Mike and Michelle's 2008 Biggest loser Million Pound Match-Up Challenge

hi everyone

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:33:45 GMT

hi all! Glad to see everyone is doing well. I have been really busy lately working, trying to buy a home, etc.

I have been up and down on my weight alot lately so it pretty much tells me that it's water weight and not real fat losss. As I am typing this I am drinking a pepsi, maybe that's the reason right there. I need motivation to get back up and going. Does anyone have any words of advice?

AAAAAAAAAAAAArrrgggggg!!!!!!

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:10:32 GMT

OUr puy is driving me up the wall!!!! HE's a yellow lab, cute, and into everything. He has chewed my new shoes that I haven't wore yet and won't get to, chwed my ficus tree up, messed my house up,the list goes on and on. Wehn does this stage end?????

We are looking for our first home to buy. We are excited, stressed and drained at the same time. I want to join the run kings island race in august, I haven't trained for it yet, and continue to eat anything and everything.

How's everyone out there?

Does it count as exercise if you just wear the clothes?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:10:29 GMT

Yeah...I know the answer to that, just wanted to grab your attention. Hi all. It has been almost a month since my last post. I have been losting weight a little at a time. I am back to 194, I had gained all the way back to 202. I need to get my motivation back up to where it needs to be. Yes, I am wearing my workout clothes, they're just so comfortable. How's everyone doing??? Summer's really hard to stay committed to staying honest with your food choices with all the cookouts going on. We just have to get back on the wagon after we fall off, this is really hard for me because I eat oorly and then think,"well, it's no use. This soda isn't going to make me gain weight, I'll try again tommmorow." Thaht has been my mantra many times before and tommorow never comes. I can't wait for the new season of Loser to come on.Well, I have to run, thousands of things to do and little time to do them in. Until next time, what have you done today to make you feel proud?

update

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:42:58 GMT

I entered a blog last week, but maybe it didn't save because it's not here. Anyway, I haven't postedin a while, just been really busy lately with work and kids. I intend to do the run kings island 5 k in august. I have been up and down with my weight, and back to losing again. It's coming off about 1-2 pounds a week. I haven't updated my site in a while, and I neeed to get some stuff off here. I hope everyone is still going strong. What have you done today to make you feel proud?

It's been awhile

Tue, 27 May 2008 19:34:42 GMT

It has been awhile since I have last blogged. We had a good Memorial weekend. I have lapsed in my weight-loss journey. I have become complacent in my journey. I want to lose the weight but don't seem to want to do the work. I know, I know, if I really want it, I'll do the work. That's easier said than done because alot has happend since the last time I blogged. I started back to work nights at K.I. and they are training me for a new job. We need to move in august and we don't know if we'll be able to own a house this year, to rent a 3 bedroom where we want, it will be way abouve our means, we don't want to stay where we are at, blah, blah, blah. I am doing the run Kings Island in august. I haven't exercised in a month, and I had to go to the doctor because of my back. The doctor said my back muscles were weak and I needed to bould them back up. I need to stop the excuse train and get back to eating right and exercising. Has anyone else found themseles slipping back into the rut they were in the beginnning of the year?

I have a new goal

Tue, 13 May 2008 14:53:05 GMT

I am going to run in the "run kings island " 5-10k on august 10, 2008. So I need to start training. As I* have mentioned before I have shin splints so I havve to start out slowly. Does anyone have any advice on training for this?

Motivation

Sat, 03 May 2008 00:41:30 GMT

I am trying to find motivation daily and this week seems harder than ever. We are trying to save for a house so we are cutting down on our expenses such as, we are cancelling our y pass for the next three months and we are not grocery shopping until we get rid of the food in the house, which seems to be all junk food. We still have a workout room in the clubhose and a lake with a 2.2 mile trail to walk. No excuses, huh? I feel the weight either creeping up or not budging. anyone else find this familiar or am I alone?

