100+ Pounds to Lose---we can do it!! Monday weigh ins. (start 1/7/08)

Hey Everyone,

Well, here is it, a new challenge for those looking to lose 100+ pounds.  I would like for everyone who is a first time poster to give a little introduction of themselves (include height, weight, age and anything else you would like)!

I'm hoping that this challenge can not only look at how we're doing in terms of numbers, but serve as a way to motivate eachother.  If you had an extremely challenging week, let us know.  If you found an awesome exercise or healthy snack food, let us know.  If you have anything, good or bad, that helped (or hurt) your weight loss (and overall health for the week), let us know!!

I'm figuring the weekly template can be something like:

Starting weight/date: XXXXX lbs XXXXXX (for me, 298 lbs 12/18/07)

Weight last weight in: XXXXXX lbs

Weight this week: XXXXXX lbs

and then list challenges, good, bad, etc. afterwards. 

I would love to say I would do points and keep a tally, but honestly, I know it will be tough to keep up with everyone's TERRIFIC progress!! Hopefully we can all take a look at this and celebrate everyone's successes together.

Our first weigh in will be January 7, 2008.  Feel free to join whenever you like and give your introduction :-)

Let's do this together!!!

:-)
El

Hi people! It's nice to see people around my age who can relate to my body issues, so I'll hop on this thread while everyone's still got their New Year's enthusiasm!

My name is Shoe, or Becki if you like. I'm 22, graduated college last spring, and got married this past October. I've been on CC since April 07, and I'm planning to have lost at least 50 lbs by my one-year CC anniversary.

When I started CC, I weighed 270. Currently I'm at 232 (ish), and my goal is 170. So I don't have 100+ to lose anymore, but I did when I started, so that counts in my opinion! Also, I'm 5'7'' with a med-large frame. I've also been vegetarian (ovo-lacto) since I was a kid.

I've been heavy my entire life, and don't know what being thin, or even 'normal' weight is like. I plan to find out.

My methods so far, which have helped: Eat in moderation, watch portions (eat portion size on box!), drink 64 oz. of water/day, only order water to drink at restaurants. Logging food on CC has taught me the approximate calories in everything, so I can judge more carefully. Also, I joined a gym a few weeks ago, and I'm doing the Couch to 5k Learn to Run program.

Hi Shoe!

Way to go on your current weight loss!  That is awesome!

 What is the Couch to 5k program?  How long is it?  That sounds like something I am interested in....

Original Post by berrywrap12:

Some challenges is that I am so busy with 3 kids, full time classes, full time employment and a house that seems to be falling apart at the seams.  Only my daughter and I have weight problems, so I find it hard to cook meals that will satisfy my "diet" while keeping the lean guys full and satisfied, not to mention one of my kids is 5.

Biggest challenge -  motivation to keep going when my mind has given up.

Hi berrywrap!!!

For the family dinners, I guess I'll put in my opinion and suggestions.  My mom and I were the cooks in the family and faced a similar problem with the men in our family, haha...

First of all, just because your other guys are lean, doesn't mean they won't benefit from a healthy dinner!  Veggies are good for everyone, not just the overweight!!!  Try cooking meals where the focus is on meat and veggies, and less so on carbs (if you can leave them out altogether some nights, I'd recommend that - if not, try using whole grain, complex carbs).  My mom always tried to make sure there were 2 vegetables on the table, one that was green, and then a different colored one.  We always tried to put the emphasis on the meat and veggies, and carbs were the smallest portioned item on the plate.  Just my $.02!

And as to the motivation dilemma, one I think we all face... Go shopping and pick out a really sexy, gorgeous, elegant outfit!  Just find something you ABSOLUTELY love, and buy it in a size less than you'd normally wear, or perhaps 2 or 3 sizes smaller if you're really ambitious!  Hang it in your room somewhere visible, so that every time you're tempted to give up, you can use that outfit as a reminder as to what you're trying to attain.  And then when you lose the weight to fit into it, it can act as a reward for yourself!  A sexy new outfit for your sexy new body!  :-)

Groupie,

Buying the outfit is such a great suggestion and REALLY good motivation!!  Hmmmm...makes me want to use one of my Macy's coupons! Hahaha

Day 1 of my diet is complete and I think I did well.  What motivated me today?  Well, coming back from a week off I worked my @$$ off and really had to make sure I kept myself on track with making sure I have a small snack, eat lunch at a normal hour, and also that I got out the door at a normal hour to come home and cook something more healthy!!

By the way, I just have to say something---I am sooooo thrilled that I have found other people like me on here (OK, I know...should I be thrilled I need to lose at least 100 pounds?!?!?! hahaha).  It has been so great reading everyone's story, and checking out the introductions.  Let's not let this group fizzle and let's have something to collectively celebrate at the end of 2008 as we are all MUCH closer to our goals---if not, have met them already!!!

