WISH Away The Pounds No Excuses in November Challenge - Everyone Welcome!

[Flossbolna]

Just wanted to brag that I knew how to make a roux when I was 14! Of course I only knew it by its German name though...

 

[lisah0711]

Just wanted to brag that I knew how to make a roux when I was 14! Of course I only knew it by its German name though...

At our house now you have to say it with a French accent . . . make ze roux! Ooo-la-la!

 

[lisah0711]

well my Whoo Hoo is that I must have worked a bit harder a Zumba last night because my abs were sore this morning!

on a great workout!

Thanks for sharing the recipe, too. Did you cut and paste it in the recipe thread?

Keeping busy here, but kind of feels like I am spinning my wheels! Off to eat my lunch......................P

I'm pretty sure that your spinning wheels days are still very productive!

Ooo, I should not have taunted the poof fairy . . . this post almost was poofed!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Anyone else contemplating their Thanksgiving menus? Whether you are cooking or visiting it pays to put a little thought into what you will be doing that day. And just in time is an article from my friends at sparkpeople.com that I will share.

Fill Your Plate with These Thanksgiving Foods
By Melinda Hershey, Staff Writer

You might look at your Thanksgiving table and become overwhelmed by the sea of fattening dishes. However, not everything in your holiday feast is terrible for you; there are several traditional dishes that actually serve up a fair amount of good-for-you nutrients. Here's what to fill up on to feel satisfied (without feeling stuffed like a turkey).

Turkey Breast
The star of your Thanksgiving feast might just be the healthiest feature of your meal! Turkey breast is naturally low in fat, high in protein, and filling to boot. A 3-ounce serving of white meat turkey generally clocks in around 150 calories.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C, which makes them a filling and nutrient-dense choice for a Thanksgiving side. Baked or roasted sweet potatoes are usually a good choice; a typical medium sweet potato is just 103 calories. Add a small smear of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a treat--but skip the sugary, marshmallow-topped casseroles!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent way to get in some green on Thanksgiving Day. They're a great source of vitamin C, and are surprisingly melt-in-your-mouth delicious when roasted. One cup of Brussels sprouts roasted in a tablespoon of olive oil weighs in at 157 calories, most of which are from the olive oil.

Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is chock-full of vitamins A and C, and its mellow, nutty sweetness is thoroughly satisfying. At 100 calories or less for an 8-ounce serving, starting with this soup will help you fill up on minimal calories before the main event, which can curb your desire to overeat.

Sauteed Greens
Sauteed greens are a classic savory Southern Thanksgiving tradition. Whether they're smoky, citrusy, or mixed with a touch of bacon, greens pack a mean punch of vitamins K, A and C, fiber, manganese, folate and calcium. Fill up on kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens or turnip greens for a healthy boost! A 4-ounce serving is only 70 calories, mostly from the oil used for sautéing.

Roasted Root Veggies
Root veggies, including parsnips, carrots, turnips and beets, are naturally low in fat and calories and high in fiber, vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants. These hearty vegetables take on a sweet, caramelized flavor when roasted in the oven and serve up about 150 calories for a filling one-cup serving. Plus, they'll look beautiful and add some color to your table!

Mashed Potatoes
By themselves, mashed potatoes aren't terribly bad for you. Potatoes are a good source of filling fiber, potassium and vitamins C and B-6. Just avoid the gravy boat and extra butter! A half-cup serving of mashed potatoes is usually 150-200 calories, so you won't break the calorie bank by adding a modest portion to your plate.

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin is packed with fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Because it's virtually fat free, it makes for one of the lightest pie fillings you can find at your Thanksgiving table. A typical slice of pumpkin pie contains about 300 calories or less. By comparison, a slice of gooey pecan pie can pack in as many as 500 calories per slice thanks to all the nuts and dense, sugary filling.

Happy Eating!
If your favorites didn't make the lighter list, don't worry! You can still enjoy all holiday foods in moderation. Just remember to fill a majority of your plate with veggies and lean proteins—and reserve a smaller spot for calorie-dense casseroles and desserts. Happy Holidays!

