Weight and Resistance Training - BFL/BB #85 - week of 13 Jan 2003

Hey there everybuddy!!! :lol:

Hope everyone is having a great Monday...thought it was high time to start a new thread. WOW 96 posts on last week's thread. Have we been busy or what?!?

Got my eats all planned for this week - cottage cheese was on sale at Safeway so when I made my menu I emphasized it a lot. Great thing about Trainers Edge - I can check the Safeway sale adverts (on their website) see what's on sale and plan accordingly. I could probably live on cottage cheese and eggwhites!

Gotta make this short because I have a ton of work to do as usual. More later...

i sure do hope this day is being good to you !!

it's the end of the day for us here, already 8pm. now it's time to just unwind with a bit of t.v. and then to bed a bit early tonight. i'm going to really take my "rest days" to the max this time around........ give my body plenty of recovery time on that day off.

i don't do a free meal during the week. i really like eating what i eat and i don't feel any kind of deprevation. i DO vary my calories throughout the week, two days low, two days high, or a variation thereof.

after so many years of eating really bad, eating whatever i wanted to and endangering my health, it feels sooooo good to eat good and clean, healthy food that makes my body strong and alive again!! i'm not taking any more chances with my health and reverting back to icky foods!!

i had a great legs workout today. i must say those leg presses are something else :-) not complaining here. then it was 30 minutes of INTENSE treadmill. i've finally gotten back to my pre-flu intensity.

Karen - i also LOVE cottage cheese. we have a 1.5% cottage cheese here that is soooo delicious. we don't have completely fat free cottage cheese though. but that doesn't matter. i love it straight out of the container. i very rarely mix it with anything either. good think i love it so much because it really takes away all cravings i would otherwise have for cheeses!!

okay, enough for now. time to go rest after being on the computer all day long. at least i got tons of work done :dizzy:.

take care everyone. see you when i see you,

adriana

WOW, 96 is a ton o posts!


Adriana - I feel the same way you do. Eating like crap for years and never giving a second thought to my health has gotten me in the mess I'm in right now. But, I am going to have the doctors all standing there with mouths agape at my 8 week test results! :D I love eating clean and working out. Did legs today! And am now 'suffering' NSL (noodle leg syndrom! :lol: ) And am loving every single second of it!



Karen - I loves me some cottage cheese too! My brand is Lurcern (Safeway) 2%. The FF has too much sugar for me and I like the taste better. I can live on the stuff too. I was eating it at a meeting along with some granny smith apples and another agent asked me what it was. I told her whipped cottage cheese, and apples, never thinking of all the other stuff I put in like vanilla, cinnamon, Splenda. She called me and said "I tried that cottage cheese stuff you were eating and it's nasty! :s: So, I 'splained the entire recipe and we are now on speaking terms!
Do you have any polo out there in your neck o the woods? Also, I saw in a previous post, you graduated in '81. I did as well. You must be comin' up on the big 40! It's my turn on 6/12. Got six months! Oh, and another thing. Are you a former McDonald's worker too? Or, am I just breathing too many bus fumes?

It's looking like a GREAT week! ;)

Niffer: I worked for McDonald's or Macca's as it is know in Australia. It's a great place to work when you are a teenager, it makes you humble.

Karen: I just got back into cottage cheese after a layoff from too much of it. I had it yesterday with fresh blueberries and strawberries and splenda and cinnamon of course. It was sooo delicious. I tried out the brownies recipe from Pam last night as well but used hazelnuts instead of walnuts and it was pretty good. I only had a small piece though because from the batch I made which was meant to be 2 serves only was way too big for me. So I ate a piece which was a 1/4 of the whole thing. Hubby had it too and said it was yummy.

I thinkk that it IS going to be a great week this week! It's Tuesday here already and I am getting loads of work done so far!

Mel : check in.

Hi to everyone else! :D

JC

Karen: With the trainer's edge software can you add in your own foods to the database??

JC

:wave:

I'm really good today....I didn't work and had lots of time to putter around the house and finish off some undone housework....

I have a Q for everyone.... Just for discussion... here goes:

We all enjoy eating clean, we all feel better, we all agree on that I think.... Why, oh why then do we revert back to our old habits every once in a while? Emotions?... boredom?.... And when we are bored or emotional, why do we not eat our delicious cottage cheese which we all love lately?.... Just a Q for the day....:)

To answer that question myself, I'm not sure but I sometimes think it's just a habit of not thinking and grabbing whatever is there that's easy... So I guess that's why we have to plan ahead for a while till this lifestyle gets second nature...

Today I have been hungry like every hour... but I managed to wait it out to two hours though...and tonite I had extra protein than usual so maybe that will hold me for the next 3 hours... this maybe answers my Q for the day maybe I was bored, but I did make the right choices...drank water ate extra good protein for supper...

Yesterday I did a LBWO with an old WO buddy, this girl introduced me to weight training 18 years ago, at the time we were only 3-4 girls in the gym... This girl is so awesome... she works out constantly in the summer bikes 50K/day... cute little thing too and she works, of all places, in the court room, she brings the prisoners from the cell to the court room...She's not 5' I don't think.... Anyways, :lol: my point is that my upper calves behind my knees are killing me today...I LOVE IT....:strong: NOODLE LEG SYNDROM ( I like that one Niffer) ....What we also did afterwards is go into the steam room for 10 minutes... OMG that was so nice... I had never done it before, too shy to go in alone, the gym just had it put in... then we showered... I had the rosiest cheeks for the rest of the day!!

Well, I am babbling so before I bore :yawn: the heck out of everyone I will leave....:^:

Have a good evening everyone.....

Cough Up Said Brownie Recipe

OK, I saw ya post at L&S about brownies and now this. Is it a recipe Pam does for CPB? Or can ya share? :D

Pleeeeeeeeeze oh pleeeeeeeeeze

Lana: Today I have been starving as well for some reason.

They say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit but 210 days to get rid of the old one. I think that there is some merit in that because during my first few challenges I would revert back on free days. Now I am scouring for food to eat every few hours on free days and only eat small portions of things. I also don't buy big portions anymore either.

Sometimes I think that when you are exhausted and start to fall back into your old patterns you need a break. I will be totally honest here and say that my breaks have lasted from one day to 4 weeks. I don't regret taking the time off because I believe that rest is very important ESP if you work out hard all the time. Sometimes it is 2 steps forward and one step back. As long as you always get back to where you want to be (albeit eventually) you will make progress. I have been mentally ready to take on the next challenge but not physically. When that happened I just started researching and reading again to occupy my mind while my body rested. I can't stress enough that it is important to continue to read and learn about things - I think that is the only reason why I have strived for so long.

Anyway enough rambling!! :lol: Just my 2 pennies

JC

Niffer: :lol: um let me check where I got it from and get back to you in a few minutes.....

JC :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :s: :lol:

Niffer: Sorry but it was from the CPB board so I guess it's restricted at this point until Pam offers it up for grabs. I will put in a good work for ya though! :D :D

JC

oh Lenore got permission so here it is....

Pam's Yummy Protein Brownies

4 egg whites
1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup Splenda
2 tsp butter buds
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup oatmeal (uncooked)
2 servings protein powder (to equal 50 g of protein)
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Beat egg whites in small bowl. Gradually add Splenda and vanilla extract; beat well. Blend in cottage cheese and butter buds. Combine oatmeal, cocoa, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend in blender (or with hand blender) until cottage cheese curds are gone. Stir in walnuts. Spread in a Pam sprayed tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes.

This pan of brownies would be approximately 2 servings for me.

Here's the nutrition info per serving:
W/out nuts: cal = 268, p= 42g, c= 21g, f= 2g
with nuts: cal = 432, p= 46g, c= 24g, f= 18g

JC yer the best!

It's over at L&S too. Thanks. Can't wait to make them.

