WaistAways Team Chat - February 2025

Megan_smartiepants1970
Megan_smartiepants1970 Posts: 44,215 Member
edited February 2 in Social Groups
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Here is your Team chat room for February 2025. This is where you weigh in, post your goals and progress, discuss any issues or topics of interest, share ideas, support your teammates, receive help when you need it, and dream big. Try to post often, and help each other succeed! Bookmark this thread to make it easy to land here any time.

Fat2Fit has five great teams. The group and team leaders are as follows - contact them any time!

Our Moderators:
Ashley - @minstrelofsarcasm
Jessica - @jessicakrall8
Lauren- @lauren_989
Megan - @Megan_smartiepants1970

Our Team Captains:
Downsizers - @Megan_smartiepants1970 and [open]
Mission Slimpossible - @Katmary71 and @trooworld
Weight No More - @minstrelofsarcasm and @melaniedscott
WaistAways - @ashleycarole86 and @lauren_989
Shape Shifters - @jessicakrall8 and @Pupowl

Our Team Motivators:
Mission Slimpossibles - @micaroo4
Weight No More - @BodyTalking and @daria0919
WaistAways - @MaddawgMadsen
Shape Shifters - @LaurieWrobo and @Cyncia85

HOW IT ALL WORKS: The February challenge runs for four weeks, from February 2nd - March 1st.

Everyone weighs in weekly on their chosen day right here in the team chat. At the end of each week, the tallies are done to determine the team and individuals with the most weight lost. The best losers are announced with full fanfare every Sunday. The team competition is all in good spirits - may the most losing win, and may everyone else get to work on next week!

We also celebrate those small, steady losses. If you lose, however small an amount, you are in the green! At the end of the month, we celebrate everyone who lost at least a bit every single week. You are heading steadily towards your goal even if you aren't at the top of the weight loss leader board. In March we are aiming for every team to hit 50% green every week - let's do this!

To make your weigh-in easy to find for your team Captains, please put it right at the top of a message, and use this format:
Weigh In Day:
PW (Previous Weight):
CW (Current Weight):

If you miss two weigh-ins in a row without asking for a break, you will be dropped from the team, so be sure to inform your team captain if you are traveling, sick, or just need some time off. If you want a break, you can be excused for a week or two, or can be moved to the Support Team for as long as you need. You still participate in the discussions, you can weigh in if you want to, but it will not count in the weekly tally. Don't worry! You can always come back even if you get dropped.

Once you reach your goal weight, you join the Goal Zone. You continue to weigh in every week. If you have 2 weeks above your self-defined goal zone, you go back to the regular team to lose that amount before it builds up. You will have a chance to hone those maintenance skills and stick with your team.

In addition to your own team, there are weekly F2F Full Group CHALLENGES. You can do all or none - it's up to you. Participating adds a lot to your success, so we hope to see you there often! These can involve anything fitness, health, or nutrition - and they’ll get you moving, thinking, and learning about this journey. Check the Announcements section for full group challenges.

Let’s show our fellow challengers some F2F love Introduce or re-introduce yourselves right away, and let's get February on the road!
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Replies

  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    Welcome to Februart 2025 💘!

    I am Lauren, co-captain along with @ashleycarole86. I am 38 years old and from North Carolina, USA. I have been on a weight loss journey most of my adult life. I have done a lot of the yo-yo thing, losing a lot of weight in 2012 and then gaining it back. Over the last few years, I seem to be gaining and losing the same 10-15 pounds.

    January I seem to have maintained which is ok with me since I had surgery and have been trying to eat maintenance for the last 2 weeks. My goal for February is to lose 5 pounds by tracking every day, getting 7,000 steps daily, and getting more sleep by not being on my phone in bed. I will most likely not meet my step goal the first week in February as I am still recovering.

    Some helpful information/tools:

    Posting your daily updates
    We know from experience that posting daily (or as often as you can!) makes a huge difference to your success. Use any format you like to let everyone know how you are doing on your daily goals and habits. You can report on food, exercise, water, sleep, or whatever you are tracking and trying to stick with. While you're there, talk about how you are, ask questions, and if you can answer someone else, please do! Congratulate others, commiserate, enjoy someone's rant, or go ahead and rant yourself. It all helps make the kind of community where we are in each others' heads when the hand is reaching for that off-plan snack, or the couch is feeling way too inviting...

    Weighing in
    Please try to weigh in on time (but don't sweat it if you have to use a different day sometimes)! Put your weigh in at the TOP of a message, so it is clear and easy to find. If you cannot post your weight for whatever reason, you can request a week off, or if you need a longer break, you can be moved to the "Support Team" where you still participate but your weigh-ins will not be part of the weekly tally. This is where members who are ill, on vacation, or just needing a break can hang out for as long as needed.

    The F2F Habit Tracker
    If you want a simple place to track your most important habits, give this a try:
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10932166/habit-tracker-february-2025#latest

    So everyone, tell us a bit about you, your goals, what steps you are going to work on. It's fun to know your name and where you live (if you're willing to share that), what brought you here, how your weight loss journey has been, and where you are headed now. We all have information to share, things we can learn, and lean on each other as a team for a successful month!
  • jessicakrall8
    jessicakrall8 Posts: 5,562 Member
    The February Week 1 Group Challenge is open and ready to begin on Sunday, Feb. 2nd. Please join us for Back to Basics and start your month off right! Here's your link:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10932335/february-week-1-group-challenge-back-to-basics/p1?new=1

    Looking forward to lively discussion this week. See you in the chat thread!
    Jessica :blush:
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    Hi Team, we have a new member joining. Please welcome @RebeccaL131 😊

    Please let us know a little about yourself!
  • angelaor84
    angelaor84 Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks Lauren,

    To answer your previous post about the type of nursing I do: I started as a student nurse in the medical ICU/CCU combined unit, then started my nursing career on a busy med-surg cardiac/neurology unit, moved to primary care for a few years, then back to nights on the bone marrow transplant unit before moving to home telehealth and helping with chronic disease management. I am still working home telehealth but am now focused on the weight loss side of things using health coaching. My entire career has been with the VA, I love working with veterans.
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    I had a nice day today, tracked my calories, stayed within range, went for a walk, and hit my step goal the first time since my surgery!! I am feeling pretty good right now and just need to keep up the momentum.

    I also made a new recipe for dinner, slow cooker honey garlic chicken. It tasted more like teriyaki chicken, but it was delicious and easy to make!

    https://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken/#mv-creation-75-jtr

    So Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, 6 more weeks of winter ❄️ What is your favorite season?

    Mine is summer. I love the warmth and going to the beach. I very much dislike winter, being cold, and it getting dark early.
  • minstrelofsarcasm
    minstrelofsarcasm Posts: 2,706 Member
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    Team Results
    By Percentage
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    By Pounds
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    Individual Results
    By Percentage
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    By Pounds
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    Team Winners
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    Percentage of Members in the Green!
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  • minstrelofsarcasm
    minstrelofsarcasm Posts: 2,706 Member
    n1bx52w74edw.png
    3ic1v2min0il.png
    7livr04cq424.png
    2wwvyz6w8l65.png

    Team Results
    By Percentage
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    By Pounds
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    Individual Results
    By Percentage
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    By Pounds
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    2f0gaiymxuws.png

    Team Winners
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    Percentage of Members in the Green!
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  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    Celebrations

    Congrats to our team for coming in first for week 5 and second for the month of January! 🎉

    In week 5, we had 72% of teammates in the green!! And for the month, 58% 💚

    @MaddawgMadsen and @veronica1359 had all 5 weeks in the green for January. That's some hard work!

    Congrats to our top losers: @Lyss983 @StayFITTer @Alatariel75 @Kali225 @veronica1359 🥳

    Let's keep up this strong work for February! 💪🏻
  • Gidgitgoescrzy
    Gidgitgoescrzy Posts: 316 Member
    Hey Team, Happy Monday !

    Hi I'm Vikki 53, Baltimore, MD - Married, work full time, empty nester of 3 little birds, for the time being, that will change in April when the youngest separates from his military career, and moves back home while figuring out his next move.

    I hit my main goal last year, (145, I was averaging 142) but a cruise and taking december off I gained around 5lbs, right now I would just like to get back to 142ish, then get under 140. So, I am going to concentrate on food this month.

    January was tough, all of my tax reports are done and filed, so I am glad all of that is off my plate.

    I am in the process of starting a full kitchen gut and remodel, and It's very hard, these are decisions I will need to look at every day, so I have a horrible fear of picking something I am going to end up hating. Like I really want these pistachio green cabinets, but I've heard painted cabinets are a pain to keep looking great, so I thought about getting stained wood... I just don't know what to do. The basement was easy, I don't go down there, so I wasn't as concerned, and it was easier. This is just really giving me anxiety, and my husband is no help, he just says whatever you pick is fine. Anyway, that is where I am.

    Looking forward to a successful February !

  • MaddawgMadsen
    MaddawgMadsen Posts: 364 Member
    Hi everyone! My name is Jolene. I am 39 and live in SW Colorado with my husband and three rambunctious dogs. 2024 was a HARD year mentally and emotionally for me, so I made a promise to myself that 2025 would be better. So far, so good. The biggest accomplishment for me so far is that I haven't had anything to drink in 2025. For those who have been here with me over the last year and a half, you know that's huge. The best part is that I have no desire to drink. I've discovered how to make some really tasty, low calorie drinks at home without alcohol for when I want something other than water, coffee, or tea.

    This last week/weekend, I had a nasty sinus headache. I told all of you about it on Thursday and Friday, but it got worse on Friday and lasted all the way through Saturday. It sucked. I didn't get to go to darts on Friday night or take my dogs to the dog park on Saturday. Nor did I get to see my mom on Saturday like I planned. Then, all I did on Sunday was play catch up on meal prepping, laundry, and other chores. The only "upside" is that the scale looked nice because my headache was so bad that I had no energy or desire to eat much. I just hope this week and month is better!

    @angelaor84 - welcome to the group! Also, I love that you are from the PNW. I was born and raised in Oregon and only just came to Colorado six years ago. The PNW, and Oregon specifically will always be a part of me regardless of where I live.

    @RebeccaL131 - Also, welcome to the group! I am excited to hear more about you!

    @lauren_989 - the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe looks delicious! I just cooked up a batch of chicken thighs this weekend by lightly crisping the outside in garlic and avocado oil. Then, I seasoned them with Kick'n Chicken seasoning and cilantro, and finished cooking them in chicken broth and lime. It should be a spicy, lime-cilantro chicken. I do know they are super tender because they were falling apart when I put them into the containers. I am excited for my lunch, but I would have definitely done the recipe you shared though if I saw it before I started cooking!
  • MaddawgMadsen
    MaddawgMadsen Posts: 364 Member
    Oh! AND! We were the only group above 50% all five weeks of January. That's HUGE! Great job, everyone!
  • cleaneater80
    cleaneater80 Posts: 487 Member
    I'm Joann, I'm 44, live in Alberta and work full time in Public Health. I'm slowly taking my MPA doing a finance course this semester. I have a 10 year old daughter and 2 year old German shepherd dog that keeps us active. I'm glad January is over and was pleased with my focus on not snacking in the evening. I found I slept better and stopped using it as a crutch to relax after a long day.

    This month will be busy for me. I have a few more things on my plate this month but have a plan for when they come up and creating better habits in dealing with them.

    @ashleycarole86 thanks for all the great information on interviewing. It's a skill I don't do at all but was practicing all weekend. Regardless of the outcome it's a win.

    PW - 165.2
    CW - 163.8
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,629 Member
    Hi all, I'm Al, I live in South Australia. I've been a yo-yo dieter all my life and in August last year was at my highest ever weight. Life was crazy and not in the fun way, and I needed to regain some control, so I got back on MFP and started eating largely whole foods and low to moderate carb. I'm now down over 60lbs. We have a new puppy, and I have recommitted to taekwondo after not training for many years.

    I'm not off to a great start for Feb. My husband was in hospital overnight on Sunday, and Monday when he got home we just had a couch day and I ate more junk and snacks than I have in months. This morning my whole body hurts, I swear my innards are aching. My joints ache, my gall bladder is giving me hell, I feel toxic. I know I need to give myself grace, but it feels like I've just abused myself!! I'm planning a very light day with lots of vegetables, broth and a good whack of fermented veggies to give my poor tummy some probiotics and good bacteria.

  • angelaor84
    angelaor84 Posts: 14 Member
    @MaddawgMadsen Thanks for the welcome. I also was born and raised in Oregon, relocated to Washington for college and marriage but Oregon is a few hour beautiful drive so no complaints there.
  • MaddawgMadsen
    MaddawgMadsen Posts: 364 Member
    angelaor84 wrote: »
    @MaddawgMadsen Thanks for the welcome. I also was born and raised in Oregon, relocated to Washington for college and marriage but Oregon is a few hour beautiful drive so no complaints there.

    Another Oregonian!! I want to know where because I was born in Eastern Oregon, but then went to college and lived near Portland for 16 years. Feel free to send me a DM if you are willing to share, but not publicly. And, it's completely okay if you don't want to share at all. I'm just so excited to have somebody in this group who knows Oregon!
  • Lyss983
    Lyss983 Posts: 68 Member
    Previous Weight: 150.2 lbs
    Current Weight: 150.4 lbs

    I kind of expected this week to be about the same as last week! TOTM, plus went out for a celebration dinner for my husband the other day - which was delicious and completely worth every calorie <3
  • pizzafruit
    pizzafruit Posts: 323 Member
    Weekly Weigh-In
    Weigh-In day: Monday
    PW:269.8
    CW:269.2

    In error I posted this yesterday. I don't know where it went but I can't find it. No matter how large or small, a loss is a loss.
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    PW: 208.6
    CW: 207.8

    I was lower yesterday but ate something new yesterday and didn't realize how much salt was in it. I woke up a few time last night thirsty needing to drink water. Hoping for another green week next week!

    @pizzafruit I absolutely agree, a loss is a loss!

    @Alatariel75 I hope you feel better soon! Make sure you eat some food or that can reinforce the binge/restrict cycle.
  • cleaneater80
    cleaneater80 Posts: 487 Member
    @Alatariel75 - Don't beat yourself up too much. We all have our moments. I like your plan on keeping things simple but not going the opposite direction. If it makes you feel any better, I also had an evening of eating all the things in the pantry. I had some time to myself and focused on getting in some class reading but only made me want to snack. Brings me back to university days where my crutch was anything sweet as a reward for studying. Today though I packed oatmeal for breakfast and have a wrap for lunch with some veges. Not letting a set back throw me off.

    It's brutally cold here and my poor dog doesn't get her walk, which means I don't get a outdoor walk for a few days. Going to hit the treadmill with a good podcast instead.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,629 Member
    Thank you @cleaneater80 and @lauren_989, I was kind to myself and managed to get through the day under calories, but with a good, varied spread of food and even a treat. I actively decided not to punish or restrict, but to just get back to how I intend to proceed. I find that if I go off track, getting that one day back on track is the hardest part, and if I can do that, I can generally correct the course.

    I have TKD tonight, which I'm battling the voice in my head that says I'm too tired, and today will be another good, balanced day.

    @cleaneater80 omg, university days were crazy. I used to get through exam periods living on gummy bears and liquorice bullets.
  • Gidgitgoescrzy
    Gidgitgoescrzy Posts: 316 Member
    Hi, I've been doing good with the food, not so much with exercise, but it's all good, cause right now nothing hurts, so I am really happy with that. I think I might do some pilates tonight.

  • MaddawgMadsen
    MaddawgMadsen Posts: 364 Member
    Happy Wednesday!

    I went to the doctor yesterday for my annual check-up. I discussed with her why I get more sinus issues than most people and things I can do to remedy it. But, as part of the sinus conversation we started talking about allergies (because I have a ton... specifically dust and literally ALL trees) and that led to the startling realization that I still have asthma. I had sport induced asthma as a kid. As an adult, particularly bad spring blooms while training for races would make it come back. But, I thought I didn't have asthma anymore. Nope. It just presents differently. I lose my breath during my workouts and then I have "cardio cough" after. I just thought that was normal for living at elevation, but I guess it is how my asthma presents itself now.

    Long story short, I was given some great advice for reducing my sinus issues and I started using an inhaler which is already helping.

    I did go to CrossFit last night, but as part of the workout we had jump ropes and clean & jerks. I should not have done either of these with my knee hurting, even though I had a knee brace on. Today is the worst that my knee has been since I injured it. I can barely put weight on it and driving is not easy.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,629 Member
    PW: 94.2kg
    CW: 94.4kg.

    The little voice in my head was telling me not to weigh because I am SORE and also bloated, but I joined this challenge for accountability, and accountability I will have!!
  • Kali225
    Kali225 Posts: 732 Member
    Quick check in from France! I wish I could say I was having an amazing vacation but unfortunately my stomach was really not agreeing with the very long travel day on Sunday, jet lag, poor sleep, altitude, and a lack of hydration. So I spent the last 48+ hours totally nauseated and unable to ski! Finally saw a doctor in this tiny French village, who prescribed multiple anti-reflux drugs that for now, seem to be helping!! Fingers crossed tomorrow I can get back on the snow and maybe keep some food down. :)

    @ashleycarole86 late on steps, again - Jan ones may not matter at this point!:
    Jan 26: 9108
    Jan 27: 5182
    Jan 28: 8269
    Jan 29: 5622
    Jan 30: 5757
    Jan 31: 0 (forgot to put my watch on)
    Feb 1: 9139
    Feb 2: 7411
    Feb 3: 8178
    Feb 4: 3460
    Feb 5: 4746
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,962 Member
    Oh no @Kali225 I hope you feel better quickly!!

    @Alatariel75 that's a great weigh in for when you also overate a few days!

    I went back to work virtually today and I am EXHAUSTED!! It will be an early bedtime and I didn't even do much today and it was all sitting. Hopefully I will get my energy back soon!
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,629 Member
    @Kali225 I'm so sorry to hear that, being sick on holiday is the WORST! I was sick in France too, I still get sad from thinking of the food I missed out on haha.

    @lauren_989 thank you again, you are such a wonderful support person. You are right, that weigh in is actually pretty darn good considering how my week was!