Here is a link to the entire slideshow, including recipe links, if you are interested. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/slideshow.asp?show=137

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I'll be back later with my answer and some replies.

 

[DisneyJillian18]

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there? I'll be back later with my answer and some replies.

I like mashed potatoes
I actually don't eat turkey
So Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday! But we usually cook a ham as well, so hopefully that is not too bad!

 

[RoyalMom]

QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I am the worst, pickiest holiday eater. I like NOTHING. I would normally eat a slice of turkey and fill up on dinner rolls.

The plan this year is to have a scoop of salad with that turkey, to have maybe ONE roll, and to nibble from the cheese plate. I am saving room for a slice of apple pie!

 

[bigsis1970]

on a great workout!

Thanks for sharing the recipe, too. Did you cut and paste it in the recipe thread?



I'm pretty sure that your spinning wheels days are still very productive!

Ooo, I should not have taunted the poof fairy . . . this post almost was poofed!

I did not only because it's not healthy.. just GOOD.. haa I will though if you think it should be there..

Good morning all!

Anyone else contemplating their Thanksgiving menus? Whether you are cooking or visiting it pays to put a little thought into what you will be doing that day. And just in time is an article from my friends at sparkpeople.com that I will share.

Fill Your Plate with These Thanksgiving Foods
By Melinda Hershey, Staff Writer

You might look at your Thanksgiving table and become overwhelmed by the sea of fattening dishes. However, not everything in your holiday feast is terrible for you; there are several traditional dishes that actually serve up a fair amount of good-for-you nutrients. Here's what to fill up on to feel satisfied (without feeling stuffed like a turkey).

Turkey Breast
The star of your Thanksgiving feast might just be the healthiest feature of your meal! Turkey breast is naturally low in fat, high in protein, and filling to boot. A 3-ounce serving of white meat turkey generally clocks in around 150 calories.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C, which makes them a filling and nutrient-dense choice for a Thanksgiving side. Baked or roasted sweet potatoes are usually a good choice; a typical medium sweet potato is just 103 calories. Add a small smear of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a treat--but skip the sugary, marshmallow-topped casseroles!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent way to get in some green on Thanksgiving Day. They're a great source of vitamin C, and are surprisingly melt-in-your-mouth delicious when roasted. One cup of Brussels sprouts roasted in a tablespoon of olive oil weighs in at 157 calories, most of which are from the olive oil.

Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is chock-full of vitamins A and C, and its mellow, nutty sweetness is thoroughly satisfying. At 100 calories or less for an 8-ounce serving, starting with this soup will help you fill up on minimal calories before the main event, which can curb your desire to overeat.

Sauteed Greens
Sauteed greens are a classic savory Southern Thanksgiving tradition. Whether they're smoky, citrusy, or mixed with a touch of bacon, greens pack a mean punch of vitamins K, A and C, fiber, manganese, folate and calcium. Fill up on kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens or turnip greens for a healthy boost! A 4-ounce serving is only 70 calories, mostly from the oil used for sautéing.

Roasted Root Veggies
Root veggies, including parsnips, carrots, turnips and beets, are naturally low in fat and calories and high in fiber, vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants. These hearty vegetables take on a sweet, caramelized flavor when roasted in the oven and serve up about 150 calories for a filling one-cup serving. Plus, they'll look beautiful and add some color to your table!

Mashed Potatoes
By themselves, mashed potatoes aren't terribly bad for you. Potatoes are a good source of filling fiber, potassium and vitamins C and B-6. Just avoid the gravy boat and extra butter! A half-cup serving of mashed potatoes is usually 150-200 calories, so you won't break the calorie bank by adding a modest portion to your plate.

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin is packed with fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Because it's virtually fat free, it makes for one of the lightest pie fillings you can find at your Thanksgiving table. A typical slice of pumpkin pie contains about 300 calories or less. By comparison, a slice of gooey pecan pie can pack in as many as 500 calories per slice thanks to all the nuts and dense, sugary filling.

Happy Eating!
If your favorites didn't make the lighter list, don't worry! You can still enjoy all holiday foods in moderation. Just remember to fill a majority of your plate with veggies and lean proteins—and reserve a smaller spot for calorie-dense casseroles and desserts. Happy Holidays!

Here is a link to the entire slideshow, including recipe links, if you are interested. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/slideshow.asp?show=137

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I'll be back later with my answer and some replies.

Well I think I will bring some mashed cauliflower to the in-laws for myself and whoever might want it in place of potatos - I always bring green bean casserole because they don't make it and my Hubs is making a Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake for dessert

 

[dreamseeker9]

QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I'm not sure what my Thanksgiving menu is this year - I'm flying 7 hours from NYC to LA, I'll arrive just in time for Thanksgiving dinner!

I absolutely love green bean casserole - that can be made healthier by using a low-fat or low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and also sauteeing some mushrooms to add in.

I also enjoy a cranberry-orange salad.

 

[pat fan]

QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year?

Hmmm...we always have turkey, squash (not squash soup though), turnip & green beans (just boiled though), sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Add to that corn, pickles, cranberry sauce, stuffing & rolls and you've got my meal. Of course, we have left-overs til the cows come home, but that's ok.

 

[pat fan]

So I just need to share this funny story.

The .4 lb's that Halloween bestowed on me is not budging (I weigh daily) and not sure if it's PMS or what, but I have been scarfing all day and was just perusing the internet when my horoscope popped up (not sure why) and it said to "Call the Dr. if you were feeling at all not well, and other than that to eat better, exercise more and get enough asleep." Huh. Guess I'll put the jelly belly's down and go change. Was gonna work out anyway today, but now I feel as if I was scolded into it! Just struck me as quite funny.

 

[donac]

I haven't planned out my Thanksgiving menu yet but if I deviate too much my fil has a fit so it is just easier to keep things simple.

The one thing I am doing to make my life easier is a group I work with is selling pies from a local bakery which has really good pies. People stand in line the days before Thanksgiving to buy these pies. So I will order from them and I don't have to cook those.

 

[jillbur]

Howdy folks!

QOTD Wednesday, November 13, 2013: It's Woo Hoo Wednesday! Give yourself a big "woo hoo" for helping yourself to be healthy and share something that you did this week to help you with your goals. Hopefully you don't feel like you've been on the wildest ride in the wilderness!

BRB with some replies and my own woo hoo!

Well, my eating is no woo hoo at all I seriously have to get that in order!
But, my workouts have been a woo hoo. I've done well this week with cardio & strength. I'm sore today, so I guess I'm doing something right.

Hi everyone!

I also decided to give the 30 Day Shred another try. I will not do it every day, but will take some rest days. Still need to figure out a sensible schedule - hopefully so that I can finish before Christmas. I feel like I need to get some more exercise and thought that that DVD was a great workout all around!

Omgsh! I just did 30DS on Tuesday! How funny! I'm sore today (I did treadmill yesterday) so I know I needed the strength. I'm doing it in between cardio workouts. I miss Jillian since I really haven't seen her since April or May.

I didn't get back last night to share my amazing bargain! Anyhow.... I use Fiesta Ware in my kitchen.... I asked for it for my birthday a few years ago and while I have plenty, I'm always on the look out for a new piece/new color. I was at the Goodwill yesterday and found a piece...and then another.... and then another. By the time I was done scouring the shelves, I had found 11 pieces of Fiesta Ware.... mostly serving pieces, a few dinnerware pieces. Most all are currently available colors, one piece is a retired color.

Anyhoooo... I went online and tallied up the regular retail price of all of these pieces and discovered I bought $311 worth of Fiesta Ware.... for a grand total of $40.38 !!!!

I'm going to keep the pieces I really want and sell the rest. Hoping to recoup the original $40 and maybe a bit more! I guess it will depend on what pieces I decide to sell.

I can't wait to read about EVERYONE'S WOOHOO Wednesdays!!.......P

Awesome find! I've been to the factory in WV. I've bought some things that weren't perfect for some good discounts. I love my platter that I got on discount because of a millimeter bubble that messed up the finish on the bottom

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I'll be back later with my answer and some replies.

I will eat turkey (white meat only), mashed potatoes, and I make the pumpkin pies. I will try not to go overboard with the potatoes and rolls this year!

The one thing I am doing to make my life easier is a group I work with is selling pies from a local bakery which has really good pies. People stand in line the days before Thanksgiving to buy these pies. So I will order from them and I don't have to cook those.

I'm in charge of desserts and will make pies (pumpkin and peanut butter), but decided to simplify my life and ordered pumpkin rolls instead of making them. They aren't hard to make, but I feel too busy to make them this year. Sometimes, easier is better


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good evening all. I only have a quick minute to catch up. We are watching Monsters University (even though we have seen it once). Then, I HAVE to do some cleaning and laundry. I'm falling behind

A co-worker and I went to Starbucks after work for their buy one get one free holiday drinks. We are both stressed, her husband was in an accident the other morning & broke his knee cap and I found out today that my car needs $750-$1000 worth of repairs. So, we decided to stress drink coffee I got a skinny peppermint mocha. YUM! It was 100 calories, but totally worth it! The sale is until the 17th from 2-5 pm if you are interested.

Okay, I better run. DH is carrying the laundry up from the basement. Have a great night.

Jill

 

[pjlla]

Good morning all!

Anyone else contemplating their Thanksgiving menus? Whether you are cooking or visiting it pays to put a little thought into what you will be doing that day. And just in time is an article from my friends at sparkpeople.com that I will share.

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I'll be back later with my answer and some replies.

Well... at one point in time ALL of those items have hit my T. giving table. The only things that aren't "regulars" at the squash soup and the sauteed greens.... but we have had them a time or two.

When we celebrate on T.giving Thursday with DH's family, the food amounts/types/etc are just OBSCENE. Truly SINFUL. My DSIL who usually hosts LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to cook. All 20+ of us can eat until we are stuffed and the buffet line usually still looks full! It is NO exaggeration to say that we usually have enough food for easily DOUBLE the number of folks. DH's family is big on starters. We usually have "nibbles" for at least 90 minutes or so after arriving.... soup, phyllo-wrapped brie, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp, cheese platters, hummus and veggies, TONS of lots of little fattening calorie-bomb nibbles that DSIL just "had" to make... plus (thank heavens for) a HUGE fruit platter.

From there it is turkey (and ham as well sometimes), potatoes (usually mashed, but also roasted sometimes), and more side dishes than I can count.... hamburger filling, bread stuffing, chestnut stuffing (and sometimes oyster stuffing as well!!), corn casserole, broccoli casserole, roasted brussell sprouts, roasted root veggies, green bean casserole,peas, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls.... it would be NO LIE to say that in addition to the traditional turkey and potatoes that we usually have AT LEAST 10-12 side dishes!!!!!

And of course, the wine and dessert! DH's family isn't big on T.giving day dessert, so it is usually cookies and squares baked by my DMIL, occasionally a pie,cheesecake, or cake if someone feels so inclined.

My family T.giving celebration on Friday tends to be a little more conservative and a little more traditional. Turkey, gravy, mashed taters, sweet potato casserole (and sometimes I bring baked or roasted sweet potatoes as well), green bean casserole (because my nephew's love it), onion casserole (a famly classic that only comes out at T.giving and Easter), peas, squash, mashed turnips and carrots, salad, bread stuffing, my aunt's special sweet rolls, and occasionally a jellied salad.

But my family is much more into the dessert things.... maybe because we don't do starters or appetizers other than salad???

Our desserts are special and homemade and there aren't TONS of them.... just enough. My Mom and Dad make a great apple pie, my aunt makes a special lemon meringue pie (again, a family classic that is just out at Easter and T.giving), pumpkin pie, occasionally indian pudding, and sometimes a cheesecake or something chocolate for the kids. That's about it.


Well... all that gabbing and I barely answered the question!! Anyhow, I make SURE that there are PLENTY of healthy choices both days, even if it means bringing it all myself. Big green salads, plain roasted veggies (without butter, oil, sugar, etc), hummus, and at least ONE "lighter" dessert choice (pineapple angel food cake is a good one). I make sure there is seltzer to go along with the wine and beer. I try to balance my "twice-a-year treats" with my healthier choices.... especially since it is a DOUBLE WHAMMY weekend for me!

Awesome find! I've been to the factory in WV. I've bought some things that weren't perfect for some good discounts. I love my platter that I got on discount because of a millimeter bubble that messed up the finish on the bottom

Love the pieces I decided to keep! A sea mist bread platter and a chartreuse oval platter, plus a few serving bowls in turquoise and sunflower. What color is your platter?


I'm in charge of desserts and will make pies (pumpkin and peanut butter), but decided to simplify my life and ordered pumpkin rolls instead of making them. They aren't hard to make, but I feel too busy to make them this year. Sometimes, easier is better

I agree! If I were in charge of anything baked, you can be darn sure I would order it from the local bakery!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good evening all. I only have a quick minute to catch up. We are watching Monsters University (even though we have seen it once). Then, I HAVE to do some cleaning and laundry. I'm falling behind

A co-worker and I went to Starbucks after work for their buy one get one free holiday drinks. We are both stressed, her husband was in an accident the other morning & broke his knee cap and I found out today that my car needs $750-$1000 worth of repairs. So, we decided to stress drink coffee I got a skinny peppermint mocha. YUM! It was 100 calories, but totally worth it! The sale is until the 17th from 2-5 pm if you are interested.

Okay, I better run. DH is carrying the laundry up from the basement. Have a great night.

Jill

That sounds really yummy! I'm not a big SB fan, but could definitely get into a 100 calorie peppermint mocha!! Sorry about the car repair stresses!

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

Evening all! Worked today... thankfully it was a fairly easy day, as I was sporting a bad headache again. Not scheduled to see the chiropractor until T.giving week, but I may have to try to get in next week.

Keeping busy here at home with lots of little projects. Sold a few pieces of that Fiesta Ware already, so I'm excited! It would be GREAT if I could make back the money I spent. Then the pieces I kept would be FREE! I already quadrupled my money on the gravy boat in just 2 days!!

Eating was OP this week, but as usual, exercise has been sparse. Hoping the scale shows a maintain.

Off to check on my yard sale page! Maybe I've made more money while I've been sitting here! ......................P

 

[lisah0711]

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday November 14, 2013: Are any of these good for you Thanksgiving foods on your menu this year? Or do you have another favorite that didn't make the list that should be there?

I think our homemade cranberry relish with real cranberries, mandarin oranges, walnuts and ginger should make the list. I will share the recipe as soon as DH shows me the "secret" folder he put the recipe in -- it's so "secret" it can't be found.

I like mashed potatoes
I actually don't eat turkey
So Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday! But we usually cook a ham as well, so hopefully that is not too bad!

Ham is a lean meat just use a bit of caution if you are watching your sodium.

I am the worst, pickiest holiday eater. I like NOTHING. I would normally eat a slice of turkey and fill up on dinner rolls.

The plan this year is to have a scoop of salad with that turkey, to have maybe ONE roll, and to nibble from the cheese plate. I am saving room for a slice of apple pie!

Yum! Apple pie!

I did not only because it's not healthy.. just GOOD.. haa I will though if you think it should be there..

We can put any recipe there -- if it is high calorie just make a note about portion control.

Well I think I will bring some mashed cauliflower to the in-laws for myself and whoever might want it in place of potatos - I always bring green bean casserole because they don't make it and my Hubs is making a Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake for dessert

Green bean casserole is a holiday classic for sure!

