Christmas 2016 to Valentine's Day 2017 Challenge

[Bobbinyc]

Welcome all Challengers!  What an amazing group we have!

Let's all continue together to take off the excess pounds and keep getting healthier.

This challenge will begin on Christmas and finish on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. 

All you need to join this challenge is to post your stats regarding your weight, and check in weekly or as often as you'd like. We are a great support group and enjoy keeping up with each other and being there for our ups and downs.  Generally we have found that the more we check in and offer support, tips, info,  and ideas to others, the more we get for ourselves.

We list our weight, as well as any other goals we might have related to being healthy (such as increase water, more active minutes, etc).  Developing good health habits is primary.

A little rundown of terminology for anyone who is new.

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight

CSW- Current Starting Weight (for this challenge)

GW- Goal Weight   (for Feb 14)

UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight   (what your healthy target weight is)

PW- Previous Weight

CW- Current Weight

MFP- My Fitness Pal

List as much info as you like.  Some people include age, gender, height....whatever seems relevant to you.

We keep it as serious or light as we feel, but we always keep it focused on being as healthy as possible, while we support each other kindly.  We can do this together!!

[_Lilac_]

@Bobbinyc  *poof* *poof* *poof*  Glitter, streamers, confetti. And fireworks!  I'm glad we are finally able to celebrate the smashing of your plateau. Not many of us would have had the perseverance you have. Congratulations and much future success and  good health. I am thrilled and privileged to be in this journey next to you. 

[Bobbinyc]

@dancefoxtrot

Thanks so much, Barbara.  I really don't get what is going on.  It shouldn't take 5 months to have 2.5 pounds drop in a day.  I just hope those pounds don't find me again.  And I hope I don't stay at this point too long.  Whatever happens, I am enjoying it for now.  Maybe you are right, just being with a large crowd of such diversified men and women all being so kind, brave, funny and wise and fighting for the good of others,  helped.  

I do have curcumin, ginger and cinnamon every day.  Though I'm not sure how much is supposed to make a difference.  I'll look into the others.

My BG had been high once (just barely pre-diabetic) and my doctor at the time told me not to worry.  I switched doctors.  It has been well within normal since.  

My eating well has also lowered my usually high cholesterol by 30 points.

Actually, the only thing that hadn't changed was my weight.  Weird, huh?

Thank you so very much for your ongoing support, suggestions,  wisdom and encouragement.  You 

are a dear friend.

Bobbi

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  Now you are making me get all teary.

You of all people are the picture of perseverence.  You keep going through awful horrid weather, awful scary health issues, through painful life experiences....you just keep at it, and with high energy and an amazing positive attitude.  

Truth is, the time goes by - life goes by- whether we take care of our health or not.  We may as well do what is best for ourselves, regardless of a number on a scale.  

Thanks for the glitter and fireworks.  

And thank you, so very much for sharing who you are. 

Bobbi

[BLLingg]

@Glenda, I had Rollerblades (Inline Skates) 30 Years ago.  Never could skate well in them.  I did ok.  Not good.  Just ok.  But I never was able to Stop.  Had to run into Telephone Poles or similar solid structures in order to Stop!  Too much like Ice Skating.  And Skiing "ruined" my Ankles for Ice Skating!  (The Hard Boot never encouraged me to develop strong Ankle Muscles."  At least that's my excuse for being such a horrible Ice Skater!)

I was talking about Roller Skates.  The 4 Wheel variety.  They have 2 types of Wheels:  Rink and Street.  You'll ruin the Wheels if you use Rink Wheels on outside Surface and you'll ruin the Rink if you use Street Wheels on it.  Before I do it, I'll probably run up to Longview and get in some practice on the Rink using Rental Skates.  I may discover that it's just been too long.  But I'm hoping it will be like riding a Bike.  (Takes time, but what you once knew how to do will come back if you persevere!)

I don't have "damaged" Arm Muscles.  I have weak ones from my Vocation as a Desk Jockey and my prior Avocation as a Couch Potato.

As for the Padding on the Fanny, the 40 Pounds I've lost since June make a BIG difference in the Fanny Padding!

[BLLingg]

@GershonSurge, regarding your Message# 708.

MFP has a Page where you can estimate your Calories Burned - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/exercise/lookup  You still end up doing some ball parking but there's a better chance of being close.

I knew you weren't suggesting that we shouldn't be doing Weight / Resistance Training. And I AM improving.  I've already increased my Time from 5 Minutes to 8 Minutes!  Once the 2-1/2# Weights are Feather-like to me, I'll up it to 5#.  Depressing, isn't it!?!?!  In the Gym, 25# and 35# were easy for me!  But I'll get back there!!!

