more small successes

I'm wearing my skinny jeans today, the ones I could wear before my thyroid got messed up a few years ago. I fished them out from a box under the bed this morning.

Happy New Year to me.

And to you. Thanks for your inspiration and support.
Have a great night!

Small Successes

I ran 3.1 miles this morning!  It felt good, even if it isn't an amazing distance.  My goal is to run that distance a minimum of 1x/week and run 2 other days according to how my body feels.  If I only make it 1.5 mi, so be it.  Then I'll make my other workout days strength training and throw in a yoga stretch every now and again.  With this I'm hoping to not become an elephant (again) during this pregnancy (with both of my kids I gained 60 lbs) and hopefully keep up somewhat with my fitness level so I don't feel like I have to start again from the ground up after delivery.  I did get some disappointing, yet hopeful news.  Same news, two views.  Pregnancy has spurred my thyroid into under activity (I know, weird) and thus I'm gaining more than intended, I'm more fatigued and I'm terribly irritable.  BUT, I've started on meds that should help a lot of these symptoms and that is good news to me!!

Fruit and Veggie Bonus

WOW this bonus challenge is great! okay maybe not So great :)
I have never been much of a veggie eater. I love stuff fresh from the garden but since everything is frozen, that option is out!  What are some good ways to get all those extra veggies in, without slipping them under the table to the dog??

I hope you are all doing well and having a good start to your week!

Christmas Cheer!

I know things will be getting crazy today, so I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!  I wish us all luck in keeping it a healthy and satisfying holiday this year.

update

Hey blue team, congrats on being first again last week! Time is going by so quickly for me; I hardly feel like it's been five and half weeks since we started. I'm glad to have you as teammates - you've been so positive and encouraging. 

This week I've really been enjoying the bonus challenge. I've taken time to journal, read, take a nice bath, and laugh - all things I really need to feel well. I've also been hungrier than usual, so I've been eating more calories. And I've lost more weight. I'm always impressed with how my body knows what it needs and I how can find better health by listening to its cues. 

I'm officially back to my pre-mission weight. I don't know what I weighed at other points in my life, but I have my paperwork from my pre-mission physical. I was in great health at the time, so that has been a measure I've been able to use. I'm excited that I only have a little more to go to reach my goal.

I avoided the buffet of various forms of sugar available at work and at my internship. It helps when I realize that most of the treats are just different incarnations of high-fructose corn syrup, each with its own mix of chemicals and preservatives to make for a longer shelf life. If you make it sound like poison - and it often is poison - then it's not very tempting at all.

What successes have you had this week?

Congrats!

Nice work, BLUE!  You are a grrrrreat team!

I woke up too early and decided to try a new workout.  I found this on Netflix Instant Play and was pleasantly surprised.  Let's be honest, a lot of the instant play workouts are...ummm....lame?  My favorite quote from the video, "It's about progress, not perfection."  I find that applies to all areas of our lives not just the physical.  I think (at least for me) that it's easy to get caught up in where we are lacking, instead of how far we've come and the direction we're continuing to move.  Thanks, team, for reminding me to keep moving in the right direction!  Have a great day!

Dianne

Sweet Success

So I know I already made my contact on the E-mail, but I was excited to share my success this week and forgot to in the E-mail.

I lost 6 Pounds this week!!! I was so excited to get off the scale and see that I had lost more weight this morning.

Wahoo for Weight loss!  I Love to see the numbers go down on that lovely scale of mine :)

Keep up all the good work Team!!
Stacy

relaxing

Greetings blue team. I hope you are all well and ready to relax this week. I am grateful for the bonus challenge this week. What a great idea!
I read about a study (that I haven't managed to find for you) having to do with stress and weight gain. Two groups of mice were overfed and one group was exposed to various types of stress. The second group wasn't. Both groups gained weight, but the non-stressed group gained it evenly and the stressed group gained in the mid-section - around the vital organs. Crazy, right? This is all the more reason to take time to relax. Stress management is part of a healthy lifestyle, too. Thanks for reminding us, Kali.

Also, I'd like to report that I didn't eat anything fried last week even though I was sorely tempted - and I lost two more pounds.

Nice work on your challenges. It's been fun to see what everyone was up to - we all have our various vices. Last week was a good chance to own up and take charge.

New Addition

Olivia or Emmalee? - 12/15/10

Ethan - 12/11/07

Valerie and Justin had a beautiful baby girl on Wednesday afternoon around 2:30.  As of last night, there was still a name debate going on.  But she was 6 lb. 14 oz., and she has more hair than my 3-year-old.  Speaking of her hair, compare that awesome head of hair to this picture of her brother taken three years ago.  Do you think they're related?  I sure hope Valerie keeps names or dates on the back of all her photos.  Congratulations, guys!  Nice work!

A moment on the lips....

Forever on the hips!
Today my teacher brought baklava to class. Without thinking about it, I popped a piece in my mouth. What?!? There went my no white flour goal for the day AND my dessert. Luckily I haven't had my treat day yet - so I'm not losing points in two categories. But Dang!
This situation makes me realize how often I simply pop things into my mouth without thinking. My whole life is filled with incidental munching. No wonder I have always struggled with my weight.
No more incidental munching - I want to be a purposeful eater. I want to enjoy my food and my life.
So sorry everyone for the points lost - but I am going to work extra hard to make up for it. Let's go Blue Team!

