LOL...Jen, I chuckle, because your post could've been mine...without the 4 lb weight gain (but who knows, I could've gained weight, but I don't weigh myself).

It's been four weeks, and I have to keep reminding myself, that I didn't put this weight on overnight, and therefore, will not see it come off overnight either. But like you, I've taken pics, and see absolutely no change. I've measured myself, and seemingly, there's no change there either. Grant it, I've not taken the time to measure every part of my body. I only measure at the waist. I think I must be losing inches around my bust area though, because my breast aren't filling in my bra cup like before, and I am able to latch my bra on the second row. So though I can't see it, I guess I am changing a bit.

I think the biggest change for me is just my general attitude about food and eating, which will be worth it all in the end. The only problem I am having though, is whether I'm eating enough. A couple of years ago, I followed the WeighDown Diet plan, which was a great lifestyle change, but you eat so little food, that without exercise at all, the lbs just melt off. So I'm struggling now to eat all of the food that's required, in one meal. A protein, a complex carb and veggies...it's just way too much food on my plate.

Tashiana8 - you are doing a fabulous job! Congrats on your inches and fat loss! Cardio has never been my favorite thing to do, so I'm still working on being able to run, non-stop, but am not there yet. I keep pushing myself though. On the other hand, I absolutely love to lift weights, and am looking forward to seeing some cut muscles, especially in my arms and back. Well, keep pushing and happy 5th week to you as well.

Prettybrains--what the heck is going on?!  I took my measurements.  What a let down that was.  I almost wish I didn't do it.  There is either no change, or more inches!!!!!  Omg I'm about to abandon ship at this point.  

I eat every 3 hours like I'm supposed to.  I basically live off of eggs, english muffins, and veggies.  Not much variation.  I add the myoplex bars (super expensive!!) and shakes (barf) when I can.  The shakes make my stomach hurt and I'm never quite sure if it's going to come back up (TMI or what?).  

I've been working out almost to the tee.  I go and I work hard, but there is no proof of results and it's almost week 5.

On a good note, I think the 4 lbs weight gain was just because I weighed right after my free day.  Now I'm back to the weight I started at.

LADIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PEP TALK!!

Okay...I called BFL advisory for some of us ladies who are constantly micro managing themsleves...

since no one will listen to me...:)...:)...

I talked to them and sure enough...it is what I have been advising all along!!!

OVERALL: Jake from BFL advisory said this about all of the concerned women who are GAINING WEIGHT/INCHES, THINKING THEY ARE EATING TOO MUCH, and not "SEEING" the results...

" ....They all need to hide thier scales as well as put the measuring tapes and cameras away.. measuring body fat composition and body mass  would be a more accurate estimate but even that, they should stop micro managing.It is not realistic to step on the scale every few days or every week to see the actual change the mind and body is going through. Make sure that you ARE eating  the way you are suppose to even if your eating habits were different before. Do not hold on the water...especially water since the body needs the BALANCE of water, potassium, sodium, etc to proceed in getting the results that will show in another few weeks or so..taking pictures or weighing yourself is a FALSE "proof" on ehancement/improvements you're going through.

The important thing is to just STAY consistent  in thier nutrition and training to increase habit for  results. It will take precious time to "see" results and that is why the challenge is not easy and of 3 months to transform the mind and body...mind over matter."

There it is...I will keep calling for us if I have to...but you all should too! I think we all just need to

stay optimistic and focus staying on the ball...

We've all seen the  BFL before and after pictures and should question those who have been through it..what were thier challenges and how did they overcome them?? Those people are real!!

I think we need to all make a promise and stop with all this. Measuring, pictures, those should be part of the reward when we are getting our tans to finally take the final pics to send to BFL after finishing the challenge... what do you think??

talk to them for yourselves...For assistance call our fitness advisors at 1-800-297-9776, 8:30am-5:00pm Monday through Friday EST.

Jen,

LOL...girl, I have no idea! But please don't abandon the ship yet!...Every meal you eat and every workout you do is moving you closer to your goal. You may not see it yet, but things are happening (if only on the inside). I don't know if you ever read the post from the 8/21/11 group, but someone posted a testimony from a past champion who talked about not seeing any results until week 8. And from what I keep reading in the blogs and other posts, that seems to ring true for a lot of the women. So please don't stop. Keep going...keep pushing. You can do this Jen! Just remember that it probably took longer than four weeks to gain your weight, so it's going to take hard work to get rid of it.

As I said yesterday, I don't weigh myself so I don't know what I am in lbs, and I didn't do a good job in taking measurements at the beginning of the challenge, so I really have no idea what my starting point was. But I did take a few pics in the nude, so I can't show anyone...hahaha. My only indication that something is happening is my bra, and this morning a coworker told me that I was looking thinner, and she has no idea that I've changed my eating habits. So don't stop! Things will change.

****************LoseLBS...prettybrains is right!! **************

Thats the spirit Prettybrains!!! Even Jake above said that in another few weeks it will be more noticable...I talked to Kelly from BFL ADVISORY today and she said that  women see thier GREATEST results/progress, is around 8 WEEKS for a women to show it in thier body..she said it is in the book as the *** "the 8 week wonder"****:)...:) she also said that is is crucial to keep up with the nutriiton and exercise for your body to adapt because of course, men see the results faster than women...............KEEP GOING, GIRL!!!

Prettybrains..its so funny because I also see it in my bra:) I am very top heavy and can notice a difference in cup size so I feel ya!!

Hi folks,

I'm seeing progress. I'm only losing 1 pound per week again, but I'm very happy with that.  I like because when I was thinner before I still had more fat.  Now, I have more muscle, and I look better!  I lost 4 pounds in the last 4 weeks, and I when from 21.8% body fat to 19.5%.  I'm thrilled.  My thighs are shrinking, and my abs are looking better.  I'm shooting for 13-15% Body fat!!

lol thanks for the pep talk.  I needed it.  I was ready to give up!  Come ooooooooooonnnnnnnnn week 8!

I was getting bummed out too, about scale weight, picture analyzing, and comparing measurements, so I can't do that anymore. I just write down the numbers or snap the pictures and put them away. I'll compare everything later. Right now, looking at that stuff can just make us emotional when all we need to do is stick to it for the long haul. There WILL be an improvement! We just have to be patient. I feel so much strong and leaner than I ever have, even though I don't look terribly different. I'll decide November 19th how different I look....

This WILL be worth it but only if we stick to it! Stop thinking about the end result. Just take it one day at a time. Enjoy the moment, be in the moment. You can't change anything about the past and worrying about the future gets you nowhere too!

Tashiana8 - the funny thing is, I was told not to lose anymore fat in that area...or that would be a dealbreaker! All I could do is laugh, because of course he and I both know you can't help where you lose. LOL

Patriciaae99 - Way to go girlie! Losing a pound a week is very healthy. You're more likely to keep it off (so I've heard) :-)

Annrunning - I like your attitude. We must stop thinking about the end result because it's  too overwhelming. One day at a time - focus there. There are too many other things in life that overwhelms us, why add one more thing to the list?

So far, I've not really gone out of my way on free days to eat anything special, but this week, I am definitely having pizza! I can eat eggs for the rest of the day, for all I care, but pepperoni & mushroom pizza is a must.

Thanks Prettybrains!  I'm working, but with doing all cardio I was used to losing 2-3 pounds per week, BUT I wasn't building ANY muscle.  I'll take the 1 pound per week, if my physique keeps improving.  I must say, BFL is a great program.  I see constant progress, which is good.  So very happy....what diet lets you have a Free Day? Mostly likely very few...

Loselbs,

If you can, please have a professional use a caliper and check your body fat percentage.  You'll feel relief!  When I started, gained 3 pounds, then lost 3, then lost none.   Guess what, I got bigger in the thighs and arms.  What I found out is during those months, is that I gained 6 pounds of muscle, and lost 6 pounds of fat.  I haven't gain muscle since, hence the weight loss.  I'm maintaining muscle, and losing pure body fat now!  BFL should stand for Better Fat Loss, not Body For Life!  LOL

I have to share my motivational moment today.

There's a cafe/deli that me and a colleague frequent on a regular basis and this particular cafe/deli has free ice cream, so we always make sure to get an ice cream cone after our meal. Today, however, she went for her cone and I didn't, because after an internal debate, I decided that I would rather wait until Sunday (free day) to eat much more quality ice cream, than consume unnecessary sugar today. So impressed with myself for making that mature decision.

Ice cream is one of my weaknesses and I can eat it everyday.

prettybrains, that is a fantastic story!!! Good job for you!!

Also, I thought you'd think this is funny since we are talking about our chest shrinking...I had my best run today!! ..and when I run I usually  put my Ipod in my sports bra near the upper strap and I never have a problem with putting stuff there...I even put my CC holder and phone there:)...so, while I was running, I wanted to change songs and I reached for my Ipod and it had slid far down between my chest!!...HA I was like fishing for my catch in there! It was too funny and I thought of you...

Tashiana, that is hilarious! I can actually visualize you trying to run and fish for the drowning iPod. Thanks for the laugh, as I sit here on a Friday night studying, I needed the comedy break.