Thinning my friend list out

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:34:21 GMT

I am thinning my friend list down, I keep clicking on people's sites that haven't posted since the match up to see what everybody's been up to, and it's frustrating to keep up with people when you have 200+ people on here and maybe only 100 still post. That's why I don't get to check out everybody's site, it's frustrating to sit here for hours going through sites and I don't want to take people off if they're going to start posting. We all need support. So, if you would like to stay on let me know and if you want added let me know. I would ultimately love to keep in touch with everybody if they want to keep up with their journeys. That's what we're here for. I know it started out with a contest but I have met so many wonderful people here that are trying to make their lives better. Please let me know and then I can keep up with everyone. If anyone out there is doing the same thing, please keep us on your friends list too, I promise we'll get around to your sites as well.

On a roll...Roll? who's got a roll, and does it have butter on it?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:21:18 GMT

Boy do I feel good. I may not be perfect with my diet, but I am back to walking daily and exercising. Yesterday I worked out, went to work and then took a walk with a friend. It just seems that when I exercise in the mornings, I want to keep it going all day long. I may not want to start, but once I do, I feel better and the day seems to go smoother. I ate a antipasto salad this morning, I started just dipping the fork in the ranch dressing but... I ahve been away from where I'm supposed to be with this for a while, so just to be exercising and more conscious about what I am eating is a start. Thank all of you who posted responses to my other blogs, I am sorry I haven't gotten around to replying to everyone yet, I will...it has been busy around here. Is anyone having biggest loser withdraws? Jillian was on days of our lives yesterday. When does it return, in the fall? Can't wait.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic morning.

This is your life...are you who you want to be?

Quote for the day

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:25:36 GMT

Proverbs 12:1 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

What does that mean to me? It means many things. I want to reflect on that today as I continue to get healthy and fit. I am learning to eat better and to exercise. Since the births of my two kids, I used my pregnancies as an excuse as to why I'm overweight. Yes, I did gain weight to begin with because of that, however I have no other excuse as to why I am still 65 pounds over weight since my oldest child is going to be 9 this week and my youngest one is 4. This is the only life I have, and it is the only body I will have. I need to learn to take care of it, because no one else will.

I have to love disciplining my body, because out of discipline comes the rewards of my hard work. If I do something wrong like eating the wrong foods or not exercising, then I have to either correct it and learn from my mistakes or live this way for the rest of my life. I have learned the hard way that I do not want to live like this anymore. I don't want to feel like I am missing out on my life anymore. I want to look in the mirror and like what I see. I am not there yet, but I am learning to love me. The only way we learn from our mistakes is to be corrected. I have learned to love and appreciate the spankings (correction) I get from the Lord. The reason is because ir let's me know that he loves me.

Weight training is discipline. You are correcting your muscles and training them so they grow from your discipline. Dieting is the same way. You are correcting or retraining your palate, your stomach and your mind.

This is your life, are you who you want to be?

This is your life, are you who you ought to be?

This is your life, is it everything you dreamt that it would be?

My answer for my self to these questions is NO. I want to be a better person, not just thinner. I want to do something meaningful with my life. Every day is a choice. I got up this morning and I chose to go to the gym and do my cardio, because it makes me feel better throughout the day, because it strengthens my muscles, because it disciplines my mind as well as my body, because it teaches my children to take care of themselves from a early age, because I am going to be a personal trainer/nutritionist and I will lead by example. Am I where I want to be? NO, but I'm getting there!

This is your life...

Back on track

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:45:58 GMT

Friday I went to the gym and did my weight training. It has been a while since I have been. I trained for two hours and lifted a total of over 10,000 pounds. I walked around the lake, it is 2.2 miles around. It took me 41 minutes. Saturday I worked. Sunday I worked, and probably got in 5 miles there. (I work for a theme park in which I deliver food to the various stands and restaraunts there.) Today I did my weight training and lifted over 14,000 pounds. I did not walk today, but I played football with the fam. I did drink a pepsi today, and I ate a happy meal and filet-0-fish from mickey d's before the workout.(I know), I wasn't going to work out today because I felt bad about the food thing, but my daughter(she's 4), threw a fit to go.(Ironically that's where I ate my food, in the parking lot of the ymca.) I'm glad she did persuade me to go in, because I feel better. Eating what I did was a mess up, but I am wanting and trying to change. (the funny thing is I haven't eaten mickey d's in a while, My friend wanted me to go out to lunch with her, and I hadn't seen her in a while.) Excuses, excuses.

