Weekly Challenge Update!!!

Hiya gang!!!! Well, how did we do on our first weekly challenge??? We had a good response from those of you willing to throw your hat into the ring and participate in this challenge!! Thanks for sharing your goals with us and being a part of something great!!! Melissa and I had decided to concentrate on our protein totals (through both food and supplements), Angela wanted to work on calorie control and Lyn wanted to try to curb some of her snacking habits. So, girls, how did we do???? I will admit... of the seven days in this challenge, I had about 5 really good days, so I'm happy with my overall percentage. The couple of "bad" days that I had were a direct result of me not being in control of what I had AVAILABLE to me to eat - a couple of family functions and a party resulted in snack-type foods that offered less than the nutritional value that I can control on my own. Before the party, I had a protein shake, which I'm sure helped with the amount of snacking I did at the party - I didn't eat nearly as much as I might have had I not had the shake. so kudos to me for that!! The family functions offered better choices, and I chose wisely (for the most part), but still lacked reaching my total protein goal for the day. So, chime in and tell us how you did this week!!! Do you want to continue with the same goal for another week, or would you like to add something to go along with last week's goal? Personally, I think I need another week or two to concentrate on this protein deal. I felt really good about myself this past week and my body felt good, so I know I'm on the right track. Still haven't gotten near the scales, but that will come in time! Big hugs to you all for a great last week......... Kristi

Um, I didn't do so well. I would say the first half of the week was great. I was really watching the calories and choosing wisely for each meal. Then, I slipped off my plan and stopped writing things down. I ended the week with some full sugar ice cream that actually did give me a little bit of dumpy feelings. So, at least I can say that I dumped a little. That might help me stay away from the sugar because I did feel pretty yucky. I am definintely going to need to work on this goal more. I was wondering if anyone else has to count calories? I know if I get over 1500 I either stay at the same weight or even gain. I really have to restrict myself to lose weight. I just wonder what other people are eating on a typical day. I am 4 and 1/2 years out, so I can tolerate almost anything, but I feel like I have to restrict my food intake like I did pre-surgery to see any weight loss at all. Some foods do fill me up faster and stay longer, but I still feel like I am constantly on a diet. Is this normal? Does everyone get to this point? It's discouraging, but I am not giving up. I will get back to goal and stay there. I have faith in myself. I hope everyone else had a great week and met their challenge. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts. Angela

A partial good week is better than a totally bad one, so give yourself lots of credit for knowing where you need to do better for the coming week. I'm proud of you!!!!!!!! Hugs! Kristi

I have to watch my calories, too - I try to stay to about 1,250 per day, but it varies. A typical menu for me on a WORK DAY would be: Early Morning: Black coffee and maybe 1/2 cup of dry cereal Breakfast: Hard-boiled egg 4 oz low-fat cottage cheese Lunch: 4-5 oz chicken OR 1/2 sandwich (ham or roast beef on either wheat bread or wheat tortilla) with some type of seasonal fruit. Mid-Afternoon Snack: Protein shake or low-fat string cheese or yogurt or cottage cheese Dinner: Some type of protein (4-5 oz) with a veggie and usually some kind of starch, which I try to limit to a couple of tablespoons. Dessert: 1/2 **** Cream (no sugar added or sugar free) or sugar free pudding As always, some days are better than others, and for the most part, this type of menu works for me so long as I don't deviate too far from it. Weekends are always harder to stick to a routine and I tend to fall off that wagon!!!!! I hope others post some ideas, too - I'm curious to know what everyone else out there is eating?!?!?!?!? Hope this helps on some level!!! Hugs! Kristi

Hello all! I did pretty good. I didn't snack, in fact I made a new resolution not to eat after dinner. NO SNACKS!! I think thats why I quit losing and put back on 10 lbs. Eating and then going to bed. Not good! So I'm back on track and have even lost a pound. Yay!!! At least I'm going in the right direction! How did everyone else do? Lyn

Way to go, Lyn!!! Snacking in the evenings is a problem for me, as well. I have tried to cut back on any/all snacking, but I do allow myself a sugar-free treat every night around 8:00. It's something to look forward to without feeling totally guilty. I'm still working on my protein issue - just can't seem to get all that protein in during the day, so I really have to work on it!!! Hugs! Kristi