Week at a Time Challenge #4
 

The object of this thread is to take on at least one challenge related to your weight loss goals for 7 days straight. Choose whatever inspires you - a certain amount of water intake, no sugar, 30 minute walks, etc.

I will award accolades for each day you maintain your goal(s) and 7 day winner awards and pounds down at the end of the week. We will begin each challenge on Monday - you can choose a new challenge or repeat any challenge for extra mileage. If you would like to stretch yourself, take on more than one challenge.

We will support each other keeping in mind to stay focussed on our successes and/or challenges of the day and week related to our weight loss. There are plenty of threads where a lot of time is spent on personal stories, so let's try to keep that to a minimum.

mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

CONGRATS!!!! to everyone who is working on their goals!

Sorry I kind of dropped off last week, wasn't doing much exercise, just trying to eat healthy. I did get in two days of VERY long bike rides (the second day I forgot to eat before I went and almost passed out, I need to remember to have food in me before I work out).

I am down 2 pounds this week, and am very excited to be only 10 pounds away from onederland! I'm going to stay on task this week, because I would like to lose another 15 pounds by the end of summer.

My challenge for this week is to do a cardio workout for an hour, 5 days a week. I am also challenging myself to keep up with my 8 glasses of water a day, because I am forgetting to do this on the weekends.

Good luck to everyone this week! :D

Awards for Week #3
 

Good Monday Ladies - your winners from last week and motivators for this week are . . .

carla :cp: You are a shining example of hanging in there in the face of challenges!
princess :cp: :cp: So happy to see you on the board again this week!
Squiggly :cp: :cp: :goodluck: to you on your goals for this week - 60 oz water, 20 minutes of exercise, and no pop!
Sushi :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: - You did great!
Bonniebelle - :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: Your goals for this week are great - Go Bonnie! :cheer:
Bev :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :bravo: We are pulling for you to meet your goals for the coming week: 30 min/day walk, track water, eat before 8:30 a.m.

and me :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: :cp: - I couldn't have done this without all of you! My goals - exercise each day (20 min.) and drink 72 oz water

Have a great day!

mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

I'm going to do it this week. I did it all on SUnday and I will do it all today.

New (more realistic) goals for this week: drink my 8 cups of water per day, and walk at least 10,000 steps. (Of course I forgot to put on my pedometer today, so I'll have to guess...)

I didn't eat the pasties at coffee break, a triumph for me. And I've done about half my steps. There is a little gym in the hotel. We'll see.

Cat - thanks for the encouragement.

Carla in Cowtown :moo:

I met all of my goals for the day. I guess technically the jury is still out on the pop considering the day isn't over but I'm confident that I will succeed there as well. I got my exercise in and will surpass my water goal. I'm also within my limits on calories which will be in my goals for next week. I wasn't ready to make it a daily goal but it was a bonus.
COngrats to all that are doing a good job.

Hello Everybody, Happy Monday! :) :cb:

Congratulations upon your successes and efforts during the past week and good luck for the upcoming 7 days of new (or continued) challenges. :)

mscat816, I haven't done it yet, so let me take a line or two (or more :lol: ) to say how much I appreciate the fact that you started this thread. It's great to share our challenges and goals in a smaller group setting and getting individual feedback, and I also feel that everyone who participates actually cares about the other's success (which sometimes lacks in large groups, even though support at 3FC is awesome). And it's much easier to challenge oneself when there is a group of people doing a similar thing at the same time and supporting you! :) Thank you again!


As I posted in last week's thread, my challenge for this morning was to get up and go to the 7 am Step class. I did get up, but I didn't make it to the gym because I was feeling very light-headed and nauseous... it settled down after I laid back down, and I went to work and have been fine all day. I'm disappointed about not attending the class, but at the same time I feel sort of proud of myself because I'm doing a double shift at work today, despite being low on sleep.

Anyway, here are my challenges for the upcoming week:
- I want to extend my water challenge and drink at least 2 litres of water everyday
- I'm going to train my willpower and healthy eating habits by having just a tiny small piece of chocolate everyday (and not a bite more than that!); this is going to be a challenge because I picked one of my favourite chocolates to do it with, which I haven't had in a while. I usually eat all of it in one sitting, so having just a small piece is going to be challenging! (in childhood, I was encouraged to do so in my nutritionally disturbed parental home - although it was only once every few months)
- work on improving my sleep schedule, so that I can start going to the gym early in the morning again and be able to function the rest of the day

Monday Night Sign-off!
 

Well ladies - I haven't exercised yet :fr: I ate late and I am exhausted. Have good thoughts for me that I find the energy and will to get on that treadmill before bed!

Bonniebelle :cp: You are invincible! I wish there was something we can do to instill courtesy and responsibility from the toddler parents! We are doing great and you are leading the way!

squiggly :cp: Great idea having a "bonus" goal.
carla :cp: and a bonus for resisting those pastries! :cheer:

Sushi - you have every reason to be proud of yourself! You're welcome and thank you so much. Your goals are fantastic - let us know how you did with your water today.

mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

Kudos to haleys!
 

haleys - You are 2lbs down! :woo: :woo: We are celebrating with you!

mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

Thank you everyone :)

Day 1 goal: accomplished!

Drank lots of water and 20 min of an aerobics class and around a 50 minute bike ride.

Day one okay! Not only victory over the evil purveyors of pastry, I also drank my water as planned and walked at least 10,000 steps (more like 15,000, I think, but didn't wear the pedometer for my first lengthy shopping outing.)

Bravo Bonnie, Haleys, Mscat, Sushi and Squiggly. You are so good.

Carla

Day 1 is done!
 

Oh my ladies - I finished my 35 minute tread workout at 12:15 a.m. and my last bottle of water too! :faint: I am counting it as day 1, darn it! I hope I can get on in the morning so I won't be doing this again at the stroke of midnight.

Nighty night!

2 days no pop. Yeah, but now I'm suffering from a huge headache. I'm going to bed.

Monday report - Walked 35 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes again in the evening. Managed to eat a peach and a piece of toast with "phony" butter at 6:45. I just am not hungry before 10:00 ... but I'm going to do this! Worked from 8 until 2 and usually don't drink water at work as we are on phones and it's hard to drink much without extra breaks -- but I did drink 48 oz total for the day. Knew I was a bit low on my working days, so that's why I decided I'd better track it.

Bonniebelle - Good for you on the calorie counting!!! One day at a time is what I keep telling myself.

Haleys - 2# down --- YEAH!!!! Onederland is just around the corner. I'm sure all your bike-time is helping and hang in there with me on the water tracking -- we can do this!!!

Sushi - The "one bite of chocolate" is a good idea. I could never do it. Chocolate and refined sugar seem to be my triggers so I just avoid as much as possible. Maybe in a few weeks when I'm stronger.

Squiggly -- You can do the no pop thing ... I know you can ... I quit Classic Coke cold-turkey and it ##$#@ near killed me. But I did it and am so glad I did. I know I could have a glass within my points, but basically it's just empty calories and so much better if you avoid it. Maybe try a small glass after you've earned it with some extra exercise or something ... just use it as a treat if you have to. I drank Crystal Lite for a while but pretty much stick to plain water now. Maybe I'll mix up some CL today and drink a glass or two of that to up the water consumption.

And Cat - I am so glad you did your treadmill last night!!!! I know you'd be kickin' yourself black & blue this morning if you had not.

You are all a special group of ladies and I am so glad I found you. If I'm honest with myself I know I get out for my walk in the morning just so that I can tell you all I did it. Childish I know, but it works!!! And I know on the day that I don't make it, you'll all "kick" me out the door the next morning ..... right?

Everyone work on making this a good Tuesday ... Bev

We got pushed all the way down to page 2 of the subforum, so I'm rushing to post and bring us back up. :)

I drank a bit more than 2 litres yesterday, and today I'll probably end up at close to 2 litres (I'm finishing my 4th bottle as I type, and there is still ice skating left in the evening).
Day 1 of chocolate experiment went well, and I'm actually not craving it at all. Which is a great thing, because the past few months I just couldn't stop eating chocolate! But I can be like that - I once went without any kind of sweets/treats for the whole summer as a promise to myself and gave up various favourite times at various times in my life. It's been a while since my last challenge of this type, so it's cool to find out I can still do it. Now, to not eat cherries (or eat little cherries) at this time would be next to impossible :lol: and I'd probably feel unhappy about it, cherry season is so brief!

Congratulations to everyone and remember you're not alone! :)

I didn't meet my exercise goal today. I did ten minutes though. I am not feeling well. I am meeting my water goal. I have also met my pop goal. Three days without pop. I can't believe it. I'm going to weigh in on Friday morning. I can't wait this week. I normally dread it.

Day 2 Challenge: Accomplished

1 hour and 10 minutes bicycling and a bee stung my finger! And way more than 8 cups of water!

Bonnie - how did the meeting with the poop director go?

Haleys, first the Mexico fiasco, now a bee sting. And you're still on goal!

Shelley, is it possible you're suffering from caffeine withdrawal?

Sushi, I'm also a big cherry enthusiast, and have no intention of slowing down until the season's over.

