Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge -- thread closing -- see new thread Part 2!

[Graciesmom77]

IWISHFORDISNEY,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and try and remember all the wonderful memories your best friend made with you. You are in my prayers.

pjlla,

I know how frustrated you must be. Sometimes it seems like all the work is for nothing, but try and remember that even if the scale doesn't always move like you want it to, your health is improving a lot and in the end, thats whats most important.

I read an article awhile back and it was talking about doing Super Weight Watchers. It said to take your points for the week and divide them a little differently than WW says to. Some days have a really high amount of points and switch it with a day with a small amount, and then some days eat normally. It says it helps your body not get used to a set amount of calories. They say that working out is better in spurts where you run for a few and then walk for a few, so maybe eating is the same way. I guess it might not hurt to try it. Anyways, I thought it may help.......

I lost 3.8 this week. Less than a pound away from 10 pounds. Man, did I really want those 10 pounds. Oh well, I will have it next week I hope!

I hope everyone is doing well and Congrats to everyone who lost this week. For everyone that didn't see the numbers they wanted, don't give up. We are in this for the long haul and we can do it!!!

 

[ShortyNBug]

I have a good motivator for some of you and I need one back!
First, I have been wearing pants that are too big on me for a while now. Just putting a belt around them and looking ridiculous in my baggie pants. I didn't want to go spend money on new pants because I am sitll losing weight so who knows how long I would need them!

Way to go! Don't you just love it when clothes are too big?! It's much nicer going to a closet that has nothing you can wear due to it being too big rather than everything being too small!

Although those inbetween months can make a person look awful frumpy when they don't want to keep buying new clothes. I understand that!

I lost 3.8 this week. Less than a pound away from 10 pounds. Man, did I really want those 10 pounds. Oh well, I will have it next week I hope!

Holy catfish! I'd give anything to see losses like that! Way to go! And you'll be there in no time! (And then some.)

 

[princessbride6205]

Morning all.... I'm going to be a bit "Debbie Downer" this morning and do some griping and complaining. I worked super hard this week... I stayed within my points (although I used ALL of my Flex points last weekend). I worked out like a mad woman (all except one day).... I ate plenty of lean protein, healthy carbs, some healthy fats. After all that I GAINED one pound. I am just beyond frustrated. Right now and probably for the entire weekend I am just going to concentrate on not EATING INTO that anger and frustration.

I can only come to two possible conclusions.... either I ate WAY over my Flex points last weekend without realizing it, or I am not eating ENOUGH (considering all of my exercise) and my body is going into starvation mode and my metabolism has dropped to nothing. There is truly no other explanation that I can come up with. I am weighing and measuring the majority of my food. I journal EVERY bite and every minute of exercise. I am taking a fairly rigorous circuit training class twice a week, plus doing my cardio/running, etc 5 other days! I am drinking 2 - 3 liters of liquid per day (non-sweetened, non-caffeine).

Sorry about all that... I really needed to vent.

Pamela - no need to be sorry! I'm having the same issue with lack of expected weight loss. Last week and today I lost 0.2 pounds. I have some theories for why I didn't lose despite staying on plan last week and then kicking it up a notch this week. The week preceding last week's weigh in, I ran a half marathon and only managed to lose two tenths of a pound! That is frustrating in theory, but I knew I ate back all those calories burned in the race. And after the race I was pretty sedentary the rest of the week nursing my sore foot. This week I got back to exercising and lowered my daily calories a little (except for a splurge day last weekend) - and same result. This week it's TOM. I'm 1.2 lb away from goal and for 4 weeks now I've stepped up my program with varied calorie days, more nutrient-rich calories and increased exercise (except for the post-race week). For me, there is still some room for improvement in eating and varying my exercise. While running is vigorous, I wasn't switching it up enough. My cross training was only walking and light strength training. I'd like to kick my strength training up a notch and add in different cross training like the bike.

Pamela - Do you eat your activity points? That's the only thing I can think of for you to change. I have not done WW but I've just picked up what I know in the last few BL threads. In counting my calories I regularly eat some or all of my activity calories. There will be 1 or 2 days a week where I wouldn't eat these. Also, have you tried weighing yourself on a different day? I wonder if getting on the scale every day or every other day for a few weeks would show you a lower average weight than your Friday weigh ins. Regardless, I know how frustrating it is to see a gain, after so much hard work. Hang in there, I know that scale will eventually budge!

 

[ShortyNBug]

I haven't answered my own question yet. Oops.

I count calories. I wear a Body Bugg and try to reach a deficit of 1000 calories. I've been absolutely awful about it this week and haven't tracked but one day and haven't uploaded my bugg at all.

I find counting calories lets me be the most flexible and it's free. It's what works for me. (When I actually do it!)

 

[pjlla]

Congrats to all the losers this week!!

I lost 2 pounds this week for a total loss of 31.6 since Christmas. I am thisclose to being in the 100's. I can't wait.

