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.

Onetwothreeme- Good job on the loss!

Ktbelltx- Welcome!

Jltoffer- Great job on the cycling class!

Girlfighting- great job on the weight loss so far!

Roger- Welcome!  Sounds like you are off to a great start!

Nancy- recap post sounds good, and I think it’s about time to close, yes?

Sweetandbrown- that banana bread sounds tasty!

Fly- you are having a great week, so don’t stress the scale.  Sometimes it just takes a few days to catch up.

Liz- Welcome!  Good job on the loss so far!

Pook’s Day: I deserve a medal for today!  My boss' birthday, one of two b-days at work this week.  First, Allison brought in homemade from scratch brownies.  Ok, so it's not so hard to say no to store bought birthday cake, saying no to homemade brownies was hard!  I had a tiny bite of my friend, Elizabeth's so I could taste it (yum!) and compliment Allison.  But that's all I had.  Those girls probably had 4 brownies a piece!  Yikes!  Then in the afternoon, there was also birthday cake, which I ignored completely.  I did want a treat, so while coworkers had b-day cake, I had a 100 calorie pack of Oreo crisps.  That way I got my treat, but didn't eat so many calories.  We also went out to lunch, and I made smart choices, except that I forgot to ask for wheat bread on my sandwich instead of French.  Now, I love French bread, but it has so many calories!  How do they pack all those calories into a little stick of bread!  Even so, I did well on calories today. 2550 burned, 1824 eaten.  19% calories from fat.  My protein was a bit high today, 28% but still not too bad.  The shocking thing was I had 62 grams of fiber!  Yowza!  I had a good fruit and veggie day!  Banana, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, lettuce tomato and onion on my sandwich, fiesta bean salad, and green beans.

I only walked 15 minutes at work, due to eating lunch out, but I went to the Y and walked for an hour after work.  At home, I did the mini-tramp for 15 minutes in front of the TV.  I got a new pedometer and exercise ball in the mail today!  Put the pedometer on about 11 this morning.  Took it off when I got home.  It says I walked 12845 steps today.  Wish it would be that high every day, but today was a big walking day!  Bounced on the ball at work for a while.  I was sitting on it while I sewed, but I can't seem to sit without bouncing!  After a bit my lower back got tired, so I had to sit in my boring old chair!  Brought it home so I can do exercises and bounce in front of the TV.

Only downside to this week so far is the scale said 202 this morning.  I am on my TOM, (sorry Roger!) which is being very slow this month, so I'm trying not to be discouraged.  I have been unbelievably good this week, so I'm sure when aunt Flo takes a hike, I'll have some better news.
Hope you all had a great day!
Pook

Hi everyone,

I've been reading the posts for a bit, considering whether I should join or not, only to discover that the group "closed" a few minutes ago!  I would like to slip in, however, if that's ok with you Pook. 

About me, I'm 23 and a graduate student.  I moved down to Texas a year and a half ago--from NY, born and raised--and promptly put on 7-9  lbs. out of depression (on top of weight that I had gained at the last minute in college).  I've felt miserable since then, and this past January, finally decided to do something about it.  Changing my eating and exercise habits, along with my overall attitude towards my body image, has definitely challenged me in very profound ways.  For example, I did the 30-day exercise challenge through About.com, and literally did some type of cardio or strength training every day, and thought I was going to be all svelte by the end--only to discover that I'd only lost 3lbs.  I was miserable for a week after that, but I made some changes and lost 2 lbs the very next week.  Growing pains.

I would like to join this challenge because I work best with a little bit of pressure and motivation, but most importantly for the support.  No one around me is even considering dieting, so I feel super awkward talking to them about my ups and downs.  Here, I hope to be able to share my achievements and my setbacks, without guilt!

Stats

Height: 5'7"

Starting Weight: 167

Goal Weight: 150-155 (I'm worried about losing my womanly curves, so I'm hesitant to say firmly 150)

Current Weight 162

Onward!

