9 Week Holiday Challenge (close group) wk 2

ChatSournois

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I do and it's today!!..Fun Friday every week in my house. We go to the shops after I pick Oscar up from playschool and get some magazines & treats..then I usually cook a nice dinner (usually curry) and I have some wine. I still try to keep under the calorie total by doing exercise. I used to do this every week after weigh-in at Weight Watchers because it was a full week to the next weigh-in so you never noticed a gain..and I just think you need something to look forward to, no matter how small.
X-Factor USA is on tonight so I will be chilling in my pjs very soon!

Gazer362

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I can't have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day because it always leads to a binge. Unfortunately once I'm in a binge cycle it can last a very long time. So I incorporate the foods I would consider "cheat" foods into my routine eating. Sometimes eating a smaller portion of it, or if I'm lucky finding a healthier recipe or satisfactory substitute for it.

tameko2

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I do not. I eat anything in moderation, so if I feel that I need to eat a "splurge" item that is higher in calories, I make sure to eat it on my exercise days so that I have the capacity to eat it without stressing. I am trying to make this change for life. I feel if I deprive myself that I will not be able to maintain this change for life. I eat ice cream, cookies, pasta, rice, ranch dressing, sour cream, etc. (chocolate is not on the list because I do not like it, not because I wouldn't/won't eat it because of the calories), but only when it fits in my caloric goals. If I am close to going over, I either don't eat it, or I get out and do some exercise to burn the extra calories!

This is more or less exactly me - but I also don't worry about going over as long as I'm not going over a LOT or often.

I worry about it a little bit more now since I set myself to .5lb/week (1680 calories a day, YAY!) because that is only a250 calorie deficit per day, so that isn't a lot of wiggle room, but my opinion on eating "over" your calories is this.

Any day you are not eating a SURPLUS of calories, you've done okay. So if you are set to lose 2lbs a week, you have a THOUSAND calories of wiggle room every DAY! That means per week you have 7,000 calories of built in deficit - and that's BEFORE you exercise! If you're eating a 1lb/week loss that's 3500 calories of wiggle room! if you eat 1000 calories over one day you'll STILL be set to lose weight for the week - it will just be a little slower than planned.

So many times I see my friends "eat way over" or "eat super bad" or what ever and it freaks you out and you feel so depressed.... and I really think it leads to some of the longer binging periods. You feel like you already screwed it up yesterday so whats the big deal if you screw it up again today.

Just remember - one day is never a screw up - one day is FINE (Two days are fine! three Days! ...but 10 days is a problem). My super skinny skinny friends have days they eat horribly ...its just that unlike those of us who gained weight, those friends turned around and ate super healthy for a couple days after, so it averages out over the week.

SarahMorganP

QOTD 10/6/11 Thursday: What is your workout routine? Do you always do the same thing? Do you mix it up? What kind of music is on your iPod (if you use one)?

I walk my dog every single morning for 20min. 99% of the time I also walk her at night for at least another 30. I am also doing 30DS, but not every day like you are supposed to, I started it like 12 days ago and am on day 7, so I do take days off when I need them or just don't have time. I also go on the elliptical some days. Really it just depends on my mood and energy level. I don't listen to music when I do any of those things.

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I just eat what I want when I want in moderation of course. If I am craving something and it is really bad I will try to get my mind off of it and have something healthy, but if I just can't stop thinking about it I will eat it. I try to do a lot more working out that day so I don't go over my calories, but really it isn't the end of the world if I do sometimes go over.

luvmybee

QOTD 10/6/11 Thursday: What is your workout routine? Do you always do the same thing? Do you mix it up? What kind of music is on your iPod (if you use one)?

I don't have a routine right now since I am just getting back into it. The past few weeks I have been walking on the treadmill at home or riding my stationary bike at home.

When I lost a lot of weight before, I was doing those things plus using my BowFlex machine 3-5 days a week. I love that machine.

All kinds of music is on my ipod. Heavy metal, rock, rap, 70's, 80's...

Lately I've been listening to the Michael Jackson station on Pandora. It makes me happy.

luvmybee

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?


I don't plan a cheat meal or a cheat day, but I usually end up having one day a week where I go over on my calories. For me, it's okay, as I can still have success and cheat once in a while. I do have to be careful though that I get right back on track or else it just turns into a week-long binge. I weigh myself every day. When I don't face the music, I end up gaining and gaining.

