Announcing Medhelp Weight Loss Challenge - Come Join Us!

The Weight is Over!!!

Do you want to lose weight?  Would you like to do something fun and rewarding?  Did you ever want to feel the thrill of success and throw your hands in the air and shout, "Yes, I did it!!!"

Then join us, as together we participate in MedHelp's first 3-week weight loss challenge hosted in the Weight Loss & Dieting Community!  This "Believe in Yourself Challenge" is designed to incorporate motivation, healthy eating and moderate exercise with a lively exchange of information, tips, support, friendship and fun and will periodically be featured in this community.

Join hands with new friends, invite your MedHelp friends and/or reach out to family, friends and coworkers not yet familiar with all that MedHelp has to offer.  Many people are struggling with weight concerns and there is strength in numbers!  Let's challenge ourselves to a mind-blowing weight loss challenge!

Rest assured, these challenges are not a "quick fix" to weight loss.  They are brief periods of time where we join together in a concerted effort to increase our motivation and provide additional support in making realistic short-term goals to realize the long-term transition to a healthy lifestyle that incorporates nutritional food choices, moderate exercise and explores our emotional relationship with food.

It's going to be intoxicating stuff!  So ... don't miss out; come be a part of this amazing journey!!!


***** CHALLENGE DATES:  OCTOBER 6th - OCTOBER 27th, 2008 *****



HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE BELIEVE IN YOURSELF CHALLENGE?


1.  You need to be a member of MedHelp.

2.  You need to be a member of the Weight Loss & Dieting Community.

3.  Add Ranaesheart to your friends list.  This step is important, as this is the best way to receive the challenge information on a daily basis.  

4.  This is a 3-week challenge.  We recommend that you set a realistic goal of 3-5 pounds for this challenge.  At the moment, we do not have a short-term goal tracker so we recommend you continue to update your progress in your long-term Weight Tracker and use your journal to update your short-terms goals as the challenge progresses.

5.  We will be making a daily post on exercise, motivation, success stories and occasionally provide you with special personal messages.  You can add your daily activity under a post we’ll be making in the community each day that will correspond to the challenge day.

6.  If you don’t have a Weight Tracker, please set up your Weight Tracker http://www.medhelp.org/land/track-weight-loss.  It is fairly self-explanatory, but there are also instructions posted in the Health Pages (http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Weight-Loss/How-to-Set-Up-Your-Weight-Tracker/show/459?cid=129).  The Weight Tracker is the most useful tool in our long-term and short-term success.  It allows you to post your weight, measurements and specific events.  There is also a place to post your exercise and make journal entries regarding your daily activity.  

7.  We also recommend the use of the Mood Tracker and the Water Consumption Tracker.  Since our emotions can trigger an overeating event, this tracker helps us identify what emotions are responsible and learning that correlation helps us identify a plan of action to make other choices.  Drinking enough water also helps us with a weight loss program and the Water Consumption Tracker helps make us better aware of what we are really doing.

8.  Finally, keeping a food journal is a very useful tool in holding ourselves accountable for what we eat and provides a wealth of information.  If anyone has difficulty, it is easier to provide assistance if there is a history of food consumption.  For the time being, if you elect to journal your food, please enter this information in your daily journal.

[TrudieC]

This is a great idea!  I've just had a few days of increased weight, breaking my diet, and feeling low about the lack of progress.  I know it is in my power to do but I have been so bad.  This will help to energize me.

[msgorgeous]

YAY just what i needed ill be a participant in this great challange yeah woohoo time to get healthier as hard as its gonna be we ahve each other for help in support good luck to all lets do this

[ChitChatNine]

Yes, count me in .. 3 lbs for me!

C~

[selmaS]

Love to be part of this......I have ?s.....what can I do to lose??
Help please......

"selma"

[Ranaesheart]

TrudieC ~ Well we all have those moments and these concerted efforts help us all work together to get over those humps.  YEAAHH YOUUUU for recognizing this and jumping on board to gain some additional support and motivation.  This is why the challenges are done!

Msgorgeous ~ Absolutely love your attitude and your enthusiasm ... what a cheerleader you are for us and the sunshine you bring will help us all.

ChitChatNIne ~ Wonderful realistic goal ... Very Well DONEEE!!!