DD is back to her normal self today after being so sick yesterday. I'm still feeling a little icky but I managed to do an hour of Wii free step this morning while I watched Project Runway and Models of the Runway (oh my gosh... the girls on Modles of the Runway were eating huge hamburgers with fries and onion rings and drinking shakes!!! I must be feeling a little better because I was a little jealous at what they were eating!). I haven't eaten anything substantial since dinner on Tuesday... I think I am afraid to eat because I don't want to get sick again. It takes me a little longer to bounce back because of Lupus.

I'm going to open all the windows today and air this joint out... change the sheets, mop the floors. Get the sickness out. Maybe later, if I am feeling up to it, I will go to the gym and do the treadmill.



QOTD 03/19: When it comes to weight loss, what works best for you? Counting calories, low carb, weight watchers....Why do you think this works better than the others?

I like Weight Watchers because I can eat what I want as long as I figure out the points and stay within my points every day. I have a friend who did Jenny Craig years ago and lost 50 pounds but put on 75 pounds as soon as she went off of it because she didn't know how to eat (she ate those pre-made, high sodium meals for almost 9 months). I think Weight Watchers is teaching me how to eat the right amount of food.

Have a great day everyone! I'm going to start de-sicking my house.

Go blow that sickness out of the house with some fresh air... open those windows! Glad you are on your road to recovery.

I TOTALLY agree with the JC diet situation. Unless you are diligent and you have an extra-good consultant who TEACHES you how to eat once you are past the packaged food stage, you don't learn how to keep the weight off for a lifetime! DH did Atkins a few years back. He did GREAT and lost about 60 pounds in a year. But sadly it didn't teach him ANYTHING about healthy living, portion control, or exercise. I think he only learned that he LOVES bacon and eggs and cheese and steak... to an extreme! Those three egg omelets with cheese are a hard habit to break! The minute he went off, the weight came FLYING BACK with a vengeance. And he has no good new habits to fall back on. I wish he'd try WW with me, but I'm waiting until it is HIS idea.

I have a good motivator for some of you and I need one back!

First, I have been wearing pants that are too big on me for a while now. Just putting a belt around them and looking ridiculous in my baggie pants. I didn't want to go spend money on new pants because I am sitll losing weight so who knows how long I would need them!
Well, yesterday I thought that I really need pants so I went to buy 1 pair of pants to tide me over. I thought I would be about the same size because my pants had probably just stretched out from me squeezing in them but it turns out I am MUCH smaller and am in a size that I never DREAMED of being in! I always wanted to lose weight but never thought of the sizes and I am pretty impressed with myself!
The motivation is that wearing too big of clothing can really get you down but just try on some smaller clothes and it will really get you motivated to do even more!

Now, I need some help. I have been within the same pound for the last MONTH and am not moving past it! What can I do to rev it up a bit? I signed up for some new classes starting later in the spring but I need help now! I don't want to cut my food down a lot more, maybe just a bit b/c I have been eating more sugar lately. Workouts...I vary them each day. I have a treadmill and lots of videos I have been rotating.

Anyone have any advice to get over this bump in the road pleeeeease?????

I certainly can't comment on getting you past that pound. I've had a terrible week and don't feel like I am in a position to give any weight loss advise.

But clothes I can comment on. Try the Goodwill or another thrift store if you are looking for "in between sizes" clothes. I have had tremendous luck finding super brands, especially in pants. My closet holds Lee, Coldwater Creek , Liz Claiborne, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Talbots, Anne Klein... none of which I paid more than $5 for! It does take time because you really have to pick through the racks and try on EVERYTHING. But it has definitely paid off for me. And when I lose a bit more and they no longer fit, back to the Goodwill they go..... and I get a receipt for the donation for my taxes! Not only that, but I have learned what brands I really like, what fits me the best, and what holds up the best. I am wearing a pair of Lee Stretch Rider low rise khakis today and they fit GREAT! I would definitely buy these NEW now that I know how well they fit and feel. Anyhow... hth.

IWISHFORDISNEY,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and try and remember all the wonderful memories your best friend made with you. You are in my prayers.

pjlla,

I know how frustrated you must be. Sometimes it seems like all the work is for nothing, but try and remember that even if the scale doesn't always move like you want it to, your health is improving a lot and in the end, thats whats most important.

I read an article awhile back and it was talking about doing Super Weight Watchers. It said to take your points for the week and divide them a little differently than WW says to. Some days have a really high amount of points and switch it with a day with a small amount, and then some days eat normally. It says it helps your body not get used to a set amount of calories. They say that working out is better in spurts where you run for a few and then walk for a few, so maybe eating is the same way. I guess it might not hurt to try it. Anyways, I thought it may help.......

I lost 3.8 this week. Less than a pound away from 10 pounds. Man, did I really want those 10 pounds. Oh well, I will have it next week I hope!

