Lose 30 Pounds By Christmas

Or if you don't celebrate, lose 30 pounds by December 25th.

I'm starting a weight loss club for people who wanna lose 30 pounds to look good around the holidays. It's a time of year when you're around family much more often, and see many people that only come around once a year. Wouldn't it be great to shock them this year with your new body?

We will have weekly weigh-ins to keep track of everyone's progress. And with everyone's support and encouragement in this group from their peers, we should all feel more motivated to reach our goals.

When joining this group, please post a little bit about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and your expectations, so we can all get to know each other a little better.

WHO'S WITH ME?  :)

I'd like to join this group.

I'm 31, a married mom of 2 and work in IT. I've lost 20 lbs so far and it's pretty exciting. Never thought I could do it...but it can be done! I am getting better at controlling portions and eating more veggies. But my downfalls usually include sweets (chocolate and ice cream) and getting off my butt to do exercise.

Challenge SW: 164

Challenge GW: 135

 8/24/08: 164

alright so this is the start of my first week... pretty excited. I just got back to school so im really busy getting all the important things done for class before all the homework arrives. I tried running yesterday but could only run 15 mins because my lungs just told me to stop. I was sad but its 7000ft altitude and im not in as good as shape as i was last summer so i figure its just gonna take me a week or two to get used to and plus i need a new inhaler! However I gotta try and go to the gym this week, i bike to class, im on the 3rd floor of my apartment and have to carry my bike up with me, and im going to join a running club in town. Not to mention my old running buddy lost weight this summer and looks GREAT so I can't wait to either. Weigh in on Sunday, hope its good!

I'm glad I found this post before the first weigh-in on September 1st. Today is my first day on CC+. I am 28 years old. I've gained about 10 pounds a year for the past several years. When I started law school, I stopped exercising and began eating a lot of comfort foods, and my portions got out of whack when I started dating my fiance. I was in denial for a long time about my weight gain, but the painful truth has hit me over the past few months. I am 5'5" and 180 lbs. My goal weight is 120 lbs, and I want to reach that weight in 12 months. I am getting married on September 5, 2009, and I think looking good on my wedding day will be a great motivator for me.

Thirty pounds by Christmas is ambitious, but I believe it's achievable for me because I anticipate that the first 30 lbs will come off faster than the last 30 lbs. I look forward to checking in with everyone each Sunday.

See you September 1st!

Original Post by tyrdrop:

So, I am starting today, even though the correct start date isn't until September 1st. My question is, how do you measure yourself? What body parts, and where? Anyone who can answer is my hero! Thanks!

SW: 169.5

GW1: 153.5 (Halloween)

GW2: 140 (Christmas)

Adeprey- most hard liquors are full of calories, and alcohol itself is where the calories, so something that is 20% alcohol is going to have more alcohol calories than a 6% beer. I would say that if you are getting between 70 and 110 calories per drink, that's about as low as you can get. a 70 cal drink? 1 oz of any hard liquor (rum, vodka, whiskey, etc) and something without sugar (crystal light lemonade, diet coke, etc). Most light beers are between 95 and 110 calories.

I had found an article on taking your measurements but I forgot to make a link to it.  So when I went back the next month to measure I had no idea where or how I measured. LOL  THis is what I have used to take my measurements. 

How to Take Your Measurements

Original Post by gorgeous_jen:

I eat pretty well... so I don't think there's anything to worry about in that department. But I'm not sure what to do exercise-wise in regards to cardio and strength training. I started that C25K running plan and now I think I've messed up my knee a little. So, I don't know... back to walking till my knee heals? And what kind of strength training can you do without joining a gym or buying fancy equipment as I definitely do not have the money for it?

Jen,

You don't <i>need</i> to join a gym to lose weight or build muscle. Many people are under the impression that the only way they can work out is by joining a gym. I can't give you any medical advice regarding your knee as I am not qualified to tell you whether or not you are able to run, but as far as exercising without joining a gym, you could run/walk (when you are able to) for the same amount of time you would allot on cardio machines, and you could do pushups, sit ups, flutter kicks (this is when you lay on your back and lift your legs up one at a time, keeping them straight and switching back and forth), or if you have even a little money, pick up a medicine ball or some free weights and do squats and some weight lifting exercises.

