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Shad - You're so busy at work and at home, it's no wonder you're having trouble fitting in exercise. Can you walk in the mornings before you leave for work or in the evenings after you get home? I've decided I need at least 40 hour days so that I can have a work-life balance and get everything done. :lol: Or I just need to clone myself. One to earn the money, one to keep the house in order, and one to exercise and have fun. :) You'll get it sorted out.
Red - Don't be so hard on yourself. I've lost 6.5 lbs since Valentines Day and am thrilled to have lost that much. Plus, you are a lot closer to your goal weight, so it's more difficult...and you've been going through such a difficult time. When I've been in such stressful, depressing times, I was grateful if I didn't gain (and I usually did gain - A LOT!). I would suggest that rather than trying to quit all poisons at once, pick the easiest. Make that your challenge. Once you get one down, add another. As for bringing color and joy into your life...are you getting outside at all? The sunshine can definitely improve your mood. Can you go for a walk or a bike ride? I wish I could offer more suggestions. I know you're in such a tough situation. I wish I could do something to help. :hug: ***************************** Yesterday was very stressful. But at least I did an hour of Zumba, along with the core exercises, to sweat away the stress!! :dancer: I got up at 3:15 today and got to work at 4:40. I think I could use an IV of coffee - I'm so darn sleepy. :tired: DMIL and I are going to take the dogs to the vet today for their booster shots. Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 9/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 9/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 9/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 3 pauses taken - Day 9/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 1 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 50 crunches - 1 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 1 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 2 minutes of planks - 1 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 0 of 2 pauses taken - Day 9/21 |
launch day!
I am feeling decidedly better than yesterday. Thank God! AND!!!!! my weight crept a touch lower this morning. 70.6 kg. Enough to say 155 lbs!! A recent low!! :dance:
As I said, it's largely from the unhealthy lifestyle (I even dreamt about eating fruit last night!), the smoking, the not eating when I should. I think a large part of my shaky mood yesterday was because I wasn't eating, which is very unusual for me. After I forced myself to make something to eat I felt infinitely better....but then continued to smoke my last cigarettes to prepare for today and the new beginning. So that's it, for today I will start with the no-smoking challenge. NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 0 DAYS COMPLETED Wish me luck!! :yes: And, I've changed my avatar photo to mark the new start. From the French film...I (as the red balloon) am here sheltered in the care and kindness of friends! Thank you. :thanks: ************** diyana -- thanks for your kind words and advice. I think I had come to a similar decision about the challenges. It is now Thursday morning and I was going to start them all but then thought, no, I'll just start the no smoking one and let the others kick in as I go along. Kind of a like a Christmas carol.....what do they call that where different voices come in at different times and continue singing together from that point? I wouldn't say the no-smoking is the easiest by any means. On the other hand, like the singing, it is the key voice, the key element. It is the most extreme poison and the nicotine is truly and highly addictive so that junk needs to go first! For some reason, I felt so depressed yesterday. I do not handle change well and the recent changes are the hardest, ones that are directly connected to the things I love. I don't have any problem with changes in environment as far as places or things go, however. In fact, I NEED that variety to keep from being extremely bored I guess that's why I could live in so many foreign lands. In fact, I thrive on things like new languages, new faces and learning about new things. Anyhow, it sounds like you are doing very well with your challenges. Getting up at just after 3 a.m. sounds very difficult, largely because getting to bed early enough to get enough sleep must be next to impossible. It's no wonder you're tired. What time do you usually get to bed? Thanks again! Keep up the great work!!! :cheer2: |
"What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses."
and.... "Between tomorrow's dream and yesterday's regret is today's opportunity." :bubbles: |
Red - Love the new avatar the quotes. And I especially love the new challenge! YGG! I know you can do this. I'm so glad you're not taking on too many challenges....the smoking is a big enough challenge, and you will ROCK this!
*************** No exercise for me yesterday....The days and evenings have been crazy busy. Not sure when it will ease up. Since you asked, Red, I typically fall asleep betwene 9:30 and 10. So, you are correct, I am not getting enough sleep this week. I need 7 hours per night and am currently getting 6 or less. Hopefully this will improve by next week. Here's where I'm at.... Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 10/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 10/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 10/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 3 pauses taken - Day 10/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 2 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 50 crunches - 2 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 2 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 2 minutes of planks - 2 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 1 of 2 pauses taken - Day 9/21 |
Liftoff!!!
