Santa Sprint! Week 2 (12/8-12/14)
baconslave
Posts: 7,021 Member
Repost o' the challenge blurb 
baconslave wrote: »There's a statistic that's always going around that something like 25% of people will gain weight between Halloween and New Year's. It's Holiday season. We're busy with work, school, get-togethers, and shopping. It's easy to just say to heck with it and cave. And wake up on New Year's Day and looking in the mirror, unhappy with what extra weight we've gained. It happens to the best of us.
Last month we focused on the basics in an effort to avoid gaining during a hectic time of year. There's lots of treats around. But many of us managed to hit our goals and not gain. Some of us even lost a few pounds, or gained insight into our own patterns when faced with pressure.
Planning ahead and keeping an eye on the basics are two of the most important focal points if we want to keep on the up and up in the face of all the junk and goodies rampant this time of year.
This month we are again going to focus on the low-carb basics. Again.They really are so important to success. And keeping tabs on them reinforces good habits that will serve us through our weight loss journeys and beyond into Maintenance Land.
We are going hardcore and going to sprint for 31 days! We'll be Nose-to-the-grindstone, pre-planning, LC bada$$es!
Some people choose to handle this time of year completely on-plan, supplementing low-carb recipes for all our bad-ol' favorites.
This may not be realistic for some. After all, there are many temptations in our faces this month. And a lot of celebrations. What I have done in the past was pick 1 or 2 events that were most important, enjoy them that day, and the next day was immediately back on track. No guilt, but no excuses. Every other time, I planned ahead. Eat before going to a carby event or bring plan-approved goodies. I actually lost weight in December of 2014. It can be done. Every other year I have easily maintained.
You can pick either strategy, but in this challenge monitoring our plan Basics and becoming a Master Planner are what makes the difference.
Consistency + Persistence + Time = Success
I really can't parrot that cliché formula enough. Because it's true.
Any low-carb plan is welcome. Just post your monthly goals and/or beginning weight, or if you are just planning to maintain through the month, or have NSVs to achieve, check-in daily or weekly with how well you did.
The Basics:
Planning ahead!!!
Staying under carbs
Staying under calories
Logging and measuring
Getting in exercise/movement if that's one of your goals
Keeping an eye on electrolyte levels
Getting enough water
Planning ahead!!! Oh, wait. I said that already? Yes, I frickin' did. Because this is the holidays! You must!
This thread will be stickied to the top of the Group, with links inside to the weekly threads. So if the weekly thread gets buried in our busy little group, you'll be able to easily find in in the sticky.
Share recipes, problems, thoughts.
So tie your sneakers tightly folks and prepare to own the Santa Sprint!
We are DETERMINED to maintain, and maybe even lose, this year.
We are DETERMINED to not let December run rough-shod over us, right?
We CAN do this.
To give you and idea of possible check-in entries here's mine:Monthly Goals:
To work on losing that rotten, stinking, evil, no-good, complete PITA 5lbs I've been trying to get rid of and to keep up with my exercising despite all the holiday interruptions.
Friday,12/1:
Water: Yep.
Electrolytes Good:
Logged Food:
Exercise as Planned: Strength training
At or Under Carb Level:
At or Under Calorie Limit: Yes!
Planned Day Ahead: Yes!
7/7
Weekly Trees of Christmas Awesomeness Collected:
Feel free to go ahead and post your goals today if you're wanting to look ahead.
To get a feel for how this works, check out one of the weekly November challenge threads, but up in the blurb is a sample daily check-in and sample goals.
Challenge starts tomorrow. See you then.
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Replies
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Yeah for the Santa Sprint! I'm planning to keep losing through December, not sure how much, but we'll see!
I've lost 8 lbs so far since Halloween, so that is a start.
Happy Friday everyone!6 -
Still following the plan. Hoping to see good results next weigh in. If not, I'm in it for the long haul.
Struggling with holiday blues as is usual for me about now; but still managing to put one foot in front of the other. Hoping that if I stick with it, at least I'll be thinner when all is said and done.
