Battle of the Bulge #7
 

Good morning everyone!
Here is the new thread! Enjoy!

Please remember that:
Monday- support day and a good day for tips on staying motivated
Tuesday- support day and a good day for reasons why we want to lose- I think that keeps us motivated more than anything when we reexamine why we want to lose..
Wednesday- "what have I been eating all week day" and I want to start trying to get everyone to share quick recipes or tips on cooking that work for them.
Thursday- "what I have done to move my bootie day" and I want to get everyone to start giving us an idea on how they work exercise into their lives and the things they enjoy doing.
Friday- support and influence day- lets make this a day we talk about anything or anyone that influenced our weight loss for the week- things like friends giving bad foods or a partner that supported our efforts.
Saturday- recap day- lets talk about the things we thought worked for us for the week and those that didn't- this might help us see where we strayed and where we stood firm.
Sunday- weigh in day and reaffirm goal day- give us an idea of your goals for the week, month, and long term.

Good morning again..
 

Okay now that the new thread is up and running I can post...
I got on the scale this morning and I am now at 280 down from 287 when I started this so I am thrilled! Just wanted to share my excitement!

Red- Please keep in mind that my post for you is just opinion and I don't in any way claim to fully understand the struggle you are going through at work. It is merely an interpretation of what I see and think from the amount I know of the situation and only to try to help. I reread my post and it seems kind of "know it all" and I dont mean it that way- I just hope it helps in some small way.
I am so happy you finally got to ride- you have got to be feeling so much better! I am betting it helped your stress levels as well. :D

Little grasshopper- Congrats on the weight loss!!! :bravo: I hope you get to pick up some new foods tomorrow. I am amazed at the changes you are going through as you detox! WOW! I wonder if we all would go through those if we went through your program? Something to think about especially in regards to what we eat on a daily basis huh?

Question of the day:

If you could learn to do one thing - anything at all, right now, what would it be? Doesn't have to be the end all perfect thing, just what would you love to learn if money and time weren't an issue?

(Today's question provided by little grasshopper- thanks!! ;) )
Okay well just wanted to jump on a sec- I will be on later and I am going to attempt a recap today. Have a wonderful day everyone!!!
:spin: :spin: :spin:

Good afternoon everyone!

Sorry to see that no one's active right now.....:(

Well, as you can tell by my updated signature, I lost 7 lbs this week! Whoo hoo!!! I couldn't believe it when I saw that number on the scale. Finally seeing some results and hoping to continue what I started last week!

CG - great job! That is so awesome!!! We're right in line with each other. I just want to thank you for keeping me motivated and on track with our little "challenge." I need things like this to keep me going, so thank you! ;)

As far as my goals are concerned, I am hoping for each week to stay on plan. My plan is to stay at or under my 30 WW points each day, work out 30 minutes at least 5 days a week, and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. My goal for January is to get down to 250, which is to lose 11 more pounds by the end of the month. Long term, I want to get down to 165, which was my weight before I started packing it on about 5 years ago! I have not set a time constraint on that goal, I just want to make it happen! :D

Today's question -- if money and time weren't an issue, I would love to learn to swim with the dolphins. I'm a huge collector of dolphin "stuff" and it's always been my dream to take one of those excursions where you get to swim with them, but I could never afford it. I've taken dolphin cruises in Florida and South Carolina, which were breathtaking, but I'd love to learn to swim with them and perform tricks....weird, I know. But hey, what the heck.....:)

As a reward to myself for doing so well last week, I'm going to go give myself a pedicure and manicure! I'll be checking back in.....keep up the good work ladies! I can't wait to hear everyone's successes...talk to you later!

kelly

kjk-
I am so thrilled!!!! Congrats!!!
:bravo: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cb: :flow2: :dancer: :encore:

I know you have got to be excited! I am also glad we decided to do this challenge or there is no way I would have exercised this week since I have not been feeling well.

My goals this week are to :
stay on 1200 calories a day
exercise at least 5 times this week
drink 8- .5 liters bottles of water a day
I still want to lose to 270 by Jan 31st so that is 10 more pounds.

Okay well- good for you rewarding yourself kjk!
More later-

Hat-trick!!
 

Good morning. Just up, drinking my daily coffee. I left all my work till this morning. I was just too tired yesterday. Dressage knocks you out. It is SO much exercise, all core stuff and that's something I never do. Really should do this pilates (oh bore me to tears!). I know it's supposed to be great. You see, the caffeine has already kicked in . . . brain shut down, motor mouth!

I MUST do my work and am promising to not post before I get the first draft done, BUT I wanted to wish you amazing bunch of losers CONGRATULATIONS!!! What is going on here!! Everyone, Crime girl (thanks for the new thread by the way!), grasshopper, kjk, you have all posted a loss. Great stuff! :cp: :cp: :cp: That's a round of applause for each of you! I hope to be joining you soon! :dance:

Later! :wave:

Hi.. Crime girl, i'm pleased I could be there for you. Currently I am at work and doing a bit of a stealth check on the site! In answer to your question the thing I would love most to learn to do right now is surf! That way I can spend quality time with my BF doing something he loves, and I would develope some core muscles! Also I would be making the most of the awesome coastline I live on.

I'll come back later when I have more time to tell you a bit about myself (i usually post on the 20 somethings post).

Cheers
Tiffany

p.s Red balloon - do you do grand prix? I used to do dressage, I got my pony up to elementary before I got way too tall for him :-(

NBK, hi there! What's the time in New Zealand. It's 7 a.m. here. You must be an hour or two ahead of Japan, right? Well, it's good to see you. You acquired major points in Crime girl's book when you came to her rescue that lonesome day last week! Grand prix, oh my! no way, not yet. I am very low level. My horse is a handful, she's part Haflinger, cold-blood pony so you know that means she's not the most eager to move. So my progress is really hampered by her just not going forward. Still, I feel that I am learning so much from her because she really makes me learn the true basics, footfall and such, whereas most people, at least here are used to hot-blooded Thoroughbreds and such, who are just always ready to move for you. They're like, "oh, oh, is this want you want? or this?" whereas my girl is like "what the heck was that?, do you expect me to do something?" kick, buck, get annoyed. . .

Oh, yes, surfing is probably the same as dressage as far as working your core muscles goes. I think it's probably the best analogy too, balancing and working with a living creature, the ocean! the waves! having to be prepared to deal with sudden unexpected movements, "reading" what's going on beneath you. I'm afraid of the ocean though. Don't like the water though I've done kayaking and sea kayaking. Whereabouts in N.Z. are you?

Glad to have you posting with us, stealthy you. Hope to hear more from you. :wave:

Hi guys!! What losers you all are!!! :) :cb: :bravo: :cp:

NBK - I grew up on the ocean (much smaller waves though, I'm sure) anyway, I tried to learn to surf! I got knocked out my first try :) The board came off my ankle and hit me in the head - I was out cold. I have tried a few times since but it seems a lot harder to stand up on little, short waves!

Crime girl - I'm so glad you're feeling better and that loss has to give you a boost! You're doing great things!!! Keep it up!

KJK - all the walking - you're gonna walk yourself right out of those pants soon! :) I'm really impressed by your getting up every day, so early to walk like that. You're my hero :)

Red - Your horse sounds wonderful!! And don't worry - you're eating well, and working out....it will all catch up with you! You're going to wake up one day to a huge loss!!!! Kick up that water consumption and enjoy the small pleasures in life! You earn it daily!!

Okay, I know I asked for the question, but now that I have to chose one thing I'm having a hard time. I guess it would be to speak, read and write Italian (that would put me close to spanish also). I have the cd's there's nothign really stopping me. Except me.

