LadyShello travels through time with The Doctor

[Shello]

The real me is amazing.  I can do anything.  But I have found myself in an alternate future dimension where I am a slave to my body.  I can hardly do anything.  And of the things that I can do, my body makes everything so much more difficult.  I am tired of the status quo.  I am tired of wasting my life.  I. Am. Taking. It. Back. 

 

In order to do so, I need to go back in time and join back up with the real me and then find the future dimension in which I truly belong. 

 

My main goal is to reach 1992.That would be 130 pounds ago, target weight: 160 pounds.  Over the next six weeks I am hoping to at least make it back to 2010; that’s a 6 week goal weight of 269 pounds.  I have already started the trip and made some small changes in my diet and started walking and strength training.  I may even surpass the weight goal depending on where I am at when the challenge starts. 

 

 

In order to fight my way to 2010 I plan to accomplish the following goals:

 

Goal 1: Find the Tardis – This is crucial to my time travel endeavors. 

 

Walk 5K 3 times a week.  I do make some adjustments for some equivalent 1 time during the week due to possible time constraints but I prefer some focused walking as it keeps my heart rate up more consistently.  I have set this goal as a static goal so that I can focus on consistency.  I started walking a few weeks ago and was walking half this distance.  For now I just want this distance to get easier and become habit, not to keep adding more distance.  This is a total of 56 miles

 

Measurement:

            A – at least 50 miles

            B – at least 45 miles

            C – at least 40 miles

 

Reward: +1 STA

 

Goal 2: Sonic Screwdriver

 

Do strength training 15 times, adding more weight or duration each week (2-3 times a week).  This consists of the Angry Birds workout for now.  I have modified the squats and the pushups to account for my lack of strength and faulty knees.  But I intend to gradually move up in levels throughout the 6 weeks so that     I can explore other strength training and/or some Cross fit in the future.  This goal is set up to increase incrementally to overcome my shortcomings and to open more doors for me on the next challenge. I still plan on increasing slowly.  The measurements are based on just doing the strength training at the frequency I have set, but not on what level I make it to.

 

Measurement:

            A- 14-15

            B- 12-13

            C- 10-11

 

Reward: +1 STR, +1 CON

 

Goal 3: BOSS LEVEL – Dalek on a Stick

 

Near the end of this challenge I have a family trip planned to the Minnesota State Fair.  I don’t know how many of you are familiar with this "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" but it is the biggest diet buster for me and my family (well, OK. It’s tied with Christmas.)  My family uses this as an excuse for a mini reunion and we have our traditions – Fried Cheese Curds for breakfast is one.  Plus there are new foods this year, some of which are interesting.  http://www.mnstatefair.org/fun/new_food/  I must find a way to deal with this.  On the one hand, I do want to enjoy myself and there are a few foods that are on my must see list, and others I can live without.  Also, since I am not eating healthy while I am there and I am walking tons the whole day (with little water), sometimes I grab some unhealthy food that I could have lived without just to keep fueled. 

Here is a list of some of the ways I think I can minimize the damage:

            1. Workout in the hotel 1-2 times. 

            2. Prioritize the foods I enjoy.

            3. Enjoy 1 serving of the foods I can’t won’t live without or SHARE

            4. Minimize the foods I can live without – try 1 bite of someone else’s, or skip it.

            5. Try to find suitable healthy replacements just to stay fueled

            6. Drink lots of water, even if I have to pay for it. 

            7. Any suggestions?!

 

Measurement:

            A – Do 5-6 items on the list

            B – Do 4 items on the list

            C – Do 3 items from the list

 

Reward: +1 WIS

 

Life Quest – Educate

            I need to prepare for an online class I am teaching in the fall.  I am hopelessly behind on this front.  I have a total of 15 lesson plans to prepare including work sheets and activities and write 3 tests.  Class starts August 20^th so I have to get moving. 

 

Measurement:

            A – At least all lesson plans, worksheets completed, and first 2 exams.