Selma ~ So glad you are willing to participate!  Please call your doctor as to what you can do physically and we'll help with finding instructions for exercises.  Additionally, please start logging your food into your daily journal and please message me your height and age (I believe I have weight and activity level) and we'll find out the calories needed to maintain your weight.  From there, you'll need to figure out how many calories you want to cut in order to loswe weight.  Will work with you to do so .. ok?  You CAN DO THIS!!!  

So happy to see everyone signing up and participating.  We're so looking forward to sharing your comments, discussions and journeys as we kick this challenge off on October 6th!  

[suzi-q]

I have been so out of control lately, I am willing to give it a shot!  

[Ranaesheart]

So happy to have you here ... and thank you for coming!  Believe you will find it fun and rewarding and, as always, we're open to suggestions and feedback.  Each challenge changes slightly as it is an evolution of what the members find helpful.  Very much looking forward to your participation!!!  (((Hugs)))  ...  Ranae

[msgorgeous]

Thank you ranae, I know there are others out there just like me and they could use the motivation as can i if we do this together we have eachothers support etc... your a motivation for us all thank you

trudieC no need to feel low we all break from the diet it happens ive done more times then you can count. its ohk we are all here for you :)

me- work hard to achieve what you want to accomplish :)

Chitchatnine- welcome to the challange no doubt you will lose those three pounds :)

selma- your situation is unique but no worries it can be done ill be researching in the mean time to help you in anyway i can :)

suziQ welcome to the challange hope you find it to be just what you need to boost you in to control lol :)

Remember no pain no gain

[Skailark]

Hey everyone! How exciting is this! Welcome to the challenge!

[mirabella45]

count me in and thanks

[Ranaesheart]

So glad you joined us!!!  Welcome!!!  :]

[Ranaesheart]

Thanks soooo much for your enthusiastic spirit!  Soo happy to have you here!

[katanda]

I'm a recently diagnosed, overweight diabetic, time to make a change; Thanks for starting this challenge.

Katanda

[jeniel]

I would like to join but I've had a laparascopy 10 days ago.
Do you think it be OK for me to participate?
Jeniel

[Abbey40]

I need to get rid of 10 to 15 pounds. I want to do it the right way with diet and exercise and I'm willing to take it slow. I'm all for this program.

[Ranaesheart]

katanda ~ You are most welcome ... this challenge is for us!  Sooo look forward to your participation.

jeniel ~ You are welcome to participate just please be careful to do activities within your doctor's limitations.  The motivation, success stories and things of that nature that we share should be beneficial either way.  As for the exercise challenge, definitely make sure it is within your limitations.  Happy to have you aboard!

Abbey40 ~ Your attitude is Amazing and just perfect; slow and easy and just like the tortoise run the race, so will you ... and me!  I still have 24 lbs to go to reach my goal and am targeting 3 pounds for this challenge.  

All ~ The wonderful thing about MedHelp and this forum, is that we can stay together before, after, through and inbetween the challenges.  There truly is strength and comeraderie that helps us and blesses us along our journeys.  So very glad to meet all of you!!!  

[edaho]

Hi,

I would like to share my weight loss regimen.  I am a 66 year old man, 6'1", and until three months ago I weighed 215 lbs.  I had tried a low carb, high protein diet and lost ten lbs, which I quickly regained when I became starved for carbs.  I also tried the Diamond diet of only eating fruit until noon and than having either carbs or protein meals.  Again, I lost ten lbs but quickly regained it when I got burnt out on green fruits that never seemed to ripen.  

I decided that I had to cut calories of all sorts, but didn't want to starve while doing it.

The method I came up with was to eat just one meal a day.  Now that might sound like starving, but I had a plan I wanted to try.  It took a lot of self discipline and I did get a bit hungry at times, but not too much.  My plan included drinking all the liquids I wanted, which would reduce the hunger pangs.  I drank all the fruit juice, vegetable juice, and 2% milk I wanted.  Besides that I allowed myself all the fresh fruit I could eat.  I would eat one meal in the evening and I did not limit myself to a small portion, but ate all I wanted of anything.

Believe it or not, after a couple of weeks of this my appetite decreased, which really encouraged me to continue.  I have now lost twenty lbs and have more energy.  Basically, I have mostly changed my eating habits.  My appetite no longer controls me.  I have now lost twenty lbs and my goal is to lose fifteen more.  It may take another three months to do that, but I now feel confident that I can do so.  

I do make exceptions to this occasionally, like when someone invites me for breakfast or lunch.  However, one day's failure does not cause much change.  I get back on track the next day.  

I hope this can help some of you who struggle like I have to get back to a decent weight.

[Ranaesheart]

Thank you for sharing the plan that works for you.  With all due respect, I hope you will allow me to share some information with you as well.

Eating one meal a day is not a healthy way to lose weight as it basically puts your body into starvation mode.  Now anyone can lower their calories enough to lose weight, but at a low calorie level you risk your body using muscle for energy and the largest muscle is your heart.

Fruit juice is high in calories and your body truly would be better served to eat the fruit as it is more filling and provides you with fiber.  

Have you considered eating well balanced meals ... 3 small meals and 3 small snacks ... as it keeps your metabolism working throughout the day, does not put your body into starvation mode?  You are then able to lose a healthy 1-2 pounds per week.  It preserves muscle and develops a plan of healthy eating that can be sustained for a lifetime.

In the end, it remains your choice.  Just wanted to share this with you as I truly care that you do not harm yourself by the manner in which you have chosen to eat.

Very best wishes ... and with heartfelt sincerity ...
Ranae

[tnalyn]

I just recently lost about 10 lbs. but have had a hard time getting the rest of the weight off. I only want to lose about 10 more lbs. Hope this helps. When does the challenge start??

[Dianacross]

I would like to be a part of this challenge.  I have MS and autonomic dysfunction that requires a pacemaker.  It's hard to stay motivated.  It should be fun!

Thanks Diana

[misslollipop]

Count me in too i need to lose some weight lets do it, i need to have something to keep me on track.

[MsRie]

Okay ...Im in too...I just have to figure out how to get into this community : )

But I am going to give it a shot ...lately no matter what I do I can't loose an ounce... and I have a ton to lose !!

So , YES and Thank You !

MsRie
Oy..there it is ...ha ha ..that was easy : --) da !

[gulina]

pls help me i do need to loose weight. i weigh 92 kgs and my height is 168 cm. i dont know my bmi.thanks

[Micka1122]

IM IN FOR THIS IT WILL BE GREAT

[edaho]

No, my body is not in starvation mode.  If the calorie intake is less than what is needed to maintain one's present weight one will lose weight.  My energy level has increased and I feel better all over.  Twenty pounds weight loss in three months is less than two pounds a week.  That's hardly starvation.  Thanks for your imput though.  Perhaps my plan is too simple to be popular;)

[Niffer991]

Your BMI is 32.6 Normal is 18.5-24.9 so now you know the facts, but at least you are in the right place making the right moves. I wish you the best of luck in Ranaesheart's Challenge.

Jen

[bubbles750]

count me in i  need to lose around 30 lbs im  willing to try maybe with all the support i can really do this .i really need motivation so lets get going!

[TysonRed]

Sounds great! This is something that I could really benefit from long term. For about 5yrs now I was about 10-20lbs overweight, now after blowing my knee out again and in the process of stop taking pain medication that I abused, I am now 60lbs overweight. Now I understand this is just for a few lbs, but I just need help with a change in lifestyle that will allow me to get healthier. Currently I do 3days/week of physical therapy that is pretty intense for about an hr each day. When home I like to use dumbells(25lbs) for light upper body workouts, but Im very inconsistent with it. Ok, so I will invite Renaesheart and add the necessary trackers, join the weight forum. If Im wrong plz let me know, thank you, good luck to all!

[msgorgeous]

First of all welcome to the WL&D co AND welcome to the challenge! we are glad to have you all more ppl the better. I wish you all sucess in your weight loss journey to a healthier you :) so get out there and work off those pounds :) somedays will be easy others hard but you just got push through it. because you will love the outcome :) a new healthier you :)

[bet643]

Can't wait to get started..........I hope that this will help me because I've given up hope and not much help from my doctors. Since the hoshimotos and thyroid cancer, life just isn't the same. Use to weigh 110 to 115, now I'm just ashamed to leave the house.

[Red2008]

Im in, put me down for a 3lb weight goal.
: )  julie

[msgorgeous]

bet643

welcome to the challange glad to have you :) Get ready for the best time of your life :) its gonna be hard work but you can do this i know you can just as i can do this :) no need to be ashamed to leave your house dont let the fear of what others might say or judge you. your you and thats that and your working to a healthier you soo who cares what they say or think you cannot let them control you :) we will suceed and you will be soo thrilled with the results i gaurantee it :) soo let the challange begin lol ;)


EVERYONE! the challange is coming up soo i advise during this time to start streching and gear up for this life changing challange . we will suceed we will be healtier be stronger we will feel better about ourselves we can and will do this

YAY i cannot wait to see the results of the challange im soo excited as should you be :)

LETS GET THIS THING STARTED.

