Getting Healthy...Marie's Journey of Faith and Fitness!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - The Results Continue!

2012-01-31T14:36:00.008-05:00

Well, the results for the week are in. I lost 1.2 pounds, and although I was hoping for more with all of the work I put in this week, I'm still very happy with it.

I know that in doing all of these activities, I'm building muscle while I get rid of the fat. My clothes are much looser, plus I can fit into a couple pairs of pants that wouldn't even come close to zipping up before.

On top of that both my husband and my Pilates instructor have told me that I look like I've lost a lot, and they can see the slimming down in the shape of my body. When other people start to notice, you're definitely doing something right!

So it's off to spin in a little while before Biggest Loser tonight. Every week I accomplish things I didn't think were possible and get closer to my goals. I can't ask for any more than that. Every pound lost is a success!

Beginning To Hit My Stride Again!

2012-01-30T14:28:00.012-05:00

This past week, something profound happened. Profound and exciting.

Marie's got her groove back. (Sorry, Stella!) Even though over the last few months I've been making progress and getting stronger, this week is the one where I really hit my stride again.

I think part of it has to do with having some type of workout class Monday through Friday. Cardio step at Extreme Pump It Up Fitness on Monday and Wednesday, Pilates on Thursday, spin on Tuesday and Friday...I'm still learning my way in the cardio classes, but making improvements. Pilates felt especially good after having to miss it for two weeks while I had no transportation.

I felt my groove the most during spin. Tuesday was awesome, and having class again on Friday only built on the good feelings. I'm really digging down deep and experiencing the strength and power that is within me. God gives me this strength, and I ask Him for His help before every class. He helps me find what He has placed in me all along and bring it out. When I leave spin class, I'm dripping with sweat, feeling empowered and looking forward to what life has in store.

Tonight I can't make cardio class because of a meeting at my son's school, but I will kick my own butt at home afterward. I am determined to make the most of every single day. Tomorrow I weigh in, so hopefully the number on the scale is as good as the feelings my workouts give me.

But one thing can never have a number placed on it - the confident feeling of strength I have found!

Biggest Loser 13 - There's No Whine on the Biggest Loser Plan!

2012-01-24T21:22:00.017-05:00

I think Dolvett might be up for sainthood after this episode - even though he's still very much alive and even if he's not Catholic.

I'll start off by saying that even though this week's show was shortened due to the State of the Union address, NBC sure packed a lot into that hour. Unfortunately, it was mostly comprised of whining, crying, complaining and moaning. All in the season of NO EXCUSES!

Let's move past the muddy battering ram challenge right into the heart of the episode. Both Bob and Dolvett had to deal with people who would rather complain than do the work they need to do to lose the weight. Bob's problem child was Gail, who seemed to be giving very little effort combined with a whole lot of talk and tears. Bob's explanation of her crying fit over her shoelaces becoming untied would have made Tonya Harding proud. (Now, how much fun would it have been to have Bob Harper at the 1994 Olympics to whip Tonya into shape?) No matter what Gail was asked to do, she gave every excuse in the book, plus a few that she probably invented herself.

Now, I do understand the fine art of excuses. I've made them myself in the past...obviously they, along with fear, played a part in my obesity. But even in my worst season of excuses I didn't act like this. (Or like Conda, who we'll get to in a moment.) How long can a person go on complaining before they're fed up and finally just do it? Most of us have a lower threshold for our own B.S. than Gail or the other two players do, thank God.

Now to poor Dolvett. He had two whiners on his team. Nancy managed to sass him every chance she got, including giving Dolvett the business because he'd never given birth. Really - she went there. I've been through childbirth, which included 21 hours of labor and anethesia that somehow wore off on one side of my body but not the other. (The anesthesiologist put the epideral in crooked, so it sent most of the meds to my right side and not my left. It was an interesting labor!) Yes, it is a lot of work and takes all of your strength. But that only makes me realize that if we can do childbirth, we can do anything. And after both giving birth and hard training, you have something precious to show for it. In one case, your baby - in the other case, your health!

Then there's Conda. (In the Olympic realm, she would be the one trying to club her opponent on the knee instead of just working her butt off for the title.) I'm trying to like her...I really am. I'm sure there are some deep issues within her that are making her act like a spoiled brat, and that we will find out more about them soon. But have you ever heard someone talk to their trainer that way? Mouthing off, shouting NO! at him when he asks you to do something, even if it's only going to take two minutes...and complaining to the producer that Dolvett is picking on her. He was right to make her go outside until she was ready to come in and do the work. He needed to focus on the rest of his team that wanted to be there and were giving all of the effort. She finally apologized when he asked if she had something to say to him, and like the class act he is, he even apologized to her as well. I certainly didn't see anything he did that he needed to say he was sorry for. But he did what was needed to get her back to work.

Before the weigh-in, Conda was heard already making excuses before she got on the scale. If she had a bad number, she was going to blame Dolvett for giving her a hard time all week. Now THAT is ridiculous. Everything he did was to help her - she was the one holding everything up. I know some people like Conda, and unfortunately you probably do too. Everything that goes wrong is someone else's fault other than their own. They often blame the very people who try to encourage them. Luckily for the Red Team, Conda pulled a good number on the scale. Her 10 pound loss was not in spite of Dolvett...it was BECAUSE of him. (Time to send a message to the Pope - Dolvett should at least get some special blessing for putting up with this!)

It had to be beyond frustrating for Bob when his team hit the scale. Megan worked her butt off and lost only two pounds, while Gail did very little and still lost five. And you know it was even more mind-boggling for Megan! I predict that next week the scale will make it up to her. At least I sure hope so.

The elimination for the Black Team came down to the two people I thought it would. Earlier in the week, Chris broke down and said, among other things, that she wanted to go home. Fear makes you do funny things, especially when you usually keep to yourself and you're thrown into a house full of strangers who overwhelm you. But I don't blame her team for being nervous that she would leave. After all, Joe already did and they didn't want any more problems like that. Gail, as previously mentioned, complained a lot and didn't do the work. By one vote, Gail was sent home. She seems to be doing OK at home, even with tendonitis in her hips. Good thing she's swimming a lot.

By the way, congratulations to Buddy and his wife on the birth of their son! Now here's a man who flew home, witnessed his son being born, flew back in time for the weigh-in...and still lost 10 pounds! Talk about no excuses!

Next week the Aqua Team comes back. If they've lost at least 50 pounds at home they get to come back on the ranch. I'm really pulling for them to make it. I'm ready to watch people who want to make the most of their opportunities and really want to be there. How about you?

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - 3rd Week Results

2012-01-24T14:50:00.008-05:00

We are three weeks in with our #BL13Challenge.

It's been a real challenge in more ways than one, which include my vehicle situation. At one point last week both cars were in the shop. It turns out that my husband's car does need an engine after all, and it would be better to get another car. With our finances they way they are, we have to borrow money from family for a down payment and get something used to be able to afford a small monthly payment. We are still pricing vehicles, and a friend of ours was able to lend his truck so my husband could get to work and we would have at least one form of transportation.

When both cars were out of commission, I had no way to get to my Pilates, spin, and other activites. I was even stalled in job hunting because I would have had no way to get to an interview or start right away if that were the case. I certainly still worked out at home, but I missed seeing my friends at class. It really hurt to miss Pilates two weeks in a row because of the car...and it hurt even more to miss spin for the first week ever.

So this morning I stepped on the scale to see a .4 pound loss. I'm actually pretty happy with that. I did the best I could with what I had to work with, and it's still a loss. I didn't gain or stay the same. The scale still moved in the right direction.

The good news is that after 5 days without my car I have it back. Thankfully the bill for this one wasn't too bad, and since my husband is using his friend's truck we can both get to our appointments and activities now. I'm back to job hunting after a few days away from it, and able to go to spin tonight, my other cardio classes, and Pilates on Thursday!

I feel surprisingly upbeat after going through all of this. God always provides a way, and during the period when I was stuck at home he provided time for soul searching in addition to more time to write and edit. And now He has provided temporary transportation while we shop for a car. Back when I had that rotten day, I must have gotten it all out of my system. That's not to say I won't still have challenging days, but I'm handling them much better after venting (as calmly as I could) - to God through prayer, and to my friends who provided an ear and some prayers on my behalf. True friends know that we all have issues to face and occasional rough days...and that it's a two-way street in supporting each other. I'm always happy to be there for my friends. It's such a blessing to know that they have my back as well. I always knew they did, but it means even more after the debacle with that certain "friend" recently. You learn who your true friends are and what real friendship is...and there is an amazing gift in the lesson.

So I go into this next week of the challenge stronger, more confident, and more courageous than before. Onward and upward!

How did you do this week? Please share with me here or at #BL13Challenge on Twitter!

My Take on the Paula Deen Diabetes Dilemma

2012-01-20T14:44:00.012-05:00

By now you've probably heard a lot about Paula Deen and her diabetes. And if you haven't heard that much, you've at least heard something unless you live under a rock.

I've been thinking about this situation since the news came out. A lot of people immediately criticized her, which I do understand because of the kind of recipes she teaches and foods she endorses. If you eat that stuff on a regular basis you are not going to be healthy.

But in addition to that, I have some other thoughts on Paula. I have one of her cookbooks that I was given as a gift years ago. (Hopefully the person who gave it to me did so because of my love of all things Southern...and NOT because I look like I eat a lot of butter. Ick!) I enjoy looking at the recipes, but I've only made a couple of them - and not often, only once or twice for the holidays or a special occasion. There is no way I could eat that stuff more often than that.

A lot of traditional Southern food is filled with grease, butter, sugar, and too many carbs. And being a Dixie gal, Paula made a name for herself making the foods she grew up on and adding her own twists. Some of these recipes look appetizing, while others (like the doughnut burger pictured above) just look downright disgusting. When you've grown up on a certain kind of food, you tend to turn to that food for comfort and celebration because you're used to it. When she began, Paula most likely thought she was just passing down dishes that have been around for generations, and updating them to create something different. I doubt she set out purposely to make people around the country sick. She was probably in denial that they could make HER sick.

Along the way, her recipes got out of hand. She says she's always preached moderation, although I've never really heard her say it myself. And as her own health spiraled out of control and she developed diabetes, I'm guessing that she had no idea what to do next. She was used to these foods. And her fans were used to these foods. It probably took her a while to figure out how to deal with her diagnosis, then in turn deal with her food legacy. Obviously it's 3 years later and there's plenty of fallout...and I bet she knew there would be, hence the delay in telling the world about her diabetes while she figured out how to deal with it best. She was definitely in a tight spot!

I don't have a problem with her promoting a diabetes drug, as long as she also admits that her diet played a part in her illness. She should come clean and tell us that those foods are not just to be eaten in moderation - they are to be eaten rarely if you want to be healthy. This is important so people don't assume that a drug by itself will "fix" their diabetes problem. Diet and exercise play as much, if not more, of a part in controlling diabetes. I know this because my dad is diabetic, and my grandparents were as well, along with all of my uncles. This is a disease I have to watch out for myself.

I also knew people who thought that just because they took insulin or other drugs, they could eat whatever they wanted. One person in particular would drink several glasses of wine and actually thought that shooting herself with extra insulin would cancel it out. This is dangerous thinking - it's crucial for Paula to let everyone know that the drugs do help, but they don't solve everything.

My other point - we all know that eating a ton of butter is not good for you, just like eating too much fast food isn't healthy. Blaming Paula is like blaming McDonald's...neither of them are forcing you to eat their food. We all choose what to put into our bodies. There is a lesson is all of this, and she is learning a lesson just like the rest of us. If anybody is suddenly shocked that fried food and butter aren't healthy, then they have an even bigger problem.

I look forward to seeing more of Paula's original dishes made over to be better for us. There are ways to eat your favorite things without all of the extra fat and sugar. I also look forward to better health - for Paula, myself, and all of us who struggle with our weight. May we use what we learn to improve!

Biggest Loser 13 - Facing Off, Giving Up, Breaking Through

2012-01-17T23:31:00.016-05:00

This week was somewhat back to "normal" on the ranch. Of course, I have no idea what normal is there anymore.

Alison informed the players that they would be facing off against one another on the scale. Whoever ate the most calories at the Chinese buffet temptation would have the control, getting to decide who went up against whom from each team, and who would use a 2 pound advantage, either one person or the opportunity to split it with 1 pound going to 2 different people.

Now this would be a difficult temptation for me. I love Chinese food...especially the buffet that's about 15 minutes from our house. (Good thing I limit myself to twice a year visits!) The other problem is that what they say really is true - you really are starving again a couple of hours after eating Chinese food. So not only do you eat too much, but then you eat again later because you're still hungry!

Nobody on the Red Team ate anything, for which I commend them. Kimmy was right about giving in to a temptation like that so soon, and then making yourself crave that stuff all over again. Better to stay away! The Black Team decided someone should eat a fortune cookie, so finally Cassandra did. In fact, she ate a second one just to be "safe". Good thing it was only a total of 60 calories! I also love that afterward she grabbed the slips of paper that contained the fortunes to read. My guess is that they said, "The power is within you" and "She who play with fortune cookies face off against irritating opponent".

Cassandra made her choices for the face-off, including putting her grandma Nancy against Joe and herself against Conda. Then something both surprising and interesting happened. Joe decided to leave the ranch and go home.

He said he missed his family and needed to be there. I also think he gave up too quickly after his brother went home. If I had the opportunity to be on Biggest Loser, I know I'd miss my family like crazy...but I also know they would be proud of me for taking advantage of the opportunity to get healthy. They wouldn't want me to give it up so easily. And I would never give up easily anyway. How often do you get the chance to focus on your own health - physical, mental, and spiritual - without daily stress or interruptions? Sure, at some point you have to integrate your real life with what you learn while you're away, but you have the time to work on everything, learn important skills, and pull yourself together, so when you get home you can be better at your life. Sometimes that change of pace/scenery can be the boost you need to take better care of yourself!

So Joe left, and he received a call from Bob once he was home. You could tell that Bob was really broken up about Joe leaving...he knew just how much Joe needed to be there and how much he still had to learn. Then at the challenge, the Black Team learned that the Red Team would automatically get one point in the face-off; since Joe was not there to compete against Nancy, she would automatically win her match. Bob and his team were not happy to be penalized because of Joe. One good thing came of the challenge - some of the winners gave their prize to others so they could talk to their families. It brought this season out of last week's negativity back to something pure and unselfish. Those are the moments that make the "drama" worthwhile!

Bob had some work to do with Cassandra. She always had a hard time believing in herself, whether it had to do with her weight, career, or anything else. I really relate to her, because she is a writer who dreams of getting published, but she always felt her weight would hold her back. Being a writer with the same dreams, I know the concern. I've had some successes in both writing and fitness, but still have a lot to work on. As much as I'm doing this for my health...I can't help but think ahead to that book jacket photo! (Of course, we are always all works in progress!) Seeing her breakthrough with Bob was actually a breakthrough for me as well. It makes me think about how much stronger I am both mentally and physically, and how I will keep moving upward from here. It also shows the Bob I know and love, and one of those moments that the show is all about.

Our dose of drama came with Cassandra's face-off against Conda. (I'm actually picturing John Travolta and Nicolas Cage right now, pulling their faces off in the gym and on the scale.) They had a one on one burpee challenge in the gym, with the loser having to buy the winner a Subway lunch. Cassandra won, but Conda decided to whine some nonsense about her cheating. Thankfully Dolvett put a stop to that childish outburst in the gym, but Conda continued to whine at other times. Finally Dolvett had them do another mini-challenge, which Cassandra also won. (without cheating at either, I might add) Conda vowed to beat her on the scale, still complaining. I'm sure Conda has her own issues to deal with, and it looks like next week we'll find out more about that...I'm sure there's also more to her than we get to see on TV. But the whole thing was pretty irritating!

Once we got to the scale, point after point was awarded for each face-off. It all came down to (SURPRISE!) Cassandra vs. Conda for the win. Conda only lost 3 pounds - Cassandra crushed her. Black won the weigh-in, and Red had to send someone home.

Every season has one or two eliminations that seem to come out of nowhere, and that was sure the case this week. It basically came down to Nancy and Lauren. Nancy only lost two pounds and probably would have lost to Joe had he stayed on the ranch. But Lauren was always a team player and did her best. She didn't have any problems with any of her teammates.

Lauren wound up going home, and she was as surprised as we all were. She's doing well at home, and is even finding the athlete within her again by running a half-marathon. I know she's going to blow everybody away at the finale. Look for a strong, stunning Lauren smiling back at us in May!

Next week promises to show us more of Conda and what makes her tick. And what makes her tick Dolvett off as well. Never a dull moment!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - Second Week Success!

2012-01-17T14:24:00.007-05:00

Tonight is the 3rd episode of Biggest Loser Season 13, which means our 2nd week weigh-in results.

You know I've had a trying week (still having car issues, so please say a prayer) with working around not having transportation for some of the events and workouts and needing to work around that. Being that this is the season of NO EXCUSES and my year of ACTION, I was not about to let those kinds of things stop me anymore.

Well, this morning's results made me very happy. I lost 1.4 pounds in a week that in the past would have sent me straight to the refrigerator and the couch. I got a lot of writing and editing done, still exercised everyday, and kept away from the stress eating. So far for the #BL13Challenge I've lost 3.4 pounds.

Whenever you have a stressful day - or week - understand that it's OK to admit that you wish things were different. Then find a way to MAKE things better. Acknowledge your frustration, but then go work it out or brainstorm ways to improve your situation. Channel your pisstivity...as Dolvett would say!

How did you do this week? Drop me a line here or on Twitter at #BL13Challenge!!!

Be Mindful - Just Say No to Stress Eating!

2012-01-13T15:28:00.007-05:00

First of all, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers yesterday. I'm happy to report that we heard back from our mechanic today and found out that it's not the engine. It's something that costs only $400 instead of $2000 - and I am VERY thankful for that. We will have our car back tomorrow afternoon, and I'm looking forward to being out and about again. For now, I'm watching the snow falling outside my office window, planning which DVD to work out with tonight (maybe step this time?) and thanking God for allowing us to have a bill that was 1/5 of what we thought it was going to be.

The other happy news, which is what I want to focus on today, is that I did not give in to the myriad of food cravings that wound their way through me yesterday due to the stress.

Every fast food commercial seemed to call my name. Chocolate, and a lot of it, was looking extremely appealing. In the old days I would have let myself give in to those cravings and dive into the grease, salt, and sugar.

Yesterday was different. After allowing myself a short time to cry and feel my emotions, I prayed - more than usual. I practiced my yoga poses, breathed in deeply, and stayed in control. I ate a normal, healthful dinner and drank a sugar free hot chocolate later on to put a halt to the candy cravings.

I think the key was allowing myself to feel the frustration and worry within reason. Giving myself permission to be human, realizing I'm not perfect or a machine, and knowing that it's normal to feel these things was important. And that goes for ALL of us, not just a select few. It's OK to feel those emotions, just not let them get the best of us. Which is where prayer and mindfulness come into play.

I believe God allowed me to feel upset about the possibility of an unimaginable repair bill. This way I learned to bring my broken self to him for help. My strength comes from God. None of us can "do" life on our own. With my prayers, He brought my mind to a place where I could resist unhealthy foods and use better methods to deal with the stress.

It's good to share your emotions with your true friends...God wants us to support and pray for each other on this sometimes crazy life journey. But we all must remember that God is the only One who can deal with all of our stuff. Our friends and family who care about us also have their own stuff to deal with. Their minds are on several things at once, just like ours are - so they can't give us COMPLETE support. Only God can do that.

As hard as yesterday was, God gave me a lesson I won't ever forget. And I'm 100 percent thankful to Him for it.

