Hey Guys,

LBWO this morning after 2 weeks. It was great, I concentrated on my form and control and used fairly light weights. It felt great and I felt like I did my muscles a favor by breaking them back in that way. I was listening to some great music too. My new Norah Jones, George Harrison's Brainwashed, the Beatles Revolver and Bob Dylan Blonde on Blonde. It's a great mix for strength training, or anything for that matter.

I gave up Diet Coke as one of my goals in my first challenge. I have never looked back. It is the best thing I have done for myself on this diet I think, I also love water with my meals now.

Eat all the food just like the book says. After a while it is just so right. You will second guess, but just follow the book. Look up the banana bread recipe on the L&S recipe board. Use those instead of bars. I still use bars as back-up but I am picky about what I buy. Powerbar has a new sugar free, high protein bar out now. But really, I find the mini banana loaves have solved that commuting, I want to hold something that isn't messy and eat it quick meal...I use met-rx Butter Vanilla Protein Powder in mine along w/ organic applesauce.

Good morning!
 

Last 'dead' day at work for awhile :dizzy: so I guess I'd better enjoy it while I can, eh?

I was amazed this morning at the gym - thought it was gonna be packed and it's still pretty quiet. I guess everyone is either taking the week off and coming in later in the morning, or decided to 'start' on Monday the 6th!

Mel - Guess what! Kitties both slept on the bed last night!!! :D Well, they weren't SNUGGLED together or anything, but at least they were both on the bed. Sparky was next to me, and Megan was sleeping next to "Daddy" (Jim of course). Kinda made it tough for me to get out of bed in the morning, since Sparky was on the edge...Megan has turned into a little oinker as far as food goes. This morning I measured out 1/2 a cup of kitty food and she just ate and ate...until it was all gone. When it was just Sparky, that 1/2 cup of kibble would last him all day, she polished it off in about 10 minutes! Sparky just kind of looked at her like, wow, what a pig! So what we are going to do is get some of that diet cat food and put it out during the day to slow her down a bit. She didn't eat much last week, but I think now that she's getting over her cold - she hasn't sneezed in days now - that her appetite is coming back...

Jennelle - I have to agree with Mel here - the bars and ready-to-drink shakes aren't the best things to eat - they're loaded with sugar and what little protein is in them is pretty low-grade stuff - they count the gelatin in the bars towards the protein on the nutrition label. Also, check the labels carefully and do some math - if you look at the AdvantEdge Carb Control Ready-To-Drink label you'll find that there are 110 calories but only 15 grams of protein - and 15 grams of protein is NOT enough - worth even less because some of that protein is from gelatin which is pretty worthless for muscle building. Since 1 gram of protein = 4 calories, 60 calories of the shake is protein, leaving 50 calories unaccounted for (the label states "Note: Fructooligosaccharide is included in the total calorie count but is not included as carbohydrate" but it's still empty calories...they are playing games with the labels. Same with the bars - check the labels and do the math.

Check this thread in the Buyer Beware section for more info:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...threadid=21131


I remember when I first started BFL - I figured that anything that EAS put out was the best stuff...but keep in mind that Bill Phillips has not been the owner of EAS for some time now, and in the meantime EAS has put out a plethora of products, many of which are a waste of money IMO. The only products I buy at this point are Myoplex Lite (love the Cappuchino Ice flavor), glutamine powder (whatever's the cheapest - usually it's Labrada brand) flaxseed oil from Trader Joe's, and a women's multivitamin.

Oh Oprah...I really have mixed feelings about her...first off, I was at work so didn't watch the show but did read about it. I think it's great that Oprah is expounding strength training, but if you read Bob Greene's books, (Make the Connection and Get with The Program) you'll find that he doesn't think strength training is all that important - at least not as important as doing a ton of cardio. And that old myth of not eating 2-3 hours before going to sleep...sheesh...gimme a break! I get the impression also that Oprah is not changing up her routines or increasing the amount of weight she's lifting - but I could be wrong since (again) I don't watch the show - I just get the info from her website.

about the Diet Coke thing - I think like anything, once you stop drinking it regularly you lose your 'taste' for it. In fact this happened to me - I used to drink a lot of 'regular' Coke and then switched to Diet Coke when it first came out in 1982. After awhile, I tried drinking a regular Coke and found it was WAY too sweet for me :( still is actually. Pepsi - and especially Diet Pepsi - tastes like medicine to me! I generally limit myself to *one* Diet Coke per day, after I've drank all my water.

