Olney/ Robinson Weight Challenge
OMG.
Mum and I just had an unofficial weigh-in.
Unofficial because we start tomorrow - we'll be charting our weight, BMI, fat percentage and measurements (the latter with a good old fashioned tape measure).
Why OMG?
Because I weigh much more than I thought I did.
I think the official chart goes - Healthy, Overweight, Obese, Morbidly Obese and Holy Shit! I am in the HS category.
As of tomorrow, I start on a three month programme where my primary objective on waking up every morning is to lose weight. I'm on this with my Mum. The sad thing is that I would love to be her weight! Still, she's shorter and older than me, so I understand why she wants to lose it too. You've seen pictures, she's not wrong to be concerned.
Dads doesn't need to lose as much as us. He might go along with it. But out of the three of us, he's the most disciplined in day to day life - in keeping with his former amateur athlete persona (marathon runner, cricketer, footballer, badminton player).
Be sure I will be checking in here every week.
And I will share my statistics.
And when I get down to Mum's weight I will post nekkid pics.
Kidding - I won't be down to her weight in three months.
But if I feel happy, I will.
Good luck girl!
Remember the critters in Madagascar: I like to move it move it.
Good job SG.
If the numbers motivate you, then let them be your guide. For me, the numbers just make me want to crawl in a hole and die. Even in HS, when I was a track star and basketball player, I hated the number. It never seemed "low" enough.
I've been losing what I want, slowly and steadily. Small lifestyle changes: salads only at lunch, small small dinner. Taking stairs everywhere at work no matter what, on breaks too.
My only gauge is: are my pants growing? So far, they are...and I'm very close to my goal. It's going to be a lovely summer.
Go hard mate! You'll be fine. I'll be joining you in a couple of months time. My plan is to lose about 25 - 30kg and get down to my pre-children weight. I reckon that'll take me about 4 - 6 months, so by next summer I'll be able to wear my bikini again. :)
Oh good luck SG!
(getting on soapbox)
If you can try the
Zone Diet. It will change your eating habits forever if you can master it. Also, the task of mastering it keeps you fully involved in it. I was on it the same time I quit smoking. I lost two pounds the first month! Quitting Smoking! My usual when I tried to quit was a 10 to 15 pound gain.
The best thing about this diet is that you get to eat every 2 to four hours, however, your food choices are strictly regimented. It is very very healthy way to eat , though, and if you stick with it for a while you'll feel so much better and hardly ever get sick. Its also really good for mood maintenance.
Best wishes! You sound determined and excited, and that will help.
Good luck, hon. You'll nail this in no time. Keep us posted! *smiles*
Amazing SG! Its something alot of us need to do and can't get the motivation to. I'm glad you found it, and keep it up. Let us know if you need help or advice.
Okay.
I lost 6lbs this week.
Mum only lost 1.5lb and is unhappy about it. She says if she only loses that little again she's not carrying on. Have had to edit this twice as there was disagreement about her starting weight, but it does seem that this is correct.
Sigh. Might lose my challenge partner as soon as we have begun!
No, I will talk to her when she gets home. Basically ask her if she is happy at the weight she is at. If the answer is "No" then she has to do something, even if it is something that only reduces it by 1.5 a week (slow and steady is the best way after all).
Oddly, the scales are saying more of my weight is fat this week.
Not sure how that works.
I know people who say if you lose a lot at once, "Oh that's all water anyway" but I've always thought that was a dieter's myth, propagated by people who don't lose as much. My fat appears to have gone up by 5lbs, although my body fat percentage is down by 0.3%
Ah well, I'm not getting too hung up on the first weeks results. If there's a trend I'll watch it over the next three months.
I'm on this with my Mum. The sad thing is that I would love to be her weight! Still, she's shorter and older than me, so I understand why she wants to lose it too.
SG -- Take this stuff into consideration when you're comparing your 6 lbs to her 4 lbs. It sounds like she has less weight to lose, and she's also older and so the weight won't come off as fast. Don't let one week's numbers get you down. [ETA: Pep talk not needed nearly as much with the correction from 1.5 lbs for Mum to 4 lbs, but still!]
It sounds like you're both off to a great start! Keep at it, and good luck. You're both in my thoughts. :)
Sorry Chocatl - it turns out it was 1.5 after all!
Mum came home, disputed her starting weight and I changed my post.
Then I found the paper copy of the measurements from last week (written down in front of her at the time) and it did match the information I saved on my graph after all.
She's gone out again now - I hope when she comes back she'll have had time to digest this, so to speak and be happier with it.
Okay -- pep talk back in, then. :) Either way, I hope she sticks with it, and as you said, slow and steady is the best way to do it. Good luck, again, to both of you.
I'm in the process of getting into better shape too SG, and the most important thing to remember is it all boils down to just taking in fewer calories than you expend in a day. There's some very simple things you can do to help you along like substituting any juice you drink for the actual fruit, the general rule of keeping your meals colorful (staying away from white breads, potatoes except sweet potatoes, etc.), and eating smaller meals several times a day to keep your metabolism continuously running instead of 2 or 3 big meals once a day, and taking at least 15-30 minutes a day for exercising. The time exercising doesn't matter so much as what you're actually doing and how exerting it is.
