Mother's Day Challenge. Lose 20 by Mother's Day! Who is with me?

[Shelley]

Being involved in a challenge helps keep me motivated and it seems like it works for others too.  It also helps to have a goal and a deadline to get there.  Let's all get healthier for ourselves and for our families.  Let's do this for our kids, or our grandkids, or for our own mothers as well as for ourselves.  Come join me and let's do this!

[stacey444]

KAnn ~ since you already enjoy the walking have you given any thought to adding weights to that?  ie: ankle weights or wrist weights?  these may be the baby steps you need to appreciate the benefits that added muscle will do for you.  Just a suggestion.

[Shelley]

Well everyone, we are getting closer and closer to Mother's Day!  I still have about 5 pounds to lose and unless a miracle happens, am not going to reach the 20 pound goal but I am totally ecstatic over losing 15!  

I have come across new information that may be a factor in weight loss and inches and am going to experiment with it.  I have been researching "resistance starch" which is a type of fiber found in beans, greenish bananas, and some other foods.  This type of starch feeds the good bacteria in our guts.  Research is finding a coorelation between healthy amounts of good bacteria and insulin sensitivity.  Those with poor insulin sensitivity develop metabolic issues, gain weight and often diabetes and heart disease.  Antibiotics kill off our good bacteria.  We need to replace those bacteria with probiotics and feed those good bacteria to help establish them.  Eating healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables with all that fiber help to feed the good bacteria.  But you can also get Bob's Red Mill brand unmodified potato starch (not to be confused with potato flour).  Reading through some blogs I found people saying that you have to build up slowly taking only a teaspoon at first in smoothie or just stirred into water (it has no taste) or it causes gas and bloating.  Taking at bedtime was associated with better sleep.  Slowly build up to 4 tablespoons a day.  After reading all those blogs about resistance starch I ended up at this article which totally blew my mind!  I encourage all to read this.  It is long but fascinating!!

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/04/gut-microbiome-bacteria-weight-loss?page=1

[Elansc]

Thanks Shelley!  I knew about the good bacteria -- there is always a bottle of proboitics in my fridge -- but never knew I had to feed them!  LOL I am feeling a bit neglectful right now.  The article is fascinating!

[Elansc]

Hi everyone!  This will be my last update as I will be away next weekend (spending Mother's day with my mother).  The scale did not move again (I am down 10.5 lbs since Jan 1) BUT I am officially in my goal pants (in fact they need a bit of a tuck at the waist LOL!!!) and on Friday I went out an bought a few size 12 pants -- they all fit well enough to be worn in public and this weekend I am washing all the size 16's so that I can give them away

My biggest insight these past few months has been the whole building muscle and losing fat (thanks again to Shelley for that forwarding that great picture of 5 lbs of fat and 5 lbs of muscle).  I have gone from a size 16 in January to a tight but comfy size 12 in May -- I am definitely building muscle and getting smaller but the scale is not moving SO I have a new goal for myself (or challenge if anyone is interested).  I am going to "forget" (LOL, yeah right) about my weight for the next two months and I am going to work on getting my body fat down -- I am at 35.7% as of this morning (according to my Aria scale but you can also check it out by taking a bunch of measurements -- there are many websites that have online calculators).  34% is the top end of normal for women so I am going to shoot for that or maybe 33% (try to be normal ;).  My goal is to reach "normal" body fat  by July 1 (Canada Day) -- for my US pals I suggest July 4 (that way we will all have fireworks if we meet our goal).  Let me know if you are interested

[TICKET]

Well, I DID IT! 

As of yesterday morning I've lost 21.5 lbs. Whew! So many things and people have contributed to my being able to do this. The Fitbit has been HUGE when it comes to tracking every bit of food I ate save "free day." I bought (a small investment, really,) a rebounder that saved me from giving up when my hips and knees started screaming. My hubby has taken this journey with me-(He's lost 34 lbs.--what IS it with men losing faster???) Doing away with foods with preservatives and commiting to 3 days of strength training--it's all made a difference. 

Reading posts here have been motivating. I love the comraderie and no judgment attitude of all the people here. Thank-you to you all! I've already set my next goal---here's to losing a few more, and becoming stronger and stronger! 

Amy

[TICKET]

KAnn-

At my heaviest I weighed 245-today I weigh 148. I am 48 years old, and I am thoroughly convinced that strength training has made all the difference for me. I started out with dumbbells, bands, and my own body weight. Before to go down a pants size--it took 10 lbs.--with strength training I could lose 5 or 6, building muscle, and be down a size---it just reshapes your body. 

I work my quads-I hate lunges and squats but they are SO effective, hamstrings-deadlifts with kettlebell or heels on a swiss ball, do push and pull exercises for my arms, abs and back. I felt silly as all get out being in my forties lifting (started at 43,) but now I wouldn't have it any other way...it makes that much of a difference. There's a lot of thin, weak people out there---I want to be healthy and STRONG--not risking the chance of broken bones from falls when I'm older. 

You can do this. Find a trainer. By the Body for LIfe book for the basics, anything, but do it. You'll be so glad you did! 

[KAnn]

Dear Tickey,

Kapeesh!  Thanks for your frankness.  One can't argue with your success!  Wow...it is amazing what you have accomplished!  I appreciate it and I am going to start with dumbells and my own bodyweight.  I am starting today.

