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Homework 101
As we move forward in this year long journey, we'd like to challenge each other to make changes, implement new habits, revive some old ones and institute a little homework now and then to help us along the way.
Today's homework is fairly simple ..
1. If you've not already decided to join us, please consider it seriously and then set date to join us. Mark it on your calendar and declare it so we can all welcome you.
2. Clean out your refrigerator and cupboards of your trigger foods and those holiday foods that may be lingering. The holidays are over and it is now time to stop "indulging" in those "holiday" treats.
3. Take a picture of yourself today or tomorrow .. as soon as possible. Also, find an old picture that you like the way you look. If you can not find one, find a picture of an outfit you would like to wear when you're at the size you wish to be. There will be more homework on involving these two pictures in the days to come.
Don't forget to let us know what you've done and how your homework is going or share with us any extra credit projects you dreamed up!
Best wishes ..
Today's homework is fairly simple ..
1. If you've not already decided to join us, please consider it seriously and then set date to join us. Mark it on your calendar and declare it so we can all welcome you.
2. Clean out your refrigerator and cupboards of your trigger foods and those holiday foods that may be lingering. The holidays are over and it is now time to stop "indulging" in those "holiday" treats.
3. Take a picture of yourself today or tomorrow .. as soon as possible. Also, find an old picture that you like the way you look. If you can not find one, find a picture of an outfit you would like to wear when you're at the size you wish to be. There will be more homework on involving these two pictures in the days to come.
Don't forget to let us know what you've done and how your homework is going or share with us any extra credit projects you dreamed up!
Best wishes ..
Homework on hold. Some stupid bloodwork came back with extremely low Vit. D levels, elevated cholesterol and a culture very positive to UTI with symptoms after I passed a stone on New Yrs Day. Nice combo .. I've always been perfect in this regard with these tests even as recently as 6mos to a year ago .. geez, on the homework .. have to digest some of this stuff, feel a bit better physically and emotionally and get into the swing of a healthy diet to lower cholesterol and weight .... yeah ..... I'm in but on hold for a few days.
C~
C~
Trudie - As I checked over my list, see I inadvertently forgot my response to you .. I apologize.
Love the way you support your teammates; you're definitely an asset to the community. Love the new agreement about the wine and that change will save you many calories and still allow you to partake on special occasions! Thanks for sharing that with all of us.
Another way I heard to partake in wine and lower the calories is to drink it as a spitzer .. a little wine and diet 7-up. Give you another option.
Love the way you support your teammates; you're definitely an asset to the community. Love the new agreement about the wine and that change will save you many calories and still allow you to partake on special occasions! Thanks for sharing that with all of us.
Another way I heard to partake in wine and lower the calories is to drink it as a spitzer .. a little wine and diet 7-up. Give you another option.
What very interesting information you have all posted and shared! I am honored you are here and KNOW this year WILL BE FRUITFUL if we all commit to do the homework, keep sharing, supportive and encouraging each other.
gokuangel - Compiling our pictures and seeing the difference from one to the next is empowering and it allows us to see a REAL picture of ourself. 10 lbs is a large amount of weight and sometimes, especially if we have a lot to lose, we tend to discount that.
I encourage EVERYONE, that when you do not think 1, 2, 5 or 10 pounds is much in your journey ... go to the store ... and put that many pounds of hamburger in your cart or try to hold it in your hands .. and you WILL see how much it is!!!
wonko - You, my dearest, have certainly earned extra credit!!! What a testament you are to perseverance both in your weight loss and health goals. Am so very proud of you for persevering in your quest for a diagnosis and that you had the fortitude to rid your closet of those larger sized clothes. You have publically and physically committed yourself to your success!! You may want to save ONE of your largest outfits for the future .. I have one that I am going to take a picture of me wearing or holding up .. it is a great confidence booster for those days when you wonder if you're really made very much progress.
suzi-q - Exercise, food, pics .. whooo hooo lady .. you're rockin! Extra credit here!
lucinda - posting your pics to your profile is definitely a GRAND IDEA!!! Please make a post entitled CHALLENGE POST - HOMEWORK #3 .. and ask that everyone posts their JAN 2009 PICS .. your thought .. your post.
Barb135 - Am very sorry to hear your daughter was diagnosed with lupus but am also glad the doctors have formulated a diagnosis, which will allow her the best treatments available. Yeah youuuu ... you created an "action plan" in your post ... "I don't have any recent pics, but can get some easily enough" and "I'm on my way to the kitchen now to get rid of the last of the leftovers!" You show us all how to claim it, plan it and do it!
ChitChatNIne - Wow .. cleaning the food out of your refrigerator and even cleaning the refrigerator itself .. now that is dedication! Can you come to my house??? Am impressed you accomplished this by 10:30 as well! How's your bloodwork?
bet643 - Giving food to others right away is definitely a plan for success! In addition, it helps us feel better about not wasting it by throwing it away. Very well done and thanks for sharing that! Any results on your bloodwork?
Mikeal'smom - Thank you for the honesty in your post; you make a very good point about being able to live in the same house with food that is "tempting" because you have devised a way to realistically keep it and eat it in moderation. That is the goal for long-term and so glad you have achieved that success! For those beginning, those foods can derail them so that is why we suggest it at the beginning of a challenge. You just gave me a great idea for an article .. so will write it and then post on this issue .. many thanks!
mikeg427 - WELCOME .. Thrilled you are here! (have you done your homework?) Glad to see you joining in and activity participating in the community!
blksapphire - Very well done!!! Yeah You on completing your homework! What a way to join in; welcome!
Elyz1214 - Your post is very eloquent and one of the reasons for our homework assignment. We have several projects planned with pictures and the list and believe it will help us change our thoughts from subconscious (that we don't pay attention to at the time) to conscious choices (those we make with knowledge). It is also anticipated that will give us a reality check whether we are losing or gaining and help us to achieve our ultimate weight loss goals.
dai3symae - You are not late .. RIGHT ON TIME! Welcome to the community and the challenge; people are welcome to join or rejoin throughout the year at any time!!!
Not sure if everyone checked the "Add to watch list" so I am sending a note to each of you regarding this post. If you hear too much for me, I apologize .. just trying to catch up and not leave anyone out since my computer had me offline.
Keep on keepin on .. we're all in this together!!!
gokuangel - Compiling our pictures and seeing the difference from one to the next is empowering and it allows us to see a REAL picture of ourself. 10 lbs is a large amount of weight and sometimes, especially if we have a lot to lose, we tend to discount that.
I encourage EVERYONE, that when you do not think 1, 2, 5 or 10 pounds is much in your journey ... go to the store ... and put that many pounds of hamburger in your cart or try to hold it in your hands .. and you WILL see how much it is!!!
wonko - You, my dearest, have certainly earned extra credit!!! What a testament you are to perseverance both in your weight loss and health goals. Am so very proud of you for persevering in your quest for a diagnosis and that you had the fortitude to rid your closet of those larger sized clothes. You have publically and physically committed yourself to your success!! You may want to save ONE of your largest outfits for the future .. I have one that I am going to take a picture of me wearing or holding up .. it is a great confidence booster for those days when you wonder if you're really made very much progress.
suzi-q - Exercise, food, pics .. whooo hooo lady .. you're rockin! Extra credit here!
lucinda - posting your pics to your profile is definitely a GRAND IDEA!!! Please make a post entitled CHALLENGE POST - HOMEWORK #3 .. and ask that everyone posts their JAN 2009 PICS .. your thought .. your post.
Barb135 - Am very sorry to hear your daughter was diagnosed with lupus but am also glad the doctors have formulated a diagnosis, which will allow her the best treatments available. Yeah youuuu ... you created an "action plan" in your post ... "I don't have any recent pics, but can get some easily enough" and "I'm on my way to the kitchen now to get rid of the last of the leftovers!" You show us all how to claim it, plan it and do it!
ChitChatNIne - Wow .. cleaning the food out of your refrigerator and even cleaning the refrigerator itself .. now that is dedication! Can you come to my house??? Am impressed you accomplished this by 10:30 as well! How's your bloodwork?
bet643 - Giving food to others right away is definitely a plan for success! In addition, it helps us feel better about not wasting it by throwing it away. Very well done and thanks for sharing that! Any results on your bloodwork?
Mikeal'smom - Thank you for the honesty in your post; you make a very good point about being able to live in the same house with food that is "tempting" because you have devised a way to realistically keep it and eat it in moderation. That is the goal for long-term and so glad you have achieved that success! For those beginning, those foods can derail them so that is why we suggest it at the beginning of a challenge. You just gave me a great idea for an article .. so will write it and then post on this issue .. many thanks!
mikeg427 - WELCOME .. Thrilled you are here! (have you done your homework?) Glad to see you joining in and activity participating in the community!
blksapphire - Very well done!!! Yeah You on completing your homework! What a way to join in; welcome!
Elyz1214 - Your post is very eloquent and one of the reasons for our homework assignment. We have several projects planned with pictures and the list and believe it will help us change our thoughts from subconscious (that we don't pay attention to at the time) to conscious choices (those we make with knowledge). It is also anticipated that will give us a reality check whether we are losing or gaining and help us to achieve our ultimate weight loss goals.
dai3symae - You are not late .. RIGHT ON TIME! Welcome to the community and the challenge; people are welcome to join or rejoin throughout the year at any time!!!
Not sure if everyone checked the "Add to watch list" so I am sending a note to each of you regarding this post. If you hear too much for me, I apologize .. just trying to catch up and not leave anyone out since my computer had me offline.
Keep on keepin on .. we're all in this together!!!
The pictures...
When I was my heaviest and knew that I would never again allow myself to be that weight, I took pictures of myself in sports bra and yoga pants in several different poses. Front, back, profile, even one of my face. And every 5 weeks I would take them again. Since we see ourselves in the mirror from day-to-day its hard to see the changes, but when you compare the pictures you can definitely see! Now, when I feel like I am having a hard day it TOTALLY helps to look at the pictures of me when I was really heavy as a reminder that I will *NOT* allow myself to look that big ever again.
When I was my heaviest and knew that I would never again allow myself to be that weight, I took pictures of myself in sports bra and yoga pants in several different poses. Front, back, profile, even one of my face. And every 5 weeks I would take them again. Since we see ourselves in the mirror from day-to-day its hard to see the changes, but when you compare the pictures you can definitely see! Now, when I feel like I am having a hard day it TOTALLY helps to look at the pictures of me when I was really heavy as a reminder that I will *NOT* allow myself to look that big ever again.
I have done the homework 101, no pictures of me now but pictures of me when I think I looked good. I have not completely purged the tempting things, because of using the WW point system I can still have those things if I eat well enough during the day to have enough extra points- and I write down EXACTLY what I eat.
No left overs here, dog takes care of that.Also, I'm not big on left overs so I gave everyone food to take home after our family gathering. Had my complete check up and waiting for labs. This is the 3rd doc in 2 weeks. I have five doctors, so 2 more to go. But I will work hard and look towards a better and healthier life style.
Tonight I'll share the second part of our homework ..
Come on Challenge participants .. EVERYONE needs to do the homework! This challenge is REAL and we are GOING to make a Difference in 2009!!!
Come on Challenge participants .. EVERYONE needs to do the homework! This challenge is REAL and we are GOING to make a Difference in 2009!!!
Great Post!
I am going to the doc on Tues and hopefully will get a thyroid TSH test drawn. I do believe my #'s are off which for me causes constipation as a main symptom (alert that they are more hypo than hyper).
Interesting that somebody over on thyroid said that the #'s take a few weeks to catch up after the symptoms appear (weight gain, constipation , etc.) so this has been going on since Thanksgiving so time for a conclusive blood draw to see if my thyroid meds which I must take to life (had a partial thyroidectomy and other half refused to work in '07) are interfering at all with my metabolism and the weight loss. Ugh and Grr combined I say.
So HOMEWORK began today. I literally washed out my bins to the fridge and it is only 10:30 AM .. yippee horray.
C~
I am going to the doc on Tues and hopefully will get a thyroid TSH test drawn. I do believe my #'s are off which for me causes constipation as a main symptom (alert that they are more hypo than hyper).
