The new background is for Valentines day. Does have one have nonfattening ideas for the special day. How about a walk in the park or a bike ride with someone special?

How is everyone doing? I think the initial excitement has died now and now we really need to stay on track. We the reps bring in Panera it is time to really help each other. So everyone have a great week and keep on losing.

Biggest Loser First Week

Vengeance is sweet.....just as rice pudding

It so happens that my husband and I are in a sort of competition to loose weight. It's just for our visit to Puerto Rico. So in order to have moral support I decided to join in the biggest loser contest. And as always when I decide something he will decide something totally different to me. It all started that faithful morning. After a whole year of wanting to go to Ihop and my husband denying me my wish, even when i was pregnant, well when I announce i'll start diet, guess what?? He wants to go to Ihop, so with a groan I accept. So to be good (!!??) a get a steak omelet (only protein), no pancakes (which defeats the purpose of going to Ihop). So when I get back after a day of errands, I get on the treadmill, and to compensate for breakfast I decide to jog for 10 whole minute (I was so proud of my self). Then it started.... There I was walking my self away in a nice work out of 5 min walking/ 10 min jogging /5 min walking (total of 20 min) when I did my first error ( I called attention upon my self) I asked my hubby to put some music on (God knows exercise is bad, I mean boring, in silence). So after a while I started humming to the songs and then I recognized it.... little red corvett.... what?????? Of coarse I was dragging my self. I needed something with more juice on, so I told (actually ordered (big bubu) my hubby to please put something good, so my hubby being the kind that has very little patience ( = none) agreed, he put on the Rabanes, the song My commanding wife... she wants to destroy my life..., well at least you can run to that. But just then I started to jog and he started to criticize (it's what he does best). First comment "soo... your jogging at 4 (velocity) I mean I WALK AT THAT." Answer: "grunt". Two minutes later... "I mean how long are you going to be at it". Me, Full with pride: "10 minutes". Chuckle "better not loose your time, I mean, you ain't gonna do nothing with only 10 minutes". Frown, and noncommittal grunt. (In my mind: " I'll show you. You long legged freak"). After 15 minutes I'm holding for dear to the safety guards, Hubby: "You know you don't do anything if you are holding on to the rails." Out of breath, pain in unsuspected areas of body, srtuggling to maintain leveled voice, wisper almost a hiss "pulse". Hubby smirked "ohhh... how much?". Pain and lack of O2 making the number distorted "143". Hubby "hummmm". My Thoughts: "OH GOD IT SURELY HAS TO BE MORE, I MEAN, I FEEL LIKE I'M IN FIBRILLATION, ONLY 2 MORE MINUTES". At last I can walk. Thoughts: "10 more minutes and I'm done with this stupid work out, I hate this machine, I mean this is torture, Ohhh will someone turn off that billowing noise, who ever thought that music was help was demented....." At last I can drag my self off the damn machine. But what???? My hubby comes out our room with his work out clothes, gets on the machine puts velocity of 6 and an inclination of 2% and just starts jogging, looks down at me smiles and: "you know your not suppose to just stop after doing exercise" Grinding teeth:"I'm actually doing crunches" (yeah right) Huff and Puff (not the three little pigs) I do 20 I CAN NOT FEEL ANY PAIN, I'M NUMB, I CAN'T EVEN BREATH, He starts to wistle, OHHHHHHH...... I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU PAY BUSTER..... I go to the kitchen planning on our dinner and there it was on the fridge... the recepy May gave me for arroz con leche (rice pudding) (THANKS MAY) and the memory of his words driffted back to me ( "this is good, but try not to do it so often, you know i'm in a diet, and I just can't resist this.....) Nefarious plans took shape in my mind and....
Ohhh he is getting off the tread mill.... " umm, honey what you doing? It smells good. " Me:"Darling are you out of the machine? Can you come and taste this for me? You know, I'm doing this for the girls at work...(innocence dripping off my voice just as the extra sweetened milk I had pour on the pudding just a few minutes ago (devious). Hubby: "ummm, it tastes good" (wishful look)
Me: "I just thought this would be nice" Hubby: "ohhh sure" and leaves. Finished placed on a plastic container on top of the counter (temptation island has nothing on me). By midnight, Hubby:"ummm Honey, I'm sorry, its just, well you just left it on the counter, and you know how much i like it, well i fineshed it." Me innocent tone "What?"
Him guilty as hell "the rice pudding" Me frowning trying to hide possible grin:"ohhh nooo, that was not for you, it was for the girls at work. I'll just have to do annother one, just remmember to buy the ingridients for next time." Hubby sheepish smile: "ahh, ok, I love ya". And just like that flashes his dimpled smile, the one that melts me, kisses me and (I forgive him, but don't get me wrong, I don't feel guilty at all) says good night, tommorrow I have to work. I LOVE YOU TO BABY. So like I said Sweet Vengance in the form of rice pudding.

Fat Free Valentine Meringue Hearts
Fiona Haynes

Valentine's Day Cookies
Hand-Decorated Heart Shaped Cookies Send Cookies to Your Sweetheart!
www.CookiesByDesign.com

If you're looking for a low-calorie, fat-free treat this Valentine's Day, then try these light meringue cookies. For best results, separate the eggs while cold, make sure not a speck of yolk contaminates them, and leave the whites for 20 minutes or so before beating them. Make sure the whisks and bowl are entirely clean and free from grease before use.
Ingredients:

3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 cup superfine sugar
Red food coloring
Red sprinkles
Preparation:

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper.
Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.

Add cream of tartar and continue beating egg whites until the soft peak stage.

Gradually add sugar, a tablespoon or two at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix until all the sugar has been added and the egg whites are stiff and glossy.

Add a few drops of red food coloring and stir to make the egg whites pink.

Drop by the tablespoon onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, or, with the help of a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, make heart shape meringues -- spoon the meringue inside the cookie cutter, and push down with the spoon as you lift the cookie cutter, then repeat for each cookie.

Bake for 1 hour. Switch off oven, and leave in the oven for 2-3 hours

Makes about 24-30 cookies

Per cookie: Calories 26, Calories from Fat 0, Total Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 8mg, Carbohydrate 6.2g, Fiber 0g, Protein 0.4g

total weight of everyone in the challenge 3554.5

Mixed Vegetables with Mexican Sour Cream Dip
Quick Info:
Servings
Contains Dairy
Vegetarian
Good for Leftovers
Heart-Healthy
Diabetes-Friendly
Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 88, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 146mg, Dietary Fiber: 1.5g, Total Fat: 4.5g, Carbs: 9g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Protein: 3g
Carb Choices: 0.5
Recipe Source:

Prep Time: 7 mins
Total Time: 7 mins
Ingredients
1 cup(s) sour cream, reduced-fat
1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon oil, olive, extra virgin
2 tablespoon cilantro, fresh
1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
1/4 teaspoon pepper, red ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounce(s) cucumber(s)
6 ounce(s) pepper(s), red, bell
8 ounce(s) squash, summer (yellow)
Preparation
1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl; stir until well blended. Serve with cucumber, red bell pepper, and squash.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 31/2 tablespoons dip and 8 vegetable pieces).

Anyone have a Wii? I just bought the Wii fitness coach and used it for the first time.It is pretty good. You can customize your workouts and just follow along. I have 3 FIRM workouts on DVD if anyone would like to borrow.I have them downloaded on my Apple TV so I don't have to use the DVD. Someone out there needs to post I feel so lonely.

More gadgets added at the bottom.Check out the biggest loser videos.

Hi losers,and I mean that in a nice way, is everyone weighed in and ready to go? There is still time to encourage your co-workers to join in. I have already noticed a change in every one's attitude and eating habits, and a little attempted sabotage! Anyone want a yummy chocolate cupcake. Unfortunately my personal weakness is donuts so keep them out of my sight. Everyone keep up the good work.

This is amazing Barb... The countdown is over and it's time to get steppin' into a healthier body in 2009... I feel better just thinkin' about it!!

