Wagon Jumpers - March 8 - 14th, 2009 (Closed, Waiting List Available)
Welcome
(We are currently transitioning to 20 members (from 30). If you are interested in being on the waiting list, knowing that it will be a longer than usual list, please read below and e-mail me.)
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 capped at 30 participants.
A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 40 - 60 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.
Wagon Jumpers Participants
Week 44 Riders - 11 Months!:
Supersized (myself)
Week 40 Riders - Congratulations on 10 Months!:
Week 35 Riders:
Week 34 Riders:
Week 30 Riders:
Week 29 Riders:
Week 24 Riders - Congratulations on 6 Months!:
Week 20 Riders - Congratulations on 5 Months!:
Week 18 Riders:
Maureenz - Holiday to March 23rd, 2009
Week 16 Riders - Congratulations on 4 Months!:
Week 15 Riders:
Week 14 Riders:
Week 12 Riders - Congratulations on 3 Months:
Week 11 Riders:
Missing In Action:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:
Current Membership: 21
Current Waiting List: 5
Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0
12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS
(as set w/o January 11th, 2009)
By April 4th, I will be...
Letsgetitstarted - consuming an average of 1,500 cal/day and 3 times a week for a minimum 30 minutes.
Jessicaanne2001 - exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, and logging my food daily.
Supersized - logging all of my daily calories and eating in a calorie range of no more than 2,000 cal/day and no less than 1,500 cal/day (calculated by weekly averages).
Figurethefat - exercising a minimum of 1,500 minutes each month, and I will restrict using the scale to two weigh-ins per week on Monday and Friday.
Unlimitedana - eating between 1,500 - 1,600 cal/day and exercising three time a week.
Cawilder - maintaining a 500 - 1,000 calorie deficit on a daily basis measured by my food log and, working out 5 to 6X per week combo of cardio and lifting.
Carryonandon - maintaining 300 - 500 calorie deficit daily and, exercising 3x per week.
Raven21 - drinking a minimum of 4 bottles (2L) of water daily and, exercising a minimum of 3X per week.
Nannygabber - doing the NROLFW program 3 times per week, and I will establish a 40/30/30 (Carb/Fat/Protein) macronutrient pattern on a weekly average for a minimum of 5 weeks of the next 12.
Germaica - exercising 3 times a week and logging my food for at least 4 days per week.
Pelkeyjm - logging my food daily and exercising at least 3x per week for at least 30 minutes.
The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - logging my caloric intake on calorie count at least six days every week and, exercising in the gym at least 3 days each week.
Tiegurl - eating 1,500 - 2,000 calories and exercising 5x a week.
Kyashiis - running 20 kilometers a week and making progress on the number of repetitions in my calisthenic exercises (starting at: 20 push ups, 30 sit ups, 0 chin ups, 2x 30 sec plank, 20-30 jump rope)
Lam7 - Logging all daily calories at least 6 times a week and, exercising minimum 40 minutes 3x per week.
Msmeg1984 - Following the 40-30-30 diet guidelines in NROLFW and working out 3 a week NROLFW plan.
Constanza - using the CC food log every day and, exercising an average of 4 times per week across the 12 weeks.
Defrog3 - eating with improved nutritional quality of food, specifically ensuring that I am getting enough daily protein and carbs and, walking six miles a week weather permitting.
Wenchie58 - keeping my calorie intake between 1,400 - 1,500 a day and, drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
Bigbitty - logging my calories daily and continue to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers - March 1 - 7th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - February 22 - 28th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - February 15 - 21st, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - February 8 - 14th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - February 1 - 7th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 25 - 31st, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 11 - 17th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 4 - 10th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 28 - January 3rd, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 14 - 20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 7 - 13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 30 - December 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 23 - 29th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 15 - 22nd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 9 - 15th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 2 - 8th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 26 - November 1st, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 19 - 25th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 12 - 18th, 2008
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
This Week's Topic
Continuing on our spring theme and the second most popular subject, post your favourite spring recipe using the CC recipe tool, share it with the group and let us know why this recipe is great for spring.
Hi there!
