Healthy Habits For Ponies! Take 2! ~Update last challenge, pg 99!!

[stopxmotion]

The waking up early part of my plan is not going to be easy.. It's like a cruel torture for me.
Ohh, I still have to PM my wishlist!

[Kitkumi]

The waking up early part of my plan is not going to be easy.. It's like a cruel torture for me.
Ohh, I still have to PM my wishlist!

Here here! I'm a night owl, and I'm about to start a job that has a 9am-5pm work day, where I will be sitting doing nothing but data entry. I'm still going to try and wak up early, but the thought of it makes me groan, lol.

[hyenacub]

Monnkey hairballs...  LOL 

I'm very ashamed. D: I'm around a similar weight and height as you (but less for both, I'm 4'11").

Don't you be ashamed of yourself!    You too Rhini!  I understand about the depression though...I fight that myself.  You guys are beautiful people and don't you forget that!  Or I'll send a legion of changelings to your house to torment you. 

Boots... 

[shockponie]

I'd like to join too, please. I feel like this is kismet. (Don't laugh...) I sat in on an Overeaters Anonymous meeting for the first time last night after feeling so low. It didn't seem like the right support for me, but it made me realize my situation. This seems like an ideal group to join, so I'm excited (& nervous). 
 
Your Username: shockponie
 
Your GOALS:
*Lose weight and keep it off.
*Make exercise a habit.
*Learn to eat healthier.
 
Your PLAN:
*Exercise at least 10-15 minutes every day. (Hey, it's a big step from my currently sedentary lifestyle.) Bike, elliptical, walk, or swim
*Stop eating junk food every single day of my life. Opt for healthy snacks!
*Determine if I'm eating for emotional reasons.
*Stop drinking soda.
*Plan meals ahead so I can stop opting for microwaved junk.
*Keep track of food & exercise. I've kept track of what I ate before, but it had no affect because I never reflected on it.
*Reflect on the decisions I've made at least once a week, in a positive manner. I plan on doing this Sundays.

I'll send my PM soon.

[SurfStar]

I'm super interested in joining this round (I really need some support), but before I make any commitments I want to double check I didn't miss anything trying to read while tired. But we don't have to post our weight or measurements or anything like that publicly, right? I can't actually get this info, and if I could I'd be too ashamed to tell anyone.

Noooo! That's exactly why I wanted to make the weight/measurement's private this round. I don't like sharing that stuff with people either! All of that is just for your own records.

The only thing you have to post is your Goals/Plans portion and then PM me the wishlist type stuff =)

We would certainly love to have you join us!

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:25:25 PM

Hooray! I'm in time! Hopefully there's still space for me? This is so great. I have all the pieces I need except consistent motivation. Ponies might just be the thing I've been looking for. I eat emotionally and I'm completely addicted to sugar. I want to be able to use my body without interference from, well, my body.

You are in time! Sign-ups don't close until tomorrow night, I'm thinking probably around 10-11 Central Standard Time (US, I'm in Texas).
  We will definitely do our best to help you out.

[hyenacub]

Yeah, I'm just weird and have no shame, so I plastered it all over the thread.    I'd take a picture of my ass, too, if it would make people laugh and feel a bit better.    Hm.  But that might scare some people....

[SurfStar]

Whew this thread moves fast! Thanks for the input about the Slim fast shakes. I have a 6 pack of them but I think I'll just drink them for breakfast when i'm running late & don't have time for real breakfast.

I think our mascot should be green. Green symbolizes health in a lot of cultures, in literature, etc. And I love green ponies!

I ate my dinner with chopsticks last night. It really slowed me down! I felt full and there was still food on my plate. maybe I'll try eating left handed (I'm right handed) too and see if that slows me down, too. I need to pay attention to what I'm eating more, and respect my food rather than just scarfing it down.

Chopsticks what a great idea!!! except I'm really good with chopsticks :p I'll have to try that sometime with my left hand

I also love chopsticks! I saw that piece of advice on another forum somewhere. I'm also really good with them, I think it's the one thing my husband envies ME about!

Another thing I do, is put my utensil down, rest it on the plate between bites. Really focusing on the flavors and textures of my food. Then once I've finished that bite, I'll go ahead and pick up my utensil. I'm definitely going to have to try eating with my off hand though! That sounds like fun (I'll be sure to hide the camera beforehand though or it might end up on facebook!)

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:29:35 PM

Yeah, I'm just weird and have no shame, so I plastered it all over the thread.    I'd take a picture of my ass, too, if it would make people laugh and feel a bit better.    Hm.  But that might scare some people....