            B – At least 12 of the 15 completed

            C – At least the first half of semester completed

 

Reward: +1 CHA

 

There are so many things about Nerd Fitness that I love that keep me motivated and believing knowing that I can reach my destination.  One study I heard recently was that of people trying to lose weight that were studied, those that had a positive goal of wanting to be skinny/strong/be able to do something were far more successful than the ones with negative goals like not being fat anymore/not feeling miserable etc.  Visualizing what you want is far more effective than seeing what you don’t want.  I have always been one of the negative people.  I assumed I would just have to prove that study wrong by overcoming my negative goals.  But finding NF has made me a positive person with positive goals.  My outlook is so different that before.  Thanks NF community!

 

Motivation I have a lot of reasons that motivate me but I am taking care to look at the reasons and list the ones that truly will get me off the couch because all of these reasons haven’t necessarily worked in the past.  The two biggest motivations are 1 – freeing myself from my own body.  I hate that there are so many things I can’t do.  I want freedom!  And 2 – I want to set the example for my 8 year old daughter.  My family has been cursed with fat genes.  Practically every single girl in all the generations I know about have been chunky from the get go.  The boys have all been skinny, at least until middle age when things start to catch up with them.  I want my daughter to grow up healthy and strong, and to know that it’s not about being skinny, but about being healthy and making good choices.  She is already in the stage where she is asking whether she is fat or not.  This breaks my heart.  She is a little chunky but this isn’t her fault.  It’s a combination of my behavior and her genes.  If we start good habits now then she will be in a better position to keep herself that way without having to wait until she is so overweight that she has to fight this hard. 

 

 

 

SAVE THIS SPACE FOR STATS

Starting weight: 276.6

Body Fat:  46.2%

Waist:

Arms:

Calf:

Thigh:

Hips:

[idealistinfire]

OMG, I so love and miss the MN state fair!!!! One of the few times I regret moving to the Pacific Northwest - the WA state fair is just not the same

 

I really think just taking bites of your favorite foods is the way to go for foods you can't get anywhere/anytime else, and skipping the foods you can get outside of the fair to be the best strategy. Especially if you can get a family member or three to join your plan of attack so you can take turns paying.  That way, you get to try all your favorites but save on money and calories . That, or just eating healthy for the weeks before and after and chugging water during the day of so you're less hungry.

 

Also, your goals sound great and I love the theme

[katastrophenkatzchen]

Yay for the teaching goal! You can to eet!

 

I really feel you with the social eating. Have some similar issues when having friends over....

I WANT ALL THE FOOD

But nope, let's be reasonable together

[GingaNinja]

Hey LadyShello!

 

You are right, you are amazing and can do anything!Your goals seem really solid (love the DW theme) looking forward to seeing your progress! Definitely subscribing!

 

I'm Leeroy and I'm an Adventurer Ambassador. Welcome to your first challenge! The first challenge is always fun but can also tricky so if you have any questions feel free to PM me or pop on my challenge thread and post me note there. You might also find me and other lovely people at the Adventurer's Tavern for a chat/tips.

See you around and good luck!

[Blaidd]

Welcome to NF LadyShello. I love your goal of going back in time - i've honestly never thought of doing it that way. Interesting concept. 

 

As for your State Fair - have you ever had a tasting platter?  they're like one bite tasters of various things (some local restaurants do it here) and you can try the new things without overeating or killing your diet.  That might be one way to survive the fair.

 

You might notice i have added a Rangers tag to your thread.  This isn't to pigeonhole you into a guild, but rather to catch the attention of one of their ambassadors who might be able to assist you, mentor you and offer you some advice during the course of your challenge (you've identified yourself as a Ranger in your signature).  You are also of course welcome to visit their Fort and introduce yourself or ask any questions you might have. Don't feel like you can't ask me too - that's what i'm here for.

 

Good luck

AB xx

[TyrantLizard]

I really like your challenge theme! Back when I lost weight I remember thinking about it as a form of time travel (reclaiming a younger, healthier version of me) but I never made the Doctor Who connection. Very cool! The really important question is which Doctor would you want to travel with?

 

Walking is a great exercise, I think. At the right pace it improves cardiovascular fitness, it burns calories, and it has a really low risk of injury. It's also really good preparation for getting out into the world and doing stuff. It's really liberating to know that even if you got stuck without transport many miles from home, you could walk if you needed to.

 

Be sure to keep your thread updated! I'm sure I won't be the only one checking in.

[Raze]

I gre up in MN and LOVED going to the state fair especially when porky's delight was a thing! I also miss the ren faire we used to go every year. I also love the doctor who theme. Your goals sound attainable and sound. As far as the state fair goes i dont know if you can, but i would suggest bringing a camelback that way you can have a good ammount of water which you cna drink throughout the day to stay hydrated and save some money on buying water. Which may also help keep you feeling somewhat full throughout the day to help limit the ammount of food you eat (which is hard at that place with all the fried food and funnel cakes and the like....*drools in remeberance)

[cn3wton]

I like how you have themes for you goals. That can really help you stick to them!

 

As far as the food goes I have a couple ideas. 

 

1) Enlist the help of your family. Tell them you are trying to get healthier, and that their support is crucial.

2) You said something about water, thats a good idea. Try to have a bottle of water with you at all times and drink throughout the day. Drink an entire bottle 15-20 minutes before you know your going to be eating.

3) Eat slow!

4) Get a salad or fruit or something healthy and eat that first (the whole thing!)

 

But most importantly DONT SWEAT IT. As long as your not throwing caution to the wind and eating everything be honest with yourself. I never fully cut foods I wanted out of my diet. Naturally now I need to eat them less and less. My favorite meal (which I had 3-4 times a week!) I now eat every 3-4 weeks. If that. You need to give your body a chance to get used to good food. Then it will never want to go back to junk.

 

Good luck!

[GamingPlenty]

your challenge is so creative! time travel is a great way to think of it. best of luck.

[Cassi]

I'd say plan to start your days at the fair with a very good, protein/fat dominant breakfast.  Maybe plan an evening 'activity' with your family that is active - like bocce ball, horseshoes, volleyball, badminton.  Otherwise, just enjoy your time with your family and accept that it's just a few days (I'm guessing, don't know for sure) in a journey.  No shame in food choices.  No shame in enjoying food, especially in social environment!   

[blkhole24601]

I love the Doctor Who theme! As for the state fair, which sounds fun and exciting!, find a like-minded family member and share your food with them, or even encourage your family to buy one of everything that's shareable and share among yourselves.  And for a money-saving tip, trying bringing a water bottle if they'll let you. I doubt state fairs are the types of places that will have clean water available to drink out of a tap or water fountain, but at least it'll be a start to keep you hydrated and full. 

 

And if you do slip up, don't beat yourself up over it! It's a special occasion, and as long as you're doing the best you can and having fun and getting right back on track as soon as the fair is over, then you'll be fine.

[NicTheRugger]

The Doctor Who theme is very cool. Which Doctor are you traveling with?

 

For the state fair, I would definitely go with the sample platter, that way you can try all the tasty goodness without over indulging. I also strongly agree with the tip to drink lots of water. If you don't mind my two cents, bring a nalgene bottle with you to the fair. They hold a liter of water, which you can fill up before getting to the fair so you don't have to buy over-priced water bottles. You can bring gallon jugs of water with you to the hotel, and just refill the nalgene bottle in the morning before you leave. Depending on the weather, that bottle will last you anywhere from 2-6 hours.

 

Good luck!!

[TaJaDor]

The state fair! That really takes me back... Say hi to my homestate for me! Texas is too hot, I miss my mosquito state. Good luck with your goals!

[starsapart]

Just popping in to say your challenge is AWESOME.

[khodabae]

I love the theme! Walking is a great way to start. I started walking at 230lbs, and then transitioned to C25K. Now I am 170lbs and training for a half marathon. You have a well thought out plan and I'm sure you will do awesome!

[Shello]

I really like your challenge theme! Back when I lost weight I remember thinking about it as a form of time travel (reclaiming a younger, healthier version of me) but I never made the Doctor Who connection. Very cool! The really important question is which Doctor would you want to travel with?

 

Walking is a great exercise, I think. At the right pace it improves cardiovascular fitness, it burns calories, and it has a really low risk of injury. It's also really good preparation for getting out into the world and doing stuff. It's really liberating to know that even if you got stuck without transport many miles from home, you could walk if you needed to.

 

Be sure to keep your thread updated! I'm sure I won't be the only one checking in.

 

 

The Doctor Who theme is very cool. Which Doctor are you traveling with?

 

For the state fair, I would definitely go with the sample platter, that way you can try all the tasty goodness without over indulging. I also strongly agree with the tip to drink lots of water. If you don't mind my two cents, bring a nalgene bottle with you to the fair. They hold a liter of water, which you can fill up before getting to the fair so you don't have to buy over-priced water bottles. You can bring gallon jugs of water with you to the hotel, and just refill the nalgene bottle in the morning before you leave. Depending on the weather, that bottle will last you anywhere from 2-6 hours.

 

Good luck!!

 

Do I really have to pick just one incarnation?   I'm not sure that's possible.  I really liked the 11th Doctor but I am also quite partial to the 4th and 5th..mostly because that was back when I first started watching.  Perhaps I need a little of all three to help me be well balanced and flexible?? 

[Shello]

Yay for the teaching goal! You can to eet!

 

I really feel you with the social eating. Have some similar issues when having friends over....

I WANT ALL THE FOOD

But nope, let's be reasonable together

 

Sounds like a plan to me.  I do not have the best relationship with food. 

[Shello]

I am so glad there are others who can relate to the MN State Fair.  There are few that compare to MN.  A lot of people have mentioned using water to help mitigate against all the food.  That seems like it will be one of the easier tasks on my list so I will definitely find a way to make it work.  Thanks for all the suggestions!

[The Spider]

+1 for the Doctor Who theme!  Hey, where's the love for 9?!

[Shello]

+1 for the Doctor Who theme!  Hey, where's the love for 9?!

 

OK = I liked him too but not enough to be in the top three..  

[Bandcamp]

The protein and fiber heavy breakfast idea is especially great for the State Fair problem.

 

I find that if I double down on my protein in the mornings, I'm more drawn to lighter food come lunch. If I don't then I feel like eating anything that moves...

[Rosiesan]

I'm in MN too!! Although I'm not a big State Fair person (I'm more of a Renaissance gal), but the food is terribly delicious! Good luck on staying with your goals while keeping up with social situations. I know those are the hardest (especially in the midwest it seems with our casseroles).

[MidknytOwl]

Nice work on the challenge theme.  I like it.  

 

I'm with you on the getting the body back thing (we're even pretty close in weight), but I think you'll be happily amazed with the amount of progress six weeks can bring.  You'll do great!  Definitely modify as needed, especially with the weight training.  I have to do bench push-ups now not because of the knees so much as because I'm not strong enough to do them that way anymore either, so don't feel bad.  Besides, nice thing about having a long way to go is you see some great improvements both really quickly and for a really long time.

 

For the fair, I ended the last challenge at the California State Fair, which is definitely not on the same level as the one you're going to, but I can kind of relate.  You've got great plans and there's already been some good suggestions too.  One thing I found at the CA fair was, that after eating pretty well for five weeks, I actually didn't want most of the food there - it was so heavy, and greasy, and made me feel like crap.  (This from someone with a prior fast food addiction.)  Your tastes change, so it might not be as bad as you think come that time.  Either way, I'm a firm believer in enjoying your vacation, just don't go crazy and use it as an excuse to gorge.

 

My other suggestion would be to bring some healthy snacks into the fair with you.  If they don't allow outside food, you can probably still smuggle a couple protein bars or something in.  I found at the fair there wasn't really any healthy options - the best I did was either a burrito or a kielbasa sausage, which are only healthy in comparison to the rest of it.  It wasn't even that I was trying to be healthy; I really didn't want to eat the fried grease anymore and would have paid $20 for a decent salad if it existed anywhere.  (I did pay $8 for a tiny plate of cheese and grapes in the wine tasting section, actually. That was a happy surprise.)   

 

Anyway, if you can bring any food in with you, then do that to supplement so you don't have to resort to cheese curds as your only energy source.

 

Good luck on your challenge! 

[Mahmu]

Just popping in to say that I love your challenge theme!

[cartwheelskeleton]

I absolutely love your time travel theme. I'll be sending you encouragement at the fair in the form of the word "badwolf" written in various places ;]