Valentines Day to April 18th

[BLLingg]

@Bobbinyc, I hope it's ok for me to plagerize your Christmas to Valentine's Day Topic Starter but it was absolutely perfect!!!

Welcome all Challengers!  What an amazing group we have!

Let's all continue together to take off the excess pounds and keep getting healthier.

This challenge will begin on Valentine's Day and finish on (American) Tax Day - 18 April 2017.   (Really!  It's the 18th this Year, not the 15th!)

All you need to join this challenge is to post your stats regarding your weight, and check in weekly or as often as you'd like. We are a great support group and enjoy keeping up with each other and being there for our ups and downs.  Generally we have found that the more we check in and offer support, tips, info,  and ideas to others, the more we get for ourselves.

We list our weight, as well as any other goals we might have related to being healthy (such as increase water, more active minutes, etc).  Developing good health habits is primary.

A little rundown of terminology for anyone who is new.

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight

CSW- Current Starting Weight (for this challenge)

GW- Goal Weight   (for Feb 14)

UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight   (what your healthy target weight is)

PW- Previous Weight

CW- Current Weight

MFP- My Fitness Pal

List as much info as you like.  Some people include age, gender, height....whatever seems relevant to you.

We keep it as serious or light as we feel, but we always keep it focused on being as healthy as possible, while we support each other kindly.  We can do this together!!

[dancefoxtrot]

@BLLingg

I beat you agewise, since I'm turning 76 next month.  I wear 3/4 length tops that go outside my pants loosely and pants that go to right below my knees in the summer. They hide multiple wrinkles above my knees and on my upper arms.  Yes we are aging but why advertise it or focus on it. 

I feel blessed to be so active and closing in on my goal weight slow and unsteady. 

Best to everyone,

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@GettingfitinSC  

How adorable that your 3 yr old coach reminded you. Precious.

Keep trucking,

Barb G

[dancefoxtrot]

@Bobbinyc

Hope you had a great time with your friend. I agree with you that relying only on doctors without doing our own research can be risky. They get very little psychological or nutrition training. 

Happy Logging,

Barbara

[DJC_63]

@dancefoxtrot  Wow! I never would have guessed your age. I sometimes get a sense of someone's age by the things they do, like, problems or illnesses, etc. I wouldn't have guessed over 63 for you.  I hope that I can get to the physical activity level you have now! Impressive.

[DJC_63]

@dancefoxtrot, @bobbinyc, I agree about the Dr. I once had a Dr. that I really liked, and the staff was great, too. But when I hurt my back they just kept giving me anti-inflammatories, which weren't working. I'd tell them and they'd just give me a different brand. When I called in tears because I was in so much pain, and I was angry because I couldn't sit at my desk to do my job, then they FINALLY referred me to a pain management doc who did an MRI and found a herniated, extruding disc that was pressing on my sciatic nerve. They said that they were surprised that I could still walk, let alone work. A few months before that I had went to my regular Dr. about a large amount of blood in my urine. They gave me antibiotics but it turned out it wasn't an infection. They had no idea what was wrong and just told me to call if it happened again. It did and again, they just gave me antibiotics. A year later, after mentioning it to my ob/gyn, I had a CT done and found out that I had bladder cancer. thank God it was a slow-growing type. My Dad had the aggressive type and was dead in less than a year.

Now I do my research in addition to listening to what the Dr. says.

[BLLingg]

I survived the Portland Shamrock 4 Mile Stride yesterday.  I also earned my Trail Shoe Badge (30K) since I did my goal walking before we left.  My weight is way down this Week. 

Too many calories expended yesterday and not enough taken in.  Almost 360 below my BMR, over 1,500 in vs out.  Not good.  My fat is also down - 1.2% from last Monday.  (Now that IS good!)  I expect to bounce back up this week.  But here's where I am today.

28 July 2010 - PW - 280.8  BMI 51.4  (My highest known.)
06 June 2016 - USW (in FitBit) - 216  BMI 39.5

14 Feb - CSW 173.0  BMI 31.6
20 Feb - GW 171.4 - PW 171.0  BMI 31.0
27 Feb - GW 169.6 - PW 168.2  BMI 30.8
06 Mar - GW 167.8 - PW 163.8  BMI 30.0
13 Mar - GW 166.0 - PW 165.8  BMI  30.3  (Up but still under Goal.)
20 Mar - GW 164.2 - CW 160.8  BMI 29.4
27 Mar - GW 162.4
03 Apr - GW 160.6
10 April - GW 158.8
17 Apr - GW 157.0
18 Apr - GW 156.7

13 May - 1st UGW - (but still not a "Healthy" BMI) - 150

I'm completely burned out today.  But I still expect to get at least my Goal met.  (12.5K)  I'm also going to make sure I get enough calories in me.  Even if it means my fat and sodium are over the recommended max!!!

