Week 3 Update (Ashley)

Yes, it's week 3. Actually, it's almost the END of week 3. Can you believe it?

I hope that everyone is continuing to establish new and healthier habits. As Aunt Cynthia mentioned in her email, it's still tempting to rely on our old ways every once in a while. As I was telling Luke tonight, though, we're not trying to deprive ourselves, just to make a whole lot more healthier choices than we do unhealthy choices. It can't be a lifestyle change if we set ourselves up to binge later on.

Case in point: Tonight Luke and I went to Cold Stone and got ice cream. First of all, instead of getting my apple pie a la cold stone like I always have in the past, I got berry berry berry good, which had berries in with the ice cream. Secondly, I got it in a "like it" (their small cup) instead of "gotta have it" (their get-a-new-size-pants cup). Thirdly, and this is where I have to give myself some props because this has never EVER happened in my life before--I only ate about half of it and threw the rest away, because I realized I had satisfied my sweets craving and was only eating it because it was there.

Change is possible, people! Way to go to Aunt Cynthia and the rest of the Mud Creek Gang!

I am so grateful to all of you for participating in our little contest, because just knowing that you're out there, struggling the same way I'm struggling, trying to make these healthy choices also, really does keep me accountable and make it easier.

So keep on keeping on, and have a great (and healthy!) weekend!

Ashley 0=)

Email from Cynthia (posted by Ashley)

(Note from Ashley: I'm so glad to get an update from someone, even it's in email format! I'm just posting it here for continuity's sake. 0=)

Hey Gang,

I find it a lot easier to write a mass e-mail than to try to post on the blog. I still try to read it but can never remember all of the details necessary to add to it.

How is everyone doing with food and exercise. I have worked out 3 times in the last week, which is not great but not bad either. I think that as a family we have definitely improved our food choices in the last several weeks. Lean meat and lots of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains and very few sweets or fried foods.

It is still really easy to stop and get a burger rather than cook, but that has happened only a few times. We have tried some new recipes for chicken that we all love. One is a marinate made with olive oil, garlic, brown sugar and vinegar. No salt is needed so it is much healthier all the way around.

My annual physical is tomorrow and I know that my weight is about 20 lbs lower than the last time I saw her. I am really excited about that.

Granny Madge does not have e-mail, but reports that her blood sugar is really doing great and she feels good.

Kudos to all you losers out there.

Love to all,

Cynthia

Proud moments by Doug

Well first let me say I am proud that God has given me the good health to be able to exercise and diet!! Second I am proud of Ashley for starting this contest and giving us a reason to get healthier. Third I am very proud of all the family members who entered and are trying to improve their condition!

My two personal moments are 1) During week 1 went to a men's fellowship where they had homemade sausage lasagna and spaghetti and buttered bread and barbecued rabbit and salad. I waited until the line thinned out and then got a small helping of the lasagna and spaghetti and rabbit, skipped the bread and loaded half of my plate with salad. When ready for seconds I got only salad. Ordarilly I would have had two or three heaping plates of lasagna and nothing else!!
2) During week 2 at the gym I tried the stair master! I got on and set it for level four and after a few moments I adjusted it to level one and weezed my way through 5 minutes of seemingly endless torture!! The next day I got back on and managed 6 minutes at level one! The third day I was able to do 10 minutes at level one and ten more minutes at level 2 woo hoo!!!

Last but not least I was suprised and pleased when I weighed Saturday and found that I was down 9.2 pounds. I did not believe it at first and got back on the scales to make sure!! I hope everyone has a great second week and am looking forward to good results from all of you!!

Just because I am me let me close with those immortal words from M. C. Hammer, CAN"T TOUCH THIS!!! LOL

Love Ya'll, Doug

Proudest Moment (Ashley)

So Daddy has sole possession of bragging rights for the next two weeks. But we still have a while to go, and as we embark on the next two weeks, I figured I would start a new thread for response.

In the past two weeks, what was your proudest moment regarding this competition? Was it making a healthy eating choice when you were faced with temptation, or was it getting your butt out of bed early in the morning to go exercise?