Hi Everyone,

Sounds like things are going well for folks.  I plan to weigh in tomorrow so I'll see how much damage I did over the weekend.  I did really well yesterday with eating and exercise (2 hrs. cross country skiing and loads of shoveling).

Hope everyone has a good day!

hi everybody!  ugh. last night was not so good!  its those nighttimes i really really have problems with. i dont know what it is, but it hits me HARD! yes, i worked out on the elliptical in the morning, but after i ate my big dinner, i craved something sweet...hullo.  turned into a maniac, opened my cabinet, pulled out the peanut butter (which i just bought), pulled out the wheat bread...ate THREE big slices of bread lavished generously with the luscious peanut butter and sliced bananas over it and was in heaven.  i lost track of all time and reality.  i was in a binge ZONE! it was awful.   i could  have eaten 30 more i swear!  i dont know what came over me.  maybe it was because i havent had peanut butter in about 6 months. i dont know.  i was so scared to step on the scale.  thank god it hasnt budged from yesterday.  i would have been so depressed.

another lesson learned. STAY AWAY FROM THE PEANUT BUTTER! ugh.  why do i let food control me?  its so horrible.  this is why i cant keep anything in my house. i will literallly eat every last bit of it immediately.  oh, i could have finished that peanut butter jar.  i had to step away from it.  

here's to another day, another day to try to stay on track.  i hope i find the strength in me to do so.  

todays goal:  30 mins elliptical, TONS of water, NO PEANUT BUTTER! lol

roger: welcome!!!

nananj: The recap list sounds like a good idea. plaidpooka, maybe you could list everyone in the original post??

sweet: I hate when I sleep through the alarm! so annoying! That banana bread sounds delicious, you should post the recipe.

butterfly: I'm doing couch to 5K as well!!

need2lose: welcome! 

pook: good job avoiding the patry treats! I feel you on the TOM.

misty: welcome!!

as for me..... I used the snow blower before work and then had to shovel after work. Ugh!  Anyway I got in a good weightlifting workout and 40 minutes of pilates. yay! what a good workout day!

Good morning everyone! So honestly, I was a little skeptical of this whole group thing, but it's actually been really fun to keep up with everyone's success.

onetwothreeme: DEFINITELY feel you on the peanut butter. i guess it could be worse?

and i think it was on the last page, but whoever made the avocado banana bread could you maybe show me the recipie? it sounds awesome! banana bread is definitely one of my vices :-p

Have a great day everyone! I still need to drink more water, but I'm off to a step class this afternoon (and my bum is still sore from the stupid cycling class haha)

Bye!

Oh, and here are my original stats if we're doing that:

(almost) 21 year old female, 167 pounds (have lost 14 since January 9th), 5'6 and looking to lose about 30 more.  My goal is to try to make it under 140!

Gosh it's miserable outside, overcast & depressive.  Does anyone else get headaches because of the pressure?

I tried to edit my Monthy Stats journal this morning and for some reason lost every bit of it.  All my data, my goals and weights and measurements, gone! :(

I haven't been eating well for a couple of days, not over calories, just not good nutrition.  So my goal today is to make sure I eat right - calcium, veggies & fruit, protein & fiber, whole grains, water.

My 2nd goal is to use the Elliptical for 12 minutes, properly (no bouncing, straight hips, tummy tucked in).  And I'm increasing the level from one to three.  Hopefully it will be a more efficient workout.

you folks have been making my pocket vibrate all morning with the email alerts to your reply! It's been very distracting!  As for me... still no loss this morning.  I kinda want to scream.

Sarah: Any C25k advice?  I decided after I finish week 3 - right around my birthday - I get to reward myself with new sneakers from a running store, and maybe even an ipod shuffle (yesterday my iphone went flying off the treadmill! Fortunately it was okay, but I want something that clips on me! Plus, the armbands are almost as expensive as the shuffles!).

