WISH Away The Pounds ~ Achieving in April ~ All are WELCOME!

[Eliza32]

Well, I am shattered. Been to London for a meeting today and had 3 hours to spare due to my train times, so ended up walking about 5 miles, looking in the shops and having a coffee with sugar free syrup! More exercise that I hadn't planned.

The downside was that I had to eat sandwiches for lunch at the meeting that were definitely not part of my diet plan, so it will probably affect my weigh-in at class tomorrow.

 

[pjlla]

Evening all! I had just 15 minutes and spent them reading here, so while I don't have time for replies, as least I have read! Glad to hear back from a few of you who were MIA! And glad to hear that the scale is moving in the right directions for many of you!

Working this entire week, soi'll tell you now you probably won't see much of me until at least Friday.

Gotta dash....had to drive to the nearest Dunkin Donuts to use their free wifi, as the wifi at the Y isn't working.....AGAIN! Time to pick up DD.........P

 

[lmhall2000]

Looks like we're all running ragged these days!! This was my looong day! I am so psyched that I made it happen with NO excuses!! I got up at 6am, finished grading research papers and recorded the grades, had JUST enough time to squeeze in my last day of level one of 30DS...then jumped in shower for literally 3 minutes and made it in the car....got home to walk the dogs around 2:00...only had 47 minutes home and used 35 of those to do my treadmill workout! Am I on FIRAH??? Then I sat in a car for 3 hours to get kids where they needed to be, then back home and it's 9pm...made my spinach smoothie...and now I want to collapse!! Hopeful this week's weigh in will put me in Onederland for Good, this is the last time I want to see 2XX anything!!

Big cheers for all you this week fighting to lose and winning that bad battle we put ourselves through....you can do this!!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

We had a humdinger of a hail storm tonight. We have had hail storms, before, but this is the first time I was actually scared and moved away from the windows. It was dark, but some of the hail we could see (after it started melting) was well over an inch in diameter. It was so loud especially when it hit the windows. I guess we are calling the insurance company tomorrow to have someone look at the roof. We have been having way too much hail falling over the past couple of years.

I ran 4.09 in honor of Boston tonight. That was the time on the clock when the explosions occurred. It was a warm night (82) which is why we ended up with hail, I guess, when the cold front came through. I much prefer sweaty runs to cold ones, so it was good.

Doing ok with the food. Giving up the caffeine, not as good. Had one cup on coffee today.

I hope everyone has a good night.

 

[50sjayne]

Well, I am shattered. Been to London for a meeting today and had 3 hours to spare due to my train times, so ended up walking about 5 miles, looking in the shops and having a coffee with sugar free syrup! More exercise that I hadn't planned.

The downside was that I had to eat sandwiches for lunch at the meeting that were definitely not part of my diet plan, so it will probably affect my weigh-in at class tomorrow.

Well- at least you had some fun eh?

We had a humdinger of a hail storm tonight. We have had hail storms, before, but this is the first time I was actually scared and moved away from the windows. It was dark, but some of the hail we could see (after it started melting) was well over an inch in diameter. It was so loud especially when it hit the windows. I guess we are calling the insurance company tomorrow to have someone look at the roof. We have been having way too much hail falling over the past couple of years.

I ran 4.09 in honor of Boston tonight. That was the time on the clock when the explosions occurred. It was a warm night (82) which is why we ended up with hail, I guess, when the cold front came through. I much prefer sweaty runs to cold ones, so it was good.

Doing ok with the food. Giving up the caffeine, not as good. Had one cup on coffee today.

I hope everyone has a good night.

That's cool what you ran...we had a bunch of hail too it looked like snow on the ground after it was over.

Well my tattoo looks so cute! It didn't even hurt that bad. I mean-- it did but it was a really different kind of pain-- I didn't cry or need to squeeze anything and I sat perfectly still the whole time. That was what I was most worried about--moving. Thing is You're not supposed to get it wet (cleaning is fine of course) so I'm going to avoid the gym for about a week I think. I'm not a big sweater but I do kind of massively shower after a workout and use the jacuzzi. Also there's a lot of bacteria at a gym. After a week or so I think it'll be less risky and more healed and as long as I'm careful it'll be ok. I'll dig out the barbells we have here I think and just ride my bike to work and do the hike again for exercise.

I felt bad 'cause I only tipped $5 lol-- I had paid a deposit of $40 and it only cost $40 more so. I was a little shocky I think and I am appalled. I think I'll go back and give him another $10 at least-- he was really great!

 

[pjlla]

Happy Wednesday all! You are HALF WAY through your week! Have you been making smart choices?? If not, you have a few more days to get it right this week!!

I'm here at work, but managed to find computer access for a few minutes, so here I am to spend time with you! Don't you feel lucky??

I got pulled over AGAIN last night for having a headlight out (thankfully no ticket!), so I am thinking that I will have to cut my workout short tonight and squeeze in time to run to the dealership for a new headlight! I would do it myself, but it is difficult to do on this particular model. I've now been stopped TWICE for this and don't want to risk a ticket!

I only managed 30 minutes on the TM last night before I had to take my conference call, but I made it a good 30 minutes doing speed work with a light jog between fast/slow walk intervals. The guy on the TM next to me was running and sweating SO MUCH that it looked like it was raining on his TM.... ewwwwww!!

What's for breakfast today you ask?? Well, after two days in a row of steel cut oats, today I had an egg white wrap (in a low carb tortilla) with a wedge of light cheese and some organic spring greens! Less points overall than a bowl of oatmeal with Tb. of brown sugar.... curious to see if I stay less hungry or get more hungry.

Lunch is a bowl of the pea soup I made over the weekend..... MMMMM! Plus fruit and I grabbed some nuts in case I need something extra.

