Posts: 84
7/15/10 6:40 P

Wow, two years! No matter where you are in your journey, congratulations just for still being here (even if its not quite as often as before)!

I've let a little weight creep back on (8 pounds from my last goal weight), so I'm checking in again to get it under control and lose it before all the work I did the first time around doesn't go to waste.

I really fell flat after about 4 months last time. I was tracking but the weight plateaued for months and months. I'm hoping to break through that this time so I've set a new goal weight for myself.

Keep at it everyone!

current weight: 141.8

147 144 141 138

135

SparkPoints: (21,122)
Fitness Minutes: (4,805)
Posts: 3,200
6/10/10 7:39 P

Where did the time go? I'm just realizing that I've been a member for 2 YEARS and I'm not even at the half-way mark for my goal. Guess I need to step it up a bit!!

Pounds lost: 4.4

0 15.35 30.7 46.05

61.4

SparkPoints: (184,838)
Fitness Minutes: (175,443)
Posts: 9,618
5/10/10 12:32 A

i kept off the weight i lost during my first year on sparkpeople. i am now focusing on trying to lose some more this year.
i got under my original goal. i am glad that when i started going back to my unhealthy habits i caught it and the scale stayed in the same range.

SparkPoints: (112,514)
Fitness Minutes: (45,242)
Posts: 5,136
5/4/10 10:52 A

Until I looked at your pages I did not know that there was a two year emotion. I have tried to sell the idea of SP to anyone who will listen. I have taken it to TOPS meetings several times. My husband and I have given lessons on it. Thanks to SP we are doing fine!!

112,514 SparkPoints

SparkPoints: (84,658)
Fitness Minutes: (35,458)
Posts: 7,485
4/26/10 3:38 P

Didn't realize it has been 2 years..and I'm starting over from square one...I put up about what all has happened on my sparkpage blog so you can go there and read the details. But I'm determined to try try again and be successful this time. Hugs. Barb

current weight: 190.0

211 195.75 180.5 165.25

150

SparkPoints: (58,216)
Fitness Minutes: (38,963)
Posts: 900
4/26/10 7:30 A

Today is my 2 year anniversary. Yea!!

current weight: 240.2

290 275.75 261.5 247.25

233

SparkPoints: (184,838)
Fitness Minutes: (175,443)
Posts: 9,618
4/24/10 12:15 A

way to go team!

SparkPoints: (184,838)
Fitness Minutes: (175,443)
Posts: 9,618
4/8/10 12:39 A

We are getting close to 2 years sparking. i lost weight my first year and maintained the 2nd year. i do want to refocus and see if i can get closer to a healthy weight this year.

Posts: 154
6/21/09 11:27 A

My anniversary was the 26th of April. I did well for the 1st few months and lost 15 lbs but then my husband got sick and I didn't keep up with the exercises. Now I have gained back 7 lbs and in addition now have high blood sugar that I must keep under control before I am diagnosted as pre-diabetic. So, I am now re-focusing my efforts on getting more exercise to keep my weight down. Wish me luck in my 2nd year here.

Posts: 991
4/27/09 2:06 P

My anniversary was the 24th also. My 1st year was so-so; but I have renewed mt dedication this year and am doing well; 25 lbs so far. I'm ready to kick butt!!

current weight: 196.0

217 195.25 173.5 151.75

130

Posts: 10,073
4/26/09 6:01 P

I just realized my start date is on my sparkpage. so my Anniversary was on the 24th. WOOHOO one year and the rest of my life to go!!!

Edited by: CHICKFORCHRIST at: 4/26/2009 (18:02)

current weight: 0.0  under

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (58,216)
Fitness Minutes: (38,963)
Posts: 900
4/26/09 2:00 P

Today is my official Sparkversary! I am so happy.

current weight: 240.2

290 275.75 261.5 247.25

233

SparkPoints: (5,422)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 131
4/26/09 8:18 A

thank you for the recognition. i'm still here and holding my own. things are a bit tense right now what with my husband not working, my aging parents suddenly getting "older", and constant bad news about the state of our economy. i'm trying really hard not to eat emotinally.
congratulations to all here and always try to keep sparkin'!
love you all,
sandy

SparkPoints: (21,122)
Fitness Minutes: (4,805)
Posts: 3,200
4/25/09 8:10 P

Yesterday was my . Eventhough I haven't reached my goal weight I haven't lost my spark!! Life threw me a few curve balls that knocked me off my square, but I've picked myself up, dusted off and trying again.

Happy anniversary all!!

Pounds lost: 4.4

0 15.35 30.7 46.05

61.4

Posts: 486
4/24/09 10:03 P

I made it a whole year off and on. I'm still working on my goals. Some are getting easier while some are getting harder especially being an emotional eater with teenagers in the house. God bless all of you!!! You all are great support THANK YOU I'll be trying harder starting this moment!!!

SparkPoints: (184,838)
Fitness Minutes: (175,443)
Posts: 9,618
4/24/09 6:46 P

I have had so many goals. There are a lot that i have not reached and some that i am not even close to. On the other hand i have reached several other.

i suppose a simple task is to go over all my accomplishemnts and update my goals for year 2 of sparkpeople.

Posts: 2,170
4/24/09 3:15 P

Great job to all on the team and Happy Sparkaversary! I did not meet my goal weight and actually revised my goal a couple of months ago after reading the article on "Your happy weight". I have often thought that a goal of getting to 110-117 is not attainable, I have not been there since I was in my 20's before getting pregnant. My goal not is to be 125 and I think I can do that and have been making changes in the last couple of months to add cardio and the scale is finally moving again.

On the other side I have added muscle and lowered by BMI and body fat in the last year and gained flexibility. I had the trainer test me again this week as I really felt I had made progress. I started at fair a year ago and had moved from there to good to excellent. When she tested me this week I was at 99% and Superior! I have lost inches and I feel good, I have even started running more on the treadmill and am considering my first 5K in September which I would never have thought of before.

We are all winners so don't cut yourself short if you have not made your goal. Look for what you have done and focus on the positive. Celebrate life!

Edited by: SWILLIAM621 at: 4/24/2009 (15:26)

Pounds lost: 22.0

0 8.25 16.5 24.75

33

Posts: 7,874
4/24/09 1:59 P

FREIDAFAGRE, you haven't let anyone down; especially the team. I haven't met my goal either. In fact, I started gaining again. But I haven't given up.

We've all come a long way this past year. Be proud of your accomplishments.

current weight: 190.0

198 180.25 162.5 144.75

127

Posts: 2
4/24/09 12:32 P

Its amazing to think that its been a year already!! So much has happened in the past year. I have not lost as much weight as some others that i have seen. To me its not about the weight though. Its about the changes and choices that ive made that really count to me. I have changed the way I look at food and how I eat. I've joined a gym that I love!! and I walk 30 minutes everyday during my lunch. I've gone from a size 15 down to an 11. And I love being able to recognize that even through my times of indulgence, i have still stuck to the plan and I have succeeded to this point. I can't wait to see where else these healthy changes will take me. Here's to another year of growth!

Edited by: JENNSK at: 4/24/2009 (12:33)

SparkPoints: (27,868)
Fitness Minutes: (16,886)
Posts: 2,039
4/23/09 11:58 A

I feel I let the team down by not making my goal.
I also am a bipolar in the depressed cycle so it is very hard for me to be happy about anything.

Posts: 209
4/23/09 10:40 A

Peace and blessings!

I'm new to this group, but as of yesterday I have been here for a whole year,off and on, but I have been here.
Here is to another year.
La-uana
I holla!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 6.75 13.5 20.25

27

Posts: 506
4/22/09 9:02 P

Hello,

I belong here. I notice that many of our team members are doing really great!

Think I started on April 23rd, 2008. My year's weight history seems to be maintaining instead of dropping lower.

I have lost 64 pounds, from a high of 196# down to 135#, but I did not like my appearance at all.

A short history, I am 5' 6" and have shrunk (l 1/2 inches). My diet has changed a great deal, when I found that I am sensitive to gluten products. I tried to follow a food elimination diet for 3 months, and my weight dropped to 135#.

I walked a lot, lifted weights, and tried to keep moving. Having depression, makes starting anything
a tough step, for me.

Goals for this spring and summer is to get back to lifting weights 3 X per week, and digging out my pedometer. I usually ave. about 15,000 steps at work.

My feet still hurt, so the next appointment to check out a foot doc. All of my shoes hurt by the end of the day.

I take yoga classes, but I think I may have to do more cardio to increase my heart rate to move more
"flab".
Hope this response isn't too long.

Fran

SparkPoints: (27,868)
Fitness Minutes: (16,886)
Posts: 2,039
4/22/09 4:21 P

I'm not as far ahead as some but slow and steady wins the race.

Edited by: FREIDAFAGRE at: 4/23/2009 (11:51)

SparkPoints: (58,216)
Fitness Minutes: (38,963)
Posts: 900
4/22/09 9:27 A

RACHELRB
Only 4 to GO GO GO!!!Bob

current weight: 240.2

290 275.75 261.5 247.25

233

SparkPoints: (58,216)
Fitness Minutes: (38,963)
Posts: 900
4/22/09 9:04 A

TAMI
you can do it!

current weight: 240.2

290 275.75 261.5 247.25

233

Posts: 4,367
4/22/09 4:02 A

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 24

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I am embarrassed to reveal that I am at the same weight. (up down up down)

3.WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I have to take care of myself first,and that it is ok for me to have time. to exercise, to eat healthy.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
I struggle to see the scale move down and stay down.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? I would like for my weight to start coming down and stay that way. I dont want to be fat and forty.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? Run/jog in public.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Believe that you can do it. The greatest freedom is to believe in yourself.


Edited by: TAMI1691 at: 4/22/2009 (04:03)

current weight: 184.0

205 191.75 178.5 165.25

152

Posts: 1,485
4/21/09 10:03 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 21.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I have lost 31 lbs. My goal is 35 and I'm still going strong.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I have to take care of myself first. THat's the only way SP works. A free tool for helping to get healthy is worth more than any magic pill you have to buy.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I had a plateau for about 2 months but now I think I'm over it.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? I hope to lose the 4 lbs. in the next 6 weeks. I want to maintain over the summer. Then I will start to lose again in the fall to be smaller for skiing (smaller=ski faster)

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? Wear less bulky clothing.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Never give up. You can take a break but don't quit.

Posts: 7,874
4/21/09 5:29 P

Great tips everyone!! I'll be reading them every day that I can. You are an bunch of friends.

My computer crashed today so I'm using the public computers at the library. That means my computer time is more limited than before. I also realized that my struggles first started when my computer crashed in December. I wasn't able so Spark much at that time, then Christmas came and went, and the new year came and more and more stupid excuses. I guess I needed the computer to crash again to open my eyes.

Keep up the good work.

current weight: 190.0

198 180.25 162.5 144.75

127

Posts: 11
4/21/09 3:40 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 24. 2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I have reached my goal of loosing 50 pounds!!!! However, I do need to re-set my goal and would like to take off another 10-15 lbs. I've been able to maintain for several months now... usually not varying more than a pound or so.. but wow is it tough! 3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I learned that once I got the "junk" out of my system, I don't usually have the desire to snack. I learned that good food actually tastes better! 4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I'm struggling with not tracking my foods and with exercising on a regular basis. I'm excited for warm weather so I can get my bike out. 5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? Short term is to get exercising more, stay on track with my food intake. Long Term is to stay motivated and maintain! 6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? The best thing I got to do is shop for a new wardrobe, since I had NOTHING that fit me anymore - so now I get to buy fun clothes that are in fashion and I feel attractive again! I've dropped from a size 18/20 to 8/10 (depending on the clothes). I never, NEVER thought in a million years I would be able to wear a size 8 again! 7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? I think the most valuable one is always take it one day at a time, don't be discouraged if you slip up and have a bad day, tomorrow is another day and you can start over. Use your friends and family for encouragement. Have faith!!

Posts: 968
4/21/09 3:21 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 24.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I've lost 24 pounds. I'm not anywhere near where I thought I would be by now or close to goal.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I have to be consistent. A bad day is just that, a bad day. It's not the end of the journey or a major disaster. There is a huge community of people that have the same struggles that I do and are willing to share their experiences. I love Sparkpeople!!

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? Staying on track. I did real well when I joined Spark and have just been sort of maintaining for a while.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? Short-term is to make it through a full week of staying within my calorie range and walking 45 minutes per day.
Long-term, other than getting to my goal weight, is to make healthy eating and exercise second nature and not something that I have dwell on to stay on track.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? I enjoy walking rather than seeing it as a chore. It's my stress relief and has become my true time for myself. I also enjoy messaging with people that I have met on some of my spark teams.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Stay focused. Don't be your own worst enemy. Remember that you didn't put it on overnight so it's not coming off that easy. Log every bite.




