Body Cleanse

[joyofspin]

One of my riders did a body cleanse with great results (weight loss) so of course I just had to get my hands on the stuff and both my hubby and I have been strict with the program and I must say that so far the results are not as dramatic as I would have hoped to see. It is a 9 day program and we are now on to day 5. First 2 were hard (those were cleanse days) but now that we can eat a bit it is better. I am not sure what I thought would happen - well of course I am - lots of pounds melting away. I just don't see it. Yes I know its a quick fix but when it comes to my weight nothing changes. I have tried it all and I just remain. I have lost a little but not enough to see significant changes (not in my husband either and we all know how men will lose much more than women). Oh well the test will be where we are on Sunday when it is all over (we have 2 more days of cleansing on Fri and Sat.) Wish me luck.

[jsejt]

Sending luck & blessings your way! You can do it!

[SpinBob]

Good luck Joy,
I've been a Weight Watchers life member since the late 80s, and it been an up and down battle. Spinning has been a great asset to my weight management.

[lizardbiker]

Good luck! Whatever your weight goals are, stay healthy! :)

[2bfit]

I'm also a Weight Watchers member. I've had great results (lost 15 lbs) and I like the program a lot, as I can do the online version and not attend meetings. Over the last six months, I've learned that I need the parameters of daily or weekly "points." Having that structure has made me a lot more aware of portion sizes, calories, etc.

[joyofspin]

Thanks you guys. I have tried weight watchers but I get tired of paying with no weight loss. I pretty much remain the same and I really want to drop a few pounds (OK like 20+). I carry my weight well and don't look overweight but I know what I want to look like (yes I want to be as close to the pre kids and 3 c- sections as I can). I am hoping this will give me a quick boost in the losing weight area and curb my cravings (I love chocolate) so that I can continue to drop. It's hardwhen you stay the same for so long. My body does not want to let go of the weight. I have changed my own workout routine now and I am hoping it will all mesh together and I will see more definition and less fat. If not - I go back to eating!

[Pink]

Another WWer here -- 35 lbs off for 8 years. Some of the hard-fast rules that have worked for me:

1. Don't do anything to lose weight that you aren't prepare to do forever in order to keep it off.

2. It's a life-long journey, don't expect a bumpless road.

3. There's no good or bad. Just decisions that get you closer to your goal or further away.

4. Make sure your goal is realistic for your circumstances.

5. Life is short, eat a cookie. Just don't eat the bag. In one sitting.

Joyofspin, good luck. It is frustrating...believe me, I know. Do you lift weights? Heavy enough to build muscle? For me, that's key -- more so than cardio.

[joyofspin]

Pink - used to more than I do now. Now much of my time is spent practicing yoga (unless I am on the bike). Holding up my own body weight is more than I would lift with weights anyway - LOL. Also, toting around my kids and heavy grocery bags helps.

[jsejt]

Joyofspin, good luck. It is frustrating...believe me, I know. Do you lift weights? Heavy enough to build muscle? For me, that's key -- more so than cardio.

Just wanted to ditto what Pink said about the weight lifting. I really did see a change in my weight loss after I started weight training. Your already getting the cardio so add a day or two to the weight training every week, I bet you see some results but it will take some time.

[Julibird]

Another WWer here -- 35 lbs off for 8 years. Some of the hard-fast rules that have worked for me:

1. Don't do anything to lose weight that you aren't prepare to do forever in order to keep it off.

2. It's a life-long journey, don't expect a bumpless road.

3. There's no good or bad. Just decisions that get you closer to your goal or further away.

4. Make sure your goal is realistic for your circumstances.

5. Life is short, eat a cookie. Just don't eat the bag. In one sitting.

Joyofspin, good luck.

DITTO! I am a Lifetime WW member - lost 30 pounds, one pound at a time (one per week) and it has stayed off and has taught me how to keep healthy conscious eating part of my life.

I did not find points worked for me - but the Core plan gave me more food to eat and I think its the best for me. It makes eating more intuitive - you eat what you need, and it's healthy. You have the cake or wine too - but you have limits that you keep.

