Improvise

So Keith and I ran up to the store tonight to buy some fireworks and decided just to grab a freezer meal for dinner since it was getting quite late. We grabbed some orange chicken which I thought was a low fat meal but on further inspection (at home) realized I'd looked at the package wrong and that 1C of the prepared meal was 7 points. So deciding 7 points was a little high for dinner I grabbed a huge bag of frozen veggies and mixed it into the dinner to cut the points to 5. I can live with that.

week 1

Start weight 315
end of week 1 weight 309.8
5.2 weight loss.

weekly score 604.8

This week as far as the MOGO goes, was not too bad for me. Unfortunately I did not post a goal oriented good habit forming thing. . .so I missed out on an extra 60 points for that. . .My exercise is going good. . .my food is going good. . .I cant really stop talking shit (even to my own teammate!), so my communication is going good. I've really enjoyed my happy points. . .I miss playing my guitar. . .but hopefully that'll change soon. . . and my water is easy. . usually have it mostly done by 10 am.

My goal/ good habit thingy will be to get out into the field for atleast an hour or 2 to get to know my pumper runs better. . . .I've had a hard time to get out into the field lately, but that is my goal thingy. . .

Hope everyone is doing okay with thier game . . .and keep up the good work peeps.

Week 1

Heres my scores for the first week. Due to Cafe Rio's excellent chicken salad I might not make weigh-in next week. I have a feeling my butt just grew a foot and a half but we'll give it a shot.

Starting weight: 226.6
Ending weight: 224.2
Score: 605

Better late than never

Well here is my post a week late :( guess I dont get points for blogging on time this week..... My habit that I'm working on is to not yell at my kids (wish me luck haha). Starti ng weight for this round was 151.6. I will be posting again tomorrow :)

super late. . .for team chavez . . .

I am posting this to get everyone on the same page. I started this competition lower in weight than last GO. starting weight 315. im doing a fitness goal, where i am going to power lift weights atleast 3 times a week on top of my daily 30 mins of exercise. lifting weights generally doesn't promote weight loss .. . .especially while your gaining muscle , but im hopeful that with my diet and exercise i will lose some weight as well.

Progress

I stepped on the scale today and for the first time since the last game found i'd lost some weight. I love that feeling. Also, I love to look in the mirror and see that my clothes fit better, so awesome.
However, I found myself cooking eggplant for the first time in my life tonight and I don't know quite how I feel about it yet. There are ups and downs to everything in life but eggplant may just be one of those things I just can't handle. We shall see after dinner. Wish us luck that we don't die or turn purple.

better late than never..

My starting weight is 320.6

I'm up 4ish lbs from the last time we played.

Not as bad as I thought it would be.

My habit/goal whatever we are calling it now is for me to be in bed by 11. This will be a big change from 1 or 2 and will hopefully help me get up earlier and with more energy so I can get in my exercise.

Thats it. Sorry to my wife now for all of the lost points later.

Sucky

Starting weight: 226.6
Totally sucky that I've gained 6 lbs since last game but I'm going to try and make this game count. This cold is totally kicking my butt and i'm finding it hard to excercise and find motivation when I can't breathe and moving my head at all gives me a splitting headache but I'm hoping the better I get the better my score will get. Here's to hoping.

GO our way.

Starting weight - 275.4

Two perfect days so far. Not a whole lot to say tonight, except, BRING IT. Have a good week everyone. Night.

coo coo ca choo

Official weigh in 265.4, pretty lame considering thats up 15 lbs since the last game ended and damn near 30 from my super lowest.

Looking forward to getting some results.

My habit is going to be getting up earlier. I need to work on getting my ass outta bed a little more than 19 minutes before I have to be at work.

Pretty encouraging to start off the week with a 1.8 lb loss in the first day. But not really saying much for my food choices leading up to the start of the game.

Not a lot to say, freaking tired.

-adam

Mo' GO! -rules

Alright boys and girls.

Gonna try out a modified version of GO! Probably won't get the same drastic results as we did out of the first few games, but I feel like doing something is a little better than nothing. So, here are the rules as of now, we have until Friday June 18th (after work) to revise and revamp any rules.

All suggestions will be considered and voted on. Everything here should just be considered a starting point. But remember, if we go too easy on ourselves then there is really no point.

Goals: you can set any goal you like for any reason you like. Try to make it a very black or white subject. Don't leave any wiggle room for not accomplishing.

Food: WW pts dictate what you can and cannot eat. Everyone is pretty well versed in the art of WW dining. So if you want to drink 30 Diet Cokes and a 12 pack of Coors light, with a 20 piece nugget on the side then GO! for it, as long as you've got the points. The only way to get your GO! food points is to track daily and accurately. This is a big one. It's super hard to get into the habit, and pretty damn hard to maintain, but it's the only way. No track no points.

Exercise: Going to step this one up a bit, thirty minutes daily. Once you've committed to actually getting off the couch (or outta bed) then adding ten extra minutes of exercise shouldn't really be too much harder. And I think the added benefit of 30% more calorie burn won't hurt anybody's feelings.

Water: 3 liters daily. Diet soda and other beverages to not count as water, but they don't cost any GO! points either.

Sleep: No rule governing sleep. Of course you're going to want to get at least 7 hours, but sometimes kids puke all over themselves or you finally get a chance to wind down only to look at the clock and realize you NEED to be asleep in 12 minutes or you lose points. So, try your best to get your seven hours but don't stress over it.

Happy points: I would like to introduce a new one here. Try to spend at least 15 minutes per day doing something that makes YOU happy. There are a lot of times that an entire day can go by without ever taking time for YOURSELF (this one is for everyone, but the Mom's especially) Happy points are 15 per day. This is subjective and need not be named in advance, as the same activity might not be done daily. Just include it on your food tracker.

Communication: Commenting on blogs, Txt messages and BlackBerry chat all counts as well as phone and face to face. I believe the intent of this rule is to keep people engaged. So, engage.

Blogging: Blogs must be done weekly, before midnight on Saturdays. I would also like to see a pic posted on initial blog post and one posted on ending post. I found that comparing some pics of yourself is one of the most motivating things ever. It is hard to see the changes from day to day, but amazing from week to week.

Weigh-Ins: Weigh in on Fridays and post weights and weekly recap before midnight on Saturday (as mentioned in blogging rule). Try to use the same scale every time and if possible record to the tenth of a pound.

Weight loss/Fitness Goal bonus: 1% Weekly adds 20% to your score, as does completion of any Fitness Goal. Fitness Goals should be just as hard as losing 1% as far as effort goes. So, if thats the route you're taking, make it legit.

Prize: Winner will get a night of babysitting from the team with the lowest score. Scores from each week will be added up and the highest total wins.

Teams: We're gonna rock teams of two. Teams to be established by drawing names from a hat (or gladware...whatever)

Scoring: I will make a modified score sheet in excel and send it to everyone, once all the details are totally hammered out.


Comment on this post for rule mods as this will be the best way to keep the discussion all on the same page for everyone.

Lets have a good time with this one, this is a GAME with some really cool benefits. Lets keep it light and fun, and shit talking is always encouraged.

I'm Ready to Kick Your Butts

I have gone up a bit since our last game. My starting weight for this game 188.7.



My new good goal- I am going to read something I enjoy not work stuff or crochet for 20 minutes everyday.



My bad habit I am going to change- I will pick out what I am going to wear the night before. I have a habit of wearing the same 4 shirts every week. I have a closet full of clothes that I never wear. I will not wear the same shirt to work in a two week period.

This first week will be rough we are headed to Mead for a long weekend. Wish me luck.

Vanessa - The Dream Team Week #6

Starting weight - 148.6
Ending weight - 145.6
Difference -3
Goal - 145

Points - 850

I started my first round of Game On! November 12, 2009 and weighed in at 169.8. I have lost 24.2lbs in 5 mos.

On July 8, 2008 I weighed 233lbs. I have lost 87.4 lbs since the day I had Wilson.

I am proud to have played this game with all you wonderful folks.

I am so thankful for the bad habits I have changed and the good habits I have started. To this day, I take 3 minutes every morning and balance my accounts (for work) in Quickbooks. That alone was worth every minute of the game.

