Introductions!

slikorify

Hey to everyone from the previous challenge, and welcome to any new people!

Just a thread for anyone that wants to to introduce themselves and get to know the other members of the group. The idea of the group is to help each other out so please make sure you're supportive of everyone. Will post he thread for the initial weigh in next Wednesday which is when the challenge officially starts

Good luck to everyone!

-Jamie

slikorify

I'll start it off

I'm Jamie, 21 and from the UK, currently just about to finish my second year of university. Been trying to lose weight for a bit over a year and a half. Started off at 323 lbs, now I'm down to 193 lbs. Current goal is to reach 190 which puts me into the "healthy" category according to the nhs bmi calculator. I know it's not completely accurate but it's still a decent target. Still plan to continue to lose weight after that until I get to a point where I feel happy. I go to the gym pretty much every day since I really enjoy it, pretty much all weight training

-Jamie

jasonraygagnon

I'm Jay, and this is my second round of the 12 week challenge. Any day now I'm going to be a first time dad to a baby boy and we are so excited I'm presently sitting at 195lbs with a goal to get down to 185, or wherever I need to be to get the excess fat off (under 20% would be awesome). I train hard 5 to 6 days a week with weights and plyometrics. Love this journey that I'm on, and can't wait to see what the next 3 months will bring. Today marks the 100th day of diet and exercise, and I'm down a total of 25lbs.

runningsahm

I'm a SAHM of three and babysit two more. Three years ago I was very close to my goal weight, but here I am thirty pounds away (gained all of it back plus a few more) and ready to change. I am almost 36 years old. This will be my first group since coming back. My goal is to lose 25 by Labor Day. The 12 weeks of this challenge will get me close! I have a half marathon (my first) this weekend, but I'll most likely be walking most of it. Still 13.1 miles is 13.1 miles!

turtlesmomma

Congratulations on the baby Jay!! I have a 10 year old son and it is so rewarding to be a parent (and slightly terrifying).

I'm Kim, also from the first round. I managed to lose a little over 15 pounds in the first 12 week challenge. My goal for now is to lose around 20 more pounds then decide if I want to keep going. I started strength training about a month ago and enjoy it much more than cardio so that is the extent of my exercise. Good luck to everyone who joins the group!

bestmeicanbe1

Hi I'm Brandi, 21, stay at home momma of 2.
I was in the first group but stopped after the first week or two. I really wish I would have stuck with it but I let stress get the best of me and turned to food but today is a new day and I'm so ready for this!
I'm currently back up to 160 lbs my goal is 140 by the end of this 12 week challenge.

Congrats Jay! Best of luck (:

kewierschke2

Congrats Jay!

Hello all, my name is Kassie. I was part of the first challenge as well and this group pushed me from 178 down to 148.8. I'm at the point where I expect to lose slow so my goals for this challenge will be low. I surpassed last challenges goal by 11lbs.

Anyone can add me as a friend. I'm here to give support more than anything!

TanyaS007

Hi, Everyone! This is Tanya and I'm on round two! The first round was definitely a learning experience. I'd never joined a group before and did not know what to expect. I actually began to look forward to the weekly check ins even when I was struggling. I'm now ready to push forward through the next 12 weeks. Definitely need to add more focused activity and will work to avoid sabotaging my own progress. More mind over matter this round. Send a friend request if you'd like. I have a feeling we will all need as much support as we can get. Special thanks to Jamie for keeping us all on track! I truly appreciate it!

Rabby14

Hi everyone!

I was in the first challenge group and I struggled, but I ended up still showing a loss! It is nice to see lots of people returning and for all the new members...welcome! This grouo really is positive and filled with great people

I am ready to push forward and focus on these next 12 weeks

Thanks for putting this together and keeping track of everything Jamie.

cands86

Hi everyone! I was in the first challenge but bailed because failed miserably! but this time it wont happen. No quitting for me! Good luck everyone!

Lets do this

amlyles

Hello Everyone! I'm Adrianne and this is the first time I joined a "challenge" online. I have the strongest desire to lose weight, but I lose motivation because I don't see results as I would like quickly. Outside of losing the "motivation", I am quite busy with my 3 children so I normally grab quick bites to eat and keep moving. I've recently had the opportunity to slow some of my "running around" down so I can really put in an effort of losing weight. With that said, it will be nice to know that I have some people in my corner who I can motivate and be motivated as well. Nice meeting you all and good luck with the challenge!

tpeirona

Hi guys!

I'm Teressa and I started my weight loss kick a little over a year ago at 195 lbs. At one point, I was as low as 155 but have since gained about 15 pounds back. I want to get back on the wagon and lose the weight I gained back as well as those pesky last ten pounds. My goal for this challenge will be to lose 15 pounds and I'm going to commit to working out at least 4 days a week and trying not to let my sweet tooth get to me!

simbersea

Hi
I'm Karen. I wasnt on the first challenge, but I'm happy to start this one. I have over 20 pounds to lose, but my goal for the challenge will be to lose 12 of them, or 1lb per week. I really need to get my focus back, and get consistent with my workouts. I'm ready to start. Good luck everybody!

xtina40

Hi everyone- looking forward to round 2! Am hoping to set more realistic goals this time. Am feeling good about my weight loss so far want to stay on track losing slow and steady.

Survivorstartingover68

Hi all..... I am Margie and I was a 1st rounder also!! It was the only challenge I have stuck with! And it paid off!!!! I had some bumps but the groupd was awesome as a motivator!!

I am facing some health stuff I just found out and am changing my eating drastically but its still healthy and hopefully will reach my goals again!

Welcome to the new members!!

CONGRATS JAY!!!! a new baby is soooo exciting!!


JAMIE...thank you again for putting this together!! you rock!!!!!!