Last week:
Was in LA last week for work. It was OK, but I was so beat the entire time, it kinda wasn't that great. Working in a conference room from 8am to 6pm isn't exactly conducive to going out and doing something touristy in the evenings. Although one evening I took the subway from downtown (where we were staying) to Hollywood and Vine and walked to Grauman's Chinese Theater, which felt good. Otherwise I was stuck in my hotel room, doing yoga stretching just to feel like I was moving a bit.
I'm now 15 weeks pregnant. I'm feeling a lot better, energy-wise, but I'm starting to have to do the rubber band pant waistline extender trick (looping the band around the button, through the button hole, then back around the button) for some of my work pants. If it wasn't for that and my ever increasing bra size, I would have a hard time telling if I was pregnant at this point!
This week:
I've posted a new favorite recipe of mine, Swiss Chard and Feta Frittata. Happily, CC gives it an A- rating (I thought I might have been worse, given that there's 4 eggs!). Here's the link: http://caloriecount.about.com/swiss-chard-fet a-frittata-recipe-r195686
This is a great recipe for preparing spring vegetables, too--lightly steamed asparagus or shallots/scallions would be a fun substitute or addition to the chard!
10 months!
Wow, I'm happy to have been consistently watching what I've been doing for the past 10 months. I'm really happy that my weight has remained stable these past few weeks, despite the pregnancy. I feel great, and am glad to have made "virtual friends" with the members of this group. Its wonderful to have a group of people to get to know while on this journey!
This weeks topic:
http://caloriecount.about.com/garlic-pork-ten derloin-recipe-r195694
I love using the grill in the spring and summer, we fixed this recipe using chops instead of tenderloi last week. You can make it on the grill, in the oven or on an indoor grill.
Weekly Check in:
I did really well at the begining of the week, but towards the end of the week it got hard for me to control my cravings. Mostly it was because of boredom.
I haven't weighed since i got off track a little, but i'm going to just take it a day at a time and try to focus on what i need to do each day.
I'm glad to be back in the gym and i've been taking my puppy for walks when the weather allows. Now that we've hit daylight savings time, it will be light later so i can take my pup for runs in the evening.
10 Months!!!
Wow, I can't believe its been 10 months. I am so thankful for all the support I have here. To be quite honest, i would have given up months ago if it werent for this group. This is one on the only groups I can find the motivation to continue to participate in and still get something back. I hope that I have been as helpful in these past 10 months as some of you have been to me.
I have to go fix dinner now, but i'll check in later this week!
?
Original Post by tiegurl:
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Tie, are you OK??????
Tiegirl - hey, chickita... what's going on? Are you all right?
CHECKIN:
I am finally all the way back to the land of the living. Other than an occasional reminiscent night cough, I am all better. WHEW... that was a rough one!
Well, it does seem as if spring has sprung! While the calendar still says winter, the air says... ffffrrRESH. I am back to the gym today, and will begin looking at my local area for parks and other public places to exercise outdoors. I want to do some hiking, and maybe take in some golf in the next week or two.
As for recipes, I have one, but need to go over to Recipes and enter it.
Be back.
~Julie
EDIT: Turkey Florentine Soup (ok so sue me, I've been sick and soup has become my best friend. LOL! Maybe not so "springy" afterall, but YUM nonetheless.)
Denise My cousin is pregnant, she must be just a few weeks more than you, she's due in early August. I really couldn't tell last time I saw her (2 weeks ago) but when we saw her last night it was very evident. She is swearing by something called "belly bands" which look like a halter top but you put them over the tops of your pants, so that your open fly/button won't show and it keeps it gently closed with the elastic, without the rubber band snap.
MsMeg Thanks for the thumbs up on the group. I'm happy you are getting something back, and I know you provide a lot of inspiration for others.
Tiegurl What happened?
Julie Welcome back to the post-cold/flu land. I am still managing a drippy nose but other than that seem fine. I'll be really happy when it's completely over.
Sara.
Weekly Check In
I managed to just stay on top of my calorie goals this past week and am now aiming for 2,300 cal. This is the first week since I started reducing the calories that the scale has not moved up or down in it's usual 3 lbs cycle. I guess I'll find out a bit more about what that could mean when I weigh in next week.
I haven't gotten back into the gym yet, so I need to start thinking about that before the 12 week goal is up. Not that it's part of the goal, but it will be in the next 12 weeks, so it's best for me to get started in the next couple of weeks before I jeopardize a goal.
