pikachizzle

Update for this week: Down another 2.6 lbs-- only 0.6 away from the third-digit drop! Hives and swelling are still present, but generally manageable with lots of high-SPF sunscreen, Naproxen and Benadryl. Pretty much had to start from scratch on the exercise front after a week or so of barely moving, but I'm determined to get back there...still keeping the processed foods to a minimum (I haven't had any yet this week ) and practicing my French, so even if I don't quite make the exercise goals, the challenge isn't a total loss!

Thank you!! Frozen strawberries are a great idea! Sweets are my unfortunate weakness, so I've been trying to replace them with fruit...couldn't hurt for me to eat less, though (I can annihilate a package of blueberries in one sitting if I don't watch myself ) Let me know if you need a French study buddy; I'm probably a ways behind you if you're re-learning, but it never hurts to have someone to practice with!

I've heard his name mentioned in lupus support forums, but haven't taken the time to read the book yet. I'll have to check it out...I hear lots of good things

I didn't even know such a thing existed! I will have to give it a shot (pun slightly intended )!

Update for this week: I'm down another .4 lb (I took a weekend off of my diet since Sunday was both my birthday and Cinco de Mayo...a girl's gotta have a margarita now and then ) J'ai continué mes études en français, et j'ai l'impression que j'améliore mes compétences linguistiques chaque jour. I have unfortunately hit a minor snag on the exercise front, though; it seems that lupus has made me more sun-sensitive than ever-- despite my best efforts at protecting my skin, I broke out in a horrible sun rash on Saturday that has brought back the hives, and with them, a whole lot of swollen knees and knuckles. I'm still sitting on my exercise ball at work and am trying my best to move as much as possible, but I don't want to overdo it. Apart from my birthday binge, I have been working hard at cutting out processed foods, and have limited myself to two processed meals a week. I've been eating fruit and veggies almost exclusively and haven't missed a day with my multivitamin yet. Hopefully, continuing this will get rid of these hives without another course of Prednisone...don't want to undo all of my hard work!

Here's hoping, I'm down 2 pounds this week, so I'll try to keep my momentum Anything specific you did to help lose the weight?

Amen to that! I've been gradually replacing chips, cookies, etc. with fruit and veggies, which are mostly ready to go as they are. I'm already noticing results; I'm starting to feel better and I'm down 2 pounds this week-- I'm 3.9 lbs away from seeing the big digit drop down! So excited!

I've already started cutting down on processed foods, I just want to completely phase them out within 6 weeks. So far I've been allotting myself 4 processed meals a week and while it's been a tough transition, I've stuck with it so far. Good point about clothes fitting rather than weight loss; I'm increasing my activity levels, too, so I'll likely gain muscle mass (and therefore weight).

I'll have to try the squash idea...I too have a serious weakness for pasta and need a better, less carby alternative Thanks for the tip!

Hi Erin, glad to meet you, and thank you for your support!

Hi there, and thanks for the advice! I'm in the process of outlining steps for meeting all of my goals...I know I have a lot of trouble with lofty goals like this if I don't outline specific steps and set a day-to-day plan.

Hi all! New to the forums and to more intensive fitness goals. My first 6-week challenge is not quite so Druidly, but I feel it's a good set of goals to improve my overall health. I'm coming off a course of Prednisone for lupus that has left me overweight and weak, and I know that remission can be achieved, so I'm shooting for some significant headway toward that in the next 6 weeks. GOALS 1. Run a full mile without stopping/walking-- STA +2 2. Reach 250 French words memorized (not fitness-related, but brain training never hurts!)-- WIS +5 3. Cut all processed foods from my normal diet-- CON +5 4. Reach 5 reps of 20 bench dips, with only brief stretch breaks-- STR +3 Any tips for reaching any or all of these goals will be greatly appreciated!

Hi Ashlee, nice to meet you! I'm curious-- how have you been feeling since starting the paleo diet? I have heard good things, and have gradually started into it myself, but it would be nice to get a more detailed idea of what to expect.

Nice to meet you, Sable, and good luck reaching max level!

Hi cheetah! New here myself and can definitely vouch for the power of a balanced diet-- I've been gradually eliminating processed foods and can already feel the difference. Lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, and fish. Give it a shot Good luck with your fitness goals!

Hi all, I'm totally new to the site and started a health improvement regimen about a month ago, as suggested by my doctor. I recently came off of a course of Prednisone for my lupus, which caused me to gain a lot of weight and lose a lot of muscle mass over the course of 4 months. I am hoping to rectify both issues by leveling up. I've already made changes to my diet and have started a light workout routine; I aim to completely cut out processed foods within 6 weeks and lose 30 pounds within a reasonable amount of time, as well as build up some endurance and enter a period of lupus remission. (If you have any tips, they will be greatly appreciated!) Nice to meet all of you, and I look forward to joining you all in the quest for a better life!