Fresh Start Week 5 (group closed)

Week 5...start of our 2nd month! 

Hello all!  Well here we all are in week 5...let's start with a big pat on the back for still being here and trying (we have lost 3 ladies already)!  Thank you ladies for sticking with it week after week and being here to help me stay accountable.    

This week not only are weigh-ins due but it is also time to measure!  Also, let's think about how close we are to our 10% goals...remember that little number hanging out there...mine was 19 and I still have 16.5 to go...month 2 needs to be better for me!  

For this week's goal let's reflect on our past four weeks food and exercise goals and revisit them...if you have not knocked out a goal (that you want to) then here is your 2nd chance.  I would like for us all to feel like we have a solid base for the next 7 weeks...I will have new goals for the upcoming weeks but for those of us who have not yet mastered some of the basics I think it is important that we really get them under our belts before moving on.  If you have mastered the goals then set forth your plan to make month 2 sucessful! 

Mental:  Reflect on the last 4 weeks - what did you do right that helped you drop that weight...what things could you improve on during the next four weeks.

Review of past goals:

Food:

Week 1 – Tracking and recording all food – stay within your “eat meter” number.

Week 2 – WATER, WATER, WATER!

Week 3 - 5 Fruits/Veggies per day

Week 4 - Give up that one thing that hangs around in your diet that is not good for you but you work it into your calories

Exercise:

Week 1 – Do something, anything at least 3 times this week

Week 2 – Add one more workout into your schedule (one more day or the equivalent in time)

Week 3 - Maintain

Week 4 - Take a good look at your work-out and determine what changes need to be made and MAKE them (ie add in some strength training)

Mental:

Week 1 – List the top 5 reasons you really want to do this

Week 2 – List 3-5 reasons how you got here

Week 3 - Look back to your happy place and give yourself a visual (picture or clothing)

Week 4 - Make sure you are building yourself towards a healthy lifestyle...by doing each weeks goals continuously (don't just eat your veggies for one week - eat them every week!).  Make a plan to push you.  

So here we go...1/3 of our 12 week session is behind us...now is as good as time as any to pick up the pace and really get to it over the next 8 weeks.  For those of you who are at full speed already, keep up the good work and stay focused on staying at full speed for the next 8 weeks and let's see how close we can get to our 10% goals!

Let's focus and get this weight off!  Make a great week happen for you!

Take care, Liz

Liz-I didn't mean I had cut out all of my empty calories.  I've cut them down, but not out!  On average I have a 70-100 calorie treat every night.  I'm afraid if I cut out the last few things, I'll fall off the wagon completely and not be able to get back on.  Now if I could achieve your water and work out habits, I would be a happy woman!  I have increased my water, but I haven't measured it and that's what I'm going to try to do this week so I know how I'm doing.

Jella-the South Beach Diet is a program created by a cardiologist in Miami's South Beach, thus the name.  It distinguishes between "good fats" and "bad fats" and "good carbs" and "bad carbs".  It's based largely on eating with a low glycemic index to help burn fat.  There's probably a better explanation on this site and definitely on the South Beach website.  I try to incorporate those principles to help choose my calories.

I'll be back tomorrow with my new stats--not looking forward to it. . .

laughs - Once again, thanks for keeping us on track!  Hmm revisiting goals that haven't yet been achieved.... Well, like always, I do pretty well with the food - and yes, I've stopped adding sugar to my coffee (again!)....BUT... like always, it is the exercise that really is my challenge.  Last week was particularly hopeless!  This morning we had celebration pancakes for my birthday breakfast so i missed my walk.  I plan to walk this afternoon to make up for it - promise!  Then each morning this week, I WILL walk!!! No excuses, I don't care if it's dark, cold or mentally challenging!  Unless it rains (and it isn't forecast) I WILL WALK!!!!!  Well, I am weighing in tomorrow (my Tuesday morning but your Monday evening!) but I think I will start weighing in on my Monday from now on as I liked the comment about Monday weighins making you feel more accountable for weekend excesses! The weight actually crept up a pound or two again last week, so I'll be happy if i find myself at my starting weight of 195.