Health & Indulgence Update

First, I want to let you know that I'm working hard to get every single point after a pitfall last week.  Kevin's work Christmas party was Thursday night at 7:30.  I thought surely I would be done with dinner by 9:00 and would perhaps pass on dessert..  Unfortunately, appetizers were served at 8:25, and my salad and dinner roll didn't arrive until 9:03.  I sat there debating whether I should have my entire $50 meal boxed up and call it a night.  But instead, I ate dinner after 9 p.m. and lost my 2 points that day.  I guess I won't be perfect this challenge.  However, I got all of my other points last week and I'm planning to get all the rest of my points in the second half of this challenge. 

In other news, I went to a physical therapist on Monday to seek relief from my aches and pains.  I found out that my pelvis has rotated forward on the right side, causing all sorts of pinching and pulling of nerves, ligaments, and muscles.  I am now doing exercises to strengthen the muscles and shift the bones back into place.  I am hopeful that my condition will possibly improve, and - worst case scenario - not get worse than it's been.  I will continue going back to the physical therapist regularly until the situation is under control, AND I am still alright to exercise.  (I had even talked to my mom about taking my place if I had to withdraw from the competition.)

So, like each of you, I had a difficult time deciding on which of my many vices to eliminate this week.  I have chosen to cut out those unplanned snacks and second helpings that I eat just because the food is there.  So far so good, and I've felt much more in control of myself.

As for our team coming in second last week, I think we all need to really buckle down for the next three weeks  and be extra-intense.  Christmas and New Year's will break some teams.  Let's not let it break us.

Running Again

I'm usually more of a distance runner, but with tendinitis in my knees and my lack of ability to take any anti-inflammatory meds, such as Aleve, due to pregnancy, has caused my running schedule to take a back seat these last few weeks.  Also, all that fatigue/nausea has been getting in the way, too.  Well, HAPPILY, I actually woke up with a bit of energy this morning with NO nausea and hopped on the treadmill.  I only made it 1.5 miles before I decided I better be cautious about how I proceed with my knees/IT Band.  I power walked the rest of the total 3 miles.  I feel with good stretching, massage and icing, I should be back up to 3 miles in a couple of weeks.

I'm learning a bit about myself this pregnancy and challenge.  I need an immediate goal to help me push toward the health I desire.  The accountability of a team helps, but sadly isn't proving to always be enough to help me through the rough moments this time around.  No offense team, you all seem really great and are working hard.  I realized today that this is the first time in a couple of years that I haven't been "in training" for some sort of race.  I miss the enthusiasm, the thrill, the determination, and dedication required to prepare for a race.  For some reason I can't seem to relate those same qualities to videos.  I need a "purpose" behind my workouts beyond good health (since a bikini body is obviously out of the question for the next year).  My purpose has always been a race, whether it was a 5K, 10K or Half Marathons.  So, with that in mind....instead of training for a Half Marathon, which I don't think would be wise for me right now (for some, yes, not me, not now) I'm going to work toward staying in shape to run the 5K in Salt Lake City this spring.  That is April 16, 2011.  I will be 27 weeks and if I'm still feeling good, I don't see a reason why I couldn't run the scant 3 miles.  I certainly won't be worrying about improving my time, but it should give me something to focus on when I want to reach for those holiday cookies, second helpings of dinner or skip a workout.  Wish me luck!

I Love the Blue Team

I am grateful for all my "Blue" friends!
I am so impressed with all of your week 5 challenge goals! I have thought about this one long and hard and am still struggling with what to do, Clearly I have to many "bad" habits to choose from :)
I was talking to a friend from one of the other teams, and she was discouraged with her team. I told her what a great and motivated team we have, I felt like I was bragging, but It's TRUE!  So thanks everyone for working so hard!
Good Luck this week with completing your goals! You Can Do It!!!
I will have my "indulgence" figured out soon and then I'll share it later!
GO BLUE!!!!

little indulgences

Hey team. This week I'm going to give up fried things. My cravings for spring rolls, chips, or french fries have been crazy intense this challenge. And let's face it, if I'm trying to get in a serving of vegetables, deep fried potatoes are hardly helping more than hurting. I think I may not be eating enough good fats to help me feel full. I'll just have to pay closer attention this week.

Good luck to you with overcoming your indulgences. Some of them sound a bit tough, but you can do it.

In other news, Clark has recently become an exercise machine and he's inspiring me to do more. I can't wait to measure and weigh in tonight to see our progress.

Choices

On top of my little fridge at work is a package of tasty, 90 cal, chocolate chip granola bars. In the drawer of my desk are low-fat wheat thins. Both I've come to depend upon since I no longer hit the candy machine at 2:00 p.m.

They have become their own addiction. Even though I rationalize it by consuming them with raw vegies, they set me up for continued carb cravings. So this week, I'm eliminating them both as part of this challenge. I have vegies in the fridge and two Clementine oranges on my desk.

Perhaps the biggest challenge and opportunity I have this week is being home from Wednesday through Jan 5th (Christmas break). It is an opportunity to get to the gym more often, but it is a challenge because of the treats that seem to appear out of nowhere - from families to friends and neighbors. I'd appreciate any tips anyone has to offer . . . good luck to all!

