12 - Tom Sawyer's Island

Tom Sawyer's island - or the Pirates Lair as it's now called (?!) - is located across the way from the Haunted
Mansion. The rafts to travel to the island are located next to the HM and can hold about 20 guests.
The ride has been rethemed to Pirates and I haven't done it since it's been rethemed - so I can't give you
too many details about its current iteration. But the Tom Sawyer attraction featured fun rope bridges,
caves to hide and explore through, and lots of places to relax in the shade on a hot day.

In short - it's a great area to take your kids to run off that extra energy and for you to sit down

Question of the Day - July 12
While we're relaxing on Tom Sawyer's Island, let's take a moment to reflect and really dig deep.
We're about 1/3 of the way through the month.... be honest with yourself.

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!
​

 

[4Mickeys]

If it helps, I love Matterhorn Bobsleds...

Ok - now this is a ride I haven't been on - the boys did it whilst I did something with their sister as she didn't want to ride it - and I just never got back to have a go!

I have gained a walking buddy at night. My son and husband started playing Pokémon go and I guess my daughter started today. My son the past few days (except for today) has joined me for my walks so he can play. I love getting this extra time with him. He is quickly growing up and doesn't always want me around all the time. We also made a game of the walk. I needed to get a work out in so we would race each other to a destination. He beat me every time.

I had a feeling you were going to say that. My DS15 said to me the other day - "you know how you want me to do more exercise - this app will help with that" - my reply was "you don't need an app just get out and do it!" It was their first day back at school yesterday after winter break - they got in the car and said "Mum - you would believe school today - practically the whole school (grades 7-12) were playing Pokémon Go at Lunch Time!" So yes we now have Pokémon Go as well. Today in the morning messages at home room at school they even included a message saying a Pikachu had been located in the school hall - I love that our school has a good balance of hard work and fun for the kids. Tomorrow is their sports carnival and it is held at the University next door they kids are all so excited as there are about 50 Pokémons at the Uni.

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

I am getting there with the walking goal - I am doing only OK food wise - I have some small weight gains which shows that I am not doing as good as I would like. although I do think I have moved into that girl part of the month where we start to gain a little. I am determined to be positive this month though - so no whining I will just try harder.

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!

Hmmm well we did it in 2014 so it was probably more the Pirates Lair than Tom Sawyer - The kids liked it - the caves had pirate theming and treasure in them. Not necessarily a fun story but some kid tried to steal my youngest son's Mickey Ears whilst he was in a cave (I was waiting right outside - but big brother was with twins) - DS managed to get it back with the help of big brother by from their story I was astounded at how entitled this child seemed based on his behaviour and his response to my children during the altercation.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone I have a few minutes to check in!!

QOTD for Tuesday:
I think I am happy. This is a difficult month for me weight loss wise as my BF is here and my normal schedule is kind of a bit upside down. But I have been tracking everyday and did manage to keep a daily deficit. My weight is kind of all over the place with hot days and time of the month leading to water weight, I can feel I am all puffy, but I am still seeing ok-ish numbers on the scale. My goal is now to just get through the summeras well as possible and once the hot weather is over, I will see where I am truly standing.

Bonus QOTD for Tuesday:
My fun TSI story is from my first trip to Disneyland in 1992 (also my only visit to the island). The male CM driving the raft that took us over there seemed to be a college student (so a few years older than my sister and me, we were still teenagers) and was flirting with another female CM coming over with the raft as well. For whatever reason he had just shaved his legs and the whole journey over there she was just marvelling at his smooth legs. It was so bizzarre!! Not a very Disney story, but very memorable!!

