(NEW) OPEN CHALLENGE: FIT BY OCTOBER!!!

NAME: Jantine
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 5'9''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 134
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 128
START PANTS SIZE: 6/8 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 4/6 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: CALORIES
DIET GOALS: Eat at least 3 servings of fruits/veggies a day
EXERCISE GOALS: to be able to run a mile without stopping
OTHER GOALS: get my 10000 steps in a day (corporate challenge)
FUN FACT: mmmmmmmm.... my first challenge on MFP?

I love it - and perfect timing for me too, it's the month of my birthday by which I'd hoped to be a size down.
Name: JJ
Age: 34
Height: 5'3"
Start weight for challenge: 142.3
Goal weight for challenge: 133.3
Goal weight overall: (I added this) 120
Start pants size: 10
Goal pants size: 6
Follow any special diet: Not yet - need to choose a plan. OK, counting calories!
Diet goals: Stop. Eating. Crap. Pack a lunch every day.
Exercise goals: Walk daily
Other goals: Drink water
Fun Fact: I pole dance for fun!

I want to join! I totally need some sort of group accountability or I am not as motivated. I'm going to play catch-up on the QOTD's after my stats.

NAME: Hilary
AGE: 25 (26 next Monday!)
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 218
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 199
START PANTS SIZE: 16/18 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: the tasty kind
DIET GOALS: less processed foods, not eating if i'm not hungry
EXERCISE GOALS: move past week 4 in C25k
OTHER GOALS: up the water intake (this is always my goal- still haven't mastered it), do something physical EVERY day (even a walk on "rest" days)
FUN FACT: I am getting married in December (hey, it's fun for me!)


QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I LOVE to go hiking! I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top of a trail and have this amazing view.

QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
I did a Google search, haha. I checked it out, and sparkpeople and liked this one more.

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I am getting married in December and have been SO unhappy in the past but never did anything about it. My new year's resolution was to get healthy, and my work was doing a biggest loser competition beginning in January, so I joined!

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?
I have started drinking protein shakes after workouts- that's new for me. I've tried more veggies than I have ever eaten, and like most of them (including eggplant!)

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
Oh yikes, this summer vacation I have not been keeping myself on track. I do better when my day is structured and I can follow a pattern of work, gym, home.

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

I always pack my running shoes and workout clothes and I try to figure out ahead of time how I'm gonna fit in at least two workouts a week (as a starting point). I research gyms in the area if there are no good running routes (or even if there are). I recently ran from town to town in and back in Maine and that was a fun way to explore the area - you see so much more on foot.

I eat oatmeal for breakfast if there is nothing else I like, even in restaurants. For lunch and dinner I eat salads with some sort of protein if there is nothing else that looks healthy on the menu - this leaves room for a daily vacation treat or two.

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?

I try to get some exercise in - even if it's just walking. This summer on vacation I tried to swim some laps when in the pool with the kids. Also, I try not to eat too much or go too far off the deep end on desserts. I wasn't on MFP at the time of my vacation, so if I did go on a trip now I think I'd try to track my food so I don't go too far over my alloted calories.

I'm in!

NAME: Michelle
AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 5'8"
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 250
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 235
START PANTS SIZE: 14/16 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: counting calories
DIET GOALS: 6 small meals, less takeout/drive-through
EXERCISE GOALS: keep increasing cycling mileage, get to the gym 4 days/week
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: This is my first challenge!

hi my name is Anne
Im not new to myfitnesspal i have started last year August @ 233lbs and lost about 33lbs however when people started to notice me i became too proud and felt im thin i started to eat beyond control again...now Im back with 209lbs

I want to join the challenge and have more friends here

NAME: Anne
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5'4''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 202lbs
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 185lbs
START PANTS SIZE: 18/20 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 12/14 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: no rice and counting calories!
DIET GOALS: less sugar less sodium less fried
EXERCISE GOALS: to rum 5km
OTHER GOALS: more firm and toned everywhere
FUN FACT: love to experiment in cooking

Anne - I can't count the number of times I've done the same thing! Which is why I first found MFP at 177 pounds and am now at 202! Looks like we have just about the same weight goal! We can totally do this right?

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

New wardrobe!!!
Also want to dance dance and dance (and look good doing it...lol). 5-6 session of my shuffling around trying to keep up with instructors already has such an amazing affect on my mind state...I feel happy and rejuvenated throughout the day.
Not feeling lazy anymore and finding energy and enthusiasm to do tasks at hand Right now my first thought is 'ehh...why do I have to do it!!!" but it is changing already to a more positive outlook

I am in! How perfect...October 7th is my Birthday and my original goal date anyway.

NAME: Julie
AGE: 35
HEIGHT: 5'5''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 160
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 139
START PANTS SIZE: 11/12 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 7/8 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: High protein, low sodium and fat...staying within 1200 calories for the day.
DIET GOALS: Eating more organic products and to make a life changing plan-not just diet plan
EXERCISE GOALS: To be able to run a 5k with a decent time and continue with daily exercise
OTHER GOALS: Firming, Toning and Remaining Active; to wear my bikini confidently again
FUN FACT: I own an air compressor, nail gun and miter saw and used them to replace all my trim and wood floors myself.

I'm catching up on the QOTD!!!

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I love love love love love lifting weights. I like to feel like I'm being strong!


QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
My little brother introduced me to MFP....now he's not on it! This is not the first time I've used a site like this, and this one is doing good so far!

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I dropped 95 pounds between the ages of 21 and 25. I maintained it for a long time, but when I moved from Vegas to Virginia, I was super depressed and packed on 20lbs. Now I realize I was so happy in Vegas because I was fit....and now I want to bring that part of my Vegas lifestyle to VA.

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like? I LOVE popcorn. I can't eat enough of it. It's like dessert for me...and without the sugar! I've also discovered my love for grilled vegetables!

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
I just keep working out...no matter what I eat, I keep working out. I'm bound to gain a couple of pounds, but the damage is lessened if i just keep moving.

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
I'm just tired of feeling bloated and fat. Oh, and I want to wear my Joe's Jeans that I bought in 2009 for $100! I've STILL never worn them!

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?

I'll be 40 in Nov. I don't want to buy new clothes. I have a thin wardrobe collecting dust in my closet. I wear yoga pants all the time right now. Lol

Catching up...

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
I love hiking and mountain biking because, well, how could you not? You're working out in a beautiful, desolate place, and I promise, you will never meet a grumpy person on the trails

QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
I was searching for calorie totals, keeping track on my own. I love it. Weight Watchers is like a different language, so I don't like it. What worked for me was counting calories, and I now I don't have to search so much - it's all in one place and I love the community feel. Gets me going when I need it.

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
I outweigh my dad by 5 pounds. And he wants to lose 20 pounds.

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like?
Cottage Cheese! It used to gross me out, but now, I love it! I cut up fresh fruit, mix a few pecans in for some crunch, and top it with a serving of cottage cheese. So much protein, and delicious, and keeps me going!

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling
or on vacation?
It depends on the vacation - we do a lot of camping, so that's just a nice active vacation. If staying in hotels, I try to use the fitness center - usually the treadmill.

and a new one-

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
We are going on a cruise in March. I'm very excited to go, in fact, my whole family is going - parents, brothers, sisters, their spouses & kids. We will be on the beach a lot, only my second time to any beach ever! However, there will be lots of pictures and lots of time in a swimsuit. Pretty motivating :ohwell:

i would love to join:





I'm catching up on the QOTD!!!

QOTD #1: What is your favorite kind of exercise and why?
i love spinning its the best cardio....i used to jog but hurt both my knees and back so i started spinning over 12 yars


QOTD #2: How did you find MFP, and how do you like it compared to other programs/sites/diets/etc you've tried in the past?
last august i was googling calorie counter and i came across MFP, and a couple sites...MFP was the best by far...very user friendly...

QOTD #3: What was your "a-ha" moment, meaning was there a specific moment that made you decide that it was time to lose the weight?
about 10 years ago i gained abount 50lbs and even though i would workout , i would not lose weight...finally in august 2010 my youngest son started a very healthy lifestlye change...more eating at home , whole foods, veggies lean meats, no processed foods...

QOTD #4: Have you "discovered" any new foods since you started eating healthier? Or realized that you DO like some foods that you used to claim to not like? i never used to eat yogurt...now thats what i eat for lunch on most days...i just make sure the sugar contents is on the low side...

QOTD #5: What do you do to keep yourself on track while traveling or on vacation?
i try to workout and eat most meals as simple as possible...of course a couple treats

QOTD #6: What is your main motivation to get in shape right now?
i am 55 i want to healthy and fit and not have to take meds...


pam :flowerforyou:

That's awesome! I'm in!

NAME: Michelle
AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 5'6''
START WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 203
GOAL WEIGHT FOR CHALLENGE: 190
START PANTS SIZE: 14 (US)
GOAL PANTS SIZE: 10 (US)
FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET: I have PCOS and am pre-diabetic. Low carb/ high protein/ low sugar
DIET GOALS: To become a pro at healthy foods!
EXERCISE GOALS: Exercise at least 5 hours a week!
OTHER GOALS: hold a plank for 1 minute and do 100 sit ups/25 push ups with no problem!
FUN FACT: Love to cook (imagine that), entertain, and listen to good music!