We have marched into a new month, and our mission continues. For those of you unfamiliar with the aims of the Chubby Checkers, they are as follows (members can pick and choose which apply to them):
It’s your weekly opportunity to give us an update on your progress, share tips, or do whatever the hell you like if it helps you.
Check in in the comments below…
drakeygirl says
EXERCISE – Missed a couple of planned swimming sessions due to a silly amount of hospital/school/meetings concerning my daughter. (With all the talk of special needs going on, I discovered that my son has been under the mistaken impression for several years that his sister has special ‘knees’ not special needs, but that’s another story). Really felt disappointed at NOT exercising on those days, which I suppose proves my mindset has definitely changed.
FOOD – Good habits continuing.
DRINK – An evening with some mates saw me have a couple of glasses of wine and that was enough – after a stressful week, I’m very happy with this!
SCALES – Lost 3lb over the last two weeks bringing the total to 16lbs.
MISCELLANEOUS – I will now, in possibly the most solipsistic and saddest Afterword post of the day, award myself a rosette for breaking the stone barrier. Don’t judge me.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/drakeygirl1/14lb%20rosette_zpsglasj3jq.jpg
RubyBlue says
Rosette! Yay! A stone is fantastic- well done. 🙂 Missing exercise is a very good sign; it seems to have become part of your life.
ROUND UP:
Rubbish week of illness so no exercise for me for a week- my longest break in years. Started back today with a light workout but I’m not feeling 100% so another easy week for me.
Ilnness= no appetite = 3lb weightloss. Unintentional so I need to eat more this week.
So this week’s goal is , paradoxically, rest and eat more. 🙂
drakeygirl says
Thanks, Ruby. Hope you feel better soon.
RubyBlue says
Thank you- it’s just grinding on an on in a non-serious but very annoying way.
Martin S says
Another reverse for me I’m afraid. Half a pound heavier than my previous report.
I seem to have slipped into pre Christmas mode again. Will be going away for a long weekend to Vienna before my next report, which doesn’t bode well either.
My scores are certainly letting the side down but as usual the blame can be squarely laid in the lap of Slaven Bilic the West Ham manager. Two blinding results this week with games I watched in the pub surely had something to do with it, as did a boozy dinner on Saturday etc etc etc.
drakeygirl says
That old chestnut. If I had a pound for every time someone has used Slaven Bilic as an excuse for a Chubby Checking slip, I’d have…er…a pound.
Fifer says
I’ve missed a couple of weeks (Sorry, Boss, been busy, busy) but have continued in my relentless, but very slow, drive to weigh less and look more like a normal person. I haven’t weighed in for a while, but I do feel lighter and offer the following items of evidence in support of that view: (1) My belt continues to be one hole tighter and may be beginning to worry the next one and (2) my wife offered the opinion that I am losing weight. Beats anything the scales have to tell me!
Exercise; continues to be an hour a day at least five days a week – ish.
Food; good habits are now firmly established and 1600 calories a day is proving very adequate.
Drink; still only drinking one night a week and have begun to reduce my rather over generous measures down to pub double levels. I even got a little measuring jug for just this purpose. which makes me a tad sad.
Overall; My deadline for significant weight loss is mid-June, so I am not even halfway there yet. Progress is good and if I can stick at it then, for once, I will be able to take my place on the beach this summer with pride, not embarrassment.
drakeygirl says
Good work, @Fifer. The exercise is key, and it sounds like you’re surging ahead with that.
And if the measuring thing makes you sad, then I am too – ‘home’ measures are lethal, and you’d be surprised how many calories you’re totting up with over-generous tots.
Stick at it, and the changes will continue.
niallb says
Friday’s Weigh In resulted in a 3lb loss and me nearly falling off the scales. I checked 4 times, but got the same result. Huzzah!
We then had a (rare) weekend at home, which meant that we controlled what we ate (as opposed to it being controlled by some calorie-piling, rabid chef) so I am hoping for a good result this Friday, too.
Next week marks the full year since I started doing this properly (Paddy’s Day 2015). At that stage, the scales began with a 17. My goal was to turn that to a 14 (eventually. No time period was announced.)
I am 2lbs off that happening.
drakeygirl says
I am preparing your special rosette as we speak.
That is some achievement @niallb. I’m interested to know what effect the (nearly!) three stone loss has had an effect on both your physical and mental health. Presumably a good one!
niallb says
Funny you should ask that. I suffered a displaced kneecap, before Christmas, just walking down the stairs. Turns out it’s the job change from 32 years on my feet to the last 8 years sitting in front of a screen, with 3 hours a day in the car. My previously strong leg muscles had turned to mush, leaving my knees especially vulnerable. I am having physio and, when that is done, can then start some intense walking, to really strengthen them back up.
