Wagon Jumpers - September 27 - October 3, 2009 (2 waiting list spots available)
Welcome
(I keep the waiting list capped at 4 people as it can be a 16 week wait with that length. If you are interested in spots 3 or 4 please read below and contact 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 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 21 Riders:
Supersized 
(myself)
Year 1 - Week 17 Riders:
Year 1 - Week 16 Riders - Congratulations on One Year 4 Months!:
Defrog3 - Maternity Leave to October 31, 2009
Year 1 - Week 13 Riders:
Year 1 - Week 11 Riders:
Year 1 - Week 6 Riders:
Week 52 Riders - CONGRATULATIONS ON 1 YEAR!!!!:
Week 45 Riders:
Week 43 Riders:
Week 39 Riders:
Dovelette - vacation to October 17, 2009
Week 13 Riders:
Week 10 Riders:
Week 8 Riders - Congratulations on 2 Months!:
The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - Getting Married away to Oct 10, 2009
Week 6 Riders:
Week 4 Riders - Congratulations on 1 Month!:
Week 2 Riders:
Week 1 Riders:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Current Membership: 23
Current Waiting List: 2
Outstanding Wait List Invites: 1
12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS
(as set w/o September 20, 2009)
By December 12th, I will be...
Supersized - NEW: Go to the Gym and or Walk/Bike to work at least 3 days a week for 9 of 12 weeks.
Laura42 - NEW:Stay on nutrition plan 3 out of 4 weekends each month. MAINTENANCE:Lift weights three times a week.
Figurethefat - NEW:Eat 5 serves of fruit or vegetables everyday. MAINTENANCE:1500 exercise minutes a month
Merimeriqcontrary - NEW:Hover around 1200 calories(non-workout days) and around 1400-1500 calories on workout days, 6 days/week. (at least 9 out of 12 weeks). MAINTENANCE:Work out at least 4 times/week for at least 10 out of the 12 weeks.
Carryonandon - NEW:Follow this meal plan: Prepare homemade dinners (or eat leftovers) 5 out of 7 days per week. Have at least one fresh fruit or vegetable daily Mon - Fri. MAINTENANCE:workout 3x per week
Msmeg1984 - MAINTENANCE:Excercise at least 3 days a week for 9 of 12 weeks and average calorie intake of 2,000 cals per week.
White_Sakura - NEW:maintain any deficit for 5/7 days of the week. MAINTENANCE:to burn 2500 calories a week.
Raven21 - NEW: Eat 5 servings of fruit and/or vegetables daily. MAINTENANCE:run 4 days a week minimum, increasing speed and distance over the course of the 12 weeks.
BigBitty - NEW: to log my calories from the day I have the baby. MAINTENANCE: to continue drinking 2.5 litres of water per day.
Ncurlee - NEW:To achieve a 500 caloric deficit (or 500 calories below your burn rate) 5 of 7 days a week.
Cawilder - NEW:80% of the time I will seat sitting down and put down my fork/spoon/food in between bites. MAINTENANCE:Do, 5 hours of cardio / week + 2 weight lifting sessions / week
Bleedtoblue - NEW: to log my calories at least five days a week for the next twelve weeks.
Austiemg - NEW:to work out for at least 30 min (cardio) three (or more) times a week.
The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - NEW:I will record all my calories at least six days every week. MAINTENANCE:I will continue to drink at least 2+ liters of water each day.
Opanci - NEW:By December 12th, I will be accurately logging all my intake 6 of 7 days. MAINTENANCE:Get outside 6 of 7 days.
Kyashiis - NEW:log my calories daily by midnight 6 days a week. MAINTENANCE:run a minimum of 3 kilos 12 times over the 12-week period.
Nannygabber - MAINTENANCE:Exercise: Cardio 3x/wk MAINTENANCE:Eating: 150 grams of protein 5 days per week
Wenchie58 - NEW:With my new pedometer to walk 10,000 steps at least 4 days a week for 10 out of the 12 weeks. MAINTENANCE:To continue to eat between 1400-1500 calories a day.