I'm not sure what my Thanksgiving menu is this year - I'm flying 7 hours from NYC to LA, I'll arrive just in time for Thanksgiving dinner!

I absolutely love green bean casserole - that can be made healthier by using a low-fat or low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and also sauteeing some mushrooms to add in.

I also enjoy a cranberry-orange salad.

I do, too. That is a long trek to LA for you. That is the kind of trek I take in reverse to get to WDW and it is a long day.

Hmmm...we always have turkey, squash (not squash soup though), turnip & green beans (just boiled though), sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Add to that corn, pickles, cranberry sauce, stuffing & rolls and you've got my meal. Of course, we have left-overs til the cows come home, but that's ok.

Left-overs are the best part of Thanksgiving IMHO.

So I just need to share this funny story.

The .4 lb's that Halloween bestowed on me is not budging (I weigh daily) and not sure if it's PMS or what, but I have been scarfing all day and was just perusing the internet when my horoscope popped up (not sure why) and it said to "Call the Dr. if you were feeling at all not well, and other than that to eat better, exercise more and get enough asleep." Huh. Guess I'll put the jelly belly's down and go change. Was gonna work out anyway today, but now I feel as if I was scolded into it! Just struck me as quite funny.

Yep, definitely a sign from the universe!

I haven't planned out my Thanksgiving menu yet but if I deviate too much my fil has a fit so it is just easier to keep things simple.

The one thing I am doing to make my life easier is a group I work with is selling pies from a local bakery which has really good pies. People stand in line the days before Thanksgiving to buy these pies. So I will order from them and I don't have to cook those.

You do a lot of transporting and logistics to make your IL happy, Dona, so any short cuts are well deserved. That is truly a labor of love!

A co-worker and I went to Starbucks after work for their buy one get one free holiday drinks. We are both stressed, her husband was in an accident the other morning & broke his knee cap and I found out today that my car needs $750-$1000 worth of repairs. So, we decided to stress drink coffee I got a skinny peppermint mocha. YUM! It was 100 calories, but totally worth it! The sale is until the 17th from 2-5 pm if you are interested.

Bummer about the car repair stress, Jill. Very smart way of dealing with the stress.

Well... all that gabbing and I barely answered the question!! Anyhow, I make SURE that there are PLENTY of healthy choices both days, even if it means bringing it all myself. Big green salads, plain roasted veggies (without butter, oil, sugar, etc), hummus, and at least ONE "lighter" dessert choice (pineapple angel food cake is a good one). I make sure there is seltzer to go along with the wine and beer. I try to balance my "twice-a-year treats" with my healthier choices.... especially since it is a DOUBLE WHAMMY weekend for me!

That is a double whammy week-end for you, Pamela! But I know you have an awesome pjlla plan to deal with it!

BRB with the QOTD.

 

[bigsis1970]

Morning everyone just popping on for a quick minute to say my Hula Hoop/Jump roping is working in conjuction with my Zumba class and I am down 2.2 this week !!! I'll zip back in at Lunchtime.. Happy Friday Peeps!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

A friendly reminder that today is weigh in day so please PM those numbers to our lovely hostess, araes2102.

And speaking of our friend the scale I have one final article from sparkpeople.com to share with you on the subject, 'cause you know how much I like to share those.

7 Times the Scale is Lying to You
Knowing When to Ignore the Scale

The scale can be a valuable tool in any weight-loss journey. It can tell you where you started and help you track your progress. It's the tool people use most as a measure of success--or failure.

As useful as the scale can be, don't forget that it's just one tool you can use, not the only tool. It's entirely possible for those numbers not to budge, but you find yourself having to tighten your belt because you've lost inches. Used regularly, the scale can help you check in with yourself and help you catch upward swings in pounds before they become double-digit problems. But used too frequently, the scale can drive you crazy.