Wishing peace and progress for all my fitness pals.0 -
results for 12/8
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise I didn't have much energy so instead of jogging I walked
plan tomorrows food I don't quite have it planned, but I have a lot of options already made and in the fridge. 0 -
Week 2, 30 min per day:
12/8: stationary recumbent
12/9: YAYOG (you are your own gym)
#Shalieve
Completed week 1 with:
12/1: health walk 2+ miles >3.5mph
12/2: stationary recumbent
12/3: aerobic/calisthenics
12/4: stationary recumbent
12/5: fitnessblender
12/6: step aerobics
12/7: kettlebell1 -
I hope I can join in... I was too shy to post straight away because I've only just seriously started on lower carb and high fat a few weeks ago (after slowly working up to it for months) and I thought perhaps it was too good to be true...
My targets:
✔️3 litres water a day
✔️Fasting 16 hours a day
✔️30min FitnessBlender HIIT or lifting
〰70-80% fat (had a hangover yesterday)
〰50 carbs (see above)
✔️3 eggs a day
✔️2-3 tbs coconut oil a day (just because this seems crucial in eliminating cravings and reaching my fat goals)
✔️6 alcohol free days a week
I have lost 700g so far, aiming for another 1.5kg but happy with whatever because I simply feel good so even if I don't lose a single gram ever, I'm happy to stick to this.4 -
results for 12/9
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise
I did get a 20 minute walk, but not more
plan tomorrows food 2 -
I really need to join this; I've been overindulging lately!2
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Plans for December:
1. cut down on carbs **
2. increase good fats
3. eat more protein
4. drink more water **
5. drink 1powerade daily **
6. exercise 3x weekly
7. plan meals **
8. Dec. 14 - 17 convention watch carbs still
9. Dec. 25 free day
10. no eating after 6 pm!!!!!
My mama always said, "Don't nothing fail but a try!" So here I go; if I can just remember to check in every day!4 -
Finding myself struggling to keep on track, but each day I persevere and actually think I am reaching the breakthrough point, my water intake has improved, I missed logging for a couple of days but back on track with that too but I haven’t managed to get out walking as much as I wanted, although have managed a little every day4
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Weigh in was positive. Surprisingly.
I'm making a concerted effort to not drink alcohol for the next 12 days....and go back to my serious initial keto food plan, in hopes of jump starting this reloss campaign. No social events looming so I should be able to work this out.
Once I get to my son's house for Xmas - prohibition is suspended until Jan 3.
Hope this works. It might be the ticket for now.
Heard from an old flame yesterday. No real chance for reuniting, but still a very nice chat. Didnt see that coming. Did wonders for my bruised spirit. Hoping that translates to pounds lost very soon.
Remember to have time in this festive, busy, emotional season to find your own kind of peace. Luv to all my pals here.7 -
@elize7 how flattering, the old flame!
I bet you'll feel better without alcohol. I am amazed at how much my sleep has improved even though I used to only have 1 drink a night.
@Chillycatmum that's inspiring, that you're persevering even though it's hard! Love your blue hair, by the way
@rparkerslim "don't nothing fail but a try" that's awesome!0 -
Another day of adherence. No alcohol. No problems. Lost a little weight.
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results for 12/10
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise
plan tomorrows food
That is my first week with low carb and I think I nailed it! I promised myself no cheats until Dec 22, and I'll weigh in then. I'm afraid if I'm putting in all this work and weigh more often I'll get discouraged and want to quit, so I'm trying 2 1/2 weeks "all in".
I don't mind the low carb foods. I've had the time and motivation to cook some really delicious things up in the kitchen. The only really hard part is no beer. It seems pretty integral with watching sunday football. But some cucumber water had to be enough.
I've been watching Dr Jason Fung on intermittent fasting, and I would really like to incorporate that for maintenance long term. So this week I'll be adding to my goal: keto coffee in the morning and then eating between 4 and 8 each evening only. Wish me luck!2 -
@bozmo Good luck with trying IF! I did IF for 6 months without low carb and it was hard! Now I'm doing it with low carb it's ridiculously easy... I only do 16/8, it sounds like you'll do 20/4 but does you keto coffee have fats? If so, that will officially break your fast. Whatever works for you to stay under your calorie goals is excellent though!0
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@Flybeetle
Yes I'm trying 20/4 and the keto coffee does have fat. Quite a bit. I realize its not a 'true' fast, but the reading I've been doing suggests is pretty close and helps curb hunger. I had no problem today making the 20 hours. Not having sugar n the coffee was harder. But the coconut oil sweetens it a bit.