Dovelette - NEW:NROLFW or NROL minimum of 2x/week for 8 out of 12 weeks.
Vcruicky - NEW: To eat completely vegetarian meals 4 days a week.
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers - September 20 - 26, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - September 13 - 19, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - September 6 - 12, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - August 30 - September 5, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - August 23 - 29, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - August 15 - 22, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - August 9 - 15, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - August 2 - 8, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - July 26 - Aug 1, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - July 19 - 25, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - July 12 - 18th, 2009
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
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
WEEKLY TOPIC: GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Now that most of us have committed to some goals, why don't we find out a little more about each other. Pick a person on the forum, send them a private message that you would like to introduce them as part of the "getting to know you" exercise this week. Ask them some questions or keep it simple and ask them to share what they would like to share with the group. You then introduce the person you contacted to the group.
Hi everyone,
it is interesting to see the different goals everyone is focusing on for the next 12 weeks, hopefully we will all do well.
Just wanted to let you know how I feel about bieng a wagon jumper for 1 whole month. Well the time has flown, and I feel I have learnt a lot, especially with the input and advice about goal setting - I realised that much of my downfall before with goal setting has been my goals have been too difficult to keep, to complicated to remember, and consisted of several goals all rolled into one goal.
So this forum in one months has helped me overcome a life long habit of trying to goal set in a way that had set me up to fail and not to succeed.
I know I will learn more along this journey, but for my first month that was a biggie.
Thanks for all the input from everyone, and good luck to everyone on the goals they have set.
Vera
I'm having a lot of trouble lately with my calories... I need to figure out how to get myself motivated in that aspect again.
Exercise however... Is going great.
Vera I find goal setting as self-sabotage is one of the hardest habits for wagon jumpers to break (the all or nothing mentality being another one). We think of setting goals as good, and positive - and it is, unless you use it to sabotage yourself. So the trick becomes really analyzing what is an achievable goal and what is setting the brass ring so high that you are destined to fail from the start, thus letting yourself off the hook until the next time you set a goal. Success is still hard for most of us. As you will notice we are not overwhelmed by happy faces on the main thread - yet.
Meg The tedious task of meal planning helps me out a bit. I've given myself a break from the calories to see if I can stick to a meal plan set out by the nutritionist. If you can deal with repetition, I suggest putting together a plan that has the calories and that you like and repeating as much as you can stand it.
Doing well so far. I forced myself into the gym Thurs - Sat to make sure that my first goal week wasn't one that I took off. Skipping the gym today and aiming for Tues, Wed & Fri (meeting on Thurs) with Saturday as a back up day.
I like my new goal very much! It's all about food, what could be better? I have to think before I eat: how many serves have I got so far? Although it did go out of my mind on Saturday. I knew I'd be going to Souplantation so skipped breakfast. Eat lots of lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas, green beans etc at the buffet, and then didn't really eat again except for an ice cream cone. I had to go back and see what constitutes a "serving" of lettuce. It's a cup for leafy greens. So I believe I got 5 serves but I won't let that happen again.
Good for you Sara to plan out your gym days in advance.
So far I'm doing well with my goal of logging my calories, not so well keeping a calorie deficet. One thing at a time.
I'll be out of town until next Wednesday and may or may not have internet access. I'll also be eating out a lot, which plays havoc with dieting!
I've been a memeber for two months now. I find other people's struggles and successes with losing weight interesting and helpful. It's nice to have company and support on the journey. I know that keeping the weight off is even more of a difficulty for me than losing it.
I would like to introduce everyone to "bleedtoblue"!
She is 56 and has been "on my current weight loss journey for around two years". Bleed has already lost 50 lbs (awesome!) and would like to lose 20 or so more.
She was a hard working elementary school teacher who currently lives in a suburb of Detroit. Her husband is retired military and they have moved a total of seventeen times over the years and have lived in a variety of places.
