LegoLady45

Hi there EmCarter, I appreciate support from anyone, and I do my share of lurking on others' threads as well. I also use MyFitness Pal but will take your advice and do more analysis of the data. My downfall is fast food, which ROCKETS my calorie, salt and fat counts to unbelievable levels. How did we ever get this kind of food into our diets? Sometimes I wish I could go live in the woods for a year, in a cottage with a little garden (and a protein delivery service) so I could learn to eat good things without the temptation of processed, fast, over-manufactured food. I will keep plugging away, and thank you for your support!

Thanks Tateman, my garage looks fantastic right now. I haven't been able to get my car in there since June, and it only took about 3 hours to get it swept out and tidy! It was really gratifying to do that chore.

Thank you King Leeroy. I used to think that I overate for emotional reasons, because I was messed up inside, and didn't know how to cope with my feelings and problems. I have been in therapy a long time and have gotten all my personal issues under control. And so now, I am realizing that I just have some very deep, ingrained habits that are going to take a long time to shake. I am already thinking about how I am going to refine my efforts in the next challenge.

Rogacia, I live SE of Portland (Clackamas) which is not too far from you! Wish I could run, best I can do on a good day is a brisk walk. If you ever want to stroll in Portland let me know and I'll meet you! I love that you are posting pictures. Next time I am in Vancouver I am going to go find your hill and check it out!

I figured out that I am not writing daily because I am not proud of my accomplishments... 1. Track calories and post here: Today (Monday) 2577 Sunday unknown Saturday 1576 Friday 2085 Thursday 2271 Wednesday 2361 2. No Fast food Today - none Sunday - none Saturday - none Friday - none Thursday - none Wednesday yes I had some 3. Physical activity 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. I am going to fail this goal completely. Although I do have a clean garage, and a cleaner kitchen 4. One social date per week - don't have one set up this week, but I am working on it!

This challenge is right up my alley! I have noticed with great despair, the clutter and mess in my house. It brings me down. So I will tackle this challenge. Every room in my house needs decluttering, other than the bathroom. So tonight I will take photos of a room, and then tackle it. I think I will start with the kitchen.

Tuesday check in: 1. Track calories and post here: 1923 ! At least I tracked them. I had an egg white sandwich from McDonalds for breakfast, a protein shake for lunch, roast chicken, 2 cups steamed veggies and about 1/2 cup (I measured) of mashed potatoes with no butter or gravy for dinner. Not too bad...what did me in was - this ginormous chocolate cake which jumped into the shopping cart at the store, and a bag of my absolutely favorite cheese popcorn that I brought back from Chicago because we don't have it here. I brought three bags, intending to nibble on it for the next few months. But one of the bags broke open during travel, and I don't want it to go all stale, so I have been....helping it remain fresh, by eating it. 2. No fast food - See #1. I had an egg white sandwich from McDonalds. My mind likes to rationalize that this is "not so bad." 250 calories, no yolk in the egg, the bread is an english muffin. Not bad, in terms of nutrition. But my goal was to get off fast food. The struggle continues. 3. 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 times per week. Ummmm, no. Not yesterday. I did clean my house though - washed all my dishes, swept the floor, scrubbed the grout on my kitchen counters, went through all the papers and such on my dining room table, hoping one day to dine on it again. My kettlebell was on my kitchen counter (useful place!) and I picked it up and did a few moves with it. Life Quest - social get together with someone every week. Today I am having lunch with a friend. So, progress continues.

Again, impressed by all that you have done and the fact that you have stuck with it for so long. On a day when you work from home, would you have time to walk somewhere to get good food? Perhaps make an adventure of finding a new store or restaurant that meets your needs, and then walk there? It would serve two of your goals, and also give you time to stretch and get away from your desk?

Sorry I have been away for a while, just read all the entries I have missed, and I have to say that I am blown away by all you have accomplished! To lose so much weight, in a sensible way, is great and amazing!

