LEANER BY SUMMER CHALLENGE

[cdnhockeymom]

Welcome back LFL'ers and a warm welcome to all new comers too!

This thread is a continuation of the Lose 15 pounds by Easter Challenge.

I didn't meet my goal, but did make it to a 12 pound loss and am ready for another challenge. I am on day two of metabolic adjustment, and will be going back into ketosis in two weeks.

My goal is to lose another 30 pounds by the end of the summer. Please feel free to join along and give us your goals for the summer.

We are all here to support each other on this lifestyle change. All encouragement, advice and questions are welcome.

Let's go for it.....we can all do it!

[mom2372]

Hope everyone had a great Easter!
I slipped up a little too but am now into my 2nd protein day to get back on track. I was reading the old thread and noticed several of us had little slip ups and you know what I think it is okay as long as you get back on track and don't let it be an excuse to quit. We have all had some fantastic losses this month and I am looking forward to the next part of the challenge. May we all have a great week and see a few more pounds gone.
Tammy

[cyclomethicone]

I'm happy to get in on this now...looks like you guys are just starting! (well the continuation at least )

I have so many weddings to go to this summer that I am looking forward to buying some pretty little dresses for myself.

[COLOR="Red"]Here's to a fit and beautiful summer![/COLOR]

[springalong]

Lily, thank you for starting this thread Nice to meet the rest of you

Ive been rather aloof lately as theres been nothing just yet to report. Mostly just excuses, not staying on track. I really intend to be committed tho! My life is in a little upheaval just now, but will sort of get more normal.

I watched the biggest loser tonight and Im always touched at the transformation, and changes they make. They did their makeovers as well as a reward, I just love makeovers seeing the changes outward and inward.

Just thought I would stay in contact now and then

I will have something good to report soon - yes I will!

Weight a go to the rest of you!

[Thaltom]

Hey gals--Good to "see" you again. I'm ready for another challenge. I want to lose 15 lbs by May 19th. This is the last day school is in session (I am a teacher). I didn't reach my goal last timefor Easter. I actually hit a platuea the last 10 days of the challenge, but I broke it and am on my way.

Springalong--I am also a Biggest Loser fan. It is so inspiring.

Weight now- 250 Goal weight (May19) 235 (that number sure sounds good to me right now).

I will also continue your challenge into the summer to hopefully lose even more.

[cdnhockeymom]

I'm so happy you're all back! Molly, glad to have you on board. The more of us helping each other out, the better!

I'm on day 3 of MA. I just hope that I can maintain what I've lost. Too many temptations in this house....I should get rid of all that chocolate! (my weakness....)

All of us can have our own success stories too, just like the Biggest Loser. I really enjoy watching the transformation these people make. Very inspiring indeed!. Baby steps, one day at a time.

Have a fantastic week ladies.

[Vcraig]

I'm new to this forum. I have been reading up tonight on LFL and I want to give it a try. I have something going for tomorrow, but plan to start on Friday morning. My husband is going to start with me, so hopefully we'll both do well. I am at 278 and he is just over 300. We have a lot to lose and we both need to really get with it. I'm not an every day type poster as I work and have a farm as well, but I'll get in here as often as I can. What all kinds of supplements do you guys take?

I'll be checking back to see what is happening, and I appreciate the help!

VC

[copprbottm]

I am fairly new to this. And have had really good success with low carb diets. But realize that is probably not the way to go, if I wanted sustained health and fitness. I am about to start a fairly intense workout and diet ritual, which I have been able to put off way longer that I had hoped. So, I will start with circuit training combined with a fairly intensive fruit and veg diet, and then as a protein and strength "helper" I plan on drinking Nitro Tech.......... At the end of a month to six weeks I plan on a 30 day cleanse.......fingers crossed.... Best health to all

[shmootz]

Hi Girls and welcome new folks. Just a little update: I have not been as diligent about checking online, my food journals or my workouts this week. I have a cold! I was on the treadmill yesterday; ran 20 minutes (after walking 30) and almost threw up. This cold is one thing that could totally derail me. I need my workouts. My husband won't let me go to the gym because I feel like crap. But, I'm still eating well. Since I fell off the wagon for Easter, I'm still waiting for a pink stick to return. My body takes FOREVER to get into ketosis. But, I'm 2 pounds away from a 20 pound loss. That is sooooooo much weight for me. If I can shed another 10-15 I would be soooo stoked. But, I do notice that since I feel better, my motivation is a little less. However, there are so many pressures right now. I feel like all the change (husband starting a new business, child starting preschool this monday, me being sick, me working) is making it a tad more difficult to muster up the energy to give my diet the due diligence it needs and is required. BUT, I'm still losing....slowly, but still going down.

