Val and Jen

Congrats Jared

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:44:35 GMT

Have you all seen those commercials for Jared from Subway? I couldn't believe he had lost so much weight. Awesome. I just can't stay on track anymore. I think having my weight loss partner in a different state is very hard. I really wish she was nearby. We do so much better when we're together. But, it is ultimately my choice to eat well. On a happy note--did all you Texans see the beginning of the Biggest Loser last Tuesday? I was ON TV. I know---almost a celebrity. I missed it, but people were calling me to tell me they saw it. I was very bummed I missed it, but hey---when I'm at the finale, maybe I'll get another shot? Right???? :) Jen

Still moving along

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:31:21 GMT

Hello Biggest Loser Teams--

I was having a very hard time staying motivated. I don't even know why. I was in a slump. But, I'm back on track. Every time I watch the newest Biggest Loser I get so motivated. It's very encouraging to see that the players at the Biggest Loser Ranch have the same problems as us at home, but did such a great job last week and kept working hard. I went to the grocerystore and got some really healthy stuff. I'm going to try and have a turkey sandwich and fruit for lunch during the week. I feel so much better when I eat healthy. Plus, I want to post some weight loss pictures on this web page. I have lost about 8 pounds, but I want to be able to post a photo of me 15 pounds slimmer. So I will keep plugging along. My goal is to pounds this week!!! Keep doing good everyone. I get very encouraged reading all your wonderful blogs. Jen

A tip for you!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:06:32 GMT

I notice when I drink water I dont have the"cravings" as often..in my mag it said "set the timer for ten minutes,get a drink of water and its easier to say no to the craving". Well it works -plus Ive been trying to do something for 10 minutes thats benefical..like clean my purse, make the bed,put a load in the dishwasher..10 minutes can be used so much better than for eating that fattening snack and then feelin bad afterwards. A clean purse feels way better..maybe I'll try to do sit ups next time!

motivated!!!!!

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:15:55 GMT

I just got done rereading the Biggest Loser Magazine and it totally inspired me! It has all this stuff from Bob and the other contestants and a place to write everything down...I'm on my way to walk around the block..and Im excited about doing it. What motivates you???

happy treat

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:59:07 GMT

I saw this on tv a long time ago, and thought it was a very clever snack. Buy some packets of sugar free hot chocolate and bananas. When you are feeling like you need chocolate, take one banana and dip it in one packet of the hot chocolate mix. Most sugar free hot chocolates are around 100 calories (then add the banana calories), so that's really not too bad. Better than a big old candy bar. Yum yum!

Are you struggling too?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:05:58 GMT

Ok I've stayed the same weight this week and I havent been tracking calories or been staying motivated-so I guess its what I deserve...I dont know why Im struggling so much-I think I need to be around and working out with my sister or having BOB near by to encourage us to work it...For know Ill keep plugging along and drink my water...Val

Biggest Losers in Houston

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:30:15 GMT

Sooooooooooooooooo---guess who I got to meet?? Kae and Bryan B at the Houston Galleria!!! I know--crazy. They were the NICEST people ever. They took the time to speak to everyone that came to see them. I had to wait in line for three hours. I got a t-shirt and a workout dvd. I can't wait to try it. While I was in line, I met some of the nicest people. They were a team called "Texas Tubs No More." It is a mother and daughter team. The daughter was the most happy energetic person ever. She's a music teacher. We cheered and tried to get on tv. I watched yesterday but they cut out stuff because of the elections. I got my photo taken and will post it once The Biggest Loser Million Pound Match-Up posts it on their website. I was very bummed that my team mate and friend, my siter, was not there with me. The tour does not go to Hawaii (why?), so I got her a water bottle and some Extra gum. That stuff is so good, and only 5 calories. She was with me in spirit, for sure. Anyway---what I wanted to tell all of you, was that Kae said to ask yourself every time you eat something "Is it worth it? Because you are." That was very sweet. That was the advice that Bob gave her, and she is spreading the love. Speaking of love, did I mention how I feel about Bob????

trying to replace food

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:25:32 GMT

I notice i eat for every reason under the sky and I tend to use food as a friend,a person, than for what it is...fuel,health ,etc...So Ive decided to call it what it is and not look to it as a fix all for comfort, a boredom , companion..etc... but just an inantimate object meant to give energy and thats all!!!

I've been looking to do more then stress/eat by going or talking to a friend-sister or look inside at whats eating at me -that food cant fix.

I also wonder when I started to go to food-mostly after i got out on my own..When I had access to it whenever I wanted.

