Week 10, "H20" Lose 20 Pounds by Halloween Challenge.

AprilVal

:flowerforyou: Here we are ladies and gents, winding our Halloween challenge down. In just 7 days this challenge will be over.

First of all, I would like to personally thank everyone who has joined this challenge and has helped make it a fun time. Even if we didnt make it to 20 pounds we have worked soo hard.

I want to send out a SPECIAL thanks to Pinky & Bru for always stepping up to help when im away. It makes this much easier for me when I have something going on. Vis versa..

For the last week of our challenge I would like each of you who are still active to post a before picture, and your most resent. So we can see the changes over the past 10 weeks. Although some changes may not be as significant as others it may help inspire someone.

For ANYONE who wants to join the next challenge. .Please let me know.. I would like to do it a little different. Maybe take turns who does the weekly intro. Be more informative on things. Have small challenges to meet. Anything you have as an idea PLEASE share on here this week if you could. Thank you!

QUOTE of the WEEK: "Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~Plato

In a post below Im going to start with the informative posts. I will be posting about alternatives to soda. I know ALOT of people struggle with letting soda go out of their diet. For numerous reasons. I hope the information helps. If anyone has any other topics theyd like to add this week feel free.. or save them for the following weeks if youd like to help me with the weekly topics. If you wanna voulenteer let me know ASAP.. ill try to have a list of who has what week. We doing this til chirstmas'?? I know we decided on 15 pounds? How about the 12 pounds til Christmas challenge?? Maybe get a list of things to do when we lose vs. gain?? Make our selves more reliable for the damage we may be doing to our bodies?

Heres to week 10.. Enjoy everyone!! Dont forget Weigh in is by 11:59pm next Sunday.. Any newbies.. feel free to join us at ANY time.. The more the merrier.. Our new challenge starts October 30th.. as long as we are still doing the Christmas one? anyone with any ideas that may be better please let me know.. Thanks for all your time.. Youve helped this group succeed. :drinker:

AprilVal

I know many of us struggle with soda ..aka.. pop. A majority of us feel the need to drink pop everyday. Due to caffeine withdrawls or something along those lines.. Here are some healthier alternatives that I found while researching.. Feel free to have a discussion about the info below..



Do you always reach for a soda when thirst hits? You may want to consider some alternatives. Not only are regular soft drinks full of empty calories, but studies have linked the consumption of both regular and diet soda to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. To broaden your thirst-quenching choices, here are 10 suggestions that will help you kick the soda habit and leave your taste buds satisfied.

Spruce Up Water
Flavored waters have been popping up all over the place, but many still contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. A healthier choice is natural flavoring: Just add slices of your favorite fruits and veggies — lemons, oranges, watermelon, cucumber, mint, or limes — to a pitcher of ice-cold water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Another great option is to put chopped-up fruit in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Place these colorful fruit cubes in your beverage for instant flavor and color!

Go Natural With Green Tea
Studies of green tea have shown that it may help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, kidney stones, and possibly even cavities. In addition to this, green tea is calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants. You can pick any flavor you enjoy, because green tea is available in many varieties. It can be drunk hot or iced, and if you want a little sweetening, a few drops of honey will serve you well — though most people enjoy it au nature l.

Juice + Seltzer = Jeltzer!
There's no need to purchase sugary sodas or pricey vitamin-enhanced waters, which also pack calories. Mixing 100 percent juice with seltzer yields a tastier, healthier, and less expensive drink. A thick, tart juice, such as cranberry, pomegranate, or grape, makes for a great jeltzer base in addition to supplying health benefits. Studies have shown that cranberry juice might protect against urinary tract infections and kidney stones; pomegranate juice is a great source of vitamins C and B; and grape juice has antioxidants that may help protect your brain and blood vessels. Mix one part juice with three parts seltzer to create this light and bubbly concoction.

Stir in Some Sweet Stevia
Stevia is an herb with a very sweet taste, but it has no carbs or calories. Research has also found it to be beneficial in managing obesity and glucose intolerance. Once banned in the United States because of limited research, stevia is now growing in popularity among holistic and organic food markets as a dietary supplement. It can't as yet be sold as a sweetener, though. Available in powder form, flavored stevia is inexpensive, sweet, and easily dissolves in cold water for a delicious drink that will help you forget about soda.

Tonic and Lime…Minus the Gin
Traditionally used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks, tonic has a distinct taste that makes it such a popular base. But you don't need the alcohol to enjoy tonic — simply add a few slices of lemon or lime (or both) and a sprig of fresh mint for a unique and delicious beverage. Many tonic brands contain high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars, so opt for a diet tonic, if possible.

Red Wine Is Fine
Red wine, when consumed in moderation, has been widely reported to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. And research on the benefits of this fermented fruit doesn't stop there — red wine may also lower your risk of a heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. The National Institutes of Health recommends that women limit consumption to one drink per day (4 ounces of wine), and men to two drinks per day, in order to reap the benefits. Look for wine without additives, such as sulfites, which can cause headaches and other allergic reactions.

Drink Your Vegetables!
Vegetable juice offers a quick, low-calorie way to get all the benefits of veggies. It also contains much less natural sugar than fruit juices. But vegetable juice can be high in sodium, so opt for a low-sodium version whenever possible. Better yet, make your own fresh juice easily at home with a juicer. Simply add your favorite veggies, and even a few slices of fruit if you want to sweeten your drink, to the juicer — no chopping required! If you prefer a little kick, add some black pepper and a drop of hot sauce.

Move Over, Milk — Time for Soy
Soy beverages are naturally sweet and are now offered in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. They are a great alternative to milk for those who are lactose intolerant or those who don't consume dairy. Studies on soy's benefits show that soymilk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to reduce calories while enjoying a healthy, great-tasting beverage! Also, pick soymilk that has been fortified with nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, especially if you're drinking it as a substitute for milk.

Let Loose With a Tea Infuser
Loose tea is a low-calorie option that allows you to get tea's health benefits and flavor from the actual tea leaf, without any additives. Brewing loose tea in an infuser, a device that holds tea leaves in a mesh chamber that you submerge in water, works wonderfully to bring out the flavor of your tea of choice. Enjoying a hot cup of loose tea — such as white, green, oolong, or black—is a relaxing pleasure that's also great for your health.

Java-licious
More and more evidence is showing that coffee in moderation can be a healthy part of your diet. Without cream or sugar, coffee contains zero fat and only a couple of calories. What's more, coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. And — as if you didn't know it already — coffee's caffeine can help with mental alertness and physical performance, as long as you don't overdo it. Too much caffeine can leave you jittery and anxious, so dietitians generally recommend that you drink no more than three cups a day (depending on the way it's prepared). That said, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant may want to avoid it, though research on this is mixed.

source:http://www.everydayhealth.com

Let me know what you think about the quick research I did.. Do we want more informative posts in the future?

AprilVal

Here I am back towards the beginning of my 10 week Challenge


This was me after my 17 pounds lost since the beginning of june.. a personal accomplishment..

Here I am now..


Here I am after 24 pounds lost since June. Ive only lost about 7 pounds total.. If that.. but its better than nothing. This is where I am today.. Im hoping to lost more weight soon.. Ive been sick off and on during the challenge. And afew times i feared I was pregnant and didnt want to chance losing a baby in the process..

pink_and_shiny

I'm still shocked that our Halloween challenge is nearly over. How is next weekend All Hallow's Eve?! Egadz!!

April, I love the idea of posting pre/post challenge pictures. I can totally see differences in your pictures...your progress is so great!

In regards to the "theme" for the next challenge, I thought we were doing the weekly challenge format, going along the lines of the "12 Days of Christmas" carol?

I have another idea of something new for our next challenge...a clothing goal. I'm sure most of us have a piece of clothing we're striving to fit in to (i.e. I have a dress I want to be able to confidently wear to a wedding in December...) so, we post our beginning picture of us in the piece of clothing we're working on. And maybe at the mid-way point, we post an in-progress picture, and then at the end of the challenge, us wearing the piece of clothing in all of its fitting glory. Just a thought.

AprilVal

I'm still shocked that our Halloween challenge is nearly over. How is next weekend All Hallow's Eve?! Egadz!!

April, I love the idea of posting pre/post challenge pictures. I can totally see differences in your pictures...your progress is so great!

In regards to the "theme" for the next challenge, I thought we were doing the weekly challenge format, going along the lines of the "12 Days of Christmas" carol?

I have another idea of something new for our next challenge...a clothing goal. I'm sure most of us have a piece of clothing we're striving to fit in to (i.e. I have a dress I want to be able to confidently wear to a wedding in December...) so, we post our beginning picture of us in the piece of clothing we're working on. And maybe at the mid-way point, we post an in-progress picture, and then at the end of the challenge, us wearing the piece of clothing in all of its fitting glory. Just a thought.

Thats a good idea Pinky..

I was just adding ideas.. because not too many really said much about the ideas.. So I was just throwing some more ideas out there..

summerblunden

Hi!! I'm a friend of Pink's and I always see her posts on the H2O stuff, and never clicked on it until now! Maybe next challenge I can play too? I haven't set any short term goals, and I'm getting kinda stagnant now, so I feel like I need something to help me get through the holidays intact!!

AprilVal

Hi!! I'm a friend of Pink's and I always see her posts on the H2O stuff, and never clicked on it until now! Maybe next challenge I can play too? I haven't set any short term goals, and I'm getting kinda stagnant now, so I feel like I need something to help me get through the holidays intact!!

you are MORE than welcomed to join!!: )

cstibbe

Last week! Time has sure flown by....I am two and a half lbs away from reaching the 20 pounds and not quite sure I will hit that. I am in the last 15lbs to my weight goal so these last pounds are hanging on for dear life, but hey! I will take 18! I like all the picture ideas and can't wait for the next challenge to start. Good luck to everyone in this last week let's push ourselves to the finish line!

pink_and_shiny

Hi!! I'm a friend of Pink's and I always see her posts on the H2O stuff, and never clicked on it until now! Maybe next challenge I can play too? I haven't set any short term goals, and I'm getting kinda stagnant now, so I feel like I need something to help me get through the holidays intact!!

Summer in the houuuuuuse.

fitterpam

Wow - these last few weeks sure have flown by. I LOVE the idea of a piece of goal clothing! It can be frustrating when the scale doesn't move as much as we would want it to, but with a piece of clothing everything we do will affect how it fits!!! Great idea Pinky.

I also LOVE the idea of posting our before and after pics. I'll get mine done uploaded tonight (if someone can remind me how to do it....I know, it's been posted a hundred times, but I haven't actually tried it yet...LOL )

My current weight loss is 252.9 down to 239.7 (as of today) - so 13.2lbs.....booo LOL I would like to make that an even 15 by the end of the week for my actual weigh in, I would be happy with that. Actually I would be more than happy with that!!!! That's 15 lbs less than I had when we started! I'm currently picturing 60 sticks of butter being removed from my belly, legs arms and behind!!! For 10 weeks, that's pretty darn good, I think.

RushinBruisette

Wow, one week and it's over already!? Where has the time gone?!?!?!? Anyway, April THANK YOU for coming up with this challenge! And I'm glad I was able to help you as needed. Pinky, thank you for helping out as well :O) As for the next challenge, anything y'all come up with, I'm in. I may not be quite as active in the next one as things at home are getting a little busier, but I'll post what and when I can.

Here's my last post on the old thread:
Aside from being sick since late Thursday early Friday, the weekend was great! The rehersal dinner was very nice. I spent all morning/afternoon with the bride and her girls getting ready and the ceremony, was great. We (Nick and I) honestly thought it was gonna be a redneck wedding (not that there's anything wrong with that, it just sounded that way from the Bride and Groom) and it was really nice We had a hayride after the ceremony for the wedding party which was fun. The reception had it's ups and downs..mostly ups. I took a few pics but I'm waiting for the photographer to post her pics. All and all, I had a nice time, aside from the being sick thing. We got home yesterday afternoon and I fell asleep til well past dinner. and then slept again from 8p to 9a. I can't wait til I get over this. Sore throat, stuffy nose, headaches, achiness...BLAH. Enough rambling from me. Check out my facebook album for pics from this weekend:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=562923&id=843280050&saved#!/album.php?aid=562923&id=843280050


And here's my most current H20 before and afters:

AprilVal

Lately, Ive had a feeling I cant shake and I think I figured what it was..

This morning I got a call from my husband telling me that they found his boss non responsive with blood coming out his nose and mouth. They had to call and ambulance. Hes not doing well. Suffered from a Double stroke and hes no life support.

