Introduce yourself.

Headrain

Hello all! My name is Lorna and I did (an still doing) the Winter challenge that Melodie had and it's great! I am finally going to be out of the 200s and in to onederland as one mfp put it. I am a wound care nurse, 43, 5'5" and have about 40-50 more lbs to go. I have trouble exercising regularly due to health issues but do the very best I can! These challenges make it easier and are a lot of fun! Oh, and feel free to friend me, I love friends!!

jessicakahn606

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica! I am 21 and weigh 194.7! I have lost 5.3 pounds my first month here! I want to weigh 130 though my first mini-goal is to get down to 179! I am a broke college student and I find that challenges hold me accountable! I think this challenge will be a lot of fun and help me continue on my path to a better lifestyle for myself! I am really looking forward to this challenge!

gawworthington

Gayle here- I am 5' 7" I started this Journey on April 21, 2015, I joined MFP in June and I work with my public Health department in a prevention of Diabetes class. My starting weight was 294 and I hit onderland on Feb 14- 10 months to lose 97 lbs. My Birthday is May 9th and I was hope to be at about at goal but I have slowed down since December. I was losing 14-15 lbs per month before this. I work at least two competitions one is Hogwarts and I love this challenge.

SamandaIndia

Hi everyone. Enjoying our current challenge and looking forward to the next. My name is Samanda. I was living in India for a few years (thus the mfp name) and I am now in The Netherlands. I love cycling n walking and I am willing to give most of Melodie's crazy roadblocks and detours a go. Seriously silly looking dances have been known to happen. All in the name of healthy being fun. Thanks for coordinating @mallowbar.

misstori4

Hi everyone, my name is Tori. I am a stay at home mom to 4 kids ages 11 to 18months. I am 32, 5"4' and weigh 150. I lost the baby weight last year doing weight watchers but never lost those last 10 lbs. I have hypothyroidism and am on medication, but I have been feeling awful since october. My primary ran tests and says I am fine, so I am waiting to see the endocrinologist on March 18th. I have gained 5 lbs since Christmas. It doesn't help that I am depressed and tired which makes me eat emotionally. Every time I have tried to diet these past 7 weeks I end up on a binge. This is my first experience with mfp, but I am excited for the accountability and motivation.

Pmm5pla

Hi to everyone. I'm Pat. You guessed it... I'm Irish. I notice several teachers here. I'm the retired kind. I'm very active and have about 10 pounds to lose, not really that much but because I'm a biker it's the difference between being in the bunch all the way up the hills and being on my own out the back.

bm1409

Hi Everyone! My name is Brigitte. I am 56 and I guess you might say I never lost my baby fat, even though it has been 35 years Last summer I lost 15 pounds and have kept it off. Since then, I keep losing and gaining the same 5 pounds. My husband wants to lose some weight so maybe now I can finally lose those last 15-20 pounds!

pipsqueak34

Hi, my name is Beth. I am a teacher, wife and mother of two boys ages 10 and 14. I am 39, 4'11 and currently weight 135 lbs. My goal is to lose 15 lbs, but mostly I just want to feel healthy and strong. I am going to accomplish this by eating well and working out for 30 minutes every day. Since I started 10 days ago, I have already lost 3 lbs and have only skipped 2 workout days (going from not working out to doing it every day at 5 a.m. when I am NOT a morning person has been tough). Changing my eating habits has been pretty easy for me though. I am eating cleaner for the first time and loving how it makes me feel. I am looking forward to this challenge because it will help keep me motivated and accountable.

Just_Meisha

I am Meisha. I go back and forth way too much! I am 31 years old and I want to feel better physically and be a better person for my family. I have never done a challenge so I'd like to try it. I've lost in the past, but don't keep up and gain it back. I plan to get back to the gym on Monday so I'm hoping by March that I am really ready for the challenge.

meghanfleming855

Hello everyone. I'm Meghan 30yrs old with 2 beautiful daughters. When I started mfp I was at a very uncomfortable weight for my liking. I was weighing in a 160 lbs. Which was almost 10lb heavier then I was when I was 9 month pregnant with my now 2 year old. I started last March and then in June I fell off the healthy train and went back to old habits. I started again on my journey on January 1st of this year weighing in at 156lbs. As of yesterday I was at 145.5. My goal is 130lbs. I've noticed I've been starting to slowly fall back into habits that I really would not like to fall into. I'm hoping this group will give me the motivation I need to succeed with my goals. I'm not sure how this group really works. Is anyone able to message me privately to give me he low down woth everything? I would really appriciate it! Good luck to everyone

meghanfleming855

brynncody09 wrote: »

I'm Brynn, 29 year old teacher. I'm only 5'1" and I weigh 152 right now. I started the winter blast challenge at 162 so I've lost 10 punds! My weight fluctuates a lot and my husband and I love to go out to eat, so I tend to over eat and drink on the weekends but stay strong during the week. If I can get down to 145 for my honeymoon in July, I would be so so happy. I love to run, so losing weight is important for my knees.

