Weight Loss Challenge #5 - Valentines Day

[weightloss.challenge]

Valentines Day Weight Loss Challenge
Sunday, January 1st ~ Saturday, February 18th
7 Weeks

http://www.stainedglassoriginals.com/Happy%20valentines%20day.jpg

Who we are:

We are a group of women who for 1 reason or another want to shed a few (or more) lbs. We need the encouragement of others no matter their size or goal and we thrive in an atmosphere where we can all support one another.

Your threadmistresses for this thread are ellidew, Mom2Cole, TX Sweetheart, Princesstommi and kithara!

Want to join the fun?!?

We welcome one and all. It doesn’t matter what diet you are on (if any) or how many miles a week you run (if any) we will all find lots of help and support here.

Feel free to join at any time during the challenge.
It’s better to join NOW than to wait until we start a new challenge! ;)

You don’t have to read the whole thread to join. Feel free to just jump in on the last page and post a reply with the following information. None of this info is a must but it helps to learn a little bit about each other.

Me: name/age
DH: name/age
Married since:
Dieting since:
Dieting Program: if any
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #)
Known issues:
Current Weight:


Note to Members:

Please check in at least once a week with an update on weight change and/or current weight.

Our week will run Sunday-Saturday.
Your current weight is the weight you started the challenge
no matter the week and the weeks you were
not here will be SKIPped.
Week 1 weigh in will begin the date listed
at the top of this thread

A new challenge will be created at the end of the active challenge! A link to the new thread will be placed at the end of each challenge once it is completed.

PLEASE post all updates in RED and include the week you are checking in for so your updates are easier to see and to assure we don't miss any of them! Thanks!

If you are a member of the existing challenge your information will automatically be moved forward to the new challenge. If you would like to change any of your information please post an update in RED. Please also post your final weight from the previous challenge once you have made your final weigh in.

If you do not weigh in within the first 2 weeks your profile information will be removed. If you wish to rejoin simply repost your profile.

Hope to see everyone throughout the challenges! Can't wait to have someone reach their goal weight!


Useful Information

Please share a website, book, quote, or other piece of information that you have found helpful in weight loss/control/management or exercise, recipes, etc... Anything you can think of!

Previous Challenges
Weight Loss Challenge #1 - Labor Day (http://www.constantchatter.com/search.php?searchid=255384)
Weight Loss Challenge #2 - Halloween (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=172541)
Weight Loss Challenge #3 - Thanksgiving (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=8878)
Weight Loss Challenge #4 - New Years (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=11108)

Weight Loss Program Websites:
Weight Watchers (http://www.weightwatchers.com)
LA Weightloss (http://www.laweightloss.com/)
Jenny Craig (http://www.jennycraig.com/)

Other Websites:
Fit Day (http://www.fitday.com)

Current Weight Loss Total: - 264.7

Current Members:
AHammer, APCullip22, boilermaker, Bree, Chris~n~Jen, clzj, Cr8nme, Dens Cinderella, diedra1027, elissa, ellidew, Kingdono, kithara, lil geek, LynzeyAHL, meganth, MES in Chicago, mlfallis, Mom2Cole, mortiz, Mrs Alting, MrsHill, nancy drew, nolagirl, Oakley, philnikki, pride&prejudice, princesstommi, ruledbymercury, scrappy, stella24, tgr68, Tonysweetie, TracieB, udsweetpea, weddings by, wsusquirrel

AHammer
Me: name/age Amy/23
DH: name/age Michael/22
Married since: July '05
Dieting since: um, I haven't since college (2 yrs ago)
Dieting Program: limit calories/attempt to workout
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -11/139
Final Weight Date Challenge: hmm?
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -11
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) this one!
Known issues: I will workout/count calories for a week then lose motivation. I am really hoping that being a member of a group will help keep me motivated. I'm not so much concerned with losing pounds, because I know muscle will add some weight, I just want to lose the belly I've gained since this time last year. I guess some of y'all might think 11 pounds is tiny, but it always takes me a long long time to lose any pounds.
Current Weight: 150
week 1: - 5 / 145
week 2: 0 / 145
week 3: - 2.5 / 142.5
week 4: - .5 / 142
week 5: + 1 / 143
week 6: - .5 / 142.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 7.5

Amuse Bouche
Me: KC/27
DH: 27
Married since: March 2003
Dieting since: On and off for forever. In this round, 1/3/06
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers Core
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Right now, 50 lbs. We'll see where we want to go from there.
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I started one but fell off the wagon fast.
Known issues: Massive Sweet tooth, I get lazy about keeping track and restricting myself, I like to cook, which really means I like to cook fattening foods -- salad is just NOT as fun to make as brownies.
Current Weight: Too much
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 3.4
week 3: - 4.4
week 4: -1
week 5: -.2
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 9

[weightloss.challenge]

andy's di
Me: Diana/27
DH: Andy/29
Married since: Will be married Aug 5 2006
Dieting since: Never
Dieting Program: counting calories/exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 40lbs/155lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: July 31, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 4lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: First challenge
Known issues: Was an elite athlete 5 yrs ago, I'm an endomesomorph (gain weight eaily with a muscular build) need 7+ hours of cardio a week to see any results. I'm the heaviest I've ever been in my life I have always been athletic and musclely (sp??) Currently I have a stress fracture in my foot which limits the types of cardio machines I can use (bike only) so I am swimming 2 - 3x week and trying to get to the gym 2-3x week as well
Current Weight: 196
week 1: SKIP
week 2: SKIP
week 3: SKIP
week 4: SKIP
week 5: SKIP
week 6: -4.6 / 191.4
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: -4.6

APCullip22
Me: name/age: Amber, 22 (for another month or so)
FH: name/age Daniel, 23
Dating since: April 25, 2001
Dieting since: March 2004
Dieting Program: if any: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 7.5/119 (These pounds will be a struggle for me)
Final Weight Date Challenge: Feb. 17 (my birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 7.5 lbs.
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I attempted one a while back, but failed.
Known issues: Emotional Eating and lack of motivation.
Current Weight: 126.5
week 1: - 2.5 / 124
week 2: 0 / 124
week 3: 0 / 124
week 4: - 1 / 123
week 5: SKIP
week 6: SKIP
week 7: -0 / 123
Total Weight Loss: - 3.5

Astara
Me: name/age: Jes 23
DH: name/age: Steve 28
Married since: 9-24-04
Dieting since: 1-20-06
Dieting Program: SBD
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:116lbs / 120lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: May 2007
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 8lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: this one
Known issues: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Current Weight: 236
week 1: SKIP
week 2: SKIP
week 3: SKIP
week 4: SKIP
week 5: SKIP
week 6: -5 / 231
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: -5

bethnjim
Me: beth
DH: jim
Married since: 7/03
Dieting since: feels like forever
Dieting Program: eating healthy/working out daily
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 90/150
Final Weight Date Challenge: hopefully by May 1st.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 30lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: ummm...I think a newbie!
Known issues: LACK OF CONTROL!!
Current Weight: 250
week 1: - 3 / 247
week 2: +3 / 250
week 3: - 2/ 248
week 4: -2 / 246
week 5: -1 / 245
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 5

boilermaker REACHED WEIGHTLOSS GOAL!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :D
Me: Carrie - 30 in Oct
DH: John - 31
Married since: 03.02.02
Dieting since: I'm more trying to eat healthy than dieting
Dieting Program: fruits & veggies, no fried food, less sweets
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: - 3 lbs / 131
Final Weight Date Challenge: Thanksgiving
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 9 lbs
Known issues: My own willpower...I love sweets and alcohol. Both bad for your body
Current Weight: 134
week 1: + 1 / 135
week 2: 0 / 135
week 3: SKIP
week 4: -2 / 133
week 5: - 1.5 / 131.5
week 6: -1 / 130.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3.5

BrownEyedGirl
Me: Bree/26
DH: Chad/31
Married since:11/2003
Dieting since: 01/09/06
Dieting Program: NutriSystem
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20lbs / 137
Final Weight Date Challenge: ???
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: as much as possible
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: This one (#5)
Known issues: I eat when I'm bored, I eat when I'm upset, I eat when I see food, I don't pay that much attention to what I eat, I don't like to exercise...I'm sure there are many more, but I'll stop for time's sake.
Current Weight: 157
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 2.5 / 154.5
week 3: - 1.5 / 153
week 4: -1.5 / 151.5
week 5: - 1.5 / 150.0
week 6: - 1.5 / 148.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 8.5

Chris~n~Jen
Me: Jenifer/27
DH: Chris/29
Married since: October 29, 2005
Dieting since: Forever!
Dieting program: We are going to try SouthBeach and see how that goes.
Total goal/Final Weight: 140lbs
Challenge Goal: 25lbs
Weight loss challenge member since: #5 (newbie )
Current weight : 235
week 1: - 8 / 227
week 2: + 1 / 228
week 3: - 1 / 227
week 4: 0 / 227
week 5: SKIP
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 8

clzj
Me: Lynn 31
DH: name/age: Charles 31
Married since:6/8/02
Dieting since: 12/4/05
Dieting Program: watching what goes in
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:154
Final Weight Date Challenge:Mar 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:25
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #)this one
Known issues:Lossing pg weight
Current Weight: 176
week 1: - 1 / 175
week 2: - .5 / 174.5
week 3: + 2 / 176.5
week 4: -1 / 175.5
week 5: - 1 / 175
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 1.5

cr8nme
Me: name/age Michelle~24
DH: name/age Alex 27
Married since: June 1, 2003
Dieting since: Now
Dieting Program: if any:
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:50
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:15-20pds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: #5 Newbie!
Known issues: Overeating and just had a baby in September
Current Weight: Too big! ( Not comfortable saying)
week 1: - 5
week 2: - 3
week 3: - 1
week 4: - 4
week 5: - 0
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 13

[weightloss.challenge]

diedra1027
Me: Diedra, 32
DH: Blake, 35
Married since: 8/24/2001
Dieting since: 1/1/2006
Dieting Program: South Beach Diet. I'll also be upping current exercise regiment.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: lose 40 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: Not really sure...by DDs first birthday in May.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 5-10 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) 5!!
Known issues: breastfeeding and serious sugar/carb addiction
Current Weight: I can't bring myself to type it out!
week 1: - 8
week 2: - 4
week 3: - 1
week 4: 0
week 5: - 3
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 16

