25 pound challenge (Closed)

I’ve got about 50 lbs to lose, but I really need to break it up a little. I was thinking about doing a 50 lb challenge, but I didn’t want to shut out losers who have less to lose! So I thought that a 25-to-lose group would be a happy medium. I’m looking to start a support and accountability group whose main goal is to lose 25 pounds by the end of June. That’s about 1.5 lbs a week, which I think is very doable. I’m looking for folks who are losing with healthy diet and exercise, any plan is fine, but no “cabbage soup” fad diet nonsense, no pills, etc. Just healthy lifestyle changes.

Goal: To lose 25 pounds by June 30th.

Motto: Who dares, wins!

Members: Anyone with 25 or more pounds to lose.

Post: Daily if possible. Post goals, daily food and exercise stats, problems, anything related to your weight loss journey. Post tips, articles, stories, anything helpful or motivating. Post recipes and exercise routines too, if you want.

If you’re in, do an introductory post, and here’s mine!

I’m Pook. I’m a 43 year old woman who lives in Louisville KY. I’m 5’ 7”. I started at 230 lbs, and I’m presently 199. My plan is to eat healthy food, lower fat, higher fiber, and daily exercise. I mostly walk, but I also enjoy yoga, water aerobics, weights, bike riding and dancing. A year ago, I got down to 175, but then I got stupid and went back up to 205. I’m back down to 199, and determined to make up lost ground.

I'm game!

I'm The Kiwi, a 19 year old woman in Chicago, IL. I've been on and off of my diet for years, mostly focusing on calorie counting. I really want to break the pattern and get into a normal healthy lifestyle so that the rest of my life will follow in the trend.

I've got a bit more than 25 lbs to lose too (39, but who's counting?) and I know that accountability will keep me on track. I generally focus on my diet, and work out whenever I have time/motivation.

Stats:

Height: 5'6"

Start weight: 186

Current weight: 170

June goal weight: 145

Final goal weight: 130

I don't know if there are weekly goals, but I'm going to set one for myself. Not a weight goal or anything, just a personal goal. I want to make it to the gym at least three times in the next week, just to get into the swing of things. (After that, I plan to make gym time a regularly scheduled time.)

Good luck!

Good to meet you, Kiwi!  Congrats on the pounds lost so far.  You're right, consistancy is the key, and I always do much better with a support group to prod me.

A weekly goal sounds good to me.  I'll make mine something I've been putting off, I need to find my hand weights and start using them again.  So my weekly goal will be to use those hand weights 3 times in addition to my other exercise.

I'm game! My name is Sarah, I'm 5'7'' and as of this morning I weighed 149.8lb.  I'm looking to get to 125-130lbs range. At the moment I'm following a low carb diet, while doing couch to 5k, weightlifting and pilates.

My name is Amber and I'm 5'2" and I currently weight 147 and my goal weight is 120, so 25 pounds is just about what I need to lose.  I think I can do it by June.  If not, I'll be close.

l'm all for it, count me in!!!Nina here, l started my weightloss jouney on Nov. 5th and here are my stats

SW :269

CW:237

GW : under 200

l pretty much have the calorie count and my eating under control, and l am currently happily trying other foods that l have never even heard of before this weightloss journey...lol l like to cook and eat.

Currently, l exercise at the Y atleast 3 days a week, but l push for 4 or 5 days. Most weeks l get 3 days in though but never less though.

l am going on a cruise in June, even though l have more than 25lbs to lose l think 1.5lb lose a week is not bad at all.

My weightloss goal and my weekly goal until l accomplish it, is to consistently do my workout dvds on days that l can't make it to the gym.  On Saturdays and Sundays the gym is closed by the time l get off work.

l currently do a weekly weigh in every Saturday and l just started taking swimming lessons....lol in my old age!!

that will be my new motto for life, who dares wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice to meet you Pook, please count me in! 

