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.

Good morning everyone!  I did pretty well yesterday in terms of food - I usually eat below my calorie goal, instead of over, so trying to stay on track is hard in a different way for me.  It's strange, my crazy type A personality makes it so that if i count, then I stop snacking, see 800 cals for the day and decide that is enough, etc.  But if i'm not counting, I go over.  So I'm trying to find a happy medium.

I'm planning on going to the gym today and starting the couch to 5k program! I'm pretty sure week 1 won't be a big deal for me, but I think it's best not to skip it and just do the program.  I'm pretty excited.  I got a podcast that cues to when to run/walk that doesn't include music, so I was able to add my own to the track.

Kiwi - I LOVE thai food.  One slip up every once in a while isn't a big deal, and if you enjoyed it - even better.  And you are right - everything starts fresh in the morning - isn't that lovely?  I was in a similar situation the other day for my friend's birthday.  I thought she couldn't go out, but then, just as I had finished cooking my dinner, she called and asked me to go eat with her.  Of course I couldn't say no, so I put it all into the fridge and we went out for sushi.  I love sushi even more than thai.  I think I handled it okay - not great - I started with seaweed salad to try to fill up a bit, and then ordered two rolls (higher calorie kinds) and then only ate half of them.  I took the extra home and had 3 more rolls as a snack the next day, then tossed the rest.  So I wasted some food/money, but I avoided some cals.  The whole thing just felt like it threw me off my game.

Tori - You still had a deficit even with not doing as well as you hoped... that's great! Even little things like that can be an accomplishment!

Jltoffer - congrats for your loss!

Pook - is it time to close this group?  Seems like we got a nice number of people?  Also, I love what you said about making it habit.  It's so true.  I also find that making clear-cut rules for myself work really well.

Pook, the last weight I remember before hitting 205 was 178lbs - five years ago.  How I wish I'd found CC and the determination back then!  But oh well, what's done is done and I'm doing it right now.  I can imagine how disappointing it was for you to get down to 175 only to let the weight go back up -  but it's really inspirational to see you jumping back in the game with a good attitude. 

Well I was thrilled to see 189.6 on the scale this morning.  189!   I'd made it to 190.5 on Monday then by Thursday was up to 191.2 because of ttom.  Maybe that 189 is water weight loss or something but it was still there, lol.  I know if I see a lower number once then I *will* see it again.

I think everyone in this group is doing great!  Lack of exercise and Thai indulgences aside, we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves!  Every little healhty changes counts, and every healthy decision we make is a positive step.  Perfection is not the goal :)

Question: How should I log in the Couch to 5K workout I did today? It's running intervals... I have no idea how to put that in!

Fly- we've got 13 people, I wouldn't mind a couple more.  If the group is too small, we might fade as people get busy, sick, and (hopefully not!) fall off the wagon.  I would certainly like to keep us under 20, as more than that would be too hard to deal with.  So we'll see if we get a couple folks in.
Do I just say it's closed, or is there an official way to do that?  I've never done that before!
Fly again, I think you have a good plan in place, to find a happy medium.  Undereating can be as detrimental as overeating.  So log your stuff, and remind yourself that it's not just ok, but best for you to eat as much as your supposed to.

Mamamia- My life got pretty hectic about a year ago.  That's no excuse, I know that we all deal with lifes ups and downs better if we are healthy, than we do when we eat crappy food and stop moving.  But I'm back, and I'm not going to let anything stop me!  I am proud of myself for at least stopping when I did, and not gaining all the weight I had lost back.  Now my mission is to stick with it, no matter what curve balls life throws me!

I'll check back in tonight with my stats.  So far I've had a really good day!

Pook

Oh, and Fly, I'm not sure what the best way to log that is.  I'd take your best guess as to how long you walked and how long you ran, and put them in sepperately.

Hey guys!

Thought I would let you know about my tiny success. I was out to breakfast with a friend from out of town, and I made a breakthrough of sorts. I was deciding between eggs and some elaborate crepe dish...it looked really tasty! But then I mentally calculated how many calories were in the sauce on top of the crepe, shuddered, and ordered the eggs. They turned out to be yummy too!

I'm busy celebrating my tiny victory...how were you guys today?

I invited a couple of people, hopefully they'll join us :)

Good job, Kiwi!  Every battle like that you win, your one step closer to success!  I often have to remind myself that simpler food is usually just as tasty as the fancy, saucy, fat and sugar filled choices.

Mamamia- I hope they do!

Hi, Everyone! Mamamia told me about this so I thought I'd join as well.

I am 42 and my weight is 198. I was down to 177 last summer and gained it all back when I quit walking due to health reasons. I am back on track and want to do this again.  I usually walk on a treadmill or outside and now I have a stepper I'm working on.  I need to get the snacking under control. Chocolate and cake are my weaknesses.  I have lost it before and I can do it again.  My son is getting married the end of June so I am aiming for a weight loss of 20-25 pounds.  I look forward to getting to know you all better! 

