the I AM WORTH IT CHALLENGE #1

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

i am not only proud of the posts i am seeing but very proud to see how many names are being presented as influential members. we have not even scratched the surface when it comes to members who have been such postitive influences.

[Sherri]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

1.) Although I'm new to the board, I would have to say That Adena would be my positive influence. She was one of the first I read about and continues to be consistant with help to all that ask for it. She doesn't realize it ,but she's the one that helped me get back on track by what she had said to others. So thank you for that Adena. 2.) Make five positive remarks in the signature of other members. Stacy- DON'T BE AFRAID THAT YOUR LIFE WILL END, BE AFRAID THAT IT WILL NEVER BEGIN. paulamm - GOOD TIMBER DOESN'T GROW WITH EASE; THE STRONGER THE WIND, THE STRONGER THE TREES. musicaldreamer- " JUST WHEN THE CATERPILLAR THOUGHT THE WORLD WAS OVER , IT BECAME A BUTTERFLY." laceylyne 1031- ITS NOT ABOUT WHAT I HAVE TO LOSE...IT'S WHAT I HAVE TO GAIN! beckydreamsof145- GONNA STOP TALKIN ABOUT IT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN! 3.) Make a post in "What excuse do you have" Thread. I've made a few and will make a couple more.

[mitzimarie]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

ASSIGNMENT FOR THURSDAY:

1. Positive post from member: I chose a post from Julie. I have so much respect for this remarkable young woman. She impresses me on many levels. She is smart, dedicated, disciplined, and more than willing to help everyone. Here are a few words from Julie...

"I did Atkins in 2003 by my own rules, and managed to lose 70 pounds, but I was doomed to failure. I had no clue what I was doing. Fast forward to 2006, I'm fat, miserable, achy, depressed, and I had to do something about it. I began Atkins weighing 265, and now I'm down to 184. I exercise, drink water, eat only whole, unprocessed foods, and even at 184, I'm a size 10. A size 10. The smallest I've ever been was a size 12 before! And I've still got a ways to go...to a size 6 or 8. It can be done a second time! I plan to continue this indefinitely--my second time will be my LAST time.

First off, 17 pounds is FABULOUS! Have you been taking measurements? Often, I'll go a week without losing a pound, but I'll lose 4 inches off my body. The tape measure will tell the TRUE story of your success when the scale won't.

I "go" like clockwork too. I eat a variety of veggies each day, and I drink PLENTY of water, usually more than a gallon. Sometimes if you're not drinking enough water, that can lead to constipation. You should be drinking 64 ounces, plus 8 ounces for every 25 pounds you want to lose.

Don't give up! You've accomplished something great--losing 17 pounds--something that MANY people would not have been able to do. The beauty of Atkins is that the weight loss is a pleasant side effect. I am on Atkins because I LOVE the food (people stare wide-eyed at all the delicious foods I eat, guilt-free), I am not a prisoner to cravings, I have completely rid myself of irritability and mood swings caused by low blood sugar, I have not had a MIGRAINE since I began Atkins, I have energy to go to the gym 6x a week, and I feel like I can finally enjoy eating, rather than feeling like food is plugging a hole in my soul. The weight loss is just an added bonus!"

See? Isn't that great? She rocks! I must also acknowledge that there are so, so many inspirational people on this board who go out of their way to help. Jimmie, Silly, Megs (not2late), Joy, Elizellen, Sallyseachange, Outback Jess, Adena, Emma, and Baarb are just a few. I have made so many new friends and the support and information is just incredible. I plan on staying around and active on this board forever in hopes that I can "pay it forward."

2. Seven (couldn't narrow it to 5) positive remarks from the signatures of members:

- "I eat to live, not live to eat." *from Sweet Studel
- "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." *from Jen/
harmony3098
- "If it's going to be... it's going to be up to me." *from Terry (tmn)
- "Gonna stop talkin' about it and make it happen!" *from Becky (dreamof145)
- "The body cannot be cured without regard for the soul." *from Jenna (dragonflymoon)
- "You can't control the ocean but you can learn to ride the wave." *from Misplaced Southerner
- "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying small stones." *from Floydgirl

3.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmie 48
WHAT EXCUSE DO YOU HAVE FOR NOT EATING THE PIES, THE CAKES, THE CANDY AND THE CARB LADEN FOOD THAT MADE EVERYONE OF US OVERWEIGHT?

