@raleighgirl09 That birthday bash sounds amazing! You've reminded me that I haven't had any time off work since I came back from maternity leave in July 2019...we are supposed to get 4 weeks of leave a year but I have taken none! No wonder I am feeling myself wearing down. I spoke to my boss about having a week off...he didn't say no, but I need to fit it in around upcoming projects and then he put in a go-live date for a software change in the only week that would have worked this month...so I guess I won't be taking leave any time soon after all!

@buniphuphu I can't believe the amount of time you're spending in the water!! Incredible job, and you can see it's really paying off on the scale. I hope you're feeling amazing!

@TeresaW1020 There's no way I could ever fast for 21 or 24 hours - you're a champion!

I had a relaxing weekend at home with my little family, with Father's Day on Sunday so that was nice. Back to work now, and feeling the pressure creep up. I had intended to take my little one for a walk in the afternoon but I got home from work feeling drained so we just played and read about 10,000 books instead (he's almost 2, and LOVES books). After he went to bed I did play Beat Saber for half an hour or so, so that was better than doing nothing.
I'm excited to try the challenge this week - but I'm cursing my mother for giving me a long name I'm going to try to do it a few times each day and try to change the exercises each day too. How fun!

Username: anido1
Weigh In Day: Monday
PW: 156
CW: 156

@TwistedSassette Sounds like a fun way to work out, let us know what exercise you're doing! I love switching things up and while I can't do much now I keep adding stuff to my future "to try" list!

@petrocoetsee Yay on no stomach cramps! Sounds like you're back at it!

Monday check-in
Calories- under
Exercise- arm cardio, abs, resistant band stretching, yoga, chakra mandala meditation

Nothing really new, still in a lot of pain but mentally doing better. I'm doing another Walmart pick-up because I can't handle Costco even with help and it's my card so I can't send the guy I'm seeing. I'm filing a bunch of grievances tomorrow because my insurance keeps denying all my doctor's referrals so I can't get help. I got all fired up listening to "let's bust some heads" music only to have all the offices closed today then I can't do much exercise so I'm just laying around unable to get my energy out so I was frustrated. Hard to celebrate holidays with COVID, pain, and a heatwave. I'll have to come up with some good ideas, even though life is complicated now it's still important to find things to enjoy, celebrate, and be grateful for.

@TwistedSassette I couldn’t fast that long either when I first started. We call it building your fasting muscle. 😉 I’m glad you had a relaxing weekend and good luck with this week’s challenge.

@Katmary71 Yeah, I think I’m going to like 10 Rounds a lot. Today was weight lifting for legs and it was a killer. I always workout fasted. Usually at the 15 to 17-hour mark. I tried to work out a few weeks ago after eating and I just couldn’t push myself at all. I hope you can get some through to the insurance companies and that they will stop denying the referrals. That has to be beyond aggravating.

@trooworld I hope the new diet will really start helping you and that the pain management app will be beneficial. I’m also glad that the heatwave is breaking for you. Our weather this week has been low 80’s and no humidity. It’s glorious!!


Hi everyone! I did day two of my new workout program that was lower body weights. The trainer had us do 3 sets of one exercise for 50 seconds with a 10-second break between. There were 5 total exercises and then two core exercises. It was intense but my knees held up so that made me very happy. I am super excited because we are finally getting our back porch screened in and it’s just in time because the weather is turning so nice here. I can’t wait to sit out there and enjoy it. Right now there is lots of noise and my poor little dog isn’t very happy.

