Crossing the Abyss - Recent Threads

One of a kind

stpatmac — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:16:27 GMT

When I look thru the people that have done this I don't see any that are my size. I weigh 436 lbs. I am going to do this for myself but I pray that it will give hope for people my size and motivate them.

In need of a swift kick in the butt......

shannanigans — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:12:09 GMT

So I've been having a really hard time staying focused and motivated to stay on the diet. I've been feeling like I've been drowning in massive amounts of stress. Within one week I had my mother in the hospital (on my birthday actually), almost lost my sister-in-law and new baby nephew due to complications in childbirth, and had my niece whom lives with me break her ankle.... needless to say.. I've somewhat fallen off the diet here and there because I was just trying to survive with my mental state intact. Looking back, I actually didn't do too terribly bad considering how I used to handle stress, but I'm having a hard time refocusing and rededicating myself and I'm finding that I'm in the beginning of a downwhirl spiral and I would like to escape it before I compeletly botch up the success that I have achieved on this diet so far. I don't know whether to just start a fresh 12 week program or try to just conitnue on with my current 12 week even though I screwed up the past 2 or more weeks. Basically, I feel like I've failed and I'm having a hard time shaking that feeling and focusing on the positive... hence the fact that I need a swift kick in the butt!!!!

Reflections

Macie — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:03:04 GMT

Today begins week 3 of the Body for Life challenge for my first time. I knew coming into it that this was something I truly needed and felt as though I was led to this program for a purpose. I am now realizing how true that is.

The workouts have been going well, it took a little planning and experimenting with the weights, but am feeling good about the workout programs. So far so good!

What I am beginning to notice is a true need for support on an emotional level. As I've had time, I've read around some of the other threads and posts and notice there are other people who are facing challenges as well - be it low self esteem, depression, the loss of a loved one, etc.

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where we can come and reflect on how we are feeling, what we are doing to cope - to connect and offer each other support. I would love it if we could join together on this journey -

BFLDIVAS 2013 Round TWO

Des Spangenberg — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:38:22 GMT

Hi Shelley and Clare,

Here's our new thread for the second challenge! Are we all here?

des

Here I Go Again!!!

Corey A — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:04:44 GMT

Not sure if the is the correct way to post to this forum. Anyway, here it goes!. I'm 51 years old and have started this challenge at least 10 times in the last 12 months.I'm about 60-65 lbs overweight! I am s i c k - t o - d e a t h of failing in my attempts to lose weight! I competed in the BFL challenge about 10-11 years ago. Although I didn't win the challenge - I lost 55 pounds. I went from a 40" waist to a 31". I maintained that weight for about three years - Then gained it all back and then some. I want to be healthy! I don't want to take blood pressure meds! I want to run the LA Marathon in 2014!! So, this is it. I'm going for it! I would be ecstatic to complete and WIN this challenge! I need this for myself, my family and my life!!

Feeling defeated and wanting to change that mindset ...

MUtwirl07 — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:33:32 GMT

Hi everyone!

I am only in week four of my challenge and feel like I have fallen off the bandwagon big time. I have struggled with binge stress/emotional eating for quite some time - it became my coping mechanism when I was in college and it has never fully "gone away." I have periods of time where I do really well with eating normally and working out regularly, but it seems as though I am either doing great, or completely off track. I have binged the past three days and missed my first workout of the challenge. I doubled up on my workouts yesterday to try to "make up" for it, but then by the evening my eating was out of control again, even though that morning I had been determined to get back on track. I overslept this morning and usually like to do my workouts in the morning because I am too tired at night. So I am planning to do my workout right after work today and (so far) have been back on the eating plan, but I am just feeling really discouraged.

I don't want to quit the challenge, but I hate that I was going to take week four progress pictures and check my measurements and probably won't be showing much, if any, progress. I want - and NEED - to get back on track. Adding to my stress is the fact that I am getting married at the beginning of July and I was hoping to complete a full challenge by the wedding. I don't have enough time left to start over and I know I should just focus on getting back on track, but I can't seem to shake the voice in my head that tells me I already screwed up. I called a counselor today with the hope that going that route might help me get things in check, but any words of advice or wisdom would be appreciated!

Thank you for letting me rant ... :)

Motivated

benpfountain — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:30:47 GMT

Well I started the challenge today pretty much after prepping myself from past failures, my detmerination is so spuratic I have little hope that I will make it through this but after finally seeing my before pictures I don't want to look like I do, I honestly want to treat my body like the temple it should be and not this mess

My second BFL (after 10 years!) - Starting March 17th, 2013

RainQueen — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:50:27 GMT

Hi everyone - just wanted to say hello, and begin to document my progress somehow, and hopefully find some support as well :)

I'm starting BFL tomorrow....35 years old, and need to lose at least 30 pounds. I did BFL about 10 years ago, and did phenomenally.....then the last few years, I've let myself go again. Oddly enough, I ran three 1/2 marathons last year, but seemed to just gain and gain weight in the process. I think the running just made me uber-hungry, and I didn't care. Just goes to show you that excess cardio isn't the answer! I still think that losing weight is 80% diet, and 20% exercise....but weights and HIIT help me stay in line and seem to make me a lot hotter! Haha.

So, tomorrow is the big day. I'm all set - I'm going to hit the gym first thing in the morning, and then go to work. I will do the workouts exactly as the book says, but will still do hot yoga on top of that, mainly because I love it. And I may do an occasional long distance run for fun. I hang out with a lot of runners, and don't want to miss out on the good times.

If anyone else is starting tomorrow and wants to check in together, I'd be totally up for that! I'd love to have some online BFL buddies to stick with.

Cheers!!

Heather

Calories

Blink1974 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:12:18 GMT

Hello all. Although this is my first post, I'm in my 5th week of the challenge and I have already lost 10 lbs. and 3 in. around my waist. i was not obese to begin with. I'm doing this get my cholesterol and blood pressure and get in shape.

My question is in regards to calories. I've been doing the 6 meals a day and figure I'm lucky to get in 2000 calories. I'm a landscaper by trade, so I'm pretty active besides the workouts. I'm doing fine and hitting my protein goal, but 2000 seems low. Can I build muscle with that kind of calorie deficit?

Here is and example of my meal plan

breakfast: two pieces of dry whole wheat toast and 1 cup of egg substitute

Snack: 12 oz protein shake and apple

Lunch: 1/4lb of low sodium turkey on whole wheat bread with 1 tbs of fat free mayo and 12 baby carrots

Snack: Strawberry banana protein smoothie or Protein bar

Dinner: 6-8oz of lean meat, potato and green vegetable

Snack: 1/2 of cottage cheese and fruit or yogurt

SCARED!!!!

MissyMaddieMoo — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:20:57 GMT

I purchased the Body for Life book a few years ago,but after reading it decided it would be too much hard work and wouldnt fit in with my lifestyle. But after a few years of punishing myself (when I actually think im treating/rewarding myself) with food, becoming the largest I have ever been,squeezing myself into clothes that dont fit or wearing things my mum wears, I have returned back to the book.

I have been looking over the book for many weeks now, writing some meal ideas I like down,copying the planning sheets--but havent actually managed to get started.

I think its because im scared. Scared that, as per most things in my life, I wont stick to the program and feel like a failure; That I wont be able to make the 12 weeks; that life as a working mum will get in the way of planning,preparing and doing.

I want to change my body and how I feel-but dont feel strong enough :(

Help? Motivation?...Maybe just a rant?

shannongoestohollywood — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:47:06 GMT

Hello everyone :)

My name is Shannon. I started out my challenge at 183lbs. I'm finishing week 7 and have lost about 10lbs scale weight so far.

The last two to three weeks have been extremely difficult to say the least. Sorry for the long rant but I kind of just need to get it out of my system.

Week 4-5 (I started on a Wednesday so my timeline is a little weird) landed on finals week and even though I kept on track (for the most part), I was extremely busy, skipped a few meals and was unable to frequently log what I was eating.

This just poured into spring break (week 5-6) where I hardly logged what I was eating at all. My work outs were still Monday-Saturday but 4 days of cardio (around 30-45 mins per night) and two days of cross training. Spring break was extremely difficult. I went home and the only edible things we had were condiments, a chocolate cream pie, a strawberry short cake, chocolate chip cookies, marble pound cake, left over cake pops from Starbucks, ice cream, and 5 or so eggs. I, of course, had no money to get groceries so I lived off of the eggs and whatever my sister and boyfriend were nice enough to buy me (mostly flame broiler, subway, frozen grilled chicken, wheat bread, frozen fruits and brown rice).

