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

[JacknSally]

That said, I get the urge for the quick fixes. I do wonder if sometimes the quick results from a few days of crazy might be OK IF (and this is a big if) it gets you psychologically motivated to make more healthful lasting changes. My great-grandmother lived with us when I was a kid and was devoted to never weighing more than 135 pounds on her 5'7" frame. She weighed herself regularly and if the scale ever flipped to 136, she spent a few days on the cabbage soup diet. I don't remember her doing this more than once or twice a year but it seemed to be all she needed to "reset" herself. I just asked my mom about this and she confirmed that this had been going on since my mom was a kid. Of course I tried the cabbage soup diet at some point in the last decade and didn't last a day. Ick!

This. I 100% agree with you. I believe in - and do! - quick fixes for just that - a quick fix. Best believe I had some "crazy diet" behavior the week before my wedding, because that was my goal at the time - have that number as low as possible that day. But you are completely right - it's about your mindset going into it. If you're doing it for the "right" reasons - to "get started", to push yourself over a hump so you can psychologically keep going, to motivate yourself, etc. - then that's one thing. If you're doing it because you want long-term results and you want them NOW, or worse, if you think you can live like that forever or it's what you HAVE to do to, then you're setting yourself up for serious trouble. I also don't think it should be a regular thing.

I tried the "military diet" once, and it was extreme restriction for 3 days... and it recommended you do it for 3 days, every week. Forever. Yes, I saw a few pounds come off that first week, but it was seriously things like "1/2 grapefruit for breakfast, 1 egg and 1 oz of cheese for lunch, a piece of toast and 2 eggs for dinner". That's not a forever way of eating. But on days when I'm feeling gross or bloated and heavy, I'll eat things like that - not that drastically, but I'll definitely cut way back and be more selective about what I'm eating.

 

[pjlla]

Good morning, losers!! It's our first RESULTS WEEKEND of 2016!

Post your results here in the thread, and, as always, make sure you give the percentage of your progress so I can track it. That's the only number I need so if you don't want to give your weight or anything, that is totally fine!

Example for results posting: if your goal is to lose 4lbs and you've lost 2, you'd report that you're at 50% of your goal. If your goal is to walk 100 miles and you've walked 30, you'd report that you're at 30% of your goal. That kind of thing.

Post your percentage any time between now and Sunday. I'll get the progress chart posted sometime Sunday night or Monday morning.

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?​

First thing in the morning (within the first hour anyhow), after potty, naked, before eating....... and the night before is a no-salt, green tea night! But since I have to weigh-in periodically for my job, those "rules" only apply for my home weigh-ins (which is what I track). My personal goal number that I am happy with is actually lower than my "keep my job" WW number. But I knew going into the job that I had to have some wiggle room for weighing in away from home, fully dressed, potentially with food in my stomach, etc.

I have also started cutting myself some slack in the last year or so and given myself the option of a "do-over" weigh in on Saturday if Friday's number doesn't seem to reflect the week's efforts.

I'll have to do the math to figure out my percentage. BB in a bit to do that...........P

 

[Lady Marie]

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?

The day of I weigh first thing in the morning, after using the restroom, and without clothes on lol. It's kind of embarrassing to think about my little weigh-in ritual but I can't do it any other way! I think that's part of why going to WW meetings didn't work for me. I need to be able to weigh myself.

Same here. I usually do this routine on Friday, but since this month I am trying to do my exercise goal, I am trying not to worry about the scale for another week to see if it moved

Happy happy birthday to @Lady Marie! I hope you have a great day!!!

Oh no! I just realized that it's on the main page wrong... I'm on the 14th, but I like to celebrate the whole week so it's ok! Thank you!

Someone also recommended another one to me that I'll have to check out... Fork Over Knife, maybe? I don't remember the exact title and need to go back and check. I'd love to discuss Fed Up with those of you who have seen it!! My shopping is definitely going to be changing.

I think it's called Forks Over Knives and that movie is what started DH and I researching and becoming vegans for about 6-8 months. It changed my body in so many wonderful ways, but it was a SUPER hard lifestyle to maintain (going out to eat, going to family events, etc). But even now, we don't eat near the amount of meat that we used to, and dairy has dropped to only sour cream, cheese, and going on a yogurt kick once every few months. We still don't do milk or butter and hardly ever red meat or chicken. One would think this would have led to me maintaining my weight loss, but alas--- even oreos are "vegan"..... so here we are

I saw Fed Up when it was in theaters, so I will have to go back and rewatch on Netflix to refresh my memory--- but it was super eye opening. Funny how Oreos can cause a lapse in memory about all that though.....