For me, it was when we had pizza from Papa Murphy's one evening. Even though we got thin crust so it was already better for you than it normally would have been, I stopped myself at eating two pieces and instead of having more, I made myself a salad instead.

This is significant in two ways for me. Pizza is the ultimate comfort food for me, and I have rarely, RARELY, if EVER, been able to only eat two pieces. Even when I wasn't too overweight, pizza was just one of those foods that I always permitted myself to indulge in because, well--it's pizza! So by actually being able to limit myself at two pieces is a pretty big deal for me.

The other reason it's significant is because I was able to eat a healthy alternative (salad) instead of the other 2 slices. In the past, I've never really liked salad, but I'm beginning to think it was simply because I didn't know how to make one. I'd always eat it with just the lettuce, cheese, and dressing, but now I'm sprucing it up--mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, almonds, avocado, egg--and finding I'm actually looking forward to eating it now.

So that was my proudest moment of the past 2 weeks--eating only 2 pieces of pizza with a salad instead of indulging in 4 pieces.

What has been your proudest moment of the last 2 weeks?

7/25 Weigh-In

Name-Weight Lost-Percentage

Doug-9.2 lbs-3.1%
Heather-5 lbs-2.5%
Cody-4.4 lbs-1.7%
Granny-3 lbs-1.5%
Jessica-3 lbs-1.2%
Ashley-2.5 lbs-1.1%
Mark-3.4 lbs-0.97%
Lindie-1.5 lbs-0.95%
Brittney-1.6 lbs-0.8%
Luke-1 lb-0.37%
Justin-0.5 lb-0.27%
Cynthia-0.4 lb-0.16%
Velma-0 lb-0%

Way to go Daddy for leading the gang this weigh-in. Congratulations to everyone for making it through the first 2 weeks!


Ashley

You Guys Rock!!!

Hey Guys!

I just wanted to take a moment to chime in here and say How impressed I am with the entire family! The dedication is great, but he life altering desires and changes are overwhelming...

I to would like to see the same results here in my family...and I am! Cody and I both lost over 6 pounds in week one, and the girls have all done well also! Jessica and Cynthia have been doing weight watchers for awhile, going to the pool regularly, and even working out in the gym afterwards...I am totally impressed with them:)

I think that I have had a regress this week laying in bed for the past 4 days. I have not been allowed to do anything since the procedure (not even lifting 5 pounds) but tomorrow, I revolt, lol! Hey FYI...Did you know that they could bend a 6" long needle while trying to wedge it between the spine???

I am allowed to submerge my incision site, and the weight restrictions are then lifted also!!! Back to the gym and the pool...and my lawn mower (if it quits raining here:))

MY motivation would have to be to be active with my Darling wife as we get ready to travel together in the next segment of our lives! I do not want to be a drag for her, or my children, and especially (sigh) grandchildren, should my children ever decide to take the next step:)

I just want to say God Bless to the entire family and that as long as you are all trying, there will be NO LOSERS, only winners at the end of this contest!

Mark

Motivation & Week 1 updates

As Heather said before, I haven't been staying on top of the blog and will start to now that I know everyone is posting on here a lot. So, here's my 2 cents to get caught up.

My motivation is to be healthier. Period. Justin and I just started trying for baby #2 and I want to be very healthy during this pregnancy. (I'll let everyone know when I'm actually prego).
I was pretty healthy for Jackson but I know I can do a lot better. Also, I never really lost a lot of my weight from Jackson...and that was over 2 years ago. I want to lose the weight from him and then be able to get back into shape quickly after the next kiddo.

As far as week 1 goes...it actually went really well!! Justin works out often during his lunch break at work (they have a gym in his building). Usually he works out every day if he can. Good for him. I, on the other hand, haven't worked out much...unless you count running after a 2 year old all day =). We have a gym within walking distance from our house but I haven't joined yet. It's become one of those things on my "to do" list.
With weight loss, we didn't really weigh in because we didn't think we were going to post it this week. So, we'll just wait until this Saturday for the real weigh in. But I know that we've both lost a pound or two.

