Welcome to the WISH Biggest Loser 7 Challenge

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Well I have had a slight change in plans, I won't call it a set-back.

I decided to take mother nature by the horns and trade my treadmill workout for a 45 minute snow shoveling workout.

I could have just sat on my caboose and watched the snow pile up but I summoned the motivation and got in a good workout!

Great job finding the silver lining around the clouds and making a workout out of shoveling! It is actually one of my favorite workouts in winter. Feels great to get all those muscles moving and to see the snow gone, a great accomplishment feeling.

I'm having a bad night.

I hope you are feeling better today.

A few years ago when I was a member of WISH, we used to call getting out of the 200s reaching
ONEderland

I always really liked that term. Best wishes for reaching it soon!

I love that term, and I too can't wait to get to that goal!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I am so proud of myself. I woke up and exercised right away. I did the Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD. Usually I just do the warm up, cardio 1 and cool down. THis time I added in the cardio 2. It was a great workout and I was sweating! I am really working on increasing my push up position for testing. Right now I make it to 1 minute and a few seconds, this week I am going to push it to 1 1/2 minutes and keep increasing. I want to make the push up position all the way at testing.

 

[tink1963]

Good Sunday to all BL WISHers.
It is so inspiring to log on and read about all the challanges and sucesses everyone is sharing. I have thought often of "what would my fellow BL's do" when I am in a tempting or diffucult situation.

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 first goal is to get in to my jeans. Not just any jeans. Let me explain....I have been doing WW since Sept of 06. After doing WW for about 11 months, I had lost just over 50 lbs. (At which time I had just bought 2 new pairs of Jeans.)
Then on aug 1st of 2007, my DM passed away very unexpectdly. Big shock in my life. But even during this time of grief, I never quit attending my meetings. But I did let the weight gradually creep back on. It was an up and down ride. But more ups then down. Also throw in there a 15 day DCL cruise and a 7 day mexican cruise and low and behold, I had added back on 28 of the 50 lbs I had lost, and now find those jeans VERY uncomfortable to wear,(but not impossible as they were getting to big for me and I was almost ready to get a smaller size.)

So getting these jeans to be comfortable again is my short term goal.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm having a bad night. I started feeling low (blood sugar) and tested. I was at 67, so not too bad. Anything under 70 is low, but 67 is not a super bad number. I figured I would correct now before I got any lower. I did a small correction so I wouldn't go too high, and waited 15 minutes to test again. Meantime I started feeling worse, but that is typical for me. The feeling gets worse before it gets better and it takes awhile to go away.

I tested again and I am at 53! I corrected again, and am waiting to test. I feel like crap. If you've never had low blood sugar before, you feel very shaky. It's hard for me to even type. It makes you feel dizzy like you can't sit up straight. And it makes me very emotional. That's the worst part I think. I feel like crying even though there is no reason to cry. It can also make me irritable, but tonight it is just making me weepy. I really hate this thing sometimes, and none of my family or friends understand. I was doing so well last week with my sugars, and this week it's been such a roller coaster. Really high for no apparent reason, and now tonight I'm low for the first time since November. It's probably just the change in routine, stress, and sleep deprivation, but it's still frustrating. I'm just wish I could be done with all of it.

Have you been diabetic for long? 67 isn't too bad as long as you aren't dropping which it sounded like you were. Sorry that you continued to drop. My kids hate the feeling of being low. I agree it was probably the change of routine. The direction the wind blows can affect my dd's blood sugar. Good luck in the coming days that things straighten out.

 

[Dancind]

I think I've caught up on the latest posts. Good job, everybody! Wow, Krisi! Great loss! I'm going to WDW in a couple of weeks and I plan to walk a LOT. Trying to gear up for it, physically and figuratively. I ordered a pedometer, will let you all know how many steps I figure it takes to walk around WDW.

I just joined the challenge this week, will weigh in on Monday.

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 interim goal is to get down to the "overweight" BMI instead of the "obese". My Wii will tell me when that happens. I wonder if it will stop saying "oh" when I step on it then.

 

[MelanieC]

Sunday is going good, accidently oversleep and was a few minutes late for church (uggh that is so embarrassing). Food is going well today, I'm behind in water - I've had two cups so far - better get drinking or I'll be chugging to much at night.

I'm really feeling in such control right now....but I know how thin the ice is at the beginning of being back in that wagon. One day at a time........just rolling along!

 

[airtime247]

I just reached a small milestone I wanted to share. I usually wear an XL shirt but can wear some bigger Large shirts. We went to Disneyland several months ago and I found two shirts I really liked. They were out of XL so I bought them in Large. Of course they were too snug. I was able to wear one yesterday and it fit great! I'm wearing the other one today.

We are leaving soon for a birthday party for our friends' DD. They have pizza and cake so we are eating a filling light lunch before we leave so we don't scarf down everything we see at their house.

-steve

 

[lisah0711]

One day at a time........just rolling along!

Rollin', rollin', rollin' . . .

Sorry! Couldn't help it.

Good job to all of us. I am just going to concentrate my efforts this week on stayin' in the wagon and starting to enjoy the view!

 

[MA pigletfan]

hello fellow BL7ers..
I had to mark my place here before i tried to post on the other thread!!
SO i actually pulled out my dusty ole' wii fit today..i forgot how fun that thing is! Its really a nice little addition to the regular work outs..and super fun. I am going to try the jillian michaels workout i have for it this week and see how that is..along with the REAL Jilliam shred workout that i got for christmas..i have alot of repenting to do after a weekend away!
Here is to a great week 2!!

 

[jimmduck]

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.

I so agree with this - we want everything to happen overnight, but it just doesn't. Progress is more important than perfection and slow changes usually are more long lasting - IMHO.