I am thankful for the good habits I have passed along to my kids. They have expressed an interest in exercise and making healthier food choices. Oh how I hope & pray they can get and stay on the right track at the ages they are now. Instead of having to relearn everything at my age like I did.

I look back and I am amazed at the progress I have made since November. Sure, there were some hard days. Some days just plain SUCKED! But I remember the good days, the increased energy, my first pair of size 6 jeans more.

I don't feel sorry or picked on for having held myself to this plan. I feel blessed. I feel like I know a secret I wish I could tell the whole world!

I came across this quote today on Kirk Weisler's T4D (Thought for the Day)

“Few people will turn to themselves to take responsibility for their results until they have exhausted all opportunities to blame someone else. ~ Larry Winget

If you don't get his daily T4D already, you should really consider signing up. It is fabulous! He's the Dog Poop Initiative author.

http://www.kirkweisler.com/t4d/

p.s. I think I answered my questions from last week in this post.
What benefits do I get from GO!
What benefits does my family get from GO!
Is the energy and time I channel to GO! better spent elsewhere?
Have I improved my overall health & well-being since beginning GO!?

Final Week

Final weight 186.5 lbs I started at 200 lb I lost 13.5 lbs in six weeks, I am so happy.

I lost 1 lb.
710 points

Not my best week. I only lost 1lb so I did not get my bonus points. I exercised more this week and lost less weight go figure. I have really enjoyed the past 6 weeks and I hope we play again.

And...we...are...done...

Starting weight: 199.0 pounds
Ending weight: 194.8 pounds
Difference: -4.2 pounds
Total weight lost since beginning GO!: -36.8 pounds
Goal: 175-180 pounds
Points: 766

The Dream Team: Ben - 760, Geoff - 766, Toni - 710, Vanessa - 850.
Weekly Team Average: 771.5
Overall Team Average: 780.4

As happy as I am to play GO! and see the amazing results I'm getting, I'm happy to have this round of the game finished. I plan to continue working out and following WW, but am also looking forward to not living under the stress of trying to get to bed by a certain time or remembering to spend 20 minutes writing about my day. I'm also looking forward to consuming a tall, cold adult beverage without taking a 25-point penalty.

Now....what do I want to eat for lunch today?

Ben's last and 6th week

Ben's weight last week 177
this week 174

3 lbs

18 total in 6 weeks

Thanks you guys

Draggin cans...

Just wanted to post real quick  & thank everyone for their support and knowledge.
I enjoyed meeting you all the other day and appreciate the recipes!
The pizza, & cheesecakes were so yummy!!!

I just got done bringing our two garbage cans back to the house, we have to take them to the end of our lane, its not too far but it has an incline.
I was thinking as I was dragging them about a few months ago about (19lbs ago) when I had to stop twice dragging empty cans back, I was so disgusted with my outta shape self I wanted to cry!

Well today I marched right up the lane, grabbed onto those cans, one handle in each hand,
drug them back & didn't stop once.
I hardly even noticed any effort being put out.
I am amazed at what a little weightloss and effort can do for you.
So Thanks guys and I hope that long after this round is over, we keep on going, trying to be better,
have more energy and be able to do simple everyday tasks without being totally winded!
~Christie~

P.S.  I saw some cute girlies in the newspaper!
Good job girls....
This Mom of children that go to ConAmore,
Thanks you for your efforts!

Mental Tips for Losing Weight

I love Livestrong.com

Weight loss can be a difficult task, especially if you don't really believe you can accomplish it. Although much of the weight-loss battle is physical, mental choices play a big role. In fact, a study by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology, in Australia, reported that your self-belief level can influence exercise and healthy eating choices. Several mental tips can be used every day to help your weight-loss process run more smoothly.

Don't Be Afraid to Say No

Remind yourself it is OK to say no when offered food. No matter who is offering--your mother, your best friend or even your boss--it is fine to decline. Because the offering of food, such as baked goods, sometimes is given as a token of love or affection, saying no can be difficult. If you are afraid of offending, the Fitness magazine website recommends accepting the food but disposing of it at home. Or, if offered a second helping, accept it, but chose seconds of vegetables or fruit instead of the main course.

Positive Self-Talk

According to the Cognitive Therapy Associates website, restructuring negative thoughts can have a positive effect on weight loss. Be respectful of yourself, avoiding critical behavior and thoughts. Talk to yourself with dignity, ignoring the negative internal dialogue that can lead to weight-loss discouragement. Instead, replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts.

It's OK to Waste It

Don't feel guilty about not eating everything on your plate. Although most children are brought up learning not to waste food, Fitness magazine says it is better to dump extra food into the trash instead of into your body. If throwing food away is not economical for you, reduce recipes so appropriate portions can be served.

Reduce Mental Stress

Reducing stress improves mental function and also helps reduce the craving for food. Reduce stress by reading, meditating, yoga, doing deep-breathing exercises or playing with children. Whatever the activity, Cognitive Therapy Associates says it should be so enjoyable that you are likely to repeat it. Because overeating sometimes is a coping mechanism for stress, reducing it can be effective against weight loss.

Activities Can Be Fun Without Food

Although many activities often are coupled with food, a movie can be just as entertaining without popcorn. "When you combine a certain pastime over and over with eating, you eventually stop listening to hunger or fullness cues and just eat on autopilot whenever you engage in that activity," says Tara Gidus of the American Dietetic Association. Change this behavior by altering your routine. If you usually snack in front of the TV at night, read a book on the porch for a change of scenery. Instead of meeting friends for dinner, arrange a walk or a game of softball. Think about how much cash can be saved if you skip the concession stand at the movie theater.

Shrimply Delicious Lunch

1 can medium deveined shrimp, drained
1 wedge The Laughing Cow cheese
5 Zesta saltine crackers
mustard
salt & pepper

Drain shrimp. Divide cheese and spread on 5 crackers, add a little mustard. Add shrimp. Salt & pepper.

4 points

No-Bake WW Cheesecake

No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:
- 8 oz Cool Whip Free
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- 9 inch reduced fat Graham Cracker Crust
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions:
In a large bowl, whip cream cheese, lemon and sugar for a few minutes until fluffy. Add Cool Whip and whip until smooth. Spoon mixture into pie crust and chill for a few hours, until firm. Cut into 8 equal slices. Or serve just the cheesecake as a mousse, without the pie crust, for only a 4 Point Total!

Entire Recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size = 1 slice
Each serving = 6 Point Total

Fruit pizza

1 tube Sugar Cookie dough (you can probably skim some points off this my making a ww recipe or finding a sugar/fat free tube)

1 small container Marshmallow cream

1 small block Fat-Free cream cheese

Variety of any fresh fruit you like; raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and kiwi all work well.

One container fruit glaze ( I use strawberry)

Splash of lem0n juice (Optional)

Roll cookie dough out on baking sheet and bake according to package directions until light golden brown. Allow to cool.
Mix cream cheese with marshmallow cream and spoon onto cookie crust.
Top with fruit and drizzle with glaze. Allow to chill before serving.
Servings: 30
Points per serving: 3
(You can combine the lemon juice with the glaze to help preserve the fruit)

Its the thrill of the fight.

Starting weight: 247.8
Week 5 ending weight 245.6
Difference: -2.2
Week score: 426
Initial GO! starting weight: 260
GO!al weight: 205- in fighting trim...

Team Tons o' fun weekly avg: 533

What witty BS reason can I come up with this week for my craptastic score? hmm. Work stress? nope. If I'd been GO!ing like I should have, I would have been solidly in my routine and none of it would have bugged me. Family? nope. My family rules, there were several times this week that Gracie was begging to go for a walk after dinner that got shut down because we just didn't want to stress about trying to get dinner/bathtime/bedtime done out of scheduled order...pfff. Pretty pathetic attempt at rationalizing.

I have actually been going back and forth a whole bunch on the game, and I gotta tell ya, I'm happy to see the end approaching. I have been getting wicked feelings of resentment toward the game because I find myself wanting to just chill out and relax and just live without self imposed rules all the time... but then the smart guy voice in my head pipes up and reminds me that this way of thinking is exactly why I am in the fat ass boat that I'm in.

