Welcome to the WISH Biggest Loser 7 Challenge

[jennz]

Hey everyone - we went to Sam's last night and I bought 5 pounds of ground turkey. The problem is - I don't know what to do with it! DH has requested no turkey burgers. Does anyone have any recipes that are good with ground turkey?

 

[goldcupmom]

Jennz - I use ground turkey for everything I used to use beef for. Just use it in your normal recipes.

And while we're on the subject....and this is a LONG shot!! DS19 is getting me some meat from his friend/youth pastor/mentor.....ELK MEAT!! Any ideas????? YP & his dad from TX got a rather large elk I'm assuming and after being dressed they had almost 400 lbs. so about 200 lbs left to give away after they filled their freezers. Hmmmmmm.....wonder the fat/calorie content......

Today's question....my immediate goal is to get BACK to the 160s. After that to hit my WW low (still in the 160s)

Off to plan my walk today....probably a 7 miler, but it is still only 28 here.

 

[TammyNC]

I am down 1.5 this week . I've got my work cut out for me but I'm taking it one day at a time.

Finishing up my coffee then to the water bottle I go.

I haven't tried ground turkey or chicken yet but think I might sneak a meal in with it in the next couple of weeks. Does it taste any different, do you think the family will be able to tell??

 

[Laurie222]

:

Last night I got home and found out I'd forgotten to turn the crockpot on so I was ready to call for pizza. DD, 10, says (insert angry voice) "I thought we were eating healthy!" so I said "You don't want pizza?" And she says, "I didn't say that, just I thought we were eating healthy." Her saying that was enough to guilt me into defrosting some chicken and cooking up some yummy asparagus and rice. Gotta love the kids.

You've got a great inspiration, Jennz! I've been trying to cook more at home during the week and you show a decent family dinner can be put on the table in short order!

Laurie

 

[heart4pooh]

I'm down 2 lbs this week. 1/2 lb more to reach my most recent goal. Since I met a goal at Thanksgiving that I thought I'd never ever get to again, I decided to make 5 lb goals at a time and see where I get...

I'm psychologically still bummed about not being able to lift weights until my surgery, then NO exercise for six weeks... While I was working out this morning I was in the "why should I bother" thinking mode and couldn't get into it at all.

Has anybody else gone through having surgery and not being able to work out for 6 weeks after working out for 9 long months?? I feel like I'm going to lose all that I have worked so hard for. In my mind, I was NEVER not going to workout again in my life!

Ok, deep breath. God is in control, not me. I may lose muscle mass, but not all the other amazing things I've learned about myself this year. And, since I'm the healthiest I've ever been, I will bounce back quicker than I would have last year. I've got to believe this 'time out' will be for a good reason. A lesson somewhere that will only add to my journey. I do have a long list of things that need to get done that I never seem to have time to do...

Have a great week everyone!

 

[Laurie222]

I do eat oatmeal sometimes, but its still the instant apple cinnamon bad for you kind. Haven't found a quick easy flavourful healthier one that I like yet.

Sorry for the multiple posts; I have not figured out how to insert multiple quotes and comments (I am not as tech saavy as I'd like)

I've always preferred "real" oatmeal and I use McCann's quick cooking Irish Oatmeal in the organic area of my chain grocery store (If you look for it, it is in a box; there is also the "steel cut" in a can that I'm sure takes longer to cook). I throw sliced apple and Splenda in it and it is yummy! I think the key is to put things into it that you like; you then also control the amount of "bad stuff" (whatever your definition) that goes into it.

I make it on the stove, but the directions on the box for a microwave 1 serving amount is 2-3 minutes, depending on the microwave.

Also, my short term goal is to lose 6 lbs (5 to go right now). That way, I will be below the 200 mark on my scale!

Have a great day everyone!

Laurie

 

[disneychrista]

Saturday's question of the day: What is your first goal you are reaching for? (A smaller step toward your ultimate goal). It can be a specific weight, clothing size, behavior change, whatever you want.

