Ranger-Review Article #2

This article was written after the weight loss challenge celebration on December 20th. The picture on the left is of my husband Charles who was there celebrating with me. Our families were invited to celebrate with us in honor of the weight we lost.

Success!

These two pictures were taken the first day of the weight loss challenge. Shauntel forgot to bring her camera with on the last day of the weight loss challenge so I do not have the "after" pictures. Above is my award certificate for having lost the most inches in the 12 week weight loss challenge. I lost a total of 13.25 inches in that time.

Ranger-Review Article #1

The Ranger-Review interviewed everyone in late November. Here is the story and picture they ran in the paper.

And the winners are....

Today was the celebration for the weight loss challenge. The money that was paid in to the pot by everyone throughout the challenge was divided by 4 winners. First and second place went to Greg and Ginny, husband and wife. Third place went to Nila. And the last winner was for the most inches lost which was me. I lost a total of 13.25 inches. Everyone brought food and we all celebrated. The Ranger Review came and interviewed us and took pictures for the newspaper. I can't wait to see the article and pictures in the paper!

Now the real challenge is whether I can keep working on a healthy diet and continue to lose the weight on my own or if I will decide I need the accountability of a challenge group like this to help me achieve my goal. Guess maybe you all will know what my New Year's resolution will be this year. Wish me lotsa luck to stay on track!

Weeks 11 and 12 Results

There was no meeting last week, thus no weigh-in. So for the last two weeks, I lost another 2 lbs. putting me at a total weight loss of 12 lbs. I will be receiving all my total numbers at the last meeting next week. So, my average weight loss was 1 lb. per week for a total of 12 lbs. lost altogether. I still have more weight to lose and there is another weight loss challenge in January sometime so I hope to be able to take that one in as well. It really helps to be accountable weekly.

Now the challenge is not to give in and pig out. I have been thinking about it all day, knowing that the challenge is at the end now but then again, I realize that I still have weight to lose and that isn't really what I want to do but I may give in a little or I will end up pigging out on something I shouldn't. Those holiday goodies and pizza and lots of things are calling my name but I am going to only give in a little, hoping that will be enough to satisfy the cravings. Wish me luck!

I am still looking for someone to join me in being accountable with weight loss, and sharing health tips, diet tips, recipes, whatever so if anyone wants to join me, post a comment and I would love to have some weight loss buddies!

Next week is our last meeting and we are all planning to celebrate so watch for the post and hopefully some pictures too!

Week 10 Weight Loss Challenge Results

Well, I have to confess. I did gain a little, but only ounces over Thanksgiving week. Ounces is something I can live with and work off easily, t/g for that. Wednesday was the day we left to travel to Minot. We didn't stop anywhere in the 4 hours on the road so no food except water so I slept most of the way there. My hubby decided not to stop for food. At first I was mad at him but I got over it. Then, we all went out for dinner at Perkins that night. I did have chicken strips (with honey mustard), wild rice, corn, roll, salad and a raspberry iced tea. After all, I hadn't eaten all day. Then Thanksgiving, I started out with orange juice, a banana, and a half honey wheat bagel with honey nut cream cheese. Then we went to my mother's for Thanksgiving dinner. There I had mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, roll, lefse, coleslaw, stuffing, raw carrots, corn and later a piece of pumpkin pie. I took smaller portions. I think the worst part was driving home. My hubby bought twizzlers and I decided maybe if I had to drive, some caffeine might be okay. I haven't had any soda since September when I began the weight loss challenge. I bought a diet dr. pepper and it didn't even taste good to me. Go figure. I also munch on roasted almonds on the way home and the twizzlers he bought. So, with no walking since earlier in the week and all the stuff I did eat, I was lucky I only gained ounces. Really!

Next week, there is no weight loss challenge meeting so I have two weeks and then it will be the final weigh-in. My fear is that when the challenge ends, it is just before Christmas and with all the stress at home now and the holiday goodies, and no one to be accountable to, I will not be as careful with my diet. So, if anyone wants to join me in being accountable here with me, weekly, I would be very grateful. I will post my final weight from the weight loss challenge when it ends and go from there. Who knows... it could be fun! Maybe we could even come up with a prize for the most weight lost or the most dedicated or something like that... Anyone want to try this? I am open to ideas and anyone who wants to join in the fun!