Another good idea is to keep a bowl of fruit out. I do a lot better if I can munch fruit instead of processed snack foods.
And contrary to popular belief, its really good to have a healthy snack before bedtime. A piece of lowfat cheese, some grapes and some nuts (almonds are best) are good choices when eaten together.
Oats are a good nighttime snack, because they slow-release energy and also have a soporific effect.
Sundae, good goin hon, you'll get where you want to be.
Have you ever tried Miso soup btw? If you like the taste, it's a brilliant drink/snack for dieters.
Thanks for the tips everyone.
To be honest I am doing well with my food choices, and with not drinking.
The only issue for me is in dealing with the amount of time I have free in the evenings.
The days are okay. I make sure I go on the exercise bike every day and have at least one walk. I've been accepted as a volunteer on Tuesday for the British Heart Foundation and I've applied for a job for 20 hours a week as week.
In the evenings I get by playing Animal Crossing again and using my new-found positivity to enter competions online ;) Still, at least I don't wake up wondering what I did or said the night before.
I like your positivity. You're doing great!
I only lost a pound this week.
But I was aware I had been lax - my parents' 41st wedding anniversay led to some scoffage. As did making a failed batch of cookies, of which I polished off about half, and a successful batch, of which i ate about a quarter.
Mum put on 2lbs...
Still, in total I have lost 7lbs now, which is significant in Britain where it is counted as half a stone.
Half a stone in two weeks is very good.
Also, this week is a no-money-week. I can easily trough my way through the less healthy things in the fridge, but only at the risk of allowing my fresh fruit and veg to go moudly. As I hate waste, I am confident I'm back on track to lose at least another three pounds this week.
I have politely declined a Chinese takeaway at my Grandad's for his 86th birthday this Saturday. He won't eat out at all now because of his Parkinsons, which is a shame because he was treated ever so well at the local All You Can Eat - they gave him a present every year, and gave Mum & Dad a complimentary drink (for having proper respect for the old I assume). But he's too embarrassed now.
Also, it's Ash Wednesday this week, so I get a night off Mum's insistence on meat - she only tolerates two meat free nights usually. I will have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, but am determined only to have lemon and a small dusting of sweetener. Or maybe just pineapple, I have plenty! (see Hard Cider thread in Food & Drink).
Also, with the coming of Lent, there should be less goodies in the house. Not that they usually tempt me, but the pared down feel of the fridge and cupboards will help my mindset.
My percentage fat is going down anyway, which is great news.
Oh - did I mention I was asked to postpone my appointment with the nurse who runs the Obesity Clinic for another week? Grrrr. Still, it's only next week after all.
Half a stone? Way to go girl!
:cheerldr:
What Dana said. You know, SG, that 1-2 pounds a week is fine, great, sensible marvellous weight loss. Half a stone in a fortnight is great, but a steady 1-2 lbs a week is fine, too (sorry about the cookies in the post!).
I'm not sorry about ur cookie.
I say this in jest but also as a reason to say I think it's important to have a treat every now and then. It's the basic lifestyle you want to change, and to do that it's best to indulge every now and then, treat-wise.
Keep up the great work, SG.
I've now lost 10lbs.
Slow and steady wins the race.
I can fit into my jeans, but it's not so much a muffin top I get when I sit down as the whole bleedin' cake shop. So they are on hold for now.
Mum has gone up and down and is back at her starting weight. This week we are eating our way through the freezer - which Mum wants to defrost. Next week I have suggested she goes onto frozen ready-meals to see if she manages more weight loss that way. She is discouraged that we are going to all this time and trouble menu-planning and shopping and cooking, and she is not losing weight. Also, puzzled that I am losing weight, when we are eating the same thing (ahem, see below). In truth I love the planning, preparing, cooking. Even the buying - I'd rather spend my allowance on food than anything else. It makes me feel like I am contributing. Mum loves housework. I hate it. I force myself to help (as is polite) but I would far rather cook every night. Still, it's not all about me which is good to accept.
Re the above, I need to encourage her to buy some low fat snacks. It seems she can't get through the day without at least 2 sweet treats (I know, I watch, silently). If she acknowledges this and buys WeightWatchers cake bars she might do better. She switched to WeightWatchers Malt Loaf at lunch, instead of whatever full fat cakie Dad has, but given that she has 4 slices with butter and I have none, it's another difference. And that's not counted as a sweet treat, that's part of lunch.
And she forgets she is older and I have FAR more to lose. Crikey, if I weighed what she did now you wouldn't be able to move in the NSFW thread for pics of me posing.
