Challenge for people who are ready to stay on plan!

[Jamie]

Here we go... a plan for sticking to plan until New Year's Eve! Rather than starting ONLY when December 31 rolls around, let's stick to plan!

Even if you lose no weight this next month, you gain everything in self control and celebrating the season and not the food!

Rules: sign up, and check in, minimally, every week with how you're doing!

Who's in?

:icon_dance:

[Rick]

You know I'm in!!! :)

I was great from New Years Eve last year until July 4th of this year.... then fell off the wagon completely. I am still down about 35 lbs this year, but was down 50... so, I need to be back on the wagon! I can do it!! I will do it!!! No more self sabotage for me... I will lose those 15, plus... before New Years this year!!!!

I am accountable to me only....
Rick

[Jamie]

Cool, Mr Way Cool Moderator! We're going to be sitting pretty good come New Year's Eve!

[Mindy-loo]

There won't be anymore of those "no licking" rules, will there? Because those were the toughest!!

I'm in!!

[Laura]

I'm in. Gained back 25lbs from eating like the boyfriend does over the last year. I didn't realize what a challenge it was to have someone else in the house not following the same plan.

I actually had decided last week to start back again and this challenge is great. I'm not going to do Induction, though, because I know I won't stick with it. I'm thinking maybe rung 5 with some serious portion control.

Laura

[Jacqueline]

I'm in! I made it through Thanksgiving without a problem. I have considered going back on induction, but would like to try just sticking with the first four rungs, allowing some nuts and dairy and low-carb fruits.

[Chris]

I'm most definitely in! Hey, Jamie, I was in your New Year's challenge last year, as well, and I did far better than I expected. Unfortunately, YOU disappeared before New Years Day from you-know-where!

[Jamie]

LOL Chris. That would be true!

I won't be disappearing from here, though! I am so glad you're joining!

Jackye, Laura, Mindy-Loo-hoo, I'm so glad you're in, too!!!

[Desertthorn]

I'm absolutely in....Yeah, no disappearing,...

[terry]

Im in.

[Rick]

There won't be anymore of those "no licking" rules, will there? Because those were the toughest!!

I'm in!!

I must have missed that rule... could you clarify for me? :D

[Chris]

I must have missed that rule... could you clarify for me? :D

I don't remember that one, specifically, but it sure sounds like something Jamie would say!

[jcapulet]

I am in too. I really need help for the holidays.

I fell off the wagon on Thanksgiving...I didn't plan to. :icon_no: I am back on the plan though. Part of it was feeling exhausted and not sleeping well...it really affected my time for preparing/cooking, including the night before. Not an excuse...just what was going on. I need to find ways to make sure that doesn't happen again on Christmas.

:hides under a table:

[Laura]

Well, not off to a good start. James made sloppy joes last night and I had the bun. :( Doing better today with broccoli chicken (no rice!)

Going to the grocery store tonight so we actually have some food in the house...

Laura

[Chris]

Jamie, I think we need a specific day of the week to check in. If you say that we have to check in at least once a week, I know myself and I'll get sloppy and slack. However, if I know that every Wednesday, say, I have to report how I've done for the past week, and how much weight I've lost/gained, that I'll be super good.

Of course, we can still discuss our progress all during the week, as well.

What do you think?

[Desertthorn]

Great idea Chris. What is a good check in day

[Chris]

Great idea Chris. What is a good check in day

It doesn't really matter to me, but I'd suggest that it not be Friday or the weekend, since many folks are especially busy those days, and might not have a chance to get on line. Maybe Monday, or make it as a nice mid-week event on Wednesday?

[katlam]

I'd like to be in. I've not fallen off plan per se but I have missed getting all my water in each day for the last year. I need to get back on the water wagon, even if I don't loose another pound.

So count me in!

Kathy

[Rick]

So, how is everyone doing thus far?

I almost messed up this morning... lucky we have a cafeteria where I work, that makes breakfasts. I was able to get bacon and eggs here. Things were hectic at home because we're in the middle of an ice storm and I had to break into my own truck because the doors were all iced over and frozen. It's crazy! Anyway, made it to work fine after I spent about 15 minutes just getting ice off the windows to drive here. Luckily the roads weren't bad yet. I'm not looking forward to the drive home later today though. We're supposed to get about a foot of the white stuff on top of the ice, so I know driving is going to be bad. At least I only have to drive about 3 miles.

The one thing I haven't been good about is drinking my water. I really need to work on that one. I got back into my old habits of drinking tea (no sweetener and decaf) and diet coke's here at work. That's a hard one for me to break... but, I'm on my 2nd glass of water so far today. I'm going to do better.

[Jamie]

I will be back on the wagon verrrrry verrrrry soon. I'm currently in the role of kicking YOUR butts. It's what I do.

I'm a giver.


Hey, Rick. Have you tried adding a drop of oil of cinnamon or peppermint to your water? I think it might add some zip! I am thinking about trying these. Oil of oregano is pretty pungent, but it's also a good addition.

[Chris]

Oil of oregano is pretty pungent, but it's also a good addition.

Watch out, she's really been pushing that oil of oregano s**t. :nauseated: She's probably getting a kick-back!

[Rick]

Nah... the only thing I add to my water is ice! :yummy: And, I'm lucky... I do actually like water... just not as good as diet coke! But, I've been good today... no soda at all.

I will have a glass of tea with my lunch salad though... speaking of which, it is that time!

Ciao... er, chow! :D

[Jamie]

LOL! Chris! I am not!

Good one, Rick! Have a great lunch!

[Laura]

Eh, I'm nowhere near being good, but better than I had been. Already down two pounds this week. Most likely from not eating ice cream every night.

Made chili last night, though, so it'll be a little easier. Just have to stay away from the crackers...

Laura

[sugarfreeone]

I'm in it for the long haul baby!!!! I ain't cheatin' for nothing! I'm IN!!!:):):)
Kat

[sugarfreeone]

Watch out, she's really been pushing that oil of oregano s**t. :nauseated: She's probably getting a kick-back!

OMG Oil of Oregano! I take it religiously and I can not say enough positive about it! I am really into herbs and essential oils. Oregano is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and a great anti-oxidant. I take it in capsules though. The tea I used to make with the oil was wayyy to strong for me to handle ...(think drinking fire lol) While people around me have the flu, I have not got one bug while taking this herbal supplement..It's JUST AWESOME!!!!! (just had to comment!...and I buy mine at wholefoods..I dont sell anything :)

[sugarfreeone]

I will be back on the wagon verrrrry verrrrry soon. I'm currently in the role of kicking YOUR butts. It's what I do.

I'm a giver.


Hey, Rick. Have you tried adding a drop of oil of cinnamon or peppermint to your water? I think it might add some zip! I am thinking about trying these. Oil of oregano is pretty pungent, but it's also a good addition.

Girl watch out...that stuff (oregano) will burn you like fire! Even dilluted it is SO strong. You also have to mnake sure you get the right kind / species (oreganum vulgaris). There is a cheaper / immitation one that is actually thyme oil and it is not as good (thymus vulgaris) I was taking oregano as a hot tea for a while and I could not handle it any more. Get yourself some of the capsules. I have a particular brand I like...I think its Gaia herbs brand (sp?) but I will have to go get the bottle and will let you know later. It is the super critical co2 extract of oregano (oreganum vulgaris) in liquicapsules....I have had great success with this...my immunity has gotten way better. I have not been sick since I started taking it!
Sorry, I know it is a bit OT, but I saw your post and had to respond....
:) Kat

[Jamie]

It's so great to have you here, kat! I love you! LOL!!! Your energy is cracking me up.

OK, OK. I'm definitely on plan tomorrow. Honest. No cheats or anything!

I can do this!

[Jamie]

And yeah, ooo makes your lips tingle. It's freakyweird at first.

Greta job on those 2 pounds Laura!!!

[Rick]

Eh, I'm nowhere near being good, but better than I had been. Already down two pounds this week. Most likely from not eating ice cream every night.

Made chili last night, though, so it'll be a little easier. Just have to stay away from the crackers...

Laura

Great start! Congrats! I've been on less than 20 carbs per day for the last 5 or 6 days, plus treadmilling and still have only lost about the same as you! Good on ya!!!!

[Desertthorn]

Okay, tomorrow is Day One again. (Hangs head in shame) I swear, the chocolate was in my mouth and gone before I even thought about it.

[Chris]

Okay, tomorrow is Day One again. (Hangs head in shame) I swear, the chocolate was in my mouth and gone before I even thought about it.


Yeah, sure. That chocolate just hopped in there, all on its own.

In all honesty, I sure can't throw any stones! Starting today, though, I AM going to be a low-carb saint!

[Laura]

I've found I can't do Induction again. It feels way to restrictive and I fall off in short order. However, having a small snack for lunch and smaller portions at dinner is working for me.

This summer, I realized that calories do count, and that just having low carb things high in fat wasn't letting me lose. Of course low carb and low calorie doesn't leave a lot of choices, so I've loosened up a bit on the carbs. Kinda like South Beach, with butter.

I'm down another pound this morning, but I expect the water weight loss to slow down pretty soon. Need to exercise. Ugh.

Looks like I'm in good company though. I don't feel quite so mad at myself for falling off. I guess we could all use a good, stable support system.

Laura

[Chris]

Looks like I'm in good company though. I don't feel quite so mad at myself for falling off. I guess we could all use a good, stable support system.

Laura

Exactly Laura, it seems that several of us have been playing rather "loose," lately.

I kept my word this morning, but it wasn't easy. Today was tree trimming day at the office, which always includes a big breakfast pot-luck. Of course, almost everything there is carb laden (and some pretty darn beautiful carbs, at that!). Right before the party, I ran across the street to The Market Place (one of those food by weight places) and got some scrambled eggs and sausage, and added a few little cheese hunks to that when I returned. I couldn't have the beautiful pastries, muffins, etc., but I enjoyed what I had and was satisified. (Well, almost, anyway!)

Yes, we do need the support system that this board, and this challenge, offer!

[Jamie]

I hate induction.

That said, I'm going through it for the last time I will EVER EVER go through it. Because I hate it.



I had scrambled eggs with cheddar and a glass of diet gingerale for breakfast.

[jcapulet]

Also back on Induction. Getting through day 1 without being bad.

[Laura]

My SO made omlettes for lunch and left the toast off mine. I thought really, really hard about making some, but decided against it. So, so tempting...

I guess my only redeeming quality is that I'm too lazy to screw up my diet. lol

Laura

[Rick]

Come on folks... Induction is not that hard!!!! You can all do it if you want to. It just all depends on how badly you want it... You still get to eat some really good foods..just not the ones you might be used to. When I went through it, I got rid of all non induction friendly foods in the house... so, even if tempted, there was nothing there to eat that would hurt me. I know it's harder for some to do that, especially if you have kids in the house.. but you can still get through induction.

I know you can!!!!
:icon_yes:

[Laura]

Well, I think some people tend to think of Induction as a cure-all or punishment, neither of which is true. The main idea of Induction is to kick start the weight loss process in the greatest number of people, while still being relatively easy to follow. I can't tell you how many times I've done Induction. Or started Induction.

For the way I see food, I can't keep doing Induction over and over or I'll never stop this rollercoaster. I need to be able to eat in a way I can continue long term, and climbing the ladder didn't work for me. Sticking with lower GI foods and keeping a lid on carbs AND calories is more maintainable for me. It just seems foreign to my nature to work up to a food level.

I do think Induction is invaluable for first-timers, though. And a *proper* Induction...

Laura

[Desertthorn]

Glad Im not the only one. Yeah, the chocolate just appeared. Its like Cleo and thanksgiving dinner, tallking about falling into the Yams and Marshmellos. LOL
So far so good today. I tried the flax meal bread and it isn't at all bad. (Not exciting) but not bad

[Jamie]

Ok, ok. I don't think induction is necessarily punishment. It's just like having morning sickness for a week without bread. ~Carbless in Colorado.

Cool, Lynne!

Way to go Laura!

jcapulet, you're doing awesome!

Great pep talk, Rick! LOL

[Rick]

Well, I think some people tend to think of Induction as a cure-all or punishment, neither of which is true. The main idea of Induction is to kick start the weight loss process in the greatest number of people, while still being relatively easy to follow. I can't tell you how many times I've done Induction. Or started Induction.

For the way I see food, I can't keep doing Induction over and over or I'll never stop this rollercoaster. I need to be able to eat in a way I can continue long term, and climbing the ladder didn't work for me. Sticking with lower GI foods and keeping a lid on carbs AND calories is more maintainable for me. It just seems foreign to my nature to work up to a food level.

I do think Induction is invaluable for first-timers, though. And a *proper* Induction...

Laura

Laura,
I'm not sure I completely agree... and that's ok. Dr. A. had a different idea of Induction too. It's not just a way to kickstart weight loss, though it does that too... but, the main function of it is to get past the cravings for carbs and mainly sugars. It's the time of Atkins where you learn to change your eating habits.

Induction in it's purest form is not all that difficult to do. We just have to want it... and want to change our habits.

Rick

[Laura]

Well, yes, Rick, you should use that time to get past cravings, but Dr. Atkins does state that you shouldn't abuse Induction by going back to it every time. If you flub during OWL or Maintenance, you're supposed to drop your carb level, but not necessarily back to Induction levels.

Laura

[Rick]

Well, yes, Rick, you should use that time to get past cravings, but Dr. Atkins does state that you shouldn't abuse Induction by going back to it every time. If you flub during OWL or Maintenance, you're supposed to drop your carb level, but not necessarily back to Induction levels.

Laura

Eggggsssactly!!

But, a lot of people do use Induction as a crutch or fall back option, because the rules are so set in stone. OWL and Maintenance are much more of a gray area to many, including me. :(

[xsmith95]

Im IN! OMG I was doing good all weekend long until I got to work today.... There is chocolate everywhere and I have had no will power at all today. So as of tomorrow.....NO MORE JUNK! I am with it all over again.

[katlam]

oh gosh I'm still off the wagon. I really gotta get my water in...

I wish I'd known about the OofO before this cold kicked me in the behind. I have NO NONE NADA voice for 2 days running now. Imagine I tried to call Jenna (my 7 yr old) in sick for school and dance class and couldn't even talk to the school secretary...LOL!

Ok, I'm going to get me a 20 ounce glass of water and start from there.

Kathy

[Jamie]

{{{{{{Kathy}}}}}}} I'm so sorry to hear about your cold! How awful! I have a sore throat and those are the worst. I hate sore throats! I hope you're feeling better soon! You need to rest that knee anyway. What a great excuse for a nap!

[Laura]

So I had this brilliant idea that I'd give chocolate and coffee gift baskets from this amazing little store up the street from us.

"We don't have many baskets made up, but let me get a list of what you want and we'll have them fresh for you when you're ready. Oh, and have a cup of coffee while we talk. Some chocolate covered honeycombs?"

And I have to GO BACK!

Well, the good news is that I'm done shopping, so I only have to go pick up the baskets on the way out of town. No more stress of the crowds. No more worrying about what to get. Just have to wrap and hope no one gives me any chocolate.

Stress does me in every time. I think I'll have to start taking valium to keep my weight down...

Laura

[jcapulet]

Speaking of punishment...that reminds me. When I was on the "low calorie" diet, I felt like I was being punished for being fat. The punishment was starvation, misery and denial of food. Atkins is so much better because I never feel deprived. :) I only feel rewarded!

Still doing good here. Now that I'm back on the wagon, I've turned my bum over at the dirt road where I fell off. Take that! :hysterical:

[Jennyj]

Is it too late to join the challenge? I've seen them before and always ran as fast as I could, never wanting to be held accountable. So, if it's okay, I'm in! My eating is okay ~ just not great. I'm on plan and all, food-wise (eating what's allowed), but my water is basically nil and sometimes my diet consists of nothing but a bag of cashews, a piece of chicken and some lettuce (if I'm not too lazy to get it out of the fridge). I've just lost my desire to eat. Has anyone else been there? Since I don't eat junk anymore, I guess I figure it's too much work to prepare something healthy. I'm trying really hard to prepare a lot when I do cook and freeze it, but with a 13-year-old boy in the house - what I intended to freeze is usually gone before I can! Anyway.....count me in!

~Jen~

[Jamie]

C'mon in!

I can start a spreadsheet for weight loss if y'all want to keep track of your losses or successes in general. Let me know!

[Laura]

lol, Jenny, I know what you mean. Yes, being in ketosis will kill your appetite. There were days when lunch was *half* an Atkins bar and dinner was microwaved fajita meat. I'm also terribly lazy, not a good cook, and have someone who steals my extras.

If I can do it, anyone can :)

Laura

[sugarfreeone]

lol, Jenny, I know what you mean. Yes, being in ketosis will kill your appetite. There were days when lunch was *half* an Atkins bar and dinner was microwaved fajita meat. I'm also terribly lazy, not a good cook, and have someone who steals my extras.

If I can do it, anyone can :)

Laura

OMG Laura I know what you mean too.....I am in total keto-land and have had no appetite lately...So I just grab whatever meat/cheese thing is in the fridge when I feel hungry...I get lazy and dont want to cook when I am not hungry because there is no motivation lol....Not complaining at all.....but I feel wierd eating like this....