If you find yourself weighing in often (multiple times per day or every day of the week) you're not doing yourself any favors. There are certain times when weight fluctuates, and seeing every fluctuation can be disheartening and really mess with your head and your motivation.

Many people find it difficult to give up the scale entirely, which is fine--but there are a few times when the scale isn't doing you any favors. Take the results with a grain of salt in these situations.

1. Right after you've eaten.
You ate a meal and now the scale is up five pounds? What gives? No, you didn't actually gain that body fat from eating a heavy meal. It's more likely that your blood volume has increased due to the quantity of food you've eaten, and the weight of all that food is still sitting in your stomach and digestive system. Likewise, high sodium content can cause you to retain fluid. Chances are you're not going to like what your scale is telling you for a few hours or days, but that doesn't mean the meal you ate caused real, permanent weight gain.

2. During your first few weeks of a new diet or exercise program.
When you first start exercising or eating healthier, it's tempting to start jumping on the scale constantly to see progress. If you do, you may see some pretty significant losses, which can be really motivating! But don't get discouraged when those numbers slow down a few weeks into the new plan.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a rapid weight-loss is normal in the first few weeks of almost any weight-loss program. When calories from food are reduced, the body gets needed energy by releasing its stores of glycogen, a type of carbohydrate found in the muscles and liver. Glycogen holds onto water, so when glycogen is burned for energy, it also releases water, resulting in substantial weight loss that's mostly water (not body fat).

Try to avoid jumping on the scale too much during those first few weeks of a new diet or fitness program. It can be discouraging when your weight doesn't change as quickly as you'd like, and it can be equally discouraging when it stops budging after initial success. A moderate friendship with the scale--not an obsession--will help you gauge your progress but won't drive you crazy.

3. Immediately after a workout.
You just ran for an hour on the treadmill so you strip down and hop on the scale in the locker room to see how much fat you burned off. Sorry, but fat loss doesn't happen immediately. Any weight change you really see is lost water weight through sweating that will come right back as soon as you rehydrate. This is another reason why it's best to weigh-in consistently at the same time of day (just not every day!) for the most reliable measure.

4. You just chugged a bunch of water.
Just as you notice the loss from sweat, you can also notice the gain of water from drinking a lot of fluids. A large 16-ounce glass of water will translate into roughly a pound on the scale; your body will get rid of it, but immediately after you drink it, it's going to show.

5. Just before bedtime.
You weighed in first thing when you got out of bed this morning, but before you hit the hay you find yourself wanting to check in again just in case you lost anything today. But try to hold back: If you find yourself a few pounds over or under your morning weight, you haven't suddenly lost or gained. Instead, it's just the timing of your last meal, your last workout, your last drink of water, and how much your PJs weigh. For this reason, experts recommend weighing the same day each week, at the same time of day, wearing the same clothing, using the same scale to get as accurate of a picture of your true weight as possible.

6. You just had a baby.
You just gave birth to a beautiful 8-pound baby! So you hop on the scale thinking you'll see a dramatic loss. And you're disappointed that the scale has barely budged. While you might lose up to 15 or so pounds in a week when you account for the baby, placenta, extra blood volume and amniotic fluid, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate changes. While that water and true baby weight may budge quickly, remember that you gained the rest of it over the entire pregnancy. Focus on eating right, getting plenty of rest and enjoying your new baby, rather than losing the pounds.


7. Practically any time during your menstrual cycle.
For women, it's a crapshoot. The changes that happen in your body throughout your menstrual cycle make your weight fluctuate constantly by up to two pounds during menstruation, your follicular phase, ovulation and PMS. Even more reason not to stress about a couple of pounds here or there, as this type of weight gain tends to come and go.

So don't let those daily fluctuations discourage you--or get you too excited--when it comes to weight loss. Use your scale as a guide, not the definitive standard of success. The best way to use the scale is to weigh in at the same time of day every couple of weeks. Even then, your body could be maintaining or losing body fat even if the scale never budges. Be sure to find other ways to measure your progress and success outside of the scale—and you'll stay more motivated for the long haul!

