Shape Shifters Team Chat - April 2025
Here is your Team chat room for April 2025. This is where you weigh in, post your goals and progress, discuss any issues or topics of interest, share ideas, support your teammates, receive help when you need it, and dream big. Try to post often, and help each other succeed! Bookmark this thread to make it easy to land here any time.
Fat2Fit has five great teams. The group and team leaders are as follows - contact them any time!
Our Moderators:
Ashley - @minstrelofsarcasm
Jessica - @jessicakrall8
Lauren- @lauren_989
Megan - @Megan_smartiepants1970
Our Team Captains:
Downsizers - @Megan_smartiepants1970 and [open]
Mission Slimpossible - @Katmary71 and @trooworld
Weight No More - @minstrelofsarcasm and @melaniedscott
WaistAways - @ashleycarole86 and @lauren_989
Shape Shifters - @jessicakrall8 @frankwbrown and @Pupowl
Our Team Motivators:
Mission Slimpossibles - @micaroo4
Weight No More - @BodyTalking and @daria0919
WaistAways - @MaddawgMadsen
Shape Shifters - @LaurieWrobo and @Cyncia85
HOW IT ALL WORKS: The April challenge runs for four weeks, from March 30th - April 26th.
Everyone weighs in weekly on their chosen day right here in the team chat. At the end of each week, the tallies are done to determine the team and individuals with the most weight lost. The best losers are announced with full fanfare every Sunday. The team competition is all in good spirits - may the most losing win, and may everyone else get to work on next week!
We also celebrate those small, steady losses. If you lose, however small an amount, you are in the green! At the end of the month, we celebrate everyone who lost at least a bit every single week. You are heading steadily towards your goal even if you aren't at the top of the weight loss leader board. In March we are aiming for every team to hit 50% green every week - let's do this!
To make your weigh-in easy to find for your team Captains, please put it right at the top of a message, and use this format:
Weigh In Day:
PW (Previous Weight):
CW (Current Weight):
If you miss two weigh-ins in a row without asking for a break, you will be dropped from the team, so be sure to inform your team captain if you are traveling, sick, or just need some time off. If you want a break, you can be excused for a week or two, or can be moved to the Support Team for as long as you need. You still participate in the discussions, you can weigh in if you want to, but it will not count in the weekly tally. Don't worry! You can always come back even if you get dropped.
Once you reach your goal weight, you join the Goal Zone. You continue to weigh in every week. If you have 2 weeks above your self-defined goal zone, you go back to the regular team to lose that amount before it builds up. You will have a chance to hone those maintenance skills and stick with your team.
In addition to your own team, there are weekly F2F Full Group CHALLENGES. You can do all or none - it's up to you. Participating adds a lot to your success, so we hope to see you there often! These can involve anything fitness, health, or nutrition - and they’ll get you moving, thinking, and learning about this journey. Check the Announcements section for full group challenges.
Let’s show our fellow challengers some F2F love Introduce or re-introduce yourselves right away, and let's get April on the road!
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FAQ for New Shape Shifters Members
How do I post my weigh in?
Userid
(Day of Week) Weigh-in
PW: 204 lbs (previous weight)
CW: 202 lbs (current weight)
LTD: 12 lbs (optional loss to date)
Where is the Weigh in stats spreadsheet?
Start at the Fat2Fit Main Page and under the header information, you’ll see a section at the bottom that says “TO ACCESS THE SPREADSHEETS FOR JANUARY CLICK HERE” followed by the link in blue. Once you click on that link, it will take you to the Summary page. Find Shape Shifters on the tabs at the bottom and click on that and that brings you to the stats page. Also on this page (scrolling down), you’ll find the Step Challenge chart as well. This is where we record your daily steps if you sign up to be part of the monthly step challenge. More info on how to sign up is below! Join us!
How often should I post in the chatroom?
Whenever you have a question, suggestion, story, news announcement or just want to brighten someone's day!! There's never too much...and please share recipes, tips, laughs, challenges, cartoons, pictures of your pets, pictures from walks you've taken, etc...we love it all!!
What if I have to be out of town during my weigh in?
Send a message to one of the Captains (JessicaKrall8 or FrankWBrown) in the chatroom or in a private message on MFP's mail and let them know your circumstance...if it's just for a week or two, you can be excused from the weigh-in. If you must leave for longer than a month, you may be moved to our support team until you return. When you're ready to come back, send another message and the MODS will move you back to active status.
Who are our team Motivators?
LaurieWrobo and NancyinMiami are our two motivators. They’re here to answer questions, give suggestions and help with times when you need a little more support!