Interesting that somebody over on thyroid said that the #'s take a few weeks to catch up after the symptoms appear (weight gain, constipation , etc.) so this has been going on since Thanksgiving so time for a conclusive blood draw to see if my thyroid meds which I must take to life (had a partial thyroidectomy and other half refused to work in '07) are interfering at all with my metabolism and the weight loss. Ugh and Grr combined I say.
So HOMEWORK began today. I literally washed out my bins to the fridge and it is only 10:30 AM .. yippee horray.
C~
COMMUNITY LEADER
Wonko, you poor thing. What you must have been through. I'm so happy they found your problem and hopefully, you are on the road to recovery. My daughter was thought to have lyme disease at one point, but tested negative - turned out to be lupus instead.
I guess I'm a little late on this post - company and feeling badly for a few days, plus lots to do. I'm in!! I already signed on to the challenge. I don't have any recent pics, but can get some easily enough. I do have pics of when I was a lot thinner and though I doubt I will ever get back to that, I would like to come close!!
I'm on my way to the kitchen now to get rid of the last of the leftovers as we are going out to buy groceries later this morning and I need room to put "the good stuff". I've been on vacation since Dec 19 and with so much to do, plus not feeling well, (aren't I just full of excuses?? lol) my exercise has been kind of sporadic, but getting back on track. Still don't feel well, but maybe getting back into my "routine" will help.
I guess I'm a little late on this post - company and feeling badly for a few days, plus lots to do. I'm in!! I already signed on to the challenge. I don't have any recent pics, but can get some easily enough. I do have pics of when I was a lot thinner and though I doubt I will ever get back to that, I would like to come close!!
I'm on my way to the kitchen now to get rid of the last of the leftovers as we are going out to buy groceries later this morning and I need room to put "the good stuff". I've been on vacation since Dec 19 and with so much to do, plus not feeling well, (aren't I just full of excuses?? lol) my exercise has been kind of sporadic, but getting back on track. Still don't feel well, but maybe getting back into my "routine" will help.
I am in! Exercised today (see exercise journal if interested). Purged all 'bad' foods yesterday. Will get that pic today or tomorrow and post to my profile. 2009 will be awesome....because I will see to it! ; )
Got my pics from different angles..UGH! got a great pic of me from a few years ago...went food shopping and stocked up on healthy foods..
PLUS I EXERCISED TODAY!!! yay for me!
PLUS I EXERCISED TODAY!!! yay for me!
Wonko, I am so happy that you have your diagnosis and that you are in recovery. 2009 is going to be a great year for you!
We have purged and we have agreed to stop drinking wine unless we are out at a special occasion. This will greatly help the weight loss. I'm a little nervous about the exercise part since I am currently suffering from inflammation of my sacroiliac joint. I am hoping my eliptical will help and not hurt. Will get hubby to take picture today!
We have purged and we have agreed to stop drinking wine unless we are out at a special occasion. This will greatly help the weight loss. I'm a little nervous about the exercise part since I am currently suffering from inflammation of my sacroiliac joint. I am hoping my eliptical will help and not hurt. Will get hubby to take picture today!
Thanks! "Mystery Diagnosis" kept me sane and became my favorite show! That and finding others online going through so much to get answers. I still did often feel like I was losing my mind!
I've experienced a zoo of symptoms, from widespread arthritis, to "paresthesias" (feelings of tingling/burning, mostly in my face, hands, and feet), to cognitive problems that can even make it impossible for me to recall my own phone number.
Luckily, I was only at my lowest point of being nearly couch-ridden for a month or two before starting treatment. My Lyme doc says it is very promising that I'm improving already, so I am totally optimistic to beat this thing 100%.
Thanks for your understanding and supportive response, Lyme is truly a very misunderstood and underestimated disease!
Glad your in-laws are stuck with the leftovers and that you're fridge is temptation free!
I've experienced a zoo of symptoms, from widespread arthritis, to "paresthesias" (feelings of tingling/burning, mostly in my face, hands, and feet), to cognitive problems that can even make it impossible for me to recall my own phone number.
Luckily, I was only at my lowest point of being nearly couch-ridden for a month or two before starting treatment. My Lyme doc says it is very promising that I'm improving already, so I am totally optimistic to beat this thing 100%.
Thanks for your understanding and supportive response, Lyme is truly a very misunderstood and underestimated disease!
