Body for Life Forums Posts for Nov 23, 2005: 555 Messages

Body for Life Forum Message by iceskater (184 posts) at 08:49 PM:
I noticed today that I was able to lift a whole lot more weight than I ever had previously. But I have also had those days when I just could not lift as heavy. Strange, isn't it? Thank goodness it's only temporary when it is lower! :)

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 09:04 PM:
One thing that will really help workout strength and stamina, believe it or not, is a big boost of caffeine, either in fat burners or a pre workout drink.

Thread: Your answers (66 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Darrell (72 posts) at 08:13 PM: Your answers
I've had a few emails about how to make your type different.  If you don't have a button to the lower left of where you type your responses.  Check your settings in MY FORUM SETTINGS.  There is a question there about an advanced editor.  Click yes on it, and perhaps that will help.  Anyway, once you click the button to the left of where you write a response, you'll be carried to a new page with a small MSword type setting.  Just click on the capital T to get teh font lists.  any questions about it and maybe I can do a screen capture and send it in mail.

Body for Life Forum Message by Kari (252 posts) at 08:35 PM:

Body for Life Forum Message by Kari (252 posts) at 08:36 PM:
sorry.....i hit the wrong button.... i don't think i have the ability to change font...thats weird

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 08:48 PM:
Darrell, I changed MY FORUM SETTINGS to include advanced editor, but I still don't see any button to the left of where I write my responce. Hugs, Sylvia aka Cookie1135

Body for Life Forum Message by GlennH (53 posts) at 09:27 PM:
Cookie....lower left corner next to new thread button...choose post reply. You may have to logout and relogon to update the settings if you don't see the button.

Body for Life Forum Message by emKse (44 posts) at 09:36 PM: Re: Your answers
i did it!! WOW~ im proud of myself.

Thread: New profile and new pics (16 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 09:02 PM: New profile and new pics
After reading buckeyeboy's lengthy dissertation to EAS, and Dana's profile, I thought it might be worthwhile to put a bit more information into my profile, which I just now completed. I also put a picture of Milly the Wonder Dog and me in the profile photo area. I was taking my pictures this summer in our backyard with a timer and a tripod when Milly ran into the scene and jumped up on me. I was trying to get her out of the view when the camera took the picture. Milly is also featured in the side photo area of my 12 week photos. She is my cardio partner and shares my egg whites and oatmeal every morning at precisely 5:30 A.M. Oh, don't worry--it's not early for Milly, since she basically sleeps around the clock except when begging for food or trying to get me to take her squirrel hunting, (which is what she thinks we are doing when we run.) Happy Thanksgiving all!

Thread: LETTING YOU IN ON A SECRET FROM THE MEN'S MANUAL (52 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 09:47 PM: LETTING YOU IN ON A SECRET FROM THE MEN'S MANUAL
We guys know you ladies have a secret women's manual--that book we've never seen, but that we know tells you exactly how to argue unfairly, when to have a headache, how to get what you want, and even how to read our minds. Most of it we don't get, like that chapter that says no matter what, before you order anything in a restaurant, you have to ask the guy you are with what he's having. What's up with that? Or why does a woman say she has nothing to wear when what she means is that she has nothing NEW! We guys, when we say we have nothing to wear, WE HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!
Where was I? Oh, yeh. I think it is only fair to tell you some of the things in the secret men's manual just so you'll know we do that kind of thing too. Here they are:
1. In a locker room at the health club, men DO NOT talk to each other. Even making eye contact is done grudgingly, and if you ever saw a locker room full of naked old guys you'd know why we never look around--eyes MUST BE FIXED at all times either on the floor or in the locker you are using.
2. Guys never "share." We might pretend to when you're around, but I guarantee you--when you're not--all we talk about is a. nothing; or, b. sex;, or c. sports. That's it. Guys are prohibited, unless they have a counseling license, from even saying "How did that make you feel?"
3. Men are made to solve problems--not to be a dumpster for your "issues." If you want a solution, ask us, in between halves of the game please. If you want sympathy, you can get it from your girlfriends.
Now you know. Of course there are other things, but this is all I can reveal without being kicked out of the men's club.

Body for Life Forum Message by SweetEmotion (969 posts) at 10:44 PM:
I never realized I did the restaurant thing until I took my grandmother out for dinner and she asked me what I was having. She said she always does that so she knows what price range to order in since I was paying. Maybe I do it for the same reason. I don't talk to people muchin the locker room. Lori

Body for Life Forum Message by Lindyloo (27 posts) at 11:32 PM:
So this is where we women get our sterotype...Nothing you said surprised me. Honestly, I wish it were true. Oh, maybe at first this is your nonemotional man. Yes, yes and he hates to shop and checks out other women when you aren't looking. YAWN. The reason I wish this were all true is because people aren't really this simple once you get to know them. Sometimes once a guy does open up about his 'feelings' he doesn't have or 'issues' he doesn't want to admit, it's an endless can of worms and he changes on you. But, that's life and people are just people - not problem solving machines that don't want to know how a person feels....I really wish you were right, dating would be so much more pleasant, I would know what to expect....but sadly, I disagree. Who cares what guys do in the locker room - it stinks in there. Yes, we smell it out into the gym. I wish it were colored so we could see the stink, not just smell it. Go poop at home.

Thread: Can We eat Pumpkin?? (16 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Rkreider (69 posts) at 11:39 PM: Can We eat Pumpkin??
Hey guy's I wasn't sure if we can eat pumpkin from can? If we can does anyone have a good recipe??

Body for LIFE: Eating for LIFE

Thread: ISO Golden Pancake recipe! (63 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by buffb4long (14 posts) at 08:12 AM:
Second day in a row that I had the pancakes for breakfast. I LOVE these things!

Thread: DAMN....I CAN EAT MORE??????? (164 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 05:35 AM:
check it out~

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 06:24 AM:
I think I was doing the same darn thing... I think mentally we tell ourselves that we have to miserable while trying to lose weight. So we deprive ourselves thinking, there I am good and hungry, that outta work. lol.... I keep forgetting that we are all differant and that we have to tweek the system a bit to fit. Urs

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 07:36 AM:
I guess this means I am really supposed to be 150 lbs cause that is the amount of calories I was eating for. But I haven't really been "hungry", but I have fallen into temptation too many times. So perhaps if I actually eat the right amount of the right food, the temptations will be less! It is hard to grasp that you do have to eat more to lose less and then scale back on the calories/intake once you lose weight. I know I am programmed to think that the less food means the less I weigh. I am eagerly awaiting my break so I can eat meal #1 with egg whites, yogurt AND a slice of whole wheat bread. yum

Body for Life Forum Message by Wrecky (33 posts) at 08:54 AM:
Mine is 1400 cuz Im so darn fat...Im gonna have to figure this out this week...start checking the numbers!

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 09:16 AM:
I did check on another site, and the amount they had for wieght loss for me was around 1900 cals. On the list for extreame wieght loss was around 1400 cals, which is what bfl listed for me. This other site also had a bit more info, as in they had you list how much you work out. Urs

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 09:52 AM:
yes, I am fat too. The more you weigh, the more you need to eat....this even causes a calorie deficit. What other sites are you using Ursula? Wrecky....you and I are in the same relative weight area....you definately need to be eating MORE. Remember, we are trying to avoid our bodies from thinking starvation. If they think they will food when it wants and only a little bit is taken away at a time, then the pounds will come off. If we shock our bodies into thinking it needs and gets less calories....it holds onto it.

Body for Life Forum Message by Wrecky (33 posts) at 10:44 AM:
K but I went to the Tools section and with all my info in the calculator thats what it said...now Im confused.

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 10:46 AM:
on the BFL site?

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 10:49 AM:
oh, I used this site too. Doesn't make sense. I have been eating about 1300 calories and haven't see much change. But when I follow the plan to eat more, I lose more. sooo.....I will report back in a week or two, but I think we need to be feeding our bodies MORE.

Body for Life Forum Message by Wrecky (33 posts) at 10:51 AM:
ok...lets go with it..Im just gonna use portion size like bill says...this is so confusing

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 10:53 AM:
okay, Urs.....what other site have you used for this?

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 11:20 AM:
A good site to use for this "issue" is the Hussmanfitness.org site, though I don't know that it will provide the "good news" that you get from the BFL site. Personally, I don't think that eating more is the way to get there, except in the sense that eating more DOES allow building muscle, which in the long haul will give you a higher resting metabolic rate and avoid slavery to cardio. But, it is unlikely to start a huge exodus of fat from the body--eating more I mean.

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 02:46 PM:
Well Mike, I have a theory. That is the site I used to base my 1300-1500 caloric intake on. After 10 weeks I am down 3-4 pounds. Yeah, nothing to jump and scream over. I followed weight watchers for about 6 months, had wonderful success, but after my separation and eventual divorce, you can guess I didn't follow the plan as well. BUT, I learned alot about my body and how to eat right. The best part about BFL for me was that the eating really wasn't drastically different from the Weight Watchers plan that I followed that allowed me to lose my weight...ie. lean meats, whole grains, no sugar, fruits and veggies. What attracted me to BFL was the way to utilize this nurtrition AND the exercise component. So, I do BFL so that I can finally put all these peices together....or to cross the abyss of knowing things, but yet not applying them. This is when it struck me about my caloric intake on BFL and my caloric intake on weight watchers. I know the information on the Hussman site is reliable and I would hope the information on the BFL site is the same. But honestly, I have weight/fat to lose and I am doing what Hussman says (calorie wise) and....nada. Or very little. So I am giving the increase calories a go. All good foods, all clean and then I will report back. It is an experiment. But I do recall that the weeks on Weight Watchers that I saw the greatest weight losses were when I ate. The weeks that I thought I was doing great because I went without something....not so great in the scales. NOW....I am trying very hard not to modify BFL in anyway. I don't want to be one of those that doesn't get the results they want and then starts to jack with the program too much and still doesn't get results. But I have to give this a try. Something finally clicked with me and I have to experiment with it. But since the program is called Body for Life and I am following the Body for Life website....I am guessing their estimates are not far off. But, we will see! Teresa (sorry so long)

Body for Life Forum Message by chuckdiesel99 (589 posts) at 03:01 PM:
Please dont add all the calories at once! That would be a big mistake. Add about 150-200 calories a week until you reach your 2200 goal. Your metabolism has been slowed down because of the low calories you have been eating. If you add them all at once you will not be able to handle them and it will turn to fat. Go slowly. I was in your shoes about 5 months ago.

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 03:06 PM:
ha...no. I can't eat that much anymore without feeling sick. I am adding an extra piece of fruit or whole wheat bread to breakfast at this point. Maybe some more whole wheat pasta. I think I need a better mix of the carbs. It will creep over time anyway. Example today....the only difference was the added bread at breakfast and I have been full all day. One piece of bread...80 calories! geez. ;) Chuckdiesel99--how did the increase work out for you?