Dinner tonight is baked potatoes (having CARBS for dinner in honor of DH being away tonight....). I will make a light homemade cheese sauce and there are sauteed veggies and some leftover taco meat and refried beans to top the potatoes with, if anyone so desires. I am ATTEMPTING to cook the potatoes in the crockpot today. I've only had marginal luck making potatoes in the crockpot in the past, but I'm trying a new technique.... wish me luck! I figure I can throw them in the microwave if they aren't done by 4pm.

I am doing the same sub job today that I did yesterday. I found the day to be mostly boring with some frustration tossed in the middle. I am working 1-on-1 with three different children throughout the day. Two are autistic (one non-verbal) and one has Down's. I just get frustrated because I'm not TRAINED to work with these special needs kids and I feel like I'm not helping them sometimes! I hate to waste their time with "fluff" work when I can't get through the real lesson plan, but at the same time I feel badly when I frustrate THEM because I don't know the proper/best teaching techniques to help them. I will keep a smile on today and do my best.... I guess you can't expect more than that!

Getting NERVOUS about my upcoming Leader training for my new job. It is training but it is also an evaluation and they may decide that I am NOT the right fit to be a leader for this company. I am rather shy and not good about speaking to/in front of others and I will need to work HARD to come out of my shell and SELL myself during this training if I really want this job.

Off to read and reply while I have time!.............P

 

[pjlla]

Well my tattoo looks so cute! It didn't even hurt that bad. I mean-- it did but it was a really different kind of pain-- I didn't cry or need to squeeze anything and I sat perfectly still the whole time. That was what I was most worried about--moving. Thing is You're not supposed to get it wet (cleaning is fine of course) so I'm going to avoid the gym for about a week I think. I'm not a big sweater but I do kind of massively shower after a workout and use the jacuzzi. Also there's a lot of bacteria at a gym. After a week or so I think it'll be less risky and more healed and as long as I'm careful it'll be ok. I'll dig out the barbells we have here I think and just ride my bike to work and do the hike again for exercise.

Can't wait to see pictures when it is all healed up!

I felt bad 'cause I only tipped $5 lol-- I had paid a deposit of $40 and it only cost $40 more so. I was a little shocky I think and I am appalled. I think I'll go back and give him another $10 at least-- he was really great!

I wouldn't even REALIZE that you were supposed to tip a tat artist!

We had a humdinger of a hail storm tonight. We have had hail storms, before, but this is the first time I was actually scared and moved away from the windows. It was dark, but some of the hail we could see (after it started melting) was well over an inch in diameter. It was so loud especially when it hit the windows. I guess we are calling the insurance company tomorrow to have someone look at the roof. We have been having way too much hail falling over the past couple of years.

Glad you are safe. Hope your roof is okay!

I ran 4.09 in honor of Boston tonight. That was the time on the clock when the explosions occurred. It was a warm night (82) which is why we ended up with hail, I guess, when the cold front came through. I much prefer sweaty runs to cold ones, so it was good.

Nice thing to do. And I am SO ENVIOUS of 82 degrees!!! I agree.... I would rather sweat like crazy than worry about being cold!!

Doing ok with the food. Giving up the caffeine, not as good. Had one cup on coffee today.

I hope everyone has a good night.

Weaning from the caffeine rather than cold turkey will help with the withdrawal headaches, so one cup was probably not a bad idea. Glad the food situation is okay.

Looks like we're all running ragged these days!! This was my looong day! I am so psyched that I made it happen with NO excuses!! I got up at 6am, finished grading research papers and recorded the grades, had JUST enough time to squeeze in my last day of level one of 30DS...then jumped in shower for literally 3 minutes and made it in the car....got home to walk the dogs around 2:00...only had 47 minutes home and used 35 of those to do my treadmill workout! Am I on FIRAH??? Then I sat in a car for 3 hours to get kids where they needed to be, then back home and it's 9pm...made my spinach smoothie...and now I want to collapse!! Hopeful this week's weigh in will put me in Onederland for Good, this is the last time I want to see 2XX anything!!

Big cheers for all you this week fighting to lose and winning that bad battle we put ourselves through....you can do this!!!

Can you hear me singing the Adele song "This Girl is on Fire"??? I don't sing very well, but I'm singing it for you! You are really doing well and staying so motivated. Wish I could bottle a bit of your motivation.... I'm lacking a bit lately. Fingers crossed for Onederland..... but if you don't make it, remember our motto.... "NEVER GIVE UP!".

Well, I am shattered. Been to London for a meeting today and had 3 hours to spare due to my train times, so ended up walking about 5 miles, looking in the shops and having a coffee with sugar free syrup! More exercise that I hadn't planned.

The downside was that I had to eat sandwiches for lunch at the meeting that were definitely not part of my diet plan, so it will probably affect my weigh-in at class tomorrow.

You had a great walk! Don't worry too much about the sandwiches. In the future maybe you could have a small snack with you and just have half a sandwich?? Or remove half of the bread and cheese??

Did anyone catch the Vitamix presentation on QVC yesterday? Very cool and expensive though. I think some of you use them here?

It does look like a great way to get your fruits and veggies in a drink form.

I didn't see it, but I've dreamed about owning a Vitamix off and on for years now..... but I can't stomach the $300-400 price tag. Maybe someday?

Good morning all.

Like many people in the WISH community I have been caught up in the tragic events at the Boston Marathon yesterday.

I will share with you something written by one of our own WISH folks, Panda Dave, aka Windwalker

Hoist The Colors!

We call ourselves brothers and sisters, we endurance athletes. We are the gold standard in getting along with our peers from the world over and treating each other with respect. We are the example of courage, we are the cure and the antidote for the ills that plague the people of the world.

Now let's show that we transcend the fallacy of race and regardless of our personal nationality that we are indeed brothers and sisters. Let's show that we endurance athletes the world over are expressing our displeasure at this horrible act of terror and that we honor our dead and wounded brothers and sisters at Boston.

