I also have a Rio-Cali. I love it! The arm band is the BEST! I never workout without mine!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 06:39 AM
Froglette, my experience has been that after about a week from stopping, the bulky "watered-up" look starts to disappear, and I look much more defined. I have been able to maintain the strenghth gains however.
Body for Life Forum Message by Julieter (5 posts) at 10:55 AM
jstone- So are you supposed to take it for a while, and then stop for a while, and just do it off and on? I mean if you look better once you're off it. Just curious. My brother actually mentioned something about this over the weekend. Please inform me! THanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 11:01 AM
Tracy: That's an awesome idea!!! Mix it with your cottage cheese...I'll have to try that when I get my Betagen in.
Body for Life Forum Message by Julieter (5 posts) at 11:02 AM
Well, just read on Skwigg she takes 2g post workout on weight days only, and she does 3 weeks on 1 week off. This sounds good. Think this is what my brother was talking about. So guess I answered my own question!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 11:38 AM
I think most people that have used creatine for awhile end up developing a cycle based on how thier body reacts to it.
Their really is no hard and fast rule. I know people that swear by the loading up phase, but for me, I haven't noticed any difference , other than it costs more :).
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:02 PM
I wish I could but my results at this point will only be mediocre at best
Body for Life Forum Message by depdawgsf (44 posts) at 03:30 AM
J-Dub I was asking myself the same thing. One pic they showed of Mina was a BFL BEFORE pic. She was brought out towards the end of the show. Not much time for chatting. Besides, Oprah's workout guru, Bob Green, was pushing his latest fitness book.
I guess they didn't want her mentioning the competition.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 04:44 AM
There was another posting about this, I am sure Mina Hobbie must have been allowed to say very little, it was a total commercial for the Bob Greene book. However the show was actually very inspiring and I learned something, I have always hung on to the treadmill and per Oprah you should not be. Well I say there are so many obese (and overweight) people in America there is room for another 12 week program I guess. BFL has a very good name, I recommend it to my patients and if Bob Greene's program helps people that is also fine.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:47 AM
What's wrong with using a treadmill? Or are you saying that you shouldn't put your hands on the handrails? Couldn't tell if you were using "hang on" in a literal or figurative sense.
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:01 PM
Bob Green is very intelligent. Bill Phillips is very intelligent and is in great shape.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 07:15 PM
Jeremy too funny! And as far as bods go you actually are right!
Fit, No I mean when Oprah was doing her little boot camp thing she told the one girl that if she needed to hold the handrails that she should slow down, because you shouldn't have to cling to the handrails. That was all. Sorry for the confusion. PS I was a white knuckler pretty much until I watched that show. My feet were doing a pretty good speed but yesterday I didn't hold on and it was definitely different!
Cindy
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:26 PM
Oh, o.k. I thought you meant get rid of the treadmill. Not that it really matters because I don't have one, but I guess I was thinking running in general. I have to do my jogging/running on the road by my house so I guess that's one good thing about it-I don't have anything to hold onto.
Body for Life Forum Message by kcsmomma (56 posts) at 11:12 PM
Carole,
Do you still have any of these to give? I'm interested if you still do. If not, that's fine too. I just came across this post. You can email me on here and I will give you my address.
THanks for sharing! KC
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 01:50 PM
That's not a stupid question at all. We've been discussing that very thing on the BFL Support forum. See the thread called "What is 'Average' Loss?"
Although I'm not sure you're going to leave that thread with your questions answered. LOL!
Body for Life Forum Message by Julieter (5 posts) at 10:40 AM
Thanks so much to all of you. I really appreciate your input, makes me feel so much better!!! I could definitely be getting more sleep. I guess I just need to put myself to bed right after I put my 8 year old and 3 year old down at night! Thanks again!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 11:04 PM
More sleep will definitely help you. So what are you still doing up? Go to sleep!!!!!!!! lol
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:34 PM
I need to purchase an MP3 player I am so tired of the gym music being relaxing. Any recommendations out there. I am looking for inexpensive yet highly functional
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 12:35 PM
I use my palm T3 - so I cant really tell you what other mp3 players are like.
However having your own music is definately motivational!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 12:39 PM
I've got a Rio - Cali.
Very light, and comes with an arm band, so I can wear it when I lift or run.
You hardly notice it is even there.
Mine will play about 3 hours of music. I usually rip songs off cd's using Windows Media Player and then upload the MP3. Very easy and quick. Uses on AAA battery.
i think it was $119.00 at Wal-Mart.
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 01:07 PM
I also have a Rio-Cali. I love it! The arm band is the BEST! I never workout without mine!
Body for Life Forum Message by Julieter (5 posts) at 02:06 PM
I got an Ipod mini for Christmas. Can put 1,000 songs on it. It also has an armband. Love it!
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 02:16 PM
I have one "old" rio player (when they first came out). :-) It's still works great, just can't store a whole lot of songs in it.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:35 PM
I have a Lyra, which works fine but has no arm band, so I tuck it into the back of my sports bra when I run.
I recommend one with an armband, and if you "save" on the MP3 player, splurge on the earphones!
(Yeah, I know you don't have to worry about tucking anything into your sports bra -- feel lucky. :-))
Body for Life Forum Message by beegee714 (59 posts) at 03:41 PM
I have a rio also, it's a 253mb, but I also bought a 512 Mb Sony recently. It's definately worth the extra money in my opinion. The 253 stored about 3 hours of music, which is fine, but I got tired of my music pretty quickly. With the 512, I have well over 100 songs and I don't repeat (unless I go on a long run) for 3-4 workouts. I thought about an ipod, but wasn't ready to spend the money at that time. I think my Sony was 100.00 on ebay.
Body for Life Forum Message by beegee714 (59 posts) at 03:42 PM
I forgot to add that I bought earphones with an extra long cord, so I tuck the player into my little pocket in the front of my running shorts. It fits perfectly.
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 10:24 PM
I just got an ipod mini and I am in the process of loading my computerso I can load the ipod. I got the armband too, which will be so much better thatn talking the waistband thingy off everytime I want to lay down to do something!
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 11:13 PM
I've used my RCA Lyra for about 4 years now. It's tiny, easy to use, and it was cheap. You can find them REALLY cheap in Ebay...for around $50. Also, I bought a memory card on Ebay to hold extra songs for about half the price that I would have paid in the stores. We have two Lyras..one is small, about 32mb with an expanded memory card and the other is 64mb, also with an expanded memory card. We paid $75 brand new for the one and I bought the other on Ebay for $30.
Also, check out this website for their recommendations. We were going to buy an iPod mini until I saw their review of the Creative Zen. Now, we are both upgrading those that one instead.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Music/4521-6532_7-5021434-3.html?tag=dir.tp
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 11:15 PM
Also, something to think about if you are a guy with the armband. My husband's arms are too big to use those armbands that come with the players (I think his biceps around 18-19 inches). So even if you get an armband, it may not fit....I don't think any of the women have that problem...LOL!
Body for Life Forum Message by NCU Mom (10 posts) at 03:05 PM
Hello everyone! This is my 3rd week on the challenge, down 8# and one clothing size! Woohoo! I wonder if any of you have tried the Sport Cookie from Protocookie. Very tasty and a variety of choices! Average count: 10g protein, 4 Fiber and 6 Net Carbs (in case you're counting). I just received another shipment yesterday. Just thought you might want to know. PS, no I don't work for Protocookie.
K
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 05:47 PM
How many actual carbs?
Body for Life Forum Message by fitmaggie (3 posts) at 10:23 PM
I'm new and was wondering if anyone has used these tapes for weight workouts? I have a few of them but didn't know if they were ok for UPWO and LBWO. Any feedback is appreciated.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 10:32 PM
I don't think it'd be a good idea. Mostly because they concentrate on aerobics and weights together and they don't use the reps schedule that BFL uses. The videos use fairly light weights and you don't graduate to higher weights for the same exercise/body part.
Body for Life Forum Message by ashtrash (58 posts) at 12:23 AM
Getnlean and ZumZum - you both mentioned supps for joints or knees. Would you mind elaborating? I had ACL surgery on one knee (dang basketball) and the other one is giving me lotsa problems. Anything to ease knee/joint pain would be ideal.
Anyadvice anyone?
Body for Life Forum Message by depdawgsf (44 posts) at 03:22 AM
Glutamine
Betagen
Whey Protein
Flaxseed Oil
EAS Ready-To-Drink Shakes
EAS powder shakes
Pyruvate
NoX2 caps
Glucosamine/Chondroitin caps
Avid Source energy bar
Think Thin diabetic bar
after I exhaust my supply of Nox2 & Pyruvate caps. I don't intend to replenish. I haven't felt any dramatic results from taking them.
The Glucosamine/Chondroitin caps have worked wonders for my joints. especially my left shoulder. I separated it years ago and it used to ache like heck! Now, its tolerable to lift weights.
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 06:46 AM
Ashtrash~ without my joint supplement my left knee gives me fits when I run and stuff. When I take this stuff, no problems whatsoever! You will definitely be able to tell a difference when you take it. I never miss a dose!
Body for Life Forum Message by ZumZum (13 posts) at 09:50 AM
Ashtrash - I had a meniscectomy on both knees, medial meniscus, plus a lateral release on my right knee (dang raquetball!). The glucosamine/chondroitin (Costco brand)seems to help with the pain in the meniscus area. Due to the lateral release (outside of knee) it gets tight, so I do some stretching for that. I also take flaxseed oil for joint health (Barleans)
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 11:59 AM
Multivitamin
Protein shakes high in calories, protein, and carbs but low in sugar
BFL bars and shakes
Omega three pills
I have taken many others all legal and all have some benefits but protein shakes are the best to fill the nutritional gaps in my opinion along with a good multi
Body for Life Forum Message by ashtrash (58 posts) at 12:25 AM
I'd go with the variety pack. Its nice to be able to switch things up a bit...
Body for Life Forum Message by Robyn (12 posts) at 03:33 AM
Id definately go cookies and cream and variety pack you dont want to get sick of your shakes so the more variety you have the better...this way you will then have 4 different flavours.
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 05:54 AM
Ok Carole, we just got the same deal.
I picked Cookies & Cream, and VAriety PAck !!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:49 PM
I typically drink 3 shakes a day, my second, fourth and six meals of the day. I actually like drinking the Myoplex Lite. I may need to review my nutrition again because I may be taking in too many calories (right now between 1350 and 1500), at which point I may reduce down to 2.
Body for Life Forum Message by Laura (14 posts) at 08:26 PM
How much are they on E-Bay ?
Thanks!
Laura
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 09:08 PM
I've purchased them on ebay for $87.00 for 84 pks - you pick two boxes :-)
I also purchased Betagen on ebay for $43.95 (incl. shipping) - I purchased on Feb 11 and received today 2-16!
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 09:09 PM
I'll probably be drinking one or two a day ... I like the Protein Bars too.
Body for Life Forum Message by Robyn (12 posts) at 09:11 AM
Hi
My partner and I are both on supplemts myself on Betagen and him on Phosphagen..we are both coming up to finishing week 3 we have been very good with our portions and have only indulged in one free meal instead of the whole free day, basically been following the program to a T... could these particular supplements make it appear as if we are not getting results in the fat loss area? my clothes don't feel any better fitting on me than when I started...not that Im discouraged at all I know its still early days..believe me Im still very motivated as I know ppl react differently and at different speeds to this program...Just wanted to know really if anybody else experienced something similar while using the creatine supplements? yet still achieved amazing results?
thanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 11:55 AM
I tell people you must have proper nutrition and then worry about supplements. Although Bill recommends Myoplex for meal replacements
Body for Life Forum Message by Cpt_Tripps (15 posts) at 02:55 PM
I noticed I bloat a bit on Betagen and if you got off for a day or so you shrink up just a little.
I wouldn't worry about it. Keep taking your supps, eat properly, and work hard in the gym and you WILL see results.
I was a little wigged out going into my week 4 photos. I was holding alot of water in my muscles and when I stopped Friday night to take my week 4 photos on Sunday I could really tell I was accomplioshing something even though 3 days prior I was thinking I wasn't.
G Luck
Body for Life Forum Message by Stryker (5 posts) at 04:07 PM
I'm curious: I read a lot here about Myoplex ready-to-drink shakes, but what I see in the grocery stores by us is this EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control ready-to-drink shakes. They even have BFL promotions on the carton of 4. Do these qualify for BFL?
Body for Life Forum Message by GetNFit (72 posts) at 04:32 PM
Yes and they are really good. I keep my desk at work loaded with them!! They are only 100 calories! Per EAS you should eat a carb with them, like an apple or something.
Rich Dark Chocolate and Strawberry are my faves, but the Vanilla is pretty good as well. I just cant stomach the regular chocolate. Yuck!!!
Enjoy!!
Robin
Body for Life Forum Message by Stryker (5 posts) at 04:38 PM
Thanks, didn't think about adding the carb -- that's easy enough.
I got a whole bunch of them on special at the store, so I was kinda hoping they were a good purchase!
Stryker
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 10:20 PM
Why eat a carb with them? Aren't they a complete meal replacement?
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 11:17 PM
The Advantage drinks that I have don't have carbs in them...or are really low in them. The ones I just bought at Walmart have 3g of carbs in them.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by KateKelso (6 posts) at 05:13 PM
Does this stuff really work? I went to GNC yesterday to buy it, but they hadn't heard of it...help! :)
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 05:16 PM
EAS sent me a sample packet (lime flavored) a while back. I gagged it down (vile flavor!), got a headache from the artificial flavors/colors/ingredients, and didn't feel any difference in my workout besides the headache and residual queasiness.
Waste of money for me, obviously. ;)
Maggie
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 05:22 PM
I like it :) I actually dont mind the flavour (ive had worse) and I find that it makes me want to work out even more than I do.
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 06:01 PM
What IS Eas kickstart? I've never heard of it. I'm already taking Thermo and Carb dynamx as well as CLA and vitamins. Is it something I could add or do I have enough?
Body for Life Forum Message by KateKelso (6 posts) at 06:25 PM
Tai-Kee,
Where do you buy it?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:03 PM
I LOVE IT!! I have been out for a week or so and boy do I miss it. The flavor is yummy and it really helps me hit those 10's!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 07:06 PM
Kate - I actually ordered it online - no stores have it in the town I live.
Body for Life Forum Message by KateKelso (6 posts) at 07:10 PM
I'm happy to hear so many people are really liking this. I'll order some :)
Body for Life Forum Message by BackFat (9 posts) at 07:19 PM
I bought some and have since read the 'fine print' and it says not to take it late in the day.....i can only do my cardio after work (as i already get up at 4.30am to go TO work...)
Therefore, I'm a little sceptical about taking it....should i only take it on cardio days or both?
I was thinking of taking half the amount but am worried i'll be 'bouncing off the walls' all night...
What do you guys do?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 07:23 PM
I take one before each workout. I have found it really helps with the weights - I feel more focused, stronger and just generally want to work harder.
If I do extra cardio in the evening, (around 5pm) I take some before I go there also - it hasnt affected me at all when it comes to sleeping at all.