I wish I didn't love food so much!

sboo

QOTD 10/6/11 Thursday: What is your workout routine? Do you always do the same thing? Do you mix it up? What kind of music is on your iPod (if you use one)?

I work out with my trainer 2 to 3 times a week. In between, I try to do at least 30mis of cardio or some workout tape. Yes, I try to mix it up. I do not use my iPod. I use the music that comes with the video, and my trainer uses a mix of up tempo songs from his iPod.

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?
If, I am not trying to be really strict for a purpose, then yes I may cheat. I can't say its once a week, it's not planned. Some days, I just dont feel like dieting. But, when I cheat or steer of my diet it's nothing big that I cannot recover from. I am am trying to get to the point were I am not dieting, but eating ever day foods. But, in smaller portions. (:

6eighteen11

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

For me, it's my back! I used to have a long lean back with a nice feminne curve, but with my weight gain it looks stumpy and flabby. I can't wait to wear tight shirts again without having to worry about how short my torso looks from behind.

getitamb

Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

It's my booty and my waistline. I want that hourglass figure.

prizmaa

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

My arms!!!! I've always felt that my arms were big and manly-looking. So I am really really looking forward to discovering nicely toned feminine arms!!!

RhondaLeeRoss

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I would love to have a flat stomach again without the jelly belly! And when I wave my arms I would rather NOT wave twice if ya know what I mean!

KatrinaG2012

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

Shoulders that don't look like a linebacker's.

starsnyc21

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

Oh yeah...my arms have turned into fat bat wings. Especially since I turn 30. Ugh!!! Plus it would be nice to see the beauty mark near my belly button again. I haven't seen it since I was a kid. Yep it got lost in the folds:sad:

MamaDee2

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

Although when I lose weight my arms a super flabby (cause you really can only tone so much) my upper arms. I like a little defined muscle there.

sboo

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?


I would have to say my focus right now arer my arms, I would like to see them slimmer. I have always had big arms, Not very lady like. when your arms are bigger than your mans ):

mariahhatfield

Ladies, I am very sorry about the delay. My days are beginning to run together.

QOTD 10/6/11 Thursday: What is your workout routine? Do you always do the same thing? Do you mix it up? What kind of music is on your iPod (if you use one)?

Usually I like to do cardio and strength training every day that I work out. I switch the days for areas of my body (for example, right now Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are legs, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are arms and abs). I also like to switch up the type of cardio. Even though I am not a runner at all, sometimes I switch back and forth from the stationary bike to the elliptical. If I end up doing the elliptical (like usual), I like to switch up the intensity. I guess it’s so I feel like my body doesn’t get used to doing the same thing all the time. I usually listen to/watch a tv show while I do cardio since there’s a tv on the machine. While I lift, I enjoy listening to fast-paced “pump up” music that keeps me motivated.


QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I do have a cheat meal once a week. It helps me stay in control for the rest of my meals for the week because I don’t have as many cravings.

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I would love to see my legs toned. My legs have always been the biggest part of me, and with my somewhat small waist (relative to the rest of my body), I would love to see my legs be more proportioned with my upper half and look nice when I wear heels.

tameko2

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?


Well I already found my wristbones, my ribs, and my hipbones - thinner waist would be next?

legacysh

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I love this question. I remember after losing the first 100 pounds, I could feel my Xyphoid process (sp?) it protruded out and I thought I had a growth or something. I just had never felt it before. Felt really stupid at the doctors when she said, your just feeling something you haven't felt for a while!

now, I am looking forward to seeing a bit of rib cage! not too much cause thats too skinny, but a little would be nice.

mrivera713

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I don't know how to say this without turning bright red, but I miss being able to see my "womanhood" without having to move my belly out of the way. I can not wait to be able to groom myself comfortably.... ~BLUSHING BRIGHT RED~

KatrinaG2012

Bless your soul mrivera713. I wanted to say the same darn thing. Girl you just said what most of us didn't have the guts to!

KatrinaG2012

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I have been an emotional eater for as long as I can remember. I am usually a very happy and goal oriented person with a bit of "control freak" thrown in. When I get really stressed out, generally over things for which I have no control, I get this feeling of helplessness that can be overwhelming. I don't have time for that. In the past I would stuff those feelings by medicating with food.

I have found that practicing a few minutes of belly breathing and focusing on each breath can generally alleviate these feeling or at the very least get them under control. Each breath in is a cleansing breath and each breath out contains those feelings. Checking in with mfp works too. I read a few minutes of others posts and it inspires me to do better and helps me to remember that I am worth more than the feelings that are controlling me.

ChatSournois

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I used to have my belly button pierced and I'd love to have a stomach that was flat enough to get it done again.

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I think there are certain situations that make me more prone to over-eat. The last few weeks on this challenge has been great..the gentle competition has made me think a lot more about staying under calories each day. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's strategies!

SarahMorganP

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

I have one roll on my back that I simply can NOT wait to get rid of! It was the last part of my body to get fat (and just happened in the last month or so before I started to lose weight) but it just won't go away!

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

If I am bored or angry I want to eat. I try to keep myself busy so I don't get bored. If I get angry I try to go for a walk instead of shoving food in my face!

shydaisi

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?

The body part that I would most like to discover for the first time would be my belly button. I have never had a "cute" belly button... although I likely won't unless I elect to have surgery... (

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I am an emotional eater, but when I began this journey, I basically had gotten my mind in to a state in which that was no longer an option. I have mentioned before that I am an all or none kind of person, so I either put all of my effort into eating right and not letting my emotions get the best of me or I give up completely (which is how I gained this 123 pounds...). I am determined not to give up again. I will not travel this road again. Mentally, I can't. Physically, I can't. Socially (for my family), I can't.

tameko2

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I think its a normal human reaction to want to eat when you are upset so any general feelings of unhappiness make me want to have some kind of treat.

Like I said before though - I just had to recognize that you can't have a treat every day or every other day or in addition to eating a high cal meal.

I try to find lower calorie things or substitute a treat-y meal for a healthy meal when I'm upset.

RhondaLeeRoss

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I don't really consider myself as an emotional eater; however, I was so upset yesterday with my 2lb weight gain that I just pigged out anyway! So maybe I am a bit of an emotional eater!?!?! It was our family Thanksgiving so turkey, mashed taters, gravy, stuffing, etc.....oh yes then the piece of chocolate cream pie and 4 Reese squares!!!! Oh yes, and the 4 rye and diet pepsi! Oops! And now I'm gonna get a little personal but I think part of my weight gain is because I'm full of S@*T! Literally! It's been 13 days people! Ugh. (I know you're shaking your head Darlene Medeiros but you know me....lay it all on the table!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone (Canadian)!!!

jnell82

QOTD 10/7/11 Friday: Do you allow yourself to have a "cheat" meal or "cheat" day once a week, where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want? Why or why not?

I have had 1 cheat meal in the last 3 weeks. I think that once this life style change becomes more of a habit, I will be able to allow myself a cheat day every once in a while, but at this moment my will power is too fragile. I "cheated" on a day that I had a movie date with my daughter's girl scouts, a birthday party, and a wedding! The next day was really hard for me to be good. I think my next cheat day won't be until Thanksgiving because it was a lot harder than I expected. Kudos to you, though, that can have a cheat day and get right back on it the next day!

jnell82

QOTD 10/8/11 Saturday: Is there any speific body part you're looking forward to "re-discovering" or discovering for the first time as you reach your weight loss goals?


My belly button! I know it seems silly, but I miss wearing my belly ring. I can't wait until I can wear it again and feel comfortable with it. I'm also hoping to shrink a few bra sizes lol. I have been a D cup since 9th grade, now I'm a DD. I wouldn't mind going down to at least a C cup with my weight loss....

jnell82

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

I am very much an emotional eater! Any extreme feeling makes me want to eat, even extreme happiness, but its mnostly anger and sadness, I am working on different coping mechanisms to overcome this, though. So far, they have worked pretty well! Hopefully after a while, it will no longer be an issue.

MamaDee2

QOTD 10/9/11 Sunday: Are you an emotional eater? What feelings get you to that place? What is your strategy for overcoming emotional eating?

WOW reading these I could just cut and paste Jnell82 (guess that is why we ended up team mates!!) I too eat when I am happy, mad, sad, whatever... I am working on it - a work in progress. I will take a walk, read a book, call a friend, pray AND sometimes I go for a walk while calling a friend to pray - and MOST of the time one of these will work - but I admit sometimes nothing works and I just eat.