Mental health? Blimey, there’s a question. As you know, my problems are pretty deep-rooted but, I have to say, the feeling of well-being, of satisfaction, has really helped, especially recently. I HATE the winter, especially January. But, this year, I was so focused on getting back on it, after the blow-out of Christmas that, next thing I knew, it was March! Best thing about this whole year is that Jan & I have done it together (almost 6 stone between us. Just gone.) AND, we’ve still eaten out just as much, enjoyed our life, and then been disciplined.
Whisper it. Very quietly. It hasn’t felt like a diet.
drakeygirl says
Six stone is almost a person! A small person, but still a person.
I hope your feeling of well-being continues – you should both be really proud of yourselves. To do it without feeling like you’re missing out is just about the perfect plan, I reckon.
*whispers* It isn’t a diet. We don’t do the D word. It’s just a slightly different, healthier approach to life, that’s sustainable because it doesn’t feel like a punishment. Now if you can come up with one word to summarise that, you’re cleverer than me.
Oh, and oof, a displaced kneecap sounds incredibly painful.
Hannah says
Congrats on the rosette, Drakey!
As for me, all is well. Another week of reasonable exercise (walking and Pilates).
Eating all good too. No stupid snacking. Hoorah.
DogFacedBoy says
Hey @drakeygirl – whatever happened to bacon sandwiches and checking out early leaving an eight man coffin lift?
WE HAD A DEAL!
drakeygirl says
Hoorah, indeed, @hannah. I can’t bear Pilates myself, but I’m a big fan of walking, not only as good exercise, but a way to clear your head.
And don’t worry @dogfacedboy. My plan is to get healthy and improve my quality of life now, while I’m still nearer 40 than 50, then resume all previous bad habits just before it’s time to claim my pension (thus improving my annuity rates, enabling me to have a grand old piss-up/nosh-up then drop dead of a sudden coronary BEFORE reaching the incontinence/mental decline stage of old age).
I’ve thought about this, see?
DogFacedBoy says
Yeah but then you’ll be so gaga you’ll forget the plan, you fool!
todayoutof10 says
This is a most delightful read. In a previous life I was a fitness instructor and one of the fav parts of my job was being part of peoples’ transformations.
Slow, steady, committed, realistic… Those were my cornerstones. Being part of a group – even just a two – had great benefits.
We always came together in the gym. But the Internet and the wonderfully supportive AW allows us to be that for each other, wherever we live and however we choose to be active.
I love this idea and love the updates and love this shared sense of support and collective achievement.
And, in other news, I’m half watching University Challenge and they’ve just asked a question about Prader Willi Syndrome…
Coincidence or magic @drakeygirl? You decide.
Well done all! ❤️
drakeygirl says
Thanks. That’s really encouraging, @todayoutof10.
You can definitely be an honorary member, so feel free to join in with any tips.
And I must check iPlayer for the PWS question. Hope I get the answer right 😉
todayoutof10 says
thanks @drakeygirl. I confess I still have a hangover from my competitive days and find it difficult to be active without checking the numbers and trying to be ever faster, harder, stronger…..
I wholeheartedly believe in the power of synergy in wellbeing and I have oodles of proof that once one starts exercising, all sorts of happy side effects kick in. Shape changes, sleep patterns are better, our whole appearance is suddenly brighter, unwanted weight can be shifted and it can have a really positive effect on meeting the black dog head on.
I even feel better for reading this thread – all your great results are rubbing off on me.
SteveT says
Reading these posts I am really encouraged by Niall – well done mate. Myself, its been an odd week.
On Wednesday I had a light lunch and then just a sandwich for evening meal. When I weighed myself the next day I had lost 2lbs but I kind of knew next day it would be back on again as I had a business visitor I had to look after which entailed lunch and dinner. Still be end of week (Sunday) I was a mighty half a pound less than last week. I comfort myself that it is less. But South by South West next week which is a week of drinking but also a lot of walking so I am hoping I can stay pretty similar. Still 4 and half pounds less than I was on Jan 1. Its not what I eat – I just need smaller portions. Easier said than done.
JustB says
Bit trepidatious before weighing in this week – I had a fairly large month-long fall off the wagon due to illness, birthdays and stress. But here I am and I’ve only put 3lbs on.
Well, no, it was probably more than that but I’ve been good again for a week with my food tracking and a bit of exercise. So I’m not unhappy with that.
drakeygirl says
Welcome back! By my calculations that still makes you 10lb down from where you started. Am I right?
Just a suggestion: maybe you need to strike a balance – it’s all or nothing with you, @disappointmentbob, which makes it harder to stick to in the long run. But everyone’s different and knows what works for them…
JustB says
Yep, 10lbs.
All or nothing is right. Balance is a tricky fucker for me to strike, in every aspect of life – it’s a bit exhausting in itself. But I don’t know how to be any other way. Wish I did.
Black Celebration says
I did an 8.4km run a couple of days ago with about 25,000 Aucklanders – and I actually ran about 6.4kms of it without stopping. The upbeat soundtrack was enormously helpful – as always, I started with Alternative Ulster – Stiff Little Fingers and then Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit – Gina G. And then the Europopmungous Another Night – The Real McCoy. As the playlist clicked over to the Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, Joy Division, Kraftwerk, Human League and The Clash I motored along quite happily.
I then had to walk back to where my car was and this was accompanied by the AW podcast about Bowie. Weight loss is not as apparent as I’d like it to be but I had a run today and felt good afterwards (no aching legs). I am having a very stressful time with my workload but this exercise is really helping. Cheers Endorphins!
drakeygirl says
I’m sure the music helps with the endorphins, too.
Don’t get hung up on the weight loss if you’re feeling better with the running. You should feel proud of yourself 🙂
Lodestone of Wrongness says
The now customary Tuesday weigh-in – a boozy weekend admittedly but with very few carbs (three slices of toast that’s all) a heartening 2lb loss meaning 17lbs in all.
Let’s compare stomachs @drakeygirl – actually strike that idea. My waist is definitely trimmer but my stomach remains disappointingly flabby: any tips anybody for an old man with a dodgy back and no access to a gym? I speed walk/half-run 2 or 3 times a week
drakeygirl says
Hmmm, way too podgy still to compare stomachs, @henpetsgi. I always find that swimming is a good way of stretching out and easing an aching back, but that’s only feasible if you’ve got a pool nearby. I wonder if @todayoutof10 might have some tips to help you shape up (taking into account your dodgy back)?
JustB says
Cardio will get the weight off but if you want to change your shape, it’s all about resistance.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I resist chips, I resist beer, I resist Cadbury’s Easter Eggs – you want me to do more??
JustB says
Ha! Lift heavy things! Yourself is a good start. A pair of TRX (or cheaper unbranded equivalent) straps and a cleat on the wall does wonders: using your own body weight to get stronger. It’s good. It’s even quite fun.
Harry Tufnell says
The visit to the nutritionist last week marked exactly a year to the day since my first consultation. I’d lost a pound but frustratingly that meant I was exactly one pound short of the three stone milestone in the past twelve months.
So current goal is to shed not only that pound but another 2.3 lb on top of that to bring me below 16 stone for the first time in over a decade.
drakeygirl says
Ah, you’ll do it before very long, Neil. And I expect you to post a video of you doing a jig when you reach your target!
Lando Cakes says
Even stevens. That’s probably because I deliberately missed last week. I was away at a conference – 2 days of 3-course lunches and dinners. Sure, I could have said no – but where’s the fun in that? I did lay off the booze though. And, in a departure from previous practice, I avoided the cooked breakfasts. I usually feel some sort of obligation to go for the full cooked number but I hit on a new strategy: I had an extra hour in bed instead. I’m kicking myself that I never thought of this before – I was alert and refreshed for all the conference papers.
Anyway – back on track.
drakeygirl says
I like your thinking, @lando-cakes. Having never thought about it before, I, too, would readily sacrifice a full English for some quality lay-in time!
Did you miss the booze? I’m not at the minute -I’m really finding that reserving it for special occasions makes it way more enjoyable.
Lando Cakes says
Occasional drink does make it so much better. I feel I can go for something nice if I’m only having an occasional glass.
Beezer says
Sorry I’m late. I couldn’t squeeze in through the door.
Still haven’t weighed myself but since this shebang kicked off in the dim distant, and with at least one metaphorical and physical wobble during, I feel confident enough to declare a total accumulated loss of half a stone.
No, you’re right, it isn’t very much. Neither can I prove it.
I feel it though. I’m a coiled spring of latent muscular power. Or as close to that as I’ll ever get.
drakeygirl says
Well, you’re an honest man, @beezer, so I feel confident in awarding you this:
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/drakeygirl1/Chubby%20Checker%207%20Rosette%20ish_zpsps2czae2.jpg
The Good Doctor says
Still Maintaining – not gaining – thanks to Warburtons Thins etc. I still like a drink and save my calories for that – I’ll go for a pint or glass or 3 of vino over a Krispy Kreme doughnut any day.
– btw the way wasn’t expecting a Viet Cong track! – I’m into them – they are awesome live (and their singer has some good banter which breaks up the art rock heaviosity)
drakeygirl says
I’m with you on the doughnuts. I’d go for anything over a Krispy Kreme doughnut – they’re disgusting!
I bet Viet Cong fair rattle your fillings live.