Introductions!

Mrs_Hoffer

Welcome to the November 2021 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 stay 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. We look forward to getting to know all of you a little better.

GOOD LUCK!

Slimpossible007

HI,

My name is Donna and I am a returning member

I never did make it into the winners circle, I had a back injury which stopped me exercising so I stopped joining this challenge.

I am looking to be kept on track for December, its a tricky month for me due to xmas and several birthdays.

I look forward to getting to know everyone

ashleycarole86

Hi all. My name is Ashley and I am 35 years old. I live in Alberta, Canada. I have lost 100 pounds this year through consistency, hard word, and habit formation. I have left behind morbid obesity and am trying to get into the normal BMI category. I am about 25 pounds away from reaching my final goal before switching to maintenance.

I have been with this group since mid-summer. The three goals are critical to my success. I love learning from everyone's journey and look forward to being with this group for a long time.

Lessennan

I’m Nan, 66, from Scotland.
I’m new here but need the accountability to get where I want to be weightwise, healthwise and emotionally.
My plan is to eat up to my 1280 cals allowance, keeping in a piece of candy and a bedtime biscuit since without the sugar I am not fit to live with.
Looking to add personal challenges each week to get in healthy eating, exercise and sleep.
I’m starting 24/11/21 to make sure I start.

Mrs_Hoffer

WELCOME Nan! We look forward to getting to know you! Sometimes we need a few days to get the habit of checking into the group cemented in as a habit! I know I did when I first started!

LazyBlondeChef

I've been here for nearly a full year so this will be month #13. November has by far been my worst month so looking to get back on track for December.

WhatMeRunning

I'm Chris, I turn 50 next month, but believe it or not that truly is just coincidence. My being here and focusing on my health has nothing to do with that number.

I am currently 231 pounds (last weighed Friday) and am down over 60 pounds since early 2021. My "goal" weight is my ideal BMI weight of 180, but I will likely ride out the remainder of the year not focused on losing and instead focusing on staying near this weight due to restrictions on exercise (first restriction is healing a case of plantar fasciitis, second is weight restrictions from a recent surgery).

Last month I "relearned" that I first started trying to lose weight, get cholesterol numbers in line, AND prevent the onset of diabetes back at the end of 2006. I somehow blocked any memory of pre-diabetes from that time, but when I searched on the internet archives way back machine for my blog detailing a diet I took on to lose a lot of weight back in 2007-2008, there it was. I searched for the blog to try and find any reference to any success addressing cholesterol with that diet back then after an interesting discussion here in UAC about cholesterol.

Only reason I mention this is because I have said a few times here that my health journey truly started in earnest when I tried to tackle those same 3 things in 2014, the same year I discovered MFP, and started running, etc. It was a little mind blowing to me, particularly to see the attention to tracking what I ate at every meal on my blog, along with calories and macro counts, and how I matched up to my daily target numbers per the diet I was on. The only thing really missing then from what I do now is "exercise" (granted, no exercise for me since the November 8 surgery).

I've been in a 15 year long battle and blocked the memory of the first part of it because I always felt that was "just a failed diet". Turns out I may have been wrong. While the diet was ultimately not something I could maintain for life (never even wanted to, just wanted to lose weight), it was a lot more successful than I had been willing to recall, and even mirrored things I do now, weighing, tracking, etc. I was successful at getting my cholesterol in line to avoid being prescribed statins by my doctor.

Unfortunately, after that I ate with reckless abandon until I hit the point where I "started again" in 2014 with MFP, running, etc.

Whew! What a find! What a month! What a crazy 15 years!

My daily entries still reflect things learned this year with ketosis and well rounded exercise (cardio, strength and mobility), from primal dieting and weightlifting in 2017-2018, with running in 2014-2016, and even all the way back to going vegetarian, to vegan, to raw vegan back in 2007-2008 to lower cholesterol and lose weight! It's all been steps to here, each imparting new ideas, habits, etc.

With that, I look forward to getting to know all of our new members!

dsgoingtodoit

Hello to old and new pals on here. I was active for a long period of time...but then I stepped away to deal with several big challenges. Now, I'm back...and hoping to jump right back in. That's the short story... Long story...well...Mom survived, Dad passed away, I survived breast cancer, we lost my Aunt and my cousin's husband...yes, all this year...in the past 8 months. So - I'm on a journey to lose 120 lbs. I'm not really committed to any one set way of eating at this point...I could fast, I could just eat like I have before and log it all. I was blessed today with an early Christmas present from my dear Mom...a new pair of Brooks tennies. (Man, are they expensive... but so worth it with all of the walking I do in my pet sitting business and for exercise. I too had a case of plantar fasciitis ...and the shoes saved me... I do wear a supportive insole as well.)

ideas2

Hello. My name is Susan. December will be my third month of UAC.

I have lost a large amount of weight twice before, achieving my goal wieght, but eventually regained it. The second time around I worked hard on addressing emotional eating. This time around I am focusing on my metabolism: reversing my insulin resistance, improving the diversity of my gut microbiome, and trying a low carb, whole food, plant forward diet. I am also doing intermittant fasting (16/8). I plan to try some longer fasts after I consult with my doctor this week.

Since around August I have lost 23 pounds and now weigh 225. Last week got back lab results that confirmed that I am heading in the right direction with my insulin resistance. Between August 2nd and last week my A1c went down from 6.4 to 5.8 (lower end of pre-diabetic range) and my insulin went down from 26 to 11 (normal range).

I read a lot. Currently reading ¨Metabolical¨ by Robert Lustig and I highly recommend it. For exercise I swim a lot, lift weights and walk.

klbaussie2

Hi, Everyone. My name is Kayne. I just found this challenge today (11/28), and I'm hoping it will help me lose the 30 lbs I need to discard. I have fought depression all my life, and find this is the one obstacle I have had trouble overcoming. Especially in the evenings, when boredom sets in to boot. I will be back on December 1, if I remember, if not then December 2. I'm also fighting some other issues, but they can wait.

Looking forward to meeting all of you, and getting the support I need. I may even be able to provide some support for someone else.

Kayne

BMcC9

Hello, all. I am BeeJ ( @BMcC9 )

I used to be a long time UAC member, then I dropped off the face of UAC (and MFP itself) back in March of this year for ~ 7.5 months. But I returned to the fold Oct 30. My goal for Nov. was to become a Champion.

Just Show Up and gather data (no matter how good vs not-so-good vs downright ugly the data was if I assigned "emotional value" to any of it.
NO JUDGEMENTS. Just log / report / close.
After I had enough data to start looking for patterns, (and therefore some emotional distance) I would start making fine-tuning plans.
I even gave myself a "close to what maintenance calories would be" daily goal to start with, so as to encourage myself to "stay within limits" ... and took it from there.

Back when I was in the zone and a steady UAC member, I would pre-log for the day every day as soon as I had weighed my toast for breakfast, and then refine as I went along. I was hoping that it would kinda like riding a bike ... tending to come back quickly once you actually climb aboard.

What Gets Measured DOES Get Changed (because you are paying attention to it)

Turns out .... restarting the logging /reporting habit boot-strapped the self-awareness subroutines of "intentional activity" and "accountable snacking" Here I am, likely to have made "Nov Winner's Circle" after all! (being in Canada, I didn't have to face the Thanksgiving Day / Leftovers Grazing Days that US members did.)

Today (Nov 28) is 30 days consistently logging in to MFP (and may-as-well log food and activity while I am here anyway)

My goal for December is going to be to double-down and have a 60-day streak. That's it.
Be a Champion.

IF (despite the whole Holly Daze / Seasonal Celebration Stuff I STILL manage to come out ahead and end up in the Dec Winner's Circle, that will be a bonus.

I will AIM for that (as a wonderful side-effect) but the most important part will be the "60 consecutive days logged onto MFP (and may-as-well log food and activity / report in to UAC Central while I am here anyway)

Arc2Arc

Hey all, I’m Lorenzo and I’m looking forward to participating. For the last couple of months I’ve been focused on weight reduction and conditioning following a period of recovery and rehab (physical). So far I’ve lost 15 pounds and have another, 4 to 11 to go. Based on my original and historical target I have 4 to go. According to my slavedriving doctor friend, I have 11 to go based on a BMI approach. Accordingly, my ultimate target is to be determined.

Anyways, I enjoy cycling, hiking, skiing, conditioning, etc. I look forward to following everyone as you make your way through these strange times while pursuing health, fitness and activity. You’re my kind of people :-).

Pammy757

Hello everyone. My name is Pam, I'm from Oklahoma, USA. I just turned 64 and need to lose 100 lbs. I'm hoping this challenge will help me stay on track with my weight loss journey. I really blew it last week (Thanksgiving week) and need to buckle down and get serious!

lynnelarochellerichard

Hi, my name is Lynne. I’m 51 and live in Boston, USA. I’m a graduate student trying to finish up by the end of spring. Last month i gained six pounds by eating anything i felt like and skipping the gym routinely. As a consequence, I’ve become insulin resistant. This month i am committed to drink no alcohol, avoid processed foods, tracking, and return to my four-day-per-week gym schedule. This challenge sounds perfect for adding accountability and camaraderie to the process. Adding 20 min of movement on gym off days will be a nice plus. Looking forward to it!

jmu1965

Hello Everyone, My name is Jill. I am 56 almost 57. I live in Montana. I just read Lynne's post and a lot of what he said describes my month. I have lost and gained the same 5 pounds this month and I am ending the month of November up 2 pounds. I am consistent with my exercise. My goal for December is to be consistent in tracking and limiting my processed foods and adding more fruit and vegetables.
Looking for to my second challenge.

avvuong

Good morning and happy last day of November! I have had great success when consistently tracking in the past, but have really lacked motivation in the last year. I had a baby in December 2020, and am ready to get back on track. Life Eating habits are different and challenging for a new mom, and I'm still adjusting to the new lifestyle. Looking forward to keeping each other accountable. Cheers!

slimtastesbetter

Hi I'm Babs, and this will be my 4th month doing UAC.

Here is a little info about me:
*I'm 61 years old
*I've been married 34 yrs, we have 2 sons ages 27 and 30
*I've been a breast cancer survivor since 1999 (I was 39 when diagnosed)
*I've been a runner since 2007 (at the age of 47)
*Highest non-pregnancy weight - 175
*Lowest adult weight - 125 (not sustainable for me!)
*Height - 5'3"
*Was a Weight Watchers member from 2003 to 2014(?) ( I joined at 148 lbs and in 6 months I was down to 128 and Lifetime, but couldn't sustain that weight for very long)
*I've been on MFP since 2013
*My weight tends to fluctuate between 135 and 141, usually closest to 138, but I'm working on getting my set-point lower. UAC has been helping me with this!

*In 2022 I would like to get back down to around 133 lbs and then work on MAINTAINING 133-135 lbs.
But for this month my main goal is to not gain any weight and to perhaps be under 136 on New Year's Eve.

September 1st weight - 138.6
October 31st weight - 135.4
November 30th weight - 136.4

enlightenme3

Hello Everyone - My name is Marisa this is will be my second month joining UAC. I rejoined MFP again in September after taking a 15 month break and gaining back 15 of the 25 pounds I had lost in early 2020. Since September of 2021, I've lost almost 20 pounds by logging my food, keeping within targets and getting some form of exercise everyday (mostly Jazzercise and walking).

I recently turned 60 and have a desire to be as healthy as I can be in my retirement. At this point in time, I'd like to lose about another 20 pounds to get to where I was in my early 30's and maintain that weight loss for a sustained period of time.

Looking forward to going on this journey with you all!

Mrs_Hoffer

A very warm UAC WELCOME to all of our new members! We're so excited to have you join us in December. Please be sure to ask if you have questions or need support. We are a wonderfully diverse group which just means that invariably someone will have some ideas and be able to help you and give advice.

@Slimpossible007
@Lessennan
@mace3445
@Donaldsryan
@vivayyz11
@Andi6288
@once_mas
@tuxado
@breezwrld8504
@Mama530
@KristyBlack
@dsgoingtodoit
@Arc2Arc
@secoffey1105
@klbaussie2
@elizabethcord1
@patty362005
@AvalonCA
@Pammy757
@lynnelarochellerichard
@avvuong
@create2cranes


I hope that you'll give this group at least a few weeks to work on cementing (your) good habits. Remember that it takes a little while to build a good habit, so if you find yourself struggling, or are ready to quit, please hang in there!! Perseverance is a foundational trait that will ultimately help you towards your goals.

Caroline_slowandsteady

Hi, I'm Caroline. I've been part of the UAC since September and have found it to be so helpful! I have learned so much and felt so supported by this wonderful group.

I first began my weight loss journey right after college in 2004 - I had gained quite a bit in college, and I did weight watchers and learned a lot about nutrition and lost the weight. I then kept it off with careful attention until 2011, when I got pregnant.

I had a rough pregnancy with a lot of nausea and could only eat white foods, but had to eat constantly to keep the nausea at bay. I gained over half my body weight. I tried to lose after I had my daughter, but with breastfeeding and caring for a young baby and then trying to get pregnant again, I really couldn't. My second pregnancy I was better medicated for the nausea and didn't gain nearly as much weight, so ended that pregnancy the same weight as the prior one. Again really wanted to lose weight, but couldn't with breastfeeding and caring for young children and also an older dog.

Eventually the kids got a bit older, I weaned the baby, the dog died, and in May 2019 I switched jobs and took 3 weeks off in between. I used that time as a reset and started an exercise program (MommaStrong) and started eating better - not tracking calories, just trying to make good choices. I lost quite a bit of weight that way and then plateaued over the summer of 2020.

In February of 2021 I started tracking my calories on MFP, and lost a bit more weight that way but then plateaued again. In September 2021 I joined UAC and have lost a bit more weight.

I have lost around 25 pounds since May 2019, and have about 10 pounds left until I am in "maintenance," though it depends when I call it.

Right now I am in a bit of a break, with calories set to maintenance since Thanksgiving and for another week for Hanukkah. I wanted to enjoy the seasonal treats but also just felt like my body and my mind were getting a bit burnt out. I am still planning and tracking and exercising. I am feeling like Monday I will be ready to reset my calories to weight loss level and come back to that with renewed energy - though December is generally a hard month for any real weight loss.

donna25trinity

Hi All, Been with UAC for a year and really feel like this group has helped me in so many ways. I hve lost 24kgs and now in maintaince trying to tone up a bit more. Started daily early morning jogging, stretching, , tracking grazing calories, meditation and Journaling in the month of November and hoping to continue with these habits in December. Look forward to another month with you all. Best of luck guys. Xox

once_mas

Hi, I am Masoumeh, 34, from Netherlands, I have to lose weight(15kg) but my only goal at the moment is to learn to be committed to daily excercise and healthy eating, as I am a serial quiter.

biketheworld

Welcome to all the newbies. My biggest advice is just keep showing up. Don’t get hung up on “more than 3 pass days” so I failed and I quit mentality. I joined UAC in January and have only been in the winners circle twice. BUT - I’ve lost about 20 pounds and KEPT it off. I want to lose at least 20 more and honestly I’ve been a bit discouraged lately. But then I remind myself how this is the first time in at least a decade when I’ve been below 200 lbs and stayed there! That really is huge for me. You’ll find so much support in this group and learn valuable information.

mshawski

Hello. I'm Maryann. This will be my 12th month with UAC. The last 5-6 months haven't been stellar for me progress wise, and I'm hoping to turn that around. I can't seem to notice all my typos before I hit post, so 9/10 times you'll see my posts edited. Sometimes I don't post much, other times I post too much... I think it all balances out in the end.

jamcnewman

Hi everyone — my name is Julie, I live in Canada on the cold, cold prairies 🥶❄️❄️❄️, and December will be my fifth month on UAC. This challenge has motivated me to show up for myself every day, and as a result, build some really good habits. I have had so much support and encouragement here and am grateful to everyone.

I am down 35 pounds as of my last monthly weigh in. Lots of journey left for me, but I feel now that I have a good starting foundation. More importantly, I better understand how and why to pre-track food, especially to support my effort to keep fibre and protein grams high (and that struggle, for me, is real 😳). Exercise can be a struggle at times for me in the colder months. My preference would be to be walking outdoors, swimming, or water jogging. I think I live in the wrong climate 🤔

My biggest personal learning in the past few months is around probing my brain to determine whether I am hungry, thirsty, bored, lonely, or something else? Because if it isn’t hunger, food isn’t the answer. 💡

Looking forward to December with you all.

Julie

KCJen

Hi I am Jen. This is my 6th month of UAC. If November is any foreshadowing of what December is going to be like, I should probably just join in January! However, I told myself December is the month I need to be in UAC to help me stay on track. I am actually finished with Christmas shopping and waiting for the deliveries, and just finished decorating, so I hope that will ease the stress.