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 03:29 PM:
OH...BTW....when I started Weight Watchers....I gained the first week! Yes, gained. Because I have a cycle of under eating and then over eating. This is why my metabolism is wacky and I am fat. I can't get it right when left to my own devices ;) So when I followed the plan of eating the right amount, yeah, I gained. But then lost successfully each week after. Food is my kryptonite and my spinach. So tricky.

Thread: EFL Sloppy Joes: OUTSTANDING! (23 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by buffb4long (14 posts) at 08:19 AM: EFL Sloppy Joes: OUTSTANDING!
This recipe is so quick and easy and my husband (who is not doing BFL) absolutely loved it too. We had a side of cucumber slices which offset the spiciness. Yum!

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 08:20 AM:
is this recipe in the book? I don't remember that one.....ofcourse, I'm not a fan of sloppy Joes (but the rest of my family is)

Thread: I just read.... (32 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 04:24 PM: I just read....
An article on hussmanfitness.com about protien It said that it can be very beneficial to eat (less than 100cal) about 7g of whey protien and a little carbs right after a workout but before your main meal. (about :45 to 1:00 after your W/O)

Does anyone have any input on this? Do any of you do this?

Mel

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 04:26 PM:
you can read it here http://www.hussmanfitness. org/html/TFPostProtein.html

Body for LIFE: Body for LIFE Exercise

Thread: Cardio, 10's, Treadmill--What is your 10? (478 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by smp (4 posts) at 09:05 PM:
Woah. What a great thread! Thanks for the push. I was doing: 5 - 3.9 6 - 4.1 7 - 4.3 8 - 4.5 9 - 4.7 10 - 5.0 This morning I did: 6 - 4.0 7 - 4.5 8 - 5.0 9 - 5.5 10 - 6.0 I was dying, but I felt great all morning and then took a celebration nap in the afternoon!

Thread: Calves???? Help (131 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Prissy Crissy (53 posts) at 08:24 AM:
Lets see if I can explain..... I place just the balls of my feet on the leg press platform. Your heels will be hanging off. You then just press the plate using your calf muscles. Just as if you were standing, you push up & down w/ your calves. Does that make sense?? I still do the BFL intervals. Good luck! Christine

Body for Life Forum Message by Blondie26 (89 posts) at 08:45 AM:
I get a great work out on my calfs by standing on a step and balance on one leg with my foot half way off the end of the step and a weight in my left hand for doing left calf. I go down and then raise up. I hold on to the rail or side of the wall for balance. Man does this give me a great workout better than having them on the floor and better than a seated calf raises.

Body for Life Forum Message by BuckeyeBoy (61 posts) at 08:47 AM:
That's another good one Blondie26!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Wrecky (33 posts) at 08:48 AM:
I find that at the end of my calf work out my hamstrings are burning as well...is this normal or am I using bad form?

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 02:33 PM:
Blondie....I have done these too. Maybe I just need to focus more when I am doing calves. I get really frustrated at this point because I can work my quads and hams really hard and I am sweaty and breathing hard and shaking...then I go to calves and I feel like I just cool down and don't work much down there. But for my size and bf%, I think most of the muscle is already in my calves. Maybe they just need a punishment! ;) Thanks for all the great suggestions. I will probably try them all until I find something that really works for me!

Thread: Dumb Ab-Bootcamp question. (111 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (415 posts) at 08:11 AM:
The way I understand it is the active rest is the sidebends, vacuums and the stretching. good luck, Rod

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 08:15 AM:
stomach vaccums......please explain

Body for Life Forum Message by Rock-Chick (167 posts) at 04:41 PM:
Thanks Rod, just completed my first session. Didn't think it was working until I finished and now I'm in agony! LOL Stomach vaccums are where you exhale all of your breath while pressing your belly button to your spine. You have to try and hold it for about 20 seconds. Pretty painful!

Body for Life Forum Message by motiv8me (180 posts) at 04:51 PM:
I once had a link to a site that gave instructions for the Ab Bootcamp. it had pictures of a male going through each exercise. Does anyone know that link???

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 04:59 PM:
Arnold Schwarzenegger would do stomach vacuums as a part of his contest prep, and he swore that it took a good inch off his waist measurement by doing them. Both Arnold and Frank zane were famous for posing while doing a vacuum maneuver. The nice thing about vacuums is that you can do them literally anywhere with any kind of posture, even lying in bed or driving the car.

Body for Life Forum Message by Rock-Chick (167 posts) at 05:01 PM:
They make you fart though! DO THEM ALONE!

Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (415 posts) at 06:50 PM:
http://www.musclemedia.com/training/BootCamp.asp Here is the link you were talking about motiv8me I have done them while driving to work and sitting at my desk. They do take concentration to do them tho!!!!! Rod

Body for LIFE: Body for LIFE Support

Thread: For those with 50+ lbs to lose... (761 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by J Parker (4 posts) at 09:47 AM:
Where did this idea go? I for one have 69 more lbs to go before I hit my goal and while tracker has been a great inspiration, it would be great to keep up with others in my same situtation. But I agree we should keep it on the main support page, as many of those who have already reached their goals are the ones that give a tremendous amount of support to those of us just starting out.

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 09:54 AM:
yep, ditto

Body for Life Forum Message by Greg_H (6 posts) at 03:02 PM:
I just saw this and would be very interested in being part of this group. At 314 lbs. and 36% bodyfat I for sure fit in. This is a real good idea.

Body for Life Forum Message by rsim05 (1 posts) at 03:58 PM:
I wasn't even paying attention to the dates. I just read some of the post and said I need to sign up for this tracker, because I have finally found people in the same boat I am in. I too am over 300 lb.s (308 lbs.). I need to lose at least a 100 lbs. I just start last week. I am on day 10 today. I have been doing great so far. It would be nice to hear from other people my size to see how they are doing or if they need support. I am still trying to get the courage to post my pic.

Body for Life Forum Message by Rushja (495 posts) at 04:11 PM:
rsim05, welcome aboard :) Don't worry about the pics, post them when you are ready. It has to look at the amount of weight we have to lose and not give up immediately. Just take things step by step. You will have HARD days and you will have days that are pretty darn easy. Just give it everything you got and you will be at that goal in no time at all. Jess

Thread: The 2006 Tracker Calendar -- Want to Vote? (701 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by BFL4Stephanie (66 posts) at 08:47 AM:
Bumping to the top...if you want to participate we need pictures by the deadline date. Happy Thanksgiving!! Stephanie

Body for Life Forum Message by SupaFreak (915 posts) at 09:02 AM:
Thanks for the reminder! I'll be sending you my pics for consideration tonight!! Danielle

Body for Life Forum Message by Mrs P (332 posts) at 10:45 AM:
Bump! This is an excellent idea. Submit some photos people! Don't be threatened by picturing Mike in a thong! You all are beautiful. I've seen your pics! You don't have to be as risque as Kmachate or Michael! Be creative ... I'm going to borrow a friends digital camera and enlist my husband as a photographer.

Thread: Team 2HOTT4U (135 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Megan'sMom (143 posts) at 10:56 AM:
Alrighty fellow American teammates, this is the last day before gorgefest free day . . . lets make it count! I know I'm going to get extra cardio in, just cleaning the house and cooking for my and my husbands family coming tomorrow . . . I will be going to do some actual cardio later today as well! Let's get rocking . . . now's not the time to sit around and dream of pumpkin pie!!! Laurie

Body for Life Forum Message by Tri-girl (12 posts) at 11:58 AM:
Hey Everyone - I am going to go do my UBWO now before I have to start cooking. Trying to convince myself I can do a HIIT before putting in the turkey tomorrow morning. I think I am coming down with something which I have to fight off now - This needs to be a big week as it is the halfway mark on Sunday! Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Debbie

Body for Life Forum Message by Kari (252 posts) at 08:29 PM:
hello all my american buddies!!!! well i may not be able to enjoy the food fest with you guys...but i'll be in the US on saturday to do some serious shopping...i'm soo excited..you guys have such good sales on this weekend! LeoGirl-- glad your back!!!! Katie- hope you feel better soon! Tri-girl - way to go on coming this far!!!! Laurie - well i had 3 dinners when it was canada's turkey day..so i've had my share!!!! Hope you all enjoy your meals tomorrow!!! Think of me killing my legs while your downing your turkey and stuffing!!!! luv k.

Thread: B-F-L INSPIRATION (202 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Fluoro Crucky (168 posts) at 07:40 AM:
Welcome Christina! I'm sure you'll find lots of motivation right here! Crucky

Thread: My profile and The red dress challenge (252 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by justdoit (177 posts) at 12:36 AM:
I hear the mall calling... I think I need to buy a RED DRESS!!!!! I love the way we women think!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by tonee (89 posts) at 02:11 AM:
Welcome, welcome and welcome. I'll be looking for you in a pic of that red dress!!!!

Tonya

Body for Life Forum Message by smp (4 posts) at 09:14 AM:
Wahoo everyone!!! All your good vibes helped me drop a pound on the scale this morning! Thank you! You're all so awesome! I posted a picture of the dress on my profile. It's 2 parts -- a silky negligee part underneath and then a sheer button up part on top. I'm so motivated! Thanks everyone!

Body for Life Forum Message by motiv8me (180 posts) at 09:20 AM:
Good luck, smp! These dresses are so often motivators, aren't they? I've got one of my own...

Body for Life Forum Message by LeoGirl (135 posts) at 09:26 AM:
You'll do awesome smp! The dress is beautiful. I have a dress goal too. A bridesmaid dress for June. I have a picture in my gallery. Oh and a bikini for my birthday lol! Good Luck!
*~Jen~*

Thread: Huh???? (193 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 07:10 AM:
Well this was a treat to come and read... Got me all teary eyed over my coffee darn it... Thank you so much for the compliments. Rock Chic you bring up a good point. I don't have an image in my head of what I want next. I set the goal of 125, mostly because it seemed like I should keep trying to lose more. I worked hard to get to this point and the last thing I want to do is not enjoy it. Thank you all so much for the support, and the advice. I need to give more thought to what I really want. Big ole bear hugs Urs

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 07:37 AM:
It's really like the law of diminishing returns. THat is, the closer you get to your ideal physique, the less quickly you lose more fat. Looking at your series of profile photos, your transformation has been very linear, to this point, with gradual but clearly discernible changes that have you to what clearly appears to be nearly a perfect physique for you. If you wish for a little more sharpness in the abs and the upper arms areas, so you would look like a figure competitor, then you will be going for that "starved kitty" look as Donna Szabo calls it. (Her kids tell her she is looking like a "starved kitty" when her cheeks begin to sink in a bit.) That is an admirable goal but it's also a condition that your body will go to war with you over. You'll be battling the immune system, the reproductive system, the hormones that control cravings, everything! They will all be fighting your efforts to get much leaner. I would suggest, if that is where you are heading, that you make sure you're getting lots of green vegetable type fiber, as in broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, pea pods, green peppers, and very little starchy carbs, especially in the second half of the day. Pound your carbs down in the morning and before workouts, and just make those last two or three meals a day nothing but a lean protein and some stir fried green veggies. Doing that I was able to get from about 12% to about 8 % body fat in four weeks--without losing much actual scale weight. Boy, it sucks though! You'll never be so glad in your life to see the end of something if you go that route!