Do you subscribe to any fitness magazines? They're very helpful with exercises you can do at home. :)

Original Post by kokobunn:

Hello! I would also like to join your group since I really need to blast these pounds away for good. I have been on an agonizing plateau for such a long time (4-5 months actually) and I really need to start losing some more before Christmas. :)

I'm an 18 year old college student. I lost the first 15 pounds of my weight when I was around 16-17. And now the scale won't budge at all. I couldn't even get it below 140.

Current Weight: 141 lbs

Height: 5'3''

Goal Weight: 111-115lbs

I'm having a hard time deciphering why the scale just won't budge. I believe that I have been eating healthily for the past 6-7 months. I avoid eating rice (rice is a staple here in the Philippines), sodas, fried foods and fast foods and I eat a variety of vegetables and fruits too. I also eat a lot of whole wheat products such as bread and cereals and low fat versions of possibly anything I could find.

I work out around 3-5 times a week. Cardio 3-5 times and weight training for at most 3 times. I have been doing this for at least 4-5 months.

I would really like some advice and motivation because I am obviously at the brink of becoming totally depressed by my weight issues. Being with people who have the same problem as mine is very inspiring. Thank you so much and have a nice day! ^^

I can hear your frustration.  I haven't hit any plateaus yet, but I try to always do things differently each day.  What I mean is I change my exercise routine and I zig-zag my calories.  On the days I have an intense exercise routine, I eat more that day.  The same goes on days I don't exercise or have a light day of exercise, then I eat less.  Check out this website for a suggested zig-zag calorie intake. http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calc ulator.htm

The other thing I do is I measure or weigh what goes in my mouth.  I found guessing never worked for me, I was always way off. When you measure dry ingredients make sure you're not adding more, stay below the rim of the measuring cup.  I recently saw a Yahoo video (wish I had the link) that showed how many more calories you would consume if you kept padding your measurements.  This video was astounding!  We think we a ok with our calories, but if you "fudge" every time, those calories add up to a lot of extra calories.

I've read on CC that when you hit a plateau, eat more.  Up your calories.  Now don't freak out, it's only for a day or two, then go back to zig-zagging.  This should give your metabolism a kick. You are doing things right with your diet.  Hang in there.

deloughy- perhaps say "I'm sorry, but I'll only go out to eat if I can pick the place".  Research it, find a place or two or three that will fit with your calorie limit, and make him go there.  Soup and salad are also good things to pick at a restaurant, if you stay with vinegarettes and broths.

Your right tyrdrop. When we are going out to eat I check the restaurant  website for meal suggestions.  I found it interesting that a favorite deli had the highest calorie and sodium foods! So I really don't eat there unless its a simple salad and plain baked potato. And the potatoes are about 3x larger than the recommended serving size!

I made it thru a couple of challenges today, which normally I'd have given in.  At a work meeting, there were at least a dozen mini candy bars at each of our places. The candy started looking pretty good about lunch time, but I pushed them away.  Then when I got home from work, my sweet neighbor brought over a dozen chocolate chip cookies! I thanked her and bagged them up and put them in the freezer for my "Sunday Splurge", as I so call it.  Knowing I can eat them later helps me not crave them right now. I'll see how the rest of the week goes tho. After all, it is only Monday

Healthy Grocery Shopping List:

• garlic
• whole wheat bread (preferably Pepperidge Farm "Carb Style" or "Small Slice")
• brown eggs (they seem to have less calories than white, so I've found)
• fresh fruit & vegetables
• fresh fish
• Mrs. Dash no-sodium seasonings
• lean cold cuts (turkey, chicken breast, roast beef - no salami, pepperoni, etc.)
• brown rice
• olive oil
• flaxseed
• Benefiber (I prefer; or fiber supplement of your choice)
• multivitamin
• honey
• mustard
• bottled water (if you don't have a water cooler in your house)
• beans (chick peas, kidney beans, lima beans, etc.)
• almonds
• cottage cheese
• milk (skim, 1% or fat free)
• granola or oatmeal
• dark chocolate (for when you absolutely must....)