Tomorrow (4/16) wear a race shirt to work. If you work for a company that won't allow it then wear your race shirt as an under shirt. Show your solidarity and express your disgust at this type of terrorism. Let the world see and hear our message. I'm sending this request to the International Athletic Alliance and to club sites around the world.

This was posted by the disboards on FB

Rather than have a QOTD today I am asking all of us to take a few moments and think of the victims and their families and to be grateful that we are part of this wonderful WISH community and the community of those in a quest for a healthy lifestyle.

What a CLASSY idea for the QOTD. Thanks for reminding us of all that we have to be grateful for and for the blessing of being part of this amazing Disney-related family.

Good morning.
Still here. Not doing perfectly, but hanging in there. I had ice cream for dinner last night--not the best choice (lol) but it was a tough day.

Ice cream for dinner??? YUMMMM!!

The scale is moving just a little bit for me, so I am thrilled! Just to need to keep some focus. Mike and I are running this afternoon. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will make it outside.

Have a great Tuesday.

SO glad that the scale is moving for you! That will definitely put you in the right frame of mind!

******************

Okay, so I'm MOSTLY caught up and will call it good for now! I have free time until 9 am, but need to be out of this classroom in the next few minutes, so I'm glad I brought some paperwork for my new job to work on. And I might even go sit outside to work on it.... no sense in wasting this sunshine!

Hopefully I will be able to pop on again later today, but no promises............P

 

[PlutoBaby]

Happy Wednesday everyone! This cold has been kicking my butt, but it's slowly getting better. I'm still coughing just a little but I will be SO glad when I'm back to normal. I had to put off trying my CrossFit class last week, but I'm not so sure if I'll be able to handle this week either. I swear I can actually feel everything expanding as I sit here! At least I haven't had too much of an appetite so I actually lost 2.6 last week.

So since I've been out of it for a few days, and apparently missed a TON, here goes:

Happy Belated Birthday Susan and I am SO sorry about Sunny! Losing a baby, no matter what the reason, always stinks.

Rose and everyone who seems to be having a tough month: I'm right there with all of you and getting sick certainly didn't help. But we WILL all get through this together - one way or another!!

I'm not even going to try and catch up with all the great QOTD's but it's so nice to be back! Let's keep motivating each other and we will all hit our goals. I know it!!

Kimberley

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

This is a recycled QOTD but we always seem to need this during some part of every challenge.

25 Ways to Get Back on Track Today
Don't Give Up on Your Goals!
-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health Educator

Not long ago, you were energetic and determined to start your healthy lifestyle. Starting with enthusiasm and hope, you watched your food intake diligently, exercised like it was going out of style, and even avoided the temptation that seemed to lurk around every corner. You were confident that you were going to reach your goals once and for all!

Then certain tragedy struck! You ate an extra piece of birthday cake. Realizing you had “blown” your diet, you ate another and another and couldn’t get it together the next day either. Or worse, you missed one workout, and that turned into a whole week away from the gym. After that, your momentum to start over again was gone, and your gym bag hasn’t left the closet since.

Every time you misstep on your healthy journey, you have two choices: to keep walking backwards, which will surely take you even further away from your goals; or to accept your lack of perfection as normal and forgivable, and take not one, but two positive steps down the path that brings your closer to the future you want.

If you’re reading this, you might have been walking backwards for a while. But instead of waiting for the next day, week, month or even year to overhaul your habits, start TODAY. And start small. You can’t go from the recliner to running or from burgers to Brussels sprouts in an afternoon. But you can do one, two or even a handful of small things that will help you regain your momentum for healthy living.

When you feel like getting back on track is overwhelming, try one (or more) of these small steps each day.

1. Try a short workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing. For ideas browse our video library or workout generator.

2. Try a new recipe. Cooking healthy foods can be fun and it never has to be bland.

3. Eat a healthy breakfast. Your morning meal sets the stage for the rest of your day, so start if off right! Get lots of breakfast ideas here.

4. Drink your water. Try to aim for 8 cups each day and you’ll feel the difference!

5. Look at Motivational Stories. Seeing how others overcome similar struggles and obstacles can be a great source of motivation.

6. Track your food today. No matter how it adds up, you’ll learn from it.

7. Update your progress record. It’s a visual way to track your ups and downs, but also your progress.

8. Share your goals. Whether you post them on the Message Boards or share them with a friend, you’ll be more accountable.

9. Exercise for 10 minutes. Jump rope, march in place, or do some crunches. Small amounts do add up to something big!

10. Find a buddy. Get support from friends, whether you need someone to listen or a mentor to give you ideas and encouragement.

11. Take a walk. Don’t worry about how long or far you go—just get out there!

12. Create a motivational collage. Include pictures of your goal and reasons why you want to get there.

13. Go shopping for some healthy foods. Use this shopping list for ideas.

14. Check the nutrition facts before you go out to eat. That way, you can make an informed choice.

15. Ride your bike. Even a leisurely ride has benefits for your body and mind.

16. Work in the yard. Gardening and yard work is a great way to add activity to your day.

17. Take the stairs. Even if this is the only thing you do all day, you’ll feel stronger for it.

18. Rack up those SparkPoints! You earn them for every healthy task you do on the site—talk about motivating! Aim for a certain milestone, such as 100 points, and then reward yourself with a SparkGoodie!

19. Listen to an inspirational song. Better yet, make a playlist of them so you can turn to it whenever you need a boost.

20. Re-start your SparkPeople program. Sometimes it’s easier to get back on track when you have a clean slate.

21. Measure your portions. It’s a simple way to learn how much you’re eating.

22. Eat a piece of fruit. Even if 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables sounds impossible to you, one is doable.

