"Every-Day" 21-Day Challenge -- Count on it every day!!
Okay, everyone, as is the tradition, I start a new thread when I personally start a new challenge.
Below is a short explanation of how this challenge works so all you newcomers can take a look and decide if you're game or not! I hope you are! Hop aboard and enjoy the ride. We've got a great bunch of supportive people, so I hope you'll give us a try. A lot of people try for a while and then disappear.. I hope some of you will keep trying. There is NO shame in starting over. Remember, it's not over till you give up. And our motto around here is:
NEVER GIVE UP!!...Just start OVER!! EXPLANATION AND RULES:
It works like this: you decide you'll do something for 21 days straight, every single day, so keep it doable. Then you count ....one through 21.....and if you flub it, you MUST go back to zero and start over again. Everyone will be on different days. You can start anytime. At the beginning of the challenge you declare what level it is -- Level 1, 2, or 3. Level 1 means you feel it's a relatively easy challenge for you and means you only give yourself ONE pause day (see explanation of pause days below). Level 2 would give you two pause days and so on...
And taking NO pause days is what I'm going to call "aceing a challenge," as in "I'm aiming on aceing this one!" Yowzah!!
With a pause day you pause in your counting and continue the next day with the number you left off with. Pause days are NOT substitutes for days, i.e. Day 12 -- Day 13 -- Pause Day -- Day 14..... I suggest taking a pause day late in the game (better to go back to Day 1 early on) if you need a break or screw up when you're well into the challenge, meaning, when you're on Day 15 or something like that.
In any case, the trick is to keep going. The momentum builds and it's great incentive to stick to your guns, cause if you don't.........back to START you go. And the really great thing about this challenge is that you are forming new habits that will wipe out the old! AND, you get to do it with a great bunch of really supportive people to whom you are accountable! THREAD GUIDELINES:
In the interest of maintaining structure, a sense of solidarity and facilitating support I ask anyone who wishes to join this thread to please strive to follow the following guidelines while participating in this challenge and in posting.
1. Although this is a fabulous support group, the focus is to be on your CHALLENGE/S and/or other people's challenge/s AND weight loss, whether your challenge is about it or not. Please keep the challenge a priority, although we welcome chattiness! This means tell us what day you're on when you post and it's a good idea to make regular mention of just what your challenge is. This an action-based thread. Our members are ON a challenge, RESTARTING a challenge, or just in between and looking to start up again REAL SOON. We also welcome posts from admirers, encouragers, and old friends!
2. Please refrain from posting food logs or recipes, except where you are really looking for help and advice on your eating. If journaling is your challenge, please keep the journaling off the thread and in a notebook or blog and just tell us if you've done what you set out to do. We have ALL types of dieters here, low-carb, high-carb, low-fat, high-fat, vegetarians, meat-lovers...please use simple mentions if you have something you want to share and then links and/or private messages to do so.
3. Please do NOT go into glowing accounts of any slipups, food indulgences or binges, what we here call "food porn." Simple mentions are fine, but use of smilies etc. as substitutes where possible is encouraged.
4. Please keep this a secular thread. Of course, passing references to your beliefs, a bit of introduction about your beliefs, brief faith-related words of encouragement are fine.
5. Please show support, support, support! This is key. You can waffle on about yourself but please, at least occasionally,come up and look around at others and what they are doing and MENTION it with words of encouragement and/or praise or sympathy. We understand "busy," poor computer connections, and bouts of self-pity and life problems where the focus turns to "me" and dealing with those problems, but these should be temporary, not a habit! ('cept in the computer case.)
In conclusion, let me say, the above are just that, GUIDELINES. Please realize that these guidelines have been added in an attempt to keep this a supportive and beneficial thread, at the LEAST, to those who need it MOST, those for whom weight loss is the hardest and, more often than not, the most crucial as well as for those who still, perhaps despite great success, know all too well that the road they walk will always be a slippery one.
The guidelines are also meant to cultivate an atmosphere of consideration and concern for ALL, not individually, but AS A GROUP.
