Halloween to Thanksgiving (U.S.) Challenge 2016

[Bobbinyc]

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Halloween to Thanksgiving Challenge!!!

This challenge will begin on Halloween October 31st and finish on Thanksgiving (U.S.) November 24th. This is a little less than 4 weeks!  It helps us be realistic about weight loss goals and practice good habits before the next set of  holidays.

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 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 Nov. 24)

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!!

[DJC_63]

---

@hannahbebrave wrote:

@Bobbinyc Thank you so much for sharing this.   I think you had amazing parents who taught you right.

 @hannahbebrave I have been thinking the same thing when I'm in an angry mood. I am thinking of going to law school, at least I will check out the requirements. I'm also going to get in touch with the people who I volunteered with who I know have political connections and see if there is anything that I can do. I know that the only thing that I can do to feel better about all of this is to find some way to take action. When I can see something good come from something bad it helps.  Strangely getting rid of the old Facebook friends who I find I no longer have much in common with is also kind of nice. When I can manage to write kind things about them but they can only post nasty, snarky things, I know I'm not losing much.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am both heartbroken and terrified.  They say that fascism will come, not with uniforms, but with a familiar face.  A lot of what you all do talk about here is putting our goals and our wishes into action.  Along those lines, I am going to follow your and @dancefoxtrot's lead and put my stress into action.  No more feeling victimized or eating my feelings or being passive.  I am going to find a way to do my part, even if it means calling my representatives and letting them know how one voter thinks.  I do believe it is time I found my voice.

Thanks again for sharing so much of yourself.  I always feel enlightened by  how you view the world.

---

[DJC_63]

I haven't posted any updates recently, so I decided to, especially since my weight seems to be going upward.  I had a Dr. appointment yesterday and I wanted to ask my Dr. if there were any alternatives to the medicine that causes weight gain.  I told her that in a year's time I had only lost 17 pounds. She said "really?  That's great! Most people gain weight on it!"  I told her that no, it wasn't great.  She didn't seem to realize how very dedicated I've been for the past year.  Then she tells me that she is supposed to stop prescribing my sleep medicine because I also take pain medicine. I know from experience that not getting enough sleep usually causes weight gain, in addition to leaving you without the energy for a lot of exercise.  I was already in a bad mood so I argued about that, asking how I am supposed to work and function if I can't sleep?  They don't offer any good alternatives, just lamely telling me that there is nothing else they can do to figure out why I don't sleep well.  It's so frustrating. (I've already been to a pulmonologist and have a CPap machine.)

I did buy a bunch of healthy food last night, but I also NEED my chocolate right now. Also feeling like I need some wine, which I normally don't have.  Ugh. 

As of 11/11:

USW - 207.5 (1/14/15)

CSW - 189.4 (10/31)

CW:    190.2

GW - 186.00

UGW - 160.00

[DiAnn704689]

​
​You might want to try to find another Dr. Just don't get down on your
self. Just take it one step at a time even if it is baby steps. Try
wrighting very thing down that is what do. I count my cal. cabs. sodium and
with the help of my fitbit I can see how many cal I burn in a day so I can
see how fast I am going to drop lbs. I will be praying for you.

--





DiAnn Jordan
diannj6511@charter.net

[_Lilac_]

@DJC_63  UGH meds. I take two meds that have the side effect of 'moderate weight gain' and you know, in a heavy person that really should read 'Lotsa lotsa weight gain'. And yet, my specialists keep wanting me to lose weight to fit in the MRI machines they want to shove me in. Well, I'm losing now so hopefully those meds won't interfere completely. The neurologist is reducing one and leaving me with only the other over time. It's the only one that works anyway. I'm sick of pills!!! I'm not unhealthy...my brain just misfires sometimes. 

[Bobbinyc]

@DJC_63  I am very glad you are posting again.  First, you are not alone. You are isolated.  That is very different.  Have you seen the news with all the demonstrations?  Churches all over are having special prayer services to help people process what happened and in hopes of coming together in unity, as well as in human decency.  There are all kinds of things going on the last few days.  You just have to work harder to find it.  You are never alone.  

I totally understand the eating whatever is in front of you and not sleeping, the waves of depression and anger.  Along with fear.  That said, ( I am going to nag you on this one so you may as well listen to me): You may not take it out on yourself.  (that ends with a period -no excuses).  It has taken me a bit to get to this point.  Read what people said to me and @dancefoxtrot when we posted the same feelings as you.

