Ultimate Accountability Challenge September 2020

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RangerRickL
RangerRickL Posts: 8,469 Member
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Welcome to the September 2020 Ultimate Accountability Challenge!

Some of you have been with this challenge for months and some are brand new. This is one of the hardest challenges to stay with throughout the entire month.

FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!! Log every BLT (Bite, Lick, Taste). Stay strong and true to yourself....YOU WILL SUCCEED!!

Please feel free to share as much information as you feel comfortable sharing about yourself with the rest of the group. I look forward to getting to know all of you a little better.

GOOD LUCK!
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Replies

  • MadisonMolly2017
    MadisonMolly2017 Posts: 11,152 Member
    hannahm120 wrote: »
    Hello everyone! Since the New Year, I’ve gained back 20lbs after losing 52lbs in year putting me back in the overweight category so I need this challenge to hold myself accountable. I love exercising, especially outdoors (hiking, soccer, kayaking, swimming, walking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc.). I also enjoy cooking (and eating haha) all kinds of foods. My biggest challenge will be sticking to my calorie goal throughout the month, particularly on busy week nights or weekends when I think I “deserve it.”

    At 5’3” and mostly working at a desk, my calorie goal is 1200 to lose 1lb/week. I eat back some of my exercise calories. My macro breakdown is 40% carbs, 30% fat, and 30% protein. Please feel free to “friend” me for some extra encouragement on your feed. I look forward to working through this with you all!

    Welcome @hannahm120 !
    With your love of exercise, I think IAC is going to be fun for you!!

    I’m not much of a cook myself, but I’ve often wished I was. Over time, I bet you can devise ways to make your favorite dishes with substitutions & because of your skill as a cook, they will taste even better!!

    Have you considered a 2 lb per month rate of loss? I think it helps you retain muscle & gives you more time to ease into maintenance. Just a thought to take or leave!
  • BMcC9
    BMcC9 Posts: 4,451 Member
    nennie8888 wrote: »
    I'd love to join this group! I'm 5'3 and my starting weight was 230. I've lost 88lbs so far, and am currently 142lbs. My goal weight is 130 (although I might adjust it to 120 or 125 depending on how I feel when I hit 130). My nutrition has been on point, but my exercise has not! I plan on changing that now, and hope that this challenge will motivate me to exercise more often!!

    You are like my "more accomplished twin" in that we are both 5'3 and I passed through 142 on my way to my own current maintenance zone (been steady week-to-week since April)

    I will love to hear what "intentional activity" options you are going to aim at adding to your lifestyle! Feel free to Friend and then PM me about that if you would like additional cheering (I am not the best at support-via-wall ... but great via group threads and PMs).

    The only BEST exercise choice is WHATEVER you are consistently enjoying doing.

    One question for you - (and don't specify in type here if you don't wish to ... just consider the point)

    I am going to be 62 in October, and my default life-style tendency is more "sedentary to light-active" end of the spectrum. Not a heavy-duty jogger / runner / hiker / gym type myself so I understand overcoming "inertia" and have had to do so myself. (If you think you might want to buddy-up within one of those exercise choices, UAC roster has plenty of them to tap too!)

    I happen to know that 124 is dead-centre of Normal BMI range for females of our height. 133 is a comfortable bottom of personal-maintenance range for me.

    If your age is towards the mid-age / senior, and you don't have a bird-bone frame ... keep me in mind.

    on the other hand, if you are on the young side AND fine-boned ... discovering some enjoyable and sustainable active-element to carry through a long life might let you eventually settle lower than I chose to (with maybe ~130 as the absolute ceiling of your maintenance zone)

    But 120 might still prove under-weight in the end.

    Better to be functional-fit 130 with healthy body-fat % than skinny-fat 120 with no muscle-tone and higher body-fat %.

  • hannahm120
    hannahm120 Posts: 34 Member
    MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »
    Welcome @hannahm120 !
    With your love of exercise, I think IAC is going to be fun for you!!

    I’m not much of a cook myself, but I’ve often wished I was. Over time, I bet you can devise ways to make your favorite dishes with substitutions & because of your skill as a cook, they will taste even better!!

    Have you considered a 2 lb per month rate of loss? I think it helps you retain muscle & gives you more time to ease into maintenance. Just a thought to take or leave!

    Thank you for the words of encouragement and suggetion! I eat mostly home cooked meals, prepared with fresh, whole ingredients. My issue is portion control and a once a week binge on takeout. But, no more excuses! A healthy adult can plan the occasional take out dinner into their lifestyle. 2lbs loss/month maybe realistic for me as my appetite through a tantrum when I reached a healthy weight last time.
  • hannahm120
    hannahm120 Posts: 34 Member
    nennie8888 wrote: »
    I'd love to join this group! I'm 5'3 and my starting weight was 230. I've lost 88lbs so far, and am currently 142lbs. My goal weight is 130 (although I might adjust it to 120 or 125 depending on how I feel when I hit 130). My nutrition has been on point, but my exercise has not! I plan on changing that now, and hope that this challenge will motivate me to exercise more often!!

    We're the same height, have the same goal weights and possible adjustments in mind! Best of luck to you.
  • TimFit2013
    TimFit2013 Posts: 7 Member
    I wish you the best, as it seems you have almost hit your goal.
  • TimFit2013
    TimFit2013 Posts: 7 Member
    How do I comment one another person's post?
  • BMcC9
    BMcC9 Posts: 4,451 Member
    TimFit2013 wrote: »
    How do I comment one another person's post?

    Hi, @TimFit2013 By putting an @ in front of the MFP-name, it's like "waving at a specific individual

    Also, if you look along the bottom edge of each entry, you will see:

    Date & time it was posted; Flag ; Quote ; Insightful ; Inspiring ; Like ; Hug ; Disagree

    To do what I did, referencing your post just above mine, I clicked on the "Quote" in your comment's bottom line.

    Try the same thing on this one, or on a post from someone else farther up the chain.
  • corriepelc
    corriepelc Posts: 2,088 Member
    Back for Month #21! Looking forward to another great month!
  • heidipatterson100
    heidipatterson100 Posts: 54 Member
    hannahm120 wrote: »
    Hello everyone! Since the New Year, I’ve gained back 20lbs after losing 52lbs in year putting me back in the overweight category so I need this challenge to hold myself accountable. I love exercising, especially outdoors (hiking, soccer, kayaking, swimming, walking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc.). I also enjoy cooking (and eating haha) all kinds of foods. My biggest challenge will be sticking to my calorie goal throughout the month, particularly on busy week nights or weekends when I think I “deserve it.”

    At 5’3” and mostly working at a desk, my calorie goal is 1200 to lose 1lb/week. I eat back some of my exercise calories. My macro breakdown is 40% carbs, 30% fat, and 30% protein. Please feel free to “friend” me for some extra encouragement on your feed. I look forward to working through this with you all!

    I am looking for friends too, so I am sending you a request. I could really use some encouragement and accountability as well.
  • BMcC9
    BMcC9 Posts: 4,451 Member
    cdflood2153 wrote: »
    First timer...

    I weighed 289 a little over a year ago. I was hospitalized (ICU) due to blood clots going into my lungs, and in both legs after getting pneumonia. I was told by 3 Doctors that I shouldn’t have survived! It was a wake up scare.

    I was told due to my weight, I had to take 2 injections of blood thinners a day into my stomach. But.. If I lost 10 lbs, I could move to the pill form. The shots were horrendous!!! It took a little over 30 days and I lost that 10 lbs and have very slowly kept going.

    By trying several programs, (Weight Watchers, Nooms, Lose it), I got down to 246. June, I had Covid-19. I became very inactive and my lung damage due to the clots, also seemed to escalate and my weight has gone up to 256.

    Now I am here!!! I do well when I make a project and commit! So here I go..

    The 20 min a day is going to be hard. I know I convince myself that I just can’t... but I will..

    I am a total “cliche” with a little plus added!
    ===============
    Cut&Paste from the UAC FAQs

    3. What counts as exercise?

    Nearly all physical activity counts as exercise. That includes walking, cleaning your house, playing tag with the kids, walking your dog, etc. This doesn't mean you should do the bare minimum every day if you're capable of much more. If you want results, you have to challenge yourself, but for the purpose of the Ultimate Accountability Challenge, 20 minutes of any kind of exercise will suffice.
    ====================
    For UAC puposes, ANY kind of Intentional Activity counts. At a level that slightly challenges YOU (and nobody else) And the 20 minutes a day doesn't have to be consecutive if you physically aren't there yet. Break it into 4 5-minute sections spread throughout the day if you have to. A potential personal goal might be to gradually over the month increase capacity to dividing the 20 minutes into only 3 or 2 sections. Or increase the four to 6-7 minutes each which will almost be 30 minutes total across the day ....
  • nennie8888
    nennie8888 Posts: 53 Member
    hannahm120 wrote: »
    nennie8888 wrote: »
    I'd love to join this group! I'm 5'3 and my starting weight was 230. I've lost 88lbs so far, and am currently 142lbs. My goal weight is 130 (although I might adjust it to 120 or 125 depending on how I feel when I hit 130). My nutrition has been on point, but my exercise has not! I plan on changing that now, and hope that this challenge will motivate me to exercise more often!!

    We're the same height, have the same goal weights and possible adjustments in mind! Best of luck to you.

    Thanks so much!!! Best of luck to you as well!!! We can do this!!!
  • cdflood2153
    cdflood2153 Posts: 28 Member
    BMcC9 wrote: »
    cdflood2153 wrote: »
    First timer...

    I weighed 289 a little over a year ago. I was hospitalized (ICU) due to blood clots going into my lungs, and in both legs after getting pneumonia. I was told by 3 Doctors that I shouldn’t have survived! It was a wake up scare.

    I was told due to my weight, I had to take 2 injections of blood thinners a day into my stomach. But.. If I lost 10 lbs, I could move to the pill form. The shots were horrendous!!! It took a little over 30 days and I lost that 10 lbs and have very slowly kept going.

    By trying several programs, (Weight Watchers, Nooms, Lose it), I got down to 246. June, I had Covid-19. I became very inactive and my lung damage due to the clots, also seemed to escalate and my weight has gone up to 256.

    Now I am here!!! I do well when I make a project and commit! So here I go..

    The 20 min a day is going to be hard. I know I convince myself that I just can’t... but I will..

    I am a total “cliche” with a little plus added!
    ===============
    Cut&Paste from the UAC FAQs

    3. What counts as exercise?

    Nearly all physical activity counts as exercise. That includes walking, cleaning your house, playing tag with the kids, walking your dog, etc. This doesn't mean you should do the bare minimum every day if you're capable of much more. If you want results, you have to challenge yourself, but for the purpose of the Ultimate Accountability Challenge, 20 minutes of any kind of exercise will suffice.
    ====================
    For UAC puposes, ANY kind of Intentional Activity counts. At a level that slightly challenges YOU (and nobody else) And the 20 minutes a day doesn't have to be consecutive if you physically aren't there yet. Break it into 4 5-minute sections spread throughout the day if you have to. A potential personal goal might be to gradually over the month increase capacity to dividing the 20 minutes into only 3 or 2 sections. Or increase the four to 6-7 minutes each which will almost be 30 minutes total across the day ....

    Thank you so much! Encouraging..
  • hannahm120
    hannahm120 Posts: 34 Member
    heidipatterson100 wrote: »
    I am looking for friends too, so I am sending you a request. I could really use some encouragement and accountability as well.
    Let's do this! My team sports (indoor and now outdoor soccer) has been canceled canceled due to COVID-19. I'm sure we'll both find creative ways to stay active each day.
  • alligatorob
    alligatorob Posts: 806 Member
    I'm back. This will be my 6th month with the UAC and it has been very good for me.

    I have lost 200 lbs, and the last 50 or so while on the UAC. I am now in maintenance, a whole new challenge. The UAC helps, a lot.

    I don't see how I can make the winner's circle in September, I have a vacation planned that will take me out of cell phone range, so won't be able to log in for a while. No matter though, the winner's circle while a great honor is not why I am here. I will do my best to stay on track and post when I can.

    Good to see some old faces, and some new. As always thanks to Rick for doing this.

    Hope y'all have a great September!
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,018 Member
    fvnge6aw4qnn.jpg

    Hi all! Welcome to the September UAC, returnees and newcomers.
    And a thousand thanks to our leader, @RangerRickL for helping us stay accountable.

    I’m Terri from Northern Ireland. Back for my 23rd month. Working on improving my fitness and health. Made the Winners Circle 22 times so far.

    UAC is a good place for anyone to start the practicing of new habits, in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Through being a member, I have achieved my lowest weight in 4 decades, and have maintained it since late 2019.

    Just a few details on my personal journey to health and fitness.
    Aim for 2020 ~ maintain at around 150 (I may even manage to drop a little more! 😂

    I am FOCUSED on heathy food choices and
    DETERMINED to achieve my goals!

    Age: 74; Height 5’2”; Female
    SW: 227lbs (Mar 2014)
    LW: 147.2 (4 April 2020)
    UGW: 145 (this may change when I get there 😂 )
    CW: 149.8
    • For the last 3 years I have tended to bounce up and down between 160 - 170. Occasionally I bounced up/down a little more.
    • My ideal situation is to maintain < 150
    • I use CI/CO and a variety exercise for extra calories.
    • Logic would suggest that I have found a natural comfortable weight, and, according to modern BMI calculation, I am in the upper range of normal for my age and height. However, logic doesn't always dictate our desires and feelings. 😂
    WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED
    1. Getting and staying healthy and fit requires the development of a permanent lifestyle reset.
    2. Replacing unhelpful habits with more useful ones is key to to the process.
    3. Losing weight is only one of the elements.
    4. Eating healthy and staying actively is not OPTIONAL, but an ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL.
    THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES OR SHORTCUTS to achieving permanent change.

