December to New Year's Eve Challenge & Recipe Exchange (no monday weigh-ins!)

**THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED TO NEW MEMBERS**

I have been gaining all year.  Since Thanksgiving is over, and I am burned-out on turkey, stuffing & gravy, I thought it would be great to start a mini-challenge to keep me on-track through the rest of the holidays.  Also, since weight is not the only marker of progress, I want to post measurements as well.  AND... since this is about lifestyle and not dieting, cooking really is a very important thing.  So I'd like to exchange recipes for the week so we can all learn some new stuff.  Chat is encouraged too. 

The weigh/measure-ins will begin on December 3rd, Wednesday.  The following are what we are going to report...

• GW
• CW
• Bust-Waist-Hips (in inches, please)
  
• Worst Food-Choice of the Week
• Best Food Choice of the Week
• Recipe to Exchange
  

The recipes exchanged should be in the database here on CC.com.  You can link them in your post.  That way we can all see the nutritional values and I can determine the healthiest ones impartially w/o having to enter them myself.  There will be announcements on Fridays for the following...

• Week's Biggest Weight-Loser
• Week's Biggest Inches-Loser
• Week's Healthiest Recipe(s)
  

The challenge winners will be determined by the largest percentage of loss and the person with the largest number of healthiest recipes. Winners will be announced on Thursday, January 1st, 2009. 

Go ahead and introduce yourself.  Tell us your age, height, beginning weight, how long you have been working at it, your current weight and your goal.  Let us know if you have any other goals and what you do with your time, what kind of exercise you take,....  Lets get to know one-another. 

*edit*

• ms_pw GW:150/CW:154.5 SM:37.5-32.75-38
  
• moodymomma  GW:130/CW:137 SM:___
  
• leanne21071  GW:120/CW:122.6 SM:37.5-27-34.5
  
• bagga  GW:175/CW:180 SM:41-35-40
  
• lulufit  GW:169/CW:174 SM:___
  
• ragingheadache  GW:153.5/CW:162, SM:41.5-37.5-41.5
  
• carlynj21 GW:123/CW:128.2 SM:34-30-37.5
  
• tincognito GW:145/CW:155.5 SM:___
  
• buggyhair GW:120/CW:140.2 SM:36.5-30-38.5
  
• journeyfit  GW:142/CW:150.6 SM: 36.5-29.5-41
  
• lbalthazor GW:160/CW:166.5 SM:36-38-40
  
• ridleysw GW:190/CW:200 SM:___
• sheltonmath: GW:160/CW:166 SM:42-36-43
  

I will have weekly stats posted here by Fridays. 

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

• ms_pw: 154.5 (same), 38-32-38 (+.5 bust, -.75 waist)
• moodymomma: 137 (same)
• leanne21071: 121.6 (-1), 37.5-26.5-34.5 (-.5 waist)
• bagga: 178 (-2), 40-35-39 (-1 bust & hips)
• lulufit: 173 (-1)
• carlynj21: 127.2 (-1), 34-30-37.25 (-.25 hips)
• tincognito: 153 (-2.5)
• buggyhair: 139.8 (-.4), 36-30-38 (-.5 bust & hips)
• lbalthazor: 167 (+.5) 38-24-40
• sheltonmath: 164.4 (-1.6), 42-36-42 (-1 hips)

Recipes of the Week

• ms_pw: Hummus B
• leanne21071: Choppy Salad A  
  
• bagga: Sea Scallops ala Caprese A-
• lulufit: Chipotle Chicken Wraps B+
  
• carlynj21: Sauteed Asparagas A -
  
• tincognito: Hunter's Stew B-
• buggyhair: Pea-Sun Spread B+
• lbalthazor: French Toast (cannot qualify since its not in the cc.com database)
• sheltonmath: Shepherds Pie B+

December 12th Winners...

• MAIN COURSE: bagga: Sea Scallops ala Caprese (A-) 252 Cals & 12 oz
• SALAD: leanne21071: Choppy Salad (A) - 92 Cals & 17.5 oz
• SIDE DISH: carlynj21: Sauteed Asparagas (A) - 88 Cals & 5 os

Weight-Loss Winners:

1. tincongnito lost 2.5 pounds this week!!!  Great Work!!!
2. bagga lost 2 pounds and that certainly deserves honorable mention.
   

Inches-Lost Winners:

1. bagga lost 1-inch from her bust & hips! 
2. sheltonmath lost 1-inch from her hips and that also deserves honorable mention.

CONGRATULATIONS Y'ALL!  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Awwww, MSPW, it'll be okay. Sorry things are going crappy for you!!! =( You shouldn't have to weigh this week if you're taking that kind of meds.

CW: 152.0
GW: 145
Worst Food Choice: Um, can anyone say Pizza Buffet??? =/ It wasn't even good.
Best Food Choice: Pork and 'Kraut Slower Cooker Style
Recipe: Pork and 'Kraut Slower Cooker Style*

*In case you can't tell, I love my slow cooker. Haha! Also, I made this recipe up. I'm a newbie cook, so I didn't use a lot of any seasoning, especially due to the salt content of the 'Kraut. I was thinking of adding some diced tomatoes to this or something, but I'm not sure.

Also, to raginheadache, I was just reading in a cooking magazine that center cut bacon is actually much better for you because since it's cut so close to the bone there is less fat. Anyway, apparently two pieces are only like 60 cals! (Also, Canadian bacon is an awesome bacon substitute and it's really low cal. But the salt content is high there, too. You can tell I don't care much about salt, eh?? :D)

And lulufit: I wish you posted the recipe for the chocolate peanut clusters! LOL! But I guess were were on the same page with the pork. I'll have to try yours! It seems sooo much fancier! =) And I hope your kids left you alone for a while....

• GW 160
  
• CW 165.5
  
• Bust-Waist-Hips (in inches, please) 37.5-33-40 (my measurements last week were 38-34-40, the measurements posted in the first post are incorrect)
• Worst Food-Choice of the Week - pizza hut
  
• Best Food Choice of the Week - Total cereal with cranberries
  

I'm stunned that I lost weight.  I've been sick, so haven't been working out, but I suppose that my appetite has been affected as well.

GW: 160

CW: 161.8

Bust - Waist - Hips: 42-35-41

Worst food choice: BTS Cookies brought to my workplace by a co-worker.  Yummy but so bad for me.

Best Food choice: Kashi GoLean Crunch

Recipe to exchange: Skillet Meal Master Recipe

Hey folks, I didn't have much time for chatter when I posted.

I think mspw should take this week off from reporting stats and know girl I send my energy your way.

I see some pork dishes posted this week and suddenly I now crave all things pig....blueberry onion sauce, sauerkraut... I see I have to step up my entries a notch.

Some recipes that use canned soups and veggies I would have to remake as I do not use these hardly at all due to the outrageous sodium content , but there is promise there too for a yummy construct of beefy delight. 

I haven't done the math, I think it's nice to be in the group whether I lose or not, I know it's helping me stay true to the future goals.

So if you lost Yippee, if not, today's a new day, the wind stirs, and magic is afoot!

Stay well everybody....it matters.

Morning everyone, Buggy stopping in.

weight: 139.5 (down .3)

measurements: bust 36, waist 29.25 (-.25), hips 37.5 (-.5)

worst food choice: cookies, I'm doing my Christmas baking, need I say more?

best food choice: turkey, smashed potatoes, peas, corn & gravy. No added fats or salt.

Recipe today is quick & easy. I make double the batch every year to give as Christmas gifts. Sometimes I eliminate the sunflower seeds, almonds & craisins. I substitute with coconut, dried mango & dried apricots.

Recipe Buggyhair's Granola

Hey buggy where's the link to your lovely mystery recipe?

Look up ^

Thanks buggy, looks most yummy

You are most welcome.

Also, to raginheadache, I was just reading in a cooking magazine that center cut bacon is actually much better for you because since it's cut so close to the bone there is less fat. Anyway, apparently two pieces are only like 60 cals! (Also, Canadian bacon is an awesome bacon substitute and it's really low cal. But the salt content is high there, too. You can tell I don't care much about salt, eh?? :D)

I don't care much about my salt intake either! LOL ... I love my sodium.  I love my bacon, too.  So I will remember that about center cut bacon and try to only buy that from now on ... YUM!  I keep telling myself that I must be able to live with these choices forever ... and I will not be able to live without salt OR bacon.  Bacon has been my worst food choice two weeks in a row --  I L-O-V-E BLT Sandwhiches but I have compromised and now only have a BLT salad ... which btw is just as yummy!

Original Post by tincognito:

Awwww, MSPW, it'll be okay. Sorry things are going crappy for you!!! =( You shouldn't have to weigh this week if you're taking that kind of meds.