She's also been resisting exercise until last week, when we went out on some real route marches. She came back and told Dad I was trying to kill her, but I know she was surprised at how far she can push herself. I stopped making them short and circular, and we headed further away from home. That way she had no choice but to finish them by walking back! It's also been wonderful for me because I have someone to talk to. Lone walks under a grey sky are still positive in terms of seratonin, just harder to look forward to.
Anyway - finally got my first appointment with the Nurse today re the pratice's weight loss group. And tomorrow will be up and down stairs carrying books in the shop - active for at least 5 hours.
Oh and have my first therapy session tomorrow too.
Onwards and upwards.
You're an inspiration!
YAY!
Glad to hear the walking is working out, Sundae. You're an excellent role model for your mom.
Didn't get what I hoped for from today's visit to the Nurse.
She only told me two things I didn't know, and one of those wasn't really helpful. Sigh. I guess the bottom line is my problem is psychological, because this programme is educational in approach, and I know it already. Not being superior, just honest. Maybe tomorrow will be more useful.
Still, I'm having the whole gamut of blood tests next week - always good to get a clean bill of health. And in the end this is like a superior slimming club because it's one to one for 20 minutes a fortnight and I don't pay for it.
And I can always buy my own Orlistat.
Tablets ;)
Or at least something new.
It's the same old same old. Too knowledgable to make things simple. Too damed stupid to make a change.
there is no quick fix. You are definitely on the right path. You are doing great and we are all here cheering you on. Keep on keepin on!
Tablets ;)
Or at least something new.
It's the same old same old. Too knowledgable to make things simple. Too damed stupid to make a change.
I heard that.
I've been seriously considering eating MORE fruits and vegs, only whole-grains, and olive-oil based fats; and walking every fooking day.
THEN I'm going to go to my doctor and say, "YES! I'm DOING that!!!"
that should shut his stupid cake hole! ;)
I'm serious. I get so sick of hearing that advice that one of these days...I'm going to just take it.
I'm serious. I get so sick of hearing that advice that one of these days...I'm going to just take it.
LOL really funny, but true.
I had my money through today, so went shopping with Mum.
We walked into and around town - approx 1.5 miles - then hit the supermarket. We did get the bus home, but that was practicality because of the shopping, not laziness. Usually Dads gets all the shopping by car. It's a treat for Mum to potter about, looking for something new, seeing what's out there.
Anyway, Mum said, just as an aside, "Well I'm emulating you, you know. You're losing weight and you show how it's supposed to be done." I thanked her in the same offhand fashion, but inside I felt like I'd swallowed the sun :)
I spoke to her about adjusting her healthy eating plan to suit her preferences. I think I managed to get it across the right way - ie not patronising her - because she did agree with me without any rancour. So yesterday I checked the Sainsbury's website for their range of low fat cake bars. I then checked all the fat contents for all the different brands and types and printed them off for her. She was made up - she chose her favourites and luckily for me they were in stock today. She bought Date & Walnut Slices and Carrot Cake Slices and has been really positive about it.
I've also ordered my Orlistat (Alli). I don't see it as a quick fix. It's not designed to be used as one. The general positive comment is that "it keeps you honest". I want to use it as an aid to lose weight quicker than I would otherwise but also to act as a curb on temptation. For those who don't know, the OTC version stops the body absorbing 25% of fat per meal. "Where does the fat go?" I hear you cry. It can result in explosive diarrhoea, seepage or an oily surface on your stool or the toilet. So you have to keep your fat intake down to 15g per meal. Shrug, okay.
The healthy habits are already there. The willpower and dedication are already there. This will give me an extra 25% loss as a reward for those as well as a very immedaite reason to keep them up. And with 100lb to lose it will really help to have a medically proven support.
Good for you! sounds like a plan.
Nice goin Sundae. You're doing really well. I am doing less well on the whole getting healthy thing; though I think I probably managed a whole 5 pieces of fruit and veg...this week.
I think your mom needs to dtart posting on teh cellar -if only in this thread.... :D
Arg - no!
In a different place, with different posts by me, maybe.
But here? My inner sanctum? No.
I've invited my bro in.
I have nothing to be ashamed of in front of him.
He's a wonderful person and very non-judgemental.
He has his own commitments www-wise though.
Mum is too personal a person to come here.
I love her to bits, but she does tend to use information as something to slap you upside the head with when you're feeling down. When I'm feeling down I mean. Mum believes that emotional pain is a good motivator, and sarcasm cuts through all the bullshit and sorts you right out. The best way to deal with someone making a mistake is to ridicule them - then they won't do it again. Tough love.
Anyway. Am off into town with her in about 30 minutes.
We'll have a nice walk, and chat and get on and we'll both be happy.
We can't go this afternoon because she told her recently widowed friend that she'd be around this afternoon if she wanted to pop round.
Mum is a wonderful friend, and the above rules don't apply.
I worry both that I am too much like my Mum, and yet not enough.
You're just enough like yourself :P
You're just enough like yourself :P
That sounds like a quote from Pooh Corner! :apaw: :)
Didn't lose any this week.