Today I read Dr Jason Fung "Complete guide to fasting". Very interesting. I think I'll follow his protocol for weight loss. He advocates low carb with IF. During fasting you can have keto coffee and bone broth. It looks quite do-able for me. For now I'm doing the 20/4 and waiting until after the holidays to do more. I'm willing to go back to eating "normal" meals but keep the low carb if I have to, but the low carb makes skipping meals easier.1 -
Ugh, weight was up to 137 this morning.
Need to re-lose 5+ lbs to get back comfortably within maintenance range. We've had a LOT of carby goodies around the house and I haven't done well at moderating/avoiding them.
My goals:
Staying under carbs: yes
Staying under calories: yes, definitely!
Logging and measuring: Yes! 100% today.
Getting in exercise: Yes, ran this morning! Just shy of 13k steps overall.
Keeping an eye on electrolyte levels: Yes, had my ketoade after the run today.
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results for 12/11
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise ;( This one I'm struggling with more than the low carbs.
plan tomorrows food 1 -
12/10 stationary recumbent
12/11 yoga4 -
Hanging in there, even managed to get 100oz if water the last 2 days.2
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Plans for December:
1. cut down on carbs **
2. increase good fats *
3. eat more protein
4. drink more water ***
5. drink 1powerade daily * Husband drank powerade
6. exercise 3x weekly
7. plan meals ***
8. Dec. 14 - 17 convention watch carbs still
9. Dec. 25 free day
10. no eating after 6 pm!!!!!***
My mama always said, "Don't nothing fail but a try!" So here I go; if I can just remember to check in every day2 -
Sick again...or just finally come down with the thing we've had since Thanksgiving. I thought I'd gotten rid of that, even though they all hadn't. We're almost never sick so all this is complete BS.
oh well. I've been counting the 2 C's and working out as per the usual. And the scale has been looking at me and going "Whut? You want me to do something?" Turd...
I'll try to manage a slow uphill walk on the Dreadmill, while watching an episode of Supernatural this afternoon.
I'm having a really hard time with the Christmas spirit this year since everyone is sick...maybe I'll watch a dumb Christmas movie/romance instead of Supernatural while slogging on the evil torture device?
Later, gators.
4 -
Baby stepping with progress on the scale. That is good. Work is over for a few weeks...so now I have time for plotting some new moves for the upcoming year. Can slowly feel myself unwind just knowing I'm free for awhile....even though I love my current job.
10 days til I leave for a holiday vacay.....
Taking a deep happy breath...picturing this good vibe lasting for quite awhile.
And did I mention....Progress on the scale!!!!! I luv keto-ing!!!6 -
Week 2, 30 min per day:
#Shalieve
Completed week 1 with:
12/1: health walk 2+ miles >3.5mph
12/2: stationary recumbent
12/3: aerobic/calisthenics
12/4: stationary recumbent
12/5: fitnessblender
12/6: step aerobics
12/7: kettlebell
12/8: stationary recumbent
12/9: YAYOG (you are your own gym)
12/10: Stationary recumbent
12/11: Yoga
12/12: Fitnessblender
1 -
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise I did get a 20 minute walk, but not more
plan tomorrows food
IF
I managed to make it to lunch today. It was all mental and I wasn't even hungry 1 -
What were my goals again? Dang, this is why I need to log every day. What a dummy.
Vitamins-couldn't even remember to look for them. Putting a reminder on my phone right now for going forward. Done!
Water-Some but not enough
Activity-on my feet baking Sat and Sun then 12 mile sight-seeing walk through Manhattan Monday. Yesterday I rested.
Carbs and Cals-great Sat-Sun, not great Mon-Tues
More baking tonight (stuff I love from my childhood but I give it all away)2 -
@baconslave sending you a feel better hug!
