LOSE IT FOR EASTER! *Challenge Complete*

.... LOSE IT FOR EASTER!

***   GROUP CLOSED - CHALLENGE COMPLETE  ***

Max membership 50.

TO JOIN THIS CHALLENGE: post your CC start weight, your Challenge Start Weight (current weight) and your Challenge Goal Weight. Add a little note about your goals (if you want to) and off we go!

Challenge began on Sunday 2nd January and ENDS on Sunday 24th April.

Challenge Goal is to lose 1- 1.5lb per week, if you prefer to try for 1lb or less per week, that is awesome too.

I have found previous challenges I have joined on CC to be very motivating. They have kept me focused on my goals to lose weight and become more healthy. Knowing that I will be posting my weight for all to see each week, helps me to avoid temptation and increase my efforts to exercise.  

CHALLENGE RULES:

1. Create a new post EVERY SUNDAY (or Monday at the latest) with your new current weight. If you also want to include previous weights and/ or pounds lost during the challenge, that is fine too (and actually very motivational for all of us!)
2. Post your final weight on Easter weekend!
   

Re: End of Challenge, Please Note rule # 2: this means you must post your final weigh-in on or before 6pm (PST) on Easter Sunday (no exceptions).

This is because I need time to respond to all challengers, close the thread and prepare for the next challenge. No Monday or late weigh-in's will be accepted that week; you will simply be marked at your previous week's weight.

Let's keep this fun, positive and motivational....

[CSW = challenge Start weight ... CGW = challenge Goal weight]

1. alexhayes : CSW: 189.0 [CGW: 160.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 172.0
2. anddan :CSW: 177.8 [CGW: 170.0 ] FINAL WEIGHT: 176.0
3. audreyana : CSW: 222.0 [CGW: 205.0]FINAL WEIGHT: 218.0  
4. aundron : CSW: 161.0 [CGW: 143.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 159.0
5. brtaylor : CSW: 155.0 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 143.5
6. buggyhair : CSW: 168.8 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 168.0
7. cdenali : CSW: 159.8 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 151.8
8. desired24: CSW: 221.6 [CGW: 208.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 210.4
9. dorothyjune : CSW: 145.7 [CGW: 120.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 138.0
10. dviles : CSW: 210.0 [CGW: 190.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 207.0
11. eninad: CSW: 209.9 [CGW: 195.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 217.0
12. foxriver : CSW: 187.4 [CGW: 175.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 181.0
13. funtion : CSW: 161.0 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 144.4
14. geministars : CSW: 160.0 [CGW: 143.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 160.0
15. graceselene :CSW: 232.0 [CGW: 215.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 219.0
16. heyleese : CSW: 192.8 [CGW: 165.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 174.2
17. jackiezem : CSW: 143.0 [CGW: 127.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 138.0
18. kotov_syndrome : CSW: 206.5 [CGW: 191.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 197.9
19. kreebby : CSW: 126.5 [CGW: 118.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 120.0
20. lilbunniefufu85 : CSW: 236.8 [CGW: 215.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 211.6
21. mousey77 : CSW: 148.0 [CGW: 130.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 130.6
22. peaceapple :CSW: 190.2 [CGW: 166.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 185.4
23. rachelallk : CSW: 189.0 [CGW: 175.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 180.0
24. ranchobernardo : CSW: 186.3 [CGW: 159.3] FINAL WEIGHT: 180.8
25. sachurchwell : CSW: 184.8 [CGW: 165.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 169.8
26. safina1 : CSW: 228.0 [CGW: 199.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 240.0
27. samthegam138 : CSW: 182.8 [CGW: 158.8] FINAL WEIGHT: 162.0
28. sandyyyy : CSW:128 [CGW: 120] FINAL WEIGHT: 125.0
29. satyrswoman : CSW: 175.0 [CGW: 155.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 171.2
30. sharkythesmurf : CSW: 215.0 [CGW: 200.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 210.0
31. soskmb : CSW: 226.0 [CGW: 200.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 224.0
32. steph2288 : CSW: 161.8 [CGW: 140.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 144.8
33. theferet: CSW: 157.0 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 158.0
34. ticktick_tock : CSW: 181.0 [CGW: 175.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 180.0
35. tina0367 : CSW: 146.0 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 147.0
36. treeza4 : CSW: 215.0 [CGW: 198.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 210.0
37. vft : CSW: 240.0 [CGW:205.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 216.5
38. wants2bhot : CSW: 162.0 [CGW: 148.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 163.0
39. whichwayup : CSW: 165.0 [CGW: 145.0] FINAL WEIGHT: 156.0

 [EDIT: I have edited this post to reflect the changes in membership and added end of challenge weights]

Original Post by foxriver:

So I think that today, it might be a good idea for us each to share a motivating story and or a motivating quote with the rest of the group.