[BLLingg]

@dancefoxtrot, I HOPE to be in as good a shape when I reach your 76 (mine is December so the Math still works!) as you are now!!!  Good thing I have 9 Years to work on it!!!  Thank you for sharing that!  It really does give me encouragement!

FYI, y'all - There was someone who was 100 Years Old who ran in the 8K Marathon yesterday!!!!!  There was a BIG Announcement when he (she?) crossed the Finish Line. 

[BLLingg]

Where in Washington are you located, @dgwheeler?  It sure doesn't feel like we're warming up here in Oregon!  It's 39°F right now and only "supposed to" get up to 55°F.  Not sure how cold it was yesterday in Portland, but it didn't warm up much at all unless you were walking / standing in a patch of Sunlight!    Desktop Weather says that we're going to have Rain every Day for the next 10 Days except Thursday.

It took me 1 hour + 25 Minutes to walk my 4 Miles.  I was passed by a lot of Folks - young & old, skinny & not skinny & even down right Fat.  But I did manage to pass a few Folks.  Dern short legs!  (And out of shape legs!!  And body!!!)  Maybe someday I'll be able to match your Speed.  Sure would be thrilling to be able to do it!!

[BLLingg]

@_Lilac_,Re:  Message 555, Page 28.  LOL    ROTFLMHO  (Rolling on the Floor, Laughing my Head off!)

I agree.  I really would love to be able to wear Sleeveless Tank Tops.  Even at my age!!  Not sure most Folks would perceive the wrinkled, sagging skin as proof of weight loss, though.  They'd likely just attribute it to old age. 

Instead of a T-Shirt, why not that Tank Top w/ "I lost so much weight my skin doesn't fit anymore."  Sounds like a great idea.  But it would just hang in my Closet.  I'm just too dern self-conscious!!!

[TravellingSunny]

USW- 160 lbs (January 8, 2017)

CSW- 150 lbs (Valentine's Day)

CW - 149 lbs (02/20/2017)

         147 lbs (02/28/2017)

         145.4 lbs (03/06/2017)

         144.4 lbs (03/13/2017)

         142.6 lbs (03/20/2017)

GW- 140 lbs  (Tax Day)

Mini-Goal: 138 lbs (Healthy BMI)

UGW- 129 lbs (Middle of healthy BMI range)

OMG, you guys... I couldn't wait anymore and took a picture in my super-suit this weekend to compare against my beginning picture.  I HAVE RESULTS!!!  AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

160 vs. 142

@RachelShrinks - That cake is amazing.  I mean, WOW!  That's one lucky little boy.  🙂

[Bobbinyc]

There was a woman in NY who started to run at age 59, ran the NYC marathon (that's the full length version) 25 times.  At age 86 she'd wear a t-shirt that said in the back "you've just been passed by an 86 year old!"  

We marvel at "older" people doing things that show strength.  Truth is though, that in some other countries, and one community in California, it isn't as unusual.  The places where people eat food they grow or is grown very locally, and are active a lot because they walk to get their food and carry water, they are strong until very late in life.  Those places also tend to be close communities, where people help each other and spend time walking to each other's homes, sitting and talking, sharing all of life. 

That's very different from what my days look like.

[Bobbinyc]

@TravellingSunny  That is amazing!  You must be so proud of yourself.   Great accomplishment.

[_Lilac_]

@TravellingSunny Wow! Look at you!! What great before and after pictures! You must be thrilled.

[HeartBiller]

Okay, So I haven't been on here near as much as I want or need to be. I honestly think I do so much better when I make the time to check in here daily. I just do not understand why I have not made that a major priority! So tomorrow is "official" weigh in day for me. I do not expect for it to be very good considering how bad I have been this past week. SO, I may have some ground to catch up on, BUT I am determined to put that all behind me and get my rear in gear and get back to my routine and get to this goal or at least a lot closer to it. I SOOOO desperately want to be able to say I lost 50 pounds in one year. However if I don't step it up some, I am going to fall short by a few pounds. So here I am publicly stating I am going to make this happen. I am going to have to make it a priority to sign in here at least once a day! I have to have the inspiration I get from you all. I can do this and I am going to do this! I will post my official weight tomorrow, even though I pretty well know it won't make me very happy. BUT that is not what it is about, right??? IT IS ACCOUNTABILITY!!! I will stand up and take ownership of it...lol. Then move forward so the scale will more downward!

@SunsetRunner– Major congrats! What an inspiration. 

@Bobbinyc- I so need to do a de-cluttering project. I am so hoping come summer time I can get the gumption to get it done. I did my largest closet in the house, but only because the shelving fell and I didn’t have a choice…lol.

@A_Lurker– Good to see you back. I also haven’t been on much, seems like work and life just keep us away for too long at a time.  I honestly thing if I could get in a better routine on here I would do better on my journey. I SO NEED TO DO BETTER! I have really slacked and wasted some valuable time.

@GettingfitinSC– I love the 3ft coach..lol. I know how that goes. I have an 8 year old

grandson I am raising and he is that way with me when it’s going to benefit him..lol.

@BLLingg– congrats on the new slacks. I had another bout of them this past weekend. Here K-Marts are closing, so I was in there and the clothes were 70% off,, so I bought a couple pair of jeans too small in hopes of wearing them in the not so far off future…lol. I just have to get my MoJo back..lol.

@_Lilac_-  Your Ideals on the clips holding our flab back, had me cracking up. I have all different sizes of them sitting on my desk..lol. I was just picturing it in my head…lol. That was great. Although I also liked the shirt ideal too…lol. I am excited for you to hit the weight you are wanting to see.. Just think it won’t be long and you be seeing all them numbers change on that scale. You will be looking at that number 2 before long!

@RachelShrinks– what an awesome cake! I bet you had one happy little fellow.

@dancefoxtrot– WOW, I am just like @DJC_63, I would have never guessed you to be in your mid 70’s. Wow you look amazing and apparently have the energy of a child…lol.

@TravellingSunny– Congrats on your photos. You look great! You have to be super happy!

@IdahoSandy– I am right there with you. I am so hoping by my one year anniversary of this life style change journey I can say I have lost 50 pounds. You know the sad thing for me is, I should have already surpassed it. I have not done well in a while now and I have to get myself back on track, I am just not sure what it is going to take to get me there. My one year anniversary is April the 25th, so I was really wanting to get back in gear and get it done for this challenge. Who knows maybe I can make myself jump-start again and get this ball rolling in the right direction again.

[Cele21]

USW- 215.0 (2/4/14)

CSW- 211.4 (2/14/17)

LW- 210.4

CW- 210.2

GW- 202.4 (4/18/17)

UGW- 150

I know I don't write much on the board but I do read every day. You are all very inspiring and are doing a great job. @_Lilac_ - almost laughed out loud at work reading about the clips (though I pictured 'chip' clips that are no longer needed for chip bags) and the t-shirt. Good thing I wasn't drinking anything at the time or it might not have been pretty.

[_Lilac_]

I'm glad I could be of service and make people chuckle with the image of the 'clips' to hold back sagging skin. I am seriously considering making up shirts for myself with that slogan.

I walked three full laps of the mall and then got dropped off downtown at the library. I've spent 2.5 hours here listening to an audiobook and crocheting a headband. I was making notes for a new story too. I will stop by a sushi place for takeout and then walk to the bus transfer spot (about 2500 steps away), pick up my ride and head home. I've got 6500 steps already and I don't want to stress my knee by walking all the way home. Successful day so far. 

@HeartBiller Good to see you back. We all must stick around and help each other through this and to keep motivated. 

I think this is one place we can openly admit we 'use' people. 

Alright, off to continue my day. Have a great one, all....hey, drink your water!!!

[TT_is_me]

USW (1/1/16) = 315 lbs
SW (2/14/17) = 240 lbs

(2/20/17) = 238 lbs -2 lbs

(2/27/17) = 234.2  -3.8 lbs

(3/06/17) = 232.4  -1.8 lbs

(03/13/17) = 234.6 +2.2 lbs

This week - (03/20/17) = 226.6 -8 lbs (-13.4 lbs)

GW (4/18/17) = 229 lbs (-11lbs)
UGW = 160 lbs

If I hadn't seen this several times as I weighed myself this last week I would have thought this to be a huge fluke. I can't really explain my weight loss right now. I know last week's was high due to the birthday celebrations. Hopefully it will continue and not bounce back up. I'll take the lose for now though.

I'm so beyond excited for Spring to be coming. This weekend was in the 70-80s and I was able to get over 40K steps. I had so much fun being outside, seeing the turtles warming themselves, snakes slithering across the path, deer out playing in the fields. I feel like a new woman after hours of being outside. 

[dancefoxtrot]

@Bobbinyc

We are your community in spite of being geographically far apart. You eat fresh organic food and have an amazingly positive attitude. Tell us if you need a specific type of support and I bet we would be glad to help.  Shall we nag you about logging each day.  I find that on the days that I log from breakfast on and I have a specific calorie and low carb goal, I'm far more mindful.  It is as though my good mum inside awakens and stops me as I reach for more walnuts or cheese, etc.. Actually today I'm determined to eat only 500 calories so 202 for coffee and feta and onion cheese omelet for breakfast so it looks like veggies and salad for the rest of the day. 

Yes indeed if we can help each other to develop that inner voice to stop ourselves before we eat stuff without being fully aware we will be true friends. 

Okay, my bottom needs to get up now and walk at least 250 steps then finish work on the computer.

Sending you all inner strength to tune into your wise being inside.

Best,

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@TravellingSunny

WOW you are much improved in the ab area.  Smooth as opposed to a bumpy look.Nice going.

Congrats. That's what I'm aiming for also, a flatter abdomen.

best,

Barb G

[HeartBiller]

@TT_is_meI so need this... Just one time for now would do me GREAT!.. Congrats!