Valentines Day to Easter Challenge 2016

[saraj91]

Welcome to the next challenge! 

This one will run from Valentines day to Easter, so from February 14th to March 27th. Everyone and anyone can join this challenge in which we all set our own weight loss goals, this gives us 7 weeks in total to work towards them! 

This group of lovely people provides encouraging support and words of advice as we all share our experiences, good and bad. It has proved beyond helpful to myself and many others as we become healthier and achieve amazing things.

To be part of the challenge you start by posting your initial weight stats and what you would like to achieve by the end of the challenge. You can then check in as often as you'd like with a weight update, to share a story from your week or start a conversation about a topic you'd like some advice on.

 
So excited for us to keep working towards our goals with the fantastic friends from the last challenges and a big 'Hello!' to all the challenge newbies! 

Thank you @awood08 for kicking off the last challenge! 

 
A little rundown of terminology for anyone who is new: 

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

[sed59]

weekly check in:

• USW- 178 (July 2015)
• CSW- 151 (2-14-16)
• GW- 141
• UGW- 110
• PW - 145.8 (3-6-16)
• CW - 147.7 (3-13-16)

[HelenKr]

Weekly check in.   Another small loss, but in proof that the small losses can add up, got my weight loss up to 20 pounds!  Yay!

Congrats to everyone posting successess.  Hang in there if you're struggling.  I feel like I am really struggling for every ounce, but we'll get there!

Happy Sunday everyone.

USW:   173        (10/2015)

CSW:   156.8      (2/14/16)

PW:      155.2      (2/20/16)

PW:      154.8      (2/28/16)

CW:      154         (3/07/16)

CW:      152.8      (3/14/16)

GW:      149     

UGW:    135

[Brujita]

@HelenKr i feel the same way, every ounce has been a fight.

Sorry to hear about the rest of you but glad to see you guys taking care of yourselves. Happy to see the rest of you keeping up with your goals and even revising them. 

This last week was hard. I dont know if im getting sick or if its my new medication, which is causing me to have a hard time sleeping, im just tired all day. This was my last week of Insanity (63 day) & i really thought that would be enough motivation to get me through but I missed some days and doubled up on others. Today is my last day of the Program. I have some doubling up to do to complete it. I am still proud of myself in finishing with it because i've never stuck to anything fitness related this long. Im thinking about whats next for me in regards to my fitness plans. I've been looking at Ashley Conrad's 21-Day Clutch Cut from BodyBuilding.com, it would be strict meal planning/weights/hiit but I have a wedding to attend back home and family to see so I want to look my best. I haven't seen a lot of them in over 2 years. 

My weight has fluctuated a few pounds this week. I've been keeping within my calorie goals. I blame the lack of sleep. for example when i checked in last week at 155.8 the very next morning it was 157.8 I know its not about the scale but it was a little alarming. a fluke because todays weigh in reassured me im still on track. When do the rest of you weigh yourselves? Myself? nude in the AM after waking and having my first pee. I also havent been reaching my goal steps or calorie burn goals. Still i am glad to see the scale moving down. 

check in:

USW- 168 (1/1/16)

UGW- 128-125

this challenge:

SW- 161 (2/14)

PW- 160.2 (2/21)

PW- 157.8 (2/28)

PW: 155.8 (3/5)

CW- 153.2 (3/13)

     GW- 152 at Easter

Talking about goals. I saw @Elansc mention uping their water intake. Im also trying the same. After weigh ins do you guys re-evaluate your goals? make new goals? Take a look at the previous week to see how to better it? only 2 Weeks left, do you guys think you will be reaching those goals?

[Bogdel]

Hello, Everyone! Looks like I may be able to beat my Easter goal. At the beginning of this challenge, my goal was to lose 11 lbs. by Easter. So far, I lost 9 lbs. on this challenge, and 22 lbs. total, this year. I have 1.5 lbs. more to go. Praise the Lord! Here are my updates for this week:

• USW- Ultimate Starting Weight - 187 (Sept. 2015)
• PW- Previous Weight - 183.5 (1/5/16)
• CSW- Current Starting Weight - 170.5 (2/14/16, on Valentine Day)
• CW - Current Weight - 161.5 (3/13/16) 
• GW- Goal Weight - 160 by Easter, 3/27/16 (11 lbs.)
• UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight - 135

I have not been walking every day, as I should have, but each time I did, I saw the scale go down. So, walking is essential. 

The thing that I did do well was, I ate small, healthy portions: 3/4 plate salad or veggies, 1/4 protein, and 1/4 carbs. I also logged my calorie intake, and listened to Fit Bit’s feedback, to ensure the difference between my calorie intake and burnout is where it's supposed to be.

Since I started using the Fit Bit, in January, and joined the first Valentine Challenge, I have seen major changes in my body: my blood sugar is lower, I no longer crave the things that are not good for me, and I do not experience false hunger. I am very encouraged and, by the grace of God, I hope to get back to the weight I used to have in my 30's (I am 62 now). 

For those of you who struggle, don't give up. If I could do it, so can you. Just read about healthy diet and try to walk at least 30 minutes every day. Keep yourself motivated! Staying slim and healthy is the best thing you can do for yourself.  Keep it up, everyone! 

[Bogdel]

Impressive! Keep it up, @Elansc! I have not been as good as you on my step count, but I compensated on my calorie intake, and has similar results. 

[Bogdel]

Hi @Brujita! Looks like you are doing great! You may be able to beat your Easter goal! This must be very encouraging for you!

Looks like I will be able to beat my goal, as well. I have 1.5 lbs. more to go. In response to your question, I will not revise my goal, but I will keep losing as much as I can, and use the Easter weight as my Starting Weight for my next Weight Loss Challenge. 

Keep it up! Looks like you are on the right track. 

[HelenKr]

@Brujita - I weigh myself first thing in the morning nude too.  I like that because 1) that's probably the lowest and 2) probably best for consistency week to week. 

I don't think I'll be able to make my Easter goal, but I'm going to keep it there and try.

You are doing great!

[Bogdel]

Hi @DJC_63! I do not exercise every day. In fact, I have been having a cold the last few days, and I did not walk at all. Instead, I tried to sleep as long as I could, because I know that our body needs rest when we are sick. I know that exercising is crucial to health and weight loss (each time I do my 30 minutes brisk walk, I see the scale go down). However, my main focus was to develop healthy eating habits that I can maintain for the rest of my life. So, I try to eat a lot of salad (be sure to wash it very well, to remove any pesticides or chemicals). I try to eat some protein and some carbs as well, but I keep these very low (1/4 of the plate). 

I am glad to hear that you made an appointment with your doctor. In the meantime, try to rest, and drink a lot of fluids. Stay away from any kinds of sugar during this time. Try some Greek Yogurt. That will help heal the lining of your digestive track. If you can, try to buy some Probiotics. They are available over the counter.

Keep us posted. I will be praying for you!

[awood08]

Thank you all for your encouragement! It's been a rough week limiting my amount of activity but ultimately I know this is better in the long run. Honestly the pain of the shots to numb the toe was awful compared to the recovery so far. Just more irritating not being able to put alot of pressure on my foot. But so far so good, no achy pains, no swelling and redness. Thank goodness!

@Bobbinyc so glad to see you around the board, I'm sorry to heart about your foot troubles as well! I hope your recovery is going good. How long is your expected recovery time? Hope you continue to do well!

[Bobbinyc]

@awood08  Aren't those shots killer?!!  I had 36 of them in the bottom of my foot - yikes!  Yeah - recovery is a piece of cake compared to that.  Well, maybe I shouldn't say cake. (I'm thinking chocolate)  I had to use a walker, (hopping only) then crutches, after being bed ridden for awhile. Great upper body workout.   It's a different foot than the one I had problems with last year, so now that I will be limping on the other side, I'll finally be balanced. I may have gained a bit of weight, but not much.  I am eating less, lots of green smoothies, and doing bicep and tricep curls like crazy.  My recovery was supposed to be over with a few weeks ago, but there was a problem with one of the stitches and that area hasn't closed.  Fun.  Are you off your foot competely?  Here's the good news - because you have been getting healthier, you will heal even faster.  Nice, eh?  Just follow instructions re: preventing infection.  and let people take care of you - it's a good experience.  Sending you healing energy...

[Elansc]

That's is exactly what I do Brujita -- take a look at the previous week's goals (and successes or failures) and try to improve.... Little changes to keep me working on the long-term goal. 

[dancefoxtrot]

Bobbinyc,

What a beautiful supportive message to awood. Thank you as it was moving. I'm so glad that you are keeping a good attitude as your foot slowly heals. 

My knee hung in there through my eight dances and lots of standing and walking today. In spite of

butterflies in my stomach and not enough sleep due to nerves last night I danced well with only a couple small glitches. 

Now in terms of weight loss well I seem to be going in the wrong darned direction. My PT begins next week so hopefully that will or lessen my knee aggravation and I can be more active to burn more tummy fat. That being said at 142 this AM I still fit in my ballgown and I'm in the healthy weight BMI zone, so I'm going to be patient with myself. My goal is to get back to 135 as I get more active and then maintain it. I don't want to focus on the early morning naked and after the toilet visit weigh in to the exclusion of what else is happening. I want to stay balanced in attitude and spirit during my less active phase.

Healing energy to all who need it and who doesn't.

Congrats to all making progress on all sorts of levels,

Barbara G

[BigB225]

Got a fit bit scale to help with my goal, I love it so far

[SunsetRunner]

Congrats to all with your weight losses.  Mine has been very slow - last week I was only down 2 pounds.  I will take it.  On some new supplements for results from my 22andMe test (genetics).  After the lyme disease I did the 23andMe test and found some other things out. Supplements for those items came finally and I have started them.  Big thing is my body does not digest fat.  I have been doing terrific on my goals for steps.  I also have added in a spinning class.  I am hooked on it.  Eating is up and down.  I am doing better with it though.  Will weigh in again tomorrow.

[awood08]

@Bobbinyc holy smokes 36????? Gah I had 3 and felt like my toe was going to explode. Jeez you are one tough cookie. Glad you have been getting in some clean eating and staying as active as you can. I haven't been off my foot completely but rather taking it easy, walking a little funny with a raised toe off the ground. For the most part it's doing alot better, just itching to get back in the gym but I know i'll do more harm than good if I go before I'm given the okay. Chocolate cake sounds amazing! lol I've been feeding my sweet tooth cravings with those Fiber One Salted Caramel cheesecake bars...omg those are amazing.

Thanks for the boost and encouragement. Between you and @dancefoxtrot you guys are so full of wisdom and positivity, I think you could fuel an entire city! Barb you are an insipiration with how active, healthy, and motivated you are! Please share another video of you dancing if you feel comfortable! That video you showed us in the other challenging was so incredibly beautiful.

[Brujita]

@SunsetRunner i thought 23andme no longer shared health related stuff? they must have changed it again. Ive been looking into it for awhile. little bummed that the cost doubled since last year. I hope the supplements help with your goals and health. isnt thebody just amazing with all its variations.

Good job with your reching your step goals. 

[SunsetRunner]

I had to have a different person read it for me. He does it through his business. It is amazing what are bodies have in them to keep us alive.

[dancefoxtrot]

@awood08

Wow awood, thanks a lot. I too am really glad that Bobbinyc is back as well. Glad that your toe is healing and that you are not walking on it too early. Hopefully she will soon get the medical okay to put weight on her foot. We often take our health for granted until we are sick or injured. I'd love to share a video or 2 from the San Jose showcase yesterday. I'm fussing with the technology again to get the video clips from my iphone to the pc to itunes to Fitbit. I've done it once before so I'll sort it out. 

My knee is not reacting today to the dancing and morning exercise class so it seems to be on the mend. Hopefully we all continue to heal each and every day.

We can do this every one.

Best,

Barbara G

[bluenose1962]

PW- 190

CW - 176 (15/2/16) 173 (21/2/16) 171 (28/2/16) 170 (6/3/16) 168.2 (13/3/16) 165.2 (15/3/16)

162 (20/3/16)

GW - 160 (Easter)

UGW - 145 (9/5/16)

Not a bad week at all.

The weight loss seems to have dropped into place, with 5 out of the 7 days including varying degrees of gym work.

Managed to increase muscle and lose fat which has to be good.

I was fairly niaive at the start of this, and it was only about the scales and steps, but with the help of a good PT, I have done work on my diet as well, which all adds to a lifestyle change, which has to be the way to go.

2 more PT sessions next week, and daily classes booked, so this challenge will be met, and look forward to the next one.

New job to start on 4th April, which is 45 miles closer to home, so I might even allow a glass of wine in a month or so.

Here's to next weekend !

.

[DJC_63]

My official weigh in for the week. I've been sick a lot with allergies, sinus headaches and some other problems that I don't have an answer for yet. That's kept me from exercising as much as I like, but it's also knocked out my appetite so I haven't eaten much.  It's not how I like to lose weight but I'll still take it!

As of 3/14:

USW - 207.5 (1/14/15)

CSW - 202 (1/1/16)

PW -   198.0 (2/28/16)

PW - 195.8 (3/6/16)

PW - 194.0 (3/11/16)

PW - 192.8 (3/12/16)

CW - 193.2 (3/14/16)

GW - 190.00

UGW - 170.00