ShyPanda93

I'm a bit late to the game, but I am Brandi, also 21.I have a wonderful 16 month old daughter that I want to set a healthy example for. This would be my first go at this type of thing. I suppose my goal would be 18 pounds loss..

TerriRichardson112

Hi, all. I'm Terri and I did the first round and managed (just, lol) to beat my target by 2 lbs. I have been on here since 9th Jan and have found great support here. My goal is to lose 1 lbs for every week of 2015 and to date I am a month ahead of my target. After 12 years of yo yo dieting, I see this as a permanent lifestyle change rather than a diet.

A million thanks to Jamie for setting this up and keeping it going.
Well done to my 12 fellow travellers who made it to the end of Round 1.
Good luck to everyone in Round 2.
Congratulations to Jay!

Lagopus

Sounds good to me! I'm Penny and I'd like to lose 8-12 lbs in these 8 weeks. Slow but steady, that's my style. Right now I'm at 155 lbs and my first milestone is 135. Ultimately 'd like to get back to 123 lbs (which I managed for my 25th anniversary back in 2003) but my main goal is to stay healthy.

Slow but steady will also be the motto when I run my first half-marathon three weeks from now.

Calli1616

Hi Everyone! I'm like Adrianne - this is the first time I joined a "challenge" online. I'm very motivated right now, but I know from experience that over time that goes away with out some outside support! I need to think about my goals for this challenge, but I'm excited to get started. Thanks so much for setting this up!

showey27

Hi All,
I am Krista. I am also in a group lose 20 lbs by july 4 but that group is enormous. I am really looking for advice or tips as I just don't know what else to do. I log every day, have a food scale, drink at least 12 glasses of water and exercise 5 times a week.. after an initial (water weight) 6 lb loss in Dec, my scale and tape measure have been quite stubborn. I started in Nov. at a 1200 calorie goal. Seeing no change I upped it to 1900 based on TDEE information. I have been at this caloric intake for a little over a month although realistically I get about 1700-1800 calories. I don't eat exercise calories back. Some of my food on my log puts me over my "carb" target, but MFP doesn't subtract sugar alcohols or fiber. I am getting close to doing a paper/pencil log but also want the "has logged in for 40 days" banner on MFP ; ) along with the community.
Has ANYONE had a similar situation where you have been at it for so long and then something finally "clicks"? Would you mind sharing?
I would so appreciate it!
Krista

jasonraygagnon

@showey - check this out

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p1

And this -
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

VioletLemon

Hello everyone- Im new to MFP about 10 days now. 3 weeks ago I weighed 350 lbs, joined the YMCA, completely overhauled my kitchen and pantry with nothing but whole, organic food. Today I weigh 343 and my wish for 12 weeks would be at least 25 more lbs. My goal weight at the end of my journey will be 158.

allaboutthefood

Hey all, I'm Connie 42 mother of 3 aged 15,9 and 3 yrs. been overweight pretty much all my life. I am a baker/decorator and have a major sweet tooth so this new lifestyle journey I am on has been a challenge. I started this just about 3 months ago weighing in at 295 lbs I am down to 264 lbs, still have a long way to go, but I have found my balance and with each day it's getting easier. I love to set personal challenges, so doing a group one sounds like fun. My goal weight at the moment is 199 lbs. I can't remember the last time I weighed under 200 lbs. Good luck everyone. Looking forward to this.

showey27

jasonraygagnon wrote: »

@showey - check this out

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p1

And this -
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

Thank you!
I did check them both out. I have read a lot of the TDEE info and feel I am pretty close. I wonder if I am still in the 'wait it out phase" trying to reset my metabolism. I have been a 1200 calorie gal for so long and have done many diets where I didn't even get that many calories...cut to 800 calories protein only and lost 30 lbs in 3 months...while that was quick I won't do that again - I have gained it all back, felt like crap and now have to rebuild what I have destroyed. Only one of the countless examples I could provide.
What was your calorie goal at your start of this? Did it work right away? Did you have to adjust?
Thanks for your help!
Krista

runningsahm

Congrats on one-derland, @conniescakes1 ! That's amazing progress in a short time. Keep it up!

@VioletLemon congrats on making the changes needed to succeed! Welcome to the group.

@showey27 thanks for the reminder that faster is not always better. I'm a bit impatient when it comes to waiting for things to change.

@jasonraygagnon , any baby yet?

dcsr624

Hello! I'm Chrissy and this is my first ever group challenge online. I've been on MFP for about 40 days and that makes me so happy! Many failed attempts before but it's clicked this time for some reason. Excited to begin!

VioletLemon

thanks everyone! Looking forward to this and encouraging others along the way!

JMC3Terp

Hi, I'm Justin, 25, and I am new to this challenge. Though I am currently doing 3 other challenges. I started 63 days ago at 321 pounds with the goal to lose 160 pounds. So far I have lost almost 40 pounds. Looking forward to this group and challenge!

Lagopus

@runningsahm, have you finished your half-marathon now? I'd be interested in hearing how it went. I just got back from running 14 k (which is a third of a marathon) in preparation for my own first half-marathon three weeks from now.

chloe2300

Hey everyone. I'm Chloë, 23 years old and in the UK. I'm currently down to 160 from a SW of 200lbs. I'd like to reach 145lbs by the end of the challenge. Excited to be begin my first online group challenge

rmcloughlin22

Hey everyone. I'm Rachel and I'm 28. I've been doing my logging for about a week now and hoping to start seeing some results on the scale soon. It's amazing to see what your diet really looks like in numbers when you lay it all out. I'm trying to make small changes each day on a path to healthier living and fitness. My goal is to lose 15 pounds during this 12-week challenge. I hope this helps keep us all on track!