This Week's Topic
I know you don't make friends with salad..... but, spring = Salad to me...
This one is a really fresh lots of greens salad, it's a lot of chopping so I generally don't want to make it after a few rounds in the spring, but first thing in the warm days this is a great refreshing salad that I generally won't eat in the winter.
Cheers,
Sara.
Tiegurl - What's the matter? Is everything okay?
Weekly Check-In:
I had a pretty good week last week. I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went walking, made it to the gym, tracked my calories... right up until the weekend. I overindulged pretty heavily in alcohol Friday night, which I haven't done in a good 7 or 8 months. Now I'm stuck waiting for the water weight to go away. It really threw off my sugars for the rest of the weekend, but I was able to keep my snacking in check for the most part.
This week's topic:
I'm going to post a main dish as well as a dessert, since I've mostly posted desserts in recipe threads before.
Asparagus and lemon both remind me of spring and summer, and I really like this dish.
http://caloriecount.about.com/lemon-asparagus -pasta-grilled-chicken-recipe-r195846
Strawberries are an unmistakable spring fruit, and here's a wonderful low fat banana bread recipe where strawberry co-stars.
http://caloriecount.about.com/low-fat-strawbe rry-banana-bread-recipe-r195839
Happy Spring, everyone!
Another CHECKIN:
WOW - I've been here 6 months? Holy Cow! The time flies when you're having fun, eh? Thanks for the congrats, Sara.
I remember my 3 month stepping stone. I said... something to the effect of "I feel SO MUCH better than I did three months ago.... think of all the 'three months' I have let pass me by, and I DID NOTHING BUT SIT."
I can say the exact same thing now. I really do feel better. I have recieved an education as well! I have managed to dispel the marketing myths of the media, and when I see misleading things these days, I have an answer for it... LOL - I think BF is getting tired of it! We ended up in the vitamin isle at WalMart, and I practically gave a lecture on each and every one. He just looked at me in disbelief. I am still unsure if he didn't believe what I was saying, or just didn't believe I knew so much. I was rather surprised myself. (I should ask myself here... am I spending WAYYY too much time online? LOL! I think I know the answer to that.) He ended up walking out with a bottle of B-Complex, and some fish oil. LOL! I think I saved him a ton of money. Who knows, I may be wrong.. but for all I know... I may be right. (there's a song there somewhere...)
I can honestly say, the past six months has been a life-changing experience. The past two in particular. Becoming dedicated to my health... has been more of a psychological process than anything else. I have managed to make it a priority, by choice. To allow it to become a permanent part of me, my lifestyle, the essence of my existence, by choice. Obessive? MAYBE... but hey, I'd rather obsess over something positive, than to have become addicted to chemicals or some other unhealthy lower echelon behaviour.
I have WJ School (this very thread, hee hee!), and Sara - to thank. A public THANK YOU to you Sara, and all who have supported, encouraged, and otherwise contributed to me being stronger and more confident. I have managed to prove to me, that it I believe in myself. I'll reiterate my own words.... Consistency builds stability, and stability is what we need. The consistency that this group teaches, has lead me to stability. I believe that I have achieved that... finally.
NOW.... to strengthen the stability... by further consistency, further commitment, further and deeper belief in myself. I still have 6 months in my original 12 month plan.
In the past 6 months, I have:
- Developed a sense of self worth.
- Dispeled in my mind the marketing myths of the media, and uncovered for myself the truth about my own health.
- Met a lot of really intelligent, supportive people online and offline.
- Discovered and accomplished clean eating by learning about and designing a plan that balances my macronutrients.
- Dedicated to and implemented an exercise schedule that is geared toward maintaining muscle and reducing body fat percentage.
- Learned that recovery is essential to progress. Healing is where the muscle is built, not in the weight room.
- I learned that cardio can be counterproductive, but can also be effective when balanced correctly, using intervals.
- I learned that scheduling your goals on a daily basis it the ticket to accomplishing them. (Leashing the lack of self-control)
- I also learned that emotions can be harnessed and chanelled into positive objectives. Redirecting your passions, using the energy created by emotion to fuel your goals.
