Pet Talk Monthly Weight Loss *CHALLENGE*

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Okay guys, I have a really good idea for us as a community.

If you feel you are overweight and would like to lose some weight, this challenge is for YOU.

I was thinking we could do this MONTHLY. This is what will happen.


At the beginning of every month, submit your name and weight to me by PM or EMAIL. (If you have an issue with telling me your weight, just one sec. I will get to that in a bit!)
At the beginning of every month I will post a list of names of everyone who is entered, but I will NOT post your weight.
Next comes the actual weight loss. Throughout the WHOLE month you exercise right, eat healthy, and just try and lose the weekly goal of 2 POUNDS per person per week. (The total number of pounds IS up for discussion.)
EVERY WEEK you either POST, PM, or EMAIL me your weight loss results. For example, the next challenge will start either next week or the beginning of next month (up for discussion also...) but I exercise, eat healthy and try and lose weight all week. At the end of the week, (Saturday, as all new weeks will start on Sunday) I weigh myself and see how much (if any) I have lost. Post the number of pounds lost and I will put a number by your name, like -4 if you lost 4 pounds.
At the end of the month we can see how much weight we have lost as a group.


RULES


ABSOLUTELY NO FASTING, STARVATION, BINGEING/PURGING. You need to eat to stay alive. Obviously I have no control over what you do and what you eat, but this challenge is meant to make people feel healthy and better about themselves.
Please please please please please don't cheat. Again, I have no control over you, but if you don't lose as many pounds as someone else, please don't resort to cheating and lying.
If you don't want your weight loss posted, fine with me. Please just ask.


Okay!

If you don't want to tell me your weight, I completely understand. I wouldn't either, under normal circumstances, but I can GUARANTEE you all that I bet I weigh more than you do. If you don't want to tell me your weight it's okay, but I just don't want people that are 100 pounds participating in this challenge because they are already underweight most likely.


AREAS UP FOR DEBATE:

-Weight loss per month per person (1-3lbs?)
-Starting date (Nov. 6th, or Nov. 27th? Both are Sundays, it's easier to keep on track if we start and end weekly weigh-ins on a certain day.)

Any other questions, comments, suggestions appreciated! Tell me what you think!

SIGNED UP:

Areias
Buckner
CagneyDog
CalliesMom
Cyber-Sibes
Felix
Finnsmom
Flatcoatluver
ILoveMyAbbyGirl
K9Krazee
Manda_Moo87
ParNone
Popcornbird
RobiLee
Sammy101
Toby's My Baby

[popcornbird]

:D

Cool idea. I'm in. I need to get back to working to reach my goal. ;)

[CagneyDog]

I'm in :D

[CalliesMom]

Me too!

[RobiLee]

Hmmm, I might give this a try. I am far too embarrassed to say how much I weigh though. Trust me I out weigh anyone I know or see in public and it can be humilating. I was also wondering if 10 pounds a month is a bit much to expect.

[slleipnir]

I'd like to...but I not be in it this month. I don't want to tell my weight either...I wouldn't consider myself "fat" but I could stand to lose 10-20 pounds.

[ParNone]

I'd like to join too. I just started on my diet again last week. I'm not too keen on revealing actual weight numbers either. How bout I just give you my goal pound lossage(is that a word? :) ). I'd like to lose 50 lbs. (I could lose more, but I'd be thrilled and would be fairly healthy with the 50).

Par...

[Uabassoon]

I was also wondering if 10 pounds a month is a bit much to expect.

I agree. A healthy weight loss is considered 1-2 lbs a week. A lot of times people will have a big loss the first week that they start a diet and that is normal, but then it should slow down. Remember that the faster you lose your weight the faster it can come back! It's much healthier for you to lose weight at a slower pace.

[sammy101]

sign me up :)

[Logan]

Good luck, everyone!

I'm already dieting, and my weight loss has probably averaged what Laura said, around 1.5-2.0 pounds per week. Sometime more, sometimes less. We're in our 14th week, I think, and I have lost 25 pounds. I have 22 more to go.

I won't participate, but I'll be here looking for inspiration, also to cheer you on, if that's ok!

Logan

[Flatcoatluver]

I would love to be signed up!!! I am trying to diet anyway and having pet talk support would be awsome!!!!

[buttercup132]

i wish i could do that but im under weight no im not anorexic or belimic or anything i had a growth stunt when i was in my mothers womb and i have a VERY high matabalisum

[finn's mom]

I'm in.

For a petite girl my height (5'1), "they say" I should weigh between 105 and 115. I fluctuate between 125 and 128 pounds, even though no one thinks I need to lose any weight at all, and, don't believe me when I tell them I weigh even that much. And, honestly, I'd be more interested in losing a few inches around the middle, not so much weight. I'd like to gain some muscle, so, I may not even see the numbers on the scale come down. But, I've been trying to eat better and exercise, so, this could be that little push that I need. Kinda like the book club has pushed me to read again. :) Anyway...I'd like to do this.

[Uabassoon]

I'm in.

