Wish Away the Pounds - August Challenge - with two new twists!

[Zoesmama03]

I have to laugh at the musing. Here we don't savor the last of summer it carries on forever and we hold out for the nice fall weather.

I was up this week. My friends circus isn't helping but I gotta stop it from making this a habit. I've been doing so well. Better meal planning is going to happen this coming month since I've undone so much of the work earlier this week not sure where I'll stand for the last day of the month.

I've been so weak and lethargic the last couple days not sure what's going on. Maybe a cold coming on or just my tooth. My PCP didn't even write a antibiotic for it. It's so tough not having dental coverage. I could eat a ton better with ease if my teeth were better.

Gotta get the school done. We will be working probably 1 to 6 or 7 tonight. I was too sleepy to wake up at 8:30 as planned.

 

[lisah0711]

Tasty Tuesday

image wdwland.com

This question is inspired by our discussion last week about lunches with help from cookinglight.com

5 Fun Bento Box Lunches
Make lunch a lot more fun with these healthy bento-inspired lunches for kids, teens, foodies, and more.

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/re...l?hootPostID=cfa4c3af659335ef11d041403ed568be

WATP Musings Tasty Tuesday, August 26, 2014: Have you ever done a bento box lunch? What do you like to take to work or school for lunch? Do you have a healthy lunch idea to share?

 

[ohMom]

Aww, Molli, so sorry to hear your meds are not working the way they should. It's so very hard to stick with a healthy lifestyle when you feel like crap. Take care of yourself and this may just be a time when it is best to go for a maintain and just keep swimmin' and good thoughts that you are feeling better very soon!

 

[glss1/2fll]

I've never done a Bento box. Those looked very yummy! I usually just have leftovers for lunch. Boring, but efficient! My kids always wanted a totally disposable lunch during high school (yes, I do it for them--spoiled babies!). I throw in a 100% juice box, an applesauce (the oldest liked fruit cups), a PB&J or bagel/cream cheese, and a pudding. Talk about boring! Four years of eating that! But they're happy.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Well looks like my friend may let her SO take her to the hospital this evening. I'll believe it when I see it. Her mom is being rather selfish and refuses to take her out of fear she will be mad at her. What kind of parent does it take to think like that? fully knowing what she's going through and has done. She's gone as far to say that although she'd miss the kids so much that she basically wants to pawn them off on his family and friends back in Missouri. I told her flat out if something doesn't happen she will lose her daughter and she still thinks this way. I think the one that needs in on the secret is her dad. When she had her last addiction pan out when she was early 20s her dad dished out the perfect tough love and prosecuted the check book theft and bad checks she wrote on his account. She got the picture and was clean so long till she'd been on this pain management so long. Then so much piled up stress wise I think she slipped back to it. I don't even know how to be a good friend to someone going through all this but I believe it has to be tough love or she'll continue on.


Tracking my food so far today. So not sure how the rest of the week will go its up in the air on if he gets her to go in tonight. It will be hectic for me but her kids need stability and I can't believe their grandmother is so quick to pawn them off.

 

[SarahDisney]

WATP Musings Tasty Tuesday, August 26, 2014: Have you ever done a bento box lunch? What do you like to take to work or school for lunch? Do you have a healthy lunch idea to share?

I've never done a bento box because I really only started hearing about them a few years ago (and I haven't been eating lunch out of the house much for the past year), but I love the idea. I think that if (when!) I go back to working full-time I may go out and buy a bento box to put my lunches in.
When I was working, mostly I ate sandwiches for lunch - I'd cycle between PB&J, cream cheese, american cheese and mustard (which everyone thought was a weird combination, but I love), and tuna, all on whole wheat bread. It got boring after a while, so when I had access to a fridge, I'd sometimes bring a salad or pasta.
I sometimes felt like my lunches were missing something, so I think a bento box would help encourage me to bring veggies and side-dishes to help my meal be more filling. I'd probably want one that I could take out a compartment to put in my Tinkerbell sandwich holder on days when I bring a sandwich.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I love the idea of bento boxes. I don't really go anywhere taking one has been required in awhile. I've seen similar things for my dd in the past though. But even she won't need bento boxes this year unless we have a picnic out or something.