- Realized that my health and general sense of well-being is the actual objective and priority. That a number on a scale or a clothing tag does not define me.
That is just to list a few of the top on the list. But I can honestly say, the first one is the best. Feeling good about yourself, believing in yourself, even as far as to say... loving yourself.... is the precursor to peace in your life. Accomplished by small successes are the consistencies needed to be stable... believing in yourself and these consistencies actually go hand in hand. Small steps lead to great strides. Little steps lead to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
In the NEXT 6 months, I intend to further implement these newfound principles, and become even more involved in my own success. While frustration has been an underlying theme with me, the positives clearly outweigh the negatives in my healthgain journey. Focus will be a priority, and whether or not I am fixating on positives. Cleanse the body, cleanse the mind now.... lol. Specific goals to be outlined at a later time.
Thanks to all here, I wish you well! Take the first step. Then take the next. Know that the pain felt now, really is the gain later.
Happy Healthgain,
~Julie
Just a short note that I felt I had to share today, I just ran for 20 consecutive minutes! I am doing the C25K and will be starting week 6 on Wednesday and man oh man have I seen an improvement in my endurance! I know 20 minutes isn't really all that long but for me it's a huge milestone and I just felt the need to share. I'll be back later in the week to answer the weekly topic and respond to others comments this week.
Later!
Raven
Hi everyone, 3 months already! Thanks Sara for the congrats and thank you for WJ. What I have found here is a sense of community and even a little therapy...lol. I know for sure that without this group I would have procrastinated and by now my new years resolutions would be gone. Having to report and having the support of WJ has really helped me get over the bumps in the road.
I have learned that my weight issues are much more psychological than physical. I have drowned my anxieties and emotions in food. Loosing myself in the TV to forget. To change I have to make a choice, not just want to change but to GET OFF THE COUCH! I started with just 10 minutes on a mini stepper at low intensity. I'm now up to 20 minutes at moderate intensity! After I exercise, I feel the release of my tension and anxiety. I feel more energy, even the next day. I have noticed that I crave it, even more so when I am stressed.
Small steps lead to large gains over time. This is what WJ has helped me learn, through all of your testimonies.
Thanks to all!
I will write on the topic and my progress later in the week.
PS: congratulations to Sara on 11 months! And congrats to Julie on 6 months! Hooray to Raven for running 20 mins!
Here's an easy recipe of Chickpea Cutlets that I adapted from the original recipe. I think it's a good spring recipe because it's easy to make, has lots of protein, very little fat, and is versatile enough to be eaten on the go, or in a roll with salad.
Spring is a time when I'd rather be out doing stuff rather than cooking... Excuse me if I've posted this recipe before :) It is really easy and so good!
Had time for another check-in, so thought i would take the opportunity.
Did really well with eating yesterday, well, until after dinner. I was at a perfect 1700 calories for the day and then i found myself getting upset because my bf who called 2 hours earlier saying he was on his way home, still wasnt home and i gave in... Cereal is the devil. I probably had at least 2 cups of crispix with about a cup of milk. GRRR... my tummy hurt afterwards, so I was totally regretting it.
BF made it home, but I was still mad at him... Whatever happened to calling if you decide that you are going to stop by a friends house for 2.5 hours on your way home?
I know I can't blame my weak moment on him, but I'm so mad at myself for ruining a perfect day like that.
Hi,
This week was THE WORST! (and I don't often use CAPS) I ate everything and anything and then I got full blown stomach flu (ultimate payback, no) Now it has been 3 days and I have been living on toast, bananas, and G2 (low calorie Gatorade). My digestive tract seems to be getting back to normal. Al I can say is yuk.
I ate anything and everything because everything just overwhelmed me. It was all me and my decisions. In the end I don't think that I went much over 2500cal/day. I did not exercise last week either. So it was a complete and utter breakdown. So, MsMeg when I read about the cereal story - I so identify with that.
I am on the mend and doing better. Looking to get back on the wagon.
On the recipe thing...
I guess I always associate spring/summer with the grill and grilled veggies - my favorites are asparagus, carrots, portobella mushrooms, etc. You can also grill tofu -ring the water out of it between paper towel, marinate it and ensure that you grill is well oiled before grilling it. I use olive oil and it works best. You can cut up the veggies and put them with whole wheat or high protein pasta for a side salad or a dinner. - Sorry about my adhoc recipe.
