BL Summer Challenge 2009

[donac]

Lisa I know what you mean about being the old guard. Both my dh and I have been at our teaching jobs for over 30 years. I have been in the same school for my entire teaching career.

I had a student teacher last fall., She told me that my classroom reminded her Seinfeld's apartment. Everyone going in and out all the time asking questions and sometimes just to talk. And I am not the coordinator of the department. Just someone who has been here forever.

There is only 1 guy in the department who has been in the building math department longer than me and he is talking about retiring next JUne.

Have fun

[princessbride6205]

Originally Posted by yrdlyprincess

Hi All! Vacation was great- and yes I gained weight but not that much! And it was all worth it!! But back on track now, just have to stop painting the basement so I can get back on my treadmill! No worries, still about 3 months till Disney and one year till 20 yr high school reunion- but the most important thing is that I want to do it for me--

Welcome back! Sounds like the perfect attitude to have regarding vacation and getting back on plan.

Originally Posted by donac

Hi everyone

Sorry that I haven't been around for a while. I can't explain why. I have been feeling down for a week or so. Maybe that it is the end of the summer and I haven't done anything yet. Two weeks tomorrow I go back to work.

I am almost finished with physical therapy, only 1 more session. Today's was really tough. I don't know why. I didn't do anything different but maybe it was the humidity here in jersey. We do have a little breeze but it is very hot and humid. A friend called yesterday to go swimming at her house yesterday but when we got there the pool was green. I could have gone up to my sister's and swum in her pool but we didn't want to drive that far. SO no swimming for me yesterday.

Dh is going on a backpacking trip Wed and then coming back on Sun. We then leave for Dw on Monday. This trip of his has been pushed back since June. Why does he have to go now?

I am sorry that we haven't continued the COW for the 2nd half of the challenge. I did get discouraged because only 2 people did the challenge but I think I was expecting too much also. For the next challenge we will be doing the COW but we will move very slowly and add only 1 new thing a week.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am going to hold off weighing in until the end. My foot is still swollen and the doctor told me it probably be so until the middle of Sept.

Have a great day

Sorry you've been feeling out of sorts. Hugs to you!
I really like the COW, but I forgot to post results a few weeks in the middle there. I know it definitely makes me strive to get my fruit and veggie COW points! I look forward to a full-fledged COW for the fall challenge!

Originally Posted by lisah0711

I liked this quote, princessbride6205. It is a good one to keep in mind because some days are going to be easier or harder than others.

When life throws unexpected twists at me, I dip into my flex or activity points for an extra glass of wine! Or I ask myself how eating is going to help whatever is going on. Or I go and play the piano for a little bit now that I actually know a few songs. Or I fall off the wagon and get back on the next day. Or I come on the Disboards. Actually things have improved a lot in this area over the past several months but it has taken some time to get there.

An extra glass of wine sounds good!

Originally Posted by LuvBaloo

Well I have tried saying Happy Monday and it isn't working. So far the day at work is not going well, but coming in 3 hours early meant I got a great parking spot
(there's always something good to be found)

As for QOTD:
It's easier for me to handle unexpected twists by having good choices readily available, and by being more knowledgable. I know now how the various fast food options work out, so if we are eating on the run, I can make better choices. I like the quote about detours/bumps in the road - I am a huge fan of the idea that I'm not dieting, I'm making lifestyle changes, and the habits are slowly changing.

Glad everyone liked the quote! The detours comment made a big impression on me. It's so easy to be hard on ourselves and feel like we failed when we have gains at the weigh in. Off plan weeks are okay, as long as we get back on! Great point about knowing what healthy options are available in nearly any situation.

Tuesday QOTD: What's your favorite healthy food?
In general, mine is fruit. Especially a perfectly ripe homegrown strawberry or a white nectarine from the little co-op grocery store. The ones at Target just aren't the same.
A new fave for its practicality is the Chocolate-Chip Clif Bar. It's a meal replacement for me on days when I think I might be too busy to have a "real" lunch. It doesn't have that weird fake taste that a lot of meal or protein bars have.

[LuvBaloo]

donac - I'm glad to see you feel up to posting again. With your foot surgery, its been a harsh summer. I hope you are able to enjoy to trip to WDW. And as Lisa said, the COW is great. I think many people are reading it and thinking about it, but not sending in the results. I know in the previous challenge I didn't always send in results because I hadn't done everything. This time around I was trying to send them in, even when I didn't do well. I like all the challenges and thought some of the add-ons you did were very creative for an all-around healthy lifestyle, including mental health with the taking 5minutes for yourself, and making contact with friends. Thank you for what you've done, and for doing it again next challenge!

Originally Posted by princessbride6205

Tuesday QOTD: What's your favorite healthy food?

for me its vegetables. I like many of them raw, and I don't like dip, so its a great healthy option. Bell peppers, cucumber, cauliflower, rutabaga and baby carrots are my favourites.

I'm happy to say I survived my crazy day yesterday. I don't know how Sahbuska does her double shifts. My 13hour day yesterday was crazy, but may have been better if I hadn't had to start so early. I did end up using flex points yesterday for the pizza that was brought in for lunch, but I did say no to the donuts and no to getting chips from the vending machine. Instead I had a small portion of chips at home last night to get rid of the craving, so I know I can be good again today.

[sskem96]

Favorite healthy food? Gosh, it's hard for me to even use those words together in the same sentence! I eat lots of red grapes, strawberries, and spinach salads, and I like them enough to deal with the fact that I'm going to have to eat this way for the rest of my life, but I can't really say any of them are my favorites. maybe as time goes on I'll find something healthy that I live, but desserts are by far my favorite! I guess a sugar-free chocolate pudding cup with fat-free whipped cream counts as healthy, right?!

I'm getting really close to my 15# reward at WW. it won't be this week, but maybe next week. We were in Chicago over the weekend, and I did my best to stay OP despite eating every meal out. I even got on the eliptical machine at the hotel for 20 minutes! One morning I got egg beaters, ham, and wheat toast for breakfast. At the museum I got a kids meal which was 1/2 turkey sandwich on multigrain bread, applesauce, and skim milk. Last week we made DH rice krispie treats for his birthday instead of cake so I wouldn't kill my diet. Little things like that will get me to my goal eventually.

I never posted results for the COW, but I did read them and work toward reaching them. It's a good extra little push.

[Worfiedoodles]

My favorite healthy food is dark chocolate -- my challenge is to eat it in moderation! My favorite "unlimited" healthy food is grapes. I always have room for "nature's candy"!

Maria

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars for Week 13 of our BL Summer Challenge!

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – (can re-start at any time, though )
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know ahead of time
-I don't follow the BL TV version of handling gains. All losses are the simple formula of: (last week - this week) divided by last week

First some stats

not reporting in for 3 weeks --------- 0 (they are dropped from the stats, but can return anytime!)
not reporting in for 2 weeks ----------2
not reporting in for 1 week -----------6
Excused------------------------------3
DONE because they reached Goal------1
new recruits this week----------------0
weigh ins this week------------------15 (slow week!)
gains--------------------------------6
maintains----------------------------3
losses------------------------------6


Summer Between BL Challenge Week 13
weekly total group gainfor week #13 = 2.3 pounds

Average percentage of weight gainthis week 0.13%


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me.

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 13? This week, the top losers list is a top 6
(That criteria may change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 13 Superstars!!

#6-0.13% - Corinnak
#5-0.24% - sahbushka
#4-0.51% - lulamc
#3-0.95% - SeedsLuvDisney
#2-1.03% - maznorm our newest member!

and now

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 13 Biggest Loser!!

#1-1.41%- LuvBaloo

This summer challenge has been a struggle for some of us (including me). Remember to stay positive, be proud of your successes and learn from your mistakes.

Here's one quote I found for this week:
From WWonline.ca:
Remember: When it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. It's the pace that will help you get to your goal, then stay there.



Congratulations LuvBaloo!!! (yay! me! - I feel like London on Suite Life; if you've seen the show, you've heard her say it
We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser.

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version



or use this
[IMG]http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by [/IMG]

or we have a medium version



or use this
[IMG]http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by [/IMG]

and we have a small version

[IMG]http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg[IMG]

or use
[IMG]http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by [IMG]

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

[sahbushka]

Way to go LuvBaloo!!!!!!

[maznorm]

Congratulations LuvBaloo!!

I have been awful so far this week. It was daughter's birthday and I have just slipped completely off track. Oh well, I'll get back on track tomorrow!!

Favourite health food? I absolutely love eating salad. If the weather was nice I could honestly eat salad for every meal.

[mikamah]

Originally Posted by princessbride6205

Monday QOTD: It can be a challenge to stay on plan even when everything goes right. When life throws unexpected twists at you, it can feel downright impossible. When life gets crazy, how do you stay on plan?
.

When life gets crazy, I tend to fall off plan, sometimes totally, sometimes just a little, but I think the best thing I do, is I don't give up completely anymore. I know, even if I am eating out of control and not exercising, and I won't give up, I know I'm not going to gain back all I have lost, plus 20. It is a bump in the road, and it may take a while to get back to the plan completely, but eventually I will, and hopefully I won't have gained too much back.