Mine from yesterday: I was wearing a pair of pants that I had altered in January. At that time they were literally falling off me but I am on a budget, so I got out my needle and thread and took them in two inches at the waist and hips. Yesterday, I noticed those same pants, I can pull them right off without undoing the buttons or zip (they are not stretchy). Time to take them in again! But nice visual on the results of my efforts!

Okay... your turn...

 I have the same motivational story for today!  Last night I weighed 145.5 *happy dance!* so I figured I must have lost a lot of water weight/tummy bloat.  Then this morning, I put on my usual size 14 pants, and they were swishing around my waist and bagging at the seat.  So, just for the heck of it, dug in my closet and brought out a pair of size 12 pants that haven't seen the light of day in 3 years.  I didn't even have to squeeze into them. 

It's like after all the weeks of frustration and not losing, my body has just decided to let a lot of weight go at once.  This is definitely something to keep in mind during the more frustrating periods in a weight loss journey.

Hmmm, and a motivational quote... can't think of any right now, but if one comes to me I'll post again.  

Motivational Quote:

 

Success is a journey, not a destination.

Original Post by cdenali:

Only motivational quote I keep in mind always is

"Success is how high you bounce after you hit bottom" by George S. Patton

Anyway, that quote was/is my mantra. 

Sorry for the long post.

Wonderful story and very inspirational.

Its much like my own, bad/violent relationships (yes more than one).  Until 4 years ago when I stopped it all.  In my quest to better my life and mind I let my body go. If you've had any therapy its really 'normal' to put on a lot of weight after abuse (no one can hurt you if your hidden).

So here I am, happier, saner and healthier than ever before and still 40 pounds over weight...but I'll take it over what I had.

This struggle to lose weight is harder than anything I've done, because not only do I have to fight the urge to feed my fears/emotions/insecurities...but I have to fight the urge to make the easy choices (food wise). My brain constantly fights my belly.

"What defines a person's character is not how you are when you're on top. It's how you are when you're on the bottom and working your way back" Serena Williams.

 

My motivation is EVERYONE ON THIS CHALLENGE! As I read about everyone's difficulties and successes I see a bit of myself more or less in others. I still can't exercise yet either and I want to. My back is the problem this time. I was not losing weight after consuming only 1300 calories a day and so I went down to 1200 per day. I was at 224lbs, then 222lbs.... forever.

After PM's with Foxriver, I learned I was putting my body thru starvation mode and my matabolism was hanging on to whatever calories it could. I INCREASED my calorie intake to 1700 ( I know, HUH? it was hard to do mentally but I am enjoying eating more!) and guess what????? I gained one pound last week. BUT... GUESS WHAT ELSE???? I HAVE LOST THREE POUNDS NOW!!!!!!! I now weigh 220! Thank you Foxriver for helping me see what I was doing worng and telling me how it really is. YOU have been motivating for me...and so has everyone else here that IS NOT GIVING UP!!!

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."
- Aristotle

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

 

"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" - Unknown

 

 

 

@ Tina I'm so happy that your hubby's Chemo is almost over!! You are both almost through the worst parts, who cares about the monitoring and check ups! That will be a walk in the park after being to he'll and back over the last 2 months! My mum is about half way through the Chemo ( she had to have 4months) .. One small bit of good news is that the doctors have said that she can have a 2 week rest period before my wedding, so that means she won't be on the verge of vomiting during the happy occasion.. She is always one step away from being sick.. Smells even set her off, good smells like chocolate too, which is weird! Anyway we are grateful for getting the rest weeks with no Chemo!

mousey- glad to get an update on your mum.  Sounds like she is hanging in there and that is so great that she gets a break for the wedding so she can really enjoy it :)  Luckily my hubby has done really well with his nausea.  He has been able to eat mostly what he wants/likes and was only sick for a couple of days the week he went into hospital.  They give him Zofran and Decadron with his chemo and he also takes Compazine as needed.  This really seems to do the trick, or maybe his chemo drugs aren't as hard on the stomach as your mum's.  I would so hate to get sick at the smell of chocolate, on second thought maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing .

I am really looking forward to just doing checkups and I'm sure he is too!  

I really enjoyed reading everyone's inspirational and motivational stories and quotes, but I don't have any to add.  I have been doing better on my healthy eating this week.  Have a good night every one :)

Thank you everyone who shared their success stories and motivational quotes today. 

We have all done amazing things and come through so much .. we should be proud of ourselves and each other for getting this far.

Thank you for checking in with us all ; Anddan, Steph, Sachurchwell,

Tina, thanks for letting us know how your hubby is doing. I'm glad to hear the meds they give him help with the nausea. I know that it is hard to keep up your strength if you can't bear to eat. Only a few days more of treatment. And the rest will seem easy after this. Will be thinking of you.

