Well it has been a long time since my last post but I am happy to announce that I no longer burn the midnight oil. I have been moved to days, as well as Dawna getting a new work schedule that lets herwork 4 10-hr days and I am home by 6 every night. It will be the start of a major life style change as it will be the 1st time in our relationship that we will both be working the same shift. Here is to not killing each other will all of the free time.

This was not our week.  I hate this excuse, but having my period has thrown my eating habits and weight loss a major curve ball.  There was a point that I felt that there was a bottomless pit where my stomach was supposed to be.  Besides that, the bloating was extremely bad.  I never want to experience that week again.  Michael is furious at himself for gaining a portion of the weight back.  He had a difficult week with work.  He is trying his best to eat healthier meals especially on Saturday's when his shift does a potluck.  This week will never happen again.

Since losing the weight I feel more apt to working out. I feel lighter and don't feel like I am weighted down to my chair. Some of the people on this challenge have wrote the same thing, so I know that others are feeling the same thing. I have gotten the golf clubs out of storage and am thinking of what else I can do to lose the lbs. If anyone wants to get a list of out door activites together I would love to do some local team games. I don't care about winning this: I care about getting my life back. For to long have I hid behind these lbs, but alas I am breaking from my shell and becoming the man I had inside. Pictures to soon follow.

We just picked up a digital scale and for the 1st time in ages I no longer need to go into the Dr.'s office to get weighed in. I am coming in at 381, and I feel GREAT! I have been dancing with Tasha while we play in the morning. I feel like the goal is actually attainable. No pop and no fast food has been my key. I do want these things, but have come to find other things to make the mind over matter work. I have been using Orbitz gum for my sweet tooth, Subway for the fast food fix, and the stairs at work are my friends... Bring it on Jillian

It seems to me that life got in the way this week.  I was pulling 10 hour days at work and coming home and raising 2 kids at home.  Michael worked his 40 hour shift and had extra meetings.  I let my schedule get in the way of me eating.  I didn't eat poor meals, but just missed eating.  I always make sure our 2 kids eat a balanced meal, but I forget to eat.  I am proud of Michael and how great he has been doing.  He has been my rock and driving force to lose the weight.  I don't know if I would have made it this far without him.  If you have any tips for me, they are gladly accepted.

If you don't know me, you wouldn't know how much of a sweet tooth I have.  Especially when it is forbidden on a diet.  Since Michael and I aren't on a diet, but a lifestyle change, we have found a couple of treats that are low-fat and low in Weight Watchers points.  They are both by the same company, The Skinny Cow.  I absolutely love the Fudge bars.  They contain 4g of Dietary Fiber, 100 calories, and 1g of fat.  The point value for 1 bar is 1.  The bar is a good sized treat and I still can't believe that it is only 1 point!!!!  We have also tried the Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches.  WOW!  They taste great.  On Weight Watchers, each sandwich is 2 points (3g Dietary Fiber, 140 calories, 1.5g fat).  If you have as large of a sweet tooth as I do, please don't hesitate to give these a try.  I give them 2 thumbs up!

I had to bring our son Lucas into the Dr.'s office today and took advantage of seeing our family Dr.. I asked her to check my chart and see where I was about a year ago, and where am I today. For the first time in years they did not have to add weight to the scale to get my total. I have broken the 4 bill mark and now am coming in at 394. I could have screamed to the heaven when I saw that. The 1st person I told was Dawna, than my brother who has been my next biggest supporter. He took a challenge like this a year ago and is a totally different person. Now it is my turn. one day - one choice - one step... I am on cloud nine... Thanks everyone...

On Saturday we went to the grocery store and they had a fitness trainer there who measured our BMI and Body Fat percentage.  Boy were those numbers disappointing.  We purchased a bunch of healthy groceries, purged the unhealthy junk, and restocked.  It was amazing how much crap we really had in the cabinets.  FYI... Try the Fuze line of slenderizing beverages.  They are low carb, low calorie drinks that have various nutrients to help in your weight loss journey.  Dawna really enjoyed the Tangerine Grapefruit flavor.  Also, if you are really craving a pop/soda, give Fresca Black Cherry Citrus a shot.  We really enjoy it for how clean, crisp, and refreshing it tastes. 

 

On Sunday, we purchased a George Foreman grill and have really loved using it EVERY day.  We bought this because Michael loves to grill, but living in Minnesota makes it difficult during the winter.  We also went to Barnes & Noble where they were running a sale.  Buy 2 DVD's and get the 3rd one free.  It goes for all DVD's in the store.  We bought The Biggest Loser Workout, The Biggest Loser Cardio Max, and The Biggest Loser Power Sculpt.

 

Tonight we opened up the workout video and feel great.  We did a warm-up, a low cardio workout, and a cool down.  Bob does a great job motivating while being so positive.  Just like he does on the show.  The other DVD's include all the fabulous trainers (Bob, Jillian, and Kim) and I am excited to try them as well. 

 

Some of Dawna's co-workers have quit their diet plans.  She told them today that the Biggest aid in her weight loss journey has been portion control.  We have been very strict that we only eat 1 serving of our meal.  We might make 4 chicken breasts for the family, but will immediately put the leftovers away for the next day's meal.  In our past, we would just eat that chicken instead of put it away.  That has been the best thing we have done.