23. Slow down during meals. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal.

24. Play! What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness.

25. Learn something new. Sometimes simply taking a quiz or reading an article about nutrition, fitness, or health can change your mindset and get you back on track.

In tennis, losing one point isn’t the end of the world. It happens to the best of them. In fact, if you can consistently win a few more points that you lose, you may end up in the hall of fame. With healthy eating and exercising, as long as you’re consistently out-stepping your steps back, you’re ahead of the game. If you expect perfection (and many of us do), you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and guilt.

You CAN get back on track today. Even if you’re moving slowly, you’ll be moving in the right direction!

Here is a link to the entire article http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=1062&page=2

QOTD Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Which of these ideas have you used to get yourself back on track? Or do you have another idea to get yourself back on track that is not listed?

BBL with replies.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Good morning. I like your QOTD, right on target. You know us so well.

Alright so I went on MFP and entered my breakfast, coffee, salmon, and yes Pepsi. That being said it is only 279 calories. Salmon is such a cheat for breakfast. High protein, low cal, good omega 3's.

The sodium on the other hand was in outer space because I added TABLE SALT from the salt shaker. Yikes.

So there is my eye opener for you. I never have actually tracked "table salt". However since my dh has to have a low sodium diet it is time to jump in and start digging in.

If my sweet potatoes are good I will attempt a new recipe. I found one for sweet potato bread. I MIGHT be able to sneak that by the family.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[lisah0711]

Well, I am shattered. Been to London for a meeting today and had 3 hours to spare due to my train times, so ended up walking about 5 miles, looking in the shops and having a coffee with sugar free syrup! More exercise that I hadn't planned.

The downside was that I had to eat sandwiches for lunch at the meeting that were definitely not part of my diet plan, so it will probably affect my weigh-in at class tomorrow.

Sounds like a fun day. Hope it didn't affect your weigh in too much. Vacation is almost here.

Looks like we're all running ragged these days!! This was my looong day! I am so psyched that I made it happen with NO excuses!! I got up at 6am, finished grading research papers and recorded the grades, had JUST enough time to squeeze in my last day of level one of 30DS...then jumped in shower for literally 3 minutes and made it in the car....got home to walk the dogs around 2:00...only had 47 minutes home and used 35 of those to do my treadmill workout! Am I on FIRAH??? Then I sat in a car for 3 hours to get kids where they needed to be, then back home and it's 9pm...made my spinach smoothie...and now I want to collapse!! Hopeful this week's weigh in will put me in Onederland for Good, this is the last time I want to see 2XX anything!!

Big cheers for all you this week fighting to lose and winning that bad battle we put ourselves through....you can do this!!!

you are on FIRAH! Keeping my fingers crossed for a great number for you this week!

We had a humdinger of a hail storm tonight. We have had hail storms, before, but this is the first time I was actually scared and moved away from the windows. It was dark, but some of the hail we could see (after it started melting) was well over an inch in diameter. It was so loud especially when it hit the windows. I guess we are calling the insurance company tomorrow to have someone look at the roof. We have been having way too much hail falling over the past couple of years.

I ran 4.09 in honor of Boston tonight. That was the time on the clock when the explosions occurred. It was a warm night (82) which is why we ended up with hail, I guess, when the cold front came through. I much prefer sweaty runs to cold ones, so it was good.

Doing ok with the food. Giving up the caffeine, not as good. Had one cup on coffee today.

I hope everyone has a good night.

Glad that you are all safe after the big storm. Hope the roof is okay.

Well my tattoo looks so cute! It didn't even hurt that bad. I mean-- it did but it was a really different kind of pain-- I didn't cry or need to squeeze anything and I sat perfectly still the whole time. That was what I was most worried about--moving. Thing is You're not supposed to get it wet (cleaning is fine of course) so I'm going to avoid the gym for about a week I think. I'm not a big sweater but I do kind of massively shower after a workout and use the jacuzzi. Also there's a lot of bacteria at a gym. After a week or so I think it'll be less risky and more healed and as long as I'm careful it'll be ok. I'll dig out the barbells we have here I think and just ride my bike to work and do the hike again for exercise.

I felt bad 'cause I only tipped $5 lol-- I had paid a deposit of $40 and it only cost $40 more so. I was a little shocky I think and I am appalled. I think I'll go back and give him another $10 at least-- he was really great!

Can't wait until things settle down a bit and we can see your cute tattoo.

Happy Wednesday all! You are HALF WAY through your week! Have you been making smart choices?? If not, you have a few more days to get it right this week!!

I'm here at work, but managed to find computer access for a few minutes, so here I am to spend time with you! Don't you feel lucky??

I got pulled over AGAIN last night for having a headlight out (thankfully no ticket!), so I am thinking that I will have to cut my workout short tonight and squeeze in time to run to the dealership for a new headlight! I would do it myself, but it is difficult to do on this particular model. I've now been stopped TWICE for this and don't want to risk a ticket!

I only managed 30 minutes on the TM last night before I had to take my conference call, but I made it a good 30 minutes doing speed work with a light jog between fast/slow walk intervals. The guy on the TM next to me was running and sweating SO MUCH that it looked like it was raining on his TM.... ewwwwww!!

What's for breakfast today you ask?? Well, after two days in a row of steel cut oats, today I had an egg white wrap (in a low carb tortilla) with a wedge of light cheese and some organic spring greens! Less points overall than a bowl of oatmeal with Tb. of brown sugar.... curious to see if I stay less hungry or get more hungry.

Lunch is a bowl of the pea soup I made over the weekend..... MMMMM! Plus fruit and I grabbed some nuts in case I need something extra.

Dinner tonight is baked potatoes (having CARBS for dinner in honor of DH being away tonight....). I will make a light homemade cheese sauce and there are sauteed veggies and some leftover taco meat and refried beans to top the potatoes with, if anyone so desires. I am ATTEMPTING to cook the potatoes in the crockpot today. I've only had marginal luck making potatoes in the crockpot in the past, but I'm trying a new technique.... wish me luck! I figure I can throw them in the microwave if they aren't done by 4pm.

