***Body challenge*** update

[bakogymrat]

Ok, I think the best way to do this is to comment on the thread. So, each week, YES EVERY WEEK. We have to post our stats…if you all feel comfortable with that. If you are not comfortable with posting the starting weight or inches, then just keep track using lose/gain. For example, if I did not want to list my weight, for next week, I would put “up one pound”. I think it is best to post the actual weight/inches, as a form of accountability.
I like Jess’ idea of doing this for 12 weeks. I would strongly suggest taking a picture. The humiliation of posting the before picture will be fuel to keep you accountable. (Take it in your bathing suit or undies…NOT nude. The more skin the better comparison.) Even if you do not post the picture…TAKE IT. It is very exciting to see transitions, and I would even suggest posting a picture every three weeks.

12 weeks means that we complete our challenge by 02/16/09 (correct?).

If you guys feel more comfortable with me creating a blog, and using that to post our stats then just let me know, and I can do so on my profile page.

I will be the “enforcer” (Bako “the enforcer” Gymrat), which means, if you have not posted info every week, I will e-mail you. I will also keep track of everyone’s stats using a spreadsheet.

I am excited.

LET’S DO THIS (California style)!

Here’s what you need to do today or this week:
1. Let me know if you want to participate on this thread or on a blog on my profile
2. Post your current stats (weight or inches-chest, hips, & waist)
3. Post your goals
4. Post the before picture, or at least take it.

***Anyone needing resources for diet or workout routines pm myself…or Jess (I am sure she would not mind)*** This is going to be great; like minded people getting healthy.

[bakogymrat]

Wt: 125 (124.4)
chest: 34
Waist: 31
Hips: 38 (pear shaped ghetto booty)
http://s377.photobucket.com/albums/oo219/bakogymrat/?action=view&current=fabergear.jpg

Edit: adding thighs: 20 3/4

[bakogymrat]

no idea why my fatty picture is not showing...??? Well it is in my album...if you really want to see me in my underoos :p

[JBNTX]

Cool I am in !!

[Lisa]

i'll get on that tonight. I need to do this! Thanks bako for being a great motivator! Bako "the motivator" gymrat!

[JBNTX]

no idea why my fatty picture is not showing...??? Well it is in my album...if you really want to see me in my underoos :p

Wait til you see my FATTY..................yours is not bad at all !!

[bakogymrat]

hey, I was smart and did not take a pic of the boooooty.:D

[Lisa]

i'm too smart and won't post any pics at all! HA!

[JBNTX]

Check the albums section Tommorrow !!

[Lisa]

ha ha you should have just showed us the whitey tighties Faber style!!!

[JBNTX]

I only rock boxer briefs and need to do laundry so I had to go commando today !! Peace out I gotta do pay roll for the holiday check with yall lates !!

[Lisa]

ballsy (for real) to take a naked pic! Cool I might try and take one today. I'll see what I feel like.

[JBNTX]

In 12 weeks it should look ALOT different !!! :D If no one else post one I am taking mine with the double chins and all down !!

[Kimberly]

Sorry JB, after seeing you and Bako, there is no way I'm posting a pic. IMO, you guys look great and I'm trying to figure out where the two of you need to lose weight. I ca already see that Lisa and Jess are in great shape too.

Good luck to you guys. I will follow along on my own and do the best I can.

[JBNTX]

You gotta be kidding right........NO ABS to be seen, no definition anywhere......I am going for the 6 small meals a day approach. I had a dozen egg whites and dry toast and a peach for breakfast, a chicken breast with, and orange, a small serving of bowtie pasta and a myoplex shake, and a bowl of oatmeal and a apple so far...........I drink 16 ounces of water with each meal and several throughout the day. I am gonna need to buy some beano FO SHO !!

I plan to hit pads and the bag for at lease an hour combined, run at least 3 miles a day, and use my own body to work out, no weights. Lots of push ups, pull ups, sit ups, dips etc and see how that goes. I plan to only rest on Sundays.........If I lift weights I will lose weight at first then bulk up a little, so I will just stick with strengh exercise and see how that works out.

If anyone has any advice to help me put the beat down on the ladies........hook me up !!

[Kimberly]

You gotta be kidding right........NO ABS to be seen, no definition anywhere......

Maybe I should have said "overall, you guys look great." But I guess we are our own worst enemies.