Your body already carries way too much stress as it is with your health problems.  You also have other stresses that you can't easily change.  That is already overload.  You must do everything you can to lower your stress level.  That means starting with taking excellent care of your body.  You know the drill.  

1.Get those sneakers on and walk some place pretty if possible.Or try something at the gym (don't overdo and hurt yourself).  Put on music and dance. Pretend you are a rock star. Or do simple stretches  or yoga type stuff (my attempts at yoga are hilarious) or pilates.  Both focus on the breath.

2. Eat well.  Eat healthy, low inflammation food.  Lots of veggies for healing, healthy proteins, whole grain carbs.  Eat regularly for even blood sugar.  Eat low toxin or organic when you can.  

3. Drink lots of water and flush that stress out of your body.  

4. Do relaxation exercises.  Actively calm yourself and your body in a nurturing way.  You can do that with meditation, relaxation, or doing something that you enjoy.  If you don't practice meditation - this is a great time to get into it.  It can help throughout the day and help with sleep.  I studied it for awhile but when I get stressed I forget to do it.  Duh!  Just when I need it most.  Prayer does it for some people but you need to make sure it actively relaxes you mind and body, it can't just be quick. These things are tough if you haven't practiced them.  If you haven't meditated or done relaxation, I can help you get started.

5.Listen to funny youtubes or watch comedy on tv.  There is a lot of new material now, laughing at this craziness.  

6. Good time for a hobby, a great book, any activity you enjoy that will be satisying and distracting.

7. Connect with other people.  Not easy to do where you live, but you have to try.

8. Plan some action.  Looking in to law school is a great idea.  Maybe there is something you can do now.

9. See another doc for a second opinion.  Sleep meds and pain meds are tricky.  Maybe this isn't the time to focus on the number on the scale but to focus on health.  (That's what I'm doing since my scale is stuck)

I don't mean this to sound like a lecture. (ok, maybe I do)  I'm partly writing this for myself, and others who are also angry and terrified.  But I am mostly writing this because I care about how you are and worry about you.  Isolation and stress together is so awful to go through.  And keep posting here, will ya?  You are always so kind and supportive - get that for yourself.

[Bobbinyc]

I apologize for writing so much - I didn't realize how long that was.  Sorry.

[hannahbebrave]

@Bobbinyc  Thank you for posting this.  You spend a whole lot of thought and energy and time taking care of us here.  I hope you do those things for yourself.  I like how you say  you struggle too and then give great advice.  A number of folks here do that.  It makes it all seem like it can be done.   Your posts are never too long so please keep them coming. 

[hannahbebrave]

@DJC_63  I am also very isolated.  We have to do as many things on Bobbinyc's list as we can. We have to get support where ever we can get it.  And we have to be as active as we can be.  I'm going to learn how to meditate.  That will be some trick cause I can't sit still.  But I'll try.

I go to a neighbor's house to use the computer.  We have been good neighbors for years.  I have never told them my politics or other ideas, just good neighbors.  Today they checked to make sure I'm not doing any "lefty liberal things" their computer.  I reassured them I am just trying to lose weight.  I was afraid to tell them I started reading the New York Times and The Washington Post.  Our local coverage is all hate mongering and very biased.  It's very strange to sneak a look at a good newspaper and hide it from a neighbor of 10 years.  And I bring them pie in exchange for using the computer!  But I no longer eat the pie!!

[_Lilac_]

I had my 'rest day' yesterday. I still feel guilty for getting only about 5000 steps. But I was good with food and hit my adjusted mark. This morning Mom and I went for our walk in the park. What a gorgeous morning! It was -3C/26F, just cool enough to be comfortable when chugging along at a good pace. The sky was clear and bright blue (They even have a paint colour called 'New Brunswick Sky' if you feel like googling it). We did our 4000 steps then I took the dogs out immediately for our 2400 steps. I even jogged a bit with them. I think I'll start doing that in the livingroom to build up my endurance. I have to be extremely careful because of my weight. I don't want to injure myself, but I'm surprised at how much I could do and how the walking has helped me. My dogs loved the faster pace too. 

With the increase of tensions and protests, police and the planned kkk 'party', everyone please stay safe. Do what you feel you need to. Be true to your heart and mind and your body. 

The holidays are coming. I have been struck by how beautiful 'rustic' holiday decorations are so I may begin to restock my supply. My stuff is old and crappy and since money has usually been a problem, much of my things are from discount stores. I live in an area where natural is plentiful. I can walk down the street and pick up real pine cones, acorns, sprigs of pine needles, birch bark, etc. I'm going to take the time to build my own ornaments and wreath. Instead of baking and focusing on food, I'll put my creativity and artistic skills to use. My sister covered her livingroom paintings with beautiful wrapping paper so I did that too last year. Maybe I can collect enough birch bark to do it this year. Time to hit the pavement and trails to collect my supplies!