I am doing the same sub job today that I did yesterday. I found the day to be mostly boring with some frustration tossed in the middle. I am working 1-on-1 with three different children throughout the day. Two are autistic (one non-verbal) and one has Down's. I just get frustrated because I'm not TRAINED to work with these special needs kids and I feel like I'm not helping them sometimes! I hate to waste their time with "fluff" work when I can't get through the real lesson plan, but at the same time I feel badly when I frustrate THEM because I don't know the proper/best teaching techniques to help them. I will keep a smile on today and do my best.... I guess you can't expect more than that!

Getting NERVOUS about my upcoming Leader training for my new job. It is training but it is also an evaluation and they may decide that I am NOT the right fit to be a leader for this company. I am rather shy and not good about speaking to/in front of others and I will need to work HARD to come out of my shell and SELL myself during this training if I really want this job.

Off to read and reply while I have time!.............P

New things, even good ones, are scary at times. But I'm sure that you will do a great job -- picture yourself at your keyboard talking to us when you are talking at a meeting or you can always use the old tried and true picture your audience naked.

Did you switch over to the new program yet? I think that you will like it.

Happy Wednesday everyone! This cold has been kicking my butt, but it's slowly getting better. I'm still coughing just a little but I will be SO glad when I'm back to normal. I had to put off trying my CrossFit class last week, but I'm not so sure if I'll be able to handle this week either. I swear I can actually feel everything expanding as I sit here! At least I haven't had too much of an appetite so I actually lost 2.6 last week.

So since I've been out of it for a few days, and apparently missed a TON, here goes:

Happy Belated Birthday Susan and I am SO sorry about Sunny! Losing a baby, no matter what the reason, always stinks.

Rose and everyone who seems to be having a tough month: I'm right there with all of you and getting sick certainly didn't help. But we WILL all get through this together - one way or another!!

I'm not even going to try and catch up with all the great QOTD's but it's so nice to be back! Let's keep motivating each other and we will all hit our goals. I know it!!

Kimberley

Glad that you are feeling better, Kimberley. Give yourself plenty of time to recouperate before you hit things really hard. Sounds like a very nasty bug you had.

QOTD Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Which of these ideas have you used to get yourself back on track? Or do you have another idea to get yourself back on track that is not listed?

BBL with replies.

I think find a buddy aka come here and see what is going on is a great way for me to get on track.

Good morning. I like your QOTD, right on target. You know us so well.

Alright so I went on MFP and entered my breakfast, coffee, salmon, and yes Pepsi. That being said it is only 279 calories. Salmon is such a cheat for breakfast. High protein, low cal, good omega 3's.

The sodium on the other hand was in outer space because I added TABLE SALT from the salt shaker. Yikes.

So there is my eye opener for you. I never have actually tracked "table salt". However since my dh has to have a low sodium diet it is time to jump in and start digging in.

If my sweet potatoes are good I will attempt a new recipe. I found one for sweet potato bread. I MIGHT be able to sneak that by the family.

Kudos to you for watching the sodium in your diets! I think that is one of the toughest things to avoid just because of all the processed food -- salt is everywhere! I will be interested to hear more about what you learn.

A shameless plug for coaching. One of the best thing about our challenges is that we have a variety of people who volunteer to coach us each week. Coaches post the QOTD, do replies and keep the conversation moving. Have you ever thought about coaching our thread for a week? It's easy and a lot of fun. You don't even have to reinvent the wheel as we have a QOTD archive that can be found right here http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2373593 So please consider volunteering to coach this month or next.

Have a great day all!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Pamela--you will do great. You know your stuff and you are a HUGE success story. Just speak from your heart.

Plutobaby--feel better! I am feeling much more back on track. Thanks for the good thoughts.

Got very little sleep last night. Our dog does not do thunderstorms well. (and we have tried everything short of major drugs)

I did make it to yoga. Next up the dentist. Fun times.

I have a massage scheduled for next Wednesday and I am counting the minutes.

Have a good Wednesday.

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Which of these ideas have you used to get yourself back on track? Or do you have another idea to get yourself back on track that is not listed?

It's been awhile since I looked at inspirational stories, think I'll do some of that today.

Got the kittens the non clumping litter and some canned food Mama seems to like, Stormy looked on absolutely riveted while Mama ate some. They both walked into it too which is good because they have to lick it off themselves. I'm really glad I got my tattoo this week because it's now that kittens are best socialized, they need to be handled a lot between 3-6 weeks. Gonna get more pics this week. It's so funny watching them play it's like kittens in slow mo whopping at a cat toy. They are starting to get more sure of their movements though and are playing with each other.

 

[PlutoBaby]

QOTD Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Which of these ideas have you used to get yourself back on track? Or do you have another idea to get yourself back on track that is not listed?

I like to find a picture of someone who is about the same size as me but with a well-muscled (not overly so!), toned body that may be achievable. Seeing a visual of what I could possibly look like, (realistically speaking of course!) can be very motivating!

Plutobaby[/B]--feel better! I am feeling much more back on track. Thanks for the good thoughts.

Thanks so much!

Got very little sleep last night. Our dog does not do thunderstorms well. (and we have tried everything short of major drugs)

How about a Thundershirt?

I did make it to yoga. Next up the dentist. Fun times.

Whoo hoo! Lol!

I have a massage scheduled for next Wednesday and I am counting the minutes.

OMG that sounds like a GREAT idea!

