SparkPoints: (2,123)
Fitness Minutes: (684)
Posts: 18
6/17/13 10:22 A

Hello! My name is Amanda. I am 23 years old, been married for 2 years and been living in my own house for a year now. I started this challenge because I have been thinking about and looking into more and more into cooking all of my meals from scratch. I have been getting better over the last year, however I know my husband is tired of me cooking the same old things and most of them are not as healthy as others.

Hopefully I will be able to start cooking more meals that are healthy then unhealthy helping me, and him, lose the weight that we have gained over the years.

Pounds lost: 8.4

0 20 40 60

80

Posts: 60
6/10/13 1:37 A

Hi there! I am excited to get better at meal planning and using what I have in my pantry to cook with instead of buying too much at the store.

Pounds lost: 12.2

0 18.25 36.5 54.75

73

SparkPoints: (1,183)
Fitness Minutes: (445)
Posts: 31
6/9/13 7:01 P

Hi I joined SP 3 days ago.This whole process is very confusing. I liked to cook when my kids were small but they are grown now and out on their own. My husband eats very few vegetables and a lot of fish sticks and tater tots. To cook just for me, sometimes I'd rather not. I have never shopped with a list or made a menu and at my age it will be a challange. I find it easier to cook 4-6 portions and eat the same all week.

current weight: 218.0

223 217 211 205

199

SparkPoints: (5,098)
Fitness Minutes: (257)
Posts: 88
6/8/13 3:43 A

Hi, I joined SP two months ago and really love being here. Tracking my food has been very beneficial for me, and I have done well with my weight loss so far.
However, I have hit a snag lately, and I'm not doing as well. I don't cook very much, it's every man for himself in our home, and I opt for a lot of quick meals (Weight Watcher Smart Ones, frozen this and that, etc.). I would like to start cooking more healthy meals, and joining this challenge will give me the motivation I need to do that.

Pounds lost: 24.8

0 23 46 69

92

Posts: 5
6/4/13 5:37 P

I joined this challenge because I need the additional motivation to cook and eat the foods I enjoy. I want to eventually be in the habit of planning meals, pre-cooking some meals over the weekend, and being organized with my meals. This seems like a lot to start with but I think the smaller steps in this challenge will help me reach my goal. I enjoy cooking vegetarian meals. I love foods with fresh herbs and vegetables. I have the habit of grabbing what is easy rather than what is healthy. Ultimately I want to spend less on food, save time during the week while still eating well, and of course lose weight.

SparkPoints: (193)
Fitness Minutes: (390)
Posts: 5
6/4/13 6:44 A

Hi, I am trying to get back on track. I just finished a semester of school and my husband has cancer so we are at the hospital a lot. Over the summer, I would like to start working on getting back into good habits before I go back to school in the fall. Hopefully, with some new goals and a good attitude, I can lose some weight and keep it off.

SparkPoints: (1,467)
Fitness Minutes: (54)
Posts: 2
6/2/13 2:45 P

Starting the week with an organized kitchen, meals planned out and taking my daily walks. So excited for another week to come!! Finally made the decision to get healthy and begin again. I love the support and all the information on SparkPeople, I feel so lucky to have found this site, thanks Womans World. Good Luck all of you, and I hope you enjoy this as much as I am!

SparkPoints: (1,799)
Fitness Minutes: (325)
Posts: 164
5/27/13 12:10 P

Hi,

I am Lilly and I joined SP three weeks ago. I was in a deep depression and wasn't really able to do the things I wanted. However; since Friday things are looking up a little. I made an SP recipe of pork roast and veggies. I had 2 nights for dinner.

Yesterday I took a short walk and today did my strength for seniors workout. I am hoping that things keep getting better for me.

I had lost about 50lbs on my own but for the last few months nothing. I do have severe depression, diabetes and back and leg problems. But I will . Everyone on SP is great and oh so supportive.

current weight: 193.0

204 193 182 171

160

SparkPoints: (13,853)
Fitness Minutes: (7,607)
Posts: 1,018
5/26/13 7:29 P

Hi I'm Jill
I worked in the food industry for 21 years as well as being a mom who had to be creative when it came to cooking for the family. Since I became disabled, I haven't been to keen on cooking. My husband had to do most of it until I got some of my mobility back. It's been nearly 10 years since my disability began and with some minor improvements. I did lose 140 pounds after ballooning to my heaviest of 300 Lb.s after being incapacitated for nearly 3 years. It wasn't easy to lose and my Dr. restricted my calories to 900 calories a day. Even with that few calories, it still took 3 years to lose the weight. Now that I have become ill again. My breathing and laryngitis is keeping me down. I have regained 35 Lb.s. Now my husband and I are incorporating grilling, baking and the crock pot into our way of cooking. And we have added lots of fruit, nuts and veggies too. We've already had 3 home cooked meals this week.