 

[JacknSally]

Same here. I usually do this routine on Friday, but since this month I am trying to do my exercise goal, I am trying not to worry about the scale for another week to see if it moved



Oh no! I just realized that it's on the main page wrong... I'm on the 14th, but I like to celebrate the whole week so it's ok! Thank you!



I think it's called Forks Over Knives and that movie is what started DH and I researching and becoming vegans for about 6-8 months. It changed my body in so many wonderful ways, but it was a SUPER hard lifestyle to maintain (going out to eat, going to family events, etc). But even now, we don't eat near the amount of meat that we used to, and dairy has dropped to only sour cream, cheese, and going on a yogurt kick once every few months. We still don't do milk or butter and hardly ever red meat or chicken. One would think this would have led to me maintaining my weight loss, but alas--- even oreos are "vegan"..... so here we are

I saw Fed Up when it was in theaters, so I will have to go back and rewatch on Netflix to refresh my memory--- but it was super eye opening. Funny how Oreos can cause a lapse in memory about all that though.....

Oh, I'm so sorry! I'll update that post - not sure where I got the 8th from! But Happy Birthday week to you - I found another SUPER CUTE cupcake picture so you'll just get another one on the 14th.

 

[pjlla]

Okay.... I had to do some looking back because I couldn't remember what I had set for a goal. I set 3 pounds as my goal for January and I lost 1.5 pounds this week.... so WOOHOO I hit 50% for January!!

I'm paying for the three hours I spent scrubbing my kitchen floor on my hands and knees yesterday.... I've got a bunch of sore muscles in strange places (including my glutes).... but at least it means I got some good exercise. The bad news is that I stopped because I was having some numbness in my right hand and my right little finger still feels a bit tingly. I was going to finish the scrubbing job today (hallway and bathroom still to do), but I have a terrible headache right now (cause from my neck issues) and I know I would just aggravate the situation. Plus DD and I were going to head out shopping (groceries and school supplies) but honestly, I'm not feeling up to it with this headache.

BBL to chat.......................P

 

[pjlla]

I think it's called Forks Over Knives and that movie is what started DH and I researching and becoming vegans for about 6-8 months. It changed my body in so many wonderful ways, but it was a SUPER hard lifestyle to maintain (going out to eat, going to family events, etc). But even now, we don't eat near the amount of meat that we used to, and dairy has dropped to only sour cream, cheese, and going on a yogurt kick once every few months. We still don't do milk or butter and hardly ever red meat or chicken. One would think this would have led to me maintaining my weight loss, but alas--- even oreos are "vegan"..... so here we are

I saw Fed Up when it was in theaters, so I will have to go back and rewatch on Netflix to refresh my memory--- but it was super eye opening. Funny how Oreos can cause a lapse in memory about all that though.....

Another great documentary available on Netflix. I watched it a few years ago, but it probably wouldn't hurt to watch it again. Anyone ever read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan? Another good read for folks interested in a health eating lifestyle...............P

 

[JacknSally]

Okay.... I had to do some looking back because I couldn't remember what I had set for a goal. I set 3 pounds as my goal for January and I lost 1.5 pounds this week.... so WOOHOO I hit 50% for January!!

I'm paying for the three hours I spent scrubbing my kitchen floor on my hands and knees yesterday.... I've got a bunch of sore muscles in strange places (including my glutes).... but at least it means I got some good exercise. The bad news is that I stopped because I was having some numbness in my right hand and my right little finger still feels a bit tingly. I was going to finish the scrubbing job today (hallway and bathroom still to do), but I have a terrible headache right now (cause from my neck issues) and I know I would just aggravate the situation. Plus DD and I were going to head out shopping (groceries and school supplies) but honestly, I'm not feeling up to it with this headache.

BBL to chat.......................P

Oh, no! I'm so sorry to hear that. Hopefully that all goes away quickly so you and DD can still have your outing! Could it be a pinched nerve that's got your finger tingly? I get them from time to time, almost always in my left shoulder (I carry my stress in my shoulders, for sure) and it leaves my left pinky and ring finger tingly. I haven't figured out a good, quick fix for it when it happens, but sleep and a heating pad usually helps it some. Sending pixie dust your way!

 

[courtneybeth]

Week 1 Report: 100% of Goal.
Managed to maintain now for 3 weeks!!!

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?

I'm the worst... I always weigh in first thing in the morning. Empty my bladder and wear just a tshirt when I hit the scale.

