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

[5xdisneyfans]

I have really dropped the ball this week and I am SO sorry, you guys!!


QOTD for Wednesday, January 20, 2016

It's everyone's favorite - WOOHOO WEDNESDAY!!!



What's got you WOOHOOING today?!

Also, a VERY BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO @4Mickeys today!! I hope it is absolutely AMAZING!! Calorie free digital birthday cupcakes for you!!!

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Woohoo Wednesday for me is I went to Swiss chalet for lunch and skipped having fries and had a baked potato instead. I also got my first two tank tops from Hot Topics for our cruise that will fit just perfect by then.

 

[flvy]

It's Wednesday already?! Why did I think it was Monday all day?

Whoohoo to steady improvement and consistency even after eating three cookies.

 

[CruisingKate]

I'll be honest..... last night's WW meeting was definitely a WOOHOO for me! It reminded me WHY I work for WW (and I can assure you it is NOT for the paycheck or the wonderful benefits!! ). I had a member hit her lifetime, so we got to celebrate with her..... and when I asked her what she would say to others was really helpful this time.... she said her friends in the group! And then I had another member who got her 25 lb medal and her 10% award.... and when I asked her what has kept her motivated this time and she said it was ME! That really choked me up! And then I had an orientation for two new members and they absolutely could NOT STOP gushing over my before/after photos and kept telling me how inspiring it was to see those and to see ME in real life! And one of them confessed that when she walked in the door she was DISCOURAGED to meet "another skinny WW leader" (doesn't she know that we all work for the company because we've lost weight on the program???) and she was so excited to find out that I had lost almost exactly what she needs to lose!

Fantastic! You are such a great support on this forum - I'm sure you are an awesome, inspirational, and supportive WW leader!

Haven't been posting, but caught up with reading. Had a great weekend at Hershey with my daughter, Mom, and sister. My WooHoo is that I stayed on plan during this fun weekend. On the way home, we stopped at Red Robin for a late lunch/ early dinner. I love this place and we don't have one near us, so this is a treat. They offer bottomless sides, including my favorite - garlic parm French fries. I resisted, instead ordering broccoli. Woohoo!

 

[4Mickeys]

Thank you to everyone for your Birthday Wishes - makes me feel special - especially loved the cupcakes

Well, I stepped on the scale today and was pleasantly surprised to see a loss that I had hoped to see last week.

Congrats on the surprise weight loss

When I stepped on the scale on Monday I was down 6.5 lbs! This is probably the first time ever that I'm doing this by eating real food and tracking. I've made many attempts in the past using different programs or fad/extreme diets and nothing worked. My birthday is actually in just a few days and this is the last year I want to be facing another birthday weighing way more than I need or want to be! I'm not looking for a quick fix, I'm looking for a life change that sticks and lasts forever!

Glad to have you on board - well done on your weight loss. I am also hoping for some positive changes this year hoping that come next years birthday there will be a little less of me in that swimsuit.

And then I had another member who got her 25 lb medal and her 10% award.... and when I asked her what has kept her motivated this time and she said it was ME!

How wonderful what a lovely compliment to hear - its a really nice feeling when we can help others

Had a beer with a work colleague/friend tonight - she does some paddling and beach exercises with a couple of people each morning and has asked me to join them - I just need another week or two to settle my youngest 2 into the first year of high school - they start next week - and get our morning routine started and then I think I will give it a go . I'll start with my sit down surf ski and maybe near the end of the year or early next year I might be able to buy get a standup board.

 

[killer6.2]

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

 

[pjlla]

Fantastic! You are such a great support on this forum - I'm sure you are an awesome, inspirational, and supportive WW leader!

Awww.... thanks!

Haven't been posting, but caught up with reading. Had a great weekend at Hershey with my daughter, Mom, and sister. My WooHoo is that I stayed on plan during this fun weekend. On the way home, we stopped at Red Robin for a late lunch/ early dinner. I love this place and we don't have one near us, so this is a treat. They offer bottomless sides, including my favorite - garlic parm French fries. I resisted, instead ordering broccoli. Woohoo!

Thank you to everyone for your Birthday Wishes - makes me feel special - especially loved the cupcakes

Glad you felt special!!!



How wonderful what a lovely compliment to hear - its a really nice feeling when we can help others

AGREED!!

Had a beer with a work colleague/friend tonight - she does some paddling and beach exercises with a couple of people each morning and has asked me to join them - I just need another week or two to settle my youngest 2 into the first year of high school - they start next week - and get our morning routine started and then I think I will give it a go . I'll start with my sit down surf ski and maybe near the end of the year or early next year I might be able to buy get a standup board.

