Accountability buddy

Haven't posted for a while but I'm back!

Last I checked in I was still hovering around the 143-145 mark, and on my last weight in finally managed to drop this down to 140. My short term goal is to get to 135, and ultimate goal to somewhere between 125-130.

For the first time in my life I really feel like I've managed to find a balance without restricting or binging. I am mindful of what I eat but if I want to have a piece of cake then I am going to have a piece of cake. It's funny, I was stuck at around 145 for so long and it's only since allowing myself these small pleasures that I have seen the weight start to drop.

@nazah_sakin this may be useless advice, and it somewhat similar to being told to eat a piece of fruit when you're desperately craving chocolate...but I highly recommend the toffee flavour drops from MyProtein if you want to stop adding sugar to your coffee! I find just a few drops makes the coffee nice and sweet, and may help you cut down from 1/2tbsp to 1 tsp!

My goals for the rest of this week are to get an hour of exercise in every day around work, even if it is just a slow walk.

Hello! I am about to be 39 years old. About 12 years ago, i was my heaviest at right around 200 lbs (just had baby). I lost weight on my own to get down to around 160. I joined MFP and rocked it again, getting down to 135, which was a perfect weight and body fat % for me. Then I went back to school to finish my degree, started a new job, bought a house and my mom was diagnosed with cancer all around the same time. My regular workouts with my sisters stopped and turned into taking care of mom, my daughter, school work and all the things that come with a new house. I gained 20lbs back and have stayed steady at 155. My mom passed away just short of two years ago but my dad has dementia, so the caretaking switched from her to him. I did get my degree (woot!) and am doing really well in my new job. I am a hard and stubborn worker!

My daughter has had some mental health issues and recently gained quite a few pounds herself. She is super picky so making two meals on the nights I have her have been a struggle. Heck, making supper on most nights is a struggle because I'm so tired. Anyway, I have found some really good meals that I love and now I'm trying to help my daughter with her struggle. I am currently doing a 100 day challenge with my sisters, where we have 10k steps 100 days in a row. I walk at lunch and get some strength exercises in when I can. I need accountability to continue to log my food every day! It has become unbearable to sit down and try to log every thing I eat and make sure it's the exact brand and amount. I love the barcode scanner, and I have a food scale, but it just feels like time I don't have. I did it before, though, so I know I can do it again. I hope to be a support for everyone here as well! I'm all about moderation, because I will never give up chocolate or ice cream, and exercise.

I would love more friends to help me stay on track!!

My problem is at 43 I am perimenopausal. My periods are wacky..i havent had a period in 2 months which is to be expected...so my losing weight is tough with the hormones etc. Im also caring for 2 kids AND helping my mom who is going through chemo..i love to walk but here in Tennessee we have the humidity along with heat...today its over 90 which is like 102 with humidity. Trying to find some indoor exercises. And for me my gym is out right now due to caution over COVID...uggghhh help...

@nazah_sakin - Those look like perfect goals. I’m too general in my goal setting but, for now, it’s working. I might have to get more specific as I get closer to my goal weight and weight loss gets a bit more stubborn. I’m inspired by your clear, realistic and manageable goals! 👍🏼

@kstpierre52020 - I like the reframing of the ‘What are you committed to? question so we can see the value in our journey. I have a few things in mind for what I’m going to do as my fitness improves and I reach my goals: (1) Today, I practiced sculling (rowing with one person in the boat), which is a little different than rowing with 8 people like I usually do (3x per/wk in summer). If I lose weight and get stronger, my boat will move much faster (and it may not tip as easily when my weight shifts too much to one side of the boat)! I’m somewhat new to this sport but it would be fun to try a race in the future as a goal to motivate me. I’m going to turn 54 this week so maybe by the time I’m 70, I can win the Head of the Charles regatta in my hometown of Boston! 🤔 💭 ... and (2) I’ll wear my clothes more confidently and more comfortably! Thanks for the inspiration to set a fun goal!! 🏆

@beshamama - Your post made me laugh 😂 ... I love the way you acknowledge what you learned and move on. How’s that new nighttime habit building going? Do you have a new self-care routine to help you resist snacking while still being good to yourself?

I was pleasantly surprised to check in tonight and see TEN new messages posted! We’re all working on different goals - and taking slightly different approaches - but I really feel ‘in’ this with you all. The one common denominator is the wonderful encouragement (and helpful tips)! ... I’m sending peace, love and good wishes to you all on your journey!! ☮️ ❤️ 🙏🏼

I appreciate the support in taking one step at a time along the path ahead. I’ll row again on Thursday and do an at-home workout with my son at least two days this week. I’ll also stay under my calorie count by adding a little protein and cutting my carbs. For now, I’ll try substituting one carb (rice or bread) with a protein (tuna over salad instead of bread, for example) at least 3 days. Go get those goals!!

@PatriceFitnessPal have a great week! Thanks for your support 😊😊😊

Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well. I am looking for accountability friends on here, so feel free to add me!

@PatriceFitnessPal Animal Crossing has helped with night snacking. 🤣

Evening all!

@mollziwollzi donating your hair is such an amazing thing to do!! Maybe you could share some before and after pics???

@kmccrom if late night snacking is a problem, maybe instead of curbing it, try planning it. So at 9pm (or whatever time) you have a healthy snack that you have already planned/weighed out and prepared. That way less likely to reach for something you shouldnt?

As for me, well today wasnt great. We had a terrible nights sleep due to my puppy and my 4 year old tag teaming that they were Going to be awake most of the night. Hubby and I have been walking around like zombies all day. So I failed at getting anymore exercise than yoga in.... Didn't even make my steps and thats a rarity!!
I did however do some snack prep and bake some healthy goodies to snack on this week... Plus reset my macro goals with my PT so I know roughly where Im aiming for again to boost weight loss... Still feeling positive! Xxx

I started this journey last week, and weighed in yesterday...down 8 pounds. I'm cautiously very happy, I say cautiously because I've done this before and eventually I stop. I pray daily that I keep my motivation do stick with it. Than you all for the inspiration you all give out to everyone!