You dont get that same "hyper" feeling as with thermos.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:37 PM
What EAS Kickstart is additional boost of caffeine. This helps bump up your metabolism. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with half a pack mixed with 4 oz of water. I have found this really helps me focus on my workouts and motivates me to really push for 10's in the majority of my workouts. I am usually up at 5 am and headed for the gym, so I typically do not start drinking coffee until at least one hour after my workout. Flavor wise it is comparable to a lime flavor tang - it is definitely a strong flavor, I actually like it. I take this everyday of my workouts, both cardio and weight training - it has 199mg of caffeine, which is the legal limit that can be sold in a supplement. Hope this helps.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:38 PM
Also, Vitamin Shoppe carries much more of the EAS supplements than GNC. I have been to at least 4 GNC stores in my area, and many of them do not carry the Myoplex Lite ready to drink shakes (which I prefer for convenience), nor do they typically carry the EAS kickstart or the EAS brand of CLA. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:50 PM
Oh NO, do not take this supplement close to bedtime or you'll be up all night running on the treadmill. One day I took it right before I was going to workout and an unexpected visitor showed up. I was miserable.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:52 PM
You're right Tracy - I would not be able to take this product in the evening, no way! :)
Body for Life Forum Message by Mahalia (72 posts) at 08:38 PM
Here is a link to an article on Kickstart. I read about it last night. I am wondering if it is okay for women.
http://www.eas.com/training/articles.asp
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 09:20 PM
So, if you use kick start, do you need more water througout the day to counter act the caffeine?
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 01:58 PM
My bf used to snarf all the Optimum Power cereal I was sure he wouldn't eat because it's healthy. I had to start buying extra just so I wouldn't get mad at him for eating it all.
$12/box? Sheesh! Would it be any cheaper to order it from Nature's Path online, or would the shipping still be astronomical?
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:48 PM
Wow -- those cereals sure disguise themselves well. I see the box and think, "Yum, straight from the forest floor to your breakfast table."
Guess I'll have to give it a try. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 10:59 PM
If you like blue cheese, I made a pretty good dressing by blending 1c of cottage cheese (cue fitb42long here), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3c water, onion salt, black pepper, and 2oz (ok 4oz) of crumbled blue cheese.
I can't recall blue cheese being on the authorized foods list (big surprise), but the way I figure it's 'for life,' so I have to find good quality foods I with which I can live. I can't take bottled fat-free ranch anymore!
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:53 AM
yeah, she is already taking one ensure a day....
thanks, though!!
Nancy
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 11:47 AM
Is she getting enought fat in her diet. If she lacks energy it would be a lack of calories probably a lack of complex carbs. Although I am not a nutritionist so I cannot be 100% sure. Make suer she gets a good multi
Body for Life Forum Message by Signalguys (2 posts) at 07:25 PM
fitb42long said:
Another good source of protein is sliced turkey or chicken breast from the deli-I just got some today that's cajun spiced (turkey). It's quick and doesn't need any preparation. You don't HAVE to do protein shakes, but it's really hard to get all the protein in without it. I just use EAS AdvantEdge, but, they're all pretty gross, so I just drink them fast. Hope this is helpful!
This caught my interest. I heard it was best to stay away from deli meats since they are usually full of salt. I guess compared to what you could choose deli meats are not the worst.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:32 PM
Signalguys-I don't mean deli meat as in the kind that's pre-packaged. The kind I'm talking about is sliced right off of a whole turkey breast or chicken breast, so I don't think it could have been through too much processing. But, where did you hear/read that? Maybe I should check it out.
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 11:53 AM
Yes you can increase muscle while losing fat. The reason being once you gain more muscle you burn fat at a much faster rate. A fact that I think many people overlook when we talk about calories. Fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and BFL champs would probably back me on this for themselves. I think some other things need to be considered as well. Are you feeling better? Do you have more energy? And how are the pants fitting?
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 12:24 PM
Ah Jeremy, I wanted to ask you about this one. So if you can grow muscles while losing fat, why do bodybuilders for example go through bulking and cutting phases? Wouldn't it be simpler just to keep eating less and work harder?
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 07:58 PM
froglette said:
I was mostly concerned because on bodyforlife-tracker dot com it says that for the past three weeks that while I've lost fat I've also lost a pound of muscle.
========
The wording on the profile pages at this site in reference to "fat lost" and "muscle gained" is deceptive since what you get when you subtract fat pounds from total body weight is not muscle, but lean mass, which is fluid, bone, organs, hair, food, AND muscle. I wouldn't be concerned about the fluctuations. A gal with waist-length hair could get a short pixie cut over the weekend and "lose" a pound of "muscle" according to BFL-tracker. :P
In reality, as you get closer to goal weight, the proportion of weight lost in lean mass vs. fat mass will increase. In other words, when you have a lot of fat to lose, most of the weight coming off will indeed be fat, but when you only have 5 lbs to go, the body will PREFER to shed that metabolically expensive muscle instead of the safe, inert fat as long as you remain at a caloric deficit.
Most of the muscle gains experienced by BFL'ers who are at a deficit and trying to lose weight are experienced in the first few months of beginning the weight training regimen because, quite frankly, a large majority of BFL'ers were VERY sedentary and did nothing in the way of weight training before starting the program. When you take muscles that are flaccid and atrophied from years of inactivity, of COURSE they will respond to a sudden increase in weight-bearing exercise, even when you are eating below maintenance. The quality of BFL food also plays a role, I believe. You can easily eat 3000 calories a day in cakes and chips, but not take in enough protein or nutrients to fuel muscle growth. For most folks, changing to BFL nutrition significantly increases the amount of protein they consume every day.
But even with the increased protein intake, you can only expect the newbie muscle gain period to last for a little while. After that, your body will adjust and the muscle gains become a lot tougher to come by--for women in particular since we aren't genetically-programmed for muscle production. ;)
If you want muscle, you gotta eat.
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 08:09 PM
JohnA: I believe you can build muscle and lose fat at the same time (I'm doing it right now!)...but eventually you hit a "plateau" (I know, I know..there's not such a thing as "Plateau" but sometimes you do hit them!).
I think Bodybuilders go through "Bulking" phases because you gain muscle faster that way...the other method, you still can gain muscle but not as fast.
I have to back Jeremy up on that one ;-)
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 05:21 PM
Try the homemade bars my sister came up with and posted on her site:
http://rice-candy.com
Some of the types: Kashi Go Lean crispy bar, cranberry raisin crunch bar, Rice crispy treat protein bar, strawberry cheesecake bar, peanut butter jelly bar, choco-vanilla crisp bar.
They are highly modified version of the Stella's Kitchen no-bake bar, so no cooking is necessary.
Storebought bars are so nasty that I can't go back to them except in extreme emergencies, LOL.
Maggie
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:24 AM
My dad reacts to the iodine in Myoplex!! He has an allergy to salt water seafood....it is the iodine for him. Any allergies?
Body for Life Forum Message by Kay (55 posts) at 12:22 AM
Karenna --
I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but here's what I do. Very little originality in my plan, but as a SAHM of a little boy and a college student, I don't have time to exercise my cordon bleu skills!
Meal 1
a nutrition shake
Meal 2
sliced turkey and an apple
Meal 3
a sandwich wrap (usally tuna, my favorite)
with lettuce and baby carrots and tomatoes on the side
Meal 4
cottage cheese and yogurt
Meal 5
some kind of meat, potatoes or rice, and veg (this is the only meal of the day that has any variety)
Meal 6
a nutrition shake or a bar if I'm in the candy bar mood
I find, too, the more regimented it is, the easier it is for me to stick to.
K
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 12:38 AM
Check out the Body for Life website. They have a sample first week meal plan. I swear by it. They also have a lot of good, easy recipes to mix it up!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 06:12 AM
I've pretty well got this down to a science, without really writing very much down.
My weekly trip to food shop is done Thurs or Fri evening. I already know what all of my staple foods are (like four containers of 1% cottage cheese), so I only have to make a list for any new recipe.
On Sundays I probably spend an hour and a half cooking things in batches big enough to last 3 days. I used to try a week's worth, but by that 4th day you really get tired of eating the same thing. So, on Wednesday I'll cook again, for the remainder of the week.
This works for me , but I'm someone that can eat letovers for 2 or 3 days in a row.
Body for Life Forum Message by nico (23 posts) at 07:16 AM
I usually, on each Sunday, boil all my food for the weeks, like boiling, chicken, trout, salmon, brown rices, veggies and put it into zome ziploc, all portion size is about 3 to 4 oz for lean protein, veggies and brown rice are 1/2 cup/ziploc, lean steak are cook on the BBQ and freeze into ziploc as well, all size portion and then I freeze everything. BFL pancake you can make a batch, it's good as well when it's cold. For the rest it goes fast, cottage cheese, fruit, oatmeal and good fat. I did make a personal excell spreadsheet with all the food I'm eating with all the math's formula, so it goes fast to plan a day ahead.
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:19 AM
I created a new "form" based on the BFL food journal. For each day of the week, the form has a small section for each meal. There are 2 columns - Planned and Actual. If I eat exactly what I planned, I just put a check mark there and also id the time I ate it. If I varied it for whatever reason, I write that down. I also have a column for water and each time I down a 16 or 20 oz bottle, I write it in my journal (I keep this in my kitchen). The food journal for the week is 1.5pages. I also have a one page exercise planning sheet for the whole week and then I use the BFL weight training forms for the 3 weight training sessions. So I have 6 pages I use per week. I do all my planning (or try to) on Sunday and create my shopping list and go shopping that same day. Everything is in the house for the week and it makes it much easier for me than trying to plan every day. I also jot down meals I prepare for my family IF they are different than what I am going to eat. That way I am planning for everyone and shopping, etc., all at the same time and then just look at my book to see what is for dinner tonight! Oh, yeah...if I am using a specific recipe from EFL book, I usually jot down the page number next to the meal in the log.
I would love to pre-make the meals, but just don't seem to have the extra time to do that on the weekend!
Nancy
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:21 AM
Oh, yeah...meant to mention that I also am a member of eDiets and often use their recipes. I you want them planned out for you, it is a great tool. You choose the Eating for Life plan, they portion it out exactly to your needs according to your calorie intake for the day and even make a shopping list available to print out. I know several people (not necessarily on the EFL plan) who use this to a T and love it. Even if you do it for a few months, you can rack up some new recipes, too!
Nancy
Body for Life Forum Message by DRod2005 (1 posts) at 11:06 AM
I started with the first-week menu from the BFL website. I also bought Eating-for-Life which turns out to be perfect portions since there are just two of us in my home. I try to review recipes/menus for the week on Saturday or Sunday and shop on Sunday or Monday. Each night I review the next days menus in case I need to defrost or chop or do any other prep. I do find myself tending towards a few quick and easy favorites, but I do like variety and am not good about pre-cooking/freezing or eating leftovers.
Denise
Body for Life Forum Message by Brandy (32 posts) at 11:37 AM
I have a fancy little book that I created in word and then cerloxed. If anyone wants me to e-mail them the document, let me know!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:49 PM
Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I love you guys! xoxoxoxo
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 10:12 PM
Karenna, I also use the journal, and ediets as well. ediets is for lazy people like me--you can print out the entire weeks menu, all nutrtional information, adn even a grocery list with cute little check off boxes. I am so lazy, I usually don't even check my pantry and just keep on buying the same ingredients! You can also change the menu if you like to have the same thing for lunch every day, or would like to use more than one teaspoon of that feta cheese that was on the list for one stinkin recipe. Keep going girl! You are doing great!
Kim
Body for Life Forum Message by Amanda (6 posts) at 11:13 AM
C1W4D24-Does anyone have any insight about pasta for carbs? I’ve been making dishes from the EFL book and I noticed this past week I’ve eaten a lot of pasta. I am a pasta freak! I only eat my portion size but I haven’t been eating whole wheat pasta. Should I try to cut out pasta entirely and try to stick with sweet potatoes or am I ok eating my portion size of white pasta? My concern is that I won’t get the fat loss I’m looking for if I continue to eat pasta. Thanks for any info you can provide.
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 11:34 AM
The more "natural" foods you eat for carbs, the better. The whole wheat pasta is a much better choice, as it is less processed than white. I have been eating quite a bit of whole wheat pasta lately, but do plan on switching to more natural sources of carbs with the net challenge (cutting phase).
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 11:46 AM
Amanda, generally speaking, sweet potatoes are better carbs choice then pasta if you are looking to lose fat. The idea is that pasta is considered to have medium to high glycimic index that converts to sugar rather quickly and offers large amount of calories at once. If the body doesn’t need it, the extra sugar is stored as fat.
However there is the individual aspect that needs to be taken into account here. If you are losing fat in the recommended rate of 0.5-2 lbs a week while eating pasta, replacing it with low glycimic carbs may hamper your workouts, because of lack of energy and that will actually cause you to slow down your fat burning.
If you update your profile with weight, BF% and measurements since you started the challenge, it would help to give you more conclusive answer.
Body for Life Forum Message by Amanda (6 posts) at 12:16 PM
Thanks for the tips! Looks like I'll be switching to whole wheat and minimizing the pasta intake. I really appreciate the help! I've updated my profile to include my measurements. I'm not confident that they are 100% accurate but I can't be that far off. Thanks again! Amanda
Body for Life Forum Message by Ann (74 posts) at 07:07 PM
Be sure to compare labels when you buy the whole wheat pasta. There's a pretty big range in fiber/fat/protein combos.
Hodgson Mills, or something like that, seems to be a good one. This is fairly anal of me I realize, but when I open the package, I divide it into my portion sizes and put a rubberband around each one. Ridiculous, but it works. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 11:00 PM
Walmart sells a brand called Heartland that tastes really great and is very high in fiber. And it's CHEAP!! For a serving of rotini (those are the twists), it's 190 calories, 34g of carbs, 6g of fiber, and 9g of protein. It's made from durum whole wheat flour, not regular wheat flour. It has a lower glycemic index than regular pasta and like I said, it tastes really good, unlike some of that Atkins pasta...blecch.
My kids love it too!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by wantingperfection (5 posts) at 03:30 PM
I did this program a few years ago, I seem to have forgotten some info. I love this diet after trying to do the south beach!
1) Can I have fiber one cereal? with n/f milk and turkey bacon for a meal ?
2) What about lit n fit Dannon yogurts? Does anyone have suggestions on what I can eat with it? I hate cottage cheese
3) Can I have a protein drink with strawberries (for the carbs) ?
4) Does it seem like you are constantly eating?
Thanks for any advice or suggestions
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:44 PM
1. I don't know how the ingredients break down in your cereal, but consider that you have to include the carbs from your cereal and the carbs from your milk. Try not to think in the low-carb-diet mentality of "this carb minus this fiber." You want quality carbs -- whole grains and such. As for the turkey bacon, I'd just check the fat content and consider how it breaks down in your day's plan.
2. I think that yogurt is fine. I eat Yoplait Light yogurt almost daily. You don't have to eat it "with" something (like mixing it with cottage cheese, barf!), you can have your yogurt then eat some protein you like. My last meal last night was a Yoplait yogurt followed by two slices of fat-free turkey breast, which I ate like rolled-up appetizers.
3. I think that's probably fine -- are you talking RTD protein shake, or protein powder mixed with water? Just read your ingredients if it's RTD -- many already have carbs in the form of sugar (mainly). I don't know the nutrient values of strawberries, so you'd have to look that one up.
4. Yes, but for me, I still crave things. :-) Just make sure it seems like you're drinking water constantly, too, and you'll do fine!
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by wantingperfection (5 posts) at 04:00 PM
Karenna,
Thanks for your advice, I know I asked alot of questions.
I used CytoSport Whey protein powder with n/f milk, it has 18 gr protein, and 2 total carbs. I forgot about the carbs in the milk, but a 1/2 c of strawberries has 5 carbs. So could I still do this? The protien powder has 1.5 gr of sugar.
I think I'll 86 the cereal for now, but I love my yougurt so thats good.
Thanks again, I think it's going to take me some time to get the eating right. My head has been told so many foods are off limit such as fruits and carbs.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 07:52 PM
OK ... a serving of skim milk (atleast the kind I buy) has 12 carbs and about 9 g. protein. So yes, it would be fine to use it as the base of your protein shake and the strawberries would be fine to add, I believe.
Some folks on here really like Kashi cereals -- I haven't tried them. Again, you just have to do the math. I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning: 1/2 cup of quick oats microwaved with water, then I add a serving of chocolate protein powder, Splenda and a dash of skim milk.
If you like "shakes," take a look at the thread that was started today by J-Dub about "something positive today." What sounds like a tasty shake recipe appears there from fitB42long.
I haven't been concentrating on the food so far, but I've also lost my motivation/momentum lately and am going to really sit down and plan out some meals and get myself more organized. So counting calories/fat/etc. isn't my specialty, but I do know how to do it. You'll get it figured out. The best way to start is to just do and learn as you go along -- it's all progress.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 04:10 PM
OMG! I just had the BEST protein shake! I used 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (no carb), 1/2 C water, 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/2 an apple, dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, a few ice cubes...whip it up in the blender!!! in a word, YUMMY!
Body for Life Forum Message by beegee714 (59 posts) at 04:38 PM
hmmm, I think I'm going to have to try that, it sounds yummy
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 07:56 PM
And you can drink it?! My blender gasps at ice!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:58 PM
My next meal is at 6PM so I'm going to try it. Sounds yummy!
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 08:06 PM
Count me in! It's on the menu for tomorrow!
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 05:21 PM
What do most of you eat for good fat? How often and how much? I mean, do you eat a little with each meal or maybe some almonds or natural PB between meals?
I haven't been adding any, just getting it in lowfat cottage cheese, meats and what's already in the shakes. I would love to add some nuts or olives or avocado to my meals.
Thanks
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 05:45 PM
I eat a lot of shrimp and salmon, at least 4 times a week. I love both, so that helps, lol. That's where I get most of mine. I know some people supplement with various oils or capsules as well, but I"m not so familiar with those...
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:42 PM
shrimp is a good fat???
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:43 PM
I eat salmon at least 3 x a week and take flaxseed oil.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:54 PM
Yeah, shrimp is full of omega 3s!
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 10:07 PM
I eat lots of Salmon, take flax seed oil, and CLA supplements
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 11:05 PM
I use Udo's oil in my shakes. I'm not a big fish lover, I don't like nuts all that much, and I HATE avocados so I run low in the Omega fatty acids. Udo's is a blend of all them and doesn't add a nasty taste to my shakes. I notice my hair, skin, and nails really go downhill if I don't get enough of the EFA's. I do eat PB about 3 or 4 times a week on either a low carb whole wheat tortilla or a slice of whole wheat bread.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Brandy (32 posts) at 05:37 PM
Can some of you post how many calories you eat in a day or per/meal?
Thanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 05:45 PM
That's different for each person, since BFL is based on your body size, and therefore your palm/fist size. But I eat 1500-1700 calories a day.
Body for Life Forum Message by Ann (74 posts) at 06:46 PM
J-Dub is right. Here's what I do...
I'm 5'4" and 122 lbs with 22% body fat. Fitday.com tells me that I burn about 2150 calories per day, so I try to eat around 1600 calories a day. Burning 550 calories more than I eat should (in theory) result in 1 lb. of fat lose per week.
For a while I was tracking calories on fit.day everyday, but then I realized that it was a bit of a hassle and also unnecessary. Now I just check in every so often on fitday to be sure that I'm staying on track.
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 07:03 PM
eh, I'm eating 2600 a day and I try hard to do 2800.
Most meals are 300-350 calories except lunch and dinner which are 700.
I'm not sure that this is what you are looking for ;-)
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 10:03 PM
Brandy, I am 5'5", 176 lbs and I eat about 1300-1500 calories perday. I used fitday.com for a couple of weeks to make sure I was eating within the amount necessary to lose weight, and I tend to hover around 1350. I eat pretty much the same things every week, so I know I am keeping within those limits.
Body for Life Forum Message by kcsmomma (56 posts) at 11:23 PM
Hey everyone!
Hope your week is going great! I feel like I've hit an eating rutt of the same things, so I thought some of you experienced folks might like to share some "meals" to spice my eating for BFL life up.
Have a great one!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by markthenewbie (1 posts) at 03:30 PM
Looked it up, vodka has 60-90 calories per 1.5 oz.
vikingg97 said:
So basically the consensus is to only have a few and have it on your free day. And basically have what you want. Vodka has no calories, and when drank with a diet tonic water and lime, still no calories. I guess I will keep to that, but substitute my Sunday for a Friday or a Saturday. I think also if you work out or sit in Sauna the next day after drinking helps, and I have heard the night of drinking having a protein shake and have a B complex vitamin, avoids a hangover anyone heard the same?
Body for Life Forum Message by lcbfl (7 posts) at 03:41 PM
Vodka does have calories and all alcohol has carbs, so watch out. I just graduated from college last year and I have a few trips back to campus to barhop with friends planned in the next few weeks, so I'm glad you asked this question!
Body for Life Forum Message by Grace2bfit (45 posts) at 03:43 PM
Yes...B1 will stay a hangover...however you have to take it while your drinking or before you go to bed; it won't do you any good to take in the morning when you're already hangin'!
Don't know about the protein shake...hmmm
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:32 PM
I went to a seminar in how to build muscle and to much cardio can be bad if your main goal is to build muscle. On the other hand I believe you must do cardio to keep a strong heart among other things
Body for Life Forum Message by reneakleinisakson (49 posts) at 12:48 PM
I think doing the extra cardio is fine. This is your life we're talking about here. Not just a plan. You cn't completely ignore the things you love. I love yoga, but it really doesn't count for HIIT so I do my HIIT and I also do yoga. I too love to hike, go for walks, etc. Sometimes you don't know when that stuff will come up so you can't plan it into your workout schedule and even if you could, most of those things aren't usually done as HIIT in that sense, so just do what you like for enjoyment, do your workouts as you normally would, and I bet it will show in your body, mind and soul!
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:16 PM
I think it depends on a lot of factors - your nutrition, your goals for muscle gain, your body type, etc.
For example: I gain muscle TOO fast (mesomorph). Doing a LOT of extra cardio, I have still put on 3lbs of muscle in the first four weeks of BFL. A lot = somewhere between 1:30 and 2 hours of cardio per day divided into 2 sessions. The type depends on the day. I'm getting ready for tiathlon season while really trying to shed years of fat fairly quickly, so my training goals and cardio demands are a bit different.
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 01:31 PM
In my personal experience extra steady state cardio is *required* if I want to drop my body fat below 22%. Otherwise, BFL's 60 minutes a week of HIIT and 1500 calories a day wind up being a maintenance routine for me.
When I am actively cutting as I am now, I do upwards of 300-360 minutes of total cardio a week--60 minutes of HIIT and the rest as steady state at a moderate pace. Some people can cut just fine on the HIIT only, but I gave it a try for 18 weeks, and it flat out wasn't enough to get me lean.
To preserve whatever muscle mass you wind up acquiring while on a deficit, though, you should avoid doing your extra cardio in the same session as your weight training. Try to give yourself several hours (some folks recommend 8 hours) between weight training and cardio. Do HIIT on non-weight-training days as it tends to be catabolic.
And on a final note, if you are actively training for a marathon or other endurance activity, it might be wise to figure out your calorie burn from exercise each week as well as your food intake from BFL to make sure your deficit each day isn't going too far over 1000 calories (2 lbs per week of weight loss). If the deficit is too great, you are almost sure to lose muscle since you are in pretty good shape already. Go a *little* bit higher in calories if you don't want to cut back on training to avoid putting yourself into starvation mode.
Maggie
Body for Life Forum Message by wantingperfection (5 posts) at 06:22 PM
Thanks for all the replys. I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who does endurance sports and can still do the bfl. Once again thanks for all the good info
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 05:50 AM
Where is the best price on Polar Heart Monitors, anyone have any idea? I searched it and there were so many places I thought I would ask you all.
Thanks,
Cindy
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 08:42 AM
Someone from these boards mentioned the following website...I already had one, but was going to suggest it to some clients.
http://www.heartmonitors.com/polar_monitors_catalog.htm
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 09:29 AM
I think that may have been me that recommended that site, but I actually meant to recommend this one:
http://www.heartratemonitorman.com/
He has great prices (I bought a monitor with an MSRP of $320 from him for $210) and offers free shipping.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:49 AM
He doesn't sell them out of the back of a van, does he?
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:20 PM
Do a froogle search and sort by the lowest prices. I got mine online at that way, and it was under $100 easy. It is NOT the base model either -waterproof for swimming, and one I can hook up to my bike and monitor RPMs as well as heartrate.
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 02:27 PM
I think maybe the monitors fell off the back of the van. He is, after all, in NYC.
I don't think he'll show up on a froggle search, though. He doesn't have the price on his website for most of the models. One has to call him to get it.
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 10:39 AM
This morning I slept in 30 minutes, rolled out of bed into my crappiest pair of sweats. Didn't even brush my hair and did my chest/tricep workout. :)
Then I had nice leisurely shower - put on my *now baggy* size 10 workpants I bought a few weeks ago - and rocked onto work.
What a completely different feel to working out at home :)
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 10:45 AM
and no waiting for equiptment ... how nice !!!
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:51 AM
What is your workout regimen, Tai? You said chest/tricep workout....do you split up your workouts differently than BFL suggests? Just interested...you have had some nice results!
Nancy
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 11:02 AM
For challenge One I did everything by the book weight wise - this challenge I am trying to build more muscle in my upperbody, so I am trying something a bit different.
I am dividing what I workout differently and only working it out once a week - but I am doing less reps per set and using really heavy weights the entire time. This way I can get my weight up, without fatiguing the muscle before I reach the heavy point.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 11:44 AM
Are you making any changes to your cardio ?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 11:54 AM
No - I am still doing HIIT 3 days a week in between weight days. HIIT still kicks my butt - so I'm going to keep at it.
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 12:03 PM
I swear, I didn't tell Tai to change workout.
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 12:04 PM
LOL.
:)
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 12:13 PM
JohnA said:
I swear, I didn't tell Tai to change workout.
Lies all lies!!! :P
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 01:10 PM
JohnA said:
I swear, I didn't tell Tai to change workout.
Me neither! :: whistles innocently ::
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 12:36 PM
This morning I noticed that the top of my thighs are litterally dotted with small bruises. I could almost play dot to dot!
I figure this is from my weights getting heavier, and me leaning them against my thighs at times in between sets.
Does anyone else notice this or am I just a REALLY easy bruiser?
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 12:42 PM
I always see small bruises across my back and shoulders the day after squatting. I would guess you are getting the same thing. ??
Body for Life Forum Message by SinCityGirl05 (257 posts) at 12:56 PM
I noticed I have 2 dots on the top of my thighs from setting the weights on them after doing bench work. lol.
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 01:44 PM
I have nice bruises on my kneecaps from crashing the 100lb weights into them everytime someone leaves them on the leg press machine, which is EVERY TIME I work out! Bruises make you look tough!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 01:49 PM
Nope - I have the same thing going on my right thigh. Mostly from my hand rubbing against it from the deadlifts.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:55 PM
I've noticed I bruise more easily now, too. But they're running-into-things bruises, not resting heavy weights on myself bruises.
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 04:01 PM
I've got a big bruise on my upper right thigh and a really big one on my left butt cheek! lol (my fiancee noticed that one) I get them on my ankles all the time too - probably from the abductor and aductor machine. As long as the heal I wouldn't worry but if they hang around I'd get checked out, its a sign of diabetes I believe.
Body for Life Forum Message by ZumZum (13 posts) at 06:03 PM
I've got about five small bruises (size of pencil erasure) on my right bicep from Mondays UBWO. I figured that I had broken a few small blood vessels, so I'm not too worried about it...
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 07:13 PM
OMG Monica, we have matching butts! :P I have a huge one there atm also.
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 10:25 PM
Tai I do not believe you. Take a picture of your Butt and show us.
hahahahaha
Body for Life Forum Message by Amanda (6 posts) at 05:10 PM
C1W4D24-Question: I have been doing Tae-Bo Cardio Circuit for my 20 minute cardio (it’s actually a 36 minute DVD). I wake up at 5:15am and get it out of the way, however, I feel like it’s not enough intensity, so I was thinking about jogging/running instead. The problem is that I won’t be able to do the run/cardio until between 12:00pm-1:00pm which is my lunch hour at work. When should I eat my lunch-midmeal (which right now has been at noon)? My first meal would be at 7:00am, then my second meal at 9:30am then if I exercise at noon when should I eat my third and fourth meals? Also, should I be eating that 2nd meal at 9:30am before my jog at noon? I know this is long....sorry :( Please help! Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 06:00 PM
My advice would be to move your 9:30 meal to 10, then do your 12-1 workout, and wait atleast 30 (better 45-hour) before you eat again.
That said, if you're really darn hungry shortly after your cardio -- eat! You'll be more consistent if you don't set up unnecessary obstacles to your own success.
Now I'll step down and let others give advice.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:58 PM
Cheetara - I second your advice.
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 10:21 PM
I too run on my lunch hour. I eat my first meal at 8:30, my second meal at 10:30 I go run at 12:00 then eat meal 3 at 1:30.
Body for Life Forum Message by ChallengeBob (142 posts) at 05:42 AM
Annette,
Leave it to you to come up with such a kind thought! You have been an inspiration to so many of us!!
Rob
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 07:19 AM
Thanks Anne, I too gain wisdom and motivation from you and all the other awesome people on this site. I really do not have much time to post either, I sneak and do it while I am at work ; )
Your Buddy, Rod
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 02:05 PM
I have to agree with you. all of you. This sight is great. Although I only work part time and have three young girls that keep me very busy and this sight is awesome for fun and support! Hey, I love you, man!
Body for Life Forum Message by charladee (27 posts) at 10:04 AM
OK good, thank you Tracy, I am still going to email you!
Body for Life Forum Message by Brandy (32 posts) at 10:34 AM
I'm really curious to know if Mina also had plastic surgery as well. I have a really hard time believing that she could be that big and then be totally fit without having any excess skin on her stomach.
I know that once I'm at my goal weight, I will have excess skin and my stomach will still look awful. I'm sure it's partly from being pregnant and having a million stretch marks but I still find it very discouraging.
Has anyone here lost a lot of weight and had problems with excess skin? If so, what did you do?
Body for Life Forum Message by JanaM (35 posts) at 10:40 AM
Thanks anyways everybody. But I guess I just wasn't being patient enough. I figured it out. Thanks again. Jana
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 10:52 AM
:-) Not a problem :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:24 AM
When I purchase the prebagged salad from a local supermarket, it goes slimy in about 5-7 days. For some reason, this stuff from Costco lasts a lot longer. For one, I always pick out the package that has a later date on it. And it's in a plastic box, so maybe that helps? One trick I did discover when washing lettuce yourself is to make sure it's really dry before putting it away, layer between sheets of paper towels, put into a baggie, and then suck the air out of it. It sounds weird, but when I do this with butter lettuce (we use it to do turkey or ham rolls instead of using tortillas), it lasts a pretty long time. When salad is the least bit wet, it seems to get slimy. Oh, and don't store in the back of the fridge...I accidently let my salad make its way back there and it froze...had to throw it all away.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:24 AM
Thanks, Melanie -- I learn something new every day! (Too bad we don't have Costco here. I'll have to experiment with Sam's).
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 08:58 AM
I need to start shopping at Sam's again....but darn it...I'll have to buy myself a seperate freezer since everything is in bulk *LOL* ...
Yes - in some ways, you spend more money here and there but you save in others.
Like Tracy said: Doctor Bills !!! OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!! Ever since my daughter started going to daycare, she's been sick every other week (her little immune system is constantly battling something new each week!)...I bring her to the doctor every other week and I swear, I spend about $200.00 a month!!! However, even as sick as she gets, I don't! If I was eating unhealthy and not taking my supplements, I'm sure by now,my doctor bills would be double what they are right now!
