General Diet Plans and Questions - Body for Life #22

Hi everyone!

I am back from New York. I had an okay time. Sad (visit to WTC) and happy (visit with my kids) and intense (the interview).

I am just beginning to notice good changes in me. I did have forbdden foods in NY but I'm all better now. :)

Glad to home but I'm tired. I didn't walk the dog this morning but opted to sleep in. I'll go back to the walk tomorrow.

Susan

Susanje - glad to see you back! ;)

Jim and I had the best time yesterday - we went to the Grand National horse show/rodeo at the Cow Palace yesterday. I've been going to this show every year since I was a kid. My first husband didn't care about horses and I always went by myself previously, but Jim LOVES going with me - and this year was the best since the stable I ride/take lessons at (Kramer Training) had their show string there and they really did well, won a lot of ribbons. Perhaps by next year I'll be in the Grand National show ring...just a dream... :D

This morning I had a lesson and got to ride Tucker, who is an ex-race horse and still has a lot of pep, in fact so much that it's really hard to hold him back - my arms and legs got a great workout trying to hold him in! Horseback riding can most definitely be a great sport for BFLers...

So anyway - I had not eaten any Halloween Candy and I am so proud of myself!!! Last night my sister knew it was Free Day today and she had me paw through the kids' bags for choice goodies for today. As soon as I woke up this morning, I ate a couple of pieces...and all I have to say is, my new 'candy limit' is two Fun Size Snickers in one sitting. (I used to be able to polish off the whole bag without a whimper!).

Time to hit the tub! Good night all!

Hello Everyone.
I am thinking about doing the BFL program and don't know where to start. I went to the web site and downloaded the daily progress reports and I'm going out this morning to buy the book and a set of weights and a bench. Where do I go from there? Are there little tips I should know from those of you who know the ropes and have been doing this with success for a while? I'm already doing a LC diet(Atkins) And have been since june of this year. I have lost 41# so far. I just feel my results could be lots better and now I'm stalled and unhappy about it. I'm willing to try something new to jump start myself again. I've always wanted to get into weight lifting and this seems to be just the ticket.

Mrs. Tim, I saw your web site and WOW!!!! is all I can say. I love the results you have gotten. Now help me :^:

Taz-

The one thing about BFL is that it is not a low carb diet. I'm sure you already knew that, but you will be getting many more clean carbs than you were with the Atkins diet.

You do eat quite a bit of low fat protein for muscle development.

Well...it seems you are on the right track with getting some weights and a bench. I have been lifting for a month now (getting ready for challenge #1 in January). Just make sure that you are mentally prepared to do the challenge. That is why I am waiting to make sure that I have no interruptions/excuses for my first challenge. I am not speaking from experience, but rather from my own "investigation" but it seems like its easier to keep to the food plan if you really plan ahead. Get individual quick frozen chicken breasts, etc...stuff like that so it doesnt take as long to prepare the meals.

It will take a few weeks to get used to it, but make sure you are hitting 10's when you lift and do cardio. Hitting a 10 doesn't mean that you crumble to the floor after cardio...or that your arm feels numb and is about to fall off after lifting. It just means that you worked yourself to failure and you could't do one more rep with GOOD FORM.

Anyways...I am at work and kind of rambling so this whole post probably didnt make much sense. :)
This is my first post by the way...probably post again later. Hope ya'll don't mind a male joining the discussion.

Sean
340/290/190

Program: not really on one...just eating "clean" foods and doing cardio/lifting 3 days a week. Not as intense as BFL. Going to do C1 in January/March ending the day before my Spring Break(free week!!). I have lost 50 lbs since April doing what I have been doing, but I know I can do better. I know I have some muscles that can come out...considering I weigh 290 but I "only" have 32% BF...which is still a lot...but that means I've got 192 lbs of "lean mass". I'm only 5'11...so anyways...im just rambling again. :) See you all later!

