Thanks for starting the thread for this week, Lois, and thanks for presenting a challenge. Because I'm not happy with my outcome for the week, I have been thinking about something I can focus on this week, so this is perfect.

In explanation of why I'm no a happy camper, I'm still at 145. I felt sure that I'd go down a bit this week, after being careful with measuring and logging, upping water and avoiding the diet Ice sodas, and watching amounts so that I was often a little hungry. It was a disappointment to stand still, so I was trying to think of something that might push me in the right direction.

Here are my stats:

LW: 145.0
TW: 145.0

And here are my average daily stats for the past 7 days
Calories Burned 1846
Calories Consumed 1523
Calorie Deficit 323
Physical Activity 63 minutes
Steps Taken 8617

It's a bit disappointing to walk, on average, more than 4 miles a day and have a modest calories deficit, but see no movement. After assessing my food log, I noticed that even on days when my intake is low (say a 1200 calorie day), I still have a fairly high sugar intake. I was appalled to check a food label and find that the cereal I ate yesterday had 14 grams of sugar in one very small bowlful Add the sugars found in the half banana and the half cup of 1% milk, and what seemed like a great breakfast was really pretty high in sugar grams, albeit that some were from fruit and milk.

So my goal this week is watch my sugar intake and make healthier choices from that perspective.

Hi Friends,

SW: 160
TW: 156.4
GW: 130

It was a tough week all around, but things have started to get a bit better. I'm still sad, as I'm sure I will be for awhile, but it isn't keeping me down as much anymore. As long as I keep reminding myself that it's all for the best, then I'll be okay.

I like your challenge Lois... but like any challenge, I'm finding it even difficult to think of just one thing to work on. I will be heading up to work tomorrow for my week on, so I already know that my steps will be higher than normal as I walk to and from work 4 times a day and that I should be able to continue to eat healthy as plenty of fruits and vegetables are always made available. So...My goal for this week is going to be to make sure that I don't just stay in my room after work, but that I socialize with my coworkers and remember what it's like to have a good time. I need to remember what happiness is like. On the days that I don't "go out", then I will pamper myself with baths, pedicures, manicures and good movies. That may not sound like a difficult goal, but it will be for me. It's very easy for me just to stay inside and lay in bed. I know that's healthy for a bit, but I can't continue on like this forever.

My numbers this week may seem like I had a high weight loss, but I promise you that its just because I'm actually paying attention to what I'm eating. When I knew things were starting not to go well in my relationship, I turned to food and managed to gain 10lbs pretty easily by eating crappy foods. Also, I'm paying attention to how much water I drink as well, which has always been difficult for me. I could probably go an entire day without drinking anything and not even notice. I know my numbers will soon start to plateau, but I'm going to continue working on things, even if the numbers don't move.

So... Here's to a good week ladies!

Checking in quickly before the another long day at the desk! Sheesh, I was so glad to see your post, and you're right--I have been thinking about you. I meant to send you an e-mail, but with monitoring five work inboxes, my home e-mail goes begging. A coworker said last night, "Let the games begin." And I had to respond, the games HAVE begun. I'm trying to appreciate that at least I don't have a "boring" desk job.

So today, thanks to Lois's urging, I begin my week of focusing on watching sugar (I'm with you, Light), including fake sugar!

Something a contestant said on Biggest Loser last night really hit me, and I'm going to make it my mantra for awhile:

"You can make excuses, or you can get the job done. But you can't do both."

Here's to fewer excuses. Next time I "explain" why did not do so good, someone give me a swift cyber kick!

Sarah, watching The Biggest Loser always gets me motivated! Love that show. I'm calling this my "no excuses new year"!

Lois, glad you're ready to get back to the mountain. Please take care!

Kelly, good for you! You're doing good things for yourself physically AND emotionally! You're an inspiration. (BTW, I've also noticed stairs I didn't do suddenly appear on my FitBit. But, I've double checked the steps, and they are right on.)

I'm off to the treadmill. Too much ice to go outside.

I'm catching up ladies...

Here's my yesterday's numbers:

11,053 Steps Taken!
12 floors climbed
5.06 miles traveled
2079 calories burned

Sarah - I love how you're able to think about the positives in life. It's what's I'm striving to do more and more. It's hard to be around negative people all the time.. they easily drag me down. Being accountable is why I love that we're all doing this together. That and the competition. If I see that someone is doing better than me, it makes me what to walk around more

I didn't see the part where Sarah said it's harder for shorter people to have a higher burn rate. I'm 5'3"... so I'll have to disagree as well

Slowly but surely I'm going to catch you guys. Here' s my numbers for yesterday:

12,508 steps taken!
19 floors climbed (The Leaning Tower of Pisa")
5.66 miles traveled
2167 calories burned

Now to get these numbers this is what I had to do; walk to and from work 4 times a day (before work, at lunch back to camp, a lunch back to work and after work.. and each way is around 1000 steps) and then a 30 minute walk on the treadmill at an average speed. Also, just randomly walking around throughout the day to get some extra steps in.

I'm pretty tired today though.. it says my actual sleep time was 7hrs and 37mins, but I woke up 14 times. I find when I wake up lots that I don't feel like I've had enough sleep. Also, waking up to an alarm clock at 5:30am isn't fun either.

Have a good day ladies!

Great numbers Sarah!! So glad you met someone to make the time walking at the mall, a bit more entertaining.
I also work in an office at a desk. I work from 6:30am until 6:30pm. The thing that saves me is the walking to or from work. I also make it a point to get up at least once an hour and walk around the building for 5-10 minutes. Every little bit helps!
I have a feeling that my today's numbers won't be so high... but I'm trying! I find it so hard when it's cold and gloomy outside. I'd rather just be curled up on the couch or in bed with Netflix or a good book