I spoke with the nurse. It turns out that my ovary is fine but I do have a small fibroid on the backside of the uterus. Aparently it is the same size it was last time I had an ultrasound done. Funny they didn't mention it last time when they called and said the results were "normal". I know that a fibroid is nothing to be concerned about, but still, shouldn't they have told me that I have one 2 years ago when the first scan was done? Weird. Now no more excuses. Time to shower and get ready for work. AND eat healthy all day.

So one of my reasons for losing weight is to keep cancer away. Especially with a history of having had cancer twice! Well, the reason for my weight gain last week, and probably tomorrow too is that my doc is concerned about about an ovary that is enlarged. I had an ultrasound on Thursday morning, but haven't heard anything yet. I did get a call from the clinic nurse, and she said it wasn't urgent when she left the message to call her back, but I'm guessing that it is the results from the pap and lab screening (the Friday before). I am not sure if the results of the ultrasound are in yet...I'll find out tomorrow morning when I call back. Either way, I look at this, and see that I need to refocus. One of my reasons for exercising got up close and in my face and I let everything I was working for slide away. Time is now. I can't keep putting it off til tomorrow, who knows if tomorrow will come!?!

Week 5 weight: 197.4 lbs

Week 6 weight: 198.4 lbs

Change: +1.0 lbs

 

Week 5 weight: 212.6 lbs

Week 6 weight: 213.2 lbs

Change: +0.6 lbs

 

So Karen wins the garage this week. I lost my game, and it was due to stress, and worrying about a medical test. This next week though, we should both do pretty well. Still don't know the results of the test, but I'm gonna work it out....literally. Not eat chocolate to drown my worries.

Here are the results...

 

Week 4 weight: 198.4 lbs

Week 5 weight: 197.8 lbs

loss: 0.6 lbs   

 

Week 4 weight: 212.8 lbs

Week 5 weight: 212.6 lbs

loss: 0.2 lbs   

Like a noble hero on an epic quest, I am on the search of a lifetime! Only what I am looking for is not nearly as common-place as true love, as easy to find as a grail, or as unremarkable as a unicorn in a pasture of gold tipped flowers with a road of diamonds leading to an emerald castle. What I search for is much harder to find, spectacular to behold and divine to consume. Yes, I am on the search for food. I am trying to find whole natural great tasting foods....that still fit into a low calorie diet. I am looking for vegetarian foods that are free of fake fats and sugars. Foods that are not processed beyond what mother nature intended. Foods that still taste great, and don't cost a fortune! I am finding that it would be easier to walk to the moon than find a "diet food" that is not engineered into something that will wreak havok once in my body. I am having the hardest time finding convienent foods that are natural and quick....One can only eat so many apples before they start to get boring. I know that the answer to my query is fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains....but I am growing tired of the effort that they require to prepare in new and creative ways. I want the quick answer, but don't want the negative side effects that come with convienence.

Karen and I have delayed the week 5 weigh in due to snow!!! Just kidding! Karen was in Okalahoma over the weekend and got back late Monday so our tuesday weigh in was delayed til Thursday. I am still sick...My bronchitis from last week, has become a sinus infection that is draining and causing my sore throat to become laryngitis! all of this sucks pretty badly. Last week when I was sick I lost quite a bit of weight, but it came back by the weekend. But I am ready for this weigh in....to solidify my spot in the garage for the next week.

 

p.s. Our pictures were also delayed due to my being sick and Karen's preparations to go out of town.

Here are the results from this past week....

 

Weight Week 3: 201.2 lbs

Weight Week 4: 198.4 lbs

Loss: 2.8 lbs.   % loss: 1.39%

 

Weight Week 3: 215.2 lbs

Weight Week 4: 212.8 lbs

Loss: 2.4 lbs    % loss: 1.12%

So Karen and I have decided to split the garage for the week. I just handed the remote to her this morning. At any rate we were only able to work out together on Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday I was swindled into taking my nephew and his sister to basketball practice. Instead of sitting and watching I ran and walked around the outside of the gym. Of course on Friday Karen went to workout and my knee really hurt. I can totally feel the difference from a treadmill to real ground! My knees are aching and I was really huffing and puffing! I think I run faster on the ground, and of course the treadmill belt is kinda coushy! So Friday for me was a rest day.