Most postive change the first week - staying in control and insisting upon the weigh in - even though it was not "my day"

Measurable goals for the challenge? This time, for me, this challenge is all about control. I need to stay in control, while my relative with the eating disorder deals with ending her "controls". I am watching this person closely and trying hard to listen to my body.

Oh - and I want a real good time on my 10k in May, and dropping a weight "group" would be nice too, but control is my biggest goal because it is my biggest sabotage.

Another snowstorm here - I got to church but could not get to the gym. Cannot go in the morning as I have four court appearances and start too early, but hoping to get there in the evening.

It has been hard to stay in control today because I am having a "hungry day" - but have been tracking points.

Have appointments with the trainer booked, but she was busy for a couple of weeks.

Have been watching with interest the Disney marathon results and pics - I am dying to know what the new medals look like.

Have a magical losing week folks - you are all doing great.

Linda

 

[jennz]

I am so proud of myself. I woke up and exercised right away. I did the Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD. Usually I just do the warm up, cardio 1 and cool down. THis time I added in the cardio 2. It was a great workout and I was sweating! I am really working on increasing my push up position for testing. Right now I make it to 1 minute and a few seconds, this week I am going to push it to 1 1/2 minutes and keep increasing. I want to make the push up position all the way at testing.

What testing are you doing Vija? If you don't mind telling, that is.

I got on the treadmill again today so I could post my minutes in the exercise thread whatever it takes right? Plus I found my pedometer, well actually I had it but lost the back, so I just taped the battery in there. My pedometer is motivating for me!

I'm ready to get into ONEderland!!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Woops! Forgot to post Sunday's Question of the Day: What is a non food reward you can give yourself when you make that first goal?

I lost 3 pounds!

What is one positive change you made the first week of the challenge?

My positive change was to be more aware of what I was eating and activity, or lack thereof, so I can make a plan for the following weeks.

Congratulations to all of us for starting our journeys to good health!

3 pounds?! Congratulations.

Hi everyone! I had a great loss this week and I'm so excited! My DS16 started woking at Subway yesterday and I guess we get a discount on subs. I'm glad he isn't working at McDonalds!

My name is Michele and a positive change this week was tracking my food intake. I bought a program for my phone so I always have it with me. I feel so much better already, but I've got to keep on plugging along.

Keep up the good work everybody!

That is so cool about your subs discount. I just saw a commercial describing their new 9 grain bread- it looks awesome! Congratulations on tracking, I find that to be one of the hardest things.

This is a great idea. I think I need to do this too. Thanks

I have committed to exercising and stuck with it. I love to see the note on the bathroom mirror with my goals on it in the morning, because it makes it a little easier to get up and exercise. Now the stickie on my fridge I've been ignoring for the past 3 days, and have been eating lots of crap in the evenings. I don't know why i buy it. I bought a box of fudge stripe cookies for my son, "because he loves them", but he probably had about 6 of them, and I had the other20 somthing. I did feel guilty this morning and sent him the last 3 in his lunchbox. I am down .6 today, and I'm sure the exercise has helped with that.

Congratulations everyone who had lost!! There's some pretty impressive numbers!! We can do this!!

I missed yesteday's question, but read through the thread, and my name is Kathy.

I loved this description of falling off the wagon. It is so true. Lets all get in the wagon, and stay in it!!

Have a wonderful losing day!!

Kathy, I'm sorry to hear that the eating has been a problem. It's hard when there are goodies in the house! Congratulations on being down .6 and the exercise though. Those are great steps!

For me, being a bit competitive (my wife would laugh at the "bit" part of that), signing up for something like this has already helped me not "cheat" on my eating. Making certain to eat breakfast each morning, and then a Lean Cuisine or tuna sandwich for lunch, and sensible dinner. Since signing up, I have not allowed myself to fall into my late night snacking trap.




Getting ready to start this week's challenge. Next week's is definitely going to be difficult for me. I can't see myself doing much walking outside in the up to a foot of snow, we're expecting in the next couple of days.
I'm hoping that walking in place, or using something like Wii Fit will be able to count?

I hear you on the exercise when it's cold! I don't know about next week's challenge, but any little bit of movement helps when you are trying to lose weight! Great job on eliminating that late night snack habit!

Positive thing last week..

I stopped snacking and eating every time someone else does. There were also no second helpings like I have done almost daily in the past. I have been stying on track with my low carb eating.

This week I am down 8 pounds, although I am about to kill the scale I got on this morning. Stepping on it few time put me between a 14 and 8 pound loss. I went with the smaller amount since that showed up more often lol

Wow, sounds like you need a new scale. Even so, at least 8 lbs?! In the words of Grease (watching it right now) Wa-oo Yeah! That is freaking awesome! Keep up the good work.

I lost 5#!!!!

Very happy about that!

Positive thing this week: I kicked the McDonalds and regular Potato chip habbit! I set my goal for 100 days and I am doing it! I also have started exercising more, and I am not snacking like I used to. So I have lots of positive things that I did this week.

And as a result: I have more energy. is it because of no McDonalds, or because I am exercising? but I actually do have more energy. I feel like getting up and cleaning. When I am exercising I feel like doing more. It is pretty cool!


Congrats to all of the losers, way to go to the maintainers and hang in there for those that aren't quite there yet, or have gained. This journey is one full of bumps in the road and we are all there to support each other!

Congratulations on the 5 lb weight loss, and on giving up the McDonald's habit! Those are tough habits to break, but you sound like you are on your way! Keep up the good work!

The positive things I have done.
AT work as a restuarant manager I have choosen to eat healthier. Also after ten years of not being in school I started back this week and instead of using the elevators every time to go between floors, I use the stairs. So far this week I have lost something and hope to never find it again--8.3 pounds :

It is hard eating healthy when you are always around food as part of your job. That is amazing that you are doing so well! 8.3 pounds is awesome!