Hooray!

:-)
El

I packed my breakfast and lunch and took with me today. came home made dinner and did well until the grand daughter got the popcorn out. I over did the pop corn. I did drink my 64oz of water today! Have a good day all!

Shoe,

I am also lacto-ovo, but I rely (maybe I should say have relied, as I am changing my way of life!) on carbs and cheese and processed veggie foods. I have trouble coming up with healthy quick veggie options. I'd love to share recipes! 

Hey Gypsie,

If you're a popcorn-holic (hahaha) why don't you grab a box of those 100 calorie microwave popcorn packs?  This will still allow you to have popcorn when the granddaughter is over, really enjoy it, and not feel too guilty!!

I'm a fan of the 100 calorie packs, myself.  Not so much popcorn but the regular packs that aren't super high in fats, either.  I like the portion size, and it gives you just enough of what you're craving/want to enjoy that you actually feel better about being so "smart" about what you ate and realized you don't have to give up everything.

I just got the 100 calorie granola bars today (Nutter Butter, peanue butter flavored).  I'm adding these to my snack line up for the day so I can have one once in a blue moon.

:-)
El

I'd like to play too! Do we have a goal date as well, or just a goal weight? Anyhow..none the less. At work we are doing the "biggest loser". Reluctantly, I'm participating, but I think it'll be great. So...I figure I'll post and perhaps it will give me a little more motivation. So...against everything inside of me, here goes.

 I'm 25, 5'2 & weigh 329.2. (ugh!! did I really just admit to that??) Obviously, I have a long way to go. I definately need encouragement, and any suggestions as to how to achieve this goal.

This should be fun!!

Hey January,

I guess we can follow all year how we all do----and CELEBRATE every success along the way whether it be 3, 30 or 130 pounds!!!  I think it's awesome you're doing a Biggest Loser at work, that should be fun!  I know it took me a lonnnnggggg time to type how much I weigh on here, then I started thinking that I'll never meet anyone on here, and the bottom line is, I need to admit I have to lose my 27 year old baby fat! Hahahah.

So glad you're on here!!

:-)
El

Hi Everyone, let me start by saying that I am so excited to have found this group.  Ellin, I agree with you (and others that have said it) in my book losing those "last 10 or 15lbs" cannot compare to losing 100+.  We all have a long way to go.  But I think if we all celebrate the ups and support each other in the downs we'll get there!

My starting weight is *gulp* 308lbs (down from 311 around Thanksgiving)

My last weigh in was 307lbs (01/03/08)

My goal for now is to get to 199 (haven't been there since my late teens)

I lost 30lbs before getting pregnant with my daughter in 2005 but the weight I gained with her almost 50lbs never went away. My biggest challenges have to be finding the time to exercise.  And eating consistent healthy meals.  And going the long haul (losing that 30lbs in 2005 was HUGE for me the largest loss in my life to date)  I could go on and on but I'll save that for later.

For those that have lost WAY TO GO!  For those just beginning like I, All those first starts of yesterday were just a training for this.  Take the things you've learned in the past and use them... I know we can all go the distance.

I look forward to making some great friends.

hi all, im back to calorie counting after a 3 week break.  this is day 2 of counting again.. so far its going ok.  Mostly im just ignoring the fact that my mouth wants something to munch on.

*sigh* 

Sooo I finally made the trip to BJs yesterday and stocked up on SlimFasts and LeanCuisines, haha.  Tonight or tomorrow I want to head to the local grocery store and grab some healthy munchies that I didn't feel like buying in bulk.  I'm giving myself today and tomorrow and the weekend to adjust to the new diet, and Monday I'm going to start working out at the gym again.

I'm going to write out my shopping list here and see if anyone else has some ideas for easy to pack, healthy snack foods:

veggies:  celery, peppers, carrots, grape tomatoes (I like to slice up the first three and make a mixed veggie bag with all of these)
lunch meats:  turkey, provolone, american, salami (I like to make lunch meat & cheese roll ups to give me some extra protein & calcium)
nuts/seeds:  cashews, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds (I know these aren't all great, but when I'm craving something salty I like to use these versus chips/popcorn/french fries)
fruits:  grapes, apples, pears, kiwi (I love berries but they're not really in season... I like taking kiwi, cutting it in half, and using a spoon to scoop it out like little "kiwi cups")
other/miscellaneous: (some various 100 calorie packs, rice cakes, some crystal light mixes for with water at work)

okay well there's my game plan, haha...  I'm sure I'm gonna love seeing the tab on that *rolls eyes*... I never understood why eating healthy had to cost so much money :-)

Thanks Ellin ,  I'll get some of the 100cal. packs. funny how I don't really care about popcorn untill in front of my face, Oh well guess I could have eaten the cheese cake,lol.  weigh in on Monday and I'm working on my water. Hi to all the new people, I need some some diet support buddies and be glad to be yours. I'll be 51 in March and atleast want to be under 200, it's been a few years since that happen. Have a great day all.

Starting weight/date: 280 lbs 1/2/2008

Weight last weight in: 274.4 lbs 1/3/2008

Weight this week: decreasing ...

Goal: 100 pounds.  Might adjust when I get close, but at least 81 pounds.  I want a 1 in the first digit!

I gotta do something, so I am joining in on this challenge. I got in a good workout yesterday and look forward to it again today.

I am watching what I eat, but forgot my lunch today, so I may have to be creative.

Wouldn't it be cool if you could have "first week weight loss" for 3 months? ;-)

Scott

Well Here it all goes, I started with CC in Feb 2007 I started at the highest ive ever been 318lbs and im only like 5'4 i actrally gained weigh after having my daughter in aug 2006. but i lost during the pregnancy weird huh??? But anyways with help of a few great ppl on here i managed to lose 30lbs and was floating aroun 283-286ish... but i was layed off for a few months and extremly depressed plus lost my internet and my supposrt group from here an gained about 10lbs of it back, luckily im back on here and im still at 22lbs lossed. I weighed in at 296.6 yesterday and ill weigh again tomorrow. Im a very crazy, spunky, fun type of person and i feel like i just dont have the energy to be me, and i have kids and i want to be able to run around with them. plus i get short of breath, an acid reflux, and panic attacks sometimes, and i know most of this is because of my weight (knowing ppl that have lost 80-150lbs and now all there issues like mine are gone)

So starting weigh in as of Feb 2007 - 318

Weight last weight in: 296 lbs - Jan 2, 2008

Weight this week: XXXXXX lbs ( I'll weigh again tomorrow)

My goal to be at least 200lbs i looked good at that weight :)

Wow, I can't believe all the excitement on this thread. This is awesome!

pgnc, we should talk. :-) I'm not a very good veggie eater, either, but like you I'm trying to learn. I gained a lot of weight by thinking bagels with cheese, huge bowls of sugar cereal and ice cream were perfectly good afternoon snacks...

fauker, I read about Couch to 5k on this thread. It's a 9-week thing, but it's going to take me longer than that, since I've been inconsistent. I hope to get the hang of it, though.

I'm feeling pretty unmotivated this week - I'm burnt out from all the holiday insanity and visiting with too many people. I'm exhausted and couldn't push myself to the gym Tuesday or yesterday, so I've got to convince myself to go after work tonight. I can't let a bad week turn into a bad month, after all. I've done that far too many times before - except now I'm paying for the gym membership, so it would be even stupider to squander it.

Thanks for the info Shoe! I'll have to look into that.  Keep it up, Im sure you will do great with it....=)

I like that our group is growing! It is so nice to know that there are similar people out there with similar problems.  I was really skeptical of this site when I first joined, but it has really been great!

I remember when I first said how much I weigh out loud...SCARY! Still is, because you never know how people will react, but on here, its seems like a fairly non-judgemental zone that it feels safe :)

Im on my way to Las Vegas this weekend so it might be a little hard to stick with a good diet!  I'll try my hardest though...roadtrips have always meant 44 oz of Dr. Pepper, a big bag of potato chips and a some beef jerky to gnaw on ;) This time...its trail mix, water and maybe if I'm a good girl some cheese bites!  Funny how this whole life style change comes to light in situations like these!

oh, PS. Thanks for those that have added me as a friend...it makes me feel "special" LOL

Shoe,

Get in that gym!!  If you're paying for it, might as well...now if only I could take my own advice! Hahaha

Seriously, I know how you feel.  I used to go to the gym all the time and really felt good about myself...then I would think about how beat I was after work, and how nice it would be to lounge on the couch with my favorite show on TV in my PJs....ahhhhh.....so, now I'm back to realizing the longer I lounge in my PJs the longer I'll be shopping in the "Women's" section of the store...oh, how I long for a huge selection of clothes to choose from! Heheheehe.

You can do it---even if you go to the gym for 20 minutes, better then no gym at all.  Think of all the money you might be wasting and put it to good use!

:-)
El

PS can I just say work has been NUTS the past day or two.  I think I'm going out of my mind! Hahaha

Thanks. :-D I'll force myself there tonight... I told my hubby to encourage me if I try to skip it, too. I feel really mad at myself for gaining a little/not losing these past few weeks. I have to take that frustration out on the treadmill.