I'm Tori, a 22 year old woman, college student and mother of one, who lives in Oshawa, ON, Canada.  I have been a member since 2006 and have been very successful (dropping from somewhere in the 200s to 175 lbs) while sticking to it however I have gained everything back and (then some!) slowly when not.  I started back on CC last week on Thursday, February 19th, 2009 at 216.2 lbs, and currently weigh 210 lbs as of today. Obviously I have more to lose than 25 lbs, I'd like to get down to 150 and see how I feel from there but I think that losing this weight by setting and reaching attainable goals is the best way to go.  I hope that a challenge such as this will help me to stay accountable and on track.  

Stats:

Height: 5'3.5"

Current Weight: 210

Goal Weight: 150 - 140 lb

Size: 16 - but who knows right? they vary so much from store-to-store!

Currently, I exercise at home using my elliptical machine, dumbbells, calisthenics, and an old total gym 1000.  My plan is to get back into a state where I will feel comfortable going to the gym fitness wise, I have been pretty sedentary for a while and by putting on the weight again I am quite out of shape.  When the weather clears up I will also start biking and walking again as they are two of my fave forms of cardio.  I am watching my diet by eating healthy, nutritious foods and monitoring my intake of calories as well as fibre, water, sodium, and protein.  As of yesterday I am also weighing my food and will continue to do so. I have been using Thursday as my personal weekly weigh in day since this is the day I started.

Hi All

This sounds like a good place to lose the last 25 pounds.  I've lost about 50 to date but gained a few back to 25lbs. is about right for me. 

My name is Dianne and I'm 43 years old. As I've gotten closer to goal it's been a lot harder to lose the weight so I'm not sure that I'll be able to lose 1.5 lbs. a week but I'll give it a go.  It would be nice to finally reach my goal. 

Hi Sarah!  Good to meet you.  Right now, you are where I want to end up!  My long term goal is 150.

Hi Amber!  This challenge seems perfect for you!  Welcome!

Nina, great job on the weight lost so far!  You’re well on your way to seeing the other side of 200!  And way to go on the swimming lessons, it’s never too late to learn something new.

Tori, it looks like we are looking for the same thing.  I’m aiming for 150 myself, but do to last years set back, I also have some ground to regain.  Welcolme!

Hi Dianne!  We’re the same age!  You may indeed have trouble losing that fast so close to goal, but you will be a big inspiration to me, to keep me chugging along!  Good to meet you!

I don’t think it matters what day we weigh in, just make sure you do it once a week.  I’m weighing in on Wednesdays, myself.  How is everybody’s day going so far?  I’m having a good day.  Had a 35 minute walk at lunch break, and I’ve got a yoga class after work.  Exercise is my personal trouble, so I’m trying to pump it up!

Hello everyone!  I'm Nancy and I've been battling my weight for years!  I lost about 35 lbs on Weight Watchers a few years ago, but have gained almost all of it back!  I want to learn how to be healthier and make this a way of life!  Seems that I KNOW what I need to do and I can do it for a while... but eventually I go back to eating McDonalds and cupcakes!   Argh!  Moderation... moderation... moderation.... that's my mantra.    That ..... and "get up off your butt!"  LOL!

Age 37

Current weight 174

Goal weight 145-150

Hi everyone! I want to join too!

I'm Fly and I started on CC 16 days ago.  I've always tried to eat pretty healthy, but since i started counting, I've been cooking a TON more, and have been having lots of fun eating super healthy food!  I'm a medical student, and so my schedule can be a bit hectic, and food sometimes a problem to coordinate, but I'm gonna make it work!!

Age: Almost 25

Height: 5'4''

Starting Weight: 160lbs

Current Weight: 152

Goal Weight: First goal 139 (hopefully in April), Final goal 128 (hopefully by the end of June)

Pook - Weigh in day on Wednesday is perfect for me! Although I weigh every day, my Wednesday weigh is my official once-a-week-weight.

Kiwi - I love the gym goal! I'm totally with you on that one!

Sarah - how far along are you in Couch to 5K? I've wanted to do it for a while, and would love to hear your thoughts on how it is going!

I'm really excited to have a group! YAY!

Hello everyone, I would like to join... I'm Trina and I started with CC in August 2008.  I have lost 54lbs so far and I have 49lbs to get to my goal.  I am looking for any support I can get to keep me on track and motivated....

