Cheryl - Week 8

I can't believe we only have 4 weeks left. Passing up sweets sure is getting hard for me since I love them so much. I had a day this week where I gave in - and since the meal was homemade by someone else, I didn't have calorie content for any of it. I just guessed. After "partaking" I couldn't honestly say that I earned the point for the 100 calorie or less treat. But the food I ate sure was yummy. One thing I can say though, is that I think this challenge is helping me to create some good habits. I was a horrible fruit and vegetable eater before. But now I think I will continue to eat the fruits and veggies that I've been eating as I enjoy the way they have been made. I did not have weight loss last week, so my points for today are 70. But the upside to that, is that I DO have weight loss today. So, I'm aiming for a perfect 72 next week. Good luck everyone!

Week 8 - Bonnie

I don't want to talk about it either! BUT I didn't completely bomb it.... I traveled to Tucson to visit my daughter. She made some fabulous dishes and I enjoyed everyone of them! I didn't keep my food journal as I should have, and missed a day of exercise, but we walked all of the other days, ate plenty of fruits & veggies, didn't skip meals, took my vitamins, etc. My points were 64. I didn't lose any weight and show a 1 lb gain. :( but I am not quitting. It's a new week, a new day, and I got up early and did my exercise this morning. Also I did my studying. So far it's a good day and I'm going to keep pressing forward. Every day is a gift. We don't have to be perfect, just keep on striving! I wanna lose this fluff!!!!

Claudia Week 8

Not a great week for me because I got a bad cold and didn't have the energy to exercise. Plus, I didn't feel like saying something positive in the mirror when I felt so crummy. Anyway, hanging on by my fingernails and not giving up yet! I got 64 points, plus 1 for blogging for a total of 65 points (no weight loss-in fact I gained a pound).

Week 8- I don't want to talk about it.

I was out of town last week and could not get to a computer to report. But that is okay because I really didn't want to report. I have done the worst I have ever done on this challenge in the last two weeks. Everything I want to say about it is an excuse (children with ear infections, tearing out my kitchen) so I won't go there, I will just say that I am going to work hard this week to get a perfect week. It won't be easy, but I need it to get back on track.

Leah week 8

Can it be??? 72 points??? I don't believe it. What a looooong week. I'm working on a new exercise system so hopefully lots more weight will be leaving my belly. I am excited tomorrow is March. Only 28 more days of this and then it's over :-D I know I have kind of a bad attitude, but I feel like with all the weeks I gained weight or stayed the same, I was already doing that before the challenge except I could eat cake, donuts, ice cream.... the list goes on and on. I just really miss my delicious treats and the 3 hours of sleep last night are kinda making me crabby. Why is it the one time the baby sleeps 7 hours my oldest decides to get up 3 times? I bet they plan this out while I am in the bathroom :-P

Week 8 Dawn

Not too much to report this week. I was down .4 from last week so that is good. I really think the rule of no treats and no over eating in the last challenge was the key for me. Even the 100 cal. treats don't seem to help me plus I think they are gross but I eat them anyway. I'd rather have the real stuff. I still love the veggie recipe that Jen posted and love the fact that I have the veggies all cut and in the freezer. I've made that a lot for lunch. The other day my husband came in the kitchen when I was making it and said, "I really don't think it's fair that you make your fajitas and don't share". (He calls them meatless fajitas). Can you imagine someone getting upset because you're not sharing you VEGETABLES? I know, funny. Points this week are 70.

Wendy--Week 8

It was a rough week after my weight-loss high last week. I knew it would be next to impossible to lose weight this week after losing so much last week, but I wanted to make the most of being able to have a perfect point week this week. However, early on I was exhausted after the baby being sick all weekend and crashed and burned on Tuesday night. I fell asleep before getting my points for saying something positive in the mirror, finishing my water for the day, reading my scriptures, and doing my exercise. I was devastated the next morning. There were so many times I just wanted to throw in the towel for the whole week since I had already lost those four points. I stuck it out and ended up with 68 points, only losing those four points on Tuesday. I keep trying to tell myself I can make to the end, but I'm sure having to have a lot of pep talks!

Lee & Jen's Week 7

I really hope she isn't just following my lead, but Lee called to officially throw in the towel as well. Good luck to everyone. Maybe we'll both do better next time around.

I've bombed this week point wise, but I've done one thing good, and that is I've really done better about getting off sugar. I lost 2 lbs. so that was a great thing. My aim this week is to be consistent in eating better & keeping my exercise strong. I have a little trip this week to Tucson so it will be a challenge, but I will do my best. My score this week is not shining or blinking in neon lights. It is only 66, but I'm very happy to see 2lbs. off. Let's not give up! Let's keep on keeping on! Every person who succeeds falls back at times, but they consistently keep trying & striving! They never give up!

Week 7 Dawn

This week I had 70 points. I really like the veggie recipe that was posted but when I'm hungry, I'm hungry and want to eat now and that's when I grab what ever is quick. Cutting up those veggies isn't quick so this week I spent some time cutting red, yellow and orange peppers, onions and mushrooms. Then I scooped them into 1 cup servings and they fit real nice in a snack size zip lock bag. I got 8 cups out of that and put those 8 bags in the freezer. Now when I want that healthy veggie lunch, I put one of those bags in the microwave for 30 seconds to defrost a bit and cook them up quickly in a little oil, top with the cheese and spinach and roll up in a wrap. My husband said they are meatless fajitas and they are good.

Week 7

This has not been a good week for me. I almost decided to throw the towel in but decided I am going to keep going. There are 4 weeks left in the Challenge and I want to keep up with the changes I am making. My points for the week are 57. No excuses, just lazy some days. Spring is just around the corner, almost time to "ditch" the coats, sweaters, and pounds!!!!

Cheryl - Week 7

Well, I'm still pluggin' along. No weight loss for me this week. In fact I maintained all week and then when I stepped on the scale this morning I was up one pound. So goes the weight loss game. Everything else I did perfectly though. I count my weight loss (or lack thereof) from last week on this week's points. I did not lose last week either, so my points today are 71. So, I guess a perfect score for me next week will also be a 71 - that's my goal! (And then a 72 the week after that....)

Claudia - Week 7

I tried so hard to get a perfect score this week and I did it! (Except I didn't lose an ounce, so I only got 71 total points.) At least I didn't gain any weight. I've only lost 5 lbs this challenge, for a total of 18 lbs for both fall and winter so far. I'm grateful for that. This challenge has taught me that I can be consistent with the exercise and I can cut out sugar--except for a bite now and then--and can control my hunger after dinner. I have missed eating popcorn in the evening so much that Saturday night I ate popcorn and a smoothie for dinner!

Leah week 7

Points for this week are 70. I've sat here for 30 seconds trying to think of what to write next and I got nothin'. It was just a regular week with the same old challenges. I am very much looking forward to the end of March. Only 5 more weeks to get through!

Wendy--Week 7

Well, my diligence has finally paid off this week. I lost a substantial amount of weight from last week to this week. It's almost crazy how I stayed or gained a little week after week and then all of a sudden it's gone this week. Not complaining. I just think it's weird how's it's been working for me this challenge. I went to the doctor and he did notice that I had lost weight so that felt good! I've had two family birthdays in a row lately and didn't have birthday cake. I feel a lot more upbeat about the whole thing. I got 70 points for the week. Feeling good!

Wow. What is my body doing?

So I've exercised pretty hard the last couple of weeks and have gained weight nonetheless. No, my eating isn't the greatest, but I'm not eating any more than I was. Weird. I've been bad and didn't tally my points. I need to just hunker down and get the eating in line while I'm exercising hard so I can see some serious results. I've got to get off the few pounds I've gained AND additional ones from there. Sigh.

I'm thinking of overhauling the whole challenge for the Fall, but I'll keep that under wraps until I figure out some things. I've got all summer since the fall challenge doesn't start until August or September. :)

Week 6

Week 6 I limped along, but I have made progress in some areas. My score is not as strong as I would liked to have seen. It is 67. It could have been worse, but definately it could be better. My food choices need to be better. No weight loss to report. I will press forward trying to get a stronger score next week.

