I want to join the summer challenge too! Let's see....

SW 159, CW 155, GW 140, Ultimate GW 135

My Goal weight for June is 140!!

What will I do? Stay on Program (South Beach). Try to excercise, and drink more water.

My reward? A new warerobe, and a pedicure!

Good luck to all of us!

What will I do to get there?

Welcome Lou Lou Belle

Nice to have you Lou Lou Belle, sounds like you've got all your ducks in order. Good luck and keep us posted.

Mauvais, I think that planning ahead is half the battle. When I don't do that, I am much more likely to grab something I WANT rather than something I should have and think that I'll "figure it out" later. Of course, depending on what my choice is, the figuring may leave me with a baby carrot for dinner!

Sandi, those are great results! Way to go! As for the sodium, you are so right. It can make my wt. fluctuate by 4-5# in a 24hr. period and it makes me nuts because nothing is more likely to lead to my sabotaging my program than having those numbers on the scale start to escalate.

Today I did a lot of snow blowing and then needed some "me time" so I went for a walk. Unfortunately it was a short one because my back did not feel too great. Feeling pretty energetic though, so that's always nice. I have to say though, I AM looking forward to spring and we're not even 30 days into winter yet...sigh...

Stilltrying and Lou Lou Belle - I have the same problem with sodium too - I can gain 2-3lbs overnight just from eating salty food - and don't even get me started about chinese food

When I walked home from work today it there was still a little bit of light - a sure sign that the winter is coming to a close, albeit a slow one. We will have snow up until March - but my mind is thinking Spring is just around the corner - it keeps me going

When I opened my mailbox today it was stuffed with pizza flyers from four different places I tossed them into the recycle bin immediately so I would not be tempted to order out tonight. .... I think I will do that with every flyer that we receive in the mail - better to not be tempted

Hi LouLou Belle and thanks for the encouragement guys! Let's all keep going.

Sandi

Lou Lou, I thought I was in the wrong forum.
Welcome to Alternachicks!

Hey...count me in for the New Year's summer challenge!
My current weight is 175 pounds...and 36% body fat. I started out 2 years ago at 211 pounds and my body fat percentage was in the 40's as far as percentage...I don't remember the exact number. I have went from a size 20 to a 16 so far. My goal is to be in the 160's by spring...around March-ish...and I would love to be in the 150's by mid-summer. My other fitness goals are to lower my body fat percentage into the 20's this year.

The plan I am following is calorie counting-paying special attention to eating clean, high nutrition foods like lean protein sources, and lots of produce-and keeping processed foods like cookies and crackers to a minimum.

My exercise schedul is 3 days a week of strength training-belly dancing classes twice a week for an hour each time...one in a group class, and the
other a private lesson...and cardio through practicing belly dancing at home or walking 2-3 days a week. I also do athletic stretching and yoga or Pilates
once a week to stretch my spine and improve flexibility for dancing.

I have many rewards systems going...with every landmark weight...or mini goal reached...I purchase a little bauble...a belly dance "pretty" like a new veil or hip scarf...or a new outfit. I have become a lot more high maintenance
over the past 2 years-taking lots of scented baths, painting my toenails...I do
at least one small thing like that for "me" each day.

Aphil

Mauvais, now THAT is good planning!I agree that not exposing ourselves to temptations is one of the most effective interventions we can apply to our valiant efforts to stay on our programs. What I find most unsettling is UNEXPECTED, pop-up attacks. If I know that a particular food is "there" it does not bother me but if I happen on it unexpectedly I'm almost always vulnerable. For example, there is a huge basket of candy in the family room and I walk past it 20 times a day without a problem but if somebody leaves out a half an uneaten doughnut it can start me on a week-long binge.

Re. winter, we've had an unusual occurrence for the past few years. We had such warm Nov. and Dec. that the trees budded. Then, of course, we were hit with real winter temps and weather. Meanwhile though, we're left with the buds. It makes me smile, like spring is just around the corner, though it is not true. Went out for my walk today and it was definitely not true.

Hi all chickies Have a good day.

Oh, Still... I hope your trees are alright!

Mauvais? Did you say Chinese food?

Aphil, I like your reward system... that's something that Den and I should work on.

Hi Aphil, how nice to see you here! You don't know me but I "audited" (hate the word lurking; makes me feel like a pervert ) your forum for a few months to see if I could fit in. I was always SO impressed by your dedication to your program and your activity/exercise level. SO, now that you are here, I can come out and address you. I look forward to enjoying your progress with you. THose are awesome numbers on the fat % front! You are truly an inspiration! and so are your friends on the calorie counting forum.

Thank you stilltrying! That means a lot to me to hear!
xoxo
Aphil

Aphil! you are doing so well - keep it up!

Hi everyone! Mauvaisroux I love your new photo! Very cute. Well I had a TOTAL pig out day yesterday with the Super Bowl party going on. I can't even tell you how much I ate and drank hahahaha
Last week I lost another pound taking me to 192. Don't know if my binge yesterday put me over or not. I'm back on the wagon today. Had a breakfast shake this a.m., having a hamburger pattie and peas for lunch. Trying for no soda today and aerobics tonight. Hope you're all doing well. Later Ladies - Amy

Thanks Shoequeen! I pigged out on Greek food yesterday so don't feel too bad

Anyone want to report in on how their first month of the year went? I lost 6 1/2 pounds this month, with which I am very pleased. I made it to the gym 6 times, which doesn't sound like a lot for the whole month but is better than the 0 times I usually go. This time I am trying to ease into things rather than go gung-ho and then quit after a week.

My goals for February are to make it to the gym at least two times a week and to lose at least one pound a week.

There are roughly 17 weeks left until June 1! Shorts and swimming suits are not far away.