QOTD for Monday:
Halloween is not a big thing in Germany, other holidays are. My strategy is to treat a holiday as what it is: a holiDAY! Not a holiSEASON. And one day of indulgence is not what makes me put on weight. I have gotten much better at this. I am building in little treats on a regular basis anyway and those might change during specific seasons. But I still keep up my healthy eating for most of the time. I have also stopped getting lots of candy for Christmas or Easter. I know which types I really like and try to get small portions of those. For example there is a special chocolate that I love that is usually only available for Christmas. Instead of getting the cheap large bag, I buy four pieces from a high quality company and make sure to truly enjoy these instead of mindlessly snacking on a large bag.

Bonus QOTD for Monday:
Yes, I have been on Haunted Mansion Holiday and I loved it! I really enjoyed Nightmare before Christmas and I find that the overlay is a great way of bringing that film to life! I remember it being far more fun and upbeat than the normal Haunted Mansion!

QOTD for Sunday:
Drinking has never been an issue for me, I easily drink three litres per day and usually nothing sugary. I have started to have a few bottles of organic soda (0.3 litres, usually about 100kcal) and alcohol free beer at home as special drinks when I feel like I want to sit and enjoy a beverage. Those are still less calories than most alcoholic drinks and the alcohol also always makes me hungry. But I have a small bottle of rose wine in my fridge that I hope to enjoy one of these warm summer evenings soon! I just need to have the calories left over to fit it in! I find that cutting out alcohol is one of the easiest ways for me to save calories.

Bonus QOTD for Sunday:
I have been on PotC in WDW, DL and Paris. I like Paris the best because you can tell that it was designed without any space restrictions and such. Unfortunately a lot of the effects are no longer really working in there, but they are currently in the process of refurbishing it and the rumor says that the effects should all return! Can't wait to see it (and the rest of the park) in returned splendour next year for the 25th anniversary!

QOTD for Saturday:
I have eaten at both restaurants. Blue Bayou was on my first trip to DL in 1992. There were only day of reservations then and my aunt who took my sister and me insisted that the first thing we did that morning was to rush over to New Orleans Square and get a reservation at Blue Bayou for lunch. We got it and she was so happy. The funny thing is that I remember getting the reservation, but only have very vagure memories of the actual meals.
On my last trip DL we were lucky to have to opportunity to go and have lunch at Club 33. I was totally shocked when that opportunity came up through some contacts. My boyfriend knows quite a lot of people, but he was surprised as well. You can read all about it on my trip report (and the day even started with a run and a swim!!), my text is blue, my BF writes in brown:
California Dazzling: A Roadtrip Vacation Spectacular - Club 33 Update

QOTD for Friday:
My main fitness activity currently is only walking (usually 15.000 steps a day on average), but I need to step it up again. I should be able to restart running again soon when I get my new inserts and can't wait. I also need to restart my regular DVD workouts, even though I know that BF will laugh at me (not really, he really admires what I have acchieved and is very supportive).

Bonus QOTD for Friday:
I think I like the first one best. I am not so keen on Nazi story lines... It also bothers me in the Marvel films a little bit.

 

[Lady Marie]

Question of the Day - July 12
While we're relaxing on Tom Sawyer's Island, let's take a moment to reflect and really dig deep.
We're about 1/3 of the way through the month.... be honest with yourself.

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!

I'm actually feeling pretty good about my plan right now. I completed my goal for last week and even did a bonus session on the elliptical. I started out this week strong as well yesterday and traded 1hr on elliptical for 1 hr 15 min of yoga with my cousin. She and I are going to try to make this regular. I may make up the cardio anyway, but I'm proud that I am actively getting more active and doing the things I said I will so far

Now, unfortunately the scale has not been reflecting accordingly. I do know that my Sunday Funday pool and gin and tonic day did not help, but my calories were not that bad off that day so I don't know what's up. My body may just be shocked that I am moving more than usual and not know what to do with itself haha!

So I would say all in all I am cautiously optimistically pushing myself a little harder than my goal, but trying not to burn myself out.

My strategy is to treat a holiday as what it is: a holiDAY! Not a holiSEASON.

