Well Traci and Karla - I feel like a loser now.  A loser for complaining about my progress because I didn't think it was going fast enough.  You two have really made me take a step back and re-evaluate how far I've really come.  I have not had the results that I had the first time that I ever did BFL, so I was letting it get me down.  After doing some reading, I have accepted the fact that I started at a much higher weight, body fat percentage and I'm 11 years older as well.  It would be ridiculous of me to think that I could make the progress that I made the first time around.  Nonetheless, I am doing very well and I hope you two girls will continue to push on.  I came across a very interesting article that may help you keep your motivation and let you realize that, even if you don't see any huge changes, they are happening and will help you maintain your weight long-term if you just keep at it.  I was SHOCKED to see that muscle burns so much more calories than fat.  I knew it did, but not by that huge of a margin.  Anyway, I am posting the link here.  I hope it inspires you to keep taking those daily steps towards a healthier lifestyle.  Blessings to the both of you....ya'll are incredible!

qbx-fitness.com/how-fast-can-i-lose-weight

Hey BFL peeps--Day 55 today AND tonite is the end of my Week 8, after FREE day tomorrow of course.  I usually don't count my free day so come bedtime tonite I would finish my 8 weeks of this program.  I still can't believe I'm 2/3 done.  Definitely, planning on sticking it thru the end--dramatic results welcomed but realistically not expected.  =)

Lower body today and session is with PT.  I have not been following the weights days down to a T only because I really wanted to learn form on my weight days, but I do plan to push even harder during C2 after I get the basics squared away.  Sessions with PT do follow the alternate muscle groups and I know he's increasing my weights because on Monday, I was able to do squats with a 25lb barbell, as opposed to when I first started, falling back and forth without any weights at all.  

Amy--THANK YOU for the article.  It was a definite good read and I think we're all accustomed to the overnite fix, instant gratification mentality, that we tend to lose sight of the big picture.  This is a lifetime change, lifetime progress, and for some of us, it just really isn't going to come as fast as we'd all like.  I'm so glad to hear your progress is going great and definitely holler when those dramatic changes come thru.  Every success story is so encouraging.  

Have a great BFL weekend and keep up the amazing progress.  =)

Hey everyone.  Hope everyone has had a great week!  Been a tough one, but hung in here!  Amy, what a great article, and one I personally can attest to.  Fast weight loss is great at the time, but it does slow your metabolism down to nothing.  Thanks for the reminder!!!  Thanks to you and Trace both for helping to encourage me and remind me this is a lifestyle change as much as it is about weight loss.  In fact, it is more so about that than anything else.  I will have to see if I can find any pictures from 2004 when I lost so much weight.  I got the title "the incredible shrinking woman," My mom had just passed away and I didn't want to die the horrible death she did so I did a quick weight loss program here locally.  I'm living proof the results don't last.  I lost 72 lbs. in less than or right at 3 months, and put that and more back on.  So this time, I'm doing it right!!! And I'm doing it for life!  Let's do this together!!!

Hi everyone...checking in for Day 59.  

Karla--that's an insane amount of weight loss in such a short time.  What did you do to drop so fast?  I remember when I did the crash diet, it was really unhealthy too and sure enough it came back and then some.

Amy - How are things progressing for you.  I think you are about done in a week or so right?  

I had a bit of a snafu over the weekend.  Weighed myself on Sat--my free and did not see any changes on weight.  I think I even gained some.  My discouragement only took me downhill from there and then from I just ate way too much salty foods and even ended up having a bottle of wine out of self-loathing.  I have been avoid alcohol on this program and this is the 2nd time I've broken The following day I felt so out of it, I skipped my cardio.  It was not a good BFL weekend for me.

I did my UBWO yesterday and am feeling a bit sore today so I guess that's good.  It took me alot longer than I had wanted because the gym was so packed.  Normally I do 3 reps of 15, but I did 4 so that added a bit more time.  Today is cardio and yes dreading it...always dread cardio for some reason.  