That sounds like a SUPER FUN workout! Kinda jealous here! We've talked about renting a paddleboard while on our lake vacation and one year we even reserved one..... but then the shop had one returned damaged and didn't have any extras so we didn't get it. And we've looked into buying one because it truly looks like fun..... but we don't live on the water and only hit a lake/ocean about 2-3 times a year, tops.... so most of the time it would be gathering dust.... plus we don't have a truck or a vehicle with a roof rack, so I'm not so sure how we would transport it..... those things are really long! Once you get going with the class I'd love to hear more about it!!

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

Morning friends! Here at work subbing and proctoring again today! But testing is scheduled to be ALL DONE by the end of the day today!

I went to DS's robotics meeting last night to see if I could help with anything. I spend 2 1/2 hours cleaning out and organizing their giant rolling tool chest (known as the War Wagon)...... what a disaster! And believe me when I tell you that is just a teeny, tiny tip of the iceberg. I could dedicate an entire summer to getting this group organized if I wanted! It is tough to try and clean and organize right now during the build season because as fast as I can organize the allen wrenches in size order, someone is grabbing them and just tossing them back in. But I want to help and this is the only way I know how. I may go again tonight. Not really feeling it, but I know it is appreciated and DS will (hopefully) remember that both Dad AND Mom were able to help his team...... plus we have a late start for school tomorrow so I can sleep in just a bit..... and I have a free weekend coming to catch up on stuff around the house. I was going to drive down to see DD and bring her a few things she forgot, but she is within the northern "belt" of that major snowstorm that is hitting the mid-Atlantic this weekend so I am not going to venture into that mess!!

Last night's cauliflower hash was terrific..... but since we ate so early (4:30 pm) and it was a fairly light dinner (only 4 SP for me), we were all STARVING when we got home at 8:45 pm. I wasn't sure what I was going to have..... contemplated tea and popcorn, but DH decided to make himself a chocolate protein shake and it looked good..... plus I have some extra plain whey protein powder left from a recipe, so I made a banana/pineapple/coconut/spinach..... it was SO GOOD and filled me up (partially with air bubbles) and it was the perfect way to fill me without making me feel stuffed before bed. I had several SP left to spend so I also treated myself to a WW chocolate pretzel bar. I will say I can see why people prefer the taste of whey protein over hemp protein or pea protein. Both of those are what I usually buy in an effort to avoid more dairy and soy...... but they both have a pretty distinctive taste that isn't always masked by the fruit. In fact, it was SO GOOD that I had another one for breakfast!! But now I"m out of the frozen pineapple that DD bought while she was home..... so maybe next time it will be peaches!

Off to move to the next session!......................P

 

[SarahDisney]

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

Welcome! It's definitely hard to get started, but you did the right thing by deciding to change your life and coming here. The people here are super supportive and great at helping you figure out what to do to make this work for you!

In terms of the running - I just did my first 10K a few weeks ago (at Disney!!). It definitely took a lot of training, and it wasn't easy. But there were people there of all sizes, so I definitely think you shouldn't rule it out just because of your size. Definitely start small - you have to run 1 mile before you can run 6.2 - but I think that with the right training, you can do a 10K! A lot of people start with Couch 2 5K programs, so maybe see if you can find one of those programs and start there?

 

[flvy]

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

I'm 28 as well, with next to no support from anyone for this whole health and fitness thing which is why I am super thankful for everyone here. I also started with wanting to drop around 80 pounds, and I was out running and did do a few races. So it can be done even with extra lbs to carry around. You just have to have faith and consistency, and actually enjoy running.

 

[roxymama]

I have been totally MIA from here since first posting because I was consumed with my Disney World vacation...in which I consumed more calories than I could ever even count. And then I took too much time getting back into my daily routine. But here I am again.

I left for Disney at 163.2 lbs and last night I got the courage to weigh in again and I'm at 164.4 lbs. I have been running (I was on the trip to run and have been training since) and I've been eating pretty well since getting back. So my gut says I probably just equaled out since my trip started til now.

I really wanted to have a number starting with a 15X by the end of Jan so I need to keep my focus on living well and my workouts for the balance of the month.

 

[pjlla]

I have been totally MIA from here since first posting because I was consumed with my Disney World vacation...in which I consumed more calories than I could ever even count. And then I took too much time getting back into my daily routine. But here I am again.

