Memorial Day Challenge

[Bobbinyc]

Welcome to the next Challenge!

This one will start on April 18 and continue to Memorial Day (May 29th) 2017.   That gives us 6 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, 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'm very excited about continuing with this wonderful group of people and meeting some new folks too.

[_Lilac_]

@DJC_63  You said you enjoy the things @dancefoxtrot enjoys but don't think of them as things to look forward to. 

Wow, I don't know where I'd be without them. Social events are not things I openly plan or enjoy tremendously but...I will be overjoyed if I plan a walk in a natural park or at the beach.  To stop my sedentary life I needed to have weekly goals of doing something I hadn't done in a very long time, to get me out of the house, to see things again. I'd walk in a park, follow trails in our natural forested parks with all the smells and sights and birds and ducks and ...etc. etc. I'm always on the lookout for these things. And then, in _Lilac_ fashion, I'd come back here and tell all about what I'd seen and felt and...well, bore everyone. 

I think it's the artist/writer in me to try to see and experience everything around me. My sister said when her kids were little they'd walk behind her down a street and laugh because she'd always be shoving her head into tree branches to study buds or leaves, and pointing out little things for them to look at, so I'm not the only one. 

On my way to the doctor today I'll be strolling through a downtown city park, noting any growing thing attempting to come up from the mulch. We finally have some daffodils and because of the amount of rain we've had over the last 5 days (we have some local flooding) the grass suddenly turned green and began to grow. Walking through the new growth will be the most pleasant part of my trip today.

I know getting out into nature is the only thing that really lifts my spirits if I'm feeling crappy. It's known as being therapeutic. Go out into it with purpose and make dates with yourself to do it, like you would when meeting a friend or going to a social event. Good feelings will blossom!

[_Lilac_]

Follow-up:

As we were going to the examining room at the doctor's office I told her we needed to stop at the scale. She slid the thingy over all the way to the end (300 lb) and it went *plunk* and she made a little noise like "aahh" and she tapped it back and tapped it back. With a big grin she sat at the desk and wrote it in the chart. 297. That's at 11:30am, after a full meal, having to go to the bathroom, and with clothes on. haha. I reminded her it's the first time we've ever been able to weigh me on her scale and she was thrilled. Triumph!

The eye issue is a sty, I got a knee x-ray, two prescriptions refilled and I have 8000 steps. Ba-bang. When I got home I had gifts waiting for me that have left me in the BEST mood ever. 

As per my post earlier regarding taking time to look at stuff around us...I have a photo. This is a fairy ring in a neighbour's yard. Have a great day all!!

[HeartBiller]

Major congrats to you @_Lilac_  I know how much you have been waiting for that moment! You deserve all the bells and whistles to go off! ****CONGRATULATIONS****

[HeartBiller]

Well this seems to have been such a busy week.. I don't feel like I have accomplished much in it, but I am slowly surviving it... I took my mom and sister tot he Dr. yesterday. We have to travel 2 hours to go to just about any specialist... So it was several hours on the road.. but we hit a goodwill, a thrift store, and 2 vendors mall's, so I count that as a good day.  I did not get all my steps in but we did some walking.

I have been really struggling with one leg hurting and having spasms in it. The Dr. gave me a muscle relaxer to help with it, but it appears to be making it worse... I do not know if that is possible, but it sure feels like it is. So I have quit taking that and just babying it a lot...

Me and the scale are really struggling too... but I did have a NSV I am very pleased with. I got me a pair of jeans in a size 10  and they fit awesome. I wear dress clothes to work all the time and I knew I could wear a 10 and even certain 8's in dress pants, but I haven't been able wear a 10 in jeans... So I was excited about that. I now got me a pair of size 8 jeans to hang on my closet door for my next goal... You know I do not remember the last time I was in a single digit size....  I do not count the dress pants size as I never wore them until later in life, but blue jeans are my real life decider for me...lol.

I walked 37 minutes this morning... the first time I have walked that much in a while... I really want to get my self back in a routine.. I just need my body to cooperate with me..lol.

I guess I better get to cleaning this desk off some.. I am sure hoping to leave on time today.

I hope you all have a blessed evening!

[shuueey]

USW - 165

SW - 158

GW - 145

UGW - 145

Getting married in 5 months and want to look my best!

[_Lilac_]

@shuueey  Bah, you are going to look fantastic no matter what!! The happiness on your face will be all that matters, but I understand what you mean. You want to feel comfortable, you want to fit that dress exactly as you see it in your mind. You'll do it. Glad to have you in the group because now you'll have lots of little voices in the back of your mind urging you forward!!