I managed to avoid the diet-death-trap I walked into that week until Saturday afternoon when I came home to the same stuff mentioned above and more (despite my plead to my mother to help me out with this). My mom did buy me a few things I could eat but I gave up fighting it and took a free day and a half.

I went back to school Sunday evening and brought my boyfriend with me for the week. Part way through, I felt so overwhelmed with the restraints I had to put on where I could go and what I could eat (and therefore what he could eat with me) I completely broke down and almost gave up. I ended up allowing myself little cheats when I needed them (1tbsp Nutella with a few fat free pretzels on Tuesday, 100 calorie pack and pho Wednesday, a cake pop and 2 wantons yesterday).

I think I just need some help/motivation getting back on track and maybe reversing some damage I may have done. Any and all input is appreciated. :)

Third time lucky - This time I am going to do it.

RAF_Ric — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:54:51 GMT

Day 1

I have decided to start the challenge again as I have put alot of weight on and generally feel unhealthy.

I have tried this before, managed about 7 weeks before and was starting to see some great results, but moved home and found it very difficult to get to a gym afterwards, so gave up.

Now I started again and have several goals in place which will hopefully help me finish this time.

1 - Loseweight and get healthy again.

2 - Want to go on a holiday with girlfriend and not feel akward around the pool and beach

3 - Change career. Would like to get in to the fitness industry. When I left the RAF several years I was very fit but let myself go,

I have also just purchased a bycycle which I will use to get to the gym and back, so no excuse for not going.

So had the first day today and really enjoyed it, felt hard though and no doubt will be aching the next few days.

Thats all for now folks

My abyss - how do I make the "mental leap" to a healthier me?

ReaD2Rock — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:53:38 GMT

I've been a survivor for as long as I can remember. My mother's life as an addict left me vulnerable to a lot of terrible people and terrible circumstances. I made it out of that life, finished college, and am now married to a great guy with two amazing children. And I congratulated myself on my life.

But I ate my way into a wall of protection -- I know, so cliche. But also true. I am 5'4", and I topped out at 237 pounds. I'm down to 224, am at the gym daily, and am taking good care of myself. I decided to try BFL now because I have some momentum going and I want to take it to the next level. I want to feel healthy and competent and vibrant. In some ways I want this so I can be a good example for my children, but if I'm honest -- most days I just want it for myself. And wanting something for myself is a new development for me. I think it's a good thing.

My abyss is this -- I have this beautiful life, but I wake up some days convinced that I'm going to lose it all, that I don't deserve it, that my time in the gym is a waste because I am a waste. I know that for me, this journey requires that I change the way I feel about myself at a fundamental level. I need to see myself as someone new, someone with courage and love and strength who deserves the life she fought so hard for. Does anyone have advice for making the leap to a new mindset, some tips for jumping from old beliefs to new ones? I'm all ears! :)

Weight loss

toffeeman — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:30:58 GMT

At end of ninth week and I've lost over a stone. This plan works just stick to diet and get a fat loss supplement stack and it will work. Even after 12 weeks I'm going to continue with it.

BFLDIVAS2013 (Women starting around 1/1/13)

Balancingact2013 — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:15:28 GMT

Okay girls-

Here's an official thread! I'm so excited. It's day 3 for me and while I've seen little physical transformation since we just started, I just "feel" better! I have lost about 6 lbs. of water weight, but that doesn't surprise me since I came off of the holiday eating binge (with plenty of salt). I think I might go ahead and put the scale away for a while. I did the challenge about 10 years ago now, with great success, but I never once weighed myself, took a picture, or logged my food. I only measured my success with my clothing. This time, I do want to know how much I change and took my pictures, measurements, and weight on the first day.

How's it going for everybody else?

HELP ME PLEASE!

dwalto01 — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:34:27 GMT

I have been been doing nothing but laying in bed for the last 3 years because of a car wreck. My weight has sky rocketed and my muscle mass has been lost. 2 months ago I started at the gym and started eating right. At first I did 45 minutes of moderate cardio 4 - 5 days a week, and followed the points system from weight watchers. I didn't lose anything. So I read the transformation book, the body for life book and the champion body for life book and started on the Body for Life plan. I am on day 11 and the scale has not moved. I am reaching my high points 90% of the time. I don't know what I am doing wrong!

Traveling & Spring Break...Worried!

maemouse882 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:16:01 GMT

So I'm going on Spring Break from college, going back home, and on top of it all, I'm flying to another state for 5 days to look at apartments for grad school (wohooo!)

I'm just concerned that I'm going to flounder! Home has been the hardest to eat healthy at...but here's my plan so far:

1. Go grocery shopping! Get the thins I need to keep myself on track, including things for the plan (also go grocery shopping once I'm on my trip again)

2. Go to the local gym! I've never been, but day passes couldn't hurt? I'll improvise (I made sure to book a hotel with a gym in it, so they better have the free weights and a treadmill!)

Any other suggestions? I'm so nervous that I'm going to get completely thrown off. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

On week 3 but have been ill for last 2 weeks do i restart???

JENKOS38 — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:54:07 GMT

Im coming up to the end of Week 3 but for the last two weeks i have been unable to train properly!!

Is it best to restart the challenge or continue as i am???

Week 1 was great and i loss 6lbs but i have slowly put this back on due to non exercise.

What do you think???

All help appreciated

Thank you

Steve.J 38 Bristol UK

Starting Today. Suffering from Arthritis

Erwin — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:36:58 GMT

Hello all,

Starting today...on the way to the gym. Suffering from arthritis, but hopefully my new life will ease the pain that I suffer daily. Could use all the support on this quest.

If anyone else has this condition please provide some help on how to deal with pain while on the quest.

Had to sleep off my cravings

IntrinsicMotivation — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:36:18 GMT

Facing day 11 and doing really well. I have been going by the book, and have not been derailed. Yesterday I was starving, and ate my meals withing 2hrs of each other up until 6pm. Then meal 6 was done. I have been stressed, depressed, and would normally engage in impulse eating, and a sugar feast, but I did not. Instead, I layed my head down on a pillow and slept. Does anyone else feel like ***? I think I am really missing a support team. Doing this alone kind of sucks.

Does this mean I have crossed the abyss?

Rlbsmith — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:35:28 GMT

My name is rlbsmith. I am 36 years old. I am starting tomorrow, March 12, 2013. I would love to hear from anyone else with the same start date!

I plan to use this thread as my BFL journal/blog.

I am really disgusted with myself for allowing myself to get this way. I am now heavier than I ever have been in my whole life, including throughout my three pregnancies. There are so many things I want to say and want to write but today I'm not going to dwell on them. I have been preparing to start for 4 days; gathering my BFL book, workout journal (that still has notes from my last challenge - 2003!! 10 years ago!). I don't have a lot of room to work out but I have a rowing maching for cardio and a TRX for strength training. Tomorrow's LBWO will be the first time I will have the TRX out of the package so the workout will take a little longer and will be a bit of a learning curve. I also have a really excellent set of free weights and a bench but no room to set them up.

I have a few excuses already lined up as to why I can't start tomorrow. 1. I don't know how to set up and use the TRX. 2. I haven't taken my before photos and measurements. 3. I haven't planned my meals and shakes. All just EXCUSES! I am starting tomorrow and I will learn TRX as I go. I will take photos and measurements this afternoon. I will do this. I want to be healthy. I want to feel better. I want to look better.

My husband is doing this challenge with me but he is an extremely private person and wouldn't appreciate my rambling on like this. So I look to the BFL community for companionship. I would love to hear from you and look forward to chatting with you.

Tomorrow I will write about how I am going to make this BFL challenge a game of numbers.

Day -1.

Exercise is the fun part

IntrinsicMotivation — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:56:59 GMT

Hello BFLer's! I started my 1st challenge yesterday 3/1713, and it was rough. I have no support at home, or at work. It seems like I'm surrounded by people who laugh at the notion of becoming a "healthier me," and there's a part of me that wishes I could go into hiding for these next 12 weeks until I get my cravings under control. Exercising has always been easy for me, I get up everyday and hit the gym, but my diet is HORRIBLE!

I want to lose 30-35lbs, but mostly focused on wanting to complete an Iron Man and having a SLAMMING body at the finish line.

Anyone else feel alone on this journey?

Anything is easy if you don't let the outside clutter your mind right?