I LOST 7 POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!

Other Positive Changes I've Made This Week:

I've increased my water intake. I drank at least 6 glasses of water every day this week (except one) and I haven't had a sip of soda in a week

This week's personal challenge is to eat 2 servings of veggies and 1 of fruit every day.

Yay for losing 7 lbs! You guys are so inspiring. Good luck with your veggie and fruit servings this week.

I lost 3.9 pounds! I'm using the body test on the Wii fit as my official weight since it graphs it for me and I can see the downward trend, which is very encouraging.

One positive change I've made this week: well, I've made several. I've exercised every day, I haven't had any goodies, I've eaten tons of fruits and some veggies. One thing I'm not good about is drinking water, so I'm glad that's our challenge this week!

Keep up the good work everybody! And to those who behaved this week but didn't see much loss, you'll probably have a bigger loss than everybody else next week!

That's cool that a video game is helping so many. I'm excited aobut your weight loss and all of the incredible effort you hae put into it. Truly inspiring.

Instead of just grabbing the quickest meal (which was usually loaded with fat and excessive calories), I actually planned my day and made healthier choices.

My positive change is being very conscience of my decisions...what to eat, how much to eat and to get that exercise in every day.

I'd prefer to do whatever I dang feel like doing, but as Dr. Phil would say..."How's that working for ya?"

I like how you recognized the problem and took some positive steps to fix it. WOO-HOO!

Hello everyone!

This week I lost 4 lbs. (6 since Christmas). I am following the Protein Power plan, basically. Low carb, but not as strict at Atkins.

The positive change I made is that I'm drinking water. Before, I wouldn't even get one glass a day in. Now, I'm doing 6-10 glasses a day. And, I gave up soda. I love Pepsi, but haven't had anything but water and coffee since the challenge started. So far, so good!

Congratulations on the weight loss and the change in eating. Kicking that soda habit so hard for many people, it's great that it is workign for you.

OMG! I lost 5.5 pounds this week! I don't know how that happened?! All I did was excersize a few days and cut down on snacking! I can't believe it!!!!

Friday's question of the day: My positive change is that I have cut down on snacking.

I know how it happened: you increased the exercise and cut down on the snacking. Own your weight loss girl! You worked hard for it. Take the credit!

I lost 1.5 pounds this week!


Way to go losers Some of you are dropping alot of pounds! WOW!
Good luck to everyone this week

Just a side note on the pedometers from State Farm. I work for a State Farm agent and we give them out to anyone that asks so feel free to go to your local agent for one. I definately would call first as they go quickly and take a while to get back in stock!

Thanks for all of the info on the State Farm. I'm bolding it in case anybody missed it the first time. That is great that you all are doing that. and CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WEIGHT LOSS!

I lost 2.2 pounds this week -


Can you tell I'm happy!

Congrat's on everyone's losses - Those are some awesome numbers!



[\QUOTE]

You're happy about your weight loss? I had no idea . In all seriousness. GREAT JOB. I love your positive attitude.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I lost 1 lb this week, which considering I have no exercise, I'm happy with (and that's the same as 4 sticks of butter ).

My accomplishment this week was that I wrote everything down. I hope I can say next week that my accomplishment is that I consistedly exercise!

Have a great week, everyone!

Great job on losing 1 lb. I love how you are visualizing it in terms of sticks of ubtter. That makes it more concrete. And congratulations on the tracking!

I am down 2.5...

Congrats to all of us losers... here we go for week 2... :

Great job on the weight loss! Good luck with this week.

The positive change I made this week is joining Weight Watchers online. It has helped me to track my food and I ate much more healthy than I have in weeks.

Have a great weekend!!!

I hope you love Weight Watchers, it is a great program. That is a great first step, and I hope it helps you. Keep up the good work!

Wowzers...I guessed my weight last week and actually stepped on the scale this week and was 4.4 pounds more then I thought I was. Oh well at least I know now. I met all my goals this week as far as exercise & food. I am looking forward to a big loss next week.

~Ingrid

That's always a bummer. Congratulations on meeting your goals. The weight can't change if the behavior doesn't and you are doing great.

The scale showed a 2.8 pound loss since I (finally) weighed in on Tuesday. Considering real weight loss is a #s game I know some of this is just a correction (ie water loss, etc). But I am going to take it and run (well walk briskly, as running flares up my hip injury ).

Last challange I totally flaked on the COW but this time I am going to make every effort to participate in each one. Starting with increasing water/fluids. I have my new Disneyland mug with me for work and I will be drinking herbal & naturally decaf tea. Off to go make cup #1.

I hear you about the COW. It sounds like you are trying to minimize your weight loss. Why? 2.8 is 2.8. You're doing wonderfully! Keep up the good work.

Well, I weighed this morning and had the Wii Fit say I had lost 5 pounds and my scale upstairs said 6, so I'm going with the 5... can't remember which I weighed on for my initial weight. And , if the upstairs is right , that will give me a boost for next week.

So, the thing I am going to work on this week will be to weigh on the same scale at the same time of day with the same clothes on. hahaha


I don't expect as big a loss next week though so I may need that extra pound... my initial weigh in was done on my cycle and we , women all know how that can fluctuate!! Well, mine does anyway. I've always wondered about that with the tv shows and never really thought it was all that fair for the women.


Other than that mentioned above I willl boost my water intake and maybe try to increase my running time/miles.

5lbs?! We have some awesome losers this week. It sounds like yo uare really working at. Keep it up!

So, we're not having one big thread? I thought that we were not having a new thread every week because the responses dropped out at the end of the week ...