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 07:37 AM:
How about BF%. Do you track this?

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 09:06 AM:
Lol Tcstone I track body fat by how much belly roll my husband can pinch... Just yesterday morning when I sat up he tried and pinch lol and said... Hey theres nothin there... ;) Larry, again thanks for the pm. It really helped put things into perspective. Urs

Thread: You should try this... (185 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by BONUSNESS (11 posts) at 07:57 AM:
Guys, I am posting here because the guestbook is down. Kisses to all. Hit your tens, eat clean, and drink your water... The holidays are a good time to show off your new bady while setting a good example of healthy living for those who are still living in the matrix.. Be strong!!!! Marty

Body for Life Forum Message by BONUSNESS (11 posts) at 08:00 AM:
Of course I meant to type "body"... Marty

Body for Life Forum Message by DreamCatcher (521 posts) at 10:44 AM:
Oops, I guess I missed this thread yesterday! Well..my day 1 was on of the best yet! Definitely the best cardio workout that I've ever had! Eating is SO much better this week than last week! This seems to be working to get my spark and drive back! Jennifer

Body for Life Forum Message by Megan'sMom (143 posts) at 10:53 AM:
It is so great when you've got someone, who's also motivated to check in with and push. My best friend, my excerise buddy by phone/email is pregnant now and I'm down to trying to pay her to just go do yoga . . . I know she'll be glad she did later, but I also remember the feeling of just too tired to do anything after work when your pregnant. Laurie

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 12:15 PM:
Lori, I think that's a great idea!!! It helps when we have to be accountable to someone else!! I wish you both all the best!!! Hugs, Sylvia aka Cookie1135

Thread: A million and one... (105 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by averismommy (200 posts) at 02:38 AM:
You are such an inspiration Jim.

Thread: Continue November Challenge (73 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Mickymacb (320 posts) at 08:50 AM:
I know team 5 has been getting stats, contact ShanonRun for them. I remember seeing someone ask what the captains were supposed to do with the stats, so maybe they just didn't know they were supposed to turn them in? Micky

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 08:51 AM:
LP..didnt you get my stats for week 1????

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 08:53 AM:
I'm waiting on stats from 1 person.....I sent her a reminder ysterday afternoon......if I don't hear from her by today around 3 p.m..... I'll assume she doesn't want to play anymore and I'll remove her form the team. Everyone else is still up for it all. I don't want to call it quits.....it seems to create some extra motivation for us during this oh so special holiday week of food, food, food.....then turkey coma.

Body for Life Forum Message by LeoGirl (135 posts) at 09:56 AM:
Please don't call it quits! Come on guys lets step it up!

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 09:58 AM:
I dont want to call it quits!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Tri-girl (12 posts) at 10:39 AM:
I don't want to call it quits either!! I know team 2 is going strong. Let's rock this challenge everyone!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 10:43 AM:
what are these teams and stuff.. what is the november challenge? is that the official challenge or what? mel

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 10:44 AM:
nope, not THE official challenge. It's just a means of keeping each other motivated, and staying accountable.

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 10:45 AM:
when will a new one start??

Body for Life Forum Message by Megan'sMom (143 posts) at 10:51 AM:
LP, I just sent you week 1 . . . we had someone hop in after it started and I needed backdated info, so we're still going. I'll have week 2 info to you hopefully soon, waiting on 2 people. I think we should keep going . . . this challenge has been confusing since the beginning so things aren't running as smoothly as expected, but I don't think that's a reason to give up on it. This week is also a holiday week for us in the US so it's a little more chaotic, but we'll get through it! Laurie

Thread: I finally did it - posted pics. (124 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by ekela98 (5 posts) at 01:24 AM:
Wow!! Great job, you did it! Keep it up. Tanya

Thread: 1 day after Vascular Surgery!!!!!!!!!!! (88 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by justdoit (177 posts) at 12:27 AM:
Girl, I'm thinking about you. Please be careful, rest, and keep up that positive attitude!!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by chubbachick (75 posts) at 01:36 AM:
Oh that sounds so painful!! Good luck with your recovery, have yourself a drink, surely that will sort it out LOL

Body for Life Forum Message by jshelton (1616 posts) at 02:05 AM:
Hey kiddo! Sorry you are out commission, but hopefully you'll recover quickly and be back to your normal butt-kicking self! Take care, Jim

Body for Life Forum Message by averismommy (200 posts) at 02:40 AM:
I hope you heal quickly!!

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 07:38 AM:
wow. yes, I hope you have a speedy recovery for sure!

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 07:42 AM:
I think I'd cancel that cardio session you had scheduled today! Good luck Udenia. These things always seem to take forever, but you'll be back at it soon enough and the old muscle memory will kick right back in! At least those were my experiences after being out 3 months for shoulder surgery and 6 weeks for spinal surgery.

Body for Life Forum Message by crone (257 posts) at 07:59 AM:
Thinking about you. Get some rest because I know in two weeks you will be kicking 'booty'.

Body for Life Forum Message by Kerry (847 posts) at 08:03 AM:
Hey Udenia, sounds like things went as planned. Good for you. I know it hurts and is uncomfortable, but just think how much better you will be when you are all healed up! Yours in Health, Kerry

Thread: OXYGEN MAGAZINE COVER!!! (239 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by SweetEmotion (969 posts) at 12:56 AM:
I love it too. I just subscribed to it and they sent me my first bill but not mag yet. I'll get it from the store. It's so motivating and informative. Lori

Body for Life Forum Message by Fluoro Crucky (168 posts) at 07:45 AM:
I have just bought my first Oxygen magazine ever here in Thailand. I have to say that I loved it and wished it was available in Spain (which is were I live), but still have a month and a half here so hopefully I'll be able to get another couple of issues before I go. The one I bought is the 75th anniversary one and I loved the photograph on the cover! Crucky

Body for Life Forum Message by fitchic25802 (296 posts) at 08:07 AM:
That's so awesome! I saw the issue, but haven't picked it up yet! I'm going to either today or tomorrow. Depends on if I go out of the house today.

Body for Life Forum Message by buffb4long (14 posts) at 08:10 AM:
I went to oxygenmag.com and I'm not sure if the cover they have featured is the one you are talking about. Is it Tiffany Grapoli-Jawitz (blonde in striped bikini)? Regardless, this woman looks amazing AND she has a child!

Body for Life Forum Message by iceskater (184 posts) at 08:11 AM:
That's so cool! I just got mine in the mail the other day. I was so glad to get the calendar for inspiration and motivation!

Body for Life Forum Message by Mickymacb (320 posts) at 08:48 AM:
Oxygen magazine is the best! How cool that you know who the cover girl is! They all have amazing bodies!!!! Micky

Body for Life Forum Message by ShineyHiney (278 posts) at 09:04 AM:
Oh how cool, I just bought that last night. She looks great. Buff, it's the same girl you saw on their website.

Body for Life Forum Message by Rkreider (69 posts) at 09:44 AM:
Yes thats her "buffb4long", she does have a kid, three years old. Shes very sweet as well.

Body for Life Forum Message by Rkreider (69 posts) at 09:49 AM:
Thats the type of people that live here in my hometown, we have alot of woman here who do figure competitions as well as the guru of training Woman Competitors "BODY BY O" his gym is located five min away. He has trained pro's like Monica Brant.I guess you can say this helps motivate me staring at them in the gym.

Body for Life Forum Message by LeoGirl (135 posts) at 09:50 AM:
oh I haven't gotten my new one yet but I love it too! So much information and its not all fluff like most fitness mags for women.
*~Jen~*

Body for Life Forum Message by TracyJeffries (1270 posts) at 10:16 AM:
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and those ABS...wow!

Thread: Thanks gang... (99 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by jshelton (1616 posts) at 02:34 AM: Thanks gang...
I was just checking the top 20 profiles and I was shocked! You guys have me in the top 10 for this month and frankly I haven't made any impressive transformation for some time... The truth is, as I've alluded to in recent posts I've been having a pretty rough time over the last several weeks. Although I'm confident I'll get back on track shortly, it just about brought me to tears to see you guys were pulling for me by casting your vote. I haven't put much stock in the top 20 profile list because I figure that everyone on Tracker is a true winner, but it means the world to me to know you guys are supporting me even when I'm not really making much progress, or even going through a setback... But I promise you I will honor your vote by getting back on track full blast and making you proud. When I step back and look at the big picture I know that I just have to accept that there will be those times when illness or some other adversity is going to make things difficult... But hey! That's why they call this Body-for-Life! I like knowing that my posts have helped people, but don't forget you guys are helping me too! Big time! When my real-life long-time friends let me down, you guys stepped up and helped me keep on truckin'... So watch out girls! By the time I meet all you guys on the cruise next summer, I am going to be one buffed dude!!! Yeah baby! Thanks again, you guys are the greatest! Jim

Body for Life Forum Message by Persephone (326 posts) at 03:42 AM:
Well Jim, gotta be honest, I didn't vote anyone to the top 20 but IMHO you deserve to be there! You've been the voice of reason, of honesty, of integrity and a pure walking example of the idea that it is surely better to give than to receive. I'm starting to think our man Bill Phillips had a different idea when he called his programme BFL: of course he meant it's something that has to be maintained for life but I also think he alludes to the programme challenging ALL aspects of life. As the fat dissolves, all manner of emotions and strengths emerge. Courage: the ability to look in the mirror and admit we've made mistakes. Strength: the power to do something about our state of being. Honesty: to listen to our inner voice and do what we think is right even when everyone else tells us differently. The more I do BFL, the more I realise BFL is a metaphor for life. 1) do some strength building three times a week. Build your muscles. If that isn't a metaphor for having the strength to get rid of the things (or people!) that aren't working anymore then I don't know what is. You might be sore but it makes you tougher so you can face bigger challenges. 2) Do some cardio, get out of breath, run a little further every day. This is confirmation we can and do improve with practice. 3)Get into a routine. Plan ahead. Simple advice to live by, not for 12 weeks but for life. 4) Keep track, evaluate your progress so you can see your successes and failures--and do something about them! 5) Eat the things that are good for you little and often. Do everything that's good for you little and often!! *wipes sweat from brow* Jim, I appreciate your story. I'm so glad you've shared with us. You deserve your successes. Now stop posting and get on with your workout! Love, Persephone (xxx)

