Good morning, playmates:)  Glad to see you all had a good weekend!  Mine was bittersweet.  T.O.M. came to visit (blah), but other than that it was okay.  I got a lot of stuff done around the house, and my garden is looking pretty good.  I had to replant some green beans bc they didn't come up, and I have 6 squash to put in the ground, but all the other stuff is up pretty high already. 

Runnergirl- I split my free days up this week into 2 free meals.  Usually I don't, but we had some kids over wed. and ordered Chinese, and I didn't want to give up my whole free day for just one meal.  So I actually at burger and tots last night (Sonic).  And I felt really guilty at first, but then I realized I haven't eaten a burger in over a month, and fries since like feb, so I let it go.  I agree w/Lori, this plan has to be customized to a degree to make it work for each of us.  If splitting it up helps keep you from binge-ing on your free day, split it up.  I've been trying to keep my free day still relatively close to 'on-program' (til yesterday, of course), and maybe only doing a free meal on that one day (but that's mainly bc I know I'd probably eat about 4k calories and blow whatever progress I'd made thru the week).

This is my first challenge also.  I didn't take 'actual' bikini photos or anything (mainly 'cause I didn't wanna vomit:) but I'm taking muffin top photos in the same pair of jeans.  I probably should've taken real pics, though, 'cause I can't really tell a difference in those pics (even though I have already lost a lot of inches).  I am planning to remove about 60 lbs, so I expect to do 2 more challenges after this one is finished.

Karey- great job planning light & healthy!  I'm glad your hubby is on board with your decision.  We rented 'No strings attached' and it was pretty funny.  I really don't do a lot of sweet stuff (and rarely any chocolate, though sometimes the craving hits me), so my binge items are usually chips... and I'm a finisher, too, so my hubby has to ration out doritos like your hubby rations candy.  I think I said this before, but my 'off' switch has been broken for a really long time, I usually don't realize I'm full until I can't move or risk throwing up.  I have to say, that it is really impressive that I have no problem saying 'I'm done'now, well before my plate is empty.  That is exciting to me.

Lori- wtg on saving the cake for free day!  And hot tub martinis don't count, right? lol!

Oh btw- I totally played tennis for almost 2 hours yesterday, and very little pain in the foot!  A little sore in the thighs, though, but that's a good thing since I don't feel like I've worked out unless I'm sore the next day.

I measured today!  Have to measure the fam, and I'll post totals tomorrow.  Very excited:)

I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post this:  I just measured everyone else in my house and my family has removed a grand total of (drum roll please...)

84 inches!!!!!  No, my friends, that is not a typo, it is actually 84.  I am incredulous, and thankful.  Thank you, BFL for this system, thank you, new friends, for helping us along.  And I had to remind myself, amidst my clapping and acting like an idiot, that there are still 8 more weeks to go!  I can't wait.

Amy

Amy - WOW!!!  That's amazing!!  :o  I'm really proud of you and your family, great job!!!  You must feel like a million bucks right now.  :)  

As for the "off" switch, I think I lack that too... at least when it comes to sweets.  Awesome about the tennis playing yesterday too!  Glad your foot isn't hurting too bad!  :)

Runnergirl - Just realized I forgot to answer your question about the oatmeal and protein powder.  I must have been half asleep, lol.  I just cook my oats on the stove and then when they're done cooking I put them in a bowl and mix in the protein powder and top them w/a tbsp of PB.  I don't add any Splenda or anything... the protein powder I use tastes pretty good (I used the GNC AMP).  

As for the running behind and not getting in the sixth meal, that happens to me sometimes too.  I think it's fine, I just will eat again sooner behind the 5th meal or have a larger 5th meal.  ;)  If I missed any other ?'s you asked me, just let me know.  :)

Amy: Congratulations !! That is really something ! How much weight have you lost? That is simply impressive.  Thanks for sharing the way you do your split day ! It's so cool how we all make it work for us, I agree I think for this to be long term we have to "tweak" at some point.  I am glad I will have a challenge 2 buddy in you ! BC I definitely will be doing this again !

Karey: Thanks so much for answering the question. I am going to try the oatmeal. I have one from GNC (powder) but it's not flavored. What does yours taste like ? The only other question I am trying to figure out is getting the timing down for the meals...I tend to either wait to eat the first meal until late..or I have the first meal early and then work out. Like today, I ate my first meal around 8 ish but did not work out until like 1 in the afternoon so I had 2 meals before I worked out. Do you think this affects results alot? I'm trying to follow as close as possible but struggling in some areas.

