Downsizers Team Chat - August 2020
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August 1st -Steps- 60003
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Hello everyone, I'm Kat. I joined the Downsizers in May 2020, after having been on/off MFP for years under an old account. I'm 46, not married/no children, work in finance (up until quarantine, way too many hours per week), and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I joined the challenge with the original goal of losing 100lbs and I weighed 231.8 at the time. My lowest weight that I can remember is 140 when I did weight watchers core program in 2007. I don't know how obtainable that goal is 13 years later but at my height (5'.05"), I need to do everything I can to get there.
- What are your favorite workouts? Skiing is my absolute favorite, but I'm pretty limited with how often I can do that. I love to dance (like @Marigorringo also Zumba and Latin dance) and I plan to start adult gymnastics when I reach a certain goal weight. I've been biking and walking a lot lately, and I am coming around to appreciate resistance band workouts.
- What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any)? I don't drink a sports drink, but I do drink Mio water flavoring drops. My favorites are the Iced Vanilla Java with caffeine for the morning and Orchard Apple with vitamins or Sweet Tea for the rest of the day. It lets me feel like I'm having something other than water while keeping the calories and carbs pretty low to non-existent.
- Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or do you just count calories?Mostly count calories. I've been on Weight Watchers through so many different versions but this latest one I can't get my head wrapped around. I find my body reacts better when I limit carbs so I track my macros and try to eat as clean as possible, but my main goal is CICO.
- How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight? This past month was a struggle. One day, I'd be feeling great and my motivation was high and the next would be the complete opposite. I went out and bought a couple of dry erase boards with colorful markers to keep right next to my desk where I work every day with my goals for the week and a calendar to track when I weigh in and also to remind me to post here! The accountability of keeping in touch with our team has kept me from completely going off the rails.
- Why are you on this journey? It started with ski boots! I have an annual week-long ski trip with my friends from Florida. If not for the pandemic, we would have gone skiing in March, which led me to think about our 2019 trip. I had a miserable time because I was overweight, out of shape, everything hurt, and for the first time since I learned how, I couldn't control my skiing and was afraid. This is something that I've always looked forward to so much and because I was lazy and unhealthy, I lost the ability to do it. It's bigger than just that, but that was the thing that made me start to make a change in April.
- What pushed you to start your journey? While I was working, I never slowed down enough to take the state of my physical health seriously. I have a handful of autoimmune disorders that are exacerbated by being obese, and my health/weight has really affected my quality of life. I'm not as social as I once was, I'm not as active as I was and I wasn't taking care of myself the way I used to. I'm already middle-aged, it's only going to get harder and I think I'm worth the extra effort that it will take to get myself back into shape.
- What are your triggers and what motivates you the most? I know this is so bad to admit, but the numbers on the scale. I know they fluctuate. I know weight loss isn't linear. I know these things. But a gain will make me miserable and a loss will put me in a great mood. I'm trying to make activity goals more of a priority than scale goals this month. fingers crossed!
- What do you expect to gain from your team? I've already gained a lot from this team! The understanding, the encouragement, the belief that I can do something just because I say I want to is so touching. I've learned a lot from other people sharing their experiences, successes, and challenges.
- How can we make our team better? Honestly I'm tempted to go check the ideas lounge to help with an answer on this one!
To me, everything is already there. The motivators, the people who can relate to my issues, the challenges, the encouragement, the ideas, the recipes - the resources are all here in this challenge. It's just a matter of making sure that I'm putting in the effort to utilize them.
2 - What are your favorite workouts? Skiing is my absolute favorite, but I'm pretty limited with how often I can do that. I love to dance (like @Marigorringo also Zumba and Latin dance) and I plan to start adult gymnastics when I reach a certain goal weight. I've been biking and walking a lot lately, and I am coming around to appreciate resistance band workouts.
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Starting weight for August: 211.0
Weigh-in day: Wednesday
Steps for August 1: 7,8663 -
AUGUST STEP CHALLENGE
Hello Downsizers!! Our August Step Challenge has officially started!! It has started today and will run through Saturday Aug 29th!
Here are our steppers so far....
@19shmoo69
@Lindamtuck2018
@megan_smartiepants1970
@rhaaa
@missGYST
@draby2011
@mari_moulin
@marigorringo
@pandygirl1
If you were on last month I am not automatically rolling over so please kindly let me know that you want to continue on with the step challenge.
If you want to join in on the stepping fun, please just message me here by tagging me using @mari_moulin and asking to join the step challenge.
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Hello Team. My name is Mari and I am co-captain with @lindamtuck2018 (Linda). We are here to help you out in any way we can. If you need help with anything group or team related or any issues with spreadsheets or if you need to be excused from weigh in at any point, we can help sort that out for you. I am taking care of the step challenge so if you want to join let me know or if you see I missed your steps you can contact me so I can fix that. Also helping us with our team spirit are @Marigorringo (Ziortza) and @Megan_smartiepants1970 (Megan) who are here to keep our motivation and team participation going. Thanks for out your help ladies 🥰
A little about me, I am 41 years old mom of 3 boys (2 teens and one preschooler) and married to a great and supportive guy. I've struggled with my weight my whole life and am finally very close to my goal. I've been stuck at my current weight range since last December and am desperately trying to start losing again. I’ve managed to slowly get the trend back down but I’m still struggling. I have to keep in mind the it’s a life long journey and not a quick fix so I will never stop trying to better my health and fitness.
My stats:
5’6”
HW: 338.8
LW: 163.9
CW: 188.2
August goals:
•Achieve at least 30 active minutes daily.
•Make it to the gym at least 4 times a week.
•Drink at least 2L water daily.
•Reach at least 10,000 steps daily.
•No Carbs for dinner.
•Do IF for at least 6 days a week.3 -
Intro questionnaire.
What is your favorite workout?
Running. I hate doing it but I love completing it. It makes me feel so accomplished when I finish my running goal.
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any) ?
Good ol’fashioend water but I also indulge in a Flavored drink provided at my gym. I forgot the name of it but it’s got electrolytes and vitamins in it.
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
I tend to count calories in and out but also occasionally do intermittent fasting.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight?
Joining fitness groups and workout classes have helped and having a friend that pushes me to go when I’m not feeling like it. Also setting myself realistic goals to reach so it doesn’t feel impossible to reach.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
I want to better my health. I want to be more active with my kids and join in on family fun rather than sitting on the sidelines and just watch.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
The number on the scale is my trigger and my motivator. If I see it going up it triggers action. If i see it going down motivates me to keep going.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
Support and motivation. Especially When I am feeling down and unable to succeed or stuck or down In the dumps that’s when I need to be lifted and supported and dragged kicking and screaming.
How can we make our team better?
An active team works better for me. Ideally I would like it’s members to come in and chat and share their experiences rather than just come in and give a number and not see them again for another week. I want to see people’s opinions on various health And fitness related topics and be able to have conversations without people getting upset and offended and just be able to accept others differences and opinions and choices.
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Aright team that’s all the time I have for now. I will be back this evening to check in with everyone a little bit more individually. Welcome to all newcomers and I am so looking forward to crushing this month with all of you. Hugs team 🥰
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Hi team and thank you for having me!
My name is Tiago, I am 33 years old and I live in Portugal.
Been a member of MyFitnessPal since September 2013. Currently on my longest streak, 350 days.
I was always chubby and had a lot of issues with my weight, especially being fat and having man boobs. In reality, I never wanted a six pack. Always wanted to be lean enough to not worry about about not looking so fat under my clothes.
Since 2013 made several attempts to loose weight. All failed. Last year I decided to really commit myself. Started learning, made my own diet plan, made my own gym plan and everything was doing well until this Corona thing and all gyms were closed and I was stuck home. I should've been smarter but instead, I neglected all diet and exercise. Corona is not an excuse. Cannot be an excuse.
Yesterday I hit 350 days and decided to reboot everything.
Redid my meal plan, my workouts and on my way to reshape my mentality.
Best shape of my life:
2nd of May.
78.7 Kg
14,65% Bodyfat.
5& Visceral Fat
Today:
1st of August:
87.7 Kg
21,3% Bodyfat
7% Visceral Fat
May the force be with me and everyone else in MFP to reach their objectives.
If there's anything I can help with, just let me know!
Intro questionnaire.
What is your favorite workout?
Cardio, especially running. Whatever makes me sweat!
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any) ?
None. Rule number #1 for weight loss: Do not drink your calories. : )
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
High protein diet plan. I count calories and macros.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight?
Usually I am a one man show but now I want to start helping others and helping myself. This way I believe I will be more motivated than ever.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
Weight loss basically. Even though I always had some athletic potential, I was always overweight 100+ Kg and lazy. I got tired of hiding the fat under my loose clothes.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
Seeing the results. Seeing the scale going down and looking in the mirror and see me getting thinner.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
Motivation. I get super motivated when I can help others achieve their goals. I am more a giver than a taker basically.
How can we make our team better?
By being supportive and help in whatever way possible!3 -
August 1 6996 steps.
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August 1st: Fitbit says 8152 steps but I did not have it until 4 pm so I believe I unofficially met my 10,000 steps per day goal.
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Megan_smartiepants1970 wrote: »
Thank you!!!!2 -
cesse47
Weigh-in Day: Saturday
Starting Weight: 308.6
Current weight: 291.2
About Me. --- I'm 72 and retired after 35 years at the same company in Michigan. I have one daughter with a Master's degree who has her own counseling business. I have one granddaughter with a Bachelor's in Business and she lives with me.
What is your favorite workout?
...... I'm unable to do aerobic exercises because of lung issues. I was really please when Mari showed the walking chart in the Steps promo. I can do about 5 minutes tops so it's great to be able convert that to walking steps.
...... I love Richard Simmons video "Stretchin' to the Classics." It's a quiet gentle way for me to start moving as soon as I wake up.
...... I've always been curious about Yoga but did not go to classes because of my weight. Did not want to be the "fatty" in a class with all skinny's. Because of the lockdown, I started looking at online exercise and found a yoga program I really like -- Chair Yoga to Loosen up your Back! Stretching the Diamond with Sherry Zak Morris
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any) ?
...... I've never cared for their taste; Coke was always my drink of choice. After 60 years I've finally kicked the habit. Mainly I drink water. I also found single serving tubes of Crystal Light Lemonade (10 calories) helpful in getting in the amount of water I want to drink daily.
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
...... Mostly count calories. I've been successful with WW and Richard Simmons but gained back more than I lost. I've tried other diets as well. I feel MFP will help me be successful because I am solely responsible for my success or failure so I'm accountable to myself alone.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing weight?
...... I've participated in MFP on a couple of other occasions. I decided to do this time differently. I've joined two groups and one continuing thread -- something I did not do the other times. This helps me get my day organized and helps motivate me to stick to my goals. I also did not do exercise previously. This time I'm more committed to including exercise into my daily routines.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
...... When lockdown started in early March, I knew I'd gain a large amount of weight if I did nothing. So, decided to get back on MFP. I emptied my house of all snacks, trigger foods, etc. Then, had only the "good stuff" delivered. I've utilized grocery deliveries since the beginning of March which helps keep me from buying things I shouldn't. My starting weight was 308. While I've only lost 17 lbs or so, it's been good for me to track my eating, drink more water, etc. I'm sure I could have easily gained 20-30 in that same time span if not for MFP. I also quit smoking at the same time. So am doubly pleased with the last 5 months. My Mom live until age 98. I'm 72 and want to live as healthily as possible so I can be mentally and physically active as long as possible.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
...... Stress & Boredom are my two biggest triggers. Stress can be happy, sad, angry, etc ... I was raised with the concept of food to celebrate, food to soothe, etc. So, my number 1 response to stress is to eat. I'm starting to get better at recognizing it. Boredom is probably my biggest trigger. Again, eating has always been my go-to to relieve boredom. As part of my August goal planning, I decided that when I recognize I'm being triggered, I will choose to do a 5 minute burst of exercise -- squats, lunges, walking, etc. I'm hoping that will break me out of the funk.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
...... Mainly Motivation, secondarily Support. I really appreciate the monthly challenges; it makes it more fun and helps keep me engaged.