Dens Cinderella
Me: Alicia, 28
DH: Dennis, 36
Married Since: May 25, 2003
Dieting Since: Successful since June 2005
Dieting Program: Healthy Lifestyle, specifically: reducing soda and sweets, increasing water and exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 38 lbs+/Under 150
Final Weight Date Challenge: Whenever I'm under 150
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -7/166
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Successful since Challenge #4
Known issues: Willpower, sweets, emotional eating
Current Weight: 173
week 1: SKIP
week 2: 0 / 173
week 3: - 1.5 / 171.5
week 4: - 1 / 170.5
week 5: SKIP
week 6: - .5 / 170
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3

elissa
Me: Elissa/29
DH: Chris/30
Married since:October 1, 2005
Dieting since:January 2004-summer 2004, then maintained and didn't do much
Dieting Program: SBD initially and exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:unknown right now
Final Weight Date Challenge:unknown right now, this will take a while
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:10 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge 5
Known issues:boredom, lack of exercise, overeater
Current Weight:too much to share
week 1: - 2.2
week 2: 0
week 3: 0
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 2.2

ellidew
Me: 25
DH: 27
Married since: June 1, 2005
Dieting since: New diet program started Sept 6, 2005
Dieting Program: LA Weight Loss
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 68/150
Final Weight Date Challenge: May 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: - 12
Challenge Member Since: Challenge #2
Known issues: Weekends! Oy!
Diet Start Weight: 221
Current Weight: 192.2
week 1: - 1.4 / 190.8
week 2: - 1.4 / 189.4
week 3: - 1.8 / 187.6
week 4: + 1 / 188.6
week 5: -2 / 186.6
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 5.6

filmgirl
Me: Carrie, 28
DH: J, 32
Married since: 1/7/06
Dieting since: 1984
Dieting Program: weight watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20/114
Final Weight Date Challenge: August, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 131
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) 4
Known issues: compulsive eating, chronic tiredness
Current Weight: 135
week 1: SKIP
week 2: SKIP
week 3: - .6 / 134.4
week 4: - 1 / 133.4
week 5: - 1.4 / 132
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3

julesp313
Me: Jules/34
DH: 39
Married since: March 2003
Dieting since: Birth?
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 60lbs to lose
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: First one I'm actually going to finish...
Known issues: Emotional eating, particularly when bored or pissed off
Current Weight: Far too high for comfort
week 1: - 3
week 2: - .5
week 3: + .5
week 4: - .5
week 5: - 1
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4.5

kellijo14
Me: Kelli / 23
DH: Matt / 25
Married since: July 2005
Dieting since: I don't call it a diet. I call it eating healthy!
Dieting Program:
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Lose 10 lbs - The bigger goal is to lower my BMI between 20%-25%. Currently, it is at 35%.
Final Weight Date Challenge: April 2006 for the BMI
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs - BMI to 27%
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: My First One
Known issues: Lack of motivation and acceptance to change from DH. Sometimes, I need a cheerleader too!
Current Weight: 150
week 1: - 6 / 144
week 2: 0 / 144
week 3: 0 / 144
week 4: +2 / 146
week 5: 0 / 146
week 6: 0 / 146
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4

Kingdono
Me: Trish 30
DH: Kevin 31
Married since:03
Dieting since:seems like off and on forever
Dieting Program: starting weight watchers again this week
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: to fit into regular womens clothes not Plus size
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:15
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) today
Known issues: portion control, emotional eating, late night eating and not really understanding how to cook quick healthly meals
Current Weight: 210
week 1: - 3.6 / 206.4
week 2: + .4 / 206.8
week 3: SKIP
week 4: - 3.4 / 203.4
week 5: SKIP
week 6: -4.4 / 199
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 11

[weightloss.challenge]

kithara
Me: Kithara/25
DH: FH/25
Married since: not yet (June 3, 2006)
Dieting since: March 2005
Dieting Program: WW
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20 lbs/106 lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: June 3, 2006 hopefully
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -10 lbs/116 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: new!
Known issues: willpower, motivation, emotional eating, lack of excercise, love of food!
Current Weight: 126 lbs
week 1: - 2.8 / 123.2
week 2: + 1 / 124.2
week 3: + 2.2 / 126.4
week 4: - 2 / 124.4
week 5: +0.4 / 124.8
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 1.2

lil geek
Me: Tara (26)
DH: Terry (25)
Married since: Comming up - May 13, 2006
Dieting since: off and on forever
Dieting Program: none, controlled eating, have done WW in the past and I try to use it as a basis
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -15/ To stay at 120, lean and muscular
Final Weight Date Challenge: Wedding is a big goal! May 13, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -7/125
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Newbie!
Known issues: I love food! I am a food tv addict and love to cook. I eat until I am STUFFED! Even if it's a good choice. I hate breakfast, and eat as much as Terry at dinner.
Current Weight:132
week 1: + 1 / 134
week 2: - 2 / 132
week 3: + 2 / 134
week 4: - 1 / 131
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: 0

LynzeyAHL
Me: name/age Lindsey/27
DH: name/age Dan/23
Married since: October 30, 2003
Dieting since: Jan. 2004
Dieting Program: Starting SBD 1/1/06
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -91/145
Goal to be reached by: July 13, 2008 (30th birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -12
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Un-official #1/Official #3
TOTAL LOST SO FAR: 44lbs
Known issues: Boarderline Diabetic on medication, Lack of motiviation, emotional eater.
Current Weight: 236
week 1: - 1.5 / 234.5
week 2: - 2.5 / 232
week 3: 0 / 232
week 4: + .5 / 232.5
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3.5

meganth
Me: Megan/27
DH: 29
Married since: 10/04/03
Dieting since: Sept. 13, 2005
Dieting Program: cutting our portions to a healthy serving, exercising 3-4 times a week
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: no goal, but would like to get to somewhere between pre-vegetarian weight and my weight when i graduated from college.
Final Weight Date Challenge: ??
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: none
Known issues: vegetarian - can't get enough of those bad carbs!!
Current Weight: 139
week 1: - 1 / 138
week 2: - 2 / 136
week 3: + 2 / 138
week 4: - 1 / 137
week 5: - 0 / 137
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 2

MES in Chicago
Me: Melissa - 30
DH: Paul - 37 in January
Married since: October 23, 2004
Dieting since: forever
Dieting Program: I am going to give WW another try
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: ~125 lbs or a size 12/14
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 12 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: brand new!
Known issues: emotional overeating, willpower issues
Current Weight: too big, but working on it!
week 1:SKIP
week 2: - 4
week 3: - 2.2
week 4: + 1
week 5: -2
week 6: - .2
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 7.4

miel
Me: name/age
DH: name/age MIEL 37
Married since: 02
Dieting since: A FEW WEEKS
Dieting Program: if any JENNY CRAIG
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: STG-165/LTG-149
Final Weight Date Challenge: JANUARY 1, 2008 (?)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 176
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) KEEP BLOWING IT
Known issues: SUGAR HAS BEEN MY DOWNFALL
Current Weight: 190
week 1: - 3 /188
week 2: - 2 / 186
week 3: - 1 / 185
week 4: -1 / 184
week 5: +1 / 185
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: -6

mlfallis
Me: Melissa, 24
DH: Scott, 24
Married since: geting married June 10, 2006!
Dieting since: on and off forever, WW since Oct 18, 2005
Dieting Program: WW
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 150
Final Weight Date Challenge: Wedding
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 165
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: First one
Known issues: Large portions
Current Weight: 174.5
week 1: - .5 / 174
week 2: - 2 / 172
week 3: + 2 / 174
week 4: - 1.5 / 172.5
week 5: 0 / 172.5
week 6: -2 / 170.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4

[weightloss.challenge]

Mom2Cole
Me: Moni/30
DH: Randy/37
Married since: September 21st, 2002
Dieting since: May 9th, 2005
Dieting Program: Following WW, but not attending meetings
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 38 pounds/140 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: May 26th, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: - 8.5 pounds
Weigh in day: Friday
Current Weight: 173.5
week 1: - 5 / 168.5
week 2: 0 / 168.5
week 3: - .5 / 168
week 4: - 1 / 167
week 5: -1 / 166
week 6: -1.5 / 164.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 9

mortiz
Me: name/age: Michelle, 32
DH: name/age: Frank, 37
Married since: October 2005
Dieting since: Jan 3, 2006
Dieting Program: if any: Just revamping our eating habits, more fiber/veggie/fruit.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20.5 lbs/120
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: I want to loose at least 10 lbs in this challenge, if not the whole 20.
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) New today
Known issues: Still trying to learn how to cook healthy. Also I need to get back to exercise.....totally slacking lately.
Current Weight: 140.5
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 2 / 138.5
week 3: + 1.5 / 140
week 4: - .5 / 139.5
week 5: -1 / 138.5
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 2

Mrs. Alting
Me: Kristie/31
DH: Aaron/32
Married since: Oct. 8, 2005
Dieting since: Lost a bunch b4 wedding now it's back
Dieting Program: Cut out sugar and workout
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 125 to 130
Final Weight Date Challenge:2/14
Known issues: Cake
Current Weight:141
week 1: 0
week 2: 0
week 3: + 2
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: + 2

MrsHill
Me: MrsHill/32
DH: B/41
Married since: 9/24/05
Dieting since: On-and-off Forever
Dieting Program: HMR Maintenance, Healthy Eating, BalanceLog.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 25/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: May 20
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 7 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: This is my first.
Known issues: Previously lost 100+ lbs; my body fights for every calorie.
Current Weight: 166
week 1: - 1.5 / 164.5
week 2: + 3.5 / 168
week 3: - 3 / 165
week 4: SKIP
week 5: -0 / 166.5
week 6: -0 / 166.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: + .5

nancy drew
Me: nancy
DH: mike
Married since: 8/2001
Dieting since: 9/2005 (when my son was born)
Dieting Program: no dairy, no soy, no eggs, no nuts, no seafood (its an attempt at protecting my son from developing allergies and because my daughter is allergic to those things so its not safe for me to have them in the house), exercising almost daily
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: lose 20 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: i have no clue. whenever it happens i guess.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 7 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) newbie!
Known issues: breastfeeding (must keep some calories and fat intake up), sweet tooth, moving to a new house (no time to shop or cook), snackaholic
Current Weight: id rather not say.
Current Weight: too much
week 1: 0
week 2: + 1
week 3: - 2
week 4: -2
week 5: -1
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 5

nanner
Me: name/age: Dana/36
DH: name/age: Scott/33
Married since: March 27, 2004
Dieting since: Birth?
Dieting Program: if any: No particular program--just making better choices and exercising
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 62 lbs/125
Final Weight Date Challenge: ??
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10 lbs.
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) #5
Known issues: Had a baby 6 months ago; hypothyroidism
Current Weight: 187
week 1: - 4 / 183
week 2: 0 / 183
week 3: - 1 / 182
week 4: - 1 / 181
week 5: - 1.5 / 179.5
week 6: - 1 / 178.5
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 8.5

nolagirl
Me: Abby/27
DH: Vytas/25
Married since: October, 2004
Dieting since: My whole life!
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers (Core)
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 48.5/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: August, 2006 (My 28th birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #): Halloween #2
Known issues: stress eating
Current Weight: 188.5
week 1: - 1 / 187.5
week 2: + 4.1 / 191.6
week 3: - 6.6 / 185
week 4: - 2.4 /182.6
week 5: -2 / 180.6
week 6: -2.8 / 177.8
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 10.7

