Red Team 2012 Fall Back to Basics CHAT Thread Week 4 (09/17-09/23)
 

And here are the Red Team's Preliminary Results for week 3.

LeslieB (blue team co-leader) posts the official weekly results here

As a team we lost 16.2 pounds or 0.36% :carrot:

Our Biggest Loser: :woohoo: Burg (-7 lbs, 2.65%) :woohoo:

Honourable Mentions: :flow1: mamamiaa (-3 lbs, 1.54%) :flow1:

:high: narnia99 (-3 lbs, 1.36%) :high:

:dancer: hahnj (-2.8 lbs, 1.14%) :dancer:

Well done everyone!

Now for some housekeeping issues:
We lost 4 team members, they had signed up, but never checked in after sign up.
We also have 2 members that have used both their freebies. If they miss another weigh in, they will be eliminated.

CONGRATS Burg, mamamiaa, Narnia, and hahnj for being the top losers for the Red team this week.

You guys are really rocking out the weight loss over here.

Great job everyone.

Way to go Burg, mamamiaa, Narnia, and hahnj! Can't wait for week 4!!

Congrats burg, mamamiaa, narnia, and hahnj!

Sorry I was up. :( I KNOW it's not fat, but I still can't figure out if my blips up are water or muscle. :?::?: I'll just keep plugging away - and keep running. :running::running::running:

Finger is not so good - I thought it was going to be OK, but when I took the mass of gauze off today, it started bleeding like crazy, as much as it was when I first cut it yesterday. So I went to urgent care after all. They steri-stripped it to death, and then wrapped it up tightly in gauze. It had been too long to stitch it, but I didn't want stitches anyhow. :p I'm just bummed I can't go to yoga class for a while.

Westcoast rosa - glad you enjoyed zumba! It looks fun, but I am terribly uncoordinated. I bought a dance dvd to try, and almost fell on my a** several times! :rofl: Think I'll stick to what I'm better at for now. :D

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY burg, mamamiaa, narnia, and hahnj! Wow, ya'all are doing very well......

Saw this quote today on TV:

"IT TAKES UNSPECTACULAR PREPARATION TO GET SPECTACULAR RESULTS".

This quote is from former NFL football player Roger Staubach -- us OLDER ladies can remember him....he has aged well by the way....

But that quote has a lot to say about what Burg, Mamamiaa, Naria, Hahnj, and others -- thinking of you Riddy and Mel from the previous challenge are doing....

From that quote I see it is the UNspectacular day in day out work, the nutrition, the working out, the small and UNspectacular challenges you conquer, the habits you have slowly changeds that lead to SPECtacular results.

Thank all of you for your supportive and helpful responses to my situation. Today has been better, but has been a down day due to a migraine....

So, I need to Fall Back to Basics....and I really did listen to your suggestions and am going to do some baby steps....the first one is to get on top of calories/nutrition and track it on fitday, and then do some type of movement...

Riddy -- concerned about that finger -- and SO GLAD you went to urgent care -- that sounds like a nasty wound....fortunately fingers heal fast....hang in there...

So, question to all: What "system" are you using for your nutrition, such as, calorie counting, medifast, low carb, etc....

I'm going to fall back to basics on calorie counting, trying to eat well, but eat enjoyably and stay in the range of 1,500 to 1,800 per day...and try to optimize nutrition while doing so.

And i'm going to remember to drink more water -- noticed my water consumption really went to heck in the last few weeks...

Have a great Day!:carrot:

Congrats to Burg, mamamiaa,narnia99 & hahnj!

Sorry I missed the weighin. I was away from the internet. Not that I would have had a loss to post anyway. :(

Had a rough week at work, which naturally transistioned to a bad week of dieting. I'm committed to getting back on the wagon and really getting into it this week.

My focus for this week
1. water: 80oz/day
2. exercise: 30min/day
3. diet: <1400 calories/day

Good for you on getting back on track, Elizabeth!

I am not on a program, but I am focusing on whole real foods (as much as possible) and portion control because I think this is sustainable for me long term.

Prior to starting my weight loss journey, the meals I ate were actually really healthy. We are vegetarian, don't eat fast food, make home cooked meals, etc. My major downfall was HUGE portions and secret binging at work.

Since starting this journey, I now eat the appropriate serving size and don't go for seconds. I have also managed to not binge in almost 3 months! I attribute this to not purchasing my trigger foods and to running. When I run I am happier than I have ever been and I want to fuel myself with nutrition, not junk.

I suggest you do whatever works for you and that you can do long term. Find an activity that you love and want to do. You will be less likely to make excuses to skip it.

You can do this! Slow and steady wins the race! :hug:

I'm with westcoastrosa. I try to eat wholesome foods and watch what I eat. I just started C25K which is a running program for couch potatoes:). I use a fitness journal app to record everything too and that has helped a ton.

I'm so excited to get an honorable mention:):) go team go!!!

