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!!

[HeartBiller]

Well I may not make the Valentines day goal.. (maybe I can still make it) but either way. I am back in this and I am going to head back toward that pretty 5 and not toward  that 7 I seen for so long..lol. I will do my best to log in at least once a day/night. It so helps me to read all the inspiring post and it helps me to post my struggles and my victories.

I get off work at 5 today and then have to have my grandson at Upwards Basketball practice by 5:45, then stop by my mother in laws.. so I probably won't even get to think about supper until around 7:30/8:00pm, so I am gonna have to think of a quick healthier supper. Maybe turkey sandwiches. Then it is bath and bed for my boy and me right behind him..lol. It truly seems there is never enough time in the day.

I am going to start my small goal to just get back on track with here and planning healthier meals. Then I will try to plan my steps again.. I haven't made my steps in a few weeks.

I know I am a rambler.. I get started and just ramble on and on...lol

MY stats
USW - 210.0 lbs April 25th 2016
SW   - 173.0 lbs 12/30/16

01/03/17 -  171.2 lbs - Lost 1.8 lbs 

01/10/17  - 165.4 lbs - Lost 5.8 lbs 

01/17/17  - 166-4 lbs - Gained 1 pound 

01/24/17 - I didn't weigh in

01/31/17 - 168.4 - Up 2 pounds

GW   - 163.0 lbs - Feb 14th 2017
UGW - 125.0 lbs

[_Lilac_]

@HeartBiller  I want you to take a look at the first number in your stats. And look at that date next to it. Now look at today's number. You have NOTHING to be down about. Look at what you've done!! It's amazing. You have strength. You made changes to your diet lately and it probably just threw you off a pattern that was working for you. Add stress and family stuff and it's easy to slip. I know your faith is important to you. Hold onto that and get inspiration for your future efforts. Those small goals to get back into the swing of things is a great idea. I am here to be your cheerleader!

[nightswimming]

Two weeks to go, I can't believe January has gone by so fast! As I suspected, the big drop in water weight I experienced last Tuesday soon rebounded. The fat has started to shift a little so I'm happy enough. If things have returned to normal my water should steadily rise for the next few weeks so my new goal is to maintain this weight until the end of the challenge.

I'm glad we do not have the terrible weather that some of you are experiencing, it has been mostly cold (just above freezing) but dry. It rained hard today though, I had to force myself out of the door to go to my stretching class.

F/35/5'0"

USW: 174

SW: 120.3 (12/26)

PW: 122.4 (01/03)

        119.4 (01/10)

        120.2 (01/17)

        115.8 (01/24)

CW: 117.4 (01/31)

GW: 118 (maintain under!)

UGW: 112

[_Lilac_]

I've burned 4100 calories today and eaten 1000. I guess I need to eat. Yogurt, a bit of crunchy cereal in it, gosh, that's not enough! I'm ignoring the tv and news. I might watch a hockey game. I'm sore and just wanna relax. I bought some amazing yarns today. I think I might just knit a hat for @Bobbinyc !!

[HeartBiller]

@_Lilac_ Thanks for your kind words. I am so happy when I think of where I have come from, but I do get disappointed in myself when I let crazy things change my focus. I had so hoped to be to the 150 something by Valentine's Day. I know that I may not even make my goal now, but I am going to get lined back out. I will see that crazy 5 sooner rather than later.. It may just have to be my next goal... One day at a time... 

[_Lilac_]

Today is the first time in forever that I slept in a bit. I didn't set my alarm, when the sun came up I just rolled over, and I managed to stay in bed two hours longer than usual. Wow. This means I've missed the water aerobics class and didn't go walking with Mom. My task today is going to be coming up with exercise that doesn't fit my regular schedule. I've thrown off my pattern and need to draw myself into a new one spur-of-the-moment. I'll use this as a test, to make sure I can adjust and not just sit on the couch all day. What to do...Maybe walk to the library (40 min). I can take my knitting and/or do some writing. Walking home would give me a second workout. It's -12C/10F and sunny, so that's a good day. I could go down to the plus sized clothing store from there and see if they have any clearance items. I've probably dropped a size. My pants are all trying to fall off me. Ok, gotta get my plan in action. Have a great day everyone!! 

[Glenda]

I disagree. It is hard to have a calorie deficit when your body adjusts to a lower level of calories. I do not lose weight eating 1200 calories every day. In fact I can gain at that level. I do very well on the 5 - 2 .