CW: 152.0
GW: 145
Worst Food Choice: Um, can anyone say Pizza Buffet??? =/ It wasn't even good.
Best Food Choice: Pork and 'Kraut Slower Cooker Style
Recipe: Pork and 'Kraut Slower Cooker Style*

*In case you can't tell, I love my slow cooker. Haha! Also, I made this recipe up. I'm a newbie cook, so I didn't use a lot of any seasoning, especially due to the salt content of the 'Kraut. I was thinking of adding some diced tomatoes to this or something, but I'm not sure.

Also, to raginheadache, I was just reading in a cooking magazine that center cut bacon is actually much better for you because since it's cut so close to the bone there is less fat. Anyway, apparently two pieces are only like 60 cals! (Also, Canadian bacon is an awesome bacon substitute and it's really low cal. But the salt content is high there, too. You can tell I don't care much about salt, eh?? :D)

And lulufit: I wish you posted the recipe for the chocolate peanut clusters! LOL! But I guess were were on the same page with the pork. I'll have to try yours! It seems sooo much fancier! =) And I hope your kids left you alone for a while....

 Peanut Cluster Recipe....I won't bother to put it in this cc+ database because it is certainly not healthy.

1 pack of peanutbutter chocolate chips

1 pack of milk chocolate chips

2 Tbps. shortening

1 jar (large) peanuts

Put chips and shortening in large bowl. Microwave approx. 30 seconds and stir until all chocolate is melted. It will finish melting while you stir. Fold in peanuts. Place in those little mini cupcake papers and put in the fridge for an hour or two, or overnight. They are so yummy and super easy to make!

Worst Week EVAR....

So, my weight in is gonna suck big time. I'm an emotional eater and I had a pretty emotional week.

I found out I have to work not only eight hours on Christmas Eve, but also eight hours on Christmas. I have to work eight hours the day after that as well then drive 800 miles to visit family with my menopausial mother and 18 year old brother. Urgh.

I feel like I totally screwed up Christmas with this job because we won't really get to see my fiance's family as they live almost two hours away and I have to work smack in the middle of these days so we can't spend the night or anything. And then my fiance will be left alone most of Christmas and when I might eventually get a break I'm going to be out of town. So we won't really have any time together for a week and a half starting Tuesday. Worst of all I don't really need this job, I just wanted extra money and something to do. Now it's screwing everything up.

But I though, at least we'll have Monday.

Ohhhh, no. Monday I drove almost two hours to stay with a very close friend for the entire day because her boyfriend just committed suicide!! It was the worst thing ever that I could possibly imagine. When she left me a voice mail saying something terrible happened, I thought maybe something happened to a parent or she was just really depressed. But no, this is way more terrible than I could possibly fathom.

I offered to go to the funeral with her but she couldn't even go to the funeral because she was still too upset about it. I mean, she found his body and everything. She had to **** try to resuscitate him via 911 instructions. It has just left me in the most depressive funk. I just can't imagine what I would do in that situation and I don't even know how I can help her, really, since I have no time for even things I typically would do anyway.

And so now, I won't get to see my finance for almost two weeks and I feel miserablely paranoid about something happening to him and I won't have even been able to spend this Christmas with him.

Oh, did I mention I have seasonal depression that sets in this time of year?

URGH...

Sorry, I just had to write this out to someone so that I could get it off my chest.

I just can't WAIT for the NEW YEAR.....

*sends warm hugs & sympathy*

Oh Tincognito, I'm soo sorry. I hope you can still salvage some of the holiday. I hope you can keep your spirits up.

*wishing you a Merry Christmas & all the best in your future* Buggy

CW:  157 (-.5)

GW:  153.5

Bust:  40.25 (-.75)

Waist:  34.75 (-.25)

Hips:  39.5 (-.5)

Worst Food Choice:  Rigatoni w/ Broccoli and White Chicken Frozen Michaelina's Lean Gourmet Meal .

Best Food Choice:  Bell Peppers, Oranges & Almonds

Recipe to Exchange:  Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta Recipe

Hello All!  Merry Christmas!  I know this is going to be a tough week for me ... Christmas cooking ... and TTOTM!!  I am already seeing the water weight gain ... and I know that tomorrow will be a real challenge in terms of food ... WHY DOES MY BF's MOM HAVE TO BE SUCH A GOOD COOK?  WHY?  I must stay strong!  I must!! I must not give in to large portions and over-indulgence!!  I WON'T!  I am still hopeful about meeting my goal ... I think this week I have water weight and hopefully by next Wednesday ... I will have lost that water weight and be back down again.  I am going to stay positive even though my goal looks nearly impossible at the moment ... 3.5 lbs in one week?  hrm ... it's just gotta be water weight!  It's just gotta!! I will make it! I will, I will, I will!!