LOVE THIS!!!! I may type this up, print this out and tape it over my calendar for the months of October, November, and December. Heck, and leave it up for January (mine and DH's birthdays) and February LOL!

 

[SarahDisney]

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?

I'm only somewhat sticking to my plan, but thankfully this month has been good to me and I'm seeing some good results! Yay!

If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?

Even though I'm not happy, I'm still hoping to change some things.
One thing I wanted to focus on this month was tracking my food before I eat it. I've kinda been not so great on that, so I'm really trying to focus on that for the next week. I did track this morning's breakfast before bed last night and I tracked lunch before eating breakfast, so I'm doing okay so far. I'm going out for dinner tonight, so I'm not sure if I'll even make an attempt to track. But I will track tomorrow's breakfast tonight, and hopefully I can really do well with the tracking for the rest of the month.

If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

I'm definitely pushing a little harder in that I'm trying to cut out the little "oopsies" and off-plan moments. Not planning to add anything new into the plan, but I'll revisit that thought at the end of the week when I see this week's results.

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!

Yet another thing I've never done at Disneyland ...

 

[piglet1979]

July 12 - Tom Sawyer's Island

Tom Sawyer's island - or the Pirates Lair as it's now called (?!) - is located across the way from the Haunted
Mansion. The rafts to travel to the island are located next to the HM and can hold about 20 guests.
The ride has been rethemed to Pirates and I haven't done it since it's been rethemed - so I can't give you
too many details about its current iteration. But the Tom Sawyer attraction featured fun rope bridges,
caves to hide and explore through, and lots of places to relax in the shade on a hot day.

In short - it's a great area to take your kids to run off that extra energy and for you to sit down

Question of the Day - July 12
While we're relaxing on Tom Sawyer's Island, let's take a moment to reflect and really dig deep.
We're about 1/3 of the way through the month.... be honest with yourself.

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!
​

I am moderately happy with how things are going. I have lost almost 2 pounds since July 5th. I would like to push a little bit harder. I know I can do better then what I have been doing. I am going to start doing some lunges and squats at night. My mom is up to 130 squats a night. I have some catching up to do.

We have done Tome Sawyer's Island once at WDW. We are not fans. It just took up too much time. We like to be on the rides.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

So far I am sticking with the plan, I have cut my portion sizes down BUT I am starting to struggle with the types of food I am eating. Since being home things have become harder. It doesn't help that before my mom left she bought all kinds of junk food. It makes me really mad because she doesn't eat it and she knows I am trying to be healthier so who did she buy it for? ...but I digress.

I am feeling so so with my results. I tried to set an achievable goal for myself so I didn't get discouraged, while I should be happy that I have lost any amount of weight I am sad it isn't more. So to up the weight loss I am going to continue with the portion control and try to only bring healthy foods into the house.

Bonus: I have been to Tom Sawyer's Island at WDW and the kids love it. Like I have mentioned before DS 9 loves all things war so the fort with the guns are a highlight for him. It has been awhile since we have gone over to it but I am sure all the guns are gone now.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!

I've been sticking with the same plan since January as far as food goes. I feel like it's working, although I do have a problem sometimes not eating enough calories - especially now since the exercise levels have been raised.

My exercise plan has ramped up as I've continued the journey. Exercise is the reason why I wasn't successful other attempts to lose weight. It was hard for me as a former college athlete to come to grips with just walking for exercise. It wasn't until a) I accepted the fact that I wasn't that person anymore and my poor choices led me to the weight I was at, and b) I needed to get up and move in order for this to work - that's when I started getting results. Starting with just walking was the key for me. Getting a Fitbit was also huge as I am competitive and I was avg 20,000 to 30,000 a day. Now with running, it's just pushing myself to run further. Then I try to go faster until I'm ready for a longer distance... just keep try to build off of the last result.

I'm ecstatic with the overall results. My original goal was to lose 100 lbs in a year, and here I am 3 lbs always after only 6 months. The past few days have been really tough because I'm consumed with meeting my goal. It's hard to just not eat for a day and go for a long run just to reach the goal, but I know I need to just be patient, stay on track, and do it the right way.

Yesterday was a rest day after a big weight drop two days ago, so I knew I would probably go up a bit this morning (which I did - 1/2 lb). It was really just getting my fluid level back up in my body after sweating so much two days ago.

I'm ready for this to be over. I feel like I'm so close, I just want to reach that 100 lb mark so I can move on and continue the journey. I relate it to having a Disney trip planned for over a year and you're just a week away - you just want it to get here more than anything!

Sorry for the rambling - just struggling right now!

 

[piglet1979]

I had a feeling you were going to say that. My DS15 said to me the other day - "you know how you want me to do more exercise - this app will help with that" - my reply was "you don't need an app just get out and do it!" It was their first day back at school yesterday after winter break - they got in the car and said "Mum - you would believe school today - practically the whole school (grades 7-12) were playing Pokémon Go at Lunch Time!" So yes we now have Pokémon Go as well. Today in the morning messages at home room at school they even included a message saying a Pikachu had been located in the school hall - I love that our school has a good balance of hard work and fun for the kids. Tomorrow is their sports carnival and it is held at the University next door they kids are all so excited as there are about 50 Pokémons at the Uni.

That is awesome that the school is embracing it. My husband said that down by a lake new us (kind of the center of town) there were like 80 kids playing last night. It is crazy. A side story to the game. The makers of the game are the same people who made a game called Ingress. It sort of has the same concept. Find a portal (same as a poke` stop/Gym) claim it fight over it. My husband and I used to play it all the time. We would take pictures of the place and submit it to be a portal. All of the portals that we submitted are now the Poke` stops and gyms. We had a heads up to where they all were in our area since we submitted all of them.

 

[kirstie101]

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
I'll give myself a solid B on sticking to my plan. I have been seeing the results I want. But I'm also seeing what I knew I would see after our weekend.
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?
I'm ok with my results. Not thrilled (as of this morning) but not unhappy either. I'm going to continue to stay committed and keep logging my food in MFP and trying to get my exercise in. I did get a workout in last night (21 day fix dvd) so I'm happy with that. Tonight I will run.

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!
We started taking the kids there a few years ago. I hadn't been since I was a kid. Its still very much the same. The caves and tunnels are still there as is the shade in some areas. At the back of the island now theres a giant treasure chest and a big pirate flag. When we go there, my mom throws a few quarters in with the "gold" for the kids to find.

 

[courtneybeth]

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!

I set myself with a goal of doing longer distance activity and have... actually gone above and beyond what I wanted to do thanks to Pokemon Go. Oh crazy addictive game, you've allowed my steps to double during the last week. THANK YOU.

Looks like Chicago will be a warm weekend for the 5K/Half combo this weekend. High of 87 degrees during the race. They're bringing out air conditioned buses for us to cool off in at miles 7 and 9. (woah!)

As for TSI --- I haven't done it in years. We may have to do it now.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Looks like Chicago will be a warm weekend for the 5K/Half combo this weekend. High of 87 degrees during the race. They're bringing out air conditioned buses for us to cool off in at miles 7 and 9. (woah!)

I just had my first running experience in heat - ugh!

The real feel temp was 95 and normally I would just run downstairs on the treadmill, but my son had friends over and they were all down there, so I had the brilliant idea to run outside. Felt great the first mile, not so much mile two, felt like death mile three.

I'm retiring from running in 90 degree weather.

Good look this weekend. Hoping for at minimum a cool morning for you - and just a slight breeze!

 

[4Mickeys]

Sorry for the rambling - just struggling right now!

Don't be sorry - that is why we are here! We all do it at some stage

 

[courtneybeth]

I just had my first running experience in heat - ugh!