Oakley
Me: Kate (27)
DH: Steve (28)
Married since: 9/18/04
Dieting since: I don't really diet- I just try to watch what I eat.
Dieting Program: None, although I'd like to cut back on carbs, wayyy back on sugar and increase exercise.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: A friend's wedding in July
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10/150
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Now!
Known issues: I eat pretty well, but I am a sugar ADDICT. I crave sweets and can't get enough of them.
Current Weight:160
week 1: - 3.5 / 156.5
week 2: - .5 / 156
week 3: + .5 / 156.5
week 4: - 1.5 / 155
week 5: -1 / 154
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 6.5

[weightloss.challenge]

philnikki
Me: Nikki/26
DH: Philip/30
Married since:8.28.04
Dieting since: on and off since I was 16
Dieting Program: WW
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 125
Final Weight Date Challenge:1/1/07
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:175
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: 5
Known issues: Had a baby, slowly creeping on about 10 pounds annually since high school.
Current Weight:going to be brave bc I need to face it....187
week 1: SKIP
week 2: SKIP
week 3: - 2 / 185
week 4: -1 / 184
week 5: -1 /183
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4

pride&prejudice
Me: Rosie/26
DH: Gary/26
Married since: 05/28/05
Dieting since: Not really. Off and on trying different things.
Dieting Program: Trying to eat healthier more than anything else! And the gym!
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 15 lb/140 lb
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:7 lb
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Starting over, tried #1 but lost track!
Known issues: Sweets and alcohol, plus snacking when DH does which is usually late at night!
Current Weight: 155 lb
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - .5 / 154.4
week 3: 0 / 154.4
week 4: -1 / 153.5
week 5: SKIP
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: -1.5

PrincessButrcup
Me: Colleen/29
DH: Gerard/29
Married since:July 3, 2004
Dieting since: Starting again for the new year
Dieting Program: WW online
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:15lbs/140lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:10 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge #5 - Newbie!
Known issues: WILLPOWER!, lack of exercize (again, see willpower)
Current Weight:154.8
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 1.6 / 153.2
week 3: - 2 / 198
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3.6

princesstommi
Me: Tommi/27
DH: Jay/27
Married since: July 13, 2002
Dieting since: forever.
Dieting Program: following South Beach Diet principles, phases 2 & 3 & lots more activity
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: ~150. Mainly to fit in some old clothes, not so much a number
Final Weight Date Challenge: Slowly but surely.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 12 lbs
Known issues: portion sizes, eating when I'm bored, complete laziness
Current Weight: 200
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 2 / 198
week 3: - 2.5 / 195.5
week 4: -0 / 195.5
week 5: -.5 / 195
week 6: - 0 / 195
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 5

ruledbymercury
Me: Heather/24
DH: Tadd/24
Married since: July 24, 2004
Dieting since: March 11, 2003
Dieting Program: Calorie Counting
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 35 lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: July 24, 2005
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 15 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge #5 (I'm new!)
Known issues: All-or-nothing attitude (if I stick to it, I'm completely strict with myself; but if I cave during a moment of weakness, it snowballs). I need to realize that each day and each meal is a new beginning, and messing up once doesn't mean I should keep messing up.
Current Weight: I'd guess I'm about 155 (but I'm going to reweigh myself on Sunday and go with that as my start weight).
Current Weight: 156
week 1: - 1 / 155
week 2: - 2 / 153
week 3: 0 / 153
week 4: - 1 / 152
week 5: 0 / 152
week 6: 0 / 152
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4

scrappy
Me: Kristin/27
DH: Wally/33
Married since: 6/26/04
Dieting since: off and on for the last 2 years
Dieting Program: modified WW, exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: under 140
Final Weight Date Challenge: no date required, whenever it happens
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: ~5 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I'm new!!
Known issues: portion control, lack of motivation when it comes to exercise
Current Weight: 153.5
week 1: - 1.5 / 152
week 2: - 1 / 151
week 3: + 1 / 152
week 4: - 1 / 151
week 5: -0.5 / 150.5
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 4

stella24
Me: stella24
Married since: 2004
Dieting since: 2001, off and on (same 10-15 lbs)
Dieting Program: eating healthy – more veggies and whole grains, less refined sugar and simple carbs – and exercising more. This time around I'm focusing a lot more on exercise and getting in shape.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 10-15 lbs... but really I'd be happy even just looking more toned, regardless of what the scale says
Final Weight Date Challenge: middle of June
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 3-4 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) this one!
Known issues: sweet tooth, stress eating, lacking motivation to exercise
Current Weight: would prefer not to post
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 1
week 3: - .5
week 4: + .5
week 5: - 2
week 6: -0
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 3

[weightloss.challenge]

tgr68
Me: Naamah/25
DH: 26
Married since: 6/1/02
Dieting since: November 2005
Dieting Program: exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -35 lbs, 125lb final weight
Final Weight Date Challenge: whenever it happens
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: #5 January 2006
Known issues: portion control, food choice (love high fat foods ), comfort eating, little time for exercise, baby fat, hit a plateau
Current Weight: 160
week 1: SKIP
week 2: SKIP
week 3: SKIP
week 4: SKIP
week 5: 0 /159
week 6: +3 / 162
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: + 3

Tonysweetie
Me: Leslie/21
Me: Leslie/21
DH: Tony/22
Married since: 3/26/05
Dieting since: Oct. 2005
Dieting Program: moderation/cutting down on sweets
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:wanna be 120 lbs.
Final Weight Date Challenge: ??
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5lbs.
Known issues: Sweet Tooth, eating too much junk
Starting Weight: 143
Current Weight: 138
week 1: - 2 / 136
week 2: - 2 / 134
week 3: - 1 / 133
week 4: - 2 / 131
week 5: -0 / 131
week 6: -0 / 131
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 7

TracieB
Me: Tracie/24
DH: Token/30
Married since: 5.15.04
Dieting since: Birth!
Dieting Program: South Beach Diet/Personal Trainer/lots of cardio!
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: I'd LOVE to lose 30, but realistically, 15-20
Final Weight Date Challenge: I'm going to visit my family in February and would like to have dropped some serious poundage by then.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 8-10lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) I'm a newbie!
Known issues: Portion control, getting enough protein (I'm vegetarian), eating junk, especially cheese and sweets
Current Weight: I'd prefer to keep this my little secret
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 4
week 3: - 2
week 4: - .5
week 5: -1
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 7.5

udsweetpea
Me: Andrea, 24
BF: Jeff, 28
Dating since: February 22, 2004
Dieting since I could remember
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 45 pounds/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: June 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: brand new
Known issues: lack of motivation when going out to eat and living with an overeater
Current Weight: 193.4
week 1: - 1.4 / 192
week 2: 0 / 192
week 3: + .5 / 192.5
week 4: SKIP
week 5: 0 / 192.5
week 6: - 1.5 / 191
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 2.4

Weddings by
Me: Wendy
Dieting since: January 13
Dieting Program: Atkins
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 72.5 lbs.
Final Weight Date Challenge: Septermber 1, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 20 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: New
Known issues: Sugar, chocolate, milk products (intolerant, so I shouldn't eat); I never exercise. If I let myself get too hungry, I start wanting foods I shouldn't eat.
Current Weight: Icky
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 3
week 3: -5.5
week 4: - 4.5
week 5: - 1
week 6: -1
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 15

wsusquirrel
Me: wsusquirrel/31
Married since: not yet - hopefully engaged in 2006
Dieting since: hmmm....on and off forever
Dieting Program: Not this time, will be doing it on my own
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Goal weight - 145lb and be fit and strong
Final Weight Date Challenge: September 10, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10lbs but will trade some for more muscle
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: newbie
Known issues: so many issues, too many to write. ran a marathon a year and a half ago but since have gained 30lbs. looking to be in better shape and lose the weight as i go. in the past i have had many eating disorder issues so i am looking for a healthy return.
Current Weight: 180
week 1: SKIP
week 2: - 3 / 177
week 3: - 2.2 / 174.8
week 4: - 4.8 / 170
week 5: +2 / 172
week 6: -4 / 168
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 12

Let's shed those pounds!

Remember: Please put updates in red

[MES in Chicago]

Me: Melissa - 30
DH: Paul - 37 in January
Married since: October 23, 2004
Dieting since: forever
Dieting Program: I am going to give WW another try
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: ~125 lbs or a size 12/14
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 12 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: brand new!
Known issues: emotional overeating, willpower issues
Current Weight: too big, but working on it!

[ruledbymercury]

Me: Heather/24
DH: Tadd/24
Married since: July 24, 2004
Dieting since: March 11, 2003
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 37-40 lbs/around 118
Final Weight Date Challenge: December 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 15 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge #5 (I'm new!)
Known issues: All-or-nothing attitude (if I stick to it, I'm completely strict with myself; but if I cave during a moment of weakness, it snowballs). I need to realize that each day and each meal is a new beginning, and messing up once doesn't mean I should keep messing up.
Current Weight: I'd guess I'm about 155 (but I'm going to reweigh myself on Sunday and go with that as my start weight).

[weightloss.challenge]

UPDATED TO HERE!

WELCOME MES in Chicago and ruledbymercury! :D

[Cr8nme]

I would like to join!

Me: name/age Michelle~24
DH: name/age Alex 27
Married since: June 1, 2003
Dieting since: Now
Dieting Program: if any:
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:50
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:15-20pds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: #5 Newbie!
Known issues: Overeating and just had a baby in September
Current Weight:Too big! ( Not comfortable saying)

[Kingdono]

Me: Trish 30
DH: Kevin 31
Married since:03
Dieting since:seems like off and on forever
Dieting Program: starting weight watchers again this week
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: to fit into regular womens clothes not Plus size
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:15
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) today :D
Known issues: portion control, emotional eating, late night eating and not really understanding how to cook quick healthly meals
Current Weight: too much to write down.

[Chris~n~Jen]

I'd like to join. DH and I will be starting a diet Jan 1st so it will be good to have the support from you all.

Me: Jenifer/28
DH: Chris/29
Married since: October 29, 2005
Dieting since: Forever!
Dieting program: We are going to try SouthBeach and see how that goes.
Total goal/Final Weight: 140lbs
Challenge Goal: 25lbs
Weight loss challenge member since: #5 (newbie :D )
Current Weight: I haven't weighed myself in years but I know it's over 200! :eek: I'll wipe the dust off of our scale and post my actual weight starting Jan 1st! {{I'm scared}}

[wsusquirrel]

Me: wsusquirrel/31
Married since: not yet - hopefully engaged in 2006
Dieting since: hmmm....on and off forever
Dieting Program: Not this time, will be doing it on my own
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Goal weight - 145lb and be fit and strong
Final Weight Date Challenge: September 10, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10lbs but will trade some for more muscle
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: newbie :)
Known issues: so many issues, too many to write. ran a marathon a year and a half ago but since have gained 30lbs. looking to be in better shape and lose the weight as i go. in the past i have had many eating disorder issues so i am looking for a healthy return.
Current Weight: 180 lbs

[MLA]

I'm in. I gained a bit over the holidays that I'd like to lose.

Me: MLA/30
DH: DH/27
Married since:
Dieting since: n/a
Dieting Program: n/a
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -10 lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: Valentine's Day
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -5 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) I think I was in #2
Known issues: I like to eat. :)
Current Weight: Prefer not to say.