I hope everyone is doing well and Congrats to everyone who lost this week. For everyone that didn't see the numbers they wanted, don't give up. We are in this for the long haul and we can do it!!!

Thanks for the info about the "Super WW". It sounds something like the Wendie's plan.... you plan ahead to mix up your points for each day.... 20 on Monday, 25 on Tuesday, 22 on Wednesday, 27 on Thursday.... that kind of idea. I did try to do something like that this past week, but since I had used all of my Flex points over the weekend, it was a little hard. I ended up close or at my Daily Target almost every day simply because I was truly hungry!

Let's see.... a little peek at my journal shows that I had about 45 points on Sunday (don't ask ), 20 pts on Monday, 17.5 points on Tuesday, 19.5 pts on Wednesday, and 15 points on Thursday. So I did mix it up a bit.
But using all my Flex points by Sunday night probably wasn't a good idea. I'll try to use them better this week.

Thanks for the suggestions. I really appreciate them.

Pamela - no need to be sorry! I'm having the same issue with lack of expected weight loss. Last week and today I lost 0.2 pounds. I have some theories for why I didn't lose despite staying on plan last week and then kicking it up a notch this week. The week preceding last week's weigh in, I ran a half marathon and only managed to lose two tenths of a pound! That is frustrating in theory, but I knew I ate back all those calories burned in the race. And after the race I was pretty sedentary the rest of the week nursing my sore foot. This week I got back to exercising and lowered my daily calories a little (except for a splurge day last weekend) - and same result. This week it's TOM. I'm 1.2 lb away from goal and for 4 weeks now I've stepped up my program with varied calorie days, more nutrient-rich calories and increased exercise (except for the post-race week). For me, there is still some room for improvement in eating and varying my exercise. While running is vigorous, I wasn't switching it up enough. My cross training was only walking and light strength training. I'd like to kick my strength training up a notch and add in different cross training like the bike.

Pamela - Do you eat your activity points? That's the only thing I can think of for you to change. I have not done WW but I've just picked up what I know in the last few BL threads. In counting my calories I regularly eat some or all of my activity calories. There will be 1 or 2 days a week where I wouldn't eat these. Also, have you tried weighing yourself on a different day? I wonder if getting on the scale every day or every other day for a few weeks would show you a lower average weight than your Friday weigh ins. Regardless, I know how frustrating it is to see a gain, after so much hard work. Hang in there, I know that scale will eventually budge!

I am NOT using ANY activity points and that may be biting me in the behind. In looking back at my points for this week, I only hit my Daily Target once all week, other than my splurges on Friday and Sunday where I used my Flex points. I'm starting to think that maybe I need to be eating MORE on a daily basis. Maybe starting tonight at that jewelry party where there will be yummy baked goods!! Not to mention I exercised an average of about 60+ minutes every day (40 on my lowest day, 111 on my highest day)... so I probably SHOULD be using those activity points. Definitely something I will be thinking about this week.

Thanks for your words of wisdom and support.



Evening all! I felt like CRAP for some reason most of the day today. It started right after I ate breakfast. I had a mild pain in my stomach all day and felt SO sleepy and sluggish... definitely NOT myself. I have had pain like this before but it never lasted all day. I was able to leave work about 45 minutes early and took a short nap before retrieving DD at the bus stop. I am opting out of my workout tonight. One of the first times in MONTHS and MONTHS that I am deciding to skip a workout intentionally. I feel guilty, but I think my body probably needs the rest. If I feel better over the weekend I will add a Sunday workout to make up for it, since Sunday is my scheduled rest day. Even DD suggested that maybe I need the rest... very perceptive 14 y/o!

I will have a light protein-filled dinner before heading to that Lia Sophia party later. Hopefully between that and the stomach pain I will be able to resist the goodies! I also had some caffeine so I am feeling a bit perkier (I am not a caffeine drinker, so when I have it, it really works!).

As far as my scale frustration from this morning goes...... I am going to try to avoid having a full on "splurge" day this weekend and just use a few of my Flex points every day this week. It should keep me from getting hungry like I have been and will definitely be a better choice for using those points. I don't think I can mentally wrap my mind around using all of my Activity points yet, but I may throw in a few to see if it helps... it certainly can't hurt, as I am gaining without even over eating!

