Looking for a Challenge Buddy
 

Hello! I'm a 23 yo with about fifty pounds to lose, and am looking for a buddy to do mini-challenges and track progress. I'm a little sarcastic with a self-deprecating sense of humor, so my buddy will have to be able to put up with me :^: he he... . I am currently at about 194#, and would like to lose 25 lbs by the time my sister graduates at the end of May, and another 25 by my birthday in October, which might be a pretty lofty goal, but I really would like to meet it. Someone about the same age with similar goals would be great, but I'm not picky. If you're interested, please let me know :)

Smiles,
AB

Hi ....just wanted to reply to your post ....I am 23 years old weigh 224 and would like to lose 50 pounds by my birthday in June which probably a really big goal . But I really need to do this , tired of looking in the mirror and disliking what I see . I'd love to help ya out and get a little help in return . And as for your sense of humor ...wouldnt bother me a bit cause Im the same way , sometimes making fun of myself seems like an easy way to make light of my situation .

Hey, Me Too!
 

Hey, Ladies! Can I get in on this? You all sound just about my speed. I am 24Y.O, 6'0" and 225 lbs. I feel like a freakin' linebacker! My hourglass figure has turned into a figure 8, and there is SO such a thing as too much of a good thing! Anyhoo- I want to lose about 50 lbs., and I think that I need a swift kick in the pants to get it done. I hope you can help me, and I hope I can help you! How do we start? Take care.

rock on!
 

Cool! Well, this page has taken so long to load that I can't remember what I wanted to say! I think I used to be able to call myself an hourglass, but then most of the sand went to the bottom and has been quite happy there for quite awhile... I think that we all know what we really should be doing to lose weight, its just a matter of being motivated enough to start without stopping starting, stopping, and then starting again, which seems to be my pattern. Sooo... what to do, what to do? I go to the gym at least three times a week, so I think I'm pretty established with an exercise routine, but all I do is EAT! eat eat eat... I love food. And I've tried lots of plans: fat flush, atkins, weird things I read in magazines... and I don't like any of them. I work at a job where I spend WAY too much time on my butt, and there always seems to be food around... Sorry, needed to rant, a very long Monday at work. So, have either of you had much luck with anything in particular? I can't wait to hear all about you!!! Tell me more, more I say!! :dizzy:

AB

Well you say that all your sand sunk to the bottom .....lol...mine seems to have gotten stuck right in the middle . UGGGHhh Well like you I have tried fad diets and plans that are way to strict and the end result is that I end up eating more and gaining more after I quit cause I'm starved . So my latest plan has been one of my own and I am hoping it will work . I quit drinking pop and cappucino which was a constant thing for me ...I never drank water and now its all I drink all day at work and I have 1 diet pop with lunch ......and I have just really been watching what I eat and the portion size .....i dont let myself eat fried foods for lunch .....i have grilled chic sand or tuna .....and try to snack on veggies or lowfat crackers ......And when I really have the urge to go raid the kitchen I get a big glass of water (which helps me feel full ) and I bought these little half cup containers so if I want a snack I fill up one of those with baked chips or popcrn and thats all I allow myself to have . Well I will weigh myself when I go to work tomorrow morning and let you know . I hope I have some results or my willpower my go downhill. I'll look forward to hearing more about you . Oh I forgot I bought one of those exercise balls and I have been doing exercises on that and I have been taking the stairs (4 flights ) at work all day rather than the elevator .

I think I need to get in on this too! You all sound so much like me... I would like to call my figure "fudge cicle" - legs for stick and the rest of me is square and sticky..heheh :devil: I think sometime what you need to get you going on serious is to be able to make fun of yourself and see that you're not bad, just needing to change some things!

Oh, My.... You ladies are a trip...
 

