Introductions!
Mrs_Hoffer
Posts: 5,194 Member
Welcome to the October 2021 Ultimate Accountability Challenge!
Some of you have been with this challenge for months and some are brand new. This is one of the hardest challenges to stay with throughout the entire month.
FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!! Log every BLT (Bite, Lick, Taste). Stay strong and stay true to yourself....YOU WILL SUCCEED!!
Please feel free to share as much information as you feel comfortable sharing about yourself with the rest of the group. We look forward to getting to know all of you a little better.
GOOD LUCK!
Some of you have been with this challenge for months and some are brand new. This is one of the hardest challenges to stay with throughout the entire month.
FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!! Log every BLT (Bite, Lick, Taste). Stay strong and stay true to yourself....YOU WILL SUCCEED!!
Please feel free to share as much information as you feel comfortable sharing about yourself with the rest of the group. We look forward to getting to know all of you a little better.
GOOD LUCK!
5
Replies
-
If you wish to join us for the last week or so of the September UAC group - just to see how we operate and get into the habit of logging in every day and posting to our group, you're welcome to join us for the remainder of September here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/141327-ultimate-accountability-challenge-september-2021
Feel free to begin sharing right away if you like, or you can also wait until October 1 to begin to share! *PLEASE* just know that you won't be eligible for the Winner's Circle for September!3 -
Hi all. Terri here. Good to see both returning and new members with us for October.
Just discovered that I forgot to post my introduction in September. So here goes for October.
I've been with UAC for almost 3 years. This is such a great motivational space, where you get valuable support from the kind, caring members. It has helped me finally reach my UGW (just before Covid hit the world for six) and stay there for the duration. Posting everyday helps build solid habits which will help you on your quest for better Health and Fitness.
The optional daily topics provide much appreciated info on a variety of subjects.
There are 3 'simple' daily requirements:- 20+ minutes exercise
- stay under your personal calorie goal
- Track calories
You get up to 3 pass days, to help you earn your place in Winners' Circle.
If you use more than those 3 pass days, all is not lost. You can join our Champions for the month by logging every day, no matter what.
Potted Bio - 2021Terri: Female; 76 next birthday; living in Northern Ireland; married 55 years; ex Maths teacher; volunteer group leader for U3A (University of the Third Age - life-long learning charity)
SW: 227 (Mar 2014)
LW: 142.9 (Jan 2021)
CW: 144.1
GW: < 145
Daily Habits Update - July 2021 (Things I aspire to, but don't always achieve)1. Log ALL CI/CO (Daily)
2. Stay under goal (Daily)
3. Balance macros/micros (Daily)
4. Hydrate adequately (Daily)
5. Choose healthy snacks (Daily)
6. Steps > 7500 (Daily)
7. Stretch before/after workouts
8. 15+ minutes Cardio > 5 days a week
9. 15+ mins Strength > 5 days a week
10. 15+ mins Flexibility > 5 days a week
11. Active hours > 6
12. Practice self-care (Daily)
13. Stay up to date with accounts (monthly)
14. Mindfulness Practice/meditation ((Daily - morning/evening)
15. 1 > 15 mins Declutter sessions (Daily)
16. Be creative
17. Purchase essential items only
18. Read > 1 book from 'to read' pile
19. Complete > 2 ongoing craft projects (monthly)
20. Learn something new (daily)
https://www.random.org/colors/hex
THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES OR SHORTCUTS to achieving permanent change.
REMINDERS: One or two thoughts which might give heart to some of you.Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort, and most of all, patience!- Daily weight fluctuations are normal, and can be as much as 2 lbs a day for no apparent reason.
- A general downward trend is what we are looking for.
- Eating out can cause apparent weight gain because of high sodium levels, but usually goes quickly. Drinking extra water helps with this.
- The human body does not react instantly to what we do to it. Sometimes it can take several days to see results.
- Plateaus are a normal part of the process. The body is consolidating and adapting to your new way of eating/exercising.
- The closer you get to your goal weight, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight, as your body becomes more efficient at using what you feed it.