Hi everyone! I was reading another thread this morning and a gal from Brazil said that they have a saying, something that translates into "August, Month of Disgust." Which might explain a lot for me. Plain and simple I fell off the wagon. Lost my focus. Was not making time for you all, and the inspiration you give me. I know that I have to make time for myself, and that includes fitness and thoughtful eating. But August has been a difficult month for me. At least the past couple weeks. I just got back from another trip. Last challenge we went on a 2 week road trip. This challenge we went across country for a wedding. Yep - just the way to guarantee bad food, fast food, alcohol, upended schedules, and all sorts of other things that get in the way of my progress. We didn't get a lot of sleep because of travel and celebrating with relatives from all over. I got sick from lack of sleep. Today I am back to resume my place amongst you. WOO HOO Check in from yesterday: Track calories and post here Didn't do it. No fast food Ate it. I have been sick and realized that McDonalds in particular is a comfort food for when I am sick. Even the nasty, oversalted fries seem yummy when normally I cannot stomach them. 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week Sick, so other than walking into and out of my office, I was in a chair resting all day. One get together with a new person, every week. Working on this I almost quit the challenge because I feel like I have flubbed 2 weeks of the six. But, if I can do 4 that is pretty awesome, right? I have big plans for the week, since I am on the mend physically and trying to get on track. I am going to clean my house, as a messy house brings me down, to the point where all i want to do is sit on my couch. Cleaning will also clear a nice spot for my weight bench and weights. I need to find some workout routines or videos, preferably online, so I can watch them on my laptop while I am at the bench. I am a novice and want to learn proper technique. I need to get my home office back into shape so I can stop spreading work all over the house; it's so messy in there I end up working in the dining room. And next year I want to make a trip to London. That is a big, far off plan of mine but I am starting to think about it. I know it has nothing to do with the challenge but thinking about it makes me happy. So that's it for today. I will post again tonight and become, once again, a faithful challenge participant. i need it, as I think I gained 3 lbs at that wedding! Have a great day!

Wow, you inspire me. Next time you are at the top of that hill (assuming you have a phone/camera with you) take a picture so we can all see what you have conquered!

How goes it, Seleas? Are you on the bike yet? I was going to offer to ride with you. Now, I realize we are 3 hours apart on opposite coasts, but maybe we can coordinate a time and go riding. With an assignment to post a pic of something we saw on our ride. If we make it fun perhaps we will both do it. I have been failing dismally at getting in my physical activity. I DID do a pushup the other day, it was interesting. I can only do it from my knees but I figure it's better than what I was doing before (big fat nothing!) I have missed hearing from you. Let's get you back on the wagon. Did you cook again? May I suggest the crock pot, if that fits in with your goal? It's not as active as whipping something up in a skillet, but you are still preparing food and making it ready to eat. It's really easy for a novice cook and lets you make multiple meals at one time.

Love the new room arrangement. moving a few pieces of furniture was all it took to make the space so much more usable. Hurrah for you! Sometimes little things like that make all the difference.

My childhood was similar. I didn't even try fast food until I was 9, and we were on a vacation. It was something I went after as an adult because it had been denied to me for so many years. And man I went nuts when I got a car. I haven't been to London (or the rest of England) in a long time but when I was there, I don't remember seeing any drive thru restaurants. I think I would weigh 100 lbs if not for the drive thru. I think everyone who has kids thinks that they can shield them from bad food. But our approach has been to teach our kids to incorporate fast food and such into a normal life. Because there are going to be days when that is the only available food. Or they want to eat out with their friends. And they need the skills to choose the right food, and balance their eating the rest of the day to account for it. I am proud to say that both of my kids know the scourge of salt and fat in fast food. My daughter doesn't even like fried food and opts for milk, juice and fruit if we do fast food. If I can get my son onto grilled chicken I will die a happy woman.

Sunday check in: 1. 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week. Nope, no physical activity for me. I cleaned my garage, and did a lot of walking around the stores as I did some needed shopping. I thought about exercise and want to get to work on my weight bench. But the time just got away from me. F for Fooey. 2. Track and post calories every day. Did better today. 1722 3. No fast food. Hmmmm....today I ate all my meals at home. But we went out to Dairy Queen for dessert. I ate 1/3 of a small Blizzard, which was less than 200 calories. Fast food? By the letter of my rules, yes. But by the spirit, NO. So I am going to give myself a pass today and call it a no fast food day. I am starting to see that I go in cycles. I have days or weeks of optimistic progress, and then I slide back into old mindsets and habits. I have fought these negative cycles, but I think I will start trying to adapt to them. To roll with them rather than trying to change them succumb to them.

Saturday check in: 1. Track calories and post here: I think I am at about 2800, sadly. There was cake today, and chips. :-( 2. No fast food - succeeded again! I stayed at home until it was too late to go out and get a fast food breakfast. I scrambled myself some eggs and had a slice of toast and some orange juice. 3. 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 times per week. I am going to fail this one, this week. I just haven't had the energy or desire. Life Quest - one social engagement every week. - Had two this week, and already have one or two scheduled for next week. I am slowly getting back on the wagon. Disappointed in myself for falling off, but realizing that this is a life long struggle and not something I am going to be able to fix in a few months. More tomorrow I have to go to bed! Tomorrow I am making time for myself, and my weight bench.

This is who I am doing it for. My wonderful kids who need me as long as possible in their lives.