Everyone, hope you found us over here on the new thread. As I said, things continue as before. This is only a new page so just jump back in. Anyone new, of course, is always welcome!!
Onyyx -- Grab a hold of yourself and CALM DOWN!!!
Take some deep breaths and stop the panicking. You've been hit over the head and you're a bit dazed and confused, BUT, you're OK!! And things will be OK. You know why, because you've just had the pleasure of waking up and the only time you can do anything to change your situation is when you're awake and lucid and, hurt though it will and surely does, this is your time to shine!!
Nothing has changed and everything has changed, because now you are in a state to make the actual changes to get you to where you want to go.
And one other thing, just stop the ridiculous ideas of having an abortion because you're too fat to have a baby. How absurd!! Sure, it may be unhealthy, but millions of very, very overweight women have babies ALL the time.
There is nothing to stop you and having a baby is NO reason to get fat, so get that idea out of your head as well. You CAN lose weight when and if you're pregnant and it's only this kind of STOP MAKING EXCUSES MINDSET that is going to get you to where you really want to be. You do want to be there, don't you or do you still want to make excuses, put your head in the sand and hope your bodyfat level is lower than what you can SEE it is. You don't need numbers to tell you if you are overweight and need to lose. You know you are.
So, just be happy about the fact that you've had this shock and consider it a time to celebrate the changes that you are VERY CAPABLE of making.
Panic is just another kind of running away. I know. I do it in other areas of my life. Take those deep breaths, smile and be happy if you are actually about to embark on starting a family. Be happy if you aren't too because this is still the beginning of a journey.
You can do this. You are doing it and that's why you've encountered something you didn't expect or hope to find. It means you're moving!
OK?!?! Hang in there!! If I can do this, so can you!!
In the quiet of the shadow
In the corner of a room
Darkness moves upon you
Like a cloud across the moon
You're a-wearing all the silence
Of a constant that will turn
Like the windmill left deserted
Or the sun forever burn
So don't forget to breathe
Don't forget to breathe
Your whole life is here
No eleventh hour reprieve
So don't forget to breathe
Keep your head above water
But don't forget to breathe
And all the suffering that you've witnessed
And the handprints on the wall
They remind you how it's endless
How endlessly you fall
And the answer that you're seeking
For the question that you found
Drives you further to confusion
As you lose your sense of ground
So don't forget to breathe
Don't forget to breathe
Your whole life is here
No eleventh hour reprieve
So don't forget to breathe
Keep your head above water
But don't forget to breathe
Breathe....
Don't forget to breathe
Don't forget to breathe
You know you are here
But you find you want to leave
So don't forget to... breathe
Just breathe
Just breathe
Just breathe...
Just breathe...
Just breathe...
(Breathe - Alexi Murdoch)
Last edited by redballoon; 03-27-2010 at 10:55 PM.
Well, I'm feeling oddly depressed today and, I guess, it's no wonder, what with the debt problems and lack of work. I have a story to write now though so must get on that.
I did just want to say that an awful lot of runs to the restroom yesterday has seen a downward move of the scale. I weighed in at 158 lbs this morning, 3 pounds off the latest low. Hurrah!! If I can just keep this up!! I am making considerable changes in the way I eat, perhaps the biggest being that I am watching the carbohydrates at night. I am eating a lot less and exercising more as well but it's been a LOT of work for me and has meant a LOT of holding back, holding off, resisting the urge to eat.
This is a very frustrating time in my weight loss though because the loose skin is hanging and looks gross. The clothes fit better but I still have rolls of fat and skin at the waistband of my pants. Well, what can I expect with but perhaps 5 lbs of actual fat gone? I also don't have clothes in between, so the lower size is still tight, thus the rolls of skin and fat...sorry, too much information.
At least the scale has responded, though I don't know why it didn't respond sooner. In any case, the important thing is that it HAS. Now to just try to keep doing this, despite all my other worries and tears, disappointment and panic attacks.
This is one area I DO have a LOT of control over. In fact, what I put into my mouth and whether I exercise or not is totally up to me.
I think I have to see this as a game, not a battle and try to take some pleasure from it. I have to also stop focusing on appearance so much, accept the fact that I am no longer young and bodies do certain unpleasant things as they age. I can still be MY best and that is certainly better than a lot of people my age. Sigh. Plug on, kiddo, plug on! You can do this I say to myself! Self, you can do this!
You are doing good. Don't worry too much.
also perhaps massages may help a bit with loose skin. You may want to look that up.
I am new to the forum section. So not sure how to join in. I am thinking of doing a 21 day working out challenge. I would like to work out everyday for 21 days (excluding weekends and bank holidays).
iniya -- Welcome! How to start? Just jump in and start posting. You can't do a challenge that excludes weekends and bank holidays, however. This thread is for challenges for things you can do EVERY single day. Exercise, however, is a subjective term, so I don't see why you can't just lower the amount or degree of exercise on certain days and still call it exercise. That is, unless you plan to totally vegetate on your couch all day long. In any case, I hope to see you in here soon. Check out our old thread if you need hints as to how people work here. And don't take clues from my posts because I have been going through a lot and not posting regularly or with my challenges. I am doing something though and hope to be back in here counting regularly again soon. Best of luck!
Red, thanks for the virtual face slap, I needed it. You are completely right, it was a big wakeup call for me but nothing has changed. Thanks for your thoughts about the prgnancy issue, that is what really has me the most worried. And I still don't even know yet, so its stupid to be worrying about it right now anyway. I'm really sorry about my last post, I just freaked out and blahed it all out here. New rule, no more hormonal posts, I promise. I'm not giving up, absolutely not. I have to keep going and find out something to make the scale move in the direction that I want. Once again I'm sorry for my pitty post. I know that it was unhelpful and unproductive.
So, moving on.
Challenge:
30min of exercise/day: Day 13 completed, 1 pauses taken, 3 pauses allowed
Red, Thanks so much. You are right. I can do less exercise on the holidays too. I have joined a gym near my work. I need to leave work on time so that I can exercise - that in itself is something I am struggling with. However does make sense to go for a walk or work out with a video that I have or I can jump rope or climb stairs.
The biggest problem is I do not like physical activities. Once I get over the initial inertia, it's not too bad. So let me try for 21 days non-stop.
Day 13/21 of no soda - DONE
Day 6/21 of no chips - DONE
I wanted a cup of tea this morning, and no caffeine isn't one of my challenges, but it's been two weeks since I've had any, so sheer stubbornness kept me from having it today. I think I'll pick up some decaf black tea for days like today, though, when I do want something. It's not entirely devoid of caffeine, but has much less than regular, so... I'll take it.
I painted ALL Friday night and Saturday, and the bedroom looks magnificent. I'm so happy with it, as is the bf. He got home late last night and loved it. The bookcase he built looks great, and the room just seems much warmer and cosier.
The painting was a ridiculous workout (it's a big room, and ten hours of painting yesterday made me exhausted) and we went to the school gym this morning to play some basketball and floor hockey, two year old in tow.
Onyyx - Glad you are back on positive thinking. Reality checks are hard! As are surprises, sometimes (like finding out you'd be looking at the men's numbers and not the women's). But you're doing so great with your challenges, I think that speaks volumes about how seriously you're taking your health, and you are only going to improve!
iniya - Welcome! This is a wonderfully motivating thread, with supportive and friendly folks I hope you're able to find an activity that you enjoy, it makes being active so much easier.
Red - Congrats! Down 3 lbs is wonderful. I hope the other aspects of your life fall into line as the scale has. Thanks for starting up the new thread, and for always having great advice and motivating words. You are right - you CAN do this. Sending more good thoughts your way.
Ah, things got a bit derailed again....gotta make a plan...
