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_]

@dgwheeler Mom has had that happen because she has a club toe, where it curls under. She makes sure she has lots of room to wiggle them and she's loving a nylon topped shoe she just bought for walking. They stretch a bit more and breathe well.

[Bobbinyc]

@Cele21  Thanks for the congrats.  I did throw in the towel a couple of times, but picked it back up again.  My weight didn't go up those times either.  Go figure.  

I do believe very strongly that this is not about the scale.  Weight is only one way of knowing how we are doing.  Measuring is another.  For some, it is about blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, energy level, strength...etc.  With the scale, we don't know for sure what we are losing - water, fat, muscle.  So for six months of the scale not budging I just focused on health.  Weird thing is my measurements didn't change though I definitely got much stronger.  And my cholesterol dropped a lot.

Biology is still a mystery.  

[_Lilac_]

I fully intended to WALK down to the vigil at city hall today to honor those shot in Quebec last night but I got a drive downtown by my sister. I sat in a coffee shop to do some writing since I was early, but the downtown wifi was not functioning and neither was the wifi for the coffee shop. I think the ice storm has really knocked out a lot of services, all our resources are tied up trying to recover. They've even called in the army to help in our northern communities. 6 days without power!  I have 9550 steps for the day but I should do a 30 min workout because I haven't had my second workout for the day. (besides walking the dogs) However, I do have a sore knee and need to rest it. I'll be walking with Mom tomorrow and don't want to stress it too much. 

Wow, is it January 30th already? It's hard to believe. Just 15 days left!! Come on goal!

Much success for everyone!

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  I am so upset about the news about the mosque.  Are you going to the vigil?   It was heartwarming to hear the speeches from various people in the Canadian govt.  Here there are thousands of people at each airport with refugees being detained, despite having been approved, carrying signs about how the US is founded on immigrant sanctuary, and some saying "we are all syrian", or "my home is your sanctuary".  One week in office so far and so much damage.  It's shocking to me that judges have to rule his executive orders illegal.  OK, promised myself that whenever I read or think of the news and start to get scared, I'd walk.  So....be back later.  

[_Lilac_]

@Bobbinyc  Yes, I went to the local vigil. I was disappointed to find the city hall courtyard lights weren't on and the flags weren't half-masted, but I think it was so quickly organized that city hall didn't have time to react and fix it. No one had sound equipment so it was very difficult to hear and no city/provincial officials attended (that I know of). It occured after work hours, so maybe they'd departed already. We had hundreds at the very respectful gathering. Did you get my last private message the other day?

I'm hungry but I'm not going to eat. I've had my fill for the day. If I eat, it would put me over my daily calorie quota and I'm not willing to do it. I didn't eat enough the last two days and it's catching up to me. I'll drink a bunch of water and sleep. I didn't get a nap today so I'm tired. 

I'm a little discouraged because my scale is betraying me. The number went up by 5lbs for my monthly visitor and is taking its time getting back to where it should be. But when I get discouraged and whine about it, I always drop the next day, so let's hope my schedule is true. I am wanting to meet my goal for Feb 14 so badly. 

Ok, heading to bed soon. Have a great night everyone.

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  I am so sorry.  I owe you an apology.  I have completely forgotten to check my private messages.  I'll have to see if there is a way to be notified if I get one.

It's a shame your vigil was disappointing.  The important thing is that people came out, gathered together to be supportive.  

You know my experience with the mighty scale.  You have been doing an amazing job and are so resilient.  The scale will correct itself.  You have time til the 14th.   Regardless, you have been giving yourself such a precious gift - health.

[Bobbinyc]

Weekly weigh in post-

The two + pounds I finally lost last week after 6 months -

still gone! 184!!!  (I've learned to take enormous pleasure in the small things!)

I was sure those two little pounds would be back and I didn't check the scale all week.

With all the horror happening daily in the US,and now around the world, I have been totally stressed and sad.  It feels like my country is under attack. And there have been some family problems.  So, after several days of chocolate binges (after I had done so well being sugar-free ), I started to channel all my stress into movement.  Walking when I can, using a video, or just pacing around.

Yesterday I did something really helpful.  When I felt really stuck in all the awful feelings and just wanted to eat, I put on all the warm clothing I needed, even though it was freezing and windy and snowing, and just walked around the block.  Not for the steps, but to create a change.  In those few minutes, I could re-think my plan, get the juices flowing, calm myself a tiny bit, think of a healthy way to channel the stress, and walk back into my home feeling invigorated, and more purposeful.  

It also helped to channel all of you who are my inspiration because you are like these little engines that just go and go and go.  And, besides, when I thought it's too cold and snowy to go I am sure I heard @_Lilac_ yell at me about letting a little thing like weather stop me.  If she can do it, I can certainly try.

It works!!!  Hopefully I will remember to use the walk-around-the-block technique whenever I need it.

Sure beats the eat-a-bag-of-yummy-chocolates technique!

[BLLingg]

I just signed up (Yesterday) for the "1000 Mile Walk Challenge."  You set your Goal to Walk either 1,000 Miles or 2,000 Miles between 01 January and 31 December 2017.  If anyone's interested, there's only 1 more Day to enter.  Didn't hear about it until Yesterday so couldn't mention it sooner!   http://www.1000milechallenge.org/take-action/   You can enter either singly or as part of a Team of up to 4 People.  If there's a Team, you can divide the 1,000 (or 2,000) between you.  If you and the Team make the Goal by Year's End, you win 2 Medals - yours and the Team's.  I have several Friends who were going to look into it.  Not sure if they're in or not.  I'll find out later Today..

I went for the 2K Mile since that's "only" 5.48 Miles / Day and I'm usually getting in somewhere between 5 and 6.  However, I just looked back at my History and my Average since June is only 4.86.  But I was averaging only 3 Miles in June & July, and 4 in September & August.  So do I stay at 2,000?  Or play it safe at 1,000?  I have until I turn in January's Mileage.  (Right now, I have 172.06 for January with another 2 Miles to go to meet my Daily Goal.)  What to do?  What to do?  (Rhetorical Questions.)

I wish I had a SmartPhone.  There's an option for using the Tracker on it to make Donations to a variety of Organizations.  But I don't.  All I have is the PC and my Tablet.  My Tablet has to be in a Wireless location to work

[_Lilac_]

@Bobbinyc are you using the app or the website? I think it only shows up on the website when you click on 'community'. The envelope at the top right will turn red. 

Btw, my scale dropped overnight. Haha. I knew it. 

[almost_where]

@wearaction

I had 1,709 steps on Sunday

[Brujita]

 

USW- 171.6

UGW-   135

MFP- brujitabrujita 

• CSW: 171.6 (12/28)
• PW: 170.4  (-1.2 1/03)
• PW: 169.4 (-1 1/10)
• PW: 167 (-2.4 1/17)
• PW: 167.1 (+.1 1/24) 
• CW: 165.9 (-1.2 1/31)

GW-   165 (for Feb 14)  

 Posting both images as I didnt sync all of Sundays steps until after i received my weekly snapshot. I was pleasently surprised by todays weigh-in. this weekend i was floating between 167-168.5 You can see by last weeks stats that I barely left my bed. The cold has for the most part subsided. Yesterday I hit 10k while walking the dogs in the evening. a nice little mile in 30F, the dogs were pleased. 

 These stats have been my lowest all of Jan. Thats okay, i took some time to rest and now I'm feeling like im ready to jump back in. No new weekly goals- Just going to try to do last weeks goal as I barely touched it. Its a new Month come tomorrow and my goal is try to hit 10k daily. I wish the app had checkmarks for steps like how to exercise dashboard does. 

[_Lilac_]

It's going to be one of those days. It just hit noon and I have 10,000 steps already! Mom and I did our 4 laps of the mall, reaching 6000 steps and then my dogs forced me out into the cold (-13C/9F) and we got the other 4000 steps. Anything else I do today is a bonus. I should figure out what I can do instead of sit in front of the tv news getting all angry and depressed. I might go shopping for yarns and needles. I don't have any big projects planned, but I'm bored sitting around the house and I might get inspiration. I like browsing the craft store. Sometimes I like to test my self-control and walk up and down each aisle of the bulk store, buying only baking powder or black pepper or something. And then in the same shopping strip is the dollar store, where I buy dog toys. Many steps and anti-boredom. Ok, I think I've convinced myself to go. This journey is about changing how I think, how I act, and how I move. I need to make sure I am happy and interested in life. Off to engage in living!