Susie

:^: :cp: :high: :^: :cp:

JC

where is this week running off to?? don't forget that we start out week on sunday -- that's why i'm freaking out here :lol:

Lana -- it's an interesting issue that you have brought up here. i agree that it has to do partly with *old habits*, but i'm not sure that's all of it. i tend to agree with JEC's analysis of the situation.

for me, the few times that i've really just *wigged* out with my nutrition in the past few months has been when i'm utterly exhausted. even if i've planned something great, have all the ingredients for a fantastic meal, if i reach that level of exhaustion (for whatever reason) then i mess up big time because it's just easier to make the silly sandwich or have a bowl of cereal.

i've been concentrating these past few months to not get to that level of exhaustion, for various reasons. i can't workout properly when i'm so tired, i can't eat properly either and sometimes sleep is even harder too !!

now, i have a question for everyone -- what's with the splenda?? what is it exactly? we don't have it here........ :^: so i just don't understand what it is.

i use a sugar substitute only in my oatmeal, everything else is a'naturale. i guess that's one of the reasons why i'm not into baking any of the approved bfl stuff....... too much is needed to have it *taste* good.

well, today is a rest day for me, and i'm going to rest :p . i've worked out hard for 6 days straight and now it's time to give my body the rest it deserves. no free day for me with food though; *free days* just don't agree with me. i'm much happier eating my clean food all the time.

hope you all have a great tuesday !!!

see you later,

adriana :D (i DO feel like this big grin !!!)

Adriana: Splenda is like Equal it is a sugar substitute but it works spoon for spoon in measurements. Apparently it isn't cheap in the US but here in Australia is about the same price as equal so I don't notice a difference. You can use it for anything including baking as it can handle heat where as equal can't.

HTH

JC

JC !!

thank you for the explanation!!

i've read so much on the adverse affects of using sugar substitutes, etc. how does this all affect the body? i really try to limit the use of the substitutes only to my oatmeal, and sometimes to coffee, especially turkish coffee since it's soooo bitter. but i drink coffee very sparingly anyway.

thanks for all your help.

adriana

Hey Adriana - as far as sugar subsitutes - I've never had a problem with 'em, but some people have (Mel I believe is one). I think the vast majority of the general public can use them without any problem whatsoever, but a small percentage just can't. Kind of reminds me of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome and MSG, ya know?

Hm. Splenda isn't available in Israel yet? They do have a website at www.splenda.com. Perhaps it's available under another brand name - its generic name is sucralose. I use both Equal and Splenda because Equal is cheaper - I use it in 'cold' foods since they both taste the same to me. :) You might want to send an email to the folks at Splenda and ask where you can find it there...

Regarding your note about messing up and having a bowl of cereal or sandwich instead of clean food - what I suggest is to plan ahead - have stuff ready in your fridge to grab and go. Cook up some chicken breasts (there's a great recipe for moist chicken breasts in the BFL Recipes thread), buy some apples and easy-to-eat veggies...cook up some brown rice or barley in advance (it stores really well)...make up a bunch of Pamcakes and keep 'em wrapped in the fridge...in other words have all your meals ready to go (a lot of folks here spend an hour or two on their Free Day prepping stuff for the week to come).

JC - I gotta try that brownie recipe sometime!!! Unfortunately I am not one of Nature's Cooks or anything...maybe one of these weekends I'll give her a go :lol:

Lana - Jeez, the age-old question. I think a lot of it has to do with habit - like ex-smokers - years afterwards they STILL feel the urge to take a puff or two (or so I've heard). Stress also might have something to do with it. I also feel that sugar is a pretty addictive substance and of course, eating sugar leads to wanting more and more of it...

Okay, back to work...that's what they pay me for :lol:

Hi,
My name is tanya and I am a sugar aholic.
Ok now that free day which was sunday has come and gone I an still on free day, fortunately for me I have not gained any weight, that I have lost, I think that it is because of my TOM it is the end of it, this is so hard and every nite I ask God to help me to help myself, but today was a failure, goood thing is that I am still doing the exercises but the eating plan is failing me, I think it also has to do with Dh being on vacatioin, So Monday I will start over, I just had to confess, I think on the next free day, I will have nothing, I will skip it. This is hard to do, and just in case anyone was gonna say it, I have read crossing the abyss, I do not need to read the book again. I am battling wirth myself at this point, once TOM is gone , I should prevail.:nono:

Yup, Splenda and other sugar substitutes give me problems, and do does MSG :lol: I do use a very small sprinkle of stevia powder in my peppermint tea now and then, with no adverse effects. But other than that, no sweet stuff. My problem is salt- I love salty, spicy food!

Tanya: DO NOT start over! You should just count week one as a learning experience and go on to week two. We've all messed up at some point, and if you start over everytine you mess up, you NEVER finish anything. In my experience, praying has little to do with sucess on this way of life- Planning is much more effective. You know what you need to do each day. Plan for it- pre-cook and wrap your meals, write down when you will go to the gym and what you will do there, carry meals in a cooler if you aren't at home. No one else is going to do it for you.

JC- I don't think I'll try those Brownies yet. At this point, if they are as good as their reviews, that would be one serving quickly eaten for me. Thanks for the advice in your PM. I'm adding alittle more food and juggling the ratios a bit to see if I can stay on track better that way.

Lana- I don't know about those habit numbers. Personally, I've been reverting to bad habits that I thought I'd banished 20 years ago! And I know it's stress. I'll eat clean all day, then deliberately sabotage myself bigtime. I'm not hungry, the right food is there, I'm just being mean to myself and nuturing at the same time. Good question- wish I knew the answer and wih I knew it 25 years ago!

Susie- Peeked at your pic and profile on L&S. You're gorgeous! Can't wait to see you really on your dream body.

OK, done work, ds will be home any moment, and I've got to do another chapter in my fitness course. Lot's of homework at thishouse.

mel

Adriana: no problem!

Mel: I would LOVE to see you eat a whole batch of those brownies maybe I am not used to that type of food but I divided mine up into 3 portions instead of 2 and I had trouble finishing the one portion I ate! If you have a problem with artificial sweeteners though I would stay away since there is a lot of Splenda in them.

Tanya: You WILL prevail.

Karen: Hey chickie!! :lol:

JC :s:

How's it going? Patt0 - what's up w/ you? Are you planning on doing a C2?

I started back to work yesterday and my oh my. It is a struggle to get my meals back to every 3 hrs. I had it down pat last semester but am having to remember how I did it. Other than timing, bfl is going fine. I do think I need to start pushing my weights a little higher. I might be ready to buy those 30 lb. dumbells!

Mel, I hesitate to give you advice since your knowledge is leap years ahead of mine. I did sound alarms the other day when you said you avoided your brown rice and oatmeal except on heavy lifting days though. Glad to hear you are eating a bit more. I know that you have advanced beyond bfl straight from the book, but still.....Anyway, I hope what you are trying now is working better for you.

JC, you are one cute girl - I loved the pic you posted.

Well, just wanted to say hey and let you know I am out here fighting the good fight, and eating the good diet.

CUTE?????? I haven't been called cute since high school!!! :s:
And to think that I am nearly 30!!

Thanks honey!!!!

JC

Ok question for the panel.

I am totally freezing today and have been for the past few days. Has anyone heard of this before and have an explanation for it? :(

Thanks

JC

:wave:

Hi girls,

How is everyone? I'm doing good... work was good... workout was good too... my calves are still extremely sore from Sunday, I just may have pulled a little something thar...:( ... I just keep stretching it every moment I can during the day.

Tonite I sorta fell off the wagon... :o I made some healthy mac and cheese for the kids.... just plain tomato sauce and cheese, not the low fat kind tho, and WHITE pasta... and :nono: I must have eaten one cup along with my chick peas which are high in carbs too :yikes: I had salmon with that too and stir fried veggies... That age ole question of why we over eat came back to haunt me when I was eating the WHITE pasta.... I'm talking to myself thinking: "why,why,why....." The fortunate thing is that it's only pasta and not cake or chocolate, which I've had the craving for in the last 2 days....and have not given into...But about 15 minutes after I ate it I started yawning and feeling really tired, and was then kicking myself for eating WHITE pasta!! Yuck!!

