Ocean's 11 (Team 11) 5/1 - 5/15

[LFTS]

This is our new team thread for May! It's spring just about everywhere, and we're gonna do our darndest to look good and feel good for warm weather. Let's start out strong!

What are your personal challenges for this month? What are you choosing to work on *for yourself*?

[KelleyG]

Lisa - thanks for reporting for us and starting our new thread!

Kim - you did great, especially for being on vacation - just shy of 200 points that really helps the team,,,every point does!

The scrapbooking night with Chatterbox was very interesting - we were their focus group and got some cool free stuff! I came home to about 7 trash bags and thought - I will kill my mom for weeding and pulling out that grass I wanted removed (too much for her back)...of course it was 12:30 and too dark on that front side of the house to see what had been done. Well, mom was waiting up for me (sounds like the old days ) and I found out my sister and brother-in-law had been waiting for me to leave that night to come over and had also put in plants and flowers - besides cleaning the area up first. Wow huh? I was so surprised. I used to love my yard and have kinda let it now be a lot of grass, a couple bushes and all the bulbs I put in about 5-8 years ago. The last 4 summers have been a surgery every year. Anyhoo, just wanted to share.

Challenges will be: ok I cannot think of anything off the top of my head that's not getting my self to the gym each morning.

Work on for me: going to the bookstore today to get the new "FlyLady" Low Carb cookbook. Some new and easy ideas (365 days worth) and DH needs to learn to take over most of the cooking, since he'll be home starting 6/22 Also really working on the abs *haven't seen them in a while* and upper arm waddle I am going to fit into and look great in my ballgown for company awards night August 4th!

I do hope we hear from Erin - at least to do the individual thing like Chelle and keep plugged in. Since she has not been on the site and not checked in 2x in a row, I think we have to have her pulled. I hate even saying it! If she was checking in to even let us know something was up then I'd say we can take the points hit, but since we have no idea...everyone else?

Have a great day!

[LFTS]

Reposted from the main CC Challenges board:
BIGGEST LOSER CHALLENGES FOR MAY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll start this out a day early, so you all are sure to have it when you get on board Sunday - May Day! Anyone else remember making May baskets in grade school?

SPECIAL CHALLENGES FOR MAY:

1. Last month you were to try new exercises, sports, equipments, classes, etc. This month, post on the Biggest Loser New Exercise Thread and tell us about what you did. Did you like it? Are you still doing it? What are the pros and cons of it? Maybe you'll inspire some of the rest of us to try it, too! Give yourself 20 points for posting about your new exercise.

2. Low carbing is a Way of Life, not just a diet. We're in this for the long haul, not just a quick fix. Getting bored with what we're eating is a major cause of cheating or falling off the wagon. Give yourself 10 points each for up to 2 new recipes that you try this month. It doesn't matter where the recipes come from, just that they're new to you, and that they fit into the stage and program of low carbing that you are doing. The recipe board here has some great recipes, and there are lots of low carb cookbooks out there, or maybe you'll invent something yourself. Post your recipes on the Biggest Loser New Recipes thread, and tell us what you thought of it.

3. Exercise is important, but so is just plain moving more. And it's spring! So this month, get out there and do something you wouldn't otherwise be doing. Go for a walk in the park, and take time to enjoy the flowers. Play catch with your kids. Go to an amusement park or water park. Go for a walk on the beach. It doesn't have to be "exercise", but you do need to be doing more than sitting around in a lawn chair, and it does have to be outdoors. Give yourself 25 points for doing it.

