Newbie questions!

[katiekatie]

Height: 5'5
Starting weight: 235lbs
Current weight: 228lbs

Hello everyone, my name is Katie and though I have done a brief trial of body for life before, I've never made it through the whole 12 weeks. Last time I was doing this with my husband - but he really had the "all or nothing" type of mentality and as soon as we missed a work out, he quit, so I quit. That was several years ago. Since then I've tried other programs like South Beach but couldn't stick with it.

This time on BFL, for now I am doing this by myself. I'm on W4D5 and have seen 7 lbs drop off the scale (actually 8, but then it went back up). I have been a little discouraged because, with diets like South Beach, you usually see quite a large amount of weight come off in the beginning, especially by week 4. But I am feeling better, stronger, and I think I'm seeing some subtle changes. I'm just hoping that I'm doing enough to see big changes later.

I have some questions that once answered should help me keep motivated:

1. I am having a hard time getting SIX meals in during the day. Here's why: Bill suggests working out in the morning, on an empty stomach, then waiting an hour to eat after working out. I get up around 9:00am and work out from about 9:30 to 10:45 (earlier on cardio days). After waiting an hour, it is almost 12 noon. According the eating portion of the program, I should have already had breakfast, a snack, and getting ready to have lunch. My husband and I eat dinner around 6:30 or 7:00. How can I fit all my meals in that kind of time frame? Is it THAT important to do 6? Or can I get away with 4? (lunch after working out, snack, dinner, snack) and stay within 1500 calories and be okay?

2. I really really enjoy having 1 iced latte during the day. The ones I make at home are only 200 calories, have 1/2 cup of skim milk in them and 10 grams of fiber and are sugar free. Are these okay? I've tried adding protein to them, but adding the vanilla and/or chocolate flavor of the protein doesn't make them very good. Maybe if I down a little cup of protein powder mixed with water before drinking it?

3. My workouts are going pretty well I think, but I feel like I'm not doing enough cardio. When I started this, I was doing 30 extra minutes of med intensity cardio on my lower/upper body days, after the weight training. After re-reading BFL, I thought I might be "over doing" it and hindering my results. Is this accurate? Should I add it back in?


4. Are a couple sugar free chocolates okay in a day? They are about 30 calories each and I LOVE them. They help me feel like I'm not so deprived during the week.


I am committed to this 100% so whatever I need to change or give up, I will. I would love to hear from some people who have really lost a lot of weight/fat on this program, as that's my primary goal. Thanks!

Katie

[GregCP]

1) you dont HAVE to do 6....but you shouldnt do 4. So what i like to do is 5. Doing 4 isnt enough, imo, to rev up your metabolism, which is the goal.
Now the purpose of having an empty stomach and not eating after a workout is so that the body can better utilize our fat stores for energy instead of the calories we ingest around our workouts. Not following this wont take you further from your goals, youre still on the right track to a healthier body, it just might take you a bit longer, especially if fat loss is your goal. And I saw the 1500 calorie question....you need to get off the mindset of restricted calories, this program is not about that, its all about portions, a restricted calorie diet is just as counterproductive to our BFL goals as overeating.

2) You already know the correct answer which is "no" and that we truly do need to wean away from soft drinks and caloric beverages from this challenge. However, if this is a means for you to stay on the program, then you should have your drink. I'm assuming the 200 calories are coming from the milk you put into it, so in a way i guess you can factor this as a meal if you add more protein and have some fruit on the side.

3)Yes you are overdoing it. As a matter of fact, what you're doing will be counterproductive in the long run, not only with your recovery, but also you're psyche- you're going to exhaust your mind and your body. Dont focus and stress about what you can be doing more....just focus on doing the basics, doing them right, and getting through the program. Once your'e done with the 12 weeks, you'll get a better idea of what your body is capable of and you can make any adjustments as necessary. Sticking to the minimum of what this program is required of you is more than enough. The program works without modification, stick to the basics and you will reach your goals.

4)you barely got a pass on the ice drinks. You need to save your cookies for free days. And if you're a 100% committed as you say, then my response would simply be : "save the ice drinks and cookies for free days, fit 5 -6 meals into your schedule (it IS possible), follow the program to the letter, stick to the basics, and finish the 12 weeks, expect drawbacks, but stay determined no matter what".

I'm glad you're here with us. We're here to help you in any way we can. Good luck!