Your Friend is 2 Years older than I am.  By the Time I'm her age, I should be able to match her activities!!!  Except the Cross Country Skiing.  I'm a Downhiller all the way!!  I know Cross Country is cheaper, the Scenery is much nicer, and the Crowds are much less dense.  But man, I got a need for speed when I have those skis under me!!!

[_Lilac_]

Well, we've had an ice storm. In the evening I'd just started a new knitting project when my lights began to flicker. I got out my candles and msg'd a friend across town. A huge section of the city had no power, including my mom's and sister's place. Before bed there were bright blue flashes in the sky and then I heard sirens. The transformers nearby were blowing. I kept my power! As of this morning, 1/3 of my province is sitting in the dark!!! Imagine 1/3 of your state! The precipitation has turned to rain now but the amount of ice out there is incredible. There's no school, public transportation is down, the mall is closed (omg that hardly ever shuts down). I assume my garbage won't be collected this morning. I'm still going to put it out. 

So, we won't be walking at the mall and I can't imagine getting to the pool. This is why I bought my treadmill. I'll get my knitting project completed. I have to get creative about exercise today, probably doing a few online videos. Time to put the tea on!

[Bobbinyc]

@Brujita Joining with a friend for additional accountability is a great idea.  But I do have one question:

How on earth do you find the time, with kids you are so involved with, to do all of that exercise?  I can't imagine what kind of schedule you keep.

Hope your cold is better.

[Bobbinyc · Accepted solution]

@DJC_63  Thank you so much for your comments, as always.  I think the field of law could use a heart like yours.  If that is what you want, go for it.  Look into part time, look into scholarships and grants.  Make your dreams come true.  You have risen above in so many ways.  No reason to stop now.

Taking direct action is a pretty good antidote to depression, sadness, feeling hopeless or helpless.  And doing it with support is so important.  The point of the march was to give voice to all people who are being threatened by recent politics.  (As well as people who were terribly insulted for being "overweight").  Maybe this is the year for your voice to be heard too.

[Glenda]

BLLingg, I have the old fashioned 4 wheel roller skates with quality leather tops. I didn't know there were street type and rink type. I tried to skate around my neighborhood after the radiation and had to struggle to get all the way around the circle with the muscle I had left. I should have expected that, but I just didn't think about it since I could always easily skate before......silly of me. I still have them and sometimes consider trying it again hoping my thighs and rear muscles are stronger now, a little bit at least. You are so funny saying you were stopping running into things. When I was a kid no-one had knee or elbow protectors, heck today maybe they wear helmets too??? I can't imagine falling but in the street you could hit a rock?

[Kelsie49]

Wow Lilac,
I'm sorry to hear about the people in your providence, that have no power!
I can't imagine going through that, I'm sure everyone is freezing! I pray
everyone's power comes back on soon.
Knitting sounds fun and relaxing. I've always wanted to learn how to knit.
The treadmill sounds like a great idea, wish I had one.
Try to stay warm! 😇

[Gayle1018]

Morning,  You all are very inspiring!  - Love reading the posts and it keeps me very focused to keep trying -- that we are not alone on our journey.    

** managed to get everything in yesterday -- HOORAY!!      

to day hoping too, getting cold again and rainy,  but as long as it's above 32 - i'm planning on taking my evening walks.     

Been stuck at this weight range since November, (of course did fall of the wagon some over the holiays)  and back on full track - really hope to get to goal by end of March!

Have a great day and week all -- 

[Bogdel]

Very encouraged! Lost 5 lbs in one week. 

USW- 183 lbs ( 1/8/2016)

PW- 143 (Nov. 2016)

CSW- 162 (1/19/17) - weight gained during holidays and vacation 

CW- 157 (1/25) - so far, -5 lb in one week. Yey me! 

GW- 152  (for Feb 14) - 5 lbs to go

UGW- 140  

Best wishes, everyone!

[GettingfitinSC]

Congratulations on your weight loss! Great perseverence!

[DJC_63]

@Bobbinyc and @GershonSurge  I enjoyed both of your posts that focused on muscle strength. I also have a fear of losing muscle tone/strength that keeps me lifting weights. I have been a gym member since 1999 but like most people I've had times where I went more and others less. One night probably 2 years ago I was watching a show on PBS where they talked about the reason that so many older people fall, and it was muscle atrophy. They talked about how much muscle mass we lose as we age, etc. I thought about how I would be in the future if I didn't change something and that scared me.  I started lifting weights more often and that was really when I started to believe that I could lose weight as well. I know that lifting weights doesn't show on the Fitbit as activity but I'll accept less steps in order to stay strong. I also think stretching to stay flexible is very important. I've done yoga since the early 2000's, and if I don't do at least some kind of stretching for a few days my body starts to ache from the tightness. I have chronic back pain and stretching regularly definitely helps it.

Thanks again for the posts and CONGRATULATIONS, BOBBINYC!!! I know how long it's been so I am thrilled for you! It gives me hope since I'm the same as you. Yay!!!

[DJC_63]

@Bobbinyc Thank you for the nice, supportive message. I'm still not 100% sure about law school, but I would like to go back to school for something and that's towards the top of my list. I did really well in college, but it's been a long time, too. I actually started graduate school in Sociology when I lived in Atlanta. But it takes a PhD to do what I would have wanted to do and even with that I wouldn't have made much money. I started working in the IT dept of a law firm while I was in school, and I had a knack for learning technology and I was making good money, so I decided to quit graduate school. Many of the lawyers that I've gotten to know over the years didn't like their jobs very much, but I think that was due to the pressure of working in a firm. I dated an attorney off & on for 4 years so I really learned what the life was like. The bigger the firm, the more money, but also the more pressure to do billable work and bring in new clients.  So I doubt I'd want to work for a big firm, but there are other options. I just want something where I know I can make enough money to take care of myself. I learned with my attorney boyfriend that depending on a man to support me wasn't something that I liked.

It will take me some time no matter which path I choose to fill out applications and study for entrance exams, etc. I wish that I could just go without the entrance exam. But I'll let you know, as I suspect that I'll be a part of this group for awhile. It's been a year already!

Donna

[Gayle1018]

yYepee!!!   decided not to wait to Saturday to check where i am:

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight  196.6

Start of challenge 161.8 - as of (12/30/16)

CR 154.6 (1/26/17

GW for valentine’s Day :  154

UGW  143  (and maintain!!! 142-146 range)

Gonna rethink my goal for this challenge ("maybe").. 

Other than a great start this morning, has gone down hill! it's a rain/snow sluch day,  I had to go home and change cloths as it was "professional" day at the office and I didn't get the notice (had a root canal crown instead).  so not feeling too good,  new health carrier thru work says the "don't know me"  and I have bills. 

So the weight loss was a  grand way to start the day.  Still inspired.

[_Lilac_]

Wow, what a day so far. I began to get a sore throat last night so I thought, 'Oh no, I've got that cold everyone has.' I awoke at 5:30am and remembered I had a dentist appointment today and forgot what time it was. I could barely sleep again after that. At 8am I called them and my appointment was at 10, so Mom and I rushed off to walk the mall. She took me to the dentist. It's 11:30am and I already have 7200 steps, got two fillings, and finally home to take care of myself. My head is swimming and I think I have the start of a fever. I really have to rest. I'll have lunch and flake in front of the tv to knit or have a much-needed nap. I'll have another workout later and take the dogs for a walk. 

Nothing, not dental work or a bad cold is going to make me go off-track. I hope everyone has a great day and stays true to their plans!

[Bobbinyc]

@DJC_63  Thanks, DJ, and thanks for all of your encouragement.

I hope you keep lifting those weights.  No reason your body shouldn't be as strong as your mind.

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  I hope you feel better.

It isn't going off track if you need to rest and take care of yourself for a bit.

Oh wait, I forgot, you don't know the definition of rest!    Dictionary: cease work or movement in order to  refresh oneself, or recover strength.  Recovery is a good thing, especially if you are sick, injured, or over-worked.  I can't imagine you actually being off track.  You are one of those "little engine that could"  people in here who I admire so much.

[dancefoxtrot]

@DJC_63

Hi Donna,

Seems sensible to choose a profession or career that you really will enjoy for the rest of your life.  I worked in a Civil Rights law firm during 1964-5 as a receptionist/ file clerk before I went to college.  The top lawyer was stressed out but I loved being part of a team making a difference. We represented MLK, Fanny Lou Hammer, SNCC, SCLC, CORE and other organization fights for equal rights.  The emphasis was not on billable accounts but on making a difference in the law and people's lives.  That is very different from most law firms.

Did you enjoy the IT work? That would take less schooling probably and bring in $$ sooner.  I suggest that you talk to people in the fields that you are thinking about as well as a career counselor from a college.  No sense to train for work that you find that you are not happy with later. 

Glad that you are back with us. 

Take care,

Barbara G