I know why - there is such an obvious pattern - I lose less or none at all the on the weeks I get benefit. I'm better off without any money it turns out. Then again, I think I always knew that.
Mum on the other hand lost 3lb. She is now definitely losing, which I am so happy about. And this is despite having a lunch and dinner out with ex work colleagues. I think this is a combination of walking with me (rather than the feeble walks she was trying to convince herself were exercise) discipline and the low fat snacks. So I'm only claiming responsibility for 2 of the 3 lbs! Of course not - it's all down to her and she deserves it.
On the good news front, my fat % is down as it has been every week. Every day in every way, I am less and less of a fattie.
On the bad news front, I got up and ready for a whole battery of blood tests today, inc 12 hours fasting... And when I got to the practice it turns out it was tomorrow. Mum was so cross with me. I try to tell her that it's partly a symptom of depression, but she does persist in thinking it's because I'm lazy and/ or stupid. Still, I know Mum. By tonight she'll think she treated me with sympathy and we'll both be happy with that version of events.
Charity shop and therapy again tomorrow. I'll be walking into town and back (a mile each way) and up and down the stairs all day. And giving my therapist the two great ideas I got from here about future careers. Really looking forward to both!
Maybe you should get your mum to come to therapy with you mate? Is that allowed? Would she go? Maybe it would help?
Once you've started a diet and excercise regimen and your body gets used to it, sometimes you need to amp up the amount/type of excercise you're doing as your body starts to metabolise differently. That could be why the weight loss is not as significant just right now.
Forgot to update this for the last two weeks!
Oops!
I gained two lbs last week, but I did assume it was a blip, so not recording my weight here wasn't connect to that.
This week, though, I went from 17,4 to 16,11.
In terms of lbs that's 7lbs difference.
In terms of kgs, go find ya own conversion site - I can only manager it on my fingers!
With the 'rents away now until at least a week on Monday, I'll have to see how we do apart.
Given that I am on a new anti-drepressant and some librium as an incentive not to drink, and Zolft to help me sleep, I think I might manage okay.
Still, as you can tell by this thread, this is my 6th week and so far I've lost a stone with no drugs, so I'm hoping they'll just be a backup.
Be nice to do some topless cycling on the exercise bike though.
WTG, Cherry, you're doing great..
Down another 2lbs to 16, 9 (233lbs)
1, 3 (17lbs) in 8 weeks
This will be my first week on Alli, at least I have plenty of data to compare subsequent weight loss to!
She doesn't know it but she's my hero......
Proud of you SG and very happy for you as well. Have a carrot or some snow peas to celebrate :)
Way to go, Sundae! Keep up the good work.
She doesn't know it but she's my hero......
eta: waves my support bra around in celebration.
Great stuff going on there Cherry. :) You must be very pleased with yourself? If not, you should be.
19lb lost so far!
I dropped another 2lbs.
Bringing me down to 16 7 (231)
Mum seems to have given up. It's hard, becuse she never loses much, but when she goes off the rails she doesn't gain much either. She put on 1lb when they were house-sitting, but she says she had cream cakes and chocolate every day. So it's hard to incentivise her.
I suppose I can only work on myself.
No dramatic loss from the Alli or being teetotal.
Will have to see next week.
I have none of the official side effects of Alli - instead I have the opposite. Instead of loose stools I find myself barely passing anything. I'm doing little cat turds (which is also what they smell like). I might try some fibre tablets. If the fibre tablets work then I'll know I'm just not eating enough fruit & veg, and I'll up that. It's just not my first move because I'm completely satisfied with what I'm eating - it seems wrong to shovel more in for the sake of it. I will if necessary though.
For the record, my stats:
Weight from 17 12 to 16 7 (19lbs)
BMI from 39.2 to 36.4
Weight of body fat 7 1 to 6 (loss of 15lb fat)
% body weight as fat down from 43.4% to 41.2%
Three weeks to go.
I will be under 16 stone. Not my goal, but I'll carry on going. The idea was to compare myself to Mum and I've already won that one. The only comparable measurement because of our different starting weights was % body fat. We now have the same :neutral:
Bloody hell Sundae. You're doing so well. 19lbs down already? that's incredible. Not to mention 15lbs of body fat.
I am so impressed. Be assured we're here at the sidelines cheering you on.
Larger drop this week. -5lbs.
Not sure if this is down to the Alli? I have to figure it is.
I have just over half a tub left, so if the increased weight loss continues I will definitely buy more when they run out. I don't think a drop like this every week would be reasonable (or healthy) though.
So, down to 16, 2 (226)
I hope to break the 16 stone barrier next week, with luck.
That will be a real milestone, and will help me feel like I'm really gaining on Mum, as she is in the 14s.
I still have a long way to go. I'm not going to give up when the official challenge is over, but it does help to think in terms of the 3 month deadline even if I set another one as soon as I hit it!