[Sac23722]

If this is a competition between the guys and the girls... does that mean that Urijah and Tito are on the team with the guys? I mean - they do post on this website and they are guys... just sayin'

[JBNTX]

If this is a competition between the guys and the girls... does that mean that Urijah and Tito are on the team with the guys? I mean - they do post on this website and they are guys... just sayin'

If they are in I AM OUT !!!LOL

[Felix]

bako - the url for the pic you're trying to post looks incorrect, there should be no "action=" in the address...right click on the pic you want to display (the full size pic), select "Properties", and then copy+paste the address url shown in the Properties box

for those of u not wanting to post your pics so everyone can see: you can create a "body challenge" group and add only ppl that are participating. you can upload the pics to the group's photo album & only the members of the group (and me the admin, lol) will be able to view them

:)

[JBNTX]

bako - the url for the pic you're trying to post looks incorrect, there should be no "action=" in the address...right click on the pic you want to display (the full size pic), select "Properties", and then copy+paste the address url shown in the Properties box

for those of u not wanting to post your pics so everyone can see: you can create a "body challenge" group and add only ppl that are participating. you can upload the pics to the group's photo album & only the members of the group (and me the admin, lol) will be able to view them

:)

Now you bring this after mine is the only one up.............WTF LOL

[Kimberly]

Now you bring this after mine is the only one up.............WTF LOL

I don't know if you checked it out yet, but Bako put her pic in her photo album.

[Lisa]

Ok folks here it goes. Pic and measurements. I am only doing this so i will be mortified and then have motivation!! I think it'll work for me. That is the only way I'll get my ass in gear.

waist: 28"
hips: 34 1/2"
thighs: 21"
biceps: 10 3/4" (how sad) :(

My over all goal is to gain muscle tone!

[Felix]

Now you bring this after mine is the only one up.............WTF LOL



too many posts on this board for me to keep up! :) you can always edit your post & take your pic down though :D

[Lisa]

good idea. Mine is going to be in my pics, so its not so huge and out there.

[JBNTX]

too many posts on this board for me to keep up! :) you can always edit your post & take your pic down though :D

Just kidding Bro.......I probley will take mine down and put in in my albums !!

[bakogymrat]

If this is a competition between the guys and the girls... does that mean that Urijah and Tito are on the team with the guys? I mean - they do post on this website and they are guys... just sayin'

This is not between boys and girls. This is between "old unhealthy us" vs "new-improved, California style us"

[bakogymrat]

You gotta be kidding right........NO ABS to be seen, no definition anywhere......I am going for the 6 small meals a day approach. I had a dozen egg whites and dry toast and a peach for breakfast, a chicken breast with, and orange, a small serving of bowtie pasta and a myoplex shake, and a bowl of oatmeal and a apple so far...........I drink 16 ounces of water with each meal and several throughout the day. I am gonna need to buy some beano FO SHO !!

I plan to hit pads and the bag for at lease an hour combined, run at least 3 miles a day, and use my own body to work out, no weights. Lots of push ups, pull ups, sit ups, dips etc and see how that goes. I plan to only rest on Sundays.........If I lift weights I will lose weight at first then bulk up a little, so I will just stick with strengh exercise and see how that works out.

If anyone has any advice to help me put the beat down on the ladies........hook me up !!

Wow! Can we say that you are taking this seriously. I didn't have Starbucks this morning, and felt good about that. Now, I read your post, and I see that this is going to get serious. BRING IT!!!

[bakogymrat]

bako - the url for the pic you're trying to post looks incorrect, there should be no "action=" in the address...right click on the pic you want to display (the full size pic), select "Properties", and then copy+paste the address url shown in the Properties box

for those of u not wanting to post your pics so everyone can see: you can create a "body challenge" group and add only ppl that are participating. you can upload the pics to the group's photo album & only the members of the group (and me the admin, lol) will be able to view them

:)

I would prefer to keep this public, in order to drive us more towards success. How do you guys feel? I am also going to create a new thread every week, in order to keep better track!

You guys rock!

[bakogymrat]

OK no jokes about how my body is just wait til the 12 weeks..........


PS the "manties" are drawn on........... I don't own any !!!!






love the pic

[bakogymrat]

If anyone does not want to post their stats for all to see. Feel free to pm me, but be sure to indicate that the info should not be posted. I will still check in with anyone using that method every week, via pm.
Let's all do this to get healthy.

[Jessica_1979]

Well JB, I just took my pics, loaded them onto my computer (cause I saw you and Lisa were troopers and posted your pics) I liked Lisa's idea of being mortified for motivation...I just about posted...and I saw all the other stuff about being private bla bla...and Lisa took her pic down...now I am hesitatin again....so I will post it on my own album for now.....:o....

Jess

[JBNTX]

I would prefer to keep this public, in order to drive us more towards success. How do you guys feel? I am also going to create a new thread every week, in order to keep better track!

You guys rock!

I was the only one with my FAT ASS in the public !!

[Jessica_1979]

I was the only one with my FAT ASS in the public !!

Hee hee...your too funny.did you remove your pic??? I liked it!! Your too hard on yourself...aren't we all though!
haha...your still making me laugh

LOL

What if this thread stays open to the public and we just have an album for participants only???
I dunno....


lol

;)

[Kimberly]

[What if this thread stays open to the public and we just have an album for participants only???
I dunno....


lol

;)[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I'm sorry Jess, I'm the chicken who won't post a pic or my measurements. I'm sending them straight to Bako. :( Honestly (and no arguing JB), you guys look great, yes I said great (again, no arguing -- from anyone) *said in a stern, motherly voice*. ;) Really, I can't see where any of you need to lose weight. I understand that we are our own worst critics. I'm just not ready to post anything -- public or private.