Spend a little extra $$ on yourself, eat healthy and the long-run the benefits will outway any bad ones.
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:15 PM
Hard boiled eggs are cheap
Look at what you are getting calorie for calorie. I have not done this but I would bet you are paying less for nutritious foods
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:16 PM
Hard boiled eggs are cheap
Look at what you are getting calorie for calorie. I have not done this but I would bet you are paying less for nutritious foods
fast food is expensive
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 04:37 PM
When I had my bodyfat tested at the gym a few weeks ago, the trainer who did it asked me what I was doing and when I told him I had started BFL, his eyes lit up LOL. He could not praise BFL enough. He said it was an excellent program. He also said alot of gym members were actually doing BFL as well. It sounds like that trainer needs some retrainng. BFL has been around for several years now. It makes you wonder what rock he has been hiding under eh?
Body for Life Forum Message by ptwob2 (30 posts) at 04:57 PM
I had the same experience as Goddessa. I told the trainer giving be a BF test I was doing BFL and he immediately said that it was a great program. I already knew that it was working wonderfully, but it was still nice to get the feedback!
Body for Life Forum Message by froglette (32 posts) at 11:02 PM
Jim, that's higher than I would have thought either from your picture or your description of yourself. I started out at 280 lbs and 45% bf, and I am a 5'6" woman. While I'm more muscular that the average woman my height, I am not muscular compared to a man my height. Hope this helps.
Eve
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 06:57 AM
That is what I would do. But I don't know anything about Creatine Plus either.
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:40 AM
I had never had a Krispy Kreme until last year when one came to our town. I rue the day they opened their doors!!! LOL. Actually, the store is about 35 minutes from my house, BUT it's on the way home from the hospital. So guess what I'm craving as I'm in my car at 7:30am in the morning???? And I see that sign lit up, indicating they are serving their melt in your mouth originals?? My absolute favorite is the chocolate covered creme filled...not custard, but the sugary creme. A close second is either the lemon filled or the sugar covered. Okay, enough.....I won't be eating those for a while since I'm having oral surgery tomorrow. But one can dream.....
BTW, the most I can eat in one sitting...without feeling sick...is 3. Of course, I may be able to eat more if I didn't wash it down with chocolate milk...ROFL!!! And I wonder why my pants don't fit.
Melanie =0
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:44 AM
Oh, since this was a post originally about England....one of the desserts I came across while there was Strawberry Fool. YUMMY!!! It's kind of like a mousse. They sold it in individual sized cups in the grocery store. I loved it. I also loved that my friend got her milk delivered through the back door every morning. The first morning I was there, it scared the hell outta me as I heard this clinking noise in the kitchen...thought someone was trying to break in, but alas, it was just the milkman. Lucky I didn't use that heavy cast iron skillet that found its way into my hands.....LOL.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by ashtrash (58 posts) at 12:10 AM
wow. maybe i'll rethink the whole tanning thing. At least until i'm buff anyway, (just in case...)
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:27 PM
Results speak louder than words:) Awesome job
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:42 PM
WAY TO GO ANETTE!!!!! You are now officially a role model. Congratulations girl. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 08:28 PM
Annette,
As a motivator, I'll bet you'll be SUPER. Yours was the first post I read here, and the first profile I saw. I am so glad it was, because you really inspired me, and I am so glad to have this forum for support!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 08:34 PM
You are going to be AWESOME Anette! When you start traveling the world pencil in Idaho!
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 09:22 PM
How absolutely awesome. Congrats. Pencil in TN.
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 10:03 PM
You gotta pencil in Indy. Hell, you might even make it on Oprah!!!
WHOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO
I wonder how many new members we will get on the tracker site from your motivational talk.
WAY TO GO ANNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.
If you write a book, don't forget to mention your old buddy Rod ; )
Body for Life Forum Message by froglette (32 posts) at 10:11 PM
Congratulations, Annette! I'm sure you will be an excellent motivational speaker. You're a great motivator already :)
Eve
Body for Life Forum Message by ashtrash (58 posts) at 12:05 AM
I'm in. But...I will definitely enjoy some deep-fried Oreos on freeda (Saturday.) Other than that, i'll be squeaky clean, baby!
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 12:13 AM
I'm in it for the long haul!
Body for Life Forum Message by debwaid61 (19 posts) at 09:23 AM
I am in too! I had a cheat meal yesterday so I don't need another one for awhile!
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 09:51 AM
I'll join ya!! Sunday is mine though!! I'm making homemade Calzones!! yum! Good luck everyone!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:17 PM
I'm in - only I had my free day last Sunday and then had a business dinner at a restaurant last night which did include a glass of white wine and not enough protein! Oh well!
Body for Life Forum Message by Brandy (32 posts) at 12:23 PM
I'm - I will have one cheat meal this weekend (not sure which day yet).
Body for Life Forum Message by Jodie (3 posts) at 08:47 PM
Can I still start even though I had apple crisp tonight? I don't know if I have the balls to make it pass one full Sunday without a cheat. . .could I have one cheat meal instead of the day?
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 04:56 PM
Isn't that awesome? BFL is becoming a way of life for you now. Your looking forward to BFL days instead of free days now LOL.
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 05:01 PM
LOL No subject is taboo. Multivitamins will definitely give your urine a flourescent yellow glow LOL. Most people do have light yellow colored urine though and they are well hydrated. Your drinking 128-170 ozs of water a day. Thats PLENTY. Don't worry about it. Your doing fine. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 05:06 PM
From Gas to Pee! I'm afraid to imagine what's next!
Body for Life Forum Message by ptwob2 (30 posts) at 05:08 PM
They do call this potty for life after all...
wait, is that right?!? ;^)
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 06:33 AM
Welcome back Ann !!
Body for Life Forum Message by Ann (74 posts) at 06:37 PM
I'm in China because I'm an international school teacher and I am currently working at Shanghai American School. I LOVE IT!!! (If anyone else is a teacher who is thinking about working overseas, send me a personal message and I'd love to help you get started.)
Pictures??? You know, I even have them, but I've been waiting to post them all at once when I feel like the change is significant enough to make up for that awful Week 0 photo. Dumb I know, but for some reason I can't get the guts to post them. I promise to in Week 8, so hold me to it!
I'm also hoping that my trip to Boracay for spring break will give me a decent tan and we all know that browned cellulite looks much better than white. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 06:53 AM
J-Dub~ I was just joking with you! Thanks for the link though, those are cool! Smiley's are awesome!
Body for Life Forum Message by nico (23 posts) at 07:40 AM
getnlean said:
Hey J-Dub.......You stole my smiley! I am not original anymore!
(hey, psstttttt, where did you get yours, because I don't have that one?!)
I'm about to stole your Smiley's too. Ah.Ah. You crack me up every times. Good Job and good sense of humor.
Body for Life Forum Message by nico (23 posts) at 07:49 AM
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:07 AM
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 08:49 AM
Fat Days - Here's the thing, I think that no matter how small we get...we always want more. I've got that problem! I'm very hard on myself and constantly strives to be better when I need to learn to just be "happy" with myself :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:24 PM
No I have the opposite effect... I am much stronger and ripped but still see myself as skinny which is ok because it motivates me to get more healthy. On the other hand I am very happy with myself at this time and now I know that muscle will continue but at a much slower rate
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 12:57 PM
GAH! We are going smile crazy here! I love it!
Jeremy~ here is one for you 
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 01:08 PM
I have updated my before and after pics:
Before
After
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 01:10 PM
OMG! That is so hilarious! You just made me chole on my tuna! 
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 01:12 PM
What is chole???
LOL! I meant choke! Still laughing though!
Body for Life Forum Message by SinCityGirl05 (257 posts) at 01:17 PM
Ok, now I am on the floor from all the crazy smileys. You guys are too much.
Love it.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:18 PM
Chole's a word! It's what fit does when you offer her cottage cheese.
Don't believe me? Look it up. :-P
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 09:47 PM
I love you guys you are all crazy so I fit right in
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:54 PM
Cheetara? What are you talking about? Are you sure you aren't thinking of this *HORK* *HORK*-my dry heaving sound effect? I don't know that I've ever "choled". Let me see here-o.k., I just looked it up. It says that chole means bile-bile is the acidic stuff in your stomach that aids digestion right? So, if I biled, would that be the same as puking? Cause if so, I could definitely do that after being offered cottage cheese. He he he, just kidding-biled isn't a word, but I could make it one!
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 07:38 AM
Mahalia, you got it right. Your muscles are growing and you are not losing fat. You might be eating too much. Try reducing your portios.
If you want, you can double check by counting calories and compare it to your expenditure.
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:35 AM
I don't worry about the exact amount. I carry around a 1.5 liter bottle that I fill up at least 3 times during the day. During the summer, I fill it up around 6 times. I know I go through one of those bottles during and right after my workout. My husband drinks in between a gallon and two gallons, easily. I have never seen someone pee for as long he does! It's not right, I tell ya! LOL. I know I probably head off to the little girl's room at least once an hour.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Robyn (12 posts) at 03:42 AM
you should be drinking minimum 2 litres (8 x 250ml cups) and no more than 3 litres (12 x 250ml cups) a day, more than 3 litres can result in water toxicity...yes too much water can be bad for you and put your kidneys under stress...I normally stick to the 2 litre amount as I am still consuming quite a bit more liquids with my betagen and with my shakes..
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:50 AM
It can if you drink it all at once. But when spaced out over the day, there is no problem. I had heard about this and became concerned. I consulted with my regular physician and then a few doctors at my work. If you drink too much, it causes a HUGE imbalance in your electrolytes and can cause brain damage as well. But this is if it's consumed over a short period of time WITHOUT replacing your electrolytes. There have been a few cases of elite athletes and military personnel who have died from this. They replaced the fluid lost through sweating with just plain water and a lot of it.
By drinking the amount my husband and I do over the entire day, there's no danger of causing water toxicity, especially since I get plenty of sodium and potassium (the two really important electrolytes involved with your cells) in my diet.
Melanie
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 05:24 AM
The only way you could drink that much water that fast would be if you bong it, wouldn't you say?
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 06:22 AM
Bong it ? Images of the 70's just flashed through my head .... LOL
I drink around a gallon a day.
If you feel like this should be called Peeing-For-Life, then you're probably getting enough.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:23 AM
I aim for a gallon a day, but don't stress if I "only" get 100oz, LOL!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:14 PM
Wow, I drink about 135 oz per day from start of day (typically around 5 am) until evening (I typically lay down with my daughter between 9:30 and 10:00 pm). I take in plenty of sodium and potassium through my diet. Is this too much?
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 05:51 PM
I have heard that the MINIMUM requirement for your body is exactly half of your weight. IE a 200 LB person requires a MINIMUM (notice this is a minumum here LOL) of 100 ozs a day. Try to exceed your MINIMUM requirements. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 06:29 PM
I hate to saound like that person who always has a story to top someone else's... but... I drink up to 180oz per day. (I spend about 180 minutes in the bathroom too! Ha!) I have noticed that my skin is so much softer, and I don't break out near as much. I don't think I would drink much more than this because of the risk of causing an electrolyte imbalance. I also agree with the MINIMUM statement above. Water is so important in flushing out bodily toxins!
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 06:31 PM
I just read that more than 40 oz IN AN HOUR can cause that electrolyte imbalance ICU_RN was talking about.
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:24 PM
I wouldn't worry about that...I've had 1.5 liters in less than an hour plenty of times and never had a problem. I think it's more dangerous if you are taking in a bunch of water while exercising vigorously, such as running a marathon, and not replacing any electrolytes while doing it.
Melanie
Body for Life Forum Message by silvertalons33 (52 posts) at 12:16 AM
I think my wieght was off though have my own scale now easier to compare and a better measuring tape also
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 07:39 AM
*grabs her calculator*
As a group - we have lost around 277 lbs.
We rock!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:17 AM
Holy smokes -- 277lbs!!!
How about we call ourselves Waisting Away? 
(Yes, I spelled wasting that way on purpose!)
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:01 PM
Wow! Incredible! How about Waisting Away in BFL!
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:05 PM
I like what you are doing. Can I join in. I am 172 and looking to pack on some more muscle without adding body fat so the reverse is true for me.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 12:05 PM
Whew! I feel scared now -- thanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 02:01 PM
How about the "Incredibly Shrinking BFL-ers"? lol - my other half has taken to calling me the "incredibly shrinking woman". Every time I hear it, it makes me grin ear-to-ear... and go FASTER!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 02:16 PM
Oh I forgot (and not that this makes a difference) - although this is my 3rd challenge, they are not back to back. My first one was in 1999 and the second was in 2001. Thanks for the accountability challenge - I love it and appeciate your efforts!
Jeannine
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 04:38 PM
(Sheepish grin and a wink) Got you thinking didn't I? I've got 2 for Waisting Away and 1 for Incredibly Shrinking BFL-ers. Anyone else? Jeremy, of course you can join in. It's Body for Life not Body for Loss. Remember all, if you are truly "in" update your measurements/goals/etc. I am only going to focus on the positive; however, you will be the one to know if you slipping. Thanks again for keeping me motivated.
Melanie
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 07:15 PM
OMG I didn't even realize I had lost over 8 inches!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! OMG I am doing the happy dance hehehehehehehehehhehehehe
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 08:04 PM
Congrats Goddessa!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:27 PM
That's great Goddessa!! Good work!
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 08:42 PM
Wait for me! I wanna play too! my starting weight was 185 and I am down to 176.6 in 6 weeks, along with about 5% body fat lost (give or take, depending on measurements). This weeks weight will be higher due to "aunt flo" if you know what I am saying. But count me in too!
Kim
Body for Life Forum Message by ejsombathy (16 posts) at 09:53 PM
LOVE IT! Good job FattyMcfatterson. Games on! What a great way to support each other and keep motivated.
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 10:41 PM
You got it momofthree girls! You're in.
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 03:32 AM
I'm going in for oral surgery tomorrow and I'm nervous. I had the same surgery done back in November and I was miserable for almost 2 weeks from not being able to eat without pain. They will be cutting tissue from my hard palate (the roof of your mouth) and then suturing it down below on my gumline. One of the grafts didn't take back in November, so it's being repeated.
I'm having IV sedation (Versed) which helps me with the nervousness of someone cutting stuff up in my mouth, but it's the aftermath of the surgery that sucks. And the catch? I can't take Vicodin on an empty stomach, but it hurts like hell to eat anything. Sigh....
After my mouth is healed up, I will be starting my BFL challenge with a vengeance. For now, I will be going to the gym and trying to suck down the occasional protein shake here and there. I can't really eat anything that is really hot or really cold. It has to be somewhere near room temperature so it's hard to find stuff to eat after this surgery. I remember in November eating a LOT of pudding that I warmed up slightly. That gets really old after a while. Any suggestions?
Melanie (who is dreading having to get up in the morning)
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 05:22 AM
Drink meal replacements so you can get your vitamins, protein, carbs, etc. Work out as soon as you are able. Drink lots of agua!
Body for Life Forum Message by TJ (60 posts) at 06:41 AM
Melanie, good luck this morning. You be a in the thoguhts of a lot of people you have yet to meet. Don't worry about BFI for the next couple days... just get better!
God Bless
TJ
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:21 AM
Ow Melanie! Oral surgery is the worst. I remember feeling the same way when I had oral surgery a few years ago. I subsisted on mashed potatoes and pudding for 2 weeks. Good luck! I like Fatty's (sorry, I hate calling you that LOL) suggestion to drink MRPs if you can, and lots of water.
Feel better SOON!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:08 PM
Best of luck - I'm sure you will do fine.
