This thread is a sub-set of the 300+ thread.

This is a group of friends dealing with the challenges of having a significant amount of weight to lose and being fit which becomes harder after 40. If you're an old or new friend and not over 40 and feel this is the place to post, jump right in.

Here's the Biggest Loser meal structure that is used to plan meals. This is taken directly from the book.

Breakfast:
1/2 protein serving
1 whole grain serving
1 fruit serving

Snack:
1/2 protein serving
1 fruit serving

Lunch:
1 protein serving
1/2 whole grain
1 vegetable serving

Snack:
1/2 protein serving
1 fruit serving

Dinner:
1/2 protein serving
1/2 whole grain serving
2 vegetable servings.

Extra 200 calories from additional foods, healthy fats and condiments.
Food intake is determined by weight and caloric budget.

I'll be more than happy to share anything else if anyone is interested.

Okay,

I'm back. I see none of our night owls were here.

Just finished 30 minutes of cardio exercise. My goal is for 90 minutes of exercise a day. 45 in the morning and 45 at night. If nothing else, I'll have a healthy heart!

Anyone see BL last night? Amazing transformations. I kind of liked that format better than the voting off part. Real families; almost real lives. I'd love for someone to leave me a room full of gym quality exercise equipment. How cool would that be? Maybe I should sign DH and I up!

Last night's dinner was a big salad. I actually craved salad. I stopped at the store and bought a bag of mixed lettuce and filled up containers of tomatoes, peppers, squash, peas, chicken, a little cheese, mushrooms, beets, green onions, and broccoli. Oh, and a few slices of avocado for healthy fats. DH likes seafood salad off the salad bar so his mission will be to find himself a lighter version that he can make at home instead. I think we're going to do that at least once a week. We just have to make sure we're not loading up on high fat items. It was actually a satisfying meal.

What will I crave for tonight?

Well I don't know anything else so best hit the shower.

Have a good OP day!

Hello ladies, Whew! Made it threough another op day! Now to make it through this one...one day at a time!

Terri, I have access to the biggest losers web site. I don't think I could do their menu, although you can swap out your meals, it just doesn't sound appealing. Have you noticed that most diets are just another version of what weight watchers has been trying to teach us all along? We all keep searching for something magical, something that will just make that old weight fly away! You just have to work at it...darn! Now I wish I would crave that salad you had. My cravings are usually more of the type things. I do like salad, I just like it with other things, like steak!

Since this is a new thread, I don't know what the rest of you wrote! Can't do replies. I will just have to wait for all of you to get up and write something won't I? See ya later, Ruth

I don't have much time, just wanted everyone to know I was reading everything!

Good Morning Ladies!

This will likely be a quick post, because I'm truely very sick and have no business at the office, yet here I am. If I feel much worse, I'll have to go home. It's just a cold, really, but it's wiping me out and I'm so light headed I can hardly sit in my chair...like the world is tilted, you know?

Anyway, Terri: Did you know The Biggest Loser is having an open casting call in Kansas City on January 16th? I found it on their website. And, aren't you in Kansas City? Coincidence? I think not! You know, I'd probably run up for the heck of it if I didn't have a medical test scheduled that day... I did watch it last night. I liked it too. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone give you a home gym, new appliances and all new food in the house?

Elaine: Good for you on the NSV (Non-scale Victory)! My favorite part of losing weight has been going from a 24 to a 20. My SIL gave me a pair of jeans for Xmas and I'm actually thinking of exchanging them for an 18...they have some lycra in them and that way when the 20's start getting big I'll have something to wear. Hope you are feeling better.

Sorry ladies. I'm done on the computer for awhile. Too tired and cruddy feeling to keep going.

Later.

Hi Ladies,

Terri, looks like you're doing GREAT setting that refrigerator up for success and working out like crazy, too.

Lilion, so sorry you're still so sick! I hope you beat that mess soon!

Saw BL last night. Hubby even watched it with me, much to my surprise! I went out "to walk the dog" right after the show. I was just so in awe of what can be done and how great those folks looked when they really kicked it, I was inspired.

My ribs weren't hurting too much while I was walking, but all night they were KILLING me! I hurt to lay still and hurt more to move. Just wanted dh to rrrrroll me over, but didn't want to wake him up. MUCH better after I got moving this morning. Went to the Dr & had 6 x-rays taken, but they couldn't find anything. He said it could be broken or cracked but not be visable on the x-rays, that it would probably take 3 months to heal in any case, and to "treat it symptomatically".... I guess that means if it hurts, then don't do it. No problem - I can do that... or, NOT do that! Anyway, I've got 2 of those harness-yur-whole-top-half bras that strap your ribs in purdy good, so I'll use those - they seem to help. I'm also gong to hope it was the stall cleaning that made me hurt so bad yesterday, rather than the walking. SO, I can keep on walking...

I didn't make it to the health club this morning, so I had the bright idea that I'd go after work!!! The had a NEW TO PILATES class starting at 5:30. I made it to 6:00 and decided that was all the torture I could handle for one night. I don't know if I'll go back to that class or not, (Probally not) Anyway I'm already getting sore!!!