Original Post by betsaroonie:

Original Post by kokobunn:

Hello! I would also like to join your group since I really need to blast these pounds away for good. I have been on an agonizing plateau for such a long time (4-5 months actually) and I really need to start losing some more before Christmas. :)

I'm an 18 year old college student. I lost the first 15 pounds of my weight when I was around 16-17. And now the scale won't budge at all. I couldn't even get it below 140.

Current Weight: 141 lbs

Height: 5'3''

Goal Weight: 111-115lbs

I'm having a hard time deciphering why the scale just won't budge. I believe that I have been eating healthily for the past 6-7 months. I avoid eating rice (rice is a staple here in the Philippines), sodas, fried foods and fast foods and I eat a variety of vegetables and fruits too. I also eat a lot of whole wheat products such as bread and cereals and low fat versions of possibly anything I could find.

I work out around 3-5 times a week. Cardio 3-5 times and weight training for at most 3 times. I have been doing this for at least 4-5 months.

I would really like some advice and motivation because I am obviously at the brink of becoming totally depressed by my weight issues. Being with people who have the same problem as mine is very inspiring. Thank you so much and have a nice day! ^^

 

I can hear your frustration.  I haven't hit any plateaus yet, but I try to always do things differently each day.  What I mean is I change my exercise routine and I zig-zag my calories.  On the days I have an intense exercise routine, I eat more that day.  The same goes on days I don't exercise or have a light day of exercise, then I eat less.  Check out this website for a suggested zig-zag calorie intake. http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calc ulator.htm

The other thing I do is I measure or weigh what goes in my mouth.  I found guessing never worked for me, I was always way off. When you measure dry ingredients make sure you're not adding more, stay below the rim of the measuring cup.  I recently saw a Yahoo video (wish I had the link) that showed how many more calories you would consume if you kept padding your measurements.  This video was astounding!  We think we a ok with our calories, but if you "fudge" every time, those calories add up to a lot of extra calories.

I've read on CC that when you hit a plateau, eat more.  Up your calories.  Now don't freak out, it's only for a day or two, then go back to zig-zagging.  This should give your metabolism a kick. You are doing things right with your diet.  Hang in there.

Thank you so much for the info! It'll definitely help a lot! :D

I started a food journal too last night, and well, so far so good I guess. I also tried eating a bit more than usual and it seems that it does work a little. Surprisingly, I didn't gain too much considering the extra amount of sweets I shoved down. xD I'll check the results by the end of the week. I'll keep my fingers crossed till then! Thanks again! :D

kokobunn- I hope that I misinterpretted, but just because you have more calories to spend, doesn't mean you should spend them on sweets?  Especially if you are reaching a platue, make sure you are eating whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc.

So, I was really worried that I wouldn't make my 1.75 pound goal this week, because a) its practice week and b) I have a slightly rough/fun/unhealthy weekend (my friend's parents were in town, and it was always "why don't you come out to dinner/breakfast/ice cream with us? our treat!" and of course, free food and great company, who can say no?). 

Lastly, that's how much it takes to reach 30 pounds by December 25th! 1.75 pounds per week.... so intimidating.  But I figure, even if I only lose 1 pound per week, I'll still be 17 pounds lighter. Anyway, its not official weigh in day, but I went from 169.5 --> 167! (I know... its all ttom weight and the fact that my swim practice was twice as hard yesterday. but its still encouraging!)

Original Post by tyrdrop:

kokobunn- I hope that I misinterpretted, but just because you have more calories to spend, doesn't mean you should spend them on sweets?  Especially if you are reaching a platue, make sure you are eating whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc.

So, I was really worried that I wouldn't make my 1.75 pound goal this week, because a) its practice week and b) I have a slightly rough/fun/unhealthy weekend (my friend's parents were in town, and it was always "why don't you come out to dinner/breakfast/ice cream with us? our treat!" and of course, free food and great company, who can say no?). 