Liz: Awesome job with the workouts.  If you are into walk/jog, you might like Couch to 5K too!

Pook: You do deserve a metal! Homemade brownies are probably the best thing in the world.  Too bad for methey always have milk in them (or actually, it's probably good that they do!).  And I don't think 28% from protein is too high at all, especially if you got all that fiber in anyway.  If you are working out, and it sure seems like you are doing a good job with that too, you need the protein to repair your muscles.

Mistyblue: Welcome! Grad school is a challenge, and with a move far away - that certainly sounds hard! They say people who have support when losing weight are far more successful, so hopefully this will work for you!

Luzd: Cross country skiing burns loads of calories!

onetwothreeme: man, that peanut butter sandwich you had sounds amazing! dangerous... but amazing! i love peanut butter too... sucks that it's so calorie dense! Is there something you know you can feel satisfied eating at night with those cravings? I get snacky cravings, and have substituted in air popped popcorn, which totally hits the spot.

Jltoffer: rest your bum!

mia: sucks about your stats! although, really, the future is more important than the past!  Also, i bet you bounce less on the elliptical at a higher setting.  Although "harder" it will probably be a lot easier to maintain your form with some resistance.

Okay folks... back to my patients...

PS: I keep bolding all of your names, but for some reason when I post it, it doesn't show up.  Weird?

hey joining this will help for sure and along with about.com your curves will turn to healthy, leaner curves! I am being motivated by this group and it is wonderful. I just tell myself JUST DO IT  even if it is cold outside we can still use a chair, bands, squats or anything in the house to do repeatedly and break a sweat for at least 30 minutes. NEVER GIVE UP I am lucky to live where I can run everyday= as i finally feel that i am getting out of this rut.

Hi, Mama Mia,

The stepper is working out okay. I've noticed a drop in my measurements which is a good thing!  I can only do about 5 minutes but, I'm working on it.  I do it a few times throughout the day. My treadmill needs a new belt, waiting for it to be delivered. The plan is to do the treadmill for 45 minutes and the stepper for 15.  My weight is still 198.

I like to read how well everyone is doing.  I've got to get busy. HAVE A GREAT DAY! 

Butterfly, you are right.  It's the future that matters. I will just have to take my measurements today and re-post my goals to my journal.  And good point about less bouncing at a higher level, makes sense.  Thanks for the positive thinking, I need it today.

3myhealth, I'm glad you're getting out of your rut, feels good doesn't it?

Misskady, a drop in measurements, that's great!  That means you'll look even better when the pounds come off.  The stepper sounds hard, you should be proud of yourself.

Me, I am going back and forth between 189 and 190 for several days.  Seems to be a pattern my body follows, and if the past is a predictor, then I'll drop a couple pounds soon.

jltoffer: enjoy step class!!

mamamia: Sorry you lost all your progress! that sucks!

butterfly: advice? hmm.... I swear week 5 won't kill you! haha. That's when you first get into a 20 minute jog. Take your time and repeat weeks if you don't feel strong enough. I stopped doing it for awhile but at the moment I'm repeating week six cuz I want to be able to finish it at a certain speed.

4myhealth: good job getting out of your rut!

misskady: congrats on the inch loss!  

hello everyone, how are you all  doing? sorry about the weather for the people who still have snow, it is still cold here but it is sunny so we can walk outside. l don't know if it is the group but last week l managed to exercise everyday.

Somehow my focus has shifted from simply losing weight to being healthy with the side effects of looking and feeling fabulous. Don't get me wrong, the numbers on the scale is still high, but l am liking the figure that is emerging from the shadows of the fat lady that used to be me....lol

l am lifting heavier weights now, after Saturday's session my thighs cried every time l go to sit down and stand up. But l got up and got in that gym yesterday after a 12hour shift!!

Hey guys!

WOW. I turn my back for a second, and suddenly there are fifty new people in the group! This is awesome! Welcome everyone!