Got the kittens the non clumping litter and some canned food Mama seems to like, Stormy looked on absolutely riveted while Mama ate some. They both walked into it too which is good because they have to lick it off themselves. I'm really glad I got my tattoo this week because it's now that kittens are best socialized, they need to be handled a lot between 3-6 weeks. Gonna get more pics this week. It's so funny watching them play it's like kittens in slow mo whopping at a cat toy. They are starting to get more sure of their movements though and are playing with each other.

Oh how I love them when they're that little and exploring a whole new world!

Check this out. I was on CNN's website today and saw this article about supporting the Boston Marathon. Since we're all moving anyway, why not let those miles count for something more??

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/17/opinion/sutter-run-for-boston/index.html?hpt=hp_t4

 

[Flossbolna]

Pamela: I am sure you will do really well! You just need to imagine that the people sitting there in your interview are us! You do such a great job on these threads giving support and helping with all kind of advise that I can't imagine you would not be as wonderful in person!

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday. For me it is a great day as now it is only one more week until vacation!

Had a lousy day yesterday, was so tired. But feeling much better today and did my Ripped in 30 again. It is still sooo crazy and I was so sore after Monday in the thighs, the bum, the shoulders, the arm, everywhere!! I got my sister to start with the 30DS now and she claims that she is much less sore when she does it in the mornings. I guess I need to try that, but don't know how I can fit it into my morning routine. I can't imagine doing it first thing when I get up. I tried running before breakfast and those are always my slowest runs.

I know someone mentioned sweet potatoes recently - I have discovered them and they are my new favourite vegetable!! I just need new ideas of what to do with them, so any suggestions would be welcome. We don't have them here, so I am rather clueless, so far I just roasted them (with other vegetables) and today tried to have it baked. Was delicious!

I am also so excited that asparagus season is going to start! Here in Germany we mainly eat white asparagus and it can only be harvested in the spring/early summer as it needs to grow underground. I absolutely love it and it is more or less calorie free! Of course my favourite way to eat it is with sauce hollandaise! However, I found a pre-made light version that is quite tasty...

 

[Rose&Mike]

Pluto--tried the thundershirt last year. I think it's a great product. But didn't work. For awhile the D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromones) were working, but not so much anymore. He is 9yo (jack russell/daschund mix). We got him when he was one--we were his 5th home. Needless to say he has a lot of issues, but I feel like we saved him from the chopping block. We can't keep this up for too long, going to have to find something that works. I think if we let him sleep in our room he would be fine. BUT I don't want him in my room. We fight allergies, and I just don't want him in there. Because he wouldn't want to just be in our room, he would want to be on top of us. Anyhow, sorry to go off topic. He was obviously very poorly socialized as a puppy and has the worst anxiety. I probably sound like the worst dog parent, but I honestly don't think we can do this all summer. I guess we will call the vet again and see if he has some new ideas.

 

[Eliza32]

Well, just back from official weigh-in for my slimming class, and managed another 1.5lb off this week despite everything, so well pleased. I didn't have a lift to class this week and OH had the car to go to the gym, so I decided to walk. 2.2miles in 40 minutes, into the wind, I was a bit flushed when I arrived!!!

At least OH arrived to give me a lift home as my buns and thighs are now aching like mad!!

Wonder what I'll end up doing for exercise tomorrow...was a bit bummed today to find that whilst doing my walk in London yesterday I passed within 50 yards of a Whole Foods without realising!!! I'm going back for another meeting on 21st May, so already planning my shopping list of healthy goodies!!!

 

[lmhall2000]

QOTD: Sorry so busy these days, hope once summer hits I can do more to encourage you all!
For me it is publishing my goals...that daily mental reminder of where I want to be and when helps me from taking 'just one' cookie...it's just not worth it...if I set a goal of 10 pounds a month and lose 8, if I had not set a goal, I likely would have lost 2-3...it makes a difference...commit to it!

 

[pjlla]

Happy Wednesday everyone! This cold has been kicking my butt, but it's slowly getting better. I'm still coughing just a little but I will be SO glad when I'm back to normal. I had to put off trying my CrossFit class last week, but I'm not so sure if I'll be able to handle this week either. I swear I can actually feel everything expanding as I sit here! At least I haven't had too much of an appetite so I actually lost 2.6 last week.

So since I've been out of it for a few days, and apparently missed a TON, here goes:

Happy Belated Birthday Susan and I am SO sorry about Sunny! Losing a baby, no matter what the reason, always stinks.

Rose and everyone who seems to be having a tough month: I'm right there with all of you and getting sick certainly didn't help. But we WILL all get through this together - one way or another!!

I'm not even going to try and catch up with all the great QOTD's but it's so nice to be back! Let's keep motivating each other and we will all hit our goals. I know it!!

Kimberley

So glad to see you back with us. Personally I don't think it'd try the CrossFit until,I was 100% better. Nonsense in coughing your way through it. And big wooho on the 2.6!

Good morning all!

This is a recycled QOTD but we always seem to need this during some part of every challenge.

25 Ways to Get Back on Track Today
Don't Give Up on Your Goals!
-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health Educator

Not long ago, you were energetic and determined to start your healthy lifestyle. Starting with enthusiasm and hope, you watched your food intake diligently, exercised like it was going out of style, and even avoided the temptation that seemed to lurk around every corner. You were confident that you were going to reach your goals once and for all!

Then certain tragedy struck! You ate an extra piece of birthday cake. Realizing you had “blown” your diet, you ate another and another and couldn’t get it together the next day either. Or worse, you missed one workout, and that turned into a whole week away from the gym. After that, your momentum to start over again was gone, and your gym bag hasn’t left the closet since.

Every time you misstep on your healthy journey, you have two choices: to keep walking backwards, which will surely take you even further away from your goals; or to accept your lack of perfection as normal and forgivable, and take not one, but two positive steps down the path that brings your closer to the future you want.

If you’re reading this, you might have been walking backwards for a while. But instead of waiting for the next day, week, month or even year to overhaul your habits, start TODAY. And start small. You can’t go from the recliner to running or from burgers to Brussels sprouts in an afternoon. But you can do one, two or even a handful of small things that will help you regain your momentum for healthy living.

When you feel like getting back on track is overwhelming, try one (or more) of these small steps each day.

1. Try a short workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing. For ideas browse our video library or workout generator.

2. Try a new recipe. Cooking healthy foods can be fun and it never has to be bland.

3. Eat a healthy breakfast. Your morning meal sets the stage for the rest of your day, so start if off right! Get lots of breakfast ideas here.

4. Drink your water. Try to aim for 8 cups each day and you’ll feel the difference!

5. Look at Motivational Stories. Seeing how others overcome similar struggles and obstacles can be a great source of motivation.

6. Track your food today. No matter how it adds up, you’ll learn from it.

7. Update your progress record. It’s a visual way to track your ups and downs, but also your progress.

8. Share your goals. Whether you post them on the Message Boards or share them with a friend, you’ll be more accountable.

9. Exercise for 10 minutes. Jump rope, march in place, or do some crunches. Small amounts do add up to something big!

10. Find a buddy. Get support from friends, whether you need someone to listen or a mentor to give you ideas and encouragement.

11. Take a walk. Don’t worry about how long or far you go—just get out there!

12. Create a motivational collage. Include pictures of your goal and reasons why you want to get there.

13. Go shopping for some healthy foods. Use this shopping list for ideas.

14. Check the nutrition facts before you go out to eat. That way, you can make an informed choice.

15. Ride your bike. Even a leisurely ride has benefits for your body and mind.

16. Work in the yard. Gardening and yard work is a great way to add activity to your day.

17. Take the stairs. Even if this is the only thing you do all day, you’ll feel stronger for it.

18. Rack up those SparkPoints! You earn them for every healthy task you do on the site—talk about motivating! Aim for a certain milestone, such as 100 points, and then reward yourself with a SparkGoodie!

19. Listen to an inspirational song. Better yet, make a playlist of them so you can turn to it whenever you need a boost.

20. Re-start your SparkPeople program. Sometimes it’s easier to get back on track when you have a clean slate.

21. Measure your portions. It’s a simple way to learn how much you’re eating.

22. Eat a piece of fruit. Even if 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables sounds impossible to you, one is doable.

23. Slow down during meals. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal.

24. Play! What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness.

25. Learn something new. Sometimes simply taking a quiz or reading an article about nutrition, fitness, or health can change your mindset and get you back on track.

In tennis, losing one point isn’t the end of the world. It happens to the best of them. In fact, if you can consistently win a few more points that you lose, you may end up in the hall of fame. With healthy eating and exercising, as long as you’re consistently out-stepping your steps back, you’re ahead of the game[/COLOR]. If you expect perfection (and many of us do), you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and guilt.

You CAN get back on track today. Even if you’re moving slowly, you’ll be moving in the right direction!

Here is a link to the entire article http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=1062&page=2

QOTD Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Which of these ideas have you used to get yourself back on track? Or do you have another idea to get yourself back on track that is not listed?

BBL with replies.

Love this! For me I can find new inspiration by reading about a new healthy recipe or some new superfood that was discovered. I don't even need to try the recipe, but reading it can be inspiring in and of itself. Or I can pull out a back issue of WW magazine, Health magazine, or a book about health/weight loss that I might have. Lots of inspiration to be found there.

I like the collage idea as well!

New things, even good ones, are scary at times. But I'm sure that you will do a great job -- picture yourself at your keyboard talking to us when you are talking at a meeting or you can always use the old tried and true picture your audience naked.

Thanks for the feedback.

Did you switch over to the new program yet? I think that you will like it.

Actually I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't actually started doing it for myself!

Kudos to you for watching the sodium in your diets! I think that is one of the toughest things to avoid just because of all the processed food -- salt is everywhere! I will be interested to hear more about what you learn.

A shameless plug for coaching. One of the best thing about our challenges is that we have a variety of people who volunteer to coach us each week. Coaches post the QOTD, do replies and keep the conversation moving. Have you ever thought about coaching our thread for a week? It's easy and a lot of fun. You don't even have to reinvent the wheel as we have a QOTD archive that can be found right here http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2373593 So please consider volunteering to coach this month or next.

Have a great day all!

Let me know if you need a coach. I know that I offered to coach an upcoming week, but I have nothing on my calendar is I'm not sure option was ever confirmed.

Pamela--you will do great. You know your stuff and you are a HUGE success story. Just speak from your heart.


Thanks!

Got very little sleep last night. Our dog does not do thunderstorms well. (and we have tried everything short of major drugs)

I did make it to yoga. Next up the dentist. Fun times.

I have a massage scheduled for next Wednesday and I am counting the minutes.

Have a good Wednesday.

Sorry about the dog issues. Glad you made it to yoga. Good luck at the dentist.

******************

Home from work. Potatoes seem to be perfect...hopefully they will taste great! Not sure what is up exactly for my evening. I had planned to observe a WW meeting and then hit the gym for a short time but DD is talking about getting out of swim early to complete some scholarship applications and if she does I won't be able to hit the meeting, but I WILL be able to get in that short workout. Hope she decides in the next few minutes!

Beautiful day here! Sunny and bright, but the breeze is still cool....and no bugs yet!

TTYL...........P

 

[lisah0711]

Just in time for my last day of coaching this little gem (from sparkpeople.com of course) popped into my mailbox yesterday.

Cutting calories may seem like a daunting task, especially when you're trying to cut hundreds of calories each day to lose the recommended 1-2 pounds per week. Will you go hungry? Will your meals taste like cardboard? Will you have to give up your favorite foods?