Time to Commit

It's hard for me to choose an indulgence this time around.  Being in my first trimester of pregnancy it's hard to say what food will actually sound/taste good at any given time anyway.  I thought about second helpings, though I choose that one nearly every challenge I'm on.  I think my biggest problem as of late has been eating out.  That sounds strange to me since we didn't use to eat out at all, but since I've been pregnant it's become quite frequent.  I'm tired, nothing sounds good, nothing tastes good, so we pick something up or go out real quick so I don't have to cook or clean up.  As convenient as it seems, it's a drain on finances and it's a drain on nutrition. Just about the only place it's filling is my waistline (added calories and sodium = bloating/water retention)  So, this week no matter what's going on in our lives, even if it's my husband's turn for dinner and he wants to order in, I'll be eating my healthy leftovers instead.  Go team!

nemesis

Wow! Our challenge for next week is to eliminate something from our diet that is stopping us from losing weight. I know what mine is. White flour. I love tortillas, bagels, pasta! and once I start I have a hard time stopping. So, for next week I am going to eliminate all white flour from my diet. Yikes!
I have loved our challenge this week. I have really noticed this week how good I am feeling. I find myself dancing while I am brushing my teeth and running up the stairs in my house. Exercise is great!
Keep going team!

virtual eating

I read this today. I found it interesting and thought you would enjoy it.

Yummy Veggies

Every time I get on to this site I find my eyes are drawn to our lovely frame of vegetables. Just seeing such colorful, crisp food makes me feel refreshed and energetic. I love what all these delicious veggies do for my health and well-being.
Happy crunching everyone!

Thank you Blues . . .

Wow. Just found out that our blue team won again this week - so wonderful to be on a "Winning team." I was never into team sports as a kid (I was always the last one to be picked), so I've always been a bit independent when it came to competitions. Even though I've only met one person on our team, I've come to admire all of you. Thanks for inspiring me to become more of a team player. It's working!

Excited for Week Four!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I love Kali's weekly challenges. Usually, I hate recording my food, but reporting it on a daily basis somehow made it easier. I'm thinking I may just continue to keep track of what I consume - it's a good check and balance for the kind of self-delusion that emotional eaters like myself are prone to . . .

I was pleased with my 2 lb loss this week (3 if you count losing the pound I gained last week). It really shows how awareness and breaking the sweet chain can do wonders. Food tastes better, I'm calmer and more centered, and ultimately more productive at home and at work.

Well, gotta run up & down the stairs a few times - have a good day/week!

Peggy

In this for the long haul

We all must be on like wavelengths. I've just read Suzy and Stacy's post from last night about struggling and pushing through. My thought - ditto. Years ago I was put on medication which produced a magic weight gain affect. After gaining 65lbs, I cried uncle to my doctor arguing that obesity was just as damaging as the issue I was initially prescribed for. I was put on different medication, but that just meant the weight no longer zoomed up. I still had to take it all back off. I got the first 20lbs off after a great deal of persistence and then hit a huge road block. I've been near that weight for the last 3 1/2 years. Today when I stepped on the scale the number reflected a bitter-sweet moment for me. I didn't have a huge weight loss week - rats! I hit the 30 lb mark from my all time high - yes!

To all my team mates who may only take off a little each week even though you have produced a Herculean effort to do so (and to myself) may I say, "Inch by inch, life is a cinch. Yard by yard, it's very hard."

Thank you so much for inspiring me to finally be able to find the strength to push through. The power of team is phenomenal.

I'm off to lift some weights - focusing on losing inches this week :)

Week 4- Means we are 1/2 way through!

I really can't believe that we are on week 4 and at the end of the week preparing to report our inches lost.
I know that during the 1st challenge, I was slightly discouraged to see the small amount of inches lost and then thinking about it, in only 4 weeks, I Really had done well. I know that during this challenge I will see a smaller amount of inches lost and I'm trying to be okay with it.  I have been having some health problems for the last couple months and this challenge has been just that some days! I told Kali that I wasn't sure how well I would do on this challenge because my body is just not functioning at 100%. It's extremely frustrating to me, because I want to feel like I'm giving it my all, and well it's just not happening. I have been able to get all my exercise in,  and sometimes I have to do what I can for as long as I can and then do more later, but I'm determined to get my points and so I'm working hard to make it work. I have realized that no matter the outcome of this challenge weight wise,  I am working on becoming a healthier ME and accomplishing my 100% goal!
I'm grateful for a team who is willing to work hard and be accountable. I also know from experience that when you are on a team where everyone is working hard,  it makes me want to work, that much harder to get all my points. Keep up all the hard work Blue Team!!! You are ALL great :)

Also Checking In

Crazy Crazy CRAZY life. doing homework 24/7 this week and I feel a little out of it. Each night after the kids go to bed I gulp down my 45 minutes of exercise, drink my final ounces of water, and fall into bed. Staying active and healthy this week has been difficult because I have always loved to snack while studying and because studying is not active work. I feel like I've been sitting all week. I can't wait for finals to be over!!!
I'm excited for our challenge next week because it will help me to get moving. Exercise and movement are so important!
Meanwhile team - you inspire me to do better! Thanks for all of your helpful posts and emails. Let's have a great week!

