Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

We had a good day today. We attended the services for my cousin's wife. She was a really remarkable woman. She was a professional musician, so there was a lot of really beautiful music, much of it original, performed at the celebration of life. It was good to be with family, too.
January was a mixed bag as far as meeting my goals is concerned. I was interrupted too many times by illness and injury. I'm looking forward to the February challenge. It will be good for me to add some strength training. I need to figure out the data base for strength training so I can record it.
@Robin glad you can drop in.
@karenleona welcome back.
@melwilbewell welcome back
I hope that those of you facing big snow storms will be safe.
We are having a family super bowl party tomorrow, so my February challenge will probably not get off to a strong start until Monday. Living in the northwest, we are Sea Hawks fans. They kind of feel like the "home team" and besides that I really like their colors.
Have a great weekend. Onward and downward. Kaye

"Just 15 Minutes" - love it!

Today, I certainly wasn't at my best, calorie wise... but I was under my goal!

The boyfriend and I were both craving carbs... In fact, we drove to find something tasty, but luckily the bakery was fresh sold out of this particular tasty treat... So we drove to Frost (another bakery). Nothing looked like it would fix our (ok my) craving, so we drove back to his house. On the way back, Kraig (the bf) suggested perhaps our NOT finding the perfect treat, was meant to be and that he (bf) wasn't supporting my goals properly by driving all over town to find me a croissant. He's probably right. I think I'll keep him awhile longer ☺️

Well, my Saturday success was slightly an accident... But I'll take it

Happy Superbowl Day!!! GO PATRIOTS!!!!! Have a GREAT Day!

@RobinsEgg ... now, who is playing? The New England Patriots and the Seahawks .. are from where? Didn't one of those teams have a mini scandal about deflated balls recently? Hmm, that's a football game, isn't it? Isn't that the game where the men all jump on top of one another in a puddle? And there is something about running about with a pigskin settled inside the crook of their elbow? Hmmm, maybe I'll peek in at it if there isn't a good old movie on one of the stations.
Niki

RobinsEgg wrote: »

Thanks, @KaarenLeona - its great to "see" you back again. I've missed you a lot!

@mara--congrats on 150 lbs lost!!! What a great milestone!!

@jbchirsk‌ --glad you found your way here.

@niki--thanks for all you're doing to maintain the thread while robin is taking care of herself! I love your goals and am doing something similar in that I will be doing exercises I learned doing physical therapy for my knee a few years ago.

@robin--I also wasn't sure who to root for, but am going with the Seahawks since I have several friends living in the Pacific NW. Also, like kaye, I prefer their colors.

@amy & tom--enjoy the day--sorry I will be rooting for the other guys.

@nicole--I think that's a great NSV--even if it was accidental.

@holly--that's so great that you are down a pants size! Woot! Woot!. I had fun last night--it wasn't just the girls, but a whole group from work.

@kaye--so sorry for your family's loss--it sounds like it was a beautiful service.

@softblondechick‌ --I think you are right about severe obesity needing more than nutrition and exercise intervention. Chronic over-eating is just as much an eating disorder as anorexia or bulimia. Sadly, society often just labels morbidly obese people as "lazy" or "gluttonous." Losing the weight is "simple" in theory--calories in vs. calories out. However, that is easier said than done for someone who has an underlying emotional connection to the food and/or the weight.

@lori--sorry about your husband's shoulder and the emotional difficulties this causes you. Don't beat yourself up for being short with him, especially on very little sleep. Good decision not to drive down here today. Not sure how you guys are faring, but we are in full-blown blizzard mode.

@bap--yipee about the biopsy results!

@teresa--great message to the newlings!

@melissa--Sorry you are having yucky weather as well. At least in a blizzard, no one expects me to go anywhere or run pesky errands.

Sunday Share:
So as mentioned above, we are getting one doozy of a snowstorm here in Chicago. My friends and I still went out last night and had a good time. It wasn't so fun cleaning off my car and driving home this morning. I made a wise choice taking the DH's 4-wheel drive jeep though--I don't think my challenger would have made it home. Saw lots of people along the way slipping and sliding all over the roads.

Though we had fun last night, we also got some potentially bad news. Some of you may remember that about this time last year, a good friend and former colleague of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and found out she carries the BRCA-1 gene. She was only 27 years old at the time and had no idea she had a family history of breast cancer. Since then she's gone through chemo and had a double mastectomy, with excellent results and a great prognosis that she would be cancer-free. She had been planning to join us last night, but at a check-up last week, the doctors found a spot on her liver. They aren't sure what it is--hopefully nothing--but until they complete some follow-up tests, she can't drink any alcohol. She contemplated still coming with us, but felt it would be hard b/c all of us drinking would remind her of why she couldn't, increasing her worry and stress.

For the February challenge, I will change my calorie goal to staying under each week by zig-zagging. This has worked well for me in the past--if I have extra calories one day, I can use them on another day that week that I would otherwise be over. As long as I've stayed under for the week, that is success.

I will also post my exercise goals which will include physical therapy for my shoulder.

January Challenge:
Under calorie goal: 28/31 days (goal is 28/31 days)
All-in: run 2 days/week: week 1 = 2/2, week 2 = 3/2, week 3 = 2/2, week 4 = 2/2
8k at end of month (not sure what day) in 56 minutes (Thanksgiving 8k = 56:49, NYE 8k = 57:47) DONE 1/25 in 55:41!!

February Challenge:
Under weekly calorie goal: x/4 weeks
All-in strength challenge=balance exercises 3 x/week; PT 1-2 x/week; run 2 x/week:
Week 1: x/3 balance; PT completed; x/2 runs
Week 2: x/3 balance; PT completed; x/2 runs
Week 3: x/3 balance; PT completed; x/2 runs
Week 4: x/3 balance; PT completed; x/2 runs
8k at end of month (not sure what day) in 55 minutes (Thanksgiving 8k = 56:49, NYE 8k = 57:47,1/25 in 55:41)

Grading Goals:
1. 46/60 JRP journals
2. x/60 course recommendation

Exercise Goals: (week 1)
Sun--shovel snow
Mon--walk gunner + gym
Tues--rest day (meeting)
Wed--walk gunner + gym
Thurs-- walk gunner + gym
Fri--PT
Sat--walk gunner + gym

2015 mantra "Just 15 minutes"

@bapcarrier‌ - Congrats on the biopsy report! That has to be a relief.

I'm happy to talk about The Miracle Morning. It's making such a difference in my life, it's sometimes hard NOT to talk about it. It's a morning routine designed for self-improvement and personal development as outlined in the book, The Miracle Morning, by Hal Allrod. There are 6 activities, called S.A.V.E.R.S., that you do each morning. S = Silence (meditation); A = Affirmations; V = Visualization; E = Exercise (I do yoga); R = Reading; S = Scribing (journaling). It takes me about an hour to do everything, then I'm launched into my day from a place of clarity, calm and inspiration. Today was Day 28 (in a row), and I'm noticing that the discipline I've developed by sticking with this routine is beginning to spill over into other areas of my life. It's pretty awesome.

AFM, dealing with some pain in the right side of my body today. I'm guessing it's a combination of the drastic drop in temps (40s yesterday, today our "feels like" temp is 1) and playing with the kids last night. Lots of climbing on Aunt Sissy, picking up kids, and I may have been chasing kids through the house roaring like a monster at some point. Did my yoga this morning and eased some of the aching, but it looks like today is going to be taking it easy physically.

I'll be doing a fitness goal with the rest of you in February, but I'm also focusing on food in a big way. I'm still outlining what I want to do and how to do it; will back with goals later.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! We've had a lot of snow here and all I've wanted to do is eat today.

For all those in the path of the snowstorm, please be careful out there and stay safe.

The past week was very stressful at school because we were doing a Project Based Learning Project with the kids, where they had to design an egg drop container. This was out of our normal routine and depended on multiple teachers doing their job. The first three days of this project have gone very smoothly and Monday they do the drop. It should be fun watching the containers drop, yes we are putting drop cloths down to catch the splatter from the eggs. We are depending on volunteers from the Stem Office to man each station on Monday. I just hope we can get all the groups through within their class period. I must say I have been very impressed with the level of engagement that our students have been displaying for this project. This project has kept me busy most days with working late just so I was prepared. I teach 8th grade science and this project fell on my shoulders.

This weekend has been relaxing for the most part. Yesterday, I had a great swim and I am feeling more confident with my Butterfly stroke so I am thinking about doing the 100 yd IM- 25 yds each of Butterfly, Back, Breast and Free. Butterfly is my weakest but also my newest stroke. So I am pleased with my progress. Today, the cleaning bug hit and I managed to clean up my bedroom. Now, I want to go shopping for some new wall hangings/ ornaments to dress things up a little. Tonight, I made brownies so I am waiting for them to cool. The good news is that I did make it to the gym today and rode 11 miles on spin bike then ran 1 mile plus walking to warm up and cool down. So a good workout today.