Well, I did it!! :dancer: It was incredibly tough and touch and go for a while. I really, really was having every button pressed. The adrenalin was flooding my system and I was TICKED to put it extremely mildly. I was absolutely livid and thus craving a cigarette. Withdrawal exasperated!! Things in my life are just too crazy. This was what led to me smoking again after having quit for 15 years. Then it was work problems. Now, it's personal things. I won't go into details. BUT, the main thing is that somehow I managed to NOT smoke yesterday. Now, to keep it up... NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 1 DAY COMPLETED Also, I was shocked this morning to get on the scale and though still clothed see a lower weight even than yesterday. Yes, my weight seems to have plunged yesterday. I had little sugar so maybe some bloat is gone and the other night I had eaten a lot of very salty things (but still the scale had been down). I ate very little yesterday too and got to the gym. All in all, for whatever reasons, I now weigh UNDER 70 kg!!! Is that incredible or what??!?! My weight was 69.8 or just under 154 lbs. Since I have now crashed the 70 kg mark, my next goal (besides maintaining that) is to get under 150 lbs so I can say I am closer to 100 than 200! :dance: ************** diyana -- Too bad about the exercise but you're still going strong and have one pause left there. The sleep is important so you don't get sick. I hope things will become less crazy for you soon. As always, thanks for the support! :yes: :kickcan: |
I'm in the midst of a very rough day....very rough.....please give me strength. :stress:
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Red - sounds like you are doing okay with the weight. And a big congratulations for not smoking despite the rotten day. I look forward to seeing DAY 2 completed on your post.
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Thanks, Shad, I'm trying real hard NOT to smoke and to notch that Day 2. It is very hard but I think I can do it. I don't really know what's going on with my weight other than I mustn't be eating that much. This is the lowest it's been in nearly three years! I am losing fat for sure though because I can see my muscles a lot better. Jeez, I DO have muscles. I guess I would have to for the weights I can easily lift but since I never really saw them I didn't consider myself that strong..... Even places I didn't think I had much muscle, like my shoulders, are strong-looking. But my gut is so loose and gross. Let's hope the skin can catch up with the new size. :dizzy:
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Red - Congrats on the weight loss! That's wonderful!! You're pretty much at my goal weight now!!! YGG!! Glad you are starting to see your muscles! I hope you got through Day 2 of your challenge.
******************** I have had such a rough and busy week. The stress at work has been insane. I've been putting in long days and have been busy every evening. Last night, when I got home after work and after a meeting with a website client, I pretty much collapsed. Next week, my life starts getting back to normal...which means more time for Zumba. :dancer: Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 11/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 11/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 11/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 3 pauses taken - Day 11/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 3 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 50 crunches - 3 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 3 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 2 minutes of planks - 3 of 3 pauses taken - Day 8/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 2 of 2 pauses taken - Day 9/21 |
three down...
Hello all. I proudly announce that I have made it through THREE entire days without smoking a single cigarette. And they have been some of the roughest days of my life emotionally. They still are rough and it's going to be difficult.
Now may be actually harder because after the initial victory I tend to think, so what? Who cares? What do you get for reaching the goals? Nothing changes...blah, blah, blah. Well, it DOES change. It just doesn't change the things that are messed up. Probably nothing can change them. You just have to ride them out...hmm. I used to do a lot of kayaking. Nothing really rough but still, sometimes we'd hit whitewater. So, I've hit some emotional whitewater...really, really rough water. If I throw the diet, the health, the exercise overboard, will that calm the waters? No, of course not. The waters are there. They are simply there. You go through them and you come out on the other side in good shape or not. That part IS up to you. The going in to the waters may have been up to you too but often it's not even though it looked like it was. It's life's path and you had to go through it.... OK, just me trying to get through the waters, grasping for the straws of philosophy that will keep my head above water. I hate this... NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 3 DAYS COMPLETED diyana -- how are your days looking? Any less stressful? Your looking forward to what sounds like stressful exercise when you get some downtime is amazing! You are really changing I think. There is going to be no stopping you now. You are well on your way to your goal. :yes: I can see your exercise challenges are in a bit of trouble as far as pauses go. Do you think you can hold on for two weeks or is the workload just too much? I hope you can do it, if even just for the record! :strong: |
Congratulations Red.