Working Through a Rough Day

2012-01-12T16:05:00.008-05:00

I'm REALLY trying to stay upbeat today.

I'm having a very human experience right now. Over the last couple of days I've done a good job of moving forward even when circumstances threaten to bring me down or stop my progress. My husband's car is at the mechanic's. It had to be towed there on Tuesday, and since then he's had to use my car to get to work, his bowling league, etc. On occasion when this has happened before I've been able to borrow a car for a day to get to appointments. This time that option isn't available, since other people need to use their cars...which I completely understand.

I couldn't go to my cardio class last night. So I popped in "Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred" in order to still get my workout in. I am NOT letting the lack of transportation stop me from my fitness goals. I also couldn't go to Pilates this morning. I really hate missing a session because it makes my body feel so much better. I'm trying out one of the Pilates DVDs that I've had for a while - one that I never felt comfortable doing before, but now that I've had instruction from Janice for a few months, I feel I can do it without hurting myself because I know enough to do it properly. It's still not like having her there to help me adjust, but it's better than doing nothing.

My husband just got home from work a little while ago. He spoke to our mechanic, who is still trying to figure out what's wrong with the car. It's not any of the usual issues so far...meaning the less expensive of the issues and easier to fix. It could still be something somewhat minor, but with the car having trouble for so long he thinks we might need a new engine.

We do not have money for a new engine. And we certainly don't have money for a new car. Both of our cars have been running on prayers for a long time. We've gone without air conditioning for 3 summers with both cars, only fixing what was absolutely necessary because funds are so low. We've been juggling bills for quite a while, paying for the neccessities and whatever would help us get healthy. We are staying focused on priorities.

I'm so thankful my husband has the job he has, because otherwise things would be a lot worse...and he loves where he works. It doesn't pay what the job he had been laid off from before did, but in this economy that seems to be the norm. I'm grateful for what we do have.

I'm also human, and frustrated that I've had trouble getting even a part time job to help out for over 2 years. I even applied for plenty of seasonal positions for the holidays, hoping to at least have a temporary respite from the money stress. No luck there either. So many people are in the same boat...and there are only so many openings available. I've had temporary part time jobs before, to help keep things going while I build my freelance writing career. And I have gotten some freelance work - not enough to be a full income yet, but definitely headed in the right direction. I'm more than willing to work an outside job in addition until I'm well-established. I do sell my handmade jewelry also...but sales are down because so many people don't have the money available either.

I have to state the obvious - this economy stinks, for us and so many other people. I'm having a really down day while doing my best to work through it.

The last time I had a rough day like this, a "friend" turned on me. Even though I am almost always positive, I wasn't allowed to have a bad day even though she was allowed to have them on a regular basis. The first time ever that I mentioned to her that I was a little stressed, she decided she had to re-evaluate our friendship and continually attacked me. This is the person I had to block out of my life. Nothing like someone who demands your support all the time, but the moment you need a little support they won't be there for you...right?

I shouldn't be afraid to be real and admit that I have a bad day sometimes. I always strive to be positive and keep working toward a better life. But like everyone else, I am human. Stress does occasionally get to me even though I fight it and press forward. Sometimes you just have to get things off your chest to feel better. And most people should be able to understand and relate on this journey of life.

I'm not asking you to feel sorry for me, because we all have stressful situations in our lives. I always support and pray for friends about their problems. I do my best to get them to think positively and do their own best.

But there are days I need that support as well. And this is one of them. Would you please say a prayer for my family and I? Prayer really does work wonders, and I would really appreciate it.

In the meantime, I know God is working behind the scenes even though things are tough. I will keep pressing on...but please pray for me!

Biggest Loser 13 - Big Gambles and Out Of Character Hissy Fits

2012-01-11T00:32:00.023-05:00

If you thought there was a lot of drama last season...

Welcome to The Real Housewives of the Biggest Loser Ranch. Or what certainly feels a lot like it.

Let me start off by saying that I love the testosterone fest going on between Bob and Dolvett. It brings a whole new dynamic that makes for some exciting moments. I fully expected there to be some alpha male stuff this season with no female trainers in sight. (And I'll bet after tonight's episode Anna Kournikova is extremely happy that she's nowhere near the ranch anymore.) It would be boring if there weren't any competition at all between the trainers, and it's only human nature.

But tonight went over the line into grade school antics...from Bob, of all people. Bob's supposed to be the one who has always been about the good of everyone there. I love me some Bob - that's why it's so surprising to witness this hissy fit. He made it sound like Dolvett is only copying him and not making his own mark with the contestants. What's next, complaining that Dolvett is letting his peeps use the spin bikes or treadmills because Bob uses them?

Why would Bob do something so out of character? Well, we all have our moments when we have a bad day and say something that would never normally come from us. Or we meant it in a joking manner but it didn't come out that way and was taken seriously. What's worse for someone like Bob (or Dolvett, or Ali...) is that it's all being filmed. So the world gets to see a very human moment and judge as they will.

The other part of reality TV is - everything is edited for maximum drama. I'm sure there were plenty of positive things going on with Bob and everyone else involved. But the producers decided to focus mostly on the bad ones.

Like I said, I've always loved Bob and still do. I'm really disappointed that he threw a juvenile tantrum that was uncalled for, but I can't judge him since we all do it once in a while. If I want to be forgiven for an out of character slip-up, I certainly need to forgive Bob for his own. This is not something that he normally does...if he were constantly being nasty to everyone and not doing any good, that would be a different story. And if for some reason this was the editing department's doing and not his...if I were him, I'd be ticked off at being portrayed like that. The producers need to know that this will only turn off most viewers...who prefer only a little bit of drama and would rather see the breakthroughs and transformations of the contestants. That's what we mostly saw in past seasons and why people love this show. That's what Biggest Loser is really all about. Or SHOULD be. (Now I miss Season 11 even more!)

The initial poker challenge was interesting, especially since Week 2 is notorious for low numbers on the scale. The Red Team took a big gamble trying to lose 94 pounds for the week. And if they hadn't lost the bet, they wouldn't have had to give the Black Team a 5 pound advantage...and would have won their second weigh-in.

When it came time for the Red Team to eliminate someone, there was plenty of fighting among the players, most of whom voted to send Mike home since he wasn't trying his best and rude to some of the contestants. I have to admit, I got the same bad vibe from him - but when he finally admitted his weakness with tobacco and anger issues, I felt for him. (Also, I have to remember that we don't get to see every moment on the show, and don't know everything that Mike did or didn't do. There's more to him than a few choice TV clips.) Even though he couldn't bring himself to say it at first, it took a lot of guts to tell everyone that he realizes he needs help in many areas of his life. I'm pulling for him to overcome his issues, as it was plain to see that they really bother him and he used them to cover a lot of pain in his life. It goes to show that it's hard to judge another person when you don't know what their life has been like and what their struggles are. It doesn't mean you condone the way they act - but you can put it in perspective and try to support them as much as possible. (Without putting yourself in danger, of course.)

The bright moments of the week (yes, there were some!) were Chism's big weight loss, and Chris being able to give immunity to her husband Roy by having the highest percentage of weight loss on the winning team. He worked so hard so he could save her...but she wound up saving him, which was a sweet moment, and the only time I needed Kleenex this week. I also enjoyed nutritionist Rachel's trip to the grocery store with the contestants, in which I learned a couple of new things and discovered a recipe for a turkey breakfast burrito that I have to make!

Next week promises more drama, with contestants fighting and possibly clawing each other's eyes out. Seriously...can we just watch Season 11 all over again? Please? Or at least go back to the balance of some drama with a lot of motivation and transformation - which is what Biggest Loser was built on and what makes it special. There are already plenty of reality shows with catfights, and I'd watch those if that's what I wanted to see. Please bring back the positive Biggest Loser!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge: First Week Results!

2012-01-10T14:07:00.009-05:00

Weigh-in time for the first full week of the #BL13Challenge. The moment of truth...

I lost two pounds this week! I'm very happy with that. Considering that I did take one rest day due to the bad cough I had, these were good results.

Another plus this week: I only took that one rest day. I'd been sick all week, but still made it to all of my cardio, spin, yoga, and Pilates appointments. I still gave it my all, when in the past I would have taken it easy most of the week. And it paid off on the scale. Not only that, but my body and mind are in much better shape after pushing forward and taking action!

I'm ready for spin tonight, immediately followed by Biggest Loser. How did you do this week? Let me know so I can celebrate with you!

Inner Bliss 101

2012-01-09T14:37:00.010-05:00

On Saturday I had my Yoga 101 class at Inner Bliss....a two hour session where we learned about the practice, plus many of the beginner moves.

I'd been looking forward to this class since I signed up for it over a month ago. I knew I needed to learn the foundation before throwing myself into it, not only so I wouldn't injure myself, but so I would get the most out of each position as is meant to be.

Our instructor had two assistants, which really helped since they would come around the room to correct our positions or posture as necessary. For me, it was definitely necessary. There were some poses that came pretty easily to me, but others were more challenging so I needed that correction to ensure I was doing it right. I also appreciated the modifications for those of us who had to use them. I only needed a couple of these, but they made all the difference in the world for someone brand new to the practice.

At first my cough threatened to disrupt my session...and I was afraid I would disrupt the whole class. There were a couple of others with the same problem ('tis the season for colds) so the thermostat was turned down a little, which kept our throats from drying out too much. Our coughs subsided, I drank some water, and we moved on to learning. Good thing this wasn't a hot yoga class!

I felt so good performing the moves, and felt even better the rest of the day after class. I love the way yoga makes me feel. My body loves the poses and my mind appreciates the focus it brings. It's also a treat to be in a room full of people that truly want the best not only for themselves, but everyone around them as well. That doesn't happen often enough in this world, unfortunately. Hopefully I and the others can pass that on to the people around us in our lives. I know some will accept this concept while others won't, but it's sure worth a try and at least some people will get it!

Because I completed this special class, I have a free regular class coming to me. I will definitely take advantage of it. After that I may not be able to go regularly to the studio until my finances allow...but I'll have the foundation to do what I can at home in the meantime, and hopefully be able to pop in once a month or so to make some progress. My budget is already at the limit with the other fitness activities I'm involved in, while I keep building my freelance writing career and continue to look for a part time job to help pay the bills. Getting fitter helps me have more energy and confidence that spill over into the other areas of my life, so these are a neccessity as much as healthy food and other priorities. But I know I can only do so much at this time, and the added energy/confidence will assist me in the career arena so I can build upon what I've started.

So now that I've begun to experience inner bliss, I strive for more. Off to cardio class, which brings with it a whole different kind of bliss! ;o)

Pumping Up My Routine

2012-01-06T16:31:00.012-05:00

The first week of 2012 has been challenging and exciting so far.

It also has me dealing with a cold and cough that would love to slow me down. I had a sore throat on New Year's Day and the day after, but felt well enough to start really working out on Tuesday. I did take walks on the first two days, since I didn't want to do nothing at all to begin the year.

On Tuesday I pushed myself at spin. Maria gave us a ride that really kicked butt, which was just what I needed to get back up to speed. And it fit in with the Biggest Loser theme for the season - No Excuses. I wasn't going to let a cold stop me from doing what I needed to do!

Wednesday brought a brand new cardio class. The instructor, Sophia, taught my niece Sofia (gotta love that!) gymnastics for a while, and she invited me to try her class, Extreme Pump It Up Fitness, at the Middleburg Heights Rec Center. Even though by the time I got to class I'd lost my voice, I was ready for something new to add to my routine.

I did pretty well getting through the class, learning new moves and trying to keep up. I know I got a good workout and will have an even better one next time because I'll be feeling better and know some of the moves. This was my introduction to burpees, which I'd heard about but never actually experienced until now. I can see why people have a love/hate relationship with them. I could only do a few at the regular pace, but kept going and modified the moves to keep my heart rate going. Since I got in on an awesome January special for unlimited classes (something my budget is really happy about!) I'll be there often to perfect those burpees. This first class didn't use any extra equipment other than a mat, but most of the time weights and other items are added to the mix. I can't wait to do it again!

Most of Wednesday night I was up coughing, so I only got about 2 hours of sleep. I still made it to my morning Pilates session, and once Janice helped my clear my brain fog things went very well. I'm so glad I didn't skip the session. I'm determined to take ACTION this year even when the going gets rough. I took a walk in the evening, and finally got some rest last night.

Today is my "easy" day fitness-wise. I'm going for a light walk and giving my body a chance to recover before my 2 hour yoga seminar/session tomorrow. This is the class I signed up for a month ago, so I want to be able to learn and enjoy to the fullest. A single rest day is good, and after yoga I can pick up the pace once again.

I'm also pumping up my routine with more fruits and vegetables and staying away from as much processed food as possible. Since I'm working to clear the icky stuff out of my head and chest, I drink even more water than usual. All of these healthy habits will help me get rid of this cold sooner than usual, so I can move on to even better days.

I'm not letting this silly January cold stop me from my plan of ACTION. How about you? How is your first week of 2012 going? Let me know what healthy plans you've put into action!

Biggest Loser Season 13 Premiere!

2012-01-03T22:28:00.016-05:00

Happy 2012 - and welcome to the Season 13 Premiere of Biggest Loser!

If you saw the previews at the end of last season or during the holidays, you already know there are some twists to start out the season. Of course, Biggest Loser saved a couple of surprises for tonight as well. And I already like the vibe I'm getting from this group of players.

We met the contestants and began with a challenge right off the bat. The first four couples to finish a sprint were guaranteed the opportunity to go through the gates and train with Bob and Dolvett. One player mentioned that they looked like the Pearly Gates....but I have to correct him. The Biggest Loser Gates are the ones you go through to lose weight and regain your health. The Pearly Gates are where you go if you don't get your health back.

After this part of the challenge, the remaining teams competed in other events until it was down to Pink and Aqua. One of them would also make it on campus. The team that lost the final event would have to go home. (I'm really happy that Pink made it - I'm rooting for these strong ladies to get their health and lives back!)

Aqua finished last and had to leave - but unbeknownst to the others who went inside, Alison informed them that they would go home for one month, and if they lost 50 pounds as a team they could earn their way on campus. I felt bad for them, but can't wait to see what happens in a month when they surprise the other teams and we see how they did at home.

The nine teams on campus met Bob and Dolvett. Bob took a cue from Jillian and arrived on his motorcycle, proving that however much the producers would like everyone to forget about Jill she is always present in some form. Ali told the teams they would have two hours to work out with both trainers; then they would decide which trainer they would like to have after that.

Some people bonded with Bob, others with Dolvett. Some players held fast to the tradition of throwing up, falling down, and passing out during the first workout - with some truly scary moments as Ben couldn't even remember his own name and had to sit out for a while.

When the two hours were up, Ali announced that they would definitely choose their trainers...except the couples were being split up, with one of each pair going with Dolvett and the other with Bob. It did not sit well with any of them, although they did mention they were thankful to all still be on campus and none of them were going home instead, which has happened in previous seasons. I wonder if Dolvett blushed at all when several ladies mention him being "a fox and a half". (Of course this is true, but still...) Some decided to go with Bob because he's the "nice" one. Have they been paying attention at all in previous seasons? They're in for a rude awakening when they find out just how tough he can be!

Once the teams were decided everyone got to work. They also had their obligatory visit with Dr. H to find out just how bad their health was. The fun part comes later in the season, when the doctor gets to tell everyone how much their numbers have improved. During the last chance workout, it seemed like Bob's team was working hard while Dolvett's struggled. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving, especially when a reality show is edited.

At the weigh-in, both teams lost 103 pounds. The Red Team, however had the higher percentage of weight loss. Dolvett was beyond excited to beat the Black Team in the first week, while Bob vowed that this would only motivate his team. (Can you imagine a boxing match between Bob and Dolvett? That's one fight I'd pay to watch!) The Red Team was safe, and the Black Team had to send someone home.

Before the vote, Ben spoke to his team and said he wanted to go home. Most of them seemed to be thinking of sending Megan home, since she is a smaller player and lost the least amount. Ben said that he really missed his family and learned enough in that one week to do the work at home. I was really shocked that eveyone decided to honor his wishes, because the team could really use the big numbers he was bound to pull in the upcoming weeks. When we checked in on him at home he'd lost 50 pounds so far, so he's doing all right. But I have a feeling Bob will not be happy on next week's episode!

Speaking of next week, the preview shows a poker challenge and two very upset trainers. Things are about to get even more interesting, and I'm looking forward to it. How about you?

My Biggest Loser Season 13 Challenge - No Excuses!

2012-01-03T14:38:00.009-05:00

Tonight is the season premiere of Biggest Loser- which means it's time for a new challenge!

I managed to lose 2.2 pounds over the holidays, except that with a couple of drinks on New Year's Eve and my monthly gift ready to arrive, I gained most of that back.

But enough of that. No dwelling or excuses, only moving forward with my plan of ACTION.

My starting weight this morning was 199.6. It's nice to start 2012 without extra holiday weight to lose on top of everything else. (Normally I'd weigh myself in mid-December, and have a larger number on the scale come January 2nd or 3rd. Since I weigh a hair less than December 13th, I'm calling it a wash and going from here.) Just like last season, I will weigh in every Tuesday and post the results up through the Season 13 Finale in May.

The winter/spring BL season is always a little bit longer than the fall one, so I've kept that in mind while deciding upon my goal. I will lose at least 35 pounds by the finale, which will put me at 164.6 or less. I'm stepping up my workouts and being even more conscious of what I put into my body. And I will continue to stay away from the diet soda and drink plenty of water.

If you would like to join me, please post your goal here or on Twitter at #BL13Challenge. We can encourage each other all season long!

Now it's off to spin class before Biggest Loser tonight!!!

Happy New Year - My Chosen Word For 2012

2012-01-01T15:51:00.010-05:00

We all know words are powerful. The right ones can build someone up, while the wrong ones can tear someone down. Some people use words to purposely hurt others, while all of us at times have used words to express something that another person has taken the wrong way or interpreted in a different way than we meant it.

I've recently learned to take the concept of words even further. (And for a writer that's really something!) I finished reading a book a few days ago by Debbie Macomber - not one of her many novels, but a non-fiction book called "Knit Together". In it Debbie talks about her faith and the lessons she's learned over the years, and encourages us to find our purpose and be who God created us to be.

One of the concepts she introduced was the idea of choosing a single word to focus on each year. She's been doing this for long time and it has enhanced her life and the lives of others every year. This concept intrigued me so I decided to choose a word for 2012. As Debbie says, God assists us in choosing the right word. There are so many words that it would be difficult to pick only one without asking God to lead us to the right word. Sometimes a word will come to us in prayer, or God will have the word show up over and over again in our daily lives to drive home the point.

After plenty of prayer, watching and listening for God's direction, I realized my word for 2012 is ACTION. I was led to the Bible to read John's prodding not to use only words, but to show love through our actions. The word showed up in just about everything I read or heard. And as soon as I decided upon this word, the next tune on the radio was the old Toby Keith song, "A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action".

In thinking over my word, I also realized something else. I'm a philosopher by nature - which means I spend a lot of time thinking, musing, and writing. This is all good, but there have been times when I overthought things and didn't DO enough. I was afraid to actually follow through, so I kept THINKING about it instead of ACTING on it.

This word is God's way of telling me that although I still must think and pray about decisions, I need to move past the fear and put plans into ACTION. If He tells me to do something, then I should do it. It's amazing how excited I am about this year and focusing on the word God chose for me!

By the way, after reading this book I went to Debbie Macomber's website, where I discovered that she has a new book coming out on Tuesday, "One Perfect Word", in which she focuses entirely on this concept. So God once again uses his perfect timing to teach me an important lesson.

I hope you will join me in choosing a word to live by and focus on for 2012. I'd love to hear what word you choose as well! Happy New Year, and may 2012 be filled with blessings!

Channeling My "Pisstivity" - Thanks Dolvett!

2011-12-29T15:44:00.018-05:00

You've just got to love it when a word clicks with you.

It's even better when this is a recently made up word. I've heard it a couple of times during this past season of Biggest Loser from new trainer Dolvett Quince, but it really hit home with me when the Thanksgiving special re-aired two nights ago. (Probably because someone had raised my pisstivity level...Ha ha)

"Pisstivity" is listed in the Urban Dictionary pertaining to the degree or level at which you are ticked off at someone or something. While I like that definition, I prefer to think of it another way.

To me, pisstivity is a state of being, in which you channel any frustration, anger, or other trying emotions into doing something positive. You don't sit around just being mad or letting things get to you. You do something constructive with your feelings and turn them into a blessing.

In Dolvett's case, he has his contestants and clients work out their pisstivity in the gym. I have discovered that this really does work. The first spin class after being in my recent upsetting situation was the best ride I'd ever had. Every workout since has gone to another level. I channel what was said to me about how I'd never reach my goals (in fitness AND in life) into extra motivation and pushing myself even harder. And I feel so much better afterward...in both body and spirit!

There are also other ways to channel your pisstivity. If someone tells you that you won't get anywhere with your chosen career, find ways to work harder or smarter and set better goals for yourself. There's nothing like having somebody tell you that you can't do something to motivate you to prove them wrong. (Of course, that shouldn't be your sole motivation - there are many reasons to work toward your goals!) If you're angry about the economy and you have the resources, do something to help others who are struggling, just like the people who paid off all of those layaway accounts this Christmas for families in a rough financial spot. Even if you can only afford to do a little bit, it still helps. If you feel for people with cancer or other illnesses, help raise money for a cure. Or take some time to read to sick children or do chores for someone who is unable because of illness.

Channel your emotions into doing something good for yourself or others. That's the highest form of pissitivity.

Pissed + Positivity = Pisstivity Thank you Dolvett!!!

Even In The Darkness, There Is Always Light

2011-12-27T14:56:00.008-05:00

Dealing with human emotions, yet trying to stay positive and rising above... I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. You probably struggle with this as well.

If you read my "positive/not perfect" post last week, then you know I've been dealing with a problem relationship that I had to finally let go in order to save my sanity and be who God created me to be. In the meantime, I've lost a couple more friends - at least people I thought were my friends. I thought it might happen since these are people who've known the person I had trouble with for a lot longer than they've known me, and I'm sure their loyalties lie with her. Not only is that understandable, but I also know they're not getting the whole story by only hearing what she tells them. They haven't asked me about the situation so they are only hearing the side of their longtime friend...but I also don't want to drag them into what should be only between me and her. That's not fair to them to have to take sides. And even though it appears they've immediately taken her side, at least I didn't try to make them choose. I can be proud of the fact that I didn't drag other people into it. There may be more fallout to come, but I will stand strong.

Even though I understand what they did, it still stinks - and it still hurts. But one thing I do know is that this is out of my control. I'm not going to beg people for their friendship when it's obvious they didn't value the relationship in the first place. I'm better than that. Once again, this does not mean I'm perfect...far from it. But real friends forgive each other for the occasional bad day or saying something that didn't come across quite the way they meant it. I don't mean those who continally put you down or constantly treat you like you're an idiot for doing what's right for your life if it isn't exactly like their own lives. I'm talking about those who always try to be a real friend but when you occasionally slip up like human beings do, they still support you because they love you. People who claim to be our friends but attack or abandon us without first trying to understand or care are not the kind of friends we need. In fact, that is NOT real friendship - so as much as it hurts, be grateful for the blessings that did come out of the situation and move on.

This is what I've been trying to do for the last few days. This "friend" may think she ruined my holidays (or at least probably hoped she did), but it turns out to be the opposite. In discovering these surface friendships, I appreciate the real ones that much more. Spending time with family and true friends is even sweeter because I can see, hear, and feel the difference with complete clarity. Plus - seeing how NOT to act helps me in turn to be a better friend to others.

God gave me an important gift this Christmas. He gave me the opportunity to see what is real and what is not. He gave me the strength to stand up for myself and stop taking all of the digs and discouragement and move away from that negativity. And He gave me the ability to see what is important in both friendship and life. That can't be wrapped and placed under the tree. Besides, it's such an incredibly large and amazing gift that it can't be contained to a small space. It's the gift that will keep on giving...not only to me but to anyone I can pass it on to. God means for this gift to be shared. His light will permeate through any darkness you may encounter!

This holiday season, may you receive the gift of true friendship and unconditional love from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and may you spread that gift far and wide to make the world a better place.

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-23T14:13:00.007-05:00

Since we will all be spending the next couple of days with our family and friends, I want to take the opportunity now to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you to everyone for joining me on this journey....I really appreciate you and can't wait to share more of my journey well into 2012 and beyond.

May you and your loved ones be blessed this Christmas! xoxoxo

Positive Does Not Mean Perfect - Food For Thought

2011-12-22T15:46:00.012-05:00

I've had some rough situations happen in the last few days. I admit these things threw me for a loop for a little while...but I will not let them keep me down.

I won't go into great detail about these, because I don't like to complain to everyone or dwell on negative things. I prefer to move forward, pray, and do what I can to help the situation. But I do want to address one of these things because some of you may have the same problem.

I discovered that someone in my life (a supposed friend) expected me to be perfect. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised. This person constantly complains and feels she is always right. She does have good qualities as well, so I always bit my tongue so as not to upset her. (Not always easy to do.) I always felt that I was walking around on eggshells to save our friendship...even though it caused me extra stress, I really tried.

The other day I gently tried to let her know that she should be thankful for what she does have and count the blessings in her life. It was an attempt to improve her frame of mind. I certainly thought I was being gentle, as I hate confrontation and avoid it if I can help it. Of course, she still took it the wrong way. I received a scathing message from her going into great detail about my many supposed faults (I do have faults, but this stuff was really exaggerating and petty) and how I'm basically an awful person because I don't do everything in my life exactly the way she does. (Wouldn't the world be boring if we all did everything alike? What works for one person may not be right for another.) I was also told that I was a "fake" because I claim to be a positive person yet dared to get a little upset with her. According to her, my positivity meant that I could never have a bad day or else I was fake. (Yet somehow it was OK for her to complain all the time.) And because of all that was "wrong" with me, she was going to have to seriously re-evaluate our friendship.

I now realize that she takes almost everything the wrong way, but at the time it really hurt. I attempted to defend myself, which only led to more bashing from her. I sent off one last message in attempt to clear things up, and apologized if she took what I'd said the wrong way because it was only meant to be helpful. I also let her know that I would not respond anymore if she kept attacking me, because I wasn't going to keep that unhealthy cycle going.

I received yet another message berating me, so I kept my word. I did not respond to her. I deleted all of the messages so I wouldn't have to stress out over it anymore. I also blocked her on social media sites, which is where she was attacking me. I knew it wasn't going to stop, because she can never let anything go. I do know her in real life but don't see her often.

The point of this is - do we expect each of our friends to be perfect? Or do we even expect ourselves to be perfect? We are all human, so none of us are going to be. There is only One who is perfect. And He is always here to help us through our imperfections. Trying to stay positive in this world is essential, or else we'd all lose our minds. Being positive doesn't mean we won't have our human moments or bad days...it means that we will not let the rotten stuff keep us down and we strive to make things better. It means if we fall, we pick ourselves back up instead of wallowing in self-pity. It's just like our fitness efforts: do not beat yourself up for not being perfect....just move on and work harder!

A lot of comtemplation and prayer took place before I wrote this post. I believe God wants me to help others in this type of situation so they know they are loved, should not take abuse from others, and should stand up for themselves if necessary. God always finds a way to send me a message - through a song, quote, or thoughtful post from others. Yesterday was no exception. Just at the moment I was feeling my lowest, I saw one message about pressing on and staying the course while keeping our integrity. Then a little later I saw one that really resonated...about using the irritations from others and in life to polish us and make us better people. I immediately felt better and knew I'd done the right thing.

I pray that my post here helps you in some way as well. God uses all of us to help each other. That means even the people who try discourage you or tear you down. Don't let them get to you or stop you from being who you are meant to be. Even though we're not perfect, picking ourselves up and staying as positive as possible goes a long way.

Guac-in' Around the Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T15:52:00.012-05:00

I received the cutest Christmas card from the great peeps at Wholly Guacamole. I'd scan it for you so you could see it...but my scanner does not want to cooperate. (Just one of the many ways that my computer is drving me crazy today...and why this post is so short.)

So let's just say that their guac rocks...especially for Christmas. It fits in with the red and green theme, plus it's something to serve at parties that won't ruin all of the hard work you've done getting fit all year. It sure beats mayo and ranch based dips - which go right to your hips.

So if you haven't already, head on over to the Wholly Guacamole website to check out their products and sign up for coupons. Guac around the Christmas tree with me!

I'm Dreaming of a Fit Christmas - Healthy Stocking Stuffers

2011-12-15T15:54:00.014-05:00

Doing this Christmas Challenge got me thinking. And dreaming...of a fit Christmas.

Those of you who know me from the Bitter Orange & Brown blog already know how much I love to go all Weird Al and change up song lyrics to suit my purpose. (Don't worry though - I won't be sporting any creepy Al hair - or mustache - anytime soon.) Today that means taking White Christmas to another level. With apologies to Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby, who will hopefully not be rolling over in their graves after this, here's "I'm Dreaming of a Fit Christmas":

I'm dreaming of a fit Christmas
Unlike the ones I used to know
Want my belts to buckle
And the chance to chuckle
'Bout the way my season used to go

I'm dreaming of a fit Christmas
With every cookie I don't bite
May your days be merry and light
And may you keep the eggnog out of sight.

Dreaming of this fit Christmas also had me pondering my Christmas stocking. Every year my family and I have ours filled with plenty of chocolate and a couple of small gifts. All except for the holiday before my husband and I got married. I collected fast food ketchup packets for weeks and filled a stocking entirely with ketchup for him. But I digress.

I want some healthier goodies in my sock this year. A couple of small chocolate treats would be fine, but not enough to put me into sugar overload for the new year. So I've come up with the perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite fitness enthusiast (or me, if you place a cheery stocking on my porch...ha ha) so they can start 2012 off right:

1. Protein/Energy Bars These will give them the energy they need without the crash all of that sugar would bring.

2. Gift Cards for Trader Joe's or Whole Foods Eating healthy can get expensive on a tight budget, so your friend or family member would REALLY appreciate these!

3. Gift Certificates for Exercise Classes These costs also add up over time. Give the gift of spin, yoga, Pilates, or Zumba classes...or any other activity your loved one enjoys.

4. Non-slip Hair Bands It's a pain for women to have hair falling in their faces while working out, which I know from experience. Even when you pull it into a ponytail, shorter hairs fall or stick out unless you keep them in place with one of these bands. There are more expensive versions out there, but Goody makes some that work just as well...they come 3 or 4 to a pack for about 5 bucks and can be found in most grocery/drug stores.

5. Fitness DVDs When you can't make it to the gym or a class, DVDs are a lifesaver. My favorites are Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels workouts, along with the Dancing With The Stars series. You don't need a partner to learn the cardio/ballroom moves, and it's so much fun you almost forget you're working out.

6. Resistance Bands These roll up well enough to fit into a stocking, and are useful for stretching and toning when away from home or in a hurry.

7. ToeSox These socks are a necessity for Pilates. They keep you from slipping while you perform moves in various positions, but your toes are still able to function. They come in a toeless version, plus a full sock with separate, individual toe room. You can order ToeSox on their website, or go to a local Pilates studio since most of them keep socks on hand (or foot) to sell.

8. The Good Old-Fashioned Orange This is a tradition that goes way back, and it's always a healthy treat. Just don't get those "chocolate oranges" ...they're not all that great and defeat the purpose. Get the real thing!

This should help you shop for the people in your life who want to get or stay fit. Or you can pass this list on to your own family to shop for you. I hope all of your stockings are filled to the brim with healthy gifts!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Finale -What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been

2011-12-14T00:51:00.015-05:00

What a crazy ride we've all been on with this season of Biggest Loser.

We've had meltdowns, name-calling, tantrums...and most of them came from one person in particular. Someone who cared only about having the confetti fall on his head, no matter what the cost.

So I suppose it's only fitting that the finale concluded the way he'd always dreamed...with it being all about John.

Thankfully, there were several other stellar moments to remember from the final show of Season 12. As each set of contestants came out on stage, it was obvious that they had all transformed on the outside. What was even better was seeing that inner glow radiate from their faces and shine through their eyes. To me, that's what the show is all about - getting healthy and changing your life.

Some things were done differently from previous finales, which honestly didn't sit well with me and many of my friends on Twitter. Everyone weighed in ahead of time, which is normal for the show, but not everyone got to step on the stage scale. It was calculated before the finale which three players had the highest percentages for the at-home prize, and those three would step on the scale. The others only had their weights announced by Alison, which really took away from each person having his or her own special moment at the finale. I hope they go back to the old way for next season.

Also, the finalists came through a parted doorway with their before images on it instead of stepping through the paper one. Maybe the producers thought the "high-tech" way would be cooler, but breaking through that paper represents each of them breaking away from their old way of life into the new one. This is one time when technology is NOT better...and once again I hope it gets changed back for next season.

The three players weighing in for the at-home prize were Vinny, Patrick, and Jennifer. Did you see the muscles on Vinny? Wow! Patrick looked pretty hot as well. And Jennifer...what a knockout! She played along well with her "love for Bob" montage, which was quite funny. Bob even presented her with a bouquet of flowers. (Most of us agreed that we also have our own crushes on Bob...we just don't get to announce it on TV!) It came down to Jen and Vinny, just as I had predicted earlier today. Yes, I'm giving myself a pat on the back - but not for too long, so I don't have to visit my chiropractor. The difference was 3 pounds, with Jennifer taking the prize. I was so happy for her that I cried. (Of course, as you know by now I'm a crier...especially when it comes to BL!) All those weeks ago when the others sent her home, I'd figured the real reason was because she was a tough competitor (overcoming her knee injury and still pulling great numbers) and a real threat. Turns out she was a true threat after all!

When it came time to reveal the three finalists, each of them got to speak. The letter Ramon's mom sent to the show was really touching, thanking them for saving her son's life and turning him around. Antone's kids are adorable, and he looks amazing. Then we got to John.

John seemed to go on forever, taking much more time than the others did to talk. Dolvett and Bob spoke about John's competitiveness and how proud they were of him...but when the time came for John to answer back he went on and on about Bob, totally ignoring Dolvett. Yes, we all love Bob and he's one of the best trainers anyone could ever have. But so is Dolvett. John also trained with Dolvett, with Dolvett opening his own soul to John about being adopted and the way he grew up in order to get John to confront his emotions. Dolvett had just as much of a part in John's success - but was totally dissed by him. I think Bob was even embarrassed by this. Dolvett is a class act, and I'm very happy he's back for Season 13!

Speaking of next season, how about those previews? Looks like Santa Claus is in training! Bob worked him so hard that he was afraid he'd killed Santa. Santa wasn't run over by a reindeer...he was run over by Bob Harper! And even though Season 13 is couples, half of each pair will train with Dolvett and the other half with Bob...pitting them against each other from the start. It's going to be interesting!

Finally, it was time to weigh-in the finalists. Ramon and Antone both did an incredible job, but in the end John was crowned the new Biggest Loser. I do commend him for all of his hard work. It was a strange sight to behold though - it looked like John truly enjoyed the confetti, but after that when he was talking to other people or they were hugging him he looked kind of sad. There was no inner glow or light in his eyes. It seems as if John concentrated so much on that "winning moment", that he didn't know what to do after the confetti finished falling. That may not bode well for his future in keeping the weight off, although I really hope I'm wrong. I think he still has a lot of issues that he hasn't dealt with yet, which could come crashing down on him since he only thought about winning and not the bigger picture. (Maybe that's why he didn't mention Dolvett..because he didn't want to think about those issues that Dolvett was helping him deal with.) I wish him luck with that. I have a feeling he's going to need it.

And that's a wrap on Season 12. Congratulations to all of the contestants...and I'm looking foward to Season 13, which starts in just 3 weeks!

Biggest Loser 12 Challenge: Finale Weigh-In!

2011-12-13T12:53:00.009-05:00

Let the confetti fall on me! Well, let's at least pretend it's falling on me...today is the final weigh in for the #BL12Challenge and I have reason to celebrate!

Let's start with this week loss, which was only a .4 pound loss. I'll take it, since I'm just finishing up with my "gift" for the month and sending it away with that crazy lady that Mother Nature uses to present it to me. (I know - my imagination runs wild with that lovely commercial.) She can keep it until next month!

But it's also time to look at the bigger picture...or, if you really want to think about it, the SMALLER picture. Over the course of this season, I've lost 16.2 pounds. I'd set a goal of 25, which I did not reach - but I still lost over 16 pounds, and this challenge helped me get there. Since I started the season at 216, that means I'm now in...

...ONE-DERLAND!

That's right, my total weight loss for the challenge puts me at 199.8. I know that's just squeaking into this much dreamed of territory, but it's still One-derland. I will not be going back to the 200's, so this is a major reason to celebrate.

Since I plan to rock Hannah's & Olivia's Christmas Challenge, there will be no backsliding...not into old habits or the terrible 2's. Only more progress from here!!!

So how did you wrap up my challenge? Drop me a comment here, or tell me at #BL12Challenge on Twitter. I want to hear your successes for the season.

And I can live with the virtual confetti shower. This way I don't have to vaccum up the real thing!

The My Fitspiration Christmas Challenge - Are You In?

2011-12-12T14:10:00.013-05:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, but not quite like the ones I used to know...

OK, I just want to wear these fabulous dresses. They also remind me of summer and playing tennis!

Maybe I'm really dreaming of a purple Christmas...

As you might be able to tell by now, Olivia and Hannah, last season's Biggest Loser winner and runner-up, really inspire me. And now they're looking to motivate all of us during the holidays!

A few days ago, the sister act know as the Purple Team posted a Christmas Challenge on their blog at My Fitspiration. The idea is to make sure we don't undo all of the hard work we've done in the last few months over the holidays. All you have to do is post a goal that you will achieve between now and New Year's Day. It doesn't have to be super difficult. The goal can be any type of healthy change that you will make during the Christmas season so that you can start 2012 on a positive note. Olivia and Hannah are all about positive changes, and want to help all of us achieve are goals and dreams.

My goal for the Christmas Challenge is to lose 5 pounds...along with limiting sweets and staying away from the diet soda. These are things that I'm already working on, but at this time of year I've always given in to too many Christmas cookies and desserts. 'Tis the season when I've always made the backslide into drinking diet soda again as well. This challenge will keep me on track and conscious of my choices. I can still enjoy the holidays without falling back into old habits. Since I have my final weigh-in tomorrow for the #BL12Challenge, I will use that as my starting weight for the Christmas Challenge.

So - are you in??? Just go over to My Fitspiration and watch the video under Christmas Challenge. (And watch the bloopers too...they're a hoot!) After watching, post your seasonal goal in the comments. Together we can make this a REALLY Merry Christmas!

Now...off to spin I go!!!

Biggest Loser 12 - Happy Homecomings and a Marathon Finish

2011-12-06T23:45:00.016-05:00

This season has been a roller coaster of emotions in so many ways. You can certainly say that there was never a dull moment...sometimes that was good, and, well...sometimes not so good.

The last episode before the finale brought all of the emotions to a boil. Thankfully most of them were of the good variety. The Final Four went home for a few weeks before the marathon and final weigh-in on the ranch, to their friends, families, and regular lives.

At least some of them did. We discovered that Becky was the only one who actually started back at her job during this time. She taught her students, took care of her family, and fit in her workouts just like she'll have to do for good once the season is over. The three guys did not have to work - although Vinny kind of did because he was working on new music. (Believe me, it's a skill you have to work at. I know from experience!)

John not only took a longer leave of absence from his job, he also had his wife doing everything for him, including making all of his healthy meals. You would think that he would help in the kitchen since he learned so much on the ranch - but no, he was in full beast mode concentrating only on winning. I can understand that to some extent, but I'm sure his family felt like he was basically still away. When Dolvett came to visit he became worried about John regaining the weight back after the show, because he wasn't learning to adjust to a somewhat real schedule at home. I have to agree. It also irked me that he was sacrificing his wife's health for the grand prize. I'm sure they could have balanced it out much better than they did. It scares me that he can only operate in all-or-nothing mode.

On the most positive note of the homecomings, Vinny surprised his girlfriend Lori with a special date at the Grand Ole Opry. It was just the two of them (and the Biggest Loser cameras), and as he proposed she happily accepted. Now here is a man who understands that balancing health and family is important. Congratulations Vinny and Lori!

Once the four were back at the ranch, they met up with the eleven eliminated players in the desert where the season began. It was finally time to run the marathon, with the winner having a guaranteed spot in the Final Three. Bonnie couldn't run because she was having knee surgery the following week, but she looked really good. She also took care of each contestant as they came across the finish line. Both Vinny and Joe were forced to stop short of the goal but gave a valiant effort.

I loved seeing other contestants get the big moments they didn't have during the season. Patrick, who sacrificed himself in Week 3, ran an excellent race. So did Jennifer, who left those crutches far behind her to finish in the middle of the pack. And for Debbie and Johnny, just making it all the way to the end and crossing the finish line was an accomplishment. It just proves the point - you don't have to make Final Four to be a winner!

The race pretty much came down to Courtney and Ramon, with Ramon winning the spot in the finals. This meant that two people would fall below the red line at the weigh-in. The two people above the line would complete the Final Three.

Becky fell below, but showed working moms everywhere that they can take care of themselves while getting everything else done. Vinny also fell just short of the finals, but he really won the big prize because he learned the most about himself, his family and his health...and he has Lori!

Antone and John will compete with Ramon for the title. (It's really weird this season not to have to vote for the third finalist!) Actually, it seems more like they are competing with each other...and Ramon happens to be there. I wouldn't be surprised if Ramon does sneak in and take the grand prize while the other two duke it out. John did a lot of big talking, but Antone wants his actions and the numbers to do the talking...as it should be. Of course, Antone voiced what many of us were thinking when he mentioned that he was finally sick of John! (Challenging every Biggest Loser contestant in the history of the show? Really John? You should be VERY afraid that some of them might take you up on that!)

So tune in next week for the Season 12 live finale. Since the entire season was filled with drama, I wouldn't expect anything less for the finale. Looking forward to the big finish...and rooting for Antone and Ramon!

Biggest Loser 12 Challenge: Holiday Success!

2011-12-06T14:03:00.007-05:00

Holiday challenges...they're EVERYWHERE.

There's decorating, gift shopping and Christmas cards to take care of. We have Christmas parties and other events to attend. Rich desserts and high calorie foods are at every turn. Plus it's harder to schedule our workout time with so much going on.

Can you not only survive, but THRIVE during the holidays? Absolutely. I managed to lose alomost 2 pounds over Thanksgiving - so anything is possible!

This week I had tree trimming, decorating and shopping to do. I didn't get all of my exercise in, but I made sure that everyday I did something. And I still kept my regular spin, yoga and Pilates appointments. I swear that's what keeps me sane, especially right now.

I also had a Christmas party last night with my Cleveland bloggger friends. It was so nice to finally meet everyone and have a good time. I brought healthy options - shrimp and a fruit tray - and ate carefully. There was a good balance between treats and healthy fare on the table, since many of my friends are also fitness/health bloggers too. (And I HAVE to find out how Crystal makes her cucumber-mint water so fabulous!)

It's always tricky when you have a party the night before a weigh-in, but it all turned out well. I lost one pound for the week amidst all of the fun and madness. That's a big victory at this time of year.

Next week is the Biggest Loser finale, so I will have my final challenge weigh-in and post final numbers. How did you do this week? Please drop me a line here or at #BL12Challenge on Twitter. We can get through the holidays without losing our progress...it takes some effort, but I promise it's worth it!

P.S. That Mariah Carey picture is to motivate me...so that next year I can fit into that cute Santa dress. Even Mariah can fit back into it after having twins, so why not? ;o)

Finding Inner Bliss

2011-12-05T01:22:00.010-05:00

Ahh...bliss.

We all want it. We all search for it. Many of us are confused about where to find it.

As you know by now, I look to God for my bliss. I always feel better when I turn to Him, do my best, and recognize that He is in control.

But there are many times when I'm stressed out and find it hard to slow down and focus...on where I'm going in life, what I need to do, and how to get there without losing my mind. Even though I pray often, my overactive, creative mind sometimes won't let me be still enough to hear the answer.

This is where Inner Bliss comes in. Yes, this is the name of the studio where I took my first yoga class on Saturday evening. When I spin on Mondays, often my instructor John's wife also takes class with us. Kristen is an instructor at Inner Bliss, and she invited me to participate in their annual Yoga Gives Back event on December 3rd, where for the entire day all classes are FREE. I signed up for her Candlelight Slow Flow class and eagerly anticipated giving it a try.

I mapped out the directions, knowing that even though I somewhat knew the area it could still be difficult navigating the twists and turns in the Rocky River/Lakewood area. At this time of year it's already dark in the early evening, which only made it more difficult to find the studio. I noticed the restaurant that was supposed to be right by it, but didn't see any other signs.

I wound up going down Lake Road too far and noticing I was in Lakewood. I needed to turn around and be back in Rocky River, so I got myself re-positioned and headed back. It was still too dark to see anything. I passed the restaurant and turned around again, thinking what a comedy it would be if I had to stop and ask for directions. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Inner Bliss." "I'm trying to find Inner Bliss..." I imagined some smart aleck telling me, "So am I" or "Well, aren't we all?" Luckily I pulled into the parking lot next to the restaurant and discovered that I was in the right place.

I had given myself plenty of time to get there just in case, so I wasn't stressed when I finally walked in. Even if I had been, the warm and inviting atmosphere would have caused it to drift away immediately. I signed in, grabbed a mat and found a spot to get ready.

The first few moves were relatively simple, but as the session went on I discovered that yoga is not quite as easy at it looks when someone else is doing it. I kept up pretty well for the most part, with a few times when I had to just go back into Child's Pose to stay with it and keep my breathing flowing. I'm glad this was a candlelight class, because it felt less intimidating that way. (Although, the ladies on either side of me were very kind...and most people are busy focusing on their own breathing and movement to have time to worry about someone else's.) Kristen and her assistant also came around to correct form and posture often.

I did notice one very important thing during this session. Concentrating on my breathing helped me clear my head and focus. And the various moves were strengthening my legs, arms, and core at the same time. There are similarites to Pilates, yet many differences which make yoga a perfect compliment to my other activities. And I felt absolutely wonderful afterward!

Kristen told me to drink a lot of water that night and the next day...double what I would normally think I'd need. She also hoped that I wouldn't be cussing her out on Sunday, since it was my first time doing yoga and I'd probably be sore.

She needn't have worried. I did have some soreness, but nothing that stopped me from decorating for Christmas, cleaning and doing laundry. I'm sure following her advice helped tremendously. I did cuss out the Browns - but that's an entirely different story.

So I'm now hooked on another form of exercise. (Better than food or other stuff that's bad for you!) I've signed up for the special beginners event in January at the studio, so I can learn it all step by step...and I can't wait.

Here's to all of us finding our Inner Bliss!

Biggest Loser 12: Makeovers and Motivation

2011-11-30T15:44:00.009-05:00

Almost everybody loves Makeover Week. I say almost because Bob didn't seem too thrilled about it. (More on that in a minute.) It's exciting every season to watch people who've literally worked their butts off get a chance to celebrate the fitter, more confident people they've become. I think many of us also think about what we would do with an opportunity like this...we work our butts off in more ways than one at home and would love to be treated like royalty for a change- or just be appreciated.

The Biggest Loser contestants certainly deserve the pampering and updated looks they received. I have to admit, the women's makeovers are always the best part. Unless, of course, you have men who started out looking like shaggy dogs or disco kings with afros from the 70's. This season those guys got voted off before the makovers, so we'll have to wait until finale to see those transformations. (Except for Ramon, who gave us a treat ahead of time!)

Becky's transformation was the most drastic, due to the short haircut and complete air of confidence that glowed from within her. She doesn't even look like she belongs in the upper age group on the ranch! Sunny and Vinny also had amazing makeovers, because they got to wear things that they thought would never have been possible. I love seeing people believe in themselves...even more so because it's a lesson I keep learning everyday for myself.

Once everyone was back on the ranch it was all business once again. I was really touched when Sunny told Anna how much she appreciated her, since I've learned to appreciate Anna more each week. I admit to having my doubts when the season started, especially with the way everything was portrayed in the first few episodes. (I have to keep remembering - reality show editing takes some of the reality out of it!) Like Sunny, I want to get better at tennis...because I love the sport and want to be able to play longer with my family. It would be an honor to learn from Anna, and I'm glad Sunny realized it and was able to express her thanks while still on the ranch. I'm actually sorry that Anna won't be back next season. I think she was finally starting to hit her groove!

Hearing Sunny's conversation with Anna only made the weigh-in more painful. Bob went ballistic when Sunny only lost one pound and thought she didn't have much of a reaction. He also blamed it on the time spent away for the makeovers. At first it seemed like Bob was overdoing it, but when I remembered that last week Bob mentioned how much Sunny reminded him of his sister it all made sense. I'm sure Bob would love to drill those same points home to his own sister too. Everyone else did pretty well, considering the limited time for exercise this week.

Sunny wound up falling just short of the Final 4, but seeing her stay dedicated at home really motivates me. She gets up early for bootcamp, goes to the gym, takes tennis lessons...oh yeah, and teaches all week too! She proves that if you really want it you will find the time for it. I can't wait to see her final transformation at the finale.

Next week is homecoming for the Final 4, along with the marathon. It will be interesting to see who trained hard at home and wins the other spot in the finals. Can you believe it's less than 2 weeks to the finale? The season really is flying by!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge - Giving Extra Thanks!

2011-11-29T14:01:00.006-05:00

The first weigh-in after Thanksgiving is usually stressful, not just for me but for most people I know. It's when everyone typically steps on the scale, sees a number worse than the week before, and asks why they had to stuff themselves on Turkey Day...and with the leftovers the rest of the weekend.

This year I did indulge in a couple of my favorites - stuffing and sweet potatoes - but otherwise had small portions on Thanksgiving. Of course I had pumpkin pie, but it was the healthier version that I've been making for a few years. I thought I did relatively well, but since the scale was not kind the week before I was still a little nervous.

Imagine my happiness this morning when I discovered I lost 1.8 pounds! Looks like my body (and the scale) made up for the week before. Losing close to 2 pounds for the holiday week is almost unheard of, but I'm thrilled to report that it can happen!

I credit this to choosing my holiday treats carefully, drinking plenty of water, and working out more than I ever have over the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, we only took a small amount of leftovers home, so I didn't keep the feast going for the entire weekend. It was really good to see it pay off immediately on the scale...but I know the rewards will last for a lifetime.

How did you do this week? Please shoot me a comment here or at #BL12Challenge on Twitter. Remember - if you did overdo it over Thanksgiving, now is the time to get back on track!

A Fitter Black Friday - My Thanksgiving Continues!

2011-11-26T14:53:00.008-05:00

The tradition continues...and it only gets better every year.

I'm not necessarily talking about the Black Friday deals. I definitely got some good ones and saved a lot of money, but that's not even close to the best part of the day after Thanksgiving.

This is an annual tradition for me that has evolved over the years. It began with my mom and I, shopping till we dropped every holiday season. We added my cousin Carol to the mix over time, and the three of us always had a blast.

Then my mom passed away...and a couple of years later, so did Carol. I would go shopping on Black Friday by myself, but of course it wasn't the same. In fact, it was a day of mixed emotions as I alternately remembered the good times we'd had and missed them terribly - watching moms, daughters, sisters, and friends walk around in groups having the same good time we always did. None of my friends at the time liked shopping on Black Friday. It got so painful that I actually stopped going for a couple of years. I'd sit around depressed, eating too many Thanksgiving leftovers.

Then fate stepped in - divine intervention in the form of my husband's old high school classmates. A few years ago, a group of guys and girls from the Westlake High Class of 1984 (same year I graduated, except from Magnificat) started having an annual reunion get-together over Labor Day weekend. The ladies who were friends of my husband mentioned that they've had a Black Friday shopping tradition since 8th grade, and invited me and the other wives of their male school friends to join them. Some of us did...and I've been going shopping with them ever since.

Every year, I'd spend the day on my feet, constantly walking and standing in line, and carrying heavy bags around the mall. We do take frequent trips to our cars to drop things off, but it always took a toll on my very unfit body. I would ache more and more as the day went on, and when I got home I would collapse on the couch unable to move anymore. I hurt so badly that it would take the rest of the weekend for me to be able to function properly again.

But this year was different. Since I've been working out regularly, my stamina has improved. Yesterday was a complete revelation as I walked, carried packages, and enjoyed myself without pain. I still have a long way to go fitness-wise, but there's no doubt that I'm getting stronger. I lasted the whole day without my body screaming at me. When I arrived home, I was tired from not having much sleep, but nothing hurt. I had no problem getting up and moving around or getting things done. Today I feel like I hadn't even exerted myself the day before, and it's really a thrill to be able to do more than sit in front of the TV this holiday weekend.

So on this 2nd day after Thanksgiving, I still have much to be thankful for. I'm blessed to have a great group of ladies to shop with on Black Friday, while knowing that Mom and Carol are smiling down on me. I'm thankful for their friendship, now and year-round. And I'm extremely grateful this year to everyone at Psycle and BodyWave Pilates for kicking my butt and helping me with my fitness. Because of them, and my own belief in myself, I'm enjoying the ENTIRE Thanksgiving weekend!

Biggest Loser 12: A Happy Dysfunctional Family Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T14:17:00.010-05:00

There's nothing like Thanksgiving to bring out the best - or worst - in people.

It doesn't matter that this episode was filmed during the summer. All things Thanksgiving were present and accounted for. The contestants began with a food challenge in order to win a 3 pound advantage. I don't know about you, but if I ate those holiday dishes trying to find the magic number on the bottom of the plate, I would have cancelled out my 3 pound advantage.

Vinny won that challenge, and thankfully without having to eat too much of the Thanksgiving goodies. He also won the Biggest Loser Songwriter of the Year award for the song he composed about his girlfriend, Lori. The lyrics are personal to him, yet universal enough that I could see it becoming a hit...at least from the portion we got to hear. As a country girl and fellow songwriter, I look forward to Trailer Choir at the top of that charts!

The players then sat down to a Thanksgiving dinner with the trainers. I'm sure none of them even wanted to look at the food after the challenge. That's OK, because one of the best lessons anyone can learn for the holidays is to focus on family and friends - not the food. The most touching moment came from Bob, who shared his love for his sister and frustration at not being able to help her get healthy. It's quite ironic that he's a world-class trainer for a living, but hasn't been able to get through to his sister. And it only proves the point that no matter who you have around you, YOU are the one doing the work and YOU have to be ready to make the change. I hope Bob's sister is ready now, after seeing this episode. Maybe she'll even see some of herself in Sunny, just as Bob does.

Now - on to the dysfunctional part of this Thanksgiving. Everyone competed in a Jacob's Ladder challenge for more prizes, with the winner getting a one pound advantage. This person would also get to give a one pound disadvantage to another player. Sunny came on strong and almost won, but John was the victor. Earlier in the episode I was loving how strong he was becoming with Dolvett's help. Unfortunately, this wound up creating a monster who decided to give Sunny the disadvantage.

Sunny was visibly upset, as were the rest of the group. When the weigh-in ended, John stayed above the yellow line and Sunny went below. The kicker was that if she hadn't received the pound disadvantage she would have been safe and John would have been below. I'm thrilled that Dolvett gets to stay around, because if John had gone home Dolvett's team would have been no more. But I wish there was a way to keep the trainer even if his last charge leaves!

Sunny was up for elimination along with Ramon. Almost everyone voted for Ramon becase they thought the whole situation was unfair to Sunny. The only exceptions were Vinny (who's best buddy is Ramon, so that makes sense) and John, who after supposedly being so upset that he put Sunny in this situation STILL voted for her to go home. Antone called him out big time, saying he basically voted for Sunny twice. I do hope John redeems himself somehow...but I foresee a major showdown at the BL-OK Corral next week.

Ramon is the one who had to leave, but after seeing him back home with Jessica I stopped feeling bad for him. He didn't make it to makeover week, but he still had his own to surprise Jessica. I'd say he's still a winner...and quite the hottie now. Things somehow work out - just as they are supposed to.

Tune in next week for one of our favorites - Makeover Week! And don't foregt tonight's special "Where Are They Now?" episode!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge - Fighting Frustration

2011-11-22T14:25:00.007-05:00

After today, there are only three more weigh-ins leading up to the Biggest Loser Season 12 Finale. It's crunch time...and right now I want to crunch something.

I worked REALLY hard this week. I had dinner out with my friends but stuck to the Weight Watchers menu at Applebee's. We had one Thanksgiving dinner this past Saturday, because my nephew's band is playing the the Macy's Parade - but I ate mostly veggies and lean turkey with only a little bit of carbs. I stepped up my spin classes and other workouts. I stayed away from soda and drank plenty of water.

So what was my reward on the scale this morning? A .2 pound loss. That's right. All of my hard work barely got me anywhere. I usually try to stay upbeat when I have weigh-ins like this, but with this challenge getting down to the wire I got so frustrated that I actually screamed at my scale.

I wish I could say I had a pet that stepped on the scale with me and threw off my numbers, but I'm allergic so I can't even go there. I weighed myself undressed, after going to the bathroom as usual. I stepped on the scale 4 times to be sure. Still the same result.

After getting dressed and leaving for the grocery store in a bad mood, I decided that I needed to make a list of non-scale victories before I lost my mind. I have to move past this. Here are my NSV's for the week:

1. My pants are still getting looser and I can see in the mirror that my love handles are smaller.

2. Last night, my spin instructor told me he can tell that I'm getting much stronger.

3. I could have really splurged on my girls' night out and early Turkey Day, but I stayed in control.

4. If I had splurged on those nights...the scale would have gone in the wrong direction.

5. Everything I did this week was still a step in the FIT direction.

So I'm feeling better this afternoon about my progress. I realize that there are weeks when we do everything right and it still doesn't show on the scale. I have to press on and keep it moving!

How did you do this week? Please share your victories, both on and off the scale, here and at #BL12Challenge on Twitter. Hopefully the scale was kinder to you!

How Shoes are Get it Done

2011-11-21T13:06:00.010-05:00

As part of the Ohio Blogger's Association's Cleveland November Blog Swap, I'd like you to meet my guest blogger for today, Jenn at Love Me Some Shoes. Many of us who call Northeast Ohio home are participating in this blog swap today as a way for you to get to know more of us. For a complete list of today's Blog Swap participants, please visit Alicia at Poise in Parma, who rocks for organizing all of this. If you would like to see my guest post for today, I'm over on Julie's blog Wearing Mascara. And Julie's post is at Jen's. Got it? Good - hope you enjoy! :o)

Wow-a whole day on someone else's blog...could get dangerous! Thanks, Marie, for this stellar opportunity plus your blog is pretty awesome! So, lets get to it-by popular belief, many believe high heels are detrimental to your health...lets be honest, sure they might cause a little soreness (but if you are following Julie's tips for a healthy lifestyle, your ankles, calves and body should be able to take care of itself as long as you are smart about your heel purchases). I am here to tell you why they are good for your health. Hopefully, by now we have all learned that confidence is a key ingredient to life...did you know heels can you afford this in your daily life? Case in point, I recently had a job interview that I thought was a little above my experience level, but I knew I needed a to boost my confidence. I needed to bring in the big guns, and live on the edge...

These beauties may look a little lethal but when properly sized and belted in are nothing but little soft grey clouds-honest, I swear. And there I had it, POWER SHOES, I walked, no rather, I strutted into my job interview in Westake, knocked them dead, impressed the women in the office, and put another notch on the old self confidence belt. Needless to say, I start December 5th! So long, old boring job.

Sure some people will think this is vanity, but I have never felt so powerful, strong in a feminine way, and confident as I do when I have a perfect pair of shoes to compete in the either the work force or socially. Try it out...you are not vain, its human nature and its character building! Plus you look pretty bad ass stomping through Cleveland with some killer heels!

And in regards to other shoes...I believe if you love your shoes, that they are clean (you know what I am talking about), and that they have somewhat of a style, your self image will soar. Its easy, and to be honest, shoes are available at every price point in every market and probably end up being the cheapest accessory for any woman's outfit.

What do you have to lose?

Thanks for taking a look and check out more at lovemesomeshoes.wordpress.com. And again, thank you, Marie!

Jenn Who Loves Shoes

Thank you Jen! I will be visiting your blog often, as I have developed my own love affair with shoes over the past few years. And yes...my husband knows all about it!

Two And A Half Jen

2011-11-18T16:57:00.008-05:00

It's really amazing - the places my mind goes sometimes.

I'm a creative person to begin with, writing articles, songs, blogs, novels...not to mention making jewelry and working on other projects. So it probably shouldn't come as a surprise to me that I got a bright idea the other day when I was singing along to one of my Sugarland CD's in the car.

I love Sugarland. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are talented, incredible performers, who inspire me (plus a whole lot of other people) with their music and positive messages. And you just can't beat a voice like Jen's.

As I was singing, I started thinking that a movie should be made covering the story of Sugarland - how they got their start in music, how the group formed and the many adventures that have happened along the way. My mind's chain of thoughts led me to wonder who would portray each of them. From there I started thinking how cool it would be to play Jennifer and get to sing her part throughout the filming.

I constantly sing Sugarland music. I've been told that I have a good voice, and even that I can affect a Southern drawl pretty well. In my own head I can sing like Jennifer, and I always thought I should have been born south of the Mason-Dixon line. I don't know for sure if I could pull it off, but I'd sure love to try.

This, of course, led me to another thought. Even though I've lost some weight, at this point I'm twice Jennifer's size. In fact, probably a little more than that. Hence, my conclusion that right now I am "Two And A Half Jen".

Jen and Kristian are certainly role models in music, but you may not know they can be healthy inspirations as well. Jennifer is incredibly fit, and in the above photo on the left you can see just how doing yoga assists both of them on stage. (Seriously...how do they DO that?)

So...if my imagination can help me with getting in better shape, why not? I can pretend I'm auditioning for the role of Jennifer Nettles in The Story of Sugarland. And I've always wanted to try yoga. It's just another step in the fit direction, since I've come to love walking, sprints, spinning and Pilates. Why not yoga too?

Why not dream big??? You never know where your dreams might take you!

Biggest Loser 12: There's No Team In "I", Or So We Thought

2011-11-16T12:11:00.012-05:00

There's no "I" in team.

There's also no Team in "I", or at least that's what we think when Biggest Loser goes to singles and the yellow line looms in the minds of the players.

They certainly started out thinking that way. Once Alison made the announcement that each player would be on their own and there was going to be a week long penthatalon, everyone started strategizing. It is partially a game, after all. The first event had the contestants ranking each other according to who they most thought would win this season, and everyone had their own system for coming up with a list. They ranged from putting the "least threatening" players first to ranking them alphabetically. (Really, Sunny? Couldn't you put a little more effort into it?) The kicker was - the results of this event would not be revealed until the weigh-in.

As the contestants moved through each event, they received points according to where they finished and stood on a championship-style podium...except this podium had 7 steps. I bet there are a few athletes that wished they had that at the Olympics. What type of medal would you give for 7th place? Paper? Aluminum foil???

On the day of the final event, the players got to meet Apolo Ohno, the most decorated American athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics. He brought them lunch (Subway of course) and talked to them about how they inspire him and his weight problem as a kid. Looking at him now, it's still hard to fathom that his childhood nickname was Chunky. (And of course we're all looking at him now, because...well, just LOOK at him!) That just makes his victories in life that much sweeter and inspires everyone to overcome the labels that were placed on them at various times in their lives. You are more than a cruel or stupid nickname...don't let yourself be defined by it.

Apolo led the last event, a one mile run similar to what the contestants did on their very first day. (Thankfully they didn't all have to run together carrying a pole this time.) Apolo ran with them, accompanying each of them on the last leg to the finish line. Bonnie was the last to finish, and after Apolo ran out to join her so did everyone else. It was really nice to see players put aside "the game" to genuinely care about somebody else. Maybe all they needed was a glimpse into the heart of a champion to have it rub off on them. Apolo has always been incredibly gracious in both victory and defeat, and I'm happy to see this season's contestants get it and finally apply it to their own experience.

When it came time for the weigh-in, the results were revealed for the first event and the total of all five. You know Sunny was regretting her alphabetical plan when Antone won and received immunity. Boonie was last and received a one pound disadvantage. She wound up below the yellow line with Becky.

In true Olympic spirit, Bonnie sacrificed herself for Becky, her former teammate on Anna's Blue team. Not only did she want her friend to keep going, but she really wants to see a teacher take it all the way. (Both Becky and Sunny are math teachers.) Her unselfish act caused plenty of tears on the ranch and here at my house. These are the moments that really matter - not whether you beat someone at a challenge, but how you treat them. Winning is still something to strive for...as long as you treat people well along the way.

Next week the players and trainers have Thanksgiving dinner together at the ranch. Even though you know they will consume healthy versions of our holiday favorites, I'd love to see Apolo back to lead a Turkey Trot. Hey, I'm all for some Apolo every week!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge - Getting Closer!

2011-11-15T14:22:00.007-05:00

Can you believe Thanksgiving will be next week? This autumn is flying by, probably because I'm so busy. But busy in a good way!

This week was a little bit better on the scale. I lost 1.2 pounds, which I'm extremely proud of because of the stressful challenges that happened within the last week. If you read my last post, you know about one of them. In the past, a day like Saturday would have had me running to the store for ice cream or chocolate. I'm happy to say I did NOT do that this time. I owe it all to my Gratitude List, which turned my attitude around and calmed me to the point that I didn't feel the need to eat away the stress. I took a walk instead. Attitude really is everything!

Speaking of a great attitude...are you ready for Apolo Ohno on Biggest Loser tonight? No matter what is thrown at him, he keeps it all in perspective - not only surviving, but THRIVING!

So as we move closer to the holiday season, please share your success here or at #BL12Challenge with me. Thank you to those who have already done so; you are all rockin' it. Let's make this a healthier holiday this time around!

Changing My Attitude - To Gratitude!

2011-11-13T19:22:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a day that tried my patience. I usually try to stay positive about things that happen in my life, but this time was a little bit different.

As many of you know, I design and make jewelry and sell my creations at craft shows and on Etsy. Sometimes at shows I run a special, offering sale prices to the people supporting the organizations that put on the events. A few weeks ago, I ran one such special and had a pretty good day sale-wise. I know in this economy people are watching their pennies, so I decided to offer the same deal to the people at yesterday's show.

Of course, each show is different so I didn't put enormous expectations on myself. I did, however, have the thought that I would at least sell a couple of items.

The morning began slowly, as it usually does because people sleep in on Saturdays and don't arrive until mid-morning or later. I always try to take this in stride. My friend Debbie, who shared the table with me, sold a couple of her novels early on so I was happy that she was having a decent start.

As the day wore on, other people around us were making sales while we watched. Debbie sold a couple more books. By 2 PM, I began to resign myself to the fact that I had not yet sold anything and the possibility that might not change. I always keep up hope...but also try to stay realistic enough so I don't get upset if it's a bad show for me. The lady in charge of the show came around to see how we were doing. Debbie mentioned that she couldn't complain because she'd sold her minimum goal, and this lady said that everyone was telling her they were doing pretty well that day. I said nothing. I didn't want this woman to feel bad that someone at her show had sold nothing up to this point. Of course as I look back, my silence probably said it all.

Just before 3 PM, a couple of ladies came to our table who seemed promising. One of them talked with Debbie at length about her books, while the other picked out jewelry on my side. She kept complimenting me on my creations and picked out 4 bracelets. She had me hold them for her, telling me she would be back to get them.

The show was set to close at 4, and for a while I was excited that I would still have a decent day in sales. It's not unusual to have last minute sales, so I let myself get my hopes up. I saw these ladies stop at other tables and look things over for a while. But then suddenly neither Debbie or I could see them anywhere. It was as if they had disappeared into thin air.

We tried to stay positive. It was possible they went to the ladies room or ran into someone they knew in the hallway. Yet 4 o'clock came and went with no sign of them anywhere. They had already left...and this woman had bailed on me.

This is the point at which I got a little upset. Debbie was too, and agreed with me that it was very rude to ask someone to hold 4 items for them and never come back. A lot of people promise they'll be back but don't - but none of these people have actually had the nerve to make us hold anything aside especially for them. What if I'd left those bracelets in with the others? I could have possibly sold those designs to someone else and made something. Instead I wound up at zilch for the day.

I actually held myself together pretty well until I was driving home. I thought about my family asking me how I'd done, and started to cry when I realized I would have to tell them I didn't sell a darn thing. That what always gets me the most...I hate disappointing my husband and son and wind up feeling like a failure.

I also think that had those ladies not come along, I would have been better prepared for the day not ending well. I wouldn't have built up my hopes just to have them come crashing down.

When I got home my family was kind, but just as upset as I was about the woman sneaking out the door on me. Even if she had come back to my table and said she wouldn't be able to buy them I would have felt better, knowing that at least she had some class to let me know and not leave me hanging.

NOW...here is where the GRATITUDE comes in. After giving myself permission to be upset for a little while, I decided to end my pity party and make a list. There are always good things to be thankful for, even if you have to really think about them. Here is my Gratitude List for yesterday:

1. I got to spend the day with one of my best friends, which is always a plus.

2. The school had lowered the price of the tables, so Debbie and I each got $5.00 back. That's 5 bucks I didn't have before.

3. The school provided lunch for the vendors free of charge. Not all shows do this, and I am grateful that I didn't have to spend my own money on lunch.

4. I was able to meet and talk to a local book publisher at another table, which may be helpful in the near future when my novel is ready.

5. Seeing all of the other vendors' creations always gives me new ideas and boosts my own creativity.

By the time I finished writing this list, my spirits bean to lift and I felt much better. Yes, it was still rude what that lady did, but once I counted all of the other blessings I wasn't really thinking about her. I was thinking about the good things instead.

So it's time to move on from this experience and on to the next, while learning a lesson and brainstorming what I might be able to do better next time. Whenever you're having one of those days, I highly recommend making your own Gratitude List. You will definitely feel better!

Biggest Loser 12: Iron Chef, Ranch Style

2011-11-09T13:46:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the latest episode of the Biggest Loser, where throwdowns occur on a regular basis in the gym, the house, the weigh-in room...and occasionally in the kitchen.

Of course we had all of the drama involving Jessica being sent home, Ramon being upset, and all of the players having to watch their backs before any knives got stuck into them. I have to say - I REALLY miss the camaraderie of last season, when the majority of the players really cared about each other and were more worried about each person than the gameplay. Yes, there will always be gameplay and moments of drama, but the Season 11 players seemed to find the perfect balance between the game and friendship. This is only another reason why it was so nice to see Olivia back for this episode!

So I will move into the positive aspects of the week. Olivia was back, along with Chef Devin Alexander, who writes the Biggest Loser cookbooks plus her own. She prides herself on decadent food without the fat, calories, and other unhealthy stuff - and she certainly does it well. From experience I can say that her recipes are to die for...except you won't die because the food is good for you. If you haven't checked out the Biggest Loser book series you should, and do yourself a favor and get some of Devin's own line of cookbooks. Your taste buds AND waistline will thank you!

Olivia and Devin were the judges of an Iron Chef style challenge on the ranch. Each team had to prepare a dish, with the help of their trainers, that was low in calories while being both delicious and filling. The two of them did not know who made each dish until after they decided the winner. The winning team got a one pound advantage at the weigh-in, along with a healthy lunch with Olivia...plus extra surprises. All three dishes looked like something I would make, but the team of D & O chose the Black team's slaw with pork medallions. It actually looks like something you could serve for a holiday lunch. So to the Black team goes the spoils...including their recipe featured in Devin's new Biggest Loser cookbook. (Yes, I've ordered mine forn Open Sky...so I'll definitely be trying out the recipe.)

Olivia's lunch with the Black team caused plenty of tears, both on the ranch and at my house. Those scrapbooks were amazing, made completely with love. And roses from Becky's husband? The icing on the cake. (As long as the cake is from a BL book!) Olivia also had a long talk with the players, in which I hope her positive spirit rubbed off on them. We could sure use it this season.

Another eye-opening moment came when Dr. H's colleague, Dr. Linden, showed us some brain science. Of course we all know that eating makes people happy...but the real kicker was how differently obese people's brains process food than slender folks. It's actually very helpful to know this, because then you can deal with the differences. Now we know why thin peeps are satisfied with less!

The elimination was drama filled as usual, but Joe looks incredible now so he is definitely putting the knowledge he learned on the show to good use. Next week the players go to singles, which will make it even more interesting. Hopefully nobody kills anyone this season! Also, I pray for more positive moments like those with Devin and Olivia...which is what this show should really be about.

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge - November 8th Votes and Successes

2011-11-08T13:51:00.006-05:00

Happy Election Day! As you go out to the polls, also make a commitment to yourself. ELECT to be healthy. VOTE for a better life. Since you cast the only ballot, what you decide goes!

Since it's weigh-in day for the #BL12Challenge, I stepped on my trusty scale before heading to my local polling place. I did lose - almost a pound, .8 to be exact. All things considered, I'll take it. Since my monthly gift is here any loss is a good thing. Of course, I'd love to exchange my monthly gift for a 3 or 4 pound loss on the scale, but since that's not an option I'll be thankful for what I've received. I worked hard and made good food choices, so I know I did my part. It still paid off because normally I'd lose nothing or gain something at "gift" time.

Besides, as I often say - it all adds up. My total weight loss so far for the challenge is 11.6, so every week I'm getting closer to my goal of a fitter, healthier life. I elect to move forward and do even better...time for spin class before Biggest Loser tonight!

How are you doing with your goals? Drop me a note here or on Twitter at #BL12Challenge!

Learning to Stand Strong

2011-11-03T15:17:00.008-04:00

The last couple of weeks have been filled with powerful lessons for me. So powerful, in fact, that I feel 100 times stronger than I did in mid-October.

I've stood up for people (several, in fact) who do the right thing, and in turn I've been bashed. This has been by a small minority...it's just that those few have big mouths (or big keyboards). In the past, I was such a people-pleaser that even if one person disagreed with me it would bother me, and for much longer than I should have let it. I had this thing about people liking me. Now, that's not to say I don't still want people to like me, but I realize not every single person on earth is going to agree with me or want to be my friend. And that's perfectly OK. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person if someone has a different opinion. I just agree to disagree and move on.

I got hit with several instances of this in the past two weeks, and I did have some moments where I overthought it. Of course, I prayed about it. In no uncertain terms, God told me I was doing the right thing and to not let any negativity bother me. I've also learned that working it out in the gym (instead of torturing my mind) feels awesome and makes me stronger in more ways than one. God does not want me to fold like a cheap tent when criticized - He wants me to pull whatever decent advice I can from it, and stand strong in my beliefs.

So with that in mind, I ask that we please all respect each other even if we don't agree. I have no problem if someone doesn't share the same thoughts as I do; the world would sure be boring if we all agreed all the time. I've only had one instance of nastiness happen on this blog, with the others coming in other forms. If you have a differing opinion, think before you say or write it...post something intelligent that makes sense and isn't just attacking me or someone I speak or write about. We all deserve respect.

Also, I do know that no matter how nicely I ask this, there are some people who just can't handle offering their thoughts without telling someone else how stupid they are or attacking. I feel sorry for those people, but I will not let them get to me. I suggest that all of my friends do the same - take eveything said to you with a grain of salt and don't let it break your spirit.

Oh, and if you leave a scathing remark and sign it Anonymous...I get a good laugh because you are too afraid to voice your anger without being real. I delete nasty, negative comments posted this way, because if you can't even put a name to it you don't really deserve a response.

So here's to agreeing and disagreeing - respectfully! :o)

Biggest Loser 12: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

2011-11-02T14:47:00.008-04:00

On this week's Biggest Loser, the contestants learned that the one constant in the show is that THINGS ARE GOING TO CHANGE.

The other lesson? DEAL WITH IT!

You just knew that there was going to be a big shake-up, with the Black team gloating that they all stuck together and would continue to do so. Never mind that they actually sent a member of the Black team home last week...I guess somehow that doesn't count. But I'm sure Jen had to smile at home seeing what happened next. (Now I didn't just smile - I actually laughed so loud that I was afraid the neighbors heard me.)

Let me preface this by saying that I get it. For anyone, whether on TV or not, to have to switch trainers...well, it's definitely not easy. You do get used to that person's way of doing things, especially if it's working for you. When something is working, you don't want to lose that rhythm, and when a situation in life causes things to change it throws you for a loop. That's why even going on the ranch is such a big thing. These contestants have been stuck in the same way of life for a long time, and the biggest change of all is to get off the couch and throw yourself to the Biggest Loser lions.

But when Alison informed the teams that they were going to be broken up and moved around for the rest of the season, my first thought was that they were going to have their payback. Most of them immediately panicked, while some tried to stay calm until the high-calorie picnic basket game was over and they knew exactly where they stood.

Those picnic baskets would have given even Yogi Bear a heart attack. Did you see how many calories were in those meals? Yogi would have to hibernate for much longer than winter after eating all of that. As much as I love Southern food, Vinny's breakfast made sick to my stomach. Sunny's Mexican dinner most resembled my favorite, although not nearly that portion size and not as often as she said she indulged. (Moderation is your friend!)

Once the musical teams challenge was complete, everyone pretty much lost it. Antone and Jessica were relieved to stay with their original trainers, but still upset that they didn't have the same teammates. The most dramatic reaction came from the Black team members that had to leave Bob - you would have thought that he was divorcing them and moving to Siberia. This, while I understood, came from the same people who harrassed a certain someone the week before about being too attached to Bob. So this is where the laughter came in. You're not so different after all! (BEHOLD - the power of Bob!)

The only person actually glad to leave her trainer was Bonnie. Obviously since she butted heads with Anna she was glad to go with Dolvett. (I wonder how many calories her happy dance burned?) It turns out that Dolvett was a good thing for Bonnie, getting her to deal with her grief as no one else had been able to do before. And Dolvett & Anna dealt well with the people who acted like they were afraid to leave their daddy to go to kindergarten. Dolvett had to watch John sobbing in Bob's arms, then train him. Dolvett knew it was nothing personal and that he would prove himself to his new team. Anna actually told Joe to stop acting like someone took his toy away and be a man. (LOVING this new, feistier Anna!)

I'm sure it took longer for the new teams to warm up to their trainers than was actually shown on TV, since of course the episode would need to be a couple of hours longer to show it all. But in the end everyone began to embrace the change and pulled great numbers on the scale. The big twist? For whichever team came in last, the other two teams got to decide who would go home.

The Red team was low on the totem pole this time, so the Blue and Black teams got to vote. Since John couldn't be voted off, it came down to Bonnie and Jessica. Somewhat surprisingly, Jessica was sent home...and Ramon was NOT happy. (Looks like they will all deal with his wrath next week!) As sad as I am to see Jessica go, a part of me is excited to see what Bonnie will do next, since she is starting to emerge from her cocoon of grief with Dolvett's help. Everything happens for a reason...eevn if we don't know what that reason is for a long time.

Of course, Jessica is workin' it at home, and this Clevelander won't even hold it against her that she had some Steelers training her. (Hey - football loyalties are fierce!) Tune in next week, as Biggest Loser continues with even more drama than Days of Our Lives! I bet Ali sometimes forgets which set she's on sometimes! ;o)

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge - November 1st

2011-11-01T15:23:00.006-04:00

Welcome to November! In just a month and a half the Season 12 Finale will be upon us. How are you doing in the challenge?

I'm happy to report that I lost 2 pounds this week. I've been increasing my exercise and will continue to do so as we move forward with the season. The main thing for me is working out with more intensity, and it's beginning to pay off.

Also remember, even small spurts of movement add up. Squats and stretches in front of the computer, taking extra flights of stairs...it all counts toward your calorie burn. You still have to do extended cardio sessions, but why not challenge yourself all day long? Plus it keeps those muscles from getting stiff and sore!

Share your progress here and at #BL12Challenge on Twitter. I would love to hear your successes. And I will be reporting tomorrow as usual on the latest episode of Biggest Loser. The teams will be shaken up and split apart - should make for an interesting evening!

Biggest Loser 12: Halloween Treats and a Nasty Trick

2011-10-26T15:23:00.006-04:00

The Halloween episode of Biggest Loser was hyped all week, and it did not disappoint. Well, it did at the end...but more on that later in this post.

Gotta love Alison Sweeney as the Bride of Frankenstein, a combination of scary and beautiful as only Ali can do. It's a real gift to dress like that and still be gorgeous. Ali won't have to settle just for Frankie...her creepy milkshake will bring all the monsters to the yard.

Of course there were many twists and turns to the week, including all of the players working together as one and working out with all three trainers. My evil Halloween wish came true as Bob put Bonnie through hell. Actually it sounded like he was squeezing a black cat through the ringer, so this turned out to be part trick/part treat.

The maze challenge actually looked like a lot of fun, even with all of the stipulations placed on the contest. Antone was definitely NOT a graveyard smash as he made his way through the maze. He refused to enter the cemetery section even though it was all completely fake. I have a feeling we're going to learn more about his aversion to headstones in a future episode. Thankfully his hesitation didn't cost the group their win. It looked like losing 90 pounds as a whole was going to be a piece of apple cider cake. However...

Something stranger than strange happened on the way to the weigh-in. Almost everybody pulled low numbers on the scale. Then Sunny stepped up and GAINED 5 pounds. Funny how nobody except Bob seemed really upset. Even Sunny's cry of "I don't know what's going on" seemed as fake as the graves in the maze. As player after player did not pull their weight, something smelled rotten on the ranch...and it wasn't from corpses left lying around from the Halloween festivities.

In the last couple of weeks it seems that certain players wound up with targets on their backs. It certainly felt that way when Courtney was sent home, but even more so this week. The other players ganged up on Jennifer and accused her of all kinds of things, like not working out hard with anyone except Bob, not being a team player, even not chanting along with Dolvett and company. She was hit by one nasty comment after another, telling her she was bad energy in the house and a major distraction.

Now, I don't know what they're all seeing, but I see someone who has issues and is working to overcome them. I also see those issues in ALL of the contestants. As I well know, you don't get to be that overweight without having demons that need to be dealt with. As for Vinny yelling at Jen for supposedly not chanting well with others, I saw differently. Jen did participate in the group exercise with Dolvett and I saw (and heard) her speak. One time did I see her not say the words - and it was because she had tears in her eyes. I don't know about you, but I've been there. You have so much emotion running through you that you can't move for a few moments. She was trying her darndest to shout out with everyone, but for that one moment her emotions got the best of her. She did not lie to Vinny; most of the time she WAS speaking. (Plus, after covering past seasons of Biggest Loser I can vouch for the fact that there is more to it than what you see on TV...everyone should be given benefit of doubt.)

Also, I see a strong woman who had a fracture in her leg that could have kept her from doing her best...but she didn't let it stop her. She learned how to work around it and still lose the weight. Yes, Bob was the one who originally showed her the way. But it was still Jen who did the work. How quickly her team forgets that she contributed big numbers at the previous weigh-ins, all without the use of her leg. She lost more at times than others who had both of their legs in working order. So the emotional baggage she came to the ranch with was bad, but theirs was OK? WRONG. It certainly looked like the majority of the players threw the weigh-in so they could send her home.

They got their wish - but you can't keep a good woman down. She was down 102 pounds at the time of filming and wearing a gorgeous green wrap dress that shows how far she's come. I really loved hearing her at the elimination as Alison told her she was not the Biggest Loser and she answered, "Not YET." There is still a marathon to be run at the beginning of December, and I hope and pray that Jennifer kicks all of their behinds and wins that spot in the finals.

So even though her "team" played a mean Halloween trick on her, Jen is turning it into her own personal treat. The ultimate sweetness will come at the finale, and with the new life she is creating for herself. We can all learn from Jen how to persevere even when other people don't understand. Keep on rockin' it, girl!

Biggest Loser 12 Challenge- Week 5!

2011-10-25T14:49:00.005-04:00

Here we are, 5 weeks into our #BL12Challenge. Time once again to check the progress after all of our hard work, as we pray for good results.

I lost 1.4 pounds this week, putting me at 8.8 gone for the Challenge. All of the walking, spinning, and Pilates have paid off with a lower number on the scale...but also as tangible proof of my effort I can fit into some clothes that were too tight before. This not only has me overjoyed, but keeps me motivated to stick with it. Of course, my body feels so much better from all of the workouts that I was already motivated!

How did you do this week? Please post a comment here or on Twitter at #BL12Challenge. I want all of us - not just the contestants - to rock the finale!

Biggest Loser 12: It's Always Sunny in Texas - But Not Necessarily on the Ranch!

2011-10-19T16:26:00.008-04:00

"I wanna be a cowboy, and you can be my cowgirl..."

Do you remember that song by Boys Don't Cry? Apparently, neither do cowgirls. (Just ask Brooks & Dunn/Reba!)

On this week's Biggest Loser, Sunny proved that cowgirls don't cry, even when they're ordered by their trainer to carry huge bags of horse feed up the stairs. (Horse feed's better than horse sh...oh, never mind.) Since she won the "Price Is Right" style challenge in which she got to take Bob home to Texas for a week, she also took on the responsibility for her entire team. Only her weight would count at the weigh-in.

Bob charmed all of Sunny's friends and family, at least up until the moment at the BBQ restaurant when he ordered for everyone because the menu offered little in the way of vegetables and other healthy foods. Awkward! Bob got his payback for that when Sunny made him ride the mechanical bull, which was kind of hot, by the way. BBQ can be healthy if you stay away from ribs and order chicken or lean brisket...but you also need to watch for the side dishes. Hopefully the place where Sunny's family eats will add salads (other than 3-Bean) and less fattening sides...if they know what's good for them.

Since Bob grew up on a farm, he really put Sunny thru the paces. He had way too much fun making her push trucks and lift those feed bags! But a special moment came in her local gym. Sunny flashed back to being in that gym before and having a bunch of teenagers making fun of her. She spilled her guts to Bob and worked through it.

Even though I live in Ohio, I can completely relate to Sunny. She has a husband and son who are really active and would like her to join them, but she always stayed home because she was embarrassed. She remembered being in shape when she first got married, but over time she let things get away from her. I also have an active husband and son, and my son always wants to know why I don't accompany them on bike rides and such. I am working on it, since I've started spin classes I'm getting stronger and will soon be able to join them. (I do occasionally play tennis with them, but need improvement! Oh, Anna???) When I would go walking in my neighborhood or other places, I often had kids, teens, and even adults yell out nasty comments to me. Yes, it hurt a lot. It still gets to me occasionally, but most of the time I work past that and keep on moving. I will have the last laugh as I become fitter each day!

Sunny needed to lose at least 7 pounds to keep her team safe from elimination. Well - she lost 14! Her teammates were thrilled, especially since while she and Bob were gone they had some issues with each other. (I still want to know how Dr. Dre could have helped. Hmm...) She truly did crush the competition...all by herself.

I know I'm learning a valuable lesson from Sunny, as are many of you. We can do more than we think we can. Keep on pushing, and we can make it happen!

And I'll be Bob's cowgirl anytime...whether he wants me to or not!

Biggest Loser 12 Challenge: How Did You Do in Week 4?

2011-10-18T15:43:00.003-04:00

Can you believe we're a month into Biggest Loser 12...and our #BL12Challenge? Before you know it December will be here and the finale will be upon us!

So how did you do this week?

At my house, this morning's date with the scale produced a one pound loss. I know a lot of people think a pound is nothing, but I beg to differ. Pick up a one pound weight or a tub of butter (at the grocery store...don't have that butter in your house!) and really feel how much is there. Think about having one less pound of butter, or Crisco, or whatever, on your body. That's progress!

Also remember that it all adds up. If you lost "only" one pound each week, at the end of a year you'd be 52 pounds lighter. You would certainly be in much better shape than you were 365 days ago, so be thankful for every single ounce that comes off.

So please share your victories with me, both on and off the scale. It all contributes to a happier, healthier, better you!!!

Biggest Loser 12: There's Something About Hannah & Injury Is Not An Excuse

2011-10-12T16:03:00.008-04:00

This week was special for the Biggest Loser contestants...and also for those of us at home.

Three favorites from past seasons came back to the ranch to help the players out. While I adore Marci and Adam and am very motivated by them, the third person in the group inspires me the most.

There's just something about Hannah.

What is it about her? Well, I think so many of us can see ourselves in Hannah. She had once been a fit athlete, but she let an injury force her to the sidelines - not only on the volleyball court, but in life. She let the situation with her back keep her down, long after the healing process had taken place. Her fears kept her from making a comeback...that is, of course, until last season's Biggest Loser.

Little did she know that when she had her breakthrough moment with that backbend, she was causing a breakthrough for others, including me. Just because you've been injured in the past doesn't mean you have to sit out the rest of your life. There may be some recovery time, but after that you can do much more than you think.

It really resonated with me last night when she told the Black team that she felt as if she had unzipped her fat suit and stepped out of it. I've often sensed that the thin person I once was is waiting to come out and play - participate in life. Every couple of weeks feels like I've peeled off another layer...not just a layer of fat, but a layer of insecurity. I get out and do more than I used to, and I feel better about myself while doing it. I'd love to have Hannah's BL Success poster hanging by my treadmill and elliptical as a visual reminder of where I'm headed. But even without that, her influence is burned into my mind.

For years after my car accident, I let aches and pains keep me from getting things done. Over time, especially this past year, I'm discovering just how much my body is capable of. I'm stronger than I realized, and it's an amazing feeling to discover it on a daily basis.

Speaking of injury, have you noticed how current contestant Jennifer is rocking it...even with a major leg injury? She doesn't let it stop her from working out. She works around it and does everything that she IS able to do. The weight is still coming off even though she can't run on the treadmill and is limited in challenge participation. This week she lost 7 pounds!

I think back to all of the times when I used injuries as an excuse. Even headaches held me back at one point. It feels silly now to think I let minor hurts prevent me from exercising, especially when watching Jennifer work around something much worse. Her determination is a lesson to all of us - even when you can't do certain things, you can always do SOMETHING.

I look forward to the day when Jennifer's transformation poster is up on the gym wall beside Hannah's. No excuses - EVER!

Biggest Loser 12 Challenge: Week 3!!

2011-10-11T16:29:00.007-04:00

We've been doing the #BL12Challenge for 3 weeks now. Hopefully you're seeing results from your switch to healthier habits, and it should be a little easier to give up the bad ones.

My weekly weigh-in was this morning, and I'm down another 1.4 pounds. Definitely better than last week...and I've now lost 6.4 pounds since we started the challenge. I can feel my clothes getting looser and my body getting stronger as the days go on.

Yes, I still have a bad day once in a while, but I pray my way through it. I ask God to help me turn it into a good day instead of letting a rotten mood take over and make things worse. I refuse to let the crappy moments get me down. It's amazing how much better your day can get when you pray and set your mind to positive thoughts!

So - how did you do this week? Leave me a comment and let me know so we can celebrate your progress too!

Biggest Loser 12 - Get To The Heart

2011-10-05T14:27:00.005-04:00

Last night, Biggest Loser got right to the heart of the matter...and they used football to do it.

This season some of the contestants started digging deeper earlier than usual. We're not that far into the episodes yet, but already getting into the core issues that players have covered up in layers of extra weight.

I can relate.

Dolvett noticed that Vinny was giving everything he had in the gym, and he couldn't help but wonder what got him into his current condition. They had a long conversation, in which Vinny revealed that his stepfather used to beat him constantly and without mercy. Not only that, Vinny wondered why his mom never stepped in to stop the abuse. He's having a hard time forgiving her because she is the one person who should have protected him.

For me this hits home - not because of my parents, who were always kind and loving, but due to cruel classmates. I did get kicked a few times, but most of it was mental abuse. I retreated further into my shell with every remark. I always wondered why the friends I did have didn't speak up. Occasionally I would stand up for myself, but never really became outgoing or confident around my peers. It's taken me years to move through this...and sometimes I still fight those feelings.

The other big moment for me was watching Antone work through his feelings being around all of the other NFL players and dealing with his emotions. I know the feeling well. Even though I was not a football player (obviously) I still had those glory days in a different form. After I got out of high school I lost 65 pounds and really allowed myself to shine. Ten years later my mom passed away and I started putting weight back on. Very often I run into people that knew me then - at my best - and I wonder what they think of me now. Just like Antone, I have to deal with those who are still at the top of their game while I'm working to up my own, back to top form.

The key for me is to remember where I've been, and know that not only can I do it again, but with God's help I can surpass that and be my true best. Sometimes we have to be broken, but when we are put back together we are stronger in the broken places and can help others with their journeys.

I will be watching what Vinny and Antone do next, cheering and praying for them all the way. We are all in this lifeboat together, and only those who really get to the heart will succeed.

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge: Week 2

2011-10-04T16:17:00.003-04:00

The second week of our #BL12Challenge is complete. As we get ready to watch the 3rd episode tonight, let's reflect on our own personal journeys.

My moment on the scale this morning showed a .4 pound loss. No, it's not much, but still a step in the right direction and puts me at 5 pounds lost so far for the challenge. I know I did well with my exercise this week, but a couple of my food choices could have been better. (Maybe I got too confident when that piece of birthday cake didn't affect me...and tested my body a little too much!) As I move forward this week, I'm going over what I did right and figuring out where I went wrong. I want next week's numbers to be much better!

How about you? Let me know how you did on the challenge this week!

Biggest Loser 12 - Which Time Slot Do You Prefer?

2011-09-28T15:53:00.005-04:00

You know that commerical, "What would you do for a Klondike Bar"? Well, Biggest Loser turned that thought completely on its head. We saw their version last night - "What would you do for your favorite gym time slot" (which doesn't have quite the same ring to it) as the teams were faced with piles of donuts. It was actually more like "How many donuts would you eat for your time slot, where you'll have to work extra hard to burn them all off?"

Most of the contestants didn't eat any, but John from the Black team ate the most...37. Quite ironic that at the weigh-in his team needed to lose more than 37 pounds to be safe. They didn't make it, but the Blue team saved their butts. Maybe they'll send them a dozen donuts as a thank you gift.

This poses a question that I would like to ask you. Which time slot would you prefer? Early morning, midday, or late at night?

Ideally, I like to work out in the early evening. I am not a morning person (though I'm trying to be!) and I seem to be at my best at this time. If I only had those 3 choices, I would want the midday slot. My second choice would be the early one. (Even if I had to deal with Bizarro Bob's wake up call!) The late night slot would be bad for me because I would be too wound up to get to sleep afterward.

So which time do you like to workout...and what would YOU do to keep that time slot? I don't mean shoving donuts into your mouth in a challenge, but rather how would you personally make sure that you worked out at that time?

We all have to schedule our exercise time just like any other appointment. We already schedule meetings, church, kids activities, etc. Exercise is just as important as all of those. And once you write it down in your calendar, you must keep that appointment - just like you would never skip a meeting. Stick to whatever time is best for you and be consistent.

Now, if an emergency comes up and you can't keep to your schedule, by all means get some type of workout in wherever you can. Things do happen...but have a back-up plan in case you can't execute Plan A. Being consistent will give you the results you want, and your body will learn to crave workouts.

So here's to your favorite gym time...WITHOUT the donuts!

Week 1 of Biggest Loser 12 Challenge: How Did You Do?

2011-09-27T14:22:00.004-04:00

The first week of my Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge is in the books. Last week we set our goals...how much are we going to lose by the finale?

I weighed in this morning feeling pretty confident. I did have one piece of birthday cake at my son's party, but otherwise made smart choices. I had two spin classes and Pilates, in addition to my regular walking routine with a little dancing thrown in. So what do you think my scale told me?

It said "Congratulations!" (Well, it didn't actually speak, even though that would have been cool...yet scary.) I lost another 2.4 pounds this week so I've lost 4.6 so far toward my goal of 30 gone by mid-December.

I'm on my way and feeling better...healthier and more positive about myself.

How about you? How did you do? If you haven't joined my challenge yet you can still post here and set a goal. Let's work toward this together, and we will all be able to celebrate on BL12 finale night!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Premiere: What Do You Think of the New Trainers?

2011-09-22T16:37:00.009-04:00

Tuesday night's season premiere of Biggest Loser ushered in a new era...one without well-loved trainer Jillian Michaels. Bob Harper is still there (thank God!) and he chose to lead the black team in honor of his former partner in crime. Bob is even more fierce than before while revealing his heart, making for the perfect balance in a trainer.

Two new trainers join Bob this season, Dolvett Quince and Anna Kournikova. Dolvett is taking on the red team while Anna leads the blue.

In the first challenge, the three teams were broken into age groups and competed for the right to choose their trainer. Of course the winning team chose Bob. He's proven himself from Season 1 until now and his track record speaks for itself. And with Bob, you know (for the most part) what you're going to get.

The second place team chose Dolvett, who is an experienced trainer in his own right. His long list of happy, fit clients includes some guy named Justin Bieber. (All of the young girls know Justin's in great shape for sure, while I show my age by still proclaiming my devotion to David Cassidy.) As I watched the first episode, Dolvett impressed me. Actually, I was much more than impressed. I became an immediate fan of his training style, which includes his way of showing tough love along with the compassion necessary for working with broken, obese contestants. Plus, I certainly agree with all of my female friends that he's extremely easy on the eyes!