Stats:

Height: 5'4"

Start weight: 253

Current weight: 198

Goal weight: 148

Welcome, Nancy!  Both of your mantras rock!  I too need moderation, and to get off my butt! :)

Hi Fly!  I do the same thing with the scale, I weigh every day, but on Wednesdays it’s “official”!  You are doing great so far, and isn’t it fun to explore new ways of cooking!  I know it’s hard to stay on track with a busy schedule, but there are many tricks that will help.  I put a lot of my healthy snacks into individual baggies, so that they are grab and go, and cooking ahead and freezing is my friend!  In a pinch, I’d rather eat a healthier frozen dinner than fast food.

Hi Trina, and big congrats on your loss so far!  You rock!

And here’s how my today went.
Calories- 1722  ( I aim for under 1800, but don’t get upset as long as it’s under 2000)

Fat- 18%  (I try to stay under 20%, when possible, never more than 30%)

Sat fat- 6 grams!  Good for me!

Fiber- 32 grams (I have to work on keeping my fiber up over 20, so I’ll post that too)

For Exercise, I had a 15 minute walk, a 35 minute walk, and a 60 minute yoga class.  So a very good exercise day for me.  I don’t always do so well.

I ate more fruit and veggies today than normal, and that’s a good thing, it’s something I’m working on.  I’m great with lean protein, non-fat dairy, and whole grains, but I have to constantly work on getting enough fruit and veggies in.

I hope everyone had a great day, and I can’t wait to hear how you did!

Count me in! 

I'm Anna age 22, 5'3 from Georgia, Starting weight of 137, down to 133.2 currently, goal of 110-112. I am so excited to have a group! I started CC about a month ago and so far so good! I am so glad to have some support! Are we going to have a weekly weigh in day?

Weekly goal, Eat more Vegetables, Fats (good ones) and Proteins (I've been eating too many low fat low protein lately and I'm trying to become more balanced) I LOVE FRUIT! Therein lies my problem, although not a bad one to have, I know, but I'd like to be more balanced nutritionally. 

Pook, I have nearly identical stats.  I'm 43yo, 5'7" and started off at 205lbs (Jan 6th).  I'm now at 191lbs.  This is the 1st time I've ever 'dieted' so everything is still pretty new to me.  I've learned at lot about nutrition on CC and just a week ago we bought an Elliptical so I can exercise regularly (it's been 20+ years!).  When I get comfortable with that I'll work on learning how to add weight training.

I love a challenge where we can talk about more than just our weight stats!

191lbs minus 25lbs by June 30th = 166lbs

Hey all! I'm glad to see that so many people have joined up ;)

So, today went pretty well...until dinner time. I had a really healthy lunch and saved up a good amount of calories for dinner. Then, I went to the gym (!!!) and worked on cardio and weights. I'm planning to go either tomorrow or Sunday...well on my way to meeting my goal!

Afterwards, my sister took me out for dinner to my favorite Thai restaurant. She's not on a diet and indulges often. When I'm with her, I always feel pressure to eat bad foods and I usually give in. Tonight--no exception. Pad thai, fried rice, chicken satay. Oy. It only took one day for me to futz up. :(

At least it starts all over again tomorrow!

Hey I'm in too!

I've been on CC since January 10th or so, and have lost 14 pounds so far.  I'm looking to go from my starting weight (179) to about 135 or so.  I figured that aiming for 25-30 more pounds would be a good goal for me, and GREAT if I can do it by June!

I'm (2 weeks away from) 21 years old, 5'6 and have been going to planet fitness 5 to 6 days a week, doing weight training 2-3 days a week, pilates about 3 times a week, and an average of 45 minutes of cardio when I go to the gym each time.  I've been eating healthy as well, and my goal is to eat more vegetables.  It's so easy to just grab some cereal or bread and peanut butter for lunch, but I should set time aside to make a salad.

This is exciting, I've been feeling kind of down about how slow my weight loss has been the past few weeks, so it's good to have something to be accountable to.

Good luck everyone!

okay I'm new at this whole form and cc and everything, but, I need to lose some sirous weight.

I am 21 years old, ans weight about 160, I joined this thing yesterday, and have not weight my self to find out my official weight. I was 160 5 days ago, which was when i decided to change something serious in my life, because for being my age, I should not weight this much... I was 120lb forever I gained 40lb, since i got married in sep, of 07.... not good....

anyways these are my stats

weight 160

height 5'4

My goal weight is 125lbs

I would like to lose my hugh gut.... and if someone could give me some tips on what to do to focus on this area, more then anything. I know if you lose weight you lose everywhere, well  I have another prob,

I really dont feel motivated, well scince yesterday I'm kind of hyping my self up, but I know that really wont last too long, which i will do my best not to.... but i really dont feel any motivation form my hubby, I know he loves me, but hes not too great on motivating me.... HELP

Jenette

I just had to post this because I'm so relieved! I thought I'd hit a plateau because the past two Fridays (I weigh myself once a week) the scale hadn't changed...but this week i checked and I lost 2.7 pounds!! :-)

Hi everyone!

jltoffer, good for you!

Unfortunately I didn't do as good as I wanted to yesterday.  I didn't get as much exercise as I had hoped; I kept getting interrupted each time I started and I ate up a bit of my deficit, not all of it.  I am going to do better today!

Welcome, Anna!  Good job on the weight loss so far!  We should all weigh weekly, I do my weigh in on Wednesday, but I don’t think it matter when we do it, so long as we do it!  And you are smart to make some changes.  Fruit is a great thing, but most of it does digest very quickly, and give one a blood sugar rush.  So balancing the fruit with good fats, lean proteins, and whole grains is a very good plan!

MamaMia- You are my CC twin!  How cool is that?  I have to tell you, before I lost my head, I got down to 175, and it felt WONDERFUL!  You are going to love it!  It makes all this work very worth it.  I’m already feeling loads better, just from eating better and exercising.

Kiwi, consider this-- the old you would have had all that yummy Thai food without eating healthy or exercising earlier in the day, so while you could have made smarter choices, you are way ahead of where you used to be!  Don’t be afraid to special order at restaurants.  Most restaurants want you to be pleased, and are happy to cook you something with little to no oil if you ask nicely.  And with all of those spices, Thai can taste terrific without the full fat version!

Jltoffer- Great job on the weight loss so far!  You’ve got the exercise going brilliantly, I see.  Get those veggies in and you’ll do fine!  Birdseye and Green Giant both make single serve frozen veggies.  I have found them a godsend at lunch packing time.  Just heat them in the microwave and instant veggie!
And great job on the lbs lost!  You rock!  And everyone has an off exercise day, make sure you kick it in gear today, and you’ll be fine!

Jenette_licon- Welcome!  Just getting in here is a step in the right direction!  A support group for accountability is key to a long term commitment.  Don’t wait for hubby to support you, do it for you.  My fella is quietly supportive, but he still has Pepsi and snacks in the house, and he’d rather be poked in the eye with a sharp stick than exercise!  As you probably know, there’s no such thing as spot reducing.  I’ve got big belly woes too, but the only way to lose the fat is to lose it with diet and exercise.  Crunches will build up the muscle under the fat, for example (and that’s not a bad thing at all!)  but they won’t specifically burn tummy fat.  As far as motivation goes, it just doesn’t really work for me.  If I waited until I felt motivated, I’d still be on the couch!  And if I depended on motivation, every day I didn’t feel motivated, I’d fall off the wagon!  Habit works much better for me.  Pick a plan, and by plan I mean anything from South Beach, to basic rules for yourself (like my healthy food and daily exercise).  And then stick to it.  Think of it as a job, the job of losing weight and getting healthy, and treat it with the same respect and determination of any job.  The longer you do it, the more it becomes habit, and the easier it gets to stick with it.  Before I lost my head, I stuck to my healthy plan for just over a year, the longest I ever managed before by far.  And every month it got easier!  Soon I wasn’t even thinking about the cookies, I was just reaching for the healthy snack!

As for me, weekends are always hard for me.  I tend to eat well but fall off on my exercise.  So today I’m heading for the Gym!  My weekend goal is to hit the gym today, and do any kind of exercise tomorrow, so long as I do it!