I weighed myself this morning and I lost weight, but I don't know how much because I forgot to write down my starting weight and I purged all my send messages. *sigh*

I did not exercise yesterday ... I napped instead. My DH shared his cold this week. I took some Sudafed (the good stuff) and it kept my sinuses clear, but awake all Wednesday night. By Thursday at noon I was exhausted. Luckily, I work from home and was able to nap.

I think I will start to count my weekly exercise on Fridays too. I worked out a total of 80 minutes last week. Next week's goal will be 20 minutes more for a total of 100 minutes. Teeny tiny baby steps for me, LOL!

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

I cut wine and beer out of my diet \. Way too many empty calories! I'm not totally on the wagon, though. I will add a couple drinks back in this weekend I think. We're going to a swim meet that's 2-3 hours away and it's the BIG swimteam parent social event of the season. Wish me luck!

It was my understanding when Brenda and I talked that we had a new thread per week. The change is that instead of having teams, we are doing one mega thread each week. I hope I didn't screw up the first week as a coach!

Congratulations on cutting out the wine and beer, that is always difficult. Great job on losing the weight, I'm sure that Brenda can let you know what your starting weight was. Keep up the great work!

Overall I had a good week this week. I started back on weight watchers and am doing their online program. My weigh in day for them is on Monday. I will be curious where I am at by then.

I have been good about tracking my food this week and not cheating. I also got myself back to the gym 3 times this week for a total workout time of 190 minutes! Next week I hope to get there 4 days!

I weighed this morning and I was down 2lbs from last Friday. Not a huge loss but it keeps me on track with reaching my goal for the end of the challenge.

Next week I vow to get more water in and be a part of the COW!

Have a great weekend ladies and gents!

Juanita

Congratulations on all of the positive behavior changes and the weight loss. You go girl!

I lost 2.4 lbs this week. My goal was to lose 2 lbs a week, so I'm happy. But I'm also not letting myself carry the extra loss to next week. Today I start again. My goal is to lose 2 lbs this week.

I'm especially happy because I got sick on Saturday night and it took me most of this week to shake it. I wasn't able to exercise very much, but I got plenty of water in me and I didn't have much of an appetite.

I still get tired pretty easily, but I am feeling better, so this week will be better.

One thing that I have improved this week is mindless snacking. I have this ability to put food in my mouth and not knowing it until i'm swallowing. It's a skill. But I've been a lot better this week. Mostly since I've been sick and because I've really stopped buying a lot of snack stuff. Much to my husband's chagrin. That man couldn't gain weight if he tried. Oh wait. He has...

It's hard to lose weight when you aren't feeling well, so CONGRATULATIONS! I'm glad you are starting to feel better and hope you continue to do so.

I'm down 3 pounds this week! I'm so excited! My positive change was similiar to MelanieC - Get right back up on that BIG OLE HORSE that I fell off of in December. I threw out all the candy and goodies and restocked with fresh fruit and veggies and started back at the gym.

Yay for 3 lbs and getting rid of all the junk food. That's a great first step!

Hi Everyone!

I am at Disney!

Waiting to go pick up Randy to go to the Expo and get our stuff for the Half tomorrow.

I recorded a loss of 1.5 as of Thursday, but I bet if I had bene home today it would have been higher. Wed night I had "heartburn" from something I ate... well whatever it was moved to the lower part of my digestive track last night.... Finally went to the gift shop this morning and spent a LOT of money on Immodium but it seems to have worked. Now I am REALLY pushing fluids with that race tomorrow!

My positive change was to get back to logging on WW.com and drinking the water. I did miss my workout goal. Goal was five days and I only made four. Being "ill" Thursday just took it out of me!

The COW should keep me on track since I find it harder to drink the required water on the road!

Probably won't be back on much this weekend so everyone have a good weekend.

I hope you did really well on the race! It sucks that you were sick right before, I hope that it didn't affect you. Also, congrats on the weight loss!

Good luck to everyone doing the 1/2, full & Goofy this weekend!!

I was down 1.7 this morning on my "at home" scale. Unfortunately, at WW (for the first time since 12/19) I was up 3 lbs. Oh well. It could have been much worse!!

What I've accomplished this week is starting to regain my focus & recommitting to the fact that I AM WORTH IT despite the messages I get from my home.

I'm still waiting on the BodyBugg to arrive and growing more frustrated daily, but..........

Have a wonderful Weekend everyone!!

Remember, you lost weight this week even if WW showed a gain. After all, you haven't weighed in there in three weeks. And yes, YOU ARE WORTH IT! I'm sorry that your home does not sound as supportive as you need it to be. We are here for you.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Hi everyone! I'm happy to report that I lost 1 lb this week. It's not terrific but it is a move in the right direction after a few weeks of eating anything in front of me and gaining 7 pounds .

My positive change for the week was that I stopped snacking and got serious about planning out my meals. Mentally, my positive change is that I have decided not to stress about potentially losing my job anymore. To reinforce my new attitude I booked a WDW vacation for me and the family. I'm done losing sleep over something I cannot control.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Leanne

What do you mean it's not terrific? Of course it is! You did great. Keep up the good work. I'm sorry you are facing a potentially tough situation, but you sound like you really have the right attitude about it. I hope you all have fun at WDW.

First of all - congrats to all of us for being here.

And best wishes, and excitement, for all the racers this weekend. Woo Hoo for all of you. Can't wait to hear about it.

Me - I'm down 1.1 and thrilled.

Guys - I get nuts when people say I "only" lost......so you better watch out. \

And maintaining is so underrated. Trust me there will be weeks when a maintain will seem like gold.

And gaining. Sometimes it's just life or some food not agreeing with you. And sometimes it's just a learning experience.

Push yourself, of coiurse. But don't be hard on yourself everyone. Be to yourself. This was my focus last year. To me more loving and gentle with me. And life is a lot easier not to be a all or nothing girl.

