the I AM WORTH IT CHALLENGE #1

[Adena]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

After the discussion, answer the following in this thread and in your journal:

Keeping in mind, that you are committed to getting to goal and you are WORTH IT, and stating the postitive things this WOE has done for you, how would you plan to stay the course for......

• a BBQ with non Atkins food? Everyone knows I'm on Atkins, so I have no qualms about eating a bun-free hotdog or burger with lots of tomato, mayo, and pickles. Yum! Usually, I'll offer to bring something I can eat... my favorite and a very popular dish with everyone is brocolli salad.
• a friends wedding? I'll eat beforehand so I'm not hungry, but usually will seek out and find something I can eat at the reception... fruit, cheese, and nuts are almost always options.
• the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner? Offer to host so I have more control over the food (as I did this year). Make lots of legal side dishes -- great, rich stuff that everyone enjoyed!
• a day of overwhelming chores? This is my downfall. Lack of structure and lots to do means I typically don't eat until I'm starving, or I eat on the run. This weekend (and future weekends), I'm going to think on Friday about what my plans are for the weekend, and prep some stuff on Friday evening or Saturday morning that is quick, easy, and readily available. Love the ideas here of enhancing a bag salad and hard-boiled eggs as easy options.
• a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday? I travel alot for work, and haven't had trouble finding lots of good, legal choices. I bring legal snacks with me, which I often use (typically nuts). These help by providing a safe snack, as well as a good "appetizer" on my way to a meal out to help curb my hunger, resulting in better choices. When going on a car trip, we pack the cooler with lots of water and legal snacks -- that part's easy!
• keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars? As Julie said, you can run anywhere -- and I have. Crunches and squats and lunges in the hotel room (if you don't feel like going to or don't have a fitness center). Oh, and those big 1 liter bottles in your room that the hotel charges $5 for make great hand weights! Mary, I love the idea of running the kids (and myself) at rest stops! I've even tried to seek out a local Gold's Gym in destination cities, but so far haven't been successful in actually making it there. I will one of these days, though!

[elsy]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

Becky, that was sooo smart of you to contact the hospital prior to your stay. I would’ve never thought of that. That shows the commitment you have made to make this your WOL. Thanks for sharing and for being an example to all of us Atkineers.



Terry, I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through all that. And in spite of it, you’re still at it and committed to your WOE. You are another great example of strength and endurance.



And now to answer today’s assignment. Jimmie, it’s a blessing that you asked us to do this today. I was just getting ready to post similar questions this week and I needed some hardcore advice. LOL! You see, my sister and her family are coming up in less than a month on a family vacation. They will be here for 2 entire weeks and they’re big eaters as well. (Oh, but no one is overweight, except me) It’ll be my BDay when they’re here and I know they will want to celebrate with ice cream and cake, etc, etc. Aside from that, my family will accompany them everywhere during their vacation so pretty much we’re just coming home every night to sleep. Believe it or not, I have lost sleep thinking about what I’m going to do. How in the world am I going to stay cheat free?

• a BBQ with non Atkins food? Coming from Texas, I used to go to BBQ’s literally all the time. Back then, I was on Atkins for the first time and was able to stay on the plan 100%. It was when I moved up North that I left Atkins completely. BTW, up here it’s rare that I go to a BBQ unless we make it at home, so I am totally in control of the menu. I have only been to 2 BBQs since I moved here 2 years ago and people here usually make Salmon and other types of fish on the grill, which is totally acceptable in Atkins. I would stick to the non-sauced meats if available and bring a veggie side dish to share as well.
• a friends wedding?Just like all of you here, I would eat dinner prior to the wedding. I would get up and dance when others are eating their cake that way I won’t be tempted. If still hungry, I’d sneak out a cheese stick or two.
• the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner? I also went through those back home while on Atkins the 1st time and just went with the turkey, a little bit of ham, and veggies without sauces or gravies. It worked out pretty good since my family all wanted me to lose weight. Now that I have my own kitchen, again, I’m in control of what is served and can make several LC dishes. Can’t wait to this year’s holidays.
• a day of overwhelming chores? With a busy day like that, I’m usually on a roll and don’t want to stop until I finish. More than likely, I’ll have my healthy/legal snacks like cheese, HB Eggs, pepperoni, and sliced turkey. I try to fill up on H2O
• a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday? It’s coming up in less than a month so I’ll take everyone’s pointers on what to take. Luckily, we’ll be coming home every night so I can pack on fresh food everyday. And of course there’s always fish, meats and veggies in restaurants. The decision will be mine to order the right thing and not be tempted by what everyone else orders.
• keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars? There’s almost always a small gym at hotels or a swimming pool. If nothing else, I can walk around the parking lot or around theblock. If on a car, I would also get off and maybe do some walking, sprints, some stretching, crunches, or take out of resistance bands.

[destynie]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

2. After the discussion, answer the following in this thread and in your journal:
Keeping in mind, that you are committed to getting to goal and you are WORTH IT, and stating the postitive things this WOE has done for you, how would you plan to stay the course for......

a BBQ with non Atkins food?
I can bring my own dish so that I know what I will be eating... or just drop the bun on a hotdog (or two)... or indulge on the salad

a friends wedding?
Usually a salad is offered so I could have that.

the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner?
My family is very supportive of me and the WOL so I am sure there will be plenty of wonderful dishes for me to eat there... I can also bring my own

a day of overwhelming chores?
I am probably sounding redundant... but I can always throw together a quick salad and put a couple strips of chicken on it... yummy

a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday?
Always pack "legal" snack foods with me... string cheese... beef jerky... maybe atkins shake or bar

keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars
I always stay in hotels that have a gym so I can take advantage of that. If not I can run the stairs or go for a walk/jog outside

[Atkid]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

2. After the discussion, answer the following in this thread and in your journal:
Keeping in mind, that you are committed to getting to goal and you are WORTH IT, and stating the postitive things this WOE has done for you, how would you plan to stay the course for......
*a BBQ with non Atkins food?

Generally, for a bbq I will offer to bring coleslaw because I know it is one food that everyone usually enjoys and I feel guiltfree eating it with my sauceless hamburger or chicken

*a friends wedding?

Weddings I find are a little harder, I usually pick at some cheese, a few berries and any of the meats there whether they are sliced or if I have to take finger sandwiches and eat the meat off of them.

*the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner?

I generally don't have a problem with this, there is always such an array of food that once you have your meat you can find a legal veggie. If there is Oyster dressing (my fave) I usually have this. We only live once ya know!

*a day of overwhelming chores?

Keeping busy for me is actually easier as the more I work the less I am thinking about food.

*a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday?

As I posted earlier vacations are usually fairly easy for me. Even when I head to a theme park such as Disney or Six Flags I can usually find me a salad. Gonna hit Hershey Park in August and I think the last time I was there they had a Subway type restuarant on the grounds. The dressings didn't work but I topped the salad with Mayo and was good to go!

*keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars

When I am on vacation I am always busier and more active then I am at home, so I really don't look for more ways to exercise. One thing though is that I don't do elevators do to panic disorder, so get more exercise on the steps for sure when we stay in motels. This weekendwe are headed to Destin to the beach for a 4 day holiday and are on the 5th floor. Between the steps and the beach walking I am good for exercise.

[willlose40]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Tuesdays Assigmment

1. Make a list of things that you view as positive about yourself. This can be things ranging from nice feet to great hair or the inward things such as a good organizer. Maybe being trustworthy is your stong point. Whatever you view as the postitives, list those things. Post the list here and in your personal journal.

Being a mother! Bluntness, height, hair, being hispanic, strong,loving Jesus


2. List the positive effects Atkins WOE has had on you. Post this list here and in your personal journal.

Understanding why I love the Atkins way of eating. Unity of us being as a family, and the support.


3. List 3 negative things about you and a course of action you could take to turn those negatives into postitives. Again, this list should be posted here and in your journal.

Stop talking negative to myself about my body, I will take one flaw on my body at a time.
Being impatient with myself-learning that my weight is not going to vanish overnight.
Having a low-self asteem-giving myself pep talks thought the day and not going to hide from the mirror anymore.


4, Write out the following and place it in your wallet or purse:
I DON'T NEED OTHER PEOPLES CONFIRMATION TO DETERMINE MY OWN SELF WORTH.




Always
Yvette

[I_WILL_Lose_Weight]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

I always tried to plan ahead when I was in high school. The cafeteria never served any of their meats in suitable amounts to justify a $2 meal, and to add on an extra meat was an extra $2. I began to take my own meals, like a can of sardines, crab meat, chicken meat, anything low carb that I could eat. I especially was fond of bringing cheese and pickles =) Yum yum yum. If I didn't bring that food, the vending machine was just too tempting.

It really does help to plan ahead. Usually it's just when we're hungry, and we have devilishly delicious food choices ahead of us that we falter. Especially when there's nothing else.

2. After the discussion, answer the following in this thread and in your journal:
Keeping in mind, that you are committed to getting to goal and you are WORTH IT, and stating the postitive things this WOE has done for you, how would you plan to stay the course for......
*a BBQ with non Atkins food?

Hm. BBQ usually involves saucing up a hamburger, chicken or pork chop right? So I'd just ask them to hold the BBQ on mine =) Other than that, I'd probably bring me some fried green beans to snack on.

*a friends wedding?

I would eat the cheese and whatever meat they have to offer =) Cake has no special hold for me.

*the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner?

Omg! How could I stand to live without my Thansgiving and Christmas dressing! And the oreo cookie pie! lmao =) I would make myself a cheesecake that was low in carbs for my own desert, and I would just stick with gravy minus the dressing. Atleast I'd be somewhat low carb.

*a day of overwhelming chores?

That's not so bad as long as there's something I can eat real quick in the fridge. Cheese or pickles can keep me safe while I do chores.

*a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday?

Good thing with vacation is that you always seem to have a choice between low carb and regular junk food, because your meals will either be at a fast food place or at a restaurant. Every place food place I've ever been to has always had a low carb item.

*keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars

One thing I like to do is I like to contract my stomach muscles really tight, squinch my put cheeks,a nd somehow keep my legs moving. I figure that it can all count for minimal exercise in the long run; atleast i'm burning calories other than being a lump on a car seat. Almost all hotels have a swimming pool, so I can always remember to bring my bathing suit.

[Fuschia]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

Tmn, I used to make my own jerky. So good, but it can get expensive depending on what cut of meat you use.

Low carb during a hospital stay is hard core! I'll do my best to make sure I stay on this wol if and/or when I go to the hospital, but I have to wonder what hospital you were at.

My father has diabetes, and even slipped into a coma once. The doctor told my mother that she might want to make "arrangements". However, every time he has been in the hospital, what does he get served? Lots of bread/pasta, and jello-with sugar! Even after my mom threw a fit and got them to change his meals, it was still not very nutritional- lots of iceberg lettuce and carbs/sugar. I think they just took the slice of bread away.

Is it okay if I bunch my assaignment up into one answer? Preplanning! I'm just going to have to plan out my meals, and take responsability for what I put in my mouth. However, what I know I have problems with is other people. Not them asking questions about Atkins/whatever, it's offending them. Like tomorrow, I'm going to a friend's house for tea. The kicker is that she is lovely older German lady but if I know her, there's going to be a lot of cake. She goes all out. I was thinking of eating beforehand and just having tea, but I'm not sure how to not take anything without offending her.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

eilsy, i'm really glad that this topic was so timely for you! you have alot of ideas to use here.
this is another thing that comes to mind. most of us are in our spring about to be summer season and it's too easy to fix fresh veggies and fruit and grilled meats. all this is in abundance and it's really easy to fix those things and if non atkins eaters want more it's easy to add a baked potato or mac and cheese. you are still left with mostly atkins friendly choices.

plan now to make a legal bday dessert for yourself. i'm telling you, give me a bowl of the dom's cheesecake any day over a birthday cake!

i've not gotten much done around here but i've sure enjoyed reading all the entries!

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

Is it okay if I bunch my assaignment up into one answer? Preplanning! I'm just going to have to plan out my meals, and take responsability for what I put in my mouth. However, what I know I have problems with is other people. Not them asking questions about Atkins/whatever, it's offending them. Like tomorrow, I'm going to a friend's house for tea. The kicker is that she is lovely older German lady but if I know her, there's going to be a lot of cake. She goes all out. I was thinking of eating beforehand and just having tea, but I'm not sure how to not take anything without offending her.

bunch away.

i'll be willing to bet that if you give this lovely older german lady friend a big ol' bear hug, she isn't going to take offense at you just having tea. tell her you would love to wrap a piece or two of the cake up and take it home so kids, hubby (whatever applies) so they can have some wonderful goodies. another bear hug and all should be right in the world.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Tuesdays Assigmment

yvette, i certainly am not a therapist but hopefully by the end of this challenge you'll have gained enough positive thinking to help you with those 3 negative atrtributes.
i'm am so glad to see the honesty in all the posts. some eye openers for us i am sure!


i wanted to post the list of challengers who have yet to turn in homework for this day. I sound like a high school teacher. lol

Carbaholic
ninaloy87
Lady_Hawke
SilencedMind
I_Luv_Pugs
Brenda80-2lose
PinkLady260
Kittie
Horsenpuggy
Kerith
darolyn39
funkychickenchica

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Monday assignment

a little late is going to be okay. some don't have access to computers and some are working. getting it in a day late was fine. thanks for posting!

these are the challengers who have not done monday's homework/boardwork.
Carbaholic
ninaloy87
SilencedMind
I_Luv_Pugs
Brenda80-2lose
PinkLady260
Kittie
Horsenpuggy

[hopejoy]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

great ideas everyone!
for the sake of the exersize will write this out, but it is redundant. sorry.
1) Barb bq with non atkin's food: no but, salad with mayo, veggies, bring something to share that is atkin's friendly.
2) friend's wedding: eat before and take small zip bag in purse with own snack for emergency: almonds, or celery sticks... can usually eat the meat and salad and veggie.... depends on what's being served... no cake, will say I'm saving it for my son.
3) Thanksgiving/Christmas... Have 6 months to read up on atkin's friendly recipe's for the occasion. Since it's at my house usually, I can make what I want... Yum, now I'm getting hungry thinking about it. lol\
4) day of overwhelming chores: Eat first thing so energy won't wane! Eggs, sausage, etc... then have grazing food available... celery sticks with cream cheese, bagged salad, lunch meat and cheese to make roll ups... yum... hungry!
5)vacations/holiday: take snacks with you. pack a cooler and choose restaurants that you know will cater to your needs.... chicken breast on salad... here I come, Steak fahitas with out the tortilla, etc....
6) keep up exersize on trips/hotels: plan "walking tours", park far away at rest stops and walk as much as possible, look for hotels that offer gyms, plan a stop for walking/ hiking/ sight seeing... always seem to get extra exersize on vacation and lose a little wt...
Now I'm hungry and gonna go make those eggs I talked about yesterday. After I posted I thought..." if I boil them now, then they'll be easier to make tomorrow..."
also going to make a batch of jello's in individual containors I can take to work leaving room of course for whipped cream! lol.
This is a good exersize.
liz

[hopejoy]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

I meant no bun in message above... not no but...lol!
liz

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

no but is what some of us are working towards. lolol

[slimndown]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Wednesday's Assignment

How would I stay the course for:

• a BBQ with non Atkins food?

I would bring legal side dishes for everyone to share.

• a friends wedding?

Eat before so I just snack on any legal available foods if I felt a small twitch of hunger. Bring snacks just in case.

• the Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinner?

Same as the BBQ idea.

• a day of overwhelming chores?

This is one that usually gets me. What helps is to have DH make a legal dinner, one of me favorite dishes like a juicy steak.

• a vacation or as our UK members would state it, a holiday?

I usually pack goodies ahead for breakfast & lunch then eat a legal dinner out.

• keeping up with your exercise while in unique situations such as hotel stays and days of travel in cars

Sometime during the day, get out and walk around, sightsee. Maybe challenge the kids to a race