But it hasnt helped or solved any problems so I need to drop it and find something to replace it..for now I'll go call my sister! What are you replacing food for? Val

where's the motivation

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:03:20 GMT

Oh my goodness--I've been trying to eat good and I'm just so not motivated. What is it about eating healthy? I miss McDonalds. Tonight was the first time I had a hamburger from a fast food restaurant. I know what they taste like, so I'm not sure why I feel I can't live without them. I also had some King Cake tonight. It was very sugary and I kind of felt sick. I am still off soda though, which is MAJOR for me! But the good news---the Biggest Loser will be at the mall in Houston this weekend. I'm going to try and go and get re-motivated. I miss my partner (who lives in Hawaii) and wish she could be here with me. It's hard doing this across oceans. But this is our year. We have a lot to live for, and a lot of life left---so take of your body!!!! JEN

sick as a dog

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:33:59 GMT

So--I take two steps forward, I take two steps back...we go together, 'cause opposites attract. Just kidding--that was a little 80s humor for you. But seriously, I take two steps forward (weight loss), and then one bad day back. I've been eating pretty good-but I've been as sick as a dog this week and one night I ate about 300 calories in Hot Tamalies candy to try and make my throat feel better. It kind of did, but my stomach showed the results in the morning. I've basically been hovering at the same weight for a week. The weather has been rainy, etc...I need my Texas sun! I hope to go see Bob at the Biggest Loser travelling thingy majig in February. He's pretty motivating. They are supposed to be in Houston, so I'm pretty excited about that. Okay BL peeps---don't go back to that unhealthy place. We can lose it--Jen

Val's Top Ten Reasons for Losing!!

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:36:33 GMT

1.Feeling like my outside matches my inside

2.Liking clothes again

3.confidence

4.healthy

5.children proud & good example

6.Being able to buy smaller ,pretty undergarments

7. Feel taller

8.More energetic

9. More in control of me-then the food controlling me

10. Willing to do more things...

These are my reasons to stick with it!

Top Ten Reasons to be Fit and Trim

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:04:29 GMT

10) Getting my chin and neck back

9) Buying clothes off the rack that fit and aren't too long

8) A belly button the size of a dime, not the grand canyon

7) Buying bras and undies that match

6) Being able to climb stairs without losing my breath

5) Having amazing energy

4) Looking good

3) To achieve the goal of conquering my weight

2) More confidence

1) Greater health!

Definitely not worth it!

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:54:35 GMT

So--I just typed an entry and my computer froze. The entry was about how I, too, ate a ton of food this weekend and had the most horrible stomach pain. It was so not worth it. I think I gained two pounds back. However, I am feeling pumped today and have started eating good again. Weight loss is a journey, and I'm just going to take it one step at a time. I WILL get there!!! Jen

Not worth it at all!

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:20:30 GMT

Did the heading scare you? I'm not talking about the Biggest loser...I'm talking about the 460!!! calorie donut I ate today!!! I skipped breakfast and had a rough morning with a sick kid, messy house and tired mom...so when I was waiting for the prescription (near the bakery) I thought "oh those look so good..Ill eat one for lunch and my breakfast!" I miss sugar..I thought it'd be sooo good...NOT! My stomach started hurting and I felt a sugar overload. And what a waste of calories for the day..almost half used! It was a good lesson to learn---better to have planned ahead for hunger or gone and bought something like grapes or cherries or a lowfat fiber bar...I didn't want to admit the bad choice, but by being overweight there's no denying that I turn to food too much! I've got to get a new mindset on how to deal with stress. I don't think I lost much this week, but what's great is tommorrow's a brand new day, and I don't have to stay down, but can choose to eat healthy and keep going! Continue on your journey! Val

Im tempted!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:09:19 GMT

This week has been so hard for me! Ive been tempted to stuff everything in my mouth and not count the calories-I noticed its when things arent going as planned or Im feeling overwhelmed,etc...I know it doesnt help to eat about it..so Im fighting the urge and pushing on..I keep thinking about the end reward of sticking with the plan..so for now-I think i'll go do something productive like clean out my car...stick with it! keep fighting the urge!VAL

No Cowboy Superbowl

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:30:16 GMT

I know that the Cowboys LOSING today is not about weight loss---but that makes me want to eat. What a bummer game. I bought some 100 calorie quaker bars and ate one of those during the game. Watching the game was almost a workout, with my jumping up and down. Oh well---I guess I'll start cheering the Packers on. I got through the weekend (and a baby shower with cake!) and still stayed within my 1200 calorie range. Next step in the weight loss, adding the exercise. That is very hard for me, but my sister's friend said start with something. If you can only do one sit up a day, do it. Then build up. Something is better than nothing. And walking is always free. Keep losing biggest loser people, keep losing--don't give up. Jen

Down 3.5lbs!

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:59:45 GMT

I weighed myself this morning and its great to see the numbers going down! 3.5!!! Plus I wake up feeling "lighter" physically and mentally-its funny because by staying in the "range" of healthy portions, I feel better-not confined-(like I thought I would) I want to see what happens by staying committed to writing down everything I eat and Im looking forward to the summer not dreading it as usual.

One thing thats been getting me thru the cravings are fat free fudgesicles-only 40 calories! I also like to eat shredded wheat-6 grams of fiber and very filling. For something cool and creamy I've been making banana smoothies-nonfat milk, frozen banana and a little scoop of whey protein! Put it in the blendr and it looks like a banana milkshake!Oh yeah!

During the week I've also been trying to tackle little stresses around the house-put away those clothes..clean that car or purse-start that laundry.Afterwards it looks great and I feel better, less stressed and calories burned!

Any change is better than doing nothing! So start today! Val

Not gonna lie....

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:14:44 GMT

Well....I'm not going to lie. After the initial decision to lose weight and the first few days of excitement, Wednesday and Thursday were hard days. I didn't eat bad--I stayed within my calorie range, but it was hard. Thank goodness my sister is fighting with me, and we are doing this on-line. Usually, I would reward myself with a little treat (icecream, pizza, etc.) for eating so good for four days. I'm really trying to change my habits this time. I did have some taffy at work--but only had one piece a day (22.85 calories). I used to eat handfuls, which would be like 150 calories, at least. I'm just trying to be very aware of what I put in my mouth. I had some stressful stuff at work, my daughter got the flu...and I wasn't able to eat lunch and dinner at home. That was challenging for me. I ate Subway for lunch (no mayo!) and no Dr. Pepper!!!! Then for dinner, I had a bean burrito from Taco Bell (no cheese or red sauce)---and again, NO Dr. Pepper.

This morning, I got up and had Quaker oatmeal for breatkfast. They have the individual serving sizes (I need that portion control right now), and then an orange for a snack. I decided to weigh myself and get this----I lost two more pounds. Whooo-hoo. I just couldn't belive it. That is such a good feeling. I am dying to tell my sister but she's still asleep (I think it's only 5am in Hawaii). I also read the new People magazine where they had all the success stories, and it is so motivating. So...I will keep plugging along. I'm just excited to get to May, to see my hard work. After I lose 10 pounds, I'll take another picture of me with the brown tshirt and black shorts, and then again each 10 pounds, just to see the difference. I can't wait to be able to tuck shirts in....

Keep it up America, we can do it--- Jen

One week down!

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:23:58 GMT

Im so excited to weigh myself tommorrow morning..I'm also so proud of myself because I've stayed within my calorie range all week! I usually give up by the fourth day...I kept thinking about how good it will feel if I keep plugging along and then lose this weight-that is literally weighing me down. When I've been anxious or tempted to eat I go on the Biggest loser website and read the success stories, and I bought the biggest loser magazine at the grocery store. It has excercises and recipies and shows great before and after phtotos. One contestant is my height was my weight and now she's 140lbs! I want to eat healthy and be an example to my family and friends and to enjoy the results with my sister.Knowing shes eating better right along with me is definitely helping me stick it out! Whoo-Hoo! You can do it too! Val

Two pounds down!

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:44:09 GMT

I forgot to mention that I (Jen) want to lose about 50 pounds, and my sister (Val) wants to lose about 70 pounds, for a total of 120 pounds. We've decided that we want to get rid of that extra person that has been hanging around us. She's already lost some weight as well. I feel much lighter already. I know I'm almost the same size, but it feels good to be eating healty, no junk. I am almost off the Dr. Pepper. Remember, I live in Texas and Dr. Pepper is like water here. It's so good--but I remember Jillian saying "don't drink your calories." I think that is going to be one of my biggest hurdles. But, I don't want a soft drink to stand in the way of my success. I've been drinking a 33 oz bottle of water at work, that seems to help with cravings. I'd like to be able to get two of those bottles down a day. Plus, I've started walking again. It's a simple exercise that doesn't cost any money, and you can do it anywhere. I'm also trying to be conscience and use the stairs when possible, or park a little farther out from the grocery store and take the extra steps. I really want to go to the Biggest Loser Finale and see the contestants, meet Bob, all that. The show and all that surrounds it is just so encouraging. If someone is reading this blog and they haven't taken the first step because it seems so overwhelming--do it today. You are worth it. Jen

Photo Album: Million Pound Match Up

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:41:17 GMT

Million Pound Match Up

Kae and Bryan B

Texas tubs no more

Down six