- When you exercise you build muscle, which takes up less space than fat, so use measurements as well as weight to assess your progress.
- Getting/Staying fit and healthy requires a lifestyle change for most people.
3 -
Hi there, my name is Ashley and I live in Alberta, Canada. My 35th birthday is on Nov 1 and I will be as close to the 100s by then as I've been in a long, long time. For me, that's a very exciting achievement.
I have been part of the group for a few months now and love the daily accountability.
I am well into a 125 lbs weight loss journey and the three pillars of this group are the key to my success.
I've always tried to be private about my weight loss efforts and that hasn't served me well in the past. Owning up to where I'm at and what I'm doing is helpful for me.
For exercise my favorite is a walk or yoga but I also enjoy biking, hiking, and am incorporating some bodyweight exercises daily as well.9 -
Hello,
New to this group and excited about the accountability it will require from me. I will be walking for my 20 min of exercise. Good luck yo all of you!8 -
Hello,
New to this group and excited about the accountability it will require from me. I will be walking for my 20 min of exercise. Good luck yo all of you!
Welcome @rockyla !! We're excited to have you and to get to know you! I'm also a "walker" -- my main form of exercise is walking.
4 -
Welcome everyone, new and returning!
My name is Chris and I have been with the UAC since May.
I have a lifelong history (currently 49) of being overweight, most of my life in the obese categories. I had so many yo-yo results throughout that life be it through diet alone, or diet and exercise.
The only time I achieved lasting results is in a spoiler to save scrolling space......was in 2014, which is the same year I found MFP. I lost 96 pounds that year, started walking, signed up for a 10k and somehow ran the whole thing despite never believing I could do so prior to that, prompting me to sign up for a half marathon, running that also, then on and on to dozens of half marathons and even 3 full marathons in a 30 day span. Keep in mind that I was still 50 pounds over my ideal body weight that whole time, and weight loss had stopped in order to fuel such strenuous activity. That 96 pounds lost just opened up a new world of possibilities for me.
Ultimately an injury ended the running, and by 2019 I had stopped all tracking of diet, calories and exercise. By 2021 I had gained back 76 of those 96 pounds I lost in 2014.
So I had a lot of data at my disposal between MFP and my training logs to use to plan another go at losing the weight and getting healthy again. My plan for success (backed by my own past performance) was to:
1. Maintain a clean keto diet (I consistently had best results with low carb and found during marathon training I had better control over food urges when eating clean).
2. Maintain a reasonable caloric deficit and avoid ever getting "hungry", adjusting when necessary.
3. Exercise! The plan was to balance strength with cardio (in the form of running) but a case of plantar fasciitis has changed that from running to walking.
I stumbled across this challenge in May, and it works perfectly to keep me focused on my plan, without fail, because of the accountability factor. Without that part, if the plan starts going wrong I can easily convince myself it's OK. But reporting in prevents me from letting it start to drift off track, and serves to help me do better the next day to get back on track.
This time I KNOW I will lose enough weight to weigh in at my normal BMI weight at some point. It will be the first time in my life I will have done that, and I am not losing sight of that. But the goal I have is to learn how to STAY THERE once I do that. This weight loss is just the first step.
The people and insights here give me every confidence to know I will find a way past any stumbling block I encounter on the way.6 -
Hello from Sydney, Australia. My name is Caitlin. I was part of UAC 2 years ago and have returned as I need the accountability and consistency to lose some extra weight that has held on. I am pretty good with the regular exercise; however can let myself down with calories.
Looking forward to being part of the group in October!5 -
Hello. I am new to the group. I am from Kansas. I have a long history of extreme ups and downs with my weight and last month I was at my highest weight ever. I am in the process of semi-retiring in order to focus on my health. I am back in a good, determined mindset and have been recording my food daily. I have about 100 pounds to lose. Previously when I was recording my food, (2008-to around 2014), I was a member of SparkPeople. It, as well as a forum for emotional eaters, was helpful for me to take off the weight and keep it off for four years. I am hopeful that the regular use of MyFitnessPal and this group (and maybe others) will serve a similar purpose and that this will finally be the time when I do not allow myself to lose good habits.
Right now, my favorite and most regular exercise is swimming. I also do some weightlifting, walking, and am slowly building up minutes using an elliptical machine at the gym. Hopefully when I am lighter I will be able to resume my favorite sports: tennis and pickleball.
Susan6 -
Hi all! I'm from Western Australia, am 34 and have about 50 pounds to lose. I kinda fell off the wagon about this time last year and put 30 back on, dangit.
Over the last month I've been back to tracking and sticking to calories pretty well but really need to be more active.
I find it really hard to find the discipline to get up and exercise, so am hoping the accountability of this group will help! I'm going to restart the C25K program, and on off days walk my cat longer (yeah we don't get fat but any activity is good activity!).6 -
Hi everyone!
Really looking forward to building community and accountability here. I'm Bristy, from Ontario, Canada. Looking forward to continuing my walks and going to mindfully log my calories! Cheers3 -
WELCOME to all the new folks! @jjjcat @ideas2 @gelatinouscube and @bristy_c we're so excited to have you join us in October and get to know you!
I love how Chris ( @WhatMeRunning ) put it earlier, as I feel exactly the same way..... "This time I KNOW I will lose enough weight to weigh in at my normal BMI weight at some point. It will be the first time in my life I will have done that, and I am not losing sight of that. But the goal I have is to learn how to STAY THERE once I do that. This weight loss is just the first step.
The people and insights here give me every confidence to know I will find a way past any stumbling block I encounter on the way."
Thanks Chris! You've come such a long way and your workouts, commitment, and dedication to your program is very inspiring!6 -
Hi all!
My name is Bridget and I’m from Michigan. I’m a married mom of two young boys.
There are 3 months left in the year and I’d like to finish strong and start 2022 well. Refining my habits and being more consistent is what I’m after. I know weight loss will take care of itself if I focus on what matters most.
This is the most organized and supportive group I’ve come across on MFP. I’ve been watching from the side lines, but now I’m ready to cut my perfectionism at its knees and get in the game! Look forward to learning from and getting to know you all.6 -
StayFITTer wrote: »Hi all!
My name is Bridget and I’m from Michigan. I’m a married mom of two young boys.
There are 3 months left in the year and I’d like to finish strong and start 2022 well. Refining my habits and being more consistent is what I’m after. I know weight loss will take care of itself if I focus on what matters most.
This is the most organized and supportive group I’ve come across on MFP. I’ve been watching from the side lines, but now I’m ready to cut my perfectionism at its knees and get in the game! Look forward to learning from and getting to know you all.
Hello Bridget from that state up north! I'm Teresa from Ohio! "O-H!" Lol. Anyhoo.... it's very nice to have you in the group! Our group is a joint effort and everybody pitches in and works hard to keep it running like a well oiled machine! We look forward to getting to know YOU as well!! 3 -
Hi all,
I'm 63, (although my kids would likely tell you I still think I'm somewhere between 18 and 25), and have been overweight most of my life. My kids are twingles (a son and twin daughters - all in their early 30s). I've been with UAC since June or July. Can't remember exactly. I am a problem child in that my 3-yes days are few and far between. I always track, but I don't always meet my exercise goals and seldom eat within my calorie budget. Nevertheless, I report in here daily because accountability is one of my issues.
Hello again to everybody returning and to those joining us for the first time.
7 -
What's up everyone! First timer for this group. Having a daily check-in group for weight seems to have helped me make good choices more often than not in Sept. I'm looking forward to adding the exercise element. Currently living in Thailand so my post will be hours to a half day ahead of most people. My goal is to be 199 or less by the time I go visit my family for Christmas. I'm now 219.4.7
-
Hello! I've been in and out of the UAC for a year and a half after initially losing all of my post baby weight over six months. I'm rejoining as I've just had a summer of indulgence and my belt feels a lil tighter, so I've got a bit of work to do. I'm a runner, that and walking are my main forms of exercise. Looking forward to another month of keeping myself in check!7
-
Hi all,
I just started last month with the September Challenge, and it has been very helpful to me. I've learned so much already and been very inspired. Though I was nowhere near the winner's circle, I did manage to check in every day.
I am 41 and am looking to lose the baby weight from my daughter who is almost 10. My weight loss history is that I did weight watchers when I was 24 to lose the ~25 extra pounds I had put on during college and after. I learned a lot about nutrition and stayed in that weight range, with some work, until I got pregnant at 31.
During my pregnancy, I was very sick and could only keep down food like pizza, milkshakes, and cookies, which I had to eat constantly to keep from vomiting up nothing. I gained half my body weight. Afterwards, I tried to lose weight, but breastfeeding and then another pregnancy and miscarriage, then infertility treatment, then another pregnancy, then breastfeeding, brought me to 2019 when I finally got serious about weight loss. At that point I was at around 175 lbs. I am now around 150 lbs, where I have been stuck for a few months. I'd was 130 lbs when I got pregnant. I am kind of debating where to stop, but I think I'd like to lose another 10 pounds and this group is really inspiring me to see if I can.
I lost weight first by just watching what I ate, the plateaued there for a few months. Then joined MFP in February and started counting calories and lost some more weight for a few months and then plateaued again.
I am not a big exerciser but I try to do a 15 minute exercise video by MommaStrong 5 mornings a week - that is really for functional strength. I also try to go for a 30 minute walk every day. I'd love to exercise more, but hard to find the time.4 -
WELCOME @LuckiS32 and welcome back @jem302 !!
We're honored to have you both!
@LuckiS32 we have a few people on the other side of the world - you all are often closing out your food diaries when I am getting up and logging on! Just post at the end of your day on the corresponding date under the DISCUSSIONS area. Let us know if you have any questions or issues. We're looking forward to getting to know you! 3 -
Hello. I’m new to this group. I’m 42 live in Kansas. I’m in the healthcare field and my schedule is crazy 12-16hr shift bouncing between day/night shifts. So excited to be apart of this group that challenge you to be a accountable and healthier Version of yourself. My goal for this month is to find a steady routine for meals and workout. Looking forward to get to know and learning from you all.4
-
Hi, I'm Babs. This will be the 2nd month in a row I've done UAC. I am really loving the accountability and the 2+ lbs I lost in September by following the 3 rules "almost" consistently.
A little bit about me:
I'm 61 years old, live in a suburb of Seattle, married 34 years, have 2 grown sons ages 30 and 27.
My Health:
I'm a 22 year breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 1999 at the age of 39. Thankfully it was caught early--had a lumpectomy, 6 mos low-dose chemo, & radiation. Since then I have been trying to do my best to avoid a recurrence by eating right, getting in regular activity and staying in a healthy weight range.
My Weight and Weight Loss Journey:
Growing up in the 1960s I was slightly chubby compared to other kids, but looking at pictures of myself back then and comparing them to kids these days, I wasn't as "fat" as I thought. It still stings though when I think about the 3 times I remember being called fat by other kids...
As a teenager I went on crazy fasting diets but they always ended in me bingeing. Off and on dieting/bingeing continued into my 20s. My weight pretty much stayed in the 130-135 range. After being married 3 years my weight was up to the low 160s, and then by the time I gave birth to our 2 sons, my highest non-pregnancy weight was 175 lbs.
I didn't like how dumpy I looked so got a prescription for phentermine. I lost 20 lbs in 2 months; it was amazing how it took away my appetite and gave me loads of energy. I would never recommend it though. It did a number on my sleep--a few nights I could only sleep for 2 hours--and it made my heart race at times.
In January 2003 I joined Weight Watchers, my starting weight was 148 lbs. By June 2003 I was Lifetime and weighed 128 lbs. I had a hard time maintaining that weight however, and the next several years I was on a binge/diet rollercoaster in an effort to stay in the Lifetime "free zone." Weight slowly crept up over the years to near the top of the healthy weight range for my height of 5'3", the top being 141 lbs.
When I first started MFP in 2015 I was at 141 lbs and since then my weight has fluctuated between 141ish to as low as 132 but mostly around 138. I would like to get back to 132-133 but even better I would like to finally be able to STAY there, actually a range of 132-135. The accountability and discipline of the UAC is what I believe it will take.
Exercise:
In my 20s I did aerobics at the gym Living Well Lady which is no longer around.
Around the time I got breast cancer (at 39) we bought a treadmill and I walked on that and eventually at some point I started adding in a few minutes of slow running.
At the age of 47 a guy in my Weight Watchers class handed me a registration form for a 5K. He was 63 at the time, he had just lost 50 lbs and wanted to start running again. He assumed when I mentioned in WW class that I used a treadmill, that I was a runner, not just a walker with a little running thrown in. I was hesitant to do the 5K but after much arm twisting I decided to do it and ran the whole way. That was in 2007. We have been running partners since then (he is 78 years old now!). Between then and 2017 I've run in 52 races ranging from 5Ks to one half-marathon. After that I took a break from racing until this past July I did a 5K. My profile picture is from that race. My speed has suffered over the last few years because of injuries and not putting in the effort to train, but I'm hoping to improve upon my 5K time from my disappointing 5K time in July.
Sorry this post is so long! I guess I should have tried to do the "spoiler" thing... Will end with a picture of me racing across the finish line back in 2010 (during my "glory days"). That's my running partner right behind me, bib #554.
10 -
I'm back for another month of UAC. I started in Dec of last year and will remain here as long as it exists. It helps keep my procrastinating self stay on track. I'm no longer overweight though I'd still like to lose the last 8lbs to be in prime form. I'm currently working on improving strength via EPIC workouts.4
-
Hi Everyone!
My name is Julie. I am Canadian, and my husband and I live on the prairies. Our daughter is 28 and lives a few hours drive north of us, where she has just begun her first year as a lawyer. We have a black standard poodle pup (just turned 1) named Beauregard. He is my walking partner and we aim for 10,000+ steps a day.
This will be my third month in the UAC, which I was so happy to find shortly after joining MFP this summer. I am down 22.2 pounds so far, and am really pleased with how the UAC accountability framework has helped me to make my health a priority.
I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome. My immune suppression drug regime has been more than a bit terrifying during COVID. My physical (and mental health) are better when I am active and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Looking forward to seeing, learning with and from all of you on the October Challenge. 🥰
Julie4 -
Hello!
My name is Shannon, and I am a current college student and professional proofreader (as my business). I am originally from West Virginia but am now settled in the mountains of northern Alabama.
I am over 150 lbs. away from my goal weight. Due to depression, medicines, and lack of motivation, I quickly ballooned up in my last years of high school.
Thank God, I'm feeling mentally better now and am enjoying life. However, my weight is one of the last things holding me back. One of the reasons I picked my job was to be able to travel (I'm an online college student). I was physically sick for 5 years after high school due to an accident. Again, thank God that I finally recovered! But, it hurts to move now because of my weight and is hard to breathe sometimes.
Now that I am finally getting better mentally and have recovered from my accident, I have to lose the weight, so I can better enjoy my new lease on life and get to see all the cool places on my travel wishlist.
I'm so happy to be here with you all! Here's to a great month!5 -
Hi! My mame is Tammy (in case you couldn't figure that out from my login name 😉). I am 56 yo and live in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois in the USA. This is my first time in this challenge. I have over 100 pounds to lose. I have dieted and exercised on and off my whole life. Mostly "off". My body aches from carrying too much weight and not exercising.
I changed careers and became a nurse last year. I work in a hospital and get in a lot of steps during my 13-15 hour shifts. I will consider my exercise as anything outside of work. I work the night shift 3 or 4 days a week so my eating times vary throughout the week and I revert back to a normal sleep/eat schedule on my days off. Sometimes I sleep during the day and sometimes at night. Many times I'm eating "dinner" at 2AM and still have 6 hours of work ahead of me.
I know that tracking and purposeful exercise is key to my weight loss. I'm looking forward to being a part of this group.4 -
Hi, I'm Maryann. This will be my 10th month in UAC, and hopefully a month of refocusing. I'm 38, a mom of one, and admittedly I've been floundering in my efforts the past three very crazy months. I just found out I have a big offsite for work in Late January/early February and I'd like to be 15-20lbs into the 25lbs I have left to lose. (60lsb down, 25lbs to go). This month will see a shift from my exercise regimen being heavier on strength and lighter on running to heavier on running and lighter on strength to hopefully get rid of the rest of the belly fluff my strength work just seems to be making more pronounced. LOL. Happy to accept friend requests, but just kind of tag me in something and let me know they're coming if I haven't interacted with you before - there's been an onslaught of fake requests coming my way so if I decline a request it's just because I didn't know it was real. LOL. Good luck all!
3 -
lovingcaring wrote: »Hello. I’m new to this group. I’m 42 live in Kansas. I’m in the healthcare field and my schedule is crazy 12-16hr shift bouncing between day/night shifts. So excited to be apart of this group that challenge you to be a accountable and healthier Version of yourself. My goal for this month is to find a steady routine for meals and workout. Looking forward to get to know and learning from you all.
WELCOME! @lovingcaring What a great name! We look forward to getting to you more about you as well!
@slimtastesbetter GREAT PICTURE! Thanks for sharing more of your story and your journey with us!3 -
Hello everyone! This is my first time joining the UAC, really excited about this! I'm Elisabeth, a 29 year old biologist - turning - zookeeper from Germany. I'm interrupting my usual strength training regiment (because my gym is undergoing renovations...) and decided it's time to lose some of the fat I gained over the time since I did finally reach a point where I'm becoming overweight. My exercise this month will consist of hiking, rope jumping, yoga and, as soon as the gym is open again, the rowing machine.
Good luck to all of you! 5 -
Lilinchen92 wrote: »Hello everyone! This is my first time joining the UAC, really excited about this! I'm Elisabeth, a 29 year old biologist - turning - zookeeper from Germany. I'm interrupting my usual strength training regiment (because my gym is undergoing renovations...) and decided it's time to lose some of the fat I gained over the time since I did finally reach a point where I'm becoming overweight. My exercise this month will consist of hiking, rope jumping, yoga and, as soon as the gym is open again, the rowing machine.
Good luck to all of you!
WELCOME Elisabeth!! Good for you for taking steps to better health!! 👍 We're glad to have you!! 😊3 -
Hello so many new folks it’s so nice to see and read your posts. My name is Kate and I live in the Adirondack Mts I have climbed several of them and each has brought their own challenges. I am also dog mom to 3 a golden retriever, a German Shepard mix part greyhound we think and a Australian cattle dog. I also have one adult daughter and son plus the hubby lol! I began my healthy lifestyle change in January of 2017 it’s been a slow process but one I have been able to sustain and incorporate much more than just the dieting philosophy. This group of folks has given me the strength and desire to move forward every day someone will post a thought, comment that makes me think and often times I have tried the suggestion in my own life. My advice is stay with this group it’s been a long time that I have been here and plan on going nowhere soon. Don’t sell yourself short just adapt to your needs best of luck to all this month!4
-
Donna here, 38 married with a toddler. Live in Australia and love UAC to bits. I've been in UAC since December 2020 and finally reached my goal weight last month. Yayyy...
I am to stick with maintaining my weight for a few months and hopefully just enjoy that i am no longer having to eat at a deficit for the first time in my life which feels so dam good. Ha Ha. Once I hve mastered maintaining my weight my long term goal is body recomposition but I dnt want to even think about that yet I just really want to learn how to maintain this current weight as I've heard this can be difficult to do.
All the best to my friends in UAC and a very warm loving welcome to all the newcomers. I wish u all the success on ur health jounery and am looking forward to getting to know you. Donna. Xo5
