Thanksgiving to New Years Eve Challenge 2015

[saraj91]

Hi All! 

This is the Thanksgiving to New Years Eve Challenge... Welcome !!

We'll begin on Thanksgiving, November 26th and finish on New Years Eve, December 31st. This gives us 5 weeks for this challenge so set your goals accordingly & don't worry if you don't hit them, it's not all about the numbers, it's about how you feel about your own health & being part of a fun, supportive group. 

To join the challenge all you need to do is post your weight stats & check in as often as you like with an update or just to share a story from your week. This group has proven to be so supportive the last 2 challenges I've been a part of so I hope you find it just as great to be a part of as well.

So, enjoy being part of the group & have fun working towards your goals! 

 
A little rundown of terminology for anyone who is new (thanks @awood08 for this list from the last challenge).

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight

CSW- Current Starting Weight

GW- Goal Weight

UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight

PW- Previous Weight

CW- Current Weight

MFP- My Fitness Pal

[kynoel]

Thanks @dancefoxtrot!!  I have been trying that approach.  Today I go straight to the gym so I am sure to reach 10,000 steps today.  Of course as the week goes on my mind does try to lead me astray.  I appreciate the support!!!!! Kim

[awood08]

@saraj91 I think treating yourself every once in a while is the best thing for you, it keeps you happy, and remotivates you. I've had a few of those days, and while it sets me back a few just like you on the scale, I get refocused and motivated again. Is there a specific diet plan you follow?

Monday is almost over thank goodness, I have Thursday and Friday off so i'm so ready for Wednesday to get here! lol

[awood08]

Not sure what type of diet/food/meal plans you all follow but I tried just about every weight loss plan out there over the years, Atkins, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, etc. but this time around I started following the same outline that Heidi & Chris Powell use on Extreme Weight Loss. It's carb cycling where you have low and high carb days that vary throughout the week, it has seemed to worked the best for me. If anyone is interested I can post the outline I use? Just in case it might help someone else on here 🙂

[HelenKr]

I would be interested in seeing that outline @awood08.  Certainly has been successful for you!

[saraj91]

@awood08 yes, that's very true. It's nice to treat yourself every now & then. 

I don't follow a specific diet plan really, I've just made sure to eat smaller portions & swapped out a lot of the unhealthy stuff I was eating for healthier alternatives. Also have stopped snacking so much & if I need something sweet I try to find snacks that are low in calories & sugar or go for some fruit. Have also stopped drinking fizzy drinks & don't have sugar in my tea or coffee. Just lots of little changes like that really that have all added up to a bigger & positive lifestyle change.

For me personally I've found tracking my food in MFP has been the most helpful & informative way of finding out what is in my food, both good & bad, & linking that app in with my FitBit has been brilliant at keeping me on track with calories in v out. 

Hope your shorter week goes quickly! 

[foodalong]

I just found this Challenge and it's such a fantastic idea. I know I'm late in the game but nevertheless here goes

CSW- 137 lbs

GW- 132 lbs

UGW- 115 lbs

[Nic992]

Hi guys,

Sorry this is my first post since I joined, im working 2xjobs, 15 hours a day, six days a week so im tired plus not getting much sleep 😞

USW: 26/08/15 - 348
CSW: 30/11/15 - 278.6
CW: 15/11/15 - 263.8
GW: 31/12/15 - 256 ( changed as ive already reached my previous goal)
UGW: 162


So forgive me for my absence, but between work and the gym I dont have much free time. Seem to be struggling with my eating this week hopefully it will get easier asbthe week goes on.

[marykay34]

I am also a latecomer but I actually did set a goal for myself after thanksgiving so I'd love to join.

CSW  155   (thanksgiving)

CW    152.7

GW    150

UGW 145

These numbers look easy but believe me, every half pound is a fight. I am going gym classes daily and trying to eat 1800 calories a day. My worst habit is 2-3 glasses of wine a night.

Thanks!

Mary Kay

[awood08]

@HelenKr

You can of course adjust as needed to meet your daily calorie goal, and it will vary slightly depending on the activity for the day. But for the most part it's pretty simple to follow, I eat alot of salads, meat, cheese, veggies on the low carb days, then on high carb days I just throw in some multi grain or whole grains. 🙂 Hope it helps!

Monday: low carb, 1,200 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum

Tuesday: high carb, 1,800 calories, 200 grams of carbs maximum

Wednesday: low carb, 1,200 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum

Thursday: high carb, 1,800 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum

Friday: low carb, 1,200 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum

Saturday: high carb, 1,800 calories, 200 grams of carbs maximum

Sunday: Reward (Stay under 2,000 calories)

[awood08]

@saraj91

You are a lot stronger than I am my friend! I still must have sugar in my coffee lol I will not drink anything other than water, and maybe a diet coke or diet soda once a week, but I still can't get away with not putting sugar in my coffee. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, I started buying the Fiber One 90 calorie brownies and those Yoplait Greek 100 Whips and that seems to satisfy my snacking and sweet craving together. I think you are alot like me in the sense I eat healthy but I also enjoy smaller portions of my favorites from time to time.

[saraj91]

@awood08 those Yoplait Greek 100 Whips look nice, will have to keep an eye out for those when I next do the food shopping.

Yes I find still having some of my favourite meals is a real bonus, I just try to adapt them to be a bit healthier. I don't miss the sugar in my coffee so much but I'm still getting used to tea without sugar, it's just not the same lol!

[Aqua671]

@saraj91
Start off with some really tasty teas.
Green: Mighty Leaf- Green Tea Tropical
Black: Sangala
Their flavors are pretty complex so it helps aide with the lack of sugar.

[SebringDon]

Checking in. It's been a busy time with chrismas decorating, leaves to rake (seems like they never end in south-central FL), and a huge palm bush to take out. That's all behind me now, so I'll start alternating walks and Trikke rides again. Had my first ride this morning in two weeks.

USW- 228 as of 9/17/2015

CSW- 216 as of 11/26/2015

GW- 208 as of 1/1/2016

UGW- 185 currently planned as of 7/1/2016, 173 probable final

LW 213.2 as of 12/11/2015

CW 212 - got my 15lb weight loss badge, and I'm now down 16 from USW, and half-way in challenge weight.

Four pounds to go and 16 days to get there.

[saraj91]

@Aqua671 thanks for the recommendations, I'll give those a go! 

[HelenKr]

Thanks @awood08!  I really like the idea of being able to eat more certain days.  I just downloaded MFP; I have to get more organized and intelligent about what I'm eating.

[lisacaven]

HI everyone!  I am so  disappointed in myself. I have been down with a back issue. It is out and painful. I have been to the chiropactor 4 times in the past 2 weeks. Unable to walk or sit for long so my weight has crept up by 2 pounds. Here I am to be losing 2 pounds in this challenge. I may need surgery to fix my issues. So that would mean more time down. I hope to lose the 2 pounds gained and another 2 by the end of the year. Keep me encouraged friends. 

[awood08]

Sorry to hear that @lisacaven....prayers for some relief and resolution!

[Gubbi]

Hi..I was on vacation last week and did enjoy a few drinks and a few cheat meals...Did however manage to walk around the beach and happy to say not put on any weight...Back to the grind this week and being good with my diet and exercise...Hope you all have a good week!!

[saraj91]

Hi @lisacaven really sorry to read about your back troubles, hope you can find a solution & start to feel better soon! Don't be disappointed in yourself though, issues like this can't be helped & it sounds like your determined to get through this! 

[HelenaFitbit]

I' have the flu! I can't believe it 

I'll keep pushing as far as I can and get plenty of liquids.