Bev, even if you only eat a little breakfast, it's a good start. Have you considered breakfast smoothies? Easy and tasty.

And Mscat, I second the thanks for starting the thread. You're very sweet and conscientious.

Well, I've put this off long enuf: I did meet my goals, I think. I forgot to count the water but had at least 8 cups; I'm pretty sure I walked at least 10,000 steps, but for some reason my pedometer didn't count all my Walk and Kick steps. Maybe because I had it hooked to my exercise bra?

Today I again side-stepped the coffee break pastries, but simply did not have the strength to pass up the Haagen Dasz (sp?) choc almond ice cream bar... (Any other time I would have skulked around until I scored at least two, if not three...) And although wine and chocolate are not this week's goals, I have been doing great with my no wine "bonus" goal!

Three more days until I get home. I've had enough hotel life for a while!

Good night, sleep well, until tomorrow.
C

Tuesday Night Sign-Off!
 

We are the most amazing group of women in 3FC history!
haleys :cp: for Monday!

Our Tuesday Leaders
carla :cp: and an extra :cheer: for doing it on vacation! And thank you for your kindness.
Bonniebelle :cp: we can believe it - you are totally awesome! and 3 :cheers: for your weight loss!
haleys :cp: ouch! I hope you are ok!
squiggly :cp: 10 minutes despite not feeling well - you are unstoppable - and no pop to boot!
Sushi :cp: thanks for pushing us up!
Bev - your well wishes and support helped us all! :thanks: And no kicking if you don't make your goal - just helping hands to lift you up to the next task. ;)

And I went to a backyard barbeque for our June Toastmaster's meeting tonight - I think I blew my "bonus" goal (WW points) but I came home, got my 30 minute workout in and just finished my 4th 24 oz bottle of water! :cp:
Sweet Dreams
mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

Tuesday report - Walked 40 minutes. Drank 72 oz of water and 12 oz of Crystal Light. And ate my breakfast at 7:15 - oatmeal, 2% milk, honey and blueberries.

Bonnie - I DID look at your tracker and its "beaut-ee-ful" -- way to go! See, just one day at a time, one week at a time really works. I'll bet you're just jumping up & down doin' the happy dance!

Carla - I can't believe your doing as well as you are while on vacation. It's even hard to keep track when you're away from home. But you are so aware of your choices and that's the whole life-style change idea.

And Squiggly - I hope you feel better today. Good job on the partial goal with your exercise. As MsCat says, better to attain part of your goal than to do nothing at all. And I'm impressed with your no pop.

Sushi - I'm with you ... no way am I giving up my cherries. I just love them and the season is way too brief for me!

Everyone have a great Wednesday -- catch you all tomorrow ... Bev

Wednesday Greetings
 

I am having so much fun with this thread - I have never been so inspired! After being exhausted last night, I decided to push myself this a.m. and get off that late night workout schedule. I did not have the time to do a full 30 minutes - only did 20 - but I am resolved to get the other 10 in before the day is out! And I have just finished my first 24 oz bottle for the day :cb:

Bonnie - I am almost jealous of you! I haven't seen 192 since June 5th, 1998! I can't wait to break the 200's. :bravo:
Sushi - I never got back to you about the bathroom woes. I really have a problem with frequent and urgent bladder - if I drink my water as I should, I am running often and because I have an urgent bladder I don't get a lot of warning. I visit several Detroit public schools throughout the academic year so I just don't get my water in until I return to the office! I haven't been drinking my water consistently until the last two weeks, so I am anxious to see when my bladder will adjust. Until then, I wear pads and try to go as soon as I have the slightest urge. This is my second week pushing my water intake and I believe it is getting a little better.

Have a great day Bonnie, Bev, carla, haleys, and squiggly. Yvette and princess -. we miss you!

Amazing to hear that everyone is doing so great! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

I don't have much time for the internet these days, so please forgive me that I'm not congratulating everyone individually... :o

Very glad to hear I'm not the only one who can't and won't pass on the cherries! :lol:

I just noticed I made a typo yesterday - my water intake was close to 3 litres :) Keep me in your thoughts today though, I only started drinking my water at 4:30 pm, and I only have one bottle (out of 4) down...

I was doing fine with my sleep schedule until I decided to sleep in today... :( ...the management told us somebody would be coming to see our apartment today around 1 pm, so I had to stay in (missing Pilates and Aquafit... :( ). The thought of having people looking around here when there is nobody in makes me extremely uncomfortable. Well, that person didn't show up, but the sup come at 10 am (when we were still sleeping!) to deal with some cracks.... had to make them wait outiside the door until we got dressed and made the bed... how embarassing... I felt so embarassed I jumped back in bed as soon as they left.
I'll close now and try to find a way to get some exercise before work...