My immediate goal is still get to 150, where I was this time last year. It seems everytime I reach this I bounce back up. I can't seem to break 150.

Sorry for the multiple posts; I have not figured out how to insert multiple quotes and comments (I am not as tech saavy as I'd like)

It is actually quite easy. at the bottom of each post is a " button. Click this for each post you want to quote. Then when you are done reading click "post reply" and each post you want to quote will be in the new post for your reply.

 

[dare2dream]

So far my weigh reports confirm we have a whole lot of losin' goin' on. WEIGH to go losers!! We have a few folks that have not gotten the beginning they had hoped for but I encourage them to just hang in there. Keep working hard and the results will come.

I have initial weights for 127 of our 131 current participants. Let's take a look at the weight of our group.

125-149 pounds-3
150-174-------26
175-199-------35
200-224-------26
225-249-------20
250-274--------4
275-299--------9
300+-----------4

Our average weight per participant is 207.2 pounds. So there it is losers, our beginning. Where we will be in 12 weeks is up to you.

I am still waiting on over 40 weight reports. Please send in that report as soon as you can. I know some folks are reporting on Monday and that is OK just don't forget.

I am now 'on the wagon' with most of you. I am holding on tight because Tuesday is a trip with friends to a buffet. That can lead to a disaster but if I go with several successful days under my belt that will help me stay in control while I am there.

Here's wishing you a successful weekend. Drink some water. Stay OP. I know you can do it. Make each bite the right bite.

 

[njmom23grls]

Great job everyone! We have some work to do but it looks like we are all off to a good start!

As for the recipes - I use ground turkey in Chili and my family can't tell the difference. I have also made turkey burgers - but my DH can't stand them. I also do things like Swedish Meatballs with the ground turkey and meatloaf. I usually buy the 99% ff - which is "drier" and "lighter in color" than gr. beef and I doctor it up. Sometimes ground turkey (depending on the blend-more dark meat than white) is higher in fat than the gr. beef I buy - so just a reminder to check the label - gr. turkey isn't necessarily "better" for you than beef.

On the elk question, I think it tastes ok. I guess it depends on what the Elk has been eating. I like Elk steaks - but I'm not overly crazy about it. My sister only eats it as her DH & DFIL always stock their freezer with it every year. She adds extra oil to the pan and usues it just like beef.

 

[mousehouselover]

I haven't tried ground turkey or chicken yet but think I might sneak a meal in with it in the next couple of weeks. Does it taste any different, do you think the family will be able to tell??

There is a different texture and taste. DH can tell the difference when I use it. I didn't think it was that different but after eating nothing but ground turkey for a year then going to McD's and having a hamburger, I tasted it. (Not that McD's is a prime example but that's what I was eating when I noticed a taste difference.)

I am now 'on the wagon' with most of you. I am holding on tight because Tuesday is a trip with friends to a buffet. That can lead to a disaster but if I go with several successful days under my belt that will help me stay in control while I am there.

Here's wishing you a successful weekend. Drink some water. Stay OP. I know you can do it. Make each bite the right bite.

Several years ago I lost 20 lbs, even while going to a buffet twice a month. I would get a full plate of salad and eat that before I brought any other food to the table. I found I ate much less 'other stuff' that way.

 

[Laurie222]

It is actually quite easy. at the bottom of each post is a " button. Click this for each post you want to quote. Then when you are done reading click "post reply" and each post you want to quote will be in the new post for your reply.

Thanks, disneychrista

 

[Debbie]

I have initial weights for 127 of our 131 current participants. Let's take a look at the weight of our group.

125-149 pounds-3
150-174-------26
175-199-------35
200-224-------26
225-249-------20
250-274--------4
275-299--------9
300+-----------4

Our average weight per participant is 207.2 pounds. So there it is losers, our beginning. Where we will be in 12 weeks is up to you.