Hey confidence isn't a bad thing! In fact, it's awesome! I just didn't want to make it a requirement for people that would be totally uncomfortable!

I have unintentional pictures of mine rear, but that's because my dog is about thigh level so when people take photos of us during obedience and agility... well often my rear sneaks right into the shots! There's only so much clever editing I can do to avoid it

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:34:13 PM

Well that's just it I guess. My main focus should really be my mentality, even though it gives me a good workout every now and again. Pacing for hours, panic attacks. It's not good for me. And I'm not confident enough to really do anything for my physical health itself. There are some specific goals I have to reach soon, regarding fears and anxieties. I'm not sure if it will take three months, more, or less. I'm only just starting to do something about it.

Honestly, I couldn't care TOO much less about my physical health right now. If I'm more active after this, that would be awesome. And I assume I will be, considering I freeze up in terror every time I try to play a sport as I am. But everything, right now, seems to revolve around my disorders and attitude.

If it doesn't fit enough with what everyone else is doing, though, I'll be fine without joining in with you guys. ^u^
Ffff nevermind I'll just keep doing what I am and leave you alone! I don't need this, I think I can do it myself, maybe.

  If you're sure! I know that I have some pretty severe anxiety and depression issues I'm working through. I think that as long as you have a Plan and Goals for steps towards feeling better mentally, that qualifies as a healthy habit. You have a bit to think on it =)

And I certainly don't think 3 months would completely solve the issues (I've been dealing with mine for 14 years now!). I've also had panic attacks and I can't play sports due to some Post Traumatic Stress issues (It's pretty embarrassing to have a complete breakdown simply because an object is flying at me). Even if you decide to not participate, always feel free to drop in or you're welcome to send me a PM.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:37:52 PM

The waking up early part of my plan is not going to be easy.. It's like a cruel torture for me.
Ohh, I still have to PM my wishlist!

Here here! I'm a night owl, and I'm about to start a job that has a 9am-5pm work day, where I will be sitting doing nothing but data entry. I'm still going to try and wak up early, but the thought of it makes me groan, lol.

Agree! My job during the school year starts at 7 am, which means I get up at 5:30 every morning. Fortunately, I have a little control over my schedule so I don't have to tackle the real mental challenges until afternoon. Even now I usually try and get up about 9, just so it's not a terrible conversion when I head back to work in the fall.  Usually for the first two weeks I have my Mom text me (she get's up naturally at like 4 am), just to make sure I don't hit the snooze button one too many times!

  Glad I'm not the only night owl around!

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:39:18 PM

Monnkey hairballs...  LOL 

I'm very ashamed. D: I'm around a similar weight and height as you (but less for both, I'm 4'11").

Don't you be ashamed of yourself!    You too Rhini!  I understand about the depression though...I fight that myself.  You guys are beautiful people and don't you forget that!  Or I'll send a legion of changelings to your house to torment you. 

Boots... 

The legion of changelings could be fun, I have the feeling I'd react a bit like Pinkie Pie though...

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:40:20 PM

I'd like to join too, please. I feel like this is kismet. (Don't laugh...) I sat in on an Overeaters Anonymous meeting for the first time last night after feeling so low. It didn't seem like the right support for me, but it made me realize my situation. This seems like an ideal group to join, so I'm excited (& nervous). 
 

  Welcome to the group =) We will do our best to help support you.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:41:30 PM

I would love to join in on this. I've just recently started trying to be more healthy, and hopefully this will help me stick with it (I know myself, in the past I've just slacked off ;; lol )
 

  We will do our very best to help you! =) Welcome to the group!

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:42:48 PM

Yeah, the bored-eating is a problem.  : P  And I get bored easily!  lol

I think bored eating is a problem for a lot of people. I know sometimes I'll make the rounds through the fridge and cupboards, just to see if anything changed since the last time I was there. I find that for me usually, it's because I need to be doing something with my hands.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:44:18 PM

Me too :/ But....if I don't have bad stuff in the house, I can't eat it, right? WRONG - I jump in the car and go on a crisp run to Tescos *facehoof* But if I do go for a drive it means I'm not just bored or eating for the hell of it, I actually crave crisps that bad that I have to get out the door, into the car, into Stresscos and come all the way back again. So I'm not feeling *too* bad about that. I did just eat a lush smokey hummus and salad sandwich

That sandwich does sound good! You've got more motivation than me If I'm craving something, usually it's not enough motivation to go to the store and get it. The couple of times that happens, usually I get the smallest amount possible (and foist the rest off on my husband!)

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:49:24 PM

I'm very ashamed. D: I'm around a similar weight and height as you (but less for both, I'm 4'11"). Its a combination of baby weight, depression weight, and not being able to walk because I have injured feet weight. I've always had horrible self esteem and body image issues, so its just very overwhelming for me. I'm so ashamed of myself and how I look, so I just get more depressed, so I don't work out or whatever like I planned, so I get more depressed, etc. Its a vicious cycle.

/ramble

  It's okay to acknowledge how you feel. =) I think the fact that you recognize those feelings is a good first step. We'll do what we can to support you and help you break a little bit of the cycle! If possible, you may want to see a Dr or Counselor about your depression ~ sometimes, it can help a lot. I grew up in a household where I had to have something to be 'depressed' about , I've always felt depressed but I've honestly got a good life. It wasn't until I got into counseling for some other issues that I realized that sometimes depression just happens.  I'll do what I can to help you stay on track =) Even if that means sending you a PM each morning!

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:50:10 PM

Oh goodness, this starts tomorrow! D: I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Could you add me to the FitnessPal thingum, BrightSide or surfstar? I'm fiwen30 there too.

Added you =) I'm pretty excited for it all to start! I think that we will all have a lot of fun with this and learn new things about ourselves.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:53:10 PM

Whew this thread moves fast!

It really does! Lol

Okay, for the mascot I have cool colors, possibly green body or hair. Pegasus with a jump rope shaped as a heart with wings as the symbol. Sound good so far? :3

Sounds good to me! I think that whatever we come up with will be awesome =)

Sounds awesome! How about a green body with blue hair? Or green with soft pink hair?

I'm getting together with my sister in law after work to dance and play Reflex Ridge on the Kinect. And I found an unwritten in journal I'm going to use for recording my HH4P progress.

Green body with blue, purple, and pink hair? ... >.>;;

Ooh. I keep most of my progress notes on my computer now and in my day-timer calendar. I carry that thing with me everywhere.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:54:12 PM

That is me right there!
Usually when I feel like that I drink aome water and go distract myself with something like sewing for a little bit.
If I still feel hungry after that I will go make a small snack or something similar.

That's usually what I try to do too. Pour myself a glass of water or unsweetened iced tea and sit down for a minute, examine whether or not I'm really hungry or if I just want a distraction.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:54:53 PM

I totally understand Taxel and have dealt with feelings of shame and self hatred even when I was 150 lbs. Now I'm about 200 as well, and even though I'm 5'8 so it's not quite as bad I still feel horrible about myself. My friend posted some pictures of me from when I was at her house the other day and I just couldn't believe that I actually looked that way. I can't control my eating when I'm depressed and food is the only thing that makes me feel better. So I eat, then feel awful, then eat more to make that awful feeling go away and etc. It's a vicious cycle like you said.


I've found the first step is to really try and let go of all the self hatred and the shame and the beating yourself up attitude. We're here to break that cycle, and this time I've hit my breaking point and know I've got to do this, for me, because I deserve it. We all deserve to be happy and healthy and feel good about ourselves. Next time you don't exercise, or eat poorly, or look in the mirror and don't like what you see, instead of just hating yourself for it try and be forgiving. Say hey I slipped now but it's okay because from now on I'll do better! It's done wonders for me just to realize my depression is getting the best of me and kind of slap myself in the face and say hey! wake up! you're angry for no reason! Feel better!I don't try and dwell on how bad I look now, but instead try and look forward to how great I'm gonna look in a few months.


If you ever need anyone to commiserate with please pM me as it seems like we deal with a lot of the same issues, that i've been dealing with my whole life. Chin up you can do this! 

+1 here, this was beautifully written! =)

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:55:50 PM

Rhini, that's great advice we all need to take to heart. We do all deserve to be happy & healthy no matter what the scale says. And if we slip up every once in a while that's OK, because once we realize we've backslid, instead of feeling bad about it we can get motivated to do an extra lap around the neighborhood, or an extra 5 minutes dancing or exercising.

