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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 21 January 2008 05:31 pm |
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They say it takes 21 days of performing an action for it to become a "habit." This challenge is for us to either pick up a good habit or drop a bad habit, and stick to it for three weeks straight. This will hopefully help us get past those first few days of accomplishing certain goals, and turn it into part of the daily routine.
So, here is the challenge. Pick a health related good habit you want to pick up- it doesn't have to be about weight loss, it can be anything health related. Or, you can chose a bad habit you have already formed that you wish to drop. Even better- you can replace a bad habit with a good one and get double benefits! whatever way you decide to go, you have to do it (or not do it) for 21 consecutive days. Before you decide, make sure that it is something you can stick to for 21 days straight. This challenge gives you enough time to start seeing benefits, and to adjust to the new habit, and hopefully, go beyond 21 days!
OK, on to the nitty-gritty...
Da Rules:
- once you have chosen your habit, post it and whether you are picking it up as a good habit, dropping it as a bad habit, or replacing a bad one with a better one.
- If you are not starting today, post the day you wish to start it along with the date of the last day (because this is within a time frame, you must start by Friday, 25 January)
- The difficulty of the challenge is that if you miss a day, you must post the date that you missed either performing your new good habit, or performed your old bad habit.
- Everyone is allowed to miss 1 day within thier 21 days. Any more than 1 day, you must start your 21 days over. This is about consecutive 21 days.
The challenge officially begins today, but you can join up through the 25th. The challenge officially ends on 14 Feb. if you miss more than 1 between today, the 21st, and the 25th, you have a chance to start your 21 days over. If you join later in the week, you will be unable to start over and still make the deadline. If neccessary, i can extend the challenge a bit, but the whole point is to stick to it for 21 days! 
you can post daily, every other day, once a week... i will keep the challenge updated just about everyday. The first full post will show the members name, habit, the start date, and intended end date. After that, I will post how many days in a row each member has accomplished (as for the one "free" day, it will be noted that it was used, but not counted against your days in a row- anything more and the 21 days start over).
Feel free to post any questions or comments, and as always, encouragement is appreciated!!
So let's make it through these 21 days!!!!
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 21 January 2008 05:40 pm |
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So, i guess I will begin!
Mine is 2-fold (dropping a bad one and replacing it with a good one!). I am going to replace my morning snacking with a morning work out. Instead of having a few extra minutes in the mornig, when i am usually the worst with my munching, I am going to work out for at least 20 minutes. It can be anything from muscle training to yoga to cardio. Working out replaces eating (besides breakfast). I have to do something every morning before breakfast, and i cannot eat more than my set breakfast- no munching of any kind.
I started today (21 Jan) and end on 14 Feb.
Last edited on 21 January 2008 05:41 pm by zenobia
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trimB
Moderator
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Posted: 21 January 2008 06:23 pm |
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Love, love the idea! I love it so much that I'm having trouble picking just one habit to focus on! Well one at a time, I guess...
This is breaking a bad habit. No eating before 5am AND for 2 hours prior to bed.
I'll have to explain briefly, I think. I wake up at 3:30am during the week, and go to bed around 8pm. Whenever I eat after 6pm, it's usually frivolous junk that I don't really need. Whenever I start munching on things at work too early, it just gets out of control and my calories are way too high too early. Really this is only an issue Mon-Fri when I work the early shift. On the weekends, my dinner might be a little later - but I think I can still manage not to eat within 2 hours of going to bed. NO cheating by staying up later!
I started this morning (YAY!) and will go for 21 days.
Thanks Zen!
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personsmom
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 22 January 2008 05:02 pm |
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Hi Zen And Trim. I am so glad you decided to do this.
I will be replacing my sedentary TV watching with treadmill workout and when possible outdoor walking. I have begun so my challenge to myself is to increase my speed back to the 4 mph. (or more) and the duration to 1 hr. maximum time. Most importantly I need the structure of every day.
Beginning 1/21 and not ending 2/14 with the challenge. Last night I did 50 min. @ 3.8 mph.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 22 January 2008 05:50 pm |
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awesome guys! yeah, i am hoping to make mine part of the daily routine, too. so i guess you're right-NOT ending on 2/14!
