YOU: On a Diet - and other Oprah inspired diets - YOU: On a Diet - July chatter

Happy July!

Ok, the July points challenge has been officially kicked off! Let's see what we can accomplish in July together!

I've already got in my exercise point - did my 30 minute walk this morning. I'm starting out slow for a few weeks, but will be up to my lifting and cardio workouts before you know it.

Welcome Ledom and mkat :welcome2: - glad to have you join Kim and I! Let's keep the chatter here on this thread, and we'll just use the sticky to track our points progress.

Ledom and I are friends from way back - used to do Body for Life (BFL) and Jillian's programs together. Kim and I have been here in the YOU: area for a year and a half. Patti is around some days too.

I'll be doing a higher-protein version of YOAD as well as the workouts for BFL, once I get my body back used to exercising a bit. I've regained 50# since I stopped doing BFL 4 years ago, and want to get myself back to the shape I was then.

So, this month may or may not include the start of my challenge, but it will definitely be the start of my working my way back to a healthier me!
Cindy

Thanks for starting us out Cindy. I'll check in later after I have made it through the day. I have done water and exercise, so far so good w/ food.

Whew..tough day and I felt like skipping the exercise since it is month end close but felt I needed to get my frustrations out in some form and what better way then to hit the pavement. Tomorrow morning will be my workout at the YMCA. Feel so much more in control after a successful day! Yes, can't wait to see how we all do.

I was going to give myself points for staying off the scale during the week, but I'm actually glad I did get on it this morning - because now I don't have to change my ticker! I was actually up a bit from it and was contemplating changing it. But this morning I was at my ticker weight!

So, the good news is that I've actually managed to keep off the weight I lost doing WW points! I'm pretty happy about that!

This weekend will be a bit of a challenge, but I'm gearing up for it - lots of chicken and salad fixin's available for me when everyone else is lazy and wants pizza.

Hope you gals are having a good one!
Cindy

Why is it that change of routine seems to mess up my eating so much? Today I'm working from home (camp actually), and despite the fact that every other weekday I have a Zone bar for breakfast, today I'm still hungry! Usually the bar will hold me until 11, when I'll have a small snack. Today I'm pacing the kitchen, just because I can!

I just found out about CSAs - community supported agriculture, and was thrilled to find one that hadn't started yet. So, I plan to join - you sign up for the season, pay a fee, and get boxes of local produce throughout the summer season, and into the fall. I plan to share with a coworker, since there would be way too much food for DH and I. But I'm excited to try this - we only have produce in grocery stores here - no local "fruit market" type stores and very few farmers markets that I can get to. This will be a way to get fresh veggies into our diet, and will force us to try new stuff, new recipes, because you get what you get, and then have to use it!

I'm up here with all my chicken and veggies - I've made a plan for the weekend - let's hope I can stick to it!
Cindy

Cindy - I have the same problem in the summer. At work I am busy and just get into more of a routine. At home the routine goes out the door. I hope you do have some little treats planned for yourself that are within your calorie range. Some way to treat yourself. At any rate - have a wonderful holiday.

Happy 4th everyone!

I'm feeling rather smug right now - had to run to get a few grocery items this morning, and on the way back DH wanted McDonald's! :dizzy: Anyway, we went in, and I sat there and drank diet coke while he ate his stuff. I came home and am now having the chicken salad lunch I had planned! The rest of the day will be a blur of snack foods, and there will be stuff I'll want to have, so why waste those calories on breakfast (a bunch of people went out - I had a Zone bar), or McD's?

Have a good one everyone!
Cindy

I am going to a party tonight and one tomorrow. Sigh. Last night I went and worked out because I couldn't early in the day or today either. Finished at 8 p.m. and had that olympic size pool to myself - that is when I felt smug.

Keeping points is really making me think twice about things. Water especially, two nights I was drinking water right up until bedtime and I have rethought that. I hate getting up in the middle of the night. Now I am trying to get it in earlier.

But the food, I have been negotiating with myself all day about what I am going to eat and drink. If I can come in with a reasonable amount of calories I'll give myself points, if not, I won't. The food will be not the usual however. I have been able to keep it clean pre-party though.

Okay...I did great on exercise and water....food....was not what I was hoping it would be. How do you all like keeping points for food, exercise and water? I felt it really helped me last month remain focused. It will do the same for me this month...starting tomorrow. LOL.....

One more post before going to bed. I think I did really well today. I ate in moderation, I had a treat, I ate a lot of smoked lean meat. I had a full plate but I filled it with protein and vegetables. I had a small slice of cake. I had 3 small drinks. Proportions were good and at no time did I feel out of control. Well, maybe that 3rd small drink was a little out of control. Headed to bed now. I am only going to count 1 point for today because I didn't exercise either. But, I was active and busy all day and haven't taken a day off in a while.

Yesterday wasn't horrible for me food-wise, but if I'm honest about it, it was not on plan, so I shouldn't get the points. No points for exercise or water either!
But I'm ok with that - it was a holiday, and I did what I wanted - wasn't out of control, but ate things I shouldn't have.

Today is a new day, and I'll be back on track!

Kim - I like reporting in these points - helps me to think about staying on track. Thanks again for the idea!

I was so lazy - slept in 'til 9, so just having my moring coffee now!
Cindy

Go Cindy - sleeping late is good!

I was down a bit this a.m. so I know my treats yesterday were within reason. Today is the really big blowout with my friends and I plan to have what they are having. Did a knockout Y trip this a.m. so I feel good about that.

Good afternoon all. I've been super busy the last few days so I haven't been planted in front of my computer like I usually am. I updated my post in the challenge thread and as it shows, I haven't been on my a-game either. That has got to stop. I want to do Body For Life and I want to do it now so I have to stay on my A-game, and I have to bring it every day, all day.

Weighed in at 191.4 this a.m. & 45.5% total body fat. So I didn't loose but I didn't gain either. which is unusal for me but I'll take it.

For today I'm working on the eating/having a meal replacement every 3 hours, and later going for a walk. I am a day shy of 3 weeks past breast reduction surgery, so I'm not allowed to do a whole lot that I am dying to do like running/hard core jogging, or even most exercises/exercise videos. I am going to pop a transFIRMation DVD into the player after bit and see if I can modify it to fit my restrictions and still work up a sweat.

Stood in line for 1 hour and 30 mins today at Toys R Us for a Wii Fit.....man, what a workout. I played for 30 mins and just finished up...whew.....I will finish up with a 30 min walk tonight as soon as the sun starts to set since it was over 90 degrees today. I did some bending over and standing up to collect the weeds I pulled last night. I have a hard time in the heat but I feel a sense of accomplishment when my yard looks nice.

Hey Mkat - glad to see you! Reduction surgery - wow! I've always considered it myself - in fact that is one of my goals for losing weight - once I get myself to a stable weight, I want to have a reduction/lift (believe me, I'll need it!). I'm guessing you can't really do much upper body lifting while you are healing.

I was going to try to start my challenge tomorrow, but I've decided to wait a week - I need some time to get myself organized, and I need to spend some time at that gym seeing what they have. I'm one of those BFL fanatics who won't go to the gym without my entire workout planned and on the chart ahead of time. So, I think it will just be cardio for me this week, and then I'll hit it hard next Monday.

Kim - a Wii Fit - how fun! I can't believe you had to wait so long in line for it! I hope you decide it was worth it!

Ledom - Hope you survived your weekend. My 4th was a wash, but the rest of the weekend was not so bad. Home from camp now - the poor kitties were totally out of dry food by the time we got home! We have one of those "dispenser" type of feeder bowl, but both of us forgot to check the level in it before we left. Poor things were pretty hungry!

Well, I'd better attend to my laundry - have a great week everyone!
Cindy

Thanks Cindy. :) Yeah not a whole lot of upper body stuff for another couple months. :( I can do body weight exercises and low weight machine assisted stuff. Which is going to make the whole 'add weight then do more reps for a total of 5 sets' thing for BFL interesting. But since I haven't been able to work out at all for a month, I should still see progress even starting at 5 lbs and adding 5 for my reps, right?

I wouldn't have done the reduction prior to getting to Goal, but we are a national guard family and our civilian insurance won't cover it. With my husband deployed we qualify for Active Duty Tricare, which does cover it with no muss & no fuss. So I got the ball rolling. When they decided to change it to where you have to get abdominoplasty done on-post, I got scared they'd do the same thing to breast reductions so I went ahead and had mine while I could, kwim?

I want a Wii Fit, but half the time my kids and the dog are spread all over my bedroom floor, to the point I can barely find the room to walk, let alone work out at all.

Very compact. It was so funny because I had it backwards and just couldn't get synced correctly and the soccer balls kept missing and the shoes and panda heads kept getting me. I was a little discouraged but when I turned it around.....much better. The hoola hoop kicked my butt. My son's fiance did the two min run and she really worked up a sweat and she is 115 pounds. She was able to to do the Yoga and Stregth training where I was doing the balance and aerobics. It was fun but it's not the gym. Just a little something to do on my non-gym days.

I am just really happy to see Monday morning. My partying lasted 3 days it seemed. I had fun, but things went downhill after the 4th. I am ready to be back to my diet. Got my workout in already today.

I am trying to eat a lot of whole foods and keep my calories from 1400 to 1600 a day. I am also trying to eat food that is not so very different from what other people eat. What I am working toward is having most meals and snacks pretty routine, but at least one meal something that I can have what the rest of the family and/or friends are having. If I can somehow make what I eat be in the realm of "real" food as opposed to "diet" food. For me the problem is portion control when the food is more calorie dense. I am rattling on, but the lifestyle change as opposed to diet challenge is what I am thinking about as I formulate my plans. I am working within a new set of circumstances for this month. I normally live alone, but during a renovation my daughter and her SO are with me and so there is a larger variety of food in the house now.

Wii just must be amazing. I hear about it everywhere.

Ledom - funny you should mention the thing about eating "real" food... Yesterday we were chatting with a friend of DH's and he mentioned that his SIL was coming to house sit for a few days. He was complaining that when she comes for 3 days, she brings 3 coolers of food with her, and fills his whole fridge with "her food", and there is no room for anything else! I remembered that I had met her at his father's funeral, and one odd thing I remembered was that she and her husband at the time, excused themselves to go out to their car to eat at one point. DH's friend said that she had been over 300# at one time, and now had to eat 6 times a day, and what a pain in the backside she was with the whole food thing - always talking about it, planning it, cooking or eating it.

Now, this from someone who has never had a weight issue - eats what he wants all the time, and at age 45 is probably the same weight he was at 20. It made me think of him as being rather inconsiderate of his SIL needs. And how in one of Glory's stories she says that she's had to become the coworker who is a pain because she won't go out to eat, she won't eat office b-day cake,.... But, it made me think a bit about how we, as dieters, are sometimes about food, and how that can look to the rest of the world, who aren't very understanding.

I think it's better now than it was 5 years ago though - whole grain products are more readily available, and more likely to be in the average person's home.

But "real" food is sort of what got me back where I am today weight-wise - before I started dating again, my house was stripped of anything I should not eat. I never left the house without a bar or two in my purse, and I only went out to eat on "free day". Keeping all of that in check helped me to ensure my success.

It was when they guys I dated wanted pizza, or chips in the house, that my whole thing fell apart and I gained most of that weight back.

I guess there's got to be a balance there, and I think it's healthy to figure out how to manage with that stuff around, but it was a hard lesson for me to learn.

What sort of things are you thinking that is more "real" than "diet" that you'd like to work into your plan?

Boy, I woke up this morning retaining a boat-load of water, and I don't know why! My eyes were all puffed shut and I couldn't get a single ring on. Been drinking tons of water today, so it's better, but geez!

Here's to all of us making a YOU:turn this week (if it's needed), and getting ourselves right back on track after the indiscretions of the holiday weekend!
Cindy

What I mean is finding the most appropriate food for you in what is being served to everyone else. Last week when I felt I was eating properly but doing things like substituting a piece of cornbread with my beans rather than a 1/2 cup of brown rice (not that I don't like brown rice, but an occasional slice of cornbread feels so special and kind of works too if you are paying attention to nutrients). Adding bar-b-q sauce to my meat as condiment, because really it only amounts to a tablespoon or less. Stuff like that.

And, not that most meals aren't some form of a lean protein and a whole grain carb, but sometimes choosing that out of what is there if you look for it.

Probably not making a lot of sense - your friends SIL sounds like she is on top of her game and how lucky she is that her DH supports and eats with her despite BIL comments.

Anyway, I realize it is a slippery slope. The grease on that slope is alcohol though my friends, in case you didn't know. A drink and all bets are off for me. I am generally pretty good about forgoing it - it is a social occasion only thing for me, but it has to be a never thing if I am dieting.

So anyway. I got it together today. I am pleased with what I ate today. Cindy, tonight is an example of what I am talking about. This is today's food:

B - 1/2 cup steel cut oats, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup blueberries

S - 6 oz. fruit/veg smoothie, 1/4 cup roasted edamame

L - Green salad w/ tomatoes, cucumbers, tuna, mustard, 1 T Ranch, red wine vinegar

S - blueberry yogurt, handful seeds and nuts, blueberries

S - Coleslaw, oven fried catfish, oven fried french fries.

So supper was what I could feed my kids and they would love. The coleslaw had mayo, the catfish was breaded in cornmeal, the french fries were tossed in oil. I am pretty sure it is a reasonable meal because I kept my portions reasonable, but if I were eating "clean" there are elements that don't make the cut. I am thinking (wondering) how okay this. Somehow I want to honor my passion for cooking and experimenting with and loving food.

Happy Tuesday all!

Ledom - you know, there are many who are successful with just counting calories, or doing something like Weight Watchers points. In both of those cases, you are able to eat literally anything you want, as long as you count for it. I actually did have some success following WW because I could go to Wendy's and have a fried chicken sandwich, count it into my daily total, and move on with my life. There was no agonizing over the bad choice I made - I just accounted for it - if I wanted to "waste" 10 points on such a food, I did.

What got me in the long run is that I got tired of counting/tracking points. I like plans where I can eyeball food and amounts and not be so precise.

So maybe you'd should try some sort of hybrid program where you are counting points or calories, and you try to eat as cleanly as possible, but when you do have stuff like last night's dinner, you make sure to figure out the nutritional value for it, and count it accordingly?

Now I want catfish! DH won't eat it though! :(

Kim - how's the week going for you so far? The Wii sounds fun! I'd like to get one!

Patti - :wave: hello, are you out there?? How's the wedding plans coming? Are you able to stay on plan with all that's happening?

mkat - I can't believe you got to have the healthcare pay for that - lucky you! I'll be paying for my own when the time comes. Were you having back problems?

I didn't workout this morning, and I'm mad at myself. Perhaps I can convince myself to go tonight - don't know why I'm resisting, since I know I can't do that much just yet... It's just that barrier to starting, you know?
Cindy

Tricare paid for it cause of the type of tricare I have doesn't require referrals or anything

Busy....Busy....Busy! Month end at work and man oh man. The Wii is fun but we are fighting over which tv to put it on. Everyone wants it on the big screen TV but someone is always watching TV so we are moving it to a smaller TV so we can use it everyday. Food has been so so but staying within my range of calories. Having a hard time getting in all the water because we also moved our offices up a floor and we are further away from the bathroom. Just the opposite on swelling....my rings are flying around my fingers.

