Amazing Race "My Achievements"

Melodieccurn

This is where you post your nutritional and goal achievements.
For me I have been doing Paleo for a 9 months and I have learned that eating processed foods and specific foods can be a trigger for me . I had pizza at work two weeks ago. I missed breakfast and we were very busy and we were treated by our ambulance crew that day. I had two pieces. I thought no big deal, I put it in mfp diary. To make a long story short it set me up for sugar cravings for the next week. There are certain foods that are a trigger for us and I know that Pizza for me is one of them.
Goals. I wanted to achieve more weight loss this term but I am more fit than when i started. I still have some work to do but becoming happier every day I achieve it. I know they say weight loss does not change you, for me it has. I feel more confident at work and at play. I can run to a code Blue no matter where it is in the hospital and not be out of breath. This is a big NSV for me.

mswanger09

Here is the link to the Accountable to Me Challenge thread for anyone who needs a reminder of what their goals were.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10365492/accountable-to-me-challenge#latest

llmg970

So I needed to work on how much Diet Coke I drank, increase my water intake and continue to track daily. I have definitely been getting in my water and have been tracing. The diet thing is an ongoing battle. What I have accomplished is how strong and fit I have become. Just last night I was joking with my husband about the muscles I can now flex and show off. I never could do that before. And believe me I still have a long way to go but it feels good to start seeing the definition form

TaraDanielle40

My water intake is doing much better since the water challenge. My hair, skin, nails are less dry and I know it's from increasing my intake.

I haven't lost any weight, or so my scale says, but everyone's noticed a change in my shape and I feel the difference in my jeans. So it has to be coming off somewhere.

I know I have to log! I can't do it any other way. I despise it. But in order to see the results I want, I must. I'm really going to start working hard at it.

Nutrition wise I have been doing the rainbow challenge every week, to make sure I'm getting plenty of veggies. This I will continue.

tfisher678

I really thought at one time, that I could exercise out any thing I ate...What I've realized through this challenge, that if I truly want to look and feel my best, I have to give up the white processed foods and added table sugar. Next to giving up caffeine, it has been the most rewarding! I've broken through a long time plateau and feel way better with more energy.

Another goal was to find more subs for things I like. Greek yogurt satisfies my sweet tooth. And raw nuts help with hunger.. I found a pizza recipe using low carb high fiber tortilla, light mozzerella, homemade pizza sauce, using cast iron pan will make it crispy and for 200 calories. Give or take added veggies..I can eat pizza with my family again.

Getting more water in but it's getting warmer so it's easier now.

cygrad03

I've done better on my weight. Hit a rough patch there for a few weeks where I wasn't losing weight but it is finally showing up on the scale.

We also go for walks outside when it's nice enough. It's hard with a 4 month old because it's been windy too and it's hard to know when it's nice enough to take her out for a bit. Need to get my husband's bike tire fixed (he has a flat) and then we can switch up walks and bike riding at night. I think my son (he's 5) get's bored going for a walk all the time.

bm1409

when I first started this challenge my goal was to eat healthier. Less crap and more raw vegetables, fruit and water. Although I am still a work in progress, I am eating healthier. I am discovering that when I eat healthy I feel better and even my complexion looks better. My other goal was to work out more and not slack off on weekends. I have been working out more and even though I usually take a break on Sundays, I dont spend the day setting on the couch snacking. I still have a long way to go, but I am heading in the right direction.

shauna30

Through this challenge, I've learned I do much better when I know I'm accountable to more than just myself. Thank you for keeping me going! My accountability to me goal was to continue to decrease my sugar intake. I'm doing better but still have plenty of room to improve. I notice that when I allow myself a sugar day, I crave it even more and can't get satisfied. I once heard the idea, "You'll never be satisfied with what you don't need because you don't need it. " That's so true with sugar! Going forward I'll remember that concept. I'll decide ahead of time what I'll eat and not let my craving decide for me.

AshleyMFitness16

@mswanger09 thanks for posting that link, I was having a hard time remembering!!

However I am a little bummed because I didn’t accomplish either of mine…I wanted to lose 5 more pounds, which really right now with TOM and water weight I’m up 3 pounds. I know that’s not accurate, but seeing it bugs me.
My other one was that I wanted to be more strict with my night time workouts. I have done better with them, but there’s still some nights I decide I’d just rather go to sleep. Honestly though, I think that’s a good thing when I can realize that I’m just too tired. I get up at 4:15 am to hit the gym before work, so if I don’t get my sleep, I either sleep through my alarm or decide not to go to the gym because I didn’t’ sleep long enough. So there’s good and bad to that I guess. But I have started a new system, any night workouts I miss during the week, I make them up on Fridays or throughout the weekend. They’re usually anywhere form 15-30 minutes long so catching up isn’t too hard.