Karen, you've got me going on the frozen veggies, that's all hubby and I eat now... the kids still only eat raw broccoli or ceasar salad, which I still make for them....
I've also taken your advise on writting down my cravings and keeping them for "free day" so far I have truffels, and mac and cheese....:rolleyes:

TANYA!! DON'T LET THAT --> :devil: WIN
YOUR :angel: WILL PREVAIL !!
WE know you CAN do IT!!

Thanks so much girls for answering my inquiry....;) It was really nice to see how everyone was thinking.... and I've come to realise that we are more alike than we may think...

Later all...

Lana: the yawning is from the rush of serotonin (I think that's how you spell it??) into your system from the increase in complex carbs. I get it when I 'carb load' and it can be really bad. We had visitors over and I swear my eyelids were closing as I was drinking coffee with them - it was quite embarrassing!

When that happens cut your next portion of carbs in your next 2 meals in half and you will feel much better. Or hey don't cheat??? (like I CAN talk :lol: )

JC

Karen: Do you have a paypal account at all?

JC

JEC you're such a Hoot!!:lol:

thank you thank you.......

I aim to entertain! :s:

JC :lol:

OK FESS UP!!! :lol:

SOMEONE had a birthday a few days ago and didn't admit it!!!!!

I will leave it for you to confess BUT if you don't fess up I will post it tomorrow. :s:

JC

Happy birthday btw. :lol: :D

Hey Ledom...are you a teacher, too? I also have to plan really, really well to make sure I eat every three hours, but sometimes I have to go four out of necessity. I eat my first meal at 6:00 a.m., and my second has to wait until 10:00 when I have my planning period. My class eats at 11:30, so by the time we get there and *I* get seated, it's around 11:45. I am unable to eat again until (gulp!) 3:30. I usually eat my 5th meal around 5:30-6:00 (right after I get home), then my last meal around 9:00. Unfortunately, sometimes I collapse into bed before I can get that last one in!

Hello, all!

I'm still a bit of a lurker, but I did want to assure ya'll that I am on Week 2 of my first challenge and am doing okay. As some have said before, I believe it will take this 12 weeks to really get a hang of the eating ... it has less to do with planning and more to do with seeing what I'm supposed to eat and not having the stomach for it -- does that make any sense to anyone? But I take small steps, and I'll get there.

As for my exercise, I haven't missed a day yet (except free day, of course). My 1st grader got sick this week, so I've had to do my workout at home the past 2 days ... It's not as challenging as when I go to the gym, mostly because I need to get one higher set of dumbells plus I don't have any kind of aerobic equipment (I ran in place, if you can believe it -- got my blood pumping at any rate!)

I'm working on ignoring the scale, too! And I'm feeling pretty good -- so keep it up, everyone!

Pen
BFL 1/6/03 220 lbs., c. 40%BF

JC- Was yesterday a low carb day for you? I freeze on those days.

Lana- Mac and cheese is really good compared to what I've done over the last week- I've been on a "nut craze", probably eaten about 3 pounds in a week :yikes:. I think I need more fat in my diet.

Ledom- I know cutting starchy carbs is verbotten by the book and most bodybuilding dogma, but I was gaining fat as well as muscle. Since I started restricting them and cycling them on my heavy workout days, I've dropped all the fat I'd gained in C2 and 3, but have plateaued again. Probably due more to cheating than a true plateau. I'm changing the nutrient ratios- upping the carbs and fat a bit to keep myself from cheating (hopefully). Also beginning to wonder if it's possible ( with a few exceptions like CindyRae and Bfl_Sue from L &S) for a menopausal woman to maintain bodyfat at less than 16-18%. I can get there, but only stay there for a nanosecond!

There was a huge thread yesterday about whether a woman who had lost soe muscle as well as fat had a "good" transformation. At this point, I think I would gladly give up a few pounds of muscle if it meant also giving up double the amount of fat. I have loads of lean muscle mass for my build- Someone forgot to tell my body that old saw that women can't get really big muscles!

JC-I second the CUTE! There's no other word for that huggy picture :)

Hi everyone else-
gotta go to work.

mel

Mel,

I see where you are coming from. I am so happy w/ following bfl by the book that I can't imagine eating one food less than I am. It doesn't feel like a diet at all, I am never hungry - though I may change my mind as time goes by. It is a little early to say but I too seem to be stuck in a plateau. I will just keep on doing bfl by the book though because I think in time it will break. I know what I need to do and that is to really get after my free days. Honestly, I have binged both free days of this challenge - I don't know what that is about but I have a plan for the upcoming one. Back to the list of treats I am keeping instead of just eating any and everything because it is "allowed". It doesn't even make me feel good or be happy to do that - actually the opposite. I think right now free day is what is holding me back. I am not ready for just a free meal, but I am ready to stop this binge insanity.

I think it is important to feel comfortable w/in the limitations of what is possible for ones age, genetics, etc. I know you know that. I find your journey interesting and I have learned so much from you. I will reiterate what so many have said before me. You look great and while it important to always have a goal, please don't be too hard on yourself.

jenelle - yep I'm a teacher. I teach at a university so that I do have a ton more flexibility than in public school (where I have also taught), the first week of a semester is madness though. I think that next week things will settle down and I'll figure this scheduling out.

mspen - I too am in my 2nd week so we'll be doing this challenge together!

hey to everyone else

Sheesh! This always happens when I have a deadline at work...plus too tired to get on the computer after work (combined with Jim being on it as well)...I come back to this thread and it has SWELLED UP WITH MESSAGES!!! :lol: Whew...

Got a lot of catching up to do...

JC - I actually do have a PayPal Account (you are addressing the wife of the ultimate eBay addict!). PM me when you have a moment.

Also on the cold thing. I agree with Mel on that - if you're doing low-carb, it's a common occurrence. Also I remember when I was doing the VLCD (Optifast) study in 1990, during the fasting stage I was FREEZING all the time - I'd be wearing sweaters in August. If you're losing fat, it's like losing layers of outerwear, you know? I recommend lots of hot green tea! :) That always works for me, especially in my igloo of an office...

Ledom - What I would suggest is staying with the BFL plan (eating-wise that is) as long as it works for you...since you are adapted to it as a lifestyle. When you stop seeing results - that's the time to rethink. Cory (Funky Diva at L&S) and I have emailed each other about this. Basically it comes down to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Personally I would give plateaus about three weeks to 'break down' on this plan. Make a list - are you hitting your 10's in your cardio and weights? Eating according to plan (I'm sure you are)? I know where you're coming from on the binge thing. Unfortunately that's not a habit that is easily broken - I still struggle with it. I find my best free days are when I have other activities planned (horseback riding, driving up to the Wine Country or San Francisco, etc.). Lately though, with Jim's schedule (he's been either gigging or in the studio much of the time during the weekend) combined with the less-than-optimal weather we've had lately, along with our kitties, we've been spending a lot of time on Sunday doing nothing really. Also, when I babysit for my sister, she has a lot of 'red light' food in her house and I really have to steel my mind against it! It's easier when Jim comes with me, he's like my shoulder angel!

Lana - would that be KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese on your Free Day list? Actually my free day list would be pretty boring - I always want the same things: Mexican food or sushi; frozen yogurt; cold cereal...

Sorry to cut this short, but I gotta take my shower now - more later when I get to work :)

MrsJim you're sooo right about going away for a bit and coming back to lots of posts. looks good though, no?

about the coldness -- i've also been feeling it a bit lately, since i've dropped so much fat in the past few months (about 30 pounds). i started noticing it about 2 weeks ago and figured it was because of the *shedding*. i now keep a light sweatshirt next to me for when i feel the cold. i kind of like it too since i've always suffered from heat.

i had a very good chest, back and shoulders session today. i did have a bit of a problem with too many people talking to me.... i don't like being interrupted. but i got rid of them (one was my business partner) and then i was able to work better. i then did 30 minutes of treadmill intervals. i'm hitting 10 more and more consistently and that makes me super happy :dancer:

i'll be going back later this evening to do a 30 minute trekking class. i've been trying to do one for two weeks now and it just hasn't come through for me. i hope that tonight is the night. i'd like to see if i can integrate the trekking into my cardio workout....... we'll see.

food has been excellent also. i'm such a happy camper with this program :D !! i really should go in an had a blood test to make sure that my cholesterol and triglycerides have come down. i'll do it next week.

hope you all have a great Wednesday. i'm really glad i found you all here on this board. it's nice being able to hear about your days on bfl and gather more information.

MrsJim -- thanks for the tips you gave me on the food. i very rarely get to that point anymore, thank God. i don't particularly like preparing my food in advance, and i don't really need to since i work 3 feet from the kitchen. i like taking the time from the computer to get up and make my meals throughout the day, it keeps me from getting too obsessive with my work. i figure one messed up meal every two months or so is not bad at all, especially since i don't have "free days" because i prefer just keeping to my program all the time. it's not really a program i guess, it's just a way of life now :)

take care everyone,

adriana

I am not sure about being here.....I do admire you all for making real changes to yourself...BUt, Im not sure this is, will be, can be, for me. Thanks for always making me welcome though. You are a nice group. For now I am just a info seeking drop in ;)

My question is, what about this Body RX? I am hearing about it and I guess you need not do cardio. Cardio is my LEAST favorite thing about exercising. So how does Body RX stack up to Body for life?

So I figured it was time to finally drop a quick note to say hi!

I am on Week 2 of my 2nd BFL Challenge and recovering from a self induced holiday massacre. I had good results from my first by-the-book Challenge that ended in October. After a free week (which was spent at a conference at a casino – can you say “Free Buffet?”) I did a mini-challenge until Thanksgiving. After that, all **** broke loose and I went back to some of the old ways (not exercising and eating crap occasionally). So – on January 2nd I got back to basics and I am in the process of reclaiming my lost progress.

I think I have learned more about my willingness to live a new lifestyle and taking full responsibility for the consequences of running alongside the wagon (since I didn’t fall completely off) in the past two months than I expected would be possible. I discovered that I get just as much satisfaction from eating clean and exercising as I did from not exercising and eating junk. That was quite a revelation for me.

Mrs. Jim – Thanks for all your advice and the willingness to share your experiences.

Tanya- Hang in there. I have dealt with uncontrollable cravings and hunger for more years than I wish to remember (due to insulin resistance). This lifestyle has been the first true relief from it. The secrets for me are: I HAVE to eat squeaky clean and I HAVE to plan those squeaky clean meals.

AACCKKK!! Busy today but *finally* getting a chance to post again...eeecchhh... :lol:

Now where was I? :)

Spam - you know, I was just watching the Travel Channel the other day and there was a show called "Battle of the Buffets" (They're doing Las Vegas week on TC). I can't believe that there is actually an organization for eating contests! They actually had a representative there - it's called something like the International Federation for Competitive Eating. I could only watch about 10 seconds of the first eating contest (which was breakfast) before becoming totally nauseated and turning the channel! Most of the contestants were obese, even though there was a married couple that was quite trim (I'll bet they purge after these contests). Disgusting, just gross...and it's being publicized as an actual SPORT! Un freaking believeable.

Forgiven - First off, you are VERY welcome here! :cool:

Regarding Body RX - I have the book but didn't really read it that much - I like having the option of a Free Day - there isn't one on BRX. Also, I believe the program lasts quite a bit longer than BFL - six months I think? There's a BRX board at Lean & Strong - you could ask there or just surf the messages to get a flavor for it...the consensus at L&S has been 'iffy' - some people have had good results, others not. It's good that you're researching...have you actually read the BFL book? Krista Scott Dixon's (Mistress Krista's) Stumptous website also has a WEALTH of info - geared towards women to boot. Rest assured that you CAN do this - the cardio on BFL is only an hour a week. As I've stated before, it's QUALITY (i.e. intensity) not quantity (time spent) that is the important thing. In addition, most of us here will tell you that this is very much a mental thing - that's why I always seem to harp on "reading the Crossing the Abyss chapter and answer the questions" before you start. Not for nothing did Bill Phillips subtitle the book "12 weeks to Physical AND MENTAL Health".

Adriana - no problem - I'm a total procrastinator when it comes to prepping stuff. Lately though, I've been pureeing a couple of tubs of cottage cheese and mixing with Splenda and vanilla so that I have a ready source of protein that's easy to eat - all I have to do is throw in some dry oatmeal or some hot apple chunks and I've got a quick clean meal!

AACK! Gotta do this in dribs and drabs...back soon I hope...

Morning all!!

Forgiven: Body Rx and Body for life are like apples and oranges. I don't think it's fair to compare them and state that one is better than the other. It comes down to every individual at the end. You can LEARN separate things about your body via both books. I always suggest Body for Life for most people to start off with because it is simple, straight to the point and easy to implement. The portion control (palm/fist) is pure genius in my book.

Well I was cold all day yesterday but got through it with a few layers of clothing. I feel a bit better this morning after a carb load last night. I played soccer last night and we won 1-0 so I am hapypy about that! It felt good to kick a ball around again after the holiday break and to give the cardio a bit of variety.

How's everyone doing?

JC

I heard about that on the radio and thought about watching, but it was on past my bedtime.

It reminded me of a recent dialog I had with someone I work with that commented "You are always eating." She couldn't accept that eating 5-6 small meals a day was a healthy way to eat and that eating past 7:30 p.m. was a bad idea (which she recently heard on Oprah). When I pressed her about why three large meals (and the occasional snack) was better way to consume the same amount she couldn't give a coherent answer.

I don't worry too much about this one. It's the same person who told me she would rather have more fat than muscle because fat weighs less. :dizzy:

Hey Amy

I had that trouble a few times at the beginning with people always commenting at work that I eat too much too often and even one of the directors at work telling me that I will 'get fat' with all that food. They are eating their words now!!

JC

Karen I am trying to PM you but your mailbox is full!

JC

Well I guess that means 100 messages is the limit for your PM box (that's how many were in mine...I'm like that with my emails too - I just let them pile up!)

Send away!!!

Jec,

Did you lose your weight on BFL? How long did it take ya?

Spam:
your words are an inspiration to me, this week is a total bust I have been on free day since Sunday, I am so mad at myself, today we went grocery shopping, and I bought everything that I need to get back on track Monday, I am gonna just suck this week up and start over fresh on Monday, I am gonna do a cleansing from sat to sun to get my digestive track right for Monday and to get that crap I ate out of my system, I talk the talk but now it is time to walk the walk and I am truly ready. Funny thing is that I seen this lady that I used to work with and she complimented me on how good I look, I do not look like I weigh 190, but I do, thank god for my height, but who cares what other people think, It is what I see in the mirror that matters to me. So I have my mind right and my meals planned I will keep it simple, so that I can adjust to it, no recipies for me just yet, because it will make it harder, I will just keep it simple, the BFL has been extended till the 20th of january so I am not late for the challenge, this is what I want to do, and i need to follow my heart and I will succeed. So I am gonna do what I gotta do, and eat what I want to eat this weekend, cleanse on sat and sun and g et back on track Monday. I have still been exercising though, so I will not be weak when I start back on monday.

Forgiven: I lost about 9 lbs in bodyweight and about 15 lbs in fat from memory during my first challenge - nothing to write home about I guess. I am not very hooked up on the scale so it didn't bother me and I knew that I had a long way to go.

Over my first year I lost about 52lbs of bodyweight and about 60lbs fat from memory - I would have to check my journals. It's been a slow process but a very rewarding one for me.

JC

Hey I loaded up a new avatar that I found.

I LIKE it !!

JC

Hey everyone! It's been a long time since I've been able to get to a computer to check out this site -- but I've been thinking of everyone I meet here prior to Thanksgiving (which is about the time I started having limited computer access), and hoping everyone had a good holiday season.

Hello to all of the new folks!

Just for a brief (re) introduction, I've completed one BFL challenge and was pretty happy with the results. I lost 20 pounds and about 26 (or 27) inches. I then did a mini-challange between Thanksgiving and Christmas that didn't really take off -- I had a hard time balancing my travels with the plan. But, I was able to survive the holidays without re-gaining too much. I'm now gearing up for another challenge beginning on Monday, 1/20. So, I look forward to progressing down this path with all ya'll.