[Murmmie30]

I am so glad you're having this contest. I need the motivation and the support. Put me in for 5 lbs. -Mary

[msgorgeous]

mary

welcome to the WL&D co soo glad you want to participate in the challange yay i wish you sucess in your weight loss journey

[Ranaesheart]

WoWWWW ... you are all INCREDIBLE!!!  Welcome, welcome, WELCOME!!!

tnalyn - Yes, this challenge should help you and it starts October 6th.  We'll be making daily posts and will give some more instructions before we start.

Dianacross - This challenge, each one thereafter and in this group through and inbetween the challenges ... we should be sharing tons of motivation and have fun!

misslollipop - Love your team spirit and by participating in the group and trackers .. you should be able to stay on track.  We're here to help you in the easy times and the hard times.

MsRie - So glad you found this community and in response to the "ton" of weight ... just take baby steps and let's break it down to many small goals.  It's easier, attainable and we get to celebrate many successes that way!

gulina - Welcome and best wishes to you.  Seems you have been furnished with your BMI.  Please let us know any other questions that arise and we're tickled you're sharing your journey with us.

Micka1122 - Happy you're "in" ... :]  The key is to stay engaged with this community throughout your journey ... strength and knowledge in numbers.

bubbles750 - Keep involved with the group and we'll gladly share your entire journey with you to see you safely and healthily to your journey's end.  For now, how about 3-5 lbs for the challenge?

TysonRed - Lifestyle change is the best reason and we're happy to help you move your exercise to a consistent basis.  It will help you to note your exercise on your Weight Tracker and soon we'll have an Exercise Tracker for your use.

Murmmie30 - Welcome, Mary, so glad you are here.  This is a 3-week challenge but sure hope you will stay tuned long-term and participate in periodic challenges.

Niffer991 - Jen, thank YOU for calculating BMI and for being such a valuable and motivational team member!!!

msgorgeous - Your team spirit abounds and what a friendly and welcoming ambassador you are' thank YOU!

bet643 - Please do not be ashamed to leave the house ... you are valuable, worthwhile and such a gift no matter what your size!  You are one of a kind, a precious gem, be Proud of who you are!  Stay engaged here at MedHelp for support and you will reach your goals with the effort you put into your self.

Red2008 - Wonderfully realistic goal!!!  Yeahhh YOUUU!!!

Am so very excited to meet all of you and we are off and running in building such a wonderful team!!!   Gooo USSS GOOOOO!!!!!

Many (((Hugs)))
Ranae

[bet643]

Thanks for responding...I hope this is the answer. I am getting excited about our own little weight loss challange. It's great to be part of the team. Good luck to all.

[Skailark]

Let's go and make this challenge a memorable one!
" Wooo haaaa !"  Let's hear the roar people!

[newmomma26]

I've been dieting for several months now, and I've actually lost some weight, but.... I guess I've been getting lazy about it lately. A challenge is just what I need to get back on track! This may be a big goal, but I really really want to lose 10 pounds this month. I suppose a more realistic goal for this challenge will be 5 pounds, though, so that's what I'll go for   =)

[msgorgeous]

newmomma26

Welcome to the WL&D co. and welcome to the challange glad to have you. 5 pounds is more realistic but 10 pounds is possible so dont limit your self to how much you want to lose i would just go for it and see what happens but if your into keeping track of how much you lose go for it :) I wish you sucess in your weight loss journey to a healthier new you :)  YAY!




IM READY TO KICK THESE EXTRA POUNDS TO THE CURB SO IMA PACK THERE BAGS AND HOPE THEY DONT COME BACK  LOL

[tnalyn]

Thanks for responding...I'm excited and hope this helps me stay motivated. My biggest problem right now is that my fiance likes to eat late in the evening and thats when I lose it. I eat what he eats. I do good all day long when I'm working and not around him, but he's that type that can eat whatever he wants and it's no biggie. I am big on exercise, but once again it's hard to stay motivated when I'm doing it alone. I try to get a 5 mile run in at least 4 times a week and do some aerobic workout videos, but those get old fast. Well, hopefully this helps!!!

[twinkle36]

Count me in!  I would like to lose 5lbs in the three weeks, but would be happy with 3lbs or more!  It's a great idea, and I like the suggestion of getting a mood tracker, had never thought of linking that into my dieting.  