:D Well, it looks like we have all types here. Have you ever heard of R. Crumb? He was a cartoon artist who loved to draw women. But all of his women were almost obcene looking. Huge calves and thighs, huge butts, broad shoulders, big arms, BIG boobs, and a little waist. That's me. Geez... Any way, nice to meet you all! I really hope that we can help each other out. I feel like we can, no one here seems judgemental. Like I just wrote in my journal, I am trying to do two things. 1. Eat Less, and 2. Move more. Pretty simple, eh? Yeah, right. I am stating right now that a some point today I am taking my hound dogs on a long walk. LONG walk. I'll let you all know tomorrow how that went. And as for eating, I have found a diet of lots of veggies, fish, fruit and some whole (non-gluten) grains work well for me. That is what I eat normally, but I have a little problem with portion control. Or lack thereof. And the major monkey riding my shoulder is sugar. The periods of time when I cut sugar out of my diet, weight runs screaming from my body. The problem is is that i am addicted to it. Seriously. So this is what I would really like support on. No more sugar! I am going to faithfully confess from now on to all of you any sugar that I eat.
What is the major roadblock that you all are facing? It would be great to know your weakness' so that the rest of us can really support you on those points. Or give you a verbal kick in the ***. Whichever you need. Take care of yourselves, and I look forward to getting to know you. All we have to do is make the right decisions for ourselves right now. We can worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Talk to you later! Charis

To be honest, this is the first time I have set my mind to losing weight.. I've been saying I need to for a long time but never took any actions to lose. I work in a 9-1-1 center where the dispatchers are here from 7a-7p - so they bring snacks and get lunch from somewhere... most the time not healthy so that was a big hurdle to overcome. There's always cookies and chips laying around.. so when you're back there with all that around, its hard not to grab a handful and not think about it. Social eating is a big problem with a lot of people.. its hard to see others eating and you sitting there with a smart ones done while they eat and laugh and converse... I think thats my biggest problem. Since I got serious abotu losing, once I finish my lunch I take my dishes to the kitchen, clean up any mess, and then go back to my office until everyone else is done. So far thats helped my urges to nibble.

Well, as for me, I work in an office at a desk that is hard to get away from. I usually eat at my desk, and its usually something unhealthy from the cafeteria. The biggest weakness is probably fast food... I love it. I have to admit that I've gotten a little lazy, so fast food as become the easy dinner of choice. But I'm giving it up. Last night I made salmon and baby potatoes and even though they were kind of slimy, lima beans ( don't know why they were slimy, they just were). The new problem is that I'm starting to take night classes (pre-reqs for a Master's Degree, perhaps) so between working, class, and going to the gym, it seems like cooking is the first thing to get shafted. I have given up pop, so I feel good about that.... oh my goodness, I'm sorry this is so sporadic girls, but I have class in a little while and need to get going... I promise I'll write a better post later... :)

AB

Well you are asking about weaknesses ....you say you have problems with sugar ....well I havent had any candy or choc in weeks and it doesnt bother me a bit ....My BIG BIG problem is food ...bad bad food ...pizza and fried stuff and I really have had a big problem with eating out and /or just picking up the phone cause I feel like I dont have time to cook dinner . I call and order takeout and then spend some extra time with my boys . Well I have been cooking at home all the time now and I let my 4 yr old son help me cook ...he gets a real kick out of it and I enjoy spending the time with him . Its fun . I have found that it is easiest for me to eat well when I am at work......I work at a Nursing Home and it is very easy to get something healthy for lunch in the cafeteria (I just never wanted to before) . My big hurdle is the afternoon when I get home from work and the boys are asking for a snack .......so I been buying them junk food that I dont really like ....that helps ......if I dont like it I dont mind watching them eat it ....lol......Well ladies I am sitting here with dye on my hair and I have one minute till rinse time .......SOOoooo I am gonna weigh myself when I go to work tomorrow and I'll post and let ya all know how it goes tomorrow ......Keep up the good fight .....we can all win .....we all hold the key to our new and improved selves and we are all gonna get there ...slowly but surely .......