The real feel temp was 95 and normally I would just run downstairs on the treadmill, but my some had friends over and they were all down there, so I had the brilliant idea to run outside. Felt great the first mile, not so much mile two, felt like death mile three.

I'm retiring from running in 90 degree weather.

Good look this weekend. Hoping for at minimum a cool morning for you - and at just a slight breeze!

Yuck -- this does not sound like fun.

We've invested in "Cooling Towels" that we'll be keeping on us during the race. Dampen with water and you wear them so that you feel cooler as you go. If they work great I'll send along the amazon link - remind me when I get back

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

I set myself with a goal of doing longer distance activity and have... actually gone above and beyond what I wanted to do thanks to Pokemon Go. Oh crazy addictive game, you've allowed my steps to double during the last week. THANK YOU.

Hahahaha we went out earlier for the first time, the Pokemon was in someone's yard and I kept thinking they probably think we are casing their house lol

 

[Oneanne]

July 12 - Tom Sawyer's Island

Tom Sawyer's island - or the Pirates Lair as it's now called (?!) - is located across the way from the Haunted
Mansion. The rafts to travel to the island are located next to the HM and can hold about 20 guests.
The ride has been rethemed to Pirates and I haven't done it since it's been rethemed - so I can't give you
too many details about its current iteration. But the Tom Sawyer attraction featured fun rope bridges,
caves to hide and explore through, and lots of places to relax in the shade on a hot day.

In short - it's a great area to take your kids to run off that extra energy and for you to sit down

Question of the Day - July 12
While we're relaxing on Tom Sawyer's Island, let's take a moment to reflect and really dig deep.
We're about 1/3 of the way through the month.... be honest with yourself.

Are you sticking to your plan and seeing the results you want?
If you're unhappy with your results - what are you going to change for the next week?
If you're happy with your results, are you going to push a little harder or just stick to what is working?

Bonus question: Does anyone actually do Tom Sawyer's Island? Share a fun story of a time you spent there!
​

First off the bonus question. I take a picture of Harpers Mill just about every trip but have only been over to TSI (WDW version) a couple times... I think it was with each of my Nephews during their 'time with Auntie trips. I enjoyed it each time but somehow it doesn't make the list during other trips.

Now on to the real question... No I am not satisfied with my efforts so far. I really haven't been on track... Still. This morning I managed to get in for a Rolfing appointment. I've been trying to get on her schedule for a couple months and a cancelation came up at a time I could make work. I had her focus on my legs, which have been aching and now they feel great. I want to keep it that way, so that means getting back to good eating. Hopefully this is the thing that will get me going.

Sunday I went back out to my favorite yarn store. The gal who checked me out is someone I follow on Instagram as a creative inspiration. We got to talking about hiking, which she does a lot, and she recommended a local FB group for women who hike... So I joined and hope to hook up with some hiking buddies soon. Another reason why I need to get my eating back on track... To feel good enough to take on new physical challenges.

 

[courtneybeth]

July 13 -- woohoo wednesday!

It's everyone's favorite day: WOOHOO WEDNESDAY!

While we take the rafts back from Tom Sawyer's Island, take a moment to share something worth celebrating.
No celebration is too big or too small. Brag brag brag - it's your time to shine.
It can be about ANYTHING - an accomplishment at work, your health, winning the lottery, etc.

What are you celebrating today?​

 

[4Mickeys]

Hahahaha we went out earlier for the first time, the Pokemon was in someone's yard and I kept thinking they probably think we are casing their house lol

Funny you should say that - the Police here in Australia have had lots of increased reports of 'concerning behaviour' from people by loitering near or entering people's yards, driving while playing Pokémon Go, standing the middle of busy streets, crossing roads without looking etc. - One of son's friends walked into a tree at school yesterday while playing it - he wasn't hurt - so I can think that is funny.

My Woohoo Wednesday: hmmmm .... there is only 2 days until the weekend? I am really struggling to think of something big or small.