Number FORTY!!! WOO WOO WOO!!!!!

Little did I know--when I started the thread a year ago--that we'd be up to 40 now!!!!!

Thank you all for being here!!! Esp. MrsJim who came on board early and has become one of my heroines.

MrsJim: The monitor is a good idea. I checked the heart association website last night and they said that usually hp's are nothing to be concerned about but could signal another condition. It is most often associated with high blood pressure and I have low blood pressure. I wonder if the HPs are a sign that my blood pressure is going up. Hmmm. Also, I have considered joining the fen-phen class action law suit if for no other reason than to get my heart checked. I might do that (I've been vacillating on it). In the meantime I will get the monitor. good idea!

SpongeBob Square Pants. The first time I blew by this show, clicking as it were, I stopped because I could not believe someone came up with this idea and sold it to a network (what is with the chipmunk in the diver suit??? ) It is so bizarre. I told someone in school that I would have loved it when I was an 18 year old party girl. I would have taped it for late Fri and Sat nights coming home in an altered state. Every time I see it, that is all I can think of!!! Totally strange. My friend has a 4 year old who sings the song at the top of his lungs in the backseat of her car....he knows all the words. It's truly amazing what people come up with. We have a friend named Robert that we call SpongeBob. He's never seen the show and doesn't get the joke!!!

Oh well, back to BFL talk: I did the swiss ball/powerblock workout this morning from the PB web page. What a killer!!!! The squats were great as I was in perfect form doing it the way they say (squat til your butt hits the top of the ball). I did several of the exercises for both upper and lower body trying to put a routine together. It wasn't an official workout since today is supposed to be free day...just to experiment and check out form and how to do the exercises...but it was a killer nonetheless!!! Definitely beats the bench, I think. I will have to be careful with the shoulder exercises because your head is off the ball and I have a bad neck...I might scoot down and support my head. The swiss ball definitely keeps you in form when performing the exercises. I LOVED IT!!! A new way to go...Yeah!!!

Lisa, I can't find your email address. I have 20 MRPs, a mix of fruit and vanilla...if you send me a check for like 27.00 I 'll send them right out!!!

How is EVERYONE DOING????????????????????


Life begins at 40!!!

Susan

Hi Everyone,

I can't believe that 3 weeks have gone by already! I'm starting to notice some changes. I actually lost my wedding band this past week (found it later) because my rings have been so loose on my fingers. When I flex my arms in front of the mirror I notice that they are starting to take a little shape on the top. I have so much loose skin - but now it has something more to hang on to. I was sitting at the computer the other day with my toes propping up my feet against the chair and my hubby freaked and told me to look at my leg. I looked down and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Lots of muscle down there!!! You can see an indentation like a line from below my knee down toward my ankle on the outside of my calf and then this bulge on the back - about half way down! I was stunned - I didn't think I would see something like that so fast! This has really pumped me up.

Free day is alot different than the past two. I just didn't feel like eating the stuff I was craving throughout the week - like cheesecake. Oh well - no use forcing myself.

A girl from L&S had suggested getting an exercise ball because I was having trouble with my crunches. Well I got one this weekend and tried them out. What a big difference!

Susanje I am interested in your comments about using it like a bench and for squats. What is the PB web page? I know I need to change my routine at the end of this week and I'm thinking of incorporating the ball into this. I am soooo envious of your powerblocks. Do you like them? I imagine that you can only use them for arms though right? Hubby has made me a deal that if I am still doing BFL by next Christmas I can get powerblocks. Guess I'm gettin them!!! They look like they are much easier to change than plates.

Sorry for goin on about myself but I am just so excited about the small changes I am noticing. Hope you all are doing just as well!!!

(what is with the chipmunk in the diver suit??? )

Her name is Sandy and she is a squirrel from Texas. LOL My 4 year old loves the show as well.

Okay..I am in the last days of week 2 and still loving this. I am now at 190 (scale weight) My partner and I did measurments and such when we started. I did the BMI and body fat calculators online, but they all gave a different % so I will use the most common one. I am buying a caliper soon. I am amazed any differences came so quickly. I am still not having cravings. I even bought my daughter McD's today and did not even desire anyting from there.
Okay to me this next thing is a HUGE accomplishment for me.
I LOVE as in addicted to Rotel and Velveeta (make it into a dip) Well I had some on my free day and the left overs where in the fridge..dd wanted some so I was putting some in a bowl for her and by instint I stuck the spoon in my mouth..well I TOOK IT OUT without taking a bite of any of the dip. I just threw it in the sink and was so proud of me. Usually I would have rationalized eating that one bite, by not being wasteful ro something...but this time I did not.
I began HIIT today. I like the feel of it much more than 20MAS. Is it alright to do it.