 

[bigsis1970]

So today we had our open house at work for WW, I guess the at work sessions are changing .. so depending on how many people are signed up and PAID on week one will determine how many weeks our session will last and it all cost the same no matter.. so if we have 12 people we get 12 weeks but if we get up to 13-16 the we get 16 weeks and if we 20+ people we get 20 weeks for our same payment, so we had 14 paying people today and 1 maybe for $112.00 I would love to see 20+ of course that means I would only be 5.60 per meeting vs. 9.33 .. If it was a different day I'd have my daughter come sign up but she works from 8-8 on Thursdays so it won't work and of course it's right in the middle of lunch service so I can't have my hubs sign up either because on top of being paid you need to weight in on week one and our meeting is right in the middle of lunch service for him.. but we'll see what happens..

Sorry it isn't working out more beneficially for you. I wasn't aware that they changed some of the At Work policies. But remember, you are worth it!
P

Actually her schedule changed and she is able to come and sign up! And we got 30 people so we are getting 20 weeks plus 1 person gets it for free (I think our group decided we are going to do a drawing!) I am, Thanks P!!

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Good morning, losers!! It's our first RESULTS WEEKEND of 2016!

Post your results here in the thread, and, as always, make sure you give the percentage of your progress so I can track it. That's the only number I need so if you don't want to give your weight or anything, that is totally fine!

Example for results posting: if your goal is to lose 4lbs and you've lost 2, you'd report that you're at 50% of your goal. If your goal is to walk 100 miles and you've walked 30, you'd report that you're at 30% of your goal. That kind of thing.

Post your percentage any time between now and Sunday. I'll get the progress chart posted sometime Sunday night or Monday morning.

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?​

Haa I am potty, nakie then on to the scale right when I first get up just before my shower Mon - Fri on the weekends it just whenever I get to it..

results for this week down 1.8 so that would be 45% of goal.. Hope everyone has a great weekend, I'll see you all on Monday! Michelle

 

[bigsis1970]

OOOOOOOH I forgot to add that because I am not really going to Disney in Dec with my family (I am hopefully HOPEFULLY getting a new house instead) my hubs felt bad and for Christmas bought him and I tickets to Disney on Ice Treasure Trove.. We go on Sat night .. I'm REALLY excited.. I told him its slightly weird to go without little kids and he said "Ah really says the girl - an adult - who goes to the REAL Disney without little kids" HAAAA Love that man and his logic!!!! I'll post a report when I get back on Monday!!!

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

Hello All! I 'd like to join in as well. I have 50 to lose in 2016 and will be happy if I even get half off. I lost about 20 lbs a few yrs ago with the WISH thread and really liked it.

I am Jennifer, I am 50, married, 2 DS(17 and 19). I am at home mostly-homeschooled my boys. DS17 is a jr, DS19 works with DH in our business. I also help with our business, just doing books and taxes and such any more.

I have been up and down like many of you. A lot has been tied to some health issues. The main being vertigo-not the positional kind, so it can last weeks or months- and that throws everything off. When I can't move,(I literally have sat in a chair for weeks, even sleeping there) I am just grateful there is any food in the house at all.

I am feeling pretty good now so have been walking again. I have a fitbit and usually do about 7-8k steps a day. I am trying to get that number up.

My goal for thos month is 5lbs.

 

[JacknSally]

Hello All! I 'd like to join in as well. I have 50 to lose in 2016 and will be happy if I even get half off. I lost about 20 lbs a few yrs ago with the WISH thread and really liked it.

I am Jennifer, I am 50, married, 2 DS(17 and 19). I am at home mostly-homeschooled my boys. DS17 is a jr, DS19 works with DH in our business. I also help with our business, just doing books and taxes and such any more.

I have been up and down like many of you. A lot has been tied to some health issues. The main being vertigo-not the positional kind, so it can last weeks or months- and that throws everything off. When I can't move,(I literally have sat in a chair for weeks, even sleeping there) I am just grateful there is any food in the house at all.

I am feeling pretty good now so have been walking again. I have a fitbit and usually do about 7-8k steps a day. I am trying to get that number up.

My goal for thos month is 5lbs.

Welcome to our challenge, Jennifer! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better this month! Feel free to jump into the conversation at any point, as often as you'd like! There are several QOTD's so far if you'd like to catch up on those. Good luck on your 5lbs - I know you can do it!!

 

[JacknSally]

Ok, I'm currently watching Forks Over Knives... I am only about halfway through it and will definitely give the whole thing a chance, but it doesn't strike up the same passion and determination that Fed Up did. I just don't fully agree with the "plant based diets are the only way to go and they will make us healthy and cancer free". That's the takeaway I have so far - maybe I'm missing something? I think plants are an essential part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, but I just think that animal-proteins are equally important. It's just obvious (in my opinion) that we were designed to consume animal-proteins. There are nutrients in animal-proteins that your body needs. THAT BEING SAID, I do think that we need to be eating the RIGHT animal-proteins. Fatty proteins, high-processed proteins, those aren't doing your body any good. Taco Bell ground beef is NOT a good example of an animal-protein. KFC fried chicken isn't either. I'm not saying plant-based diets don't work. I have a friend who is in amazing shape who is vegan, and she supplements her lack of animal-protein with protein powders and vitamin supplements, and she spends a lot of time in the gym and lifting weights and running marathons. But she does have to supplement a lot of her diet because she made the choice to cut out animal products. The fact that she has to supplement means that her plant based diet is not enough on it's own. I have another friend who is a vegan, but she is as overweight as I am. I don't think she supplements to the extreme that my other friend does, if at all, and I KNOW she isn't working out.

I think the bigger issue isn't necessarily animal proteins, but what is done to the animal proteins between the animal and your plate.

Edit: Case in point - further into the documentary, they have an older Chinese man (I didn't catch his name) and they talk about how healthy he was in China, but when he came to America and started eating "what Americans eat", he became unhealthy and his arteries clogged and he had a 5-bypass. They say it's because he started eating animal-protein, BUT what they're showing is him eating McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC. It's just kind of common sense that you won't be healthy if that's the majority of your diet, ESPECIALLY if you've always eaten the plants you grew yourself and then suddenly start eating pure junk.

 

[Lady Marie]

Oh, I'm so sorry! I'll update that post - not sure where I got the 8th from! But Happy Birthday week to you - I found another SUPER CUTE cupcake picture so you'll just get another one on the 14th.

Haha! It's ok!

Another great documentary available on Netflix. I watched it a few years ago, but it probably wouldn't hurt to watch it again. Anyone ever read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan? Another good read for folks interested in a health eating lifestyle...............P

I actually checked it out from the library, but never even opened it to read it before returning it. I will have to put that on my reading list for this year since this is the second time someone has recommended it!

But she does have to supplement a lot of her diet because she made the choice to cut out animal products. The fact that she has to supplement means that her plant based diet is not enough on it's own.

I think the bigger issue isn't necessarily animal proteins, but what is done to the animal proteins between the animal and your plate.

DH and I almost made a drinking game of every time we would get asked "But, where do you get your protein from?!" It's THE classic question. And there is no doubt that it was harder to get as much protein as a meat in one serving of something plant based, but by meal planning which lentils, beans, nuts, nutritional yeast (the only cheese like thing in my life at that point that kept me sane and also had a good deal of protein), etc you will be eating throughout the day, then it was very easy to get your daily protein. But you had to be checking on your labels and eating more than just kale haha! I suppose your friend supplements because she seems so active -- my lazy self on the other hand, did fine without. It depends on your body and lifestyle I guess.

But I completely agree with you about the processing being the biggest part. Obviously we eat meat and dairy now again, but with more awareness for sure! Meat is a great and easy way to get a lot of things you need so I'm not sold on plant based being the best solution at all.

 

[DVCFan1994]

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QOTD for Thursday, January 7, 2016

We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's true! It gets your metabolism going, and sets you up for success for the rest of the day. But it's also the most often skipped meal, mainly due to time constraints.

Do you say breakfast every day, or are you more likely to skip it? What are your favorite/go-to breakfast foods? If you usually skip, are you going to make more of an effort to work breakfast into your routine?​

Love breakfast. I would eat it all day if I weren't responsible for feeding the rest of my family. My favorite breakfast is two whole eggs friend in a tiny bit of butter in a non-stick pan, plus a half a grapefruit and a piece of Ezekiel Raisin toast. But, I am usually in a rush on weekdays. My weekdays is usually Kashi Autumn Wheat and a 1%milk. And always coffee. I also enjoy omelets and frittatas, and Belgian waffles as a treat sometimes.

If I don't eat breakfast, I can say about 90% of the time my nutritional choices for the rest of the day will be poor. I have to start smart for the day to set myself up for success.

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Good morning, losers!! It's our first RESULTS WEEKEND of 2016!

Post your results here in the thread, and, as always, make sure you give the percentage of your progress so I can track it. That's the only number I need so if you don't want to give your weight or anything, that is totally fine!

Example for results posting: if your goal is to lose 4lbs and you've lost 2, you'd report that you're at 50% of your goal. If your goal is to walk 100 miles and you've walked 30, you'd report that you're at 30% of your goal. That kind of thing.

Post your percentage any time between now and Sunday. I'll get the progress chart posted sometime Sunday night or Monday morning.

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?​

So confession time. I usually weigh myself after I exercise right before I get in the shower. It is most likely to be the low point of the day for me. It isn't the most honest measure I suppose, but it is usually the same time of day, similar conditions etc., so its consistent. Today my schedule is all off so instead of exercising this morning, I just ran 7 miles at noon time, and I should have run to the scale. But it took a while and right when I was done I had to get my kids at school and then was ravenous. I am eating a late lunch to refuel, so I will be weighing myself on a full stomach...eek.

I will be back to report later. I am sorry I am having trouble keeping up with replies. It is just very busy right now. I am reading them all, but a lot on my phone, so its tough to reply.

 

[JacknSally]

So confession time. I usually weigh myself after I exercise right before I get in the shower. It is most likely to be the low point of the day for me. It isn't the most honest measure I suppose, but it is usually the same time of day, similar conditions etc., so its consistent. Today my schedule is all off so instead of exercising this morning, I just ran 7 miles at noon time, and I should have run to the scale. But it took a while and right when I was done I had to get my kids at school and then was ravenous. I am eating a late lunch to refuel, so I will be weighing myself on a full stomach...eek.

I will be back to report later. I am sorry I am having trouble keeping up with replies. It is just very busy right now. I am reading them all, but a lot on my phone, so its tough to reply.

Do not fret! You are SO FINE! It can move fast in here some days, and other days it's absolutely dead, haha. Participate as much or as little as you want/can. We are all busy, so there are no hard feelings whatsoever!!

 

[JacknSally]

I'm on a weird food documentary kick right now, it seems. Done with Fed Up and Forks Over Knives... Now on to Supersize Me, haha.

 

[jaelless]

View attachment 143915

Good morning, losers!! It's our first RESULTS WEEKEND of 2016!

Post your results here in the thread, and, as always, make sure you give the percentage of your progress so I can track it. That's the only number I need so if you don't want to give your weight or anything, that is totally fine!

Example for results posting: if your goal is to lose 4lbs and you've lost 2, you'd report that you're at 50% of your goal. If your goal is to walk 100 miles and you've walked 30, you'd report that you're at 30% of your goal. That kind of thing.

Post your percentage any time between now and Sunday. I'll get the progress chart posted sometime Sunday night or Monday morning.

QOTD for Friday, January 8, 2016

Do you have/use any tricks when you weigh-in each week? Not eating before hand, going to the bathroom first, not getting on the scale with wet hair or in your shoes, etc.?​

pretty much first thing in the morning, in my birthday suit LOL only trick would be if I weighed myself on carpet the scale shows 10 lbs lighter. As much as I would love to do that, I know the hard surface is probably more accurate.

I had to look to see what I had put for actual goal and it was to just lose one pound a week. I did it so for week I am 100% and if say there are 4 weeks in a month I am 25% there. Is not a big loss, but it is a loss, and over time those small losses add up to a big loss. I have to keep telling myself that.

Now scary time. Back to work over the weekend. I am hoping that I can behave. I have baggies full of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and grapes to snack on. Also going to cube up some cheese for protein. I always seem to find a way to cheat though LOL I get tired and don't have enough willpower to say no. That is my biggest challenge. I am hoping that this challenge will be enough to overcome that challenge. I was surprised at how much I wanted to be able to report meeting my goal this week to you guys. Anyway you might find me on here at odd hours over the weekend just posting randomly LOL

 

[Flossbolna]

Still in lurk mode as still traveling, but wanted to give @flvy some encouragement! I go out in cold weather for my runs as well. Don't have access to a treadmill, so it is either outside or no run. I even got a little headlight for running in the darkness. Makes me feel much safer as I don't have to rely on streetlights and am more visible. I don't run when the temperature is under -10 degrees Celsius, though. I once read that too much cold air in your lungs can cause your heart having issues.

 

[ohMom]

I'm on a weird food documentary kick right now, it seems. Done with Fed Up and Forks Over Knives... Now on to Supersize Me, haha.

I love me documentaries, i watch them while I Scrapbook a lot! There is one on Netflix about seeds and farming that is really really good. Food, Inc