Lastly, that's how much it takes to reach 30 pounds by December 25th! 1.75 pounds per week.... so intimidating.  But I figure, even if I only lose 1 pound per week, I'll still be 17 pounds lighter. Anyway, its not official weigh in day, but I went from 169.5 --> 167! (I know... its all ttom weight and the fact that my swim practice was twice as hard yesterday. but its still encouraging!)

Oh no, not really. It was just for a day or two. Kind of a cheat day I think? I don't really eat too much sweets such as candy bars everyday. Was just saying that I expected to gain a bit of weight from those 2 cheat days. :D Also, are the foods I eat okay for losing weight? I think I kind of eat too much carbohydrates for a day. I try to limit my sweets though, and eat as much vegetables and fruits as I can. >.<;

And wow! Great job for losing the weight! 2.5 lbs is already a superb start! ^^

Original Post by deloughy:

Original Post by gorgeous_jen:

I eat pretty well... so I don't think there's anything to worry about in that department. But I'm not sure what to do exercise-wise in regards to cardio and strength training. I started that C25K running plan and now I think I've messed up my knee a little. So, I don't know... back to walking till my knee heals? And what kind of strength training can you do without joining a gym or buying fancy equipment as I definitely do not have the money for it?

Jen,

You don't need to join a gym to lose weight or build muscle. Many people are under the impression that the only way they can work out is by joining a gym. I can't give you any medical advice regarding your knee as I am not qualified to tell you whether or not you are able to run, but as far as exercising without joining a gym, you could run/walk (when you are able to) for the same amount of time you would allot on cardio machines, and you could do pushups, sit ups, flutter kicks (this is when you lay on your back and lift your legs up one at a time, keeping them straight and switching back and forth), or if you have even a little money, pick up a medicine ball or some free weights and do squats and some weight lifting exercises.

Do you subscribe to any fitness magazines? They're very helpful with exercises you can do at home. :)

 Thanks for the tips! I never thought of fitness mags... I'll definitely give them a go.

You should definetly watch out for running. I hate to say it, becaue excersize is excersize and in whatever way makes you feel happy you should do it. But on the flip side, jogging is a sure fire way to knee troubles. I experience that too. No matter how much I try to take it easy on the knees, and despite me never actually having a knee injury....it always ends up hurting.

Elliptical is the way I go but that does involve a gym membership / fancy expensive equipment. But I suggest checking out your local YMCA. Yes, it is a membership basis, but some of them are very resonably priced and have similair equipment as a gym would have.

As well, if you go to school, or college, your university should be equipped with a gym somewhere. And as a student you should either be offered reduced or free admittance.

I got up this morning and went for a 2 hour walk. CC says I burned over 600 calories!! I was starving as I drove to work. I had stopped on the way to get 2 hard boiled eggs. I read that they are an awesome source of protien (5.5g/egg!) and only about 70 calories each!!!

Despite my name....I also cut out coffee. That is so hard as I drink like over 30oz./day. It's not so much the coffee that does me in. It's the creamer. I realized I was getting over 500calories from coffee alone!!!

This is a challenge. But one I am willing to take on. Establish the good stuff now so when the kickoff starts on September 1st I won't be scrambling to find an even keel. PLUS..I need to get a scale. I don't own one and merely guesstimated my weight on inital joining.

Dude....ettes?

Did anyone see this? Sounds cool!! Free service from CC. They will tell you what the nutritional info is of any food via text!

Simply text message "food" and your search to the following number:

432584 ("HEALTH" on most phones) - and we'll text message back the basic nutritional data. For example, try:

food caesar salad
food french fries
food asparagus
food anything!

I'm in.  I'm just getting off a Labor Day Challenge so this will be great to help me keep going.  Life got in the way a bit for me the last few weeks but I'm hoping to get back to eating right and moving around more soon...like now!  I've been used to weighing in early monday morning so if that would be acceptable that's how I'll do it. 