Well said, Brenda! It is ALL up to each of us. I see where I am...and I have company....and I would love to be down one group by the end of the game. Only I am holding me back!

Here's wishing you a successful weekend. Drink some water. Stay OP. I know you can do it. Make each bite be the right bite.

for the reminder. I've had some green tea, but not water, yet. I'm off because I want to WoW the CoW!

 

[maryliz]

Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for the "group stats" Brenda. It's nice to see that I'm not alone in the group I'm in.

My short term goal is 5lbs . I've been thinking a lot this week about the 1/2 marathon 4 years ago ... I was down to below 170 and could do it in just under the 15 minute mile. So I really want to get back to that.

Today I bought some great lightweight little boots from Lands End for outdoor winter walking. And last night DH found my long lost lycra walking pants. They've been MIA for over a year, and to be honest, I haven't been missing them. But after starting this week to get back OP, I was pretty excited to see them. LOL

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Today was good -

I was proud of myself. This evening when my daughter came home from cheering at a basketball game, she threw a slice of the pizza (that I had managed to not eat earlier - and instead eate my planned dinner), so I threw a slice in the oven with hers. I was just going to eat the pizza not the crust. I was rationalizing how many calories, and then I said - NO..........back away and put it back. I didn't eat it - yeah. I would have been mad at myself. Maybe If I'm still feeling the need to have some tomorrow, I can have a slice at lunch. No deprivation.......just work it into my calorie allowence. Just glad I didn't allow it today since I already went over my calorie allowence by about 200 calories.

Way to go on stepping back and away from that pizza slice! These little victories are awesome and the pride you get is heartwarming! Way to go!

Hi everyone
I would love to join in with all of you here I emailed Brenda with my starting weight,well it was more like a heavyweight boxer weigh in,lol but that is all going to change.
I am Marcy from Brooklyn,I have 2 amazing girls and a great hubby (most of the time ) and have battled with weight issues all my life.

I have lost 100 pounds to then gain half of it back with no problem,that is my problem..I need to lose it and keep it off. I need to lose another 100 pounds to meet my goal weight and my ultimate goal is to do the Disney half marathon in Jan 2010. I have never done any marathon,or even any major or minor exercise so this is a huge goal that will be my driving force to regain my health in 2009.

I am a raw foods chef so I do know the proper way to eat and to even help others to eat ..it is just doing it myself that is the trick. So 2009 is all about change and empowering myself to finally beat my food addictions and lack of exercise.
There..I have put it out there into the world and there is no taking it back,lol
thanks for letting me join in with you all-I look forward to getting to know all of you better.

Welcome Marcy! sounds like you have a lot going for you! It is time to take back control and live your best life!!! Make 2009 YOUR YEAR!

I'm psychologically still bummed about not being able to lift weights until my surgery, then NO exercise for six weeks... While I was working out this morning I was in the "why should I bother" thinking mode and couldn't get into it at all.

Ok, deep breath. God is in control, not me. I may lose muscle mass, but not all the other amazing things I've learned about myself this year. And, since I'm the healthiest I've ever been, I will bounce back quicker than I would have last year. I've got to believe this 'time out' will be for a good reason. A lesson somewhere that will only add to my journey. I do have a long list of things that need to get done that I never seem to have time to do...

Have a great week everyone!

You have an amazing attitude, and it is very inspiring. It is good to step back and realize and acknowledge that God is in control. Sounds like you have also had some great realizations about yourself. Hang in there, get your to do list done and then when it is time to exercise, you will be able to do it knowing you don't have your time split between different things.

.

I am now 'on the wagon' with most of you. I am holding on tight because Tuesday is a trip with friends to a buffet. That can lead to a disaster but if I go with several successful days under my belt that will help me stay in control while I am there.

Here's wishing you a successful weekend. Drink some water. Stay OP. I know you can do it. Make each bite the right bite.

