Daily Healthy Habits Challenge for March

Options
135

Replies

  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/10

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: 30 minutes on the stair master
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: no
    Avoided sugar/highly processed foods: yes, day 2

    Goal weight for 4/1: 149
    Current weight: 153

    Current struggles: still avoiding snacks/treats at work, a very hard thing for me when I'm stressed/tired/bored

    Current strengths: I passed up cookies at work and cupcakes and brownies at a gathering I went to later, which is a huge success for me at this point
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    Options
    ^welcome @puglife456 , Good for you for passing up work treats!!! My work is the same, and it can be hard to say no... It gets easier though! Stick with it and remember how good you feel at the end of the day when you reflect on how you stuck to what you set out to do that day.

    ^ @CaptainBoing , sounds like a good plan for recovery! Glad you are still here with us...

    ^ @bellew62802 , how did you send @White_hibiscus your recipes?

    Date: 3/11 (reporting for 3/10)

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: No.
    Exercised: No
    Vitamin: Yes
    Practiced meditation: Yes
    Avoid late afternoon No

    Goal weight for 4/1: 134 (1.5 lbs/week)

    Current struggles: I did not deal well with a super tough day at work yesterday.... Returned to old (bad) habits and used take out (and wine :smiley: ) at supper to cope, when I should have headed to the gym to work out the stress in a more productive way. I do not anticipate a 1.5 lb loss this week, but will own yesterday's "wobble", and get back on track today. Although I have time oriented weight loss goals, it is the weight loss and not the deadline that actually matters. Not happy though that after 2 months of doing pretty well I have had two off-goal days this week. Need to reflect on what is going on....
  • bellew62802
    bellew62802 Posts: 60 Member
    Options
    Before I report my day, I'd,like to say * welcome * to @puglife456 HOORAH for passing up the goodies! and *welcome* @carosheppard2 and it is auch a good idea to no unplanned eating in eve. I will have a cip of herbal tea to help satisfy me ! Very nice to have you both join us!

    @CaptainBoing, it is good that you are being well cared for by your docs. Slow and steady for sure and eating healthy now is def the way to go. Really good to see you!
    @newbie2143, White_hibiscus & I messaged here on MFP and exchanged emails then I sent them that way. I love checking in here and reading your struggles,and strengths. They truly are inspiring and make me think!
    @White_hibiscus, my favorite of the recipes was the cauliflower pizza. I followed it for crust but created my own with toppings etc. Truly scrumptious!

    Date:3/11
    Stayed under calorie goal: yes
    Vitamins/ meds: yes
    Water 8+: yes
    Exercise: I know it was atleast 60 minutes stationary bike and elliptical but I can't remember the actual time w/out having to check my exercise diary! That is awful! Lol!

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 165
    Current Weight:167.7
    Gain/loss vs last week: Loss

    Current Struggles: I am struggling with truly grasping the concept that the scale provides only a number which can frustrate me to no end. Whereas my clothes say "I need to go to Good Will so that someone who fits in me can wear me cause I am getting baggy on you and I am not flattering your weight loss changing body at all!"

    Current Strengths: Rec'd in my email an MFP article about 9 ways that say YOU ARE SUCCEEDING and the scale vs. clothes was included. I will print this article out and put it up in my bedroom to remind me of what truly is important. As Bob Seger song says, " I'm not a number!"
  • bellew62802
    bellew62802 Posts: 60 Member
    Options
    P.S. forgive my typos. Phone keyboard is quite tiny. Lol
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    Options
    ^ oops.... I missed @carosheppard2 - welcome!
    @bellew62802 - lol on the baggy clothes! So true. Sounds like time for a bit of shopping!

    Date: 3/12. (reporting for 3/11)
    Stayed at/under calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: no
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: No
    Avoid late afternoon snack: yes, by eating supper earlier!