Other figures all dropping accordingly anyway. I'll publish the full details next week at the three month oint (these include measurements)
I did buy the fibre tablets, and they seem to keep everything moving along. I'm finally eatng more fruit too :) I'm factoring in grapes, Braeburn apples as well as frozen fruit. And veg of course, but that was never in any doubt. Veggie stir fry tonight, in spicy Szechuan Tomato Sauce.
Well done honey. I am so proud of you. I cannot believe how good you are at this! I don't just mean how good you are at losing the weight (though clearly you are ;p) I mean also in terms of your attitude towards food and health. You've inspired me to try eating more healthily the last couple of weeks.
Good job SG. :) 5lb is not too much to lose in a week, especially if your body is metabolizing properly. That's only just over 2kg's, and that's an acceptable norm for weightloss programs over here if you're really getting stuck into a decent excercise program along with a good healthy diet.
Keep up the good work. :)
Another 2lbs this week.
This is actually week 11, not week 12, so you'll have to wait another week for the measurements. Sorry and all.
Total loss thus far - 26lbs
Nearly two stone.
Ali - the long term weight loss recommendation here is 1-2lbs a week.
It's considered steady and sustainable for people with over 10% of their body weight to lose. In fact I intend to lose between 32-38% of my weight in total.
Most days I feel great about it. I know I'm doing it right, I know I am losing weight and mass, I know every day I am improving my health. Then I catch sight of myself in a shop window or something and feel awful. I genuinely forget that I'm still obese and in the danger range BMI-wise and I don't like the reminder either.
Still, I know I can come here among people that firstly don't judge on appearance, secondly (some) who also have weight issues and/ or are in a similar health band to me and thirdly always have a kind word when people are obviously trying. Thanks for keeping me sane guys.
Full exciting results this time next week.
I'll do my best to make them worthwhile :)
Sounds (reads) like you are doing really well and your outlook is in tune with that as well. Good for you.
I started going swimming once or twice a week six months ago with the vague idea that I'd lose a little weight.
Absolutely not - but I do feel fitter so I try to hang onto that thought as the benefit gained. I may have to resort to eating less .... :3_eyes: in which case I'll let you be my guide SG.
WTG in the meanwhile!
I've just realised that as of today I've lost 10% of my starting weight.
You get a keyring for that at WeightWatchers!
Oh and Saturday was 30 days teetotal.
I think you get something for that at AA too.
I get lovely posts from people instead.
They're far more useful, believe me.
Ah Limey, summer's coming and that will probably make a natural difference anyway.
If not, write a food diary. You'll know where any cutbacks (if any) should be made.
I've ordered some meal replacement drinks actually.
No, I'm not 100% sure why now.
It's a 7 day pack, so I figure in between the end of this Weight Loss Challenge and the beginning of the next one, I'll stop taking the Alli and do it the old fashioned way. Meal replacement shakes for breakfast and lunch, and WeightWatchers frozen meals - already in the freezer - for dinner.
I'm already drawing up the new challenge (new goals, targets, action plan), if anyone feels inclined to share tips/ advice. I am almost definitely facing this alone, so I need to find a way to stay motivated.
You're saving your own life, girl. There's no bigger motivation I can think of.
I've just realised that as of today I've lost 10% of my starting weight.
...
Meal replacement shakes for breakfast and lunch, and WeightWatchers frozen meals - already in the freezer - for dinner.
...
I'm already drawing up the new challenge (new goals, targets, action plan), if anyone feels inclined to share tips/ advice. I am almost definitely facing this alone, so I need to find a way to stay motivated.
Congrats - that's a major accomplishment!
How will you transition from meal replacements to meals once you've reached your goal?
Keep posting about it all... having to report your progress should keep you on track. Also, I think the picture taking is a great idea... you get to feel good about the progress you've made and you can see what you need to improve all at the same time. I think dressing in front of a mirror helps keep thing on the front burner too... does for me anyway.
Bloody hell Cherry. You're really good at this! That's amazing progress. I have so little will power it's shocking, I am so impressed.
Jinx is right, keeping the reportage going will probably keep you motivated.
Could I also suggest, maybe a blog? Something that charts and expresses the journey, how it makes you feel, what you're doing, funny incidents, random foodie thoughts. It might stack up to a really interesting read by the end, and it might be particularly interesting for anyone who is trying to lose weight or get healthy. And it might be fun to write, with slightly more structure than posting here (though please do that too!). As a creative writing exercise it might be quite good fun. Like those people who do documentaries where they follow a diet or health regime and chart it with video blogs and diaries.
Just a thought. You're doin' great. Oh and aren't those slimfast meal replacement drinks tasty? I sometimes have the chocolate one instead of eating if I'm in a rush, cause I can grab one from the shop and drink it on the move.
I've just realised that as of today I've lost 10% of my starting weight.
You get a keyring for that at WeightWatchers!
Oh and Saturday was 30 days teetotal.
I think you get something for that at AA too.
I get lovely posts from people instead.
They're far more useful, believe me.
Ah Limey, summer's coming and that will probably make a natural difference anyway.
If not, write a food diary. You'll know where any cutbacks (if any) should be made.
I've ordered some meal replacement drinks actually.
No, I'm not 100% sure why now.
It's a 7 day pack, so I figure in between the end of this Weight Loss Challenge and the beginning of the next one, I'll stop taking the Alli and do it the old fashioned way. Meal replacement shakes for breakfast and lunch, and WeightWatchers frozen meals - already in the freezer - for dinner.
I'm already drawing up the new challenge (new goals, targets, action plan), if anyone feels inclined to share tips/ advice. I am almost definitely facing this alone, so I need to find a way to stay motivated.
CONGRATULATIONS on your achievements SG - you're doing great! I know where I need to cut back - it's prolly the wine ... I just don't want to: so in the meanwhile I keep up the swimming which I really do enjoy and which is also a stressbuster (my morning one!). Some of the stress will ease off in a couple of days and then I might review the question of the evening glasses of stressbuster!
How will you transition from meal replacements to meals once you've reached your goal?
I've only bought a limited amount of shakes, and even when using them I'll still be eating a meal in the evening. I have enough for a week, so I assume it will be pretty easy to snap back into having actual food again. After all, I already drink my breakfast most days (home made smoothie) and sometimes have soup for lunch.
Could I also suggest, maybe a blog? Something that charts and expresses the journey, how it makes you feel, what you're doing, funny incidents, random foodie thoughts.
I have thought about it, honestly. The trouble is Dad and his attitude to me "being up there on the computer all day" I've cut back my time here (I only really drop by these days, and not even every day any more). Writing a blog would cut down my time here even more.
Hmmm, just thinking it through. Maybe I can type it up during the week on my laptop (no internet connection) and have it ready to retype on Saturday night/ Sunday morning, when he is always out...
That's a good idea Sundae. No reason you have to post daily on your blog. No reason you have to do it straight into the blog rather than a text file on your laptop that gets transferred weekly.
Good job! My roommate is attempting to lose weight as well and he has probably dropped 5-10 pounds in the past few weeks. Good luck.
Last official weigh in and measurements from this cycle of the Weight Loss Challenge.
I'll start again in a week with a new challenge - flying solo this time.
[SIZE="5"]Official Results[/SIZE]
Weight lost - 2 stone 1lb (29lbs)
BMI reduced by- 4.5 to 34.7
Body fat lost - 19lbs
Inches Lost
Arm - 0.5
Bust - 3.5
Waist - 4
Thighs- 2.5
Leg - 1
I know I've achieved a lot (no false modesty, I have) but I'm still obese, I'm over 200lbs and I'm still out of the range of normal dress sizes. Another 12 weeks is unlikely to completely resolve that, but it's something to aim for.
I have another 30lb to lose before I am Overweight rather than Obese.
I have 22lbs to lose before I break the magic 200.
I have 2-3 dress sizes to go down before I can find clothes on the High Street (more accurately, have more choice on eBay!)
Deciding on what my future goals are is fairly easy as you see. I just have to remember not to expect too much and get discouraged. Slow and steady.
My intention is to achieve this by more vigourous exercise, staying teetotal and continuing with Alli and continuing to report back here with words and pictures.
Speechless at your accomplishment.
You inspire me, Sundae. You really do.
congrats. that's quite an achievement, particularly given that you had so many "false starts" in the time tou've been reporting your weight challenge here on the cellar.
What exercise are you doing at the moment? If it's just walking, you might want to consider adding something a little more body-shaping oriented, particularly working on the abs area -I think this will increase your speed towards high street dress sizes even if your weight loss curve levels off a little.
I too have been eating more fruit and veg recently. You ladies guilted me into it. ;)
I'm still on low impact (mostly because I hate reps) cardio
I alternate between the stepper and the exercise bike indoors as well as the walking.
You're right. Abs work is on the cards.
Urgh, wish you hadn't said that!
Yes, I think I have my motivation properly sorted this time.
I might even ask a mod to change the thread title to Olney Weight Challenge '09 - I'll keep my surname in because it makes it easy to find. Lazy in one, lazy in all!
I've got to start working on my abs. My stomach is so saggy it's depressing.
Maybe we could have an abs challenge. :D (I'm not posting pics lol no way am I that brave)
today i did way more crunchies on the exercise ball that my PT expects of me. this time next week, abs of steel ;)
A WEEK??!!! It'll take me a month at least to get mine in even reasonable shape...let alone steel. lol
eta: I am happy that my stomach isn't taking a rest on my lap when I sit down now though.
(I'm lying/overly optimistic ...see Flint's abs thread for the real deal.....)
Oops, been a while since I posted.
Am now 15 stone 2 (213lbs)
So that's 2 stone 10 (38lbs) lost
I have a graph of my weight loss, but no idea how to get it on here.
I know, I'll take a photo of it on the fridge and post it.
I tried some size 18 clothes on yesterday (UK 18 of course, US 16) and they fit.
Yay! Can't afford them, but it's like being a teenager again, trying on clothes with no intention of buying ;)
Over the next few months am going to slowly convert my wardrobe of 24 - 22 - 20 - 18... and beyond?! Okay it's via eBay, but I've never regretted the quality of clothes I've bought, and only once or twice been caught out by not liking stuff.
I celebrated by dying my hair back to blonde.
Mum is really pleased.
What she doesn't realise is I'm almost definitely going pink again tomorrow...!
It makes me feel good, so why not.
Bloody hell Sundae, you're doin amazingly well. I hope you're chuffed to pieces with these results:)
Here tis!
Decided to stick it in the Happy thread too.
Because I am very pleased with it.
*shakes head in amazement* wow. Look how steep that drop is. It's like looking at the poll results for Labour over the last few years |:P
Yeah but look at the scale.
I might only have a C in GSCE maths, but I know a bit about data presentation ;)
incredible! HOW are you doing this again? the Alli? Or what???? Do you think it's the not drinking part? please, you must help me!!!
Awesome Cherry. Well Done.
incredible! HOW are you doing this again? the Alli? Or what???? Do you think it's the not drinking part? please, you must help me!!!
I'm off the Alli now - if I had infinite funds I'd still be on it, but I can't justify it for the results.
It's not drinking (mostly, I've had lapses) having 3 low fat meals every day, embracing carbs (so there!) and exercise, exercise, exercise. Yesterday I went on a 4-5 mile walk for example. I'm going to town nearly every day, which is at least a 2 mile round trip. I'm on the stepper during America's/ Britain's Next Top model which is 40 mins once you fast forward the adverts (I Sky Plus it, then watch it back). It's naff, but I used to do the same to Hollyoaks, Brit teen soap full of skinny girls in micro skirts.
And I've found varying my food really helps. I'm on Shredded Wheat for breakfast at the mo. Previously frozen fruit smoothies, sometimes Slimfast, occcasionally toast. Lunch is a diet cuppasoup and Ryvita with cottage cheese, previous a bagel and an apple, previously a tin of soup etc etc etc.
I considered going on a very low calorie diet (VLCD in case you see it referred to elsewhere) for a week/ month to give me a boost. But in the end they are SO expensive and I worry about the health impact of anythnig that requires 3 litres of water a day. I drink 2 by choice and I swear I'm drinking/ peeing most of the time.
I'll stick to what I got.
You AWESOME SG
I can't see drinking 3 l of water as being a good thing. In this country we had a case where Terri Schaivo drank 14 glasses of iced tea per day as part of some diet, and she fainted, hit her head on the bathroom sink, and became brain-dead for two decades. She lost a lot of weight after that, and became famous, but still, not a good outcome.
The Cellar: may help weightloss as part of a calorie controlled diet
That is really awesome...you have done so well! You're doing it in a very healthy manner.
The recommended intake of water for anyone is about 2L per day, and up to 3L can really help to detoxify your body. Gives your kidneys something to do too. :)
I usually drink between two and three litres per day. I find when I don't my skin doesn't look too nice and I get little pimples and stuff.
Good job on the diet mate. :) Keep up the good work!
Yeah but Ali, you live in Impossibly Hot Land.
You probably sweat it all back out instantly.
Haha, I just called you a sweaty old knacker.
You AWESOME SG
I can't see drinking 3 l of water as being a good thing. In this country we had a case where Terri Schaivo drank 14 glasses of iced tea per day as part of some diet, and she fainted, hit her head on the bathroom sink, and became brain-dead for two decades. She lost a lot of weight after that, and became famous, but still, not a good outcome.
Excellent case study. SG you're doin' wonders. WTG. Mahvellous dwahling. No seriously you're doing so well -congratulations!
Yeah but Ali, you live in Impossibly Hot Land.
You probably sweat it all back out instantly.
Haha, I just called you a sweaty old knacker.
Actually, Aden just read your newest postcard (which arrived yesterday), and his reaction was, "what the hell? She thinks 24 degrees is hot???" lol
I told him he could write about his thoughts in his next card.
24 degrees is far too hot for me. I wilt in that kind of heat.
You people just have no stamina! lol
No wonder you can't win the ashes more than once in a decade. ;)
24 degrees Celsius is 75 in Fahrenheit. That's really perfect weather. You don't need air conditioning turned on, but it's still warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt.
Whoa, what?! I was too lazy to do the conversion myself--are people seriously complaining about 75 degrees Fahrenheit? That's room temperature!
I was thinking the same thing! In fact, bump it up to 80, I'm in heaven!
*smiles* I was born and raised in the North of England. We get temperatures like that for maybe five days in a year usually.
I overheat very easily and am shivery with the slightest drop in temperature also. My body's ability to self regulate temperature is fucked. Probably something to do with the eczema.
I was thinking the same thing! In fact, bump it up to 80, I'm in heaven!
80 is great, but only if it comes down a little bit in the night. I like to have a light blanket for sleeping, and 80 is a little too warm for that. But 80 during the day is wonderful.
