TGIF!!!

After this weekend, I will have one more week of conditioning! Woohoo!!! I feel like all I do is eat! I stretch it all out over the day--about every 2-3 hours. But there is STILL so much! Lower calories will be great! I have finally had 2 nights of sleep. I am still tired in the morning, but I'm sure I just haven't caught up with my sleep yet. Feeling pretty good. I decided to start taking my Bcomplex and B6 again--along with my multi. Maybe that will help a bit. I am still very happy that I decided to start this program again. I just feel so much better in a lot of ways. Can't wait to see what the next 40 weeks bring! LOL!!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 14, 1:39PM    

Middle of Week 3

I am feeling fat and crappy! I have not been able to sleep for two weeks. This is making me crazy! I do not eat before bed, I drink coffee, I don't do caffeine at all. I know it's menopause, but why can't it just go away. It's interfering with my program! I am eating over 2000 calories--forgot how many. I just plan it and eat it. I'm like a crock pot...just set it and forget it!! Will be so glad when this phase is over. Only 10 more days! I have been exercising at least 3 times a week--weights. Not much cardio at this point. I guess that is what I'm supposed to be doing.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 12, 4:2PM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	Lora Sue said... I am confused. You don't normally drink caffiene, but you are drinking coffee before bed? That would keep me up. One thing that helps me is to have some 5HPT after supper and save a cracker to eat about an hour before bed. THe 5HTP helps produce serotonin and the carb helps it cross the brain-blood barrier. It is hard to work out when you are tired. There are other things you can do to help. When you figure out what works for you the weight will come off easier. Lora
	elaine24 said... I know that feeling well..I am only in week 1 of 6 wks if FB and am just dreading it. I told myself I would never do conditiIoning again and here I am..only way to get to FB right! I don't know if this will help but I had insomnia a few years back and didn't sleep for nights at a time. I know how horrible it is not to sleep. Sometimes you feel like you are a zombie walking around. I also had some seriously bad IBS symptoms (that show up in conditioning unfortunately). I dropped dairy, wheat and everything processed and the insomnia went away and almost all the IBS symptoms. I'm not saying to drop dairy or wheat but that maybe you have an intolerance to something you're eating? Maybe its just the discomfort and stress from being so full and having to keep eating? I hope you are able to sleep soon and lucky you..almost done conditioning!!!
	kpwatson said... Hi Shari!I agree, you will start to feel better once you hit FB! I was in Con. for 8 miserable weeks, feeling bloated and gassy- in fact so bad that my hubby wanted me to walk around with a book of matches around my neck! All that, and the pain from being full made me unable to sleep as well, cranky and feeling even fatter than before. Then Monday came!-First day of FT, only 1856 cal.I LOVED IT! I got a great score, and went to bed actually a little hungry. What a wonderful feeling! Even when you do ad extra cal. in FT it's still not as bad as in cond.since it keeps changing. Hang in there, you too will see the light. By the way.. try decaf coffee, and it sounded like you are doing cardio already?I think you are only supposed to do weights. Gook luck! Kirsten

End of Week 2 conditioning

Well, I made it! One more week behind me! YAY!! Just need to stay focused and on track. This is such a "doable" program! I can't believe I went off it last summer....DUH... Oh well, older and wiser. Too bad we have to be "old" to be "wiser". Not many of us could have handled the wise part when we were 16.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 09, 1:16PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	somrok said... Way to go Shari - Keep up the great work - have a wonderful week - Debbie
	somrok said... Way to go Shari - Keep up the great work - have a wonderful week - Debbie

Woohoo! It's Friday!

That means I am getting closer to finishing my conditioning phase! Monday will start my third week. Then only one more to go! I am so excited to see what FB will bring for me in the coming weeks. I have been so busy on my Cranapple Christmas website, that I almost forgot to eat lunch! I've kept myself busy--THAT really helps. Just wondering if anyone has sleeping problems with conditioning? I've had about a week of crappy sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night--or early morning around 4:00. I just lay there, and finally fall asleep, then I'm so groggy when I get up, I feel like crap! After I get going and eat breakfast, I feel really great! I have a protein pancake concoction that I make: 1 scoop of protein powder--I use chocolate 4 egg whites 1/2 cup oatmeal--the real stuff, not instant 1 tsp cinnamon 1 packet of stevia, if you like 1/2 cup frozen blueberries Mix all this up really well(except for the berries. Warm up your pan--make sure this is a NONSTICK pan or you will have a MESS!! OR...I have a cast iron griddle that I spray that works really well. Keep your heat at medium. Fold in the berries and then immediately turn out onto the pan. If you don't do this...the frozen berries with freeze the mixture and that's not good~! Smooth out to a thick pancake like form. Cover and cook for about 8.5 to 9 min. Flip, cover, turn off heat and let sit for another minute or two. I love these! I eat them everymorning. They really stick to your ribs.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 07, 3:48PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... I used to have trouble with my sleep as well, just like you described. Not sure what caused it, but I found either eliminating my protein shake I was drinking in the evening, or at least moving it to earlier in the evening helped immensely. 8pm seemed to be my cutoff (I typically went to bed in the 9:30/10 range - I'm an early riser). Before 8pm, no problem. After, sleep issues. Hope that helps! Beth
	somrok said... I'm sure glad you're back Shari!!You are doing great!!Thanks so much for the pancake recipe - I'm trying it on Sunday!!Have a super weekend.Debbie

I'm So Glad I'm Doing This!

I call it "Project Shari 2008" I am so excited about this program! I am in conditioning, and It seems I'm eating everything in sight! BUT...my body is changing, I can tell. My energy was a tad on the low side last week, but it's better now. I had gained 5 lbs the week before I started this for no apparent reason--other than probably NOT eating enough! All that is gone--I might even be on the verge of losing another lb. It will really be fun to see what happens in the next two weeks. Last time I did this, I gained 4 lbs in conditioning. All the chocolate crap from last week has passed, although I'm in peri-menopause and not getting regular periods...I imagine that may have been my "time". Makes sense to me!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 06, 4:43PM    

Day 3 Week 2

Well...looks like I'm doing pretty good! I figured out to get a 101.+ Woohoo! I am up to a little over 2000 cals. So far so good--not feeling too full. Have learned to spread it out thru the day. Did weights this morning, feel REALLY great! Lot's of energy.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 05, 3:22PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	Lora Sue said... Wow! I am impressed, you catch on quick. Keep the faith and you will succeed. Lora
	somrok said... Way to go Shari!!I knew you can do it!!!Keep up the fantastic work - have a super week!!!Debbie

I had to open my big mouth!

yesterday I was bragging on how I don't crave chocolate anymore! Well, DUH....guess what happened to me! I sold a house about 2:30 yesterday and was tied up until about 5:30 with contracts. THEN I had to drive 1.5 hours home. THEN I had to go to the grocery store for eggs and broccoli. The whole drive home, I kept saying you can have chocolate, no biggie It's just one day. Then in the next breath I was praying to God to just PLEASE get chocolate out of my head!!! So...I'm tired and hungry--I walk into the store and honestly can't remember WHY I'm in the store. I even ask myself--Why am I here? Oh, yeah...eggs and broccoli. So I grab the stuff and as I'm walking to the checkout--I tell myself, "Just ONE piece of chocolate. Buy the smallest piece you can find." I get in the Express line--guess what! NO CANDY in the express line. WooHoo!! I paid for my stuff and RAN out of that store. I ate my dinner as usual and feel so much better about myself. I'm doing well today also

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON MARCH 01, 2:21PM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	Maxine said... Not eating at the regular times and the regular foods that our bodies come to love and flourish with, is generally the root of these stupid cravings. I, unfortunately, gave in yesterday...not to chocolate but to sodium! I was flying home and had a flight delay...plenty of time to go have a nice meal...but gave in to sudden craving for salty snack foods instead and today I have "salt" burns on my tongue still! Just punishment for the deed I guess! So glad you were strong instead and held out for the broccoli!!!~Maxine~
	juney75 said... Congrats on the sale and on the 'no sale'--of chocolate, at least. You could have gone to a different check-out aisle but you DIDN'T!! A small reward in itself!

Feeling Great!

I feel so good to be back on track! I spent all of Dec and Jan (part of Feb) eating practically nothing BUT chocolate! I craved it. I couldn't get enough. After one week on conditioning, I feel so much better. Cravings gone. What a fabulous relief. I feel like I'm in control again. I'm not hungry and food isn't in my thoughts every second of the day--WELL....it is,but in a good way. Trying to figure meal plans that fit into my day is a whole lot better than just shoving whatever into my mouth. I hope if you are a newbie, that you will stick with this program. It really is the best. As my friend below said in comments--it's NOT for sissies!!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON FEBRUARY 29, 11:47AM    

On the right track again

I did the program this last summer. I did REALLY well. I was down 30 lbs and feeling great! I fell off the wagon and spent the last 5 months of '07 trying to get back on. THEN the holidays hit. Well forget about it! I tell ya...this is a fabulous program. Now that I know what to expect, the body changes in conditioning aren't so alarming. I know enough now to quit screwing around. I HATE conditioning and I NEVER want to go thru this again. That is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON FEBRUARY 28, 4:51PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	somrok said... So glad to have you back Shari!!This time make it your goal to complete your rotation. You will be so glad you did. Best of luck with your next rotation - You can do it!!!Debbie

No Worries....

I've decided to not worry about the scale. I am going to trust this system and take it to the finish line. I know that scale weight is not necessarily a good guage of progress. Tomorrow morning I will take my measurements and see what is going on there. I will prepare for week 2, and keep going!!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON AUGUST 11, 3:3PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	somrok said... Hi Shari, it is disheartening when that happens. Check your measurements first thing in the morning. If you have lost any inches I would say that you have lost weight. How is your sodium on your nutrition facts? If it is high you may be retaining water as well. I love that you are in this for the long haul. Chin up you will do this. Debbie
	somrok said... Hi Shari, I should have also mentioned that I gain weight every week all through the week and then I usually see the most weight loss on Saturday and Sunday. It has made me stay very true to the program right through the whole week because if I didn't I probably wouldn't see any weight loss. You can also add a cardio on your next lower calorie days. So you do your normal cardio on Monday and Friday you could add one to Tuesday and or Saturday as well. Take good care - Debbie

Crapola!

I have been on Fat Burning for almost one week. Everyday my weight has crept up. today I am now 7 lbs heavier than I was a month ago. I understood the reasons weight would flucuate in Conditioning, but why the heck am I gaining weight on FB? My scores are in the high 90's (99.80) usually. I know I shouldn't look at the scale, but tomorrow I will be asked if I lost 1.5 lbs. No...I GAINED it. Then what??

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON AUGUST 11, 2:46PM    

First Day of FB!

Finally! It's here. I went into the PFA and planned ahead a few days--to keep me on track. When I plan ahead then I have no trouble eating what is on my plan. It's when I wing it that I have trouble. So....my advice to anyone doing this is plan out your whole week. Makes shopping easier. Also packing for work is a breeze.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON AUGUST 06, 9:53AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	somrok said... Great Job Shari!!! - You are a pro already!!! Keep up the fantastic work!!!Debbie

I'm Excited!

Tomorrow is Day one of Fat Burning! Can't believe I've stuck to this program this long!!! Gold Star for me. I don't think I've ever done anything like this, and if I have, I've never stuck to it. I feel fat and full! When I got up this morning I just couldn't hardly make myself eat again!! It seemed like I had just eaten! But right on time, just like clockwork, my tummy told me it was hungry, and what am I doing now????? I'm eating!!! I hope all of you out there that are just starting stick with this. If not this...then what? I don't know if I mentioned this, but my nails are really looking good. I've never been able to grow them out. Funny how if you eat right things like nails, hair, and skin look so much better. Ladies, if you want to look younger--eat right!! Get the excess weight off and you'll see that "old lady' stuff practically goes away.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON AUGUST 05, 11:50AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Good job so far, Shari! Now comes the reward for all the hard work and preparation you've put in. I'm proud of you for sticking to what I admit to everyone is not an easy program to follow. But it is the truth about what it really takes to get in shape.

heartbreaking....

I have been reading some posts from the blogs. It's heartbreaking to hear of people thinking they are failing. I know last week I kinda had the same mindset, but overcame that with help from some great gals. I want to help some of these people, but I am still pretty new and finding my way also. I wish anyone reading this good luck, and I support you all the way. I know for a fact Ric will help you. That in itself is the coolest thing! How many other programs can you say that about?? Anyway...I'm glad I found this program. I'm learing alot and can't wait to get to FB.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 28, 11:25AM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... That's what this blog feature and support group is all about, Shari. Its got to be all of us helping each other, 'paying it forward' as it were. This program is growing every month and its already way to much for any one person to handle anymore. But I'll continue to do my best, and people like you continue to pitch in and give me a hand.
	grarey said... Shari, you are teachable, you listen and you have not forgotten to have faith. Homework pays off here just as it did in high school. I hope others who struggle will be encouraged and follow your example. Gwen

New day, New attitude!

Okay! Here we go again! Another day of conditioning. i am feeling better today--much encouragement from a few wonderful women on this program!! They are awesome. I got my score up to 94.9. Got some new menu ideas and will play around with my menu for tomorrow. I thought okay...you're feeling full and fat...let's see what the measuring tape says. I am down a full inch in my bust, under bust and lower ab area. My waist is UP a full inch...hmmmm???? Overall I am a smaller person than when I started this program. I know that conditioning is not meant for weight loss--but it is amazing the changes the body goes thru when it it nourished correctly. I also dropped a lb. The same lb I have been dropping and picking up for the last 3 weeks!! LOL!!! Getting ready to go work out. I love to weight train. I have a bowflex, a treadmill, a recumbent bike, free weights, etc. It's nice to not have to drive anywhere to work out--especially since I'm an hour from any town!! Side note: my nails are looking so good!! nail beds are nice and pink and the whites are nice and white! No fake stuff for me!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 25, 9:51AM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	grarey said... Very happy to read this post! Great attitude...it will help you more than you realize. Carry on..Gwen
	elaine24 said... The extra inch on your waist is probably from bloating from all the food..not from weight/fat gain. Yesterday I measured my waist (I was severely bloated) my measurement was up 3 inches above my starting number! Sometimes its even more then that..but thats all it is is bloating. You're almost to FB..only a few more days. I'm so jealous ;)
	somrok said... Good Morning Shari - Way to go - great attitude - you're doing it gal - keep up the super work - Debbie

Bummed

Thought this was my last week of Conditioning. I have one more after this!!! Crapola! If I'm having trouble now, what will next week be like. I am having a really hard time figuring out a menu. I am squeeking by with a 90.9. The first couple of weeks I was doing 99's. Oh well,, I'll just have to practice more. I understand what is going on and the reasons behind it, but it doesn't make it any easier. It seems like I'm eating ALL the time!!! LOL!!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 24, 3:6PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	lorap said... You may find it hard to believe now, but on those low days of fat burning you will long for the days of feeling stuffed. Getting your grades up there and doing your resistant workouts will help a lot. The last week of conditioning might not bring your calories much higher but change ratios instead. Just think of your metabolism cranking up. Lora
	somrok said... Just remember Shari - you're on your way to looking GREAT NAKED!!! Debbie

last week of conditioning

Man....I am having a hard time with this last week. Too much food, I feel so full all the time. I even woke up this morning still full from yesterday. I feel bloated and fat. This pretty much sucks.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 24, 8:5AM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	grarey said... I think the last week is the hardest..it's giving you more calories than needed for a purpose. Stick with it because next week things change. This week requires the most work to keep a positive attitude but it's worth it. Gwen
	somrok said... Shari - are you getting in your weight training? I found in my last 2 weeks of conditioning I got really hungry. I am allergic to dairy yet in the beginning I was using a small amount of milk on my cereal - once I changed to my protein drink on my cereal that really helped the bloating for me. Give it your best shot - the real work starts next week!!! - Have a good one. - Debbie

Back on track

Back from Georgia. Wedding was Fabulous. I ate pretty well. I only gained two pounds. That was from Mexican food! I always retain water for a few days after. I am very proud of myself. One more week of Conditioning. Looking forward to the new stage. Pic below is me and my daughter

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 21, 7:27PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	grarey said... Nice picture Shari. It all looks very festive. It's good timing to have a wedding during conditioning rather than FB! You'll do great. Gwen
	somrok said... way to go Shari! You are doing a fabulous job! Keep up the great work! - Debbie

Middle of week 2 Conditioning

So far so good. Getting A's and eating right. Have lost a couple of pounds. Goin to Atlanta tomorrow. Worried about how I'm going to handle that. Will be gone for a week.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 11, 8:39AM    

1 COMMENT:

Berto said... I to am going away for a weeks holiday at the beach where the food is layed on allday and all you can drink as well. Hows that for temptation. I'm also in conditioning, week 3 when I go. In these circumstances we have to be focused and strong and remember the long term goal. Just try to make the best choices possible. I'm taking a print out of my menus with me and even though I can't measure the food I'll just have to do the best I can. If you happen to slip up, don't beat yourself up about it, just continue on as best as you can. Enjoy the time away and remember its not all about the food. I'm going away to enjoy a beautiful tropical island with my family and friends and thats what its about. Good Luck.

Happy Fourth of July!

Stayed on my program! Nothing tempted me today. I was awesome!

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 04, 9:11PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	somrok said... Shari - way to go girl - I found the longer I have been on program - the less I am tempted - it's easy to turn down a lot of stuff when you are full!!! - Keep it up - Debbie

....and we're off!

Day 2 of conditioning! This is really interesting. I ate like a big old oinker yesterday. I was so stuffed. It was all good food, and it was an "A" day.

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JULY 03, 12:53PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	lorap said... Good for you, able to get an A so quick! Isn't it amazing how much you have to eat when it is "clean" food. Lora
	somrok said... Congratulations - that's amazing for you to do so well that soon into conditioning - keep it up - Debbie

checking things out

Just moving around on the site. doing the 5 day thing. impressed Ric knows about Freestyle for women

POSTED BY MEMBER MAMASHARI ON JUNE 29, 7:32PM