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

jimtripin

I'm in looking to get my 6pack by the end of October..........counting calories, lots or running and weights!!!

mady2806

I'm there~

NAME: Kristin
AGE: 31
HEIGHT: 5'5''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 155
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 135
START PANTS SIZE: 8/10 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 6/8 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: Eating less processed foods, fruits and vegetables.
DIET GOALS: Would like to be fit and toned!
EXERCISE GOALS: To run a 5K marathon
OTHER GOALS: In the best shape of my life!
FUN FACT: I love couponing!

nikkif87

Count me in!

NAME:Nikki
AGE:23
HEIGHT:5'3''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE:177
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE:165
STARTING PANT SIZE:14(US)
GOAL PANT SIZE:10(US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET:No eating out and portion control.
DIET GOALS: To eventially get to my pre-baby weight and boost my self-confidence.
EXERCISE GOALS: Try to get at least a 10 minute walk in every day and my 2 hours a week.
OTHER GOALS: To feel better about my body.
FUN FACT: I love to read and to hang out with my 14 month old baby boy!

Punkedpoetess

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation? I pack my workout clothes and try to get in a workout most days while away and also do a lot of walking around. I even book my hotel and make sure it has a pool and/or a workout room. Eatingwise I attempt to maintain my weight and limit my alcohol and sweets/dessert intake. Good question, since I will be on vacation for a week next month before I go back to school full time while maintaining my full time job.

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now? Keeping my health issues such as low iron based anemia and PCOS under better control by lowering my weight, exercising, and eating healthy. I also want to have a healthy, fit body that I am happy with, feels great, and is strong. I think that is finally possible since I am learning to let go of my unrealistic expectations for looking like a celebrity or a model.

Punkedpoetess

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!

I also have PCOS, but am not pre-diabetic. Going to add you as a friend .

nikkif87

Another catch up!


QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
-I love to walk/run, it gives me time to process all my thoughts.
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...
-A coworker showed me the app on her phone, I had never really tried anything else, but LOVE MFP.
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 was cleaning out some old clothes that I had stored away and found a pair of size 5 jeans : /
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?
-Not really, I always loved fruits and veggies. I do bake more things than I used to, especially meat.
QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
-I do not travel much but if I know I will be away for a while, I pack myself some healthy snacks.
iQOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
-I want to feel better about myself and be healthy so I can be here for my son as long as possible.

caripta85

I need a challenge, please count me in!!

NAME: Cari
AGE: 26
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 188
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 178
START PANTS SIZE: 16(US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 14(US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: breastfeeding and counting calories
DIET GOALS: less soda, smarter choices
EXERCISE GOALS: exercise 5 x week
OTHER GOALS: be comfortable in my pre-pregnancy clothes
FUN FACT: I crochet

MLStoMLK

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


I have eating issues that I want to deal with...I'm addicted to sugar & chocolate and diet soda (specifically Dt. Mt. Dew). I know they are not good for me and when I start eating sugar I just want to keep eating it (& often do - gluttony ...blah!). So, those are things I want to get dealt with through this journey. However, right now I'm just focusing on trying to get some extra weight off. And I figure once I'm down to my goal weight, then I'll work on those areas in a more concentrated way. I want to lose weight so I look and feel better about my body, feel better in my clothes, not have the big ol' tummy & have people ask me if I'm pregnant (which I am not!).

Sheeshy

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

Ok, so I already answered all of these, but I thought of something else. My family and I love road trips, so we drive, which means lots of fast food and gas station snacks - feel pretty gross once we arrive at our destination. So, a few years ago, we started packing a cooler with bottled water and healthy snacks - fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese, crackers, nuts... that kind of thing - it saves a lot of money and I don't feel so blah....
Sorry about the re-post - it's just really helped us a lot and wanted to share!

fitnowandforever

Gotta catch up!

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
-I love to run and do exercise videos - the really intense ones that make me feel the burn.
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 aunt showed it to me a while ago. I've tried a lot of these but MFP is the only one i've stuck to. It's quick, easy, and there are so many great people who inspire me!
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've wanted to lose weight forever, but I saw this girl in one of my classes and she was in track, so she was pretty thin. When I saw her, I immediately became angry at myself for being so big, because I can't wear those skinny jeans and cute shirts like her. But then I just decided that I should stop crying over my weight and start moving; start eating right; just do it!
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?
-To get my protein in (since I'm vegetarian), I've started eating a lot more eggs, tofu, and Greek yogurt. I used to HATE peppers and onion, but now I love them, and pretty much all vegetables.
QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
-I keep Luna bars, grapes, and plenty of water in my bag, so I have to cave and order an In & Out
QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
-I've dreamed of going to NYC forever, and we all finally decided to go in November, during Thanksgiving. I've been saving up for this for a while, and I just wanna be able to buy some boots and a cute jacket and walk down Times Square in style

VeganGal84

Good morning, Fitties!

How is everyone doing today?

Me, I had a dentist appointment, first one in 3 and a half years, and I now have two more appointments next week... you guessed it, FILLINGS!!! :grumble: 4 recplacements (old fillings gone bad) and one brand new one! :sad:

Still, it could have been much worse.

I skipped last night's workout because I just wasn't feeling well. I can't wait until I'm 100% again and back to my workouts completely.

nikkif87

The first dentist appt after a long time without one always ends with a few more appts. I had the same thing happen to me. I still have to have a filling replaced but that stuff is expensive, so I have sadly pushed it off for now.

Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. I have felt great the last few days since I have been back to tracking and exercising. Super excited to have this challenge.:happy:

VeganGal84

Time for another QOTD! Remember to PM me or post on my wall your ideas for QOTDs, and they will end up right here on the challenge. :bigsmile:

Here are the first several, for anyone who wants 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?

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

And today's QOTD, brought to you by challenge-member Riebop-

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

Riebop

Guess I need to answer this...

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

There are a few things that I do. I'm always reminding myself that I don't look nearly as bad as I think I do. When I start in on myself negative self talk, I make myself stop and replace the negative talk with a positive affirmation. I whole heartedly believe that you shoudn't say/think something about yourself that you would say to your best friend. So, if you wouldn't call your friend a fat cow, then don't call yourself a fat cow.

ymhand

NAME: Yvonne
AGE: 28 in October
HEIGHT: 5'9
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 260.2
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 230
START PANTS SIZE: 20/22 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 16/18 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: No special diet, trying to spread my 1400 a day calories into 6 small "meals" a day
DIET GOALS: Cut out coffee, well cut out creamer anyways.
EXERCISE GOALS: To do a whole kettle workout
OTHER GOALS: To work my middle section to try and keep it as tight as possible
FUN FACT: I am creative and love decorating cakes, cupcakes and do it yourself projects

nikkif87

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

I haven't worked on this like I should...I have just been trying to tell myself that I can do this. Being positive is definately keeping me going.

Touched670

OK, this should be easy...right?

NAME: Tammy
AGE: 41
HEIGHT: 5'11''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 255
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE:243
START PANTS SIZE: 18(US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (when I reach my goal weight) (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: Counting Calories 1800 a day
DIET GOALS: plan meals weekly & less desire for junk foods
EXERCISE GOALS: to complete 30 Day Shred in 30 days!
OTHER GOALS: firm up and lose weight consistently (I yo-yo ALOT)
FUN FACT: I play pool-poorly & I like to sing in Spanish

Pam3

hope you are feeling better VEGANGAL84

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

i really havent done anything else,... its so much work just those two !!!!

Riebop

hope you are feeling better VEGANGAL84

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

i really havent done anything else,... its so much work just those two !!!!

LOL!! True... Don't neglect it though. It is definitely part of the "journey." I've known people who lost a bunch of weight only to reach their goal and find out that being thin doesn't make you happy. They still felt poorly about themselves. Thankfully, giving yourself mental reminders not to put yourself down doesn't take any extra time. I didn't start working on my self esteem until tracking my diet was more of a habit than something that required alot of work. My journey went tracking, then inner improvement and finally (and recently) working out. Getting all three into my life took me a year. Now, all three are something that I work on improving everyday. I'm happier with myself and my body now at 140-142 pounds than I was when I weighed 130 pounds.

edit to add: If you can't tell, I'm very passionate about improving the mind, body and spirit. Not just the body.... we all know what happens to our bodies when we get old. :P

VeganGal84

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

I've actually done a LOT in this area! I've been a yo-yo dieter for far too long. It was time for me to find the real reasons that I was fat to begin with, so that I could end this vicious cycle.

I went to see a good therapist, which helped immensely. He helped me to realize that the reason that I just wasn't happy with my life was that I wasn't setting actual goals. All I had was a bunch of dreams, but not real plan set in place to ever reach those dreams.

I do things just for me, and for my total mental and physical health. I joined Weight Watchers in May 2009, I quit smoking in July 2009, I lost 50 pounds in 2010 (biggest transformative year physically for me ever), went vegan in April 2010, lost 70+ pounds over all, I worked hard at my relationship with my boyfriend instead of giving up and am now very happy with him, and the biggest thing I have done is going back to school. After being a freshman for 8+ years (in and out of college...), in 10 days I will be starting a semester as a college sophomore! And it feels GREAT.

Next up: quitting my job and finding part time work somewhere that offers health insurance to part timers, just so that I can remain a full time student. This step will take place at the end of the year, and I'm looking forward to taking it!

I plan to keep on setting and reaching goals for my entire life. And I plan to keep on keeping on, no matter what.

prettyone822

NAME: Anita
AGE: 26 (turn 27 Mon the 22nd woohoo!)
HEIGHT: 5'2
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 161
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 150
START PANTS SIZE: 11/12 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 9 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: I just count calories!
DIET GOALS: Cut down craving for junk foods and the munchies
EXERCISE GOALS: be able to jog w/out my chest feeling tight
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: I love music!!!

prettyone822

how do i get the cool fit by october thingy? lol

VeganGal84

Here are the instructions for getting the cool icon in your signature! Make sure to read them carefully, I got it wrong the first couple of tries. :laugh:

Ok here is the icon for everyone's signature!



To post this in your icon use the IMG(image) code:

USE LOWERCASE i's this is just so the example will show up!

and put this link in where it says code here:
http://i53.tinypic.com/bg78cp.jpg

And there ya go!

misslouisee

I'm new to this but would love to join!

NAME: Louise
AGE: 23
HEIGHT: 5'7"
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 172
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 161
START PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (UK size)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (UK size)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: calorie count, eat little but often to keep hunger at bay!
DIET GOALS: increased water intake and more fruit and veg.
EXERCISE GOALS: to be doing at least 30 mins 3 times a week.
OTHER GOALS: to be down to 140lbs by Christmas!
FUN FACT: I got engaged last month!

njbooklover

I am in. I will fill out the info later tonight.

prettyone822

woohoo!! got it! thaaaaaaaaaanx!! i too get excited easily as u can see!! :happy:

livinglifeandlovingit

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

I have to say that I have always been sure of myself no matter how much I weigh because I don't define myself by others standards. I have found that others don't always like this. What I have started doing is being more observant of others body language when I am around and paying attention to their reaction to me so that I don't come off as being arrogant. I can't say that I have been losing much weight, but my focus has been more on getting heart healthy and changing my lifestyle as far as eating goes. I love to talk to people to hear their life stories because I love to feel some type of connection. It keeps me humble and appreciative of all the things that people have to offer. That is not to say that there are some people that I just choose not to be around because their character is shady. I stay away from those people.

BigReddHair

QOTD #7: Other than working out and losing weight, what have you done to improve your self esteem?

I have struggled with self-esteem my entire life. Consistently being picked on growing up (for red hair, for being tall, for being fat, for being weird), causes one to have major issues like that. Now I like to use my slogan "Haterz gonna' hate." When people try to kick me down, I laugh because they're just jealous! (that's what I tell myself - LOL). I also try to remember of the positive things I've done with my life, and just try to stay focused on overall becoming a better person.

Suggestion for those of you who want a new idea to boost your self esteem - make a special effort about twice a week to dress as nice as possible!! Do your makeup, do your hair, wear some nice clothes...I think that alone does wonders!

njbooklover

Here's my info:

NAME: Stephanie
AGE: 34
HEIGHT: 5' 3''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 214.4
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 210
DIET GOALS: Log everything and stay within daily goal
EXERCISE GOALS: at least 3 times a week
OTHER GOALS: Declutter my house
FUN FACT: I like to crochet and want to learn to knit.

MayraLissette

NAME: Mayra
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 5'2''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 149
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 140
START PANTS SIZE: 10/11 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 9 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: not really, i just try to eat more veggies
DIET GOALS: try to eat less chocolate and junk food :sad:
EXERCISE GOALS: be able to jog 1 mile without stopping (sorry im badly out of shape)
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: I hate to cook but i love the smile of my fiances face everytime i do....

Im so excited about this.....finally some motivation!!! Good luck to everyone