KJK - you're wanting to swim with the dolphins sounds wonderful! I got to swim with beluga whales in TX once. It was really really neat. Scary but neat! It was at sea world. I'll never forget it! I'm sure you're wanting something a little more thorough that my swim was though. It was really short and it took them an hour to teach us not to poke the soft spot on their heads! I got in the first minute - but we plugged on for an hour still :)

Well I made it to the gym today. I cycled for 30 then did lower body weights for 30 then sat in the sauna for 15. It was HOT. I felt good afterwards though. Being spotless on my diet today - not even the mostly okay rewards are allowed today :) :) Here are the foods I'm bringing in to be tested on..

yucca root (can't have potatoes, this might be a good sub)
sweet potato (nice dessert)
goat milk (and cheese and sourcream)

They will also test things like honey, eggs, grains and night shades (peppers, tomatoes, eggplant) I don't expect to get those back yet, but I'd be okay with eggs :) or honey - I think I'd freak if I could have honey! :) :)

I bought an organic/dark chocolate bar as my reward for being so good for the past month - I'm going to have some after my visit and then immediately freeze the rest. (too expensive to throw away).

well before the book gets longer I'd better stop! Talk to you all later!!

Hey everyone!
 

So glad everyone is getting on today- I was beginning to worry earlier..

little grasshopper- I am crossing my fingers for eggs and honey. I think those two things would make a lot of difference for you. Let us know when you find out- I am dying to know how things will work out. :D
Italian would be really fun to learn- it is such a romantic language. You should do that! Then you can teach me! :lol:
Good job on the exercise and I think your reward is a great idea. ;)

red balloon- I am still so jealous of your horse. I bet she is so beautiful! I really miss riding!

NBK- red is right- you are my hero! If you would not have talked me down I wouldn't have done so well this week- thanks again! :D
Are you from New Zealand originally? lived there all your life? I would love if you get a chance to tell us some things about you. ;)

Okay- I better go- need to go for a walk- I am going to take Charlie and he might just have a heart attack that I am taking this early in the night. He loves to get out and explore and he has been dragging today!
Back later-

getting through my work . . .
 

Ok, allowing myself a quick post here even though I'm not done with my work.

Grasshopper, you're doing great with all your exercise. Italian! Yes, that's the language I want to learn next, either that or Cantonese. I have a good friend in Italy. Do you want to write to her? She speaks excellent English.

Crime girl, who's Charlie? Don't think you mentioned him. I'm taking it it's a dog.

Yes, my horse is beautiful. Small and stocky. Chestnut (same as my hair) (that's horse "chestnut" which is like auburn) with a white blaze (that's a streak down her face) and a white mark on her muzzle that looks like a map of South America and she has one white sock. She has a big head for her body size and huge dark brown eyes. She is so pretty and varies from looks of utter boredom and annoyance to ones of extreme indignation such as "you fool! did you forget my sugar again?!?!" She looks and is very smart, that's why she gives me such a hard time! Are you more jealous now? tee-hee-hee. . . :s:

Hi everyone. I'm home again! I really missed everyone. I hope everyone is doing great. CG and KJK, congrats on the weightloss. You are both doing so great! I loss 2 pounds this week. I did well at school. I ate really well Thursday through Saturday. No cheating plus I made time for exercise despite having little time. I even got some of the girls who I split the hotel with to exercise with me. Today is my cheat day for the week. I had one of those kid's real snack packs at the movies. We saw White Noise after my hubby picked me up from the airport. Now he is going pick up Mexican food. So I will really be cheating! KJK, I like your wish to swim with the dolphins. I have swam with them before. It is a great experience. I have also swam with Whale Sharks in Honduras, that was really awesome. They are huge!!! I know that there is a place in the Keys (grassy key) where you can swim with the dolphins. You can help feed them, play games with them, etc. It is at the dolphin research center there.

Welcome back, stormy!!
 