Thanks to all of you for being there to hear my rant this morning. It was such a good feeling knowing I could come here and vent and feel better and have helpful suggestions coming my way. Some days I feel very alone in this struggle.... DM is not nearby and I try not to bend her ear too often about it. DH struggles with his weight so I certainly don't want to rub it in. DD and DS are great with the high-fives and such when I have success, but they are just kids and have their own lives to worry about. I am not attending WW meetings or even doing it online...I am on my own. I don't have any close friends IRL and I feel like I am sitting on this island of WW all by myself. But I KNOW that I have you all and that saves me EVERY DAY . I truly love this group. Thanks for being there......................P

 

[cclovesdis]

I have no idea where the days are going, but I am so busy these days. I'm hoping things slow down a bit. I am finding time to exercise and get some "me" time in, but I have no idea how. I had planned to swim today, but I am still a little sick to my stomach. I won't gross you out with how sick to my stomach I was yesterday. I am up about 5 pounds since the last time I weighed myself. I am hoping to lose those 5 pounds this week. I know what I have to do and if I do it, I probably will be back under 140 in a week. I am determined to keep up with the COW this week. I got in 20 minutes of exercise today, but that is it for exercise. I am hoping to go swimming tomorrow. I'd also like to get in some Wii Fit, but I'm not sure if that will happen. I had a really good day with regards to eating. We're having dessert tonight so I'll use some of my WPA. I was hoping to get in some more steps today so I might do some walking around the house to up my total for the day.

Lisa-Thanks for you kind words. I am a one of those people who "yo-yos" and I'm a binge eater. I'm trying very hard to get both under control. Thanks again.

QOTD: Weight Watchers is working well for me as long as I follow it. Like others have said, there's enough freedom on WW that it fits into my life.

Have a great weekend!

 

[redlight]

I'm unchanged this week, which is a lot better than a gain.

 

[lisah0711]

Happy Friday to all our BL participants!

Thank you again, corinnak, for being our coach last week and a big welcome to ShortyNBug, our new coach this week! Good coaches like you ladies are what make a great BL challenge!

Please be sure and PM your weigh in to LuvBaloo and those COW numbers to donac. Remember you can always choose to do just a part of the COW so if you haven't tried it or the COW got away from you, this is a great time to give it a try.

, Liz. I am so sorry about your beloved dog. I know you've been on a rollercoaster this year and you can say that you did everything you could. It is so hard when we lose a four legged member of the family. I'm glad that you have something to look forward to with your cruise.

3/18 Thursday QOTD: How do you feel about the idea of power as it relates to your efforts to change your body?

I think that it takes awhile to figure out that you do have the power to change and to make positive changes in your life but once you figure that out, there isn't anything that you can't do. Especially things that you never thought you would ever do -- like running!

With that 4 lb loss this week. 192!!!! Two months ago today, I walked into the dr.'s office with a sinus infection, strep, and double ear infections, and the scale was 218, my 3 year high. I am excited to be down 26 since then! It seems like I will probably plateu for a couple of weeks, up and then loss it, due to TOM, so I will take it this week!

Wow! Great progress!

Well, I'm down .6 today. Happy with any downward movement, but I know I have the power to make better choices, and see a better loss.

Yay down .6! Must be all that running!

QOTD 03/19: When it comes to weight loss, what works best for you? Counting calories, low carb, weight watchers....Why do you think this works better than the others?

Over the years I have tried just about everything. I am counting calories on sparkpeople because that seems to work well for me and it's free and easy. I think it is truly a matter of figuring out what works for you, whatever that is, and be willing to try other things if you need to shake things up.

Nice loss, lecach!

And I love your new clippie, Tracey!

Kathy, Lisa, Dona -

Great news for me and my turtle weight loss progression...Today I am officially down 15 pounds!! Off to change my clippie

Woot! Woot! Down 15 pounds! to you too, jenn!

I'd love to have a Dis/BL/Scrapping meet!! Talk about the best of both worlds... scrapping, healthy life, and DISNEY! .................P

I might have to become a scrapper if this ever came to be.

pjlla, you might want to give sparkpeople a look -- they have a calorie calculator -- it might help you figure out if you are really undereating. I think you must be because you are certainly eating right and exercising.

I have a good motivator for some of you and I need one back!

First, I have been wearing pants that are too big on me for a while now. Just putting a belt around them and looking ridiculous in my baggie pants. I didn't want to go spend money on new pants because I am sitll losing weight so who knows how long I would need them!
Well, yesterday I thought that I really need pants so I went to buy 1 pair of pants to tide me over. I thought I would be about the same size because my pants had probably just stretched out from me squeezing in them but it turns out I am MUCH smaller and am in a size that I never DREAMED of being in! I always wanted to lose weight but never thought of the sizes and I am pretty impressed with myself!
The motivation is that wearing too big of clothing can really get you down but just try on some smaller clothes and it will really get you motivated to do even more!

Now, I need some help. I have been within the same pound for the last MONTH and am not moving past it! What can I do to rev it up a bit? I signed up for some new classes starting later in the spring but I need help now! I don't want to cut my food down a lot more, maybe just a bit b/c I have been eating more sugar lately. Workouts...I vary them each day. I have a treadmill and lots of videos I have been rotating.

Anyone have any advice to get over this bump in the road pleeeeease?????

I think you answered your own question. Your body is obviously changing even if the number on the scale isn't. Remember there are other ways to measure success besides your weight.

How fun to wear a smaller size than you thought? I think it is hard to adjust your mindset that you really can wear different things. I wore some workout clothes that were size 16/18 this week. I haven't worn that size for 20 years! I got them because they were on sale and I thought they would work for me in another month or so -- I forgot my workout bag at home but had that set in my car and was so happy when they fit. We really need to give ourselves more credit than we do.

I lost 3.8 this week. Less than a pound away from 10 pounds. Man, did I really want those 10 pounds. Oh well, I will have it next week I hope!

I hope everyone is doing well and Congrats to everyone who lost this week. For everyone that didn't see the numbers they wanted, don't give up. We are in this for the long haul and we can do it!!!

Wow! Great loss, Graciesmom77!

I was down 2 pounds this week. That makes 15 for the challenge and I only need to lose 1 more pound this month to be totally on track for my big goal of being in ONE-derland by the time I hit the big 5-0 in July. I can't wait!

Have a great evening everyone! Keep up the good work!

 

[lisah0711]

Ann, sorry that you and your DD had the crud. Hope that you are both feeling better soon!

I have no idea where the days are going, but I am so busy these days. I'm hoping things slow down a bit. I am finding time to exercise and get some "me" time in, but I have no idea how. I had planned to swim today, but I am still a little sick to my stomach. I won't gross you out with how sick to my stomach I was yesterday. I am up about 5 pounds since the last time I weighed myself. I am hoping to lose those 5 pounds this week. I know what I have to do and if I do it, I probably will be back under 140 in a week. I am determined to keep up with the COW this week. I got in 20 minutes of exercise today, but that is it for exercise. I am hoping to go swimming tomorrow. I'd also like to get in some Wii Fit, but I'm not sure if that will happen. I had a really good day with regards to eating. We're having dessert tonight so I'll use some of my WPA. I was hoping to get in some more steps today so I might do some walking around the house to up my total for the day.

Lisa-Thanks for you kind words. I am a one of those people who "yo-yos" and I'm a binge eater. I'm trying very hard to get both under control. Thanks again.

QOTD: Weight Watchers is working well for me as long as I follow it. Like others have said, there's enough freedom on WW that it fits into my life.

Have a great weekend!

Hope that you can get some more rest and me time this week-end. You're doing the right things, they will pay off for you sooner or later.

I'm unchanged this week, which is a lot better than a gain.

I think maintaining is a wonderful thing!

 

[flipflopmom]

Instead of taking DD to gymnastics, then running at the park there, we came home. She has hurt her back somehow, and her coach wants her to ice and complete rest it tonight, and most of the weekend. She's actually lying down, so it must hurt.

So while I waited for DH to get home, I aimlessly laid on the couch with a baggie of cajun snack mix from the health food store. I love this stuff! Sesame sticks, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, very spicy. Drank tons of water. Then I remember to eat my banana. I DESPISE bananas, but they help my leg pain during running, so I choke one down.

Went to the park, did 3 miles in 38 minutes (includes the warm up, cool down), came home, and promptly vomited. A lot. I will never run on a full stomach again. I still feel awful!

 

[lisah0711]

Instead of taking DD to gymnastics, then running at the park there, we came home. She has hurt her back somehow, and her coach wants her to ice and complete rest it tonight, and most of the weekend. She's actually lying down, so it must hurt.

So while I waited for DH to get home, I aimlessly laid on the couch with a baggie of cajun snack mix from the health food store. I love this stuff! Sesame sticks, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, very spicy. Drank tons of water. Then I remember to eat my banana. I DESPISE bananas, but they help my leg pain during running, so I choke one down.

Went to the park, did 3 miles in 38 minutes (includes the warm up, cool down), came home, and promptly vomited. A lot. I will never run on a full stomach again. I still feel awful!

Wow! Bummer! Hope you and your DD are feeling better soon. On the bright side, you don't have to worry about that cajun snack mix you ate . . . sorry, that popped in my mind. Can you find another potassium rich food that you might like more?

 

[my3princes]

Fabulous!!!!! Congrats!!!



Thanks for the input! I told dh about your dh and how he is sore the next day. Now my dh doesn't feel like a weakling anymore. lol like anyone doing P90X is a weakling! He got the Accelerade from GNC, is your dh using that?



Yes the Energizer Bunny is moving!!! What a great feeling!!



I feel the same way about posting here. You guys help me stay on track!

Woo hoo on all that scrapbooking!! We should do a meet - I'll come, get Buffy, Anne, who else??



lol now I have that song in my head too!!



Thanks! I'm like a post-hog. Let's get your scrapbooks finished - meet meet meet!! (That's a chant btw!)