LegalMomx3 — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:36:23 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have begun my challenge March 9th, 2013. I am 30 yr old female in Mooresville, North Carolina. I have given birth to 3 boys 3,6, and 9. I am at a reasonable weight but I still don't like how I look in the mirror. I am anemic so those old fashioned *"D" words were not right for me. I choose not to use the "D" word because those are meant as temporary band aids and people always come off of them and cheat and yada yada, I prefer to call it a "Change in Lifestyle". I am a full time mom, full time law student, and work full time but I am determined to using my foods for my energy and my workouts to really give me my energy boost. I get an energy high after I workout. I enjoy running in the Spring and usually do a 2 1/2 mi run at a local park, I like the scenery. My fiance has a strong fitness history with fitness and weight training and hardcore athletics so I am in hopes we can keep each other motivated through this challenge. He has elected to take the challenge also and get back his jock bod.

My hardest give up that I thought I was going to have was my coffee and my green tea. I LOVE my coffee, it's like my comfort food but I have been told that with this challenge I cannot have caffeine. It's not been too terrible so far and ive gone from 3 normal cups of coffee to 1-2 cups of decaf as my morning drink and just something to wind down after supper. The easiest part of this challenge for me is I am a snacker not much of a large meal person. I don't mean I pig out on fatty snacks but like a healthy snacker and pick at foods such as on almonds, or pistachios, things like that mainly protein based. My other dilemma is I like to drink liquids much more than I do snacking.

I can honestly say I grew up as an obese child and had weight problems all my life till I found a stable weight 5 years ago I never thought possible, I am really excited to take it even farther now and actually tone it all up and reach a new goal weight.

* "D" Word= Diet

work full time but I am

Starting WEEK #4 of BFL....seeking advice on cravings and food prep?

karensgreatbody — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:48:30 GMT

Wondering if anyone is interested in sharing food prep ideas? Also I'm still having some trouble with my darned food cravings..any advice?

thx karh

BFL Buddy App

LegalMomx3 — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:43:05 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am quite a techy person but I am having a lot of trouble with the app as far as being able to edit information and even adding photos. Is anyone else having this problem?

Healthy Vision + picture

LiL Caity — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:47:19 GMT

Once I crossed the abyss, I wanted to submerge myself in this whole thing and "do more" after I had already done the workout, prepared my meals for the day, recorded everything in the worksheets....and times like that are good for things like making a vision board. there is lots of additional advice people give about their success, and vision boards or posting your before pic on the fridge are ones I hear often. It works for many people, but not me. I have never seen a muscle in my abdomen, or been able to feel one with my hand. The closest this I've been to skinny is going from "a larger pear shape to a smaller pear shape". I believed for a long time that it was not possible for my body to be that way. When I saw fitness models and body types like that, I felt instant sickening shame and despair. I was really sick with an eating disorder, where at times I never ate by abusing amphetamine. I was down to 155- that was the skinniest I could ever get to at 5'10" and starving myself but still I had no muscle tone and felt fat(and sick and like I was going to drop dead randomly). I cut out pix from shape magazine and made things like a vision board to try and motivate self, but all I ever felt was shame. My parents also did a lot of shaming, trying to motivate me.

I would never post my before picture on the fridge and shame myself into healthy living. I tried to exude confidence in some of my b4 pix and wore a bathing suit so I would have some that I didn't feel bad looking at everyday. I put it in my notebook of daily worksheets and wrote my goals on it so I could look at it everyday and not feel so awful about myself. The pic on the fridge thing works for some, but my guess is they probably don't feel life-ruining shame, maybe they were actually fit before and know it is possible. Somewhere along my life journey I decided to fix my insides and eat normal so my metabolism would regulate, knowing I would gain insane weight, because I stopped hating my body appearance. I started loving myself from the inside out. I didn't stand in the mirror and lie to myself, saying out loud "I am skinny I am beautiful". I ate normal to regulate my metabolism because then I could achieve sound nutrition and therefore be physically capable of exercise. When I got super heavy in the process, I told myself it wouldn't last forever if I take those steps. I never want to be in that place again. There is a difference between knowing your body fat is unhealthy and actually hating your own self like an enemy.

I didn't want to do the vision board with magazine models because I have such unhealthy experience doing that with my past/eating disorder (plus those pix are all photo shopped and made to look unrealistically amazing to make you want to buy products). My goals today are to feel as healthy as I look....and I want to look good. I wanted to draw what I think my body is capable of in 12 weeks, if I continue the challenge 100% by the book all 84 days. I am an artist so I decided to do a vision drawing. I posed for a picture and drew the outline, and with my figure and anatomy drawing experience I was able to construct a fitter version of myself. I really like it! I was thinking there must be others who have felt this way, where you don't know what skinny feels like and feel deep debilitating shame when you look at models and see pix of yourself. So if you are at the point where you would be ready to make on of those boards but you feel it would be more hurtful than helpful, I can do a drawing for you if you send me a picture. Art has been my thing forever and I didn't think I would find many ways to involve it with my challenge. But then I thought of this and how absolutely painful it was to see a vision of people who weren't me, with something I never really believed I could have. Not everyone can make a drawing like that so if I could use my gift to ease that pain in someone else, that's what I want to do. My email is caitlinrice413@gmail.com if you send me a pic, its best if there is some dramatic lighting so I can see where your muscles and joints are like in my picture, also with a pic of your ideal 12 shape. I can email you a picture of the drawing so you can print it out and use it in your vision board. I won't show anybody the pictures, I will just delete them right after and file the drawing with my other practice figure drawings.

"vision drawing"

My 12 week vision of after looks like other people's before, but like I said the goal is to be as healthy as I look.

Any airline pilots out there?

Living life — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:43:45 GMT

My husband would like to try BFL (he has seen my success with it over the years) but he and I are not sure about his chances for success because of his schedule. If you're a pilot, you know that often times you are in an airport for many hours with no access to exercise facilities, and in hotels only long enough to sleep before your next report time. And how do you pack and eat your meals every couple of hours? I've read many of the posts from people who travel, but being a pilot is different than a business traveler. Any pilot-specific help you can provide would truly be appreciated!

Restart in the morning

Divadolls — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 02:04:17 GMT

Hi I'M GINA

I m back at it. I'm 46 and have 50 lbs to get rid of. I would love meal advice from those females that have done it.

Thanks

Gina

Days like today

jrmcnaircpt — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:09:57 GMT

Didn't want to get up, the scale and mirror were equally demotivating this morning (even in week 10). I managed to get to the gym (even though I was late) and fight through a good LBWO. But, getting a chance to read through the forum this morning provided that boost I've needed today.

Thanks guys!

Day 4 and I'm sore! 1st post

LiL Caity — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:44:20 GMT

Hey everyone! I just made an account last night and this is my first post. I'm still figuring out how to add info to my profile and stuff. I created a new challenge and I'm only in the first week so there wasn't a whole lot to put in it. Anyway, I have the body for life book 1st edition from 1999, my parents gave it to me years ago. I've had it for a long time but I was never healthy enough to really start the challenge until now. I am SO appreciative of my body, even though its really out of shape, I have a lot of body fat and I'm at the age where my muscle has started to degenerate. I tried to stay slim in the worst ways possible and it was so hard, now this feels so good and easy in comparison (keywords IN COMPARISON lol). I'm just so glad I can do the fitness. Its amazing how the diet really works the way it says in the book. I really feel better and stronger and able to do stuff when I eat the protein like it says.

I am 5 10' and I weigh well over 200lbs. I'll find out what I weigh when I go to the doctor today. I don't own a scale cuz I used to weigh myself obsessively and it ruined me mentally.Today I am so insanely sore from doing the lower body that I don't think I can do the aerobic until later. I've done the workout fasted every day so far, I'm afraid I will blow it if I do it differently. But I honestly don't think my legs are ready this morning. Alieve is my BFF this week. My muscles are so weak that its hard to even support my body weight, so the dumbbells I use are within the 5-12 pound range. But my quads are just ruined this morning. I noticed that about an hour after the first meal I feel way better emotionally and physically. Yesterday I woke up sore and almost said screw the whole thing. I was so grumpy. But I made it, did the workout fasted and ate according to the plan. Then an hour after my first meal I didn't feel grumpy or as sore. I had more carbs than I was supposed to by like 3 portions but I had enough protein. I am really trying to adjust with the carbs. My diet before was like nothing but white rice, hot sauce, beans bread and butter. omg right? I didn't even know how to cook chicken.

My husband has been very supportive. He helps me a lot. He doesn't bring junk food home and has helped me learn to cook different meat. Also he has absolutely never shamed me for my past ways of living and never says hurtful things about my body in effort to "motivate" me. He's always said he wants me to be healthy and happy. My family was very critical of my body and lifestyle and it only made me hate myself and feel shame. I would encourage anyone dealing with that to kindly tell them that shame and criticism of your body does not help. Thats what I had to do and its taken about 2 years to silence their voice that echoed criticism in my mind. I realize now that they just wanted to help because it feels so much better to live healthy like they do. My brother is a pro athlete and going into upper grad for health and fitness. My parents are nurses and workout regularly and eat very healthy food. I have support at home with my husband, but I have moments where I really want to be part of a community who is also doing this. Sometimes I need a helping hand, and often I feel so good about this that I want to share it with others.

