You know, I have to admit, it killed me to read your list of "minor" goals yesterday. Passing the 100 lost mark? That's HUGE! Reaching onederland? That's AMAZING! An average of more than 1 pound lost each week of the challenge? That's FABULOUS! Some people would kill for those stats! You've done (and are doing!) an awesome job--you don't need help with anything!

Good morning, Bluesers!

I'm still on-plan, but not feeling so great. My stomach has been extemely gasey and uncomfortable since Sunday. I can't figure out what I'm eating to throw everything off. Maybe I'm adjusting to the healthy fresh fruits and vegetables?

I've stayed on-plan and the scales are still stuck. I've only been back on-plan for two weeks, so I think it's too early for any kind of plateau. I've decided to go back to what I know works for me...Southbeach. I'll do a modified phase 1 with 1 whole grain and 1 fruit per day and lots of veggies and lean proteins. And, I am truly starting the C25K program again today...regardless of how the stomach behaves. If I have to jump off the treadmill several times to run to the potty, oh well! I've also decided to finally put those resistance bands to use. I've always avoided doing so because I didn't want to negatively impact the scales....but, looks like it wouldn't make much difference at this point. However, I might be able to lose some serious inches.

Momof4girls - You are smokin', girlfriend! And, Congratulations on being our Biggest Loser this week!

In response to Chellez's QOTDs: I've not met any weight loss goals or exercise goals that I set for myself. However, I have met my goal of never giving up and that's a biggie in my book. Will I come back for more? You betcha! I need you guys to keep me motivated and hopeful.
BTW, Chellez, I'm so excited to hear your excitement about losing weight again!
Hope everyone has a great on-plan day.

Go Blue!

Rhonda - That was exactly my reasoning for putting off starting a running program. I figured exercise would make me gain/maintain due to muscle building and/or water retention. When I realized the scales weren't moving anyhow, I sucked it up and started, and the scales have rewarded my efforts I wish you the best of luck with it and hope you will soon see the results you desire! Kudos to you for not giving up!


Chellez's giant QOTD:

I haven't met a challenge-specific goal yet during the challenge, although I did reach both Onederland and my 10% goals over the course of the challenge. I am still hoping to make it to 10 lbs lost during the challenge before it is over - which is certainly doable, if TOM would ever go away! I need to make it to 192.x (I forget what), and I am at 194.x. So hopefully I will hit that!

I will certainly join in on the next BL challenge, if only because I enjoy chatting with all of you and love to watch everyone else's different journeys and struggles and progress!!

OK ... OK ... my minor goals might not be so minor to people, and I have to admit that the Onderland Goal should probably be considered a Major goal. The thing is I consider all those goals along the way, kind of like milestones to getting to my "real" goal.

I planned to be at 175, by 18 October (hopefully the next challange will be going on then and you all can help me get to it), but that is only 12 weeks away (Ugh) and at 1.25 lbs a week ... I won't make it.

Again, I know I need to focus on how far I have come, but I don't want to lose site of how far I still have to go. I have done this before and gotten complacent at a particular level and not every really gotten to my goal. I want to make it this time.

Morning everyone

Kelly and everyone else who has been feeling sorry for themselves or are not happy with the way scales are moving count me in that club! Must be a virus going around or something.

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I've been dealing with my own demons and trying not to feel sad and disappointed with myself and the my results. I gained a lb this past weigh in and it just went downhill from there. I've been trying hard, eating well, working out as much as possible but the damn scales are just not moving down fast enough for me. Yes I know I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday and not judge my success based on that alone but that is one thing that works as a motivator for a lot of people...seeing the results instantly of your hard work. The scales rewarding you by going down for just sticking to the plan. Alas! it doesn't work that way all the time. I haven't worked out at all so far this week cuz I was just not motivated enough. But I'm working on changing that attitude slowly but steadily. I am feeling a little better now and trying to get out of this funk that's settled in my brain.

So hugs to everyone who's been feeling little down lately. Lets pull ourselves together and get out of this self pitying and negative attitude. We can do better than this and as a team we stick together. We stay OP, workout regularly (per our plan), think positive and be happy with our achievements no matter how small or big. I know it's easier said than done but with each other's support we can do it!!! We've all worked so hard at getting where we are and we cannot give up now!

Dora, thanks for the great motivational quotes.