What happens if I miss a weigh in?
If you're late, you'll be marked as LWI (late weigh in). If you fail to report in at all, you'll be labeled as NWI (no weigh in). After two NWIs, you're put on the drop list if no explanation has been provided. It's always best to let your Captain know what's going on and she'll make sure you're covered.
How do I sign up for the Step Challenge?
Send the Captains a message that you'd like to join (in the monthly team chat thread), provide your daily step goal and share your favorite place to walk. It's that simple! Please be aware though, you're making a commitment to post your steps every 2-3 days, which helps the Captains keep the stats caught up. If you're not willing to do this, please do not sign up. (THANKS!!)
Do I have to re-register each month to remain part of Team Shape Shifters?
No, your membership will carry over month to month. The only place where this is NOT true is for the Step Challenge. You have to sign up each month to participate in it and this gives you the opportunity to adjust your daily step goal.
If I've missed anything or questions arise, just post them! We'll find the information you need as much as possible! Hope this helps!
Welcome!
Jessica 😊
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JessicaKrall8
Weigh-in
PW: 298.0
CW: 296.0
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okay, guys, let’s talk about this! First of all, my daughter is doing better. After 6 days in the hospital and many tests, they removed her gallbladder and she’s resting comfortably and now home. I have my eye surgery scheduled for this Thursday. My daughter lives about an hour from my husband and me, so we’re going back and forth daily to help. But she adopted a very energetic, very large puppy a few weeks ago (which we advised her against doing) that she now cannot handle and I can’t handle. So my poor husband will have to deal with it come Monday when my daughter’s boyfriend goes back to work. Okay, enough backstory. Let’s talk about emotional eating, which if grades were handed out, I’d get an A+ for this week. The hospital cafeteria choices were poor, and we had a lot of eating out and ordering in. I admit: some very bad choices were made. Yes, I know all the things I SHOULD do before reaching for food: breathing exercises, going for a walk, journaling, etc., but in the heat of the moment, poor decisions were made. So what are your best practices for managing stress/emotional eating? Give me your best strategies!!
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Daily step goal: 10,000
* Fri 3/28: 10,611
* Sat 3/29: 20,556Yesterday was something. I've been meeting up with my tai chi instructor now and then for swimming and walking. I thought I'd do my usual Saturday Aquafit class from 12pm-1pm prior to swimming at 3pm-4pm and walking after that. That meant 2 free hours between 1pm and 3pm. I could grab lunch, but I've got leftover chicken chili in the fridge that I should eat. So instead, I decided to tackle Garmin's 5k Run challenge, despite our plans to walk after swimming. Hence, the 20,000 steps. I feel okay today, but my watch is telling me my training readiness is 1 out of 100! So maybe I should take it easy today (it's raining btw).
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Steps Challenge Status:
Hey, Steppers, we need your steps to finish out the month (thru 3/29).
Please provide an update for these dates:Pupowl - 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
JessicaKrall8 - 3/28, 3/29
LaurieWrobo - 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
p8m6bwghh9 - 3/28, 3/29
DaffyGirl88 - 3/29
sunshinezombiegirl1 - 3/24, 3/25, 3/26, 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
izzyred9400 - 3/29
Krysless2 - 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
angmarie28 - 3/28, 3/291 -
"Hello, this is your Captain speaking. We are expecting smooth flying… er ah, sailing… er, wait…
cancel that. Yes, we are hoping for smooth flying/sailing, although we might experience some ups and downs. The downs are what we're hoping for, but some ups are to be expected now and again. I hope you all enjoy this April flight."Well, the title of Captain feels odd to me. There's no way I can do what @jessicakrall8 and @Pupowl have done, and continue to do, for us all. But I'll do what I can.
As is the tradition at the start of a new month, here's my brief introduction:
My name is Frank (obviously). I'm 75 and live alone; no kids, but nine nieces and nephews many of whom have kids and some grandkids.
In June of 1984, when I graduated college (yes, 17 years after high school…), I was a healthy 218 pounds, running 2 miles daily, working out, sailing (lasers and dinghy sailboats) and generally having fun. Then I went and got a job and all that ended. That's when a desk jockey and sedentary lifestyle took it's toll. In July 2020, I weighed 330 pounds. That's when I started my fitness quest, and I managed to get down to 225 pounds over the next two years. But then, having exceeded my goal of 230 pounds, I slacked off. Since then, I've gained back about 35 pounds. My new goal is 220 pounds (a nice round 100 kg), but I struggle with being as disciplined as I was nearly 5 years ago now. That's because despite the extra weight, I am still very active, strong and in good cardiovascular shape. I generally exercise at least 2 hours a day, doing a mix of yoga, tai chi, strength, water aerobics, walking, and less frequently jogging and biking. After all, I'm not going for a beach body these days, but I do know I would be even healthier if I could lose (and keep off) these extra 35 pounds. So I'm going to keep trying.Welcome to all new and old members alike. I hope we all make steady progress toward our goals this month. 👍
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Sunday, Mar 30
PW: 161.8
CW: 162.0
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CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners from March Week 4!!! WTG!
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@nancyinmiami My suggestion is to always have a Plan B for when your usual patterns get interrupted…and the next two times you make a casserole, make an extra one for the freezer that can be popped in the oven in a pinch…perhaps something with pasta or meat and potatoes…those two types of dishes handle reheating very well.
Had another thought…always keep the makings for a pot of chili or your favorite soup that can be thrown in the crockpot early morning and then you'll come home to a complete meal. Same thing for your air fryer…keep some frozen fish or chicken patties that can be prepared in less than 12 minutes in your air fryer to make a quick sandwich and fries. The crinkle cut french fries are only 110 calories per serving in your air fryer and no oil is needed.
In emergency situations, such as your daughter's surgery, you kinda just have to do what you can…I'm sure you tried to choose as best you could from the ordering options you had…if not…remember, it's only one meal…
Hope this helps! Glad your daughter is doing well. Good luck with the new pup this week! Will be praying about your procedure this week… 🙏
Jessica
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Daily step goal 10000
3-28: 10332
3-29: 10198
May I please be added to the April step challenge with a goal of 10,000 steps daily? Trying not to jinx the weather, but hope to do most walks outside🤞.
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What are we gonna do with @frankwbrown??? He's got Captain jokes AND calls me out for not posting my steps?!! Where's my yard stick?!! 🤣
BTW, I updated my steps 😊
Jessica
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Welcome to our new team members!
Hi, I’m Rita (63) retired and currently living in Alaska with DH. I started making lifestyle changes in Oct 2023 after a Dr appointment, my weight was higher than it had ever been and my blood work was no bueno. I am still working on consistent movement everyday, portion control and making better food choices. I joined mfp in February 2024 and this group in September 2024. I’m grateful for the inspiration and support this group provides and looking forward to continuing this part of my journey with you.
April goals:
- continue to weigh and log everything
- attend all Strong Senior classes offered this month (MWF) using 5 lb hand weights and 1 lb leg weights
-get bike out of shed and OPCHECK
-spend at least 30 minutes each day on spring cleaning/decluttering (inspired by March weekly challenge, I just needed a slower pace 🤷♀️)
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@frankwbrown my steps for 3/29 we're 10,643. And I agree with your Garmin, sit yourself down and rest a spell. 😂
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@nancyinmiami glad your daughter is getting better. I have shelf stable snack stashes in various places (my car, DH car, my backpack) kinda like when my kids were younger. That way, if I am away from home, I can at least delay long enough to maybe make a more thoughtful choice. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts this week.
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Steps
3/27 7,305
3/28 6,752
3/29 9,876
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Hey Shape Shifters; I'm the Team Motivator- also, I'm an empty nester, married 34 years; both me and my husband work remote from home; my son and daughter-in-law live 4 houses down the street from us with their daughter; my youngest son lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife.
My husband is Type 1 diabetic from his Stage 1 pancreatic cancer as they removed 2/3 of his pancreas 2 years ago in April. He is currently in remission from pancreatic cancer but has residual effects from chemo - neuropathy in both feet plus other nerve damage issues from herniated disk 12yrs ago
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Please sign me up for step challenge- I walk around my neighborhood and through a forest path when weather is good in WI
Steps = 7,000
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My word for the month = Accountable
Being accountable to myself with Nutrition tracking on MyFitnessPal, Workouts in my Fit with Coco app - tracking and following along with the calendar - right now, I have a 6 day streak going today will be Day 7- tomorrow starts Glow Up Challenge for 2 weeks; along with my word of the year = Balance
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@jessicakrall8 and @p8m6bwghh9 these are all great suggestions! Thank you! I’m going to start incorporating all of these ideas because we never know when the next “emergency” will hit. And thank you for the warm thoughts. 💜
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I'm re-posting this because I failed to properly tag everyone. Please don't take it as nagging. 🙂
Steps Challenge Status:
Hey, Steppers, we need your steps to finish out the month (thru 3/29).
Please provide an update for these dates:
@sunshinezombiegirl1 - 3/24, 3/25, 3/26, 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
@izzyred9400 - 3/29
@Krysless2 - 3/27, 3/28, 3/29
@angmarie28 - 3/28, 3/29@jessicakrall8 I used some programming magic to create that list, so… oops! 😂
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leanneosullivan4424
Daily step goal 12000
30/3 19725
Could I please be added to the steps challenge please?
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Welcome to our new Shape Shifter members and many thanks to our team captains and motivators! Your introduction made me smile @frankwbrown and it’s so nice to see the way everyone’s skills and perspectives contribute to the success of the group!
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I would like to join the step challenge again.
My March goal was 5,000 steps per day - and I averaged about 6,000 steps this past month - so I’m going to increase my goal to 7,000.Most days, I get my steps while doing errands in my neighborhood; however, I’ll need to walk more intentionally to reach my new goal. So, I’m going to ride my bike to the boathouse when rowing starts on Tuesday. I plan to arrive a little early and walk along the river to warm up. Here’s my information:
April Step Challenge
Name — Patrice
Daily Goal = 7,0002 -
- Sunday’s Steps
- Daily Goal: 7,000
- 3/30: 9,855
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I think it's been a while since I have done an intro, so I thought I would post one now.
I'm Julie, I'm in my mid 30s, a SAHM to my 3.5 year old twin sons and living in Arizona.
Almost a year ago, my sons were diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. The next few months were hazy, and I ate and drank. A lot. I gained over 30 pounds in a few months. I have since dropped almost 20 of those, with a goal of losing another 15 or so.
For exercise, I do a lot of walking with my boys in their wagon at parks and around the neighborhood. But summer heat is already poking it's head in, so our walks will have to be limited to early mornings pretty soon. I also run, and am starting to consider running a half marathon towards the end of the year. I've been working on diversifying my workouts a bit, and recently started using other cardio machines at the gym.
My major weakness, when it comes to diet, is mindless snacking. If food is in front of me, a have a bite or two. It's better than it has been, but I'm still working on it. But overall I feel like I'm hitting my stride and everything is clicking. I'm excited for April and to see what we will achieve this month!
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Good morning everyone!
Sunday steps: 10,984
I'm starting to hit my goal semi-regularly but not yet ready to increase my goal to my old goal of 12,000. I did another 7 mile ride yesterday afternoon. That plus my normal morning spinning took me up to about 15 miles. Gradually increasing my mileage in preparation for my 40 miles on 4 May. I will do an intro later today after I get caught up at work. 😉 Have a great day everyone!
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Good morning all! 🙋♀️My name is Sue, and I am 64 years old.
I live in southern Maryland, am married, have two grown kids (1 in NYC, 1 in VA), 2 grandbabies (VA) and 1 fur baby 🐶. I work full time from home. I love to read, ride my bike, quilt, and make greeting cards. I am always up for a challenge and am usually involved in multiple reading, fitness and step challenges at any given time. 📚🚶♀️
I have been on MFP for over 10 years now. Wow...time sure does fly!! I hit my “official” goal of 140 lbs two years ago but have crept steadily up since then to over 150, which is my “I must do something now” threshold. It took me years (almost 20) to crack the 150 barrier so I never wanted to pass it again.
The warmer weather has allowed me to get outside a bit more and I am looking forward to the warmer temps. Of course by August I’ll be complaining of the heat, right now it’s hovering in the 60s. I am travelling 2 of the 4 weekends each month and that is always a challenge for me. Last year we bought our “retirement” home in VA near the grandkids so we are going down there frequently, taking carloads of stuff and doing small projects like painting and putting up shelves.
Anyway, that’s me. I am happy to be here and look forward to a great month!
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It's been a bit since I introduced myself, so here goes: I'm Kate, I live in the southwest, and I'm almost 50. I have three cats and a dog. My two sons are grown up and live in the Midwest, so I see them sporadically when I can. I read voraciously and am currently taking two leadership classes because my philosophy is that any day I learn is a good day. I struggle with epilepsy that takes me down for weeks at a time, so I can't exercise, but I've had a good 4 months now without any incidents. I work as a project manager/assistant property manager when I'm not making costumes and jewelry, acting, or snuggly my furkids.
I've only been on MFP since Octoberish, and I joined to be with a friend on here. My weight increased precipitously in the last year, and I struggled to find a good reason (I hadn't done anything different). Turns out hormones are one of those things we have to deal with. Counting calories doesn't work well with me (yes, I know, that's a main factor of the MFP thing), but having a community and support is better for me. So here I am.
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