I like how you are dealing with tendencies toward hibernation "as a caterpillar". It really is the only choice we have and I want to be that butterfly next spring! ;)

A sincere thank you to grannynancy and workinglikeadog ~ I truly appreciate your sincere thoughts.

We are here because we believe in ourselves and I know that we will do this, little by little, ups and downs and all arounds...(minimal, with an immediate recovery plan).

On a funny side note, one of the posters on another forum I am on posted this. She saw it at Cracker Barrel Restaurant.

<img src="http://storage.proboards.com/6657287/avatar/DnWhyDUWFKYIPIIPuKGY.jpeg"

This week was definitely better. I'm down .8 today. I went through a stressful week of wind, fires, losing power for two days and fearing for friends who had to evacuate.

I didn't sleep very well during the week with all the weather problems, but things finally calmed down on Friday and I got a lot of sleep this weekend and am feeling much better.

Have a great day everybody! :wave:

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I hope everyone had a good week! It's hard to believe that we are 1/3 of the way through December. 2018 will be here before we know it. I think that many of us can forget or fail to acknowledge our accomplishments. During the next couple of weeks, I encourage you to reflect upon some changes or improvements that you made that have been beneficial.

Did you improve in some ways or accomplish something that surprised you? Later, I'll share an accomplishment I made that I was doubtful that I could accomplish. I hadn't thought much about this accomplishment until I did some serious review of 2017. Maybe you will have to dig a little bit to acknowledge an accomplishment.

I exercised the option to not weigh this week and carry forward with last week's weight. I came down with a cold on Wednesday. With the high winds, I thought I could have an allergy issue, but it definitely crossed the line to a "cold" at bedtime.
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I'm feeling a bit better today. I've been a real couch potato, since Thursday. I slept a bit better last night. Now, I think I need a kick in the rear to get moving again. Keeping physically active really helps with my mood.

Opheliaphoenix:
Wow! You have lost 11.8 pound so far! You are doing great!

Magistra17:
Congrats on your wt. loss this week! I'm sorry you lost power and had friends who had to evacuate, because of the fires. Hopefully, your friends stay safe and don't suffer any personal losses.

I live in California, but thankfully, I don't live close to any of the fires. It has been very heartbreaking to see the devastation, the loss of property and the situations with the horses who couldn't escape. The loss of human life is most tragic. Currently, I've heard of one death and of someone missing, but it takes time for situations to be discovered, after the fires are extinguished (which can be week away).

MorningGlory1950:
I'm sorry the scale is not behaving this week. Knowing that you didn't binge is assurance that the number will settle downward soon. Changes to your WW eating plan can have an effect, in the short term. I like your determination to get through the holiday season in a great frame of mind and body!

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Hey Everyone:
Our latest chart appears below. Congrats to everyone for their accomplishments. Remember: Even if you don't lose one pound during this challenge, maintaining can be an accomplishment! If you can think back on years when you started a new year, 5 or maybe 10+ pounds heavier, you can remind yourself how valuable "not gaining" can be during the Holiday Season.

I find it valuable to keep reminding myself of this logic: "The answer is between all and nothing". I'll never be "all good", with my diet and exercise, so it does no good to beat myself up after I slip (and continue the slide to the bottom of a pit). It's never too late to pull ourselves back up and head in a better direction. Don't let your position on the chart, bother you. The real purpose of this challenge isn't to compete and become the biggest loser, but to support and help each other with our struggles and for accountability.

We haven't heard from several participants for multiple weeks. Don't feel embarrassed about a lengthy slip. I'ts never too late to get back in the game. Stop by and make a post to let us know how you are doing and resume making entries on the Weigh-In Sheets. I guarantee you that sharing your struggles can help you, as well as others who may be reading this post. Even if you are in the middle of a slip, you can minimize it! (a gain of a couple of pounds is a lot easier to deal with than 10 pounds)

REMINDER: Although you have the option of not jumping on the scale and weighing each week, you are requested to place a weight entry on the weekly weigh-in sheet (your last recorded weight).


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Thanks, Munchey for that wonderful reminder! I believe this is a lovely way of viewing our holiday revelry in mind, body and spirit! Accountability is the name of the game...if we are cognizant of our daily and weekly food intake, making minor adjustments along the way, then...we have mastered the holidays!

I have been one to gain 5 to 10 pounds for the winter so, yes, it is an accomplishment to stay even. Thanks again for that reminder.

Am I the only one NOT able to see your chart? I keep checking back thinking I'll see it, but it's still not visible to me.

Hey everyone, are you as happy as me to see the Solstice coming up in less than a week now! :D We have some sun today and no matter what the temps (a balmy 31 right now), I am going outside for a while today. :cheer2:

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Workinglikeadog:
The link below is the one that appears in the first post. Click on the link and give it a try. Let me know if it works for you. If it doesn't work for you, perhaps you might want to try a different device (i.e. computer instead of phone, or a different browser)

LINK TO THE CHALLENGE SPREADSHEET

I was just thinking about the upcoming Winter Solstice the other day. As someone prone to SAD, I've come to dread the short days. Interestingly, I generally find that I feel better heading away from the Winter Solstice as opposed to heading into it. Because of that, just reaching that date gives me a little boost in my mood, as I know longer days are ahead and I can look forward to Spring.

