Labour Day to Halloween 2015 Challenge

[Mermaid3011]

Hi everybody! This is a group with awesome people and we all have the same goals! We may have different ways to get there, so please keep the thread friendly so we can all enjoy the journey!

We are starting on Labour Day - September 4 and will be ending this challenge on Halloween October 31. 

I know you will all give your best - just remember: keep your goals achievable and HAVE FUN!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all succeed!

Birgit

[saraj91]

@Mermaid3011 thank you! 

[saraj91]

@kmme good luck! You can do it 

[kmme]

Thanks saraj91 and congrats on breaking your plateau!

[JacquelineP]

@MoonlightCello@Mermaid3011  Would you guys talk a little more about plateaus?  I was going great guns the first month (10 lbs down), steady "guns" the second month (6 lbs down), and for the third and fourth months I've been losing only about 2 lbs a month (total 18 lbs down).  I know that I'm eating a little too high, even though I'm in MyFitnessPal range.  I log in carefully every day (and I only eat back about half of my exercise points), but I can't seem to get motivated to go to that low end.  I'm increasing my exercise--longer walks and some stationary bike, but I'm not staying at the low range of my calories, so I don't have any help when I do have a special event and go over.  

How did you guys learn to stay with that greater restraint?  Tips? Suggestions?  I only have 3.5 lbs to lose to get under 200, and I'm DYING to do that.  That's one of the reasons I'm in this challenge.  But I'm moving so slowly, it's like one of those nightmares with quicksand.  Thanks for all you guys do to help others!

[Mermaid3011]

@JacquelineP

Hey Jacqueline! 

I had one of those "slow spells" a few "pounds" ago and that's why I started a complete workout/real food/protein shake program. 

My "aha" moment came when I switched to this program and realized how much fuller I felt after using the protein shake for breakfast or sometimes lunch. It suddenly was MUCH easier to stay at the lower spectrum of my calories, because with about 200 cal for the shake made with almond milk (300 cal if I make it with banana) I was satisfied for at least 4-5 hrs and had lots of calorie left to get through the day without starving. 

Also - the way I was cooking changed a bit. I started using more veggies again, for example "lazy omelettes" made in the oven... super quick and filling, nourishing and real food, as in fresh! LOL

The problem with working out more is, that you also get hungrier. You feel you need to eat more when you exercise more. I always say "you can't outrun your fork", so adding exercise alone usually doesnt do it for me. 

The weight came off after I started being part an online group that was coached and had daily check ins. My coach makes SURE I follow the program. 

P.S. I just looked it up. July7th I earned my -40 lbs medal and July 31st I got my -50 lbs medal. So... 10 lbs in a month, just after starting the program.

August was a rather slow month again, but things have sped up again - I am 2 lbs away from getting my -60 lbs medal... hopefully next week. So 1.5 months for another 10 lbs.

Hope this helps. Message me if you need more info. I am happy to share the sample food guide with you.

[Mermaid3011]

@Lanay it's never too late Lanay!Welcome!!

[treosgsears]

Sorry, I feel ignorant, what does all this mean?  What is USW, CSW, GW.....?

USW Jan 1 - 284 lbs (size 22/24)
CSW Sep 4 - 226.2 (size 16)
GW - 215 
+++++++
New Years GW 200
Easter GW 190
Ultimate GW 180 by Victoria Day 2016 (May 23)

[JacquelineP]

@Mermaid3011 Thanks so much for the good tips!  Lots to think about.  🐵

[MoonlightCello]

@JacquelineP 18 lbs in 4 months is amazing! Weekends are where I tend to struggle, but this challenge should keep me on track. I'm a huge dog lover and volunteer with my local lab rescue.  I have fostered 41 labs in the past 3 years.  I have a soft spot in my heart for senior dogs, and I noticed your baby has "frosting" (gray hair) on her face. 🙂  Yes my avatar is me and you are allowed to ask. LOL

[MoonlightCello]

Welcome @Lanay!

[MoonlightCello]

Go @rori-! Congrats on finishing your first 5k!

[keepnfaith]

@MoonlightCello no I didn't.  but apparently they were recorded but just delayed?  They were there after awhile but thanks so much for the feedback I appreciate it! 

---

@MoonlightCello wrote:

@keepnfaith did you rest your hands on the handlebars while walking on the treadmill?

---

[viny22]

Hi my name is Viny would like to join just got a fitbit ChargeHR last week hoping it will keep me motivated have lost 6 lbs 3 times in the last 6 months so frustrating.

USW=220 lbs

CSW=215 lbs

GW=203 lbs

UGW=180 lbs

[DETRMND]

Here's my first weigh in:

CW:  158.4  as of today Sept. 13    😞

SW:  158.2 as of Saturday Sept. 5

ISW:  161.1 as of Sept. 1

GW:  151.1 (Halloween)

UGW:  135

I am a 54 year old female.  54-year-old pudge is pretty stubborn.

[awood08]

@Bobbinyc

It's called "Couch to 5k" it's an app that traines you for 9 weeks to work up to running a 5k race. (3 miles approx). You have 3 workouts a week for 30 minutes and it helps you build up to running a full race in 30 minutes (or at least that's my goal) 😉

That's awesome @DETRMND @KillerB @mcfloozy!

I hope you all achieve your 5k goals!

SW= 235

PW= 205

CW = 206

GW = 195

Well I gained a pound this week....busted my butt in the gym 6 days this week between my C25k training and my regular Les Mills classes & meetings with a personal trainer...diet has been the same, even did the clean eating challenge this week with @Mermaid3011, but here it is...a pound more than last week 😞

Hopefully this is just a little plateau I've hit (yet again) and it will subside in a week or so. I really want to hit my goal by Halloween!!!!

[awood08]

@treosgsears

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight

CSW- Current Starting Weight

GW- Goal Weight

UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight

PW- Previous Weight

🙂 not ignorant! Just new to this!

[Mermaid3011]

Hey @awood08 I am so sorry 😞 Feel a little responsible of course ... I really hope it is just water weight that is layering between your tissue from the workouts you've done! 

Do you feel sore? Because whenever I feel sore I weigh more. And apparently it's because our muscles are retaining water in order to "heal" from the soreness. It's quite interesting actually what happens there... but I realized that a few times now doing my Pilates and Yoga workout. 

[Mermaid3011]

Welcome @viny22!! 

You are in a really fun and motivating group! We hope we can get you beyond that 6 lb mark!! 

Do you want to share a bit what your approach is? Other than walking with the fitbit? Maybe there are things we can help with! 

Best

Birgit

[Mermaid3011]

Morning everyone!

After a rather blue day yesterday with little walking I hope today will be a bit better.

Actually. It already is a bit better, because I just earned my 60 lbs down badge. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Big milestone!

Though the big drop this week was because of water retention (that time of month) and over the last 2 day I release all that water. Yay! 

Those days leading up to TOM are always frustrating, because the scale isn't budging! If it does, it often goes UP! WRONG WAY! So... by now I know the dates in advance, I don't have to be upset ... just wait a week... 

USW Jan 1 - 282 lbs (size 22/24)
CSW Sep 4 - 226.2 (size 16)

CW Sep 13 - 222.0 (-4.2)
GW - 215 
+++++++
New Years GW 200
Easter GW 190
Ultimate GW 180 by Victoria Day 2016 (May 23)

[samanthabriann]

id love to join! hope im not too late!! 😞