Edited by: MELISSAB401 at: 4/21/2009 (15:24)

Pounds lost: 2.4

0 3.15 6.3 9.45

12.6

SparkPoints: (18,493)
Fitness Minutes: (22,781)
Posts: 2,873
4/21/09 9:38 A

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP?4/23/2008

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I've lost about 59 lbs. total I am not near my goal weight of 160 after falling off the SP train I now am trying harder then ever to meet my goal by the end of this year. so I have about 50 lbs to loose and I have faith that I can do it.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I have learned that I am not the only one that feels the way that I do ... I love reading all the adventures that others are going through and I always have a good laugh or cry by the time that I am done... I have learned the best way to help myself is to help others.. I have learned that I need to make it a habit to work out and eat right and not get down on myself if I slip.. get up.. move move move and drink more water.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW ? I am struggling with the fact that I fell off the SP wagon and so many of the people that I was able to motivate and help along the way have now meet their goals. I feel like a boob for not stay with the program I am still the fat girl and I hate myself for that.


5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)?
short term goal is to get under 200 lbs. and my
long term is to be at my 160 goal weight by the end of the year.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP?
fun?? I have never let my weight stop me from doing things the thing that I am thankful for is that I have less pain in my feet and knees.. it is a true blessing.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US?
believe in yourself !!!
help others along the way..
use SP to the fullest advantage, there are so many tools here that will help you and so many people that will help and encourage you, and so much knowledge in the pages I have been here for a year and I find new things all the time.

Edited by: SHELLREED at: 4/21/2009 (09:41)

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

SparkPoints: (3,491)
Fitness Minutes: (6,358)
Posts: 433
4/21/09 4:43 A

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP?4/24/2008

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I 've lost about 26.4 pounds, i am still on my way to my goal weight, since my goal weight is 150 lbs

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? when I first joined SP, i didn't really capture the idea between diet and healthy habit that for life changes
it took me reading articles after articles and talking to people on SP to understand that if I want to lose weight permantly ,I need to change my eating habit and work out, only this two things can help me to reach my goal weight
and I actually feel really good about myself after my work out.
4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
I am struggling with eating out, when I meet my friend for aerobic, they love eating out, especially greasy food .
but i remember there is a saying '' only dieter afraid of eating out, a healthy person will eat smart. '' this is what I am working on.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)?
currently my short term goal is to reach 190 lbs.
my long term goal, of course, it 's reach to 150 lbs.
I also want to work out at least 5 times a week.


6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP?
hehe, well, exercise .
I used to hate exercise so much, after I reached my goal weight ( back to 4 to 5 years ago ) I thought to myself i would never have to exercise again .
but now I totally change my perspective, exercise is fun !
after your work out, you feel so good and fresh and energetic .
and I never knew I should also include strength training during my work out, i always thought '' fat people '' who do weight lifting will only make you bulk up .
but phew! i was wrong, thanks to all the lovely people on Sp. now I try to add strength training 3 times a week to my work out schedule

and I began to like Yoga and I am planning to do pilate today.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US?
believe in yourself. your body and your mind are two things that gonna be with you forever.
so you have to take good care of yourself. when you love someone, of course you wanna do anything for them, so why not your body.
it 's yours.
and try to get on sparkpeople as often as you can,you can get lots of useful tips here.

when it comes to lose weight
70 % related to food
and 30 % is about working out .
so we got to watch what we put in our mouth .
and working out can definitely boost up your metabolism

Edited by: BABYLOVA at: 4/21/2009 (04:46)

current weight: 190.0

224 205.5 187 168.5

150

SparkPoints: (184,838)
Fitness Minutes: (175,443)
Posts: 9,618
4/21/09 12:29 A

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 22.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I lost about 30 since joinging spark.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? planning is important for success, setting goals and streaks keep me motivated.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
sweets.. i cam't just leave them sit without eating more then the proper portions. I am better at work, because i will pack 1/2 portions.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)?
keep excercising, eat more fruit. veggies, less take out. there are a lot more.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? biked

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? love and accept yourself, focus on the positive, plan to fight the negative,

Posts: 1,135
4/20/09 7:44 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 21

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I was down 13#- but I let my job stress get the better of me - I actually gained all 13# back + 7 #.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I learned that counting calories, drinking water & posting on Spark is the way I succeed. Admittedly, I haven't been doing that as much as I should. Especially the food log.
4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I've seemed to lose faith in myself. I have allowed emotional eating to get the better of me. But... having tomorrow as my anniversary date, sort of re-motivates me. I've succeeded & lost weight before, I can do it again.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? I have to lose 20# by the end of the year. Next year, another 20#- then I'll be the thinner- but curvy woman- I miss & would like to be again.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? I'm on Facebook w/ my best buddies from SP, specifically BLC9 & BLC10 teams. I've also gotten many points of view from so many different people. I have one friend who lost so much weight during a stressful time- I can learn from her.
7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Post on Spark- make some friends you talk frequently. They encourage you, give suggestions- and pick you up when you are really down.

**Happy Anniversary to you all!**

current weight: 173.0

178 165.5 153 140.5

128

SparkPoints: (112,514)
Fitness Minutes: (45,242)
Posts: 5,136
4/20/09 7:21 P

Hi,

1. I joined on April 26.
2. I have lost around 30 lbs. I have four more pounds to loose to get to goal weight.
3. Eating healthy foods, exercising, and drinking water go hand in hand. I must log my food six or seven days a week to stay focused and on target. When I started exercising I used to go only 30 min. at a time but due to a contest at Tops I stepped it up to 45 min. to get bonus points. I found that really helped and I believe the stationary bike got my belly slimmed down.
4. I want to stay at this weight forever and I have to readjust my calories around social occasions. I have to forgive over eating, focus, and start again daily if necessary.
5. My goals are to get to goal and stay there.
6. I have done my first blog and shared with others my weight problems. I love giving sparks and receiving them. My husband and I are in this together and we share the many things and the lovely people we learn about at SP.
7. We do stir fries, soups, salads, and eat at home almost all of the time except for social times. One day a week we eat what we are hungary for and do not put it in the diary.
8. I hope that I have become more patient as the pounds did not come instantly and it takes TIME to loose them.

Shirley

112,514 SparkPoints

Posts: 10,073
4/20/09 6:18 P

I don't know exactly what day I joined, but I have lost 10 pounds and am working on my last 2.
I also just recently became a co-leader of one of my teams that I am on and I really like it.

current weight: 0.0  under

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (58,216)
Fitness Minutes: (38,963)
Posts: 900
4/20/09 5:42 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP?
I joined on April 26, 2008.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST, AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT?
I have lost 64 lbs and I reached my goal weight
on January 27, 2009. I am maintaining my goal
weight OK.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY?
Recording food daily is the number one tool to loosing weight. Also drinking water and exercise. I try to drink 8 oz daily. I quit drinking diet sodas about a yr ago. I exercise now 45 minutes on the stationary bike and I do strength training 2 days a week. I usually don't exercise on Saturdays of Sundays. I try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily. I have avoided fast foods entirely and only eat out one time per week. Besides that Subway has become one of my favorites. My wife fixes me soup,salads and stirfrys. I have tried to avoid "all you can eat" places.

4.ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Snacking is my worst struggle now. Ice cream bars and ice cream sandwiches. I can't stop at one.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?(LONG-TERM,SHORT-TERM)?
My long term goal is maintaining my weight goal of 226 forever. I weighed 220 when I graduated high school. My short term goals are continuing recording food 6 days and recording exercise 5 days. Also continuing all the other healthy habits I have been doing.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP?
I am planning to walk my 3rd 5K on May 23rd, I walked my first last April of 08 and my 2nd March of 2009.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US?
I think loosing weight is a matter of replacing the bad habits of unhealthy eating and no exercise with good habits of eating healthy and consistent exercise. If I quit doing the things I have done during this past year, I am certain I will gain it back.

8. HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A PERSON ALONG THIS JOURNEY?
I have really enjoyed the people I have met along the way. I have loved helping others by showing interest in them and their progress. It is so much fun to give goodies and to receive them to. I have made so many Spark friends. I plan to spark forever.

current weight: 240.2

290 275.75 261.5 247.25

233

Posts: 10,377
4/20/09 5:36 P

1. I joined SP on April 25th.

2. I have lost 70 pounds with SP (a total of 101 pounds)

3. I have learned how much better I feel when not carrying around an excess 70 pounds! I have learned that I can have an incredible amount of energy. I have learned to love exercise and physical activity. I have learned to love food that is good for me. I have learned that looking and feeling good really are better than anything you can eat!!!

4. I have been on a plateau, moving very little weight-wise for the past two months.

5. My goals are to: lose another 20 or so pound; hike as much as possible this year; go to the gym I recently joined at least twice a week; figure out what I want my life to be like in three years when my last child heads off to college.

6. I spent two hours at the gym today and feel like a million bucks! I now actually enjoy buying new clothes. I enjoy feeling confident. I really like moving my body, whether walking or hiking or whatever!

7. We and our expectations are our own worst enemies. If we do the right things and keep doing them, the weight will come off. It will not come off in our time frame, but it will come off. Do not set unrealistic expectations. Be real and be patient and you will achieve your goals!

Edited by: WATOGA17 at: 4/20/2009 (17:37)

current weight: 190.7

264 241.75 219.5 197.25

175

Posts: 2,239
4/20/09 1:15 P

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP?
April 21st 2008.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT?
I have lost just under 30lbs. Not at my set 'goal-weight' BUT I am at my goal of living a healthier lifestyle & taking good care of myself.


3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY?
I have learned that I CAN do this.
I have learned that taking time to take better care of myself benefits my family ten-fold!

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
When I strayed from SP for a few months I started to gain weight. I think if I don't log my food regularly I don't pay a lot of attn to how much I am eating. Now that I'm back at logging it in, I have started to lose again. I am hoping the logging is temporary. Only time will tell!


5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)?
My long term goal is to eat a nutritionally balanced diet with minimal supplements, be strong enough to keep up with my kids & pets, & to not have a 'muffin-top'!
Short term is to find activities that help me to stay in shape that are easy to fit into a day & that I enjoy.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP?
Jog with my dogs. I NEVER thought I would ever EVER even desire to jog or run...but since beginning to walk regularly with my very active dogs, the occasional jog slips in there & I am looking forward to the day when I can do it for at least 50% of our 'walk'.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US?
Don't EVER give up! Some days are always better then others. You CAN do this & you DESERVE this!
And always remember DRINK YOUR WATER!!!

Edited by: JOANN562 at: 4/20/2009 (13:19)

current weight: 146.6

168 159.75 151.5 143.25

135

SparkPoints: (22,725)
Fitness Minutes: (23,450)
Posts: 7,282
4/20/09 12:50 P

Woo Hoo! What a great team!

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 25.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I weighed in at 154 this morning, still above goal--haven't updated my ticker, but I started at 170+ so I am in good shape.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I learned that I take things in too big of gulps. I need to remember to slow down, pace myself, and don't jump into the middle of the frying pan. BABY STEPS are the only way to go.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I am struggling with having too much going on. I am on a lot of teams and leading a few small teams. I have been lax about tracking goals, weight, food, but am on track in those areas. I just can't give enough to all the teams I am on.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? My goal is to get back on the road with walking and jogging as well as to start a decent weight program for strength training. I just finished swimming in two major swim meets and although I did well, I feel I need to step up in those two areas for some better cross-training.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? I have been redecorating my house and have learned that I don't have to finish the projects in a day or a week or a month--fun learning more about myself too.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Find one habit to change and once changed, move on to the next habit. Small changes are more effective and manageable.

8. HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A PERSON ALONG THIS JOURNEY? I have learned so many new things about myself including how to get a good nights sleep and how to deal with anxiety and depression. I have learned that I love to teach and love to encourage and support others almost to my own detriment, so I am learning how to do those things for myself!

Carol (CMY)

current weight: 168.5

177 169 161 153

145

Posts: 7,874
4/20/09 10:31 A

We did it!! We've been here for a year this week!!

I think it would be great to share our journeys. Here are some of the things I would love to know about you:

1. WHAT DAY DID YOU JOIN SP? April 24.

2. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST AND ARE YOU AT GOAL WEIGHT, NEAR GOAL WEIGHT? I only lost 24.2 pounds. I was in the 160's and now I'm back in the 170's.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I learned that I feel much better when I'm consistent with my workouts. I also don't have the desire to snack. However, I haven't been consistent during the winter and started gaining again.

4. ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I'm struggling with mindless snacking and not tracking my foods. I was very good about this for the first 6-7 months but when winter hit us hard, I lost any desire to keep going. I made all kinds of excuses not to get up early enough to exercise. I didn't give up completely so that's a real good thing.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS (long-term, short-term)? My immediate goal is to get back on the right track again. A very important short-term goal is to lose 21 pounds in the next 7 weeks. My long-term goal is to reach my goal weight and to maintain it.

6. WHAT ARE SOME FUN THINGS YOU DO NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T DO BEFORE SP? I joined a belly dancing class through adult education. I've always wanted to do something like that but always thought I was too fat. I'm not very good but I'm having lots of fun. And I'm not the heaviest one there.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH THE REST OF US? Right now I need all the help I can get for getting back on track and staying there this time. I know one thing I have to keep telling myself and that is to not let everything else take priority over my plan.

Please feel free to add any questions of your own.

Edited by: GRAMMAFROMMT at: 4/20/2009 (10:43)

current weight: 190.0

198 180.25 162.5 144.75

127