Jeannine
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 05:47 PM
Good luck to you Melanie. Maybe some protein shakes without ice and a banana blended in them will work for you. Mashed potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes,tuna really mashed up, pureed chicken or lean beef,(I know but you may be able to get it down this way) applesauce, ff pudding made with protein powder, scrambled eggs might work too, ff yogurt and don't forget water water water. I hope you will be feeling better again real soon girl. Hang in there. We are all rooting for ya! Lisa :)
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 06:13 PM
I just bit my lip and I want to cry! I can't imagine oral surgery! I'm sure it will be fine! I hear that Versed is good stuff! Hee Hee!
I saw a recipe for a tuna shake on the internet! Let me know if you want the recipe! Yuk!!!
Feel better soon!
Rebecca
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:04 PM
Well, the procedure only took 30 minutes (I only had one graft done this time) and he used less Versed than he did last time so I was actually somewhat aware of what was going on. BUT the little plastic piece that my wonderful dentist made for me that fits over the roof of my mouth is a GODSEND!! I didn't have it last time and it's wonderful. I only feel a tiny bit of pain and have only had to take one Vicodin so far. I even went to my kids' spaghetti dinner fundraiser and was able to eat a little bit.
Maybe it will be better this time around....oh, and many thanks to the eating suggestions! Mashed potatoes work great!! It's funny how you don't realize the work involved in chewing and swallowing until you have some sort of oral surgery or complications. After this summer, I should be all finished with everything that has to be done (and $12,000 poorer). I still have to go back for something called crown lengthening in a few weeks but I think the worst is over.
nurse36, yep, Versed is a miracle drug. We use it a LOT in the ICU...never understood how great it was until I got some! It's great and it wears off really quickly too so you are not extremely groggy afterwards. I wish I had found this periodontist a long time ago and had Versed with all my procedures! And uh....no thanks on that tuna shake...I can't even stand the SMELL of that stuff....bleeechhh. I think my feelings on tuna are right up there with fit's love of cottage cheese!!! LOL
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Cpt_Tripps (15 posts) at 07:31 AM
I know last week I was kind of wigging out thinking I wasn't accomplishing much or I wasn't as far along as I would like to be, but measurements and pics I am pleased.
I am not going ot win the challenge with the results of 4 weeks, but I am pleased none the less and am even more motivated to get even better results the next 4 weeks.
Thanks to all the people that have answered my questions and just post in general it keeps me motivated.
Thanks,
Mike
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 07:37 AM
Mike, 2 1/2 inches off your waist in 4 weeks is outstanding !!!!
Keep rockin man !!
Jim
:)
Body for Life Forum Message by JohnA (257 posts) at 07:46 AM
Yup, looking good man.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:09 AM
Great job! 
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:10 AM
By the way, love the Stephen King reference!
Body for Life Forum Message by silvertalons33 (52 posts) at 08:53 AM
hey wow nice results I can't wait until week 4 myself
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 01:25 PM
That is awesome! You look great!
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:33 PM
AWESOME job!!! Keep working hard - it's showing!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cpt_Tripps (15 posts) at 01:52 PM
Thanks everyone...It is nice to see that it acctually works about the time you start getting little slivers of doubt trying ot pop in.
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 02:17 PM
Excellent work!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 02:58 PM
Great job! Keep that fire stoked, man. Hey, you've inspired more smilies, including what's apparently a cheerleading snail?!
*tee-hee*
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:25 PM
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! Nice job Mike. You are definitely on your way. That is very very good results for week 4!!!! Looking forward to seeing week 8 pics. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by MikeN (33 posts) at 09:18 PM
Great job Mike!
Just noticed something kinda funny too... your name is Mike, and you are from Allen too! Where do you work out?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 09:32 PM
Lookin goooooooooooooood!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:52 PM
You can definitely see a change, especially around your neck, shoulders, and the abdomen area. Great job!!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 11:00 PM
I can definitely se improvement. keep working hard. IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by MisterE (46 posts) at 08:09 AM
Hi gang, here's my problem. My wife whom I adore would sooo benefit from joining me in BFL, but she gets intimidated by the structure, and a bit discouraged because I can drop weight much faster than her. She is eating fairly clean, and does areobics a few times a week. She has lost some weight and I have told her I am proud of her. How do I encourage her to take the next step and push harder, without sounding overbearing? She like most of us is very sensitive about her weight and I don't want her to think I am ripping on her. I would love it if she committed to this program whole heartedly, but I know that is a decision she must make for herself. How can I support and encourage her? I would truly appreciate any advice. Thanks Eldon
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:14 AM
That's a tough one. You already know she has to want to do it. Maybe you can promise to help her take it slow in the beginning, that you'll help her all the way through, and show her some of the incredible transformations women here on this board have had. Make sure she knows that you want her to do this because you love her and want her to be around for a long time, and working out together can be really fun. And invite her to participate in the board. All the enthusiasm here from women who are BFLers and seeing great results might rub off on her!
That said, if my boyfriend said that, I might resist too... I guess not knowing your wife's personality, it's hard to say how to convince her.
I hope she decides to at least give it a try!
Body for Life Forum Message by Kater36 (1 posts) at 08:16 AM
Well, it sounds like you are doing everything right already! My fiance and I are on the program and it is definitely hard to watch the pounds fall off of him. But, the best thing about it is that he is totally supportive of me. We work-out together now and that has definately helped! Probably like your wife, I was very intimidated by the program. Especially because my fiance could do so much more than me. But once you see the weight come off it is easier and easier. So the best advice is to just keep on doing what you are doing.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:40 AM
I am a firm believer in the "actions speak louder than words" philosophy. I think if you continue down the road to good health and a great body, your wife will want to follow your lead. I can tell you from a woman's perspective that if you say anything about trying to get her to start this program, she'll probably take it as you being dissatisfied with her appearance and/or calling her fat. If you get to a point where you're happy with your results, she'll probably want to go along whether the reason is inspiration or insecurity that she needs to get in better shape to be equal with your new hot self.
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 09:49 AM
Maybe if you tell her you need some support, could she spot you on a few workouts. Then she could see what the workout is all about. After a few days of this after you do something like bench press, ask her if she would like to try (just that one) Gradually get her into it. Thats what my fiancee did for me. Granted I figured out all along that he just wanted me to try BFL, but he did it in such a way that was more like a fun togetherness thing than an urge to lose weight! I must admit, BFL is SO much more rewarding when your significant other joins you. It gives you more together time!! Good Luck! -Monica
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 10:11 AM
it sounds like she is afraid to do it because she is afraid of failure. A lot of people (myself included at one time) would not attempt something, because I knew I wouldn't be good at it anyway.
Just be as encouraging as you can. Monica's idea of asking her to help you is a great one! She may not be focusing so much on the fact she might fail, but more likely be concentrating on helping you succeed. Then eventually that may pass over :)
Body for Life Forum Message by MisterE (46 posts) at 12:17 PM
Thanks alot for the input, it is really hard for me because I'm soooo pumped about BFL I tend to be very RA RA YOU HAVE TO DO THIS IT's SO GREAT! I try to tone it down so as not to be too obnoxious (I was called that once can you believe that? OK more than once)
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:13 PM
OK Eldon,
Women are very complex creatures and we get weird ALOT. LOL sorry but it is true. It's because we have hormones that rage in us.
You have done EVERYTHING right to encourage her. But she has to WANT to do this herself.
You said she is eating clean, so I am assuming this means she is following the BFL meal guidelines. This IS a good start.
The workouts can sound a bit intimidating to someone who doesn't normally workout. Its alot of hard work and this may be what is turning her off.
Give her time to adjust to what she is doing now. After a while she may feel ready to add in a weight day here or there. Seeing your results may also encourage her to want to give it a try too.
And I think Monicas idea about asking her to help spot you is excellent. This way your not saying "let me help you". Your saying "can you help me"?
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 09:15 AM
I was reading through the Motivation section of boybuilding.com this morning and found an article called "20 Tips For Motivation". As I read through the list of 20, I found one tip really interesting, "Watch A Motivating Movie" ,and thought it would be fun to post a question for eveyone here ... Sorry Fit & Cheetara, I couldn't wait until next week, so I'm bending the rules .. LOL :)
So, what are some of the movies you have seen that really motivate you ?
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 09:22 AM
I have one that's about "not giving up", it's called "Something the Lord Made"...it's based on a true story. It's very good!
Another excellent movie is "TROY" - when you take a look at Brad Pitt's hot body, it'll make you want to workout harder *LOL*
Those are the movies that I've liked so far.... I'm not sure if these are going to be motivating enough but they are worth watching!!!
Carole
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 09:30 AM
I like watching TombRaider - Angelina looks so fit in that movie .
Body for Life Forum Message by markharrill (31 posts) at 10:09 AM
Something the Lord Made is a FANTASTIC movie. It is one I championed on my website when it was released on DVD.
I have two motivation/ground yourself movies that I watch often
For the You Can Do Anything mode I watch Almost Famous.
For the Remember What is Important I watch Jerry Maguire.
Don't get me started on Cameron Crowe movies. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by lcbfl (7 posts) at 10:17 AM
Even though it's not out on video/DVD yet, Million Dollar Baby is filled with lessons of perserverence, hard work, reaching your goals and living your dreams. Seeing Hilary Swank's buff bod is also really motivating for me.
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 10:20 AM
guess i should have posted mine, given I asked .. :)
Gladiator
Braveheart (yeah, guy-flicks)
Rudy
Brian's Song
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 10:29 AM
Ok you can tell I have kids and you will all laugh but Elmo in Grouchland is an excellent motivator for getting over obstacles when you are ready to give up. There is one clip in there called take your first step and I use it alot when I am speaking to single moms. Its all about courage and not giving up.
Body for Life Forum Message by reneakleinisakson (49 posts) at 10:31 AM
ok, you're all going to laugh at this, but Dirty Dancing is a motivator to me. Baby doesn't know how to dance AT ALL at the beginning and she is really good at the end. Ok, maybe not so realistic, but still good. And I certainly don't mind the Patrick Swayze view!
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 10:58 AM
Gladiator is awesome! Loved that movie! Another one that's an older movie that I still like : Bloodsport (based on a true-story, Frank Dux - main actor is Jean-Claude Van Damme)...I watched that movie about 20 times!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:12 PM
Ok here goes
Body of Work
Body for life success stories I and II
Rocky (all of them)
Bill Porter (I forgot the name of the movie but it is about a salesmen Bill Porter)
The Rookie
Ray
Coach Carter
Hoosiers
The Pistol
Troy
The Isiah Thomas Story
Above the Rim
Rudy
Blood Sport is great did not realize it was based on a true story makes it even better
The Passion of Christ
Body for Life Forum Message by jeremy (111 posts) at 12:13 PM
Oops sorry about the spacing but you guys get the point
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 12:15 PM
Terminator 2, babee! Linda's arms and that "diabolical" (yes, jstone, that's for you!) look on her face are to die for!
I can't convince hubby to watch Gladiator -- he's never "in the right mood."
Body for Life Forum Message by MisterE (46 posts) at 12:21 PM
Any underdog movie like Rocky, Rudy, Hossiers yada yada yada
Body for Life Forum Message by beancounter (22 posts) at 12:22 PM
Dude, GI Jane is my "I've gotta have arms like that" movie, Rudy is a great "you can do anything you set your mind to" movie.
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 12:27 PM
OO yeah terminator 2 - Linda Hamilton is SOO cut.
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 12:27 PM
I want to be able to do "one-arm" push ups like Demi Moore did !
*LOL* ...good movie beancounter
P.s. My husband nickname is Beaner *LOL*
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 12:28 PM
Any Fitness show that you watch one TV are great to motivate you!! :-) You won't see me watch Miss America but you will see me watch Miss Fitness! *LOL*
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:30 PM
I agree Cheetara and Tai - Terminator 2 for me when it comes to a buffed fitness look.
Body for Life Forum Message by beancounter (22 posts) at 12:34 PM
Oh yeah, one arm pushups and vertical situps. Heck I'm lucky to get a slight incline in my bench and my abs are burning. Beaner...LOL! Good one.
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 12:36 PM
Ok, I have to agree ....
see the very long link below and click on the small pic of linda hamilton ...
nice vein action in the bicep !!
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://home.worldcom.ch/vfrei/t2/t2-a11.jpg&imgrefurl=http://home.worldcom.ch/vfrei/t2.html&h=130&w=88&sz=9&tbnid=DNvkW6dpZ1UJ:&tbnh=84&tbnw=57&start=41&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlinda%2Bhamilton%2Bt2%26start%3D40%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN
Body for Life Forum Message by SinCityGirl05 (257 posts) at 01:08 PM
Lets see, I like to watch movies with chicks who can really kick butt. Tomb Raider w/ Angelina Jolie. Karate Kid w/ Hilary Swank. The FIFTH ELEMENT with Mila Jovocich or however you spell her name. She is awesome. Linda Hamilton in Terminator. Oh, I almost forgot, Carrie Ann Moss, Matrix. That scorpion kick OUCH. that one has to hurt. How does she do that?
Body for Life Forum Message by getnlean (166 posts) at 01:17 PM
GI Jane definitely, and I cannot wait to see Million Dollar Baby, that movie looks awesome! Linda Hamilton ROCKS
Body for Life Forum Message by TreeStand (1 posts) at 01:18 PM
Rudy of course, soundtrack is on my mp3 player for workouts
Body for Life Forum Message by beegee714 (59 posts) at 01:20 PM
Rocky IV!! and I also love the movie Miracle.
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 01:23 PM
ok, you're all going to laugh at me but Mulan is really motivating to me. She sings this song about "when will my reflection show who I am inside" That chokes me up everytime. I've got a tear just thinking about that song! lol
Body for Life Forum Message by Mahalia (72 posts) at 01:36 PM
"What's Love Got To Do With It" about Tina Turner, is a good motivational movie for me. To walk away from the bad, pick up yurself and move on.
I love Tina Turner.
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:43 PM
OK, I have to agree on the GI Jane movie!!! That right there is my all-time eventual goal. Every time it gets to the part where she's doing the hanging sit-ups and the 1-armed push-ups, I about die and want to just start working out on the spot....
I would shave my head today and keep it shaved for the rest of my life if I could just look like that!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 02:02 PM
Most definately GI Jane. Oh and terminator II. I really want to see Million Dollar Baby. Something about those cut women!
Okay and totally unrealistic, but it would be so cool to move like the "bimbos" in Charlie's Angels...tee hee hee
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:03 PM
SinCityGirl -- I got my hubby the director's cut of "The Fifth Element" for V-Day! :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:53 PM
Terminator 2, as others have said, because of Linda Hamilton, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back -- Angela Bassett is BUFF!!
I don't think I ever saw GI Jane.. putting that on the list of to-see movies now!
Body for Life Forum Message by charladee (27 posts) at 04:08 PM
This is fun. THis will also show my age, but when "Flashdance" came out, I ran out and joined a gym the next day and a dance class. I cut all my sweatshirts up to look just like Jennifer Beals. What a dork I was....anyway, now, with kids...I too get motivated by some kids movies. Mulan, yes, Hercules...I can go the distance...I love that song. The BFL video still motivates me. I loved all the karate kid movies too, especially with Hilary Swank, I think being a girl, since I am one, that motivates me. Just like Tomb-raider. I am going to go watch Million Dollar Baby this weekend and I just know it will be motivating to me. I am curious about the soundtrack...hmmmmmm. I am sure I will think of others as well...
Body for Life Forum Message by Stryker (5 posts) at 04:14 PM
I went with my kids to see "The Incredibles" just before I started my 12 weeks, and something struck a chord when I saw middle-aged Bob lifting train cars getting back in shaped. Haven't shared that piece of motivation with anyone else.
Stryker
Body for Life Forum Message by GetNFit (72 posts) at 04:30 PM
Im Queen of the Dork....but believe it or not...