Hey! We're pretty close in age height and weigt. If your interested add me as a friend for support. My goal weight is 130 and I'm currently at 145.5lbs started at 156 on January 1st

Ahollowed

Hi , im alice. I have 4 kids that i homeschool 4-13. I am 39, 5'6, and at about 154 lbs. i'd like to get down under 140 lbs. I've never done a challenge on mfp.

jaya11

Hi all! My name is Jay and I'm from CA. I need to lose 20 lbs that's proving to be a uphill battle. I'm a vegetarian and try to eat healthy. I'm consistent in my exercise routine but have not been successful in my goals yet. I've lost 30 lbs gradually over the years and have kept it off and now I'm plateauing. I need to change something to see some results so thought of joining the challenge to keep me motivated and inspired.

MarlinWil

Hi, all. I live in Queensland, Australia, and am returning to MFP after over a year of struggle. I was 1kg away from my goal weight, having lost 8kg, and then suddenly I stopped. Everything. Now I have gained all my 8kg back, plus another 4, leaving me 13kg away from my target. I have become so negative and abusive towards myself in my head, which is not a fun place to be. Gritting my teeth and needing to regain some joy and zest for life.

Some background; my daughter was diagnosed with a life-limiting disease in August, 2011, and not expected to survive another 12 months to her 3rd birthday. She is now almost 6.5years old, and doing remarkably well. A blessing, and a miracle. I can't work, because her health can turn very quickly, and I am required to be on-call 24/7, but now that she is at a very supportive school I find that I have a little more time for me. Although a lot of that time is now taken up with caring for my parents-in-law. Ma has dementia, and Paps has some heart issues, and they are both elderly and determined to stay in their own home as long as possible. I am committed to helping them do this. My husband works away, and we have separated, although are in the unusual position of me renting the house next door in order to provide him with as much assistance as possible with our daughter when he is at home.

I honestly have no clue how to rise above the struggles and relentless worry, and am terrified that I have forgotten how to laugh. Many of my friends have kind of moved on with their lives, and I have lost my ability to relate to people on a casual and "normal" level.

This is pretty heavy stuff, but I need to be real about my challenges, and the fact that I have never needed support or encouragement more. My starting point has to be getting back into a healthier routine, where I can start moving more consistently and making better choices about my nutrition. My girls eat so healthily, and I am a massive advocate for Paleo (I think it is the biggest reason my daughter is doing so amazingly well), but I have fallen into a sugar addiction, and emotional eating. Really hoping that this challenge will assist me to get back on track, and I am looking forward to receiving and giving support as we all take it on together.

Thanks for reading my story.

SamandaIndia

@MarlinWil (and anyone else here) if you are looking for extra low carb support and access to scientific support for low carb high fat diets including paleo then the low carber daily, lchf private group is worth requesting access to. Just let them know you are interested in learning more. Good luck -you have very challenging circumstances so particularly good you are looking after yourself (otherwise v hard to give energy to others).

@meghanfleming855 in answer to how does a challenge group work: up to each of us how much we participate. More I put in the more I get out. Minimum is weigh in each week, same day of week, and enter that into spreadsheet. @mallowbar will give instructions on how to do that. Does not matter if you go up or down, just enter it.

For fun, you can join a team by saying yes to amazing race challenge. @mallowbar will allocate who is on which team. Try the challenges and roadblocks (usually an exercise or dance plus a nutritional one). Record results again in spreadsheet. Encourage team on team discussion chats.

Even if you do not want to do that you can post non scale victories, questions and even grumbles on discussions or support others who are doing likewise. For Example, I find it Nice to know that most people have weight loss plateaus for days, weeks, even over a month, despite being angellic. I learned that through participating in challenges.

I do participate in another challenge where we have discussions n are supportive of each other plus the low carber daily group (again support +science). This group I like because it encourages me to try things like kosack dancing. Great fun to laugh at myself when I ended up on my rear mid dance.

Hope that covers a perspective on how a challenge group works. Needs participation to be active to truly get the most health benefits plus fun n support from it. Looking forward to another great challenge.

BJerzy

@MarlinWil thank you for sharing your story. We are here to support you and even if you just need someone to talk to, I love to listen.

TanyaS007

Hi, my name is Tanya from Maryland. My weight has been up and down for the past two years due to stress and two minor injuries. Getting to the gym was tough. Just want to get back on track and lose about 15 pounds. The motivation and accountability from a team of like minded people will be phenomenal. Looking forward to shedding the pounds and looking and feeling better in my clothes.

Nikion901

Hi, I'm Nia and will have my 71st birthday during this challenge. I retired almost 6 years ago with obesity related health issues from a desk-bound job. I only need to take care of myself and my cat so joining a group challenge is a good way for me to stay connected and be motivated. MFP has been my 'friend' since 2012 and during that time I have done pretty much the same thing as I did for the 30 years before then ... lose and regain and gain some more and lose and regain again. In September of last year I gave myself the goal to get out of the obese category by my 72 birthday ... so I have about 15 months left to get to my goal. It's doable if I stay on track of losing at least 1 pound a week ... and I know from experience how hard it is for me, or anyone, to consistenty lose that much weight week in and week out. So ... challenges that help me get/stay active physically and motivated emotionally are what I really need and would like to help give to others as well. Glad to be joining in.

