The Medi Challenge!

[QueenCityDiva]

to the Challenge thread!!! This thread is only intended for people following the Medi Weightloss Clinic's system, and is meant to be used only as an additional tool to help us along our journey. Please do not use this thread to ask general questions about the MWLC system, what we eat, or what it costs - you can find general information on the main message board HERE.

This Challenge has been devised so that we can all keep track of our daily, weekly, and monthly goals, and perhaps participate in some group challenges as well. As you know, the Medi system depends on YOU! If you are determined, you can meet and surpass your goals! We are just here to help you along the way!

For starters, please "sign in" by posting a quick hello! Be sure to include your first name so that we can all get to know the real you! Our goal for the remainder of this week is to get to know each other and share ideas for this challenge. We'll kick off our first true Challenge during the first week of November!

Again, WELCOME! I'm so excited about starting this challenge with you!

[QueenCityDiva]

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer and I'm a very enthusiastic Medi-newbie! I LOVE the program so far and I've been overwhelmed with the support I've found here on LCF! I KNOW we can do this together and I'm so excited to begin!!!

My first question to all of you is - what should we call our new Challenge group??? I'm terrible at clever names, so I went all the way basic on this one! But I'm sure one of you can come up with something interesting to help get us motivated for this challenge!!! Show me what you've got and then we can start November off with a great new name!

Also, please be thinking of challenges you'd like to do AND areas in which you need to be challenged. For instance, I could really use a WATER challenge - I struggle to drink all of my water each day. Our challenges can be that simple, and not everyone has to follow the same challenge. I'd like this to remain as personal as possible, because the end goal is that we all motivate each other toward success!!! And we CAN!

[tracy_d]

Hi Jennifer. I'm Tracy-

I love this idea!! My challenge is sweet snacks- even SF sweet snack I crave. I need to get that under control especially when it's that TOM.

As for the water challenge you have....I LOVE water and find no problems drinking more than enough. Here's how I account for it all....

I use the water bottles from a case of water (16.9oz) and then a 33oz. smart water a day. I drink 6 of the 16.9 oz. waters throughout the day and 1 33oz. smart water- part of which I use to make my morning breakfast protein shake and I drink the rest in the am when I get to work. I usually have had 5 waters by 3pm ( one with a piece of cheese around 10, one with lunch and one around 2) and then I have one around 4, one with dinner, and one about an hour after dinner. Sometimes I even go over! Hope this helps!!

[babyboyst]

Hey Jennifer, great job on starting this up! I also struggle with getting in enough water, but recently i've done better with it -- the change I made was going from the small Powerade Zero sized bottle (20 ounces) to the larger one, which I think is 32. So I know I'm not going to get up from my desk 10 times a day to refill a small one, but I am refilling the larger one 3 times a day. On the last one, I put in a protein powder by Designer Whey, and work in some extra protein. I am in maintenance, so it may not be right for everyone, but some days i put in a crystal light pack in my 32oz container, and that helps. I try not to flavor all of them, but sometimes it just makes it easier! In any event, that's my big one too. It used to be eating later in the afternoon/evening, but I started drinking a white pomegranate tea around 4pm and it nips the sweet craving in the bud, its delicious, especially on a cool fall day like today!! As I say to my other MWL friends, look forward to seeing less of you next time!

[katew1129]

Jennifer - So glad you started this up! Thanks!

Water is a tough one. I have a 25 oz bottle that I bought from target. I drink one while working out in the AM. One on my way to work (I don't let myself get out of the car until it is finished), one by noon, one by 4:30 and then another on my way home (again not allowed out of the car until it is finished). I typically have another throughout the night. I use a packet of Crystal Light Hydration at least in one bottle and sometimes 2. You can do it!

My challenge/mini-goal is to be at 170 by my 30th birthday which is at the end of November. I am working hard to get there but the scale has not MOVED for me in over a week! So frustrating. I actually bought a Tanita scale over the weekend and that is showing me with a gain compared to the clinic...ugh! I had to travel for work all last week so ate out every meal with a group of people. I ordered correctly but just hard to say what is in food you are not preparing ya know. Work has been so stressful lately and I actually developed an ulcer on my eye due to stress. Not good. I am trying hard to stay positive and get out of this rut. Hopefully my weigh in on Friday goes well!

Thanks again Jennifer! Looking forward to being "challenged" together!

[QueenCityDiva]

Hi ladies! I realized this morning that I NEED to be challenged. I thought my first challenge was going to be water, but I think I'm going to change it to eliminating the "extras". I'm having some kind of extra every day - jello, dessert, etc. and I need to eliminate that if I'm going to get that scale down. I think that will be my focus for the rest of this week, although it may be tough with us traveling and all.

I SO look forward to this!!!

[CAgirl]

hey ladies! Jennifer, thanks for doing this! well, my two BIGGEST challenges are not getting in enough water (sounds like that is a challenge for a few of us) and not making time for exercise. i really need to step it up with both of those and then i think i'll be okay! we can do this!!!

[Rochelle91214]

Hello everyone! My name is Rochelle and I just started my Medi journey. I am in Week 1.. but tomorrow is my last day of week 1 thank GOD! I go for my first weigh in tomorrow and I am so anxious to see the results! This week was challenging for me eating only protein so I am looking forward to adding some new things in week 2!

One of my challeneges is getting in enough water. I've been forcing it down but it's just so hard!

I'm so looking forward to getting to know all of you! I found this site by accident while I was researching Medi Weight Loss and I am SO glad I found it!! I have found so many helpful tips already!! You guys are awesome!!!

[divine777]

Jennifer, thanks so much for this challenge thread. I struggle daily with getting all of my water in. I sometime have to use crystal light more often than I should because it just begins to taste blah!! I must say that I am having a hard time limiting myself to 2 cups of vegetables a day. Once I added the veggies back in at week 2, I have been craving fresh veggies.

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by divine777

Jennifer, thanks so much for this challenge thread. I struggle daily with getting all of my water in. I sometime have to use crystal light more often than I should because it just begins to taste blah!! I must say that I am having a hard time limiting myself to 2 cups of vegetables a day. Once I added the veggies back in at week 2, I have been craving fresh veggies.

I totally understand what you mean about the veggies - it makes me nervous for the maintenance phase when I'll start adding the other "junk" in! But I've got a LONG time before I need to think about that. For now - it's all about eliminiating the extras!

[Medi-Annie]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Annie and have been living the Medi way since mid-August.

I also struggle to get my water in, but I seem to get pretty close most days. Like Tracy, I drink a huge Smart Water, then start working on the 16.9 oz. bottles. I do allow myself 16 oz. of decaf tea as well and typically include that in my totals (since NP gave the okay.)

My biggest challenge is getting enough exercise, so my challenge to myself is to exercise at least 3 times per week through the end of the year. I work a job outside the home, and I also run my own business, so I'm always working. I'm a single mom with 1 child still at home. I find that I'm quick to put exercise at the bottom of the priority list, and I know I need to change that. I have weeks where I'll exercise 5 times or more and then weeks (like this one) where I hardly get any. I want to be more consistent.

Thanks for getting this thread going, Jennifer!

[DreamWarrior]

Im in!! Let's challenge!! You can call me DW! Hehehe!!

I need to be challenged with excersize! So, since we're so close to the first week of November... is there a first week challenge yet??

Can we do two challenges at a time? Also, will everyone be challenged with the same thing or will everyone be challenged on their own??

[DreamWarrior]

Can I make a suggestion for the first week challenge?

I challenge you to 1/2 hour of an excersize daily. You must log your time and excersize here on a daily basis, and if possible the calories burned and intensity level (state your source, for example eliptical, treadmil, calorie or heartrate monitor, etc).

For example: Today I met your challenge and ran for 45 minutes and logged in 3 miles at a high intensity and burned 300 calories... source treadmil.

We should add a rule too: You must log in your activity for THAT day. Not for the day before. It might be hard for some to log in at night, but this will keep us accountable for our day or night excersize. That way if you can only log in during the day, you know you better get up early and do your deed!

[Mommy-2-girls]

Hi Ladies! I know most of you but I am still a stinking .2 pounds away from ONEderland!!! So my first challenge is to get that scale DOWN DOWN DOWN to at least 199.9 LOL

Next Thursday is my weigh-in... pray for a nice big ONE in the first space!!

[tracy_d]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

I totally understand what you mean about the veggies - it makes me nervous for the maintenance phase when I'll start adding the other "junk" in! But I've got a LONG time before I need to think about that. For now - it's all about eliminiating the extras!

Jennifer-
You can have the extras as long as you stay within your calorie limits for the day. I often have a 2% cheddar cheese stick with 6 grapes for a morning snack around 10am. I'm a teacher so I have a set schedule for lunch- 12:15. I usually have a snack like a few hot and spicy pork rinds or almonds when I get home 3:30-4:00. And usually I have a PM medi friendly snack after dinner. (the cheesecake bites and peanut butter balls from the dessert thread are great!!) I count the snack as part of my protein allowance. If you are exercising you shouldn't have any problems. There are tons of snack combinations you can choose from, and sometimes it's just a bite or two that you need to feel satisfied!!

I have always been a grazer because hunger=migraines for me, so eating every 3-4 hours is natural. It also keeps your metabolism revved.

[tracy_d]

Fora all of you struggling to get your water in.....

Have you tried crystal light? You can put that in your water.
You can also have tea!! (Decaf is best and sweeten with truvia if need be).
Kellogs make a protein powder packet that you add to a bottle of water in a couple different flavors- my favorite is pink lemonade.
It's more expensive, but buy a case of water and drink eight bottles during the day. Keep them really cold- water goes down easy when it's really cold!
Ex:
1 -33oz smart water add about 8oz for protein shake at breakfast and drink the rest of it as a "chaser" for the shake, then drink the rest before am snack or sip it through out the day as long as you finish it...we need the electrolights
1with am snack (cheese stick + 6grapes)
1 with lunch
1 mid afternoon instead of eating something (drink the whole bottle within 5minutes)
1 with your workout-
1 with dinner
1 after dinner with maybe a little snack

[tracy_d]

Originally Posted by Medi-Annie

Hi Everyone,

I'm Annie and have been living the Medi way since mid-August.

I also struggle to get my water in, but I seem to get pretty close most days. Like Tracy, I drink a huge Smart Water, then start working on the 16.9 oz. bottles. I do allow myself 16 oz. of decaf tea as well and typically include that in my totals (since NP gave the okay.)

My biggest challenge is getting enough exercise, so my challenge to myself is to exercise at least 3 times per week through the end of the year. I work a job outside the home, and I also run my own business, so I'm always working. I'm a single mom with 1 child still at home. I find that I'm quick to put exercise at the bottom of the priority list, and I know I need to change that. I have weeks where I'll exercise 5 times or more and then weeks (like this one) where I hardly get any. I want to be more consistent.

Thanks for getting this thread going, Jennifer!

Annie-
How old is your child? Do you include him/her in your workout?
I LOVE rollerblading!! I found out that it burns like 400 cals (depending on your weight of course) in 30 minutes!!!! It is so much easier than running but will get your heart rate up there just the same!! It also feels so good to be outside in the fresh air and scenery while exercising!! Beats the boring gym any day!! Take your child with you in a stroller if you have to! They will love it too.

[Mommy-2-girls]

Just another water tip... Target brand "Crystal Lite" (the Target store brand) has ZERO calories, compared to the real brand-name stuff which has like 5 (I think). I tend to chug it during the day because my kids will grab my bottles of water when I'm not looking, so this keeps them away from it! LOL! I actually highly prefer the Target brand Peach Tea in their generic brand. It's soooo good. I probably go through 2 quarts per week of it (embarrassing, I know).

[DreamWarrior]

This weeks challenge is to get in all your water for the day! A mininum of 64oz.

Post your water intake daily here and get credit!
Water and any electrolyte type beverage qualifies towards the 64 oz.

This is how we'll keep you motivated, if you know we're keeping tabs on you!
So, post daily. At the end of the week, we'll try to post who keeped up with the challege!

Good luck!!

[Sarah H.]

HI all! I just found this link and am super excited to see it here. I too need a challenge and some inspiration. Water isn't an issue for me. In fact, they told me at my clinic to stop drinking so much! I was getting upwards of 160+ oz. a day. I found a Rubbermaid reusable bottle that holds 32 oz. I fill that 3-4 times a day. I try to start the day with plain water, but then alternate every other bottle with a packet of Crystal lite-type stuff (I love Target's Cherry Limeade and Wal-Mart's Apple).

My biggest challenge right now is that I've been out of ketosis since last Friday. I don't know what to do to get back in. My goals for this week are to get back into ketosis and get my butt in gear to do some form of excercise!

I wear a pedometer and can usually get in 8500 steps a day, but would like to push that to 10,000-12,000 this week. I might even pull out the Wii and get to going on the Active again. Also bought Jillian Michael's Shred, but haven't been brave enough to try it yet.

Thanks for this thread! I hope it helps motivate me to see everyone else achieving their goals!

[QueenCityDiva]

Hi ladies! I'll certainly try to work the fluids in this week, but it will be due to this stinking flu! Good luck on this challenge!!!!

[DreamWarrior]

*cricket..... cricket.... cricket....*

LoL!

[Sunny_FL]

Hope everyone is doing well on there water challenge! Water is not an issue for me, but i will join you on next week's challenge!!

[DreamWarrior]

This next challenge will be geared towards excersize.

Your challenge is to put in a minimum of 20 minutes of excersize daily. Excersize can be defined as walking, running, weight lifting, yoga, etc. Sorry ladies, shopping, vacuuming, or housework does NOT count.

Please log in your excersize daily, the amount of time, the calories burned and the source of your information.

For example: Walking for 30 minutes, 120 calories burned, treadmill OR running for 45 minutes, 300 calories burned, source = heart monitor.

You must log in DAILY, posting your prior days activity does not count towards the challenge. That way, you are held accountable for THAT day.

I will be keeping tabs and posting results.

Post here at The Medi Challenge!

[DreamWarrior]

Good luck in this weeks challenge everyone, I personally need it.

So, Im a challenger this week too!

Let's keep each other motivated okay!?!?

Cheers to you!

My plan is to jog on the treadmill tonight, 1 lap warm up. 4 lap jog. 1 lap cool down. So basically, run a mile and walk 1/2 mile. This should take me about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.

[QueenCityDiva]

I won't be working out this week since I'm still getting back to normal. Climbing the stairs at home still has me winded and this cough just won't let up. I'm also re-starting week 1 to jump myself back into ketosis so this will be a rough week.

I'd like to hear what your PERSONAL goals are for this week - is anyone else working on exercise with DW? What are you plans and goals? Anyone working on the dreaded water intake??? What are your plans??

This week I'll do the WATER CHALLENGE! I challenge myself to drink the entire 132 ounces of water EVERY DAY! No matter what, I've got to get back into the swing of things, and this is issue #1.

So what's YOUR goal????

[DreamWarrior]

So, I did it!! I finally worked out! And... here are my stats:

Source: Treadmill
Distance: 1.75 Miles, .25 warm up, 1.25 run at a max of 5.3, .25 cool down
Calories burned: 210
Total Time: 25 Minutes

I blew my goal out of the water!! Yay!!

Now for tomorrow... I'll probably be a little sore, so I think I'll just do a smooth walk. We'll see how I feel.

On top of that, I had a pretty good eating and drinking day!

I give today a 9.5!! Yes, the endorphins from working out are kicking in and I feel gabby and happy and all of a sudden I think my kitchen could use a good scrub down. See you all tomorrow!

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

Just another water tip... Target brand "Crystal Lite" (the Target store brand) has ZERO calories, compared to the real brand-name stuff which has like 5 (I think). I tend to chug it during the day because my kids will grab my bottles of water when I'm not looking, so this keeps them away from it! LOL! I actually highly prefer the Target brand Peach Tea in their generic brand. It's soooo good. I probably go through 2 quarts per week of it (embarrassing, I know).

I have GOT to remember this tip and run to Target. I LOVE the CL Peach Tea but it's really strong - I use 1 packet in 2 23oz bottles, so I definitely need to try the Target brand!!! THANK YOU!

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by DreamWarrior

So, I did it!! I finally worked out! And... here are my stats:

Source: Treadmill
Distance: 1.75 Miles, .25 warm up, 1.25 run at a max of 5.3, .25 cool down
Calories burned: 210
Total Time: 25 Minutes

I blew my goal out of the water!! Yay!!

Now for tomorrow... I'll probably be a little sore, so I think I'll just do a smooth walk. We'll see how I feel.

On top of that, I had a pretty good eating and drinking day!

I give today a 9.5!! Yes, the endorphins from working out are kicking in and I feel gabby and happy and all of a sudden I think my kitchen could use a good scrub down. See you all tomorrow!

GO YOU! This is awesome! I'm proud of you!!! I want to get a treadmill for Christmas then I can join you!!!

[DreamWarrior]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

GO YOU! This is awesome! I'm proud of you!!! I want to get a treadmill for Christmas then I can join you!!!

A treadmill is a great investment. We did our homework and ended up buying the Sole F80 from Dick's. It was ranked best in its catagory and price. When the time comes, do your homework and feel out the web, there are soo many treadmills and getting the right one is key!