Wagon Jumpers - July 12 - 18th, 2009 (Closed)

Welcome 

(I have closed the waiting list at 4 people which is currently a 16 week wait, I will re-open in after we drop below 4 people. To find out what this group is about read below.)

Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.

This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals. 

There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:

1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.

2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals. 

If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).

Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment

The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.

We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is finding its optimum level is between 20 and 25 participants. 

A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 30 - 45 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week. 

If you are looking for an always open group  on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with. 

Interested in Joining?

General Guidelines for Joining

1. Are you a wagon jumper?

Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.

2. Do you have a long way to go?

This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.

Yes. This is, a long term plan.

3. Do you have the time?

This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you. 

Still interested?

Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)

An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open. 

Google Group

We have recently added a google group as an option for members, past members, and members on the waiting list. If you would like access to the google group (and are in one of the above categories) send a message to beaglesmuggler (at) roger.com with your username and e-mail address and I will add you to the google group.

Wagon Jumpers Participants

Year 1 - Week 10 Riders:

Supersized  (myself)

Year 1 - Week 6 Riders:

Msmeg1984

Defrog3

Year 1 - Week 2 Riders:

Wenchie58

Year 1 Riders - CONGRATULATIONS ON 1 YEAR!:

Raven21 

Week 51 Riders:

Tiegurl

Week 48 Riders:

Kyashiis

Week 42 Riders:

Nannygabber

Week 38 Riders:

Lam7

Week 34 Riders:

Cawilder

Week 32 Riders - Congratulations on 8 Months!:

Carryonandon

Figurethefat

Week 31 Riders:

Constanza

Week 30 Riders:

Germaica

Week 26 Riders:

Jessicaanne2001

Week 9 Riders:

Dovelette - vacation July 30 - Aug 11

Week 7 Riders:

Jnielsen006 - vacation July 10 - 25

Week 6 Riders:

Merimeriqcontrary

Missing In Action:

Pelkeyjm

Declanphenias

Missing In Action - 1 Week:

Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:

Unlimitedana

Current Membership: 21

Current Waiting List: 4

Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0

12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS

(as set w/o June 28th, 2009)

By September 19th, I will be...

Msmeg1984 - NEW: eating a weekly average of 2,000 cal/day and, MAINTENANCE: exercising 3x/week for at least 9 of the 12 weeks.

Dovelette - NEW: NROLFW 3x week for 9 out of 12 weeks.

Merimeriqcontrary - NEW: 3 times/week exercise for at least 9 out of the 12 weeks.

Wenchie58 - NEW: Logging my food intake of <1500 cals per day at least 5 days per week.

Figurethefat - NEW: to run/walk a minimum of six 5ks per month. MAINTENANCE:to continue doing a minimum of 1,500 exercise minutes per month.

Kyashiis - NEW: Run a minimum of 3 kilos 12 times over the 12-week period. MAINTENANCE:I will zig-zag on my food intake consistently throughout each week and end up with an average daily calorie count of 1,100 cals.

Raven21 - NEW: Eat all my yummy, healthy meals (3) and snacks (2) before 9pm for 12 weeks, with no more than 12 days missed. MAINTENANCE:Exercise at least 3 times a week

Supersized - NEW: Go to gym 3x/week for 6 of 12 weeks. MAINTENANCE: Log all food for 9 of 12 weeks.

Cawilder - NEW: Log my food 85% of the time. MAINTENANCE: Running at least 5 hrs/week and lifting 2x/week.

Lam7 - NEW: Consistently log all calories 5 of 7 days a week. MAINTENANCE: Exercise at least once a week.

Nannygabber - MAINTENANCE: Strength training 3x/week for 9 of 12 weeks. Macronutrient ratio of 40/30/30 (carb/fat/protein) for 9 of 12 weeks.

Germaica - NEW: Exercise at least 3x/week for at least 30 min for 9 of 12 weeks. MAINTENANCE: Continue to eat 1 portion of high iron food at least 4 times per week.

Jessicaanne2001 - NEW: Keep calories under 2,000 checking by logging food 4x/week. MAINTENANCE: workout at the gym 4x/week

Carryonandon - NEW: Exercise 3x weekly MAINTENANCE: 300-500 calorie deficit daily.

Tiegurl - NEW: Work out 6x/week (weights & cardio) MAINENANCE: Log 1700 cal/day.

Pelkeyjm - NEW: Lift weights 3x/week MAINTENANCE: Cardio 3x/week for at least 30 minutes.

Constanza - NEW: For the next 12 weeks, less twelve days I will follow this meal plan: 3 meals, 1 snack and 1 dessert per day, no more than 7 alcoholic drinks per week. MAINTENANCE: exercise an average of 2x/week.

Declanphenias - NEW: Exercise 4x/week for 9 of 12 weeks.

Jnielsen006 - NEW: exercise at least 2 days a week for 45 minutes at least 9 of 12 weeks.

Previous Threads:

Wagon Jumpers - July 5 - 11th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - June 28 - July 4, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - June 21 - 27th, 2009

Wagon Jumper - June 14 - 20th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - June 7 - 13th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers May 31 - June 6th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers May 24 - 30th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - May 17 - 23rd, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - May 10 - 16th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - May 3 - 9th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 26 - May 2nd, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 19 - 25th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 12 - 18th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 5 - April 11th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 29 - April 4th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 22 - 28th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 15 - 21st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 8 - 14th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 1 - 7th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 22 - 28th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 15 - 21st, 2009

As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.

WEEKLY TOPIC: MOTIVATION

With summer here many of us will be taking some time away from our regular routines, while you may also take a break from your regiment (or not) how to you make sure that a change in your regular schedule doesn't become a month-over-month dive off the wagon?

Need Time Off?

Don't forget if you need to take a break from the group for vacation, work, moving (whatever)... send me an e-mail (don't post it here on the thread I may not remember it) and let me know the date you are leaving and the date you are returning (vague mentions of 'away in July' are not helpful).

During this time you will be marked as 'away' and we will not put you on the MIA list or send you reminders.

Motivational Guru

The person who gets the most mentions of a motivational guru by sending messages to those late posting or on the MIA list will win a prize at the end of the month.

Motivation is usually a very tough thing for me. I work really hard and lose a few lbs, then stall out for a few weeks and give up for a few months and repeat. 

I still need to work on getting over my all - or - nothing mentality. 

I need to work on my focus, because after all, it is perfectly fine to take a small break. I just need to get myself back on the wagon afterwards, but I don't know how.

Changes in my regular schedule really tend to  throw me off. In anticipation of a major change in my life, I'm trying to move forward on my goals and get myself off to a running start on things that I have been wanting to do already, but haven't.

For instance, exercising 3x a week is my "new" goal, and I'm starting to work that into my life pretty regularly. We are moving in about 2 weeks or so, but I already know where and when I will be exercising once we're there. (Of course, I'm also hoping that our new location close to the downtown area will help us cultivate a lifestyle that's not so autmobile focused.)

In short, planning ahead for exercise the way I try to plan ahead for eating is what I think will get me through. 

Have a great week!

Carrie/Carry

Generally I do quite well when I am on vacation. I don't tend to go over board with the food and generally exercise more. I think that it is due to the lack of stress from work. 

I also have more time to think about things and plan. 

When I do get off the wagon - I start having these bizarre (but helpful) internal discussions. I ask myself all sorts of questions - almost like a teacher would ask a student - like "OK, so how long do think this will go on, Carol?" "What are your health goals in life?" "How are you going to attain them?" For some sort of reason this helps me to come to comclusions and start making better choices. 

Weekly Update: 

Well a few weeks ago I was running a loop around work and well, I did hear something funny in my left knee. I kind of stopped and it did not feel funny - well last week end it was hurting and now it is positively miserable!! Begged for a doctor's appointment for Monday and got it. Hopefully they will tell me it is nothing!! However, I know that my left knee has a torn meniscus - this was diagnosed a few years ago - hoping that this won't be worse than that... 

Will keep you posted.  I have reduced my food intake to account for the lack of exercise I am getting - it is a bummer... but it is what I have to do so I don't balloon up... 

Take care all....

Well this has been a horrible start of the new goals for me.  I completely fell off the wagon, first time really since January.  Then I tried to get back on and it rolled over me. 

Gus Gus, my puppy, died last Monday.  There were no vets in the whole country that had an xray machine or could perform surgery.  I don't know what happened but I went into a food and crying coma for about 4 days and then hubby took me to the next island over to get me out of the house, where I continued to just eat whatever and whenever I wanted.  I haven't gotten on the scale, I don't think I want to.  I know it'll be mostly water weight but I wouldn't be surprised if I packed on a pound or two of solid fat.

Took last week off from NROLFW and am starting Stage 2 this week.  Whew.

Back in the game.