:bravo: :woohoo: :bravo: :woohoo: :bravo: :woohoo: :bravo: :woohoo: 3 days is awesome. And the philosophic analogy with whitewater rafting is inspired. Keep going. I gave up smoking 20+ years ago. I really don't miss it but occasionally a newly opened pack of cigs smells great. The full ashtray however does not! What I was actually going to say is that although it never seemed to affect my health - ie I didn't get colds, flu or anything else that was going when I smoked, I can feel the effects all these years later when I want to run or swim. And you are in a worse place than me for smoking - here there are only around 25% of people who smoke now, used to be at least 40% higher. Japan still has a high proportion of smokers as I remember. My 10% weight loss challenge is moving along but it will be for longer than 21 days and that is why I am not posting it here. |
Thanks, Shad. That helped. I don't want to go into it here but I have had some real crap go down in the personal realm and I just am having a hard time dealing with it. Well, heck, you can't really deal with it, you just have to get through it. Damn.
I don't even feel like eating. When I do eat, I feel sick. But I so, so, so much want to smoke.... :cry: |
Things took a sudden turn UP yesterday! Too good to believe? I don't know but for now I'm feeling....what is this feeling, I've forgotten?!?!?.....oh, yeah.... GOOD!! :cloud9: And I almost blew it yesterday, I was just dragging....but things started getting better and better and I didn't even see it coming I was so lost in my personal anguish. But things got better and better, so much that by the end of the day I went out and bought some beers to celebrate, something I never do, drink at home alone, but I just had to celebrate! And I sure wasn't going to smoke then and didn't! Hurrah! NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 4 DAYS COMPLETED :dancer: |
Yeah - treasure the moments where good comes out of bad. :dance:
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The good feeling was rather short-lived but it is better than it was. I just have to be strong and try to be less vulnerable. It is around 3 a.m. and I let the insomnia get to me and start wearing me down. Just have to remain strong. As I did with my challenge. :yes:
NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 5 DAYS COMPLETED :kickcan: |
My challenges hit the skids this weekend. I had flu-like symptoms all weekend....exhausted and achey. So I didn't exercise and my eating wasn't always OP. Feeling much better today and going to Zumba tonight.
I'm restarting all challenges effective today. :) |
diyana -- I'm sorry to hear that things are rough and that the challenges had to fall. But, if you're able to Zumba (I don't know what it is really, it just sounds hard!) then I suppose you're much better. Best of luck and I hope to see you back in here zooming along! :flow1: I'm struggling as usual. I am trying to dig out (almost literally) from under all the junk in my room. It is unbelievable. There is SO much stuff that I have packed in here. It reminds me constantly of stored fat and this is what is so disheartening. I know that I can only do it bit by bit and even when I move box after box to a room nearby I have rented, I see next to no change. It seems like it actually makes it worse because I see just how much is there. My God, it is exactly like weight loss. What to do? I suppose I just have to close my eyes to the big picture for now and concentrate on doing those things that keep things moving forward. Room clearing -- Throwing out things and moving things out so I can deal with them. Weight loss -- Continuing to limit my food intake and continuing to exercise. It is so hard and I see no real progress in getting the body I want either. My skin just gets looser and looser and I feel uglier. I still can't get into the lower-weight clothes and no one has even mentioned that I look to be losing weight. Well, that's no concern. They never do. Well, please wish me luck and the strength and resolve to continue. This all seems to be connected and I guess only faith that things will change and that I indeed am the key factor in changing things will get me through. |
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Red - I'm sorry, I thought you knew what Zumba was. It's a cardio dance class that is a combination of Latin and Hip Hop moves. It's like the most fun ever! Even though you get all sweaty and feel like it's a good workout...you almost don't feel like you're working out...cuz it just feels like a big dance party!
As for my challenges...I rocked yesterday's exercise with an hour of Zumba and 1/2 hour of strength training...but the food was less than stellar due to a catered work meeting - taco bar....so I'm gonna start everything up today. Getting out from under clutter is like weight loss, Red. Thank you for helping me realize that too. Maybe we can help each other through this. Great job on going ciggie free! You're awesome, my friend!! |
Hey gang! I am so glad to find this thread still going strong. I was here about 1.5 years ago, but fell of the weight loss wagon. After gaining most of my weight back, I am here to try again!