Thankfully, I live in California, so it's easy to go outside and grab some sunshine. I do try to make getting outside in the sun a priority, and put off things like going to the gym until after sundown.

I'm back! School and life got too hectic in the last few weeks so I haven't been able to post. My weight dipped down a little despite my silence however. Mostly because I was really sick for a while and couldn't keep anything down. I am not in Onederland yet but I am no longer obese class two, which is an accomplishment.

I see a lot of people are struggling with depression and seasonal affective disorder. I have trouble in that area too. Luckily I'm in Colorado which gets a lot of sunshine, even when it's cold, and I have a therapy light if natural sunlight isn't enough.

Well, I was down about 2.6 on Saturday am, but one party and one supper out and boom up a pound this am.

Also woke up thirsty so I guess high sodium / low potassium even though my calories were fine.

So the loss this week is 1.6 but, with not eating at home for three meals that is not so bad. Hope to recover that loss tomorrow am with lots of water today and detox tea.

:wave:

Checking in with a weight of 208.06 today. My body seems to love the 206-209 range, but admittedly, my own inconsistencies don't help matters. However, this leads me to Munchey's comment regarding "not losing a pound but maintaining being an accomplishment." Thank you so much for that reminder, Munchey! I needed it. It wasn't long ago that I could count on a significant scale bump post-holidays.

I appreciate you and this thread and all the work you've done in these weeks to support each of us with good advice and humor. :hug:

I want to join :) My start weight as of Dec 1 was 203lbs.

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HEY EVERYONE:
Below is the chart for the week ending 12-17-17. The final weigh-in is on 12-31-17. I will wait, until 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time on 1-2-18, before posting the final stats for the challenge. Anyone who doesn't post a final weight by 1-2-18 won't appear on the final chart.

The weekly Weigh-In Sheet is available for early weigh-ins, so that is an option. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, is enjoying a Happy Hanuka or is enjoying whatever their family traditions are for this time of year.
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HI EVERYONE!
I've been struggling a bit. I indulged in some M&M's two days in a row. I had purchased them to take to a potluck, along with a cute M&M dispenser. I Took them with me to the Potluck, but it just didn't work out to put them on display. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the potluck, there was just too much food and little room to stage it.

Anyway, I broke the M&M run, after 2 days of indulging. I actually fell asleep with thoughts of grabbing some more M&M's. Thankfully, I fell asleep before I could get up and grab some. The bag of M&M's is one of those industrial size bags that you get from Costco or Sam's Club. I've placed it out of sight and am now on my way to breaking that urge/habit.

The Therapeutic Riding Center is on a break, until 1-6-18, so I'm not getting in any walking mileage from volunteering there. I forced myself to go to the gym yesterday. I always feel better afterwards, but it's so easy to get lazy and not go. I'm going to plan a couple of visits to the park for walking, hopefully with my dog. My dog is getting old, so my walks with her are getting less frequent and generally not much farther than 2 miles. I always feel bad, if I go alone and leave her at home, but I think I need to schedule some walks without her.

I hope everyone has a good week and stays strong. We are all going to get off track at some time or another, we just need to get back on track as soon as possible. (next meal, next day, next week - don't slide down the slope too far)

GrannyNancy:
A 1.6 lb. loss is great - congrats!

Opheliaphoenix:
I hope you like you new scale. This morning, I heard someone talk about a new and different scale, it only gives you color readings (green for losing, red for gaining).

Tefrey:
Good to hear from you! Congrats on your wt. loss! I'm sorry you have been sick. Hope things are going well at school. I believe most people have finals around this time, and that can be very stressful.

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Munchey ~ The weight on the chart is wrong. My last weigh in was 145.8... I wish it was what was on chart!!!

Thank you...

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Before your post, I noticed something wrong with the main chart, in regard to your entries (after I set up the new weigh-in sheet). For some reason, I've periodically had a problem with Google Spreadsheets, where a cell or two gets a mind of it's own, when it comes to formulas and formatting. Something went goofy with some of the cells for you this week. I've already tired deleting and reentering formulas and formatting for most of your cells, but to no avail. Oddly, I'm sometimes able to correct a cell problem by trying certain things over and over and eventually things get corrected - sometimes not. It would be easy if I could just find a typo of see that somehow the format changed, but that's not the case.

One of the cells on the main stat sheet is defying the formula and I'm not getting what I should see. I'll continue to try and fix it, but I may just need to make a manual correction for you, until the final weigh-in. I'm sometimes successful in fixing these glitches, and sometimes not. All the formulas for your cells are the same format, as for everyone else and the general formatting for your cells matches the others as well.

Sorry for the confusion. I'm probably boring everyone with too much information.

Oh, Munchey, thank you for trying!! :hug:

Munchey: thank you for all your wonderful posts along with all your great pictures and cartoons:) I enjoy reading your posts and the information that you share with the group - very helpful. Good for you for breaking the M&M urge:)

I'm struggling a bit this week ... but will keep on trying to stay on track.