Exercise Goals
Sunday- gym (bike and run) Done
Monday- Trainer workout (plyos in the mix, not happy)
Tuesday- Rest (sign language class)
Wednesday-Swim
Thursday- Gym
Friday- Climb
Saturday- Swim and swim meet

I hope everyone has a great week.

Hi. I'm just joining the conversation here. I'm 51 and I weigh over 300 lbs. I find it kind of hard to accept both of those facts as true, lol. I've lost 11 lbs so far. I have so far to go. I lost 80 lbs some years ago and gained it back. I'm hopeful.

Lynette4321 wrote: »

Hi. I'm just joining the conversation here. I'm 51 and I weigh over 300 lbs. I find it kind of hard to accept both of those facts as true, lol. I've lost 11 lbs so far. I have so far to go. I lost 80 lbs some years ago and gained it back. I'm hopeful.

@Lynette4321‌ - Welcome!! Great job on the 11 pounds! You've lost the weight before and surely you'll lose it again.

Hi, ok, second post, trying out the thread's format.
First - Sunday Share: I'm 54, live in Texas, and couldn't be happier that I don't have to deal with snow!!! I have 100 lbs to lose. I just finished cancer treatment and need to do everything I can to reduce my chances of recurrence. One of the biggest things I can do to prevent recurrence is to lose weight and become more active and fit. Of course, losing 100 lbs will resolve a lot of my other problems, like sleep apnea and type II diabetes.

February Challenge to myself:
1) Log in to MFP every day
2) Under weekly calorie goal (right now, 10,640/week, 1520 daily)
3) Exercise goals:
Physical therapy upper body resistance bands - 4x weekly
3 reps of 10 x each with 3 different upper body bands
Walking 4X weekly 10 min at break and 20 min at lunch
Going UP the stairs at least 3X daily, 5 days a week
Working out at least 30 minutes 3X week on treadmill and elliptical

RobinsEgg wrote: »

Thank you all for wishing me well and all the kind thoughts sent my way. I continue to move forward, and the comments left on the blog were eye-opening and also very helpful. Many people could be therapists themselves!
I think part of my problem too is that I didn't have a family to lean on ever, and that was especially important as an adult.
Gosh, I missed having a family all these years, and an older womans advice so many, many times. During my marriage, I did have a wonderful mother-in-law, and I loved her, but I did not go to her for advice, I saw her quite infrequently. It would have been nice to have someone to go to lunch with, bake with, etc.
Today even, no one to watch the Superbowl with. All weekends are spent alone as my girlfriends all dedicate THEIR weekends to their hubbys, so weekends are hard that way.
But, I've gotten used to it and try to make the best of it.
I've learned I don't need the physical presence of people at my side. I've learned I am an introvert, and am happier now with one-on-one relationships anyway. I don't seem to enjoy the crowd scene.
I will watch the game - I'm still undecided who I'll root for - Any suggestions?

Robinsegg- I sit home alone many weekends too..I have realized in most of my relationships with friends and family I am always the one reaching out or always there. I decided after New Orleans that I wasn't going to do that anymore (it felt like I would beg people to hang out with me). In the sense I have now become a loner I am introverted to a point but I also love to be around other people. Guess I am half and half .

Question: when counting calories towards meeting the daily/monthly challenge, do you stick to your original set limit or do you include exercise, that can up your # of calories? My daily limit is 1200 calories, (66 years old with a relatively sedentary lifestyle, which I'm trying to change.) So on days I do get more exercise my counter will add those on. I try not to use them but some days I do. Is that still considered meeting my calorie goal? I thought I had met it most of January, but when I did the bar graph it showed me over several days. Then I did the bar graph for Net calories and I was right where I thought I should be. Also, Robin used to say meet your goal within 100 calories? Just wondering how most of you figured yours. Thanks
Barb

8 pages later and I’m caught up again. This sinus infection/cold kicked my butt BIG time, but I think I’m finally on the mend. I’ve got to start checking in daily. Even if it’s just a quick jump, but I do miss you guys. You’re my friends and I want to keep up with you too through the good and bad food or non-food related. I did find 23 new folks in just the week I was gone and been watching to see who came back. I think maybe 3 and that’s it. I guess folks just come and go, but we do have about 10-15 regulars who post daily or definitely a few times a week. I think Robin who started this awesome thread years ago hit the nail on the head. It can get overwhelming to jump in and this thread moves a LOT during the week, but weekends are normally much slower. This is truly a hidden gem on MFP. Everyone is so supportive with no negativity, but will give you a gentle kick in the butt when needed. Just keep coming back!!!