I'm with you on not being in the Christmas spirit much. It's ridiculously hot here (Australia) which kind of leaves little space for Xmas atmosphere!
After 3 weeks of finding it super easy on lower and lower carb high fat I've found myself increasingly hungry over the last few days and then yesterday I ate probably 3 days worth of food. I didn't have cravings for anything in particular just FOOD!!! My stomach was literally growling, so it wasn't just psychological. I stayed away from carbs except for 2 dried dates and a nectarine when I thought perhaps fruit sugar would finally stop the need to eat.
Then this morning I'm down on the scales. What?! Perhaps I'll see a gain from yesterday in a few days' time? If I had over-eaten on carbs I would've seen a gain just from water weight the next day so it's all a bit new and weird to me.
Hoping the hunger stays away today...2 -
Throw down today- with a bag of toffee butter nuts.
I lost.
They're gone now, and I'm back on track as of 4pm.
Carbs are still in LC range overall , but it was not planned.
Might skip one day of weigh-in, might not. Should just be real and face it.
Am trying to remind myself that I've been making progress when I stick to the plan.
Grocery trips can get a little hairy sometimes... It's like all common sense leaves my brain and I make these illogical rationalizations and fantastical eating bargains with myself.
I really should make a list and pay someone to go in the store and do the actual shopping. No temptations that way! Maybe when I get more work hours, I will.
(Still surviving the holidays...mostly.) Have a good night, pals.2 -
Throw down today- with a bag of toffee butter nuts.
I lost.
They're gone now, and I'm back on track as of 4pm.
Carbs are still in LC range overall , but it was not planned.
Might skip one day of weigh-in, might not. Should just be real and face it.
Am trying to remind myself that I've been making progress when I stick to the plan.
Grocery trips can get a little hairy sometimes... It's like all common sense leaves my brain and I make these illogical rationalizations and fantastical eating bargains with myself.
I really should make a list and pay someone to go in the store and do the actual shopping. No temptations that way! Maybe when I get more work hours, I will.
(Still surviving the holidays...mostly.) Have a good night, pals.
Fall down 7 times? Get up 8.
Kudos for not letting the cart drag you. Got right back up? Learned from the experience? Check and check. You're doing good.
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@baconslave sending you a feel better hug!
I'm with you on not being in the Christmas spirit much. It's ridiculously hot here (Australia) which kind of leaves little space for Xmas atmosphere!
After 3 weeks of finding it super easy on lower and lower carb high fat I've found myself increasingly hungry over the last few days and then yesterday I ate probably 3 days worth of food. I didn't have cravings for anything in particular just FOOD!!! My stomach was literally growling, so it wasn't just psychological. I stayed away from carbs except for 2 dried dates and a nectarine when I thought perhaps fruit sugar would finally stop the need to eat.
Then this morning I'm down on the scales. What?! Perhaps I'll see a gain from yesterday in a few days' time? If I had over-eaten on carbs I would've seen a gain just from water weight the next day so it's all a bit new and weird to me.
Hoping the hunger stays away today...
Thank you.
Sometimes the body is holding water in the fat cells like a placeholder waiting for a signal it can handle the change to the system, they are aren't going to be refilled. Maybe feeding your appetite was the signal it wanted.
Other than carb-refeed water or water-shed from depleting glycogen (keto 1st week whoosh), many changes you see on the scale today were up to 2 weeks in the making.
I'm so glad we live in winter during Christmas. Though last year we had a warm front and it was 70F on Xmas eve and Day. That would be 21 for you? Not roasting, but no Winter Wonderland. It's easier to travel to fam though when the weather isn't hairy. 1 -
report for 12/13
Log
Net Carbs under 25
at least 30 minutes of exercise I went for a 5k jog even though it was snowing and there was an inch on the ground. Yeah I could have gone to the gym and hit the treadmill, but I really prefer being outside.
plan tomorrows food I have an asian keto salad planned
IF I've ramped back to 16:8. That schedule i pretty easy, anything more is a bit challenging. As I'm new to this I would rather succeed than push it.
I was looking at recipies on the diet doctor website. Looks yummy. Has anyone tried them? I want to try some of the 'breads"1
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