I left for Disney at 163.2 lbs and last night I got the courage to weigh in again and I'm at 164.4 lbs. I have been running (I was on the trip to run and have been training since) and I've been eating pretty well since getting back. So my gut says I probably just equaled out since my trip started til now.

I really wanted to have a number starting with a 15X by the end of Jan so I need to keep my focus on living well and my workouts for the balance of the month.

Welcome back! I would say a 2 pound gain at Disney is equal to a success! You've only got 10 days left for the month, so you will definitely need to stay dedicated..... but it sounds like you are ready!..............P

 

[Flossbolna]

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

I don't think it is sad that you chose to come here to get help with getting started into a healthier life! While it is lovely to get support from people in your daily life, the best support for me has always been from people who go through the same process, have the same problems, the same successes and failures. And most times we don't find those peoples easily just in our social sourroundings. Of course you could go to a weight loss group that has regular meets (and some of us do that in addition to the forum), but the forum is great because it is always here, not just once a week, it can be your daily source of motivation!

Since you say that you don't know where to start, I will try to give you some very basic advice. If it is too basic, don't think it is because I think you are stupid or anything like that!!! But I think it is so easy to get distracted by all the information that is out there, that it is important to start with the basics - and sometimes to come back to them in order to find new focus.

So: weight loss happens when your body burns up more fuel than you put into it. That is ultimately the basic formula that you need to follow.

Of course there are multiple ways of how to get there. You have to variables to work with: 1) make your body burn up more fuel (i.e. exercise) and 2) give your body less fuel (i.e. eat less).

Because our bodies aren't machines, there are some additional things to look out for: If your body gets far too little fuel, it will go into energy saving mode and try to burn as little fuel as possible. Therefore starving is not a good weight loss program! Also, your body needs certain things to actually break down the fat that it has stored into proper fuel (carbohydrates). Therefore it is important to give your body healthy food like vitamins, healthy fats (YES, healthy fats are important, don't go totally fat free!!), lean protein.

A lot of people find that it is more efficient to actually track what they eat instead of just trying to eat less (even though I lost about 20kg by just eating less and more healthy in my 20s before there were apps and websites and such things). There are a number of online tools that are free that help with food tracking, one is My Fitness Pal and it seems quite popular (I never used it myself). Weight Watchers costs money and ultimately is another programm that helps you get the balance between fuel and exercise. There programm is also designed to help you learn how to eat a healthy diet, so that when you have acchieved your weight loss goal, you will have learned new eating habits. Have a look around and find out what is the right thing for you!

And one tip: If you are just starting out, take pictures of yourself today and take measurements of your waist, bust etc. These will be great to have to compare yourself to once you have lost some of those 80 pounds!!

 

[roxymama]

I had something pressing my mind and I thought this would be a good place to ask. I have a dillema in that there is a race I want to run but they have something called the Athena category for women over 150 lbs in which you get your time clocked with other women in that category and not all the other women. You can choose to race in that category or just be in the open one. The potential to "place higher" is there since the field is smaller...but...
My first reaction is "why is it 150 lbs"...I would cry tears of joy to be down to 150 lbs again..does this mean that is considered big in the running world and should I be sad about that or not care?
My second reaction was "Girl power...let's show those small women what we are made of...rah rah Athena. But also I don't want to put down small women either...because they have to work hard too."
My third reaction was "but what if I am faster than the smaller women and my faster-ness won't count because I'm not in their category"
My fourth reaction was "I pass small girls all the time, and bigger girls pass me all the time, and I pass men and men pass me...why are there weight categories at all??"

Then my friend who runs tri-athalons told me these categories exist in that world because being larger (even if Amazonian and having a ton of muscle) is a hindrance when carrying a heavy frame on a bike and through the water. Ok..I guess I get that.

Literally I am just confused as all get out on how to register. I don't want my weight to be seen as a handicap but I don't want to seem like I'm not proud of myself no matter my weight.

The thing that freaks me out the most is that you have to be weighed when you get there on race day. Will other Athena's get mad at me if I'm like 153 at that point bc I'm too small of a big girl? Will I have a meltdown about being weighed. Will I not like the stigma or will I wear it like a badge of honor that I run despite not being 100 lbs?

See how weirdly confusing one little race category has gotten me?

Thanks for reading...I needed to vent somewhere.