Weekly Weigh-in

Username-bethanie0825
Day- Tuesday
CW - 222.8

Weigh in
Username: Jactop
Weigh In Day: Monday
Week: 2
PW (Previous Weight): 197
CW (Current Weight): 197
LTD (Loss to Date): 28 lbs

Tuesday check-in
Calories- under
Exercise- small amount of arm cardio, chakra meditation

Couldn't take it anymore and finally went to the ER as a last resort, my veins are full of steroids at this point and thank God they helped some as I haven't slept in days and felt horrible. I thought I was going to lose my mind, it was a last resort after this last week of hell, my blood pressure was 191 on top. One good thing about COVID is I was out of there within 30 minutes, that never happens! It took 3xs as long picking up the prescriptions. I spent the day doing what I could to protest and appeal, I have a call into a legal school, messages to my doctor, and filed a grievance with my insurance. I'm not sure I'll be able to stick with school, I'm already behind and am going to try and catch up tomorrow but it's really hard to concentrate and I have to keep my legs elevated without laptop pressure so I'm trying to rig a desk with pillows and a piece of wood that doesn't touch my legs. It's so much easier to sit at a table or at my desk! I was "great" about asking for help, I told the guy I was seeing I'd be back in a few hours after trying to lay down and having a panic attack, I think I shocked him when I said I'd be at the hospital, he knew I wasn't feeling good but not that I was about to start screaming my head off. It was either that or get drunk and that would really ruin my anti-inflammatory diet! After years of dealing with pain alone I don't know how to let someone in aside of those who've been there for me for years plus it's not like he could go in the ER with me so I didn't see the point of dragging him along. I just started making him help me around the house, I'm getting there!

Username: Gretchen Reine

Wednesday weigh-in:

SW (7/1/2020): 298.0
Weigh-in (9/1/2020): 291.8
Weigh-in (9/2/2020):293.2
Weigh-in (9/9/2020): 293.0
Weigh-in (9/16/2020):
Weigh-in (9/23/2020):
Weigh-in (9/30/2020):

LTD: 5.0

Hey all, I've been away a few days managing some medical emergencies. Had a depressing few days, but the good news is I didn't use food as a crutch and I am still losing! 143 today. Now to catch up:

@raleighgirl09 you asked earlier how I didn't cave to emotional eating. It's because I am trying to take to heart advice I read somewhere in MFP land: : If hunger isn't the problem, food isn't the solution. Really a powerful truth, as long as I remember it when I'm having those stressful moments. Your girls weekend sounds so fun! "Not eating to stuffage" is a reasonable goal and and awesome phrase I plan to steal.

@Apple852hk I second @raleighgirl09's suggestion on the chocolate. I lost 30 lbs eating a pre-logged, pre-portioned amount of chocolate every day (Dove silky dark chocolates are a favorite). Any sustainable plan for me has to include my chocolate fix.

@petrocoetsee We can do this! I know we can. Two things we have try for: consistency and patience. We gained over quarantine, and we have to give ourselves that same time period to lose.

@TeresaW1020 You're doing amazing! That 10 Rounds program sounds so good. I had a Beachbody subscription for a while and really liked it, but eventually I needed to modify the workouts so much that it didn't feel worth it.

@Katmary71 oh my goodness, the ER! I couldn't quite follow if this was due to the panic attack or the pain, but good for you knowing when you needed medical care. That's some huge self-advocacy right there! Something I'm still working on personally. How are you doing today?

On another note, I did some of the seated workouts you posted with my daughter and had a blast! I need to make a playlist like you. If you have other recommendations, please send them along! It felt so good to get my heart pounding again. Im sorry your referrals are being denied and you have to tangle with insurance. That's so defeating.

@trooworld I hate that you're in chronic pain (like @Katmary71 and myself- it's not a fun club!). My EDS pain flares in my hands first thing in the morning, when my wrist and finger joints have this deep ache and I can't grasp things well, but I'm sure arthritis is so much worse. I hope the pain app works for you to see patterns and let doctors know what you're going through.

@BethB554 I'm glad to hear things are going better with your daughter. You're doing everything possible as a mother to get her the help she needs and to show her how loved she is. It's no wonder you feel down. What a tough time.

@leonadixon I just wish I could give you a hug. Please don't give up. I'm sure we've all been there. But the time will pass anyway- giving up will only mean when the next month rolls around, you could either be glad you stuck with it or even more discouraged. Plan to be proud of yourself. Try not to focus on the scale or on how you feel NOW, but on one small goal you can achieve. Make it attainable, like drinking 3 glasses of water if you struggle with water, or stopping eating by 8 p.m. if you're a late night snacker. Do it for one day, be proud of yourself for achieving your first goal, and reset.
We're here for you and you CAN do this!

@BethB554 I’m glad that your daughter is doing a little better. I was just talking to my DH last night about why he should buy me an Apple watch. I’m afraid I wasn’t as convincing as I should have been. Three months until Christmas so I’ll keep at it!

@Katmary71 So sorry that you had so much pain that you had to go to the ER! I’m glad that you have your guy to open up to and let him into your world enough to accept his help. That is a good thing, right?

@raleighgirl09 Glad, you decided not to bail on your check-in. I’m tired and busy today and almost bailed too. We gotta keep each other in check.


Hi everyone! So, I made it 24 hours yesterday with my fast and broke it with a chicken stir-fry. I woke up really early this morning and felt so wide awake that I got up before 6 am and spent an hour or so getting some work done and then I went and did my workout. It’s funny to try to do these boxing moves all while focusing on what my arms are doing at the same time I’m trying to remember which hip to move. It’s a good thing no one is around to see me! I also went and got my hair cut and colored today and it is bright red! It will tone down in a few days but for now, It’s a little intense. And I have to go hang out with the littles at church tonight. They might think I’ve turned into a cartoon character.

raleighgirl09
Wednesday check in - 3 days running!

Hey gang! I am day 2 for no walk -2 really busY work days and today IT was raining when I got home. I'm WFH early in the morning and then going into the office a little later so I'm going to take my walk first. Its the best way for me to get it in - very easy to not be able to do it, but having it out of the way by 8am(ish) abolishes all concern over it.

Calories - wrangled in for the day and since this is the only day I have control over in this moment, I won't fret the past or future days...
Water - HA! I slipped in 2 more cups today!
Sleep - not so great, still. I might go to bed early. Or I might stay up too late knowing I have an early alarm - jury's out.
Exercise - sad story about that above, it's less than 5000 steps for the day (and yesterday)

@Cornanda it's so true for me, too - I know when I just throw it all to the wind, it's hard to gather it all back up. Finding a way to forgive yourself will help allow you to move on to the your next opportunity to improve. Could be not eating while cooking - or closing the fridge or pantry door without getting something out when you wanted to. Might be planning what's for breakfast so there is no guessing. Possibly just taking a nice walk at some point tomorrow to be with yourself and think about what you want to do for the next opportunity. Maybe your next opportunity is in the forgiving so you can get to the one after that...

@TeresaW1020 I love when I see the super red color! I always think that person is fun and has a great sense of self! FABULOUS fasting period - high five!!!!
@GabiV125 I can totally relate - I'm getting back in the groove after a few weeks of several off the track days! Less to go back on in the coming week and then back to the downward trend. =>

@Katmary71 I'm glad you went to the ER for some help! I don't know why but some people just can't really talk about something that personal with others - you're a person who may feel worse for the sharing. I hope he readily accepts that you'll open up when it's right for you. He's pretty awesome to be alongside you and help with the things you're comfortable getting help with!

Hilogirl2018 wrote: »

@raleighgirl09 you asked earlier how I didn't cave to emotional eating. It's because I am trying to take to heart advice I read somewhere in MFP land: : If hunger isn't the problem, food isn't the solution. Really a powerful truth, as long as I remember it when I'm having those stressful moments.

@leonadixon I just wish I could give you a hug. Please don't give up. I'm sure we've all been there. But the time will pass anyway- giving up will only mean when the next month rolls around, you could either be glad you stuck with it or even more discouraged. Plan to be proud of yourself. Try not to focus on the scale or on how you feel NOW, but on one small goal you can achieve. Make it attainable, like drinking 3 glasses of water if you struggle with water, or stopping eating by 8 p.m. if you're a late night snacker. Do it for one day, be proud of yourself for achieving your first goal, and reset.
We're here for you and you CAN do this!

@Hilogirl2018 I love this and especially "But the time will pass anyway- giving up will only mean when the next month rolls around, you could either be glad you stuck with it or even more discouraged." Speaks to @Cornanda too!!

SO VERY TRUE!

Updating this so it looks like it should

Weekly Weigh-in

Username-bethanie0825
Day- Tuesday
PW - 224.4
CW - 222.8

Currently working on getting back to drinking more water and less sugar free Red Bulls. NC finally let people back into gyms so I made it to Planet Fitness three times already; I couldn't be more excited to watch my murder shows while I walk Also buckling down on tracking my food on WW which I've been slack on lately. When my mental health starts slipping, my discipline does too.

I hope everyone is doing alright. I see some are having a rough time; I'm right there with you. I don't post as much as some but I'm always reading and sending good vibes to anyone who needs them. I finally broke down and called my Dr and asked him to up my antidepressant a bit. My husband is in law enforcement. I work 911 at a PD. Pretty sure he has untreated depression which is affecting me. We've talked about it a lot bc I'm pretty open about my shiz. It's been a crappy year all around.

But I'm glad we have out little slice of heaven here.

@leonadixon I feel your frustration and I do understand it. Sometimes I feel like my weight loss is on a hamster wheel, going round and round, never going anywhere. BUT...then I think: if I wasn't trying, I'd be gaining even more weight. I know this because that is definitely what happens when I give up. I start eating all the "forbidden foods" and it gets so much worse. I don't know if that would happen for you, but that is what happens for me. Please don't give up. You are worth it. Hugs to you.

@Hilogirl2018 I hope all is okay with the medical emergencies. Good job not using food as a crutch and congrats on losing! No, chronic pain is not a fun club to be a member of. I'm sorry about your pain, too. Luckily, my pain comes and goes so I have periods of no pain where I can enjoy life without thinking about arthritis. Do you ever have periods like this? I hope that app helps, too. I'm sick of not being heard properly!

@TeresaW1020 Wow, 24 hours! That's incredible! Are your arms like jelly from doing the boxing?

@bethanie0825 I'm glad you are taking care of yourself. It sounds like you both have very intense jobs.

@Katmary71 I'm glad you are doing better. Do what you have to do re: your dad's birthday dinner. I'm sure he'll understand. When is your birthday? Mine is Sept 26!

Hi all. My arthritis flare-up seems to be fading, I'm feeling pretty good today. I think if I continue to improve, I will attempt a YouTube dance video tomorrow. I would do it today but I've got too much to do today.

Wednesday
Calories: over/under: over
Water: over/under: over
Exercise: walk
Goals or Improvements for tomorrow: track everything, walk, 2 bottles (26 oz) of water

Hey Team!! I hope that you will go over to the recipe thread and the Idea Lounge!! Both are great additions to the group.


@MommaGemz Great weight loss this week and even better downward trend!! You are very inspiring!

@trooworld My arms actually held out much better than I thought they would from the boxing. Now my back has been another story the last couple of days and it’s really getting frustrating. I’m glad to hear that your arthritis pain is easing up.

@Katmary71 I’m glad that you are doing better today. It’s hard to stick to a plan that we know we should when our brain wants what it wants. Maybe you can think of an indulgence that you can do for your birthday that will be something you can eat or better yet maybe something you can do.

@bethanie0825 Wow, great loss!! That is awesome that you can get back into your gym. You and your DH have very stressful jobs. I hope that the doctor can give you the help you need.



Hi everyone! I didn’t have to go into work today, so I walked on my treadmill and cleaned my bathroom and bedroom. I fasted 20 hours today and had a Light & Fit pumpkin pie Greek yogurt with pecans. I wasn’t going to buy any more yogurts because of the carbs and fake sugar but dang if I don’t LOVE that flavor. I just bought two! I sent DH to Subway for dinner and I got one of their salads that turned out to be very tasty and I didn’t even miss the bread.