KAnn

[missesfishes]

Only down 2 lbs this past week.. grunt! I've taken the advice of another fitbit user and lowered my cal intake. To date I have lost 22.8lbs and still motivated! Looking forward to seeing the seeing the next 22.8 fall off.

[TICKET]

Weight goes on SO easy, and comes off SO slowly. It's hard to realize that good things are happening, even when we can't tell...even when we can't see a difference. "The Paper Towel Theory" always helps me to remember that every move matters, even if I can't tell. A quick read that will motivate you! 

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/metabolic-research-center/146593-paper-towel-theory.html

[Elansc]

Missesfishes 2 lbs is great for one week!!! If it comes off slowly, it usually means that you are also slowly changing your eating habits and it is more likely to stay off. I lost 1 pound/week for a little over a year and I learned so much about eating healthy that I know it is not coming back! Celebrate your -2 pounds!!! And celebrate that you are one step closer to your goal-- yes there are quicker ways to get to your goal weight BUT this way you have a better chance of staying at your goal weight once you get there.

[missesfishes]

I have definitely changed my eating habits and the food choices I make. I don't deprive myself at all. I eat all healthy foods and count my cals plus make sure I get my hour plus active walking in each day. 

During a normal work day I walk close to 4 miles and about 8,000 steps so after work I make it my practice to to reach my 15,000+ step goal and 7 miles.

I am losing the weight at a rate where I am confident I won't regain. I know my life has changed.  

[Road-runner]

Well, I did it!  I've lost 25.6 lbs since May 1st!!!  I feel so stoked!  I worked really hard to make this goal, and it feels wonderful to have made it.  My pants are all too loose; I've been taking them in at the waist.  I'm not going to buy smaller jeans because I still have my "skinny" jeans packed away in the closet, waiting for me to fit in them again.  I've lost almost 4" on my waist, 2" on my bust, and 3.6" on my hips.  I'm on my way down to goal and I really believe this time I'm going to get there.  Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.  Thanks everyong for the encouragement and inspiration.

[Shelley]

Congratulations, Road-runner!  I am happy and proud for you!  I believe you will make it to your goal weight with that kind of "can do" attitude!  

[t32981d]

Well I didn't do very well on this challenge at all. Now that the weather is getting nicer I can start getting outside and walking. Looked into a gym close to my house with my bf so we might do that. I lost 3 lbs but gained it back. My eating is throwing me off. Don't eat horrible but don't eat great either. I'm very picky when it comes to food which makes it hard sometimes. Well today is a new start.

[Shelley]

That is awesome Misses Fishes!  I can feel your excitement and committment!  Sounds like you are on a roll!  It feels good when we get in the zone like that, doesn't it?  

Today is my wedding anniversary and it is two days away from Mother's Day.  I had hoped in the beginning of the challenge that I would have lost a little more than 20# and having a nice anniversary dinner would do no harm to the goal.  But as it is, I have missed the goal by 3 pounds and I am feeling okay about it.  I am going to enjoy my 22nd anniversary with my husband not let the fact that I still have 3 pounds to lose interfere with celebrating.  It is funny because my last challenge, was to lose 30 by Christmas and it was right down to the wire and I did it.  The scale said I had just met the goal right on Christmas Day.  I was actually nervous and working sooooo hard to get there during those last few days.  I feel more at ease this time, accepting of myself, and have the confidence that as long as I stick to eating healthy and exercising, the fat is going to come off - maybe not as fast as I want but probably at a healthy pace that will be sustainable.  I think this change in attitude is just coming with time.  I have been at it now for 7 months.  I have lost 45 pounds in those 7 months and can see that what I am doing is working.  I have a plan and continued goals.  I know that staying motivated is key.  The Fitbit and the Fitbit groups are providing me companionship along the way.  I keep learning new things about myself and thus it is a journey.  I hope that everyone will touch base on Mother's Day and let us know how you did with the challenge and what your plans are going forward.  When I started this it was to encourage us to get healthy for ourselves and our families.  Even if you didn't lose the whole 20#, maybe you have some other successes in improving your health.  Did you stick with exercising?  Did you improve your nutrition?  If you did, you met the spirit of the challenge and kudo's to you!!  May we all continue our improved habits and may all benefit from our improved health and energy and contributions to our families and friends and others!  Cheers!

[Shelley]

t32981d - don't let the fact that you didn't do well on this challenge interfere with your plans.  I and many others have been there and done that too.  Like I said before, this is a learning process about ourselves and what works for us.  You are so right that with the nicer weather, you have a new opportunity to get going.  Pay attention to what makes you motivated, what keeps you getting out there and moving.  You can learn about what sustains you.  Best of luck on your continued journey!

[missesfishes]

I have a question..

How did you lose 25.6 lbs in 5-6 days? 

quote: "WELL, I DID IT!  I'VE LOST 25.6 LBS SINCE MAY 1ST!!! "

I've been so good with my calorie intake and loyal to walking everyday since Feb and have only lost 26 lbs.

Curious..

Spoiler

[grace-pa]

Count me in!

[missesfishes]

Mother's Day has passed. I'm ready to shoort for Father's Day. hahahha

Maybe 10 lbs is a realistic number?!

[Shelley]

How about joining a Labor Day Challenge?  Look for it under Weight Loss started by Elansc!  Hope to see ya'll there!