I love the biggest loser too! I watch the reruns almost everyother night to stay motivated. I cry for them because I realize that losing the weight really requires a transformation of your soul. With every pound shed is like a layer of emotional weight. It's like Valerie Bertinelli says in her book "Regaining my life back one pound at a time." I feel like that is what I am doing.

Love you all....
Laura


New Stats:
Starting weight 162
Current weight 143
Current Goal 130

[springalong]

With every pound shed is like a layer of emotional weight. It's like Valerie Bertinelli says in her book "Regaining my life back one pound at a time." I feel like that is what I am doing.

I love that! That is eloquently written! Oh to be stable and get back on the bandwagon! Youve gotta want it is what I hear, so hopefully it gets from my head to my heart and the fat can just slither away! he he

Way to go girls

[springalong]

Sorry, thought that quote that I stole would come up in a quote box!

[mom2372]

Hi everyone!
Welcome to everyone new and really good to see others from the old thread. I have had a crazy week and after slipping a bit at Easter am back on track. Problem is I seem to have stalled and have been dealing with constipation issues despite the metamucil. Has anyone followed the plateau diet and is the constipation issue only an issue for me? Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.
Laura keep going you are doing great. I know life can get in the way but you are doing fabulous. to think you have only 2 pounds to go until you hit 20 pounds. That is awesome
Tammy

[Thaltom]

Good Monday everyone. I had a great week and finally broke a platuea. I am down 4lbs. Hope everyone else is doing great.

[cdnhockeymom]

Hello to all my LFL buddies! I'm on week two of metabolic adjustment and miraculously managed to maintain my weight loss despite another slip this weekend. We also celebrate the Orthodox Easter, therefore, you could only imagine the temptations laid before me Today is a protein day....need to stop messing around and get to business. I'm starting another round next week and am looking forward to making the numbers drop again. (I'm hoping for 15 pounds in four weeks)

Laura, you are doing amazing!!!! I dream of being back at that weight. I think it has been ten years since I've weighed that low. Hopefully by the time our summer challenge is near it's end...I will be there.
Tammy, I've had that issue too. Lots of water worked for me. Your body is adjusting to your new eating habits. It will catch up soon. Keep up the great work.

I'm so happy that you all are hanging in there.

Vcraig. This is a great well balanced program that will help you feel better very quickly. Please feel free to jump in anytime for help.

Good luck with your program copprbottm. The LFL program is really based on keeping your carb intake low, but also is focused on lean protein, with the addition of fruits and veggies. Check out the diet in a nutshell, it might compliment your workout regime.

Keep up the great work ladies....hopefully I'll have great news next time I log on. Enjoy your week

[cdnhockeymom]

Originally Posted by Thaltom

Good Monday everyone. I had a great week and finally broke a platuea. I am down 4lbs. Hope everyone else is doing great.

That's amazing!! You're doing great.

[shmootz]

Hi girls!

Back at the gym today. Trying to beef it up with some extra weight training. Ashley started preschool today...that was pretty emotional for me. I forgot today was supposed to be a protein day...oops. I need to start my daily action plans again. Grrr....i'm not being as disciplined as I was last round. I need to step back into that....hopefully, I'll have some good new to post!

love you all!

[cyclomethicone]

Good Morning all.

I have been a little MIA - I used to check and write everyday! I guess that is life with a 5 month old that wants to crawl! (Just turned yesterday)

Anyway, the first protein days were killer! I forgot how much they sucked. But, it did result in a 6 pound loss. The weekend was tough, I had people and food over for both days, so I didn't do so well. It was kind of discouraging so early on.
Yesterday I did well though and today is off to a good start... I am hoping for about 8 pound loss this first week.


Laura, last time I did this I only did weight training at home and it was great, (couldn't really walk or run because I have a callous, also embarrassed), so I really think weight training is important! This time I'm actually getting out for walks too. What type of routines do you do?

Thaltom, that is awesome!!!! Must feel good!

Tammy, I've had that problem in the past - protein moves a lot slower through our systems. But I do hope it relieves it self soon - i know what a pain in the butt in can be ()

Lily, way to stick with MA, I always hated it! ( I loved seeing the scale go down too much) I also had a hard time adding the food in. I would gain and get discouraged. I also feel that it offers a little more freedom than I want while on a diet. So congrats to you!

And welcome VC! Be sure to post often and ask questions!

[shmootz]

Hey Molly! Yes, a 5 month old can mess up any routine!

I am currently trying to hit the gym 5-6 times a week. 60 minutes of cardio and weights. I feel like these last 15 pounds are sticking to me like glue. So, I am realizing that this is NOT the biggest loser and I'm in no hurry. As long as I keep eating right and the scale moves down, however slowly...i'm still in good shape.

Thalom, great job! Lil-I am SUPER proud of you. You do that metabolic adjustment and know it's an important part of the program Since my MA, I have lost another 5 pounds. But, this round is WAY slower! Molly, keep up the good work. Put that little crawler in a stroller and walk. Who cares what people think? Just think how great you will be when you lose more of your weight! Even the days that I don't think I can go....I push. Then I always feel better.

Today I had a great work-out. I will be sore tomorrow. I've realized I cheat when I do weights....surprise, surprise!

I wonder if I will ever hit ketosis again. Got to get back to my Daily action plans. I must be popping something in my mouth that's screwing me up. Hmmmm...can't remember. That's why the journal helps so much.

Tammy, you might want to add some flaxseed oil pills to your diet. They are low cal compared to the oil and seem to help. My daughter has chronic constipation and I give her flaxseed oil EVERY day to keep her moving. The softgels can be purchased at Trader Joes.

Springalong, you do want it. Just visualize your new body and how much healthier you will be. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and I never want to let myself get so out of control again. The emotional roller coaster during this diet has been insane. But, I just keep plugging along.

xxox
Laura

[socalmoma]

Hey guys - thanks Laura for inviting me to join

I'm on day one protein today, took vits on empty stomach & felt very sick - guess you live & learn eh! Other than that going OK - but then, I'm only half a day in! Oh & i've been keeping really, really busy!

I feel like I should be 20lbs lighter - shame it doesn't work that way

Clare xo

[cyclomethicone]

Clare - I just had my weekly protein day yesterday and thought I'd see a big loss.....HAHAHA nope! I think I actually gained a little.... stick with it though, those first 3 days are the worst!

I actually came to like protein days though, it usually meant easy food and a big loss. I think my downfall yesterday was that I made Flax bread. .5 carbs per piece, but a whopping 185 calories too. LOL it's good - but a little toooo good.

[cdnhockeymom]

Hello my friends! What a week thus far!!!! I need someone to slap my hand whenever I reach for that leftover Easter chocolate. I should have thrown it out! Three more days until I get back into ketosis. (I hope) I'm much more disciplined then, especially when I'm eager to make that stick turn colour.

Clare!. I'll be in your shoes come Monday. But just like Molly, I find it easy to prepare for protein days. You will come to love those days soon....especially when that scale drops

Laura, you're doing great. Your body is building muscle with all those workouts and will start to burn off those last 15 before you know it! I need to get my butt moving more often too! I know that it will make a HUGE difference in my weight loss.

BTW, can you post that recipe for Flax bread Molly....sounds delish!

[cyclomethicone]

Sure! It is super easy and really does have a bread texture. DH even liked it. The recipe is from about.com , I posted the link too, but people on there have some tweaks that they liked. I am definitely going to try a savory route with rosemary and garlic next time.

Flax Bread Recipe - Low-Carb Focaccia-Style Flax Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups flax seed meal
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1-2 Tablespoons sweetening power from artificial sweetener
5 beaten eggs
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup oil
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare pan (a 10X15 pan with sides works best) with oiled parchment paper or a silicone mat.

1) Mix dry ingredients well -- a whisk works well.

2) Add wet to dry, and combine well. Make sure there aren't obvious strings of egg white hanging out in the batter.

3) Let batter set for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up some (leave it too long and it gets past the point where it's easy to spread.)

4) Pour batter onto pan. Because it's going to tend to mound in the middle, you'll get a more even thickness if you spread it away from the center somewhat, in roughly a rectangle an inch or two from the sides of the pan (you can go all the way to the edge, but it will be thinner).

5) Bake for about 20 minutes, until it springs back when you touch the top and/or is visibly browning even more than flax already is.

6) Cool and cut into whatever size slices you want. You don't need a sharp knife; I usually just cut it with a spatula.

Nutritional Information: Each of 12 servings has less than a gram of effective carbohydrate (.7 grams to be exact) plus 5 grams fiber, 6 grams protein, and 185 calories.

[cdnhockeymom]

Thanks Molly! I'm going to give it a try this weekend, before I start my three carb days again on Monday

[KITTYM]

HELLO, DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR ONE MORE

[socalmoma]

Thanks guys - I'm right with you - the protein days ARE easy! Phew - worry over! Although I THINK I should have lost around 20lbs by now - what do you reckon

If only it were that easy!!! Thanks for all the encouragement though - much needed

Clare xo

[cdnhockeymom]

Kittym. Please do not hesitate to join us. We are all fairly new to this thread and everyone is welcome. What stage are you at right now? I'm finishing metabolic adjustment this week and starting weight loss Monday. Do you know much about LFL? I'm following the book. The diet is outlined on the LFL in a Nutshell thread in case you need more information. Come join the fun!

Way to go on day 2 Clare!

Have a great night ladies.....I've got to prepare mentally for tomorrow. The kids have the day off school (professional development day) and I'll have eight in here tomorrow. (my four, plus four I provide care for)

xo

[KITTYM]

[COLOR="DarkGreen"]Lily-Thanks for the welcome.

I am trying to loose 30 lb before October 31. [/COLOR]

[socalmoma]

Guys, I just came back from the clinic & know I read somewhere about clarification on useable carbs v's actual carbs on packaging. I had taken in a pack of my fave tortillas (Smart & Delicious, High fiber tortillas by the Tortilla factory - you get them at Costco), it showed them as 80 cals, but 18 carbs BUT I had it explained to me that as they contain 12 g of fiber, the useable carbs is only 6g - I'm sure you all know that already, but I just wanted to share. The tortillas are really good - esp for only 6 carbs!

Anyway, day 3 & I'm 4.7lbs down ;0)

enjoy your weekend

Clare xo

[cdnhockeymom]

Good Monday afternoon everyone.

It's that time again.....to get back into ketosis. Today is my first protein day after MA and boy talk about a hunger binge this morning!!!! I can't get enough protein today. I've been spoiled the last two weeks with all the extra food. I managed to stay on target (with many struggles), but pulled through. I'm aiming for another 15 pounds in these four weeks. (just in time to wear some shorts for the summer ) I'm hoping I'll have some good news to report by next Monday.

Way to go Clare, that's a great loss!
KittyM....you can get there before October on this program. It is amazing what ketosis can do for your body! Stay positive, follow the LFL eating style and you won't be disappointed. We're all here for each other too.

Hope you all are doing great at whatever stage you're at. I'm so glad you gals are messaging. Your comments and experiences help me stay on track and somehow accountable to myself. Have a great day.

[shmootz]

OK Lil..

You and I are the SAME! I loved MA too much! I've been having a heck of a time getting back. So today is protein day 3 to get back into ketosis. But, I've been mindlessly nibbling on food. I feel like I'm in a really negative mood. Ashley is giving me some terrible two behavior, my husband is transitioning to a new business and I am STRESSED OUT! My old way of coping with stress is to eat.....now what???? I'm finding it hard to take care of Ashley pleasantly when I wANT chocolate. Lil, you are my inspiration. Ashley won't sit in her car seat and I have to hold her down to get her in. Makes me want to cry. Now when she's mad, she's licking the wall. When she does this I go straight into the kitchen like a buzzard swarming.......I feel like the extra pressures at home are compromising my diet plan. Whew....did not know all of that was in there. Thanx for letting me vent.

Welcome Kitty! Glad to have you.

Claire, you only have 15 more pounds to hit that 20. Girl, I'm SUPER proud of you! Stick with it.

I did hit the gym today. 60 minutes cardio and 20 minutes weights.
Now off to get Ashley from Preschool....will she get into the car seat? God I pray, yes!