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

[Lady Marie]

Or in my birthday case I usually have one on the night of and for breakfast next day. HEHE

Yes! Definitely love the breakfast aspect! LOL

Let's talk about our tools and weapons today. I know a lot of use MFP, WW, and Fitbits to stay on track, and of course we have our group! Are there any other tools or apps or support systems you have to help you out? I heard about three iPhone apps tonight - Spring, CharityMiles, and Shopwell - that I plan to look into over the next few days. Has anyone tried any of them, or any others?

When I was tracking, I loved the app Fooducate because it was (first of all) free, but was very informative. I haven't been tracking since December threw me off the rails, but would like to get back in the habit come February and maybe make that my goal. But now my tools are my meal planning calendar to stop eating out, DH who is very supportive of us making lifestyle changes this time around, and this group! I haven't been feeling too well and not wanting to get my exercise in, but then I don't want to report to you guys that I didn't make progress because of my lazyness, so I got my rear in gear anyway. Haha!

I started using Charity Miles as part of the Hogwarts Running Club (they're announcing their next event in two days!). It's pretty neat that you can use your workouts to help people in need.

*GASP!* What is the Hogwarts Running Club that you speak of?! And where do they have their races?!

 

[pjlla]

I've got just one minute to pop on and say good morning before my first grade class arrives for testing! Hope it is a great day for you all! I'll be able to read this morning, but probably no free time for replies. I didn't get on line last night because I totally forgot I had a phone interview for a new position that I applied for and I had to prep for that.... and then DD and I started planning our tentative trip to Disneyland for September! She got tickets from Santa to attend a conference out there and I was hoping/planning to go along and make it our 2016 Mother/Daughter trip.... but of course, being on the West Coast makes us think of .......Disneyland! We worked out the budget last night and it will take a HUGE effort to save enough money (in addition to the usual saving for tuition for TWO and our family summer vacation) for park tickets, extra hotel nights, rental car, food..... but fingers crossed we can make it work! We budgeted in airfare but I have SWA RR points that will help with some of it..... and there is a possibility that DD's costs could be reimbursed by the school... that would be great!

I did NOT win last night's Powerball, so I guess this will have to come together with hard work and sacrifice! Dang!...............P

 

[pjlla]

LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS TO DEFEAT THE HUNS. Donny Osmond, I love you.

.

Are you a big fan? You are so young, that surprises me! Anyhow, if you have any interest in reading his autobiography, let me know. I read it years ago when it first came out, saved it for a while, and then passed it along. But DH came home from the thrift shop recently with it for me (he didn't know I had already read it). I'm reading it again and would be happy to pass it along if you have any interest!...............P

 

[AllysonL]

Is it too late to join in on this?

 

[Flossbolna]

Is it too late to join in on this?

It is never too late!!

 

[MochaDrinker]

I've been using my fitness pal and it's working well. My username is nappingathena. I like that when I use fitstar it automatically updates that I've done a video. So I only have to log my treadmill sessions.

 

[AllysonL]

It is never too late!!

Thanks! I'm just trying to get started again. I was doing Weight Watchers last year. When we moved in June, I had lost 15 pounds. I was finally under 200, and I started feeling better.

Fast forward to now - I've put all that weight back on and then some. I've been working a very stressful job, and have had a hellish commute. I'll be working closer to home, and plan to carve out time that would've been spent in the car and use that time to work out in the gym at our complex.

I'm also trying to make adjustments in our eating habits. PMS was BAD this month and I ate a whole bag of chips ahoy cookies in the matter of a week. I enjoyed every single cookie, but I am not buying another bag for a long time. Those are a total trigger food for me, and I just can't stop! So I'm taking this week as a final purge to get all the junk out of the house and start a clean slate!

 

[pjlla]

Is it too late to join in on this?