Thanks Sara for your great message on my 4 month anniversary. I look forward to our weekly discussions and they help me alot and feel not so alone in all of this. I perhaps will post something longer.
Hello everyone!
How am I doing....well, just like last week I have been doing a great job of eating and making healthy choices for breakfast and lunch. I've been taking my lunch everyday and even when I don't I get a salad. I have also recently realized just how yummy the Kashi go lean oatmeal in pure vanilla is. I really disliked the other diet oatmeal I had tried but this stuff is super yummy and haws only 150 calories. My dinner eating should become easier since my boyfriend is starting a new job and will be working nights. I dont have to worry about cooking something he wont like or eating his yummy but not so healthy meals. I exercised yesterday for the first time in a long time and it felt great. My mind felt better than my body because I wasnt beating myself up over the fact that I was being lazy.
I dont know about a recipe and will have to come back for that part.
Happy healthy living!
CHECKIN AGAIN:
I have great news!! I just saved a bunch of money on my... oh wait, that's the commercial... LMAO (I know I'm not really funny, but I try.) - But I do have good news. Having been down with the crud for 10 days.... actually turned into 12 because I took Monday off too, but I went back to the gym yesterday. I thought I'd start in easy to make sure I was completely well before going too hard. (I really hate coughing)... So, I opted for my Zumba class as my first workout. IT WAS AWESOME. I had so much energy, and even got a good sweat going last night!
In addition to the great feeling from the workout, I went into the trainer's office and used the Body Fat meter to see how I did while I was sick. My body fat is down by 4%!! I dropped a full 5 lbs... this puts me a total of 10 lbs closer to my goal of losing 40! I HAVE ONLY 30 TO GO!.... (heheh, she says "only"... ) .....while the meter may have been a little off due to having just worked out, and drinking a bunch of water, I couldn't be happier about the whole thing. (I'll recheck it again today BEFORE working out...) I feel that my program has been jumpstarted by the flu. LOL!
Anyway, I am back in full force, and plan to back up the schedule by one week in Stage 2. Which puts me at the end of Week 1. It seems I had just gotten into a good groove right when I started a fever. Oh well, I can get going again, no problem, and still reach my goal of being *insert a certain fantasy* (LOL) by my birthday at the beginning of June.
Anyway, back to Complexes and Stage 2 this evening!
Hope you have a Healthgain Day!
~Julie
PS I gotta say, msmeg, love the new pic!
Check-in for the week:
I did pretty well compared to the previous week's efforts. I ran only 7K, but I walked 13K also. I would have run another 3K, but it was raining and I was a little worried about overdoing my ankle muscles which seemed a little puffy. I stuck with my calisthenic goals pretty well.
I had planned on getting up to 10K in running (walking doesn't count). Then this week I intended to extend that to 12K and keep extending the distance until I hit the 20K mark by the end of this challenge. I still hope I can do that.
This week's homework:
Recipes for spring...
I love eggplants, especially the little asian ones. One of my favorite recipes is grilled or microwaved eggplant side dish because it has almost no calories. Another is a meal in itself kind of chicken salad.
I have really enjoyed reading the posts for this week. I appreciate learning others' thoughts on what being a Wagon Jumper member means to each person. It's very instructive. I can gain a little insight into my own processes, so I want to thank everyone for taking the time out of busy, impossible schedules to put your thoughts down here.
WEEKLY CHECK IN
I'm doing better, but still in a plateau though which is really discouraging. But my clothes are fitting way better now aside from the fact that I've been able to shop in normal -not plus size- shops which is awesome.
THIS WEEK's TOPIC
I love hummus, honestly I like both fat and non-fat versions of it. Goes great with pita bread or veggies. Here's the link, enjoy!
Aw, Julie, Thanks!
I feel on track once again. I had a few breakdowns here and there, but i'm learning my triggers and how to overcome them.
I'm feeling pretty good, ate a healthy lunch today and i'm doing well so far with avoiding snacking too much... now if i could only get myself to drink more water....
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New forum message This little Thanksgiving piggy... by ohyum 08:49 |
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New forum message Confronting my demons by bigbitty 08:32 |