~~~~~~~March Challenge~~~~~~

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 6:20 am

I'm setting up the March Challenge a few days early, so we can all get ready.

March:

This month is going to be tricky.
Took Fri/Sat as S days 1st weekend in March, due to events. Happy with that decision.
12&13th green Sat/Sun, saving my S days for a 5 day Easter Weekend, etc.
Decided to make St Pat's day one of my NWS days. Had blueberry cobbler!
Saving up the Saturday 19th S day as well.
Wonderful long Easter weekend! So happy for Special days.
Not a stellar month, but not the train wreck it might have been!

RAWCOOKIE · Post by **RAWCOOKIE** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 6:40 am

Woo Hoo! Thanks Sonya!

hooray! looking forward to April

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 7:16 am

I'm not ready for March yet, LOL!

MaggieMae · Post by **MaggieMae** » Sun Feb 28, 2016 5:45 pm

Starting month 5 of No S. Aiming to have no more than 4 red days. (Baby Steps.)
1.

2.

- had a tray of cookies warm from the oven placed in front of me....I resisted! BIG victory!
3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

- spinach dip and tortilla chips got me.
11.

- Starting next week, gonna try to make it to the 21 day club.
12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

Not a perfect month but definitely seeing improvements in my habits. I'm feeling hopeful about April!

tobiasmom · Post by **tobiasmom** » Sun Feb 28, 2016 7:28 pm

I had more red days than green in February...but I seem to have finished out February strong. So I am just going to keep moving forward! Goal this month would be LESS red 😀
NWS day: 3/11 (my birthday)

1. GREEN!
2. GREEN!
3. GREEN!
4. GREEN!
5. S DAY!
6. S DAY!
7. RED 😝
8. GREEN!
9. GREEN!
10.GREEN!
11.NWS DAY!
12.S DAY!
13.S DAY!
14.RED 😝
15.RED 😝
16.RED 😝
17.RED 😝
18.RED 😝
19.S DAY!
20.S DAY!
21.RED 😝

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Sun Feb 28, 2016 7:53 pm

Here more for exercise than eating, though I've made some refinements there. Tried copying and pasting from Rawcookie's entry. Let's see how it works. I think it will be good enough.

01 02 03 04 Smile Smile
07 08 09 10 11 Smile Smile
14 15 16 17 18 Smile Smile
21 22 23 24 25 Smile Smile
28 29 30 31

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Sun Feb 28, 2016 7:55 pm

Also, can people please bump up every few days? Sorry to be a wimp, but it really helps me to record when I get emails that remind me. TX

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:36 pm

Okay, I guess I have to admit March is coming! This past month was so busy here, I'm hoping March slows down a bit for me!

(vacation!)

Bean&Sprout · Post by **Bean&Sprout** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 1:50 pm

Trip out of town with in-laws for a late Christmas celebration.

Queenie · Post by **Queenie** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 8:00 pm

Not sure if I'll be keeping up with both this and my regular thread, but let me give it a shot and see.

I'm copying Rawcookie's format. I'm pretty sure I don't have any NWS days in March.

adhollifield · Post by **adhollifield** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:28 pm

Hey. I have never done one of these before but I'll give it a go.

LeannaRW · Post by **LeannaRW** » Tue Mar 01, 2016 2:24 am

I am definitely in for March, needing the accountability (February wasn't good).

Traci0829 · Post by **Traci0829** » Tue Mar 01, 2016 10:42 am

I sign up for these challenges every month, but never seem to stay on track. I'm hoping March will be the month. I'm considering doing the daily check thread as well.

:):):):)

:(:(:(:(:(:)

:):):):(:(:)

Best to all for a Green March!!!
Tracey

UPDATE 3/4: I'm doing a bit of virtual plating, but this is great improvement. I will work on my virtual plating in the next 2 weeks. I get distracted by my 2 small children and realize I've started eating before my plate is complete!!

UPDATE 3/18: Thursday was a fail due to a low blood sugar, children melting down, it's 4:00PM- I cracked and ate 1/2 of my daughter's lara bar, which was followed by a piece of chocolate aftern dinner
Friday: fail- I'm kind of torn about possibly starting my S days on Friday after 5pm. My older daughter and I bake together on Thursdays or Fridays and I really like fresh cookies. I was happy that I waited and had them with dinner. I could not resist the cookie(S). At least they were the health sort!!!

adgardner · Post by **adgardner** » Wed Mar 02, 2016 2:07 am

1. Fail
2. Success but likely too much milk
3. Success
4. Success
5. S day
6. S day

Eileen7316 · Post by **Eileen7316** » Wed Mar 02, 2016 3:56 pm

I'm in. For March I am committing to doing Vanilla No-S and each day I will make time (if at all possible - I work 2 jobs) to walk for at least 20-30 minutes; one plank for as long as I can hold it; and as many modified push ups as I can do.

March 1st - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
I had NO time to walk

2 jobs, dinner and movie out with small group. In bed by 10 to get up by 4:45.

March 2nd - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
Much better! I made my husband walk with me about 8:30 last night. Onward!

March 3rd - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
I'm very sad to report that I failed in all three categories.

I worked both jobs and then went and sold wrist bands at our school's skate night fundraiser. Got home and fell into bed. Tomorrow will be better!

March 4th, 5th, 6th - ALL RED. Pushing the reset button...

March 7th - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
I thought of not reporting back, but this is between myself and I.

No-S wasn't really a complete failure; a pack of crackers probably won't be my undoing, but I will put a fence around the law for today.

March 8th - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
Well the fence around the law worked for food today! hooray! Still can't manage the exercise consistently. I'll need to work on ways to motivate myself and changing my thinking.

March 9th - No-S, Walking, Plank/Push-ups
I had to virtual plate my dinner (we were guests for dinner in someone's home), but I stuck to No-S! Exercise - meh.

RAWCOOKIE · Post by **RAWCOOKIE** » Fri Mar 04, 2016 11:15 pm

bump

bizzybee · Post by **bizzybee** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 4:37 am

I'd like to join in here. I had three green days this week and then went red the last two. My focus is not good right now. Accountability will be helpful. I have two goals

vanilla No-S
Hitting my daily activity goals on my Apple Watch every single day

2NWS days this month
1) daughter's birthday March 11
2)?

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 1:00 pm

Hi! I'd like to join too. I just had a great week of green. I am working on staying consistent with the habit and also getting in T-Tapp 3-4 x/wk minimum.

S...M...T..W...T...F...S.

<-- This week has been a struggle. Moving on!

*I'm trying to decide if I should do Friday and Saturday as S days. I have a really hard time NOT having a treat on Friday night. Friday 5 PM - Sunday 5 PM perhaps? Last week I did Friday 5 PM - Saturday night, with Sunday as an N day. I don't think that was enough S time for me, as I'm trying to get back in the habit after struggling for a while.

3/10: Thank goodness for an N day yesterday after two reds. My reds weren't huge slips by any means, but it sure feels good to have a legit GREEN after a red. I go back and forth with deciding if my S days should be Friday 5:00 PM - Sunday 5:00 PM, or just Saturday and Sunday. Last week I did this Friday 5-Sunday 5 and I did enjoy it but it wasn't necessary by any means. This week I am going to commit to an entire N day on Friday and keep S days fenced in to Saturday and Sunday only. I think there is something special about vanilla No S. The boundaries are CLEAR. There is no back and forth of should I/shouldn't I.

3/12: March update. Well, I am doing S days Friday 5 PM - Sunday 5 PM, just as last week. This is just how it fits in my life naturally. The only part of it that I am a bit disappointed in is that it wasn't my intent, it just happened. I love the opportunity to relax with my family on Friday evening though, and for that I have zero regrets.

3/14: Ready for N Days! I am seeing that my S days aren't nearly as wild as they were my first time starting No S. I had snacks Friday night and then Saturday and Sunday my attitude was "Meh." I had NO problem starting my N day Sunday afternoon. I woke up hungry today, which is a success itself after S days! I remember the first time I woke up hungry after an S weekend. It was a great feeling, like I knew that my S days were finally becoming more moderate. How amazing to be experiencing that already just a month or so in to No S again.

