LEANER BY SUMMER CHALLENGE

[socalmoma]

I didn't get the plateau diet from the clinic, cause mine happened at a weekend, but I'm sure it's the same - I've also heard people just doing 2 back to back protein days. Thats basically what I did, but everytime I ate a high carb (bar etc) I went on the Eliptical machine for 20 mins to work off the carbs & keep my stick in color! It worked, today I'm half a pound down - frustrating for all that work - but hopefully at least i'm over it! I was so cross too & felt ready to throw in the towel BUT DON'T, if I can overcome it = you can too!!

Keep smiling =) Oh & I'm 18 1/2 lbs down in almost 3 weeks, so theres proof it does work if you can stick with it!!!!

Clare xoxo

[4quela]

I'm back from my camping trip...I had everything measured out and planned for this trip so I can stay on track. Idid good during the morning and lunch times then after that I completely fell off!! Smores are the Devil!!! I did get great workouts in while I was there. (14 miles bike rides) Im so mad at myself!!! I lost 8lbs and gain 4 back. I talked to the clinic today and they told me to start back on my protein days! SO its back to square 1 for me, I wont give up I just have to really workout hard this week and start back up. This camping trip threw me off, I thought I packed well enough to stay on track. I have to drop weight by July 10th!!! My summer trip! ;/

Everyone else seems do be doing great! that really motivates me to not just quit, thanks everyone for posting daily. I love hearing the differnt challenges we all have. :/

[shmootz]

Hi everyone!

Wow, I've been MIA....
Everyone, I'm super proud of you. Especially you Lil, cuz as I have fallen off, you are back into ketosis...where I should be. However, life happens.

4quela, you are not on square one. You have still lost 4 pounds. You are just getting back on track. I'm really proud of all your exercise. Let it go and focus your energy on what you have to do now...

Why am I off the wagon? Well, I'm not fully off...just half off and half on. I am having so many issues remotivating. Mother's day I went crazy. I was CRAVING strawberries so much I thought I might be pregnant....I musthave eaten like 4 pints...they were so good from the farmer's market. That was supposed to be my second protein day...so that obviously did not happen. I am like 4 pounds from my original goal and you would think I would push through and hit it....somehow, I wonder if I am sabotaging my own success. I have dieted my entire life and always put energy into it. I wonder if subconsously I want to constantly punish myself and be on a diet. I know it sounds crazy, but who knows??

Ashley has another full blown ear infection. Took her to the doctor today and her ear was a 10 on a scale of one to 10. The only thing that she would eat was a grilled cheese sandwich. Yes, part of it ended up in my mouth. I spit it out and called for the dog...what am I doing?

I'm super proud of you all...Sheldon, you go boy! Keep up the good work....while I am not gaining....I'm not actively losing...

Love you all!
Laura

[FatGamer]

Lost a half pound when I went in earlier this evening.

[4quela]

Things are looking up today! I went to the clinic last night and got my B12 shot plus a booster. I was told to start drinking hot water and lemon in the evenings. I got a great run in at the gym plus took my dog for a long walk! Im on day two of protein (restarted) weight myself this morning and I am back dwn to 180lbs. Weird 4lbs can go away over night?? anyway Im feeling better and am going strong this week to the gym. July is right around the corner and I need to lose 20lbs.

Shmootz, stay strong you've only got 4lbs more to go till your Goal!! I know what you mean about the self sabotaging. For me I think I convince myself that I worked so hard I deserve a "treat" or break and then regret it! Just try and stay focused on your goal.

FatGamer, keep going your doing soo good!

SoCalmama, your accomplished weight loss gives me hope!! 18.5lbs in 3 weeks is amazing! I hope to be typing the same thing in 2 weeks!! ;X

Thanks for the motivation to keep moving!

[cdnhockeymom]

There's something wrong with my scale! I stepped on this morning...down five from yesterday. Shocked, I stepped off and back on again....wow....is this the end of my plateau? Hope so...yippee!

Welcome back Laura! I started to miss your posts. Hang is there, you've done so well that you don't want to sabotage yourself. (I'm really good at doing that to myself) Difference is...we now realize it. (silly us)
Strawberries are much better than eating 4 pints of ice cream, don't beat yourself up...you'll get your motivation back and get to your goal in no time. I hope Ashley is feeling better...ear infections are not fun.