I agree with both of you about the "off" switch. I think not giving myself too much flexibility is prob the key for me. for example, if I thought of my weekends as partial free days I don't know know where I would stop ! In some ways it's prob better just to have a cheat meal or limited quantity.

Well gals, so far so good...we've begun week 5 !! Congrats to all of us for getting this far and let's keep moving forward !!! We can do this !!

Thanks, guys:)  I'm pretty excited.  Umm, poundage isn't so great, but that's okay bc I know I'm removing mass.  10.4 is the running poundage for me right now, and 29.75 inches total w/7.5inches off the waist! I was hoping for 10 off the waist by end of challenge, so I'm stoked.  DD is next with 23.75 total inches, hubby is at 16.75, and DS is at an even 14. Not sure about everyone else's poundage, maybe I'll post that next.

I'm so happy to be a part of such a supportive group.  And runnergirl, I'll definitely be your C2 buddy! How much are you trying to remove?

Amy

Hey guys!  Sounds like everyone is doing AWESOME!!  Woohoo!!!  :)  I just finished my UBWO and am feeling very strong!  Just finished a delicious post-workout snack of protein shake, raw broccoli, carrots, and green bell pepper slices w/hummus.  Getting ready to head out to a free nutrition class tonight... hoping to learn some new weight-loss and healthy eating tips and meet some new people w/similar interests.  If I pick-up any good tips, I'll let you all know.  ;)

Runnergirl - Maybe you can add some PB and cinnamon to your oatmeal w/the unflavored protein powder... might help.  ;)  I have 4 flavors of the GNC AMP powders... Strawberry, Vanilla, Cookies N Creme, and Chocolate.  I like to alternate flavors, but the chocolate is probably my favorite, especially w/the PB!  :)  

The timing for the meals and workouts can be challenging... I'm trying my best to stick w/what they recommend, but sometimes I have to adjust to my schedule.  I always try to do the HIIT first thing in the am if possible on an empty stomach and wait an hour until I eat (or as close as possible).  I usually go shower and get ready for work, then go in the kitchen and make my oatmeal or whatever.  I don't always have about 45minutes to spare in the am, so I tend to do my strength workouts in the afternoons after work.  I usually try to time it so that I eat my meal and then try to wait 2-3hours so my tummy is about empty again and then do that workout followed by a protein shake and some healthy carbs.  I don't know how important it is to workout on an empty tummy, but I'm trying... want to burn as much fat as I can.  I do think it could be different for everyone though because I know that I used to feel weak if I didn't eat something for energy before, but lately I haven't had that problem.  

Amy - That's so awesome!!!  I'm so envious of your results!  I feel like I've been totally sticking to plan and never missed a WO, etc, but my results aren't even noticeable.  It's a bit depressing, but I'm gonna keep at it!  Maybe I'm one of those late bloomers.  lol  

I have a feeling I'll also do a second challenge since I won't be satisfied w/my results yet.  

I love being a Playmate!  That is a first!  We've had so many discussions since I last posted, so I will answer what I can and spew the rest.  

First, ladies! (and Amy's family) KUDOS!!!  Congrats on making it this far and the success you have made so far.  YOU ROCK!

Runnergirl:  This is my second challenge.  I lost over 40 around 6 years ago.  Check out my bio and ther are pics in an earlier post.  I've tried several times since to complete another challenge, but never been motivated enough!  I thinkk the support of this group helps.

Karey,  I am following the UBWO to a T.  Love that!  Unfortunately, my feet are having issues from running and work and I've been sidelined, by myself and now by my chiro until I sort out these issues.  Plantar F something.  Yes, I feel it will strongly affect my results, but am not letting it discourage me, as I plan to go straight into another challenge until I am where I know I can be.  I know myself too well, to know that as soon as the goal is reached, I pat myself on the back, prop up my feet and go to pot again!

Yes, chocolate is hidden from me and doled out by my children and husband and even my friend at work.  We all have our vices and dark chocolate will be devoured.  I too am missing the on/off switch, but I attribute that to lack to attention.  I notice when I am focused on the goal and the program that I am much less interested in eating things that I really don't want to eat.  I know that I am a stress eater and boredom eater, so I realize that knowing this is the first step.