I remember what a great thread this was and I loved the extra motivation and accountability from everypne here! So .... taking it slow as I work my way into this new lifestyle ... starting tomorrow, my first challenge will be .... Water Challenge Drink 80 oz of water per day - 2 passes |
Hi everyone -
Hope you're all doing well. I'm sending you all :hug: and a gentle :kickbutt: along with :cp: :cp: to keep us going on our challenges! I started my challenges anew as of yesterday, and since I'm leaving for a vacation in California in 22 days....and I want to complete this round of ALL challenges before I leave,, so I'm only allowing myself, at most, 1 pause. Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 11/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 1/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 1/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 50 crunches - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 2 minutes of planks - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 1/21 |
I don't really know how I am doing this but I am. I can't say I feel any better though. My skin seems worse though my color does look a bit better....well, I can't link the two, feeling better with not smoking. I just have to do it. There are so many factors in things that we can't know which is from what. But, only a fool would think that smoking helps anything. If I want to persist in my idiocy then I need merely to look at the cost of smoking and stop for that reason. A pack a day would cover my monthly gym costs and then some.. :yes:
NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 7 DAYS COMPLETED ************** diyana -- Thanks for the well wishes. You too, hang in there! tex -- Welcome back! :welcome: Starting slow is a good idea. The discipline and awareness needed to do a challenge is a step in the right direction itself. |
Red - WTG on 1 week of not smoking! :carrot::carrot::carrot: What a huge milestone already! You CAN DO THIS!!!!!:hug:
diyana - Good job on the clutter! Last time I was here I purged 2 bags a day for the challenge - i couldn't believe how much stuff I got rid of! WTG with Zumba - hope you are enjoying it! :dance: Did great on my challenge today, but it's only day 1 :D It will be harder tomorrow since I don't work and I will be on the go - oh well - at least i have one down! Water Challenge Drink 80 oz of water per day - 2 passes 1/21 no passes |
Red- I'm so proud of you for doing so well on your challenge! One week without smoking is WONDERFUL!! Your skin may be temporarily doing worse as your body is trying to release the nicotine and other toxins. Good for you for realizing that quitting smoking would more than cover the cost of your gym membership!
Tex - I LOVE Zumba. To me, it's one of the most fun things to do ever! Good luck with the water challenge! You can do this! A big :wave: to everyone else! ******************** Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 2/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 2/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 2/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 50 crunches - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 2 minutes of planks - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 2/21 |
Got through another day. There were some tempting times especially when so many people around me are smoking, but it's a lot easier than it was. The real test will be out drinking with smokers, but a lack of money and time is preventing me from doing that as well. Though my skin is worse, I think it's just the allergies. They are worse now. My one remaining cat is the culprit I think. Cats with white fur have always been bad for me for some reason and she's all white. It must be something different in their skin.
NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 8 DAYS COMPLETED ************** tex -- thank you. It doesn't feel like a huge milestone but I guess it is. I think the best part for me is that I no longer feel like I have/want to do something that may meet the disapproval of others. Their disapproval usually prompts me to smoke more even when I don't really want to. Being with other smokers made me smoke more because I could do it freely. Either way, it's not helping anyone. Good work with the water. Just keep it going and make it a habit you don't have to think about at all. diyana -- thanks too for the congrats. As I said above, the skin is mostly from allergies I think. I definitely see an improvement in color though, but that may also be because I'm eating better. Isn't it great when you can find exercise that doesn't feel like a drag. It's the very best way. Yesterday, I was mucking out stalls, sweeping the aisles and washing out feed buckets at the new riding club. I got thinking of what this would have translated to in the gym and it's certainly nothing I would be doing, a lot of shoulder work and triceps reps. Great, because it wasn't "exercise" per se but simply "getting something done." And I rode and of course that's not exercise. It's riding, working my horse, communicating with her. I don't mind the exercise in the gym and it is good because you do things there you wouldn't do in a regular way with the things I do, but everything you do is still done in a very conscious way, not like the other things. Congrats on Day 2 down! |
Morning Red,
Although your stables work is not the same as a structured gym workout, it is definitely a workout. One of the things that the Biggest Loser program here in Aus did this year was showing the contestants how they could work out without getting a lot of equipment or spending hours at the gym. Things like digging in the garden, shifting a carton of apples into a car (extreme but it certainly gave them scope for lifting, bending, weights, etc. ) One of the trainers said that the opportunity to exercise is in every household chore, you just have to figure out how to get the best out of the chore. If only we could make all chores fun and motivating!!! |
Shad - I totally agree with you. Every day activities ARE exercise. Like a couple weeks ago when I did many, many hours of what I call Cardio Cleaning in preparation for my DMIL's visit. Granted, I really ENJOY Zumba more than Cardio Cleaning, but both are good exercise.