Just a few more hours until we start the contest.Personally I am excited I hope this is the catalyst that will get me moving in the right direction. I am tired of my weight being a constant source of frustration. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about the weight I have gained. Let's motivate each other to be successful in this contest because in the end we can all be winners.

Dancing
Reviewed By:
Liz Neporent, MA

Dancing Basics
Dancing is one workout that allows you to march to the beat of a different drummer, beat, bop or groove. And if you’ve ever seen Dancing with the Stars, you know there’s direct evidence at how fantastic a shaper-upper it is.

The steps, patterns and music keep your mind busy while you work your heart, burn calories and tone your muscles. Before you know it, you're drenched with sweat and feel exhilarated.

Nearly everyone can find some type of dancing to enjoy, from hip-hop to country line, from Irish step to jazz, from pole dancing to waltzing, from belly to Bali.

Folks who wouldn’t be caught dead pumping iron or doing squat thrusts can help keep fit while dancing the night away.

Upside of Dancing
Dancing allows you to explore different cultures and rhythms with styles such as salsa, ballet, swing, belly dancing and, yes, disco.

It builds balance coordination and style.

It's also a wonderful way to meet people.

You can have so much fun you’ll forget you’re getting exercise.

A huge range of styles are available in a wide range of locations, from dance studio to fitness club to community center. There’s also tons of great dance-style workout DVDs on the market for all levels of exercisers.
Downside of Dancing
It's easy to get tangled in the footwork or overload your circuits if you're not a natural or you try too much too soon.

Shy people might find it hard to get started in dancing.

Depending on the location, the quality of instruction and attention to technique and safety can vary greatly.
Is Dancing for You?
This chart can help you see how dancing fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Body Parts Worked Varies depending on the type -- in general the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Calories Burned In general, about 306 calories an hour for a 150-pound person, 408 for a 200-pound person. A slow foxtrot will burn fewer calories than square dancing or disco.
Gear Comfortable clothing and shoes. Some styles require specific shoes and even costumes depending on how serious you get. Inquire about footwear and clothing requirements if you plan to take lessons.
Instruction/Facilities Classes are offered at community centers, ethnic societies, colleges, adult continuing education programs, dance schools, dance clubs and fitness centers. Private lessons are also available.
Time Typically 60-90 minutes.
Schedule/Flexibility Fits most schedules; ask about hours at your nearby facility.
Dancing Tips
Classes and dances are widely available. Check your newspaper’s weekend section or a community Web site.

You can usually try one class before committing to a series of lessons.

You can go to a disco or country-western club and freestyle to your heart's content. Lessons are not a must.

When you’re getting started, you may get winded easily. Take breaks and drink water when needed.

If you are taking a class that requires a partner, note that most classes have you change partners every few minutes.
Liz Neporent, MA on Dancing
Many forms of dancing are a great way for couples to spend some time together, but some, such as line dancing, are excellent for singles.

Consider contra dancing, a fun and energetic type of folk dancing similar to square dancing that is available in many communities. Typically contra dances are held in the auditorium of a community center, church or school at low cost, as little as $5 a night. A caller gives directions while a small band plays. You change partners frequently. Newcomers benefit from the instruction that is generally offered before the dance. This is a great activity for anyone, including singles and families.

Belly dancing, pole dancing and many other styles have also become popular. Swing dancing is no longer the hit as it was in the 1990s, but if you can find it you can have a great workout and a lot of fun. Do you have kids? Ballet, Irish step and other classes get many children off the couch and away from the TV.

iVillagers on Dancing
"As a lifelong dancer, I must say that dance has molded my physique, tuned my connection between mind and body, and given me poise, balance and strength. You'll find places within yourself that have wanted to dance your whole life and will thank you for giving them the chance." -- iVillager carnee

"At 45 I returned to dancing after 28 years away from it. I lost 23 pounds in four months and haven't put an ounce of it back on. I am now 54 and in better shape than I have been since my late teens." -- An iVillager

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