Slip ups are all around us everyday and it's easy to mess up. The key is to recognize when we do, and start over. I have increased my water intake. I am back up to 8-10 waters a day. I am a member of the reunion page and I am going to make a weight-loss box to save up for the trip or whatever everyone decides to do. I thought about putting 2 dollars for every pound lost in it, but I have 60 and mike has 60 to lose, that's only 240. dollars. I have to figure that one out. Maybe 5-10 for every pound, I might go broke by then, hahaha.

rMy spouse is having serious video game withdraws. He is standing over me wanting me to quit writing this blog, so he can play call of duty 4. So, I guess that's all for now folks.

What have you done today to make you feel proud???

Trying to update site

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:54:01 GMT

I am trying to update my site, make it easier to read, set new goals I can stick with and so on. Please bear with me as I try to fine a color that is pleasing to the eye. I reset some goal dates, and will make new ones too. I may even add a recipe section that I post for you and one that you guys can add to, what does everyone think of that idea?

To the 5 mpmu winners

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:55:53 GMT

I say winners, because you 5 were chosen from thousands to go to the finale, congratulations on your acheivements. To Marcus and Amber, Congratulations, you guys have already come a long way. You guys look totally different from the start of this journey. I can't wait to see you at the flying pig. To the rest of us winners on this journey, yes, we're all winners, everyone of us. Why? Because we chose to go on this journey and no matter if we lost 1oo+ pounds or gained weight, we still made positive, lasting changes in our lives. Whether it be by eating better, learning to exercise, learning to reach out a hand for help or helping others to find their way, we have all changed for the better. I truly believe that, becuse it's true. So many strangers took the time to reply to my blogs and to extend a word of encouragement so many times when it seemed that I needed it most. That means so much to me and to the other thousands of people you have touched as well. I know that everyone in this match up can think of one person here (more than that actually) that has helped them through something on this journey. You all keep me going, everyone and everytime you reply to my blogs and especially when you just stop by to sign my guest book, it just lets me know that there are still people out there that are at that moment thinking about us and checking in to see how we're doing. That says alot about people, especially when you've never met. We are all winners here. Where will this journey take you today?

Finale tonight

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:27:47 GMT

I want to say congratulations to the five couples that were chosen. This is so exciting. I can't wait to watch. This has been an incredible journey for us. I have met so many wonderful people that otherwise I wouldn't have if it hadn't been for this challenge. I haven't quit. I won't quit. I am going to study for the ACE personal training exam. I said it early on and I say it again. I want to be a personal trainer/ nutritionist. I am going to be. I didn't want to get a degree in it until I lost my weight and got in shape. But this has taught me something, I need to go ahead and train for it and be my first client. If I wait until everything is perfect, I'll be waiting forever. Thank you Biggest Loser mpmu. I can do this, I will do this. You can do whatever you put your mind to also. I didn't get to meet Bob and Jillian today, but maybe one day I will. What have you done today to make you feel proud?

gettin' back on that horse

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:26 GMT

We've been losing still but slacking off since 3-11-08. NOw it's time to get back to where we are meant to be. We're back on track so far with our eating. We haven't ate out since saturday. ( I was sick and my husband didn't want to fix dinner or do dishes, so pizza it is.) The pizza was awful anyway. That's what we get for trying to do it the easy way, huh? Anyway, I took a walk with my four year old today, and finished up on some house work, hey it's a start.( I have been sick for almost three weeks.) It feels great out today. I have to admit though I wanted to turn on the ac. (it's 71 and usually is about 30+ degrees out). So maybe I wont just yet. how's everyone out there doing this week?

