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START HERE - Group Rules + Welcome + Introductions

deskjockey925
deskjockey925 Posts: 6,699 Member
Hello and welcome to this month’s edition of the Ultimate Accountability Challenge (UAC).
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❓New here? Click the spoiler to learn how this group works. (Rules and other info.)
As a UAC member, you will:
  • Be accountable to yourself in your own health journey.
  • Post every day in that day's check-in thread. Look for the check-in threads on the Ultimate Accountability group page: scroll down past the ANNOUNCEMENTS threads until you see DISCUSSIONS. When you check in for the day, please state whether you followed each of the three daily rules below; and include your tally of pass days for the month. (Scroll down to learn about pass days.)
  • Be honest with your check-ins. If you cheat, you are only hurting yourself. Our group exists not to police each other, but to provide a friendly environment for learning, self-improvement, and mutual support <3

The 3 daily rules:
  1. EXERCISE EVERY DAY FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. We define exercise as an intentional and planned choice to be active beyond your "run of the mill" day to day activities. This can be chair yoga, physiotherapy, running, swimming, aerobics, weight-lifting, dancing, vacuuming, washing windows, or anything else that gets your body moving beyond your general daily movement. You can do a mix of activities, and you do not have to do all 20 minutes at once.
  2. CONSUME ONLY YOUR BUDGETED CALORIES. Set your own personal calorie goal for the day, and don't exceed it. (Yes you may "eat back exercise calories" if you wish.) Any day that you went over what you planned, it is considered a pass day. We are happy to help if you would like help figuring out how to set a calorie goal for yourself.
  3. TRACK ALL THE CALORIES YOU EAT AND DRINK. How you choose to track is up to you: you may use a paper tracker or journal, MyFitnessPal, another app/website, or any other (online or offline) tool that works for you. And, you guessed it: anytime you skip a day, for any reason, it is a pass day. Please note: Some folks fret about finding an "exact" match on their tracker. We encourage you to find the best possible match and if in doubt about a meal or snack when dining out, overestimate.
Rule #4:
Each member is expected to report in within three days of each check-in day. This is to help us build helpful new habits through daily consistency. You may check in later if needed, but this counts as a pass day. If you do need to check in late, you are free to post a combined check-in to catch up.

What's a pass day?
Whenever you do not observe all 4 UAC rules, any day, for any reason, that day is considered a pass day. Pass days can happen due to injury/illness, emotional eating, lack of planning, family issues, busy schedule, forgetfulness, vacations/celebrations, hormone fluctuations, "didn't feel up to it," or a myriad of other reasons. We will never judge anyone for taking a pass day: they exist as a tool for you to keep track, and learn where you can improve.

🏆 The UAC celebrates its Winners every month!
A Winner is a member who had 3 or fewer pass days during the previous month. This is a noble and fun goal to strive for, but please know that Winner status is NOT necessary for you to meet your health goals. We also celebrate our Champions, who exceeded their monthly pass day limit but continued to check in every day of the month. And last but not least, even if you find yourself struggling, as long as you are here we consider you a Learner, and that is your first step to a better future! So always count those pass days, always aim to improve, and -- most importantly -- keep coming back every day.

👋😁 To all new and returning members:
We are happy to have you with us! We invite you to introduce yourself below. Please feel free to include as much information as you feel comfortable sharing about yourself. We look forward to getting to know you a little better. Any questions, please ask any group member. We hope you enjoy your time here.

❓ Quick hints to help you navigate the group:
  • Please do NOT open any threads in the Discussion area: they will be deleted. Discussions are set up as one post per day of the month. If you have questions please ask in the daily thread, or in the What's on your mind today? thread.
  • Click the little flag icon in the top right corner of any thread that interests you. When the flag is blue, you will receive a notification anytime someone posts to the thread. To unsubscribe, simply click the flag again to turn it white. Please note: there is currently a technical issue with this function. You can still bookmark, but you have to go into each thread and then bookmark it… MFP says they will fix this issue, but probably not right away. The easiest work-around is to right-click each day’s thread from the list (opening each day in a separate tab) and then hit the subscribe flag on each thread, closing the tabs as you go.
  • You can use the "Quote" function at the bottom of every post in this group, to copy what someone previously wrote and then respond to it.
  • If you would like to respond directly to what another group member wrote, add an @ right in front of their username, like so: @username (This will tag the person you are responding to, and they will receive a notification.)
  • In order to see whether someone has tagged you, click/tap the bell in the top right hand corner of your screen, and check your notifications. If you are using the app, first access Community mode, then tap your avatar in the top right corner, then tap the bell. (You must have notifications turned on.)
Privacy Note: This challenge group is open for public viewing until the end of day on the 6th of the month when it is set to "private". From that point forward, and for all time, all the postings made in that month become private and are only accessible to individuals who were registered as members of that month.

