Anyone starting a new challenge?

[jcny]

Ouch... Drinking coffee without sugar, that doesn't sound to good. but your right I know the sugar is what kills a person. Is the rule of thumb for every coffee you should drink 1 8oz of water extra?

[Maljonic]

I know ditching the sugar probably sounds terrible, but you'll get used to it, and like it, sooner than you think.

I don't drink coffee myself so I never looked into the measurements for replacing it, in fact I don't even know what an 8oz of water looks like. Someone else here, Chris for sure, will know all about coffee and water etc.

[hockeymom]

Hi, I'd switch to skim milk and stevia. Stevia is an all natural sweetener that you can buy at the health food store. I think it's oz per oz to replace the coffee. (that's on top of your regular amount of water)

[Chris]

Yeah I can comment on coffee (thanks Maljonic )... When you say sugar, how much do you add? My advice would be to cut that sugar out, Maljonic is right in that you'll get used to it quickly. Another option would be to cut it back to 1 cup, reduce the amount of sugar you add, and then focus on cutting the sugar in other areas of your life.
If you work out in the morning, you might find that you don't even need coffee. I love it and drink it every morning, but many days I do this more out of habit than actually "needing" a cup. I also drink it with half n half. I figure it's just not as good with milk. BUT I only drink 1 cup. Then, yes, ounce for ounce, wash your coffee down with water. Then still be sure to get at least 10 more cups of water.

Bottom line, if fear of stopping coffee keeps you from doing BFL, then keep right on drinking it. You can do this program and eat/drink anything you want, it will just take you longer to acheive the results you want. Good luck!

[jcny]

Thank you everyone for such quick responses, I think finding this forum will keep me motivated as I am going to the gym in the morning. I started going to the gym this morning to see how I feel and it's great. I do have a cup of black coffee in the morning, but I need my Cup later on in the Day. I am trying to keep up on Drinking 9 oz bottle waters (like 8 of them) a day, but it's hard to keep up sometimes. Any advice on supplements, I bought currently Myoplex shakes and bars, I really dont wanna use phosphagen or betagen.

[Chris]

You can do this old school and just eat clean and workout. I once heard a quote that went something like this. Working out and eating right take you 90% of the way, supplements give you the extra 10%. Don't waste money on supplements until you've done all you can to eat perfectly clean (or close to) and are giving all out fullest intensity in the gym... otherwise don't waste your money. I don't follow this exactly, but I've cut it waaay back to a pre workout energy drink, whey protein for quick meals, a multivitamin, some CLA (natural fat loss oil pills), and that's it.
Shakes are good, bars are not. Try to limit yourself to only 1 bar a day, and better yet, save them for emergencies.

[jcny]

Thank Chris, but BFL states you have to use 2 of there products. Don't I have to use 2 items?

[Chris]

Well... if you want to compete in the official challenge, yes you have to consume something like that.. but it doesn't say how often you have to use them. Go ahead and use as many as you like, but keep in mind that it's marketing. This is how EAS makes money. How many people do you think enter the challenge (I have no idea) and if they require each person to consume 2 products, that's a lot of required purchasing of their brands. Nothing wrong with it, like I said, it's marketing. Just be aware of what you are signing up for. You can acheive the same results without giving eas anything if you don't want to.

[freespirit]

That's a gem of a story. I loved every minute of it! Thanks for posting.

[karma]

The concept of putting skim milk in my coffee is akin to the runny egg yolks some people find so appaling. YUCK!!!!!!!!! I have tried the skim milk coffee thing several times, even having it steamed before it was added to my coffe and its still DISGUSTING! I am a total coffee snob/ addict.. my brother works for a top of the line gourmet roaster so I get the good stuff free! I hate to say it jcny, but that half and half is a killer when it comes to fat. I would not be as concerned with the sugar as I would with trying to find an alternative creamer. This morning, I ended up drinking my coffee black because I just felt like it would be to offensive to put something less than cream in... By the way I do loooove Splenda. Best stuff ever created!

[Chris]

Okay here's the official list of participants. Have I forgotten anyone?

Chris
Lillyo
Blondebunny
wannaBsexy
Sladey
Spidermanfan
Roshanda
Freespirit
belleadonna
karma

Here's what I think we should do. All of use by now should have taken before pics, taken measurements, weighed in, etc. I think if you post it to the before and after section that will probably be best. I will start a "Forum Challenge" thread for us to throw down. Since we haven't officially agreed on how to compete, I propose we keep track on our own. We are really just competing for bragging rights, but maybe we can think of some other way to make it interesting.
Ok, your assignment:
-If you are on the list, go to the "before and after section" and post your before shots and starting stats in your own thread.
-Take a look at the "Forum Challenge" thread to track the contest.

If you are not on this list and started your challenge around 1/7/08, add your name as a reply to this thread, and then go do the above tasks.
Thanks!

[freespirit]

Sounds good to me. I will post my stats and upload my before pic when I get home.

A note on the use of the EAS products. I spoke to one of their friendly BFL phone support and they said that even if you drank one myoplex shake that it qualifies you as using their product. If you haven't called them yet, they are great people. I have called on several occassions and they answer within minutes every time as well as very friendly and informative.

A note on the coffee subject, I love my coffee as well but since I have been working out I find myself filling my mug in the morning and carrying it around without drinking hardly a sip. Yet I lug it around like it's my life water. Old habits die hard. My father is into the Atkins and he uses heavy cream instead of 1/2 and 1/2. He says it is better for you. I will have to look into it.

[Chris]

I've called the hotline many times myself. I absolutely agree that it is an excellent resource. Cool tip!

[gnash]

Originally Posted by Chris

Okay here's the official list of participants. Have I forgotten anyone?

Chris
Lillyo
Blondebunny
wannaBsexy
Sladey
Spidermanfan
Roshanda
Freespirit
belleadonna
karma

Here's what I think we should do. All of use by now should have taken before pics, taken measurements, weighed in, etc. I think if you post it to the before and after section that will probably be best. I will start a "Forum Challenge" thread for us to throw down. Since we haven't officially agreed on how to compete, I propose we keep track on our own. We are really just competing for bragging rights, but maybe we can think of some other way to make it interesting.
Ok, your assignment:
-If you are on the list, go to the "before and after section" and post your before shots and starting stats in your own thread.
-Take a look at the "Forum Challenge" thread to track the contest.

If you are not on this list and started your challenge around 1/7/08, add your name as a reply to this thread, and then go do the above tasks.
Thanks!

Chris..

This a good idea and sounds like a lot of fun..I will enjoy following the progress that everyone makes...

Good luck to all you challengers..You are a cool group..

gnash

[Sunshine]

I forgot to post a ME TOO - I am ready to rumble!

[Chris]

Ok cool, you're in... There is a post in the before and after section with instructions on how to proceeed with our challenge. Come to think of it, we haven't really been keeping track of anything official here.. but at least we are all at the same places.

[Alexis]

I am in as well.

[Sunshine]

Welcome Alexis