Don't worry 4quela...I've restarted several times myself. You're back on track and the past is in the past. You can do it again Just think about how great you'll feel when you've reached your goal.

Thanks Clare, I spoke too soon..one plateau down, hopefully won't have one for a while. Wow...you've lost a lot so far. Keep us updated. It keeps me focused and motivated hearing such success.

Have a fun Wednesday Everyone.

[vangot]

Hi All,

I seem to be having trouble losing weight and keeping color on my stick. Wondering if anyone had similar experiences? I'm going to the clinic. I keep my carbs around 55 and I never have anything off menu. What happens is I loose a pound or two and gain a pound or two. I have no energy and am hungry. I have trace color daily but not more than that. I did a plateau menu over the weekend followed by a protein day and got down 3.5 and then today was up 1.5 and all I did was finish the protein day yesterday and start menu today. I walk my dog everyday for 30 minutes and do more vigorous exercise 2-3 times per week.

I've read for some people maybe that is too many carbs? I'm thinking maybe the calories are too low and my body is holding on the fat? I just don't know what is going on and the nurses at the clinic don't see to know either. If I keep feeling bad though, I won't stick with it.

I'm in the middle of week 4 and I'm down about 10 pounds. Uggg.

[socalmoma]

Hey Vangot - welcome! I can tell you what I have found (& I am by no means an expert!!).

I keep my carbs lower - around 30, I eat every 2 or 3 hours, but I eat chicken/salmon/shrimp all low carb stuff. I start my day with an orange & a shake (an Adkins one - soooo much nicer than the lindora ones!), I then do 20 mins of eliptical to work off the carbs from breakfast. I drink LOTS of water, then have a bar mid morning (the south beach raspberry choc - delish & only 10 carbs/100 cal) - I try & take a walk to work that off too.

Then I have salmon at lunch, none of the lettuce or other stuff, same for afternoon snack - then at dinner I have a boca burger plain - 1 carb. Then I go for a 45 min walk & do another 30 mins of eliptical. It's a LOT of constant work, but it HAS worked for me. They told me in clinic that although the book suggests no less than 50 carbs - they would only get on your case if you went lower than 20. I DID go lower than 20 for a couple of days & didn't lose a thing - I think my body went into shock!!!

Lots of frequent short bursts of exercise seems to keep my stick in color all day, always 'extra', same goes for food - little & often.

Hope this helps - it's a tough road I know, but it seems such a shame to give up after you have paid all that money for the clinic. Good luck & let us know how it goes for you =)

Clare xo

[FatGamer]

I just got back from Lindora, I lost 4 lbs since yesterday. So far I have lost a total of 27.7 lbs.

[Plnolady]

Hey Vangot, I haven't seen much pink on my stick since last Friday. The nurses at Lindora keep telling me not to panic and to drink more liquids....something besides Coke Zero.

I weighed in this morning at Lindora & I have lost another 2 lbs. That brings my total weight loss to 31.8 pounds in 7 1/2 weeks. Just so you all know, I do not exercise. I sometimes will walk during my 15 minute morning break at work, but no other exercise. I have 4 titanium rods in my neck, so I can't do a lot of the exercising stuff that most folks can. It's almost warm enough to start doing pool exercises again.

My biggest challenge has been sodium. I like cheese and salami and they are both high in sodium. Drinking Coke Zero is not good either because most diet soda's are also high in sodium. Lindora suggested I try drinking carbinated flavored water, so I stopped by Wal-Mart Monday night and picked up a couple bottles. Guess what...they taste pretty good! I had one Coke Zero yesterday and one today, otherwise I have been drinking the water. I feel much better and I am not retaining the water like I was. I tried the lemon and water trick Lindora suggested twice with no success. They said it was because I was too dehydrated. I keep my carbs under 55, but Lindora told me on yesterday that I need to eat a few more carbs and foods with less fat. I think we all just have to experiment some to figure out what works best for our bodies.

Hang in there everyone! We are all in this together!

[socalmoma]

Ohhhh good luck with the caffeine withdrawals! I did that about 5 months ago, I was ADDICTED to diet dr pepper - I used to drink maybe 10 cans a day (yeah, a LOT), I don't drink coffee or anything else - but I did start on the dr pepper early in the day - around 8am (horrible I know). My son is getting to the age of asking for diet coke when we go out (he is 5), & I realize what a horrible example I am setting, so I went cold turkey & if I am honest - I was just fine - no headaches, nothing.

I went to costco & bought cases of the aquafina flavored water & drank that everytime water didn't cut it.

Now I cannot stand the taste of soda at all - occasionally I'll have a diet 7up, thats about all I can handle.

Trust me - if I can do it - you can too - good luck!!

[shmootz]

Hi Vangot,

Yes, this is totally possible. It takes me a lot to get into and stay in ketosis. My stick barely turns pink. I have NEVER seen a purple stick in my life. My last weight loss module, I did not put one bite of evil in my mouth. However, the scale did creep down. Glad you have the clinic to help guide you. Trust them, they know what they are doing.

Lil, you are an inspiration. I'm giggling because I have often gotten off the scale, only to get back-on and recheck it! LOL I'm super proud of you and thanx for the words of encouragement...and missing me. That's the best part of all. xxox

Clare, girl...I love your routine. Sounds so good I may try it. I love hearing about those folks who also have a low critical carb level. Makes me feel understood. Good plan.

Plnolady, I love those flavored waters. And, the carbonated ones are a true treat! Good girl. I love them.

4quela, keep up the good work. Sounds like we are both getting back on track.

Fatgamer...you rock. Love your blog too. Did check it out. You are awesome. What a great tool to track your personal journey. I think I will do that the old fashoned way---paper and pen.

Today I am tired. Ashley woke up at 5:30 this am...hungry I think. She spit out her antibiotics, motrin and was crying...all before I could even muster a cup of coffee. I did not exercise yesterday. I worked, took her to school, did the marketing and then had to go to a National Charity League dinner. I was starved when I got there and of course, they served sandwiches....the salad dressing had sugar I'm sure. So, I feel defeated by circumstance. However, from reading everyone's posts, I'm going to get back on track. I know this sounds bad, but tomorrow I'm starting my food log again. Why have I lost the most important discipline? Today is my 4 year anniversary. I have the most wonderful husband. So, I am going to turn this day around and enjoy it! Ashley is frolicking downstairs with the dog (diaperless, of course...) and I am going to go to a friend's 35th birthday tea. I have already looked on-line at the menu. I am going to have the salad....and get back to all protein tomorrow.

Thanx for letting me vent and reflect on my own behavior....you guys are great!

xxox
Laura

[vangot]

Thanks all! Very helpful. I'm hanging in there. What I'm hearing is that I need to try some modifications and see what works for me. I follow the menu and foods in the book perfectly. If it's not on the list I don't eat it. I'll try not being so rigid and perhaps cutting my carbs below 50 and more exercise. I hear all this weight loss and I think I must be doing something wrong. I'm at the end of week 4 and my total loss to date is 13 lbs.

[Plnolady]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Good Morning Folks! I talked to one of the nurses at Lindora I see yesterday and asked why it is that I am losing weight so quickly without any real exercising while some of you exercise a lot and are not losing as quickly? She said that Lindora is a "Moderate Carb and Low Fat" weight loss program and if you eat too few carbs your body might be going into a starvation mode and storing fat instead of burning it. She said we are betting off eating a few more carbs and less fat than less carbs and more fat.

Hope this info helps![/COLOR]

[socalmoma]

Ahhhh, I'm going on a girls weekend today, get back Sunday - it's usually a 'lots of drinking/eating out' kinda weekend - so wish me luck! I have my food all weighed & planned out & I plan on lots of walks along the beach - fingers crossed!

[Plnolady]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Hey socalmoma! You can do it! Most Friday evenings my husband and I go to some local "Bike Night" event where they serve fried chicken, burgers, hot dogs, barbeque something, potatoe salad, corn on the cob and all the high carb stuff that I love. He eats what he wants and I eat only the stuff I know I can eat or I will take one of the LFL products and eat or drink that. When he's eating his free ice cream I am eating my Apple Custard Crunch! Have a great time and enjoy your walks! [/COLOR]

[Pokey602]

I and back in the saddle. I hope..Any suggestions for food for protein days. And duh I for get can all Lindora products be considered protein on the 3 protein days?

Originally Posted by FatGamer

4quela, You should be in ketosis by the 3rd day.

I lost 1.5 lbs since yesterday's weigh in. Tomorrow is my week two protein day. I hope this will jump start me for a day with a good loss (3-4 lbs). Hang in there everyone !

[oceanbreeze]

Originally Posted by Pokey602

I and back in the saddle. I hope..Any suggestions for food for protein days. And duh I for get can all Lindora products be considered protein on the 3 protein days?

Hi Pokey - was going to ask to join the thread and also saw your question. You can use any of the products for Protein meals or Protein days. I am starting my 2nd 10 week series tomorrow - I just use the online program but I have lost 53 lbs my 1st 10 weeks. Been with it 100% from day 1 and it has been fantastic. I was so glad to find this group!

[socalmoma]

Hey Pokey - & welcome Ocean Breeze!

I have a bunch of the Lindora products left that they gave me when I signed up, that I tried & cannot bring myself to eat! Don't know if anyone is close enough to get them from me - I go to the Westlake Village clinic =)

[4quela]

How is everyone doing today? How was the weekend?

I’m staying strong, This is my 7th day on the LFL program and I’ve been sticking to the menu to a tee.  I find my biggest struggle is my co-workers bowl of chocolates. I walk by it like 12 + times a day and its killing me! Ugh! I want to eat one chocolate SO bad! I got a lot of working out in this weekend  I’m down 8lbs. Question? Can we have own protein shakes? What are the guidelines to follow? I’m thinking of going into the clinic today to see what they say about that. Also do we have to have lettuce? OR is that optional? Ive been skipping it sometimes, like for dinner. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing.

Well ladies Remember…The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step….lets keep walking toward our goals!

Ciao for now

[Plnolady]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Having a bad couple of days. Although I haven't freaked out and started eating all the bad foods I'd like to eat, I haven't eaten all the foods I am supposed to be eating. The last time I followed my program to the tee was last Thursday. Since then between work (I work in surgery) and home I have failed to eat my 3 meals and 3 snacks a day and I have failed to eat every 2 hours. According to the scale I haven't gained any weight, but I can tell I am retaining water. Oh...and I haven't been into the clinic since last Thursday either.

I made taco's for my husband and friends Sunday. I just added the meat to my 2 cups of lettuce and add some grated cheese, low fat sour cream and guacamole. I had 1/2 cup of refried beans. It tasted so good and it was all under 20 carbs. Last night I took about 1/3 cup of the beans, taco meat, low fat sour cream, guacamole and shredded cheese and through it all into a low carb tortilla so I could have a burrito. I ate it so fast and was so full that I was sick to my stomach most of the night. I also had about 3 ounces of Macadamia nuts. Not sure what made me feel crummy, but I know none of the food is on the approve things I am allowed to eat.

This is the first time I have really messed up by not staying on program and eating my 3 meals & 3 snacks every day. I have pretty much decided not to go into clinic again today either. They never yell or get angry with me or anything like that. They are always so very nice. I am just so upset with myself and feeling stressed out at work that I just don't feel like going. I know that sounds lame.

So, how many of you have gotten into a funk like this and how did you pull yourself out of it? I just have to get back on track. [/COLOR]

[cdnhockeymom]

I have Dianne.

I was so much more disciplined first time round...second time...don't get it. Just don't give up! We are human and we all make mistakes. The biggest step is recognizing it and not giving up. You can do it and amaze yourself. Remember what triggered you to start in the first place (that helps me).

vangot, Pokey602,and oceanbreeze.

I'm on a protein day today. Hoping that my scale will move down tomorrow. My body is having a hard time letting go of the extra fat

4quela...chocolate is my weakness. Easter did me in with all the stuff my kids got. Thank goodness it's all gone! Turn your head the other way when passing by that desk.(lol) I know, I would probably do the same, but you are doing so well, don't sabotage yourself.

Laura, hope you had a great anniversary! I can't believe that I'll be celebrating my 15 years in July. We were puppies when we met and married. I really should remind myself of the trip the hubby promised (weekend without kids) . OK, that's it....new goal for myself!. I really want to lose 20 by then. I will be able to fit into some of the nice summer clothes hiding in my closet.

Have a great day my friends. Remember we are here for each other.

xo
Lil

[socalmoma]

FYI all the Lindora Clinics have 25% off all products - that's an unheard of offer apparently!!

[oceanbreeze]

They are also selling them online (everything I think!) through the website - it is a great deal!!!!

[Plnolady]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Here in California they are offering 30% off their in-house program, 50% off lab work and 25% off booster shots (they help reduce water retention).

I still have gone into the clinic. It will be 1 week tomorrow since I went in to get weighed and see what I am and am not doing right. I am staying on program, but I have not been eating 3 meals and 3 snacks each day. I feel like I've gained a couple pounds, but I'm not sure if it's water or not. I don't know what's wrong with me. I've just been so tired lately that just going to work and coming home is about all I feel like doing. I don't feel depressed or angry or anything. I just haven't felt like going into the clinic. I plan on staying with the program, I just don't feel like checking in.

Sorry if I sound like I'm whining, I just can't figure out what my problem is.

Hope all of you are doing good and staying on program and saving money on LFL's big discounts.[/COLOR]

[4quela]

Morning Ladies-

Well this is my 12th day on this program and I'm a bit dissapointed so far with all my hard work. I've only lost 10lbs and it's been fluctuating from losig 2lbs and then gaining it again?? I dont understand...Ive been following the meal plans and wokring out hard this whole time! Everyone else seems to have amazing weight loss by the 2wk mark.

I'm not giving up I'm just bummed at my result thus far. I'm thinking of doing two protein days in the week instead of one.....Has anyone tried this before? It should help right?

Ugh frustrated but cant stop till I reach my goals...Sorry to be a debbie downer! I hope everyone else is doing great and have a wonderful 3-day weekend!!

[Plnolady]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]I'm right with you 4quela. I didn't go to clinic for a week out of feeling frustrated and working so much at the hospital. I managed to get in there this morning and I haven't lost any more weight in a week. I am at a total weight loss of 32 lbs in 8 weeks. I know I shouldn't complain, but I have apparently hit another platuea.

I have done 2 protein days a week before, but I seem to loose more weight faster if I increase my fluids and reduce my sodium and fat intake. I have cut way back on my Coke Zero (high in sodium) and that seems to have helped quite a bit.

Hope everyone else is hanging in there and losing weight.[/COLOR]

[cdnhockeymom]

That makes three of us. I don't get it. I was up two pounds this morning and the ketone stick had turned colour. So, I'm in ketosis and gaining weight? I should kick the Coke Zero habit too, but it's sooooo hard! I've cut it to two, one with lunch and one with dinner now. I've bought two 1.5L water bottles and refill them daily. The goal is to down two of them a day. I should lower my carb intake as sugguested by several posts... maybe that will work.

I'm hoping that everyone is hanging in there as there haven't been many posts lately.

Hope you all have a great long weekend. We had ours here last week. Keep strong my friends and I hope to hear great results next week.

[shmootz]

Hi everyone,

As I'm reading the posts, I'm giggling a little bit. Seems like we have all fallen a bit. I typed a really long message a few days ago, and lost it. So frustrated I couldn't even get back on the computer to start over.

Yes gals, I know exactly the sentiment about the second round being so hard. I think that it takes an ENORMOUS amount of stamina to keep working at such a high level. For me, since my husband has returned to work, it is harder for me to be as diligent as before. I am thankful that he's working again AND that I have not gained a single poound. I'm not losing, but not gaining.

For me, I think I've been eating too much fat and not enough weighing of my food. I always seem to have an excuse. Have not been to the gym now in three days. Going back in the morning.

Don't worry gals, we will all get back on board. For goodness sake, I have 8 pounds to go, why can't I just get it done?

xxox
Happy Memorial Day you all!
Laura

[socalmoma]

Hey folks,

I've been having a tough time of it too. The first 20lbs came off easily in 4 weeks, but now i'm stalling - still working out hard & following program, but nothing is happening. So today I gave in - woke up feeling sick & like I just needed to 'eat', soooo i ate a bag of chips (small & lite!), about 5 protein bars & a chicken cobb salad (no egg/bacon/dressing). I'm hoping that got it all out of my system & tomorrow is another day, I'm going to be back on track!

Keep going ladies, we can do it!!!

Clare xo