[Jessica_1979]

Okay....... your off the hook for now!! But you should take some pics for yourself!!! What about a picture just in shorts and a tank? They don't have to be skin???

I respect your feelings...I just put mine in my personal album. :o

[Kimberly]

Okay....... your off the hook for now!! But you should take some pics for yourself!!! What about a picture just in shorts and a tank? They don't have to be skin???

I respect your feelings...I just put mine in my personal album. :o

Thanks Jess :) I am having a pic taken. My friend is going to help me with my measurements tomorrow and take a pic. If and when I'm comfortable enough I'll post it. Maybe, after the 12 weeks is up, the transformation will be so stunning you'll have to see the before and after! LOL! We'll see...but I'm not quitting. I'll be doing this along side with everyone. I'm going to buy a stationary bike this weekend and start pedaling like there's no tomorrow!

All joking aside. We all have our demons and self image is mine.

[JBNTX]

Hee hee...your too funny.did you remove your pic??? I liked it!! Your too hard on yourself...aren't we all though!
haha...your still making me laugh

LOL

What if this thread stays open to the public and we just have an album for participants only???
I dunno....







lol

;)



You will "own" all of us in this competition I am sure. Hell your guns are as big as mine and I am a dude.........................you rock !! I will get ripped, or die trying !!

I bought me some tuna, cottage cheese, almond butter, and alot of fruit and salad on my way home (I keep chicken breast all the time) from work today and I am making two days worth of meals at a time so I stay ahead of the game. I am SOOOOOOO looking forward to sunday so I can eat unhealthy.......LOL

[bakogymrat]

Can I just say my abs are killing me!!! Just ran 3 miles...

I'll check with Lisa about her pic??? Mine is in my album

Edit: Lisa's pic is in her album...

[Kimberly]

Good job Bako! I have to do my exercising at night.

By the way, is there a certain brand of Whey you recommend? Or will any brand do? Going to GNC this afternoon.

[bakogymrat]

Good job Bako! I have to do my exercising at night.

By the way, is there a certain brand of Whey you recommend? Or will any brand do? Going to GNC this afternoon.


Jess will probably kill me for admitting this, but I go cheap. Walmart...$19.99...

[Kimberly]

Bako, I'm a full time single parent (I get no help from his dad). So, cheap is good. It works very well with my budget. :) I have to say, gotta give props to Cody. I told him last night our family Christmas present this year was a stationary bike for the house. He was all for it. Thankfully, he's in excellent shape.

[bakogymrat]

Bako, I'm a full time single parent (I get no help from his dad). So, cheap is good. It works very well with my budget. :) I have to say, gotta give props to Cody. I told him last night our family Christmas present this year was a stationary bike for the house. He was all for it. Thankfully, he's in excellent shape.

The bike is a good idea. May I suggest trying intervals? Up outta the seat for a minute with some resistance added, and go as fast as you can...it is hard...then rest for a minute or two...keep doing this for however long you are on it. Be sure to add resisitance...if not...well, I have seen many fall during spin class. The resistance adds stability.

[Kimberly]

I will definitely do all that. Thanks for the advice. The bike is also good for my knee (I've had two surgeries). Plus, it fits into my small house. :)

[Kimberly]

So, here is what I'm starting to do at work. Since I am an administrative assistant, I basically sit on my butt all day. I decided to set up a reminder to go off every hour telling me it's time to do squats, wall push ups, stretch, walk laps around the office, or walk up and down the stairs. Anything to get me moving throughout the day.

I started my day off with a bowl of regular oatmeal with raisins and dried cranberries and I'm about to have my mid morning snack -- an asian pear. I have chicken and brown rice for lunch and celery and tuna for afternoon snack. I do not have dinner planned out yet, but will probably be a salad. My diet is where I'm weakest, so any help would be greatly appreciated. I drink at least 64 oz of water while at work and even more water at home. So I think I'm good there. I do not buy soda or sugary drinks for the house.

If anyone has better ideas or suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks!

[Lisa]

Ej sounds like you are on the right track. What a great idea about the alarm going off and doing something. I need to think of something like that to do. My biggest weakness is also my diet. I usually only eat once a day and it's nothing really that healthy. Sometimes it's salad or baked potato, but lately I will eat tater tots and ranch dressing. Not so good. I need to eat more throughout the day and make healthier choices. Geez, I have lunch in the oven now, and it's pizza bagels and tater tots!!! Not good!

[Kimberly]

I'm no expert, but yes, you definitely need to eat more. I'm sure Jess or Bako will help you out with a meal plan. It's hard when you have two kids at home. A friend of mine is a stay at home mom with 2 kids also and her diet's about the same. Either she doesn't eat, or eats on the run.

I think I'm going to start a food journal. For me, it will make me accountable for what I eat. Maybe for you, it will help you to remember to eat. Just a thought.

Damn, tater tots and ranch sound really good ...:(

[surfina007]

fyi my friend owns a protein business if anyone needs anything. Visit proteinfactory.com and tell him surfina sent you.

