February Join our Shrinking Squad
SherryRueter
Posts: 3,306 Member
Hello ladies, here we are again, new month and new opportunities.
It's the time to eat according to your GOALS and get started on that SPRING body!
It's the time to eat according to your GOALS and get started on that SPRING body!
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2024
Early 60s, 5'-8" (ish)
SW (02.10.22) - 150 lbs
PrevW - 151.4 (01.01.24)
CW - 150.8 (01.31.24)
February GW - 146.0
Final GW - 125 lbs (or may possibly stop at 130, depending on how I feel and look)
My vegan journey is going pretty well - I only ate cheese maybe 10 days tops out of the whole month. I also cut way back on the ultra-processed junk, limiting myself to one a day instead of multiple meals a day. My dry January ended up being about 50% dry (which is good for me since my last few months were close to 100% wet LOL). I did overeat a lot this month; stress eating is not something I've done much in the past, but this month I did, and ate way more calories than I should have on a lot of days. Frankly, I'm surprised I had any loss at all for January, so I'll take the 0.6.
I've been getting back to the gym these last couple of weeks also. Getting in cardio, yoga and tai chi, but this month I have to focus on getting my ST routine back.
Hope everyone has a great, healthy, happy February!!3 -
@SparkSpringtime69 Great job on the partial dry January! I'm in the same boat of going from basically 100% wet to less, so I get how challenging that can be!2
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Hi everyone! Wishing you all success in February!
January was a little bumpy for me, but successful overall. Down 5 lb from Jan 1 to Jan 31. Cut way down on alcohol and on overeating. Started exercising again, which I had been seriously neglecting.
Now, looking to keep it up in February. I would love to lose another 5, but I know that's not realistic. I'm sure some of January's was water weight. So realistically, another 2-3 lb down and keep getting stronger.2 -
2024Early 53 and 5 days
5'-1" (ish)
SW (01.2024) - 109# (ish)
HighestWt. - 175. (07.1999)
Jan 31 Weigh in: 107.0
February GW - 106.0
Final GW - 104 lbs
Feb Goals:
1) Workout with BODi Dig Deeper - Collection 2.
2) Get in PiYo/Yoga once each week
3) Follow a Water First, Veggies Most plan. (2B Mindset).
4) Skip 2-5 snacks. Drink Water
5) Track Water. Track Food. Reduce Caffeine.
Feb Goals:
1) Workout with BODi Dig Deeper - Collection 2.
2) Get in PiYo/Yoga once each week
3) Follow a Water First, Veggies Most plan. (2B Mindset).
4) Skip 2-5 snacks. Drink Water
5) Track Water. Track Food. Reduce Caffeine.
Of the above, #4 will be the challenge / stretch goal for me but.
AND ITS A BIIIIG BUUUT
I know I can do it. I know I can eat 3 meals a day and be Eat meal and done. EMAD. EAT.MEAL.AND.DONE.
I've been eating more veggies the past week or so and am down 2# just with that modification. So I am going to continue it. I feel happier already looking in the mirror.
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@scienceofteaching I cut way down on overeating too. It feels SOOOO good. Focusing on just the next 1-2 # is enough. They say, the smaller the baby step, the easier it is to take.
@SparkSpringtime69 - Glad to hear your vegan journey is headed in the right direction. That makes one feel SO proud! I have also cut way back on the ultra-processed junk. AND YAY to a 50% dry January. I heard on a podcast that when you drink, those days its nearly impossible to lose weight because the alcohol leads to snacking more. I wonder, perhaps that's what you experienced as well.It's okay to struggle. But it's NOT okay to give up on yourself
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Hey guys. Hope you don't mind me butting in. I need some accountability! I have been slowly putting on weight for the last few years. None of my clothes fit and it's time to overhaul my habits.
@SparkSpringtime69 Sounds like you had a similar Christmas period to me. Ive also been about 50% for Jan. Hoping to reduce it a bit more in Feb. I always start eating crap when I have a glass of wine. Needs to end. Also need to stop eating chocolate with every cup of tea/coffee I drink and generally nibbling on stuff throughout the day.
Good luck to you all for Feb. Here's hoping we all crush our goals.
2024 Goals
Exercise 5 days out of 7
Stop snacking at night
Cut back on alcohol
Current Stats
Nearly 50, 5'-11"
SW (02.01.24) - 176 lbs
February GW - 171 lbs
Final GW - 155 lbs3 -
@tararaboomdeeah Butt in all you like! Glad to have you!!!
The year I turned 50yr was the SLOWEST weight gain ever. I am JUST recovering from that whoosh of what ever the Hell happens at 50yrs. I thought 40 was hard. 50yr ...uggh3 -
Hi All. Travel and eldercare has me awol for a bit. Doing well - saw 128.0 yesterday! First time since September that I’ve seen that weight!! Yay!! It’s helping that I’m framing my nutrition as not what I shouldn’t eat but what I will eat more of - so that translated into lots and lots more veggies, more whole foods, so I’m thinking more mindfully about what I’m eating. Still doesn’t mean I don’t want that sickeningly sweet overly frosted honeybun that’s SO frosted it cracks when you break it in half. 🥹🥹. Progress - not perfection!! 😅
Also helps I’m joining my niece in her Air Force prep training - and my doc appt mid month. Unlikely but I’m still hoping to see 125 by the time I have my doc appt on 2/16.
Been so busy and tired so skipped a few workouts this week. Niece swears by pre-workout powder which sounds a caffeine jolt - but she encouraged me try it. Will try it later today when I start my workout later. Wish me luck!!!🙃3 -
Also, your body has to process the alcohol first, and uses that energy before it will use to proteins and fats you take in.SherryRueter wrote: »@SparkSpringtime69 - Glad to hear your vegan journey is headed in the right direction. That makes one feel SO proud! I have also cut way back on the ultra-processed junk. AND YAY to a 50% dry January. I heard on a podcast that when you drink, those days its nearly impossible to lose weight because the alcohol leads to snacking more. I wonder, perhaps that's what you experienced as well.
@tararaboomdeeah Welcome to the group! I also tend to snack a lot when I have wine.
@CeeBeeSlim congrats on the 128! Hope you have fun with the AF training.
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Hey all, jumping back in here.
Priority #1 for 2024 is getting a grip on my health and fitness once and for all. Finding some ways to make it happen. Picked up an under desk treadmill/walking pad that showed up this week - holy smokes, we shall see but it feels almost magical. Significant activity increase, very little extra time in my day (mostly as I get used to it right now a few things take a little longer because I miss type or mis-click).
45, 5'7"
SW Trend: 158.2
End GW: ~128-132 (but may adjust up as I get closer due to potentially more muscle mass than when I was previously at that weight)
Feb Goal: Minimum 7.5K steps/day (that may go up with the treadmill); weight trending downward; 2 pounds down (trend ideal)
2/1/24: 158.6
2/2/24: 157.2 (just showing the difference - when I picked up the treadmill it was a major activity difference and my body reacted like normal and almost overnight piled on nearly 3 pounds of water weight - I was fighting a cold at the same time, so double whammy).
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Happy Saturday, everyone!
My follow-up dr appt is Monday, so any good thoughts would be appreciated! Hoping that the new dr says everything is okay, but dreading the possibilities. I'm just trying to focus on the fact that I'm taking the day off work Monday, so I have a 3 day weekend.
Husband has a work event all day today, so he had to get up at our normal weekday time. I thought about staying in bed, but decided to power through and get started. So I'm having a nice cup of coffee and catching up on MFP threads now, then I'll do the weekend errands and try to get on the treadmill before going to a family birthday party in the afternoon.
I finally lost the 2 lb that I randomly added after eating out last Sunday, but then we ate out yesterday for an end of the work week treat. And then I still had a big snack at home... And we have a family party with my mom's amazing cooking today... So I'm kind of dreading what the scale will tell me this week. But right now, with this dr appt looming over my head, I'm not being strict about my calories. If I go over, I go over. I'd like to lose weight, but mental health is more important. I am still trying to be diligent about getting into my home gym (or outside for a walk/run if it's warm enough) every day, so I don't backslide on that. Even if I'm not actively losing like I was in January, I want to keep getting stronger.
And hopefully, the dr will give me good news this week and that will lift my stress enough that I can start focusing more on food tracking again.2 -
@HoneyBadger302 Welcome back! The under desk treadmill sounds like fun.
@ScienceofTeaching best wishes and hugs being sent your way for Monday. Do take care of your mental health and enjoy the family today.
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Will never EVER use pre-workout powder again! Positive - was able to pump out two back to back Caroline Girvan workouts - never did that before. Negative - felt like a thousand ants were on my skin for hours and couldn’t get sleepy til about 5am. Ugh.
Even if this is the gotta-let-your-body-get-used-to-it phase. I’ll pass!
@ScienceofTeaching - sending positive vibes your way! Just generalized anxiety or you have reason to be anxious about the results?2 -
@CeeBeeSlim Thanks for the positive thoughts! I had some irregular test results in the summer, and they were still weird at my 6 month in January. So being sent to a specialist for extra tests and trying to figure out exactly what's going on and if it's anything to worry about.2
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I need to keep this in front of me.
Too many carbs between Friday at noon and Sunday at 9pm
February GW - 106.0
Final GW - 104 lbs
Feb Goals:
1) Workout with BODi Dig Deeper - Collection 2.
2) Get in PiYo/Yoga once each week
3) Follow a Water First, Veggies Most. Whole foods plan.
4) Skip 2p-5p snacks. Drink Water
5) Track Water. Track Food. Reduce Caffeine.
I know I can do it. I know I can eat 3 meals a day and be Eat meal and done. EMAD. EAT.MEAL.AND.DONE.
Today - workout Dig Deeper total body - Went well. Loved it.
Tracked today's food. and made an entire weeks worth of meal plan
my Son 26yo male totalled his car yesterday. UGHHH this stresses a mama out. He is fine. The car...not so much. Just trying to make it thru today with that one.
of my 2 kids, he is the one that is the quiet one and the one that I don't believe accomplishes what he should be doing. I worry that he is a big drain on society. He doesn't carry health or car insurance. Unsure what this will end up being..... it was his fault. THoughts and prayers appreciated.
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@scienceofteaching - thoughts and prayers to you! I completely get not caring as much about food tracking and on/off plan foods. Hope the report is good today.
@honeybadger302 I hope we see more of you. I love that your goals are small and achievable.
@Ceebeeslim - Some people just cannot handle the caffeine. I use a generic pre-workout powder but only use 1/2 of the dose, and I take it at 5am.0 -
Its been awhile since ive posted. I missed the end of january so ill do a quick reflection. Out of my daily goals, i hit them about 40% if the time. I didnt meet my weight goal (152: i was close) but i did exceed my mileage goal. Total points 70/200. Yes i made a point system😂 i have a notebook dedicated to this. My ultimate goal right now is to get to 145 by mid-March (when ill be traveling)
This month im stepping it up again with my mileage. Im aiming for an extra 5miles.
End of the Month Goals:
Goal weight: 148lbs (CW 152)
Run 20miles
Read 1book
Play 5hrs of guitar
Daily goals:
Pump 5x
Drink 56oz
Extra Points Goals:
5pts: 0 take-out
5pts: Never over 100 of calorie goal
1pt per: junk food/desert declined
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Tired tired tired. Pops is sleepwalking! I got a Google camera to get alerted when my mom gets up and wanders but the last few times it’s my dad - and he has no memory of it the next day. Sigh.
Of course this morning he says “Boy, I wonder if this is from when I fell and hit my head months ago in the Walmart parking lot”. 🥹
Read something about not striving to go heavy ALL the time - that’s why I’m also exhausted I think. Been adding more weight to my workouts and my body is feeling it. It does become addictive chasing your personal best!
Sorry to hear about your son @SherryRueter! Glad he is ok. Hang in there! Sending positive thoughts - I can “hear” the stress in your voice! 🙏🏽🙏🏽1 -
Pretty sure I'm juggling a bit of a case of SAD which leads to a variety of other "doom and gloom" attitudes. This is making motivation to do things very hard to come by. I got out for a little ride on Saturday late afternoon, but it was short, and now the weather is back to the pattern of being beautiful and nice during the week and rainy, cold, and yuck on the weekends. This has been the pattern here nearly all winter (when it was nice), and the days are still short enough it's tough to get out after work, although I'm going to make an effort to dip out right on time today and at least get out on a walk with the puppy at the local park (hopefully won't be too busy).
Other than that, things are chugging along okay, going to start prepping the trailer for track season, only a few weeks until that gets going, and I need to figure out why the lawn mower I got won't start, so that's also on the to-do list for this week lol.
Vacation is coming - but OF COURSE - the weather is looking AWFUL. It'll still be relaxing and good to get away for a few days, but I'm really hoping at least the rain backs off a bit....
45, 5'7"
SW Trend: 158.2
End GW: ~128-132 (but may adjust up as I get closer due to potentially more muscle mass than when I was previously at that weight)
Feb Goal: Minimum 7.5K steps/day (that may go up with the treadmill); weight trending downward; 2 pounds down (trend ideal)
2/1/24: 158.6
2/7/24: 157.6
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Ive been reading, I just didn't feel like writing.
I'm doing okay. The evenings have been hard becauuse we go out car shopping for a hour or 2 after work. I think my son is going to make an offer on one today. IDK.
Okay, so I'm also on line and bored a fair bit at work. I typically read a lot about mindset, diet, and how the brain works.
Todays readings: Its about how you should make a plan and stick to the plan you make.
Habit Brain- Subconscious
Our habit brain handles the patterns that are so well processed that your brain delegated them
and now they are on autopilot.
[*] The habit brain is where your urges will come from. Your brain’s
job is to avoid pain, gain pleasure, and to make it as easy as possible.
[*] This part of your brain is trying to keep you safe and delegate as much as possible, because we couldn’t possibly think about every little thing we do throughout the day.
[*] The issue comes when the things that have been delegated are not serving our higher goals.
Higher Brain- Prefrontal cortex.
The decision-making is the part of your brain that knows what you want most.
It can look into the future and think about the long term goals. This is the part of the brain we want to use when we are making our Morning plan.
We want to be thinking of what we want most, because our habit brain is always going to be thinking about what we want now.
What to expect:
You will wake up in the morning and make your plan with your higher brain (pre-frontal cortex),
BUUUUT --> the part of the brain that will show up when you go to follow your plan is your habit brain.
It will be a process to notice when your habit brain is showing up and redirect to the higher
brain.
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So, when I make my plan for my food first thing in the moring, that's great. My higher brain is in action and doing/planning what is best for me.
Then, 3pm hits and my habit brain shows up and says toddler like things, 'give me sweets. I want cookies, etc'.
The thing is, we need to become aware of which brain is showing up.
And, then - I would say, to make sure that the Higher brain is the one who makes the decisions.
example:
I want chocolate right NOW at 2pm because my HABIT brain thinks that's been a good thing the past few weeks.
I take note that the habit brain doesn't have my overall best self in mind. So I say NO, and let the higher brain tell me , "yeah!!! that's right, we don't need the chocolate because we are still full from lunch. That was a great comeback Sherry!"
And I proceed with my day.
'
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You will get better at what you practice. If you don’t take action and you don’t plan, you won’t get
better at it.
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Got good news from the dr office this week, so no more excuses! Well, no more excuses starting tomorrow.... today is apparently national bagel day, so a parent dropped off bagels for the teachers. And another family is bringing us lunch for Chinese new year. And then anniversary date with my husband tonight.
So back on track starting tomorrow.
At least I have been keeping up with exercise while eating all this junk. So I've gone back up 2 lb the past 2 weeks, but I'm sure it will go back down again.3 -
Self discipline.
Doing something enough to move the needle.
Sometimes all that is missing is enough Self Discipline.
Some Loving discipline is required
The willingness to observe what your habit brain is telling you and then decide NOT to do it (over eat, have the extra gooey bite) AND to NOT do it as a way to show yourself that you CARE. You DO Care! you care about how you look, how you feel, how happy you are. You care SO MUCH about yourself. don't let the habit brain get you to thinking that you DO NOT care. Because YOU DO CARE.
Discipline drives consistency
and consistency needs to be closer together to make progress.1 -
@ScienceofTeaching yay for the good news!!
You sure have a busy food day today, LOL. Enjoy it, I'm sure you'll get right back on course tomorrow.1 -
Well done, @ScienceofTeaching! 👏👏👏👏
Thanks for the lesson, @SherryRueter! Sometimes it helps me to think of weight loss or fitness as a something vs something - spurs the “fight” in me.
Need it a lil of bit that right now as I know I didn’t gain two pounds overnight but what I did do is give in to my dad to cook his type of food (sugary, fried, fatty). So fried chicken.
It was good. He was happy we ate it. Ugh. I go back and forth - let him do what he does re his cooking and I will eat smaller portions or worse - take it - toss it - and lie about how great it is. Or monitor and comment on his cooking in hopes something will sink in and he’ll make better choices.
I watched hubs deprive his mom of everything she liked in order to improve her blood sugar, kidney numbers, heart issues - and she looked miserable. Was sooooo happy when she had ice cream - like a child - gleeful.
Oh - did I say eldercare is hard? 🤣🤣🤣2 -
@SparkSpringtime69 It really was a busy food day! I saved half of my dinner to bring home, and I only ate a small amount of the delicious Chinese food for lunch. So could have been much worse!
I did a good job of avoiding all of the multitude of treats at work during January. In addition to the random events like today, we often have leftovers from evening events that are left in the faculty rooms for us. So it takes a lot of self-control.2 -
I’m glad this group is still going strong. I can really use some accountability right now.
2023: high 154.0, low 142.8
Feb 5: 148.8
Feb6: 148.8
Feb7: 148.8
Feb8: 147.8
Feb9: 148.6
Feb10: 147.8
Feb11: 148.8
Avg: 148.52 -
@f1tafter40 Your weight fluctuations are like non existent! Amazing. Sometimes i weigh 2-4lbs different between days.1
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Ive been watching a survival competition show called Alone. Solo people go out and survive on their own. It has really been humbling me in my food habits. They are so excited and so grateful for anything they find to eat (if they do) and im over here finding it hard not to snack or eat that frickin cookie. Part of me wonders what it would feel like to be that hungry. On the brink of starving. Im so thankful that i have never even been close to that experience.
It all makes me want to do a fast. Im not sure how long, and at the moment, i still need to produce breastmilk so i dont think it would be a good idea right now. But when im done feeding my baby, im gonna do it. I think it will be a helpful experience for me and my thought processes/ habits when it comes to food.
Has anyone done a fast? At the moment i just do intermittent so 16hr fasts. I think i want to do maybe 3-5 days with water and electrolytes.1