Hey guys! I am a 25 year old female that is looking to lose about 50 pounds. I would love to have support from some buddies and I would return the favor. Let me know what you guys are up to and maybe we can have weekly challenges.

Well, does anybody have any suggestions for a challenge for the week? I realize we'd be starting in the middle, but still... ? Or should we all have personal goals and just work on keeping each other honest? I would really like to start eating at least two non-potato vegetables every day. Which may sound really easy, but honestly, I'm not that crazy about vegetables unless they have butter on them... Other suggestions/ideas/comments???

I'm here for support and supporting so my feeling is lets go! I'm new to the board but have found some friendly folks willing to talk and give advise! Anything I can do to help you I will. What kind of challenges do you have in mind? :D

Hey can i jump in on this challenge thing too?? I don't have any ideas for challenges yet.. but i'm racking my brain! I'm fed up with jigling when i move!! I'm at 242 at 6'1 and i want to get down to 170-180ish...sooner than later!

Baker chick... i'm not a big plain veggie fan either.. but if you can tolerate them with dip... "Uncle Dan's" is a Ranch package mix that you just add mayo and sourcream... i swapped it to fat free stuff and it tastes just as good as the fatty version! Hope that helps.

Sign me up too!
 

Hi, I joined last week and have loved this site ever since! I started out at 260 (5' 6"), but weighed myself yesterday after one week and am down to 248 :cb:
I have been doing it by cutting my portions way down (actually, just to a normal portion, but for me it was way down! Now I am going to start working on exercise to balance it all out. I have a body ball and a treadmill here at home to work with.
My biggest problem is that I am at home all day long because I run an at home daycare center and there is always food around me. I am doing much better at letting the kids have their snacks/meals, and I fix myself something different or less of. And no more finishing off my daughters plate, no matter how tempting!
Looking forward to some challenges...I like the veggie idea....exercise ones possibly?

hey jolee that's wonderful for 1 week of dieting. i am new and need lots of support and advice. hope ya'll don't mind me jumping in here.

jOlEE-
How on earth did you lose so much so fast!! You go girl! ;)

I'm excited that I'm down 1 lb in 3 days.. hehehe.. thats nothing compared to you!

I know about the daycare thing.. I did that for a long time.. I was always snacking on what the kids had and at holiday time.. watch out.. there were always cookies and such... now I work at a 9-1-1 center.. same problem, less pants changing.. heheheh

I'm very proud of your accomplishment and if you stick with it you'll reach your goal!

I am not sure if it is mostly water weight or what it is. I am not starving myself, I eat a bowl of Special K in the morning (or a couple waffles, french toast or pancakes....try to have variety) Then a fruit for morning snack. Lunch is salad and either cottage cheese/sandwhich and a fruit or a veggie. Afternoon snack either fruit again or crackers with cheese/peanut butter. Supper is a portion of meat, salad, a veggie and a fruit.

It is probably my body saying "WOW! She can actually eat real portions now!" I used to be a continual snacker (and a big chocoholic!) I also drank 2-3 pops a day. Now it is water only (milk at breakfast, esp if eating pancakes or the like) And I have not had a piece of chocolate in over a week. I do have some granola bars with mini choc chips on top for an afternoon snack, but otherwise none. And that is my biggest accomplishment EVER! And the reality of it is....I am not craving it at all! In fact, my dh and dd's have eaten peanut M and Ms the past 2 nights and I politely declined :)

The thing of it is, I know that this type of loss will not last so that is why I need to get the exercise in now!

I'm having problems right now... one of my co-workers brought in 4 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnutz... :devil: my absolute weakness... the whole kitchen smells like them... my willpower is pulling on my shirt sleeve... so, for the last 29 minutes I walk by, smell, and keep going. I think I am going to go fill up my water bottle and take another smell. I leave in 30 minutes so as long as I can continue not opening the box.. I think I'm doing [SIZE=2]very[/SIZE] good so far... before I set my mind to weightloss I would have had 2 or 3 by now without a thought.... If I can get by this tease, I will be doing good!!!