Brenda, I am so glad you are "on the wagon"!!!! BE careful at the buffet! Remember how you feel right now being on the wagon... confident, happy, focused... NOTHING at that buffet will give you those feelings. An extra buttered roll will not give you confidence. An extra dose of dessert is not going to make you happy, an extra heaping of pasta will not help you focus... BUT making good choices will keep YOU IN CONTROL, you will keep your confience, your joy, your focus AND you will have more pride from making wise choices!!!! I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Saturday's question of the day: What is your first goal you are reaching for? (A smaller step toward your ultimate goal). It can be a specific weight, clothing size, behavior change, whatever you want.

Mine is a specific number on the scale. I set a goal back in March to loose 25 pounds before the next testing at taekwondo (which was in June) I didn't make it and I have been struggling to get there since. In december I was 1 pound away from that goal. Over the holidays I gained back some of the weight and now I am 4# away. I can't wait to get past that number on the scale.


I am doing pretty good right now. I am on call again and I hope to get a work out session in tonight. I am feeling pretty happy with my progress so far.

 

[MelanieC]

The one positive change I made this past week ... and let me tell you, I'm pretty darned proud of it ... I started back on the treadmill at work on lunches. Working my way slowly back up to the 4 miles/hour ... on Tues I did 2.45 miles in 40 minutes, and when I did the same 40 minutes today, I did 2.52 miles. I made it to the gym 4 days, 30-40 minutes each time, and the "off day" I took a 25 minute walk to deliver a cheque instead of just popping it into the mail.

This coming week ... keep up the exercise, track the water (I do fine during the week drinking it), and get my food choices in better line. I haven't started journalling yet, and maybe my upcoming trip to WDW is also holding me back on that. But that's OK ... baby steps sometimes take a few weeks, and for me personally, are better than trying to do it all and quitting before I even get my head wrapped around it. Getting back to the gym was hard, but I DID IT!

Great job on getting to the gym at luch - Keep up the baby steps, building on them will have you reaching great heights! I challenge you to add the journalling even before you go to WDW, and to Journal while at WDW even if it is UGLY, lol! It will keep you a little more accountable. I'm seriously trying to mentally prepare myself for when I go in March. Can I have a 4 day trip to Disney and eat good? It's all a mindset, but I have so many favorites that I love that I'm not sure. The good thing is, that I won't really be with DD16 (then DD17 ), and I'll be with one of the other mom's as I am rooming with her. We roomed last year when we went to Myrtle Beach. I know there are several places that are my fav's that are healthier and I know that even if I went to Boma (my fav) I could find some healthier options - but I tend to overeat at places like that. I need to learn moderation and enjoy and eat slow.

You can do it though! Eat what you want, but right it down. I bet that if you are accountable for writing it down, you make better choices, eat less and think before you choose. I like what Tammy did too - eat at least one salad a day. Very good advice and tons of yummy veggies.

Love this group! (although I was kinda mad at y'all early this morning when I almost rolled over for more sleep- and y'all nagged me in my head to get up and get on the exercise bike)

I need to remember y'all in the morning. So far I've been thinking of you but I haven't done it.

I found something that is pretty Yummy! It is microwave popcorn from Smart Balance. Low fat, low sodium and even has the American Heart Association approval. It tastes great. It does not have that heavy microwave popcorn taste. It's just right!

I also had some good popcorn this past week. I took organic popcorn from whole foods and put it in the air popper. I drizzled 1 teaspoon of olive oil and just a smidgen of salt. It was so yummy

I have made some good changes. I've been cooking all our meals, we haven't been going out. That was huge for me.

That will also save you money which you can use to buy more nutricious food. Not eating out means you know what's going in your food. Great job! That's a huge one.

I'm down 5.4 which blew me away. I'm 1.5 below my plateau weight I haven't been able to get below for years!

