Alright, so I knew that with losing weight I'd want to start resistance training real soon so that I can tone my muscles instead of losing them and burning them.

My first session was today and boy....do I feel....good! We started off with some basics...leg press, shoulder press, rowing pull thingy, and another chest press *can't remember the name*, and some intense crunches...mix in some cardio and I had an awesome workout!

Alright...so he told me I needed to add some more protein into my diet. How do you do this when you're on a diet like Jenny Craig *I'm not on this one but it's similar* where your meals are already made for you? Maybe I should consider a different diet? Or maybe just add some protein in addition? I was thinking of adding egg white omeletes every morning as I know these are low on calories but high in protein.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had told you when you first starting lifting?

I'm a veggie, so I get most my protein from adding a tbsp of protein shake (mine is only 40 cals/tbsp) to my morning yogurt and my milk. I also eat a half cup of fat free cottage cheese every day (80 cals). I get a brand that has calcium added so I can have cottage cheese instead of milk/yogurt too.

I usually get at least 65 g of protein a day, which is pretty good for a veggie. I try to get closer to 80 g on the days I lift.

My advice? KEEP AT IT!

Hope this helps,
Sara

My advice is keep at it, too

I'd add some egg whites (6 give you about 21 grams of protein) or a half cup of cottage cheese, or an extra helping of very lean meat (chicken breast, turkey breast, fish). I aim for about 125 grams of protein per day, but I lift heavy 4-5 days per week.

Does your meal plan incorporate a morning or afternoon snack? You could substitute a protein shake with a few berries or half an apple blended into it.

Mel

Thanks for the helpful replies guys

I'm so excited about starting this. I really feel good about it...gonna be doing it every other day instead of his recommended 2 times a week. He also says I should give myself a day off from exercise completely, but maybe on my day off I'll just go for a nice leisurely walk.

I think on the days that I lift I will have a nice egg white omelette in the morning. I think this will help with my energy.

Yes, Mel, my plan does give me protein shakes and each shake has 70 grams of protein, and I drink 3 of them a day. Each one is only 100 calories and I usually add a banana or some mixed berries in with them. So I guess I do really get enough protein..Hmmmm..why do I feel so drained at times then? I'm so confused

Alright, so I looked at the package wrong last time....each shake has 14 grams of protein...so I'm getting 32 grams of protein just from the shakes and the meals I eat average 20 grams (2 of those a day).....so 72 grams of protein...and then I usually eat some soy beans during the day. Does this sound about right for protein?

To paraphrase Alwyn Cosgrove and Mike Boyle (and I'm sure there are others), someone who gives their best effort on a lousy program will see more results than someone who gives a mediocre effort on a great program.

I've seen a lot of people who spend more energy searching for the perfect workout than they do in their workouts and I think it is common among people when they were new to training, myself included. Find a program that looks interesting to you. Don't worry right now if it's the "perfect" program for you. Just be consistent in making your workouts and give the best effort you are capable of giving and you will see results.

Thanks

I appreciate that piece of advice. Right now I just do what my trainer tells me to do. He's gonna change my routine in 2 weeks...I can't wait to see what he has for me. I have to say though....not only do my arms hurt.....my BOOBS hurt! I had to wear a sports bra to keep them from bouncing today cause when they bounce they hurt. Man...I can tell this is gonna be good for me. lol.

Last time I had started some resistance training, I had really good results....got defined shoulders and chest and I looked great...and I wasn't even doing that much, just what I thought was right for me. I tried really hard though...so I guess what you're saying about trying really hard on a lousy program really does work.

Sheila, it sounds like you're doing a great job! Please keep posting about it. I'm going to start with weights tomorrow. (Moving the weight bench in from the spidery garage to the dining room tonight.) I'm excited to get moving!