It is NEVER too late!! Welcome! You still have 50% of January to make positive changes! Take a few minutes to read page one, then take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself and then hop into the chatter with the QOTD! Glad to have you aboard!..............P

 

[dsnyfn1022]

BTW @pjlla thanks for the suggestion for breakfasts! I mixed it up this week and bought bagel thins, laughing cow cheese, and deli turkey. I toast the bagel thins, spread a wedge of the laughing cow pepperjack and then do 2 oz of the deli turkey and it's delicious and super filling!! And not typical "breakfast" food either.

 

[5xdisneyfans]

QOTD for Thursday, January 14, 2016

"This represents discipline. This represents strength. You need both to reach the arrow."

Y'all, this movie is so deep.

Haha, ok, maybe it's not that deep. But, it is relevant!

That arrow at the top of the pole? That's your goal weight, your ideal size, your perfect image. That's what you are fighting for, that's what you're training to reach. But, boy, will it take some strength and discipline to get you there. It won't be easy. Just like Yao, you might take a running leap and fall flat on your... well, you know. But you can't get discouraged! You can't quit!! You must be swift as a coursing river! With all the force of a great typhoon! Like Mulan, you might have to approach the challenge a different way, but as long as you don't give up and quit when it looks like you can't keep going, you WILL reach that arrow!!

Let's talk about our tools and weapons today. I know a lot of use MFP, WW, and Fitbits to stay on track, and of course we have our group! Are there any other tools or apps or support systems you have to help you out? I heard about three iPhone apps tonight - Spring, CharityMiles, and Shopwell - that I plan to look into over the next few days. Has anyone tried any of them, or any others?​

I typed a big long reply to this and then my computer decided it was not going to let it post so I will just sum up my last attempt. First i just want to be comfortable to be out in public again. I hate the way I look and feel. Don't feel good in my clothes and dread running into anyone. Not going to fixate on a number even though I have an idea of where I should be. I am more looking to feel good and start to run again and my big goal is to enjoy it again so it isn't so hard with all the extra weight to carry. I am dreaming of more Disney runs in my future. I use my Fitbit and MFP. I also use map my run when I do run. I have never even heard of those other three but will be investigating them now

 

[AllysonL]

Let's talk about our tools and weapons today. I know a lot of use MFP, WW, and Fitbits to stay on track, and of course we have our group! Are there any other tools or apps or support systems you have to help you out? I heard about three iPhone apps tonight - Spring, CharityMiles, and Shopwell - that I plan to look into over the next few days. Has anyone tried any of them, or any others?

I have a little fitbit that I use, when I remember to wear it! Which I will be better about doing!
I have MFP, but I haven't really dived into that app yet. I was using WW, but I haven't signed up again since they've revamped their program. I'm going to try to lose without it.

 

[courtneybeth]

*GASP!* What is the Hogwarts Running Club that you speak of?! And where do they have their races?!

Hogwarts Running Club does virtual events (ranging from 5K to 10K) -- so you'll register and do it on your own, show your proof of time, and then they send you medals. I only recently found out about this, so I haven't received any of the medals. But they look so amazing Next event is due for announcement within the next 24 hours. I'm so doing it!

You'll want to join their FB group (Hogwarts Running Club) and join your HRC house. Of course I'm in Hufflepuff.

Here's a link to their past events: http://www.hogwartsrunningclub.org/past_events.html

 

[courtneybeth]

.. and I just heard the news about Alan Rickman. What is this week?

 

[JacknSally]

.. and I just heard the news about Alan Rickman. What is this week?

My. Heart. Is. Broken.

 

[pjlla]

Sorry I haven't been on any more today...... battle a massive headache and truly I'll be lucky to make it through the day and home. I just grabbed Advil and a small snack.... praying that will give me some relief in the next 30 minutes. BB hopefully later tonight, but definitely in the morning...........P

 

[flvy]

The Tinkerbell medals got leaked. So excited. I think the official ones will come along shortly.

 

[JacknSally]

Sorry I haven't been on any more today...... battle a massive headache and truly I'll be lucky to make it through the day and home. I just grabbed Advil and a small snack.... praying that will give me some relief in the next 30 minutes. BB hopefully later tonight, but definitely in the morning...........P

Oh, no! Hate to hear it made its way to you. Hope you feel better soon!!

I plan to be around this evening to do a proper catch-up and chat. The weather is decent today (sunny and 60, but the wind is chipper) so my afternoon agenda is replacing the top of the cabana in the backyard... The house we rent has a beautiful cabana on the back deck, and the top and sides are canvas. We got some pretty bad hail over July 4 that ripped some slits in the top, and we got a replacement for it but never got around to changing it. Now that we're bracing for cold and ice (not called for, but it happens almost every year) it has to be done... Also the fact that I came outside a couple of days ago to discover that the slits have turned into this.



Uh oh. So now it's time to get this topper off and the new one on. DH doesn't get home until after dark so my parents are coming over after work to lend me some hands and height.

Also meeting up to sell some of our wedding decorations tonight. I'm usually a major pack rat, especially with emotional/memory related things... On the one hand, I hate to part with any of it - never know when you might need something! On the other hand... I can't say how glad I am that some of this stuff is going away, haha. Goodbye to the 168 cylinder vases that have taken over my house since I started buying them 2 years ago!

 

[DVCFan1994]

QOTD for Thursday, January 14, 2016

"This represents discipline. This represents strength. You need both to reach the arrow."

Y'all, this movie is so deep.

Haha, ok, maybe it's not that deep. But, it is relevant!

That arrow at the top of the pole? That's your goal weight, your ideal size, your perfect image. That's what you are fighting for, that's what you're training to reach. But, boy, will it take some strength and discipline to get you there. It won't be easy. Just like Yao, you might take a running leap and fall flat on your... well, you know. But you can't get discouraged! You can't quit!! You must be swift as a coursing river! With all the force of a great typhoon! Like Mulan, you might have to approach the challenge a different way, but as long as you don't give up and quit when it looks like you can't keep going, you WILL reach that arrow!!

Let's talk about our tools and weapons today. I know a lot of use MFP, WW, and Fitbits to stay on track, and of course we have our group! Are there any other tools or apps or support systems you have to help you out? I heard about three iPhone apps tonight - Spring, CharityMiles, and Shopwell - that I plan to look into over the next few days. Has anyone tried any of them, or any others?​

I use Strava for running and biking (when I'm biking) to help motivate me. It tracks your frequent routes and shows how your time is changing (or not). You are tracked on "segments" other people have set up, or you can set up your own and make them public to compare to others in your area or make them private if you only want to see your own progress. Segments are often hills, a route around a certain landmark, an out and back from a popular starting place. I am not particularly fast, but I am getting slowly faster. I like seeing that I am making progress. You can have friends who give you kudos on your efforts. They also have challenges you can join. There is nothing to them except a goal and whether you hit it or not, such as a 10k, 13.1, 26.2, climbing 1500 meters in a month etc. But, I like to have a new goal every month and this helps.

 

[Treysar]

Oh, boy, can I relate to this! My son is an adult now, but struggled mightily in school with social skills ( Asperger dx). I did a lot of stress eating at times. Then, I replaced the stress eating with a cup of herbal tea - really helped. Exercise is a great stress relief, but wasn't always feasible at the time I was most stressed.

Welcome back, Flossbolna! Love that quote/image of comfort zone/ where the magic happens!

Going to catch up with the past few QOTD:
1/11 Favorite Bowie song - I liked several of his songs : Space Oddity, Dancing in the Streets, Pressure. Let's Dance always reminds my of my first exercise class back in the 80s; we would warm up with this song.

1/12 I'm not a fan of ab exercises, esp crunches. No tricks - just Nike's " Just do it" mantra for me! I also go to the gym with my hubby. Having an exercise buddy keeps me going.

Thank you for sharing this with me

 

[courtneybeth]

The Tinkerbell medals got leaked. So excited. I think the official ones will come along shortly.

OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. The 10K has cut-outs for the wings this year. Words cannot express how excited i am to earn that 10K medal.

I'm heading to the Expo tonight so I'll get some better pics to share. @flvy - which race(s) are you doing? I'll see what I can get for pictures.