She has three sons, and she says "Right now I'm not working and have lots of time to indulge in hobbies, I read and do different types of needlework. I enjoy traveling, preferably to an island with beautiful beaches."
Nice to meet you bleedtoblue! Much success on your ongoing journey!
I contacted vcruicky and asked her to share a bit about herself. She joined Wagon Jumpers about a month ago. Right now she's settled down in a small English village, but she actually spent about 30 years in Australia, and started life in South Africa!
Her husband is English and they moved back to England from Australia to take care of his mother. Vera has just recently had her birthday and turned 50! Happy Birthday Vera and good luck with meeting all of your goals, personal and private.
I would like to introduce vcruicky aka Vera! We interviewed each other on our thought processes behind our goals, so I'll put my questions and then her answers.
1) What attracts you to a vegetarian diet (lifestyle, health, other...) and how do you see the new diet fitting into your life long term?
I chose the vegetarian lifestyle for two reasons, firstly, I believe it is a healthier option, as I can cut out lots of animal fats and preservatives, by choosing the more healthy vegetarian options not the cheeseburger and fries vegetarian options with more cheese please. I am using as a way of introducing clean eating, by focusing on brown rice, new potatoes (in small amounts), loads of fresh fruit and veg, and using grains, pulses, nuts and seeds. I am moving towards soy milk, and drinking lots of water, with herbal teas. Secondly, like you I want to learn to cook more varieties of dishes, and with a vegetrarian lifestyle I am more likely to cook from scratch, and hopefully learn to adapt old recipies, as well as learn new ones. I am aware of the animal right issues etc, but that was not my main motivation, although it makes me feel good to know my diet will not hurt another living creature, or it won't when I reduce my 3 fish days to total vegetarian, over a period of time.
How it fits into my life long term , it is I hope the way for me to be healthier in body, and feel I am doing something good for myself, that is not calorie or deficit focused - as that I feel is hard to sustain over years - whereas a healthy lifestyle and vegetarianism I feel is more susainable long term.
2)What foods do you look forward to incorporating into your diet the most and the least?
I look forward to introducing some new vegetable and fruits, some of the more exotic ones that I have not tried. Also, learning new ways to use them in old recipies. For examle globe artichokes, I have never tried them, and what I cannnot stand on its own is mushrooms, yet they look so good all the different types, that I would love to try them, but the texture of them is not one that I like when they are raw, only a few very little bits cooked, when mixed into a dish.
*** Quick goal update. I made a meal this evening - a spicy steak stir fry with brown rice that will end up giving me at least 2 more meals if not 3. The fruits and veggies thing has been going well, too. I am keeping them on top of my canisters on the counter so that they are in sight and in mind.
meri - Glad to hear there's another Discworld fan out there. My husband got me interested in them books. I'm sad to hear that Pratchett was diagnosed with alzheimers, though. Also, I was a little confused about the "talents" comment, but figure it must be from the mention of "The Artist's Way". Artist in this sense is used in the most loose definition possible to include any creative art - singing, writing, dancing, painting, etc. The book itself is about unblocking your "inner artist." I like to think of myself as a writer, but have been sapped of creative energy lately. Since I have the time to do a 12-week self-guided program about it now, I thought I'd take the opportunity. :-)
Hi everyone. Hope you had a good weekend.
The introductions so far have been wonderful.
I had a successful weekend!! I stayed on plan which is currently is to run a small 300 calorie deficit. A major success for me. It helped that we had no social engagments so there wasn't a lot of temptation. But I'm one step closer to my goal of 3 out 4 weekends staying on plan.
One thing I did that helped was buy my husband single serving size bottles of wine. He has a nice wine collection and likes a glass of wine with dinner. Usually he opens a lovely bottle and I have a lot of trouble turning down a glass. That can ruin your deficit when you're at the end of the day and you have a finite number of calories left for dinner. The wine in the single serving bottle is not the best, but my husband endured I was able to forgo the extra calories and stay on target.