Anxiety!!! Huge Changes on the Horizon :)

MK-WILDCHERRY — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:55:13 GMT

Gaaahhh!!! I have been trying to figure out for over an hour why my anxiety is THROUGH THE ROOF today. I finally realized that as our start date approaches (December 31st), I am realizing that there is no looking back from where I am now. Body for Life is the only option to help me live the lifestyle I desire and to reach my physical and mental goals.

I have started and stopped about a million challenges in the past but this time is different. I feel it, it's just below the surface. Big changes are coming down and I have to wrap my mind around letting go of the old habits and behaviors that I used to protect my feelings and emotions.

We are stocked and ready to roll now, just need to take photos and measurements. I have never felt so determined to complete a challenge in my life as I am at this time. Why do we humans tend to hang on to what we find familiar and safe when we know in our hearts that what is coming up will be so much better?

I sort of think of it like this....I know that when I pass from this world that I want to go to Heaven with all of my heart. However, the dying process is terrifying. As scary as it seems...the old me has to pass away before the new me can emerge and flourish. Ahhhh, I feel better now.

Listen up, Old Me....there's a NEW sheriff in town, Baby! Packs your bags and don't forget ANYTHING...you won't be coming back.

In Light and Love,

MaryKate

2nd time BFL. Feeling depressed.

babs983 — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:16:47 GMT

Last summer my husband and I both did the BFL program but didnt finish the full 12 weeks. however we did learn allot of valuable lessons during the time. between the book body for life and eating for life we learned about the food and the program. We didnt miss a beat last time as far as following the program, we just didnt finish. This time things are going good also. were on day 8 now, yesterday (sunday) was our free day. But something has been hindering me and its all my husband can do to keep me going. For some reason while on the BFL program I feel depressed. Last fall as we slowly stopped working out and eating right the depression faded away. Now that were back at it the depression is starting to kick in again, all I want to do is sleep. I'm eating right, doing my cardio doing my workouts. What is wrong with me? I've feel like ive already detoxed my body so it cant be that. Why would this be happening? It's extremely difficult for me to find motivation when feeling like this. My husband keeps telling me to move forward, hes really supportive but I don't know if I can do this. Anyone else out there have similar issues?

Starting 2/11/13! This is it, I've had it with feeling guilty, fat & need this change...

BobbiSue — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:02:04 GMT

Now, I'm not terribly overweight but I am on the shorter side at 5' 2" and getting older. Every 5 lbs. can feel like a different clothing size when you're "vertically challenged"! As of today I weigh 124 lbs. and I'm sick of it! I've spent the last 4 hours putting together a 3 ring binder to organize my work outs and I've planned this week's work outs all ahead of time so I have no excuse. I've noticed in the last year some fat starting to stick to my belly which is usually flat, my energy levels decreasing and my eating habits getting worse as I've changed jobs and am on the road more. I am going to do something about this now before one day waking up and looking at my body and thinking "what the heck happened"! Wish me luck, tomorrow is day one - I know I am going to hate that early AM wake up alarm but I have to do this.... I created a weekly "visual" progress sheet so I am going to take photos every week. The photo today made me sick so I'll think of that tomorrow AM :) Good luck to everyone else, we're worth it!!

Chubmom crossing the abyss...

chubmom72 — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:46:34 GMT

Officially spent my last day of ever being herding in like cattle to a public weigh in at Weight Watchers AGAIN!!!! Can I get an AMEN!!..I cannot believe I paid so much money to them for so long with NOOOOO results and just more food addictions coming out of it than going into it......actually have spent the last 10 years..oooo it hurts to write that number...10 FLIPPIN years living in denial and reaching for every quick fix I could find. After my 3rd child was born 11 years ago I lived BFL, Bill and me were on 1st name basis. I ate and breathed BFL and my husband and I were in awesome shape and then I just let it slip away after my 4th pregnancy and I have now been sitting with 25lbs extra for such a long time I can't even really believe that it's possible to look any different. I would say the biggest thing bringing me back here, are the moods. The FOOD MOODS, they are a son of a beotch on you. The up and the downs of raised sugar levels just takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and I'm sick of it. I just want to feel healthy first and lean second. I'm not interested in the MILF factor, I want the WOW factor...WOW you must workout, WOW your skin is glowing, WOW that's a healthy looking woman!!!! So I'm back and this time I am not going to waste my entire 40's on anything but health and good food. Hoping it's not too old school but today is CH 1 DAY 1 and this chubmom is taking off the chubby!!!!

Entering 6 week - looking for a boost!

TonyJ — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:45:11 GMT

So, I started off great, lost about 8 pounds in four weeks. But then in the last week and a half have gained two back. I'm also doing good about the meal plan, mostly. Struggle with drinking lots of water and have a cocktail (with no carbs or sugar) from time to time. My meal portions might be a bit too big at times - especially dinner.

Working out has been good, I can feel myself getting stronger and having more stamina for the cardio - even if my body looks pretty much the same.

Overall, I'm interested in hearing some ideas about how to kick things up a notch so I get the same feelings of success I had early on and do not get discouraged.

Any suggestions?

EAS Whey vs. Myoplex

smswise — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:35:44 GMT

I'm starting my first BFL Challenge next week and getting all my ducks in a row... I ordered the EAS 100% Whey Protein on Amazon, but just read in a blog that it's not the same as Myoplex and also requires a Carb portion at every meal. Does anyone know if this is definitely true? I don't want to over or undereat. It's the first time in my research that I saw that, so I'm not sure.

Thanks!

Started 2/11/13...Crossing, with hesitations

maemouse882 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:26:21 GMT

Hello all!
So I started 2/11/13 with the help of my psychologist (who showed me BFL, and had completed it himself). I've read the book, and I've completed one week! Hurray!

I am excited, truly, I am. I've hated the way I've looked for as long as I can remember, and though I'm only 22, I know that I need to change, both psychologically and physically.

I'm doing the exercises, I'm following the nutrition element (first week required much tweaking but that's how things go at the beginning of everything), but I'm still very scared that this isn't going to work. That I'm not going to look as awesome as the other people do that finish BFL.

It was recommended to me to only weigh/measure myself once a month...but I'm aching to know. Is it working?

How did you all cross this hurdle? When did you really start to notice change? I got so much motivation...and so much fear.
thanks :)

Sick week, back one week.

padresurfing — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:05:48 GMT

I got sick in week 5 and miss three workouts so I went back one week and start over. Is that ok? It feels right. What do you think? Now I am in week 6 and I suppose to be in week 7.

Week 5

padresurfing — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:07:15 GMT

I done 4 weeks and I haven't seen a lot of change, but people who knows me they notice some change. I have increase amount of eating because I was loosing unsted of gaining some muscles. Is it like this allways? Unsted of 1 dl brown rice I eat 2 and double protein. I keep the 6 meals a day and try to change the exercises every week so I do not put the muscle into something muscle learn and stop growing. Am I doing it rigth? Feels like it is ok. I go back to the book everytime but it is difficult to don't think to much. Feels good then is good.

Determined to make a change

SicuSarah — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:36:25 GMT

I just recently discovered BFL and am finding it very intriguing. I have gained 30 pounds these past two years, lost 10 and am stuck. I lost control of my body and my eating habits. I feel so uncomfortable the way my body is. I desire to be physically fit and am determined to be wearing a bikini come this summer!

I currenty weigh 150 pounds and i want to lose 20. I want to be toned all over and just fit and healthy. I am prepared to start on 12/31 and will be doing all my workouts in my basement at home first thing in am,before kids wake up. I am a single mom of three kids and i work full time as a nurse in the ICU. I am very busy but do not want that to deter me.

I want my body back. I want my life back. I am tired of being tired and irritable. I want to have control over my body and food. This challenge is going to be hard for me..i have never been one to lift weights. However, i am ready to accept this challenge, push myself, and am excited to see the results.

Would anyone like to join me on this challenge? It is always more fun to accomplish goals with someone.

Sarah

My best-kept secret to real change on BFL...

TomAeiou — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 03:53:22 GMT

Sleep. I'm 47 year old male. I've never slept correctly in life. But when I stared BFL on Dec. 31, 2012, I knew I would need to commit to 6 straight days of workout with alternating upper body, lower body & cardio too. I've even added one round of "Tadata" to my cardio days.

But, the best thing I've done as part of change is ensure I get the needed 7.5-8 hours sleep per night plus stretch before & after workouts & drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day (thank God for Crystal Light). But I can do none of this right without my sleep.

In fact, it's time to say goodnight now.

Sickness

padresurfing — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:41:54 GMT

What happen if you get sick? I mean if you get a cold or something during the period. I am in my 5 week and I have a gentle cold symptoms. Shall I stop training? The book doesn't answer that question.

Before and afterwards

toffeeman — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:26:29 GMT

Just been reading some of the so called success stories on the site. They tell their life story but don't mention diet or training they done. Still makes me very sceptical.

minor stumbling block

Gillebre — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 13:48:11 GMT

I just joined, and this is the end of my second week on the program.

Last night I awoke with to a massive spasm in one of my calves that lasted for minutes. Today is set aside for my twenty minutes of cardio, but I now walk with a limp, temporarily. lol.

i'm quite sure there's no way I'll be able to do the 20 minute workout like this. my question is: while this is healing, what do I do for eating?

I've always been under the impression that you do the eating-for-life thing to supply your body with all the right stuff it needs so that the training-for-life exercise program works properly. since I am unable to exercise today, what should I do about the eating?

thanks...

STARTING CHALLENGE IN JAN...would like to start a womens support group for the challenge in Costa Mesa

gmama — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:42:57 GMT

Hi I am starting the challenge in Jan and would like to meet some women who would like to start with me and create a support group. I am new to CA and will be in Costa Mesa...hit me up if you want to start the 12 week challenge:)))

Protein Bars...Only EAS?

chadw1275 — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:38:09 GMT

Those of you that have done this which protein bars to you eat? Do you need to stick with the EAS bars? Thanks for the feedback.

Bodyforlife-tracker

Bodyforlife-tracker — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:53:06 GMT

Hello-

Have any of you been on or used the bodyforlife-tracker.com site?

When did you see your first results?

padresurfing — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:03:42 GMT

After 2 or 3 weeks?

Day 61

Wine girl — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 03:03:01 GMT

I am getting a little crazy. I have not misses a workout since I started the challenge. I have three weeks left to finish the first of many challenges. I am encouraged by my clothes and how they are fitting. I was wondering if anyone in there 50's female had found the fat a little resistant.

If you want to get lean is the same diet and exercise plan or another? Is the program the one for everybody? Lost fat or gain muscle?

padresurfing — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:06:09 GMT

Is the program the one for everybody? Lost fat or gain muscle?

My Inspirational Mantra to all of you

Thomm — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:39:57 GMT

Something I felt inspired to write after coming back from my workout....

Right now I feel my muscles repairing themselves, growing stronger, having overcome resistance and flab melting away into the abyss. Through directed meditation, I see myself with the body I yearn to have. Trim, muscular, with perfect posture, balanced, and powerful. Having a beautiful body, lean and strong, feels so good!

We are the modern day conquerors... Conquering fear, doubt and apathy.

Someone, somewhere, thought about working out today but didn't. But not us. Every day, with every work out, every rep, every thought, every intention we grow stronger, more powerful, more capable, more directed.

As I view myself in the future I am creating right now, its exciting to see the perfect body in that mirror looking back at me, while each day I step closer to that reality.

To each of my sweating brothers and sisters out there, each thought brings us closer to our goal.

May your journey be as rewarding as reaching your destination!

Tom Grace

What it takes to do BFL... to all who need help

SorayaRosaria — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:27:13 GMT

So, you have made your mind to change your lifestyle. Good choice! But who said the road was going to be easy? If everything in life was easy we would never feel the sense of accomplishment. We would never feel like conquerers. Think about it. You would never grow past your comfort zone. The EASY part is getting started. But too many throw in the towel after week one or two. But it is not just because this program is hard. I am writing with much affection towards any who need motivation to keep going.

I especially want to encourage our friends going through Challenge 1. Ask yourself WHY you are doing this. Hopefully you are sick and tired of where you are. Because if you aren't sick and tired enough, this will be too hard to do. Put the two on a scale: Your current situation (maybe poor health, maybe unfit, maybe weight gain) and on the other side the discipline it takes to change your lifestyle. Which weighs heavier to you that you can not bear it any longer? Hopefully it is harder to stay where you are at. Because if you are still content with where you are at physically, this program WILL be too hard to bear any longer. Yes, it is hard to change the way we eat and hard to work out and hard to be disciplined. But like a friend put it: "What is the alternative"? Continue with heart problems? Continue to be tired and unfit? Continue to be going up in weight? But I noticed from experience in my career in sales that most people want to start this new career because they want the outcome! They heard about the great results and read other people's success stories and they want it! But they expected it to be easy. When they hit a bump in the road, they give up. Ask yourself, are you a quitter? NO, you are NOT! You may have given up on other things before in life. You may have set New Year resolutions every year and forgot about them the second week of January. But today you can change your MINDSET. This IS about mindset. And we have to put aside the quitter mindset.

This is about attitude. It is about a "never give up" attitude. It's about having a positive attitude. It's takes discipline. It's takes digging deep to bring out something you didn't know was inside of you. It's about climbing. It's about conquering the difficulties that have kept you down. You can't do this without accountability. You also need an extra dose of "being mad at...." (fill in the blanks, but not mad at someone else. I mean a circumstance). It takes determination! It takes competing with your own best record. Maybe I am competitive anyway, but in competition we have to be able to compete with ourselves. Beat our best continually otherwise there is NO growth. Who cares where others are at. Good for them, but where are we at? Are we growing? So, anyway... I felt like preaching and hugging on some today. It's not about screaming "lets do thiiiiis" or "I decided to start todaaaaaaay" etc. Rather, scream all the way to the gym and actually GET IT DONE! I have some friends including me that have had set backs during C1. Either little results or injuries or other difficulties. BUT THEY DID IT ANYWAY and have moved on to Challenge 2, 3, 4. And so can YOU! Get the attitude together and kick some rear today!

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us - Efe 4:13. We are more then conquerors through Him who loved us - Rom 8:37 Feel the loving hug.

ps. if you had a setback and continued anyway... please encourage others here.

Second week

padresurfing — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 19:45:38 GMT

My second week! Wow this is hard! But I am keeping my mind focus on 12 weeks, 11 to go! One question only. Do we have to eat breakfast and then exercise or not? I don't mean when we are doing aerobic or running the 20 mins. Do we?

Thanks!

Calories Burned?

Grzy Grz — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:35:22 GMT

Without trying to recreate the wheel. Has anyone determined approximately how many calories the average male buns during each workout of Body for Life? I am looking for the upper body weight workout, lower body weight workout and the 20 minute treadmill run. Thanks!

Starting first challenge 1-7-13

Salad4Supper — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:08:15 GMT

Hey all,

I'll be starting my first BFL challenge on 1-7. I'm looking for anyone else who might be doing the same, to form support group, etc. Good luck to everyone else!

How did everyone make out over the holidays?

ElleBlue — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:48:44 GMT

Hi everyone.Wondering how everyone made out during the holidays with the program. If you gained nairy a pound, good for you! If you're like most of us, you might have a tale of woe.

I did the BFL challenge over the summer and lost 35 lbs and made great progress in the gym. Between Thanksgiving and New Year, I was very sporadic in my workouts and had some very bad meals. There were holiday lunches and holiday dinners, holiday parties and get-togethers for those going out of state. There was even an apocalypse party. I'm kinda glad I don't have to worry about any parties until the Superbowl.

Over the holidays I gained back 12lbs. Not too happy about it, but I'm ready to get right back on the program and lose the 12 lbs plus 25 more lbs. That will put me at 120 lbs, where I usually look and feel my best. Yeah I bounced between 110 and 120 lbs most of my adult life without any problem. Then I turned 40 and my metabolism slowed. I'll be on this board periodically encouraging others and getting encouraged. Glad this board is here.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

BDMom — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 20:32:51 GMT

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!

I am so glad I discovered Body for Life nearly 2 1/2 years ago!! It definately taught me about clean eating and structured workouts. Even though I don't follow BFL to the letter anymore, I think it is a wonderful program. I hope all of you that are starting a new challenge this year have great success!! Remember not to be too hard on yourselves, but to push beyond what you think you are capable of, and remember that the kitchen will be your best friend or biggest downfall; make sure to keep those foods clean!!

And to all the "oldies" on here. Thanks for all of your encouragement & support & friendship!!!

May 2013 be a blessed year for us all!!

I feel exhausted

Swgirl — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:29:20 GMT

Hi all,

I recently started body for life on 1 oct but I feel exhausted . It's more than just tired, I feel awful. I don't want to quit but hate feeling this way. Anyone else felt like this?is it normal?

Thank you,

Listen to your Body? This time, I answered it!

rwhprism — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:48:54 GMT

I read this book last week at a bookstore and I know I should start on a Monday but I couldn't wait. I had 2 weeks vacation and was determined to start a change. I wanted to transform back to who I was, not just a "smaller pear" shape.

When I looked at the Aerobics I thought - you're joking-right? That's not enough. As I'm trying it Bill's way, I can honestly say that if you push to level 9 and 10, you won't be able to go longer. I've been trained to believe in the 2-3 hour workout but to pace yourself. This is shorter for a reason. Its hard .

A few years ago my son (who is a great guy) wanted to teach me snowboarding. I tried to keep up with him but I fell and broke my wrist 2nd time downhill. He said " you ok Dad? - are you having fun? " " oh yeah I'm fine", I told him, not wanting to disappoint him. Each time I fell thereafter I fell on the other side because my hand hurt. Eventually I dislocated the other shoulder and told him I thought I'd had enough. It took a long time to recover.

The doctor told me, "listen to your body" . Each time I tried to exercise, My body would tell me to stop. I became like Porter described. Like I was stuck inside a body I didn't recognize and could use. When I started this program I have had several times, when my body said, "listen to me" and this time In answered it !

"NO - YOU LISTEN TO ME THIS TIME ! This is a transformation. You aren't broken, you are out of shape. I'm stressing you by design. It will hurt a bit but we are going to be better in every way for doing it ! So Quit complaining because I'm not stopping!

After 7 days I've found I had to tell my wife and kids something similar a few times. They had become accustomed to me doing what they want when they want. I had to tell friends at holiday parties that I really don't want the beer , steak or dinner you made because its not Sunday. No offense and I don't want to hurt your feelings, I just have this solid goal and nothings going to stop me. You have to answer everyone who wants you to stop for whatever reason with a firm NO !

I'm hopeful that everyone will understand after 13 weeks, but even if they don't I know my own body will saying thank you.

Seriously need to lose fat

Xena123 — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:10:06 GMT

I am about to start the BFL challenge, here in the UK. I've been warming up this week by doing 2 sessions of weights and one of cardio. I'm starting because I stood on the scales to motivate my self for weight loss and found myself matching the weight I guessed I was but the analyser part frightened me. 51.1% body fat! Has anyone else started so high? I don't expect to burn fat faster but will this affect muscle building or my liver? The liver has so many functions, one of which deals with the elimination of fat, I don't want to overload it. To assist in any advice giving, I'm female, over 30 and only have dumbells, no bench , a pair of trainers and an exercise bike. And weigh 97kg.

Supplements? Legal ...or not

LinseyDS — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:49:15 GMT

Is anyone taking supplements with the program? I look at the before & after photos of some of those people and I can't help but wonder if some of them are on the juice. As a female, I don't want to be a bodybuilder, but I'm not afraid of building muscle, and I know that muscle is required for fat loss.

If anyone else is using something that is HELPING, please let me know.

Why did you choose BFL as opposed to other programs??

StephanieMills — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:41:30 GMT

I have started many BFL challenges and only completed 1 with great results.

Is anyone trying to gain weight?

North344 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:20:39 GMT

I'm 39 years old and have always been on the thin side. i'm currently at 5'9 and around 158 lbs. i'm trying to gain about 12lbs of muscle and weigh a lean 170. I've always had trouble putting on weight even when I was lifting weights at a young age. Does anyone have any suggestions while following the BFL plan?

Hammered out my cardio this morning!

sk1771 — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:40:48 GMT

Day #2 and my first session of HIIT! I surprised myself...I didn't know what to expect (I was worried about going crazy sprinting on a treadmill in spandex with all the guys on the bikes behind me looking at my large ass booming down the lane)...but shiiiit, I got off, caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I looked like a crazy lady. The first time in my life I have ever seen my chest glistening with sweat form a cardio workout.

YEAAAAH baby YEEEAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! No stopping me now!

Plateaud!!! Now what?

miwife33 — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 21:41:28 GMT

I am in week 8 and things have been going great. However, the past few weeks I haven't noticed much of a change...same weight, same size. My waist is a bit smaller but nothing is happening with my abs and thighs and as a woman, well, that's where I need it! I could go down a size in my waist but not my thighs. I have changed my work-outs every 4-5 weeks and I am drinking lots of water. My diet has been really good but I did have one week where it 3 days of that week I fell off the wagon, just slightly (one bowl of ice cream, one soda, and some chips). I drink one protein shake a day, take Betagen twice a day, and try to eat about 120-125 grams of protein. I'm 5'7" and have been hovering around 150 pounds and my BMI is also hovering around 24.

So, any suggestions for work-outs or meals? Or just any advice period. I don't feel unmotivated necessarily but definitely need something to pump me up.

Anything is helpful!!

Thank you!

Motivation

Josh V — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:20:12 GMT

Well one of the main reasons I really started doing the BFL has come and gone at the end of my 5th week. I have noticed that today I am feeling less motivated in the gym and with my eating. What is something I can do to help with this and make sure I stay on track?

The time is here

vickiege — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:49:27 GMT

Hi all! After many years of pseudo starting and quitting within the first week, I'm at an all time high in weight. Granted I had a baby at the end of June and my friends/family like to say "but you just had a baby", but as a friend of mine so eloquently put it, "I wanna look like I've never housed a child" HAHA. So, after many failed diets in the past 3 months my husband (a naturally fit man who hasn't seen the inside of a gym since 2009 and still has a 6-pack) has agreed to take all his junk food out of the house and to eat what I eat when we dine together.
I am optimistic that this is the time that will stick. It has to, I have a PT test (Air Force) coming up in December/January and I refuse to score poorly simply due to my enormous waist size. So...let's get this party started!!!!

Ready to Drink shakes

vhawk — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:51:57 GMT

Hello - I am new with this on line community thing and hoping it will motivate me. My grocery store sells the ready to drink carb control Advantage (17 g protein) I am drinking these 2 times per day. I am only on day 3. I want to make sure that these are ok or are there better ones from EAS out there.

Calorie Burn

Gathering moss — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:54:37 GMT

I'm interested in knowing about how many calories get burned (a) during weight training sessions, (b) during cardio sessions (not sure I really trust what the machines tell me), and (c) for the period after your cardio session, the Cardio Burn period.

Anybody?

C2-Feeling Good

Aurosramos — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 07:49:17 GMT

DAY 4 Challenge2- Had a good day on the treadmill today. Will now update progress weekly. this time more determined than the last.

That's it.

DevilDog — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:39:52 GMT

I've had this book for a long time, and today I have passed my breaking point of unhappiness with my body and mind.

I used to be in great shape. Marine Corps body and sharp as a blade.

Now I'm extremely overweight and having blood pressure and back problems, all due to being fat, eating lousy, and leading a generally lethargic lifestyle.

I've recently become engaged, and she deserves better.

I've also started a new job, and I notice my lazy lifestyle creeping into my workplace. This is not my style.

I've lately been feeling like my brain is only operating at about 70% of its capabilities. I blame this too, on the aforementioned habits and traits, and my new employer deserves better as well.

And the kicker of it all, is my self-esteem and general self-worth. They're below my floor paneling, and I deserve better.

I accept the challenge.

Plantar fascia

PaulE — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:33 GMT

I suffer with plantar fascia.

I want to do this BFL Challenge and I want to lose weight and inches and be able to do the things that eccessive weight have been preventing me from doing. But I am afraid that I will not be able to perform the cardio every other day. Somedays the plantar fascia does not bother too bad, other days, I can hardly stand.

Walking, running, aerobics and other activities to get the heart rate up seem to all require lots of time on my sore feet.

Can anyone help me with a plan and suggestions to get me started?

Thank you

Not hungry: do I still eat my little meal/snack?

JD17 — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:19:09 GMT

I haven't been hungry last 2 days, even though doing workouts completely. Do I still need to eat all six meals?

How to calculate protein intake for individual needs?

Tamara40 — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:38:22 GMT

Hi everyone! I am somewhat confused as to how a person would calculate their required daily protein needs. I suppose it depends whether you want to lose weight, lean and tone or get lean and strong, etc? I myself fall into the category of lean and strong as I am looking to lose about 17 pounds of fat, tone the muscle I have, but also wish to gain an additional 5-10 pounds of muscle, mostly in my arms and back. I have large muscles in my thighs and calves, ( I have large muscle in the calves especially, so I am not looking to add muscle to these areas. So I am looking to gain about 5 pounds total in y arms, then and define and tone everything else up. Does anyone know how I calculate how much protein I would need daily? Is it just a fist sized portion every 6 meals or is there an actual gram weight I need to follow so I don't over or underdo it? Also, do I eat carbs with every single meal, or restrict them maybe to just 3 or 4 times per day?

Vegetarian with questions on protein sources

caroloot — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:32:12 GMT

I am an ovo-lacto vegetarian. My question is, what constitutes protein? Chobani fat free plain yogurt has 23 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbohydrates in 8 ounces. But yogurt is listed as a complex carbohydrate on BFL's food list. I also used to eat legumes, (black beans, lentils) which I thought were considered a protein source as well, but they are listed as complex carbs too. As a vegetarian, protein sources are limited, can you please settle this as I'm confused. Thank you!! Caroloot

Keeping motivated

Brenda4life — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 01:16:14 GMT

In an effort to keep myself motivated, I try motivating others. But the truth is I want to see more change. I see it - slightly. I feel it - alot. I read through the weekly letters from past champions and found a quote to keep me going through another week:

Remember, this program is about creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle. So this is a great point to take stock of the efforts you've made up until now, looking at both of these factors: what you've already done really well, plus any areas in which you can improve. Then incorporate your findings into the final few weeks.

I know there are areas I need to improve. I need to work out the times of my meals better - work makes it difficult, but I will find a way to deal with it. I also know that I take too many liberties with my free day. I know it is time to curb that into a free meal. I am half way there and I will succeed. I am working on creating a healthy lifestyle for me and for my husband. My initial goal was to be healthier so I could get on the ground and play with my grandchildren without struggling to get up and down.

Yes, that did it. It does help to remember your goals, and why you have them. Best of luck, yall.

Brenda

PUBLIC RECOGNITION...

SorayaRosaria — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:10:37 GMT

I wanted to give a big shout out to the following succesfull, experienced yet very humble people here on the site, namely: JIM GOODMAN, RUNNERMOM, BDMOM, WPBILL AND MYKAL...who having accomplished multiple challenges and on to more, are always out here giving back to the community of us "beginners". They have not forgotten that they were beginners also at one point needing encouragement and guidance and therefore they are always lifting others up. Since we don't always know who is on what number of challenge you can still tell who the old timers are and I want to publically thank these caring people for what they have invested in me and others. A big praise to them, may God bless you for your humility and patience. Because of YOU many continue fighting and are doing well dispite their struggles or lack of experience. BIG CARRIBEAN HUGS TO YOU ALL. (There are many more that others can name too, I haven't had the priviledge of getting to know all, but thank you to all who reach out on this forum) .

HELP:Have CFS/M.E., Did BFL pre-illness, WANT to try it now...Need assistance with revised goals

Grnwoodtree — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:58:30 GMT

Hi all...

In 2002 I successfully did BFL for several months and nearly reached goal weight....in the Spring of 2003 several calamities occurred, and one of them was developing this insidious illness that affects my endocrine, immune, neurological, and hormone systems.

I have since gained an INCREDIBLE:E amount of weight, since for the past 9 years I have extreme post-exertional malaise. I NEED/WANT to try doing a scaled-down version of BFL. This is the only thing that worked for me before! I can't continue in this body that is over 100lbs overweight.

I also have developed a sensitivity to splenda/sucralose and nutrasweet that involves migraines and dizziness, so I can't use any products with those artificial sweeteners in. I can use Xylitol, stevia, and maltitol with no issue.

I NEED advice, please, assistance - I want to do this, I want to be the 1st successful BFL-er who has this completely disabling illness. Please assist or direct me to who can. I want to work on a revised, greatly scaled down version of the cardio/weights, but I can def do the diet, but not the Myoplex is it still has sucralose :(

Anybody?

Thanks....

Back after surgery...but

minka — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:51:32 GMT

So had a few complications with my surgery that prolonged my recovery and of course down time. Well I've been back now for 2 weeks and although workouts are going good, just had to sub biking for running for a while, but I feel like I'm failing at the diet part. I stuck to it during my recovery but had a few bad weeks with birthday parties and vacations. I'm constantly hungry in the afternoon from 3-5ish even with having my fourth meal @ 3:30. I'm eating the same as before as for portion and ratios, but just feel like I'm starving. How do I get over this hump?

BFL & PCOS

Libbyb — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:29:43 GMT

Anyone completed a challenge with this polycystic ovaries.. im 4 weeks in, 24 years old, seeing no change and doctor yesterday told me I had this..?

Tips would be appreciated!

Getting Started... Again!

Gotlift — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:10:24 GMT

Hi all, I actually read a worn and tattered copy of BFL last year and used the program, or some variation of it, for several weeks and I got great results. I dropped down to 18% BF from 24% within two months. My bench went up considerably. I always struggled on the bench and finally tore a ligament in my shoulder trying to bench 225lbs a couple of years ago. While sticking stricly to DBs for the duration of my program I felt like I was getting very strong. I decided to give the bench press a try and maxed out at 270lbs and could work out with 250 pretty easy! I was amazed!

Unfortunately, I pushed too hard with the deadlifts and aggrivated a herniated disc from the year before and I've been sidelined since. I could have kept going but I was very discouraged after the injury.

Well, here I am. I'm getting rediculously out of shape and I'm sick of it. I'm feeling moivated. I went to the gym this morning and it felt great even though I have a long way to go to get back to where I was. Wish me luck!

Started 9/3?

Youthful Winter — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:04:39 GMT

Hello everyone! This is my 5th time starting the challenge (which takes a lot of courage for me to admit). I actually first did it 9 years ago in high school. The BFL workou plans and eating styles have ALWAYS worked for me and laid the foundation for my love of strength training and HIIT. Over the years, I've partcipated in many endurance races: marathons, half ironmans, etc. I was actually training for a full Ironman early in the year then fractured my shoulder this past May. I can lift lower levels on top half and regular lifts on bottom but still can't swim. Needless to say, I had to withdrawal from Ironman (it's this weekend!).

Despite many endurance accomplishments, I've never had the lean body mass I've wanted. I've always carried extra around my middle and LOVE food. I know for a fact 6 small meals keeps me sane, satiated, and slender if I stick to it! I thrive in accountability and am doing everything in my power to reach my goals by November. I can't fail. I eat paleo which means no grains so my carbs will come from starchy vegetables and fruits.

Starting Weight: 140

Bust: 39"

Waist: 29"

Hips: 38"

24% BF (according to online calculator)

Goals:

Weight: 120-127 would be super!

Waist: 26"

Hips: 36"

BF%: 18-20%

Thank you in advance for your support and community!

Any Challengers starting August 13th?!

Tonja — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:59:04 GMT

I am going to start next Monday on my 2nd challenge. I am already working on the UBWO, Cardio & LBWO and mainly focusing on getting my meal plans together. I have 2 kids starting school this week and hopefully, everything will smooth out by the end of the week to start. Who is in?

Journal and Measurements

Kerilove — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 22:15:42 GMT

OK so this Tuesday I will be starting my 7th week. I have lost almost 20 pounds and I can't believe the inches that are melting away. I have never taken measurements nor have I journalled before in any of the diets I have tried; which has been tons... Never the less, I was having a day which I know all to well, one of those days that I'd normally would of just said, "I quit." I was feeling very disappointed with myself, as I was not seeing the scale go down as fast as I would like it to. So I felt like I needed to measure my progress to see what the scale isn't showing me. After comparing my measurements; to my dismay I was shocked at what the paper was saying. Inches, I have lost lots of inches. I'm praying my own eyes will not device me anymore. I'm excited about starting to love the woman I see in the mirror. One more thing before I go; I'm feeling VICTORIOUS as I am riding my road bike up hills that would of concurred me before. When I make it to the top I yell, "VICTORIOUS" That's my reward... I'm fighting the fight and I hope each one of you don't give up on yourself.

Dream and Achieve...

Recipe for Failure

Change4Better — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:39:20 GMT

I started my first BFL challenge four years ago. I achieved results that surprised everyone myself included. During my second challenge which ended in November 2011, I saw great results in week 10 onwards. Yet, I am here now for the third time right where I first started when it comes to weight and body shape.

I looked in my BFL diary book and saw that my strength improved greatly but I gained back all the weight/dress sizes I lost. I had to start thinking why I am always finding myself at that place where I have to start all over again when it comes to diets and BFL. I have been dieting for the past 15 years. Every time it is the same story. Then I found out why. I decided to share it as it might be helpful to anyone out there like me.

I failed to maintain my weight loss and new shape because of two reasons: First, even though I became of average weight and everyone complimented me on it, I still did not really actually see or feel anything inside me except that I am still fat. I bought new clothes in my new size, and I KNEW I was smaller, yet every time I looked in the mirror I only saw my old fat self. Something inside me made me unable to believe that I am no longer obese. It just did not register. In my heart I mocked the changes. I only saw the faults and did not think of those faults as a linking bridge for the next phase.

The second reason is that I did not think of any diet, eating plan or even BFL as a new way of life that should stay with me for the rest of my life if I wanted to keep my good shape. I was counting the days of BFL, the meals, the mistakes, and marking the date it will all end for me to "be that shape and complete the challenge and let my new life begin". But to complete something is see it coming to an "end". Once it ended, slowly but surely I went back into my old ways.

I did not think of a single day of BFL as an opportunity to learn why I ate a particular way and how to break those habits. Every free day was a celebration of my ability to return to that place where I can do/eat whatever I want in waiting for the 84 days to finish.

That was why I failed.

This is the third time I do BFL. Today is day 11. Everyday when I crave something or want to fall back into my old ways, I think of solutions to the problem that will keep me happy for a lifetime but won't undermine BFL. I'm happy to find that in most cases when I try to look for a solution, it actually works. :o)))

Looking for partner or support in the denver metro area. Plan to start this month..

KJB — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:58:13 GMT

Looking to find a group or partner who would like to push each other stay accountable and achieve our goals.... I am very serious about this. Once I start.. GAME ON

Starting this month - Littleton Colorado

KJB — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:39:18 GMT

Looking for others who would like to start at the same time. Anyone from denver area? Let me know.. K

what time you guys work out?

drizzydrake — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:02:37 GMT

just curious. i find if i don't get up early enough to do them, like before my day even starts, it throws my whole day outta whack. also i am still having a real hard time changing my eating habits and planning and preparing all these meals. i dunno maybe its me

embarressing

mzcamp — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:10:19 GMT

this is silly - but I just checked out the before pics - and need to post mine. I am embarressed to put mine up. I feel like I look like a beached whale. Darn it. I know we all have to start somewhere. Truth is, I've been doing BFL for several years but have let myself slip and the weight pile on. So - I'm back, need to get my chin up amd do the deal. Its Day 12 for me and its good to be back. I just hope my after pic is a success (I'm planning on it) I did take my before pic 3 days after challenge started.

Bettie

8 months post accident, meds, weakness..trying

jlm86 — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:16:50 GMT

Had major accident Thanksgiving...wheelchair etc for a few weeks...

I'm addicted to chocolate and carbs, but i've gone to gym for last 10 years 4 days/week..

57 yo, but have lost my groove severely....

Have gained 25 lbs, that make me feel like i'm carry cement...

help.....

BodPod Wake Up Call

diverdog — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 19:07:23 GMT

Since I'm totally uninterested in scale weight and focused on body composition I decided ot get a Bod Pod test done today. It was a rude wake up call for me. 33.8% vs 26.8% on my scale!!!! So it's gonna take more that one 12 challenge to meet my end goal. Loosing ~22lbs of fat will get me to 25% so it's time to get some serious work done!

anyone else work long hours?

house21 — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:39:06 GMT

hello everyone!

New to the forum, just had some questions for everyone before i start the body for life program.

I work kind of a odd schedule, so were all on the same page here it is:

4 nights, 3 off, 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights, 3 off, 4 days, 7 off then it starts all over again, 14 hours a day/night

i was just curious if anyone else works long hours or shift work like myself and how they balance the body for life program?

being I work nights, ive been told your body will not process food from 2am-4am should i not eat during this time?

any replys back on these questions would be a great help!

Thanks!

Can I exercise extra?

ckoons — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:38:09 GMT

I really like to run and do zumba class and am trying to train for a 5k. Is it as effective if we run and do other things besides the suggested workouts?

The Dreaded Scale!

Dancing Queen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:02:32 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have been fighting for a normal weight most of my life, and have tried different approaches over the years. I am new to BFL, but not to the fickled bathroom scale! Many of the forum entries express frustration with the scale, so I thought I would try to help.

Bathroom scales provide relative weight. Doctors' scales are very accurate as they use weights, not springs or other unreliable devices, to measure weight. The ones we typically buy in the store vary depending upon the weather, humidity, where they are on the floor, how you step on the scale and probably other factors. Just for fun, get on the scale, step off, step back on. The two weights are probably different (perhaps because a spring inside is stretched a little from the first time you stepped up to the plate!

Your weight can also vary from hour to hour depending upon the temperature, humidity, what you consumed, how much water you are retaining, and more. So checking a scale - even an accurate one - often doesn't tell you how much real weight/fat you have lost. Over the course of weeks, an accurate scale like the ones in doctors' offices and gyms will provide you with a pattern of weight loss, gain or maintenance.

As many BFLers have mentioned on the forum, your clothing is a better yardstick for weight loss, especially something you could barely fit in at the beginning of the program. So is a visual assessment soooo ...

Let the mirror be your best friend! And stick with the program. It is good for your health regardless of how much or how little you lose.

Cheers,

Mary

End of Week 5

joannapat — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:56:31 GMT

Week five is coming to an end and after weeks of aching and exhaustion, I am starting to have more energy and experience a feeling of vitality I have not had in years. The weight training has definitely pulled my posture up and I am feeling and looking better all together. I have not lost much in inches so far and I dare not weigh myself just yet as I don't want to be disappointed, but I know good things are happening under the surface. I have been on yo you diets before to loose and put on a stone that many times that really this time I will just be happy to be going slowly in the right direction. I want to loose weight of course but what is the point of starving off muscle like I have in the past and slowing my metabolism further. Women of my age do have a difficult time hormonally and I believe that does make the challenge that much harder, but also means we need to do this more and will reap wonderful benefits.

Me and my partner are finding the energy to go for long walks and even went roller skating tonight and that is on top of the daily workouts in the program something I could not imagine a the beginning.

I have been reading this forum and love the before and afters. The help and advice on here has been a great help. So thank you all and good luck on your journey, don't give up it is worth it in the end.

Uber Disappointment

Prajna — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:29:18 GMT

Hi All,

I'm just starting my eight week of the Body For Life program and my results have been absolutely dismal.

I just bought a scale today and came in near 240lb. For the last year+ I've consistently weighed 225lb at every doctor check up.

By the way, I'm a 29 yr old male and about 5'8.

I haven't skipped a single work out in my eight weeks and that scale number is the most depressing thing I could have seen. I can only hope some of it is muscle mass, but I just doubt it is 15lbs worth.

During my eight weeks, my diet hasn't been perfect, but it has been better than anything before I started this program. I completely eliminated my soda addiction, diet or regular and eat out a lot less.

My typical diet consists of home made chinese i.e. stir fried vegetables and rice.

Anywho, I just had to vent, because I'm not going to quit, but holy hell do I really want to down a big gulp of coke right now to drowned out my sorrow.

Thanks for listening.

back on the bandwagon

funkyx2 — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:55:59 GMT

hi all, i've used body for life over the years and i'm convinced of it's life changing power because it's helped me change myself. however, i think i'm at a bit of a crossroads. I'm 44 years old, and i'm back on the bandwagon, trying to lose the 30lbs i've put on since i fell off the bandwagon, (this time i'm on for life!) however, since i'm older now, i'm finding it very difficult to shed this weight! I've been at it for 3 weeks now, dutifully going to the gym and doing my workouts, however i'm doing 5 days a week instead of 6, and i cheat on my cheat day the same as i did when i was younger. is this the source of my problem? do i need to add that 6th workout day as recommended in the program, and maybe limit my cheat day to possibly a cheat half day? any input would be appreciated. thanks all.

How the hell do you post pics?????

crf450ish — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 17:38:03 GMT

I cannot figure it out.

What if for some reason?

esteam — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:29:29 GMT

You don't rest on the free-day?

Is that bad?

It gets boring here. (; lol

Cheat day? (posted in wrong section)

krissta — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 14:18:27 GMT

I started my second challenge a week and a half ago and am planning to have my cheat day tomorrow.

The last time I did this challenge was over 10 yrs ago (19yrs vs 31yrs old). When I did the challenge the 1st time, I went crazy with my cheat days.

As an example, I would have french toast, 2 pieces of cheesecake factory ceesecake, icecream, and chocolate FOR BREAKFAST. That challenge went well for me and I went from 25% bodyfat at 155lbs (I'm 5'9) to 18% body fat at 137 lbs. I don't feel like the binges once a week hurt me, but I wonder if I tone down the cheat days this time if I would do better? Maybe I should only cheat part of the day?

Since I am basically starting over (I've gained a lot of fat back over the last 10+ years) I really want to do this right so I don't become discouraged with my results when week 12 rolls around.

Thoughts?

PS. This is my first post, and I posted it in the wrong section. Is there anyway to move this to a different category or delete the post all together? Thanks.