Women 200lb+, Let's Double Down This December!!!

HurleyHurley

Yes! 289.9, boom. I made my goal for Dec, 20 pounds down.

I am the proud new owner of a yellow belt. *grin*



Now, a little about me. I may be a tad quirky and I seriously can't stand the color yellow, for the most part. "Have a nice day" canary yellow, pure primary, is tolerable, though not my favorite, but mar it with tone, green, or red making it brownish, greenish, or orangish, and my brain short circuits.

Therein lies the motivation to move on to 30 pounds. Orange, though not an absolute favorite color, is way more preferable to yellow. Hoping to earn that one by end of January.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and hugs to you all. Gah, gotta get to work, but was excited and wanted to celebrate.

lindamtuck2018

SW 262.8
CW 207.6

12/6. 210.6
12/13 209.6
12/20. 210.4
12/27 212.8
12/31

It is what it is! I set my self to maintenance calories for the holidays. I am sure I went over that Christmas Eve and Day but I know I am retaining lots of water. I need to drink lots of water. I have a couple of days in the next week and a bit of eating either takeout or going out to eat. New Years Day we always have Chinese takeout. Saves on cooking a big meal again.

Goals
- 204 pounds I won’t make it
- Get 8500 steps Monday to Saturday every day but Christmas Eve and Day
- Do 2 workouts a week didn’t get them in again but I have been walking lots
- continue to go to bed before getting super drowsy (if I get to drowsy I tend to get the munchies) ✅

lindamtuck2018

@HurleyHurley congrats on your yellow belt and meeting your goal.

VoicedJoy22

It's good to hear everyone made it through Christmas in pretty good mood. I did not count calories on the day itself, but I've been sticking to my calorie counts every other day, even though I did have a treat or two everyday. My monthly weigh in will be on Monday at the gym and I think I'm on track for a good loss this month.

aliciap0116

Height: 5'6"
SW: 236.4 (9/8)
11/27: 212.9
11/30: 213.3
12/4: 211.7
12/11: 209.8
12/18: 208.0
12/25: 206.0 (but now 206.7)
12/31:
Dec Goal: 206

December Goals:
- Cardio 5 times a week (0 of 5)
- Strength 4 times a week (0 of 4)
- Water 96 oz (avg 80)
- Increase protein to 80 grams/day (avg 62)
- Meditation 3 times a week (0 of 3)
- Continue intermittent fasting at 8/16 (6 of 7)

In what was a Christmas miracle, I hit 206.0 on 12/25, which I did not expect. Then reality caught up to me with a Christmas Day and Christmas Day leftovers and far too many spritz cookies, rum balls, and pie, I am up to 206.7. I feel confident I can bring that back down to my monthly goal by the end of the month - despite having made almost no progress on my non-scale goals. I'm not stressing about it to much though; our daughter is visiting from college and our older son comes home tonight. I want to enjoy their visit while trying to be responsible but not let my weight loss efforts ruin their visit. Wishing everyone well!

bdbjswbrb

Height 5' 5"
SW: 257.6lbs (06/17)
CW: 225.2
12/6: 222.2
12/13: 222.4
12/20: 220.4
12/27: 223.0
12/31:
December Goal: Anything under 220
GW: 170

Yup, I'm up a bit. Mostly water bloat, and I refuse to get to upset about it. I had lots of fun with friends and family and gave myself permission to not be weird about food. With New Years coming up next week, it's just going to be a roller coaster on the scale.

Other goals -

Exercise at least 3 times a week - Not so great about this. My schedule has been off, and motivation has been low.

Clean up weekend eating - Not really applicable for last week, all my major eating was during the week. It'll be the same next week. We are going to an amazing french restaurant on New Years Eve, and I'm going to eat all the everything.

bluffgirl67

Feeling crappy so will reply to posts at another time.

Weekly Weigh In:

**Height 5' 4"
SW: 216.8 (10/10/2019)
CW 12/1: 206.2
12/6: 204.8 (-1.4 month)
12/13: 205 (-1.2 month)
12/20: 204 (-2.2 month)
12/27: 202.2 (-4 month)
Final weigh in 1/1:
Dec GW: 201
GW: 150
Dec Goals: Cardio/elliptical 5/week (4)
Strength and Yoga 3/week (1/0)
Water 8c/day (3)

Strength and yoga were a big fail this week but at least cardio was ok. Right now I just want bed, comfy covers, and tv. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

CLAWSMITH

Weekly check-in:

H: 5'10"
SW: 275.0
Nov 30: 245.0
Dec 6: 239.0 (-6 lb/month)
Dec 13: 236.0 (-9 lb/month)
Dec 20: 234.4 (-10.6 lb/month)
Dec 27: 232.0 (-13 lb/month)
Dec 31:

My original goal for this month was just to get back to my pre-Thanksgiving weight of 239 and stay there, so I'm pretty happy with how things are going.

I've lost weight before, but for some reason this time my body seems to be rejecting super sweet things. They just don't taste that great anymore. So that's been super helpful with avoiding the Christmas treats.

But unfortunately, now I want salty food all the time, so I'm constantly trying to control the water weight.

BrownSugar174

Hey Everybody🥰
H: 5’10
SW: 288
CW: 240 (December 25th😊)
12/31 GW: 239

I have absolutely enjoyed this holiday time! Four days to make my goal but guess what? If not I have shed 48 pounds since 6/1/2018 and I’m so pumped for what’s next!!

speyerj

Alicia, Connie and bluffgirl - Congratulations on you losses this week! I'm so impressed by anyone who managed to lose weight over Christmas.

Linda, you are looking fabulous! And how can I score an invite to Christmas at your house next year? The food sounds and looks amazing!

I tried to log on Christmas eve, but gave up and just added in 1200 calories for dinner, but I logged on Christmas day. With two days straight of eating heavy carbs, I ended up gaining about 2 pounds. I'm hoping to pee it all out today, so pushing the water. On Christmas Eve morning before the food fest began, I did manage to hit a 70 pound total loss. Let's see if I can get it back by tomorrow.

Hope everyone enjoyed their week! Thanks for all the love and support.

Aerohead21

@bluffgirl67 hope you feel better soon!

mmdeveau

So great to hear everyone who has posted that they are at least at peace with their overall progress or plan for handling Christmas.

I'm managing to get a mid-week message out for once!

Very happy to hear about those losses! @HurleyHurley - I won't say I knew you would do it, but I guess I kind of did know. Congratulations! @bluffgirl67 - so sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Hopefully just a temporary phenomenon. Congrats on your weight loss - a plan for the week well-executed! @BrownSugar174 - you are so close to goal, you can do it! Loved the pictures on the beach! But um, the Squatty Potty? I'm sure it works, better out than in is what I say, but man those were some of the most interesting/disturbing Facebook ads I've ever seen. I'm not making any name change suggestions based on the Squatty Potty! @aliciap0116 - you must be the queen of consistency! Always a moderate, steady loss no matter what else is going on, congrats on your loss this week! Like you I had the Christmas miracle of reaching goal during my morning weigh in...

Then the very next day I was up 3.8 pounds!! That's the largest one-day increase in weight I've seen since I started tracking again in September! I'm down 1.6 lbs today, hopefully I'll be back down further tomorrow morning. I blame the cheese, I ate lots of cheese on Christmas day. So much sodium! I did get a great compliment on Christmas day from my mom, who hadn't seen me in two months - she said I lost a lot of weight! I also got a new pair of pants from my sister, who said "I can't have you losing your pants in the middle of the street!"

Like many of you a am truly grateful that I have lost more than 40 pounds this year. I don't know exactly how high my weight was, but a friend of mine recently said she thought I'd gotten bigger than she is - and she's about 270 lbs, and I've got about 3 inches of height on her. My best guess would be 60 pounds lost since I started walking again in May. It's just hard today, having jumped so much in one day then not seeing the weight drop like a stone the following day. I'm actually feeling pretty run-down and blah right now. Thank goodness it's my last work day leading into a week's vacation. I really need it!

Thanks to all who share their triumphs and their setbacks on this thread. It is nice to know that for better or worse you are not alone on this journey.

harmonialpenguin

Sooo I lost 3lbs then Christmas happened, now I’ve got to reduce my daily calorie limit drastically for the next 3 days or so to stay on track

torih941

Hi all! The holiday season is mostly over. I definitely fell off the wagon, but I just need to get my head back in the game and start tracking again. I was very kind to myself over the holidays as that is a time where my depression/anxiety can be at full force, so I was trying to prevent that. Overall, it worked, but I’ve been a little quiet here. Great losses everyone, I’m sorry I can’t reply individually at the moment but I’m proud of you all, losses or not.

Here’s to getting back in the tracking game

BrownSugar174

@mmdeveau You are too funny! The first time a dear friend told me about the Squatty Potty I was like what the heck! But it really works. We so enjoyed our time with our daughter. She had a really hard semester and really needed this time to decompress. She flew out to Philadelphia yesterday for an EDM concert and heads to Louisville, Kentucky for the next concert (she's also a music journalist/blogger for two EDM outlets).

BrownSugar174

@speyerj Thank you so much! The food was very good and I'm trying to eat the leftovers by serving size...we will see how that goes!

BrownSugar174

@bluffgirl67 I hope you feel better soon! Thank you! We so love the beach! My teeth were so cold but it was fun!

BrownSugar174

I have got to say this! I am so so happy to be on MFP and in this group specifically! Before finding MFP I'd shed pounds but was starting to feel that feeling...you know that feeling of loosing focus and motivation. That feeling is gone! Completely gone! Being able to pick up my phone/get on my computer and reach out to all of you all each day, being held accountable because I know others are so lovingly looking over my shoulder..cheering me on.. is the best feeling in the world! Yes, my sweet hubby is absolutely so so supportive but you all are the best! I feel like we are all rowing in the same direction which is awesome! Blessings to you all!!

I wanted to share this because I almost had a little accident the other day which would have turned out much differently had I not been 45+ pounds lighter. During my bike ride I stopped at Starbucks. As I pulled my bike up to place it in the bike rack I simultaneously went to swing my right leg over it to get off. Now the part of the bike rack I was using was right in front of the window which means everyone could see me. As I swung my right leg over my right heal caught the bike seat! The first thing I thought was "oh dear god please help me!" Then I instantly balanced myself, hopped three times on my left foot and caught myself! I was so surprised I yelled out "THANK YOU JESUS!" Now everyone in the drive through could see me! I slowly put my right foot on the grand and yelled WOW THAT WAS AWESOME as I did a happy dance! The people in the drive through were clapping! Now I go to this Starbucks often so everyone who work's there knows me. They've watched my body transform from 288 pounds (when I was drinking a venti caramel macchiotto five days a week) to now. Since I live on a vacation/retirement island, there are many regulars there who know me and the place was packed. When I walked in they all started cheering and high-fiving me! It was wonderful! I was so happy I cried tears of joy!

What did I learn? My body deals better with the shock of stress when it is fit/fitter. Had I been at my heavier weight I would have, more than likely, fallen back and broken bones. While we never know what tomorrow holds for us WE WILL ALL STRIVE TOWARDS OUR GOAL OF LIVING A MORE FIT LIFE FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER! AMEN? AAAAAAMMMMMEN!

Aerohead21

Thank you for the happy story I’m struggling today. Eating was my self medicating for depression. I don’t want to eat, which is great, but the depression is so heavy right now. I am finding no joy in anything. 😭 I need more joyous stories like that

speyerj

Week 4 Update:
Height: 5' 9''
SW: 286.5 (June 3, 2019)
11/30/19: 221.6 lbs
12/7/19: 220.5
12/14/19: 218.9
12/21/19: 219
12/28/19:216.4
12/31/19:
GW: 180

Goals for December:
Strength train 3 x week: 10/12
5K training 3 x week: 12/12
Get 10000 steps a day: 25/27
Eat no more than 100 grams of net carbs (Carbs - fiber): 17/27
Eat more than 100 grams of protein a day: 17/27
Drink 150 oz of water a day: 19/27
Log accurately every day: 25/27 (gave up logging Christmas Eve's feast)
Lose 8 pounds: 5.2/8

So, not my best week in terms of sticking with my food and water goals. But it was the week of Christmas, and I did manage to score a net loss for the week so I'm calling it a win.

I'm not going to hit my weight loss goal for the month. It's interesting, now that I am exercising more, it's harder to lose weight. I simply cannot limit myself to 1200 calories when I'm running. I'm burning more, but eating more too. When I was fairly sedentary it was easier to eat at a larger deficit and shed pounds faster. Don't get me wrong - I'm not giving up exercising. Linda's great story about being able to balance herself after a near fall is evidence enough on the importance of strength training. But I think my fitness goals need to evolve with my fitness level. I wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Aerohead21

@speyerj have you considered taking measurements as an alternative to the scale? Building muscle creates fluid retention and a buildup of lactic acid as muscles recover from exercise. This won’t cause a gain, per se, and shouldn’t cause a stall in loss when your weight is significant enough that you have enough to lose, however, it might be why you feel like things are moving more slowly. It takes time to build muscle and muscle burns more energy so it’s worth it! By taking measurements you might see loss in inches or centimeters rather than by pounds. It might help get you through when the scale isn’t your friend.

Sanriohippie

Met some of my goals for this month so yay!!
Reached my one year mark with a 75lbs loss in total.
I must say this group has really been a driving force behind my commitment!
I didn’t gain any weight nor did I lose any,but I lost 2” off my waist!!
Again thank you for the inspiration♥️
Cheers to the new year ladies!!!

HurleyHurley

Gah, lost a whole big long post....short short version:

My accomplishment this am, yummy smoked chicken, salami, and egg drop soup with veggies. 650 calories for the whole pot! Woot.

torih941

@speyerj, I definitely noticed that. When I first started strength training/cardio it took my body a solid 5-6 weeks before I actually lost anything. I could feel my body changing, I was smaller according to my clothes and glasses slipping off my face, but the scale wasn’t moving. I did some research (because that’s what makes me feel better) and I found a lot of similar articles that said it takes your body 4-6 weeks to adjust to a new workout regime and during that time it'll retain more water from being sore and healing muscles.

Then at the end, I had lost 3% body fat and inches all around.

It really was just continuing to push through until that loss appeared, and it eventually did.

I hope that helps!

Also, @BrownSugar174, what an accomplishment! Go you!

@Aerohead21, I’m in the same boat, but we can do this. Sometimes when I start to feel discouraged I head over to the “success stories” forum and scroll through.

@bluffgirl67, feel better soon! The flu/cold seems to be horrible this season.

speyerj

@Sanriohippie, congratulations on your milestone loss and one year anniversary! Your pics really show it!

@Aerohead21 , yes, I do measure my waist. I see improvement on the scale and the measuring tape. I'm not discouraged. I just need to set better goals. Losing an average 2 to 3 pounds a week isn't going to happen anymore - the home stretch is going to go slower now. I need to readjust to the new normal, which is likely 1 to 1.5 pounds a week.

seximama2017

Hey my peeps!! So I think it’s been a good run so far during the holidays 😊

In 12 days...see pic.

aliciap0116

@bluffgirl67 hope you feel better soon. About 5 people in my family were sick with something that was a cold/flu and it was brutal. Fingers crossed; no one in my immediate family has gotten it despite spending Christmas Day with lots of sick people.

@Sanriohippie congratulations on your huge milestone! That is fantastic and the change is dramatic.

@brownsugar174 thank you for the uplifting and funny story. Happy you are stronger and healthier and could not agree with you more - this group is the glue that makes me keep sticking to it! Love checking in with you all each day.

@Aerohead21 sorry you are struggling. I have been so amazed and inspired by your recent progress. Hang in there.

@torihudson6 you as well; I’m sorry the holidays are hard. Totally with you on the research - a passion for me too. I am so impressed the commitment to your exercise routine - you have got this!!

@speyerj you have done a tremendous job! I think your new rate of loss is very normal as you come down in size and start adding more muscle.

It’s been quite a week, with the holidays and a surprise visit from our older son in the Air Force overseas. Right now, my husband and the big kids are out at a concert, the little one is in bed, and I am chilling by myself for the first time in weeks without the craze of Christmas.

I have noticed a few things, having been off work for one week. First, I wouldn’t give up this holiday and family time for anything. But I also love my routine when I am working. I really got intermittent fasting and meals down well, and had a good exercise schedule. It is a lot harder to constantly manage these family meals and special events.

Second, we are still overrun by Christmas cookies of all kinds, cakes, chocolates, maple candy, cheese, scalloped potatoes and other treats. I am trying to track but have not idea whether much of it is accurate. I also find myself mindlessly snacking on these things. I think my mentality in the past has been to eat them all (“clean house”). But these things aren’t going anywhere for a long time. I need to send/give/throw them away. Mindless eating is a big issue for me.

Third, I have been checking myself out in the mirror lately. I’m still curvy and bumpy but I can see a difference in my measurements. Sharing a before and now photo with you all. Funny story about the “before” - that is my first day at the gym in forever and I packed a bag, including that shirt, not realizing the shirt did not fit me at all!! But It shows my shape well, so I am going to keep using it for progress photos.

Hugs to everyone out there who has had a hard week. Kudos to all of you who are staying within your limits and for the workouts I am seeing on my daily feed. You all inspire and motivate me every day!

speyerj

Alicia, what a difference! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, I want all the yummy munchies out of the house too.

lindamtuck2018

@aliciap0116 great progress! Well done!

torih941

@aliciap0116, thank you for the sweet words. Seeing everyone’s positivity in here motivated me to go to the gym tonight. I didn’t stay as long as I wanted as I’ve been fighting a bad migraine, but I still got something in. Also, you look amazing! What a great comparison shot to have.