List:
TrimB (1/21-2/10): Habit- No food before 5 a.m. or 2 hours prior to bed. Days: 16
Personsmom (1/21-2/10): Habit- Replace sitting with walking. Days: 16
Zenobia (1/21-2/10): Replace morning munching with workout 20 min. before breakfast. Days:
Soon2beme (1/22-2/11): Habit- Cut out regular soda. Days: 15
Suenos (1/25-2/15): Habit- Get to bed within a half hour off getting home from work. Days:
Monkey809 (1/23-2/12): Habit- Exersize every day. Days: 3
CutieQ (1/22-2/11): Habit- Work out everyday and drink more water. Days: 10
InMyPrime (1/23-2/12): Habit- Do back and leg stretches before rolling out of bed. Days: 14
Lucky Me (1/25-2/13): Habit- Be in bed by 1:30 a.m. Days: 12
Twiggytwixaddict (1/24-2/13): Habit- Follow glutten-free diet. Days: 2
Peter (1/23-2/13): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 14
Clarinetgurl (1/24-2/14): Habit- Drink at least 1 glass of water per day. Days: 8
Codemonkey (1/24-2/14): Habit- avoid the snack drawer at work and use the treadmill every day. Days: 2
Imaw89 (1/25-2/15): Habit- Work out for 15 min before breakfast every day. Days: 12
CapeCoddess (1/24-2/14): Habit- No white sugar or flour. Days:
Last edited on 6 February 2008 02:18 pm by zenobia
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 January 2008 02:53 am |
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Oh Please include me in. My bad habit is that I have one (at least one) can of regular soda a night. I am going to break this habit, I am only allowed to have one can of diet soda at night for the next 21 days, after that I will have no soda at night, not even diet. I need to get off the soda at night. Isn't it strange, I will go all day long with no soda's only water, but, for some reason at night, no matter what I am doing I need to have a soda. Great challenge.
Judy 
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 23 January 2008 04:05 am |
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right on! you're in!
what is the date that you plan to start this? i asume tonight?
Last edited on 23 January 2008 04:06 am by zenobia
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 23 January 2008 05:41 am |
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I love this Zen....I've been a member of this forum for a couple years and this is my FIRST challenge!
Okay, I'm forming a new habit, which is replacing a bad habit, starting Friday, January 25th.....
I will go to bed within 30 mins. of arriving home.
Brief explaination: I normally don't get home until anywhere from midnight to 2 a.m. Depending on what I have to do that day (usually A LOT), I have to get up as early as 7 a.m. some days, and no later than 9 a.m. other days. The problem is I tend to not go to bed when I get home, no matter how early I have to get up because....well, because I've gotten in the bad habit of still cramming stuff into another hour or two after I get home which is leaving me with an average of 4-5 hours sleep a night.
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 January 2008 10:41 am |
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You are right Zen, I started on Jan 22. Sorry forgot to post that. This is a big one for me..............I am an addict to Coca Cola, regular, so that is why I am not going cold turkey, but, cutting down to the diet cola's. Give myself time to give over the sugar addiction and then the caffeine addiction.
Judy
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personsmom
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 January 2008 04:06 pm |
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Another day to X off the calendar. Last night.... 55 min, max mph 3.9
Here's the lesson learned.... Walking and swinging arms need to watch out for swinging kill switch cord.  Oohh Nooo Yep, and it doesn't pause and save, it deletes  Boo Hoo. I did have an eye on it though and I remembered seeing 16 min. so I counted up from 15 and did an extra 5 for good measure. Of course watching BL weigh in's near the end of workout, I didn't notice the clock.
2 days down 19 to go
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trimB
Moderator
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Posted: 23 January 2008 05:38 pm |
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Glad to see a few more people joined us! I was thinking yesterday about all the other habits I could build (for good ones) or break (for bad ones). So might as well conquer them one at a time!
This morning was really tough... I felt STARVING at 4am! Is that possible?? Anyway, I waited until 5am, so I have not missed a day yet. 
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 23 January 2008 07:24 pm |
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Geeze Louise! I just spent 10 minutes trying to figure out which habit to change, then it hit me!
Years ago when I commuted to work, by the time I got there my back would hurt so badly I could hardly take it. Turned out it was just weak, and all I had to do to cure the problem was leg raises. I simply lie on my back, put my hands under my butt, and keeping my legs almost straight raise them up, down, up, down...
Of course my back got better and I stopped! Now I don't commute, but about twice a year I strain my back and hobble around for days. I become determined to start the leg raises again, but of course can't do it when it's hurting. Then when it's better... nothing.
One of the problems is that I used to always do them just before bed. In my old age I always plan that, but my routine isn't regular and when I'm falling asleep brushing my teeth I forget. Or don't care enough to remember.
So starting today, I'll do leg raises every day just before my shower. I just put a note on my shower door!
I may not post every day, but I will account for every day... Jan 23 thru Feb 14. 
Thanks zenobia! My back will love you!
Peter
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monkey809
Senior Member
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Posted: 23 January 2008 07:30 pm |
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| Ok, My new habit to start is to work out everyday. Even if it is something little like a few sets of crunches as I watch TV. I need to start working out again, I gained 6 pounds in the last few months ugh!!
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CutieQ
New Member
| Joined: | 23 January 2008 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2 |
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Posted: 23 January 2008 10:53 pm |
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I am totally in! I just signed up. I had visited this sight a couple of times and I veiwed the forums this morning for the first time.I decided to join so that I could be a part of this challenge.
I am going to go for exercising daily. I just bought a easy-step and a treadmill. I am not wanting them to go to waist and wind up just being a towel holder if you know what I mean. I am trying to get back into shape and want to get in the habit of exercising daily. This is a healthy new habit. I started yesterday. I can't do much yet at a time but want to get up to at least 30 minutes at a time.
I also want to kick a bad habit. This is drink everything but water. I started last week with this one. I am drinking water all day. most days I haven't had anything else to drink at all. I want to get into this habit so that I stay hydrated while exercising and so that I can help my body stay healthy. I was drinking a lot of sodas and tea and never any water. I even have crystal light so when I need something flavorful it is there without the extra calories and caffine.
I am planning to make this a life long habit.
Good luck to you all!!!
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InMyPrime
New Member
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Posted: 23 January 2008 11:10 pm |
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Good challenge! I am a bit competitive so this is the sort of thing I need!!
I am going to inititate a good habit. I need to stretch daily for my back and feet. I used to do it at night before bed but, really! by time I head upstairs, all I want to do is brush my teeth and go to bed. So, it hit me, I can do them before getting out of bed in the morning. So, that is my 21-day challenge: back and leg stretches before rolling out of bed.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 23 January 2008 11:34 pm |
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wow! welcome to everyone! i''m happy tath so many are making changes for the better! i hope this challenge helps you all.
i will post everything together tomorrow sometime, as i have the day off.
it's great that those who have already started are doing well! we just need to keep it up. 21 days really isn't that long
CutieQ- that is the plan- make it a lifelong habit!
monkey- i am working on that type of thing as well, and i really want to grind it into my being- workout EVERYDAY!
Day three went well for me! got up early and did 20 min TJ, and i was sooo tired. only about 3 hours of sleep. i think i can make this work!
***Just a note to anyone reading- Friday is the last day to start the challenge, so be sure to ost if you want to officially take part! if it goes well and i still have the time, i may start another one after the three weeks are up!
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Lucky Me
Senior Member
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Posted: 24 January 2008 05:50 am |
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Hi all,
Okay, I'll give it a try. My 21-day challenge to myself is to be in bed by 1:30 AM. Actually, I'd like to say 12 midnight, but I know I'd fail that one the first day. I've forgotten how many days Zen says we can start over, but I'm sure it wouldn't be enough! This is really spooky......talk about accountability! I'm sure you realize that the time goes on every post? I wonder if I could get by with saying that the computer time was off about two hours? Probably not.
At any rate, I get up every morning at 7:30, so going to bed after 2:00 most nights (mornings, actually) does not provide a healthy amount of sleep. I'll shoot for the 21 days, but it obviously did not start on the 23rd! (lol)
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twiggytwixaddict
New Member
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Posted: 24 January 2008 02:22 pm |
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Great Challenge!
After getting a massive lecture last night from the doctor, Ive decided my new habit is going to be finally following the "gluten free" diet im supposed to be on.
By Feb 14th i want to be able to easily walk by all the toast (soggy w/butter lol) that has been my downfall the past few weeks. Maybe ill save my b-day money and buy some rice bread... :P
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 24 January 2008 03:38 pm |
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hey twiggy and lucky me! welcome to the challenge!
Twiggy- just wanted to let you know, if you have a trader joe's near by, they have a lot of great glutten free products. they are pretty cheap (even compared to the big super markets) and are all basically organic. just wanted to let you know that there are a lot of options out there for a glutten free life style.
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personsmom
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 January 2008 05:06 pm |
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Hi Everyone Glad to see more people taking advantage of the Challenge.
Well another X on the calender  3 down 18 to go. 55 min with 3.9 max.
