100 day challenge #18 Monday January 1st – Tuesday April 9th 2024

jennysweet58 wrote: »

Hi I'm Jenny from the Bronx, NY - 59 years old, 5' 6", and have struggled my whole life with food. I was already at my top weight and then gained another 20 pounds during the pandemic that I am proud to say that I finally dropped during the last challenge! My initial goal is 175 – a weight where I feel healthy and fit in my clothes again –but who knows, I may decide to go lower since this plan is working so well for me. I’ll see how I feel once I get there….WHICH I WILL!!! (It is so great after struggling for so many years to simply KNOW I WILL GET THERE!!)

For anyone interested, I’m doing Intermittent Fasting, with an eating window between 2pm and 9pm. I’ve been following the Fast800 plan with low-carb / Mediterranean-style diet, and have recently started loosening the reins on the weekends (what they’d call the 2:5 plan I think?) I also aim for moderate exercise and a yoga stretch 6 days a week- I do Burpee Girl Youtube workouts and yoga stretches using the Down Dog app.
Day 01-01/01: 183.4 - I missed weighing in during the last week of the last challenge because of holiday craziness, and given I gained during the holiday week I am posting my lowest weight here so that I’m accurately tracking my overall weight loss.

Day 02-01/02: skipped - first day back on track after a week of debauchery

Day 03-01/03: 188.8 – Burpee Girl cardio/weight workout & yoga stretch, and first day stepping on the scale…it could be worse! Onward & downward!
Day 04-01/04 – skipped – had a follow-up sonogram that turned out to be clear, so good news! Walked to and from the subway through the park for my exercise, and remembered there was a time in my life not so long ago I wasn’t able to do this because of my knee issues. Starting the year out with gratitude!

Day 05-01/05: 184.6 – Yay! A nice water whoosh! It’s thrilling to be almost back to my lowest weight so quickly. It’s always a struggle to “start” again but by Day 3 or 4 I feel so good!!! Did a longer BP workout alternating cardio & weights, those are my favorites – plus a nice stretch.

Day 06-01/06

Day 07-01/07--

WEEK 1 LOSS OR GAIN 1.2 pound gain
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 1.2 pound gain

Day 08-01/08: 185.4 – Just did a BG 30 min tabata cardio / standing abs workout plus 20 min yoga stretch , and I’m definitely feeling the difference being able to go deeper into stretches as my belly slowly gets out of my way. I did some yummy food prep yesterday – made rainbow salad for DH’s lunches, then a cauliflower rice / mushroom “risotto” with chopped broccoli for my dinners that is so delicious I’ve been making it the past 3 weeks, I am obsessed! And also made a version of turkey chili that is 90% veggies and is now going to go into my rotation for lunches, I was almost shocked it came out so well. Both are big hearty servings with just over 200 calories each…ready for the week!

Day 09-01/09: 183.4 – ok, back to pre-holiday weight. Time to break new ground! Did a BG 20 min strength workout and 10 min yoga stretch – enough to calm down the stress and anxiety I have over a situation with my daughter…so hard to figure out how to help adult children struggling with mental health issues, and then I’m stressed because I feel like I’m falling behind at work trying to help…think I have at least an initial solution though so time to get on with my day.

Day 10-01/10: 183.6 – Do you ever wake up and just “feel” skinnier? Like you can suck your stomach in and it makes a difference? Ha ha -that’s how I was feeling this morning, and did a slightly higher intensity 30 min BG kickboxing/standing abs workout and a 15 min yoga stretch. I swear the yoga app (Down Dog) seems to know what I need to stretch, as my thighs were a little sore from all the squats yesterday and today’s stretch really worked them out – while yesterday I needed more upper body and it was right on track again! Because I was feeling skinny I took my measurements today – it’s been a month since the last time, and once again I was measuring over and over bc I couldn’t believe I lost an inch and a half on my hips, and half inch from my waist!! These numbers are getting down to ones I haven’t seen in close to 5 years, it’s really exciting!! I have a journal I started last January with weights & measurements, so I’m just re-using those same calendars for my new entries…seeing the old numbers amid the new is a stark reminder to see how far I’ve come, and to never go back!!!

Day 11-01/11: 182.0 – Hurray! Finally into new territory after the holidays – this also is officially 45 pounds down for me! Five more pounds till my first goal (that I’ve had for at least 5 years and never made .) Did a nice 25 min BG tabata workout and 15 min stretch.

Day 12-01/12: 182.0 – this will be my final weight of the week, since I don’t weigh on weekends. Happy with this result!
Day 13-01/13: skipped – today will do a pool workout with the hubby, food shopping and food prep. I am going to do the exact same food prep as last week because it was delicious!! Also I tend to go in phases, eating one meal for a long while and then transitioning to something else…for now I am loving my (mostly veggie) turkey chili, and my “faux” mushroom risotto with cauliflower rice. My freezer is still stocked with Eggroll in a Bowl and turkey zucchini noodle soup so I am in good shape!!

Day 14-01/14: skipped

WEEK 2 LOSS OR GAIN - 2.6 pound loss
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 1.4 pound loss


Day 15-01/15: skipped, went out to a local brewery with the husband, drank wine, ate fried food and got into a big fight…such a bummer! And the fight continued through the rest of the day…
Day 16-01/16: skipped – and then even after we sort of made up in the morning I continued the pity party the whole next day, deciding that bingeing was the perfect partner to wallowing in sadness and depression…
Day 17-01/17: skipped – and then woke up this morning determined not to let all my hard work slip away. I did a great workout/stretch and got back on track…man oh man, that binge monster is always lurking, ready to pounce! But I know as long as I don’t let it turn into weeks I can right the ship fairly quickly. We’ll see if it results in a gain for the week…work has been a little nuts so my routine is all screwed up!

Day 18-01/18: 184.2 - to be expected. Hopefully will get a dip down tomorrow so I don't have to end the week with an accumulated gain, fingers crossed I at least hit my original start weight...I really need to buckle down. I've made great progress and I have to be really careful not to allow myself to begin unraveling it!

Day 19-01/19: 182.8 – ok, I’ll take it! A gain for the week but at least still an accumulated loss. I tried a new workout this morning – getfitwithrick on youtube – there was a 30 minute body combat one that caught my eye, I used to LOVE body combat I find it so motivating! But it did solidify that I prefer workouts without commentary (like my usual burpeegirl on youtube) –he has some no commentary music-only ones that maybe I’ll give a try when I feel the need to mix things up. I find I am so curmudgeonly in my old age and hate the constant chatter and laughing at their own jokes that most videos have! Bah humbug! Ha ha

Day 20-01/20--

Day 21-01/21--

WEEK 3 LOSS OR GAIN : 0.8 gain
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 0.6 loss

Day 22-01/22: 183.4 – a smaller than expected bump up from the weekend, and I have that “skinny & fit” feeling this morning, so I have a good feeling about getting a good loss this week and finally getting past that holiday hump! Did a 30 min BG kickboxing/abs workout and a great yoga stretch. I tried on a dress I bought during a trip to New Orleans in February 2020, right before the world stopped – it was a little small for me then but I was “sure” I’d lose weight and would be able to wear it that summer…well, we all know the end to that story don’t we? The tags are still on that dress, and something made me try it on this morning – and it fit! It’s a wrap dress so will look better if I’m a little smaller but I could wear that damn thing tomorrow if I wanted to! (But I won’t because it’s very low cut and summery, ha ha) I made a couple of new soups this weekend for lunches – a spicy cabbage & turkey sausage and an Italian wedding soup using 99% FF ground turkey for the meatballs. The 99% FF works well for the ‘faux’ turkey sausage in the first one but not so great in meatballs, they need more fat – but till ok. It’s fun to try new recipes but both of these I had to doctor up a lot because they needed much more spices than the recipe called for…so I feel kind of “meh” about them both but it’s good to switch up my lunches in any case! I have an Asian Mushroom soup I want to make too (this one I know I like) but I have to make room in my freezer, I got a little too ambitious with all my food prep this weekend!

Day 23-01/23: 182.6 – That’s right scale, keep it moving…let’s get rid of this weekend water weight and see where we are tomorrow! I was feeling energized this morning and did a longer than usual BG metabolic cardio/weights workout, though was careful to modify when needed. I love these kind of workouts with the lighter weights and compound moves, they remind me of the old-school “Firm” videos I used to love. I’m so conscious these days of feeling fit, strong and flexible (I mean in comparison to where I was a year ago- not that I’m ripped or anything ha ha). It’s kind of freeing as I get older to simply focus on health and function (my bikini days are long gone) and after spending the past few years hobbled by multiple injuries (made worse by my own unhealthy eating and lack of exercise) it feels so amazing to be able to MOVE.

Day 24-01/24: 181.0 – ok well that was lower than expected!! If that holds till the end of the week I’ll be thrilled! Did a BG cardio/body weight toning tabata workout & yoga stretch, and ready to make today a good one!

Day 25-01/25: 180.8 – very happy yesterday’s number wasn’t a fluke! Had a great BG metabolic cardio/weights workout & yoga stretch. I’ve also been enjoying my Italian Wedding Soup for lunches more than I thought I would! One thing I like about making my own is that I can control the salt and also have a gigantic serving size, which helps my brain feel “fed.” It would probably be better to train my brain not to feel deprived at a smaller serving size, but one thing at a time!

Day 26-01/26: 180.2 – So close to a new decade! But it will have to wait until next week, as this is my final weigh-in for this week and I expect a bump up after the weekend. But I feel accomplished, calm and happy about having a solid week with good progress, finally shaking off that holiday yo yoing! Did a sweaty BG HIIT tabata workout this morning, I really love those short 20 second intervals…no time to get bored!

Day 27-01/27--skipping

Day 28-01/28--skipping

WEEK 4 LOSS OR GAIN: 2.6 pounds lost
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 3.2 pounds lost

Day 29-01/29: 182.0 – to be expected after a more-indulgent-than-usual weekend with football food yesterday…I made 2 ingredient pretzel bites (just self-rising flour and nonfat greek yogurt, and dipped in a melty Laughing Cow cheddar triangle - they taste so good! But I had way too many) and also turkey burger sliders and air-fryed French fries. So. Darn. Yum. Back to weekday strictness! I still expect to break into a new decade this week, let’s see how it goes. I prepped some spicy Asian Mushroom Soup for lunches and did a variation of my cauliflower rice/mushroom risotto adding some “faux” turkey sausage (99%FF ground turkey with spices) to the mix. I also have spaghetti squash /spiralized zucchini for some “pasta” dinners with boca crumbles - like a faux Bolognese. So many “fauxs” ha ha! But it’s all tasty to me, and saves more calories for my true love, the grated pecorino romano cheese. That’s all I need to be happy.  This morning I did a BG kickboxing workout with 1 pound cardio gloves, and a good stretch. On to a new week!

Day 30-01/30: 181.0 – on my way down…hopefully will break new ground by Thursday? Did a cardio/weights workout & yoga stretch, feeling strong.

Day 31-01/31: 179.8 – AHHHH! New low, new decade – less than 5 pounds away from my original goal!! I definitely will want to go 10 lower than that but am going to pause and celebrate the first one for sure!!! It’s my reward for sticking to my guns and getting a quick workout & stretch in this morning even though work is breathing down my neck.

Day 32-02/01: 180.4 – The scale is toying with me! But the good news is I tried on a pair of jeans I haven’t worn in 4 years, and they fit like a glove!! We’re seeing friends I haven’t seen in a long time, so it will feel good to sport them tomorrow!

Day 33-02/02: 179.2 – ok then, back into the new decade and can record a loss for the week!

Day 34-02/03: Happy Birthday to me! Last year of the 50’s…DH and I went to dinner with friends we haven’t seen in close to 3 years, so it was really fun to reconnect and wear my “new”old jeans! I saw a journal entry from this time last year (journaling was one of the many things I tried that didn’t stick) and I thought I’d share:

To my Future Self…who will you be?
My future self is relaxed.
My future self is wearing clothes I haven’t worn in years.
My future self is sleeping wonderfully!
My future self feels free.
My future self exists in a space where I am not “on” or “off” – not failing or succeeding – I am simply healthy most of the time and not worrying about the rest.

And guess what? I AM THAT FUTURE SELF! Well…Still working on the last one a little bit but what a great feeling to start my birthday!  Thank you for this challenge, it really has helped me get to this place I secretly didn’t think I would ever actually achieve.

Day 35-02/04: skipping

WEEK 5 LOSS OR GAIN: 1 pound lost
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 4.2 pounds lost

Day 36-02/05: skipped, but back on track after an indulgent birthday weekend – did tabata cardo & ypga stretch

Day 37-02/0: skipped, work is insane – did cardio/ weights &yoga stretch.

Day 38-02/07: 179.6 – glad to see my indulgent weekend weight is almost gone! Did a nice 30 minute cardio kickboxing workout & yoga stretch.

Day 39-02/08: 178.0 – well I was hoping for a drop, but this is unexpected - especially after I ate my way through the weekend! Let’s see if it holds up through tomorrow. Did a strength tabata & yoga stretch, feeling really strong. I was walking this morning and suddenly became aware of how grateful I was that I could tighten my core…might sound weird but the past few years I haven’t felt muscle control in my abdomen because I was so heavy, so it makes me exceedingly happy to feel strong abs going on!
Day 40-02/09:178.0
Day 41-02/10:skipped
Day 42-02/11: skipped
WEEK 6 LOSS OR GAIN: 1.2 pound lost
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 5.4 pounds lost


Day 43-02/12--skipped

Day 44-02/13-- skipped

Day 45-02/14-- skipped

Day 46-02/15: 176.6 – This has been a crazy work week, compounded by heavy wet snow on Tuesday that took me 90 minutes to shovel and really strained my arms – so took a rest day yesterday and did a cardio tabata workout & stretch this morning. I was thrilled to see the number on the scale, that makes it officially 50 pounds down for me – 50.4 to be exact! It felt so good to stretch today, and I am really starting to see a difference in my body. You’d think after 50 pounds it wouldn’t feel so subtle but my brain does things to my perception when I look in the mirror – when I’m heavy I often don’t think I look as heavy in the mirror as I do in photos, and when I’m lighter I tend to still perceive myself as heavy. Weird! But a good reason to take photos once a month – seeing them side by side is undeniable proof of progress!

Day 47-02/16: 176.6 – did another tabata workout and stretch (since I’m still letting my poor biceps rest from the shoveling,) and I am DRAGGING today…it will be nice to have the long weekend to relax!
Day 48-02/17skipping
Day 49-02/18skipping

WEEK 7 LOSS OR GAIN: 1.4 lost
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 6.8 lost

Day 50-02/19--

Halfway Progress Report: …..Pounds Lost so Far: 6.8 lost

Day 51-02/20--

Day 52-02/21--

Day 53-02/22—Moh’s surgery on nose

Day 54-02/23--

Day 55-02/24--

Day 56-02/25--

WEEK 8 LOSS OR GAIN: DNW
Accumulated Loss or Gain: 6.8 lost


Day 57-02/26--

Day 58-02/27--

Day 59-02/28--

Day 60-02/29: 176.6 – Sorry I’ve been MIA the last couple of weeks – I had Moh’s surgery on my nose last week to remove a basal cell cancer recurrence – so workouts have had to be minimal while it heals and I may have been indulging in a fair amount of pity eating! But thankfully my strict weekdays seemed to have saved me from a gain, which is really good news for just continuing this way of eating for maintenance. I’m very close to my goal of 175, but for now I’m going to give myself some grace to simply maintain.
Day 61-03/01: 176.6

Day 62-03/02--skipping

Day 63-03/03--skipping