I know its Monday, but with so many new faces I’ll do my Sunday Share on Monday.

Personal Story - Susan, 46, divorced, single mom to an AWESOME son, Cyrus whose 12. I lived in Atlanta for 18 years, but decided to try a new job and moved to Las Vegas. I was there for 2 ½ years, but decided my heart plus family and friends were in the south so just moved back in December. We now live in a northern suburb called Alpharetta. Cyrus has adjusted well. Thank goodness! I’m in the foodservice industry and yes I work around food ALL the time, which doesn’t make this journey easy. I can’t use this as my excuse though!! I work in Supply Chain or Purchasing. I spent 12 years with Arby’s Restaurant Group in Atlanta and in Las Vegas with Caesars Entertainment and Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. I moved back to GA for a great opportunity with HoneyBaked Ham. I’m 2 months into the new job and LOVING it!!! By the way, did I tell you on February 12th we have a cutting for the exeutive team and I'm bringing in over 20 samples of different chocolate cakes and pies to find a new one for this upcoming holiday season. Seriously??!!!! Lord give me strength!!!!!

MFP Story – I joined in August 2012, which is the same year I moved to Las Vegas. I lost 25 lbs on my own before finding MFP and this thread. Needless to say, I’m learning, but still on that rollercoaster of ups and downs. I started at 325, got down to my lowest of 265 and started gaining/losing the same 25 lbs. I’ve been able to keep off 30, but haven’t really been trying the past few months. Moving 2,000 miles, starting a new job, movers came the Wednesday before Christmas, getting my son settled, getting my house settled, and the list goes on and on my food tracking/exercise has been on the back burner then I got sick. I’ll be back on track soon I promise. I know how good I feel when I’m on track eating healthier and moving more. Thanks for sticking by me and your friendship.

With the personals below, I’m sure I missed a few folks, but not my intention that’s for sure and I’ll catch you the next time.

@geminirl, @justineelizabeth, @riella25, @Hippster91, @ZebsterBC, @Myrabutler, @queendebor, @kwarthman, @linskindetermined, @msbrittanyhelene, @rozie1019, @drainqueen, @brandy, @determined, @texasmom, @teenagwood, @armednurse, @markyke, @brandon, @goinstd12, @lynette, @emisor12,@runninghouse – Welcome to the most amazing group on MFP!!! I can’t believe how many new folks I came across in just a week being gone. WOW! Check in daily if you can. This group will support you!!

@grandmakaye – I really enjoyed your post from the 23rd and discussing your own relationship with food. While my weight loss is extremely slow (my fault), I’m also learning to work through my food issues as well. I can’t make things forbidden either. This is just another part of this process. It’s not just about losing 100 lbs, but the mental side is even more important. Thanks for sharing your insight.

@hansea – From your 24th post, I’m feeling the same. I have very little downtime at work anymore. I came in early this morning and thought I would take a little 5 minute break. I may do it throughout the day to get caught up on some post. When I get home after work, the last thing I want to do is get back on the computer even if it’s for fun and socializing. Just too tired and I can feel the same way. Must enjoy my son when we are together and avoid stress eating!!

@nk1112 (Nikki) – Your Tip of the Day from 1/24 is so true. I’ve really been focusing at the grocery store to stick to the outer aisles – protein, produce, etc. . . I hardly go down the aisles anymore except for cereal. Little changes, big results. Love it!

@jtconst (Tammy) – Congrats on your 5.8# loss last week!! Imagine that? You ate right, exercised and lost weight. It’s not rocket science- right??!! LOL!! Also, I’m so jealous of all your hikes. You live in a beautiful part of this country that’s for sure.

@naceto (Nicole) – Hey girl!! So glad to see you and hear things have been going well. Slowly dropping is OK. As long as you’re dropping that’s all that matters. The B&B sounds like a wonderful reward. You’ve got this!!

@ Skinny (Karen) – I’m smiling at your post about being officially caught up with your grading. Yeah, right. That will NEVER happen. In the 2 ½ years I’ve been on here, you’re ALWAYS grading papers. That’s what you do. LOL!!! Congrats on the 8K! Where you pleased with that time? Also, just read your post about your friend and the spot on her liver. SUCKS! I truly hope it’s nothing too. She’s so young. Hugs to her!!

@Lives2Travel – What kind of car did you buy? As much as I want a new car, I just have to keep mine. I’ve got a 2000 Toyota 4Runner that is just a gem with 198,000 miles. It’s an awesome car! I’m really focusing this year on my debt and definitely do not need a car payment right now.

@colleen40 – Welcome back to the thread! I joined in August 2012 so I would have just missed you. So proud of you for being 4 years without smoking. I know it’s one of the toughest addictions to overcome. Good for you! As you know, this group is a great support system. Check in often!

@tlh0407 (Tracy) – I totally agree about keeping our kids busy and active. Cyrus has stayed out of trouble and he’s been a good kid. I’m so lucky! He’s getting ready to start spring baseball and it can’t start soon enough in my opinion. Sorry to hear Jacob is struggling. I know how tough that is on all of you. Hang in there and hopefully you’ll find that one thing that will click for him. Soooo tough!!! Also, thinking and praying for your sister. I know how scary it can be. Cyrus was 8 weeks early so I can relate when problems arise. Hugs to her!!

@melifornia – Loved your post from the 26th about feeling great physically and a little bemused mentally. Who is this person? This is a person who’s getting things in order and its working. Keep aiming for days just like that day. You rock!! For snacks, I’m like Skinny (Karen). I keep Dove on hand. Because it’s such a rich, indulgent chocolate and I do the dark chocolate one little heart is plenty and keeps me satisfied.

@kah68 (Kelley) – Oh no!! I just read your post about the car accident. I’m so sorry, but so glad you were OK. It can be pretty scary, but I’m so glad so many folks came to check on you. There are good people in this world. I’m chuckling at your post about the burpees. When I was in boot camp, I totally lost track of the number I had to do and not just the regular kind. They would throw all kind of weird jumps, pushups, etc. . . into the burpee. So hard and HATED them!!! Glad the car stuff is turning out OK. I’ve got a 14 year old car with 198,000 miles. It’s been an amazing car. While I would LOVE something new, I haven’t had a car payment in 10 years. I can’t even imagine if I had to make that decision, but glad it’s working out with yours and the person accepted responsibility.

@lauriek – I really don’t miss that snowy weather one bit. After growing up in western PA and getting the Lake Erie affects, no thanks!! So proud of you for still pushing on the rock wall. I know how much you love going and seeing how far you've come.

@cblue315 (Lori) – Congrats on the 100 lb loss recorded at the gym!! I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. I know you’ve worked so hard and deserve every kudos!! I’m not quite as dedicated right now, but I will be back soon. I promise.

@ Rozie1019 – When you mentioned the dog not letting you work out, use that to your advantage! A puppy can wear you out. Start running around the house and chase after him. You’ll get some quick spurts of exercise, which is really good for us. My dog goes NUTS if someone is on a treadmill. I had a Treadclimber, but ended up selling it. I wasn’t using it and when I tried I would have to lock the dog in another room, which I hated doing.

@mountmary – I can relate. Time to commit at my house too.

@mnwalkingqueen (Holly) – You’re Wednesday Wish definitely resonated with me. I use to battle with jealously and why them not me kind of mentality. I especially struggled with friends who were married or had an awesome boyfriend. Why not me? It’s taken me awhile, but I’ve let it go and realized I’m proud of ME! I’ve gone through so many ups and downs on this journey of life, but I’m really proud of where I’ve landed and where I’m going. As single moms, we’ve accomplished a lot and should be very proud.

@marypoppins – I can relate. My son and I are finally feeling better after 2 weeks of sinus infections, colds, bronchitis, etc. . .but, I just can’t catch up on sleep.

@ereilly – I can relate to shutting down. I’m not quite ready to get back on track, but I will soon. I’m not totally derailed, but just not quite doing the things I should be doing. I also lost a dear friend in early December and trying to being a strong support system to his wife and kids. He was 44 and died of stage 4 cancer.

@teresa_3266 – I’m looking for a new doctor as well. When I lived here before, I had an awesome doctor for 10+ years, but she was down near Piedmont Hospital. I was in the Perimeter area before and that wasn’t too bad to get too, but now that I’m up in Alpharetta it’s just too far. I know there are some good docs up in this area, but just have to start the search. Ugh. Regarding last week’s Thursday Truth, been there done that. Good job telling us and now get over it!! What’s done is done.

@bapcarrier – Woo Hoo!!! Loved your post on the 31st – benign!

@softblondechick – I’m so sorry to read about your friend who lost her battle with life. I had a dear friend commit suicide when we were in the 8th grade. This was 31 years ago and I still remember her. I know 4 other people in just this past year as well who lost loved ones to suicide. I totally agree. Please, please, please ask for help!!!

@goinstd12 – I saw your second post and look forward to learning more about you. You’ve set some great goals for February. Good for you!!