Motivation, Success and Frustration Sharing!

Thanks everyone, i'm feeling good about getting back to it now.
I am taking baby steps however, and this week my main goals were to get back on here and start logging again, but not worry too much at this point about what i'm eating exactly, just to get back into the habit of logging each day, and my second goal was to get moving more again.
Just to add to my worries last year I got made redundant a few months after my Mum died, I did manage to get another job fairly quickly (thankfully!), however, unlike my old job this one offers very little in the way of opportunities to exercise. I used to have a 10 min walk to and from the car park and my office, now the parking is directly outside the building, plus I used to work in a town centre and would go out every day at lunch for a walk about, now i'm working in the middle of nowhere, so it's a bit more difficult as my company is on a very long main road in between two towns. But i've made a pact with myself that every day it's not raining I will go out and walk, even if it's just 20 mins in one direction, turn around and walk back again, at least i'll be moving.
As for my running @jdelaroy, no I haven't kept it up, my last run was in September, BUT my best friend has just signed us up for a 5k Muddy Mayhem run on the 18th March, so i've got 10 weeks to get back to it!
Next weeks goals are to focus more on my food choices and start back on the C25K programme to ease myself back into running again. Not sure how i'm going to do that though as it's currently freezing and dark in the mornings, and by the time I finish work at night, so I'm going to go and research local gyms now, and see if there's anywhere nearby, that doesn't cost the earth, where I can go and use the running machines.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, keep up the good work.

@brown_eyes74 - welcome!

Cari - sounds like you've got the right idea to ease back into it gently. I remember you saying you were made redundant - really pleased that you got something else quickly. Good luck with the running again - nothing like being signed up for something for getting you going again!

Shy - well done for having the rare quiet day, you don't sound like you have many of them and I'm sure that the rogue extra lb will disappear this week!

Rachel - hope your games night on Friday went ok. Agree with you, January is a cruel month financially, it's the 9th and I'm already having to keep a close eye on my expenses

@kaavery120188 - hope the weekend was good to you and that you made some good choices. Weekends have always been my downfall although I find the busier I get with my little boy, the less I struggle with it. I think keeping active is very key for me - I eat when I'm bored.

Jen - yay for getting your car back with some heating. That's a lot of snow! We haven't seen a single flake this winter although a few people here are saying it might snow later this week - we shall see!

So, it's been a good weekend here - swimming and lots of stuff around the house on Saturday and I took Alistair to a playdate with friends yesterday afternoon. The three of them spent all afternoon rambling round the garden and he was very happy and wet and covered in mud by the time I took him home! Food wise I've done ok and I'm getting my steps in each day so feeling good at the moment. I've joined a group on here that starts next Monday so not weighing in till then - thinking that this will give me plenty of time to get over all the Christmas excess and get back into good habits. We put all the Christmas stuff back in the loft yesterday so the floor is clear again in the spare bedroom - so I can get my exercise DVD's out again this week. Have a good day all

@kaavery120188 Stress eating, when I am at work, I don't normally have a lot of snack foods around so that helps. At home I try and distract myself with the kids, laundry, cleaning, walking. You will also find on here, that most people will tell you there is no bad thing to eat. It is about balance and staying within calories. So ribs, and pizza under calories means you are golden! Dinner sounds delicious.

@Rachel0778 It seems like every month is really expensive to me. LOL, but I am a mom with three kids. How did game night go?

@ShyCush6 you are doing so great. Sometimes our bodies just don't do what we want them to do. All your hard work will catch up soon enough. Did you manage to stick to 1 beer?

@CariTJR You did have a rough year. I am so proud of you for continuing on with your goal to become a healthier person. I also have a very stationary job. I make myself get up every hour and walk around. Even if it to just go look outside. Occasionally I even pace in the bathroom to get the stiffness out. Muddy 5k sounds like a blast.

@janetay01 Sounds like fun, and you are doing great. Yeah for Exercise DVD's. What group did you joining?

Well I have managed to make my steps all weekend long. I did a challenge with my family, and my lil sis was kicking my butt. I refuse to lose to her. So Saturday night I walked for 80 minutes in my living room, just so I could stay ahead of her.

Finally made it back to the gym yesterday after missing 2 weeks. There was probably twice as many people there last night as normal. Was okay though, plenty of machines and I didn't see anyone waiting for equipment. The gym has a pool area with a shower to rinse off before/after use. There was this guy making use of the shower, but he grossed me out. He had his hands in his shorts, holding his cheeks apart to get the shower water in, Then he did his front side. They have showers in the locker room for this.

I feel like I am getting my exercising back on track, but still munching too much. I will get there though. Just have to keep at it.

Happy Monday, and lets start a great new week.