[Ivan]

eh i dont think i can participate, trying to maintain weight for wrestling, but good luck guys and gals on the project

[Kimberly]

eh i dont think i can participate, trying to maintain weight for wrestling, but good luck guys and gals on the project

Thanks for the encouragement Tap, much appreciated!

[bakogymrat]

off to the gym for my 2nd cardio of the day...got to take advantage of my break from school...like our girl Pauline shares...got do the cardio to get lean.

[Kimberly]

Have a great workout!

[surfina007]

ok posted the pic on my profile.

measurements...

chest-36
waist-30
hips-41 (i have the biggest ghetto booty on here wahoo!!!!)

goal: Tone all over and gain some more muscle in those arms. I want to have abs again and get rid of those thighs!!!!

[bakogymrat]

hips-41 (i have the biggest ghetto booty on here wahoo!!!


We may have a competition on that one! lol I should post a pic of mine in my gym pants...JLo ain't got nothin on this white girl...lol

[surfina007]

hahahahhahahahaha you may have a good challenge!!!

[bakogymrat]

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo219/bakogymrat/booty.jpg

[surfina007]

pshhh thats nothing, i'll post a pic by tomorrow night, i'm too tired to take one now

[NickyD240]

You girls got nothin one me! haha jus playin!

[Jessica_1979]

E!!!

Your on track lady!!! Your meals sound great! Maybe have some protein with your asian pear...like a few almonds, or a tsp of p butter..or maybe 1/2 a touch of yogurt, drink of skim milk?? You know. And same with dinner, make sure you get a protein and your complexe carbs (veggies or whole grain). Wow your doing good girl!
Check out Costco online for bikes, they have a great style that,s not recumbant, or too cheap, by that I mean crappy. I will send you a link and get you those bike drills!
Now add 45-60 min of cardio into that equation...and your gonna be in that no fear bikini after pics!!
:eek:

[Lisa]

wow Jess, you are awesome. Smart smart woman. I'm learning alot by just listening you all.

[Jessica_1979]

Lisa, 5-6 small meals a day! I never eat what my kids do anymore....well...who can resist a spoonful of mac and cheese(well as much as I can physically cram into my mouth in one bite!!! Or grilled cheeses...mmmmmm t.a.t.e.r...t..o..t..s..mmmmm

No really, here was my day...not 100% that I'd like it to be...but clean compared to my usual ritual as of late!

7am-1/2 cup oatmeal (homemade steel cut-less processed) with protein powder and ground flax
-coffee with lite hot chocolate mix---first bad!
9am-Banana and GreenTea, 1/4 cup yogurt
12- chicken breast on green salad, dressing, cranberry,flax and sunflower seeds
-V8 juice
2pm-1/4 cup yogurt and a few hazelnuts
4pm-1/4 cup Quinoa.....

5pm-7pm- cardio day-bootcamp style
8pm-chicken on chinese noodles,with almonds.- not the best choice..but I was starving after getting home extra late. I would have preferred chicken and veggies or a meal replacement shake this late in the evening..and looking back I over ate nuts today...HIGH fat content.

My goal for tomorrow is to wean off the coffee, and start my early morning cardio sessions.
Even just 20-30 min of hard interval training spikes up your metabolism for the day!
I never have a problem with water intake, I down 2-3 litres no problem..probly more.
My biggest problem is VEGGIES...I hate their gross little guts...YICK!!~!!!
But soon enough I will aquire a taste and a big portion of my diet will change to raw veggies.

Jess.

[Jessica_1979]

My favorite powder is a whey powder and the company is Genuine Health and the name is "proteins+".
It has minimal ingredients,flavour chemicals I mean, tastes great,luv it. But I do buy random stuff that is on sale...what cheapo brand are you buyin from Wallmart Bako???? I'd like to check out a label for you...???

J

[Lisa]

Fill me in on Flax! What is the benefit and what is it?

[Jessica_1979]

To make a short explanation....i have been rambling!!!:p Flax seeds are a GREAT source of not only fibre but Omega 3 (what you want from fish your healthy fats).
Ground flax is best for digesting and you can put it into anything.pancake mix,oatmeal, bread or baking, sprinkle on salad...etc.
I will post some links on flax for you guys too.

J

[Lisa]

great, i would love to see the link. i have heard about flax alot but was never really sure where to get it or what to do with it! Thanks Pauline jr!! :) You rock at this stuff!

[Jessica_1979]

haha..she looks a lil hardcore to me.....to put it mildly...I fkn luv beer too much! haha

[Kimberly]

Jess, thanks so much for your awesome knowledge! I ended up skipping my mid afternoon snack all together (busy) but had some celery with my chicken and brown rice.

Before work tonight (I have two jobs), I had an elevate me bar (banana bread -- really good). For dinner I had a basic garden salad with lettuce, tomatos, mushrooms, and grilled chicken breast. Have other veggies but was too lazy to cut them up. I got home late. Luckily I am not big on sauces/dressing of any kind. I like just enough to cover and that's it. And I love raw veggies and almost all fruits (so does Cody). I don't have a problem there. It's just actually eating them that's the problem.