Hi this is to introduce carryonandon, I chose her to get to know as we both used goals focusing on home cooking and not calories or a deficit.
I asked her whether her goal of cooking meals helped with her weight loss or motivation?
Her Answer was
Actually, I formed this goal for a number of reasons. I had been focusing too much on the number of calories before because I wanted to take the easy way out on the weight loss issue by just restricting my calories. This turned out to be a mistake in a big way - since it stalled my metabolism and made it harder to control bad feelings. Also, I wound up actually gaining a little bit of weight which made me reconsider everything. So, I decided to bite the bullet and work on exercising more instead which led to weightlifting. Cooking my meals at home will help me get the nutrition I need to support my exercise goals. Also, it fulfills some side goals - as a creative outlet, a learning opportunity, etc. I'm sorely lacking any skills in the culinary arts, and I'd like to remedy that.
So, yes - it helps with weight loss because it supports my exercise plan and it helps with motivation because I have this crazy idea that I can learn how to cook all my favorite foods on a more healthy basis.
I then asked her why this goal was so important to her for this 12-week period and beyond?
Well, for this 12-week period it is important because I know I am more likely to accomplish my goals if I share them with someone else - whether they can punish me for not reaching them or not. :-) For the long term, I am committed to making changes to my life that will eventually fit into my lifestyle and therefore be sustainable. I'm hoping things that seem like challenges now will just be a habit in the future - something I do and couldn't imagine my life without.
I loved her answers and seemed that they could apply to many of us here to turn healthier eating options that are vhallnegers now into being habits in the future - YOU ROCK carryonandon
Sorry double post hit the wrong buttons again.
HI everyone, I would like to introduce carryonandon. I chose her to get to know, because we both chose goals with out calories or a deficit in them.
I asked her this first question:
Does her goal of cooking meals help with her weight loss or motivation?
Her answer was
Actually, I formed this goal for a number of reasons. I had been focusing too much on the number of calories before because I wanted to take the easy way out on the weight loss issue by just restricting my calories. This turned out to be a mistake in a big way - since it stalled my metabolism and made it harder to control bad feelings. Also, I wound up actually gaining a little bit of weight which made me reconsider everything. So, I decided to bite the bullet and work on exercising more instead which led to weightlifting. Cooking my meals at home will help me get the nutrition I need to support my exercise goals. Also, it fulfills some side goals - as a creative outlet, a learning opportunity, etc. I'm sorely lacking any skills in the culinary arts, and I'd like to remedy that.
So, yes - it helps with weight loss because it supports my exercise plan and it helps with motivation because I have this crazy idea that I can learn how to cook all my favorite foods on a more healthy basis.
I then asked her why was the goal so important to her for this 12-week period and beyond?
She answered
Well, for this 12-week period it is important because I know I am more likely to accomplish my goals if I share them with someone else - whether they can punish me for not reaching them or not. :-) For the long term, I am committed to making changes to my life that will eventually fit into my lifestyle and therefore be sustainable. I'm hoping things that seem like challenges now will just be a habit in the future - something I do and couldn't imagine my life without.
I think we can all take on board the changing old challenges into healthy new habits. I want to wish carryonandon every successs with her goals.
Vera
Thanks, Vera! It was fun getting to know you a little better, and inspiring to hear about how you are getting to your health goals via the vegetarian route. It will be interesting to hear your experiences as you keep working towards it. Best of luck!
Laura Good job with your buffet experience. Thank you also for introducing Vera
Bleedtoblue Glad you are finding the group useful, I've sent you a note in case you need some time off for your away time.
Neva Thank you for introducing Bleedtoblue
Carry Thank you for introducing Vera
Laura The wine (beer and otherwise) are often my downfalls as well. Good solution, especially with shared dinners!