My next goals today are to clean out my storage room and move my deck furniture in there. It will snow soon. I will take another walk later and do housework. Should be easy to hit my 10,000 steps. I had a delicious cucumber, tomato and cheese toasted sandwich for breakfast. Healthy and tasty. 

OK, off to do my stuff. Have a good day all.

[RubyH]

Greetings all of you, still maintaining and happy though my chest could be better so I have taken a rest week and will see how things go and what a momentous week it has been.

Being and staying positive about ourselves and our goals is often difficult because of the old records that play out in our minds daily, so, we have to continually practice on our new records so that they become stronger than our old negative ones. I can do this, I will do this, I am good enough, I deserve the best.

I am enough, just as I am. I will improve myself to the best of my ability. I am accountable to me and only me. I can do it.

Failing means I haven't got it quite right yet,so I will persist with practicing and by being patient with myself until I succeed no matter what I am trying to achieve. I will practice with persisance and patience until I succeed.

We are all in this same boat together.

There is always a positive in every negative, it is up to each of us to find that tiny gem(needle) in the sea (haystack) of whatever storm (issue) occurs.

I cannot change what happens around me, but I can change my thoughts and attitude to it. I will always seek the hidden gems within, even if it is a lesson in what or who I don't want to be.

My singular goal is to be the best that I can be, to do the best that I can do, despite  the circumstances I find myself in. There is always a better road, choice or direction and often its shrouded by gloomy outlook, but find the positive gem within and it will light the way. We all make mistakes for none of us are perfect, but, if we can find the hidden gem in the gloom, we will find our way out of the gloom and all will be made clear. Everything happens for a reason, and change, is an inevitable part of all of life. Seek out the hidden treasure(positives) in the mire (negative) and you will be another step closer to your goals. Being positive,and staying positive, despite the negatives around you, will train you in strength, wisdom and knowledge always.

Love to you all.

[A_Lurker]

@Bobbinyc - this is the place to ramble.  Never feel you need to apologize. 

[almost_where]

Week 1 - 283 - (11/06)

Week 2 278 - (11/13) - CW

Week 3 - - - (11/20)

Turkey Day Goal 277 lbs.

-5 lbs

So I went into a little rut a couple weeks ago (caused by shorter days, colder weather, making bad food choices etc, ) and I started to think is it going to be like this all winter long. Is this the wind down of my weight loss journey? So I tried to do some planning, listen to motivational music but I was becoming less and less active and I was doing more boredome eating as well. In general it was harder and harder to get up to do stuff but my plans and thoughts of what I would do were running rampant.

For example, I would have a string of thoughts about reorganizing the garage or wanting to go for a walk or doing some lifting or..........................the thoughts would go on and on and on but I realized I was having all these thoughts while sitting on the couch or lying in bed not moving. I was becomming an A+ armchair idea quarterback listening to motivational music over and over on repeat not going anywhere.

What has changed things for me recently is think of small goals or tasks while in bed or on the couch. Start with items that are on a 1 out of 10 on the (this is going to suck doing scale.)For example just getting up and getting in the shower or adding a single bag of water softener or bringing laundry basket down stairs. If anymore thoughts pop in your head while in bed afterwards such as going for a 5k run then STOP, dont think anymore. Just get up and start crackin on the 1s. Then, while you are DOING your 1s, let those thoughts about larger goals/tasks run rampant.

Good luck this week!!

[Bobbinyc]

@A_Lurker Thanks.  I know people are busy and don't have time or inclination to read a lot.  I do appreciate your thoughts.  Thank you.

Are you still counting the days?  I was counting with you but lost track.  Or have things changed already for you?  Either way, I hope your stresses are easing.

[A_Lurker]

@Bobbinyc - yesterday was actually the day.  It went reasonably well, but she called last night wondering when I was coming to pick her up.  We have done two previous respite stays in the past so it is likely she's just confused.  I'm not going to visit her until next weekend though.  I know it's going to be tough on both of us, but I know it's a better situation for both of us long term.

I spent part of yesterday rearranging some stuff in the kitchen (will do more over the week) and have been moving furniture this morning.  Also doing some laundry (and have way more to do).  The fridge is almost empty, not by design, so I need to go out and do some shopping later.  Will probably have breakfast/lunch and then go out.

