Lose 15 lbs by Easter Challenge

[cdnhockeymom]

Hello Fellow LFL'ers, I am restarting the LFL program on Monday(from scratch) and am challenging myself to lose 15lbs by Easter. (four weeks from today)I would love to have anyone join me so that we can support each other weekly (at the least). I need all the help and support I can get! Thanks in advance

[Thaltom]

I am in for the challenge! 15lbs by Easter is my goal.

I am following Lean for life at home with the book and charting my cals/carbs etc. through the free online livestrong website. I do better charting my food electronically than on the food sheets.

I started LFL on 2/18 and have lost 15lbs as of 3/15. I am feeling real good about it, but I have a lot to lose.

I hope there are others who want to join the challenge.

Good luck and best of losing to you!

Trish
start/goal/now
270/150/255

[cdnhockeymom]

Thanks for joining along with me Trish I really need all the encouragement and support this time round. I have been on the program in the past and had great success too. I had lost 50 pounds in 3 months! (but have gained all but 5 back after two pregnancies) I am really determined to get down again and am very happy you're on board with me. I'll keep you posted on my weekly results. Let's go for it!

[mom2kgirls]

I'll join you! I am leaving to go to Greece with my husband 3 days after Easter and really want to look good, so an Easter goal is a good one. I am going to do the following for this week:
1. Increase my water intake. I got a new water bottle to keep with me.
2. Exercise 30 minutes every other day, will try for 10 minutes on the off days
3. Cut down on my night time snacking.

Okay everyone, post your goals for the week!!

[Thaltom]

I am glad that we are in this together.

My goals for this week:
1. Eat LFL clean.
2. Exercise 5 times (30min or more)

I will post my weight loss (hopefully) on Monday mornings. I lost 4lbs last week and I am hoping for another 4lb week.

Good luck to both of you and nice to meet you.

thaltom:

[cdnhockeymom]

Way to go with the four pound loss Thaltom!!!

Debbie. I am soooo jealous of your trip. Greece is my dream destination. My parents immigrated from there and I have never been. My husband promised on our 20th anniversary he'll take me and I'm holding him to it!

I'm on day four and in ketosis. Yippee. I just need to get some exercise scheduled. It's March break for us here (Canada) and the kids having me running to the park and back. I'm so out of shape!

I'll post my results Monday too. I hope that I survive the weekend. That is when I tend to fail or cheat.

My biggest goal for this week:

1) Exercise at least 1/2 hour each day
2) Drink water, water and more water!

Nice to meet you too

[shmootz]

Hi. I am totally new to this. I have been on the program for 4 weeks now. I have lost 11 pounds. I have 15 more to go. I am getting ready for metabolic adjustment but am scared. I am scared because I stalled for like 2 1/2 weeks...I just popped and am back to losing weight. Now it's time to adjust...GRRR. I would love to lose 10-15 pounds by Easter. My duaghter turns 2 that GOod Friday. Any support would be great!

[springalong]

Ok thats it Im going to join this one cause it can be done at least seriously attempted. Am on the train starting Mon am!

[shmootz]

Cool! Welcome springalong! Good luck today as you start your journey. I'm day 3 metabolic adjustment...and I lost weight! Go figure. Today I'm at 11.6 pounds and I'm so proud of myself I could just burst. This is the most I've lost so quickly in my life! I gotta keep going....all I have to lose is more weight! heheheh

[cdnhockeymom]

shmootz and springalong,

I just finished my first week and am down 6 pounds yippee!

I haven't been this strict with myself in a long, long time. I really need to do this for myself. Summer is coming and I hate the feeling of clothing that 'rise' between the thighs (anyone know what I mean)

Smootz...do you know about the day diet that breaks the plateau?(for next time) I have it in the book. Let me know and I'll type it up for you.

Springalong....you can do it The first week is usually the toughest. We're all here to encourage each other.



Start 187
Week one 181 (-6 pounds)
Week two
Week three
Week four
Goal.....Easter

[shmootz]

Thanx for the warm welcome. Yes, I have the book. I did the plateau diet twice...needed to. Both times it worked. I know 153 was a solid place for me at least 3 times in my life. No surprise my body did not want to let it go. Thanx for offering to type it up...that's sooo sweet of you. By the time I felt like I really moved the scale again, it was time for metabolic adjustment. But, I'm changing my thinking. Instead of trying to hurry it up so I can get off the diet, I know that this is a new way of living and eating. Plus, the only other option I have is to not follow the plan...that is not an option. I don't have anything to lose other than more weight! And I will do it!!!


Keep posting....I love running to check my computer and finding a new post...it's almost like a little hershey's kiss!

[Thaltom]

Not a great week, but I lost 2.2 lb. I will take what I can get. I have lost 17lbs since starting and I am on week 5. I am not doing a MA. I hope to post a bigger loss next week.

Thaltom

[cdnhockeymom]

shmootz....I'm the same way....I check up every so often looking for responses too...it keeps me focused on the diet as well.

Thaltom...you did great, any loss is good! One thing I always remember from the book is not to sabotage yourself. Don't get discouraged, today is a new day and this week will be better.


I have a question about the amount of weeks we could remain on weight loss too. I've read (I think it was Woman's World a while back) that weight loss phase could last up to 8 weeks, followed by a two week metabolic adjustment. Has anyone else heard/read of this? If so, I wouldn't mind the longer stretch.

I have the book and it only has 4 weeks of weight loss, 2 metabolic adjustment.



Start 187
Week one 181 (-6 pounds)
Week two
Week three
Week four
Goal.....Easter

[springalong]

Hi ya, thanks for the warm welcome For me I think stick to the book as far as 4 weeks vs 8 weeks of weight loss menu days. Cause it could kick the body into more weight loss in the long run and possibly be more successful is what im thinking. No news to report on my weight loss just yet! But hey Im a trying! We all can do this!!!!!!!!!

[shmootz]

I did NOT want to do MA because I was scared. I'm day 5 and have not gained anything. I think I need to get out of ketosis, and go back in to spark my weightloss again. The book says you can do another weightloss phase, if directed by the clinic. I have no clinic, so I just have to trust the book. The MA is nice...you get to eat MORE! I was stalled 3 weeks, despite plateau diet....so as long as I don't gain weight, when I go back into ketosis, I will lose again for sure. I think the book also mentioned it being important for your body to go out of ketosis for a minute! I'm so glad to see so many folks back...this is exciting!

[mom2372]

Hi! My name is Tammy. I just started today and am wondering if I can join you. I don't think I can lose 15lbs by Easter and am hoping for more like 10 but would love the support from others following the plan. I ordered the book yesterday and am just going by what I have found online to get started. Could someone tell me if I need the ketosticks and how do you find your energy levels? I really want to have the energy to continue my workouts but have found my energy levels decrease (especially for weight training) when I cut the carbs. I am so hoping this helps with cravings and gets the scale moving down again.

[cdnhockeymom]

Tammy!

I find ketosticks very, very handy for me as I'm also following the book. It keeps me on track and motivated to see I'm burning fat. You can find them at most drug stores or Walmart. I actually have more energy now than when eating more carbs. I feel less active when I eat too many carbs (bread, pasta etc) as they weigh me down.

When you are in ketosis....the cravings do go away. Alot of the cravings are usually mental ones for me . With a house full of kids and yummy smelling food, I fight with myself often.

shmootz- I did the same last time I did MA. Once done, you can restart again and you do lose again. Go for it

[cdnhockeymom]

Originally Posted by springalong

Hi ya, thanks for the warm welcome For me I think stick to the book as far as 4 weeks vs 8 weeks of weight loss menu days. Cause it could kick the body into more weight loss in the long run and possibly be more successful is what im thinking. No news to report on my weight loss just yet! But hey Im a trying! We all can do this!!!!!!!!!

Thanks springalong. I probably will stick to the 4 weeks as my body can become stubborn, then I will restart weight loss phase after MA.
We are all in this battle together!

[shmootz]

Welcome Tammy!

I am just tickled pink to have all this extra support. I have to agree with Lil, ketone strips are helpful to know that you are in ketosis...especially if you are stalled. As long as your stick has some pink, you are in good shape. The first few days without the carbs are hard. However, once out of your system, the energy level really does shoot up. I do almost an hour of cardio and weights most days. I started jogging (which I have never done). Energywise...I feel great.

Lil--I totally agree with having little ones around and temptation. I try to buy the cookies I DON"t like to eat. However, I am proud at my ability to keep the junk out of my mouth. I think I am really feeling better eating better food.

I am realizing that when I trust the process, everything works out.

Girls, let's do it!!

I'm happy with my new friends!

[springalong]

Well, I made it thru another day not stopping for junk on my way home from work. It really helps to have protein bars that are satisfying on hand. Even a few bites helps tide me over till the urge to eat junk passes. One day at a time, one meal.... We are on our way to being healthier!

[mom2372]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I think it is great that we are all here to support each other as we work towards our goals! I made it through the first day and it was really not that bad. I also went out to pick up some ketosticks yesterday and was surprised that they were quite cheap. Anyways I am off to workout. Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

[shmootz]

You go mom and springalong! Yes, I keep protein bars in my purse....they are delicious and really help. I did a protein day during my metabolic adjustment and popped off 2 more pounds...I CAN't believe it!!! I caught my husband checking me out this morning as I was getting in my workout clothes for the gym. I am 13 pounds from my wedding weight, 20 pounds from my thinnest! I think I can do this. If I lose 15 more pounds, I will be soooo happy. That's really the goal.

I am going to Ventura on Sunday-Tuesday with my mommy friends and their toddlers (they are all 2). I am scared because when eating out, I can't control for what's in my food. Will I look like a dork if I bring my scale and my food scale? These are my mandatory crutches to help me. These girls are my closest friends and they know about my diet, so they would not mind. But I gotta say, I am AFRAId...

Going to bring protein bars and my book for nightly reading. It's only two days, in metabolic adjustment (so I can eat more...day 9,10 &11).

Girls, I am so proud of us all....keep working out and keep those scales moving! I love protein days, they make me feel so good!

xxox
Laura

[cdnhockeymom]

Good day ladies. Just checking in and hoping all are having a good day. I find that having a place to vent while changing our eating habits is a "big" help for me. It keeps me grounded on my goal.

Laura, enjoy your time away with your friends. You can do it this weekend. It sounds like you have a bunch of great friends who will support you.

Has anyone compared the Atkins bars and shakes to the Lindora ones before? I was wondering if anyone has subtituted one for the other. I haven't ordered bars from the Lindora site in quite a while and thought before I did, if the Atkins ones work as well.

I'm also proud of us too....I know we all can do it too

[Thaltom]

Hi Hockeymom,

I do the program on my own with the book (just so you know) and I have substituted South Beach living fiber bars instead of lean for life. They are 120 calories, 13 countable carbs, but only 3 grams of fiber. These are the best match I can find and man they are delicious. South beach also has chocolate covered soybeans (100 cal and not many carbs).

I just ordered some supplement "look alike" to lindora--everything the same except the Lindora name from dietdirect.com. They are called wonderslim and they are much cheaper. Nutritional labels are identical and the names are identical. Check it out they run weekly specials.

Good luck ladies and be a loser this week. I hope I am.

Trish

[shmootz]

trish---awesome advice! Do the supplements aid the weight loss? I'm just taking pretnatal vitamins, cuz i have them in the drawer. i too, amon my own with my book. Good to know about south beach bars. They are less calories, carbs and fat than the lindora ones. i just checked!

[cdnhockeymom]

Thanks Trish. I think I've seen them in Walmart (could be wrong) because I'm in Canada and am not too sure. The Atkins ones are everywhere here. LOL.....but it's good to know that they are a good alternative.

Have a great weekend ladies

Keep those ketone sticks pink and hopefully we will all have great news to post on Monday

[shmootz]

I licked the icing off a cookie this afternoon.....my first mishap. I did spit half of the melted yummy icing off....CRAP! However, to my amazement...it was not as heavenly as I remember them being....the sprinkles were to die for and they led to the licking of the icing. Since I am in MA, I'm not too worried about being kicked out of ketosis. Plus, we have a big surprise 40th birthday party to go to tonight. As I was at the gym, I was realizing this is one of my first really big challenges. This test is to see if I am really incorporating the lean for life principles in my soul...or am I just dieting again? I am planning to have a glass of wine (two max). I have already envisioned shrimp without cocktail sauce. The icing incident made me feel like I just may be fine tonight without cake.....

I think before I leave tonight, I will say a little prayer and enlist some extra help from God. If all else fails, my husband ought to be able to back me up. Thanx for listening girls....xxox

[mom2372]

How did the birthday party go Shmootz? I find it very hard at times to resist the junk too but life happens and if you mess up you just need to get back on track. Hope all is well for everyone else. I completed my 3 protein days and am definitely in ketosis. I also lost 4 pounds I must say I am very nervous about adding the carbs back in. Please tell me I am not going to knock myself out of ketosis by adding back the carbs. I had 3/4 cup fiber 1 cereal and 3/4 cup of milk for breakfast. I'm so hoping the scale keeps moving down but I have a hard time believing when I'm eating all of these carbs.

[shmootz]

Dear Mom,

The party went really well. The food was all fried. I ate NOTHING. I did have two glasses of red wine. Starving on the way home, had a protein wrap from Burger King...not on the diet but better than the alternative. I knew I should have eaten before I went. Oh well, live and learn.

I know EXACTLY how you feel about the carbs. I am always scared to death to add them back in. However, I recommend eating the heavy carbs in the morning, like you did, and stick with the lowest possible veggie options at night. That way, you have time to burn them off. I used to think I was metabolically resistant....beacause on Atkins, I'd eat hardly any carbs and still no weight loss. That was because I was eating a ton of high fat and high calorie food. This plan really balances out the carbs with lean and low fat protein so your body is still burning more fat. It does work and I always thought, less carbs=better. But, adding some is nice. I do treasure my all protein day once a week. It keeps me disciplined.

Now, if I can make it through my trip up the coast, I'll be golden. Won't be checking online for 2 days....but will be cheering for you gals and will check in when i get home!

[springalong]

Hi girls, well, m embarrassed to admit I was really naughty the last 2 days. Lots of emotional eating. Crazy, cause I know I feel the best when Im eating according to the plan because it really is so balanced. Thought I would just fess up and try - no really get back on track. Not sure why I self-sabatoge so readily. But there you have it. I guess its like someone on here once said, one day at a time one meal at a time. Onwards and downwards.

Im so happy for the rest of you accomplishing little feats - its very encouraging.