Stormy, welcome back!! I was thinking about you and hoping you were doing well. Great going while you were at school. Eating well AND working out. Fantastic! Now that is dedication. And of course, congratulations on your weight loss! :cp:

Yes, I would have expected you to have done whale or dolphin swimming with your love of the water and ocean.

Have fun with your eating day. Instead of a "cheat day" which sounds so negative, I think you should call it your "indulgence day" or "privilege day" or something like that, no? Yes, preferential treatment for someone who has put in a week's worth of hard work!

Red, I like that "Indulgence Day" !

How are you? How has your exercise and eating been? How are you feeling? Is work going any better?

Hi again!
Stormy- I am with red-you should do away with the title "cheat". It is definitely a deserved day for someone who has worked hard. I like "reward" day or "guilt free day". :D Congrats on the weight loss! :bravo:
That is real dedication to stay on the program while juggling school and being away from home. Great job!

red balloon-to answer your question - Charlie is my dog- the barrel on legs. He about had a heart attack on our walk- all the smells and he got to go further than he ever does. He was so excited and it made me walk further then I intended. :D
Your horse makes me insansely jealous and I can see why you are willing to sacrifice to have her.

Okay- more later- need to go eat supper before it gets too late.

Good, stormy, glad you like it. I think I'd go for the privilege day myself because I'm afraid I like the sound of indulgence too much and would probably end up making them every other day! :lol:

If you look back over the last thread you'll see I've been pretty down and bummed out about my lack of weight loss (I had a gain! don't know why) and my work. Everyone, especially Crime girl, has been so supportive.

I can't talk much now but here's saying I'm going to give it more effort this week. Having you guys here means SO much!

Hi Crime girl, double posting I think. Oh yes, I remember the "barrel with legs" Didn't remember the name, that's all. Good for you for walking him. He will absolutely love you, even more than I'm sure he already does. Your biggest supporter for sure.

Ok, insanely jealous you. But really, all horses are gorgeous to me. I would sacrifice for any one of them maybe. But my girl really does have some special allure for me I think. I think I identify with her stubbornness, her refusal to compromise. Everyone calls her "stubborn" but I say she just has very clearcut policies. I just want to help her out because I know what happens to horses like her. . . nothing too pretty. :cry:

Go Red!!!!!! You can do it!!!!
:cb: :dance: :cp: :cheer: :cb: :dance: :cp: :cheer: :cb: :dance: :cp: :cheer: :cb: :dance: :cp: :cheer:

:coach: :coach: :coach: :coach:

THANKS, Crime girl. You're too much. :rofl:

Wow, I'm missing all the action!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement with my weight loss this week -- you guys had a huge part in my success. I wouldn't be able to make it through without coming on here and talking to everyone!

Stormy - welcome back! You did SO well at school - awesome job!!! Your reward day sounds like a great idea! I kind of did that this week, unintentionally, but it really didn't have a negative effect on me. In fact, I was able to get my fill of the things I was missing, but I didn't totally pig out. So kudos to you!!! Keep up the excellent work!

Little GH - I'm glad that I can be somewhat of an inspiration to you in your working out. In fact, we are all inspirational to one another in some way or other. I've never been anyone's hero before... ;) That's awesome!!!

CG - good for you taking a walk tonight! I'm taking today off and just getting some things done around the house. So I will be DRAGGING my butt up tomorrow morning to get back into my routine! Let's keep it up! :D

Red - glad to hear that you are able to get some help from being here, even if it's just laughing at our insanity sometimes... :) I think this board has definitely provided us each with something positive! Whenever you need something...we're here!

All right...gotta go find something to make for dinner before I indulge on something bad! I'll be in and out all night...hope to catch someone later!

kelly

Hello Ladies :D I'm joining up here!

I'm hoping to lose exactly 100 pounds in 2005! And I need all the support I can get ;) So if I'm here a ton... that's why ;)

Originally Posted by Crime girl:


Question of the day:

If you could learn to do one thing - anything at all, right now, what would it be? Doesn't have to be the end all perfect thing, just what would you love to learn if money and time weren't an issue?

