Howdy. Hope everyone is having a great day so far. I don't have a lot to report, other than that I officially started my first BFL challenge this morning. I almost hit the snooze alarm to stay in bed longer, but then thought about how much I really wanted to get into shape. (I went hiking this weekend and was huffing/puffing up some not too steep hills!) After doing the arms/back/chest exercises, my arms felt like noodles -- but not so weak I can't type! Although I feel good (I hope my motivation lasts longer than 1 day ), I seem to be obsessing today on my food, the plan, etc. It's hard to concentrate on work. How do you walk that fine line between focusing enough on what you want (weight loss/body toning), and not obsessing over everything related to food/exercise/weight? Or perhaps with a weight problem like mine, it's better to obsess, so long as it remains positive? Any thoughts much appreciated. Mox

Hello Mox,

I found the first 2 weeks I obsessed with the food, I read all I could, would come on the internet every moment I was free, lurked Lean and Strong and counted calories too on www.fitday.com but now that I'm more comfortable with the plan, or my like my new way of life, I enjoy it ALOT.

Don't obsess too much but more like have fun with the whole program...And we're always here for your questions... I'm on week 9, I think, I've lost track...

See you all later...

Lana....

Mox - keep at it - just write down everything ahead of time - I used to use the Daily Progress Report forms in the book (you can download then at the official BFL site) and every evening I would write down my menus and exercises for the next day. (sometimes I still do that to keep on track). For me, Fitday doesn't work too well - I wanted to get totally off that calorie thing. As long as you're eating clean and measuring palm/fist (or grams of protein/carbs) calories don't matter. In fact I've seen that folks who do count calories on this tend to not do as well, because they cut their food too much. You NEED to eat to grow that muscle and burn fat!

You're in the 'learning phase' now. Keep referring to the book...lurk/post here and at L&S...eat clean...train hard...and before you know it, it'll become second nature and you'll LOVE it. I promise!

Hi Ladies--
A quick post before I hit the sack for the night...

Mox--
The first couple weeks you'll worry about everything, whether you're eating on time, how much, whether something's authorized or not. I highly recommend checking into either here or L&S on a daily basis. It helps to see people's success and weaknesses, keeps it all more down to earth and real I think. I am an admitted food-obsessee, but with BFL, I tried really really hard not to worry about calories, just focusing on portion size and making sure I got in all those six meals. Just remember--eat clean and workout everyday, drink your water. It's as simple as that, and your twelve weeks will fly by. Honestly--I don't think any time goes faster than when I'm in challenge-mode. Hang in there and in a couple of weeks, it'll all be second nature.

Lanaii--I go through only two big tubs of cc a week. I thought that was a lot...five? No way do I like it that much!

I had a great 3 mile run today at the park, with about five minutes cool-down on the swingset. Running outside is something relatively new to me...I have terrible nerve damage in one of my feet that makes running on pavement virtually impossible. But I have found a trail that's blacktop, softer than asphalt but not as giving as a trail trail. Perfect so far for my feet...no pain! And I cannot believe how much better I can run now! Amazing what HIIT will do for you. Used to be that I couldn't even last half a mile...three miles is nothing for me now!

Have a great night all.
Maggie