Support Groups - "Every-Day" 21-Day Challenge -- Here's to new habits!

Good morning all!

Sorry to hear about your weather woes on the eastern side of the U.S. It does get very depressing when you don't see the sun for a while! For a while here in Idaho this spring, the rain and snow just wouldn't quit! We are finally having some sun and warm weather though. I've just started walking again a couple of weeks ago and it's been so nice to actually get out of the house. Hopefully those of you under the clouds will get some sun soon!

My challenges for Sunday went well.

Donuts - good day 18
Water - good day 17
Deficit - starting over today

Have a great day!

Morning,
Quick post. Will be back tonight all being well with the satellite and the connection.

Challenges going well. Done day 3 and on to day 4.

Heh all. I am feeling just awful.... :( Was out too late last night and couldn't go to see my horse this morning because I got in too late and then slept through the alarm. I have an interview this afternoon so I can't go now at all and that just makes me feel so bummed. :cry: I fell off my challenge yesterday as well and since I had no pause days left, am going to have to restart when I was almost there...it was Day 18....oh, darn, I feel so awful, really irritated with myself for doing things I didn't want to do....

Hey all. Red, sorry to hear you are having a bad day. Sending happy thoughts your way :goodvibes:

All three challenges successfully met. But, having said that, I did have a binge today. Stressing out about some friendship things. Luckily, I had a presonal trainer session tonight, and I am pretty sure I sweated it all out. Tomorrow is another day.

Have a good one all. Keep up the good fight, and I will post more tomorrow :wave:

Day 2 here. Water challenge met yesterday, on to a new day. ;)

Red- I`m sorry you`re feeling so bad. Don`t beat yourself up, and I wish you lots of luck on your interview. ;) We all have bad days, and do things we know we shouldn`t or wish we wouldn`t have. Today is a new day.

Jolly- I`m so worried my friendship issues will turn to me binging, the only thing I know might help me is to keep coming here. I don`t want to fill this emptiness and hurt with food, and thats so like me. At least you had a great workout! I cant even get my butt off the couch... lol

Have a great day, I think I see the sun!!

Hi people. Thanks for the encouragement. I feel better but am eating poorly and not exercising. I am starting again tomorrow! Don't know what my challenge will be. Don't want to do the same one again...will sleep on it. At least I was able to get the interview done. It went well. I was interviewing the president of the company that started those sudoku puzzles over here. He is a racing fan, gambling actually, so the other guy at work doing writing suggested I do the interview since I do horse-racing-related stuff. I hadn't been prepared for it and was sitting here a couple hours before it wondering what the heck I was going to ask him. Luckily, a little bookshop in the neighborhood had his books and I browsed through them in the store and that helped me to start thinking up questions. I wasn't totally unprepared as I had read part of a book he wrote and had studied the Web site. :blah: Sorry, I'm tired, still bummed and disappointed in myself. I have to get up again...shouldn't take long. My past three stories have all had very nice things said about them, not only from the people I interviewd or their PR people, but also from some colleagues at work....now, if I could just apply myself to the diet, health and weight loss, I would feel a lot better. :^: I wish I would just learn to stay away from the beer. It doesn't do anything for me these days but make me feel bad. Last night was awful really. The only reason I went out was because a new guy started on our desk, but it ended up going til late (me, that is) and the same guy who was really, really in my face arguing last time was at it again. It was bizarre. I don't understand it, what his problem is. Maybe his drinking problem...I don't know. That is more what has me bummed out...the fact that I feel lazy and had to cancel riding on top of a horrible evening out. I really don't need this. :mad: Do any of you get this? Have some colleagues that just seem out to get you for no apparent reason, other than perhaps their own skewed personalities? :dunno:

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Caro -- Thank you for your sweet words. They helped me feel a little better. Friendship problems can be awful. That was another part of my feeling so low. I used to really enjoy drinking with this guy. We used to, at least I thought, enjoy each other's company more. I don't know what happened to him, but the last two times out he has been what I consider irrational, saying things I can't believe he is saying, going on and on ranting like saying all these bad things about me and I don't deserve it at all! I think it may be an alcoholic rant...really, sad, but true. I hope your issues don't turn you to bingeing. It will only make things worse. I want you to try to get out and talk to people, even in little ways, and realize that our lives are enriched by so many people and they don't have to be family or lovers or even friends, but often just simply people on the street or in the stores you chat to. I always make a point to say hello and thank you and make a little small talk with people, connect with them. People love it and it really helps me. I don't know your situation. Can you get out of the house and do that? I hope so. Human contact is really important.

jolly -- Thank you too. I loved the happy thoughts. Got them early on today and they did make me feel a lot better. I'm sorry you're having friendship troubles. I don't know the particulars, but I hope you can either work things out or move on and be kind to yourself. Great going on the workout. You're way ahead of the game if you can do that! Keep up the good work!

Shad -- :bravo: Bravo on the challenges! :yes:

dj -- Hi there! :wave: Good going on your challenges. I hope those blue skies stay out for you. Do you know the song Blue Sky by the Allman Brothers. It's one of my favorites. :sunny:

Obsidian, chai, tea, veggie, REDEF ( :welcome3: :wave: ), Sushi, marble, carla, Fish, mez, Apple, anyone I missed! I've got to get some shuteye. Hope you're doing ok or will get back on track again. We've gotta keep trying! Take care and check on you all later!

:sumo:

Good morning everyone. I had a rough start today. Woke up and found my coffee maker had poured coffee all over my kitchen counter! :eek: I have no idea what happened, I just know that I was mopping up about 1/2 a pot of coffee at 2:30 this morning! What a way to start the day! Of course, that made me decide to grab 2 donuts holes this morning when I got to work. That was the end of that challenge. Have to start over! Oh well, at least I've eaten a lot less of those things since I started this.

So... Donuts - day 1 tomorrow
Water - good, day 18
Deficit - good, day 1, 1031

Red - Sorry to hear you're having troubles! But, glad your interview went well. And yes, there always seems to be at least one person everywhere you work that makes you crazy! Just remember, today's a new day! Keep smiling and putting one foot in front of the other. You can do it! :hug:

Caro & Jolly - So sorry to hear about the friendship problems. I hope you both get them ironed out soon! But good job on your challenges! :carrot:

Congrats to Shad & Obsidian as well on your challenges! Keep up the good work.

Everyone else - hope you're doing well! Have a good day everyone. :)

Good morning all. Despite being rather tired still from last night's personal trainer session, I did get my butt to the gym this morning. Feel better for it. I am slowly coming out of the abyss of mindless eating too. Better able to decide whether I am really hungry, or just needing "something else."

Caro, I hear you. Relationship stress leads me to binge as well. Just look at yesterday. Stress eating is huge for me - it always has been. But coming here helps for me to. I hope you can find something to take your mind off it - and do something good for yourself. Take care of you.

Red - good job on the interview, and I am glad the good vibes helped. I really hope you are able to get through this soon, and are able to feel better about things.

DJ - thanks for the kind words. And I am glad you are doing better with the doughnuts overall. We all have bad days, make bad choices, whatever - just kick it into high gear to make up for it. You can do it.

Everyone else - hope to hear from you all soon. Take care of yourselves, and have a wonderful day:wave:

Hi everyone!

Yesterday was day 2 of water - today *fingers crossed* will be day one of exercise. I have been dealing with some massive headaches the past few days that just make me want to lay on the couch and sleep. I know they're my own fault for staring at the computer screen and television for so long every day, but that doesn't make it hurt any less once it starts. :(

Caro and Jolly hang in there! Friendship stress can be the worst kind. I know I can start to feel when I'm having troubles with a friend like I've lost my entire support network and I might as well just give up, but remember that isn't true!! There are lots of people out there rooting for you and whatever is going on with your friend(s), you'll get through it and be stronger for it.

DJ - wow! exploding coffee pot is not the way to start the day! I hope the rest of your day is better!

Red - it sounds like your drinking pal may have just become a mean drinker, like you said. It is sad, but whatever the reason, you don't need that kind of poison being spat at you of an evening. And yes, we all have that person or person that just pushes our buttons despite our best efforts to ignore them - yours sounds like either a mean drinker or a bully or both, and in any case you shouldn't have to waste your time listening to that kind of drivel. Interviewing the Sudoku guy is really cool, though - I don't know how big it is over there, but here it is gigantic - quite a few of my classmates play it in their spare time - *all* of their spare time. Good luck on that piece and congrats on the positive reception of the others!

Everyone else: hang in there!

Keep on Truckin!
Erin :carrot:

:) I think this new habits thing may just settle itself in naturally! I :heart: fiber

Red, I know what you mean. We have a tendency to abandon our good eating habits in rough times. I recently dealt with finals week and I was just too bummed down. Don;t worry, gray skies do clear up!! :)

I just wanted to pop in and say hi! I fell off my challenges AGAIN and I just haven't felt like restarting or anything. I started going to Butterfly Life and I really like it, but I'm not so sure its going to help all that much with actual weight loss. Of course, I haven't been doing any cardio yet. I haven't really had the time. But I'm still doing my walking. I can even string a few good eating days together. But the scale doesn't budge. I need to be patient, but ITS SO HARD!!!!
I haven't even been lurking so I don't know whats been going on with this thread, just hope everyone is well, and hello to new people!! I'll pop in every now and then, but I think I'll remain challenge-less for a bit.....

Good morning, everyone. It is Wednesday morning here and I am tired, but moving and will try to get to the gym. Even if I don't do much, I will get there and stretch. :lol: Of course, sleeping didn't bring any challenge ideas to mind...thank God!....if I were thinking about challenges in my sleep that'd be pretty sad. So, I have not decided on what to do. I feel like going super strict again, but think what I really need is something gentle, something to make me look at all the things I DO do, and not focus on what I need to do or haven't done. Focusing on what I do do makes me do better overall. It's usually that way when I'm stressed and overworked, which is what I am now.

There are too many problems at work that are not going to go away, namely incompetent and extremely frustrated and disgruntled people (very rightly so) that have the atmosphere completely poisoned. I don't think there is hope for the office, but I can try to make a way out and that is by continuing in the things I do that for me now are the things that fuel me, such as writing and cultivating connections and work relationships outside the office. Okay, enough of all this... :blah:

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Apple -- Hi there. Glad to hear from you. What is Butterfly LIfe?!?! Something like WW? or is it a gym? I hear you on the challenge-less status. I would do it myself if I didn't feel obligated to keep the thread going. Also, I fear I would do nothing and just gain a lot of weight. I am going to make a challenge that is easy to do, but in so doing, will keep me somehow "in touch" with my values. You could do the same. Challenges don't have to be challenging. They are also about simply staying tuned, as in "Don't touch that dial!"

veggie -- Yeah, life gets in the way so often, doesn't it? My gray skies have just been continuing too long. It's like I said, a poisoned and hopeless environment, that makes any good thing look like dirt. Gotta get out...hope you're doing well. Glad you're liking the fiber.

chai -- Yikes. Sure hope those headaches ease. Do you have bad eyesight and are perhaps straining your eyes. I am looking at the computer al day too but I don't get headaches. Perhaps you should get your eyes checked. You could be straining them without realizing it. In any case, congrats on the water challenge :cp: and good luck on exercise. Thanks for the words on the coworker. It's not really about "pushing buttons" at least I don't think so. This guy has always been out to get me I'd say, always looking for an argument, comes on sweet and then does a Jekyll and Hyde switch. All I can say is that he must have major issues. Still, saying that doesn't help me. I am a helpful and gregarious person and always willing to give someone another chance. Also, it's very hard to deal with someone who is so inconsistent. You think they're ok, apologetic, whatever and then, bang, it happens again. There is a lot of underlying anger with this guy, the thinking that he is entitled to things he isn't getting, and it is not unfounded, but falling into a mindset of hate isn't going to help. I don't know why he takes it out on me. Perhaps because I give him a chance and he would it with anyone who did so. Pathetic and very, very draining. :( Sudoku is not big over here. The sudoku guy really has hundreds of puzzles. Sudoku is just one of them and it is a small market here. As he has no copyright overseas..the name is copyrighted in Japan...most of what you see has nothing to do with him. But, with puzzles there's not much you can do...

jolly -- That's amazing you could get to the gym. I don't know if I can myself. I am so tired, so drained feeling, physically and emotionally and I really need a day off where I can take care of myself in an atmosphere that doesn't take more out of me...but, I need the money. An opportunity for an extra shift is here and that's what I am running over. I don't know. I sure hope things get better. The talk with the new prez turned sour. I can see she's incompetent and somewhere off in la-la land. I can't work with that. Being around people you can't lean on or rely on is largely the root of my problems.

dj -- Were you planning on getting up at 2:30 a.m.?!?! Hope you get your coffee maker fixed! Don't worry about two little holes, but too bad about the challenge. Still, just jump back in. I am too. With water, you're almost through! :cp: Thanks for the encouragement too. It all helps...gets a weak smile out of me.. :^:

Quick post.

All challenges met for Day 4 (I think) on to day 5. Going well so far.

I'll be back.

Hey all. Day 2 of my challenges well met. Yeah.

Apple - good to hear from you. I agree with Red on the benefits of a gentle challenge. Sometimes, you need to set yourself up for success, to find the strength to go forward.

Chai - Good luck with your challenges. I also agree with Red about getting your eyes checked. I know I always get headaches if I am having vision problems. I hope it gets better soon.

Shad, glad to hear from you, and good job on your challenges.

Red - I don't know what to say. Wish I could fly over and give you a hug, or a better job, or a winning lottery ticket or something. I am sorry things are still so rough, and I hope for only the best for you soon.

I think I am going to sit outside a bit with the hounds. I just got back from my first bike ride with the club I joined (and actually my first ride of the year!). We did 15 miles in an hour, and I am whipped! Have a good night all :wave:

Red, I'm sorry to see you so blue. No help from here, I'm afraid - at this point it's about all I can do to keep my head above water. :kickcan: My best advice, in the short term at least: try to keep your cool (lots of "ohm" and deep breathing), spend plenty of quality time with the cats and Heidi, and stay away from bars and beer for a while. Take your frustrations out on accumulated clutter and delinquent lurking fat chicks who never post any more (nice target on my back, right?). Good luck, old pal. :hug:

Red and Jolly, you are right. I'm going to try and come up with something simple. I have been working on 30 min of exercise and I feel like that's pretty ingrained at this point, even though I can't seem to complete a 21 day challenge for it. I'm cramming it in on days I used to give in to laziness. I feel like I've made that comittment. So I don't know what else to choose right now. Well, I can think of lots of hard things, but nothing simple. I'll sleep on it. But thanks again. I really appreciate you guys and I can't totally leave because I've really grown to care about you all!:grouphug: And then Carla pops in and....:hug:
Butterfly Life is a Ladies only gym similar to Curves. They have a 15 min circuit that you are supposed to do twice. Weight machines and mini-tramps to keep the blood pumping. Plus they have "classes" which turn out to be videos that you can join in on if someone has already started, or if no one else is doing one, you can start which ever you want. I did half a yoga, it was OK, but I prefer a live instructor who can tell you when you are doing something incorrectly. At least as far as yoga goes...I am reluctant to go every day but my husband says I should and alternate lower body and upper body. I agree, it's just not always possible. So, I've been going for a week....I need to be patient....I'm not even sore so I need to step it up....
I'm rambling....see you all tomorrow...

Hi all! Did good on challenges yesterday so...

Day 1 - donuts - good
Day 2 - deficit - good 1177
Day 19 - water - good I think water is getting easier now that it's getting hot!

This weather here has been crazy! We seem to have gone straight from winter to summer. :hot: A couple of weeks ago we were in the low 50's and now we are in the upper 80's. I have not had enough time to get used to it and working out is getting hard. I can only work out in the afternoon when my 2 year old goes down for his nap and it's so hot! Of course, we have no air conditioning, just lots of fans all over the house. Oh well, guess I shouldn't complain. We've been known to get snow in July on occasion so I'll try to enjoy the heat while it's here.

Red - sure hope your feeling a little better! Keep working on the positives. And yes, I did get up at 2:30 on purpose. That's what time I get up for work (one of the other downsides to working in a donut shop!) Even though I'm pretty used to getting up early, finding my coffee all over the counter really threw me! I just want to sit and drink my coffee and wake up slowly. Cleaning my kitchen at that time of the morning wasn't really on my list of things to do!

Apple - good job on switching out lazy days for exercise! Keep it up!

Jolly - wow! 15 miles in an hour is great. Good Job!

Vegie - glad to hear you're loving that fiber!

Have a good day everyone! :carrot:

You know, I really haven't came a habit that's hard enough so that I challenge myself, but yet, if I do- its not possible! (like getting enough protein- I don't like beans, but buying meat and cheese is just too expensive and cheese is fattening! An all vegetable diet is expensive too, since I have to eat more in order to feel full) I like my fiber plan, but it almost never allows me to eat out or anything. (That's okay, because I can't quite afford eating out either.) I guess thats why I chose this one. I'm on day 3!!!!

Day 3 water challenge, did good yesterday. Finally broke my 2 week stick at 186, one pound...I`ll take it. :carrot:

I am proud to report, I did it, I exercised this morning! 30 minutes on the elliptical, I havent been on that machine since last summer! I wasnt sure I would get through 15 minutes, but I went to 30 and it feels sooo good! I have to keep it up. I can sit here and starve myself and lose one pound a week, if I`m lucky. Or start moving and see some actual results.

Red- sorry to hear of your troubles. Seems like a lot of us are having trouble keeping our heads up. I keep telling myself "this will make me stronger" but sometimes it`s so hard to believe. My issues are tough to explain. Well, not really, just hard for me to share. It`s not just friendship. Issues of the heart, big decisions to make. Follow my heart or follow my head... just a bad situation. The good thing is I havent cried since Saturday :D I`m going to get through this, and so are you with the stress you`re dealing with. And we will be stronger!

I think with your coworker lashing out when he drinks, theres something else going on and he`s taking it out on others. I`m just like that now. I`ve always been a happy drunk, but now, it`s really bad. I flipped on my brother when we all went out Saturday night, it was very ugly. I went out of my way to piss him off and ***** him out about his life....he hasn`t talked to me since. It`s been like that whenever I drink for the last month. I snap at whoever crosses my path, I`m arrogant and mean and then I turn emotional and cry. I simply CANNOT drink right now at all. And usually on people I love or care about (sister, mother, close friends). They`ve all had a piece of my anger this last month. Probably because that anger cant go to the person who`s bothering me.

I hope things get better for all of us having trouble.

Thanks to Jolly, Chai and DJ for the kind words ;)

Apple- I think Red once made a challenge to do some organizing/cleaning for a bit everyday. I had one where I would clean the house before I`d get on the computer in the morning (that lasted like 2 days lol) So even if it`s not related to weight loss, take a break from those types of challenges and try something small in another area. I`m sure you`ll think of something! ;) Good luck to you.

And everyone hanging in there with their challenges, lots of luck and keep up the good work.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!! :)

Sorry, I´ve been MIA. I haven´t had that much time this week. Still going strong, though! I´m already thinking about what I´ll do for my next challenge! Hope everyone is doing great with their challenges!

--Katherine

Apple, carla!, Shad, jolly, thanks for writing. Everyone else..hi there! I'm turning in, was going to write but got another depressing email and just think I'll turn it to the land of slumber...maybe my dreams will be nicer.... :(
I do feel better though, not much, and more blows...but I'm not going to let 'em get to me. I can't shoulder the world and people gotta help themselves. Well.....good night....
:kickcan:


This is what I wrote last night. It didn't take when I sent it because I forgot and turned off my computer....anyhow, will write more later. It is now Thursday morning and I have to get moving....things will get better....I am keeping the fingers crossed. :crossed:

Hey all. I wish I could send a big :grouphug: out to all of you. All I can say is remember to keep it simple and slow, to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself first, and to set yourself up for success.

I had to take a pause day on the menu and soda. I kind of figured, as I had an all day meeting. I don't think I made bad choices (other than the "please help me stay awake" soda), but due to where lunch came from, I couldn't count calories. I got a great salad, and made sure I picked up fat free dressing, but don't know what the actual count was.

I have to repeat what I said about setting yourself up for success. Each success makes it easier to pick yourself up and make a better choice the next time. I went shopping today, and was able to fit into clothes from the misses (not WOMEN'S or PLUS) section. I came home tonight, and started craving extra portions at dinner. remembering how good it felt to get into those size 16s really made it easier to put the fork away.

:goodvibes: to all of you. My thoughts are with you.

Nothing tastes as good as thin feels hey Jolly?

Red, so sorry to hear that you are not the happiest. Seems like you start to drag yourself from under and along comes another wave to make you splutter some more. Do hope things improve and soon.

Still trucking along. Can't think what day I am on. Didn't exercise this morning, couldn't push myself out of bed. Now I will have to do them tonight. Aaaah well could be worse I guess.

Back later.

Pause day for all challenges today. Just didn't get to doing the things I challenged myself to do.

Better tomorrow I promise.

Good morning all.

Yeah, Shad. Even though I am not anywhere near "thin" yet, that about covers it. At least for today. Just the joy of being able to shop in the non-plus stores is enough for now. I have been taking my too big clothes to Goodwill, but maybe I need to keep one thing, so I can see how far I have come?

Everyone else, keep your spirits up. Nothing, good or bad, lasts forever. You can get through it. :grouphug: Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Hi everyone. Today I was just thinking of how often times you just make a change, one day you do something differently and it sticks and how often those things aren't big or difficult in the least. There are just something that occurs to you is "a better way" or at least something different that catches your interest. :idea:

So. I think I may have an idea for my next challenge. :cb: I am considering (along with the usual things to eat right, exercise and lose weight...read not gain...that I try to usually do but just don't feel I can hack for a challenge at the moment) a "Do It Differently" challenge. Each day I will endeavor to do something that is something I haven't been doing. It can be something I once did before but just don't do much these days, if at all. It can be weight loss, nutrition or exercise related...it doesn't have to be too big, it could be trying a new vegetable or making something new and healthy. It could be walking somewhere new at lunch, or taking a new route home that involves getting off at another station that would mean I have to walk further. It's not so much about whether that exercise or food is going to do anything for the burgeoning waistline...just where is the waistline?!?! :shrug:...it's about doing something different to make things interesting, perhaps awaken my interest, perhaps get me out of certain unproductive ruts...that kind of thing....and I will tell you what it was..so you can all laugh or scream "FOUL!!!" :lol:

Now, if I can slice up the bamboo shoots I dug out of the ground this morning out near the stable....and freeze them, I will consider today Day 1. If not...well, tomorrow. I always get the bamboo shoots and give 'em away, and though that is nice, I should eat them myself and stop this ridiculous slide into bad habits.

Well, this was my Vanity Fair horoscope for the coming month....
"...you can offer guidance, but there's no way you can solve problems that have no rational explanation. If somebody stands up in the boat, for God's sake just keep rowing." ....sigh...:^:....doesn't sound so hot. Oh well, good advice for any time I guess. Could be talking about the in-my-face jerk at work, with whom, by the way, I spoke yesterday about something else, but in doing so, did say that I didn't enjoy his behavior the other night. But, just need to focus on bettering my lot, not bettering his....

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Shad -- Thanks. Yeah, I'm always getting doused by the waves, sputtering along. Maybe I should learn to surf..I hope you got your exercises in. Congrats on staying on your challenge! :bravo:

Just saw your message....okay, pause...well, we all have those days, eh? ;)

jolly -- Ahh, thanks jolly. You're a sweetie. I'm sure I felt that hug today...just about the same time I found a long-lost riding glove that had disappeared mysteriously! It was in the spin part of the washing machine...fallen out of the basket and stuck where you can't get to it easily....along with about 15 other things between the three machines...this is at the stable. I fished them all out...leg protector, two gloves, girth cover and about 10 pads for under the nose pad. I was so happy to have found my glove, and luckily, I had held on to the other one. :spin: I like your thoughts on success and WOW!!! way to go on the misses' clothes! :flow1: That must feel great! Great going!

kt -- Good to see you again! :yes: That's great that you have stuck to your challenge as well, even though you were going underground! Come in and post some more! It's always good to hear from people.

carla -- Hi there! :wave: Thanks for popping in for me.. :love: Sure wish you'd come back regularly. See, Apple misses you too! I wish I could spend more time with Heidi especially. I've been lucky to just get out and ride, but have had to quick run off. Today I was able to spend a bit more time out there and that was nice....just being there, not even right with her, is nice. As I was fishing things out of the washing machine and talking to someone she could hear me and was in the barn neighing for me...she gets very impatient when I don't "do the routine," which involves washing/brushing her after riding...then into the stall with stretching exercises with carrots and apple bits...then off to cut her some grass...then back at the end with a goodbye-lump of sugar....she gets VERY indignant when the routine is broken. I have another one where after riding just when I lead her back to the washrack I give her a tidbit after I take off her saddle. She knows to wait until the saddle is off, but the moment it's off and I am not RIGHT there with her goodie she starts pawing the ground with a "HEH, YOU! I'm waiting!!" Sometimes I do forget..she never does. :lol3: So, how are you doing? What's with the lurking anyhow? Can't you at least pretend you're doing a challenge? ;)

Caro -- Excellent work on your challenge and CONGRATULATIONS!!! on breaking "the stick" AND the exercise!! You are rocking!! Yowzah!! :cp: :encore: :cp:

You are right about the "making you stronger" part. I used to cringe at the thought that I was being made stronger, because I thought it was because harder and harder things were in store. That may be true, but I changed my take on that...now, I think it's probably not like...okay, she can bench 50 lbs, now, let's see what she does with 100! ... :lol: Strength comes in many forms. It's not always about being able to put up with more shite. It can also be about knowledge, self or otherwise, and having that new knowledge that will make you weather some other situation in the future. Remember, "Knowledge is power." Then, there can be patience, humility all those goodies life's lessons can give you and that, too, is a strength.

You know, about this guy at work and your situation, yes, it seems similar. You may be doing what he is doing...I didn't think it would mean he would turn on me when I don't feel I deserve it...but yeah, maybe. I don't think he's crying though. I'm the one left doing that and that is what really hurts. If I were just pissed at him, that wouldn't be so bad. Still, I don't know if other things are causing it and really, I can't see why he would do mean things to me...I think he feels justified. I mean, heck, he could apologize. Did you apologize to your brother? I think, though, that I know what you're doing. I probably do the same, but it hasn't gotten so bad...well, Caro, I hope you can find a way to deal with the people that are bothering you and not lash out. My guess is you're feeling unloved and are in a lot of pain. It's very hard, if not impossible to do nice things for yourself if you're not feeling kind to yourself and you're not likely to feel good about yourself when you are ticking other people off...still, you are learning...you are trying to deal with things in the only way you can for now....we love you here and I for one want you to get through this and come out on top, with ways of giving you the things others haven't given you. There will come a day when you will be able to do that, if you try to. You can do it! :hug:

veggie -- Good work! Make it to 4!! :cp:

dj -- Congrats on the challenges! :bravo: Good for you for making the most of what you have and doing that workout when you can even though the conditions are far from ideal. That's the spirit, dj! Keep it up! :sunny: Wow, 2:30 is just too early! :eek: My earliest is 3:45 and that is ****. I certainly would not want to encounter a coffee mess at that hour....I hope it doesn't happen again!

Apple -- I'm very happy to hear you're going to try something with us again. I really enjoy having you around. :hug: Thanks for the explanation of Butterfly Life. I've heard about that video class here too. They say it's for people who may feel embarrassed with a teacher or class..here they were private rooms....that I could see because I am hopelessly uncoordinated in the aerobics classes and get really annoyed because I can't keep up...still I would rather have a real teacher in a class I could keep up with. Yes, especially for yoga, I hear it's quite important to have someone correcting your position. Reading about it is hard work...a correction here and there by a teacher is so much simpler. Well, hope to see lots more of you! :yes:

******

Okay, everyone else, a big hello! Please check in. Mez, I hope things get better for you soon...marble, tea, chai, REDEF, anyone I missed! All the best! :wave:

:bubbles:

I booted up the computer again, just to say, I did it! I have notched Day 1, having, for the first time in my life, removed all the outer parts of the bamboo shoots to find the core, cut them up an froze them in a ziploc bag. Next, to eat them....I'll probably just throw them in a veggie stew, or a veggie tomato sauce, two of my stables over brown rice or wholewheat spaghetti. It was cool to see what I think are the edible parts....:lol:...all cut up, knowing I had dug them out of the ground, cutting them off from the parent bamboo...in the grove this morning...I feel so close to the earth! :cloud9:

Good morning!

Hey Red, good job on the bamboo! You'll have to tell us how you liked it. Can't say I've ever eaten bamboo, I'm kind of funny about trying new things. Maybe someday I'll try a challenge like you. Might be good for me and interesting at the same time. Keep it up and keep smiling! :)

Jolly - Congrats on the shopping expedition! Feels so good to go from the plus sizes to the misses sizes! I think that was one of my favorite NSV's! Good job!!! :carrot:

Shad - hope the exercise gets going for you! I know sometimes I just have to force myself to get moving. I just remind myself how good I'll feel after I'm done. You can do it. :yes:

Caro - Congrats on the pound loss! Heck, I'd take it too! And good job on the exercise! :cp:

Hi to everyone else out there! :wave: Hope you are all doing well.

My challenges for yesterday:
Day 2 donuts - good
Day 3 deficit - 1177 good
Day 20 water - good! Almost there!

I think now that the weather is hot I'll keep up the water with no problem! I had well over 100 ounces yesterday! Probably all the walking I did. Did my 2 miles in the AM at a good 4 mph, shopped for about 2 hours and did an hour workout in the afternoon. All told I logged over 10 miles on my pedometer! My best yet!

Have a great day everyone.

Friday morning here. Rainy. Bamboo shoots cooking. Am planning on getting this butt to the gym. I think I will do something a little different there for my challenge today, or try to walk somewhere at lunch. The rain puts a damper on things though, but we'll see.

**************

dj -- Yeah, the bamboo I read you had to cook before freezing, thus the pot on the stove. I eat lots of it here so I know I can eat it. I'm not wild about it but it's good for me and so it will be eaten! :yes: Yes, this challenge is about trying to whet my appetite for things again. I am burned out, very badly, but have to keep at it as I see no alternative other than to commit a crime and get hauled off for some R&R in the slammer. Good luck on your challenges! :goodluck:

******

Where is everyone?!?! :listen:

:rain:

Hi all :)
Just passing by to say hi... I'm challenge-less at the moment, having had to shelve the 3 most recent ones because of my temporary job. Well, I probably could have managed one or two of them, but I didn't... so... Start over time will be soon.

Good luck to everyone!

Day 2 is notched. I ventured out and found a new restaurant at lunch. My feet were heading to the same old, same old, but I thought, no, I have to try new things and found a new Indian place. Not fantastic, really the same as the other one I go to, but a very busy schedule and I'm going to call that good for today! :sunny:

cARLA- there must be a rash of Ommmph thieves lurking around! they got mine as wellI am doing ok here i think after over 1 year the omph fell out for me as wellTho i am still OP .... and exercising .. i just feel like i could be doing more... and be more dedicated ... but i guess we cant go "FULL SPEED" all the time...

I am getting ready to do the Relay for life on June 10th .. thats an all-nighter where your team walks around the track from 5 pm saturday till 6 am the next day.. Anywayas just passin thru...

wishing luck to all the challengers...

Day 3 donuts - good
Day 4 deficit - barely made it! 1191
Day 21 water - I did it!

Having to make this quick this morning. Lots to do! Have a wonderful day everyone! :)

Good morning all. Not great things to report today. First, yesterday was a pause day again. First, due to work meetings again keeping me from being able to count all calories. Second, due to making some real poor choices. I am going to have to restart, as today I will also be having lunch meetings. I plan on making better choices in what I eat today, but I know I will still not be able to accurately count the calories. I also wussed out at the gym this morning. Class was more of a "football training camp" style, with a lot of tire runs, etc. I tripped coming off of a step, and decided I just didn't have it in me to push through this class today. So, I went and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and my core work. So again, not stellar.

I do realize I will have to work harder on reducing my salt intake, a lot sooner than I thought. I thought that could be the last vice I worked on. However, as I make better choices in my food overall (last few weeks of waffling not withstanding), I notice the effects of salt more. Anybody know a good salt substitute that tastes like salt :?:

congrats DJ on making your water challenge. You are doing great!

Sushi - glad to hear from you. What is the temp job you are doing? Good luck on coming up with new challenges.

Curly - Let me know if you find someplace to get spare oomph. I could use some too. That Relay for Life sounds awesome - I am very impressed.

Red - I am glad you got days 1 & 2 notched. Keep up the good work.

Have a great day all. I hope to hear from everyone later. Have a great day :goodvibes:

Okay , I'm at 5!!! :) I dont have internet for a while, so I'll probably be posting here and there. Trying to keep my count of the days though!

Note to self: must listen to body, NOT taste buds.

Let me repeat that. . . MUST LISTEN TO BODY, NOT TASTE BUDS!

I had a bad eating day. I was stressing a bit about all the new work stuff going on, so I came home and :ink: out. Bad. My taste buds were just screaming for everything. (I am beginning to think my taste buds are strongly connected to that bratty inner 3 year old I have!). Lo and behold, I wake up in the middle of the night with chills, body aches, and "stomach issues." Just like last week when I was home sick after a day of overeating.

So now I probably won't make it to the gym. Or the barn. Or my friend's brunch. (I am still cold, achy, and stomach "issuey") I can only hope I feel better enough in time to get to my dad's tonight. . . . All because I fell into old ways. Whywhywhywhywhy???

I need a kick in the butt. Fast. HELP!!!!!!!!!

Okie Dokie...My 20 day challenge:

-Excersize for 30 minutes a day
-No binge eating! :devil:
-Drink 8 cups of water a day

All right then, here I go. Wish me luck everybody!

Hey! Jolly! Consider your butt thoroughly kicked!!!!
(But don't forget, one off day is just ONE off day. And it seems the same body that led you astray is now telling you not to do it again... So chalk it up to experience, take it easy today, be gentle with yourself, and maybe you'll be rewarded by feeling well enough later to go to your father's. And have a :hug: or two on me.)

Jolly! Ditto carla!!! Butt kicked...back on track with you, girl!!!
:sunny:

Hi everyone.

Challenges for Friday:
Day 4 donuts - good
Day 5 deficit - good - 1045

I'm not starting up the water challenge again for now. With this warm weather we're having I'm not having any problems drinking now.

Jolly - Tune out those taste buds of yours! Consider it a challenge between you and them and insist on coming out the winner! You CAN do this. Think of how far you've come. You've done great. Get back on track and keep it up! :goodvibes:

Inter Stella - Hi. Good luck on your challenges!

Curly locks - Hope you got your oomph back. Think I lost mine too. Managed my walk this morning but now I feel like a nap instead of my afternoon workout! If you figure out how to get your oomph back, let me know!

Hi to everyone else.

Think I'll take a real short nap and THEN do my afternoon workout!

Have a good one! :wave:

Thanks guys. Yeah, my body is definitely letting me know I shouldn't have done that. Unfortunately, I was not able to get to my dad's. I will have to call him at post time, so we can still watch the race together. I am feeling somewhat better, but still basically like crap. Ah well, tomorrow is another day, right?

EVeryone, have a great day. :wave:

Still going. Think I am on day 7.

If butts need kicking, then consider them kicked by me.

Hi everyone. I had a great day yesterday until I decided to do what I know I shouldn`t, went to the bar. Even just a little alcohol (I didn`t even get "drunk") is enough to mess me up for the next day or two (emotionally). Doesn`t help that I still think I can drink like I used to at a heavier weight. I have no sense of when to stop. Between that and the meds and stress, I have to stop, even if it is once a week. My emotions are too easy to set off...

So, major meltdown this morning, lasted most of the day. A little better now.

I have done so well, 3 days straight of exercise and wanted to declare it my new challenge until this morning I didn`t get up and do it. I figured I ruined the day. Then I thought I might as well sweat out some frustration and just got done with Day 4 elliptical (40 minutes today!) I`m really okay with water and it seems not to be a real challenge, so I`ll drop my Day6 water challenge and keep working on the exercise.

Today was Day 4. (this will be a level 1 as well). I have to keep it up, and have every intention to, no matter how bad I feel it makes me feel just a little better afterwards (and the scale is moving!).

So, My challenge is to continue exercise at least 30 minutes a day. I`m trying for 45 but we`ll keep the challenge at 30 just in case. ;)

I really want to chat more and make some comments to you all, but I am ready for a hot bath and hopefully a good nights sleep. I`ll be back in the morning, planning to be up at 6 and moving my butt. Wich me luck. And lots of luck to all of you!

Hi everyone!

Challenges for sat
donuts - day 5 - good
deficit - day 6 - good 895

Catch up with you all later!

Hello all! Just trying to drag myself to the gym this morning. This latest challenge is going to be canned, as it's too hard for me as it's too vague. I have a hard time thinking of things to do for it and if what I do is actually legit or not. Then, because of that, I don't feel much of a sense of accomplishment. I DO like the idea but I'm just too busy to be thinking about doing new things these days. I really need it but it's too hard. I'm going back to a very simple something....will decide soon....:^:

Hey all. Doing a bit better today, but not 100%. I did not make it to the gym or barn, but at least made it off the couch. Hopefully can get back to normal tomorrow.

Will restart my challenges tomorrow as well. Have a good one all :wave:

Hi there, jolly! How's it going? I hope things are looking up for you today! :sunny:

Everyone else, please come in and post!! :wave:

:dancer:

Not much to post about at the moment... :p
Things should get moving in the next couple days though. :) :yes:

Ok, Sushi! Thanks for stopping in!! and good luck!! :goodluck:

:sumo:

I'm here, just been busy again. Seems that the end of the school year always gets crazy! Anyways, my challenges:

5/21
Donuts - good
deficit - good - 689 (not bad for a sunday)

Hope all are doing well.... Gotta run!

Hi everyone. Doing good here, completed Day 6 bright and early.

Jolly- Hang in there, girl. You are doing so well, and re-starting can never be a bad thing. You`re still trying, that`s what counts. I wish you lots of luck on a new Day 1. ;)

Red- Good luck to you too! I know you`ll think of something. I was wondering what season you are in over there? I`m thinking it`s almost summer for you too, but I think I`m wrong. Just curious. You seem to be in better spirits. I hope things are well for you.

DJ- I really don`t know how you do it with the donuts. I get myself an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts every single morning (my one indulgence I have never, will never give up) but sometimes I have visions of jelly donuts dancing in my head, it`s hard to get through the drive-thru much less staring at them all day!

Well, things are going okay here. Stayed out of the bar Saturday night, big step for me. My friend actually called ("are you okay, you`re not here!?") LOL
My brother and I are fine now, of course because he was up all weekend partying and needed cigerette money, a hot meal and some laundry washed. Yeah, I`m not co-dependent :dizzy: I thrive to take care of the men in my life.
Spent the day cleaning, doing stuff in the yard, things I simply havent done because I`ve been too busy crying and feeling sorry for myself. No more. Just like I`ve learned through this weight loss journey, I have to take each day at a time and stop worrying(fearing) about the future. I can sit and cry and wish I could be in a different place, a happier place, but nothing changes that way. I gotta work each day to get there. I just have to try to remember that! :)

I wish you all a wonderful week. :carrot:

Good morning all. Feeling pretty much better today. I did make it to the gym. I didn't push it and do the circuit class, but did do 45 min on the elliptical. My trainer asked where I was. . . Gee, since I kept down 2.5 meals all weekend, couldn't move off the couch for half of it,spent about 4 hours working out my abs the hard way, and MUST have enough energy to get through the work day and finally go ride my horse tonight - I don't know why I wanted to ease back into exercising this morning :?:

Everyone, thanks for the butt kicks (though, as you said, my body did enough of that for me :fr:), and kind words. I send a whole bunch of :goodvibes: and :grouphug: to you. Here's to us!

Just running in to kick some buttisimos.....hope everyone is well and recovering their self-control....

Be back soon, real life intervenes (and it ain't a pretty site, but we are getting through it...Mamma is post accident)..

TTY guys later! (and I don't haveTIME to overeat!)

Hi all. Real depressing morning here because one of my cats has been sick. I was meaning to get him to the vet but was so busy. Now he hasn't come home for more than a day and I fear the worst. He needs a shot of painkiller to get better but I can't do that if he's crawled off somewhere to hide and die. And I have to fly out tonight. Stayed home from the horse. Really wanted to see her.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g195/darksecret59/heidi83005.jpg
Now I feel bluer than blue. One of the people at the stable called me last night to say she was leaving suddenly. Oh, damn, a lot of this comes from not doing things NOW! and then seeing if I have any time to chill out....too much stress. Oh well, I hope Heidi (the horse) understands. :cry: The cat, I sure wish he would come home....

On the weight and all that side, I am angry! and angry means I will do something! Signed up at the gym yesterday for their semiannual bodyfat reduction contest. I always do but then just forget about it. Have never taken it seriously. Will try this time. The trainer there said he would remind me.

I was going to start a no-sugar challenge yesterday, then had some. Don't know what I want to do, maybe just something very small again and then save the bigger challenges and goals for my own.

I'm sick of the tough times, the stress, the f'ing around. Going to kick some major A and it's going to be mine!

**************

marble -- Good to see you....sorry to hear things are rough with you...what happened to Mamma?!

jolly -- Rock on!

Caro -- Hi there! Excellent on Day 6! :cp: It's right before the rainy season here, which means the weather is very changeable, cool then hot, sunny, then rain. Lots of gray days. I would like it except it often means I can't ride because they won't let you ride in the rain. Then comes the heat, lots of it. Really, better spirits is not me. I mean, heck, I would be fine all the time if it weren't for things beating me down. I get so much done but it's never enough. The horse is just too much of a cost, but the only thing I want to do. When I can't get out to see her and ride, it just makes me angry. Must try to find a better way. I don't know. I suppose it's making things so much easier for me. I have no problem getting up before 4, doing work, getting to the gym, going to work, coming home, doing more work. I have a **** of a lot of discipline. I suppose I should realize that and realize that the results won't always look so great, but they are there right below the surface kind of thing just waiting for those moments when it all comes together and I can shine and I do shine. It's just that the shining is the things I do DO, not the things I'm not doing, and those are inevitably the things that would make me feel really good about myself.

That's a great thing that you stayed out of the bar Saturday. If it's a big step for you then all the greater! And friends calling and wondering where you are is something you'll have to overcome too. That may be the harder part. I, too, did not have any beers after the races on Sunday. I stopped in at the usual place because I was with a friend who did want to have a beer, but I asked for something nonalcoholic. They never believe me. It really pisses me off as I've done this before. They even bring me the beer (it's free), thinking I will drink it. But I let it sit there, then gave it to some others. It's not hard to do really. It's not that I want it or need it, it's just that it's easy to just have it when it's sitting there in front of you or others are drinking. Of course, in your case, it may be different, but I think in whatever case, the psychological ties are strong and these are the harder ones to break. With me it's force of habit, you go out, you drink. I am trying to make it, you go out BUT you don't drink. I also don't like people pigeonholing me. I really hate that. I like being thought of as totally unpredictable in ways, not irrationally so, but just so. As for "thriving to take care of men" I don't really know the difference between that and codependency. Whatever, it's not important. What I see is that if you're sitting around crying and feeling sorry for yourself then you're not thriving and you had better start taking care of yourself and doing something that comes back and fuels you IN THE LONG RUN! That is the major difference. Eating makes most of us feel good. Caring for the men in your life makes you feel good but something is missing and it probably has to do with what you eat, what you drink, WHICH men you care for and for WHAT reasons! You have to work toward a happier situation, not just get through each day. I'm telling myself this too. Good luck, Caro, I like the moves you seem to be making, the not going to the bar is great stuff. You have a choice and you can go or you can choose not to go. Exercising that choice is what gives you power. Take hold of that power and use it to pull yourself out of the mire!

dj -- Good going! :bravo: Hope things get less crazy for you!

******

All right, gotta go. Called the stable. They rode the horse yesterday and may today again. I am paying for this kind of attention so at least I can rest easy there. I just hate that I don't see her. She looks for me and the tidbits and attention I give her. I just have to keep thinking that I am working my butt off to keep the bills paid, which means keeping her and as I'm doing so, I will try to come up with a better situation. Things like doing work when I can instead of putting it off means I could avoid things like today. Actually, it's the cat, but if I had gotten him to the vet maybe he would not have disappeared. I do fear the worst as he is never gone and he was in bad shape, not really able to be out somewhere not eating. But there are certain things I can't prevent. He could have been hit by a car or chased by this big tomcat who often chases him and then gotten injured somewhere. There is only so much I can control and I'll just have to work on that. Ok, sorry, people, for the self pep talk here. Just talking about it makes it feel better. I've got to get up to the north island this afternoon and be able to concentrate on getting the story. Can't have my head elsewhere. This is often the problem.

Take care all and I hope to hear from more of you! :wave: Oh, and inter stella, welcome!! Come in and tell us how you're doing! :welcome3:

The cat came home! He's none the worst, was probably scared and holed up somewhere. I got him to the vet as he still needed the painkiller steroids and he got some antibiotics as well...he can rest at home while I'm gone. Good, now I feel a lot better. If I'd gone riding I may not have been here when he came back and I may have missed him. So, I couldn't see the horse but I did have a good reason....sigh....:)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g195/darksecret59/shachi.jpg
Shachi

Very good news, Red. I was worried about the little fellow. Zen and Lily say "Meow!", which I think means "Welcome home, you cute thing!"

