5 Pound a Month February 2010 Challenge

TCASMEY

Well the week of increased fiber and tracking my carbs to match my workouts has simply keept me at the 205 I have been stuck at for 3 weeks. :yawn: I realize that is still a 5 pound drop since December but it is still frustrating. :grumble: Hope February brings new insights.
Congrats to all who are making the effort!

I understand your frustration. 20 pounds is where I hit a wall and it seemed to take forever to get the scale to start moving down again. Hang in there. Maybe shake it up a bit. Try a new workout. Bump your calories up for a day. Try new things until something works. When my weight loss stalled I looked at the positive of what the exercise and better eating were doing for my body and was happy the scale stayed in the same area and did not start going up!:flowerforyou:

TCASMEY

Thanks so much. I followed your instructions EXACTLY and look.... it appears now. Thanks! Now to have that number of weight lost keep getting higher and higher and HIGHER!!! At least it doesn't say ) pounds lost any more! :laugh:

Glad you got it to work. I saw your post yesterday and all I could remember that I had trouble also so knew I would not be much help!:laugh: :laugh:

siobhannestor

Thanks so much. I followed your instructions EXACTLY and look.... it appears now. Thanks! Now to have that number of weight lost keep getting higher and higher and HIGHER!!! At least it doesn't say ) pounds lost any more! :laugh:

I see that it worked! Glad that I could be of help! :happy: And I am positive it will continue to go down!

siobhannestor

Well the week of increased fiber and tracking my carbs to match my workouts has simply keept me at the 205 I have been stuck at for 3 weeks. :yawn: I realize that is still a 5 pound drop since December but it is still frustrating. :grumble: Hope February brings new insights.
Congrats to all who are making the effort!

Minerva, I am with you on how frustrating it can be to hit those plateaus. I want to second Tcasmey - I've found that when I hit those plateaus, changing up the exercise routine can really help. I like your comment about February bringing new insights!

siobhannestor

Question - a couple of folks have mentioned workout plans already but was just wondering what folks' workout goals were for this month? I am asking because I am trying to figure out what I want to commit to for this and the next three months - I work for the Health Dept. in San Francisco and every spring we have a team in my office that participates in a citywide exercise challenge...

I am reassessing my workout goals right now. I was planning on taking up running this year and work towards a 5k but running has made a chronic neck problem worse. (I cannot even walk right now as a lot of arm movement is irritating). I am back to using my bike and doing very light weights and lots of stretching until my neck feels better and then will start walking and maybe add a little running. Time will tell. The good thing I have my bike on a trainer so I can bike and not hurt my shoulder. TIme will tell for me at this point.

Thanks for responding. I am so sorry to read about your neck pain, and am pretty impressed by your still exercising through all of that. Does the bike work well? My fiance has a back problem that got worse when he started running again - is considering buying one - do you have any recommendations?

TCASMEY

What I have is something I bought at the bike shop. I put my regular bike on it and ride. I think it was called a trainer. It probably takes up more space than a traditional exercise bike but I like it, plus it was only about $100 rather than the cost of an exercise bike. It does not track mileage because it its the back tire that is spinning. I changed out my regular bike seat for one without the horn to help with being " saddle sore". Hope this works. If he has back problems a recumbant (spelling) may be a good bet because it is more like sitting in a chair and pedaling rather than a regular bike.

ccounts

My exercise goal is just to get out there and exercise. I am the laziest human being on earth, at least sometimes it seems that way. I always come up with an excuse. Too many people at the gym, not enough people at the gym, too early, too late, too cold, too hot..... you get the picture. So to get out and walk three times a week - that's my goal this week - and to get to the gym at least once this week, just to break the ice of my excuses! :embarassed:

siobhannestor

What I have is something I bought at the bike shop. I put my regular bike on it and ride. I think it was called a trainer. It probably takes up more space than a traditional exercise bike but I like it, plus it was only about $100 rather than the cost of an exercise bike. It does not track mileage because it its the back tire that is spinning. I changed out my regular bike seat for one without the horn to help with being " saddle sore". Hope this works. If he has back problems a recumbant (spelling) may be a good bet because it is more like sitting in a chair and pedaling rather than a regular bike.

Thanks. I like the idea of putting a regular bike on a trainer - I've decided that when I move in - he lives on an island that's very flat - I will do most of my errands and shopping on a bike. We've talked about biking together on the weekends, too. It seems like this could be a money saving measure. Regarding the recumbent bike - is that like an elliptical? I think that's the kind that one of his doctors recommended...

siobhannestor

My exercise goal is just to get out there and exercise. I am the laziest human being on earth, at least sometimes it seems that way. I always come up with an excuse. Too many people at the gym, not enough people at the gym, too early, too late, too cold, too hot..... you get the picture. So to get out and walk three times a week - that's my goal this week - and to get to the gym at least once this week, just to break the ice of my excuses! :embarassed:

I don't know why, but your honesty just made me giggle! I love walking. That's how I started getting fit - don't usually make it if I have to go to a gym to exercise :embarassed: So, especially on the gym thing, gambatte (Japanese for good luck but its literal translation is "give it your all")! :drinker:

izzypup

ccouts- verrrry funnnny!!!! I know there are days i feel just like that.