Total SparkPoints: 13,853

	10,000 11,249 12,499 13,749	14,999
SparkPoints Level 11

Posts: 18
5/24/13 10:38 A

Hello! I'm Lori. I was a chef and taught nutrition for years, but when it comes to myself, I sometimes fall short on the advice I give others! I enjoy cooking and making lists, and planning, but when I am tired or unmotivated, I tend to look for the greasiest things I can get my hands on! I want to cook healthy with no more excuses! Looking forward to joining you all!!

Posts: 150
5/22/13 6:30 P

Hi, I'm Marsha and I love to cook. I especially love baking new cookie bars for my grandkids. I also have a large cookbook collection, many weight watcher and several Hugry Girl. I love just looking at them and thinking about trying new recipes. This sounds like an interesting 4-week challenge. Marsha. 👼

June SparkPoints: 1,218

0 375 750 1125

1500

Posts: 4,447
5/21/13 11:14 P

Hi, I'm Rhonda... came over to check out the team as part of the Spark Coach Community Task and decided to give the team and challenges a try. I typically cook dinner at home and my DH makes breakfast for us. Most days I take a lunch with me to work even though I work at a restaurant lol. I try and eat healthy but like lots of people occasionally go "nutso" with my eating. I'm trying to break that cycle and be more stable... and I know eating healthy foods will help me toward that goal.

Pounds lost: 79.0

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

SparkPoints: (10,361)
Fitness Minutes: (3,377)
Posts: 42
5/20/13 5:27 P

I have been doing SparkCoach for a couple of months now, and I've learned a lot about nutrition and what to cook that is healthy. I am doing this challenge simultaneously with the Spark Solution. Cooking has never been a problem with me, except now I do get home later, so I need to learn more about preparing the night before more.

I always make my breakfast in the morning, and I make a lunch to take to work. My husband always cooked the dinner, but I decided that if I wanted to eat more healthy, I needed to start cooking dinner. My husband will benefit by eating more healthy, too. Hopefully, by doing this we will start to influence our kids.

SparkPoints: (300)
Fitness Minutes: (420)
Posts: 1
5/20/13 1:53 P

Hi Team! My biggest challenge is getting the energy to cook a healthy meal at the end of a long day - I need to get better at time managment! I am a planner, so I hope that by creating a schedule for myself then I will have an easier time of creating easy, healthy meals. Thanks for all the support SparkPeople! -Amy

SparkPoints: (1,571)
Fitness Minutes: (916)
Posts: 46
5/19/13 9:32 A

Hi All. This is my second go around at Sparkpeople. I have been trying to cook less processed items. My BF is happy with that more of the days. I really need to expand my dinner recipe collection.

Pounds lost: 3.2

0 13.25 26.5 39.75

53

Posts: 364
5/13/13 3:18 P

Hello Team, my name is Sharon. I love to cook, but have gotten away from it since I retired. I am ready jump back into it and only cook health meals, desserts, etc. Fortunately for me my husband is eating the way I eat with a very few additions of things that I do not eat.. I am looking forward to learning from all of you!

Posts: 2
5/3/13 9:28 A

My husband is a meat a nd potato person and he always wants dessert. I have tried to get him to eat more veggies and fruit but he won't. He's finally eating broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus. If he had his way it would only be carrots, corn and green beans.

Posts: 524
5/2/13 11:57 P

Hi everyone. I have started this new lifestyle of becoming a flexitarian and eating all natural, no artificial ingredients, preservatives and GMO's. So this seemed the perfect challenge to join, since its been challenging putting together meatless meals and I really haven't gotten planning them down yet.

current weight: 307.3

327 320 313 306

299

Posts: 301
5/2/13 11:58 A

I agree with - it is hard to figure out healthy meals. I tend to spend HOURS agonizing over what to cook. My husband is hates everything except fried and pizza. Oh, and candy is one of his main food groups. I fix healthy stuff and he "tries" to eat it, but about once a week I will cook something that I normally wouldn't such as hamburgers. I figure that at least once a week or so he can have something that he likes since he is trying to eat better too.

Posts: 2
5/2/13 8:15 A

Hi, I like to cook but hate trying to figure a healthy meal that my family will like and eat.

Posts: 301
4/30/13 8:43 A

Hi! I am Gloria. I enjoy cooking but a very busy lifestyle - bad work hours, bad commute and lots of hobbies - had us eating out every meal for about three years. After packing on a lot of pounds, in January I committed to cooking at home more. It has been pretty successful but there is always room for improvement, right? So I here I am, always looking for suggestions and ideas!