Checking In

I think I am feeling a little out of it at times.  I have been getting far too little sleep.  Too bad we're not doing the sleep challenge.  I've had a hectic week, and I haven't been on the blog for a while.  I agree with so many of your comments and appreciate how hard you all work to be healthy and accountable.  As for my health, I improve just a little bit every day.  I feel blessed that I have been able to continue exercising without aggravating the pain too much.  I have to admit that I took my sweets day on Wednesday because I had two meetings in the evening where I knew treats would be served.  But the junk I ate earlier in the day filled me up so much that I didn't even have an appetite for the desserts at my meetings.  Oh well.  Then yesterday, my dear neighbor Stacy brought over dinner for my family--chicken fajitas  with a bottle of orange soda pop.  My kids know I never drink soda, just from personal preference.  But I took a little swig after dinner to remember what I'm missing.  My five-year-old, in complete seriousness, asked, "Are you going to tell your team you had a sweet?  Because I know you're trying not to eat sweets and that pop has sugar in it."  I love having people look out for me to make healthy choices, even if it's my five-year-old!  Have a great weekend, everyone.

I'm Still Here

Just a quick note to let you all know I'm still here.  I had a rough night last night, but ready to pick myself up and keep moving forward today.  Valerie and I did the Biggest Loser Boot Camp workout this morning and though I was pretty tired, it felt good to have it done and to have worked so hard.  Keep up the good work team!

Feeling better all the time

Most of you are too young to remember the Beatle's song with the lyrics of "Feeling better all the time - better - better - better," but it came to my mind when I started this post because it is SO true.

I didn't do super well over Thanksgiving, but I must not have overeaten too much because it was a pleasure to get back in the routine and I have already lost the pound I gained (confession)! Eating sensibly really does increase energy and improve sleep. The weight loss, however slow, is an added perk. I try not to think too much about it (I have a lot to lose. . . ) and more about just the healthy aspects of what we are doing and making some permanent changes.

I have a work-related luncheon to attend tomorrow, but I've planned for it to be my sweet day since I know The Cellar will offer not only a lovely lunch, but an even lovelier desert, which I can enjoy without guilt!

the spirit and the letter

Last week I got perfect points, but I felt pretty yucky. This proved to me that it's possible to live the letter of the law even while the spirit languishes. We were away from home and I was away from my food routine; I ate stuffing three days in a row. Enough said.

I'm feeling so much better since I got back home. And I'm so imporessed by your commitment and accomplishment! It seems everyone is doing really well.  I can't wait to see how the points shake out for week two. And, for those of you who are sharing your food journals, I'm excited to see what healthy foods you enjoy this week.

My food yesterday:

Banana with peanut butter

Kashi Cereal w/soy milk
Carrots - about two servings
Handful of whole grain crackers
Homemade veggie pizza w/whole wheat crust

Week 3 Already!

Can you believe that we have started our 3rd week of the challenge?  I Can't.
I figured that this challenge would seem to go quicker for me, because there's a lot more going on with the Holidays and everything.
I was so excited to get off the scale this morning to see a 3 pd loss! I figured it might be a gain if anything!
I honestly never thought that I would be able to say that I enjoy being Healthy, and I know that I'm still so far from my "Dream Goal Weight", but I realize that with these healthy steps, I'm closer to a healthier life than I was last year at this time.
I know that if we can stick to these challenge goals, even after the challenge, that we will be healthier and I know for me when I'm healthier, I feel happier!
You are all such a great support system. Thanks

Great Expectations

If you'd like to hear about the trip and some new developments concerning our family, click on the link below.
The Nichols Nut House

I hope that everyone is recovering nicely from the holiDAY. :D

Wii Power

While running my 10K indoors yesterday (it was FRIGID out there!) I pulled a groin muscle.  Seriously, ow.  Anyway.....today I just couldn't bring myself to attempt a run or do a boot camp workout.  So, my girls talked me into (it didn't take much) playing Wii Just Dance 2 with them.  Holy sweaty-cardio-calorie-burn batman!  We danced for an hour to songs like, "Jump, Jump", "I've got the Power", "Rasputin", etc, etc.  So much fun and now I feel like I need a nap.  Maybe I'll try a boot camp tomorrow.

So Thankful

Today, I am grateful for so much!
I realize that during the holiday's we focus on being grateful, and showing our gratitude more than normal.
The last several months, I have tried to see the blessings in my daily life and it's amazing to to see how blessed I am.  Right now I'm so grateful for the health challenge, because since the beginning of January I made a goal to lose weight, and so I started dieting and then in August I joined Kali's Health challenge so with diet and the Health challenge, I've lost almost 60 pds. I gained a few back and am happy to be back on track and losing again. I love feeling healthy and am so grateful to be on the blue team with all of you!
Thanks for all the support and let's continue to make healthy choices.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
If you haven't had the chance to see the clip on Lds.org.  It's called In the Spirit of Thanksgiving. It's Great!
I hope that you all had a wonderful day with family, friends and good food!

WAY TO GO, BLUE!!!!

I'm soooooo glad I didn't screw up the week for the team!!  Whew!  I'm still on track and haven't lost any points.  I'm supposed to run a 10K Feed the Hungry race tomorrow morning, but it looks like we'll have temps of -5 to 5F (before windchill) and I don't think I'm brave enough to freeze these turkey thighs.  A friend suggested running the distance on the treadmill and being there in spirit.  I'm starting to think that's a pretty smart girl. :D  It's not quite the same (or at all), but at least my registration money is going to a good cause, right?

snow day - and a happy Thanksgiving to all!

Work was canceled today because of the weather. I had some work things to get done before leaving town for the holiday, but I must say I was happy to stay at home. I slept, at some healthy food, read, ignored the chores I could have done, and now I'm baking a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving.