3/16: Red day yesterday due to excessive snacking/tasting during supper preparation. Putting all my focus into this for the rest of the week.

3/23: I am STRUGGLING this week. I've had some strange days with very wacky schedules and it's been hard for me to adjust. Today I spent 3 hours critiquing 33 paintings for a high school art contest. That involved a 100 mile drive to and from the high school where it took place. It was just an exhausting day. I didn't do anything wild but I had a few bites before and after lunch. My lunch was too small. Yesterday I had a very early lunch due to an appointment and a very late supper due to a meeting right after work. Ugg! Tomorrow is a new day.

3/25: Saturday and Sunday will be S days this week due to Easter on Sunday. Not feeling so great right now, body image wise. It will get better.

3/31: Funny how things are just CLICKING this week. No S is so simple right now, not a struggle. I feel like things are well on their way back to habit and HAPPINESS.

Damaris · Post by **Damaris** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 5:29 pm

A little late, but happy to be back here nonetheless!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Special Day
8.

9.

10.

11.

Sick Day
12.

13.

14.

Sick Day
15.

Sick Day
16.

Off to a fresh start - DAY 1!
17.

DAY 2
18.

DAY 3
19.

20.

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 2:33 am

It's great to see such a nice big group this month!
We're all in this together!

Red · Post by **Red** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:41 pm

Hmm... I must be crazy... But here goes!!!

March 1 = reading the book for the first time!!!

S. M. T. W. TH. F. S.

31

9th: Sporting a nasty cold, honestly just want to inhale soup. At least I have no stomach for sweets. <sigh>

10th: Okay I take that back, feeling awful sure drags down your willpower.
Pooh.

11th: Being sick sucks. I don't want anything, and will eat everything. Sleeping all day, and then eating all night. Argh.

12th: Feeling better finally. This is an S day, so I won't be hard on self. Getting back on horse on Monday.

3/20: Awesome week - felt in control, and peaceful. I feel like I've lost some water weight right off the bat, which is weird. But. OK. Not yet time to drag out scale.

3/25: Only had to deal with cravings on a small scale, but waiting them out wasn't too horrific. Noted the physical difference. Cravings are almost painful - hunger is not. At least general hunger.

Bean&Sprout · Post by **Bean&Sprout** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:43 pm

Red wrote: Do I just come back and edit the post as the month goes on?

Welcome! Yes, you just edit your original post as the month goes on.

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 3:44 pm

Hi! Just bumping up. Glad to see the updates on the March challenge. Great job everyone!

Traci0829 · Post by **Traci0829** » Sat Mar 12, 2016 1:46 am

So this week was a huge red (see above!!!), but I am not giving up. I still have 2 more weeks to be green. In the past I would just throw in the towel. I love seeing all the successes!!!! They encourage me. Great job to all those greens!!
I'm seeking food freedom and I know No S can get me there:)

RAWCOOKIE · Post by **RAWCOOKIE** » Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:04 am

I agree - those little green faces motivate me!

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Wed Mar 16, 2016 2:12 pm

Bumping Up!

Yesterday I gave myself a red day because I had excessive snacking/tasting while cooking supper. Focusing on this for the rest of the week because it's my weakness in No S. I have a good handle on everything else, it's just that meal preparation after work.

Traci0829 · Post by **Traci0829** » Sat Mar 19, 2016 1:20 am

Bump!!!
I posted an update when I edited my week (see above). 3 out of 5 isn't too bad. My fails were not off the rails! Progress not perfection.

Hope everyone enjoys their S days!!!
Happy Friday!
Tracey

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Sat Mar 19, 2016 2:21 am

Hi Tracey! Nice job with the fails not being "off the rails."

I do Friday evening S days, ending at about 3 PM on Sunday. I love it and it fits into my life perfectly. I enjoy being able to unwind on Friday night with my family and have ice cream or popcorn if I want.

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Sun Mar 20, 2016 9:21 am

Glad to see you all posting, through thick and thin!
We're 2/3 of the way through March, believe it or not! Let's make it moderate!

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Mon Mar 21, 2016 1:36 pm

Hey everyone! Today is my one year anniversary of No S.

I am SO OVER snacks and sweets right now. This past weekend I realized once again how LITTLE they do for me. I feel awful eating sugar. It doesn't even take much, I can feel the change in my body after one cookie. Ugg! I'm ready for N Days today and lots of vegetables!

Bean&Sprout · Post by **Bean&Sprout** » Mon Mar 21, 2016 3:17 pm

Happy anniversary, Kittson!

Queenie · Post by **Queenie** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 5:27 pm

TMR29 wrote:
I'm kind of torn about possibly starting my S days on Friday after 5pm. My older daughter and I bake together on Thursdays or Fridays and I really like fresh cookies. I was happy that I waited and had them with dinner. I could not resist the cookie(S). At least they were the health sort!!!

If I had that in my schedule I'd definitely make that mod.

It's wonderful that you and your daughter bake together every week.

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 8:44 pm

Kittson wrote:Hey everyone! Today is my one year anniversary of No S.

Happy Anniversary, Kittson!

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 8:45 pm

Queenie wrote:
TMR29 wrote:
I'm kind of torn about possibly starting my S days on Friday after 5pm. My older daughter and I bake together on Thursdays or Fridays and I really like fresh cookies. I was happy that I waited and had them with dinner. I could not resist the cookie(S). At least they were the health sort!!!
If I had that in my schedule I'd definitely make that mod.

It's wonderful that you and your daughter bake together every week.

Absolutely! You could do Friday 5pm-Sunday 5pm. Such fun to bake together

.

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 4:34 am

Anyone else hear the "Mr. Clean" commercial in their minds when they copy and paste "Mr. Green?" LOL, I'm a goof!

"Mr. Green, Mr. Green..."

RAWCOOKIE · Post by **RAWCOOKIE** » Mon Mar 28, 2016 5:05 pm

Hey - my Easter got to me with RED days! But it's great to see everyone else's check-ins too - keeps things in perspective!

Bump!

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 2:23 pm

Let's finish well, Everyone!

~reneew · Post by **~reneew** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 7:55 pm

Im so glad to see that you guys still do the challenges every month! I started them years ago and did it every day for maybe 3-4 years. I lost 34 pounds then, but fell way off the wagon and am at an all time high.

So keep it up people. Accountability is key! Im starting back but not ready to commit to this thread yet. I''l stick to my habitcal for now.

Go challengers!!!

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Thu Mar 31, 2016 5:47 am

~reneew wrote:Im so glad to see that you guys still do the challenges every month! I started them years ago and did it every day for maybe 3-4 years. I lost 34 pounds then, but fell way off the wagon and am at an all time high. So keep it up people. Accountability is key! Im starting back but not ready to commit to this thread yet. I''l stick to my habitcal for now.

Go challengers!!!

Reneew, hoping you have a great month starting back. I know it's discouraging to regain weight you've lost (done that too many times myself). I really like the reminders here to not let small fall-aways become big ones. I think we're all going to have some off meals, days, even weeks...but the goal is to get back and not let them become fallaway months/years. I don't want to do that again either! (I was on here in 08 and found some notes where I did NoS in 09 too--but I don't think I did it again until last November--eek!)

Anyway, I'll pray for you as your siggie requests!

Red · Post by **Red** » Thu Mar 31, 2016 5:27 pm

Wowie - my first month!!! SUCCESS...

Lookie all you great achievers!!! Fabulous!!!

Kittson · Post by **Kittson** » Fri Apr 01, 2016 1:27 pm

Great job everyone! I had a few rough patches this month but I think I'm in the swing of it now. See you in the April thread!

tobiasmom · Post by **tobiasmom** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:52 am

Oh, man....I started March well and then just let the rest of the month get away from me. Gonna get back in it for April 😊😊

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 5:19 am

tobiasmom wrote:Oh, man....I started March well and then just let the rest of the month get away from me. Gonna get back in it for April 😊😊

Good for you, don't let a small derail become a big one

Everyday Systems

~March Challenge

~March Challenge

March

March

Re: March