Though I only purchased the book here and did the program on my own, I have to share my love for this plan because it is a healthy and very effective way to slim down. Years ago I did pay for the program because I felt I needed the encouragement. At that time I wanted to lose 20 pounds and did. Over the last ten years, and a baby later, I felt like I needed to tune up my body again. My goal was to lose about 13-15 pounds in 6-8 weeks. As of today, I have lost 10 & 1/2 pounds in just 4 & 1/2 weeks! Just when I'd get down feeling like it wasn't "working", I'd have a good morning weigh in and get reenergized. Many of you know, losing A LOT of weight seems to be easier in the beginning. When you get down to that last 10-20 lbs, it just doesn't come off as quick. I'm a believer in EXERCISE and I've continued what I did before. Though, on protein days I take it a bit easier because I find I get hungrier on those days if I burn too much energy.
Here are my honest suggestions: If you need to "cheat" don't be mad at yourself over it! I have had about 6 cheat meals and even candy and popcorn at a movie. I just KNEW that I needed to be really strict following that and I definitely wouldn't go back to the mindset of "saving up" my calories. I'd still eat other meals according to plan and protein snacks. Often the cheating wasn't planned and I would do so within moderation. For example, we went out to Panera after trick or treating and I really wanted french onion soup. So I got a cup with a chicken salad and no dressing. It was yummy and satisfied me completely. The next day I ate a sub sandwich and a few pieces of halloween candy. And the next night I ate tacos, beans and rice! I just took the tortillas off and didn't eat the chips. You have to commit to living with these healthier choices even when you aren't eating white fish, spinach and grapefruit.
One last thing, FOR ME, it seems when I add in a bit more fat than the diet typically allows, it helps me. Almost every night I seem low on carbs and calories so I let myself eat a piece of LIGHT bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter on it. I have also had a 4oz lump of fresh mozzarella and worried but it seemed to kickstart me. What works for everyone individually may be different of course. I LOVE PowerCrunch Bars. They are to die for. Wafer like and feels like you're eating a treat. Highly recommend. They're a bit higher on the fat, but otherwise meet the Lindora requirements.
Anyway, here are my weekly results.
10/20 Week One 146.8 (-0 lbs)
10/27 Week Two 142.4 (-4.4 lbs)
11/03 Week Three 141.6 (-5.2 lbs)
11/10 Week Four 140 (-6.8 lbs)
11/17 Week Five 138.6 (-8.2lbs)
11/20 Five & 1/2 136.4 (-10.4 lbs)
After 4 weeks I started the program again. You can only do it twice back to back and then you need to do the Metabolic Adjustment Phase for at least 14 days. Be ready for HARD WORK and focus and, yes, missing things. I LOVE FOOD and I dearly miss huge pieces (plural) of apple crumb pie. I have also replaced my nightly glass of wine (or two) with an end of the day decaf cup of coffee with sugar free vanilla creamer (the powdered kind) and fiber LOL.
This WORKS. I'm 37, have a 3yo daughter and have been relatively under control weight-wise most of my life. My highest weight was 150 except when I was pregnant I got to 190. Hard work and exercise pay off. Getting enough sleep has been tough for me since my daughter has never been a good sleeper. That's a whole different subject!!
Do this! If you don't have the money, don't worry. Buy the book for $30 and read the entire thing before you start. I'm a huge believer in the Plateau Days menu and honestly I have been obsessive about eating white fish (I LOVE the basil pesto tilapia from costco in the frozen section) for lunch everyday with spinach, lettuce and grapefruit. It is a great satisfying meal and makes me feel good. Sugar free Jello for a night time snack is great. No carbs, ten calories.
DO THIS. YOU'LL BE HAPPY YOU DID. I PROMISE.
I plan to be a "Lifer" and know people who are and look amazing having kept off the weight. it doesn't mean you can never have a life again but it'll keep you in check with your weight and catching it before it becomes a problem.
PS - YOU CANNOT sit on your couch and eat twinkles and expect to feel good about yourself. Get up. Walk. Workout. Whatever! I also loved the Insanity program for at-home workouts. That alone dropped 20 pounds in two months after I had my daughter in 2011. read more