16 Candles
I love that movie!!!!! It shows that even geeks get what they want when they put themselves out there!!!!!
And...oh my gosh....15 years later, Jake still gives me butterflies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robin
Body for Life Forum Message by Webmaster (66 posts) at 04:45 PM
For fitness motivation,
Rocky and Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story
Ooh I forgot about Rudy - that's one of my fave's
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 09:53 AM
I share an office with our night DJ. Over the last couple of days, a few people have left small pieces of chocolate on my desk, maybe 4 or 5, for Valentines Day. I decided it wasn't worth the cheat and I would save them for my free day on Friday. So I left them sitting on my desk.
This morning I came in and all but one piece were gone. My officemate, who is diabetic, said, "look, your candy's gone!" I laughed, told him that was a funny joke, and to give it back. He said, "I ate it." And he walked out.
Now I'm mad. And I feel like a jerk for getting mad over a couple of pieces of candy I didn't need anyway. But I'm mad because he took something off of MY desk, and he thinks it's funny. He knows how I feel about his eating habits, my father died from multiple complications of diabetes and I take it pretty seriously. He eats crap all the time, but after I yelled at him about it a few months ago when I found out he was diabetic right after he'd participated in an on-air Krispy Kreme eating competition, he has mostly stopped eating junk in front of me. But he's an adult and it's his choice to kill himself that way, and I asked him to just refrain from dying in our office, because at the last station I worked at, we did have a DJ die of a heart attack at work, and it was horrible and I'd like to not see it again.
But it is not his choice to take anything off my desk and eat it, no matter how little value it really is. Am I as much of a jerk as I feel? It's ok, I can take it...
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 10:09 AM
No, he was wrong to take it. You are right though, even though while his eating habits upset you, it's not really up to you to change him.
However, stealing something off someone's desk is pretty low - you definately have the right to be upset about that.
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:48 AM
Also, I know I really look forward to my free day treats....even can get emotional about them!!! So he was wrong to take it from your desk and HOW DARE he mess with free day food!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 10:51 AM
The more I think about it, the more disrespectul I think it was. And of course the more irritated I get, lol. I tossed the last piece of candy on his desk and told him if he was going to kill himself with my candy, he might as well have it all.
Then I left the room. He's gone now but will be back tonight. And I am going to take a deep breath and get over it.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 11:47 AM
J, I think you definitely had reason to be irritated. Some of the irritation seems to stem more from your frustration at his not wanting to take care of himself, but your irritation at him taking something off of your desk (especially chocolate) is valid and warranted. Last week, on free day I got some donuts and my husband started to give the baby one of my powdered sugar jelly-filled ones. When I gasped, he was like "O.K., nevermind!" and dropped it quick! Tell that dude to respect your free day food or next time he'll draw back a bloody stump.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 11:59 AM
I almost bet when he comes in tonight to come on the air after me, he will bring candy because he knows I'm mad. I am going to tell him that I thought he was very disrespectful and that now I can't trust him and will have to hide anything I don't want him to take.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 12:09 PM
J, you could be snide and tell him that you're so glad you're learning to control yourself, because you would have eaten whatever was in front of your face a few weeks ago, too.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 01:36 PM
Actually, before I cooled off about it, I thought about taking the dayplanner off of his desk and carrying it around with me today... you know, because I like it. 
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:54 PM
It was completely inappropriate for him to even touch anything on your desk, much less steal something off of it.
You could always look at the karma of it... what goes around comes around. Besides, in the long run, at least you won't have to burn off those extra calories!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:05 PM
Cheetara, with the ever-present dueling angel/devil on her shoulders, now suggests that you could kill him with kindness and put a teeny packet of sugar-free chocolates on his desk.
(I have to cancel out my earlier evil.)
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:05 PM
Rawillow, That's a good way to look at it, LOL!
I do hope he doesn't try to make up for it by bringing in replacement candy. With the day I'm having, I'd probably break into it. Or he would, if I left it on my desk. 
Cheetara, he's just the kind of person who would never get the irony, lol. But he would eat them!
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:34 PM
If it were me, and someone took my stuff off of my desk (especially the goodies I had been saving for free day) OMG I would have been soooooooooo mad. That guy has no respect. It didn't belong to him. I know it was just candy but thats not the point.
OK LOL I have a really good idea. I'm thinking you should bake some brownies and add some lactulose or magnesium citrate to them and put them on your desk and tell him "Help yourself. I'm saving these for my freeday but I have waaaay too many" I guarantee that after he eats those brownies, he won't want to put anything you have on your desk into his mouth ever again. MUUAAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAAAAAA!!!!! ;D
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 07:04 PM
<- Goddesssa.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 07:22 PM
Too hysterical. Baking ex lax into brownies also works.
I am so bad with stuff I see I have always had to hide the kids easter candy from me, don't put out a cookie jar, etc. (I know you all probably think I am a weakling) So in the future I would have a junk stash box or place to put it that it would be out of his line of vision. If it is any comfort lotsa times those chocolates have nasty stuff in em, like the mint ones ewwww.Tell yourself they weren't probably good ones...... Tai ps love your pic of Godessa.
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 08:28 PM
LOL..........yup, thats a pretty accurate pic of me :D
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:36 PM
Well, he didn't bring me replacement candy... in fact, he stayed out of my way until I left. BUT. He told the woman who left the candy for me (and she had left some for him, too) that SHE got him in trouble, that I was really mad at him and was just walking past and not saying anything to him. And then he told her he would think I would understand, it was late last night (he works til midnight) and there was nothing around to eat.
EXCUSE ME????? There is a whole snack machine full of crap he could eat. And just because he had the munchies, he thinks that's authorization to disrespect someone else's property????
Made me mad all over again. 
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 09:31 PM
OK J this is what you do, go buy a bag of hersheys kisses and give it to him with a note that says: "thought I would give you present since you like to take everyone elses. Hope your blood sugar hits 800." Sorry maybe that is a little cruel but its what he deserves. Jerk. We have a cleaning crew that likes to come in a help themselves too if I ever catch them in the act.
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 09:48 PM
Someone would have to pay.
NO ONE touches anything I put aside for free day.
:)
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 10:01 PM
Oh dear
Listen to us, we sound like a bunch of pitbulls guarding their favourite bone.
Touch my candy and die!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by froglette (32 posts) at 10:33 PM
That's really appalling that someone would take something off your desk and eat it without permission. I'm sure after your reaction he will think twice about doing it again. Still, as he appears to exhibit about as much self control as a two year old, then I would recommend not leaving goodies anywhere in his sight in the future. You can forgive, but take actions to reduce the likelihood of repeat behavior.
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 10:50 PM
"Now I'm mad. And I feel like a jerk for getting mad over a couple of pieces of candy I didn't need anyway."
Forgive and Forget !!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by JanaM (35 posts) at 10:42 AM
I finally figured out how to get my 6 week pics up. I am now into week 7. I don't see much of a physical difference myself but I have tons of energy that I definitely did not have 6 weeks ago. I am pretty excited that I am now over halfway throught this challenge and can't wait to start right into another one.
Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (126 posts) at 10:46 AM
Jana - I see a difference in your tummy, waist and thighs!! It is funny how we can't always see our own results, but can see others. Good job...keep it up!
Nancy
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 10:51 AM
Jana: I agree with goingforbuff...you've slimmed some! Good Job!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 10:54 AM
I see tremendous progress !
Keep doin what your doin ! :)
Jim
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 12:23 PM
Jana, I see differences in your waist and your legs. Keep it up!
Jeannine
Body for Life Forum Message by lark (1 posts) at 12:48 PM
Jana, there are definitely changes! Congratulations you should be really proud! Keep working and making less of yourself!
laura
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 01:43 PM
I see changes in the waist and thighs too! GREAT JOB!
Jess
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:48 PM
I agree with everyone else - good changes in the lower torso and things. Awesome! (I hope I look as good as you in my second challenge :)
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:11 PM
Changes I see:
1. Take a close look at that place where women get the little fatty deposit between the bra strap and your armpit -- yep, it's tightening up and showing muscle!
2. Muscle definition is showing in your waist, especially along the sides and at your waistline of your shorts.
3. Your legs do look more tight and slim.
And I have to ask, is your age right in your profile? I hope I look like you when I'm 40!!!
Great job and thanks for sharing your photos.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by JanaM (35 posts) at 03:20 PM
Thanks everybody and yes my age is right. I just turned 40 in November and that was a deciding factor in choosing to do the challenge. I am determined not to look my age. At least as far as my body is concerned. Hearing all the good things you have to say makes me just want to try harder so my next pictures are even better. Thanks for all of the support and kind words. Jana
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:39 PM
I see changes too. Especially in your thighs. Great work girl !!!! :)
Body for Life Forum Message by Udenia (47 posts) at 12:08 PM
Hello Peoples! Had a great workout this morning, should be feeling it tomorrow. I have HUGE Biology test on Friday and I have to turn it up a notch and study. Some of this is hard to comprehend but I will give it my best shot. A little worried about it though, I have over 90 terms to learn and I only got to # 42 last night before I had to quit. Take care everyone!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 12:11 PM
Good luck, Udenia! Thanks for the positive post.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by Mahalia (72 posts) at 01:32 PM
Good luck on your exam, you'll do fine.
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:14 PM
Best of luck Udenia!!! :)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:09 PM
Good luck on your exam. Remember, anxiety is really detrimental to doing well on exams. I found over the past 2 years in nursing school that it's best to stay away from the people obsessing about having to take the test. Anxiety and stress are catching and I do MUCH better finding a quiet place to just relax beforehand. I have never had test anxiety and it's helped me do really well in nursing school. I don't kill myself studying and I don't worry or freak myself out before having to take a test.
Of course, that being said, I'm already starting to stress about the NCLEX (the boards we have to take for our nursing licenses).....LOL. Guess I should take my own advice and just relax.
Sending some good thoughts your way! Biology was my FAVORITE subject, from middle school up until I took my anatomy and physiology (which was the coolest because we got to cut up cadavers). But put me in front of a history book or government book....UGH!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 01:16 PM
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! This morning I tried on these pants that I have NEVER worn, size 20. THEY FIT!! I'm WEARING THEM NOW!! I started BFl at size 24 (really a 26 but I was denying myself comfort)I can't remember how they fit before but I do know I've never worn them in public! I'm sure I'm not a size 20 in anything else but THESE fit!! YAY ME! I'm gonna look so good at my wedding! Thank you everyone for all the support you've given me! This is my best BFL ever, I've NEVER made it past week 3 and I'm SOARING through week 6! Thank you all so so very much!
Body for Life Forum Message by twinmom (92 posts) at 01:18 PM
Yeahhhh, Monica! *high five*
Good job and well done.
Annette
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 01:40 PM
YAY! 
Congratulations!
Body for Life Forum Message by Mahalia (72 posts) at 01:46 PM
YAY!!! I was once a size 24. Each size down is a happy time. I'm at a baggy 13 now. Should go into 12 soon.
I'm so hapy for you. p.s. After two sizes down give or throw your big clothes away. I find in the past knowing that if i don't have clothes when current ones are feeling tighter, I have to take action-which is to keep on losing.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 01:48 PM
Congrats Monica - Keep going and don't believe others that tell you you cannot - it's all up to you and the effort you put behind it. I'm excited for you as well as the progress of others. I was stoked because I wore a pair of size 12 pants yesterday,(the only size 12 pants I can get on from my closet) that I have not worn since before I was pregnant with my daughter in 2002. I also was able to retire several pairs of size 16 pants! Yippee~ :)
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 01:56 PM
Monica,
CONGRATS!!!!! I know where you're coming from. I can't wait until the day I can shop in a "normal"-sized store at the mall. Keep working hard - the best is yet to come!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 02:12 PM
WOOHOOO!!! 19 will be just around the corner!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 02:54 PM
Ahhh, yeahhhh. That is SO awesome!! I can feel the nearly-cool coals in my BFL fire warming with inspiration -- so thank you so much for sharing.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:18 PM
WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! The incredible shrinking woman. Rock on chica. :D
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:12 PM
*clap, clap, clap* You go, girl!!! It's great when you have to actually search out a new size of clothing! It's the one time I don't mind shopping for clothes. Congrats on the new size!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by froglette (32 posts) at 10:20 PM
Congratulations, Monica! Isn't that a great feeling? Get used to it, because before you know it those size 20's will be dropping off you.
One thing I've done throughout my weight loss journey is when I fit into a new size I go out and buy a pair 2 sizes smaller. I try them on at intervals and see how much farther up my hips they can creep. Eventually I switched to 1 size smaller, because it takes a little longer to shrink when you have less fat.
Eve
Body for Life Forum Message by SinCityGirl05 (257 posts) at 02:04 PM
Ok, here I am miss positive and I am having a really horrible day. Help.
I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door, my neighbor bringing her daughter down for me to watch her for the day.
As I am walking to the door, I am angry with myself for missing my alarm and workout. I get Quinn and figure, ok get her back to sleep and since everyone else is asleep, do my workout. No big. Yeah right. Little monster starts flipping out and screaming and wakes up Shawn, Ian and Erin. Forget the work out now. I about blew a gasket at 7:15 and I am sure every neighbor heard me. Shawn got up and I was all great. I told him to watch the kids while I went to the store before I really got ticked off and get away for a few and calm down. Ha. I went to the store and they did not have Erins formula stocked. I about flipped. Had to drive to another store. then the cashiers were so frelling slow..(farscape reference) I said jesus, you guys are slower than molasses. I have ONE item and my 5 mo old could crawl faster than u scan. I get out of there finally and when I walk in the door, I get hit with I AM HUNGRY and THIRSTY. The baby wants a bottle. I just SCREAMED AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS. EVERYONE JUST GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE. I walked in my room, slammed the door. Came back out and handed Shawn the formula, told him make Erins bottle and I took a shower. I am not in good spirits at all. The kids are getting on each others nerves, fighting over stupid stuff. Quinn keeps doing stuff to Ian, I am going nuts. UGGH. Shawn went back to bed and put a pillow over his head about an hour ago. He only had a few hours sleep last night. I am so glad I am going out to dinner later with some friends. Quinn gets picked up at 4:30 and Ian and Erin are going to our cousins house for a few hours. Man, I hope I can keep my cool between now and then. Thanks for letting me scream...AAAAHHHH!!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 02:18 PM
I am having the same kind of day, only without the children. Scream away, and scream some for me, too, okay? Because I can't get out of here and scream for another 4 hours!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 02:33 PM
It's alright, gals. I had that day yesterday -- lost my temper with my little girl and found myself yelling at her for throwing her milk cup on the floor (again) and refusing to pick it up. I slammed the door, slammed some cupboards, then vacuumed in a tiff (because vacuuming keeps me busy and her out of my hair for a bit). It took me a few hours to really get the blood pressure down, but I apologized to Ally later and told her, "Mommy shouldn't yell at Ally, OK?" and she repeated, "Mommy not yell." *sigh*
I hate those days and I'm sorry you're both having one today. Repeat after me: This too shall pass. *deep breath* This too shall pass.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 02:39 PM
Hey, deep breath! lol When I have a crappy day like that I put all my annoiance into my workout. It makes you feel SO GOOD!! This way you turn a negative into a positive! And whats up with the neighbor? Does she/he do that a lot? I'd be like YO STEP OFF! lol ok probably not but yikes, set the boundaries with that one!
I'm just a few credits away from becoming a music therapist and I've got a GREAT song for cooling yourself down. I don't know how I could get it to you short of calling you and singing it! lol if you want, email me your phone number and I'd be glad to share it with you or anyone! -Monica
Body for Life Forum Message by kcsmomma (56 posts) at 03:07 PM
SinCityGirl,
Been there, done that...bought the t-shirt.