[HeartBiller]

Well this morning I got a little more of my old routine back. I dropped my grandson off at school and took my 35 minute walk before heading to work. I have done great on my water intake so far today. The breakfast probably not the best choice, (Trail Mix) but it was what was on my desk and I was already a tad behind in getting clocked in. So I didn't over do it on the trail mix, but had a couple handfuls. I have to go to a different clinic this afternoon, so I will grab a banana or something on my way to it. This evening will be my struggle for the day... We have church tonight and it is always so late by the time we get supper on Wednesday that we always just end up with something super quick. I have to make that choice a healthier one.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

[_Lilac_]

Not sure what's up with me, but I'm in pain. Over the last few days my knee hurt but today I just ached all over. And I walked all the way to the library, which I've done many times, but climbing the stairs was so painful. Going down the stairs was bad too, like I've had too much impact on my joints. It's in my muscles too though, not just joints. I'm used to doing over 10,000 steps per day. I don't remember the last time I did less than that. My walk home was slower than usual and wasn't comfortable. I've taken an anti-inflammatory pain medication so hopefully I can get some relief. My dogs were taken for their walks this morning before I left for the afternoon, but now they are bugging again. I am just NOT taking them. I don't want to hurt myself more. I've got over 11,000 steps today and I'm going to sit and knit and watch tv. 

I walked by two of the outdoor public ice skating rinks today. There was a heavier lady who fell, and I thought, "That would be me!" I bet I'd break something, so even though I want to go soooo badly, I might have to wait til next year when I'm significantly lighter. And I plan to be! 

I just spoke to Mom to arrange walking the mall tomorrow and she complained of pain too, and someone else she saw today was saying the same thing. Apparently, we are getting snow tonight and there's that old wives' tale about a change in weather will bring on pain in the body. That could be it, I guess. 

Alright, hopefully everyone is having a great day with lots of fun and sweat. Keep at it. Eat well. Draw strength from any source you can. 

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_ Hope you feel better tomorrow.  Sounds like you guys may be coming down with something.  Take care.  And I won't bother suggesting you actually rest for one little day.  I know you better than that.  

[Gayle1018]

OK, need to confess it and move on!  Missed charging my fitbit - so nothing was recorded yesterday     Was in a Mood, so went on a spree of what can I find to munch on, and did.  So need less to say I was having a semi -Wednesday- meltdown day and gave in.    Trying to start a new today!!!  and not let things get to me that I have no control over.   OK, now that I've admitted it, face it- and stay the course. 

Better days ahead, (darn Groundhog!).. 

[Cele21]

@HeartBiller- You have most likely heard this before but I have to put my two cents in 🙂

I am a fast food junkie and it is a struggle for me to make dinner every day. I say this so you know I know your struggle. My crock pot is my best tool for beating the fast food beast.

On days that I know are going to be super busy resulting in no cook time and eating late, I find an easy recipe, throw it in the crock pot in the morning on low, turn it off when I get home (or have another family member do it) and everyone can eat when they are able. There are a ton of recipes on the internet but one of the easiest is chicken (breasts, whole, thighs, whatever you have or like) in the crock, pour a bottle of salad dressing (Italian, French, Catalina) over it and that's it. Cook up some rice (or just have bread and butter) grab some baby carrots and you have a healthier, time efficient meal. This might take a little prep time the night before, like thawing frozen chicken, but it is well worth it when you are not beating yourself up for your poor, expensive food choices. Depending on how much you make, you can also have a decent left-over lunch the next day. You can also do the same recipe with a roast and italian dressing.

Another one, my husband's favorite, is a whole chicken (I remove the skin) with an apple (can substitute an onion if you want more flavor) put inside of it which helps keep it moist, and a quarter cup of water or stock. Season to your taste. When it's done, toss the apple and there you have it. Almost like a roasted chicken from the store, it can be served with sides, as sandwiches or salads, etc.

Can you tell I love my crock pot?

[Florriel]

Woohoo - have hit my valentines day target two weeks early!! really chuffed. So I have set a new target and hope to make my total weight lose 1 stone by valentines, so just another 2lb to go. It has been an effort this last week to do my steps after being stuck in work all day ( been a busy week) but hopefully next week I will be back to my usual routine and will have more time for walks outdoors. Our zumba and bidy conditioning teacher has gone skiing for a week now ( how very dare she 🙂 ) so my friend and I will have to make a real effort to replace our classes with something else for a week.

@HeartBiller I love my crock pot too. Will try your chicken ideas next week. I have mainly been using mine for the last month on lean beef casseroles when I know I will be late back from work.

Well, gotta go. Tonight I am cooking porkmeatballs. Bon Appertite everyone

[almost_where]

@Gayle1018

I want to give you praise for coming on here and announcing your difficult moment. Its not easy, trust me I know.  I call it the reset procedure.

1) Admit it to yourself (bonus if you admit it to a group like this. It really shows you understand imo.)

2) Log it completely if ur logging food.

3) Think about the difficult moment. Think what triggered it, who triggered it, where it was triggered, when it was triggered, why it was triggered, etc.  Try to extract any helpful info from it that you can use to assisst you in the future to either prevent it or minimze it next time.

4) Once you get what you need from 3), then throw the memory of it in the garbage can and move forward.

You will go through this reset procedure several times on your journey but if you stick with it you will get better at it.

Keep up the good fight!!

[Bobbinyc]

@Gayle1018  My advice is to take @almost_where's advice.  He is quite wise.  Believe me, I've had to follow that advice more than once.  

I think of it as just going off track and trying to get back on track as soon as possible.  

It might help to think like a scientist doing research - it's all a learning experience until you learn to get it right more easily.

When Thomas Edison was asked why it took him 1000 failures to invent the light bulb, he said "There were no failures.  It took 1000 steps to get it right".  I think that's the attitude we need.

[_Lilac_]

Walked the mall this morning. Did quick in and out shopping at 4 stores immediately afterward, giving me 85 min of continuous steps! The dogs and I went out for our walk this afternoon and I've hit over 11,000 so far. I still need a 30 min workout so that is the plan for this evening. I'll probably do a 33 min. Leslie Sansone video or do her moves during a hockey game. I was so hungry after dinner that I made some quick oats oatmeal, the type you boil on the stove, not the instant stuff with sugar etc. It helped fill the 'starving' feeling I had. I am still struggling with getting enough calories for what I burn. I eat healthy stuff in good portions, I'm just so big I burn a ton of calories. 

@Bobbinyc When I have this current hat completed I'll send you a private msg with a photo of it. If you want me to send it to you, I will. I'd like to contribute in my own tiny little way. It might be slightly big/stretchy, so I will make another one at a smaller size, unless you have a big head, of course.

Not much else to report today. The pain I was in yesterday is gone. Mystery. Ok, time for my workout. I hope everyone is having a great week.

[dgwheeler]

Weighed in today...

Starting Weight: 194.6 lbs (Dec 1, 2016)

PW: 182.2 lbs (Dec 29)

PW: 179.6 lbs (Jan 5)

PW: 180.2 lbs (Jan 12)

PW: 176.8 lbs (Jan 19)

PW: 175.6 lbs (Jan 26)

CW: 173.6 lbs (Feb 2)
Total Weight Lost: 21 lbs

Valentine Goal: 170 lbs
Mini-Goal: 160 lbs (by Mar 9, Spring Break)
Goal Weight: 135 lbs (by July it might change as I start losing and seeing how it actually looks)

[Gayle1018]

@Bobbinyc@almost_where

Thank you so much for your encouragement.   Love this group- feel I can be myself with joys and concerns.

JOY- I'm back! on track  yesterday was a good day,   Need clean jeans for work today- so pulled out a pair in storage that have been too small and they fit!  JOY, JOY!!   Down now 4 sizes, 1 more to go to get back into all my clothes --

Looks like I need to re-arrange my drawers and closet.     Planning on going for a nice long walk in the woods tomorrow with the PUP.   

Have a great day all... and thanks.

[Glenda]

                                    I just learned the FDA net weight law. on those chicken breasts you are putting in your slow cooker, says "the net weight doesn't include the packaging but DOES include all the water sloshing around in the tray.  The last tray of chicken I bought was net weight 4.4 pounds and the tray with the plastic (probably 1 ounce) and the soggy cotton in the bottom of it weighed a whole pound.  I paid $1.99 for that water.  If you bought bone in chicken for half that price the water would be half the price too.  But next time I'm going to buy the heavy tray the same size and see if I get a better deal even with the boneless, skinless type.  Most people seem to think the net weight is without the water.

[HeartBiller]

@Cele21I know this makes me sound bad... BUT.. I do have a crock pot, but have never cooked anything in it except little smokies or meatballs for a get together...lol. SO, with that said, I think I will get that little thing out and wash it off and start trying to make myself do this. It would save me so much time and aggravation not to mention money. I guess this will sort of be a new goal for me..lol. Thanks for your "2 Cents"