Find Your Own "Directive" - the February Weight Loss / Life Style Change Challenge

[flvy]

Ah, Wall-E is just so dang cute!

I don't really have an answer for this question as I just flat out haven't been holding myself accountable lately. I'm trying to be diligent about using MFP, but more often than not it doesn't keep me accountable as much as I forget it exists. I'm interested in reading others' methods, though!


Today wasn't too bad. I definitely didn't get any activity in, but the food wasn't awful. It wasn't eating out at least. For lunch, I made two turkey wraps, with a leaf of romaine lettuce in place of the bread/tortilla, 2 slices of deli turkey per wrap, some tomato, and a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese. It was my first time making it, but it was SO GOOD. It will definitely be a go-to in the future. Also had some hummus and pretzels, which I had forgotten how much I love. Dinner is going to be an issue, though... Or anything DH cooks really. For some reason he JUST. CAN'T. REMEMBER. that I'm trying to track foods, so I need them measured out. We had homemade chicken nachos for dinner, but I can guarantee he gave me at least double what I should've eaten. On the bright side, I probably left 1/2 - 1/3 of it on the plate in the end, but I don't like having the temptation there in the first place. I tracked the full plate despite leaving some behind, because even the full plate's numbers were guesses. I did finish off a pack of Sour Patch Watermelons earlier, because I like to munch when I work, so between that, a banana, and the chips in the nachos, I was WAY over on my carbs allotment... and WAY under on my protein. I've got a protein shake made up for tomorrow, though, and made up some sugar-free pudding with almond milk, pudding mix, protein powder, bananas, and a few oranges, so that way there's something already made for when my sweet cravings hit. Which they DEFINITELY will.

Even though it's the winter I'm on a huge smoothie kick. I had one yesterday that was banana, strawberry, mango, and peach, with a 100% juice orange peach mango juice and it was amazing. It kicked the sweet craving in the butt and was basically sunset color. Shakes/smoothies are awesome tools to get some extra nutrition in while kicking a craving in the butt. I even use it for chocolate cravings by blending some cherries, bananas, or raspberries in chocolate milk after a run. Though that's also because I don't really like chocolate milk lol.

A blender is a fit girls best friend.

 

[bigsis1970]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

SOOOOO that is how you get a skinnier neck.. will have to try this with my Hula Hoop! HAAAAA ..
I log everything into my livestrong/daily plate account to be accountable.. even when it's over my allotted points/calories..
I am also jealous of all of you who can walk at WDW or DL - that would be soo totally awesome and I love the idea of the ride being the reward and not a food treat! (altho I am sure I would indulge in a food treat sometimes!)

sending HUGS to everyone that needs it, MOTIVATION to everyone that needs it, and a SMILE to everyone.. Michelle

 

[Flossbolna]

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

I woke up to a happy (and slightly unearned) surprise of half a pound less on the scale. I ended up eating too much yesterday as we wanted to see a movie (Hatefull 8, but then chickened out when we found out that it is 3 hours long, will see it on Saturday instead) and I also had to visit my mother in the late afternoon, so no real time for cooking. At my mother I had a delicious bakery item (similar to a cinnamon roll, but with nuts) as she had them and because her memory is not so good, she does not understand if I don't want to eat the sweets and takes it personal. I usually factor this into my eating plan for the day, so that was not too bad yet. But then because we decided to go out for a quick bite before the movie, the whole plan derrailled. I was even about to order a salad at the place we went to, but then saw a pizza that sounded so good that I ordered that instead. The pizza was fairly small and not very cheesy and it had lots of rocket and fresh tomatoes on top (that was what made it sound so good, it was mainly a pizza topped with a salad). So, not a catastrophe either, but still I was disappointed in myself for not sticking with the plan. The only good thing about the day was that I ended up with 21.000 steps (walking to work, to and back from lunch, back home, into the city, then instead of the movie we went for a walk in the city and back home - yes, I have a very walking lifestyle, but over 15.000 is a lot even for me!!).

Hopefully today will bring better decisions. It started with a healthy breakfast and now a delicious salad for lunch, carrots that I brought from home will be my afternoon snack. Then the difficulties start as today's is my mother's birthday and we are going to visit my parents in the afternoon and there will be cake or cookies or so. Dinner will be a corn chowder that should be good. It is a new recipe that I am quite excited to try!

QOTD:

I love my fitbit! I use the fitbit app and website to keep track of my food as well and try to maintain a calorie deficit of -750 kcal evry day according to what my fitbit says that I used as calories every day. I have found that when I do this on a day by day basis (and not have weekly extra points as I had on WW), I am much better at trying to make every day count. And if I fail one day, I always know that the next day I get to start from new.

Besides that I find that this board is wonderful at keeping me accountable. Knowing that there is a group of people that kind of expect me to check in really helps me. Ever since I got involved in these threads I have been overall rather consistent with my weight loss efforts. I am still a slow loser and have my setbacks. But I am confident that this year I will finally get to my goal!

 

[chasingthtdream08]

QOTD - To hold myself accountable I will be tracking all food that crosses my lips into MFP. Add me! My username is chasingthatdream08

 

[DVCFan1994]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

Honest answer: I don't really. I try, I make great plans for holding myself accountable, but in the end, I often don't. I use MFP and am great maybe 3 or 4 out of 7 days a week. I used to plan rewards for pounds lost. But my motivation is lacking these days. I think I am just tired. I was at my goal weight for so long, over 5 years, and then the surgery that took away my ability to exercise for 6 weeks last spring really messed with me. I still fit into all my clothes, though some certainly look better than others. I am still not technically overweight, though I am just a couple pounds away. So there is nothing pushing me hard. The motivation and accountability really needs to come from me, and it just isn't right now. I promise myself each week/month its going to be the one I turn the corner, and then it isn't.

I am trying to come up with a good reward for myself for the next 5 pounds, but I haven't found anything I think is motivating enough yet. Don't mean to be such a downer! I did so well with this for so long, I am just struggling with it right now, and have been since my weight gain post surgery.

 

[ohMom]

Morning! Whew I fell behind! I did some speed reading, forgive me but I want to get to the gym

My goals this month are to be more consistent on Mfp, esp through the weekend, get my steps 6/7 days a week and lose 3 lbs. I didn't get my steps yesterday so now I have to the rest of the week! It's difficult for me also, in the cold weather

I'm on MFP and use a Fitbit, I'm also participating in an 8 week workout program, being on week 5 right now. They are HIIT workouts and they are tough!

Great chit chat! Great to get to know everyone!

 

[Flossbolna]

I am still not technically overweight, though I am just a couple pounds away. So there is nothing pushing me hard. The motivation and accountability really needs to come from me, and it just isn't right now. I promise myself each week/month its going to be the one I turn the corner, and then it isn't.

I can relate to your struggle. I tend to get to a point where I am just a little below being overweight and then I lose my motivation. I wish I could give you the perfect recipe in how to get motivated, I would love to have it myself!! Just hang in there and be happy with what you have currently!! Gaining weight due to surgery is nothing to be ashamed of and you have managed to maintain at that higher level for quite some time now, so that is good, too! You did not give in and just put on a lot of pounds because you used the surgery as an excuse. Have you considered to take a break from trying to lose weight for a month or two and just make maintaining your goal? This might bring back some motivation. I have found that there can be a vicious cycle that drains my motivation when I constantly fail at my goals, so setting an easy goal might bring back some feelings of success - which then will be motivating you again.

 

[DVCFan1994]

I can relate to your struggle. I tend to get to a point where I am just a little below being overweight and then I lose my motivation. I wish I could give you the perfect recipe in how to get motivated, I would love to have it myself!! Just hang in there and be happy with what you have currently!! Gaining weight due to surgery is nothing to be ashamed of and you have managed to maintain at that higher level for quite some time now, so that is good, too! You did not give in and just put on a lot of pounds because you used the surgery as an excuse. Have you considered to take a break from trying to lose weight for a month or two and just make maintaining your goal? This might bring back some motivation. I have found that there can be a vicious cycle that drains my motivation when I constantly fail at my goals, so setting an easy goal might bring back some feelings of success - which then will be motivating you again.

Thanks for the support! I have considered taking time off, but right now I seem to be still slowly heading upward, and I fear I would gain quickly if I don't really regain some focus. I have a lot of hard exercise on my schedule this month, with my WDW races as the payoff for that hard work. I think if all that doesn't give me a loss at the end of this month, I may take next month to focus more on my eating, and do less intense, but still regular exercise, so that I can feel more secure that "dieting" isn't negatively impacting my training.

I am going to jump start a change by returning to one thing that has worked in the past when I first lost 40 pounds. Treat bags. I am a chocoholic. I will pick say 150 calories worth of a treat, and as I hit nutrition goals during the day, I will allow myself some of the treat (M&Ms, chocolate chips, Hershey kisses). I don't start rewarding myself until the afternoon if/when I have stayed on my plan for the day and had the fruits and veggies I should have. I do not get the treat if I do not earn it though.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Hello all!

I've never participated in anything like this, but I'd like to give it a shot. I think sharing and hearing other stories will be helpful. My quick background is I played sports throughout high school and played football in college. Once I was done playing, my weight went up and up and I never did anything about it. Now I'm 40 and ready to change.

I started in January - I bought a fitbit, a treadmill, and changed my eating habits. Things have been going great and I lost 17 lbs in January. I've been averaging about 15,000 steps a day and my calorie intake is around 1500 a day.

My goal for Feb is to lose another 15. My ultimate goal is to lose 100 lbs. I already told my wife when I hit 100, we are going to Disney for a week with the kids to celebrate! I'm excited to come across these message boards.

 

[Lady Marie]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

I'm not very good at this to be honest. I bought a planner to meal plan and write down and journal my exercise and I used it for a whole week.... then I have my dry erase calendar which has been working great at keeping DH and I on target for our meals and NOT going out to eat, but I haven't been successful at using it to keep myself motivated for exercise.

I used to use a Jawbone Up tracker that I really liked. The software was awesome and more holistic than DHs Fitbit which I liked as well. But, I am so lazy -- I quit wearing it because it was the original dinosaur model that has to be plugged in to sync and just was a pain in the rear to use in that respect. I am in talks with DH to purchase me a new model that is bluetooth which may help me be more accountable. My problem is that I am all in for a few weeks and then my motivation disappears.

However, this group is helping me be more accountable-- This month I want to report 100% to goal--- I just need to get out of my own way!

I am going to jump start a change by returning to one thing that has worked in the past when I first lost 40 pounds. Treat bags. I am a chocoholic. I will pick say 150 calories worth of a treat, and as I hit nutrition goals during the day, I will allow myself some of the treat (M&Ms, chocolate chips, Hershey kisses). I don't start rewarding myself until the afternoon if/when I have stayed on my plan for the day and had the fruits and veggies I should have. I do not get the treat if I do not earn it though.

I really really like this idea. The sweets and treats are where I really struggle. This sounds like a great way to incorporate that in moderation AND aid in the motivation!

 

[SarahDisney]

@flvy - So sorry for your loss. I hope you're doing a little better today.

• Fueling enough for training, but not too much. I fall into the trap of "I deserve to eat X" because I did my long run. That is not thinking of it correctly. I did my long run so I can get through my races feeling good. Refueling after exercise is a lot more beneficial when its rewarded with healthy real food, not low nutritional value treats.

This.
I think it's become such a common thing that people run as an "excuse" to eat whatever they want, and it just doesn't work that way for most of us. It's really hard to find the right way to refuel after a run (and to fuel before a run), but it's really important and I'm glad to see that you're aware of that and working on it!

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?

I'm terrible at accountability. I'm hoping that checking in here helps me, because other things haven't really helped me much. That's something I'm working on this month - finding a way to keep myself accountable.

 

[mamattorney]

Thanks for all the support everyone - you are so kind! I think I'm going to like this challenge!

QOTD: How do I hold myself accountable?

I wear a fitbit to track my steps everyday. Since July of last year, I have been vigilant about getting 10,000 steps a day (or more!). Sometimes it's 10,001 but I haven't missed a day in over 6 months. That's a streak that I just can't rationalize breaking at this piont!

Also, like many others, use My Fitness Pal.

As an aside, someone mentioned that people from here are friends on MFP. I've never done that before, but am game. My user name is wagnerpe123 if anyone would like to friend me.

I log all my foods, which is pretty easy most of the time because I've been logging for awhile and so most of what I eat is already in there. For family meals, I'm the cook, so it's easy for me to put recipes into MFP.

My 13 year old daughter has Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), which means that we are constantly counting carbs in our house so she can dose her insulin correctly. Since weighing and measuring are a mandatory thing for my daughter, there's no real stigma for me to do it, too. I avoided it for years because my attitude was "I HAVE to track hers and there's only so much room in my brain for things like that, so I won't do it for myself." BAD idea!

But, my tip to make mealtimes easier and to keep portions in mind is to use actual measuring cups for serving utensils (maybe everyone does this, I don't know). So, for example, we had corn as our veggie last night with dinner. I make a family size batch of corn, put it on the table in a serving dish, but instead of a spoon, I out a 1/2 cup measuring scoop in there. I can ask my daughter - how many scoops did you take (she's not limited like I am!) knowing that each scoop is 13 carbs for her insulin. That way I'm not out there with the food scale, but yet I know that I only took ONE serving of corn. I do the same with basically anything that can be scooped.

I also "pre-log" So today I know we are having turkey chili for dinner (it's already in the crock pot). I already logged all of my dinner so I have a better idea of what I can eat throughout the day and still stay on track.

Finally, I weigh myself almost daily (but not multiple times a day, that's over the top). I have an aria scale that auto syncs to my fitbit dashboard so there's no fudging the numbers. I think that's what holds me most accountable. I know that's not a good idea for everyone, but it seems to be working for me.

Looking forward to hearing everyone else's tips and stories! Have a great day 2!

 

[donac]

Good Afternoon everyone. I said I would get back to you yesterday but life got in the way.

My name is Dona. I used to be on these challenges quite a bit but have fallen by the wayside the last few years.

I turned 60 last May and a month later I retired from teaching. I had taught in the same school for 38 years. I was teaching Advanced Placement Calculus for my last 15 years. By a stroke of luck I got a job as an adjunct professor in the college that is in my town. This is something that I have always wanted to do but never had the time. I am teaching 2 classes. I have to go in 3 days early in the morning (which I love) and the rest of the week is free.

I have been married for 37 years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons. Ds1 is 30 and is getting married in Aug and ds2 is 25 and is getting married April 2017. We are in wedding mode in the house. My one niece got married in Dec, her sister is engaged and hasn't set a date and my dh's nephew is getting married in June(unfortunately in Wichita Kansas so no real vacation this year.). I am in the process of making my sons and my nieces a quilt for their wedding present.

I am now at my highest weight and I am not happy about it. I am working to getting into eating better, counting calories and getting in more exercise.

My goals for this month
1. Check in here each day and answer the QOTD
2. Record all my food into Sparkpeople
3. Try to get to 8000 steps at least 3 days a week. More if I can fit it in.

This month is going to be a challenge. I am working, quilting and costuming Music Man for the local high school. I am at a point with the group producing the show that I am now getting paid for my costume work. We start fittings tonight. I am so happy to be doing this show. It has always been one of my favorites for years. It is also the first musical dh and I ever saw together.

Off to get a review sheet written up for tomorrow's class, walk the dog, get lunch, decide on dinner and then do some quilting.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[courtneybeth]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

Accountability is tough because in the end it all falls upon us -- like, we are our biggest champion or enemy when it comes to weight loss and being healthy.

Fitbit allows me to see how much i'm actively moving - the daily goal of 7500 steps makes me keep moving.

MyFitnessPal really shows me what I'm eating and how my choices affect my progress. I had a situation on Sunday where I wanted to eat everything in the cabinet but didn't want to give into "those feelings" because I was already at calorie goal for the day. It's just another reminder of my dedication and i have to stick to the program.

 

[5xdisneyfans]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

I have been using MFP for the last month along with my fitbit which I have had for a year. I also bought a fancy agenda last week I am recording everything for my workouts and weight loss. I am writing my workout plan for the week and then making sure I follow through and fill out the information from the workout.

Started to get sick last night and my throat is burning and sore but I went for my walk I had scheduled. I just want to eat comfort food and sit on my butt. Anyone else get like this with a cold?

@4Mickeys and @JacknSally I too suffer from anxiety and depression through out my life. It seems to go in waves. My biggest struggle lately is social anxiety. I am fine on here but meeting new people in person forget it! I was having a bit of an anxiety attack the other day when meeting my friends I have not seen since last summer. I know it maybe silly to some but I don't know why I get like that. It makes it so tempting to just say forget it with all of this when it is bad.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

Like others have said, I log all my food on MFP and I have a fitbit that I check throughout the day. So far the eating right part of the equation has been very good. I've found a pretty good routine and the cravings haven't been bad.

I worry more about the exercise part. In January, I was waking up about an hour earlier to walk on the treadmill for 45min (while finally watching Breaking Bad). Every day that passes it is getting harder and harder to wake up early. Once I'm up and walking, I'm fine, but I worry about not sticking through with it and going back to sleep. It's easier when the weight is coming off, but at some point that is going to slow down some. Those 45 min get me about 5,000 steps, and I get another 5,000 at work teaching, and 5,000 more after work on the treadmill. I have a feeling at some point I'm going to have to start rewarding myself with waking up early... not sure what that will be (hopefully not food related).

I'm also worried about Sunday and how I do at the Super Bowl parties with all the food that will be available (and most of it not good). I'm about to hit my first goal of 20 lbs, and I don't want to ruin that Sunday... but I'm weak around pizza and buffalo chicken dips!

 

[courtneybeth]

how I do at the Super Bowl parties with all the food that will be available

I have a technique that I do.... bear with me and don't laugh.

What are you ultimately there to do at a Super Bowl party? Watch a football game. So the food is not part of that - eat before you go and bring your own snacks with you. No one will judge you. And remember, all of the food at those parties is poisoned and you'll die if you eat it. That's what I tell myself. If I eat something that someone brought into the break room at work... I will die because it's filled with poison or things I'm allergic to.

Yes, it's dramatic and hyperbole, but at the end of the day--- my waistline is not affected and I come out ahead!

 

[pjlla]

Question of the Day - February 2

Tools, Tips, Tricks... and Accountability.
Yesterday you set a goal for the month and began your journey. Today marks your first day of follow-through.
Wall-E is ready to hit the gym with his Hula Hoop. Are you ready to join him and continue your progress?​

Share with the group some of your tools, tips, and tricks for accountability.
How do you hold yourself accountable? Is this accomplished through:
Apps? Mobile Devices? Reward/Punishment systems? Something else?​

Accountability for food is pretty easy for me. I've been tracking since I re-started this journey on 1/2/2008 and haven't stopped yet.... I occasionally miss a day or two here or there and don't worry too much during vacations, but I track, track, track! And of course, along with tracking comes weighing/measuring portions. No sense in tracking if you don't know WHAT you are tracking! I do need to work (as always) on eating MORE earlier in the day because I often have too many SP left at the end of the day and my evening snacks add up to more SP than any of my meals! I know that isn't good for weight loss, even if I do stay within my daily SP target range. I KNOW if I have NOT tracked for a day.... or two... or MORE that it means that my eating has probably been off course (not always... sometimes it is just that I get too busy to stop and write).. and it is time to REIN things in!

Exercise is a different story. For some reason I went from SUPER motivated regular exerciser to non-exerciser very quickly a few years ago.... one day off turned into a week off turned into ..... well, you know. I thought I had it IN THE BAG.... I wasn't going to let the exercise habit fall away.... but sadly, I did. I went from a couch potato to a runner doing 6 miles/day 4 days a week back to a couch potato.... and I need to find a way to get back to regular exercise.

Even though it's the winter I'm on a huge smoothie kick. I had one yesterday that was banana, strawberry, mango, and peach, with a 100% juice orange peach mango juice and it was amazing. It kicked the sweet craving in the butt and was basically sunset color. Shakes/smoothies are awesome tools to get some extra nutrition in while kicking a craving in the butt. I even use it for chocolate cravings by blending some cherries, bananas, or raspberries in chocolate milk after a run. Though that's also because I don't really like chocolate milk lol.

A blender is a fit girls best friend.

I love smoothies too, but I'm always afraid of taking in excess calories in the form of fruit. Today's breakfast smoothie was 1 C almond/cashew milk, protein powder, baby spinach, 1/2 banana, 1/2 peach, 1 C frozen berries and it was SUPER good... but I hate having to count all that fruit because I blended it. Do you ever worry about that?

Hello all!

I've never participated in anything like this, but I'd like to give it a shot. I think sharing and hearing other stories will be helpful. My quick background is I played sports throughout high school and played football in college. Once I was done playing, my weight went up and up and I never did anything about it. Now I'm 40 and ready to change.

I started in January - I bought a fitbit, a treadmill, and changed my eating habits. Things have been going great and I lost 17 lbs in January. I've been averaging about 15,000 steps a day and my calorie intake is around 1500 a day.

My goal for Feb is to lose another 15. My ultimate goal is to lose 100 lbs. I already told my wife when I hit 100, we are going to Disney for a week with the kids to celebrate! I'm excited to come across these message boards.

SO happy to have you aboard! Welcome!! Disney with 100 pounds off your body will seem like a new place!!

Thanks for all the support everyone - you are so kind! I think I'm going to like this challenge!

QOTD: How do I hold myself accountable?

I wear a fitbit to track my steps everyday. Since July of last year, I have been vigilant about getting 10,000 steps a day (or more!). Sometimes it's 10,001 but I haven't missed a day in over 6 months. That's a streak that I just can't rationalize breaking at this piont!

Also, like many others, use My Fitness Pal.

As an aside, someone mentioned that people from here are friends on MFP. I've never done that before, but am game. My user name is wagnerpe123 if anyone would like to friend me.

I log all my foods, which is pretty easy most of the time because I've been logging for awhile and so most of what I eat is already in there. For family meals, I'm the cook, so it's easy for me to put recipes into MFP.

My 13 year old daughter has Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), which means that we are constantly counting carbs in our house so she can dose her insulin correctly. Since weighing and measuring are a mandatory thing for my daughter, there's no real stigma for me to do it, too. I avoided it for years because my attitude was "I HAVE to track hers and there's only so much room in my brain for things like that, so I won't do it for myself." BAD idea!

But, my tip to make mealtimes easier and to keep portions in mind is to use actual measuring cups for serving utensils (maybe everyone does this, I don't know). So, for example, we had corn as our veggie last night with dinner. I make a family size batch of corn, put it on the table in a serving dish, but instead of a spoon, I out a 1/2 cup measuring scoop in there. I can ask my daughter - how many scoops did you take (she's not limited like I am!) knowing that each scoop is 13 carbs for her insulin. That way I'm not out there with the food scale, but yet I know that I only took ONE serving of corn. I do the same with basically anything that can be scooped.

I also "pre-log" So today I know we are having turkey chili for dinner (it's already in the crock pot). I already logged all of my dinner so I have a better idea of what I can eat throughout the day and still stay on track.

Finally, I weigh myself almost daily (but not multiple times a day, that's over the top). I have an aria scale that auto syncs to my fitbit dashboard so there's no fudging the numbers. I think that's what holds me most accountable. I know that's not a good idea for everyone, but it seems to be working for me.

Looking forward to hearing everyone else's tips and stories! Have a great day 2!

Amazing job with getting 10,000 steps a day FOR SO LONG!! I too use the "measuring-cup-as-a-serving-spoon" trick sometimes and it works great... especially if there is more than one in the family that needs portion control for any reason. In fact, WW sells a beautiful set of serving spoons that are secretly measuring spoons! Your guests would never know!

I also do some "prelogging" like you do... it works great! I usually track my breakfast as I eat it, my lunch for the day at work when I pack it, and sometimes my dinner if I already know what we are having and the portion. But sometimes I just track the ITEM for dinner, but not the portion because I don't always know how hungry I will be.

Good Afternoon everyone. I said I would get back to you yesterday but life got in the way.

My name is Dona. I used to be on these challenges quite a bit but have fallen by the wayside the last few years.

I turned 60 last May and a month later I retired from teaching. I had taught in the same school for 38 years. I was teaching Advanced Placement Calculus for my last 15 years. By a stroke of luck I got a job as an adjunct professor in the college that is in my town. This is something that I have always wanted to do but never had the time. I am teaching 2 classes. I have to go in 3 days early in the morning (which I love) and the rest of the week is free.

I have been married for 37 years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons. Ds1 is 30 and is getting married in Aug and ds2 is 25 and is getting married April 2017. We are in wedding mode in the house. My one niece got married in Dec, her sister is engaged and hasn't set a date and my dh's nephew is getting married in June(unfortunately in Wichita Kansas so no real vacation this year.). I am in the process of making my sons and my nieces a quilt for their wedding present.

I am now at my highest weight and I am not happy about it. I am working to getting into eating better, counting calories and getting in more exercise.

My goals for this month
1. Check in here each day and answer the QOTD
2. Record all my food into Sparkpeople
3. Try to get to 8000 steps at least 3 days a week. More if I can fit it in.

This month is going to be a challenge. I am working, quilting and costuming Music Man for the local high school. I am at a point with the group producing the show that I am now getting paid for my costume work. We start fittings tonight. I am so happy to be doing this show. It has always been one of my favorites for years. It is also the first musical dh and I ever saw together.

Off to get a review sheet written up for tomorrow's class, walk the dog, get lunch, decide on dinner and then do some quilting.

Have a happy and healthy day.

WELCOME BACK!! Happy you are checking here with us again! Congrats on the adjunct position and on the upcoming family nuptials! Are you ready to be a "mother-in-law"?

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Hi friends!! Here at work with just a few more minutes to be able to chat while the kiddos are at computer class. After this I won't be back on until tomorrow because it is WW night for me. I like tonight's topic.... TREATS!! We are talking about how to incorporate treats into your HEALTHIER eating plan. I can definitely get behind a conversation about yummy stuff, new treat ideas, and how to work it in regularly! Hope my members can too!

Thinking about a fitness monitor, but I've gotta say this up front...... I've been given 3 of them by my employer and never fully utilized ANY of them. I got the original ActiveLink when I started with WW and used it sporatically at first and then not at all. Then I got the new and improved ActiveLink 2.0 and (whispering here....) never took it out of the package. Then I was given a FitBit when we started carrying those early last year. I intended to figure it out and wear it but I never did and I finally just gave it to DD.

But I think I need SOMETHING to get me moving and keep me motivated. I can buy a Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One, or Fitbit Charge HR at a slightly reduced rate because I sell them. So I'm contemplating it. I think it would be fun to get into a competition with DD and other family members and since I'm pretty competitive, it may be something that finally gets me moving REGULARLY!! How do you all like your Fitbits, Garmins, etc??? Any suggestions of one over the other? Thanks..................................P

 

[Dr Gunnie]

I have a technique that I do.... bear with me and don't laugh.

What are you ultimately there to do at a Super Bowl party? Watch a football game. So the food is not part of that - eat before you go and bring your own snacks with you. No one will judge you. And remember, all of the food at those parties is poisoned and you'll die if you eat it. That's what I tell myself. If I eat something that someone brought into the break room at work... I will die because it's filled with poison or things I'm allergic to.

Yes, it's dramatic and hyperbole, but at the end of the day--- my waistline is not affected and I come out ahead!

I like the poison idea - that sounds like a technique that might work for me. As long as the food isn't near me while watching the game I should be ok. The key is to find a spot away from food, but still be able to watch/talk to others!

 

[pinklmaonade]

I like the poison idea - that sounds like a technique that might work for me. As long as the food isn't near me while watching the game I should be ok. The key is to find a spot away from food, but still be able to watch/talk to others!

really though, it IS poison! it's no different than eating a crayon* - none of it is real food. Doritos are not real, just chemicals!

*i know crayons are non-toxic, but you get the point. picture yourself eating an orange crayon because that's basically what a dorito is.