(NEW) OPEN CHALLENGE: FIT BY OCTOBER!!!

BigReddHair

I'm starting late...but I'm in!!! I gotta' look cute in a Halloween costume!

NAME: Bethany
AGE: 30 (this tragedy happened this year!)
HEIGHT: 5'11"
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 169
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 155
START PANTS SIZE: 10 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 8 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: calories, calories, calories
DIET GOALS: less bingeing on the weekends
EXERCISE GOALS: to run a 5k in under 35 minutes
OTHER GOALS: I want my hips to be 38" by then!
FUN FACT: My hair is NATURALLY red...but once I dyed it black...OOPS!

wijac10

NAME: Jantine
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 5'9''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 134
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 128
START PANTS SIZE: 6/8 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 4/6 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: CALORIES
DIET GOALS: Eat at least 3 servings of fruits/veggies a day
EXERCISE GOALS: to be able to run a mile without stopping
OTHER GOALS: get my 10000 steps in a day (corporate challenge)
FUN FACT: mmmmmmmm.... my first challenge on MFP?

tmpartington

Also late but totally in, thanks for keeping it open!

NAME: Tracey
AGE: 37
HEIGHT: 5'2.5''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 142
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 130
START PANTS SIZE: 8p/10p (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 6p/8p (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: counting calories, 130g protein/day and lots of fruit and veggies
DIET GOALS: stay away from the bakery counter for good (except bdays and holidays of course)
EXERCISE GOALS: run a second 5K this fall, improve my Danskin Tri time by 15 minutes next summer
OTHER GOALS: get stronger by adding weight training
FUN FACT: I'm pretty good at almost everything I try but I'm not great at anything

JJINQUEENS

I love it - and perfect timing for me too, it's the month of my birthday by which I'd hoped to be a size down.
Name: JJ
Age: 34
Height: 5'3"
Start weight for challenge: 142.3
Goal weight for challenge: 133.3
Goal weight overall: (I added this) 120
Start pants size: 10
Goal pants size: 6
Follow any special diet: Not yet - need to choose a plan. OK, counting calories!
Diet goals: Stop. Eating. Crap. Pack a lunch every day.
Exercise goals: Walk daily
Other goals: Drink water
Fun Fact: I pole dance for fun!

VeganGal84

Welcome to all the new members! We have quite a few challengers now, which makes me super-happy!

:happy: :flowerforyou: :happy:

hilhall822

I want to join! I totally need some sort of group accountability or I am not as motivated. I'm going to play catch-up on the QOTD's after my stats.

NAME: Hilary
AGE: 25 (26 next Monday!)
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 218
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 199
START PANTS SIZE: 16/18 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: the tasty kind
DIET GOALS: less processed foods, not eating if i'm not hungry
EXERCISE GOALS: move past week 4 in C25k
OTHER GOALS: up the water intake (this is always my goal- still haven't mastered it), do something physical EVERY day (even a walk on "rest" days)
FUN FACT: I am getting married in December (hey, it's fun for me!)


QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I LOVE to go hiking! I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top of a trail and have this amazing view.

QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
I did a Google search, haha. I checked it out, and sparkpeople and liked this one more.

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I am getting married in December and have been SO unhappy in the past but never did anything about it. My new year's resolution was to get healthy, and my work was doing a biggest loser competition beginning in January, so I joined!

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?
I have started drinking protein shakes after workouts- that's new for me. I've tried more veggies than I have ever eaten, and like most of them (including eggplant!)

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
Oh yikes, this summer vacation I have not been keeping myself on track. I do better when my day is structured and I can follow a pattern of work, gym, home.

Beeps2011

Since the "Lose 15 lbs. by September" board has GONE DEAD, COUNT ME IN ON THIS CHALLENGE!!

NAME: Laura
AGE: 42
HEIGHT: 5'69'
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 160
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 148
START PANTS SIZE: 8/10 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 8 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: reduce "bad" carbs
DIET GOALS: curb night-time cravings
EXERCISE GOALS: I'm a gym rat....so, this is a GOOD THING!
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: I am Canadian!

liisav

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

I always pack my running shoes and workout clothes and I try to figure out ahead of time how I'm gonna fit in at least two workouts a week (as a starting point). I research gyms in the area if there are no good running routes (or even if there are). I recently ran from town to town in and back in Maine and that was a fun way to explore the area - you see so much more on foot.

I eat oatmeal for breakfast if there is nothing else I like, even in restaurants. For lunch and dinner I eat salads with some sort of protein if there is nothing else that looks healthy on the menu - this leaves room for a daily vacation treat or two.

jsmadison

Ok, this sounds like fun. Count me in!



NAME: Janet
AGE: 35
HEIGHT: 5'3''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 208
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 199
START PANTS SIZE: 16/18 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: counting calories
DIET GOALS: Learn moderation
EXERCISE GOALS: Add strength training 2 days/week
OTHER GOALS: cook more
FUN FACT: I watch Phineas and Ferb even if my son isn't home!

MLStoMLK

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

I try to get some exercise in - even if it's just walking. This summer on vacation I tried to swim some laps when in the pool with the kids. Also, I try not to eat too much or go too far off the deep end on desserts. I wasn't on MFP at the time of my vacation, so if I did go on a trip now I think I'd try to track my food so I don't go too far over my alloted calories.

livinglifeandlovingit

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

I try to get some type of exercise in no matter what. I will do leg lifts or tricep dips on a stable chair. I like to find a mall to walk around or any place to walk around. I will find anyway to figure out how to work out somewhere. While standing around I will do kicks front back and side.

beaner96

I'm in!

NAME: Michelle
AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 5'8"
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 250
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 235
START PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: counting calories
DIET GOALS: 6 small meals, less takeout/drive-through
EXERCISE GOALS: keep increasing cycling mileage, get to the gym 4 days/week
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: This is my first challenge!

stinehur

NAME: Michelle
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 5'3"
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 177
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 150
START PANTS SIZE: 13 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 9 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: counting calories, NOT eating out.
DIET GOALS: cooking more, eating fewer processed foods, reducing meat intake
EXERCISE GOALS: to run a 5k in under 30 minutes
OTHER GOALS: To be able to live a more active lifestyle
FUN FACT: I love to dance!

pamport

hi my name is Anne
Im not new to myfitnesspal i have started last year August @ 233lbs and lost about 33lbs however when people started to notice me i became too proud and felt im thin i started to eat beyond control again...now Im back with 209lbs

I want to join the challenge and have more friends here

NAME: Anne
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5'4''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 202lbs
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 185lbs
START PANTS SIZE: 18/20 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: no rice and counting calories!
DIET GOALS: less sugar less sodium less fried
EXERCISE GOALS: to rum 5km
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: love to experiment in cooking

Sheeshy

I love this!! I was feeling left out too!

NAME: Patricia
AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 5'5''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 202
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 188
START PANTS SIZE: 16 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 14 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: nope, just better than what got me to 202!
DIET GOALS: Fill up on vegetables, get my sugar fix from fruit, eat more protein
EXERCISE GOALS: to get in a good habit of exercising, instead of waiting "until tomorrow"
OTHER GOALS: I want my clothes to fit better. I do NOT want to go up another size. The next time I buy new clothes, they better be smaller!!
FUN FACT: My childhood nickname was Cow Patty. My parents love me, don't they?

Sheeshy

Anne - I can't count the number of times I've done the same thing! Which is why I first found MFP at 177 pounds and am now at 202! Looks like we have just about the same weight goal! We can totally do this right?

VeganGal84

Good morning/afternoon Fitties!!!

I hope that you are all having fabulous days! Remember to EXERCISE today if you can, and to eat as healthy as possible. :flowerforyou: We wanna be FIT BY OCTOBER, right?

Anyway, I am going to do another QOTD! Also, I had a fun idea. Private Message me or post on my page a QOTD of your own, and I will ask it ASAP right here. Everyone is coming up with great answers, I'm learning a lot from each of you. Here are the first 5 QOTDs for anyone who is new or needs to catch up:

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?

QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

and a new one-

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

kierra28

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

New wardrobe!!!
Also want to dance dance and dance (and look good doing it...lol). 5-6 session of my shuffling around trying to keep up with instructors already has such an amazing affect on my mind state...I feel happy and rejuvenated throughout the day.
Not feeling lazy anymore and finding energy and enthusiasm to do tasks at hand Right now my first thought is 'ehh...why do I have to do it!!!" but it is changing already to a more positive outlook

Riebop

Hello everyone! No exercise for me today. Rest day! Ahhhhhh..... :P Did Turbo Fire HIIT 20 last night. OMG!! Loved it! And guess who did burpees and was jumping like a fool... ME! Honestly, I am very proud of myself. I also discovered that exercise after a bad day feels better then having an adult beverage after work. However, I still want that glass of wine that I didn't have Monday night. LOL!

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

My flabby a**? Is that a good answer? LOL! Really though... I'm at a point where if I want to lose more weight, I need to exercise to get there. There's only so much eating healthy can do. Besides, I don't want to be flabby. I hate it when my husband affectionately jiggles my butt and my tummy. Also, being thin doesn't mean being healthy. I want to be both.

JULIEICAC

I am in! How perfect...October 7th is my Birthday and my original goal date anyway.

NAME: Julie
AGE: 35
HEIGHT: 5'5''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 160
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 139
START PANTS SIZE: 11/12 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 7/8 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: High protein, low sodium and fat...staying within 1200 calories for the day.
DIET GOALS: Eating more organic products and to make a life changing plan-not just diet plan
EXERCISE GOALS: To be able to run a 5k with a decent time and continue with daily exercise
OTHER GOALS: Firming, Toning and Remaining Active; to wear my bikini confidently again
FUN FACT: I own an air compressor, nail gun and miter saw and used them to replace all my trim and wood floors myself.

smurfette75

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?
Trying to like yogurt...and just realizing that I can have food without the extra salt and it still tastes good.

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
I'm actually on vacation now...so far so good...hard to find motivation to exercise, but I think I'll be okay food wise. Smaller portions and just watching what I eat.

BigReddHair

I'm catching up on the QOTD!!!

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I love love love love love lifting weights. I like to feel like I'm being strong!


QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
My little brother introduced me to MFP....now he's not on it! This is not the first time I've used a site like this, and this one is doing good so far!

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I dropped 95 pounds between the ages of 21 and 25. I maintained it for a long time, but when I moved from Vegas to Virginia, I was super depressed and packed on 20lbs. Now I realize I was so happy in Vegas because I was fit....and now I want to bring that part of my Vegas lifestyle to VA.

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like? I LOVE popcorn. I can't eat enough of it. It's like dessert for me...and without the sugar! I've also discovered my love for grilled vegetables!

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
I just keep working out...no matter what I eat, I keep working out. I'm bound to gain a couple of pounds, but the damage is lessened if i just keep moving.

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
I'm just tired of feeling bloated and fat. Oh, and I want to wear my Joe's Jeans that I bought in 2009 for $100! I've STILL never worn them!

VeganGal84

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

Right now, honestly, it's THIS CHALLENGE!!! My birthday is October 7, and I've said for a long time now that I'd like to be at my goal weight by my 27th birthday. Of course I know that life won't stop on October 7, and that the world won't end if I don't make my goal of 140 by then, but it would be nice.

theba2il

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

I'll be 40 in Nov. I don't want to buy new clothes. I have a thin wardrobe collecting dust in my closet. I wear yoga pants all the time right now. Lol

Beeps2011

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

I am already in shape (I exercise 5 times a week and my BMI is 22). But, I want to eat healthier and drop 10 lbs. before I go to Las Vegas in September - followed by another trip to Washington, DC in late September.

Sheeshy

Catching up...

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I love hiking and mountain biking because, well, how could you not? You're working out in a beautiful, desolate place, and I promise, you will never meet a grumpy person on the trails

QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
I was searching for calorie totals, keeping track on my own. I love it. Weight Watchers is like a different language, so I don't like it. What worked for me was counting calories, and I now I don't have to search so much - it's all in one place and I love the community feel. Gets me going when I need it.

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I outweigh my dad by 5 pounds. And he wants to lose 20 pounds.

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?
Cottage Cheese! It used to gross me out, but now, I love it! I cut up fresh fruit, mix a few pecans in for some crunch, and top it with a serving of cottage cheese. So much protein, and delicious, and keeps me going!

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling
or on vacation?
It depends on the vacation - we do a lot of camping, so that's just a nice active vacation. If staying in hotels, I try to use the fitness center - usually the treadmill.

and a new one-

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
We are going on a cruise in March. I'm very excited to go, in fact, my whole family is going - parents, brothers, sisters, their spouses & kids. We will be on the beach a lot, only my second time to any beach ever! However, there will be lots of pictures and lots of time in a swimsuit. Pretty motivating :ohwell:

chelsiburnett

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

Dominican Republic in January and I eventually want to start trying to have a family. I would like to start out in good shape so maybe it won't be so hard, after I do have a child, to get back into shape!

Pam3

i would love to join:





I'm catching up on the QOTD!!!

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
i love spinning its the best cardio....i used to jog but hurt both my knees and back so i started spinning over 12 yars


QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
last august i was googling calorie counter and i came across MFP, and a couple sites...MFP was the best by far...very user friendly...

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
about 10 years ago i gained abount 50lbs and even though i would workout , i would not lose weight...finally in august 2010 my youngest son started a very healthy lifestlye change...more eating at home , whole foods, veggies lean meats, no processed foods...

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like? i never used to eat yogurt...now thats what i eat for lunch on most days...i just make sure the sugar contents is on the low side...

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
i try to workout and eat most meals as simple as possible...of course a couple treats

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
i am 55 i want to healthy and fit and not have to take meds...


pam :flowerforyou:

Pam3

NAME: Pam
AGE: 55
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 179
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 173
START PANTS SIZE: 14 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 10/12 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: I just count calories!
DIET GOALS: more whole foods
EXERCISE GOALS: to do back to back spinning classes
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere (same)
FUN FACT: love to read
:flowerforyou:

mreneecohen

That's awesome! I'm in!

NAME: Michelle
AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 203
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 190
START PANTS SIZE: 14 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 10 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: I have PCOS and am pre-diabetic. Low carb/ high protein/ low sugar
DIET GOALS: To become a pro at healthy foods!
EXERCISE GOALS: Exercise at least 5 hours a week!
OTHER GOALS: hold a plank for 1 minute and do 100 sit ups/25 push ups with no problem!
FUN FACT: Love to cook (imagine that), entertain, and listen to good music!