Posts: 108
4/28/13 5:16 A

Hello Team! My name is Lori and I will be 29 next month. I got married in 2011 and have since proceeded to enjoy baking yummy treats for my husband since then. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?? ;) We both have put on some weight, but I have been up and down all my life. My goal is to get down to at least 150 and stay there for good. I would like to replace my joy of baking with the joy of cooking healthy meals at home. That's why I'm here!

Posts: 469
4/26/13 6:30 A

Hello Team!

My name is Sandi. I am 56 mom of 4 with 5 beautiful grandchildren. I packed on the pounds when I quit smoking and menopause began. Ever since it has been a struggle to keep the weight off. I love the outdoors and want to be fit again to enjoy every minute of it!

SparkPoints: (258)
Fitness Minutes: (381)
Posts: 3
4/21/13 4:38 P

I am a 41 year old female from St Louis, MO and have been trying for the past year to rid myself of gluten and dairy with various degrees of success and failure. I am working with a dietician and really focusing on making and eating healthy meals every day and love to try new recipes. I need accountability--I need someone to ask me if I exercised, etc. I do email my sister in law every weekend with an update on my weight and how I feel (I feel great when I stick to the eating plan--no more migraines or back pain!)

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.875 23.75 35.625

47.5

SparkPoints: (5,953)
Fitness Minutes: (2,059)
Posts: 475
4/21/13 3:27 P

Losing weight by cooking and eating healthy is a learning experience that will help to keep the weight off. Eating carrot and celery sticks between meals will help keep your tummy full. 8-)

Pounds lost: 26.6

0 10 20 30

40

Posts: 371
4/21/13 9:50 A

Hi,
I don't eat between meals, so don't have snacks, nor do I eat supper. I am trying to eat less then I use to, have always ate health food. I still need to loose 9 lbs., now that I can work in the garden & such hope to get to my ideal weight soon.
My chiropractor is overweight, he has lost 30 lbs. or more having carrot & celery sticks for his snacks.

Irma

current weight: 129.0

150 142.5 135 127.5

120

SparkPoints: (36)
Fitness Minutes: (1)
Posts: 1
4/21/13 9:01 A

I am new here. I am 25 and I am in a very stressfull working environment.I love my food but I hate cooking. When I am stressed I have to grab somethong and eat so now I want to plan all my meals and snacks, make sure they are healthy, lose weight, be healthier and feel good.

Posts: 455
4/19/13 12:41 A

Hi I'm new here, I joined this challenge to find ways to cook healthier for me and my family. This is a challenge for me with the long hours I work.

Posts: 75
4/17/13 4:16 P

Hi! I'm middle-aged and overweight, as is my husband. It is my goal for us to eat a little healthier and to also perhaps improve my teenagers' and twenty-somethings' eating habits just a little bit before they leave the nest.

current weight: 189.6

189.6 182.2 174.8 167.4

160

Posts: 51,800
4/15/13 8:06 P

Welcome, everyone!

Coach Jen

SparkPoints: (5,953)
Fitness Minutes: (2,059)
Posts: 475
4/14/13 2:21 P

Hi. I'm M, and I'm here to get ideas about healthy cooking.

Pounds lost: 26.6

0 10 20 30

40

Posts: 176
4/11/13 2:09 P

Hi I'm Julie...I joined to learn more cooking ideas. I started my exercise program and want to keep focused on my meals too. I really like the challenge portion...I did the stress challenge and it taught me a lot....so now on to the main event

current weight: 217.0

227 201.5 176 150.5

125

SparkPoints: (6,232)
Fitness Minutes: (985)
Posts: 55
4/9/13 1:41 P

I am Lou I live in Indiana Indianapolis I joined this team to get myself on track I have fallen of the wagon and have not been able to get back on Hope this will help At least I will be doing something This is my second time to join sparks I am 72 and retired My hobbies are quilting I am very active in my church I have 2 cats Callie and Buddy They are a lot of company I enjoy visiting my grandchildren and my great grand children

Edited by: LITTLELOUIE71 at: 4/9/2013 (14:02)

June SparkPoints: 0

0 66 132 198

264

Posts: 45
4/7/13 10:21 A

Hello
I am Roger and have been on spark people since jan 2013. I want to try this challenge to continue to loose weight and improve my nutrition

SparkPoints: (17,705)
Fitness Minutes: (14,786)
Posts: 135
4/5/13 3:20 P

Hi, I'm Diane. I've been with SparkPeople since 1/13/13 and have been very happy about my results. I am eager to continue down this path, by eating healthier and creating meals for my husband and myself that are beneficial to both of us, not just me. I enjoy cooking and have used many recipes from SparkRecipes.,com, already so far. Looking forward to the challenge.

current weight: 135.6

163 154.25 145.5 136.75

128

Posts: 2
4/5/13 6:07 A

Hi! My name is Candy. I have been a member since June, 2011. I enjoy cooking. We eat lots of vegetables that we grow in our small garden. Just hoping to get some new ideas.

