I meant to do the other posts first but due to internet problems, it's not been possible.

During the Team Challenge, you can earn points for your team through weight loss (as in the first Team Challenge) and through exercise and taking part in weekly challenges.

To get us started, I will post some challenges for this weekend. To earn points, challenges must be completed by Sunday at 7pm but the post will remain open so you take the challenges later if you don't get time over the weekend.

If anyone has ideas for challenges, please PM me and I will include them over the coming weeks.

The challenges are open to everyone - please feel free to join in - but you must join the challenge to earn points. If anyone wants to join, post on here or on the other thread.

Challenge 1 - getting to know you - 15 points

Post on here to introduce yourself. Tell us about your journey so far and what you hope to gain from the challenge.

Challenge 2 - post a thread - 10 points

Start a new thread on any subject and post on here when you have completed the challenge.

Challenge 3 - summer fruit - 10 points

Treat yourself to some lovely summer fruit. If you have a recipe, you can post it on here.

Ok guys hello I'm Suzie, suz, suzanne, any of the above!!

I've been a size 10/12 for the last 4/5 years after losing a lot of weight at uni!! Then last yr I got ill and put on 3.5 stone!!

So this is me trying to lose it! I've tried all the crazy diets, soup diets and lately the celebrity slim shake diet where I only drank shakes for a month and only lost 6lbs!!

Until one day in April I was crying in the shops cos I felt awful and no clothes fitted!! I was struggling to get into a 16!! So my mum suggested I joined a class, so I looked up scottish slimmers and the slimmer on the front page was a girl I was best friends with at school who has lost 4 stone!! She looks amazing and I got back in touch with her and she said to go for it!! The next week I joined up and Ive lost just under a stone and a half so far in just over 3 months!

I feel much better im enjoying the gym and I'm never in the house anymore!!

Work is stressful and i'm basically losing my job in December but whilst everyone else is getting worked up i'm staying positive, focusing on eating well and exercising and keeping my chin up!! (whilst looking for a new job)

Scottish slimmers has been the boost I need to change my life and my future for the better and i recommend it to everyone I meet!!

So.... What's everyone elses story!?

Xx

I started in August 2005. Again with me it was reading Boost and at last finding something that didn't require me to give up chocolate or eat set meals. It was positive - that just sums it up.
I started at 109 kilos and got down to 84 and ran a 10K when I got asthma. It took months to get a confirmed diagnosis and longer to get a treatment that worked.
Finally I was feeling better and able to do little bits of exercise again. In June 2009, the original Team Challenge started and this gave me the motivation I needed and I began losing steadily again.
I use Dietline (or Personal Coach as it is now) and it great to have someone to talk to and no matter how bad the week has been, I always feel better.
I am hoping to walk a half marathon in October but after hurting my arms 2 weeks ago, I've had to stop exercising. Not sure yet if I can do the training in time.
Work is hard for me too at the moment - we have a new IT system and my role involves using it all day so I have of visitors coming to see me. Also my contract is due to run out in March 2011 which is a shame as I like the work (just not the volumes) and the people so I'm hoping I'll be lucky as I'm one of the last people to join (so everyone else's contracts will run out first).
I'm hoping the Challenge will give me back the motivation I've lost over the last few weeks and spur me on to reach my target of 77 kilos (I'm currently 83.2 after last week's gain).

I have been dieting over the years trying every diet under the sun and successfully losing weight. Unfortunately I fall back into old habits and the weight creeps back on.
I am suffering pretty badly from arthritis and know that a weight loss would help. I also joined the local gym where I have a tailor-made programme which allows for all my abilities and aims. Unfortunately there are big gaps in my programme where I am in too much pain or discomfort to drag myself to the gym or pool.
I find it harder to lose weight when not being so agile and able to exercise as much as before and after a day at work I am too physically drained.
This all sounds very negative and that is not my intention.
I enjoy my work and have 4 lively grandchildren who keep me on my toes.
I find Scottish Slimmers easy to follow and I give my husband the same meals as I am having which makes all the difference. My friend at work is a Scottish Slimmers success stiory and is my mentor.
So onwards and downwards (on the scales) hopefully.

Anne, what a shame you are in so much discomfort and pain!

I hope that you can lose some weight and see your symptoms ease as I know as lot of people have found this after losing weight, not specifically arthritis but many other problems too!!

Good luck! Xx

Hi Anne

Don't worry about sounding negative. It's important to think about where you are starting from and the challenges you will have face as this will help you do what's right for you instead of pushing yourself too hard, too quickly. How old are your grandchildren? I have 3 nieces (as well as step-nephews and nieces and baby cousins). They are one of my inspirations to lose weight - I need lots of energy to keep up with them.

