'05 Biggest Loser Challenge -TEAM 12

[NeveraGain]

Good Job Laura!!!!
I am currently in the second highest water level (120-140) Starting next week I will move into the highest (gulp!) and make myself up my driking!!!

Here's my intake for today

I did not eat breakfast- yes, ladies please yell at me!!!! I woke up late!!!
For lunch I had some chicken fajita casserole and for dinner I had salad with grilled chicken. My goal for next week is also to MAKE sure I am in ketosis by maybe cutting back on the veggies for a couple of days and really getting my protein in. Tuesday-Thursday night I have a big conference that I have to make sure runs smoothly so I will post..but they might be short and sweet!!
Ok, ladies, dont' forget to send me your stats tomorrow!!!! Oh, and 2 weeks of the challenge down....50 to go!!!

Shell

[smartmuse2]

I am keeping track of things on the spreadsheet that we were provided. It says report these stats on the 15th.

Water in oz: 100
Carbs: 21
Exercise in minutes: 20
Weight: 624 (I weighed in -6 lbs)
Hips: 117 (- 1 inch)
Waist: 104 (-2 inches)

Watched Supersize me: YES
Read the post: YES
Visited DD 2 times in January successfully: NO (only 1 time so far)

[joyful48]

Weight Jan 1 ~215
Jan15~206 -9 lbs

Waist~ Jan 1~43 inches - 2 inches
Jan15~41

Hips~ Jan 1~ 53
Jan 15~51 - 2 inches

water Goal is to drink 64+ oz per day
Exercise Goal is to do at least 600 mins
Carbs per day is 20 per day

I have: read the motivational thread
Seen the Super size documentary

I haven't been to Krispy Kreme yet. Will do before the 31st

[Mia Tortilla]

Okay ladies, here are my stats.

I'm not happy about them at all, but I'm in this for the long haul.

Weight 1/3 - 189
Weight 1/15 - 188 -1lb

Waist 1/3 - 38.5
Waist 1/15 - 38 - 1/2in

Hips 1/3 - 45
Hips 1/15 - 44.5 -1/2in

Ladies, Congrats on your stats!!!!!!
Awesome Job!!!

[NeveraGain]

Ok, here are my stats

Waist- 46 in- same
Hips-52.5 (-.5in)
Weight- 279 (-11 lbs!!!!!)

[NeveraGain]

TEAM 12[size=4][color=darkred]

HERE ARE OUR TEAM TOTALS!!!!

TOTAL INCHES LOST- 9 IN !!!!

TOAL POUNDS LOST- 35 !!!!!!

Ladies, I hope you all realize how awesome that is!!!! We are really doing well. I look forward to all our next 23 weigh-ins!!!!!!

Get excited about what we are doing for our bodies, for ourselves!!!!

Congrats Team 12- We kick butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These stats have been sent in to Sweets!!!!!
We only had to report our weight and inches lost to her today.

[joyful48]

Shell I can't wait to find out who is already in the lead with weight loss and inches. We have to be close to the top!

Congrats to all of us on our wieght loss!

[NeveraGain]

I love Saturdays!!!!

Breakfast/lunch (I slept in!): 2 pieces of sausage and 2 pieces of bacon

Dinner: Watching the Steelers game so I ate the only 'carb friendly' foods there: ham, cheese, pepperoni

I walked today for 90mins.....only 45 was fast-paced kind. It was cold here for SO beautiful.

Hey, do any of you use the Ketosis strips? I think I'm gonna try them. I really want to track my body and find out what it takes for me to be in Ketosis so I can adjust to what my specific body needs are.

Ok, well Sunday's are busy for me but I'll check in sometime during the day.

I'm excited to see the team postings....I wonder how everyone else is faring.

[smartmuse2]

I think we did very well myself. Can we continue our 20 minutes of exercise every day for the last of January? I'm sure the fact that we've worked so hard to keep exercise in there as part of our every day requirements has helped us with the weight loss.
I still don't like it yet, but as I get smaller, it will get easier.

As for recipes for this week ... I have another really easy one to offer. It is for soup and it is really REALLY good. I got it from the Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipe book and added a little to it.

Quick Chicken Vegetable Soup
# Servings: 4
Est carbs per serving: 4-5 (depends on your veggies)

1 large container boullion (I use the ready made kind in the box, but you could use the can or instant if you prefer)

1 bag frozen mixed veggies (make sure there are no potatoes)

Various spices to taste (I like the Italian spice blend)

1 T tomato paste concentrate (I buy it in the tube like toothpaste)
(this is optional ... I put it in because I like it)

1 clove crushed garlic

2-3 T of oil

leftover cooked chicken diced - as much as you want to add

*******

Put the oil in the pan and add the spices ... simmer to release the flavor. Add the boullion. While that is warming, microwave the veggies enough to thaw them - about 2 minutes. Put the veggies in the boullion and add the tomato paste and chicken. Stir. Bring to a simmer (don't boil) and it's done.

This soup will taste like you've been working on it all day. It's even better the second day.


Hope all is well for everyone!

Muse

[NeveraGain]

Hey Girls,

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. How's everyone doing? Everyone staying on course? I have made up my mind to really buckle down this week. I am overseeing a big conference this week (Tues-Thursday) so time will be interesting but I am committed to losing weight this week!

Yes, I think we will stay at 20 mins for January.....Does everyone agree? Here is what I was thinking- On Feb. 1 we will go to 30 mins a day...so if people need to work up to that by doing 25 now....then do that...just be prepared to go to 30 mins on Feb. 1. Everyone agree?

Ok, team- stay focused. We ranked about half-way, which was good but I really believe that we have 'staying-power'. Our strategy is to continue to work our way up on water and exercise so that our bodies adjust properly and we dont' get 'burnt out'.

Thanks for the soup recipe. I think I will try it tonight. I just ordered a low-carb cookbook so I will share some when I get it in!! Ok, well make every day count towards your goal and let me know how everyone is doing.

shell

[NeveraGain]

Hey, Where are you guys?! I read an article on efitness today about how much strenght training helps to burn fat. I acc. deleted the link but I'm sure it's still there. So....TA'DAH! I went to Walmart today and bought a 'buildable dumbell'. I think Bally's makes it but you can make it anywhere from 2pds to 8lbs....they are on sale right now.

Ok, well I'm pulling a late one at the office so before I leave I will check back in and give my intake for today.....Someone else better have posted by then!!!

[joyful48]

Here I am! Are we starting a new thread every Monday? I have been having to deal with my sister who is disabled . It has been hectic , sorry I have not been around more.I am hoping things will calm down for me .

Yes I agree we have staying power well after everyone's excitement wears off.

Muse ~ Thanks for the soup recipe sounds good!

[genielady]

Sorry, that I haven't posted. Very busy weekend. I know that my water intake was good. My exercise wasn't there though but will be making that up this week. So I am still on track.

[NeveraGain]

Hey Girls!

Well, today was the first day of my conference. It went well....but my eating didn't go too good. I didn't cheat at all....I just didn't really eat much. I left early so I didn't get breakfast in....but I did snack on some chicken salad around noon. That's all I really ate.
I know I can't do this cause my metabolism slows way down. Tomorrow I will do better!!! I am eating breakfast at home and will make sure to eat lunch. Ok, well my water intake was okay today....I did not get any exercise (unless you count running around like a crazy person!!) but I will make up for it.

Ok ladies, well I really hope the excitment of reaching your goals has not worn off. I know we are all really busy right now but we must remember that WE are worth it!! WE ARE WORTH IT. Okay, well I'll say a prayer for you guys on my way home.

Shell

[genielady]

I feel good today. I just prepared the Easy Omelet Receipe given to all of us on here. I love being prepared because it helps overcoming my bad will power sometimes. Does anyone else do something to help prepare them for those times when there seems to be nothing to eat or when you need something now?

Will post later on the other aspects of this challenge.

Laura

[joyful48]

Good Morning.
Well I like to use egg beaters( mainly because it's easier) . I have this silicone bakeware that I pour that into my muffin pan cut some sausage up in each cup and put shredded cheese into also , pop into the oven . Voila' I have breakfast for the week .I usually alternate with that and Dobie muffins or a shake . It has to be quick in the mornings or I tend to skip it which isnt good.

Getting my exercise in has been a struggle for me also.Is it as hard for you as it is for me?Basically it is making the time for it since I have my disabled sister to look after and keep my household together too.Still I am hanging in there.

[smartmuse2]

I have done everything that joyful does for breakfast. If you like cream cheese, you can make a mock danish. This week I've eaten pumpkin cheesecake for breafast every day. I have also used the ground flax recipe and make something like oatmeal. I think I posted the recipe for it earlier.

I believe in eating yogurt, which isn't part of the strict Atkins plan. Once past the 2 week Induction, I eat yogurt. I buy unflavored regular yogurt and flavor it with Torani or Davinci's syrup. If I drain it, I can get a thick yocheese (consistency of cream cheese) which I can flavor and eat (very filling).

I didn't exercise today and won't get a chance tomorrow either, but I will make up the time on the weekend.

If anyone has a request for recipes, I have tons. I even have one that is a whole cookbook on lc desserts! I will share my resources.

Has anyone considered writing a letter to yourself about what you would say to yourself when you are at goal (or within 10 lbs of goal)? I have been thinking about it and would like to do it.

My weight loss has begun to slow down too. By the end of this month, it will be 6 weeks on plan without cheating. So long as it continues to go down, I am proud of myself. I am also working to drink more water. That is my current BIG challenge.

Muse

[joyful48]

Muse~ Yes please share your recipe's .I also like my plain yogurt and add flavorings and splenda Yes that is a good idea to write a letter to myself to read at close to goal. If we all do this we could email NeveraGain (Shell) and she can email it back to us when we need that last little push to goal.

[NeveraGain]

Hey Ladies,

Sorry my communication has been more sparse this week....the conference will end tommorrow night and my lifestyle will settle more back into the norm. Yes, I would love some recipes. I love the concept of the one with the eggs in the muffin plan. Anything that I can make ahead of time and have ready is a real help. I never have time to make breakfast in the a.m. so I like to have things made ahead for breakfast and I don't technically break for lunch while I'm at work so I need something I can take with me and eat then as well. I am not sure if I will get to making the egg muffin pan things until later this week but I am definitely going to make some for next week.

My intake for today: some pep. and cheese for breakfast, five buffalo wings for lunch, chicken Ramono(with egg and cheese instead of breading) with steamed veggies.

Is anyone else doing any weight training? I haven't used my new set yet but am really excited to start. I was wondering if anyone else has considered this as a way to help with weight loss yet. ...it also helps tone up skin so that you dont' sag as much while losing. Let me know what you guys are doing with exercise.

Ok, well I am headed out soon. Oh, and I am going to write a letter to myself, and yes, if you want to send them to me I would be more than happy to encourage you with them when you need it.
Joyful, how's your sister doing? I would really like us all to get on track with our exercising...maybe we could come up with a plan that we can stick with -i.e.~how we exercise, etc.....Think about this and maybe we can start something next week.

Girls, don't get frustrated when the numbers go down slower....they will...but we cannot not lose weight if we continue. Ok, Ill check in tomorrow

[NeveraGain]

Also,

Shawn posted about having anyone on your team go to 'individual' basis....We do not have anyone on our team that that applies to.

Shell

[Mia Tortilla]

Hi ladies, just checking in. It looks like you're all doing great!

Things are going well here. I'll be completing the baking/DD challenge by Tuesday. I still have to rent Supersize Me, I'll probably do that Saturday. Other than that things are going well.

Have a great day!!
Go Goal Getters

[joyful48]

Shell` thanks for asking about my sister. Well she has laser surgery on her other eye. She also has to have cataract surgery in both her eyes .More Drs appts.. lots of running from office to office and since she is on Medicaid ,Medicare etc. they are always reviewing her case . It is ridiculous and aggravating to say the least. I am getting down cause I had such hi hopes for me in the exercise dept but, I am lagging behind . I don't want to ruin our standing in the challenge either.

Mia~ Good to "see" you ! Yes that movie is really an eye opener.

Muse~ Yes I like my yogurt too. Gonna try that pumpkin cheesecake for breakfast , eggs are getting old.That is wonderful that you have mastered the water intake. are you sloshing when you walk??

Genie~ just wanted to say Hi and keep up the good work!

[NeveraGain]

Hey there,

Well, my conference is finally over! I was at work from 8 a.m. to midnight every night this week so I am looking forward to my schedule getting back in place! I am proud of myself though....there was tons of food and brownies ( a FORMER weakness of mine), and soda here all week and I did not cheat!!! YEAH!! My weightloss is still in a bit of a lull but I'm not discouraged. I know that I am eating healthy and that weight loss will come!! I did have some carb free candy this week (cause I had no food here I could eat and someone brought it for me)- that is a mistake I will NOT make again. I was SO sick!!! One thing I have noticed is that people are beginning to regard me as a 'health conscious' person which I like because I feel like it shows people that even though I am big, I do have self-control and I do care about my body.

I just wanted to encourage you guys to make certain you are getting your protein. There are alot of things we can legally eat that still don't give our bodies the fuel we need to be healthy and to burn fat. Try to get a least some kind of protein in in the mornings- I dont' really feel like eating it in the am. but I know it makes a big difference in how I feel.

Ill post my intake later today
Shell

[joyful48]

Good Morning! only have time for a a drive by today !

Shell that is great that you were able to resist the brownies %soda etc.WTG

I am going to morrow to Krispy Kreme for the first time and for the second time I will go next Sunday too so that will make me 2 times going to a donut shop. As I said before , Starbucks is more of a challenge for me. IF you are going to eat donuts then Krispy Kreme is the best , but Frappincino's are really my thing! I am missing my caffeine really bad. Girls only 10 more days till our first official weigh in for all the point totals for the month.Lets Kick butt!!!

GO GOALERS

[NeveraGain]

Hey Ladies!!

Yep, Connie is right- not long till our next first be weigh-in!!!! Turn up the heat, get your exercise in, drink the water- make sure you have all you extra points in. I am going to be really good this week- try to get back into ketosis and drop some pounds!!!!

Shell

[smartmuse2]

My city just got hit with a ton of snow ... we got 8 inches from midnite to 6am and expect another 4 or so by the end of the day. My behind is staying at home today.

I have been having the taste for a lot of soups, so I made egg drop today. I thought I'd share since it's easy and about 1 carb per serving.

I have been good about getting in 100 oz of water, but to be honest I should be drinking more. The optimum amount is half your body weight in oz of water. I should be drinking about 150 oz of water a day. I am working to get in more, but it's a challenge.

I had planned to do the second half of the DD challenge this weekend, but weather is not permitting. I will get it done one day next week.

Mia ... good to see you checking in. Glad to hear things are going well!

I weigh in a couple of times per week. My weight loss has definitely slowed down. As of this morning, I am down 3 lbs from our check in. It's still a good pace, so I am happy. I'm even happier that I don't feel draggy and fatigued.

B: Pumpkin cheesecake
L: Egg Drop soup
D: probably chicken stir fry



Egg Drop Soup
# Servings: 4
# Carbs per serving: about 1

1 carton chicken soup stock or boullion (1 quart)
3 eggs (lightly scrambled
1 t garlic paste or 1 clove garlic
2t soy sauce
1 scallion, thinly sliced (optional)

Mix stock, garlic, soy sauce in a pan and bring to a simmer. Drizzle egg in hot soup stirring slowly. The thinner the drizzle, the more "ribbons" you'll get that look like noodles. Some choose to drizzle the egg through a strainer. Garnish with scallions and serve.