Thanks babe!  i did some checking out on this site - in some ways the South Beach diet is similar to the CSIRO diet (our national science organisation) with a mix of atkins diet at the beginning to cut the addiction to sugar.  I like the look of it.  Though i am way past the early stage, as I have already given up refined white flour products and sugar (yes, I gave it up AGAIN this week!) already.  I might try to encourage my older boy to try it as he is carrying too much weight in his torso and i'd like him to get it under control now before he leaves school.

erin - last week you asked where we all live and what we do.  I am a teaching principal (head master) at a small country primary (elementary) school.  There are less than 30 students in our school - 8 grades in all.  I absolutely love my job though it can be quite exhausting!  Teaching multiple grades can be a real challenge and I have all the same administrative duties as a principal in a large school who has no teaching duties whatever.  Also, there are few staff to delegate jobs to.  Our little school has a proud history of being involved in absolutely everything - sometimes it feels like I never have a full weekend to myself.  We are also a Catholic school so I am heavily involved in the local parish.  Jacob & Sarah both attend my school (jacob graduates this year - yeahhhh!!!!) which is also both wonderful and hard.  I get to spend more time with my kids than most working parents but i tend to be much harder on them than other kids (which isn't really fair but is just the way it has to be).  I can't wait till Jacob goes to highschool so he can escape from being always watched by me.  Little Sarah (7 years) just loves it. 

Hi guys!  I’ve adapted this checklist from another friend here on CC to suit the goals I am currently working on.  I plan to have this printed up into a table for me to check off this week.  I really do much better with a list to follow!!!  The happy healthy moment is for me to reflect on any light bulb moments I have, compliments I might get or positive comments that I make myself about the changes I am making. 

My daily checklist

Did I drink enough water today? Yep!

Did I limit myself to one coffee? Two – but decaf with no sugar!

Did I limit my refined carbs? No – breakfast pancakes, plus a cake!

Did I eat 2 pieces of fruit? Yes

Did I eat 5 types of veges today? yes

Did I have 6 meals? yes

Did I have any unplanned extras? Yes – a surprise cake at school – small slice

Did I go for a walk? yes

Did I do some abs strengthening? Yes – used my new ball

Did I do some arms/back strengthening? yes

Did I skip for 5 minutes? yes

Did I go to bed before 9.30pm?  well, it is the Olympics…

Did I have a “Happy & Healthy” moment today? My light bulb moment was realizing that one big difference between when I was regularly losing weight and now was that I had strict checklists to follow!!!

Hi Everyone,

Sorry that I didn't check in most of last week. I was traveling and just couldn't find the time to go on line. I just read all the posts from last week and it sounds like people are working hard and trying new things.  I don't have a lot of time today so I am going to keep this short. I have been very careful with what I eat but I am finding it REALLY difficult to find healthy options when eating out. Even salads etc. come with loads of goat cheese and other high cal. stuff. I am very conscious of what I am eating and I keep a mental log. I have been very active. In Bologna I walked 3 hours each day, very slowly but still... In Brussels we stayed in a very nice hotel that had a gym so I used it both days we were there. The hotel had this wonderful breakfast buffet with fresh waffles and real maple syrup, all kinds of hot food and lots of pastries. I didn't eat any of it! Just all bran cereal and fruit and some egg whites. At the moment I am staying with my sister and we are going to her gym tonight. So I do think I will meet my exercise goals this week. Water has been more difficult because I am out most of the day but I am trying to improve my intake. I am not going to post my weight as I can't use my scale and my sister's scale says I am heavier, which I refuse to believe. I hope everyone will have a good week and I will try to check in and post as well.

Of course, even though I had two reminder messages from Liz, I forgot to weigh myself this morning.  I got her first message last night, and then I thought about weighing when I was in the shower, but by the time I got out, I had forgotten.  Then I got her second message when I got in the car to drive to work.  Needless to say, I forgot once again but I just sent an email to myself to remind me to weigh in tonight.

I haven't been tracking well lately either and that's only because I've been so busy lately, both at work and otherwise.  But I am happy to say that I have eaten way less recently than I used to.  I have eaten much smaller portions which is my biggest problem area. 