4. And finally, give yourself an extra 25 points if you exercised more minutes in APRIL than you did in MARCH.

REGULAR CHALLENGES:

EXERCISE

Less than 500 minutes exercise/month = -100 points
501-599 minutes of exercise/month = 35 points (avg 17 min/day)
600-749 minutes of exercise/month = 40 points (avg 20 min/day)
750-999 minutes of exercise/month = 50 points (avg 25 min/day)
1000-1149 minutes of exercise/month = 65 points (avg 33 min/day)
1150-1249 minutes of exercise/month = 80 points (avg 38 min/day)
1250-1499 minutes of exercise/month = 95 points (avg 42 min/day)
1500+ minutes of exercise per month = 120 points (avg 50 min/day)

WEIGHT LOSS

Any weight GAIN = -5 points
1-4lbs lost per month = 4 points
5lbs lost per month = 5 points
6lbs lost per month = 6 points
7lbs lost per month = 7 points
8lbs lost per month = 8 points
9lbs lost per month = 9 points
10lbs lost per month = 10 points
11lbs lost per month = 11 points
12lbs lost per month = 12 points
13lbs lost per month = 13 points
14lbs lost per month = 14 points
15+lbs lost per month = 45 points

WATER consumption per month (in ounces)

1983 ounces or less = -100 points (avg less than 64 oz/day)
1984-3100 ounces = 35 points (avg 64-100 oz/day)
3101-4340 ounces = 85 points (avg 101-140 oz/day)
4341+ ounces = 150 points (avg 141oz+/day)

MEASUREMENTS INCHES LOST

HALF-Inches lost per month (total ONLY from waist and hips (same for both men and women)) You are encouraged to measure more body parts for your own records but just the waist and hips will count during this challenge:

Add 10 points for every HALF-inch you lose (measured monthly) add hips and waist together for a combined total. If you choose to measure every three months, you will have to be on an individual challenge – only. All team members are expected to measure and report their results on the last day of the month. (permanent challenge)

Deduct 20 points for every HALF-inch you gain from the prior month.

Further Additions and Deductions:

Deduct 1 point for every can of diet pop that is not made with the Splenda Sweetner or another Atkins-approved sweetner. Example, saccharine is not good. (Even if it doesn't stall you). (permanent challenge) (hint: drink Diet Rite)

Deduct 1 point for every 12oz. you drink that is not caffeine free. (permanent challenge)

Deduct 30 points for going over YOUR monthly carb intake goal at all! (permanent challenge)

Deduct 100 points for NOT reporting your stats on the 15th and last day of month. Email lagpmgdsls if that is not possible so other arrangements can be made. (permanent challenge)

Have a great May, everyone!

Mary Anne (maw)

[LFTS]

Hey, people... this only proves that it's worth it to stay in this together! Even though we were thinking our stats weren't all that impressive this month, we came in 5th of 10 teams. That ain't nuthin' to sneeze at, ladies!

====

Just a little info to begin with...

34 people reported their stats this month
7 did not report their stats
1 moved to individual status
1 new person joined as of May 1st.
There are 10 teams left in the challenge.
Total points earned for all teams...7214!
Total weight lost this month.....114.5lbs! we lost another person!

The winners are...

1. Team 14 ....Average 392 points!
2. Team 12.....Average 250 points!
3. Team 15.....Average 249 points!
4. Team 10.....Average 238 points!
5. Team 11.....Average 238 points!

=====

Please do check in, it's a new month, and there's a lot going on this month!

Kelley, that's so neat about your yard! I love that! I'm glad you had a good time with the scrapbooking. You'll have to give us a review of the FlyLady cookbook. The only LC cookbook I've got is one of Dana Carpender's books, and I really need to look through it and start picking out some stuff to try during the summer.

on the ab and tricep work. Those are among my (many) problem areas, too, especially the upper arms. My upper arms were 22" when I actually started taking measurements (probably 4-5 months into this WOE), and they're at 14.75 now, so there's a LOT of loose skin hanging there.

I do agree with Kelley about Erin. I still haven't heard from her. I'm suggesting we move her to individual status; it's possible that she still wants to participate but something has come up. I'm betting that if she wants to rejoin in the future, they would let her do it, since I'm seeing new people joining the challenge.

I do want to hear from a few more before making a final decision, though. This group belongs to all of us!

[KelleyG]

Good Morning All!

Wow - tied for 4th!!!! And look how close we were to the teams above us. Yes, every point does count!

I'm off to the gym this am, then to Costco. It's supposed to be great weather again here and I'm going to put a little time into the backyard. I want to cleanup the covered patio - move some things around. And removed the barrier from between the grass and bushes - we've never had anything in those planting areas, doesn't look the the people before us did either. I spend so much time pulling the grass the jumps the divider.