How can we make our team better?
...... While lengthy, I like this questionnaire. I'm enjoying learning about my teammates. Perhaps, once a week, have a TEAM QUESTION ... with a banner like those done for challenges; i.e., What has been most difficult this week? or, How did you keep motivated this week? or, What triggered your decision to join MFP? etc ...
...... I think something like that may help keep the team engaged with each other.
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Hi all!
My name is Ashley. I'm 33, a wife, and mother to a 2 year old girl and a 4 year old boy.
I've been overweight my whole life, and on and off some form of a diet most of my life. I hit my highest weight of 323 right before getting pregnant with my son. After he was born, I lost 100 pounds. When I got pregnant with my daughter, my diet went out the window (even after she was born) and I gained a lot of it back and have been carrying it around for 2 years.
I started this current (and last!!) attempt in the middle of April and have lost 40lbs since then.
I follow a mostly Paleo way of eating while also doing intermittent fasting and counting calories. I enjoy lifting weights and going for long walks.
I don't make weight goals because I get too down if I don't reach them so I just look forward to the lower numbers week after week. My goals are to track every day, stay under calorie, get some form of exercise 6 days a week, drink a gallon of water, and walk 7k steps a day.
@mari_moulin I'd like to join the step challenge.
I weigh on Saturdays. My starting weight for the month is 230.2
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pandygirl1 wrote: »@mari_moulin,
I would like to join your step group as a beginner. I have trouble with walking, but will use your guide of doing 5 minutes, 4 times a day and go from there. No guarantees on how far I'll get by the end of the month. But definitely won't get very far just sitting.
I have compromised lungs so am also unable to do aerobic exercise. When Mari started showing the chart to convert minutes into steps, I realized I could do steps in 5 minute chunks. Yea!! I really like the Leslie Sansone walking videos on YouTube. The one I am currently using is called -- 1.0 Mile Happy Walk | Walk at Home | Walking Workout -- I start at the beginning, then pause after 5 minutes or so. Next time I do about 30 seconds of warmup walking, then restart the video ... and again, pause after about 5 min or so. Repeat throughout the day. I started doing 3 or 4 sets and am now doing 6 sets. So, I have improved ... slowly, yes, but it has been an improvement. Good Luck ... check out Leslie Sansone videos to find one that will work for you.
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August 1
Tracked: Yes
Under Calorie: Yes
Water: 74oz
Steps: 12133
We went camping with my parents as part of my mom's birthday celebration. They had a nice trail and my husband and I ended up walking 4 miles around it. It's always a challenge while camping food wise. Everyone brings stuff to share that I don't eat anymore and there are always temptations. I did very well though and stuck to my plan.
I forgot to say in my intro, anyone who would like to add me as a friend, feel free to do so! I like having lots of friends, and my diary is open.4 -
Hi all,
I signed up for the first time and was assigned into this group for August so hello from a newbie. My name is Zoe and I'm from the UK. I've been around MFP for nearly a decade, back in 2012/2013 I somehow got down to my lowest adult weight of 171/172lbs. I have since gained it all back and a lot more due to varying reasons.. it is frustrating to think I would of been close to goal but now time to move forward and back down!
What is your favorite workout?
I love cycling the most, I have a mountain bike – I haven't done any proper trails on it yet as such but for me it feels empowering to do in that your the one pushing all the power to get to a destination but with being less impactive than say running.
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any) ?
I don't particularly have one but when I was younger, it was Lucozade Orange/Lucozade Sport.