[Gayle1018]

Morning!    trying to fight mood depression today/ this week.  -and not take it out in eating.  Just learned my sister in law who has had 2 bouts of cancer already, almost died last week for over medicating on pain control,  she's such a dear heart!!  Plus 3 of my closest friends are all preparing to have surgery in the next 10 days 2 for back corrects and one for colon cancer.   

Been trying to take my frustration/grief/concern -depression out on walking - but its 25 degress with a windchil of 13.  went anyway - and it does help.    Trying

Desperately trying not to  go back to old habits of laying around and eating comfort foods until i implode,

I have made my goal for this Challenge (goal was 154   now at 152.6)  So holding fast to staying on course..

just need to share,  thanks for listening..... 

[Brujita]

@HeartBiller just curious how your doing, as I havent seen you pop up in a while.

[_Lilac_]

@Brujita  and @HeartBiller  I was wondering the same thing. I know the fast was getting a little frustrating for you, so I would like to know that you are doing well.

[_Lilac_]

@Gayle1018  I think you are doing the right thing, walking off your emotions. At least you get fresh air and the blood pumping so you can deal with the fear and stress better. I wish you and your friends quick recoveries. I'll walk with you! I'm sure @Bobbinyc will get in a supportive block or two as well. We all will. When you walk, listen for our footsteps at your side!

[Tybokitty]

Sorry haven't posted weekly.  Been lots going on.  Boyfriend's mother passed away before Christmas and since the State was guardian over her. They somehow lost his information and he wasn't notified until mid January by a family member.  Through email.  Family member didn't bother to check with other family members who had his info. Keeping up my walking and can do a little running.  Little toe is better.  I'm still sitting at 165 lbs.  Hasn't budged in 2 weeks. And haven't exactly been watching everything I eat Trying to get back in the swing of things.  Been doing the 1 Mile Happy Walk.  I use my phone at work to do that mile during lunch hour so I can get some major steps in.

Everyone keep at it and keep moving.

[dancefoxtrot]

@Florriel

One for the oldies is right. 

Refined carbs turn into sugar almost immediately so lowering breads, rice & pasta as well as desserts will bring down your blood sugar. Fill up on non starchy veggies. "End to Diabetes" by Joel Fuhrman, MD is excellent.

Best,

Barbara g

[Florriel]

@dancefoxtrot

I have been following a low crb diet since November and I have seen some good results. I have been feeling a lot better since doing that. 

Today has been a good day. I managed to get al l 10,000 steps in before lunch with a lose of 1b to add to the previous 10 I have lost. 

Last night I tried a couple of those walking videos and did 4 miles. They were really good as they meant I could get a work out even when the weather outside was cold and dark

[HeartBiller]

@_Lilac_@BrujitaI am okay.. I have not been on in a little while. I have popped in a few times and read a few things but haven't posted any... It seems like before I can get caught up reading, I have to sign off for one reason or another.

Well anyhow, it has been a rough few weeks for me. I am not gonna lie or sugar coat it.. I have not done very well. I guess a lot of the "old" habits came back in to play... We as a family have had a rough few weeks.. and what do we always do.. turn to food. I couldn't tell you the last time I really did any amount of walking to count for anything... I have gained several pounds back...

I have to get back on track one way or another. I do have my treadmill at home but would so much rather be outside walking. So I guess that excuse is the weather has been so dreary. I know there are no excuses. I also know when I don't get to get on here and read and post I do not do as well.

I have not gone back to check my last weigh in here, but I am thinking it was like 166 which was a pound up from the week before that post... This morning I was 168.4... So I am going the wrong way. However for the TMI, this is my 2nd monthly cycle this month. You know when you are lucky enough to start on the first of the month, then you get lucky enough to have another at the end of the month... YAY ME!!

Anyhow, I know it is me, I can make all the excuses I want, but "I" have to regain my focus. "I" "WILL" regain my focus. Today I have worked harder at not letting this stupid little temptations bother me. Believe it or not I am actually sitting here typing this with an open bag of Doritos and a plate of Ranch dip, sitting on my desk.. Now I am NOT eating any of this, but the girls which work the front desk are eating it... So that is some real power there.. lol. I know I have the desire to regain my focus. I think I just have to get past this week and actually "feel" like moving again. (This week has been awful). if I can manage to get on here more and read more and post more, it will help me... You all have been a huge inspiration to me. I LOVE this group.

I will go back and copy my last weigh in and I will add today's to it. I will regain my focus and start my journey back again.