I've had a pretty good week so far. I keep telling myself that I can eat this or that, and I'll start again on Monday. I forgot how much harder it is to stick to a plan once Monday rolls around and the cafeteria is serving my favorite gloriously fattening macaroni and cheese. I managed to escape unscathed from that one, thank goodness. My new plan is to try to slow everything down--the food's not going anywhere. When I eat more slowly and take some time after dinner to log my calories, I can feel how full I actually am. It's a grand feeling :)

Glad to see that I'm not the only one facing temptations, onetwothreeme! I have a huge jar of Nutella (which may actually be worse than peanut butter), and it tastes so good!!! In moderation, of course.

In terms of exercise, I made it to the gym twice last week and once yesterday. I was going to go today, but it's just too cold outside for me to get to the gym (I have to walk in my shorts!). I am planning to do one of those at home work out things (The 30 Day Shred--found it up on Youtube, if anyone's interested!). It may not burn as many calories as my 30 min elliptical workout + 20 min weights, but it does get me sweating!

So far, I think the hardest thing I've had to face is peer pressure. Whenever I'm out with my friends, they all want to order really fattening foods and I get so tempted. My family is even worse--they encourage me to order badly! How do you guys deal with it, especially if you're doing this on your own.

I actually forgot to weigh myself this week (oops!), so I will update everyone on Saturday (my normal day). Talk to you all later!

~The Kiwi

MistyBlue- Slip right in, honey! I’ve not no problem with an extra or three, we just didn’t want the group to get too big to keep up with. Good job on the weight loss so far!

Onetwothreeme- There’s no problem with a little peanut butter. Maybe you would find it easier to keep from binging on it if you had a little now and then. If you just must have something like that, take it out, make one slice of bread and peanut butter, and put it away. There’s nothing at all wrong with what you ate, you just overdid it.

Girlfighting-Good workout day indeed! I’m busy as a bee right now, but I’ll get a list up tomorrow.

MommaMia- I get headaches from big pressure changes too, and it’s a drag! Sorry you lost your data! Good goals for tomorrow!

4myhealth- Just do it, and never give up work for me! :)

MissKady- yay for the inch lost!

Nina- You are doing great! I too want to be healthy and feel fabulous. And look better too, but that’s only part of it.

 Kiwi, you are doing great! I deal with peer pressure with a firm no thank you. I just keep saying it until they give up. I also never say “I can’t eat that”, it seems to make people want to reassure you that you can indeed eat that. I will say, no thank you, I’m losing weight, I’m eating healthy, etc.

Pook’s day. Little rough today. TOM and tummy is cramping. Did stay under my cals for the day, and managed a half hour walk. Got over 9000 on the new pedometer, which was more than I thought I would on a slightly cruddy feeling day! Ate my fruits and veggies, and got 32 grams of fiber. Fat was too high, but at least I kept my cals down. I weigh in tomorrow, and I’m not expecting good news until TOM takes a hike!

Pook you had a great day!  I hope the scale surprises you in a very good way tomorrow.

I ate well today and did my exercise - changed the level on the Elliptical from 1 to 3 and did 12 minutes.  It really did help with eliminating the bouncing!  Later, while watching Biggest Loser (and they are jerks for the 'to be continued' bs!), I did another 12 minutes at level 5.  I think I'll keep level 5 for now, nice burn in my legs, hit my thr, but it didn't kill me.

I wish everyone a good nights sleep and a healthy day tomorrow, keep it up!

I am soooo in!

I love to eat, and this diet has really changed me!

I feel full most of the time and when I am hungry I do my moderations, and I am a big exerciser person! I can't drive so I have to walk to the gym - NO EXCUSES! - 1.2 mile walk is very welcomed! And I just bought a stroller for my baby girl so another excuse out of the way. I am very blessed with my body, my weight even out though my body so I am a 'cute' overweight 19 years old. But I don't wanna be 'cute' I wanna be super hot!