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 134 (1.5 lbs/week)
    Current Weight:139
    Gain/loss vs last week: Loss

    Current Struggles: Sleep issues. I am back to waking up at a ridiculous time in the morning, unable to get back to sleep. I had a lovely 2 weeks after getting back from holiday that I was actually sleeping until I needed to get up, but back to the usual now... Going to have to do a better job of getting off the screens before bed, that supposedly helps. I guess I will look for a good book today... Any suggestions? Also need to be more diligent with learning to meditate because as a type A Virgo I know that stress is likely a factor!

    @White_hibiscus , see below for a few links to recipes I have stored on my "Paprika" app.... (I can not say enough about this app, by the way.... Paid app, but so worth it to store all your recipes electronically!)
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    edited March 2016
    Options
    Here are some vegan recipes, as requested by @White_hibiscus !

    Chorizo Tacos:
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/05/chorizo-tacos-from-the-vb6-cookbook.html?ref=title

    Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa:
    http://mobile.eatingwell.com/recipes/black_bean_croquettes_with_fresh_salsa.html

    Broccoli, quinoa, and black bean burger with cashew sauce:
    http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/ncr/2014/12/broccoli-quinoa-and-black-bean-burrito.html

    Chana Masala:
    http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quick_and_easy/chana_masala.php

    Chick pea, quinoa and sweet potato curry
    http://www.cbc.ca/inthekitchen/mobile/touch/blog/2013/03/chickpea-quinoa-and-sweet-potato-curry.html
    [chick pea=garbanzo bean, depending on where you live]

    Coconut Thai curry lentils with quinoa
    http://www.lentils.ca/?q=recipes/coconut-thai-curry-lentils-with-quinoa

    Curried vegetarian shepherds' pie with portobello mushroom sauce
    http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/ncr/2014/12/curried-vegetarian-shepherds-pie-with.html

    Jamie Oliver's Delicious Squash Daal (serve without the egg for vegan)
    http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/delicious-squash-daal/?/utm_source=social&utm_medium=RecipeOftheDay&utm_term=2015#rlp4XkTTiel6oWUh.97

    Hearty Vegetable Stock (Vegan)
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/02/hearty-vegetable-stock-vegan-recipe.html

    Lentil Spaghetti Bolognaise
    http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/19874/lentil+spaghetti+bolognaise

    Powerhouse Lentil & Kale "Sausages"
    http://www.lentils.ca/?q=recipes/lentils-and-kale-powerhouse-vegan-sausages

    One Pan Mexican Quinoa
    http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/09/one-pan-mexican-quinoa/

    Rosemary and White Bean Dip (could reduce the oil for calorie's sake and use this as a sandwich spread with veggies-yum)
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/01/rosemary-lemon-white-bean-dip-recipe.html

    Tuscan White Bean Soup with Escarole (would need to leave out the Parmesan for vegan.... Or could leave it in for "almost vegan", because parmesan)
    http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tuscan-white-bean-soup

    Veggie and Pear Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
    http://mommyimhungry.blogspot.ca/2012/09/veggie-pear-spring-rolls-with-spicy.html

    Whitewater Cooks Glory Bowl
    http://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2016/01/04/recipe-of-the-week-whitewater-cooks-glory-bowl/
  • Dory_42
    Dory_42 Posts: 3,587 Member
    Options
    Ugh, not getting the healthy food choices down yet, but still keeping quantity low and the scale isn't going up so I'm happy! Had an assessment at my gym this morning as it is the end of an 8 week challenge i did (more to support some friends than any other reason). My trainer buddy refuses to give us the results until she has it all sorted but i suspect from her attitude that she was impressed with my results. I obviously skipped the physical side of the assessment and did the measurements only. Also got told that i need new jeans as mine are too baggy!
  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/12 (reporting for 3/11)

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: kind of... Within 200 calories
    Exercised: 60 minutes on the stair master
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: no
    Avoided sugar/highly processed foods: no :/

    Goal weight for 4/1: 149
    Current weight: 153

    Current struggles: sugar cereal is my kryptonite :P also, I went out to breakfast this morning which usually leads to unhealthy days but I'll try to keep everything on track

    Current strengths: despite my cereal binge last night, and a big breakfast this morning, I'm feeling confident in today and will hopefully have good things to report tomorrow. Thank you all for being so welcoming and supportive :) this group is an inspiration to me
  • White_hibiscus
    White_hibiscus Posts: 1,594 Member
    Options
    newbie2143 wrote: »
    Here are some vegan recipes, as requested by @White_hibiscus !