People power.... :O)

[fourkidcrazymom]

I am up for the challenge, I have about 10 more pounds that I would like to lose.

[scutch]

   Hello all,
                  This sounds very   good to me......I had lost 30 pounds in 04  , before
             getting pregnant and haven't been able to lose my "baby weight " since.
                  I need all the motivation I can get!!!
                  
                           I

[Skailark]

Welcome to the group and lets bring out everything we got for the challenge!

[lilypad300]

count me in!
I'm ready!!

[Murmmie30]

I can't wait. I've already started a diet just week ago and this is exactly what I need to stay motivated and keep it going. I started at 175 and (according to my cheap set of scales) I am now at 167. I know it sounds like a lot to lose in a week but I am not sure the scales are exact and I did have a lot of water weight. I am eating 1000 cals a day and taking alli. I am drinking water and I have an energy drink in the mornings. I feel great. I do need to vamp up the exercise routine but I have two kids and they keep my on my toes at all times so it's not like I'm staying idol. My goal weight is 155. I want to reach that goal by my 5th wedding anniversary Nov. 30th so wish me luck!

[sk123]

Your BMI can also be found on your weight tracker, so you'll be able to track this throughout the challenge. Good luck!

[Skailark]

You can do this!

[Ranaesheart]

How THRILLING to see so many new faces and the motivation and excitement is energizing!!!  Thank you all for allowing us to participate with you!!!

newmomma26 - There are times it can be a little difficult to reinforce new habits .. like exercise.  That is why being an active participant in a group like this is so very important.  If you can just shout out when you're having trouble ... there is a multitude of knowledgeable and caring members to uphold you and encourage you to move!  It's why these periodic challenges and the long-term support of the community works.  As for the 5 lbs ... very nice choice!!!  We'll be challenging you with some different moves! ;)

tnalyn - Thank YOU for responding to the call of the weight loss challenge ... we couldn't do this without you and everyone else that has so willingly responded.  As for the fiance, try letting him know what you're doing and ask for his support.  Then, stock up on some healthy options and you can eat as well.  The old thought that you can't eat at night has been proven not to be true ... it depends on how many total calories you consume, not the time of day.

twinkle36 - Great attitude, Sunshine!  Glad to see you're doing the mood tracker; as there really can be a correlation between overeating and our emotions.

fourkidcrazymom - WoWWW, I am Amazed!  Four kids must certainly keep you busy and they are such a blessing.  Perhaps, for some added motivation, you can get them involved with exercising WITH you!!!

scutch - Get ready to say good-bye to that baby weight!  We're here for you and I'm going to be targeting 3 lbs of baby weight from 30+ years ago .. lolll

lilypad300 - You're in and counted ... soooo glad you are here!!!

Murmmie30 - Very much wish you good luck and know that you can achieve your goals!  Know you will work very hard to reach your goal by your anniversary and we'll all join in your celebration!!!  

Take care everyone ... get ready by cleaning out those cupboards and getting some healthy food options on board!!!  (((Hugs)))  Ranae

[Ranaesheart]

Thanks for the BMI info .. ;)  sure appreciate it!!!

[bet643]

It's so great to see so many that are interested. I'm am excited to see some thyroid people !!! If you don't have Hashimotos and thyroid cancer/disorders, people just don't understand how hard it is to lose weight when you have both.I'm one of those who  who never ever had a weight problem before. So  I'm glad to  see all this excitement out there. By the way, for those who had difficulty leaving me messages, I think I have it solved. I did receive quite a few, Thanks Ranae for your warm welcome and your support.

[twinkle36]

It's great to see all the positive attitudes its rubbing off as I'm feeling really up for the challenge.  I'm so glad to see so many of us raring to go, we can do this together.  Hope everyone has a gorgeous day.  XX

Our ideas, like orange-plants, spread out in proportion to the size of the box which imprisons the roots.

Edward Bulwer Lytton

LETS BE A HUGE ORANGE BOX :o)  

[msgorgeous]

Welcome welcome everyone im soo glad to see soo many of us working to make this challange a great sucess. theres soo much motivation to go around so lets get ready for the weight loss journey of are lives yippee we are kicking these pounds to the curb woohoo Lots of sucess to you and your weight loss journey

[Ranaesheart]

I'm smelling orange blossoms and putting on my football uniform ... spreading out to fill that orange box with the help of everyone in this community and preparing to kick the pounds to the curb!!!

