X-Mas Challenge (OPEN group)

Hello Everyone. I am new to MFP and this is my very first challenge. I am excited=) I plan to do Slim in 6, Taebo, the Elliptical Machine and Treadmill. I also plan to stay with my calories. Thank you so much!:bigsmile:

Welcome!! :flowerforyou: I love MFP...it really helps me keep my eating under control. I've disapeared for a few months but am so glad to be back! The people on here are so supportive and the challenges keep it interesting.

Today is my first day...and I am up for the challenge! Friend me

I love this food challenge!! I'm going to try buckwheat today :happy: My mom used to make it for me when I was a kid but haven't had it since so I'm going to give it a try.

:bigsmile: I would love to hear what everyone else is trying in hopes of getting some ideas:bigsmile:

What a cool spreadsheet!! I love it!! This will give me a lot of motivation and it is a great way of tracking losses!!
Thanks so much!

I've started the cuch to 5k and just completed Day 2 of week 1 tonight. also started doing 30 day shred last night so I'm really pushing for a good calorie burn. I am sore but I know that it is well worth it when I see the results and this fat is gone. Stay motivated everyone and way to go on the first week weigh ins!!! We are gonna be HOT HOT HOT by Christmas!!!

I have a question for the group.

I'm doing a plan called Medi-wieght loss, which is basically a very low calorie and low carb diet combined with appetite suppressants and a weekly weigh in. It's very expensive and I get stressed each week as Friday nears and I know I will have to explain why I cannot keep under 800 calories and 30 carbs a day. I actually like and do well on low-carb, but I guess low carb for me is 40-50/day, not <30.
Really, I think I could do it on my own, except I have serious challenges with keeping my appetite under control and believe the prescription appetite suppressants help me with this. However, I also know that prescription diet pills can have long term dangerous effects so I'm looking for other options.

---> Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions on healthier ways to suppress your appetite so you can keep your calories at a manageable level?

/

Thanks for your response, Renee. Yes, it's a doctor's supervised program but like you, I'm suspicious of the long term success of such calorie restriction and pills. I worry about the maintenence when you go back to the "real world" since you can't stay on 800 cal/day and diet pills for ever. I'm looking for a sensible, healthy and permanent solution.
I like your idea of small meals every 3-4 hours and have heard this before. What types of protein do you eat and what's your average daily calorie intake?

Hey all, I'd like to get a little feedback on this......

I like to do breakfast shakes/smoothies because I have VERY little time in the morning but I still like to make sure that I eat healthy instead of just grabbing Dunkin Donuts before work. If you use protein shake mixes which ones do you like? I have a shaker cup that I use and I'm wanting to combine it with a couple pieces of fruit and/or a Nutri-Grain waffle.

There are a couple I like. My favorite is the Medi Weightloss brand becasue it is thick and seems to stick with me longer. BUT, I think it's overly expensive and if you don't have a location near you then you have to get it online, which might not be convenient and shipping makes it even more costly. But it is definitely yummy. The other one I like is Syntax brand, which I get at a local healthstore. The taste is pretty good, but it is a thinner consistency so I put it in the freezer in the morning while I'm getting ready for work to thicken it up a bit. Oh yea, both are vanilla, which of course, is personal preference.

eabutterlfy - Are you weighing & measuring your food? Start a new exercise program? Any thing can affect you weight. I'm betting it's only temporary and will come off quickly.

I know for me when I don't drink enough water, I retain water. If I eat "white food" rice, pasta, etc I gain immediately, but it's water. So, don't panic, just think it through.

I think you should focus more on the intensity of a workout rather than the lengh. If you workout too long chances are the second half of the workout you're going to be bored, tired, and fudging it.

ARGHH!! I don't knw why this happens.....soon as I start working out and eating healthy again, my weight shoots up! GRAR!!! The scale this morning says I gained 4lbs in a week....... :-( Am I eating at the wrong times or not working ot enough??? So frustrated right now!

I ALWAYS weigh more the morning after I work out, especially if it's weight training (vs. just cardio). I've learned to live with my fluctuations since I cannot change them, even if they frustrate me. I can fluctuate +/- 4 pounds on any given day, which can be emotionally frustrating. I just try to stay the course (for me that means low-carb, 1200ish calories and as many work-outs as I can make myself do per week-usually 3-4) and keep the long term goal in mind. Good luck! You can work through it.

PS: I'm in my early 40's so each and every ounce lost is a hard battle won.

Weigh- in tomorrow :-)

YES, Are we ready???

Weigh- in tomorrow :-)

YES, Are we ready???

Can't wait to wake up :bigsmile: