A YOU Worth Fighting For | January 2016 Weight Loss & Better Living Challenge

[CruisingKate]

QOTD -- I have had success with the WW Points and PointsPlus and continue to track PointsPlus. I plan on converting to the new SmartPoints but haven't bought the new calculator yet ( and I don't have the app). Writing down my intake, as opposed to mentally tracking, is key for me. I eat a high fiber, lower fat diet with lean protein to stay within my 28 daily points.

Some of my fav healthy foods- love plain Greek yogurt and use that instead of sour cream on my veggie chili. Start most days with oat bran or a banana wrapped in a whole wheat sandwich thin spread with pnb. Love roasted veggies and Nutriblast spinach, zucchini, and berry shakes.

My biggest challenge is maintaining! I've lost and regained weight throughout the years ; really want to join WW staff to maintain once I get back down to goal wt.

 

[pjlla]

@pjlla hummus with salsa was a game changer for me I cannot imagine what caramelized onions will do to my brain it sounds soooooooooooooo good!

It was super yummy..... almost sweet. I cannot wait to try it on chicken or broccoli! The other new one I tried..... not so much. It was a black bean hummus topped with a "spicy corn relish".... and the whole thing was waaaay to spice for me.... but DS liked it!

So behind! Gah!

I watched a doc on Netflix called Fed Up and it talks about how bad low-fat alternatives are for you because low-fat stuff tastes gross unless the pump it full of sugar. So while the fat content is low, the sugar content is high! And they argue that's what's causing obesity in America. Because exercise trends are growing and low-fat/low-cal options are growing, but so is obesity. It was a very eye-opening documentary and it's opened my eyes to try and make some healthier choices. As a result, I never buy low-fat/fat free choices. It means that I don't get as many points to "spend" on those types of food (like cheese. A 1/4 c of shredded cheddar is 4 points but someone could have the same amount of fat free for 2). But I figure that it's healthier to eat the full fat/low sugar option and eat less of it because I really should be eating protein, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies anyway. So my eating plan this month is to follow WW as I've been doing. I've struggled to correct the sweet tooth and it's something I'll probably just always have. I track almost everything, except ketchup. I refuse to track ketchup! But I rarely drink any soda (not even diet). It's all about the balance and that's the struggle!
_____

Phew! All caught up. Yesterday was a 5 mile run which was my longest. It was a nice and slow pace on the treadmill. I'm pretty sore today! I'm not sure if it's the time of year or what but I'm starting to think I have exercise-induced asthma. I cough and wheeze towards the end of any intense workout and then am wheezy afterward for quite some time. I'm not sure if that's normal or something that I should actually check into.

Having to count ketchup was a blow to a few of my members who like it on EVERYTHING. But that is probably because it is just "red sugar"! I don't care for it much, so NBD for me. I've seen that documentary as well. I'm sad that I allowed myself to be caught up in the whole 1980's low fat craze! I feel rather duped and stupid! And it cost me dearly.... health (because I gained the majority of my weight during that time) and my good sense! And I am now a self-professed FAT PHOBIC person! I work hard to eat at least a modest amount of healthy fats every day.... but it is a struggle to spend the calories on it. Avocado is my "go to" fat.

I agree that eating a smaller portion of the "real" version of most foods is a better choice. The only place that I don't worry too much is with dairy. Most low-fat dairy options just have the fat removed and nothing added ..... unlike baked goods and such that have stuff added back in to replace the missing fat.

That's a good idea to try pen and paper. I was tracking on my phone, but wasn't too thrilled with that. I am going to all the lengths to write up meal plans and all this other stuff on my calendar, why not add points to it too! So I think I may give that a go-- thanks!

And yeah, I hear ya on the cost--- DH and I do not see Blue Apron as a long term thing due to the cost, but for the next few months we definitely want to try new things and see how to cook in ways that don't involve using the smoke detector as a timer (him) or frying everything in oil (me)

I hear you on the smoke detector! My family keeps threatening (promising??) to buy me this sign!







YES! I saw this movie too and it made me SOOOOO aware sugar! When I was tracking, the app I was using had a sugar calculator and even when I thought I was doing good, the sugar was STILL out of control! I agree with you on taking the full fat less sugar option as well. I'll just eat less of the full fat to avoid the excess sugar of the "fat free" any day of the week.

What app was that? Sounds like it might be helpful.

Yesterday's qotd: 3 good things
1. I'm a good mom and wife.
2. When I am struggling emotionally, I go out of my way to fix it. I try very hard to get out of "the pits" when I fall in.
3. I'm a good listener

Today's qotd:
I track everything I eat through my fitness pal, but when I was losing weight I didn't. I followed a Low carb diet that didn't require tracking. Now that I'm nearing goal weight I'm tracking because I'm introducing some carbs back in.

I eat whenever I am hungry. I try to stick to an every few hours schedule, so I'll eat breakfast/snack/tea or soda, lunch/snack/tea or soda etc. so I have eating to to do every few hours. I like to eat, so I like knowing I have food to look forward to.
I do not eat sugar when I'm in weight loss mode. I don't even eat fruit. Now that I am maintaining, I will eat fruit.

Once a week I eat only protein all day long. Eggs, meat, a ton of water. Not even vegetables. I make sure to eat oat bran once a day or I'll get constipated.

On weekends, I relax. That doesn't mean I pig out, I just allow myself things like a big diner Cobb salad with regular dressing, or a big omelette with cheese and bacon.

I was never a fan of the idea of a low carb diet, but it has become apparent to me that my body actually hurts when I overeat carbs and sugar. Because I'm addictive person, it's better for me to avoid them all together.

Do you track everything now or just carbs?? Just curious. DH has been doing Atkins pretty faithfully since early 2011. He definitely eats more healthy carbs now than he did at first.... primarily fruits.

Tracking is a godsend because you know what you're eating and how much you should eat. Having MFP or WW just helps you get an idea of portion size and what/when you should eat.

As for what goes into my mouth... the easiest way to not binge on sweets is: not to buy them! We make it a plan to only keep healthy things in reach.

AMEN!!

Thanks, @pjlla and @dsnyfn1022 for your kind words about my dad. He is making small steps in the right direction

Glad to hear that. Is he still in the hospital??


I get so focused on the negatives some times. But there are a few things I am proud of.
1) My arms. They are strong and toned. Although I am self conscious about my legs, and avoid shorts for that reason, I am happy to wear tank tops and feel like they are the part of me I can "show off" so to speak. I also enjoy that when my family gets together and people need tough jars opened, they come to me, not the guys to get them open
2) My optimism. I am an eternal optimist. It drives some people nuts. Maybe it is the former therapist in me, but I can walk through a lot of things people are unhappy about, and while acknowledging the problem, help them either find ways to turn it around, learn from it, or realize it is not as bad as they are making it out to be.
3) My eyes. They are a bright blue gray color, with a golden circle around them. They are the feature of my face, that if I just highlight a little with makeup, I can go from totally blah to looking pretty decent fast That is one goal of mine this year, to try to put a bit more effort into my everyday appearance.

SO LUCKY to have pretty eyes!!

The first part is so me. I truly enjoy exercise. But it also is a major excuse for me to think I can eat everything under the sun. Oh, I ran 6 miles today. I think I will have a large Italian sub for lunch, a big burger for dinner and a huge brownie sundae for dessert. Um, that math does not work!

I have returned to My Fitness Pal for tracking. I have it set to lose 1.5 pounds a week. I will track everything I eat and drink. I do not cut anything out completely, but I watch all my portion sizes. For instance, after the gym today I had a cup of fat free plain greek yogurt to which I added 16 dark chocolate chips (1 serving). I do not cut starchy carbs out, but I limit those portions. My lunch and dinner plates will be about 50% veggies, 30% protein, and 20% starchier carbs like whole grain pasta or rice. My dinner last night was a huge plate of zucchini noodles, 1/4 cup jasmine rice, 1/2 cup green beans, and 3 asian turkey meatballs. It was delicious and satisfying. I also will go back to more carefully watching my water intake. I will eat three servings of fruit a day, mostly citrus and berries, because that what I like.

I do have a daily treat when I stay on plan. That can vary from a small serving of ice cream, a frozen yogurt bar, or a cookie or two. My kids just did a cookie fundraiser, so I have a ton of frozen cookie dough, which is pre-portioned blocks of dough. That lets me make just a few cookies at a time, so I don't lose control.

I don't drink soda at all. Just don't like it. The one drink I need to watch out for is wine But while I am working hard at getting closer to my goal weight I am going to a no wine during the week, and no more than two glasses on Friday and Saturdays.

My favorite healthy things to eat. I love plain greek yogurt. People think I am crazy, they find it tasteless, but I love it. I like hard boiled eggs as a quick snack, as well as cheese sticks. I like grapefruit, berries and love clementines. I like pepper strips with hummus. I also love cooking, so I like to take dishes and find ways to lighten them up.

As for my goal, I got my scale working, and it wasn't pretty. I gained three pounds in the last three weeks or so with all the holidays and then stress and fast food eating, plus no exercise when my dad got so sick. So, I am at 137. Prior to having a working scale I said 6 pounds, and I think I will stick with it. I'd like to say 7 to get back to 130, but I think 1.5 pounds a week is a reasonable and achievable goal, so I will go with it. I am going to weigh in on Fridays.

Glad you set a reasonable goal.....and honestly, three pounds considering all you went through doesn't seem so bad! And of course, the most important thing is that you got right back on track!

OK, feeling left out of the New England love! Haha, I have never and probably will never live in the north, but I HAVE been to Boston! I played in the First Annual National School Scrabble Championship when I was in 8th grade and it took place in Boston! Haha. Plus, my DSIL and DBIL live in Boston now and have invited us up sometime this year (super out of the blue... DH and I have been together for 4 years and we've all been at the same various family functions together over that span, and they have still never spoken to me, even when they are standing 6 inches from me), so I might be in you guys' neck of the woods later on!

You absolutely MUST let us know if you come to Boston!


OK, I'm caught up 'til yesterday's QOTD! Now to catch up on the last 24 hours! Haha

It is January..... the WISH challenge threads always blow up in January. I'm sure folks won't be too upset if you cannot respond to everything! You've got a lot on your plate right now with the new business and all.... just take a deep breath!! And THANK YOU for hosting such a busy month!

Thank you, thank you! I love love making things, so I'm really hoping it takes off. It went live at 9CST last night and I spent the next 4 hours checking all the stats on Facebook and Etsy... I'm about to start just begging people to buy things, LOL. I'm going to add a bunch of decals today and tomorrow, and some more Disney things. I'm trying to figure out the balance between having enough listings that people get a good idea of what I can do and then hopefully buy things or request custom things, but also not list (and pay for listing) a billion different options that no one will look at.


Looks like i am all caught up here for the time being!! Off to make up some almond butter and tuna fish, I think, and probably to check out that documentary on Netflix. Can't wait to chat with everyone!

Hope the first few days of the shop are going well. Remember, it will probably take a bit of time for the "word of mouth" advertising to get out there. Once you get a few orders and folks start to talk about their purchases and show them to friends, I'm sure things will take off! I've got a Disney-loving niece who is getting married in June and I am totally debating what to order for her!

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Kinda, sorta caught up here! I'll be back later to answer the QOTD!.............P

 

[ohMom]

Well here we go....day three! Lol funny thing is usually this is when I get grumpy about the process and this time I'm just excited to feel smaller and better in my clothes again. I am taking measurements today too

Few have asked about the program I signed up for so I wanted to post a little info because it's an online option. I'm not sure if they are accepting new participants now, but there are some free options if you want to look into their HIIT workouts. Their website is http://www.fearlessandbalanced.com , a shameless plug as Nikki is my cousin. Anyhow, if you are in fb, you can follow them (search fearless and balanced) and from time to time they post workouts such as


Second pic cans help you locate them on Facebook, and also if you sign up for their emails apparently right now you can some workouts

So I follow their workouts, however I have to modify due to my health. I have to slowdown the TM from their recommend speed usually, or modify an exercise that's too difficult, like mountain climbers instead of burpees. But a year ago I couldn't have done mountain climbers! I also modify the jump squats bc it jacks up my lower back..,they have you tube videos for the exercises and the couple I watched bc I didn't know what they were, those included modifications too

So this is long, sorry, the program is 8 weeks of workouts, a sample menu plan for a week, nutrition guidelines, and a private Facebook group for accountability and Q & A with the coaches

I'm definately checking out the documentary on Netlfix, ty!

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi everyone! Happy Hump Day! we are half way through our first 5 day work week in ages if you are anything like me and take lots of time off in Dec... I have been successful in doing my goal of 40oz of water at work so I think I'm going to change it to 48oz of water at work .. I did however eat a poptart this morning.. Oh well counting the points and moving on with my day.. I have also started using ITWorks greens (berry flavor) every morning when I get up, I have 24 left from a impulse buy so figured might as well use them up. The egg cups sound delish, I found a recipie that uses hash browns as the cup then you fill it with egg/veggies/cheese that I might try out.. I am going on Thursday to sign up for the new at work WW session even though the cost went up ($88 to $112!) then will swap to Saturdays as I did in the past with my daughter.. I have to buy the new books, calculator and journal when I go, thankfully my mom got me a $20 gift cert for Christmas.. Have a positive day !!! Michelle

 

[JacknSally]

QOTD for Wednesday, January 5, 2016!

IT'S HERE!!! It's our VERY FIRST WOOHOO WEDNESDAY OF 2016!!!!!!!

For our newbies who may not know, we do a fun little thing here called WOOHOO WEDNESDAY! This is your chance (not that you have to wait for Wednesday's, though) to tell us something AWESOME that has happened in your life! It can be ANYTHING, big or small. Seriously. Your woohoo can be that you got up and made your bed before work this morning, or you got a raise, or your hair looks AMAAAZINGGGG today, or you made it to work on time, or your pants fit a little more loosely, or ANYTHING!!

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?​

 

[4Mickeys]

Hi all,

I don't know where the last few days have gone so I will catch up a little .... better late than never lol

Today, take a look at yourself and instead of seeing flaws or trouble areas in the mirror, tell us 3-5 POSITIVE things about you..

1. I am an awesome Mum.
2. I am a very loyal and supportive friend.
3. I work hard at my job and love it by the way.

What is your eating plan for this month, and what are some of your favorite healthy things to eat?

Mainly to try and cut out take-out food. We have had a couple of slip ups in the last couple of weeks - but in saying that probably only twice so that is a considerable change for us already. I am extra focused on cooking at home both for health and for debt dumping this year.

I went for a very cold and windy 3.8K walk today. My ankle keeps locking up today. No pain no gain

I am super impressed and this just tells me that I have no excuse

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?

Today my 15 year old son is making me WOOHOO - I have been super stressed about an unexpected car service amount that will be triple what I was expecting. This is a high financial demand time of year as the start of the Aussie school year is in a couple of weeks so shoes, books etc to cover just after Christmas eeek. Anyway back to my awesome son - he has a part time job doing paper delivery and has some savings in the bank - today out of nowhere he offered to give me that money towards servicing the car! I of course said thankyou but no - I will work it out. But gotta say how fantastic is that? Some days he makes me so proud I could burst!

 

[pjlla]

QOTD for Wednesday, January 5, 2016!

IT'S HERE!!! It's our VERY FIRST WOOHOO WEDNESDAY OF 2016!!!!!!!

For our newbies who may not know, we do a fun little thing here called WOOHOO WEDNESDAY! This is your chance (not that you have to wait for Wednesday's, though) to tell us something AWESOME that has happened in your life! It can be ANYTHING, big or small. Seriously. Your woohoo can be that you got up and made your bed before work this morning, or you got a raise, or your hair looks AMAAAZINGGGG today, or you made it to work on time, or your pants fit a little more loosely, or ANYTHING!!

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?​

I can do a DOUBLE woohoo today! #1.........I am HOME today! Love a day at home! #2....... I had LOTS and LOTS of new members and returning members in my meeting last night! I am always SO excited to get people started on "the first day of the rest of their lives"!! I just wish I could communicate my excitement better.

Hi all,

I don't know where the last few days have gone so I will catch up a little .... better late than never lol

1. I am an awesome Mum.
2. I am a very loyal and supportive friend.
3. I work hard at my job and love it by the way.

Mainly to try and cut out take-out food. We have had a couple of slip ups in the last couple of weeks - but in saying that probably only twice so that is a considerable change for us already. I am extra focused on cooking at home both for health and for debt dumping this year.

I am super impressed and this just tells me that I have no excuse

Today my 15 year old son is making me WOOHOO - I have been super stressed about an unexpected car service amount that will be triple what I was expecting. This is a high financial demand time of year as the start of the Aussie school year is in a couple of weeks so shoes, books etc to cover just after Christmas eeek. Anyway back to my awesome son - he has a part time job doing paper delivery and has some savings in the bank - today out of nowhere he offered to give me that money towards servicing the car! I of course said thankyou but no - I will work it out. But gotta say how fantastic is that? Some days he makes me so proud I could burst!

Awww..... what a sweetheart! You are definitely doing the RIGHT THINGS raising him!

**********************

Breakfast was delish and I am SO MAD at myself for forgetting to take a photo! I was going to Instagram my whole days worth of food today and I completely forgot. Oh well.... maybe tomorrow...............P

 

[flvy]

No whoohoo today. I had to skip my a.m. run because of the cold. I just don't have the proper face protection. So now I'll be going to a crowded gym after work which is something I'm just not looking forward to. Today also starts a 9 day stretch of work for me. During this time two of the guys I work with are running the marathon in Disney.

Reserved seating for pity party of one.

I'll be back later and try to be more positive.

 

[Lady Marie]

What app was that? Sounds like it might be helpful.

It is called Fooducate. And if I go back to tracking, I will use it again. It was great at showing sugars, real vs processed foods, Macros, and if you are wasting your calories on liquids. You can pay for it to break down loads of other stuff too, but I never used that feature. And I love that sign! That's hilarious!


WOOHOO! It's raining! It is dreary and depressing, of course.... but I got to wear a cute rain jacket I bought myself recently that hasn't gotten much wear!

 

[dsnyfn1022]

YES! I saw this movie too and it made me SOOOOO aware sugar! When I was tracking, the app I was using had a sugar calculator and even when I thought I was doing good, the sugar was STILL out of control! I agree with you on taking the full fat less sugar option as well. I'll just eat less of the full fat to avoid the excess sugar of the "fat free" any day of the week.

It's true! The weirdest things have sugar. I remember from the Super Size Me documentary all those years ago that there were only like 4 or 5 things on McD's menu that didn't have sugar. I tried cutting out all "obvious" sugar options and there was still a lot in my diet.

I think I'm going to go look up this documentary when I get done here. It sounds like it just reinforces my own beliefs - haha - BUT I am trying to be as informed about as many different "theories" out there as possible.

I cough and wheeze when I work out, too... I always just chalked it up to my being fat and lazy and out of shape it never occurred to me that it might be something to be concerned about!

You should definitely check it out! I finished it and immediately trashed all open boxes of processed, low-fat stuff haha.

Well I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma as a kid and then another doc said I didn't have it. And I've never really been active enough since then to matter. But now that I'm trying to get into long distance running I'm really starting to notice. It could just be this time of year. It's cold and dry and not great running weather.

Having to count ketchup was a blow to a few of my members who like it on EVERYTHING. But that is probably because it is just "red sugar"! I don't care for it much, so NBD for me. I've seen that documentary as well. I'm sad that I allowed myself to be caught up in the whole 1980's low fat craze! I feel rather duped and stupid! And it cost me dearly.... health (because I gained the majority of my weight during that time) and my good sense! And I am now a self-professed FAT PHOBIC person! I work hard to eat at least a modest amount of healthy fats every day.... but it is a struggle to spend the calories on it. Avocado is my "go to" fat.

I agree that eating a smaller portion of the "real" version of most foods is a better choice. The only place that I don't worry too much is with dairy. Most low-fat dairy options just have the fat removed and nothing added ..... unlike baked goods and such that have stuff added back in to replace the missing fat.

I am definitely one of those people! I loooove ketchup. I don't eat it on everything, but the normal stuff of hotdogs, hamburgers, fries, etc. Things that I don't eat often anyway. I just knew that tracking it would not be something I would maintain in the long run. Because I just can't give up ketchup! But I'd be disappointed if I lost points to it.

And it's crazy! And honestly still everywhere. There are so many low-fat/fat free options of everything. That's good to know about dairy, because I just assumed that there were bad things added in. I'll have to give it another go! It's been a few years since I tried low fat cheese because I didn't love the way it tasted. But I'm up for anything!

No whoohoo today. I had to skip my a.m. run because of the cold. I just don't have the proper face protection. So now I'll be going to a crowded gym after work which is something I'm just not looking forward to. Today also starts a 9 day stretch of work for me. During this time two of the guys I work with are running the marathon in Disney.

Reserved seating for pity party of one.

I'll be back later and try to be more positive.

Seriously...the gym. It's awful. I feel bad for feeling this way because I was once also beginning on my weight loss journey and so I took up space at the gym too. But I went on Monday and there was ONE open treadmill. ONE! Fortunately, I snagged it and ended up taking it for over an hour. But it was packed. I had to park in another parking lot. I'm going to the gym tonight too because I'm not a fan of running outside in the dark and it's also been snowing/sleeting this AM. I'm not looking forward to having to fight for space to work out. I just know that once January is over it'll clear out a little bit more lol.

 

[dsnyfn1022]

View attachment 143668

QOTD for Wednesday, January 5, 2016!

IT'S HERE!!! It's our VERY FIRST WOOHOO WEDNESDAY OF 2016!!!!!!!

For our newbies who may not know, we do a fun little thing here called WOOHOO WEDNESDAY! This is your chance (not that you have to wait for Wednesday's, though) to tell us something AWESOME that has happened in your life! It can be ANYTHING, big or small. Seriously. Your woohoo can be that you got up and made your bed before work this morning, or you got a raise, or your hair looks AMAAAZINGGGG today, or you made it to work on time, or your pants fit a little more loosely, or ANYTHING!!

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?​

I'm woohoo-ing because I ran 5 miles on Monday! That's the longest distance since the 10K Incident and I felt great! I was a little sore yesterday and today but nothing like I experienced after the Incident lol. I'm so glad that I can see running gains. Keeps me motivated to keep on moving forward.

 

[Treysar]

.



Do you track everything now or just carbs?? Just curious. DH has been doing Atkins pretty faithfully since early 2011. He definitely eats more healthy carbs now than he did at first.... primarily fruits.

I track everything. It's a great way to see where I "waste" calories. The only thing I'm relaxed about is milk in my coffee. I use full fat milk and a lot of it. I'll be happy to weigh more just to do that!
My woohoo:
I woke up at 3:30 today, one of my sons isn't a good sleeper. So I am tired and cranky and I just wanted to crawl back in to bed when the bus came. I didn't though, I went to the gym. I'm glad I went, I think it will make my day better.

 

[MochaDrinker]

My woohoo is my niece. She's 10 months old and makes me want to be a better person.

 

[jaelless]

My wooohooo is I've lost a pound so far, all I have to do is protect that and then I will make goal by Friday LOL also my lil princess is back to liking yogurt again. She is such a picky eater it is nice to get something new in her. So I went and got her a few new yummy flavors to try.

 

[bigsis1970]

My wooo hooo is I made a meal plan over the weekend for 6 weeks .. It will clean out my freezers (on top of fridge and small chest one) my pantry and cupboards and fridge (well that is weekly really) and I am only shopping the outside isles at the store for these 6 weeks.. the goal is to get most all the processes foods (like rice a roni, pasta roni, mac and cheese) out of the house and stock up real things like plain rice seasoned with broth or noodles with some garlic spice and more real potatoes. and I hope to control my portions at dinner better.. I really it saves some $$ too..

 

[flvy]

Seriously...the gym. It's awful. I feel bad for feeling this way because I was once also beginning on my weight loss journey and so I took up space at the gym too. But I went on Monday and there was ONE open treadmill. ONE! Fortunately, I snagged it and ended up taking it for over an hour. But it was packed. I had to park in another parking lot. I'm going to the gym tonight too because I'm not a fan of running outside in the dark and it's also been snowing/sleeting this AM. I'm not looking forward to having to fight for space to work out. I just know that once January is over it'll clear out a little bit more lol.

I used to rely on the gym and never wanted to run outside. So I was there in the safty net but would go at weird hours to avoid people. I don't think I'm going to be able to even at 9 PM. If I go and I can't get on a treadmill I'll just leave full of rage. I got mad because by the time I left for work it was beautiful out.

I might do one of those against my better judgement things and go in the dark anyway and just be super careful. My pants are reflective and so is my top. I'll be slower than normally but I want to get my 45 in. Most of the ice has melted and people should be at home so traffic shouldn't be to horrific. I just wanted to do some weight training. I don't mind people who are committed to getting healthy at all. But the rest of the year mine is full of of young guys that walk around pick up a weight and hold it then do nothing.

 

[DVCFan1994]

View attachment 143668

QOTD for Wednesday, January 5, 2016!

IT'S HERE!!! It's our VERY FIRST WOOHOO WEDNESDAY OF 2016!!!!!!!

For our newbies who may not know, we do a fun little thing here called WOOHOO WEDNESDAY! This is your chance (not that you have to wait for Wednesday's, though) to tell us something AWESOME that has happened in your life! It can be ANYTHING, big or small. Seriously. Your woohoo can be that you got up and made your bed before work this morning, or you got a raise, or your hair looks AMAAAZINGGGG today, or you made it to work on time, or your pants fit a little more loosely, or ANYTHING!!

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?​

My woohoo is I got out for a run in the cold today. I can't run on a treadmill right now. My physical therapist is reasonably certain I modify my gait when I run on the treadmill in a way that is causing me to constantly reinjure myself. He's watched me several times. But I live in central MA, and it is COOOLD right now. Luckily when it was 3 degrees yesterday (not even accounting for the wind factor) it wasn't a run day, but today was. It was 18 when I went out, but I made it. 3.25 miles.

Thanks to those who offered their thoughts and prayers for my dad. He has worsened and is being transferred, hopefully today, to a larger academic medical center from the hospital he is in now. Hopefully the team there can deal better with all his complexities. I have decided to take all this as an incentive to really put my health first. I had said all of December, I was sort of trying to get through the holidays before I really committed to some changes. My immediate and extended family history (especially dads side) is not great, so I want to combat that with a healthy lifestyle. If I can get through this stressful period by using exercise as my stress reliever, and focus on eating healthy, then the rest of the time when things calm down (and I have faith they will) it should be a breeze!

 

[flvy]

@DVCFan1994 but it was like 17 degrees out this morning it was nice and warm! Haha. At least it was 17 in my part of central MA when I went out and decided against it because I didn't have a proper face covering. If you need anything or even to grab coffee as a distraction to talk Disney and running let me know. I'm in Worcester so I'm about as central as it gets.

 

[DVCFan1994]

@DVCFan1994 but it was like 17 degrees out this morning it was nice and warm! Haha. At least it was 17 in my part of central MA when I went out and decided against it because I didn't have a proper face covering. If you need anything or even to grab coffee as a distraction to talk Disney and running let me know. I'm in Worcester so I'm about as central as it gets.

Thanks I'm in Worcester too! Small world! Sad that we find 17 warm. Let's just hope we don't break the snow records like last year

 

[courtneybeth]

So what's making you WOOHOO today!?

MBA Program Final grades are in: A in Global Business and A in Capstone, for a 4.0 gpa this semester. My final GPA is 3.75 over all... so we'll see if I get honors at graduation.