Okay, off my soapbox.

Have a great week everyone.

You have such an amazing attitude. Thank you for helping us find the proper perspective. And CONGRATS on the weight loss!

I'm up .2 for this week, but I'm totally okay with it.
Yesterday was my b-day and hubby took me to Red Lobster for dinner and drinks. YUM!! And since we only go there once or twice a year, if I'm lucky, I had to try a little of everything!

So next week that number will be goin' down!

We all have those weeks. What's great is that you had a wonderful time with your husband and you have a great attitude about your lifestyle changes.

I completely eliminated soda from my life this past week. I was drinking Coke like it was water. In fact, I wasn't drinking any water. Now that the caffeine-withdrawal headaches have passed, I'm feeling much better.

I weighed in this morning and have dropped 3.5 pounds! I'm so excited, but I'm tempering that with the knowledge that this weekend will be a big challenge for me. DD has a dance competition out of town this weekend. We're leaving in a few hours and won't be home until late Sunday, which means eating out all weekend. We've planned for meals where I have healthy options, so I'm hoping to hold strong.

Have a good weekend everyone and congrats on all the losses!

I'm glad you are having so much success with eliminating the soda. Isn't it amazing how much better a little change can make us feel? And congratulations on the 3.5 weight loss. I hope your DD has a wonderful time at her dance competition and that you are able to eat healthy. Sending some magic your way.

Yep, mine says the same too--I think I'm at my plateau darn it. This always makes me quit-- I lost 5 pound prior to the challenge. I will drink more water although recent studies have said coffee counts. I drink a big cup in the morning. I'm going to check what else counts, I drink water juice or milk with every meal-- big glasses. I do always put lots of ice in the juice to water it down.

I'm sorry you are hitting a plateau. Those are always so frustrating. Sometimes making a small tweak or two can boost your weight loss. Good luck. If you need ideas, we're here to help!

Happy Friday everybody! I'm happy to say I'm down 2.1 which I'm happy with.



There wasn't any big thing, more of a general attitude change. I have to want this and believe I can make exercise and eating mostly right a priority. So far this week its gone well. DH is behind me 100%. He's put the kids to bed a couple times while I'm exercising. He bought me a surprise this week (and I hadn't even mentioned it to him) - Its the Jillian Michaels Wii game. So I tried it out last night, and I like it. It'll be nice to be able to switch between WiiFit and it.



You are worth it, and I'm very curious to hear how that BodyBugg works for you!



Happy Birthday!



I've seen lots of people say "OP", what is that short for?

Congratulations on the weight loss, and it's great that your DH is so supportive. It's the little things that make the biggest differences, and you are doing so great.

My biggest change for the better I think was, instead of going to the coast for a night this week and spending $67 on a room (if we were lucky walk in basis only) I joined our neighborhood recreation facility for $65 for 3 months. All we do when we go on these little jaunts is eat a lot and drink so I would have gained weight doing this. Well I wanted to do some whale watching too, and just get out as I am going stir crazy waiting for Disneyland to happen in March. I joined mostly for the jacuzzi (being honest) but the thought of swimming is intriguing me as well as I think it will be something I can do even with my back the way it is now. The jacuzzi is therapeutic though and will help me be able to do more at home. I like my treadmill and my routine watching the View I did however solve the mystery of how I can watch the View for an hour on the treadmill and only get 35 actual minutes in-I take 3-4 minutes for stretching at the beginning and end and on commercials I was flipping between cnn, cnbc, fox (desperation) northwest news msnbc and jon stewart and colbert--well I would stop while flipping- now I'm not lol. I got 45 minutes on today and started late. Have been on the computer too much looking for hotel rooms for this weekend (even though were not going now) and for next weekend--we have a wedding to go to so I better do good this week to make up for next because I like to have fun while I'm in Portland- we like our happy hour and happy hour food...it's the only time we do it though-- we don't drink and drive and Portland has the light rail. there's also a wine and seafood festival we will go to. So-- guess I will try the water thing. Ugh-- I hate peeing all the time. I guess your badder will get bigger though huh. Good sounds like training for happy hour to me...

That is such an awesome change! I love how you are putting into it and you see mto be enjoying yourself. And yes, think of it as training for happy hour!

Monday is my weigh-in day so I'll let you know how I did then. Congrats to all on your losses.

My positive change is keeping a food journal. I'm more accountable when I have everything I've eaten throughout the day in front of me in black & white.

Good luck with your weigh in. Are you doing Weight Watchers? Congratulations on the tracking. Isn't it amazing how something so little can have such a big impact. It's scary when you start having to be accountable like that (at least it was for me). Keep up the good work.

thats what I meant. On Program. As I was this past week.
I'm down 1.4 lbs.
Friday's Question of the Day: What is one positive change you made the first week of the challenge?

I think the positive change I made this week is not to let me self be overwhelmed. I tend to try for perfection and have realized that I need to take it one day/one meal at a time. And that this is for life.

Way to go to all of us no matter what the scale shows.

What a great attitude. You are right, we do not need to be perfect. Nobody can be perfect, and in the end I think that is why so many of us end up quitting. That's such a great change! Great job on the weight loss!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

My positive changes have been to add water to my schedule. I NEVER drink water normally. It will be more challenging this weekend since I won't be at work with my water bottle sitting in front of me. Also I have started trying to eat better and exercise also. So far so good.

Great going on adding the water. That is always such a challenge. It sounds like you are also makign positive changes on eating and exercise. Keep up the good work.

Down 3.2 lbs. for the week.


My greatest change this past week has been getting up at 5am to workout before work. Treadmill for 45 minutes. My goal is to do 3 miles in that 45 minutes right now I can only do 2.3 miles.

I love water so this weeks COW will be a breeze

Finding my pedometer will be the real challenge. I has to be somewhere in that junk drawer I have in the kitchen.

Getting up at 5 am to work out? Amazing. (And great job on the weight loss too!)

(I copied my post from the end of the other thread...)

I LOVE my Omron pedometer! Unfortunately my battery died and I finally got another one and now I can't find the back of the ped. to put it back together. My FIL got one on my recommendation and he loves it too.

Melanie - I would say you can adapt the water challenge to your needs...the goal is to get healthier, no to get ourselves sick. Just sip away with what you can tolerate.

For everyone who's having setbacks, in the BL Success Stories Bernie (remember cute little Bernie? ) says something to the effect of "I celebrate all of my little successes, but I also celebrate all of my little failures because they give me room to improve." So that's a great perspective!

For me, I've changed from looking at my goal of 25 pounds for this challenge to what I'm going to do today, and only for today. That's really helped me. I'm going to eat healthy today, or even "for lunch."

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.

Oops forgot to add - Melanie, I have the BL Family Cookbook and there's some good stuff in there. I also light "cook it lightly and forget it" for the crockpot. What cookbooks do you guys like?

I'm down 2.6 pounds!

First of all, congratulations on the weight loss! Second, thank you for sharing the Bernie quote. I am bolding it for extra emphasis. That is such a wonderful attitude.

I'm super bummed out right now. I went to the GYN on Tuesday and was told I had an inguinal hernia. She sent me to my regular doc who I saw today. He said he thinks its an incisional hernia from where I've had two C-sections (thats why I went to the GYN first...). NO lifting weights from now until SIX WEEKS after the surgery!!!!!!!!!!!! I pled my case to him about how I'm addicted to working out and feel better than I ever have. I asked him if it would be OK to workout with my trainer standing right there. He said only if he lifts the weights for you I can still do cardio for now... I'm waiting to hear from the surgeons office. The surgery won't be until atleast February.

"In the bigger scheme of things, six weeks isn't really that long" said my doctor!!! I was ready to cry right there in the office! It's funny to think if I was told this last year I wouldn't have worried about it at all. PLUS I will be out of work for three weeks! I'm self employed and have no sick days accrued... If tomorrow wasn't weigh in day I'd have myself a bottle of wine and have a pity party.

I'm in 2nd place at the gym's BL contest, for now. There are three more weigh ins. I was doing 200 crunches on my workout days. Do you think they were too much??

Thanks for letting me vent. Unfortunately, I have a feeling this isn't the end of my venting...

I don't know if the crunches were too much, but I'm sorry that you are going through this. That totally sucks. At least you can still do your cardio for now. Thank God for small favors. And feel free to vent any time! We're here for you.

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


I am eating a ton more vegetables. And did any of you go through this "gastric experience" when you changed your eating habits? Let's just say it's a good thing I have a private office and sleep alone.

I lost 1.9. Not sure why it's not a full 2 (I think I was holding my breath on the scale--how much does air weigh??? )


I started a WISH Journal: I will copy my first post to share so feel free to keep with me. I intend to post weekly so any help, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

My goal was to be able to make it through Disney without the use of an ecv in May. My PT looked at me like I was crazy but said 'Well, that's a goal". He also said I can come by and use the treadmill ANYTIME (without charge).

.

I don't think those "gastric changes" are exactly uncommon. I loved how you phrased it! I think that is a great goal and it's great that your PT is helping you! Congratulations on the weight loss. In your mind it can be 2lbs.

Hi Everyone,

I have lost 3 lbs this week. I am sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that I had a nasty virus and didn't eat as much as usual, but did at the same time watch what I did eat. I ate fairly healthy when I did eat and didn't snack too much. I also managed to work out on the treadmill a couple of times even though I didn't feel the greatest.

Drinking water will be a little challenge for me as i don't always drink throughout the day. I know it is good for me so I will try to always have a glass of water next to me.


Vicki

OWN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!!!!! I'm sure the virus may hae helped, but you changed your habits. You ate healthy, worked out, and quit snacking. Take credit for your accomplishments!

Hi folks! I maintained this week, which I'm very happy about ... I haven't reached that baby step yet of getting all of my eating on track, AND it's TOM. So maybe there will be a whoosh for me next week.

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 work everyone. Keep it up.

I love your attitude about your maintain. I will take a maintain over a gain any day. And you are right, TOM can really affect us. That's awesome news about the exercise though. Over 2 miles?! That's is awesome!

I lost a pound this week starting to get back on track- I exercised every weekday except my extra early work travel day yesterday. My water intake and eating has not been entirely OP... I have had major PMS, but I intentionally cheated here and there with what I was craving (popcorn, chocolate etc) as not to completely go off track... overall- it could have been worse, and could have been much better. I learned to stick with it even when it seemed my week was stacked against me- starting fresh each day


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'm glad we could help you keep up your healthy habits, although you might want to get those voices in your head checked out! Seriously,k that was such a big step. How often do we take the easy way out, which is why we are here. That is great! Congratulations on losing a lb!

Hey guys, I did pretty good today. I had off of work during the day, staff meeting in the afternoon and called in tonight. I am proud of how I did today. being at home I tend to snack more, and I kept it in control! And I didn't have any cookies or treats during the staff meeting!

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!

Congratulations on avoiding the snacking!

Hi Everyone.

I started the challenge last Sunday and lost 1.8 pounds since then.

I had a lot of positive changes this week and feel so much better. I have energy and have been in a great mood.

I exercised almost everyday, watched what I ate and even drank more water.

I am so proud of everyone for posting, whether we lose or not, it's that we are here that counts.

Here's to another great week!

1.8 lbs is great! Congratulations on all of your healthy changes.

Congrats everyone! good job.