The warm welcomes, inspiring posts and positive motivation are soooo inspirational!  And ... it's ALL THE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY!!!!!   YEAHHHHHH!!!  YOU ROCK!!!!

[lilclar]

I am so excited to get help.  I lost a lot 2 years ago and with the ups and downs of thyroid problems, have gained back 10 pounds this summer.  Yuck!!  I am really excited and look forward to the kickoff!!!

[Ranaesheart]

Am excited here as well and we're down to one more day before we kick it off!!!  So very glad we can all share in this together!  

[Mandi613]

I am so glad I found all you guys.  I am so ready for this!  It is nice to know we can do this together.  

[scutch]

good morning everyone,


                     I think  Sunday is a good day to go out and get motivated.....wash the car,  play with the kids, dog, plant some fall mums.... ......just move!!!    
                    Just keep moving..............
                                  Have a great  motivating day everyone

                                        
                              

[Skailark]

Hope you guys are having a great day and getting ready for the big day tomorrow!

[bet643]

Would like to wish everyone good luck and good health on your journey to a healthier life.

[CharmaineZoe]

Please count me in :-)

[twinkle36]

D Day is here!  I want to lose 5lbs on this 3 week challenge, as that will be my 1 stone off.  Hope everyone is feeling motivated and full of energy :O)  

Good luck everyone x

[Ranaesheart]

You're in ... sent you a message and a friend request ... welcome aboard!!!  :)

[scutch]

             Good morning all,

                      I am off to a running start today.... I got 5.25 miles in on the eliptical..WOOHOOO!!!   My only problem is undermining all that exercise by over eating....any suggestions ??  
                     Good luck everyone
  

[twinkle36]

Hiya all, I'm feeling good and looking forward to the group challenge.  I went for a long walk with my husband and puppy yesterday and also did 10 minutes on my exercise machine 'total vibrations'.  

Hope everyone is feeling good and having a good Tuesday :o)

Love and hugs xx

[Lonelymom]

HELP ME!!!!  

I weigh 176 lbs and can't seem to lose the weight. I went on the slim fast diet and stuck completely to that diet. I was going to the gym every night and working out for an hour. drinking the slim fast shake in the morning, eating celery sticks or carrots around 10 a.m. and then eating a cup of soup and drinking the slim fast shake for lunch, eating fruit for snack at 3 p.m. and then eating a well balanced dinner.  I am and would drink bottles of water all day long.

I am not allowed to have caffeine because of my heart murmur so drinking water is not a problem.

I continued this diet for about 3 months and didn't lose any weight!!!  So I figured I would up it a little and take a diet pill which had me taking three pills before each meal plus this pill to clean your system and a pill to help with water weight gain. Again no weight loss. Not even inches off.

I have gone to the doctor and had blood work done and it came back normal. So why can't I lose weight? What am I doing wrong?

[Lonelymom]

Also my BMI is 29.  Sorry meant to add that earlier.

[Keni0128]

I used to be 130 pounds, but that was thanks to a strange stint as an anorexic of sorts. Now that I am eating again, and now I am about 185 pounds and I cannot seem to lose! I just seem to go up and up and I just eat and eat. I know all I have to do is stop eating, but I feel like losing weight is such an uphill battle for me. I have tried everything, and for some reason I cannot stick to something. I want to be in this! Help!

[bet643]

Come join us on our weight loss challenge. Slim fast  does contain vitamines and has some nutrional value, however, all it ever did for me was give me gas. I use to use it just to kind of take care of the grum bellies between meals. Other than that, I never ;lost any weight from it. Maybe Ranaes video will give you hope, it has for me. I'm still looking for something that works. The only thing that took off a 5 pounds fast was the gabbage soup (vegetable soup) diet. But boy do you get sick of eating that soup for a week. It was soup, morning noon and night.

[bet643]

Sorry for all of my typos, I need to slow down and proof read before posting.  Looks like I can't spell. LOL

[Ranaesheart]

scutch - Dearest, the question we have to ask our self when we are undermining our efforts and overeating is "why?"  It usually has to do with an emotion. If you are overeating because you are hungry .. the growling in your tummy .. then I can help you make some food choices that will fill you without adding too many calories.  If you are not experiencing hunger pains, then there is another issue that requires us to look deeper.  For tomorrow's video ... I'll try to talk about this .. and see if  I can offer you some thoughts.  Keep posting and we'll all work together to help you.

twinkle36 - Way to go on the exercise and walking with the puppy!!!  Wonderful effort!

Lonelymom - With all due respect, and with your best interests at heart, perhaps you might want to consider giving up the Slim Fast and diet pills.  It also sounds like yoru body was in starvation mode ... I'll address that more in a video this week.  Throughout my life, I have tried them and many other ways to lose weight.  The only way that I have found that truly works, and it is supported by university studies, is to make better, healthier, nutritional food choices and implemented moderate exercise.  Our weight is determined by what you consume ... minus the energy burned in exercise ... equals your weight.  Please join us here and we'll help provide you with the knowledge and baby steps it takes to implement a healthy lifestyle change.  It's not a "quick fix" but it is very doable.  

Keni0218 - Join us here in the challenge .. it is not a diet or a quick fix .. but a team of caring and supportive friends here to help and accompany you in your journey.  YOU CAN DO THISSSSS .. We ALL Can!  Believe .. even when it is not rational and good things WILL happen.  Believing we can change begins our journey and then staying involved in this group will help you make the necessary changes to realize your goals.  We all have to learn how to change our old eating habits for new ones and take baby steps to do so.  We'll be talking about that throughout the challenge.  Please join us ...

bet643 - As we all work together and make small changes, step by step, our lives change to bring about our desired weight loss results.  And .. you spell just fine!  

ALL - If you have not done so already, please send me a friend request, start your weight and mood trackers and jump in to the challenge by reading the Challenge Communication post and the Daily thread ... we're on Day 3 today.  So honored and priviledged you are here and sincerely THANK YOU for reaching out and sharing your journeys.  Together we can help each other achieve our success ...

Many, many heartfelt (((HUGSSS)))
Ranae

[scutch]

    Good morning everyone,
                         It's a new day..... and a new start!!!

                         Ranae- thanks for the  insight.....It seems that whenever I over eat it is usually because I am bored.  A friend of mine lost a lot of weight and attributed it to only eating when she was hungry......sounds pretty simple, huh??  
                         I joined an aerobics class and went for my first session last night...it was GREAT!!   I am sure I looked silly but it  got the heart rate up!!
                         I will stay focused and I will lose weight,  
I can do this!!      We can do this!!

                      
                          



                

[Lonelymom]

Yes you are right I probably dont eat enough which has my metabolism slowed down to consume the fat.  I have started eating 5 small meals a day and I bought Tae Bo workout DVDs off of Amazon cheap!!

I did Tae Bo before I had my daughter and even though I couldn't tell a difference right off the bat on the scales I could in my clothes and my x husband would walk up behind me and pat my butt and say dang baby you are really firming up.  I felt great doing that exercise and didn't have to worry about a babysitter for my kids or the money for the gym.

I am excited to have a place to go to keep track of my weight loss and have support.

[Lonelymom]

Yea slim fast is a joke. I stayed hungry and got to where I hated drinking those shakes and eating soup all the time.  I am not going to try a diet and just going to eat healthier food and eat 5 small meals a day instead of just 3.  

Also no more soda's for me!! That is my major down fall!!

I have bought Tae Bo DVDs and joined a line dancing class on Thursday nights. Between the two I shall get plenty of excerise.

P.S. Don't worry about the typos I do it all the time.

[sandy828]

every time i go to the doctors he tells me im obese and thats why i have so many health problems (he was wrong and im angry at him). i am still overweight and would like to loose a bit, only just noticed this forum so im a bit late.. am i too young to join in?

[Lonelymom]

I am glad you are willing to help yourself.  How old are you?  Even if nobody else will I will be your buddy and help you. My neice is 12 years old and morbitably obese, I wish she would try to help herself. I am trying to get her to join me in losing weight together.

[Keni0128]

I know that when I was a kid, I always struggled with my weight. I have never been morbidly obese, but I was always larger than my other gal pals. My downfall then (and now, for that matter) is that often times my desire to be thin is overtaken by my desire for comfort food, or just any foods. To be quite honest, its something I still am struggling with (hence my presence here!), but after having so many people telling me they could tell I was getting bigger and bigger (even my boyfriend's MOTHER), I finally got disgusted with myself. Even though I do not always make the right choices, the reality has hit me that I am overweight and I have gained a substantial amount of weight over the past three years, and that keeps me on track. Your niece is 12, so it is going to possibly take some time for her to realize she needs to change a lot of her old habits. But maybe if you start smaller. I have been on diets since I was about 10, and its made me rather tough to deal with when it comes to diet and excercise. But, maybe if you try to do some athletic activities together, go on bike rides, if you can hike around, do that, go on walks, play some sport. Do something that tricks her (and you) into burning calories. That's something that has really helped me stick to working out. I have to do something that I enjoy and something that doesn't feel like torture. I love yoga, I'm from Colorado, so I can hike and go mountain biking or swimming. All of those things are great for you, and they don't make you feel like a hamster on a wheel! Sorry I rambled, but maybe those things can help you get through to her! Who knows though, you are right, she has to decide for herself to make a change. It doesn't matter how many people who love her tell her she is in danger, she has to decide to make the change.

[Ranaesheart]

First - Please allow me to say how truly amazing and heartwarming it is to see all of you share your innermost feelings and to also reach out and help each other.  It truly is what makes this a wonderful caring, supportive place to meet and share our journeys.

Next - May I please ask that you continue these posts on the daily challenge discussions?  You will see them as Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, etc.  This allows everyone to keep in touch and share with each other.  As it is now, there are several groups of members posting in various places when the discussions would be more lively if we all participated together.

Scutch ~ What a ray of Sunshine you are with yoru morning greetings!! Thank you!  Yes, bored can be a great cause of overeating.  Try making a list of activities you like to do and pull it out during the times you are bored and pick one.  Also, have you tried the Stop and Think sign on your cupboard or refrigerator?  Here's an article that explains if you're interested .. http://www.ranaesheart.com/2008/05/eating-healthy-or-unhealthy-choice-and.html

Yeahhh YOU!!!  Aerobics are wonderful and healthy.  Thank for staying in tune and for your personal and team motivation and support!

Lonelymom - 5 Small meals + Tae Bo is a winning combination!!!  Love that you are keeping in touch here in the grup and with the support you can receive here at MedHelp.  Firming up and having your hubby notice is a Powerful motivator ... very well done!!!  

As for your niece, you have an awesome opportunity to help her change her life ... even if you have to show her first and gently keep encouraging her.

bet643 - 5 Small meals + no sodas .. what a Star!!!  Tae Bo AND line dancing ~ You ROCK!!!

Lonelymom and bet643 -  Next thing you two will be doing exercise videos!!!  Can hardly wait to see!!  ;)

Sandy828 - It can be frustrating when a doctor says we are obese.  Mine told lme that when I was in my early teens plus prescribed diet pills.  I wasn't any bigger than my classmates but it became a self-fulfilling prophesy.  The standard definition of being obese is 30 lbs overweight.  It seems funny to me that I have lost 152 pounds and am still in the obese category.  I will get into the normal category before I quit.

No, you are not too young ... please join us here!  I sent you a note with some details.

Keni0128 - Do understand what you are saying about the desire for comfort food and it basically boils down to emotional eating and making choices.  Will share with you the same article as I did with scutch ... http://www.ranaesheart.com/2008/05/eating-healthy-or-unhealthy-choice-and.html  and another on how to overcome emotional eating ... http://www.ranaesheart.com/2008/06/how-to-over-come-emotional-eating_29.html  Hope these help you.  We can always start a new discussion thread in the community and post a question and have others help as well.

Wonderfully done, everyone!!!   Look for the next post Day 5, in the morning ... sure hope to see you there!!!  

By the way .. is everyone participating in the challenge?  Have you found the links and do you like what you're seeing?  Anything else we can do to help???

Very best wishes ... and many, many ((((HUGSSS))))

Ranae

[sandy828]

im 17 but have been overweight since i can remember.  i dont know who said it but i agree, when i try to loose weight n diet it just turns the other way and i turn to comfort food. when i get really down i just wont eat for a few days to try and make myself feel better ... i know its wrong but i just cant help it. but i am determined to do something because it gets me down every day.

[Ranaesheart]

sandy828 ~ Thanks so much for sharing your feelings; it is most difficult at times when we are battling the ups and downs of weight loss.  Hope you will consider joining us here on a regular basis because together we can do this ... you CAN accomplish weight loss in a healthy manner and not starve.  It takes some hard work and determination .. but together with friends and support here .. and the trackers to help us along our journey .. we CAN achieve our goals.  Won't you join us? ((Hugs)) Ranae

[lu1]

Hi count me in.  l need to keep going on the right track since l have just started this week doing the weight watchers points system.  l go to tops another weight loss support group, but maybe this will help me too.  l did make my goal weight a few times but gained it back.  l have been going up and down the the scale for a very long time.