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
Trying to count calories at the moment. I have considered varying diet plans recently but I don't feel for myself that it could be a sustainable mindset to look at food as points or syns for x amount of years.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight?
I've restarted my journey within the last month so it's early stages. I truly believe whether having a lightbulb moment or not has powerful effects.. without this I find that I slipped back early every time because my head wasn't in it fully until that click. It happens at different points and times for everyone but you can tell when it's happened as you minimise and start to switch things up, your approach to food and exercise feels internally different when starting your fitness journey.
For keeping the lightbulb going, I think this is something that comes after the habit of the new change has started to set in, you try and keep the mindful approach to have your eyes on the end goal. It's important to have things here and there so you don't go stir crazy being so restricted with food and whatnot. A community of supportive people around you helps too, I've enjoyed checking in with MFP this past month and starting this group into this month.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
After weighing in a few months ago and the scale hit numbers that I didn't ever want to be at and don't want to see rise further. I am aiming to be healthier, fitter and gain more confidence within my self from my journey.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
Triggers - The scale flucutations, stress, emotional eating
Motivates - Weight loss, NSV, feeling like I'm achieving something for myself
What do you expect to gain from your team?
A sense of community, support and motivation
How can we make our team better?
I'm a newbie so I'm not too sure what's occurred before hand but this month it'd be great to see a friendly, supportive and active team that actively listens to each other.4 -
Hi all - it seems that @summer_jt did not get the message about their team assignment. I have sent a message, but please reach out and make sure they find you --- Thanks!
Made it - thank you! x
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Still some more new people coming in! Please welcome @bigbeff82 as the newest Downsizer
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What is your favorite workout?
atm have a painful knee so til that's sorted, its walking only .. and yoga
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or do you just count calories?
It needs to be simple & I've found that WW and Slimmersworld etc have gotten more and more complicated over the years, so now I count cals.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
Mid life weight gain + a lot of allergies making everything harder.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
I've never been overweight til I hit a certain age, now if feels like my bod is totally doing its own thing. I don't like it! Lockdown has certainly not helped, food was all wrong and boredom/stress set in.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
Support and motivation, some accountability.
How can we make our team better?
Not sure yet, just joined
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I am falling down on the job. I never answered the intro questions so here I go.
What is your favorite workout?
I love walking. I am not able to run or do cardio classes so I always stick to walking. I also enjoy swimming but COVID-19 has not allowed me to do that. Maybe the pool I go to will open the indoor pool for adult swims this fall. 🤞
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any) ?
I don’t drink any sports drinks but will put ice tea drops in my water sometimes.
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
I just count calories and try to do IF Sunday to Friday.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight?
This can be a tough one. When I start to lose focus, I remember why I started losing weight and what my mindset was at that time. This group also helps me stay motivated.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
I started this journey for several reasons. Firstly was my health. I am a type 2 diabetic and I was starting to get scared with my numbers. Second reason was and still are my granddaughters. I was to the point I could do nothing with them. I want them to look back on their time with me as fun and not me being able to do things with them.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
My biggest trigger is my clothes fitting better. Also, seeing the scale decrease really motivates me.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
Support and motivation. We are people going for the same prize. We can all help each other.
How can we make our team better?
Just to be active. Check in often with the team. By supporting each other and asking for help when we need it we are making this the best team ever.2 -
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Saturday’s check in
Calories: over
Exercise: 26 minute walk
Water: ✅
Steps: 9,180
My walk is done for the day. I am going to spend most of the day playing games with the grandkids so I am not going to have a step goal today. I have my meals planned for the week and I will pre log everything later this evening.
Have a super Sunday!
Today’s goals
1. Walk 30 minutes minimum ✅
2. Stay within calorie goal
3. Drink 72 ounces of water
4. Bed by 11:30 pm1 -
The Green Challenge Percentage of people who lost weight this week. No matter how small the loss the weights are recorded in green. Remember slow and steady wins the race! 
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WEEK 5
PLACE TEAM PERCENTAGE
1st Shrinking Assets 0.38%
2nd Downsizers 0.32%
3rd Weight No More 0.29%
PLACE TEAM LBS LOSS
1st Shrinking Assets 14.3 Lbs
2nd Weight No More 13.8 Lbs
3rd Downsizers 10.3 Lbs
PLACE INDIVIDUAL PERCENTAGE
1st @19shmoo69 3.5 %
2nd @CassieGetsFit2013 2.33%
2nd 2 @KellyBgetsfit 2.33%
3rd @1theresamcvean 2.14 %
PLACE INDIVIDUAL LBS LOSS
1st @19shmoo69 9.0 Lbs
2nd @CassieGetsFit2013 4.6 Lbs
3rd @mari_moulin 3.8 Lbs
HONORABLE MENTIONS
@Beka3695
@biketheworld
@Canadiangirl1984
@KristieJC
@carriestrine
@michelleywardell
@gwamajtw91
@angmarie28
@trooworld
@MommaGemz
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PLACE TEAM PERCENTAGE
1st Mission Slimpossibles 1.76%
2nd Shrinking Assets 1.62%
3rd Weight No More 1.03%
PLACE TEAM LBS LOSS
1st Mission Slimpossibles 72.5 Lbs
2nd Shrinking Assets 62.0 Lbs
3rd Weight No More 48.7 Lbs
PLACE INDIVIDUAL PERCENTAGE
1st @DesertColibri 5.65 %
2nd @Megan_smartiepants1970 5.41%
3rd @Jax_Grim 4.87 %
PLACE INDIVIDUAL LBS LOSS
1st @Megan_smartiepants1970 13.2 Lbs
2nd @kelgen02 12.0 Lbs
3rd @Jax_Grim 11.5 Lbs
HONORABLE MENTIONS
@Freeglerock
@jennifersusanmcdougall
@KUMEcyclingteam
@Emmajhare
@lenka1
@eggfreak
@Terytha
@cherrymajoni
@bethanie0825
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Happy Sunday Everyone .... Loved reading everyone's introduction Congrats to @wbs2020 & @mari_moulin for getting 2nd and 3rd for individual loss for our team 2
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Let's have a big shout out to these lovely people hitting some major milestones!!!!
30+ lost
@1theresamcvean
Rumor has it that she is extremely close to GOAL, TOO!!!
Under 225
@Jax_Grim
@veryhotmails3 -
I never saw these so here it goes!!!
What is your favorite workout?
As of right now, it is walking/sprinting. I am still currently recovering from gallbladder surgery. I am unable to lift more than 10 pounds (hopefully until tomorrow). I have been out of work since the surgery so my gym membership is on hold. However, strength training is my favorite!
What are your favorite sports drinks (if you drink any)?
I am not huge on sports drinks but my kryptonite is my diet dr. pepper. I am not a fan of plain water so I usually add some crystallite to add some flavor to it. However, I did buy a water infuser bottle so I am going to try to add some berries, lemons, and limes to my water and see how that goes. *fingers crossed*
Do you have a favorite diet that you go by or Do you just count calories?
I was previously VERY successful on keto, however, since my surgery, the high fats make me violently ill. So I am now on low fat and low-calorie diet.
How have you stayed motivated to keep losing/gaining weight?
Photos, because the scale is not my friend right now! lol Also, my energy levels have gone up quite a bit too so that helps me stay on track.
Why are you on this journey? What pushed you to start your journey?
I graduated from nursing school in February and when I was offered a nurse residency I put on a shirt that I made to celebrate and I absolutely HATED how I felt in it. From that moment, I knew I had to make a serious change.
What are your triggers and what motivates you the most?
I eat my stress and my emotions. It is a TERRIBLE habit but I am a work in progress.
What do you expect to gain from your team?
Just support, support, and more support!
How can we make our team better?
Keep the communication up! Questions like these help us not only get to know each other but to also analyze our own habits.3
This discussion has been closed.