I, on the other hand am sort of bummed. I didn't lose a single pound. I guess on the positive side I also didn't gain any weight. Since my weight has been steadily climbing for the past few months I guess that is progress.


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



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

Next week my goal is to be consistent about eliminating wheat.

I'm sorry you didn't lose, but you are right. I will take a maintain over a gain any day. And you are doing great cooking and making those healthy changes. Rome wasn't built in a day. You did not put on the weight overnight, you won't lose it overnight. We are in it for the long haul, and we will be with you every step of the way.

Today was good -

I had a couple of extra calories in the evening, but that is good because I like to have a high day thrown in there every once a while. I had forgoten to add my teaspoon of olive oil that I used for the quesadilla when I mentioned my calories this afternoon. I'm at around 1745 and my normal range is 1200-1550. It's not too many over, and should be enough to keep my body guessing.

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.

So for the COW - is counting my 8 oz of water I put into my oatmeal ok? I drank a cup of warm water with lemon with my oatmeal too. You would all be so proud of me - Including my oatmeal I have had 8 glasses of water (not incuding the little extra I had at lunch, along with the hot tea at lunch - not counting those). No pain, but I have been in the bathroom a lot since this afternoon and this evening its like every 15-20 min. Hopefully if I get used to drinking it, my bladder will adjust. I have some mild eczema flaring up on my upper arms from the cold, so maybe the extra water and hydration will help that. It got better in Vegas since it's warmer -even though it's a dryer climate there (but I couldn't breathe there -as my sinus dry up in Vegas every time).

Who eat's oatmeal? It's become my breakfast of choice as of late. I had a hard time at the beginning because I was trying to get away from the sweetened kind. I tried several ways of eating it and my favorite now is to add frozen blueberries to it. It's so good and the frozen blueberries cool it down and make it naturally sweet. LOVE IT!! Plus no added sugar!

It's supposed to snow here tomorrow, so I pulled out some ground turkey and I'll make some spagetti tomorrow night. Nice to know I have a plan

Great job resisting hte pizza! It's so hard to do this when people are constantly throwing food in our way. They are well meaning, but it is hard to resist. The fact that you did so shows that you are really making the changes you need to.

Everyone is doing a fantastic job. You should all be very proud of yourselves!

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.

Keep up the great work everyone!

-steve

Steve: GREAT JOB BREAKING THAT PLATEAU. This calls for a happy dance.

 

[MelanieC]

I just added the popcorn I had for a snack while watching 24 and when I was done it said I had eaten 7134 calories

I had entered it wrong, lol.

Sunday is done and all OP! 8 cups of water, today was hard to get it down. The last 2 cups I heated in the microwave and added lemon juice to it. That made it much easier to get down cuz it was warm. Cold water this time of year is not easy to stomach when your not eating or thirsty.

Dinner tonight was my kids favorite - UNfried Rice - very easy and so yummy. I have 2 cups for lunch tomorrow.
(Brown Rice - 2 cups uncooked, I think that would make 4 cups cooked. Start rice, then cook 1lb ground turkey, with one small onion and 4-6 cups garlic. I then rinse the meat mixture and put back in the pan. Add shredded carrots, rice, thawed peas (I don't count how much -maybe a 4th of a frozen package- you dont want too many, but you want enough), then I scramble 4 eggs and 1 egg white with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the eggs to the rice mixture and mix all together. I also add a little salt and pepper to the meat and a little to the end product. I really go light on the salt. Also, you can use soy sauce - it tastes good without soy sauce too.

I have also been hungry for potatoes lately, so I made my healthier version of potatoes for breakfast tomorrow. I cut 2 red potatoes in small pieces, add chopped onions and garlic and microwave till tender. Then I added 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a ceramic baking dish and popped in the oven for a bit to crisp up. I threw it in the fridge till tomorrow and then I will make some scrambled egg whites with one whole egg. YUMMO breakfast - and I've been craving the potatoes. They say that if you add olive oil to the potatoes, it slows down how fast your body breaks the carbs from the potatoes down in your stomach. This helps it not spike your insulin, plus by eating with the protein from the eggs it will be the perfect balance of fat, carbs and protein.

Here is to a great week for all of us

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Congratulations to all of us for making it through the first week!! Congratulations to all the losers and maintainers. Hang in there to all those whose scales didn't cooperate this week. Next week will be your week!

I lost 2.2 pounds this week, which I'm Very pleased with given that I was sick and didn't exercise most of the week!

My good change that I made this week is that I got back to logging my food daily on Fitday and posting in my journal regularly. Those things help me stay on track and I haven't been consistent with them lately.

The COW for this week is going to be easy for me. I hit at least 64 oz. by 3pm and have had at least 2 Large glasses (probably 30ish ounces each) since then. The amazing thing is that I don't feel like I go to the bathroom That often. I'm probably just used to it because I've drank this much water for years. I go probably at least once an hour, but it varies. I see it as extra steps and it gets me either out of my desk or off of the couch. :

Well, good luck this weekend everyone!! WE CAN DO IT!! :

Great job on the weight loss. I love how everybody here is really cheering eachother on. None of that nasty game playing for us.

Good luck tomorrow!
My first goal is to reach a 5lb loss and one notch tighter on my jeans belt.

I like that goal. I love how you have not only a weight goal, but a non weight goal (the one notch tighter). Sometimes we forget to notice those little changes.

I have a hard time keeping up with ong threads so I don't know how well I'm going to do with this. I'll try to check in as much as possible.

I'm down 5.6lbs this week. I was shocked to see the first several lbs disappear the first couple of days. I think it was increasing my exercise so much and really focusing on what I was eating.



I have started logging everything I eat and I have exercised everyday. My goal is to walk 3 miles everyday. So far, I've only missed it one day. I started out pushing myself harder than I should've and now I have shin splints. I didn't give up though, I have modified my routine so I can continue and not hurt myself.



I don't know why that is but I'm the same way. I think our bodies really want to move and be active so once we start doing more it's like "Hey, this is what I was designed for and I like doing it."



I am approacing this with a new attitude too. I've done it the old way and it didn't take long for me to wind up in the same place I was before I started. Obviously my way wasn't working so I need to approach it differently. This is only the first week and there are going to be many challenges and pitfals alng the way but I can choose to take a healthy approach or return to my old behaviors. I control my destiny now, not my food or weight and I deserve to be healthy and look good.



My goal is to continue to build on the foundation I have started. I want to view food as fuel for my body, not as something I have when I'm bored, tired, unhappy or worse; just because it's there. This year I have decided to focus on finding the joy in my life and being the happiest person I can be. Food is not going to acheive that goal for me.

I know how you feel about the one long thread thing. That will be hard for me too. I'm sorry that it is makign it difficult for you. It's great that you are working so hard to change your attitude, not just your habits. Keep up the good work. And congratulations on the weight loss!

Good Saturday Morning everyone.




Hope the headache is easing up. Good luck on the exam.

My first goal is to lose 5 pounds.

Stay warm those people in the northeast. We are supposed to get snow and rain here by the jersey shore but snow north and west of us.

LuvBaloo - have you tried the Weight Control cinam oatmeal? I really like that! It's got a lot of fiber in it. Just a suggestion...

My goal is to get on that treadmill (or outside) for 500 minutes/week. This past week I had 85. Much better than my previous week's 0 though!

WOW, got busy and couldn't get on for a while, took a little time to catch up but I did.

No time to reply to everyone but wanted to say that I'm super proud of us for making it through the 1st week.

I will WI in a little while and come back to post. I don't think I've lost much but any loss is moving in the right direction and if it happens to be a gain, I just know I need to work that much harder.

Missed our walk yesterday but I did get on the Elliptical (sure wish I could learn to love it like I loved my TM before it died). Hoping that the rain is going to hold off for a while today so we can get up to the track to walk.

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).

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.

The two pair of jeans I own right now are almost too baggy. I have one pair in a smaller size and I want to get into those and be able to sit and still be able to breath. I'm almost there so maybe another week or so.

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 .

Off to check a few other threads then I need to get up from this . Have a great day everyone, keep those positive thoughts going and remember that we are taking one day at a time to make a lifestyle change for life .

My first "major" goal is to move out of the "Obese" BMI category. I have about 5-6 pounds more pounds to lose (in addition to what I lost on the previous WISH challenge) to hit that number.
My smaller goal to help me get there is to have a perfect OP week. I usally do a part of it - exercise a lot but then blow my points or stay completely within my points but no exercise -and certainly drinking more water is always a struggle for me - I drink a glass or 2 a day - so evening doubling my water intake is a goal.

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.

Some awesome first goals everybody! By breaking it up into little goals, you can remember to see how far you have come a nd not be overwhelmed with your ultimate goal.

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??

Congratulations on the weight loss. I think your family will be able to tell the difference, but that doens't have to be a bad thing. Just let the mknow what it is so they don't think you are trying to gyp them.

 

[maryliz]

Good Sunday night, everyone. I always do OK with my water during the week, because I do drink a lot at work during the day. But I'm pretty bad on weekends. So thanks to the COW, I managed to get in more than 70oz of water each day this weekend.

Didn't get exercise in yesterday, so today I went out for a 45 minute TRUDGE thru the snow in my new walking boots. It snowed quite a bit last night, and not too many people had shoveled their sidewalks by noon. So it was more of an endurance thing rather than a power walk ... but it was definitely a workout.

Hope everyone has a wonderful start to their week.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

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!

I'm glad you were ablet od rop the weight, but sad to hear the surgery is taking such a pscyhological toll on you. I wll be keeping you in my prayers.

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

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.



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.

Great short term goals! Good luck reaching ONEderland Laurie!

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.

Brenda, I don't know if we say it enough ,but THANK YOU for doing this for us. You truly are an angel. Good luck staying on the wagon at the buffet. It's good to have you on the wagon with us.

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

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.

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!

More great goals! Melanie, it's so great to sign on and see how you are encouraging everybody. Thank you!

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.

Wonderful short term goal and postiive change. Please don't be disappointed with a 2 lb loss. Did you know that an average and healthy weight of weight loss is .5-2lbs a week? Initially you may lose more because of water weight ,but on average you should not lose more than 2 lbs a week. Not to mention research has shown that those who lose it slower are more likely to keep it off. So CELEBRATE!

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.

You messed up, but you got back on track. That is the hardest thing to do. So congratulations! YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[MelanieC]

Woops! Forgot to post Sunday's Question of the Day: What is a non food reward you can give yourself when you make that first goal?

Hmm - It's only 4 more pounds, so I'm not sure of what I could give myself. I hope this comes within the next 3 weeks, so that will hopefully be by the end of the month. I know - I'll buy myself a new kindle book, or maybe a new workout video. What I will do is see what is out there after I lose it and buy one or the other - OR BOTH, lol!


On the exercise front - I got my 60 minute 4 mile Walk away the pounds. I think I need to get that out and get into exercising again. I know how good I feel when I do it and I love lifting weights. I think part of the reason is it's so cold in my basement where I do all this. I was going to do the WATP's in my family room today with the gas stove on, but then DH called and asked me to pick him up at the service center. Then when I got back it was time to start dinner since it takes a while to make it. Another dissapointing day - I had on my shoes, clothes and everything. At least the DVD is upstairs. That is a start........I can do this, maybe tomorrow night - or maybe if I'm lucky in the morning - but I doubt that. Its so freezing in the house in the mornings, I just can't make myself get out to go downstairs.