Whichway (and Tina again), as to maintaining not being in the "spirit of weight loss" please don't worry about that. At some point we will all reach maintenance and this is almost as difficult a transition as weight loss itself. I am happy to offer support to those who need to maintain for whatever reason. I have given some thought to that for the next challenge and I think it would be fine to have maintainers as part of that group too.

Funtion glad to hear your motivation is strong now that you are so close to your goal.

Rachel, I know how tough it can be to be limited by physical problems. Lowering your calorie allowance can seem dreadful but you could switch out some of your usual options for low calorie filling items such as larger volumes of vegetables, they will help you feel full on lower calories.

Cdenali, I love your quote and thank you for sharing your story with us. It makes me sad to know that so many of us have had such pain in our past, yet how strong we have all proved to be.. getting out of those damaging situations and finding a new path to happiness and health. It's fantastic that you no longer need to take medication!

Brtaylor... snap! I love surprises like finding that old, smaller clothes fit again.. what fun!

Grace, thank you for sharing your success with us all. I know you needed to be brave to take that step and I am happy that eating more is really working for you (bet it feels nice not to be hungry too!)

Heyleese, I love Aristotle quotes... thanks for sharing your favorite.

Mousey, Hope your mum keeps doing well. How lucky that her doctors say she can take a short break. I am sure it will mean the world to her to be there and feeling well for your wedding day. Anyway since she is half way through, the end of treatment is thankfully in sight.

So I hope that by sharing our motivational stories, those that have not contributed today might feel like they can carry on and keep taking the steps that will help them achieve their goals. Remember that each time you make a healthy choice you are helping yourself.

Original Post by foxriver:

Thank you everyone who shared their success stories and motivational quotes today. 

Whichway (and Tina again), as to maintaining not being in the "spirit of weight loss" please don't worry about that. At some point we will all reach maintenance and this is almost as difficult a transition as weight loss itself. I am happy to offer support to those who need to maintain for whatever reason. I have given some thought to that for the next challenge and I think it would be fine to have maintainers as part of that group too.

Don't worry - I have a feeling I'll still have those last few lbs to lose!

I really am happy though that I've figured out how to maintain though and it's nice to give myself (mentally) and my body (physically) a bit of a break now and again. But I'm sure I'll get there in the end :-)

I also know that these next 6 months are going to be incredibly hard for me as I'm looking at possibly moving country again. So support will be needed!

Original Post by whichwayup:

Original Post by foxriver:

Thank you everyone who shared their success stories and motivational quotes today. 

Whichway (and Tina again), as to maintaining not being in the "spirit of weight loss" please don't worry about that. At some point we will all reach maintenance and this is almost as difficult a transition as weight loss itself. I am happy to offer support to those who need to maintain for whatever reason. I have given some thought to that for the next challenge and I think it would be fine to have maintainers as part of that group too.

Don't worry - I have a feeling I'll still have those last few lbs to lose!

I really am happy though that I've figured out how to maintain though and it's nice to give myself (mentally) and my body (physically) a bit of a break now and again. But I'm sure I'll get there in the end :-)

I also know that these next 6 months are going to be incredibly hard for me as I'm looking at possibly moving country again. So support will be needed!

 I think we all should listen to our bodies better than guided by the numbers on the scale.  I learned it hard way.  And I'm coming to terms with my numbers on scale.  It is amazing to notice how hard our bodies (phisically) fight over our brain/outlook whatever you call it. 

For the last month I've been trying everything I've increased my calorie intake twice (1500 to 1750-1800), increased my activity, increased my strength training, listened to my body and took break from gym when I feel tired.  STILL, the number on the scale won't change. 

Now, I let it go.  Mind you, I still check my weight every day and log it.  I weigh my food and enter my food log every single day.  I go to gym and exercise minimum 5 days and maximum 6 days a week. 

So, now like I'm maintaining. I will see if the weight comes off GREAT.  If not, may be my body wants to stay in this weight for a while.  As long as I'm healthy, that's all it matters.  Before last September, I used to take atleast 2-3 Aleve (pain killers) a day to ease up pains in my legs.  Now, it's been six months, I've even looked at that bottle. What else do I need and what more can I ask for.

Yes, I will also join the next challenge.

And goodluck with your move.  It is hard. You will get all the support you need (moral ofcourse) from us.

I'm going to have to step it up if I'm going to make it to sub165 by my birthday (2 days after the challenge end)

only 3.5 more weeks!

sub170 is probably more realistic.

not changing my goal (even if i don't succeed), just trying to get motivated!!!

GOOD LUCK LADIES!

Two occasions I am attending (tonight and tomorrow night) call for alcohol consumption.