Again, the journal helps here.  Every day I write 5 things I want to do tomorrow.  Usually, it is the same five:  drink 8 glasses of water; follow the eating plan; push my workout, ect. But I find for me, even putting them on paper makes a world of difference.  In the book, it says, fail to plan and you plan to fail.  The journal is more than just writing.  It is about creating every day what you want to be ...in advance.  I still think it is the MOST intregral part of my original success and swear by it.  The writing is very little, it's more about a thought process.

I took the pics yesterday and they are in intregal part too.  I didn't want to post them because they are in my panties, but I show them to people often because I am not the person I was then (so I guess it's a different woman in her panties).  I did a running bra and bikini bottom this time.  You will be so glad you did it, because years from now, no one will believe you or believe that this program works.  You will have proof!

I find that getting in 6 meals is a stretch.  I try to plan for them, but I really don't want them and don't like to feel like I have to eat.  I think my other 3-4 are too large and I'm not hungry for 5 &6.  I should to spark people or count calories, but I am struggling with life itself right now and feel I can't add any more at this point.  I am hoping (I think, like Amy ) that the program will work without counting (I did not count last time).  I think the first time you do BFL, the closer you follow to the program, the better it will work for you.  I feel confident it will work, and unfortunately, and not following it quite as closely as the last time.  But, there are different reasons involved and I am ok with that.  I think I am viewing this as a lifestyle change and plan to continue and being such, still have to make my life enjoyable (yes, thus the hot tub martinis!)  My hubby did refuse to make any for me on my free day, as I had shared that I had told my BFL girlfriends I would not have any to make up for the ones I had already had.  What a good man.  

Karey, Don't get depressed.  Just look at where you started, where you are now and where you want to go and as long as you are heading down that path, it's all good.  If you have never watched "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,"  you should.  It is an odd movie, but has great insight into human nature and your ability to create your life.  It is based on a true story.

Hope I answered a few of your questions and hopefully a little more insight.  Great job all and enjoy week five.

One more thought.  I keep hearing about the "curse," ect., in a negative light.  I see a holistic doctor and she told me that mother nature's visit is very important.  If you don't have a period, your "job" is done and nature doesn't have as much need for you.  Several important things are attached to this gift and one is that it will keep you looking younger.  My conversation with her, led me to look at it in a whole new light.  If you think of it as a gift, you will be blessed.  Again, just my thoughts!  Have a great day and night!

Karey- please don't get discouraged!  I only posted numbers to encourage, not to compare.  I am grossly out of shape and remember I ate all the highly processed stuff, so this month was probably just a detox for me. Besides, remember you are already probably at my GOAL weight... on may 14th I weighed 202 (I didn't even weigh that much when I delivered my youngest kid).  I am proud of your dedication and your positive attitude, you motivate me when I'm feeling gross and lazy!!  

Lori- sorry about your foot!  I know exactly what you're going thru, I have planterF (lol) too, in the right foot and Freibergs in the left.  Boo.  Mine came from 20 years on concrete in the restaurant and overly-flexible ligaments/tendons.  Take it easy for a little bit and it'll heal up. You'll probably be really stiff in the mornings, but it should ease up once you get moving around.  Be careful not to train too early and tear it!  This is just a speed bump in the hill run of life, my friend.  You'll be back running all over the tri-state in no time:)

On a side note, my tennis game today was terrible... I put more in the net than over the net.  Bummer.  On the sunny side, though, I probably burned about a thousand calories running after rogue balls!  Well, however many calories somebody my size would burn in 2 hours, anyway.  And, just for fun, I told my friend (she is die-hard weight watchers) about our family's total loss and she (for once) didn't know what to say:)  Hehehe, and I don't have to pay 17 bucks a week for support:)  Have I said how much I love you guys?  lol

Have a great tuesday!

Amy, I have about 20 pounds to lose before I get to prepreg weight.  That will be my first milestone. I guess I'll reevaluate after that. I feel like it's been so hard to lose anything the past few years after the pregnancies that I feel like I should be happy and satisfied if I ever lose the 20. But to be honest, I have always had that magic number in my head and that would take losing alot more than that...so conservative 20 but ideal more like 30.

Karey, Your time will come my dear. I feel the commitment and dedication from you everyday and it will pay off ! The only reason I have had a loss is b/c I was breastfeeding for 8 months ! My body holds on to fat during that time and I quit the week I started BFL so I had some quick losses. I know it will level out and that is when faith will have to come in. Have faith my friend, for I have faith in you ! :)

Himmehill, you story and photos are inspiring. Thanks for sharing and commenting on our questions. i know you will reach your goal.

Lori, hope you feel better !! Ibuprofin may be your friend the next couple days. I hope you're back and movin and groovin soon !

I want to tell you guys that I appreciate all the support on this thread...its such an amazing feeling to have you all :)

Hi guys!  Just wanted to say thank you to you all for the support.  I was feeling a bit bummed that I'm not having these incredible losses right now, but I know I'm on track and doing things right.  I just need to hang in there and realize that it's tougher to lose the last 10 lbs or so.  Back in 2008 when I lost my 50 lbs, it came off so much easier and more quickly, but I think that's just because I was bigger and had more to lose then.  Don't worry, I'll keep at this, I'm in it to the end.  ;)  

I'm pretty proud of myself for pulling my lazy butt out of bed at 5:45am to go do some jump rope, high knees and butt kicks!  I was so tired and wanted to hit the snooze button soooo bad!  BUT, I didn't!  I felt so great after my workout too!  :)  Before starting this program there's NO WAY that I would have gotten up earlier than I needed to so I could get a morning workout in.  I think we're all making awesome changes in our lifestyles and routines.  :)

Lori - I'm sorry you're having a tough time w/life right now.  Sounds like you're adapting the best that you can and you should be very proud of yourself!  :)  I've never seen that movie you referred to, but I'll have to remember it so I can check it out sometime.  I also like your view of "the curse", that's an interesting way to look at it.  I don't think nature really has much use for me anyway, since I never plan on having kids, lol.  Does it really help you look younger though??  THAT, I like!  :)  A co-worker told me today that she thought I looked so young... thought I was only 22 - I wish!!  Nice to hear that I look that young though.  :)  She made my day.  

Great job on getting your pics taken.  I'm happy I have mine too, even though I'm not showing them to anyone right now.  ;)  I'm really hoping to see at least a lot of difference in muscle tone at the end of this.  I'm glad the journaling is really helping you.  This program does take a TON of planning.  I always log all of my meals into Livestrong.com and plan the first three meals or so the night before.  I then spend about 15 minutes or so in the kitchen preparing my foods to take w/me the next day.  I also plan by using the WO sheets and plan out my workout for the next day the prior night.  So far it's working well, just lots of prepping.  :)

Amy - Thanks for the encouragement!  :)  I'll hang in there.  I think my body wants to fight me on the last 10lbs or so, but I'll get it sooner or later.  ;)  Sorry about the tennis match, but sounds like you got some good exercise and did burn a lot of calories!  :)  Haha, funny about the weight watcher's friend!  I always wonder why they just don't count calories for free instead of joining weight watcher's... basically the same principle, just points instead of calories.  lol  

Runnergirl - Thanks, I'm hanging in there, not giving up!  Guess I was just in a down mood at the time.  ;)  Thanks for having faith in me!  Same to you!!!  We'll all get there!  :)

Good morning buddies!  We've made it to day 31, woohoo!!!  :)  

Had a great LBWO this morning!  I switched it up a bit and feel great and STRONG!  :)

Have a great day!!!

Morning Guys! Still struggling with LBWO that I feel is rockin!  Thinking I'll have the chiro assign some strength training.  His main concern (and mine) is getting me back to optimal health and I guess if at this point it means sacrificing some LB strenght, I'm okay with that.  Did quite a bit of ab work, though.

Karey:  You rock!! Great job on getting out of bed.  I keep wondering how I'm gonna make this work once the kids go back to school. I have a 45 min-hour drive and they have to be there by 7:45.  I'll have to get up pretty early.  I get up a 6 now to exercise.  It's always so nice to have it done and and it really does give you a win for the day.   Mother nature doesn't know your plans and I did hear that the hormones keep you looking younger, supple skin, ect.

Runnergirl:  I'm a bit of a holisitc (didn't want to use the word "freak") but some would probably classify me as that.  I am opting out the ibuprofin for fish oil and ice.  Hoping that works.  My feet work themselves out pretty quickly after I get up, but i've had this issue since April and it isn't getting better and I am running a 1/2 in Chicago in August.  Gotta do some rehab.  

Amy:  It must be so exciting to get back to the courts.  I think it is huge that you are doing this with you family.  That was one of the reasons that i initially wanted to lose weight for.  So my 4 and 6 year old would see who I really was.  I have since inspired lots of people that I met and I think that the best way to achieve your goals is to help others achieve theirs.

I apologize that I sound like life is tough.  It's just life and sometimes it is more complicated than others.  I am so blessed and have no reason to complain.  Just have to vent sometimes.  I go for a second job interview today and I think I have a lot of negativity in my current job.  I am hoping I can change that.  I have 2 teenagers and that is enough said about that....  I really am blessed though and I tell everyone how lucky I am to have found you all as friends.  Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

Have an awesome day!

Lori

Happy hump day!!  Or anti-procrastination day, or whatever you choose to call wednesday.  I used to call it kids-eat-free-at-macado's day, which gave me a reason to go out there.  Now it's gonna be doubles-tennis-before-church-day, and I think I'm gonna like that better! I've caught a stupid cold, but I have a feeling that if I up my veggie intake and get some fresh air, maybe it won't last very long.  I've been busy a couple of times and forgot to eat my 4th meal, and noticed that I'm ravenous when I get home for dinner.  And subsequently want to eat the rest of the night.  Last night was especially tough, bc I didn't feel good already and then was starving.  But while I actually grazed all evening, it was about the same quantity of food I would have eaten at intervals anyway, so I guess that's okay.  And I know now what missing that meal can do!

Karey- Once again I am in awe of your WO dedication.  I could try to tell myself that if only I were able to do the WO's like I'm supposed to, I'd be that 6am person, too, but it would be a lie.  I am an early riser anyway, but I am emphatically NOT a morning WO person (which could be part of why I've had such a hard time sticking w/a WO plan). In my job I always had swing shifts of at least 10 hours, get home around 1am and have to be back by 9 or 10 (or sometimes 7!), so I really just had nothing left for a workout.  Or for anything, really, that's why this injury has actually been a blessing in disguise.  I'm glad you aren't discouraged... it would be a bummer for ME!  I look forward to your enthusiasm.  Woohoo! :)

Lori- Good luck w/the job search.  I'll be with you on the search soon, since my job termed me June 1, as soon as my FMLA ran out.  I have one lined up already, but it'll be a 50% pay cut.  But, there's no price on your health or sanity, so I'd rather take the pay cut and be able to move when I get home than make 100% and be broken and not even get to enjoy my family.  I don't like taking meds, either, but I will take something if the pain gets too bad (and there are no natural practitioners here, anyway).  I'm still on the prowl for a bike, but no luck yet. Since I'm on s-term disability I have to be very mindful of what I can spend on one.  Part of me wants to just run to walmart and charge it, but hubby and I purposed to get out of debt (not a resolution, but a purpose) january 2010, and we're only $1000 away- (except for medical bills).  So, barring catastrophy, I plan to pay that off by end of july and not charge anymore.

Runnergirl- I know what you mean about the pre-prego and the 'goal'... I call mine the 'goal' and the 'dream'.  But I guess I shouldn't consider it a dream, bc with dreams you never commit to making them reality, they're always just kinda in the back of your mind, 'I wish (insert dream here)...'.  But working together, we can all achieve our 'dreams'!

Have a great day! 

Good afternoon everybody !! Just wanted to check in and say hi !  Can you guys believe we are almost half way there ? I'm so excited that we've come this far. It is flying by !!

So today I really felt like I pushed myself hard...sweating so much lifting. I usually don't even sweat. It was a great feeling. I need to push my cardio harder. I think I'm feeling kind of weak from not eating before my workouts. I feel "whoozy" now that I'm used to eating more frequently. I used to be able to skip breakfast and meals all the time. So I need to workout earlier or just eat after. You think it will affect progress drastically if I eat before ??

Karey: I also am amazed at your "early-bird-gets the worm" self ! You go girl ! I haven't worked up to that yet. I tend to start my strength training at 9 and cardio even later. I am struggling with getting my 3 yr old to preschool and infant feedings down..one day ! Oh, and seriously the autumn mix brachs makes is amazng. I also have some foods I love...I love caramel apples with nuts, double doozys from great american choc chip cookie co. , any dessert, or chocolate really. oh, and my weakness overall is martinees, wine, things like that...love margaritas too :)

Rockinmom: How you feeling ? hope your cold has gotten better. hope Macados was fun too !! All the talk of tennis is making me want to start playing !! I used to play when I was younger, need to get back into it.  I agree with you abt missing meals. I used to go forever without eating and now I'm really good and I can tell I'm hungry if I miss one !

Lori: Hows the job searching going ? I'm impressed with the half marathon goal ! I'm running a 10k in Oct. I recently discovered running about 3 months ago and have been hooked since ! Do you stick to the 20 min cardio or do you do longer runs ?

Hope I haven't left anyone out..feel like it takes me 15 mins just to get through the messages ! :)