Lee
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 24 January 2008 05:16 pm |
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InPrimeTime,
I'm working on stretching too! I work out a lot and get so muscle-bound I can't wash my back. But it's totally unnecessary, and probably the reason I go along fine for so long and then have to take time off for a (very minor -- mostly something just gets sore) injury.
So I'm working on it to be injury free, and have a clean back! 
Peter (1/23-2/14): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 1
Peter
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InMyPrime
New Member
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Posted: 24 January 2008 06:49 pm |
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Hi fellow habit-changers!
I have completed 2 days of morning stretches (I am counting the ones I did in bed before I posted). Yay for me! Yay for the rest of us also.
This came along at a good time for me because I am going out of town for 3 days and having to focus on this challenge will make me continue my new habit during my trip.
I am already thinking about what my next 21-day challenge habit will be....
Stretches: 2/21
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clarinetgurl
Moderator
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Posted: 25 January 2008 01:12 am |
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I shall start a good habit of drinking at least one glass of water each day. I hate to admit that most days I drink no water at all...starting today!!!
CG
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CodeMonkey
Senior Member
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Posted: 25 January 2008 02:29 am |
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I actually started this challenge 3 days ago (Tuesday) but didn't reply here. I read posts here while I'm at work but try to avoid posting from the work computer.
My big problem is looking for an excuse to not use the treadmill and snacking from the snack drawer at work. We have a snack drawer full of all different kinds of candy and jerky, and I have a bad habit of grabbing some of the beef snacks once in a while. Well, no more of that.
My challenge to myself it to completely avoid the snack drawer at work and to use the treadmill every day. Tuesday is when I started this and even though I didn't walk as much as I had planned on the treadmill, I did walk. Today I finally completed my workout on the treadmill without stopping, so maybe it should start today instead of Tuesday.
MudMan
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 25 January 2008 03:37 am |
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I am so happy so many of you guys decided to join! i have made the list all up, now just keep us all posted on your progress! let me know how many days you have gone and i can keep that updated! also, be accountable! i fyou miss a day, let us know!!! remember, you get 1 "free" one and that's it. try not to miss any at all, though!!!
good luck everyone!!!
oh, as for me, despite hangovers and early work itmes, i have been managing to get in some sort of workout every day. funny, i used to hop right out of bed, eat breakfast, then not feel like working out. now i lay in bed till i make myself work out. i am always hungry in the morning, so his keeps me in line. it also ensures that i get something in if something comes up where i can't workout later. today i worked on my abs.
i was thinking about other habits i really want to get into. i am really considering starting up another one when this is done, but i will see how everyone feels about this first go...
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Lucky Me
Senior Member
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Posted: 25 January 2008 05:11 am |
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Hi all,
I only have 20 minutes to be in bed, but I'm going to make it. Count this as Day 1.
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Imaw89
Senior Member
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Posted: 25 January 2008 05:26 pm |
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The more I surf this forum the more I want harder I push myself.
I will exercise for at least 15 minutes before I start breakfast. This includes crunches, sit ups, squats, push ups and etc.
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 25 January 2008 05:46 pm |
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Peter (1/23-2/14): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 2
Peter
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 25 January 2008 05:48 pm |
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Imaw89- great to have you here! i set you up on the list! you did start today, yes? just let me know!
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Imaw89
Senior Member
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Posted: 25 January 2008 06:14 pm |
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I will start tomorrow because I already ate breakfast, a snack and lunch.
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CapeCoddess
New Member
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Posted: 25 January 2008 08:57 pm |
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OK, I'm in - This is day 2 of no white sugar or white flour (and I'm climbing the walls!)
Started: Jan 24
Ends: Feb 14
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 26 January 2008 03:42 am |
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Peter (1/23-2/14): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 3
Peter
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Lucky Me
Senior Member
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Posted: 26 January 2008 04:09 am |
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| Going to bed real soon........and it's only 12:10? Egad, I must be sick! This is Day 2. This forum is fun; good idea you had, Zen.
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clarinetgurl
Moderator
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Posted: 26 January 2008 05:01 am |
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Day one of water: check!
CG
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 26 January 2008 06:54 am |
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| day one...I have about 10 mins. and I'm gonna need that for a shower.....I don't wanna-but I'm gonna go right to bed. Means I have no time tonight to read any diaries or other forum threads
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 January 2008 10:20 am |
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Hi All, I didn't have time to post this week until today..........YAY have done great. 1/22 1 coke zero. 1/23 no soda at all. 1/24 no soda at all. 1/25 no soda at all. Weekends are the hardest.............so the coke zero is ready and waiting...........Will post again tomorrow.
Judy
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 26 January 2008 06:43 pm |
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soontobeme wrote: Oh Please include me in. My bad habit is that I have one (at least one) can of regular soda a night. I am going to break this habit, I am only allowed to have one can of diet soda at night for the next 21 days, after that I will have no soda at night, not even diet. I need to get off the soda at night. Isn't it strange, I will go all day long with no soda's only water, but, for some reason at night, no matter what I am doing I need to have a soda. Great challenge.
Judy
I have gotten so used to diet soda that the real thing tastes horrible to me. Like very strong sugar water.
I'm surprised that you can enjoy both!
Peter
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 26 January 2008 08:58 pm |
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Welcome CapeCoddess! That sounds like it's gonna be rough, be well worth it in the end! best of luck!
thanks LuckyMe!
well, i had to break today-  we spent the night away and had breakfast beore we got home. next time i will have to just have water or something. but i was ravenous!!!!
good god... the leader of the challenge is ther first to miss! ack!!!! this means no more misses for me! i hate reporting this, so it's evn more motivation to stick to it no matter what! otherwise, i have been doing vey well and i think it's really worth the efforts!
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 27 January 2008 01:36 am |
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Peter (1/23-2/14): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 4
It will be interesting to see if this can really become a habit I'll remember to do (without a note). So far, I'd totally forget to do my daily leg raises before my shower if it weren't for the note on my shower door!
Of course I'm taking baby steps. Perhaps when it becomes a more time-consuming event it will stick better in my mind.
Peter
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 January 2008 05:08 am |
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Peter wrote:
I have gotten so used to diet soda that the real thing tastes horrible to me. Like very strong sugar water.
I'm surprised that you can enjoy both!
Peter
I don't really like the taste of diet soda, but, I have tried to cold turkey the soda and it doesn't work........and I break down and have 2 or 3 of them. It is actually a physical addiction, I get sick to my stomach and migranes when I am withdrawing from the soda, that is why I thought I could try the diet ones. I have been told by my doctor that the diet is just as bad as the regular soda. Coca Cola is the only soda I really drink..........and Coke Zero is the only one that isn't awful to me of the diet sodas.
Judy
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Lucky Me
Senior Member
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Posted: 27 January 2008 05:09 am |
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I can actually shut down the computer and walk slowly to my bedroom because I have 20-some minutes left. This is Day 3.
Zen, I think you just broke your record to make the rest of us feel better when we do! That was kind of you!
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 January 2008 05:12 am |
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1/26 no soda, not even diet, only water. so far so good, maybe will kick the soda habit all together.
Judy
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CutieQ
New Member
| Joined: | 23 January 2008 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2 |
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Posted: 27 January 2008 03:00 pm |
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I have been doing my exercise and drinking my water daily. I am very exited! I think this might stick as a life long habit. 
I have been sick and felt horrible but I have continued with my habits. I have not done todays but I intend to before I go to bed.
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Imaw89
Senior Member
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Posted: 27 January 2008 05:36 pm |
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I been doing really good. Exercise for 15 minutes and a light stretch. Never thought i'd say this but I like these challenges.
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soontobeme
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 January 2008 01:55 am |
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Day 6 and still no regular soda, also no diet either, and boy do I have the migraine...........It will hopefully be gone soon. I can do this.
Judy
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 28 January 2008 04:44 am |
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day one: I did it, day two nope, day three, nope again...does this mean I just over all counting from day one tomorrow night?
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Lucky Me
Senior Member
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Posted: 28 January 2008 05:21 am |
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| Egad! It's 1:20 on my computer. Ten minutes to brush my teeth. This is Day 4.
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 28 January 2008 06:06 am |
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Peter (1/23-2/14): Habit - Leg raises to strengthen back. Days: 5
Peter
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 28 January 2008 04:52 pm |
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hey guys- yeah, i will update everything tonight...
suenos- yeah, you have to start over.. but that's ok! we can extend the challenge out or maybe people will want to start a new one after their days are up and we can keep the challenge open... so yeah, just start over.
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InMyPrime
New Member
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Posted: 28 January 2008 06:15 pm |
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Hi everyone. I was doing very well on this challenge till my early plane trip on Friday. It was 9PM before I remembered that i hadn't done my stretches before getting out of bed. SIGH. I stretched right then but, technically, I needed to start over. SO..
1/26 - Check!
1/27 - Check!
1/28 - Check!
three days into a new hanit.
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