I tend to skim most of the posts.  I reply when I can, but often I'll just vote on them so people know that some people are reading. 

[Bobbinyc]

@almost_where  I remember both of us being concerned about September, and here we are months later.  I get how hard this is at times.  I like the way you worded it - doing a 1 and not a 10 on the "this is going to suck" scale.  When we are faced with something huge, it is always important to break it down to tiny tiny steps.  and just do one thing. And then one more little thing.  I find it easy to overwhelm myself with plans that are great.  When I was bedridden after my foot surgery, I worked out a beautiful exercise plan that included weights, aerobic, stretching, agility, ...the whole thing.  I made a schedule....Truth was I couldn't even walk!  Thinking in black and white or extremes tends to not work. 

I also find that motivation, like any emotion, comes and goes.  I just can't count on it.  I try to think like my own boss....We don't say "I don't feel like" to our bosses. This has to get done.  Period.  And push myself to do the one tiny thing.  Enough of those together is energizing.  

But, yeah, it can be hard.

Somehow, despite the struggle, you managed to zip through the 280s.  That is pretty terrific.

[Bobbinyc]

@A_Lurker What a difficult change!  I went through something similar and none of it was easy.  Even the solution we want brings some difficulties and sadness.  You do sound like you are taking good care of yourself though, and that is so important.

[A_Lurker]

---

  A_Lurker wrote:

USW: 407.0

CSW: 360.0 (Feb 2016)
PW: 272.0 (10/28/16)
CW: 271.8 (-0.2)
GW: 265.6 (Thanksgiving)
LT: 2.22 lbs/week for 40 weeks

---

It's been a weird week with my weight.  It has seriously been all over the map.  Although that's not highly unusual I can usually figure out a high jump (salt, water, etc.).  The last 4 days I've gone up and up and up, then dropped almost 4 pounds today.  Odd.

USW: 407.0

CSW: 360.0 (Feb 2016)
PW: 271.8 (11/06/16)
CW: 270.8 (-1.0)
GW: 265.6 (Thanksgiving)
LT: 2.15 lbs/week for 41 weeks

[_Lilac_]

@A_Lurker  That ALWAYS happens to me. I'll hit a low in weight then it will inch up and inch up over the week then *bam* I drop suddenly. And it's never on weigh in days so I just wait til my 'low' and consider that my weigh in. Then it inches and inches then *bam*...it drops. It's so weird. No idea what causes it.

[_Lilac_]

@almost_where and @Bobbinyc  I am so happy others are going through this scale of 1-10 on the sucks-to-do list. I have a bunch of tasks I need to accomplish. My back porch is my storage area. Or, in reality, my junk area. But I need to store my deck furniture in it. So today I told myself I MUST clean it out and make room for the chairs. I began early and worked probably two hours pulling stuff out, sorting into garbage or keep or whatever piles, and did a great job! I probably got 6 bags of stuff I am throwing out. The chairs are in, I can get at the Christmas tree when I need it, tools are shelved, etc etc. This was a 5 on the 1-10 scale so I'm thrilled. It only gave me 2000 steps to do it but it was rewarding on its own. I have many other things to do today but most are 1's. Laundry, take things to the basement, sweep up all the stuffing the dogs took out of toys and a dog bed, etc. 

For so long even the 1's on my list were exhausting or stressful and I wasn't able to tackle them. I'd avoid them. With the increased energy and the ability to motivate myself, I'm taking care of a lot more in my life. I'm keeping busy and don't give myself much chance to sit for long periods of time. 

Thanks for the reminder about getting the 1's done! That's a call to the laundry!

[_Lilac_]

I've been hungry today. I'm not usually hungry. And when I am I always have to pause and question, "Are you really hungry?"  There is a difference between physical hunger requiring food and that urge/feeling/compulsion to stuff something into your gut for whatever reason, whether you are stressed or happy, etc. Is it the monster inside prodding at me to eat because he's scared I'm losing weight and he just wants me as I am or bigger? There are certain foods that I eat that will cause me to want more or give me a false feeling of hunger, such as vinaigrettes and pasta. Knowing that I have to question myself is important in knowing what to do in each situation. Do I eat? Do I tell my monster to shut up? Do I try to ignore the pasta? 

Today I'm truly hungry. I've eaten food and then got hungry again. I might be on a 'loss' cycle. If I'm up 5 times in the night, I'll know for sure. 

Question your hunger! I should put that on my 'quotes' wall.