Sorry your day started out rough. Mine gets like that too when I don't get up when I'm supposed to.
All mom's have crappy days. Just remember those precious little ones don't really comprehend why momma's angry. Make sure they understand it is not them, but the circumstances.
As far as working out, you could do it before you go out with friends. Cut it short if you have to but make it tough. Or, if you must, make this your free day for the week.
Whatever you do, hang in there and keep that positive head of yours up!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 03:09 PM
My sweet daughter took a permanent sharpie pen in blue and decided to color my carpet, wall and toilet seat. She is only three, but will be my permanent spotter from now on.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:13 PM
That makes me laught at myself, Tracy, because my husband and I bought a wooden dining room table the summer before my daughter was born. The saleslady tried to talk us into paying extra for a special warranty to protect the finish, and I actually said, "Well, it's going to get scratched up, that's life. And it's not like we'll be coloring on it in magic marker."
And now my scratched-up table is adorned with little scribbles of black sharpie. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by twinmom (92 posts) at 03:17 PM
We all have those days.
I hope you feel better soon.
Annette
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 03:26 PM
Hang in there, gang. Things will be better.
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 03:40 PM
Yep I agree.....been there done that....and yes it is ok to scream. The louder the better. They sure dont hear you when you whisper. Hope you have a good night
Body for Life Forum Message by charladee (27 posts) at 04:15 PM
That's funny tracy, your permanent spotter...hee hee hee
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 04:58 PM
Oh my heck, the list goes on she colored my treadmill, the inside of my shower the toothpaste. I am scared to look anymore....HELP!
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 05:11 PM
Tracy,
I feel your pain!
I have just like her! Although she's 5 now, this happened when she was two. We called her "tagger" for months! She started in the bedrooms, the dressers, down the hall into the living and dining room where I saw her little feet under the table and I said sweetly "what's myangel doing?" then I realized it and all hell broke loose. We hadto paint the whole house with kilz and the re-paint a whole new color! Good luck!
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 09:35 PM
Gotta love those babies! I have a three year old who discovered the joy of scissors last week (ok, the joy of unsupervised scissors). She gave haircuts to several stuffed animals, and one real cat who I can't believe was stupid enough to sit still for that! I found piles and piles of hair all over my oldest daughter's room! UGGH at least she didn't do it to herself!
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:47 PM
Hmmm, I have a crazy kid day almost every day. I have a 6 yr. old daughter and a 19 month old son. I also watch my nephew (also 6) after school every day until his mom comes and gets him after work. Monday, one of my dogs got out (we have 3, sighhh) and while I was trying to coerce her back with a piece of pastrami, I heard a loud crash from inside the house. I ran inside and yelled "What the heck is going on?!" My sweet little daughter decided that she needed to "save the baby's life" by taking the weight plates off of the barbell. She said she was afraid he'd be able to get them off and they'd fall on his head (which wouldn't happen, because he can't reach them and even if he could, they're too heavy for him to get off of there). So, she took all the plates off one side of the barbell and the other side came crashing down and punched a hole in the living room wall. So, I yelled at her like a crazy person and sent her to her room. I wouldn't have been as mad except she's been told not to mess with the weights ever. And I still couldn't catch the stupid dog. I had to resort to baaaad tactics to make her come back. I got her puppy out of the house and held it up in front of our other dog and shoved the puppy all in his face until he started lunging at her and then here comes Sadie running to save her baby. Sigh, kids...............and dogs.
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 02:05 PM
So we had our monthly birthday party at work today. The VALENTINES birthday party - with chocolates and cake. For kicks and giggles, I went, stayed the whole time, and DRANK MY WATER. Not one bite of cake. Not one chocolate. Not one drink of soda.
5 weeks in and counting... YEEEHAAAWW!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 02:06 PM
WOOOOHOOO!!!! Great willpower! That's awesome! Be proud of yourself. These little accomplishments really add up! Stay strong!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 02:09 PM
Good for you!!! We had a pot luck at work today. I had my water and my prepackaged authorised meal and didn't indulge once!
^5!
Body for Life Forum Message by jstone (241 posts) at 02:11 PM
The small victories add up !!
Good for you !!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 02:14 PM
Isn't it such an awesome feeling to have both the will power and the control?
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 02:15 PM
awesome Tai! Yeah, nikki, I figure that one piece of cake each month equals one pound in a year.
There is this guy I run into a lot here. He is hateful and negative. He comments on what I eat quite a bit. One day, he even commented as I walked into the breakroom with my food "you're eating AGAIN?!" really loudly in front of all these guys. Today, I saw him carve out a huge chunk of cake for himself. He has quite a middle pudge going for him. I can NOT WAIT until I have my hot self at the end of summer in my new designer clothes, walking by him to heat up my FOURTH meal of the day, hearing someone else say how good I look right in front of him!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 02:24 PM
Woohooo! Good for you!
There is a woman here at work who I like a lot but I think she's getting a little on the jealous side about my weight loss. She came in one day and said there was an extra burger meal from some restaurant and it was mine if I wanted it. I said I just ate. She asked what I had and I said yogurt and string cheese. She rolled her eyes and said, "yeah, THAT'S a meal" and walked out. I just laughed, lol. She's not here when I eat two more meals before going home, and I like my food better than most burger places around here anyway!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 02:29 PM
rawillow: Have you ever seen the movie "Shallow Hal"? Maybe your co-worker has a lil puppy tail he's hiding. :-P
Congrats on the self-control with that cake! I think (oddly) I'd do better in front of people than I would alone with that cake. We had some in our house last night and I swear I dreamt about it until it was down to the last few slices. One day, I snatched the cake from its hiding place, started eating away, then promptly (OK, not promptly enough :-)) shoved the cake in the trash.
My husband was crushed! But I think even he understands it's better to live without cake than with me after I've eaten the cake. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:17 PM
Way to go rawillow!!!! We all know how hard chocolate and cake is to resist. But you were strong. Doesn't it feel awesome? Just think there monthly sugar binges are going to make them gain weight and you will be looking all sleek and sexy come summertime. Won't they be jealous hmmmm? ;P
Body for Life Forum Message by fostermamasmith (22 posts) at 06:32 PM
Well! I ATE the CAKE and the Ice Cream!!
My Daughter and I share the same birthday, Feb 13th, Saturday night we had her Big Sweet 16 Party, and Yes! I ate a biggie sized piece of cake and Ice Cream, It was GOOOOOOD!!!!
And Sunday we had the kids and grandkids over to celebrate me turning 51, and Yes, again, I ate more, and it was GOOOOOD!
I don't feel guilty or anything, I enjoyed myself and now I will be GOOOOD until My husband's Birthday March 14th.
Can't help it, I LOVE CAKE!( Birthday or Wedding)
Body for Life Forum Message by FattyMcFatterson (64 posts) at 06:34 PM
Yea, rawillow! A co-worker gave us all one of the Reese Hearts for Valentine's Day (on the 7th). It sat in my drawer (which is clear) until I took it home for Sunday Cheat Day. I even gave my hubby half of my heart;)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:41 PM
Congrats on the willpower....it's especially hard when everyone around you is eating. At work, we always have the families of our patient's bring in stuff like baked good or See's candies...ARGGHH. It's really hard to resist that stuff and it's almost ALWAYS around. I will remember your willpower when I have a box of See's Nuts and Chews staring me down!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by benjiej (14 posts) at 02:52 PM
Ok I am usually bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5 in the morning when I go to work out. This week I have felt like crap all week and by the time I wake up it is 7 in the morning and I have missed my workout. So I say to myself on Monday that is alright I will get to the gym this evening. Do I make it to the Gym you ask? No my in-laws have felt that this is a good week for a visit so the can visit with the grandchild (there first). Ok so same thing for the rest of the week and we are caught up.
Now for next week Friday I am having all 4 wisdom teeth extracted so that means that until Monday at least there will be no working out or eating from my diet, just lots of soup and crackers. So I am starting my 4th week over because I was doing so great that I don't want to think I lost any momentum.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 02:56 PM
Whew, Benji, that's tough! Someone else on here is having oral surgery tomorrow, I think, and I've read a lot of threads lately that make it seem as if a lot of us are having a tough time this month.
Hang in there and know you're not alone -- must be an end-of-winter drag!
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:22 PM
Benji, It just one week out of the rest of your life. SH** happens. I also repeated a week when I hurt myself with a lowerbody workout during week 2. We just move on when we can and pick up where we left off. Don't feel bad about it. Its just a tiny bump in the road thats all.....:)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:14 PM
Benji,
My sympathies are with you. I had my front four bottom teeth extracted in November, at the same time I had tissue grafting and then bone grafting. I know how you are feeling! It's hard when your mouth is in such shape you can't eat what you need or want to. I wish you the best next week and take care of yourself! I am having to put off the beginning of my next challenge until next week due to the surgery I had today on my mouth.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 03:11 PM
Ok, I hadn't realized until just now when I got up from my desk went into the bathroom and started dancing! lol I've got some extra energy lately! hahahahaha, My fiancee said I was dancing while making breakfast yesterday too! lol Now my engagement ring is slipping off and needs to be resized! I'm sorry if my frequent posts are annoying people. I feel like I have friends here (I am shy in person and don't really have any friends) and it feels good to have someone to tell! thanks a heap! -Monica
Body for Life Forum Message by twinmom (92 posts) at 03:15 PM
Girlfriend, keep dancing-it burns calories.
Post as much as u want. It is great to hear others and support each other.
Annette
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:15 PM
I feel the same way about the friends, Monica. :-) And I post all the time -- hey we love ya. xoxo
I get those little energy spurts now and again and wish I could bottle them up. Great for you!
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:23 PM
You know, the last two days, I've used my little extra energy spurts to get stuff done around the house on my lunch break, stuff that I'd put off doing out of laziness. And when I was done, I was kinda bummed about going back in to work because I was on a roll and wanted to keep going! How weird is that?
Body for Life Forum Message by Geerace (36 posts) at 03:54 PM
Great and post as much as you want too. Because we understand, its the small things that make the whole thing GREAT.
MAG
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 04:02 PM
Here's to resized rings. May we all have them. Yeah you go girl.
Body for Life Forum Message by Goddessa (360 posts) at 06:45 PM
YEEEEEHAAAAAA!!!!! GO MONICA!!!!! We all love to hear about progress here. Keep it coming girl!!! :)
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 07:01 PM
Shoot, don't ever worry about posting too much! I feel like coming to these boards is a way to catch up with my friends after a long day....feels like we're all sitting down around a couple glasses trading stories.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 07:10 PM
Monica, I totally understand about the friends thing. I found that once I got married, all my friends kinda fell by the wayside. I don't ever go out and party or anything, so my world pretty much consists of my immediate family and my extended family. My rings are loose too!!!!!!! Isn't that the best feeling? Although, I have to say that I used up most of my energy today giving one dog a bath, while trying to catch the other one that got out of the fence and simultaneously keep my son, daughter, and nephew from killing each other or themselves while I was doing the stuff with the dogs. Good thing I have the extra energy or I'd be laid out right about now. Anyway, I'm glad to see your posts. After the first few posts where you seemed so down on yourself and discouraged, it's wonderful to see the progression to you having more self-esteem and confidence. That's inspiring to others who are just starting out, so I say, keep posting!
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 07:32 PM
Monica,
I am trying so hard not to get overly web happy too since I will then be on my butt for a long time-haha. But I agree, unless you share the experience you don't get how it feels I think. So we are sticking together!!! And let's hear it for loose rings! Actually mine were squeezing my finger to death and now they allow for good circulation!
Body for Life Forum Message by suezq62 (2 posts) at 03:18 PM
I just started working out yesterday and i've been freezing since. Is this normal when starting workouts?
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:21 PM
Hmmmm ...
Can you give some more details, like what your workout was, what your profile is (height, weight, bodyfat, gender), what you've eaten between yesterday a.m. and now, and the climate in your locale?
Thanks! Hope we can answer your question.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 03:22 PM
Maybe you're coincindentally coming down with something. Do you have chills as well? Are you achy, besides regular workout muscle soreness?
Body for Life Forum Message by Grace2bfit (45 posts) at 03:37 PM
It sounds like this is a new thing for you, but have you noticed if maybe it just intensified a bit SINCE exercising?
My point is...have you ever had your thyroid checked?
Sensitivity to cold is one of the major 'symptoms' of an underactive thyroid. Then again, nikki could be right....just a thought.
Sorry...guess I'm not much help afterall! *rolling of eyes*
Body for Life Forum Message by suezq62 (2 posts) at 03:49 PM
I do have an underactive thyroid and do take meds for it. Its warm in Az so i normally drink ice water, but yesterday i drank more than my normal so i'm thinking its the ice water or my blood moving more than the normal?
Body for Life Forum Message by Grace2bfit (45 posts) at 04:01 PM
I sure don't know...the water could be part of it. I have an underactive thyroid too...have been taking meds but I'm still CONSTANTLY cold...exercise or not...very frustrating!
When was the last time you were checked? Maybe your dosage needs to be adjusted...???
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 04:03 PM
WOW! Grace2bfit...you nailed that one! I'm impressed!
Body for Life Forum Message by Grace2bfit (45 posts) at 04:06 PM
AWWW shucks mam, twernt nuthin'!
(a really cool smiley would go GREAT right here...unfortunately, I'm a computer idiot!)
But seriously...I've become a HUGE advocate of thyroid issues! Having an underactive (or overactive) thyroid can cause SOOOOOO many problems! I just wish I had been checked sooner!
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 09:56 PM
suezq62,
I know that I get cold after drinking my water, whether it's ice or not.
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:27 PM
In my effort to drag myself out of this bad mood I'm in from all the little things piling up on me today, I decided to look for something positive to focus on for the day. Stayed on plan foodwise, but that didn't feel like a huge accomplishment, since it's pretty much second nature. Had a good workout this morning, so I guess that's something.
But then a coworker came up to me today and said "You're gonna have to buy new jeans soon, the ones you're wearing are pretty saggy in the butt."
WOW did that feel good!
Anyone else want to share some positives for today?
Jess
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 03:32 PM
Thanks, Jess!
I'll share:
I finally emptied the dishwasher/paid bills/finished laundry.
My little girl and I are getting along great today -- read some books, took a bath, played with her animals a bit. No hard feelings about Mommy being a total crab yesterday. :-)
I've eaten clean today, and am not beating myself up for not getting up at 5 a.m. when the optimistic alarm sounded. I spent four weeks working out at night and did just fine, so I CAN do my workout tonight and it's still a great day. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by beancounter (22 posts) at 03:33 PM
I was at the gym, and I knew this girl had been working her butt off - she seemed really uncomfortable there, she wouldn't talk to hardly anyone. But I noticed that she was starting to lose some inches so I told her so, and how awesome I thought it was that she was working so hard. It's stupid, I know, but I think it really made her day...and mine.
Body for Life Forum Message by momtomacy (32 posts) at 03:36 PM
Great post! I'd like to share too:
As I posted yesterday I have been pretty sick with the flu for several days. Well, after not eating clean (really not eating at all) since Thursday due to the flu, I have eaten completely clean today.
Also - I was going to take the whole week off from workouts, but I'm feeling better and the posts on here have me motivated so I'm going to get on the 'mill when I get home. The worst thing that will happen is I'll be too tired and have to get off, right?
Things are starting to look up :)
Body for Life Forum Message by beancounter (22 posts) at 03:38 PM
Woo hoo!! Back at it mom!!!! Great to hear you're feeling better.
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 04:01 PM
I was so psyched when I had three things occur just in this past week:
1. A coworker mentioned that I should consider retiring a pair of navy slacks I was wearing - she was right! The crotch part of the slacks was practically down to my knees.
2. I can now wear a pair of slacks I have not worn since the spring of 2002! Woo hoo!
3. A separate coworker who I do not see on a daily basis (but is aware I am doing the BFL program) saw me yesterday for the first time in two weeks and said he could definitely see a difference!
Talk about pumping up the motivation!!
Oh and one more - the rep at my gym mentioned to me today that I was working hard and it's showing!
Thanks everyone for sharing your positives as well, it certainly helps. Mostly because before these occurrences above, I was starting to get a little worried; my weight loss and inch loss has started to be come a little stagnant.
Body for Life Forum Message by sunsgirl (13 posts) at 04:09 PM
Big positive....I get mommy - Emma time tonight, no one at home so we are going to do all the fun girl stuff. maincure, pedicure, hair, bubble bath. She is 2 and loves to do big girl stuff. We may even bake some brownies. We dont get that much time alone since we are living with my mom right now. She even likes to exercise with me.
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 04:15 PM
What a great idea! Let's get some positive motivational stuff on here!
I am back on after a 5 day hiatus and it feels so good!
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 05:02 PM
Today my newish size 10 pants are baggy.
I ate my preplanned meal and didn't eat any of the staff pot-luck treats. (That feels GOOD!)
I ordered my Carmen Electra strip tease workouts.
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 05:04 PM
Tai-Kee,
Where did you order the tapes from?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 05:12 PM
they have them on amazon. :)
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 06:35 PM
I shattered my 2-mile run time today! I'm down to 16:53!! I was at 17:11 last week. That's a long way from 20 minutes 6 weeks ago!
Body for Life Forum Message by Dan97526 (71 posts) at 06:46 PM
My very good day actually started out pretty lousy.
So there's this overmuscled jackass at the gym. He's there every morning. I'm sure you will all recognize the type: he stacks eight 45# plates on the leg press, struts around it for five minutes to make sure everyone's attention is on him, finally gets on the machine, does three reps (which he cheats at big-time), gets off, makes a big production of how much weight he just did, goes and puts more weights on another machine/bar, and starts the whole process again. I kid you not when I say in the hour+ that he's there, he doesn't do more than 15 reps total. I suppose it's working for him, he's a well-built guy, but damn if it isn't annoying as all hell.
Well, he became the target of my ire this morning by pulling one of his tricks of putting weights on a machine and walking off for the obligatory pre-lift strut. The machine that I needed! Hence my quad set took about a half-hour, and I don't have time to mess around in the mornings. Total LBWO time was 1:15, horrendous.
Maybe I'm being a little hard on him, but a little courtesy goes a long ways.
If I get mad first thing in the morning it has a tendency to carry over and make for a lousy day all around.
But...
Today I ran into a woman that I hadn't seen in nearly three years. We were catching up when out of the blue she says "Look at how much weight you've lost! You look great!" Needless to say that put all my left-over irritation behind me.
Oh yeah, and I hit a PR on squats today! All-in-all, a fine day!
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 07:28 PM
I laughed so hard about that guy in the gym, haven't we all seen those before!
My good news is today I wore a pair of size 12 pants that didn't fit when I started the program 4 weeks ago. Granted they are none too lose but not uncomfortable at all and since I was in 14s that were pretty tight I feel great! I haven't lost lbs yet but this week I have really tried doing the calories I was recommended by a website so I am so encouraged.
Hope you all find something positive in your days as well.
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 07:31 PM
O.K., one thing that made me completely ecstatic today-I finally made a good protein shake!!!!! I have been trying since the beginning (8 weeks ago) to find some way to make these things palatable and have failed every time. I had gotten used to just chugging it down really fast and gagging afterwards. Well, today, I made one that I like to call "Mocha Peanut Buttery Goodness".
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (EAS is what I use)
8-12 oz. black coffee
1 tsp. reduced fat pb (less than 1g of fat, about 2g of carbs, 1g protein, 30 calories)
1-2 tsp. unsweetened cooca powder (1 tsp. has 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0g protein, 5 calories) depending on how much you like chocolate-I really like chocolate so I used 2 tsp.
1-2 packets splenda
6 ice cubes
This thing was soooo good. It tasted like a Reese's Cup. You don't know how excited I am about this after all the weeks of hating protein shakes, but still having to drink one every day. Hope this is good news for someone else too!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 07:42 PM
Sounds good, fit -- do you use cold coffee or hot coffee?
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 08:42 PM
nurse36 said:
I shattered my 2-mile run time today! I'm down to 16:53!! I was at 17:11 last week. That's a long way from 20 minutes 6 weeks ago!
WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 08:50 PM
My high point today was when I did my new treadmill setup ( I decided to really push myself last time), I felt a little bit better on my 10, and not like puking at all! And also, absolutely no pain in my knee and I ran without the brace! WHOO HOO!
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 08:54 PM
I used cold coffee Cheetara-so it was more like a frappe kind of thing.
Body for Life Forum Message by kinook160 (4 posts) at 04:21 PM
Howdy,,,,
Well.. not sure whats up.. but today I suddenly got this craving from out of nowhere for chocolate.. I have my suspicions.........but i tried for 4 hours to avoid it and then ended up eating a Caramilk bar that was tucked in my cupboard for almost a month now!!!
How much do these 'minor moments' affect you.. anyone want to share a 'minor moment' they have had.. because i feel really bad and need to know it is OOOKKKK.....
After 4 challenges and losing the weight i have.. i am stuck and stalled and can't seem to get below the weight i am at! In the middle of week six and seem to have lost about 10 lbs and maybe some inches but the mid section just isn't moving....... not sure the Caramilk helped lol
Just looking for some encouragement i think or someone to make an excuse for me lol
Kara
Body for Life Forum Message by nikki (173 posts) at 04:38 PM
An occassional slip is not a big deal. To quote from the book "enjoy the divergence and move on".
Remember "progress, not perfection"
Hope this helps.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 05:42 PM
Progress, not perfection -- that's it! You'll be ok, as long as it's not a habit. Can you keep some "safe" chocolate around? SF/FF pudding, chocolate protein powder, Balance Bars, etc? I know a protein drink isn't quite the same, but having that chocolate really keeps me from going crazy for it during the week.
Body for Life Forum Message by nurse36 (21 posts) at 06:19 PM
Last week, the research nurse at work brought in a HUGE bag of those bite size candy bars. Milky Way, Snickers, Hershey's kisses... you name it! I swear... I could smeel the choloclate wneh I walked through the door. I had been craving some chocolate. Not enough to make me crazy.... but it smelled SO good! After watching my less-than-healthy co-workers shove piece after piece in their mouths, I decided that one wouldn't hurt me. After all, it's what you do most of the time... Right? I felt so guilty that I did an extra 5 minutes of cardio the next day to burn off that bite-sized devil! Yet, I can't understand why my boyfriend thinks I'm obsessed with BFL! Go figure!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 07:21 PM
I have slowly increasing moments of strength. :-)
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 09:06 PM
I was at Target with my girls tonight having my monthly chocolate cravings. I bought a Reeces "Low Carb" peanut butter cup. It was okay, but I am not sure it was worth the calories, fat, etc. It wasn't as good, but I didn't want the real thing enough to buy it. I guess that means the cravings are getting better, but I am looking forward to cheat day!
Body for Life Forum Message by Monica (21 posts) at 06:13 PM
I was looking at the tools section and I updated my profile and I noticed something that said Karma, what is that and how do I get it? Also, how do I get a Karma name or profile, I forgot what it is called. Thanks!
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 06:36 PM
I asked the same question. It's an option you and others have to give eachother warm fuzzies (via a message sent to the Webmaster, and if you get karma, it shows up on your account status). You can also send bad Karma.
Re the name ... do you mean where it currently says bodyforlife-tracker.com member? A few of us have personalized that recently because we've posted over a certain number of times. I don't know what the number is. I just know I'm on here too often and say too much!
Hope that helps.
Karenna
Body for Life Forum Message by fostermamasmith (22 posts) at 06:44 PM
$ young men I know all have terrible stretch marks around the armpit and chest from lifting wts. They all said it's because they lift heavy wts. I thought they must be lifting too fast or doing something wrong, but they say no, everyone gets them.
I have been litfing lite wts 30 years and I don't have any. I obly have a range of 10 to 40 lbs, Should I be concerned that I will get them if I continue to increase my wts.
Body for Life Forum Message by Tai-Kee (630 posts) at 06:52 PM
Stretch marks only occur during fast weight gain - pregnancy, getting *eek* fat etc - you would seriously have to gain muscle at a pretty quick rate to get stretch marks from it.
the only place I have them is on my bootay which has swollen up like a balloon on occassions I gained weight.
Body for Life Forum Message by fostermamasmith (22 posts) at 06:57 PM
that's what I thought too Tai-kee
But all 4 of these guys have been working out slowly and steadily increasing their muscle size and the more muscle the worse the stretch marks get, I think they lift too fast, like pumping and that is what is doing it, I watched them and they augue with me, they know everything, you know how that goes, so no I just shut up
Body for Life Forum Message by mbb (64 posts) at 07:23 PM
most young guys do get stretch marks at the chest/armpit area. The reason is that the muscle will increase quickly in size from the untrained state, and pumps up pretty good too. If young guys are low on bodyfat, the skin just doesn have enough give there. This area is really paper-thin skin too. I have them, about 3" long. had them for about 20 yrs. Women generally dont get these.
Body for Life Forum Message by fostermamasmith (22 posts) at 07:26 PM
thanks Mbb, you answered my question
Body for Life Forum Message by rawillow (67 posts) at 08:21 PM
If it's any help, when I "was" an athlete in college, I threw discus, shot put, and javelin (I also played volleyball). From my senior year in high school to the summer of my sophomore year in college, I gained 40+ POUNDS of muscle. I weighed in the 190's, with bodyfat in the teens. I had a 27 inch waist, benched 185lbs for 10 reps, front-squatted 285 at my max, and power cleaned 225. I had people approach me and actually ask me if I was a bodybuilder on more than one occaision. I NEVER ONCE got any stretch marks from gaining muscle like that. From growing hips and bosoms later, yes, but NEVER from lifting.
(I do still kick my butt for letting myself go tough...)
Body for Life Forum Message by ICU_RN (88 posts) at 10:48 PM
My husband has them around his armpit area as well. He got them when he gained weight after getting out of the army and then again after he starting lifting really heavy. My sister got them really bad when she was 16. She had a serious drug problem and weighed about 85lbs when she checked into rehab (she's 5'4"). 2 months later, she was done with treatment and weighed 125. She had horrible stretch marks around her breasts and hips. But the funny thing is, she just had a baby back in November and didn't get ANY stretch marks from that...and she went from around 120 to 170. Guess the weight gain was slow enough that time around!
Melanie = )
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:53 PM
WOW...what an inspiration. If there is ever a day that I don't feel like working out I am going to think of him and my sister who is in a wheelchair. My sister is a true Champion who does Body for LIFE and NEVER complains. Her biceps rock!
Body for Life Forum Message by Jmskelton (73 posts) at 07:55 PM
You're right Tracy - I cannot imagine my life in a wheel chair. I am so blessed to have my health and to be able to walk! That's awesome to hear about your sister too - is she doing the challenge at the same time you are?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:56 PM
She has been doing Body for LIFE for about 5 years and is now pregnant so just the eating right now.
Body for Life Forum Message by Cheetara (361 posts) at 07:57 PM
Tracy, your sister isn't the girl in the BFL book, is she?
Body for Life Forum Message by Tracy711 (205 posts) at 07:58 PM
No, but that girl is SUCH an inspiration as well!!!!!
Body for Life Forum Message by SinCityGirl05 (257 posts) at 12:09 AM
It is easier definitely. I am wk 4 now and just knowing the routine and getting used to everything.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 05:59 AM
Yeah I am not looking at the book for EVERY exercise now! Ha! And I think getting more in touch with what a 10 is (ouch). Seems like every week my eating is better, because I haven't lost and I am being super careful to make sure that it isn't cuz I am eating too much. If I am good I am not caring about the weight part for now.
Good luck to each of you.
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:16 PM
Yeah, the first two weeks I thought I was gonna DIE (said in the voice of Roseanne Rosannadanna), partly from the headaches and sugar cravings, and partly from the soreness of my body, not being used to actually moving, much less moving with weights! But after that, it was a LOT easier and I have to push myself harder to feel like I'm working as hard.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 05:56 AM
I had been holding on to the bar doing the treadmill the whole time and now I know that isn't right, but when I go up on an incline I can barely keep on. After I get in better shape will that happen? I switched to outdoors yesterday (finished cardio in the dark outside) because I got frustrated with it. Suggestions?
Thanks
Body for Life Forum Message by beegee714 (59 posts) at 06:01 AM
If you can't keep up during the incline, try slowing your speed. You will still be getting a great workout because of the uphill, but you won't have to hold onto the bar.
Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (132 posts) at 08:25 AM
I have been running on a treadmill for years. I still have to grab the bar and hold on every once in a while especially when I am on an incline. It has nothing to do with going to fast or not being able to keep up.
some people's brains react differently when on a treadmill. your brain says hey I am running but nothing around me is moving. So your equalibrium gets confused and can throw you off balance.
Rod
Body for Life Forum Message by personalizeabook (207 posts) at 09:16 AM
I hold on the bar for balance sometimes *LOL* I work so hard on the darn thing that I'm afraid that my legs might give out or I'll pass out *LOL*
I don't hold on to it at all times, but sometimes, I have to.
Body for Life Forum Message by FrugalMissM (9 posts) at 01:08 PM
I don't usually use high incline on my treadmill workouts--only up to 5% or so--so I never hold onto the rails while working out. I prefer to change my intensities with speed vs. incline.
Body for Life Forum Message by momofthreegirls (114 posts) at 01:19 PM
It would seem to me that if you are holding the bar and slanting your body to match the slant of the treadmill, you might as well be walking flat, if you think about the angle of your body in relation to the angle of the bed ofthe treadmill (I wish I could draw a picture). If you want to work your butt and legs you should lean into the incline slightly and then you shouldn't need to hold on as much. Does that make any sense at all?
Body for Life Forum Message by J-Dub (118 posts) at 03:14 PM
I have to hold onto the bar on my treadmill. There is some piece missing I think, and the belt slips from time to time, and if I'm not holding on to something, I will lurch forward and probably knock my face on the controls, LOL! But I push myself a lot harder, even knowing I'm not getting the arms pumping, but my heart sure is pumping and I'm breaking a pretty good sweat and feel absolutely wiped at the end of HIIT, so it'll have to do until I can find a decent elliptical I can afford and I'll toss the treadmill.
Body for Life Forum Message by Onward and Upward (45 posts) at 07:10 PM
Thanks for your answers. The belt does slip every once in a while but now so bad once I used the spray junk that came with it.
J-Dub, yeah, a face in the controls might not be a great feeling.
I say cmon morning daylight, I look forward to the great outdoors. As long as I get the heart monitor thing then I will be sure to get enough of a workout and I will do some hills too, at least I don't have to worry bout falling off the road!
Cindy
Body for Life Forum Message by Signalguys (2 posts) at 07:57 PM
JohnA said:
Wannabe, this is just the begining of your jorney. My weight, measurements and even photos didn't change for 4 months, until I gave up and consulted with a dietitian ($200) and a physical trainer ($65).
Both found immidiately where were the problems. I corrected them and now I'm making noticeable progress. Needless to say, the outcome is different then BFL, but the basic concept of eating right and exercising is still there.
Hi. Can you share what you were doing wrong and how it was corrected with us? Others might be doing the same thing(s).
Body for Life Forum Message by fitb42long (458 posts) at 09:45 AM
getnlean, I am having the same issue. I have a message saying 1 new message, but there is no new message. Oh Webmaster.......................