Nutritionally this challenge I’ve really learned a lot about empty calories. Yes, a calorie is a calorie, but 50 calories of a banana is a whole lot more than 50 calories of potato chips!

hawkins410

Nutritionally, I was working on limiting my sugar intake. I've done fairly well because I've realized it effects more than just my weight. I get real sugar "highs" and then the "crash" is pretty bad. The main change I made was to switch from regular chocolate to 85% dark chocolate. I allow myself one little piece every evening, and the thought of that treat keeps me from indulging during the day. So far, it seems to be working!
My accountability has gotten a lot better! I log EVERYTHING, even sugar free gum!
A goal that I had was to lose 4-6 more pounds by the end of the race. So far, I've lost 3.5 since then, and with one more weigh-in to go, 4lbs. is within reach. I've achieved a total loss of 10 pounds during this race, which is over 7% of my body weight, so I'm happy with that!
The MAIN thing I've learned is that a great group can make for a great experience! I've never been in a "group" diet before, and I've gotten SO MUCH from my team by learning that I am not alone in my struggles, fears, and celebrations of large and small victories, both on and off the scales. The encouragement and motivation that I have gotten from Team 6 has been truly awesome!

celtikgirl

So, here's what I wrote -

1. Taking my workouts outdoors and away from the gym

I've been a little better about this - although I like to take the dogs with me when I walk at the park and they slow me down. I am still getting the minutes and distance in, but it isn't helping me speed up my pace. We have a short window, maybe a couple of more weeks, when the weather is conducive to outdoor exercise, then it gets too hot and humid and I'll be back in the gym. I've also gotten some pretty good workouts in doing yard work - so not all is lost!

2. Be able to comfortably walk a 10K at a decent pace by end of June. (Working up to the half marathon distance for October!)

This is an ongoing challenge - hoping to put in a good 6 mile walk this weekend and see where I am - without the dogs.

I did manage to make my weight goal for this challenge. I got on the scale this morning, the readout said 220, I didn't ask any questions and didn't give it a second chance to change its mind.

Rossergirl

When I started this challenge I wanted increase my strength training, drink more water, to consistently log in (I want to beat my 25 days streak) and eat more good fats and less bad fats.

I have increased my strength training but not to where I want to be. I drank a lot of water before I started, but nowhere near 1/2 my body weight. I am doing way better but I am still working on getting there. I beat my streak! I am now at day 58 and I do not plan on stopping now. I am eating more goods fats than I did prior to the challenge, but I will continue to work on this.

lbenson2006

I think the biggest thing I have learned nutritionally is how careful you have to be when it comes to food choices if you are wanting to try to live a healthier lifestyle. The sugar challenge is what really opened my eyes. Focus currently is more on weight loss but I hope that over the coming years I can take baby steps towards being healthier in my eating habits on a more consistent basis.
As for the accountability piece, the first part was to push at getting the bonus points for the nutritional piece because I had been lacking there and I have done that successfully each week since. The second piece was to try to add more fruits and vegetables to my diet. On this, I have been more successful at adding in fruits it seems but I have been trying to add some more vegetables. I definitely have to make a concerted effort to add these into my diet since it is not something I naturally gravitate towards. Eating these things will also help me to better control my sodium intake which is another thing that needs to be controlled way better.

RoseTheWarrior

I have kept trying new recipes. I found a great muffin recipe that I made and my DH requested I make a second time! We're also continuing to try to dinner recipes. We're planning a BBQ for May 7th and I'll be trying some new hamburger recipes. As far as being consistent with exercise, that was harder than I thought, given having arthritis in my back, and working a lot of overtime over the last few months. However, I have done what I can. I have lost 14.4 lbs since the start of this challenge, and I am very happy about that! I will continue to work on consistent exercise though, because I really want to build some strength and endurance.

tmn2016

one thing that this challenge has helped me is to be more confident and have a "you can do it" attitude. The squat challenge was awesome and i plan on continuing with it. I know it will help me with my buns in the long run. I didn't think that i could do it, but now, I'm on it!!

Nutritionally, i am now more interested in trying different flavors, spices and food. I plan on eating more Mediterranean food going forward and trying different spices to make my food less boring ( i tend to eat the same thing every time).

Thank you for all the hard work in putting together these challenges. It's great!

LizFitIt34

Things I have improved:
1.Drinking more water
2.Thanks to all the great challenges I have started to use heavy weights and I see a big difference.
3.Going outside my comfort zone and trying new exercises I wouldn't have ever tried on my own.

Things I need to work on:
1. Telling myself its ok to take a rest day. I haven't had a rest day in months.
2. A loss is a loss even if it's only .6 ITS OK JUST BREATHE!!

I have taken more rest days and I learned to just relax and not be so hard on myself. Nutritionally I continue to eat 5-8 cups of vegatables and drink 80-120 oz of water everyday.

bigroastdinner

Nutritionally, I have given up caffeine in the last week or so and have instead been drinking what feels to me like A LOT of water! I have already noticed a difference in my sleep and am generally feeling less tired through the day so looks like it is working!

My goals were:

1. Try harder to accomplish the roadblocks/additional challenges, rather than just getting in the minutes
2. Less snacking in the afternoon/evening. Perhaps try drinking water instead.


Unfortunately I didn't do too brilliantly on either of them, although slight improvements on each. Definitely something to work on - adding more variety to my workouts, maybe even trying a workout in front of the TV rather than snacking in the evening to hit both at once.

leti126

One of my biggest goals of this challenge was to be able to run a 5k without walking or stopping... I was able to accomplish that today as I ran it in just about 34mins!

I also got very close to my weight loss goal. Only 2lbs shy but I will continue to work toward this for the next challenge:-)

120maggie

Nutritionally, I have done better with variety-- thanks to the roadblocks. Who knew I liked Okra! I am a regular blood donor and I have to watch my iron. My number was great this last time. I am watching my caffeine again and have done better with the water.

I made my goal weight. Losing the last 7 pounds. I am stonger. It is April and I have done a couple of 20 mile hilly bike rides that I don't usually do until June. I committed to a 40 mile ride in June. I have not done that distance since before kids. -- 23 years ago!

leannev68

Nutritionally I have been more aware that all calories are not created equally! I plan to watch my sugar intake and have noticed the trigger sensation mentioned by previous contributors to this thread.

I have stayed about the same, weight wise, but feel more toned with the different exercises and activities done throughout this challenge. I am going to continue mixing it up from time to time and work in different types of workouts to keep it interesting.

Diana6ft

I have to say my life became extremely difficult right after we posted our goals. Not only haven't I taken more control over my diet, but I haven't had a good workout in 3 weeks either. I'm still here though. I can be proud of that.

TangledThread

I failed at my posted goals of drinking more water and working on my core muscles. I drink lots of water however I can't seem to hit the challenge goal. I've kept running and have had no interest in adding other exercises.

But, and this is a big one, not only did I blow past my weight loss goal for the challenge I'm now 0.8lbs from my final goal weight. I never stated this as a goal because I have control of what I eat I don't have control of the day it shows coming off on the scale and I didn't want to jinx it. However, weight loss has always been my #1 goal.

The best part of this challenge is the accountability and having a team to share successes and trying new things. I also loved the nutritional challenges. Because of the omega-3 week I've added nut butters. I had thought nuts too calorie dense to fit in my goal. However, I learned that a BBJ and an apple might be a small meal for me but it keeps me full for hours.

dawnsch1995

My goal when we started this challenge was to become more active and eat better so I could feel better! I definitely feel so much better no more heartburn and stomach bloat!! I am challenging myself to reach my exercise goals and that has paid off as well! Definitely lost inches & weight and have more energy!! I also love the help and support I get from my team and everyones post help me know we are all in this together!

jazzypdx

Nutritionally I have improved the variety of foods I eat and have added more vegetables to my daily intake. My snacking habits have been curbed, and I have replaced hot tamales & cookies with Almonds & celery or aplles with peanut butter and ...cookies occasionally, but oatmeal instead of chocolate chip and I don't have them on hand at home, late night snacking has been pineapple, mixed berries (w/o whipped cream) or watermelon.
Goals - I have truly improved my sleep from avg of 4.5 HR for the week to (OMG) 7.3 HR last week. I feel better, not sure if it is the sleep or the exercise or just being part of something that made me smile & think about stuff besides my little corner if the world. My resting heart rate has dropped a full 12 beats (from 85-73) during the course if the challenge. Really love my Fitbit, it gives me these insights and would tip me off when I got home from work, and helped me push myself to go for walks to a- get my steps in and b- get my minutes/miles for my team.
My second goal, yes!! Actually getting my wardrobe planned, washed & packed for Hawaii. I pulled out my summer clothes last weekend, some size 8s fitting, 10s are good, 14s too baggy!! I took 2 black trash bags of clothes to salvation army. Tomorrow I am going to shop for a new swimsuit, will probably get a 12 but maybe a 10 will be okay. I have trimmed and toned and I am 100% certain it would not have happened without my team mates ( and competitors) motivation and daily inspiration. Thank you all!!

christabeltoria

My most important achievement in this challenge has been putting more activity into each day. I deliberately park at the far end of the parking lot. I think about ways to add activity to my day. I make myself get out of the chair...if all else fails I do the housework! I haven't seen a ton of weight loss yet but I'm a slowstarter. It takes my body a couple of months to get the idea....I know this from gaining and losing the same forty pounds over and over. Maybe this time it will be different. I'm sleeping better, and eating better. I can now turn down something sweet; though I still do like sweets.

That being said, the four pounds I've lost so far make such a difference. And I know that 24 pounds from now I'll feel younger and more vital. For anyone looking for a visualization, think about 20 lbs of butter sitting on the grocery shelf. Better there than on you.

sandkp

I'm away so doing this on the phone and don't have the bells and whistles to cut and paste and such so going to go by memory. Nutrition... I thought I was doing okay before this challenge... my logging showed me how off I was. I have tried to work on making my food better while maintaining my lifestyle. Well... something hit me with a wake up call so let's just say that I have learned alot from the nutrition challenges and plan to execute that in working on my new plan (life throws you a speed bump sometimes to get your attention!)

My goals included water, nutrition, and sleep. I have so fully incorporated water into my life... no soda, no tea. I drink a small bit of juice and then just water. Don't always get what I want in the day but not due to drinking substitutes! Nutrition.. that logging goal helped with that a bit. Now with needing to get blood pressure back in check, it's even more important and my take away goal for the future. Today was my first low sodium day (and I achieved it at a hotel with all meals eaten out because I track and log!). Sleep.. well let's say it's coming slowly but I know how important I thought it was and with this new hiccup, it is even more important.

Going forward for next time.. and for life.. nutrition, water and sleep are still goals. They are now more important as I I plan to change my health and my desire to have no worries of meds. In addition, what I thought my goal was going to be (running a 5K) is on hold. Need to get health in check before stressing this mama's heart. So while it was important... not quite as high as it was three weeks ago. Hoping for a really good health check to start this new challenge. If I was not doing this challenge, I would not have been able to have logs to see where and how far I came and to be able to easily show the docs what my life was like and how far I've already changed. BIG THANKS to the leaders of this challenge!

SamandaIndia

Like @Melodieccurn I am using "paleo" /a very low sugar /low carb with higher fat to give energy. I have been dilligent for 6 months with great results. No more than 20g sugar a day (ie no fruit nor startchy veg nor grains nor cereals). Last challenge I hit a plateau. This challenge I gained (reintroduce carbs as an experiment to test food intollerances and to fit in socially).

My achievements are nutritionally finding a likely source of food intollerance is histammines and that gluen, sugars and alcohol all also significantly affect my mood, body tension, stress, sleep plus health. Accountability wise, still being here despite weighing more than when challenge started. Embarassing but also proud that I can see past that to the celebration of being persistant and keep going to finding the healthiest choices for me.

Thank you to each of you, especially @Melodieccurn for the grace that supports each of us in our journey together

BJerzy

My goals were to find new workouts that I could do while in PT for my knee and to lose 4 pounds to get to my goal. I have been doing strength workouts for my legs and have tried the bike a few times - which for me is great because when I did it the first day I hated it! I've also got just half a pound to go to get to my goal so I'm doing well there, too! I will be there by the end of the challenge.

Nutritionally, I've really focused on protein intake and portion control. I'm still working on these, but I've gotten so much better thanks to this challenge!

jamacianredhair

I have successfully lost around 5lbs and kept it off! When I started this challenge I was yo-yoing between 159 and 163 very excited that this challenge had me switching things up in a fun way! I am also posting for my husband buddahboy and he has broken through as well and we are both well on our way to losing this last bit of belly.

We have also made our own goals with coming up with a weekly workout schedule and meal planning to stick to and also have committed to 9 weeks of no alcohol starting today and ending 4th of July weekend.

mswanger09

I stuck with trying new things and thanks I the nutritional challenges I have tried to eat more veggies. I didn't hit my weight loss goal for this challenge missed but 1 pound. Oh well! This challenge was great for getting me to push myself more and to get out of my comfort zone.

Thank you for this challenge and looking forward to the next one!

TaraDanielle40

It was hard getting this weeks exercise min in, knowing it was the last week. I didn't make it but I still managed to get min in each day. I'm just glad I didn't give up. I did not reach any of my weight goal, but I now know, through this challenge what I need to do to get it. I'm not a spring chicken anymore, who can eat whatever, whenever. I really need to take into account every bite that goes into my mouth. I hate tracking, but I know it has to be done. Hopefully I can get it done the next challenge.