I went to the gym today! :woohoo:

I can't believe it took me over a week to go, but I was procrastinating for the stupidest reasons. Anyway, I made myself go and at least use a treadmill for 1/2 hour. Enough time to be able to look around and get the feel for the place while I was doing so. And, they gave me a list of all the machines/equipment they have available, so that is very handy.

That, and I found out I'm getting a raise at the end of the month - turned out to be a good day!
C.

WooHoo!!!! You go Cindy!!!! That is awesome. I haven't made it to the gym for a week now and I know it will kick my butt in the morning. Month end close at work this week and I have barely enough time to sleep. I worked until 10:00 last night and I got to do it all over again. Can't wait for the weekend!!!!

went for a quarter mile walk with my grandfather & my kids yesterday and wasn't winded, which is awesome cause a year ago the hill that is their driveway had me seeing spots!

Got up this morning and made a bill paying run, then came home and did 20 minutes of Billy Blanks TaeBo Amped Sculpt Express dvd and 15 minutes of The Firm Transfirmaion Cardio Sculpt DVD. Now I'm kicked back with my slim fast, catching up on message boards and taking my vitamins & supplements.

Hi gals - busy weekend for me, plus I'm in a training session all day Monday. So I'll check in with you Tuesday. I'm heading to bed!
Cindy

Morning all - I am sooo letting the stresses of life affect my eating this past week. Kinda need my space back though I continue to enjoy my kids being here. I am going to keep up with the points thing but it is pretty depressing right now.

:shrug: I have lost my weight loss mojo :shrug: I can't seem to get it back?

Hey Wanna - Maybe our mojos took a vacation together! I was just logging on to say that even though I am doing a pitiful job at racking up points, I am glad I am doing it. It is making me ever so much more aware. The 2 most imp. points, and by far the hardest for me are the food points. My score is going to be dismal this month, but I have hopes to improve. My house guests are wreaking havoc on my diet, and yes I know that I am weak and that shouldn't be an excuse. They should be out in about a week or week and a half at the most.

I had a bit of a personal blow this past weekend. Nothing horrible, just an emotional drain that is pretty ridiculous. I can tell because I don't want to talk about it - but involving a man if you must know. It doesn't even hurt much, it is more of a "I knew I was being foolish at the time and sure enough, I was being foolish" sort of thing. In some ways it has set me free and that is a good thing. The stupid thing is that it has been directly tied to my weight loss history which is the really foolish part.

Ledom....emotional eating is my thing too. I eat when I am sad, happy, crappy....whatever.....I eat to comfort myself. My daughter is getting married on May 9th and I am beginning to run out of time to lose this excess baggage the healthy way. Oh yes, I am the queen of excuses!!!! I did pretty good today when compared to the other days but still not 100% on track. I am married to a man who is no support what so ever. He was mad at me when he found out he had diabetes and I don't. what kind of a fool does that? Oh well.....no one else will take care of him.

More pleasant things.....I walked this morning for 45 mins and it felt really good. I like to be in control of some things of my life and by gum.....I am going to be in control of my exercise even for just this one week. And then maybe next week.

Hope things are going better for ya!

Hi gals - I'm just hanging in here myself - not much energy to eat well or exercise. Not sure why - TOM maybe? I think I need to spend more time reading my BFL book - I really need some motivation to hit the gym that hard. That's the problem, I know it's hard, so I'm procrastinating getting started.

Food is not really that bad - we finally have some decent fruit available - cherries and blueberries are here, so I've been snacking on that.

Kim, just keep up your plan and the weight will start moving again. May 9th is quite a ways off - you've got time to make some great progress yet.

My 45th birthday is looming in the distance this year - I'd like to give myself the gift of being in better shape. I was awesome at 40 and 41, and it's been downhill since then. I think that will be my next goal...

