Zara & Friends July Challenge...

XXXMinnieXXX

Hello,

You all know me well by now! Here is the July challenge as promised. It is here to keep us all motivated. Set your own goals, and check in daily or every few days to update and let us know how your going! I will be checking in daily to see how you are all doing. Here are my aims for the month...

1. Get to 16 st 7lbs.\231lbs (-7lbs) Big aim but I would love to be at the 70lb lost mark.
2. NO chocolate. (My friend is bringing me a Kitkat chunky peanut butter Tuesday, I am going to eat that as I've been looking forward to he giving it me for weeks but that IS the only chocolate I will eat in July! I have to kick my chocolate habit.)
3. Walk 70,000 steps \ 35 miles per week.
4. Join the gym and some classes.
5. Support you guys on here each and every day.
6. To keep improving my plank time and to post once a week how long I've done.
7. To start strength training at the gym and sit ups etc at home.

Lots of aims this month, but I am feeling super motivated and I am confident that if we all commit to this we can encorage each other to keep doing this. I have set this up for people on my friends list. I am open to others joining but only if you are really going to be comitted!!! No slacking off half way through! Lol.

Zara xxx

mrsleftybrown

Okay so my cast comes off mid-July, July 16th to be exact. So I won't know exactly how much exercise I will be able to do but I need this kick in the *kitten*.

1. Drink 10 glasses of water a day. I have been getting lax on this and I am just sitting here at home so getting up to go to the bathroom is not an issue.

2. Eating fresh veggies and fruits every day. At least 3 times a day. No frozen or canned or frozen until the 3 fresh are done.

3. Do 20 minutes a day of strength exercise. I can do upper body while I wait for this cast to come off.

4. Lose 5 pounds this month. I should be able to do that without a problem. That would get me to 30 pounds loss total.

5. Try to see if I can do some sit ups even with this cast on, put it on a yoga ball (both legs) and get going on sit ups. I would like to get to doing 100 a day by the end of the month.

6. Post each week as to how I am doing on this.

XXXMinnieXXX

Wonderful aims sweetie. Very inspiring you keeping going with the cast! Must be really difficult! Very proud of you... Great to have you on the challenge. I must start drinking all my water too, I've not been very good with it either!!! Xxx

flipsit

Thanks for posting the challenge Zara. Hello to everyone else.

Well, to start with I need to say that I've been off track for a couple of months. Since I went back to work full time I have been really struggling with eating due to anxiety and tiredness which is why I've been avoiding logging. Have stuggled to build exercise time into my new schedule plus am exhausted all the time. I know I've put weight on because my clothes are tighter and I feel sluggish but I haven't weighed myself (too ashamed and cross with myself) so it's been a bit of a downward spiral. I'm guessing at least half a stone.

So, my first goal is to weigh myself tomorrow and be honest with myself. Will log my weight and deal with it.

Am going to set a goal of 4 pounds. I just want to see the scale moving in the right direction to start with.

Will aim for three 45 minutes sessions of dedicated exercise a week.

Drink more water.

Will try and log food most days.

Sharon. xxxxxxxx

sarahlucydaynes26

Hi my little plant pot ;-)

So sorry I have not been here much but you know the score!

FABBY aims you have darlin and you are absolutely working your *kitten* off!! Loving your status updates and I read them every day so please do NOT think I do not - when I am fully on my feet again I will send you the bestest thing in the world! ;-*

OK - MY goals for july....

1) Aim to lose 5-6lb ( I have put on that although I THINK it is salt retention!! )
2) To drink my 8 glasses of water again - I have fell SO badly off the wagon with this ( and processed crap and take aways ) !!
3) To basically cut back on eating bloody fruit and nut cadburys chocolate!! I must have gone through about 10 bars in 2 weeks and I have not been eating lunch although sometimes breckie and my food has been EVERYWHERE although I DO have a VERY good reason...
4) After the op tomorrow I will be HOPEFULLY up and ready for my Biggest Loser Dvd 5 x 30 min a week and I am just doing toning - I have a Miami, Barbados, Jamaica etc cruise to be ready for in Dec ;-) !! ( We decided until I am better no point going now lmao )
and last but no way least be a much more supportive friend!! :-D !!!

Soooooo

Sarah. 27. Pleased to meet you all :-D

Petersterri

Hi everyone!
I was browsing around on the message boards looking for some support and saw this challenge! Hope its ok for me to jump in!

Here are my goals for July:

1. Get back on track with my water drinking. Half of my body weight in ounces every day. No excuses!

2. Shake the couple of pounds I gained on vacation, plus lose 5 pounds additional.

3. Make it to the gym at least three times a week, plus find ways to exercise at home on the days I can't make it to the gym.

4. Finish the book I am currently working through. It's a book written by a cognitive therapist about weight loss and dieting called "The Beck Diet Solution" --- Has anyone read it?

Thanks, ladies!

XXXMinnieXXX

Day 1: 1st July.

Steps Walked: 10,884.
Miles: 5.43.
Did Race For Life.
No chocolate.

Doing well...

Hope your all rocking it! X

flipsit

Well, I kind of missed yesterday because I didn't realise it was July already. Doh!

Anyhoo, I weighed myself today after a long break. I've put on 4 pounds so not as bad as I expected but that's still 15 pounds since Christmas. Ho Hum.

So, my starting weight today is 275 pounds. I've set mfp for one and a half pounds loss a week as that seems manageable calories at the moment.
Am under my calorie allowance today and have logged. I did 2 hours housework but not logging that because I want to see how much dedicated exercise I can fit in. Previously, it's been easy for me to think that because I've been active I don't need to exercise as well. Am planning a session tomorrow.

Really pleased to be on the challenge with all of you. xx

mrsleftybrown

Okay yesterday I didn't do so well eating wise. We went out to eat for lunch and then had Mac and Cheese for dinner. I stayed under in my calories but crap went in me. I also realized this morning that I have been eye balling my creamer going into my coffee and been putting much more than I thought. When I measured, man I love my coffee sweet, I have been putting in 3 1/2 tablespoons and here I thought I was using only 1 1/2 tablespoons. Such a difference in calories.

Money is tight until next Tuesday so it should be interesting. Also we have a 3rd of July party to go to tomorrow. Our friend does it every year since no one has to work on the 4th so everyone can party. I may have 1 or 2 drinks while we are there but other than that it is the food that I am a bit concerned about. I know that there will be Tri-tip, beef, and hamburgers and hot dogs. I think if I just keep to the beef and a salad and so fruit I should be okay. Going to try to stay away from the sodas that I know will be there, unless there is diet and I use that to have a mixed drink with.

I also didn't drink my water. I joined another challenge as well this month where we are encouraging each other to drink 10 glasses a day. I am already at 13 for today.

XXXMinnieXXX

Well, I kind of missed yesterday because I didn't realise it was July already. Doh!

Anyhoo, I weighed myself today after a long break. I've put on 4 pounds so not as bad as I expected but that's still 15 pounds since Christmas. Ho Hum.

So, my starting weight today is 275 pounds. I've set mfp for one and a half pounds loss a week as that seems manageable calories at the moment.
Am under my calorie allowance today and have logged. I did 2 hours housework but not logging that because I want to see how much dedicated exercise I can fit in. Previously, it's been easy for me to think that because I've been active I don't need to exercise as well. Am planning a session tomorrow.

Really pleased to be on the challenge with all of you. xx

Well done for plucking up the courage and weighing and not as much as you'd feared so its all good! It is so hard when you've got a sedentary job, and I'm only there 3-4 days! Your there 5. Takes a lot of determination to exercise aswell! I know you can do it though! You'll be in the 60s by the end of the month! X

XXXMinnieXXX

Okay yesterday I didn't do so well eating wise. We went out to eat for lunch and then had Mac and Cheese for dinner. I stayed under in my calories but crap went in me. I also realized this morning that I have been eye balling my creamer going into my coffee and been putting much more than I thought. When I measured, man I love my coffee sweet, I have been putting in 3 1/2 tablespoons and here I thought I was using only 1 1/2 tablespoons. Such a difference in calories.

Money is tight until next Tuesday so it should be interesting. Also we have a 3rd of July party to go to tomorrow. Our friend does it every year since no one has to work on the 4th so everyone can party. I may have 1 or 2 drinks while we are there but other than that it is the food that I am a bit concerned about. I know that there will be Tri-tip, beef, and hamburgers and hot dogs. I think if I just keep to the beef and a salad and so fruit I should be okay. Going to try to stay away from the sodas that I know will be there, unless there is diet and I use that to have a mixed drink with.

I also didn't drink my water. I joined another challenge as well this month where we are encouraging each other to drink 10 glasses a day. I am already at 13 for today.

Parties are so well, well done for preparing yourself mentally for it! Well done on the water and sit ups today! Its easy to slip with things portion wise and its good you have recognised it. Your doing amazing! Very proud of you! X

XXXMinnieXXX

Monday 2nd.

Steps: 13,386
Miles: 5.85
Total miles this week 5.85\35.
No chocolate.
6 glasses of water.

Need to do 8 glasses today! X

flipsit

Okay yesterday I didn't do so well eating wise. We went out to eat for lunch and then had Mac and Cheese for dinner. I stayed under in my calories but crap went in me. I also realized this morning that I have been eye balling my creamer going into my coffee and been putting much more than I thought. When I measured, man I love my coffee sweet, I have been putting in 3 1/2 tablespoons and here I thought I was using only 1 1/2 tablespoons. Such a difference in calories.

Money is tight until next Tuesday so it should be interesting. Also we have a 3rd of July party to go to tomorrow. Our friend does it every year since no one has to work on the 4th so everyone can party. I may have 1 or 2 drinks while we are there but other than that it is the food that I am a bit concerned about. I know that there will be Tri-tip, beef, and hamburgers and hot dogs. I think if I just keep to the beef and a salad and so fruit I should be okay. Going to try to stay away from the sodas that I know will be there, unless there is diet and I use that to have a mixed drink with.

I also didn't drink my water. I joined another challenge as well this month where we are encouraging each other to drink 10 glasses a day. I am already at 13 for today.

Well done on noticing the difference on quantities with your creamer. I've been quite surprised when I've measured things out too.

Hope you have fun at the party. Sounds like you have a good plan for it. x

flipsit

Monday 2nd.

Steps: 13,386
Miles: 5.85
Total miles this week 5.85\35.
No chocolate.
6 glasses of water.

Need to do 8 glasses today! X

Another great day. x

flipsit

So, quite a good day today. Food was under. Walked to work and did an hour of yoga this evening. x

themommie

I was looking through the posts and saw this challenge. Hope it is ok if I join in

My goals for July
1. drink at least 8 cups of water (I haven't been doing as well with the water lately)
2. do strength training 3xs a week
3. exercise 5xs a week
4. walk at least 10,000 steps a day
5. try a new workout

XXXMinnieXXX

So, quite a good day today. Food was under. Walked to work and did an hour of yoga this evening. x

So proud of you. You rocked it! How did you feel after exercising? Xxx

XXXMinnieXXX

I was looking through the posts and saw this challenge. Hope it is ok if I join in

My goals for July
1. drink at least 8 cups of water (I haven't been doing as well with the water lately)
2. do strength training 3xs a week
3. exercise 5xs a week
4. walk at least 10,000 steps a day
5. try a new workout

Welcome!!! What's your name? Great goals! Not too different to mine! Do you have a fitbit? Amazing loss by the way! Very inspirational! X

XXXMinnieXXX

Tuesday 3rd July.

Steps: 11,176
Week 1 total: 24746\10,000

Miles 4.88
Week 1 total: 10.81\35

No chocolate :-)
Did some strength training. Plank time 2 mins 30. (Previous best 1min 30, started at 58 seconds)
Drank 9 glasses of water!
Joining the gym Thursday!

Rock it girls! X

flipsit

I was looking through the posts and saw this challenge. Hope it is ok if I join in

My goals for July
1. drink at least 8 cups of water (I haven't been doing as well with the water lately)
2. do strength training 3xs a week
3. exercise 5xs a week
4. walk at least 10,000 steps a day
5. try a new workout

Great to have you with us. Fab loss btw. x

flipsit

So, quite a good day today. Food was under. Walked to work and did an hour of yoga this evening. x

So proud of you. You rocked it! How did you feel after exercising? Xxx

I felt ok. I had trouble holding some of the positions but that should get better in a couple of weeks as long as I stick to it. I have such weak arms anyway. My back feels much better today as well so the stretching must have helped a lot.

flipsit

Stayed under calories today but no exercise. I have an ear infection so my balance is a bit rubbish and I feel quite poorly Hopefully the meds will kick in soon. x

XXXMinnieXXX

Stayed under calories today but no exercise. I have an ear infection so my balance is a bit rubbish and I feel quite poorly Hopefully the meds will kick in soon. x

Its friday now. Hope your feeling much better. Love ya x

dawn3171

I just found your challenge, Is it too late to join?

XXXMinnieXXX

Wednesday 4th July.

Steps: 10,831
Week 1 total: 35,577\70,000

Miles 4.73
Week 1 total: 15.53\35

Had a graze box that had some chocolate drops! Doh!
Did some strength training.
Drank 9 glasses of water!
Joining the gym Tomorrow!

Rock it girls! X

XXXMinnieXXX

Thursday 5th July.

Steps: 18,079
Week 1 total: 53,656\70,000

Miles 8.16
Week 1 total: 15.53\23.69

Had a chocolate yogurt. Im naughty... i know!

I joined the gym. It is such an amazing gym! i love it. I got my second highest step day ever on the fitbit. Unfortunately my HRM decided to stop working so i don't know what i burnt! Hopefully it's just the battery. Will have a new one in the next few days! Fingers crossed! I hated working out without my hrm! x

Drank 9 glasses of water, maybe more as i was glugging like mad at the gym.

I have no phone for a week or so but will still try to check in each night and update!

Weathers so bad here. Torrential rain, not sure how i am going to get my steps in. Got to go and pick the kids up so that will get some in. Had a nightmare morning with Virgin, that has come to nothing in the end and has stopped me going to the gym. Im so angry at them and just need to go crazy at the gym to get it all out, but can't! Frustrating! Hope your all having a great day! x

mrsleftybrown

I have not had as much fresh fruits and veggies this week due to being tight on money until Tuesday. Then I am having hubby pick up some fruits and veggies for me. I have been craving them too. Been really good with my water though. At least 10 cups if not more each day.

mrsleftybrown

I just found your challenge, Is it too late to join?

Oh no we want to have us join us

XXXMinnieXXX

I have not had as much fresh fruits and veggies this week due to being tight on money until Tuesday. Then I am having hubby pick up some fruits and veggies for me. I have been craving them too. Been really good with my water though. At least 10 cups if not more each day.

It is hard work when money is tight? Do you have an Aldi near by? It is a life saver for fruits and veggies! They always have super 6 here 39p for 6 different fruits and veggies. I adapt my diet to what is on offer! well done on the water! x

XXXMinnieXXX

Friday 6th July.

Steps: 5,562
Week 1 total:59,218 \ 70,000

Miles 2.43
Week 1 total: 26.24 / 35

Had a rest day yesterday. I felt so tired and unmotivated. It paid off though because i have hit it hard today. Will update tomorrow on figures at the end of today.

I started resistance training at the gym. There is a circuit of 8 machines, they dont have weights on but the resistance builds the faster you go and i could really feel it working. I've got a little routine going now...

Walk the mile there.
Bike 5k.
Vibration plate to do my physio exercises i got given last week. Surely doing them on there can only be beneficial.
1.5 miles walk/jog on treadmill
1.5k on hand bike.
20 mins on cross trainer / elliptical.
20 mins on stair master.
1000m on rowing machine...
Walk the mile home.

Some times i will add a swim. I am aiming for 1000 calories plus per session on none work days, and it worked! Feel great afterwards and enjoying the full body workout. One things for sure makes getting my water in easier! Loving the gym! Hope your all having a great workout! x

XXXMinnieXXX

Saturday 7th July.

Steps: 18,489
Week 1 total:77,707 \ 70,000

Miles 8.57
Week 1 total: 34.81/ 35

Had a good day yesterday exercise wise. Killed it at the gym. Food not so good... Ate almost all the 1268 calories i earnt.. at least it evened out though. Today has been my nephews birthday party and i ate way too much cake... Back onto it full throttle tomorrow!!! xxx