Are you still doing the program that Jeremy did for you ( for fat loss) ? How are your meals and exercisising differing now? Is it working? I am getting ready to start my 3rd challenge, last one wasn't too good. Somehow, I need to lower my carb intake. Maybe a zig-zag thing every other day?
~~~Sil

Actually, Jeremy has me zig-zagging carbs - on high carb days I get three extra carb portions, spread out between meals 3,4, & 5. The protein stays the same each day, except on Free Day of course. Actually Free Day is a bit different - the first four weeks of the program, it's Free Day as usual, then on week 5 I get a free meal, then alternating between free day and one or two free meals a week. As it turns out Week 5 is Thanksgiving week so guess which day I'm having my free meal? :)

In addition, I'm having a post-workout shake on non-cardio days.

As far as working out, for the most part I'm doing Pam B's workout - except I'm NOT doing Cardio every single day. I'm still at three 20-minute sessions a week, but I might add in an extra session. Pam B's workout is in the Lean & Strong "Training Library" - I've quoted from it before and it is a VERY motivating read!

Taz - Congratulations! First thing you gotta do is READ the book, and I mean the WHOLE book. (not that it's a really challenging read). Don't skip the chapter on "Crossing the Abyss" After three Challenges, I've come to realize that is the MOST IMPORTANT chapter in the book!

Then go to www.leanandstrong.com and check out the "Transformation Gallery" there for motivation. There are so many great transformations there - all ordinary people who decided to cross the abyss and take control of their physical and mental health.

Another good site to read is www.hussman.com/eas. Dr. Hussman's site goes into depth about the scientific reasons as to WHY the BFL program works that the book doesn't touch on.

After reading the Hussman site - you may be tempted to 'tweak' the BFL program a bit. Most of us old-timers would say emphatically - on your first 12-week cycle, GO STRICTLY BY THE BOOK - don't tweak anything. And be patient - change doesn't always happen overnight. If you're in the habit of weighing yourself once a day/week/month - get over it. On BFL, the SCALE LIES. I have lost maybe 10 pounds on BFL over 2 challenges which (if I was into the scale thing the way I was before) would totally depress me - BUT BUT BUT - I'm now wearing size six clothes (DKNY & Calvin Klein jeans) at 5'4" and 151.5 lb (last time I weighed which was at the end of C2).

Anyway, gotta run - take care!

I'm going to read the book cover to cover. Then I'll be back with more questions. Thanks for all the advice so far.

I was really worried about not lifting any weights during free week, but I listened to everyone's advice and didn't touch a dumbbell all week. This morning was my first UBWO of C2, and I'm stronger than I was at the end of C1! Of course I had a major case of "rubber arms" afterwards, and I'll probably be really sore tomorrow...but I was thrilled at the amount I could lift.

Welcome back, Susanje...glad to hear your trip was OK. And welcome Taz and Sean. BFL is a great program...and you can get as much out of it as you're willing to put into it. If you read the book and set your goals and give it 100%, you will be amazed at the results.

Goodnight all ---

Marci

I have a few questions, please.
Do you know how many grams of carbs you take in on high-carb days as opposed to your lower-carb days?
So are you saying that on meal #3 you get a portion of protein and 2 of carbs? Do you ever reduce or omit a carb portion to get a low-carb day?
I was trying to zig-zag with a high cal/high carb (1400 cals/140 carbs) vs. low cal/low carb (1030 cals/66 carbs) but i found it difficult to stay on.
I know that you usually eat the same foods, but could you please post an example of your days? Thanks again, Sil

Here's an example of a low-carb day:

Meal 1 - Myo Lite w/1 tbsp Udos
Meal 2 - Cottage Cheese and 1/2 banana
Meal 3 - Chicken breast, 3/4 apple and veggies (any amount)
Meal 4 - Tuna, 2 oz baked potato, veggies (any amount)
Meal 5 - Lean beef, 1/3 c. pinto beans, veggies (any amount)
Meal 6 - Myo Lite w/Udos

Daily total - 84g protein, 97g carbs, 57g fat, 1184 calories (more or less)

And a high-carb day:

Meal 1 - Myo Lite w/Udos
Meal 2 - Cottage cheese and 1 cup blueberries
Meal 3 - chicken breast, 1/2 banana, 1/3 c black beans, veggies, 1 tbsp flax oil
Meal 4 - 2 eggs, 7/8 c. grapes, 2 oz baked potato
Meal 5 - salmon, 1/3 c pinto beans, 2 oz pasta (usually couscous), veggies
Meal 6 - Myo Lite w/ Udos

Daily total - 98g protein, 140g carbs, 73g fat, 1553 calories (approximately)

On non-cardio days, I also have a post-workout shake which for me is a Myo Lite w/udos and banana thrown in.

Hope that helps you out, Sil!

