Kicking *kitten* In Our Twenties - December Challenge!!

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  • GuamGrly
    GuamGrly Posts: 600 Member
    Skip - Thanks!! And I will sooooo meet you at Dairy Queen! Blizzards are one of my absolute favorite ice creams. I can't wait to be done with school also. I think I should be done in either March or May. But we don't have semesters or trimesters, we just keep going until we're done. Hope you have fun taking the pictures!!

    Meag - how fun!! I don't think that I have ever put together a gingerbread house. Although maybe I should make it a tradition for my daughter...especially if its just her and I for Christmas next year. How often do you take your measurements?

    Gonk - glad to hear that you are feeling better and things are getting back to normal!

    AFM...even though this is the week of my birthday, I think I am on track better this week than I was last week. Got up and made my pumpkin oatmeal for the first time in weeks. My gym clothes are packed and in my car so that I can go as soon as I pick up my daughter from daycare. I am still in panic/shock mode but my friends and family have been so motivating that I know that everything will work out. I just need to stay on top of things so that everything will work out.

    Happy Tuesday ladies and gent!! Hope you make it a great one!! :bigsmile:
  • Skip - Treadmills, etc that calculate how many calories you lose when you don't put your weight in is based on an "average" 145 lb person. It also doesn't discriminate between men and women so you can see how accurate things are there.

    I tend to err on the side of caution anyhow and just go with the lower number. It stops me from accidentally binging.

    Lola - I'm sorry that you've been feeling so horrible about your eating habits and your brief stray off of the veggie / vegan path. But kudos to you for sharing with us and asking us to help you and keep you accountable! One of the hardest things to do is let other people know that you've been bad. We're definitely here for you :)

    Have you told anyone of your friends or family at home about your struggles and asked them to support you get back on track? While we can provide all the verbal support in the world, having some one at home or work that can keep you accountable in person makes a huge difference in changing behavior.

    Cap'n - Shovelling snow is a surprisingly good work out! I was impressed when I had to shovel for the first time in eons a few weeks ago and then even more pleased when I put it in to mfp.
  • lostalykat
    lostalykat Posts: 683 Member
    Good Morning Peeps!

    I started off the day fairly bad so I am hoping I can change it around to be a good day!

    Meag- That means you are hardcore, which is good haha. You make me wish I was so strong sometimes! The gingerbread sounds awesome! I wish I had more time to do fun stuff like that.

    I am trying desperately to get out of a funk I had today. I am not sure if I just slept too much, or the weather or what but I started off the day crying in my oatmeal. Tonight is swim training, I think we are skipping the free gym dinner tonight because I know I will go overboard. Come on Positive Vibes! I really need a pick me up today.
  • finncmh
    finncmh Posts: 290
    Gonk- hope you are feeling better!

    Skip- weekends are tough- especially around the holidays! Being done with the semester is AWESOME!!! Good for you and enjoy that break

    Meag- I cant wait until I am running that much! You are a machine- you deserve to be selfish just like the rest of us! I’m with you on the addiction to MFP especially this group. May not be able to post a lot lately but read the posts every day. So glad you are taking measurements. It has been my measurements that keep me going. I was only going to do them once a month but my trend has been to do them every 20 days or so when I find myself getting frustrated with the scale

    Mike- glad you enjoyed your friends birthday and good for you for getting some Christmas shopping done. I have not even started!!! Usually I am done by this time but I have just been dragging my feet this year.

    TJ- don’t stress the one day. Its about the marathon not the race. You are doing an amazing job and an inspiration to us all!

    Roo- I heart you! So glad to see you back to our group- I’ve miss you!!!! Like everyone says deep breaths and don’t let anyone sidetrack you.

    Melissa- just started running this month after years of not being able to do to injury. I HATE running in the cold- so I have been treadmilling it up also. HRM sounds like a great idea… fiancé has been bugging me about what I want for Christmas maybe I will use that. I used to have the bodybugg (still do) I just don’t like that after the first year I have to pay to use their site (not really the greatest site to begin with) so in the market for another one… but right there with you on the finances part

    Jill- way to find the balance in your run even though you were frustrated. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that shirt. 12 races this year that is SICK! Totally *kitten* kicked this year

    Rai- thanks feels good! Keep it up girl- love that you are right on track!!!

    Aly- I love how you said you are learning to live! Chin up and one foot in front of the other today!!!

    Guam- thanks for having my back! So glad you enjoyed your birthday weekend you deserve it! Sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. I give you a lot of credit for keeping the mentality that you have right now. Just take it one day and one moment at a time. I know how overwhelming it all seems, but you will get through it and figure out how to make it work best for you and your kids!

    Lola- I wish I had really good words for you. It sounds like a lot of it is really reframing how you think about your goals and yourself. I found that once I set smaller more realistic goals for myself it was so much easier. Case in point last month my goal was to get up in the morning and go for a walk or run. I HATE getting up early. So I would just hit the snooze button and then beat myself up all day about it. Finally I just decided suck it up and go to the gym at night. One simple change that could was so obvious took me forever to figure out. Now I am LOVIN it again and cant wait to get outside in nice weather for it!

    Emmarie- good for you for not gaining during finals week. I remember the insanity of those weeks and all of the awful food I would consume on the run. Just hop back on the wagon now that its over and give yourself a chance to rest and recooperate

    QOTD- can wine be my cheat food. A few months ago I would have TOTALLY said French fries- they have always been my downfall but I am finding that I really have no interest in them anymore. BUT wine!!! I will take that any day. However, I have really cut it out because I need to eat my calories not drink them. At most I have 1 or 2 glasses once a week right now.

    AFM- Food has been ehhh recently. Some not so great days. Really need to work on the sodium again. Was going really well with it but past few days have been high. Darn you warm yummy soups and cheese for protein. Oh well. Regardless I have been doing really well with the working out! Today is day one of lifting for me this week so I am really looking forward to that. Yesterday I did my running/walking program week 2- a revision of the C25K. Felt good because for the last two run portions I upped the speed on the treadmill to see how it would feel. It actually felt better than the slower speed I was running at!!!! Haha. Thursday I run again and I am going to increase the amount of time I am running for rather than the speed. I will be a runner again!!! I am determined. That’s all for now. Just trying to stay warm!
  • inskydiamonds
    inskydiamonds Posts: 2,519 Member
    Hey everyone! So my weigh-in today showed a 1.8 pound loss since last week, bringing me down to 184.6 and a total weight loss of 33.4 pounds. For some reason it's kind of shocking me today that I was able to pull this off. I'm one pound away from meeting my half way mark. Honestly, I can't even imagine what I'm going to look like when I'm down to my goal weight (150). I've never been a healthy weight, so I have a hard time even imagining myself looking slimmer than I am now. But, I'm still overweight and definitely have it in me to do this. I've gotten this far!

    This last week has actually sucked if I leave out the fact that I did have a great loss week. But it's been my finals. I'm in my first year of law school and the stress is beyond anything I've ever experienced before. I only have one test left, thankfully. As of Thursday night at 9PM I am so done with this But my stress has been doing crazy things to my body. I thought I had a kidney infection for a few days because I had such an intense pain in my lower back, right where my kidneys are. I went to the urgent care and it turned out to not be an infection, after the urinalysis. The doctor said it was just a muscle strain, gave me some medicine for the migraines I've been having, and sent me home. The next day I woke up with two big bruises right in the area that had hurt. I'm still not sure what caused the bruises, but that same day (the day of my 2nd exam) my upper back and neck started hurting like my lower back had been. Yesterday my back and neck were so stiff that it hurt to move. When I'd bend in any direction I sounded like the rice krispies "snap, crackle, pop". I'm not feeling as stiff today, but my neck and shoulders are really tender. I can't wait until the stress can go away and I can have a Christmas break.

    @emmamarie - It's definitely good you didn't gain any weight even if you didn't lose any! Have you taken measurements to see if you're actually making more progress than you thought in those 2 weeks?
    @meag - I'm also excited to see how your measurements turn out! I'm going to measure again in a few days (on the 18th). While I love seeing the scale go down, measuring kind of makes it even more realistic.
    @lostalykat - I hope your day turns around! I hate those days when everything feels bad.
  • GuamGrly
    GuamGrly Posts: 600 Member
    Cait - I am determined to be a runner period!! We can do this!! I need to find a 5K that I want to participate in so that I have a deadline that I need to be ready by!
  • Hey girls! :) How is everyone doing today? I love hearing from you guys ^^ err, girls :P
    Lol!
    Cheers! I'm gonna play some Sims 3 now ^^
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    Thanks everyone! I think I'm part of the minority on MFP who enjoys NSVs more so than scale victories. I love challenging myself with pace and distance, being able to increase reps/weight with strength training and seeing my muscle definition coming through:love:

    After my workout this morning, I was in the shower thinking "Don't forget to take a picture of the shirt" and I failed. Sorry. Brain doesn't function so well when I wake up at 4:45 to workout!

    General statement/mini rant from me:
    As much as losing weight is about calories vs. calories out, it's also about getting the most bang for your buck. At the end of the day, health isn't just about the number on the scale, it's about the healthy or sh*tty food you put into your body. If you're struggling and feeling sluggish (aside from the normal winter blahs) I encourage you to take a look at what you've been eating. I certainly don't eat like a saint, but I try and keep my sodium down, my treats to a minimum and eat a well balanced diet. It is difficult this time of year, but you always have the option of maintenance to make sure you can enjoy/treat yourself and get in your healthy foods.

    I should say that my statement isn't pointed at anyone, just a general observation based on what I've been seeing all over MFP.
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    Cait/Guam - You ladies can become runners! C25K is brilliant (in my opinion) and allowed me to rebound from a multitude of injuries over the last 7-8 years that never allowed me to run. If you stick to it, you will be met with great success!

    Melissa, well done with getting your run in! I have a Polar FT60 and LOVE IT. But lately I've seen that it's accuracy (mine has a footpod and not the GPS) is off by about 8-10%. Best HRM ever. I am looking at a Garmin for next February (tax refund time!) but am in the preliminary stages of doing so. I'd hold off on the Sportline based upon what I've seen on the boards and just get a better HRM for more money. Look out for sales, tonnes going on right now!

    Aly, I hope your week turns around! Sorry things seem to not be going well for you lately. Sounds like you need a nice, sunny vacation!

    Guam - I'm sorry to hear about your bombshell news. It'll all work out in the end and you do have a year to figure out what's going on correct? Sending major vibes and hugs your way. Try to work your anger off through fitness and not food...sometimes it's hard to do though!

    Meag, boo HRM. Hope they allow you to exchange it - maybe get a cheaper HRM with a chest strap now? And a Garmin later? As far as I understand, Garmins aren't good for calculating calories burned and don't work well with treadmill running?! Their models confuse the hell out of me though so what do I know:huh: Yay for new workout clothes! Good luck finding new sneakers! I was going to recommend National Running Center (once you find a pair you like) but they don't ship outside the US. Poo.

    Lola, you need to eat more and worry less about what the scale says. Not easy to do, but that's my advice for you. From someone who has had major eating disorder issues in the past, you seem like you're going down that path. Put the scale away, eat well and see where it gets you.

    Skip, glad things are calming down for you! Yay for being able to work out intensely again!

    Gonks, glad to hear that you're feeling better! Well done with the tempo run!

    QOTD: Sweets. Been killing myself with cookies and other sweets lately. Bought the best homemade pie last week - funds went to the volunteer fire department in my town, so how could I say no?!? I've been trying to freeze/share treats that I make but a. I don't like sharing and b. I live alone (most of the time) Give me anything sugary with a cup of tea/coffee and I'm set for life.
  • finncmh
    finncmh Posts: 290
    General statement/mini rant from me:
    As much as losing weight is about calories vs. calories out, it's also about getting the most bang for your buck. At the end of the day, health isn't just about the number on the scale, it's about the healthy or sh*tty food you put into your body. If you're struggling and feeling sluggish (aside from the normal winter blahs) I encourage you to take a look at what you've been eating. I certainly don't eat like a saint, but I try and keep my sodium down, my treats to a minimum and eat a well balanced diet. It is difficult this time of year, but you always have the option of maintenance to make sure you can enjoy/treat yourself and get in your healthy foods.

    I should say that my statement isn't pointed at anyone, just a general observation based on what I've been seeing all over MFP.

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! That you said this. It is so hard sometimes to keep this in mind when you do have a decent amount of weight to lose. HOWEVER, this is the attitude I have been trying very hard to keep in my head and I think that is why I have been so successful. Its about being healthier all around not just for a number on the scale. Taking measurements for me really made that point since on the scale I have hovering back and forth the past few weeks in this 2lb range. In reality I have gotten a WHOLE lot healthier. Gone down a size in clothes and just overall feel really good. Thanks for reminding me what is important!
  • lostalykat
    lostalykat Posts: 683 Member
    I completely agree with Finn, What a great post. I somehow feel that this was slightly directed to me and I have been trying really hard and I do have good food choices in my meals. It does make me think about what I truly want and what really makes me happy. I have been reflecting on this year and seeing that my weight was lower last year at this time then it is now. But this past year I did a triathlon and many runs including my first half marathon. This has been a tough year honestly but I think I can really get the hang of it this next year. Lets at least hope!
  • hippiechel
    hippiechel Posts: 170 Member
    Thanks everyone for your kind words! Yeah.. my new goal for December is to log in MFP every day as well as my food diary! Also a big problem for me is my sugar addiction, so I am trying to relieve this addiction by eating less processed/refined sugar, and to go for fruits and stuff when I am really craving chocolate.

    Do you guys allow a cheat meal/cheat meals, and if so, has that improved or negatively affected your weight loss?

    SkipToMyLou32 - Unless you keyed in your weight on your treadmill, the treadmill usually shows a higher calorie burn than in reality. But good job all the same!

    To all you marathon runners etc out there, I have so much respect for you guys!

    Question for everyone: Where do you get your exercise? Especially in the winter? Do you brave the cold and go to the gym? Brave the cold and run outside? Ok I'm definitely a huge *****.. I live in LA and I am freezing in the morning. And at night. It totally deters me from leaving my apartment. Ooooohhh I need to grow a backbone.
  • Meag--I can't wait to hear your measurements update either! Sounds like you're going to have a big loss there! Awesome about your new workout clothes--sometimes I feel like new workout clothes can give you a nice surge of motivation. We should totally have a calorie burn competition, although if you keep doing those 10 milers you'll leave me in the dust! :) Good fun anyway!

    Guam--If you haven't tried it yet, the blizzard of the month for December is AMAZING. I am definitely going to have to get a good calorie burn in to make room for one soon! I love that they have that new teeny size. It's perfect for a small treat. Glad your week is off to a good start!

    Seripha--Thanks and good to know that info. I always enter in the calories that the elliptical tells me I burn too, so I will start using what MFP says.

    Aly--I hope you were able to get out of your funk. Whenever you are feeling blah, just remember what a bada$$ you are for training for/completing a triathlon AND half marathon! Seriously, how many people can say they've done that???

    Finn--Good for you on your workouts. Sounds like your running is going great!

    Insky--Yay for almost to half way! Good luck finishing up your finals. Hopefully your body will feel better when the stress goes away.

    Lola--I hear ya on the sugar addiction. A couple of us on this thread and maybe more from other threads (I don't know because I barged in on their challenge!) are doing a sugar challenge--trying to stay below our sugar count on MFP not counting fruits and good stuff like that.

    AFM--I am so DONE with school for the semester!!! I am so excited I can't even stand it! I was tempted to come home and have a celebratory glass of wine, but I didn't because I have to look hot in those family pictures. :) So, this semester I have been doing cardio 3 days/week and weights 3 days/week, so working out 6 days total with 1 day of rest. But honestly those days were pretty easy unless I went on a long run because I was only doing either cardio or weights in a given day, not both. Now that I have a month long break I want to do cardio and weights together 3 days a week, and add 3 more days of just cardio. So, still 6 days a week, but with a lot more cardio. I would like to start adding some cardio classes in the mix so I will check the gym schedule.

    I haven't been running outside in a couple weeks because I hate the cold. I've been doing the elliptical instead. Today I decided I needed to run so I did 3 miles on the treadmill which is painful compared to running outside, but there's snow and ice on the ground right now and it was about 15 degrees or something like that. Kudos to you ladies who brave the low temps!! Hopefully it will get above 30 soon so I can go run outside!
  • inskydiamonds
    inskydiamonds Posts: 2,519 Member
    Lola, I have a cheat meal once a week typically. It's always as a reward for if both me and my boyfriend lost weight from the week prior. Tonight we're going out to get Mexican.

    I don't know if it helps or hinders me, but I have yet to hit a plateau and never feel like I can't eat what I want to eat. It alo makes me more aware about how to eat when I go to a restaurant when I put the calories in at the end of the meal (I still track calories, ALWAYS).
  • meggonkgonk
    meggonkgonk Posts: 2,066 Member
    Do you guys allow a cheat meal/cheat meals, and if so, has that improved or negatively affected your weight loss?

    Where do you get your exercise? Especially in the winter?

    Lola- I wouldn't say I have a "cheat" meal really- Before starting MFP I put a concerted effort to "relearn" my food basics(my go to breakfasts, lunches and snacks), so sticking to my calories isn't a matter of intense effort for me. I just plan when I want junky foods and rearrange my mental plans accordingly. Because my defaults are lots of veggies and healthy foods, I just plain don't feel bad indulging, and I almost always keep it in moderation (ie within my calories +/- 100 cals) . I do eat the most on Saturdays (usually right after my weigh in) but if the boy and I want to do a big meal- often on Sat/Sun we will do a large, late lunch (combining lunch and dinner essentially). And I try to schedule workouts for when i know i will want to indulge (ie for thanksgiving)

    As for exercise- I am trying to brave the cold for my running (cuz peer pressure of my fellow runners is strong) but I think workouts (like diets) need - to a certain extent- to be tailored to you. If you get cold, than maybe a workout that's contained in your home is better for you- I like dance videos when I can't get my run in.
  • wardiemelissa
    wardiemelissa Posts: 365 Member
    Cait - I am determined to be a runner period!! We can do this!! I need to find a 5K that I want to participate in so that I have a deadline that I need to be ready by!

    Honestly....that is what I did! Find one around the beginning of April or May!! Just a word of warning...you WILL become ADDICTED! :love: So be prepared!!! I am CONSTANTLY checking out and finding different races to sign up for!
  • wardiemelissa
    wardiemelissa Posts: 365 Member
    Wow...I am loving all the deep and reality checking posts today! They really make you stop and reflect on how and why we are all on this same road to being healthy! I, just like everyone else have hit potholes and other roadblocks on my journey BUT I have not turned around nor will I ever return to the life that I lived before! Not only have I positively affected and changed my life but my family's as well. If I didn't become a healthy woman I wouldn't be able to fit into my wedding dress from 7 years ago. I wouldn't have finished 6 5K's this year. I wouldn't have encouraged my 5 year old daughter to run in 3 kid's races this year...and I wouldn't have run my first 10K next to my Aunt who held my hand and cried as we crossed the finish line because she was so proud of what I have done!!! Not only have I become strong physically but emotionally as well. MFP has given me my life back...and I LOVE MY LIFE!!!! From the bottom of my heart (and I know I have said this MANY times) THANK YOU to all of you for your words of motivation and support!!! I love you all!!!!:heart:

    OK...now that I am done pouring my heart out....rest day today...lost 0.5 pounds this last week. Supposed to be maintaining but I haven't adjusted my goals to reflect that. a little worried that I'm going to gain during with the increase of calories but I figure if I increase slowly (Gonks I think you suggested that a while back) then I should be ok!

    I was also a little put off by one of my previous student's parents today...we had a school fundraiser at McDonald's (of all places!!!). First time I have had McD's in 4EVER!!!! Only had a cheeseburger and small fry...anyways, she came up to me and basically said how much weight do I plan on losing and if I lost anymore I would disappear. She even mentioned (joking-according to her) about me being anorexic! Needless to say I was PEEVED!!!! :explode: I hate having to validate and justify my health choices!!! Nobody cared or said anything when I was overweight???????
  • Night everyone! Tty tomorrow! :D
    Going to try & get 3-4 (20 min) walks in ^^ (tomorrow that is :P)
  • Finn - My kick @*kitten* fitness machine! You missed me? You are so sweet! :-) Great job on the workout today, you were on FIRE.

    Lola - My husband and I recently discussed this. Confession: Before MFP we ate out A LOT. I mean, it was delicious, but not so healthy. However, recently we have decided to eat out every 2 weeks or so. We will continue to try at eat in moderation & of course, LOG IT. Not sure if this is going to work, but that's the plan atm. As far as exercise during the winter: I bundle up and get my booty to a gym.

    Skip - Congrats on finishing the semester! P-A-R-T-Y! lol I also have become an elliptical BEAST this winter.

    Meag - I bet your new measurements will knock our socks off! The WIN from our friendly competition is probably yours! ;-)

    Guam & Skip - O-M-G I love Reese's blizzards. YUMMMM. Can we all meet up at DQ? lol

    Insky - I have a friend that just finished law school. She said the 1st year is the hardest by far! I hope that turns out to be true for you! Great job and good luck with that last exam!

    AFM: I started some circuit training today which totally made my legs & arms feel all jello-like . Adding that to the elliptical which I have grown to love, but feel like I'm plateauing...I've stayed relatively the same weight for awhile. Hoping this new routine will get me out of my rut...if the scale says 130 again (GRR) I will pout and then go the gym like I always do.

    I love my hubby, but I'm honestly a bit jealous. The lbs have been melting off him. 15lbs in 3 weeks. WHAT?!?:explode: I meant, I'm happy for you sweetie....:heart: *Side note - He's turning into a runner. I live with one of you crazies. ;-)
  • meagalayne
    meagalayne Posts: 3,382 Member
    quick comment before bed...
    Now that I have a month long break I want to do cardio and weights together 3 days a week, and add 3 more days of just cardio. So, still 6 days a week, but with a lot more cardio. I would like to start adding some cardio classes in the mix so I will check the gym schedule.
    This is exactly what I do. Cardio x 6 (running or other) and weights x 3! Works great! Good luck, Skip!

    That's all I have time for right now. The dog's barking and I have to hit the sack. Bought a new slow cooker (1.5L) for oatmeal and cooking beans. Super super cheap (10 bucks!) so we're having steel cut oats again in the morning as a test run! New watch is getting tested tomorrow as well. Oh and apparently I'm a size 4 (!!!?!?!?!) now, according to my horribly unsuccessful but very rewarding shopping trip! Craziness!

    Love to all! :heart: Catch up tomorrow.
    Meag

    ps. Roo - SO glad to have you back. I'm calling that a WIN in your column :bigsmile:
  • tjradd73
    tjradd73 Posts: 3,495 Member
    Lou-I agree...go with which ever one has the most of the 3 important things...age, weight, and HR. if the treadmill doesn't have weight or HR then i would stick with mfp if it has a HR sensor and your enter your weight I would go with that!! and Congrats on finishing your semester :)

    Cait-thanks girly!! I know it is about the marathon and not the race but if I have been going at a steady pace then i feel i should have a steady loss!! i shall see tomorrow afternoon when I get up though! and thanks for your encouragement!!

    diamonds-wtg on your loss this week and on your total loss! I am sure you have reached the point where people have started saying how great youlook...30lbs seems to be the magic number!!

    Roo-way to change up your workouts! that along with "altering" your calorie intake onn occassion are the 2 best ways to break a plateau!!

    Lola-a lot of dieters think that a cheat day is the way to go...i think that a cheat meal is more appropriate; however, be sure to keep it under control!! if you eat a 3000 calorie meal it will show you know love when the weigh-in comes around!! induldge in your faves on occassion but still try to stay within moderation and you will probably see your best results!! i personally try not to go over on my calories but once every other week if i can help it!

    AFM-i am currently at work...did great with eating today, got in 3/3 on my push-ups and crunches for week 2, and added in a couple of extra cardios!! so i am pretty pleased with all of that!! it was my one day of pizza, cake, and icecream that scares me for my WI tomorrow when i get up...I feel like i have more than made up for it though, so we shall see!! if i am not happy about it then i can safely say that i have learned my lesson!! i have been dieting way too long to have a gain week, and need to be done with this now!! wish me luck...and sorry for the stress...I am sure all will be fine :)
  • Hi! I'm Rebekah! I would like to join for next month but I will piggy back on December a little! What is the goal list that you're supposed to post? My goal this month since I am just starting out and there are only 2 weeks left is to lose 5 pounds.
  • meagalayne
    meagalayne Posts: 3,382 Member
    Rebekah - This is probably the most recent iteration of the list. I've added you to the bottom!

    km323 - Reach 185lbs, run 4x per week, get to sleep before 2am each night, avoid french fries and log every day
    kvr414- Lose another 10 lbs. drink 10 cups of water a day, do a 3x to 5x a day routine of situps, pushups, lunges til fatigue.
    roobean33 - Reach 128lbs, drink more H20 daily, try new healthy recipes, avoid most of the holiday treats
    inskydiamonds - Continue my biweekly meal challenges, because they force me to reach outside the box for things to eat for dinner. (December 1-5: Suggestions from MFP friends / December 6-19: Low-Cal Desserts / December 20-31: Meals Under $10). Lose 4 pounds, bringing me to 183.
    Keysr-Cook for myself and become more active outside with fun winter sports
    krishatherley - drop another 3-4 lbs
    wardiemelissa-maintain current weight of 125 lbs.; continue exercise regimine of running 2-3 times a week (with one long run between 7-8 miles), strength training (30 day Shred), and stretching (yoga); plan healthy dinners for the week; and begin to tone those trouble zones (No More Trouble Zones)
    SkierElle: Reach 175 lbs, still limit sweets but allow myself a few if they fit w/in calories, when I'm home for Xmas try to involve family in fun exercise!
    meagalayne - Reach 130lb by 12/11/10 and maintain to 01/01/11, complete 20 consecutive push-ups, complete 5 full weeks of Cutting Body Fat (3x/week) weight lifting and extend longest run distance to 9 miles - NO EXCUSES!
    rai8759 - Go from 167.4 to 162 by 1/3/11 (1.08 lbs/week); Carry a water bottle around with me and drink 8-10 cups of water per day; Be true to my food diary even if i miss a day get right back into it the next day!!
    Tai_88 – continue my no candy streak (limit of one piece of candy per week); stop drinking soda for the month; at least 3 workouts per week; get my 2 mile time under 18:30; logging everyday – especially when I don’t want to.
    Hazeldiva1913---drink at least 12 cups of water a day, loose 10 lbs by christmas. Im at 299 need to be at 289 on xmas day...start incorporating more strength training...no eating out more than once a week!!!
    chawntamarie - Reach 140lbs by Christmas (4 lb. loss), Workout 5 times/week and cook my own meals 2-3 times per week.
    finncmh- lose 5lbs bringing me to 193 by New Years eve, strength training 2x's a week, develop a solid running/walking routine, try one new healthy meal a week!
    Mevan17- lose 3 lbs to get to 141 lb, run 4 days/week, no cookies
    Stuartme123 - DecSW = 161. 30 min of cardio 3x a week, Keep unhealthy snacking to under 200 calories/day, Add veggies that wouldn't normally be there to at least one meal a day, Try one new healthy recipe a week, Lose 1lb a week for a total of 4lbs.
    CaptainJim157 - Dec SW = 172.2 lbs, lose 10 lbs by the end of December (2 lbs a week), control my anxiety a bit better (Can that be one of my goals?)
    Tickyfoxster710- Dec SW=294lbs, goal lose 9lbs by the end of December, finish my 10k running plan, try to get up to 8 miles before the end of the year, start my second round of 6 week triple challenge (finish the first week of January) ( goal 100 push ups, 200 situps, 200 squats consecutive)
    Jourdan_Rystrom - DecSW=136. I want to reach 133 by the end of December and have even more muscle tone! Log on to MFP EVERY DAY and always stay under my calories! I want to drop my BF% to 22%! I also want to include more greens in my diet!
    meggonkgonk: Reach 150 lbs, complete 1 unabridged week of training, Week 4 of pushup challenge and 1 unassisted pullup
    GuamGrly (Bethany) - lose 5 pounds before 2011. Work out twice a week. Continue with my C25K training.
    Losstalykat:* Do one nice relaxing thing for myself once a week. (massage, bath with wine and book, new workout class....)* Focus on Triathlon Training, workout as close to the training schedule as possible. * Only eat 2 sweets a week(it is the holidays after all)*Measure at the beginning and end of the month.
    spellbinder25: (1) Start with week 3 of C25K. From week 4 onwards, do each week twice. (2) Cook twice a week, (3) Have a serving of fruit everyday, (4) Do squats and crunches thrice a week, (5) Lose 5.5 lbs to reach 145lbs.
    seripha - Dec SW = 156.5, goal to lose another 5 lbs by the end of December, continue to exercise 4 - 5 times a week, and avoid binging on the weekend!
    miss_amy: current weight loss: 26.4lbs- goal: at least 32lb total loss (5.6lbs)- ultimate goal: 35lb total loss (8.6). NSG: eat less carbs! -update (12/11): 29.2lbs lost, 2.8lbs until goal (5.8lbs until ultimate december goal!)
    TaraMaria - Ab workout 3x's weekly, 4500 calories burned weekly, 97.5 miles walked/ran by Christmas, build up to running/walking 5 miles and finally no refined sugars for the month of December
    SKINNYACK- Get under 160- ideally 157 by Dec 31st. I'm currently stuck at 161. Be able to hold side arm planks for 90 seconds each arm without shaking. Run my first official 5K. Finish Month 1 of P90X
    Fiore89 -- Go to the gym daily, eat less carbs and more protein, log in MFP daily, pack a healthy lunch to work and stay under my calorie intake!!! :-)
    Allislefttogain: Maintain in 118-123 range; minimum base running of 8-10 miles a week; long run of 13.1; weigh-ins on 10th/ 20th/30th of December; try a new workout (or 2 or 3); 64 oz of water daily (no counting tea water!) and experiment in the kitchen
    Tjradd73-to lose 8lbs and 2", continue on with the push-up challenge, and do 3 days a week of abs!
    cruan- Stay on the Herbalife plan, get my protein intake that I need, lose at least 5 lbs, and exercise, exercise, exercise!
    emmarie1630- lose 4lbs, eat out less, stay active over the holidays, drink more water
    30poundsto30- lose 10 pounds, exercise 3x a week, walk my dog everyday and drink at least 64 ounces of water daily
    SkiptomyLou32: 123 by end of December, run 3x week, weights 3x week, continue to cut sweets
    Nisharae- be below 207 pounds by January first...Running 5 minutes straight on the treadmill @ atleast 5.2 speed. HERE WE GO!
    js775219-lose 6-10lbs, 3 straight weeks of bootcamp, log ALL calories EVERYDAY!
    allie7383- lose at least 3 lbs, work out at least 5 times a week, and drink over 8 glasses of water per day.
    megteg-lose 5lbs, log in everyday and stay at or under 1500 calories.
    Ngoat - Eat less processed foods, excercise an average of 3 hours a week and lose 3lbs.
    ckehoe89: Lose 5lbs, maintain exercise routine of at least 5 times a week. Work on getting more fruits and veggies into my diet instead of the carbs I love so much!
    Shaunie0613- 175lb by Dec 31st
    burningstar28- Lose 5lbs by Dec 31st

    Welcome :happy:
  • meagalayne
    meagalayne Posts: 3,382 Member
    Now for a normal, theis-lengthed post, per usual :laugh:

    Tara - Great to hear you had a good night at work, food-wise. Great job on the push-up challenge too! Glad to see you're sticking with it! I'm doing W4D2 today... Wish me luck! Good luck to you on your WI today - Can't wait to hear about it when you get up!

    Thanks to everyone who messaged me re: my measurements. I think I am going to wait until the end of the month to really see my hard work pay off. I don't want to rush it. Patience is a virtue as they say and I think I'll be pretty happy with my results if I wait the full month. Initial measurements were taken Nov 23rd, so in that time I think I'll see a drop of at least a few inches. Especially since I've already seen my pant size go down from a 6-8 to a 4-6...

    Melissa - I have been frantically searching online for watches lately and found a million really good ones, with chest straps, on sale. Search amazon or google the brand or just "digital transmission heart rate monitor" and you'll find a million on sale! I'm not sure if it's holiday sales or what, but they are significantly reduced. Then again, they may be even more reduced after Xmas :huh: Just thought I'd let you know!

    Cheat meals... I'm torn on this one. I definitely allow myself to have days when I go over my calorie allotment. That's inevitable, IMO, over the course of your lifetime. You can't be under every day forever. It's just unrealistic. With that said, when I was in "losing" mode, and not in "maintenance and toning/body comp altering" mode, I hardly ever went over my cals for the day. In fact, probably only a few days over the course of about a year. I was super committed and wanted to get it done. And when I did go over or splurge on something, I either made room in my calories or I worked out extra hard to burn them off. Jill posted recently about the quality of food (and calories) we're putting into our bodies and I think there's a lot of truth to that. I'm FAR from being a food saint - I definitely eat stuff that isn't overly healthy - but I like to think that a majority of what I eat is working WITH my body and not against it. I think that's the best we can do :smile: Good luck!
    I am trying to brave the cold for my running (cuz peer pressure of my fellow runners is strong)
    Gonks - Way to throw me under the bus, woman! :laugh: You can totally wuss out and run inside if you want. No judgement here :wink: hahah! Once it gets really bad and we start having crazy snow storms, I'm going to be heading indoors for a majority of my workouts too. Just trying to tough it out for now!

    AFM - Push-ups challenge today, and then weights and some running at the gym I think. I have to get over there sans-car today so I may bus there and walk the 4ks back. We'll see - It's pretty damn cold out once again. New HRM watch and chest strap purchased yesterday that I want to test out but I have to buy a new soft strap for the chest monitor before I can do that. My chest is super tiny so I'm going to have to search around I think...

    Work schedule is a bit crazy this week compared to usual. Lots of events coming up. Working tonight 7pm-1am, tomorrow 10pm-3am, Sat 11pm-3am and Sun 8pm-12:30am ... Fun times :noway: Ah well. Extra money is always good!

    Anyway I'll be at work later on so I won't be able to check the boards. Hope everyone has a great hump day! :drinker:
    Meag :heart:
  • finncmh
    finncmh Posts: 290
    Jill- I am doing the same thing with C25K right now. Was a runner/athlete all growing up (supposed to play soccer in college) and then fractured my femur in a car accident end of my senior year in HS. Ended all of that and put on about 60lbs of extra weight. Anyway, after 8 years of complications with my knee and just plain using the injury as an excuse I decided I wanted to start running again in June- of course a few weeks later I fractured my foot (at a wedding HAHA). Normally I would have just used that as an excuse again, but in October I got on MFP and have just been dedicated to getting healthy all around- physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that is how I got to where I am today. I enjoy the C25K plan. So far so good with all of the injuries and just taking it one day at a time!!! Thanks for the encouragement.

    Aly- I agree with skip. You are SOOO bad *kitten*$ for getting that all done this year. I aspire to do that one of these years! First stop 5k next year and second stop I am going for the Warrior Dash in August in NY
    (GONKS and MEAG I am in and committed to it!!!! Hope you both decide to do that one would be AWESOME!)

    Lola- I am mostly in line with Gonks on this one. I really want to make this a full life change- not just a diet or weight loss. So I work hard to eat healthy and am really focused on improving me exercise habits and fitness. BUT I also know that there are going to be days when I may want something not so great. I just try to plan for it. The hardest part for me is not slipping back in to that old mentality of dieting and beat myself up over eating something higher in calories or whatever. In a sense this is part of getting healthier emotionally too. I guess to sum it up my ultimate goal is all about finding a balance! Hope this helps and you continue to figure out what it is that works for you.

    Melissa- any good websites you would recommend to check for races. Looking for a 5k and having trouble finding something

    Mike- good luck with your walks today! Let us know how it goes.

    Roo- I LOVE it! Totally put a smile on my face when I saw your response. I also LOVE that you are working on eating out less. That is what the fiance and I are trying to do. I usually have lunch out. But it was from this cute little café right next door to the store I run and they are super health conscious so I tend to create my own veggie wraps and sandwiches. But we are trying not to really eat out for dinner for health and money reasons. Good luck with your circuit training! Don’t be jealous of him. You are so close to maintenance so it is going to be slower. Just think how awesome it will be when you are both at your goal weights and you can just be healthy together and maybe BOTH addicted to running... MWAHAHAHAHA

    Tara (TJ)- it so hard to keep our heads up sometimes. But you are doing SO amazing! Keep us updated!

    Rebekah- welcome to the group. There is a wide range of us on here and sometimes we can be SUPER chatty. So don’t freak out if you cant keep up right away. There are some days when I sign back on and there are two additional pages of dialogue. Also a lot of us have found that it helps to have some NSG (non scale goals) as well as weight loss goals. They can really be motivating at times so maybe start brainstorming some NSGs for next month. Welcome to the group and jump in!!!!

    Meag- I am with you on the measurements. My goal was to do once a month- I did mine 10 days early because I hit a mini plateau and got frustrated. Same thing happened the next month. So that may just be my pattern- slight pause every 20 days. Who knows, but the measurements helped and totally refocused me on what was important- not just the scale. You are going to be AWESOME cant wait to hear how it goes! Also cant wait to hear how you like the new watch/ chest strap!

    QOTD: I have been exercising solely at the gym recently. I just cant get in the groove to exercise at home and don’t have any interest in running outdoors in the winter here in NY. Hopefully this time next year that will be different. At this point I am just starting to run again and I want to get in the groove of enjoying it otherwise I will dread going outside for it everyday and give up on it. I have learned over the past few months that I need to really enjoy my exercise otherwise I sabotage myself. Made a HUGE different once I figured that out. I think my next adventure will be checking out some classes at my gym… EEEEKKK SCARY! Haha


    AFM- Did my strength workout last night. Was good although I got thrown off of my routine when someone was on the bench press I needed and there wasn’t another one I could sub in for it. I managed to figure out an alternative but it took me a bit to refocus. Amazing how important routines are to us. Slightly sore today but not too bad. Dinner plans tonight with a friend so I am not going to get my walk/run in today… kinda bumming about that. But will definitely get it in tomorrow. Hope all is well and keep truckin along!!!!

    -Cait
  • wardiemelissa
    wardiemelissa Posts: 365 Member

    Melissa- any good websites you would recommend to check for races. Looking for a 5k and having trouble finding something

    -Cait

    Cait-I live in michigan and I use runmichigan.com and I also use active .com...where do you live?
  • inskydiamonds
    inskydiamonds Posts: 2,519 Member
    @ tjradd73 - In fact, I have been asked if I'm eating because I'm looking skinny. I could hardly be offended though, because I'm still 180some pounds and obviously not losing weight at an unhealthy pace. Honestly I thought it was kind of funny that it was worded that way. It's nice to have my progress noticed, but at the same time I wish people would realize that just because I'm losing weight doesn't suddenly mean I'm starving myself because frankly, I was really fat before and I don't see why it would be construed as a bad thing to be taking better care of myself. Oh well though.

    @ Roo - I've heard the same thing and that the first semester is the hardest of all. I'm just hoping I make it out alive!
  • finncmh
    finncmh Posts: 290

    Melissa- any good websites you would recommend to check for races. Looking for a 5k and having trouble finding something

    -Cait

    Cait-I live in michigan and I use runmichigan.com and I also use active .com...where do you live?

    Melissa- NY upstate not city
  • GuamGrly
    GuamGrly Posts: 600 Member
    Meag - A new crock pot will be fun to experiment with. Thats one of the things on my list to buy when my parents move away. And congrats on the size 4!! :drinker: I love just being able to fit nicely into a pair of pants that were snug the last time I put them on. A size smaller would make me ecstatic!!

    Tara - good luck at WI!! I am sure you will do just fine. You already have the healthy mindset and I am sure you made up for your cheat night without even knowing it.

    Cait - I :heart: classes!! My favorites are kickboxing, hula, and zumba!!

    AFM...I made it to the gym last night after I picked up my daughter from daycare. Did the kickboxing class and it kicked my *kitten* but I loved it!! Then went home and had some nice warm soup with my daughter.

    As of now, no one has asked to do anything tomorrow night for my birthday. My mom will be home but hasn't asked what I want her to make me for dinner (tradition) and I am not sure if the boy just assumes that we will be hanging out tomorrow. But I think I would much rather go to my zumba class and get a good night's sleep. We shall see!!

    Hope everyone is having a gread Wednesday so far!!
  • Bleh. Today there is a sweet spread of food for my department at work where there's all sorts of breakfast treats including cinnamon buns the size of a baby's head. I managed to steer clear and just went for fruit and a very small muffin but that isn't what pissed me off.

    There's signs on the spread saying "XXXXXXX Staff only", which is what I am. When I commented to the person getting food about how nice it was they looked up at me and said "It's for XXXXXXX Staff only." and I was like, "And I'm XXXXXX staff." They looked surprised and said "Yes of course" and then proceeded to ignore me. They were probably embarassed but it frustrates me because I get it all the time at work.

    I work in post secondary education and I hold a fairly high position in the scale of things (project manager), have my own office with a door and view. However I feel I get judged by my age not by my accomplishments all the time. I've had similar comments from other people I work with asking me if I have the right office (when I'm working at my desk and my wall has lots of photos of me on it) or refusing to give me something I need because I look like a student. I'm not in my 40's and 50's like most of the people I work with, but I'm not fresh out of university either.

    Sorry for the rant but it just really bothered me. But hooray me for not taking a cinnamon bun... right?
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