Thanks carla! I found out how to download pictures right onto my posts. Those were from last year when I had a cell phone with a camera for a while while my old one was being repaired. Shachi isn't as pretty right now because of the gum problems and runny nose but when the weather warms up he usually gets better. It has been warm, but cool too, easy to get sick. He is an old guy, must be over 15 now. I have his sister too, all black, then another all black and the all white Momo. They all say "Hello!" to Zen and Lily!! :mouse:

Day 20...............One more day..............

I´ve managed to pull it off, although it was tough the last week or so (very busy, went to a wedding, had to go to few different group meetings, and I survived my husband cooking dinner last night)..........My weight hasn´t changed in the last 4 days, though........I keep waiting and hoping that I´ll be 135 so I can start working toward my next goal, but I guess I´ll have to wait a bit longer...My pants are getting (even) baggier, though, so maybe I´ve just gained a little muscle? I´ve lost a few inches in the last couple of weeks, too...

Tonight, I´m going to think about my new challenges for the next 21 days...I might rethink the 4 L of water, because that´s been tough...may bring that down to 3 L? Anywho, hope everyone is hanging in there!

--Katherine

Good morning all. Red, glad the cat is home, so one less worry. And good luck with your gym contest!! Marble, hope all is ok. KT - keep it up! You will get there. and just LOVE the baggy clothes feeling, then run out and get better fitting ones.

I realized this morning that I need to stop making excuses too. I am not focusing enough energy on the things I need to, and wasting too much energy on things that don't matter. So, back to basics, full speed ahead, and whatever other metaphors I can mix to really, really overemphasis my point :D

My goals, effective today are as follows:

1. Do some form of ab/core work at home daily. I changed this up a bit, as even if I do mine at the gym, I still can do some while watching TV.

2. No soda. OK. Need to keep this one in.

3. Keep under 2000 calories per day. I know I said I needed to take a step back, but no more excuses. I am perfectly full and satisfied at less than 2000 calories. I have done this, and can do this. the only thing that isn't satisfied is the inner 3 year old that wants to binge - the one that got me sick over the weekend. So enough with the crap and back to business of being healthy.

All will be a level 3. However, I am going to allow myself a little wiggle room on challenge 3. If I am not able to count the calories, due to meetings or some such where I can't get an accurate calorie count, but I make healthy choices (one serving, light dressing, etc), I will still count the day as a success. If I can't count calories, but make bad choices (hey, no :censored: references here!), then it is a pause. It will be up to me and my conscience to decide!

Have a great day all:wave:

Hi there all! Greetings from Hokkaido!! :wave:
Should be back in Tokyo tomorrow. Lots of wide open spaces up here...though have only seen the inside of the car and bar since arriving....course, I know it...ah, the air smells wonderful
!!! :cloud9:

Back again. Yesterday was really busy. I can't wait for the school year to end! Seems that the last couple of weeks always get crazy with parties and projects for my 2 teens. :dizzy: Luckily I have a break today and school is out friday. Yay!

My challenges:
Donuts - pause day - back to day 6 :mad:

one of the bakers made a batch that were too small to sell so my boss bagged them up for my husband to take to work for the guys. Of course, they were my favorite ones and I ate one.

Deficit - good - 1189 (close one!)

Red - so glad your cat came back and is doing all right. Hope the stress is doing a little better today! :hug:


Caro - as you can see, I don't always do good with the donuts! Having to report to you guys that I blew it helps though. I also remind myself how many calories are in them and that if I have one, I'll have to cut calories somewhere else! That helps too.

Congrats on staying out of the bar saturday night! Good job! :bravo: Keep taking care of yourself. I know that you are having a hard time right now but it sounds like you're pulling yourself through it. One step, one day at a time. Keep going!

Jolly - Glad you're feeling better! Good luck with your new challenges. You can do it! :)

Everyone else Hi! :wave:

Got to play catch up today with my house. It's a mess! I refuse to go anywhere today so maybe I can make some headway here.

Have a good day!

Well, my challenge is almost over. I'm chugging on pure willpower right now. I want so badly to finish this challenge with success.

Red, lucky you! I wish I were on some sort of clean-air vacation right now.

Jolly, good luck with your new challenges!!

Dj, I wouldn't have been able to resist, either. :) But you're still on track and that's wonderful!

Oh! Look, it's the 21st page! :) Perfect page for the 21 day challenge!

Hiya'all.

Fell off the challenge wagon and am back to trying to just be good and moderate in all things. Won't start another until I get off this island. The tropical life is too, too much. Lost my discipline under the coconut tree I think.

Hi, Everyone!

I've been reading this forum and think it's the perfect place for me to settle for the next 21 days! Seems I'm always marking "Day 1" on my calendar as I challenge myself to eat healthy food in sensible portions (that's the really tough part for me :o ) and to exercise EARLY in the day so it doesn't get put off til the next day again and again. I really fell off the wagon and haven't exercised regularly for the past few months. But that's about to change!:carrot:

I have lots of "startovers", but the kids' school obligations officially ended last night so SUMMER IS HERE for me! Yeah!!! I've been petal to the metal for months but now can really focus on getting into shape and losing 50 pounds. Yikes! How does that amount creep up on a formerly athletic person?? Motherhood is marvelous and amazing in every way except in how easy it is to lose focus on yourself.

So my level 3 challenge is this: Eat well balanced, low fat meals 3 times a day (normal portions, not four servings! ;) ), plus small, healthy snacks as needed. And to really MOVE for an hour a day! In 21 days I hope to lose a good 6 pounds and get back into the exercise habit to jump start the summer.

Thanks for this forum and good luck to all of you, too!

Diane

Starting weight: 186 (how do you get those cool graphics under all your posts? I want some!)

Day 21.............my last day!!!! Yay!!!

Woke up this morning, stepped on the scale...........................Made my mini-goal!!!!! Now I hope I can start working on 130!

I´ve thought about my goals for the next 21 days...they are seperate goals, so that if I mess one up, I can start over with that one, but move on with the others...It´s been really tough trying to make sure that I didn´t mess up one single thing so that I didn´t have to start over (like I did on day 6 the first time I tried).................

Anywho...given that I see tonight through, (which I don´t think will be too tough, because I don´t need to cook dinner for my husband) I can start my new challenges tomorrow.

They are as follows:

1. No chocolate (a big trigger food for me) Level 2
2. No bread (I don´t know if I´m allergic to wheat or what, but I always gain weight when I eat bread...maybe it´s just the extra calories...I don´t know) Level 1
3. 3 L water daily Level 1
4. 30 minutes of activity daily Level 3
5. 10 minutes stretching daily Level 2

I´ll allow myself the pause days, but I have to make them up at the end!!!

Hope everyone is doing well! Keep it up!

--Movinmama! Try clicking on the ticker under my post...I think (hope) it´ll take you to the webpage to make your own ticker!

--Kate

Good morning everyone! :wave:

Day 6 Donuts - good
Day 8 Deficit - good - 1115

Thought I was going to have a really bad calorie day yesterday. I was hungry all throughout the first part of the day and managed to make some really bad choices. I ended up making my workout more intense than normal and after that I lost my appetite! No afternoon snack and small dinner. Ended up with a good deficit after all.

:welcome: MovinMama - good luck on your challenges! It does help to have to be accountable to someone so this could be a good thread for you to jump in on.

Teatree - thanks for the encouragement! I know calorie wise I do ok whether I have a donut or not, I just know that they are bad for me so I try to avoid them. I just really want to make it through this donut challenge this time! I'm workin on it!

ktgk - :bravo: on that mini goal! That's great!

Shad - enjoy that tropical life while you can (just don't enjoy too much). You'll get back to real life soon and get back on track.

Hope the rest of you are doing well! Have a great day.

Good morning all. Didn't get back in to report last night ,as I went to see DaVinci Code. I did meet all three challenges yesterday, and have a non scale victory to report. . .

FOOD PORN ALERT. FOOD PORN ALERT!

Sorry, but I just had to share. So, went to the movie last night. Despite being totally full from a delicious salad I had for dinner, the popcorn smell at the theater was soooo tempting. However, I did resist, and did not have anything. :cheer: Hooray!

Welcome to Movingmama. KT - congrats on the mini goal. And to DJ on challenges - you are both doing great. Keep up the good work Teatree. Shad - come on! We will help drag you back onto the wagon.

Ah well. Back to work for me. And then the barn tonight. I hope we have a ride like Monday. Despite missing a week, we had a few moments that were pure bliss. You have to love it.

Have a great day all :wave:

:o So, what was I saying about the wagon and being off it :?:

I tell you. Some days . . . So, my goal is to continue the core work, restart the no soda one tomorrow, try and eat sensibly over the holiday weekend, and restart the menu challenge as of Tuesday. Heaven help me.

I really didn't want the restart crown!

Oki doki, I think I´ve got this challenge in the bag...

I´ve only got one glass of water to go, dinner is done, more will be exercised when my husband gets home from work.

I did binge pretty bad at dinner, though. I hope I don´t see a change in the scale reading tomorrow because of that...I don´t care, I´m not going to change my ticker. I´ll probably be back to normal within two or three days anyway even if the scale does go up a little.

--Kate

kt -- I'm waiting for the final OK!!! Tell us when your challenge is officially notched!! :dizzy:

MovinMama, welcome!! Tell us if you have any problems getting a ticker.

Oohhh, kt, I hope you've finished with success! Seems as if we all are waiting to hear your final outcome. :)

Jolly, thanks for the warning.

Dj, isn't exercise great? It's got such a bad reputation sometimes for pain, but people don't realize the huge advantages!

I'm back in Tokyo. What a runaround. But, it was nice to see the wide(r)-open spaces of Hokkaido. I've been up there quite a lot, usually work related and the hop up there by plane (only a little over an hour) is a lot less time than I spend on trains in a single day (or half a one!) Last night, though, I'd gotten to the airport hours early and since I had a cheap ticket, couldn't change the flight. It worked out though, as there was bad thunderstorms in Tokyo and everything was delayed. Then the delays taking off were made even longer as the Tokyo airport was congested and we had to go into a holding pattern for a while. But, I'm home safely and have seen three of the four cats and all looks well. The other one I think is holed up in the closet, which she does sometimes. Now, I am about to go out and see the horse. It was so nice up in Hokkaido to see all the mares and foals running through grassy fields. It's awful here in Tokyo for horses, no grass turnout anywhere. I wish I had something better for my horse. Oh well, it's not great for me either. As for challenges, I was absolutely disgusted!! to see the shape (shapelessness) of my body. You know how it is when you go to a hotel room or someone else's home and shockingly placed mirrors are there to show you views you normally keep FAR out of sight? Well, that happened to me. Full-length mirror in the shower! EEGADS!!!! :yikes: I've GOT to do something drastic!!

**************

ktgk -- I'm so glad to hear it sounds like you're going to make it through your challenge. We haven't had many finishers around here and that includes me... :( Four liters sounds like a lot. I don't think I even drink that much and I drink a lot....of water, I mean ;) .... I think three would still be a great challenge...I mean, you can always drink more if you're sweating up a storm, right?

jolly -- Oh, yes, gym contest, how soon I forget! I am like you, I have been making too many excuses. Yes, I am extremely busy, and for me that means a lot of sitting around in front of the computer. But, still, I don't have to be stuffing food in my mouth. Sure, exercise is the way to take off fat but I could do more. I could haul out the exercise bike, hop on and do a half hour and then go back to working. I will try. I need to do what you're setting out to do as well. Good luck! That is excellent on the theater save!! What resolve! But, what is this next post? Did you have a slipup? Whatever, keep the eyes ahead! You can do it!

dj -- Excellent work! :bravo: Sounds like you had a stellar day! :stars:

movinmama -- Welcome aboard! :welcome3: That sounds like a difficult challenge and an excellent one! Good luck and keep us posted! :goodluck:

Shad -- Losing discipline under the coconut tree?!?! :dunno: Now, this is starting to sound like some sort of erotic thread or something! :lol3: Well, I hope you can find the moderation you seek. I have difficulty myself. Good luck!

tea -- Hang in there! Just a bit longer I take it, right? Page numbers are different for everyone, by the way, depending on how you have your user options set up. I have it on the max (40 posts a page) and we're only up to 9. But, if you're on 21, then let it be a wink from the cosmos. You have your eye on the goal!! :dancer:
******

Ok, gotta fly! Hello to everyone else! Please come in and say hi! :wave:

Hmmm.... would anyone happen to know when exactly Sushi started her new challenge...? Sushi can't remember, and thus doesn't know which day she's on... :lol:
Anyhow, the challenge is to not eat or snack after 7 pm (late dinner ok, and it's ok to finish a started meal even if it's 7:05 pm, of course).

Hope everyone is doing well! No time to read up at the moment... I ran away from my temp job today - they let me go because my throat was so sore I couldn't speak anymore... don't want to go tomorrow...

Sushi, just check back. You can probably find at least the first mention of it. Otherwise....you'll just have to start over from Day 1!!! :lol3: :lol3: :lol3:

hi everyone

i got back from the south island last night. i really enjoyed my little holiday it was great :carrot: unfortunately despite lots of walking i have put on weight :p so now i have to get back into my dieting/exercise:cool:

i'm not sure what my 21 day goal will be so i'll have to have a think on that and come back and post when i decide :D see you all real soon

Hi all. Just a quick post before I head out to the gym. while I had two MAJOR bad choices yesterday, I did have a good save at the end of the day. I was heading home from the barn, and started craving other :censored:. Kind of had that mentality that "well, I already blew it for today, might as well make the most of it." Was heading to get more bad stuff. I managed to stop myself, head home, and make the good dinner I had planned. Hurray. Was even able to retire another pair of too big pants, now that I can fit into the smaller ones I have. Yeah.

Everyone, have a wonderful day :wave:

Jolly, Hurrah!!! :cp: :encore: :cp:

Day 1...........................of my new challenge (old challenge is officially done!!!).

Should be okay today.....

--Katherine

:woo: :woo: :woo: :woo: :woo: :woo: :woo: :woo: :woo:

BRAVO :cb: :cb: Katherine!! :hat: :hat:
Congratulations on completing your challenge!!!
:flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1:
:encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore:

:cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp:

Hello everyone!!

You all sound like a great bunch of supportive people which is just what I need so here I go jumping in feet first!!

Challenge Day 1

1. 30 minute walk with dog or ride bike. Level 3
2. Stay under 1400 calorie a day. Level 2
3. Drink 2 litres of water. Level 1

So there you go and here I go ;)

I look forward to getting to know you all a little better :)

Monica


sw/cw/gw
206/183/140

Hi all
Just passing by to say hi... I'm challenge-less at the moment, having had to shelve the 3 most recent ones because of my temporary job. Well, I probably could have managed one or two of them, but I didn't... so... Start over time will be soon.

That was written on May 19....below was written on May 22...

*Not much to post about at the moment...
Things should get moving in the next couple days though.


...and there was nothing written till your post asking when you had started.

So, it looks to me like you aren't doing any challenges?!?!? :?:

MyOwn -- Welcome to the thread! :welcome: Be sure to read the first post with our guidelines etc., which you probably have seeing as you know about levels! :dizzy: Good luck on your challenges!! :goodluck:

Good morning!

day 7 donuts - good
day 9 deficit - good - 1152

:welcome: Monica - Hope your challenges go well for you!

:bravo: Katherine - good job on your challenge!

Jolly - good job on the save! Way to go! :cp: Hey, and congrats on retiring that pair of pants!

SweetPea - welcome back, glad to hear you enjoyed your little holiday.

Red - glad you enjoyed your little trip. Forget about that mirror. As long as you know you are making progress and getting healthier you're doing great!

teatree - yes, exercise is great. :strong: Don't think I would have gotten this far without it! If you had told me 1 1/2 years ago that I would actually learn to enjoy it, I would have told you that you were crazy!

Have a great day everyone!

katherine - well done on your challenge

my own :welcome3:

Hi Everyone. I made day 8 yesterday (exercise challenge) today I think will be a pause day. I have the WORST toothe-ache ever, I sometimes grind my teeth in my sleep (stress) and I should have this one pulled (way in the back thankfully) but I`m horrified to go to the dentist. It`s been hurting a few days now. I hate it. Not only that ...I feel a sore throat and stuffy nose (been going around.. I`m the last one standing, was a matter of time) just all around big mess here. :(

I`m very, very discouraged with the scale. 8 days of exercise, not a pound lost, I`m actually up to 187 but I refuse to accept it! I did notice a pair of very tight jeans were a little looser in the butt and hip area, so that made me feel a little better, but not much. Measurements the same, I just don`t get it. I`m gonna keep going though, I knew to expect tough times getting under 185. I thought the exercise would give a jump start. Plus I`m not eating much because I simply CANT it hurts too much. BTW, I just made the call to have it pulled Tuesday. :(

I`ll chat more later...I guess theres still hope I might work out today, it does take my mind off the toothe, so who knows. I feel like if I don`t do it first thing in the morning I won`t do it at all. We`ll see.

Have a good one, ladies. Lots of luck to you all. :)

Hi all. Not a good morning here with me. Feeling sick, feverish, but have a lot of work to do. I should take the day off, hate to lose the pay. So...I will try to go into the office....sigh.

**************

Caro -- You poor thing! I hope you get that tooth fixed soon. There's no sense leaving it go any longer. Just be sure to tell the dentist to use lots of novacaine. The sore throat is likely due to the tooth as well. I hope you can get that taken care of soon. Tuesday is a long way off. Can't you get there sooner? As for the scale, exercise is not a cure-all. If you've been watching your calorie intake as well, then, yes, you should be seeing results. Focus on those looser jeans. The scale will follow. You may also be gaining muscle, which is much heavier than fat, but will make you tighter. Well, I sure hope you feel better soon. We all need a boost it seems! :^:

dj -- Good going on the challenge! :cp: Thanks for the advice to forget the mirror. I will. I have (kind of). Right now, I am just feeling too lousy to care. I don't think I am making progress because I'm not really exercising. Still, I can not gain. That is something very important that we often belittle, isn't it?

sweet pea -- Yes, glad you had a good time on the island and don't worry about the weight. Just buckle down and work it off! :yes:

I was just looking at some of all the old names of people who used to post with us. ...

aileigh, Apple Blossom, alteaon, carla49, CBETA, chaigirl, curlylocks, dance4joy, Danzer5570, derrydaughter, eesabella, FishWoman, girlieyorkie, IDGRL2005, justkeepswimming, JCT Mom of 3, marbleflys, minaaa, PhysDom, Shad, stagemomx3, Sushi Penguin, trixie-o, vanessa6295

Some of you, of course, still are. Any of you here who are lurking and feel up to a challenge, come on down!!!! :wave: Newbies as well, please join us! :welcome:

**************

red that doesn't sound good with your health. i hope you're not spreading germs to your coworkers (other than the queen of course!). take care of yourself - chicken soup and no exercise etc.

i have decided to have another go at my binge free (BF) challenge. today is day 1. will see how the day goes and this is a level 3 challenge for me

i will also be stepping up the exercise but only 5-6 days/week so won't put it on this challenge

sweet pea -- My coworkers don't count. :lol3: Most of the germs I get from them! The queen is out of town, AGAIN!! A few germs her way would be good, yes! No chicken soup here. I'm a vegetarian. I do feel like crap...maybe will take tomorrow off.... :(

That was written on May 19....below was written on May 22...

...and there was nothing written till your post asking when you had started.

So, it looks to me like you aren't doing any challenges?!?!? :?:

Oh Red, I sure am! :) Just no idea what day it is! :lol:
I think you got the dates wrong, but that doesn't matter - I did start a challenge between those two post, and it was either on Sunday, or on Monday or on Tuesday... it's Friday here today, so I'm finishing up Day 6, or Day 5, or Day 4.
Actually, I don't think it was on Sunday... On Monday I had my meditation class, and didn't get home till 8:45 pm, but I just can't remember whether I had any food then...

Oh well, I guess it doesn't really matter that much, since not eating after 7 pm is nothing new to me - just working on getting back to a habit, which I'm going to stick with, so who cares when the 21 day count is up. :)

Hi Ladies, thanks for the welcome!!

Red, hope you are feeling better soon! :hug:

sweet_pea, good luck with your challenge, be strong!!

Caro, I know how you feel with the toothache, I have been going through the same thing, I was up one night until 3:00 in the morning with pain and discovered that swishing with Listerine would temporarily take the pain away. As it turns out I need a root canal.....yuck:fr: get yourself to that dentist and get it fix, you will be so happy to get it done and over with.

As for me, well things could have gone better and it was only day 1 of my challenge. I did well with my water and walk so for those two I am on day 2. However I was not prepared for my husband getting a naughty dinner and I wasn't strong enough to resist and much to my disappointment/delight I took part. He is now aware that he can't do that anymore. Sooooo for my calorie count I am still on day 1. Glad that happen right at the beginning of my challenge!!

Anyway tummy is rumbling so off I go to get the kids and myself some breakfast.

Good luck everyone, stay strong!!

sw/cw/gw
206/183/140

Hello :wave:

Day 8 donuts - good
Day 10 deficit - good - 1150

Well, this weekend might mess up my deficit. Weather is supposed to be lousy. It's already really windy out, so I might skip my walk. I can handle some wind but when we get those 40-50 mph gusts, I can't stand it! I'll have to add in the exercise I get though from installing our new floor. We are starting it tomorrow, but I've got a lot of work to do to get ready for it. Hopefully all the work will make my deficit work out for me. We'll see.

Red - sorry to hear you're not feeling well! Take care of yourself.

Caro - hope you are getting that tooth taken care of. Toothaches are one of the worst!

Hi to everyone else. I'm going to relax for a few before everyone starts to wake up.

djstorey, sounds like you are doing great, what exactly is this deficit that you have as a challenge and how does it work....if you don't mind me asking:)

Today is good so far hoping I can stay strong, my calories seem to disappear so quickly :(

sw/cw/gw
206/183/140

MyOwn - my deficit challenge is that I'm counting calories and keeping track of my calories burned and trying to keep my calorie deficit in the range of no smaller than a 500 calorie deficit (this is on my one day off from exercise), and no larger than a 1200 calorie deficit. I'm doing this for a couple of reasons.

1. I always seem to freak a little when my calories hit the 1500 mark, yet with all my working out I know I need more than that. If I get less, I seem to hit plateau after plateau.

2. I'm trying to figure out in fitday, how accurate the calories burned section is so that I have a more accurate picture of how many calories I actually do burn and do need. I figured a 3 week challenge should give me a better idea of those numbers.

Hope that all made sense! I'm just trying to keep my diet reasonable. Not too many or too few calories for my activity level.

Hope you are doing good with your challenge! I understand how those calories get used up so quickly!

Day 2..............Made it through. Just need to stretch and drink a glass of water before bed. Layed off the chocolate, but ate too many of the tunesian wedding :censored: that friends brought by yesterday........

Hope you´re all hanging in there!

--Katherine

hi all, i binged yday so i haven't got started yet on my goal. working it again today :wave:

Hi all. Not sure how I got so far behind on posts, but howdy everyone. Had a good day overall. Was able to trade the saddle that didn't fit towards the saddle I want, and got more than I expected, so that was good. Got a good ride in. Everything else all good. A bit bummed though - I was doing the biggest loser contest at the gym. Even though my team was ahead the whole contest, we got passed up at the end. And, I ended up in second place overall, or, as I like to call it, first loser. Very bummed. All that work, and nothing prize wise to show for it. I know that isn't a great attitude, but there you have it.

Have a great evening all.

Oh jollygirl, I am sorry to hear you feel like that. You indeed might have been the "first loser" but in reality you are still a huge winner because when you left that gym you left carrying less weight than when you entered it for the first time :) . Isn't that the most important thing, after all that is our main goal and something to be really proud of. If you really feel bummed out why not treat yourself to a reward for all your hard work, like some pampering or something new to wear. I hope you feel better soon and can feel proud of all you have accomplished so far and will continue to accomplish through a lot of hard work, sweat and sometimes tears. You are doing great, your ticker says it all!!

sweet pea, good luck and keep plugging away, eventually you WILL get there through perserverance(sp?)!!

ktgk, good going for today, boy that chocolate is such a temptation for me too :( . Good luck for today :)

djstorey, thanks for the info on your deficit challenge, you explained it well :) . Hope it is going well for you and that you have a great day today.

Red, hope you are feeling better today and that your health is on the improve.

As for me, yesterday was a good day which means I am now on;
DAY THREE for water and exercise
DAY TWO for calorie count
I have promised myself not to step on the scale until the 21 days have passed so I don't get discouraged and throw in the towel early.

Good luck for today everyone, may willpower be with us when we feel weak!

Oki doki. My stretching if done for the day, I´m on the half-way mark with water, There isn´t any more chocolate in the apartment (my husband took care of that this morning), and I´ve avoided the bread...I think I´ll do fine for tonight...at least I can hope...

--Katherine

Hi, i'm tweetyandme and i'm interested in joining the 21-day challenge group. I don't want to make my goals unrealistic, they need to be reachable, and because i know that i have the self-control and the will power, i am gonna do it at a level 3. I have type-1 diabetes which means that i have to take insulin shots daily to keep my high blood sugar down, it also means that i am not supposed to have ANY sugar at all, what-so-ever, but i do anyway in disreguard of my health. I am also supposed to limit my number of carbs. because carbs. are broken down into sugar, but i LIVE for carbs.. I have really got to stick with this challenge. My current weight is now higher then my starting weight, and if i don't lose the weight, the doctors say that it most likely will result in death within the next 3-5 years! :(
I am gonna have a few 21-day challenges:
1.) I will not have ANY sugar.
2.) I will exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week (minutes will increase each 21 days.)
3.) I will drink ONLY water, no other liquids.

I will start today: Saturday, May 27, 2006 10:27AM est.

I know i can do it!!!!!!

~tweetyandme :)

Good evening everyone. Welcome, Tweety. Monica, thanks for the kind words. I know that is how I should be feeling, and it is what I am telling myself I should be feeling. Unfortunately, I am falling into my usual trap of "If I am not number 1 or the best I am nothing" sort of mentality. It is what leads me to self sabatoge and go backwards in many things in life. Very bad, and I am trying hard to overcome it. Hopefully . . . .

Have a good day all.

Hi all. I'm busy as usual. Big race day here again. Rainy. I don't even want to go, but will... Ok, I know I've been just hanging out here and not doing a challenge but some things have to fall by the wayside when you're as busy as I am. At least I still come in here for a bit to check up on y'all. I really do want to get a better body and I feel mental changes occurring in my head! :crazy: Foods and pasttimes (read...the pub) are losing their hold on me in a big way, and, what is perhaps more important, I feel a desire to just get it all together. Now THAT, I suppose is what people who do have their eating and exercise all together feel most of the time...then again...I think very, very few people have it ALL together and I am working on the big picture! :yes: So, I am feeling good about myself despite the fat and lack of muscle tone, but yes, do want to do something to change that for the better as well. Right now, though, I don't feel like declaring a challenge. But, I am working on one, something...stay tuned! A note, I even did the crunches yesterday, just for the heck of it, even though it's not a challenge any longer. It has definitely become, if not a habit, something I like to do and DO do. :sunny:

**************

Jolly -- Get OUT of that trap!! What kind of goofy thinking is that anyhow?! :dunno: No. 1 and "best" are not determinable so why go thinking that? Our lives are made up of chapters, or of acts in a play. There is no perfect you, there is just you and what you are doing at a particular time in your life. It is not a striving for a perfection, it is a dance, an act, a performance for the time and, from what I've been hearing, I like the performance you've been giving of late. The slides into things you don't like to have in your life are not bad in themselves, they are part of a big picture and that picture is you and what makes you unique and interesting. So, don't punish yourself. Smile and laugh like you would at a child or animal you love...not that you're a child or animal, but I'm saying, show yourself the loving indulgence you would show something, someone you dearly loved. Ok? And yes, reading further back, I am totally with Saboteur. How can you put yourself and your efforts down like that?! That really makes me mad! :mad: You HAVE your prize! What do you mean, "nothing prize wise to show for it" ?!?!?! I want you to say to yourself..."Jolly, you worked your butt off...you put in a lot of effort and you DID something that brought you closer to your goal...You are great and I am proud of you...You are a winner!!!" :hug:

tweety -- Hello! :wave: I'm so glad you joined. Welcome to our humble thread! :welcome3: It was nice chatting with you last night. Having diabetes must be a real bummer, to put it mildly. And yes, your situation is right out there smack in your face with a huge "This is grave stuff!!" (pun applicable!) That said, you have to be brave and embrace life and that means doing things that are healing things for your body. Nothing is being ignored. Your body can't ignore it. You said you didn't have any support and I sure hope we can be at least a budding support system for you. I hope you can find others perhaps, real people (meaning ones you can actually meet) who maybe have the same health condition and have it under control. You need to do a revamp of your diet. Carbs are NOT bad, it's the simple carbs, the processed garbage that passes for food these days that you have to stamp out of your life. I have done many no-sugar challenges and feel sooo good when I do them that I really question my intelligence when I find myself downing the stuff again. :?: I want you to focus on what you CAN eat and work with that. The exercise too, focus on doing what you can, really can, make a game of it. Yes, your goals are definitely attainable and I hope you can reach them right off the bat. But, if you don't, I don't want you giving up, you hear?! You stick with us and fight this battle! :strong: You can do it! :yes:

kt -- Good work on the stretching. Sounds good with the water. Get that :censored: OUT of the apartment for good! :lol: Good luck! :dancer:

MyOwn -- Thank you! I am feeling much better. Got two nights' of rest now and even though it was a long day yesterday I made it through. Since I am never sick, I think the idea of it makes me feel a lot iller than I am. Still, I got to ride my horse yesterday and I just love her so much. It was raining lightly but even just getting out to see her made me feel so much better. :cloud9: That's a good thing with the no-scale policy. Scales don't mean too much. Use your clothes to determine how you're doing. Look at your body like a sculpture in the making and work WITH it, not against it. Bravo for you for notching more days on your challenges! :bravo:

sweet -- I really don't like hearing about you bingeing all day! :drill: Get on the ball!! I'm going to be watching for you and I want to hear that you at least put the brakes on!!! :hug:

dj -- How are you doing?! Thanks, I AM feeling better! Thank you for your concern. :yes:

Sushi -- You stealth starter you! Good luck! :goodluck:

hello everyone :wave:

Bravo for you for notching more days on your challenges!

Well I think that Bravo was not earned Red, I had a really bad day yesterday and had to call it a 'pause day' so as not to start at day one again, not that I am far off of that right now but I think it would be just too discouraging for me :( .