[isign]

Me: name/age Julie/25
DH: name/age brian/24
Married since: December 27 2003
Dieting since: off and on since college
Dieting Program: none, controlled eating
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: - 60/140 in shape, not just skinny
Final Weight Date Challenge: 3rd anniversary December 27 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -10/190
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Newbie!
Known issues: emotional eating, bordom eating, not eating small portions, oh heck, I just like to eat & so does DH but he doesn't want to drop lbs or eat better. I also own tons of weightloss DVDs but am not motivated to start using them.
Current Weight:I'll post officially on the 1st!

[lil_geek]

Me: Tara (26)
DH: Terry (25)
Married since: Comming up - May 13, 2006
Dieting since: off and on forever
Dieting Program: none, controlled eating, have done WW in the past and I try to use it as a basis
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -15/ To stay at 120, lean and muscular
Final Weight Date Challenge: Wedding is a big goal! May 13, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -7/125
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Newbie!
Known issues: I love food! I am a food tv addict and love to cook. I eat until I am STUFFED! Even if it's a good choice. I hate breakfast, and eat as much as Terry at dinner.

Current Weight:132

[Oakley]

I'd also like to join! This will be a GREAT motivator. :D

Me: Kate (27)
DH: Steve (28)
Married since: 9/18/04
Dieting since: I don't really diet- I just try to watch what I eat.
Dieting Program: None, although I'd like to cut back on carbs, wayyy back on sugar and increase exercise.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: A friend's wedding in July
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10/150
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Now!
Known issues: I eat pretty well, but I am a sugar ADDICT. I crave sweets and can't get enough of them.

Current Weight:160

[numberlady]

Me: Kelby-31
DH: Steven-43
Married since: May 8, 2002
Dieting since: 8th grade
Dieting Program: none right now, might join Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: Hopefully sometime in May/June when after TTC we find out we are pg
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 6 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Newbie (not counting the first one that I dropped out of:( )
Known issues: At 5' I am too short for my weight:p Really, I eat when I'm bored and am an emotional eater. I love junk food and candy.
Current Weight:My secret

[nolagirl]

Me: Abby/27
DH: Vytas/25
Married since: October, 2004
Dieting since: My whole life!
Dieting Program: South Beach
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 48.5/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: August, 2005 (My 28th birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #): Halloween #2
Known issues: stress eating
Current Weight: 188.5

[ruledbymercury]

Can I just say how excited I am about this? I've got to do a pantry and fridge makeover this weekend (possibly tonight) and all leftover junk food is going in the trash first thing on Sunday morning! I've got to start bringing my lunch to work again everyday too. I've made a five-month plan for myself so that I can lose about 30 lbs by my birthday and reach my final goal in time for our 2nd wedding anniversary at the end of July:

FOOD
Eat 1200 to 1300 calories per day.
Drink at least 64 oz water per day.
Take a kelp supplement daily (which is supposed to improve thyroid health).
Drink green tea each morning.

EXERCISE
Treadmill for 30 min (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday)
Arm workout (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
200 crunches w/ exercise ball (Wednesday, Saturday)

WEIGHT GOALS
Jan 1 to Feb 14 - lose 15 lbs
Feb 15 to Apr 16 - lose 10 lbs (total of 25)
Apr 17 to May 22 (my birthday) - lose 5 lbs (total of 30)
May 23 to July 24 (anniversary) - lose 5 lbs (total of 35)

So, weight loss challenge mods, could you please change the following info for me:
I'm calorie counting instead of Weight Watchers.
My final goal is to lose 35 lbs.
My final goal date is July 24.

[APCullip22]

Alright, I'm In! I'm really going to do it this time, I promise.

Me: name/age: Amber, 22 (for another month or so)
FH: name/age Daniel, 23
Dating since: April 25, 2001
Dieting since: March 2004
Dieting Program: if any: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 5/119 (5 pounds will be a struggle for me)
Final Weight Date Challenge: Feb. 17 (my birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs.
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I attempted one a while back, but failed.
Known issues: Emotional Eating and lack of motivation.
Current Weight: 124

[weightloss.challenge]

Updated to here!

BIG WELCOME :D to all the new faces... and a few old ones too!

Cr8nme
Kingdono
Chris~n~Jen
wsusquirrel
MLA
isign
lil geek
Oakley
numberlady
nolagirl
APCullip22


You guys are keeping me on my toes on this challenge. It's nice to see so many people getting involved. There are only 7 weeks in the challenge so really make them count! With the holidays over i look forward to seeing BIG weight loss numbers! Good luck!

[nancy drew]

jumping in and hoping this helps keep me motivated...

Me: nancy
DH: mike
Married since: 8/2001
Dieting since: 9/2005 (when my son was born)
Dieting Program: no dairy, no soy, no eggs, no nuts, no seafood (its an attempt at protecting my son from developing allergies and because my daughter is allergic to those things so its not safe for me to have them in the house), exercising almost daily
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: lose 20 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: i have no clue. whenever it happens i guess.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 7 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) newbie!
Known issues: breastfeeding (must keep some calories and fat intake up), sweet tooth, moving to a new house (no time to shop or cook), snackaholic
Current Weight: id rather not say, is that ok? ill just say how much ive lost (or gained, but lets be optimistic)

[diedra1027]

Also jumping in for the new year :)!

Me: Diedra, 32
DH: Blake, 35
Married since: 8/24/2001
Dieting since: 1/1/2006
Dieting Program: South Beach Diet. I'll also be upping current exercise regiment.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: lose 40 pounds
Final Weight Date Challenge: Not really sure...by DDs first birthday in May.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 5-10 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) 5!!
Known issues: breastfeeding and serious sugar/carb addiction
Current Weight: I can't bring myself to type it out!

[diedra1027]

forgot to subscribe....:D

[AHammer]

Hi there.. I'm brand new to this, so here goes

Me: name/age Amy/23
DH: name/age Michael/22
Married since: July '05
Dieting since: um, I haven't since college (2 yrs ago)
Dieting Program: limit calories/attempt to workout
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -11/139
Final Weight Date Challenge: hmm?
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -11
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) this one!
Known issues: I will workout/count calories for a week then lose motivation. I am really hoping that being a member of a group will help keep me motivated. I'm not so much concerned with losing pounds, because I know muscle will add some weight, I just want to lose the belly I've gained since this time last year. I guess some of y'all might think 11 pounds is tiny, but it always takes me a long long time to lose any pounds.
Current Weight: 150

[scrappy]

Count me in! :) I play on a volleyball team, and i've got to look better in my uniform (damn spandex/biker shorts) :rolleyes:


Me: Kristin/27
DH: Wally/33
Married since: 6/26/04
Dieting since: off and on for the last 2 years
Dieting Program: modified WW, exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: under 140
Final Weight Date Challenge: no date required, whenever it happens :p
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: ~5 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I'm new!!
Known issues: portion control, lack of motivation when it comes to exercise
Current Weight: 153.5

[Cali*Girl]

I have a few updates:

Me: Alicia, 28
DH: Dennis, 36
Married Since: May 25, 2003
Dieting Since: Successful since June 2005
Dieting Program: Healthy Lifestyle, specifically: reducing soda and sweets, increasing water and exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 38 lbs+/Under 150
Final Weight Date Challenge: Whenever I'm under 150
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -7/166
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Successful since Challenge #4
Known issues: Willpower, sweets, emotional eating
Current Weight: 173

[kithara]

Me: Kithara/25
DH: FH/25
Married since: not yet (June 3, 2006)
Dieting since: March 2005
Dieting Program: WW
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 20 lbs/106 lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge: June 3, 2006 hopefully
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -10 lbs/116 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: new!
Known issues: willpower, motivation, emotional eating, lack of excercise, love of food!
Current Weight: 126 lbs

Buying a new scale this weekend so starting weight might be wrong...my scale is off by at least 10 lbs.

[APCullip22]

Just a quick update, could you change my info, sorry to do this:

Me: name/age: Amber, 22 (for another month or so)
FH: name/age Daniel, 23
Dating since: April 25, 2001
Dieting since: March 2004
Dieting Program: if any: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 7.5/119 (These pounds will be a struggle for me)
Final Weight Date Challenge: Feb. 17 (my birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 7.5 lbs.
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I attempted one a while back, but failed.
Known issues: Emotional Eating and lack of motivation.
Current Weight: 126.5

Thanks!

[LynzeyAHL]

I'm already a member but the the red fields need updated please!!!!

Thanks Much!

Stats:
Me: name/age Lindsey/27
DH: name/age Dan/23
Married since: October 30, 2003
Dieting since: Jan. 2004
Dieting Program: Starting SBD 1/1/06
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: -91/145
Goal to be reached by: July 13, 2008 (30th birthday)
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -12
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Un-official #1/Official #3
TOTAL LOST SO FAR: 44lbs
Known issues: Boarderline Diabetic on medication, Lack of motiviation, emotional eater.
Current Weight: 236 :mad:

[LynzeyAHL]

I have 4 sessions of Dibetic nutrition classes starting Tuesday. Hopefully the nutritionist can help me lay out a meal plan where if I have one bad week I don't gain 5 pounds. Right now I veiw my body/weight as the enemy and that's not a very healthy relationship to have with yourself. I can be militant on my diet and lose 5 pounds in a week. But if I eat pizza, go out to eat, and basically not eat the exact same thing everyday (which I know is how I loose my 1lb a week) I can gain anywhere from 3-5 pounds in one week.

I'm really getting tired of 'dieting' so I'm trying SBD and I'm hoping to combine that lifestyle with the tools I already have b/c I've basically been stuck at my current wait for about 3 months where I've been gaining and loosing the same ten pounds and I'm ready to blimp back up to meet the 100 pounds or more criteria for a gastric bypass so that I can take the cop-out and yes I do see it as the easy way out b/c I didn't get this way over night but this is really dogging me right now.

WHOOOO I feel better
</vent>

[boilermaker]

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I'm in for this one.
My starting weight: 134
Goal for this challenge: -3 lbs....131 lbs

One of my weakness have been alcohol. I'm a social drinker and I tend to much a bit while drinking. But I have given it up for my New Years Resolution...so I'm hoping that help drop off a few pounds there :)

[ruledbymercury]

Part of me is so relieved that this challenge is starting NOW. The other part of me is overwhelmed at all the changes that have to be made. But, I am definitely ready. I want to feel healthy and beautiful again!

Starting Weight: 156

Good luck to all challengers! Sundays are actually a rest day with my workout program, so today, I'm just going to work on getting back into the swing of things food-wise. Tomorrow, however, is treadmill-and-arm workout day!