Red - Stable work is definitely exercise. You're using upper and lower body, and riding uses your core, right? Last night was Zumba and Strength Training. Tonight is an hour of Zumba, followed by approx. 2 hours on Saturday, and cardio yard work. A big :wave: to everyone! ********************* Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 3/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 3/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 3/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 50 crunches - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 2 minutes of planks - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 3/21 |
Another day down. I was sorely tempted for some reason yesterday, but I didn't smoke...I think I may be ready for some additional challenges, something to get my weight down to a new level. When the kilogram scale I have hits 69.6 I can change my current weight under my avatar to 153! Looking forward to it. The next larger goal is to reach 67.8 kg, so I can get under 150 lbs. I haven't been under 150 (my "closer to 100 lb. than 200 psychological breakthrough point) in ages. :dancer: NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 9 DAYS COMPLETED Shad, diyana! :wave: |
Another one down... I just remembered I dreamt that I was smoking, just picked up a cigarette and smoked while thinking all along that I had just ended almost 10 days of not smoking on my challenge....I wonder why I dreamt that? Well, it WAS a dream.
NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 10 DAYS COMPLETED I am thinking of doing some sort of really tough eating challenge or exercise challenge. I've been going to the gym but just go through the motions with little oomph and no cardio. Weight training has always been a cinch but it doesn't help get the fat off. I was talking to a guy going into the contests soon and he was doing an hour of tough cardio. He has really dropped the fat. I almost didn't recognize him. Asked how he did it and he said he cuts out most carbs and doesn't eat at night. Said he only does this for the contest and only part of the year, not yearround, like some of the real hardcore guys do. I thought, yeah, if I want my body to change I will HAVE to change something. Push down to the next level and ease off a bit to maintain. So, I am contemplating just how to do this in a way that will challenge me. There is nothing that works better for me than a real challenge. I don't like the easy way, unfortunately. :^: |
I did it!! The scale hit 69.6 today, so I changed my current weight to 153!! Hurrah!! :dance:
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I signed up for WW online, and because I'm just a bit over 5 feet tall, my daily points allowance is ridiculously low at 18 points. Needless to say, I'm over my points all the time, so I think I'll do a 21 day challenge and see if I can stay on track. My challenge is: stay on program- level 3. Day 1 completed. Nice to meet everyone. |
I did another day, even though I was looking rather longingly at the cigarettes in the bar after the race. Drinking and not smoking was easier than I thought though. I just didn't focus on the thought of smoking.
NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 11 DAYS COMPLETED Still, it was a very disappointing day in many ways. All my efforts went totally unnoticed by others, or at least not commented on. And worse, one guy in the bar said he thought I was trying to lose weight but here I was looking exactly the same. It was rather stupid of him to say that because, with my jacket and coat on, there was little he could see of me anyhow....or so I thought last night. And I knew I had actually lost weight. Now, however, I realize that the last time he saw me was at the end of November and I was about the same. So he was right. In the meantime though I had gained about 8 lbs, then lost it again. So, now, that I think about it, it's even more depressing because I am just going around in circles and never really making any progress. The months after December were absolute ****. I am still not out of the woods. But, it all means nothing to people who haven't been a part of it. They see you and have no idea. It's depressing. Well, sorry for the rant. Things are still bad and I still don't see any light anywhere. And when you have a day like yesterday, where you think someone may actually comment that you're looking good and you get nothing....even the opposite, it makes the little successes seem worthless. I know I shouldn't be looking for anything from others, but I do need it. At least sometimes. Is this just a part of aging, where you can expect to get no compliments anymore because no matter what you do you never are going to look "good" again? Oh, heck, should I be concerned about this anymore? Maybe it's time to worry about the truly important things...but how do I do that AND get and maintain a nice body? ************** girlie -- Thanks for the congrats on the weight loss. As you can see, my happiness was fleeting. And now, I am in grave danger of once again gaining it all back. This always happens. I lose a bit, don't see any real changes, don't get anything noticed, don't see the point, give up trying, gain it back and the vicious cycle starts again. Perhaps, I have to keep working at it until I see big changes. And only then rest. Well, as for your challenge, I have no idea about WW points so I can't say if 18 points is really "ridiculously low" as you say. How much weight do you have to lose, about 30 lbs? If so, that would be hard, and it sounds like you and I are in the same boat. You have to think that losing at this point is going to be hard. Take it down in notches. Fight to break through to a lower level and then maintain, DON'T gain! Then do it again, ratcheting it down bit by bit. I need to do this too. What usually happens is that I get sick of the push downward and rebound. We go back to what we know. The old habits are deeply ingrained. To truly form new habits is, I think, incredibly hard. Well, let's try to work at this! Best of luck. |
Okay, people, after that last post I did some thinking and I think I've hit on something. I've decided that wondering when the fricadilla "good things" are going to happen is a lesson in futility. How can we even tell what is "good" and what is "bad" in the big picture? Maybe something HAS to happen in order for something else to happen. For example, if I lose all my money but for 100 yen and have NOTHING coming in (hmm, sounds familiar) that's bad, right? But, if I take that 100 yen and go to the racetrack with it, place a bet on a longshot trifecta that comes in and I make a couple million yen, then was losing my money bad in context of what came next? It's questions like these that leave me feeling...er...confused.
SO, I have decided to toss it all and work on a type of hedonism. I am going to focus my thoughts on FEELING GOOD, nothing more, nothing less. And, of course, a lot of feeling good is about accomplishment, but in order to get that feeling of accomplishment (i.e., feeling good feeling) you have to DO stuff that you may not feel like doing. But you know you're going to feel good later so you do it. Ok, here goes. Feel Good Challenge 0 days completed Note: I may, since this is a public site, not list the things I did here necessarily. I will keep a notebook though. And they must be things I initiated, so this is different from my earlier Good Things Log. And there will be two stages. Stage 1: Thought and planning Stage 2: Execution. Here goes. :dancer: |
Well - I have been MIA, but still keeping up with my challenge. :carrot: I had a 5th & 6th grade lock-in a work this weekend. It was a great experience for everyone. Just one hiccup though - the AC went out in the building that we were supposed to use - I ended up sweating BUCKETS until I realized it was running, but not cooling :dizzy: we were able to switch buildings and all was well. I only slept 2 hours Friday evening/Sat morning. Had a photo shoot to do Sat morning, then I came home and crashed. I'm still trying to shake off the exhaustion, but hopefully by tomorrow morning I'll be back to normal!
Anyway - I did complete my challenge the last few days so.... Water Challenge Drink 80 oz of water per day - 2 passes 5/21 no passes used I think my body is starting to get used to the extra hydration. When I finally woke up on Saturday I was so parched I went through half my water right there! At least it's getting easier to get it all down! ************************************************** ******** Girlie - :wave: I just started back on WW a week ago - you are low on the point scale - do you have much to lose? Good luck! You can do it! :hug: Red - :hug: We all want someone to notice our efforts - sometime all of our hard work and will power needs to be recognized. |
It is now evening and I have been doing well all day. Every time I feel a negative, depressed thought crop up (which is like ALL the time) I knock it back down with the question "What will make me feel good?" and I do that or plan on it. Now, don't worry, I'm not throwing all care to the winds and pigging out or spending like crazy. I am asking this question WITHIN the parameters of my usual goals, weight loss, exercise, healthy food, no smoking, little drinking, cleaning my room, practicing the piano, seeking/doing work, that kind of thing. I have jotted down things that will: 1) make me feel immediately good or good quickly 2) things that will give me a sense of accomplishment and 3) things that would make me feel good if they happened or if I could eventually make them happen. There may be more but that's what I'm doing now. The first two are total me intiatives and the last is something I think I should always keep in mind so my subconscious works toward them. Ok, that's the update so far. :yes: ************** tex -- Howdie! Good to see you again! Good for you for doing your challenge! :bravo: |
I was actually 1 point over yesterday, but considered it as completed because I just took 1 point from my week point which is OK.
Day 2 - completed. Red~ Don't let the comment from that guy get you down. He is an a%#h&¤#, no decent man would say that to a lady. Anyway, sad to say that sometimes others can only "see" the weight loss after about 7-10 kg. loss. You know that you have lost weight, so that's all that counts, just persevere and one day the loss will show, and you will get the compliments for your hard work. You're doing great on the no smoking challenge, it is the most difficult challenge to do, especially if you are trying to lose weight as well. I did it 16 years ago. Went through **** especially as hubby continued to smoke. He quit 6 years later. I like the "feeling good" concept. Yes, we are in the same boat, our goals are very similar. I have mini goals, I'm almost done with my 5% weight loss goal. Like you, I'm also trying to get the numbers closer to 100 than to 200. We are almost there. Let's do it. We can do it. "Yes, we can!"-borrowed from Obama. Tex:wave:~ I would like to lose a total of 36 pounds, I have 28.8 more to go. I'm almost done with the 5% weight loss goal, and will be starting to work on the 10% weight loss goal. This is my first time on weight watchers, I was on Nutri System many moons ago. What is your daily points? How do you use your weekly points? Good luck. I'm sure we can do this. |
Joining In!
