I have started today too.  I haven't got a "before photo".  Not about to take a photo of myself with any skin exposed!  

I can't exercise in the morning, so am about to make my first foray into the gym (after work).  I actually joined the gym two weeks ago, but it has taken me until now to finally get there, coward that I am.

I read BFL years ago (my kids gave it to me), but on re-reading it, I think I missed quite a bit the first time round.

Anyway - here goes.  Wish me luck!

Jane in New Zealand

Hello Jane! I'm excited someone else is starting today too!!

I got started about mid-morning and it was my first time at this gym (not to mention years since I've even been in one) so I had a few moments of awkwardness looking for the right machines then trying to figure out if I was using them properly. It was nuts!! But I decided to move past the embarrassment and get through each upper body exercise. I am so happy I made it through!

Good Luck!! Let me know how your first day goes.

Count me in!  There is another thread that started yesterday that we are all posting in.  There are a few of us that are all starting today.  I'm new to the program, but there are a couple on the other post who have done it before.   Therefore, you might get more information from them.

Did good today with my eating and got my ubwo in.   Drank all my water too.   So Day 1 was quite successful.   Just hoping Day 2 goes just as well.

Let me know how you two did today!!

Renee

Hi all!

I started today too.  I did my Upper Body and I don't think it was hard enough, so I'm going to up it next time.  Food so far - great!  I had fish for dinner tonight and it was good!

My biggest fear?  Not staying motivated and quitting after about 2 weeks.  That's my pattern.  I feel so disgusting...I have to lose weight.  I look so gross.  Really!  And, it's making me feel old.  And, I am getting health problems that are associated with being overweight.  So, here I am.

My strategy this time?  I'm only going to think of TODAY and TODAY only (except when I'm planning my next day's work out & food).  I have so much weight to lose (100+).  If I think about how much I need to lose, that 2-3 I lose a week is really going to suck.  I'll get discouraged.  I know I will.  So it's all about living in the moment and focusing on what I need to accomplish today.

Hope everyone has a good week!  I'll be here often.

Hey, I started today too!  I agree with a previous poster that said they weren't going to post any pics of themselves haha..

Everyone.....take picture, at least for yourself. You will wish you had. At the very least you will see the changes and later you will be proud to show off all your hard work. The Eating for Life cookbook was checked out by a friend and given to me to borrow, what a life saver. I have 3 kids and have not been eating enough. Now I feel confident I am eating clean and enough. I am in week 7 ( I had a set back last week due to travel) its about progress not perfection. Yes, I missed a week but I can still hit my 10's and lift enough to get others attention in the gym. You can CAN do this. I bought book used on amazon for 4.00 and shipping was 3.99 not to bad. I feel better about my last 6 weeks (food wise) Hitting the cardio and weight is no problemo now. :)

Sorry, Signed

Carrie :)

Well, I went to the gym.  It is winter here and it was dark, and the gym was brightly lit.  As I approached I could see all these fit bods pounding away on treadmills etc.  Nearly turned around and walked away.  I was DEFINITELY the only 200lb+ woman (blob) in there, and the others were huge fellas grunting and groaning picking up huge weights.  Well, that was intimidating.  But guess what - those huge pros helped me if they saw me struggle (i didn't even have to ask) and a girl in the changing room introduced herself to me.  That's one thing about looking much different to the others - they will remember me! :-)  Very friendly bunch and I will never feel intimidated again.

Did upper body, as prescribed, and after chest and shoulders honestly wondered if i could do any more!!  But I did it all.  Felt great at the time.  Later that night i threw up and I thought I must have overdone it a bit.  But by 3 am, still throwing up I had to admit a must have picked up a tummy bug.  My crew at work (healthcare professionals) reckon I must have picked up a bug on the germy equipment.  Eeeuuch!  So I will make sure I wipe down with the spray bottles they have around, before and after I use the equipment.  I didn't shower there because I went straight home, but will at least wash my hands before I leave in future.

And today?  too ill to do lower body, so I will be a day behind you guys already.  But will catch up on Sunday.  

But boy, was I in pain when i woke up this morning - couldn't move my arms!  The most painful part was right above my elbows and made bending my arms excruciating!  as the day wore on, the pain on my elbows lessened and the muscles of my upper arms were the ones that hurt.  By dinner time, I was aware of the muscles down the side of my chest and across my chest.  Felt like i had been beaten with a stick!  But finally, here it is bed time, and all the aches and pains have gone.

Lower body and abs for me tomorrow.  I am eating loads - meat, salads, vegetables.  Want to make sure I have the strength to lift the weights.  Also using protein shakes between meals.

Time for a warm bath and bed.  Good luck everyone - keep me posted!

Jane in New Zealand

by the way, how to you post a profile pic?

hi all i also started on the 27th and am doing my 2 challenge . did so well on my 1st go i'm going again but change the diet around a little as to how much carbs i take in ..... so i hope you will allow me to tag along with you guys and if anyone need help i to happy to help ....

i have before and after pic on my profile of my first round posted up

Jane to post a profile pic just click on your name on any of your posts & then on the right hand corner is a tab that says settings.   Click on that & then there is the change avatar button.  HTH

Nick great job on your first challenge!  Glad to have you along.  Nice to hear the experiences and challenges of someone that's already been through it.

Day 2 is going well here.   Really need to stick with the eating.   I always go a week before I decide to blow it.  :(  Problem is we eat out just way too much.    

Hope everyone is having a great day!   Love reading your updates!

Sorry Jane, after reading your post again, I realized you meant to the profile.  I think once you click on edit your profile you can copy a pic & then paste it on the profile by right clicking it.   Then you can edit the size of the picture through the tabs.   I have just been playing around with it.  

Hey everyone...I'm Melissa...and I started yesterday too!   I did BFL YEARS ago...around 2002 I think and did great, so I know it works.  I'm really excited to do it again and am glad we're all starting at the same time!  I took my before pics yesterday and UGH...I can't wait to take the next ones...I'll prob take them every 2 weeks.  I know we're not supposed to weigh everyday...but I felt so much less swollen this morning after just the first day of eating clean that I had to sneak a peak...and I am down 3.5 lbs already!  Lol.  I know it's just water but it's so motivating!  Looking forward to getting to know all of you and helping each other change our lives!  :)

Welcome Melissa!   lol on the weigh in.   I did the same thing this morning and was down 2 lbs.   But I was eating out of control for the last week!   So didn't surprise me one day of getting back on the wagon would help.  But like you said it's just so motivating!

Eating is going good today & I'm getting in a run and ab workout today.  

Hope every one is staying on track today.

Renee