Wagon Jumpers - May 18 - 24, 2008
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.
Each member on this thread (listed below) has agreed to check into the thread at least once per week. If any member does not check in by the end of the week, we ask all members to politely and positively PM that member and encourage them to make a post and stay on track (or get back on track).
If you would like to be a member of this thread, either leave a note here and I will add you, or send me a PM.
Wagon Jumpers Participants
Week 2 Riders:
Supersized (myself)
Week 1 Riders:
New:
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers Week 1 (May 4 - 10)
Wagon Jumpers - Anyone Need a Lift? (initial thread)
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
Wow, you all really have me thinking now. I fell off the wagon AGAIN over the weekend, but am back on now. I got up and exercised this a.m., planned my meals for the week yesterday and hopefully that will get me started. Getting started and staying on the wagon for more than two or three days seems to be a problem for me. Also, staying on over the weekend...so, conceptually, here is my plan....it's needs more detail, so I'll call it a "living" plan - supersized, thanx for the reference to work, it has helped me to look at my plan in a different light.
Objective - lose weight
Milestone - family reunion in August
Measurement - weigh less, smaller pant size, less arm jiggle
Plan:
- meal plan
- prep lunch night before (leaves time for exercise in the morning)
- no more Starbucks or other fast food for at least this week (this is the hardest part)
- exercise at least 20 minutes, at least 5 days this week (in my extra morning time - I always feel so much more energized when I do this in the a.m. and it helps keep me on track)
- log calories and exercise (make the effort, it works!)
I do need the weigh in at least once per week, another goal is not to do it every day.....
I'm going to keep checking in to adopt some of the plans that the Wagon Jumpers are using.
Have a good week everyone!
Confession: I did not make it to the gym today. I spent too much time online. I'd like to say that I will go to the gym Saturday, but that won't likely happen. The problem is it was the long weekend here (this one past) in Canada. And, I am not a Monday person. So this Tuesday being my Monday meant I didn't get my butt in gear (true to my Monday's) and didn't get to the gym.
The positive side of this is that I've got some life balance stuff done that I've been dragging my feet on. I feel so bad about not going to the gym that I will definitely go for the other three days. And, since I'm still gearing up to plan I just need to chalk it up to still getting on the wagon. I've got another nine weeks until I meet my calorie objective and I've already met my work out objective so I've been doing great on that and one day won't derail me.
Jburgin Great to hear from you, good link btw. One reason I'm "plastic only" money is that it's quite hard to impulse buy in convenience stores without the cash - well mostly - debit machines are popping up everywhere now.
marlasinger Great to hear from you, look forward to hearing what you come up with.
healthfirstI love your fitness goals, a few of my girlfriends have started doing these 5k, 10K, 26K runs I'm really wondering if I should try it. I've never much been one for running outside, so I'm quite nervous.
Safina1 I think what you are describing is an emotional eating / bingeing. I think emotional eating / bingeing are closely linked to jumping off the wagon but not exactly the same thing. Of course we still want you to be part of this group and I hope we can offer you support in staying on track. I would suggest that you talk to the folks on the ED and bingeing threads. There is a lot of psychology and much research done on this exact behaviour. I think they will be able to give you some great tools to look into why you want to sabotage in this way. From what I know it has to do with identifying triggers and patterns and then coping mechanisms. But, I am more of a slow slip into bad habits person than a fast dive. I think the Bingeing thread may really have some good insights. Newsjunkie also has some great insights.
Newsjunkie1 Love the hair reward! I'm saving that one! Great job on the breakfast choice!
rwbsmom Looks like you have almost all of the pieces put together to achieve weight loss. Now, how are you going to motivate yourself to stick to it? What positive incentive can you build in?
I'm going to go for the following rewards:
Stay on plan 1 week = pedicure (thanx supersized for that idea)
Stay on plan 2 weeks = nails (I used to do gel nails, mine are too brittle and break so easily - I stopped because it is just too expensive)
Stay on plan 3 weeks = hair cut and color (can't recall who had this one, but I know I read it here....great idea)
If I can manage that long, I know that there will be changes in my weight and/or size and that will keep me motivated for sure. I'll have to come up with something for week 4 and then maybe monthly after that.....hmmmmm, thinking.....
wow I'm really enjoying reading everyone's plans etc!
I was a good girl today 
. I stuck to my food plan. I was up late all weekend, and since I didn't have to be at work til 11:30am today, I allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in til 10:20. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
So, because I missed my planned circuit workout at the gym this morning, instead of eating the 1500cals I planned, I ate a little over 1200 instead (1212 to be exact). I had all my water today. I said "no thank you" to cookies and timbits at work.
Baby steps. I'm trying so hard not to beat myself up over gaining back the weight I worked so hard to lose last year!!!!!! 
ok...off to plan/pack my food for tomorrow's adventure in the big ol' world!
I am so happy to say that thinking about this thread this morning motivated me to get to the gym, even though I was soo sleepy. I'm so glad I went because, as always, I now feel energized and motivated to have a great day!
Supersized, I highly recommend signing up for a 5K. I was never a runner until last year, and I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as I do. Running in 5Ks and other races is so much fun because you're getting exercise, often benefiting a great cause, and you're surrounded by people who are at all levels of fitness. I find them very inspirational. I recommend them to anyone who would like to raise the bar on their fitness goals. Crossing the finish line is always very rewarding, no matter how long it takes me to get there!
Original Post by supersized:
Got2getthin Looks like you and me are doing something similar with some weekly phases and then moving onto another phase. BTW I'm a vegan so if you're looking for some tasty veggie recipes I've got lots (also check out the veggie thread). Have you thought of some rewards or reasons to stay on plan?
I would absolutely LOVE some veggie recipes! I am not a huge veggie lover so this is going to be a big struggle for me. If I can find some tasty ways to prepare them, maybe it won't be so hard to stay on track. The plan I'm on says I can only use fresh herbs and spices to season, oh, and sea salt. I can also use high quality oils to saute, such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, etc. If it's easier than posting here, feel free to PM them to me:)
As to the rewards question.....I like the pedicure idea. Heaven knows I could use one with summer right around the corner. Maybe I'll make that a two week reward. I'm hoping that by the end of my four week purification, there will be reason to buy myself a new outfit. Past that point I haven't given much thought to a reward system. Aside from my ultimate goal of buying a brand new wardrobe:p
healthfirst I'll have to give some serious consideration to the running, although truthfully I may delay it until next year. I figure I'll be finishing my rounds of consistent exercise and calorie count around late October, so I'll need to wait until the next season for running.
got2getthin Here is the link to the recipe thread on the veggie forum
My posts start about post #18 on the first page and continue to the second.
I don't have all my recipes on here yet (there are a few hundred I've compiled). The good thing is the ones that are linked are entered here on the system, they are fully done with nutrition and portion control stats and you can tag them just like you do foods.
If the ones I have on here right now don't meet your requirements then let me know what type of thing you're looking for, I've got lots more.
Hi All,
This is really a great thread! I love everyone's goals and plans, it really makes you think. So here goes:
My Goal: To get fit (size or weight isn't even that important) I want to be able to ride horses or run with the kids without feeling like I'm going to keel over. This should be in 150lb range give or take 10. I have already lost 2 clothes sizes and now my newest clothes are getting loose.
Secondary Goal: Learn to think like a thin person! Where food isn't any reward and all of the stuff I want to binge on just doesn't sound good.
How I'm going to do it: I'm logging my food (aiming for 100%). I also am working out a minimum of 4 days per week 40+ minutes. Trying to get to 5 days a week. Drinking more water and eating more whole/fresh foods limiting any processed food.