[monical1]

I'm dealing with this issue every day of my life between my teenaged daughter and myself. I've been a bit depressed lately and I'm having to practice extra self control to keep from comforting myself with food. I gained three pounds the week my car was broken into. It's always been a battle for me so I feel your pain. Have you ever heard of psyllium husks? I take a few tablespoons every day, you can mix it in with a smoothie and not notice the yucky texture. It's a great way to stay 'regular' and keep your digestion in check. I don't allow myself very much chocolate or sugar at all because I'm a big fan of my merlot which is full of sugar. I'm thirty pounds thinner than I used to be but about twenty to twenty five pounds away from my goal weight. I just started taking BodyPump and I have already lost three pounds. I'm aware that this could be a coincidence, water weight and such, but I swear, I feel different. So, I agree with the other people who have suggested the weight training. I will tell you, however, that if I were to have to count on my own motivation to make me lift weights, well, I just wouldn't. That's why BodyPump is working so well for me. Outside motivation. It's what hooked me on Spinning. If you have a weight bearing group exercise class available to you and you can fit it in your busy schedule, it's definitely worth a try.

[joyofspin]

You guys are just great! Such inspiring stories.

Monica I know what you mean about needing motivation when it comes to using weights. I have taken weight classes but I can do the weights myself too. I just don't really do it. Problem is that I cannot go to the gym without being bothered. I teach (or sub or have taught etc) at so many of the local places that members don't leave me alone. I can be there for 90 minutes and get 15 minutes of workout time done (even with my ipod on). I know I am too nice becuase I will answer their questions or just be there for them to talk but I can't help it. Only gym I don't teach at is major money to join and I just don't want to get into that gym. I will try to put together something that I can manage at home and incorporate my new found love of yoga.


So the update - down between 3-4 pounds but nore so in inches. I didn't really measure yet but I can see the difference. Only on day 6 of 9 so there is more to go. I will keep you all posted.

[Pink]

JofS, I hestitate to respond because I don't want to appear negative but it is highly unlikely that you've been able to lose 3-4 lbs. of fat in 6 days. I really hope that you are able to prove me wrong because I know how disheartening the constant struggle can be.

One other thought -- do you weigh & measure your portions? I have maintained since 1998, with ups & downs. Since this last December, I've gradually put on a few pounds that haven't come off. This weekend, I dusted off my food scale and started paying attention to my portions. I realized they had slowly started to grow -- probably the reason my waistline has also. After 7.5 years, you'd think I'd have it nailed, but no such luck. So I'm on day 3 of tightening up my act.

With that said, I hear you on trying to lift where you work. I teach at 4 gyms but pay for a membership at a 5th place so I can lift in peace.

[joyofspin]

I don't think it's all water weight. I've been drinking about 150 ounces of water a day (including a few cups of green tea). Skin is still smooth and no signs of dehydration. I will let you know the outcome in a few days. I am eating now. First 2 days were cleansing with limited food (egg whites, a WW pita and spinach and soup (FF veggie soup). Days 3-7 are protein shakes, snacks and a meal. I just need a jumps start to shake things up and then hopefully I will be able to maintain the loss.

[Pink]

Often that's all we need -- a little jump-start. Hang in there.

[SaraSpin]

I'm also a WW groupie - meetings though. I found that I needed the accountability of someone seeing how much weight I've lost (or gained). After keeping the 72 lbs off, I found I hit a major plateau and couldn't shake it. I was cycling 3 days a week and maybe 1 day of weights. I had to make the commitment to work out at home with DVD's or Comcast On-Demand.

In February, I started adding more cardio days and 3 days of weight training. I went from using 8 lb hand weights to 10 lbs and now I'm at 12 lbs. I see a major difference in how my body looks and I've dropped 22 lbs. I was very surprised when the scale went down.

[Pink]

That's wonderful SaraSpin! As I've said before, weight lifting is key for me. As is controlling sweets -- I swear they are an addiction -- so they are a constant struggle. Anyway, I am thrilled you've busted through your plateau. Keep going!