Dawn, Kim, Chelle (and Erin) how are you all doing? Dawn how was your trip?

I'll stop by later today.

[toofatfornow]

just a quick hi. i went to work out this morning. the scale at curves didn't like me today. i feel bloated so im probally holding water.(lol) we did good with a tie next month should be better.dawn how was ur trip? i'm wondering in erin is hiding because she fell off plan if thats the problem we should all give her alittle or alot of encouragement. i know i like to hide when i'm not up to where i should be. just my thought. did anybody pm her to see if things r ok?

[LV2BFUNY]

Just a quick check in....

yep I'm sick.... Kelley probably sent it through the puter... lol... just kidding.. one of the girls that went with us was sick... said it was allergies....she lied....

I'll go along with what everyone else decides on Erin... who am I to judge.... but I think she was more serious about quitting than not... she can always rejoin and I hope she does...

Must go back to bed....

[KelleyG]

Dawn - hope the trip was great... sending you TLC and just hang in there...the good news is, if you have what I had it was 4-5 days before I really wanted to eat again. Great for the weight loss. Let us know how you are doing later!

[KelleyG]

Hello All!

Well, it's a beautiful sunny day today and I've been trying to enjoy it - it's going to rain the next 3-4.

Well, DH got his finally paperwork for work and surprise they made his end date 11/1/05. It helps to have the next 6 more months.

I went to costco and stocked up. Food and water are great and worked out this am too! I tried a new recipe yesterday...Mustard pecan chicken. It was very good.

I'll check back later to see how you all are!

[toofatfornow]

where is everybody? nm going on here. day 2 of m/e fast, hopefully i start losing again. i'm tired of this weight. i have had too many deviled eggs but they r helping me get through cause i'm hungry for something quick today i ate 4oz burger 2slices bacon
3 oz chicken breast 1 lg beef stick(5 carbs) i was gone longer today than expected and had to have something that was my best choice, 3 of the eggs(6 halfs) only drank about 64 oz water gotta do better on that. do u see anything i should change. no i didn't put it in fitday.

[LFTS]

I'm here... waiting it out to see if DD's gonna end up staying home sick.

Kim, I bet some of that water weight's coming off, now. Feeling better?

Dawn, sorry to hear you're sick. Adds a whole new meaning to computer virus. Just don't shut down your personal hard drive.

Kelley, 6 months sure is a lot easier to take than the possibility of a couple of weeks! That should give him a good amount of time to job search, and find something that will be great for both of you.

As for me... still exercising, still working the plan. A bit bummed for DD because I hate that she's feeling bad; especially with a math test she'll be missing, perfect attendance for the year shot, and we're only a couple of days away from a road trip to high school softball state tournament, and she's doing really well right now. She *hates* missing practices, but if she's not at school, she can't practice.

Now, for Erin... I still haven't heard from her; I've sent PM's, and I've sent email. I think it's time to go ahead and put her on individual status, but if she wants to come in and still be with the group like Chelle does, I think we can only benefit, right?

[KelleyG]

Good Morning all!

Lisa - I hope DD is feeling better - I think it's so hard for them to be sick at that age especially when they have trips like that coming up. Glad you're doing well, though.

For Erin - I'd say we have tried to contact her with PM and direct e-mail so..let change her to individual and of course she can check in and chat here - the door is open...in the future if she wants to come back to the team great.

Kim - I would say upping your water will help, is the scale moving?? That was my problem - overdoing the HB eggs

Dawn - I hope you are doing better my sister also got the bug going around, so I'm staying away...don't want that again! Rest and feel better

Off to take DD to school and then off to the gym. Also going to buy an new cookbook...I'll let you know what I find.

[toofatfornow]

hey i guess nobody is around much. things went good til last night and that lc ice cream and peanut butter monster got me.i made it almost the 3 days on m/e fast i just don't know why i keep doing this to myself. not to sound rude but this group doesn't post together as much as the one i was on in the begining. i think we should support each other more just my opinion. thanks kim
kelly good luck on the cookbook, i think most cookbooks only have 1 or 2 reciepes that we usually use lol
lisa hope dd feels better
dawn oh dawn where r u?

[KelleyG]

Kim - I hate the frustration that follows a slip up! Are you doing well today? Back with the meat/egg fast? How can we best support you - what would you like to see, since several of us never saw your former team and how you guys supported each other.

Lisa - How's DD this morning? That stomache flu has now gone through the whole family, except my parents-both had flu shots!

Dawn - how about you - any better? Take care of yourself.

Well, I got the cookbook: "Saving Dinner, the Low Carb Way" (she also has a non-lowcarb one too) by Leanne Ely. It has menus, recipes and shopping lists for 1 full year (divided by seasons and weeks). She says it's not for any one low-carb plan and I guess she took some heat for a couple ingredients. But she uses NO pre-packaged junk, all is easy to find and recognize and all recipes are from 0-10 carbs per meal. She has has easy to no-prep side dishes and then a suggestion to add for the non-low-carber in your life. The good thing about the book is it takes some guess work out and if you don't like pork chops you can substitue chicken breasts. OK - that was my cookbook commercial for the day - I also want the point for trying each new recipe

It's rainy and overcast here - think i'll do a little business work and then scrapbook the rest of the day Also going to boil some eggs and get back to meat/egg fast until Sunday, we are doing fahitas for Mom's da, no tortillas or chips for me. Took out my dress and will try it on to see where I am...drumroll please.....

I'll check back later!

[LFTS]

Kim, I'd love to see the group post more, too! How about it, gang? Tell us how you want to be supported, what works best for you. After all, that's *exactly* what this group is about, right? Let's make it better.

Kelley, who's the author of the cookbook? That sounds like a good one!

DD did stay home yesterday, and is doing much better today. I took her to the doc, and he did what I figured he would--he gave her a shot for the nausea, and it went away immediately. She's pretty much back on track today. I was worried for a little bit, since right now, there's several cases of salmonella floating around... and get this--Whooping Cough! Yikes!

I walked/jogged outside today. I'm discovering it's just a LOT easier to do it outside than on the treadmill, and darned if I can't figure out why, except that I automatically set my own pace if I'm not on a treadmill. It's so pretty out today--and so worth getting out first thing in the morning for some fresh air!

[KelleyG]

OK GALS - reality check coming:
Just 7 weeks to the half point mark!!! Where are you and where do you need to go to get to that 1/2 way mark? I choose to lose 90# this year and have lost 22# so far. Can you see the problem here? Need to hit -45# by June 30th, SOOOO need to lose another 23# in 7 weeks to get there!!! Just over 3# per week. Can it be done? yep, just need to stick to the plan with disapline and faith.
Ask yourself - where am I? Where to I want to be on June 30th? It'll be here quicker than we know!


Lisa: "Saving Dinner, the Low Carb Way" by Leanne Ely or you can go on-line to savingdinner.com.

[toofatfornow]

i think maybe if we each posted what we eat everyday that we can i know somedays it impossible, but it will give us all ideas. also it will help us be more accountable to ourselfs i know i don't usually post on weekends. but i could do a run down on monday or something like that. it would get us eating different stuff.lol i know week after week we usually have the same old things lol. thats how i got fat instead of changing things my portions got bigger and they r doing that again(rrrrrrrrr). just alittle rant sorry.weekends r my hardest cause we usually eat out as we r usually at an auction or fleamarket or out garage sailing. i need to be more committed. i can do this i just need to keep telling myself that. thanks for agreeing that we can do more as a team.
kelly how do u plan on losing 3#s a week tell us and we will try to keep u in check ok!!!
lisa share some good recipes with us
dawn oh dawn where r u????????? we miss u.

[KelleyG]

Kim - great ideas, kick us off with your menu for the day. Don't know if you saw a few days ago Dawn was just starting with that stomach flu, it took me a few days to feel human again.

How I will get to my 1/2 goal by June 30th...my focus will be meat/egg fast during the week and 20-25 carbs on weekend. Also water from 101 oz water, and working out 6 days per week plus the 2x evening workouts (Oprah's Boot Camp). I figure give it my all and shoot for the moon, worst case I'll land in the stars!

I tried on the dress and wow - so close to zipping the skirted part. Now for the looking great in it

[LFTS]

Wow... Let's see... I have probably 10-12 pounds to lose before the end of June. My goal for the year was 60. That doesn't sound like much, but I've been losing slow for months, so hopefully, I'll be right on target! Right now, my short goal is to get below 200. My end-of-June goal would be 189.

I plan to get there in much the same way as you, Kelley; except that instead of 20-25 carbs on the weekends, I'll have one day of induction level, one day of higher carbs & calories. Right now, I'm shooting for between 75 & 100 carbs, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 2500-3000 calories for that day. Considering I live most days in the 1500-1700 calorie range with about 7-8 carbs or less, it's really a challenge to get to that point! This cycling does seem to be shaking things up for me, so I'm going to stick with it for a while.

The downside is that reporting menus is gonna make for pretty boring reading from my angle, at least until the weekends. For instance, today: 1 egg, chicken breast, tuna, mayo, capers, cheese. (Yes, I include cheese on my meat/egg fast.)

I have a clothing goal, too... or I guess I should say *lack* of clothing goal. <heh!> We're headed for Panama City Beach in July for national tournament (softball) this year, and I plan on looking as hot as possible in as little clothing as I can get away with. Which may not be saying much when the day comes! I'm not exactly planning on strutting around in a thong (oh, please! someone shoot me if they see me do that!), but I'd like to look good in some island-type gauzy dresses or tops.

Kim, one of the things I do a LOT of is grill out. We practically live on the back porch in summertime; just about every meal gets cooked on the gas grill. So, when it comes to recipes, one may be coming to a grill near you.

[KelleyG]

<<The downside is that reporting menus is gonna make for pretty boring reading from my angle, at least until the weekends. For instance, today: 1 egg, chicken breast, tuna, mayo, capers, cheese. (Yes, I include cheese on my meat/egg fast.)>>

Lisa - ok sounds like what I ate - capers plus 1 tsp dill relish and 2 more eggs! I too eat a bit of cheese on the fast, helps with boredom and flavor/fat.

[KelleyG]

ok - just a quick stop by...
this am menu was:
2 HB Eggs
a touch of mayo
salt and pepper
green tea, hot
and 24 oz water!

Off to take DD to school, run some errands and Friday date afternoon (movie & lunch) with DH. I'll check back later today!

[LFTS]

Well, ladies, I'm out of here until about Sunday or so. DD's high school softball team is competing in state tournament this weekend, and it's a 5 hour drive. (I'm just really glad I'm not riding the bus! ACK! Nothing like mountain roads and school buses!)

It's a carb/calorie up day for me, and I started out the day with a slice of Beachgirl's Cheesecake. (If you love cheesecake and haven't tried this recipe, check the Recipe Room. It's *great*!) It would have been better if it had been fresh... it's been in the fridge since Monday. How's that for restraint? DH makes the *best* cheesecakes ever. I've since had some peanut butter and an Atkins Cafe Au Lait shake. I'm not much on the instant food, but bought some on clearance at Walmart for the trip today, just in case I'm somewhere that doesn't have LC foods.

Walking/jogging for the week is done. I feel like I've accomplished a lot this week in jogging; it's really putting my body through the works, and it feels great! I've also had a LOT of people encouraging me, which really helps.

Have a great weekend, ladies!

[toofatfornow]

just a quick hello
today all i had was chicken
we r going out to eat tonight so it will be crab legs and grilled meat
have a good weekend i won't be on til monday

[LV2BFUNY]

HELLO LADIES,

Well I'm starting to feel better.... DH and I had strep throat, a touch of broncitis (sp) and both ran fevers of around 104... for a week straight... we both have been out of work... Checkbook is going to be tight next week.. but at least we're feeling better... oh I'm up 3 lbs due to the Doc. putting us on the BRAT diet... to deal with the vomiting and the other end... then to top it all off....TOM made his visit.... sad I know... TMI...

Anyways I'll catch up with you all later.... must disinfect the house today so the kiddos don't catch it...

be back later......