JEC: A while ago, you mentioned that your husband has done quite a bit of travel in South East Asia . . . does he have any thoughts about Burma? I'm finalizing my April visit to a friend who lives in Malasia, and am interested in traveling to a neighboring country. Thanks for any information you might be able to provide.

Hope everyone has a good rest of the week -- I'm not sure what my computer access will be for the rest of this week, but I hope to be able to check in daily again soon (and figure out who's who!) Peace, Mox ;)

Mox: I am not sure if he has been to Burma but will ask him tonight for ya ;)

JC

JC !!

i LOVE your new avatar !! tooooooooooo cool !!! :-)

adriana

RE: BodyRX - I've never heard of it myself, but thought I'd drop in my two cents about cardio -- I've come to really hate cardio myself, but doing these 20 minutes on BFL I find that it's not so bad! My mind keeps pretty busy concentrating on the routine of it and it's over in no time.

Can't keep up with you guys!

Mel thanks for the compliment! I can't wait to see my new body. It's slowly revealing itself....:lol:

Jenelle I am sure it's hard to eat 4-5 times during the day if you're a teacher. Sheesh, when I go to my kid's school (5th grd) that teacher is running around like mad! As all the other teachers are as well! Bless you.

Lana I LUV nuts too. Man O man! My mom makes these great pecans for Christmas and I can eat them til I get a headache - and have!

About that birthday.... I think it was Karen's - no? Just a guess. I may have missed it in an earlier post - there's a lot of them.

Well, I have been eating clean and haven't missed a workout in 2 weeks. I feel great. No pain when I wake (car wreck in '98, rear-ended while head was turned to the left). More energy and sugar free too! Blood sugars are normal. JEC Speaking of BS, have you had that blood work done yet?

In other news - Mike (the Mr.) has now joined the gym and begun workingout and eating clean! Now I can hardly keep food in the house the boy eats like a teenager! :lol: He's even eating cottage cheese! Whipped, of course. He was stunned that it has so much protein.

Susie

Susie - you have fantastic news for us today !! congrats on the two weeks of clean eating. that's just great. and i'm really happy that the Mr. has joined you on the program. the more the merrier ;)

i was in the cardio room at the gym when our israeli astronaut was launched into space this evening. it was really exciting !! reminded me of the whole space program excitement in my childhood.

i had a great legs workout this afternoon, followed by 40 minutes of incline intervals. phew !! that was intense. :yes: 5 minutes at a 6% incline at 3.4 mph, 5 minutes 0% incline at 4mph.

eating has been wonderful these past few days too. i feel so good with all the healthy clean food running in my system.

i hope you're all having a good thursday. where did this week go to? :dizzy: tomorrow is already our weekend :p

take care,

adriana

Niffer: I will make the appointment today!!! Thanks for holding me accountable....

Adriana: it's Friday here already so tomorrow is my weekend also!

I went out shopping last night (food) and then to a movie with hubby. We saw 8 Mile which was released over here last night. I thought it was a bit slow - have any of you seen it? BUT I was very impressed with Eminen. He should do acting full time - a very intense individual it's hard to take your eyes off him!

Anyway clean eats packed in the fridge at work and a weeks worth of food ready to cook tomorrow in the fridge at home - I'm set :D :D

How is everyone?

JC

JEC Great to hear! Any time I can bug ya, let me know! :lol: I know you'll let us know the results.

Adriana You did legs and then did incline cardio? I am not worthy to be on the same board as you! Can you walk?

I go for a massage tonight (aahhhhhh). I won it on the radio. I called into a show called "Get off the Couch" :lol: it's about health and wellness. I love listening to those shows. Some of the info is right on, and then some is not. Anyway, he's going to try to sell me his services, I'm sure. But rest asured gals, I shall not cave!

OOOOOOOO! I have some news too! Yesterday I had lunch with a lender (I'm a REALTOR) and we met to talk about his business and mine and how we can help each other out. WEEELLLLL he just happens to be opening a new gym and wants me to put together a package to show his partners! During our conversation I was telling him what kinds of things to include from a woman's point of view, and he said "Why don't you put it together and we'll sit down with my partners!" YOWZA! I am pumped! This could lead to........I dunno, but this gym is going to be the hottest place in town!

Hope all is well with everyone! :D :D :D

How's it going everyone? Just got back from the dentist :( I need to floss more...so Jim is on the Flossing Nagging Committee - I don't get to go to bed until I've throughly flossed each nite - better that than going to the periodontist I guess :lol:

JC - I heard of 8 Mile but I am soooo out of touch with today's music...we still listen to Van Halen, Zeppelin and Metallica at home!

Susie - SOOO Jealous! Wish Jim would join me. He goes to the gym...er...infrequently...then he wonders why he can't get a decent night's sleep! Well, part of that could be the nightly Feline Follies that we've been having lately...Megan is trying to suck up to Sparky but he's one tough nut. Monday evening the Sparkster was all stretched out on top of the sofa basking in the warmth of the heater...and Little Miss Meg jumped up there and snuggled up behind him, put her head on his hind leg and went to sleep. Jim and I saw Sparky's ears go back a bit but then he just closed his eyes and kept on snoozin'. So I guess that's progress! (of course they are still batting at each other, but she gives as good as she gets).

Nope, that wasn't my birthday - mine was way back in November.

Mox! Nice to see ya back. Don't be a stranger :lol:

Boss just got back so gotta fly :df:

The birthday girl hasn't checked in yet :s: maybe she is HIDING!!

JC

Hey Susie - just a thought (re-reading your post regarding the gym).

You live in Colorado - well so does Pam Brown - maybe you could ask her to be at the grand opening of your friend's new gym? Would that be cool or what???

Hey what does it mean you you are eating the same food but you start to get more hungry than usual again?? I have forgotten.....

JC :D

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking, but I haven't been able to post. Crazy work keeping me from my internet habit!

This has been a good week for me. But, today I want to eat everything in sight! I haven't been having any kind of problems following the diet but today I just want BAD food. Oh well. I printed out some recipes to help with the boredom. It was very hard to be good at the grocery store tonight!

This weekend I am going to my parents house (about hours away) and doing more wedding poo. So I am going to try to do as well as I can. Plus, I am packing food. Luckily I have very health concious parents! My Mom lost about 30 lbs. about 10 years ago. And she is way skinnier than me :o

I have almost done 3 weeks! I am seeing a difference in the pants-o-meter, but I have only lost 4 lbs in scale weight. That is a little disappointing. I know...THROW OUT THE SCALE. I just can't :devil:

I have been doing ok on my workouts, but haven't been as sore as I expected. I don't know if that is a good thing or bad :dizzy:

Have a great weekend!

Hey ladies....I'm hanging in there...coming up on the end of week 3. I'm doing well, but I'm still working on my water at 7:15. It's so cold here today, and I find it tough to drink water when it's cold.

I ate a sirloin yesterday that was DEFINITELY bigger than my palm, but it was good! I had a plain baked potato and some steamed squash with it. I'm proud of me for making good choices.

I change my workout every 4 weeks. I get sore after the first workout of the new regime and then I am not really sore again until I change again. I think this is different for different people.

I change my workout every 6 weeks but sometimes I change it from week to week if a machine isn't avaible etc. I usually stay sore for the first 2-3 weeks and then it weans off. By week 6 I am ready to change.

JC

I can't remember what it means if your hungry all the time either, but boy am I hungry! I'm hungry when I'm eating, and hungry when I finish, and stay hungry. Water doesn't help :( . Hope this means fat is departing, but that is rarely the case for me.

I've been changing my workouts whenever I feel like it- never straying too far from my plan, but doing supersets and giant sets when I feel the urge, mixing up the order of the exercises. Really changes things when you just change the order. Trying to keep my body guessing and not just adapting. Yesterday I moved squats to the front of my leg workout instead of doing them after leg presses, and was able to get the last 10 reps at 275lbs (with a spotter) :yikes: Maybe I'll make my goal of over 300 lbs before I thought I would :) Though I look a bit like the mummy when I squat that heavy: knees wrapped, and ankles now wrapped.

