Shape Shifters Team Chat - APRIL 2023
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@Pupowl - I was thinking some similar thoughts when we cross-posted. Your comment appeared first but I have a similar reaction to the author of Atomic Habits. He seems to have a bit of a ‘holier than thou’ attitude, which I rationalized as him trying to undersell all the hard work that goes into building new habits - and making it sound simpler than it is - as a way to encourage us to try it. — So we don’t give up or defeat ourselves before we even try the strategies.
I believe in creating processes as @cre804 noted from the author but there are often many contextual factors that can drive or constrain our success. That requires lots of reflection and trying again. My work is in the area of ‘social learning’ so I’m less of a ‘behaviorist’ in my approach to making improvements but I think there is an important role for each type of learning, depending on the problem we’re trying to solve, change we’re trying to make, and contextual factors we face. I’m curious to hear other reactions and I’ll watch for what you and others have to say after reading it.2 -
Hello Shape Shifters. Short post from me today since I didn't do anything all day except for some shopping. I ordered stuff I need to fence off my front yard and some other garden things. It cost me €544 which is a big oof, but I don't really count this as my money because of the huge money gift I got a while back. I knew when I got that gift I would use it for the garden, so I am fine with it. My savings are still in great shape, and honestly, not having cats and dogs poop and pee in my front yard anymore will be so worth it.
My dad is coming over Saturday evening to help remove some shrubs so I went out and bought some gloves for us since there is holly tree nearby and I know from experience that grabbing a leaf by accident isn't enjoyable. I also got some new treats for Tinus. Good night everyone
@PatriceFitnessPal
Yeah, I get that feeling quite often from self-help books. Or they write a whole lot without actually saying anything, which is a skill in itself honestly.
I did really appreciate the TED talk you linked; it made me cry. I have been chronically ill for around 20 years so I learned the hard way that I can't do everything like a 'normal' person. Some of the changes I made are probably a bit extreme (no cooking, shaving my head) but I have tried every alternative and none of it works for me. If there is something I can do to make my life easier, then I will totally do it. I sent the link to a friend of mine who struggles a lot with cleaning, so I hope he will get something out of it. Thanks so much for sharing.3 -
step check-in:
3/31 15,076
4/1 12,894
4/2 15,063
4/3 11,992
I would love to sign up for the April step challenge. My goal will continue to be 14K steps. My favourite place to walk is a nearby forest and dog park. Thanks @Pupowl and @jessicakrall8 for offering this challenge, it's given me motivation on multiple occasions when I haven't quite felt like moving.3 -
I was in a lot of pain yesterday and this morning, but got better throughout the day. I feel like I'd love to walk tonight, but I'm going to take it easy and hopefully walk a little more tomorrow. Might take a few days to get through it. Thanks for your kind words!
Jessica4 -
Daily step goal: 10,000
Sun 4/2: 12,359
Mon 4/3: 12,1184 -
Today is day 3 of the health and lifestyle program I signed up for.
It took a couple weeks for the professionals to gather and analyze the information and come back with a plan.
They have recommended a low carb, high protein moderate fat diet and have entered my calorie goal and macro recommendations into an app called "Eat This Much" The app generates meal recommendations that include recipes. So far it's going ok, the only challenge is adapting the meals to suit my whole family so I'm not making 2 dinner dishes. My husband is eating my diet with me out of support. I've added a little more calories to his day since he needs more than me and has very little weight to loose.
My exercise is staying similar to what I was doing, but I'm working virtually with a trainer who is assigning me workouts. I've also had to add 3 days of zone 2 cardio for 30-40 min to help combat the insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance leads your body to store carbohydrates as fat instead of using them for energy, which explains why when I eat a "balanced" diet I gain weight unless I drop my calories low. I'm told this diet and exercise program will help correct this issue.6 -
@PatriceFitnessPal , yes tornafic activity is very scary. And we've got a storm brewing right now. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that no tornadic activity happens. Although conditions will be right again for that2
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PatriceFitnessPal wrote: »I also really enjoyed the Atomic Habits book and subscribed to the email messages. I don’t open the messages as much as I used to so I appreciate the reminder. I’ve been thinking about reading it again but I loaned it to my son and he still has it.
The Power of Habit (by Charles Duhigg) is also a good book. I think the author of Atomic Habits (James Clear?) refers to Duhigg in his book, if I remember correctly.
Since it’s a new rowing season and my schedule changes, I’m trying to use the new routine as an opportunity to make some positive changes. One of the ‘environment’ changes I’m making is to put some cards in my car so I can write to friends and families during a break (half hour to an hour) I have between my sculling and 8-person rowing practices. I want to be a person who stays in touch better with my loved ones, but I haven’t yet built the habit. I’m also testing out different ideas to fill that time slot.
@cre804 - Which strategy are you trying out for your snack and dinner prep?
I’m going to try the ‘stacking’ strategy to stay on top of my invoice preparation and tracking expenses. I plan to track expenses when I log my afternoon snack or dinner in the MFP app. I hope it works!
What habits are others working to build?
Right now, I’m starting small. My goal is to drink more liquids and hit my protein goal. I’m trying to hit both by having a protein drink for my afternoon snack. I’m using the Water Llama app to track my drinks. You set your water goal and the app gives you partial credit for other beverages (or you totally go negative if you drink alcohol) If you get the premium version you can add drinks and do a couple other things. I wish I bought that at the start because the intro price was a bit cheaper, but I didn’t know anything about it at the time. It reminds you throughout the day to drink up, so that’s been helpful.
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reshii_devi wrote: »Started reading Atomic Habits instead (30 pgs). From today's reading:
"If you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you're done. Conversely if you get 1 percent worse each day for one year, you'll decline nearly down to zero." Anyone start this year in the negative? ✋🏽
I just finished reading Atomic Habits! Lots of great wisdom there. One that I wrote down was “You fall to your level of systems.” That perfectly describes me because I have totally failed in the meal planning department. I’m fine for breakfast and lunch, but afternoon snacks and dinner are haphazard. That’s something I really need to work on.
@cre804 that was my first (and longest resounding) aha moment ~ I even posted it because it felt like it was confirmation of my decision to start the #GoHard strategies ... or should I say systems
So many of my decisions the past few years just clicked after reading it. They say when the student is ready, lol .... 2 -
bearchested wrote: »reshii_devi wrote: »Started reading Atomic Habits instead (30 pgs). From today's reading:
"If you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you're done. Conversely if you get 1 percent worse each day for one year, you'll decline nearly down to zero." Anyone start this year in the negative? ✋🏽
I just finished reading Atomic Habits! Lots of great wisdom there. One that I wrote down was “You fall to your level of systems.” That perfectly describes me because I have totally failed in the meal planning department. I’m fine for breakfast and lunch, but afternoon snacks and dinner are haphazard. That’s something I really need to work on.
I'm only partway through, but it's one of the best self-improvement books I've read. I also subscribe to the author's weekly emails which are a quick dose of additional insight.
didn't know about the emails @bearchested ~ will look into that, thanks!2 -
bearchested wrote: »
I'm only partway through, but it's one of the best self-improvement books I've read. I also subscribe to the author's weekly emails which are a quick dose of additional insight.
I agree! I found myself constantly taking notes, which I never do. I knew the author had a website but I forgot about the emails. I’ll make a note to explore both this week.
@cre804 picked up a new notebook today to reflect and journal on whatever nuggets jump out at me this month. Might become a new habit.3 -
jessicakrall8 wrote: »
I was in a lot of pain yesterday and this morning, but got better throughout the day. I feel like I'd love to walk tonight, but I'm going to take it easy and hopefully walk a little more tomorrow. Might take a few days to get through it. Thanks for your kind words!
Jessica
Oh, that doesn't sound fun at all! I am sorry you were in so much pain. Good luck getting your walking in, but don't push too hard.2 -
Good morning Shape Shifters. Here is the daily card. Happy Wednesday everyone
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Wednesday Weigh In:
PW: 161.0
CW: 159.65 -
There are a lot of new ideas and programs being shared. I’m feeling the spring energy in my region and wishing you all well on your endeavors!
Enjoy your trip to Europe @MrsSavageMoose! I hope everything flows smoothly during these last few days of preparation and traveling. I’m looking forward to hearing about your visits and experiences!
My morning sculling session was canceled due to choppy water and the coach not feeling well. So, I’m going to write a card to each of my sons before my ‘Late-riser Rowing’ practice. We jokingly call ourselves the ‘civilized rowing’ group because the competitive crew teams wake up about 4:00am and put their boats in the water by 5:00am. We’re meeting even later than usual today because the high school students are practicing during their spring break and we have to wait until they finish. So, we’ll start at 9:45am instead of 8:45am — which is messing with my work schedule!
I have some deadlines to meet today so I might be tight on time, which can sometimes lead to delaying my meals and then eating unhealthy snacks or overeating later. So, I’m planning to avoid these pitfalls by drinking a quick smoothie (with fruit, spinach, and ginger) as soon as I get home from rowing. Here’s the recipe if you’re interested:
https://www.sunglowkitchen.com/detox-island-green-tropical-smoothie/
I hope you have a good day!
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@CasandraW
That sounds like a pretty thorough and intense plan to me! I bet it helps a lot with being accountable. Really hoping it will help with your insulin issues. Keep us up to date please!3 -
@CasandraW - Yes, what @Pupowl wrote! ^^^
I especially like the meal recommendations and suggested recipes aspect of your plan! Deciding what to make is the hardest part of cooking for me. I wish I could plan my meals better so that piece would be really helpful to me.1 -
What a great plan @CasandraW ! You've got every base covered. Like @PatriceFitnessPal my diet is my biggest struggle right now. But I'm making better choices everyday so proud of that.
@Pupowl I'd like to sign up for the step challenge. Does logging help our overall team score? Goooo ShapeShifters!!
I've been increasing my step count every month since starting at 3-4K/day back in January. The initial goal was to reach 8K/day, which I finally did consistenly in March. Upped the ante it to 9-11K/day for April because as a remote worker, some days 8K is still a real stretch.
April 1 - 493 - My Fitbit died away from home.
was so sad two days, lol ~ not a true count.
April 2 - 9, 531
April 3 - 12,256
April 4 - 14,5791 -
Hi Shifters! Two lucky last minute people joining your team - please welcome @Jlswensen and @eahrenee
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@reshii_devi
The step challenge is just a fun little extra thing, mostly to push yourself and maybe get you moving a bit more. It isn't a competition between groups, though our team does pretty well I think!1 -
Hi @Jlswensen and @eahrenee and welcome to the Shape Shifters team! We're glad you found us!! On behalf of myself, our other Captain @pupowl and our two Motivators, @PatriceFitnessPal and @angmarie28, we hope you find this team to be a great source of inspiration and encouragement for your journey!
Please take a few minutes and introduce yourself to everyone and then go back to page one of this thread and get to know us a little. Please read the FAQ file as well on pg 1 and that will answer many of your questions. If there's something you want to know and you don't find it there, just post your questions and I'm sure several people will chime in to help.
Again, welcome and good luck in April! What's your first big goal?! Looking forward to celebrating with you as you meet your milestones in April and beyond!
Take care,
Jessica
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Thanks for the welcome @jessicakrall8 - I’m excited to be a part of the group.
My name is Jenny, I’m 44 and live in Missouri with my husband. I sit at at a desk most days pouring over spreadsheets and numbers. I love to hike and started running a little over a year ago, but was sidelined for 6 months due to injury. On April 1st, I weighed 221.3 lbs. I just started tracking with MFP at the end of February.
My goals for this month are to log each day, to complete a 10K, and to lose 4lbs this month.9 -
Thank you for the welcome!
I am a little late getting started, but I am happy to be here!
I am 41 years old and I live in Vermont with my husband, two kids, and two dogs, including a new puppy. I have a desk job, and often work long hours, but I enjoy walking, hiking, and some lifting. I have been a part of MFP for many years, and I have found that challenges and an active group really help keep me on track.
I am 5'7" and my starting weight for this challenge, as of Monday, is 195.4. I'm hoping with good diet and excersize, I get get that down a bit this month.
Thanks,
Andrea9 -
@Jlswensen @eahrenee
Welcome to our lovely team! Thank you for writing an introduction. I always enjoy reading a little about the person behind the username. I hope you will both find this group helpful and I wish you good luck on your journey to better health. 2 -
Wednesday ~ April 5
Sleep: 8h 51m ~ 83 score
Steps: 16.065
Good morning Shape Shifters. I had another pretty boring day. I contacted my dad to see when he could come over to help put in new plants. I ordered a bunch yesterday which was quite the expense again. The earliest I can get them delivered is the 22nd, so we have to wait a bit. When those plants are all settled, most of my garden will be done. I still have one really annoying area in the backyard that I don't know what to do with. It is going to take a lot of work to make that look nice. The previous owner put in really heavy concrete beams which make no sense at all, so I want those gone. I would really love a wildlife pond, but again, a lot of work and money. A flower meadow would also be nice. Well, I will worry about it later. I did my duolingo lessons in the evening and the rest of the day was gaming and listening to music. Happy Thursday everyone 3 -
Here is the card for today.
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Thank you for all the birthday wishes, you lovely people ❤️
I had a great birthday and celebrated with my husband on Monday. We went to a very nice restaurant with levantine cuisine.
Big birthday open house coming up on Saturday. We don‘t have a huge apartment so I invited everyone to drop in whenever they like in the hopes of arrivals spreading out throughout the day and thus always having enough seats for all guests 😅
What happened to Jessica? I thought I read up on all of last week‘s posts, but I obviously missed something. Def have to check in here more often during the week.
@jessicakrall8 I send you lots and lots of good thoughts for a quick recovery ❤️🩹
@Pupowl Love that you’re posting Tinus every now and then. He is just adorable ☺️4 -
Welcome all new members I wish you success in meeting your goals.You have come to the right place for encouragement & support.
My steps
4/4 13 324
4/5 18,288
4/6 12,3242 -
@izzyred9400
Can you double check the dates for your steps? The 6th is still in progress. So we need from the 2nd until the 5th for now. Thank you! 2
This discussion has been closed.