1. I am on Day 110 of my re-start on Atkins and I have been cheat-free. I refuse to break my streak!

2. Eating crap makes me feel like crap.

3. Eating crap makes me look like crap.

4. I am a full-blown recovering carb-addict. If I have just a single bite of crap, there is the potential for tragedy.

[Fuschia]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

#1. I still feel a little new here, and I'm still reading old posts, so I can't really say. Although I would like to thank Jimmie 48 for starting this challenge. I know I have only posted once each day, but this challenge has forced me to be more positive about myself, and that's something I haven't been able to do for awhile.

#2.
A. Good timber doesn't grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees. ~ from PaulaMM

B. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. ~ from Jsj0305

C. Keep doing what you're doing & you'll keep getting what you're getting!!! ~ from Alliecat0817

D."Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." Bernadette Devlin ~ from Obkbbby

E. And lastly, ~One day at a time. Realistically. Gradually. Consciously. FINALLY! ~ from MitziMarie.

#3. Done!

[julirama723]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

1. Think of a member of the ADBB that you believe is a positive influence. Find one positive post of the member and quote it here. Make sure the post has some "meat" to it and not just a word of Congratulations.

There are quite a few members who I consider to be my inspiration. I'd say that each of you have been an inspiration, for this or that, and you continue to help me think of things differently or in a more positive light.

My #1 idol-status inspiration is ValidRouge. Joy, you have helped me more than you will ever know! I love that you are honest, earnest, and accountable. You are a fabulous cheerleader and a wealth of knowledge. Here are some great posts you've made:

You don't pull any punches! You give us the straight facts!

While I wasn't "officially" in a stall for the last 10 months. My weight loss was a constant up and down and a battle. I was cruising right along losing weight 1-2 lbs a week, sometimes more. Then I quit smoking and took up a bad coffee habit. Coffee and I don't get along. It causes me to be ravenous, get dehydrated and then retain water in response, it will make me break out in zits all over my face. My husband will see my face broken out and actually say "Been drinkin coffee?" Anyway, when I decided that I had to kick the coffee habit (I'd gained like 12 lbs at this point)....I switched to an UNSWEETENED iced tea that was being served at the school where I work.

The dispenser looks like this . The double dispenser one has sweet tea on one side and unsweetened on the other. Of course, I drank the unsweet tea. For 10 months my weight loss was up and down and very slowwwwww. I was drinking over 100 ounces a day in addition to this unsweet tea...no problem, right??? WRONG!

A few weeks ago (May 14th to be exact) I happened to go into the cafeteria and see the box the tea solution comes in. I saw and ingredient that made me incredulous. So, I called Lipton and they emailed me a PDF of the nutrition label for both the "tea extract" and the "sweetner". The "tea extract" (the unsweetened part) contains HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND CORN SYRUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That small amount kept me stalled for MONTHS. It kept me from goal for MONTHS!!!

I guess, my point here...is to say to everyone that the most seemingly innocent thing might be what is causing you to lose slow, or stall. Check EVERYTHING. Even if the label says 0 carbs...if it lists corn syrup or sugar or anything like that...it could negate all of your hard work.

Let me tell you...it was HARD giving up that tea. I had a headache for 5 days!! But it was absolutely worth it. In 3 weeks I went from 194 lbs to 185 and made my goal. I was 198 in July folks! [img]images/smilies/censor.gif[/img]

This post made me turn to my OWN food choices, and I began to scrutinize what I was eating. I realized that I needed up clean up my act, and stop eating LC products with additives, give up shredded cheese, and stop buying rotisserie chickens and turkey breasts.

There are SO many posts that I can't even find, that have helped me out. Joy has given me priceless advice on OWL (she is the one who convinced me to move on!), advice on strength training (I saw her results, heeded her words, and I am SO glad I did!), advice on running, and has been an amazing cheerleader since day 1.

Adena, you are an amazing woman and you inspire me daily. I am still amazed with your 1/2 marathon status. I don't think I would be able to do it! Your humor, care, and intelligence always shine through on each post. In fact, you made me smile for the FIRST time today with your awesome post in my journal:

(((((Julie)))))) An only sorta-mushy hug for you. If those close-minded, small-townwers knew what we do, your dance cards would be full EVERY night. They have super-fun, warm and friendly greatness in their midst, and they are oblivious. What dolts. You know what? I also have to wonder if you losing weight could make people more unfriendly. I mean, let's face it -- you're absolutely adorable, with a hot new little bod to match. At least when you were fat, you weren't a threat (though I'm sure you still coulda given those girls a run for their money) -- now, you're "different" and hot. Sorry -- I guess I'm not making you feel better, huh? I guess I'm just trying to point out that people are irrational.

One question for you... you say that you're normally pretty shy until you get to know someone. At least, I think you've said that? Is it possible you're sending out snooty vibes, not meaning to? Because you ARE different from many of them, maybe you seem a little unapproachable, when really you're just quiet? I could be totally off-base here -- just something to think about it.

Anyway, I sure do wish you were MY neighbor. We'd have you over all the time for drinks, dominos, and of course, ham on Sundays. [img]images/smilies/wink.gif[/img] And, I promise we wouldn't wake you up in the middle of the night beating the h-ll out of each other.

I hope the clay thing was just a fluke tonight -- I know you've really been enjoying it up until now. Or, maybe it was just the sanding that was especially bothersome. Next time, a surgical mask maybe? Oh yeah, that will definitely make you look normal and approachable. [img]images/smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Hang in there. You know that WE love you -- and lots of friends back home miss the heck out of you, I'm sure.

Adena is an awesome journal hostess--she sees every single detail, and knows JUST what to say and how to say it. I wish I had that ability! Sometimes I feel like I'm not only putting my foot in my mouth, but my whole leg, clean up to my hipbone.

There are others whom I want to mention that are inspiring me everyday, and they don't even know it! Jess, Lyssie, Higgies, Jo, Silly, Megs, Rich, Emma, Mitzi, Elsy, Nicole, Cynthia, Jenna, apple, MS, Terry, P10, Baarb, HG, Mary, Bio...the list goes on and on! I am truly sorry if I've forgotten names (which I know I have). Each day I am inspired by something new.


2. Find 5 positive remarks in the signaures of other members and quote them here.

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

"You can't control the ocean, but you can learn to ride the wave."--Misplaced Southerner

"I may be a slow loser...at least I'm a loser!"--apple

"So few get it, so few keep it; I hope to hold on to what I've got!"--Outback Jess

"I can have excuses, or I can have results; I cannot have both."--ValidRouge

"I will not stray! I will not stray! I will not stray!"--Atkid


3. Make a post, if you have not already done so, in the What excuse do you have...... thread. Be sure you read the first post so you know what kind of excuses are being asked for.

I did this quite some time ago. I finally feel OK with eating a salad in public! You'll have to read the thread to know what I'm talking about...

[Theperfect10]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

Your boardwork for Thursday:

1. Think of a member of the ADBB that you believe is a positive influence. Find one positive post of the member and quote it here. Make sure the post has some "meat" to it and not just a word of Congratulations.

Like so many others, there are a number of people here who motivate and influence me on a daily basis. Its difficult to choose just one. I find support from my regular journal friends, Emma, Baarb and Jane, who are on the same time zone as me, so we are often online at the same time! My other journal friends Mitzi, Booklady, Apple, Sweetstrudel, Zencyn, IWILLLooseWeight... the list goes on. I find support in the STAC every day. And then the advice I have been given freely and with such openess from the Atkins Veterans Adena, Joy, Jess, Julie and you Jimmie is incredible. To pick one is tough, but as this is homework, I'll just have to do it! Adena has been incredibly supportive from the get go for me, regularly dropping by my journal but always with practical advice. You rock Adena! Thank you!

I've decided to pick the 1st post I had in my journal from Adena as my favourite post - it was the 1st one I received from anyone and it meant a lot -

"Hi, Perfect -- welcome to ADBB and to the journal chats! I want you to know that after reading your post, I went and refilled my water bottle. So thanks!

I love your first post -- you sound like a lot of fun, and I love your attitidue and enthusiasm. I certainly understand the frustration that's gotten you to this point -- many here do. Which is why ADBB is a wonderful tool. It's a great support network for Atkins. I've NEVER stayed on a "diet" or other eating/exercise plan (or been as successful) as I have "this time around." And I owe a lot of it to their board. I started my journal about two weeks into my Atkins journey, and the friends I've made through it have become so important to me in this effort. (I love you guys!! )

I'm so glad to hear you are exercising. Many new folks overlook Dr. A's exercise REQUIREMENT. I promise you'll see more and faster results than someone who doesn't exercise. I taught myself that the hard way -- and I have photos around here somewhere to prove it.

I've found another key for me sticking with Atkins is not letting myself get bored or feel deprived. Linda's Low Cab Recipes (http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html) is a great site, if you haven't seen it yet -- with lots of induction-friendly recipes.

Since you're in sales, do you eat on the road a lot? As you know, there are plenty of induction friendly choices out there. But, you may also want to be sure you always have portable, legal snacks on hand, just to be safe. How do you drink all that water driving so much? I'd be stopping every 15 minutes!

Also, I'm really glad to see you've set such a reasonable goal weight for yourself. You may want to consider setting "mini-goals" also. Typically, I'd recommend they aren't tied to a paticular timeline, but simply a goal you want to get to. It can be weight, but also could be measurements, a certain clothing size, even endurance on the treadmill. Those mini-goals help the longer-term one not see so far away. As an example, my mini-goals were: under 250, under 230 -- both of which you've already accomplished...lol, into the two-teens, and now I'm working on "onederland"!) Speaking of measurements, if you haven't taken yours yet, I encourage you to. Occasionally, the scale may be stubborn, but if your measurements go down, you are doing fine. Besides, you'll be amazed at how the inches add up! "

Again, welcome -- I look forward to hearing about your successes!

2. Find 5 positive remarks in the signaures of other members and quote them here.

"You can't control the ocean, but you can learn to ride the wave."--Misplaced Southerner

Its not about what I have to lose...its what I have to Gain!!! Laceylyn1031

"I may be a slow loser...at least I'm a loser!"--apple

"So few get it, so few keep it; I hope to hold on to what I've got!"--Outback Jess

"I can have excuses, or I can have results; I cannot have both."--ValidRouge

3. Make a post, if you have not already done so, in the What excuse do you have...... thread. Be sure you read the first post so you know what kind of excuses are being asked for.

Done

[darolyn39]

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

Planning my next week's meal and making food ahead of time has helped me stay on track this time. Meals are easiest during the summer and grilling out helps.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

awesome posting girls! the positive things being said about others and why they are positive is very good reading!

i wish ya'll could see how i smile when i read through your posts.

[jimmie 48]

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

darolyn we had a member and for the life of me i can't remember who it was now, but on the weekends they grilled alot of meats and that carried the member through the week for supper and lunches. it really cut down the time spent on meals during the week and was a great way to plan out the meals each night.

[zencyn]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

I'm enjoying reading everyone's responses!!!!

[darolyn39]

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

1. a bbq with non atkins food.

a. Bring my own food just in case they have nothing for me to eat or call ahead and see what the menu is.

2. a friend's wedding

a. ask what's on the menu an see if there is anything you can eat or eat prior to attending the wedding and skip the reception.

3.Thanksgiving or Christmas

a. prepare an atkins friendly meal and have it planned out ahead of time.

4. A day of overwhelming chores.

a. rest rest and more rest and have some food already prepared in the fridge to grab quickly.

5. a vacatio or a holiday.

a. Ask if they have low carb menu ahead of time when preparing for your vacation. Bring low carb snacks and drinks along with you.

6. Keeping up with exercise.

a. just stay motivated and do a little every time you get a chance.

[darolyn39]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

One ADBB member that has inspired me and is very positive is iyamamaschke, she has really come along way and she states Believe in yourself and anything is possible. She has inspired me to start exercising.

Five positive statements:

1. Loser4life-So if I wait til tommorrow all the time nothing will ever be accomplished!!! Just steadyloss here! that's my goal.

2. VMCKELVIE-Persistance not perfection.

3. Outback Jess- So few "get it", so few "keep it", I hope to hold on to what I've got.
4. Lady Hawke-If I'm going to reggret anything in life, it is going to be the things I have done-not the things I haven't done.

5. KKat55- a year from now you'll wish you had started today.

[Adena]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

What a great way this has been to thank and recognize everyone for paying it forward. The support we all share around here is utterly amazing -- and personally, has been invaluable to my success thus far. I learn just as much from the newbies as the old-timers. Thanks, everyone, for always making me think. And thanks for this great assignment, Jo!

[Fatalblue]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

1. I've always thought of ttdriver (Betty) as an inspiration. I've admired her ability to run marathons and she's always supportive of others. Here is her post:
"Thank you so much for asking. I love to offer any advice I can to help others!
Yanno, when I started Atkins, I had SERIOUS doubts that it would work. I'm almost ashamed to admit that now, except that I think alot of other folk can relate ..
I read DANDR and thought "YEAH RIGHT! Eat fat and get thin? Who is this wise guy and how dumb does he think we are???"
So I initially set out to PROVE HIM WRONG ... After all, I tried low-fat, low calorie and FAT FREE .. all to no avail .. what made HIM think that fat would make me THIN??
I really hate to eat crow .. but THIS GENIUS WAS RIGHT ... not only was the food satisfying, but it helped me lose the weight .. what's NOT to love?
I knew I could do this long term because I love protein and fat .. so I kept on .. one day at a time .. it was ridiculously EASY for me to stick with this!!
OMG .. in less than 10 months I surpassed my goal of losing 15 pounds .. 15 POUNDS! I think of it now and laugh .. I ended up losing 40+ effortlessly ...
Well, okay, not effortlessly .. it took discipline and determination, especially in the beginning .. but the truth is, the longer I stuck with it, the easier it became ....
YOU ARE SO RIGHT; it really *is* a state of mind; its a decision you make that there is NO TURNING BACK .. that truly, NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS ...
Yes, that is what its all about....
The keys? Lets see: planning ahead would have to rank up there, along with a non-negotiable commitment to exercise; yeah, I know, the initial thought of it SUCKS, but yanno what? When you commit to it, its so easy; in fact, it becomes SECOND NATURE after awhile .. I could NOT imagine my life without running .. I love it so; and it helps me deal with the stresses of life. Whatever you enjoy as far as physical activity goes, commit to it .. as you would brushing your teeth or washing your face...soon you will wonder how you EVER did without it .. HONEST!
I'm sorry; I've rambled, but the truth is, YOUR HEALTH, heck, YOUR LIFE depends on a firm commitment to eating right and exercising regularly!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Betty"

2. Find 5 positive remarks in the signaures of other members and quote them here.
-SouthernGAL: " Joy is not in things; it is in us."
-ncarolina: "Yard-by-yard, life is hard, but inch-by-inch, life's a cinch!"
-floydgirl: "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."
-apple: "I may be a slow loser, at least I'm a loser "
-jaimeanzu: "I CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!"

3. Make a post, if you have not already done so, in the What excuse do you have...... thread. Be sure you read the first post so you know what kind of excuses are being asked for. Done!

[WindCriesMary]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge ~ Thursday Assignment

1. Think of a member of the ADBB that you believe is a positive influence. Find one positive post of the member and quote it here. Make sure the post has some "meat" to it and not just a word of Congratulations.

She's right, Nicole, about the "stall." It's not one, technically, nor was mine. But, I DID find that cutting back on the gum helped me get going again.

Well, I didn't know you lost 4 pounds last week, girl! That's probably why. As Julie, said your body is adjusting. Also, the fact that you've lost 50 pounds means this isn't new to your body anymore. So, you might not see as dramatic losses now. But, you are still losing and doing GREAT. Stick with it. You've lost 50 pounds in a little over 4 months. That's AWESOME, Nicole!

Hang in there. Don't let lethargy kick in. CARE, KEEP PUSHING AHEAD, and COME TO ADBB. That detacted feeling can kick in when you're away. Let us help keep you focused.

2. Find 5 positive remarks in the signaures of other members and quote them here.
*Emma*: Don't regret anything that ever made you smile.
mitzimarie: One day at a time. Realistically. Gradually. Consciously. FINALLY!
obkbbby: "Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." Bernadette Devlin
harmony3098: "life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." ~anais nin
artangel:..the most powerful drug you'll ever put in your body is your FOOD...

3. Make a post, if you have not already done so, in the What excuse do you have...... thread. Be sure you read the first post so you know what kind of excuses are being asked for. Done!