 

So at any rate the competition is starting to heat up. Karen really wants to be down 4 more pounds by the end of next week. And I really want to be able to schedule that massage, cause I'm pretty stiff! So that means I need to see 5 lb. drop from the weight I saw this morning! And neither of us really wants to have to park outside. It's so freeking cold!

Now only if this were the truth! It would help both of our numbers!

Here are the stats...not so pretty this week, but now we have no excuse and must focus!

 

Weight Week 2: 200.0 lb.

Weight now: 201.2 lb.

Change: +1.2 lb. 

 

Weight Week 2: 214.6 lb.

Weight now: 215.2 lb.

Change: +0.6 lb.

 

This past weekend I took care of little William while his mom was about to give birth, and Karen went up north to visit friends. We both gained, and don't know who should get the garage. So we are asking you to post and let us know. Karen for gaining the least? or should we split it, because we both did poorly?

Here are a few of the first pictures of little Grace Elizabeth. She is finally here! And all the preparing for her and celebrating her arrival has not gone so well for both of her aunts, but we both promise to do better next week to make you proud!

 

So I have been on baby watch for the last few nights. Nothing yet! This little girl is taking her sweet time, and making life just a little difficult and trying right now, but in the end we can't wait to meet her! My nights have been a rush of trying to eat, pack the next days clothes, workout, shower and then go to our sis's house. THEN deal with the cutest little boy ever, who is not so adorable when he is sick and crying. I am so happy to be sleeping in my own bed tonight! Anyway, I just put up the new pictures that Karen and I took last night. It's funny, but our starting pictures look better. Must have something to do with the black! But if you check VERY closely you can see a few differences! That black sure did hide my belly pretty well in those first pictures!

p.s. Karen has started tanning, so lets see if we can see her tan develop over the next few months worth of photos.

I totally forgot to tell everyone about my goals/rewards. Karen will tan/do something fun or relaxing each week, and plan in big rewards at % (percentage) weight goals. My plan is to give myself a massage for each 10 lbs lost. At 30 lbs (which is equal to my lowest weight ever....since 4th grade) I will treat myself to a mud bath at a local spa. And at my goal.... Something sparkly! And preferably a full carat!

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the week 2 results....

 

Last Week: 201.8 lbs

Week 2:  200.0 lbs

Loss: 1.8        % lost: 0.9%

 

Last Week: 216.2 lbs.

Week 2:  214.6 lbs.

Loss: 1.6        % lost: 0.7%

 

Paula(Me) wins the weigh in. However, the past 5 days have been very hard for both of us. Stress from throwing a baby shower for our oldest sister, a fight with a friend and the subsequent feeling bad about it, and we both got the stomach flu. Or so we think. The nurse practioner thinks I might have reflux....but I am not sure that that explains the dizziness. They did take blood so that they can check for any other intestinal diseases. Karen has definately had the stomach flu. What I find strange is that we didn't lose more weight! (Maybe the cookies and cucumber sandwiches from the shower had something to do with that!)

 

Our sister is about a day away from giving birth, so after tonight's episode I will be heading to her place to stay the night, because her hubby has to work early (2 AM). Hopefully I will be able to get a workout in. I might have to workout at work like I did last week.

I also promise to blog more this week, last week life got in the way too much!

So for our fist official weigh in...

 

Starting weight: 205.2 lbs

Week 1:  201.8 lbs

Loss:   3.4 lbs.      % lost: 1.6%

 

Starting weight: 220.4 lbs

Week 1:  216.2 lbs.

Loss:   4.2 lbs.     % lost:  1.9%

 

We have decided to take photos every other week, so next week we will take and post pictures after the weigh in. Karen officialy wins the weigh in and the garage remote/parking spot, for this week...