But I'm back on the wagon again and won't think too much about weight loss numbers.  Just try to focus on getting thru each day and will stay away from the evil scale.  =)

Alright, gotta get back to work now.  Let me know how you all are doing.  Hope you have a great day!

Tracie,

I skipped the whole week last week to work around the house and remodel my floor. I started working out again last Sat and it was a bit tiring for me. Anyway,  I consider to add 1 week to my program. Look like I maintain my weight okay. Didn't eat 5-6 meals during last week, but regular 2-3 low calorie meals. My recommendation is that even during your free days, you don't have to eat high calorie or carb content foods, just regular foods. I usually don't eat Pizza or Burgers in my free days, but high protein and low carb foods such as: pork chops, steaks or chicken thigh/leg. Every little thing counts, so be patient.

Checking in with everyone.  Hate to say it, but yes, it's been another rough week here as well.  Actually ending up having to have my home monitoring set up for my pacemaker today.  It's really a blessing, and I truly am thankful it's available, it just sucks that I have to be reminded daily now that I'm "sick."  I was really hoping to not have to go that route, but I've "alerted" to many times now.  When I'm doing my cardio, my heart rate goes up to 145-160, but as I increase the intensity, my heart rate actually drops!  It never goes below the 60 (the rate my pacemaker is set at), but when the drop happens, I almost pass out.  It's just really frustrating!  Some days I feel like giving up, but I remember you guys and am encouraged that I'm futher than if I wasn't doing anything at all.  

When I started the program, I bought a large dry erase calendar so I could fill in the date and mark my progress each week.  The end date, October 14th seemed forever away, but I was (and am) determined to get there no matter what.  Obviously, it is going to take me two, three, maybe more challenges to get where I need and want to be, but at least I am making healthy choices.  I can't believe the end of the challenge is almost here, and yet, I feel "disappointed" I'm not where I had hoped to be.  CHIN UP though, I will just try, try again!

Trace, I can't tell you the actual name of the program as I would probably run the risk of being sued, but it is a local weight loss program that I joined shortly after my mom's passing.  It's based on the premise of ketosis, and promises a minimum of 25 lbs. of weight loss in 6 weeks if you follow it to the letter.  My mom died such a horrible death that it basically scared me into doing anything I had to do to lose weight.  I wouldn't allow myself to "cheat" one little bit.  My mom passed away on October 27, 2001, and I began the program on in November 2001,  In my job, contractors used to bring in chocolate, sweets, lunches, you name all throughout the Thankgiving and Christmas seasons.  I remember folks telling me they couldn't believe how much willpower I had.  I just couldn't eat!  I didn't want to die like my mom.  By February 2002, I had lot 72 lbs., and was actually doing ads for their weight loss program.  I was a size 24 in a lot of clothes and was down to a size 4!  Anyway, I would NOT recommend ever doing it!  I truly believe it is the underlying cause of a lot of my medical problems over the last several years.  Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20!

Hope everyone is still going strong!  I may not be updating for a few days.  My husband is having surgery in the morning on top of everything else so I will be having to care for him the next several days!!!

Take care, and we'll talk soon!

Hi everyone,

Karla --hope all goes well with hubby's surgery.  I'm glad to hear that you're still hanging in there and that you're pushing through, despite the obstacles you're facing.  There is nothing wrong with doing a few more challenges to get where you want to be.  I am in the same boat...I already have heeded to the fact it will be a few more challenges for me as well.

Today is Day 61 and it's cardio--UGH.  I am going to fit in meal #6 from now on because I think I really am not getting enough carbs/protein so am still left feeling tired and burnt out.  I will try this out for a couple weeks  to see if it will boost my energy levels.  Week 9 almost done so will push hard to finish well this week.  

I've also added grounded flax seed to my oatmeal each morning since I really wasn't getting enough Omega-3's.  My omega-6's are fine from the CLA.  I'm hoping this added good fat will also help in the weight loss.

Keep us posted peeps and let's finish strong.  We only have a few weeks left so the home stretch is getting real close!

Traci

Surgery went well.  Just doing a lot of "nursing" things now.  He doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain...just a lot of swelling.  He's already walking on his leg even though he wasn't supposed to until this afternoon at the earliest.  He hated the crutches.  Other than the surgery being delayed 4 hours, everything went off without a hitch.

I had to laugh at you fitting in meal #6.  Girl, I live for meal #6.  I seem to stay hungry, but having to be at work at 6 a.m., I have some really long days.  I still stay tired, but defintely get my meals.  I have been taking an Omega 3-6-9, all-in-one, this last few weeks.  The guy at The Vitamin Store said it's supposed to be better than just the regular fish oil (Omega 3).  Not sure if it's any better or not, but giving it a whirl.  

Trying to finish strong as well although it's been a little tough since Wednesday since I haven't been able to actually go to the gym and won't be able to until next week when my husband is able to completely get back around on his own.  He tells me he's fine, but when I leave him, he's pushing it.  I don't want to end up back in the hospital and facing another surgery so home body it is!  

Everyone have a great weekend!

Hey everyone, I've been battling a head cold since late Fri.  It's really kicking my butt.  Most of weekend was spent resting and today I called in sick.  Hopefully the virus will work it's way through quickly and I'll be up and about again.  I think I'm going to lay low on the workouts until I'm not so exhausted--by end of this week I hope.  Been keeping up with my meals but no workout for 2 days now, just so tired from the cold.  

Went to Dr today and he suspects based on my history that I might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which could be a huge underlying cause for my constant fatigue and why I haven't felt more energetic even after 9 weeks of good diet/exercise.  He also tested to see if my thyroid is off balance.  So I have to do an overnighter at a sleep clinic where they do a bunch of measurements during your sleep and then see what's going on.  If I am not getting good REM, then I will always be low on energy.  I'm just hoping we find out what's causing it and maybe then we can find a way to fix it.  

Karla--yes it is better to be safe than overdo it and then find yourself in worse shape.  Hope hubby is keeping that in mind...surgery takes time to heal but I'm sure no one likes to be confined.  I wouldn't stress too much about not making it to the gym for now--you have good reason and eventually when he's all better, you will get back.  

Alright, I'm going to sign now off--wearing down from this cold and gonna have to rest soon.  Have a great day everyone--stay focused and keep at it.  We're almost at the finish line!

Trace - So sorry to hear you are feeling under the weather, to say the least girl!  Take it easy!!  I hope you get some answers.  I'm with you on the constant fatigue, but unfortunately, mine is from my heart issues mainly.  A condition I will always have to deal with.  

We are definitely on the home stretch now.  "Baby steps," as the saying goes, and although we may not be as far as we had hoped, we are so much further than if we'd never begun to begin with!  So kudos to us all!  I'm getting ready to start right back on another challenge, and continue with this healthy lifestyle we've all chosen.  I just feel better about myself and feel better in general.  

Let's do this!!

Hey Karla--looks like it's just you and me in this forum now.  =)  

I'm feeling a bit stronger today and will definitely hit the gym to get in UBWO.  The last few days I still have not managed to get in my 6th meal...LOL.  I guess I figured I wasn't able to go to the gym, so it probably won't be that big of deal if I only got in 4-5 meals.  But starting today again, I will try to get in all my meals.  

When you workout, does your heart rate usually drop on cardio or does it also happen when you do weights?  I was wondering about that, if it was isolated to a certain type of exercise?  My mom had a pacemaker put in because her heart rate kept dropping like you.  Once they were able to keep it stable, she did feel much better but that did take a while to figure out.  Just hang in there...you're doing all the other right things so one day at a time.

We really are on the home stretch aren't we??  Week 10 will wrap up in a few days and before you know it C1 will be done.  Are you planning on taking any active rest before hitting C2?  I was planning out my schedule and the week that I would be taking active rest would be a super busy week for me, with an offsite my dept is having.  I don't know if I will be able to even get to the gym, so it will mostly be clean meals, as best as I can.  

I'll definitely be around for C2 during the holidays.  Have a great day!!

Hey there!  I think you're right!  Maybe I need to find a new forum (lol).  Creature of habit I guess.  It's hard to keep up with all the different ones, and I love being able to follow with what's going on.  Between Facebook, e-mail (work and home), Body-for-Life forum, my Pacemaker forum, and who knows what else, it's a tough job (laughing)!!!    

We are DEFINITELY on the home stretch and yes I will be doing C2.  Not sure on the timing.  From what I've read, you're supposed to take a break I think.  I have actually changed gyms due to not only a new location opening up a lot closer to where I live, but also because it costs a whole lot less.  The downside....it's a new gym!!!  All the newbies are there, and it's tough getting to the things I want to get to.  

You hang in there too, and let me know what you decide on the next challenge.  I guess I need to search for another forum.  I know I've seen your posts on a couple of the main pages.  I just usually don't venture into them for sake of time.  No excuse I know.   We are all busy!!!!  

Well, I better get my hind end back to work!!!  Thanks for keeping me on track! Have a great evening!!

Hey girl--I didn't mean you had to stop or drop this one.  I have snuck into a couple other ones because it really has helped me personally to keep with BFL.  You and I can still be accountable to each other as long as we keep posting--I'm OK with sticking to this forum or if you want to just email back and forth.  I have found that I read alot of other postings too so there is some good to sharing one's journey.  I hope you didn't think that I meant that we should stop here.  The other groups are good but everyone is so busy as well.  But it does help and make a difference....for me anyways.  

I think you are suppose to take some sort of active rest so I might just use that busy offsite week of mine as my rest week.   I will start C2 on 10/23.  I don't want to wait too long in between because then I will get lazy and I want to keep my momentum going.  Plus the sooner I start, the sooner I can end thru the holidays...LOL!!

I usually try to pop in during my lunch time.  I sit at a desk most of the day so usually can read the postings when folks send them in.

Yeap--time to get back to work too....Stay strong, focused, and keep up the great work--I believe in you!  =)

Hey Trace (laughing), I know you didn't mean to stop on this one.  I'm just thinking maybe since this one has gotten so long and we'll be starting a new challenge, maybe we should start a new one the next one around.  Kind of a "fresh sheet of paper."  (lol)  I enjoy hearing everyone's stories too, but I especially enjoy keeping up with the ones I start having a conversation with, and seem to have a lot in common with like you and I seem to.  Does that make sense?  Anywho, we CAN and ARE doing this.  Yeah, starting on 10/23 would make the end of C2 1/7/12.  Straight through the holidays, AND a birthday for me!  I'm getting young!!! LOL....Sounds great to me!!  Of course, with the holidays come some additional challenges of their own.  All the friends and relatives that want you to try all their goodies and such.  Anyway, hope you have a great day!  I believe in you too!!

Hey Karla--just checking in.  Got back into my workout this week on Weds with UB.  Thurs was cardio as usual...but man, it was really hard being off it a few days but I did manage to try and plow through.  All in all , it felt good to be able to start working out again and I'm grateful to be able to do so.  I got in 3 days this week so it was better than nothing.  LBWO today and boy I am definitely gonna feel it over the next couple days.   I think I hate lunges the most now...LOL.  

Day 69 almost over and then free day tomorrow--YAY.  Have some dinner plans with a gf so will probably stick to clean meals and then indulge a bit later in the evening.  

I agree we should start a new thread once we wrap up this one.  Just a couple more weeks and we can take a breather for a week!  Hang in there girl and we'll be done before we know it.  =)

Have a great weekend!