I'm going to work hard to stay on track this week.  Now I'm going to go read Liz's info for week 5 and I'll post again later.

so, as I was doing my measurements I realized that I am probably not totally accurate in some areas, because I may measure in slightly different areas... but anyways here are my stats (from before) and today:

Height: 5' 2"
Current Weight: (175.4) 168.6 - down 6.8 lbs! for some reason I felt like I haven't really been losing lately... but I guess that was because in the first week or two I lost more faster and its slowing down now... but its still a decent amount lost for a month

Waist: (35.5") 35" - down .5 inch

Bust: (42") 42" - same

Hips: (45") 44" - down 1"

Thigh: (27.5") 26" - down 1.5"... but at the gym, her measurements said I gained an inch, which I'm more inclined to believe right now because my shorts are fitting tighter there... which I can only hope means I'm getting more muscle

Arm: (14.25") 14" - down .25"

so according to those numbers I'm making a bit of progress... I'm not really seeing it yet, and my clothes aren't really fitting any differently... but maybe in another month (and hopefully another 7-8 lbs down) I'll see it. My next goal, by the end of August (or at least mid Sept is probably more realistic) is to be down to 160-161ish and then I'll be out of the obese BMI range!

Guess I should get back to work. I'm sleepy today since I couldnt fall asleep until almost midnight and then woke up at 5:15 for the gym :( Gotta get back into my regular sleeping habits.

Hey all, I'm checking in ON TIME this time, LOL.

Here's my stats:

Weight:

 Starting-225.0  current 217.6

measurements: 

bust: (42.75) 42.5

waist (41) 40.5

hips (51.5) 51

So technically since I started, I have lost 7.4 lbs and 1.5 inches.  Not too bad for a month, I guess I'm thinking it would have been nicer to lose MORE, but on the same token, I didn't gain that so I should feel good.  I will definitely be exercising more, and I think if I totally cut out my cereal I will see a bigger drop next month.  Maybe *having a duh moment* since at night I crave something sweet and crunchy, maybe I'll try eating some baby carrots after dinner.  Less calories, less sugar and no fat.  I'll have to pick some up today. (As you can probably tell, up until now I haven't totally given up the cereal!)

Can't wait to see how everybody else is doing!

Take care all...

Lisa

OK, I just weighed in and I'm at 240.  Though that's one pound more than the last time I actually posted my weight, I weighed myself a few days ago (but I didn't post it) and I've stayed the same -- at 240.  So I haven't lost any weight but I haven't gained any lately so I'm glad about that.

Oh, and I still don't have my measurements because I keep forgetting to get Liz to take them for me. 

I've got to buckle down now and work hard. 

Oh Shanny, I'm with you in the staying put category!!!  I'm still stuck where I started a month ago (195) though for part of last week I had actually dropped to 194 for a few days.  This morning I was actually back at 196 (groan)!  On the plus side, I really did enjoy the parties that contributed to this - you only have a birthday once a year!  My hope is that i will do better following my daily checklist, then I've been going just trying to keep mental track of what I do.

Took my measurements at the start of August ...  In brackets was my January measurement ...

arm - (42cm = 16.5")   35cm = 13.8"

bust - (115cm = 45") 110cm = 43.3"

chest - (97 cm = 38")  92cm = 36.2"

waist - (108 cm = 42.5")   93cm = 36.6"

hips - (124cm = 49") 119cm = 46.9"

thigh - (70cm = 27.6") 62cm = 24.4"

calf - (43 cm = 17") 41cm = 16.1"

Holding steady at 201--that's no movement for 2 wks!!  Guess I'm in the club with Shanny and Jella! 

My measurements:

Bust:  40"  no loss  (I think I lost all there is to lose there the first month I was doing this prior to our group.  :)  )

Waist:  37.5"  to 35.25"  =  2.25"    Hips:  48.5" to 47" =1.5"

Thigh:  48.5 to 47 = 1.5"        ;       &n bsp;    Arm:  15" to 14.5" =.5"

Jella-glad you liked the South Beach stuff.  If I am at the same weight again next week, I may have to cut out the rest of my refined sugars!  Not that there is much left.  Are you the only teacher in your school?  Or do you teach one or two subjects and not have all of the students at once? 