 

[JacknSally]

I'll be honest..... last night's WW meeting was definitely a WOOHOO for me! It reminded me WHY I work for WW (and I can assure you it is NOT for the paycheck or the wonderful benefits!! ). I had a member hit her lifetime, so we got to celebrate with her..... and when I asked her what she would say to others was really helpful this time.... she said her friends in the group! And then I had another member who got her 25 lb medal and her 10% award.... and when I asked her what has kept her motivated this time and she said it was ME! That really choked me up! And then I had an orientation for two new members and they absolutely could NOT STOP gushing over my before/after photos and kept telling me how inspiring it was to see those and to see ME in real life! And one of them confessed that when she walked in the door she was DISCOURAGED to meet "another skinny WW leader" (doesn't she know that we all work for the company because we've lost weight on the program???) and she was so excited to find out that I had lost almost exactly what she needs to lose!

I will be honest and say I glowed all the way home about what a great meeting it was (and not just because they said nice things to me!). Now if I could have MORE weeks like that!! ....................P

This doesn't surprise me in the least! SO glad that others are appreciating you like we do! What an amazing feeling.

Thank you to everyone for your Birthday Wishes - makes me feel special - especially loved the cupcakes


Had a beer with a work colleague/friend tonight - she does some paddling and beach exercises with a couple of people each morning and has asked me to join them - I just need another week or two to settle my youngest 2 into the first year of high school - they start next week - and get our morning routine started and then I think I will give it a go . I'll start with my sit down surf ski and maybe near the end of the year or early next year I might be able to buy get a standup board.

So glad you had a wonderful birthday! I can't lie - this sounds like an amazing workout, and I'm completely jealous that you have this opportunity! I can't wait to hear how it goes for you!

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

Welcome! I hope our group can help provide the support and catalyst you need to get over this hurdle and really start your new life! I don't think it's sad at all that you're joining our forum - there's nothing sad at all about getting help and support when you need it, and that can come from anywhere!

As far as HOW to do it - that's true, there are all sorts of gimmicks everywhere, and you'll find a variety of different plans just within this thread. What it boils down to is remembering that everyone is different - what works for one person may or may not work for you. Some people can cut out soda and lose 30lbs within a couple of months. Others have to spend 30-45 minutes a day exercising and really track what they eat to lose 8lbs in that same timeframe. So don't kick yourself if you find it is a little harder for you. Who knows - it may be super easy for you! But keep in mind - in order to lose the weight and keep it off, it's going to take a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. Not just a quick fix.

Obviously, you're here because you know you need to make a change somewhere. I encourage you to take a look at your habits that have gotten you to your current weight and kept you there. Do you eat out a lot? Do you eat a lot of carbs or processed junk food? Do you eat all day, or right before bed? Do you drink enough water, or exercise at all? Logic dictates that you just have to burn more than you consume, but it's not quite that simple. Calories aren't equal, so you need to take a good look at WHAT you're putting into your body, not just how much of it. You can eat 1,000 calories of french fries and burgers from McDonald's, or you can eat 1,000 calories of fruits, veggies, lean protein, and good carbs. The calorie count doesn't change, but I promise you that how you feel and how your body processes that food will.

As far as running - you may not be able to do a 10K tomorrow, AND THAT'S OK! It's about progress, so don't get discouraged just because you can't accomplish your goal overnight. I would recommend picking a local 5K that is scheduled this summer or fall and working toward that. Couch to 5K is a great free program that helps condition you for running 5K's - but if you start it and find that it's hard, or even that you can't get through the first few sessions easily, don't give up. Start walking, even before you start C25K. People look down on walking because it's "just walking", and running seems so much more athletic and healthful... but there is so much to be gained from walking. It's easier on your joints and your muscles, and could help prevent some serious damage if your body isn't ready for you to just start full-on running. Maybe you could look into a Fitbit or Garmin or other pedometer and make a daily steps challenge to encourage you to walk and be more active?

Keep in mind, too, that it might take a while to find the plan that works best for you. You might have to try a few different things before the magic starts to work. Just don't get discouraged! That being said, you should have an idea of whether or not a plan is working for you after about a month, so don't stick with something that you know isn't working. Know that whatever plan you choose, you have a ton of supporters here and most likely at least one of us is on that same plan. Feel free to come here to share your frustrations or your celebrations, and remember that the NSV's are just as important as the SV's - if not moreso!

 

[JacknSally]

That sounds like a SUPER FUN workout! Kinda jealous here! We've talked about renting a paddleboard while on our lake vacation and one year we even reserved one..... but then the shop had one returned damaged and didn't have any extras so we didn't get it. And we've looked into buying one because it truly looks like fun..... but we don't live on the water and only hit a lake/ocean about 2-3 times a year, tops.... so most of the time it would be gathering dust.... plus we don't have a truck or a vehicle with a roof rack, so I'm not so sure how we would transport it..... those things are really long! Once you get going with the class I'd love to hear more about it!!

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

Morning friends! Here at work subbing and proctoring again today! But testing is scheduled to be ALL DONE by the end of the day today!

I went to DS's robotics meeting last night to see if I could help with anything. I spend 2 1/2 hours cleaning out and organizing their giant rolling tool chest (known as the War Wagon)...... what a disaster! And believe me when I tell you that is just a teeny, tiny tip of the iceberg. I could dedicate an entire summer to getting this group organized if I wanted! It is tough to try and clean and organize right now during the build season because as fast as I can organize the allen wrenches in size order, someone is grabbing them and just tossing them back in. But I want to help and this is the only way I know how. I may go again tonight. Not really feeling it, but I know it is appreciated and DS will (hopefully) remember that both Dad AND Mom were able to help his team...... plus we have a late start for school tomorrow so I can sleep in just a bit..... and I have a free weekend coming to catch up on stuff around the house. I was going to drive down to see DD and bring her a few things she forgot, but she is within the northern "belt" of that major snowstorm that is hitting the mid-Atlantic this weekend so I am not going to venture into that mess!!

Last night's cauliflower hash was terrific..... but since we ate so early (4:30 pm) and it was a fairly light dinner (only 4 SP for me), we were all STARVING when we got home at 8:45 pm. I wasn't sure what I was going to have..... contemplated tea and popcorn, but DH decided to make himself a chocolate protein shake and it looked good..... plus I have some extra plain whey protein powder left from a recipe, so I made a banana/pineapple/coconut/spinach..... it was SO GOOD and filled me up (partially with air bubbles) and it was the perfect way to fill me without making me feel stuffed before bed. I had several SP left to spend so I also treated myself to a WW chocolate pretzel bar. I will say I can see why people prefer the taste of whey protein over hemp protein or pea protein. Both of those are what I usually buy in an effort to avoid more dairy and soy...... but they both have a pretty distinctive taste that isn't always masked by the fruit. In fact, it was SO GOOD that I had another one for breakfast!! But now I"m out of the frozen pineapple that DD bought while she was home..... so maybe next time it will be peaches!

Off to move to the next session!......................P

What protein powder do you use? We had a brand of whey isolate that we loved until they reconfigured it, which turned it into an awful gritty mess. So now we're looking for a new one to try, but we hate spending all of that money taking the chance that it might be bad!

 

[roxymama]

Hello everyone! I am late to the party but I have been reading on these WISH forums for a while and I finally decided to try and change my life. I hope you don't mind another visitor?

A bit about me. I am 28 years old. My boyfriend broke up with me last month and I don't have the most supportive family. I have wanted to lose weight for a long time but I told myself if my boyfriend loved me the way I was why bother. Clearly he didn't and I look back and see I was just convincing myself of that to avoid doing the work.

I know it's January and this will seem like a "resolution" but I am hoping it's not. I want to change my life. The problem is I have no idea where to start. There are so many things out there looking to take your money and claim to be the solution. I want to find one that works and I enjoy, then I will stick with it. I am open to any suggestions. I't kinda sad I have to turn to a forum for support but you all seem to really care so I figured it was worth a shot.

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

Just lending some cheer-leading. I was in your shoes last year and my resolution finally stuck thanks to the help of people on the WISH board. I started with walking 5k's and then run/walking and then running. It was baby steps and I won't be running my first 10k until later this spring (and it's still kinda scary.) But I'm so happy I took the time to work up to it so that my confidence grew along the way. I loved Couch to 5k and I know lots of people love the Galloway plans as well....and it's ok to stick on the beginning weeks multiple times until you feel comfortable to move on.
Good luck and I'm rooting for you

 

[courtneybeth]

I've noticed minor weight gains this week through MFP and I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong. In the last three weeks I'm up a pound. Still within my goal of maintenance but going "up" is a trend I don't want to see.

What can I do to stop the trend? I'm thinking the exercise calories are not accurate... anyone have some advice on this? I'm a bit bummed today.

 

[JacknSally]

Hi, friends! So, I feel like I need to apologize for my lack of dedicated host-ship over the past week or so. My plan to get back on a normal schedule has backfired dramatically - now instead of getting to bed around 2a and sleeping until 11a or 12p, it's more like getting to bed around 4a and sleeping 'til 2p or 3p. That coupled with my extreme inability to cope with the cold has really wreaked havoc on my energy levels as of late, and I feel like you have all gotten the short end of the stick as a result! I'm so sorry. As it's already late in the day for most of our participants, and I think there are some solid chatter-worthy posts in the thread recently, I am not going to post a typical QOTD today, but I DEFINITELY will tomorrow, and it and the rest of the months Q's will be back on point. So, in the interim...

QOTD for Thursday, January 21, 2016

If you haven't already, read @killer6.2 's post in this thread (#545) and weigh-in with your thoughts and tips - WHY you chose the plan you chose, how you know it's the plan for you, if you tried other plans, how you knew they weren't for you, etc.​

 

[JacknSally]

I've noticed minor weight gains this week through MFP and I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong. In the last three weeks I'm up a pound. Still within my goal of maintenance but going "up" is a trend I don't want to see.

What can I do to stop the trend? I'm thinking the exercise calories are not accurate... anyone have some advice on this? I'm a bit bummed today.

Starting with the "usual suspects" - how is your water intake this week? Your sleeping patterns? Your stress levels? Your... regularity? Also, you exerted a ton of energy over the weekend, so I'm sure your body is working to make up for that and recover, since that's not something you do all the time (to that extreme, I mean, I know you run a lot!). It may just be a factor of that, which might balance itself out over time.

 

[pjlla]

What protein powder do you use? We had a brand of whey isolate that we loved until they reconfigured it, which turned it into an awful gritty mess. So now we're looking for a new one to try, but we hate spending all of that money taking the chance that it might be bad!

Well.... honestly this was just something I grabbed at the supermarket because it was an ingredient for a healthy protein cookie and I didn't want to buy a $25/jug of vanilla protein powder that we'd never use. I bought the Bob's Red Mill whey protein..... no flavoring, no sweetening and just 1 SP per serving (1/4 C or 20 g). Not gritty AT ALL either in the cookies or in the smoothie. Obviously because it is unsweetened/unflavored it would probably be yucky plain..... I made my smoothies (last night and today) with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, banana, pineapple, vanilla extract, coconut extract, baby spinach, stevia drops, and ice along with the whey protein. It was 4 SP (1 for the protein, 1 for the milk, 1 for the banana, 1 for the pineapple).

The chocolate powder that I buy for DS is called Orgain organic chocolate protein powder..... it uses rice protein..... it is gluten free, vegan, soy free, dairy free.... (and a few more "free" that I cannot think of right now). And it is really tasty! I've only ever been able to find it at Costco and on Amazon.... and it is usually cheaper at Costco, especially if they have a coupon for it (about twice a year). HTH....................P

 

[courtneybeth]

P.S.- I have considered running but with roughly 80 lbs to lose I don't think that is an option. At this point a 10K is my goal but as you can see from my screen name it feels like a million miles at this point.

I have been where you are... and this weekend I managed to complete my first half marathon. (Woah!) It's doable, but you have to have the diligence and perseverance to stick with the program.

There are a few things you can do to get ready:

1. Sign yourself up for a race. It doesn't have to be a Disney race! It can be anything local - start with a 5K distance. This one is actually kind of fun because it involves Frozen Yogurt: http://thefroyorun.com/ . There's also the Hogwarts Running Club that does 6 races per year Virtual Style so you can run it when you're ready and earn that shiny bling! I'm not sure where you're located but there's plenty of races offered through the year.
2. Couch to 5K. This program is amazing... it teaches you endurance and how to run in intervals up to where you'll be running for 30 minutes straight. And if you don't finish a day's program you can start it up the next time. While it can take 9 weeks to complete, I feel that 12-13 weeks is about average because sometimes the weeks are harder and you may need an extra day or two on a former week to catch up.
3. Buy some fabulous workout clothes. Wear things that make you feel great and provide adequate support. A good sports bra is key to running long distances - get fitted at your local Nordstrom! (Trust me, I am a 34G and tried to run in the wrong size bra and I just wanted to chop my boobs off. SO PAINFUL). I'm a fan of the Nike dry-fit running pants and the shirts. Wear what is comfortable for you!
4. Get fitted for the right pair of shoes. Go to a specialty running store like A Snail's Pace, RoadRunner Sports, or other similar locations that specialize in running shoes -- don't go to a Sports Chalet or similar because they don't have the technology or expertise to make sure you're getting the correct fit for your

Let me know if you have more questions about running. I started as a couch potato and now am running 22 half marathons this year