Karianne's First Challenge

[Karianne85]

Hi,

Just joined and don't know what I'm doing really. I'll figure it out as I go along. I don't know anything about gaming but doing a monthly challenge sounds good for me so I'm in!

 

Goals: My overall ultimate goal is to lose 20 pounds but that sounds daunting so I'm going to start with 5 and then 5 more and so on. In the past when I've lost, I would lose and then get tired of 'dieting' so just maintain until I felt like 'dieting' again. That worked for me and kept me going so planning to do it again. I'd really like to just get to healthy eating all the time rather than even saying dieting but semantics aside, you get the idea. 

 

I am 64 and joined a gym 2 months ago although I have always exercised by walking, swimming, workout videos or bike riding. I wanted more variety and imagine my surprise when I learned my health insurance pays for any gym I want to join! It is called the Silver Sneakers program for anyone over 60. So I picked the gym that had a pool and a lot of classes. I mainly do the classes as they are fun.

 

My biggest challenge is living with my husband and son who are junk food junkies. When my husband worked more hours he ate that junk when I was in bed so I wasn't tempted. My adult son (now disabled) is now here all day with me (I'm retired). I was able to maintain my weight for years until their junk was all around me. I refuse to gain weight with them anymore so am trying to figure out ways to do it whether or not that stuff is in the house.

 

My goals for this month's challenge:

 

Eating:

 

1. Menu plan every week-ugh... For some reason I hate to do this but I need to.

2. Keep containers of chopped veggies and other salad ingredients full throughout the week. Spend time in kitchen 'every single day' on food prep.

3. Work on not saying "I don't like to cook" or thinking it. From now on I'm the happy chopper. Actually everything I cook tastes good. For some reason, I'd just rather be doing something else but I want to re-program my thinking on this. Gee I LOVE to cook! 

 

Fitness:

4. Balance my gym schedule. I think I have been overdoing it. I need to take a harder class every other day and in between do more mild exercising so that is my goal this month.

 

Lifestyle:

 

5. Tackle cleaning/organizing chores around the house. I will set a timer and do 15 minutes each day of something that is not in the ordinary routine.

 

Kari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[petefeet]

Certainly sounds like you have your plate full Kari (sorry, bad joke), but it sure seems like you know what you want and how you might achieve it.

 

Best of luck, I'll do my best to stop in from time to time to check on you. I encourage you to seek out other newbies and support them, your mature life skills will be a big asset to the forums.

[Rhyme]

3. Work on not saying "I don't like to cook" or thinking it. From now on I'm the happy chopper. Actually everything I cook tastes good. For some reason, I'd just rather be doing something else but I want to re-program my thinking on this. Gee I LOVE to cook!

 

This goal really stands out as an impressive one! It's surprising how much even fleeting thoughts can do to your overall outlook, this can really change your motivation when it comes to the kitchen. Cooking IS awesome!

[Karianne85]

Certainly sounds like you have your plate full Kari (sorry, bad joke), but it sure seems like you know what you want and how you might achieve it.

 

Best of luck, I'll do my best to stop in from time to time to check on you. I encourage you to seek out other newbies and support them, your mature life skills will be a big asset to the forums.

Well it seems like my goals are kind of lofty but really I have the gym part down. I just love doing the classes so it is not a challenge. Just have to fine tune it a bit.

 

Plus I am retired so doing 15 minutes a day of a home project is just me not being too lazy which I have kind of been lately.

 

I know it sounds wimpy but the menu planning/food prep is really my sticking point and when I don't have things planned I get hungry and the junk is right there waiting for me to eat it. Ugh, lol.

 

I will post on others' threads but not tonight. Thanks!

[Karianne85]

This goal really stands out as an impressive one! It's surprising how much even fleeting thoughts can do to your overall outlook, this can really change your motivation when it comes to the kitchen. Cooking IS awesome!

Yeah, who knows, maybe some day I'll even do one of those cooking blogs since I love cooking so much now and all....

[Kagetsukai]

While I absolutely love cooking (and baking, too), my mother has always hated it. What I suggested to her was a crockpot. Throw things into crockpot, turn it on, and it cooks food for you, without your involvement Perhaps it might help you too

 

Good luck on the challenge!

[Reed Meadow]

"3. Work on not saying "I don't like to cook" or thinking it. From now on I'm the happy chopper."

Yes! This is my mindset for most things Fake it til you make it.

I admire your determination and wish you all the luck with your clean eating.

Like a Sir,

JollyOldMrPhelps

[fleaball]

Nice find with the gym! You're already on a roll.

[Karianne85]

While I absolutely love cooking (and baking, too), my mother has always hated it. What I suggested to her was a crockpot. Throw things into crockpot, turn it on, and it cooks food for you, without your involvement Perhaps it might help you too

 

Good luck on the challenge!

Trust me, I have a crockpot!  

[Karianne85]

I was trying to think of a way to keep telling myself that I enjoyed cooking but not just say "I like cooking" every day. I like variety. I decided to look for ideas online and also think of some and write one down each day or most days anyway. I am keeping a list on my fridge. As an example, the first one is "Home cooking tastes better".

 

If anyone can think of any I can use, I'd appreciate some suggestions.

 

Thanks, Kari

[petefeet]

Just checking in, how did your first week go? Can we help in any way?

[Karianne85]

Just checking in, how did your first week go? Can we help in any way?

First week was pretty good. Second week is so-so. Not exactly doing what I said I was going to do every day but moving in a positive direction overall I think.

 

Thanks for asking but I don't need any help right now.

[dncahn206]

You sound like you got this covered.  I've been enjoying having chopped veggies in the fridge lately too, makes meals that much easier.  

[dncahn206]

First week was pretty good. Second week is so-so. Not exactly doing what I said I was going to do every day but moving in a positive direction overall I think.

 

Thanks for asking but I don't need any help right now.

 

This is my first challenge too and it the way we as different people react to an idea of a challenge like this is interesting.  I think some people are beating themselves up for not living everyday perfectly for their challenge even though they are making great progress and like you say moving in a positive direction overall.  I mean it's great to shoot for the stars but I think it's good to give ourselves credit for making positive changes in our lives.  I like the way you worded that above.  

[Karianne85]

I agree. I'm also generally working on not being a perfectionist. It's tiring! I say to myself "Imperfection is the new Perfection."