I like your list idea.  I do everything else with a list so I'm going to try it for this, too.  Particularly to help with my water and knowing exactly how much I have consumed.  The problem with lists in the rest of my life is keeping them where I can see them and actually looking at them so I don't get distracted by the crisis of the moment.  I'm guessing my employees will get a good laugh or be puzzled if they find this list on my desk!

Shanny-hang in there, you are on the right track!!

Dutch-Sounds like you are doing pretty well, all things considered!  It's definitely harder to eat out.  You order something that sounds safe and sometimes it comes out with stuff you weren't expecting!  And as much as you are moving around, you probably don't eat in the same restaurant twice.  I try to order some of the simplest food possible, hold the stuff I don't need to eat, and the whatever I can on the side.  But I think if I were traveling in the awesome places that you are, I might have zero discipline!

Have a great week everybody!  And a belated Happy Birthday to Jella!

My daily checklist

Did I drink enough water today? Yep!

Did I limit myself to one coffee? yes - a real (not decaf) cappucino in a cafe!

Did I limit my refined carbs? yep- snuck one slice of white bread in and a spoon of sugar in the coffee....

Did I eat 2 pieces of fruit? Yes - pink lady apples mmm mmm!

Did I eat 5 types of veges today? yes! 

Did I have 6 meals? tick!

Did I have any unplanned extras? no stuck to plan all the way

Did I go for a walk? yes - sunrise walk down to the beach

Did I do some abs strengthening? Yes – used my new ball

Did I do some arms/back strengthening? yes - did pull ups and modified pushups at the beach

Did I skip for 5 minutes? yes

Did I go to bed before 9.30pm?  that's my plan!

Did I have a “Happy & Healthy” moment today? I saw a couple in the cafe who hadn't seen me in a while - they were very complimentary about how great I looked.  Had dozens of such compliments today - I decided to wear the new red dress I'd bought even though i wasn't entirly sure that i was ready for it - it got so many positive comments that I realise I was being overly critical of myself.  I no longer need to hide behind dark colours!

Weight:

Start: 194.3 Current: 191.6 (down 2.7)

10% goal: 19.4 - 2.7 = 16.7 to go

Measurements:

Arm:  13 1/8 - same

Bust: 40 1/2  current 40 (down 1/2, just my luck lose the little bit I have making me MORE off portion) 

Waste: 40 Current: 38 1/2 (down 1 1/2) YAY!

Hips: 43 1/4 SAME

Thigh: 27 1/2 Current: 26 3/4

Lots of things people posted that I want to respond to but I have to get to work...I will be back later...just wanted to get this out of the way!

So, I am back...supposed to be working but here I am posting! 

First CONGRATS on all the pounds and inches dropped!

Now responses:

2b - I think you are right not to cut out those 70-100 calorie snacks (especially if they keep you on track).  My problem with soda is I have a 150 - 450 calorie per day habit...on a good day I will only have one but on a bad day 3!  Not only is the soda taking up a ton of calories that I should be using for healthy food but soda is TERRIBLE for you!  Also, to be honest soda often pushes me over my daily calorie allowance.  In the past I have given soda up and it was great...the times I really wanted one I had one but I found those times were few and far between and that I could only drink 1/2 of a soda because they had become too sweet for me...also, for me it is not an addiction to the caffeine because I actually prefer non-caffeine sodas but it is a habit and the fact that I like the taste...as you can tell I am frustrated with myself that I have not given up this really bad habit!  But I will, this week! Anyway, good job on the water! Good job on your inches lost!  

Jella - I like you check list and I think I will adopt this practice - thanks for the great ideas always!

Dutch - wow, great job saying no to the pastried and making it to the gym during travel!

Shanny - now that school has ended maybe you will have more energy to focus on this...let me know if it is time for tough love in the form of daily emails!  Just get your mind set on it and I know you can do it! 

