Hi Caroline,

Good luck with the challenge :)   I've got 4 weeks left, and a challenge it has been at times.  But I've made life changing desisions so its great.   I dont want to get as heavy as I was ever again.

Kerry

Hi Angel,

I know what you mean about negativity from some people.   I get slimmer people saying 'oh yeah you should lose a few kgs' and larger people saying 'what do you want to lose weight for, you'll fade away'.

I know I'll be happier when I've lost 4-5kgs, and more comfortable in my skin.

As for the challenge, get your pics done with a current paper, do your measurements and hit 'apply' :)  its easy.  

Good luck :)

Hi All, i have been trying so hard to be motivated, was doing really well until.....weighing myself and finding I am not losing, but aaaagggghhhh gaining, which plummeted me into the chocolates (which i no longer have in the house, so went to the shop and ate heaps!), which in turn increased my guilt and lowered my self worth (and respect!).  I have 9wks to go on the challenge.  I have a 1 yr old and work part time.  i have been trying to walk of a night when she goes to bed, and I feel so guilty when I don't have the energy to go.  Sometimes I push myself, then get angry about all the hills and it makes me hate my walk innstead of enjoying it, then other times I am so invigorated, so pleased with myself that i come home and put on Carmen electra (vol2...all others are rubbish!) and feel great!  I have been writing in a diet diary, so far  in the 3 wks passed, i have only had  2 blowout days, drinking heaps of water, but I have noticed that I eat heaps of bread (m/grain wholemeal), for just about every meal, this is something I would like to change, plan to buy a bit more variety in this weeks grocery shop.  Any suggestions, also how can I get in more excercise into my day?  I do gardening, house work, play with Addison, walking (3x +pw), and swimming if the day is nice( not laps just carrying Addison around the pool).  Also do the fat metabolisers actually work?  I also find that my husband is not supportive, he comments on my lack of effort, but when I do try, he gets jelous that I'm not spending time with him, when Addi goes to bed!!!! Frustrating!

I want my results yesterday! When I have a couple of slight weight gains I give up. Muscle perhaps, fat more likely! I already eat fairly healthy and after an all-you-can eat holiday I usually go back to my normal weight in weeks without too much effort. But my current base weight is 2kg up from last year and I am finding it hard to lose anything - I need to shock my body somehow. I think I have to stick out the 12weeks and keep thinking what doesn't kill me will only make me stronger!

Hey everyone, im starting the road to a new me tommorow but not sending my pics off until monday. ive worked out what im going to eat and what exercise i will but 1: its trying to stay away from sugary foods as i ALWAYS eat to much and feel sick, and 2: making myself get up in the morning to exercise as a part of everyday life not something i have to do i want to want to exercise. any way im 23, married and a mum of 3 bubs. 

Hi Cristy,

 I'm a Perthy too! I've got around 7kg to lose, have been working at this for a while now but never seem to stick at it for long enough. Just got back from a Europe trip so have been busy trying to make up for all that bread and pasta!

 Good luck with your mission

Kelly :)

i am one of the joint winners of this months issue and i can honestly say i did not do that.

in fact i am about 4 kilos lighter (and look it) than i am in my photos. i look very bloated in them.

Hi everyone I'm back!

Istarted back on the challenge today.

I weigh 73.4kg, my goal weight is 63kgs so I'm hopgin to get there within 12 weeks, which should be too hard. Mum is helping me too.

Well chat later!

Well the new forum isn't exactly happening although plenty of women read the mag. Hope that more ladies log in and start posting.

I'm 25 and am trying to budge 4kg. I need serious dedication in order to get there. I love looking up fitness sites and reading the mags, it keeps me from being lazy and pigging out.  

What do you think of dehydration and no carbs for the final week of your challenge??

Its not healthy, but you'd reduce bloat and weight, and at the end of the day its still 'your body'. TBH I don't think its right - but I am sure many people have done it and have gotten those winning shots. I think its extreme.

I dont think you're necessarily sending the wrong message.  It depends on what you class as obsession.   I count my calories each day by inputting all my meals into an online calorie counter which my children are not aware of and I generally eat a different main meal to them.  They just think I dont really like things like spagetti bolognaise or pasta/rice dishes as much any more.   They know that eating vegies and fruit is good for them and gives them more energy.   And I make sure that they are eating those foods everyday and they just see that as part of their daily foods.   As far as the exercise goes, I think that is sending a very good message to my children.   My teenage son is doing courses on nutrition and exercise at school and he considers us a healthy family, although I do allow sugary snacks and muffins etc now and then.   I think and they know that all things in moderation are okay.

There is nothing wrong with counting your calories which you probably wont do forever anyway, once you've got an idea of what calories are in different foods and what are good portion sizes.