Then I get all guiltified and start humming "Eye of the Tiger" and want to go run thirty miles to make up for my piss poor decisions all week long. Then for the coup de grace, after all the bogus food choices, the half hearted attempts at exercise and the attitude towards the game...I go ahead and lose 2.2 lbs. Now, thats not enough for a bonus as that would have just been a complete insult to my whole way of thinking... but still. I was only .2 lbs away from it. All I can attribute that to is possibly some kind of metabolism shock because if this was any sort off effective diet, I would have looked like a hungry Haitian refugee a looong time ago.

So, not really sure how this week in gonna go. Been so..so.. already, but we'll see. I want to end it on a high note and days off are a pretty good time for me as far as workouts go...so...

Duh, duh duh duh, duh duh duh, duh duh duuuuuuuuuuh.

BoOM!

.adam.

oh, sorry bout the late bloggin' I was waitin' on a score, and fell asleep before I recieved word.

Start of Final Week.

Previous weight - 265.8
Current weight - 268.0
Difference +2.2
GO! Score - 510


Fab Four week 3 score - 596.7


Nothing to say about this week. Not really in a great place as far as GO goes. 

Vanessa - The Dream Team Week #5

Starting weight - 149.2
Ending weight - 148.6
Difference -0.6
Goal - 145

Points - 850

What a battle I am having with the scale, balancing points, exercise and finding the 'happy medium' to maintain for life. I am learning that I will have to be very structured for life. And I guess I just haven't come to terms with that yet. I almost feel as if I am starting from scratch.

I feel rather introspective today. I guess it's because this round of GO! is nearing an end. Some of the questions I have been asking myself:

What benefits do I get from GO!
What benefits does my family get from GO!
Is the energy and time I channel to GO! better spent elsewhere?
Have I improved my overall health & well-being since beginning GO!?

Me. Me. Me. I know. But that is what I have control over, me. How I act, react and respond to situations and occurrences in my life.

I want to thank my team for being such awesome players. You guys ROCK!

GO! V

Week 5 end - Week 6 plan

634 Points

4lbs lost

I've lost 30lbs since we started.

I feel like I would be closer to my 40lb goal if I were more diligent with my exercise. I am going to try really hard to motivate myself for this week. If I can have another 10lb loss week I will be pretty damn happy.

End of week 5 ~Christie~

Well I have mixed feelings this week
Ive had a wonderfully busy one, had quite a few parties, & temptations.
I survived a "girls-overnighter" and felt like I made some really good choices, then came home  and had a Birthday Party for Dallin, again making smarter choices for myself.  Thin crust "delite" veggie pizza from Papa Murphys and a small piece of cake!

My score kind of sucks this week 580!
However my weight wasn't bad    164.4
Last weeks weight                        165.6
Loss                                            -1.2
Not enough for my bonus but glad to still be down after an indulgent week, even including a margarita!
I must say it was probably the best margarita Ive had in forever!!
Cant stop thinking about it, yummmmmmmm

I am determined this week to be as close to perfect as I can, I will do my best cuz I deserve it!

End of Week 5 ~ Kirby

Previous weight ~ 142.4
Current weight ~ 142
Difference ~ -.4
Points ~ 700

I would have had a perfect week if I would have stayed home Saturday night, the peer pressure got to me lol. I'm sorry TT that I let you down, we are on to our final week so lets make it a good one!

5th Week

Last week 189.5
This week 187.5

Points 850 I have lost 12.5 lbs this is so great.

I have had another perfect week. I thought I had messed it up by not working on my good habit one day, but then during the night I remember I had not had a day off, so I could us that to cover my mistake. I am really into this game and I hope we continue playing. I will pick a harder goal next time, so I can push myself a little more. I can not wait to meet all of you on Sunday.

Ben's Weak 5th Week

Week 4 181 pounds

only 718 pts

weight Week 5 177 pounds

4 lbs lost

5 lbs left to go to make 20 lbs

Trust issues

Starting weight: 200.0 pounds
Ending weight: 199.0 pounds
Difference: -1.0 pounds
Total weight since beginning GO!: -32.6 pounds
Goal: 160 pounds*
Points: 710

The Dream Team: Ben - 718, Geoff - 710, Toni - 850, Vanessa - 850.
Weekly Team Average: 782
Overall Team Average: 782.2

* I'm reevaluating my goal weight because it seems unrealistic — some have told me I'd look skeletal at 160 pounds. I'm going to get to 180 pounds and take it from there.

The good news: I'm under 200 pounds for the first time in more than five years. The bad news: I only lost 1 pound this past week, which is a head-scratcher because I didn't do anything different. Maybe I'm plateauing and need to change things up a bit or maybe I'm using a messed up scale.

Two weeks ago I weighed in at 202 pounds, last week at 200 and this week at 199. No tenths of a pound, just even weights, which seems odd and has therefore inspired trust issues in the scale I'm using. Funny how that happens. Oh well, I won't have to worry about it anymore after this week because I'll be weighing in on my own scale in my own bathroom in my own home.

So, my apologies to my teammates for failing to get my weight bonus. Guess I'll just have to GO! harder this week.

Meeting & Greeting

Now that we are nearly done with our GO! round, I was hoping to organize a meet and greet. Let's face it, if we don't do it this next week we never will.

I for one, would love to get a chance to meet with all of you and visit face to face.

I am proposing Friday night at the park. Which park, is up for suggestion. Geoff will be home from SLC (for good!!!!) by about 7 p.m.

We can let the kiddies play and have a picnic dinner and we can drink our water and chat. Fun right?

Please leave a comment here and give a yay or nay...

Start of week 5 - Stacy

Previous weight - 264.2
Current weight - 265.8
Difference +1.6
GO! Score - 500


Fab Four week 3 score - 714.3


Don't have a lot to say about this week, except that I REALLY enjoyed myself. Too much. Anyway, I plan on doing much better this week. So have a GOod week. GO!

FAT and HAPPY!

FAt and happy pretty much sums up my week. . . .


This week was a complete wash. I started off my week with awesome news of a Promotion at newfield (this meaning that I took my wife out to a celabration dinner!). Friday being about the only day of my week of total focus with diet and excercise. Saturday I was planning on having a day off with a family easter extravaganza at the inlaws ~SCREECH!~ Boy I was wrong! My pregnant crazy wife decided to completely bypass easter extravaganza weekend all together with the birth of my beautiful daughter Ava Grace. . . My diet went out the door from there. . .

Now I know that having a promotion, and a baby is NO reason to completly bag out on my team, and eat whatever I want with no excercise and no regret. It is from complete lack of motivation, and laziness in my part that I have not met my weight loss bonus, but in fact have gained 8.4 pounds this week (McDonald's happens to be on the way from the hospital to my house, and I was too lazy and love struck to care about this compitition, and needed to feed my gut in real quick hurry) . . . . . But. . .It is, what it is (right Gordo?) It's a reason, not an excuse.

I'm going back to work on Saturday, and having a regular schedule, with regular food options will definitly keep me GOing in this compitition. . . I still wanna do right by my team, and I still wanna lose weight and be healthier. So be prepared for a better score from me next week. . . .Because I now have ONE more reason to get healthier, and live longer. . . . .



Last week 323

This week 331.4

Week 4- Adam

Sooo. yeah.

Starting weight: 239.7
Week 4 ending weight 247.8
Difference: +8.1
Week score: 500
Initial GO! starting weight: 260
GO!al weight: 205- in fighting trim...

Team Tons o' fun weekly avg: 550

EIGHT POUNDS UP?!?!? Good hell. It is amazing I wasn't the 1000lb man before this quest started. I couldn't have tried less this week. I started strong on the first day and fell flat shortly thereafter. My workout buddy was busy... My house was full of Easter candy...I was totally ready for a choco-peanut-butter bender. Couple that with some devil-may-care food choices for birthday dinner(s) and a super kickface carrot cake that just showed up one night.

Now, the eight pounds is actually kind of a relief, thats actually down from where I peaked... at one point this week I was actually up around 15lbs (I know! WTF?!?) But, I'm back on the wagon and ready to give it the ol' college try...wait, I dropped out of college. uh. hmmm.

GOtta try harder this week.

Get sOme!

.adam.

pffff. weak 4. weak.

Team Tons of Fun really stomped it this week. A team average of 550 is pretty damn weak. None of us had excuses, although we all had reasons. Nothing more to add. It is what it is. Good job TDT, you guys suck.

Alicia week 4

Start: 220.0
End: 221.2

Score: 670

P.S.

I forgot that I was also going to share what happened last Saturday Morning....

Hubby made big, white, fluffy pancakes for breakfast.  (My FAVORITE)
Of course we have REAL butter and homeade jam to top them off,
Upon making my kids one, Hubby said to me "oh I forgot, your probably can't have these!"
I said "NO I can, but I am choosing NOT too."
Wow I totally surprised myself!

Whatever changes have happened in my mind,
Please Lord let them be permanent..... =)

End of week 4 ~Christie~

I am happy to report that I am back on track, after last weeks disappointment I just couldn't bear to feel so yucky again.
I made it through Easter without a single Reese pb egg, I did however have one of my Grandma's cupcakes but still managed to stay within my pts!

This weeks score 823!!

Last weeks weight  168.4
this weeks weight    165.6
Total loss -2.8
Yesterday I was 164.6
idk what happened but Im still happy !!!
I cannot wait to be in the 150's, it has been YEARS and YEARS since I have been!

I am going on an overnight girls trip tomorrow and I was planning to "take a couple of days off!"
but after realizing you can totally gain everything that takes a week to lose in a single day,
I am rethinking my decision!
I am going to make better choices, I have been doing some research and I know the places my friends will want to go so I am planning ahead and finding the best option beforehand so that I won't be pressured into making a bad choice.
Im not saying I wont enjoy myself but I know that if I choose Marinara over Alfredo, skip the bread,
eat the corn tortillas vs the flour ones, I will be doing myself a favor!!

Again, I want to Thank Vanessa from the bottom of my heart for inviting me along on this journey.
Her and Kirby have been an awesome form of support and information!!
I love you guys and am forever grateful!

Let's GO Triple Threat!!!!

Baaaaad week.

560 pts

0 points lost

but 0 points gained

so yay?

End week 4 ~ Kirby

Previous weight~ 142.6
Current weight~ 142.4
Difference~ -.2
Points~ 820

I am totally surprised that Im under last weeks weight even if its only .2 lol. I had meal off and day off and I went hog wild. I also had to say goodbye to all of my flex poiunts this week. I am very hopeful that I met the 130's next week, 139.8 would be awesome, so I am setting that as a bit of a side goal for myself! Keep up the good work!

Inching closer

Starting weight: 202.0 pounds
Ending weight: 200.0 pounds
Difference: -2.0 pounds
Total weight since beginning GO!: -31.6 pounds
Goal: 160 pounds
Points: 838

The Dream Team: Ben - 784, Geoff - 838, Toni - 850, Vanessa - 850.
Weekly Team Average: 830.5
Overall Team Average: 782.25

So I ate my weight in Reese's eggs Sunday and had two pieces of Kirby's awesome carrot cake, which made for a sweet day off. But it also made for a sour stomach all day Monday. I'm sure my body has gotten used to the daily routine of the rather tame foods that I eat and all that sugar threw things off balance. I thought about this the other day when Christie asked on the BlackBerry chat if any of us just eat the same things every day. For the most part, I do.

In the past the idea of a food plan that limited my choices would have turned me off. It's not that I don't vary what I eat from day to day and I'm not saying WW limits what you can eat. But for sheer ease, I have staples that I rotate through my meal plan — Fiber One bars, Nutrigrain bars, light Babybel cheese, Western Alternative bagels, light Progresso soup and even Subway sandwiches without the cheese. I have to admit thought that I'm looking forward to moving back to Roosevelt so I can be home for dinner each night. I've been living on SmartOnes frozen dinners since beginning GO! and can't wait to get some of Vanessa's home cooking each night.

One thing that happened this week that I'm particularly proud of is the restraint I showed Tuesday night during the dinner at Little America. I knew I wouldn't be able to point my meal and had no idea what was on the menu. I ate small meals throughout the day to conserve my points and arrived at dinner with 20 points to spare. I said no to the open bar, the bread basket, the Hollandaise-drenched halibut, the mashed potatoes and the key lime tart with Grand Marnier sauce. Sure I wanted to eat all of those things, but I felt so much better with my choice after I left the meal than I would have. Plus, the coworkers I was seated with mentioned that I was looking slimmer and asked what I was doing to lose weight. Of course, I told them because I feel obligated to share the "secret" of my success.

This coming week I expect to drop below the 200-pound mark for the first time in over five years. For some reason I feel like getting to even 199.99 pounds will be like getting over one of the hurdles that stands in the way of reaching my ideal weight of 160 pounds. Guess all I've got to do is continue to GO!

4th Week

Yippy another great week:

Last weeks weight 191.5
This week 189.5, yes I am below 190 I am so happy

Points 850, this is the first week I took a day off and a meal off, it felt like I was cheating. I am so excited with my weight loss and plan to keep going strong. I am doing the Life Project for my good goal and my book is looking good. I am really enjoying taking pictures every day and I am learning to appreciate the simply things of everyday life.

Thanks everyone.

Ben's weekl four

start weight week3 184

lost 3 more pounds to 181

points 784

Vanessa - The Dream Team
Week #4

Starting weight - 146
Ending weight - 149.2
Difference -3.2+
Goal - 145

Points - 850

I am broken. I know this, otherwise I wouldn't have had 90lbs to lose to begin with.

I started this week with an experiment:
1. Weigh on Thursday morning last week and then don't weigh again until Wednesday this week. I am trying to stop basing the foundation of my day on those digital numbers that stare up at me every morning.
I did fine with this part of the experiment.
2. Eat what sounds good & feels right, within reason and then point at the end of the day.
The point I am at now is maintenance. Will I have to be super strict and point every morsel I ingest for the rest of my life? I hope not. I hope I can get to a place where I am no longer broken. A place where I listen to my body and the subtle signs and signals and feed it was it needs to thrive and be healthy. As with weight loss, maintenance has its own set of ups and downs. Obviously, this week was an 'up', but not in a good way. Factor in birthday dinner at Don Pedro's and Easter/birthday dinner on Sunday and I guess I was bound to be up.
I was surprised to see though, that pointing at the end of the day I was only about 5 points above my daily allowance. Points that easily fit into my flex point allowance. So maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe I am not totally broken. I have hope. I took a journey and learned how to lose weight and be healthy. So now I embark on a new journey.
I hope one day to eat like Jackson. That kid knows exactly how much and what kind of fuel his body needs. When his tank is full, he stops. I wonder if he would tell me his secret?

just for fun!

I loved this....

so funny & true

Oriental Stir Fry

1/2 pound chicken breast, cut in 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup water
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snow peas
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup water chestnuts
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
2 T. lemon juice
4 T. white wine
2 tsp thyme
1 tsp. nutmeg
black pepper, freshly ground
1. Heat large, non-stick skillet over high heat. Mix together lemon juice, wine and spices in bowl. Set aside.
2. Add chicken, stirring frequently until chicken is browned on all sides.
3. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to boil.
4. Stir in broccoli, cooking 1 minute.
5. Stir in snow peas, mushrooms and water chestnuts, cooking 2 minutes.
6. Stir in wine mixture and continue cooking 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve over rice.
For variety, try Thai Stir Fry. Use shredded cabbage, onion, celery, and carrots for vegetable mixture, adding all at once. In place of wine and spice mixture use 1/8 cup lemon juice, 1/8 cup lime juice, 1/2 tsp. grated ginger, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 T. chopped parsley.
Can also try Szechwan Stir Fry. In place of wine and spice mixture, use 4 T. white wine, 2 T. rice vinegar, 1 T. grated fresh ginger, 3 cloves minced ginger and 1/2-1 tsp. cayenne pepper. This is great with lean beef.

jack rabbit rasses: pizza

jack rabbit rasses: pizza

really? really?! REALLY!?!?

So, with my birthday coming up I had to renew my drivers license. While digging through the various "safe places" looking for all the documents now required for this task I discovered a nice little treasure,the drivers license that was issued in August of 2005.

The oldest of the three pics below is one of the very few in existence of me at my heaviest, tipping the scales at just over four hundred pounds. FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS!

The second picture was taken just over 4 years and one hundred thirty pounds later. **

The last pic was taken about three weeks ago, six months later and twenty pounds lighter than the previous.***

Looking at these pictures all together makes me realize how far I've come on this journey to a healthier me. I am so grateful for the supportive group of people I have in my life, as there is no way I would have gotten this far without them. Its also a motivator in that I can see how drastic changes bring about drastic results.

This week has been pathetic as far as GO! scores go, but I don't feel bad, nor am I going to try to justify it. It is what it is.

*scope the ears in the pics...the first one, I barely have ears at all!

**the pics are out of chronological order. The formatting is jacked and I don't feel like going back and figuring it out. The order is, 3nd, 2nd, 1st.

Momentum

I don't know if it's the colds we all have, the non-stop pace this weekend or just the way of the game but I'm in a real funk this week for some reason. I went to the fights last night and for some reason didn't even pause when confronted with the snacks and swearing. I ate a bite of pizza, half a serving of nacho's with chili and a handful of skittles. Not only that but I had 6 nuggets on the way home. Add to that the continuous streams of swear words that came out of my mouth all night and I was very grateful for free days. I noticed today though it's alot harder to get back on track and I'm really struggling. I feel stuck in a pit I can't seem to claw my way out of. I made myself jog today but didn't even manage to do as well as I have done in the past. Also I gained a pound. Not so happy at the moment. The only thing that's keeping me going is the fact that my stomach shrunk enough that I didn't eat the whole pizza PLUS all the nachos PLUS a big mac on the way home. Believe it or not, there was a time when I would have done it with not a blink of an eye.

Jogging

So i've actually done something I haven't done since my freshman year in high school: jogged. I got on the tredmill the other day and halfway through my work-out thought to myself "this just isn't uping my heartrate like I was hoping" so I kicked up the speed and started a light jog. However, my legs kill. Long before my lungs give out, my calves and shins hurt so bad I could cry. I've only managed 6 minutes before I have to pull my speed back just to keep from limping. For those who jog, is that normal? What are some tips to help me progress from 6 minutes to a full workout run?

My Best Week

End of week three
191.5 lbs
850 points

I had a perfect week even while traveling for work. I left for St George on Monday and I should be home tomorrow. It is hard to make the right choices while eating out. I am getting better at it and plan on sticking to it. I love the exercise machines in the hotel they are a lot nicer than mine. I have lost 8.5 lbs so far that is amazing. I am enjoying this game and the great support I am getting. You guys are a lot of fun. Thanks for letting us play.

Week 3 Done...Ready for four.

Starting weight: 242.8
Week 3 ending weight 239.7
Difference: -3.1
Week 3 score: 732
Initial GO! starting weight: 260
Total GO! loss: 20.3
GO!al weight: 205- in fighting trim...

Team Tons o' fun weekly avg: 727.5

Holy crap... this was a good week.

I have felt like dog-piss jones all week and still managed to get GOOD workouts in all but 2 days. My team is kicking face. I am proud to be kickin' it with them. I only have 39 lbs to lose 'til goal. Sounds like a lot to the average person, but for me... not so much. Considering I've already shed nearly a hundred in the last 2 years, and damn near 200 in the last 5. Its definitely a process.

I am wicked happy to see spring rollin' in. My new bike is a blast to ride and I'm excited to get some family rides in.

Everybody is doing awesome. Let's see how this holiday weekend rolls. At least peanut butter is high in protein...


Get sOme!
.adam.

Week 4 - Stacy

Previous weight - 263.6
Current weight - 264.2
Difference +0.6
GO! Score - 675


Fab Four week 3 score - 668.3


Half way done! Bobbi sent me a message today saying she's resigning from the game. She's got some personal issues she's dealing with right now. We'll miss her on our team, she's an awesome lady. I'm so frustrated that I keep gaining! I stay within my points everyday and get my exercise in and it's not working. I have been having problems with my ankle, maybe that has something to do with it? Going to see the Hoof Dr. on Monday. Anyway, that's all I've got for now. Congrats to the In Your Dreams Team. Why don't you guys have some Reese's Eggs to celebrate your win. GO!

Week #3 - Vanessa

Vanessa - The Dream Team
Week #3

Starting weight - 146.4
Ending weight - 146
Difference -.4
Goal - 145

Points - 850

What a difference a week and routine makes. Had a rough start being so sick. By Monday I was starting to get better. Even though I was sick I continued light stretching for 20 minutes a day, per book.

I am sore now, can't believe I lost ground so quickly. It is amazing how fast you lose muscle and flexibility. I haven't tried running yet. Hopefully, by next week.

Happy birthday to me on Saturday. I will be 29 (again) :)

Thanks to everyone for your support. I love this game! GO! V

End Week #3 ~Kirby

Previous weight~ 144.6
Current weight ~ 142.6
Difference~ -2
Points ~ 710

To bad for me that I have a fitness goal set because I made weight bonus. We are half way finished with this round, keep up the good work everyone!

end of week three!!

not such a great week this week...
I am disappointed in myself,
I promise to do better next,

My score 620,
last weeks weight 166.4
this weeks            168.4
gain of 2 lbs, *sigh


Hang tough everyone,
HUGS,
Christie =)

Week3 Tally

778 pts

lost 12lbs this week

Feeling great.

Week 3

Week 3 weight: 220.0
Last week: 222.8

Score: 776

This is not as easy as it seems.

Starting weight: 204.5 pounds
Ending weight: 202 pounds
Difference: -2.5 pounds
Total weight since beginning GO!: -29.6 pounds
Goal: 160 pounds
Points: 850

The Dream Team: Ben - 820, Geoff - 850, Toni - 850, Vanessa - 850.
Weekly Team Average: 842.5
Overall Team Average: 766.17

Perfection. Finally.

This is not as easy as it looks. There were days when I didn't want to exercise, but I did it anyway. There were days when I wanted to blow off my WW points and eat whatever sounded good. But I stuck to the plan and lost the weight I wanted to lose.

I've discovered that I like having the game end on Wednesdays because it gives me a few days to overcome my meal-off/day-off insanity. Hopefully that will work out again after celebrating Vanessa's 29th birthday (Sans alcohol because I've lost that privilege.) and Easter (Mmmmmm... Reese's peanut butter eggs.) this weekend.

Regardless, I'm back in the groove and GO!ing strong.

Ben's third week

start weight 192
week 1 189
week 2 187
week 3 184
lost three pounds for the week

Points 820
I have got to get better to make goal at the end of six, wish me luck Easter weekend
and thank Toni for helping me with the WW crap

Still Hungry, craving food like when I quit smoking. You have to have lots of willpower to do this, I admire all you all thanks for you support

PS. for Adam ...... donuts twice this week at shop, I only smelled them

Good week besides the score. . . .

This week has actually been a good week. I have been more regular going to the gym, eating right (except on my day off! Pizza shouldn't be an option, even on your day off!), drinking my water, and slacking some on my good and bad habits, and some sleep.

Last weeks weight 323.0

This weeks weight 323.0

No bonus

This weeks score 635


I apologize to my team for the low score.

On the good side of it . . .I feel better! I'm able to run longer at a faster pace. My back pain is slowly drifting away. . . So good for me, and bad for the team with the low weekly score. Better luck next week.

Toni Week #3

Toni's week

lost 2 lbs

850 points even while traveling

microwaves in motel rooms

Greek Penne and Chicken

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta (use whole wheat)
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (substitute olive oil)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
In a large pot with boiling salted water cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat melt butter, add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add chopped chicken and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium- low. Drain and chop artichoke hearts and add them, chopped tomato, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, dried oregano, and drained penne pasta to the large skillet. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve warm.

(Nutritional Info will be different with your healthy substitutions!)
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 685 | Total Fat: 13.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg

Nutritional Information
Greek Penne and Chicken
Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 685

Total Fat: 13.2g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 826mg
Total Carbs: 96.2g
Dietary Fiber: 7.1g
Protein: 47g

Best Ever Steak Marinade

NOT KIDDING!

TRY IT - YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup worchestershire sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder

3 Tablespoons dried basil (didn't have just basil, I used Italian seasoning)

1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes (didn't have it, used marjoram)

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)

1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional)

Blend in a blender for 30 seconds. Marinade in the fridge for up to 8 hours.

Garlic Lime Chicken

1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon salt
8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Combine ingredients and allow chicken to marinate overnight. Discard marinade. In a skillet, brown chicken on all sides. transfer to a greased baking pan. Bake, uncovered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until juices run clear.

Pasta & Shrimp Toss-Up

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 2 pounds (17 to 21 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Good olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound angel hair pasta (substituted whole grain spaghetti)
  
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the shrimp on a sheet pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.Toss well, spread them in one layer and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, just until they're pink and cooked through.

Meanwhile, drizzle some olive oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add the angel hair and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Quickly toss the angel hair with the melted butter, 1/4 cup olive oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Add the shrimp and serve hot.

third week..

It's getting tougher to get all of my points. I really though it would be the opposite.

Alicia

Another day down and doing good!

Rollacoasta...of love.

So...

I have been all over the map in the last week with my effort levels. I have no idea why, it is wicked clear to me (and everyone around me) when I'm having a perfect day. I feel completely in control of everything in my life. And there is no better way to describe my attitude in general as "kickin' ass and takin' names" I love it, its like a high. A really hard high to score.

I set the bar kinda high for myself for my habits (having workout done before work/before family is up) as my house could be burning down around me and I wouldn't even kick off the covers. I sleep very, very deep. The hypochondriac in me has been freaked out about that for a while, but what kind of a-hole goes to the doctor because he sleeps too good?

Today was an awesome day. Its 9:00pm I still have 19 ww points left. I had my water busted out by 2:30 and was thirsty by 3:00. I stared down some Reese's PB ice cream after dinner, and won. I'm trying to ease up with the days off, as I'm mostly interested in kickin' some face this week. I have started a new regiment of medication for the never ending headaches and one of the most common side effects is weight gain, not really excited about fighting that fight...but I'm gonna win.

Took the new wheels out for a 2.8 mile slowride, but that didn't feel like quite enough for a good workout so... I hit the 'mill at full incline @ 3 mph shadowboxing with weighted mitts on. That got me sweatin', throwing punches like you mean it for 20 minutes, is a wicked cardio workout. I recommend it (to my team...screw you other guys)

Thats all I got, I'm going to try to post more often than my mandatory once a week. So...

Peace out.

.adam.

Alicia

We went and bought the new scale so here are our weights so there's no misunderstandings when we weigh in next week.

Keith: 320.6
Me: 222.8

week 2 wrap up

754 points

lost 4lbs

Week 3 - Stacy

Previous weight - 262.4
Current weight - 263.6
Difference +1.2
GO! Score - 665


Fab Four week 1 score - 772 (Woo Hoo!)


Week 2 is done and gone! Had a pretty good week, except that whole gaining weight thing. But, I'm going to keep on keepin' on and do better next week. Hope everyone is getting the hang of the Game, it takes time and don't be afraid to ask questions. GO!

2nd Week

Lost 2.5 lbs I am happy
Points 832

This week was better than last week. I am really enjoying the game and working on positive things really makes a difference with everything. Getting 7 hours of sleep is hard during the week, I messed up twice this week. It is 11:00 before I know it. I have to really plan to be in bed on time. I will do better this week. This is a great group and I love the support. I am going to get on your group chat if I can figure it out. Kirby sent me the information, but I may have to have her give me step by step instructions. Watch out for the Dream Team this week.

Weak 2: 33% there...

Ok boys and girls...

Starting weight: 243.4
Week 2 ending weight 242.8
Difference: -.6 (sure hope that whole muscle weighs more deal is true...)
Week 2 score: 610
Initial GO! starting weight: 260
Total GO! loss: 17.2
GO!al weight: 205- in fighting trim...

Team Tons o' fun weekly avg: 675.5


This has been a tricky week for a couple of reasons. I sure didn't have the same fire burning inside like I have now, or had last week. I dropped the ball a couple of times and it was really lame. I did just start a new medicine for my headaches that is supposed to take like 3 weeks to start working, and sudden weight gain is listed on the possible side effects (sweet, huh?) So to help combat that (even though I know better) I drastically cut my WW pts from thirty-four to 24... and I'm pretty sure that didn't help much. Lesson here?... use your points. The program is designed as such, so eat em.

We've also had some confusion on a few grey areas in the ww/go crossover. So, from this week on, to be clear. Your beverages of choice are: Water 3 liters (mandatory) Coffee: black only, no creamers or sweeteners. And herbal teas. The only artificial sweetener that is allowed is Stevia (which I don't entirely trust) My only beef with this, is that if its tracked and pointed, then is should fly. But, you will get more out of your experience if you just stick to the basics. Water, Coffee and Tea.

Even though it doesn't look as if we are going to win this time, I have to applaud my team for kicking ass even though at times the rules can be a bit overwhelming. Good job guys. Keep on keepin' on... We are gonna take this game. buleeve dat.

Good job everybody... the scores look awesome and a big ol' fat congrats to Fab Four.

.adam.

Add 10. . .

I forgot to add the additional 10 points for turning in on time so my score is 748. . . thanks.

GO! team TOF!

End wk 2 ~Kirby~

Previous weight~ 145
Current weight~ 144.6
Difference ~ -.4
GO points~ 802

So I had a pretty good week! I plan to keep up the good work so ya'll better GO! Thanks for all the support and trash talking I love every minute of it!

GO!

Second week - Alicia

Not as good as I wanted but better then nothing.

Last week: 232
This week: 230

Points: 814

Felt good after stepping on the scale. . .

I've had a pretty good week. Not quite as well as last but, I can only blame myself for the laziness. I had a couple mornings where I would not wake up and go to the gym, but on the days that I go, I feel soo good during the day. So you'd think that I couldn't wait to get up @ 4 am to go to the gym. . . I've also faulted on sleep a day, and faulted on my good and bad habits a couple of days (this almost being the hardest part of the game). . . .but I can say is that I am having a good time regulating what I eat and how much. I believe that it is helping me get healthier. The water is no big deal, instead of drinking 3 liters of diet coke, I drink 3 to 4 liters of water a day.

Back a year or two ago when Adam told me that he was going to weight watchers, I made fun of him and asked him if he took his favorite purse to the meetings. . . but in hind sight. . .I should have been right there next to adam in those classes packing my favorite man bag! . . . I like the points system. . .It works for a normal person with a normal lifestyle. If I over eat at lunch time, then I have to skimp on dinner. That's how it is! But for the most part I am setting myself up to have about 25 to 26 points left for dinner. Even at dinner time I'm still regulating myself so much that I sure I'm going to bed with about 8 to 10 points left for the day. I love having the WW point calculator on my blackberry, but hate looking like an idiot counting points in the grocery store. But it has to be done!

Having a good time, and meeting some cool peoples. Thanks for all of your support, and thanks for putting up with my trash talk.


Last weeks weight: 327

This weeks weight: 323 it's not much, but it's a loss.

This weeks score 738

GO! team TONS OF FUN!

At least I had a good time

Starting weight: 205.6 pounds
Ending weight: 204.5 pounds
Difference: -1.1 pounds
Total weight since beginning GO!: -27.1 pounds
Goal: 160 pounds
Points: 450*

The Dream Team: Ben - 790, Geoff - 450*, Toni - 832, Vanessa - 500.
Weekly Team Average: 643*
Overall Team Average: 729.25*

All I can say is that the five days I spent on the road with Vanessa were worth the devastating point total I accumulated last week (apologies to Ben and Toni) and the loss of alcohol privileges for the remainder of the Game. Back on track and ready to GO!

* These scores and averages are changed from the original scores and averages because I forgot to add 10 points for reporting my score to myself. (So embarrassing.)

end of week 2

and I feel fabulous!!

I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was hoping to be 167 and was actually 166.4, woohoo!!

Last week was 169.8
This week is     166.4
Total LOSS    -3.4 lbs

My pts are 823
I lost 10 for checking a text one day while driving, Totally unconciously! ARGGGHHHH 
I was so disgusted with myself
I lost 10 for screaming, after taking a day off from already doing it once, *sigh
and I lost 2 pts for randomly stepping on the scale on two different days, wth?
Anyway, overall I am feeling good and am soooooooo much more aware of what I put in my mouth and realizing how wrong I was eating and am surprised that I wasn't fatter!!!

I had an appt with Dr. Cutie, I mean Dr. Nolte the other day and I am going to have some bloodwork done and have my cholesterol checked, that will be interesting I think!
I am not too nervous about it, especially now that Im on a healthier track!!
Thanks guys for all the support,
LETS GO!!!
=)

Christie jr

Week #2 - Vanessa

Vanessa - The Dream Team
Week #2

Starting weight - 145
Ending weight - 146.4
Difference -1.4+
Goal - 145

Points - 500

Yes, my prediction was accurate. This week was a whole different story. Even after I got home and back to my 'routine' I struggled this week. Part of it is this spring cold I have been suffering from for over a week.

There are a few things from my trip that reminded me that I have made some really good lifestyle changes that have become part of my routine. In the past, for me, road trips=diet coke, cheetos and licorice. I can honestly say at no point during the trip did it even cross my mind to purchase gas station grub. Typically, we didn't even enter the gas station, just paid at the pump.

We stopped at Trader Joe's (similar to Whole Foods) and I stocked up on bananas, apples, clementines and soft oatmeal raisin cookies. Oh yeah, and wine and cheese. LeRoy was with me, what do you expect?

Geoff and I also talked about how much easier it is to travel when you aren't chasing your next high. Read: diet coke. I have been know to pack dc in the suitcase. There was none of that this time. I can honestly say I am to the point were I go more that a day without thinking about diet coke.

I've been doing good with my bad habit of no texting. Surprisingly, the new habit of reading or blogging 20 minutes a day has been a lot harder! So weird, its something I enjoy.

Here's to onward and upward! Looking ahead to week #3. GO! V

Ben's Week Two

Started 189
Ended 187
Crap not as good as I wanted
go for 4 next week

Aunt Flo

So, Alicia and I were just talking about the Aunt Flo Advantage mentioned in the troubleshooting section. A question; with our weekly prizes, how would the advantage work?

Blueberry Squares

I found this recipe of WW website and it's really quite good if you like blueberries and really quick so I thought I'd post it.

1 box Angel Food cake mix
1 Can light Blueberry pie filling

You add the pie filling to the cake mix; do not add anything else! Pour into 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool and cut.

Servings: 24
WW Points per serving: 2

So I had this craving lastnight......

Im not sure why but about 9 pm I started thinking about chocolate licorice, I had 4 pts left and I was thinking that If I had some licorice I could surely have a piece or two and still be within my pts for the day.
I looked and looked all through my house and couldn't find any, I even asked my son if he had any in his room, NO he didn't, I couldnt stop thinking about it....
He said he would go to the store for me if I wanted him too, I seriously considered it and at this point was thinking about eating the entire bag!!!
I decided to chug a big glass of water and wait for 15 minutes,
after 15 I was still thinking of chocolate, I did happen to find 3 mini twix in the back of the cupboard, I think they were from Halloween, they were a little firm but I thought oh yum, this could be the ticket to stop my chocolate craving......
As little as they were, I figured up the pts and they are FOUR pts each, *sigh
I held one in my hand for a minute and then had some more water,   I was totally rationalizing everything in my head, "was it really worth 4 whole pts?"  I mean I could have TWO fiber one bars for the same amount of pts.
I talked myself out of eating anything, and told myself I could wait until morning to have my yummy WW breakfast sandwich!

I guess I am sharing this because it was a huge milestone for me,
How often I would have just eaten all three mini twix, plus had a cookie because afterall the candy bars were just little.......
Being aware and concious of what we are eating and how many grams of fat & calories is so key to maintaining weightloss....!
I love my new plan, WW rocks, I don't feel deprived or like Im even on a diet, just a brand new lifestyle!!
Making better choices is going to lead to a better me, =)

week 1 in the bag

Beginning weight 330.2

1 week weight 327

3.2 lbs difference.


I'm hungry! And water logged! Thank you!

Week 2 - Stacy

Previous weight - 266.4
Current weight - 262.4
Difference -4
GO! Score - 850 (first perfect week ever or me!)


Fab Four week 1 score - 809.5


Wow, what a week. I don't know what changed this game, but the whole thing just fell into place this time. Looking forward to taking a day off on Saturday. Other than that, don't plan on doing anything different than I have been, so prepare yourselves for another perfect week from this Fab One! Also, to my Fab Ladies, you guys are amazing and I am so proud to be on your team. GO!

just keep on GOing....easier said than done

I thought i gained 2 pounds... luckily it was only one... but sadly i lost the bonus points of an otherwise perfect week on paper.
I spoke with vanessa and my team leader stacy and I need to change my fitness goal. I had an appt with the oncologist tues in salt lake and I am realizing I am fighting my meds and my body is still adjusting.  i just cant seem to break 160. It takes all i have just to hover around that number. I am ok with that. I want to be healthy. I just dont want to let my team down. I want to be fair. I want to work as hard as everyone else. I will post my new fitness goal this evening.
Thank you.
Bobbi
points - 700
+1 lb

Week 2 Day 1

Wow, so that was new and different.

When I started this game a week ago, I was 10 pounds heavier than I started out this morning. I went from 340 to 330 in 7 days and I feel pretty damn good about that.

The water hasn't been that big of a deal for me. I was worried at first, but it turns out that I was already doing 3 or more liters a day anyway. So kick ass!

Changing my bad habit has actually worked really well with the 7 hours of sleep rule. I have been getting the 7 hours every night and I (mostly) get to work on time. I feel great about both.

My new good habit has been a lot harder than it probably should be. I hate to admit it, but it has been really hard to actually spend 1 on 1 time with my kid. Although once we start I love it and usually end up spending more than my 30 minutes playing with him.

The exercise has been by far the hardest thing to do in the whole game. The first two days really killed me. It took me almost the whole rest of the week just to walk right again. But now I am able to spend more time on the elliptical before I need a break and that's pretty kick face.

I've got some mini-goals I guess for the second week. Basically I want to maintain my kick ass progress and hopefully hit a perfect week. Also, I would like to finish a full 20 minute workout without stopping and another 10 pounds would be what the kids call "awesome" .

Before I end my post I just want to say three more things.

First, good job to everyone on the first week done. Keep up the great work!

Second, for mostly new comers I think our team really stepped up. I'm proud of us.

Third, I'm sorry for all of those that hope to win at the end, but Team Whatever We're Called Now is gonna kick some ass.

Keith

Week 1 -Adam

Starting weight: 247.8
Week 1 ending weight 243.4
Difference: 4.4
Week 1 score: 850 (BoOM!)
Initial GO! starting weight: 260
Total GO! loss: 16.6
GO!al weight: 205- in fighting trim...

WOW. I had the best week yet playing this game. I never got a chance to take a true day off because I had to use my "day off" points as a safety net when I screwed up. But thankfully, it was no more than once per point group...

I found the hardest/most rewarding part of this round is having my habits lead to other success. Workout done before 6:00am (on workdays, 8:00 on days off) has been a mutha. I am NOT a morning person. But I find it a lot harder to have an excuse not to workout, when its the first thing of the day.

Water is now second nature as is tracking what goes into my face. I am so "in it to win it" this round. I'm not even letting the headaches slow down my tour de force. If your not on my team right now, I'd be pissed that I exist. Thats how hard I'm comin' at this one. Be ready. I know there were a bunch of perfect weekers this time, but that ain't gonna last. Ready thy selves for some snearious resistance from TEAM: TONS O' FUN!

Its on like Mutha F**king Donkey KONG!

Get sOme!
.adam.

Team:Tons o' Fun...week 1 [EDIT!!!!]

[edit] As our team has a few newbies on it, the scoring process was a little misunderstood. So our new team avg is: 816


Ok, considering that we are the only team with only one previous GO!er, I gotta say, I am impressed. I love this game. It gets into you. You really start to analyze the choices you make every minute and how that is going to affect you (and your team)

I've told all my teammates to judge themselves as hard as they would an opponent and I think everyone did a really good job in keeping themselves in check and still kickin' some ass.

TEAM TONS OF FUN: WEEK 1 Score: 781

Adam: 850 -First perfect score ever!
Chris: 802 -New to the game, new to weight watchers
Keith: 822 -Had already given up pop, busting out 5(ish)liters of water daily
Alicia: 790 -Chose a very difficult habit to break, doing great, Kickin' FACE!

I gotta say... GO! team. These are impressive numbers, this game is hard, but the rewards are well worth the efforts.

Get sOme!

Week #1 - Vanessa

Vanessa - The Dream Team
Week #1

Starting weight - 148.2
Ending weight - 145
Difference -3.2
Goal - 145

Points - 850

I had a perfect week. Can already tell this week will be much different. It is hard being on the road and out of my comfort zone and routine. I have 30 seconds to finish this post!!

Thanks to you all, GO! V

One is done.

Starting weight: 212 pounds
Ending weight: 205.6 pounds
Difference: -6.4 pounds
Total weight since beginning GO!: -26 pounds
Goal: 160 pounds
Points: 826

The Dream Team: Ben - 772, Geoff - 826, Toni - 814, Vanessa - 850.
Team Average: 815.5

I had a fairly solid first week with a perfect score until Tuesday. That's when my bad habit reared it's ugly head and I instantaneously began to reply to a text while driving. I struggled with whether my misstep really warranted a point deduction ("I was only driving in a parking garage, after all, and everyone knows that doesn't really count as driving," the logic went.) before I remembered that, in this game and in life, our integrity with others and with ourselves is all we have. So, I took the bad habit penalty because I earned it.

I also had to take a good habit penalty for Wednesday night because I neglected to write down my thoughts for 20 minutes. It was a stupid mistake and one I could easily excuse by saying, "Hey, I'm on vacation in California." But in reality, I have no excuse. I was simply careless with my commitment to myself, my teammates and the game.

All that said, the prospect of three days on the road heading back to Utah makes me doubt that I'll post a perfect score next week. I'm going to make every effort to attain that score, but the situation may not permit me to do so. We'll just have to see how things shake out. Until then....GO!

bens blog

Ben lost 3 lbs for the week

from 192 to 189

go team

I had a good week.
Starting weight 200, today 196.
I could of done better if I would of made better choices while working in SLC. I will do better this week. Go Dream team

End of week one....

This is Christie, just ONE of the fab four!
I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning to find that I had lost another lb from yesterday, Yay!

Last weeks weight was
172.4
This week
169.8
Total loss 2.6 lbs

I got my bonus pts., and have determined that creating a new scream free home is harder than I thought, I had to use my day off one day and then last night I lost it again, *sigh
So my perfect week was shattered, but Im still happy to report a great score of 838, of course losing 10 for my outburst lastnight......
On to a new week and I am starting to get a hang of the WW thing!!
Best wishes to everyone!!
Cjr =)

Week 1 - Alicia

Alrighty, I have no idea if this is how I post this or not but I won't be near a computer probably until tomorrow at the earliest so here goes...

Starting Weight: 237
Current: 232

First week

First week, Toni and Ben are excited to have it done and on with week two. Harder than I thought, Older I get the harder to break habits or routine. Toni plans much better than I and seems to be happier with her food choices. I think, or I am convinced, that planning is the key.
We both want to thank you for the fun.

Swearing Habit - Alicia

So I need everyone's opinion on this to make it fair but when I posted my bad habit (to stop swearing) my main intention was to stop the cussing around my son since he's picking up on everything now. However, I did not explain my reasoning when I posted so now the big question is: is it a modification of my existing bad habit to say that my goal is to stop the swearing in front of my son or is it clasified as changing my habit and therefore will cost me 50 pts.

WW Indian Tacos

1 lb. chicken
1 green pepper
1 onion
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can chili beans
1 pkg chili seasoning
1 Pillsbury Pizza Crust
1/8 cup 2 % cheese (per taco)
lettuce
2 tbls light sour cream

Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Saute chicken, green pepper, and onion in a soup pot. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Heat through. Bake pizza crust according to package directions. Cut crust into 6 pieces, top with chili, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.

Points - 8 pts per taco
Chili - 3 pts per cup
Crust - 3 pts for 6th of crust
cheese - 1 pts for 1/8 cup
sour cream - 1 pt for 2 tbls

What's for dinner this week?

Here's our dinner menu for the week:

Whole wheat spaghetti with meat sauce
BBQ chicken pizza
V's breakfast sandwich
Chicken taco soup
WW Indian tacos
Spinach omelets

So, what's for dinner at your house this week?

Weigh Watchers Recipes that actually taste good...

Ok, one of the biggest issues I had when fist starting WW was the fact that I couldn't bring myself to eat a salad with yellow mustard as dressing... I mean really, WTF? I can't support crap like that. However, after diggin' deep, doing some research and going out on a limb, I discovered several FREAKING AWESOME recipes that were not only super low in points, but wicked filling and didn't make ya feel like you were eating some sort of nasty ass diet food. So, here we go.

Bitchin' Onion Bagel Burgers
POINTS: 5
INSTRUCTIONS

4 item(s) Western Bagel® The Alternative Bagel Roasted Onion, Toasted (optional)
1 cup(s) Tomato(es), Sliced
1 cup(s) Lettuce
1 cup(s) Onion(s), Sliced
1 pound(s) raw lean ground beef, Prepare in 4 oz. patties, Season with Onion soup mix



Season and Patty hamburger.
Grill Burgers to desired doneness. (George Foreman Grill is perfect for this)
Place on toasted Bagels (Better results if you only toast the inside of bagel, easier to bite through)
Garnish with Lettuce, Onion and Tomato.

Serve with Cucumber slices.

These burgers are freakin' delicious. The taste is nothing like a Weight Watchers meal, and with only 5 points per burger you can even afford to have a cold Beer with 'em. (Corona Extra 2 points).

**UPDATE**

If you would like to cut the points even further substitute the ground beef for a GardenBurger. 2 pts Per Burger!!

I would have never recommended this before but I have seen the light. GardenBurger can be a pretty tasty alternative.

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

Super Kick-Face Mini Taco Salads. (7 WW PTS)

1 pound(s) cooked chicken fillet, Cubed, cooked
15 oz canned black beans
1 tsp McCormick Taco dry seasoning mix
1 medium onion(s), Chopped
1 medium green pepper(s), chopped
90 item(s) Tostitos Baked! Scoops tortilla chips
1 1/2 cup(s) Kraft Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese (If you can't roll with the fat free, you can use 2% Cheese, but it will add about 2 pts per serving... sometimes its actually worth the hit.)
6 cup(s) lettuce
16 tbsp Kraft Light Done Right Ranch Salad Dressing
2 cup(s) canned yellow corn

7 PTS Per Serving (1 serving = 14 Super Kick-Face Mini Taco Salads.)

Cube and cook chicken on Med/High heat, season as desired . Dice Onion and peppers and add to chicken. Add black beans and taco seasoning. Serve on Baked Tostitos Scoops with shredded lettuce, cheese and fat free ranch dressing (2 tbsp per serving = about 1 small dot per Scoop)

Super filling!

The best part about these Super Kick-Face Mini Taco Salads is that it doesn't taste like Weight Watchers friendly food. You could probably even serve them to unsuspecting non-WW persons without any complaint. You get 14 mini taco salads per serving that look and taste a lot like a super nacho situation, also, feel free to add green chilles or anything else to spice it up. These rule! and take about 15 minutes from start to finish. win/win.

Thats going to have to do it for tonight... gotta get my seven in, before hittin' the 'mill, while doing some shadowboxing early. Perfect day numero dos. FEELS GREAT to back up the trash talk with legit effort.

Get sOme!
.adam.