Mrs. Jim, I got the book and am almost done with it. It is an easy read. It doesn't give a sample menu of what to start out on. Could you post a typical menu for a beginner. I have no clue as to what to eat and I'm so afraid of eating the wrong things. Coming from the Atkins plan it is hard for me to get used to the idea of eating more carbs than 20/day. This help will give me an edge on getting started in the right way.

I hope you don't mind..............thank you much

Taz - that's an easy question...

Actually in the book Bill Phillips does have some sample menus for three days. The only problem I have with the menus in the book is that three of them are meal replacement shakes (Myoplex). Personally I like to keep my MRP meals to two a day at most.

Here's what Dr. Hussman has to say about the Nutrition-for-Life plan on his site (www.hussman.com/eas):
The core of the Nutrition-for-LIFE aspect of this program is to eat 6 limited, high quality meals a day. As Bill says, "A meal doesn't mean you have Mom lay out a napkin, and put a fancy plate of food out there. A meal simply means a portion of protein and a portion of carbohydrate. So a meal for me may mean a protein drink and a piece of fruit." If your goal is fat loss, remember: frequent, but limited (particularly in terms of refined carbohydrates).

Bill's advice seems to target about 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat (which is largely contained in the whole foods you eat, even "lean" meats). Since you'll be doing weight training, shoot for at least a gram of protein per pound of lean weight daily, regardless of your specific goal.

As for how much to eat, Bill's "portion rule" is simple, and gets the job done. To keep it as simple as possible, Bill advises scaling your portions by the size of your open palm or closed fist. If you feel that you must count calories, or you want to do the calculations once just to make sure you're on track, see the section about "How calories work" on my main fitness page. You'll also see fairly quickly why Bill didn't include that discussion in his book. That said, try to keep it simple. The Body-for-LIFE program will work just fine using the "portion rule", as long as you're not holding your hand under a magnifying glass.

Basically, all you need to do is choose a food from the protein list (make sure it's the size of your palm); a food from the carb list (the size of your fist - my fist equals 1/2 cup of brown rice); add a veggie for at least two of your meals and that's it! The exception to the palm protein rule is eggs and cottage cheese - since they are 'fluffier' you need more than a fist-size portion usually.

Here's a typical day for me on my first two challenges:

Meal #1 - Myoplex Lite w/Udos or Flaxseed oil (1 Tbsp).
Meal #2 - Cottage cheese and fruit (usually melon)
Meal #3 - Grilled chicken breast w/ brown rice and veggies
Meal #4 - Cottage cheese and 1/2 banana or 1 apple
Meal #5 - Salmon, cous-cous with veggies
Meal #6 - Myoplex Lite w/ Udos (just before bedtime)

If you haven't already done so, do check out www.leanandstrong.com. Most of us here hang out there as well. During the week, Tall Jen (TJ) posts a daily menu thread, where you can post your daily menu for her to critique. Even if you don't post your menu, you can still learn a lot from just reading the thread and seeing what she says about others' menus! Check it out!!
:D

PS - I almost forgot - check out the Cooking Library at L&S as well for some great BFL recipes - including my Joe's Special recipe!

Taz-

All meals combine a serving a protein with a serving of carbs. A serving equals a fist pretty much. Thats all it really takes. Mix cottage cheese with some fruit, down a myo lite shake, make up some chicken with cous cous or brown rice, etc. 6 meals a day....usually about every 2 1/2 - 3 hours apart. Oh...and add veggies to two meals.

I think a typical day might look like this...but anyone can feel free to correct me if its not right.

Meal 1: Myo lite shake after workout
Meal 2: cottage cheese/fresh blueberries
Meal 3: tuna salad/whole wheat bread
Meal 4: myo lite or bean salad
Meal 5: grilled chicken breast with brown rice
Meal 6: egg white omelet with spinach/tomatoes

Obviously there are tons of combo's you can make up with whatever you like to eat. I would think that Meal 6 could be optional if you aren't hungry, but from what I have heard you will be because your body needs the extra nutrition to grow and fuel your body for the workouts.

Later-

Doggz

Thanks Mrs.Jim~~~That really helped. I entered your food choices (to the best of my ability) onto Fit Day and the numbers are not even close. My portions may be too big, since I don't weigh my food. For the examples that you gave to me I used 1 cup green beans as the veggie choice, and I'm not sure of the exact sizes of your banana/apple.

