CHALLENGE: NEW YEAR; NEW YOU

[Barb135]

As we leave the old year behind, and begin a New Year, it's appropriate that we leave our old challenge behind, and kick off a new one.  

We want this to be your best, most successful year yet; therefore, the title for our challenge is NEW YEAR; NEW YOU.  

We will run this challenge until approximately mid March. Signing up is as easy as posting your current weight and your goal on this thread.  If you desire to do so, you are welcome to post your ideas/plans for reaching your goal.  I'm going to suspend the "Sunday Weigh in" for the time being, but will still post a weekly thread, in which we can discuss what went right, and what went wrong; what's keeping you motivated, or what's causing you to crash.  

You may set your goal(s) to whatever you think you can achieve.  You may want to make one large goal, or several smaller ones; the decision is up to you.  I only ask that you keep your goal(s) healthy.  

Anyone is welcome join the challenge and/or weekly discussion, at any time.

I encourage everyone to implement as many of the trackers here on MH, as you feel would be helpful for you. It might be helpful to keep a journal; in which you can write down whatever issues you have, that may be hindering your weight loss; OR often it helps to write down what's helping you, so you can keep your success in sight.  

Wishing everyone the best of luck.

Okay --  READY, SET ........................... GO  

[Judi75]

I've jsut read everyone's comments, and I must say a big thank you, I'm struggling today to stay away from the junk food that was given to me for Christmas,it's also my hubby's, and I keep it as a treat, but I'm tired with a sick baby, and I want to comfort eat.  But after reading your posts I feel as though I don't want to go backwards, that's not where I'm heading I need to lose this weight, and I have been I've lost 0.8kg already, probably fluid but it still feels good.  So thank you for keeping me on the straight and narrow.

[1Auntnancy1]

Well a few days of tracking what I eat and started to jog again. It is a start so I will keep at it one day at a time

[cheryln65]

I'm so happy to have found this site!  Now I can be accountable to someone.
That makes a HUGE difference for me.  
Right now I weigh 136.5.
I need to lost aboutabout 12- 15 lbs.

I lost 30 lbs last year eating the following:
Diet was sparse but doable.
2 fruits a day - no berries, pref apples
lean protein for lunch and dinner
only certain vegetables (to be had w/ lunch and dinner) 2 potatoes a day are OK
lots lots lots of water
cut caffeine intake in half
NO DAIRY OR SUGAR

I am starting today to follow this again as of NOW.
Even though I don't "feel like" changing my habits, I really really need and want to.  I am going to take that part of me that wants the fat and sugar and hold it by the hand. I will lead it with wisdom and maturity and LOGIC and show that voice that there actually is a better way to get true happiness ( not instant gratification that just leads to self hatred).
I did it last year.  I'll do it again starting now.  
Ideally I would love to change my habits long term.  One day at a time.(not in a 12 step program).

MANTRA:  fat and sugar are NOT my friends.

[gerry77779]

I have been close to the same weight for 40 years, which was fine when I was younger but not as well at 77, I would like to drop from present of 180 to 170. My biggest problem is i love my sweets and its hard to cut them out. I'm not a big eater but the tea and cakes are my downfall. I will make a serious try starting now. I don't have a deadline for this but want to start now ans slowly drop.

[ValRiggs]

I am here for the long run.. I am aiming to lose around 60 lbs overall, and I know it's not going to be easy. It's going to require a lot of motivation, time and hard work. When I started my diet/exercise plan, Jan 11, I weighed 196 pounds. (Which in itself is a huge difference from what I was in Sept of last year.. I weighed 206 lbs. this past September). I've only been at it for 2 days and am down to 192 pounds.. My goal is to get down to around 135-145 pounds by April. I'm assuming the weight I've lost so far is merely water weight, and once the real weight starts coming off, I assume it will be at a much slower rate.. But hey.. Weight loss is weight loss, right? I'm happy to see a difference already. I am currently taking the Special K Challenge.. and so far I LOVE it! the only advice I have to anyone else wanting to try it.. It to drink lots and lots of water.. Sip on water all throughout the day so that there is always something in your stomach.. and especially 15 minutes prior to eating your meals, drink a glass of water.. This will make you feel fuller quicker then you normally would, and will allow you to feel satisfied. My calorie intake so far has been just over 1000 calories/day.. but the diet is high in protein and fiber. I have also been exercising at home.. Doing squats and workout DVD's.. I feel great.. and have so much more energy then I did 2 days ago.. I love this feeling. Good luck to everyone! May we ALL achieve our goals this year!

[evlin33]

i am 140, and would like to be 130 by march....good luck everyone! xx