Small goals and always realizing that tomorrow is another day. We don't have to be perfect and honestly much of our beauty comes from that fact that we aren't. Having one bad day never makes anyone a failure.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:57:45 PM

For those emotional eaters, depression, and so foth of like....i was that way too...i used to binge and hide with food...i still have a ways to go..but this is something i finaly learned to do...pick positives...if it hurts to use you legs try your arms...or vice versa...ther are days that you want to be lazy or use food go do a ponies hair:) call each small thing an activity...if it got you to move its active:) now the hard part...be oroud of it...the more snaps you can give youself the more you will want to do...its hard...i am still working on it

  And you're an amazing work in progress too =) I agree with what you said, pick small things to be proud of.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:59:04 PM

Wow, you've really given this lots of thought, Surfstar

I went for a walk in the hail today!  It was freezing cold at work but after I walked up a couple of hills and flights of stairs I soon warmed up.  The scales showed I have lost another .5kg this morning so my running total is now 4.5kgs.  Woo hoo

Thank you! I've been through a lot of food based counseling over the last couple of years. I was able to put some thoughts into a 'program' while going through the last one. My training as a psychologist certainly doesn't hurt anything either..

And YAY! Congrats on the loss! =) I love it when the scale shows up to the party.

Post Merge: June 14, 2012, 02:59:31 PM

OK... I just laughed my ass off so hard (like, so much, it hurts...)


Right now... this very minute... I am in the middle of my 'work-out' with my girls looking on. I was just in the middle of the most dreadful ab exercise and my discomfit must have been fairly evident, because my youngest just came up to me with her G3 Avalonia and said to her sister in the cutest matter of fact voice: "Look. Mummy's ouchy.'


Then Avalonia gave me a kiss to make me feel better.


 


Righty - ho. Back to exercises!

You clearly have amazing kids. This post made me smile!

[hyenacub]

I have unintentional pictures of mine rear, but that's because my dog is about thigh level so when people take photos of us during obedience and agility... well often my rear sneaks right into the shots! There's only so much clever editing I can do to avoid it

  Yay for candid butt-shots. 

[SurfStar]

Official Update

Whew so this has been an amazing turn out for this! I'm glad to see SO many people that are excited and ready to get started!!

Currently there are; 38 participants signed up!

Of those 38 people, I am missing wish-list PM's from: rayechu, RainbowRevolver, MonstarNomNom, banditpony, stopxmotion, and cuddlebuggy. Even if you're not looking for anything Pony, just drop me a PM so I know -I did get an email from someone, but there was no Arena username associated with it, so I'm not sure who it was from. Just try and get those to me by the end of June, so I'm not scrambling for things at the last minute ~ Even if all I do is end up sending you a card at the end with a YAY, you did it.

Additionally, you might have sent me a PM, but it got eaten (so clearly it was tasty!)

I also have the following people down as tentatively: TornadoLovesMelody, gemini_pony, and Taxel.

As long as you get an in Thread post by tomorrow at 11pm Central Standard Time (US, Central Time Zone) - I'm not sure what the Greenwich time is, you're included for this round.

I'll be posting the first Challenge and teaser pictures on Sunday ~ Would everyone like them to be surprises or would you rather see the items in your boxes? When they get sent to you they will be wrapped =)

[hyenacub]

Definitely a surprise!  Or maybe show a pony or an extra or something as a teaser and let the rest be a surprise?

Thanks again for doing this, SurfStar. 

BTW why did you say your feedback is less than stellar?  It's sure a heck of a lot better than mine! 

[SurfStar]

Definitely a surprise!  Or maybe show a pony or an extra or something as a teaser and let the rest be a surprise?

Thanks again for doing this, SurfStar. 

BTW why did you say your feedback is less than stellar?  It's sure a heck of a lot better than mine! 

That sounds like fun. I figured I could take extreme close-ups too, So that way people could see part of an item.

Oh, I just meant that most people have have been around the Arena/Trading Post for as long as I have, usually have a couple hundred feedback. I also (before this thread) didn't post much either, so I don't think I'm terribly well known on the boards.

I thought that might give a few people some nervous flutters.

[hyenacub]

True...i see those with HUNDREDS and I go...

[SurfStar]

I generally see those with hundreds, but have only been around a short while and then I feel like, clearly I must be doing something wrong

[silverskimmer]

Argh it's raining so I can't go for a walk like I planned to T.T One good thing I've noticed from this already is that my medications seem to be working better and I've been able to do a lot more then normal. I've been far, far happier and I even sent in an inquiry for a horse coarse 8D
I'm hoping and praying it'll be fine here tomorrow so I can go for a horse ride, but we'll have to see what mother nature says.
I'm glad it doesn't officially start until Sunday, today is my girlfriend and my three year anniversary and we're planning to watch movies and eat junk food in a couch fort all day

[hyenacub]

Walk in the rain! : D  I love rain.  It's storming out now in fact! : D