SamandaIndia

@Nikion901 Great that you are here. Mum went abseiling n climbing for her 70th birthday. Lots of doors open if we can be healthy to take them. Looking forward to hearing from you.

alystone

Hi, guys! My name is Aly, I am 26 and I currently live in Georgia. (Moving back to Alabama to my Husband's family farm house very, very soon though!) I am new to this challenge group, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I am excited to get started My goal is to lose about 27 more lbs before my 27th birthday (5/25), and I am hoping this challenge group helps keep me on track to meet my goal loss, as well as help me continue to tone up. I have lost 53# total in the last 13 months, and I am so glad to be so close to my healthy weight goal. Here's to the next couple months, yall

KKOrand

Hello everyone. I am from Texas. I'm 49, mom of 2 & granny of 6. I am needing to lose 105 pounds. If I stay active in a "challenge I know the time will go by fast and keep me focused.

Tlw1031

Hi I have been doing mfp since feb 1st and I have lost about 8.5 pounds so far. I am 36 years old and for me this isn't a diet my husband and I are doing a life style change. We are eating more fruits and veggies. And exercising regularly. My goal is to lose 60 pounds. And to be a healthier me.

Diana6ft

My name is Diana. I'm 34 years old. I'm about 6ft tall and weigh 185. Google suggests that I weigh 159.5 lbs, but I'm not sure that's possible. For now I'm focusing on logging everyday and exercising at least 5 times a week. I have five kids ages 8, 11, 13, 15, and 16. We recently moved to the Coachella Valley in southern California because my husband got a teaching job here. I'm having a bit of a mid life crisis. I was 17 when we had our first daughter, so my life has really been about my family. Now I'm in my mid 30s, my kids are older, my husband is (finally) settled in his career, and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.

Diana6ft

Also, I have 3 friends on mfp. I would love more.

LoveLacy

Hi All, my name is Lacy and I'm 27. I live with my partner who is also overweight, and am hoping that my losing weight will encourage him to be more active also. I work in an office and by the time I get home as I use public transport, time is getting on and I struggle to fit much exercise in. Since joining on 1st Jan I have lost over a stone and increased my exercise but that previous 2 weeks I lost my motivation. Am hoping this challenge will help to motivate and inspire me to get of my lazy behind and get back on track, I have weight to lose ready for my holiday in April. (will my being away mid april to early may affect my being able to join in)

bex_2016

Hi guys!!!! I'm a married mum of three who works part time for the NHS. I'm good at keeping on track mon-Fri but struggle a little on the weekends when the routine of the week goes to pot!
Looking forward to getting to know everyone and taking part in the challenge! X

mindse

Hi I'm Mindy, 46 yr old lawyer with two kids in California. I'm trying to get under the magic number of 200 and keep losing motivation. I have lost about 40 pounds the last two years and I need accountability to stay motivated, so this sounds like a great challenge for me.

SamandaIndia

Diana6ft wrote: »

My name is Diana. I'm 34 years old. I'm about 6ft tall and weigh 185. Google suggests that I weigh 159.5 lbs, but I'm not sure that's possible. For now I'm focusing on logging everyday and exercising at least 5 times a week. I have five kids ages 8, 11, 13, 15, and 16. We recently moved to the Coachella Valley in southern California because my husband got a teaching job here. I'm having a bit of a mid life crisis. I was 17 when we had our first daughter, so my life has really been about my family. Now I'm in my mid 30s, my kids are older, my husband is (finally) settled in his career, and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.

There are lots of ways to calculate ideal weight. Using Harwi I get an ideal weight of 165lbs for a woman your height. If you have a big frame that can be up to 183lbs, for a smaller frame down to 144lbs. Matters where you feel happy n healthy.

As for the crisis. What else can you enjoy outside of being a mum? Huge step to find those things and define ourselves beyond our roles in other people's lives. For me learning great nutrition, cooking, exercising, hobies, social events n travel all contribute. Hope you find this challenge part of your inspiration.

jaydavis50

Hi everyone, I'm Jay, In 53 and just had my physical. Dr got on me for blood pressure being high. Wants me to get down to 210 lbs from 240 lbs. Off to a good start, lost 5 lbs the last two weeks.

akitamother10

Hi everyone. My name is Karrie. I'm a breast cancer survivor. During my 2 years of chemo and radiation I was unable to work because it was so toxic on my body but it did NOT do anything for lack of appetite. I craved hamburger and Broccoli like they were the final things on the earth. I spent 2 years living as a couch potato and eating. And now it's just been a constant battle fighting the meds I have to take for the rest of my life. And fighting the urge to cover up the trauma with food. I need to find that happy medium I previously had.
I'm 5'9 and 200#. I miss that woman who was once 165 and fit. I'd like to find her again.