Everyone - have a great week.

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WE HIT THE WINTER SOLSTICE TODAY! STARTING TOMORROW, WE ARE ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL.

I would also like to say THANK YOU to Munchey. This thread has been very motivational and fun.


EDIT: I just hit my goal for the end of the year. I hope it holds! 209! Next week will be challenging as we are going on vacation but I will try to keep my focus and keep the fun on the vacation and family and not the food!

Yes, Thank YOU Munchey for this thread. I'm hanging in there, at the weight I started with and thanking that I have not gained the typical 5-15lb fall/winter weight. When my son goes back to college, I know I want to start a new challenge and am hoping you might be willing to guide us again. Feeling Blessed!

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Thank you so much, to everyone who has expressed thanks in regard to this challenge. I truly appreciate your feedback! Also, a big hug and thanks to everyone who has participated and stuck with this challenge. Things are always easier with some buddies, and I'm grateful for everyone's support.

I hope everyone has safe and enjoyable holidays! If you need a laugh, the cartoon below might help.


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Munchey I love the cartoons! They are so cute! It's fun coming to this thread and seeing whatever new cartoons you've put up. Always enjoyable.

I hope everybody is having a wonderful holiday. This is probably the first time in my life that I have weighed in on Christmas Eve to find I have lost weight. ha, ha! :D Can't tell you how much that tickles me.

I'm down another .8 today and that is some super motivation to keep going.

Have a wonderful week everybody! Many blessings to you all!

It seems like i cant get to the Spreadsheet.

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For anyone having trouble accessing the Weigh-In Sheet, give it another try. Somehow, the access setting changed on its own. I reset it, so everyone should be good to go.

I'm not clear what's going on with Google Docs, but I have a different Google Doc. that I've gotten multiple emails about, supposedly from multiple people, asking for access. It wasn't logical, and appeared to be a hacking attempt.

I know I sent a request to get back in from the rejected page. Maybe the link got corrupted and went to the wrong google doc? I won't be around much this week but it is the big challenge! We are going to FL with kids and grandkids and Universal Studios etc. Not looking forward to the crowds one bit but when you are bound by public school schedules....

Fortunately, we rented a place where we can cook breakfast and dinner but lunch will be eat out. My goal for this week is to try and be focused enough to hold on my loss. I have met my goal for the end of the year (I am now 208 and the goal was 209) and my strategy for eating out is no snacks. grilled chicken + salad as the default go to.

Munchey, this challenge has been really good and motivational. I hope it was not way too much work. Is another one in the works?

Munchey ~ Honestly it doesn't matter where we post...just as long as we are accountable somewhere!!! Thank you so much for your devotion to this challenge! I really keep it forefront in my mind...it does make weight loss a priority even though this past week I stuck it way back in the corner!!!

For me, this past holiday week has been "sweet" in more ways than one. So I have posted the same weight as last week...but will do a final real weigh in by December 31.

I have renewed my commitment to no sugar, no flour. I will be attentive to my goal of ending in the 140's at year's end. 2018 I will be concentrate on getting to final goal of 125.

There I said it and I will remain true to my word.

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HEY EVERYONE:
The final Weigh-In Sheet for 12-31-17 is up. You can weigh-in early, if you want. I will wait, until 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time on 1-2-18, before posting the final stats for the challenge. Anyone who doesn't provide a final weight (via spreadsheet entry or by a post) by 1-2-18 won't appear on the final chart.

I didn't post a chart for the week ending 12-24-17, because of the access problem with the spreadsheet. Should anyone have a problem with entering their final weight on the spreadsheet, please report your final weight in a post, prior to the deadline stated above.

I will start a new challenge called "SLAPPING DOWN THE WINTER POUNDS". The start date will be on Sunday 1-7-18. The new thread will be up soon, and will be available for support and discussion on your 2018 goal (s).

Grannynancy:
I hope you have a very enjoyable vacation in FL. Sounds like you have a good plan to maintain your current loss. Congrats on reaching your goal early.

Magistra17:
Congrats on recording a weight loss on Christmas Eve! I'm glad that you have motivation to keep going.

MorningGlory1950:
Best wishes with your 2018 goal! I'm betting that you will reach 125. You aren't alone with letting some things slip a bit, during the holidays. I have to plead guilty, as well, LOL.

Opheliaphoenix:
You have recorded some large weekly losses. It seems natural that most people will occasionally get some fluctuation in the other direction (the battle between dehydration and water retention). What type of food plan are you following?

Unwanted37lbs:
What has been your strategy for weight loss? Are you following a specific food and exercise plan?

OOOH! A new challenge!!! Thank you, Munchey! I am excited and the current one hasn't even ended yet!

You are such a sweetheart for keeping us motivated!! :hug:

Hope springs eternal!!!

Munchey - I echo MorningGlory's excitement about the new challenge in 2018.

I hope Everyone had a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for the new year. I'm hoping to have maintained my small loss for our final 2017 weigh-in. I haven't been very diligent about my eating over the past week.