Week 6

This week has flown by for me. My points are 69. I forget some of the simple goals but I did lose 2 lbs. I was hoping to be further a long in my weight loss but I keep telling myself I am still minus about 11 pounds. When I think of that in terms of 11 - 1 lb loaves of bread, it makes me feel better. I'm not giving up and hopefully can report at least another pound next week. We are on the downhill side of the Challenge, still time to log in some good points. Good luck everyone, chin up, and move forward!!!

Jen's Week 6

I've officially thrown in the towel. Long story, but I can't even post points this week because I didn't keep track. But for first time in my life I've crossed the stress threshold where I'm not finding time to overeat, so I think I may have lost weight, but probably not in the best way. As I've promised to post for my friend Lee, I will keep posting, and maybe things will calm down enough that I can start up again.

Lee's Week 6

For me, this was probably the lowest points I've ever had in a week.....52.....including for 1 pound of weight loss and this blog. I have found that I have been more devoted to eating more fruits and vegetables than normal, so I've appreciated the motivation to do that. I need to stop having so many set backs in other areas though and work more on the areas that I rarely do. This week in Michigan, we will be experiencing a bit of spring thaw with temps up as high as the 50's and with that the return of mud puddles. Gotta love being in a 4-season state though!

Lee

Week 6 Dawn

This post is dedicated to my hero, Jen. My kids drank spinach and loved it. Ha Ha. Okay, so I made Jen's smoothie when I got back from Florida. My kids have created their own little fitness challenge and are trying to eat better so when they heard this smoothie was good for them, they were willing to try it. (Of course, I did not tell them what was in it.) I made it in the morning while they were getting ready for school. Cory (13 tomorrow) drank it to the point that he started getting brain freeze. I told him he didn't have to drink it all at once. His reply, "But it's sooooo good". Amber (16) always grabs her breakfast as she's running out the door and eats it on the bus. A few minutes after she left, I got a text, "Mom, I want this smoothie for every meal for the rest of my life". I still haven't found the courage to tell them it has spinach in it. Not sure if I ever will. I do add a little bit of Splenda to balance out the tartness of the orange juice. Cory will get this smoothie for his birthday breakfast tomorrow. He will be thrilled. (Funny, spinach for your birthday). Anyway, the week was decent. I lost 1.4 and had 64 points. Any more great recipes Jen?

Claudia - Week 6

A pretty good week for me, although I did lose a point for eating a small piece of coconut cream pie from Marie Callendars, but it was worth it! I actually lost the 2 lbs that I gained last week, so I'm back on the losing track. I got 71 points this week. The exercise is hard because I leave it to the end of the day. I think morning exercise would be better, but I just can't seem to get myself out of bed early enough to do it. That's my new goal--morning exercise.

Ut-oh! Oops! - Cheryl Week 6

(This may be long). "A minute on the lips - Forever on your hips?" Is that how it goes? Something like that...Well, here's my story. Monday, I weighed in and lost weight (as usual for me in this challenge so far). My family had been in town the prior week for our daughter's 4th birthday. (We had a great time and I stuck by my checklist). Dawn had just left Saturday and we were taking my parents to the airport in Pensacola as they were headed home as well on Monday. Pensacola is about an hour away and we thought we would get lunch on our way back. I spotted a Steak-n-Shake (yummy place for those who are unfamiliar). I said "Ooo, that sounds good." My husband said "Okay, we can go there." I said "No, no, that's okay - it just sounds yummy." He said "Why not? You already weighed in today". I was tempted and I did eat. ONE MEAL!! I MADE A BAD CHOICE AND TWO LBS HAVE REMAINED ON MY HIPS ALL WEEK LONG!!! I ate a cheeseburger and fries. I did not have a shake because I knew that would be more than a 100 calorie treat. I had my water. Tuesday I was two lbs up! I have worked hard all week to get back down so I could still have weight loss today (even if just .1) but it didn't happen. I have remained two lbs up ALL WEEK LONG. My confidence got the best of me and I admit it. I knew I was making a risky choice, but I thought I could get it off no problem. Wrong! Thus, the saying that started this paragraph. That, however, doesn't effect my points today, but it will next Monday's. What effected my points today was that I forgot to say something positive to myself one day. Had a reviewed my checklist before I went to bed that night, I would have caught it. Then Saturday night a friend came over with a troubled heart at 9pm (when I usually start exercising). She sat and needed a shoulder to lean on. She was here until 11pm. Needless to say, I did not exercise. She had walked to our house, so I took her home and then crawled into bed. So - points this week for me: 70. (Whoa - yep, that was long...sorry).