Replies

  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @sinalotibe1 ~ Hello and welcome!! We don't officially start accepting members until 2/25, but I saw your request and wanted to respond!

    Check out the rules of the challenge (simple) and get ready for a Marvelous March!!!
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @dpclarkrd6043 ~ ~ Hello and welcome!! We don't officially start accepting members until 2/25, but I saw your request and wanted to respond!

    Check out the rules of the challenge (simple) and get ready for a Marvelous March!!!
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @darlenekscowden
    @jakimoody1420
    @dottiefrisone

    Hello and welcome to this fabulous group! When you get a moment, please tell us a little bit about yourselves and/or your goals. Also, check out the rules and other information above, and please let us know if you have any questions.

    @sinalotibe1
    @dpclarkrd6043
    We are officially OPEN and ready to welcome you with open arms. Come on in!!! :)



  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    Hey everyone, I'm Charissa. I have been with UAC for over two years and I love it. The support, motivation and knowledge from this community are incredible and keep me coming back whether I'm doing well or not. To all the new members, welcome aboard! You're in for some great insights and encouragement with this group!

    I am 64, and my weight has fluctuated with a gradual increase for the last 30 years. I did really well at the beginning of 2023, but some life-changing events erased that progress, and I started 2024 with a net 0. More life changes, most positive and once again I undid all the good for 2024 and and starting up 7lbs.

    Q: What will be different in 2025 vs all the other times?
    A: Change in my mindset
    A: Being mindful and engaged
    A: Addressing the elephant in the room!
    A: No excuses
    A: Determination!!!

    I am very exciting and looking forward to wining this March with all of you!!
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @jakimoody1420
    @dottiefrisone

    Hello!!
    Thank you for joining us for the March UAC. When you get a moment, say hi, and tell us a little bit about yourselves and/or your goals. Don't forget to check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.
  • takinitalloff
    takinitalloff Posts: 3,335 Member
    edited February 26
    Hi everyone, I've been with the UAC since July of 2023 and this group has absolutely changed my life. I've lost about 70 lbs so far.

    With the amazing information and support I get in the UAC, I made it through some really rough and stressful times without losing my way. As a member of this group, I have learned how to plan my meals, how to eat in order to keep my body and mind healthy, and even how to enjoy exercise (yes, for real). I used to think that I was "just not the kind of person who enjoys exercise," and that I was always going to be obese. Now I know that I can be whoever I want, as long as I'm willing to learn what I don't know, and give myself time to practice my new skills. My health, well-being, and self-confidence have improved drastically. I'm having a blast!

    Right now I'm mostly working on self-care: learning how to relax and enjoy life, which is a fairly new concept to me :# I hope to lose the rest of my surplus weight this year (another 60 lbs to go).

    I look forward to spending another month with my awesome UAC friends (regulars, returning members, and newbies). Let's do this!

    P.S. To the new folks: @sinalotibe1 @dpclarkrd6043 @darlenekscowden @jakimoody1420 @dottiefrisone don't be shy, say hi :D
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @four_bumblebees ~ HI!!

    Thank you for joining the March UAC. When you get a moment, introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about you and/or your goals. Don't forget to check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    @takinitalloff ~ Welcome back...your journey is an amazing one, and I'm happy to be here to support you and your goals. You've got this!!
  • four_bumblebees
    four_bumblebees Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks and hi all! I started about a month ago, down ~10lbs so far and just dropped below 200! I love this app as a tool and thought I'd give one of these groups a shot for the community aspect. My long term goals are to lose another 60-70 lbs and to get back into powerlifting. I just restarted exercise after being off for a long time for medical reasons, so at the moment I'm focused on safely getting back into lifting.
  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member

    @scoutmom1981
    @Gabbyh_0530

    Thank you both for joining the March UAC. When you get a moment, introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and/or your goals and what brought you here. Don't forget to check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.