[Janey]

I'd like to join, please. :)

Me: MrsHill/32
DH: B/41
Married since: 9/24/05
Dieting since: On-and-off Forever
Dieting Program: HMR Maintenance, Healthy Eating, BalanceLog.
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 25/140
Final Weight Date Challenge: May 20
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 7 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: This is my first.
Known issues: Previously lost 100+ lbs; my body fights for every calorie.
Current Weight: 166

I've had a couple of different 'goal weights' over the last few years, and I am trying to figure out which one is right. Back when I was morbidly obese, I thought my goal was 125. I weighed 125 in Jr. High and haven't grown much since then (I am 5'1"), so I thought that's what I should be.

At 130 lbs. pre-surgery (which is what I was in the Montana picture in the Before & After Pics (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=12162) thread), I was too skinny. My face looks great, but my chest looked like it was out of National Geographic and it hurt to sit on a hard bench. I decided 135-140 should be my goal, and then I had surgery to remove excess skin from my stomach & thighs, and they removed 6 pounds from me. I'm pretty sure though that my goal is somewhere around 135-140, and I will feel like I've reached my goal when I've hit 140. If I decide to push for the extra 5 pounds at that point, I will.

Mostly, though, I want to lose this 25 pounds so that when I get pregnant, it's this 25 pounds I will gain back instead of an additional 25 pounds from where I am now. I have the motivation, and that's what it took last time, so I'm fairly certain I'll be able to reach my goal.

[pride&prejudice]

Hi! Decided to try to this to give me some motivation.

Me: Rosie/26
DH: Gary/26
Married since: 05/28/05
Dieting since: Not really. Off and on trying different things.
Dieting Program: Trying to eat healthier more than anything else! And the gym!
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 15 lb/140 lb
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:7 lb
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Starting over, tried #1 but lost track!
Known issues: Sweets and alcohol, plus snacking when DH does which is usually late at night!
Current Weight: 155 lb

I'm hoping this works, since really my goal is to tone up. I know I need to loose a few pounds, but not sure if I'm going to gain any in muscle. A great way to start off the year though! Thanks!

[ruledbymercury]

So how is everyone's first day of the challenge going?

[LynzeyAHL]

I'm about to eat steak, salad, and mashed cauliflower

so far today I've had
Eggs
cheese /celery
salad with crab and cheese
cheese/tomatoes

so far I like south beach!

anyone else?

[AHammer]

My first day is going well, one of my goals is to keep up with my food and exercise on fitday.com, so I can be 100% positive of how much I'm taking in and working off. I've started that today.

Oh, and today I've had zero soda! that's a huge step for me :) I am going to work out after dinner.

[nancy drew]

i did some strength training this morning, plan on doing more this evening if the kiddos cooperate. lunch was good, dinner is probably going to be good, i have had a few cookies (small ones) for snacks but lunch was small and these are healthy cookies so im considering that good, too.

[LynzeyAHL]

um so ricotta cream on SBD - yea that's an acquired taste :p

[TX Sweetheart]

Have a few changes :D

TX Sweetheart
Me: Renee 23
DH: Travis 28
Married since: July 29, 2004
Dieting since: September 9, 2005
Dieting Program: eat less, exercise more
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 135 lbs (Final Weight)
Final Weight Date Challenge: July 29, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs lost
Known issues: asthma occasionally makes it hard to exercise for long periods of time
Current Weight: 192.5

[scrappy]

Ugh. Well, my day started off okay, but then ended badly with dinner from Jack in the Crack. :o Considering I was hungover for most of the day, i'm going to pretend this day never happened, and begin everything tomorrow! No more excuses after this.

Good luck to everyone on meeting their challenge goals!!!

[Chris~n~Jen]

So LynzeyAHL which ricotta dessert did you have, vanilla, mocha?? I'm very curious to try the dessert tomorrow night.

Current weight : 235 :o

My diet is going to start tomorrow. I spent most of the day hung over and laying in bed. I knew it was going to be a problem so I knew I wasn't going to start until tomorrow. So I'll chime in with how my diet goes tomorrow.:D

[diedra1027]

Off to a slow start here :o. I finally made it to the grocery store around 2 to pick up all my SBD approved foods, so breakfast and lunch didn't quite fit with the program. Dinner was the first plan meal and it was quite good (Marinated Steak, green beans and a small salad). I also tried the Ricotta Cream - the Pumpkin Spice version from allrecipes.com. Actually hit my sweet tooth just right, but 1/2 a cup was too much for me. It's pretty rich. Next time I make it, I'll halve the recipe and just use a 1/4 cup of the ricotta.

No exercise today, other than a mad dash around the grocery store :). My baby boot camp classes start again on Wednesday, so I'm sure that will really be the start of the exercising for me.

[elissa]

Me: Elissa/29
DH: Chris/30
Married since:October 1, 2005
Dieting since:January 2004-summer 2004, then maintained and didn't do much
Dieting Program: SBD initially and exercise
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:unknown right now
Final Weight Date Challenge:unknown right now, this will take a while
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:10 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge 5
Known issues:boredom, lack of exercise, overeater
Current Weight:too much to share

[filmgirl7]

Me: Carrie, 28
DH: J, 32
Married since: 1/7/06 (coming soon!)
Dieting since: 1985?!!?
Dieting Program: currently, weight watchers meets Bob Greene's Body Makeover
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 30 lbs/105
Final Weight Date Challenge: 8/o6 I hope
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 6 pounds
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) The last one
Known issues: slow metabolism???? hahahhah
Current Weight: 132.2
Ok, so the last challenge didn't go as well as I had hoped, but this one is so LOOONG, and coincides with the new year, so I just KNOW I'll be able to break that 130 mark now. Last week I returned to the gym for some heavy-duty running, and actually ran 2.7 miles on a couple of days....I know I can do it!

Hoping to have a good week this week...I'm getting MARRIED on saturday!!! :eek:

[Oakley]

Congratulations, Carrie!! :D

Slow start for me too. My hubby was home all day yesterday, and I'm always lazier and eat more when he's around! He just started working out in the mornings and we both want to eat better, so hopefully that will change!

I'm off today and plan on working out a TON. I'm going to try to do the Couch to 5K plan. I'd love to be able to go down to the treadmill, run 3 miles and be done!

Good luck, girls!!

[boilermaker]

I had a good start yesterday, but I think it helped that I had no alcohol on NYE. And I've been off work since the 22nd, so I've been able to cook healthy meals and take the time to exercise. Too bad I have to go back to work on Tuesday :( It's really going to cut into my health routine... :D

Carrie, just a few words of pre-wedding advice...with everything else going on in your life this week, healthy eating and exercise will actually reduce stress. So as super hard as it will be, try to take time for yourself as your getting things all finished up this week!!!

[AHammer]

Carrie, congrats on your wedding!!!

--------

current weight: 150

yesterday: treadmill for 20 minutes, leg workout for 15 minutes, arm workout for 15 minutes.

yesterday I was a snacking machine, so today I am not going to snack unless it's healthy! my new favorite snack is craisins, yum!

[scrappy]

Carrie - Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Wishing you all the best!! :D

[PrincessTommi]

princesstommi
Me: Tommi/27
DH: Jay/27
Married since: July 13, 2002
Dieting since: forever.
Dieting Program: following South Beach Diet principles, phases 2 & 3 & lots more activity
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: ~150. Mainly to fit in some old clothes, not so much a number
Final Weight Date Challenge: Slowly but surely.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 12 lbs
Known issues: portion sizes, eating when I'm bored, complete laziness

Current Weight: 200


Alright, I'm back in! Glad to say that even though my plateau almost drove me straight off the wagon, I haven't *gained* any weight, and I tried to make good choices over the holiday. Although, we'll see if any of the holiday eating, and the stress (4 days in CO with my family, 6 days at ILs with the whole extended family - talk about stress) shows up this next week on the scale.

Happy New Year everyone!

[Mrs. Alting]

So for week 5 in the last challenge I gained 1lb oh well now I am at 141. I'ts a new year:D . I have a new job now that is Mon-Fri now so I will be more consistant. I was working retail before.

[pride&prejudice]

Carrie, just a few words of pre-wedding advice...with everything else going on in your life this week, healthy eating and exercise will actually reduce stress. So as super hard as it will be, try to take time for yourself as your getting things all finished up this week!!!

Second that!


I got off to a slow start. Last night we had a good dinner of steak, noodles and corn. Then it kind of went down when our neighbors invited us over. I was good and didn't snack, but they had mulled cider, and it was just so good and warm, perfect for this weather!

Tomorrow I start work, so it will also be the start of gym time! I got an ipod and loaded it up today so hopefully that will keep me motivated for longer in the gym.

[numberlady]

I started today and have been pretty good considering I am off work. I usually eat more when I am around the house; I do much better at work. I went to the gym this morning (along with everyone else that resolved to lose weight:rolleyes: ) and did a body toning class and 20 minutes on the recumbent bike. I plan on having a salad and fish for dinner tonight.

[LynzeyAHL]

So LynzeyAHL which ricotta dessert did you have, vanilla, mocha?? I'm very curious to try the dessert tomorrow night.

Current weight : 235 :o

My diet is going to start tomorrow. I spent most of the day hung over and laying in bed. I knew it was going to be a problem so I knew I wasn't going to start until tomorrow. So I'll chime in with how my diet goes tomorrow.:D


I did almond extract with sliced almonds and it tastes ok but the consistancy is a total turn off

[scrappy]

I think i should just permanently move my desk into the bathroom. I've had soooo much water today, that i've worn a path in the carpet from my cube to the potty ;) :p

[LynzeyAHL]

I think i should just permanently move my desk into the bathroom. I've had soooo much water today, that i've worn a path in the carpet from my cube to the potty ;) :p

how come we can't just sign up for a pic line and a catheter? life would be much easier!:rolleyes:

[AHammer]

I got an ipod and loaded it up today so hopefully that will keep me motivated for longer in the gym.

Me too!!! It's what made 60 minutes on the tread mill possible a few days ago for me. A new song comes on, and I'll say to msyelf "ok, you like this song, just make it through this one." then the next one comes on and I repeat that. It's great motivation!

[kithara]

I really haven't started yet, but tomorrow my vacation is over and I am going to create a new routine. We did throw out all of the leftover Christmas candy today. I guess that is a start. A few changes I am making tomorrow:

1. I am going to eat breakfast. Cereal with 2% milk tomorrow.
2. I am going to start counting points.
3. Pilates dvds with FH when I get home from work.
4. Fh is going to the grocery store tomorrow. I am going to cut up fresh veggies and put them into baggies so that when we make dinner all we need to do is put the veggies into the steamer...cuts down on prep time and keeps me from wanting to just order in.
5. Buying a new and working scale so I can actually keep track of my progress.

I'll check in tomorrow and give an update on how things went.

[wsusquirrel]

Can't wait! Ummm, okay, not that excited but will start tomorrow and post my weight then. :)

[talkalotturner]

Me: talkalotturner/30
Married since: 2004
Dieting since: 1999
Dieting Program: on my own this time
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 40 lbs/ between 135-128
Final Weight Date Challenge: October 1, 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: -10 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge 5 - I'm new!
Known issues: lack of determination, motivation, and discipline. Love food, don't want to give it up so in return, I need to get ACTIVE!
Current Weight: 173

[nolagirl]

I'm going to the grocery store in a few minutes to get SBD foods.....we'll see how this goes!