Week 6- Pretty Good

I had a good week. Overall I did not do great in points but I feel good about what I did do. I cut way down on my snacking between meals and made healthier meals this week. I had a bad Sunday, I was tired and sick of being a single parent to 3 small children (my husband is working mandatory overtime for the month) so I went on a sugar eating binge. I am better now. :) My wonderful husband gave me a heart moniter watch for running, I really want to go running! But that is not going to happen this week, since he is gone. I might get to go on Friday. I did lose some lbs but it is also my down a lb week. Pts: 63

Leah week 6

Points are 70. Gained half a pound. Whatever :-P I think the no eating after 8pm is having a negative effect since I now continually stuff my face at 7:30pm because I know I am going to be starving by 9pm if I don't. Whereas before I would just eat normal and have a light snack at 9pm. (and I wasn't gaining any weight). I guess I will start to test out my theory on March 29th.

Wendy--Week 6

More blah to report. Thought I could pick myself up after last week, but didn't really do any better. I don't know why my heart's just not in it this time. I've got to change something, but still have to figure out what that is. My points for this week were 68. Maybe I can be more positive next Monday. Kudos to those of you that are feeling really good and doing well!

Checkin in

Well I pretty much suck point wise. Like REALLY suck. I think I got like... 47 this week. But I did lose 2 lbs. Denise has me doing some PX90. YIKES OH RAMA.... I hope I get better at that. I look pretty pathetic. But I work up a good sweat. Good job to all of you guys who are doing GREAT!!! Way to go!!!

Jen's Week 5

Bleh. 55 points (including 1 for the blog). Didn't lose weight. Didn't do much of anything except stress eat.

Lee's Week 5

Just a short blog this week...I had some different forms of exercise this week....shoveling snow and hauling firewood for our wood stove. Enjoyed hosting a Super Bowl party for my family last night (Go Packers!). Ended up with 54 points for the week, including 1 point for this blog, but gained a 1/2 pound this week :(

End of Week 5

Week 5 was just ok for me. I could have been stronger, better, more disciplined. I'm going to try for a better week this week. I lost 1 lb. and had a total point score of: 70 pts. Way to go everyone. We've got 1/2 the challenge behind us. We can make this last half really great! Spring and summer is just around the corner!

Fun week 5 - Claudia

Went to Seattle to bless the new grandbaby--he's so cute! I ate a big chocolate dipped valentine cookie from Costco--bad! and overate at meals, skipped exercise one day. Didn't have a scale, so I weighed in tonight. I think I gained a couple of pounds, but certainly didn't lose. Anyway, no weight-loss point for me. I got 68 total points this week.

Week 5

Just a "so-so" week for me. Did real well until the weekend and then some of my family came to visit. I forgot to do some of the things like taking my vitamin. I have found the one goal that has really helped me is the "No eating after 8:00". My points for the week are 67. Week 6, wow, already half way through the Challenge. I need a perfect point week. Even though we are on the "downhill" of the Challenge, I want to be on the "uphill" of points!

Cheryl Week 5

You know, I sit here and read everyone's posts of how frustrated you are because you're doing the hard work and aren't seeing results. I must say that I would be feeling very much the same and I was afraid of that happening to myself as I started this challenge. I wasn't sure I wanted to enter. I'm not sure why, but this is the first time I've been able to really stick to something. I've lost no less than 2 lbs every single week. I've been following my check list to the 'T' and have been very strict with myself. I'm not trying to boast, but I feel absolutely GREAT! I have 72 points this week and have lost 3.3 lbs (a total of 13.1 lbs). I wish I had some words of encouragement for those who are struggling. One thing that has worked for me is that I made myself a checklist and am continually aware of the things I need to be doing everyday. I check things off as the day goes on, and review it before the end of the day to make sure I didn't forget anything. I don't know if this will help anyone, but another thing I do is brush my teeth at 8pm sometimes because I know I won't be eating anymore. That "fresh mouth" helps me remember that. May sound silly, but it works for me. Good luck to everyone this week!

Leah week 5

71 points for me this week. It sounds like almost a perfect week, but no weight loss and it's getting...... irritating. I have cut out all the good stuff, I'm doing all the healthy things and I gained 1.5 pounds!!! WHAT?! I missed out on my birthday cake, I missed out on wedding cake and I plan on skipping the Valentine's Day chocolate. What's the point on missing out on the good stuff if I am going to be gaining weight anyway? Blah. I guess I will think positive and assume I gained 1.5 pounds of muscle and it's just hiding somewhere underneath all the fat :-)

Week 5

Okay, so I'm just going to assume that muscle weighs more than fat like we always hear, because I worked hard this week and am up in weight. Really? My eating still needs tweaks and changes, but I worked HARD and had sore muscles all week to prove it. However, I really am optimistic, because it felt great to do hard things, and I hadn't gotten into a good exercise groove since Leslie and I gave up walking due to cold weather. I bought p90x for a great price and am enjoying quality DVDs that give me a variety so I'm not doing the same routine day after day. Wish me luck!!! Or at least weight loss. Or at least inches off!!!

Week 5 Dawn

First of all, my points were 62. I tried to follow my sister this week but she is a night exerciser and I'm a morning exerciser so I missed a few times because I was too tired. Missed some water, ate some treats but actually learned something this week that I'd like to share. This may be long. I was at the mall with my parents having lunch. I know I ordered too much but thought I'd just throw it out when I had enough. I know that's wasteful but we all do it to lose weight and all food places give us too much food. As I started to eat, I saw a couple about my age getting ready to eat. They held hands, bowed their heads and prayed over their food before eating it. Now, this isn't the first time I've seen this and being a strongly religious person, I pray over my food but I'm not the type that does it in public. Knowing what I know about God, I should do it. I looked at my food and knew I should be grateful for it. Then I realized I have never, ever wondered where my next meal was going to come from. I know many have wondered that, but I never have. I realized I've always had food available. I've always had food in my house, on my mission, in college, during early married years and now. I've always had money to buy food. I've had enough food to eat too much and enough to throw away. I suddenly realized that I should be more grateful for all the food I have and that I shouldn't eat too much and shouldn't waste it unnecessarily. That is why I have weight issues. I have too much and plenty. This couple taught me something and I'm going to try to be more grateful for the food I do have and be more wise with it out of respect for those that don't have it. Food is good, but I don't have to eat it all.

Week 5- Back on the wagon

This week was so much better. I am still sick but I decided to get back to working out and watching my points. I tried running but the cold has settled in my chest so that was not an option yet. Hopefully this week. But I did get 4 perfect days this week and really cut down on snacking. However I went up one 1 lb back to the weight I am stuck at. Another good thing, I went shopping with my mom and we both were able to try on a size that we can't remember that last time we wore it! It felt awsome! Pts for week 61

Wendy--Week 5

Not a good week for me. We had a snow day (very rare event in S.A.) on Friday and I made the horrible decision to make chocolate chip cookies for my children, thinking I could handle the temptation and stand strong. Boy was I wrong! I succumbed to temptation and it all went downhill from there. I have this terrible habit of throwing in the towel when I make one mistake. Since I ate a cookie I thought that all was lost and just kept eating more cookies and then other things that I shouldn't have. Friday and Saturday were both bad. Yesterday I forced myself to get back on track and get perfect points. But I had already paid the price with my weight loss. Now I'm back at square one again. Whenever I do this, I harbor very serious thoughts about dropping out of the competition and giving up. So, today I'm trying to not give up and keep going. I got 66 points this week.