I am still here.  Although I still have not lost any weight, I have seen some size difference. I have had people even mention that it looks like I have lost weight, although I have not.  I am staying with it through to the end. Even though I haven't seen a huge transformation, I feel healthier than I have ever felt. So I plan on going on to cycle 2 once I finish cycle 1. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I see a big change over these next few weeks.

I did pull a muscle in my shoulders & traps a few weeks ago. I have been having to go a lot lighter weight with more reps on my upper body workout the past couple of weeks.

It sounds like everyone is doing good! Ha I was sort of wondering what happend to our original mentor. :) Thanks for continuing this thread on for the last few 517ers.

I havent lost much weight either Sam (4.5lb to last friday) but the change in my measures is pretty big. Did you measure at the start? If not make sure you do for challenge 2 as thats where I've notcied the really change.

What size clothes are you wearing and where do you want to be? Think of it this way, if you could easily slip into a pair of 6 jeans would you care if the scale still read 145lb I know I wouldn't :0)

I'm going to do a 2nd challenge too. I arrive back in the UK in week 12 after a year living in Australia and my routine is gona be completly outta wack I'm worried I could go off the rails while i get settled again without some stability and another challenge will give me that.

I totally agree with you SianmcLaren. I do not really care what I weigh so long as I lose the fat and gain muscle. I did not take my measurements before starting the BFL program. Next time I definitely will.

It sounds like you are determined so I think you will do just fine during your move. Are you going to take 1 week or 2 weeks off before starting cycle 2?

Im going to take 2 weeks as I have developed quite a few niggles and want to let them heal. I plan on doing Spin classes as i have dropped these for the challenge and walking and yoga.

The tape says itall so take measures next challenge but people take a while to notice so if people have commented you must be slimmer :)

Did the elliptical tonight! It definitely did not hurt my shin as much, but I'm not sure I loved the workout. Kinda felt like I was working my legs more than my heart! I got my heart rate up to my target rate though, so I guess it qualifies as a good workout.

Glad to see ya guys stickin' with it!  In the beginning of the challenge a tiny part of me thought I wouldn't make it this far but now I'm so determined to finish! And start a new challenge a week or two after this one!

Glad your with us Corinne

I know I joined the group late in the game but I would like to stick around till the end too. I am also week 9. Its been a great motivation for me.

I did push this morning on cardio (treadmill) and felt like I was going to die, but of course didnt!

One question I had, what do you think of the Kashi cereal? Good idea? Its full of fiber but I dont know what protein to combine with so I eat it on its own for snacks at times. Thoughts?

Thanks for the motivation and inspiration!

Week 0 140lbs           Week 9: 130.6

Week 0: jeans size 8  Week 9: jeans size 4

Didnt measure but will do for Challenge 2.

Hey guys! I'm still here too, although the last couple of days I've had some serious bouts of doubt...not about finishing, but wondering if I'm even going to make enough progress in the next 3.5 weeks to bother taking the after pictures.

I don't want to bring anyone else down, but I'm starting to feel so discouraged. I feel like I haven't experienced the 8 week miracle like people typically do so that's got me down. I'm trying to feel buoyed by the compliments I'm receiving, and while I do appreciate them, I feel like my progress should be greater considering how hard I've been working at this.

I've thrown myself into this more completely than anything I've ever attempted before. I'm not cheating on non-free days and I haven't missed one work out the entire time. I've gotten so much more disciplined than when I've started and while I'm glad I've made mental and emotional changes, I'm mad that the physical changes aren't as drastic.

Is anyone else feeling like they're spinning their wheels? I can't even grasp how the champions got the results they did when I've been sticking to the plan so completely.

Sorry if I sound whiny, I'm just feeling really frustrated...like I'm missing out on something.

Thanks for listening.

Melissa

2conquer

I have a high fiber museli dry with a carb free protein shake but you could mix it with high protein greek yoghurt or maybe cottage cheese (not sure what that would be like though).  The crucial thing here is the nutrition of the cereal.

Mine is low gi (there really hot on it here and have a symbol and everything) so its slow release ive had all through this challenge with success. Heres the NI for it comapre it with yours and see whether its similar. Steer clear of eating it as a snack though for free day.

1oz

115 Cal

2.7g Protein

2.6g Fat

0.5g Sat fat

19g Carbs

3.5g Sugars

3g Fibre

Melissa

I didnt have great results in the first few weeks and then realised I was eating way to much food, good food but still too much. Can you post a days on here with weights if poss so we can see if anything is off.

I have to say this new thread feels much more communal already :0)

Sian

I will definitely look into your cereal and compare it to mine. I am one of those that cant do cottage cheese but I love the greek yogurt so that is a great idea. Thanks!

Melissa,

I do know how you feel. For many weeks I was holding steady without much changing. Do stay strong. This works so differently for everyone that you need to appreciate your own journey. The fact that you have made such a strong commitment is truly a success!! That shows how STRONG you are. Enjoy feeling strong and allow yourself to feel satisfaction.

Its ok to have a moment of concern but never doubt that you are making progress. You may not see them but if you are getting compliments, others see it.

This miracle has to be your own and maybe it will take a few rounds but you can get there. The first few times I did challenge, it took me 1 challenge to see great results. That was a while back. Now, I know that this will take a couple (or more) rounds and I am up for it. You need to be for it too.

As Sian mentioned, a few adjustments make a huge difference. I also started eating well but too much. So, I have rebalanced my portions. But if that is not it, stay the course!! Take a deep breath and keep on trucking!!

Hope this helps.

You will definately be in a better place by the end of the challenge than you were in at the start Melissa even if it isnt exactly where you want to be. Were all here so you so stay strong and the results will come.

Last night was our leaving party and i drank way to much Sangria which in turn lead me to eat the chips and mini party pies along with a host of other party food lol dont you love free days.

Not feeling on top form today (Sangria related) but its Saturday and sunny so ill get over it :)

Hey everyone

Ready for week 10?! I have to say ill be glad when these next 3 weeks are over and its time for AR

Sian

So ready! Hoping for some good changes in the next few weeks!