START HERE - Group Rules + Welcome + Introductions
deskjockey925
Posts: 6,520 Member
Hello and welcome to this month’s edition of the Ultimate Accountability Challenge (UAC).
❓New here? Click the spoiler to learn how this group works. (Rules and other info.)
❗As a UAC member, you will:
❗ The 3 daily rules:
Each member is expected to report in within three days of each check-in day. This is to help us build helpful new habits through daily consistency. You may check in later if needed, but this counts as a pass day. If you do need to check in late, you are free to post a combined check-in to catch up.
❓ What's a pass day?
Whenever you do not observe all 4 UAC rules, any day, for any reason, that day is considered a pass day. Pass days can happen due to injury/illness, emotional eating, lack of planning, family issues, busy schedule, forgetfulness, vacations/celebrations, hormone fluctuations, "didn't feel up to it," or a myriad of other reasons. We will never judge anyone for taking a pass day: they exist as a tool for you to keep track, and learn where you can improve.
🏆 The UAC celebrates its Winners every month!
A Winner is a member who had 3 or fewer pass days during the previous month. This is a noble and fun goal to strive for, but please know that Winner status is NOT necessary for you to meet your health goals. We also celebrate our Champions, who exceeded their monthly pass day limit but continued to check in every day of the month. And last but not least, even if you find yourself struggling, as long as you are here we consider you a Learner, and that is your first step to a better future! So always count those pass days, always aim to improve, and -- most importantly -- keep coming back every day.
- Be accountable to yourself in your own health journey.
- Post every day in that day's check-in thread. Look for the check-in threads on the Ultimate Accountability group page: scroll down past the ANNOUNCEMENTS threads until you see DISCUSSIONS. When you check in for the day, please state whether you followed each of the three daily rules below; and include your tally of pass days for the month. (Scroll down to learn about pass days.)
- Be honest with your check-ins. If you cheat, you are only hurting yourself. Our group exists not to police each other, but to provide a friendly environment for learning, self-improvement, and mutual support
❗ The 3 daily rules:
- EXERCISE EVERY DAY FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. We define exercise as an intentional and planned choice to be active beyond your "run of the mill" day to day activities. This can be chair yoga, physiotherapy, running, swimming, aerobics, weight-lifting, dancing, vacuuming, washing windows, or anything else that gets your body moving beyond your general daily movement. You can do a mix of activities, and you do not have to do all 20 minutes at once.
- CONSUME ONLY YOUR BUDGETED CALORIES. Set your own personal calorie goal for the day, and don't exceed it. (Yes you may "eat back exercise calories" if you wish.) Any day that you went over what you planned, it is considered a pass day. We are happy to help if you would like help figuring out how to set a calorie goal for yourself.
- TRACK ALL THE CALORIES YOU EAT AND DRINK. How you choose to track is up to you: you may use a paper tracker or journal, MyFitnessPal, another app/website, or any other (online or offline) tool that works for you. And, you guessed it: anytime you skip a day, for any reason, it is a pass day. Please note: Some folks fret about finding an "exact" match on their tracker. We encourage you to find the best possible match and if in doubt about a meal or snack when dining out, overestimate.
Each member is expected to report in within three days of each check-in day. This is to help us build helpful new habits through daily consistency. You may check in later if needed, but this counts as a pass day. If you do need to check in late, you are free to post a combined check-in to catch up.
❓ What's a pass day?
Whenever you do not observe all 4 UAC rules, any day, for any reason, that day is considered a pass day. Pass days can happen due to injury/illness, emotional eating, lack of planning, family issues, busy schedule, forgetfulness, vacations/celebrations, hormone fluctuations, "didn't feel up to it," or a myriad of other reasons. We will never judge anyone for taking a pass day: they exist as a tool for you to keep track, and learn where you can improve.
🏆 The UAC celebrates its Winners every month!
A Winner is a member who had 3 or fewer pass days during the previous month. This is a noble and fun goal to strive for, but please know that Winner status is NOT necessary for you to meet your health goals. We also celebrate our Champions, who exceeded their monthly pass day limit but continued to check in every day of the month. And last but not least, even if you find yourself struggling, as long as you are here we consider you a Learner, and that is your first step to a better future! So always count those pass days, always aim to improve, and -- most importantly -- keep coming back every day.
👋😁 To all new and returning members:
We are happy to have you with us! We invite you to introduce yourself below. Please feel free to include as much information as you feel comfortable sharing about yourself. We look forward to getting to know you a little better. Any questions, please ask any group member. We hope you enjoy your time here.
❓ Quick hints to help you navigate the group:
- Please do NOT open any threads in the Discussion area: they will be deleted. Discussions are set up as one post per day of the month. If you have questions please ask in the daily thread, or in the What's on your mind today? thread.
- Click the little flag icon in the top right corner of any thread that interests you. When the flag is blue, you will receive a notification anytime someone posts to the thread. To unsubscribe, simply click the flag again to turn it white. Please note: there is currently a technical issue with this function. You can still bookmark, but you have to go into each thread and then bookmark it… MFP says they will fix this issue, but probably not right away. The easiest work-around is to right-click each day’s thread from the list (opening each day in a separate tab) and then hit the subscribe flag on each thread, closing the tabs as you go.
- You can use the "Quote" function at the bottom of every post in this group, to copy what someone previously wrote and then respond to it.
- If you would like to respond directly to what another group member wrote, add an @ right in front of their username, like so: @username (This will tag the person you are responding to, and they will receive a notification.)
- In order to see whether someone has tagged you, click/tap the bell in the top right hand corner of your screen, and check your notifications. If you are using the app, first access Community mode, then tap your avatar in the top right corner, then tap the bell. (You must have notifications turned on.)
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Hi 👋 My name is Diane.
I am married to my husband 38 years. We have one daughter, son-in-law, and a 13yo grandson. I work from home as an IT Project manager and expect to retire this year. I love to fish, garden, travel, read, and (yes!) exercise.
I realize I have been with the UAC Challenge just over a year now and it has become one of my favorite habits and tools in my toolkit of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Wishing you all a very healthy and successful February!5 -
Hey everyone, I'm Charissa. I have been with UAC for over two years and I love it. The support, motivation and knowledge from this community are incredible and keep me coming back whether I'm doing well or not. To all the new members, welcome aboard! You're in for some great insights and encouragement with this group!
I am 64, and my weight has fluctuated with a gradual increase for the last 30 years. I did really well at the beginning of 2023, but some life-changing events erased that progress, and I started 2024 with a net 0. More life changes, most positive and once again I undid all the good for 2024 and and starting up 7lbs.
January so far is going well with a little help from norovirus....but I'm trending downward and need to keep the trend.
Q: What will be different in 2025 vs all the other times?
A: Change in my mindset
A: Being mindful and engaged
A: Addressing the elephant in the room!
A: No excuses
A: Determination!!!
I know what to do, I just need to consistently do them!!
Wishing everyone a "winning" finish in February!! Aim High!!5 -
Hi 👋 I'm Kathryn and I live in beautiful Scotland with my husband and two young daughters. I've been taking part in these challenges since August and I love them!
I love to run (particularly trail and hill running - the muddier the better!), climb, swim, hike and work on my flexibility and mobility.
Have a wonderful February all 💞😊4 -
Welcome back @deskjockey925 and @Kathrynclimbs ~ It's going to be a Fantastic February!!!!3
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Shouting out a WARM welcome to our new members to UAC!
@Shamlizy
@dianebrohan12
@tfortney2112
Don't be shy, tell us a little bit about yourself and/or your goals. Check out the rules and other information above and please let us know if you have any questions.
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Hi I am Marily, 76 and needing help with accountability.
I am from Canada, married, 4 adult children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great granddaugthers
I have medical issues - kidney failure the major one. Have had this now for 3 years but so far no dialysis which is great but my number is very low so any month might have to go onto dialysis. Doing ok with my intake of food but not with the exercise so am praying that this group will help me out in that area. I plan to use my treadmill daily and also some chair exercises.
I am also a Christian and my faith is a big part of my life.
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@Marilynsretired ~ Hi Marily!! Welcome to the UAC. We are ALL about accountability and here to help and support you. It's sounds like you have a plan in place so you are well on your way. Thanks for joining our group!!
If you haven't already done so, check out the rules (not many) and other information posted above and please let us know if you have any questions.3 -
@Marilynsretired Sorry to hear about your KD but glad you have been able to stay off dialysis. I donated my kidney to a friend in July 2019.
I'm checking in from sunny South Africa ( yes, it is summer but we are pretty sunny in winter too). I'm pretty active between work (I get paid to play with animals, and all the tasks that come with being a zookeeper) hiking and training martial arts. January has not been great, but ready to put that in the past and get back on the mats.5 -
Hi. I’m Bobbi and back for my second month with this group. I live in the Pacific Northwest, about an hour from the ocean or the mountains. Love most things that get me outside, including hiking, photography, kayaking and gardening. I’m a 66 year old shorty of 5’2 on my tippy toes. I am within 5-10 pounds of my flexible goal weight of 125-130, with my biggest goal being maintaining good health.
Welcome to all the newcomers. Lots of inspiration in the group!3 -
I'm checking in from sunny South Africa ( yes, it is summer but we are pretty sunny in winter too). I'm pretty active between work (I get paid to play with animals, and all the tasks that come with being a zookeeper) hiking and training martial arts. January has not been great, but ready to put that in the past and get back on the mats.
@Dory_42 ~ Welcome back to UAC~ A Zookeeper has to be quite an interesting profession. Is it something you always wanted to do?
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pettycoatjunction wrote: »Hi. I’m Bobbi and back for my second month with this group. I live in the Pacific Northwest, about an hour from the ocean or the mountains. Love most things that get me outside, including hiking, photography, kayaking and gardening. I’m a 66 year old shorty of 5’2 on my tippy toes. I am within 5-10 pounds of my flexible goal weight of 125-130, with my biggest goal being maintaining good health.
Welcome to all the newcomers. Lots of inspiration in the group!
@pettycoatjunction ~ Hi Bobbi, glad you decided to go another round!! Sounds like you live in the perfect location...Congrats on being so close to goal~!!2 -
Hi everyone, I've been with the UAC since July of 2023. I started with 130 lbs to lose, and I'm 55% of the way there. Hoping/planning to finish off these last pounds this year. 2024 threw some major wrenches in the gears for me (health/personal/family challenges), but I'm still here and doing my thing!
Joining this group is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I love my friends here, and the incredible amount of information and support offered day after day. The UAC has taught me to get things done, and enjoy my life, in many ways that go far beyond just the weight loss that I was after when I joined.
To all those of you who are new here: I hope you, too, find what you are looking for. I know that if you put in the work, you will reap the rewards! And to everyone who's back for another month: let's do it again
Here's to a successful month of February for all of us.
P.S. Psst, please check out the volunteer schedule (newbies welcome!).4 -
Hi! Happy to be back in the UAC again. I started in June when the scale hadn’t budged for a couple of months. I had “mysteriously” gained about 18 pounds over the previous 6-7 years. Set out to lose 12 of them, and it’s taken me nearly a full year and a fair amount of effort to get ten out of the way. Hovering between 1-2 to go.
About me: I am in my mid-40s, with two school aged kids. I live in the US with them and my husband. I love gardening, riding my bike, making music, and cooking.
My goals for this year are to put down the phone, focus on making music, erasing “always” thinking and moving to a more open-minded way of seeing my and others’ actions. And lose those last 2 lbs.
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Good morning! I am Elsien, live in southern France and have been on MFP for some 15 years.
I've been in and out of UAC since 2018, with my weight topping 82.4 kg at some point (I'm 1m 68cm) but I have now done a solid nine months on MFP, building healthy habits and have lost more than 15 kg. The last two months I have managed to maintain my ideal weight of between 61.5 and 62.5 kg. Starting out at 61.4 kg this morning. Message to all: if I can do it, so can you, but you have to stick the course.
A big hi to my other fellow health travellers and welcome to new members.5 -
@itladyee I always wanted to work with animals (or children) but was open to various different ways that could own out. I work at a complex that includes a museum so I get to be involved in some research as well which is a great way to see how your work is impacting science. And I have a fair degree of flexibility due to working weekends so I have the freedom to leave early most weeks to coach kids Jiu Jitsu at my club, giving me the best of both careers I had hoped for.
Despite the challenges (all jobs have some of those) I do love what I do.3 -
@itladyee I always wanted to work with animals (or children) but was open to various different ways that could own out. I work at a complex that includes a museum so I get to be involved in some research as well which is a great way to see how your work is impacting science. And I have a fair degree of flexibility due to working weekends so I have the freedom to leave early most weeks to coach kids Jiu Jitsu at my club, giving me the best of both careers I had hoped for.
Despite the challenges (all jobs have some of those) I do love what I do.
@Dory_42
There's nothing better than loving what you do, it's no longer work or a job, and it sounds like you've found your niche! Happy for you!!! 3 -
@AwkwardHaircut I'd love to hear more (hah!) about what kind of music you make. If you're willing to share 1
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I’m Kelli, 42 year old mom to 3, living on the Canadian prairies. I’ve been in and out of the UAC since 2017 but have stuck here consistently since July 2024 and the accountability and goal of building healthy habits has helped me reach my goal weight. I’ve never stuck around for maintenance (hence my years of yo-yoing) but I’m still here! In body recomp mode - slight calorie deficit with a big focus on lifting weights and getting in enough protein.
Happy to be on this journey with you all!2 -
Welcome new members. This is the BEST place for accountability, motivation, inspiration, knowledge, and a friendly conversation. Nice to see returning members. I LOVE this group. The daily conversation/topic is always so interesting & uplifting.
I am DJ. I am 63 years old. I have been married to a great man for 41 years. I have three adult super children & 6 wonderful grandchildren. I want to be healthy & strong to be able to play & keep up with them. I also have found I love being active: paddle boarding, swimming, bike riding, hula hooping, trampolining, walking, etc. Strength training & flexibility is a little more difficult and not quite as much fun. Something I want to work on. January has been very hard. I have been sick with congestion in my head & chest for a little over three weeks. I am hoping the last medicine I got from the doctor will knock it out. I am ready to get back to fun! Let's have a great month!2 -
Welcome Back Members!
@takinitalloff ~ what would we do without you????? You are a true leader!!
@AwkwardHaircut ~ I know all too well about those "mysterious" gains! Glad you're nipping it in the bud with only 2lbs (I say only, but I know they can be the toughest) to go! You've got this and we've got you!
@chinkiri ~ Congrats on a solid nine months and a significant loss to show for it! Nicely done!
@loopydo2017 ~ Maintenance! Awesome! You've proven without a doubt that the three simple rules of UAC can get you there!
@learningmoments ~ Happy to see you back. I love your spirit and camaraderie with the group! I hope you knock out those last lingering ailments and jump in with both feet!
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Hi all! I am Joanne, coming back for my second month in the UAC. I started part way through January, so this will be my first full month, and I am excited to give it my best. I am 70, a retired elementary school librarian, who is just aiming to loose a few pounds, build a little strength, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am looking forward to getting to know you all a bit as we support one another in this challenge.3
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Good Morning and happy Feb everyone. Welcome to new and returning members!
I am bON from Tx and have been with UAC for a few years. But I totally enjoy all the new approaches and ideas and support this group provides. Thank you everyone for the intros.....2 -
@Joannex10 ~Welcome back for another month. Glad you decided to join us again.
@Summerskier ~ Welcome back!
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Thanks @itladyee . January was crazy for me, first there was vacation travel, then there was work travel and I got COVID while on work travel and that took me out for 2 weeks (1 week being sick and, 1 week just being extremely fatigued). I am glad to be back and back at it.2
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Thanks @itladyee . January was crazy for me, first there was vacation travel, then there was work travel and I got COVID while on work travel and that took me out for 2 weeks (1 week being sick and, 1 week just being extremely fatigued). I am glad to be back and back at it.
@astroamy
Yikes! You are back now and ready to CRUSH February!!!1 -
Hi everyone. I am Ann from Arkansas. I started in the middle of last month so this is my first full month with you guys. Thank you for your support!3
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Hello everyone! My name is Mary. I love this group! Being here helps me stay focused on being accountable. Life has been hectic and I haven’t been as active on here as I would like to be. Hopefully things will settle down and I can participate more often! Good luck everyone 💕3
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@itladyee Alright, alright, now you made me blush, I hope you're happy with yourself@takinitalloff ~ what would we do without you????? You are a true leader!!
I believe this is the first time anyone has ever called me a true leader.
And right back at you, fellow true leader -- the way you have stepped up to the plate right from day 1 has been phenomenal 2 -
AnnLang219 wrote: »Hi everyone. I am Ann from Arkansas. I started in the middle of last month so this is my first full month with you guys. Thank you for your support!
@annlang219
Hi Ann, glad you decided to join us again for a full month. We are happy to have you! Wishing you a successful February!!
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