Body for Life Forum Message by Kerry (847 posts) at 08:07 AM:
Jim, BTW- you already have made us proud:) Yours in Health, Kerry

Body for Life Forum Message by ShineyHiney (278 posts) at 08:15 AM:
Jim you deserve to be in the top 20. As far as I am concerned you have already earned it. Keep pushing, you are doing an awesome job.~Donna

Thread: Thoughts from site #94 (62 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by jshelton (1616 posts) at 04:04 AM: Thoughts from site #94
Hi gang! It's after midnight here at Lake Jennings campground. I really have enjoyed my 9-day stay here on site #94 in my beautiful tent trailer... I'll be packing up tomorrow morning and heading home, although frankly this has felt pretty much like home itself. I just wanted to leave you guys with a thought about what you can expect during your BFL journey... I'm sure many of my BFL buddies have discovered along the way that making the commitment to rebuild your body pretty much requires you to come to terms with a lot of issues that typically you wouldn't associate to fitness... But you might as well accept that your Body-for-Life program might challenge you to tackle a lot more than just workouts and nutrition... I think for most all of us, we've had to come to terms with issues that have been obstacles in the past. If you have childhood wounds, you can bet they're going to show up. If you have issues with addictions, drinking, food disorders, or what have you, you can bet that it will affect your progress and you'll be forced to do something about it...and don't even get me started on dealing with 'toxic' friends! But that's one of the great things about a program like Body-for-Life. It's like having a messy closet full of junk... You are careful to keep the door closed because you are too ashamed to let anybody see all your garbage... (I should know, my bedroom closet is a disaster!) But now you are not only rebuilding your body, you are rebuilding your life. And in the process you're finally going to come to terms with that junky closet... Although it seems overwhelming at first, you gradually tackle each pile. And at some point, you finally have a fairly nice-looking closet, one that you're even proud of... So welcome the challenges other than just the physical and understand that this is an opportunity to not just lose fat and build muscle, but also to drop a few other heavy burdens... What's not to love?!!! BTW -- My main purpose for this trip was to get a good start on writing my book. I made some solid progress, having completed the basic outline and about 10 pages of the first chapter. Actually, it's been rather emotional because it's like I'm going back and reliving it. The book starts with the summer of 1996, when I first started experiencing the chronic illness problems... I'm pretty jazzed! I think it's going to turn out quite well... Jim

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 05:40 AM:
yeah!

Body for Life Forum Message by Kerry (847 posts) at 08:05 AM:
Good for you Jim, ... still want my autographed copy:) Yours in Health, Kerry

Thread: Lost Track but I'm back! (41 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Blondie26 (89 posts) at 07:46 AM: Lost Track but I'm back!
Oh, for two weeks now I fell off track and back on. Off and on this went for two stinkin weeks. This week is cuze I've been sick and weak. Even though I'm on C2 I still have trouble from time to time. Well, It smacked me in the face last night LOL. What the hell was I thinking fallin off. Well I still worked thru my UBWO and LBWO but never did cardio. I could barely breath. I haven't gained any weight and lost 2lbs. mmmmm. What the world. I wasn't eating each meal and was eating maybe one meal a day. Stomach flu. Well started feeling better last night and smacked myself around awhile. I'm back! Hit the LBWO hard this morning Looking forward to eating clean all day and cardio tomorrow. I have a goal to loose as much as possible by Dec.23rd. I have a work office party to go to and we all work in different offices so we never see each other and I thought I will blow them away with my changes. From the last time they saw me. I know I can max this out in one month. Almost below 200lb mark. This baby weight is coming off of me. Its about time. Even though its been only 4months from my c-section. Thank you all for listening. When I come here and admitt to you all and fess up to what I've done it helps put my bigg ass back on track. Thank you. You all are a big part of my support team and so is my hubby. Dawn

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 10:27 AM:
the main thing is you keep trying! when you never give up..its impossible to fail! Try keeping the dress you are going to wear up somewhere around your house to look at, or some kind of reminder about the party..maybe that will help! If we were all perfect at this there wouldnt be a website for support would there? Stick with it! Today is going to be a great day!!!!

Thread: Survival Skills by Mel! (76 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 08:06 AM: Survival Skills by Mel!
WISDOM FROM MEL Mel was my sponsor in a recovery program for several years. He was gruff, ornery, and definitely looked like he had been through a hard life. There was a twinkle in his eye that told you that he loved life, and the advice he gave me helped me to love mine as well. Whenever I was whining at one of the meetings about what somebody was doing to me or had done to me, he would always say the same thing: “Pray for them—that they would get exactly what you would want to receive if you were them. And go out and do something nice for someone who can’t return the favor, and don’t get caught!” (For Mel, “don’t get caught” meant not telling anyone, even the person you helped, that YOU were the one who had done it.) Well, I was always upset that Mel didn’t seem to care to listen to “my problems.” But, I always did what he said, usually begrudgingly, but I did it—mainly because he always could tell if I hadn’t done what he told me! And an interesting thing happened. By the time I had said my prayers for those jerks who deserved to die, and by the time I had found somebody to help and pulled it off, “my problems” had mysteriously disappeared! Mel always said that you had to spend a lot of time nursing “problems” or they would just die from neglect. Near the last time I saw Mel he gave me another piece of advice about problems. He said, “It’s not so much that you HAVE problems, but that YOU ARE the problem!” And he gave me a sticker to put on my bathroom mirror that said, “You are looking at the problem.” What he was saying is that the problems I thought I had came from a faulty perspective. That I saw things as happening to me unjustly instead of viewing them as an opportunity to create real joy in someone’s life. What’s all this have to do with BFL? Everything! In your challenge, and in between challenges—the part we call “living,”—you WILL have troubles, guaranteed. And how you view them, and how you respond to them will dictate how it all turns out. It will dictate your attitude at the point of crisis, at the end, and even when you hear whether you won or not! In short, adversity will make a better and happier person out of you—if you do what Mel says!

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 08:12 AM:
how true that rings!!!! GREAT POST!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 09:14 AM:
That is very wise advice...

Body for Life Forum Message by Ngo Excuses (41 posts) at 09:25 AM:
Wow! A great way to look at things!

Body for Life Forum Message by lovetorun (45 posts) at 09:31 AM:
Great post. Gives one lots to think about.

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 10:25 AM:
Awesome advice. actually, very biblical advice too. Love it. Thanks for posting.

Body for Life Forum Message by TaraC29 (17 posts) at 10:26 AM:
I LOVE IT! I will tell myself tomorrow that I am the problem...not all the pies in my face. :)

Sounds like a great guy!

Thread: I've turned a corner and HOLY COW!! (210 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 08:25 AM: I've turned a corner and HOLY COW!!
Good morning!

This post has two parts. First, I want to thank everyone who wrote me very kind and inspiring words Monday. You made me realize something:

I DO own this challenge! I DO own my trnasformation. I DO have control what I eat and don't!

Sure, my wife brings unauthorized foods into the house, but is she the only spouse in BFL history to do this? Uh..NOOOOOOO!

I've used that as an excuse. I will no longer! Last challenge I realized I had an eating problem and conqured (spelling) depression, I'm only into week 4 and I do beleive I've transformed more these two past challenges than I ever have.

So again, thank you. You were there for me and you know I'll always be there for you!

....and the HOLY COW part? Monday I weighed 315..today? 305!! yes its water weight mainly but HOLY COW!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by GetNFit (691 posts) at 08:37 AM:
Good for you!!!!! That's awesome Gary!

Keep Pump'n

Robin

Body for Life Forum Message by Blondie26 (89 posts) at 08:39 AM:
Awsome keep it up

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 08:39 AM:
yee haw! As much as we claim to hate scales here at BFL....I gotta say sometimes it is a huge motivator!

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 08:41 AM:
great job Gary! You have to do this for YOU.

Body for Life Forum Message by iceskater (184 posts) at 08:42 AM:
That's great!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by twinmom (270 posts) at 08:43 AM:
Wow Gary..you do own this challenge! If it was easy to not eat authorized foods, it wouldn't be called a challenge. You are a champ so beat the cravings and win this challenge. Annette

Body for Life Forum Message by Ursula (565 posts) at 09:09 AM:
Awesome Gary! I love your positive, and motivated attitude ;) Urs

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 09:10 AM:
thanks everyone!!! Its like I have new life!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Ngo Excuses (41 posts) at 09:11 AM:
AWESOME Gary... It also sounds like your inner transformation has revved up too! Denise

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 09:16 AM:
Gary- You are on your way to completing the most difficult part of the transformation- your inner self. I honestly believe that needs to come first before everything else can change. You're on your way! Great job!

Body for Life Forum Message by michiganmike (77 posts) at 09:25 AM:
GARY, between women and cats, they compromise about 90% of the problems that confront men! And generally speaking, we can't do much about either one of them--or the problems they cause--except to love them just like we are. And, for the most part, women reciprocate. Cats? Well, the egyptians worshipped them as gods, and they have never forgotten that! What I'm getting to here is that most of my life I have had some kind of a dustup going on with my significant other or some other member of the opposite gender, and as long as I kept it up, even by blaming them for starting it or making me angry, I never got any better. Today, I try to view myself as the author of my own misery or joy, and the "choice" to be miserable or happy depends on whether I choose to carry on a dustup with my wife, or whether I choose to blame her for something, or whethr I choose to see her and love her as the one I CHOSE to spend my life with. Heck, I have enough troubles just trying to change myself--what would make me think I could change her? Sounds like you are on the right track--just be sure to remember that you can easily get derailed, sometimes without ever even realizing it. Do that daily inventory thing and you'll do well!! Happy Thanksgiving.

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 09:26 AM:
Way To Go Gary!!!! You Can Do It!!! Hugs, Sylvia aka Cookie1135

Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (1408 posts) at 01:30 PM:
Keep going, Gary!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Miss Fit (323 posts) at 01:45 PM:
Congratulations, Gary - on turning the corner and dropping the water weight! Yay for you!! If your wife brings unauthorized foods in the house, don’t allow yourself to cave. My husband has a freakishly high metabolism and in our house on a constant basis is: doritos or cheetos, ice cream, and a special cake he loves - Chocolate Truffle Cake. I learned my lesson one free day - if I take even one bite of any of his very unauthorized and unhealthy foods, all bets are off and I'll eat the whole bag/gallon/cake before I come to my senses. So I won't allow myself the luxury of even a small taste. If there's something I want to eat on my free day, I'll go out to eat or only buy enough so there are no leftovers. =)

Body for Life Forum Message by Greg_H (6 posts) at 02:55 PM:
Good job man. I am very happy to see that you are turning that corner, nothing but good things ahead!!

Body for Life Forum Message by TaraC29 (17 posts) at 03:18 PM:
Great Job! It is not easy when those tempting foods are around...but they'll always be around, so we have to keep our will-power with us at all times! You are gonna ROCK this challenge!

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 03:27 PM:
and so is everyone else!!!!1 thanks!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by Jennifer (15 posts) at 04:04 PM:
Water or fat or whatever - who cares? You're losing weight and feeling good about it and that's all that matters. Way to go!

Body for Life Forum Message by transformation (16 posts) at 11:39 PM:
Hooray! Making the DECISION to believe in yourself is often the hardest part. You choose your actions/reactions -- no one can do it for you. With this attitude, you are going to do extraordinary things. Believe it.

Thread: BFL Essay (56 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by BuckeyeBoy (61 posts) at 09:14 AM: BFL Essay
I never shared my 2005 essay (might be offically the longest thread in BFL Tracker History so I apologize in advance)! Perhaps you could print it off and take it to the restroom. If you like it, great, if not, instant toilet paper:) This website is about helping others so perhaps some of the words I wrote below will inspire some of you. This is the one I turned in (and lost of course BOO HOO)! For the past several years (since college) I was aimlessly wandering through life with no focus . . . no clear vision of who I was or where I was headed. The last major goal I had was to graduate college with honors. Mission Accomplished! I should have felt like the king of the world. I settled down in my hometown area to become a school teacher. This was my dream. To be close to friends/family and have the ability to positively impact so many young lives through teaching and coaching. For some reason something was amiss. On a professional level, I was just achieving mediocrity. I would roll out of bed at the last possible minute to be at work on time. I literally would be walking into the classroom with my students (chugging a coffee or Mountain Dew), instead of being their early greeting them as they came in. Is this the image I wanted to reflect upon my students? A man just doing enough to collect a paycheck. That’s not what being a teacher is all about. Heck, that’s not what I was all about. I somehow let some lazy, goal-less person take over my body. I literally could not wait for the bell to ring so I could go home and take a nap. A nap! What the heck was I tired from? I was not becoming the man I had envisioned in my youth. I lacked a sense of purpose. My personal life wasn’t much better. Spending quality time with my fiancé consisted of takeout and sitting on the couch watching T.V. When I went out with friends it mainly consisted of downing a few beers and watching a game. Visiting my family (if I did at all) had to be centered around a meal, not a family activity. The bottom line was the time being spent with my fiancé, friends, and family was not QUALITY TIME. I knew a change had to be made but what? From a physical standpoint I felt disgusting. I was busting out of my 34 in. pants (I wore 31/32 in college). I was the “King of Yo-Yo Dieting.” I would eat Atkins bars one week and Hershey bars the next. I felt sluggish. Not the upbeat guy everyone knew me as. Everyone used to know the life of the party, the Student-Body President, and just a fun guy to be around. How could I find that guy again? My family history health-wise has never been the best. My father has now had three heart attacks and has had a kidney removed (last September). A lot of the problems he was having revolved around his diet and lack of exercise. I could close my eyes and see myself in the future having those same problems. What could I do? In January, the reality of my lazy sub-existence punched me square in the nose. The scale finally eclipsed 200 lbs. I had to dig deep and find the old goal-driven person that used to exist. I knew I wasn’t reaching my maximum potential in every aspect of my life. Enter EAS supplements and Body-for-Life (BFL). I saw the book (Bill Phillips) in the store and checked out the website. I knew this was the program for me. I looked at the results of other BFL participants and said “hey, if I can bust my butt and look like that I’ll be happy.” Of course, I didn’t think it was possible. Early on, a lot of my motivation was purely cosmetic. I just wanted to look better. I already had a lovely beard to cover up my double chin so I used 2002 champ Thomas Phillips’ (he had a beard also) pictures as my motivation. I had him on my BFL notebook/journal with the words “You Can Do This!” underneath. I also kept a side by side photo of the “old-energetic me” and the “201 pound grizzly” on the fridge. I wanted to start lifting for a few weeks to work out the soreness then it was go time!!!! I knew I did not want my accomplishments/accolades to stop at college. I had so much life ahead of me. It was time to get back on track, set some goals and start the BFL challenge. On February 12th, 2005 I officially began the BFL Challenge. No one knew about it except my fiancé. That way if I quit it would not matter. Just another goal I did not achieve. I printed off the meal plan from the 1st week and followed it to a “T.” I knew if I could eat this way for one week I could try and make it work for eleven more. I worked extremely hard that first week. Waking up was the hardest part the first week, but something amazing happened on day 8. I popped up out of bed at 5:29 a.m. I beat the alarm. My fiancé was shocked. The best was yet to come though. On day 14 we took my week two pictures and I saw a little bit of abdominals. I ran to the scale. I was down 10 pounds in two weeks. Wow! It was like a snowball going down a mountain after that just gathering size and momentum. I shaved off the beard in week 3 and actually felt my jaw line again. The “I hope I finish this program turned into I know I will finish this program.” BFL had even started to change my language. I was way more positive. By week 4 the alarm clock was a running joke between my fiancé and me. I could not wait to get out of bed and workout. I routinely was up before the alarm. Before I went to workout the first day of week five I re-read the discussion of Bill’s explanation of “hitting a 10.” I knew deep down I probably had not taken my body to that level yet. I was also starting EAS Phosphagen that week so I wanted maximum results. From that day on, I truly tried to make my body go to places it had never been. During my HIIT cardio (in the morning) I would be a dripping mess while the people around me would carry on casual conversations. They looked at me like I was a wild animal. They had no idea what I was doing, but I sure did. I was “Hitting 10’s” and building a Body-for-Life!!! By week five my fiancé’, students, family, and friends had all started to take notice of my ongoing transformation. Since I knew I was finally going to reach a goal I let them all know what I was doing. They loved it! They were all pulling for me and it gave me a renewed sense of focus for the next seven weeks. I just continued following the BFL plan of 5-6 meals a day and hitting some 10’s. During week 7, 8, and 9 I really began to change. I had so much energy. I was consistently one of the first teachers in the building. I was enjoying being in the classroom with my students instead of watching the clock. Some students would copy my eating habits and stop eating so much junk. I also was spending way more time with my fiancé. We were traveling to see her family, going to church, and spending time with my family. I told her when this first started it was going to be a selfish three months, but the exact opposite happened. I had more time for her and it was quality time. As a positive side effect for her she lost about 10 pounds by just following the meal plan. We now take more walks, do more fun activities, and she has started BFL after seeing my results. I believe the real difference in having good results and the results I have achieved as of writing this occurred before week 10. I started chatting with other people online who were doing the BFL challenge. Their advice and stories really inspired me and pushed me. One thing that started happening during the last three weeks was I learned how to routinely hit 10’s. The grimace on my face when I was finishing a set would turn into a grin because I knew what I was doing. I was smashing most of my goals with every rep, and every drop of sweat. I literally would almost fall down in the squat rack, but I’d be grinning the whole time. I was a BFL fanatic. Staff, trainers, and people in my gym are now following some of the BFL principles and many of my friends are going to give the actual challenge a go with my guidance. This program has changed my life. I now have the energetic/vibrant personality I once had back. I openly speak to others about my accomplishments with this program, but not to brag. I just want to share my personal story to get them motivated to make healthy changes in their lives. Once they see my pictures they certainly perk up and realize that I know what I’m talking about. What is 12 weeks in the grand scheme of things if in the end you will have a lifetime to enjoy the effects of it? I truly want to infect as many people as I can with the fever I have. I have the BFL fever and there is no cure. Things are beginning to happen on a sub-conscious level too. I now walk with a little hop in my step. I am holding/opening doors for people smiling the whole time. I am always confident and make eye contact with whomever I encounter. I am constantly talking about the personal goal-setting I learned from the BFL program and following through to achieve those goals. I no longer procrastinate on personal or professional obligations. I meet (normally early) deadlines with ease because I now know how to plan ahead. I did not read any of the Success Stories (on the website) for a month prior to writing this because I wanted this to come straight from the heart. How ironic it is that this still sounds like everyone else. The changes one experiences from this program are felt just as much on the inside as they are in the mirror. Obviously that is not a bad thing! I knew this had evolved into a lifestyle when the day after the challenge I popped out of bed at 5:30 a.m., made eye contact with my fiancé, and we both knew without saying a word . . . It was time to go knock out a 10 in cardio. Thank you so much Bill Phillips, EAS, and the Body-for-Life staff!! You truly have changed my life. I have achieved (with your guidance) more than I ever thought imaginable. I have a better body, but more importantly I am a better Person-for-Life!!!! Now comes the part I like most, helping others feel the same way! ay! Here it is!

Body for Life Forum Message by BuckeyeBoy (61 posts) at 09:15 AM:
Once again this was divided into paragraphs until I hit post! Sorry :(

Thread: LIFE Support (32 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Ngo Excuses (41 posts) at 09:19 AM: LIFE Support
Everyday when I come here...I jump over to the discussion forums...and always choose to come to Body for Life Support forum first...

But the 2 words that stand out the most for me now are "Life Support"...and what a great "life support" you all are...

Thank you for being here and offering all the support that you do...

I was lurking for awhile b4 I started posting again...and though you may not know it...alot of your words & kindness helped me get to the place I needed to be to restart my journey!

Know that what you are doing everyday will effect many others you may never know (on & off this board) & how powerful is that!!!

Denise

Thread: Whole Foods (39 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by 3D (9 posts) at 10:02 AM: Whole Foods
It seems, after a lot of trial and error, that I just can't digest Myoplex or any other meal replacement shakes or bars properly. So, my new quest is to do this with whole foods. And very little dairy. Any suggestions for meal ideas. Mostly I'm concerned with meal 4 and meal 6 as those are the meals I'd have a Myoplex (m 4), and cottage cheese (M 6). Meal 1 I always have a shake but I will have to start cooking some eggs and oatmeal and figure out meal 2. Yikes, this is gonna take some work.

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 10:14 AM:
boiled egg whites

Body for Life Forum Message by ptwob2 (193 posts) at 10:17 AM:
Not a big deal. When you cook, always plann on leftovers. When I get low on brown rice and wheat pasta, I make some and put it in a container in the fridge. That way I can always find a quick serving of protein and a carb to fill a meal. I also keep some veggies cut up in the fridge to serve as a snack a carb or a veggie serving depending on when I eat it. Also, start hard boiling some eggs and keep them on hand. They are great in a pinch. Good Luck. mike

Thread: Taylor University College will be fit NOT fat in 2006! (52 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Mrs P (332 posts) at 10:38 AM: Taylor University College will be fit NOT fat in 2006!
I finally worked up the courage to send around an email to the ladies at the school where I work asking them if they'd be interested in joining a fitness group. It's one of my challenge goals to start a ladies fitness group where I work and I've been dragging my heels! This morning the email went out and within 5 minutes I had two positive responses! I'm excited and terrified at the same time. If more people actually sign on to this I'm going to have to start planning and organizing what it is we're actually going to do (other than plugging BFL!). I'm super stoked about this and just wanted to share a little victory. Yay!!! One challenge goal is on it's way to becoming reality!!

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 10:54 AM:
Good for you for sharing BFL with others! I have gotten 5 people to join me in the past 3 weeks. It is great to inspire others! I, too, am a teacher and have two other teachers on board with me. I'd love to do what you are doing but I'm afraid of a mass e-mail. Can I ask how you worded the letter you sent out?

Body for Life Forum Message by Mrs P (332 posts) at 04:32 PM:
So many people have responded positively to this! I can hardly believe it ... probably about 80% have indicated interest !!! I'm so stoked. Here's a copy of the letter I sent out: "For quite some time I’ve been toying with the idea of starting some sort of fitness group for the women on faculty/staff here at Taylor. I finally worked up the courage to send you all an email! The main thing I want to know is if there are any of you who would be willing to meet once a week (or even a couple of times a week) for any of the following: walking, running/jogging, aerobics, weight lifting (it isn’t that scary!) or anything of that nature. I know that after sitting all day long, five days a week, my body is just itching to get moving. If you’re interested in doing anything like this, please send me an email back. If you’re not interested that’s fine too – no worries. The main thing is that I wanted to get the offer out in the open. So, let me know what you think." It's pretty open-ended and non-preachy. Make it sound fun and then invite others to join the hardcore BFL lifestyle!!! That's my motto. Hope you're able to get something going biojen!

Thread: Here we go! One more try! (163 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by BuckeyeBoy (61 posts) at 10:44 AM: Here we go! One more try!
That essay was an eyesore without breaks so hopefully this works! If not, ignore and consider me an idiot
For the past several years (since college) I was aimlessly wandering through life with no focus . . . no clear vision of who I was or where I was headed. The last major goal I had was to graduate college with honors. Mission accomplished! I should have felt like the king of the world. I settled down in my hometown area to become a school teacher. This was my dream. To be close to friends/family and have the ability to positively impact so many young lives through teaching and coaching. For some reason something was amiss.
On a professional level, I was just achieving mediocrity. I would roll out of bed at the last possible minute to be at work on time. I literally would be walking into the classroom with my students (chugging a coffee or Mountain Dew), instead of being their early greeting them as they came in. Is this the image I wanted to reflect upon my students? A man just doing enough to collect a paycheck. That’s not what being a teacher is all about. Heck, that’s not what I was all about. I somehow let some lazy, goal-less person take over my body. I literally could not wait for the bell to ring so I could go home and take a nap. A nap! What the heck was I tired from? I was not becoming the man I had envisioned in my youth. I lacked a sense of purpose.
My personal life wasn’t much better. Spending quality time with my fiancé consisted of takeout and sitting on the couch watching T.V. When I went out with friends it mainly consisted of downing a few beers and watching a game. Visiting my family (if I did at all) had to be centered around a meal, not a family activity. The bottom line was the time being spent with my fiancé, friends, and family was not QUALITY TIME. I knew a change had to be made but what?
From a physical standpoint I felt disgusting. I was busting out of my 34 in. pants (I wore 31/32 in college). I was the “King of Yo-Yo Dieting.” I would eat Atkins bars one week and Hershey bars the next. I felt sluggish. Not the upbeat guy everyone knew me as. Everyone used to know the life of the party, the Student-Body President, and just a fun guy to be around. How could I find that guy again?
My family history health-wise has never been the best. My father has now had three heart attacks and has had a kidney removed (last September). A lot of the problems he was having revolved around his diet and lack of exercise. I could close my eyes and see myself in the future having those same problems. What could I do?
In January, the reality of my lazy sub-existence punched me square in the nose. The scale finally eclipsed 200 lbs. I had to dig deep and find the old goal-driven person that used to exist. I knew I wasn’t reaching my maximum potential in every aspect of my life. Enter EAS supplements and Body-for-Life (BFL). I saw the book (Bill Phillips) in the store and checked out the website. I knew this was the program for me. I looked at the results of other BFL participants and said “hey, if I can bust my butt and look like that I’ll be happy.” Of course, I didn’t think it was possible. Early on, a lot of my motivation was purely cosmetic. I just wanted to look better. I already had a lovely beard to cover up my double chin so I used 2002 champ Thomas Phillips’ (he had a beard also) pictures as my motivation. I had him on my BFL notebook/journal with the words “You Can Do This!” underneath. I also kept a side by side photo of the “old-energetic me” and the “201 pound grizzly” on the fridge. I wanted to start lifting for a few weeks to work out the soreness then it was go time!!!! I knew I did not want my accomplishments/accolades to stop at college. I had so much life ahead of me. It was time to get back on track, set some goals and start the BFL challenge.
On February 12th, 2005 I officially began the BFL Challenge. No one knew about it except my fiancé. That way if I quit it would not matter. Just another goal I did not achieve. I printed off the meal plan from the 1st week and followed it to a “T.” I knew if I could eat this way for one week I could try and make it work for eleven more. I worked extremely hard that first week. Waking up was the hardest part the first week, but something amazing happened on day 8. I popped up out of bed at 5:29 a.m. I beat the alarm. My fiancé was shocked. The best was yet to come though. On day 14 we took my week two pictures and I saw a little bit of abdominals. I ran to the scale. I was down 10 pounds in two weeks. Wow! It was like a snowball going down a mountain after that just gathering size and momentum. I shaved off the beard in week 3 and actually felt my jaw line again. The “I hope I finish this program turned into I know I will finish this program.” BFL had even started to change my language. I was way more positive. By week 4 the alarm clock was a running joke between my fiancé and me. I could not wait to get out of bed and workout. I routinely was up before the alarm.
Before I went to workout the first day of week five I re-read the discussion of Bill’s explanation of “hitting a 10.” I knew deep down I probably had not taken my body to that level yet. I was also starting EAS Phosphagen that week so I wanted maximum results. From that day on, I truly tried to make my body go to places it had never been. During my HIIT cardio (in the morning) I would be a dripping mess while the people around me would carry on casual conversations. They looked at me like I was a wild animal. They had no idea what I was doing, but I sure did. I was “Hitting 10’s” and building a Body-for-Life!!!
By week five my fiancé’, students, family, and friends had all started to take notice of my ongoing transformation. Since I knew I was finally going to reach a goal I let them all know what I was doing. They loved it! They were all pulling for me and it gave me a renewed sense of focus for the next seven weeks. I just continued following the BFL plan of 5-6 meals a day and hitting some 10’s. During week 7, 8, and 9 I really began to change. I had so much energy. I was consistently one of the first teachers in the building. I was enjoying being in the classroom with my students instead of watching the clock. Some students would copy my eating habits and stop eating so much junk. I also was spending way more time with my fiancé. We were traveling to see her family, going to church, and spending time with my family. I told her when this first started it was going to be a selfish three months, but the exact opposite happened. I had more time for her and it was quality time. As a positive side effect for her she lost about 10 pounds by just following the meal plan. We now take more walks, do more fun activities, and she has started BFL after seeing my results.
I believe the real difference in having good results and the results I have achieved as of writing this occurred before week 10. I started chatting with other people online who were doing the BFL challenge. Their advice and stories really inspired me and pushed me. One thing that started happening during the last three weeks was I learned how to routinely hit 10’s. The grimace on my face when I was finishing a set would turn into a grin because I knew what I was doing. I was smashing most of my goals with every rep, and every drop of sweat. I literally would almost fall down in the squat rack, but I’d be grinning the whole time. I was a BFL fanatic. Staff, trainers, and people in my gym are now following some of the BFL principles and many of my friends are going to give the actual challenge a go with my guidance.
This program has changed my life. I now have the energetic/vibrant personality I once had back. I openly speak to others about my accomplishments with this program, but not to brag. I just want to share my personal story to get them motivated to make healthy changes in their lives. Once they see my pictures they certainly perk up and realize that I know what I’m talking about. What is 12 weeks in the grand scheme of things if in the end you will have a lifetime to enjoy the effects of it? I truly want to infect as many people as I can with the fever I have. I have the BFL fever and there is no cure.
Things are beginning to happen on a sub-conscious level too. I now walk with a little hop in my step. I am holding/opening doors for people smiling the whole time. I am always confident and make eye contact with whomever I encounter. I am constantly talking about the personal goal-setting I learned from the BFL program and following through to achieve those goals. I no longer procrastinate on personal or professional obligations. I meet (normally early) deadlines with ease because I now know how to plan ahead.
I did not read any of the Success Stories (on the website) for a month prior to writing this because I wanted this to come straight from the heart. How ironic it is that this still sounds like everyone else. The changes one experiences from this program are felt just as much on the inside as they are in the mirror. Obviously that is not a bad thing! I knew this had evolved into a lifestyle when the day after the challenge I popped out of bed at 5:30 a.m., made eye contact with my fiancé, and we both knew without saying a word . . . It was time to go knock out a 10 in cardio. Thank you so much Bill Phillips, EAS, and the Body-for-Life staff!! You truly have changed my life. I have achieved (with your guidance) more than I ever thought imaginable. I have a better body, but more importantly I am a better Person-for-Life!!!! Now comes the part I like most, helping others feel the same way!

Body for Life Forum Message by BuckeyeBoy (61 posts) at 10:45 AM:
It worked but I quit. I still wish it would indent. Have a great holiday everyone!!! Peace

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 10:55 AM:
loved reading that. thanks for sharing!

Body for Life Forum Message by Kerry (847 posts) at 11:43 AM:
Very Good, lots of truth:) Yours in Health, Kerry

Body for Life Forum Message by ptwob2 (193 posts) at 12:03 PM:
Incredible.

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 12:30 PM:
That was awesome!!! I enjoyed reading it!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Hugs, Sylvia aka Cookie1135

Body for Life Forum Message by chuckdiesel99 (589 posts) at 12:57 PM:
Great post Kevin!

  You want to indent like this? Type &nbs p; without the space inbetween the s and p before a new paragraph. I cant type it out because its a HTML code and it wont display.

  Also, you can use the paragraph tag [p] (use <> instead) to put a line break between. You dont have to use the [br] tag although it will do the job is you use two of them in a row.

Body for Life Forum Message by goingforbuff (1408 posts) at 01:29 PM:
I truly enjoyed reading this, Kevin!!! Great essay - thanks for sharing! It is a great motivator for me as I move into a new challenge starting on Monday! Nancy

Body for Life Forum Message by Nee Nee (239 posts) at 02:58 PM:
Wow - that's my inspiration for the day! Thanks so much!

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 03:29 PM:
great story! a good read for sure

Body for Life Forum Message by tonee (89 posts) at 03:38 PM:
Thanks for sharing Kevin. I really needed the motivation. Seeing as how I've been slacking lately.

Tonya

Body for Life Forum Message by Rod has changed his Bod (415 posts) at 07:12 PM:
Kevin, The thing I like most about you is your sincerity. You Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk. Thanks for sharing!!!!!! Rod

Body for Life Forum Message by Darrell (72 posts) at 07:20 PM:
WOW - Great Story!! Makes me want to go and redo my workout!!

Body for Life Forum Message by smp (4 posts) at 07:41 PM:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story! You are an inspiration for sure. Rock on!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by TaraC29 (17 posts) at 08:21 PM:
Thanks for sharing! I'm sure everyone of us can see some part of ourselves from that and I applaud you for being so honest.

Thread: Is it OK to be satisfied already? (153 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by AirSpace (40 posts) at 11:25 AM: Is it OK to be satisfied already?
I've noticed that a lot of people on this site have a sort of relentless drive toward perfection... I hope nobody takes that the wrong way, its not meant to be a criticism at all, in fact I'm very impressed by it.  I, on the other hand, am just not feeling it... that passion... the desire have the magazine-cover body.  Am I crazy to feel that way??

I've posted my latest pictures as a frame of reference and am just curious to get some HONEST feedback... and please don't hold back because I promise I can handle it and NO, I also promise I am not fishing for compliments, so objective and constructive feedback would be appreciated...

I know that I don't look "awesome" or "hot", but right now I am feeling comfortable and know this is a level that I can maintain, SO... should I be OK with transitioning into maintenance mode?  OR is your reaction to say... no, no, don't give up quite yet... make some more progress?

Erin

Body for Life Forum Message by tigermuscle (194 posts) at 11:28 AM:
How do you feel on the INSIDE?

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 11:35 AM:
Erin, I am posting this before I even look at your profile (or photo's). The ultimate satisfaction must come from within you. If you do this program (or any other) for someone else it'll get you nowhere fast. We all have to reach a certain point of satisfaction, and it's a different level for everyone. I, for one, did not have the goal of a perfect body or a cover girl transformation (while it would be all well and good) that's not what I am working towards. I am at what I FEEL is a good weight for my hieght, I would however like to have better muscle tone and definition so that's what I am working towards. I am healthier now that I have been in many years...that was the ultimate goal....everyhting else is GRAVY so to speak. You must have your own idea of what your level of satisfaction is, you ahould ask yourself : WHAT do I want to work towards, What do I expect the BFL program to give me in return for all of my hard work and self-education on proper nutrition and workouts?

Body for Life Forum Message by Darrell (72 posts) at 11:38 AM:
Man's view: You look marvelous. Perhaps not like Jessica Simpson in the dukes of hazzard... but you look good!! do you go maintenance? I'd say don't give up yet, you look like you have the potential for more. But you are by no means bad or yeckky. Does that help? I bet you have a pretty face too. Feel free to post your face as well. Merry Thanksgiving!

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 11:43 AM:
now that I have looked at your profile and your pictures. I think you are at a good, healthy weight for your height. Maint. mode wouldn't be bad at all for you. "if you want to"......keep working out and keep that muscle definition coming. I think we close to the same spot....I'm 5'7" and 143 lbs. 24.6% BF (last time I checked) and your 5'2" and 123 lbs. and 22% BF (your last update). good overall health is a great goal to maintain

Body for Life Forum Message by Tri-girl (12 posts) at 11:50 AM:
Hi - I'm 5'2" and you are at my goal weight so I would say you look great - but as it was stated above it is about how you feel about yourself. If you feel good and healthy than of course maintaining your healthy lifestyle is the way to go!

Body for Life Forum Message by AirSpace (40 posts) at 11:53 AM:
To answer tigermuscle's question and clarify a little... I feel good... I feel comfortable in my own skin... I feel like I'm in a good place right now... BUT... I also feel conflicted because I KNOW I've had self-image issues in the past... When I was younger, no matter how good I looked I still felt crappy about myself and thought I looked terrible - mostly because I had no self confidence and my life was NOT where I wanted it to be. NOW, I feel good about my life and I am more likely to be happy, confident and content in general... I just want a sanity check to know if I've gone to the other extreme where I'm happy about the way I look, but shouldn't be, LOL! Appreciate the comments so far... I have every intention of sticking with BFL and continuing to improve my health and fitness no matter what! Thanks!!

Body for Life Forum Message by ptwob2 (193 posts) at 11:55 AM:
JMHO and this is what happened to me. I got satisfied too, and decided just to go into maintenance mode. Worse, I decided to try to gain muscle mass too quickly by eating more calories and lifting heavy. I did gain mass, but, as they say, you can't gain mass without gaining fat. Without a written goal and a plan, I found that I now have more bodyfat than I would like and I regret even considering "maintenance".
I am now of the belief that there is no maintnance mode that will end up where you want it to. If you want to continue to look good, you must set goals and you must work toward them. You've already seen where your body will take you when you have no purpose(ie. before BFL), don't allow yourself to go even a short distance down that path again. Decide this is for life and set your goals and KEEP ACHIEVING!
By the way, you have made great progress, but you can do more. Keep it up!!!!
Mike

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 12:28 PM:
Erin, You have done an excellent job!!! You look great!! You have made great progress!! You can continue, and add more definition, or continue and maintain what you have already achieved!! The choice is yours!! Only you know how you feel on the inside!! Always remember, that BFL is for life!! Hugs, Sylvia

Body for Life Forum Message by SweetEmotion (969 posts) at 12:28 PM:
Here's my opinion...I thought long and hard about why I was not motivated for my 2nd challenge and I told this to Dreamcatcher a few days ago. I felt like I was at an ok stage and maybe felt like I could maintain a bit. Then I thought about it more and my long term goals. I am thinking, well I have made improvements and enjoyed it along the way then why not keep going. I know it is possible for me to look better and with me that's feeling better too. And in fact, I do want to look like Jessica Simpson in the Dukes movie. Infact I jsut saw the video of Boots at the gym yesterday while working out and it was a boost for me. Is it unrealistic for me at 40 to think I can look like her ....maybe, but I'm going to have fun trying. Lori

Body for Life Forum Message by Mickymacb (320 posts) at 01:22 PM:
I think you look great. If you want to go on to maintenance, I say do it! There is no "magic" place to stop, so if you are happy with you, you are in a great place. I don't want that "model" body either, in fact, I would be very happy just getting back in to size 10's. For me, that would be just perfect. For others, that may be where they started when they thought they were horribly fat. Do what makes YOU feel best, and don't let anyone else tell you what is too much or too little! Micky

Thread: I'm declaring a MULLIGAN........ (79 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 01:54 PM: I'm declaring a MULLIGAN........
I've been sick for the last three days.....not virus sick but sick the same. I've found that carbs are the only thing to keep my stomach settled (ofcourse I still have my cottage cheese and my protein shakes) but, from what I see on fitday.com my carb intake is thru the roof. Therefore, I am declaring week 10 a Mulligan (do-over), I've techniclly only missed one workout (last night) and I will go for cardio today. so, we'll just have two week 10's on the tracker profile and move on from there. I hope you all have a marvelous Thanksgiving, eat all the white meat ya want, go sparingly on the desserts and enjoy your family and friends.

Body for Life Forum Message by AngRoCamp (93 posts) at 02:05 PM:
Hope you're feeling back up to par soon!!! ~Ang

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 02:07 PM:
thanks!!! I'll be fine....energy is just zapped. I had already decided to make this a 13 weeks challenge (rather than 12), so now after getting ill, it seems like a better idea than before. never know, it might turn out to be an okay week (I'll know more Saturday a.m.....weight and measurement day).

Body for Life Forum Message by Blondie26 (89 posts) at 02:12 PM:
I know how you feel I've been sick and thought about doing this week over but I said no way. I'm pushin on and harder. I will be doing cardio for the first time this week. Tissues will be piling high on the floor next to me while I run and sneeze at the same time. I pray I don't fall off the treadmill in the middle of a sneeze. I hope you feel better gymbeamin.

Thread: YIKES- I have the munchies!! (51 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 03:46 PM: YIKES- I have the munchies!!
I've been strong, strong, strong and I've been having one of those I think I want to eat something afternoons. I've already had my first 4 meals of the day, my 4th being a bar about 45 minutes ago. I know I'm not actually hungry- just thinking about food more than normal. In the past, I think this might have been a turning point in my diet- give in to the craving, binge, and then feel like crap and give up. I just know more changes are to come and I've already promised my week 3 pictures the day after tomorrow so I am vowing to STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!! I have not cheated once in the past 3 weeks and I WILL NOT DO IT NOW! It is my theory that just by posting this, I will talk myself out of the snack that my mind thinks I want and I know I don't need. There- I feel better now! :) Thanks for listening. I am strong and I know I CAN do this.

Body for Life Forum Message by Miss Fit (323 posts) at 03:52 PM:
Yep, you CAN do this. Now go brush your teeth - maybe that'll help the urge to splurge. =)

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 03:54 PM:
Good idea- I'm heading for the Crest now. Thanks! :)

Body for Life Forum Message by Forest Tech (29 posts) at 04:08 PM:
either that or chug a bottle of water... it sucks at the time.. but then you are full for a little while..

Body for Life Forum Message by SweetEmotion (969 posts) at 04:22 PM:
Put a picture on your refrigerator that motivates you. I have a picture of me in 1997. I would have a fitness model or something but since it's just me and my two daughters I don't want anyone thinking I'm wierd or anything. LOL Lori

Thread: Tracker Weight Loss Ads (64 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 03:53 PM: Tracker Weight Loss Ads
Maybe this is because I'm not a premium Tracker member but the advertisements that keep popping up on my screen are annoying. It seems that they all advertise the things we are telling people to stay away from- quick fixes to weight problems which include starvation and/or water loss. "Lose 20 pounds in 10 days" and other boloney. I truly hope none of you are checking in to those. I'm glad the advertisers are there because they pay for us to have the ability to use this site. But I really hope they aren't making any money off of us because that would mean some of you are falling for it. Please, please, please- don't leave BFL for a quick fix. It doesn't exist. Enough said.

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 03:56 PM:
not just annoying....a pain in the ass. simple, just sign up to get rid of them, right?

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 03:57 PM:
True. Any idea what the cost is?

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 03:58 PM:
Duh- just click above and it gives you the information. I didn't know we could have unlimited photos- for miscellaneous (non week-3) photos. Actually a good idea!

Body for Life Forum Message by ShineyHiney (278 posts) at 04:22 PM:
Do y'all have a pop up blocker? I have one and nothing ever pops up on my screen unless I have been off for awhile. When I log on a box will come up, but I exit out and that's it. Oh yeah, and sometimes Kevin Trudeau will come on talking if I click on a picture.

Body for Life Forum Message by biojen (74 posts) at 07:12 PM:
I guess I didn't really mean pop-ups. I don't get very many of those but there are always advertisements across the top of the screen and down the sides on various pages of Tracker. They don't really bother me that much but I just hope that those people posting here don't leave BFL to pursue something that promises them a quick fix.

Thread: sick or not...... (29 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 03:59 PM: sick or not......
I'm headed to the gym in about 5 minutes to get a kick-ass cardio in stairmaster (aka ass-master) get ready for level 12 I'll let you know if I require 911

Body for Life Forum Message by SweetEmotion (969 posts) at 04:16 PM:
Go Gymbeamin!!!! I love the stairmaster I did it yesterday and will do it tomorrow. Good for the butt. Lori

Thread: Happy Thanksgiving (47 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Larry (107 posts) at 04:26 PM: Happy Thanksgiving

Hello BFL friends,

I'll be hitting the road soon to see family and friends. I wanted to take a moment before I left to wish you all a "Happy Thanksgiving." It is good to be grateful for all we have, remember those with less, and look forward to what we are destined to become -- and BFL can help make that happen.
 
So here's a prayer by Samuel F. Pugh.

-------------------------------------------

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 08:19 PM:
Happy Thanksgiving Larry!!!! Have fun!!! Hugs, Sylvia

Body for Life Forum Message by darby249 (162 posts) at 08:28 PM:
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Body for Life Forum Message by GET*HER*DONE (2591 posts) at 10:16 PM:
Happy Thanksgiving to you to Larry and Happy Thanksging to everyone! Love GET*HER*DONE LINDA

Thread: BFL book as Christmas presents? (82 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Karla (422 posts) at 05:15 PM: BFL book as Christmas presents?
I was thinking of buying the BFL book for a couple of family members. They try to work out and eat right, but don't have a set method, and I think BFL would work great for them. Do you think that is presumtuous of me? In other words, would you have felt offended if someone bought that book for you before you were actually doing or were interested in BFL? The people I'm thinking of are pretty easy going, but I still don't want to offend anyone.

Body for Life Forum Message by Rushja (495 posts) at 05:29 PM:
Honestly, I would recommend buying the EFL book. It gives information on BFL in it and recipes to try. Once they try the recipes they may be more interested in the BFL way of living. I might have been offended if someone bought me a "diet book" before I started BFL. I know now it isn't a "diet" now but those who don't know would assume that.

Body for Life Forum Message by Miss Fit (323 posts) at 05:57 PM:
Karla, I actually think the BFL book would be a great gift - especially if they already try to eat right and workout. I wouldn't have felt offended if someone gave it to me as a gift - unless I never stepped into a gym or tried to workout. It could be the best gift they'll ever receive! Depending on how much money you want to spend, maybe you could find a good deal and get both books (amazon, overstock, etc.). Although, I bought the EFL book and have yet to use it except for the chocolate oatmeal recipe (minus the peanut butter and splenda).

Body for Life Forum Message by Kerry (847 posts) at 06:01 PM:
Good question, one particular christmas was tight financially and after buying for all on our list, there was little left to give to each other. My future wife got BFL as a present from me... ooooohhhhhhhh! well , it took some discussion, but in the end, she married me any way, and we still have and use the book. And have given it as a gift for others. Give it a try:) Yours in Health, Kerry

Body for Life Forum Message by Karla (422 posts) at 06:05 PM:
Yeah, I thought about the EFL book, but I don't know if that is good to start with. I didn't feel the meals were quite as strict as described in BFL. I am going to buy the EFL book for my dad. He has been working out for a long time (started when he was 34. He is now 57. Go dad!), and is always looking for new healthy recipes. The 2 family members I want to buy bfl for are not overweight...well, one of them is sligthly overweight. I don't know, I may just give it to them, and they'll have it to use whenever they want. I had mine for 7 years before I actually did it. Then again, if someone would have given it to me, I may have thought "what, you think what I do isn't good enough?". I'll have to think about this... :)

Body for Life Forum Message by Flower (1900 posts) at 07:09 PM:
I say go for it. Are they aware of the fact that you follow it? If so, maybe they'll take it as a compliment as in you think highly of the book therefore you think highly of them? Would that work?

Body for Life Forum Message by GET*HER*DONE (2591 posts) at 10:19 PM:
I wish someone gives me the Eating for Life book, hehe I wouldn't be offended but that's me Linda

Body for Life Forum Message by raindrop (19 posts) at 11:39 PM:
Karla, even if they initally think "why did she give me this", how can they not help but be excited after reading it. I'd go for it. Rhonda

Body for Life Forum Message by DreamCatcher (521 posts) at 11:46 PM:
I think it would be okay if they are already trying to get in shape. Me? I have been dying to have someone ask me what I want, because I want the EFL book! Just my luck, no one is asking me what I want this year! Everyone is saying, "I know what I'm getting you...blah, blah blah! Whaaaa! Well..my birthday is right after Christmas, so I have one more hope!

Thread: Guestbook Maintenance ! (36 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Darrell (72 posts) at 07:33 PM: Guestbook Maintenance !
How long does it take?

Body for Life Forum Message by cookie1135 (1031 posts) at 08:12 PM:
Darrell, I was wondering the same thing! Hugs, Sylvia aka Cookie1135

Body for LIFE: Body for LIFE Beginner

Thread: 5th try at 1st Challenge (128 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Greg_H (6 posts) at 05:52 PM:
Been reading alot here and it is nice to know that I am not the only one here that has the problems I do. It has brought some hope that I will get back to where I once was.

Thread: LBWO! (22 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Wrecky (33 posts) at 08:43 AM: LBWO!
Kicked it this morning! Yeah! We'll see if Im feeling so great later though. Proud of me! Got my butt outta bed at 5 to 6 at the gym by 630...had a great workout. Sat in the hottub a bit (maybe this will help the soreness a bit) and here I am at work! yay me! I am so happy Im doing this!

Thread: A bit negative.. (144 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Phoenix (39 posts) at 11:53 AM: A bit negative..
Hi guys I know this is a bit negative but I was wondering if their are other people that feel this way. I think my problem is that I have been overweight for so long I can't even imagine myself as a skinny healthy person. I will do really well, loose a few pounds, feel great, start to see results and then just go back to my old habits. Expect that this time I really don't want to. I 'm going to keep trying. However I think the problem is I am so used to being like this, this has become me. I don't remember that being skinny felt better or I had more self asteem etc etc. I was hoping some one can tell me how do I get over this. Because I am really not at a healthy weight. I always thought that a man should love me for who I am and then I read something Kristy Alley(I think thats her name)said, she taught the same and then said when did I descided I am a fat girl. Visualisation is a great tegnique but I can't even how I will feel when I am skinny. I need a kick up the b#$$. I need to keep on going. Sorry this is so long.

Body for Life Forum Message by GetNFit (691 posts) at 11:57 AM:
Hey Phoenix, You are NOT alone on this!!! So many women suffer from this, including me! I have really analyzed myself with this issue. Trust me is sux! I know.

You know what....I think Im going to grab my lunch and I'll come back and write you a PM.

Body for Life Forum Message by GetNFit (691 posts) at 11:58 AM:
oh...btw...youre not being negative, youre being real and honest!!!!

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 12:01 PM:
you got your point accross just right, I think. What it really comes down to is HABIT. You must replace old, BAD habits (sitting around on your ass, not doing anything and eating pizza, cheeseburgers, white bread, fried foods, soft drinks, etc.) with new good habits (getting exercise EVERYDAY, except one...eating healthier foods...grilled chicken, baked fish, brown rice, salalds, fresh fruits and vegetables) it takes time.....it's not something that happens overnight. it should be worth......YOUR HEALTH.... you are not (I repeat) you are not destined to be a FAT girl. You are destined to be a happy healthy person.

Body for Life Forum Message by gymbeamin' (1082 posts) at 12:05 PM:
I truly hope that I didn't hurt your feelings over what I posted. I am just a direct person. Phoenix....you are worth this and you can do it. Please use this forum for it's basic purpose.....to help keep you motivated and to help inspire you to become the very best, healthiest person you can be.

Body for Life Forum Message by Persephone (326 posts) at 12:14 PM:
Love your name, Phoenix. So I guess you must know that a Phoenix has to crash and burn before it can rise again. It's the same way with old patterns of living. It hurts to admit to being wrong, it hurts to re-build, it hurts to keep trying when all you want is to lie in bed and pretend everything is all right. I hope you find the time to read my blog today (just click on the house thing under this post). I have a long way to go before I'm not fat anymore. Have a look around the forum--there's a lot of us who have a long way to climb. I think it's scary to lose, oh say a third of your body weight, because there's a psychological reason: as humans, we're programmed to fear losing so much body fat (it used to mean we were unwell or even dying). It goes against nature. But it can be done. Wishing you all the very best. Love, P

Body for Life Forum Message by tcstone (522 posts) at 12:33 PM:
You are not alone. I would venture to say that many people that have been overweight more years than not feel the same way. Thus....yo-yo dieting and scale weight all over the place...up and down. Re-read the part in Bill's book about crossing the abyss. This is what helped me. I have TONS of book knowledge about health and fitness, but it does not good up there. Have you watched any of the Biggest Loser? I had a moment last night while watching Andrea and Suzy. I believe Suzy said something about being shocked at who she had become and going to the ranch with a purpose of becoming happier and healthier. So perhaps your image should be not a smaller "skinny" person, but one that is healthier and happier and with that you will see changes in your body. I struggle with this all the time.

Body for Life Forum Message by Phoenix (39 posts) at 03:03 PM:
Thanks every one! You guys really made me feel better. And yes your all right. Tcstone I haven't seen the show, I'm in another country, But I have read a bit about it on this site. Sounds interesting. Pesephone-like your blog! GetNfit and gymbeamin i pm you girls. Thanks again

Body for Life Forum Message by Rock-Chick (167 posts) at 06:09 PM:
Phoenix I've been there, never thought I'd only be a short 20lbs away from reaching my goal. From 182lbs to 115lbs. Never been skinny, never been healthy, never could quite picture myself where I am now, and I'm only just starting to picture how I'll look when I'm finished. Try not to focus on what you'll look like at the end if you're finding it a bit too overwhelming. Can you see yourself 1 jeans size smaller? If you can then just aim for that. And when you've reached that goal, picture yourself another size smaller. I've dropped 4 dress sizes now, and I want to drop another 1 or maybe 2... not sure....I don't want to look like a little boy! LOL! Just set yourself small goals, and you'll find it easier to accomplish, and it's also more sensible. Good luck love! Jules x

Thread: Week 4? When does the "meltdown" begin? (25 Views)

Body for Life Forum Message by Adora (4 posts) at 02:52 PM: Week 4? When does the "meltdown" begin?
I keep hearing peopletalk about their meltdown experiences. Please share if it's happened to you. What week was it? Did it seem sudden and Drastic? Did you gain weight before. I know our bodies are all different but I want to hear your story! Love and Grace, Adora

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