[Nora58]

After days of trying to download the fitbit shortcut and sync my patience has given out. I have to recharge my charge hr every other day now and then I cant even see the results so it is pointless to even wear it. My stress level can not take any more. Maybe when I get my old computer back with the icon and program loaded on it I will post again but may have switched to a more reliable tracker at that time. My charge hr is not a year old yet so I am greatly disappointed in this company.  Customer service wants to give you 25% off or something or 25.00 off which is still more expensive than they are at kohls  on sale. So long for now . Good luck to you all.

[_Lilac_]

@HeartBiller  Thank you so much. *curtsy, bow, curtsy, bow*

I am heading over to the pool this morning for aquafit since my eye thing doesn't seem to be contagious and is improving. It is STILL raining but I can do it. Going to get wet anyway! 

We need some sunshine soon or people are going to go bonkers. And the first day we do, the lawn mowers will be going. 

*wave* later!

[Cele21]

@_Lilac_        CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

INSERT HORNS BLOWING, SIRENS BLARING, CONFETTI RAINING DOWN AND EVERYONE CHEERING AND RAISING THEIR GLASSES TO YOU AND YOUR STRENGTH AND DEDICATION - YOU DESERVE EVERY MOMENT OF IT!

[em.kz]

Weekly Weigh-In!

USW - 161.6 (12/25/16)

SW - 149.2 (4/18/17)

CW - 149.4 (4/21/17)

CW - 147.2 (4/28/17)

CW - 145.8 (5/5/17)

CW - 145.0 (5/12/17)

FW#1 -  -- GW #1 - 146.6 (5/17/17) 

CW - (5/19/17)

CW - (5/26/17)

FW#2 -  -- GW #2 - 145.0 (Memorial Day)

UGW #1 - 140

UGW #2 - 135

This week was a little off. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong because I've gotten my 10k steps in all week and have been at or below (not by much) my caloric intake FitBit suggests, but I had a big drop Monday to Tuesday and have just been creeping up since then. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be much appreciated!

I'm feeling pretty good because I just finished my last class for the semester. All that's left to do is take my four finals next week and get home!

[_Lilac_]

@Cele21  Thank you so much. 

I went to the pool this morning and I know I need to go much more often. It's a full body workout rather than just walking. Both are important, of course. So, as previously stated, I intend to go every week day for a few weeks, while Mom is away. I'm hoping it will rev up my metabolism a bit. Our bodies get used to our activities and we need to make changes to get the benefits, so this is my 'change'. 

Yesterday, I received a generous gift of clothing. When I began to try on the items I was shocked to find I was fitting into the 2X tops. And I'll tell you, I've come from 4X and 5X. I'm absolutely not used to wearing fitted blouses or anything with shape, really. T-shirts and stretchy-full coverage things have been my wardrobe for years. I'm still heavy chested and my belly hangs in an apron, but wow, I'm thrilled that I don't have to worry that a 4X won't be big enough. I seem to have just skipped over the 3x's somehow. Haha.

It's time to take the boys out for a walk. Checking in again later...

[Esya]

@em.kz

Probably just a bump in the road and nothing to worry about. Just keep doing what you are doing as it is clearly working for you.

[DJC_63]

@_Lilac_ Ever since the weather got warm enough I've been walking outside most days of the week. I enjoy the solitude of a walk outside, but where I live now the surroundings aren't the best. (Mind you, they're not the worst, either, they're just in between). I walk on country roads, past houses and fields. That's about all there is, unless I get lucky and have to walk past roadkill like I have the past 2 weeks, and a skunk at that!

I got spoiled when I lived in California. There I had several community parks to go to. My favorite was one with a path around a lake. I'd take duck food and feed the ducks while I walked. They got to know me so well that they'd swarm around me when they saw me, and they'd eat from my hand. If I didn't go there, I could get to the ocean in 20 minutes. That was just magical. I can't even describe how I'd feel walking along the beach... part of it was the feeling that I could do anything, also like I was the luckiest person in the world. I had never in a million years dreamt that I would someday live by the ocean.

I mostly brought up the subject of looking forward to eating certain foods because I thought it might be helpful to others to think about what food means to them. But since no one answered that I don't think my idea worked.  

[DJC_63]

@_Lilac_  I'm sure that was an AMAZING feeling!!! You've taken the dreaded Doctor's office weigh-in and turned it upside down. Achieving your goals is such a great feeling. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[Ava_]

@DJC_63 - in response to your post about attitudes to food - I am having a real psychological battle at the moment!  As I seem to have hit an endless plateau, I went back to logging, and despite hitting all my targets for what seems like an aeon (three weeks, haha), and being under with the calorie intake, nothing is shifting.  Part of my approach has been to stick to the same foods - easier to log as I know what each portion weighs, etc. and easier to prepare when I have a busy job and a home life which is getting more hectic.  That lack of an additional decision each day makes it easier, but, boy, am I fed up to the back teeth with eating essentially the same meals each day.  Sure I have variety, but there is no spontaneity, no treats, no nothing.  I mean, I add herbs and spices and chopped nuts etc. etc. to add some zest to it, but I can honestly say I don't look forward to any meal lately.  It's just a means to an end.  Fuel for the body.

Even when I go to the supermarket, it's with blinkered eyes as I know that if I buy it, I will eat it.  And I will eat it all until its gone.

Basically there are many things I need to address in my life and my relationship with food is one of them.  I am an all or nothing type of person and hate the middle ground.  I can't be one of those people who have a small dish of something 'naughty' - I need to eat boring bland food or I end up on a binge.  I don't think it's a willpower issue as I am so stubborn that as long as I have flicked the switch in my brain, I can resist anything - its learning to moderate rather than restrict which is something I have a hard time doing.  

[_Lilac_]

@DJC_63  I must have completely misread that inference. Haha. Oh well. 

I try my darnedest NOT to use food to celebrate things.  I am trying very hard to re-train my brain. It might not be possible but I'm still training it to think, "Wait a second. You don't need to go eat junk when something good/bad happens. That's just habit." 

You are very right, some people look forward to food rewards as the only pleasantness in their lives. I wish I could expand their happiness and interest in other things. We all struggle with it at times, I think. 

Ok, off to make breakfast and have some hot tea. I turned the furnace off last night and the temp outside got down to seeing your breath and maybe some frost on the new grass overnight. So I need to warm up. 

[Nora58]

Oh thank God I have my laptop back that actually knows who I am. Really bad news is that the drug for the liver seems to be causing the tendons to tear ( so far finger and , foot maybe planters but referred to podiatrist if my Dr.'s nurse ever calls in for appt. If not I will go to Dartmouth myself, need to walk. Nora and I managed to walk to with a brace and a little help we won't discuss left over from other injury. I have to get this weight off because it is causing breathing problems, knee problems, hip problems, etc. I am only 4'9" so every lb over 100 is a problem and now I weigh 128 lbs. on the drs scale.

Today we got 12,861 steps, 5.69 miles, 119 active minutes, 66 cardio, 75 fb, and 4 floors. If I can get back to doing this every day the weight will come off but I am not cleared to walk, you can see how well I listen to Drs. I listened to my body which said help me get better . I am eating good but having a real hard time working out without walking.

[Nora58]

@DJC_63I have had some insight into the food relationship since I have been benched for a few days that the podiatrist could turn into weeks. It seems I want carbs when I watch tv so they don't come into the house or I will be in trouble. I keep wanting cake with buttercream frosting like I make the grand kids so I don't go down the baking isle at the store. I was happy when the fresh veggies hit the stores at reasonable prices and I could become creative to take my mind off sweets and things I haven't eaten in years. I love the farmers market and it is just steps from my apt. on Thursdays in the summer. If I kept flour and sugar in the house I would or possibly could give in and bake a cake because I don't eat processed foods so that saves me. Food is my go to for many emotions and it shouldn't be, even if it is healthy food. Food should be there to nourish our bodies not destroy them. I am learning to tell myself that and pick up my crocheting and try to get it out of my mind.

[dancefoxtrot]

@HeartBiller

Hi Rhoda, You were a good friend to yourself and the woman about to try to take the easy way out.  Sadly a large % of people with bariatric surgery gain most of the weight back after the first year.  They stretch the tiny stomach pouch that have left and over time eat more cals than they burn..  The stats are on line.  You were so strong to say no to rice and yum yum sauce.  Only a life of healthy eating and burning the calories and fat .

Cheat meals still can kick us back down stairs if we binge.  Why do I want to work hard all week long to lose a lb or less only to sabotage myself by eating a super high meal???  Seem unkind to myself. 

There are lots of ways to celebrate that don't sabotage us. Also if sugar, fat and salt are addictive if I detox for 2 weeks why would I eat ice cream, cake, fries, rice candy, etc. and have to start all over again.  That is not to say that a little treat, a special food once in a while can't be part of a healthy lifestyle. 

Seems like the better we get at listening to the wise voice inside, the stronger it gets. We have a choice to be building inner strength or giving into the indulgent saboteur voice tempting us to give in. 

Okay, I guess I just let out my inner warrior that fights my crazy saboteur.I think that I went on a rant. Now I get to get off my bottom and go do the laundry and water the garden then attack the taxes.  

Best to you all.  Good to see people's progress. 2 and 1/2 more weeks to goal day.

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@HeartBiller

Congrats on your great choices. I agree about choosing life style change. Sadly large % of bariatric surgery regain most of the weight after the first couple years. 

The more we listen to the wise inner voice the stronger we get. Isn't that neat just like a muscle we get stronger with listening reps.

Congrats to all the succeeding challengers.

Barbara G