 Erin - hope the 5k program is working well for you.  I have to tell you I think you have really done a wonderful job!  6.8 is AWESOME!  Good luck on your goals!  I hope to be in the 180s (even if that means 189) by next week!

Lisa - 7.4 pounds, you are my hero - averaging 2 pounds a week is my dream and you are close! Congrats on your loss!

Good luck to you all this week...I am going to work really hard and hope to report next week that I am in the 180s!

Thanks Liz!  I did the math after I posted yesterday, and if you multiply 7.4 x 3, it equals 22.2, and my goal is to lose 22.5 in three months, so basically if I keep it at this rate, I'm right on track. 

take care!

Lisa

Sorry I haven't been posting!  This early morning thing is NOT for me!  I will be going to evenings next week...so I should be getting better with the posting.  I haven't weighed myself yet this week..I'll do that tomorrow.  I've been lunging out of bed and into the shower and into the car!  (Okay...I may have put some clothes on before going into the car...lol)   I like your check list, jella!  I will respond more tomorrow...I'm getting sleepy so suddenly!

Rach

As usual I'm posting on Tuesday! Monday's are my sleep day so I don't even get online but I weigh and measure, I just write it down and go to bed! :)  But here's my results.  I know we should  not compare ourselves to others but I think it's interesting to look at other people's weights and measurements in comparison to my own.  For instance, Jella and I are similar in measurements but I weigh almost 10 lbs more! No fair. LOL  I don't hold it against ya though.  I just think it's very interesting.  Ok enough stalling, here's my before and afters. *sigh*

Weight: (208.2) 204.4~loss of 3.8lbs with 17lbs left to goal (I better get crackin')

Chest: (42) 40.5~loss of 1.5"

Bust: (45) 45~no change

Waist: (40) 38~loss of 2"

Hips: (49) 46~loss of 3"

Wrist: (7) 7~no change (this was mostly just to show my frame)

Neck: (15.5) 15.25~loss of .25"

Thigh: Right (25) 23~loss of 2" Left (24.5) 23"~loss of 1.5"

Loss of 8.25" and 3.8 lbs Hmm..looks like I found the reason why I can now fit into 16's and 18's but the scale hasn't moved much. :)

For this week, I hope to continue the good habits I've been doing PLUS increase my protein and fruit/veg intake and lower drastically my carb intake. I have been eating almost 45% carbs, 35% fat, and maybe 15-20% protein. Bad monkey, no banana! Wait...gimme bananas! haha  Also, I'd like to stick with my no eating after 9pm except on my graveyard days when that's exactly when I DO eat.  But I'm gonna kick my butt with exercising this week to make up for the 2000 calorie day I had to day! Ugh.  I know one day, blah blah but I felt so bad after I saw that! I need to not eat at Jack in the Box ever!  Anyway, good luck to everyone this week.

Good job to everyone for their hard work. Just showing up here every week takes discipline and even if some people had a more successful month, doesn't mean we stop, let it motivate us to be that person next month! :)

 Edit: I just looked back on my beginning measurements at the start of my journey (from 241 lbs March 2008) and I have lost a total of 22.25" and 36.6 lbs!! So I am a little bit revived since I was feeling bad about myself for not doing better this month! :)  Oh and I have to get my camera right now and upload the funniest picture I took over the weekend.  My kids literally had a 3-legged/sack race in my old pants! I was laughing so hard, and I got a video of it. I wish I could post that but you can imagine...my oldest daughter was screaming the whole time, "this is so weird! She made me do this!" ahhh....good times. LOL

NillyI think you are doing great, 36.6 pounds is amazing! I think it is natural that the weight loss will slow down, it is healthier to do this slow and steady. I can imagine it was hilarious to watch your kids run a 3 legged race in your old pants. I agree that it takes a lot of discipline to keep up this new life style but also strenghth to confess our mess ups or failures.

Rach Thank god you remember your clothes! I know it is hard getting up early if you are not used to it. I hope next week will be better for you.

Lisa Great job looking at the big picture and keeping your eye on the prize. For the night time snacking... Have you tried home made popcorn? You can just pop corn kernels in the microwave and put on some sweet and low.