Here is a link to the entire article and the sources if you are interested:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=1951

Which brings me to the QOTD for Friday, November 15, 2013: Do you get on the scale when it is likely to be lying to you? Do you feel that your relationship with the scale has changed over time?

I'll be back later today with replies and my own answer.

Good luck!

 

[myweegirls]

Hi, everyone! I've been (mostly) reading along this past week...we had a great trip to WDW for the Food & Wine Festival and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon! Both DH and I ran the race. I had hoped to set a personal best - I didn't, but I'm overall quite happy with the race. I ran the race I should have run, given the course and the slightly warmer temps. It was a lot of fun, and I'm loving my new medal!

All that running and all that eating, and I'm down 0.8. I'll take it! Now to get on with the emerging holiday madness...

XOXO
Liz

 

[pjlla]

Morning everyone just popping on for a quick minute to say my Hula Hoop/Jump roping is working in conjuction with my Zumba class and I am down 2.2 this week !!! I'll zip back in at Lunchtime.. Happy Friday Peeps!!

WOW! Terrific progress!

Good morning all!

A friendly reminder that today is weigh in day so please PM those numbers to our lovely hostess, araes2102.

And speaking of our friend the scale I have one final article from sparkpeople.com to share with you on the subject, 'cause you know how much I like to share those.

7 Times the Scale is Lying to You
Knowing When to Ignore the Scale

Which brings me to the QOTD for Friday, November 15, 2013: Do you get on the scale when it is likely to be lying to you? Do you feel that your relationship with the scale has changed over time?

I'll be back later today with replies and my own answer.

Good luck!

I try hard to stick to my once-a-week, Friday morning weigh-in.... occasionally I will take a "second look" on Saturday morning if Friday didn't seem quite right.

I try HARD to not let the scale (good or bad) rule my day, but sometimes it is tough. I definitely have come to terms with our relationship over the years!

Hi, everyone! I've been (mostly) reading along this past week...we had a great trip to WDW for the Food & Wine Festival and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon! Both DH and I ran the race. I had hoped to set a personal best - I didn't, but I'm overall quite happy with the race. I ran the race I should have run, given the course and the slightly warmer temps. It was a lot of fun, and I'm loving my new medal!

All that running and all that eating, and I'm down 0.8. I'll take it! Now to get on with the emerging holiday madness...
XOXO
Liz

WOOHOO for the new medal! Congrats on your run! Sorry it wasn't the time you were hoping for, but you should be super proud any how! Love to hear more about the race and see some photos!

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

Morning all! Today's weigh-in wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but wasn't tragic. My stomach hasn't been totally "right" for about a week now and I thought that might have given me a boost in the "lose" direction, but alas, it wasn't to be.

Yesterday's headache is definitely improved today. Tried to sleep in a way as to not aggravate the neck, but it was tough.

Anyone doing anything special this weekend??? We might go see Thor. We were waiting until DS's new girlfriend was free to go with us, but she is busy again this weekend, so we may just go anyhow. Maybe she can go see Frozen with us during T.giving week when DD is home. In addition to the movie we will probably cut/burn brush and I'll probably be meeting up with a few local folks who are buying pieces of the Fiesta Ware I'm selling.

Well.... I'm having a hungry morning! I had a nice breakfast (nonfat greek yogurt with berries, rhubarb, and a bit of crunchies on top) at about 7:30 am and by 10 am I was STARVING! I splurged on a Vitamuffin, but that is not helping much! I'll try to hold off until at least 11:45 before I give in and have lunch! Anyone else ever experience being "extra" hungry sometimes??

Off to get some more laundry hung out!.................P

 

[ohMom]

well my absence in my habits of WISH and this challenge and i'm up this week!

 

[DisneyJillian18]

QOTD:
My relationship with the scale is not a good one all the time! I have become a daily weigher. I am hoping to break this habit, I don't want to become obsessed with it!