HW:235

SW:215

GW: 185

Lose 30 Pounds By Christmas

Start weight (Aug 26) 215

GOAL: 185

• WEEK 0 (Aug 25): 215.6
  
• FIRST weigh-in (Sept1):
• Week 2 (Sept 8):
  
• Week 3 Sept 15):
• Week 4 (Sept 22):
• Week 5 (Sept 29):
• Week 6 (Oct 6):
• Week 7 (Oct 13):
• Week 8 (Oct 20):
• Week 9 (Oct 27):
• Week 10: (Nov 3):
• Week 11 (Nov 10):
• Week 12 (Nov 17):
• Week 13 (Nov 24):
• Week 14 (Dec 1):
• Week 15 (Dec 8):
• Week 16 (Dec 15):
• Week 17 LAST Weigh in (Dec 22):
  

• Total Weight Loss: 

Count me in!  I'm 26-years-old, 6 foot, currently 283 lbs, and live in Chicago.  I have been focusing on my health, exercise, and food intake since mid-January of this year and have lost around 45 lbs so far.  I have been very close to 50 lbs lost a few times, but it just hasn't hit yet.  I'm at a slight plateau right now...I keep bouncing between 277-287.  It is a little discouraging, but I plan to make this work for me.  I've gone to far to give up now.  Hopefully this challenge will keep me accountable and motivated.  Best of luck everyone!

Start weight (Aug 26) 283

GOAL: 253

• FIRST Week (Sept1):
• Week 2 (Sept 8):
• Week 3 (Sept 15):
• Week 4 (Sept 22):
• Week 5 (Sept 29):
• Week 6 (Oct 6):
• Week 7 (Oct 13):
• Week 8 (Oct 20):
• Week 9 (Oct 27):
• Week 10: (Nov 3):
• Week 11 (Nov 10):
• Week 12 (Nov 17):
• Week 13 (Nov 24):
• Week 14 (Dec 1):
• Week 15 (Dec 8):
• Week 16 (Dec 15):
• LAST Week (Dec 22):

Original Post by heartscoffee:

I got up this morning and went for a 2 hour walk. CC says I burned over 600 calories!! I was starving as I drove to work. I had stopped on the way to get 2 hard boiled eggs. I read that they are an awesome source of protien (5.5g/egg!) and only about 70 calories each!!!

I have chickens, so I eat hard boiled eggs too.  But watch out for the yokes, cause they're packed with cholesterol at 212mg.  Maybe eat one without the yoke.  You still get protein at 3.6g, the cholesterol drops to zero, and only 16 cals!

Another great source of protein is 100% Whey Protein.  It comes in Vanilla and Chocolate.  It's not great in taste by itself, but is great blended with fruit or milk.  If you get some watch out for some brands which are high in calories.  You can buy it anywhere, Costco, TJ's, GNC, Target... I have Whey Protein in the morning before I exercise.  I usually can't eat right when I get up, but I can drink protein drinks.  I use Designer Whey.  It's 100 cals per serving, 18g protein, and only 55mg of cholesterol.

Original Post by heartscoffee:

 

Despite my name....I also cut out coffee. That is so hard as I drink like over 30oz./day. It's not so much the coffee that does me in. It's the creamer. I realized I was getting over 500calories from coffee alone!!!

This is a challenge. But one I am willing to take on. Establish the good stuff now so when the kickoff starts on September 1st I won't be scrambling to find an even keel. PLUS..I need to get a scale. I don't own one and merely guesstimated my weight on inital joining.

Wow, I am a lot like you. The one thing that I am having trouble kicking is the coffee! I swear I can't live without it. When I wake up if I don't have any, I will be so drained all day long. It's sad I know :(

When I first started tracking my calories, I also found that the coffee was eating up half of my daily intake. So I switched to skim milk, and that no calorie fake sugar sweetener (nutrisweet). At first I HATED the taste of it, and found it dreadfully hard not to crave the really sweet tasting stuff that I was used to......but I stuck to it, and now I reward myself once a week with ONE high calorie cream and sugar mixture for my coffee. And you know, I think I am even beginning to prefer the taste of the fake sugar sweetener....just like my switch to diet coke years ago :)

Also, I don't have a scale either....but will have to buy one by september 1.