HEY THERE CHALLENGETTES. HERE'S TO WEEK # 2 OF THE SECOND WAVE.

I wondered if Week Two might not be a good time to think about renewal. Tonight happens to be the eve of Rosh Hashonah (sp?) - the Jewish New Year. And over the next few months there are some wonderful holidays coming up that will bring us in contact with dear friends and family... and food!

With all that's happened over the past week, it seemed like a good moment to reflect upon and cherish what we do have, and also reinforce our determination to keep it. And that includes all the work we've done to either maintain our weight or lose some to get back to goal. I think what you guys have accomplished is phenomenal... and I can't wait to see what we all will do during this second wave.

I wondered if you might share this week... what you have discovered about yourself that keeps you going - even when things get tough?

I've discovered some pretty special people on this thread, and am very grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and your fortitude.... Patch

Well one of the things I've discovered, is how much better I do knowing how all of you are trying so hard, and doing so well. This combined energy and momentum really spur me on... even when I don't want to be! I've also rediscovered that I'm a survivor - a fighter - and I don't ever want to go back to that old pasty, overweight entity.

So far this past Mon and Tuesday have been a bust.

M - 40 pts - 5 activity = 35
T - 40 pts?? probably more
W - 24.5
T - 23 (banked 2, activity - 2)
F - 21 (banked 4)
S - 26.5 (36.5 - 10 activity points) was pretty active this day
S - 32

How are you all doing?

I'm coming off of a bad week -- a gain, no exercise and lots of pain -- but I am determined to do better his week.

I'm with ya Myra. And I hope you're feeling better soon.

Good morning!

I've discovered that each day is a new start and should be treated that way. It helps me to remain focused and motivated. This group is helpful in giving suggestions and asking for help. I know that since I've started the challenge that I'm more aware of what I'm eating, how much, etc. This past week was difficult at best and the one thing I could basically have some control over was my eating plan and that was one constant in my life. The ups and downs of maintenance have been a little frustrating for me lately as I've been striving to get my weight down to 138-39; each time I get somewhat close I slip up and gain. My goal for this challenge is to focus.

Myra: You can do it! We know what we have to do and we'll do what we need to do to get to where we want. water, water, water is my mantra for the week

Patch: I've given some thought to your question about what keeps me going. I think it's a combination of things. Like Melissa, I now find it easier to let go of less-than-successful days and to start over. No more all or nothing attitude.

Exercise is another important factor. As a runner, I feel the impact of any extra weight immediately, so there's always incentive to stay as light as possible to make things easier on my heart.

Finally, there's the practical side of things. I hung on to my big clothes for a while but have since given away everything that didn't fit. So I can't really afford to gain much weight - no "fat" clothes left in the closet

Hey there guys. Another thing I've discovered, is that I really do better when I journal in the hard copy journal as well as the online entry. For the past few weeks, I've been doing without the hard copy since I finished the one I had and haven't picked up another one. I'm going to do that today!

Seasaw, I definitely agree that exercise is a real key for me as well. I'm in my mid 40's - yikes - and if I don't keep up the exercise the pounds just keep on coming. And like you, I really do feel that having that additional weight does effect my performance.

I have noticed that even through this tough time, my eating habits are not as outrageous as they used to be. The past few years have really heped me scale down my out of control portion size eating.

I'm going to start this new week's thread. I really need to focus on getting back to what's worked.

Here is my week:
Mon 24
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 23
Fri 24
Sat 22
Sun 25

Range: 20-25

I also started exercising again as of Wed. Hopefully that will show on the scale when I WI Wed. nite. I'll let you know how it goes.

Myra, regardless of what the scale says... I just want to say congrats to a great points week. I'm hoping to have one as good this week. You really are an inspiration.

Hi everyone. TOM and the general blahs made for a bad week. Only have partial numbers, as follows:

S: - 23
S: - 23
M: - 23 (pattern developing?)
T: - 22.5
W - F: ?? - not good

Yesterday, I devoured a large chocolate bar and picked at various other high-fat choices during the course of the day. I'm back on track today, but will not weigh myself until a little later in the week, hoping the damage will have been negated by then...

Seasaw: Boy, oh boy can I relate!!! I, too, had a bad weekend--TOM is looming and it seemed like even though I started off okay with various choices I ended up with higher points than normal. I'm trying to stay on track today and even "forced" myself to get out over the lunch hour despite the rain to get a walk in. I am going to my yoga class after work and I'll do some more walking. I, too, am hoping to counteract what I did over the weekend.

Wed: 29
Thu: 20
Fri: 26
Sat: 27
Sun: 20
Mon:
Tue:

Here are my numbers for the past week - got a little out of hand on Monday & Tuesday (had a key lime pie issue....) I weigh in tonight, but according to the scale at home, will not be posting a loss.

Wed: 21
Thur: 23
Fri: 23
Sat: 20
Sun: 25
Mon: 29
Tues: 27

Katie, my fingers are crossed. Tonight is my WI too. I am hoping for a loss despite a real surge of stress (DH has been ranting and raving nonstop) the past few days. Cross your fingers for me too.

Here are my numbers for the week:

Wed: 29
Thu: 20
Fri: 26
Sat: 27
Sun: 20
Mon: 22
Tue: 21

Average points: 23.5 - Weight 141.8

I have my meeting at noon and feel bloated (TOM has finally arrived) so I don't feel like even setting foot on the scale. Katie & Myra: Good luck with your weigh ins today! I haven't set foot on my scale at home to even get an idea of where I might be but I'm hoping that I've at least held or maybe even lost a tiny bit. I'll post again later!

Update:Just got back from my meeting and am happy to report I'm down 2.2# I was so sure I was going to be up by the way I felt.

I'm so happy. Just came from my WI. I lost 2.4 lbs. The exercise definitely made a difference.