Otis
 

Hey ya'll.
I just started today 1/13/04. Doing the Dr. Phil solution. Just wanted somewhere I could have some input and support. I am looking to reach my goal in june with a loss of 30-35 lbs. Also want to keep it off for good!!!!!

I feel like Homer Simpson... mmmm. donuts. I have not had a donut since Thanksgiving. Thankfully, there are no Krispy Kremes in the area, so I tell myself that I can't have one unless its a krispy kreme.

In better news: Started class last night, and then went to the gym. I did a good 90 minute workout and was feeling pretty good. The problem was, I was so "pumped" afterwards that I had trouble getting to sleep. I really don't have the time/motivation to get to the gym in the morning, so I have to go at night. Has anybody else had a problem with this? I'm pleasantly sore from lifting though... So, I think my exercise challenge to myself and to you all is to get to the gym/ work out at home for at least three hours this week. I don't care if you do this over one, two, three or more days, just as long as you log the time... WE CAN DO THIS!!! can't we???

I hope you are all having a great night... I'm on the prowl for my second vegetable... I'm thinking carrots. :)

AB

Hello everybody ....well I was so entirely happy when I got to work today and weighed myself ....from 224 down to 218.....yeah ....but then why has today been the most tempting day yet ......like I saw success and now all I wanna do is eat .....I havent been to bad ...I had a cookie after lunch ( it was calling my name ) .......but I came home and cooked a healthy dinner ( chicken parmesean ...made with baked chicken breast ,green peppers , mushrooms ,tomato sauce and lowfat cheese ) .....it was really good . I also signed up to use the gym at work ( imagine that access to a gym completly free of cost and all the years I worked there I never used it ) and I am starting tomorrow exercising after work ......2 friends from work are gonna stay after and exercise with me ( they are both toothpicks but support is support right ?) . So hopefully having them to exercise with will encourage me to do it everday . As for a challenge .....we could do the vegetable one ......keep it honest and really tell the truth .....I dont have a big problem with eating veggies ....my big prob is gonna be actually exercising everyday . We could all set our own goal at the beginning of the week and challenge ourself and just all help keep tabs on each other .....as long as we are all honest and set realistic goals for ourselves that should be a good way to do it .........Alright Im gonna go spend some time with my hubby !!! BYE ......Chryss

Hey, Everyone! Good to see everyone is keeping their chin up, and welcome to the folks that just signed on! Well, first things first. I vowed to "confess" any sugar that I ate, no excuses. Well, here i go- four chocolate chip cookies. But I am not feeling to, to bad about those because they were made with xilitol and just a little bit of brown sugar, and they were gluten free. (For those of you that are sugar junkies and have not been introduced to the wonderful world of Xilitol, allow me. Xilitol is made from different kinds of plant sugars. It looks and tastes pretty much exactly like real sugar, only a tiny bit less sweet. But get this--It does not raise your blood sugar at all, it is great for both your bones and your teeth, and you can trade it out teaspoon for teaspoon for sugar. The only downside is that I hear fudge made with it does not set up properly. You should be able to get it at any health food store) Sorry for the sidetrack... Anyway, so I had the choc. chip cookies, 1/2 of a maple wafer cookie, and some vanilla yogurt. Still quite a bit of sugar, but not bad for a two day period for me. Progress, Progress...
As for the weekly challanges, I have an idea. I could be wrong, but I get the sense that a few of us are still getting our ducks in line as to our diet and exercise plans. I know I am. So how about our challange for the rest of this week is for all of us to get a really clear plan, perhaps in writing, for how we are going to eat and exercise (what, how much, how long, how often, etc.)? Also perhaps doing the little details that will really signify a beginning of something to ourselves. I think a couple of you have been chipping away at this for a while, but some of you are like me, just starting out. So does that sound good to anyone? Maybe we can all outline our plan early next week sometime, and then start with the real challanges. I know that one thing that I have to do is buy a scale, and actually get on it. I have no idea specifically what I weigh, I usually just go by how my pants fit! So that is my first challange, because I am feeling pretty resistant to it. And I am making a written game plan for myself. I don't know if you all are into my idea, but I feel like it is a good, clarifying first step for me. I may also have my husband take a "Before" picture (and not let me see it lest I get discouraged :( ) So, thats my big plan. Along with eating right and getting some exercise, of course. Go Get Em', Tigers. We are all going to do just great! And if we slip up, we have this nice little circle to help us get back on the wagon, so to speak. Thank you! And Now, and icon, just because I think it is funny--- :jig: Who doesn't love a dancing monkey? Take care, Folks!