I have been getting a bunch of exercise and drinking lots of water (hence the exercise...racing out of the office several times each day) so the most positive changes I've made this week were to cut down on coffee - from a thermos to a travel mug each day, limiting diet soda to two cans per day, and getting one hour more of sleep each night. I also restricted seconds at dinner when needed to only non-starchy vegetables.

5.4 is so impressive Great job on your changes you made this week.

I do eat oatmeal sometimes, but its still the instant apple cinnamon bad for you kind. Haven't found a quick easy flavourful healthier one that I like yet.

I bought the organic quick cook oat's - the 5 minute kind, from Whole Foods - A huge container was around $2-3. I also bought organic blueberries from Whole foods. I have this great ceramic bowls that are tall and perfect for cooking oatmeal. I add 8oz of water to 40g of the oatmeal. Put it in the microwave for 2 minutes, stir and then add in 40-60 g of blueberries. It's so quick and easy and I've actually started looking forward to that taste in the morning. Sometimes I even scramble an egg and a few egg whites if I want a little extra stay power. I find that will keep me full all morning. The oatmeal is so much better for you than the kind with the sugar in it, and its just as easy to make. I want to try some other fruits. If blueberries taste great - I bet other frozen fruit does too. It cools down the oatmeal so I can eat it right away and adds a burst of sweetness in every bite.

Sorry I didn't get to all the posts. I ended up with a massive migraine. Anyway, I have another licensing exam tomorrow morning, so I'm popping off to bed. I will talk to you ladies and gentlemen tomorrow.

Saturday's question of the day: What is your first goal you are reaching for? (A smaller step toward your ultimate goal). It can be a specific weight, clothing size, behavior change, whatever you want.

I hope your headache get's better.

My first goal is to get back into the 160's. I swore I was never going to get into the 160's let alone the 170's again. So I'm down 2 and 4 more to go. I can do it!

Meals this week have been OK, we ate in lunch and dinner Mon-Thurs, lunch on Friday and DH took us out for dinner last night. Most of the meals were healthy but trying to plan two meals a day healthy is challenging. Some days I felt like probably my great-grandmother felt...finish breakfast and start lunch, finish lunch and start dinner, I felt like I was in the kitchen almost all day but it is what we have to do right now. Money is tight but thankfully DH is still working. I think I'm going to add planning a couple of meals and preparing them to the kids homeschool week - won't be next week as I've got them planned and getting ready to go shopping but will be working that into the lesson plan.

Friday's Question of the Day: What is one positive change you made the first week of the challenge?

When I went to buy our ground beef, I bought the grass fed and leaner meat (although a little more expensive, by not eating out, we're still saving).

The COW this week won't be a problem (now if it was 4-5 months ago it would have been). My bladder finally got used to the amount of water I drink per day but WOW when I started, I felt like I was in there every 10 minutes .

That is a great idea adding meal planning to your kids lessons. It's definately a good thing to teach them. Lots in there they can learn that really applies to real life.

Great job on buying the grass fed beef - it's definately so much better for you. That is how cows were fed when our grandparents had farms. All this corn that is fed to cows is not good for them. Cows are not meant to handle the acidity of corn and it makes them sick - which in turn they use antibiotics and hormones that in turn make us sick. All these things end up in our body and mess up your endocrine system. Your hormones get all out of wack. Its such a visious cycle.

I sure hope my bladder can get used to this water. I was up every few hours last night. Didn't get great sleep -but - no pain.

Hey everyone - we went to Sam's last night and I bought 5 pounds of ground turkey. The problem is - I don't know what to do with it! DH has requested no turkey burgers. Does anyone have any recipes that are good with ground turkey?

Ground turkey basically tastes the same. My family never balked and we never looked back. We use it everywhere we used ground meat. Spagetti, stuffed peppers, meatloaf, UNfried rice, all sorts of pasta dishes - you name it and you would use ground beef - you can use turkey.

Finishing up my coffee then to the water bottle I go.

I haven't tried ground turkey or chicken yet but think I might sneak a meal in with it in the next couple of weeks. Does it taste any different, do you think the family will be able to tell??

Nope - most likely they won't know the difference. Don't tell them and use it. See what happens. Now if you use the 99% lean (only breast) vs. the 93% it will be a little drier. Possibly start with the 93% or just go with the 99% and see what happens. Or if you buy good grass feed beef in the 93 or 94% fat range - it's basically just as good as far as fat.

I'm psychologically still bummed about not being able to lift weights until my surgery, then NO exercise for six weeks... While I was working out this morning I was in the "why should I bother" thinking mode and couldn't get into it at all.
Ok, deep breath. God is in control, not me. I may lose muscle mass, but not all the other amazing things I've learned about myself this year. And, since I'm the healthiest I've ever been, I will bounce back quicker than I would have last year. I've got to believe this 'time out' will be for a good reason. A lesson somewhere that will only add to my journey. I do have a long list of things that need to get done that I never seem to have time to do...

Have a great week everyone!

Hang in there - Just walk and get some cardio in. You must let your body heal or you will hurt it more and you will be out of commission longer. If you keep up cardio you won't feel like you fell off the exercise wagon. Just remember how you feel when you lift weights. When your ready to lift again - think of that feeling and let it motiviate you to get back on track. Your right - God is in control!

I am holding on tight because Tuesday is a trip with friends to a buffet. That can lead to a disaster but if I go with several successful days under my belt that will help me stay in control while I am there.

You can conquer the buffet. Take a walk around the buffet when you get there. Eat a salad first - use oil and vinegar if they have it so you know what kind of dressing your using (or bring your own), look for veggies that don't look like they are drowned in butter, oil, etc. Look for fish, chicken, lower fat meats, good veggie dishes, plain brown rice, etc. Take stock of what they have and plan out what you are going to eat. Try not to go back for seconds unless its veggies. You can do it!!

 

[Danauk]

Great jobs everyone.

QOTD's: The possitive change I made last week was that I stopped drinking tea and coffee and I also stopped snacking.

My short term goal is to loose 5% of my weight.

I lost 2lb this week which I was slightly dissapointed with as I had expected more. But at least I lost weight I suppose.

 

[My2E's]

Ok, I just messed up a bit. My kids both had friends over last night and have friends here today. I fixed hot dogs and cheese dip for them. Fast and easy. Unfortunately, I just ate some of both! About half way thru I started feeling guilty, but still ate it anyway. Why do I do this? Its just a bad habit I believe. I have ate junk for so long, I am just used to it, and I like junk food. I have been getting in my water still, and I had Kashi cereal for breakfast with blueberries in it. It was ok, but not the greatest. Maybe that is why I was weak for lunch, because I didn't feel satisfied after eating earlier.

Oh, well. In the past I have used one little weak moment as an excuse to eat like crazy for the rest of the day, but NOT THIS TIME! I will be back on track the rest of the day, and will get in a little extra exercise time, and an extra glass or 2 of water! I am feeling more focused after reading everyone's posts. This is the time that I will take charge and make things happen for me. I will not fail. I just have to realize that I can't reverse overnight every bad habit I've formed in the past 10 years.

 

[My2E's]

My short term goal is to get out of the 180's and get back to the 170's. I can't beleive I ever let my weight creep up that much. I remember when I made it to the 160s a few years ago. I thought that was bad. I should have changed a few habits back then!

 

[jennz]

My2E's - don't beat yourself up over the hotdogs and cheese dip...you still had a good lunch, and having that once in a while (key!) is fine. Just don't weigh yourself tomorrow after having those salty hotdogs!

Heart4pooh - You're right in that you have to rest to recover and I understand why you're so upset to have to stop. You're also right that you'll recover quicker, and you'll recover your muscle tone quicker. Have you thought about doing light resistance exercising? You should be able to do that before you weight train again...just start with your own body weight and move on to bands. But of course you know that you have to be careful with your incision area...I'll be thinking of you!