179.7....

So yesterday was day 8 of hcg... And I was down to 179.7! I finally broke the 183 barrier, needless to say! The only problems so far, is that I am still hungry! Most people I have talked to said this goes away after a couple of days, but it hasn't yet... Not quite sure what to do... I talked to my supplier and he said to up my protein, so yesterday I had my lean hamburger patty, and 2 servings of chicken, which seemed to help. I also started eating the 5 fat free soda crackers that you are allowed, and drank a ton of water. We went to a movie, where I grabbed a vitawater zero, so I wasn't as hungry yesterday, so that was good, but I also had dinner at my parents, where my mom bbqd chicken, and left the sauce off for me, but put tons of seasoning. She made potatoes for the rest of the family, and I had a tiny bite to try... So this morning when I weighed, I was only at 179.4... so still a loss, but barely!!! This is a diet you CANNOT mess with! I've been little bit over the 500 calorie mark, but haven't gone over 600... so just these few little errors have hindered results! So today, definitely cleaning it up, and will not make any errors, no matter how tiny! They even say the oils from cosmetics and lotions can affect the results! So look out! Time for lunch, so I'm outta here!

Burned out....

Well, I guess I'm human just like everybody else... I started a second challenge April 5th, and pushed my self, just like the first challenge, for the first couple of weeks... but it seemed to just get harder and harder! And I can make up all the excuses in the world, but I won't. I just got burned out, and too busy... not too busy to not care anymore, because I still did all the workouts, even though I tweeked my back, but just burned out on being in the kitchen all the time. I got lazy on the cooking in bulk, and planning ahead. And it was a little hard in the afternoon with track practice. That saying, 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail,' is so true. But before I could fail completely, I realized what was up, caught my triggers, and have decided to move on to something new... But don't get me wrong, BFL is a good program to get you where you want to be, but it isn't maintainable over 1 or 2 challenges - for most people. Even my little bro dropped off after the first couple weeks on our second challenge :( And everyone that joined me in the first challenge has dropped off... but 1.5 challenges isn't bad, and even though the results weren't what I had hoped, they were still great results, and BFL got me in the right frame of mind to exercise and eat right again, and it had been years since I was doing that. My results weren't as spectacular the second time around... I basically worked off the extra I had gained during my 2 week break, and a little more. It was frusterating, because it seemed like no matter how hard I worked, I wasn't really budging. Here were my results from the second challenge:

week 1
Body fat- BIA - 27.8% - w6 - 26.8%
chest - 39 - w6 - 38
shoulders - 45 - w6 - 44
bicep - 13.75 - w6 - 13.25
waist - 34 - w6 - 32
abdomen - 40 - w6 - 38
hips - 44.25 - w6 - 42
thigh - 26.5 - w6 - 25.5
calve - 15.5 - w6 - 15
weight - 188 - w6 - 183

Those 2 weeks off really did damage, but I was at least able to get it off, plus a little more, from my first challenge. I love the BFL workouts, but nutrition got me in the end... so on to something new...

So what's this something new? I guess it may be considered controversial? Or another fad, or yo yo diet... which it is... but over the last couple of months, I've had many people - friends, family, clients - inquire about it. So I did some research and even went in and talked to my family doctor. While it is something he doesn't recommend, due to the unknown, he didn't say no... It has been around since the 50's-60's, and is being researched more and more, with great results... and I have no questions whether or not it works, its only obvious, but I do question whether or not it is maintainable, or just another fad/yoyo diet. So after reading the book, and all the instructions, and asking LOTS of questions, I have decided to try hcg.

I started last week, and am on day 6... It basically works like this - You load for 3 days while starting the drops or injections (I'm doing drops), then you cut doen to 500 calories of a protein, 'cracker', fruit, and veggie, 2 meals a day, only 8 items a day. And LOTS of water. You maintain this for a minimum of 23 days, and maximum of 43. Once you've reached your goal, ou stop taking the drops, then maintain the 500 calories for 3 more days until the hcg is out of your system. You then go on to a 1500 calorie diet of what ever your'd like, except no sugar or carbs/starches. After 21 days of the 1500 cal, you bump up to 3000(ish) calories to a maintanence phase, and slowly can introduce sugars and carbs again... Simpl enough right? We'll see. I weighed 184 before I loaded, then 192 on my first day of 500 cal, yesterday I was at 186, today at 183... so tomorrow will be the interesting day... to see if I can finally break that 183 barrier I have been up against the last 2 months... Like I said this is controversial, but for those of you that have always wondered, feel free to follow me in my next adventure. I'll probably blog everyday, or every other day on this one since the change is so drastic, plus I have lots of thoughts to share. Hope all are well, and keep staying active!

oops... has it really been 5 weeks? Sorry!!!

I know, I know, I know... I'm a slacker - I don't know why, but I just got burned out blogging, but I am happy to report that I have not fallen off the wagon! I'm still going, and seeing results... but I definitely can be better. I haven't missed a workout, but nutrition is struggling... I don't know what it is... just burned out? Don't care? Losing will power? Haven't figured it out... I'll go several days with out a mistake, and then something will come a long, and even though it isn't my free day, I will still partake... The one good thing though, is that I am not letting it ruin the rest of the day... I eat it, then get over it :P I can definitely say though that nutrition does play a bigger role than working out, because even though I'm working hard, my results have not been the greatest :(

And I am sad to report though, that my litle bro has fallen off the wagon :( Even though his results were awesome, I think they weren't to his expectation... its hard comparing your self to the other before and after photos, so I can see why he feels that way. But he says hes still working out, and is still losing... I'm just sad to not have him there by my side... I think it kind of brought us closer, or at least gave us something in common, but now that is gone :( But I do have a friend that jumped on board and has had some great results - and its fun to have someone to do cardio with occasionally!

Results so far:

shoulders - 44 (-1.5)
chest - 38 (-1)
bicep - 13.25 (-.5)
waist - 32 (-2)
abdomen - 38 (-2)
hips - 42 (-2)
thigh - 25.5 (-1)
calve - 15 (-.5)

weight - 183 (-5)
BF - 26.8% (-1%)


So down on everything, which is good - and I'm now lower on everything from the first challenge. I tweeked my back a couple of months ago, and with the over head lifting and squating it has progressivley gotten worse, so I finally drug my butt into the chiropractor the other day... Thankfully it wasnt degenerative - I've just got a vertebrea out thats pinching some nerves, so I have to take it easy they next couple of weeks, and that has been hard to do... The one motivating factor is we are going to Hawaii in Aug/Sept! I bought a swim suit that is a little snug, so It's got to fit by then :) But with all of this going on, I've had some nagging thoughts in the back of my head... I've had several people ask me about HCG, and I've had a few friends and family members do it... and I have to admit, I am curious. There is no doubt that it works - just like any other yoyo - fad diet - I'm curious though if the claims of it resetting your metabolism, and burning the 'harder to get rid of' fat, and not losing any muscle mass, are true... And if the weight loss is maintainable, IF YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE & EATING HABITS!!! They are a must! If you continue back to what you were doing before, of course you are going to gain the weight back! SOoo... I've been doing some research and reading, and am considering the HCG for a change... I have a few people that I have talked to, that are wanting to do it as well, and are willing to let me help them with it, and to become some what 'subjects' for me as far as gathering info and data... so we will see. It's not a fore sure thing, but like I said before, I am curious, and what better timing than before a trip to Hawaii! Ok, I think I've bloged enough for tonight :P I hope all are well, hit it hard tomorrow!

Week 1 done!

So week 1 flew, and we are already into week 2 - sorry! But week one went well - it felt good to get back into the groove of things... once you've done this for awhile, your body craves it! It just feels natural. I was even good and just did a free meal at panda express, and had a small bowl of ice cream... it all paid off, because I was down 3.5 lbs, and 1/2"-1" most places! I even weighed in after my free day. And besides my final weigh in from challenge one, it was my lowest I've weighed in - 184.8! I've been trying this challenge gluten-free... but considering gluten is in soooo many things, I can't truly say its gluten free, but I have been able to stay away from breads/wheat, and I actually feel a lot better for it - no bloating, or that heavy feeling... I do miss my eggs and toast, but I have been doing fruit instead, which is just as good. And as a major motivator, we just booked a trip to Maui in September, and I bought a new swimsuit, in a size to small, but really cute! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!! Over all, doing good, and glad to be back!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner....

So at the beginning of this whole BFL kick, I challenged anyone that wanted to join me, and put up $100 for a "winner." I had 6 people accept the challenge, but only 2 finished... And of the two, one lost 19 lbs, the other lost 25lbs. While both did great, I can only choose one... The winner was Justin (he lost the 25, and I know, my little bro - he's the last person I want to give it to!) But he embraced this challenge, and gave it his all and had awesome results, as you can see in our pics below, and on my FB. So, good job Justin! And keep up the good job for those of you that are joining us round two!

Measurements & Goals...

So pics were yesterday, measurements today. After my two week break, I went up a little bit on the scale, but I also ate a lot yesterday for Easter. So I officialy weighed in this morning at 188, but through the 2 week break, maintained a 2-3 lb fluctuation which is completely normal. My body fat with a BIA measured 27.8%, chest - 39, shoulders - 45, bicep - 13.75, waist - 34, abdomen - 40, hips - 44.25, thigh - 26.5, calve - 15.5. So pretty close to what I left off at.

Here are my goals for the 2nd challenge...

Goals:
1 - Get into single digit clothing - currently a comfy 14, tight 12 (have never been below a size 12!)
2 - Get to 175 - the smallest I have ever been that I can remember (currently 188)
3 - focus weight loss around stomach hips and thighs (cant spot reduce, but I have this dimlpe in my right thigh that has got to go!
4 - 1 x a week cardio outside
5- try Gluten-Free nutrition
6 - incoorporate yoga
7 - increase strength - break 200 on squats!

So there ya go! Good luck everyone!

BRING ON ROUND 2!!!!

Starts tomorrow! Here's our before pics, will blog 1x a week with measurements, and pics every 4. Wish us luck, and feel free to join!!!

Bleeeeehhhh....

So, it's been a week since I finished my first challenge, and I already miss it. And it isn't hard to get off task. I had planned to just take 2 weeks off, with some active rest, but I ended up getting sick, and couldn't breath any time I tried to workout. :( That being said, I just let it all go out the window, and I FEEL LIKE CRAP! I wasnt even planning on blogging on my 2 weeks off, but I had to remind my self what's up, and why I am doing this, and that I CANNOT TREAT MY BODY LIKE THIS ANYMORE! Timing wise, it was perfect time to take off between easter, niels b day and my bday, but that all adds up to a lot of eating! Ive got it out of my system and am ready to get going again! I still wont start till next week, but starting tomorrow, Im detoxing from sugar! It is just an unnessecary evil! Why do I crave/want it??? I know how bad it is for me, it makes me feel like crap, and it only tastes good for a minute or two... ITS NOT WORTH IT!!! I gave Niel my half eaten (small) bag of Cadbury chocolate eggs and told him im done, and I dont want to see them anymore! :P So, for the rest of the week, no more sugar, gonna hit the weights again, and try and get going on moderate cardio, hoping I can breath.

Those of you that are wrapping up your challenges, good job! Submit your photos and a little type up to me if you still wanted to be considered in the running, and I will post the winner soon! If you are considering doing a challenge, take a pictue of yourself in shorts and a tight top. If you are happy with your results, then good for you :) If not, then change it!

My next write up is going to be on 'Exercise=Entitlement?' stay tuned for that one... some interesting thoughts on why exercise may actually be bad for you... also, if anyone has a topic or question they would like to learn more about, please ask, and I will do the research post it on here! Keep up the good work everyone!

It's OVER!!!!!!!

I did it!!! 12 weeks later, and I am feelin sooo much better and healthier than I was 12 weeks ago!!! It has been a challenging journey, but well worth it! So I'll get right to the numbers - I started at 198 - I weighed in at 183!!!! - that's 15 lbs in 12 weeks, which is completely healthy and within the recommened 1-2lbs of weight loss a week! But that's just the scale - I lost 18lbs of fat, and gained 3lbs of pure fat burning muscle!!! I decreased my BF% from 34.8% (considered over weight range) to 26.3%(normal and healthy range:) inch measurements went as follows - shoulders - 46"-44.5"(-1.5), chest 40.5"-37"(-2.5), Waist(narrowest point) - 35"-32.25"(-2.75), abdomen(at belly button) 41.5"-38.5"(-2.75), hips 46"-42.5"(-2.5), thigh - 26.5"-25.5"(-1), calf - stayed the same, but more tone, bicep - stayed the same, but more tone! So a grand total loss of 13"!

My little bro didn't do any measurements other than the scale, and body fat% - he went from 220, to 194!!!! and decreased his bf% by 11%!!! We both have been working really hard, and it has paid off. And now that I know the system, we are going to do a second challenge, with a little tweaking to get the maxamized results that you see in the pics!

Over all, BFL is a great program! It is guaranteed resluts if you do everything right, and follow the book. BUT - your results aren't going to be like the before, and final after pics. The more you have to lose, the more challenges it will take you. A lot of the pics you see, people have done more than one challenge, but thats ok - this is a body for life - not just 12 weeks. Thats why we plan on doing that second one. And after the second one, I'm going to try and work on a maintenance plan, and may look into some other options that are out there.

Thank you everyone for your support and compliments! They definitely helped me keep going when I sometimes didn't want to care anymore! But thats the bottom line I have come to realize with weight gain/loss... as soon as you stop caring... so does your body! So take care of it! You only have one!!!