I will add some protein to my fruit next time and I'll check out the bike at Costco. There's on right down the street from me. Oh, I also picked up some whey today -- EAS brand. Is there anything else I should add? I started taking a great multivitamin for active women my age about a month ago. I took my measurements today and the dreaded picture -- no it's not posted and won't be. Very scary! I'm ready though. LET'S DO THIS! :D

[bakogymrat]

Lisa, 5-6 small meals a day! I never eat what my kids do anymore....well...who can resist a spoonful of mac and cheese(well as much as I can physically cram into my mouth in one bite!!! Or grilled cheeses...mmmmmm t.a.t.e.r...t..o..t..s..mmmmm

No really, here was my day...not 100% that I'd like it to be...but clean compared to my usual ritual as of late!

7am-1/2 cup oatmeal (homemade steel cut-less processed) with protein powder and ground flax
-coffee with lite hot chocolate mix---first bad!
9am-Banana and GreenTea, 1/4 cup yogurt
12- chicken breast on green salad, dressing, cranberry,flax and sunflower seeds
-V8 juice
2pm-1/4 cup yogurt and a few hazelnuts
4pm-1/4 cup Quinoa.....

5pm-7pm- cardio day-bootcamp style
8pm-chicken on chinese noodles,with almonds.- not the best choice..but I was starving after getting home extra late. I would have preferred chicken and veggies or a meal replacement shake this late in the evening..and looking back I over ate nuts today...HIGH fat content.

My goal for tomorrow is to wean off the coffee, and start my early morning cardio sessions.
Even just 20-30 min of hard interval training spikes up your metabolism for the day!
I never have a problem with water intake, I down 2-3 litres no problem..probly more.
My biggest problem is VEGGIES...I hate their gross little guts...YICK!!~!!!
But soon enough I will aquire a taste and a big portion of my diet will change to raw veggies.

Jess.



Two things...One when you say 1/2 cup of oats, is that 1/2 dry or cooked? I always cannot figure out the difference. 1/2 cup dry makes a lot of oats...for me.
Second, I to need to give up coffee, not so much the coffee but the stuff I put in it...White Chocolate Mocha...YUMMO! So, I have been trying to drink Tazo teas...the orange one is delicious.

[bakogymrat]

My favorite powder is a whey powder and the company is Genuine Health and the name is "proteins+".
It has minimal ingredients,flavour chemicals I mean, tastes great,luv it. But I do buy random stuff that is on sale...what cheapo brand are you buyin from Wallmart Bako???? I'd like to check out a label for you...???

J

I would love to know what your opinion is! I have included a link, but it is Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein.
1 scoop=
cal. 105 (the chocolate has more calories...it is GOOOD!)
fat. 2g (I tend to need some fat in my diet)
carbs. 3g
sugars 1g
protein 26g
etc.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=108603471

[Jessica_1979]

I use the cooked amount! And I portion out about a cup, but never eat it all!

I'll check out your protein later, sounds good, buts its all the other ingredients that I like to look at. The ratio looks good P/C/F!!

I like your inspiration, I'll post mine too! Mr.Jess is irritated with all my computer time lately...and really, I should be stretching rather than sitting....anyways, back on later tonight!

J:D

[Lisa]

What are these shakes for that you all are talking about? Meal repalcement or what? I am willing to do this stuff but I am SO lost when it comes to all this. I got my new weight bench the other day too. I can hardly lift just the bar with no weights. Poor poor soul. I'm working on it though.

Jess, the flax is actually a seed you put on things?

[Kimberly]

Hey Lisa, Bako recommended the shakes since I don't have time to eat alot of meals. They can be used as a meal replacement but I don't think all meals. She recommended mine for breakfast.

Skim milk
pre-made coffee (make coffee the night before and put in refridgerator)
chocolate whey (they have vanilla or no flavor also)
glutamin (but she said I don't have to have this yet)

put in blender and it's like a yummy shake!

I kind of made up my own yesterday. I did all that but put in a banana instead of coffee. It was like a chocolate banana shake. I think I'll get vanilla next time. And it was very filling and nutritious.

[Jessica_1979]

The delicious shake possibilities are endless! Try brewing Chai Tea....and blending it with Choc protein powder and ice of course, splash of milk....mmmmmmm

Lisa you can get flax seeds, or pre-ground flax (costco).

[bakogymrat]

What are these shakes for that you all are talking about? Meal repalcement or what? I am willing to do this stuff but I am SO lost when it comes to all this. I got my new weight bench the other day too. I can hardly lift just the bar with no weights. Poor poor soul. I'm working on it though.

Jess, the flax is actually a seed you put on things?

Lisa, I think your post is great! You will be able to look back on it, and laugh..."remember when I could only lift the bar"...you go girl!

[bakogymrat]

Jess, thanks so much for your awesome knowledge! I ended up skipping my mid afternoon snack all together (busy) but had some celery with my chicken and brown rice.

Before work tonight (I have two jobs), I had an elevate me bar (banana bread -- really good). For dinner I had a basic garden salad with lettuce, tomatos, mushrooms, and grilled chicken breast. Have other veggies but was too lazy to cut them up. I got home late. Luckily I am not big on sauces/dressing of any kind. I like just enough to cover and that's it. And I love raw veggies and almost all fruits (so does Cody). I don't have a problem there. It's just actually eating them that's the problem.

I will add some protein to my fruit next time and I'll check out the bike at Costco. There's on right down the street from me. Oh, I also picked up some whey today -- EAS brand. Is there anything else I should add? I started taking a great multivitamin for active women my age about a month ago. I took my measurements today and the dreaded picture -- no it's not posted and won't be. Very scary! I'm ready though. LET'S DO THIS! :D

Dude, You are rockin' this eatin' thing! You may be the one who gets the gloating rights in 12 weeks!

[Kimberly]

Thanks Bako, I'm ready to go. I just got my new exercise bike today. I'm so excited! I went to five stores before I found the one I wanted. And it has straps on the pedals so I won't fall out of the seat. :)

[Kimberly]

What are these shakes for that you all are talking about? Meal repalcement or what? I am willing to do this stuff but I am SO lost when it comes to all this. I got my new weight bench the other day too. I can hardly lift just the bar with no weights. Poor poor soul. I'm working on it though.

Jess, the flax is actually a seed you put on things?

Lisa the fact that you want to do this is great. I was lost too, but Bako and Jess have answered every question I've asked. So, ask away if need assistance. There's no such thing as a stupid question. :) We are all going look and feel kick ass when all this is said and done.

[Lisa]

Thanks for all the great info. One more question: what is up with the flax oil? Same thing? It said to put it in yogurt, salads, whatever really. Is that the same?

[Jessica_1979]

Yah, I have never used flax oil. I stick to Olive oil. There are alot of healthy oils you can use and a lot of bad ones! ( so be careful). I will check into it for you. I think you'd miss out on the fibre a bit ...depends on your goal I guess. :confused:

[Kimberly]

What about grapeseed oil? I bought some garlic infused grapeseed oil and loved it. But is it good for you?

[bakogymrat]

Yah, I have never used flax oil. I stick to Olive oil. There are alot of healthy oils you can use and a lot of bad ones! ( so be careful). I will check into it for you. I think you'd miss out on the fibre a bit ...depends on your goal I guess. :confused:


Jess is the expert, but I also read that the human body absorbs the flax better if it is milled (spelling). I think in the seed form, the absorption rate is not as high...most of it is passed/voided.

http://www.flaxseedshop.com/content/Milled-Flax-Seed.asp

[Jessica_1979]

Yah, ground flax is best, and more versatile..shakes, pancakes, baking, etc! I just like the nuts in my breads and on salad....I like chewing..haha...no really

[Lisa]

Thanks ladies. Great info. I will check out that link here in a second.

[Kimberly]

Ok, just got off the bike and my ass is kicked, but damn does it feel good! I'm going to do 2-a-days on weekends.

[bakogymrat]

Ok, just got off the bike and my ass is kicked, but damn does it feel good! I'm going to do 2-a-days on weekends.

whoop! whoop! to E!!! Hope you will be able to walk on Monday! I know my legs are killin' me. Who's idea was this again? j/k:D

[Kimberly]

whoop! whoop! to E!!! Hope you will be able to walk on Monday! I know my legs are killin' me. Who's idea was this again? j/k:D

It's a damn good idea! Of course, I may not be thanking you tomorrow. :) It's all good. Between my cardio workouts at home and TKD I should be dead by the end of the week and then I won't have to worry about it. :p

Now, I'm just enjoying a delicious salad filled with all my favorite veggies and chicken and some homemade lowfat dressing.

Question -- any ideas on some some yummy healthy desserts? Can't go through life without dessert! :)

[bakogymrat]

Healthy dessert. What do you consider dessert? I like an apple sliced and used as a scoop for natural PB. My favorite: non-fat cottage cheese, cinnamon, and splenda-all mixed and place on an unsalted brown rice cake…tastes like apple pie (even though it does not have apples in it...must be the cinnamon). I also like plain non-fat yogurt with a little splenda, raspberries, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Mix, place in the freezer until chilled, stir-it up and it is like frozen yogurt. Very tart!

[Kimberly]

Dessert to me is cake. I love cake. This is my downfall. :(

I will try your suggestions though. They all sound good. But cake...farewell my friend.

[Lisa]

is everyone still doing measurements and such or just kind of checking in with each other?

[Kimberly]

I measured and no change. It figures. But I'm feeling better overall. I would still like to check in with everyone just so we can all keep on track. I don't plan on quitting this challenge.

[surfina007]

I measured and no change. It figures. But I'm feeling better overall. I would still like to check in with everyone just so we can all keep on track. I don't plan on quitting this challenge.

same with me, no changing on the measurements, but i feel stronger and i wake up with a flat tummy :) but that changes once i have something to eat..lol

[Lisa]

ok cool. Just seeing what everyone was planning on doing. I haven't measured again but will today.

[Kimberly]

I was also thinking, if everyone else is in agreement, that if you come across some helpful hint or maybe a great healthy recipe that others may like you can post it here. I know this site is about Urijah, but if you think about it, he's the epitome of health and would probably like the idea that people are getting healthy on his website. What do you guys think?

[Lisa]

I think that is an awesome idea Ej. This site is about Urijah but we've talked about alot of other crazy nonsense on here, at least this is helpful and healthy. I think that is a great idea. I need some health tips!

[surfina007]

i know jess had metioned this earlier, but i wanted to repeat it because my friend swears by it. In order to really drop weight, this is what he recomends...

-Protein shake for breakfast

-Protein shake for lunch

-Meat and veggies for dinner.

You can mix up the protein shakes with fruit and veggies or even throw it in a blender and make a smoothie. Do this and excercise and you WILL see results. For more info and products, visit proteinfactory.com

[Kimberly]

Thanks for the tips Surfina. Personally, I'm just not one to replace two meals with shakes. I'll do it for breakfast but I can't see drinking a majority of my meals. I don't want to just drop weight. I want this to be a lifestyle change and drinking two meals for the rest of my life isn't feasible. I need to get into the habit of eating healthier meals and making better food choices. Those are my goals.

[Lisa]

Good info Surfina. I am into it being a lifestyle change as well. I am down with a shake for breakfast and occasionally for a meal on the run. But I am going to check that website out now. Great info.

[surfina007]

I know what you mean, that's what i said but because it is easy for me to just bring that to work, i'm going to try it, but i'll also eat a regular lunch on some days...if i don't, my stomach will be screaming at me

[Kimberly]

For more info and products, visit proteinfactory.com

I checked out your friends website. Was really confused at first until I saw they have a novice level (which is me -- totally new to all of this). I found something that I'm going to try out. Maybe I can consider it a Christmas present to myself. :)

[Lisa]

Oh really? Is that why I was confused too? I need to re-check it out!

[Kimberly]

Oh really? Is that why I was confused too? I need to re-check it out!

I was staring at that website like it was written in a different language, I was so lost. I clicked on the Fat Loss tab and then you get the selection for Novice, Serious, or Hard Core. They have it for the muscle gain section. That's what you want, right?

[surfina007]

oh yea sorry, i should of mentioned that..there is also a message board that has good info, i think it is in the top right corner of the page

[Lisa]

Awesome ej I do want to tone up so would that be muscle gain then huh? See that is how lost i am!! I don't even know. But yeah that sounds right.

[Kimberly]

Awesome ej I do want to tone up so would that be muscle gain then huh? See that is how lost i am!! I don't even know. But yeah that sounds right.

This is definitely a Jessica question. Although, from what I was reading about the muscle gainer stuff it's to help you gain weight in order to build muscle. You don't want to gain weight you want to turn what you already have into muscle. We'll figure this out. See, if you were fat like me, it would be easy. :)

[Jessica_1979]

Ask me! I luv to help out! Hey by the way I am feeling GREAT! This was just what I needed to get into gear! I won't do my measurments until next week! But expecting some results I am feeling great and dedicated...which is usually my biggest problem!! How bout you JB???? Keepin awfully quiet???

[smirnhoff]

I am in no way in great shape. I just went for a run today and have not done so in awhile. It use to be one of my favorite things to do. I have been laking the motivation. Now that all of you are bringing your A game, I want to get into the mix. Feel free to berate me. I do it to myself and it has not worked so far. maybe some help from friends will be the boost I need.

[Lisa]

Well welcome to the cyber weight watchers club! :) I think we all need a little motivation to get off our butts!

[Jessica_1979]

I am in no way in great shape. I just went for a run today and have not done so in awhile. It use to be one of my favorite things to do. I have been laking the motivation. Now that all of you are bringing your A game, I want to get into the mix. Feel free to berate me. I do it to myself and it has not worked so far. maybe some help from friends will be the boost I need.

Take some measurements and a before picture. Measure your chest,waist (navel is always a good point to measure) hips(or butt) and step on the scale. Depending on your goals, you might want to take a bicep measurement as well. Great! Now JB won't be the only male in this body challenge.

[Kimberly]

Smirnhoff, we're here for any encouragement you need. Even though I had been doing my TKD workouts I know I needed to do more and this challenge was just what I needed. Even though I haven't lost anything, I'm feeling great about the changes I've made.

[Lisa]

You rock ladies. Glad to hear you guys are kicking some ass!!! Where oh where is JB?

[Ivan]

i dont know if this counts for anything but...
we had to take the "fat test" today, and the scale said i was... 2.4 % body fat :P
but those things have so much error its rediculous. Either way Im gonna need a doctor approval to keep wrestling at my weight, otherwise...

doctors prescription - 1 New york strip steak per day, 1 baked potato

[Lisa]

taps seriously? that is unheard of, I have that much fat in my ear lobe :) Amen to the steak!

[ama6730]

i will gladly donate you some fat from my hips and thighs!

[Kimberly]

Tap, that's insane. Make sure you listen to the doc.

I have some fat to spare too Ama, but I just got off the exercise bike so I'm hoping I won't have it for very long. :)

[surfina007]

read this article and wanted to share http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100227268&page=2

[Lisa]

Very good stuff Surf. MAde me open my eyes to some things. Thank you for that! I better go eat some breakfast!

[surfina007]

me too, i'm always skipping meals because i'm either too tired or just too damn lazy

[Kimberly]

Great info Surfina! Thankfully breakfast is a meal I never skip. If I go too long in the morning without eating, I'll get sick. I need to do more weight training. I think that's what's missing from my workouts. And being hypothryoid isn't helping me out. It makes losing weight even harder. :( I just need to make sure I stay in the right frame of mind and not get discouraged.

[surfina007]

i don't know how you feel about taking pills but you might want to check this out.... http://proteinfactory.com/shop/product.php?productid=108&cat=4&page=5

[surfina007]

make sure to read the reviews, someone took it with hypothyroid and love it...let me know if you like it or want to try it, i have a coupon code for 10% off

[Kimberly]

Thanks Surfina, I'm going to talk to a thyroid specialist first (I was diagnosed by my primary care practioner). I want to get everything tested again and see where I'm at.

I read the reviews and it sounds great. No one had anything negative to say about it. My only problem is I have trouble remembering to take pills. I can't even remember to take my vitamins that are sitting right behind me.

[Ivan]

ok so i met with the doc today after wrestling, he had to approve everyones weight. and he said that im healthy, and actually said i could go down to 125 if i wanted to, i just called him crazy and said i'll stick to 130, or go up.
thing is, im like 131 or so before practice, and then weigh out at around 128 after practice. Its all water weight

[Ivan]

taps seriously? that is unheard of, I have that much fat in my ear lobe :) Amen to the steak!

yeah i was shocked too. even the 103 pounders, ribs sticking out and all were at like 7% or so

[Striker1]

LEVOTHYROXINE is a thyroid hormone that can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. The specialist you should see for this condition is an Endocrinologist. This med has very little side effects and it may make a huge difference to how you feel and your metabolism.

[Kimberly]

Thanks Striker, I'm definitely going to get this taken care of. A friend of mine referred me to her doctor, she had thyroid cancer. I'm tired of being tired. If that makes any sense. But I've really been pushing myself to get on my exercise bike, as well as TKD classes. I think with the proper meds, diet, and exercise, I can finally get back to feeling great.

[Ivan]

my dad had thyroid cancer, he had to take i think it was radioactive idodine? when he told me that it sounded like something that could kill superman.

[chainsawtom]

Thanks Surfina, I'm going to talk to a thyroid specialist first (I was diagnosed by my primary care practioner). I want to get everything tested again and see where I'm at.

I read the reviews and it sounds great. No one had anything negative to say about it. My only problem is I have trouble remembering to take pills. I can't even remember to take my vitamins that are sitting right behind me.

I have eleven prescriptions (41 1/2 pills a day) and I used to have problems taking pills, but I know that I need them. Kind of like the first thing weight loss and muscle gain programs say is that ""you need to be able to see the reason," "why are you doing this?" These pills all have a good reason to be taken, so it's the first thing I do in the morning, the last thing at night and something I need to do at noon. I always have some of each in a backpack that goes everywhere with me, along with water and the sweatshirt I need in case it gets cold here in San Francisco. I can always take a skipped pill when I realize I need to. Oh yeah, I always have my workout gear in there too.

I have a back injury that has progressed to me being on disability so you know about one of my barriers.

I am 5'6". My docs say my meds side effect of weight gain has not helped, so I started out at 214 lbs in March, dropped down to 186 lbs August 8th and now up at 197 lbs. 40 1/2 at belly button and started out at 44". I have gained "1" on my calf to 16", 1/2" to my bicep to 15", my thighs are 24" without a pre measurement as well as my chest being 43", but some of that is because my back is kind of wide. I am doing 35- 45 reps of 405 lbs on the seated leg press and that is maxing it out, so probably could do more. I have been doing 200- 300 reps of 200- 275 lbs on my calfs. I started working out the 28th of June, 5 days after I quit smoking. I have been doing most of the weight on machines, because of my back injury.

I have been doing alternating dumbell curls and shrugs the last couple of weeks and starting some more chest exercises of inclined, declined and flat bench dumbell presses.

I have two different circuits thru the weight machines for alternating days, a heavy bag that I do 3 x 5 minute rounds on, a recumbent bike where I try to do an hour on most days, but have gone up over two hours for a thirty plus mile ride, down to 45 minute rides. I have had up to 26 & 27 day months, down to 12 visit per month last month. This month I am up to 10 visits so far. I have a good picture that shows my starting out weight that I will photo bucket tomorrow.