[Kingdono]

I just started today and I came to realization that I have to give my weight to really be committed to not weighting that again so here goes
Current weight 210:eek:

Now that I got that out of the way. I start weight watchers tomorrow and I'm going to try to fit exercise in some how. I will try to walk much more at work.


On a better note to celebrate my new year new me theme I got my hair cut and collored over the weekend and I bought a few outfits Hopefully the last I will every buy in that size.

Can anyone recomeemd a great thread for healthy quickl meals?

When I was on weight watchers before I spent so much time cooking but now with my son wanting to eat as soon as we walk in the door that's not really an option because I must sit and eat with him.

Thanks

[weightloss.challenge]

:D UPDATED TO HERE! :D

BIG WELCOME to our newest members:



nancy drew
diedra1027
AHammer
scrappy
kithara
MrsHill
pride&prejudice
elissa
talkalotturner


Good luck to everyone during this challenge. It's a new year that's full of possibilities! Take advantage of them!

[ellidew]

Yay, updates are complete! Phew! :D

Now, where to start, where to start!

Kingdono- I feel the same way. As a matter of fact, i don't have any problem telling people my weight anymore. I started out at 221 so you have a shorter distance to go than i did! It'll totally be worth it! Good luck on your weight loss.

nolagirl- Good luck! Stay away from the center of the store!

kithara- Great plan! Especially the working scale. lol. we need one of those too. It's a good thing i weigh in at lawl 3 times a week! Actually, cutting up the veggies ahead of time is a great idea. I do the same thing. I also clean lettuce once a week and keep it cleaned, cut and ready to eat in my salad spinner in the fridge. It's nice that you have dh to work out with you. My dh can eat anything and not gain an ounce, it makes it hard to watch. I don't keep ANY junk food in the house... i send everything to work with dh :)

LynzeyAHL- Yup! :p I have a small enough bladder as it is. Add that to AT LEAST 64 oz (usually more like 80-96) and i mine as well just have a toilet as a desk chair! Not to mention our receptionist always laughs when you walk in the door, i don't know why, she just does. So everytime i leave and come back she laughs. i don't get it either. You sound very frustrated!

numberlady- I do better at work too. Since i am forced :p to work and there aren't any cabinets filled or a refrigerator filled with food i don't think about it as much. Good luck to ya, you are off to a good start!

pride&prejudice- Good luck to you! A slip every now and again isn't bad so don't be down on yourself. Maybe find something to keep you motivated... i have a picture of me at my peak weight the weekend before i started my "diet" on my tack board next to my desk in my office and everytime i see it i remember exactly WHY i am dieting. In a few months when i get to my goal i'll show everyone a before and after... almost 30 lbs later makes a big difference so i can only imagine what 70 lbs will look like! Of course if you go to my blog you can see some pictures... i yelled at all my friends for not telling me i was so FAT! lol. We all had a good chuckle about it over the weekend! They are really embarassing pictures but they aren't me anymore so i don't care! Plus, it feels good to get validation every now and then. My dh has been amazing through all of this.

Mrs. Alting- Congrats on your new job! I would imagine it is easier to plan and stay on track when you are working a set schedule. Don't worry about week 5 of the new years challenge. Almost everyone that saw it through only gained a few, maintained, or lost and that's amazing for the time between Thanksgiving and New Years. Remember, the average weight gain between T-Day and New Years is 7 lbs! I only lost a little over 3 and feel like i still came out ahead of the game! Stay focused and you'll do great on this challenge... personally, i'm going for the biggest loser title, wanna race? lol.

princesstommi- Glad to have you back! Sounds like you did have a stressful holiday! yikes! That much time with my il's would drive me bonkers! lol. Happy new year to you too!

AHammer- I am a snacker too. I seriously eat 5 times a day! I eat breakfast, then snack, then lunch, then snack, then dinner! It works out great. Be careful with the craisins... i love them too and they are great on salads but they are loaded with sugar! That kinda takes the healthiness out of 'em. I am having a horrible time getting my fruit in during winter... grapes and strawberries just taste terrible! I have switched to 100% orange juice and juicy juice as my fruits and apples although every now and then i get one of those that tastes terrible. Apple slices with PB are my downfall!

boilermaker- Can you do food prep on Sunday or a weeknight for most of the week and then just have to cook it when you come home? What if you steam all your veggies at the beginning of the week? and prepare and/or cook your food all at the same time. I hate coming home and cooking too and that's usually when i snack on whatever i can find because i am hungry and feeling lazy! I do a lot of veggie prep all at the same time so i don't have to think about it again. I've thought about cooking on Sunday nights and then not cooking the rest of the week... just reheating! I haven't done it yet but i know a lot of people that do. Dh's cousin has someone that comes in and cooks all their food for a month and all they have to do it bake/microwave it when they want to eat it. They love it! Personally, i can't afford that kind of service!

Oakley- Good luck! It’s nice that you have your dh to support you!

filmgirl7- Great attitude! I don’t think the last challenge went the way MOST people hoped! Lol. You’ll break the 130 mark in no time! All of you talking about going to the gym and working out make me feel guilty since I haven’t worked out but a hand full of times since I started dieting in September! It sucks that the computer had to be moved out of the elliptical room. We wont have the basement finished for several months so maybe I’ll have to conceded to using it for 15 minutes a day rather than 1 hour every couple of days. I’ll get bored with nothing to watch or listen to!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING!

DIEDRA1027- Good luck at baby boot camp! Don’t discount your mad dash around the grocery store either! Every little bit of movement counts especially if it is above and beyond what you typically do on a normal basis. Parking farther away from the door is a good way to get in exercise!

Chris~n~Jen- Everytime I see your username I think of me and my dh. We are Chris and Jen(nifer) too! It totally throws me off! Lol. Good luck!

scrappy- Take your day with a grain of salt. Back to work today!

TX Sweetheart- Your changes were made! Hey, your final weight date challenge is on my birthday! My weight loss goal right now is 150. When I get there I am going to evaluate where I want to be and what I want to look like again. 135 was the weight I was last really happy at but I don’t know if my body will still want to look like that (high school graduation weight!) My final weight date is currently the beginning of May so hopefully we are both 135 by my birthday! We’ve been holding the same pattern for quite some time now. I am starting off at 192.2 so we are neck and neck as usual :D I totally gauge myself by you so you better stick with it! Lol.

WELCOME TO ALL THE NEW MEMBERS! I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW EVERYONE! GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY LOSING!

As for me... i jumped back on the wagon yesterday although i did cheat a little when dh popped open a tub of popcorn. (which is why i don't keep that kind of stuff in the house! I fully admit to not having willpower!) I am doing "Fast Forward" which means i am drinking this juice supplement drink, all my water, eating 6 oz of protein and 2 vegetables each day for 2 days. Then i can go back to eating on schedule. Being hungry sucks a little though. I down my juice or water everytime i get a hunger pain. Oh, i get 2 protein bars each day too. It's not terrible. It's not great either though.

Today i have vowed not to cheat. I had a protein bar for breakfast and i am drinking my juice and water as we speak. Luckily the updates this morning kept me busy enough that i didn't think about eating! Thanks guys! ha ha. My cruise is the week before this challenge ends so i only have about 5 weeks and i want to get down another 10 lbs to fit into the clothes i pulled out of "i'm to fat to wear" storage. Most things are only a few lbs shy of fitting! That was such an exciting day! Not to mention i want to get pregnant damn it. How's that for blunt? Dh and i are officially taking ttc seriously... except i keep forgetting to temp in the morning. I've done it twice now and i am on cd 11 (i think). oops. I am taking my prenatal and no caffeine and dh cut down from 6 cups of coffee and 2 mt dews to 3 cups of coffee and maybe a soda. I about fell over when he told me how much caffeine he was drinking! So we are both making lifestyle changes since all of 2005 didn't produce a baby. 2006 is going to be our year!

Just want to wish everyone luck on losing! It's hard but we can all do it! Anyone want to race for the biggest loser challenge? ha ha!

Only 6.7 lbs before i am half way to my goal!

[Chris~n~Jen]

ellidew ~ I seem to run across a lot of Chris & Jen's. I guess since they are both super popular names it's only makes sense that so many of us hook up! :p

lynzeyAHL~ How did your vegitable to go cups turn out? I'm not sure that I made them right. There was a ton of spinach and not that much egg at all. Also I didn't have foil baking cups so I used paper ones. I also choose to just use the paper because I knew that I would be freezing them and wanted to be able to re-heat in the microwave. Well they weren't bad, just kinda odd. I think next time I will cut the spinach down a bit and maybe add just a touch more egg substitute. That would be ok don't you think?

First actual diet day for me. So far not to bad.

Breakfast ~ 6 oz vegitable juice
2 vegtable quich cup thingies

Snack ~ 1 celery stick w/ 1 wedge laughing cow cheese (yum!)

Lunch ~ Tossed salad w/ baslamic vinagerette dressing
Topped w/ grilled chicken breast strips
sugar free jello cup

I also have a 52 oz "Bubba Keg" at my desk full of water. My goal is to finish it before the end of today. With dinner I can probably gulp down another 2 glasses to complete my water intake for the day.

DH and I will be swimming laps tonight for our excersise. I have to say that getting him to eat this much has been difficult. I called around 9 to see if he had ate his veggie cups (nope), although he did drink the juice. At my snack time I called and made him eat a cheese stick. Now I just called and reminded him to have the yummy salad I prepared for him last night. See the problem with Chris is that he really doesn't eat very much, but he does love his nightly beer or two. So he's mostly beer belly! The hardest part for him during phase 1 is going to be the no alcohol and constant snacking. Both of those come really easy to me! :p I just need to make myself stop eating.

[scrappy]

Sitting here eating my oatmeal with dried cranberries... It was SOOOOO hard to ignore the cafeteria's strawberry french toast/turkey sausage special though!!! ;) :p So i acknowledged my strawberry craving and got nonfat strawberry yogurt instead. Not quite the same, but close right? :D

[TaterBaby]

Me: Emily/26
DH: Josh/26
Married since: May 22, 2004
Dieting since: forever it seems
Dieting Program: counting calories
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 40lbs/158
Final Weight Date Challenge: July 2006
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 8 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: (Challenge #) Thanksgiving
Known issues: eating as much as DH!
Current Weight: 198

I'm ready to get back on the bandwagon. DH & I bought a treadmill with our Christmas money. I have made a resolution to get on it at least for a few minutes every day. So far, I did 50 min. (one 30 min. session and another 20 min. session) on Jan 1 and 30 min. on Jan 2. I love having being able to exercise at home. I'm hoping this is my ticket to skinny!

[AHammer]

Last night I went through the pantry/refrig/freezer and threw out all the old junk food we have. I kept a little, cause on good days I'll have some calorie wiggle room :)

Speaking of good days, I'm off to a good start. Like I said earlier (or did i? dont remember) today's my first day back at work since before Christmas, so it's much harder for me to constantly snack while i'm teaching!! This morning I had a banana and tea for breakfast, then lunch was a PB sandwich, banana, 1/3 cup craisins, and diet dr. pepper. Dinner tonight will be grilled chicken over pasta with garlic tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. yum!

