Eat Clean Challenge -- Day 11 completed, 3 pauses left

No Alcohol Challenge -- Day 0 completed, the fewer pauses the better

Well, another night out drinking last night. I shouldn't do it but the socializing is the catch. I wish I could do it without the alcohol. I didn't eat so my eating challenge is still OK. I really resisted a LOT of temptation during the day coming back on the expressway. But, I had brought containers of cut up fruit and such and that really, really saves me. As long as I have something healthy to munch I don't feel guilty. I eat as much as I want but just do NOT touch the processed stuff. It is nearly impossible not to eat sugar and highly processed white flour products when you go into convenience stores. And the chemicals in premade lunches and stuff is horrible to read. Whenever I feel like buying something I just read the label and it is a great deterrent.

Well, I don't really want to do an alcohol challenge but maybe it will help. Like, last night, I didn't really want to go out but then I thought I should meet one guy from work just to get to know him better. That part, I think, is really important but then again maybe not...maybe it's something I should put off. Nah, I just need to keep it to a minimum and I am. So there, good for me. My weight is down and my clothes are looser. I took measurements and I am losing size. I am writing it down and not making little of small half centimeter changes in places. When the fat starts melting, everything sags downward because the skin is loose and that means the measurements don't change much but I can feel the difference. It is there and it was not horribly painful to do. It just took commitment and consistency. I didn't count calories either. Ok, now to keep it up!


ironlove, yes, the toughest challenges are often far easier, at least in the beginning. If you're the kind of person who loves to rise to challenge, to take on a dare, and I think you are, it's actually exhilarating to do it. But, yes, beware when it seems easy. It's NOT easy. Just because you did it, didn't make it easy. It just shows you CAN do it. But doing that over and over again, that's the true test. I love your attitude! Best of luck!!

Hi Red- I don't think you really want to give up. Our problem is, we are impatient, we want immediate results, we tend to forget that it took years for us to get where we are, so we should not expect to be super fit, super skinny in no time.
I've reached my highest weight ever in June, I was up to 163 pounds, I was OBESE! (I'm only a little over 5 feet tall) Problem is, I really did not think I was obese, OK i was in denial. Then I suddenly started having knee problems, no surprise- with all the extra weight I was carrying around. So I tried to watch my diet on and off, and finally got my BMI to the high overweight range. So now I'm back, I need to do something about my poor knees.
My challenges are all level 3:
1. Stay OP
2. Exercise at least 20 minutes daily
3. Never give up
Day 1 - check

Eat Clean Challenge -- Day 12 completed, 3 pauses left

No Alcohol Challenge -- Day 1 completed, the fewer pauses the better


Well, I did not blow it...though I felt like it and I ate a lot maybe. I was tired and felt sick and had to stay up. But, instead of eating sweets or other junk and then feeling mentally worse (for "blowing it") I just ate real food. My weight hasn't changed much and it's really no wonder, what with all the drinking I did. I don't know if I can be vigilant enough and NOT do things like drinking. It's like I have to have some outlet for my vices. Well, maybe I will learn to take pride in my accomplishments a little more once they show more results....

girlie, good to see you and thanks for the encouragement and support. The problem is, it didn't take years for me to get this way. It only took about a year and maybe not even that long. Along the way I know things are happening but I don't really see them until one day I notice EVERYTHING! I remember once (way back!!) when I had actually gotten quite thin. I hadn't realized it until I saw my reflection accidentally somewhere and didn't really think it was me. I mean, my legs didn't look big but I still thought of them as quite big. Weird, isn't it, the tricks our minds play on us. I, by the way, am the same height as you and I was just about the same weight. I didn't consider myself obese but I probably was (am). Hmmm....now you just made me feel worse...

Eat Clean Challenge -- Day 13 completed, 3 pauses left

No Alcohol Challenge -- Day 1 completed, 1 pause taken


Sigh. Do not ask me why I wasn't home til nearly dawn. This has got to stop! Come on, get a hold of yourself (me) and get in shape again.
I've done two weeks (started before the challenge actually) and am getting used to NOT reaching for the junk food at the convenience stores. With all the drinking I've done, there is little wonder I have not lost more weight. Then again, too fast would not be good either. I have definitely lost weight and maybe having had the outlet of having fun with friends helped keep me on track. Whatever. Now to make a new goal for the next week. Bit by bit, that's probably the best way (if not the ONLY way) to bring about true change.

girlie, I definitely know the drinking has not been good for anything but fun. Moderation is not an option for me because I only drink to get drunk. I can't even stand the taste of alcohol. It's just too much of a socializing thing here. My only way is just to cut back and try to have fun in other ways, so it's not like I'm a recluse except for the times I go out on the town. That said. it was fun. Last night I was out with a co-worker and we met these two German tourists. I work in a German law firm and speak German but don't get much chance to speak and am pretty shy about speaking anyhow now that my German is rusty. We got talking and then I took them to one of my favorite bars, a real interesting Irish pub here in Tokyo. Anyhow, it was fun. Now for the recovering act....
A big hand to you for a successful second day!!!

You are truly inspiring me, red, with your dedication to your goal. Even if the weight isn't coming off as fast as you would like it to, sometimes it's good to keep a commitment to yourself just to know that you can trust yourself!

Don't answer if this is too personal, but why do you only drink to get drunk?

Hi, popping in again. I need to refocus. October was a busy month for me, and Nov should be a lot more relaxing.
Red, I am proud of you for sticking with it!
I DO like the taste of beer, and I also drink to ...mmm...relocate.
But I do drink too much and I will still fight the no beer challenge.
Tomorrow.cause I already had one today.
I would really like to drop another 5 pounds by Christmas, I think that's a very conservative goal.
ANd right now I am going for a run.
See ya later!

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to join this challenge.

So, for 21 days I will......

Not eat any fried foods.... 3 pauses allowed

Drink 100 oz. of water a day 2 pauses allowed

Exercise for 30 minutes a day 3 pauses allowed