I like it chilly for sleeping, too. I crank up the A/C for that, since I have window A/Cs I can just make the bedroom cold.
I have no A/C in my car, and the passenger window is stuck in UP. I get no cross breeze and that drive home on the interstate (crowded and walled in) can be awful!
But mostly, I like heat. Could do without humidity, but what do you do?
I was made for the north of England/Scotland. I LOATHE anything above 68 degrees. I like champaigne air. This swampy, sweaty, humid-laden air that climbs and climbs and climbs up until eleven o'clock at night when it FINALLY drifts down into the upper seventies....Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeech. I hate it! Puts me in such a mood. I've been known to go to the movies just to escape the damn nutty sun and heat. I'd be happy to skip summer altogether.
Indian summer is nice. Fall is perfect - unfortunately, sometimes Fall, when we do get it in Ohio, lasts two, three days, tops.
I must be of Viking blood.
I think I must be too.
Sadly, a DNA test (from what I remember of the TV programme) of mostly Scots and North East Englanders revealed very little Viking blood. Never mind, those of us who can't afford to test ourselves can assume we are, and are therefore part of a more exclusive club :)
I've always said I was born for an cooller country than this. The truth is, in my case, that's Ireland. Not by much, but less annual sunshine. It's only the Emerald Isle because it never stops bleeding raining!
I'm only 2nd generation English on Mum's side, and have inherited the Doyle skin to be sure (to be sure). Just wish I'd got the hair too. Ah well, that's what dye is for!
I'm with Shawnee on this... as long as I have a refrigerated room to sleep in, bring on the heat. I can't wait to move to Panama and never experience winter again. Winter can bite me.
You sound like my ex lol. He gets so wound up when we have 'no fucking summer'. Keeps threatening to move to a warmer country.
14 stone 12.
I have lost 3 stone exactly.
I'm so pleased!
209lbs, so 42lbs lost - doesn't sound as much of a landmark :)
But 3 stone is just great.
And the milestones are coming closer together now:
Another 2lbs and I'm at my Mum's starting weight - something I claimed I would love to be back when this all started. And I've got there.
Another 9lbs and I'll be breaking the 200lb mark (I like this blend of UK & US - gives me more milestones :))
And my size 20 (UK) jeans are loose now, but my size 18s don't quite fit yet - I reckon another 5-7lbs and I'll be down another dress size. Which will be 4 in total.
Just have to keep it all up while the 'rents are away.
I did have McDonald's breakfast this morning. Again. But I count that as a real treat. And anyway, it meant I only wanted 2 slices of bread for lunch (not very balanced - but am feeding my body what it fancies on bill-paying day!)
I'm feeling the weight loss in the last few weeks. Which does make it easier. The first few months were all about numbers on a graph, with nothing I could see or feel. Now I feel healthier, fitter, lighter and my clothes are all changing size around me. Even my walks have changed - distances I thought were long - as a child and as a fat woman - are in fact 15 mins walk away, nothing! Or 30 mins walk away - just a stroll.
I'm happier today than I have been in a good few days - it's been a long haul weekend I'm afraid. But with my bills paid and my jeans loose, today is a good day.
Congratulations, again, Sundae!
Now, what did you have at McD? The Egg McMuffin isn't so bad for you, you know.
you're doing low fat, right?
*cheers* good goin honey.
Now, what did you have at McD? The Egg McMuffin isn't so bad for you, you know.
Sausage & Egg McMuffin & Hash Brown (and orange juice)
It's a meal deal.
And they are aimed at people like me, who eat what is put in front of them...
Ah well, once every two weeks.
And who knows, I might not in a fortnight's time.
This is only a habit of two weeks standing.
And I did walk the long way home (two miles)
Well done, SG. What a fabulous achievement!
So how long before you pass your mum, Sundae? Will she be miffed? Will you have secret glee? Will you promise not to let whatever she says get you down? Atta girl.... :D
Mum overeats when they housesit, but she exercises far more (there are always dog/s to walk, it's one of the main reasons people have sitters). But I'm confident I'll have caught her by mid-August, latest.
And yes, I will have much, much glee!
The main reason I started this with her was to have someone to pit myself against.
It's mean but it's true, I work better that way.
And she has not helped an awful lot, having treats and sweets in the house and in front of me. Luckily she has a sweet tooth, so the temptation is lessened, but giving up the booze does make me more susceptible (all that sugar suddenly cut out brings its own cravings).
To give her her due, she has not had any alcohol in three weeks (excepting wine on Sunday when we were out) which has been a real help. And the fortnightly walks have been great - she pays lip service to us walking together daily, but we both know that I want to go further and faster than she can manage now.
Will she be miffed? No, I genuinely think she will be proud of me.
She knows this hasn't been a shortcut or a cheat or anything like that - she sees what I eat and how I exercise and she knows she could have had this too. She knows it's been an effort and therefore something to be celebrated.
Now, if I'd only do something about my hair...