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  

[jenandjon]

I just thought I'd lose that the first week because of dropping water weight etc.  I'm hoping to lose 2-4 lbs a week after that.  The Dr.'s program I'm on is a three phase program.  Its full replacement in Phase 1.  Phase 2 is two meal replacements and one nutrious well-balanced meal.  Then Phase 3 you can do their modified diet, but I'm planning on switching to South Beach Diet after that because I've done that before and I think its a very healthy way to eat.

Wishing everyone a great week.

[Barb135]

Welcome to all you newcomers - it's never too late to join this party!!  

jenandjon: I agree that your goals are pretty aggressive.  Losing 8-10 lbs/week is not healthy for you, even if it's a doctor supervised program.  Worst part is that weight lost with that type of program (or the HCG), usually comes back once you stop the program.  We'd love to help lose by making some simple lifestyle changes that you can stick with.  

[jenandjon]

I know how frustrating it can be to have diet saboteurs around you.  Sometimes its my family, sometimes its my friends at work.  Believe in yourself.  I know you have the strength to stick to your goals.  Good luck this week and try and stay positive.

[1Auntnancy1]

Took a week off not tracking myself and of course didn't stay on track well. It shows me that I really need to think before I eat as to "Why?" do I want to eat. If I know I need to write it down then the think better before I make the decision to put the "treat" in my mouth. I always tell myself it is a "small" piece or something to make myself feel ok about snacking. My hardest times seem to be 10am & 3pm at work and all my co-workers don't care about their weight. Then they keep telling me I don't need to diet. They don't understand the the long struggle to get where I'm at and I feel my self slipping back to the old habits which is what made a 5' women at 165lbs really does look like a blueberry. I got down to a 115lbs and stayed there for 5 yrs had stomach surgery & now find myself back up to 133lbs and it scares me that I will keep going. This web site I hope will be my sounding board and keep me in check better.

So, everyday is a new day for me to make a change for the better.

[jenandjon]

The B12 shots are to help give me energy.  I figured out that the meal replacement shakes are only 100 calories each so its a pretty drastic change.  The appetite suppressants work kind of like that ephedrine type of stuff, but not bad for you like that.  They increase my heart rate a little, but nothing drastic.  The Dr. said most people don't need them.  They also offer supplements to help carb cravings... 5-HTP and Carbidopa.  If this diet doesn't work I'm thinking of trying that HCG diet.

[tkd4u2]

I've never heard of getting B12 shots for losing weight. I take B12 supplements in large doses prescribed by my doc but they don't seem to help manage my weight too well. And appetite suppressants. What are those? I wasn't aware that they had those actually. Other than some gimicks you see on TV or the internet. Be good if they worked. Please let us know how they do for you. It sounds exciting though. And yes water can be difficult to drink especially if you normally don't.  Stay with it!