Momof4girls, you look so wonderful...I agree with changing avatar.

Cool! I have a Zen Vision Mp3 player and I LOVE mine. You will love having and Ipod I'm sure!

Don't worry keep up the good work and the TOM weigh in won't matter! That's great that you are doing it with your hubby, I'm sure the extra support will help you both.

QOTD: I am a little nervous about the challenge ending because I don't want to lose motivation. I'm going to keep up with the chats though and hope that it will help keep me on track. I am excited that I stuck with the challenge and didn't give up. I won't reach the weight loss goal I set for myself for this challenge, but I'm proud of what I have lost so far! I am ABSOLUTELY going to do the next challenge and can't wait!!!

You are looking so great!!!

I know its hard, I feel the same way you do, but you have come so far!! Try not to look at not making the goal, look at what you DID accomplish. I know that you are an inspiration for me (and many others I'm sure) which is priceless to me.

Probably all the fruits and veggies . . I'm sure your tummy will adjust. I'm so proud of you for not giving up during this challenge I could just jump for joy!!!

I know what you mean. You don't want to lose sight of your ultimate goal. You don't want to beat yourself up too much about not quite making the goal you set though because that could lead to sabatoge. (at least it does for me) Keep your goals in mind and keep up the good work. Maybe you and I could do a mini goal for the time in between BL competitions just to keep our spirits up?

Anjuli-

Ok, I just had to share this....I have had two different people in opposite parts of the building at two different times tell me I look pretty today. And you know what, I feel pretty today (even before they said it!). Wow, I have come a long way!

YAY!! MJ that's great! I love days like that!

Thank you!!

I'm going to miss the challenge. I haven't done anything "spectacular" over the course of this challenge. But I know I'm healthier and stronger than when I started so that's a good thing! And, yes, I'll be back on the blue team next challenge!

Thanks for the inspiration as usual Dora!

WOW!!! You look amazing!!
Kelly - You've been doing a fansastic job! I do think goal setting is important but setting time limits on weight loss can be tough because our bodies are not machines. I do have an overall date in mind also - but as long as we know we are doing what we can do to meet the goals that's all that matters. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Overall, at the end, when you're at goal, does it matter at all that you made time deadlines? From what I hear, the journey really gets tough at maintenance!

That feels GREAT!! I just noticed that you are nearly half way to your goal!! WTG!!

Nori, Chelle, mj5, and Jennifer--I got the 8gb nano. I am so excited! I can't wait! I will be downloading all weekend because it has shipped already. I love music (all kinds) and I think it will motivate me while running/walking on my treadmill.

momof4girls--You look great! That avatar picture must be old because you look so different.

Kelly,Pintobean, Girlygirl-- ! I'm telling you the scale is a "false idol". I can't wait to not have to weigh in every week. I can not give it that much power. I do better when I don't have to step on every week. I lose more.

Girlygirl--I can feel you on the gasey stuff. I'm sure it is the veggies. When I started eating more organic, natural products, fruits & veggies my body was like "wtf"? Some days I still have trouble but basically my body is getting used to it.

Oops I forgot to answer the QOTD:

Wow I just realized we only have 3 more weigh ins til the challenge is over. Are you nervous? Excited?
Conflicted really. I enjoy checking in with the group, maybe not as often as I would like but I like the accountability. But I don't like weighing in each week just bc I tend to let it affect me too much. Once a month would be better for me but I know that doesn't work for the challenge.

Have you met any goals whether they be major or minor?
I only wanted to remain binge free so I have been doing that.

What are you going to do to celebrate your achievements?
When I reach 130 days binge free (August 1) I will buy the "Brenda Lee Johnson" bag (Keira Sedgwick's character on "The Closer") from QVC which is sold out right now but I can place an advance order

Will you be coming back for another challenge when the show begins?
Yes!!!!

Hi everyone. Still here in vegas and loving it. I really don't wanna go back to texas. i am enjoying it way too much. although, i was reminded why i can't stay with my mom for long periods of time. don't get me wrong, I love her and she does alot but I just can't stay with her for a long time. One week is fine but sometimes two is just too much. well, i better get going. we're trying to get out to lake mead today and see hoover dam. Talk to u guys later. bye

Thank you. Nope, it really isn't old at all. Only 6-8 weeks old. Must just be a different angle.