I think the monkey topped it off perfectly. I just want to let everyone know, there are still 2 boxes of doughnuts in the kitchen... I walked in searching for a snack.. remembered I had an apple at my desk so I ate that instead. Its hard but it's working.. I also just talked to my DH, he asked if we were going to walk when I got home and I said of course! I never wanted to exercise before.. now I feel bad if I don't! I think the fact that my husband is so encouraging and I know I have to do it for myself...so anyway!

Just so you know, that apple did not soothe the sweet craving... :D

Good afternoon all! I like the idea of actually drawing up a plan. I keep telling myself this is what I want to do, but i think that if I had it in writing I would stick to it better. I would also like to do the before pic, and before overall measurements so that I know where I may be losing it. My challenge last night was to do some cardio on the treadmill and some body ball exercises. Only lasted about 15 min on treadmill because I was listening to a walking tape...it actually annoyed me more than it helped me. I like to walk how I like to walk (stubborn I know) and I think I will stick to listening to my favorite music and walking to the beat. Makes the time go faster I think. Body ball went well since I found more exercises. Tonight....water aerobics!
Goddess, what a test! Krispy Kremes! I love those things :) Congrats on resisting the urge and eating the apple. It may not satisfy the sweet craving, but isnt it sweet knowing you are on your way? :oP
Welcome Otis!
Congrats Chryss n the loss!
AB congrats on the exercise! I am going to shoot for 3 hours of exercise this week. Did 45 min last night, and tonight will be another 45 min. We can do it!

Hi everyone ......I agree we should all get our plans set and let each other know ...Ive actually been woring on that myself .....starting a notebook with what I eat each day (seeing it in writing makes you think about it ) , writing out my current weight and measurements , and what my goal will be . Today I went and exercised in the gym at work with my 2 friends as I had planned ......did 15 minutes on the treadmill alternating running and walking ......used the stepper type machine and alot of other machines that I would not begin to know the names but I used them (haha) and my friends promised to do it again tomorrow .....Today there was a huge plate of brownies sitting at the nurses station all day and I was offered some a few times and each time I declined (yeah) .....also we went out to dinner and I ordered a spinach roll w/hot peppers ...and we got a pizza and when it came that had messed it up and on my half that had all the veggies they also put pepperoni ( i wanted to cry ) .....but I ate a peice off of the plain just cheese half and my kids ate my veggie part since it had greasy pepperoni .........
My food intake for the day
Breakfast : Special k (1/2 cup) with 1/2 cup no fat milk and small banana
Lunch: turkey sandwich on wheat bread with tomato and mustard , 4 small pretzels
diet 7up
Dinner : half spinach roll w/ hot peppers , 1 small piece plain pizza
4 bottles of water during the day at work , and 1 large glass with dinner , working on another glass now
Well ladies thats all for now ......keep your minds on your goals and you will all get to them . Good night !!!! Chryss

chryss sounds like you had a very good day exercise and food wise. and your right if you write it down then yes it holds you accountable and if you are having someone else read it then it makes you think hey do i really need to put this in my mouth and have everyone know. i have type 2 diabetes and have to turn my food journal, weights, and body measurements into my dr. and now i can turn it in here too. not to mention i also let my husband read it.

