20 week weight loss Challenge! (With SpreadSheet!) 8/13 to 12/31

Just back from four days in wine country. Didn't visit the hotel gym once, so it was a true vacation, and much needed. I was really happy to get back to my gym and my 0530 spin class today. I'm also finally getting over the cold that plagued me last week (and for the duration of my mini-vacation ) Expecting to see the scale equalize as I get back to drinking water and eating my 'normal' foods, but not worried about it. Getting some time away with my fiance was AMAZING and I enjoyed every second. I'm almost disappointed the scale didn't go up more!

Juslilly wrote: »

Stay strong challenge members. Congratulations to all who forge ahead. You deserve to be happy and healthy. You have the power within you to accomplish your goals. Keep at it.

Amen to that. This is really going to be a test of our willpower/mindsets, as we're entering into the holiday season. I'm already eating more bizarre carby foods, and I'm visiting family this weekend. Thanksgiving will be a one-plate event. No seconds/thirds for me. Try to plan ahead for those upcoming parties and get-togethers. I'm bringing some healthy snacks on my road trip, and will watch my portion sizes. Have a plan...to choose wisely.

I haven't really been active in the comments section here, but I wanted to tell you guys that I am hugely motivated by doing this challenge with you. This is otherwise quite a solitary pursuit for me - not in a bad way, it's just that I am the only person around me dieting - and I am very motivated by your hard work, through life and colds and holidays and less-than-I-wanted-weight-loss and more holidays (damn you, Halloween!). Thank you for that! Hopefully our OP, or someone, will continue this after Jan 1, as I am going to need more time. :-)

Was at 206 on Thursday. Left for a two day road trip. Two restaurant meals and I'm at 210 today. Mostly water retention, but still mildly irritating. Next weigh-in will be better.

0.2 lb. gain. I'm not going to complain.

I'm up but not surprised. I've managed to eat better this Tday than last year's. Progress, right? I've been doing MFP for almost a year, and I'm making forward progress (albeit slowly). I'm only about 10 pounds lighter, but I feel more in control and happier. Thanks to these challenges, and awesome people to help me through them, I'm in a better place.

For all that I had two Thanksgivings, I think I did pretty well. Worked out every day, ate light breakfasts and lunches, and had small servings at dinner - which allowed me to have seconds, which felt great. Obviously went over both days, but only to about maintenance, so not much harm done, and lots of tasty food enjoyed.

SheilaCali wrote: »

I took a quick look at the spreadsheet, and it looks like we all lost weight. I didn't read every single column, but it looks like we all made progress. That's really encouraging- high fives all around. Let's try to maintain, or even keep losing, over the next month. Congrats for all the hard work and making better choices. Yeah us!

Hear hear! That's my goal, too. Get through this Christmas season without a gain. A loss will be icing on the (imaginary) cake!

As far as I know. The chart is still up...

jamiesmith58511276 wrote: »

Is this still going on?

205.5 again this week. No loss - no gain. I'll take it. Better next week.

Down 1 lb. today after the first Christmas party last night! I'll take that. YAY!

If I can maintain this loss through the holidays, I will reach my goal! I didn't think it would happen - I have only a few vanity pounds to lose and I would rather stay at this weight and have more muscle than drop much further with no muscle gains - but continued consistency with food logging and regular workouts is paying off!