A lot of people have mentioned Thanksgiving as a day of impending doom in terms of the contest, but I don't think of it that way at all. Ever since I have learned to cook and garden, it has been my favorite holiday, and I usually spend the entire day in the kitchen cooking and basking in the aroma of the vegetables, herbs, and spices. I am grateful for many, many things, and one of those things is the bounty of this earth. I am reminded of the incredible variety of creation when I grow my own food and create something wonderful from it, and Thanksgiving gives me a chance to focus on it. I love it.

Like many of you, I have stuffed myself silly with Thanksgiving feasting in times past, and I'm certainly not planning to do that this year. I know I'll enjoy it more if I don't feel disgusted afterward. We can all remember that at this harvest celebration, the vegetables should be the star of the show, so let them be. I know those vegetables may be swimming in copious amounts of butter, but if you are making a dish to contribute, you can make it a healthier version than you might have otherwise.  This year Clark and I are contributing stuffing that will be chock full of colorful vegetables and a Brussels' sprouts dish. I can hardly wait!

A Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

indoor exercise

Clark and I discovered some exercise videos available to watch instantly on Netflix! We did "Pick your level: weight loss pilates" and it was a pretty good workout. If don't want to brave the Idaho blizzard and you have Netflix, you may want to give it a try.

SNOW, SNOW, AND MORE SNOW!!!

So in case you don't live in Idaho Falls, I thought I'd share that we have SO MUCH SNOW!!
I'm not particularly pleased about it, but I have lived here long enough to know that, that's what Idaho winter's are like. It really is so pretty, but it's so Cold.
I knew I was going to miss being able to do some of my exercise outside when it got cold,  but today I went out and shoveled and boy was I tired when I was done, the snow was so wet and heavy. I could get really buff  muscles from lifting snow like that all winter :)

Well it sounds like from Kali's e-mail that our Blue team did pretty good this past week with weight loss.
WAY TO GO BLUE TEAM!   KEEP IT UP!!

Glimpses at my Success Story

I'm too tired from traveling to think too hard about summarizing my life this past year and half, so here are some links to my blog that may help you understand where I've been.  I really just need to sit down and write it all out in one spot, but that day is not today. (I also don't know why everything seems to be in caps.  But, as I mentioned before...too tired to do anything about it today.) So if you are interested, you're welcome to follow the links and read on.  You may also feel free to ask any questions you may have concerning my journey.  The cha-cha-changes picture is not at my goal weight, but close.  I may post my before picture when I get it from my hubby's computer. :D

My Sugar Addiction and Warning

1st Race April 2009

1st Half August 2009

2nd Half April 2010

5.06.2010

Cha-Cha-Changes

Last May my husband took me to the 2nd Chance Prom and we thought we looked pretty good.

This May he took me again (wearing same outfits, because well...we're cheap) and well you decide...







Thank you very much EATING WELL & EXERCISE!!!

exercise - being a pedestrian

I live in a great area of Idaho Falls that is close to a greenbelt and the small downtown area, and it is so fun to explore on foot. I notice the loveliest things about the seasons and feel more a part of my community when I walk. I find being a pedestrian very satisfying. It just takes a little rethinking to realize all the places I often drive to that I could easily get to by walking.

This fall we often walked to the movies, the farmers' market, and the food co-op. We even rode our bikes to the grocery store a few times and to work many times. Last Monday, we tromped through the freshly fallen snow to the library and had so much fun.

Even though rigorous exercise is best for increasing endurance and heart-health, incidental exercise is still exercise, and it adds up in terms of health, wellness, and calories burned.

Success Stories

Something I find very helpful when I am working on losing weight is reading the success stories of other folks that have had success. This blog features countless features on people that have lost weight and kept it off. And you know how they did it? Good old-fashioned exercise and healthy eating.

http://weight-loss-story.blogspot.com/

I recommend looking over it whenever things sound hard. It is good to know that people have done what we are doing. Perhaps one day one of us will be featured on the blog!

J.Clark

PS: 199 points last week. Anyone beat me?

Looking forward to week 2!

Hello blues,

I'm excited to report that I'm down 3 pounds (a drop in the bucket - I have a BIG bucket), but a good start. I didn't realize that we had a "free" day for exercise and sweets, so I made a point to get my 1/2 hour in even when I didn't have to. Succumbed to pumpkin pie at lunch one day and on Sunday a small bowl of sherbet, but overall, I think the addiction element is pretty much gone. I feel so much better!

I find myself feeling pretty unthreatened by Thanksgiving food - we are keeping it small and I'm doing the cooking, so it should be fairly easy and relaxing.

Hope all of you enjoy this time with family and friends. Stay strong!

Peggy

As of this post, I have 100% of my points for the week. I already knew that a whole "sugar day" could be tricky (and yet lovely at the same time - sigh). Yesterday was mine. The day ended at a dance with a smorgasbord of sugar. Seriously, all the things I love (okay, there wasn't ice cream) on a three buffet long refreshment table. The happy ending to this story is that I had a little of each and then decided that I had worked far too hard this week to blow it all in one night.

This next week poses a higher curve. But, 'never say die' is my mantra. I totally lucked out on Priceline with the hotel we are in. They have an exercise room. So I'm taking my exercise instructor daughter down with me each morning. My friend and teammate Mary Ann and I also talked and laughed that I could run around the restaurants for 15 minutes while the boys ate inside during the travel part of this week. I've done crazier things - and am quite competitive.