Ive had a sense that something bad was going to happen but I didnt know what. I thought it was me being depressed because my birthday is around the corner and missing my dad. Or thinking about our baby that we lost 7 years ago.. but after all that has happened.. The feeling has subsided.. Right now I feel so helpless. my husband is extremely upset. hes known his boss since he was born. I hate seeing him like this..

i weighed myself half way thru the day.. I am up to 295 again.. Im not recording it. Just gonna do my end total on the 31st.. Hoping to lose some weight this week.. TOM is around the corner. Thinking of maybe taking some water pills for a couple days again. Maybe it will help out.

Hope everyones week is going well..

So we gotta get this next challenge figured out.. Saturday is creeping up on us.. HELP!

achbarrow

Ok here's what I've got as far as before and after pics for H20:
Before (right before we started at around 247lbs)

And here's last week:

achbarrow

Pink I definitely like the idea about a piece of clothing. I'm trying to find a nice outfit or dress for all my family Christmas parties. I haven't seen most of my extended family since last year so I want to look Goooood! I'm up for any holiday challenge we decide on though the 12 days of Christmas sounds awesome.

deanna324

I'm not a big picture taker so I don't have the before and after pics but I can tell you I've lost 16 of the 20 pounds. SW was 223 and CW is 207. Not sure if I'll lose 4 pounds this week but I've gotta try.

fitterpam

Foiled by a wide photo.....LOL

Here's the link http://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g415/pamzapat/?action=view&current=PamDevine.jpg

fitterpam

Trying it again....



For the next round, I'm going to be doing proper before and afters...just didn't think about it before this challenge

AprilVal

Well, its back to work I go everyone.. Hope you all have a good day.. Husbands boss is still hanging on.. Dunno what for. Probably because they have him on life support. Soo not looking forward to whats to come.. Not good at all!! hope everyones doing good.. I took some water pills today.. I think im retaining water.. Kind a bloated today..

pink_and_shiny

Pam, your photos definitely tell a great success story!

Well, its back to work I go everyone.. Hope you all have a good day.. Husbands boss is still hanging on.. Dunno what for. Probably because they have him on life support. Soo not looking forward to whats to come.. Not good at all!! hope everyones doing good.. I took some water pills today.. I think im retaining water.. Kind a bloated today..

*hug* Because I know you need it right now. *hug*

pink_and_shiny

So tomorrow (well, today technically) is my weigh-in day. And while I'm not so sure that the scale's going to tell me what I want to see (179.8 since my scale goes in .2 incraments), I'm happy regardless. Here's why...

A) I bought size 12 jeans yesterday. I decided to do an experiment while at Target and bopped on into the junior's department and grabbed a size 13 and 15. I was devastated when I couldn't close the 15s. Then I had to remind myself that the junior's department clothing is designed for youngins who don't have curves. So, off to the women's department, and holy success, 12is my size! My butt looked better in 10 (LOL!!) but was def. snug in the waist.

Tonight I went to Mickey's Halloween Party @ Disneyland and I went as Miss Piggy. I'd originally worn this costume in 2005, and the dress then fit me just fine. Hit my curves and was tight in the right places. It is a size 12. Tonight I had to take a ribbon to cinch in the waist so it didn't look boxy on me, and was flowier than last time!

C) I know my fingers are getting thinner because I can put my wedding rings on my middle left finger. A feat previously unaccomplished.


I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, I just wanted to get my happy written down so when I weigh-in tomorrow I can look back at this post and remember all of the happy I've got going on.

Oh and a fun part about the Halloween party was not only the fact that I brought home over 6 pounds of candy, but that we were pretty much constantly walking from 6p to 12a with an hour break for food and then hot chocolate. Wonderful, fun event that couldn't have been on a more gorgeous Fall night.

jsecret

Whoo hoo! Stepped on the scale this morning.....

SW: 206
H20 GW: 186
Current weight: 185.8 - 20.2 lbs down!

I did it! I made the goal for H20! Now onto my goal of a minimum of 10 lbs by Christmas! Maybe I should make it 12 for the whole "12 days of Christmas" kind of theme?

((Will post before and current in the next few days))

SugarDiva

I aplogize for not being around so much. I've been so busy and now I'm back at sea again. Sad to say, but my scales have still not moved. I've lost inches but no weight. Everyone's done so well and looks so good. I'm proud of each and every one you. cheers to you my friends!:drinker:

pink_and_shiny

And to show contrast in how that green 'Wicked' shirt fits now...



Even though I'm bladed in the first picture, you can definitely tell it fits more loose in the belly and isn't as taught around the hips.

fitterpam

A 20lb loss!!! YAY! That's fantastic

Love the Wicked shirt - it definitely fits better. Miss Piggy, eh? I need that costume. LOL I'm not one for dressing up mostly because I really really want to make a costume but have neither the time nor the skill....LOL

RushinBruisette

jsecret congrats on the 20lb loss!!! Whoooooot whooooot!! LOL!!

And Pinky, I loved your 'happy' post... not bragging at all, just very excited! And you look great in your pics!!! WTG!!


Keep it up everyone!! Whether you've made you H20 goal or not, why not push for a little more before the end of the week In the beginning, I said I was shooting for 10, maybe 15lbs instead of the 20, well, I'm just over 7, and being that I was sick this weekend and Mon-today so far, not sure I'll have a change on the scale. But that's ok, because I'm 7lbs lighter from when I started and that counts for something!

AprilVal

Everyone is doing soo well.. WAY TO GO H20!!!

Bru.. you are right.. No matter how much weight its been weve done soo well.. Thanks for reminding us..

FOUR more days everyone!!! THREE more until the next challenge.. Keep up the hard work.. My week didnt start out the greatest. My nerves were soo horrible yesterday with all that was going on with walts boss.. He passed away at 130 yesterday. His boss dying is what was up with me. I had this feeling that I couldnt seem to shake, but I finally did once I fould out he was in the hospital.. Then yesterday I knew he was going to die and I had a feel he had died.. Because my nerves were horrible up until a couple hours into my shift. Im not feeling as bad.. just sad that he passed away.. he was a GREAT man.. always helped my husband out if we needed help. Kinda stressed about what may happen with walts job..

AprilVal

IDEA STRUCK:
For Christmas challenge.. how about the number of pounds we lose, we donate that many items to the local food bank??

So our pounds lost benefits the needy?

pink_and_shiny

Congrats on the 20 pound loss,

Love the Wicked shirt - it definitely fits better. Miss Piggy, eh? I need that costume. LOL I'm not one for dressing up mostly because I really really want to make a costume but have neither the time nor the skill....LOL

Pam, thanks! I love 'Wicked'. Saw it three times while it was in town. :laugh: Megan Hilty and Eden Espinosa all the way! Here's a pic of my Miss Piggy costume...

My mom was my Kermie...

it is pretty easy! Wig from Target, dress from Ross (discount clothing store), accessories from Claire's, bolero borrowed from MIL, made the ears out of foam, and got the nose prosthetic from Cinema Secrets. And for her all we did was add light green felt to a long sleeve green shirt, and then eyeballs out of styrofoam balls & glued 'em to a green beanie. Tadaaaa!


Bru, I love your glass-half-full attitude.

April, I hope your husband's job doesn't end up in jeopardy. Is there any chance he could end up being the boss? I hope the pain of this situation eases swiftly.

I also like your idea for the food bank/donations!

Oh yeah, and my Week 9 weigh-in is 181.8. I maintained this week. I've got four days to try and get as close to the 170s as possible. *positive thinking, positive thinking!*

AprilVal

Made the 12 pounds of christmas graphic tonight..



Add to your signature if youd like.. If anyone else would like to make any.. feel free to.. Trying to get it ready because I wont be available too much on Saturday..

AprilVal

TEAM H20.. WE HAVE SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.. in EIGHT weeks we have lost a total of 450 pounds..

We currently have 63 active members.. Which equals to over 7 pounds as an average.. which i know some have lost more and some have lost less.. WAY to go.. EVEN if you didnt hit the 20 pound mark we DO have something to be proud of..

I have the H20 12 Pounds of Christmas challenge up.. although it doesnt start until Saturday..

fitterpam

Boooo - but that's what I get. Stepped on the scale this morning and my official weigh in for this site is 240.1, Which puts me at ~12lbs lost for the challenge. Grrrrrrr.....silly burger & fries. I decided to treat myself yesterday and tried to make sure I had enough water with it. It fell into my calories and I was out anyways......goes to show me.