I hope all are doing well and staying the course.

I had two great compliments this week that have been inspirational.

1. "I can tell when you are eating healthy, your arms are getting really cut." This is from someone I work out with who didn' t know I was doing BFL.

2. "Your thighs are getting really shapely and muscular." This is from my DH!

BFL works - just follow the plan and be patient. Change happens from the inside out starting with our attitudes and habits!

Well, last weekend went great.  I actually only cheated on 2 meals on my cheat day.  I still felt guilty, but hey, I keep telling myself that this is what the cheat day is for.

I saw no weight loss this week, actually gained 2 lbs; hopefully that is muscle.  My ultimate goal is a flat 6 pack & increased chest, arm, and leg growth (What can I say, I am a guy!).

This week is off to a fast start.  Working alot of hours, but it actually makes it easier on meal planning & I have been hitting all my work outs in the AM.  I can't believe that the end of week 6 is almost here; half way through!

I am hoping to see more results & according to the previous notes I have read, the dramatic changes typically take place in weeks 9 - 12.  The good news is that the workouts and meals have really become second nature.  My ultimate goal is to create a new lifestyle of eating & working out; not just complete a 12 week transformation competition.

I hope everyone is doing great & I am here to assist in motivating or providing inspiration.  You all have been & ARE GREAT!!

Congratulations Staats on your success and commitment. The weeks are flying by, and I don't think anyone will regret not putting forth a complete effort through the end of the challenge.

For the group - If you have strayed a bit, it's never too late to start again.

The adage that consistency not perfection is the goal is one to remember here.

Good luck everyone!

Hi Everyone - It's feeling a little lonely with no posts since Sep. 30.

How is everyone doing?  If you're hanging in there, give a shout out.

Been busy at work & home.  

Going strong - though I have been much hungrier lately.

I hope everyone is doing great - mid-way through week 7!

Hi guys:  I am with the August 16th group, and we still have a pretty active group.  If you feel you need some extra support, you can come on over and join us!

Hi all aug 23rd folks! It's been a while since I checked in. Mostly because since week 6, I've been struggling. I am really NOT good with the food side of this plan. I've been trying to keep the food at least in the realm of BFL standards, but the 6 meals are just not happening. The workouts have been going well. I am still down 5lbs and lost 7inches overall. But, my work life has become super hectic making gym-going the last thing I've wanted to do. It's been a real chore to get there this week. Last week my gym was shut down for 3 days for remodeling, which didn't help my lack of motivation this week. I hope to get back in the groove this weekend. Best of luck guys.

lw421,

Hang in there.  

I, too, am struggling on the meals.  I have hit all my runs & workouts, & actually was dead on with meals until the last week & 1/2.  I am still eating 6 times a day,  but it is tough & I am NOT enjoying it.  I actually am still hungry & watching the family & kiddos eat pizza & chocolate deserts is very tempting. I've broken down several times (Manageably, but still felt guilty).

However, we can do it!  That is why we have support groups.

I think it is awesome that you have checked back in with the group and are recognizing where you are falling short.  

I made a list this morning of my cravings, my goals, and my daily goal (One day at a time is easier to hit).  When I begin to fail, I read my daily goal & add my craving to Sunday's cheat day.  My goal is to still eat 6 times a day on Sunday, but cheat on my meals with all my weekly cravings but still keep the same portion size.

Additionally, I plan on calling EAS to see why I am really hungry.  I did not have this problem until the end of week 6.

Good luck lw421, I know you can do it.  Think of why you started this journey and you have to decide if you really want it or not.  Take each day 1 day at a time, this will build confidence, and recognize that: "Failure is feedback & that feedback is the breakfast of champions"!  

The forum hasn't let me reply for 2 days for some reason.  Maybe it's not uncommon to have a tought time at this point because I'm not doing so hot either.  I had the flu so I lost a week and a half of workouts and going back has been SO hard.  i was doing so well before I got sick, feeling stronger, etc. and I've been so discouraged this week going back and feeling like I took some giant steps back.  Last night I had a late meeting and ate a bunch of little snack-size candies that were sitting out.  I hardly even felt guilty!  I wouldn't have dreamed of doing that a couple weeks ago.

So, here we are and we have 2 choices - chuck it all or get back on plan.  I am getting my a** in gear starting right now!  There is still plenty of time to be in WAY better shape by the holidays so I'm renewing my commitment and get back on track.  I'm so glad you guys posted your challenges because now I know I'm not alone and I know I can get it together because I know you can.  The good news is that I am now 3 1/2 weeks without cigarettes.  Yay for me!

Stay in touch over the weekend.  We can do this!!

Katie

Where did everyone go?  I haven't been on to check in but I am going strong!  This past weekend I was able to wear my old size 8 jeans - down from size 14.  I am amazed at how much better I feel and how strong I am.  Sunday I walked/ran 5 miles and I have signed up for a 5K.  Considering that I have never run in my life and that I started BFL as a smoker, this is a miracle.  lol  I hope you all are sticking with it and seeing results too!