For a petite girl my height (5'1), "they say" I should weigh between 105 and 115. I fluctuate between 125 and 128 pounds, even though no one thinks I need to lose any weight at all, and, don't believe me when I tell them I weigh even that much.


You are at a healthy weight, not overweight at all. I plugged in those number and you have a BMI of 24. A healthy weight is considered 20-25 BMI.

[carole]

This is indeed a great idea, to support one another like this Megan , some of you will already know I am doing my own WWatchers at home and have had some weight loss, however I do want to point out that Ten to 15 pounds is setting yourself up for a fall, one has to take in mind the level of activity and the age of the person, that would not even be achieveable for someone my age group etc, and really is not what I consider a healthy weight loss, you should be looking at 500 grms to a 1kg weight loss a week,(one to two pounds per week) that is safe and really achievable for most people, if you set your goals too high, you are just going to come crashing down.,to encourage people to loose that amount i feel would not be in their best interest or safe or long term.,having said that, good luck to everyone.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Alright, general consensus is about 2 pounds a week? Should we just make it an even number and have weekly goals be about 2 pounds a week?

Thanks for the input guys!

[Flatcoatluver]

I did a health project and you should have 1200-1400 calorie a day if you want to lose 2 lbs, no less then 1200 no healthy at all.

[finn's mom]

You are at a healthy weight, not overweight at all. I plugged in those number and you have a BMI of 24. A healthy weight is considered 20-25 BMI.


Well, I know when I feel healthy, and, I don't. That's why I said I'm mostly concerned with losing a couple of inches, not so much weight. And, my body fat was higher than it should be last time I had it checked. I just know that I don't exercise enough and I don't eat well. I've off and on tried to, but, I always slip. I'm hoping that my friend and I will start going to a gym here pretty soon! I need that guidance and motivation and she's a great motivator and really knows her stuff.

[Flatcoatluver]

I figured how i can fit excersise into my scedule, by taking zoey out jogging, but i still havn't decided how many min. a day.

[Logan]

Kari, my daughter and I have been dieting together. She is 14 years old and wanted to lose about 15 pounds. I am 43 years old and my goal was 48 pounds. Helen is so active, though, and exercises hard a minimum of 2 hours/day during the week, sometimes more. Her pounds have not dropped as quickly, but her inches have! All of her jeans are baggy (a terrible thing for a 14 year old girl :p ) and she is very satisfied with where she is. I'm so happy for her. We have had as much fun with the inches lost as we have the pounds lost! I have had to be at the doctor's office a lot lately, unfortunately, for reasons other than my weight (lots of skin troubles....the lastest being a vicious case of poison ivy), and the nurse has told me the last two times that I need to "get some clothes that fit", and I was in a size smaller the second time! :) That makes you feel really, really good!!!! :D

Good luck, everyone!

Logan

[finn's mom]

We have had as much fun with the inches lost as we have the pounds lost!

Thanks, Logan! Yeah, I've just not been taking care of myself consistently lately. I go through phases where I try hard not to eat junk. But, then, I get lazy. And, I don't go to store to get fresh veggies and fish and chicken breasts. ;) I just know where I'm healthiest, and, I'm not there right now.

Congratulations to you and your daughter, though, that's amazing! :)

[buckner]

I'd love to join, but I'd feel really awkward.

You see, I've been dieting (lifestyle changing, that is) since August 8th and I've lost a total of 48lbs. At least, that was my loss as of Monday morning. I've been doing a calorie diet using the right foods. I never "cheat" or even splurge a little bit. I haven't had chocolate, chips, or anything that I used to depend upon in at least 3 months, some things even longer! I got out of my depression state, looked in the mirror and went "HOLY CRAP!!!" and immediately starting changing my appearance. :P

I've always battled with my weight, but since 7th grade, I had it under control. I'd gained a few pounds and then cut back once I realized it. I maintained a healthy weight at around 130-135lbs (I'm 5'8") all up until May of 2004. Then in July, I started having to deal with death and I became depressed.. lets just say I let myself go. I gained SO much weight, but since, I've lost the 48lbs! I plan on continuing for a while (what seems like FOREVER!) until I get down to my desired weight at 130lbs. Then I'll just maintain.

So, if I could join, I'd love to. I love being a part of a support system. However, I'm not just starting, so I'd be way ahead of most people. And, people may have a problem with someone already having lost 48lbs and getting into this Challenge.

Good luck to everyone!!! :)

[carole]

WOW that is an amazing achievement you should be extremely proud of yourself, and I think if you want to Join you should, everyone needs as much support as they can get, and if it is your wish why not, I don't think anyone would have any problem with it, infact you will be an inspirition to people yourself and could offer advice, and lots of support back, SO GO FOR IT sweetie.

[finn's mom]

So, if I could join, I'd love to. I love being a part of a support system. However, I'm not just starting, so I'd be way ahead of most people. And, people may have a problem with someone already having lost 48lbs and getting into this Challenge.

Good luck to everyone!!! :)

That's amazing what you've accomplished! And, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with you already having lost some weight. I mean, you still have some to lose, apparently, and, that's the whole point. You could be major motivation to a lot of people!

[jackie]

Good luck everyone!!!

A great website to "track" your daily food intake, etc is Fit Day (www.fitday.com)

[areias]

I'll join in...if no one minds that I am also currently in Weight Watchers and counting points....

[Flatcoatluver]

I'll join in...if no one minds that I am also currently in Weight Watchers and counting points....
I was in weight watchers too I have a great teacher she was funny and sweet, but then she left and the new teacher just could not get my attention.

[Toby's my baby]

I'll try this out, but I dont know if I will be able to lose any weight. I am 5'5 and weigh about 115 lbs. (i'll have to go double check) so I'm not really over weight, but i do need to start FEELING healthy and eatting healthier, becuase basketball starts in 2 weeks! :)

[cyber-sibes]

Hmm, sounds like good motivation. I lost a bit of weight before my surgery this summer, but it's creeping back on, and especially with winter coming, I know I won't get as much exercise & I love hearty winter foods....and holiday goodies ;) ! OK, Ill try it. When are you gonna start? I'm leaving for a week on Nov. 7, and don't think I'll have access to a computer, but I'll log back on when I get home. BTW, couldn't we each set a goal, either 1 or two pounds, because depending on our ages & condition, what's healthy may vary. I like the idea of stating our weight loss goal if we don't want to reveal our weight.

[finn's mom]

I'll try this out, but I dont know if I will be able to lose any weight. I am 5'5 and weigh about 115 lbs. (i'll have to go double check) so I'm not really over weight, but i do need to start FEELING healthy and eatting healthier, becuase basketball starts in 2 weeks! :)

Wow, you definitely don't need to lose weight, but, maybe just eat healthier! :) Or tone up, maybe. I'm 4 inches shorter than you, and, weigh about 13 pounds more. And, I'm not really in need of losing weight. But, I totally understand about feeling healthier. Because that's my goal, too! Good luck with basketball season, too! :)

[Felix]

Im sorry I never saw this earlier.Sounds like something I defanately need to do ;) Maybe this will still be going for next month too,as for im too late now :( too bad.

Good luck Everyone.Maybe I will do it on my own this month than....I'll start NOW!! :D :p

[sammy101]

when does this officialy start?

[Toby's my baby]

Wow, you definitely don't need to lose weight, but, maybe just eat healthier! :) Or tone up, maybe. I'm 4 inches shorter than you, and, weigh about 13 pounds more. And, I'm not really in need of losing weight. But, I totally understand about feeling healthier. Because that's my goal, too! Good luck with basketball season, too! :)


Thank you Kari! Good luck to you too in feeling healthier! I just weighed my self and i weigh 121 lbs. The last time I weighed myself i was really sick so i was obviously skinnier :o :p

[finn's mom]

Thank you Kari! Good luck to you too in feeling healthier! I just weighed my self and i weigh 121 lbs. The last time I weighed myself i was really sick so i was obviously skinnier :o :p


Ha ha, I just weighed myself today, and, even though I'm eating all right, I'm at about 123 right now...I'm sick, though, too! Blech. Here's to you and to me and everyone else eating healthier and feeling better! Whatever everyone's goals are, I hope they're all reached!!

[CagneyDog]

So is this starting this month?

[Flatcoatluver]

I'm Going To Start Sunday No Matter What Because I Am Tired Of Being Tired!!!

[sammy101]

i've decided im starting tomorrow! :)

[k9krazee]

I'd really like to join...my goal is to lose 30-40 lbs and I am always saying I'll try harder next week etc and as a result have stayed the same stinkin weight for about a year now...I think this is what I really need to stay motivated, I'm planning on starting this weekend....thanks :)

[finn's mom]

I'm Going To Start Sunday No Matter What Because I Am Tired Of Being Tired!!!

I know exactly what you mean. And, it's amazing what just drinking water does for your energy level. It's wild!

[Flatcoatluver]

I know exactly what you mean. And, it's amazing what just drinking water does for your energy level. It's wild!
I know water does miracles for me!!! No more pop for me!!

[manda_moo87]

Count me in, please. :)

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

You PERSONALLY can start anytime you want. The official start will be November 27th, which is a Sunday. Deadline to get on the list is November 26th.

GOOD LUCK! I'll make a new thread with some tips and ideas to keep you motivated.

*hugs to all* YOU CAN DO IT! Good Luck!

[buckner]

Hey Megan,

Can you put me on the list? It sounds like people don't mind if I'm in on this.

Thanks!

[cyber-sibes]

You PERSONALLY can start anytime you want. The official start will be November 27th, which is a Sunday. Deadline to get on the list is November 26th.
Oh good! after Thanksgiving! As turkey dinner with all the fixings is my favorite meal, I couldn't pass that up ;) - ok, no second helpings!

[Felix]

ok im in ..put me on the list please.What do I need to do next??When do we start?I can start tomorrow :D