Ledom - how much longer are the kids with you? What are they having done to their house? Do they rent or own? She's been with that guy a while, right - seems like it's been going well.

Ok, buck up gals, let's shake this funk and get ourselves back on track! Hope you have a great weekend!
Cindy

Been a member of 3FC for awhile now but just found this forum. I've been on YOAD for 7 weeks today, 16.2 pounds down, 5 1/4 inches from my waist.

Hope to join challenge thread for August. Looks as though everyone here is doing well, looking forward to joining in. The YOU plan has been really easy for me to follow, think I could do this forever.

Waiting for it to get cooler in Texas, couldn't walk yesterday until 8:30 pm, but I haven't missed a day since I started.

:welcome3:Karen.....That is awesome!!!!! I hear ya about the hot days. In Southern Indiana we have been in the mid to upper 90's all week and some the week before. I scrubbed the entire deck and 2 flights of stairs yesterday to get some sweat time in and help tone my arms. I had a face that was so red but it felt good and I didn't feel like throwing up like I did last week when I mowed the yard. I got all the 'green stuff' growing off the wood and I can walk out there in my barefeet and come back clean. It sure looks nice now. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Again :welcome: to our side of the world Karen and just jump in. We can use all the motivation we can get.
Kim

Thanks for the welcome, Kim, that deck cleaning is a very creative way to get the sweat up.

Karen, :welcome3:

That's great that you've made that sort of progress on YOAD - and you're right, once you get the hang of it, and get your kitchen stocked correctly, it's easy to follow.

I find that my biggest challenge is when I'm entertaining, or eating with others, which we do every weekend in the Summer here at the lake. At least I managed to sneak some baby carrots in on them this week! I also only buy Triscuits, both the regular ones and the Thin Crisps for whenever there is cheese or hummus for snacking. If I have to bring the crackers, they're going to get what I want!

Last night I had planned to make paella - I found a rice mix that is already seasoned and you just add whatever meats or veggies you'd like to it. Everyone else wanted pizza. So, we did both - more work for me, but at least I stayed away from the pizza. The rice in the mix was white, but I figure that's still better than eating pizza! I added shrimp, pre-cooked chicken, red bell peppers and peas to the mix. I really liked it!

Today it's overcast, 70F with 90% humidity. Raining off and on. Not fun for being at the lake. We'll probably head home early, but if it's hotter there (it usually is 10 degrees hotter), maybe not. We are in the foothills of the Adirondacks here, so that little bit of elevation keeps it a bit cooler here.

I got the cutest Crocs yesterday - not the "clog" looking ones, but flip-flops that have a white/coral sole, and then the upper part is a white/coral patterned fabric. Much more heel support than the other kind. I was wanting these and thinking I'd have to order online and pay shipping, but then I found in a boat shop! Guess I'm glad I went along on the trip to get gear-case oil!

Speaking of points - I'd better get mine updated, and work on increasing them. I've not been to the gym in a while - and yes, it was TOM causing me grief. I hate that at my age, my first two days are so uncomfortable physically. Then it's basically over, so that's ok, but for those 2 days I'm a bloated, crampy slug! TMI, I'm sure! :lol:

Ok, I'm off to update my points - you gals have a great Sunday!
Cindy

*blows 3 days worth of dust off & looks around*

I'm back. AF came to town, stayed too long and had me raiding the fridge way too much, and the mc donalds, and the soda aisle at walmart. The old hag is gone though, and now it's crunch time, at least for me. I have between 38-68 days til hubby gets here for R & R, won't know for sure til around 20 August. And school starts in 3 weeks, which means walking the kids back and forth to school every morning and afternoon, across two super-busy streets and 2.1 miles round trip each trip. I have to be in good form for that, at least endurance wise.

I am going to start back to the Y on Monday now that it's finally been cleared by the enviromental peoples and whatnot. I'll be going 5 days a week, three days of weight training and two of classes, one cardio class that is mostly step and the other that is mostly kickboxing but with some stretching and floor work.

I have to do something now while I still have the motivation to do it. I am noticing old patterns starting to creep back in, the 'oh, one meal won't hurt' 'one coke won't kill me' 'a nap or a book sounds way more fun than a workout video' and my energy levels are non-existent. This is not good, this is how I ended up at my all time highest weight {well that and depo-provera and deep PPD all at once, but still} I have to reverse it now before it saps me of my willpower.


Sorry for the book, but I can't post this on my myspace blog cause I don't want my hubby to see it and get worried or upset, and I can't talk to anyone IRL about it cause they just don't seem to get it.

My energy was very low today, too, mkat. Did not get my walk in until almost 9:00 pm.

It's good that you are aware of old patterns creeping in this early, and you already have plans for next week. Good luck.

Karen

Got the food in line...mostly and drinking lots of water....just need to get the exercise down to a 'T'. Worked out at the Y on Wednesday and thought I was going to die. Things are really hectic at work so it all has to fall in place .... pretty soon. Don't worry about writing a book....we love to read.

Oops, I meant to welcome Karen in my last post! D'oh!

We are taking a mini-vacation right now - up in the Burlington/Stowe Vermont area. Doing things like touring Ben & Jerry's ice cream :eek:, Cabot cheese creamery and other fun food-related stuff!

But, despite all the samples I've been having, being away from home is keeping my eating in check - no time to do all the snacking I normally do.

Just wanted to check in -you gals have a great weekend! We'll be back home Sunday night.
Cindy

Wow, I wish I were in Vermont today. I have some friends who live near Montpelier. It is going to be between 100-103 here in Dallas every day this week. I can't seem to get going early enough to avoid the heat. Last night I was walking at around 8:30, still in the 90's. I think I'm going to have to drag out some of my old Walk Away the Pounds videos.

Weight loss is now 18.2 pounds and my BMI has dropped to under 35 (barely) which, according to the BMI calculator site I use drops me from Obese Class 2 to Obese class 1. Now hoping to break into "Onederland" as next mini goal.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Karen

hi everyone,

i'm new to the forum, just joined today

i bought the "you" book near the beginning of the year but never gave it a fair chance (tho i did try it out here and there and did notice a difference in my cravings for junk and an increase in energy)

i think this is the program that's going to work for me, mainly because i can tell a big difference in my desire to overeat when i eat this way vs. when i eat out-of-control (our bodies don't really need all that junk anyhow - it's just destructive!)

i see there is an august point challenge coming up, looks like fun

question - can i count iced tea as my water consumption seeing as how it is made mostly of water? (i usually make it 2 parts decaf to 1 part caf and sweeten it with splenda)

ok, think i'll peek around the forum a bit

nice to meet everyone!

i am inspired

I have heard Dr. Oz say yes, you can count it as part of your water consumption.

thanks i wanawurkit, sounds good

ps. i love your avatar, cracks me up!

i am inspired

Welcome, I am inspired.

I have really been having no cravings for bad foods since I've gotten really going on the plan (eight weeks Saturday). My energy has improved tremendously also.

that's great karen! i think that's one of the biggest reasons i like this plan

the few (short) times i have tried it i never felt deprived of food and wasn't constantly standing in front of the pantry or fridge looking for something to eat

it's like my mind gets freed from thinking about food

i had always thought "i just like to eat a lot" and that was what was driving me to look for something else to eat, i knew it wasn't my stomach growling sending me to the food

and the increased energy can't be beat!

thanks for the welcome

i am inspired

i am inspired:

How long have you been doing the plan?

Karen

hi Karen,

that's a tough question to answer

"officially" i've been doing this for 3 days now but i've had the book since around february this year, i think, and have tried it out here and there for a week or so at a time

i never really gave this program a fair chance, when paul mckenna's tv show "i can make you thin" came on i was lured into thinking i could follow that program and so i set the "you" program aside (i've been lousy at sticking to any kind of diet plan for very long, needless to say paul's program didn't work out for me so i'm back to "you")

but of all the ones i've tried, this just seems to be the most natural and, from a scientific point of view, makes total sense

but anyhow, as far as this attempt at losing weight, i'm just starting out, so 3 days now, i finally came to the realization that i can't do this alone so here i am! :)

i am inspired

Very do-able and I love it...although I do stray. I should know better but I can't seem to remember. LOL!!! I am getting out my book and re-reading to find a new inspiration. My DD is getting married in May 09 so I have to get a majority if not all of this weight gone. Problem I am having is I am menopausal and the weight just won't seem to go away as fast I would like. I get discouraged and eat and then I regain some control. So I lose in small, very small spurts.

I am getting out my book and re-reading to find a new inspiration. ..... So I lose in small, very small spurts.

i'm doing the same thing, re-reading the book and this time i'm taking a highlighter to it so i can mark the major "hows" and "whys" for quick reference when i need it

from your ticker it looks like you've done great losing so far! :) congrats!

I've also had the You book for a while now... I did follow it for 2 weeks, lost 2 inches off of my waist and 6 lbs..... then I stopped. Stupid, I know. Anyway, I want to get back to it because I can't stand myself any longer. I am also somewhat doing the BFL exercise program (weights... I'm going to try the BFL cardio today..... I just hate cardio!). Anyway, I will be turning 50 years old in January and I quit smoking 2 weeks ago so I want to see just how fit and healthy I can get by my birthday. That gives me 6 months and I sure could use the help to stay on track and be accountable! :)

the more the merrier, blueangel1, welcome!

congrats on quitting smoking, too! i've been smoke-free for about 8 1/2 years now and i don't miss it a bit! tho i wish i had not turned to food to replace that bad habit

it was tough going at first so i would pop hard candies in place of cigarettes, sure wish it was gum!

anyhow, glad to have you join us (i'm a newbie too)

Thank You! So when you started on YOU, did you follow the first 2 weeks diet as layed out in the book? Soup and all?

Welcome gals - it's great to have some fresh faces around here! Kim and I have been here for a while, and we know this works - it's just keeping ourselves on track that can be the issue some times, as she mentioned.

I myself am doing a combo of BFL and YOAD - the BFL workouts with YOAD food, although I'm keeping the protein/carb combo in each of 6 meals a day. The BFL workouts are right on track with YOAD as they provide both the strength training and cardio the Dr.'s call for. I just add some stretching at the end of my workouts to round it all out.

For those of you toying with BFL, it works too - 5 years ago I lost 60 pounds and 4 sizes doing it for a year - I loved it. But then I started getting bored with it, was maintaining, but wanted to lose more, and with all the fooling around with my plan that I did, I ended up doing nothing and gradually gaining it all back :(

I think that bottom line here is that many programs work while you are doing them - the key is to find something that you can live with *for life*. Because this is a lifetime commitment - maintaining is just as much work as losing, and we are all here because we need to eat less, eat the right things and exercise more.

So, I hope that YOAD can be that great plan for all of us. I do think it's sustainable in that more and more whole grain products are on the market everyday. Good luck to everyone, and keep those questions coming!
Cindy

Thank You! So when you started on YOU, did you follow the first 2 weeks diet as layed out in the book? Soup and all?

not me, i've just been doing my own thing but within the guidelines in the book (easier for me i guess)

hi bfl_cat, bfl, is that body for life?

Yes, I joined 3FC when I was at the end of my second Body for Life challenge, so I had it as part of my screen name.
Cindy

Yes, I joined 3FC when I was at the end of my second Body for Life challenge, so I had it as part of my screen name.
Cindy

thanks, was just wondering

i found the acronym thread but didn't notice that on there (unless i missed it)

still not used to all the acronyms