It took me a bit to find this site for February. Well my foot is feeling better, doc said i can start to work out again but take it easy. I am taking anti inflammatories still and they do help.
My big goal is to drink the water. I also want to work out 3 days a week to start out with. Want to make sure that my foot can take it.

SW 186
GW 181

Welcome to the newbies

Sandy

Jennplus2

Thanks so much. I followed your instructions EXACTLY and look.... it appears now. Thanks! Now to have that number of weight lost keep getting higher and higher and HIGHER!!! At least it doesn't say ) pounds lost any more! :laugh:

Yay! Congrats on your loss! :flowerforyou:

Jennplus2

I have been thinking about my goals for the mth and I have a few exercise as well as some other misc goals.

1. Add a night workout. (Still going to gym on my lunch break M-F also) I have found that On-Demand has exercise TV. I have been doing PM yoga, leg tone and the biggest loser DVD's all from 20-30 mins. This way I can eat the exercise cals I am use to eating, but I will be burning a little more that I wont eat 100-300 cals a night.

2. Extend Sunday walk into a walk plus workout. I walk with my mom every Sunday, she comes to my house and I push my two tots and a 30 lbs stroller (85 lbs) to the park. Kids play a while then we walk home. About 45 mis each way (was an hour each way but we are getting faster) Now I will add a 20-30 min loop (pass the park and come back around to it) and then go over to mom's and use her Wii fit plus for 30-60 mins.

3. Cook healthy dinner's for my fam 4 plus nights a week. (I was still trying to make my dinner healthier from what I am giving them but from now on I will make the dinner healthy and if Daddy wants to slather it in lard to make it unhealthy fine) I don't want them to revolt, so I am trying to start by making small changes. Tonight was sweet potato fries instead of frozen reg fries. Big hit with my son. He keep saying "SO yummy" after every bite, lol 2 cute. I love that!

4. Buy NO more processed food! Daddy might buy some but I am not going to anymore. I am a lazy cook, if I can grab a bag from the frezzer and have dinner on the table in 35 mins I will do that. Healthy food is way to much money to go to waist because I am lazy. I need to start learning how to cook better/healthier. When I try I can do it. So I need to DO IT ALREADY!

5. Exercise everyday. I have been taking Saturday off for the last year. I think I am at the point in my weight loss that I need to do a little sumthin sumthin everyday. Saturdays are my hardest eating day, so I am moving more so I can stay in my cals!


Good luck to everyone who is setting new goals and I hope we all lose this week. :drinker:

pbenison

Hi all. Just checking in. Feel like I am back sliding. The numbers in my food diary say different, but I do not feel as if I am making the best choicies. I got sick on Monday. Funny thing is I am beginning to suspect I may be lactose intolerant. I have never been a big milk drinker and have been having two servings since I started my diet. Twice in the past 10 days I have gotten sick and thought it was a virus. Research on the net is making me suspcious. I will speak to my dr about it.

But since Monday, I have feel horrible and have been trying to be good. Sometimes the two do not go hand in hand :sad: I feel better this morning I have also planned my lunches for the rest of the week, have my water to stay hydrated and feel confident. But I also feel I have backslid because of the bloating this has caused me. My weight has yo-yoed not only onnthe scale but I can just feel that bloated feeling, and it is distressful!

So, stick with me my friends. I need a hug!!!! :brokenheart:

Take care and have a great day,

Pam

TCASMEY

Hi all. Just checking in. Feel like I am back sliding. The numbers in my food diary say different, but I do not feel as if I am making the best choicies. I got sick on Monday. Funny thing is I am beginning to suspect I may be lactose intolerant. I have never been a big milk drinker and have been having two servings since I started my diet. Twice in the past 10 days I have gotten sick and thought it was a virus. Research on the net is making me suspcious. I will speak to my dr about it.

But since Monday, I have feel horrible and have been trying to be good. Sometimes the two do not go hand in hand :sad: I feel better this morning I have also planned my lunches for the rest of the week, have my water to stay hydrated and feel confident. But I also feel I have backslid because of the bloating this has caused me. My weight has yo-yoed not only onnthe scale but I can just feel that bloated feeling, and it is distressful!

So, stick with me my friends. I need a hug!!!! :brokenheart:

Take care and have a great day,

Pam

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: I am having a one of those weeks also. Hang in there! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

My scale is up 2 pounds this morning. Hopefully water weight. Plan to drink lots of water today.

Have a great day everyone.

Remember everyone....one mistake on this life journey to be healthier does not mean you have failed, you just made a mistake. Don't let it get you down just try to make a better choice next time. Great baseball players do not hit a home run everytime. Many times they strike out. What makes them great is that they don't quit after they strike out. They get right back up and try again. This journey is about perseverance not quitting!

CassieSeymour

I'm totally in!

1/12/10 164.0
2/1/10 159.0

Goal for 3/1/10 154.0

siobhannestor

Hi all. Just checking in. Feel like I am back sliding. The numbers in my food diary say different, but I do not feel as if I am making the best choicies. I got sick on Monday. Funny thing is I am beginning to suspect I may be lactose intolerant. I have never been a big milk drinker and have been having two servings since I started my diet. Twice in the past 10 days I have gotten sick and thought it was a virus. Research on the net is making me suspcious. I will speak to my dr about it.

But since Monday, I have feel horrible and have been trying to be good. Sometimes the two do not go hand in hand :sad: I feel better this morning I have also planned my lunches for the rest of the week, have my water to stay hydrated and feel confident. But I also feel I have backslid because of the bloating this has caused me. My weight has yo-yoed not only onnthe scale but I can just feel that bloated feeling, and it is distressful!

So, stick with me my friends. I need a hug!!!! :brokenheart:

Take care and have a great day,

Pam

Big gigantic hug!

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and a flower :flowerforyou: this is only a small set back - I know that you will get on your feet again, whatever is happening!!!

edited to add: that is supposed to be me up above with a big smile on my face, but it didn't really work like that, did it (giggle)

siobhannestor

I'm totally in!

1/12/10 164.0
2/1/10 159.0

Goal for 3/1/10 154.0

Welcome! :bigsmile:

siobhannestor

I have been thinking about my goals for the mth and I have a few exercise as well as some other misc goals...


...Good luck to everyone who is setting new goals and I hope we all lose this week. :drinker:

Jenn, good luck with all of your goals! :bigsmile: You inspired me to decide on mine:

1. I will only eat while sitting at the dining table - no more snacks (even scheduled, healthy ones) in front of the TV or while working in front of the computer - I want to bring mindfulness to my eating.

2. I will measure out all of my fat & starch servings exactly

3. I will continue to walk to & from work every morning (4x per week, 2 miles each way)

4. I will do my regular circuit training routine 3 x per week but add 4 reps per set (from 8 to 12) and 1-2 pounds to the weights that I am using

5. I will add 2 35-45 minute Rockin Body cardio routines every week

Thanks to everyone for being here!

Shivaun

phyljen

Thanks for the comparison of the "baseball players". That really spoke to me. More professionally than physically this week. I was feeling very down and discouraged tonight when I came home from school from a comment he made to me. Thanks so much I really really needed that. I have a principal that is very negative and a pain in the butt to work for. Thank goodness he is moving on next year. I don't think I could stand to work for him another year and I love my job! That said, I am going to remember that even those famous baseball players strike out some times and they don't quit! they just get up and work harder next time. I'm going to remember that and not let him get me down. I know I am a great teacher! I am the one in my class every day with the kids. UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!! I was so glad for my step aerobics class after school today so I could work off stress! I will continue to exercise in some shape or form every day. Swimming three times a week, Step aerobics twice a week and then hit the track for jogging two days a week. if I miss a day at the track I'll do my exercise DVD at home. It give me an over work out of aerobics, core strengthening and weights. Thanks for listening to my complaints tonight. I am usually a very positive person but tonight I was kinda down! :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: May the rest of your week be super. Thank goodness it's Thursday tomorrow then my week end starts! Phyljen

ctfagan

January 15th 170lbs

February 3rd 167 lbs

March 9th---162lbs....I would love to lose 5lbs!

Iffer75

Wow, we have a lot of new people. Welcome to everyone. I wish you all the best of luck in your journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

To everyone that has lost, you are doing great, keep up the good work. To the ones that are the same or up, don't worry too much about it. We all have our weeks that are harder than others. You will get through it and be better for it.

I have not been on for awhile because I have been studying for my ASVAB test and busy wth work. My recruiter said that I need to lose 6 pounds before I go to MEPS and so far I have lost 1+ pounds. I know I can do that before the end of March. I am really excited and studying hard to get the best placement possible.

Keep up the great work everyone. Have a beautiful afternoon. :bigsmile:

Jennplus2

This journey is about perseverance not quitting!


I love that, soooo true. I was feeling so down and bad last week. But this week I feel strong and I am ready to be here for you all like you were there for me when I needed a boost! Everyone has bad weeks or days and that is why it is so good to have a great group like this on MFP.
It does get better, and if you want to talk dairy free, let me know. My son has a no dairy diet.

:flowerforyou:

cct98362

Hi Everyone- it took me a while to find the Feb group- this is a great group and I'm glad to see some familar and especially some new folks!

Jan 1- 155
Feb 1-153
Goal for March 1- 149.

Feb is a short month but this month I'll start 3x week, 1 hour workouts at my local YMCA and that should really kick it up. My other goal is to try not to eat those exercise calories in peanut M&Ms!

lucky1ns

Thats too much for me to hope for, a pound a week is all I ask.

TCASMEY

Thanks. I like the idea of putting a regular bike on a trainer - I've decided that when I move in - he lives on an island that's very flat - I will do most of my errands and shopping on a bike. We've talked about biking together on the weekends, too. It seems like this could be a money saving measure. Regarding the recumbent bike - is that like an elliptical? I think that's the kind that one of his doctors recommended...
[/quote]

A recumbent bike is not like and elliptical. It is a bike but the pedals are more out in front so that when you use it you a in a sitting position like you would sit at the kitchen table. An elliptical is a great workout and it certainly is also a very low impact. I just got off the bike and I burned 600 calories in an hour.

EmmyBee

Congratulations Pam, Jennifer, Lisa, Wonderwoman, Buggaboo, Angelwings, Poisonsugar, Jenn, Phyljen! Woo Hoo! All of us lost weight! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

Welcome CMurphy, Kelly, Maria, Gidget, Bev, Kdm, Eburton, April, Mom (hope you don't mind the abbreviation of your screen name) - it's so great to see so many new faces! You will love this group - everyone is so supportive. And congratulations again to all group newbies who lost weight last month.

And thank you again, Tcasmey, for starting it all?

Question - a couple of folks have mentioned workout plans already but was just wondering what folks' workout goals were for this month? I am asking because I am trying to figure out what I want to commit to for this and the next three months - I work for the Health Dept. in San Francisco and every spring we have a team in my office that participates in a citywide exercise challenge...

Well I am just starting out (again). Been on MFP for awhile but just getting serious this year and actually taking advantage of the message boards, seems like such a great motivation and support system!

My goals are to hit the gym at least 4 times a week and incorporate more weight lifting. I also want to add more fresh fruits and veggies in my diet. (I know these are small steps, but I'm getting there!)

Jennplus2

Congratulations Pam, Jennifer, Lisa, Wonderwoman, Buggaboo, Angelwings, Poisonsugar, Jenn, Phyljen! Woo Hoo! All of us lost weight! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

Welcome CMurphy, Kelly, Maria, Gidget, Bev, Kdm, Eburton, April, Mom (hope you don't mind the abbreviation of your screen name) - it's so great to see so many new faces! You will love this group - everyone is so supportive. And congratulations again to all group newbies who lost weight last month.

And thank you again, Tcasmey, for starting it all?

Question - a couple of folks have mentioned workout plans already but was just wondering what folks' workout goals were for this month? I am asking because I am trying to figure out what I want to commit to for this and the next three months - I work for the Health Dept. in San Francisco and every spring we have a team in my office that participates in a citywide exercise challenge...

Well I am just starting out (again). Been on MFP for awhile but just getting serious this year and actually taking advantage of the message boards, seems like such a great motivation and support system!

My goals are to hit the gym at least 4 times a week and incorporate more weight lifting. I also want to add more fresh fruits and veggies in my diet. (I know these are small steps, but I'm getting there!)

I am back after a holiday break I think your "small steps" are GREAT! I lost 30 lbs the first time around just by not eating fast food or soda and by eating 5 serv's of fruit and veggies! That is a great start, a healthy start that will make your lifestyle change prossible. All the small steps add up fast! :flowerforyou:

fooja

hi, i havnt checked in since i joined this challenge a few wks ago. well, in my 1st month i lost 14lbs!!!!! my next goal is to be under 200lbs by march 9th, that would mean id need to lose atleast 16lbs by then! i know i can do this!!! congrats to everyone on their weight loss!!!!!!!

Jennplus2

hi, i havnt checked in since i joined this challenge a few wks ago. well, in my 1st month i lost 14lbs!!!!! my next goal is to be under 200lbs by march 9th, that would mean id need to lose atleast 16lbs by then! i know i can do this!!! congrats to everyone on their weight loss!!!!!!!

:noway: 14 lbs! OMG

That is so great! What are your goals/ tips!

lreed

Jan 1st 216.7
Feb 1st 211.8
Mar 1st 206.8
Woo Hoo! Let's do it!