As far as the 5K goes...we are all in. I participated in 2 this past year. What a feeling of accomplishment! I told myself on the first on that I would run the entire time and I did. After I crossed the finish line, I cried. I was so proud. And to think...I hate running. So, if I could do it, anyone can do it. I really do believe that.

Well, best of luck to everyone this 2nd week. We'll see what happens....

Small Steps (Ashley)

First of all, I want to say good luck to Uncle Mark tomorrow. Keep us updated and let us know how you're doing. It sucks that you might gain weight as a side effect. Will you still be able to do some exercise? I'll be thinking of you and praying for you. Don't forget to keep eating healthfully!

Speaking of eating healthfully, I read something today that said that it takes about three weeks for us to grow new taste buds. I guess that means that for everyone who is having a hard time kicking the fast food/soda habit, there is hope! Pretty soon you won't even be craving that kind of stuff!

But my topic tonight is on small steps. Actually, Heather's post made me think of this. (Glad to see you on, Heather! Way to go on the 5k training!)

For some insane, masochistic reason, I've had it in my head for the past few years that I want to run a marathon. Like I said, insane. I think the main reason I want to do this is just so I can say I can, but I have to admit that there's a little bit of an athlete deep DEEP inside me that looks forward to hard training and pushing my limits.

However, all my running books and magazines say that you need to be running regularly for a full year before you even think about training for a marathon. So I'm taking small steps.

Two weeks after I had Elizabeth, I was pushing myself to be able to walk on the treadmill for even 20 minutes. But over the past month, I've been slowly building up my endurance. I then went to jogging 1 minute, then 2 minutes. Now I'm jogging 3 minutes continuously, and then I'm doing jogging intervals for 20 minutes--walk 2 minutes, jog 2 minutes, etc. I sweat a LOT. 0=)

But the accomplishment that I feel during and afterward is so worth it. And I keep thinking about how next week when I push myself to jog 5 minutes continuously, and one day when I can jog 30 minutes or even an hour without stopping.

In the past, I wouldn't have had the patience to take these small steps. I would have pushed myself too far, too fast and experienced burnout.

Maybe I'm getting wiser in my old age. 0=)

Speaking of 5ks, Heather...

Luke and I are signing up for a 5k in the middle of September that the Children's Museum in Denver is sponsoring--it's meant for the whole family, so we'll put Elizabeth in her stroller. We'll probably walk more than we run, but just being able to go out with her to do something healthy makes me feel like we're already preparing her to lead a healthy lifestyle when she gets older.

Maybe one day we can all run a 5k together. 0=)

Feelin' Good

Okay...haven't been on in a while, so I'm going to catch up.
Motivation? Same as a lot of you guys. I want to be able to keep up with Micah. I want to set a good example of healthy living for him. I hope he never struggles with his weight like I have. I want to be able to keep up with Dan when we go mountain biking and hike harder trails. I'd like to buy clothes in the single digits again.
How am I doing? Pretty well. I'm losing weight (slower than some of you, because I've been losing weight since February - 30lbs. before this contest. Only about 60 more to goal :). I lost weight fast at first, and then reeeeally slowly when I stopped walking regularly. So I'm trying to get back at it. Our church is hosting a 5K for a worthy cause in November, and I'm beginning training this week. I've already recruited partners, so I have to stick with it!! It's something I want to do unconnected with weight-loss, but it will help me with that gaol as well. I'm sooo glad we're all doing this together, and I hope everyone is successful. Good luck this week everyone!!

Heather

That was from Doug

Upon review I realized I did not give my name on the post, silly me!!

Motivation other than winning, being able to do stuff. Like ride a roller coaster and fit in the restraints. Sooner or later my grandkids will want to do stuff like that with Grandpappy!!

1 week down 14 to Victory

Hi everyone, week one was very challenging. I made it to the gym 6 days out of seven and have been eating good things. Smaller portions and better choices. I am planning to keep this up and have to admit that this contest has been a great motivator. I have a competitive nature, which you all are aware of, LOL!! I am thrilled that all of you are participating and hope that we are all healthier and happier as a result.

Night time snacks are a tough subject. If you find yourself needing that kind of thing, I suggest Orville Redenbachers mini bag smart pop popcorn. 1 bag pops up in about 1min 15 seconds and is zero point on weight watchers!! Woo Hoo!!

As of Thursday I was down 5 Lb!!

Good luck everyone and God Bless!!

One Week Down (Ashley)

So, how did everyone do this first week? As with any change in life, I'm sure that it was difficult. Uncle Mark mentioned in one of his emails this week that he was going to try to cut down on fast foods.

I know that's been one of the biggest temptations for Luke and me in the past, especially when we both had jobs and were tired--driving through was so much easier than spending the time, even if it was only 30 minutes, to cook a meal. I guess that it was one benefit of Luke being out of a job--he cooks almost every night now. 0=)

I'm going to tempt fate here and say that I'm coming off the first week feeling pretty good. I've been trying to eat really healthfully and exercise almost every day. I feel so much stronger than I did just last week--and this is going to sound sickening--almost to the point that I feel refreshed after an hour of exercise instead of dog tired.

The thing is, I've been at this point in the past. Gotten to where I felt I could keep going like this forever. But then I would skip one day of exercise or started eating out more often, or making the wrong choices in what I ate, and the days melted one into another until I had gained back all of the weight I had lost, and more.

I'm not saying I'm afraid that's going to happen, because I'm being positive about the whole thing. But I do think I am more mindful and aware of what my pitfalls can be, just because I've been down this path before.

So my first week? Great. Struggled at first, but ended strong (point in face--I'm eating a peach right now as a snack).

How about everyone else?


Ashley

Cynthia's motivation

My motivation is mostly to just feel better. It seems like in the last few years that health problems just keep popping up, and most would at least be reduced by losing weight.
Though I struggle minute by minute, I have changed my eating habits to much healthier ones, but am still trying to get a handle on portion control and regular exercise. I have been going to WW for 8 months and am averaging about 2 lbs a month. That is not a rapid zoom zoom rate but at least it is steady is remarkably slow. I struggle with tracking and have switched back and forth from points to filling foods repeatedly trying to find a routine that works and doesn't cause me to obsess about food.
I want to be active with a minimum of pain and have the flexibility and strength to do the things that I love, such as hike, go to a waterpark, and play games with my family. I don't have any grandchildren but would like to be able to play with all of the little ones that keep appearing on both sides of the family. I don't like hearing you are too big for that, or saying I can't do that.
Oh to be fit again as when I was young. But I would never consider going back.
I also want to set a better example for my kids and help them to never get in this situation. Looks do matter, but I am learning to dress for where I am today. I would really like to buy my clothes in regular sizes rather than the big women's department. I will always be short, but at least not so pudgy. To be just overweight and not "morbidly obese" on the BMI charts. That is my main goal along with stopping or reducing some of my daily meds.
Enough of the ruminating, I made fruit salad for supper with a no fat yogurt and orange juice dressing over blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, and bananas. I call it my red-white-and- blue salas. It was very, very good.

How about the rest of You losers?

My Motivations

I guess mine are a great deal like Ashley's, although they relate to grandchildren. I want to be healthier. I want to be able to keep up with Micah and Zayda. I want to be able to get down on the floor comfortably to play with them. I want to live long enough to see them grow up, etc. I want to grow old with James, etc. OK, older! :)
I want to be able to go hiking comfortably. I love hiking and being out in nature. Right now, it is difficult to even garden like I would like to. I get out of breath quickly and have to stop and rest on even the simplest of trails. It is more due to my weight and being out of shape than my age.
I do care about how I look as well, but the older you get that becomes minor to the other health issues, or at least it does for me. I do believe that several of the health issues that I deal with will either fade or go away when I lose weight. Did ya'll notice the when, and not an if? :)
Alright, let's hear your reasons!!

Love ya'll,
Velma

Motivation (Ashley)

So we all have different reasons for being motivated to lose weight and get healthy, and I imagine actually being in this contest and/or winning it is only a minor one. (Although I have to say that having a community of people, especially when it's family, to support each other is awesome.)