Overall, that is 967 calories and 20 grams of fat for the day.

Weight this morning was 148.5, I fluctuate a lot through the day. I think i need to be consistent about when I weigh myself, so I'll do it in the mornings when I wake up.

ellidew or anyone else -- I usually get the craisins from the bulk section at our local health food store. do you know if those have the same amt of sugar in them as the craisins sold in regular grocery stores (the ones by the packaged raisins). I should try to look that up somewhere. For some reason I've been secretly hoping they dont have the same amt of sugar :)

[Kellijo14]

I'm in! And I'm motivated!!


Me: Kelli / 23
DH: Matt / 25
Married since: July 2005
Dieting since: I don't call it a diet. I call it eating healthy!
Dieting Program:
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Lose 10 lbs - The bigger goal is to lower my BMI between 20%-25%. Currently, it is at 35%.
Final Weight Date Challenge: April 2006 for the BMI
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs - BMI to 27%
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: My First One
Known issues: Lack of motivation and acceptance to change from DH. Sometimes, I need a cheerleader too!
Current Weight: 150

I weigh myself Monday mornings, so I will try to report on Monday.

[julesp313]

I'd like to join, please!

Me: Jules/34
DH: 39
Married since: March 2003
Dieting since: Birth?
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 60lbs to lose
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 10lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: First one I'm actually going to finish...
Known issues: Emotional eating, particularly when bored or pissed off
Current Weight: Far too high for comfort

I've been faffing around with diets and exercise (or the lack thereof) for far too long now, and I need to get myself under control and replace the crappy habits with the good ones. I've done WW several times and always had success right up to the point where I quit. So now I'm back on it, back in the gym, and determined to make this work this time!

[ellidew]

AHammer- My guess is that they more than likely have sugar in them but i could be wrong. Unless they exclusively say something like: All Natural, Sweetened with natural juices, or the equivalent. Honestly, if you've been eating them and seeing results then i wouldn't even worry about it. Especially if you are measuring a serving out and counting like you are.

Ironically, on my diet i am allowed to have "3 sugar free candies" per day. So i hit up the Russell Stovers and Hersheys sugar free candies and had 3 per day like i was allowed (they were wonderful by the way). I had chocolate with almonds, turtles, peanut butter cups, etc... When i gained weight that week they looked at my diary and asked what kind of candy it was. Well, apprently when the book said "3 sugar free candies" per day it meant life saver type candies. I told the woman they need to be more clear in the book and actually say that because it's misleading!

You are off to a great start. Way to go!

[Mom2Cole]

I'm Here...I'm Here!!! :D I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and a wonderful New Year!!! 2006 is going to be a busy, but exciting year for us!!! We have two weddings to attend this year (one in May and one in August), three trips planned (one in May, one in August, and one in October), and we are planning on TTC towards the end of the year. Soooo...I NEED to lose the rest of this 30 pounds by summer!! :)

Our holiday was awesome, but I ate waaaaaaay too much and ended up gaining 5 pounds! :o All the food was soooo worth it though! ;) I am back on track and would like to lose 8.5 pounds during this challenge. Our son's second birthday is February 20th, so I would love to be 165 by then. :)

So, I am starting this challenge at 173.5 and I weigh myself on Friday mornings!!

Here is to an awesome year and lots of weight loss!!! Good luck to you all!!!

[Amuse Bouche]

I'm throwing my hat into the ring

Me: KC/27
DH: 27
Married since: March 2003
Dieting since: On and off for forever. In this round, 1/3/06
Dieting Program: Weight Watchers Core
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: Right now, 50 lbs. We'll see where we want to go from there.
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: 5 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: I started one but fell off the wagon fast.
Known issues: Massive Sweet tooth, I get lazy about keeping track and restricting myself, I like to cook, which really means I like to cook fattening foods -- salad is just NOT as fun to make as brownies.
Current Weight: Too much

[bethnjim]

Me: beth
DH: jim
Married since: 7/03
Dieting since: feels like forever
Dieting Program: eating healthy/working out daily
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight: 90/150
Final Weight Date Challenge: hopefully by May 1st.
Challenge Weight Loss Goal: lose 30lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: ummm...I think a newbie!
Known issues: LACK OF CONTROL!!
Current Weight: 250

[bethnjim]

Well, my husband and I both had off last week and we decided to start running together. Needless to say, my running turned into walking and then my husband suggested fart legging, which means running for a block, then walking, then running for a block, and so forth. We did that and OH MY GOSH was I tired. I felt like someone was sitting on my chest at one point, so I slowed down to a walk and put my hands over my head to open up my chest. We went 1.25 miles, which I thought was good for my first trip. We did that every day Monday-Friday, which made me super happy. He will be fart legging with me tonight too.

I also got Billy Blanks bootcamp and let me tell ya, it is HARD. I got through 10 minutes of it, which was the warm-up and I was SHOT. Ugggghhhh!!

We also have an eliptical trainer, but there is no TV in the room. We are looking into getting one because I LOVE my shows and I would like to use it during the winter. We talked about moving it downstairs, but it is SUPER heavy and we don't think it will go.

For today, this is my food intake so far:

Breakfast--
3/4 cup of egg white with one whole egg scrambled with 1 tbsp of skim milk
2 slices of white toast
2 sprays of I can't believe its not butter spray
1 glass of grape juice

Lunch--
7oz of water packed tuna
2 tbsp of lofat mayo
2 cups of lettuce

Dinner--
6oz of some type of salmon
1 cup of veggies
1/2 cup of mashed potates using skim milk

Snack--
2 cups of frozen strawberries
1/4 cup of organic lofat yogurt
water
(blended all together and made a smoothie)


For workout, I did eliptical for 15 minutes and I was BEAT!

[ellidew]

Mom2Cole- Where the heck have you been? I've missed you! Love your new avatar. Cole is adorable! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the holidays. I didn't come anywhere near my goal but i still managed to lose over the course of the challenge so that made me feel good :D I enjoyed the food i ate too... wish i could've done it as guilt free as you did. Go you!

bethnjim- You are off to an awesome start. I'm impressed at your running last week. I can't believe you did it on Monday-Friday! That's so wonderful. It's nice to have you dh to encourage you. Keep it up! Your meal plan looks great! I have the same problem with the elliptical as you do. We had our computer in there so i would put a dvd on. When the computer crashed and we moved it out of the room to a more secure outlet it left the elliptical alone and unused in the room by itself. I hope to just hop on for 10-15 mins per day. When we finish our basement we are moving it down there and it will be easier to use! Good luck to ya.

[isign]

ok, so first few days of dieting didn't go so well. Dh's Grandma died, so we were in AL at the ILs this week. ILs = the best southern food ever of the face of this earth. It wasn't so bad, except that I've developed a love for potato salad in the past 2 years DH and I have been married, and that's the only place I get it.:o So officially my starting weight loss is 200 My main goal for this is portion control and no emotional eating! We just got a dog, so that means more on my feet & off my butt time since she likes to go out alot.

[PrincessButrcup]

Can I join, too?
Me: Colleen/29
DH: Gerard/29
Married since:July 3, 2004
Dieting since: Starting again for the new year
Dieting Program: WW online
Total weight loss goal/Final Weight:15lbs/140lbs
Final Weight Date Challenge:
Challenge Weight Loss Goal:10 lbs
Weight Loss Challenge Member Since: Challenge #5 - Newbie!
Known issues: WILLPOWER!, lack of exercize (again, see willpower)
Current Weight:154.8

Just over 3 years ago, I lost about 20 lbs. on WW. I since then, I've been slowly packing the pounds back on. I would love to get back down to my wedding day weight of 141. Then I'll try to reach my all time low of 137 with an ultimate goal of 135. But I'll really be happy just to get back to 141. Hope I have the willpower to stick with this!

[Tonysweetie]

Welcome newbies!!! I'm off to a great start. I've droped 6 lbs. overall so far, hopefully I can shed another 5 in this challenge. I want 17 off by March (our first wedding annivesary and were going to the FL keys) I'm still super motivated! Keep it up lades you can do this!!!! God Bless and Happy New Year! :D

[Chris~n~Jen]

Hello to all!

I did pretty good today. We had grilled salmon with steamed asparagus and tossed salad for dinner. Yummy! I've never made salmon before but it turned out great on my george forman grill. Just brushed it with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh rosemary, salt & pepper. I'm pretty proud of myself.

DH and I are getting ready to go do our laps in the pool.

[wsusquirrel]

Not sure I should have started this week - it is that time of the month and leaving for Vegas on Friday.
1st day is going well so far :)

Now, I am adding my current weight but it is on an old scale and I am buying a new one this week. I will adjust if needed. :) Current weight - 175lbs :eek:

Today's food thus far:
Breakfast:
Raisin english muffin - no butter (160 calories/.5 fat)
Slimfast (180/5)
Coffee

Lunch:
Campbelle's Blended Vegetable Soup (60/1)
Fresh fruit - watermelon and blueberries
Individual pack of goldfish crackers (210/9) - so worth it :D
water

Snack (after school snack):
100 Calorie Fruit Snack - love them!!! (100/0)
Slimfast (180/5)

ANOTHER snack:
Raisin muffin AGAIN - no butter (160/.5)

The plan is to have homemade chili tonight that is only beans and has no bad stuff in it. I will splurge and have some cheese. YUMMMM!!!!!

ETA - what do you all think about drinking while on your diet? I really enjoy a glass (or two) of wine a few times a week. I am not willing to give it up :). Any thoughts?

[Oakley]

I'll post my current weight tomorrow morning (I always weigh myself in the mornings- that's "skinny time" :D).

Today has been going well for me too. I'm starting the Couch to 5K program and hop that works to motivate me. I've never had a fitness goal so I'm really going for this one!

[Cr8nme]

My meals thus far!

Breakfast:
1 cup of puffed wheat
1/2 c of 1% milk
1 pear

Lunch
Red leaf lettuce salad with tomato, red onion, olives, and advocado.
Dressing: balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Snack:
1/2 c of applesauce(natural)
10 reduced fat wheat thins

Dinner:Cooked but not eaten yet...
baked pork chops
wild rice
brocolli spears


What do you guys think? Am I doing okay??

[wsusquirrel]

What do you guys think? Am I doing okay??

I am new to the challenge but it looks great so far! Keep up the great work. :)

[Amuse Bouche]

Cr8nme -- if you're not hungry on that menu, then great! If you are, I'd try adding a little protein to your breakfast or lunch. Toss some nuts onto your cereal, or add some chicken to your salad. You're really only getting protein at dinner.

[LynzeyAHL]

Hello to all!

I did pretty good today. We had grilled salmon with steamed asparagus and tossed salad for dinner. Yummy! I've never made salmon before but it turned out great on my george forman grill. Just brushed it with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh rosemary, salt & pepper. I'm pretty proud of myself.

DH and I are getting ready to go do our laps in the pool.


ricotta cream? Yea or Nay?

[Janey]

Tonysweetie, grats on the 6 pounds! That's great!!


I set up BalanceLog (http://www.healthetech.com/balancelog/) last night, and told the program that I wanted to lose 1.3 pounds/week between now and May 20. It gave me a net calorie goal of (*sigh*) 1130 calories/day. Being short sucks.

I didn't do a very good job yesterday... mostly because we went to Pallino Pastaria for pizza... and that one stupid meal was 1500 calories... greater than my entire budget for the day. :eek: Pizza also sucks. Well, lots of really good neopolitan pizza sucks for someone who is doing the CC Weightloss Challenge. Otherwise, pizza is great!

With 535 calories worth of jog/walking for the couch-to-5k yesterday, and 510 calories worth of Step Aerobics today, however, I'm now 134 calories under budget for the week. Hooray for me! My Polar Heart Rate Monitor, by the way, does not suck. In fact it sorta rules. :) I'm really glad I have it... it's so encouraging to know that I've already burned 1145 calories this week.

[Cr8nme]

Thanks a lot for all the input! I forgot that my grandfather sent me 3 pds of pecan :eek: I could be eating some of those! Also I will try and put chicken in my lunch salad!

[LynzeyAHL]

Thanks a lot for all the input! I forgot that my grandfather sent me 3 pds of pecan :eek: I could be eating some of those! Also I will try and put chicken in my lunch salad!

OMGosh you are so lucky. My best friends mom seriously takes 5 gallon pails when they go down south for the winter and stop on the side of the road to pick up pecans. Will your grandpa adopt me?!? I <heart> pecans!:o

[LynzeyAHL]

Tonysweetie, grats on the 6 pounds! That's great!!


I set up BalanceLog (http://www.healthetech.com/balancelog/) last night, and told the program that I wanted to lose 1.3 pounds/week between now and May 20. It gave me a net calorie goal of (*sigh*) 1130 calories/day. Being short sucks.

I didn't do a very good job yesterday... mostly because we went to Pallino Pastaria for pizza... and that one stupid meal was 1500 calories... greater than my entire budget for the day. :eek: Pizza also sucks. Well, lots of really good neopolitan pizza sucks for someone who is doing the CC Weightloss Challenge. Otherwise, pizza is great!

With 535 calories worth of jog/walking for the couch-to-5k yesterday, and 510 calories worth of Step Aerobics today, however, I'm now 134 calories under budget for the week. Hooray for me! My Polar Heart Rate Monitor, by the way, does not suck. In fact it sorta rules. :) I'm really glad I have it... it's so encouraging to know that I've already burned 1145 calories this week.

Pizza addiction here. if you make it at home using a whole wheat pita rubbed with a little olive oil and herbs then baked til its a little crisp and bubbly then put a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes, use the lowfat pre sliced moz. and then top off with veggies and and a sprinkle of Parmesan and lowfat shredded moz. ITS SO GOOD and only a few hundred calories for the whole thing! I can't wait for phase 2. Only 11 more days!

[LynzeyAHL]

Cr8nme -- if you're not hungry on that menu, then great! If you are, I'd try adding a little protein to your breakfast or lunch. Toss some nuts onto your cereal, or add some chicken to your salad. You're really only getting protein at dinner.

milk and avacado both have protein and could actually just do a sprinkle of low fat or Blue cheese on the salad.

but with all those pecans why would you?!? ;)

[Cr8nme]

Very true! I am going to take advantage of all of these nut :p I have in the house!! I feel really good today and wasn't hungry! I also felt really satisfied although I would love to have my favorite cookie right now. I am also vowing not to eat after 7:30. I guess I should go to sleep now,lol since its 9pm

[wsusquirrel]

I ate all my chili with NO cheese and I am starving tonight... :confused: Going to look for something 1/2 way healthly.... any suggestions?

[Chris~n~Jen]

ricotta cream? Yea or Nay?

Hmmm! It was ok, I guess. I kinda knew to expect the texture of it though. We cook with ricotta a lot, since Chris's family is Italian. I just kept telling myself that it tasted just like cannoli cream. ;)

[Janey]

LynzeyAHL, that sounds awesome!! I'm going to have to try that. :D

In my quest for Low-Cal pizzas, I have come up with a few options ...

- Trader Joe's has quite a few low-calorie pizzas. You have to look at the Nutritional Info to make sure... but there are quite a few that aren't diet-killing. I bring them home, top them with Oberto's Turkey Pepperoni, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, whatever... and man-oh-man are they good.

- A.C. LaRocco (http://www.aclarocco.com/) makes awesome wheat-crust pizzas. They are not as low-cal as TJ's, but they are very good and healthy. Again, I put Turkey Pep & extra veggies on them. It used to be that if you emailed them to find out where their pizzas were sold in your area, they would mail you $1 off coupons. Don't know if that still works, but interested parties could try it!

Unfortunately... we were out-and-about around Lunchtime on Monday... and yum yum, there was Pallino's!

[Oakley]

The whole wheat crust idea is a good one! They say if you double the sauce, 1/2 the cheese and add a TON of veggies- pizza can be good for you! I swear it's the only way I get my husband to eat veggies. :rolleyes: I also dab off the pizza with a paper towel if it's greasy. It looks gross, but it can save 100-200 calories!!

[Coccinelle]

My starting weight is 143.6.

Great to see you again Challenge #4 ladies and welcome to the newbies :)

[ruledbymercury]

So far so good for me. I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes on Monday and yesterday. I'm still working on finding my 3-lb weights for my arm workout, but I think I'm just going to end up buying a new set this weekend. I've done pretty well with the eating, but it has been trying at times. And I need to drink way more water. But since there is a definite change between what I WAS eating and what I'm eating now, I know I'm sure to see some results on Friday when I weigh in (I chose Fridays as my weigh-in days). I'm crossing my fingers for 2 or 3 lbs!

Today is my shopping spree day! DH gave me a bunch of giftcards and got the day off with my boss for me to go on a shopping spree with my best friend. That was my big Christmas gift this year. And we're going to my favorite mall, the Florida Mall, which is HUGE! So I just know I'll be walking miles today. Yay for getting in exercise while shopping! That truly is the best exercise of all.

[meganth]

Wow! Page 4 already?

Total weight loss since Sept 13: 16 Pounds
Current Weight: 139
week 1:
week 2:
week 3:
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
Total Weight Loss: - 0

[bethnjim]

I have a question~~I am 5'8"-5'9" tall...right in between there. According to my height and weight (250) I am supposed to eat 3500 calories a day to maintain my weight. Yesterday, I ate a total of 1200 calories...actually, a little less, but I rounded up to 1200. I worked out for 15 minutes on my eliptical trainer. Do you think 1200 calories is realistic? I don't feel hungry and have been incorporating more fruits and veggies, which are OF COURSE, lower in calories.

Oh and something that I find to be SUPER yummy:

2 cups of Trader Joe frozen strawberries
1/4 cup of Trader Joe's organic lofat yogurt
2 packets of Splenda
2 cups of cold water

I blend that all together and drink away. It is SO GOOD and it gets in my fruit and total calories is 105. I thought that was pretty good. It makes about 12-16oz of liquid.

[bethnjim]

Is anyone measuring and tracking weight? I started a spiral notebook and have been writing down food each day. I wrote on page one my starting weight and then the measurements of bust, waist, hips, each thigh and each arm. I figured if I am working out that I might see a difference in inches more quickly than weight.:o

Wednesday's menu:

Breakfast--
3/4 cup of egg white with one whole egg scrambled with 1 tbsp of skim milk
2 slices of white toast
2 sprays of I can't believe its not butter spray
1 glass of grape juice

Lunch--
7oz of water packed tuna
2 tbsp of lofat mayo

Dinner--
3 oz of flounder
1 cup of veggies
1/2 cup of mashed potates using skim milk

Snack--
2 cups of frozen strawberries
1/4 cup of organic lofat yogurt
water
(blended all together and made a smoothie)

For workout, I ran/jogged/walked for 2 miles!!

[TaterBaby]

Bethnjim, I'm writing down everything I eat and counting calories. I also write down the specifics of what I do on the treadmill when I exercise, such as the distance, time, incline, mph, and calories burned.

I had my metabolism tested a few months ago and it gave me the exact numbers of what I need to eat to maintain and to lose. It's great to know numbers for my body instead of what a generalized chart will tell you.

I've been on my treadmill every day since we bought it! We got it Sunday, but still...I am proud of myself and feel better about things already. :D

[boilermaker]

bethnjim, to be honest, 1200 calories for your size seems very low to me. To the point of forcing your body into starvation mode. It seems crazy, but eating too little can certainly halt the weight loss as your body starts storing everything. That being said, 3500 is an awfully lot of calories!!

I have also kept food diaries...I kept one in my journal here for awhile. I do much better when I do that. It's like it makes you more accountable for what you eat. So, if you want to post in here daily, we'll let you :D And that smoothie sounds yummy.

I had a bad night last night. Worked way to late to get my exercise in, then went home and ate processed food. It is definitely mush easier to eat and live healthy when you don't have a job interfering with the process!!!!

[ellidew]

bethnjim- 1200 calories is what i've always heard is the calorie intake to lose weight at a healthy pace. I think it has a lot to do with WHAT your calories are coming from too though. Your meal plan looks great and if you aren't hungry then even better. I am not usually hungry on my diet but i do occasionally get a hunger pain. If that happens try to grab a fruit or veggie or even drink a big glass of water. Personally, I had to initially overcome the convenience of grabbing whatever i could find.
I write everything down too. I am not keeping track of calories though. Each day i get 2 proteins, 4 vegetables, 3 fruits, 2 starches, 1 dairy, 1 fat and 2 protein bars. My meal plan for today is...

Breakfast:
1/4 cup Oatmeal (1/2 a starch)
1 yogurt cup (dairy)
1 T. honey (i "fry" my oatmeal in honey and PAM then put it on top of my yogurt... mmmm.)
8 oz oj (2 fruits)

Snack:
Protein Bar

Lunch:
1 Vegetarian Chicken Patty (Protein)
1 cup no salt added canned green beans (2 vegetables)
1 100% fruit leather (fruit)

Snack:
Protein Bar

Dinner:
1 Vegetarian Chicken Patty (Protein)
1/2 baked potato (starch)
1 T. sour cream
small amount of milk (dairy) (i only ate 90% of my yogurt so i could add a little milk to the potato and beat them with sour cream for mashed potatoes!)
1 cup no salt added canned green beans (2 vegetables)
1/4 cup nonfat yogurt (starch)

I've always been amazed at the shear amount of food i can eat and lose weight! Almost 30 lbs and counting so i guess i'm doing something right! :D

I did pretty darn good yesterday and today i am back on track with no dinner plans or out of town company in sight! Phew! Those out of town guests were killin' me! I need to get my average weight loss back up into the 2 lbs a week range. I averaged 2.6 before Thanksgiving and now i am down to around 1.6. With the cruise fast approaching i have a lot of work t