My name is Ana, like I said I am 19 [I loove to talk, send me a msg they will be welcomed] I live in Sin City Nevada, my diet is doing just fine for me but Imma change it soon, I am eating healthiest as possible and taking my daily vitamins [When you diet you end up not having all the vitamins you need so I suggest everyone should take some healthy vitamin to maintain healthy and strong] Before I got pregnant I was the bomb, Now I'm a fat-bomb ready to explode if I don't start changing! I loooove kickbox, get my anger out and keeps me going, and lose 600 calories per hour ;] I tone my muscles and I do some walking/running for like 2 miles and I walk back and forth from the gym, with a stroller and a baby in it!! Talk about some exercise!

Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 206

Current weight:200.5

First goal weight:170

Second goal weight:150

And THE goal weight:130

fabnina: It's not always about the numbers, it's really about how you feel! Glad to hear you're starting to feel sexy! Good job keeping it up at the gym!!

emerald: eating slow is my biggest challenge!  I scarf down my food and then I start searching for more, when I know I should be full.  I'm trying to take my time, put my fork down between bites, sip some water.  For me it has a lot to do with the fact I like food to be hot, and the longer i take to eat it the colder it gets. Boo!

pooka: no rushes on making the list, I was just seconding the fact that I thought it was a good idea. good job keeping your steps up even though it was a crappy day.  

mamamia: Good job upping the intensity! Ugh I wanted to scream at the TV!! 2 hours wasn't enough for Biggest Loser to finish!! haha. I don't think Mike loses enough weight for everyone, but I guess we'll see NEXT tuesday! grrr..... or are they doing another episode tonight??  It doesn't matter for me cuz America's Next Top Model starts tonight and I am all over that! anybody else watch??

anamaciel: welcome! Sounds like you're doing really well! keep it up!

Me: didn't workout yesterday, the BF and his friend came over and wanted dinner so we made tacos.  I was good and still stuck with my low carb, made a taco salad and one burrito. yay! all the salt got me today though, up about 2 lbs from yesterday.

Ok.... I HAVE to share my small victory with you guys.  Nobody else will understand.  Don't laugh.... it's a small victory, but a victory none the less!

I REALLY wanted a Big Mac, fries and Coke today!  I mean REALLY wanted it!  It's my one fast food vice.  Big Macs.  Did I cave?  NO!  I did NOT get the Big Mac.  Nooooo.... I did not!  I ordered a cheeseburger and small fries.   Basically a Happy Meal withOUT the Happy!  LOL!    And I didn't even order a drink!  I came back to the office and drank water with it!  Go me... go me... go me...!!!!  :)

CC says my craving would have cost me 1150 calories!  WOW!  My smarter choice (and I think I'm actually satisfied with it!  Can you believe that?!?!?!?!) was "only" 560 calories!  Still a bunch for lunch, but better than the alternative! 

Thanks for "listening" and sharing in my little victory dance!  Hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC hump day!  Hump day... he he ... hump day....  :)

Oh boy I got really hungry last night.  Couldn't sleep because of it and ended up eating just 100 cal less than I burned.  First time that has ever happened to me, the intense hunger.  I'm not beating myself up over it, it's just strange.

girlfighting27 I went over on the salt too, had a prepared lunch w/way too much sodium.  Lots of extra water for me today.  I've never watched Am. Next Model - I have the idea that it must be shallow and lame because it's about models, lol, but I really don't know what it's about.  I'm still mad about BL, and I don't think Mike will lose enough either, poor kid.

anamaciel welcome to the group! Sounds like you get tons of exercise, you must be in great shape

nananj that is a great victory!  You beat the fast food giant Way to kick butt girl!  My husband travels a lot and has to eat out a lot because of it - we were astounded when we looked up the calories in foods at various restaurants, it should be a crime to needlessly make stuff so darn fattening!