I CANNOT Believe This!!!!

Carol_ wrote: »

Yes. I see a difference. That was done in 40 days?

Yes, just 40 days nutrition-wise, 28-days program-wise. I'm still very shocked by the results! I obviously could feel myself becoming stronger and smaller, but it's one thing to see a gradual change and quite another to see the pictures side-by-side for the first time.

aDivingBelle wrote: »

Good job. The change is pretty amazing. Now you have me wanting to look into the live fit program. What is it about it that gave you such good results?

Thank you! I think what gave me such great results was that it's a "strict" program in the sense that it gave me something to adhere to and didn't leave too much up to me, but was also really flexible in that you're told to eat, say, five egg whites, a serving of carbs, and unlimited veggies for breakfast. The program page contains breakdowns of which foods are on the 'approved' list, and what a portion size is, so you can pick and choose what you like and don't like. The program is for people of all levels, and focuses a lot on the nutrition side of things. The fitness side of things is explained very simply, making it easy to jump in regardless of ability level.

For me, personally, I find that I do really well with structured programs because I know what to expect and what's coming; but if they're TOO structured, they don't fit in well with my life. This one is pretty balanced, and the recipes are amazing. Plus, it's free! That was a big bonus.

LynseyJane90 wrote: »

Less than 2lbs in difference?? How's that possible, looks like you lost 7 to 10 pounds roughly, wow. Can you explain how that works lol, I'm shocked, great work though

I wish I could explain it! According to the program, the focus is on building and preserving muscle. The first month's focus is largely on lifting and gaining muscle, and then the following months are a combo of cardio and lifting to lose fat. I think a part of it is probably that I'm eating more protein and supplementing. Part of it is probably that the foods I'm consuming are more nutritious, so I'm getting more 'bang for my buck' per calorie (though, I won't lie. I've slipped up here and there, had at least one burger, and generally had days that were a "complete failure" by my standards, though I made a point of getting back at it as soon as possible afterwards).

The first two weeks, I ate VERY well and drank lots of water, and probably lost close to five pounds. Once I started exercising, the weight starting climbing back up gradually (though I got smaller). If I'm going to be completely honest, I would guess that the (lack of) difference between the two pictures is a combination of a bunch of different things, including a)newbie gains, b)glycogen/fluid retention (I know that's at least part of it, because I can feel it), and c)increased protein intake making me a little less 'regular', if you know what I mean (ew!). I have been eating quite a bit, but not nearly enough to gain a bunch of muscle mass- especially not that fast. The things I mentioned above probably all have played beneficial roles, but I don't know that it's quite as simple as "I'm eating better foods most of the time".

Of course, that explanation is based on what I've learned from reading. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination.

CJisinShape wrote: »

Great results. Looks like 15-20 lb loss to me. What did your workouts look like?

The first two weeks were four on, three off. Second two weeks were five on, two off. Starting phase 2 today and that's six on, one off.

The first two weeks are about six or seven exercises each, three sets of twelve reps. Took me about thirty to forty minutes per workout. The second two weeks was usually eight or nine exercises, three sets, but only ten reps because at that point, you're lifting a bit heavier and starting to challenge yourself. Those workouts were typically fifty minutes to an hour. I was able to do phase 1 at home, using free weights and my children for leg work (surprisingly effective, lol), making slight modifications here and there, but still working the target muscles. I think that it would be much harder to do phase two and three at home, at least for me.

Examples of the types of exercise I did are pushups, pull-ups, bicep curls, weighted squats, lunges, that sort of thing. Nothing overly fancy or complicated. No cardio at all (that starts today!!) though.

ETA- You can learn more about the program if you Google "Jamie Eason Live Fit". It's free online. I'd post a link, but I don't know if that would violate MFP rules.