Friday check in: 1. 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week. I will not hit this goal this week. Sad about that. 2. Track and post calories every day. I will take your advice, my friends, and post even if it's bad or I don't know exactly how much I ate. So for today....2278 3. No fast food. I had a breakfast sandwich this morning. Although I ordered two, and fought the desire to eat them both. Gave one to my son. I realized that part of what motivates me is being frugal. One sandwich is $2.49, and two are $3.00. So I always want to get two, for maximum value. I was fine eating just the one once I thought of giving the other to my son. Although ironically, he did not want to eat it because I had to reheat it and he "doesn't like microwaved food." LIFE QUEST: Make and keep one social date every week. Lunch, movie, dinner, happy hour, something, every week, with a different person. This one I have done for the week. Two social dates. And next week I have one set up already, for Tuesday. I am trying my best to get back on the wagon. It's difficult because it is so much easier to lapse back into old habits. Tomorrow I am going to eat a healthy breakfast and bring snacks to work. (Yes I am working...) I will be doing an open house and I will try to do some exercises while I am sitting there for 3 hours.

I am not 100% sure. Fast food usually calls out to me when I am in the shower and craving protein. I like the satisfaction of eating my protein vs. drinking it in shake form. When I have fast food it's always some kind of a sandwich (or 2, sadly). No hash browns or pancakes etc. There were times, especially during the first challenge, when I would make the time to cook myself a home breakfast of eggs and ham or a pork chop, whatever, but some kind of yummy protein. I fell out of that habit and find it difficult to get back on. And sometimes home cooked food doesn't sound appetizing to me. I think fast food has just the right amount of addictive salt and fat and whatever else they put in it to make it so tasty, something I cannot replicate. I have been living in drive thru's since I was 20 (and have the thighs to prove it) and believe that it's a deeply engrained habit at this point. The cravings are harder to resist when I am tired or drained. There's a voice in me that says "I had a hard day, I am going to get something yummy" almost like I deserve it, while my car turns toward the nearest fast food emporium. But now I try to remind myself that "yummy" is not worth it when it is affecting my health and appearance and self-esteem. I actually have to battle with that little voice inside me sometimes, and the battles get rather pitched. Something in me is fighting to keep those old habits. People driving nearby must think I am schizo. :-) However I am a lot better than I used to be, at least I can resist the voice sometimes and also have other resources to call on when I am tempted. So if i look at the long road that is my life, I am heading in a better direction than I was in the past.

Yesterday's check in: 1. Track calories - didn't do this. It was a lost cause, because I was making food for a potluck dinner and sampled/tasted my way through the recipe. Thankfully it was a tortellini salad with fruit so I nibbled mostly on grapes and orange segments. 2. No fast food - I DID THIS ONE YAY! 3. Physical activity 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week - this was not one of those days. However I did start working on the latest mini-challenge, and tried a yoga pose where you stand on one foot. If only I could have stood there for 30 minutes. I am wearing my FitBit every day. 4. One social date each week. Today is my second - I am going to our company picnic. So if I evaluate my progress with a "back in the saddle" analogy, I am sort of hanging off the edge of the saddle with my foot in a stirrup trying to pull myself back up. It's movement toward the greater goal. I feel better already for having even done half the stuff on my challenge list. This morning I had a protein shake for breakfast, mindful that I will be eating hotdogs tonight at the potluck. I have a big water bottle with me and I am snacking on plums that a coworker picked off a tree in her yard. Yummy. Must say, I love all of you guys and your encouragement! I will keep working at this until I get it down to an almost effortless lifestyle.

Even as I sit here I can feel myself rationalizing away my good habits. Some little voice in me is making excuses for doing "bad" things like eating fast food and shirking exercise. I am tired and I am getting a cold. But I can't let that stop me, right?

Keep it up!

I am glad (in a selfish way) to see I am not the only one who had struggles and difficulties last week. And I also share your struggle with routine, maybe making it more rigid than is realistic to fit our lives. As for hoarding/storage, part of keeping organized is making sure that everything has a place. And finding creative "places." Maybe you can store things under your new bed. Maybe shelves or bins would help. One-step-at-a-time cleaning sometimes makes a dent in accumulated stuff. Work on one shelf in the closet. Put away all the clothes. Go through all your papers for recycling. Sometimes tackling one aspect of a project is a good way to move it forward without being overwhelmed. I admire your success and openness. Keep it up!

Hello all. Well I have fallen off the NF wagon. I am disappointed in myself, so much so that I haven't been posting my failures here. Three days of: 1. no tracking 2. fast food breakfasts 3. no exercise 4. I did my social commitment for the week, however. :-) I thought about my goals as I failed to accomplish them. Sigh... I have been really busy and tired. It was just easier to slide back into old habits So today I have to get back on the wagon, right? I don't want to be a downer when I am surrounded by all of you amazing, encouraging people. I want to be a good influence and not a bad one. So here goes! What am I doing to get back on track: I made a salad last night to bring to work. I have two protein shakes in the fridge at work already. I am going to try to find NF friends on MyFitness Pal, and maybe even Facebook, to build up my support network. The hard part for me today is mindset - I seem to have lost my NF dedication and zest. Not sure where it went, but I cannot find it.

OK, what is a courgette?