So this is where I stand today;
DAY THREE for water and exercise
DAY TWO for calorie count

I wish myself and everyone else

:dust:

Red, glad to hear you are feeling better and were able to go out and ride your horse......do you have any pictures of your horse you could post, I would love to see her. My sister is a huge horse lover and would love to have one of her own but right now she has to be satisfied with her Breyer horse collection and the weekly horseback riding lessons that her daughter takes.

ktgk, good job, I hope the rest of the day went well for you!!

tweety, hi and :welcome2: to the group, I am new here too!! I wish you all the best with your challenges and hope with good results will come good health or at the very least better health. I look forward to getting to know you and evryone else here!!

sw/cw/gw
206/183/140

Good morning all. I am really trying to get passed all the stuff in my head right now. I know my mindset is all wrong, and that kind of thinking is what has led me to back slide in the past. I am just trying to keep plugging away as I work to change how I am thinking. But that feeling of being not good enough lingers on . . . .

It was interesting, but I read an article on why we have some of our bad habits, and one of the things mentioned for overeating and for 'failing' as you get close to goal really struck home for me. That when you get close to goal, you no longer have being overweight as an excuse for whatever in life you don't like. I am summarizing, of course, but that was the gist of it. And very true for me. It is easier to blame my weight, and people's bias against overweight, instead of looking at what is really going on in my life andfixing it.

Sorry for being so rambly so early in the morning. I am off to the gym and to ride. Have a wonderful day all. Red, I am glad you are feeling better, and had some quality horse time. Everyone else :wave:

Just wanted you all to know that I'm still here, just busy. We're putting in our new flooring, (over 500 sq. ft.). I'll have to catch up with you all later and with my posts. Computer is going down today and I don't know when we'll put this room back together.

Talk to you all soon.

I´m starting new across the board. I didn´t do ANYTHING yesterday. I thought I was doing okay right up until I had the sudden desire to call up my husband and ask him to bring :censored: with him home on his way from work...after that, things just went downhill...........I feel pretty cruddy...seeing as how I was at my lowest weight that I´ve been since before I got pregnant and I have now gained 3 lbs of what is hopefully not fat (you can´t gain three pounds of fat in one day, right?).....

Anywho, I´m starting over.

And I´m going to have to be careful about what I eat for the next week or so..................

--Katherine

my eating is out of control at the mo. i haven't achieved any binge free days yet but i will. somehow i am going to get on top of this...

catch you all soon :wave:

sweet pea!!! tsk, tsk!! :nono: Didn't my admonishments do any good?!?! :?: I want you to stop with that bingeing right now!! :tantrum:

hehe
nope it must have gone right over my drunken carb loaded brain!!!

i did put the brakes on put i am still bingeing. just not quite as much. i have put back on all the weight i lost. too scared to get back on the scales and check my current weight. my problem is i get too easily discouraged. when i came back and found i had gained most of the weight i lost i gave up.

i have set myself an incredibly difficult challenge BUT it's essential. i simply have to stop bingeing. it's more critical than anything else. 21 alcohol free days would probably help. i had been alcohol free for a couple of months other than 2 special occasions. when i drink i tend to lose my self control over food and once that happens i just keep stuffing more food in. hard to rein it back in. not sure i have the guts to pour out the remainder of the bottle of wine i just corked up. hmmmmm will think about it

anyway no reason for bingeing. i feel a bit blah but life is good everything going well. just a bit demotivated

thanks for your support red. i have to come read this thread every day and keep up with everyone's news. after my absence i am finding it hard to get back that sense of belonging. silly huh

sweet pea! I can't write now as I have a story to do and I have 30 mins to do it! BUT, I wanted to say that you mustn't be scared. The weight is there whether you see the numbers or not. If you don't want to see them, then simply stay off the scale! Just take things step by step. The weight doesn't have to all come off now. Bingeing is a sign of other things bothering you. Maybe you need to work on them. Maybe you should start with a small challenge to gain some sense of accomplishment and, more importantly, power and control in your life. When you binge, you feel out of control, but remember that too is a type of control. In any case, challenging yourself not to binge is just too big for you now. I don't think it's possible, really. You could challenge yourself to allow yourself to binge but only on certain foods. I used to do that with my no-sugar challenges. In any case, please rethink your challenge and start something, small perhaps. Ok? Think on that for me, will you?! :hug:

Good morning all you motivated people.....yes sweet pea that includes you ;)

sweet pea, everything the red said :)

ktgk, I don't think you can gain 3lbs over night, maybe what you ate made you retain more water?? Anyway keep at it, I think every once in a while we need to remove the restrictions and indulge. Good luck with your new challenge!!

djstorey, good luck with the floor, did you help?? I am sure laying new floor must burn a lot of calories.

jollygirl, keep that chin up and I hope you work it all out and stay on track. I think you are doing just fantasic, cut yourself some slack and keep up the good work!!!

OKay now for me :) Yesterday was an amazing day!! I did great *patting myself on the back* . I kept those calories down got in my exercise....even a little extra, as I did some dancing with the kids (I have 4 of them) and I had enough calories left over to have a little treat with out going over my days allotment of calories. All in all it was a fantastic day for me and I am proud of myself.....can ya tell ;) .

So today is......
DAY FOUR for water and exercise
DAY THREE for calorie count

I can feel that today will be another good one......I challenge all of you to have a great day too!! Looking forward to hearing all the good reports tomorrow :) Come girls you can do it :cheer:



sw/cw/gw
206/183/140

Hurrah MyOwn!!! Glad to hear you did so well!! :cp: :encore: :cp:

Awwww..... gosh....thanks red....:o

Good Morning to all... I am going to be joining this thread to keep myself accountable for my exercise!

I dont know everyone yet but I am planning to get to know all so I can post personal and be as supportive as I can!

Question: Should I start on day 1 of the thread or day 1 of exercising?

Hey all. Just wanted to post quick to say hi :wave: Busy weekend. Fun and lots of good stuff, but busy.

take care all. We can do this. see you all later.

Well i have been exercising everyday for the past 7 days even if only for 20 minutes!

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 7 days done!
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 7 days done!

Welcome, Rebeca! :wave: :welcome: So, you're a stealth starter, are you? :lol: Please be sure to read the first post of the thread for all the details! :sunny: Good luck and I hope to hear lots from you! :yes:

Hey everybody. Sorry I have been mia. I am glad to see everyone is doing ok. I hope to catchup with everyone soon. I have lost a total of 10 pd since I have started so that is good. Work is still a booger but hey...everyone has them. I will post more soon. Just wanted to pop in and see how everyone was and let you know I am still alive. take care.

Hi all! Just stopping in to say hello and check who's been posting. Not too much action these days. What has happened to everyone's motivation?!?! :shrug: We had some newcomers and then nothing....come in and post!! :wave: I'm so busy it's not funny. But, I'm just trying to keep chipping away at the work, keep a good attitude and get through this all a winner! :yes: As for the challenge.....I just got down on the floor and did some crunches, 10 sets of 20. So, I'm going to make that my new challenge for now. Day 1 in the bag!

**************

princess -- Hello! Glad to hear from you. And wow! Congratulations on the 10 lbs gone!! :cb: Yes, that IS good! :yes: Sorry to hear work is a *****. Mine is a drag as well... Well, hope to hear more from you soon. We're a bit short on action here these days. Sure would like to see some of the old regulars back!

jolly -- How did your weekend go? I hope you did have lots of fun. Stop in soon! :sunny: About that article you spoke of, that, I think, is very, very true. I have read similar and totally agree. I think it's part of my problem, or was. I think, too, that even if you don't use being overweight as an excuse, it is subconsciously there, this something to do that isn't being done and so you feel like you still have time, like you're an unfinished work of art, whatever, when, really, and I know this sounds harsh, but...your life is passing you by. Not you particularly, in general. Then again, I think it may also be more important to grab hold of life NOW, at whatever weight you are, however you look and just enjoy it. These are moments that will never be again.

You know, I just remembered something that, even now kind of gives me shivers and makes me teary kind of. It was Sunday as I was coming home from the Derby. As the train pulled into the platform I saw someone waiting outside and he was the most horribly disfigured person I have ever seen. A young man, I have seen this in a book, some disease that causes horrible growths on the face. Well, I won't go into detail, but even I, who have seen much, was shocked. I felt this fear like go through me, some scared kind of feeling like you don't want to believe that this person has to go through life looking like that and at the same time realizing just how blessed I am. Even now, thinking of it, makes my eyes well up. I thought how petty my complaints were, my wanting to lose 30 lbs or so, my feeling older and not very pretty, and I meet this fellow and wow...made me ashamed at my lack of humility.

Rebeca -- How are you doing? Is this you in your avatar pic?! If so, you are beautiful! Hope you post with us regularly and get to know everyone! :dancer:

MyOwn -- Having another good day, I hope! :spin:

sweet pea -- Did you read my last message? Tell me what you think. :dance: Hope you're doing better. Are you going to stick with the no-bingeing challenge? If you do no alcohol I could do it with you....she says reluctantly... :^:

kt -- So, are you starting a new challenge? Don't worry about those 3 lbs. They're probably just fluid, nothing to get worried about!

dj -- Wearing off more calories with the flooring? Hope you get a computer soon.

tweety -- Where are you?!?! :shrug: Come in and post!

Everyone else, come in and say heh!! :wave:

Good morning all. Yes, I had an awesome weekend. Lots of long weekend celebrating though, so I just hope to have the scale stay the same this week. I am ok with that for now. I had so much fun with family and friends.

Red, I hear you on those eye opener moments. I realize I am truly blessed. Really, the only thing I am not enjoying right now is male companionship. that is because a) I don't get out there, and b) I can't quite get the chip off my shoulder. OK. There is one other thing. I am waiting to lose 20 more pounds before learning to jump. That is more because I don't think my little Arab should have to carry so much extra weight. But we are getting there. Doing ground pole work to remind him to pick up his darn feet and watch where he is going!!!

I think I am taking a day off from the gym. I need to go up and see my grandparents today. Was summoned for reasons unknown. . . I want to spend a little time on some pampering this morning. I will try and do yoga, a bike ride, or get to the gym tonight.

Have a wonderful day all. :wave:

Yeah, my new challenges are on the top of page 22.......................and I´ve already had to start over.....

My challenges (seperate):

1. No chocolate (a big trigger food for me) Level 2
2. No bread (I don´t know if I´m allergic to wheat or what, but I always gain weight when I eat bread...maybe it´s just the extra calories...I don´t know) Level 1
3. 3 L water daily Level 1
4. 30 minutes of activity daily Level 3
5. 10 minutes stretching daily Level 2

--Katherine

Ok, Now i get the game! Sorry I am too lazy to exercise and too lazy to read! LOL

I appreciate the warm welcoming!

RED- Thanks! Thats really me! LOL ... (notice: the pic is only fron the waste up! the waste down is a different story)... LOL

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 7 days done! LEVEL 2
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 7 days done! LEVEL 2

I gotta confess somethings for you guyz! First I am addicted to Chocolate! Cant get over that just yet...Second: I HATE EXERCISING!!!! this is the hardest one for me! Third, I love water but cant get enough during the weekends so its pretty hard to go 21 days!

Ok yesterday went well, got my exercising early in the morning, today I only did 30 cruches but i have a cardioblast (1 hour class) before going to college!

hi red!
yes i did get your message but the difficulty is if i cut sugar i just binge on other things. like breads and pizza and so on (ok i'm stopping no food porn lol). i just switch my behaviour from one thing to another. but i agree the challenge seems almost insurmountable.

my first challenge was 21 days journalling which i did to help me get on top of any blocks that were affecting my eating. i've done that now (altho i don't think i posted as i was away at the time on holiday)

alcohol free i can do - i threw away the rest of the wine and plan to keep my sticky mitts off the alcohol at the shops next time i'm there. if i don't have it in the house i am fine

i will think if there is some other challenge i can do but binge free is what i need LOL. i don't want to do an exercise challenge as i like to have a rest day each week so i can't do it 21 days solid.

rebecca i'm addicted to chocolate too. very hard to give up.

katherine do you gain weight from bread or is it size? if it's size then it could be gluten as it causes bloating

Sweet, you can do a level 3 exercise challenge, taking one day off a week. Now I'm no example, I rarely post and am being a very bad girl re food and moving, :o but I can smell a bad excuse a mile away... (Usually Red :coach: is the one to do the public whipping, but hey, here I am into the breach...)

Hi all. :wave: Still not ready to be here all the time. But I'm still hanging around, on the perimeter. :D

I am done! Last night I finished both of my challenges (no leftovers and no knuckle-cracking)!

Good morning all. Congrats, Teatree, on finishing your challenges. :cheer: :cheer: Way to go. So, what's next?? Welcome Rebeca, and good luck with your challenges. Sweet Pea, let's you and I get back in the game.

Holiday weekend is done. No more excuses. 5 days straight of pretty much partying pretty much did me in. Back to business today. Though, I have to say, the funny thing is that I had 5 days off and didn't get to sleep in any of them. I only missed one day of working out. But the food was awful. And alcohol. So, I restart my challenges now.

1) follow menu and stay under 2000 calories. I WILL plan well, and not get scared off by a number.
2) no soda
3) do some ab/core work at home daily.

All will be a level 3 at this point. I just need to complete these challenges well, and get back in the groove. It is tough, as I know #1 will need a pause day Saturday - I have a get together with my friends. We eat out, and usually not at a place where I can get a calorie count. I will try to eat sensibly though anyway.

Have a wonderful day all, and let's do this!!!

Waving hi to everyone. Computer access is a problem right now, so I can't drop by often or post much... gosh, how I can't wait to have my computer back! Not till September though.
Anyhow, my "no food after 7 pm" challenge is still going strong, I'm on Day 11 or 10 or 9 - can't tell for sure since I still can't remember when I started.

I want to start another challenge, something exercise-related, but I've been feeling very laaaaaaaaaazy and non-committional (is there a word like that?), so I don't think I could get through 21 days, and I don't want to set myself up for a failure... Maybe a challenge is just what I need to snap out of this, but then I really doubt that would work...

still zero binge free days to report. still working on that hurdle :)

carla - haha on the excuses. i guess i just felt it was cheating to call it a level 3 challenge and take a day off per week for exercising when it's not as much of a challenge as my binge free challenge. perhaps i am making life too difficult for myself? i will decide tmrw. today is nearly over so i will think overnight. the binge free is totally discouraging as i haven't even got 1 day under my belt

myown - that is a gorgeous avatar. where did you get it. i totally love it lol

BRAVO :cb: :cb: teatree!! :hat: :hat:
Congratulations on completing your :eek: TWO :eek: challenges!!! :D :D :D

*slinky back to the group with head hung in shame*

Well I blew it on all my challenges:cry: but thats okay, I will get back up, dust myself off and start again because I am no longer a quiter!!!!

So back to challenge day #1 for me on all three of my challenges, sorry redI know you were hoping for better news from me. Maybe with you jumping in for a challenge we might get a little more motivated ;)

sweet....glad to hear you poured out the rest of the wine, I was hoping you would. Good luck with your coming challenge. As for the Avatar, I thought it was cute too and I found it at this great avatar website called the Avatarist, I don't know if I can post the link but here it is so I hope it doesn't get removed. http://www.avatarist.com/ They have thousands of avatars!

sushi....good work on your challenge and :drill: GET OFF THAT LAZY KEESTER AND WORK..WORK..WORK!!! :o Oh..... sorry..... I don't know what came over me there ;) and yes there is a word like that, it is noncommittal.

jolly...good luck with the challenges, I can be the queen of excuses, at least that's what my husband tells me so I am also saying no more excuses and just get the job done!!

teatree...WOW that is fantastic what a woman :dance: you must be so happy with yourself, good work!!

Rebeca :welcome3: good luck with your challenges....I so hear you on the hating exercise for I feel the exact same way, infact I hate all things diet and exercise related :o How bad am I!!!

carla :wave: Hi will look forward to getting to know you once you dive back in!

red, mind if I join you with your crunch challenge, I thought maybe I would change the bike challenge and join you. Crunches is something I can do with all the kids around and doesn't take me out of the house. I have a very hard time getting 'child free time'

ktgk, I think I might end up being the queen of starting over which goes great with the crown of excuses :o

Anyway must be off I have 4 kids to feed and times a tickin' , OH KNOW :eek: Joseph my 21 month old son just took off his clothes and diaper and peed on the floor.....oh well better number 1 then number 2 I guess :)

Talk to you all later.

Hi everyone! How are you all doing? :listen: I hope things are fine out there in challenge land! :crazy: I just got down on the floor and did my crunches. Had to fight falling asleep, but I did 'em....just kidding..on the falling asleep part, that is! Day 2 in my pocket!!! Knock 'em dead!!!

**************

sweet pea -- carla is right. She sniffed (snuffed?) out that excuse like a hound dog! :spin: And now hear this! :coach: I want you to stop making excuses and filling up your posts with all this negativity. Shudder! Ugh! :stress: Pick something simple and do it!! I want to see you counting up the days! Those sticky mitts on the alcohol at the shops. You don't stand there nipping at the bottles, do you? I just had this really bizarre picture in my head...or was it a picture in my bizarre head..:?:...anyhow....of you standing in the aisle unscrewing bottles and sipping from them, putting them back and then circling the aisle and coming back for another bottle. Hmmm..sounds like something I'd do...:lol3: Well, I don't know if I want to do alcohol-free actually. If you can, then I won't. It'd have to be as hard for you as it was for me.....anyhow, just get something going, ok?

Sushi -- Excellent! Good work on the foodless evenings! :cp: Hope you get that computer soon! :yes:

jolly -- "Five days straight of ....partying!!!" :hat: Wow! Even I wouldn't do that! Rockin' steady! :dancer: Well, good for you for getting back on the wagon. Drag sweet pea up there with you! Good luck! :goodluck:

carla -- Thanks for stopping in! Got some photos of Momo. Speaking of whom, I saved a mouse from her yesterday. :mouse: Heard this little frantic squeaking, go outside and see her batting the poor little thing around. I distracted her and it ran off. Then a toad hopped over, but she wasn't interested in that. Photos on way soon. Just have to get them into the computer. Hang on!

Rebeca -- Laziness is NOT permitted here! :nono: I will have to put that in the guidelines! ;) Bravo on your week done, but hasn't that number stayed there now for a couple days?! :dunno: I don't know, maybe it's just me, all screwed up over here on the other side of the planet. Remember, you have to count every day of the calendar, not just your days notched, got it?! And, oh, please, it's "waist down" NOT "waste down." I just couldn't let that one go! But don't you mind me, okay? I just had to do it for carla! :rofl: Ok, what's with the not enough water on weekends? Are you out in the desert or something?! You can always chug it! ....not a medical condition or something, is it? ...you never know....hmm. :?: Did you get that cardioblast done? Sounds tough!

kt -- "challenges on top of page 22??" Remember, pages are different for everyone...wow! five different challenges?! Well, what can I say?! :shrug: Good luck!!!! :dance:
Saboteur -- No shame!! It's ok to slip up. We restart all the time. But, it does feel good to hit 21...right teatree?! Good for you though for getting right back on track! :yes: That's what matters. No excuses. Just jump in. Yes, please, join me on the crunches! I definitely feel the difference when I do them. It's a great feeling!

Good Morning-

Red- Thanks for the butt kicking! From now on i love exercise and I am close to meet one of my personal goals! I set a goal of 620min of exercise per month and now i only need to do 100! I dont leave in the desert so i have no excuse not to drink water on the weekends, but I am from brazil and thats how typos happens all the time! I have only been in the us for about 5 years!

Monica- Thanks for the welcoming! Glad I am not the only one that drags but behind to the gym sometimes! Hey lets get going girl!!!

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 8 days done! LEVEL 2
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 8 days done! LEVEL 2

NOTE: I started my challenge before coming to the board!

I got 90 min of exercise since yesterday! 20 min threadmill 10streching (includes 50 crunches) with yoga ball and 60 aerobics this morning!

100 to go for my 620 min of exercising for May!

Hey all. Well, got back to the gym today. ( Actually only missed one day of working out. The gym was closed Monday so I biked). Our trainer kicked our butts - hurray! And, despite the long weekend, I only gained 1 pound, which is pretty good all things considered. Here's to a better week.

Red, I had to laugh at saving the mouse from your horse. I saw a cow going after a cat the other day. The cow looked like it was having so much fun. The cat? Not so much.

Rebeca, where are you from in Brazil? Are you originally from there? I have cousins down there.

Everyone else, get back on the wagon. Let's have some success! We can do this - excuses only hold you back. Have a great day all. :wave:

Jolly- I am from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (estate)!
Where are your cousins from?

Well, I'm back, kinda. I do have computer access but it's not easy access. We are STILL doing our floors and probably will be for some time. We are also headed to California next week, so we probably won't finish the floors until after we get back.

I have not had time to go back through all the posts to catch up with you. I will soon hopefully.

:welcome: Rebecca - good luck with your challenges!

As far as my challenges:
donuts I've been good with except 1 day. I think that makes 2 pause days, however, I have no idea right now what day I'm on! I will read back as soon as I can to figure that out.

The deficit challenge is history though. With no computer to access my fitday on, and being so busy tearing out carpeting and linoleum, and laying our new floor, I just have not counted even 1 calorie! I also have no idea what my calories burned are. Anyways, I am not going to re-start that challenge. Since we're going to California next week, there is no use in it. When we get back, I'll start something new.

:bravo: teatree on your challenges!

Everyone else, hope you're doing good. Catch up with you next time I manage to hook my modem up! :wave:

DJ, welcome back, and good luck with all your challenges. Have fun in California.

Rebeca - you would ask that. I am really not sure. They are Baptist missionaries in Brazil. I am not even sure which of the family is where. I just know it is nowhere real populated . . . I remember a picture sent when we were kids, of all 7 kids plus parents stretched out holding the snake skin they got from the snake under their house!!! :fr: I will have to check with Mom, she would know all the dets. When did you move up here?

I moved here in October 2000! I was 13 at the time and my parents just decided to pack their bags after i was robbed 3 times! My city has 16 million people so they wanted to move in the middle of nowhere! (myrtle beach?)lol

hi all

well red you can put the whip away. i decided last night i would do the exercise challenge with the 3 rest days. i have fibromyalgia so i need a rest day each week for my body to recover.

anyway i need to get credit ;) i did my 21 day journaling challenge and completed that :D so take that :rofl:

my challenge will be 30 mins a day but it doesn't all have to be at once. so i might do 10 mins dance + 20 mins gardening or walking or whatever. that will be a good challenge for me as it is more than i do currently

i have a cold and my nose is dripping so i will come back and post properly wheni have some pills from the chemist to keep it under control

monica - thanks for the link. i will go explore. i like the pix of my doggy but i fancy something cute from that avatar site

Hey all. Sweet Pea, good luck on the new challenge. I like your dog's picture - is that a Golden Retriever?? Rebeca, that sounds like a REALLY good reason to move.

Day one, all three challenges met. I have to say, it was a bit tough. I had really been doing some unmindful eating lately, and eating until overstuffed, not just no longer hungry. So, scaling back on the food to a normal level is hard. I feel hungry :sp: Ah well. That's what I get. Need to get back with the program.

Have a wonderful evening all. :wave: And Red, feel free to keep the whip out, and send a few flicks my way.

day 1: Success
I did my 30 mins exercise (actually quite a lot more). it was all walking and it was at snail's pace but at least i did it. hooray

jolly if only some of your eating is unmindful i think you're doing great. i have to confess nearly all of my eating is mindless LOL. hence the bingeing.

i am deciding what to have for dinner. i was down at the shops but couldn't think what i wanted. i sat down for a minute to try and imagine what i'd like for dinner but it didn't work. actually i'd love to order deliver BAD GIRL that i am. that is getting to be a regular habit

Good morning all. Have to report that I went to bed early and got the sleep I really needed, and avoided the food that I really didn't need. Whew. I wish I could have done something more productive, like walk the dogs or go ride, but ah well. Still a save.

Sweet Pea, what has helped me the most is making a menu. that way, I don't have those "what will I eat" moments, that also lead me to order out. At least not as often. I plan around my paydays, so try to keep shopping trips to a minimum. And I still plan in favorite foods - just try to plan better for portion sizes, and use lighter substitutes when possible. Good luck.

Everyone, here's to a great day for everyone. We can do this :wave:

i'm with you on the sleep jolly. i think that was a good use of your time. studies show lack of sleep increases weight and i have to say i have not been taking care of that. staying up too late, not sleeping and then draggin my tail around during the day

nite all

No time to post long but just wanted to say I have notched Day 3 of my challenge. Got down and did those crunches! You bet!! :dancer:

Ok, I figured out that yesterday was day 12 on the donuts and I did good. I only have one pause day left, but since we're going to California next week, I should be able to meet this challenge. I normally would never eat a donut. Before I worked at the donut shop, I might have had a donut once a year, so once I'm not at work next week, I'll have no problem staying away from them. I just can't use more than my one more pause day before that.

Anyways, hope you all have a good day. I've got to get moving once again on our new floor that seems will never be finished!

:wave:

Good Morning all-

Sounds like everyone is doing wonderful! I got my exercise in already and I am drinking so much water I am scare to float away...

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 9 days done! LEVEL 2
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 9 days done! LEVEL 2

Heh, where is everybody?!?! :dunno: Let's get some action in here!! :dizzy:
I am on the fly here. Gotta run!! :wave:

Hey all. It was a day here. Just a day. Have to go get my core work in. . . . Hmmmm what do I want to do tonight?? I really need to get some sleep too - I feel really tired.

NOt much else to report. Everyone, keep up the good work. REd, hope things are going even a little better, and we get a full report soon.

G'night all :wave:

I´m going to delay starting my new challenge until I´m done with this PMS nonsense (I´m seriously thinking of getting pregnant again just to make it go away!)...........I´ll be back in a few days.

On the upside, I´ve got some new motivation...I´ll be going to Syria soon to visit my in-laws and I´d like to lose another 5 lbs before then--then I´ll have 25 lbs gone since the last time I saw them.

--Kate

Day 4 is done!! Back to work..... :stress:

Hi all! Hi jolly, kt, Rebeca, dj, sweet, are you the only ones posting these days!??!!? :dunno: :shrug: :?:

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 10 days done! LEVEL 2
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 10 days done! LEVEL 2

Hello again all. I just need to ramble a bit. I am trying to sort some things out in my head, and sometimes it helps to have you all add your thoughts to mine.

I am really at a tough point here. I have not weighed less than 200 pounds since probably 1994. The only other time I was this close, was about 6 years ago, when I first joined TOPS. Then, I let the work stress get to me, I closed off from everyone, and I ran screaming back to old patterns - gaining back everything I had lost. I then spent the next few years gaining and losing the same 20 pounds.

I now find myself at the same crossroads. The job I have now is stressful, but not nearly what that old one was, true. But there are other issues going on. At first I thought that the problem was due to setting a LIMIT on calories. That panic feeling of deprivation. While that may be part of it, I realize that is not the whole of it, or even the majority. The biggest thing is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of exposing the real me to the world without the protective layer of fat and binging to protect me. All of which I realize is messed up and crazy, but it is real for me. I know I have to truly believe I deserve better, I deserve to be happy, and I deserve the best. That I am worthy of it, warts and all. I just don't know how to power through this.

I have been hopping on the scale daily at the gym. So far, it has just helped keep me motivated and accountable. I don't stress out too much, as I do know that water weight, etc can fluctuate quite a bit daily. But it helps to see the results on the scale when I do have an "off" eating day. Right now, though, I don't know if that is helping me or hurting me. Is it keeping me focused on progress, or keeping me too focused on that magic plateau number I want to get under? I don't know. I am afraid if I ignore the scale for a few days, it will be that much harder to have a "reason" to make healthy choices.

Any thoughts, guys? Have any of you, particularly those who have had to lose a LOT (like me), had to deal with a particular barrier like this? What have you done to get over it?

I do not want to gain back what I have lost. I don't want to continue to feel unworthy or afraid or whatever combination of emotions is brewing in me.

HELP!!!!

JOlly- I have a long way to go too but i am starting to feel the same way! I just feel like i cant accomplish and it doesnt matter how hard i try! I popped on the scale this morning and it said 181 and i am freaking out already! i know its only 2lbs but still it felt so good to be 179 for once! Maybe i am just scared of attention and the way people will see me when i lose all of this weight! Lets just try to concentrate on right now and not look that far into the future! When it comes the time we will deal with it THEN! Lets try to make the right choices and be healthy for ourselves so we can fit into the sexy cloth and not feel jealous of those beautiful woman at the gym with a "perfect" body!!!

COme on girl! Lets do it!

Hi all! Donut challenge is good for day 13. Unfortunately though, with the stress of putting in this floor and my house in such a disaster (which makes me crazy!), my food choices have not been good at all! I weighed in 2 pounds heavier, although I'm sure a lot of it is water due to TOM. Still, rather frustrating all in all. I have to admit that the California trip has me worried. Family members have BBQ's planned, and the long time on the road has me worried too. I guess if I can just maintain until we get back I'll be happy

Jolly - :hug: I sometimes feel the same way. I sometimes think that being fat is a way to hide yourself. I think I've been so used to hiding that I'm sometimes unsure I want to come out of that "safe" place. However, I also know how good I'm feeling now that I've managed to lose so much. Clothes are fitting so much better and I can actually buy them in the misses section now rather than the women's. I have more energy, I'm not always wondering if my husband or my kids are embarrassed to be seen with me and I actually find my self doing things like climbing on the jungle gym with my 2 year old and going down the slide! I could have never done that before because my butt would never have fit!

I guess those are the kind of things that have kept me going. I can't say that I've never gotten off track, because I sure have, but, thinking of the GOOD things that have come out of my weight loss sure helps to keep me going.

One other thing I did last year was to actually take a break. I think I burned out on the whole "diet" thing. I decided to just practice maintaining for a while. I made sure I weighed in on schedule to make sure I didn't gain and I never gave up my workouts, but it sure was nice to take some of the pressure off and just quit worrying so much about the losing weight. The surprising part was that I ended up losing another 10 pounds in 5 months! I'm not sure taking a break would work for everyone, but in my case, when I started back up again I felt ready to go and felt that I had "adjusted" to my new self.

Keep thinking good thoughts. I'm sure you've found many of your own NSV's that made you feel really good about yourself. Don't give up! You've come so far and don't want to have to start over again! You can do this!!!!! :carrot:

Thanks for the advice, guys. I really need it right now.