I've posted a new topic Brioche Bread And Butter Pudding

I posted my new topic yesterday body attack

and may I just say this morning OUCH!!

Hahaa xx

Good Morning!

Well my journey.... Started Scottish Slimmers in April 2002 when a girl from work asked me to come with her. I lost 4st and reached target in October 2002. Stayed there until I fell pregnant with 4th child in October 2003 and by the time he was born in July 2004 I was 3 stone over weight again .

Have tried on an off since then to shift the weight but finding it so so hard the second, third, fourth..... time around!

I am married with 4 children and work as an releif asn auxillary. Hoping to get a full time post later on this year.

My weight really affects my confidence and how I think people must perceive me. When I was at target I was full of energy and fun but now I feel fat and frumpy.

I am really looking forward to getting to know you all and following everyone's weight loss journeys.

Lila. xx

Just the sound of Body Attack makes me tired.

Hi Lila. I love your panda.

Just to let you know, I'm going to keep the getting to know you challenge open next week to give everyone a chance to take part. The new challenges are ready to post later.

Hey all

My name is Shirley, and i am a 31yr old mother of 1 (a 10yr old son)

I first started trying to lose weight 3yrs ago, and almost made it to target in sept 2008. I was 6lbs away when went on a hol to Florida, gained half a stone, then it was xmas.......the excuses went on and on - and now have 3.5st to lose
At just under 5ft 1, it really shows, and i need to get cracking on with it and stop plestering

I hope to gain fresh motivation from this challenge, and also make me think more about fitting in exercise to speed up weight loss, and tone me up (and to gain points for my team too, lol!!!)

Looking forward to this challenge!! (p.s - how long is the challenge for - or did i miss that bit??)

We can keep it going as long as people are interested - at least 7 weeks.

Hey everyone,

Im Kate, im 32 and a charity worker based in Glasgow. I thought that although I was a big girl that I carried the weight ok.... WRONG! the photos thats made me realise this are in my gallery. I have lost 20lbs so far (just 1lb away from the mini target I set myself) and have another 2.5 st to lose. I am to be a size 12 by Christmas .

Im really looking forward to doing a challenge as I know that time will come soon where I will plateau lol.

x

P.S - SUMMER FRUITS - I had a load to use last night so I made sugar free jelly, popped the berries in the bottom of 4 glasses, made up the jelly with a wee bit of fizz in addition to the water and hey presto posh summer fruit jellys. Just thought I could have posted this in the other section recipe and killed 2 challenges with 1 stone lol

Kate, you are doing so well! Hope you reach your minigoal next week.

Excellent - my hol is in 9wks

Oh, does making a beef stir-fry and adding in fresh pineapple count??? That's tonights tea for me x

Yes, it counts. I love hot pineapple.

me too

all 3 challenges completed for today for me then - woohoo!!! (well, will be by time i've had my tea, lol)

Challenge 3 - I bought strawberries and rasps in sainsburys yesterday and I'm making jelly tonight for some free snacking during the week!

Also having a really juicy apple with my lunch mmmm xx

Hello My Introduction for Challenge 1

I am Katie 40 years old live in East Kilbride but was born in Canada

I have been over weight on and off most of my life but i put on a lot when my fist husband was killed 11 years ado this month we where only married six months and i was crushed so turned to food
i then met my second husband Paul and married 3 years later then 2 years after that i suffered a miscarriage which was hard as i suffer from PCOS which doesn't help my weight loss either i put weight on again then last August my husband left me for someone else my first husband 10th death anniversary and my 40th all with in 2 weeks of one another i was shattered and put more weight on

i am now determined to loose this weight for me i have lost 2 stone so far, its a new me and a new life

looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all

Katie

i am away to do the 2nd challenge, i cant do the 3 rd one as i don't eat fruit at all, just don't like it

Katie

Katie, wow what a journey!!

All I can say is your doin amazing! I hope that when you lose the weight because you want to that you will feel amazing you should be proud of the weight you've lost so far!!

Oh and I know other ppl that have lost weight and seen their pcos symptoms get better!!

So good luck to you xx

Hello

i have done challenge 1 + 2

katie

Hey all

My name is Annemarie, I'm 34years old. I went on my first diet at the age of 19years old, big mistake as looking back I didn't really need to diet at all!!
I've lost 10lbs so far and would like to lose another 2stone.
I enjoy going to the classess at the gym and have recently taken up jogging which I am loving and I never thought I would!!

I work for childrens services for the council, I do shift work and thankfully love my job!!

Good luck everyone especially tean 2, becasue we't gonna win!!!! ha ha

xx

I had the girls over for a few wines on Friday night and as well as the crisps and dips. I bought some strawberries and grapes and they were delish!! Does that count as my summer fruits???

If so I have completed all 3 challenges!!

Awww thanks

x

Hi there , not sure how I get on a team and im not bothered which one I get put on, is it too late to join??

I have been using SS regularly for the last 16 years. My sis initially got me to join when I was only 16 to support her after having her first baby, at the time I didn't really have a lot of extra weigh, maybe 1/2 stone.

Since I had my daughter in 1999 my weight has yoyo'd, I have joined SS numerous times, always lost weight, reached target or almost reached target before giving up again. My problem is that I don't watch for the danger weight, I just put on the whole 3 stoneon again and then diet!!!!

I would like to get to target and then ensure I never go 7lbs past that, hopefully this time it will happen.

I feel so much fitter, healthier, confident and outgoing when im a lower weight, up for any night out without even thinking about it. But when the weights on I hibernate and comfort eat!!!

I hope this challenge can help me get to target

Challenge 2 completed , new thread in ideas and recipes:

Get Out Of That Food Rut, new recipe challenge

Week one Challenges

Challenge 1 - getting to know you - 15 points
Post on here to introduce yourself. Tell us about your journey so far and what you hope to gain from the challenge.
This challenge will remain open for another week. If you have already completed it, you can add further details.

Challenge 2 - planning - 10 points
We all have different ways of planning. Spend some time this week on planning ahead. Then post on here.

Challenge 3 – 3 things - 5 points
What 3 things have you done today that will help you stick to PEP? These are small things you are doing to keep yourself on track (for example trying a new fruit, going for a walk or doing something relaxing) not impossible challenges. Although you can plan what you are going to do, sometimes it's more effective to take stock at the end of the day and recognise the things you have done almost without realising it. It shows the positive habits you've adopted since starting PEP. Small things can add up to big results in the long term.
The 3 things thread is here. Post at least once to gain the points.

Challenge 2 - planning

Weekly shopping was planned against menus for the week to ensure perfect pepping and no last minute snacking.

Weekly exercise planned on exercise thread and will be update through the week.

10 points earned

Em! it's after 7pm hope this still counts!!

Anyway my name is Heather I am 45 and I am only 4ft 10, I am married and have two daughters and I feel like I have been slimming most of my life.

It came to a crunch last year, I was quite poorly and unable to do very much and my weight ballooned, I had an operation to remove a growth in my stomache in July last year and since then I have been more determined to enjoy life, which means loosing weight, so here I am. I have a stone to loose.

I still struggle with the excersice part tho! as I have a lot of nerve damage and have to get injections on a regular basis, but I am trying to build up slowly.

So 1st challange done

Challenge 3 for this week, my 3 things to stick to pep today
1. 45 mins of tennis and 45 mins of badminton - so much exercise this week that im not going to mess it up by stuffing my face!!
2. Made my salad for tomorrows lunch (does that count as planning too?? hahha) and 3x pots of jelly and fruit for this weeks snacks
3. Staying AWAY from the big pack of chocolate buttons that my other half is munching his way through and eating my free jelly mmmm

xx

Hi there,

I'm Elle and I'm 31. I live in Glasgow with my lovely fiance and 2 cats and a terrapin. We are getting married in less than 3 months which is great but terrifying all at the same time.

I'd lost over 10 stone and had about 1.5 to go but unfortunately I've let a few creep back on since meeting my oh a few years ago and getting very comfortable and discovering how good a cook he is!

I've had a lot of family stuff going on since the begining of the year and have totally lost my pep mojo and I want it back! I'm hoping this challenge will give me an extra wee boost...
As far as the challenges for last week go I had some raspberries with jelly earlier and if you have got this far you know I've posted a wee intro. Now for this weeks challenge

It really nice to read everyones stories and what they want to achieve
xx

Hey all hope you are all well

I have got into the habit of planning my meals and going shopping with a wee list. So this week I am going to try and plan my exercise.
Mon- jogging
Tues- bodypump
Wed- Don't think I will manage any
Turs- jogging and possibly step attack
Frid- bodypump
Sat- jogging
Sun- bodypump

Will let you know if I manage this!!!

Bodypump x 3 !??? Your mad!! Haha xx

Afternoon!

Challenge 1 - done (see a couple of posts above)
Challenge 2 - have planned breakfasts and lunches for the whole week so no going to the shop for a sarnie and coming back with chocolate Exercise for this week is all planned too and since I'm going out walking with someone else I have NO excuses!!
Challenge 3 - done (on the 3 things thread)

I love the '3 things post' as it makes you actually think about what you are doing and that is what I need right now! Going to try and remember to post there every day...

Hi Sue, I added a couple of posts last night but I don't see them. Admittedly this is the first I've blogged with SS so perhaps I've put them into cyber-space.The team could be losing points

hi Anne!! Not sure where they have gone!? We did have some problems with messages dissapearing a few weeks back!?

Did u post them in this thread here!? If you tell us which challenges etc they were I'm sure we can sort something!! Or find the messages hehe xx

Hi, the children are 11, 8, 4 and 3. Like you, I love their company and try to be active with them but I could never keep up with them for too long.

Challenge 1

Hi all Im Lorraine, im 40 years old, married with 2 kidults. I have been dieting for as long as i can remember been at target 2 and put it all back on again.I love reading, watching football and have just discovered my treadmill again which i am loving.

Challenge 2 - I have planned my exercise for the week and set time aside each morning before going to work to be able to do it

Challnege 3 - Written everything down as i eat it so i can stay on track, measured and weighed food, refused cakes & sweets at work today

3 things -

1/ Ate my Eb fruit and really enjoyed it, melon and orange mmmm
2/ completed my planned run of 4.5k
3/ Ate my 5 a day Brocolli, Spinich, Orange, Melon, Carrot

Sorry team2 I didn't manage to do the challenge 3, however I did go for a 45 min jog!!

Challenge 2 - planning

just planned my meals and shopping list for the week

So far this is how it sounds for dinners

Tue- lentil and sweet potato dahll
wed- healthy piZza
thur- tuna kedgeree
fri- tandoori chicken nann breads
sat- pork with mushroom sauce
Sunday- roast chicken pasta
mon- chicken and potato curry
tue - fahitas

That'll all get mixed up but so far that's my teas for the next week!!

Xx

Remember, you have all week to do the challenges so don't worry if you don't have time to do them today.

I have done my planning tonight sorting all the stuff for lunches and breaks for the week. I like to pack my lunch bag with the non-fridge stuff for the week so I don't need to bother. I've also mixed 2 portions of hot oat cereal ready. Now each morning I just need to get stuff out of the fridge so it saves time and I never run out.

I've also planned tea for tomorrow. Tuesday evenings I cook but I'm always short on time because of getting weighed so I don't want to waste any getting shopping.

Anne, if you let me know which challenges you completed, I'll add your points on.

Thanks Bookhunter, I thought you had to complete the challenges on the Monday.

Challenge one- I allready introduced myself however I did not say what I wanted to gain from the challenge. I go to Benidorm in 7 weeks time, a girls holiday as my sister is 40 and my mum is 60 this year!! I'd like to look the best I can in that time as I know I won't be at target. I'm hoping the challege will give me that extra kick up the buttocks!! I also think the support we will all gain from each other will give us extra motivation!!

Challenge two- I have planned my exercise for the week, which I have posted allready. I will go and find it as done my 45 min jog yesterday so will need to update it!!

Just got challenge three to do.

How is everyone getting on? xx

Especially those in team2!!!!

Good morming team-mates and fellow challengers, I'm heading off to the gym for 45 mins workout. WOOWOO. Haven't been for 5 weeks but feel ready for it today.

For challenge 3 - PEP :_
1. I Planned menu for the week and made a shopping list with only those items required for the weeks menu. The weekly shop on Sunday was therefore lighter on the tummy and the purse.
2.I bought nectarines and melon as well as the usual apples, bananas and grapes. Lovely fruit salad for dessert.
3.Play mini-olympics in the garden with the granchildren for an hour on Sunday.

I'm enjoying the challenge and my friend/mentor at work was well chuffed when I tiold her I'd lost 1.4.kg.

HI my name is lesley I was a member on this forum last year when I attended a class before my wedding, I did manage to lose a little weight but then after my honeymoon decided I didnt need to go any more as I could do it alone , but as you all can see after 10 months off I am back again and started back at a class last night. The difference for me this time is that I have my MIL and her pal with me for support (MIL scary so will think of her anytime I wanna eat something bad) LOL x

Also have a couple of different things to motivate me, I am having a fitting for my bridesmaids dress in 10weeks for my sisters wedding and also my hubby and I are trying for a baby , so its onwards and downwards for me...

Lesley xxxx

So introduce myself cahllenge one done

Challenge 2 planning :- I have sat a wrote done my meals for the next three days, and also have my excercise for the weeks planned, tonight 1hr spin class and thur night 1hr Zumba class

Challenge 3 worte everything down and stuck to it, measured my food and refused Junk food.

Hope this helps team two along???

Lesley