Day 20

Thanks to Fabio, Robin, Peter in VA, Paul, Sylvia, Cindy, Glen,Janice, Steve in Mpls., and Mary for your secrets to defeating the negative talk within. Personally your comments in yesterday's blog couldn't have come at a better time! Believe me...Kathleen wasn't the only one who needed to hear them. As week three comes to a close in our Ultimate Body for Life Challenge I too have been fighting off negativity and self-doubt. For three weeks I have been lifting heavier weights that I have ever lifted. I have been true to our nutrition plan and have taken my suppliments regularly. This morning I was feeling pretty "meaty" (ie:lean and strong.) Then I stepped on my scale. Och! Three weeks into this challenge and I have gained a quarter of a pound? How did that happen? Then that little voice started up again! --Maybe I should switch to a tried and true quick loss plan? --Maybe I should stop lifting those heavier weights? You get the picture! The negative talk was crowding out all the positive imput from these past three weeks. But then...I went to plan B. (my tape measure) Ta Da! I have lost a total of one inch off my waist. A half inch off my thighs and calfs. Reading your comments and utilizing my plan B...I am ready to stay the course and hit my cardio today with a smile on face! Week four begins on Monday. Unscientific surveys show that week four is a make or break week for successful transformations. That might well be the reason that the 2004 BFL competition required those four week photos! Scales lie...pictures don't! If in the next week you doubt your progress, have a picture taken. Compare it with your before picture. This little trick will see you through to week five and beyond. Some contestants, including myself lost most of their weight in the second half of their challenges. Don't fall victim...to quick weight loss methods of old. Steady wins this race and possibly the BFL Championship. Remember, it takes our minds a full thirty days to accept new habits and turn them into old habits. TOGETHER...we will get through week four and continue on with our journey. Today's question? How bad do you want it and are you willing to stay the course?