Glad your in-laws are stuck with the leftovers and that you're fridge is temptation free!
my goodness woman *hugs* you sure are going through ALOT!! Thats a horrible disease to have i saw some1 on tv with that on mystery diagnosis and they were in extreme pain and eventually could NOT walk!! I am glad you found out now so you can start treatment and get better! I actually saw a person on intervention they said she had that but she refused the treatment cus she wanted her pain killers!!! If it was me i would say yes yes please i want the treatment and to get better!! GL 2 U!! Feel better!!
Lol i dont have any leftovers in my fridge i just went to my in laws to eat a few times other than that nothing in my fridge to clean!! My hubby has his food but i dont touch it cus most of it i dont really care for!!
Lol i dont have any leftovers in my fridge i just went to my in laws to eat a few times other than that nothing in my fridge to clean!! My hubby has his food but i dont touch it cus most of it i dont really care for!!
Yes, yes, and Yes!
I agree-time to rid ourselves of those leftovers. I dropped off the rest of my candy in the break room at work, an anonymous gift to my co-workers, but really a present to my self to not endanger my goals with it!
I've been doing the photo journaling, and have my "Before and During" pics on my profile for my friends and myself to see.
I voted that I did extra credit, and would like to explain: Like many of our members, I've had other health complications beyond my weight. What brought me to MedHelp even before I began to address my weight and fitness last spring was an insidious illness going back to at least the summer of 2007 that kept falling between the diagnositic cracks.
After more than a year, I have my answer: I have Lyme disease. I don't recall a tick bite, and never saw the classic "bulls eye" rash, which is in part why the many doctors and specialists I saw missed it time and time again. I also tested negative for it on several screening tests, which I only later learned are not really that accurate.
I started treatment almost a month ago, and am showing some promising imporvements already, though it will not be an instant thing. As I've posted before, I've also lowered my work to part time while I address my health.
I am so happy to start 2009 in RECOVERY instead of in the frustrating slow decline without answers that was my 2008.
So my extra credit has been fighting for my diganosis and finally finding my way to treatment! I had to knock on every door in (and out of) town, and do a lot of research and questioning to get here. I hope now as I am improving physically I can get "unsuck" and start losing again.
Oh, and I also finally went through my closet and donated or discarded (depending on condition) all of my 3X and stuff in a size 20W or higher. I held on to that stuff for a while, "just in case," but I feel strong enough now to move on and clear the space.
Happy New Year and Good Health to All!
I agree-time to rid ourselves of those leftovers. I dropped off the rest of my candy in the break room at work, an anonymous gift to my co-workers, but really a present to my self to not endanger my goals with it!
I've been doing the photo journaling, and have my "Before and During" pics on my profile for my friends and myself to see.
I voted that I did extra credit, and would like to explain: Like many of our members, I've had other health complications beyond my weight. What brought me to MedHelp even before I began to address my weight and fitness last spring was an insidious illness going back to at least the summer of 2007 that kept falling between the diagnositic cracks.
After more than a year, I have my answer: I have Lyme disease. I don't recall a tick bite, and never saw the classic "bulls eye" rash, which is in part why the many doctors and specialists I saw missed it time and time again. I also tested negative for it on several screening tests, which I only later learned are not really that accurate.
I started treatment almost a month ago, and am showing some promising imporvements already, though it will not be an instant thing. As I've posted before, I've also lowered my work to part time while I address my health.
I am so happy to start 2009 in RECOVERY instead of in the frustrating slow decline without answers that was my 2008.
So my extra credit has been fighting for my diganosis and finally finding my way to treatment! I had to knock on every door in (and out of) town, and do a lot of research and questioning to get here. I hope now as I am improving physically I can get "unsuck" and start losing again.
Oh, and I also finally went through my closet and donated or discarded (depending on condition) all of my 3X and stuff in a size 20W or higher. I held on to that stuff for a while, "just in case," but I feel strong enough now to move on and clear the space.
Happy New Year and Good Health to All!
i did mine! I already signed up for the challenge! lol then i was reading this and it said the pics and i was just working on that today!! I took a new pic of me today with the same clothes as i had one in one of my "fat" pics and man what a difference shedding almost 10 lbs has made!!
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