    @evileyefirefly ~ Welcome back to UAC, we missed you!


  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
    Thanks and hi all! I started about a month ago, down ~10lbs so far and just dropped below 200! I love this app as a tool and thought I'd give one of these groups a shot for the community aspect. My long term goals are to lose another 60-70 lbs and to get back into powerlifting. I just restarted exercise after being off for a long time for medical reasons, so at the moment I'm focused on safely getting back into lifting.

    @four_bumblebees ~ glad to "meet" you! Congrats on your loss, and welcome to Onderland!!!
  • four_bumblebees
    four_bumblebees Posts: 14 Member

    @four_bumblebees ~ glad to "meet" you! Congrats on your loss, and welcome to Onderland!!![/quote]

    Thank you! Good to "meet" you too :)

  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,468 Member
    Hi all. So here we are in another new month.

    Good to see both returning and new members with us for March 2025. Little sustainable changes over time can create wonderful results.
    c1flujyvsbo1.jpeg
    I've been with UAC since 2017. 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.

    Although my focus shifted from weight loss to fitness/health well before I went on full maintenance in 2019, I'm delighted that, in October 2021, I fell below my original UGW, and I have managed to maintain this.

    Bring it on!!!

    Potted Bio - 2025
    Terri: Female; 78; living in Northern Ireland; married 58 years; 2 daughters, 3 adult grands: ex Maths teacher; volunteer group leader for U3A (University of the Third Age, life-long learning charity)
    SW: 227 (Mar 2014)
    LW: 131.2 (December 2022)
    GW: 130 < 140 (on maintenance)
    Daily Habits Update - March 2025(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 options (Daily)
      6. Steps > 5500 (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. Work on art/craft projects (monthly)
      20. Learn something new (daily)
      21. Actively Build Healthy Habits
      22. Be proactive re Celebrations

      https://www.random.org/colors/hex
      517049zmdkjrcqj5.gif
      THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES OR SHORTCUTS to achieving permanent change.
      REMINDERS: One or two thoughts which might give heart to some of you.
      • 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.
      Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort,
      and most of all, patience!

    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      Moving INtro from @Apricity

      hi yall! I'm PennyPie and lemme tell you, I have a sweet tooth! I'm in surprisingly good physical health for regularly weighing fifty pounds over standards for my height etc. I enjoy sports and keeping active at the gym or yoga classes. I'm trying really hard to rein my *kitten* in this year, March is all about meticulously tracking macros and water intake with a keen eye on that damn sugar. I've never tried an accountability group in the online community but I will also be getting involved with the MOVE program with the VA so that's exciting 😄 end of rant! lol
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      Welcome @Apricity

      Welcome to our group. I moved your post to the "Welcome" thread, as we don't create new discussions per the rules.

      Glad you're here and good luck with your goals.
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      @Carolinezoom

      @energyseeker

      @RochelleMcF

      @jojod82


      Hello and Welcome!!

      Thank you for joining the March UAC. When you get a moment, introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and/or your goals and what brought you here. Don't forget to check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.
    • angax_9
      angax_9 Posts: 2 Member
      Hello everyone! Been tracking my food intake the past couple of months. My family and friends think it’s weird. Like if you’re hungry just eat lol

      I have a food scale and am weighing everything i eat. I’ve come to enjoy it lol but what i want to work on is consistency.

      Especially being consistent in my workouts. I follow this lady on YouTube Heather Robertson and i like her videos but i don’t do them every day and i want to change that.

      So here goes to taking accountability. Hopefully this group can help me with that. Thank you for letting me join :)
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      @FidelmaMarina

      @AliciaGMN

      @breannashoup


      Hi!!!

      Thank you for joining the March UAC. When you get a moment, introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and/or your goals and what brought you here. Don't forget to check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      angax_9 wrote: »
      Hello everyone! Been tracking my food intake the past couple of months. My family and friends think it’s weird. Like if you’re hungry just eat lol

      I have a food scale and am weighing everything i eat. I’ve come to enjoy it lol but what i want to work on is consistency.

      Especially being consistent in my workouts. I follow this lady on YouTube Heather Robertson and i like her videos but i don’t do them every day and i want to change that.

      So here goes to taking accountability. Hopefully this group can help me with that. Thank you for letting me join :)

      @angax_9 ~ Welcome, you are already on your way!!
      This group will for sure help with consistency, so yes, join us and meet your goals!!

      If you haven't already done so, please check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions.
    • energyseeker
      energyseeker Posts: 882 Member
      Hello everyone. I’m hoping this accountability challenge will help me SPRING into action. I know what I need to do and what to stop doing to give me more energy, less inflammation and a flatter abs. I retired the beginning of the year and have been cooking and eating too much. I had a job that kept me on my feet and active. The cold winter is just one of my excuses of not getting more active. Hormone changes have slowed my metabolism. I have a goal of 1-2# a week weight loss for March. Staying under my Calorie budget and 20+ exercise minutes daily will help me meet my goals.
    • Learningmoments
      Learningmoments Posts: 952 Member
      Hello everyone. Welcome back to returning members. Welcome to all new members. You are in for a real treat with this group.
      I am DJ. I am glad to be back for another amazing month. I love the inspiration and knowledge of this group. I have struggled with many distractions last year and am determined to focus on myself this year. I wound up with that horrible congestion virus that everyone is getting. It knocked me on my butt all of January. February has been about recovering & functioning again. I am still working to get my stamina back. I am excited it is March and spring is on its way. Let's have a great month.
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member

      Moving @sharpin2018 to this thread

      👋 Just introducing myself. I'm Sharon . I've been trying to get serious.. (AGAIN) for about 3 months. I keep falling off! I'm looking forward to the the challenge!
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      @Sharpin2018

      Hi Sharon, welcome to our group. I moved your post to the "Welcome" thread, as we don't create new discussions per the rules.

      Check out the rules (they are easy) and other helpful information posted above. It may seem like a lot, so please let us know if you have any questions. Have a fabulous March!!
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      @Terririchardson112 ~ Welcome back. Thanks for the 5 Awesome ways!! I need to kick start MARCH! Yes!!!

      @energyseeker ~ Congrats on your retirement! I semi retired last August and it’s great. Can’t wait to embrace it 100%. And yes, it is a change in lifestyle! Good Luck with your goals!!

      @learningmoments~ Happy return to UAC!! Glad to see you back!

    • SummerSkier
      SummerSkier Posts: 5,322 Member
      Hi everyone. Welcome to March UAC! Love seeing the mix of old and new - returning, consistent and brand new folks. SHould make for some very diverse new opener topics also.

      I am bON from Austin Tx. Maintainer and this year I decided that instead of allowing age to limit my scope that I am going to get better and fitter. To heck with the rule that says all you can do after 50 or 60 is hope to hold the line. I think we can get better.

      tennis and running (and wow do not ask me about running shoes) are my go to activities. I think one day I will return to waterskiing and horseback riding but have not solidified those plans.
    • itladyee
      itladyee Posts: 6,346 Member
      @summerskier ~ Welcome back and I like the way you're thinking!!!
    • katiemarreel
      katiemarreel Posts: 1 Member
      Hi all. I’m Katie. Long-time tracker in MyFitnessPal, but this is my first ever challenge! My goal is to shed 10lbs through consistent moderate decision making. My biggest obstacles are evening overeating and social events, which often lead to mindless eating.

      I’m eager for extra support and accountability through reporting to this group.
    • Chinkiri
      Chinkiri Posts: 1,533 Member
      Good morning! I am Elsien, live in southern France and have been on MFP for some 15 years.
      I've been in and out of UAC since 2018, with my weight topping 82.4 kg at some point (I'm 1m 68cm) but I have now done a solid ten months on MFP, building healthy habits and have lost more than 15 kg. The last three months I have managed to maintain my ideal weight of between 61.5 and 62.5 kg. Starting out at 61.7 kg this morning. Message to all: if I can do it, so can you, but you have to stick the course.
      A big hi to my other fellow health travellers and welcome to new members.