Hi, how is everyone doing? l did not get to weigh myself today because l didn't go to work today (l weigh myself at work every week) but l started walking outside on Thursday and boy did l walk!! friday l went to the gym being a cardio junkie l did my usual 75mins and 30mins of weights. Today though my husband decided to introduce me to what he calls 'the big boy workout' .

Dietwise, l eat anywhere from 1800 to 2000cals.

Question for those who have lost and gained it back, what is the single thing you would attribute gaining back weight to? If you lose it again what would you do differently to keep it off?

hi everyone.  id like to join in.  35, 5'8 and currently at 164.5.  my heighest ever in life was around 234.  kept it off for close to 10 years now and trying to make my ultimate goal of 150.  ive NEVER seen this number on the scale after i turned 18.  so id like to accomplish that.  

STATS:

HEIGHT: 5'8
START: 164.5
CURRENT WEIGHT: 164.5
GOAL: 150

TOTAL LEFT TO LOSE: 14.5

goal for tomorrow - lots of water, elliptical 30mins

Hi MissKady!  Welcome aboard!  We have similar stories.  I'm 43, started at 230, got down to 175, and went back up to 205.  Now I'm back on trach and was 199 at last weigh in.

Nina, I got stupid.  I knew very well that crappy food and lack of exercise don't help with stress and life troubles.  The start of my fall was I lost a beloved pet, and for a while I simply didn't care.  Then when my life started getting extra hectic, I continued to let it slide.  This time, I simply can't let life events get in the way of what's good for me.  The only way to do that is with healthy habits and strength of mind.  I'm stronger than I know, and I have to remind myself how important my health is, even in the face of multiple difficulties.

And now, my daily stats:
Calories- 1,659 (a low day!  I aim for between 1800 and 2000)
Fat- 23% not bad
Only 8 grams of Sat fat
Fiber 31 Not too shabby

Exercise:
20 minute walk
60 minute intro to Body Pump class (decided it's not for me, it hurt my knees)
15 minutes bouncing on mini-trampoline
Not bad for a Saturday!  I have trouble getting active on weekends.

I went shopping today.  Bought a new scale, one that does hydration and whatnot, so we'll see what the numbers say tomorrow.  My old scale was having issues.  And I bought the Mini-trampoline for 30 bucks at WalMart!  I love it!  It's perfect for watching TV with, and it really got my heart rate up.  If any of you are considering one, the one I bought is a 2 person set up, and they mean it!  Make sure you have someone to help you get it stretched out.
I went out to eat at lunch, had half a small pizza with pineapple, chicken breast, onion, and no cheese and it was delicious.  And I had a side of broccoli.  I was really proud of myself for not ordering the alfredo.

Hope you all had a great day, and here's looking forward to tomorrow!
Pook

Welcome to all the new people! onetwothreeme - you are so close! That's so cool!

Nina - i'm so jealous that you are walking outside... it's still freezing and snowing here - not weather to walk in unless you have to.  I'm so ready for spring.  I also think your question is great - and super useful.

Pook and Kiwi - Major props for your healthy choices today when out to eat! And pook, I'm sorry about your pet.  That sucks.

Accomplishments today:

1) I did my first ever couch to 5k session, which was great, and I really pushed myself to run hard and fast.  Then fantasized about all the 5K's I will run.

2) Cals - right under 1200.

3) Wore a Ben and Jerry's t-shirt to the gym, then watched a show on the food network about ice cream, and still didn't want any afterwards.  And that is a big deal, since I can't have any dairy, and I typically crave it constantly.  I realized I miss ice cream, but I really don't want it.  On the other hand, cheese, is a different issue...

Goals for tomorrow:

1) Go to the gym again, either for cardio, or for a pilates class, depending on the time.

2) Go grocery shopping and then cook it all into delicious healthy meals so I can have food for the week!

Fly- you had a great day!  Good for you!

Onetwothreeme- Welcome!  You kept it off for 10 years, that's such an accomplishment!  Gives me hope that I can aspire to the same thing!  My long term goal is 150, and I don't think I've weighed that since I was 12 years old!

Glad you joined MissKady!  How are you liking the stepper? I think that would kill my knees, but I'm a wimp.   You can wait for cake until the wedding...right? ;)

You all do so much with exercise!  I just started a week ago with the Elliptical and can barely go 20 or 30 minutes (well, one time!) on level one...spent the morning researching how to correctly use it and seems as if I've been 'bouncing' too much, need to keep my hips steadier, and now I doubt I'll make it even 20 minutes!