Day 3 Goal: Accomplished!

20 minutes on the elliptical, 40 minutes on the bike (couldn't bike outdoors because it was raining so I settled for the one at the gym). Strength training and ab work for the upper body. And water goal met!

Good job everyone on meeting your goals so far this week! Keep it up!

Goals met again! At least I think so. I keep forgetting to count my water, but have certainly had my eight cups. And I did about 5000 steps, but also did 32 min on the elliptical (first time!) and 13 min on the bike, plus some arm weights. I can't believe it, but I really enjoyed the workout, so I really will join the gym when I get home.

Another pleasant surprise: I weighed myself (midday, fully dressed) and was only one pound up, so I'll probably weigh in at my old weight without clothes! Not as good as losing, but it's what I was aiming for while on this business trip. Two more days to go, and I'll sleep in my own wee bed and cut down the amounts I eat and up the exercise again.

Time to go - I still have a ton of cherries to eat before bed...

I really want to be in onederland by Labour Day, and hope to see Mscat there too.

Carla

Night ladies!
 

Missed on Tuesday -
Bev :cp:
Wednesday Leaders:
haleys :cp: Go girl!
Bonniebelle :cp: Thanks for the good thoughts!carla :cp: You are amazing and . . . You're on!Sushi :cp: I know you got your water in!
and me :cp: I haven't gotten my 10 minutes in yet - there is still time - but I had 96 oz plus of water! Sushi - I ran all day to the toilet but I said I had a "bladder in training" :)

See ya in the a.m.
mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

Wednesday - Walked 55 minutes and 60 oz of water. Breakfast at 8:15 -- 1/2 c yogurt, 1/2 blueberries, 1/2 c milk and honey.

Will be a challenge to get my water in today as I'm off to work and don't drink while I'm there -- so will try for at least 48 oz from 3 o'clock to bedtime.

Everyone have a great Thursday -- Bev

mscat, I think my bladder can hold more now that I've been drinking so much, I can usually get through 2, 18oz cups before I have to go. So, keep it up and hopefully we won't have to run to the bathroom every few minutes! But, it's worth it!!

Bev, Hope you got your water intake in for the day!

Bonnie, congrats on dropping a pound!! That is awesome! I can't wait till I'm 191. Enjoy your mountain trip. I'm sorry to hear about your family crisis, hoping everything is okay now. 1700 is not too bad, you definitely kept it under control. Good luck!


I realized I haven't been eating enough lately, this worries me, because I don't want to fall into an unhealthy eating pattern, I only had 740 calories yesterday which isn't near enough. But I just wasn't hungry! So, it's not like I'm trying not to eat, I just eat like yogurt for breakfast and something like eggs with cheese and (veggie) sausage for lunch and probably the same for dinner. I guess I need to incorporate some snacks in throughout the day even though I'm not hungry. My doctor told me it's okay if I stick between 1000-1200 calories. So, my goal for the rest of the week is to make sure I'm eating at least 1000 calories.

I'm sorry that I didn't report on Wednesday. We had a busy evening last night. I met my water goal and my exercise goal. Unfortunately, I had a small bit of pop for lunch. I'm not going to let it bring me down or put me on a backslide. I will get my water and no pop in today but I'm taking a break from the exercise.
I'm glad to hear that you all are doing so well.

Bev, if you're going to drink that much between 3 and bedtime, make sure you have a clear path to the bathroom for the midnight visit!

Carla (I'll report later, having achieved nothing so far today.)

And here's my later report! Drank lots of water, at least 8 cups. Also 35 min on the elliptical, which I think I may like. I can't wait to get home tomorrow! My own bed, my own stuff, and very soon, my own kitties.

Carla

Thursday Nighty Night
 

Missed on Wednesday -
Bev :cp:
squiggly :cp: You'll be back on the pop wagon in no time!

Thursday Dream Makers-
Bonnie :woo: another pound down! Have a wonderful time in the mountains.
carla :cp: awesome effort! Have a safe trip home!
me :cp: drank 96 oz of water (bladder is starting to hold better) and taught a 90 minute belly dancing class :faint:

haleys - it's good that you are working to keep your calories up. Hang in there.

Have a good night ladies!

mscat-
All that we have is right now.
Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow is not promised, and Someday is not a day of the week!

Didn't work out today and I'm going out of town starting tomorrow, so I'll do my 4th day of the workout Sunday. Maybe I'll make it a longer workout because I'm only getting 4 days of exercise in this week instead of the 5 I had set to do.

At least I drank all my water and ate a little over 1300 calories, a little higher than I'd like, but better than 740.

Thanks for all the support!