Gotta finished tracking food. We had Panda Express because I had to go vote, run errand to the library, and then we tried to find a gift for dds friend whose party is 30th. Still nothing may end up with cash or bath and body works gift card which mom said she'd loved.

Anyway I didn't have a big appetite today. I ate a bagel and cream cheese for brunch. Then had half the meats and only a little chow mein. I did eat the cream cheese rangoons though I love those. Calories likely lower today carbs maybe not.

If I stay up long enough I may eat some popcorn and watch a show. I had less sleep last night so could use a good 8 hours tonight, at least. Maybe 9. HEHE I'm getting weird dull pains in my lower tummy then some stabby ones occasional and its scary because its on the right but no tenderness when I press and I can jump without pain last I checked. I'm thinking more likely bladder. But I hate to keep taking antibiotics. I'm gonna be unphased by them soon. I need some for my tooth but PCP don't seem to want to give any just say get into the dentist but no coverage. ahhh

 

[pjlla]

Morning all! I've been MIA again while DD was home.... but she got moved in on Monday and things are quiet here again..... but of course, gearing up for the FIRST DAY of high school here tomorrow! So DS's last day of vacation and potentially mine!

Will NOT discuss my eating/over-eating/bad eating/off-plan eating that the weekend brought or how "out of control" I felt. Will just say that it felt GREAT to have a FULLY OP day in the books for yesterday and will continue to move in that direction!

I told DS that this day was HIS to choose what we do....whether we sit home and play video games or go out.... but so far he has only decided on where we are going for lunch and dinner and that he wants breakfast! So I'm off to cook a nice healthy hot breakfast for my boy! I'll pop on again later to play catch up with the chatter and the QOTD!.................P

 

[lisah0711]

Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo

image disneywikia.com

This is going to be the last musing that I post for the month as I think it is going to be a quiet week-end while everyone enjoys the Labor Day holiday. This final thought for the challenge is courtesy of weightwatchers.com.

Give Yourself a Break

Stop the negative chatter in your head. You wouldn't talk that way to a friend, right? Try these kinder (and smarter) tactics.

1. Make a list of your many positive qualities.
Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good singer to a loving parent. List every attribute that makes you a worthwhile, likable individual.

2. Pay yourself a compliment every day.
Focus on a different attribute — your strong hands, good fashion sense, killer poker skills — and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound forced at first, but it can be a useful counter to self-doubt.

3. Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself.
This could be anything from getting a new hairstyle to rearranging your fridge for healthy eating. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.

4. Give yourself regular (non-food) treats.
Buy yourself flowers, take spontaneous day trips. You'd do these things to make loved ones feel good; aren't you worth the same consideration?

5. Spend time with those who care about you.
You'll soon share their good opinion of yourself! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" (Like, say, your fellow meeting members?)

6. Avoid situations that keep you in a state of self-doubt.
Even long-term relationships might call for a clear-eyed reappraisal if they leave you feeling bad. Perhaps there's a critical relative or colleague who always seems to undermine you. Are forever seeking someone's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:
Retreat from the relationship a bit. Stop hoping for approval.
Respond more assertively to harsh remarks (Example: "I feel bad when you call me 'stupid.' I'd prefer that you treated me with more respect.")

7. Try a little kindness.
Instead of beating yourself up whenever you goof up, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are!

WATP Musing Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo August 27, 2014 and August 30, 2014: How will you give yourself a little break as we approach the end of this month's challenge?

 

[lisah0711]

I'm taking a little tech break as part of my Labor Day holiday celebration but I will be starting our new challenge thread on Monday, September 1st. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with any of the hostessing duties, i.e. musings, etc. please PM me.

Magdalene, thank you so, so much for all of your hostessing this summer!

 

[pjlla]

Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo

image disneywikia.com

This is going to be the last musing that I post for the month as I think it is going to be a quiet week-end while everyone enjoys the Labor Day holiday. This final thought for the challenge is courtesy of weightwatchers.com.

Give Yourself a Break

Stop the negative chatter in your head. You wouldn't talk that way to a friend, right? Try these kinder (and smarter) tactics.

1. Make a list of your many positive qualities.
Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good singer to a loving parent. List every attribute that makes you a worthwhile, likable individual.

2. Pay yourself a compliment every day.
Focus on a different attribute — your strong hands, good fashion sense, killer poker skills — and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound forced at first, but it can be a useful counter to self-doubt.

3. Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself.
This could be anything from getting a new hairstyle to rearranging your fridge for healthy eating. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.

4. Give yourself regular (non-food) treats.
Buy yourself flowers, take spontaneous day trips. You'd do these things to make loved ones feel good; aren't you worth the same consideration?

5. Spend time with those who care about you.
You'll soon share their good opinion of yourself! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" (Like, say, your fellow meeting members?)

6. Avoid situations that keep you in a state of self-doubt.
Even long-term relationships might call for a clear-eyed reappraisal if they leave you feeling bad. Perhaps there's a critical relative or colleague who always seems to undermine you. Are forever seeking someone's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:
Retreat from the relationship a bit. Stop hoping for approval.
Respond more assertively to harsh remarks (Example: "I feel bad when you call me 'stupid.' I'd prefer that you treated me with more respect.")

7. Try a little kindness.
Instead of beating yourself up whenever you goof up, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are!

WATP Musing Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo August 27, 2014 and August 30, 2014: How will you give yourself a little break as we approach the end of this month's challenge?

Did you go to your WW meeting this week???

Negative self-talk.... GUILTY AS CHARGED!! Working all the time on giving myself credit for past accomplishments, reminding myself that one slip-up or bad choice doesn't mean I've "failed", and to "JUST KEEP SWIMMING" toward the goal of long-term maintenance!!

I'm taking a little tech break as part of my Labor Day holiday celebration but I will be starting our new challenge thread on Monday, September 1st. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with any of the hostessing duties, i.e. musings, etc. please PM me.

Magdalene, thank you so, so much for all of your hostessing this summer!

I will do WHATEVER is needed!!! Let me know! The only time I may be away from the computer is my weekend in Nantucket in September.... other than that I am available all month and will be happy to fill whatever support position is needed!

***********

Morning all! Guess what I did yesterday??? I went to the movies with DS and did not eat ONE SINGLE PIECE of popcorn or candy!!!!!!!!!! We had a late lunch and we both decided we didn't need anything to eat at the movie. I didn't even bring my own popcorn from home or bring a WW treat. Empty hands, empty cup holder for the whole movie! I can honestly say I don't ever remember doing that! And it was FINE!! If you know my history of movies and popcorn, you will know that this was a big accomplishment!

Also took DS indoor surfing for a fun "end-of-summer" date. And then we watched an old movie at home while eating a healthy-but-fun dinner treat of Subway (6" turkey with spinach, tomato, pickles and onions on honey oat with some of the bread removed from the inside, thank you!). And I had a frozen WW treat while DS had some chocolate ice cream (okay.... I had one spoonful while scooping his.... but I had to test it, right??).

So while I know I'll still probably be up this week on the scale, I am heading back into the right direction.

Time to hit the grocery store... hard! Meals planned for the next two weeks (including special requests for this holiday weekend).

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

 

[SarahDisney]

WATP Musing Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo August 27, 2014 and August 30, 2014: How will you give yourself a little break as we approach the end of this month's challenge?

I am basically the queen of negative thinking ... and it gets worse when I'm stressed. So I'm trying to reduce my stress by creating more time to relax.
I'm taking time for myself - I started it earlier this week and it has made me feel a lot better.
For the past few months I've been very "gotta keep moving, can't take a break," and it is difficult for me. The truth is, I have free time, I just have to take it. Rather than eat breakfast in front of the computer surfing the web and trying to figure out my schedule for the day, I'm watching morning shows on TV and actually enjoying myself (and paying attention to what I eat, which is another bonus) - I know my schedule can usually wait. When I'm done with everything I have to do at the end of the day and not ready to go to sleep yet, rather than sitting on the computer wasting time, I'll grab a book and read a few chapters. When I need a break in the middle of the day, I either go downstairs to watch TV or pull up Netflix on my computer and watch a TV show or movie.
Rather than always keeping busy, which has been my philosophy for the past few months, I'm taking the time to relax, and it's really been helping to reduce my stress a little.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo

image disneywikia.com

This is going to be the last musing that I post for the month as I think it is going to be a quiet week-end while everyone enjoys the Labor Day holiday. This final thought for the challenge is courtesy of weightwatchers.com.

Give Yourself a Break

Stop the negative chatter in your head. You wouldn't talk that way to a friend, right? Try these kinder (and smarter) tactics.

1. Make a list of your many positive qualities.
Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good singer to a loving parent. List every attribute that makes you a worthwhile, likable individual.

2. Pay yourself a compliment every day.
Focus on a different attribute — your strong hands, good fashion sense, killer poker skills — and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound forced at first, but it can be a useful counter to self-doubt.

3. Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself.
This could be anything from getting a new hairstyle to rearranging your fridge for healthy eating. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.

4. Give yourself regular (non-food) treats.
Buy yourself flowers, take spontaneous day trips. You'd do these things to make loved ones feel good; aren't you worth the same consideration?

5. Spend time with those who care about you.
You'll soon share their good opinion of yourself! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" (Like, say, your fellow meeting members?)

6. Avoid situations that keep you in a state of self-doubt.
Even long-term relationships might call for a clear-eyed reappraisal if they leave you feeling bad. Perhaps there's a critical relative or colleague who always seems to undermine you. Are forever seeking someone's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:
Retreat from the relationship a bit. Stop hoping for approval.
Respond more assertively to harsh remarks (Example: "I feel bad when you call me 'stupid.' I'd prefer that you treated me with more respect.")

7. Try a little kindness.
Instead of beating yourself up whenever you goof up, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are!

WATP Musing Training Thursday and Well Being Week-end Combo August 27, 2014 and August 30, 2014: How will you give yourself a little break as we approach the end of this month's challenge?

So many of these can be worked on so I'll definitely work on reflections on these each day. I will write up goals and plans/steps for Sept. I know with the last week making a small gain I got to get it going back down.

I'm taking a bit of a break from a lot this weekend. We are doing Fridays lessons and such today so we can take a 4 day weekend from school. We have a lot of stuff to do around the house though so I suspect it gonna be a lot more break from computers. I'm trying out more meal planning ideas to fit in more high quality foods. This last week has been a lot of eating fast foods. Pizza, Panda and last night after a busy evening McDonalds. I know even the Panda day was 1600 calories when I added in my popcorn snack before bed. Oh and last night I finally just now input all food from yesterday and was about 475 under my daily goal. Its not nutritionally or where I want it to be at for quality purposes but it was still within 1200 and 1750 max.

I have just a little while till dd finishes her math review online class then she retakes her test and we will have to complete two other tests. One yesterday she got so frustrated. Math is not her strong point and the first unit was half review and half of its just overwhelming word problems and they aren't necessarily looking for answer just the equation on some and then some others are ones you have to basically guess and try again and she really really doesn't like those kind. I can't wait to break into the algebra and geometry parts as I think she will do a lot better with more clear rules. She answers word problems fine but when they want to force one way to solve it over just letting them solve it its tough.

Oh and I apologize for my vents in the past week, its a bit "over sharing" but I can't let that stuff bottle up or I'll sabotage my goals that are on very much on topic. I will refrain from getting into that stuff she seemed quite well yesterday and is working on getting help in many areas. I know she is carrying more weight she didn't lose all of baby #4 weight and #5 just left some more for her too. If we lived closer than this 30 minute drive we'd be able to do some walking. There is good probability she is moving out of state as soon as her SO could find work back where a lot of his family is from. Her mom has been selfish leaving this on him and myself so its been extra overwhelming to me.

 

[pjlla]

I am basically the queen of negative thinking ... and it gets worse when I'm stressed. So I'm trying to reduce my stress by creating more time to relax.
I'm taking time for myself - I started it earlier this week and it has made me feel a lot better.
For the past few months I've been very "gotta keep moving, can't take a break," and it is difficult for me. The truth is, I have free time, I just have to take it. Rather than eat breakfast in front of the computer surfing the web and trying to figure out my schedule for the day, I'm watching morning shows on TV and actually enjoying myself (and paying attention to what I eat, which is another bonus) - I know my schedule can usually wait. When I'm done with everything I have to do at the end of the day and not ready to go to sleep yet, rather than sitting on the computer wasting time, I'll grab a book and read a few chapters. When I need a break in the middle of the day, I either go downstairs to watch TV or pull up Netflix on my computer and watch a TV show or movie.
Rather than always keeping busy, which has been my philosophy for the past few months, I'm taking the time to relax, and it's really been helping to reduce my stress a little.

GOOD for you for taking care of yourself and dealing with your stress level! Stress hormones are SO BAD for your health and your weight!!

So many of these can be worked on so I'll definitely work on reflections on these each day. I will write up goals and plans/steps for Sept. I know with the last week making a small gain I got to get it going back down.

I'm taking a bit of a break from a lot this weekend. We are doing Fridays lessons and such today so we can take a 4 day weekend from school. We have a lot of stuff to do around the house though so I suspect it gonna be a lot more break from computers. I'm trying out more meal planning ideas to fit in more high quality foods. This last week has been a lot of eating fast foods. Pizza, Panda and last night after a busy evening McDonalds. I know even the Panda day was 1600 calories when I added in my popcorn snack before bed. Oh and last night I finally just now input all food from yesterday and was about 475 under my daily goal. Its not nutritionally or where I want it to be at for quality purposes but it was still within 1200 and 1750 max.

I have just a little while till dd finishes her math review online class then she retakes her test and we will have to complete two other tests. One yesterday she got so frustrated. Math is not her strong point and the first unit was half review and half of its just overwhelming word problems and they aren't necessarily looking for answer just the equation on some and then some others are ones you have to basically guess and try again and she really really doesn't like those kind. I can't wait to break into the algebra and geometry parts as I think she will do a lot better with more clear rules. She answers word problems fine but when they want to force one way to solve it over just letting them solve it its tough.

Oh and I apologize for my vents in the past week, its a bit "over sharing" but I can't let that stuff bottle up or I'll sabotage my goals that are on very much on topic. I will refrain from getting into that stuff she seemed quite well yesterday and is working on getting help in many areas. I know she is carrying more weight she didn't lose all of baby #4 weight and #5 just left some more for her too. If we lived closer than this 30 minute drive we'd be able to do some walking. There is good probability she is moving out of state as soon as her SO could find work back where a lot of his family is from. Her mom has been selfish leaving this on him and myself so its been extra overwhelming to me.

First of all.... don't worry about venting here! THat is what we are here for.... to support each other in weight loss goals, exercise goals, and in REAL LIFE issues!!

Next up.... huge HUG to your DD with the math issues. I had significant math struggles from 3rd grade on and it made me feel like I was stupid. No one every told me that it was okay to have something I was strong at (reading, vocabulary) and something else that I struggled with (math, numbers). I just felt like I was a stupid loser because I struggled with math so much and ALL of the emphasis in my education seemed to be put there, rather than any effort made to give me any enrichment or extra push with my excellent reading skills. It took me a LONG time (like well into adulthood) to realize that I wasn't stupid.... Math just wasn't my "strong" area.... but I am plenty smart enough in other areas.

TRY to find some time to get some meal planning done! It will help SO MUCH with the fast-food issues. If you know that there is a healthy, OP meal cooking away in the crockpot or just waiting in the fridge to be warmed up, it is SO MUCH EASIER to just drive right past McDonald's! Yesterday absolutely got away from me, but I still made time in the evening as I was making dinner to make enough healthy meatloaf for 5 dinners (each serving 3-4 people), plus dinner for tonight that will have leftovers plus last night's dinner! I made one big mess, but only had to clean up once and empty the compost bowl once and wipe down the stove once and scrub out the food processor once! I had bought enough supplies to make more dinners, but since I got home late, I ran out of time. I will (hopefully) make the rest tomorrow.

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

Morning all! Heading out in 90 minutes to pick up DD at school for the long weekend, so not much time to chat. I was a "samer" on the scale today, which is a definite celebration in my book!!

I need to get some laundry out, make beds, and pack myself a healthy lunch for the road trip, so I'm going to get moving! TTY over the weekend! .............P

 

[SarahDisney]

Hi all! Just a quickly visit for me - Friday is cleaning day in my house, and I have a lot of extra cleaning I want to get done, so I want to start ASAP.
I'm up 1.5 lbs this week ... I know I overate a lot, but I'm still going to blame some of it on nature's special happy time. At least I'm still down for the month, which is always a good thing. I just wish I was down a little more ...

Anyway, I don't know if I'll have time to check in again later, so in case I don't ... have a great weekend, all! I look forward to seeing everyone in the September thread!

 

[Eliza32]

I am here..............

Only 6 days left of my 10K steps-a-day challenge.....the 100 days has nearly been the end of me!! Best steps in a day was 33,444.......boy, was I tired!!!

I have passed my exams at University, so am fully funded for the fourth and final year of my degree.....am feeling much better about myself and life in general, and ready to get back on the WISH Wagon.

I am going to Scotland on holiday for the first week of September, so will check in with you all when I get back.

Keep up the good work guys.

 

[Zoesmama03]

My scale is being crazy again. First weigh in was 311 second 314. I give up on the scale. I'd like to think its 311 which is down. .2 from two weeks ago after last weeks increase. Guess I'll see what 31st show too. I know I need a new scale but frustrating why its so different each time. Even for dd but she rarely weighs.


Today is an easy day for school we completed over half of today's lessons yesterday. We just have a science lab and she'll have yet another math test. I don't get the reason for so many darn tests all at once on same chapter?? So we may swim or workout out to a dvd together for P.E. and I saved those hours of lessons to input today. We were going to do science last night after dinner but decided to wait for today.

 

[glss1/2fll]

Magdalene--thank you so much for all your hosting this summer!

Lisa--a big thanks to you for our musings and for taking on next month!

I cannot believe I'm a samer this week! I was out of town and ate very unhealthy food (but it sure was a yummy treat!). Glad to be home and even though the pantry is getting bare, the freezer has lots of frozen veggies that I will be putting to good use!

Hope everybody enjoys the long weekend.

 

[Flossbolna]

Sorry for being so absent for the end of the month!!

I am looking forward to getting your final results by tomorrow and then will post them here and on the new thread

A huge thank you to Lisa for doing the Musings this month and taking over hosting next month!!

And a Call for Help!! Lisa has volunteered to host the next two months, but we need people to help out with the Musings!! Send Lisa a PM if you are up to doing one, two, three or more questions for the next two months, we really need to help her out!!

I hope everyone ends August lighter than they started it. I am sure that I did not get to my goal (am counting tomorrow's weight), but I have lost some. And that's a step in the right direction!

 

[ohMom]

august was an epic fail for me I'm moving forward to sept