Kathy, Lisa, Dona -

Great news for me and my turtle weight loss progression...Today I am officially down 15 pounds!! Off to change my clippie

DH is using the mega men sport vitamin package, whey protein shakes after workouts and protein bars for snacks (32 grams of protein per bar)

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Just got back from Minnesota- it was fun! MOA wasn't really as great as I had it built up to in my mind, but still fun. They have a ropes course as part of the Nickelodeon Universe and I had a blast doing that. Nick U was fun, but really ineffecient. Both Aaron and I are theme park employees in attractions (He's a supervisor, I'm a lead) at our local park, so we tend to really analyze how things are run. We were amazed at their staffing on some of their rides. The people were nice though and the rides were fun.

Today we got to go to the Minnesota Science Museum. They have an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls (with reall scroll fragments) and then the St. John's Bible, a 21st century hand written, hand illuminated Bible. It was an absolutely breath taking exhibit. The only bad part was my IBS was in fine form today, I had such wretched cramps. I had left my meds in my desk at school, but I discovered that Pamprin is actually fairly effective. I WI in the morning, hopefully the scale is kind.

 

[flipflopmom]

Wow! Bummer! Hope you and your DD are feeling better soon. On the bright side, you don't have to worry about that cajun snack mix you ate . . . sorry, that popped in my mind. Can you find another potassium rich food that you might like more?

The scale was down 2.4 pounds today after the episode last night. I wouldn't recommend this particular weight loss method, though.

I would love to find something I would like more than bananas. I just can't get past the texture...

Forgot to answer QOTD yesterday: I've done it all it seems. Lost 60 pounds on Atkins, got pregant, and gained 40 of it back over the last 3 years since DD was born. I'm now down 28 pounds since January, and I feel much healthier than I did on Atkins. I've tried protein meal replacement shakes, and did okay with that plan, but I am kinda counting calories, and just really being mindful of what I put into my body and when. Lots of fruits and veggies, a few carbs, proteins, lots of water. Watching my fat/salt/sugar intake. In other words, I am finally eating like I am supposed to. It's amazing to find my body revolting at things it shouldn't have, it just doesn't taste good or sit well with me anymore. I've also found my stomach has shrunk, and what I used to eat in one sitting at my local Mexican restaurant, I now made 3 meals out of!

 

[donac]

Good Saturday morning everyone. The next 7 weeks are really going to be a big challenge. NJ is in a big problem with money and all the schools have been hit are with budget cuts. It is also teacher bashing week and it has really been upsetting for my dh and I. It is going to be hard to watch a lot of good teachers losing their jobs.


Throw on top of that in 7 weeks my 4 classes are taking their Advanced Placement test. After their tests from Wed I have no idea how they are going to do on this big test but I will be pushing them for the next 7 weeks.

Because of the snow my spring break is down from 10 days to 7. BUT anyone who has norefundable tickets to somewhere can go for the full 10 days if they take personal days or unpaid. We weren't going anywhere so I am stuck. We will be losing 4 people in our department for the break. I think the people who will be in will be very busy.

Last night I went back to my school to see their spring musical. It was "Pippin" from the 70's. I had seen it back when it was on Broadway and have the cd so I have listened to the music. I really enjoyed it. I think it could have used a little more rehersal. There were a couple of misteps but was a lot of fun. I had a smile on my face all evening. They did a nice job.


Nice weather here. Am going out with some friends for lunch today. The dh in this couple had a stroke last April. We have not seen them since Nov so I am wondering how he is doing. We have been trying to see them since Feb but with all the snow and crazy weather we have not been able to find a time. Dh and I are worried about how this meeting is going to go. He was upset about something the last couple of time dh spoke ot him and last week he yelled at dh on the phone. Dh didn't argue. He just told hiim I was serving dinner so they had to end the phone call. We think it has to do with the fact that he may be frustrated with his progress and taking it out on certain other things.

Well I am off to eat breakfast and get some things done. Dh left an hour ago to work on df's house.

Have a great day everyone.

Thanks for lettin g me vent this morning.

 

[mikamah]

Good morning. Well, my morning time has passed too quickly. I found myself reading the wish events board and actually thinking about doing a disney half marathon one day! Thanks to you Lisa! This C25K is really going to my head.

Dona, it sounds like a stressful week at work for you. I hope your visit with your friends goes well. Remember after a stroke a lot of people lose their impulse control, and have personality changes. I hope everything goes well, and if he does get angry, I hope you and your husband don't take it personally. It will be good for you all to get together.

We have nice weather here too, but have a 4 hour faith retreat at church for michael's first communion. We'll get outside after that.

Congrats to all who saw losses yesterday, and hugs to those with gains. Hang in there. Never stop trying. We can do this!!!

Friday qotd- I have always done well when I follow ww. I like the flexibility and the ability to have anything I want, in moderation. I haven't been tracking lately. In the past if I am faithfully within my points, and track everything, I would see a loss. I think I need to strart tracking again.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

 

[mikamah]

Forgot to say Welcome Shortynbug and thanks for coaching this week!!

Jennz- love that new clippie!!