Hi ladies,

Its about time to go to bed. DH is watching Court TV about SWAT operations. Oh boy.

Holy smokes, I walked the dog last night in short sleeves. Tonight, I about froze when I stopped by the horses. I had wanted to get out there and work on bonding with the babies. But after I fed them, they really didn't care about having anything to do with me. Note to self - bond first, feed last. So, once I found my gloves, I bonded with the big ones. They know who their mama is! I'll try again tomorrow night.

I have to admit that I wussed on walking the dog tonight. That north wind was much too wicked.

I am looking forward to this weekend. As of now, we have NO plans. No family, no friends! WOOT! I plan on watching FoodTV during Saturday morning and then spend time out working with the horses. I want to ride! I have mom's horse and I want to ride her. However, she's damn big and I've never ridden her. She's at least 16 HH which is tall. I'll need two buckets to stand on to get my butt up into the saddle. I also want to get the newly two-year olds in the round pen. I may even take a saddle out for the bigger of them just to see how he responds (no not riding him). I also need to be doing some house organization this weekend.

Lilion - I hope you're feeling better by the weekend. Get lots of rest and take care of you!

Valerie - I guess that could be good about not having the cracked ribs. However just be careful because you don't want to turn a maybe crack into a real crack. Did that a couple of years ago with a stress fracture in my foot turned into an almost broken through bone after stepping on a board. Good going on walking the dog. I need to develop the attitude those folks had on BL to achieve what they did. They couldn't have wussed out too many times on the exercise and lose like that. I should learn from that.

Barb.G - Was that class pilates with machines? Good for you for getting to the gym after work and not passing it up. Although, tomorrow you might wish you had. Good determination!

Ruth - I agree that BL diet plan isn't anything really new. Or magical. I like how they laid out the structure though - that has helped me to be able to plan my food in a more satisfying way. I do think that WW is nothing more than following good nutrition based on the food pyramid. Nothing we couldn't do ourselves had we had a good nutrition class early on in life. We just have to learn how to eat a balanced diet and change behaviors whether its BL, WW, or any other plan. And work hard! Bah!

I'm off to bed so that I can get up early and get the workout done. to everyone else! Goodnight!

Good morning ladies, First things first...Another Op day, yay!

Judy, I think you will like it here, I know I do! these ladies are tops. I too have lost over 100 lbs twice and managed to gain it back Insanity! We can do it again though and maybe this time keep it off

Terri I could just see you standing on two pails in order to get on the tall horse! No way hosea would you ever get me to do that. Scared to death of horses. A beautiful Tennesse walker cured me of wanting to ride!

Barb, You should go back to the gym and do the exercise again, they say that will get the soreness out. (Who the are they anyway?) A nice hot tub bath might help.

Lilion, Sorry you are feeling cruddy. Hope you feel better soon.

Valerie, I am sorry you are still sore. Ouchy! Well, at least it is good that there are no broken bones. Just be careful like Terri said.

Ok, gang that is about it for this morning. To those among the missing...Thin, 2cute and Michelle, and Joanne, hello! I hope you are all well. And I especially hope I didn't miss anyone, if I did.... Not intentional.

Oh yeah, I found a list of core foods on the web, can anyone really do this diet? Where is the bread????

Ruth

Hi all! Just a quick check in this morning. Not much to say, but wanted you to know I'm still alive.

I've spent some time doing the old "hello and welcome" PMs to the newbies in the area and also inviting some newbies that have posted on Buddy Up. Other than that, sorta reading and that's about all I've had time for.

The "baby's" car blew up. I think I told you all that. Dang car isn't even two years old. Last year it was a transmission, this year the engine. Anyway, I've been driving him to work in the morning all week. 6:00 comes too dang early for this night owl. I've found that I can't stay up all night AND get up in the morning! Guess I'm getting old.

Ok girls, I really do have to run. I'm doing a bunch of returning today before they decide they don't want to take Christmas stuff back anymore. Usually the 6th or 7th is the last day for that stuff.

You all behave. Love ya bunches!

BTW, Judy: Welcome to our little corner. I think you'll like it here. Post often so we get to know you better. You'll find we're all pretty harmless!

Hi Everyone!

I joined this site a little while ago but never really posted. I think this thread will fit me!! Let me just tell you why I decided that I need to start..
Yesterday my poor son (who is 5) asked me to help him put his shoes on and in the moment I bent over to get his shoes the poor kid was behind me and I knocked him off his feet!! I knew it was time as my wonderful loving child looked up at me and said "mom your butt is too big" So here I am needing a little support and a few laughs along the way. I will be 41 in February and I also have a daughter that is 15 and she is a dressage rider her horses name is Czar and he is 17 1/2 hands high and a very supportive husband who is as skinny as they come and can eat anything!! My plan is to use the great tredmill we bought a few months ago and eat healthy. I too have lost 95 pounds in the past and simply fell into bad habits again!! Its so easy to do!! Thanks for letting me join and we will talk to you soon!!

Have a great day!!

KIM, I'm so ashamed - I know I shouldn't have laughed, but you cracked me up with your 5yo's story! Out of the mouths of babes... Anyway, if you can forgive me for that, then PLEASE do tell about Czar - he's like, WAY huge! My biggest boy is only 16hh, and that's enough for me, although I ride a percheron at the barn and I can't tell you how tall he is. I'm hoping to ride my new guy (the 16hh) dressage when this weight gets down to a reasonable #. He's 4, and will just be going under saddle this year. Terri has a whole herd! (Who me? Jealous?) Incedently, I'm 45, married to a supportive guy (who's not skinny) and have no children of my own, so I steal others whenever I find one that's sweet and wants to ride.

CANOES! Glad you're here!! I'm really not one to give advice on how to maintain, since I've never even been able to lose weight like you have. All I can suggest is what's worked for me, which is to cut out bread, 'tatas, rice & pasta, not 100%, but 90% at least. I LOVE bread, but it gives me cravings for days afterwards. I thought I could never live without it, but SURPRIZE! I don't miss it once I get away from it. I start the day with protein, and if I'm going to work out right away I add some fruit for the energy. That's my basic diet for the rest of my life. When I get to my "goal" (whatever that is) I won't change it. Of course I'll splurge at holidays, but then I already know that the very next day I'll be fighting to get back on track, period. When I stay On Plan for a week or so, I stop even wanting stuff I shouldn't have, or even thinking of food unless I'm genuinely hungry. But even now I'm still having cravings left over from Christmas, and from the crap a friend of mine kept bringing in. I don't know if that's a help or not, but I hope so. Tell us what has worked for you in the past.

All you gals that have lost weight in the past are a step ahead of me. I've NEVER been able to lose more than a couple pounds in the past, until now. It just hit me last May and I feel like even when I get off track, I'm going to get right back to it because I fervently believe that my life depends on it. I was never able to hold onto that feeling for more than 2-3 weeks at a time before. I'm still fat, I still crave things, I just feel like the center of everything I do is either to lose weight, or it depends on me losing weight. But I have no past success to say to myself "did this before, & I can DO IT again!" I guess I just keep looking at that first 30 or 40 gone and saying "OK - One more time!"

Bill & I are starting to look at farms. We found one that has a wonderful old house built in 1816, structurally very sound, but that needs remodeling from top to bottom. I think of how GORGOUS this place could be, (potential of 4 fireplaces, a new jacusi in the bath... and let's not even talk about the huge barn ) and I've done drywalling, painting, etc. in the past, but to do it at this weight is just an overwhelming thought - SO uncomfortable.

Thin, Just what kind of car did your baby have... before it started blowing up? I'm thinking I don't want one of those!

AND TO EVERYONE IN THE GROUP - GO Baby! GO Baby! GO Baby! GO!

Well, well....here i find myself once again reading all the posts and ready to bail! But....I have to post tonight because I have to welcome Kim and tell her she had me peeing my pants laughing!

Kim we have somewhat several things in common! I too have a 5 year old son...loads of fun!! I too lost alot of weight in the past that found me again (97 lbs), I am 45 yrs old and I have a sister named Kim! You will fit in just fine here...this is a great bunch of women who will give you lots of support along the way!

Valerie you seem to have adopted a sound plan....get back on plan as soon as you go off and never give up! Thats what worked for me in the past. And you know what the motivator was? Each week that I lost weight made me strive for even more the next week. How much more can I do this week? ANd the more I lost the more motivated I became. It was awesome! Once I hit the 30 lbs gone I was well on my way and never looked back...that was...until I got pregnant and my doctor told me I couldn't lose weight I could maintain. Well....I know how to lose weight and I know how to gain weight...if I knew how to maintain I wouldn't be this FAT! So....don' t give up and before you know it you will be well on your way too!

Yeah Thin...what the heck kind of car does you son own? My girlfriend at work is going through crap with the Ford company because her husband's truck is a LEMON! It has been in the shop for the same problem 6 times, 3 in the first 10 months...and this last time they had it a month and he had to take it back the next day!

Ruth...I do the WW points because if I did the core I would die without the bread! I know people say once you don't have them you won't miss them but I can't get past that because I don't feel full unless I have bread or pasta! Besides...core=eat till you are satisfied, well if I could stop when I am satisfied I wouldn't be FAT!

Judy welcome back to the group! Post often so you get to know us and we get to know you!

Lilion hope you are feeling better!

Barb good for you for even attempting pilates! Hope everything is ok with you!

Teri the weather here yesterday was gorgeous...spring like, sunny and warm. Short sleeve weather. Today is a bit colder and tonight is suppose to get down to the 20's. Then monday its going to be in the 60's! Whats up with that? I'm not complaining...I could still be up north where its already snowed like 6 times!

OK I sure hope I addressed everyone tonight...I am bad about that...if I missed you post again and I will catch you the next time around!

2Cute...get your hiney in here and post! I need you!!

I will check in again this weekend...I need you all the most on the weekends so get your hineys in here and post post and post some more!

MichelleK