SparkPoints: (139)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 33
4/3/13 2:55 A

Great advice Irma63, thanks :)

Posts: 371
4/2/13 4:31 P

Hi,
One thing you can do is drink pure plain water, when you get hungry in between meals. Thy eating only an apple or other fruit for your supper, if you need to eat something. Never drink with your meals. Chew your food slowly. You should take no less then 20 minutes to eat a meal.
When you can, take a walk after you eat. It will help your digestion & you will be surprised at what can happen.
Also if you can go to the YMCA or some other place & walk & do exercises in a pool. I hope to do that, before the summer is over.


Irma63

current weight: 129.0

150 142.5 135 127.5

120

SparkPoints: (139)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 33
4/2/13 2:56 P

Hello, I struggle very badly with my weight and although I try to cook healthy meals I fail a lot of the time so I am hoping this will help me get my act together once and for all! :)

Posts: 371
3/30/13 10:53 P

Hi Everyone,
My name is Irma. I have tried to eat healthy, ever since I left home got married & had children. I gained weight even though I was, eating healthy food, because of what I was seasoning it with. Sometimes I did not have the choice of what I had to eat, because of the situation I was in.
I have lost weight now, but gained a little, hope to loose it very soon. Until I can move to the country, don't have any place, but my back yard, to walk, because I am not to be walking on cement & pavement. I have a problem with my lower back, I was born with & as I get older, feel the effects worse, from eating to much & not being able to always walk.
I live alone, so don't cook a meal like for a family. Like to know how to have a healthy lunch, without fixing a lot. I DO NOT eat supper, I haven't for years.

current weight: 129.0

150 142.5 135 127.5

120

Posts: 44
3/29/13 3:35 P

Hi everyone. My name is Kem. I have always tried to eat healthy. We had to move into my parents boarding house and unfortunately they don't like to do all that healthy. We live in the south, they fry almost everything or coat it in gravy. I get to cook two days a week so I try to change things up and be healthier. Somethings go over well and others are just dumped in the trash. I need more ideas that they might eat. I am ready for more healthy food.

Pounds lost: 26.6

0 16.25 32.5 48.75

65

Posts: 641
3/19/13 11:21 P

Hi! I am Linda. I joined this because I want to cook healthy meals for my family. I have never really cooked before spark people unless it came from a box, can or frozen. I need to learn both cooking skills and healthy substitutions for cooking and baking.

current weight: 233.6

258 238.5 219 199.5

180

SparkPoints: (15,473)
Fitness Minutes: (4,593)
Posts: 314
3/17/13 3:52 P

Welcome Marie, have you tried some of the great crock pot recipes on here? Or have you done what I do and cook lots on the weekend and make frozen dinners for nights when I have meetings or just don't want to cook.


Edited by: MAWMAW101 at: 3/17/2013 (15:54)

65 Days until:  5K

100 75 50 25

0

Posts: 60
3/17/13 1:05 P

Hi, I'm Marie from upstate New York. I teach English full-time and enjoy life with my husband and our wonder-dog. I have been sparking for over 2 years; I love the program, but I am inconsistent in my efforts. I am managing very healthy breakfasts and lunches, but I arrive home exhausted. With just two of us, my husband and I go out, or get take out far more than I cook at home. I am looking forward to a week of home-made, healthy dinners.
Now, to the recipes!!

SparkPoints: (15,473)
Fitness Minutes: (4,593)
Posts: 314
3/17/13 9:34 A

Hello
I'm Phyllis from Indiana and am 71 retired and ready for a healthier lifestyle. Have lived on a farm my whole life and have grown used to meat & potatoes at every meal. It is time for my husband and I to eat differently because we no longer work so hard and so don't use up those calories. We had 5 children, 10 grand and now 7 great grandchildren. Looking forward to learning from all the great people on Sparkpeople.

65 Days until:  5K

100 75 50 25

0

Posts: 515
3/16/13 6:13 P

Hi, I'm Millie and I'm excited about this team. I am 66, love to cook and love changing recipes to make them more healthy. One of the things I like to do is to take a favorite recipe and make it vegetarian which generally makes it more healthy. I have cooked "semi" vegetarian for most of my adult life and learning to cook this way while still enjoying your favorite dishes is a fun challenge!

current weight: 149.5

206 191.875 177.75 163.625

149.5

SparkPoints: (5,373)
Fitness Minutes: (1,300)
Posts: 352
3/14/13 8:27 A

Hi everyone. I am Andrea and I have been with spark people for two months. I am 62 with two grown children and two grandchildren. My husband us retired and I am semi retired. I hope to get into some healthy low calorie cooking.

163 Days since:  Junk food

0 50 100 150

200

Posts: 217
3/10/13 10:02 P

Hi everyone, I'm Carolyn or Carol. Doesn't matter to me. I tell everyone my hubby has called me Carol for 43 years and my momma called me Carolyn so I answer to either! I am 59 and my hubby and I have 2 grown grandchildren and 2 precious 5 year old grandsons AND 2 great-grands! We own an independent insurance agency so DH and I spend pretty much 24/7 together. (can be very stressful) I get little me time and I struggle to get my exercise in. I've lost about 17 lbs on SP since October. I am happy to be around 145 and would be estatic to be 140 (gives me little wiggle room). I'm back in size 10's from my 12's so I'm a happy camper there. I cook at home at least 28 days per month. We seldom eat dinner out and I try to take our lunches so we stay out of fast foods at lunch. I joined this team to try and become better organized at planning what I'm going to cook so that I have more time to exercise and get some ME time. I also struggle with sodium. I have hi bp but my husband is a salt-aholic. I search for yummy healthy recipes that make him happy and make me feel good about what we eat. Oh yes, he is also very much a carnivore. So I try to sneak in meatless dishes occassionaly.

current weight: -6.2  under

10 5 0 -5

-10

Posts: 258
3/9/13 3:14 P

Good morning from (rarely sunny anymore) south east coast of Queensland, Australia.
My name is Rosalie and I am 56 years old. I have 7 wonderful grown children and 8 grandchildren, most of which I am lucky enough to see every week. I work full time and commute for work weekly from here interstate (51/2-6 hour drive). I do not take control of preparing as many meals as I should and could. Planning on changing that starting now

Posts: 188
3/7/13 5:11 P

Hi. I' m Marge from Wisconsin. I'm 62 , married 43 years, have 4 kids and 7 grandkids. I lost 11 lbs. last year and want to continue losing another 40- 50 lbs.I want to get healthier by eating better, losing weight and exercising. I enjoy cooking and hope to get some good tips and maybe even a few good recipes from this site. Spark People is a great site with so much info and the best Spark friends who are always so supportive.

current weight: 168.4

183 169.75 156.5 143.25

130

SparkPoints: (83,949)
Fitness Minutes: (26,639)
Posts: 20,024
3/4/13 7:34 P

I'm Janice from Florida! Just turned 58 yrs, have 2 grown children, a daughter who is 36 and son who is 29. Also a beautiful grandson who is 3. I'm married 37 years on Valentine's Day and enjoy being here on SparkPeople. Love to cook and want to learn to cook healthier for me and my husband. I was diagnosed with tongue cancer in Feb 2011. Then I got cancer in my left lympnode of my neck. Surgery was done Oct 2011 to remove but some cancer cells are left in my face. I go for ct scans every 6 mths now and have to be checked out to make sure no more cancer cells growing.

current weight: 168.0

177 170.25 163.5 156.75

150

Posts: 3
3/4/13 11:37 A

Hi everyone! I am Beth and I am encouraged just reading my story in all of yours! I am 51 years old, married and working full time. We have two sons, one almost 20 and a sophomore in college and our youngest who is 17 and a junior in high school. I want to be a better role model for how to live in middle age for my young adult children and I want to be able to move and groove better! I'm tired of seeing someone in the mirror who doesn't represent the image I have of myself on the inside! It is time to make a commitment and stick to it! One step at a time...

current weight: 242.1

242.13 216.5975 191.065 165.5325

140

SparkPoints: (15,011)
Fitness Minutes: (4,987)
Posts: 1,189
3/3/13 5:38 A

I am 54 and married with 2 adult daughters. I have 2 grandsons and their precious. I am looking forwaed to this challenge and learning some healthy ways to cook.I am an RN

current weight: 227.0

238 207.25 176.5 145.75

115

SparkPoints: (26,503)
Fitness Minutes: (9,483)
Posts: 929
2/28/13 3:33 P

Hi, I'm Barbara and I need to learn a greater variety of healthy recipes to include in my menus. I have been trying to prepare my meals in healthier ways, like grilling or baking instead of frying, but I need to work more in planning ahead and adding variety.

Posts: 31
2/26/13 11:50 A

Hi, I'm Aminah. I lost 23 lbs a couple years ago with the help of Sparkpeople. I've managed to keep them off, despite the fact that I have long since fallen off track, but now I'm back to lose another 20 and finish my long-term goal weight of reaching 135 lbs.

SparkPoints: (34,514)
Fitness Minutes: (16,707)
Posts: 2,713
2/23/13 12:49 P

Hi everybody, I'm Karen and I'm 54 years of age and happily married and we have two grown children. Our son dairy farms with us so it's a matter of cooking for us three. They both do not care for healthy food, they can sense lowfat ingredients in everything I cook. Lowfat sour cream, etc. I know that they work tons harder than I do, with me having Rheumatoid Arthritis, I can't work out like they do. So they need more fat then I do and in this cold MN weather too! So, I'm trying to find a middle road. I try to cook the meal with it being more healthy with lots of separate hot veggies and lettuce salad and they can put on their fattening dressings, etc and load up on real butter while I'm having my lowfat everything. It's the only way I can lose weight. I feel like I've lost my grasp on losing weight and have been gaining instead with trying to find what works best for us. It's really been a struggle and eating out is actually better where we can all order separate!! So I'm here to get some more help to know how to do this, to cook healthy and yet have it so they can get full too! Help! I'm going to follow the 4 week challenge and give it my best shot!

14 Days until:  4th of July Challenge

50 37 25 12

0

SparkPoints: (10,608)
Fitness Minutes: (10,529)
Posts: 323
2/22/13 8:50 A

Hi, My name is Sandy, I am 53 years old and have been married to my very best friend for almost 31 years. We have a beautiful daughter, Jess, she is 25, two dogs, Jake (yellow white lab) is 4, Precious Lenore is 9 (boxer mix), two cats, Betsy (7) and Vova (7) he is a mane coon.

I have Crohn's disease, I was just diagnosed in September 2012, caused by my medication from a Kidney Transplant in 2002. I am trying to lose 20-25 pounds. I am on a gluten free diet and am just getting that worked out. I love fruit and vegetables but because of my condition I have to be careful. Anyway, this will be a challenge since my weight loss seems to have stopped and I have been at 163 for the last month and a half. I guess I should be happy I haven't gained.

Any gluten free recipes that you may know of especially bread would be helpful.

June Minutes: 1,320

0 425 850 1275

1700

Posts: 1
2/19/13 11:09 P

....


Edited by: MRSCHUNKYCHEEKS at: 3/26/2013 (19:43)

Posts: 67
2/19/13 10:55 A

Hello everyone, I am anxious to get started on this challenge. I've been sparking for a few weeks now but still trying to figure out all the challenges and forums. Living on a fixed income, I'm really excited to learn new ways to eat healthy and save money.

current weight: 196.8

219 199.25 179.5 159.75

140

Posts: 28
2/18/13 1:45 P

Hello! I'm excited to start this challenge. I need ideas on cooking healthier very badly!! I am a mother of 3 sons and 2 step kids, I also work full time so my energy is at a low by the time I get home from work. The last thing I want to do is cook so I usually go for the quickest/easiest food I can find. I'm so tired of beating myself up all the time over my weight and low energy that I'm ready to do something about it instead of feel sorry for myself all the time.

Really look forward to learning here!!!

SparkPoints: (1,394)
Fitness Minutes: (709)
Posts: 24
2/12/13 4:48 P

Hi I'm Chelsea and I am so sick of being overweight. I am looking forward to learning new healthy recipes to help with this lifestyle change that I am making. My husband and I both are looking to get healthy in order to start a family and also to have better and fitter lives!!

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 16.25 32.5 48.75

65

SparkPoints: (42,199)
Fitness Minutes: (37,772)
Posts: 1,888
2/9/13 6:05 P

Hi, I am Rosa, a 60 year old from the UK who is absolutely sick of yo-yo dieting after more than 30 years. This year I am determined to get it beat. I generally do eat healthily, but I am happy to learn new recipes and pick up more tips on how to cook more healthily.

current weight: 219.4

227.3 224.475 221.65 218.825

216

Posts: 475
2/9/13 8:43 A

Hi, I'm Erica, and I'm sooooooo sick of grilled chicken!!! I'm up early in the morning and I spend a lot of time in and out of the house the rest of the day. Typically I grill a lot of chicken on Sundays (Italian, Indian, Mexican, and 1 buffalo) and eat them the rest of the week. But I'm so sick of eating the same thing every week. Looking for some new "easy" Ideas for healthy lunches and dinners.

Pounds lost: 16.2

0 4.5 9 13.5

18

SparkPoints: (295)
Fitness Minutes: (95)
Posts: 1
2/7/13 10:15 P

Hi, I have just returned to Spark People...this is my quest to be healthier in 2013....by year end i hope to be totally made over and have only healthy habits!

SparkPoints: (2,511)
Fitness Minutes: (1,565)
Posts: 61
2/6/13 9:05 A

Hi. I'm Glenda and love this site. I am on another weight lose site right now and was searching for recipes and came across this site. MUCH BETTER. Anyway, I am 51 and have struggled with my weight my whole life. I have been on meds for low thyroid since I was two. I was always told that I couldn't lose weight because of that but have never accepted that and have been fighting it with everything I have. I am married to a very supportive husband who has gone along with all my attempts and only once disagreed with one decision and that was too pay for the other site I'm on. (for only one more month ) Anyway, this is a great site, I'm still navigating through it and learning about it.

current weight: 200.0

200 197.5 195 192.5

190

SparkPoints: (1,216)
Fitness Minutes: (451)
Posts: 5
2/5/13 12:09 P

Hi my name is helen and i have 5 kids ages 7 7 6 5 and 3 months. after going through some serious depression a few years ago i stopped cooking most meals. Before that we went out maybe once a week on friday nights. we are hoping to get back to that and watch our waist shrink and wallet grow

current weight: 191.0

198 181.5 165 148.5

132

SparkPoints: (323)
Fitness Minutes: (150)
Posts: 5
2/5/13 9:54 A

Hi! I'm Toni, married for almost 10 years & have two kids - a 7 year old daughter & a 9 month old son. One of our resolutions this year was to start meal planning & sticking with it. With our busy schedules, grabbing something out always seemed to be easiest - but not healthy or wallet friendly. So, we are hoping to stick with this. I've done well so far this year with it so I'm hoping that this challenge will help me continue that, as well as learn how to plan some healthier meals, that hopefully my picky daughter will love too!

SparkPoints: (4,147)
Fitness Minutes: (2,349)
Posts: 109
2/2/13 9:41 P

Hi I'm Allison! My goal in this challenge is learn how to cook a larger variety of healthy meals. There are only 2 of us, so sometimes I find it hard to plan meals for the week without "over doing it" at the grocery store, and ending up with unused food at the end of the week. Good luck everyone!

SparkPoints: (158)
Fitness Minutes: (35)
Posts: 2
2/2/13 1:48 P

Hello! My name is Lynn. I am married and have three active children (8,7,5). The last two years have been really, really trying and we have gotten into some terrible habits. We eat out about 4-5 times a week on average, for dinner. For lunch and breakfast, I have gotten bad at stopping by McDonalds or another fast food place while running errands.

I have recently been able to join the ranks for the Stay at Home Mothers again after working for the last three years. We have our own place again and I am ready to get back on the cooking train! I love to cook but I have not for a while. I joined this challenge to get some inspiration and rock my kitchen again!

current weight: 228.0

230 210 190 170

150

SparkPoints: (8,991)
Fitness Minutes: (13,942)
Posts: 231
2/1/13 2:57 P

Hi, everyone. I'm Cheryl, living in Arizona, married with three Golden Retrievers. I love to cook and using this challenge to plan better, stay focused on healthy and tasty choices, and awareness of portions. After taking a look at the recipes on this sight, I can see me trying new recipes and not relying on old standbys. Will be checking out ideas for SuperBowl Sunday.

current weight: 161.5

168 164.75 161.5 158.25

155

Posts: 167
1/30/13 11:20 P

Hello my name is Diane. I joined Sparkpeople (again) a while ago and m just starting to get back into it. I'm really going to try and get healthier and lose this weight. I figured this would help me because I always end up eating the same thing all the time and it usually isn't very good for me. I also would like to find some new food combinations to try. Hope to get to know everyone soon!

SparkPoints: (2,663)
Fitness Minutes: (198)
Posts: 5
1/28/13 5:51 A

Hi everyone!

I have been using SparkPeople for a while (far too long), and am FINALLY taking it seriously. In an effort to enjoy all SP has to offer, I thought this would be a good group to join (especially considering cooking is not my specialty).

I'm looking forward to these four weeks!

Best,
Katie

Pounds lost: 14.3

0 20 40 60

80

SparkPoints: (7,619)
Fitness Minutes: (4,505)
Posts: 38
1/25/13 9:27 A

Hi folks!
I've been on Spark People for most of January and am loving it. I have been making alot of Spark People recipes and my husband thinks they are wonderful so he is eating better too. I'm joining this challenge to make sure that the habits I think I have established in the last 3 wkees are as good as I think they are! Accountability to a good healthy kitchen is what I want to test.
Looking forward to eating healthier, living healthier and having a great year in my kitchen too!

current weight: 199.0

207 196.5 186 175.5

165

SparkPoints: (254)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 68
1/25/13 4:51 A

Hi new team!

For the new year, my husband finally joined me on my health journey! So I have been trying to show him some basics of healthy eating and cooking - and he has really been quite the giddy school boy! He's made some amazing meals, and had such a fun time doing it :)

So, looking for more tips and ideas to pass along, and maybe learn some new things myself, as I continue towards my goals :)

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 5.75 11.5 17.25

23

SparkPoints: (3,269)
Fitness Minutes: (4,434)
Posts: 207
1/24/13 11:56 A

Good Morning! After some injuries and then moving across the country, I think this challenge is just the thing to get me going again on my fitness goals.

June Minutes: 0

0 585 1170 1755

2340

SparkPoints: (18,101)
Fitness Minutes: (18,126)
Posts: 697
1/21/13 5:59 P

welcome back, we all need support. Without support from everyone, I would be parking my chair in front of the refer and grazing all day. I am now getting out and about which is what I need to do.

current weight: 293.2

296.5 282.125 267.75 253.375

239

Posts: 190
1/21/13 3:26 P

HI from freezing cold Wisconsin! I've been a member for awhile, but am active on and off, which needs to change. I also need to focus on a meal plan so that I'm not compulsively eating what's in reach...

I'm looking forward to gaining knowledge and discipline in this challenge!

current weight: 194.0

206 192 178 164

150

SparkPoints: (18,101)
Fitness Minutes: (18,126)
Posts: 697
1/20/13 4:45 P

Hi everyone my name is Bev and I joined the team to help me buy in smaller quantities. My problem is grocery shopping. I will go with a list and still buy more than I need. I am not a red meat eater, my choice. I tend to buy more veggies than I can eat in a week because I know how good they are for me. For example, I bought eggplant, red bell peppers, kale, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, beets, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Now that was just the veggies. How about fresh pineapple, cutie tangerines, oranges and japanese persimmons. I have just so much room in my freezers (2) I need a personal food shopper to buy only what I need for a few meals. LOL After this week, I am going to buy only for two days and see how that works.

current weight: 293.2

296.5 282.125 267.75 253.375

239

SparkPoints: (1,420)
Fitness Minutes: (1,221)
Posts: 15
1/20/13 1:38 P

Hi everyone! I live in a rural area, so grocery shopping is something I do once or twice a week. I have a problem of wasting produce, so I'm hoping to incorporate produce into my meals more efficiently.

Posts: 14
1/20/13 1:04 P

Hi all!

I'm both new to this challenge and new to Sparkpeople but lovin' both!

I look forward to meeting many of you as we journey along our paths to health.

Leslie

Edited by: LATTELESLIE at: 1/20/2013 (13:09)

June Minutes: 0

0 90 180 270

360

SparkPoints: (244)
Fitness Minutes: (212)
Posts: 5
1/16/13 3:01 P

Hi all - I am a returning member - had some time off for IVF treatment but am back now heavier than I've ever been before - but more determined by far!!!

I already do quite a few things on this challenge as of last week - however I'm hoping this will keep me at it until it becomes a habit rather than a reminded task to do :D

SparkPoints: (730)
Fitness Minutes: (170)
Posts: 48
1/12/13 9:16 P

Hey guys, I'm Elizabeth mom of 3 grate teens. I'm trying to lose 75 lbs the right way not the fast way. I want to get back in shape and run the run for your life 5k. Today is day 1 of me trying to lose weight and get into shape, I also to build muscle, and be hot.

Posts: 188
1/12/13 3:37 P

Hi Everyone,
I joined this team to encourage me to plan my meals ahead so that I don't get tempted into making some last minute high calorie/fat meal.
Good luck everyone!.

Posts: 12
1/10/13 7:09 P

Hello Team,
I joined this group so that I would be accountable to my menu planning and stop eating out so much. I've been keeping a menu plan for years, but in the last several months I've come to rely on just picking something up to eat. It's so much easier....HOWEVER, I noticed that my one teenager that's still home and I have both gained weight in exact correlation to how much we've been eating out. My husband hasn't gained weight because no matter what we pick up he always picks the healthy stuff! Since I'm not that disciplined, I want to go back to the tried and true healthy and fun menus that I plan instead! I appreciate being a part of this team because it's keeping me accountable!

SparkPoints: (1,841)
Fitness Minutes: (252)
Posts: 31
1/8/13 3:11 P

Hello All - I am joining this challenge because I think on of the biggest mistakes I have made in diets is in what I cook. I not only want to cook better for me but for my entire family; while my kids and my husband are all in shape and healthy they need to eat good food too.

I often have it in my head that to eat healthy it both cost a lot more money and takes more time but I know this can not always be the case, I just have to learn how to cook differently. So here I am! To learn!