Pook and others, do you eat so many calories because of the exercise?  My elliptical says I only burn about 150 cals, and I've been eating 1400-1600.  Yesterday I ate a little over 1700 and that was a huge day for me.  And the mini-trampoline sounds fun!

onetwothreeme - wow, you are awesome!  I have no doubt that you will make your goal.

hi everyone. yes, its definitely a daily battle with food for me.  for instance last night, i was about to binge and order a hamburger and fries and a waffle!! yes AND a waffle.  it took me about 4 hours of saying no to my compulsive habit of binging, but i did make it through logging into this forum and having all of you here.  knowing i am not the only one struggling to make healthier choices does make this easier.  i am so happy i didnt order that!  night times are the worst for me and i find them to be the most difficult binge attacks.  i always want to walk to the corner store and buy ice cream or anything else fattening late at night,  but then i think about how paranoid i'd feel knowing the people behind the registers will know i will eat all that crap at once.  that's what stops me.  i need therapy! haha.  

so in the end, i had some bananas and chocolate milk to curb the craving. i know better now not to buy crap food for my house.  i cant just eat a bite of it, i will eat the whole package. i will.  i know myself better.  and this is why i cant buy cereal.  i will eat the whole box at once.  what is my problem?!

anyway, still havent done the elliptical, but i sure as hell will once this day is over.  im going the low carb, high protein way.  i know my limits and triggers and i hope to god i accomplish my goal of 150.  on feb of this month, i've reached a weight of 159.  felt so weird because i didnt look or feel different...so i just assumed the scale was wrong.  stayed that way until mid-month this feb and now back up to mid 60s.  time to get back on track and thank you all for being here for motivation.  

remember ladies, if you feel like binging or overeating or eating crap, think of all of us here struggling not to.  it helps!  

Hi All and welcome to the new folks. 

How is everyone doing? 

 I've had an OK weekend so far, but over did it a bit with company last night.  I'm not sure why I throw caution to the wind after making so much effort.  This has been the trend for the past 6 months and the reason that I haven't lost the last 25.  Luckily I'm still exercising and have enough good days to off set the out of control days.  I'm not sure if it's a loss of self control... 

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Mamamia- You rock if you can do an eliptical for 20-30 minutes at a stretch.  I can barely do 5!  Elipticals are not my friend!  But I can walk a long time, that's why most of my exercise is walking.  I love the mini-tramp, and I did 15 minutes total last night, but I did it in 5 minute sections.  I know my endurance will get better and my heartrate will slow down as I get in better shape, but I had to start pretty low after a year of doing little.
As far as my cals go, I weighed 199 last weigh in, and I use the tools here at the CC for my stats.  I do best with a 500-1000 calorie deficit, and I stay closer to 500 than 1000 most days.  Today, after my zumba class and my mini-tramp, I'll have to eat at least 1780 just to stick to a 1000 calorie deficit.

Onetwothreeme- Good for you for the healthy choices!  man, I could never do the high protein thing.  Whole grains are my friend, and they lower sweets cravings, which is a big problem for me.  If I tried high protein, I'd end up eating sweets all the time!  If you have trouble with portion control, like with the cereal, try what I do sometime.  I measure things like cereal, and I put snacks and such in pre-measured baggies.  I never eat out of a box or bag, it's too easy to eat too much.  But if I have it pre-measured, I can grab one bag, and enjoy it.

Luzd- sorry you had a bump in the road with your company.  Sometimes one really over the top day can really erase much of your good work throughout the week.  It's not always easy, but I have learned that I can be sociable, go out, have a good time, without blowing my healthy habits.  Brian and I went out to a bar Friday night, to sing Karaoke.  I drank water, sang a lot, and had a great time!

Kiwi-  That's really awesome that you chose between your foods like that, definite will power.  Last night I went out with my boyfriend and best friend to dinner to Longhorn (yummy, I know) and only ate half a sweet potato, half of my 8oz steak, one small piece of bread and all my salad with fat free dressing.  I wanted the rest of the steak and the bread so bad, but it feels so good not to give in!

Congrats to everyone else who is keeping up the good work as well!  I'm off to a cycling class...ugh. haha

Hey guys, thought I's check in for the week.  Last week I was at 151 and today I weigh 144.4.  That's a huge loss for the week, but I'm sure there are a ton of weird factors: my body has gone through some crazy stuff lately.  Anyway, I'm sure my weight will come off much slower in the next couple of weeks.

Anyway, I realized I need to watch my fat intake.  I try to eat alot of lean proteins, but I do love eggs so I need to cut down on those a little.  Also, I can't live without my morning coffee, so I got a new creamer.  It's fat free and only 10 calories per tablespoon..or two tablespoons?

Since I hate to excersize, I am starting slowly; doing ab workouts each night.

So, I'm current;y at 144.4 and am hoping to lose another 25 pounds by June hopefully!