Since having Elizabeth, she is my biggest motivation. Over the years I've wanted to lose weight, but it just never happened, for one reason or another. I lost focus, I guess. But now I have someone I look at every day and think: I want to be able to keep up with her when she starts moving fast. I don't want her to be embarrassed to be seen with me. I want her to live a healthy lifestyle. I don't want her to end up overweight and ashamed like I've been for most of my life.

There are other motivations, such as not wanting to have so many complications whenever we get pregnant again...just plain feeling better about myself...knowing people will look at me differently, both personally and professionally...and knowing that I am as in shape as my brother! (grrr)

What are your motivations for wanting to lose weight/be healthy?

Doug Worries about ME???

Hey Velma...

Doug is worried about me because he knows my mental status...nothing to do with the Biggest Loser contest, lol!

Actually, I have lost alot of weight in the near past and have been on a plateau the past month or 6:)

It is hard to lose weight for anyone...everyone must lose it the same way!

That includes portion control, exercise, and food choices...(sigh, no more fast foods for me, lol).

I applaud the other 12 fellow family contestants and I hope that you all end up way ahead of me (I mean losing a lot of weight)...that would mean that we all are getting healthier!

Take care, good luck, and God bless you guys!

ME

Alright, already

I am going to take Doug's comment as meaning that men lose faster than women, and not a personal afront at my weight losing ability. Although, when he and others know my propensity for chocolate, it does make losing weight a challenge. I have also been fighting like crazy to maintain and lose a few pounds lately. Honestly, as you get older it is harder to lose weight. I also have a difficult time adding exercise to my regime. I have joined a water exercise class, too. However, it is more difficult to make myself get dressed to go during the summer than it is to stop by on my way home during the school year. I expect to get back on the exercise wagon better when school starts again August 3rd. Meanwhile, I will just do the best I can at home.
Good luck to all, and may the best loser win!!!

I love you all,
Velma

And so begins the smack talk...

The other evening while I was talking to Daddy about our Biggest Loser Contest, he made the comment that he was concerned about Uncle Mark being part of the competition. I said I thought Aunt Velma was going to be difficult to compete with, because she seems so motivated.

Aunt Velma, your dear darling brother (who knows I am posting this, and gave me his express permission), then said something to the effect of: "I'm not worried about her. She's a woman."

Okay, ladies. There are 5 guys and and 8 women in this contest. Let's whoop their butts!


Ashley

Weight Loss Suggestions

Hey Guys!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions...

However, I have a more specific suggestions for the other 12 participants...one I know you guys will really enjoy!

You guys load up on all the Pizza, Chocolate Syrups, Fried Foods, and every other fattening thing you can fit in your mouths, lol!

Maybe, just maybe, I will have an outside chance that way, lol!

Really, I hope all you guys the best as we all try to change our lifestyles so that we can lead a happy, healthy (and active) life! You guys are truly great and I hope the helpful tips keep getting posted for all the group!

I don't know about you guys, but Saturday was a stressful day, lol! That was a very hard email to send...I really love you Ashley, but that was difficult, lol!

Cynthia and I joined a water exercise class as UT@Tyler, and I am doing resistance walking 3-4 days a week right now (pushing a mower, lol).

God Bless you all and good losing!

Mark

PS...Cody is sweating very well...lost 7 poounds last week (before the contest:) and is working out in the TEXAS heat. How about you guys, hmmm?

Yummy (and not too bad for you) food

So, Justin and I figured this out when we did Weight Watchers last year and will probably use it again during this biggest loser contest (that we will win!).

If you have a Papa Murphy's pizza place in your area they are AWESOME!!! I highly recommend it.
Order anything with the "delite" crust. The key there is that you are eating a lot less carbs/bread. We always order the Chicken, Bacon, Artichoke (my favorite) and the Papa's Favorite (equivalent to a supreme pizza).

We ordered them today and I don't know if this is the same everywhere, but on Sundays, you get $2.00 off each delite pizza. Good for your waist and your wallet.

Each slice of this pizza is only 4 WW points. So, not too bad.
Enjoy!

Ashley's Berry Delight

Here is one of my own (simple) healthy creations:

In a small dessert cup or bowl, put in order:

strawberries
blackberries
(raspberries-optional-sometimes they're too sour)
blueberries
a tablespoon or so of whipped cream (I've found the Reddiwhip in the can is better)
crumbled half of a graham cracker
light hershey's syrup

Enjoy!

