Lose 5 Pounds a Month March 2011 Challenge

Here I am, with my tail between my legs...

I've had a terrible few weeks, and haven't been posting. Overworked, Stressed, Overeating, Underexercising. However, I decided today was the end of it. I checked my home scale today, and surprisingly I was still at 152. I had a high protein breakfast, and plan on going to the gym today. I am scared to attempt my next C25k workout, which is W8D1: 28 min run. So, I might go easier on myself, and allow a few walking breaks if needed.

Sounds like my 5 lb friends are doing great! Congrats to all the 5k'ers. I may do one on April 17th, as a warm up for my 10k in May.

Welcome back! Let us know how W8D1 goes!

I haven't been doing a good job of staying away from the scale. I peeked this morning, and it reminded me why I need to stay away!! When I don't see the number I want to see, I think I MUST be doing something wrong. I start thinking of changes I need to make--- fewer carbs, less calories, more exercise. Before I know it, my net calories are in the negatiive! I have lost weight very quickly in the past doing that but have always gained it right back.

NOW I need to just keep doing what I am doing.... a balanced diet and exercise. I feel great about it, but that scale trips me up every time. I think I am going to have my boyfriend hide it somewhere and only bring it out every 2 weeks for me to weigh in.

Kelly--- I bet your family is really excited to see you, too! I am sure they will be impressed with your progress. Thanks for the no scale idea! I think it will really help me focus on what I need to do and eliminate a lot of stress in my life!

Yes Amanda - you know what to do, but don't get your mind set that you will gain it right back. Remember this is your new lifestyle, so once you lose, you will keep it off! :flowerforyou:

Thanks for the support, Kelly!

Phyljen-- Do you like swimming for exercise? We have an olympic-sized pool at the rec center at school, and I have been thinking about doing that a couple times a week. I think it would feel great on my bones and joints compared to running.

starting weight 3/1: 184.4 pounds
3/8 - 180.2 - wow! what a week - this is after a plateau so I'm guessing it's not typical
3/15 - 177.6 :happy:
3/22 - 175.4
3/29 -

Totally forgot to log my weight this week on this post! Everyone is doing great - keep up the great work

Ok, my tail is wagging happily now.

I had a great day food-wise. No junk! Plus I had a great workout. Instead of running the target 28 minutes, I ran 35 minutes so that I could finish a full 5k! I did the 5k in 40:10 on the treadmill, which included my 5 minutes warmup. :bigsmile:

I think I can officially say "I'm baaaack!!!" :laugh:

SO PROUD OF YOU DONNA!!!! :bigsmile:

March 1 - 149
March 7 - 147
March14 - 146
March 21 - 146
March 28
March 31

i've had an injury that is keeping me out of the gym but I am getting as much cardio as I can without it. Nothing lost this week (so far). I am hoping for 2 more lbs lost by March 31st. I hope I can get back to the gym this week!

I have been at 144-143 for 3 days!!! I did it! I wonder how the month will wrap up? This challenge really helped me focus despite my injury. Thanks!

Keep at it So many are doing so well!

Thanks for the support, Kelly!

Phyljen-- Do you like swimming for exercise? We have an olympic-sized pool at the rec center at school, and I have been thinking about doing that a couple times a week. I think it would feel great on my bones and joints compared to running.

Yes I do like swimming and it is the best exercise for my knees. I also like to jog but that is the worst thing I can do right now. DANG! Once I get jogging I can just jog and jog but not now! Also if used to be safe to be out jogging but now I am kind of afraid anyway to even walk alone on the street in these days of not much police presence on the street. Maybe when the government gets more settled down we will have more security.
We do also have a nice pool at the school where I work so I go swimming there every other day or so. It feels so good when I am in the water and especially when I am out and finished with the work out.
Do you work at a school or are you taking classes? I teach 3rd grade at the international school here in Egypt. Phyljen

I am an accounting student at the University of Houston. I am actually on campus now and will be hitting the pool once I make a dent in an essay I am working on. I can't wait!

I found something great to keep me motivated with exercising. I got the idea from somebody on MFP. I found a website that lets you customize a calendar and type whatever you want into the days--- I am using it to schedule my workouts. It is neat because I can see where I will be by the end of April if I stick with it, and it also motivates me because I am Type A.... and we Type A's love a good checklist (Can I get a HECK YEAH from the other Type A's out there?) Anyways, I figured I would share the idea because I love it so much and am so excited to check off my workout for tomorrow!

HECK YEAH !! :drinker: :drinker: Definite Type A here. :blushing:

Timbotina Thanks for asking about the legs. It is actually the KNEES and my left knee is still giving me some pain so I try to stay off stairs as much as possible. That's hard since I live on the 4th floor and we don't have a lift. also I work on the 2nd floor but we do have the lift but usually I need to escort the kids and they are not allowed to take the lift. I have some gel that I rub on the knee and it helps it kind of freezes the pain. no chemicals.

Amanda, You April plan sounds like over kill for sure and I know you will see results if you stick to that routine. Can't wait to see before and after pics.
I just got out of the pool and swam for 45 minutes. It felt good as usual. But I had to really talk myself into going back to school after I got home and ate dinner. Pj's and the couch sounded much more inviting but I made the big splash and now I am proud of myself.
A couple friend and I decided to do a 5 point a week plan so we can kind of motivate each other. We get points for things like drinking 8 cups of water, sleeping 7 hours a night. eating healthy, doing at least 30 minutes exercise a day and making a keeping a personal goal. We will be checking in each Friday to see who has the most points. We'll up the exercise as time goes on.
anyway better get to bed so I can get the 7 hours in. I wake up so darn early and start my day in the dark. Usully about 5;00 or sooner I am up and at it. Phyljen

BMK Time!! This week is thanks to Kelly

**100 push ups for the week.
**Do 20min YOGA at least once this week.
**Food Challenge: Lets keep on with the fruits & veggies....have at least 2 days this week with either a fruit or veggie at EACH meal! Shouldn't be too hard....

Let's do it!

Blackbyrd--- 8.6 lbs? :noway: WHOA! What a loss! Great job, and keep up the good work!

Bru--- Thanks for the challenge! I have never done yoga but have always wanted to. I am excited to check it out.

March 1 - 181.6
March 7 - 177.2
March 14 - 175.8
March 21 - 175.6
March 28 - 175.0

Good grief! My weight has been like the March weather - "Roared in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". :noway: I'm glad I had a great first 2 weeks because after that, it has been a dribble. Shouldn't really complain though because I've lost 6.6 lbs so far this month. Hopefully lose a little more by Thursday and end the month with a 7 lb loss.

Hope everyone has a great week.

i am in! friend me too:)

Thanks AmandaB!!

Good job Lisafrancis! keep up the good work!

I really pushed it the past 2 weeks but the scale doesnt want to budge hmmm

Mar 1: 178
Mar 7: 180
Mar 14: 178.5
Mar 21: 179
Mar 28: 179:huh:
Mar 31: [Goal: 173 lbs]