let's do this together- new challenge

Calling all of you that needs a challenge and boost your pre or post op and our new lifestyle.

I know it's been done many times before, but I'm proposing that we start a challenge and keep track of each others progress.

I know that we're all suppose to be better with our nutrition and exercise, but I haven't been very good lately.   I need your support and I'm going to take a shot at let 's say.... um.... NEW YEAR'S!!!!  

Let's all join force and nurture ourselves.   That doesn't take away off all of your progress and to go all out during the holidays... It's a way to help us all basically be healthier with goals.

What do you think?   Any ideas out there??   Do you think that it's a good idea?   I check this site every morning and every night so it would be interesting.

My best,

Rachel

Hey Rachel,

I am starting to feel up for a challenge!

For years I have tried to eat healthy.  Our whole family does the low fat,  whole wheat options, lots of fruit and veggies.  Of course portion size makes a difference and anything that starts with "c" can be my downfall if in the house = cheese, cake, cookies, chips, creamy sauces and chocolate.  Since I have been sick the last couple months, my hubby has been doing the grocery shopping for the most part and only buys what is on the list - so no cookies, chips etc although he did bring home some chocolate covered nuts!

Some other changes I have implemented:

- focusing on protein at every meal (even snack - peanut butter on graham crackers or grapes and cheese - cheese is protein, woohoo)

- taking vitamins daily

- no drinking pop - not a big issue as only had it on occasion before

- no drinking alcohol - not that I drink a lot, but on special occasions or over at mom's there is always wine around

- often skipping the starch/carb at meals - make pasta, rice, potatoes on the side (even for my soups) so that the rest of the family can have some and I don't have to have it.
 
A few things I still need some work on:

- drinking more water, although because I was sick I was having more tea and neo citron which is made of water.

- increasing my exercise  - I think the coughing did build up my abdominal muscles, lol.  We have done some furniture rearranging for the Christmas tree, and when we take that down there will now be room to bring up my air walker again and I will be using that.

We bought some batteries for my scale but it still does not work.  I think that both my hubby and I have lost some weight though, as some of my undies feel looser, lol, and he needs to wear his belt tighter!

So although I will continue to work on all the above, my goal for New Years is to drink 64oz of water each day and exercise 30 minutes a day.

Each day that we accomplish our goals we will get a gold star?? 

WOW Michelle, you are doing awesome already!!!   I need my gold star every day.  I think it's a great idea cause each day is the first day of the rest of our lives!!!!

I'm with you.   64 oz and 30 min. of exercise.

I need to start doing the drinking method- no liquids at least 30 minutes prior or after meals.   I'm going to have a hard time with that because I always thought it was part of the meal.  So no POP from now on either...

We're in this together!!!

Great idea !  Just thought I'd mention that after surgery you are only allowed 48 oz of water per day unless you are exercising regularly.  They are pretty strict about the 48 oz rule.  I miss drinking more, I have to say.

Hey Patsy,

That "rule" would depend on the type of surgery you have - so everyone be sure to follow your own surgeon's instructions. 

With the DS procedure we are allowed to drink with meals (in moderation as there is not a lot of room of course) and are encouraged to drink a minimum of 64oz - the more the better all day long.

Merry Christmas!

I'd like to be in but I'm thinking along the lines of 10 or 15 min excercise. I'm am super sedentary so 10 or 15 will probably kill me as it is. I really could benefit from being held accountable and I'd love to have support from others who are also doing it. Count me in...if you don't mind. Starr

I am with Michelle on the goals- drink my water (I hate water unless super cold) and exercising 30 minutes a day. When do we start?

I think we should start January 1.   2009 is OUR year.

You're right Michelle, I forgot to put that in, that that is for Dr. B's Lapband patients only.  my mistake.  Patsy