Motivation...I don't know, this is hard for me, the vacation thing.  I think the best thing I can do (which I DIDN'T do this past weekend) is PLAN ahead.  Vacation is fine but I can bring some appropriate snacks with me.  I can plan for days where I might have more calories and days when I will have less.  I don't REALLY need that third mojito, even if it is sugar free, right?  :)  I'm trying to get myself in the mindset of Okay, there may be this XXX (insert event/vacation here) where I know I'm going to stray a bit, so that means on these other days I need to really be in it. 

Check In

I did okay this past week, I managed to make it to the gym 3x but with the vacation, although I did bring a book to log food the snacking made it too overwhelming to log all the little bits so this is one of the three weeks I've allotted myself 'off' from logging food.

This week also proved the point on how important it is to take measurements in addition to using a scale. Likely due to the constant snacking I was up almost 2 lbs when I stepped on the scale on Sunday. I was ready to have a bit of a fit, until I realized that I was down almosts 5cm in my measurements.

The up is likely water weight and I'll just have to keep going to the gym and being a bit more careful this week of over indulgences.

Topic

I think this is the hardest area for me to navigate. If I plan I tend to stick to the plan very well during vacations. My issues tend to come after the vacation is over, when I'm overwhelmed by the unpacking, missed e-mails and catch up to normal daily life.

The only tactic that I've found so far that works for me is building in time to get back to normal, like having a slack week, and setting my daily goals more modestly than I normally would.

Dove I'm so sorry about your puppy. I know how heart breaking it is to loose a pet.

Dove, sorry to read about your puppy.  My cat of 9 years (he was between 15 - 17 years old) died suddenly on Saturday.  The vet said he had lung cancer.  It was so hard, to see him in such a state...

I'm just writing to say that I'm here, but not really.  I've not been feeling that energetic and just want to sleep all the time.  I have a lot going on this week, between work and other baby-related things, so I'm probably not going to check in again for the rest of the week...

Good Monday Morning Everyone!

Thanks Sara for the congrats on 1 year. I can't believe it's been that long and I have to say in some ways I really wish I would have seen more progress in a year on the scale. However I do have a few things to share (since Sara asked ).

1. I have noticed that I am VERY good at 1/2 of the equation for weight loss, exercise. I'm not so good at the eating part. It's not that I think I eat A LOT of food, I just apparently eat more than I burn which is probably why I'm still not at my goal weight, I am however much more toned.

2. Although I haven't reached my goal I have managed to make exercise part of my rountine and have also added new exercises (like boxing) into my rotation.

3. All or nothing does not work. I don't know how many times I have said I will never eat chocolate again, or won't do it for the next 3 months etc. It just doesn't work. I think my goal this time around will work, I have missed a few days already but I just need to keep it top of mind and positive.

4. Food is not the solution to everything. If you're feeling low it might just make you feel lower. Go for a walk, go out with friends, talk to a friend/partner etc, read a book, take a bubble bath, anything besides eating to destress etc. If you're still hungry afterwards have a healthy snack.

So what do I need to do from here? I need to learn that it really is 80% diet and 20% exercise to lose weight. I need to remember that 2 "bad" days can undo 5 good days. I also need to keep my goal in sight and understand that it's a journey not a sprint (I love that quote).

Thanks to everyone in this group for your motivation and your input, I really appreciate it.

On another note, Julie I had to tell you that my fitness instructor (the one I'm taking boxing classes from) is going for training in Zumba this summer and will be offering classes in the fall! Right now she's doing sort of an intro with Core Dance classes which incorporate some of the movements etc.

Well I must get back to work as that is what pays the bills. Hope everyone's week is starting off well and I'm focused on meeting my goals this time around so no more slip ups (I only have 5 more left of the 12 I allowed myself, I know, horrible) until near the end of my 12 weeks if possibe.

Have a great week!

Carrie (Raven)

Dove, 

I am so sorry about your puppy. I know that I would be extremely bereaved if we lost our dog (she's 1 1/2).  

-Carol

Dove,

I am so sorry for the loss of your puppy. I lost my first dog when she was only 2 and it was heartbreaking.

We are all here for you if you need anything.

- Meg

My heart reaches out to dovelette for puppy and defrog for kitty...we grow so attached to these little animals.

Well, week three and I remain on track!!!  Last week, I logged for the 5 days and I attended my scheduled aquafit class on Monday.  Throughout the balance of the week, we swam in our own pool, and I took short walks with my parents dog.