Originally Posted by donac

Sorry that I haven't been around for a while. I can't explain why. I have been feeling down for a week or so. Maybe that it is the end of the summer and I haven't done anything yet. Two weeks tomorrow I go back to work.

I am almost finished with physical therapy, only 1 more session. Today's was really tough. I don't know why. I didn't do anything different but maybe it was the humidity here in jersey. We do have a little breeze but it is very hot and humid. A friend called yesterday to go swimming at her house yesterday but when we got there the pool was green. I could have gone up to my sister's and swum in her pool but we didn't want to drive that far. SO no swimming for me yesterday.

Dh is going on a backpacking trip Wed and then coming back on Sun. We then leave for Dw on Monday. This trip of his has been pushed back since June. Why does he have to go now?

I am sorry that we haven't continued the COW for the 2nd half of the challenge. I did get discouraged because only 2 people did the challenge but I think I was expecting too much also. For the next challenge we will be doing the COW but we will move very slowly and add only 1 new thing a week.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am going to hold off weighing in until the end. My foot is still swollen and the doctor told me it probably be so until the middle of Sept.

Have a great day

Sorry you have been feeling down, dona. It has been a challenging summer for you with your surgery, but sounds like things are getting better. It will be nice to be done with pt, and you're heading to the happy place next week!! Yay!! I'm sure it's a worry you won't have the stamina at wdw with your foot, but take it slow, and enjoy all the little things too this trip.
I am also very grateful for all your work with the Cow. I haven't done it this summer, but in the past even though I didn't always send in my results, it kept me thinking through the weeks about the healthy habits it is building.

Originally Posted by lisah0711

A very early good morning, losers!

I have to leave at 6 am to drive to University of Idaho to participate in a panel of judges and lawyers to talk about legal ethics (it's not an oxymoron ) to new law students. Twenty years ago I was a new law school student so I am a little nostalgic about it, which is a good thing because I was also a little chagrined when I figured out that I am now one of the "old guard" attorneys!

Have a great OP day, all!

Hope you had a good day. I'm an old guard nurse here. I remember starting as a new grad 24 years ago, and meeting other nurses that worked at my hospital for 25-30 years and thinking "what are you nuts", but now 24 years later, I'm still there, and most likely will be there another 20, as long as the hospital is still here.

Originally Posted by princessbride6205

Tuesday QOTD: What's your favorite healthy food?
.

My favorite healthy food would be fresh fruit salad, especially with a fresh pineapple. Even better if I don't have to make it. Corn on the cob is a close second. We eat it year round, our grocery store always has it, and it is most always pretty good.

Originally Posted by sskem96

I'm getting really close to my 15# reward at WW. it won't be this week, but maybe next week. We were in Chicago over the weekend, and I did my best to stay OP despite eating every meal out. I even got on the eliptical machine at the hotel for 20 minutes! One morning I got egg beaters, ham, and wheat toast for breakfast. At the museum I got a kids meal which was 1/2 turkey sandwich on multigrain bread, applesauce, and skim milk. Last week we made DH rice krispie treats for his birthday instead of cake so I wouldn't kill my diet. Little things like that will get me to my goal eventually.
.

All those little things make big differences. You have such an awesome attitude.

Originally Posted by maznorm

I have been awful so far this week. It was daughter's birthday and I have just slipped completely off track. Oh well, I'll get back on track tomorrow!!

.

We all have our detours, and back on track asap, and the damage will be small. Here's to an on track day!!

Congrats LuvBaloo, our biggest loser!!!! Nice work!! And congrats to all the biggest losers, and the maintainers and gainers, for sticking it out. We will all get there!!

I have journalled all my food this week, though I'm out of flex points now, but without the journalling, I know I would be so much worse. Today is hopefully the last of the heat wave, so that is making me happy. I was very cranky after work yesterday with the heat, but today is a 4 hour day for me, and after work I"m heading to get groceries for camping this weekend. I have plans for good, healthy foods, and am planning to indulge more in the alcohol for my excess calories.

Have a great day!!

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Big Losers!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel from my ridiculously heavy workload, so I'm coming up for air and seeing who's still in the pool with me. We are a tenacious lot, sticking out this weight loss challenge!

Congratulations to LuvBaloo and all the Big Losers! -- What a great job, and so inspirational to those of us not *exactly* losing!

Dona -- I will be doing the COW in the fall challenge. I have not done it to date (totally on me, you have great ideas!), and I think it will be a great jumpstart for me. Thank you for making it available to us!

Everyone have a great, losing day!
Maria

[lisah0711]

Good morning, losers!

Originally Posted by donac

Lisa I know what you mean about being the old guard. Both my dh and I have been at our teaching jobs for over 30 years. I have been in the same school for my entire teaching career.

I had a student teacher last fall., She told me that my classroom reminded her Seinfeld's apartment. Everyone going in and out all the time asking questions and sometimes just to talk. And I am not the coordinator of the department. Just someone who has been here forever.

There is only 1 guy in the department who has been in the building math department longer than me and he is talking about retiring next JUne.

Have fun

donac, I love it when my son is assigned of one the experienced teachers. It is so fun to work in their room and watch what is going on!

Sounds like you had a lot more COW participants this summer than reported and I definitely think that you will have a lot more COW participants in the fall challenge. Thanks for all your hard work and have a great time at DW next week!

Originally Posted by princessbride6205

Tuesday QOTD: What's your favorite healthy food?

This is a hard one to answer. I would have to say a salad with low fat dressing, a handful of nuts and whatever other veggies I can find. When the weather cools down a bit, this answer will change to soup. And I love hummus and veggies.

Originally Posted by LuvBaloo

I'm happy to say I survived my crazy day yesterday. I don't know how Sahbuska does her double shifts. My 13hour day yesterday was crazy, but may have been better if I hadn't had to start so early. I did end up using flex points yesterday for the pizza that was brought in for lunch, but I did say no to the donuts and no to getting chips from the vending machine. Instead I had a small portion of chips at home last night to get rid of the craving, so I know I can be good again today.

I'm glad that you survived your crazy Monday and that it is behind you now!

And a great big congratulations to you as BL for the week and to all the other BL superstars.

Originally Posted by sskem96

I'm getting really close to my 15# reward at WW. it won't be this week, but maybe next week.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you. There is a special WISH clippie as you meet your WISH goals. I'll be looking for your 15 lb. one soon!

Originally Posted by mikamah

I have journalled all my food this week, though I'm out of flex points now, but without the journalling, I know I would be so much worse. Today is hopefully the last of the heat wave, so that is making me happy. I was very cranky after work yesterday with the heat, but today is a 4 hour day for me, and after work I"m heading to get groceries for camping this weekend. I have plans for good, healthy foods, and am planning to indulge more in the alcohol for my excess calories.

Have fun camping! A glass of wine and camping sounds good!

Have a great, OP day, losers!

[MickeyMagic]

Way to go LuvBaloo !!

[FLAngie]

Great Job LuvBaloo I have to say when I see others doing such a good job on the BL list, it is inspiring. And I need that right now. I have been journaling faithfully, staying with in my plan, and have really kicked up my exercise but still haven't seen any results. It is getting a little frustrating to feel like I am working so hard for nothing. Dh keeps telling me that one day I will wake up and that scale will have finally moved in the right direction

Dona- I started late in this challenge, but have the COW posted on my door and am still following it pretty well. I am not sure how the whole point thing, adding activities works, but I am excited to start it again in the next challenge. I know that it seems like a really long summer, but I will bet the worst is over now that you are done with pt and it will only get better. Before you know it you will be running laps around the house Have a great trip!

Tuesday QOTD: What's your favorite healthy food?
Mine would be fruit. I love strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon.


Have a great day to all my fellow losers!

[princessbride6205]

Congratulations to LuvBaloo!

I'm sorry I don't have time to respond to everyone's posts this morning, but I did want to get the QOTD up.

Wednesday QOTD: When healthy habits fit into our lifestyle, it's so much easier to stay on plan. What is one (or more!) of the easy and painless healthy things you do? Maybe one of your ideas will inspire others to try it.

* I like to take walks on my lunch at work. Sometimes it's only 10 minutes, if it's a nice day and I bring my iPod I'll do 30 min. It gets me out of the office and moving - instead of my 8pm work out being the first time I'm active all day.
* Breakfast smoothies - we bought a stick blender and it has turned smoothies into a 20-second prep. It's something I can pour in a to-go mug and eat on my way to work.

[LuvBaloo]

Popping in to answer the QOTD which is a tough one. I like a hot lunch so I've been buying the frozen meals (WW and other brands) as the main part of my lunch. Its much easier to avoid running to A&W for lunch when I can make a healthy one in 5 minutes at home.

I need to get more easy healthy habits in place.

Thanks for all the congrats. It felt strange putting my own name at the top. This week, I'm really hoping to see another loss and get my new clippie. Only 2 days left and I still have a few flex points, and I haven't touched my activity points, and I don't think I'll have to.

I am committing tonight to doing some stepping or exercise bike tonight. I'll be watching So You Think You Can Dance Canada with my DD's, and its a perfect time to get off my butt and get some exercise in. But I didn't sleep enough last night (reading Twilight), and I know I'll be tired, so I'm going to call home and leave a message on the answering machine telling the kids to tell me to exercise. They enjoy getting to remind me of things I want the loss, I have to work for it.