Don't worry. When you make small changes, the only difference you'll notice is a drop in the scale! Keep in mind that cutting calories can involve smart substitutions or changes in portion sizes, too. Just remember, start small and work your way up to a new—and healthier—way of eating.

Beverages

1. Split a 20 oz. bottle of regular soda with a friend. Save 120 calories
2. Drink 1 cup of diet soda instead of 1 cup of regular soda. Save 97 calories!
3. Swap a 12-oz. glass of whole milk for skim milk. Save 96 calories!
4. Drink two 12-oz. light beers this weekend instead of two regular beers. Save 100 calories!
5. Instead of 1 cup of prepared lemonade, try 1 cup of a sugar free variety. Save 103 calories!
6. Eat a medium orange instead of drinking 12 oz. of fresh orange juice. Save 106 calories!
7. Prepare your coffee with 4 oz. of fat-free half and half instead of regular half and half. Save 88 calories!
8. Enjoy 5 oz. of chocolate milk instead of 5 oz. of a chocolate milkshake Save 110 calories!

Breakfast

9. Spread your whole grain waffles with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter. Save 110 calories!
10. Top your whole grain bagel with 1.5 oz of fat-free cream cheese in lieu of regular. Save 108 calories!
11. Try 1 oz. of maple turkey bacon instead of maple (pork) bacon. Save 118 calories!
12. Ditch the glazed donut and eat a bagel instead. Save 93 calories!
13. Eat 3/4 cup oatmeal instead of a 1-1/2 cups of oatmeal. Save 97 calories!
14. Substitute 3 oz. of turkey sausage for a serving of pork sausage. Save 120 calories!
15. Grab a small bagel instead of a medium bagel. Save 99 calories!

Snacks and Sides

16. Dip 1 cup celery into your favorite salsa or hummus instead of 1 oz. of tortilla chips. Save 125 calories!
17. Eat an entire medium apple instead of a small (5 oz.) candy apple. Save 118 calories!
18. Snack on 1 oz. of baked potato chips instead of regular chips. Save 90 calories!
19. Better yet, eat 2 oz. pretzels instead of the same size portion of potato chips. Save 94 calories!
20. Bake 2 oz of oven fries in lieu of 2 oz. of fast food fries. Save 88 calories!
21. Forgo a 6-oz portion of potato chips and nosh on 6 oz. of tortilla chips instead. Save 96 calories!
22. Say no to 1 oz of deep-fried onion rings and instead enjoy 1 oz. of grilled onions with your meal. Save 92 calories!
23. Try 1.5 oz. of fresh grapes instead of 1.5 oz. of raisins. Save 98 calories!
24. Enjoy a healthy 8-oz. baked potato instead of 8 oz. of French fries. Save 104 calories!
25. Choose 3 oz. of mozzarella cheese for your sandwich instead of Swiss cheese. Save 108 calories!
26. Swap 1 cup of canned pineapple in heavy syrup for crushed pineapple in water. Save 119 calories!

Lunch and Dinner

27. Cut a 6 oz. steak in half and take the other portion home for another meal. Save 111 calories!
28. Order a skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin. Save 102 calories!
29. Substitute a fat-free beef hot dog for a regular beef hot dog. Save 104 calories!
30. Build a sandwich with1.5 oz. of deli turkey breast instead of an equivalent of hard salami. Save 119 calories!
31. Instead of 6 oz. of crispy fried chicken with skin, eat 6 oz. baked chicken with skin. Save 102 calories!
32. Choose a slice of thin crust pizza over thick crust pizza. Save 106 calories!
33. Add vegetable toppings to your pizza order and say no to pepperoni. Save 100 calories!
34. Forget broccoli cheddar soup. A 7-oz portion of vegetable soup is better. Save 119 calories!
35. Enjoy 12 oz of steamed rice (choose brown rice when possible) as an alternative to fried rice. Save 96 calories!
36. Unwrap your 13-inch tortilla wrap and make a sandwich on a 3-oz. whole grain bagel instead. Save 96 calories!
37. Eat only half of your hamburger or sandwich bun. Save 100 calories!

Condiments and Sauces

38. Dip your salad in a side of ranch dressing (2 tsp.) instead of pouring 2 Tbsp of dressing on the salad. Save 97 calories!
39. Skip the 5 oz. of Alfredo sauce and eat a whopping 7 oz. of marinara sauce. Save 129 calories!
40. Add flavor to vegetables with 3 oz. of hot sauce—not 1 oz of bleu cheese dressing. Save 117 calories!
41. Top your salad with 1.5 oz. reduced-fat Italian dressing instead of regular. Save 96 calories!
42. Try either cheese or croutons on your salad—not both Save 72-116 calories!
43. Instead of 3 oz. of regular sour cream, use a fat-free variety. Save 120 calories!
44. Use 2 Tbsp reduced-fat light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. Save 102 calories!

Sweets and Desserts

45. Serve ice cream in a dish instead of a waffle cone. Save 121 calories!
46. Try a healthier peanut granola bar instead of a peanut candy bar. Save 94 calories!
47. Finish dinner with 1 cup of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. Save 121 calories!
48. Substitute 5 oz. of apple pie, with 5 oz. of baked apple crisp. Save 85 calories!
49. Instead of 4 oz. of regular chocolate pudding, enjoy a sugar-free portion. Save 92 calories!
50. Leave that 1/2 cup of strawberry ice cream in the freezer. Enjoy 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries topped with 2 Tbsp of fat-free whipped cream as an alternative. Save 102 calories!

Cutting 100 calories here and there is an easy way to form healthier eating habits without feeling deprived or hungry. With just a few of these tricks up your sleeve, you'll be on your way to reaching your goals in no time!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1183

QOTD Thursday, April 18, 2013: Which of these calorie cutting tips would you like to try? Have you tried any? Do you have a favorite calorie cutting tip that you would like to ad?


BBL for replies. Enjoy your day!