The third place team didn't really have a choice. They became Anna's team. I was skeptical from the very first announcement of her as a trainer. Yes, she's an incredible tennis player, and she's definitely in top shape. But I didn't think she had what it took to really get the best out of all of the contestants in her charge. As the show began, I mentioned that I hope she proves me wrong...and discovered that most people are as skeptical as I am. The first show didn't do anything to change my mind yet. Anna is very sweet - possibly a little TOO sweet. I love her compassion, especially when she ran out to meet her team before they got to the finish line. She was also immediately thrown in the deep end since one of her team members found out her dad passed away just as she was getting settled on the ranch. Anna handled that well.

The problem is in the gym. Anna is not tough enough on her team. Even when she attempts to sound angry or push them it comes out much too nice. I'm not saying she has to be mean to everyone. What she does need is to find that balance that Bob and Dolvett have - the balance between compassion and rousing people into their consciousness so they do their best. Results will not happen without the tough love. Everyone needs a major kick in the butt as a wake-up call to reclaim their health.

The results on the scale proved the point. Bob's team won with a considerable lead over Dolvett's team. And Dolvett's team crushed Anna's. The difference was significant, showing which methods actually get the job done.

I still hope Anna proves me wrong...as the weeks go on it's possible that she will find her rhythm and learn to be a tough motivator while still keeping the compassion. What do you think of the new trainers? Drop me a line and tell me what you think!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Challenge!!!

2011-09-20T15:20:00.008-04:00

*photos courtesy of NBC.

The day has arrived.

Tonight is the Season 12 Premiere of Biggest Loser. Not only do we have a brand new bunch of contestants, but 2 rookie trainers. Rookie, that is, to Biggest Loser. Dolvett Quince is already an amazing trainer in his own right and I expect him to do well. With Anna Kournikova there is more of a question mark. Obviously she's a great athlete and in top shape, but it will be interesting to see how she does training "losers" for a whole season.

I would like to present a challenge to all of my blog readers/friends. Make this the season you push yourself as hard as you can, just as if you were on the ranch being trained by Bob, Dolvett, or Anna. (Or Jillian...because we know she will always be there in spirit!) Try that exercise class that always frightened you but you secretly want to master. Pump up your workouts. Stop eating junk...ESPECIALLY while watching Biggest Loser!

This challenge also includes setting a goal. How much weigh will you lose by the finale in December? I set a goal for myself to be down at least 25 pounds by Thanksgiving. I weighed in today (first week) and lost 2.2 pounds, putting me at 213.8 for the start of this BL12 Challenge. I now amend my goal to include the first part of December up to the finale - I will lose at least 30 pounds by then.

I know I'm ready to watch tonight and so are you. Are you ready to join me in this challenge? Please post your BL12 Finale goal here and we can do this together!

Getting Back Up To Speed - Recommit To Fit!

2011-09-12T17:21:00.006-04:00

In the last couple of weeks, my healthy habits have slipped a bit. With Labor Day Weekend, birthday parties and other celebrations I relaxed...a little bit TOO much. A couple of beers here, some dessert there - it all added up to a four pound gain on the scale this morning. I hadn't weighed myself in about 3 weeks, so I didn't stop the slide as soon as I could. (On a positive note - last summer my slide gained me 9 pounds, so I'm getting better at this!)

So...today is a good time for me to recommit to my fitness plan. I drank a lot of diet soda over the last couple of weeks and now I'm cutting it out completely. I'm also bumping up my workouts. I started spinning over the weekend, and when the link is up to my article I will share it with you. I'm sore all over but in a good way! I know I need to schedule my fitness every day just like any other appointment, so that I don't let it fall by the wayside when I get too busy. I also have to plan my meals better, which is something that I didn't do while getting ready for the start of school or for all of the parties we attended.

I'm officially setting a fall goal. I will lose at least 25 pounds by Thanksgiving, which will put me at 191 or less. I am also posting my goal everywhere that I will see it regularly, like the kitchen and my office. And I will weigh myself weekly once again.

What about you guys? Do have have a fall goal that you'd like to share? We can do this together!

Being The Plus-Sized Friend

2011-09-06T19:53:00.007-04:00

Over Labor Day Weekend, we had our annual reunion BBQ with my husband's classmates and their families. Even though I didn't go to school with any of them, we've all become close friends over the years. We all accept each other for who we are and appreciate not only what we have in common but also the differences which make each of us unique. It's amazing what we all learn when we get together!

That being said, there is still one thing that always winds up on my mind, no matter how hard I try to push it away. I am the only plus-sized woman at our get-togethers. Nobody ever makes me feel any different, but it is a fact that I'm the thickest female in the room (or on the patio). I have lost weight, but I'm still a long way from my goal and the contrast presented to me in photos hits me hard.

Besides the photos, other little things remind me that I've still got a lot of work to do. Without exception, each of my female friends made some derrogatory comment about themselves and their own figures. Comments about never fitting into a certain size again, wanting flat stomachs back, and supposedly looking like an expectant mom were the ones that came up most often. I jokingly said that I was going to smack all of them. Every single one of them has an awesome figure...figures that right now are a long way from where I am. I would be extremely happy to have any of their shapes.

Now, I do get where they're coming from. Most women who have had kids still long for the bodies they had in high school, and if they were always used to being a size 4 or 6 and now they're a size up from that they feel different and want to go back to that size. The tummies that carried babies are not the same as they were before, but none of my friends look pregnant or fat in any way, shape or form. I also know that when they say these things they're not directed at me - they are only speaking out loud what their own subconcious minds keep telling them. Even though none of them would ever speak this way about me or each other, they do it to themselves...and it does still affect me even if they don't realize it. Even worse, what they say to themselves affects THEM.

I will say that seeing my friends in great shape does motivate me to kick it up an extra notch for myself. I will conquer my demons. I know I can and will move past the "plus-sized friend" feelings that plague me, but I also want all of my friends to know that they should stop being so tough on themselves, appreciate what they have, and realize they are all beautiful right now...just as they are!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2011-08-30T14:21:00.006-04:00

Oh yes, you can count me among those who act like the dad in the Staples commercial who is so happy that his kids are going back to school. After a solid month of hearing, "Mom, I'm bored!" from my son, he began 8th grade today and I couldn't be more thrilled.

It's not that I didn't enjoy his company during the summer...we went swimming and did other fun things, thoroughly enjoying ourselves. But there were days that were trying, that even when we had done a lot and I settled down to my computer or housecleaning that he claimed that he didn't know what to do with himself and I needed to "entertain" him. He did not count my bursting into show tunes entertainment, nor did he like most of my jokes. It must be that he's almost 13 and everything mom does is "lame". I also suggested he help me clean, which was met with the dirtiest of looks. So I tried to get work done while he completed his summer reading or played video games.

Now that school has started, I can get back to a regular routine. It will be easier to schedule writing, cleaning, and workouts now that my son is occupied for most of the day. He was also happy to start school, as he loves to learn and is excited to gain more knowledge. (Funny how that happens even when you claim to know everything!) He also gets to see the friends that weren't around for the summer and catch up on things - while I catch up on stuff around here.

So although I may not be riding a shopping cart with a giddy look on my face, I am doing my own little happy dance. Here's to a successful school year...not only for my son, but for all of your kids as well!

Loving Yourself MEANS Taking Care of Your Health!

2011-08-23T20:15:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking about something lately. Actually, I've been thinking about it for quite a long time, but during the last couple of weeks the subject has taken center stage because a well-known size advocate has lost some weight.

Jessica Weiner has lost 25 pounds. For most people this wouldn't be front page news, but because Jess has long been a recognized body image expert who has written books and appeared on television promoting loving yourself at any size, suddenly it is. She has come forward in a national magazine to talk about her health crisis and why she has lost weight. A visit to her doctor showed that the numbers were not good - and this doesn't mean the numbers on the scale. Issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol were affecting her health and well-being. The doctor suggested that she eat better and exercise...and lose at least a little bit of weight to get those numbers under control. She wanted to come out and explain all of this so people would know that she's doing this for her health... and not pass her on the street thinking that she's doing this just to be thin.

Since this came out, several other body image/size acceptance people have attacked her. They say she is selling out and even have gone so far as to say she is promoting certain weight loss products or companies. The only thing she has promoted is that she is eating whole grains and other healthy foods now, and that she is exercising regularly. It took her six months to lose those 25 pounds, and she still weighs over 200. It's not as if she starved herself skinny and worked out until she dropped. She is losing weight in a healthy and sane manner and not selling anybody anything. All she wants is for people to love themselves AND be healthy. And her blood pressure and cholesterol are starting to get under control now.

I've often been at odds with these two ends of the spectrum...at the one end wanting to love myself at whatever size I am and at the other needing to take better care of myself and get in shape. After a lot of back and forth, I've discovered that the two are not mutually exclusive. We are all amazing and beautiful people no matter what the scale says, and that does not determine our self-worth. Nobody should be sitting at home not living life because they don't think they look good enough yet. But part of loving ourselves is taking care of ourselves. Eating good foods instead of chemicals and junk, getting exercise on a regular basis and doctor checkups are all essential to being a healthy human being. No matter where the number on the scale ends up, the other numbers on our medical charts must be taken into consideration. It doesn't need to be one extreme or the other!

It's a complete shame that some people think that Jess should just have ignored her health concerns and continued the way she had been because it suited THEM. I'm sure it took a lot for her, after finding herself in this situation, to come forward and explain...knowing she would be scrutinized the whole time. Would these people have been happy if she had done nothing about her health and something had happened to her because of it? They are thinking only of themselves and not her well-being. What they SHOULD be doing is thinking about their own health, realizing that taking care of yourself is not selling out - it's actually a form of self-LOVE.

So remember...this is not all or nothing. Live your life while you start taking care of yourself. You will live a longer and higher quality life if you take care of your health!

Forgive Me Blogger, For I Have Sinned...

2011-08-20T14:51:00.006-04:00

It has been 15 days since my last post. I know God understands even if Blogger doesn't. Besides, Blogger has been acting weird lately - it won't let me sign in like I should so I can add comments to other blogs like a normal person. I wind up having to go the name/URL route just so I can write something. So maybe they should be asking for MY forgiveness!

Anyway, the last two weeks have been busy with writing assignments, dentist appointments, getting ready for the new school year and more. I kept telling myself "I will blog tomorrow"...but then I didn't. Now that's what got me in trouble in the past with putting off exercise and eating right, so I don't want to go the "tomorrow" route anymore.

The good news in all of this is that I have a writing assignment I'm extra excited about. I discovered a great place to spin only 20 minutes from my house, and I get to write about it for Westlake Patch. This will be an ongoing, first person series of my adventures at Psycle. You can read my first article in the series here: "Start Spinning Your Wheels at Psycle". If you have a chance check out my other articles as well.

I'm thrilled to share my journey on the bike with you...and I promise I WILL post more often here! :o)

Planking The Proper Way

2011-08-05T15:26:00.009-04:00

If you've been following me the last few months, you know that I love my Pilates. My entire body feels so much better after a session, and I've been doing some of the floor exercises at home as well to keep getting more strength and flexibility. I'm amazed at what Pilates is doing for me and so many other people who have been looking for ways to deal with chronic pain...it's doing what so many other things I've tried couldn't do - lessen the pain without meds.

Yesterday my instructor, Janice, had me try a few new moves. One of these is the plank position...and I don't mean the "planking" that's so popular (and somewhat dangerous) to do anywhere and everywhere nowadays. This is planking on the Reformer - which is pictured above demonstrated by Janice. Now, she's been doing this for a long time so she makes it look "easy". In this plank position, you don't lay with your stomach flat on a surface. It takes a lot of balance and strength to achieve this pose.

My first thought was, "You've got to be kidding me...I can't do that yet!" Thankfully that thought only lasted for a few seconds...because I fully trust Janice and she never steers me wrong. I also want to strike the words "I can't" from my vocabulary, so there was no way I wasn't going to try it. I actually did better than I thought. Each time I was only able to hold the position for a few seconds, but I was DOING it! Janice told me that everyone has to build up to being able to do the pose for a longer time and that I did well for the first time out.

I guess I can truly say that I didn't know my own strength...but I'm sure finding out about it now. I felt a real sense of accomplishment doing something I thought wasn't possible for me. Thank you to Janice at BodyWave Pilates for believing in me...I will now be "planking" more often!

National Dance Day Playlist

2011-07-30T14:18:00.010-04:00

Welcome to the 2nd annual National Dance Day! As part of today's celebration, I am posting some of my favorite songs about dance to get all of us motivated. (Of course, I'm ALWAYS motivated to dance!!!) Put on some of these tunes...then get up and move!!!

"You Should Be Dancing" - Bee Gees

"Just Dance" - Lady Gaga

"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack

"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" - C & C Music Factory

"On The Floor" - Jennifer Lopez/Pitbull

"Dancing on the Ceiling" - Lionel Richie

"Ballroom Blitz" - Sweet

"Boogie Wonderland" - Earth, Wind & Fire

"Flashdance (What a Feeling)" - Irene Cara

"Last Dance" - Donna Summer

"Dancing Queen" - ABBA

"All She Wants to Do is Dance" - Don Henley

"Dance the Night Away" - Van Halen

"You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'" - Leo Sayer

"Let's Face the Music and Dance" - Nat King Cole

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" - Whitney Houston

"Till The World Ends" - Britney Spears

"Please Don't Stop the Music" - Rihanna

Even if you just turn on the radio and dance around the room, start dancing. It's such a fun form of cardio, you won't even feel like you're exercising...but you are! Happy National Dance Day!!!

What Food Addicts Can Learn From Amy Winehouse

2011-07-25T13:59:00.008-04:00

As most of you know by now, the music world lost Amy Winehouse on Saturday at the age of 27. She was known for her amazing voice and talent...but unfortunately she was more well-known for her drug and alcohol addiction and the problems that stemmed from those issues.

It's always heartbreaking when talented people have addictions that interfere with their work and are taken from the world way too soon. But think about it...there are many of us who have an addiction to food which interferes with our own lives. Sometimes our talents are wasted because we're so focused on food - or when we feed our sugar, salt and other addictions it makes us feel so awful that we can't get the things done that we need to accomplish. We get that temporary food high, then when we come down off of it we need more...just like an alcoholic or drug addict.

There are many things we can learn from Amy's demise and apply to our own lives:

1. Surround yourself with people who care about your well-being, and don't be afraid to turn down something you know is not good for you. Obviously Amy had people who supplied her with the drugs and alcohol, and who would also partake of them with her. She needed to be around people who were sober to help break the cycle. Those of us who are addicted to food also need to be around others who live a healthy lifestyle so we can learn how to deal with food properly. And if we encounter someone who wants to make us eat something that will make us fall off the wagon, we need to find the courage to say no.

2. Think about all of the things you've put off and the dreams you have not accomplished because of your addiction. Everyone was waiting for Amy to put out another album after the success of Back to Black, but she could never get it together long enough to make it happen. She attempted a tour this summer, but the first show went so badly because of her issues that she cancelled the rest of the tour. The world will never know everything she could have accomplished if her addiction had not taken over. As food addicts, we put off a lot of things in life to get our own fix. Then we feel ill and not up to accomplishing anything. We all need to sit down and really think...about our talents, what we want out of life, and what we could accomplish if we didn't rely on food fixes; then use these goals and dreams to strengthen our resolve around food.

3. Use your talents to lure you away from addictive behaviors. Amy did use her musical and songwriting talents to express herself, but should have dug more deeply into her gifts in order to release the feelings that made her turn to drugs and alcohol. We should use our own gifts, whether it be writing, music, painting, or something else positive to express ourselves instead of wallowing in the emotions that make us want to eat. And as we find our inner athletes, we realize we do have the strength it takes to do anything!

4. You cannot fight this alone. Very often, Amy tried to conquer her demons by herself. When we are very deeply into addiction, we need more strength than we have on our own. Besides having a supportive group of people around us, we need God to fight this. There will be times when we are alone and no other human being is around to talk us down from doing something unhealthy. But God is always with us...so pray to Him for courage and strength to help you beat your addiction, one step at a time.

When you think about Amy, remember her talent first. Then think about her addictions...and how to help yourself and others beat their addictions so we can learn from her situation. In this way, some good can come out of her tragic end. Rest in peace, Amy.

Staycation - Good For Body and Soul!

2011-07-20T15:13:00.007-04:00

As some of you may have noticed, I haven't blogged in a little while. The first few days were not by choice...I had to get a new modem and then catch up on my other work first. But the last three days were definitely by choice.

I desperately needed a vacation, but there are no funds in the budget to get away from it all. So it was time for a "staycation"...having a holiday at or near home to recharge when you can't afford a big trip. I made a conscious decision not to log on to the computer for three days, not even to write. You see, if I had turned it on to write, I would have been tempted to check my mail or social networking sites. The whole idea was to relax and enjoy the time without distractions, so I could be refreshed when it was time to get back to business. Since I don't have a Blackberry or iPhone, there was no tempatation in that department.

We never ventured far from home...we swam every day, went on long walks, and watched movies. I got to spend some uninterrupted time reading as well. I stuck to healthy foods except for one treat - ice cream on Sunday evening. I still drank plenty of water, especially with all of the time spent outdoors exercising.

The plan worked...I am now recharged and ready to tackle more writing and other ventures, plus I didn't wind up gaining any weight on this little vacation. In fact, I lost a little over a pound! How often do we go on any type of vacation and lose weight, unless it's at a spa or weight loss retreat? Not too often!

I highly recommend a staycation to all of you...even more so if you can't afford a regular vacation. With the stresses of life we all need to unplug and refresh our souls, so we can be more productive in the long run. Besides, we all need to enjoy ourselves now and then!

Listen To Your Body - It Knows!!!

2011-07-08T15:49:00.007-04:00

My body speaks to me.

No, it doesn't actually have a voice, but it doesn't need one. My body speaks without words...and I heard it loud and clear this week.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I didn't eat a lot - but I did consume some foods that I don't usually have. A few salty tortilla chips here, a couple of diet sodas there, even a cupcake with VERY sweet frosting and other sugary treats found their way into my mouth. It wasn't overindulgence in large quantities that did me in...it was what was in the foods I ate.

For the last three days, my body has spoken in several ways. My fingers puffed up from the extra sodium, making it hard to get most of my rings on. The migraine that followed let me know in no uncertain terms that I should have skipped the diet sodas. To complete the lecture from my body, my stomach hurt and was upset from too much sugar.

My body is letting me know that I have to stick with healthy foods and skip the stuff filled with salt, sugar, and chemicals. I'm recovering from the weekend by drinking plenty of water to flush out my system, eating nutritious foods, and working up a sweat as often as possible. I can already feel the difference.

My body knows what it's "talking" about...and so does yours. Pay attention to what YOUR body is telling you. God only gave each of us one body, and we have to take good care of it!

Songs Of Indepedence and Freedom

2011-07-03T14:07:00.010-04:00

Tomorrow is the 4th of July - Independence Day. We celebrate what it means to live in America...our rights, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Barbecues, parades, and fireworks are all a part of the festivities.

So is music. Patriotic songs mix with anthems of empowerment and make us feel stronger. I've compiled a playlist that will not only make you proud to be an American, but will help you strive for your own freedom and independence.

"Party in the USA" - Miley Cyrus

"New Found Freedom" - Taylor Hicks

"Born in the USA" - Bruce Springsteen

"Independence Day" - Martina McBride

"Think" - Aretha Franklin

"Freedom" - George Michael

"Firework" - Katy Perry

"Freedom Song" - Mandisa

As you listen (run, walk, dance) to these songs, remember to turn to God and give him your burdens so you can experience the ultimate freedom. Happy Independence Day!

Extreme Makeover: LaRhonda's Journey of Faith and Fitness!

2011-06-28T15:39:00.010-04:00

On my journey of faith and fitness, I love seeing other people on theirs. Something about watching what they go through and the true transformation is more inspiring than anything else out there. For that reason and so much more, I can't help but salute LaRhonda Darby.

LaRhonda was featured on last night's Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. All of the people on this show have inspired and motivated me, but with LaRhonda there is something extra special that makes me feel a connection. The heart of it is her faith in God - and that she is proud to show that faith to the world. See the picture of LaRhonda above? On the left side of her shirt she has written the words, "With God For Me, Nothing Can Stand In My Way!" And she is darn proud to wear that shirt on TV for everyone to see. (Hmm...I have a couple of plain T-shirts that could use a little writing on them. Time to decorate them with words of faith and empowerment!) I can truly say that this is why LaRhonda is so successful. She knows that on her own she has human weaknesses, but with Him she is strong. (I must also applaud ABC for letting her film in that shirt...a lot of networks would be skittish about "offending some people" and cut that footage.)

How else do I relate to LaRhonda? Well, I lost my mom over 16 years ago, when I was 28. She was right when she said you never get over it...you learn how to deal with it. I've been dealing with it for years, sometimes with food instead of healthier ways to work it out. One thing that really just sunk in for me over the last few months - my mom would want me to remember happy things, and she would want me to be healthy and happy. You can bet that LaRhonda's mom is watching over her...and she's so proud of her!

I love that God is using LaRhonda to teach us...He's so good at turning pain into something of beauty. (And humor...goodbye to LaRhonda's stomach "Bertha"!) Thank you dear LaRhonda, for sharing your journey with us...and thanks be to God for sharing you with the rest of us!

MetroMint Heaven!

2011-06-23T13:48:00.010-04:00

Is it possible to fall in love with a beverage? If it is, then I am definitely head over heels for MetroMint!!!

I happened to discover them at the grocery store while looking around in the water aisle. I was intrigued by the thought of mint water and enticed by the fact that there are no sweeteners or preservatives in their products. The water is purified by reverse osmosis, and the only other ingredients are pure, real mint grown in Washington State and natural flavors or essences. I knew I had to try it. There were only 3 flavors at my store, so I chose Spearmint and ChocolateMint.

I tasted the ChocolateMint first, and I swear my taste buds went straight to heaven. The flavor is amazing without being overpowering; completely refreshing while satisfying my chocolate craving. (It's better than the sensation you get biting into a York Peppermint Patty...no sugar or junk in it!) The Spearmint is also wonderful...both refreshing and invigorating.

Something you may not know (beacuse I didn't until now!) is that mint has many healthy and medicinal uses. Mint improves digestion, decreases heartburn, and eases nausea. Mint is also good for stopping bad breath, clearing congestion (great news for this allergy sufferer!) and easing stress. Hmm...sounds like a natural way to take care of all of those things doctors keep prescribing pills for! I would much rather use mint than drugs!

Metromint also comes in other flavors like CherryMint, OrangeMint, LemonMint, Peppermint, and GoodberryMint. I will have to go back and get the OrangeMint, plus try my local World Market for the other flavors. Check the Metromint website for more cool mint information and type in your zip code to find stores near you that carry this amazing mint water.

Yes, I've fallen in love with MetroMint...you better never go away or it would truly break my heart!!!

Was REALLY Hoping This Was A Joke! (AKA Don't Eat Their Kool-Aid)

2011-06-20T18:27:00.008-04:00

After watching "Fried Kool-Aid" trending on Twitter for the past few days, I thought someone was just being funny and that the joke caught on. It had to be one of those weird trends that seem to pop up for no reason. This stuff couldn't be for real...right???

WRONG! I finally Googled it to see why this was a big deal. It turns out that a man who is known for coming up with new foods for the county fair circuit created this monsterpiece. He also makes deep fried Thin Mints, which to me not only ruins the taste of the cookies (if you are going to treat yourself to a couple) but adds greasy fat and calories that none of us need. The Kool-Aid powder is mixed into batter and then fried like donut holes. They resemble hush puppies (which I love but only eat twice a year to satisfy my craving) but have NOTHING nutritious in them. (Does this man get a cut of what the doctors make treating obese people or patients with high cholesterol? He's certainly helping them stay in business!)

It seems people are trying to deep fry anything and everything they can get their hands on. TGIFriday's took the nutrient-rich green bean and fried it to within a millimeter of its life to create an appetizer...which actually doesn't sound all that appetizing. Yes, we have some treats that are not good for us that we should parktake of sparingly -- but why take foods that are healthy and turn them into crap? Or take already unhealthy foods and make them worse?

I used to drink Kool-Aid all the time when I was a kid (Lemon-Lime being my favorite) before any of us knew just how bad it was for us. I don't drink it anymore and never make it for my son. You can bet that I won't be eating the Kool-Aid either...and this guy needs to stop drinking the funny stuff!

Swimsuit Obsession - But Not What You Think!

2011-06-14T15:47:00.007-04:00

I have a swimsuit obsession.

No, it's not about being obsessed with fitting into a certain size suit, though I am getting in shape.

It's all because I love swimsuits. I could spend hours looking over different styles, patterns, and colors. (In fact, I'm posting this blog about an hour later than I wanted to...because I got carried away looking at swimsuit pictures to use.) If I won the lottery, I would probably have one dresser filled entirely with swimwear. I love being at the pool or beach in a bathing suit, no matter what size I'm wearing. I admire fit women's suits, but also the variety of options now available for plus size chicks. (Maybe I should be a swimsuit designer!)

I do have quite a few suits of my own, in various sizes from being up and down the weight scale. I'm about ten pounds away from fitting into the next size down and I can't wait. I used to buy the Venus Swimsuit magazines, with my eyes glazing over seeing so many different options! I even posted pictures from them as inspiration, taking care to choose the models that had some curves...knowing I could never aspire to being a size 0 or a stick. I still have one up on my refrigerator now - a fit, healthy sized model in a cute black and white suit that reminds me to be careful what I reach for out of the fridge.

As I continue to lose weight and get in shape, I know my love of swimsuits will grow. I even have a pretty tasteful bikini waiting to be worn, that I bought quite a while ago and never got to use. I will wear it one day very soon. And with all of the additional swimsuit options I will have...I'd better hit that lottery!!!

So You Think You Can Dance - In Water?

2011-06-10T23:11:00.009-04:00

Some of you may know that I cover dance shows, which I have a passion for and am motivated by on a daily/weekly basis. If I could only choose one type of exercise for the rest of my life, it would be dancing...without a single doubt.

Inspired by last night's Top 20 showcase on So You Think You Can Dance (which was BEYOND amazing), my son and I ventured to our local pool to cool off. While he swam like a fish, I created my own little water dance workout. This session consisted of various leg lifts, arm movements, and kicks...accompanied by several bouts of running in place in the pool. This was my own choreography, and while rudimentary and far from being Emmy-worthy it gave me a great workout. Doing dance moves under water made me feel like I was lighter than air - which is exactly how the dancers looked last night. (I was really hoping Natalia would make Top 20...but more on that in another post.) There's nothing quite like the feeling that you're floating on a cloud when normally you are not a lightweight. (at least not YET) I could imagine myself on a stage instead of in a pool, dancing for my life!

I know many pools offer water aerobics classes, and I will be gathering more information on those so I can try more moves and get an even better workout. Until then, I'm unleashing my own creativity in the water...not just thinking, but KNOWING I can dance anywhere!

Turning I Wish Into I WILL

2011-06-06T13:05:00.006-04:00

How many times do you catch yourself saying that you wish you could do something? "I wish I could lose weight." "I wish I could take a trip to Hawaii." "I wish I could speak French." "I wish I could learn how to ski." "I wish I could stop letting people walk all over me."

If you're like me, you've wished for a lot of things. And like me, you've probably also just wished...but never did anything about it. We sit there and dream of what it would be like "if only" we could do certain things. Then we go back to being on autopilot, as if our regular routines were all that was possible in our lives.

I'm learning to take things further than the wish stage, and I'd like you to do it as well. As you think about those things that you'd like to do, think deeper. What would it take to make those wishes reality? Write down the steps you need to take so you don't forget about them. Then TAKE THE FIRST STEP. MAKE IT HAPPEN.

I've always said I wished I could try Pilates...I took action steps and now I take Pilates regularly. I dreamed about singing in front of people. I took charge, stepped out, and took the microphone. For years I've wished I could learn Ballroom Dancing...I finally set up my first lesson and I start next week.

Don't let life pass you by without trying those things you've dreamed about. Instead of saying "I wish I could" -- say "I will do this." Then follow through and do it. You will gain confidence and love life more. I know I do!!!

The END of EXCUSES!!!

2011-05-31T14:24:00.008-04:00

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself." - Henry Ward Beecher

Since this blog was originally titled No More Excuses, I want to address the subject once again...for all of us. Yes, even I still find myself making an excuse from time to time. Things like: I didn't lose weight this week because my monthly gift is here", "it was a holiday", or "it's been a really busy week". I have to face it...these excuses are part of the reason the weight is coming off slower than I would like.

Getting past the excuses is essential to being fit and healthy. I'm asking God to help me with this, because it's an old habit that He will give me the strength to break. I also want to get past the excuses that other people make for me. It seems that sometimes people don't expect a lot of me, just because I'm still struggling with my weight and haven't reached my goal yet. Well, Olivia and Hannah proved all of their naysayers wrong when they expected a lot of themselves and came in 1st and 2nd on this season's Biggest Loser. As awful as it is to have people refuse to believe in you...it's just as much fun (or even better!) to do the things they said you would never be able to do and see the amazement on their faces.

As an example: this past weekend was extremely hot here in Cleveland. Our air conditioning is busted, and we are going to have to order a whole new unit because the parts aren't available anymore for the model the builders used in our house. We've had to rely on open windows and fans, plenty of ice cold water, and spending more time in the basement which is a few degrees cooler. And yes, my regular gift from Mother Nature is here. With all of that going on at the same time, I would have normally curled up in a ball and let myself feel miserable. But I didn't do that...I exercised in the basement, ate lighter foods, and turned my attitude around whenever I caught myself ready to complain. There are people who have things much worse - like those who've lost homes and loved ones in all of the recent tornadoes. I can suck it up and survive - maybe even THRIVE - if they can do the same in their circumstances. This is just another way that God is helping me find my strength.

I'll be looking through some old magazines for a certain ad...the one where Serena Williams serves a tennis ball right through her monthly gift. That is the attitude I want to keep every month, all month long. Excuses - you're outta here!!!

Biggest Loser Season 11 Finale - Purple Is The New Black, Pink Makes a Comeback

2011-05-25T13:58:00.009-04:00

What a finale!!! So many wonderful transformations...so little time. Congratulations to all of the contestants for changing their lives for the better and getting healthy.

We had the first ever all female Top 3, showing that Girl Power is alive and well. And a woman won the at home prize as well! Deni showed that Pink is still a force to be reckoned with as she beat out Austin for the $100,000. She and her daughter Sarah both looked amazing and happy. Arthur and Jesse danced their way into our hearts once again, and even twins Don and Dan looked fantastic. I think these brothers shocked a lot of people by coming back looking so fit after all of the drama on the ranch.

Speaking of drama...I did not miss Rulon one bit. He was the one bad apple that threatened to spoil the whole bunch. (Showing my age again...Osmond Brothers are singing in my head!) Thankfully the rest of the bunch more than made up for him. The finale story was focused on the inspiring, positive contestants -as it should be!

As Anna Kournikova was announced as the new trainer for Season 12, I wasn't exactly feeling it. The one time she appeared on the show was just OK, so I hope she steps it up for the new season. From what I'm hearing, it will be just Bob and Anna...Brett and Cara are supposedly not returning for BL12. Time will tell how this works out for the show.

With Olivia taking the Biggest Loser title and Hannah right behind her, I can definitely say Purple is the new Black. And I really mean it!!! Since the folks at NBC didn't do a tribute to Jillian for her 10 years on the show, they should retire the Black Team... just like an athlete's jersey for just about any sport. It would only be right, since a Black Team with someone other than Jillian would never be right. I must say though...I still don't know if Anna would do Purple justice. I think Hannah and Olivia would be better trainers! Maybe Anna's team should be the White Team, representing her coming from the tennis world. She's definitely used to white clothes already!

I can't wait to see what the future holds for Olivia. I had this feeling a few weeks into the season that she would be the winner, just like I did in Season 8 about Danny Cahill. Both of them had the faith and determination in their eyes that showed me a winner. No more witch or maid roles for Olivia! She is ready for primetime opera. She and her husband are both fit now, and ready for all that life has to offer. Let us all take Olivia's cue - and dig deeper so we can truly change our lives. She has shown us that IT IS POSSIBLE!

Preparing For Summer - HOT Playlist

2011-05-23T15:43:00.022-04:00

Even though summer doesn't technically start until the middle of June, we all know the unofficial start is this coming weekend...Memorial Day Weekend. Time to think about barbecues, beaches, and outdoor concerts. Nature is kind enough to give us extra daylight to enjoy all of our activities, although I'm also totally down with Danny and Sandy loving those summer nights.

Since it's been warm and beautiful here the past few days (whoo-hoo...hardly any rain!) I've been pondering all of the songs that mention summer or hot weather that would be great for outdoor workouts - or even indoor ones to keep you pumped on rainy days. Here are some of my favorites:

"Summer's Coming" - Clint Black

"Long Hot Summer" - Keith Urban

"Summertime" Kenny Chesney

"Summer in the City" - The Lovin' Spoonful

"Summer Days" - The Partridge Family (I can see you smirking...it's a guilty pleasure I don't feel one bit guilty about!)

"Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams

"Hot Child in the City" - Nick Gilder (I know, technically it's the GIRL that's hot...but it still works!)

"Summer Nights" - John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John - Grease Soundtrack (Of course!!!)

"All Summer Long" - Kid Rock

"Heat Wave" - Martha and the Vandellas
"Hot Blooded" - Foreigner

"Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves

"Hot Hot Hot" - Buster Poindexter

I know there are more, but these are the ones that come to mind and make me think warm, happy thoughts. Feel free to add any of your favorite hot summer songs!

Sister, Sister: Purple Edition - Biggest Loser Top 2

2011-05-18T14:08:00.003-04:00

Purple Reign, Purple Reign...

Sorry Prince, but this is too good to pass up. For the first time ever in Biggest Loser History, a complete team of two sisters are the Top 2 going into the finale. Both Hannah and Olivia are in the running for the $250,000 grand prize, and I am among the happiest of their fans.

All season, these sisters have had their share of A-ha moments and accomplishments, all of which they handled with humor, honesty, and grace. From Hannah's moment of truth backbend to Olivia's aria on the scale, we have laughed and cried with them, cheering as they accomplished what many people told them was impossible. Their detractors were many, especially at the beginning. Many people they knew thought they wouldn't last long on the ranch. They were perceived as weak, and too nice to have what it takes to reach the finals. It is with great pleasure that I can say they've truly proven the naysayers wrong...a thousand times over. They were more of a threat than anyone realized, and stronger than even they knew at first!

One of the main things I love about Team Purple is how they live their faith. It doesn't get shown much onscreen with editing, but if you communicate with Olivia and Hannah via Facebook and Twitter you know what I'm talking about. (And if you are blessed enough to know them in real life...you REALLY know.) They will be the first to tell you that their faith has sustained them throughout this season, and that their strength is not all them...it comes from God. And He is using them is amazing ways to reach millions of people. No matter the final outcome on finale night, it doesn't get any better than that.

Purple is not only the hue of royalty...it is the color of passion. These sister warriors are sharing their passion with us - for their health, family, friends, and God. I will forever think of Team Purple with this..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) I wish them the best at the finale, and know this strength will be with them throughout their lives. Thank you for the incredible inspiration!

Love Your Workout - At Your Current Size!!!

2011-05-16T13:57:00.006-04:00

We all look forward to the day when we can go for a run or a bike ride at our goal weight. We imagine ourselves strong and healthy, turning heads and inspiring others to get fit. We know how proud we will be when we reach that milestone.

But I have a question for you. Why should we wait until then to be proud of ourselves? It doesn't do you any good to shut yourself indoors, relegating all workouts to the treadmill or exercise DVDs. When the weather is nice and you feel like walking through your neighborhood, playing tennis, or going for a swim, you have every right to do that - at whatever size you currently wear. Running outdoors is not only for perfectly fit people. (If it was, there would certainly be a small minority out there on the trails!) If you stay inside, you will get bored. If you get bored, you won't want to work out. And if you stop working out, you are right back to Square One.

You may be afraid of someone saying cruel things to or about you as you stroll by. There are some of those people out there, but don't let their small-mindedness stop you from achieving your goals and enjoying life. For every idiot that makes nasty remarks, there are two people who admire you as you show how you are taking control of your life and are happy to see others working on their health. As you become more fit, the jerks will be left speechless!

If you are worried about finding workout clothes in your current size, there are companies who make the items that fit your needs. Check out websites like Junonia and Swimsuits For All, who carry plus sized workout gear, sports bras, swimsuits, tennis clothing, and more. There is no reason to sit at home when clothing is available for maximum comfort and movement, and you can enjoy the same sports your fitter friends do!

One last note: You may be trying out for a show such as Biggest Loser or Dance Your Ass Off, but don't wait for that casting director to call you before you start your journey. Only a small percentage of people make it onto these shows, so you should get out there and start living life now. Why waste time sitting by the phone? Live every moment of your life starting right now!!!

Biggest Loser Finals - And Final Four!!!

2011-05-11T13:21:00.000-04:00

We've been waiting for this all season...and the night finally arrived, but not without its twists and turns. The five remaining contestants had to take their "Finals" before progressing to the Final Four, which was both funny and frustrating. I'm waiting for someone to hear Bob joke that he invented the spin bike, then go to his Wikipedia page because they took it as fact. Of course Bob IS the Spinmaster, so it had to be a little bit intimidating to instruct him as if this were his first time on a bike. Professor Brett cracked me up, as did Cara when she got all up in each contestant's stuff and threatened to punch them in the face. Since I was laughing my butt off at home (that burns calories, right???) I know I would have lost it like Hannah did in the moment. I really loved Jillian's role playing test - of course it's hard to pretend that Jill needs motivation, but the fact that she spoke back to each player what she heard them say about themselves and it connected with them speaks volumes. Makes me want to have a tape recorder to play back whenever I say something negative or stupid to myself!

The sandbagging challenge was interesting...if you follow me on Twitter you saw last night that I mentioned sangbagging is a BAD thing in bowling. If you bowl you know what I mean, but for those of you who are kegler-challenged it means purposely bowling badly to keep your average down so you have an advantage in tournaments. Thankfully this sandbagging was a better kind, and Austin won a one pound advantage for the weigh-in.

Alison presented a major twist at the scale (insert evil scientist laugh here) when she gave Austin the chance to trade his pound for $10,000...and Olivia the chance to trade the $10K she won for Finals for a pound. Both of them kept their original prizes, which just about drove Bob and Jillian off the deep end. I love how Olivia said that the money would be part of a new start for her and her husband, and you never give back a blessing. I also was moved by the confidence she had, knowing she worked out like crazy and feeling that she already did what she needed to do to make the Final Four.

I think I can safely say that the majority of us love all five of the remaining contestants and wish they all could be in the finals. I'm so thrilled for the four that made it, but I couldn't help but cry along with Austin at the scale when he only lost one pound. His advantage made that two, but it still didn't help. He and Hannah fell below and he was sent home. He didn't stay down for long though...he is going to schools and teaching kids about healthy foods and getting enough exercise. That makes him a winner in my book!

Austin said something during the episode that really resonates with me - there has to be a reason for every calorie that you put into your body. If we think about it enough, it will help us turn down the sugar and junk because there is no good reason for ingesting them. I wish Austin more success in the future and congratulate the Final Four!!!