Alcohol Free Is What We Want to Be! Friday, February 16

SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31

Spring is coming!

Supportive Friends
Progress not Perfection
Renewal of Being
Inspiration
New Habits
Great Success!

This can be your Spring! This can be your success! No more rationalizing and making excuses.

This challenge isn't just about being alcohol free though it is the focus of the board. It is about finding and giving encouragement, getting healthy, loving ourselves, and finding what works and what doesn't. This is NOT about making ourselves feel badly about the unhealthy choices, it is about celebrating the healthy ones. So let's go for it!

As always, the rules aren't complicated. Simply no alcohol and staying on your food plan. If you get off track, don't give up....don't throw away the day, the night, the week. We are working on progress not perfection.

You may have alcohol issues that you cannot manage on your own and our group is here to support you and encourage you to get the help you might need. You may have alcohol issues that you can control but have to exert the motivation and our group is here to support you.

Spring clean your cupboard early! If you have junk food, tempting alcohol, or trigger foods in your kitchen, you are setting yourself up for failure. Give it away, dump it, GET RID OF IT! Temptation is always going to happen. Don't make it easier for yourself to give in to it. Assess your kitchen, ask if this helps or hinders me. DO NOT have sentimental attachment to food or alcohol. The stuff will always be there, it does not magically disappeared but your health can be compromised! This is your life! Make it the best!

REMEMBER….
1. Work the Plan and the Plan works! Think of your new eating plan as a lifestyle change -- one that will have ups and downs, with good days and (very few) bad.

2. Don't deprive yourself. A food plan should be about SATISFACTION. Find foods you LOVE that will help you meet your goal.

3. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you.

4. Listen to your body. It knows things. Pay close attention to your body cues.

5. Live one day (or even one MEAL) at a time. Don't be discouraged and beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Just get back on with lots of helping hands.

6. Get exercise with activities you enjoy. If you don't like what you are doing, then you won't stick with it.

7. Keep track of what you eat. Write it down. You WILL 100% without a doubt make better choices if you hold yourself accountable for what you eat by keeping a food journal. (kinda sorta HG ideas)

"I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progress”
“Out the Door in 2024”

SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31

Spring is coming!

Supportive Friends
Progress not Perfection
Renewal of Being
Inspiration
New Habits
Great Success!
NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Drink more water: This is my #1 goal for this challenge
One or more fruit daily: not yesterday
One or more vegetable daily: Veggie soup at lunch
Dairy: skim milk with breakfast
Healthy Oils:

AF: 5
AIM:
ANIM:
Exercise goal: Stepper, counter ups, walking

HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Journal: Need to improve
Move Accountability: most of my activity yesterday was helping DB move around.
Sleep Accountability: very good even though I woke up early
Nutrition Accountability: so-so
Happiness Accountability: very happy
Habit Accountability: need to get back to healthy habits
Check in Daily Accountability: I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: pretty good yesterday!
What did you do for yourself today? I got more water in!

Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote: I want to be the best version of ME!

CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 165
February 18 weigh in:
February 25 weigh in:
March 3 weigh in:
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:

Final Weigh March 31:

Good Friday morning all! I really crashed last night! But I slept well and I'm ready to start the day. Have a few things planned around the house today. I need to go get gas and pick up a couple of things at Aldi. I'm hoping to get my sewing machine back today. Not that I have anything I need to sew but would just like to get that done. Will give myself a mani/pedi at some point for a little pampering. Having tea now. BBL
Murphy

"I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progress”
“Out the Door in 2024”

SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31

Spring is coming!

Supportive Friends
Progress not Perfection
Renewal of Being
Inspiration
New Habits
Great Success!

NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Drink more water: daily goal 70= 80oz
One or more fruit daily: 1
One or more vegetable daily: 2
Dryuary AF: 47
Dampuary AIM:
Sauced ANIM:
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,333
JUST JOURNAL!

HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 5,765 steps, 11/11 hours, 65 PU, 6 floors, stairs, stretches
Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 81 sleep, 81 stress, slept better
Nutrition Accountability: 22/23 points 26 weeklies toast, turkey, banana, chicken, 1/2 potato, corn, carrot cake, bean burrito
Fitbit Macros: 1,385 cal. 46% Carbs, 33% fat, 21% protein. 424 left
Happiness Accountability: 4 will be better when I'm healthy again.
Habit Accountability: Exercise bar. 2/4. did tiny habits, morning journal, quiet time, tracking it all
Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!!
Time Management Accountability: 4 Work, knitting, made dinner, tv time read
What did you do for yourself today? 4 TV time, journaled, got out of the house, finished my book
Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote. "Ask yourself today if what you're doing is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow."


CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 201 official at WW: 201.8

February 18 weigh in:
February 25 weigh in:
March 3 weigh in:
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:

Final Weigh March 31:

Good morning all. Happy Fri-Yay. Doesn't quite feel the same knowing I'm going to work tomorrow, but I will only stay until 1. They have appts until then and are open until 3. Gives me some hours, I can help out, then I'll head over to Walmart to run my errands after. I am happy I stayed in my points yesterday with my cake, not sure how accurate my tracking was but with taking off the frosting I counted 13 points, even if it was more I ate mostly 0 foods the rest of the day so feel like NSV that I didn't just go crazy after and have all the rest of the things. DH ate the piece I brought home, yay, so now to stay away today. Tell myself I had it, and don't need anymore. We'll see how I do. At least the rest of my meals are low pt for the day and don't know what's for dinner yet. Says it's 19 out right now but getting up in the mid 20's, may as well sit at work, too cold for me to walk outside, I'm a wimp. Scout just wanted out, we'll see how long he lasts. Guess I should get moving. Need to clean up, pack up my lunch and figure out a breakfast. Hope you all have a great Friday. Jan

Murphy Glad you could help your brother. I agree that maybe Hospice could be more helpful for your DSIL and not just a sign that your brother is doing worse. Hope he can have some more good days. Hope your sewing machine works better now. Did you check out the Aisle of Shame, AOS, at Aldi's while you were there? It's the row where all the home stuff and seasonal things are that we don't need but everyone buys on a whim There's a whole Facebook group, they crack me up. The big thing lately was a cat bed that everyone was buying and showing pics of animals in it. Glad we got to the 16th on the calendar, I don't think I could have handled a Friday the 13th this week Be assured, you won't be fired from you job.

Cathy The pink nails sound so pretty. So does the outfit. You will have a great time. Sorry the weather is still yucky but spring will come again.

Carole Glad you got your interview, you will look fine! It wouldn't be so good if they caught you stripping off your clothes in the car, ha ha. Enjoy your long weekend. i agree, Lex could get through the program, she could take one class at a time so she can get help if needed.

Liz You are being aware and that is a NSV. I don't know if it's from COvid or just not drinking so long, but lots of things are tasting a bit different to me these days. I never lost my taste when I was sick, but I was drinking a diet coke the other day and I could just taste the sweetner or something different. I guess maybe my taste buds are healing now if they would just think that MMs tasted bad How's your blanket coming along?

Amy Glad the dryer is working and hope it stays working! Why are things these days so short lived? Loved your daffodil pictures. Is your Rhubarb still doing well? Sounds like you had a nice Valentine's. Have fun with the kids tonight.

Waving hi. Will check in after work.

SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31

THE EIGHT GOOD HEALTH GUIDELINES
1. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Choose whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and oats, whenever possible.
3. Include two servings of milk precuts – low fat (1%) or fat-free – each day.
4. Have some healthy oil (olive oil, canola, sunflower, safflower or flaxseed each day.
5. Ensure that you are getting enough protein by choosing at least a serving or two of meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dried beans each
day. Many dairy products are also good sources of protein.
6. Limit added sugar and alcohol.
7. Drink at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
8. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement each day.

NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Drink more water: Y
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6401; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2210/2060
JUST JOURNAL!

HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY

Move Accountability: 3, 11,600+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked the neighborhood, worked in the yard, laps in the basement, counter pushups and stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, trouble falling asleep, 5+ hours, Fitbit score 81, stress management 85
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 32/23, 22 weeklies left, blue dot, angel food cake, ice cream
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, watched GAF movie, stitched, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 3, drinking more water than diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 3, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, walking, worked in the yard, couch time, worked on Georgia Tech stocking ornament
What did you do for yourself today? Reading, couch time, time outside

Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote: “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited about what could go right.” ―Tony Robbins

CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 173.0
February 18 weigh in:
February 25 weigh in:
March 3 weigh in:
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:
Final Weigh March 31:

2024 Goals:
11,000 steps each day: 46/46
At least 7 hours sleep: 24/46
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Blue dots: 39/46
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's:

Grrr.... I was almost through with my post when Sookie jumped on the desk and I lost the whole thing. This has happened before and I still don't understand how it happens. Anyway, here we go again.

Yesterday DH & I took the golf cart to the top of the hill to walk, it was sunny and lovely. When we got back I worked on the flower beds, getting rid of the dead stuff and filling up my Home Depot bucket 3 times. The daffodils and tulips have really sprouted up in the last week and I have 2 daffodils blooming. The day lilies have started to sprout and I have green leaf buds on the clematis vine. I trimmed the mums back to the green leaves. I had to replant a dianthus that some critter had dug up. The parsley and cilantro are still going strong and the collards have finally started to grow. The peas got zapped in the cold weather so I planted more. When I was done outside I had lunch and some couch time. I dozed but did not actually nap. We had minestrone soup with ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner. I went to bed earlier than usual but had trouble falling asleep so I read until 3. I am dragging and grumpy this morning.

It's a bit more cloudy this morning but is warmer in the mid-40's.


Liz- WTG for the AF/OP/tracked day. Yay for fun with your BFF and the gifts for the grands. I'm sure DD will appreciate the break.

Carole- GL with the interview. In my opinion black pants are always appropriate.

Jan- WTG steps 11/11, stretches, tiny habits, blue dot, AF. Sounds like the carrot cake was worth it. Interesting that things are tasting different. I haven't planted the rhubarb yet, it's on the workbench in the garage.

Murphy- Thanks for getting us started. Hope your errands and chores go well.

Cathy- WTG being OP, your nails sound fun!

M-W Word of the Day

turbid 
adjective | TER-bid

What It Means
Turbid is a formal word that has several meanings having to do with literal or figurative muddiness or cloudiness. It's most often used literally to describe water that is thick or opaque with stirred-up sediment, as in "the river's turbid waters"; similarly, turbid air is smoky or misty. In figurative use, turbid describes things that lack clarity, as in "efforts to clear my turbid mind."

// The group decided to forgo stopping at the swimming hole on their hike because of its turbid waters.

Hi girls. Happy Friday! And for me, it’s a stay at home Friday too! Woohoo! We had a quiet but nice Valentine’s Day. I went line dancing, then came home and fixed dinner. DH made his heart shaped SF jello, which was a surprise, and then I went to choir. Thursday after water class I went with a couple of friends out to lunch. I got the ham and bean soup with a salad. I was satisfied until one of my friends ordered a piece of lemon meringue pie. I actually thought in my brain, maybe this will get the scale moving! Oh my goodness, it was delicious! 17 points, and worth every one! I had a light dinner and actually managed a blue dot. Tonight we’re having ham and scalloped potatoes. I’ve been doing things on my list today. I started this post hours ago, but keep getting sidetracked. Hopefully this time I can finish! I scheduled my colonoscopy today. It’s not until April, but I was able to get it on a Friday so I won’t miss my water class! I only have 1 more appointment to make and that’s the dermatologist. They’re closed today, so it will wait until Monday.

Cindy: I’m keeping you in prayer, friend. Hope you’re ok.

Murphy: I’m so glad you are able to go help DB and DSIL!

Amy: I think Georgia must be about the perfect state for weather! I was thinking about your vacation. You’ll be buying some smaller clothes to wear!

Jan: I had decided to try to have a higher day and then some lower ones. But then with the pie, I thought, well this is something different that I don’t usually eat. I’ll try to save some points for Sunday, when we’re going up to DS’s for dinner. Just keeping on! Hope your morning goes fast tomorrow! You’re doing great on being AF!

Liz: Yay for a good day! It’s hard watching our kids struggle. Maybe remembering why you want to be AF and lose weight might help!

Carole: I’m sure your black pants will be fine! Make sure you wear your smile! That’s what counts! 😘

Cathy: How fun going to a pretty in pink party!

Hi girls. Got home a bit after 4 and I'm just pooped. Still going to try to make my step goal, need @ 1000 more, but that's it for the day. Dh is making some pork loin and potatoes for dinner. I'm not too hungry as I had some snacks at work. I get so run down by the end of the day and even tho I know the MMs aren't really little pick me up pills, I tell myself just a few will help. I tracked 7 points for 27 and should be fine with my points today but I know too many points are coming from not the best choices. I still have tomorrow to get through but I can do it!! Someone at work mentioned they hadn't been sleeping as well and they thought some of it was from the blue screens all day and eye fatigue, computer making your brain work overtime. She bought some of those blue blocking glasses and said it seems to help. May see what they have tomorrow when I'm out shopping around. Will probably be early to bed for me tonight so I can get rested for tomorrow. I go up with good intentions and then end up reading longer than I should. Hope you all have a great evening. I will see you in the morning. Jan

GG Your pie sounded yummy. It was a special treat, I figure it often works better to have some high days and then low point days. Glad you are getting all your appts scheduled. I've been trying to schedule my blood draw but I'm always on hold. I think I will just go over there on Monday or Tuesday morning and wait. They say it's usually about a 20 minute wait and you can get in. I'm sure tomorrow will feel like it goes fast, it's around 1-2 when I start dragging so being able to leave will help.

Murphy Did you get the blue jean jacket or one of the other colors. I love scrolling through the Aldi page. Some of the people are so funny. Hope your DB and DSIL can get some good information and then make the decision.

Amy The cat meme is a bit too close to home Sorry about Sookie helping you on the computer. Sounds like you'll be getting your garden in soon. Is DH still doing well with his diet and being AF?

Liz Hope the kids didn't wear you out too much and that DD got to have a little down time while you were there. Yay for an AF day, hope you can get another one today if it's what you want.