If I could learn one thing at all, right now I would learn to speak Gaelic (native language of Ireland!) and I would learn it by living in Ireland for a year or so...

kjk -- hi there! Yes, there's been a lot of action here, especially because I've been sitting at the computer working (and answering email) Just finished my work!! Hurrah! and now have 20 minutes to shower and get out. No way!

Yes, didn't mean to leave you out or anything. You've been a great part of all the support I've gotten here. Thank you SO much.

Jacque -- welcome, here you are, there you are, yoiu're everywhere. This place hops!

(I told Jacque on another thread about you fantastic bunch, people! She's burning as well, and I think, with likenesses in weight loss goals, that Crime girl and kjk may especially be in for some added competition!!)

WELCOME JACQUE!
Glad to have you on board! Jump in and start posting- we love to talk!

kjk- the feeling is mutual! You contribute so much back to us! Thanks!

Well I never answered the question of the day so here:
It was hard to pick just one- I am one of those people that is always working on a project-
I think I would want to learn how to be a serial killer profiler. Weird I know- but I have been reading about serial killers for years. I am really into true crime stuff and that is ultimately my dream job.

Welcome Jacque!

You will find that we are a very supportive group that likes to post and chat A LOT!!! Crime Girl is our leader, and each day is dedicated to a different topic (weighing in, meal ideas, support, etc.). But mainly we just get on here and talk about anything and everything, including our successes and failures!

Jump on anytime - welcome!!! :D

Kelly :)

Jacque, welcome! Gaelic- what an interesting choice! Red is out and recruiting.

As far as my thing-I would like to become fluent in Spanish.

Since I did not get to read the board much being at school-how are the points going b/t KJK and CG? I need to update my stats!

stormy-I got 3 points on Wed, 2 on Thurs, 0 on Friday, 2 on Sat, and 3 today!
jacque- speaking of themes for the day- what are you hoping to accomplish this week? What is your weekly plan?
Gaelic would be a really cool language to learn.

Okay- really need to go eat now- my poor dog is passed out on my bed looking like he is pooped! It is really funny! :lol:

White Rabbit!
 

Uh, oh, Crime girl is already jumping in with the goal questions! That's what I love about you CG, our leader!

Stormy, I think it's neck and neck between Crime girl and kjk. I'm expecting it to be a photo finish.

Recruiting, yup, that's maybe what I should get in to. :idea:

Jacque, one of my recent boyfriends (does that sound bad or what?) was Irish. And I did the Ireland trip and got the tapes. Since that ended on the rocks I haven't looked at the tapes since! Fortunately, a good young Irishman at work has served to at least take the twinge off the country for me. ;) I love an Irish accent, though they're quite different depending on the area that person is from. Of the native English speaker accents I like best, I'd say Irish, South African and New Zealand are my favorites. Before, I would have been lucky to even understand they were speaking English but being over here you come in contact with lots of English speakers other than Americans (Brits would question my use of the word "English", gotta love 'em!). But still, Irish I think is neatest.

OK, I am late for work. I was thinking I would go to the gym tonight after work but I remembered today is a national holiday so the gym closes early and means I'd only be able to get in 45 minutes tops. Not worth it. I will, instead, promise to uncover my bike in my room so I can get on that. I don't know what's wrong with me but my body seems to be gaining weight at an alarming rate. I'm not kidding. It's scary. What's going on? Maybe from riding yesterday. Don't know.

By the way, Crime girl, I wrote two pages in my "Good things that happened to me" diary last night. It felt so nice to be writing right before I went to bed about nice things. I think I'm going to make it my ritual. . . . I wrote about you and all your support. :love:

I'm a sucker for the Irish Accent ;) BIG TIME!! (My husband jokes about that a lot!)

As for my goal for the week... umm my goal/focus for the week is going to be more exercise! I've been eating better (down from 4000+ Calories to about 1500) for 5 days now.... and I'm ready to throw a bit of exercise in!

Red, 45 mins. is better than nothing. Now will your time on the bike be as good as a workout ad you would get 45 minutes at the gym plus your time traveling to and from? Get moving girl! Stop focusing on the evil scale!

only 45 minutes?? The 30 minutes I did today kicked my butt! I'm tired all over ;) But sitting on my fitness ball while at the computer is certainly entertaining!

Stormy - 3 Wed, 3 Thurs, 2 Fri, 1 Sat, 2 today.

Thanks for keeping us in check!

kelly

Totals for this past week for the CG & KJK challenge:
CG 7 points
KJK 9 points

Good job girls! Feb 14th is just around the corner!

Hey ya!
Kjk, I have swum with dolphins before, hectors dolphins and common dolphins in akaroa harbour, it was about an hour east of where I grew up in NZ (Christchurch, South Island). The water was freezing though and my friend just about got hypothermia after an hour and a half. It was such an awe inspiring experience.

I am currently living in New Plymouth wich is on the west coast of the North Island. It is a small town, but it is really scenic round here and I am on a peninsula again so it's great. I have lived in NZ all my life, but spent 3 months based in the Netherlands for work in '03.

Talking of accents, I love south africaan accents!

Red - i know what you are saying, I have always had the mental horses, even my thoroughbreds have been 'rescue' cases that required a LOT of work. I love riding though as everytime you go out you can achieve something good. Not a lot of sports offer that guarantee. And the relationship with your horse is just something so special. It also helps if they are chestnut! he he.. my most beloved pony was a chestnut skewbald. He was part cold blooded too. So was stubborn and SMART. He could count three refusals, then would jump as if nothing had happened. ooh oooh before I forget the time here is +13 GMT so right this second it is 1501 on monday

Hmm boss is coming back, must abort my stealth mission!
Ciao
Tiffany

Who me??? Pushy?? Ok I admit it! I like to push a little...
speaking of pushy I spoke to the Exercise **** tonight and she was pushing hard for me to go to the gym so I need to go tomorrow. For such a cute innocent girl she sure can be mean. :lol:
I am with you Jacque- 30 minutes kicks my butt! 45 minutes would be just plenty for me. I might even have time to take a shower. :D

red- you are making me blush! :o Seriously, I am glad I could help even in a small way. You will figure it out- you are such a clever and intelligent person that I know you will be OK. Besides- I owed you- you saved me a few days ago. Between you and NBK I stayed on course- without you I may have still been on the couch hovering in pizzas and M&Ms. :lol:

Well this week will be a great one for us all!! We will meet our goals and manage to stay away from some of the bad things from last week!
I am going to watch Desperate Housewives now..

Stormy - thanks for the update! Glad you're keeping tabs on us!

I am so jealous of those of you that have swam with the dolphins! I will make it there someday...perhaps when I lose all of the weight, I will reward myself with a trip somewhere to do just that! :D

All right, off again to watch the People's Choice Awards (not really anything else on)....back later.....

kelly :)

I just want to share (because I'm so darn excited!) after dinner tonight I'm at 1250 calories for today!! YaY!! (And that could be high because I tend to overestimate to be safe) and that means I'm still good for my deserts later on!!!

Well done Jacque! and congratulations on winning the diet book!! Which one are you going to pick?

Thanks *blush* That gave me even more encouragement!!

I picked one of the recipe books (can't remember which off the top of my head!) because I have a lot of high fat cookbooks (at least that's what they all seem now!) and I love cookbooks :D

Oooh me too! I love cooking, but yeah most of my favourites are full fat dishes... and I make for about 40! It's a legacy of living with 2 boys my last year of eng school. But now I mostly cook for just me so it's basic and boring things like stif fries and spag bog...
have a great night all and see you tomorrow. Thanks for making me feel so welcome!
Tiffany