My 'cool foods that help' today is Extra sugar free 'dessert' gum. It helps you not put things in your mouth while you are preparing Thanksgiving dinner, the mint ice cream and key lime pie flavors are yummy, you can chew it in the car while you travel, and you won't have iguana breath while chewing.

Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

It's a BEAUTIFUL day in the Big Easy (New Orleans)

I'm finally back online-ish while waiting for the flight that will take me back to Salt Lake and home to Idaho tomorrow.  Why, yes, I am the team member who is the big slacker this week!  My name is, Dianne, and I have done several challenges over the past year (hosting a few myself) and am just finishing up my reward vacation!!  It was amazing and well worth all the effort to earn it.  I haven't and probably won't get the chance to catch up on all the communication with the team.  I do have to say I'M SO EXCITED for the enthusiasm I'm seeing in the team!!  I, too, love to win and NEED this challenge to recover from this past week.  Funny thing, I'm actually craving my normal food and healthy habits.  I can't wait to get back into the swing of things again (yes, I am probably a little crazy).  Anyway, I want you all to know that I promise, no double promise, that I will be back on track and pulling 100% for the team this coming week.  I'm excited to get to know each of you and THANK YOU for the blog!!  Best of Luck for tomorrow's weigh-in!

Let the Trash Talking Begin

Lynette Wilson appears to be talking a lot with the competition (at least to Stacy and Kevin), and she says her whole team is totally committed and they are going to win.  Well, I'm fine with her doing a little trash talking.  Let's let our actions speak louder than her words.  The holidays are coming up, and let's be honest, even the most committed people slip up from time to time.  This is a marathon, not a sprint.  We have to stick with this for the full eight weeks--and hopefully even beyond that.  Many people lose motivation about halfway through, and with the holidays hitting us throughout the challenge, we have to really do our best and help one another to stay strong and committed to our healthy lifestyle, even when it's really hard.  I know we can do it.  Some teams will be really strong at the start, but their points will taper off as the weeks go on.  We won't be one of those teams!  We will be as strong or stronger at the end of this competition as we are right now.  Pick yourself up when you make a mistake, and recommit to getting every point you can.  If you use an extenuating circumstance to rationalize your less-than-perfect behavior, you will find it much easier to rationalize losing points the next week or even the next day.  Don't make excuses, and live every day with purpose and direction.  We want to be healthy individuals, and that is achieved by making small, seemingly insignificant choices to be healthy each and every day.  GO BLUE!!!

Eat those veggies

I've survived day 5 (why are days like that?). The final straw was that the heating element in my oven split right in two and so my chicken vegetable dinner lovingly sits in the fridge and we ate at Wendy's. I love that place. Salads, chili, baked potatoes and food that satisfies the men-folk as well. Makes me glad not to be a pioneer.

I've seen a couple of posts requesting some 'getting veggies down' ideas. I might not be the best person for this because I love veggies. I can just and eat carrots by the handfuls. However, I can totally relate to the whole winter is cold-veggies taste better hot camp. So here is my 'cool foods that helps' of the day - a recipe that is surprisingly good and has basically only veggies to it. It is like next to nothing in calories (as long as you are wise with the broth). Usually I eat easily two cups = 4 veggies (okay there is the broth = probably 3 1/2 veggies)

My two teenage boys like it but have informed me that they could starve to death eating it, (but then again it takes a side of beef to get them full) sooo I make a batch and keep half in the fridge for me right away and put the rest in lunch sized portioned zip-lock bags in the freezer. Fast, easy, no thinking involved.

P.S. Don't leave out the cabbage. Weirdly, it totally makes the soup.

Weight Watchers Garden Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
2/3 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves
3 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 1/2 cup diced green cabbage
1/2 cup green beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced zucchini

Directions:
In a large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil.

Lower heat and simmer, covered about 15 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir in zucchini and heat 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

TGIF!!

I have looked forward to Friday all week!! I'm not sure why,  because I have a MILLION things to do today and tomorrow. Tomorrow is our unofficial Super Saturday "Craft Day" at church and I'm in charge of making sure it all goes well. YIKES. No Stress :)
This week has been good, and although my body is sore, I know that I will feel better after getting back into the routine of exercising, eating healthy and all the other important things that this challenge does for us!
So yesterday was my treat day and although I didn't go to crazy, I did eat some sugar and it was good, I'm not gonna lie, but when I got in bed I felt pretty yucky. I know that it wasn't all from that, but it really goes to show that even a few days of Healthy eating makes a  Big difference.
I have realized though how easy it can be to almost toss a treat in without thinking about it. Or grab something after nine. There have been a few close calls,but so far so good!
I am looking forward to week 2's challenge. Eating breakfast has never been my thing, I have to be to work by 6:30A.M.  (YUCK!) and so eating that early is just hard for me, but the last couple of weeks I've been taking some medicine when I get up and I have to eat something after 30 minutes of taking it, so I've been forced to grab some fruit or something to eat. I can tell that when I eat breakfast even if it's only some fruit I feel better.
Probably more than you all care to hear!
Anyways Have a great Friday night everyone and work hard to get those points this weekend!!!
Stacy

Hi team!! I've been a little MIA this week because I've been crazy busy and haven't made it to my computer. I do get my emails on my phone, so I've been keeping up with those of you who have sent out emails!!! It's just too time consuming to try to blog from my phone, so I only get around to it occasionally!

I know almost all of you, but for those of you who I don't know, my name is Valerie and I am married to Justin. Kevin is my brother, Kali is my sister in law, I know Stacy, Lindsay and Suzanne from either book club or the 4th ward and Dianne is my friend, "neighbor" and work out buddy!!! I'm so excited to be doing this challenge and am looking forward to getting to know the rest of you!!!

I have been doing these challenges now for over a year and had finally made it down to my goal weight when I got pregnant. I am due in 5 weeks and have been so grateful that I have continued to exercise and eat (mostly) healthy during this pregnancy. I definitely feel better than I ever did when I was pregnant with my other children! These challenges are the best motivator for me. It helps me drag my rear out of bed at 6 am to exercise because I need the points for my team, and it helps me say "no" to treats that I would normally consume (in large quantities!). Basically, I'm saying I have no self control or will power unless I'm participating in a challenge!!! Oh well, whatever works, right?

I also want to throw my name into the "sugar addict" club. I love candy, cake, cookies, brownies, etc, etc, etc. I did notice that the first three days of the week, I felt incredibly lethargic, sick and fuzzy headed. I know it was because I went cold turkey off the sugar. Luckily, I have been feeling much better the last few days, and have had LOTS more energy!!! I still don't understand why I hate to exercise and eat healthy when I feel so good when I do!

Anyway, enough blabbing!!! Just wanted to let you all know that I'm here and working hard for the team. Justin's actually doing a great job too (but I can pretty much guarantee you'll never see him here on the blog)!

GO BLUE!!!!

Harry Potter and the Silly Snacks

Last night at about 8pm, Clark and I decided on a whim that we would to go to the midnight showing of Harry Potter. So, we ate a bowl of broccoli, took a nap, and left for the show just after 11. The reason I am telling you this, dear teammates, is because we each lost two points for eating after nine. We were trying to live the letter of the law by waiting until after midnight. I even brought/sneaked water, apples, and mandarin oranges into the movie theater. But after we picked up some snacks at the grocery store, I absentmindedly put some food to my mouth, chewed, and swallowed. Clark did the same. I noticed the clock read 11:15. And then, my dears, it was too late. Otherwise, we are both at perfect points for the week.

On a happier note, I took my "day off" yesterday, also on a whim because Clark brought home some deluxe cupcakes he got at a work meeting. They looked too good to pass up, and it would have been near tragedy to let them get stale, so we saved them from a terrible fate by eating them. What can I say? We are altruistic by nature. :-)

Starting the "day off" after 6pm made it so I didn't go crazy in my selection of sugary substances. I highly recommend it.

Also, Harry Potter was awesome.

Have a great weekend!

The Games we Play

Hello all - I'm so glad to know we all struggle with similar things. Last night, I was truly white-knuckling it to keep from getting a bowl of sherbet. The refrigerator was calling and I wanted to answer. However, instead I had some sugar-free hot chocolate and read for awhile.

In the absense of sugar, carbohydrates take on a whole new aura of temptation, and I confess, I have answered the call more often than not. Maybe this is just part of the weaning process, but I know I won't lose any significant amount of weight unless I can get a grip on it.

I'd like some ideas for quick and easy vegetable consumption. Although I love salads in the summer, they just don't appeal to me when the weather gets cold. Noshing on celery sticks also gets old pretty fast . . .

Thanks to all of you for your posts and emails!

Peggy

Tip of the Day

Today I remembered something that I want to share with my wonderful team, so I'll call it my tip of the day:  "Too much of a good thing is not a good thing anymore."  I have discovered that I love whole wheat bread, whole grain / high fiber crackers, and a "healthy" snack I grew up eating called energy balls.  Unfortunately, when I get going on any of the above, I cannot stop eating them and eventually consume way too many calories.  So I have to make sure I don't even have them in the house.  I made energy balls (a concoction of peanut butter, honey, wheat germ, and dry milk mixed together and rolled into 1" balls) yesterday, and I have eaten far too many of them today.  They are as good as dessert when I'm on a challenge.  I need to throw them away!  Hope you all have had more willpower than me today.

Blogging is Good

I have had a hectic week and hadn't taken the time to get on the blog...until tonight.  When the email was pretty quiet today, I decided to see what was happening on the blog.  You all have been very busy.  And it's great!

I want to thank Anita for her "cool food that helps" the last couple of days.  I picked up some sandwich thins at Sam's tonight, and I'm already salivating over the egg sandwich I get to have tomorrow morning.  And thanks Lindsay for setting up the blog.  Also, thanks to Lindsay for reminding me how much I love smoothies and for reminding me how much better food tastes when I'm on a challenge.

I want to concur with Anita's observation that it's easier to get your water in early in the day.  I also try to have half my water down before, during, and after my 45 minutes of exercise.  Then I only have four more cups to go, and that's a cinch if I just put some water on the table with each meal.

Wendy, I commend you for doing this challenge.  Many success stories have come from these types of health challenges, but I'll tell you about my mother-in-law who did the last challenge: She has had high blood pressure for as long as I can remember and takes daily medication for it.  She started having some serious health problems during the last challenge, and when she went to the doctor, he told her to stop taking all of her medications for a while.  For the final six weeks of the challenge, she was not taking any medications, including her Rx for high blood pressure.  However, she continued on the challenge, which included exercise and all the rules you're obeying.  Now, her idea of exercise and mine are two very different things.  But she made a big effort to do something that exerted herself to get her exercise points each day.  Sometimes she pulled weeds and worked in the garden.  Other days she went walking up and down her driveway (I can't think of anything more boring, but whatever!).  A week or two after the challenge was over, she went to another doctor for some ailment she was having, and the nurse there checked her blood pressure.  Her blood pressure was in the normal range, which it hasn't been for years.  What I am saying is that living a healthy lifestyle has many long-term benefits.  Try to find activities that you can do to exert yourself without antagonizing your knee.  Keep at it, and I promise you'll eventually see great results.

