Forget Dieting: Get the Flu!

I'll be the first to admit that this whole Biggest Loser challenge has taken a bit of a backseat to other more pressing issues. We took a holiday from P90X for Fall Break and then we were sidelined by the flu.

But, as it turns out, the flu is a far more effective form of weight loss than anything we've ever done! Although I can't say that I recommend it. For the first time in my memory, I'm sub-130. And though I know it won't last, it was the small silver lining of having one of the worst cases of the stomach flu I've ever had.

But, today I'm feeling better. And next week is a new week. I'm ready to refocus my efforts once again. Though I haven't lost a lot of weight, P90X has made me feel stronger and more fit, which was my main goal anyway. So, here's to reaching small goals and celebrating every victory!

Sugar Addict

I'm pretty confident that I have a strong sugar addiction. I use the word addiction because of my out of control relationship with it. Because I know about my addiction, I have always done a pretty good job of not having a lot of candy or sweets in the house. (Kids hate my house because I never have enough treats!) So, when I need to satisfy my sugar fix, I become like a woman possessed. A crazy person looking for anything that has a small nutrient to sugar ratio. Handfuls of chocolate chips, fruit by the foot, whatever I can get my hands on. I swear I'm like an alcoholic going after the mouthwash!

I wish I could say that my healthy new lifestyle has changed this. It hasn't. The only difference is that I'm trying to curb the cravings before they happen. First, I try not to let myself get too hungry. That's when the addiction is the strongest. Second, I drink a glass of water first. Usually, that can control the hunger and limit my intake of whatever I decide to binge on next. Last, I make a conscious decision. I literally have to say to myself, "OK. I will eat this and that's it." I think it's important to indulge some of your cravings so you don't crazy. The important thing is to improve the quality of the indulgence and limit the quantity. Last, as I'm a mom and I'm in and around the kitchen a lot. This is really the root of the problem. Physically removing myself from the kitchen area or busying myself doing something else really helps.

Amen. I'm stepping of my soapbox. What are your suggestions for kicking the cravings?

Week 4 Results

As I sit here eating one of my neigbor's world famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with cream cheese frosting, I am sad to report that upon weighing in on Tuesday night I am came to the not-so-surprising discovery that I had gained back the two pounds I had lost the previous week. Dan had also gained two pounds. I don't think either of were too shocked. In fact, perhaps we were a bit relieved that we hadn't gained more. The deadly combo of Taylor's birthday and Conference weekend proved to compeltely undermine our best efforts. I'll admit to cake, ice cream, cinnamon rolls, and sugar cookies. Wo is me.

The good news is that we did p90X every single morning this past week. The workouts were absolutely brutal, as was the thought of getting out of bed at 6:00 every morning. But we pulled through and hopefully there will be a positive result! Keep your fingers crossed!

Can I just say, however, I feel SOOO much better (albeit tired and ridiculously sore) when I am working out and eating right than last week when I was eating with wild abandon? Sure, eating all the wrong stuff might be fun at the time, but it makes me feel absoutely awful about myself later. (I swear that last line came from a circa 1980 "just say no" commercial).

Products I Love!

I know, I know. We all hate things that might be considered "health foods." It's that detested category of quasi-food that we have to force feed ourselves while repeating the mantra that it is good for us. If you're like me, you have to literally give yourself a pep talk before choking down one of those nasty whole-wheat tortillas with fake "fat free" cheese on top.

So don't do it! Find something you actually DO like and stick with it. Or make the things you were eating already work for you in a healthy way. For example, I REFUSE to eat fat free cheese. It is a crime against nature and absolutely repulsive. I also can't seem to find a "healthy" tortilla that I can stomach. So, here are a few things that I actually enjoy.

*Laughing Cow Cheese (I am partial to the Garlic & Herb flavor). I use it as a snack with Special K crackers, or use it instead of cheese and mayo on sandwiches and wraps. Natalie Ross suggests throwing a bit into your eggs and omlettes.