MrsJim We exchanged the AdvantEdge for some MetRx
And got rid of the 'lunch meats'.

I read on another site this way of adding and multiplying weight/meals/and such to figure out what % you should eat of Protien/Carb/Fat....is that needed as when i did it..it came to almost 30?? My PCOS would go crazy with that much carbs.
By fist/palm method..it is about 23g. What do you all think? The 23g of both Protien and Carb is better yes??
I have also been taking glutamin in my MetRx and organic flax seed oil with my salad or on its own.
I have found that cooking alot and then separating it into portions is the best way for us to stay on track. When I grill chicken..I grill about 6 or so portions. I made home made croutons with spices, whole wheat bread, and flaxseed oil..to get an easy carb in (chicken salad with croutons). I premade 3 oatmeals all in portion containers. It does take a few to get used to everthing and get things right, but I believe I finally have.
I found alot of BFL recipes and most sound very good. I am only going to have the ones that list Nutritional info though and make sure I check it as I prepare it too.
I had no idea I would love weight training as much as I do. I hate waiting the day in between, but I know it is needed.
Happy Thoughts!
Pixie~

oh okay. Sandy is a squirrel from Texas in a diver suit. Okay, well THAT makes sense.

Thunderheart: The PB website is the powerblock web site. They have a link that says exercises and when you click on it it shows exercise ball exercises. It was funny because I was looking for both pb exercises and then later figured I would find some swiss ball exercises not realizing PB had both on their web site. The exercises really are cool...check them out!!!

CONGRATS on seeing muscles! Yes, the BFL way of weight training really does show great results!

BFLPixie: some sites say take your weight and divide by 6 for your protein/carb grams at each meal. Others say LEAN weight. I go with the lean weight. When I was in the middle of my first challenge, I thought I was eating too much (not much results at the time) and I measured it gram by gram for a few days until I could "eyeball" accurately and I found I was eating too little doing fist/palm.

It's okay to do HIIT in place of 20 MAS as long as you're really doing it to exhaustion (hitting 10s). I know that when I first started it I could barely get out 4 minutes but it was a 10!

I had a long day at school and now I must go to bed (early) to do it all over again tomorrow!!!

see u
susan

I guess we should call this the "Spongebob" thread now

OMG...what did I start?!?

Well as you all know yesterday was my free meal, I had a burrito and split some nachos with Jim - that was around 12:30 or so. I WAS SO STUFFED that as a result the rest of the day was totally screwed up. Couldn't eat anything until just before bed - when I had a Myo Lite...

Oh well back to CPB! I have a training session this morning (since my boss is on vacation until the 11th of March, it's a good time to get things done) and she's gonna do my measurements and BF% again. I am dying of thirst right now, getting hungry too. But according to the instructions, I can't eat or drink ANYTHING 4 hours before the test...can't exercise for 12 hours before...can't have caffiene 24 hours...today is also a high-protein day. we'll see what happens this week. As you recall I just got soooo sleepy by Day 2 so she added some carbs back in and I felt great!

Gotta run and hit the shower - more later...BTW it's absolutely gorgeous here now...we had a beautiful weekend!

MRsJim:

I can't wait to hear those results! I bet they are phenomenol!!!

Do your high protein days correspond to any particular kind of exercise (cardio/weight) or are they independent of it?

My daughter came home with Girl Scout Cookies yesterday. aiyiyi. I bought about 20 boxes (to help her cause) but will be sending most of those to my sons in the east. Let them eat cake.

Well my daughter is "off track" so I get to go in a little later. In some parts of California (this one for instance) they go to school year round on a "track" system (4 different tracks). To keep the kids sharp and to prevent overcrowding, there is always a track off at one time--each track gets a different set of months off (though all tracks get one summer month off). My daughter gets March, July and November off. So she tracked off on Friday and will track on the last week of March. It gives me a bit more flexibility.

I really really love the track system. I think all kids should go to school like this. It keeps them from getting bored...they are just about ready to track off when the time comes and then just about ready to track back on when it's almost over. They don't get too bored at any time and the material stays fresh so there isn't all that "fall review" stuff going on. They actually progress faster. I don't know why the track system isn't more popular.

Anyway, now that she is "off track" I can relax a bit more in the mornings and take her to daycare when I leave (around 9:30) instead of leaving twice. On my schedule, every little bit helps and being off track does help me.

Off to exercise and then wake up the kid.

Have a great day everyone!!!
Susan

Hey SusanJe

Thanks for the info on the PB web page - checked it out and I'm going to try some of those after this week is over. The only problem is now I really really really really really really want powerblocks. They look so much easier to change the plates. Which set do you have? Any criticisms? I'm trying to build a case for earlier than a Christmas present.

Found out today that I couldn't hit my tens with my LBWO after planning to raise the weights because they wouldn't fit. I need to get heavier plates - I guess that's a good thing right? Another reason to get powerblocks? - please say yes! I will be doing more squats after this week though (presently doing leg extensions) so maybe I won't need heavier weights.

Have a great day!

Guess what? I've lost your e-mail and your address! Here's my e-mail: [email protected]

I finally had a good week, now heading into another. It's good to see so many folks here!

Mrs.Jim did you mention using the swiss ball to work your inner and outer thighs to help stabilize your "seat" while riding? Could you describe that? Thanks.

Hi all!

Well, into week 5 and feeling fabulous! My UBWO changed today and I can really feel it

My clothes are getting tighter in the shoulders and sleeves and looser in the pants. Good thing I know how to sew...

DH has mentioned "working out" in a roundabout way. I don't think he wants to give up his ciggies, brewski and salami just yet. Told him I intended to compete in another two years and he said he might want to start working out with me then...oy. I asked him if he at least wanted to look at my BFL book and he didn't seem interested, until I mentioned that after a couple of challenges he would look just like one of my faves, Larry Scott.

He said he'd think about it...

Everyone is doing so well! I do have a question. My belly is so big I can't get calipers around the places to measure. Any ideas? I know when I lose more fat it will hang (ewww) but what the heck. I'd rather have a great body with a little loose skin than be fat. BTW, I too am having more energy this week. Last week was a bit slumpy and I couldn't seem to hit any 10s and food seemed boring. This week, everything seems new and fresh and I have no doubt this is FOR LIFE!

Have a great day! I'm so glad everyone is here!

thanks heaps for the reply to my questions, I appreciate that!.

my husband and I started week four yesterday and for some reason we are both struggling with our eating this week.

Don't know why, but I just wish every day was a free one this week,

Waterbaby - I was interested to read that you had the same experience in week four - hopefully I'll come right soon. I am still working out as hard as I can, and eating properly (although had a couple of extra's ) cos I know this thing is what I need, and I have committed to this as a lifestyle - not just for a twelve week competetion.

Anyway - need to take the kids to school & kindy - catch you later.

Carps

p.s. does anyone have a Good crepes recipe?

Didja notice we have some new icons here at 3FC??

I love these - remind me of L&S: :sheep:

Well as I posted earlier this morning after Sparky woke us up at 3:00 am (kitty meows incessantly, Jim wakes up, gets cat, puts on bed, cat purrs and sleeps for 20 min, gets up, meows, Jim gets up, gets cat...etc. I keep telling him just to ignore Kitty because he's reinforcing that behavior. Guess we'll have to give him a kitty workout this evening!). ANYWAY, I was having my bodyfat tested today. According to the Bodystat, it went down 1% since 21 Jan (about a month). I personally feel a bit leaner than that...my tape measurements went down too (I've asked Theresa to email them to me) and I don't weigh myself, but she weighs me (I just don't look) and she said my scale weight went down too! So I'm pretty happy. I didn't even start Camp Pam B until a week ago...

Carps - don't worry - I have those weeks too when it just seems that free day will never come. I find journaling helps tremendously. When you feel those urges to run to the fridge to see what the Snack Fairy has left, it's great to have a journalbook (just a blank book) to write down your thoughts, hopes, dreams - whatever. I have been doing this for years. Not every day religiously but whenever I feel the need. Drink lots of water too - it really helps out.

As far as crepes - I posted Steve L's yummy pancake recipe on the last BFL thread - you might want to give that a try - haven't tried it myself but it has gotten RAVE reviews!

Claire - what I would do rather than calipers - if you can't find someone to do your caliper measurements for you - is to take pix, say every 4-6 weeks - and tape measurements. You don't need to look at those pix immediately - what I would do is wait until the end of 12 weeks, then take all your progress photos in to be developed...or upload to your PC if you have a digital...and look at the progress. I have absolutely no doubt that, with your great attitude, you WILL have progress!

I know how you feel about getting your hubby into BFL. I've been working on Jim ever since I started. Today he actually rode his bike in to work - the weather is GORGEOUS in the Bay Area right now - mid-70's. We have a pretty decent gym here at work, so Jim takes a shower and dresses for work in the locker room. I'm hoping that he decides to stay after work once in awhile and do some lifting...told him I would help spot him if he wants. He is such a hunk now - if he did some lifting and eating clean he would be total eye candy!

Lisa - here's how I do the swiss ball inner thigh exercise: I take the orange swiss ball (I think it's 45 or 55 cm) and put it between my legs while I'm lying down, my knees bent as if I'm in a crunch position. I SQUEEZE and HOLD that squeeze for a count of 5, then release, repeat thirty times. On riding days I also do the same thing on the inner-thigh machine at the gym - set it at 150# and squeeze and hold about halfway through the movement. On both of these movements, I concentrate on keeping my core stable (abs I mean - holding them in). I'm sure I'm seeing a difference when I ride - my leg aids were pretty weak and sitting the trot was a disaster - now it's much better - Dee Dee has even commented on the improvement!

Susan - my lowcarb/highprotein weeks (looks like they are in weeks rather than days) are independent of what exercise I'm doing. Pam knows my training program, she thought it was really great and just made a few minor changes.

Later all!

Hey!

MrsJim, thanks for the advice about the calipers -- someone else was taking the measurements and I don't know if she was disgusted by the subject matter or doesn't know what she's doing -- I think the photos will tell a better tale. She's a skinny-fat cardio bunny anyway, so no big loss.

I got a hunk, too, but he's got a belly and arms that would make pencils envious. He doesn't understand that a program will help him. He's the sort that wanders around the gym and never works his lower body.

Hey Carps, last week was a toughie, but I made it! I kept telling myself I was worth it, and every time I messed up, I did damage control and just kept going. You can too! Just pick up and go forward!

Just got back from the gym, did chest and back today and am exhausted. Felt slightly light-headed after each max set, then came home and inhaled my tuna!

Last week was real slumpy for me too- was too exhausted to finish sets, failed before I should have, and wanted to eat everything that wasn't nailed down. From now on, I'm going back to staying sugar-free on free days too. I think that had a lot to do with it!

My hubby is starting to think about doing BFL too! He's lifted about twice a week forever, and does just enough lifting and cardio that he won't get killed playing ice hockey. But he pulled something in his back on Saturday playing and realizes he's got to do more to stay in shape to play. At 50, he's about 10 years older than the rest of the players. I hope he'll do it with me! (just had to try it out!)

susanje- Good luck getting those gs cookies out of the house before they bite you! Insidious little buggers.

MrsJim- good going on the stats! You certainly are working for it! For the rest of us, I'll ask: how's the skin situation coming?

I can't get my waist measurement to budge since I've started BFL- calipers say improvement, scale says small improvement, I definitly look better- but no change there ever!

gotta go start the homework ordeal,

mel

I usually do more lurking but I'm feeling pretty good today and wanted to tell someone. After 2 weeks I'm down 5lbs. and several inches, especially off my hips.

I noticed several people have posted about loose skin and I don't know how well this works. but....... a doctor from the beriatric treatment center told my sister-in-law that skin firming lotion actually works to tighten up loose skin. He said it works like an antibiotic from the inside out. I guess it takes a little while to notice a difference but hey, if it works. It's always worth a try, besides most people use some kind of lotion anyways.

sheila

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well. I did a LBWO this am and then walked around the zoo for 3 hours pushing my 28 lb tot in the stroller and chasing after my 4 year old. I'm so sore but I feel GREAT!
I feel like I'm eating too much and not doing enough work. Well, let me clarifly the work part-I am shaking and nauseated (sp) when I finish working out but for the rest of the day I feel great and I forget how hard it was. Am I making any sense? Anyway I'm just afraid this is too fun and too easy to work. I don't even have many cravings. I think this is due to the amt. of protein I'm eating. I think my diet before was lacking in that department. My sister and BIL are also doing BFL and he has lost a total of 13 inches so far! (C1 W3).
I'm going to have my hubby help measure me tonight to help track my progress.

Hope eveyone has a good night.

Tam