Workouts are going great and I'm eating within my calorie limit. I hope to see 190 on the scale very soon!

Way to go team! I wasn't anyhelp this week and used one of my freebies to save us from my weigh gain over the weekend. I had poor self control that was hormone and emotional based.. which is no excuse... but i plan i kicking myself into high gear this week and making up for it!

My fiance is a carpenter and due to a lot of rain last week he hardly got any hours, which means not much money this week. I couldn't buy my usual healthy necessities this week and it makes it hard to stay on plan when i have to resort to whatever is in the pantry sometimes. but i will prevail!

my plan is to chug water and no after dinner eating!!

Well my IT band is still bothering me, so I had to resort to the elliptical
for the second time instead of going on my run :(. My 8k race is in less than 3 weeks and I really miss running, so here's hoping the stretches and massaging pay off soon!

Today will be a major test of strength for me today. For 3 hours this afternoon I am at a government fund launch (essentially begging for money for our non-profit organization :lol:). To entice possible funders to my table, one of the things I have been given is a HUGE bowl of mini chocolate bars!

In years past I have eaten at least 15-20 pieces (close to 1000 calories :eek:) during the event, but this year will be different. I have looked up the calorie content and a mini caramilk has the lowest (50) calories, so I will allow myself two, but will aim to have just one. I know I can do this!!

Hello team-
Hope everyone is doing well on this Tuesday.
My butt is dragging today...must try to get to bed earlier.

Westcoastrosa- sorry about the IT band woes. I keep reading about stretching & foam rolling. Not sure what else to recommend :(

Mountainmama- I like your plan .

Mamamiaa- you're on a roll- keep up the great work!

Riddy- sometimes our bodies hold onto stuff (weight, water, etc) and then they lose it just as mysteriously. Sometimes I wish it would be nice if we could say, well, this 0.5lbs of weight is due to you not drinking enough water while doing this activity etc. but then I guess we'd be robots & not human :rofl:

Burg- all that hardwork from the previous week paid off in a huge woosh! Hooray!!

Rainbow- :wave:

Elizabeth- when I first started on this journey- I logged everything that I ate. I used an app called lose it and before that just a small notebook. It wasn't easy logging food, in fact I hated it, but I did it until I could recognize what a 'normal' amount of calories for a day was. I tend to eat what I want and focus on portions. If I want some chips, I will count out the 15 chips for 200 calories, rather than open the bag and eat the whole thing as I used to. Sometimes I still do this, but if I do choose to binge I try to make a 'healthier' choice & choose chips like Cheechas or Pop Chips where a whole bag is 400 calories.
I don't focus on how bad I was for a meal or a day. Just own up to the decisions you've made and move on.
I wear my pedometer religiously and aim for 10,000 steps/day, just to make sure I am moving.

Hope this info helps- this is just my approach and it seems to work for me. I also found it helpful to read books/blogs by people who have lost weight and what works for them and try to incorporate methods that appeal to me.

Have a great day all!

Thanks for the congrats all! I am fully mentally prepared to be stuck this week as a result :lol:

Life is business as usual here. I'm designing set for a play this fall, and we have our first design meeting this week, which I am looking forward to.

Classes are getting into their rhythm and the social life is back into full swing! This means eating out more often, unfortunately, but I've been making good choices. That is, until this Thursday when I'm going to my favourite restaurant...it has lobster mac and cheese! I'm only so strong! Thankfully the restaurant has some sense and only gives you a teeny tiny portion.

I hope everyone's week is going well so far!

Hi Red Team members -- It's going better -- I'm still struggling with beating my self up over my lack of perfection.....but I'm working on that too.

I enjoyed reading what you do for a "program" =- it's interesting how it's different but similar for everyone. I'm do best when I keep up with tracking on Fitday -- and I agree with you that i should eat as healthy as possible. Also, Mel, I agree that if I really crave something, it's better for me to count it out, own it, eat it, and get on with it.....

So I have tracked to eat 1,551 calories tomorrow, healthy food, with fruit for a snack, and a fiber one brownie for a choco taste when I'm working late at night, and a it gets in my fiber too. I'm going to take my food and lots of water to work, and so, I'm planning for success.

Also, I called and made an apointment with the doc because I've been so exhausted (kind of blue and cranky too)....so going to check in with him next week.

Hope you all have a good Wednesday!

Go Red Team! :carrot::carrot:

Hey guys. i have a confession to make. i have relapsed. Big time. I can't stop shoving anything and everything into my mouth! i was doing so good too. Today I will not waiver though. That is my promise to you... and to me!!
It's the biggest loser challenge.. i must rock this!!! I do not want to post a raise in weight this coming sunday.... i do NOT!

I looked at old pics of the first time i really lost weight... and i almost cried... how did I let my body go back to the way it was? Why did I gain all that weight back!!!!???? I think I need to keep looking at those pictures.. and well eat right and move my butt too... I will NOT let the red team down!!

happy hump day everyone!!!
lets work hard and make it a 4 week sweep of losers!!!