ShannyBaby steps! Portion control is an important step in a healthier life. I weigh all my food at home so I know I am eating the right amount but it was very hard at the beginning. Just don't give up and keep trying. How are you doing with the ice tea?

Jella  A belated happy birthday! It sounds as if you had a nice day. The checklist is a good idea, I'll start using that when I get back from vacation.

2babe  Sorry you didn't loose but great job sticking with your plan. I am trying to order salads etc. but it is hard because often they serve it with bread and butter or cover it with croutons etc. I sometimes feel my resolve slipping and have eaten some unhealthy food like cake.  I try to not let it ruin my whole day.

Liz That is a lot of cals. on soda! I have a can of diet coke every couple of days and luckily that's it. I think we all have our weaknesses to overcome, mine is still cookies and cake etc. and I sometime lose the battle. I hope you can beat the soda.

I am not posting weight or measurements the next 2 weeks as I won't be home. I am very happy that everyone is trying and being supportive of each other. I feel that this group has really helped me to stay motivated this vacation.

Okay...for the measurements...

Bust (42.5) 42.5  --->No change (that one I won't complain about...lol)

Waist (37.5) 36.5---> down an inch!

Hips (47) 46.5---> down 1/2 an inch!

Thighs (disregard my previous measurement...I did it wrong!!) 27.75---> ?

Weight (214.4) 211.4---> down 3 pounds, but no change from last week.  Still 18 pounds away from my 10% goal.  I need to put some coal on this fire!

Hello every body!

Good to hear from you all!

Thanks for the birthday wishes - I had a lovely no counting day (O.K. whole weekend!).  It is now my younger son Jacob's birthday - turning 12!  So, once again, it was breakfast pancakes with sugar and lemon juic instead of my usual rolled oats.  I had to miss my morning walk to cook the pancakes!  And, later, i am making him a pavlova and am concerned about my ability to have a tiny piece with fruit and no cream (rather than a whopping big slice topped with heaps of cream plus the fruit!). 

Actually, I am doing much better with the list - it's keeping me more accountable.  In particular, I am really pushing myself to do more exercise. 

My daily checklist

Did I drink enough water today? No - my pee was too dark!!! (gross, i know but a friend pointed out that that was the real way to check if your getting enough H2O - your pee sould be mostly clear!)

Did I limit myself to one coffee? yes

Did I limit my refined carbs? not really - had 2 slices of white bread to make a hurried dinner before rushing to a meeting

Did I eat 2 pieces of fruit? Yes - pink lady apples mmm mmm!

Did I eat 5 types of veges today? no - dinner was a rushed chicken sandwich, nothing green in sight!

Did I have 6 meals? Only 4!

Did I have any unplanned extras? yes -  a pumpkins scone

Did I go for a walk? yes - sunrise walk down to the beach

Did I do some abs strengthening? Yes – used my new ball

Did I do some arms/back strengthening? yes - did pull ups and modified pushups at the beach, also some bench squats - arms were aching all day!

Did I skip for 5 minutes? no - evening Parents and Friends Meeting

Did I go to bed before 9.30pm?  I wish!

Did I have a “Happy & Healthy” moment today? I had to say goodbye to a few more shirts that were just looking too baggy for professional wear.  Informed hubby that i am going shopping yet again!

Hi all,

Its been kinda quiet this week. Congrats to everyone on your weight and inches lost! My weight loss seems to have kinda stalled this week, but I'm trying not to get frustrated and give up and tell myself I'm gaining muscle and time of the month... I skipped out of the gym yesterday morning and this morning but I did go to yoga after work today. It was the last yoga class of this session. I'm still deciding if I want to sign up for another one... I'm thinking I'll just keep going to my gym and take the classes there (the yoga was done somewhere else).

This weekend I'm going to a fair/carnival! Lots of bad food! I'm thinking that I will probably call it a big cheat day. So far I've been good, and even on weekends not really gone over more than 200 cals. So I think I should be ok at the fair. We plan to spend the whole day there so there will be lots and lots of walking which should counteract some and then maybe I'll do cardio kickboxing on Sunday!

Well I hope everyone is having a good week, byes!