    REMINDERS One or two thoughts on weight which might give heart to some of you.
    • Daily weight fluctuations are normal, and can be several lbs a day for no apparent reason.
    • A general downward trend is what we are looking for.
    • Eating out can cause apparent weight gain because of high sodium levels, but usually goes quickly. Drinking extra water helps with this.
    • The human body does not react instantly to what we do to it. Sometimes it can take several days to see results.
    • Plateaus are a normal part of the process. The body is consolidating and adapting to your new way of eating/exercising.
    • The closer you get to your goal weight, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight, as your body becomes more efficient at using what you feed it.
    • When you exercise you build muscle, which takes up less space than fat, so use measurements as well as weight to assess your progress.
    • Getting/Staying fit and healthy requires a permanent lifestyle change for most people.
    Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort, and most of all, patience!
  • HASWLRS
    HASWLRS Posts: 8,001 Member
    Hi! I'm Lisa, 54, married 28 years with two grown sons. We have a family farm supply business that I work very part time at, filing invoices and stuffing statements. We live in southwestern Ontario, Canada, in a town of 16,000 people (not too big and not too small).

    I totally flamed out early in August, but I missed everyone, so I am going to give it another try!! I did great in April and May and had weight loss to show for it. I didn't go so well in June and July and my weight loss stalled (after going up 5 pounds first). I have never been one to record all my food/calories on those days when I have thrown in the towel, so I am going to consciously try to do that. It probably won't stop the behaviour altogether, but it will hopefully slow it down! I have 40 pounds to lose, so I need to stop messing around and get serious again!
  • supercpa999
    supercpa999 Posts: 403 Member
    Hi I’m Scott
    I am over 50 and just a couple weeks ago weighed in at 329 feeling horrible. Generally I was in pretty good shape my whole life except for the last several years. 2.5 years ago I had lost 90 lbs and gotten all the way down to 209.

    I got away from that and now I’m back. I recently relocated to Florida which provides a much healthier lifestyle. My goal is to get to well under 200 lbs this time and keep it off. I am focusing much more on cardio and yoga and less so on weight training.

    Glad to be aboard.
  • dsgoingtodoit
    dsgoingtodoit Posts: 803 Member
    Howdy from Texas/USA! I'm Donna a 49 yr old Mom to two sons/one going to college - living at home, and one 14 yr old that I homeschool. I have lost 20 lbs this year...on about day 223. this is very slow loss I realize...but I was told my liver is a bit fatty...(non-alcoholic) so I'm supposed to lose it slow. However, I DO HAVE PERMISSION TO LOSE A LB A WEEK BODY...SO LET'S PICK IT UP PLEASE! LOL Anyway, I am blessed to be without serious health issues yet...but if I don't lose this weight and live a healthier lifestyle it is just a matter of time. I really like (and appreciate) UAC challenges. I think I'm on month 4 or 5. I've made the winner's circle...twice...I think. Anyway - I never stop reaching for the goals this has taught me... track it all, exercise 20 mins, stay under calorie goal...even if I'm not making the WC. I am striving for 20 more lbs by day 365. (more would be fine with me) I hate yoga...but am going to try to add that in. I'm going to be working on planks and pushups this month. I also think I'm ready to risk the gym again for weights and machines. I added walking a few days a week this past month...and I know that will be continued. Just trying kayaking and loved it. Let's do this UAC members!
  • dsgoingtodoit
    dsgoingtodoit Posts: 803 Member
    Oh - I also dial in with an instructor for zoom classes.
  • SuziQ113
    SuziQ113 Posts: 1,520 Member
    supercpa999 wrote: »
    Hi I’m Scott
    I am over 50 and just a couple weeks ago weighed in at 329 feeling horrible. Generally I was in pretty good shape my whole life except for the last several years. 2.5 years ago I had lost 90 lbs and gotten all the way down to 209.

    I got away from that and now I’m back. I recently relocated to Florida which provides a much healthier lifestyle. My goal is to get to well under 200 lbs this time and keep it off. I am focusing much more on cardio and yoga and less so on weight training.

    Glad to be aboard.

    Hi Scott. Fellow Floridian here. Where are you located? I'm a little south of Boca Raton.

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