So I was feeling a little low on motivation and remembered that I had taped some old Biggest Loser Special Edition episodes a few years back. That of course was before the cable company started scrambling all the transmissions so that you are required to pay for TiVo instead of being able to record and watch a program later. That was back in the day when I took ballet on wednesdays and so was the Biggest Loser. Anyway...tirade over now. I just wanted to say that even 2 years later those stories were still inspiring. Karen and I watched while we did our workout. It definately made the time fly by. However, tomorrow we will watch from the comfort of our own couches so that we don't miss anything! I am so excited! Anyway, reguarding the workout, I have been trying to switch it up, and still train for the biathalon. So tonight I did 15 min elliptical, 30 min bike (& biked 10.16 miles), then free weights and crunches, squats and lunges. Finally I finished up with 15 min on the treadmill. Total workout time: 1:20:00. Karen was a trooper and put in 20 min on the treadmill, then weights, and floor exercises. Her total workout time: 58.00.

 

Tonight we had pizza again. Bad, yes, but not as bad as you think. I calculated out the points and found that a Veggie Pizza in the size that I make is about 12 points on WW, and planned accordingly fits into my daily allotment. I could stop before eating the whole thing, but this pizza is the one and only thing I am not able to show restraint against. I could eat it everyday. Just look at it. Super thin crunchy crust, topped in rich sauce. Sprinkled with freshly diced garlic. A luscious layer of torn baby spinach.Thin slices of onion, green pepper and tomato. Meaty chuncks of mushroom. Sweet tidbits of fresh pineapple. Topped with freshly chopped mozzarella, and crumbles of feta. Bake lovingly on a hot stone. Mmm....Sooo Tasty! Kinda makes me hungry right now! But since I am out of points I will put the computer down and go to sleep. Sweet Dreams Biggest Loser Bloggers. Tomorrow is going to be a great day. Weigh in and the next episode!

 

                                                                                         

Hi everyone, Paula here checking back in. Sadly I have not done as well so far as I would have hoped, and the scale has not been very nice. My day was similar to Karen's yesterday. I went out with our older sister for lunch and had no idea how to count points for the meal we ate. We went to a Indian buffet. It tasted great and there were plenty of vegetarian choices, but I have no idea how they were prepared. After I finally got home, everyone requested pizza for dinner. Of course I make the pizza and we usually fire it on a stone in the grill (the weather made us take it inside to the oven), so my own pizza has lots of veggies and is light on the cheese. I think next time I make pizzas (probably tomorrow night, since mom and dad are out of town) I will take a picture and post it so you can see the goodness that comes from learning to make pizza from a first generation italian neighbor. It was great, and we watched a funny movie. But after that Karen skipped out of our workout! She has been feeling sick, and had a bad headache the last few days. So I let her off the hook. I went downstairs into the gym instead of going out to the bar. A hard choice, but I know it was the right one.

Workout summary

Bike 25 min

Elliptical 15 min

Treadmill 20 min

Weight circuit and stretching

 

My goal the last few days has been to find a new pair of shorts to wear when taking our progress pictures. I hate bike shorts, and not just because they are flattering on no-one! As far as I have heard they even ride up on skinny people too! I really just wanted to find a pair of shorts in a color other than black, so that our pictures show up better against the black background. Today I went to target and Karen and I got shorts that match our sports bras. Pink for Karen and blue for me. You will get to see them next week. While out shopping the both of us feel in love with a new treadmill at Sam's club. If all goes as planned I will be using my tax refund to upgrade to a treadmill with a wider longer belt. Anyway...I've been trying to type this throughout watching Desperate Houswives, and if it wern't for the fact I hit the record button to tape the premier of Cashmere Mofia I would never get to workout. So now down those stairs to workoff some of this weight that is making those bike shorts look so hideous.

 

p.s. So we made it down there. I did 30 min on the bike. Karen about 17 on the treadmill then 7 on the elliptical. She lifted weights. I did too. But not too much. Arm curls, triceps extensions, crunches/sit-ups on fitness ball, push-ups from ball, lunges and squats. I also put in a few kicks and punches too. I wanted to do more cardio, but was reaaallllyy TIRED! Ever since my migraine earlier this week my workouts leave me feeling just a little bit off. dizzy, and really winded. I think I might be pushing myself just a little too hard. I was in really good shape a few years ago, and I think that sometimes I think I am still there, and that my body is the same. But I guess I am learning that our perceptions are not always the truth. I had been very active this year. I even wanted to run in a marathon! But a bad break-up and a habit for meeting friends for a drinks instead of a workout session has really taken my exercise capacity back!

 

 

Here are the promised starting statistics...

 

Age: 26        Height: 5'9"

Starting Weight: 205.2 lbs.

Goal Weight:      155.0 lbs.

Weight loss goal:    55 lbs.

 

Health History: 2x Cancer Survivor, Fibromyalgia, Hypermobile Joints, Insomnia, Suspected Adrenal Burnout, Recent Vegetarian

Weight History: I was always on the heavy side growning up, until 7th grade when I lost 50 lbs to reach 175 lbs. Promptly gained back even more. Weight gradually climbed over time as a result of yo-yo dieting. Top weight 260 lbs. in 2003. I lost weight through a variety of diets, always changing diets when I plateaued and becoming physically active. In 2005 I was put on hormone replacement therapy and gained back 35 of the 87 lbs. I had lost from 2003-2004. Over the past 2 years I have tried without success to finish my weight loss journey and reach my ultimate goal. I have however maintained my weight within a 10 lb range since 2005.

Pants size: 14

Top:     12

Dress: 12

Fun Fact: I was able to stay in a 12/14 after gaining back weight in 2005 due to my rigorous ballet and dance class schedule at the time.

 

Fitness Goals: I want to be able to finish the local biathalon in a competitive time this year. I also want to be able to learn to do a backflip, and not kill myself.

Fitness Plan: Workout a minimum of 5x week in our "gym." Build up time, distance and speed on the usual circuit of treadmill, elliptical, and recumbant bike. Free weights for toning, and gradually add more weight building. Vary workouts by kickboxing, dancing, using different videos, and interval training.

 

Age: 24     Height: 5'6"

Starting Weight: 220.4 lbs.

Goal Weight:      175.0 lbs.

Weight loss goal:    45 lbs.

 

Health History: Suspected Fibromyalgia, Gastric Ulcers

Weight History: Karen was always the thinner of all of us children. However, we all gained over time and Karen is no real exception. College was the time when she gained the most and reached a high of 235 lbs. Recently Karen lost 15 lbs. by cutting soda out of her diet. Other than that she has no "dieting history."

Pants size: 16

Top: 16/18

Dress: 16/18

 

Fitness Goals: to be healthy, and not feel like a fatty when exercising.

Fitness Plan: Karen is using the elliptical and treadmill and is gradually adding time to her circuit. She lifts weights and She also does a sequence of isometric exercises and stretching.

 

 

 

So about three weeks before we heard about the new biggest loser challenge, The Million Pound Match-Up, our family had decided that after the holidays we would begin our own weight loss competition. The stakes are high...a garage parking spot in the middle of sub zero Wisconsin. The rules are set, and each of us will be attempting this in a slightly different way. I became vegetarian 2 1/2 months ago, and will now be counting calories/points in addition to continuing to eat a vegetarian lifestyle. Karen and Mom will be attending Weight Watchers meetings at work. And Dad...well, he will continue to take slim-fast in the morning, but will still eat ice cream at night! Mom has knee replacements, so exercise is a little difficult for her, but Karen and I will be working out in our "gym." Our gym is really a wide spot in the basement with a lot of equipment in it, and I mean A LOT of equipment. Some people collect dolls or coins....I collect work-out machines. (We have a home weight gym, elliptical, treadmill, recumbant bike, inversion table, ballet barre, punching bag, free weights, yoga and stretching mats, and about 40 Tae Bo videos.)  We will officially weigh in once weekly, and the two people with the highest percentage of weight loss will park in the garage for the next week. Our first weights were recorded on January 1st. Suffice it to say Karen and I both want to lose about 50 lbs. Mom & Dad are in on this too, but will not begin until after their mini-vacation to a conference next week. Now that being said, Karen and I got sucked into an all day Biggest Loser Marathon on the 1st. When it concluded with the new season 5 episode we were  jazzed about the chance to share our journey with the biggest loser community! So here goes the biggest loser - sister style. As soon as possible I will get up our starting photos, and each of us will post with our progress....begining with a quick bio and our measurements and goals. The lists on the main page are our reasons to lose weight. Check them out to see why it is that we want to become the Biggest Losers.

 

p.s. Attached is a photo of the main workout area. I wish you could see all of our own "24-hour Fitness", but the camera lens is not wide enough! The posters on the walls are to inspire us. You can't see Karen's tribute to Carrie Underwood in this picture!