    Chorizo Tacos:
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/05/chorizo-tacos-from-the-vb6-cookbook.html?ref=title

    Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa:
    http://mobile.eatingwell.com/recipes/black_bean_croquettes_with_fresh_salsa.html

    Broccoli, quinoa, and black bean burger with cashew sauce:
    http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/ncr/2014/12/broccoli-quinoa-and-black-bean-burrito.html

    Chana Masala:
    http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quick_and_easy/chana_masala.php

    Chick pea, quinoa and sweet potato curry
    http://www.cbc.ca/inthekitchen/mobile/touch/blog/2013/03/chickpea-quinoa-and-sweet-potato-curry.html
    [chick pea=garbanzo bean, depending on where you live]

    Coconut Thai curry lentils with quinoa
    http://www.lentils.ca/?q=recipes/coconut-thai-curry-lentils-with-quinoa

    Curried vegetarian shepherds' pie with portobello mushroom sauce
    http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/ncr/2014/12/curried-vegetarian-shepherds-pie-with.html

    Jamie Oliver's Delicious Squash Daal (serve without the egg for vegan)
    http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/delicious-squash-daal/?/utm_source=social&utm_medium=RecipeOftheDay&utm_term=2015#rlp4XkTTiel6oWUh.97

    Hearty Vegetable Stock (Vegan)
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/02/hearty-vegetable-stock-vegan-recipe.html

    Lentil Spaghetti Bolognaise
    http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/19874/lentil+spaghetti+bolognaise

    Powerhouse Lentil & Kale "Sausages"
    http://www.lentils.ca/?q=recipes/lentils-and-kale-powerhouse-vegan-sausages

    One Pan Mexican Quinoa
    http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/09/one-pan-mexican-quinoa/

    Rosemary and White Bean Dip (could reduce the oil for calorie's sake and use this as a sandwich spread with veggies-yum)
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/01/rosemary-lemon-white-bean-dip-recipe.html

    Tuscan White Bean Soup with Escarole (would need to leave out the Parmesan for vegan.... Or could leave it in for "almost vegan", because parmesan)
    http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tuscan-white-bean-soup

    Veggie and Pear Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
    http://mommyimhungry.blogspot.ca/2012/09/veggie-pear-spring-rolls-with-spicy.html

    Whitewater Cooks Glory Bowl
    http://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2016/01/04/recipe-of-the-week-whitewater-cooks-glory-bowl/

    Thank you so much for taking time to do this for me.
    Coconut Thai curry lentils with quinoa & the spring rolls. Omight everything sounds good. I'm trying one tomorrow
  • White_hibiscus
    White_hibiscus Posts: 1,594 Member
    Options
    Date:3/12
    Stayed under calorie goal: yes!! & is sat. I feel proud♡
    Vitamins/ meds: yes
    Water 8+: yes!! More then 8
    Exercise: walked my baby pups.

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 161
    Current Weight:165
    Gain/loss vs last week: loss!!!! Yyyey

    Current Struggles: craving pizza ALL THE TIME:/
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/13, (reporting for 3/12)
    Stayed at/under calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: Yes, 10 km run in the beautiful spring weather!!
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: Yes
    Avoid late afternoon snack: No, but was actually hungry so I ate.

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 134 (1.5 lbs/week)
    Current Weight:139
    Gain/loss vs last week: Loss

    Current Struggles: Socializing and staying on track with eating.... As the weather improves, we tend to come out of our shell in this neighbourhood and do a lot more BBQs and eating with our neighbors. It is always fun and there is always lots of good food. I think one of my tasks for the upcoming months is to relearn how to manage my eating at these social situations. I stayed on track yesterday (barely), only because I had gone for a long-ish run and had lots of exercise calories to play with.

    Strength of the day: My husband and two sons chose to have Dairy Queen when we were all out shopping, and I stayed strong and resisted... I knew I didn't really want it, but the less mindful me would have had some just for the taste of it anyway. Not that there is anything wrong with enjoying awesome tasting food, but I find for me that once I TASTE something delicious, I am much more vulnerable to overeating.... Much better for me to choose my tasting carefully.... Probably what I need to do in those "socializing" situations I mentioned above.
  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    Newbie2143--Great job with resisting the DQ! That has been a tough one for me to pass up in the past...

    Date: 3/13 (reporting for 3/12)

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: no
    Exercised: 60 minutes outdoor biking
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: no
    Avoided sugar/highly processed foods: yes

    Goal weight for 4/1: 149
    Current weight: 153

    Current struggles: continuing to resist the sweets

    Current strengths: although I went over my calorie count, I actually had a full day of clean eating and got lots of fresh air so I actually felt pretty great by the end of the day
  • bellew62802
    bellew62802 Posts: 60 Member
    Options
    Date:3/12 & 3/13
    Stayed under calorie goal: yes 3/12, no 3/13
    Vitamins/ meds: yes
    Water 8+: no to both
    Exercise: Rest day yesterday and took today off too

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 165
    Current Weight:167.7
    Gain/loss vs last week: Weigh in tomorrow

    Current Struggles: So much to do and so little time to do it as raising my grandson is quite time consuming. Feeling old today
  • bellew62802
    bellew62802 Posts: 60 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/12 &3/13
    Stayed under calorie goal: yes 3/12 no 3/13
    Vitamins/ meds: yes
    Water 8+: no to both
    Exercise: Rest day yesterday and took today off too

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 165
    Current Weight:167.7
    Gain/loss vs last week: Weigh in tomorrow

    Current Struggles: So much to do and so little time to do it as raising my grandson is quite time consuming. Feeling old today

    Current Strengths: Being young at heart and playful with Eli.

    @newbie2143, your neighborhood cookouts might prove to be a blessing to your neighbors with you preparing a "healthy" meal or side dish. Good for you with resisting DQ

    @puglife456, clean eating and clean fresh air is awesome for body and soul

    @CaptainBoing, hoorah for baggy jeans! It's shopping time

    @White_hibiscus, Pizza cravings are a tough one! Try the cauliflower pizza! Maybe it'll satisfy the craving.
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/14, (reporting for 3/13)
    Stayed at/under calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: Out for a walk, nothing intense.... (Shockingly, my body wasn't really happy with my 10km Sat. run after weeks of not running....a bit sore in the quads!! Sigh, I guess I'm not 20 anymore!)
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: Yes
    Avoid late afternoon snack: Yes

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 134 (1.5 lbs/week)
    Current Weight:139
    Gain/loss vs last week: Loss

    Current Struggles: I need to watch the emotional eating this week.... My family have all taken off for March Break and I have to stay home and work :(.

    Strength: Grateful for good friends.... I got some much needed support from one yesterday, when I was feeling down about my family leaving for vacation without me...
  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    @bellew62802 , I get very tired trying to keep up with my kids' constant energy as well some days. I try to emulate their energy and carefree spirit as much as I can, but with the stresses of adulthood it can be so hard
    @newbie2143 , I'm sorry to hear you have to work while your family takes off for a vacation, that is tough. I hope you are able to stay on track with your goals
  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options

    Date: 3/14 (reporting for 3/13)

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: 60 minutes stair master
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: no
    Avoided sugar/highly processed foods: yes

    Goal weight for 4/1: 149
    Current weight: 151 (2 pounds down!)

    Current struggles: continuing to resist the sweets, especially Girl Scout cookies lol

    Current strengths: I didn't get many fruits and veggies in yesterday, but I stayed under my calorie goal and didn't have any processed sweets. I weighed myself and realized I was down 2 pounds, which could potentially be water weight fluctuations but nonetheless I am pleased!
  • bellew62802
    bellew62802 Posts: 60 Member
    Options
    Date: 3/14
    Stayed under calorie goal: yes
    Vitamins/ meds: yes
    Water 8+: yes
    Exercised: 60 mins. Stationary bike and elliptical. Abs

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 165
    Current Weight:167.7
    Gain/loss vs last week: I had trouble finding my scale today. My grandson took off with it and hid it in a sack in his kitchen set . Hubby found it tonight and I do not do night time weighings. So I will report tomorrow.

    Current Struggles: Just when I think I am doing better with Sodium intake, my food journal lets me know that I have exceeded the goal for sodium. So frustrating.

    Current Strengths: The fact that I do have MFP food journal to help me know how much is too much. Probably have to start journaling eight after every meal rather than wait til I am done for the day.

    @puglife456, WooHoo to you for you loss! Water or other, that is awesome! I have a house Order of Protection against Girl Scout cookies. None are allowed. Thin mints had been my absolute fave!

    @newbie2143, Sorry to hear you weren't able to vacation with your family but am glad to know that a friend helped you feel some better. You make sure you are armed with fresh veggies and fruits should you feel the urge to emo eat. You can do this for yourself!
  • newbie2143
    newbie2143 Posts: 328 Member
    Options
    ^Thanks for the support, both of you...I'm going to manage to head up north to join them after work on Thursday, so feeling better. No emo eating so far. Congrats @puglife456 ! All your hard work and attention to reducing sweets is paying off.... @bellew62802 , good for you for checking in on your nutrient intakes.... Sodium is so tricky - one or two pre-packaged things or a bottled sauce can throw things WAAAY off...

    Date: 3/15, (reporting for 3/14)
    Stayed at/under calorie goal: Yes
    Exercised: Yes, 6.5 km walk
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: Yes
    Avoid late afternoon snack: Yes

    Goal Weight by 4/1: 135 (revised from 134)
    Current Weight:138.5
    Gain/loss vs last week: -0.5 .... Not much, as expected as I was paying less attention to things Thursday-Saturday. Revised the April 1 goal by 1 lb. Will need to be FOCUSED to accomplish!

    Current Struggles: Did not struggle yesterday.... Felt very satisfied by what and how I ate, got out to enjoy the spring air....
    Strength: Managed to meditate (for a short while) without the help of the app yesterday.... So progress, I think!
    btw, @puglife456 , I see you have that listed on your "Healthy Habits" list.... It doesn't have to be there if you don't want it to, I just added it b/c it is something I wanted to try to help manage my stress levels.
  • puglife456
    puglife456 Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    @newbie2143 thanks! Also, I've been trying to get in a little meditation every day because I also have problems with my stress levels. So hard to fit in sometimes, though! I'm glad to hear you will be able to join your family :) vacations and quality time with family are very important
    Date: 3/15 (reporting for 3/14)

    Stayed under/at calorie goal: yes
    Exercised: 60 minutes stair master
    Vitamin: yes
    Practiced meditation: yes
    Avoided sugar/highly processed foods: yes

    Goal weight for 4/1: 149
    Current weight: 151

    Current struggles: continuing to resist the sweets and also just general problems with staying under my calorie goal. I'm going on a vacation next week and I've never been able to follow my diet on road trips lol (I'm too big of a fan of car snacks). So, I need to be held accountable for remaining healthy on the road! There will be a few days when I can't use my fitness pal, and I guess a few days like that are necessary on vacation, but for the rest of the time I hope to be active. And mindful of what I'm eating

    Current strengths: I've been noticing small changes since getting more serious about losing weight, including a little less cellulite and also more energy and a happier feeling all around!

Categories