I've had a pretty easy time eating better since I started bringing what we had for dinner the night before, or I make an extra portion for lunch so that I am not going to the Evil Empire that is McDonalds. I made a Salmon fillet with some coucous and brocolli for lunch yesterday and brought it with me to work. Everyone smelled it and wanted some. It is funny how much I used to eat out and now people are following my suit and bringing in their own dinner. We are planning on doing a HEALTHY pot luck. It will be much better than our standard pizza, mini-weines, and meatballs. Any ideas for a good/healthy meal that feeds about 10?

What a difference a day makes.  Yesterday, I was ready to give up and just deal with being over weight.  Now, I had a fabulous day at work.  My children had a good day.  My husband was home tonight and we were able to go shopping for healthy food.  We had a blast shopping for vegetables and saved so much money at Sam's Club doing it.  Since we are following the points system on Weight Watchers, we came home a separated our newly purchased food into serving portions and labeled them with their points.  We are also excited to try a new cereal for breakfast.  We purchased Fiber One Honey Clusters and can't wait to try it.  I also exercised last night and am feeling really good today.  As I said before, what a difference a day makes. 

Dawna: Oh my Gosh.  I knew that this was going to be a difficult change, but I wasn't really prepared for how difficult.  With working 40 hours a week and taking care of 2 young children, I haven't found time for me or my plans for exercise.  I know that I don't have any reason to complain.  So many people are in the same boat that I am and they make it work.  I don't understand why I am struggling.  I so badly want to be a good example for these beautiful kids.  I don't want to die young.  I don't want to take medication every day to regulate my blood pressure.  This is the way that I can fix those issues.  I need to rely on Michael and support of our families and friends to pull me through.  I know that once I get a set and regulated schedule it will be easier.  That is my goal this week.  To set a schedule of diet and exercise and stick to it.  I'll keep everyone up to date on how my week is going.

 

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Michael: I am fat, and I know it. This week was a complete up-hill battle. I've made my co-workers aware of this plan and have gotten some great support. When I go up to fill my water bottle I have done lunges in the hall way. I've gotten laughs, and I don't care... If you look at the pictures of me, I've done it to myself. My 1st week goal was to make it the week without having a regular pop and withou going to get fast food. I made it to Saturday, and we went to the Mall of America with some friends. Instead of taking the time to make something healthy, we hit the drive through. We tried to make better choices, but it was against my goal. I also let Dawna down when she was feeling depressed, I letter her get a pizza instead of cooking healthy. This is the 1st thing I am going to work on for the next week. No pop/No Fast Food and to make sure Dawna and I make the right choices. My positive notes are that I've made the right choice of walking my entire building during my breaks instead of surfing the net, or talking with co-workers. I plugged my MP3 player in and walked the building, and it felt great inside... I told the guy next to me that I am 30 and am winded from a brisk walk. He reminds me of Jillian when he said suck it up and keep doing it. I need that. I have always worked harder with strict motiviation. Dawna needs the emotional side, I need the kick your ass, spit in your face, and call you names style.  I will not quit.

 

Jillian, thank you and Bob for what you do! I know you care about your clients and it shows in how hard you push them. Bob you kick my butt with your work-out DVD, and if you ever feel like someone is cusing you out just call me and you'll know who it is. Thanks. 

Michael - My ultimate goal would be to lose 180 lbs and fit into a size 40 pant.  Currently I weigh 416 lbs and wear a size 52/54.  My first target is to fit into a size 48 pant.  I would also love to complete a marathon.

 

Dawna - My ultimate goal would be to lose 100 lbs.  Instead of focusing on that huge number, I am focusing on smaller accomplishments.  My first target weight will be to fall below 200 lbs.  Currently I weigh 225 lbs.

 

Our team goal is to lose 66% of our current weight.

Hello and welcome to our site.  Michael and I are parents of 2 beautiful children.  Lucas is 4 1/2 and will be heading to Kindergarten in the fall.  Natasha is 19 months and loves her daddy.  These 2 kids are the reason we are determined to lose weight and change our lifestyle.  Michael is at a high risk for diabetes while Dawna is at a high risk for high blood pressure.  He doesn't want to live his life monitoring his sugars and taking insulin to regulate his body.  She has a difficult time taking medication on a regular basis.  If all it takes is exercise, diet modification, hard work, and perserverance, we are ready for that challenge.  Our plan of attack begins with modifying our diet.  We plan to follow Weight Watchers by using the point system.  We also own the Biggest Loser Work-out DVD with Bob as the trainer.  We will be using that DVD every other day.  We will also be using Yoga and other breathing techniques to center and focus our minds to the task.  We are still young enough to make this change, not only for us, but for the future of our children.  We are tired of looking in the mirror and seeing people we don't recognize.  Michael was a police officer before entering the Trucking/Transportation Field.  A major goal of his is to return to that field of work.  Dawna was a cheerleader in high school.  She attempted to perform a move and almost fell on her face.  She wants to be in the best shape of her life.  We are a fun loving family who enjoys being outside and laughing.  Michael and I spend more time laughing than sleeping some days.  We would be a great representative for the Biggest Loser because we are so full of energy and spunk.