**************
Onyyx -- no apologies, please!! We all have these moments and I'm very glad you came here for help. Just don't lose heart!!
iniya -- Look forward to seeing you doing your challenge. Exercise adds up. Don't poo-poo the little things. Maybe you can get going by just saying, you only have to do a little bit. I often use that trick. Once I start I usually keep going, but I don't feel I have to and sometimes don't. It all helps.
Charlie -- Thanks for your congrats and well wishes. You are doing great on your challenges! diyana, where are you?!! Others, hope we didn't lose you!
Down two pounds since last Monday a.m. Pretty happy with that, especially since I really wanted some Pepsi on the weekend, and had to talk myself out of it.
Onyyx - Sometimes reality checks are good to help us focus on what we really want. Sounds like you're doing better now.
Charlie - You sure did A LOT of exercise over the weekend...painting, basketball and floor hockey. You go, girl!
****************
I did an hour of Advanced Zumba Friday night and then another hour of an Advanced Zumba Saturday morning. Yesterday, I did the Wii Fit. Today I woke up tired, achey and with a bad sore throat, so unless I feel better by tonight, I won't be going to Zumba.
45 min. of cardio - 3 pauses taken - 0 pauses left - Round 3 - Day 21completed
I'm still trying to figure out what this round of challenges will be.
Thank you everyone. You are incredibly supportive and sweet.
Day 1/21 - Done. 0 pauses. 3 pauses left. (30 minutes on the elliptical. It was good and sweaty. Even felt upbeat at the end of it.)
Main challenge would be the coming weekend. I have a day off on Thursday and going out of town on the long weekend. The trip out of town should be okay as we would be visiting ruins, caves and forts - miles to walk and climb.
Need to haul *** on Thursday. Before that need to make it to gym tomorrow and day after.
So glad to hear about your weight-losses. Very god indeed.
Going to bed shortly, counting this day as over...
Day 15/21 no soda - DONE
Day 8/21 no chips - DONE
I had Subway for lunch - fast food? I count that as fast food - but the upside is that I only had the sandwich, with no cheese, (6 inch), and skipped getting any drink or dessert or chips, and had a low-cal pudding I'd brought with me to work after that. (I can't remember to pack a lunch, necessarily, but I have the forethought to throw a vanilla pudding in my bag. Clearly my planning skills need work!)
No exercise today. Booooooooo. Except that we're currently watching "Wipeout" and getting an awesome ab workout from laughing so hard.
Til tomorrow, ladies. Everybody have a good night/day.
Still going strong on these challenges. I have just been a bit busy is all.
Level 1 with 1 pause day left - to do 100 crunches a day. - Day 15 complete
Level 2 with 2 pause days left - to stay on my diet plan. No slips. - Day 15 complete
Level 2 with 2 pause days left - to follow my exercises everyday without any complaints, whining, or excuses. - Day 15 complete
"Every-Day" 21-Day Challenge -- Count on it every day!!
And the really great thing about this challenge is that you are forming new habits that will wipe out the old! AND, you get to do it with a great bunch of really supportive people to whom you are accountable! 
This means tell us what day you're on when you post and it's a good idea to make regular mention of just what your challenge is. This an action-based thread. Our members are ON a challenge, RESTARTING a challenge, or just in between and looking to start up again REAL SOON. 
We also welcome posts from admirers, encouragers, and old friends!
etc. as substitutes where possible is encouraged. 
Deep breaths!!
downward movement!
How to start? Just jump in and start posting. You can't do a challenge that excludes weekends and bank holidays, however. This thread is for challenges for things you can do EVERY single day. Exercise, however, is a subjective term, so I don't see why you can't just lower the amount or degree of exercise on certain days and still call it exercise. That is, unless you plan to totally vegetate on your couch all day long. 
In any case, I hope to see you in here soon. Check out our old thread if you need hints as to how people work here. And don't take clues from my posts because I have been going through a lot and not posting regularly or with my challenges. I am doing something though and hope to be back in here counting regularly again soon. Best of luck! 
I hope you're able to find an activity that you enjoy, it makes being active so much easier. 
Others, hope we didn't lose you! 
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