The NO WEIGH IN JULY Challenge!

I spent my first few weeks here on MFP in awe. I came across this site to use the food journal, and I was able to find out about products, join challenges, and meet great people with the same goals. I was very motivated to start off and I used the site religiously, loving every minute of it.

The first week, I lost three pounds.

The next week, I didn't lost a pound.

...Then I gained it back within the next two weeks.

I didn't understand. I was exercising, I was under my calorie goal nearly everyday, and I had the motivation to lose the weight. So why wasn't it happening for me?

I immediately got discouraged. I journaled less frequently, to the point where I stopped altogether. I gave up on the 30 Day Shred that I had been so dedicated to. Exercising became less of a priority, and I just got lazy. I was working hard but not seeing results, so I might as well just eat what I want and go back to being fat, right?

Not right. Wrong. When I was exercising, I felt like I had more energy. I had real goals and felt good about what I was doing. After a week and a half of the 30 Day Shred, I could feel myself getting stronger and going faster and longer. I was finding healthier foods that I liked and making better food choices. But just because the numbers on a scale didn't reflect it, I gave up all that I had going for me that was good. Essentially, I gave up how I was feeling for what I was seeing on the scale. Which makes no sense.

Which brings me to my point. For those who are skimming this long-winded tale of woe and misery, let me emphasize this. I'M GETTING TO MY POINT NOW. I've decided that, for the month of July, I'm not weighing myself. I'm setting tangible goals that don't have to do with numbers on a scale, but rather with eating choices, exercise habits, and how I feel, and I'm inviting anyone who is up for this unique challenge to join me!

Here's how it will work: make a list of tangible, measurable goals that you hope to achieve throughout the days, weeks, or month. There is a list of samples and ideas below this description. Then check in daily/weekly/every once in a while to update us on your goals. I will try to get creative with tracking and motivation but my brain's not working right now. I plan on keeping a moderately detailed list in my blog each day to reflect on how I'm feeling rather than just checking in with numbers. Please give me any suggestions you have for organizing this challenge!

Here are some ideas for goals:
- Take a multivitamin every morning.
- Complete 60 minutes of cardio 5 times a week.
- Do strength training 4 days a week.
- Run for 15 minutes each day without stopping.
- Don't eat after 9:00pm.
- Three desserts per week.
- Keep complete food journal every day.
- No soda/chocolate/ice cream/etc.
- Do 20 push ups each day.
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day.
- Have fruit for breakfast 5 mornings per week.

The point with this challenge is to focus on the big picture - something that I know I struggle with, and I think a lot of people find challenging. Weight loss is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix. This challenge is meant to take your mind off of micromanaging weight loss and deemphasize the numbers on a scale, and to help you focus on healthy habits. It is a great plan for beginners, plateau-ers, or anyone who needs to refocus on how you're feeling rather than what you weigh.