Glad I found this thread, it's one I definitely need to join.
Since I'm a "newbie" I'm going to keep my challenge simple: stay on plan and track everything I put in my mouth. Every day. Day 0/21 |
It's a crazy busy Monday after a fun and busy weekend!
Red - Congrats on the weight loss. I'm learning that it's the combination of cardio (an hour a day), plus weights (2 - 3 days per week), but calorie counting that works best for me. If I ease up on 1, I don't get the results I'm looking for. As for carbs, the I mostly eat high fiber, whole grain, and even then only in moderation. I do occasionally indulge in a baked potato or something like that...but that's pretty rare. My only exception are the Lean Cuisine Pizzas or Paninis. As for the guy in the bar...he is a complete idiot. How rude for someone to say something like that. Didn't his mama teach him that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. What a jerk. Please don't let his comments get you down anymore. You know you've lost weight. You are making tremendous progress. You went through and are going through an extremely stressful time, and you only gained 8 lbs and now you've lost it and are at your lowest weight in awhile! You rock, girlfriend!!! Are you trying to maintain a nice body for compliments or to feel better (in terms of health)? For me, I am trying to look better in clothes...not for anyone else...just for me. I am also trying to get healthy again...to get my cholesterol, BP and blood sugar at better levels. To be able to hike uphill or walk upstairs without having an asthma attack. You are NOT in danger of gaining it all back unless you CHOOSE to. Is that what you want? If not, then DON'T let it happen. My gosh, Red, you are at your lowest weight in a long time....if that's not results, I don't know what is. Who gives a :censored: what the :censored: others think or say? As you told Girlie...break through to a lower level and then maintain. That's what you're doing, and you'll break through the next lower level. You are in control and have a choice whether or not to gain it back. :rollpin: Hedonism is okay...as long as you don't fall into physically, mentally or emotionally unhealthy behaviors. Sorry for the harshness...that's normally not my style, but when you said were "in grave danger of once again gaining it all back", I went mental. GirlieYorkie - I do WW at Work. Your points are based more on your weight than your height. I weigh a lot more than you...so I get more points. But when I get to your weight....I will be down to 18 points. Look at it this way....You're a compact car and I'm a Huge SUV, it takes a lot more fuel to operate a big SUV than a compact car. One day, maybe you and I will both be Prius (or Smart Cars) that don't require much fuel at all. The important thing is to use your points nutritiously and wisely. Don't forget that you can use your 35 Weekly points however you want to (a few each day) or save them up for a special meal. And if you exercise, you're earning extra points. I'm still figuring out how many weekly points and exercise points I can use and still lose weight. I use my weekly points a little each day, but save most of them for the weekend, and for the most part, I do not eat any exercise points that I have earned. Make sure you make the best point choices so you can get the most fullness/satisfaction for your points. Tex - Glad to hear you're doing well on your challenges. Ladynredd - :welcome: *************** Over the weekend, I did lots of Zumba as well as cardio yardwork/gardening. My muscles are pretty sore, but I'm going to hopefully work them out tonight with more Zumba and strength training. Journal everything, count and stay within WW points - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 6/21 80 ounces of water - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 6/21 6 servings of fruits and veg - 0 of 0 pauses taken - Day 6/21 No food and only water after 8:30 pm - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 45 min. (at least) of cardio - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 50 crunches - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 5 minutes of Pilates - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 2 minutes of planks - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 15 minutes (at least) of decluttering/cleaning - 0 of 1 pause taken - Day 6/21 |
Got all my water in - in record time too!
Water Challenge Drink 80 oz of water per day - 2 passes 6/21 no passes used Super busy day! Good luck on your challenge today! :hug: |
Days on both challenges notched. I had a stellar day yesterday as far as doing all the things I should be doing. It was kind of fun to be asking myself what would make me feel good. I realized how I never do this or don't allow myself to feel good without either 1) feeling guilty or 2) going so far that it means I can't feel good about my overindulgences. So, actually, this "feeling good" is truly about good things, not simple pleasure for pleasure's sake. It is inextricably linked with my goals.
Really, yesterday was so good, I was so in line, that I feel it will be a hard act to repeat today. Perhaps I should just see it as a long-running hit on Broadway. Yup, that's me, what a draw! THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!! NO SMOKING CHALLENGE 12 days completed FEEL GOOD CHALLENGE 1 day completed ************** diyana -- Thanks so much for all your support and understanding words. This is Japan so the guy is one of thousands. It is very common for men here to just come out and say rude things. This guy works at the bar and is always in a bad mood it seems. I am tired of his attitude in general. He never has a nice thing to say, period. At least, this time it was true, I have to admit that. But, you're right. I am sick of people just saying things without thought of how it may affect someone or, as in this case, no clue as to what this person has been going through. I mean, ****, he hadn't seen me in over seven months. But no thought was given. That is Japan though and I must say, that I fear I have such moments myself when I do similar. I really have to be on the alert that I don't inadvertently do the same. In any case, it hadn't occurred to me when he said it that it was true, so it didn't hurt then. I just thought he was stupid and couldn't see that I had indeed lost weight. But, when I thought back the next day I remembered that I had been in about the same shape at the end of last year when I went to Hong Kong. I had even liked the way I looked. I was very toned, though heavy, which isn't bad. So, I just got down on myself because I had gone in a circle. But, heck, a circle is a circle and the weight gain came because of all the things going on and I think I have come out much stronger and more prepared to take on life with a guston. Anyhow, thanks for giving me some perspective on things. Yes, this is Japan and such remarks are very common, but it is good to step back and think that, well, they still aren't nice, whether they're common or not. I must be honest and say that I want a great body for both the occasional recognition of others and my own sense of accomplishment and pride. I know it sounds awfully vain but I just want it. Of course, I will feel good when my body is strong and lean. Also, being in Japan, I know that it will NOT receive compliments. Athletic-looking women are not appreciated here. In fact, the ideal of beauty is a near total lack of muscle, only smooth reedlike bodies that look and usually are very weak. I am sick of it, have never liked it, never wanted it, so, yeah, I'll be doing it mostly for myself. I'm sure there will be some people who think it's cool, but I don't expect I'll ever hear it. Well, when I said I was in grave danger of gaining the weight back, there is no reason to be upset. It is just me being realistic because I have done it so many times before. Sure, maybe things are different now and maybe the fact that I said that means I won't do it because I know how it happens and I am trying to deal with the crappola in my life in new ways, i.e. not overeating, drinking or lazing around. I don't know if my "pursuit of pleasure" (hedonism is probably too strong a word) is good or bad. There again, I don't want to judge things any more in my life. I find it only bogs me down in wasted thought. Things just are. I just want to feel good and when it doesn't feel good AND/OR doesn't move me toward my goals then I want to leave it behind. My whole life has become one of simply putting up with a lot of garbage and I am finally realizing that and NOT wanting it anymore. I've simply had enough. It may actually lead to my leaving Japan or making a life here that I actually do like. It's miraculous in a way that I am at last realizing that. Especially in this society, where the concept of just silently bearing the unbearable is elevated to the highest virtue, it is extremely difficult for me to do this, to start thinking of myself without feeling I'm being a "bad person" or such. Gaining weight back, naturally, is not what I want, but I do so many things I don't want to do that I suppose it's been hard to do the things I want to do. Well, this is getting too long. Thanks again and continued best luck with your challenges. You've got to be seeing that scale budge downwards soon, right?! :cheer1: tex -- Good work! :bravo: ladynredd -- Welcome to our humble thread. :welcome3: That does not sound like a "simple" challenge. It's actually two in one. Best of luck!! :goodluck: girlie -- Thanks too about the guy in the bar. Read what I wrote to diyana above for more on that... :lol: I think you're right about the weight loss not really being recognizable to most until it's 7-10 kg (for non-metric types...that's 15-22 lbs). Of course, clothes hide so much and even just a change of clothes can make you look much, much heavier or lighter. Thanks for the encouragement. I like the Obama call! I'm glad you're in the same boat as I am because these last pounds (if you can call 30-some pounds "last") are going to be tough. But they will really be worth it I think because every one will show. When you're more overweight, the dizzying plunge of the numbers may be exhilirating but I think the closer you get to goal, the more you can really notice things, so maybe, in the end, it's relatively the same, the effort for reward is the same in other words. Congrats on notching a day!! :cp: |
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