things I thought would work

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:47:46 GMT

When I started this, I had pics taken of me. I am the type of person that cares what everyone thinks. I wanted to show myself I was serious about getting fit so I showed my vulnerable side and posted pics that no one has ever saw beside my husband, he don't count though( he says I'm gorgeous the way I am.) Yeah right! So, I pulled my belly out, cuz all my friends said you don't have 70- pounds to lose, you don't need to weigh 128, it's too skinny for you. So after I posted those pcs, they all said, wow, I had no idea, and that I have balls for posting them. I thought of it as my motivation. Anyone willing to put themselves out there for the world to see has to be serious about making changes...right??? hmmmm. Lately I think about getting back on track and then I feel like what's the use. Nothing's ever going to change, I'll be this way forever. Yeah I know that's a self defeating attitude, but have you ever felt so defeated that you just give up? I think about jillian and what she would say, that used to get me motivated. Now I feel like I am my own worst enemy. I know I need to change. I can feel my body actually getting sick from all the sugar and pop that I haven't had in a while. When you're used to drinking 12-24 cans of pepsi a day, then quit for three months and pick it back up about 6 a day, it's too much for your system to handle. It's good to see that there is still support out there.

Changes

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:39:56 GMT

We're seeing changes every day. I can tell now if something is not right in my diet, by the way I feel. If I eat something not good for me I feel awful. I have been craving fresh fruits and veggies for awhile. When I reach for processed swweets, they don't taste like they used to. They're too sugary and not as good as I remembered. My palate has changed. How's everyone else out there doing? I wish I could see a slimmer me, but I have reverted back in some ways to my old ways. I eat out about 2-4 times a month since the challenge ended. I have reintroduced pop into my diet and I don't eat whole grains like I used to. I can see that the inches I lost are coming back. I have to get with the program and get back to taking care of me. I will not let what I worked hard for go down the drain. So, yes I do admit my faults, but I also realize that I need to continue on my journey. comment and let me know what your challenges have been.

A new day

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:36:40 GMT

Today is a new day and this is a new start. I am excited about getting out to exercise at the lake. It has been too cold to get outside and now it's starting to get warmer. I have to get used to going 3 miles at once. The flying pig is on may 3-4. Mike hurt his foot on saturday playing on inflatable playsets at a birthday party. So, I don't know if he's going to be able to train or walk in this race. I can't wait to see who won this challenge and see who the five are. We lost a total of 28 pounds so far. I haven't updated my trackers yet. Is everyone still going strong?

Is anyone still out there?

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:48:09 GMT

well, don't know if everyone is still keepin on keepin on, but today is our regular weigh in day and here it is. Mike 232.4 Michelle 188.9. I am remaining positive in knowing I will reach my goal for my journey if not for anyone but me. I want to do the flying pig in may. How is everyone out there doing? Let me know.

Final weigh in and measurements

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:12:40 GMT

Mike weighed in at 233.0. He started at 248 for a loss of 15 pounds since the challenge began. He has lost fat overall. Where he lost inches he gained muscle.

Measurements(Mike)

Neck 1-3-08: 18 in 3-11-08: 18 in = 0 difference

Arms 1-3-08: L 14 3/4 R 14 3-11-08: L 14 R 13.5 = 1.25 inch loss

Chest 1-3-08 46 3/4 3-11-08 46 3/4= 0 difference

Waist 1-3-08: 47 3-11-08 47= 0 difference

Hips 1-3-08 45 3-11-08 45= 0 difference

Thighs 1-3-08: L 25 R 25 3-11-08 L 26 R 24.5= 0.5inch gain

Calves 1-3-08: L 17 R 17 1/4 3-11-08: L 17.5 R 17 = .25 in gain

Michelle weighed in at 189.1. I started out at 200.2 pounds on 1-3-08 For a loss of 11.1 pounds since the challenge began. My original foal as stated in my first blog was between 12-24 pounds. I almost made my 12. My body has changed and I went down is shirt size from x-large to medium in some clothes.

Measurements(Michelle)

Neck 1-3-08 14.5 3-11-08 14.5 = 0 difference

Arms 1-3-08: L 11.5 R 12.5 3-11-08: L11.5 R 12=0.5 in loss

Bust 1-3-08: 45 3-11-08: 44= 1 inch loss

Chest 2-2-08 39 3-11-08: 38 = 1 inch loss

Waist 1-3-08: 43 3-11-08:42.5= 0.5 in loss

Thighs 1-3-08: L 24.5 R 26.5 3-11-08: L 25 R 26= .5gain in left and .5 loss in right for =0difference total

Calves 1-3-08: L 16.5 R 16.5 3-11-08: L 15 3/4 R 16 = 3/4 loss in left and 0.5 lost in right for =1.25 in lost combined

Overall inches lost= 4.25 inches

We are continuing our weight loss goals and keeping up this site as long as the biggest loser will allow us to. Please keep checking back to see our progress and to share your continued journey as well. What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Custom List: Custom List

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:02:10 GMT

1/3/08 Starting measurements Week # 1-Michelle
Neck:14 1/2 Arms: L 11 1/2 R 12 1/2 Bust: 45 in Waist: 43 in Hips: 46 in Thighs: L 24 1/2 R 26 1/2 Calves: L 16 1/2 R 16 1/2
2/2/08 One Month Measurements-Michelle
Neck: 14 1/2 Arms: L 11 1/2 R 11 1/2 Bust: 43 in Chest: 39 in Waist: 41 in Hips: 45 in Thighs: L 25 1/2 R 26 Calves: L 16 R 15 3/4 Total overall loss: 6.5 inches
3-11-08 2 month measurements
Neck 14.5, Arms: L-11.5, R-12, Bust 44, Chest 38, Waist 42.5, Hips 45, Thighs: L-25,R-26, Calves: L-15 3/4, R 16

Custom List: Mike's Stats

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:47:23 GMT

Mike's Stats

Mike's starting weight 1-3-08 248 lb
Mike's starting weight on 1-3-08 was 248 lbs. His first weigh in is on 1-10-08
weigh in #1 1-10-08 - 246 lb
current weight: 246 lbs. down 2 lbs from starting weight. Next weigh-in 1-17-08
1-17-08 # 2 - 242.6
weigh in #2: 242.6 lbs
1/24/08 weigh in 3 - 238.8
mike lost 3.8 pounds this week. his weight was 238.8
1/31/08 # 4 - 236.2 lb
Mike lost 2.2 pounds this week. 236.2
2/7/08 #5 - 235.6 lb
Mike weighed in at 235.6 pounds
2-14-08 #6 233.1 lb
233.1
#7 2-21-08 - 237 lb
237 up almost 4 from last week.
2-28-08 #8 - 235.7 lb
mike's weigh in is 235.7
3/06/08 #9- 233.1 lb
mike 233.1
3-11-08 final weigh in
mike weighed in at 233.0, he started at 248

Custom List: Michelle's Stats

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:46:18 GMT

Michelle's Stats

Michelle's Starting weight 1-3-08 - 200.2 lb
Michelle's starting weight on 1-3-08 was 200.2 lbs. First weigh in is on 1-10-08
weigh in #1 1-10-08 - 198.4
today's weight is 198.4 lbs
1-17-08 # 2 - 196.2
week 2 weigh in: 196.2
weigh in 3 1-24-08 - 191.6
Today I weighed in at 191.6!
1/31/08 #4 189.6 lb
Today I weighed in at 189.6. That's a 2 pound loss from last week.I am finally out of the 190's for good!!!!
2/7/08 #5 - 191.0 lb
Today I weighed in at 191.0 I gained this week, I can't believe it after I said I was out of the 190's for good, my foots in my mouth.
2-14-08 # 6 189.0 lb
189.0
2-21-08 # 7 - 192.4 lb
192.4 up 3.4 from last week.
2-28-08 # 8 - 190.4
190.4 down 2
# 9 3/06/08 189.4 lb
189.4 pounds
3-11-08 final weigh in
189.1 I started at 200.2