Weigh in day and down to 242! 18 pounds gone :) I have a new current challenge for myself, I bought a pedometer today and I am going to see how many steps I normally take in a day. Then I am going to challenge myself to increase it more and more each day. Does anyone else have a pedometer? How do you like it? Is it fairly accurate?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend....gotta go work on my list of goals....

I had weigh in day yesteday... and... I was down 2 lbs since the previous Sunday. I was soo excited. I've found that sticking with the WW points wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I need to get myself a pedometer.. I saw that slim~fast had a promotion at Walmart where they were giving them away.. I saw that 2 days after it happened! Argh! Anyway-- where did you get your pedometer jolee? I am looking to get one that isn't too procey but still is worthwhile!

Congrats on the loss goddess! I got mine from Walmart and i got the $8 one. They also had one for $4 but I thought the $8 one looked more durable and better for the money. I like it so far, I just have to remember to put it on! Today will be my first day of full wearage (word? :s: ) so I will set my goals accordingly.

I will log on tomorrow with my personal goals and challenges. Only have short time on puter today :(

Better late then never!
 

HELP! I soooo need buddies that will challenge me to be a good girl. I moved to Florida 2 years ago and promptly gained 50 pounds!
Dosen't that beat all, I move from chilly Ohio to sunny south Florida, live 1 mile from the beach and won't be caught dead in a bathing suit! And FYI Miami has more models per square mile than anywhere else in the world. I look in the mirror and think "When did I become the fat girl?". I've never been thin, I always considered myself sexy (with all my curves), but now I look like a blob! I am 5'4 and weigh 200 pounds. I just want to get back down to 150! I was happy at that weight and am desperate to be happy again. Lets lose this weight together girls! WE CAN DO IT!!!! Do I have any takers?

you have come to the right place. and you are right we can do it together :grouphug: post often and welcome!!!!!!11

Xoxoxox
 

Thanks for the support! ;)

Kittykat
I was in Miami once in my life.. and you're right.. there are some beautiful people there... 2 piece bathing suits galore... some look good.. others look like heroin addicts!! I'm with you though, I've not been in a bathing suit in a few years... hopefully this summer will be different!

Good luck and there is a lot of support here.

Bathing Suit Here I Come!
 

That is my goal, to be in a bathing suit by my birthday (July 31st)! I don't want to be built like a twig, I just want to get rid of the rolls!!!! :)
It's hard because all of my family live in the midwest so they all come and visit and of course they want to go to the beach! I am tired of making excuses for sending them with my husband! I want to be part of the fun.

Hey, Ladies! Sorry I didn't post all week, I feel like such a slacker! :rolleyes: Anyway, I ve been doing pretty well, I think. I have been watching my portions, and I have found that not eating at all between meals works best for me. And since I promised to confess any sugar that I ate, I am PSYCHED(!!!) to say that I have had almost none! Yesterday I wanted it sooooooo bad, but I resisted. I wanted to mug anyone that I saw eating anything with sugar in it. But, generally speaking the only sugar I have had is a root beer and a couple of real beers. I really think that the Chromium I am taking is helping. But I did have wheat ( My known food sensitivity) both today and yesterday, so thats not so good. As for the exercise end of things, I am still not doing so hot. I am going for little walks, but nothing like I should be doing. I have been making excuses that I am waiting for my Tae Bo videos to get here, but then they got here and they were the wrong ones so I had to send them back. They are rush delivering the new ones, but I am still feeling a little discouraged. Slacking, slacking... Also on the discouraging end of things, I weighed myself the other day and it said that I had gained four pounds! How is that possible! I am wondering if there can be that great of a discrepincy (spelling?) between your weight in the morning(when I normally weigh myself) and evening? Also I had four beers the night before. I don't usually drink much, so maybe it was super-duper water retention? What do you all think? I am scared to weigh myself now! I have been good, how could I have gained weight? Feedback, please! ( And perhaps a little bit of encouragement, I feel like I need it right now...)Thank you, Guys. Or Girls, I mean. Charis