Normally I am fairly good at minimizing the temptations this presents... my 'go to' drink is red wine, I love the taste and can happily savor one glass for a long time, but wine will not be one of the options available...

Setting aside the obvious and doable alternating iced water with alcoholic bevarages...

... I am hoping you lovely ladies will be able to suggest something else that works for you (ps I do not drink diet coke/pepsi, blech) what are YOUR fave low calorie alcohol options??

Hi Foxriver, I rarely drink because its not worth the calories but a good one is vodka (gin or whichever is your favorite) and soda water, largest glass you can find (beer mug is usually good) add a lime and sip forever ...have fun.

Original Post by foxriver:

Two occasions I am attending (tonight and tomorrow night) call for alcohol consumption.

Normally I am fairly good at minimizing the temptations this presents... my 'go to' drink is red wine, I love the taste and can happily savor one glass for a long time, but wine will not be one of the options available...

Setting aside the obvious and doable alternating iced water with alcoholic bevarages...

... I am hoping you lovely ladies will be able to suggest something else that works for you (ps I do not drink diet coke/pepsi, blech) what are YOUR fave low calorie alcohol options??

If there's no wine, my personal favourite is Gin & Tonic (Bombay Saffire) but Vodka & soda is supposed to be a good low cal drink. Though I hate vodka so never drink it.

I'd alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of ice water with ice cubes and a slice of lemon.

Hope you have fun!

 

Original Post by rachelallk:

Hi Foxriver, I rarely drink because its not worth the calories but a good one is vodka (gin or whichever is your favorite) and soda water, largest glass you can find (beer mug is usually good) add a lime and sip forever ...have fun.

 I would go with this.  One drink is around 80-90 cal if it is with seltzer.

Thanks ladies, really good suggestions.. thank you... Yes, I rarely drink also (for the same reason, I simply can't justify the empty calories but some occasions call for it and this is one).

How could I have forgotten gin!?? In a large glass, with soda water and lime, one will last me ages. Perfect!

Not going out for a couple of hours so I am sure food/ nibbles will be there (all high cal of course. For people who aren't watching their weight high cal nibbles are the only way to go. Only we would be saying, 'where's the carrot and celery sticks?'). Anyhoo... I've decided to avoid those temptations by eating before we go... Here's me @ the party, "Oooh, thanks, but I'm too full for a snack now!" LOL

I can't believe it!!!!! I lost another pound!!!!! I weighed 219 this morning!!!! I'm in the teens!!!!! I'm in the teens!!! WOOOHOOOO!!! and this is by eating MORE food!!!! I'm so happy! I'm 4 pounds away from my goal for the Easter challenge. I think I'm gonna make it.

good luck everyone!:-)

CONGRATULATIONS Grace !

Excellent news! I think you should stick with this higher intake, it seems to be the right level for you.

Ps. had a fun evening with some old friends last night. No snacking and just one gin with soda water and lime (I had forgotten how much I liked that) plenty of water after. Weight was actually a bit down this morning and TOM is tailing off, so I hope to see another drop next week.

Weighing in  ... Sunday morning in Australia 

(Challenge Start )2nd Jan 148 lbs 

9th Jan 143.3 lbs 

15th Jan 143 lbs 

23rd Jan 141.3 lbs 

30th Jan  139.8 lbs 

6th Feb   137.5 lbs 

13th Feb 139.5 lbs 

20th Feb 136.9 lbs 

27th Feb 133.6 lbs 

6th March 134.3 lbs 

13th March 133.7 lbs   current BMI 21.7 

20th March 131.1lbs 

27th March 132 lbs 

3rd April  130 lbs !!!!!  Goal Weight!    BMI 21.2

-18lbs lost during this challenge :)

*Dances around room in a single Conga line singing* ..."Guess who reached their goal weight"  *kicks leg out* "Guess who reached their goal weight ?" *kicks leg out other side* YAY!!!

And I fit into my small unforgiving pair of jeans... Little bit snug around my waist, as I have some loose skin from the 2 recent pregnancies... but they fit and look right on my legs and butt.... (size 4) Yay!

Now If my wedding dress would just arrive *stressed out* then I could try it on and see if it fits... I hope it gets here soon,as I might have to make some alterations to it before the wedding... IN 3 WEEKS *stress*

xx Mousey

Now I just need to maintain this till the wedding and beyond 

Original Post by mousey77:

 

3rd April  130 lbs !!!!!  Goal Weight!    BMI 21.2

-18lbs lost during this challenge :)

*Dances around room in a single Conga line singing* ..."Guess who reached their goal weight"  *kicks leg out* "Guess who reached their goal weight ?" *kicks leg out other side* YAY!!!

Super awesome and WELL done!! Long may that last too :-)

@ graceselene - congrats to you too. A great feeling to dip into the next bracket below!