July 4, 2017 challenge

[Bobbinyc]

Welcome to the next Challenge!

This one will start today, May 30 and go to July 4th.  That gives us 5 weeks to work toward our next set of goals as we try to lose weight or maintain in a healthy way.  

Everyone is welcome to join this terrific group. You can post once weekly or every day - whatever you like - to share your journey, give and get support, offer advice, get some tips.  We have celebrated each other's successes, and empathized with the setbacks.  I personally found, the more I respond to others, the easier it is for me to focus on my own journey in a positive way.  We have seen great progress in previous challenges, in weight loss, health, learning, and non-scale success, because we are in it together and focusing on being healthier and living better lives.

Some of the terms used to report our weight:

USW - ultimate starting weight - the heaviest weight when you began to lose

SW - starting weight for this challenge

CW - current weight for the day you report in

GW - goal weight for this challenge, for Halloween

UGW - ultimate goal weight that you intend to reach eventually

Some people also include their height, their age, their BMI.  

All  you need to do to join, is start posting, usually with some of the weight information.

I do find this to be an amazing group of smart, wise, kind, and determined people.  I look forward to this next challenge, and sharing this journey and all we learn with each of you.

Bobbi

[_Lilac_]

Wow I'm exhausted. After my sleepless night we did our walk at the park then realized I'd forgotten my nephew was coming to do gardening with me. So, by noon I had my 10,000 steps, a potato bed put in, squash planted, part of the front cleared and a hosta planted. Then I had to clean up for another renovation guy to come measure. My daily activity graph looks absolutely crazy from 9am-3pm. 

I've had at least 2L of water and going for more. I attempted a nap but wasn't very successful.

@Bobbinyc  I thought you might like this tidbit...you know those quizzes or other popups that occur in facebook or online, where they ask you questions then give you "What Disney character are you?" or some other absurd thing? Well, I did one that offered a great quote for my personality based on my facebook info. It delivered, "I may get thrown to the wolves but I'll return leading the pack." I immediately thought of you because you are always telling me things like that. Thanks for being such a special support person. 

Alright, I'm having my fresh stir fry for supper and drinking more water and going to FLAKE OUT for the rest of the evening. I might take a rest day tomorrow.

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  Are  you ok?? Did you say rest day?  You??

I was trying to think of something a little positive to focus on today despite another wave of major stresses.  I'm certainly very grateful for many things, but, well...I've been feeling more than a little discouraged.

Then I read your post, which always is uplifting.  And then I got to your message to me.

  I don't know if I'm "a special support person", but it certainly did get me teary.  Thank you so much.  

You (who are a special support person) are definitely a pack leader no matter how often you get tossed around by life.  

Thank you for all you give.

And, I'm so excited you are getting your kitchen re-done.  I had mine done a number of years ago.  It had been the original 1940 kitchen with linoleum floors and linoleum counters, and only two cabinets.  What a wonderful gift for yourself.   If the cabinets are wood and original and old, you may want to use them someplace else.  They do not make cabinets like that any more.  Now wood products are made from young trees, and the wood isn't nearly as hard. Enjoy the whole creative process.

[em.kz]

Weekly Weigh-In!

USW - 161.6 (12/25/16)

SW - 141.8 (5/30/17)

CW - 142.0 (6/6/17)

CW - 142.6 (6/13/17)

CW - 142.0 (6/20/17)

CW - 140.6 (6/27/17)

GW - 138.0 (7/4/17)

UGW #1 - 140

UGW #2 - 135

I've been getting back on track! Yay! I know I'm gonna have to work extra hard this next week if I want to make my goal weight but it is finally feeling possible. Thank you to everyone for your support, I have really enjoyed reading about everyone's journeys.