Ok ... so I stole this recipe from Fitness Magazine.  AND ... it is SOOOOO good!!  I almost felt like I was cheating!! It is nutritious ... and yummy ... and low in calories ... and yummy ... and the portions are HUGE ... and it's yummy!  OH ... and did I mention it was yummy? LOL ... hope you all enjoy!

Tincognito:  I am so sorry for all you are going through! You and your loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there ... and stay strong.  I know it won't be the same ... but as long as you hold on to the spirit of Christmas ... you and your love can celebrate anytime.  Since I have to share my daughter with her father ... sometimes we do our own Christmas on New Years ... we have a beautiful meal ... open Christmas presents ... sing carols ... and do all things Christmas (including Santa's visit).  I understand that it is NOT Christmas ... but the important thing to me is ... that we share the spirit of the season together and make those lasting memories.  Maybe you two could carve out some time together to have your own little Christmas?  Start that Christmas tradition for the two of you ... no matter how many directions you get pulled in during the holidays ... at least you two will have that!

My heart is breaking for your friend ... and her unfortunate circumstances.  I will send much positive energy toward you and yours ... and please take care of yourself!

MSPW:  I hope you are feeling better!  I will pray for you and sent positive energy your way as well! 

Merry Christmas, All!  See you next week!

CW 120

GW 120

BWH same as last week

Worst food candy and cookies

Best food Sprouts and  hummus on a toasted english muffin

I don't have a recipe as of yet. I'll post one in the next few days.  I have made goal and I'm not going to weigh again for a month!  I want to give my body time to adjust to my maintenance calories before I freak out about every little ounce.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.  Tincognito I'm so sorry about your friend and what you have to deal with.  I'll try to post a recipe on the 26th.

*reclining on couch with extended belly* Burrrrb.

I won't do measurements this time (salty foods).

Weight remains the same.

worst food choice: Feeding Frenzy at work (commonly referred to as pot luck).

best food choice: side dishes at dinner last night (steamed asparagus & a salad of tomatoes & sliced cucumber with FF Italian Dressing).

Recipe today will be posted momentarily.

Buggyhair's Pancake Mix

Hey I took christmas off to have a cold and eat like it was being outlawed in the new year, so no post for last week.

I believe mspw has pulled out of this challenge, seeing as she was the one calculating the stats am not sure if this is a challenge anymore.

I don't know. If she did maybe it was for the best. For me anyways. I had kind of decided to eat maintenance until the new year to give myself a break. I have been working really hard for a while now and was starting to get slightly miserable. Ima still exercise and count calories just not have a huge deficit everyday like I had been. Then I will just pick it up after the new year and lose the last ten pounds.

Tincognito- I really hope things are getting somewhat better for you and I am sorry for all you have been going through.

Hope everyone is doing okay and making the best of what they have. Merry Christmas!

I have been busy doing all my Christmas shopping, so this is a little late.  Here is my information as of Wednesday.

CW:  161.6

GW:  160

I didn't do the measurements on Wednesday.

Worst Food Choice:  All the cookies and candies I sampled from my holiday baking.

Best Food Choice:  I was craving macaroni and cheese so I made it at home.  It was way healthier than the box stuff, especially since I added chicken and asparagus.

Recipe to Exchange:  Bourbon Glazed Chicken  One of my favorites.

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

CW:  153.5 GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GW:  153.5

Bust:  38.5 (-2) Total during December = -4.25 inches

Waist:  33 (-1.75)  Total during December = -10.5 inches

Hips:  37.25 (-2.25)  Total during December = -7.75 inches

Worst Food Choice:  Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwhich

Best Food Choice:  Veggie Salad

Recipe to Exchange:  Spicy Turkey, Beef & Bean Chili Recipe

This is a yummy and hearty recipe ... and full of good stuff for you too!  I hope someone else can enjoy this as much as I do!  The recipe is easy and the taste is YUMMY!

Happy New Year everyone!  I enjoyed this challenge and am grateful to all of you for helping to keep me on track!  I know this Holiday is not over yet ... but meeting my goal by 12/31 feels REALLY good!  Thanks bunches for all the support and the yummy recipes!

Gwen