* Alternative Bagels: These were also introduced to me by Natalie Ross. They are sold in the refrigerated section at Wal-Mart by the cream cheese. Super great for an egg sandwich in the morning, or as a lunch time sandwich with laughing cow, tomatoes, lettuce, and lean meat. Delish!

* Orowheat Sandwich Thins: These are sold at Costco by the bread. They are only 1 WW point for a whole thing! Another great solution for sandwiches, toast, etc!

*Kashi waffles and Kodiak Pancakes: Again, thank you Natalie. You actually feel like you're treating yourself when you top these babies with berries and Fat Free cool whip!

* Weight Watcher Frozen Fudge Bars: 1 point and a solution to your late night need for a dessert!

So everyone . . . what else do you love? Any hidden treasures in the land of healthy eating that I need to know about?

Week 3 Results

Here it is Thursday and we still haven't watched the latest Biggest Loser in its entirety. BUT, we did weigh in and both got a pleasant (albeit surprising) result. We both lost weight! Dan lost 4.7 pounds and I lost 2. Unfortunately, I'm fairly confident I regained it the following day when I took a complete vacation from diet and exercise to celebrate Taylor's birthday. This inolved all the usual suspects of going out to lunch, cake, ice cream, etc. Oh well, you have to live your life, right? Although, I am a little bit disappointed in my complete lack of discipline.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. A blank slate. A chance to start again. So, let's all get up early and workout. And eat lots of fiber, protein, and veggies!

My Love of Food

I love, love, love food. I read recipes in cookbooks for fun. I like to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. I am addicted to the Food Network. I like to watch shows like Diners, Drivers, and Dives or The Best Thing I Ever Ate just so I can vicariously eat through other people. I like to hear about what people make their families for dinner. My favorite question to people is what their favorite dinner is.

I love food. That is why this is so hard! I keep trying to channel my culinary passion into healthy food, but it's just not as fun or exciting. So, I think its important to be realistic. You need to allow yourself a few premeditated "cheats" within reason. Otherwise, you might just completely plunge into the depths of loathsome gluttony and binging from which your determined healthy self can never return.

All week, I've been fighting the urge to bake. Why is that? I decided there is something hardwired into mothers that makes them think that baked goods=love. Are you with me? The best moms should always have a warm plate of cookies waiting for their children when they come home from school, right? Maybe that's why Beaver Cleaver was so chubby. So, let's rewire our thinking into nutrition=love. Carrot sticks and apples from now on!

Week 2 Challenge

The Week 1 Challenge was to run a mile to the best of your ability. Sadly, the best of my ability is absolutely pathetic (11:04). Let's face it, I got beat by a bunch of little kids. Sure, every single member of the Ross family can outrun me (even the 4 year olds), but it gives me motivation to improve. My only consolation is that I'm one of the few Rosses that can touch their toes.

Anyhoo. Dan ran a sub-7.00 mile, which is incredible. I can't wait to see him beat that one! Taylor did awesome with 10.05. And Loryn got 14.00. Way to go everyone! The most important thing is that we're spending time together as a family getting fit and healthy. What a great way to start good habits and make health a family priority.

This week's challenge is to find a steep hill or flight of stairs. Give your family or group 15 minutes to run up and down as many times as possible. Keep track of how many times you make it (even walking) and we'll do it again later on in the season to compare. We'll be running up and down the hill in the Rock Canyon Bowl. It's a doozie. Anyone care to join in?

Week 2 Results

Drumroll please. The first full week of the Biggest Loser Challenge came to a close on Tuesday night. We weighed in with the contestants. I dutifully had avoided the scale all week, so that my weight would be a total surprise. Unfortunately, it was not quite the surprise I was anticipating . . . I came up with a big fat goose egg. I lost nothing! I'll admit this really took the wind out of my sails. I have been absolutely vigilant with my diet. VIGILANT, I tell you! However, I did miss a couple days of working out, which proved to be devastating. Oh well, I guess I learned what NOT to do next week.

Dan, on the other hand, still ate pizza at Costco and burgers at Burger King and still managed to lose 8 pounds. So not fair! I have to hand it to him, though. He worked out every day and besides his handful of indulgences, really stayed faithful to his diet. Yeah, Dan!

How did everyone else do? If you're feeling frustrated like me. Hang in there. Did you have that moment of questioning inside you like I did? Did you wonder if it was all for naught? Hang in there! I'm going to. For all of you who did awesome like Dan, way to go! Keep up the good work!

The Reasons We Eat

Other than just being hungry or thinking something looks tasty, I usually eat for social reasons or out of sheer boredom. On The Biggest Loser, you hear a lot of talk about emotional eating. I never thought that was big issue for me. Turns out, it just might be.

This weekend was hard. Dan and I were coming out of one of the more disheartening weeks of our lives. Then I heard of my grandmother's quick demise after a slip and fall on Saturday. Now, it looks like she won't make it through the week. Plus, there are the regular pitfalls of it being a weekend--lots of social gatherings and downtime. If you add all these factors together and you will find a lot of reasons to eat and/or not exercise. Simply put, I had the munchies big time! Emotional exhaustion can be physically taxing as well.

We've all been there. Tired, stressed, sad. But the choice is still ours--do we reach for the oreos or the running shoes? In attempt to make the right choice, we got up this morning and did our P90X video and had a good breakfast. Is everyone else staying on track? You've heard my sob story, so what are the reasons you eat?

P90X

I have watched the P9oX infomercial more times than I care to admit. I owe this to the poor selection of viewing options available during the wee hours of feeding a newborn. Anyway, the informercial left me intrigued.

So, when my little brother told me he bought the DVDs on eBay, Dan and I were eager to give it the old college try. We began on Wednesday morning with the first disc, which focused on chest and back. Translation= hundreds of push ups and pulls ups. There was no attempt to entertain or provide variety. Just straight up torture. On Friday, we did every type of bicep and tricep exercise imagineable. And let's face it, I couldn't physically do most of them.

We are sore, sore, sore. But that means it must be working, right? Enough about us. What is everyone else doing? Jen is doing pilates and playing basketball. Natalie ran up the Y-- you go, girl! Megs is working out at the gym. Keep it up, everyone!

This Week's Challenge

On the show this week, the contestants ran a mile. It nearly killed some of them. And it might nearly kill me too. For most of you, though, this won't really be much of a challenge. Because I happen to know that most of you are regular runners. The purpose of the challenge is to create a benchmark for yourself, especially me.

Some time this week, run a mile the best you can. At the end of this little journey of ours, we'll run it again. And hopefully, our time will improve. Or, if your time doesn't have much room for improvement, perhaps you will be able to run with greater ease.

We're putting our kids to the challenge too. And we hear that some of our nieces and nephews are participating as well. Make it a family effort and it will be more fun!

It's Go Time!

So, Dan and I did our "official" weigh-ins on Wednesday night. And we took pictures. I debated whether I should post them or not because we were completely humiliated. I decided that in the interest of humanity, I would not post them, just to spare you the agony. Perhaps we will post them when we have a really cool "after" shot to accompany them. We will post our weights, however. I weigh 134 and Dan weighs 233. Let the losing begin!

So, how did everyone else do? I don't expect you to disclose as much information as we did. But, what are your thoughts and reactions?

The show was inspiring as always. It's quite the wake-up call for all of us to be healthier. Even if you're motive isn't to look better or lose weight, we could all afford to be in better shape, eat better food, and have healthier hearts.

About the show: I shed a tear over Abby's tragic story. What a lesson to all of us that life could unexpectedly be cut short at any moment. Everyone hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Let's talk winners. If I was a betting girl, I would always put my money on the ex-football players. They always do the best because they know how to work hard.

Are You Ready? Countdown to Showtime

So, is everyone ready? Tonight is the big night. Remember to weigh in some time tonight and try to catch the season premiere if you can. It might just be that extra kick in the pants you need. Here's what I did to get ready today:

1- I cleaned out my pantry and refrigerator. I threw away weeks-old leftovers, months-old mayo, and the nasty salad dressing from the last time I attempted to diet. I even scraped off that unidentifiable sticky gookum from the back of the shelves. (Am I the only one that gets that?) So, now I have room for all that good-for-you stuff. The next step is actually finding the will to go to the grocery store!

2- I made a detailed and categorized grocery list and a weekly menu. Some of the things on the list: fruit, veggies, fish, chicken, alternative bagels (Wal-Mart), Laughing Cow cheese, whole wheat tortillas, protein powder, Crystal Light, and Fiber One Bars (a staple for dieting, in my humble opinion). So, not exactly the tastiest or most exciting list, but it will put us on the right track!

What have you all done to get ready? Any great food finds to add to our grocery lists? Can't wait to hear from all of you. Remember to comment with your weight, goals, or comments on the show tomorrow!

My Motivation and Disclaimer

As a mother of daughters and a fairly ardent feminist, I strongly oppose the media's pressure on women to strive for unrealistic and unhealthy body images. Soooo, I have to say that I am not embarking on this Biggest Loser challenge to become a certain size or reach a certain weight. My main goal is to become stronger, fitter, and healthier and weight loss may or may not be a byproduct for me. I am hoping to reshape my body, for the sole purpose of unabashed vanity, I'll admit.

The truth is this. I have weighed within 5-10 pounds of my current weight since junior high (pregnancy and Sophomore year excepted.) That means a few things: I felt overweight as a teen, I have been blessed with consistency (thank you genetics!), and I have never really pushed myself in terms of exercise and nutrition. I have always had, in the back of my mind, a nagging wonder about what I could be if I really tried. And sometimes that nagging is actually vocalized by little brother, who is fit and trim and good looking, blah blah blah. So, for the next few weeks, I'm really going to try and we'll see what happens.

Dan's reasons are a little different and yours will be too. But, like I mentioned earlier, we all have a reason. And now is our time!

The Invitation

With reference to dieting and fitness, “I’ll start on Monday” is the all too common refrain in our house. Our lives, like yours, have been filled with far too many Mondays that have come and gone with little or no change. Now is the time. No more excuses. Now is the time for me and for all of us. I know, even as you read this, you are formulating in your head a long list of excuses that may or may not be legitimate. I’ve already made mine: I have four small children, no gym membership, and I’m still nursing. Whatever excuse just popped into your head, toss it out the window. Every one of us has room to improve: whether we need to lower cholesterol points, drop a dress size, build muscle tone, or get back into shape: we all have a reason to be better.

So join with us in our quest to become losers: losers of the greatest kind. For years now, Dan and I have been faithful viewers of “The Biggest Loser,” inspired, encouraged, and dumbfounded by the contestants. The next season of “The Biggest Loser” premieres on Tuesday, September 15th on NBC. We are using this season of the show as our own season to challenge and push ourselves to become our best selves. We will weigh in each week when the show airs to track our progress and will use the blog to post our progress and hold us accountable.

If you want to join in the fun, here’s what to do before the season premiere:

Get a gmail account, so you can report your own progress on our blog and use it as a tool for personal accountability. We can all support and encourage each other along the way.

Make a plan. Figure out a daily exercise regime that will work for you. And then figure out a plan for healthy eating. Create menus, do your grocery shopping, and prepare whatever you need to hit the ground running. Dan and I plan on doing P90X routines for exercise and using the Weight Watchers point system for our diet. You can do whatever works for you. Just make sure you’re prepared!

Be prepared for a weekly challenge. Each week on “The Biggest Loser,” the contestants are subjected to some ridiculous challenge that pushes them to their limits. Get ready for a real challenge and test of will!