[_Lilac_]

@Bobbinyc  My house was built in the mid 40's to accommodate all the guys coming back from WWII and their families. My linoleum tile hadn't been changed since the 50's I'm sure. And someone had thought it a good idea to put 8X8 floor tiles on the kitchen counters with grout that has turned black and cracked horribly. The original cabinets were built-ins so if they take them out, I'm sure they'll be destroyed. I got a quote from the kitchen guy, went to sign the contract and gave a hefty downpayment and now he's saying it will cost more to remove the tile from the walls (yes, they extended that same horrible tile up onto the walls) and they would have to move my power junction for my stove. (This was NOT discussed before I signed for the work and gave the deposit). They normally don't do much demolition at all and since that wall tile doesn't have anything to do with the cabinets they would charge extra or just not do it. No backsplash is included in the quote. Soooo, I'm now considering just painting the original wooden cabinets and having someone do a backsplash, paying the kitchen guy for the new counters. I'd have to get new hardware. If he doesn't want to lose my $$$ for the cabinets he'll work with me. 

Anyway, tomorrow is a rest day. I've already told my Mom that I'm not walking in the morning. I have to mow the front yard and I think my nephew is coming back to fix up the front flower beds. I had 14k steps yesterday and over 10k today. I'll do the mowing and take the dogs for a good walk, maybe go float in the therapy pool at the Y. I don't want to hurt myself again. 

Off to bed! I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

[DJC_63]

@annypi  It is hard when you're treading water, so to speak. I think it takes awhile to learn how to change your eating habits, it did for me and I'm still working on it. At least you're aware what your problem areas are, that's a big step toward changing them. You'll keep getting better and better!

[Gayle1018]

Morning,  trying to stay away from bad habits  i.e. eating comfort food when having a crappy day/week-- which I am!!   Work stinks this week, just found out getting switched with managers, lots of meetings and changes,  and a very rude co-worker....  so starting off the day with 3 cruddy things before 8:30 just wasn't good.   So far I've walked around the bldg and got another cup of coffee - 

Trying to think "happy" thoughts and fun plans for this coming weekend and off next week. 

but this is why the weight thing is my down fall,  stress eater!   That being said now- think I'll eat an apple and be good.  Great to have a place to vent some since I can't here.

onward into the day.....

[awood08]

@DJC_63 hey, a loss is a loss no matter how many ounces! How has that been cutting out lunch? That's my main meal during the day since I get so busy at work and generally stay late I have to eat my big meal then to keep me going! 

[awood08]

Hello everyone! 
I've been so incredibly swamped at work and with school I barely have time to for myself except to shower! I have the opportunity to change into a higher position and paygrade at work, which comes with increased stress and responsibility but it will put me in the spot to move up to management once our current manager retires in 5 years so I'm definitely considering it (That $5 an hour increase is a lot of motivation too lol). My weight has been fluctuating up and down, mainly from my lack of sleep and stress I think. But I did step on the scales this morning for weekly weigh in and it paid off. 

This weekend we are sodding our yard and have spent the week clearing up the weeds and roots so I've busted my butt, I can guarantee I will sweat good while laying this sod in 100 degree Florida heat! 🙂 Have a fabulous week you all!!!

USW June 2016- 238lbs

PW October 2016- 160lbs

CSW June 2017- 198lbs

CW   June 28th- 195 lbs

[_Lilac_]

Took a rest day at @Bobbinyc 's surprise, I'm sure. It wasn't really so restful, as I did get in 7100 steps doing gardening, housecleaning and dog walking. The kitchen cabinet guy officially offered to demo the current tile and repair the wall, after I kinda threatened to cancel the purchase of cabinets and just go with countertops. Anyway, that's taken care of. It'll be a month before they can install though. 

I did my food log and found I'd had only 500-600 calories today. Yikes. I forgot lunch completely so I had it at suppertime and then I had a snack of popcorn. Sooo, I might have a piece of fruit or a toast with peanut butter so I'm not too extremely low. 

I am not going to make challenge goal (285). I'm struggling to get under the 290 mark...I was 290.2 this afternoon. I'm ready for a drop, as I've been about the same weight throughout the entire challenge. Stuck. 

[Gayle1018]

looks like everyone is having the same kind of week.... lots going on, stress, overwhelmed etc.  we even had a stress meeting  @ work to suggest how to handle things.  Tried them,  still ended up with a beer and nachos last night and loved every bite.   To day is better - and we all do have the weekend coming -- hope you have some fun stuff planned -- maybe fireworks? 

heading out camping again this weekend-- which will be great for my soul.  Pup is feeling better - so hoping for a nice relaxing spiritual renewal weekend.  (for everyone) 

have a Blessed day.  

[_Lilac_]

*dance dance* 289.2 this morning. I broke 290!  Sixty five pounds gone officially.

Mom and I went walking and then shopping. This weekend is our 'Canada Day' celebration so my sister is hosting a big BBQ party. I'll take my own food to be sure not to be stuck having all the stuff I try to avoid.

Realizing the holiday was so close made me aware that our challenge end is just 3 days later. I won't make my goal (285) but heck, I am getting close. 

I'm tempted to take my bike out for a little spin up and down the street. I still haven't been on the thing since I bought it and my daughter wants to go biking with me, but I'll have to build up my stamina. I don't want to look stupid and silly but I have to get over that. I truly wish I had an adult tricycle for stability with my poor balance and dizziness, so I might have to swap it out at some point. 

Alright, off to enjoy the day. I'll work up the motivation to get on my bike. Now, you guys need to hold me accountable for that!

[mmt421]

What a crazy past two weeks! My fiance and I went to Mexico for a wedding and stayed for ten days out of our food routine and workout routine. I was terrified that I was going to gain weight but made sure to be mindful of when I felt full and avoided anything fried. My self control lost me 3 pounds on vacation. Yes, you read that right....on vacation. Trust me, I was floored as well since I was still eating a ton more food than I would at home and wasn't going to kickboxing every day. Thankfully the mountains and altitude helped kick my butt into gear.

I didn't think I would be able to get close to my goal for the 4th of July but I'm only two pounds away as of Monday. It's crazy because for the month before vacation I was losing about half a pound a week which was not what I was hoping for. Guess I just needed some tacos and mountain climbing in my life to spice things up! 🙂

Like a lot of others on this thread, I've had a super stressful week and have wanted to take comfort in food. That has been my biggest obstacle to overcome on my weight loss journey and I have to toot my own horn and say that I have not mindlessly snacked as I used to. That is a humongous milestone for me. Good luck to everyone as we near the end of this challenge. You've got this!

USW - 201

SW - 178.6

CW -172.2

GW - 170

UGW - 155

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_

"Took a rest day at @Bobbinyc 's surprise, I'm sure. It wasn't really so restful, as I did get in 7100 steps doing gardening, housecleaning and dog walking."

Sorry, but I can't stop laughing.   Only you, @_Lilac_, could call all that activity and 7100 steps a rest day!  You really crack me up.

I'm glad you straightened out that kitchen guy.  He didn't know who he was dealing with, trying to pull a fast one on you.

I would love an adult tricycle.  One with a basket on the front and back for groceries, etc.  Besides, I never learned to ride a bike (hey, I'm a New Yorker- riding a bike there is suicide) Unfortunately, where I live, there is so much more traffic than there used to be, and no separate bike paths.  

[Bobbinyc]

@_Lilac_  Hooray!!  Sending stickers and confetti and balloons your way!  You 

broke 290! Way to go, superwoman.

[Bobbinyc]

@mmt421  Congratulations - not just on the loss during a vacation, but on all the mindfulness and planning you are doing.  Changing our habits and way of thinking about food, and how we use it emotionally, is the biggest challenge of all.

You've got this.

[_Lilac_]

@Bobbinyc  I wish I broke 200! It was 290. Maybe I mis-typed?? Some day it will be the 200. Some day.

[dancefoxtrot]

@Bobbinyc

Gosh I've been away doing taxes for too long as when I signed on I ended up finding your lovely June 6th, post. Made me want to get up and go look for some birds.  

Happy Day,

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@Gayle1018

Yikes.  Hope that the rest of the day got better! 

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@awood08

Glad to hear that you have a better job opportunity.  Hydrate well all day while sodding. 

Best,

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@_Lilac_

Not too very much of a rest day that you described!  Hey you are going to crack 288 by tomorrow if you eat lightly I bet.  You are doing great.  Glad that your knee is better.

Barb G