OK ladies- here's a silly question for you all: Would you do a "truck pull"? The head trainer at my gym bought truck pull harnesses and all the gungo-ho muscle head guys can't wait to try it. He can't find any women who will try it and decided I was the most likely candidate and tries to talk me into it almost every day. Gee- wonder why no one else wants to??? I told him I'd try it if he found at least 1 other and I got to pull my Honda instead of a truck MAYBE I'd do it. :lol: If he hires me when I finish my certification! haha

Susie: Where in CO are you? My mom lives in Boulder- or rather up in the mountains outside of Boulder. Great place to visit, may be there this sumer.

Jennelle: I've actually been drinking warm water. I know, it sounds disgusting at first, but it's freezing here too! It's really not that bad, especially with a spritz of lemon.

Carrie: Throw out the scale! or at least hide it and only bring it out every 4 weeks or so. You're building muscle at this stage. If you see a change in the pants-o-meter at 3 weeks, you're doing great!

Adriana: Your enthusiasm leaps off my screen. Sounds like you're having a great time. How long have you been in Israel? I take it you are not a sabra from your comments.

JC- Cute (there's that word again) avatar.

need some sleep- last night I woke up a 2:30 convinced the alarm had gone off and hit dh yelling at him for setting the alarm for the middle of the night. Both of us were kinda grumpy when it did go off.

mel

A truck pull???? umm no idea.....

JC


(I don't even know what it is?)

Hey US guys,

How much do you pay for Splenda over there?? (granules)

JC

JEC -- our weekend is friday and saturday, not like the rest of the world !! lol we MUST do everything different here :-)

adriana

i go to sleep and find you've all been busy BFL'ers !!! i like it when i get up and find you've all been here.

Niffer - i can walk, it's sore but it's okay. i love doing my cardio and i try to get in an *11* when i feel up to it. i feel it in my gluttes today though :dizzy: sometimes, when i'm super pumped, i'll even do a spinning class the same day as legs.

that is sooooo cool about the new gym !! what potential. i'll be keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes the way you'd like. a realtor huh? my father is one in southern california, for 40 years now!

MrsJim -- all i can say is keep on flossing !! i have never i my life suffered from any kind of gum problems till i had this last flu and now i can't shake something that has attacked my gums. i'll have to break down and go to a gum specialist next week if it doesn't clear up with the meds i got today. i miss my brother the dentist !!

Karen i wanted to ask you about your current way of life. from what i understood, and this could be completely wrong, you don't workout anymore? is that right? can i ask you what you're doing these days to keep lean and strong if you're not working out. sorry if i'm completely off base here.

MEL !!! -- i know what a truck pull and i say go for it if you feel up to it !! with the weights that you're doing i would venture to say that you're more than up to it !!! wow !!! i can barely squat about 60 pounds without wanting to fall onto my butt !! i can press 220 pounds (100 kilos)........ which makes me wonder why different exercises have such a different impact on the same part of the body.

btw i'm not a sabra. i've been here since 1982. but i do have my 5 sabras!! plus the israeli ex-husband. i love it here !!

Lana -- hope everything is good with you !! i know you've been busy lately. hope to see you around later today.

Jennelle -- which challenge is this for you? i'm proud of you also for making good choices. i wouldn't worry about getting in some extra protein once in a while. i did these last two days because i felt i needed it.

Carrie -- i've heard a lot of people describing the same thing about food lately. i'm beginning to think that it's part of our human instincts in the winter to want more to eat. makes sense since winter is the time to just insulate ourselves from nature. one thing though, are you positive that you ARE getting in enough calories per day. if you're low on calories then it might be a reason for the hunger.

about your workout soreness, etc. are you adding on more weight as you progress, like once a week or every ten days. your body shouldn't be too used to a routine only in the third week. try adding some weights then see if you're not shaking it up a bit again.

i change my programs every 4 weeks, but along the way i try to add more weight to as many exercises as possible on a weekly basis, maximum 10 days. that keeps my body progressing real good !


===================

i have a triceps and biceps workout later today. i'm looking forward to it although that's not my very favorite area to workout. but i DO love the results that i'm seeing in my arms!! it's a long way to the arms that i want, but i'll get there, that's for sure.

then it will be an intense cardio, followed by some time in the jacuzzi to soothe this aching body. i'm sure i'll be feeling super good by the end of today's session at the gym :D

i have so neglected my house this week and it's time to pay the piper this weekend!! i'll be doing a whole lot of laundry and just hoping it dries in the next day or two. we hang our laundry up to dry in israel because it's so expensive to run the dryers all the time.

take care everyone. see you later.

adriana

Got a three-day weekend comin' up so I'm a happy chick :)

Adriana - AACK! oh no no no no no...I absolutely DO work out. What I don't do anymore is weigh myself! I stopped last year. Right now I'm doing a Draper split - it's in his book "Brother Iron Sister Steel" called Lean Legs for Women. It's a six-week split. I did change the routine a bit since he also has upper body exercises in the split - I took out most of the upper body exercises. Actually today my goal was to kill my legs - by that I mean just wear them out to a nubbin, so I really worked them today...

I'll post my current regimen in my Journal...

JC- Splenda - depends on the size. According to the Safeway website the prices are:

Splenda 50 count packets $3.49
Splenda 100 count packets $5.69
Splenda bulk granulated 1.9 oz $3.49
Splenda bulk granulated 3.8 oz $5.69

Compare to:

Sweet & Low 100 packets $2.59
Safeway Aspartame 100 packets $2.79

Pretty big diff huh :lol:

Carrie - I'm like JC - Whenever I change up workouts, I am really sore for the first week, but then it dissapates (even if I pile on the plates). You're on week 3 - you'll be due for a change up beginning at Week 5.

Mel - we have actually had some really fabulous weather this week...it's supposed to be in the 70s this weekend. Jim and I are kind of planning a road trip on Monday - perhaps to Rocklin or Santa Cruz (if traffic isn't too horrendous that is). If you do that truck pull, make sure that they remember to release the parking brake! :lol:

Well I found out this morning that my old Spinning instructor, Curt, is BACK at 24 Hour Fitness. He is an actual hardcore cyclist - does the 24 Hours of Adrenaline and Death Valley 200 mile rides every year (amongst others). Unfortunately his class begins at 6 a.m. on Fridays, and that doesn't jive with my schedule since I have to be at work by 8 am. However, I'm going to make an effort to be at one of his classes because he really kicks butt!

Later y'all!

I think I should already know this, but need a brief refresher--What exactly is spinning?

Cheryl

Hi girls,

:wave:

Boy I had to read 3 pages of postings.... whew!! I had to make notes so I could remember everything... yes MY age IS catching up to me....

OK, OK I'm the one who should be fessing up!! ........:s: Yes I was 46 on the 11th ... so there JEC :lol: :p

JEC ~~ I think your AV is SEXY not CUTE at all...:o

KAREN ~~ the mac and cheese I like is my homemade stuff, not all that unhealthy, spiral macaroni (ww pasta if I have it) with tomato sauce and mozarella cheese, mixed in together...But I just eat soooo much of it that it is UNHEALTHY... the Kraft mac and cheese does not sit well with me... I love your story of Meg :bb: lying down with the Sparkter :devil:... too cute...

SPAM ~~ it is amazing what un informed people will say with regard to health and eating... someone yesterday asked if I was pregnant because of the food I was eating... at the time I was eating blended raspberry cottage cheese and an orange!! My answer was "it's not pickles and ice cream, then I would wonder!"
And how anyone would rather be flabby and have more fat just because the #'s on the scale are lower... go figger!! Every one is DIFFERENT...

MS.PEN ~~ I'm totally w/you on the cardio front... I like the BFL cardio because it's short and sweet and over in no time... The only LONG cardio's I like are outside things, like bladding, biking, and walking...

NIFFER ~~ :bravo: on your 2 perfect weeks....

MEL ~~ have you ever tried front squats with a 1/2 inch board under the ball of your feet. I did that this week for a change I felt it the next day.... I change my work out quite frequently... I just get bored...

There may be a relation girls to being hungry all the time lately, I am in that same boat, and being cold.... WE are loosing FAT... and that is a very GOOD THANG!!

Today and last night I had a bit of a lapse, because I did not PLAN and I am running out of food... no CC, no egg whites, so have to go shopping this afternoon....This morning I really had to :drill: talk to myself you know what I said? Out loud too... hubby wasn't around or if he was he didn't say anything... " How badly do you F****G want this????" and that snapped me out of it... so I put back that 3rd granolla bar I was going to eat... So all I really screwed up was one meal... I was happy with myself....

Well I think my post is long enough....You all have a great weekend.... ARRIANE ~~ hope your w/e is coming along well....with all that wash and all....

Hi Ledom, Forgiven, Mox and Carrie, 4myself...

Take Care.....

Wow
You girls are all so busy I just can not keep up with y'all! Everyone seems to be doing so well. I too am actually having a good week, have been eating well and having pretty good WO"s.
Have had a couple of 10's, so I am feeling good about me again. Tomorrow and one more week to go with my first challenge, I just wish I had not screwed up so much, but live and learn. Next challenge will be awesome.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Virginia

A-ha!

Just did a search for "spinning" in the exercise forum, so now I know what it is! Sounds like fun.

I started the Body for Life program on Monday (01-13-03). The eating is no problem (Rob's Pumpkin Muffins are delish and I can't wait to try out the recipe for Pam's Yummy Brownies!!) because I've been preparing most of my meals in advance. I did my first LBWO on Wednesday. Although I had some idea of what to expect, the pain is just blowing me away!! It's different when you're actually EXPERIENCING Noodle Leg Syndrome :) rather than reading about it (duh!!)!!

Anyway, I'll probably start posting more in this forum!

Cheryl

I once got pulled into a spinning class AFTER my leg workout, but an over-enthuiastic instructor who was trolling the hallway for people to take the class. God, I thought it would never end! And she was on a mike yakking thru the whole thing "meet Mel our newest member! How you doin Mel? " through the whole thing so I couldn't slink out without anyone noticing. I've avoided peeking into rooms to see what's going on ever since! Except when Robert gives posing classes- that's a hoot to watch, and he knows better than to try to drag me into one :lol:

I just did a killer back and bicep workout. I''m exhauster- mentally and physically. Am thinking about taking a rest week next week. I can't remember when I last took one, and the 1/2 marathon training on top of weight training really drained me.

Gotta go take kiddo to tennis-
mel

OMG Splenda bulk granulated 3.8 oz $5.69???? It costs about $5 Australian which converts to $2.50 US...... WOW that is expensive

Lana: I think it's Sexy too and so does hubby!

Adriana: Karen NOT wokring out??? No way......

oh well I gotta shop so I will catch up later.

Karen: I pmed you....

JC

JC - got it and responded (duh you probably already figured that out).

So anyway you guys, I started an Articles thread. That way we can post really good articles and know where to look when you want to refer back to them, instead of going through all our weekly threads. Pretty cool huh? (I'll try not to break my arm patting myself on the back!!!).

Don't break your arm Karen I'll do it for ya...........:lol:

Great idea Karen! (I responded to your response!) :D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lana for the other day!!!! :lol:

JC

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY !!! :balloons:

how sneaky of you not to mention anything that day :s:

wishing you the very best year you've ever had !!

adriana

Happy Belated birthday from me, too! Hope it ws a great day.
mel

Lana
Happy Belated Birthday to you,.... Happy Belated Birthday to you,... Happy Belated Birhtday dear Lana,.... Happy Belated Birthday to you.
Hope you had a good one
Virginia

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH KAREN! How's that arm! Jeez, I really did laugh out loud when I read that.
Great idea. If you don't mind, I am gonna use it too! I post on another board too and BOY do they need help. (that's me, gotta save everybody!)


Lana, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Gotta fly girlies!

I buy it at the commisary, so it's waaaaaaaaaaaay cheap. The 3.8 oz box of granuals was under 3 buckos! (I think) Hey, I could buy it in bulk and send it to you guys............

Okay girls, help me out here. I am at the end of Week 3 in my challenge and doing really well (I am so proud of myself for actually sticking something out for more than two days! :D ), but I have a problem. The workouts are BORING ME TO DEATH! I've been working hard, and I can tell I'm getting results because I've recently been able to lift more weight. (Please don't ask me how much more...you'll laugh at me! :lol: )

I think it's just the idea of "same thing, different day." I guess I'm asking for "permission" to mix it up a little, maybe add a few abductor exercise or some extra crunches. Tell me what you all think.

:hat: Happy birthday week Lana!!!! Hope you have a great year coming up.

Sigh, I think I AM stuck! Karen you said 3 weeks w/ no change and on Tues. it will be 3 weeks. The weird thing is that I have fluctuated about 3 lbs. this week, ending the week on the up side of that 3 lbs. I am sticking to the diet, doing the workouts and really working at increasing weights!

So starting tomorrow I am hitting it w/ a plan of attack. What might I be doing wrong? Well, my timing has been off, sometimes I eat my meals too close together. This generally happens w/ meal 1 & 2 and meal 5 & 6 - so I am going to work on this. I am not doing a huge variety in my diet so I am going to stir things up here. Less beef and CC and more poultry and egg whites for this coming week. I think I'll go ahead and change my workout routine instead of waiting for week 4 to do that. Any other ideas girls? OK, mel I am thinking about cutting back carbs (slightly) as well and upping the veggies.

This is a scale thing. I haven't felt larger, clothes are fitting good, I believe I am seeing more muscle tone. BUT, remember, I am one of those girls that needs to lose in the vicinity of 80 lbs. or so, so that it is't acceptable to stop losing so early in the game. Any advice surely appreciated!

i would say that if changing things around a bit is the one thing that will keep you right on track, then by all means DO IT !!

three weeks is a good time for one routine. you can change it at this point and it'll probably do you the world of good. especially since you'll be "into it" again.

i'm on my second challenge but in C1 i did a lot of what i needed to do to make it work for me...... i did super-splits with the weights and much more cardio than the suggested amount. i was super happy with the results of C1 and that's why i decided to go on with C2.

i think that BFL can be used as a spring-board to many good things. i wouldn't stray much from the nutritional program, except to possibly cut out the free day altogether (i did after two weeks on C1).

it's a great program that can be tweaked fairly easily for each individual and that's what i really like about it.

good luck.

adriana

LEDOM!!: re cutting carbs - you need to be careful if you want to try this tweak because it can backfire badly on you and give you the worst exhaustion you have ever felt! If you want to do it then email me and I can guide since a have a bit of experience (like Mel) with cutting carbs and it working. Also, use adding cardio as a last resort, the problem with it is that the more you do the more your body gets used to it and thus you are continually adding more in to get results. Try and tweak with diet and weights (using splits etc) before adding in cardio.

Jenelle: Adding crunches in isn't going to kill you so I would say go for it!

JC

Since making that post earlier today I have been reconsidering on the carbs. I really don't want to tweak too much at this stage of the game. I have been happy w/ my success so far and still have lots of BFL faith. Also, some of the things I have read today over at l&s have made me give that idea a second thought as well. I think what I really need to do is make sure I am not having overly generous portions and add some variety. For the last month or so I have been using steelcut oats w/ apple for my carb up to 3 times a day (love that stuff). I am also thinking of substituting shannycakes for the bfl banana loaves. I believe I will do the test of displacing water in a full bowl w/ my fist to see just what the measurement for a serving is. I had thought I'd save splits for the 3rd challenge but I may take you up on advice in case this coming week doesn't go better. I actually think I am doing pretty good following the diet, but this week I am really going to look for little ways to make it better. Anyway, I will send you a pm w/ my e-mail. Thanks for taking the time to offer suggestions. It is just a bit disconcerting, the last 2 weeks of C1 I was seeing such good results, I wanted to pick up right where I left off but I am having to prime the pump again it seems.

Ledom- You just said all the things I was going to suggest. I'd be real careful as JC said, about cutting the carbs. But I would change them up a bit. I got really stuck in C2 I think becuase I ate the same 5-6 foods in the same prtions every day. Also, I went to splits in the middle of C1 because 1) it was way too boring and 2) with a mistory of many old sports injuries, working the same body parts with the same exercises twice a week was killing my shoulders and knees. Rotator cuff and knee problems forced me to change the standard BFL UBW-LBW-UBW, then switch. I very early on switch to a 4 day split to save my joints. I also found it more interesting.
Hang in there on the nutrition- with the weight you have to lose, I wouldn't tweak it much, just add variety and watch your portions. I started BFL only 4 pounds heavier than I am now (actually I haven't weighed in about 3 weeks, do who knows?) having already lost 50 pounds. So don't use me as a nutritional example.

Today's a chore day- cleaned 2 toxic bathrooms, 1 to go. Then some studying, then the mandatory football game on TV. I hate football, but the entire Philadelphia area has been swept by Eagles fever. We have a humungous projection TV and dh invited a few neighbors to watch the game here. UGH! At least THEY are bringing the junk food!

mel

sure is quiet around here this weekend -- i hope you're all having a good one :)

today is the beginning of a new week for us here in israel. the weekends just fly by since fridays are still very active days of shopping, cooking and errands. we really only "rest" on saturdays.

i had a great workout this morning, upper body. which is still kind of strange to me since i had done super splits for so long, and half of the week is still a split. i feel good though :smug:

then it was 30 minutes of HIIT, with an emphasis on the *intensity*.

tonight is spinning class. the first one since i was side-lined by the flu almost one month ago. spinning is my real super challenge since it took me a few months just to get into enough shape to live through one class. now i'll be working on building up endurance once again :^: *sigh*

Ledom -- i'm glad to see that you've been able to work through the rough spots and that you are now re-determined in your challenge. i'm one to stick to the same foods that i love, so i know what you're talking about to a certain extent. i still haven't gotten tired of my very basic, very good foods, and i'm hoping i just don't - ever !!

Jennelle -- have you made any changes in your workouts? i'm curious to hear what you've decided to do about the whole thing.

have a great day everyone :D

adriana

you snuck in there while i was writing my post!!

you and i did a lot of the same things with our workouts i see. i also got dead bored at the beginning of C1 and quickly solved that problem with splits. i LOVE splits !! now i'm doing the Dave Draper favorite which is a bit strange in the second half of the week. but i'm liking it because it does break things up :cool:

uugghh, we did household chores yesterday..... thank God that's behind me, at least for a few days. the good thing was that everyone helped out a bit (including my ex-husband) and it was all done pretty quickly.

have a great day Mel.

adriana

Adriana - I did an upper body workout yesterday that involved more weight and a few more exercises for the lats, and I feel it today! It's a "good sore," though. I think it's what I needed...I sort of felt like I wasn't having to work hard enough (or maybe my body was just getting used to it.)

You will probably think that I am crazy but I love to clean! It's one of my favourite things to do and it helps me relax!

JC

OK guys, I got this off L&S, I think PamB posted it. Does this look like the splits you do? I am ready to try splits.

Day 1: Chest and bi's
Day 2: rest
Day 3: Back and tri's
Day 4: off
Day 5: Shoulders and abs
Day 6: Legs
Day 7: off

"I do 3 exercises 4 sets each per large body part (chest, back, thighs and shoulders) and 2 exercises 5 sets each per small body part (bi's, tri's, calfs). 8-10 reps per set until failure...

I throw in cardio 2-3 times per week...forget it after leg day! You need rest! "

I've got my cooking going and am feeling opitimistic.

I'm actually taking this next week off because it's been ages since I rested, and both rotator cuffs are inflamed, but the split I have been doing is very similar:

Mon: Chest and tri's
Tues: Cardio, shoulders and abs
Wednesday: Legs
Thurs: Cardio and different ab exercises
Fri: Back and Bi's
Sat: Cardio
Sun: Clean the house and do laundry
oops- no rest day!

My rep count is different, tho. For most muscle groups, I do 4 sets of 10, and a fifth if I haven't totally failed yet. For shoulder muscle groups I do 3 and sometimes a 4th set of 10.
I find that my legs are the most sore 2 days after a good leg day, so cardio the day after is ok.

I've tried other spllits, but keep coming back to this, with variations on the exercises. Will spend some time this week re-evaluating my workouts and may try something new again. Seems to be a lot of Dave Draper devotees on the board. Maybe I'll look at some of his again.

JC- If you REALLY like to clean, I have a great idea for your next vacation :lol: I'll even help with the airfare. I wouldn't mind cleaning so much if it were MY mess or general entropy, or just dog related, but cleaning up after a 12 year old boy and his friends infuriates me. And a husband who leaves a trail everywhere he goes of just STUFF! Grrr... and it's partially my own fault that I let them get away with it. Even my daughter, when she's home, knows that MOM will do it. She keeps her apartment at school quite neat and clean, but at home is a slob. Rant, rage....

Adriana- Did you get the "favorite" from Brother Iron Sister Steel or Iron-Online? I think they are slightly different, but can't remember exactly. Guess that's what I'll be checking out this week.

Karen- Where are you? off horsing around this week-end?

I feel like a gaint puff-ball from 2 days of horrible eating. I know I'm only supposed to be staying out of the gym, but everything broke down this weekend. I think I'll have a big bowl of ice cream to really top it off, then start clean first thing tomorrow. I need to remind myself how terrible this is.

mel

Ledom: I emailed you.

Mel: you pay for the airfare and I will clean!

Karen: neighhhhh!!!!!

JC

why is it that i feel that time is just flying by? i don't like this feeling of not getting enough done. ick.

it's already monday here and i have a full day planned. i'll be going to the gym later this morning for a legs workout, then some cardio.

i've noticed that some of you don't do cardio on a legs day. is that because of the over-load or because you just don't like the cardio?

i do cardio every single time i'm in the gym, and then some. i even go back to the gym in the evening a few times a week to do another cardio session. last night was spinning. i hadn't been in one month and it felt good.

Jennelle -- that's great that you added what you wanted to add. i'm a firm believer in making the workout something that you are happy with and being flexible. good for you!!

Mel - i'm doing the Draper favorite from his website. i don't have Brother Iron- Sister Steel, but i'm going to get it soon. it's a pain buying books like that here because they have to be ordered online and then we also pay customs taxes when they arrive!!

JEC - i'm with you. i like cleaning too, but not because it makes me relax, because it makes the messy house a bit better :lol: !! i'm not compulsive about it, i get into it a few times a week getting things done that need to be done. with 5 kids and 2 dogs this house gets wild really fast :o

Ledom - that workout looks pretty good, especially when you *throw in* the cardio. you'll like this split, i'm sure.

it's great reading everyone's workout schedule. i'm fascinated by how people work their bodies. my current schedule is as follows:

sunday: upper body + 30 min HIIT + spinning in evening
monday: legs, abs + 30 min HIIT + trekking in evening
tueday: total rest
wednesday: chest, back, shoulders + 30 min HIIT + sometimes trekking in evening
thursday: legs, abs + 30 min HIIT + spinning in evening
friday: biceps, triceps + 30 min HIIT
saturday: most times rest, sometimes a 5-7k walk around town

i'm back doing the basic BFL sets and reps breakdown right now. 60-70 minutes in the weights room and i'm very happy with it all.

i REALLY love cardio too, so i place a great emphasis on it during the week. sometimes i swim too, but much less now since the workout is quite intense.

wishing you all a great Monday !! make it count :smug:

adriana

thanks for the input on splits. I have done some switching around and now the potential workout schedule looks more like this.

S cardio
M back & bis
T cardio
W chest and tris
T shoulders and abs/cardio
F legs
S off

I like your idea about adding another ab workout Mel so I may do that.

Now my question is - how many exercises per body part? Do you follow the bfl model on that or change that up as well? Do you find these workouts run a bit shorter than the bfl split?

adrianna - you are so full of energy, I don't think I could keep up with you!?!!?!