But if you get a chance, please check out my public fitday journal. I have not been using it lately, except to check out certain food combos, etc. For Nov 6 & 7 I entered your choices that you gave me. Let me know about the portions that I entered (might be too big) and therein lies my problem. Anyway, check out the numbers and let me know what I did wrong because the cals, carbs and protein are way off.
http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=silbar

Like you, I've been "setting up" for my first challenge starting Monday, November 19. I've been experimenting with food, practicing the lifting with a trainer to get the form perfect, clearing out my cabinets, incorporating flax oil, trying out the MAS, etc. By the day I start, I'll have food in the cupboards and the freezer, gym visits scheduled, and all systems go! Many of us here lost weight another way before taking on BFL. Congratulations on the steps you've already taken to change your life!

Good to hear everyone is doing so well. Counting down to 11/19/01, D1,CH1...

First to Sil - you're right, the portion sizes that you entered into Fitday are WAY bigger than I'm eating right now. Actually it took a bit of getting used to in the beginning (eating BFL-sized portions vs. Jeremy's portions) but now I'm accustomed to it.

Actually my BFL-palm-sized portion of chicken breast was about 1/2 a regular sized boneless skinless chicken breast anyway. On Jeremy's plan the portion sizes get a tad smaller. (This Challenge I want to get below 14% bodyfat, so I'm getting a bit more aggressive as far as clean eating - yeah, I KNOW it's the holiday season...). After this Challenge is over I will probably do a straight BFL challenge (palm/fist, 20MAS, UBWO/LBWO) but I'm really loving Camp Pam B! :D

On to Doggz' menu - just a few comments:

Meal 1: Myo lite shake after workout
Great - just remember you should wait 1 hour after a cardio workout to eat for maximum fat-burning. Weight training days eat as soon as possible. I'd put a tablespoon of Udos or flaxseed oil in there as well - you need those healthy fats!

Meal 2: cottage cheese/fresh blueberries
Good choice!

Meal 3: tuna salad/whole wheat bread
There's no real mayo in that tuna salad is there? Fat-free mayo is okay. Also, be advised that bread (even whole-grain bread) is NOT the best carb choice - in the book, Bill Phillips reluctantly authorizes bread. Personally, I save bread and flour products for Free Day, as I find the unprocessed carbs such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, squash, etc. keep me satisfied much longer than processed carbs do. Oh, one more thing - if you're gonna have bread, make sure it's REAL whole-wheat bread, not just white bread with brown food coloring!

Meal 4: myo lite or bean salad
Just a reminder - beans are carbs...you need a protein with this...
what I usually do is mix black beans and brown rice, with cut-up grilled chicken. I'd add a green veggie as well - remember that you need a minimum of two veggie servings a day (more would be better!)

Meal 5: grilled chicken breast with brown rice
Great choice - although I'd add a veggie with this.

Meal 6: egg white omelet with spinach/tomatoes
Egg white omelettes are great - however you do need a carb with this - I suggest a baked potato - you could chop it up and add it to the omelette as a filling (or do the same with brown rice).

Again, Tall Jen is the real menu expert - I'd suggest posting your menus on her daily menu thread on Lean & Strong!

Take care all!

over here you're our Pam Brown and Tall Jen all in one!

MsJim-

Thank you for the menu critique. :) I really can't wait to start my challenge in January...its getting tough to hold off...I'm very excited..but I am sure getting used to working out hard again and planning my food choices better will come in handy when I start it.

Got some exercise questions for ya'll...do any of you work out at home and not go to the gym? What are some of the better LBWO exercises you can do at home? I've heard that dumbell lunges and squats are good.

Have a great night-

Doggz

Lh - I am more than happy to do what I can to help you and everyone - BFL has done SO much for me, and I think that one of the first things that appealed to me about the program was Bill Phillips' concept of 'giving back to others'. So, I try to learn from my mistakes and help others any way I can. I want us ALL to achieve our goals! :) BFL is an INTENSE program but the rewards are rich and worth the effort!

Doggz - why wait until January to start BFL? You're excited now...just start Monday! Christmas and Thanksgiving won't be a problem - just do what I'm going to do and take your Free Days on the holidays. :cool:

As far as working out at home, well, I don't have room myself (though I would LOVE to have a bench and set of PowerBlocks around the house - PowerBlocks are terrific!) in my tiny apartment but I know there are a few gals here and plenty at L&S who work out at home. I would recommend PowerBlocks in a heartbeat because they take up very little room and are adjustable, vs. having a ton of different sized dumbbells. I know Susanje works out at home. There are plenty of exercises that you can do at home just using a bench and dumbbells - start out with the ones in the book...another great book is Arnold Schwartenegger's New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding which has just about every exercise you can think of (and a few you probably didn't think of) both with machines and free weights. Check your local library - they may have it!

One of my goals for this challenge (my "Holiday Challenge") is to get off the Halloween-to-New-Years-who-gives-a-crap bacchanalia (sp?) of eating cookies, candies, etc. So far Halloween was no problem! The only real problem I can see happening is holiday baking, but if it **really** bothers me I will either just bake on Free Days or skip it altogether and let my sisters do all the cookie-baking this year. I mean, is it really worth it to me to have 5-10 pounds of cookie dough hanging from my butt?

Jim is constantly giving me compliments about how I look, and has been telling everyone in his department about my progress and BFL (now if I can only get him to do it as well...one of these days maybe...he eats BFL style at home since I keep a 'clean' kitchen these days). I feel so wonderful and I can really tell that my hips, thighs and abs are finally getting smaller! WOO HOO!

Well, gotta go - I have to take my group out to dinner tonight...but I'm staying CLEAN! Later!

For legs I do squats, sumo squats, single leg step-ups (on a stool...no room for a weight bench in my spare bedroom!), lunges, straight-leg deadlifts. There are lots of variations you can do just by changing the position of your feet. And if you want to add intensity without adding weight, SLOW DOWN and really pay attention to your form. It really works.

I've been using my old aerobic step as a makeshift bench for chest presses, flys, calf raises, etc., but just added a stability ball and am incorporating that as a bench substitute too.

I will need to invest in some heavier weights before too much longer. I'll probably get a set of Power Blocks as they don't take up as much room as dumbbells.

I like the convenience of working out at home and being able to roll out of bed, throw some clothes on and get started!

Marci

Actually I have been all week...

Not only am I in charge of organizing an important series of meetings (running back and forth across the street to our various buildings here) but (in case you didn't read it on L&S) my father went in for heart surgery on Tuesday (an angiogram).

I called him today and he sounded GREAT. Actually he was discharged on Wednesday. About 10 years ago he had triple-bypass surgery. According to what he told me (Dad was a medical student and an Army medic before becoming a chemist) triple bypass is not permanent - the artery walls will eventually clog up or break down over time...

My father is almost 70 years old, and every day is at his gym working out - he uses free weights and machines, as well as the treadmill, LifeCycle, and elliptical. He also goes for regular walks with Mom and their two dogs - and my Mom makes sure he eats right (lots of veggies and lean meats, etc.).

Anyway...his heart specialist told him that because he has been so active and living such a healthy lifestyle...his body built a whole new system of corolllary circulation (new arteries, capellaries, etc) to support his heart! If not for that, my Dad would have been in his grave years ago!

What a testament to the power of eating right and exercise! :)

Thank for the menu suggestions. I did my first workout today. I wasn't able to do as many reps as was indicated in the book but I feel I can work up to it. I feel pretty good about it and think I'll like it . I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow because the only form of exercise I'm use to is walking but I'm going to keep going untill it becomes second nature.

You guys are the best! Thanks loads!!!

Today was week 12 day 4 of Challenge 1. Brian and I planned out the whole week -- usually we have our workouts planned but just a general framework for the meals that we firm up each day. Brian is the major planner, not me, but it makes it easier to finish out the challenge! We're both getting just a little worn down, and looking forward to free week.

Mrs. Jim -- it was wonderful to hear that your father's lifestyle has contributed to the health of his heart. Best wishes to him and to your family!

Carrie

How many portions are there in a 1000 grams of glutamine? What is the suggested daily dose during a Challenge?

Your father's story is so inspiring! Since I'll be able to retire from my job at 55, I have a whole series of "fitness experiences" planned. I'm 47 now and intend to enjoy the next phase of my life by being active every day.

Have a great weekend all.

Did you buy the Labrada Glutamine in the tub? If so, there is a little blue scoop (well, it was a blue scoop in mine anyway) which I think equals about 1 1/2 teaspoons. Here's how I've been using it:

AM prior to workout - 1 scoop glutamine + 1 scoop creatine + 1 scoop Tang (as a carb carrier for the creatine) in 16 oz of water.

After workout - same as above

Evening before bedtime - 1 scoop glutamine in 16 oz water.

How many servings? Well the tub says 200 but mine has lasted for MONTHS. I'm just nearing the bottom of the one I bought midway through C1 and I'm currently in Week 3 of C3!

Take care all!

Hi everyone. I have been lurking & learning alot from you guys about BFL.

I've read the book a few times, but I have some basic questions about portions. As far as eggs, cottage cheese, and other "non-solid" foods, what do you use as a portion? 1 cup? Half?

I am looking forward to starting my 1st challenge soon :) Any advice you have would be great. Thanks

Ashley

Happy Birthday, Mrs Jim!!!

I must have put it in my profile... :o

Everyone is asking me what I'm doing for my birthday. Well, I'm not going out to eat - my Free Day is tomorrow, and I'm sticking to it!

Did quads and hams today. My favorites! I have my riding lesson this morning then maybe I'll go to the mall, Nordstrom is having their half-yearly sale. (usually I don't buy anything tho).

And as usual on my birthday, money is tight so we may wait until next weekend (after payday) to celebrate...we spent too much money at the horse show last weekend and I bought like 3 months' worth of Myo Lite and another tub of glutamine.

Whew! Anyway, on to Ashley's question...

Tall Jen at www.leanandstrong.com calls cottage cheese and egg whites "fluffy" proteins - 8 egg whites or about 3/4 cup to 1 cup cottage cheese would equal one protein serving. As always, I strongly suggest spending some time surfing our archives here and at L&S' board for more info! Take care - I have to take a shower, then cut up carrots and apples for the horses!

Mrs Jim: Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!


have you looked into Power Blocks? I have been looking at them and do want one of the pro sets because they are expandable (I guess the sports set and personal sets are not). The cheapest one is 5-45 lbs (each hand) to begin with ($349). I'm thinking this would be enough for now. opinion?

Happy Birthday Mrs. Jim!!! And I was glad to hear the good news about your dad.

Carrie, congratulations on winding up your first challenge! Enjoy your free week and get some rest! Your body will appreciate it. How lucky you are to have your husband doing BFL with you. My boyfriend is very supportive of my efforts but his idea of a workout is washing the cars on the weekend and his eating habits are terrible! Wish I could get him to get on the program with me.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Marci

And good to see the "size 6 jeans" photo on your posts.

Hi everybody! You have some great sources on nutrition info on this board and on Lean & Strong, but in case you're ever not quite sure of your portions you can check out the labels on the food. My portions are usually around 20 grams of protein or carbs, but taller or more muscular people might have more like 30.

The last cardio workout of Challenge 1 is now complete -- Yay!!!! I still haven't learned to love the 20 MAS as much as other parts of the program, so one goal for next challenge will be to work on my cardio attitude (maybe HIIT would be more "fun").

Have a great weekend!!!

Carrie

I just got back from babysitting my nephew and niece...I will celebrate my birthday tomorrow on Free Day!

Actually I did get a great pair of ankle boots at the mall today.

I thought that it being my b-day and all it was a good time to change the photo to something a bit more recent. Of course you need a magnifying glass to see it! :dizzy:

Carrie - you may want to try alternating HIIT and 20 MAS cardio sessions (that's what I've been doing - I do HIIT on the treadmill and 20 MAS on the elliptical). Basically a 20 minute HIIT session properly done is hitting a "10" 10 times. I do a minute at a brisk walk, then a minute as all-out as I can do for 60 seconds, then back to a brisk walk, then all-out, etc. until the 20 minutes is over. And I do recommend changing cardio machines - I actually enjoy the elliptical a lot more than the treadmill, but I have also tried the Step Mill. now THAT's a worker!! OW!

Well, time for my bedtime MyoLite! Night all!

Hope everyone is having a good one today!

Jim and I spent this morning cleaning house (BADLY needed around here, I can tell ya!), then went to McDonald's for Free Day lunch.

BTW, on another forum on the Web (I don't go to many others other than L&S and this one though) someone accused me of being 'against' any fitness program that isn't BFL, and then used the old argument that BFL costs a ton of moolah to do (which of course is untrue - the book even states you don't NEED to use Myoplex, Betagen, etc. - but so many people who have not even cracked open the book assume it's a huge marketing ploy for EAS). I had already replied but afterwards read a post by George Roberts on L&S' main board. I wanted to quote it here 'cos I wish I had said it this eloquently! Here goes:
Nobody was a bigger skeptic than I. The first time I logged onto the BFL site and saw the transformations, I said out loud, "There's no way those people did that in 12 weeks!"

What you come to realize is that those are the champions out of thousands of entries. After 8 months, I still don't look like a transformation champion, but I have transformed myself for the better, and I continue to push forward, and that's what the program's really about.

There's no denying that the book serves as an incredible marketing vehicle for EAS. But there's also no denying that it's still a very good book. Don't make the mistake of confusing all the sales bull with the validity of the program.

By the way, I don't use any EAS products as a rule, but the ones I've tried (primarily the Myoplex shakes and various bars) I thought were pretty good. In fact, I think there are a lot of good products on the market by various companies.

Is this the right program for you? I'm convinced anyone--anyone--could get great results with it.


Have a fantastic Sunday y'all!

Mrs. Jim, you are so right...

I saw your post at L&S and read the Anorex debate on the other web site...it really makes you crazy, doesn't it? Everyone is looking for that "magic pill" that's going to make them lean, strong and healthy. Speaking as someone who's been there, who used to wash down their Phen-Fen with Slim Fast :eek: and ended up a whole lot fatter from the experience -

The secret to getting in shape is...there is no secret! You've got to believe you can, you've got to use a technology that works (proper nutrition, moderate aerobic exercise, and a concern for muscle), and you've got to follow through. Is it easy? No! But for me, it's a lot easier to live with myself now that I'm actually sticking to a program, seeing progress, feeling my energy increase daily, fitting back into the clothes that have been gathering dust in the back of my closet...I'll take that over "easy" any day!

As for BFL being a marketing ploy for EAS...oh, really? I did my entire first challenge without using a single EAS product. (I just started using MyoLite and Udo's - not an EAS product, by the way - when I began Challenge 2, and I don't use any supplements.) I don't recall any chapters of the Body for Life book saying that you have to use any of the EAS products to have success with the program.

OK! I'll get down from the soapbox now. It's hard to stay off of it, since I've struggled with being unfit most of my life. Now that I've found an answer that works for me, I want to share it with everyone. And Mrs. Jim, please don't let those negative people get you down - you have been a great inspiration to so many of us - and we appreciate it so much!

Marci

Even before I started on my BFL journey, I would get so angry reading threads and posts on this and other forums about the latest can't-fail diet pill, exercise gadget, infomercial gimmick, etc. and see desparate people (mostly women) running after them in the hopes that THIS WILL BE THE ONE THAT WORKS.

In fact, that's why it took me a little 'convincing' to give BFL a try.

But once I read the book and saw Susanje's posts, it came together for me in my mind...I crossed my abyss and have been going full steam ever since.

Now, without a doubt as George said in his post (quoted in my previous post) BFL has been a tremendous boon for EAS. But...I really don't think that was Bill Phillips' primary goal. From what I've read and seen about him, he is someone who truly feels he's been blessed and wants to share some of that blessing with others. Anyone who has seen the video "Body of Work" will remember a key scene, where Bill P was referring to the spectators and fans he would come across, who were so out of shape. His vision was/is to bring the benefits of bodybuilding to the general public (most of whom had the same view of bodybuilders as I did - big steroid freakish overly muscled types). He does not strike me as a selfish person in the least - a prime example is the book itself - all profits go to Make-a-Wish Foundation - undoubtedly millions that could have gone into his pocket - instead helping others.

Anyway, sorry to ramble on. Thanks SO MUCH for your support - I just get so fed up with the 'diet industry' sometimes...