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Introduction Text After losing 10 lbs on my own, I joined SP in August, 2011 and lost 15 more lbs with the help of the Spark Teams, especially the 5% Challenge. These challenges are great motivators for me. I intend to continue using them to maintain my weight loss. Update 6/20/2021 After getting fully vaccinated in February, back to Mexico I went to escape the long, harsh Michigan winter. And back came some of the lbs I had lost... again. I'm not going to stop vacationing, so I must learn to keep my weight stable. My problem is that I eat what my friend eats when I'm away, but I'm getting better. At least I walk a lot in a warm climate. Only 2 lbs to lose for this 5% Challenge, but I'm going to try for 3 extra! Another trip coming up next month, so that's an ambitious goal. Update 3/28/20 I made it back home from Mexico before they closed the border on me. Came back to a whole new world of Shelter in Place. Happily the Spring 5% Challenge will keep me moving and watching what I eat so that I can start losing these stubborn 10 lbs. 10/2020 I made a great discovery during the Summer 5% Challenge: doing 2 sessions of moderate exercise most days of the week plus the 16/8 intermittent fasting following a plant based diet awakened my sluggish metabolism enough to allow me to lose 8 pounds in 8 weeks—WooHoo! Update 12/15/2018 Well, trying to lose weight on my own did not work out well at all, especially with traveling. So I’m back to my tried and true 5% Challenge with my favorite team, the Teddy Bears. This team motivates me the best. 10 lbs coming off! Update 10/2/2018 Trying to lose the weight on my own, without the 5% Challenge, did not prove to be either a benefit or a drawback. I yo-yoed between trips as I always do -- but it was certainly not as much fun. So for the Fall, I've decided to join a Challenge team again. I have my usual 7 lbs to lose, and I will make sure I do, with the help of intermittent fasting and a good walking/weight lifting routine. For a bit more fun with gaining strength, I plan to also to more yoga. Update 4/5/2018 And the struggle continues, but I'm a fit warrior. After a month's respite from the cold, despite my spotty attempts at exercise, I returned with my usual 10 extra lbs. I am diligently working to lose those, noting that it gets harder every year... But I will see 133 lbs again by summer. This time I've elected to do it without participating in the 5% Challenge. Hopefully I've learned what my body responds to, and I can maintain good health. Update 1/2/2018 Well, so much for towing the line. I got carried away with the holidays and enjoying family and friends with lots of goodies and very little exercise. Soooo... I have my work cut out for me for the Winter 5% Challenge. But I WILL RE-ACHIEVE GOAL WEIGHT! Update 12/3/2017 Finished the Fall 5% Challenge, and have enrolled in the In-between Challenge BECAUSE I did not regain my goal weight after I enjoyed eating too much on 2 vacations (totaling 4 weeks) taken during the challenge. I'll try to get to goal before the Winter Challenge begins, which means I'll have to tow the line during the Christmas holiday. Uh boy!.... Update 8/28/2017 Finished the Summer 5% Challenge at goal weight using my plant-based diet and walking. Goal is to keep it off in the interim until the Fall Challenge begins. Update 6/7/2017 Finished the Spring 5% Challenge at goal weight using my plant-based diet and walking. On vacay in rainy weather, I'm exercising much less and doing more "bored eating." I will remedy that when I return home and with the Summer 5% Challenge. Update 4/7/2017 Tomorrow we begin the Spring 5% Challenge of which I am in dire need right now to work off my vacation lbs. Geesh--will I ever learn! But I WILL DO IT... again. WooHoo! I finished the Spring 5% Challenge by eeking out my goal weight of 133 lbs. now I'm on my way on vacation where I will NOT gain more than 3 lbs. :) Update 11/30/2016 I ended the Fall 5% Challenge at 132 lbs by eating a plant-based diet and doing regular exercise. It all fell apart at Thanksgiving, but I'm doing my best to keep the weight gain moderate. At least I now know what works to get it off again. Update 9/4/2016 I ended the Summer 5% Challenge at 137 lbs, and I'm still there even though I've stayed with my regimen rather well. It just shows that those challenges give me the extra umph I need to make progress. With the fall Challenge I should make my goal of 133 with good muscle tone. Update 1/29/2012 2 lbs below goal; now in maintenance. The Winter 5% Challenge helped keep me on the plan! Update 11/19/2011 I have now lost 13 more lbs, and am just 2 lbs from goal and maintenance. I want this to be the first year of a lifetime where I eat sensibly and continue to exercise through the holidays, and do not start the new year "on a diet." After my success with the Fall 5% challenge, I have renewed faith in myself--I CAN DO IT! 8/8/2011 Joined Sparkpeople and began the journey.

To lose 10 lbs. through healthful eating and increased exercise--and maintain my goal weight!

Winter 2018 Exercise Daily walking, minimum 10,000 steps Muscle building exercise 2 X a week Plant based diet Winter 5% Challenge Goal: To lose more than 5% of my weight (10 lbs total) to re-attain my goal weight of 133 and develop an eating/workout plan to maintain my goal weight and rebuild a well toned, strong body. Activity plan (to be tracked on SP): Exercise: Minimum 60 min. per day with a combination of walking, elliptical, yoga and weight training.

My name is Jonnie. I live in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'm 6 years retired from college teaching and am enjoying retirement. I spend winters in a warm climate and travel as much as possible throughout the year. Love, love travel!

I'm a retired foreign language teacher. I enjoy traveling, visiting family and friends or hosting them.

Add a Link Jonnie EST If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right. ~Henry Ford Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. ~Kate Moss <link>www.blctracking.com</link>
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