As a result the scale said I was down 2 lbs.  Slow and steady.  Unfortunately, my daily deficit is low, as it is challenging to discipline myself from wanting more calories.  I have been good, but I know I can get better.  I hope that this goals' session proves to be successful on the weight loss side.

My fear is the upcoming vacation (first two weeks of August), as this is when I break the rules, and probably indulge in too many alcoholic beverages while on the beach and in the sun.  Mind you, I must say, substituting such drinks with club soda has really been working well lately, and the positive trigger I notice is that I certainly do not get as tired, nor do I get the munchies.

I also hope that I can maintain this slow and steady course as I head into August, as I am also studying for my second real estate exam which is scheduled for August 15...right after vacation.   My spirits are strong and I am up for the challenge.

So, here is to me, and here is to all of you...I wish you a great remainder of the week, and super weekend to come!!!!

Lee-Anne

My heart goes out to Dove and Defrog for your losses. I still miss my childhood pets.

Weekly check in: I did great last week and met my 2 goals. Yay! This success is very motivating for me.

Weekly topic: To stay on the wagon during vacation I try to choose activities that do double duty, fun and active. Like swimming in the ocean, walking while window shopping, nature walk, bike ride in the country.... Food wise that's harder. Last year we went to the Dominican Republic, they had a great buffet and I always loaded up on the salad and veggies before going to the meats and starches. I also paid close attention to what I was drinking. At least 2 glasses of water before a cocktail.

Have a great week everyone!

Defrog, i missed your post somehow. Sorry for your loss also and I hope you get feeling better.

I'm getting better at talking myself out of going to the gym and then talking myself back into it. On the way home today I convinced myself that with people coming to see our apartment and dinner with mum I didn't have time for the gym... but then I got in the car to get groceries and there was my gym bag... so, to the gym I went.

I'm happy that I'm getting the exercise back under control. I find if I'm working out I crave more natural and whole foods, which I'm making and not ordering out. If I can keep this going then I'm confident that I'll be set to lower calories and not just track them in the next challenge.

Checking in:  I haven't done too well the last week with my stated goals for running although I did two guided hikes.  One was three hours long, and the other two hours long.  I wouldn't have been able to do them without getting out of breath a year ago.  So, at least I am making progress.

My eating was definitely zigging and zagging.  I managed to stay under maintenance level most of the time and even my targeted level half of the time.

I apologize for not getting a recipe posted.  I simply didn't have time with guiding and hosting travelers as well as my regular work.  So, when I do get caught up, I will get something posted. 

I feel motivated though my behavior doesn't reflect it so much at this moment. 

• I get most of my motivation from this CC site and all the supportive friends I have made through it. 
• DH has grown used to my way of eating and exercising and is no longer fighting against me (he's not overweight and doesn't want to change his lifestyle in order for me to get thinner and more healthy). 
• I find that logging my foods and exercise is motivating.  Also, I have little post-it notes here and there to remind me of my zig-zag calorie levels each day of the week and also the exercises I want to do.  It is so strange that I just blank out on what exercises to do after I do a couple of calistenics. 
• Mainly, I think in the back of my mind that this lifestyle change definitely brings results, and that keeps me going.  I take it one day at a time and know that on the days when I don't follow through, I'll just do better the next day.  If the days where I manage well are more than the days when I don't manage well, I will slowly see an increase in health and a decrease in weight.  This is especially true as on the days I fall off the wagon, as it's usually really a tiny slide down that slippery slope...  I can't imagine eating with wild abandon at all.  Maybe my appestat is fixed a little.  I can't imagine going back to a life without any exercise either. 

Hi All,

I'm doing ok with the food and i'm hitting the gym tonight to get in some weights.

I had trouble falling asleep last night and I found myself visualizing not what I want to look like eventually, but what I will look like.

Telling myself that it wasn't an option to continue feeling uncomfortable and looking this way was a good little pep talk. I think I need to use that technique a little more often. 

I haven't been in single digit clothes sizes since I was in High School. But even then, I was flabby due to the lack of weight training.  So, with some hard work, I know it is possible... Just have to keep myself on track...

Hello Everyone!

There are many highs and many lows this week.

Dove - SO SORRY about your pup. So so sad for you. Try that little trick about focusing on something you do every day, and make sure you do it. Even if all it may be is going to bed at 10pm. The consistency will bring you comfort, and you'll even be rested!

