papersparrow Member

Apart from the national TV version, I've noticed a lot of fitness centers, athletic clubs, YMCAs, etc. tend to run their own little versions of My Biggest Loser challenges. My local gym is holding one, as is our YMCA and even our local news station is having a MBL competition!! Check out your area, and see if any of these…

Hi Marlene, welcome to MFP :) You picked a great join date: 1/1/11! I don't have kids, but I can definitely relate to wanting to make healthy changes! This website is a great tool in helping you reach your goal. I joined in 09, but got more active near the beginning of last year, and I have been loving it. The trackers,…

Stuffing. I love how it smells. I love how it tastes. I just can't handle the texture of it in my mouth. I have to spit it out. Never was a popular aversion during holiday meals, I'll tell ya that!

I've found having a work-out buddy helps. If I know someone else is hauling their behind outta bed to exercise, then I should too. I feel too guilty to hit the snooze again :)

I suppose the reward system varies depending on your personality. My rewards are things like books, electronics, a new laptop cooling tray. As for how and when you receive them, I think rewarding short and long goals alike is a good way to go about it. Have incremental rewards (small ones) and then larger ones for…

Rice Lake, WI too! Although currently much more southerly than that: Madison, WI. I felt compelled to share. Also, Josie, that is by far the cutest little hot dog ever.

First off, /HUG! Welcome to the community. You'll love it here. I've found it to be a wonderful and supportive tool in my journey, and I hope you find it the same =) You can do it!!

I got my goal weight based on a few things. First, I looked at the suggested weights for someone of my height/gender/age according to the BMI calculator. Feeling that it was too low, I recalled a time when I liked how I looked, and remembered the weight there. It raised it to what I consider a more 'realistic' weight (I've…

Welcome to MFP Melissa. This place is a wonderful tool to aid in achieving fitness goals. I especially love their food/exercise database. It's so interesting to see the numbers, it helps me wrap my mind around the activity vs what it does for me! Good to meet you, and I wish you luck. =)

This is an amazing idea. I've tried several of the oil-based dressings only to find they weren't satisfying, or that I hated the taste. I'm definitely going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing it, Opera :)

Hahah a very good point :) Happy Mum's Day to all applicable individuals out there!

Welcome Carla :) Happy to see you here! This site has been a large factor in my progress toward my goal. I hope it is the same for you!

Pleased to meet you, Nina, and welcome to MFP! I'm glad you're making good use of the tools on this site. They've really helped me in working toward my goal, and I'd suggest them to anyone. Nothing like keeping a food/exercise diary to help you see precisely how you shape your day :) The folks here are great for giving…

Welcome, Lori! You've found a great site to support you through this change. I've found the tools alone help me in keeping track what I eat and how to mind it; but the community is what makes MFP the best. Food has always been a comfort to me, so I definitely get what you mean there. Kindest regards and good luck to you…

Oh yeah. Sodium's a nightmare. I focused on the calories and the fat first, and will work out the sodium business later. But I just try to eat the lower-sodium foods (as advertised) as I can.

Hi and welcome, Dustin. Don't worry you're not the only carboholic here =) I love them so much! And this is a marvelous site. Everyone is very friendly and supportive, and there are so many resources here to help you reach your goal. Just keep a positive mindset and everything just flows right along! Good luck in your…

Hi Thalia! I will join you as well =) I joined MFP last year sometime, but lost track of my goal with a few life changes. But everything is settling, so what better time to start anew! This really is a fantastic site, and helped me out when I was using it dependably (before I lost my internet heheh <3). So take care and…

Sorry for the late welcome =) But hiya Bridget and I hope now finds you feeling better. I'm 5'2'' as well =D Short girls unite! Good luck on your goal

Nice to meet you, Sarah =) This is a great site. I've only been on here myself for about a month, and its amazing how much encouragement, and how many resources I've found here. Everyone is very kind and supportive. You just couldn't ask for a better tool to aid in something like this. But welcome to MFP! I hope you enjoy…

One of those days indeed =) But you know, everyone's allowed a 'cheat day', and it is a holiday, so why not endulge? Sometimes it's just darn fun to do (even if you feel guilty aftewards). I did the same thing today myself, and that's what drew me to this topic. Hehe. I felt guilty as I ate the last bit of that…

Chex Mix is my trigger food. Or Gardettos Original flavor, especially the Rye Crisps. I could eat them allllll day. PS: Tamishumate, I've noticed that too - whenever I pack food in a plastic bag, it tastes like it. I always hated bringing lunch from home during public school because of this fact =)

Hello and welcome =) Always good to see new people! PS: Your graphic is really cute, I love fairies

Hahah :heart: Too bad our bodies aren't like cell phone plans. Wouldn't 'roll over' calories be fun?

5' 2'' with a medium body frame according to those tests. But a happy weight of 121 does not look very happy to me at all! =( Granted, these are broad, generalized tests and everyone is different, but seeing that weight is rather... discouraging. Then again, I've always noticed my height (or lack thereof, hee hee :heart: )…

I hadn't tried hummus before, but had heard the tales of how good it is. I tried it first about a week ago and I have been addicted ever since. It was pretty basic, without any other veggies or other flavors in it. There is a coffee shop that serves it as an option for sandwiches, and I have to admit, it sure is a…

That's WONDERFUL news! Congratulations! It's always so great when people notice, I'm so glad for you. Keep it up!

It's amazing how addicting (in a good way!) this site is. =) Welcome to MFP! Good to meet you and good luck with your goal!

Welcome, Bella! I'm new here myself, so it's neat to see the community grow so quickly and see so many new faces. As for my own motivation, I like the idea of seeing my endurance and stamina grow. I also would love to be able to play with my nephews and niece without getting winded or tired too easily. And believe me, kids…

Oohhh, I can completely sympathize. I live in Northern Wisconsin, and we had a very tempting span of 30 degree weather. Until Mother Nature dropped 5 more inches of snow on us and dropped the thermometer to -7. I hate running on ice! Hahah. =) Let's hope it becomes spring soon so we can get outside! Also, welcome to MFP.…

Hello everyone, I'm brand-new to this site. I was introduced by a good friend, and was stoked to see how great the community was. I've tried out weight-loss plans in the past, but they were always solo. Never with a group of people to give advice, suggestions, help, etc. And the tools are great, as well as easy to use. I…