Roll Call

So here are the participants in the first contest of the McElroy Family Biggest Loser Contest:

1) Mark
2) Cynthia
3) Cody
4) Jessica
5) Brittney
6) Velma
7) Heather
8) Doug
9) Justin
10) Lindie
11) Luke
12) Ashley
13) Granny

Just to give you an idea where we stand as a family, the average weight is 237.

Good luck to everyone over the next 2 weeks!


Ashley

Today's the Day! (Ashley)

Day 1 of the McElroy Family Biggest Loser Contest--

Don't forget to email me or call me with your starting weight by 6:00pm MST tonight. Then, in 2 weeks, on 7/25/09, contact me with your weight loss so I can calculate everyone's percentage.

A few hints/tips/etc. I've learned over the years; hopefully it'll help some people:
1) Visit www.sparkpeople.com. It's a weight loss community that's free, but even if you don't count calories, all the articles are really helpful.
2) SparkPeople also has a sister site for pregnant women, Stephanie--I believe it's BabyFit. I know you're not in the contest, but you might like it, anyway.
3) SparkPeople has another related site called www.sparkrecipes.com with some really good stuff.
4) Try to drink at least 64 oz of water a day--but you really need more if you're going to be exercising.
5) Try to eat three meals and two snacks throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism going, and give you more energy throughout the day. Also, if you eat healthy snacks, you won't be starving and overeat at mealtimes.
6) ALWAYS eat breakfast.
7) A combination of carbohydrates and protein is the best snack.
8) To get a more accurate measure of how you're doing, don't just depend on the number on the scale--get a measuring tape and start recording inches lost around your arms, thighs, hips, waist, and chest.
9) For night snackers (Luke's one of these), set a time at night after which you won't eat anything to prevent yourself from giving into temptation.
10) Try to get a full 8 hours of sleep if you can. If you exercise, your body needs it to recover, and you won't be as prone to overeat.

Feel free to post your own tips to share with others!


Ashley

Heather's in

Okay. Count me in!!

Velma's In

I am in as well. I have no baby for an excuse, and I badly need to reduce the current me to become the me I want to be. If you followed that, that proves your related!! :)
Thanks to Doug and Ashley for dreaming this up. We all need to get healthier so that we can be around to aggravate, I mean encourage each other for a long, long time!

Love ya'll and may the best loser win!!

Contest!!!

Hey Guys!

Cynthia and I are in!!! This sounds like a fun way to get accomplished that which we need to get rid of...and I am not talking about Doug!

I will not be trash talking anyone trying to lose wight...only encouraging, cheering, or consoling:)

Once everyone signs up, or acknowledges that they are indeed "In" the contest, possibly we might get a full roster of participants from Ashley and Doug...just so we can keep up with everyone in the "Family" that is at least trying!

Take care all and get ready...

Mark

PS...Congrats to Ashley and Luke, as well as Steph and Neville (where's all the baby boys at?).

Hey Everyone!

I can't participate (baby might not like it and besides my weight will be going in the other direction...) but I'll be happy to follow along and encourage! :) Good luck everyone!!!!!!

Stephanie

Welcome to the McElroy Family Biggest Loser Contest!

Hello Everyone!

Here's the deal. The contest starts July 11th, 2009 and ends January 30th, 2010. Using the information you received in the email, log in to the blog and post the difference between your starting weight and your goal weight on July 11th. Every 2 weeks (always on a Saturday) after that, log in and post the amount of weight you lost. Ashley will calculate the percentages on the following Sunday so we can see how everyone is doing.

You can use this blog as you'd like--to encourage others, to smack talk, to post progress pictures--but this is for everyone to share.

The person who loses the most percentage of weight as of January 30th, 2010, will receive a plaque or somesuch--but most importantly, bragging rights. And everyone else can be healthier, which is a good thing for all of us.

So, on July 11th post the difference between your current weight that day and what you want to lose and post the amount of weight you've lost two weeks after that, and so forth.

If you have questions, email Doug or Ashley. Good luck!