Vera Thank you for introducing Carry
Never doing the intro thing again! ha!
edit: to explain I feel like I turned up at the party wearing the same dress as someone else, and they looked 1,000 times better in it :)
You see I introduced Vera, and then straight after carryonandon intro'd her as well, only much better. Well done to Vera and carryon!
Hi All,
OK, so I am not going to be able to do the assignment this week. I am at this intensive kick off for my master's and well, it's 13 hour days with business simulations... It's funny how other approach problem solving and ya kinda twist up your nose and go - really you can do that..
Eating is fine this week because
1) we are in class most of the day and there is no food availability
2) their food kinda is marginal
3) drinking lots of water...
Exercise is proving a challenge but I got my student ID and supposedly that gets me into a pool and health center on campus. Woo Hoo... If I can get something done 2X this week then that would be great.
Ok, the weekly knee status, I know you all read my posts for it...
Alleve seems to be keeping the pain away, but it has increased my lithium levels so I had to back down on lithium so that i would not become toxic. I am starting to go from 6 Alleve down to 4 and then down to 2. We will see if my knee responds accordinly and it does not hurt. The other day I was late for a meeting and ran down the hall way to get there. - Golly that felt so good...
Cu.
Carol
Laura I will send you a private message, if you had a bad experience with the introductions please let me know and I will speak to the appropriate person. All weekly topics are optional and were developed using a poll for the group. Edit: shortened.
Carol No problem on the assignment, we all have busy weeks. I expect this next stretch will be very busy for you. I always find that students have a challenge balancing school, exercise and nutrition, never mind when the student is also a mum with a full time job. Do what you can, don't burn yourself out.
Introducing Carrie a.k.a. Raven21
Carrie is 29 and lives in a small maritime town with her husband of four years. They have two furry pets; Dexter the dog by and Sam the cat girl. They have recently had to close their paintball business, but this hasn't stopped Carrie & Hubby from playing. Carrie has taken up running and is entering a 5k in December and hoping to do a 1/2 marathon next year in July.
I asked Carrie, as a year long member where she was when she joined wagon jumpers, where she is now and what she's learned along the way.
Although Carrie admits to being 5-10 lbs heavier now than when she started, she says
"If I had to say whether or not I'm satisfied about my progress, I'd say I'm happier where my head is now, but I need to work on getting my body in line with it."
In the last year Carrie has developed a consistent exercise regime, incorporated much water drinking and become much more conscious of WHAT she eats. Quantity and food tracking continue to be her downfall. She is aiming for an attainable goal of 5 servings of fruit and veg per day in this twelve week challenge and is excited to accomplish it.
Thank you for sharing Carrie!
You all will have to forgive me as well on the assignment. I just have to focus on work this week. Sorry about it! I will however, enjoy reading about all the rest of you!
I know I will have to post again, I have to report on my ONE YEAR OF WJ!!!! I can hardly believe its been a year. But, for now this will be short.
CHECKIN:
I am doing fine with waiting until Friday to weigh in. I haven't even wanted to get onto the scale, I am kindof excited about the fact that I am able to wait it out!
I also am doing great with protein intake. I had a double shake for breakfast this morning and it has really kept me feeling full today with over 50g of protein!
With exercise I am:
1 of 3 on yoga
2 of 3 on cardio
1 of 3 on triple play
I'll get another cardio and another triple play in this evening. A yoga tomorrow and Friday, and a triple play for sure as well tomorrow, and maybe even another cardio. I'll be above my goal!
I figured out how to make DVDs of youtube video!! I am so excited, I can now do Zumba at home! If you guys are interested, I'd be glad to make and send you a copy! Just PM me your address. (Consider it an early Christmas gift!)
Healthgain to all,
~Julie
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New journal post gobble gobble :) by makinitcount44 15:07 |
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New journal post Wait weight! by low351 15:05 |
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New journal post Halfway There by daniellearthur 15:00 |
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charismacalender added jessicasbc as a friend |