Carrie - I have learned also that planning ahead is key to success. IE: I am so proud of Sara for planning to go to the gym, and taking tangible actions (putting the gym bag in the car ahead of time) - and when it came to crunch time, the bag was looking her in the face, not giving her a choice. What I call "Active Motivation"

Carol - Jumping on the "self talk" wagon are we? LOL!! I love it. I sure hope your knee is ok. Keep us informed...

Sara - It is so incredibly motivating when the tape measure shrinks... LOL! And did you hear me type how proud I am of you for taking action to motivate yourself?!? That is AWESOME! I am so happy you are making it work!

Denise - Condolances for you and your kitty... I am rooting for you! Just rest while you can, dear. Rest while you can.

Raven - I like what you said about the 80/20 rule. I can't tell you how many times I have said to friends that it really IS about what you eat. So I completely agree... I still need to learn more deeply the truths of that little statement. I feel for you on the "all or nothing" mentality. It really doesn't work, and if I may venture into PC/PIC territory, there is even a Bible verse that states "all things in moderation". Its worth trying to live by.

I am so excited for you and your potential Zumba class! I found a youtube link to a bunch of vids a leader in Hickory NC does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yu1AocGsxk&am p;feature=related

She (Heather, the leader in the vid) is super-awesome at it, and teaches much like my previous classes before I moved here. The classes I have now are just a little more laid back. IE: Not as much coreography, more repetitions, and I get a little bored... Imagine that! LOL! .... I am not as thrilled with this teacher, and may look for another class alltogether, unsure. Anyhow, I would invite you as well as all other WJ groupies to check out the video, and look at a few of the others that list on the right side of the youtube page... ENJOY!! Hey, if you practice to the videos, you'll be a pro before your teacher is ever certified... LOL!

Leigh - Ann - "Slow and Steady" - "Get Yourself an Agenda" - "All-or-Nothing Doesn't Work" - all of these could and should be slogans for Wagon Jumpers... LOL! I really like how things have progressed for you, and encourage you to just stay steady, you can do it, EVEN on vacation!

Germaica - I am a little envious of all these vacations going on. I don't get mine until September. LOL! I am excited for you that you made your two goals last week! THAT is awesome. And yes, success will breed success. Just stay steady and focused. You know what you want.

Kathy - You have come a long way, Baby! I so enjoy hearing how people have progressed, and you really have been a steady part of my motivation. Reading what you write always keeps me thinking. I like what you said about your inability to imagine eating with wild abandon. I have found myself at that point as well. And like Sara mentioned happens for her, when I am exercising I tend to gravitate toward wanting more wholesome and natural foods.

I have the same good news as you do! My BF has decided to jump on the wagon with me. He finally realized that I am going to win the race, and he took one look at me last weekend, and said "Wow, you are really looking good." - If that's not motivating!! He is a little envious I think, but I also envy him for having the ability to lose 10 lbs in the past 3 weeks. LOL - I am actually really proud of him, because his doctor told him to cut out fats, as his triglycerides were close to 400. WHEW. ... and that was 5 months ago. He finally decided to do something, and he already feels and looks better. (yay for me!)

Meg - You can and will. I know you will. I am one size away from single digits, and can't even remember the last time that happened! (Grade school??) If I can... I KNOW you can. So girl... just do it. ok? LOL...

CHECKIN:  Success on both goals last week.

I know I didn't really touch on the topic, but I have typed enough. I do think it's motivating to have support! And hopefully, you guys can feel mine for you.

Hope you all have a healthgain week,
~Julie

Julie- I know. I'm one size away too! Its so close! Those size 8's are just screaming out my name!

Hi,

Defrog - I also send my condolences on your kitty cat. I had a cat once and he was hit by a car. It was hard. 

The PA (physician's assistant) who saw me about my leg was a real jerk. He basically said well I don't know what it is so if you want an MRI I will order it. It felt like he was saying this was in my head. This same thing happened when I broke my leg - they kept saying well, we don't believe you. Then when it went form a stress fracture to a full fracture - they were like - ouch that probably hurt.  So I am taking like 24 ibuprofen to just dull the pain and be able to move around but they are ripping up my stomach so I have to eat when I take them. 

This week I have been without husband and children. WOW! that makes a difference. I really don't eat as often. I don't think about it. I attribute this to the lack of stress perhaps. Although I have realised that my husband is not supporting me in the way that I need him to, so this is an interesting conversation.

Just an update - no exercise so far this week except for walking the dog. This really sucks. I am going to do NROLFW without the knee stuff.