Pjlla- Sorry you are struggling with those last few pounds. Listening to all the exercise you do, I would wonder if maybe you should be eating more of the activity points you earn. It might help if you tried to eat them as you earn them this week. Sometimes, like with that Wendie plan, the metabolism will increase as you give it more fuel, and continue to burn in the following days when you decrease again. Hang in there. You are doing so great.

 

[pjlla]

Instead of taking DD to gymnastics, then running at the park there, we came home. She has hurt her back somehow, and her coach wants her to ice and complete rest it tonight, and most of the weekend. She's actually lying down, so it must hurt.

So while I waited for DH to get home, I aimlessly laid on the couch with a baggie of cajun snack mix from the health food store. I love this stuff! Sesame sticks, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, very spicy. Drank tons of water. Then I remember to eat my banana. I DESPISE bananas, but they help my leg pain during running, so I choke one down.

Went to the park, did 3 miles in 38 minutes (includes the warm up, cool down), came home, and promptly vomited. A lot. I will never run on a full stomach again. I still feel awful!

Sorry to hear about DD's injury. I hope she is able to rest and recovery quickly. And sorry to hear about your vomiting. I have never vomitted during/after a run, but I'm sure the day will come. But I try really hard to time my runs so that I don't have a full stomach or a full bladder. Mornings work best for me.

If you don't mind the taste of bananas, but just the texture, how about a smoothie with some frozen banana? Or, if you like vegetable juices, try the Bolthouse Farms Vedge juice.... kind of like V-8, but lots fresher tasting. It has 700mg of potassium in a serving. It is sold in the produce department at my grocery store.

Just got back from Minnesota- it was fun! MOA wasn't really as great as I had it built up to in my mind, but still fun. They have a ropes course as part of the Nickelodeon Universe and I had a blast doing that. Nick U was fun, but really ineffecient. Both Aaron and I are theme park employees in attractions (He's a supervisor, I'm a lead) at our local park, so we tend to really analyze how things are run. We were amazed at their staffing on some of their rides. The people were nice though and the rides were fun.

Today we got to go to the Minnesota Science Museum. They have an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls (with reall scroll fragments) and then the St. John's Bible, a 21st century hand written, hand illuminated Bible. It was an absolutely breath taking exhibit. The only bad part was my IBS was in fine form today, I had such wretched cramps. I had left my meds in my desk at school, but I discovered that Pamprin is actually fairly effective. I WI in the morning, hopefully the scale is kind.

Glad you see you back here a bit more regularly lately! That exhibit sounds really incredible. Is is a traveling exhibit?

Sorry the IBS kicked in. Glad you were able to find something to relieve the pain. I was whining over here yesterday about some stomach pains I was experiencing.... I need to try to remember how much more difficult it is when you have a chronic condition like IBS and stop my whining about the occasional twinge!! Good luck at your WI!!

The scale was down 2.4 pounds today after the episode last night. I wouldn't recommend this particular weight loss method, though.

I would love to find something I would like more than bananas. I just can't get past the texture...

Forgot to answer QOTD yesterday: I've done it all it seems. Lost 60 pounds on Atkins, got pregant, and gained 40 of it back over the last 3 years since DD was born. I'm now down 28 pounds since January, and I feel much healthier than I did on Atkins. I've tried protein meal replacement shakes, and did okay with that plan, but I am kinda counting calories, and just really being mindful of what I put into my body and when. Lots of fruits and veggies, a few carbs, proteins, lots of water. Watching my fat/salt/sugar intake. In other words, I am finally eating like I am supposed to. It's amazing to find my body revolting at things it shouldn't have, it just doesn't taste good or sit well with me anymore. I've also found my stomach has shrunk, and what I used to eat in one sitting at my local Mexican restaurant, I now made 3 meals out of!

WTG on finding a the use of PORTION CONTROL with the mexican food. It is amazing when I realize what I used to consider a single portion!! If you ever check out the Nutrition Information kiosk inside a Pizzeria Unos restaurant, you will find that many, many of their meals they consider TWO servings!! I think in general Americans are totally out of whack on their portion sizes!

Good Saturday morning everyone. The next 7 weeks are really going to be a big challenge. NJ is in a big problem with money and all the schools have been hit are with budget cuts. It is also teacher bashing week and it has really been upsetting for my dh and I. It is going to be hard to watch a lot of good teachers losing their jobs.


Throw on top of that in 7 weeks my 4 classes are taking their Advanced Placement test. After their tests from Wed I have no idea how they are going to do on this big test but I will be pushing them for the next 7 weeks.

Because of the snow my spring break is down from 10 days to 7. BUT anyone who has norefundable tickets to somewhere can go for the full 10 days if they take personal days or unpaid. We weren't going anywhere so I am stuck. We will be losing 4 people in our department for the break. I think the people who will be in will be very busy.

Last night I went back to my school to see their spring musical. It was "Pippin" from the 70's. I had seen it back when it was on Broadway and have the cd so I have listened to the music. I really enjoyed it. I think it could have used a little more rehersal. There were a couple of misteps but was a lot of fun. I had a smile on my face all evening. They did a nice job.


Nice weather here. Am going out with some friends for lunch today. The dh in this couple had a stroke last April. We have not seen them since Nov so I am wondering how he is doing. We have been trying to see them since Feb but with all the snow and crazy weather we have not been able to find a time. Dh and I are worried about how this meeting is going to go. He was upset about something the last couple of time dh spoke ot him and last week he yelled at dh on the phone. Dh didn't argue. He just told hiim I was serving dinner so they had to end the phone call. We think it has to do with the fact that he may be frustrated with his progress and taking it out on certain other things.

Well I am off to eat breakfast and get some things done. Dh left an hour ago to work on df's house.

Have a great day everyone.

Thanks for lettin g me vent this morning.

Sorry to hear about your issues at work. It just frustrates me how we continue to cut spending on education (generally, as a nation), but then complain and lament when our children don't meet specific criteria in testing!! And then we see news reports about how far ahead China or Japan or whatever country is in Math and Science compared to Americans. Well...DUH.... You just cut all of the spending to those programs!! (Where is the dope slap smilie when you need it!?)

Hope your week improves!

Pjlla- Sorry you are struggling with those last few pounds. Listening to all the exercise you do, I would wonder if maybe you should be eating more of the activity points you earn. It might help if you tried to eat them as you earn them this week. Sometimes, like with that Wendie plan, the metabolism will increase as you give it more fuel, and continue to burn in the following days when you decrease again. Hang in there. You are doing so great.

Well... I am going to try and eat more points this week and see if it helps. I am starting off today with a 6 point breakfast!! I rarely eat more than 3 or 4 pts at breakfast, so this was a big splurge!! Two Fiberone pancakes with walnuts and light syrup, plus my morning beverage! Not sure I'm really full, but it was delicious!!

Last night's jewelry party was a breeze to get through. The hostess served just a plate of regular brownies along with fruit and veggie platters, so it was easy to resist. I had cucumber, grape tomatoes, and baby carrots, plus melon and grapes. I figured I got out of there for 2 points (plus I got brave and spent NOTHING on jewelry!).

I was feeling better this morning and I went for my run nice and early. I really had to push myself to get out the door, but as usual, I was pleased with myself when I was done. I only did 40 minutes, but it was a good 40 minutes!

Off to hit the shower and then head to DD's last swim meet of the season!! I can't TELL YOU how happy I am that the season is over! ...............P

 

[ShortyNBug]

Good morning everyone. Sorry it took me so long to get on here. I have an extra child this weekend, my aunt is away for her birthday so my cousin is staying here, and things just didn't go as smooth as normal this morning.

QOTD 3/20: Have you been able to go along this weight loss journey without spending much money or have you spent a lot? I'm not talking food here, just in terms of ww fees, videos, garmins, equipment, that type of thing.

My hubby doesn't want me joining a gym because he says weight loss shouldn't have to cost you anything. Little does he know, it probably would've been cheaper to just pay the monthly gym dues. LOL!

I have a body bugg which was not cheap. I probably would've gotten that even if I did go to a gym though.

I have every BL and Jillian Michaels DVD.

I have the whole Turbo Jam set off the infomercial.

I have Insanity, which he bought for me.

Oh, and he bought me running shoes last fall too!

And I also have a bunch of WATP videos I don't use anymore. I did sell a bunch of those and some 10 Minute Solutions DVD's on ebay recently though.

I bought a treadmill cheap from a friend last fall too.

I also bought Wii Fit Plus and BL for the Wii.

Not to mention resistance bands and hand weights.

Doesn't sound like a very cheap adventure to me. Not all of it was bought at once and not all of it in the last year but it all adds up. I really want a Garmin but promised I wouldn't spend anymore on weight loss junk this year. That's a long time. I kinda lied cause I already paid my entry fee for my first 5K in May. And if that goes well, there may be more in my future.

So, looks like my hubby was wrong. It just didn't go to one place once a month like a gym would've. He grumbles most of the time when I get something else but he deals with it well. I really should be 100 pounds for all the resources I have. Now if I could just quit eating!

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

I had a great day yesterday, totally OP, and am looking forward to another one today. I'm planning lots of exercise and lots of healthy food.

QOTD: What a great question! I asked for a Wii/Wii Fit+ for Christmas and got both. I have Wii BL, a couple of BL DVDs, a WATP DVD, the 30-Day Shred, and various accessories like weights. Plus, there's the gym membership and WW fees. I just switched from meetings to online because I couldn't justify the cost. My parents pay the WW fees and we're willing to pay for more months of the Monthly Pass, but I couldn't do that to them. I have a feeling I have more than just that, but I can't remember now.

Have a great day everyone!

CC