I envy all of you who can stay off the scale. I must admit I'm a daily scale person and aside from TTOTM it doesn't freak me out. But I know I've been doing very well and I usually see the result day. Since I'm confessing ........I'm also a "Inside the ear canal Q-tip user" 
Good luck to all of us this week. I think everyones posts really get my mind working about the 'why' I do things.
kreitter Probably the same comment I've said a few times, I think we'll repeat this topic next week. Sounds like you have very good plans for how to achieve your goals if you stay on track. What is going to motivate you to stay on track. What little rewards can you give yourself for staying on track?
I sent out the 2 Day reminders to those who I don't think I've seen on the thread yet, if I missed someone my apologies.
Here is the list of people I think we are looking for posts from in the next 2 days:
I did notice that I could not find Snekafreaka's profile. As always on Saturday ever member is asked to look through the thread and check for anyone who has not checked in and send them some polite and positive encouragement to check in.
This may be the first week I'll have to consider what to do about people who do not check in. I don't want to boot them from the group right away as I think that is too demotivating. At the same time I want to reward those of us who stick with it. My suggestion would be to start a MIA (missing in action) list, I can leave people on that for up to 3 weeks and will send them a polite e-mail after that that they are welcome back at any time but that we have removed them until they are ready to come back. Returning members will likely be added minus the week(s) that they missed. (i.e. if they have completed 3 weeks and miss one they would be entered on the 4th week as 3 weeks completed not 4).
Hope that works for everyone. Suggestions are always welcome.
wow, there have been some great posts this week!
Sara~ good point, thanks! I do need to figure out WHY I start estimating...I honestly think it's cuz I think I'm smart enough! haha does that make sense?
If you want help with contacting anyone let me know!
And good links, the veggie recipes will help me...I have trouble getting in veggies!
I've been pretty much staying on track! I didn't log yesterday, but I also didn't do any snacking or whatnot!
Staying on track. I just came back from a massage at the 'spa' which was great. I think that will be my motivation when I hit another milestone.
Mini-Milestones: 5-10 lb increments, I have to buy some new clothes. I still wear a pager at work and when the pants get a bit big - the pager pulls them down!! (not a bad problem to have).
After cracking the 200 milestone- hmmm I have to contemplate because that is a big one! Its been a lot of years since I've been under 200 and I can't believe I'm so close. Maybe a massage + something really awesome like a new expensive purse??
I think I want to base my rewards by weight - instead of weeks. I can see rewarding yourself based on adhering to the program and also by seeing the results -which means you adhered to the program. I'll go like this for a while and see if it works.
well...i think i am a little different in terms of planning. this time around, i am really trying to THINK about what i'm doing. i have found that i don't respond well to strict planning. right now, my goal is to simply eat less than i need most of the time. i can't even tell myself "you must log every day" because i know that will discourage me.
i have had a really stressful week with job interviews and art shows - and that is something i noticed common among us is difficult week/emotional/stressful - and during this time, i realized i need to make it o.k. to not log one day or even two, because i feel like that is more realistic, and i shouldn't make myself think the world is going to end if i don't log my food one day. however, i am still concentrating on trying to stay within my calories - i eat a lot of the same stuff over and over, and to truly ask myself if i am hungry and if not to knock it off! i am pleased that i have been able to pull off the "you're not really hungry" thing and back slowly away from whatever i was considering - and that is an accomplishment to me!
this should be interesting - i read an article about how your brain works when you try to change a habit. so if you have a habit of getting a donut everyday with your coffee - it is a physical pathway in your brain (no wonder it is difficult!). but the good news is - that once you try to train yourself to deviate from said pattern, your brain makes new connections - the old ones don't disappear - but the more you can make yourself repeat the behavior you want to happen, the stronger that pathway gets! for some reason it helps me to visualize creating brand new brain pathways that are energized and helping me to control myself!
i am also planning on weighing myself once/week - but i think more importantly i can just "feel" when i have been eating less and feel thinner - and that is a good feeling and seems to be motivation enough right now. when i start to feel extra chunky and uncomfortable, it motivates me to change. i don't really care about rewarding myself either, i just want to feel comfortable in my own skin.
but i do have a question for all of you - and have scoured message boards but get conflicting information - i am really confused about my calorie intake. i know about having the 500 calorie deficit - but the problem is that every website puts my original burning rate somewhere else. cc gives me 1200 to eat, and while i can pull that off a day or two/week, i just can't and don't want to force myself to be crazy about that. i feel like 1500 sounds reasonable, and less if i can, and good if i exercise. i just don't want to be miscalculating and wondering why i am not losing weight eating 1500. i also read a lot about people who allow for more on the weekends and shoot for more of a weekly average. any ideas?
Today was rough. A co worker died of a massive heart attack. All of us were misty eyed at work. He left behind 3 beautiful children and his dear wife. He was in his late 40's. They both worked in the same place. didnt feel much like eating today. food kind of stuck in my throat.
hi ho everyone...i noticed i was on the "has not posted/probation list" AH! :) well. you were asking about the plan? mine is very simple. because otherwise i won't do it. 1400 cals. a day, 500 cals. of DDR a day. with this it shows i have about a 1000 calorie deficit. theoretically i should be losing 2 pounds a week. and for the last three, i have. which is pretty darn exciting. FINALLY under the 200 mark.
anyway. this week i didn't work out wednesday because i have a problem with my legs hurting. (calves/ankles, yes it's really weird.) and lo and behold, thursday they still hurt doing DDR but it was finally bearable, and for the first time in a long time (!!!) i actually ENJOYED my workout... i have also added arm weights.
this weekend will be hard to remotely keep on track, i'm heading out of town AND going to a renaissance festival (yikes, turkey legs and beer!), but i'm forcing myself to at least do my workout today before i head out. i just have to remember, do i want the pleasure of bad food now? or looking better later? hah, my friend said something i liked yesterday, when i was complaining about eating salad and how good french fries sounded... she said, "you can have french fries when you're 140." lol... so, although it's not good to say to myself that i can eat all this bad food again after i lose the weight, it's a nice mental thing for me to think that this deprivation could be temporary... ;)
also. i realized something. my body has been putting on all this weight over the last 8 years... is it really so bad to have to work for 8-10 months getting it off? at least i don't have to do it 8 years to get to where i want to be.
there ya go...probably more than ya'll wanted to read through! :) good luck and have a great weekend everyone!
Well I'm not making it to the gym today. It's 2:00 pm, I should be heading out to Gravenhurst, (where is Gravenhurst?) in about an hour and need to attend evening function there. I did make it 2 of 4 days this week. I need to do better next week. I know I'm not in my complete on plan phase yet, but that's no reason to back slide. At the same time I need to cut myself some slack in a busy week and learn not to let the 'nothing' side of the all or nothing personality win.
kreitter I think you can base your reward on whatever you want to. The reason I ask so many people about rewarding themselves for time, is that it takes time to lose the weight. So when the scale does not progress downwards in an even rate then people often get frustrated and give up. That's where being aware and positive about how much time you've put in helps.
Thin27 I think the most important thing to long term success is doing what you can handle if 1200 is pushing you then 1500 should be fine. I found the CC burn rates too aggressive and that's why I'm slowly working my way down to 1500 as I add exercise. I like the brain pathway visualization.
Karen Sorry to hear about your co-worker. I know you deal with life and death on a daily basis in your job, but it must be much harder when it hits home with a co-worker and so unexpectedly and young.
igrratu I agree with the good attitude to it took me a long time to gain, and will take me relatively short time to loose. I have to be very wary of the "I can eat this when I'm thin" mentality because that leads me too far onto jumping off by considering everything a denial. A ren fair, my bf would be SO into that! Good luck with the turkey legs & beer.
Hello, I finally have time to answer the question. :)
The main source of inspiration for me when times are hard is a single t-shirt. I have hung it up in my bathroom. Where I see it every morning and several times through out the day. There's a story behind it, of course :)
Two years (almost 3) ago, before I started this trek, I was at a conference for youth ministers in Chattanooga, TN. There was a prime time entertainment thing going in a conference room, and everybody wanted to be there. The room was small, the crowd was big. Standing room only. I get there late, and all the seats are taken. I had been having problems with my legs all week anyway....walking around downtown Chattanooga isn't exactly a fun thing for me. Anyhoo, I had extreme difficult walking and keeping up with everyone. Since the room was full and I couldn't get a seat, I just decided to leave. I walked around the convention center and putzed around doing stuff. It upset me that I was in such sorry shape. So much so that I got really ticked with myself over the whole fiasco and swore to change it.
Fast forward to the last day of the conference, everybody is getting ready to leave and I'm picking up a few final gifts for people. I walked by this table and saw this shirt. It was a purple with an artistic rendering of the conferences theme "Jump". It was really neat. I walked up to buy it, but realize they didn't have my size (at the time, I was a 3x)...I got really disappointed and about walked away. Then turned around and bought it anyway. I promised myself that one day, I would be able to wear this shirt.
And if you read my bio...I did get that small eventually. I wore that shirt with the biggest smile on my face. These days, it's back up on the hanger in my bathroom, begging me to wear it again. So that's one way I stay on the wagon.
Consistency for me = obsessiveness. If I dont' constantly live and think about a goal I'm shooting for...then it's easier for me to slip back into complacency.
Anyhoo, my week has gone ok. I've been doing a little too much compromising, but not going overboard. I'm not losing any weight...but I'm not GAINING anything either. WOOT WOOT!
And a big good news: This Sunday will be my 4th week without any soda.
So yea, things have been going ok.
It's been a really tough week. I'm sorting out finances which is hard enough. Just got there (I think) and the company I'm contracting for finally told us today, after weeks of rumours, that our project is cancelled and gave us four weeks' notice. Not good.
On the plus side, I stayed on track with my food, and didn't actually even think about going and getting chocoalte or some other comfort mechanism. RESULT!
Weight - about the same - but I see this as a positive thing at the moment!
I think I officially have my first sign that this is working. I really got back on board in March when I went to put on the first pair of plus sized jeans I ever bought. I had usually gotten by with finding the odd size 14 in the back of old navy or something, but it was becoming apparent to me that I needed to buy some clothes that looked good on me even if it meant going to a plus size store. I was both happy and sad when I first shopped there. Happy because I found so much stuff that looked good on me, and sad because it was obvious that I belonged there. So I made myself a promise that I would shop plus sized until I was firmly back to a size 10 (high end of sizes for regular size stores here).
Anyways in March when I went to put on that first pair of jeans that I had bought plus sized, I had a muffin top! That's when I decided that I wasn't about to grow through all the plus sizes as well.
The good news is I went to put on those jeans yesterday and they fit again!
jburgin Great story. I can really related to the item of clothing motivation, it's even better that you have such a great memory behind it.
Shrinking_Caro Glad to see you, sorry about the job. Congratulations on avoiding Chocolate!
LET'S BE MOTIVATING
Okay this is the first time I've had to post this so hopefully it works for some. We have some people in the group who have not checked in. Everyone who can find the time today please send them a polite and positive e-mail encouraging them to check in. If they have not checked in by tomorrow I'll post them as MIA and I think it's appropriate that if you have not sent them an e-mail already, to send them one during the next week to encourage them to come back.
Here's the list:
Here is the list of people I think we are looking for posts from in the next 2 days:
Where can I see 1/8th or 1/6th of a pie or angel food cake?
This is the best way to picture a portion of pie or cake: Draw a circle to represent the circumference of the cake or pie (9" pie? 10" cake?... Read more