I ran 5k again today! I even got a bit quicker - just under 44 mintues. I really don't care about speed yet; I just want to keep it up.

BUT, my weight is up more. Grrrrrr.

Elizabeth - great planning. Not a bad idea to talk with the doc, too.

Mountain mama - :hug: Hang in there.

Burg - I am totally the same way. If I have a big loss 1 week, I'm pretty much guaranteed a small or no loss the next week.

Let's finish the week strong, chicks!

Work is crazy right now. I feel like I'm going 10 different directions and I'm feeling a bit frazzled.
But being busy means I have to stay OP. I eat what food I bring to work, haven't been tempted by the junk in the student union (I work at a university) which helps- I just don't go there!

Hi Red team,
I would like to thank everyone for their support and friendship but I have to withdraw from the challenge. This past weekend my father had some bleeding and ended up going to the hospital by ambulance because he was too weak for us to get him in the car. He ended up getting a transfusion and has decided to no longer recieve treatment for his colon cancer. He is now on pallative care and hospice, both are great programs. Since dad lives with us and I'm his primary caregiver I need to concentrait on him and his needs at this time. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Right now he is still pretty strong, but I don't know what the future will bring.

Good luck everyone on your journey
Bette K

ps I'll check in once in a while to cheer you all on.

My parents were just in Hilton Head and they had an amazing time. And I bet you will too! Sending positive vibes your way!

I have finally bit the bullet and made an appointment with a massage therapist for Tuesday morning. Hopefully they can get it sorted out because I do not want to have to walk my 8k in 2 weeks!

At least I have still been able to exercise, so I am thankful for that. I just miss running so much. :(

I am looking forward to the weekend. Our daughter is having a sleepover at her aunt's house on Saturday, so we get to have a date night and SLEEP IN! :carrot:

Everyone remember to weigh in this week.

Bette - Sending positive thoughts your way. :hug:

rainbowsmiles - 5k...way to go!!! :cp:

Bette- sorry to hear about your dad. We'll keep you in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Remeber to take time for yourself too. Being a caretaker is so very difficult. :grouphug:

Rainbow- run rainbow run!! Have fun.

Westcoastrosa- hope the massage therapist can work out at pesky it band. Did you enjoy date? night , nudge, nudge, wink, wink ;)

have a great, active Saturday team! I'm off to walk the dog. We have beautiful weather here, dare I say it may be too hot for my liking tomorrow when I run my 10k which doesn't have a start time until 10 am.

Hi everyone -- thanks for all your kind support....this last week was so much better.....we're having a birthday weekend for my grown son this weekend, with company here, but food wise I'm doing well, and only had a tiny slice of bday cake....

I've lost a few of the pounds down from what I gained recently, I'm sooooooo glad I just didn't give up. I had talked Dahlia into doing this challenge with me, and she wouldn't let me give up either, and I'm so glad I got back on track.

BetteK -- so sorry that you are going through this difficult time...........my thoughts and prayers are with you and while you're taking care of him....take good care of yourself also...:hug:

Rainbow smiles -- go for it on your 5 K!!! :carrot::carrot:

Mel -- you're amazing gal -- you are consistent even with being a busy mom and having a terribly busy week -- kudos to you for still getting out to walk the dog and best wishes for having a great 10K tomorrow morning.

Westcoastrosa -- massage sounds great -- hope she figures and massages out the prob for you.

Riddy -- YAYYYY for the time on the 5K....and I'll growl with you on the small gain.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....doesn't seem quite fair with all your effort on the 5k....grrrrrrr....hopefully you'll have a great loss last week.....REMEMBER the great losses you had in the last challenge.....woooo weeeee...i remember those challenges....and you will have great loss numbers again.

Mountain mama -- good for you for not giving up -- read back to my post end of last week -- I had gained about NINE pounds and the gals were supportive and helped me get back on track......it's hard to think about having gained weight back -- I call that "circling the block"...it's like you're on a journey but by gaining weight back or yo-yoing with weight we just instead of going forward we just circle the block, circle the block, circle the block...THEN by not giving up, we can decide to go forward with determination and begin our journey and progress TOWARD goal again....GOOD for you for not giving up....hang in there gal!

Well, it's 1:39 a.m.....time to get to sleep....night all....

Bette and everyone -- I'm sending positive thoughts everyone's way.

I've been totally MIA -- traveled to my family for the Jewish new year, and then turned right around and went to Chicago to see my in-laws. I did make it to WW in Chicago today.

I'm going to be glad to be home and back on plan.

Rough week diet wise - kind of continued the vacation eating after I got home! Ugh!!!

Darla - Excellent job getting back on track!

Bette - Take care of yourself while you care for your Dad. Praying for you and your family.

Hey guys. Im using my second freebie this week because although i have gone down since last week, im not below my lowest weight and don't want to mess up the team if i dont have to! Will post a loss next week!!!!!