My week goals:
12500 steps everyday
Eat under calories, minimize the snacking.
Make the gym 4 days (1 down)
Try to do an exercise video this week. (This will be hard as my internet sucks)

I hate to say I'm back at "again" but I am.
Goals this week:
Weights and stationary bike 3x
Stay within calories for 5 days minimum, weekends eat back exercise calories for the week.
Drink more water

Happy Monday fit and fab ladies! OMG I was sick this weekend, so things went to hell in a handbasket. I was giving myself the first week of January to kind of ease back into things - like giving time for all the holiday food and drinks to be consumed... well, being at home for 3 days straight was just like Christmas again! eating whenever I felt like it, lying around - basically getting fat(ter)!! LOL!

SO! Today was D Day... started the "health" program. (not calling it a diet, because my word is health!) I'm not yet sure exactly what that is, but first things first - just bloody well logging everything into MFP! Why does that seem like a monumental task? And why the heck am I so hungry alllll the time?! HA! I have to dig out my fitbit again and get my steps up too, will find that tonight.

Sounds like everyone is on track and had a good week/weekend!

My goals this week are:
~Log everything, even if I'm over
~Try not to go over!
~No sweets (except Friday night - we are going out to celebrate our anniversary late)
~Gym 3x
~Drink lots of water to curb the appetite
~Plan 3 meals this week - obviously healthy ones!

Notice I didn't put no alcohol - remember last year I had no booze January? What a nightmare that was! My hubs and I were talking about that, we definitely won't be doing that again any time soon! LOL!

Joy - sorry you got sick, that's a lousy way to start the new year! But good for you for setting the goals that you have - hope D day went well

@tazzy2911 - well done, that's a great loss!

@0505jen - welcome back!

Rachel - glad games night went so well. How did Derby photos go? I hate having my photo taken - I get so self conscious and end up looking slightly insane as a result! Workout DVD's - I'm a bit of a Jillian Michaels fan - I always seem to get a really good workout and sweat with her sessions. However! I may start gentle with some of the Wii fit workouts - get myself back into the groove rather than injure myself on day one

Jen - good goals for the week! The group is http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/117809-cindys-24-week-summer-challenge-2017-january-16th-to-june-26th - just a standard weight loss, weigh in support group rather than getting too complicated with challenges and scoresheets and the like!

@kaavery120188 - sounds like you had a good weekend and well done for the meal prep. What are you studying?

Not much happening here - just a Tuesday in early January. Going to try and cut down my tea consumption - I'm using up far too many calories on average cups of tea at work, calories that could be better used elsewhere!

@gemwolf110 - yes, definitely something I'm working on! Trying not to drink during the week and only on weekends. And then limited on weekends. Mostly special occasions.

@janetay01 - I'm getting my MBA with a concentration in Strategic Marketing. I'm a little more than halfway done. I feel you on your tea consumption, although mine is coffee. Trying harder to stick to my one travel mug in the morning and drink a lot more water.

@jdelaroy - I caved in and bought a box of girl scout cookies from a coworker's daughter. Hopefully I can just keep them in the fridge and eat one at at time. Or share them and get rid of them quickly! Awesome NSV!

Hi! I would love to join your group!!! My name is Melissa I'm 46 from Ohio. I have 25lbs to loose. I take care of baby's for a living. I have 7

@KatyFlatlander - welcome and hang in there. Today is a new day to get back on track!

@mmcjtink - welcome! 7 kids - wow, I have a lot of admiration for you. I have a 2 year old and he alone keeps me busy enough!!

@gemwolf110 - good to see you back. It is sad how fast we get out of shape - I've noticed how much harder my exercise is in the last couple of weeks having not done much for a good few months. The work balance is so hard - finding that correct balance between doing all you want and need to for work whilst still looking after yourself and doing everything else, I'm still not sure I've got it right. Yay for the new fridge!

Rachel - I have so much admiration for people who wake up and just get up and do stuff! I always say I can and will but I think I just have to admit I'm not good first thing in the morning and have to take it slowly! What a great way for you to start the day though

Jen - sounds like you had a great day yesterday with multiple NSV's. You are rocking this. Now everyone keeps talking about girl scout cookies. What are they? What am I missing out on??

Well, I had a bit of a fail yesterday. Had a lousy journey to work - stood for an hour and a half on a packed train. Then a stupidly busy day at work and by the time I got home I had a horrible headache - not aided by my cutting back on the tea I might add!! Didn't sync my fitbit with MFP to get my calories registered - and by the time I'd chomped my way through some maltesers and chilli flavoured crisps (yes, a strange mix!) I would probably have been over my allocation anyway. But today is a new day and I've already done my workout after dropping Alistair at nursery. I've got an app on my phone called 30 day fitness so I may work my way through day one of that at lunchtime (working from home today) - crunches, sit ups and the like. Have a great Wednesday all!

It has been a crazy busy week, and it sounds like it has been here as well! Next week won't show any time of slowing down for me either with a concert and a hockey game that I'll be attending. The boyfriend's parents are coming this weekend, I'm planning on attending a small brewery's birthday party on Saturday, and I've been trying to make time for friends, all while staying on track with calories and the gym. Boy, this year is already off to a crazy start!!

Just wanted to pop in, say hello, I'm here and reading everyone's posts, I just haven't had the time to write a proper response for everyone. Keep up the good work!

@mmcjtink – welcome! Good luck in your journey. 7 kids is a lot! I’m sure they keep you moving!
@gemwolf110 – finding a balance is definitely hard. I have a hard time balancing school, work, and exercise. Hoping to get back into it next week since I am on break from school. Happy you are getting a new fridge!
@janetay – sounds like a stressful day. But you’re right, today is a new day and it sounds like you’ve already set yourself up for success by getting a workout in.
@jdelaroy – that soup sounds like a good idea. Maybe I should try that….

Yesterday was a good day. Our cafeteria had a pasta bar for lunch and I avoided it and went straight to the salad bar. Having a cafeteria in house is difficult sometimes because they always have yummy food and it's so easy to skip making my lunch and say I'll just get something from the cafeteria. I also finally dug out my fitbit and yesterday I got to 10,000 steps! I'm also trying a bit harder just to get up and move a little every hour. Tonight is my last night of class for the semester and then I have a three week break, so I'm really hoping to get some exercise in starting next week. I think I might try and do some light yoga or go for a walk this week if I feel up to it.

Happy hump day, all! Stay positive today!

Happy Hump Day! Yikes this week is going slow!

Happy to report I am down 2 lbs this morning - praise baby jesus! LOL!!! It's funny how any loss can make you feel more committed to losing more... I'm feeling good today! My friend told me about this thing she does, it's supposed to help digestion. She takes a capful of apple cider vinegar in the morning with a little bit of water (like do a shot). She does it 2 x a day, morning and night. So I did it the last 2 days and this morning I am down 2 lbs - not sure if it's helping or a coincidence, since I haven't done any research on it. But I think I will keep it up this week and see what happens. Honestly it tastes like crap!! So beware if you try it!

Rachel - doggy daycare is so fun for them! I'm sure Chase will come home totally pooped and happy. He'll flop and sleep so well! I have to say, I really admire you for your dedication! Sometimes when I don't feel like exercising I think of you and tell myself - get your *kitten out there, Rachel is doing it!! haha!

Jen - I saw your weight loss posted this morning - GOOD JOB!! You're my inspiration! I wish I would be down over 40 lbs!! That is crazy awesome, my long term goal is to lose 45 more lbs... not sure how long this will take, but I'm in it for the long haul too.

Jane - Girl scout cookies are really popular in Canada and US. They are like an oreo cookie, but different taste. I prefer oreos myself, but that's probably because you can't get GS cookies any time you want them, only when these cute little girls are knocking at your door selling them, or set up at a store out front on tables.
I'm sure your headache is from less tea! Drink lots of water, I think hydration can help with that... I don't drink coffee, and usually only drink tea when I'm cold (herbal is my fav), so I don't experience those headaches when I don't have it!

@kaavery120188 - I don't think I know your name! Good job on choosing the salad over the pasta bar - that is a huge NSV!! I would have dove into the fettuccine alfredo for sure! I looked everywhere for my fitbit last night, and it is LOST. I will keep looking, but honestly I think I looked in every nook and cranny... besides my 21 year old's room, which looks like a bomb has gone off (we just keep the door closed). So I'll give it another shot tonight, I really want to start wearing it again!

Gem- You are working so hard! Good for you, it is going to help you with the experience and the money - especially with ordering a new fridge! Hopefully you can carve out time for exercise in between all those work hours. I decided this week that I am going to do 30 minute work outs at the gym. Usually I try to do between 45-60 minutes, but I feel out of shape right now still from the holidays, and I find if I overexert myself, then I don't feel up to going the next day. Yesterday I did 30 mins hard cardio, and I'm feeling ready to go back today after work. So maybe just choose small bursts of exercise during this busy work time!

June - a brewery birthday party?! Helloooo! My kind of birthday party! Hubs and I tried a new winter ale last night and it was so good. Sounds like your schedule is packed with fun stuff -that is awesome!

Welcome to the newbies, feel free to add me as a friend! Have a good day everyone! Hopefully everyone gets in some exercise today!!

Kaavery120188 I can understand how the cafeteria could be hard to stay away from!!! Good for you!!! One of my family's brought doughnuts this morning I looooove doughnuts especially with a cup of coffee. Lol. BUT I didn't eat it!!! I felt like a super hero all morning for staying away from it!! Enjoy your day!!!

Motivation is not my problem -- it is temptation. I can resist for a while and then one justifiable slip-up (like a piece of birthday cake or a Christmas cookie) and all I want is sugar! Elimination of sugar is nearly impossible in the US diet but as long as I am aware of this problem and am truthful about its effect on my body, I can deal with it. I make almost all of my own meals at home where I control the sugar and fat content of what I eat. I love to bake but have mostly eliminated this activity from my life. After all, it is not like a cupcake will never cross my path again through some other means -- it will so there is no need for me to feel any deprivation about it.