VAM-don't beat yourself up over what you look like! After my first challenge I knew that I had a lot of weight to lose so I wasn't going to look like a "typical" after pic...I didn't even send in a pkt! I lost 25# and that made me feel great and set the wheels in motion for the 2nd and 3rd challenges which were absolutely fantastic. So keep that in mind, ramp up your intensity and get ready for an AWESOME 12 weeks starting Jan. 3rd!

Glad you will be there on the 2nd!!

Happy New Year!!

Really it took 3 challenges to look the way you do?  I have to admit I was comparing myself to you.  You look great!  I thought to myself, how come my traps and bi's don't look like Debs and look at her abs how come my abs are not cut like hers.   So I won't beat myself up, I will keep moving on and look foreward with challenge number 2 with our group.  I am not sending my package in this time, hopefully challenge number 2 when get me the definition I am looking far and I will send in my package then.  At least with challenge 2 I will go into it with some experience I will know what to expect and I will know what changes I will have to make.  I am looking foreward to seeing everyone and welcome anyone else that wants to join our group.  

Thanks again Deb.

Cheers to the New Year!

VAM-I had an excellent 2nd challenge and looked pretty much the same as I do now, just leaned out a LOT during 3rd challenge. I will try to post my end C1 & C2 pics tonight if I have time.

I would encourage to send in your packet...I didn't after my C1 and I'm kicking myself for it now. I have my certificates for the 2nd and 3rd, but it was finishing that 1st one that kick started me to where I am at today.

Happy New Year!!

Debbie, thanks for the vote of confidence, but I have too much going on right now to attempt to be group leader, besides that would be the blind leading the blind. I think it's working out pretty well with the messages here and on FastDirect. In fact, I am going to edit the title of this thread to the new challenge title.

See you all Sunday.

Hey Sara,

the thread looks great. I'm excited of getting started again.  This weekend I am starting to do my meal planning and grocery shopping for Jan 3rd start.  The holiday has really made me feel blah, due to poor diet and lack of exercise.   Nice little break.   I'm ready to get back to clean eating and exercising.   See you all Sunday.

SWEET, Sara!!! I might have my laptop there on Sunday so I can show people how to log in so they can be a part of this AWESOME forum!!

Happy New Year, gals! And see you Sunday!!! =)

Had a GREAT meeting today with about 15 new faces and 6 of my "FINISHERS"! Yay!! I'm hoping more will log on here and share. I did start a facebook group as well...

Here's to the next/new challenge!! WooHoo!! =)

Woohoo!!! Ready to start C-2 tomorrow!!!!

I have a question - What are your thoughts on taking CLA?  My husband and I checked out possible side effects and I didn't like what I read. Especially about what it can do to your HDL and C-Reactive Protein. Were we reading correct information?

I also read if diabetes runs in your family, you should stay away from CLA?  True or False?

Hopefully you can find the answers you need with EAS.

Happy 1st Day of the Challenge, ladies! Rock your day!! Woop!! =)

During the last challenge I dropped 9 pounds, lost 6 inches, and decreased body fat by 3.5 percentage points.

My goals were:

(1) lose ten pounds -- I lost nine, close enough for a check

(2) eliminate the belly roll as well as the fat lines that have appeared on my back -- check

(3) not have to suck it in when I zip up my jeans -- check

(4) have more energy -- not sure, probably was not a specific enough goal

Goals for this challenge:

(1) lose five pounds

(2) body fat under 25%

(3) better plan for meal 2 so that I do not miss it due to busyness

(4) learn to do weight workouts with free weights

Got to run -- orthodontist first thing this morning and then MIL has a doctor appointment. Better stash a protein bar in my purse!

Enjoy the day.

Good thing I packed that protein bar. I spent three hours at the doctor office this morning.

Anyway, I wanted to add a few trivia facts that I learned during our last challenge:

(1) my running shoes weigh 1.8 pounds

(2) I weigh .2 pounds less after a cardio workout than before

(3) my Omron body fat analyzer measures significantly less after a shower - I guess sweat skews the results!

DebbieMO I just wanted to give you and your group a shout out!!  Nice job from the 6 returning challengers and way to go for the new comers!!   I'm so stinking proud of Debbie you ladies have no idea!!

Thanks Champster - I feel very blessed and grateful to have her (DebbieMO) in my life. She is a true inspiration of what you can achieve if you want it bad enough and set your mind to it. I am also thankful that she has taken time out of her busy schedule to share her knowledge of the program with us.

We do kinda know how great she is! = )

Hey Gang!!

Sara-I'm sure you will make those goals, you are a very determined individual!! =) Glad you packed that protein bar...Plan Plan Plan!

Kathy-Thanks you sooooo much!! This totally makes my heart happy! And you know what, you are the same to others as well so keep doing what you're doing, lady!! =) You know, it's people like Michelle who inspired me at the beginning so I'm just paying it forward!!

Michelle-you are THE BEST! Thanks for the shout ouuut! =) Love ya lady!! =)