All challenges met for today. Hooray. I had a really good day. First, the car repair I needed turned out to be the cheaper of the options, not the worst case scenario, which is huge for my budget. Then, got to go out by my horse, and had a really wonderful ride. Hooray again. Lastly, I came home craving either carbs to go with my salad for dinner, or a certain "popped" snack food. Decided on option #2, and even figured out what portion I could have, and still stay within my calories for the day. REalized after dinner that I was FULL, and didn't need anything more, so saved those calories.

Have a great day all. Thanks again DJ and Rebeca. It helps having you all to come to, when I need to work things out. :wave:

Hi all. Back from the track. Had to get a 5 a.m. train to get there this morning. Watched work, got the comments, came home, wrote up my report and am now writing this before continuing on other work....pant, pant, pant.

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jolly -- I see your light on so wanted to quick say something. I thought about what you were saying and reflected on my own progress, or lack thereof...this is what I came up with.

I don't know what your issues are so can only go with my own feelings. But, one thing I notice with you is this constant mention of not "feeling deserving." I think I have never had that, or if I did, I don't now, or I'm not aware of it. In any case, I think that it is a thought that really works against you right NOW, and is not so much a problem of whether you deserve to be thin or not, but a problem of this deserving/undeserving feeling running through your head. If you're thinking that being thin is so great, such an ideal, such a reward, then you are by default thinking of you now as being undeserving, right NOW this thought, this feeling is occupying your thoughts and that alone will not give you the necessary feeling to change. I am convinced that you have to feel good in order to get somewhere new.

Stop thinking that where you are is so bad. It's fine. It really is. I would change your perspective to simply looking at being thin or with whatever body you can imagine as something you would like to take on, as a challenge, just something new.

Also, I think your stumbling may be simply a hesitancy to change. Change is the hardest thing for many. I think it's nothing more than that, not really even fear of deserving or not, or anything so complicated. We all like our ruts. They're comfortable. We are comfortable in our skins, our fat, our loose, comfy clothes. Why would we want to change? So, I am going to think of little nice things, simple things, maybe just one thing, like being able to fit into a pair of smaller breeches that I have so I don't have to buy a new pair. I would really, like someone said, not look too far ahead. That IS scary, in anything. Just look at the next step, maybe focus on your exercise or hitting the very next number (downward) on the scale and refuse to look further forward....

I think these days there is far too much pop psychology being bantered about, everyone doing all this self-analysis, and, frankly, I think it's enough to make anyone start feeling like she is hopelessly screwed up with all these ghosts from the past just hiding out in your head waiting to jump out, say "BOO!!" and scare the sensible right out of you. Man, I'd been getting scared too, feeling all messed up. You're not screwed up, jolly. I'm not screwed up. Perhaps the real problem is...we're just not as unhappy with ourselves as we are NOW as some people would like us to think we should be!

Still going stron with my "no food after 7 pm" challenge, it feels so part of me right now that I think I'm going to continue it for another 21 days once the current 3 weeks are over. It's cool to get back to an old habit and feel so good with it - no evening eating or munching used to be my credo, and I'm happy to have it back! :) And I think I might start something else in the next few days as well. :)

That puppy next door is starting to be a big nuisance. Last week it came in 2x during the day and I had to take it home. But last night it was in the yard at 330am. It was a bit spooky. Saffie was barking and was very definite there was someone in the yard so I crept around the house and peered out all the windows. Then I saw something move and got a fright until I realised it was the neighbour’s dog. I wasn’t about to go outside and sort it out at that hour so I popped back into bed. It whined a bit but I fell asleep and forgot about it. What I didn’t count on was the neighbour looking for their dog at quarter to six in the morning. Waking me up by yelling for the dog and then coming in to get it. I feel sorry for the puppy that it’s bored but I’m not about to encourage it to break in! it keeps knocking over my netting and making holes in it

Other than that it’s been a good day. I’ve done 3 days of my 30 mins exercise. The dogs had a lovely swim in the stream. I wasn’t going to let them go there but jazz rolled in something rotten so I figured they may as well romp in the water and get completely filthy. They had a lovely time of course. I’m hoping they sleep well tonight. Would it be too much to hope that jazz sleeps in?:p

The day was fairly pleasant outside so I cleaned the bbq and kept reading my book by jan burke. Didn’t do any packing though. I am finding it hard to get motivated on that count. Hehe no surprises there. Not much on tv tonight so I’m trying to decide what to do. I need an early night but seem genetically incapable of getting to bed at a reasonable hour:dizzy: I'm a night owl and it's got so my body and brain wake up at night! something esle to work on

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red :wave: well done on day 4. i couldn't do a 5am start unless i was up from the previous night (or the neighbour's dog was baying in the back yard)
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jolly i agree with part of what red said. i think we often spend far too much time worrying and navel gazing. of course as a psychologist i can't agree with everything :cool: mainly i just think you worry too much. i feel you are putting far too much emphasis on your weight loss journey (paraphrasing red here). i notice at times you are obsessive about exercise to the point where you push yourself so hard that you end up feeling unwell and demotivated.

do you know what i think is most to blame? those biggest loser type reality shows. it's nuts. they push those people so hard in the exercise and dietary changes that it's a wonder they don't keel over and have heart attacks. it's simply not healthy. the thing is that the changes you make have to be lifestyle changes ie they have to be changes you can live with for the rest of your life. if it feels like deprivation then it is NOT a change you can live with for the rest of your life so it would be better to aim at taking smaller steps. change IS difficult and challenging so just focus on one thing at a time.

do something you can achieve and tick it off. also remember that if you build your confidence by achieving things in other areas that confidence will flow across other areas of your life.

i started at about 200lb when i found out i was prediabetic so i know about the imperative to change. it's not easy which is why i think you just need to focus on today and not worry so much about the end result. and try to have FUN while you're doing it

go out and have a few laughs and forget dieting for a while. as dj said sometimes you need to have a holiday from dieting and not think about it

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dj well done on the donut challenge ;)

Hi Ladies!!

Well I went AWOL for three days to reassess what I want to accomplish and how I want to go about it. Giving myself three challenges seemed to be too much for me and where I am at mentally, so as not to discourage myself I will start with one challenge. I think I need a victory to bolster my spirits.

I am very happy to report I have lost another pound and a half. I guess I wouldn't be so fixated on the scale if it wasn't for the fact that I have to shed 10 pounds in order to fit into the bridesmaid dress that I have to wear to my SIL's wedding in September!!

Okay today is day 1 and I am still joining redwith her crunch challenge :)

I have a very busy day today but will come back tonight to report in and catch up with everybody progress.

Have a great Saturday, supposed to rain all day here :(

Day 5 is done! It's fun...so to speak...getting down and getting the day done!! Hurrah for me!! :dizzy:

Giving myself three challenges seemed to be too much for me and where I am at mentally, so as not to discourage myself I will start with one challenge. I think I need a victory to bolster my spirits.

I think that's a good plan myown

it's pouring down here so i won't be doing any outdoor exercise. think i will go shopping soon then come back and do some dancing. after that i will put the fire on.

not much sleep again. darn neighbour's dog arrived at 530am. i am going to have to ask the neighbours to shut their gate at night. i should have done that when i returned their dog but i was being considerate. why??? gee i didn't want to wake them up early but they don't return the favour

Hey all. REal quick post before bed. Sweet Pea and Red, I need to reread what you posted to me earlier.

I had a good day today. I do have to take a pause day on the no soda and the following menu challenges, due to my get together with my girlfriends. I did suggest going somewhere I could choose something healthy, but I admit I didn't put up much of a fight. . . Lesson learned - need to do better planning next time. Did do my core stuff when I got home though.

Not much else to report. Off to get some sleep now,as I am doing a horse day with a friend/ co-worker of mine tomorrow. Have a good one all. :wave:

Donut challenge good days 14 & 15

Having to be quick. Husband is waiting to get going on our floor again!

Have a great day! :wave:

Hello all. Had a good, horsey day. Though I did get to take the dogs to the dog park to play. that was fun.

I have been thinking about what you guys said, Red and Sweet Pea. I don't think I am overanalzying the situation. I am trying to get to the root of real issues, that have kept me from breaking through to get where I want and need to be. The not feeling worthy is very real and something I have been trying to work on. It comes from a random comment my dad made a long time ago when he was probably having a bad day. He came to watch me at swimming lessons, and I was so excited dad was there I goofed off to get his attention. I asked him what he thought, and he said "if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all." That was almost 30 years ago. But it made a huge impact on me. I felt like I had to always give him something to say. How could I make sure he had something good to say? ONly way I could be sure is to be number one. If I wasn't it might not be good enough. I am paranoid about being good enough. It causes a lot of stress. And my family was great about soothing stress with food. The more stressed, the more I ate. The weight then became my excuse and protection. And I need to find a way to get rid of all these old things, but I am not quite sure how. . .

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Here's to a good week :wave:

Hi girls,

Quick one from me, had a really hectic week-end, however I did manage to get my crunches in even though I wanted to skip it but knowing I would have to come here and fess up to my slacking kept me on track, so thanks :)

That means I have two days of my challenge under my belt and sore tummy muscles which kinda feels good!!

I will be back tomorrow with hopefully a little more time to give to you all.

Sorry I had to be so short.

Hi all
I've done day 5 of my exercise program so all on track!

jolly
for change to occur the first step is awareness so in that respect you have to look inside yourself to see what you are doing and work out how to change it. and as i said before as a psychologist i don't entirely agree with red because we have to do some self analysis or we'd float through the surface of life

the incident you mentioned - oh how familiar that is hehe - you've done the first step which is to acknowledge it. to finish the process you have to reach a point of harmony or calmness around it where it no longer bothers you. sometimes that means forgiveness other times acceptance or it can be both. you might still be at the anger stage??? i can recommend a good book for this sort of issue, actually heaps of them. this one is about journaling. altho it was written long before journaling became popular and it's not called journaling.

John Gray : What you can feel you can heal
(or something like that). and yes it is john gray of mars & venus fame. this was an earlier book before the mars & venus ones took off
it takes you essentially thru the 5 stages of grieving by writing a letter to your father (which you wouldn't have to send) until you get to the point where you no longer feel emotionally upset by that or anything else.

hope you had fun with the dogs in the dog park. we had those in auckland and i loved them. the dogs had a great time there but we don't have them here. i really miss being able to take the girls to play with other dogs and romp around together. also miss the companionship. there was a big crowd of us who would walk around together and decompress and discuss our furkids

Took a pause day yesterday, Sunday, so today is Day 6 and it is done. :dancer:

*warning: Sushi might throw the laptop at one of the surrounding walls any moment*

The stupid thing froze twice in the last 20 minutes!!! :tantrum:

Anyhow, I'm guessing that "no food after 7 pm" challenge is about to be completed, since I haven't taken any pause days. As I said, I want to keep doing this, so I'll wait till Wednesday and then I'll start the count again.

I started a couple of new challenges today - no chocolate is one, and no to a particular kind of crackers I eat too much off is the other, and the third one is to keep a food diary. Which reminds me - I better write all the food down before I forget about it.

Ok, done.

All the challenges are level 3, but I'm going to challenge myself a bit further and attempt not to take any pause days on any of those even though they are allowed by the level. That'll be harder than doing level 1 or level 2, don't you think? :)

Oh, and there is one more... daily exercise. Any, and no minimum of minutes per day. Today I decided to cound my Ashtanga Yoga class as exercise for the day, the reasoninb behind that being that I'm still feeling somewhat of an aversion to exercise, and I was hoping that yoga would kick me back into wanting to do something. Seems to have worked, and hopefully the effects will last till tomorrow! :)
The final challenge was supposed to be getting out ot bed before a specific time. That's really hard to do when you're unemployed, have a ton of time on your hands and don't need to be anywhere in the morning... even though I love getting up early, I'm finding myself staying up later and later and later (and it doesn't help that I can only use the computer in the evening). So the goal will be 8 am at the moment, and I'm planning on moving it to 7:30 and then 7 am as the three weeks go by. Don't know what'll happen with this challenge if I do get a job (which I do hope will happen soon!), but that's ok. Anyhow, this didn't work today... I did wake up early but it was absolutely freezing, so I turned the heater on to warm up the room a bit, stayed awake for a while, but then fell asleep again. That makes tomorrow Day 1 again.
Day 1 notched on all the other challenges... and wait... how many is that... ummm... or maybe I'd rather not know...? ;)

Good morning all! :wave:

Donuts - good, day 16

Sushi - good luck with your computer AND your challenges!

Jolly - hope things are going better for you. And I do agree, the best way to get past something is to acknowledge it. Since you have acknowledged things, you are one step in the right direction!

MyOwn - good job on the crunches! I should join you guys on that but I'll wait until we get back from our trip!

Red & SweetPea - keep up the good work! You're doing great! :carrot:

Hope the rest of you are doing well.

:carrot: I feel good..da..da...da...da...da...da...da
:carrot: I knew that I would..da..da..da...da...da...da..da
:carrot: I feel good..da...da...da...da...da..da..da
:carrot: I knew that I would now..da..da...da...da..da...da...da
:carrot: so good...ba..ba... so good...ba..ba
:carrot: I did my crunches...do..do...do..do..do OWWWW....

Back later girls

day 6 - done!

Day 7 is done! I'm going to get this challenge under my belt! Thanks, dj, for the congrats! :dizzy:

Good Morning- I missed all of you during this weekend! It was so eventfull!

1) Exercise daily (at least 20 min) 13 days done! LEVEL 1
2) Drink 64oz of water (at least) 13 days done! LEVEL 1

Saturday was an rest day (unplanned)! I didnt drink the water and didnt exercise. I was on a road trip and didnt want to stop to pee all the time and i was too tired to exercise when i finally got there!

Day 17 on donuts - good

Just a quick one to say Hi to everyone! Now I'm busy doing laundry and trying to pack for our trip. Luckily I've got a friend who's unemployed at the moment and she's helping me to get ready and she's going to stay here and take care of our animals while we're gone. Anyways, I should be able to report here tomorrow, but we're out of here early Thursday.

Congrats to Red, MyOwn, Rebecca and SweetPea, looks like you are all doing great! :bravo:

Ah, Day 8 is done, only 13 to go! That is a good number, don't you think? I even got to the gym today, the first time in ages. Ah, it felt so good once I got there. I really lunged into the weights too and that after jogging 5K (well, I took walking pauses too though). I almost didn't go. I was heading there on my bike and just really, really didn't feel like it, so came back and thought (felt) it over...then seemed to find some energy and went. I said to myself...you can go really, really slow on the bike, put it in low gear, whatever...just pedal there and see how it goes...so I did, stopped for a caffeine shot..and a browse through the bookstore and then got my butt up to the gym. I forced myself to do the jogging first because it's too easy to wimp out after the weight training. There too, I said, you can walk the whole thing, but you have to do 5K. Of course, with my nano, when the music came on it got my feet a movin'...yeah! :dancer: and away I went! Hurrah, hurrah for me!! :hat:

Hope everyone else is doing well. Rebeca, dj, sweet, MyOwn (loved that song!!! :dizzy:) jolly, Sushi, glad to see you posting. Keep up the good work!!

:strong:

The new thread is up!! Click the link below and join us there! See you! :wave:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1289819&posted=1#post1289819

:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: