Sebastian's STRONG and SVELTE Under the Sea September W.I.S.H. Weight Loss Challenge - All Welcome!

[PTownGirls]

Just a word about chocolate. I have bought two bars of the darkest chocolate I could find that is still tasty...about 85%. This is a tough one. I began by eating one square with almond butter and a graham cracker. It really is a good snack....but then I would eat four squares and then eight. So, unfortunately I had to remove this snack from my acceptable snack list unless I can limit it to one. For now....it's sitting in my fridge...unopened.

I have 2 squares of dark chocolate almost every night and its a crazy ritual. I break off the 2 pieces, put the bar away and then walk out of the kitchen into another room. I slowly take small bites of the chocolate and try to mindfully enjoy every bit of it. Despite alot of training I cant tell you how many times I think to myself that another square or two wont hurt. Thank goodness , most nights I remind myself that 2 more squares could ruin everything because then my self control is sabotaged. It always amazes me that my head never gets tired of the bargaining game. I hope you can eventually go back to having a bit of chocolate and graham cracker because that little bit of sweet sometimes keeps you satisfied. Good Luck.

 

[DisPup75]

Holy mother of batman! You've all been so chatty today!! LOVE it!!!

Another week into September! I'm traveling today so can't weigh in till tomorrow morning. I've increased my calories this week so don't expect to lose as much as I had been but I'm also working out and I was really eating well under the recommended 1200 calorie diet. So...I do need to still lose but it will be slower...we shall see after weigh in! So as long as I lose something I'm okay...but if the scale did not move I will push back on the calories. My metabolism isn't as good as my younger days so it's harder to lose. I'm hoping the gym will get it working a bit better. I also think raising the caloriies is a good transition to maintaining as I believe maintaining may be just as challenging as losing. I've been thinking about the use of olive oil in my salads. The mederteranian diet studies show good health results from people who have a life long diet which includes olive oil. It does up the calories quite a bit...but I did buy two small sample bottles to mix with balsamic vinegar. I'm not ready to use it yet but I have it on standby! Everyone enjoy your Monday! We are halfway there!

There seems to be such a balance between keeping your calories low enough to lose but high enough to keep all systems running smoothly. Well under 1200 sounds like it would be really hard to sustain. An increase in calories would probably be good for your health and your mental energy, even if it does make the losses smaller.

Also, I really like olive oil. I get really hungry if I don't get enough fat. Looking back at my tracker, almost all of my best days have involved either pretty substantial amounts of avocado or a healthy drizzle of olive oil on something.

Hope you had a great day!

Ooh this is something I am really working on. I am totally someone who rewards myself with food. It was how I was brought up. "Oh you are (sad, happy, proud, got a good grade, mad at your brother, etc.) have a cookie, or better yet, have ice cream and an oreo." I was genetically lucky, I was a naturally skinny kid and even teenager. I could eat a silly amount of junk food my family always had around and stay skinny. Unfortunately that changed starting in my early 20s and has gotten worse over time. So now, I totally reach for chocolate whenever I am feeling down or frustrated, and usually ice cream when I am feeling celebratory. But, it puts the pounds on quick. I have struggled to come up with a plan for better rewards. When the weight came off fast in the beginning, 5 years ago, dropping sizes was enough a lot of the time. But then, once I'd hit so close to my goal, I stopped changing sizes. I don't expect to change sizes even if I hit my ultimate goal, maybe one size at certain stores that use vanity sizing.

I am struggling to figure out what else to reward myself with. I look forward to seeing other people's answers, maybe one will inspire me.

Your story mirrors so much of my own - food rewards from early childhood, naturally skinny as a kid and teen complete with ridiculous amounts of junk food. And then the 20s hit!

One thing I know I want to do once I hit ultimate goal is to find a good tailor. I don't just want new clothes. I want clothes that fit me exactly right!

My story is very similar to yours. And as you will see in another of my posts, I do reward myself with clothes shopping. But...one of the ways I reward myself with treats is to figure out how to alter recipes. Last thanksgiving I made a pumpkin pie with stevia and no crust. I eat yogurt with berries with go lean crisp with 3 m&m's for a dessert. When I'm traveling, I'll keep a chocolate protein bar handy and eat a half. Another safe treat...rice cake with cream cheese and a touch of jelly. It can be fun to figure out low calorie, healthy snacks. And...I'm always prepared when I know I'll be out.

The rice cakes with cream cheese and a touch of jelly sound delicious!

I am looking forward to having new smaller, clothes soon. I'm just about to the smallest size I have at hand right now. I'm pretty nice to myself already so I don't have any specific rewards except enjoying the way that I feel.



I've been doing personal coaching since it started at the first of the year. I'm also a meetings member. I have two coaches right now. One is a leader from Indiana and the other is my own leader who I added for face to face accountability and because she is an AWESOME leader. Click to chat is great tool for that yikes moment but personal coaching is much more personal because you talk to the same person each week. You get an unlimited number of 15 minutes one-on-one with a coach each week. You could have a 15 minute session with a coach every day if you wanted. But that would be hard.

I spread my coaching out. For example today I have a back to back call with one coach -- two 15 minute calls in a row. Because sometimes you need some extra time and 15 minutes can go fast. Then on Thursday I have my meeting and a coaching call with my leader. The big benefit to coaching for me is the one-on-one time coming up with action plan items that work for you and not tied to the action plan item relating to the meeting. For example, my action plan items for my coach today are: 1)I will eat 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (this is harder for me than it sounds). 2) I will monitor my portions with weighing and measuring to ensure my points plus values are accurate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For my leader my action items are: 1) I will pack my lunch for work on Monday and Tuesday. 2) I will shop for and continue my plan B back up meals for grazing or tired days on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 3) I will spend 5 min a day reflecting on how my day on plan went on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Added: Also your coach sends messages during the week -- Sundays are hard days for me and I always get a couple of messages. Or if I am doing a race I get messages. You can also message your coach anytime between calls. It's not an instant reply like click to chat but it will be someone who knows you and what you are working on.

At least half the weight I've lost this year is attributable to personal coaching because now I work the plan, instead of simply following it. It helps me to really work on those healthy habits that I know I need to do but don't always if left to myself. I would consider trying it for the four months and seeing how you like it since the price is what you were expecting to pay for meetings. You can read posts by other folks who do coaching on the WW boards -- click all so you can see the posts going back or PM me if you have any questions. Personal coaching to me is one of the best tools that WW has given its members and something that really makes their offerings stand out.

This is probably more information than you were expecting . . .

Thank you so much for all of this info on coaching. I was all set to stick with just meetings and then I read this. It may show just how suggestable I really am but I just signed up for the 4 month package - complete with coaching! First meeting is tomorrow at 7:00 AM and I've got a coaching call scheduled for Thursday. The assessment threw me for a bit of a loop but I'm really looking forward to trying out the whole program! I'll just pretend it is the Disney Platinum Plan!

We are BOTH so close!!! I think this will be the week for both of us. Let's do it!! I'll push you if you push me! I was down to 201.2 this morning, so another .6 from yesterday. I have a hard time getting in a lot of water on the weekends because I get so busy and I just forget to hydrate, so hopefully I'll be able to refuel this week and that will help some. Fingers crossed!



I am TOTALLY a "Reward myself with food" person, but I am trying really hard to transition away from that. "You lost 2lbs! That makes it totally ok to have cake today!", "You had a really healthy breakfast and lunch, so let's have something really yummy and bad for dinner!", etc. I'm trying to transition into rewarding myself with clothes and other little goodies (accessories, crafts and home decor, etc.) every so often. I think manicures might be my new reward, if I can ever get to the point where they last. I really like my nails being painted, but I constantly pick at my nails/cuticles without even thinking about it (it's a major OCD/anxiety thing... They're very easy to fidget with without being incredibly obvious, which gives an outlet for anxiety, and OCD makes you need things to be perfect, so when I can see/feel unevenness or something in the nail polish or in my cuticles, I try to fix it, but generally end up making it worse... I don't have full blown OCD or even anything severe, but when I get stressed out, it definitely gets worse)... Friday my manicure only lasted 12 hours. But that's longer than my nail polish usually lasts, so that's something.



Be sure that you aren't keeping your calories too low... 1200 isn't a sustainable daily caloric intake, so if you've been there a while, your body has gotten used to that deprivation and may very well be in or entering starvation mode, especially if you're increasing your activity levels and not adjusting your caloric intake to match. If you aren't seeing the scale move at 1200 calories, definitely don't cut back. You may need to increase to 1500-1800 to see some progress.

As an unrepentant nail biter, manicures are totally off limits to me. I just see the paint as an invitation to chew.

I think you are going to see that magic 1XX before the week is out! I'm so excited for you!!!

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all! I'm a late joiner as we just got home from two weeks of a fabulous vacation, Alaskan cruise on the wonder and 4 days In Seattle. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we were very fortunate. The food was also excellent and plentiful! I haven't even stepped on the scale since I've been home, I figured I give myself Monday through Friday of this week to get back on track and face the music Friday morning.

Quick intro for those who don't know me, I'm Molli, A long time WISHer and thankful for the accountability of these monthly threads. I need it now more than ever, the summer was a bit of a wash and I dread that I've gained some of the weight I lost back. Then add in vacation. After a three-year health struggle, I have Addison's disease and replace multiple hormones. It's a roller coaster ride of water retention, intestinal woes, steroid replacement and much more fun LOL. I am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. i am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. Initially I had Cushing's disease, which packed on an additional 55 pounds, I have lost about 30 of it. But after seeing some of the vacation photos I'm realizing that in my mind I was a bit thinner than I in reality am. I really want to get the extra last bit of this off.

Post vacation days are always a struggle for me, as the extra activity and traveling require me to stress dose with my steroids. Now I'm weaning back to normal dose which makes me feel like crap, along with adjusting back to regular eating which I'm starting today. So I'm forcing myself to Pilates, even though it's a light workout it's a step. Also I'm back on MFP. The next two months I have overextended myself with commitments, but I am also committing to checking into this thread more routinely I need the accountability.

Welcome back! That sounds like a marvelous, relaxing vacation!!

We are pleased to have you back with us - it sounds like you've had quite the roller coaster journey.

I have low blood sugar issues as well..... they don't crop up as often as they did in my 20's, but still occasionally. I actually get light-headed and very nauseaous..... feeling like I was run over by a truck. Usually just a bit of natural sugar helps a LOT..... a few ounces of juice, a piece of sweet fruit (orange or banana) and a few minutes to digest and I feel right as rain! Hope you are feeling BETTER!



Congrats on the progress and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Remember... the biggest GIFT you can give yourself is the gift of good health.... so a small indulgence without going crazy and a good number on the scale next week should be a birthday goal!




So jealous! When do you leave?



Some of us would HAPPILY take a pound..... so be PROUD and DELIGHTED! Congrats!



We always eat breakfast in the room when we travel (Disney and otherwise). It makes the morning go faster, it is FAAARRR cheaper, and I find it keeps me in the healthy OP mind-set to start the day with an ON PLAN breakfast! Good for you!



I've never really set up a reward system for myself..... being at a healthy weight and not being constantly P*SSED off at myself and frustrated with myself and DISGUSTED with myself (yes, I felt ALL of that) is reward enough!! That being said, I definitely own more clothes than I did 90 pounds ago!!



Healthy oils are my downfall as well.... I KNOW I need more fat in my diet overall.... and of COURSE it should be healthy fat.... but unfortunately I was developing my "diet' patterns in the late 1980's and forward.... and the whole LOW FAT craze was in high gear! I am, admittedly, very FAT-PHOBIC. Using your healthy fats for salad dressing is actually the ideal way to use it! YOu can ENJOY the taste! I would NEVER add EVOO to a dish just to sautee just for the sake of adding the fat because I wouldn't really get to enjoy it! If I eat fat I want to TASTE it and ENJOY it.... hence I eat avocados a few times a week, use LIGHT dressings instead of fat-free, and dress some of my asian-style dishes with toasted sesame oil (adds a TON of taste and fragrance).



Set little goals, like our monthly challenges here! It can be overwhelming to look at the BIG PICTURE. You wouldn't eat an elephant in two bites, right?? You would take lots of little bites along the way, concentrating on small sections. So how about just concentrating on getting into ONEderland for now!?? Then take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn't, what needs to change to keep going and then take a day to CELEBRATE how far you have come before dashing off on to the next mini-goal.




I love taking recipes and changing them up to be lower in calories and healthier (and for me, it also usually means lower fat and often lower carbs).

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Morning all! I got a call from school today asking me to work tomorrow and then 9/23 - 10/8, which brings me almost right up to my Bermuda departure date, so I have today (and possibly a few other days) to get this house in order and meals cooked and frozen for the men before I am BERMUDA BOUND!

In an effort to make sure that my week is SPOT ON, I am making up a little "checklist" to add to my daily food tracker. I will be putting a water checklist, a healthy fats checklist , a fruit check list (trying to keep my portions to just 3 a day), and a protein checklist (I know I don't usually get enough). I am really motivated by CHECKING THINGS OFF on a list (LOVE a good to-do list!!), so hopefully this will help me stay RIGHT ON TRACK this week.... not that I've been bad, but I know I could be just a BIT better! I'm gonna make it pretty too.... that always helps!

And today I WILL WALK!!!!!! Even if it is just 15 minutes.... NO EXCUSES!!

TTYL......................P

I just might eat an elephant in two bites!!

Also, the checklist looks great!!

I don't reward myself a ton because I maintain the motivation just by seeing and feeling the difference. Plus, when I lose enough to go down a size I see getting new clothes as a "need" rather than a reward. I do plan to reward myself with some Sparkle Skirts and other running gear when I've hit my goal.

_______

As an update, I did survive the 10K. It was so overwhelming to complete 6.2 miles that I cried as I crossed the finish line, especially when I realized what the time was (I finished in 1:25:31.8 and my goal was to finish it in 1:30!). The medal was bigger than my palm and it was awesome! I'm so glad that I decided to do it because now I know that I can. However, I'm soooooo so sore this morning. My legs of course and then also my core. And yesterday I felt pretty miserable. So I think I'll be saving future 10K races until I'm really fully trained and have built up the endurance to run them!

As a side note my DH finished before I did but when I rounded the corner and saw Mile Marker 6 there he was waiting for me! It was just the pick me up I needed and he ran in the last .2 miles with me. I think I'll keep him!

Congratulations on the 10K. That is a huge accomplishment!

QOTD:

I don't have any specific rewards. If I set up a reward beforehand I just get frustrated if I don't reach it. So, just seeing a lower number on the scale is enough of a reward for me that way. But, one thing I sometimes use as a "I have been so good, I want to treat myself to something nice" reward is to get a silly magazine and sit on my sofa with a lovely cup of tea for half an hour and read the magazine. It does not break the bank (clothes shopping would be great, too, but it can get very pricey!) and gives me the feeling of doing something special.



Great to see you back!! And I know all about not wanting to step on the scale after vacation!

Tea and magazines sound like a marvelous reward!!d

Rewards are the motivation that keep me going! I've been doing these as milestones, such as I wanted to break 175 by my birthday and I'm 3.5 pounds below that already and my b-day isn't until Friday. But really it's just keeping up the positivity and doing little things as I go. Knowing that I can splurge at Disneyland when I go but within reason. Have a chicken caesar salad for dinner and stay within my WW points for the week and I can have that cake pop because I've lost another 1-2 pounds.



Game on. We got this. BIG WEIGH-INS COMING THIS WEEK.



The sparkle skirts are super cute. Where are you thinking of buying yours?

I'm so jealous of your weekly access to Disneyland! Although I would struggle with the little red wagon corn dogs being so easily available.

It varies. The reward (both for myself and my DW2B) for losing my first 25 lbs. was shaving my beard off. I had used the beard as a cover because my face had gotten fat and bloated. I occasionally use getting a new suit or a new pair of shoes as a reward for reaching my goals. I do still use food as a reward, but not always in a bad way. I've set a reward goal for when I finally squat my bodyweight (which will be a few months) of going and eating a good steak dinner. I'm talking $40+ steak, and a good glass of scotch. So, not completely unhealthy food, but still something I wouldn't buy myself every day. The other reward I like is looking at a slimmer me and actually have muscular (not just big) legs and arms.

I now really want to grow a beard so I can shave it off as a reward! Too bad that my hormones are unlikely to let that happen.

Just a word about chocolate. I have bought two bars of the darkest chocolate I could find that is still tasty...about 85%. This is a tough one. I began by eating one square with almond butter and a graham cracker. It really is a good snack....but then I would eat four squares and then eight. So, unfortunately I had to remove this snack from my acceptable snack list unless I can limit it to one. For now....it's sitting in my fridge...unopened.

One of my greatest blessings in this weight loss battle is that I am one of the few people in the word who doesn't really love chocolate. One square is a really great sweet snack but then I truly want nothing more to do with it.

 

[CruisingKate]

This thread is so inspirational; sharing this goal of healthy living and setting goals and a plan are helping me remain committed to losing weight.

I don't generally reward myself - the reward is feeling better and seeing the numbers on the scale go down. But I do plan to buy new clothes when I drop a jeans size; looking forward to that!

 

[courtneybeth]

This thread is so inspirational; sharing this goal of healthy living and setting goals and a plan are helping me remain committed to losing weight.

I feel the same way. I feel like I am able to succeed because of all the nice people in this thread and I am getting joy from their joy. Knowing that someone will make their goal this week motivates me to want to do better. I am so excited for everyone's progress. It's like a little bubble of positivity and pixie dust.

I'm so jealous of your weekly access to Disneyland! Although I would struggle with the little red wagon corn dogs being so easily available.

The hardest part is walking past the treat counter and knowing that I have to "be good". So many things look delicious that it's all about moderation.

The Halloween treats are out right now and I'm dying from the adorable deliciousness. All of them are cute, from the cake pops to candy apples. This year Disneyland is making Sugar Skulls Krispy Treats for Dia De Los Muertos. I want to eat both but realize that would hinder my progress. So i took pics so it could last longer

 

[MouseketeerKelsey]

Hi guys, is it too late to join it? I know it is half way through the month but I just found this and I think it is amazing! If it is too late no worries, I'll just lurk until next month!

 

[DisPup75]

So it's 5:45, I'm out of the shower, and halfway through my tea. About to head for the train and WW meeting number one. I knew I would have to get up early for this. I didn't expect it to be dark!

This thread is so inspirational; sharing this goal of healthy living and setting goals and a plan are helping me remain committed to losing weight.

I don't generally reward myself - the reward is feeling better and seeing the numbers on the scale go down. But I do plan to buy new clothes when I drop a jeans size; looking forward to that!

And we are glad you're here! This group is rapidly turning into my rock!

I feel the same way. I feel like I am able to succeed because of all the nice people in this thread and I am getting joy from their joy. Knowing that someone will make their goal this week motivates me to want to do better. I am so excited for everyone's progress. It's like a little bubble of positivity and pixie dust.

Bubbles of positivity and pixie dust for all shall be my new mantra!

The Halloween treats are out right now and I'm dying from the adorable deliciousness. All of them are cute, from the cake pops to candy apples. This year Disneyland is making Sugar Skulls Krispy Treats for Dia De Los Muertos. I want to eat both but realize that would hinder my progress. So i took pics so it could last longer

Those are too adorable to eat! I think the only special treats I tried during my 2013 Halloween Time trip were the pumpkin beignets. Lots of stuff was wanted but my regular, needed treats came first. Look at that - I do have control!

Hi guys, is it too late to join it? I know it is half way through the month but I just found this and I think it is amazing! If it is too late no worries, I'll just lurk until next month!

Welcome!!!! The more merrier and half a month is better than no month at all. Just post your goal for the rest of the month, your plan to get there, and join in with chatting, responding to our questions of the day, and in any other way you want!! We are so glad you found us!

 

[DisPup75]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

 

[MouseketeerKelsey]

Welcome!!!! The more merrier and half a month is better than no month at all. Just post your goal for the rest of the month, your plan to get there, and join in with chatting, responding to our questions of the day, and in any other way you want!! We are so glad you found us!

Yay! My goal for this month is 10 pounds. I weighed myself 9/1/15 and then haven't again because I have been scared, but I am going to today! I am so excited that I found you guys, having a place to hold myself accountable is so important for me!

I am planning on going to the gym today for the first time in years. I used to love it before I had some health problems and now I want to get back into it because I enjoyed it so much and it was healthy. I guess we will see how it goes!

 

[Flossbolna]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

Maggie, first of all I wanted to say that you are doing such a great job with the thread this month!

I had a bit of a disappointment today on the scale as it moved up a little since the weekend. I guess just my usual fluctuation. I am still down from my start weight, but would have been nice, if I just kept going down every day...

I also am struggling a bit with my eating. The weekend was not that good eatingwise (but I had lots of activity, so according to my fitbit still had a 500 calorie deficit).

One of my plans for the rest of the month is to try to eat more varied meals. I tend to eat the same things over and over again. I have started to look for recipes, but I am actually quite a picky eater in many ways and find it difficult to find good ones. So, if anyone has any recipe websites/blogs that you can recommend, I would appreciate links to them!

Yay! My goal for this month is 10 pounds. I weighed myself 9/1/15 and then haven't again because I have been scared, but I am going to today! I am so excited that I found you guys, having a place to hold myself accountable is so important for me!

I am planning on going to the gym today for the first time in years. I used to love it before I had some health problems and now I want to get back into it because I enjoyed it so much and it was healthy. I guess we will see how it goes!

Good luck with going back to the gym! If you loved it in the past, you are bound to enjoy it again!

 

[pjlla]

Hi guys, is it too late to join it? I know it is half way through the month but I just found this and I think it is amazing! If it is too late no worries, I'll just lurk until next month!

WELCOME ABOARD!! Take a minute to introduce yourself! We'd love to know a bit more about you!

So it's 5:45, I'm out of the shower, and halfway through my tea. About to head for the train and WW meeting number one. I knew I would have to get up early for this. I didn't expect it to be dark!

GOOD FOR YOU!! I hope you have a GREAT meeting!!

Welcome!!!! The more merrier and half a month is better than no month at all. Just post your goal for the rest of the month, your plan to get there, and join in with chatting, responding to our questions of the day, and in any other way you want!! We are so glad you found us!

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

The good..... I am close to hitting 50% of my monthly goal, so technically I am right on track. Eating has been good. The bad.... scale isn't moving like I want it to.... and the ugly.... I am STILL not exercising like I should, like I have in the past. I KNOW I've got it in me, I KNOW it works, I KNOW it is important.... but my exercise motivation is nil.

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Morning all! Just a moment to say hello before I dash off for my double work day! Hope you all are GREAT and enjoying September! It is FLYING past at great speed for me!

Off to be sure my sneakers are in my work bag..... I'm subbing Kindergarten, so I should have a long enough break between morning and afternoon sessions to get in a good healthy walk if it isn't crazy hot and humid!

Probably won't be able to pop on again until tomorrow! See you then....................P

 

[JacknSally]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

Halfway through.... OHHH MYYY GOOODDDNNEESSSSSSS. Where is the month going?!

I will not even pretend to lie to you guys. I have not done one. single. thing. that I set out to do this month. We have eaten out SO MUCH it's ridiculous. I haven't done a single lick of exercise. I'm lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night. Haha. I don't know how I've lost the weight that I have. I'm definitely grateful, but I also know that 1) I'm super likely to see that I've lost weight being awful, so I might as well just keep on being awful and 2) I keep kicking myself thinking how much more weight I could have possibly lost by now if I weren't being awful. I just don't know how to fit in the time to cook or exercise. There is so much on my must-do list and I have barely touched it. We are in NO way prepared for the yard sale Saturday, and now I'm kind of worried it's just going to be a big waste of time because we don't have anything to put in it - which I hate, because I know half the things in my house need to go, seeing as most of them are still in boxes! Our wedding/Disney countdown hit the 30's today (39!) so basically my full blown panic attack should start any minute now I really really really want to tell you all that starting today, I'm going to be really good and stick to my diet and exercise a ton for the rest of the month... But I just don't know that I'll be able to do it! And I want to so badly! Weighed in at 201.6 today, which is up a little from the 201.2 yesterday, and down a little from the 201.8 Sunday. Not at all stressed about that, as I know weight fluctuates all the time. But I'm tired of hovering just above that 199 mark. It's SOOOO CLOSEEEEEE. But I also can't be frustrated with myself when I know I haven't really done what I should. Sigh.

@DisPup75 you are doing an AMAZING job with this thread! I'm a little intimidated to start October now LOL. You make it look so easy! I second the daily dose of pixie dust sentiment - this thread has been such a lifesaver, if for no other reason than I know I've got a group of positive friends that I can come and chat with/vent to/struggle with any time I need to. Thank you all for that! It has definitely been needed. I for sure plan to stick with these threads long past October, as I've got big fitness life-goals beyond just fitting into a dress for a day.

39 days & 6.6lbs to go. That's 0.16lbs every day, which sounds amazingly doable. Now I just need someone to make me do it!

 

[lisah0711]

Thank you so much for all of this info on coaching. I was all set to stick with just meetings and then I read this. It may show just how suggestable I really am but I just signed up for the 4 month package - complete with coaching! First meeting is tomorrow at 7:00 AM and I've got a coaching call scheduled for Thursday. The assessment threw me for a bit of a loop but I'm really looking forward to trying out the whole program! I'll just pretend it is the Disney Platinum Plan!

I hope you enjoy your meeting this morning, Maggie. And your coaching -- I told myself that I was going to use every tool available to me to get to my goal once and for all so that is why I took advantage of it. Don't be scared to try out other coaches if you don't click with the one that you picked. Also sometimes the system has technical problems so don't be offended if you don't get a call. I'll be interested to hear what you think and what your action plan is this week.

Sorry the scale moved a bit in the wrong direction, Magdalene. You are working hard so surely it will swing back the direction where it is supposed to soon.

@MousekateerKelsey

Welcome home, Molli! Looks like you had a fabulous time on your vacation and you look smashing!

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

Woo hoo! I'm almost to half way right now so I feel that I am on track to meet my goal. My scale has said the same thing for six days in a row -- a new record for me because usually my daily weights fluctuate quite a bit. I just had five weeks in a row of losses so it may just be an adjustment. Going to keep on keeping on and see if things start moving again.

 

[ThistleMae]

Hi guys, is it too late to join it? I know it is half way through the month but I just found this and I think it is amazing! If it is too late no worries, I'll just lurk until next month!

Any time is a good time! It's so great to have all the support. I look at this thread everyday for inspiration. Welcome!

 

[ThistleMae]

I hope you enjoy your meeting this morning, Maggie. And your coaching -- I told myself that I was going to use every tool available to me to get to my goal once and for all so that is why I took advantage of it. Don't be scared to try out other coaches if you don't click with the one that you picked. Also sometimes the system has technical problems so don't be offended if you don't get a call. I'll be interested to hear what you think and what your action plan is this week.

Sorry the scale moved a bit in the wrong direction, Magdalene. You are working hard so surely it will swing back the direction where it is supposed to soon.

@MousekateerKelsey

Welcome home, Molli! Looks like you had a fabulous time on your vacation and you look smashing!




Woo hoo! I'm almost to half way right now so I feel that I am on track to meet my goal. My scale has said the same thing for six days in a row -- a new record for me because usually my daily weights fluctuate quite a bit. I just had five weeks in a row of losses so it may just be an adjustment. Going to keep on keeping on and see if things start moving again.

 

[ThistleMae]

Reporting today for last week...sorry...I was away for the weekend. I have lost 2.8 pounds so far for the month. My goal is 4 pounds this month because I've increased my calories. I find I'm much less hungry and am accepting a slower weight loss. But....I'm cruising in two weeks and haven't yet made my plan for food. I go to Disney World in November and I've already decided on my food plan for that trip. I have to work on a plan for the cruise, one that is realistic and doesn't make me feel so deprived that my trip is less exciting. I don't want to be up the weight I lost this month but I think it is unrealistic to believe I can maintain.

 

[dsnyfn1022]

The sparkle skirts are super cute. Where are you thinking of buying yours?

They're so cute and I've been eyeing them for months now but I don't want to bite the bullet and spend $70 on a skirt that I'll *hopefully* lose too much weight to wear. So that's why I'm holding off. I'm looking at sparkleskirts . com because I like their tech skirts that have so many pockets and have the shorts sewn in. Are there other places I should be looking?

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

I'm a little nervous about hitting my weight loss goal for the month. It can be so unpredictable that I might lose 4 pounds one month and 8 pounds the next. Without me really doing anything different. So I'm just going to keep swimming with my current plan. The good thing is that my workout regimen has actually been working out really well. I've been able to go at least 4 if not 5 out of the 7 days in a week so I'll definitely maintain that. The bad news this week is that I didn't get my workout in yesterday because my body is so dang sore! And today I have choir rehearsal straight from work so I won't be working out then either. But I'll be back at the gym tomorrow!

 

[DisPup75]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

Hmmm. I wrote today's question and I don't even know how to answer it. Things aren't going all that well for me and I'm making some big changes as a result.

The great news is that today marks my 3 month tracking anniversary - every bite of food, every step, every biceps curl - has been logged since June 15th and I consider that both on plan and huge.

The good news is that I've regained the control I seemed to have lost in August. My eating habits have normalized. I'm not so fixated on salt and sugar.

The bad news is that while I've gotten pretty good at maintaining, I'm not really losing.

The ugly news is that I'm still not working out. Thanks to public transportation and the always up for a walk Lexi, my step count is high. But I need more. The muscles must become stronger.

So I'm not changing my goals but I am changing my plan. Enter Weight Watchers. Again. I'm not super comfortable with this decision but something needs to change. I'm going to give it my all for four months - meetings, coaching, e-tools, the works - and see what happens. The meeting I went to this morning was GREAT and alleviated at least a few of the concerns I had leftover from my last WW experience. And I am going to continue to co-track on MFP to see if that makes me feel better about the what-am-I-eating side of this.

So.... Onward!

 

[courtneybeth]

So it's 5:45, I'm out of the shower, and halfway through my tea. About to head for the train and WW meeting number one. I knew I would have to get up early for this. I didn't expect it to be dark

You've got this! The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is a journey and today you're taking that first step.

I had a bit of a disappointment today on the scale as it moved up a little since the weekend. I guess just my usual fluctuation. I am still down from my start weight, but would have been nice, if I just kept going down every day...

Have you tried to weigh yourself once per week instead of daily? It will keep the disappointment down and you can see more progress with one weigh-in... you're going to fluctuate daily so don't put extra pressure on yourself! Do what works best for you and don't let that scale tell you how to feel. You're in the midst of a process and you'll fluctuate based on water intake, if you've pooped, or other things. It's crazy how the body changes in just an hour!

Now I just need someone to make me do it!

Your wedding is getting so close - don't panic! Make sure you ~breathe~. Take some "you time" and go for a walk for 10 minutes when you feel frustrated. That'll not only calm you down but get in some extra steps. Ask for help. Focus on one task at a time. You got this.

They're so cute and I've been eyeing them for months now but I don't want to bite the bullet and spend $70 on a skirt that I'll *hopefully* lose too much weight to wear. So that's why I'm holding off. I'm looking at sparkleskirts . com because I like their tech skirts that have so many pockets and have the shorts sewn in. Are there other places I should be looking?

I've looked probably at the same sites you have. The $70 price is a deterrent but I wasn't sure if they'll be cheaper onsite at the race. Etsy has some but I don't think the quality is up there with the other sites. Bummer.

 

[courtneybeth]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

How the heck did we get here already? Yikes! I'm not doing as well as I had hoped - an 8 pound goal is ambitious in the midst of all the craziness I experienced the first week of this month. I have to put things into perspective and remember that this is a process. It is not a race. It is a journey and I am learning about myself, my limitations, and my perseverance.

The weather has proven to be a bear this month so I haven't had that much opportunity to walk or run just yet. We've now gone from 100 degree weather to a humid rainstorm this morning --- that limits the activities I feel comfortable with.

Starting on 9/20 I will do my first day of Couch to 10K. No more excuses. No waiting for my husband to feel like he's ready to begin. As with WW, this is my journey and I have to do what is best for me. I can't just wait for him to be ready or I'll never get around to it. (Unless it's really hot or raining, then yeah, it's not happening )

 

[DVCFan1994]

QOTD - September 15

It's official!!! We are halfway through the September challenge. Pause for a moment and give yourself the big woo hoos! Woohoo!

How are things going? Are the goals and plans you set up at the beginning of the month working or do you need to make some changes? Tell us about the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And most important of all, how are you going to finish strong?

Things are not going as well as I would like. I know what the problem is (too many calories) but I just don't seem to have the energy to really tackle it. When I cut back to MFP's levels I feel sluggish on runs. If I eat enough that I feel energized, I do not lose weight. I know I have run healthily before on fewer calories. Not sure what the problem is. For instance, I had gained a little extra last year at the holidays. For January and the first half of February I was super consistent with staying within about 50 calories +/- of MFP recommendation. I was at peak training levels, meaning exercising an hour plus 5-6 times a week with a long run every weekend. I had cut calories using MFP to lose 1.5 pounds a week and I felt good. Not sluggish, not starving, not deprived. I am just not feeling that this time. So I am really struggling with what to do. I don't know if I am making excuses, or if there is something to it. The one pound loss I saw on Sunday is back again. I fluctuate a lot, so I am not freaking out, I will worry more if it is still there on Friday.

So, the good, my exercise has really been consistent. I also joined the September exercise challenge and I set a goal of 1200 minutes for the month. We are halfway through the month, but I am more than 3/4 of the way to my goal.

The ugly, I am just feeling hungry all the time. Things are a normal level of stress here, so I don't think I am stress eating. Aside from labor day I haven't had celebrations that had me eating extras I normally wouldn't. So, I guess I am just going to have to wait and see what happens and keep trying.

The big maybe for me is, is my increased exercise putting on muscle that is temporarily upping my weight but really not a true picture? For instance, my clothes feel a touch looser. Not too big, but back to fitting right, like they did before I put on the extra 7-8 pounds. That doesn't make since with the scale not moving, unless its due to more muscle mass. But, then again, I could be grasping at straws again.

My plan to finish strong? I am going to keep with the exercise. I am going to go back to drinking more water. I will change my MFP settings to lose 1 pound a week instead of 1.5, to see if the few extra calories are enough to balance the scales for my hunger vs. deficits for loss vs. fueling for training. I may have to settle for a slower rate of loss. And I am going to go back to questioning myself before snacking here is my questions "Am I eating this to fuel my body? Could I eat something that would better fuel me?"