Stacy, I am feeling really bad that you were locked out of your house this morning.  When I took the kids to school, they even commented, "Wow!  Stacy's sure raking her leaves early today."  And then to find out that you were locked out, I feel like a terrible friend for not stopping to see what was up.  Well, I hope you didn't catch cold and that you have a terrific birthday and sweets day tomorrow!

Suzanne, I was happy to see your comments on the blog even though you haven't actually posted anything.  Thanks, everyone, for your inspirational blogs.

Testing, testing

Fabulous Blue Team,

I've also never participated in a blog before. So hope it goes well.

Day three went good, good. (with the one exception of wanting to bite into ANYTHING with chocolate - I did finally have to find some sugar-free hot chocolate)

The 'cool foods that helps' today is laughing cow spreadable light cheese wedges. Reasons I love them, they taste a lot like cream cheese, spread on sandwiches great, have three flavors (basil and sun-dried tomato is my fav), help the vegetables stick to the bread so the sandwich stays together, 35 calories. I also get these in bulk at Sams. I've also seen them in groc. stores.

Lindsay, thanks for setting this up.

Everyone is doing great! I love reading about all your triumphs. GO Team.

It's Wednesday

Hey Blue Team!
I'm pretty new to blogging myself. I created a blog for myself recently because I figured journal keeping is important and I wasn't doing it and was forgetting things so I figured I'd give it a try . Pretty fun, So Thanks Lindsay for hooking our team up with this fun blog!!!
I, like Clark made a cake on Sunday to enjoy one last time and although it tasted good, my family didn't get it all eaten so Now I get to watch them enjoy it. Dumb Idea. OH WELL!
I have also found that once I start eating Healthy again, I remember just how much I love Fruit, not so much veggies! As I ate my orange this morning I thought this is so Sweet and yummy. Being Healthy isn't always easy but it really is so beneficial!!
You are all great! Keep up the good work! Way to go Lindsay on your Weight loss so far!!
Stacy

the sugar shakedown

Wow. I'm impressed that Stacey didn't cave in to cake at her work birthday party.

On Sunday night Clark made cookies as a last hurrah before we started the challenge once again. They were delicious, but it really wasn't a 'treat' because we'd been having sugar all along - since about a week after the last challenge ended. Licorice. Cake. Candy. and all manner of deliciosity. But those days are over, and I'm glad. I find that once my body is purged of the stuff, other food tastes better. Fruit is sweeter. Vegetables taste better. Last night I could even taste the sweetness of my broccoli. Yum.

Without the refined sugar in my diet, my body seems to metabolize differently. It has only been a few days, and I've already lost a couple pounds - make that re-lost; I'd gained a few since the last challenge. I'm excited to continue the sugar cleansing and feel even better.

And lastly, a happy birthday to you, Stacey! If you want, you can come on over and we'll put some candles in your steamed carrots. Good job :)

I'm on!

With a little help from Lindsay, our blogging "hostess," I've managed to create an account and join the blog. I've never blogged in the past and may not engage too much using this modality, but its a start. I always enjoy reading what others have written.

Lindsay reminded me of the value of green smoothies, which I was drinking for awhile this summer, but I like the idea of softening them with some fruit and milk, which I wasn't doing. For those who haven't tried them, spinach, kale, and parsley all have a sweet, fresh taste to them that is entirely unexpected when eaten raw.

Thanks to Clark, I may start thinking of myself as Mama Smurf :).

Have a good week,

Peggy

On the Cusp of Greatness

J.Clark here, of Blue Team. I live in Idaho Falls with my Lindsay and my cat.

You know, I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I believe that it is no coincidence that our team color is blue. I believe this for 3 reasons.

REASON ONE: The Smurfs are blue.

And remember how the Smurfs all worked together as a team to make good things happen? Just like we will work together to make sure we get all our points and lose weight? Good.

REASON TWO: The Blue Team
(classic Italian championship bridge team)

Who can forget the team that won sixteen international titles from 1957 to 1975? We are standing on the shoulders of giants.

REASON THREE: The Sears Blue Crew

These guys are cool, except they don't have faces.

OK kids, let's have a near-perfect first week. And don't eat a lot of fried stuff to make up for the sugar you've grown used to eating.

J.Clark

green smoothie revolution

One of my favorite ways to get my greens is in liquid form with a bunch of delicious, natural sugars. That's right, there's spinach in my smoothie. During the last 8-week challenge I had a green smoothie almost every morning. It's a great way to start my day with a serving of greens and one or two servings of fruit.

How to make one:

Start with a banana or other soft fruit (avocado!) and some soy/almond/cow milk. Put in a bunch of greens (spinach, kale, chard - remember, a cup is a serving).  Puree until the mixture is green and no longer leafy. Put in some frozen fruit until the smoothie is the desired consistency. If the color scares you or the small children you are trying to convince, you can use blackberries and blueberries to cover up the green. The avocado may sound gross, but it creates a really nice texture and the fat in it can help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins.