bellabrite Member

That is EXACTLY the kind of success I want, so congrats!! Most people in this group are striving for the same thing. I agree that the name does not really describe what we are all here for, though I will admit that it was the name that first attracted me to the group. I struggle to understand why people in this group still…

All very interesting, thanks! I do eat quite clean, though I allow myself drinks during social settings and the occasional donut at work:) Protein is a major challenge for me. I am vegetarian, but my body absolutely cannot handle many forms of added proteins, such as whey and soy protein isolate. Protein shakes are pretty…

I got my total calories from MFP, so they should be accurate:)

Oh, and over the last 50 days (since I got a fitbitt), I have eaten a total of 5000 more cals than I have burned. According to fitbit estimates, anyway. And my logging is as accurate as possible. . .

I gained around 5-7 lbs/one pant size over the first two months of my reset (it's been three months) but it seems like I've maintained for the last month or so. I don't have a scale--I'm going by how my pants fit. If So I guess that is not very scientific. Before Reset I was at 1200 cals/day with no lifting.

Thanks for your replies! LOL, looks like I might have to buy a scale after all! So far I've been using my pants. I've got a pretty good estimate now of my real TDEE since I've been wearing my fitbit for almost two months. Good thing, because my burn is lower than the scooby calculator. I have kept track of the total…

Awesome progress to all of you--very inspiring!

My average burn for the last 30 days according to my fitbit is 2160. But that includes probably 10 days of weekends or vaca where I was way more sedentary than I am on a normal workday/workout day. My burns vary from 1900 on a less active day to 2200-2500 on a workday. Using the best possible estimates I can come up with…

Thanks guys! Thanks for the spreadsheet -- it's really interesting to plug in my exercise numbers! I like how I can plug in minutes of walking/light activity (and I can get those numbers from my fitbit reports which tells you how long you are lightly/fairly/moderately active each day. Now I just have to get a realistic…

Thanks, guys. Maybe I'll try some different experiments in logging and see what I think makes the most sense.

I'm starting the 3rd week of Push. I love this phase! The other day I lifted so heavy I was exhausted even the next day. I'm going to extend this phase to 6 weeks because the first two I was figuring out my weights, and then I went on a 5-day vacation. Unfortunately I have only gone up in size but I am attributing that to…

Mine broke on the second day of Burn (the one that came with my dvds). I bought these and they work pretty well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WNBIZ6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02 They can be a little annoying to get over your gym shoes when taking them on and off, but they are highly unlikely to break.

Thanks for your input! littlepink, that is really interesting. I'd be curious to know what happens in the future and if you think it is related to your cals amberaz, it's interesting to know how you felt the first time around. In addition to feeling stronger, did you also notice increased muscle bulk?

You guys have been SO real. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Each individual is responsible for his or her own actions and choices. We all make our choices based on our experience and education. To blame anyone else for your own choice is a very sad thing, since it does no good for anyone. We are human and I think that…

Good luck! I bet it will make a difference. In the first rounds, did you feel like you gained muscle but didn't lose enough fat? Just curious!

Ok, I signed up for an account and was able to choose "ChaLean." These are the numbers I got: 1398 to lose 1898 to maintain (so this is actually much closer to my 2100) The "lose" number still seems too low for me. I will stick to EM2WL !!

I was curious about that, so I tried to use the BeachBody calculator, but it's limited in the kind of activity it lets you select. ChaLean Extreme is not listed, but their other programs are. So I chose "PowerHalfHour" (whatever that is), and I got: to maintain: 2029 to lose: 1529 when I chose NO activity I got: maintain:…

Oh, and you know what else has the same effect? Kashi Go Lean Bars!! Apparently it's the chicory root!

You know, I'm not really lactose intolerant. I eat cheese and everything. I use Spiru-tein. There is a version without whey that is MUCH better on my stomach, but I still don't feel as comfortable as I would like. The version with whey gives me insanely bad gas and bloating, and it never goes away until at least 24 hours…

Thank you! Do you guys use the "stackable" aspect, and if so are there any cons?

I used a HRM during my last session and I couldn't believe my heart rate was higher than any elliptical/fake cardio stuff I made myself do! It was around 160! And I sweat like crazy, which I never did on the elliptical. I am guessing it's something like a 250-300 cal burn.

Well, that does sound really sensible! I am doing a combo of em2wl, NRoW4W, and ChaLean Extreme--as a vegetarian! Definitely not following ChaLean's calorie rec though (lol). Funny, I have no problem hitting 30% fat!!

Thanks for the ideas and article! Actually I didn't even think of adding protein powder to soups, etc. I think my main issue is the quantity of food you end up eating -- even if you're eating a balanced diet. I'm at 1800 cals right now, and that will go up when I start lifting in a few days.

Honestly, I don't even know how carnivores do it. It seems like one has to add so much supplemental protein. I'll try to get to 25%, anyway.

Thanks, I'll take a look! I didn't realize my diary was private so I just made it public -- though i am not a good example! We should start making a list of foods that are surprisingly high in protein. I'm going to start drinking protein shakes again, but need other sources too. I'll start with a few! Amy's - Pasta and…

Ok, thanks! I don't have any devices yet and was just unsure how to estimate how many calories I'd burn in ChaLean. I guess it would just be in the "vigorous lifting" category or something . . .

I am also wondering if I need the set that adjusts in 2.5 lb increments or 5 lb increments! I am a beginning lifter, so I really don't know. . . I'm just used to the 2 and 3 lb weights in Pilates class -- but we don't really "lift" those.

Thanks you guys, this info is really helpful!!!

This is a dumb question, but how do you do legwork with dumb bells?

Thanks! The PowerBlock set runs $330 to $390 for the heavier weights. Wondering if anyone has found anything less expensive for weights that go up to 50lbs?