Travel food - I usually cook up a couple of chicken breasts and tote a piece of fruit - or mashed sweet potato - and that works just fine for me. I've heard of folks making protein pancakes (a.k.a. Pamcakes) and eating them on the road as well. Some of the people at L&S make a few pancakes at once and refrigerate or freeze them - haven't tried that yet :)

Moxie & Lanii - Regarding Trainers' Edge - what Mel said. If you want more info, PM me and I'll give you the link :)

Gotta get back to work gals! More later ;)

Hey all
 

Just checking in, I managed to eat clean all day yesterday! Hurray!!! There was even a couple candy canes left over, that I didn't eat. They were the yuck blue ones, but still!!!!

moxigirl - yes I remember you were going without cardio. Lets hope it works for you. If I recall you actually like cardio, I hope it is not too tough for you to give up. They way I see it, 12 weeks is a good test to see if a particular strategy is working, and then try something else. If I don't get good results with no cardio, then I will have to put it back in (ewwwww).

mel - yes, I suppose we should get to whistler too. We practically live at the base of the mountain.... well.... relative to you. Hmmmm almost 25 years eh ???? Maybe a 25th anniversary give to yourselves???? I think there is summer skiing on the glacier too. And don't forget Mt Washington on Vancouver island - it is pretty good too. And then there is Mt Baker in Washington State ......


About the food thing, I have really realized just how much food actually effects ones affect. I ate what ever I pleased over Christams (mostly BFL meals, but any snacks whatsoever) and boy did my mood change, I was really crabby and miserable most of the time. Directly food related, I'm sure. I am really grateful to be eating clean again!

Patt

HELP!!!!
I can not seem to get really motivated again. I am not over- eating, but definitely not eatting clean and not working out to my potential.
I am disappointed in myself, however, not giving up. I will finish this Challenge to the best of my ability. Take one week off, and then start anew. I will eat clean, WO til i hit a 9 or 10 everytime, and follow BFL to the T. I know it can really work if followed correctly. I am down emotionally so not giving it my all. Hopefully I will pull out of this slump soon and pull myself together. I start a new job on Monday and am looking forward to that, so hopefully life will be a little smoother. Next year, I will plan better around Xmas. Hope you are all mentally well, and physically too. There has been a lot of the flu going around, nasty stuff. Have avoided it thus far, (knock on wood).
Take care all
Virginia

Hi girls,

Just testing my new avatar.... talk later


Lana.

Hi girls,

I am so UPSET, I just spent an hour (well maybe I'm exagerating a bit) posting all kinds of things.... and when I submit the reply the administrator said that I had too many smilies to go back and change it... so I went back and it was GONE !!!!!!!!!!:censored: !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I was just looking at the time of my post when I put my avatar in and this one, and it has been more like 2 HOURS..... guess I wasn't exagerating....)

It's a good thing that I'm in a good mood.....or I would have just gone to watch TV with my D....

Firstly,today I started my day,like you Ledom,with a great lower body workout....

Secondly, food was very clean today again....

Thirdly, I got a new pair of ski boots.... on sale.... regularly $400 for $149, great deal.... Son got a new pair too....

Last but not least I did something totally out of the ordinary for me I took some before pics...... front :yikes: side :yikes: back :yikes: :yikes:.... :sp: and oh what a backside it is.....:ink:

Well I am keeping this post short, I'm really disappointed about the last post.... :( ... from now on I'm going to copy it to a document before I send it just in case....:?:

Bye all.... Take care....

Smileys
 

Lana- LOVE your new avatar! I've heard that about the smileys before on another board here: if you use too many, and I don't know how many that is, your post disappears! One of the reasons, other than laziness, that I hardly use any :D

Virginia- Try goiing back and reading your goals, re-read the "crossing the abyss" chapter, go look at some transformation pictures on L&S. Maybe that will help. When all else fails to keep me honest, I go take my clothes off and look in the mirror. :yikes:

Just came back from dh's company party. Was running late and didn't pack any food, so I was really worried what if anything I'd eat, but they had sushi tuna! So dinner was a heaping plate of delicious tuna, and does wasabi count as a carb? Polished off a big bottle of Pellegrino water, much to the amusement of the CEO whokept trying to pour me a big glass of wine. Geez, was I good! :lol:

Patt- You're right about food and mood. When I eat poorly I get *****ier than usual. Sometimes downright ugly mean. Usually it's wheat and sugar that do it.

See y'all tomorrow!
mel

Hi everyone! I am back and have more questions :dizzy:

First, I would like everyone's experiences with the first few weeks of their first challenge. I am just wondering what to expect. Mostly I am confused b/c I have GAINED half a pound :yikes:

Secondly, I am not trying to really body build. Mostly lose fat and gain a little muscle. I already have decent muscle tone. I am worried that I am goint to bulk up. Is BFL the right program for me?

I know I am filled with questions. Thanks in advance.

Hi girls,

Hope everyone is having a great weekend... Mine is very quiet. But after all the parties and everything it sure feels good. Took it easy today went to the library got "our bible" :D and now it's mine all mine...:s: for at least 3 weeks.

I've been reading so much lately every thing I can about motivation, how to STAY motivated. I've been on the internet so often my kids keep saying "It's my turn, get off!!" But no the puter is mine all mine...:s:

I loved your pics over at L&S mel, and 48... Wow....

I agree with food and mood... I noticed in the last 2 years or so since I don't overindulge that often on carbs. When I eat too many of them I want to sleep about 15 minutes after consumption... I got a book at the library today about just that "Food and Mood"....

Food today has been very good again... 3 days in a row....no free day till next weekend...:( ... that's ok... I will really be looking forward to it....

Now I must tear myself away from the puter and go hi-lite daughter's hair....and son's too... I don't remember dying my hair at that age??!!...

Later all.....

CARRIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Carrie altho I wanted to get away from the puter I had to come back and answer your questions....

FIRSTLY: THROW THE SCALE AWAY.....it is your worse enemy :nono:...I repeat THROW THE SCALE AWAY ....:dizzy:

If you want to follow BFL that is.... Did you read Body for Life by Bill Philips yet? If you didn't go to the library and get it....that's what I do instead of buying it...Also visit www.leanandstrong.com very informative site

Take pics and measurements, that is your better gauge towards your accomplishements....

SECONDLY: You will lose more fat with lifting weights because muscles burn more calories ... :strong: You will NOT bulk up that is a MYTH... I wish I had the site you could go to read up on that....

Karen do you have some site names for Carrie to clear her questions?

Carrie I sure hope I'm not sounding harsh because I sure don't mean to... and feel totally free to ask away ALL your questions...
There is never ever a DUMB question!! We will never learn if we don't ask....


GEEEZZZ I'm really sounding like an L&Ser now.....:eek:

Ok now I REALLY gotta go....

Carrie,
 

The results will be different for everyone depending on genetics and how much you have to lose. Lana is right about the scale, you can't go by that - rather by the pants-o-meter, how your clothes fit. I do weigh weekly but with the understanding that if what the scale says causes me to lose my focus then I'll have to stop.

Others may have a different opinion on this, but I consider following the BFL Challenge to be bodybuilding. The strength training is fed by the diet, the diet allows you plenty of food but you have to transform it to muscle for the system to work properly. Don't forget, muscles are sexy. AND, to be a bodybuilding competitor you'd have to refine your regime even more, ramp everything up quite a bit.

For me, I started losing pretty soon though in all honesty I didn't even want to know what I weighed when I started so I waited a couple of weeks to weigh. It was at the END of the challenge weeks 10, 11, and 12 that I started really seeing a difference. You've got be persistent and be patient and if you do that you will be successful.

Bulking up
 

Carrie- I actually gained 3 pounds on the scale during C1, but lost 8% body fat, and 2 sizes in jeans. As Lanaii said, THROW OUT YOUR SCALE. Muscle just plain weighs more. At first, you may feel bigger because you may be gaining muscle faster than you are losing fat, but I guarentee that will change by the end of 12 weeks. A lot of women don't really see any results until weeks 10-12. I know, a long wait with a lot of hard work and discipline thrown in for good measure. But it will happen! You need to build the muscle, and as long as you are eating clean, the fat will go. Take pictures about every 4-6 weeks and you will see differences. Remeber, it's 12 week program. You're not going to lose a bunch of weight up front, like on a starvation or low carb diet. You're building a new body, not just trying to lose weight. Also, there are all sorts of things happening inside that you can't see: you're developing larger veins and arteries along with those muscles, and more blood to nourish them; your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are probably going down; your glandular system is learning how to react more efficiently to help process the food you are eating. All sorts of changes! Just takes a while to see them all on the surface. Hang in there!

mel

Thanks everyone!

Lanaii1
Believe me I am tempted to throw out the scale! I mostly use it to guage where I am and sometimes for motivation. Like, if I get on the scale and don't like what I see I am more motivated to make healthier decisions and go to the gym. I do have the book. Thanks!

I know I am not going to get crazy bulky in just 12 weeks of lifting. I was just wondering if I the only person who is using BFL more as a fitness regimine than a bodybuilding plan. I like muscles too! I actually have a decent amount and just don't want them to grow a lot in size.

ledom
I know I have to be patient. But I don't want to!!!

meliris
I am glad I am not the only one who gained weight. I was mostly concerned that I was not eating the right things or that my portion sizes were too big. I took pictures. Hopefully, I am just in a beginning funk where my body wants to hold on all of the fat!

Thanks guys. :D

Carrie - I also am using BFL as a fitness plan rather than a bodybuilding plan. But don't worry - you're not going to "bulk up." Years ago, I was living with my SIL and BIL and their four teenagers in a 900 sq. ft. house while waiting to join my husband overseas. I was there four months, and had it not been for the fact that I joined a gym, I would have gone insane. Anyhow, I worked out daily for those four months in a fashion very similar to BFL (except that I did 20 mins of cardio on weight days and 45 mins of cardio on non-weight days). In four months, I only lost 3 lbs. but I went from a size 14 to a size 10. (Boy, was I a hottie! ;) )

So I guess the moral of the story is: Be patient. I am doing this with the understanding that it's going to become a way of life for me. (Thank God for free days! :lol: )

weeeeeeeek 12
 

Hey everyone

well.....guess what tomorrow is week 12 of my first challenge....i REALLY can't believe it.........wow....i think i am down 25-30lbs....which is not amazing.....but i am pretty psyched...well...that's all for now...


one_sweetchick:dizzy: